Can a Withered Flower Bloom Once More?

by chibuyoz

Chapter 1: Sow

Summary:

Kouyou wakes up in the ADA’s infirmary after the surprise attack from the guild. After striking a deal Dazai, Kouyou’s injuries will be looked after by the agency’s Dr. Yosano until Kyouka has returned safe and sound.

Notes:

Hi! This takes place during the guild arc after the confrontation between Kouyou, various members of the ADA, and The Guild— but after the story starts the whole timeline diverges.
This is my first fic ever so sorry if characters are ooc or my writing sucks ε-(´∀｀; ) ALSO SORRY IF THE FORMATTING IS FUCKED
Anyways! thanks for giving me a chance <3

Kouyou’s eyes flutter open as fluorescent lights buzz, a bouquet of voices blossoming into her mind. Her memories flood back to her like soil receiving water. Kyouka, the weretiger, the guild. She attempts to sit up as pain shoots up her stem.

“Kyouka.. where is Kyouka?!” Kouyou grunts out, her tone desperate, as she once again attempts to straighten herself, alike to a wilted flower attempting to restore itself to its former glory.

“Why if it isn’t big sister Kouyou, don’t you just look wonderful!” a familiar voice announces in an overly cheery manner. Dazai Osamu, the youngest port mafia executive in history, well, up until he ran off to work for an opposing organization. His voice alone makes Kouyou cringe into herself, why must it be him?

Kouyou snaps back, her voice a bit raspy “Stop playing coy. Is Kyouka safe?!” She props herself up with her elbows, like an animal trying to make itself look larger to scare off predators.

A thick silence fills the air, a young man suddenly speaking up, “She’s missing.” his voice is sharp as he continues “She’s missing, and it’s your fault!” His voice is rough and callous, though it was obvious he was holding back tears. The young man balled up his fists, grabbing onto the fabric of his pants tightly. Dazai swiftly places a hand on his colleague’s shoulder and proceeds to lead him out of the room with little protest. Dazai, muttering something unintelligible, promptly shuts the door in the boy's face before he can get a word out.

An itchy lump forms in Kouyou’s throat. Although she couldn’t care less about the silver haired boy's opinion on who was at ‘fault’, to know Kyouka had disappeared under her care made her stomach churn. Kouyou knows Kyouka is smart and capable, but such things can only quell her worries so far.

Locking the door behind him, Dazai begins to walk back towards Kouyou, his voice interrupting her thoughts. “Ah sorry big sis, he’s still new around here, so I hope you don’t mind cutting him some slack.” he says as he sits on a nearby stool with a large smirk on his face. “Anyways, not to dampen the mood, but we need to talk business.” The man says as he lets out an over dramatic sigh— well— at least it seems over dramatic, but knowing him, it may be a relatively genuine reaction. “Now, if you couldn’t tell, you’re in the ADA’s clinic, being cared for by the agency’s very own, Dr. Yosano. The ADA— being the kind and giving organization that it is— decided to, sadly, treat your life threatening injuries.” Kouyou rolls her eyes, having a feeling of what would come next. The brunette continues on with his speech. “Now, the ADA may be generous, but we aren’t a charity. In exchange for the medical care you received, we expect just a tinyyy bit of information on what the port mafia has planned.” Dazai exhales, awaiting a response.

Kouyou scoffs at the proposal. “You of all people should know that members with loose tongues don’t make it this high in the ranks. You’re asking for the impossible and you know it.” Kouyou’s voice is firm.

The young man’s lax demeanor switches almost immediately, a more sinister one taking its place. “Is it really as ‘impossible’ as you say it is, Miss mafia executive? I think you of all people should know that I have my ways of making those with tied tongues talk.” A chill runs down Kouyou’s spine despite the seemingly childish expression. She knew that Dazai was adept at physical torture (As well as psychological torture, if you ask anyone he knows personally), just as any mafia executive would be, but Dazai was infamous for his perfect record and swift times. Attempting to withstand it would be a waste of time, especially when there are much more pressing matters. If she’s being forced to give away insider information, she’d ought to try to get the most out of it.

Kouyou sighs and drops her facade, knowing there’s no point in trying to intimidate him. “You make a compelling argument, though, there’s still something holding me back. Perhaps if you were to add something to sweeten the deal on my end, I might just consider making a deal… insider knowledge is extremely valuable after all.” Her voice is silky as she continues, “In exchange for information, I expect you to make sure Kyouka comes back safe and sound.” she pauses and quickly adds another caveat. “And until then, I’d like to camp out here at the agency and continue receiving care, I don’t think Mori’d be particularly happy with me coming back immediately after leaking our plans.” A wave of disgust washes over her face as she mentions Mori.

“Hmm you drive a hard bargain. I suppose I can have that arranged, but one small addition…” The mummy of a man known as Dazai, pauses for dramatic effect, “You’ll help me out with my next prank on Chuuya!” A truly devious look flashing on his face as he rubs his hands together like a cartoon supervillain.

Kouyou chuckles lightly to herself, “you’ve got yourself a deal.”

Dazai swiftly stands up, “I knew you’d pick right, big sis! I suppose you’ve always had a good head on your shoulders, unlike that damn slug.” Kouyou laughs once more as Dazai finishes his sentence. Despite herself, she did not truly hate Dazai as a person, in fact before he’d left he was one of the few members she could stand being put on assignments with. He may have been annoying at times, but he was one of the members she considered to be like a younger sibling, and it was nice seeing him bloom in the light she so desired. Perhaps there was a bit of envy, seeing him successfully leave the mafia.

Dazai leaves the room soon after to find something to write on. Kouyou, finally having a moment to herself, begins to get accustomed to the space she’d likely inhabit for the next while. The office is quaint, not overly sterile like a hospital, but still well kept. Various potted plants and large stacks of books with colourful spines speckle the room, bringing with them a certain vitality to the space. The ‘lived in’ feeling was comforting.

In the midst of scanning the room, Kouyou notices a wilted plant on the window sill, it’s lifelessness sticking out in a room full of life. Supporting her weight with nearby shelves and counters, Kouyou shuffles toward the window. The plant seems to have been well cared for at some point, but it’s withered far beyond repair. The few petals that have yet to completely decompose seem to be a reddish shade, though it’d be nigh impossible to tell what species of flower it was. Kouyou leans onto a nearby cabinet as she stares at the wilted flower, thinking. As far as the exchange between her and Dazai went, the outcome was quite good. Knowing that Kyouka’s already capable self was in the capable hands of Dazai, and the agency at large, helped to quell her worries at least a bit. And that’s not even mentioning the medical care she’s received, the doctors at headquarters wouldn’t have gotten her in half as stable a condition as she is now. It was honestly close to a miracle given her injuries, this detective agency doctor was no joke.

After about 15 minutes, Kouyou’s thoughts are interrupted by an unfamiliar voice stemming from behind her, quickly causing her to turn around. “Oh you’re awake, I’d expected you to fall back asleep as soon as Dazai left the room given your injuries, but I guess I shouldn’t have underestimated you.” The mystery woman gives a soft smile that suddenly turns to worry as realization hits her, “Ah, I wouldn’t recommend standing for too long, your injuries were quite serious, I wouldn’t want any stitches to come undone. I’m honestly surprised you have the energy to stand.” The black haired woman quickly helps her back to her cott.

Kouyou is caught off guard by her sudden reaction as her face reddens slightly. “Oh, uhm, yes. Sorry about that, I have a bad habit of getting distracted by things easily.” Kouyou responds, laying down once more “Thank you, miss…?”

“Yosano, Akiko Yosano. I’m the agency’s doctor but you probably heard about that from Dazai. I hope my care will be adequate.”

“A pleasure to meet you, I’m Kouyou Ozaki. Thank you for the treatment, Dr. Yosano.”

“You can just call me Yosano, and it’s really no issue, if anything I wish I could’ve done more, but I didn’t think using my ability without your consent would be right.”

The thought confused Kouyou for a moment, and before thinking twice blurts out “You have an ability?” To her immediate dismay. Of course she had an ability. This is a gifted organization dealing with other ability users, of course their doctor was an ability user. Though, it was interesting that she didn’t use it, not that she could blame her, Kouyou is a part of an opposing organization.

Kouyou must have had an extremely baffled look on her face, because the doctor soon began to chuckle lightly before apologizing “ah sorry, I’m not laughing at you, just a bit surprised. Usually my ability is the first thing people know about me so I guess I’m not used to the question.”

It was not often that people could cause Kouyou’s confidence to slip, and her face began to lightly flush once more as she tried to explain herself, which ended up just being incoherent rambling. Kouyou begins to giggle along with the doctor at her own rambling, her laughter happening to be quite contagious. “Perhaps you’re correct in assuming I’m quite tired, it’s rare for me to let my thoughts slip out.” It was sort of a weird feeling, getting along with someone from a rival organization so easily. Even within the Port Mafia, Kouyou was very selective with those she associated with.

The two women eventually quell their laughter, Yosano clearing her throat and speaking up “So what exactly was it that you were distracted by when I walked in?”

Usually Kouyou would attempt to wave the question away, but something about Yosano was very welcoming. She's beginning to understand why Kyouka was so infatuated by this organization.

“Ah, there seems to be a wilted plant in the pot near the window sill, it stands out a bit compared to the rest of the office so I unthinkingly went to observe it.”

“Oh jeez, that pot, thanks actually, that’s a good reminder to plant something new in it. Not too long ago I had to go out of town for an assignment and left the watering of plants to Ranpo— an awful decision really— he had over watered about half my plants before Kunikida caught him and had Kenji take care of them instead, though I think he just assumed that pot was empty since it’s stem had fallen over making it look like there really was nothing in there.” Yosano states, shaking her head back and forth lightly as she recalls the events.

Despite their seemingly constant clash with the ADA, Kouyou had kept out of those matters the best she could and as such had little to no knowledge on the agency— is what she’d like to say. But despite her uninvolvement, Chuuya would usually end up telling her stories Dazai had told him, on the rare occasion both Kouyou and Chuuya had time off and nothing better to talk about. It was possible that she’d been told this story before, though with a few more self-incriminating details from Dazai, who seemed to always be at the heart of any shenanigans that occurred at the agency.

Kouyou pushes her thoughts to the back of her mind and responds, “It seems to be very lively here… what kind of plant are you planning to cultivate next using that pot?”

“I’m not particularly sure yet, the soil should still be good to reuse, but I was thinking about planting something I haven’t grown here before. Maybe now really is the perfect time, given the office should be pretty much desolate.”

Kouyou gives a confused look towards the doctor.

“Did Dazai seriously not mention that?” Yosano sighs as she pinches the ridge of her nose, disappointed but not surprised, “Well long story short, the rest of the agency is going to be using a different location as a base and I’m going to be staying here to take care of you.”

Kouyou’s mind races, has he somehow missed some important detail that clears up the reasoning behind this course of action? Unable to think of such a detail, she silently sits, dumbfounded by the agency’s rather reckless… plan, if you could call it that. Leaving your only doctor— not only that— but an ability user, just to take care of a member of a rival organization seems… simply idiotic, honestly.

Once again on autopilot due to her exhaustion, Kouyou breaks the silence, “That… I understand this is part of the deal me and Dazai made but that seems— and forgive my bluntness— extremely stupid.” Kouyou’s face twists into a strange expression that causes Yosano to giggle.

“Y’know in any other situation you’d be right, but I, and the rest of the agency, have full faith in Ranpo’s judgment, even if Dazai did get an earful from Kunikida for agreeing to your terms without talking to anyone else first. But either way, I have to admit I’m pretty happy with this arrangement, it’s kinda like a faux vacation for me. I know my colleagues are capable and are all quite well trained in medicare, so my worries are slim. Plus in the event that someone is injured to an extent that requires my ability they’re gonna need to be transported to me all the same.” Yosano pauses, looks at the door and proceeds to lower her voice to a whisper, “And just between you and me, those guys need to stop recklessly relying on my ability, so maybe this’ll be a good way to teach them that.”

“Well, I can’t say I completely understand, it’s out of my hands either way. Plus spending these bedridden days with a lovely lady like yourself doesn’t seem so bad” Kouyou gives a warm smile with her eyes closed, causing her to be completely ignorant to Yosano’s face going beet red. Kouyou hadn’t necessarily meant anything by it, she’d always been the type to unthinkingly call people endearing terms, and it wasn’t like she was playing Yosano’s beauty up either.

A knock against the entrance to the clinic interrupts the two women, followed by Dazai entering with a notebook and pen. “Sorry to interrupt ladies, but I’m afraid Miss Kouyou needs to uphold her part of the bargain.” Yosano quickly gets up from the wheeled stool she was sitting on and swiftly tells Kouyou she’ll see her later, only to take notice of the notebook in Dazai’s hand.

“Why do you have Kunikida’s notebook?” Yosano says, despite having a near 100% chance of already knowing what Dazai was doing.

“He said I could use it.” Dazai says, trying his hardest to seem convincing, despite uttering something that could never in a million years be true. Yosano goes to speak, but realizes that it’s not her problem, and leaves the room.

“Hmm that’s odd.” Dazai states while looking at the door Yosano had exited.

“What is?”

“She’s not that nice to me when I’m bedridden, did you cast some sort of secret port mafia spell on her to make her like you?”

“If such a technique was real you would’ve used it on just about everyone by now. Have you considered that it’s possible you’re simply not very likable?” Kouyou says snidely, partly on Chuuya’s behalf knowing Dazai will cook up a truly awful prank now that he’s employed Kouyou’s help.

“There’s still time to call this off if that’s what you want.” Dazai says with a annoyed smile.

Kouyou rolls her eyes, “What do you want to know?”

Notes:

Hey gang this is my first fic ever so sorry if this sucks dookie but i need more Kousano content even if that means I have to make it myself. I actually had a surprising amount of fun writing this even though it made me hate the English grammar system with every word I typed.
Anyways thanks for reading! comment if you wanna I’d love to hear people's thoughts!;3

Chapter 2: Sprout

Summary:

Now that it’s just Kouyou and Yosano at the ADA, what shenanigans will ensue?!
(spoiler alert it’s the growing pains of becoming a better person along with them being the most stupid yet silly sapphics to exist)

Notes:

Quick house keeping stuff!!!
1) Tags r gonna update every chapter cus 90% of my writing is impulsive decisions (also tags are hard it feels like I forget every tag ever when I get to them)
2) TW for implied? child abuse but like. canon bungo is a lot more heavy handed than anything that’ll be in this fic so if you watched the show ur good I think.
Enjoy the chapter! :3

Unsurprisingly, Dazai made sure Kouyou included every minuscule detail about the Port Mafia’s plans, not that she was trying to hide anything. Despite being one of the mafia’s top brass, Kouyou’s loyalty to the mafia was negligible at best, given that she was never there of her own volition. The majority of the aforementioned loyalty stemmed from wanting to make sure the few members she cared about wouldn’t be compromised, and she had faith that Dazai would likely resort to non-lethal means against said members. So, any information Dazai had to push for was likely just due to Kouyou’s psychomental state.

Dazai scribbled down a few words on the piece of looseleaf he’d grabbed off of a nearby counter, due to writing so largely and messily in Kunikida’s notebook that he’d used up most— likely all— of the pages. The bandaged man quickly folded the paper in half and sloppily stuck it in between the pages of the matcha coloured notebook. “Well I think I’ve gotten all the information I can out of you, as of current, at least. So, being the kind hearted man I am, I will allow you to rest a while.” The man yawned as he stood up and stretched his arms.

“What a kind captor I have.” Kouyou remarked sarcastically, allowing her fatigue to take over.

Dazai seemed to practically teleport next to Kouyou, flicking her forehead with his fingers, “Though not quite yet, sleepyhead. I’m sure Yosano will probably be here in a few moments to give you a check-up.” Kouyou would have scolded him in any other situation, but, given how tired she was, settled for an annoyed groan that conveyed everything she wanted to say— albeit— a lot less eloquently. Dazai quickly left the room, making sure to keep the lights on to make sure Kouyou wouldn’t fall asleep for a few minutes only to be swiftly awoken. Maybe Dazai really was looking out for her. Maybe. Probably not though.

Kouyou stared up at the beige panels that lined the ceiling as she fought off the fatigue that’d been plaguing her for the past few hours. Her body ached and her eyes were heavy to an extent rivaled by few other moments in her life. Kouyou tended to avoid getting her hands dirty when it came to her work, her own combative skills only being used in the event that a particularly powerful target needed to be assassinated. Kouyou excelled in using strategy and technique to accomplish her tasks with ease, after all, a mafioso without intellect, control, and useful subordinates wasn’t much of a mafioso to begin with. Admittedly, calling herself a mafioso always felt… uncomfortable— like looking in a mirror while dreaming— the image wasn’t her, surely not, it was something distorted. And yet, she could still recognize that it was her, despite the abomination she was seeing.

Kouyou’s reflection crumbled, a honeyed voice taking its place, “Sorry to keep you waiting, the rest of the agency has departed and made sure to triple check I was fine with this arrangement. I’ll try to get this checkup over with as fast as possible so you can get some much needed rest.” The doctor approached the patient after grabbing a nearby clipboard. “The majority of your injuries are on your back, though I’m sure you’ve sermized such. I’m going to need to undo the back of your garbs.”

Kouyou was surprised by the doctor’s gentle words. It was extremely rare for Kouyou to be injured, led alone badly enough to need urgent medical attention. She’d always avoided the Port Mafia’s treatment facility to the best of her ability. The medical personnel seemed intimidated by her presence— which didn't make for a particularly pleasant experience— so both parties always wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible. But Yosano didn’t seem intimidated by Kouyou, and her concern for her patient’s comfortability was a welcome difference from the port mafia’s approach.

“Ah, yes, go ahead.” Kouyou gently replied to the doctor.

Yosano began with asking simple routine questions as she loosened the garment's ties, the cloth gently slipping off the patient’s shoulders as she spoke. The doctor’s frigid hands grazed the elegant woman’s back as she swept her long, coral hair out of the way. Her touch caused a chill to trickle down Kouyou’s spine.

“Sorry about that, I’ve always had quite cold hands” The obsidian haired woman responded. Kouyou hummed lightly in an attempt to signal that it was fine, as her words seemed to get caught in her throat. The chill was due to the temperature of the woman’s hands, nothing else. Kouyou thought, trying to convince herself.

The rest of the checkup proceeded as normal, questions asked, answers recorded, and a few small tests completed. The doctor removed the stethoscope hanging around her neck, “Well, your injuries seem to be stable.” Yosano looked at the woman with a small smile, “It’s still early, so estimates of how long your recovery will take are shaky at best, only time will tell.” The doctor began placing the equipment she used back in their rightful positions.

“Thank you, Miss Yosano.”

“No problem, if anything I’m surprised you didn’t fall asleep part way through.” Yosano teased. A comfortable silence filled the room, Yosano tidying the room, Kouyou staring out at the stars through a nearby window, allowing her mind to quell. “Ah! One more question.” Kouyou’s head began to fill with frustration at the sudden interruption— was it really that hard to get some rest in this place?! Her thoughts were quickly interrupted by a cheery voice. “Pancakes or Waffles?”

Kouyou’s mind was stunned, partially due to feeling guilty for getting frustrated over such a small thing, only to quickly giggle out her answer after seeing the doctor’s happy expression, “Pancakes.”

“I see. Well, with that the examination is officially completed.” Yosano flips the light switch off, “Good night, Kouyou.”

“Good night, Miss Yosano.” Kouyou murmurs as the door closes gently.

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

Kouyou’s eyes began to slowly flutter open, like a butterfly settling upon a flower. A thin strip of light illuminated the otherwise dark room. It was one of the first times in a long time that she’d not relived that hellish scene in her sleep. Kouyou eventually sat at the edge of her cott, her feet dangling just above the cool ceramic floor. Her senses began to return to her like flowers blooming in the sun’s presence. Kouyou took a deep breath to steady herself, only to be quickly distracted by a faint, sweet scent filling her nostrils. Slipping on a pair of guest slippers, Kouyou exited the infirmary.

The hallway echoed with the light sound of sizzling, the sweet air becoming more dense as she walked further from the infirmary. Following the aroma, Kouyou finds her way to the ADA’s kitchen, where Yosano stands, lightly humming a tune as she prepares breakfast. Before Kouyou can say anything, the doctor catches the woman’s figure out of the corner of her eye, jumping out of her skin for a split second.

“Oh jeez you scared me,” Yosano sighed, exasperated, and lowered the hand that’d been clutching her pearls.

Kouyou did have a bit of a bad habit of sneaking up on people even if it was accidental, though it wasn’t particularly surprising given her occupation. Despite this, Kouyou felt her stomach tighten ever so slightly, the doctor probably didn’t mean anything by it, but being perceived as a threat to an innocent person was never a comfortable feeling. Kouyou raised her guard subconsciously before taking a seat at the counter.

Yosano brings her attention to cooking once more. “You’re quite the early riser aren’t you? If I was you I would’ve slept the day away.” Kouyou’s eyes darted towards the digital clock on the stovetop, reading 7:47– presumably— AM. Is this the doctor’s idea of an early start? Kouyou’s thoughts fade at the realization that she hadn’t spoken a word.

“Ah… perhaps I am.” A rather ‘nothing’ answer, but it was better than awkward silence. Hopefully.

Kouyou’s gaze wandered the small room, it was humble. Various ingredients were scattered across the counters as Yosano prepared breakfast. The doctor had adorned an off-white apron, it wasn’t anything fancy, but it got the job done. Underneath the apron laid a large worn out T-shirt, some loose pajama pants along with some slippers with small rabbit faces and ears. A small smile crosses Kouyou’s face at the small reminder of Kyouka.

“Er, is there anything you need help with? brewing coffee, cleaning dishes?” Kouyou asked. Sitting around in an unfamiliar place felt a bit unnatural, at least having something to occupy herself with would be nice.

“No need, I’m just finishing things up, but thanks for offering.” Yosano turns excitedly at the scarlet haired woman, “But, maybe we can make tomorrow’s breakfast together! If you feel up to it of course.” Her smile shines like the sun as she speaks. There was something so genuine about her excitement at the thought of cooking with the woman in front of her.

Kouyou feels her heart skip a beat. The woman before her, just what was her endgame? There had to be a reason behind her kind words and comforting presence, some ulterior motive. Kouyou is a mafia underboss! She… she isn’t a good person, she takes lives, causes pain, it’s all she can do. And yet, this doctor, someone whose life's work is to prevent all that she does, is being so kind to her of all people? How could such a beautiful butterfly land upon such a pathetic flower such as herself? Doesn’t she know that this light isn’t meant for her?

Kouyou was looking down at her legs now, her hands tightly gripping the fabric that covered them as she attempted to steady herself. A light clank distracts her momentarily and, after looking up slightly, her gaze is met with a small stack of pancakes, berries adorning the top portraying a smiley face. The seemingly insignificant act broke her.

Her eyes welled up with tears as she muttered. “Why?”

Yosano quickly puts her coffee cup down, concerned, but unable to discern what Kouyou had said. “Pardon? Is the pain from your injuries flaring up? I’ll go grab some painkillers.” The doctor stood from the stool she was sitting on, but her wrist was aptly grasped by the other woman before she could make much distance. Their eyes met as Kouyou looked up at her, teary eyed.

“Why are you being so kind to me?” Kouyou pleaded desperately, her voice shaking slightly.

Time seemed to slow down for Yosano, who felt like she was face to face with a reflection of her past self. It began to click for her, part of why she felt so inclined toward Kouyou. It was like she was some kind of magnet, constantly drawing her in. Like a butterfly to a radiant flower of the same colour, able to find solace from all that threatened them through their similarities. Although she didn’t know the details, Yosano could tell they were alike. It was like she was transported back to the day the agency had saved her, like the couple’s feelings were intertwined.

An understanding look washed over her and without much thought, Yosano responded in a sweet, honest voice, “Because you deserve it.”

Tears were streaming down the scarlet woman’s face. Kouyou didn’t know how to respond, instinctively, she wanted to deny it and run away, but… to accuse someone who’d been so kind to her of lying— it was unthinkable. Kouyou’s mouth trembled into a pitiful smile as she responded, “Is that so?” Although she couldn’t fully agree with— let alone understand— the doctor's words, perhaps she could at least try to.

Kouyou retracted her hand from the other’s, beginning to wipe her tears and gently laugh, “Oh my, look at me burdening you so early in the morning after you made such a lovely breakfast for us. Perhaps I was just so hungry that it made me emotional…” Kouyou wanted to brush it off— to run away— but she steadied herself. For both her and Yosano.

Yosano goes to speak before she is stopped by Kouyou, now with a more serious expression, who cups the other’s hands in her own, “I’m- Sorry that was dumb, I was trying to change the topic so I could just avoid confronting what just happened. I tend to be rather melancholic at times for seemingly no reason in particular, but I’m feeling fine now, thanks to you. So, thank you, Miss Yosano.” the couple’s gazes meet once more, now with a gentle smile plastered across Kouyou’s face, “Let’s eat, shall we?”

Yosano averted her gaze momentarily. Something about Kouyou’s honesty, and the way she said ‘you’, it made her stomach flutter. She quickly turned back to face the woman in front of her, Yosano’s face now gently powdered red, like a butterfly’s wings sprinkled with a flower’s pollen. “That sounds great.”

‧₊˚.༉ʚїɞ ‧₊˚

The two women reorient themselves and sit down once more, side by side. Kouyou begins to eat her breakfast, unable to help herself from taking quick glances at Yosano between bites. Yosano was simply staring out the small window, occasionally gently pressing her lips against the rim of her coffee cup. She could’ve been on the cover of a magazine— at least in Kouyou’s opinion, which wasn’t anything to gawk at.

Being around Yosano was a unique experience for Kouyou, something about her made her mind go blank, making her unable to hide behind the ‘put together’ persona she relied upon with most others. But it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, it felt nice, albeit a bit foreign, to completely lower it around someone other than herself. Not to mention Yosano’s company in itself, there was something warm about it. Like delicate yet divine butterfly wings were being wrapped around Kouyou, shielding her from the rest of the world.

Yosano placed her coffee cup upon the counter and turned her attention toward Kouyou, “So, is there anything in particular you’d like to do? I’m afraid given that this is an office there won’t be too many ways to occupy our time, but I’m sure we’ve got a couple things laying around here.”

Kouyou’s mind drew a blank. Frankly, she had little to no idea what most people did in their spare time. There seemed to always be something needing to be done at the Port Mafia, and the little free time she had was primarily spent catching up with Chuuya or checking in with the younger members she worried about.

“Is there anything you recommend?” Kouyou responded, trying not to show her unfamiliarity with such things.

Yosano placed her pointer finger just below her lips as she pondered. “Hmm… I think those old board games Kunikida confiscated from Dazai are probably still around here somewhere, and I have my laptop in the clinic— though it’s charging currently.” Yosano pauses, thinking to herself ‘probably not the most enticing activities for a mafia executive’, before sighing in defeat, “How about we see if anything catches our attention, after we finish up here of course.”

“I’ll follow your lead then, Miss Yosano.” Kouyou states, honestly just relieved she didn’t seem completely out of touch.

The pair promptly finish their breakfast and tidy up the kitchen before beginning to wander the halls of the agency, making their way to the main office, Yosano leading the way with Kouyou trailing behind. Thankfully, walking was quite a bit easier after a night’s rest.

The ADA’s main office was simple, it’d be hard to tell it was a gifted organization just by looking at it. Near the entrance lay a small consultation area, work desks were scattered in clusters around the room, save for one that sat at the head of the room, its personal waste bin overflowing with various wrappers. Potted plants filled the empty spaces between cabinets and other furniture pieces.

“It’s a bit boring, but then again what can you expect from an office?” The obsidian haired woman walked over to a cabinet adjacent to a particularly tidy desk.

“I think it’s rather interesting, seeing so many personalities in one space.” Kouyou glances over to what is, presumably, Dazai’s desk. Files are strewn about its surface along with sticky notes with (self proclaimed) brilliant ideas written upon them, such as ‘hide Ranpo’s candy at inconvenient times to force Kunikida off schedule— Unstoppable force (Ranpo’s fiendish love of candy) meets immovable object (Kunikida’s ideals)’ and ‘convince Atsushi to get a buzz cut— starting from scratch is his best bet’.

Yosano seemed happily surprised by Kouyou’s response, “Well you’re not wrong, I’d wager there hasn’t been a peaceful day in this office since the ADA moved in.” Yosano rummages through the cabinet, eventually turning around with a tattered cardboard box in her arms. “These are the board games I mentioned before, though we don’t have to play by any means.” Yosano seemed a little embarrassed that it was all she could really offer.

Kouyou’s experience— if you could even call it that— with board games was limited to seeing various members of the Port Mafia play during the rare organization outings. She never particularly enjoyed the outings, being in such lively environments somehow always made her feel a bit somber. She usually sat off to the side on her own, not wanting to dampen the mood for those around her. But perhaps now was the time to give it a shot, board games were meant to build rapport between people, right?

“I’d be happy to, though I must admit I’m particularly accustomed to such activities, so I may not be a very interesting opponent.” The response caused Yosano’s face to light up, in turn making Kouyou’s stomach flutter. She assumed it was due to her injury, since such a sensation hadn’t been occurring before it. She’d have to ask Yosano about it during her next checkup. Kouyou pushed her thoughts aside and followed the doctor to the small consultation area where she’d set down the box.

Seated across from one another, the pair burn through the majority of the box’s contents over the next few hours. To their surprise, Kouyou ended up being a rather formidable opponent despite her inexperience. Who would’ve thought the skills learned by being a Port Mafia underboss were transferable to a significant portion of board games?

Despite both of the women’s competitive dispositions seemingly begging for a dispute, they enjoyed themselves quite a bit without much of a care. It was fun being able to pit their minds against one another. Yosano also enjoyed seeing Kouyou let out a bit of light hearted banter opposed to her usual formal way of speaking. In the end, Yosano held the majority of wins, though not by a large margin.

“Are you sure this was your first time playing board games? Maybe in your last life you were a board game fanatic.” Yosano teased as she began tidying up the table.

“Then you must’ve been a marine with the way you schooled me in a battleship.” Kouyou retorted. “I mean really? putting all your ships in the bottom corner? I assumed I was missing a piece after hitting so many times without sinking a single ship.”

“A win is a win, ‘never let your opponent know your next move’ and all.” Yosano spoke triumphantly.

Kouyou rolls her eyes coyly. “Whatever you say, Miss Yosano.”

“It’s about time you drop the ‘Miss’ from Miss Yosano. It makes me feel old!” Kouyou couldn’t help but laugh at the response, well, more at herself really. Yosano turned to Kouyou, her hands on her hips. “What’s so funny?” She sounded slightly ticked off, which only made Kouyou laugh harder at her own hypocrisy. So this is how Chuuya felt whenever she’d get after him for calling her ‘Miss’.

Kouyou spoke between giggles, “No, no, it’s not you it’s myself I suppose, just my own hypocrisy. Promise.”

Yosano decided to believe her, it was hard to stay mad at Kouyou when she seemed so joyful, and honest, and… other reasons she didn’t really want to unpack at that moment. It was like a different emotion— (one that made her have to suppress a dopey smile)— took the place of annoyance.

“I’ll let you off the hook this time, but if you keep calling me ‘Miss’ I’ll convince everyone in the ADA to call you Ma’am.” Yosano teased. Those were fighting words, but Kouyou presumed she deserved them.

“Alright well here, just Yosano.” Kouyou said as she handed Yosano a few board game boxes.

Kouyou ticked Yosano off, but for some reason she couldn’t help but smile or giggle in response. Maybe that’s her special ability Yosano thought to herself, because the cause of such a thing had to be supernatural. Yosano waved her thoughts away and brought the board games back to the prison that was the cabinet next to Kunikida’s desk.

Kouyou began to speak as Yosano sat back down across from her. “But seriously, thanks for keeping me company, you’ve made such a painful injury into something enjoyable. It’s quite an enviable trait. I’m sure there’s far more interesting things you could be doing with your pseudo time off.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, you’re good company yourself, Kouyou! It’s a nice change of pace, honestly it’d be nice to have another ability-user— that isn’t a guy— here at the agency, and you get extra points for being around my age.” Yosano spoke with that honest smile Kouyou couldn’t seem to doubt no matter how hard she tried.

She knew Yosano probably didn’t think much of the comment. It was just a hypothetical. But could a withered flower like Kouyou really blossom in this light like Yosano so wholeheartedly believed? Everything Yosano believed seemed to go against what Kouyou had been told her whole life, having been brought up in the Port Mafia. Everything she’d been taught first hand— that man being mercilessly slaughtered in front of and because of her, the countless nights afterward where she wept despite having no tears left to cry, and the scars of punishment that were still carved into her skin like the venation pattern of a leaf— that it’d all been because she reached for the light. But Yosano was here. She still looked at her. Smiled at her. Believed she was more than a pathetic flower belonging to the night, believing instead that she could prosper in the light, like Dazai, like Kyouka, like Yosano.

It’d been right in front of her this whole time. Perhaps she’d always known, instead opting to avert her gaze, terrified she’d be right. Because if the sun’s beautiful rays did not burn her, what was all this for? That man, those nights, the scars, and the people she’d hurt. All because she believed that the sun’s beautiful rays would burn her? Even when right in front of her were people proving that the sun’s rays did not burn?

She was a bad person. She is a bad person.

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

Kouyou was trapped in her own mind. Like the cell she was raised in, it was inescapable— no— pointless to escape from. Because to escape— to forgive herself— would do nothing. She deserved to stay trapped, just like how the pain she caused would stay. In the cell she was raised in— the only ‘light’ being the faint, fluorescent flicker of her Golden Demon— Kouyou would stay. It was lonely, but that meant she was safe and everyone was safe from her. It was the only solution. It was what she deserved.

But that faint, fluorescent flicker grew in retaliation, enveloping Kouyou with its warmth. The inorganic warmth of her Golden Demon was soon joined by the natural heat of the sun.

‧₊˚.༉ʚїɞ ‧₊˚

“…Ko… ou…”

“…Kouyou…! Kouyou!”

The sun’s voice dragged Kouyou out of the cell whether she liked it or not.

Kouyou’s senses washed over her once more.

First was her hearing, someone seemed to be calling for her over some sort of strange wind.

Second was her sight, the blurred figure of Yosano filled her vision, worry plastered across her face.

And, eventually, her body felt like hers once more. Air, quickly entering and exiting her lungs, an itching sensation accompanying each breath. Her hands, tightly gripping her arms, like they were applying pressure to a wound. The dampness of her face. All reminders that she was still alive.

“Do you want me to help you back to the infirmary?” A worried Yosano spoke out.

Kouyou did her best to nod her head in response, grabbing hold of Yosano’s hand and following her lead. The interlocking of their hands seemed to help Kouyou steady her breathing and slow down her racing thoughts.

With the help of Yosano, Kouyou sat down upon the cott she’d awoken from only hours prior. Her hand clutched onto the thin sheets, now feeling a bit scratchier than before. Her senses always seemed heightened in this state, as if every individual atom was prodding into her skin. The doctor approached a nearby faucet and filled a plastic cup, handing it to Kouyou as she sat next to her. Kouyou swiftly clutched Yosano’s hand once more.

The pair allowed silence to fill the air, Kouyou focusing on anchoring herself in reality and Yosano trying to come up with the right words to comfort the woman before her.

Before Yosano could articulate her words, Kouyou regained her voice and spoke out meekly. “I’m sorry.”

Yosano took her free hand and gently ran it through the other woman’s crimson hair. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. Everyone has skeletons in their closet, the agency knows it all too well.” Yosano paused, making sure her words sounded the way she intended, “I won’t pry, Kouyou, but I can tell it’s still hurting you, first this morning and now this. I know we’ve only met recently but I’d like to get to know you better, even if you never want to tell me about this thorn in your side, at least so I can partially alleviate the pain.”

A silence filled the room for a moment as Kouyou worked to regain her voice once more. “It’d be better if you didn’t. To do that all for my own sake, it wouldn’t be right.” Kouyou loosened her grasp as she spoke, her head slightly turned away.

Yosano tightened her grip on Kouyou’s hand in response, causing the other to look back at her. “I’m not doing this out of pity, Kouyou. I want to know you, and for you to know me as well. I really do care about you, Kouyou, I can’t stand seeing you like this.” Maybe being so honest about your strangely intense emotions about someone you’d just met wasn’t the best idea, but Yosano’s emotions were admittedly getting the better of her. And it wasn’t like she was lying.

That stupid honesty of Yosano’s… it was like she knew Kouyou couldn’t fight it— always using it at the perfect moment to deliver the finishing blow to her doubts.

Maybe Yosano had averted her gaze from Kouyou because she was too caught up in her words, maybe because being so honest was a bit embarrassing, maybe because Kouyou’s saddened face was too much for her heart to take— but no matter the reason— when she looked back at her once more, a shaky smile took the place of a once clenched jaw. Before Yosano could process the look on the other’s face, Kouyou wrapped her arms around her, burying her face in the other’s shoulder.

“You really are a strange person, Yosano.”

The tension in Yosano’s body quickly melted as she registered the reasoning behind the sudden movement, her arms seemingly instinctively wrapping around the other, swift yet gentle.

“You’ll have to get to know me better to be sure.” Yosano smiled as she began to tear up slightly, allowing the other woman’s body to overtake her senses.

Maybe it was awkward or weird, but neither of the pair seemed to mind, indulging in one another’s warm, calming embrace. And for some time, they stayed like that, surely just because pulling away would be awkward.

But eventually Kouyou was sure the weight of her head was numbing the doctor’s shoulder, so she slowly faltered back, wiping the tears that had stopped by now. “Thank you, Yosano.” Kouyou smiled warmly at Yosano. “I think I’m going to get some rest.”

Trying to not make her immediate disappointment at Kouyou pulling away obvious, Yosano responded. “Alright, I might run some errands while you do, though I should be back far before you wake up.” Yosano stood up soon after and approached the doorway as Kouyou hummed in acknowledgment. “Sweet dreams, Doctor’s orders.” Yosano teased gently, as she exited the room.

Kouyou couldn’t help but smile. “As you wish.”

And with that, Yosano gently closed the door to the infirmary behind her. Kouyou waited a couple moments to make sure Yosano hadn’t forgotten something before summoning her Golden Demon, its red glow illuminating the room slightly. Kouyou rested her head lightly on its shoulder.

“Thank you too, Golden Demon. I’m not sure I would’ve allowed Yosano to pull me out of that state if you weren’t there, I’m fortunate to have you as my ability.”

It may not seem to make much sense, but most ‘Demon’ type abilities were seemingly sentient and relatively independent, instead acting in their master’s best interest instead of blindly following orders. And although they didn’t have mouths, Kouyou was sure her Golden Demon was smiling happily. Kouyou gently patted its head before calling it back, still a bit worried Yosano would walk in and think she was planning something. She knew Yosano was unlikely to think such, but the possibility couldn’t help but eat at her.

Kouyou slumped comfortably into the cott, her eyes feeling heavier than just moments prior. Needless to say, she passed out soon after.

Notes:

DAR-LING, GUESS WHO’S BACK FROM JAILLLL!!!
jk fanfic author disease got me right after I posted the last chapter and my health decided to do a silly little prank but I’m getting better d(^_^o)
anyways sorry this chapter is late even though the due date was in my head. BUT! it’s a lot longer than I thought it was gonna be so. (I thought I’d get it out like 3 days after I posted chapter 1 but that was delusional behaviour even if I hadn’t gotten sick)
also sorry if half of this is whiplash, a good 70% of this was written when I was at some point another extremely sleep deprived.
also sadly chapters will probably stay at this pace now that I’m starting school in about a week…
Senior year here I come (´༎ຶོρ༎ຶོ`)