Chapter Text
"You've exhausted your argument, Dazai. I'm afraid I'm still not convinced."
A singular dark eye stares forward, the blank gaze somehow conveying absolute annoyance. Mori's genial smile does not falter, and Dazai blinks away his ire.
"You're going to regret this course of action." It's not a threat, or even a promise. Just an observation- one that Dazai knows to be absolutely true. Call it a hunch.
Mori simply hums. "I suppose we'll have to wait and see."
Dazai gives him a deadpan glare and dismisses himself, exiting the boss' office to the sound of a muffled chuckle. Wait and see? Damn Mori, as if he weren't the one assigning the stupid mission...
With a sigh, Dazai pivots at the elevator, taking the stairs to the next floor down and heading into his office. Of course, if Mori isn't the one assigning this mission, there's only one other party that could make even the Boss of the Port Mafia heel..
He clicks away at his computer, pulling up Chuuya's mission file. Technically, he's not supposed to have access to it, but since when has that ever stopped him? Beside, Dazai reserves the right to have a say whenever Chuuya is given a solo mission. If most of those missions then end up under both their purviews, that's neither here nor there.
Unfortunately, he already knows he won't be able to do that with this particular case. Having the direct correspondence Chuuya received on screen, Dazai only confirms his suspicion. This mission comes directly from the Special Division for Unusual Powers, calling forth the full might of the Tripartite Framework.
Dazai sits back in his chair, staring blankly at the screen as he gets lost in thought. If Mori plays his cards right, the Port Mafia could end up holding the most political sway not only in Yokohama, but in all of Japan. Indeed, for such an outcome- Chuuya is undoubtedly the best choice to send forward. Even so...
Dazai frowns, glaring up at the ceiling. He just got his dog back, and now they're sending him away? The overhead light flickers, and he blinks at the spots dancing in his vision. Someone's not happy.
His fingers twitch, but Dazai remains seated. Her knows better than to attempt visiting his partner at this time. Kouyou-san has been very efficient in barricading his presence while Chuuya trains for his upcoming mission. Even though the slug should, by all means, still be stuck in the infirmary.
He spins in his chair, leaning back as far as possible to maximize the dizziness effect. Had it been himself instead, Dazai knows he would still be recovering- probably even in a medically-induced coma, if not dead. He stops spinning with a wistful sigh, still staring at the ceiling. Of course, the chibi is too resilient to keel over so easily. Figures. He wouldn't be so interesting otherwise.
Dazai taps at the arm of his chair, nodding to himself as he stands. He'll just have to build a backlog of ways to annoy Chuuya once this whole thing blows over...
No one stops him as he leaves headquarters, even the lowest ranked grunts know better than to engage with the mafia's very own Wraith. A faint whisper of demon prodigy trails behind him, and Dazai only keeps his expression blank. His steps are eerily silent as he breezes to the exit. Outside, the sky is grey and overcast. Winter will soon give way to spring, but it has yet to fully let go of its grasp.
He makes a sharp turn away from the skyscraper, a random direction without any significance. Dazai makes it a point to not be a creature of habit. Sure, he's got some mannerisms that can be recognized by those who spent large amounts of time with him, but predicting his movements? He doesn't bother planning his day-to-day schedule ahead of time, and as such, there is no way to decipher his often-spontaneous course of action.
It's the best bet for getting by without injury. Predictability makes one a liability. The thought echoes in his head as Dazai finds himself before a familiar alley. But then again, abiding by Mori's rules is awfully boring. A small sign hangs high on the wall, labeled 'Bar Lupin.' The place is closed at this early hour, but he's been circling around it for a few days now, contemplating going in. Beyond the sign, the alleyway abruptly goes dark, a nearby overhang providing shade. A small rustle repeats itself from within the darkness, and Dazai peers slightly into the shadows. Nothing.
But just because he can't see, doesn't mean there isn't anything there. He takes a careful step into the alley and out of the main road, trying to identify the source of what caught his attention.
Slowly, Dazai creeps past the sign and into the darkness. Another alleyway appears to be a dead-end. There's a trashcan by the wall, a few boxes stacked next to it. Rubble from nearby construction and the typical trash. It's as he gets near the wall that Dazai hears another squeak.
He rises from his half-crouch. Must be a rat.
Dazai has no particular love for rats, but he has no desire to go hunting for them either. No longer interested, he decides to leave the rodent be and turns around, giving the bar sign another brief glance.
Another squeak emits as he steps away, followed by rustling. Dazai does not pause in his departure, sparing only a thought to the fact that he must have spooked the rat into running away from its hiding spot.
Unfortunately for him, the quick pattering of tiny paws quickly proves him wrong. A single moment is all Dazai gets to experience sudden fear, and he's rapidly turning back around to face the apparent threat.
He finds himself wishing Chuuya were around to cover his back like he's grown used to, but quickly discards the thought. Especially since the chibi would spout some lies- like Dazai possibly letting out a high-pitched screech as a rodent grabbed onto his pants leg and scrambled up his body like some demented beast.
For the record, he did no such thing.
Dazai manages to grab hold of the creature clinging to him after a mad scuffle that would likely have any witnesses wondering if he developed a sudden rash. Huffing, he cups the tiny rodent in his hands and holds it up in front of him.
It certainly looks like a rat. But... "Rats have long tails, don't they?"
The little rodent blinks at him, whiskers twitching.
"And you're awfully fluffy, too."
Dazai turns the thing around, double checking in case he somehow missed the long tail. Nope. He shifts the rodent around again. It's surprisingly docile now that he has it in his hands.
"What are you, then- a hamster?"
It chirps as if to indicate agreement with his observation.
Dazai grabs the hamster more firmly and brings it closer to his face, observing with one large eye.
"You're not some sort of spy, are you?"
No response.
"I suppose it's not entirely out of the question that there could be an ability user out there that can control animals. Or even just communicate with them..."
The whiskers twitch again, and the hamster rapidly paws at his hand. Dazai blinks at it. "Ah.. I'm afraid I'm not one of them. My ability won't be of any help here." He shifts his hold again, until the brief bit of his palm that's free of bandages can scrape over the hamster's coat. Nothing happens.
"See? My ability doesn't do anything unless there's another ability in effect. So I guess you're just a regular hamster, after all."
The hamster trembles in his grasp as if in disagreement.
"Though, you do seem quite smart. Just what are you doing out here, huh?"
Dazai blinks slowly at the hamster, watching it freeze and gaze back at him.
"Were you waiting for someone? It's most unfortunate you ran into me, then."
He cocks his head to the side. The hamster mimics the movement.
"Or was it on purpose?"
The hamster blinks.
Why is he talking to this thing in an alleyway, again?
"I suppose... I am quite bored without my dog around. Why don't you stick around until he recovers? That way Chuuya can't complain I'm a bad owner once he sees how well I take care of you!"
The hamster chirps, and Dazai decides to place it on his shoulder. The little rodent perches itself firmly, clearly with no intention to fall off.
Dazai walks off in the general direction of a pet store, gesticulating wildly and letting his mouth ramble about whatever. His audience cannot verbally reply, but it does occasionally chirp or prod at him.
Yes, this will do for a convenient distraction.
Nothing to get in the way of his other tasks, though.
It's a few weeks later, the little hamster now dubbed 'Chippers' snug in his coat pocket- when Dazai is again walking through random streets without any care.
He has a clear destination in mind this time, looping through alleys and streets regardless of the fact it will make him late to the agreed meeting.
The supplier he contacted has no choice but to wait, though. What Dazai is purchasing won't be of any value to any other customer.
He regales as much to Chippers, who only tithers at him as if in judgement.
"It's a gift!" Dazai exclaims, "I can't have the slug leave without a parting reminder that I'm unfortunately still very much alive! What if he loses his hat, and starts getting all sorts of ideas out there? No, we can't have that-"
It's only an echoed concern at this point, one that will not come to fruition if Dazai has any say in it. Chuuya is his dog for life, after all. And he has no intention of letting go.
Nevermind the fact he rigged that bet in his favor, it's just a small detail-
But even so, that is also the very reason he is now exchanging such an exuberant amount of cash for one tiny box. Dazai doesn't hesitate to check the contents, nodding in satisfaction once he confirms everything is in order.
His supplier sags in relief, and Dazai decides to be nice and not shoot him dead when they part. Though, only in case one of the little gadgets requires repairs, of course.
Later, he slips the earpiece contained within the box into his right ear. It fits snug under his bandages, thankfully not too tight. Though, that's likely to change, given time. It's too bad Dazai has no intention of taking it off again.
He activates the paired communication device and confirms it connects with his earpiece, then returns it to the box. Ability-made technologies aren't exactly common, nor entirely reliable- especially giving his own ability; but this particular set is built perfectly to suit his needs. The ability used to make the pieces doesn't really make the function, as he understands it. Rather- it just ensures the two halves of the set are always connected and without interference.
Chippers paws at the box laying innocuously at the table. Dazai hums. "I suppose you can keep the packaging- but only once Chuuya's received his gift. If he decides to be greedy and take the box too, I'm afraid I can't really stop him."
The hamster sits on its hind legs, giving Dazai a blank look. He smiles back, eyes closed.
"You'll see- he'll give a very nice reaction, I'm sure of it!"
And indeed, Chuuya's reaction is very much enjoyable.
Dazai snickers at the furious glance his partner throws him, holding the box in trembling hands. Tiny, still gloved, hands. Dazai bends at the waist, exaggerating his lack of breath.
"You've got to be kidding me."
Even so exasperated, the chibi doesn't actually drop the box.
"Whaaat? Do you not like it? I put in so much effort to get this shipped in time, you knowww!" Dazai whines, throwing a hand up to his forehead as he stands upright only to sway in dismay.
Chuuya's glare intensifies as he opens his mouth to retort, before promptly falling silent with a huff instead.
Dazai immediately pauses his theatrics, frowning. He knows Chuuya's still recovering, but seeing the normally fiery redhead show such visible signs of exhaustion is disconcerting.
"Besides, it does serve a function." He grabs the pendant from within the box, holding it up the light. Carefully, he maneuvers the small mechanism into place, showing Chuuya how to activate it before turning it off again.
Chuuya takes the pendant from him, repeating the steps to activate and deactivate the subtle gadget. "And what's this supposed to do?" The slug raises an eyebrow at him.
Dazai taps his ear, taking a step back. "It's a listening device!" He successful evades the kick aimed at him. Ducking, because Chuuya always prefers high kicks. "No matter where you are- once you activate that pendant, I'll always be able to hear you!"
"Like that's not creepy at all!"
"It's practical! That way my dog can rest assured I'll still hear his barking even from so far away!"
"You fucking- quit it with the dog jokes already! I'm getting really sick of-"
"Does Chuuya not appreciate my parting gift?" Dazai sniffs, turning his voice all wobbly.
"...you're a bastard."
He smirks at the redhead, all trace of gloominess gone. Chuuya does not appear surprised. A shame, Chuuya's shocked face is always so fun...
The chibi holds the pendant up, tracing the characters engraved on either side. "...Soukoku? What's that supposed to be?"
Ah, that.. he might've gotten carried away with that. Dazai scuffs one shoe at the ground, turning away. "Oh, you know. I just thought it'd be cool."
Silence.
"Since we're partners and all. I just didn't want you to forget that."
He turns around, pausing momentarily at the wide-eyed, scrutinizing look aimed his way.
"That is- all those heroes have such awful savior-complexes. Can't have you thinking you need saving when you're no longer a stray, you know." He makes sure his voice lilts in a mocking tone, but the effect doesn't seem to stick.
"Dazai..." Chuuya opens and closes his mouth, looking much like the fish he claims Dazai to resemble. "O-"
"Ah, there you are Chuuya-san! The others are ready to depart whenever you are."
The two teenagers jump, turning to look at Hirotsu.
"Right," Chuuya fumbles with the pendant, moving to shove it back in the box. Dazai steps forward, clipping it onto his choker.
"Don't ignore my calls, chibi." He mutters, then steps away.
Chuuya gives him one last, indiscernible look, before walking off.
Chirp
"Shut up, that was not embarrassing- who are you cringing at!?"
Chippers only snuggles back into his coat pocket, letting Dazai stare at the receding party of black cars as they head for Yokohama's barrier.
He sighs, walking towards nowhere in particular.
Somehow, nowhere ends up being Chuuya's now-vacant apartment. They'd been cohabiting since everything with Verlaine went down, but Dazai doesn't feel quite like staying in such a large space by himself. He lets Chippers out of his coat, setting the hamster down into a cage Chuuya had gotten once he realized Dazai did, indeed, plan to keep the random rodent he found out in the city.
He sits there, watching the skyline fade from blue to purple through the large windows.
"Bastard." Crackles his earpiece.
Dazai blinks, taking in the darkened sky. Then he smiles, digging out his phone. Good to see the barrier won't pose a problem, after all.
He shoots the chibi a message, letting his phone fall as he gazes at the ceiling. Chippers digs around the wood chips of its prison with gusto.
Maybe things won't be so boring after all.