Zaira narrowed his eyes slightly, listening to the heartbeat he'd grown fond of years ago.

It was silly, really, when he had a chance to stop the man from escaping. He'd rather listen to the familiar man and do nothing.

Eventually, the ravenette reached for the handle. The dented door opened with a click, light flooding into the dark basement, turning Zaira into a dark silhouette.

His red eyes peered down at Dazai, the only part of him visible.

".. Osamu."

Zaira's voice was tight, controlled. Like he was holding something back.

If Dazai was surprised to see Zaira, he didn't let it register on his face, sticking his hands into the pockets of his long trench coat and grinning instead.

"Long time no see, Z. Missed me?"

Although his voice was airy and carefree, he was mentally cursing himself. He should have been quieter, his steps lighter. Anything to keep him from being noticed.

He should've known, though. Of course Zaira would be here, because apparently the world just wants to give Dazai a hard time.

He did not have time for this.

Zaira stared coldly, yet the glint in his eye held no anger. Just pain and, begrudgingly, a fond concern.

"Why would I miss a traitor of the Port?"

The ravenette crossed his arms over his chest without looking from the man.

"You seem.. injured. Nakahara got to you first, Osamu?"

He'd rather not see Dazai, not on these terms. There were people Zaira didn't want seeing the way his usual sharp, cold persona softened around the brunette man.

He actually did miss Dazai, a lot.

But Zaira wouldn't admit that easily. Especially not to Dazai personally.

Dazai chuckled, his head tilting slightly as he observed the older man.

"Riiight. I forgot- you're still just Mori's loyal little lap dog."

He had held hope that eventually Zaira would realize Dazai made the right choice in leaving, but he was an idiot back then. The Dazai that stood before Zaira was smart and no longer blinded by his delusions of better times.

"And yeah, Chibi had his fun. Does that make you...jealous?"

"I may work under Mori-sensei still, but I'm not loyal to him. I am merely loyal to my family. Unlike some."

Zaira ignored the last comment, used to the way Dazai would antagonize everyone at any opportunity presented to him. It's how he always had been.

Placing his hands in his pockets, the ravenette began his way down the steps, eyes locked to Dazai.

Sure, he was a bit jealous, though it wasn't because Chuuya got to get a few hits in on Dazai.

It was more so that he got to see Dazai first.

His expression flickered, but the flash of anger that crossed his face disappeared as quickly as it came.

Had Zaira conveniently decided to completely forget about Oda? He had been more of a family to Dazai than most of the Port Mafia could ever dream of. Hell, Dazai had left to honor Oda's last wish- if that's being disloyal, then there was simply nothing more he could do.

Dazai pushed these thoughts away and turned his attention back towards Zaira. He took his hands out of his pockets and spread his arms in an almost challenging gesture.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Finish what he started."

Zaira noticed the subtle shift in expression before Dazai had managed to cover it up. He always noticed these things.

When Dazai spoke again, Zaira sighed and shook his head.

"I'm not here to fight. Although it looks more like you.."

He glanced down Dazai's form, ragged and dusty, then back up to his face.

"To be frank, Osamu, you're a complete mess."

A pause, then Zaira was stepping down the staircase, his movements careful and almost elegant. Like always.

"And I'm not in the mood to fight, let alone fight you of all people."

Dazai had nearly forgotten how composed Zaira was, so immune to any sort of barb. It made interacting with him a whole lot harder, especially at times like this when he has places to be.

"Can we hurry this up? Stop with the foreplay and do what you've come to do. I'm late to work."

He chose to ignore what Zaira said, itching for a way out.

"I'd assume your work ended hours ago. It's nearly midnight."

Zaira's tone was flat, almost bored. But he was just calm. The man was always calm.

Almost.

Once he was a few steps up from Dazai, the ravenette paused walking and folded his arms behind his back.

".. the foreplay is the fun part, Osamu. Or should I say Dazai, now that we're on opposite sides, hm?"

Brushing past his own comment, the shorter man looked down at Dazai from his higher step. His gaze flickered with reluctant fondness that he didn't bother trying to hide.

"But, I suppose I could hurry it up. I am actively on night watch after all."

"Or! I have an idea. You could go back to your night watch and forget this ever happened so I can go home and we can meet again another time."

Dazai obviously didn't believe this would work, but it didn't hurt to try.

Zaira sighed without sound, arms falling to his sides.

"Fine, fine. I truly only came to make sure Nakahara hadn't killed you."

His hands curled tight into fists, though it wasn't like he was going to fight Dazai. He just had a habit to ball them when anxious. He had since they were teenagers.

After a long moment, the raven haired man gestured for Dazai to follow. He turned and began to travel up the staircase.

He glanced back once at the top, rolling his eyes.

"Follow, Osamu. Nakahara and Akutagawa are still patrolling, and I know their routes. You're likely to make it out without increased injury with assistance."

Zaira wouldn't admit it, but he still had a soft spot for Dazai. One that may get him in trouble with what he planned to do.

This was an...interesting development, to say the least. It seemed as if Dazai greatly underestimated how much Zaira still cared about him, and now his mind was racing, his plans rearranging to accommodate this.

He quickly moved to follow, keeping his steps light all the while. Although it now appeared that he had help, Dazai wasn't about to risk getting caught once more.

"Why are you doing this?" He asked after a moment, staring at Zaira's back as if it would tell him everything he was wondering.

Placing his hands in the pockets of his time-worn coat, Dazai's old black coat, Zaira silently stalked through the halls of the Port Mafia headquarters. They'd not changed much since Dazai had left.

Zaira didn't answer for a long moment, just leading Dazai down the halls the man knew like the back of his hand.

Though he eventually did open his mouth.

"I.. don't know. Do I need a reason?"

His gaze snapped over his shoulder, narrowing in on Dazai for a moment. The ravenette's shoulders seemed to dip before he snapped his gaze forwards again.

Dazai didn't stop to look around at his surroundings- the Port Mafia had already taken so many things from him, and he wasn't going to dwell on it any longer than he needed to.

Instead, his gaze stayed on Zaira, moving up to his dark hair and eventually his eyes when he turned to stare at Dazai. He already knew every inch of the other man's body, yet he couldn't help but look regardless.

"Only one of us can be a traitor."

His voice stayed mild, but his unspoken words lay heavy in the air between them.

Why would you do this?

Why are you actively going against orders for me?

Zaira let out what sounded like a mix of a scoff and a laugh at the comment, facing forwards so Dazai couldn't see the slight upward curve at the corners of his mouth. He wasn't always so composed.

He'd rather no one see him besides those who already know, though.

"Not a traitor if I was never loyal to the organization, I've done plenty that could be considered traitorous."

The man abruptly stopped walking, peering around a corner down a hall.

His voice lowered, now just over a whisper.

"I'm merely loyal to family, most of whom happen to be in the Port."

Dazai didn't stop walking until he was directly behind Zaira, moving so his voice can be heard only in his ear.

"Yet it's funny how more often than not, we stop being family when we cut ties with the Port."

He hummed softly after that and then drew back, pressing against the wall instead.

Zaira had leaned slightly into the presence behind him, but forced himself to stay put once realizing he had been.

"The organization doesn't define who my family is. I choose, and if they happen to not be in the Port, then so be it."

His gaze flicked back to Dazai a moment, watching him lean against the wall.

Then he looked ahead again. He waited a long moment, listening and watching down the hall. He hesitated before mumbling.

"You never stopped being family. Not to me."

Dazai opened his mouth as if he was going to say something and then closed it again, turning his words over in his mind.

His nails pressed against the bandages wrapped around his hands as he considered what to say. Finally, he settled on a rather halfhearted yet truthful comeback.

"That's not how it appeared last time we spoke."

Zaira narrowed his eyes slightly, listening to the heartbeat he'd grown fond of years ago.

It was silly, really, when he had a chance to stop the man from escaping. He'd rather listen to the familiar man and do nothing.

Eventually, the ravenette reached for the handle. The dented door opened with a click, light flooding into the dark basement, turning Zaira into a dark silhouette.

His red eyes peered down at Dazai, the only part of him visible.

".. Osamu."

Zaira's voice was tight, controlled. Like he was holding something back.

If Dazai was surprised to see Zaira, he didn't let it register on his face, sticking his hands into the pockets of his long trench coat and grinning instead.

"Long time no see, Z. Missed me?"

Although his voice was airy and carefree, he was mentally cursing himself. He should have been quieter, his steps lighter. Anything to keep him from being noticed.

He should've known, though. Of course Zaira would be here, because apparently the world just wants to give Dazai a hard time.

He did not have time for this.

Zaira stared coldly, yet the glint in his eye held no anger. Just pain and, begrudgingly, a fond concern.

"Why would I miss a traitor of the Port?"

The ravenette crossed his arms over his chest without looking from the man.

"You seem.. injured. Nakahara got to you first, Osamu?"

He'd rather not see Dazai, not on these terms. There were people Zaira didn't want seeing the way his usual sharp, cold persona softened around the brunette man.

He actually did miss Dazai, a lot.

But Zaira wouldn't admit that easily. Especially not to Dazai personally.

Dazai chuckled, his head tilting slightly as he observed the older man.

"Riiight. I forgot- you're still just Mori's loyal little lap dog."

He had held hope that eventually Zaira would realize Dazai made the right choice in leaving, but he was an idiot back then. The Dazai that stood before Zaira was smart and no longer blinded by his delusions of better times.

"And yeah, Chibi had his fun. Does that make you...jealous?"

"I may work under Mori-sensei still, but I'm not loyal to him. I am merely loyal to my family. Unlike some."

Zaira ignored the last comment, used to the way Dazai would antagonize everyone at any opportunity presented to him. It's how he always had been.

Placing his hands in his pockets, the ravenette began his way down the steps, eyes locked to Dazai.

Sure, he was a bit jealous, though it wasn't because Chuuya got to get a few hits in on Dazai.

It was more so that he got to see Dazai first.

His expression flickered, but the flash of anger that crossed his face disappeared as quickly as it came.

Had Zaira conveniently decided to completely forget about Oda? He had been more of a family to Dazai than most of the Port Mafia could ever dream of. Hell, Dazai had left to honor Oda's last wish- if that's being disloyal, then there was simply nothing more he could do.

Dazai pushed these thoughts away and turned his attention back towards Zaira. He took his hands out of his pockets and spread his arms in an almost challenging gesture.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Finish what he started."

Zaira noticed the subtle shift in expression before Dazai had managed to cover it up. He always noticed these things.

When Dazai spoke again, Zaira sighed and shook his head.

"I'm not here to fight. Although it looks more like you.."

He glanced down Dazai's form, ragged and dusty, then back up to his face.

"To be frank, Osamu, you're a complete mess."

A pause, then Zaira was stepping down the staircase, his movements careful and almost elegant. Like always.

"And I'm not in the mood to fight, let alone fight you of all people."

Dazai had nearly forgotten how composed Zaira was, so immune to any sort of barb. It made interacting with him a whole lot harder, especially at times like this when he has places to be.

"Can we hurry this up? Stop with the foreplay and do what you've come to do. I'm late to work."

He chose to ignore what Zaira said, itching for a way out.

"I'd assume your work ended hours ago. It's nearly midnight."

Zaira's tone was flat, almost bored. But he was just calm. The man was always calm.

Almost.

Once he was a few steps up from Dazai, the ravenette paused walking and folded his arms behind his back.

".. the foreplay is the fun part, Osamu. Or should I say Dazai, now that we're on opposite sides, hm?"

Brushing past his own comment, the shorter man looked down at Dazai from his higher step. His gaze flickered with reluctant fondness that he didn't bother trying to hide.

"But, I suppose I could hurry it up. I am actively on night watch after all."

"Or! I have an idea. You could go back to your night watch and forget this ever happened so I can go home and we can meet again another time."

Dazai obviously didn't believe this would work, but it didn't hurt to try.

Zaira sighed without sound, arms falling to his sides.

"Fine, fine. I truly only came to make sure Nakahara hadn't killed you."

His hands curled tight into fists, though it wasn't like he was going to fight Dazai. He just had a habit to ball them when anxious. He had since they were teenagers.

After a long moment, the raven haired man gestured for Dazai to follow. He turned and began to travel up the staircase.

He glanced back once at the top, rolling his eyes.

"Follow, Osamu. Nakahara and Akutagawa are still patrolling, and I know their routes. You're likely to make it out without increased injury with assistance."

Zaira wouldn't admit it, but he still had a soft spot for Dazai. One that may get him in trouble with what he planned to do.

This was an...interesting development, to say the least. It seemed as if Dazai greatly underestimated how much Zaira still cared about him, and now his mind was racing, his plans rearranging to accommodate this.

He quickly moved to follow, keeping his steps light all the while. Although it now appeared that he had help, Dazai wasn't about to risk getting caught once more.

"Why are you doing this?" He asked after a moment, staring at Zaira's back as if it would tell him everything he was wondering.

Placing his hands in the pockets of his time-worn coat, Dazai's old black coat, Zaira silently stalked through the halls of the Port Mafia headquarters. They'd not changed much since Dazai had left.

Zaira didn't answer for a long moment, just leading Dazai down the halls the man knew like the back of his hand.

Though he eventually did open his mouth.

"I.. don't know. Do I need a reason?"

His gaze snapped over his shoulder, narrowing in on Dazai for a moment. The ravenette's shoulders seemed to dip before he snapped his gaze forwards again.

Dazai didn't stop to look around at his surroundings- the Port Mafia had already taken so many things from him, and he wasn't going to dwell on it any longer than he needed to.

Instead, his gaze stayed on Zaira, moving up to his dark hair and eventually his eyes when he turned to stare at Dazai. He already knew every inch of the other man's body, yet he couldn't help but look regardless.

"Only one of us can be a traitor."

His voice stayed mild, but his unspoken words lay heavy in the air between them.

Why would you do this?

Why are you actively going against orders for me?

Zaira let out what sounded like a mix of a scoff and a laugh at the comment, facing forwards so Dazai couldn't see the slight upward curve at the corners of his mouth. He wasn't always so composed.

He'd rather no one see him besides those who already know, though.

"Not a traitor if I was never loyal to the organization, I've done plenty that could be considered traitorous."

The man abruptly stopped walking, peering around a corner down a hall.

His voice lowered, now just over a whisper.

"I'm merely loyal to family, most of whom happen to be in the Port."

Dazai didn't stop walking until he was directly behind Zaira, moving so his voice can be heard only in his ear.

"Yet it's funny how more often than not, we stop being family when we cut ties with the Port."

He hummed softly after that and then drew back, pressing against the wall instead.

Zaira narrowed his eyes slightly, listening to the heartbeat he'd grown fond of years ago.

It was silly, really, when he had a chance to stop the man from escaping. He'd rather listen to the familiar man and do nothing.

Eventually, the ravenette reached for the handle. The dented door opened with a click, light flooding into the dark basement, turning Zaira into a dark silhouette.

His red eyes peered down at Dazai, the only part of him visible.

".. Osamu."

Zaira's voice was tight, controlled. Like he was holding something back.

If Dazai was surprised to see Zaira, he didn't let it register on his face, sticking his hands into the pockets of his long trench coat and grinning instead.

"Long time no see, Z. Missed me?"

Although his voice was airy and carefree, he was mentally cursing himself. He should have been quieter, his steps lighter. Anything to keep him from being noticed.

He should've known, though. Of course Zaira would be here, because apparently the world just wants to give Dazai a hard time.

He did not have time for this.

Zaira stared coldly, yet the glint in his eye held no anger. Just pain and, begrudgingly, a fond concern.

"Why would I miss a traitor of the Port?"

The ravenette crossed his arms over his chest without looking from the man.

"You seem.. injured. Nakahara got to you first, Osamu?"

He'd rather not see Dazai, not on these terms. There were people Zaira didn't want seeing the way his usual sharp, cold persona softened around the brunette man.

He actually did miss Dazai, a lot.

But Zaira wouldn't admit that easily. Especially not to Dazai personally.

Dazai chuckled, his head tilting slightly as he observed the older man.

"Riiight. I forgot- you're still just Mori's loyal little lap dog."

He had held hope that eventually Zaira would realize Dazai made the right choice in leaving, but he was an idiot back then. The Dazai that stood before Zaira was smart and no longer blinded by his delusions of better times.

"And yeah, Chibi had his fun. Does that make you...jealous?"

"I may work under Mori-sensei still, but I'm not loyal to him. I am merely loyal to my family. Unlike some."

Zaira ignored the last comment, used to the way Dazai would antagonize everyone at any opportunity presented to him. It's how he always had been.

Placing his hands in his pockets, the ravenette began his way down the steps, eyes locked to Dazai.

Sure, he was a bit jealous, though it wasn't because Chuuya got to get a few hits in on Dazai.

It was more so that he got to see Dazai first.

His expression flickered, but the flash of anger that crossed his face disappeared as quickly as it came.

Had Zaira conveniently decided to completely forget about Oda? He had been more of a family to Dazai than most of the Port Mafia could ever dream of. Hell, Dazai had left to honor Oda's last wish- if that's being disloyal, then there was simply nothing more he could do.

Dazai pushed these thoughts away and turned his attention back towards Zaira. He took his hands out of his pockets and spread his arms in an almost challenging gesture.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Finish what he started."

Zaira noticed the subtle shift in expression before Dazai had managed to cover it up. He always noticed these things.

When Dazai spoke again, Zaira sighed and shook his head.

"I'm not here to fight. Although it looks more like you.."

He glanced down Dazai's form, ragged and dusty, then back up to his face.

"To be frank, Osamu, you're a complete mess."

A pause, then Zaira was stepping down the staircase, his movements careful and almost elegant. Like always.

"And I'm not in the mood to fight, let alone fight you of all people."

Dazai had nearly forgotten how composed Zaira was, so immune to any sort of barb. It made interacting with him a whole lot harder, especially at times like this when he has places to be.

"Can we hurry this up? Stop with the foreplay and do what you've come to do. I'm late to work."

He chose to ignore what Zaira said, itching for a way out.

"I'd assume your work ended hours ago. It's nearly midnight."

Zaira's tone was flat, almost bored. But he was just calm. The man was always calm.

Almost.

Once he was a few steps up from Dazai, the ravenette paused walking and folded his arms behind his back.

".. the foreplay is the fun part, Osamu. Or should I say Dazai, now that we're on opposite sides, hm?"

Brushing past his own comment, the shorter man looked down at Dazai from his higher step. His gaze flickered with reluctant fondness that he didn't bother trying to hide.

"But, I suppose I could hurry it up. I am actively on night watch after all."

"Or! I have an idea. You could go back to your night watch and forget this ever happened so I can go home and we can meet again another time."

Dazai obviously didn't believe this would work, but it didn't hurt to try.

Zaira sighed without sound, arms falling to his sides.

"Fine, fine. I truly only came to make sure Nakahara hadn't killed you."

His hands curled tight into fists, though it wasn't like he was going to fight Dazai. He just had a habit to ball them when anxious. He had since they were teenagers.

After a long moment, the raven haired man gestured for Dazai to follow. He turned and began to travel up the staircase.

He glanced back once at the top, rolling his eyes.

"Follow, Osamu. Nakahara and Akutagawa are still patrolling, and I know their routes. You're likely to make it out without increased injury with assistance."

Zaira wouldn't admit it, but he still had a soft spot for Dazai. One that may get him in trouble with what he planned to do.

This was an...interesting development, to say the least. It seemed as if Dazai greatly underestimated how much Zaira still cared about him, and now his mind was racing, his plans rearranging to accommodate this.

He quickly moved to follow, keeping his steps light all the while. Although it now appeared that he had help, Dazai wasn't about to risk getting caught once more.

"Why are you doing this?" He asked after a moment, staring at Zaira's back as if it would tell him everything he was wondering.

Placing his hands in the pockets of his time-worn coat, Dazai's old black coat, Zaira silently stalked through the halls of the Port Mafia headquarters. They'd not changed much since Dazai had left.

Zaira didn't answer for a long moment, just leading Dazai down the halls the man knew like the back of his hand.

Though he eventually did open his mouth.

"I.. don't know. Do I need a reason?"

His gaze snapped over his shoulder, narrowing in on Dazai for a moment. The ravenette's shoulders seemed to dip before he snapped his gaze forwards again.

Dazai didn't stop to look around at his surroundings- the Port Mafia had already taken so many things from him, and he wasn't going to dwell on it any longer than he needed to.

Instead, his gaze stayed on Zaira, moving up to his dark hair and eventually his eyes when he turned to stare at Dazai. He already knew every inch of the other man's body, yet he couldn't help but look regardless.

"Only one of us can be a traitor."

His voice stayed mild, but his unspoken words lay heavy in the air between them.

Why would you do this?

Why are you actively going against orders for me?

Zaira narrowed his eyes slightly, listening to the heartbeat he'd grown fond of years ago.

It was silly, really, when he had a chance to stop the man from escaping. He'd rather listen to the familiar man and do nothing.

Eventually, the ravenette reached for the handle. The dented door opened with a click, light flooding into the dark basement, turning Zaira into a dark silhouette.

His red eyes peered down at Dazai, the only part of him visible.

".. Osamu."

Zaira's voice was tight, controlled. Like he was holding something back.

If Dazai was surprised to see Zaira, he didn't let it register on his face, sticking his hands into the pockets of his long trench coat and grinning instead.

"Long time no see, Z. Missed me?"

Although his voice was airy and carefree, he was mentally cursing himself. He should have been quieter, his steps lighter. Anything to keep him from being noticed.

He should've known, though. Of course Zaira would be here, because apparently the world just wants to give Dazai a hard time.

He did not have time for this.

Zaira stared coldly, yet the glint in his eye held no anger. Just pain and, begrudgingly, a fond concern.

"Why would I miss a traitor of the Port?"

The ravenette crossed his arms over his chest without looking from the man.

"You seem.. injured. Nakahara got to you first, Osamu?"

He'd rather not see Dazai, not on these terms. There were people Zaira didn't want seeing the way his usual sharp, cold persona softened around the brunette man.

He actually did miss Dazai, a lot.

But Zaira wouldn't admit that easily. Especially not to Dazai personally.

Dazai chuckled, his head tilting slightly as he observed the older man.

"Riiight. I forgot- you're still just Mori's loyal little lap dog."

He had held hope that eventually Zaira would realize Dazai made the right choice in leaving, but he was an idiot back then. The Dazai that stood before Zaira was smart and no longer blinded by his delusions of better times.

"And yeah, Chibi had his fun. Does that make you...jealous?"

"I may work under Mori-sensei still, but I'm not loyal to him. I am merely loyal to my family. Unlike some."

Zaira ignored the last comment, used to the way Dazai would antagonize everyone at any opportunity presented to him. It's how he always had been.

Placing his hands in his pockets, the ravenette began his way down the steps, eyes locked to Dazai.

Sure, he was a bit jealous, though it wasn't because Chuuya got to get a few hits in on Dazai.

It was more so that he got to see Dazai first.

His expression flickered, but the flash of anger that crossed his face disappeared as quickly as it came.

Had Zaira conveniently decided to completely forget about Oda? He had been more of a family to Dazai than most of the Port Mafia could ever dream of. Hell, Dazai had left to honor Oda's last wish- if that's being disloyal, then there was simply nothing more he could do.

Dazai pushed these thoughts away and turned his attention back towards Zaira. He took his hands out of his pockets and spread his arms in an almost challenging gesture.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Finish what he started."

Zaira noticed the subtle shift in expression before Dazai had managed to cover it up. He always noticed these things.

When Dazai spoke again, Zaira sighed and shook his head.

"I'm not here to fight. Although it looks more like you.."

He glanced down Dazai's form, ragged and dusty, then back up to his face.

"To be frank, Osamu, you're a complete mess."

A pause, then Zaira was stepping down the staircase, his movements careful and almost elegant. Like always.

"And I'm not in the mood to fight, let alone fight you of all people."

Dazai had nearly forgotten how composed Zaira was, so immune to any sort of barb. It made interacting with him a whole lot harder, especially at times like this when he has places to be.

"Can we hurry this up? Stop with the foreplay and do what you've come to do. I'm late to work."

He chose to ignore what Zaira said, itching for a way out.

"I'd assume your work ended hours ago. It's nearly midnight."

Zaira's tone was flat, almost bored. But he was just calm. The man was always calm.

Almost.

Once he was a few steps up from Dazai, the ravenette paused walking and folded his arms behind his back.

".. the foreplay is the fun part, Osamu. Or should I say Dazai, now that we're on opposite sides, hm?"

Brushing past his own comment, the shorter man looked down at Dazai from his higher step. His gaze flickered with reluctant fondness that he didn't bother trying to hide.

"But, I suppose I could hurry it up. I am actively on night watch after all."

"Or! I have an idea. You could go back to your night watch and forget this ever happened so I can go home and we can meet again another time."

Dazai obviously didn't believe this would work, but it didn't hurt to try.

Zaira sighed without sound, arms falling to his sides.

"Fine, fine. I truly only came to make sure Nakahara hadn't killed you."

His hands curled tight into fists, though it wasn't like he was going to fight Dazai. He just had a habit to ball them when anxious. He had since they were teenagers.

After a long moment, the raven haired man gestured for Dazai to follow. He turned and began to travel up the staircase.

He glanced back once at the top, rolling his eyes.

"Follow, Osamu. Nakahara and Akutagawa are still patrolling, and I know their routes. You're likely to make it out without increased injury with assistance."

Zaira wouldn't admit it, but he still had a soft spot for Dazai. One that may get him in trouble with what he planned to do.

This was an...interesting development, to say the least. It seemed as if Dazai greatly underestimated how much Zaira still cared about him, and now his mind was racing, his plans rearranging to accommodate this.

He quickly moved to follow, keeping his steps light all the while. Although it now appeared that he had help, Dazai wasn't about to risk getting caught once more.

"Why are you doing this?" He asked after a moment, staring at Zaira's back as if it would tell him everything he was wondering.

Zaira narrowed his eyes slightly, listening to the heartbeat he'd grown fond of years ago.

It was silly, really, when he had a chance to stop the man from escaping. He'd rather listen to the familiar man and do nothing.

Eventually, the ravenette reached for the handle. The dented door opened with a click, light flooding into the dark basement, turning Zaira into a dark silhouette.

His red eyes peered down at Dazai, the only part of him visible.

".. Osamu."

Zaira's voice was tight, controlled. Like he was holding something back.

If Dazai was surprised to see Zaira, he didn't let it register on his face, sticking his hands into the pockets of his long trench coat and grinning instead.

"Long time no see, Z. Missed me?"

Although his voice was airy and carefree, he was mentally cursing himself. He should have been quieter, his steps lighter. Anything to keep him from being noticed.

He should've known, though. Of course Zaira would be here, because apparently the world just wants to give Dazai a hard time.

He did not have time for this.

Zaira stared coldly, yet the glint in his eye held no anger. Just pain and, begrudgingly, a fond concern.

"Why would I miss a traitor of the Port?"

The ravenette crossed his arms over his chest without looking from the man.

"You seem.. injured. Nakahara got to you first, Osamu?"

He'd rather not see Dazai, not on these terms. There were people Zaira didn't want seeing the way his usual sharp, cold persona softened around the brunette man.

He actually did miss Dazai, a lot.

But Zaira wouldn't admit that easily. Especially not to Dazai personally.

Dazai chuckled, his head tilting slightly as he observed the older man.

"Riiight. I forgot- you're still just Mori's loyal little lap dog."

He had held hope that eventually Zaira would realize Dazai made the right choice in leaving, but he was an idiot back then. The Dazai that stood before Zaira was smart and no longer blinded by his delusions of better times.

"And yeah, Chibi had his fun. Does that make you...jealous?"

"I may work under Mori-sensei still, but I'm not loyal to him. I am merely loyal to my family. Unlike some."

Zaira ignored the last comment, used to the way Dazai would antagonize everyone at any opportunity presented to him. It's how he always had been.

Placing his hands in his pockets, the ravenette began his way down the steps, eyes locked to Dazai.

Sure, he was a bit jealous, though it wasn't because Chuuya got to get a few hits in on Dazai.

It was more so that he got to see Dazai first.

His expression flickered, but the flash of anger that crossed his face disappeared as quickly as it came.

Had Zaira conveniently decided to completely forget about Oda? He had been more of a family to Dazai than most of the Port Mafia could ever dream of. Hell, Dazai had left to honor Oda's last wish- if that's being disloyal, then there was simply nothing more he could do.

Dazai pushed these thoughts away and turned his attention back towards Zaira. He took his hands out of his pockets and spread his arms in an almost challenging gesture.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Finish what he started."

Zaira noticed the subtle shift in expression before Dazai had managed to cover it up. He always noticed these things.

When Dazai spoke again, Zaira sighed and shook his head.

"I'm not here to fight. Although it looks more like you.."

He glanced down Dazai's form, ragged and dusty, then back up to his face.

"To be frank, Osamu, you're a complete mess."

A pause, then Zaira was stepping down the staircase, his movements careful and almost elegant. Like always.

"And I'm not in the mood to fight, let alone fight you of all people."

Dazai had nearly forgotten how composed Zaira was, so immune to any sort of barb. It made interacting with him a whole lot harder, especially at times like this when he has places to be.

"Can we hurry this up? Stop with the foreplay and do what you've come to do. I'm late to work."

He chose to ignore what Zaira said, itching for a way out.

"I'd assume your work ended hours ago. It's nearly midnight."

Zaira's tone was flat, almost bored. But he was just calm. The man was always calm.

Almost.

Once he was a few steps up from Dazai, the ravenette paused walking and folded his arms behind his back.

".. the foreplay is the fun part, Osamu. Or should I say Dazai, now that we're on opposite sides, hm?"

Brushing past his own comment, the shorter man looked down at Dazai from his higher step. His gaze flickered with reluctant fondness that he didn't bother trying to hide.

"But, I suppose I could hurry it up. I am actively on night watch after all."

"Or! I have an idea. You could go back to your night watch and forget this ever happened so I can go home and we can meet again another time."

Dazai obviously didn't believe this would work, but it didn't hurt to try.

Zaira narrowed his eyes slightly, listening to the heartbeat he'd grown fond of years ago.

It was silly, really, when he had a chance to stop the man from escaping. He'd rather listen to the familiar man and do nothing.

Eventually, the ravenette reached for the handle. The dented door opened with a click, light flooding into the dark basement, turning Zaira into a dark silhouette.

His red eyes peered down at Dazai, the only part of him visible.

".. Osamu."

Zaira's voice was tight, controlled. Like he was holding something back.

If Dazai was surprised to see Zaira, he didn't let it register on his face, sticking his hands into the pockets of his long trench coat and grinning instead.

"Long time no see, Z. Missed me?"

Although his voice was airy and carefree, he was mentally cursing himself. He should have been quieter, his steps lighter. Anything to keep him from being noticed.

He should've known, though. Of course Zaira would be here, because apparently the world just wants to give Dazai a hard time.

He did not have time for this.

Zaira stared coldly, yet the glint in his eye held no anger. Just pain and, begrudgingly, a fond concern.

"Why would I miss a traitor of the Port?"

The ravenette crossed his arms over his chest without looking from the man.

"You seem.. injured. Nakahara got to you first, Osamu?"

He'd rather not see Dazai, not on these terms. There were people Zaira didn't want seeing the way his usual sharp, cold persona softened around the brunette man.

He actually did miss Dazai, a lot.

But Zaira wouldn't admit that easily. Especially not to Dazai personally.

Dazai chuckled, his head tilting slightly as he observed the older man.

"Riiight. I forgot- you're still just Mori's loyal little lap dog."

He had held hope that eventually Zaira would realize Dazai made the right choice in leaving, but he was an idiot back then. The Dazai that stood before Zaira was smart and no longer blinded by his delusions of better times.

"And yeah, Chibi had his fun. Does that make you...jealous?"

"I may work under Mori-sensei still, but I'm not loyal to him. I am merely loyal to my family. Unlike some."

Zaira ignored the last comment, used to the way Dazai would antagonize everyone at any opportunity presented to him. It's how he always had been.

Placing his hands in his pockets, the ravenette began his way down the steps, eyes locked to Dazai.

Sure, he was a bit jealous, though it wasn't because Chuuya got to get a few hits in on Dazai.

It was more so that he got to see Dazai first.

His expression flickered, but the flash of anger that crossed his face disappeared as quickly as it came.

Had Zaira conveniently decided to completely forget about Oda? He had been more of a family to Dazai than most of the Port Mafia could ever dream of. Hell, Dazai had left to honor Oda's last wish- if that's being disloyal, then there was simply nothing more he could do.

Dazai pushed these thoughts away and turned his attention back towards Zaira. He took his hands out of his pockets and spread his arms in an almost challenging gesture.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Finish what he started."

Zaira noticed the subtle shift in expression before Dazai had managed to cover it up. He always noticed these things.

When Dazai spoke again, Zaira sighed and shook his head.

"I'm not here to fight. Although it looks more like you.."

He glanced down Dazai's form, ragged and dusty, then back up to his face.

"To be frank, Osamu, you're a complete mess."

A pause, then Zaira was stepping down the staircase, his movements careful and almost elegant. Like always.

"And I'm not in the mood to fight, let alone fight you of all people."

Dazai had nearly forgotten how composed Zaira was, so immune to any sort of barb. It made interacting with him a whole lot harder, especially at times like this when he has places to be.

"Can we hurry this up? Stop with the foreplay and do what you've come to do. I'm late to work."

He chose to ignore what Zaira said, itching for a way out.

Zaira narrowed his eyes slightly, listening to the heartbeat he'd grown fond of years ago.

It was silly, really, when he had a chance to stop the man from escaping. He'd rather listen to the familiar man and do nothing.

Eventually, the ravenette reached for the handle. The dented door opened with a click, light flooding into the dark basement, turning Zaira into a dark silhouette.

His red eyes peered down at Dazai, the only part of him visible.

".. Osamu."

Zaira's voice was tight, controlled. Like he was holding something back.

If Dazai was surprised to see Zaira, he didn't let it register on his face, sticking his hands into the pockets of his long trench coat and grinning instead.

"Long time no see, Z. Missed me?"

Although his voice was airy and carefree, he was mentally cursing himself. He should have been quieter, his steps lighter. Anything to keep him from being noticed.

He should've known, though. Of course Zaira would be here, because apparently the world just wants to give Dazai a hard time.

He did not have time for this.

Zaira stared coldly, yet the glint in his eye held no anger. Just pain and, begrudgingly, a fond concern.

"Why would I miss a traitor of the Port?"

The ravenette crossed his arms over his chest without looking from the man.

"You seem.. injured. Nakahara got to you first, Osamu?"

He'd rather not see Dazai, not on these terms. There were people Zaira didn't want seeing the way his usual sharp, cold persona softened around the brunette man.

He actually did miss Dazai, a lot.

But Zaira wouldn't admit that easily. Especially not to Dazai personally.

Dazai chuckled, his head tilting slightly as he observed the older man.

"Riiight. I forgot- you're still just Mori's loyal little lap dog."

He had held hope that eventually Zaira would realize Dazai made the right choice in leaving, but he was an idiot back then. The Dazai that stood before Zaira was smart and no longer blinded by his delusions of better times.

"And yeah, Chibi had his fun. Does that make you...jealous?"

"I may work under Mori-sensei still, but I'm not loyal to him. I am merely loyal to my family. Unlike some."

Zaira ignored the last comment, used to the way Dazai would antagonize everyone at any opportunity presented to him. It's how he always had been.

Placing his hands in his pockets, the ravenette began his way down the steps, eyes locked to Dazai.

Sure, he was a bit jealous, though it wasn't because Chuuya got to get a few hits in on Dazai.

It was more so that he got to see Dazai first.

His expression flickered, but the flash of anger that crossed his face disappeared as quickly as it came.

Had Zaira conveniently decided to completely forget about Oda? He had been more of a family to Dazai than most of the Port Mafia could ever dream of. Hell, Dazai had left to honor Oda's last wish- if that's being disloyal, then there was simply nothing more he could do.

Dazai pushed these thoughts away and turned his attention back towards Zaira. He took his hands out of his pockets and spread his arms in an almost challenging gesture.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Finish what he started."

Zaira narrowed his eyes slightly, listening to the heartbeat he'd grown fond of years ago.

It was silly, really, when he had a chance to stop the man from escaping. He'd rather listen to the familiar man and do nothing.

Eventually, the ravenette reached for the handle. The dented door opened with a click, light flooding into the dark basement, turning Zaira into a dark silhouette.

His red eyes peered down at Dazai, the only part of him visible.

".. Osamu."

Zaira's voice was tight, controlled. Like he was holding something back.

If Dazai was surprised to see Zaira, he didn't let it register on his face, sticking his hands into the pockets of his long trench coat and grinning instead.

"Long time no see, Z. Missed me?"

Although his voice was airy and carefree, he was mentally cursing himself. He should have been quieter, his steps lighter. Anything to keep him from being noticed.

He should've known, though. Of course Zaira would be here, because apparently the world just wants to give Dazai a hard time.

He did not have time for this.

Zaira stared coldly, yet the glint in his eye held no anger. Just pain and, begrudgingly, a fond concern.

"Why would I miss a traitor of the Port?"

The ravenette crossed his arms over his chest without looking from the man.

"You seem.. injured. Nakahara got to you first, Osamu?"

He'd rather not see Dazai, not on these terms. There were people Zaira didn't want seeing the way his usual sharp, cold persona softened around the brunette man.

He actually did miss Dazai, a lot.

But Zaira wouldn't admit that easily. Especially not to Dazai personally.

Dazai chuckled, his head tilting slightly as he observed the older man.

"Riiight. I forgot- you're still just Mori's loyal little lap dog."

He had held hope that eventually Zaira would realize Dazai made the right choice in leaving, but he was an idiot back then. The Dazai that stood before Zaira was smart and no longer blinded by his delusions of better times.

"And yeah, Chibi had his fun. Does that make you...jealous?"

Zaira narrowed his eyes slightly, listening to the heartbeat he'd grown fond of years ago.

It was silly, really, when he had a chance to stop the man from escaping. He'd rather listen to the familiar man and do nothing.

Eventually, the ravenette reached for the handle. The dented door opened with a click, light flooding into the dark basement, turning Zaira into a dark silhouette.

His red eyes peered down at Dazai, the only part of him visible.

".. Osamu."

Zaira's voice was tight, controlled. Like he was holding something back.

If Dazai was surprised to see Zaira, he didn't let it register on his face, sticking his hands into the pockets of his long trench coat and grinning instead.

"Long time no see, Z. Missed me?"

Although his voice was airy and carefree, he was mentally cursing himself. He should have been quieter, his steps lighter. Anything to keep him from being noticed.

He should've known, though. Of course Zaira would be here, because apparently the world just wants to give Dazai a hard time.

He did not have time for this.

*Yoru looked up at Dazai, and watched as he actually propped his feet up on the desk. You could do that here? It seemed that Yoru was already getting influenced by Dazai.*

“Oh- yeah… Thanks… I’m Kurono Yoru, but you could just call me Yoru…”

"Dazai Osamu."

*He stuck out his bandaged hand for the kid to shake, grinning.*

*Yoru noticed Dazai’s bandages and smiled to himself. He was like him. He reached his own bandaged arm and shook Dazai’s hand.*

“Nice to meet you…”

*Dazai's eyes locked on his bandages and he tensed ever so slightly. He'd been skipping work the day Yoru had been introduced to the other members of the Agency and hadn't seen him before today. But it didn't matter. Bandages were semi-normal to wear, right?*

"Well- Yoru. Would you be interested in taking a case with me?"

*Yoru noticed how Dazai tensed, and he frowned, but didn’t comment. He instead just pulled away from the handshake and instinctively pulled his sleeves over his bandaged arms.*

“Yeah… I don’t have much to do anyways…”

*Dazai pasted a smile on his face and stood up, nearly knocking his chair over.*

"What are we waiting for?"

*Yoru slowly stood up as well, a bit more careful compared to Dazai, and he even tucked his chair in.*

“Yeah. So what is this case about?”

*He started towards the door with his hands in the pockets of his trench coat, his mind racing but his easy going demeanor revealing none of that.*

"Don't ask questions, kid. I 'll tell you when it's important for you to know, okay?"

*Yoru nodded and followed Dazai. He brushed some of the hair out of his face and fixed up his glasses.*

“Okay…”

*Once they were safely out of the building, Dazai spun to face the boy.*

"Just kidding! There is no case. I just was bored."

*Yoru made a look of confusion, that turned to one of amusement.*

“You do realize you could’ve just told me?”

"Well, yeahh, but then you wouldn't have came with me."

“And what makes you say that?”

*He raised an eyebrow. He was starting to like this kid, painful reminder of himself or not.*

"You seem like the type to only follow strict rules. And one of this is to 'not skip work with Dazai'."

*Yoru shook his head and fiddled with his sleeves.*

“I mean… I don’t have anything to do… so is this really skipping work?”

*He scoffed, glaning back at the building.* "Ask Kunikida."

*Yoru shrugged.*

“He seems annoying. No offence to him- but he works TOO much. I swear I sometimes see him rewriting people’s case files just because the handwriting annoys him.”

"Yeah, you're pretty much spot on. If he wasn't dating my brother and sharing a kid with him, he'd definitely be at work all of the time."

“Oh my gosh he had a child now? How? Wait… sorry… that’s rude but I mean like- I didn’t know he had the patience to take care of one…”

*Dazai shrugged, putting his hands up.* "Don't ask me- I have no idea how either of them are being competent dads."

*Yoru shook his head and laughed.*

“I guess they are doing something right then…”

*Dazai hummed in agreement and started walking away.*

"You should come to a bar with me. I'm bored."

*Yoru perked up.*

“I like that idea!”

"Odd for a 15 year old boy to be so hyped about that, but I can't be talking, so you're off the hook for now."

“Eh… I’ve gone to them for a while now. Don’t worry. I’m a responsible drinker…. Most of them time…”

"Fair enough. I don't care much about what you do, anyways. As long as you're not messing with the Port."

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. The closest I’ve gotten to the port was at some other bar… and there’s this nice lady… she took me in so that’s where I’m staying now!”

*Yoru spoke like there was nothing wrong with being in a port mafia bar in the first place.*

*He glanced at him, masking his curiosity but only barely.*

"Why were you even there to begin with..?"

“Oh, come on. Why do people go to bars? To drink, obviously. Don’t worry… I only had one glass.”

*Yoru smiled like it was cool.*

"Riiight, but why the PORT MAFIA."

*Yoru shrugged.*

“I didn’t MEAN to go there. I was just wandering around at night and found a bar and went in. I didn’t know it would be full of people from the port… and it would’ve been to weird for me to immediately walk in and leave.”

*He considered this for a moment.* "Okay, yeah. You have self-preservation, dontcha?"

“I mean, I’m not terrible… I think… there are some worse people out there…”

"You got me there! Anyways, do you have a favorite bar?"

*Yoru shrugs.*

“Not really… I don’t pay attention to where I go, and I’m somewhat new to Yokohama.”

"Fair enough- I'm mostly the same way!"

*Yoru slowly smiled. He liked Dazai.*

“So you are taking me to a bar? What bar then?”

"I was considering taking you to Lupin, but yknow...their whiskey doesn't taste quite right. Not like it used to."

*Yoru nodded.*

“That’s fine… whiskey is my favourite though- if that helps you pick a bar…”

"Eh, whatever. Let's just walk and see what comes up first."

*Dazai almost skipped along in front of him, his hands in his pockets.*

*Yoru followed. At least it was a nice day.*

“Sounds good to me!”

*It doesn't take too long for them to stumble upon what seems to be a hole-in-the-wall pub- sketchy, but at least it looks cheap.*

*Yoru looks at the bar and nods.* “This one looks ok!”

"It looks like one we'll have a good time at, that's for sure."

*Dazai grinned conspiratorially.*

*Yoru nodded, already opening the door.*

“Definitely!”

*Keeping his hands in his pockets, he strides inside, a perpetual grin on his face.*

*Yoru went in after Dazai and followed him to the stools.*

“Have you ever been to this one?”

*This got a laugh out of Dazai.*

"Have I ever been to this one? Kid, I've probably been to every bar in Yokohama at this point."

*Yoru blinked a few times.*

“Oh- well do you remember this one?”

//OOC//

I am SO sorry- I don't remember getting this notification 😭😭 I know this is six months later but if you want to continue we can !

//OOC//

NAH UR GOOD! I mean yeah why not? lol!

//OOC//

Yippeeee!!