For The Last Time

Not Good Enough For Truth In Cliché

What was happening? Why was Akutagawa still here? His wound was patched up enough that if Dazai wanted to, he could have kicked him out.

Granted he'd probably pass out trying to make it home, but he wouldn't die. Not anymore.

Dazai returned, placing the now blood soaked towel in his laundry basket before nonchalantly making his way back over to the bed Akutagawa was now laying in.

"I know one of Atsushi's attacks when I see one, Akutagawa." Dazai said lowly. Akutagawa couldn't tell if he was just angry or disappointed. Probably both.

Akutagawa hummed, shrugging. "What's your point? It was a stupid fight, he's not nearly as bad off as I am."

Dazai nodded slowly, lifting a hand to brush the younger's hair back like he'd done earlier. "You weren't fighting to kill."

It was an observation, not a question.

"I made him a promise." Akutagawa spat back. Fully aware of where this conversation was heading.

He didn't want to talk about the promise. It was stupid, it had completely changed Akutagawa's views on fighting. He hated that weretiger for cursing him with such.

Dazai smirked. "You did. And that deal ended two months ago. You could have easily killed him tonight without breaking your promise."

Akutagawa sighed and closed his eyes, lifting an arm to lay it over his face. "I can not kill him. Quite frankly, I can not kill anyone anymore."

Dazai smiled even wider. "I'm glad you learned something."

Akutagawa felt the bed dip beside him and he removed his arm to snap his eyes open, glaring at the older as he slipped them both under the blankets.

"What. are. you. doing?" He seethed. This wasn't fair. What did Dazai think this was?

Dazai hummed again, shrugging. "You've gotten strong, Ryū, very strong."

Akutagawa seethed, scoffing as he looked up at the ceiling. "Is that the only reason you brought me here? To repeat that sentence over and over until I want to rip my eardrums out?"

Dazai moved a little closer. "I think we both know that's not the only reason I brought you here, Akutagawa."

Akutagawa's breath hitched as Dazai laid a small kiss on his cheek. The brunette hummed again as the younger closed his eyes.

"Stop." Akutagawa's voice cracked. He didn't want to get his hopes up. This wasn't happening right now. This was all just some bad dream he was having.

He was still in the ally. He had to be. Passed out, he was dying, that was the only way this could be happening right now.

Dazai brought a hand up, gently tilting the younger's head so they were facing each other. "Open your eyes, Ryū."

Akutagawa opened them, eyes glistening with tears threatening to spill over. "I can't do this if you're just going to leave me again, Dazai."

Dazai bit his lip before smiling sadly. "I'm not leaving this time, Akutagawa. I am no longer with the port mafia, I'll be able to get you out soon. This doesn't have to be complicated anymore."

"You've grown. Enough to be able to escape on your own. I know you can't see it yet, which is why I've resolved to helping you."

Dazai bit his lip again, thinking over his next words carefully before continuing. "I miss you, Ryū. I've waited for this day, for so long, for you to finally be able to fight along side me."

Akutagawa let a few tears slip down his cheeks and Dazai immediately wiped them away. "I could never escape the port mafia on my own. I could never leave Gin."

"Gin will be fine. I will take care of her, as will Chuuya. She will be able to leave any time she wants." Dazai whispered, very gently pulling the younger into his arms.

He didn't want to aggravate his wound anymore, even if it was closed now.

Akutagawa shook his head. "I would never leave her there by herself. We escape together."

The younger sighed, closing his eyes as he rested his head on Dazai's shoulder. "Don't think I'm forgiving you this easy. I'm just so tired."

Akutagawa's voice was weak, of course it was after the night he'd had.

Dazai hummed lightly, placing a gentle kiss on the boy's forehead. "Please, get some rest. We can talk more in the morning."

Akutagawa sniffed, turning his face to bury it in Dazai's shoulder as he cried himself to sleep.

This really wasn't fair.