The End Of It All | Akutagawa Ryunosuke x Any! Reader

{Chapter 3}

"A very impressive job you two, no less than what I would have expected from my two finest assassins." 

The two found themselves eating dinner in the boss' office that evening in order for him to congratulate the two on a good job. But there seemed to also be other things on Mori's mind despite the façade he put up. 

"You do so well, you may begin to put us all out of a job." Mori continued. He sat at the head of the table, Akutagawa and Y/N facing opposite each other. Elise had placed herself next to Y/N. There was something about them that always fascinated Elise which neither Y/N nor Mori himself even knew why. She sat there, pencil in hand, drawing the different members of the mafia. A small laugh escaped Y/N's lips once they saw the drawing of Akutagawa on the paper. The man across from them glared into their soul, he knew exactly what they were laughing at for they only ever laughed if it was at Akutagawa's expense or if they were drunk.  

"Now, Y/N." The boss began, causing the named mafioso to raise their head from the drawing to the doctor before them. "I have received many messages regarding your skill after the reveal the other night and it would seem that many of our patrons want you to work for them."

"I work for the mafia. Not for anyone else." They bluntly replied. It was the way it had always been. 

Always. 

"Now I told them that, but many seemed adamant. So, just be careful, I don't want to be losing one of my best weapons now." There was something about Mori which always freaked Y/N out. Whether it was the fact that he treated Elise more than a daughter, or if he was just a manipulative genius, or, the most likely, both. But the way he spoke this made them think that they were just a pawn in his master plan. A device to protect him - the king - ready to be sacrificed if he was in danger. 

Nevertheless, Y/N indicated that they understood what the boss had said before continuing to tend to Elise-chan's countless demands. The boss's attention now turned to the man opposite Y/N on the table. The look Mori gave him was one which was far more stern, as if Akutagawa could understand him in that one look. 

"You know what you have to do." With that, the boss waved his hand, dismissing the two from the chamber. 

"What was that about?" Y/N questioned their partner, thoroughly confused in what had happened back there with Mori. 

"Nothing." He bluntly replied, he was never much of a talker, especially when it came to mafia business, but this was about Y/N. He didn't want them to feel weak because of what the boss had asked him to do. He needed them to feel strong in order to complete the missions ahead of them otherwise the whole mafia would crumble. 

"Don't keep secrets from me, Akutagawa, we're supposed to work together." They were now grabbing onto their partner's shoulder. Akutagawa had never been so conflicted, he needed to tell them in order to not lose their trust; however, he didn't want them to lose his trust because of what he had been asked to do. The thoughts were rushing through his head, weighing up the options. 

"Mori has told me to move in across from you to make sure that nobody tries to attack you at your home." He told them, finally giving in. He could see the shock on his partners face and a slight hatred which he hoped was for the boss and not for him. 

"I can protect myself. I don't need you."

"I know but it's a precaution." Y/N huffed, Akutagawa knew that they weren't pleased but they also knew that he wasn't to blame so it would be useless carrying on the argument. The two partners walked out of the Port Mafia building and onto the cold December streets. Silently, the two made their way to their now shared apartment block. Talking was not on the agenda during the walk, Y/N was seething and Akutagawa knew better than to disturb them at this time. On arrival to the building, Y/N finally broke the awkwardness between the two. 

"If you need anything, I'll only be across the way. I can give you breakfast tomorrow because you probably won't have food in, unless Mori has done some tampering." They began muttering aggressively which Akutagawa could only assume was more cursing of the boss' name. The pair made their way up the many flights of stairs in the apartment building. Seeping into the corridor was the cold from the December night beyond the windows. 

"I guess this is where we part." Y/N said to their partner as they reached the opposite facing apartments. Akutagawa nodded to them before wishing them goodnight and unlocking the door to his new home. 

The next morning came about quickly due to a deep sleep on Y/N's part. One of the deepest they had gotten in a while due to a week consisting of nightmares. Stretching became a priority due to the tiredness from the day before still being present in their body. Cracks and pops came from most joints and there was a distinct aching in their shoulder and core muscles. The mission sure had taken a toll on their stamina due to the quick succession of using their ability. However, this was to be expected. Especially from the man outside the door just about to knock on his partner's place of residence. 

The knock alerted Y/N of the mafioso's presence. They greeted him before letting him come inside. 

"Tired?" He asked, already knowing the answer. He had gotten used to the aftermaths. 

"Yeah, I've not done a multi-story in a while. Plus I used it again once we got back to the bottom." They said whilst putting on the hob in order to cook breakfast for the pair. 

"That's understandable. You did well though." 

"Thanks. So did you." Soon the sizzling stopped, indicating the time to serve. Akutagawa looked at the meal that Y/N had provided whilst they were serving up. Suddenly a hunger which he had not realised was there occurred and he was anxiously anticipated the meal to come. There was something special to Akutagawa about Y/N's cooking. Eating was never something he specifically enjoyed, he just viewed it as a means to surviving; however, when they cooked for him, it was like a new world was opened up to him and he savoured every bite. 

"How was your night?" Y/N asked, distracting Akutagawa from his savouring. 

"Good, a little strange due to the sudden scene change but I'll be used to it in a few days." He answered before finishing the last few bites of his breakfast. "We should probably get going." 

The pair grabbed their coats before locking up and leaving the building. The walk was familiar to Y/N but they couldn't help but feel uneasy. There was a constant prickle up their neck, suggesting that someone was watching them. Despite this, every time they turned around, there was nothing there. They were probably paranoid. Yeah, that's what it was, their partner wasn't noticing it so they were probably just making things up. Right?