the other side of paradise | bsd x gn!reader

one.

Note: italics – spoken in your native language

The chilly breeze coming from the open window makes you shiver and sink deeper into the sofa. It's not comfortable by any means, and you wonder why the agency even has it. Perhaps it's because sitting on this thing makes you feel like you're in the principal's office again, waiting to get scolded for something you're not even sure you did. The green flooring makes you think of matcha, and the half-and-half blue and beige walls remind you of a simplistic cake design, especially with the maroon details on the walls. There are two beige sofas placed opposite of each other. From your seat, you can see the neat bookcase full of colourful books behind the other sofa. The main desk and the sofas are placed in a U-shape, with the desk standing in the middle. There isn't really much decoration on it, you note. A stationary phone, a laptop, a small file for documents and one single picture frame. In it, is a photo of a tall, stern-looking grey-haired man with a tired expression on his face, and a black-haired boy, wearing a school uniform, matching hat, and cape, grinning mischievously. Even though the man appears tired, you recognize the proud look in his eyes. The sound of crunching interrupts your wandering thoughts.

The seemingly unaware Edogawa Ranpo is sprawled out on the sofa opposite of yours, crunching away at some chips while looking right at home. Of course, you know better than to assume he's unaware. After all, he was the one who dragged you into said office no questions asked. He is the best detective you know of, plus, you know more than enough about his so-called "ability" to understand that he probably has you already completely figured out. His hat sits clumsily on his black hair, and you resist the urge to grab it and put it on his head correctly. An easy-going smile adorns his face, and you note that he seems to feel right at home. There are crumbs of what seems to be some sort of pastry around his mouth and on his coat. When you look closely at the brown coat, you notice a slightly darker brown stain, which you only assume (and hope) is from the chocolate he was munching on just ten minutes earlier. A nervous cough disturbs your inner thoughts once again. It seems that you've been staring at Ranpo too long and ignored the other person in the room.

Turning yourself towards the main desk in the office, you are met with the stern face of Fukuzawa Yukichi, the president of the Armed Detective Agency. Contrary to Ranpo, Fukuzawa is very put together. His blue eyes seem to stare directly into your soul, and you feel like you would do everything he ordered you to. Everything about him just radiates leader vibes. Even though this situation might be very odd, he is keeping calm, and you respect that. You decide you trust the guy.

"So," he starts. "I've heard a bit about your ... situation from Ranpo, but I'm not really sure what he was trying to tell me. If I understood correctly, you are far from home with no way back?" You blankly stare at him. You have no idea what he's asking you. Ranpo chimes in with his mouth still half full: "They don't speak Japanese. They appeared on my desk, and I immediately knew what the situation was. You know, thanks to my Super Deduction." You nod enthusiastically. Despite not understanding a word of what he just said, you are pretty convinced he just told the president your whole backstory and situation. You wouldn't even be surprised if that was the case.

Fukuzawa sighs, presses some buttons on the phone and makes a quick call. Who the hell is he calling? He doesn't seem very happy about it, and you can see Ranpo trying to hide a mischievous smile. Is he calling the Special Division? Oh no, are they going to lock you up for being suspicious? Well, maybe Ango will pick you up. Wait. Is it even known that he's part of the government, or is he still undercover? You should really figure out where in the timeline you ended at.

After what seems to be 5 hours (read: 15 minutes) of internal panicking, a red-haired woman enters the room. The three of you sigh in relief. Finally, the awkward silence is broken. Ranpo jumps up from the sofa and stretches himself. He excitedly points to the woman in the polka dot dress and says something you don't understand. Is he telling you she's taking you away? The woman pulls a bad of candy from her purse and gives all except one to Ranpo. Looking satisfied, the greatest detective settles back on the sofa. Fukuzawa, who stood up when the woman entered, steps closer to her.

After exchanging some words with the president, the woman eagerly turns to you and shocks you by speaking in your native language: "You can call me Anastasia, so happy to meet you!" she beams. "(Y/n), nice to meet you too." Now that you think about it, this is the first time you introduced yourself since you came here. You'd rather not be called (l/n), so you only introduce yourself with your first name. Besides, hiding your full name might even be useful in the future.

Anastasia grabs your hand and shakes it energetically. "I was in the area doing some business, so imagine my surprise when I got the call from Fukuzawa himself. He never calls, so I'm doing this as a favour to him. As far as I understand, you don't know Japanese? But there are important things needed to be explained?" You nod. The joyful woman continues: "Alright, so that's why I'm here. My ability allows me to teach people foreign languages in seconds, but only if I know them myself. I learned a lot of languages, so it's a very useful ability to have," she grins. "To explain the process in a simple way, I'll imbue this piece of candy with the Japanese language. You'll eat it and boom! – now you know Japanese. Understand?"

What is this, plot convenience? You're not complaining at all. You just hope you'll see more of her, and she won't disappear the moment she helps you. "Yes, I do. Are we doing this now?" Anastasia nods, showing you a single piece of candy in her hand. The candy starts emitting a strange glow and Anastasia hands it to you. Well, here goes nothing. You eat it. It's good, lemon flavoured, but you don't feel like you know a new language.

"It's good, right? How do you feel?" You sigh. "I feel the same. Sorry Anastasia, I don't think it worked–" You pause. Wait. That wasn't Anastasia speaking. Your head snaps to look at Ranpo. He's grinning and holding out a hand full of candy. "Want another one? Don't worry, these are language-free, but just as good." Your eyes widen slightly, you nod and reach to grab another one.

Anastasia looks at her watch and exclaims: "Oh no! I'm going to be late! So glad I could see you two again, and nice meeting you (y/n), but I really have to hurry!" None of you even get a chance to thank her or say goodbye. Anastasia runs out of the room, slamming the door shut. Well. So much for her sticking around.

Fukuzawa pinches the bridge of his nose. "This woman ... Always running off to who-knows where. Well," he turns his head towards you. "Now that we can understand each other, I think it's time you explained your situation."

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Author's note: And that's chapter one done! Feedback is very appreciated. <3