I Still Need You (Sometimes)

~2~

The sound of clinking chains was deafening. But he couldn't get himself to be still, the urge to be let free of the restraints so strong that the sound became bearable. Still, each time Chuuya moved he could feel the chains tightening more and more around his arms and legs, burning its way into his skin.

The sound of manic laughter could be heard in the distance. It was low, echo-y and definitely coming closer.

Chuuya was drained. He bearly had it in him to look up or around him at this point. How long had he been here? Hours? Days? Weeks? He didn't know.

The manic laughter faded. Replaced with the sound of a ringing phone. The feeling of the chains faded aswell.

The red head awoke in a cold sweat. Looking around him frantically.

"it was just another nightmare" he mumbled to no one but himself. Remembering the reason he woke up in the first place, he reached over for his phone reading the caller ID. Mori.

"hello boss" Chuuya said after fumbling at his phone for a second. "good evening, Chuuya! I hope you're doing well" Mori said in a faked cheery tone. "I hope I didn't wake you" "no worries boss, it's only... " he paused checking the time. "11:30 pm. May I ask why you called?" he questioned. It wasn't completely out of the ordinary for Mori to call at unreasonable times though it was still very late.

"yes, you see, it's regarding the current situation with mimic" he confessed dropping the cheerful tone. "you mean the organization Odasaku has been investigating?" Chuuya questioned. He hadn't been involved in the affair at all. And seeing, as far as Dazai has informed, as the operation was almost completed, it was strange to bring him in now.

"yes, that one. There have been a few...alterations to the original plan. Seeing as you are my most trusted executive, I want to schedule a meeting with you. When are you free?" Mori questioned. "any time tomorrow boss" he said quickly, getting up from the couch. He had a sore neck from the sleeping position but at least he could walk alone again. "perfect! Come to my office at 2pm" Mori decided, cheerful tone in full force again. "sure thing" was all Chuuya said before Mori hung up.

Chuuya had made his way to the kitchen at this point. He noticed the note left by Dazai, crumbled it up and threw it away. At least he was out of Chuuya's apartment for once.

After heating up some leftovers, he proceeded to put on his favorite show, my little pony, while sitting down to eat.

~~~~~

It was almost 1am at this point. Dazai decided to stick to his word and go home but only after looking over to Ango. "hey, do you still have that camera in your bag?" "of course, I keep it with me for business matters" Ango replied. "why?" "I want to take a picture of us all here together tonight. I have a feeling if we don't do it now, we won't ever be able to again" Dazai explained. "well, whatever you want mister executive" Oda complied, scooting over to the others.

Ango got up and propped the camera down on two glasses. He went to the rest and they all faced the camera.

Click.

Dazai turned back around to face the bar while hearing the sound of the camera ejecting the photo. He took one last, long sip of his drink, finishing it.

He got up and took the newly developed photo and tucked it into his pocket. He gave one final look to his friends and turned to leave the bar. "Dazai" Oda called. "same time next week?" "yes Odasaku"

"of course"

~~~~~

Dazai arrived back "home" at around 1:30 am. So only half an hour later than he said. He gave the entire apartment a quick once over and noticed a lack of orange curls on the couch. The place looked tidied up. The note he had written was gone too.