all these reasons | BSD [odazai]

4

Chapter warning:
- Explicit sexual content
- Gender dysphoria

Reason #4: his praise

Sunday approaches faster than Dazai expected with his new schedule. The days are no longer dragging. As Oda had anticipated, Gen'emon has given them the day off. Or, as much of a break as you can get when you live on a farm. Day off or not, the animals always need tending to.

At noon, the two are standing in the driveway — Dazai in his jeans and hooded sweatshirt and Oda in his usual work clothing — watching their father load a couple things into the old blue truck. Just like every day, the sun is beating down on them, reflecting off a few parts of the truck's chrome and causing Dazai to squint. Even though he knows he will be back at it again tomorrow, he's thankful that today, at least, he won't be outside for the sun's slow progression across the sky.

"I should be back later tonight," Gen'emon says as he pulls himself into the driver's seat. "There shouldn't be anything you two need to do on the farm today, but keep an eye out for trouble anyhow. I have my phone on me if you need anything."

Their father had informed them at breakfast that he needed to make a trip into Nagano today. With harvest season rapidly approaching, he needs to pick up a few supplies and equipment.

"Of course," Oda says.

"Have a good day," Gen'emon nods to both of them before swinging the door shut and turning the engine over.

They both wave to him as he turns the truck around.

"Guess we won't be going into town today," Oda says as they watch the beat-up truck become smaller as it travels down that long dirt driveway.

They only have one vehicle, and while they could have technically joined Gen'emon, the truck only has a bench seat, making the space cramped for three people. Not to mention the headache of coordinating their schedules once they made it to town. No, staying on the farm was their best option. Dazai can't say he's that upset about that.

"...or teach you how to drive," Oda continues.

Right, that too.

"That's okay."

Living on a farm that doesn't have cell service or decent wifi doesn't leave you with a whole lot of options to keep entertained. However, as long as he's doing something with his brother, he doesn't care much about what that something is. In the distance, the truck reaches the end of the driveway and turns onto the main road.

"Hmm," Dazai brings his fingers to touch his chin in thought. "What do you usually do on your days off?"

"Usually I write or read. Sometimes I go into town to see friends."

"Friends?"

"Yeah, from university."

"I want to meet them!"

"Well, that'll have to wait until another time."

As much as Dazai does enjoy reading and writing, he's in the mood to do something more involved. If he were still in Yokohama, those things would likely fall under some category of delinquency or self-harm, but neither of those are really in the cards for him right now. He's going to have to get more creative.

"I got it!" He says after a minute, snapping his fingers. "Let's go on an adventure!"

"Uhh.." Oda's eyes search their surroundings. "Where? You haven't had enough of walking around in fields yet?"