A "Father" in an Unclean World

Chapter 4 - Worth

"P-Port Ma-Mafia..." Atsushi stuttered. Mori had just invited him to work in the mafia! A criminal organisation! 

"Is there something wrong shōnen?" Mori asked. He looked calm given the situation, as if it was all planned out from the start. Like he knew something Atsushi did not, and that scared him.

"Well... Uh..." Atsushi began to stammer. He had been at a loss for words. "It's just... It's not everyday you get invited to work for a criminal organisation..." He looked down, unable to look Mori in the eyes.

Mori blinked twice, then chuckled. "Surely you wouldn't want to turn down the opportunity to have somewhere to sleep, to eat and be sheltered from the outside world. Now would you?" 

Atsushi felt like Mori was digging deep into his mentality. He knew exactly what he needed, and he was using that to his advantage. All to get Atsushi to work for him.

"Once you start working here, it's really not that bad. We are all like one big family here. Surely you wanted one? To be able to belong somewhere?" Mori added, breaking Atsushi's thoughts.

Atsushi listened to Mori's words. He was right, he wanted to belong somewhere. 'But at what cost?' He clenched his fist, dropping his head low.

Mori then sighed, seeing as his words did not make Atsushi choose his mind immediately. He walked up to the boy and placed his left hand on Atsushi's shoulder. Atsushi looked up at the sudden touch from Mori's hand.

"I guess I should get straight to the point then. You may not realise, but you are a gifted young man with a promising future ahead. I will not lie, I simply wish to utilise your ability. However, I can promise one thing, you will be safe and happy here." 

'Is what Mori is saying, right? Does he really promise me this? Am I really that important?' Atsushi closed his eyes, not wanting to cry in the presence of Mori.

Atsushi opened his eyes again to look up at Mori, and stared deep into Mori's eyes, attempting to read his thoughts.

Mori's eyes gazed at Atsushi, as if he were looking into his essence again. However, this time it was comforting, a reassurance. Mori looked like he really did care, which only made Atsushi feel awful.

'He really does see such worth in me!' Atsushi shut his eyes again, unable to look Mori in the eyes any longer. Taken back, Atsushi backed away a few steps, clenching his fists tightly while looking down at the ground.

Atsushi's next course of action shocked Mori, as neither really expected it to happen. Atsushi quickly extended his arms out wide, darting towards Mori, and embraced Mori in a huge hug. The force was a bit much, as it almost pushed Mori down on the ground.

Mori looked down at the boy, who was now weeping while hugging him. Mori then returned the favour, embracing Atsushi in a warm hug. He was free to vent out his emotions. It didn't bother Mori. 

Elise decided she wanted in on the hug and ran up to the two. She wrapped her arms around Atsushi from behind, of course, as best as she could with her small arms. She giggled warmly, creating some comfort for Atsushi.

———

After about a good 10 minutes of crying or so, Atsushi finally began to calm down. He lowered his arms and Elise backed away, so that Atsushi could also do the same. Once he did he looked up at Mori, and simply said, "I'm sorry sir..."

"It really is no problem shōnen. Best to vent now." Mori replied, smiling slightly. It did not seem forced, but genuine and warm.

"However, I do wish to have an answer from you. Will you join the Port Mafia or not?" The man asked, kneeling down slightly to get on Atsushi's eye level. 

A moment of silence occurred before Atsushi simply nodded his head. He wanted to belong somewhere, and have a place that would protect him. Especially from the creature that pursued him endlessly.  

Mori stood up straight, smiling, and nodded. "Alright then Atsushi follow me. I shall get a room prepared for you." 

Atsushi stood up straighter and followed Mori into the tall looming building, Elise tailing behind him. 

"I'm sure you will love it Sushi-chan!" She joyfully stated. 

Small Author's note: 

Just wanted my readers to know, I am attempting to keep Mori as cannon as possible. He is a smart character, who I believe would know exactly what Atsushi's problem would be the moment he saw him, like Dazai had known. However, this fanfiction will also create a warmer, more caring Mori. Bungou Stray Dogs Beast is the main motivator for this idea. 

Regardless, I hope the story has been enjoyable so far, and the length of the chapters is bearable (Pretty short in my opinion...)