[OLD] Human or Not, They All Bleed the Same. || VNC x Dazai!Reader

[04 - A Fateful Encounter]

Years have passed. You're 16 now, for the second time.

As you walk through the woods of the human realm— you were finally given permission to do so after gaining trust through your years with Ruthven, who you've grown to hate— you spot a small, pink haired girl and what seemed to be a smaller version of them sitting next to them, making flower crowns together.

A... human?

You can't remember the last time you saw a human.

You want to approach the two, but...

You were scared.

Humans, strange creatures.

You were still scarred by your past.

The thought of being human was terrifying.

Though with enough courage, you approach them, albeit carefully.

The older one notices first, quickly turning her head in the direction of you.

"Hello." You greet them, bowing your head.

The only response you got was a confused, estranged stare.

No. No, no. Stop staring at me like that.

I hate it.

Stop it.

Stop.

Stop.

Stop.

A lump forms in your throat, anxiety taking hold of your vocal chords and keeping them in its vice grip.

"Um..." You try to speak, but you can barely form anything coherent.

As if to save you from your perpetrator, the younger one speaks up.

"Who are you?" The kind voice rang out, breaking the silence, and the hold on your own voice as well.

"I'm... Yōzō(1)." A simple alias that will not harm anyone, correct?

"Yōzō, what a strange name." The older one blurts out, then immediately blushes and apologizes for their imprudence.

Such strange, seemingly out-of-nowhere acts make you smile, you don't know why.

Perhaps because you find it cute,

Or perhaps out of bitterness, for you know to err is to be human, so you don't.

You move a little closer, sitting in the field with the two and assist them in making their little flower crowns.

Minutes pass until you muster the courage to make some small talk.

"So... your names?" You inquire.

"I'm Astolfo." The older one smiles and introduces themselves.

"I'm..."

•••

After an hour or so, you check your watch (that of which was gifted to you by Ruthven so you can come back on time.). It was time to leave.

You frown and stand up.

"It's time I leave now, take care and stay safe for me, will you?" You smile and wave goodbye, wanting to rush this as much as you can. Goodbyes were never something you liked.

-

(1) Oba Yōzō is the main character of Ningen Shikkaku (人間失格)/No Longer Human by Dazai Osamu (1909-1948). The book deals with the idea of alienation- or not being able to "feel human".

A/n

Hey :> soooo, double update! How fun!

I had fun writing this chapter, and I hope you enjoyed reading it!

Iliad memes have taken over my Pinterest feed (send help)

11.20.23