It was a rare lazy Sunday afternoon and Dazai showed up unexpectedly at Chuuya's apartment. "Dazai! What are you doing here?" Chuuya frowned, though didn't seem surprised.
"What, I can't visit my dear old partner?" Dazai invited himself in, making himself at home on the couch.
Chuuya sighed loudly but didn't kick him out. He tossed Dazai a can of beer and they settled into a comfortable silence.
After a few drinks, Dazai got up and browsed Chuuya's book collection. "Oh? You kept this from our Port Mafia days?" He held up a worn copy of No Longer Human, a book Dazai had gifted him.
"So what if I did?" Chuuya huffed, looking away. Dazai just chuckled, touched that Chuuya had kept it all these years.
Dazai then noticed Chuuya shivering slightly. Wordlessly, he grabbed a blanket and draped it around Chuuya's shoulders before sitting back down. Chuuya blinked in surprise but soon relaxed into its warmth.
They spent the rest of the afternoon like that - two former partners at ease in a rare moment of peace.
As the evening went on, Dazai ordered takeout for them to eat. Chuuya turned on the TV and they bickered lightheartedly over what to watch.
Chuuya eventually dozed off on the couch, exhausted from using his ability earlier that day. Dazai glanced over and felt a surge of affection seeing Chuuya so relaxed and unguarded around him.
Unable to resist, Dazai ran his hand lightly through Chuuya's red locks. Chuuya stirred, blinking up at Dazai sleepily. "What're you doing..." he mumbled without any real irritation.
"Shh, just rest," Dazai said, voice gentle. Chuuya was too tired to argue and soon drifted off again. Dazai continued idly carding his fingers through Chuuya's hair, a small smile on his face.
It was rare to have such a peaceful moment between them. Dazai knew it wouldn't last - tomorrow they'd be bickering again. But right now, taking care of his partner like old times...it felt nice.
Dazai ended up falling asleep too, arm draped loosely around Chuuya. For one night, everything was simple between them again.The next morning, Chuuya woke up slowly, feeling well-rested. It took him a minute to realize he was curled up against Dazai on the couch. Chuuya's first instinct was to shove him away in embarrassment. But Dazai just looked so content sleeping there peacefully.
Sighing, Chuuya carefully extricated himself from Dazai's hold without waking him. He tucked the blanket more securely around Dazai before heading to the kitchen to make coffee.
When Dazai finally wandered in, Chuuya wordlessly handed him a cup of coffee just the way he liked it. "Thanks," Dazai murmured, still not fully awake.
They drank their coffee in easy silence. The domestic atmosphere reminded them both of long ago days as Port Mafia partners.
"Breakfast?" Chuuya eventually suggested.
"Sure, what are you making me?" Dazai grinned cheekily.
"Who said I'm making you anything, bastard?" Chuuya scoffed without any real heat. Still, he started preparing a simple breakfast for two.
They spent a slow morning eating, bickering lightheartedly, and enjoying the casual intimacy. For this one weekend, they indulged in the nostalgia and warmth between them. Come Monday, things would go back to their usual rivalry and clashes. But for now, they had this.
After their relaxed morning together, Dazai realized he should probably head back to the Armed Detective Agency soon. As much as he was enjoying spending time with Chuuya, he didn't want to arouse suspicion by being away too long.
"Well, I should get going," Dazai said somewhat reluctantly as he finished his second cup of coffee.
Chuuya nodded, trying not to show his slight disappointment. "Yeah, I'm sure you have work to do."
They both stood up a bit awkwardly. Despite not wanting their time together to end, they knew the real world awaited.
"But...this was nice," Dazai admitted with a small smile. "We should do it again sometime."
Chuuya looked surprised but then returned the smile softly. "Yeah...I'd like that."
On impulse, Chuuya stepped forward and pulled Dazai into a light hug. Dazai tensed briefly before relaxing into the embrace.
They stayed like that for a long moment, cherishing the closeness. No other words were needed.
Finally they pulled apart. Dazai gave one last gentle look back before heading out the door. Chuuya watched him go, already feeling the absence but also carrying the warm memories.
Monday came, and their usual antics resumed. But now there was an unspoken understanding and affection lingering beneath the surface. A new closeness neither expected but both welcomed.
Over the next few weeks, Dazai found excuses to drop by Chuuya's apartment more often. Chuuya pretended to be annoyed, but they both knew he looked forward to these visits.
They'd share a meal, have drinks, and talk late into the night. Sometimes they reminisced about the old days. Other times they simply enjoyed each other's company in the present.
During one such visit, Chuuya dozed off on the couch again. Dazai smiled softly as he draped a blanket over him. Chuuya looked so peaceful. Unable to resist, Dazai bent down and placed a feather-light kiss on his forehead.
Chuuya's eyes fluttered open. Dazai froze, wondering if he'd crossed a line. But Chuuya just gazed up at him for a moment before pulling him down into a slow, sweet kiss.
When they finally broke apart, both were blushing faintly. "Took you long enough, idiot," Chuuya murmured, although his expression was fond.
Dazai chuckled, lacing their fingers together. "Guess I'm your idiot now."
They still bickered as always, but the kisses and casual touches were new. And very nice. Their bonds of loyalty and care now blossomed into something more tender.
No matter what the future held, they'd face it together - partners in every sense of the word.
A few more weeks passed, and Dazai and Chuuya's relationship continued to deepen. Though they still bantered and got on each other's nerves at times, there was an undeniable affection between them now.
One night, as they were cooking dinner together in Chuuya's kitchen, Chuuya "accidentally" flicked some pasta sauce at Dazai. Dazai retaliated by playfully dabbing Chuuya's nose with more sauce.
Laughing, Chuuya tried to wipe it off, but Dazai stopped him. "Here, let me," he murmured, tenderly kissing the sauce off Chuuya's nose.
Chuuya blushed but looked pleased. He looped his arms around Dazai's neck and drew him in for a proper kiss. It quickly grew heated, the forgotten dinner simmering on the stove.
Eventually they made it to the bedroom, leaving a trail of clothes behind. Dazai took his time exploring and caressing every inch of Chuuya's skin, wanting to savor this new intimacy.
"I love you, Chuuya," he whispered afterwards, as they lay entangled in each other's arms.
Chuuya's eyes widened in surprise before softening. "Love you too," he admitted, snuggling closer.
Dazai smiled, knowing those words didn't come easily to his partner. He placed a kiss on Chuuya's forehead as they drifted off to sleep, perfectly content.
That evening, Dazai took Chuuya out to a nice restaurant downtown. They laughed and chatted over wine and good food, simply enjoying each other's company. Under the table, Dazai slipped his hand into Chuuya's, intertwining their fingers.
After dinner, they took a stroll along the riverwalk, shoulders brushing. The city lights glimmered on the water. Overcome with emotion, Dazai suddenly stopped and pulled Chuuya into a kiss beneath the stars.
"What was that for?" Chuuya asked with a delighted grin when they finally parted.
"Just feeling sentimental," Dazai said, tucking a lock of hair behind Chuuya's ear. "Who knew we'd end up here after everything."
Chuuya's expression softened. "Yeah...I'm glad we did though."
Arm in arm, they continued their romantic walk under the moonlight. Eventually, Dazai noticed Chuuya shivering slightly in the night breeze. Wordlessly, he removed his coat and draped it around Chuuya's shoulders.
"Such a gentleman," Chuuya teased, but snuggled gratefully into the warmth as Dazai's arm encircled him once more.
That night at home, they fell into bed together, reaffirming their love and commitment. And they both knew, no matter the struggles ahead, they would face it together. Partners forever.
