Bungou Stray Dogs ~ One-shots

[Tachihara xR] Everything for your smile

A/N: Reader's name is Misaki in this chapter! :)
Also, there will be no spoilers for Tachihara and his past, just knowing who he is is enough to read. Please do not reveal anything, in the comments, that will potentialy spoil BSD for others! <3

And I am sorry in advance if there is a few mistakes in this OS, I am currently hospitalized and it is therefore a bit difficult for me to correct everything without any problem... Do not hesitate to tell me if I made mistakes!
  
    
   
   
  
"Honestly, I don't understand how this is even possible. No matter how hard I try, there's no way I can do what you do."

Misaki, rolling over onto her back, stared at the ceiling without really seeing it, an annoyed pout on her lips. She was currently in her room, on her bed, playing video games with one of her closest friends, Tachihara.

The latter, sitting on the carpet on the floor with his back against the bed, a controller in his hands, let out a nervous laugh. In the middle of a frenzied game of one-on-one combat, Misaki had suddenly decided to question her whole life.

To tell the truth, it was more or less the first time he had heard her confess her weaknesses in this way. The young woman was used to being sure of herself and her strength, even if she did not have an ability. Perhaps being the niece of the leader of the Black Lizards had a lot to do with her self-confidence, it was quite possible.

She could be, for that matter. Tachihara had trained with her many times, and each time he had been amazed by Misaki's power. It made him wonder how she had not moved up the ranks, instead of just being a fighter in their special armed unit.

At least, that is what they told themselves within the ranks of their organization. He suspected the reason: it was simply her uncle, Hirotsu, who blocked his niece's promotion on his own initiative, in order to protect her. In this way, she was much less exposed to danger, without anyone really noticing; the middle-aged man had managed to conceal it perfectly from the eyes of everyone except Tachihara.

He was observant, and he was getting to know his colleagues well.

As a result, Misaki was now questioning her abilities, even though she had all the qualities required of any self-respecting unit leader. And, deep down, this pained him enormously. But, of course, he could not tell her, because it was not his place to do so.

On top of that, he was not a hundred percent sure of what he was thinking. If Hirotsu ever found out, he would not give up on him.

"Don't be so defeatist," he replied, choosing his character on the TV screen as Misaki did the same. "I'm sure it's only a matter of time. I always train with you, so I know what I'm talking about."

It was not really a lie, what he had just said. It was obvious that, once Hirotsu came to terms with the fact that he could not continue to block his niece's ascent indefinitely, Misaki would be promoted. 

He heard the young woman laugh lightly, albeit with a palpable hint of sadness. He spent a lot of time with her, so he knew how to read her every move. And so did she.

"I don't know, I just don't understand... You and Gin don't have any abilities either, and yet you're so high up in the hierarchy... I'm starting to think there's something wrong with me."

She spoke in a light voice, obviously detached from what she was saying, as if these words were natural and of no consequence to her. But no, far from it. She was frustrated by this injustice, and Tachihara knew it.

He remained silent for a moment, lost in thought, as the characters on the screen fought with all their might, resulting of course in a crushing victory for Misaki. Whether in video games or in real life, she was always able to emerge victorious from the most delicate situations.

Putting his controller down on the carpet in front of him, the redhead turned to face Misaki, lying on the bed just behind him, and came face to face with her, taking her by surprise.

"Wah...! Don't turn around like that, you scared the hell out of me!"

But, despite the smile she forced herself to put on, now that someone was watching her, he could see in her eyes just how hurt she was. If only she knew that it was her own uncle, most likely, who was responsible for all this, how would she react?

Bad, was the first response that came to mind. She was not the type to let herself be walked over, even by her own family. Nor was she one to let her sadness get the better of her.

He was sure that, as soon as they left this room, Misaki would be back to normal, as strong as ever. In a way, he was the only one who could witness her moments of weakness, even if they were extremely rare. Especially when these moments concerned her skills, which in principle left no doubt in any mind.

Especially enemies, of course.

Tachihara, with a serious look, plunged his eyes into Misaki's, to make her understand that he was completely sincere.

"I can assure you that you're much stronger than Gin and I put together. I don't understand why you haven't yet been recognized for your true worth, but you can count on me to support you no matter what. If you like, I'll even try to talk to our superiors, if that would help."

The young woman remained speechless for a moment, staring at him with wide eyes, surprised to see him looking so serious. Then, the next moment, a big smile gently stretched her lips, as she put her arms around his neck, still lying on her bed, and Tachihara still sitting on the floor.

She was therefore at exactly the right height to embrace him in this way.

"Thank you, Tachihara."

Displays of affection were not exactly Misaki's forte, that was for sure. That is why, at the moment, the young man lost all his nerve, turning as red as a crayfish in just a few seconds, with his friend's face resting on his shoulder.

"You're welcome," was all he managed to stammer out, much to his chagrin.

The young woman moved back after a few more seconds, picking up the previously dropped controller, and returned her gaze to the TV screen, a determined look now on her face, donning that strong, assertive expression that was entirely characteristic of her.

She was back to normal, if he dared say so. And that was all he had ever wanted.

The next fight began, and the good mood returned to the room, as exclamations and laughter erupted once again, with of course cries of frustration from Tachihara, who was being beaten again and again, as usual.

But he had made up his mind. As soon as he could, he would talk to Hirotsu. He owed Misaki that much, especially after the thanks and hug she had given him.

This memory only served to bring the blush back to his cheeks, as his finger missed the button, thus cancelling the parry he was about to make, and which he would have badly needed to deflect Misaki's special move.

The result, once again, was victory for the young woman.

But her happiness was worth all the defeats in the world, wasn't it?