Bungo Stray Dogs Oneshots

A Day of Paradoxes (Kunikida x Dazai)

Genre: Fluff

Ship: Kunikida x Dazai

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The sun had just begun its descent, casting long, amber shadows across the streets of Yokohama. Inside the Armed Detective Agency's office, the atmosphere was abuzz with activity. Files were being shuffled, phones were ringing, and the occasional murmur of conversation filled the room. Among the organised chaos sat Kunikida Doppo, his sharp eyes focused intently on his notebook, pen poised and ready.

Kunikida's neat, spiky blond hair was tied back in its usual ponytail, and his glasses sat perfectly on the bridge of his nose. His beige vest was immaculate, his red ribbon tied with precision, as always. Every detail of his appearance reflected his meticulous nature - everything in its place, just as it should be.

Across from him, Dazai Osamu lounged in his chair, the picture of relaxed indifference. His sand-coloured trench coat hung open, the belt left untied, and his narrow dark brown eyes were half-lidded as if he were perpetually on the verge of sleep. Bondages wrapped around his body, peeking out from beneath his sleeves and coat, an ever-present reminder of his mysterious past.

"Dazai," Kunikida began, his voice tinged with the exasperation that only Dazai could provoke. "Have you done any of the work I assigned to you today?"

Dazai's lips curled into a lazy smile, but he didn't bother to look up. "Work? Oh, you mean those files you wanted me to review? I suppose I could get to them... eventually."

Kunikida sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. "You are the most infuriating person I've ever met, Dazai. How do you expect us to maintain the Agency's reputation if you refuse to do your part?"

Dazai finally lifted his gaze, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Kunikida, you worry too much. Everything will work out in the end. Besides, isn't it more fun to let things unfold naturally? Life's full of surprises, after all."

"There's no room for surprises in a well-ordered plan," Kunikida retorted, snapping his notebook shut with a thud. "Chaos leads to mistakes, and mistakes can be deadly."

Dazai chuckled, the sound low and almost melodious. "You and your obsession with your ideas. You know, Kunikida, the world doesn't operate according to your notebook. Sometimes, you just have to let go and trust that things will fall into place."

Kunikida glared at him, his grip on the notebook tightening. "That's where you're wrong, Dazai. The world is full of uncertainties, which is why we must be prepared for every possible outcome. I refuse to let the Agency fall into disarray because of your laissez - faire attitude."

Dazai raised an eyebrow, his smile never wavering. "And yet, you still keep me around. Maybe, deep down, you realise that my unpredictability has its uses."

Kunikida opened his mouth to argue, but the words caught in his throat. As much as he hated to admit it, there was some truth to Dazai's words. Despite his apparent laziness and constant scheming, Dazai had an uncanny ability to turn the tide in their favour, often when it seemed least likely. It was a paradox Kunikida couldn't reconcile - how could someone so chaotic be so indispensable?

"Just because you're useful doesn't mean I approve of your method," Kunikida said at last, his tone begrudging.

Dazai's grin widened. "Ah, but you see, Kunikida, that's exactly why we make such a good team. You're the order to my chaos, the logic to my madness. Together, we create balance."

Kunikdia huffed, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward in spite of himself. "Balance or not, I still expect you to do your share of the work. I won't let you off the hook so easily."

Of course, of course," Dazai replied with mock seriousness. "I wouldn't dream of shirking my duties. But tell me, Kunikida, do you really think you can plan for every possible outcome? What if something unexpected happens - something your precious notebook didn't account for?"

Kunikida hesitated, glancing down at the notebook in his hands. It was true that he prided himself on being prepared for any situation, but Dazai's question struck a chord. There were always variables he couldn't control, elements of unpredictability that defied even his most meticulous planning, Dazai himself being one of them.

Dazai seemed to sense the shift in Kunikida's demeanour, and his voice softened, losing its teasing edge. "You know, Kunikida, sometimes the unexpected can lead to the best outcomes. It's not always about having a plan - it's about being able to adapt when things don't go as planned."

Kunikida looked up, meeting Dazai's gaze. For a moment, the usual playful glint in Dazai's eyes was replaced by something deeper, something almost wise. It was a rare glimpse into the mind of the man who had once been a feared Mafia executive, a man whose intelligence and cunning were second to none. Kunikida was honestly still appalled by the discovery of where Dazai used to work before joining the ADA.

"You may be right," Kunikida admitted, the words tasting foreign on his tongue. "But that doesn't mean I'll stop trying to plan for every eventuality."

Dazai smiled again, but this time it was softer, more genuine. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you."

The moment passed, and the usual banter between them resumed, but something had shifted. It was a subtle change, an understanding that, despite their differences, they each brought something valuable to the table. Dazai's unpredictability complemented Kunikida's order, just as Kunikida's structure anchored Dazai's chaos.

As the day wore on, the office gradually emptied, until it was just the two of them left. Kunikida, ever the diligent worker, was engrossed in his paperwork, while Dazai lounged nearby, a book in hand, his 'Guide to Suicide' book. The silence between them was comfortable.

Finally, as the last rays of sunlight faded from the sky, Kunikida set down his pet and stretched, feeling the strain of a long day's work. He glanced over at Dazai, who was still absorbed in his book, and a thought crossed his mine - one that was as unexpected as it was unwelcome.

"Dazai," he began, his voice hesitant. "Do you ever think about... what comes next? After all this?"

Dazai looked up, his expression unreadable. "After all what?"

Kunikida shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to put his thoughts into words. "I mean... do you ever wonder what we'll do when there are no more cases to solve? No more battles to fight?"

Dazai's gaze softened, and he looked almost wistful for a moment. "I think about it sometimes," he admitted quietly. "But I don't dwell on it. The future is unpredictable, Kunikida. It's one of those things you can't plan for, no matter how hard you try."

Kunikida nodded slowly, his thoughts heavy. It wasn't like him to ponder such uncertainties, but Dazai had a way of making him question things he normally wouldn't. Perhaps that was part of Dazai's paradoxical charm - his ability to make even the most steadfast people see the world in a different light.

"Well," Kunikida said firmly, his voice firm with resolve. "Whatever the future holds, we'll face it together. As long as we're in the Agency, we'll continue to protect the people of this city.

Dazai's smile returned, warm and genuine. "That's the spirit, Kunikida. We'll take on whatever comes our way - together."

And at that moment, as the city lights flickered on outside, Kunikida realised that perhaps there was more to life than meticulously planned ideals and rigid schedules. Perhaps there was room for a little unpredictability - a little chaos - in his orderly world. And with Dazai by his side, maybe that wasn't such a bad thing after all.

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THE END