Bungo Stray Dogs Oneshots

Balancing Each Other Out (Kunikida x Chuuya)

Ship: Kunikida x Chuuya

Genre: Fluff

_______________________________________________________________________________

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over Yokohama's skyline. Chuuya Nakahara walked with his usual swagger, his black hat tipped forward as he kept his gaze ahead, but every so often, he'd glance to his side, where Kunikida Doppo walked in silence. They had been on this mission together for days now, chasing down leads, and navigating dangerous territory, yet somehow, the silence between them had never felt heavy.

Kunikida adjusted his glasses, his green-grey eyes flicking over his notebook, always planning ahead, always organising. He was meticulous and diligent, but Chuuya couldn't help but notice the subtle creases of exhaustion in his expression.

"Still thinking about the case, huh?" Chuuya asked, his tone teasing. "You really need to learn to loosen up sometimes, Kunikida. You'll burn out at this rate."

Kunikida sighed but didn't break the stride. "I'll loosen up when the job's done. We can't afford to make mistakes."

Chuuya chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. "You're no fun."

They reached a quiet spot along the river, the soft sound of water lapping against the share providing a rare moment of peace in their chaotic lives. Kunikida finally stopped, closing his notebook with a decisive snap. He turned to face Chuuya, the seriousness in his eyes softened slightly as the golden light reflected off his glasses.

"You're reckless, Nakahara. Always throwing yourself into danger without thinking."

"Yeah, and you're always overthinking everything," Chuuya countered with a smirk. "We balance each other out, don't we?"

Kunikida looked at him for a moment, the edges of his usual sternness softening, but not completely fading. "Maybe you're right," he admitted, his voice quieter than usual. "I guess... in some ways, we do."

Chuuya tilted his head, the grin on his face widening as he stepped closer. "Was that a compliment? Did I just hear Kunikida Doppo give me credit?"

Kunikida rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Don't let it go to your head, Nakahara."

Chuuya's eyes sparkled mischievously, but beneath the playful taunts, there was something else - a warmth that had been growing between them, unspoken yet undeniable. They were partners in their work, yes, but in moments like this, away from the battles and the constant danger, they found a strange, delicate connection. One that neither of them fully understood, but neither of them wanted to break.

Chuuya's gaze softened as he leaned against the railing of the riverbank, the wind tousling his orange hair. "You know," he started, his voice quite now, "I don't mind having you around. You keep me grounded... literally."

Kunikida glanced at him, surprised by the rare vulnerability in Chuuya's tone. He wasn't used to seeing this side of him - the man who was all bravado and combat skills, now speaking with a softness that made his heart skip.

"I could say the same about you," Kunikida replied, his voice equally gentle. "You remind me that not everything has to be perfectly controlled. Sometimes, it's okay to... let go a little."

For a moment, they stood there, the air between them charged with an unspoken tension. Then, almost instinctively, Kunikida reached out, his brushing against Chuuya's. It was a simple gesture, but the warmth that radiated from it spoke volumes.

Chuuya looked up, a small, genuine smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Maybe you're not so bad after all, Kunikida."

"And maybe," Kunikida murmured, his eyes softening as he held Chuuya's gaze, "neither are you."

In that quiet moment, amidst the chaos of their lives, they allowed themselves to exist - together, in a fragile, unspoken understanding.

_______________________________________________________________________________

THE END