Fragments of Us - Soukoku Oneshots

35. Silent Guardians ❤️‍🩹

The room was quiet, dimly lit by the fading sunlight that filtered through the blinds, casting long shadows over the two figures on the bed. Dazai lay nestled against Chuuya's chest, his head resting just below Chuuya's collarbone, the bandages on his head fresh and tightly wound. His breaths were shallow but steady, his usual smirk replaced with the peaceful stillness of deep sleep. The only sign of life was the subtle rise and fall of his body as he leaned into the warmth of Chuuya's chest.

Chuuya's arms wrapped protectively around Dazai, one hand gently cradling the back of his head, while the other rested on his waist. He could feel the faint pulse of Dazai's heartbeat against his own chest, a soft but constant reminder that despite everything, Dazai was still alive, still here with him. Chuuya's lips parted in a sigh of relief, but the tension hadn't left his body entirely.

He lowered his head slightly, his lips brushing softly against Dazai's dark, unruly hair, a tender kiss that spoke of unspoken emotions. It wasn't something he'd ever admit to anyone else, not even Dazai when he was awake. But here, in the quiet, where no one could see them, he allowed himself to be gentle.

The cuts and bruises littering Dazai's body were evidence enough of what had happened. Chuuya's blood had boiled when he'd first seen him like this; bruised, battered, helpless. The enemy had done a number on him, no doubt trying to break him in ways both physical and mental. But Dazai, being who he was, would never crack. He'd smile through it all, taunt his captors, maybe even offer to help them with their own torture techniques. But that didn't mean it didn't take a toll.

Now, looking down at him, Chuuya felt that familiar mix of anger and helplessness that always bubbled up when Dazai got himself into situations like this. How many times had he cleaned up after Dazai's reckless behavior? How many times had he watched him throw himself into the line of fire without a second thought?

The thought of losing him, of seeing Dazai disappear under the weight of the chaos that surrounded them, haunted Chuuya more than he'd ever admit. Dazai's self-destructive tendencies, his recklessness, the way he seemed to tempt death at every turn...it terrified Chuuya. He hated how much it terrified him.

"Idiot..." Chuuya muttered, his voice barely audible as his fingers traced soothing circles against Dazai's back. "You're always pushing things too far."

But as much as he wanted to be angry, to berate Dazai for getting himself hurt again, all Chuuya could feel was relief that he was here, resting against him, alive. The sight of Dazai this vulnerable, curled up in Chuuya's arms, nuzzling into his chest like he was seeking comfort, was rare. It tugged at something deep inside him.

His fingers gently carded through Dazai's hair, mindful of the bandages, as he held him close. It felt almost too intimate, too raw, but Chuuya didn't pull away. Instead, he rested his chin on top of Dazai's head, inhaling the familiar scent of his partner. He could feel Dazai's body relax further, sinking into the comfort of Chuuya's embrace. For once, the weight of the world seemed to fall away.

Chuuya couldn't help but let a small, sad smile pull at his lips. They had never been the type to show affection in front of others, not that they could. The Port Mafia was no place for softness, and their hidden relationship had to remain just that, hidden. But moments like these, stolen in the quiet of an empty room, allowed Chuuya to let his guard down, to show Dazai a tenderness that no one else was allowed to see.

"I swear, Dazai..." Chuuya whispered, his lips brushing against Dazai's forehead in a feather-light kiss. "One day, you're going to push me too far."

But even as he said it, Chuuya's arms tightened around Dazai, his hold protective, possessive even. He'd never let anyone else see this side of him. This was just for Dazai, the one person who could break through Chuuya's hardened exterior, even when he drove him mad with his reckless behavior.

"Why do you always have to make things so damn difficult?" Chuuya murmured, his voice softer this time, tinged with a rare vulnerability he'd never show anyone but Dazai. His thumb brushed lightly over the bandages on Dazai's cheek, tracing the edge of the gauze. "You can't keep doing this. One day..."

He didn't finish the sentence. He couldn't. The thought of losing Dazai, of not being there in time to save him, gnawed at the edges of his mind, threatening to spill over into the present.

Chuuya's hand stilled, resting against Dazai's neck, feeling the faint pulse beneath his fingertips. It was a reminder that Dazai was still here, still alive, even if barely.

Dazai's body stirred slightly, his head shifting further against Chuuya's chest, nuzzling into the warmth and comfort that only Chuuya could provide. His lips twitched in the faintest hint of a smile, though he didn't wake. Chuuya felt his heart skip a beat at the gesture, a warmth blooming in his chest that he'd never admit aloud.

For all their teasing, their bickering, and the constant push and pull of their relationship, Chuuya knew that there was no one else he trusted more than Dazai. No one else who understood him on the same level. And in moments like these, when the world outside seemed so far away, Chuuya allowed himself to feel that connection without fear or restraint.

"Just...don't do this again," Chuuya murmured, his voice barely a whisper as he pressed another kiss to Dazai's head, softer this time. "I can't keep saving your ass."

But even as he said the words, he knew they were a lie. No matter how many times Dazai put himself in danger, no matter how many times he flirted with death, Chuuya would always be there, arms open, waiting to catch him.

Chuuya leaned his head back against the wall, closing his eyes for a moment. The weight of Dazai on him was strangely comforting, grounding him in a way he didn't expect. For all the chaos and destruction that Dazai brought into his life, there was something about moments like this, moments where it was just the two of them, away from the prying eyes of the world, that made it all worth it.

They didn't need to say anything. The silence between them wasn't awkward or uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that spoke of a deeper understanding, of a bond forged in blood and battles and years of partnership.

Chuuya opened his eyes, glancing down at Dazai's sleeping form. The bandages were stark against his pale skin, a reminder of the danger that constantly surrounded them. But beneath the bruises and the bandages, beneath the facade of the aloof, self-destructive genius, Chuuya saw something else. Something softer. Something that Dazai would never admit to, but Chuuya knew was there.

"You're not as invincible as you think," Chuuya whispered, his fingers trailing down to brush against Dazai's jaw. "One day, this is going to catch up to you. And when it does, I don't know if I'll be able to pull you out of it."

The admission hung in the air, heavy and thick. It wasn't something Chuuya would ever say out loud, at least not when Dazai was awake. But here, in the quiet of the hospital room, with Dazai asleep on him, it felt safe to let those words slip out.

Dazai's hand twitched, his fingers brushing lightly against Chuuya's side. Chuuya's heart skipped a beat, but Dazai didn't wake. He simply shifted, pressing closer, as if seeking out Chuuya's warmth.

Chuuya sighed, his free hand coming up to gently stroke the back of Dazai's head. He knew that when Dazai woke up, things would go back to normal. There would be teasing and banter, and Dazai would brush off his injuries like they were nothing. But for now, Chuuya allowed himself this moment; this small, stolen moment of peace.

For now, Dazai was here, alive, and that was enough.