You Deserve Better (Osamu Dazai x Reader)

Chapter 38: If I May Shed Away My Burden Now

(Season 2, Episode 12)

I was ordered to stay on standby for the Guild situation, while Osamu was in charge of directing Atsushi during his infiltration of the ship. The other members shared my sentiment, disliking our inability to assist. 

The Moby Dick almost collided with Yokohama, threatening to obliterate the city and kill tens of thousands. Atsushi, aided by Akutagawa, managed to overpower Fitzgerald, yet it was insufficient to avert the disaster. Kyouka, detained and confined in an unmanned helicopter, steered it into the sky whale, triggering an early detonation. Her self-sacrifice secured her a spot as an official member of the Armed Detective Agency.

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to join the President and the brunette in the search for our weretiger.

"This is the outcome we had hoped for, Atsushi," Osamu congratulated.

An older man that I recognized to be Herman Melville stood beside Atsushi and Akutagawa.

The boy sat up and dried his tears. "Dazai? (Y/n)? President?" 

"Kyouka conquered her demons and saved this city from harm," the brunette explained. "She demonstrated the virtues expected by the Agency."

Atsushi spoke with a shaky voice. "But I-I still don't understand, why did she have to die?" 

"I'll admit, the process seems merciless, however, there's a reason all of it had to play out this way," the bandaged man said with a frown.

"My ability is called All Men Are Created Equal," the President revealed. "Its field of range only applies to the members of the Agency."

"His ability allows an individual gifted greater control of their own ability," I recapped. "If you had never joined the Agency, then you wouldn't have any control over your ability."

"Kyouka was able to pass the test and become an official member right before the impact," Osamu smiled. "Do you see what I'm getting at?"

The sound of a chain rattling came from behind us. Turning around, we were met with the sight of Kyouka and Demon Snow.

"Using Demon Snow's blade, I was able to cut the chain and escape. So, I'm back."

The boy with white hair rushed to the girl and embraced her tightly. Realizing he might have hugged her too firmly, he quickly let go and offered repeated apologies.

"Sorry that we kept it a secret from you both, if you had known, then it wouldn't have been a proper entrance exam," I grinned.

"Did you guys' plan this from the beginning?" the boy questioned.

"The enemy's defeated and Kyouka's back safe and sound," the brunette chuckled. "Isn't that all that matters right now?"

"Wait, Dazai!" Akutagawa stepped forward, gazing at Osamu. "What about me? After that final battle, do you think I'm strong?"

"Let's see now." The man taunted the mafioso as he approached. "You did help take out Francis, but you look like you're about to fall over from exhaustion."

"Does that really matter? I still won!"

"You have become strong." The brunette rested her hand on his shoulder just as the Mafia's dog tumbled backward. "Oops."

Seeing Atsushi gazing at the sunset, I decided to accompany him. "It's a nice view, isn't it? Watching the sun go down at the docks is truly an unparalleled experience."

"This is your city, Atsushi. You've saved it." Osamu joined us, his dark locks blowing in the wind. He looks very pretty in this lighting.

Suddenly, his gaze met mine, prompting me to avert my eyes. He simply chuckled and walked away.

***

Less than an hour later, Yosano sent me a text about the party she and the rest of the Agency were planning for Kyouka. I passed the details on to Osamu, but his reaction wasn't what I anticipated.

"Sorry, but we can't go," he frowned. "There's someone that we need to meet up with."

"No, I'm sorry," I argued. "What do you mean "we"?"

"Obviously, you're coming with me." He seized my wrist tightly as I attempted to pull it free. "We're meeting an old friend." My alarmed expression prompted him to release my hand, only to draw me closer to his side by encircling my waist. "Don't worry, it's not Mori."

"That's not what I was worried abo-"

The brunette's hand made its way to my mouth, caressing my bottom lip with his thumb as he leaned his face inches away from mine. "Just trust me."

As per usual, I followed him to an unknown destination.

***

We found ourselves in an art museum. Since when is he into paintings? 

Having navigated a corridor adorned with paintings, we settled onto one of the brown cushions facing an abstract piece. It's literally just splatters of several colors. A toddler could probably replicate it. Hirotsu positioned himself before the artwork, contemplating its details.

"What a weird piece," the older man thought out loud. "I bet I could even paint something like this."

As the older man sat down, Osamu spoke up. "I wanted to thank you for your help, Hirotsu."

"I did practically nothing," he admitted. "I merely leaked the infiltration route to Higuchi."

I can't say I'm surprised.

"Yes, but when she knew it was a sure bet, she'd tell Akutagawa. And once he knew, it's obvious that he'd go on his own to get Atsushi."

"Why did you go through all that trouble to bring Akutagawa and the tiger boy together?" Hirotsu interrogated.

I looked up at the bandaged man. "Yeah, what are you getting at with this?" 

"You could call it insurance. We need to be ready; a real disaster is coming our way and he's already on the move."

"Huh?" 

What could possibly be worse than Fitzgerald almost wiping Yokohama off the map?