The Shade of Blossoms (A Bungou Stray Dogs Fanfiction)

4. Pep Talk

After the encounter with the Port Mafia, Atsushi, Tanizaki, and Naomi were left unconscious overnight in the infirmary, much to Ooka's dismay. She opted to stay with them to help Yosano with anything she needed but Dazai forcefully dragged her back to the Agency dorms.

The next morning she sat at her desk, between Dazai's and Kunikida's, resting her head sullenly on the flat surface. Dazai sat at his desk reading his favorite book. She sighed and turned her head, peeking up at him.

He smiled, "Tired, Shoka-chan?" She silently nodded.

"I assume you were so worried about them that you couldn't sleep last night." He said, setting his book down. She nodded again, used to her partner reading her like an open book. Then again, they had known each other for a long time.

"I told you that it wasn't your fault. You couldn't have known Akutagawa would be there."

"But you were suspicious of that lady, Higuchi. You could have told me and I would've stayed with them."

"So now it's my fault?"

She groaned, ruffling her hair furiously, "No. Uggghhhh, don't guilt me! It's just hard to forget about that whole fiasco! Plus I was supposed to be Sushi-kun's shadow and I left him like that!"

He reached over and fixed her hair, "No one's holding you accountable, Shoka-chan. It's okay." He smiled as she huffed in defeat.

A loud scream, followed by a pleasured "Ah," sounded from the infirmary. However, the two ignored it, knowing the cause was only Yosano's treatment. "It seems Yosano is done with everyone."

Ooka perked up, "If Sushi-kun can forgive me, then I'll forgive myself!" She announced, standing up with hope.

"Hmm, he might be awake. Do you want to check on him?" She nodded frantically and started walking to the infirmary. Dazai followed behind her, "Kunikida-kun should be in there with Atsushi-kun now."

"Oh right. You think that was a good idea?" Ooka said as she opened the infirmary door. She took a step in to see Kunikida slowly raising from his seat, "Ah, Kida-kun. Is Sush- "

"I HAVEN'T LOST MY COOL!" She jumped back from the sudden outburst then freaked out, realizing that Kunikida was hollering at the healing tiger. Dazai simply poked his head in.

Kunikida raised his hands and began jabbing at the air as if attacking someone. Ooka jumped on his back with tears running down her face, yelling, "LEAVE THE INJURED ALONE! YOU CAN'T YELL AT HIM LIKE THAT!" He yelled in surprise, spinning around trying to pry her off. Both detectives reacting frantically at each other. Kunikida hopping around with his arms reaching back to grab her and Ooka holding onto him, jerking his shoulders back and forth violently. Dazai decided not to help, watching them with amusement instead.

Atsushi was deep in thought as Kunikida eventually calmed down. He turned his back to Atsushi, Ooka still latched on, and said, "He'll come for sure. You caused this. The worst-case scenario may come to pass... Think about what you can do."

His remark made Ooka upset and she smacked the back of his head, "You don't just say that, damn brute!"

"Stop hitting me!"

She jumped off his back and scowled at him, "Go! I'll take care of him!" She began shoving Kunikida out the door. He was nearly pushed out but stopped and looked at Atsushi, "By the way, brat... Have you seen my glasses?"

Atsushi and Ooka just looked at him in silence, not knowing how to respond. Kunikida raised an eyebrow, "Well have you seen them?"

Dazai chuckled at his partner from the door, "Kunikida-kun. Your glasses are on your head."

Ooka shook her head, "You're losing your mind, Kida-kun. Now leave." She kicked him out and shut the door. She sighed in relief and turned to Atsushi.

"How are you feeling, Sushi-kun?" She asked, concerned.

He looked at her, "I feel... fine, Ooka-san."

She was at his side in the blink of an eye. "Are you sure!? No aches or pains!? Illness or disease!? Are you physically and mentally fit!?" She quickly fired off questions to make sure he was okay.

He was a bit overwhelmed at her reaction but calmly answered her questions, "I'm okay, Ooka-san. Honest. Though it's nice to see that you care about my well-being."

"Of course I do! I was appointed by the President to take care of you and show you how we work but I left you like an idiot! Then you, Zaki, and Nao got ambushed! That wouldn't have happened if I had stayed with you guys like I was supposed to!" She blurted out.