Something To Live For

Chapter One.

The dimly lit bar was quiet, two regulars sit chatting away together at the front of the bar, their voices quiet against the soft music playing in the background.

"You're very interesting Odasaku, I could listen to you talk for hours I think." Dazai smiles to himself raising the glass to his lips taking a deep gulp, the liquid burning as it sloshed down his throat.

"Oh? I'm interesting? For certain you're the strangest person I've ever met." Oda replies thoughtfully his eyes watching the man carefully.

"Strange, me? I think perhaps you might be the strange one, Odasaku." His eyes flickered dark yet calm, it was slightly unnerving.

Oda half halfheartedly shrugged, his eyes closing as he takes a sip of his drink before placing it back on the bar top, the ice clinking in the glass as the liquid swirled.

"Ango is late, don't you think?"

Oda's words shocked Dazai, the man sat there blinking for a moment before answering.

"Ango's not coming, not tonight, or any future nights for that matter." His brow furrowed low as his words turned cold, an icy atmosphere filling the small bar an unwanted feeling Oda wanted to eradicate immediately.

"Then let's not dwell on the past." He raises his glass as he turns to Dazai, his eye brow raising mouth trying hard at a smile.

"A toast to what?" He raises his glass to Oda's, his eyes repeating the question.

"To good friends?"

Dazai smiles softly.

"Yes. That will do nicely. To good friends."

Both men finish their drinks in silence the tone of the night somewhat tarnished at the mention of their former friend, threatening to leave a bitter taste in their mouths.

Oda stood suddenly, grabbing his coat swaying on his feet, he knew that extra drink would be troublesome, his head was swimming.

"As always, it was a pleasure." Turning to leave Dazai grabs his wrist, his delicate fingers curling around the mans skin.

"The night is still young, Odasaku. Will you not stay a little longer, for old times sake?"

Oda looks down at his wrist, the man's soft fingers wrapped around him, his eyes travel slowly back to his face.

"Do you think it wise? We've both had quite a lot to drink, don't you think it would be best to head back and sleep it off?"

Dazai contemplates his words, closing his eyes his grip tightened slightly on the man.

"No. I think we should stay out, there is still more drinking to be done. Wouldn't you think?"

Shrugging his shoulders again he sits himself back down with a slight tired groan watching as Dazai's hand retreats back to his empty glass.

"I need another drink." He whines out whilst looking for the bar staff, his head turning from left to right sending his mind dizzy.

Pouting he looks over at Oda.

"Well I guess no more drinking tonight aye, Odasaku. Perhaps I could find a nice easy bridge to walk off of." He closes his eyes a soft smile on his lips as his simple drunk mind wanders off thinking up new and fascinating ways to die.

Oda watches him for a moment before resting his foot on Dazai's stool turning it slowly until the man was facing him, a puzzled look on his face as he watches Dazai open his eyes that smile still on those soft looking lips.

Oda doesn't know why, but he can't stop himself from leaning forward his hands gripping Dazai's stool either side of him to stop himself toppling over, their faces close eyes locking.