Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The day started off like any other day for Poe. Wake up late, feed Karl, make some coffee, and begin to work on his mystery novel that will stump Ranpo once and for all!

While yes, he’s been.. defeated more than he’d ever like to admit, and spends his days writing constantly, and.. neglecting his health and needs…

ah

Now that he mentions it, maybe he should take a break? Yes, yes! That’s what he needs! A break! But to where? He should ask Louisa, she always has the best suggestions!
Surely Ranpo would understand that he needs a breather from all this stress, right?

He sighs, “Oh Karl, what should I do? I can’t stop writing. What if he leaves me when I tell him I’m taking a break? Will it disappoint him? Surely it would. But.. I feel so.. burnt out. Tired.” He sighs once again.

“Ahh never mind that, I need to finish this novel! This is much more important than a dumb break, that’ll only be a waste of time”. The raven haired let out a yelp as he felt a sharp pain on his arm, “Ouch-! Karl!”

Said little critter then started chittering as if replying while moving his small hands around like a madman. All Poe could do was sit and listen as he let his furry friend ramble.

Somehow he understood and was shocked, “Oh! I’m sorry for worrying you these past weeks, Karl! It wasn’t at all my intention. If it’ll make you feel better, we’ll go on a small vacation, for you” Poe smiled at his small companion.

Happy with his answer, Karl chirped in satisfaction.

“Do you have a place in mind?” The tall man asked partially joking. I mean, how would Karl know any other places besides where they’ve gone? At the question Karl soon ran out the room and came back with a piece of paper, jumping around as if he’s been waiting for this exact moment his whole life. As surprised as Poe was he chuckled at Karl’s excitement.

Karl sure was full of surprises.

“Alright, alright, I guess I won’t ask Louisa for suggestions. Let me see the paper” the raccoon handed the paper to his owner.

“Greece?”

“Kyuu~” his friend replied.

He chuckled, “Aright then, let’s pack up after I get us a private jet”

Karl chittered as he continued to jump around celebrating his accomplishment.

‘So cute!’ Poe thought as he felt his heart clench.

If he was being honest, Karl was the reason he was breathing and living. He’s been there through thick and thin, seen the best and worst of him, and still decided to stay no matter how many times Poe has given him a choice to leave.

The raccoon always comforted him when he would have a mental breakdown, and brought him back to reality when he would get panic attacks. He even reminds him to eat and get out of the house from time to time!

Karl truly was the best companion anyone could ever have.

He didn’t deserve such a friend.

He meant the world to Poe, so it’s no wonder he agreed to go on vacation. For Karl he would do anything and give him everything he desired.

Yes, Karl was indeed a very spoiled raccoon.

______________________

“Alright, everything’s set! Are you ready, Karl? We should leave right now if we don’t want to be late”

Karl chirped in reply and stood up to grab some snacks from Poe’s hand.

The pale man stood there to admire the small critter as he ate the treats. He was carrying a little peppermint backpack that had his toys, treats, and (Karl) necessities. He also wore a small tie he once saw at a store on the front pedestals. Karl ended up dragging poe by his pants to the store and happily wore it once his owner bought it.

If it were possible, Poe would be having a heart attack at the scene in front of him.

He then realized something.

“My phone! I also need to call Ranpo to inform him I won’t be in Japan for a while. Wait right here, Karl”

He let out a small gasp once he got to his room where his phone was supposed to be charging.

It was on the floor! Broken!

“W-.. What happened?! How?!” he exclaimed in shock.

How’d that even happen? He clearly remembers safely setting it on the center of his nightstand. How could it have fallen?

Unless..

“Karl?”

Poe called for his friend. Soon hearing little paws running to his room.

“Karl, did you do this? Did you break my phone?”

The masked suspect could only watch with wide eyes at being found out.

Poe sighed at the raccoon’s reaction, “Oh Karl.. why? I guess it doesn’t matter anyways, I’ll buy another one. Don’t worry. Plus, I don’t think Ranpo would even bat an eye at my absence. He would question yours though.”

The raccoon then bit the raven haired man and started chittering.

“You’re right! We’re gonna be late, I’ll clean up when we come back! We need to go, c’mon, Karl!” The tall man ran out the door while grabbing his luggage and bags with Karl running behind him. He made sure to lock the door and then sprinted to their destination.

______________________

“Agh I-I’m tire- d.. so mu-.. so much running.. hold.. on”

Poe was beyond out of breath once they got there. He felt light-headed and his vision was hazy.

Is this what exercise feels like? If so then he hates it.

Karl on the other hand was fine. Half way through their little running marathon, he climbed up the man and basically hitched a ride. So the poor man had to not only carry their luggages, but Karl too. He was terribly exhausted, especially since he’s never really done any exercise besides walking before.

‘What a pain’

As he started breathing normally again he greeted the pilot who explained some things along with some rules, then thanked him, and finally got on. It was quite welcoming and comfortable. “Its got a nice atmosphere, don’t you think?” Karl chittered in agreement. ‘Well, he certainly seems to like it’ he thought. Even with all the choices to sit, he decided to lay on Poe’s lap.

‘Ahh! The exercise was worth it!’ he internally cried.

Soon after they settled down, they took off.

As Poe stared at the clouds in the sky through the window beside him, he started to doze off. Karl on the other hand was already asleep, purring.

Hopefully all goes well.

“Sleep well, Karl”

Chapter Text

“Missing your cute little boyfriend?”

The short man scoffed at the question, “boyfriend? You mean Poe? He’s not my boyfriend”.

Dazai let out a choked, “He’s not??”. Now that caught him of guard. They aren’t dating?! He thought they were! Was he dreaming? There’s no way..

“Nope, why’d ya think we were together anyways?” Ranpo asked the brunette while fishing for a bag of gummies inside his candy stash. “Well you two seem like it, even act like it too! Plus, you were flirting with him last time he came! All touchy and stuff!” The taller man exclaimed while waving his hands around as if that would help prove his point.

“Well I consider him a friend, of course I’d do that. Don’t friends hug and compliment each other or whatever? You do it all the time”

All Dazai did was stand there with a deadpanned expression.

And then..

“Oh Ranpooo~ I’m hurt! Do you not consider me your friend? Or anyone in the agency? Just Poe? How cruel! I may die of a broken heart at this point!” The suicidal maniac dramatically fell to the floor with a hand on his chest and the other on top of his head.

The detective groaned, “I do consider everyone here and you a friend, but Poe’s-well.. he-“

“He’s someone you like romantically instead of platonically, no?” Dazai smirked while striking a pose.

“I’m hoping you do die of a broken heart”

“I wish I could, Unfortunately, I’m still here as you can see” He chuckled, “but I’m not wrong, am I?”.

Ranpo sighed.

“No, not at all. I know he feels the same way too, but he’s so darn oblivious he thinks it’s the power or rivalry! RIVALRY.” Hands shook Dazai’s shoulders, violently shaking him.

“Ah, I see.. tragic, if I do say so myself” he laughed at the shorter’s misery.

“Not to worry, dear Ranpo! For the best and handsomest matchmaker in history is at your service!” Dazai added while chanting his own name.

“Hmm.. Alright! Once you get yourself in a real healthy relationship, I’ll consider your proposal!”

That seemed to shut Dazai up.

“Hohoho~! Hello?” He pretended to answer a call, “Oh, Atsushi~ yes, yes I’m on my way! Well I apologize, Ranpo, but I must go now”.

And that was the end of that conversation.

_______________

Ranpo was truly bothered by Poe’s absence, but didn’t really bother to reach out since why would he? He would eventually contact him. This is Poe for crying out loud. The guy who’s been trying to get ‘revenge’ on him for 6 years. Why would he quit now?

But it’s been a week, and their meeting was supposed to be last week.

Plus, today was supposed to be the day when he would come and talk with Yosano. She’s very serious about it, too. He’s not dumb he knows she’s just checking on him and his mental health as she does with a few other in the agency, like Dazai, Atsushi, and Kyouka. Hell, even him sometimes. Though the short haired woman usually has to drag Dazai or bribe him to attend.

…

Soon anxiety washed over him, drowning the detective with thoughts of his friend’s well being. His hand formed fists the more he thought of it.

What if something bad happened?

Could he be in danger?

Has he been kidnapped?

Did he pass out again?

Is he sick?

Is he okay?

Is he hurt?

Maybe his depression’s flared up?

What if he did something to himself?

What if someone’s threatening him to stay away?

Or Karl!

What if Karl’s sick or hurt!

Or both!

Suddenly, a hand gently placed on his shoulder pulled him out of his head.

“You alright?” Yosano asked.

“Y-.. yeah”

The stutter caused the woman to raise an eyebrow, but didn’t pry.

“Alright. Well.. have you heard from Poe today? He was supposed to come today this morning to my office. I tried calling but it keeps saying his number can’t be reached.”

That was what did it for Ranpo.

“We need to go check on him”

______________

After what felt like an eternity for the worried man, they finally reached their destination.

The woman with the butterfly pin could tell how distraught he was. His face was scrunched up, and his fists shook slightly.

“Ranpo. Don’t worry, I bet he’s fine, maybe he’s just been busy with writing the mystery novel that he hasn’t realized how long it’s been.”

“What about the calls?”

“Maybe he turned it off to concentrate better?”

That sounded like a question. She was unsure. It wasn’t a mystery that Yosano was also worried for the gothic man, but deep in her heart she knew he was doing fine. She doesn’t know how she knows, but she tends to be correct when she gets a hunch like that. That still didn’t help make her worry any less though.

The other could only let out a sigh. He let his shoulders relax and his fists unclench. Said man breathed in.. and out, in… and out, ..in…. and out..

“Yeah, you’re probably right. Anyways! Let’s go say hi now!” He immediately cheered as he pulled out a strawberry flavored lollipop.

The girl giggled at her friend’s change of mood.

They made their way to the front door and knocked.

…

They knocked again

…

“Hey, Poe! Open the door!!”

…

Ranpo knocked again

“Hellooooo? Kaaaarl? Poeeee? I’m here for my candy? Mystery novel.. ?”

…

“OI POE”

Yosano was sure she’d go deaf if she let Ranpo continue screeching for an answer from the owner of the house or his pet, so she kicked the door open.

“You could’ve picked the lock, but okay. You’re fixing that though” the detective earned a smack to the head and a scoff from his partner beside him.

“Yeah, yeah, well your ear deafening screams didn’t let me think clearly” that caused Ranpo to gasp at the woman’s retort.

“So mean!”

“It’s so quiet. It doesn’t seem they’re here” she ignored the shorter’s remark.

“Let’s look around”

She noded.

They begun looking around the mansion, which is unnecessarily huge in Ranpo’s opinion. Yosano stayed by his side knowing he’d just end up getting lost in a second if they split up. Then she wouldn’t just be trying to find Poe and Karl, but Ranpo too.

“It all looks normal..”

She hummed in agreement.

“Let’s look in his bedroom. He’s usually there”

The two made their way to where they thought his bedroom was. It took about 10 minutes before they realized they were most likely going the wrong direction.

Man was Ranpo starting to despise mansions more.

On the other hand, Yosano was admiring it. “You should tell Poe that if he ever wants to give his mansion away, he should call me! I’ll be happy to take it! For free though, there’s no way I can afford this”.

That caused the man to laugh, “How about you tell him?”

“Alright, I will”

Once they reached the room they opened the door and…

Huh.

Clothes were thrown on the floor, Karl’s toys, shoes.. it was a mess!

Scratches lightly covered parts of the wall, and Poe’s phone! It was broken?

Immediately they noticed small spots of dried crimson on the bed and some on the floor.

He froze.

Panic.

That’s all Ranpo could feel.

Who’s blood was that?

Why was it a mess?

Why was Poe’s phone broken?

Where’s Poe?

Where’s Karl?

I should’ve come sooner!

Shitshitshitshitshi-

“Hey, hey, it’s alright. Maybe that’s not their blood, and if it was, it’s not a lot. Just breathe, Ranpo” that’s when he noticed he was hyperventilating.

Sure it wasn’t a horrid scene, but it caused him to overthink even the smallest details.

“Right. Okay, yeah I’m fine. I’ll just..” what was he supposed to do? What if when he deduces what happened he finds put something he hopes is not the case, or what if-

“How about we go back to the agency and come back tomorrow once we’re ready to continue looking around for more clues.”

“No! I can deduce it, this is fine, I’m fine. Easy. I’m the best detective after all! If we come back tomorrow what if it’s already too late! I just-.. I-“

“Yes, you’re the best detective, but even the best of anything need a breather from certain situations to gather their thoughts. I know you’re worried sick, but I’m sure he’s fine. I’ve got a feeling he is, and you know when I get a gut feeling, I’m usually right. So, let’s just go.” Akiko tried to console.

“But-“

“Ranpo.”

“..’kay..”

“Good. Let’s go”

She tried covering it with a serious face, but she was worried too. Yeah, her gut feelings are usually right, but not always. She could be lying to herself, too.

They made their way to the agency in silence.

Each individually thinking of alternative possibilities.

Both jokingly thought of the same thing unbeknownst to the other.

‘What if he went on vacation with Karl?’

Though they laughed it off in their head and pushed the possibility away.

That’s ridiculous.

Right?