Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tenma Tsukasa. 22. Male. Private Investigator.

Tenma Tsukasa. That was who he was. It’s truly a miracle how this man was still alive. He should have died long ago, along with his brother. What sort of luck could this man have accumulated in order to still be breathing? What could be allowing him to live for this long?

————

The woman in front of him began to break down. Sobbing uncontrollably.

“T-thank you so much Tenma-san..!! I cannot thank you enough!” The woman said between sobs.

Tsukasa spoke. “It was my pleasure.”

They were standing in a children’s hospital. Right outside room 118. A faint alarm-like beeping could be heard from the room.

“I’m so happy my- my baby is finally back… I hope she grows up to be just like you.”

“…I’m glad.”

————

Tsukasa was driving back to his office. It was silent with only the sound of the car engine to be heard. It was peaceful, unlike his adventures earlier that day.

The stars followed him on his way back. The stars are something he still enjoys. He wishes he could

————

Tsukasa walked back into the building his office was in. He still had to file this case in and clean up before heading back home to his apartment. He didn’t want to be seen as some messy bitch, he has a reputation he’d like to uphold for as long as possible.

He unlocked the door and headed to his desk. Lying on top of it was a file labeled as #73. He grabbed a few folded up papers out of his pocket and unfolded them to place neatly into the file before placing it back into the filing cabinet. Now he had to clean and pack up for the day. Or night.

Tsukasa carefully put away all the scattered books and papers around the room. His office was mostly organized besides the random ass piano he impulsively brought in and can’t take back out.

What was 20 year old him thinking bringing this in? He doesn’t even get a minute to himself.

Tsukasa was so focused on his thought he almost threw out an envelope he didn’t recognize. This was never on his piano before, nor did he own this kind of envelope. It had no name but he could feel something was inside.

He quickly scrambled for his phone out of his pocket and took a picture. After that, he placed the phone on the lid of the piano and carefully opened the envelope up, trying not to rip or tear it.

Inside was a letter. It seemed to have been crumpled, uncrumpled, then folded up and placed into the envelope.

He slowly pulled the letter out. He unfolded the paper.

There was blood stained into the letter. Like a few droplets on the right of the paper. It wasn’t much. It could’ve been a nosebleed, or maybe even a paper cut! But considering Tsukasa’s job, it could be something way more serious than a mere nosebleed.

Now what did the letter say?

“*************** That’s where it is. I hope you’ll find me, Mr. Detective♡”

“What the fuck is this?” Tsukasa asked himself. He was absolutely baffled at this horribly cringe message. That’s literally it. They didn’t even sign it off?? They just added that heart… and ew. Mr. Detective?? Honestly, what is this. Tsukasa would never write something as short and stupid as this. He would NOT be caught writing this. Alas, he still needs to do something about it. Stupid ass criminal.

He was already done with everything. This job was just work and more work. He shouldn’t had been so slow in college.

Tsukasa grabbed his phone off of his piano and took another picture of the letter… could he even call it a letter? It was basically a note.

As soon as he was grabbing his bag to head to the address on the stupid note, there was a knock on the door. Great, he was going to die now, wasn’t he?

“Who is it…”

“A visitor! So could I come in?”

“Sure, whatever.”

The door slowly opened. A knife was probably going to pop out or something. Instead, it was a tall, purple haired man that looked his age. He wore a hat and glasses and had piercing gold eyes… he was also quite attractive. Wait, Tsukasa could NOT be thinking about something like that right now.

“So, could you tell me who you are and why you’re here?” Tsukasa questioned the man as he crossed his arms. He made a face as he looked him up and down.

The man didn’t seem to mind and responded. “Oh, well Tenma-kun… My name is Kamishiro Rui. I’ve been a fan of your work since you started working as a private investigator. It’s truly outstanding how amazing you are!”

Rui took a step closer and Tsukasa took one back. They weren’t close at all but he didn’t want to get closer.

“So, you didn’t really answer the second question… I’m flattered by your words but why exactly are you here..?”

“Oh, well I want to partner up with you, of course!”

Tsukasa stared at him. Was this guy being serious..? Well, he’s kind of pretty… WHAT? WHO SAID THAT?

Rui tilted his head. “Do you have your answer yet?”

“Yes, I do. I’ll have to decline your request. I’m not gay…”

“Hm? What does this have to do with you sexuality..?”

…

“Oh. Sorry about that… I um, interpreted your offer the wrong way.” Tsukasa apologized, getting a little red.

Cute… Rui thought to himself.

Tsukasa continued on, “I’ll still have to decline your offer. I don’t need any help as of right. I’m perfectly fine on my own.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, very. So could you leave? I have somewhere I need to be-“

“Don’t go.”

“..?”

Who does this guy think he is? This is job. He literally just waltzed on into his office for a ridiculous offer…

Tsukasa spoke. “Why?”

“Because… it’s quite late isn’t it? And I saw your latest case on the news! You’re tired, aren’t you?”

“Mm… I guess.”

“I can drive you home, how does that sound?”

“Am I supposed to trust you’ll drive me home and not kidnap me?”

“Yes, you are. I didn’t drive here, so we wont have to worry about who’s car I drive.”

“…How are you going to get home..?”

…

Chapter Text

Tsukasa was now driving home with the random man he met 15 minutes ago inside of his office. You’d think someone with a job like his wouldn’t do something this stupid. But he was. What made it even worse was that this was Tsukasa’s car too. Why did he agree to this..?

“Tenma-kun, are you alright..?”

“Wha- hm?? Oh, yes! Of course I am!!” Tsukasa sputtered out. In reality he was thinking about all of his loved ones. Apologizing for basically committing suicide at this very moment.

“Maybe you should sleep, you said you were tired, didn’t you?” He suggested. “And you seem a little stiff too…”

“Why are you paying attention to that? Shouldn’t you be focusing on the road..”

“I’m quite good at multitasking.”

“THAT’S NOT MULTITASKING..?”

Tsukasa was going to die for sure now. Why did he have to be such a people pleaser.. he’s pleasing someone to his death now. A stranger to be exact. He should’ve kept trying at acting…

The two of them drove in silence, Rui calmly at the wheel and Tsukasa internally panicking in the passenger’s seat.

“Your apartment is on the next left, right?” Rui asked, making sure to keep his eyes on the road this time.

“Yeah.. it is…” Tsukasa answered. Barely seconds after he responded Tsukasa realized something was off.

Fuck. This was bad. This was really bad. He never actually told Rui his address, he had just gotten into the car prepared to die. Now he was probably going to get murdered inside his apartment instead.

They were already driving into the parking spot in front of his apartment. They were going to walk on in and then Rui was going to grab a knife and brutally stab Tsukasa to his death inside of his own apartment, he already knew.

What sort of headline would this make on the news? ‘Young detective murdered inside his own home’? Murdered by a random guy with purple hair to be exact. At least his murderer would be pretty. A pretty SERIAL KILLER.

“Tenma-kun..?” Rui looked concerned, waving his hand in front of Tsukasa’s face. Stopping as soon as he sees Tsukasa wake up from his thoughts.

“Um, yeah..?”

“We arrived to your apartment and you weren’t responding… are you alright?”

“…yes I am.”

“You should’ve slept on the way here like I told you to.” He scolded him.

“Oh.. sorry.”

“I can carry you inside if you want!”

“Yeah, sure… wait what-“

Rui already got out of the car and was running to the other side. Tsukasa was struggling to unbuckle his seatbelt to get out of the car. Rui had already gotten to his door and opened it.

“Kamishiro, wait-“

He’d already scooped him out of the seat and grabbed his bag. This guy was so weird. He didn’t even know anything about him still, and now he was getting carried bridal style.

“You’re heavy…” Rui muttered under his breath.

“H- I can hear you..!?” Tsukasa quietly yelled, clearly offended.

Rui giggled. “Off we go..!!” He quickly shut the car door and darted towards the apartment.

“WHAT THE-“

The two of them reached the front door. “Awe I have to put you down..”

“Good.”

Rui carefully placed him back on his feet, which Tsukasa was glad about. He handed over his bag too. He unzipped his bag to look for his keys only to remember someone had them.

“Um, Kamishiro.. you still have my keys.”

“Ah, right! I’ll lock your car too!”

“Thank you…”

Tsukasa felt kind of uncomfortable with a purple guy with his keys.. but he had an air tag on it anyway so if he’s murdered, the police will have evidence on Rui..!!

He unlocked the door. “Let’s go, Tenma-kun!”

“Yeah.”

Tsukasa walked in first and Rui quickly followed behind and locked the door. Now it was time for Tsukasa’s demise. He would no longer have to live in this stupid world anymore. He could rest again. But he really didn’t want to accept it. There was still Saki, Toya, Emu… he’s decided what he’s going to do.

Tsukasa turned around and sighed. “Hey, Kamishiro..”

“Yess..?” Rui looked up innocently with that feline like face of his. He was untangling Tsukasa’s keys for him, before handing it over, still curiously waiting.

“…”

Tsukasa took the keys back and placed in his bag before speaking.

“It’s nothing.”

Rui shrugged it off, “If you say so,”

“You can um, make yourself at home for now.”

“Alright then.”

Tsukasa and Rui both took off their shoes as they made their way upstairs, where everything was. There was the living room, kitchen, and a balcony there and next to the kitchen was the door to the bathroom and a door to Tsukasa’s bedroom.

“You can go anywhere, besides the kitchen.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“You don’t seem to be trustworthy in a kitchen.”

“Is Tenma-kun doubting my cooking skills..?”

“Yeah, I am.”

“Oh.”

Tsukasa set his bag on the kitchen counter and started taking his coat off. Rui couldn’t help but stare.

“..What are you looking at?”

“Oh, I was just wondering what the sleeping arrangements will be like..!”

…

“We’re not sleeping together.”

“Oh, come on Tenma-kun… this past hour we’ve spoken to each other, I feel like we’ve gotten quite close. Actually, could I start calling you Tsukasa-kun?”

“I don’t feel any closer..” Tsukasa mumbled. “And yes, you can if I can call you Rui.”

“That sounds fair!”

Tsukasa started walking towards his room and Rui followed. “Why are you following me?”

“We’re discussing where I’ll be sleeping, are we not?” Rui tilted his head.

Tsukasa’s face reddened. “W-well I need to shower and change…”

“I’ll wait in here then..!”

“NO. In the living room.”

“…fine.”

They were arguing like a married couple weren’t they? Of course, they definitely were not married and were both men. Tsukasa already knew at least one of them was straight… himself. He wasn’t too sure about Rui though. He’d honestly be shocked if Rui was straight. He just… had that aura. And it felt full of color.

Chapter Text

”So, sleeping arrangements…” Tsukasa sighed.

He had showered and changed a bit ago. He made Rui take one too and lent his own clothes to him. That guy somehow only took 10 minutes to shower?? That must be why he saw some white stuff in his hair. Tsukasa knew not to scratch Rui’s head now.

“If you want I can sleep on the floor-“

“No, you’re not sleeping on the floor.”

“Then with you..?”

“NO… hm how about the couch?” Tsukasa suggested.

Rui looked back through the door of the bedroom to get another look at the couch. “Um.. I don’t think I’ll fit.”

“Right.. you’re tall…” Tsukasa mumbled to himself as he put his hand to his chin.

“We don’t have many choices here Tsukasa-kun..”

“Fine, you can sleep on my bed, I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“Eh?? I can’t do that. This is your home.”

“Ugghh.. but like you said.. we don’t have a lot of options…”

“But you sleeping on the couch isn’t one.” Rui reslonded sternly.

“Okay, we’ll both sleep on my bed…”

Rui looked satisfied with that decision as he grabbed Tsukasa’s arm and dragged them both in his bed. Tsukasa was too tired too care at this point.

They got settled in bed, Tsukasa made sure to keep a distance from Rui.

“Good night Tsukasa-kun…” He turned over to his side to look at Tsukasa, who was staring at the ceiling.

“Yeah, good night.” He turned his head to Rui, who was somehow already sound asleep. He did have some horrible eyebags so that could explain why.

Just as Tsukasa was about to close his eyes and fall asleep, he felt something against him to his left. He opened his eyes. Why were Rui’s arms wrapped around him? Why were his legs interlocked with Rui’s?

“Rui-“

”mgh…”

Rui wasn’t asleep. If it was anyone else, they would assume Rui was still asleep. That guy knew exactly what he was doing.

“Rui.. get off.. I know you’re awake.” Tsukasa whisper-yelled to him as he tried getting out of whatever situation Rui had put him in.

“Noo.. you’re warmm..”

…

Tsukasa sighed. He should’ve made him sleep on the floor. Tsukasa decided to just accept his fate. He knew Rui wasn’t going to let go anytime soon.

————

it was 2:42 AM when Tsukasa woke up. He was surprised he even did wake up. He thought Rui would’ve already ended him off by now... Maybe he isn’t a serial killer. Just a normal guy.

Speaking of Rui, where did he go? Tsukasa rolled to his left, seeing nobody. The bed was undone on his side. Maybe he had gone to the bathroom? He rubbed his eyes as he got up from bed.

Tsukasa gently opened the door…

There, he saw Rui, leaning on the countertop with his arms, propping himself up. A rush of fear filled Tsukasa. He didn’t know why. It was just Rui in his kitchen. But… something was off. He looked so dead. He didn’t even notice the door open. He was staring off, thinking about who knows what.

“Rui.”

“Huh- eh ah..! Tsukasa-kun, what are you doing up so late..?” Rui stumbled over his words. Something he hadn’t done before.

“…I just woke up out of nowhere you know?” Tsukasa replied. “That doesn’t matter though. Why are you up so late?”

“Oh, well… I’ve always been kind of a night owl…” He laughed nervously.

“…So you weren’t asleep earlier.”

“…”

“Don’t do that again.”

“…I won’t.”

why was Tsukasa feeling kind of bad now..? Rui was just acting so different all of a sudden. He looked kind of guilty too..? Tsukasa went to grab his bag and placed it on the kitchen counter.

“..?”

“Um..” Tsukasa was digging through his bag. “Here…” He pulled out the envelope from before.

“Eh..?”

“This… I was looking at it before you came in. You probably noticed.” Tsukasa said blankly as he pulled the note out.

“…”

“Is something the matter?”

“..No, I was just shocked you’d trust me enough to show this to me… I mean, we only met 5 hours ago.”

“And didn’t you ask to partner up 5 hours ago?”

“…Touché.”

Tsukasa slid the note to Rui, “So, I got this really stupid note. I don’t understand how they wrote it.. anyways, they said that this address is where I’ll, ‘find it’, the hell does that mean ??”

“Hm.. that is odd… and there’s not much to assume from this note. ” Rui paused. “Maybe we’ll just figure out if we go tomorrow.”

“…Right.”

Rui was confusing. Tsukasa couldn’t help but over analyze each and every one of his actions. Every word he spoke… and now Rui was contradicting himself, telling Tsukasa they were going to that address when hours earlier he said not to? He just couldn’t understand.

It also confused him how he just casually decided to show Rui something as important as that note. He still didn’t trust him like that he just… impulsively showed him.

”Tomorrow we’ll go, you can go back to sleep now, Tsukasa-kun.”

“Okay, night.”

Tsukasa reluctantly walked back to his room, leaving Rui alone in his kitchen. The note was still in front of him. He felt guilty. He always did though. It shouldn’t be any different though. He had always been victim to the feeling of guilt crippling inside of him. It shouldn’t.

‘I know I can’t go back now.’

Rui got up from where he stood to turn off the already dim lights and carefully place the note and envelope back in Tsukasa’s bag. It was supposed to be a letter anyway.

————

Rui woke up that morning to Tsukasa being the one holding onto him. Oh, how he was going to react when he woke up. He was also snoring. Rui didn’t expect him to be a snorer. It was kind of cute though. Whatever.

Rui continued to lie in Tsukasa’s arms. He was warm. Rui decided he would wait for him to wake up.

He wondered how the day would go. Would Tsukasa really allow Rui to partner up with him? Or would he have to walk back home alone. He had no idea. He wanted to believe that Tsukasa would let him, but he couldn’t. And even if he did, he knew that Tsukasa would get tired of him eventually, just like everyone else.

Oh, how cruel this world is.