Archive of Our Own ^beta

death may no longer be so far away

Even if it pains Chuuya to say this, Shuuji was the splitting image of Dazai. He frowns because what the heck, he was the one who carried Shuuji, took care of his own cravings because that sorry-excuse-of-a-father decided to bail out on them and even left his own apartment to look for a new one; one that would be out of the prying eyes of the Mafia but not far out civilization. So, it was seriously unfair how Shuuji got almost all of his features from his father.

Down from his brown curly locks that was the exact replication of his father, to the knowing smirk on his face or the indulgent intelligent mind that he has. It was seriously unfair how Shuuji only has Chuuya’s sapphire blue eyes; dark and deep, Chuuya felt like drowning.

“Mamai~” Even Shuuji got the way Dazai used to call Chuuya in such a tone. Seriously. “Good Morning.”

“Shuuji, where’s your brother?” Chuuya asks, raising a brow. Shuuji only smiles in response, waving his hand nonchalantly which reminds Chuuya so much of Dazai. “He’s still sleeping.”

“You better not do anything to him,” Chuuya reminds once more, referring back to one incident. “He might get mad again.”

Shuuji merely pouts ― averting his gaze. Chuuya rolls his eyes as he continued cooking. Aside from his physical appearance, the way Dazai would tease almost everybody that he saw had also been inherited by Shuuji. Of course, Dazai wouldn’t be blamed by Shuuji’s sassiness; which he got from Chuuya. Kouyou used to joke when Shuuji was young; probably a month old that “That child would certainly be a gem, Chuuya. Plus, he would be a power child; given that his parents.”

And boy was she right. “Shuuji,” Chuuya calls calmly, setting down the food on the table. “What did you do to your brother?”

“I…I may h-have,” Shuuji states, nibbling his lips ― though Chuuya was sure it was to attempt himself to stop laughing. “Err, drawn on his face?”

“You are as childish as your dad,” Chuuya mumbles; glaring down at the child. Shuuji, who seemed to know what was on Chuuya’s mind immediately stood up, smiling. “Shuuji!”

Shuuji laughs as he walks on the walls, running away from Chuuya. Chuuya snorts ― at a young age, Shuuji was able to control his powers, although seeing Chuuya pace on the ceiling sometimes may have been a contributing factor. Chuuya runs after Shuuji who was animatedly laughing, running at the ceiling.

“Mamai, you can’t catch me~”

They run in circles — one trying to catch and one trying to run away. This was a normal occurrence — although running in the ceiling and walls may not be as normal as it sounds.

“Shuuji, I swear to God, if I do you aren’t―”

“You love me too much, Mamai~”
“You love me too much, Chuuya~"

“Yep,” Chuuya pops the p, catching Shuuji in his arms. “Too much like your father.” Shuuji laughs as Chuuya tickles him; the soft laughter escaping his lips. Chuuya smiles in response; for him, Shuuji is his world. And Chuuya would do everything for Shuuji.

"Mamai," Called a small child sleepily. Yumeno, known as Q by the Mafia was also staying with Chuuya and Shuuji. After Chuuya and someone-Chuuya-couldn't-bear-mention-his-name rescued him, the child had been strangely attached to Chuuya. "Good Morning."

"Morning, Yumeno." Chuuya greets as he deactivated his ability. Strangely enough, Shuuji could control his other ability; inherited by his asshole of father at such a young age. "Better wash your face. Shuuji was being a devil again."

"Hmm?" The boy tilts his head innocently.

Chuuya smiles, waving his hand nonchalantly. "You'll see."

And the scream erupted from Yumeno's mouth made Chuuya chuckle lightly and smirks exactly like his father's on Shuuji's face.

"Yuu nii~" Shuuji calls, humming. "It's time to eat."

"Nakahara Shuuji!"

Chuuya rolls his eyes, shaking his head in amusement. He would never trade this scene for the world — not even for the asshole coming back.

Yet happy-ever-afters and fairy tales didn't exist, especially not in Chuuya's world where he encountered mostly blood and death. He could feel his body growing cold and his feet planted on the ground; the constant beating of his heart getting louder and louder.

"Mamai!" Yumeno calls, expression full of worry. "Shuuji isn't here.

No. No. No, this wasn't—

Had the Mafia already found Shuuji? This soon? There was no saying what the Mafia would do — especially to the child of a traitor. Shuuji was Dazai's exact replica — it wouldn't be too hard connecting the dots together.

"Mamai…"

"Can you stay at Kouyou nee-san's house tonight?"

The child nods immediately, clutching his doll tighter. "Bring Shuuji back, Mamai."

Chuuya nods, eyes surveying the surroundings. Shuuji was smart. If the Mafia found this place, Shuuji could get out; he knew where the emergency exits where but the place didn't reek of violence, blood or the Mafia. Nothing was amiss. Everything was in its place.

Which only leaves one possibility. Shuuji inherited his father's attitude; running off to a place no one would know. The only problem was, "Where could I find Shuuji? He isn't that familiar with Yokohama. Where could he have gone?"

His mind reels back to their previous conversations. At a young age, Shuuji knew what most kids don't. He often asks Chuuya about where his father was; often times, he'd ask why his father left; once he asked if his father knew him. Shuuji would sometimes bring Chuuya wine (and having his father's brains, he managed to get everything about Dazai the moment Chuuya was drunk) and thus leaves one possibility.

"The Armed Detective Agency."

Although he knew that sooner or later this was going to happen, he did not expect it to be this soon — why the fuck is fate so cruel to him?

"I found someone who looks like me!"

No. What the fuck. Chuuya freezes, feet planted on the ground as he sees Shuuji drag Dazai with him. His eyes widened a little bit (okay, maybe more than that but who could blame him?) and he feels the burden of the world on his shoulders.

"Mamai~" The child calls happily. "This is Da…" Then as if he tries to remember Dazai's name, he frowns. "This is Dada!"

Fuck.

Chuuya could feel the tears swelling in the corner of his eyes. Shuuji looks too happy — happiness Dazai could only give him yet something Shuuji could not get.

"Shuu...ji," Chuuya calls, taking a deep breath to calm himself. "Come here for a bit."

The child lets Dazai go, skipping to where Chuuya was. Chuuya places his hand on the other's shoulder "Shuuji, get behind me." He asks, eyes pleading. Shuuji throws Chuuya a confused look but nods anyway.

"Chuuya," Dazai calls and Chuuya stops the urge to close his eyes, remembering the nights where Dazai was so close, Chuuya's name sweet on his lips. Now, those memories are nothing more than ghosts hunting Chuuya. "Chuuya, I—"

Keep your tears in check.

"Stop," Chuuya commands, holding his palm up. "Just stop right there, Dazai."

"Chuuya, explain this to me." The roughness on Dazai's voice nearly brought Chuuya to tears. This was his Dazai; the one who held no masks and Dazai's face was too vulnerable — it made Chuuya swallow an invisible lump forming on his throat. "Chuuya…"

"This isn't—"

"Don't even bother lying to me," Dazai snaps, eyes dark. "That child is the exact replica of me."

You can say that again.

"Mamai?" Shuuji asks innocently, clutching on the sleeve of Chuuya's coat tightly. "It's okay, sweetheart." Chuuya smiles, placing a comforting hand on Shuuji's. "Just hide behind Mamai, okay?" Shuuji nods and Chuuya's attention is back on Dazai. He feels like his heart is going to burst at the emotions swirling in the depths of his heart.

Why?
Why did you leave me?
What happened to us?
We could've been so much more.

"Chuuya, we—"

"Don't even say it," Chuuya snaps. "There is no we, Dazai. I had a child. You lost Shuuji the moment you walked away."

"Chuuya, listen to me—"

"I don't need your fucking explanations!" Chuuya growls. "Stay out of my life and Shuuji's."

"Was I that undeserving?" Dazai chokes out, his voice vulnerable — too vulnerable it made Chuuya's throat itch. "Too undeserving that I didn't get to know my own child?"

Chuuya shakes his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "None of your fucking excuses can change the past, Dazai. The moment you turned your back on me, you turned your back on Shuuji. The moment you left me, you left Shuuji."

"Chuuya understand that I had to leave the Mafia—"

"To hell with the Mafia!" Chuuya growls. There's a sinking feeling in his chest. Anger bubbling out in the surface. Tears were on the corner of his eyes and he found it hard — hard to swallow, hard to breathe, hard to eve think. "To hell with Mori and fucking orders and the fucking Mafia! I meant me, Dazai. This is about you and me; not Mori or the fucking Mafia!"

"Chuuya, I—" "It would've been fine if you left the Mafia," Chuuya's voice was quiet, like he was too tired of it all. "I would've understood everything Dazai. I knew why you left the Mafia. I wouldn't hold that against you."

"Chuuya—"

"But you turned your back on me!" He snaps, tears finally coming out. There's too much — too much he wanted to say, too many things he wanted to shout out; too many emotions waiting to be let out. "I don't fucking care if you left the Mafia. I don't fucking care if you hate Mori or the fucking Mafia but the Mafia and me are different things. The Mafia and Shuuji are two completely different things, Dazai.”

"Chuuya, I didn't—"

"Of course you didn't know!" There's an ache on Chuuya's chest as he reminisce what happened. "I was going to tell you the night you left but woop, what do I get? The father of my child, leaving me all alone. Do you even know how many nights I cried myself to sleep? Or the fact that I needed to be careful on missions because you weren't there and I was afraid for Shuuji's safety?"

He suddenly feels the world getting heavier, dizzier and he felt like as if his entire body was on fire. He felt his throat getting drier, his body numb even with pain attacking him endlessly. "Ha. Of course. You left me. You betrayed me. How would you fucking know?"

He wanted to crush Dazai. He wanted to kill him — for betraying him, for turning his back; for leaving him and Shuuji behind. There's a touch on Chuuya's hand making him snap out of whatever he was doing. He doesn't even know he had altered everything around him — from the clothes hanging above them or the bended ladder floating.

"Mamai," The child calls, in attempt to calm Chuuya "Dada won't be able to breathe if you keep changing the gravity around him."

He sighs, smiling at Shuuji. That’s right. He has Shuuji now. He can’t lose it so easily. He tousles Shuuji's dark brown curls. "Thanks, Shuuji."

"He can nullify abilities?"

"Sounds like someone you know, doesn't it?" Chuuya grips on Shuuji's shoulder for support. "Let's go, Shuuji."

"Chuuya, wait."

"I'm done, Dazai." Chuuya sounds resigned. "This time, I would be turning my back on you." He closes his eyes and whispers, his soft voice drifting through the wind. "Goodbye, Osamu."

Chuuya doesn't hear the softness and vulnerability evident in Dazai's voice. He could feel his pulse beating wildly, adamant on making him feel the emotions he held for a long time. Shuuji, on the other hand, is extremely quiet next to him — even after they arrived in their house, silence drew near.

"Mamai," Shuuji finally breaks the silence, sitting softly in Chuuya's lap. "I'm sorry."

"Its fine," Chuuya whispers, energy leaving him by the second. "I guess that can never be avoided. Shuuji merely hums, drawing circles on Chuuya's thumb in instinct. Chuuya smiles, threading his hand on Shuuji's hair.

"Mamai." "

Hmm?"

"Dada—" He pauses. "H-He's my father isn't he?"

Chuuya closes his eyes, humming. "He's your exact replica, Shuuji. How could he not be?"

"Mamai," He says, suddenly turning to face Chuuya. "Doesn't he love us?"

"Shuuji—"

"If he did," came the child's voice, low. "Why did he leave us behind?"

Chuuya feels his throat constrict. He caresses Shuuji's hair — soft brown locks tangled on his delicate fingers. He doesn't answer and Shuuji doesn't pry either but there's an ache on Chuuya's chest because Shuuji — he deserves the world yet the world is too cruel to be given to Shuuji.

"Shuuji," Chuuya calls moments later. "I love you, isn't that enough?"

Shuuji smiles — his smile so blinding it made Chuuya smile back. Shuuji is his light — the only light left shining in his life. Shuuji closes his eyes, leaning to Chuuya. "It's enough, Mamai. More than enough."

Shuuji sleeps after a minute or two. He seemed to take it after Chuuya who could sleep at any given circumstances. He places Shuuji on his bed, smiling softly as he tucks him in. He places a kiss on Shuuji's forehead. "Good night, Shuuji."

Although Chuuya could sleep at any given circumstance, even when asleep, Chuuya was as alert as none. Years in the Mafia had taught Chuuya to be always alert; no one would know when you would be stabbed in the back so ultimately, he is awaken by even the slightest wrong movements. Chuuya's heart stammered on his chest.

The noise — it was on Shuuji's room. Chuuya immediately got up, not even bothering to turn on the lights as he barged on Shuuji's room. There was no waking Shuuji up; that child slept like the dead. Chuuya's blood ran cold when Shuuji was no longer in his room. The bed was still warm — indicating Shuuji was just here. The window was open and the wind that touched Chuuya's skin made him shiver.

No. No. No.

He grabs the note on Shuuji's bed. There's a messy, almost intangible writing placed. Chuuya could almost hear the loud stammering of his heart, the screeching sound ever so deafening, like a constant buzz on his ears.

We have your child, Nakahara Chuuya.

His mind was reeling with panic. He couldn't think straight. Shuuji. Shuuji. Shuuji — with no clue left, how could he find Shuuji? There was no one, not even Kouyou who could help him. Kouyou nee-san may be powerful but she couldn't guess where they took Shuuji. There's no one else on his side. He couldn't ask for the Mafia's help — Shuuji would be executed immediately. There was no one—

Chuuya nibbles on his lower lip. He grabs his car keys — driving to a familiar place. He doesn't care if he looks like someone who just got out of bed or how his hair is incredibly messy. All he can think about now is Shuuji. He hastily parks his car (even if you even call that parking) as he runs in a rundown alley.

He knocks on the door impassively — foot tapping on the ground. Please. Please. Please answer the door. Chuuya could feel the tears on his eyes as the door opened. Immediately, he was flooded with relief. His knees sagged and he would've fallen down if it wasn't for a hand on his waist.

"Chuuya, what are you—"

"I need your help," He chokes out. He didn't care about the tears flowing or how he looked like an idiot in front of him. "Please," He begged. "Please Dazai I—"

"Chuuya, what's wrong?" He asks, voice calm yet alert in a way that made Chuuya stop. He runs circles on Chuuya's thumb to calm him down — another personality Shuuji got. "Chuuya."

"Shuuji," Chuuya chokes out, feeling the burn on his throat. "Shuuji, he—I—"

"Chuuya," Dazai places a hand on Chuuya's back, soothing him by making circular patterns. "Calm down and speak japanese."

"Dazai Je suis trop négligent, je ne ... Je ... Je ne sais pas quoi faire."

"Or French," Dazai mumbles. Chuuya has a habit of reverting back to his mother tongue whenever he feels nervous or if he could not form incoherent words. "Chuuya, tell me. What happened to Shuuji?"

"Gone," He chokes out. "He's gone, Dazai. What am I going to do? I can't—"

"Chuuya, calm down." Dazai consoles yet his expression laced in seriousness. "When did this happen?"

Chuuya releases a deep breath. Calm down. There's not much you can do if you panic. "Just a few minutes before I—"

"Tell me everything." Chuuya does. His tears are in the corner of his eyes as he retells everything. If something bad happened to Shuuji, Chuuya wouldn't know how to pick himself up. He averts his gaze — he doesn't want to look at Dazai; show weakness, vulnerability. He doesn't want to show how wrecked he is.

"Can I see the note?" It's back at home," Chuuya meekly responds. "I was in haste, I forgot to…"

"Let's go," Dazai nods, ushering them both outside. Chuuya notices how empty Dazai's apartment is. There's not a thing Dazai owns — everything he owned was back at Chuuya's house; though he doesn't even know why he kept it this long. There are only a couple of bandages lying here and there and a new copy of A Guide to a Healthy Suicide (since Dazai's copy was still on the box sealed up tightly in Chuuya's room) sprawled on his desk. "We may get there in time."

Dazai doesn't comment on how Chuuya had parked his car horizontally on the sideway or the way Chuuya drives; recklessly and hastily. He doesn't even parking his car properly — ushering Dazai quickly at his house. He hands Dazai the note as soon as Dazai stepped foot in front of Shuuji and Yumeno's room. There are toys scattered almost everywhere; there had been no sign of violence or struggle except for the wrinklped sheets on Chuuya's bed.

Chuuya stares blankly at the wall — all which had different drawings ranging from animals to people. Then, something catches Chuuya's eye. He drags himself across the room, taking a closer look. There's a newly drawn painting; one Chuuya didn't see before. In this picture, there was a messy drawing of four people; one that had the same hair color as Chuuya with the word: Mamai underneath it. Beside it was a child, with brown curly locks and a smile on his face, below was the word: Shuuji. Then there was a child with black and white hair, holding a doll below was the words: Yuu nii. What shocked Chuuya the most was that Shuuji drew another person. He was drawn taller than Chuuya; with identical brown locks Shuuji had and a smile on his face. Chuuya stopped himself from sobbing — yes, even if Chuuya wanted to give Shuuji the world, there was only one thing Shuuji wanted most.

A complete family.

Something Chuuya couldn't give; not now, not ever.

"Chuuya," Dazai calls and Chuuya hastily blinks back his tears. "Do you not know whose handwriting this is?"

Chuuya shakes his head. "I was in a panic, you ass. How am I supposed to even register whose fucking handwriting that is?"

Dazai chuckles darkly, the sound making Chuuya shiver slightly. "Let's go visit the old boss, shall we?"

"Old boss?" Chuuya asks, facing Dazai with confusion evident in his face. "What are you—"

Dazai holds the note out for Chuuya — now that Chuuya noticed, the note was written in crayons; a deed only the Boss of the Mafia would do. Chuuya clenches his fists, his jaw locked. If they even hurt a strand of Shuuji's hair — no one would get out alive.

"Thanks," Chuuya murmured; grabbing his coat and placing his hair into a pony tail. "You know where the door is right?"

Dazai doesn't answer. Instead, he stares at Chuuya — the person whom he had let go the moment he left, the person he betrayed the most, the only person that made him rethink his decision. Chuuya throws Dazai a confused look. "You can—"

"I'm not leaving, Chuuya." Dazai says, his eyes dark as he crumpled the paper in his hands. Chuuya opens his mouth to complain when Dazai merely smiles — it's a smile he has shown back in the Mafia, a smile he does whenever he enters and exits the torture room.

"Besides, you would never be able to handle Mori alone, Chuuya~"

"Shut up," He glares, placing his gloves on. "As if you would be any help."

"You never know when you'll need a suicide buddy, Chuuya~"

"—why did I fall for you again?" Chuuya mumbles; not meaning for Dazai to hear which proven as a failure when Dazai smiles; this time; it's a soft, genuine smile. One Chuuya would see whenever he would lay on Dazai's lap after a long day or just plain hug Dazai while trying to sleep.

"C'mon," Dazai says. "I believe we don't have much time." Chuuya nods. He follows Dazai through the abandoned and dark alleyways. Dazai was known for remembering emergency exits or simply found another way in himself — it was like he knew every twist and turn of Yokohama. His mind is too filled with Shuuji to even notice them arriving at their destination.

If this doesn't prove that the Mafia kidnapped Shuuji — Chuuya doesn't know what will. Still hiding in an abandoned alleyway, Chuuya surveys his surroundings. There's at least twenty armed goons roaming around. In a distance, he sees Hirotsu and the rest of the black lizard — sans Akutagawa and Higuchi standing guard.

"Looks like they were expecting us."

Chuuys grits his teeth. "If they ever touch a strand of Shuuji's hair. I'm going to kill them all."

"Be my guest." Dazai uttered, rather darkly. "How should we do this?" Dazai hums, feigning innocence as if he hadn't figured it out by now. "Ne, Chuuya~"

"Just do it," Chuuya grumbled. "I don't care if you treat me like a shepherd dog right now as long as I can get Shuuji back."

Dazai is quiet for at least two seconds. "You're a good mother, Chuuya." He mumbles — which Chuuya's ears didn't even try to catch. "Alright. Let's go with Cherry Blossoms in the Rain then."

Chuuya turns to arch a brow at Dazai; to question his decision but Chuuya halted. This was Dazai — with an insanely genius and accurate mind able to predict and counter any situation thrown at him. Chuuya sighs. "Cherry Blossoms in the rain, then." And the duo, Double Black is reunited once more.

Chuuya groans lightly — wiping the sweat off his forehead. Cherry Blossoms of love isn't something Chuuya wanted to execute, it took an enormous toll on him and his stamina. It's not that it failed; we are talking about Dazai Osamu here, none of his plans ever did.

"My, my, Chuuya-kun," Chuuya stops and grits his teeth as he turned around. Dazai is already beside him, expression unreadable like usual when facing Mori. "What a mess, you've made."

Chuuya eyes darkened — staring at the boy in Mori's hands. There were slight bruises on Shuuji's neck, a scratch on his face and few red blotches on his body. Chuuya clenches his fist — how dare them. How fucking dare he lay his hands on his child? He was going to kill Mori; Mafia boss or not.

"Did you really think I wouldn't find out?" Shuuji's soft locks are held by Mori's fingers and the child struggles as Mori gripped it tighter. "Presented as Beta. How naughty of you to lie, Chuuya-kun~"

"Let him go." Chuuya utters, voice low. If Dazai hadn't been holding him back, he would've killed his former boss right there. "He has nothing to do with this, you fuck."

"Now now, Chuuya-kun," Mori smiles, gripping Shuuji's hair tighter. "Kouyou-kun didn't raise you to have a foul language." Mori throws Shuuji on the hard-stoned cement making the child groan. Chuuya wants to run towards Shuuji — wrap him around his arms to protect him from this evil world. Chuuya struggles against Dazai's hold, jaw clenching in anger.

"Chuuya, calm down." Dazai whispers, low. "Mori has something up his sleeve."

"A child of a traitor," Mori grabs a scalpel from his coat making Chuuya freeze in surprise. "Befitting for him to pay his parent's sin, doesn't it?"

"Fuck you," Chuuya spat. "I will kill you and I will bring down the whole Mafia with me if you even try to bring that scalpel close to Shuuji."

"Mori-san, how…predictable of you to use a child," Dazai finally says, his voice cold and the light on his eyes seemed void. "Cunning as expected of the boss of the Mafia."

Mori smiles, grinning as he raised his scalpel. "Why thank you, Dazai-kun. Although I wished you would've proved to be more of a challenge. Double Black, now on my mercy for a mere child."

Mori grabs Shuuji's hair, removing the handkerchief placed on the child's mouth. Shuuji had a horrified look on his face, making Chuuya's heart clench in pain. Tears are on the corner of his eyes and he chokes out, "M…Mamai." In a hoarse voice, making Chuuya weak. This wasn't supposed to happen. Shuuji wasn't supposed to discover the cruelty of the world — he wasn't supposed to experience it firsthand. Mori brings the scalpel near Shuuji's neck and Chuuya could see Shuuji shift slightly. Dazai leans closer to Chuuya, his mouth hovering near Chuuya's ear.

"Chuuya, when I give the signal — do your best to grab Shuuji. No matter what."

"I was going to do that without you saying anything." Chuuya grits his teeth. "I'll fucking kill him."

Elise is close to them. She was behind Mori, playing with the frills of her dresses. Chuuya knew Elise was Mori's ability — something destructive and simply a doll. Pity though. He liked Elise. She'll probably rescue Mori if worse comes to worse. Chuuya could feel Dazai slightly nod but his eyes were on Shuuji — who was no calm, eyes devoid of emotion it strongly reminds him of Dazai's.

"Mori-san," Dazai calls, bringing Mori's attention to him. "You shouldn't underestimate people like that."

"Dazai-kun," Mori smiles, waving his scapel nonchalantly. "I wouldn't be the boss of the Port Mafia if I did, besides, I hold something dear to you in my hands, you can't hurt me."

"Oh?" There's a smirk on Dazai's face, before his hands reach Chuuya's back. "But who said I was talking about us?"

There's a sudden pause; Chuuya's eyes widening as Mori flew a few meters back. Chuuya's feet walked on its own after Dazai had pushed his back, his hands immediately wrapping themselves around Shuuji. The frightened child held on to Chuuya as if he was his lifeline.

"Never underestimate Double Black; much less the child of Double Black, Mori-san." Dazai says, stopping beside Chuuya. Chuuya's holding on to Shuuji real tight, whispering comforting words on the child's ear. Chuuya doesn't see the dark look on Dazai's face, fists clenching in anger as he stares at the wounds around Shuuji's body.

"He can control gravity," Mori says, wiping the blood on his mouth. "And nullify abilities. How interesting. He would truly be an asset to the Mafia."

With this, Chuuya's snapped his eyes at Mori — his sapphire blue eyes held hate and anger, defiance and apathy. "Touch Shuuji one more and I'll tear you limb to limb."

"Feel free, Chuuya-kun." Mori waves his hand nonchalantly. Then, a smirk appears on his face, a sinister smirk that reminded Dazai of how evil Mori really is. "Did you really think I would meet you without guaranteeing my victory?"

Just then, thousands of footsteps registered in Chuuya's ears. They were surrounded — too many low ranking Mafia goons armed with guns; all pointed towards them.

"Do you really think this is enough to kill us?" Dazai asks, a smirk on his face.

"Of course not, Dazai-kun." Mori answers, still smirking. "But it wouldn't hurt to try." Mori gives the signal; a hard chop on the ground as thousands of bullets came running down at them. Immediately, Chuuya lets Shuuji go, walking towards Dazai's back, palm held out. On the other hand, Shuuji was stopping the bullets from Dazai's front and side, while Chuuya stopped the bullets from Dazai's back.

After the bullets have stopped raining, Chuuya immediately uses his power to levitate his small body. Having to have an advantage with controlling gravity, he infuses his punches with density enough to crack a solid building wall. He was halfway through when he hears a distinct cry — one that sounded like Shuuji making Chuuya stop.

His eyes trained back to where Dazai and Shuuji had been standing — except this time, Shuuji was on Dazai's lap and Dazai had just thrown Mori's scalpel back at him, which Mori caught though barely.

No. No. No. What happened? This wasn't— How could this—

Chuuya could feel his own heart hammering in his chest loudly. He felt nauseous, throat forced dry and knees buckling. Barely, he made it to Shuuji without his tears spilling. "Dazai! What—"

"He…" Dazai takes a deep breathe, one so uncharacteristically for Dazai. "He received the scalpel that was meant for me."

"Shuuji," Chuuya gently cradles Shuuji on his arms "You spoiled Dazai's way of suicide."

"Ma…mai," The child choked out, blood on his chest where the scapel had hit. "I won't be able to..." Shuuji coughs up blood, a smile grazing his features. "C-celebrate…your b-birthday…after all."

"Shuuji, hush. Y-You will." Chuuya said barely keeping his tears in check. "You will… trust me."

"Damn it," Dazai cursed, clearly frustrated. "Where is Yosano?!"

"Ma…mai, I'm s-sorry. T-Tell… Yuu nii-chan I'm sorry for... hiding—"

"Tell him yourself!" Chuuya begged, trying so hard to stop Shuuji's blood from flowing out. "You're gonna get through this."

"Mama-i," Shuuji chokes out as he cupped Chuuya's cheeks. He shakes his head; yet the smile had never disappeared. Tears are blurring Chuuya's eyesight after Shuuji shows him a smile; a smile so bright — even in near-death. "F-Forgive…Dada…no, Da-zai-san. Pl…ease. For m-me."

"How pitiful for a child to die."

"Shut up!"

"Yet fitting for a child of a traitor and a liar."

"Shut up!"

"He would've been great in the Mafia too." Chuuya snaps his eyes towards Mori; eyes full of hate, of anger, of grief. He lays Shuuji's head on Dazai's lap. Dazai nodded, his eyes dark and his face void of emotion. "Take care of Shuuji."

"I will," Dazai nods. "I'll be here for you, Chuuya."

"If Shuuji dies," Chuuya could feel his throat constrict at the mere image of Shuuji dying. He gets up, removing his gloves in the process. "Don't nullify Corruption."

"Chuuya!" But his protests were deaf on Chuuya’s ears. "Oh grantors of dark disgrace. You need not wake me again." And Chuuya lets himself succumb to the darkness.

Dazai watches as Chuuya’s body, his mind, his sanity succumb to Corruption. Shuuji's frail and dying body is on his arms and he curses himself — how could he not do anything? How could he be useless at a time like this? Dazai strokes Shuuji's hair, a hair much like his own — only lighter and curlier. This was like Odasaku all over again. He was going to lose someone important to him once more.

"Da…da," Shuuji calls. "D-Don't...leave Mamai again…alright?"

"I won't," Dazai promises, kissing Shuuji's forehead. "I won't leave you two again."

"I'm…glad," Shuuji chokes out, chuckling slightly. "I…don't want… Ma-mai to suffer again."

Dazai opens his mouth when a maniacal laugh stops him. Mori was nowhere to be found but he could see remnants of Elise's dress; half of it burned to ashes.

"Hey, Shuuji."

"Hmm?"

"Help me stop your Mamai?"

Shuuji smiles, nodding his head. "Okay… Dadai."

Dazai smiles — one so genuine Chuuya would not believe it if he ever saw it. He gently lifts Shuuji, one that would not cause him to bleed out more after Dazai had ripped a piece of his cloth to wrap around the boy. He carries Shuuji on his arms, walking towards where Chuuya was throwing gravitational orbs everywhere, leaving ashes and dusts in its wake. Dazai looks at Shuuji. The child smiles, placing a hand on Chuuya's shoulders as Dazai grabbed Chuuya's wrist.

"Mamai."
"Chuuya."

"Rest."

Chuuya immediately loses all his strength. He would've fallen straight to the ground if it wasn't for the hand supporting him. Using Corruption takes a toll on his stamina and health, if Dazai wasn’t around to nullify it, Chuuya would rage on until he died.

"Shuuji." Dazai glances back at the child. He was leaning on Dazai for support and his breathing had become ragged and shallow. "Shuuji."

"Ma…mai," Shuuji smiles. "I… love you."

"Shuuji! Shuuji!" Chuuya frantically calls, cupping Shuuji's face. "Damn it, Shuuji. This isn't funny anymore!"

Just then, there's a rustle of the leaves, making Dazai alert. His eyes survey the surroundings. He wasn't going to let another person hurt his family — not when he had just met Shuuji.

"Dazai!"

Thank God. It's about time.

Yosano is running towards them; a worried expression on her face. Behind her was Kunikida and Atsushi, running and worried for what is something Dazai didn't know. Yosano gives one look at Shuuji and nods. "Ability: Thou Shall Not Die." Yosano's ability immediately activates, seeing that Shuuji was barely breathing. The wounds on Shuuji’s body disappear immediately — as if he wasn't injured in the first place. His breathing becomes normal — one Dazai was extremely thankful for.

"Dazai—" Dazai pulls Chuuya's hand, making him lean on Dazai's chest. Chuuya chokes a sob, muffled through Dazai's clothes. Dazai closes his eyes, places a hand on Chuuya's back before kissing the top of his head.

"It's over now, Chuuya. Shuuji's alright." He feels Chuuya nod, sobs escaping his lips once in a while.

Dazai tightens his grip on Chuuya, kisses the sleeping Shuuji on his cheek, promising himself to never let go again.