Chapter Text
Hold Still, Idiot
Chuuya knew something was wrong the moment Dazai didn’t mouth off.
No smug grin.
No teasing nickname.
No dramatic complaint about life being meaningless.
Instead, Dazai was sitting on the floor of the Port Mafia safehouse, back against the couch, knees pulled tight to his chest. His coat was half-off, bandages slightly undone. He stared at the carpet like it might bite him. Chuuya shut the door quietly.
“…Dazai?” he said, keeping his voice low. Dazai flinched. That alone made Chuuya’s chest tighten. He crouched a few feet away, careful not to crowd him. “Hey. It’s just me.” Dazai’s eyes lifted slowly. They looked younger somehow—rounder, unfocused.
“…Too loud,” Dazai muttered. “Head hurts.” Chuuya swore under his breath, softly this time. “Yeah. Okay. I got you.” He shrugged off his hat and set it aside, then reached for the blanket folded over the couch. He didn’t touch Dazai yet—he knew better.
“Can I?” Chuuya asked, holding the blanket up. Dazai hesitated… then nodded. Chuuya wrapped the blanket around him carefully, like he was handling something fragile. Dazai immediately curled into it, fingers gripping the fabric tight.
“Good,” Chuuya murmured. “You’re doin’ fine.” Dazai leaned forward suddenly, forehead pressing against Chuuya’s knee. He froze there, breath shallow, like he expected to be yelled at.
Chuuya didn’t move. Instead, he rested a gentle hand on Dazai’s head. “That okay?” he asked.
A small nod.
Chuuya’s thumb brushed slowly through Dazai’s hair, steady and grounding. “You don’t gotta talk,” he said. “Don’t gotta think. I’m here.”
Minutes passed in silence. Dazai’s breathing evened out. His grip on the blanket loosened just a little
“…Chuuya?” he whispered. “Yeah?” “Promise you won’t leave.” Chuuya swallowed hard. “Idiot,” he muttered fondly. “I’m not goin’ anywhere.”
Dazai shifted closer, curling against Chuuya’s side. Chuuya adjusted automatically, pulling him in, one arm firm around his shoulders. “You’re safe,” Chuuya said quietly. “I’ve got you. I always do.” Dazai’s eyes slid shut.
For once, he didn’t argue.