“Chuuya? Chuuya!”

“...What? Sorry. I wasn’t listening.”

“I said for now it’s probably best if you stay put. Don’t draw too much attention to yourself.”

“...Yeah. Sure. Is that all…?”

Dazai sighed. “I suppose so. You’re dismissed.”

“...Thank you.” Chuuya said hurriedly leaving Dazai’s office. Letting the door shut behind him.

Dazai sighed as he looked at him leave.

“That must hurt.” Kouyou stated.

“Eh?” Dazai said looking at her.

“Look Boss I know you’re not familiar with serious relationships. But to have to choose like that… between the people you love and have been around to complete strangers. One of them being your fiance. That hurts. He’s hurting. More than he’s letting anyone see.”

“He’ll learn to cope. It’s hard for him now. But he’ll learn.”

*

But it didn’t get any better. As the weeks progressed. Chuuya did his part around the Port Mafia, and that only. When he was done, he’d go home drink a bottle of wine or two and just cry himself to sleep. Dazai was sick of seeing him live life this way. Dazai picked the lock to Chuuya’s apartment letting himself in.

“Chuuya?” Dazai kicked over an empty wine bottle on the way in. “Oh geez.” Dazai picked them up on his way to the living room. Dazai sat them on the table temporarily, and Dazai opened the bedroom door. When he walked inside Chuuya was laid on one side of the bed. Wine spilled on his wood floor, and a cigarette burning in his hand. Dazai grabbed the cigarette and he put it out in the ashtray.

“Chuuya?” Dazai said shaking him. “Hey Chuuya!”

Chuuya pushed him. “Fuck off.” Chuuya said angrily. “Get out.” He said turning over.

“No. Get up and pull yourself together. Accept it. It happened. Deal with it Chuuya.”

Chuuya pushes Dazai away again. “I said leave me alone!” Chuuya said angrily as his body illuminated red. Dazai reached out and activated his ability. Dazai’s eyes widened as he felt the tears on his hand.

“Chuuya…”

“Please just go away… I want to be left alone okay…?”

“Chuuya… I know it hurts but dealing with alone doesn’t help.” Dazai said sitting beside him. “Come here… it’s okay…” Dazai pulled him close and Chuuya cried into Dazai’s chest. Dazai soothingly rubbed his back. It seemed like Chuuya cried for an hour. And every weep, every chest wracking sob hurt Dazai as much as it hurt him. Chuuya leaned up when he stopped crying and Dazai handed him a tissue and Chuuya wiped his eyes and he sniffled.

“Thanks…”

“Don’t mention it.” Dazai said rubbing his arm. “... I know you just wanted to protect them. Tsumiki didn’t mean it. He was just angry.”

“...Yeah…” Chuuya sighed.

Dazai wish there was more comforting words he could of given. He wished he could take the pain away. But for now… if sitting in silence helped. Then Dazai would do just that.

*

“Tsumiki?”

“Ah… yeah?”

“You know… you shouldn’t listen to Izuna or anyone else…” Ichigo told him softly. “You love Chuuya… and you… you know he loves you.”

Tsumiki looked down at the ring on his neck. “Yeah… I know…”

“Then stop being stubborn!” She complained. “Go see Chuuya. You owe him an apology you know…? What you said was quite cruel and hurtful.”

Tsumiki pouted. “Who told you, you could be so smart hm?” Tsumiki said rubbing her head. “But you’re right…” Tsumiki smiled. “And I will.”

*

Odasaku laughed. “Ah man this kid is hilarious. It’s good to see you up and lively finally.” Oda smiled.

“...Yeah… Dazai somehow convinced me to come out.” Chuuya said.

“Good thing he did. It’s not healthy for you to be cooped up in the house.”

“I know.” Chuuya said as he sipped his wine.

“Well now that we've gotten him out! Let's party!” Tachihara cheered as he raised his drink.

“To Chuuya.” Dazai said smiling and raising his glass.

“To Chuuya!!” The Port Mafia cheered as they then all took a drink.

“To Chuuya…”

Chuuya turned around with his eyes widened. “Tsumiki…”

“Hi Chuuya.” He smiled.

To Be Continued...