Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was a rainy day.

Dazai had just finish his teaching with his two students. Nakajima Atshushi, a young tiger spirit, and Akutagawa Ryuunosuke, a taleted half-naga half-human. He was teaching them how to properly control their powers. They had both potentional, but they were fighting a lot. Like A LOT! But they were good kids.

Unfortune had hunted them from a really young age.. Atsushi was an unwanted orphane, who took a liking in an alone orphane bunny spirit, Kyouka, and decide to raise her despite his young age, while Akutagawa and his sister ,Gin, were abandon by their human mother (their other siblings didnt escape her warth). It was a bit of a chalenge to raise them all but it was worth it. Every single moment worth it.

In afternoons like this, where their “classes” ends faster than expecting, Dazai prefers the silence of his veranda. A cup of hot tea on the coffee table and the warmth of his armchair is enough for him to relax. Later, his good friends Oda and Ango will join him,but for now his favorite book was a good company. It was an odd book really. “The complite gade to commit scuicide”.

“A unique hooby!” he always says when being asked.

“It's not healthy” is always the contradiction.

To that, his response is a smile. A fake one. A fake smile for fake hopes. Whats the point of finding a new one? There was nothing here to keep him company in life anyway..

His students? They will grow up and leave him.

His friends? They were teaching the kids at the local school. They had a life of their own.

Their village was a small one. It's name was The Coast. A fade line between the human world and the spirit world. Here everyone knows everyone. There is nothing new, nothing exciting. They weren't welcome at the human world, because they were mythical creatures. “Beasts” they called them. The humans were ruled by a man named Fitzegarld. He detest them. “They took my daughter away forever, this wild animals. Never appeared in front of my eyes again!”. And that was enough for them to stay away. Their leader made a trace and the humans build borders. A stupid decision for Dazai, if you ask. Humans were a little bit more exciting, because they would invent something new from time to time. But he grown bored of them fast..

So whats the point?

Dazai had lived a.. rather entanglement life. Son of a demon and abandon from his unknown mother. A curse creature with no light in his eyes. A nine-tail fox, who spend most of his life hunting and being hunt. Who would want to share a life like that? Of course he had leave all that behind and with the help of his friends and students. He had a good life here. Just lonely. Something missing, but he couldnt put a name on it.

“Stop with that face! You are thinking something unpleasant again, don't you?”

“Odasaku! Finished school alrady?”

His friends gave a simply nod before they crash on the other chairs. They were tired. Its never easy to teach overactive kids..

“So whats with the long face?” , Oda asked.

“Heh just the usual.. You know me well, aren't you?”

“After so many years its only appropriate, Dazai-san”, Ango answer.

And it was true. They had known each other for years now. Dazai had the fortune to be saved by them after a particular tough hunt. Since he was such a rare creature, hunters often chase him for his beautiful light blue tails or even for his head. That day tho they were prepered. Even if Dazai was badly hurt he managed to escepe and find shelter in the forest's embrace. The only thing left for him was to die, but unfortunaly – or fortunaly- Oda Sakunosuke, a dog spirit, and Sakaguchi Ango, a beaver spirit, find him and take care of him. After healing him, they grow close fast and as a resolt Dazai choose to leave behind the life in pursuit and stay at the small village. Later he find his students, so there were more than one reasons for him to stay. Four to be exact..

“The point is! That there is nothing to be sad about. You lead a good life. Helping the community, taking care this four kids. There is nothing to be sad about. The past is in the past and you can do nothing to change it. So learn from it and move forward!” Oda said looking at Dazai with sharp but soft nonetheless look. 'His big brither mode' as Dazai quote it.

“I know, I know. But I cant help it. Its not like they will disappear in a minute.”, Dazai complained. He knows that Oda is right, but sometimes thoughts like this are above his abilities.

“Why dont we leave all this and have a calm afternoon over tea?”, Ango offered much to Dazai satisfaction.

“Great idea! I bet you havent taste Akutagawa's earl grey tea! Ah!Akutagawa can you bring some more tea and two cups?”,he called the raven boy. He knew he must destrack him from his work (and by that he means Akutagawa trying to scream his feelings to Atsushi by looking at him) but..... no he actually wanted to annoy him. Who is he kidding?

“Do it yourself! The last time I checked you had legs!” , the naga yelled from the inside of the house.

“You really should praise him more.”, Oda comment.

“Indeed, indeed”, Ango side eyed him.

“Oh shut it you two! He loves me!”, he didnt add the 'kinda' . He was sure one day the naga will give him the scolding he deserve.

Needless to say that Akutagawa did bring the tea, resiving a lot of 'thank yous' from the trio and a soft ' cute' from Atsushi.

“Anyway did you heard about the mystery of the lake?” ,Ango said while sipping his tea.

“What is this? A bad written novel?”, it was Oda's response.

“What is it? What is it?”, it was Dazai's more excited response.

“As I was saying”, Ango continued without minding both of 'this overage children' “ They talk about a creature that lives at the near lake. They say that some villagers heard a lovely sound coming from there. It was a beautiful melody, a singing voice that no one had heard before! Apparently, when anyone tried to approach the lake, when the melody was playing, it mysteriously disappeared and no one could see the singer…”

“Ohoho now thats something you dont hear everyday..”, Dazai said with a grin in his lips. They could hear the gears turning inside his head. A plan was being formed. Bad things gonna happened soon.. “ What are you saying if we go and find the singer?”

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“Oh look at the time! I think its pretty late, so I will take my leave! Have a nice afternoon! Bye bye!”, and with that Ango left Oda deal with Dazai. A Dazai that was looking at him with a stupid grin on his lips. A Dazai that was already reaching for him and a Dazai that simply drag him to the lake without a word but a simple “A mystery to solve! So excited!”. Poor Oda could only sigh before following a little more willingly. He didnt even finish his tea!

But Dazai had already made his mind! A singer with such a beautiful voice that he enchants whoever listen to them? Now that was something out of the ordinary for their little, quite, normal, boring village. And what was even better than a mystery? If the singer turn out to be a beautiful fairy, he could ask her to kill him with her song or even better to have a double suicide with him! Perfect plan! What could possible go wrong?

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A lot of things apparently..

Five hours later, not only the singer hadnt appeard but they were also soaked from the rain!

How could this happened? The plan was perfect! They hide behind a tree and waited, because everyone knows that fairies come out to collect the rain in days like this! They even see their local fairies! Two sibblings, Lucy and Mark, who were always fighting for some reason or as Lucy were saying “because of my brother's stupidy” or “charm” according to Mark. Totally different from the Tanazaki sibblings back at the Coast. Well, to be complitely honest.. the Tanazaki doesnt actually count because, they have a … really close reletionship. Like super close. Like 'you didnt see anything, you didnt hear anything and you dont know anything'. Close indeed..

“Aaah I’m bored Odasaku! Why isnt she coming?”, Dazai start whining like a baby.

“Well, you couldn’t possibly thought that she will came out if you are waiting for her to come? I mean she is hiding for a reason..”

“Odasaku, thats the plan! When she believes that no one is around, she will come out and we will capture her! But first! A snack!”

“Where were you hiding that peach???? Give me some, I’m hungry.”

“No way it’s mine! Go find yours! I only have one anyway!”

“Oh came on, share with me!”

Too busy with their little silly fight, they didnt notice a form that was emerged from the lake, curious about the loud voices.

The first thing he saw was a peach. Fresh no doubt. He reach for it and then he saw him..

Dazai and Oda stopped the fighting when they heard a sound from the lake. They look towards the lake and they saw a beautiful, ethereal creature..

“A mermaid!”

“Merman”

“I have to have him!”

“WHAT?”

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“Oh human beasts.. I should be careful..”

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Dazai reach forward to see him better. The merman did the same. There was something in that particular beast.

“Oh so pretty”, they both thought..

“Ehm… should I leave you two alone?”, Oda was absolutely embarrassed and felt a little like the third weel… I mean they were sitting there and looking each other for minites now!

“Yeah yeah see ya………”, honestly Dazai couldn’t care less, also didn’t listen much of what he said (and he thinks that that’s what Odasaku said). He had his eyes on the merman and the merman on him. Thats the only thing that matters now..

He should introduce himself to the man.

Slowly he approach the redhead. Did he said he was a redhead? He had the most bright red hair he had ever seen and blue eyes. Blue eyes, piercing and eyes that capture your soul for an eternity.

“Hello! My name is Dazai. Dazai Osamu.” He wore the most charming smile he had. Stood proudly in front of him and he tried to look as attractive as someone standing can be.

“What’s your name, oh so beautiful creature?”

The creature didn’t answer him. In fact, he dive back into the lake with no sight of acknowledge him.

“Oh??? Is that a challenge, dear? Well then I would gladly accept!”

What he didn’t notice tho, was the little blush that paint the mernan’s cheeks.

~Its a game on!~

For two straight weeks , Dazai was going to the lake everyday to see the beautiful merman. He wasnt always welcome. Sometimes the merman didnt emerge from his lake at all. Sometimes he will look at him without saying anything. Emerge only till his nose, listening to Dazai's stories or just mumbles. Really, Dazai didnt know what to do. The redhead had stuck in his mind, hunting his dreams but never talk to him. How could he show him.. what? That he was interesting? That he wanted them to be friends? What does he want from the redhead?

“Maybe he is just shy”

“Do you really believe it Atsushi?”

“Of course! I mean you were polite! You .. sorry what are you doing when you are going there?”, Astushi paushed his job at braiding Kyouka's hair to look at blanket burrito Dazai.

“I was being a proper gentleman!”

“Meaning?”, Gin called from the kitsen.

“I go there say good morning, evening , whatever-”

“How are you saying it?”, Akutagawa asked without looking from his task , cleaning his tail.

“Good morning, beautiful! How are you today, mon cheri?” seducive smile on, sparking eyes on, a wink. Sexy right?

“NO!”, yelled all in union

“Whyyyy?”

“For starters, he is a complite stranger.”, Astushi

“He doesnt talk to you”, Akutagawa

“He is ignoring you”, Gin

“Hey! Sometimes!”

“Maybe he doesnt like you..”, Kyouka

“ Nope nope dont say that, Kyouka-chan.”, Atsushi said to the girl softly while laughting awkardly “Or Dazai-san will start whining again and my ears hurt already”

“Dazai-san you cant call someone you just met beautiful. Dont be flirty for once. Just be sweet but not too sweet. Start speaking calm but charming. Smile but not the creapy on. And ask him about his day. Make a conversation, not a monologe.Gentle but small touches. OH! And look at him like he is a God, for sake!”, Gin come from the kitsen holding a tray with fresh apple pie.

“Since when do you know so much about relationships?”, Akutagawa narrowed his eyes, momentaly pausing his task.

“Im a girl, brother. Forgot it?”

“Are you sure its not because of that spirit fution guy-”, Kyouka was cut of by Atsushi rushing her to help a blushing Gin share the plates with the pie.

“Who?”, Akutagawa send death glares to every person in the room, trying to take informetions about that guy. Was his sister seeing someone? How came he didnt he notice? He swear if that guy hurt his baby sister- 'Did she said fution?'

“Thats it! I will take him out on a date!”

“Dazai-san he lives in a lake. He is half-fish. No legs?”, Atsushi reasoning.

“Then I will bring the date to him!”

“You dont know swim”, answer Akutagawa still deep in thoughts about that guy. He had to ask later..

“Details! Why do you want to cut my wings?”

“What wings? You are gonna drown! Can we please find a better plan?”, Atsushi begged, but in vain. Dazai was already glowing. Atsushi was already regreting it.

**************

The next day, Dazai take a table cloth (the good one, dont tell Gin), some leftover pie and wine (why not? Its supposed to be a romantic lunch!) and start cheerfully for the lake.

When he reached the lake, he found the redhead sitting at the edge of the lake brushing his hair. His tail was light blue (similar to Dazai's tails and ears) with a bit of green and purple on the base, still inside the lake. 'His tail match his eyes', Dazai thought.

'So beautiful'.

When the redhead felt his presence, he moved to dive in the lake. Dazai paniced. Will our fateful date end like that?

“Wait! Wait! Im sorry I didnt want to startled you.”, to his surprise the redhead merman didnt move further. A small step closer, Dazai spoke again. “Today I brought some lunch for us to eat together.” be gentle, Gin told him this mornig. “If you would like of course. For a change.”, he add quikly smilling.

The redhead look at him suprize at first. Didnt expect it, heh? He nod slowly, not moving an inch.

Dazai's heart start acting funny. How can a creaure be more exquisite only by sitting and watching? Big blue eyes watching every move he make. Tail making the smallest move inside the water, rhythmically, like there is a secret music playing inside his head. 'Trully mythical'..

When Dazai reached him, he kneeled beside him and start putting out the things he prepered. Once set, he slide a plate of apple pie towards the redhead smiling sweetely. The redhead, suspiciously at first, take the plate hesitantly at his hands, examinating.

“Its not poison. I tried it myself yesterday. One of the kids I take care made it. She is an excellent cook.”

The merman take a bite and instantly his face bright.

“Lovely right?”, Dazai asked proudly.

He nod enthusiastically. He take another one and another. I should have bring more..

“I also have some wine! Would you like some?”. The merman eyed the bottle a little curiously “ You dont have wine down there?”. He shake his head negatively. “No? Then maybe you shouldnt drink much. Since you have never drink” he couldnt risk getting him drunk at the first date! What if he passed out and fell in the water and and and drown! Do mermen drown?

However, the redhead had other plans. He seemed eager to taste it. “Half glass. What do you say?”. With an over exciting nod, he fill two glasses only till the midlle. His company was practical jumping on his sit. When he took the glass at his hands he eyed Dazai and.. smiled to him. For the first time. He, the redhead, the mermam, the etheral creature that stole Dazai's heart smiled. What a beautiful smile. Full of teeth and half-close eyes.

“So pretty.” At first he didnt realise it. But when the redhead paushed, glass on his lips shipping the red liquid, and turn to look at him; Dazai's mind just got blank.

“I! I .. I mean that.. ehm.. y-you were really pretty just now, with the sun showering you like that and and the wine.. Red is your color, do you know that!? Not that blue isnt! Your tail suits you! The COLOR suits you! The color.. Is it hot here or is it just me? Haha. Oh God..” Great, now he ruined everything! Is this what Ango means when he says that Dazai should talk less?

“Thank you”

What?

Dazai turned to look at the merman. He was blushing. Holding his glass close to his chest. Looking anywhere and nowhere but him. His words where quite and hesited, but they were loud and clear to Dazai's ears.

“You are welcome..”

Akward silence raise between them.

“Whats..your name?”, Dazai asked after a bit.

“Chuuya” was the breathless wishper that come out from his pretty lips.

“Chuuya..”he taste the name. He liked it . He could live calling that name.

“Im Dazai.”

“I.. I remember it”

*******************

“You are in love”

“Odasaku you cant say that!!”

“Oh Im sorry. Let me ask you this: Dazai Osamu, would you like to marry Chuuya?”

“Well I wouldnt use the word marry-”

“Buuuuut?”

“Live together.. till death... seperate... us ?”

“Right, so Dazai-san has someone he genesiously like! Thats great!..and a relief.. Congratulations Dazai-san!” Atsushi said with a huge tiger smile. All the other people in the room -Oda, Gin, Kyouka and Akutagawa- nod their heads.

“Oh come on! You too Akutagawa? Back me up a little!”

“You like him. Thats pretty obvious..”

“...... no praises for you, mister!”

“You dont praise me!” sighs of pity and a friendly hug from Atsushi was all Akutagawa resived.

Seconds later there was a soft knock at the door, before it opens to revive Ango bringing goods from the bakery “Hello everyone! How are y- why Dazai-san is a blanket burrito again?”

“Ango! My life savier! Tell this liars that I dont love Chuuya!”

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“Im sorry I thought we agree in that the first twenty three times you told us how gorgeous he is or the different sides of his eyes or how did you say it?”

“The sunshine that cures all the bad things on earth and the smile that brights the places no light ever touch!” said all the people in the room in union.

“Oh shut up you all! I dont need your opinion! I want the truth! The IDEAL truth! And I know the right man!”

************************

“KUNIKIDA DOPPO!”

“DAZAI YOU ASSHOLE! HOW DARE YOU APPEAR IN FRONT OF ME AFTER THAT AWFULL PRANK YOU PULL ON ME; AT MY BIRTHDAY PARTY FROM ALL TIMES!” .

Yep! This is Kunikida Doppo. A dog spirit and math teacher at the local school. A man that lives upon his Ideals and tries everyday to show the young spirits the Ideal way in life. Also Dazai's dear friend. A loyal friend. A family man and someone who you want as your friend and ally.

“ Yeah yeah I apologized about that so lets leave it aaaall to the wind! Now that we solve that, tell me! In that Ideal world of yours, if a yokai, mmmm... lets say a nine-tail fox for example , wants to marry a merman. Does that mean that he loves him?”

“You bursed into my office. Yelling. With no care that its afternoon and right after lunch. After avoiding me and refusing to take responsibility for weeks.To ask me such a STUPID QUESTION?”

“...yes?”

“Dazai tell me honestly are you drunk again?”

“No Im not!”

“Did you eat any weird mushoorms again?”

“NOOOO! Now answer me!”

“Uhg.. fine. You love him”

“Are you sure?”

“Pretty sure”

“Pretty pretty suuuuuure?”

“Get out”

******************

For the next couple of weeks Dazai's visits to Chuuya were more regular.

No one had problem with that, especially Akutagawa and Atsushi, who had more time for their … dates ( here Akutagawa said it, where is his freaking applause?).

The most happy about these visits tho was the responsible person himself. Every time Dazai would visit him, he would bring fruits or sweets that can be found only at the village. Pineapple is his favorite. Sometimes they would play games, like the game of shadows or pantomime. Chuuya gets over excited at this games and laught more. Turns out that Chuuya was a big fan of jokes too. One time he fell back into the lake, because he laught so hard!

Chuuya would make flower crowns for them, with the flowers Dazai picked for him. Because Dazai had no idea about flowers, Chuuya brought his mother's books about herb and flwers and they would spend hours studing every each of them.

Other times, Dazai would bring old books from his personal bookcase or new ones from the local bookstore to read and afterworks they would talk about them. Exchanging ideas and theories or even debating about what is the best one. Sometimes Dazai would bring Odasaku's new book and Chuuya would give some ideas.

Of course that wasnt the only things they would talk about.

Dazai learned that Chuuya lived with his mother Kouyou and his cousin, Tachihara. The lake was pretty big below the serface and had channels that connect her with the rivers and after a long journay with the sea. Mermaids and mermen were rare but there were still famillies. They used to travel, but after his father was killed by hunters, they decide to stay at this lake till now.

Modern mermaids were only a fade posterity of sirens, but their voice was the same. Their song was so beautiful and so seductive as sirens's but they dont kill anymore. It can kill you yes, but also heal you, put you to sleep or make you forget things. Whatever the user wants, the song is different. Althought, Dazai's pleads; Chuuya doesnt sing to him. His mother was afraid of the power he had , so he forbid him from using it. Chuuya didnt listen of course. So from time to time he came up to the serface and sing a little. Not something too powerful. Simple lyrics to attracted animals, like foxes or birds. Chuuya doesnt want to share to many infoemetions about his powers and Dazai respect that. Or at least he tries. His curiosity take over him sometimes.. but they have made such a big progress that he doesnt want to ruin it by being an asshole (a friendly remind from all his friends).

Chuuya is not the only one, who open up to the other. Dazai tells him things that only close people knows. Tells him his childish dreams that never saw the light.

“I wanted to be a painter..”

“Mmm... I can see why. You draw the forest really beautifully the other day. I loved it.. Why not persuing it?”

“Ah I have other things to do now..”

“Such as?”

“Such as you..”

In moments like this, there were more staring. More silence. More attraction. Chuuya would blush, but he would not hide. Dazai would breath a little more sharply, but he would not look away. In moments like this, are when they could hear their hearts louder.

Dazai would share funny stories about the village. How their leader Fukazawa had abandon his post in order to go and chase a cat. How Ranpo, a spirit of a detective, had bring his human lover, Poe, to live with him to the village. How much the village doctor, Yasano, fights with her assistant , Kajii, both humans who were chased out from the humans because of their.. unique personalities. How Kenji's and Q's adventures end this time or just an old stoy he heard from Hirotsu about times he didnt lived.

Chuuya would smile sadly then.

“Hey I will bring my friends to meet you sometime. They want to, since I kinda always talk about you..”

“Oh! I would love to meet them! My mother and cousin wants to meet you too!”

In moments like this, they would smile more fondly to each other. With longing and excitement for the future. They would talk about Chuuya's mother fangirling about her son's friend or and Odasaku's advices. They would laught more real then.

But there werent all the moments peaceful. Dazai's nightmares will catch up with him sometimes. He would be more quite than usual. He would sit closer to Chuuya and Chuuya would talk to him more. In moments like this, Dazai would confess to Chuuya old demons that hunts him, old deeds that he wants to bury deep down in the earth. In moments like this, Chuuya would hold his hand, caressing his cheek.

“Your mistakes does not defind you. There is no perfect person in this world. No one is perfect and no one will ever be. We are the ones that take things and made the best out of them. We and no one else, for the things that are the best for us. We may make mistakes, but thats only a way to learn faster. We have to try a lot of things till we find the one for us. It may take a while, but everyone has that one thing thats the best for them. Dont regret the things you did. They only help you to realize who you are. What you experienced may was hard for you and may still is. But that means that the bad things in life came early, so from now on there are only good things. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, rememder? And no one can tell you otherwise. Because we have only one life and its our dicision on how we choose to live”

“And if they dont let us live with our own rules?”

“Then we prove them wrong. If they want you to make a pineapple juice out of lemons, then you gotta make the best pineapple juice they have ever see. People are judged by who they are, not their actions. Let it be whatever fruit is out there, if you can made it gold and if you came to love it. If you pour your heart on it and make it your own, you wont let anyone take it away from you. Put your dreams on it and make a new dream, bigger, better. But never something foreign to you. Thats something worth living for, loving and being loved. ”

“Do not pity yourself or you will be swallow in self pity.. Isnt that what they say?”

“Who cares what they say? You live for your own good, not for theirs. The point is, to always stand up when you fell down. To never give up and to live by your rules one way or another. He who laughs last; laughs the best. Thats what I choose to live for”

In moments like this, are where Dazai finds his reason to live. In moments like this, are where they fell in love a little harder.

And there were moments where Dazai would not speak at all. Too busy with his thoughts. Too afraid of showing his demons again. Too tired of having to show determination to live.

In moments like this, Chuuya would not speak either. In moments like this, he would hold him close to his chest and whisper sweet nothings, funny things, random things.. anything to keep the brunet's mind away from Dazai himself. In moments like this, Dazai would fell asleep resting his head to Chuuya's lap. In moments like this, the last thing he always hear, would be:

“There will always be dark times before the sun rise”.

*****************

There are moments were they stay up late. The sun long gone and the moon bright. Its getting colder at night so Dazai would bring an extra cloth with him. One of his winter yakutas for Chuuya to wear. Too big, but too warm. Chuuya would blush, but hug the cloth tight around him and move closer to Dazai. The taller man would give a small smile and move so he can hug his precious companion to keep him warm as they talk. Before they know it, Chuuya owns a lot of Dazai's yakutas. His mother would tease him about it and well try to sneak with him to meet the mystious man than stole her son's heart. But its too early for that. She will give them time.

In a night like this, Chuuya comfess his dream.

“I.. want to ..go see the village. I know that its impossible, but even for a day, a night, a hour. I would like to be normal. Without this to bound me..” he said flicking his tail inide the water.

“Chuuya, my beautiful Chuuyayou are already normal and perfect! But, I vow to you that one way I will find a way for you to walk. Even if I have to stole the stars, I will find a way. A way for you to explore and see with your own eyes the wolrd.”, was Dazai's respond holding Chuuya hands. He was looking at him at the eyes. Dead serious. If Chuuya asks him the moon right now, he would give it to him.

“Dont make promises that you cant keep” he said shaking his head saddly.

“You told me to never give up Chuuya! So here I am! Not giving up! My dream! My dream is to walk beside you and have a life with you.. can it come true?”

For a long moments no one dared to move. Till.. a tear drops from Chuuya angelic eyes.

“Mmm! I would very much love that!” the smile he had right now is enough for Dazai to close the distance and to seal their lips together. In a silent promise. One kiss that lead to more. More passionable. Deeper. Warmer. Slower. With more meaning than any word at the world could possible have.

Inseparable.

**********************

It was stll early in the morning when Akutagawa wake up. Atshushi was already awake sighing deeply inside of Akutagawa's embrace. His tail was moving repeatedly and his ears would flick from time to time. Something was troubling him..

“What is going on, love? Didnt sleep well?” he asked after he abjusted his position so they can both be conforable. Somehow, he managed to wrap his black tail around Atsushi and his boby. Not the first time and he should fix that.. Definatly going to happen again.

“Oh good morning! Did I wake you up?” Atsushi asked apologetically. He stand up a little so he could give his mate a good morning kiss.

“No its okay. Time to wake up anyway. What troubles you?”

“Mmmm.... I dont know exactly.. something like a gut feeling? Something bad is coming..”

“Mmm.. are you sure that its not gonna rain again? The last time you felt like that it was a simple rain...”

“A big bad rain. A flood, yes. But this time.. I dont know.. it feels different. Stranger and stronger. I dont like it, Ryuu.”

“Lets just hope that its only a little rain. Or a lot” he said while caressing Atsushi's cheeks “ Im gonna make a little tea, so you can feel better. You just stay here and try not to think too much of it. It will only worry you more for the rest of the day, okay?”

“Okay. Come back soon?”

“Of course” with a smile and a quick kiss Akutagawa, left Atsushi into his own thoughts.

'Something bad is coming. Really bad..' he thought curl up in the comfort of his mate's warm bed. 'I hope its just rain..'

*********************

“Hurry up”, it was a whisper travilling on the air. Meant to be heard only from Akutagawa's ears. It was an easy spell that Dazai teached them. Right now, Atsushi wanted him beside him so Akutagawa work a little faster on making tea.

“I will be there in a minite”, he whisper back. He pour the hot tea into three cups and put them on a tray. Since Kyouka would be waking up soon, he pour a fourth one and leave it on the kitsen table to cool down.

“Oooh look at you! You just came to the kitsen and already missed him? Dear brother, who could have thought that! All it take was Dazai-san to get you two drunk, lock you inside the storage room and voila!three three months of endless fluff! ”, Gin teased him. How long was she sitting there?

“Good morning to you too.. where to?”, he glanced behind his back. Not only she was up early but already dressed and.. wearing.. make up?

“Oh.. just shopping..”

“And you have to be dressed like you are about to meet a queen or something just to go shopping?”, he asked narrownig his eyes. He turn to look at her but she avoid his gaze. Suspisious..

“Really. You have never went shopping, havent you? You have to dressed well, if you want the shop assistants to take you seriously! Make yourself look dicent and they will show you all the good stuffs!”, is she blushing?

“Aha.. you know I could just ask anyone in this house, dont you?”

Silence. Whats your answer, dear sister?

“So why the three cups? Not just you and Atsushi?” Changing the subject? Really? Ugh.. she was moving her tail nervously. She was obviously hiding something, but she didnt want to share... yet. She would tell him eventually..... Right?

“Fine dont tell me”, he said with a sigh. Backing out now was a good plan. He couldnt risk fighting over something so silly.

He would just have to stalk her later.

“But Im expecting a better excuse next time” good! Show her that you know what she knows! “And its for Dazai-san. Yesterday, Chuuya-san made the mistake to try teaching him swim.”

“Did he drawn?”

“Unceremoniously”

“Guess so. Did he get sick?”

“Yep. 'Im gonna die, Akutagawa-kun, before I get to see Chuuya as a bride! What a cruel fate!', was his exact words, I believe?”, he said mimicking Dazai's voice.

Its been a hole week after Chuuya and Dazai became an official couple. It was going great so far. Nothing changed dramatically. Their dates were pretty much the same, just a litle more fluffy.

Okay a lot.

Okay fine!It was the epitomy of fluff!

They would cuddle all day, sharing kisses, small talks, lots of inside jokes that when Dazai tried to tell no one would understand. They would exchange gifts. Dazai suddenly had a hole collection of shells and now was wearing a charm (a small one, a coral with two perls at each side of it) at his neck, made by Chuuya. Chuuya, on the other hand, got many different hair pins, aside from the yakutas that he had claimed as his own. Once Dazai paint Chuuya, only to turn into a 'paint-the-other-fight' and Dazai to stare at the painting for two days. Literally. Other times they would solve riddlers or puzzles.

If the would fight, you ask? Sure! Does tickle fighting count?

Sometimes they would just lay down hugging. Pointing funny clouds at the sky. Caressing each other. Playing with the other's hair. Reading quitly. Or they would just.. look at each other. And that was enough. What better thing than being at your loved one's hug, looking at them with adoration?

.

.

.

Which lead us to yesterday!

Chuuya had the brilliant idea (“Shut up Dazai you agree to this!”) to teach Dazai how to swim!

“Why should I always emerged? Come play in the water once! It will be fun!”, Chuuya plead. But Dazai just shake his head. “If you get in we can swim together! Huuuuuging?” he wiggle his eyebrows; grinning. The other man shaked his head a little bit slower but his ears perk in interest. “ We could.. you know.. kiss too...”.

The next second Dazai dive in.

“I see. Big mistake indeed. He becomes like a baby when he is sick. More that usual, for sure. Last time he gave me his will!”

“Did he left anything for me?” . He will have to find that will. Number two on his list!

“Mmmmm... not telling!” , she said with a wink and put her tongue out to him “Anyway, Im leaving! See ya!”, she laugh avoiding her brother's tickle punishment.

“Run now, but you will come back sooner or later!”, he yelled as Gin moved closer to the door “Oh before you leave! Atsushi has that gut feeling again. Watch out on your way okay?”

“That again? He must be really moody then.. I will bring him something when I come back.” , she didnt like seeing Atsushi in pain. Her bright Atsushi being in pain was something she hate. “I will be careful okay? Promise! Beside I dont want it to ruin my plans if its just rain..”

“What plans?”

At that Gin snapped up from her thought. 'Crap!'

“Nothing! Bye!”

“Gin? Gin!”

“Ah- Ah-Akutagawaaaaaa-ku.. ku ...ACHOOO! Akutagawa-kuuuun! Teaaaaaa!”

Scratch his list. He will kill Dazai, stalk Gin and then find the will!

*********************

“Oh Atshushi! Long time no see!”

Atsushi, giving in Dazai's cries, went to their village pharmacy. He will ask for a medicine for colds. Their home was a messed. Not only Dazai was intolerable, but Kyouka catch his cold too. Now there were two sick people, who were very unpleasant about it. Akutagawa tried to calm them down with tea and blankets. Gin, on her behalf, made soup. The fireplace was also on.

“Hello Yosano-san! How are you today?” Atsushi liked this woman. She had a rather strange way of healing people, but she was a great woman. She speaks the truth and doeasnt hide. If she doesnt like something, she will say it. She is determined. Everyone here ownes her.

But like everyone else here, she is unwanted. The Coast is a place between humans and spirits, because they are unwanted in both worlds.

Humans didnt appretiate Yosano's serves and banished her.

Along with Poe and Yosano, there is one more human living at The Coast. His name was Kajii. He has a shorter story than Yosano's. He was simply a mad scientist, who was kicked out after turning all the lemons into bombs. Dont ask how.

This two were a good team. Strange but great.

“Doing fine as always! You? How is home? How is your maaaate mmmm???”, she asked wiggling her eyebrows “Wait! Dont tell me you came here for the goods!”, her hole face bright, bouncing at the balls of her feet, grin on place and her eyes were glowing.. not a good thing.

“What 'goods'?”

“Oh you know, shy boy! The gooooods for the deed??”, she wink him, while reaching behind the counter.

“What?! No! No! Im no! I unsure you! Dazai-san and Kyouka-chan are sick and Im here for medicine. ONLY that! Nothing more!”. Damn he was blushing and she was grinning. She will tease him for the rest of his life now!

“Mmmm. Sure sure honey. Well I will wait! You know??” 'she is wiglling her eyebrows again.. Im finished..'

“Did you say that they are sick? How bad?!”now her evil grin was on. Great, there is no saving.

“Its just a cold. Dazai went for swim last night-”

“Swimming? Dazai? Ha! What a loser! Nine-tails foxes cant swim! What did he expect? Hey Kajii! Hear that? Dazai went swimming!”

“Dazai-san went what? Swim? And yet he doesnt want to try my lemons! Unacceptable!”

“Yeah yeah! Swim! Haha! Why would he do that?”, she asked. They were both laughting now. Really hard. They were breathless but still laughting!

“Ugh .. Well he find a boyfriend and-”

“WHAT?!” all laughs had died.Kanjii stopped middle-laugh, complitely frozen. Yosano dropped here hands on the counter and lean into Atsushi's space. She looked him dead on the eyes.

“What. Did. You. Said?”

*******************

“Owo.. Who could believe it?!”, that was the only thing Kajii was saying for the past hour.

“And a merman out of everyone else!? Tough. What is he gonna do?”, she pour him some more chocolate. They left the pharmacy in favour of the back room. It was a small one. Full with books, a fireplace and only two armchairs. Atsushi was settled in one of them and Kajii was sitting on the floor. Yosano had brought a tray with the chocolates and some donuts while Atsushi was telling his story. (Hey! Keep it a secret, but Kajii cried a little.)

“Dazai-san has been trying to find something in his books. Some.. potion maybe? For him to turn into human for a day, at least. Chuuya-san is searching on his own, asking some relatives from afar and his mother if there is a way.. but I cant say that they will find a solution..”

“As long as! There is love!”,said Kajii with tears in his eyes “There is a way! That or they can use some of my lemons”

“Oh shut it you!”, Yosano said as she hit him lightly at the back of his head. “Its not like they are gonna brake up if they dont find a solution! He just want to have a walk with that Chuuya guy thats all!”, she turn to face Atsushi “Did he ask at the Tanazakis? They are good with magic.”

“As far as I know yes, but didnt find much. Do you know something? Yasano-san?”. If someone could help them now, that will be Yosano. She had study a lot of different books and knew even more people. She may be their last choise..

Unfortunaly, she shakes her head; a no.. “Im sorry, I dont think I know anything. Mermaids are rare , so info about them are even rarest. But I can ask a friend of mine! Haruno. She is an excellent witch”, she said hopefully.

“Thank you Yosano-san. It means a lot to Dazai-san”, he give his best smile as he stand up from the chair to take his leave.

“Hell yeah he does! Make sure to tell him that!”

“I will! Good night!”

He take the medicine and open the door to leave. The sight that greet him was a terrible storm. So thats the gut feeling heh?

“Oh Atsushi! Forgot to tell you. You should stay inside for the next few days. The Bloody moon is coming..”

*********************

“Bloody moon heh? Its already time for that?”

They were settled at the near end of the lake. Dazai had his legs till his knees inside the warm water, not trusting his swimming abilities, and Chuuya between his legs. Chuuya was wearing a little blue yakuta this time ( “Its my favorite, because it reminds me of you” ) and plays with Dazai's bandages. He had a camelia on his hair.

Its a lovely afternoon. Since the summer is close, day by day the days are longer and warmer.

“Mmm.. unfortunaly..”. Dazai was quite today. Thinking. Calculating. 'How much will it take him to come this time? Three days? Five? Tomorrow?'

“What are you thinking, my sun?”, Chuuya asked him caressing his cheek. He knew that something is not right. Dazai cant be in that kind of mood, where he doesnt want to talk. He is gloomy all day, mumbling. More than one occasion Chuuya catched him looking behind his back. Like he is waiting for someone. No. Like he is afraid someone will come.

Dazai abjust their position so that Chuuya is settling on his lap. He wrapt his hand around his waist to bring him close and caressing his red cheek with the other. He looked at him deeply for a long minite. 'Please dont take him away..'

“Chuuya.. my moon and stars. I begged you do not came out for the three days of the Bloody moon. Stay inside with your mother and cousin and wait till it pass ok? Promise me..” he was desparite. He was afraid. He was coming once again....

“What are you afraid, Osamu?”

“You never asked my about my father..”, he said with a sad smile on his lips. “He.. is .. not like me. He is much worst” a breathless laugh came out of his lips. Chuuya is waiting for him to continue; no rush. Let it out.. “He is a monster. Not like you or me or anyone else. He is someone, whom vampires are jealous, because of his undeing beauty. He is faired from the demons and rules the ladies of misery.. he is ruthless and he is the darkness. No man, no spirit, no demon, but the devil himself. He .. once was the ruler of this earth. The ruler of all living things. Unstoppable.. deadly.. but one day a man stopped him.A cat spirit

with the stupiest hat I have ever see hah..

” He locked my father away. But that didnt keep him away. You see, there is this little girl, a spoiled demon named Elise. Every time the Bloody moon is out; she comes to people's homes one time at the midnight for three days. She comes the first day before the eclispe, the night of the moon and one last time after. She do nothing but observe. She stay still and waits for you to make the grave mistake..

”You see for the three days of the Bloody moon, the fathers and mothers take their kids at their beds to sleep together. They hug them and keep the close. They dont sleep, they wait. They wait for her to come. Exacly at the midnight, the earth will freeze. Cold air will blow the fireplace's light away and silence will come. She will appear in frond of you at of nothing and she will look at you. Unblinking. Smirking. She is challenging you to look at her. But dont be a fool.

”Once you open your eyes and look at her, its a game over. Only your scream will be the reminder of who you were. My father, you see, feeds from the energy your soul had. The younger, the better. She bring her victims to him and he stoles their life. Only three people at each curcle. He is doing that for centuries now. He wants to became stronger. To get out.

”You must not get out, Chuuya. If she finds you! I cant bear to lose you..”, he start crying. How pathetic. You were on the run for centuries becauese of him, you had bleed because of him, you spite him in front of his face, you bear marks all over your boby to learn discipline, but all it take was a threat for your loved one's life for you to brake? How pathetic..

“My love. My sun. My fated one. I promise you, that you will never lose me. I vow to you that I wont leave your side.” he took his head in his hands and made Dazai look at him. “Hey.. I love you. From the moment I saw you. I fell in love with you then, now and after the time I close my eyes.. I love the Dazai Osamu that I have before me. The Dazai Osamu who is crazy about crabs and bandages and painting. The Dazai Osamu that brings me flowers and delicacies. The Dazai Osamu who kiss me good bye.” , he bring their forehead closeand knock themlightly, “This is the one I love. And Im willing to fight for him. Whoever your father is, you are you. And I love you for who You are. Im not gonna let you go. Ever!”

“Is that a proposal, Chuuya?”, he smiled lovely.

“Only if you want it to be..”, he mimick his partner's smile.

“Heh then I will gladly accept!”

********************

She is here..

Do you hear me?

She is here.

Dont look at her.

It will pass...

It has to be!

Why doesnt she leave already?!

No! Dont give up! She will leave!

Please!

Begone! Begone! Begone!

“Doppo? Is it over?”

“Aaah.. yes. Yes its finally over, my dear Nobuko. Sleep.. I will go check on Rakuzo”

“Okay... Be careful, dear!”

“Dont worry, she passed our home.”

For today at least....

**********************

The next day find find the villang in a mess.

“So she took the priest's son, heh? The family must be crushed..”, Yosano drink a little bit from her tea before she sigh again for the nth time.

“Anyone would be.. but what can we do?”, Kunikida was furius. Furius because there was nothing he can do. Furius because he could only hope for his family not to be next. Furius. Furius. Furius. Then what? Where is his Ideal? How can he makethe Ideal out of it?

“The leader is trying to contact with Natsume Soseki again. It will be trickie to find him tho. A cat is always good at hiding and pissed people of!”, Ranpo said with his mouth full of sweets. Fukazawa, the villang's leader, had took him in and raised him like his own son. He was his right hand and the villang detective. Tho there were no crimes or mistery at the village, so he spend his days at the human villang in disguised. There the crimes were more and the fun was bigger. It was also there were he find his companion. A mistery novelist named Edgar Allan Poe. Alonge with Poe's 'best friend' Karl the rackoon, he quickly came to like the human world. And most sertanly Poe himself. Even if Ranpo was complitely clueless about matters of love, and Poe even more, they managed somehow get engaged and move in back at The Coast. To eveyone's surprised. Expect Yasano. She was the mastermind behind the engagement,with both parties denying it.

“The traps didnt work again? Maybe …... better traps? More?”, Katai Tayama muttered under his breath. He was bitting his nails nervously and tuged hia fusion closer to his body. “I will try contacted a different witch this time. Maybe they can do something more?”. Katai was a dog spirit like Kunikida, but more shy and nervous. Constantly hiding under his fusion and rarely going out, but with many contacts. He knew from witches to demons to fairies and every magical spirit would come to Katai for favors. Katai was living alone, but lately he was going more and more out ashe wanted to court a 'real beauty!' , as he called her. Step by step he built the courage to talk to her and make friends with her.

Little did he know that that beauty was Akatagawa's sister.

And even less he knew that she was already dating. With another naga. A girl naga, named Higuchi.

Who was working for him..

Sad story..

“I dont think that will make any different..”, Yosano sighed again.

“Mmm.. true true. She is too powerfull for that mare traps. I dont know why we even have them!”, Ranpo rejected the ideaas well. “More witches will bring more trouble..”

“What do you think about it,” Kunikida voiced quetly “Dazai?”

*******************

The second night find welcome them with a terrible rain. Thunders could be heared every once in a while. The shutters would hit one another making an ungly noise. The fire in the fireplace couldnt stay for too long before it burn out.

No man or spirit was out of their homes after eight o'clock at the evening. Too afraid.

No dog or wolf could be heared.

“I dont like it. Something is wrong. Dont like it...”, Atsushi was holding him tummy, knees close to his chest. Trembling. Tears on his eyes refusing to fall.

Akutagawa bring him closer to his side, trying to confort him.

They had deside to spend the midnight at the further corner of their room. Akutagawa had Atsushi to his left side and Gin to his right, who was holding Kyouka. His tail surround them protectively and a blanket keeping them warm. No windows or door close to them. They would move to the bed later. After she is gone. They would sleep together. No one behind.

Kyouka move her hand so she could hold Atsushi's. His gut feeling was always correct and tha bother them the most. They were already tense up. Paniking now would only be bad..

“It will pass.. Try not to give too much thought on it! Hold on little more”, Gin tried to confort him with a forced smile.

But Akutagawa knew.

The room start getting colder..

and colder..

and colder..

And she came.

At first she sat still beside the window. Observing. Waiting. Mocking.

Small fry

She giggled.

She came closer..

and closer..

until she was stading in front of them.

In front of him.

Hey, small fry.. why dont you look at me?

Dont listen to her.. dont listen to her..

It must be painfull heh? Why dont you take a break?

It will pass.. just a little more.. endure it.. just a little more..

He could sense her smirking.

Akutagawa could feel her coming closer to them.. left?

Hello, Atsushi..

She is grinning.

She could wait.

She wanted that one.

She start humming and Akutagawa tighted his grip.

Oh? Not this one? Maybe then this one?

She focus her attention to the raven. She is taking too long, she knows. But this is fun. Look at them.. Hugging, trying to prevent what? Her? Death? What a joke..

Why dont you submit to me?

He wont. They wont. Life is something worth fighting for.... This life is worth fighting for...

“Leave this house!”

Tsh..

What annoying small fry you are-

oh?

intresting..

hehe

I will come for you later, small fry..

I find a intresting toy for tonight...

And like that the room got warm again. The storm was still out there. The night was still out there. But here, in their small home,in their tight embrase .. it was home.

“Its over.. why did she took so long?”, Gin straighten her body and pick up Kyouka “Lets sleep for today.. The night is not over.” she tagged in the bed and hugged her

Akutagawa and Atsushi were still on the floor. Shivering.

“Ryuu-”

“Hush.. We will think about it in the morning...”

*******************

“Did you hear Dazai? She took a human man yesterday. Poor man. They say she wiped out his hole family.. 'Sacrifice' or 'suicide', 'no other choise'... I say he just give up.. A hero or a coward? You decide.. Well .. better for us! We can live another night, see our beloved ones a little more, party a little more, make love to them, smile, eat, sleep and live.. but what about him? Neh Dazai? We are just small fries..”

*******************

Atsushi was sitting at their home's veranda. He couldnt stop thinking about what she said. She will comeback....for them!

How could this happened?

How did this happened?

“Oh? Now thats a sight we dont usually get to see! An Atsushi deep deep deeeeep in thoughts!”. Before him stands Kajii holding an overcolorful umbrella with ducks. His goggles were on and he was wearing his sandals even if the rain didnt stopped since yesterday. Tho he still had a huge smile, he seemed tired than usual. Another person who had a bad night..

“Good morning, Kajii-san. Went shopping?”

“Of course! Such bad weather wont keep me inside! I may run out of lemons, but my experements doesnt run out!” Of course. Lemons! Sometimes Atsushi wondered if Kajii had anything in mind beside his experiments.... probably not.

“Still! They sky is crying! You could stay inside for a day!”, Atsushi reasoning.

“Sorry the weather is doing what?”, Kajii asked leaning a little closer.

“He is crying... Its a saying. You know, because the raindrops looks like teardrops..”

“...AAAAH!!!” Kajii staying silent for a ig good minite before he blink his confusion away and exclain loudly “ You mean 'its raining cats and dogs'!”

“Eeeeh?!” now it was Atsushi's turn to blink in suprize “There are poor cats and dogs felling from the sky??? Where? I didnt see anything!! Are they okay?” Atsushi stretched out of the railing trying to have a better look at the sky. He didnt care that fate raindrop where felling on his face and blinded his momentaly. If cats and dogs were in danger he had to help! Espasially dogs! You know, sinse cats always land on their legs..

Kajii on his part could stop laughting “No ... no … hahahahahaha … Ah- Ahahahaha Atsushi-kun, Iits a saying! A saing! Like that saying of yours! Hahaha.. Instead of tears, they are saying cats and dogs! Its a human thing”, he said wipping his tears off.

“Oh.. Well why would you say that! Cats and dogs! Really! Who tought of that!”

“Hahaha the some persone who thought about tears I guess.. haha. I will go now. And you should get inside! You are all cat and dogs and tears!”

“Ha ha very funny! Good evening Kajii-san”

Well, at least he forgot about his own problems for a little..

“Can you believe it! Cats and dogs! Well Im a cat and I dont see myself felling from the sky!” , Atsushi muttered as he get inside.

“What in God's name are you talking about?”

“Ryuu! When its raining, what are we saying???”

“Take an umbrella-”

“NO! The saying!!!”

“The rain stands like switches on the hills”.

************************

“Chuuya ~ ~”

“Dazai?”

Chuuya was sitting in his room. Brushing his hair. It was a little pass ten o'clock at the evening. His mother was in their kitsen, while his cousin Michizou was in his room reading a book about pirets or something. It was the last day of the Bloody moon and Dazai hadnt contacted him at all till now. It was a suprize to hear Dazai's whisper. Espeasially, at this hour. He kinda expecting it, to be honest. He sure missed him terrible, and Dazai for sure, so he was waiting for the brunet to come to him. Just not at this hour..

“Chuuya”

He heared the whisper again.

“Ugh.. I guess there is no saving..”. A small smile find his way to his lips.

Carefully, he left his chambers and swim toward the door. Checking behind him and waiting for a couple of seconds around the corners, the merman slipped of his home. He swim for a bit till he emerge to the surface.

“Osamu?”, he called but he couldnt see him. It was so dark and cold..

Strange.. I was sure that I heard him..

“Osamu? Where are you-”

Suddenly, a hand grabbed him by his hair and pull him out from the water. Dragging him through the rough surface. Air went violen to his lungs and his human side endeavour to breathe properly. He yelda little before clench his teeth, to keep his sobs inside.

He had tears in his eyes, but he refuse to let them go further than his eyelashes. They are precious treasures..

However, he could hear him clearly..

A sick laugh. Bloody red eyes. Ungly smirk. Unbitting heart.

“Well well, now isnt that a uniq pretty little game for my son's standars?”

Chuuya open his eyes wide from the sudden realization. “You are him..”

His smirk went bigger and brighter. Unglier.

“Yes yes indeed!” a disgusting laugh sounded through the forest. Immobilizing every living.. “Its a pleasure to meet you , my dear!”, he tugged the younger's hair tightly bringing him closer. “Allow my to introduse myself! Im Mori Ougai and this is my precious prinsess Elise-chan!”, he waved towards the girl with the golden hair sitting a few steps behind.

“H-How..?”

“Oh? How you ask? Well thats easy! You see.......

...one hour earlier...

“Is it enough?”, Elise asked as she dragged a middle-aged man on the ivony floor.

“Mmm.... What did you bring metoday, Elise-chan?”

He fell on the bar, craning his head so he could see better. His chains were ringing as moved. He hated this damn prison.

Dark and cold.

No.

He prefered something more lively and warm. Like a villa, pinted with his enamy's blood. He will regret it locking him inside this cage.

Seven centuries was a little to much, dont you think?

“An interesting fry. He was actually fool enough to leave his house in he middle of the night and challenge me! Ha! What a dummy! Who bring a knife in a demon fight, anyway?”

“Im glad that you had fun, Elise-chan...”, he smiled weakling to the black dressed girl.

“Oh stup up Rintarou! When are you gonna become stronge again and leave this shity place? Im bored!”. She hit the heal of her shoe on the cold floor stubbornly throwingthe unconsious man body towards the cell in the some time.

“Soon, my lovely flower.. soon” he dragged the body from its hair toward him gluttonous. He lick his lips. Good... this one is enough..

“Im not your flower! Im more beautiful than that short life thing!”, she yelled before she storm out of the prison.

Fu fu

Finally!!!

We will meet again, my prodigal son..

…present...

….and that's how we come to this!” , Mori laugh again loudly “Isnt it great?!”

“What to youwant, monster?”, Chuuya bark.

“Mmmm.. what do I want.. Well that will be revinge of course! But before that I need to take care some thing! My traitor son is the first one on the list! You see, little one,my son will do anything to prevent me! And I we cant have it, can we? It will ruin me plans! After I lure him here with you as a bait, Im gonna make him regret the moment of his birth! But im not gonna do that stupid clishe thing: keep him alive so he can witness my rule to the world! NO! You see. First, Im gonna kill your family and you for him to witness. After you, its his turn. And later The Coast and the human village and the the world! Only then that cagey cat will come out! And then Im gonna kill him!”

“You are a madman! Your plan will never work. You will rule over a dead world!” the lack of water star making Chuuya dizzy. It become harder and harder to breathe..

“Whats wrong with ruling the dead? They are these with more regrets. And a person with regrets is always the perfect pawn..”, his smirk was back and his Elise girl started giggling darkly “Neh do you wanna help?”

**********************

Dazai was sitting beside his window.

“Its eleven o'clock already”

“It is.. but its a great time for anwalk, dont you think? Dazai-san?”

Dazai turn around to see Elise smiling at him sweetely. He had a horrifing look on his eyes.

“How did you come in? How are you even here? Its still way to early!”, he shout.

“Oh my no need to yell... Did your father teach you to not be rude to guest?”, she spit.

“Why are you here, Elise?”, he bark. He start getting furious. 'How could this happened?'

The spell was supposed to be unbreakable.. Natsume-sensei was an intelligent wizard. A cat spirit himself. And alive for many years and more to come. After a painful fight for centures, Mori left a bloody mess and lots of casualties. Natsume-sensei lost a life but managed to lock him into a tower. The was supposed to keep him inside for ever, but Mori was trick enough to change it the last moment. One hour thats what he managed, so why is she here so early???

“You see no one keep track at my victims. Funny right? You left, abandon him , without looking back. Didnt think to put a guard on him? Laughtable dont you think?”, she mocked him. “But even if you did something so bad, master will forgive you! All you have to do is come to the lake and see your little toy die!”, she throw at him Chuuya's hair pin.

Dazai open his eyes widely but didnt dare to move..

Why are you suprised?

You knew this would happened and yet you choose to leave. He taught you to not want things. He taught you never get attached to things. Pretty things are only meant to be lost.. so what was so diffenent know?

'Everything I want to keep close, will be lost the moment I obtain them...'

Correct so why fighting?

Turn you back and leave.

“Dazai what are you waiting for? Hurry up and choose~~~”

“Nothing will fill that empty hole you have. You will wander the darkness for an eternity.. So why dont you stay here? Its a small village I know. Nothing exciting and nothing new. But there are good people here. People who where once hurt like you. Im sure you will pick up something worth living from them. Everyone may be different so if you are looking to be accepted for who you are, you in the right place. Here you will be loved for being broken. There is nothing wronge with that..”

This were the first words Odasaku told him when he had made fully rest..

This were the first word someone ever told him..

This were good words to live upon them..

“Take me to him”

*********************

“What took you so long, son?”

“If you invite someone late, you should expect to be late.”

Before him lay Chuuya a few meters out of the water. He was breathing will difficulty and had his hands nailed down to the ground. Mori was beghnd him. His hand in the pokets of his black coat, an faded old coat. Elise stayed behind Dazai's back. He narrowed his eyes towards her.

“Afraid I will leave?”

Mori chukled darkly before he looked at him again.

“No. just making sure no one will interapt us.. You want to leave, my effigy ?”

Dazai grind his teeth. He start getting angry. Mori may have time, but Chuuya definatly hasnt. His gaze was disoriented and his lost enough blood for his boby to be weaken.

“What do you want? Revenge? Torture me?”

Mori chukled again “Wronge again. I just want to remind you your place. Beneath me. And you failed me, Im afraid..”

“Well.. you failed my lots whenyou were free, I thought it wouldnt mind if I do it for change?”

Dazai may was looking at him in the eys but didnt see Mori's boot until it connect to his face. It send Dazai flying and he dropped to his back cutting the air in his lungs.

“Dont play with me Dazai. I was locked up for centures for you to dare mocking me!”

“Oh? And didnt learn anything? You were locked up for a reson after all..”

He tried to stand up but Mori push him down with a kick into his stomach.

“I learned that if you want something you need to do it yourself”

The next thing that come was a series of kicking for Dazai and laughs for Mori.

Dazai moved his tails up , forcing Mori to retreit back and Dazai to breath again.

“You have weaken Dazai... I didnt raise you to be a loser!”

“I may be a loser but Im the best Goddamn loser you will have the honer to get your ass kicked from!”

Both charge into each other.

Every blow was worst than the other.

The sound of the battle was ungly.

Chuuya close his eyes tightly.

He could hear flesh being cut.

Blood splashes the ground.

“Dont you wanna look?”

Elise whisper to Chuuya's ear.

“It is getting pretty rough.. Sorry for being the one telling you but.. your.. 'boyfriend' doesnt do well..”

Chuuya snapped his eyes open.

It was true..

It was a brutal fight but Dazai was in disadvantage..

“D-DAZAI!!”

**********************

“Tears!”, Kajii jolted from his sleep and fell from the bed.

“Thats it! Tears!!!”

He storm out of his room and run into Yasano's.

“Yasano! Wake up! Emergency!!!”

Yasano jolt awake and grab the bat she had under the bed. “Enemy?” She scan the room jumping out of the bed.

“Better! Tears!”

.

.

.

“What?”, she blink in suprise.

“Tears! Atsushi was right! The sky is crying! So mermaids does!”

“Oh my God..”

********************

Tears left Chuuya's eyes.

His cries shake the earth.

His sobbing start paining their ears.

'So thats what a mermaid's voice does.'

His cries was making their ears bleed and Mori was out of balance. Dazai find the chance to knocked him out and punch him.

Dazai stand up a little off balance. He moved towards Chuuya, who was looking at him with glasses eyes. He kneeled before him and pull the nails out of Chuuya's hands.

He drow a shaking breath and mouth a “are you okay?”, dont trusting his voice.

Before Chuuya could even open his mouth to answer, Mori charge again.

He grabbed Dazai by the neck and tried to suffocate him, seperating the two lovers.

“Dazai....”

“Sensei? Didnt you say you would be traveling around the world? What are you doing here?”

“Hehe I did but I forgot some things so I came back. A short visit, worry not! I left a really good company back at Cuba so it will be reallyyy short!”

“Ah..haha..yeah Im not so sure that I wanna know....”

“Yeah you dont.. hehe.. but you wanna know one thing!”

“Oh and what is that?”

“A little insurance..”

“DAZAI!”

Dazai snapped his eyes open. His face had half-turn blue and he couldnt see well. He could distinguish a form crawling towards him.

Chuuya, with the little power that had left him, crawl towards Mori and Dazai. Since Mori was busy trying to suffocate Dazai and Elise didnt show any sights of stoping him, he moved forward. He had to stave Mori off.

“Come down to the black sea swimming with me
Go down with me, fall with me, let’s make it worth it

A thousand nights have passed
Change doesn’t happen overnight
Not visible at first, it’s important to hold on, hold on

Uuuuh inject your advice to me
Uuuuh incinerate our shackles

Come down to the black sea swimming with me
Go down with me, fall with me, let’s make it worth it”

Chuuya start singing in hope to lure Mori away. It work at first, he stopped momentally but he turn his attention to Dazai again. Chuuya, seeing that it worked a litle, continued his singing..

'A little more'

“You rise I fall, I stand you crawl
You twist I turn, who’s the first to burn?
You sit and stay, I don't obey
Where do we land in the black sea?
Uuuuh in the black sea
Where do we land in the black sea?

You're giving up, I'm tired
The tug of war that we're playing
I'm not giving up, I’m trying.. to tell you, to tell you..."

It was working more and more as he sang the song. Elise looked like she was enchanted by the song too. Since, Chuuya devoted the song to the demons, Dazai was able to move a little more freely and breath at easy. His tails start moving a little. Slowly but steady.

Chuuya crawl closer .

His song came almost to an end and Mori had still to let Dazai go..

'A little more! Please'

"Grip your hands, I’m tired and what's your worth?
Watch yourself beg, hanging on to earth
Love war pain life, everything's the same to me

So come down to the black sea swimming with me
Go down with me, fall with me, let's make it worth it"

In the momento, Chuuya's song came to an end, Mori had his eyes locked at him and Dazai could finaly breath normaly again.

“No one can avoid a siren's song! No matter how powerful they are, no matter how long they walk on this earth, no matter their blood no one is able to resist the song. So be careful Chuuya! Its a dangerous toy and it can bring destraction! Use it with care, my sweet camelia”. Chuuya remembers well his mother's words. They had terrified and excite him at the some time... But he could understand now. Abilities are a terrified thing, but its up to the user to decide how to use them. They can be the coolest thing or the weakest. But only their user can make them the best out there.

And now the only thing Chuuya wanted was his lover's safety.

He gathered his strengh and moved forward. When he was at a close distant he change course tipping over and slap Mori with his tail.

Dazai find the opportunity to stand up and face Mori. He start whispering the ancient spell Sensei teached him, but he had forgot it. It was so long ago. Two centures if he recall correctly? What was the words again? Think Dazai!

In he same time, a red curcle that mached Dazai's eyes start forming around Mori. Slowly another curcle and another and another start forming around him; surrounding him. When Dazai finish the first part of the spell , small fire light up in place of the curcles.

They start moving closer and closer to Mori's body.

Mori's eyes went widden. His breath catched to his throat and he stragle to get out..

“No use...” he mattered.

He glance over to Elise only to see her already turning to ashes.. Her cries freeze people's souls..

All his plans turn to ashes just because a stupid fish bitch slapped him!

'No I m still not done!'

He used his spells. Every single one of them. He moved again. He tried to use the jagger hiden to his boot.

No use.

“A special spell directly from the cat, heh..”

“Just an incurance”, was Dazai's answer.

Mori smirked in disgust.

“Goodbye father”

Mori start burning. His fire was ungly as his soul. Black as his soul. Corrupted as his soul.

Soon it will be stopped existing like his long dead heart..

Dazai sank into his knees. He caught red blood.

'Damn.. the andrenallin is wearing off... this is bad! It hurts..”

Weak arms curl up against his torso.

“Osamu..”, Chuuya whispered softly “Dont leave me, Osamu!” crap he start crying again.. “I-I will help you but please take my to the water..”

Dazai had lean into his lover's embrace trying to make sense of his words. Aaah his ears where ringing so much.

He said something about water and Dazai's mind cleared up a little. Chuuya was in worst condition than him since he was dehydrated.

Nodding, Dazai turn and pick up Chuuya in his arms. With much difficulty he stand up and walking towards the lake. Unable to go further, he let his body fell into the cold water.

The moment the water connect with Chuuya's body it find the strenght to hug Dazai tightly and swim to the surface.

There. Under the night sky. In front of the fullmoon that had already start to fade. Chuuya sang for the first time to his soon-to-be-mate. He rest Dazai head to his shoulder, so they can look at the moon together, and hold him tight from the waist. His tail was keeping them above the surface and Dazai's clothes provide some warmth.

Dazai was breathing slowly and more weak than before, beacause of the bad state he was, but upon hearing his lover's singing voice he could finally calm down. After years of running, hunting and beng hunt, killing and saving, teaching and being taught, saying goodbyes and meeting new people Dazai could finally calm down.

Breath in.

Breath out.

Together the two lovers looking at the moon and let the siren's song heal their woods.

“I was searching for the reason
I'm able to remain as myself
If there's a version of me
that exists within your heart
Then even amid the darkness on this long, hilly road
I feel I can become a new me,
able to make my way through!

So that each of us, walking our individual moments, can keep on smiling...
So that we can keep moving forward, exploring the meaning of life together...
I'll call out a name:
your name
So that you can remain who you are

Whenever you're darkened by sadness and your tears overflow...
Whenever your heart floods with loneliness and begins to waste away...
I'll call out a name:
your name
Just as you once called out mine”

*******************

...one year later...

Fukuzawa had found them still inside the lake an hour later. Chuuya's mother, Kouyou, had emerge from the lake, not long after the accident, worried about her son's diasappearance. After one glance at the couple and a lot at the burning remains, she immediatly start singing to calm and heal them better. Fukazawa, after thanking the mermaids and promising to comeback for some short of explanation, took Dazai to the village's doctors. Dazai was let to Yosano's capable hands to heal, while Kajii set off to the lake to announce the good news. In his state of sleep, Kajii remembered a sentence of an old book he had read when he was young, back at the human village. Althought, the book was dedicate to mythical beast and espeacially dragons and fairies, there was one chapter of the book about the siren's and mermaid's (as siren's progeny) tears. Kajii believed that a teardrop would be enough to give Chuuya temporarily legs.

And thats how it happened.

When Dazai wake up, three days later, he was greeting by Chuuya sitting on his own bed next to him. Shocked at first, but quickly overwhelmed, Dazai propose to Chuuya not wanting to wast any more precious time.

The answer of course was a tearfull “yes”.

Now, one year later, the official mates greet us again on Dazai's bed.

It was one of Chuuya's regular visits. He was sitting on the bed, resting his back on the headboard of the bed. Dazai had his head on Chuuya's lap, hugging softly his mate waist and enjoying the feeling of Chuuya's fingers caressing his hair..

“Chuuyaaa, Im so tired!”

“Hahaha.. Whose fault is it, Osamu? If you hadnt pull that prank off at Kunikida's birthday party AGAIN, you wouldnt have to work at the school and thus be tired. You should really stop messing with him! He was as red as a tomato from the anger..”

“Aaah but his face was priceless!!!”

“So was his punch...”

“Really, he should work on his nerves!”

“Mmmm.. sure sure..”

“Chuuyaaaaa Im sleepy but I cant sleep!!!!!”

“Mmm.. I wander why with all that coffee you drank....”

“Chuuyaaa sing to me?”

A soft smile formed on Chuuya's lips. Oh how much he loves this man...

“Fine. But just this one!”

“Hehe okay, love”

“The sea will bring birds
And the wind golden stars
For them to caress your hair
And to kiss your hand

Small paper moon
Spurious coast
If you trusted me a little
Everything would be true

Without your love
The time goes difficult
Without your love
The world is small

Small paper moon
Spurious coast
If you trusted me a little
Everything would be true

Without your love
The time goes difficult
Without your love
The world is small

Small paper moon
Spurious coast
If you trusted me a little
Everything would be true ”

                                                    *the end*