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It wasn't often that Edgar got to spend time with the Gamma from the Armed Detective Agency. Not to say that he didn't want to, or that he was incapable of doing so.
But Edgar didn't want to step on any toes.
He already had a plethora of Omegas that were Hovering around him, most notably was Dazai-kun, who took care to scent Atsushi-kun nearly relentlessly and bury the boy’s own scent below the heady smell of peach blossoms and cypress.
Ranpo-kun was also an Omega that took care of Atsushi-kun, although not to the extent that Dazai-kun did. A light scenting here and there behind the ear, and that was usually when Dazai-kun was unavailable to help the young Gamma.
Fukuzawa-san was also an Omega that could help Atsushi-kun. Usually the fiercest protector of the Armed Detective Agency, although one would never know he was behind your back and ready to slit your throat thanks to his immensely impressive control over his scent. It was honestly so impressive, and Edgar wanted to know where he learned it from.
And last but not least, was Tanizaki-kun. While the boy was technically a Beta, he was an Beta-leaning-Omega. And also incredibly protective over Atsushi-kun as well, baring his teeth and snarling at anyone who dared to sniff around the boy and not get knocked out by the potent scent of Dazai-kun.
Four Omegas to surround the boy, and then there were the Alphas.
Kunikida-kun was the first Alpha that came to mind, the one that was “in charge” of Atsushi-kun, so to speak. His paper and lavender scent was light enough to not overwhelm the boy, but also potent enough to stay when someone dared to slight the boy in his presence. Definitely the Alpha that took care of Atsushi-kun in the fatherly sense, although it seemed like he had only just realized that.
Kyouka-chan was also an Alpha. That had been a surprise orientation for some, but Edgar could have predicted that a mile away. Siblings often were opposite ends of the spectrum, see the Tanizakis. Or even Edgar and Rosie! His little sister was a spitfire of an Omega, he should call her up and make sure that she hadn't claimed anyone as a mate while he was away wooing his own.
Tanizaki-chan was also an Alpha, albeit a Beta-leaning-Alpha, but she had the characteristics nonetheless. Sharp wit and a fierce, deadly grin that was filled with dull teeth that warned one that the tearing of your throat out would hurt if you didn't back off.
Kenji-kun was also of an Alphan category. He was a Delta, but he was still in the Alphan category, even though he was a “socially submissive” Alpha. Honestly, Edgar was keeping an eye on him the most. Atsushi-kun tended to claim dangerous people (see, Dazai-kun, Kyouka-chan, Kunikida-kun), and he had claimed this one as a nebulous part of his pack. Kenji-kun was dangerous in a way that Edgar hadn't seen yet.
And then there were the two scents that seemed to cling to Atsushi-kun no matter what. They were Alphan scents, and more than that, they were Prime Alphan scents. Edgar just didn't know who they belonged to.
With so many people surrounding Atsushi-kun, not counting the Beta doctor Yosano-san who could kill someone and bring them back, Edgar wasn't sure he was allowed to step forward and try spending time with the Gamma.
He had so many people after all. He didn't need another Alpha.
Karl chattered softly, kneading his little paws into Edgar’s lap, and Edgar realized he had been lost in thought and not stroking his friend's fur.
“Sorry Karl.” He murmured, running his hands through the fur. “Just thinking.”
The raccoon crooned, settling onto his lap again.
Edgar stared out the window of his apartment, trying not to get lost in thought again. He couldn't afford to. Lucy was coming over to work on a sewing project, and she needed Edgar’s extra room to ensure that it got done as quickly as possible. If needed, she could just use her Ability and hide away in Anne’s Room and stop outside time while she worked on it, but she didn't want to do that.
She had puffed up her cheeks when Edgar had pointed this out, smacking him on the arm and telling him that she needed to finish the project in real time and not be cheating with her ability.
Edgar didn't see a point in responding. Being an Ability user, simply existing as an Ability user, was cheating at life. Ability users were more powerful, more durable, more capable, at the point of their birth. They were simply more at everything, and an ordinary human could barely hold a candle to an Ability user.
The setting sun’s light started burning his eyes, and Edgar winced and lowered his head, realizing he had been in the same position for hours, wallowing in the fact that he couldn't get close to the Gamma of the Armed Detective Agency.
Which, was fine! It was perfectly fine. Atsushi-kun deserved to have so many people in his life that he had a multitude to choose from when he needed help. But Edgar did want to help in some way. Any way he could.
Unfortunately, Fukuzawa-san always rejected his attempts to buy the Armed Detective Agency’s dorm buildings so he could renovate them for the people that lived in them. Which was putting Edgar's courting back a bit, especially because he couldn't move into step three of fifty in the courting process he had made for Ranpo-kun!
Edgar sighed, his head drooping low and grumbling nonsensical things to Karl. He wondered if he should just move back to America already. His courting with Ranpo-kun wasn’t going anywhere, and why should he stay if the Omega that he liked didn't like him back?
Well, he shouldn't say that. Ranpo-kun kinda let him know that he sorta felt the same way towards Edgar sometimes. But he also pulled away too, acting skiddish unless he needed something from Edgar. And Edgar was the fool who always fell for him, hook line and sinker.
Edgar stared out into the night sky, the stars starting to twinkle and glow against the crushed velvet of the dark blue of the universe.
His jasmine and sandalwood scent grew melancholy, he could tell. But he honestly couldn't care less. He stood, picking Karl up in his arms and walked to the balcony door, opening the sliding door and stepped onto the concrete balcony. He remembered the wooden balcony of his aunt's manor, how it creaked and groaned while he was on it. It was where his fear of heights had first started to bloom.
Edgar stuck to the door, looking up at the stars to avoid looking down and sending himself into a panic attack.
Should he go back to America? He wasn't having any progress on what he wanted to do, be that making a stronger connection with Atsushi-kun, or courting Ranpo-kun to a higher number of steps. And while he loved Japan (and hated heights), he could really use a hug from Rosie or Rubén right now.
If Ranpo-kun just rejected him outright, he'd leave. He had promised the Omega that, and Poes were people of their word. And Ranpo-kun hadn't rejected him outright, or under the table, thanks to Edgar’s ever anxious brain thinking everything a thousand times a second and overthinking their interactions that could be classified as dates.
But Ranpo-kun also hasn't responded to his advances either. He didn't try to reach out to Edgar, and he didn't do skinship either. Ranpo-kun didn't care about trying to build their connection beyond those few steps that they took forward at the start.
Edgar stroked Karl's fur, staring at the stars.
Rubén, how long should I continue this?
The cawing of a raven startled him, especially because it was from his own pocket. He nearly threw Karl up into the air, thankfully his friend simply climbed onto his shoulder with an indignant huff. Fishing his phone out of his pant pocket, Edgar opened it without looking at the caller ID.
“Hello?”
[“Yo! Ed-kun!”] Ranpo-kun’s voice greeted his ear, and Edgar immediately got happier listening to his courting Omega’s voice. He smiled, staring out at the stars again while he reached a hand up and pet his friend’s fur.
“Ranpo-kun.” Edgar greeted warmly, even though he could hear the anxious part of his brain yelling at him that he shouldn't be doing this. He shouldn't be falling all over again when there had been next-to-no communication or movement forward. He shouldn't be ready and willing to help Ranpo-kun with everything at the drop of a hat.
But he did. He was.
His jasmine and sandalwood scent was billowing out, sweeter than it had been in the last few hours.
[“Hey, I was wondering if you could do me a quick favor?”]
Ah.
Edgar's heart dropped.
Of course. Ranpo-kun was calling to ask Edgar for a favor. Nothing else.
Right. He shouldn't be surprised anymore, not really.
Edgar should refuse.
“A-ah, sure, what's up?”
Edgar’s never been particularly smart though.
Especially when it came to things such as love and boundaries. Rosie, Rosario, and Rubén would be on the next flight to kick his ass if they could hear his thoughts.
[“Well you see, Atsushi-kun actually went out to find a case for me!”]
Edgar perked up. Maybe Ranpo-kun was asking for his help–
[“It’ll be an easy case for me to solve, no problem.”]
Of course. Ranpo-kun was amazing after all. The world's best detective.
Karl chattered, pressing against his neck. He only did that when Edgar had lost control of his scent and it was growing more and more bitter. He reigned it in, refusing to let it out.
“Okay. How can I help though?” Edgar asked, a hand coming up and stroking Karl’s fur to calm him. Maybe to calm himself down too.
[“I don't want Atsushi-kun around when I'm solving the case. Something about it isn't sitting right with me from what I've heard, and I don't want to see the kid cry.”] Ranpo-kun explained, and it made Edgar pause, ponder and wonder why the Omega was asking for his help then. It's not like–
The pieces clicked on Edgar’s mind, and he clenched the phone tighter. Was Ranpo-kun really about to ask him to–
[“So I was wondering if you could spend the day with him? It's fine if you can't, but I thought since you haven't been able to spend much time with him that you might like to–”]
“I’d love to!” Edgar exclaimed, interrupting his courting Omega, which was terribly rude, but that didn't matter. He could spend time with the Gamma and ensure he's being taken care of! It's not that Edgar didn't trust the Omegas and Alphas in the Gamma’s vicinity to not take care of him (Edgar could already feel the rage of one Osamu Dazai and Kyouka Izumi should that insinuation ever leave his lips–), but not to brag, Edgar had more money.
More money and less of a care to not hurt Atsushi-kun’s fragile ego as he showered him with gifts and good food tomorrow. Or– whenever Ranpo-kun needed him to be with Atsushi-kun. He did mention the case was tomorrow, but still–
“I'd really like to spend time with Atsushi-kun. It's been a while since we got bedding for him, does he need more? Or would a more laid-back outing be preferred? I know he likes books.” Edgar started to ramble, heading inside. The night was still young, he had plenty of time to search up the reviews on the bookstores in Yokohama. Plenty of time before Rosie tried to call him and force him to sleep.
He's been unable to Dote on anyone for so long. Sure he could buy gifts for his family and send them through the mail, but it wasn't the same as seeing them appreciate the gifts in person, simply existing with his loved ones in the same room was all he needed really.
Spending no time with his loved ones was utterly hellish. He was quite certain Robert had mentioned something about “quality time” being a love language once, but it was just a silly little quiz in his class. Not anything important.
It totally didn't hurt Edgar's heart when Ranpo-kun was unable to come to a date that they had planned. It totally didn't strike Edgar through his core when he remembered and realized just how far he was away from his family. It totally didn't make Edgar’s heart weep when he felt the soul-crushing anxiety and there was no one by his side.
It never hurt.
It couldn't if Edgar just kept ignoring the pain for forever.
“Ah wait, the outing is for tomorrow, right? You mentioned the case was tomorrow, so I just assumed–!” Edgar rambled, his heart rate starting to spike and his scent starting to spiral out of control. If he had fucked up at the very first hurdle then everything afterwards was going to end so so so badly–
[“Yup, for tomorrow Ed-kun!”] Ranpo-kun’s voice sounded in his ear, and Edgar felt like he could breathe again. He hadn't fucked up. He hadn't messed up right at the start. That was great.
[“Thank you so much Ed-kun.”] Ranpo-kun sighed into his ear. [“Atsushi-kun does love books, so maybe go shopping with him tomorrow? I don't know what's really around Yokohama–”]
Edgar withheld a snort. Understatement of the century. Ranpo-kun was utterly hopeless when it came to directions. Maybe he should gift him a GPS system next? Would Ranpo-kun like that?
[“–but I know you're probably already looking at reviews of bookshops. Aren't you?”]
Edgar looked guiltily at the computer in front of him. The one that had multiple bookshop reviews open.
“Maybe I am, maybe I'm not.” Edgar said, somewhat playfully as he tilted his head to sandwich the phone between his ear and shoulder, and started scrolling on the reviews. “Oh this one has a coffee shop. Does Atsushi-kun like coffee?”
Ranpo-kun’s laugh crackled across the line, and Edgar found himself smiling softly.
~~~~~~~~~~
Atsushi messed with his belt, wringing the leather as he waited for Poe-san and Karl to pick him up. Dazai-san hadn't been too pleased that he was spending the day with an Alpha that he barely knew anything about, other than he bought Atsushi's blankets and nest frame for him.
Atsushi could only sigh at these antics. The Omega was someone that preferred doing a deep-dive on a suspected person before letting them anywhere near Atsushi. It didn't help that Kyouka-chan was also in favor of this, and Atsushi couldn't tell if it was because they both had been Port Mafia, or because it was someone that they knew that could be in danger. They were getting better, especially since Atsushi seemed to remind everyone just how capable he was during the undercover mission with Ozaki-san.
But Dazai-san was still sifting through the files of the cult that Atsushi and Ozaki-san had found, and Ranpo-san was helping Fuzan-san and Rie-san with their twenty-year-old case, and since Atsushi had brought the case forward, he wasn't allowed to help with it, and needed to be out of the office. Since he wasn't allowed at the office, Fukuzawa-san had given him a day off, but no one else in the Armed Detective Agency had a day off.
So Ranpo-san had enlisted the help of Poe-san (and Karl) to keep Atsushi busy today, so his anxious mind wouldn't spiral.
Atsushi smiled to himself, the grip on his belt loosening.
Ranpo-san really trusted and liked Poe-san to enlist help not once, but twice for Atsushi.
Not that the Omega would ever admit it out loud, Ranpo-san was way too prideful for that. But he enlisted Poe-san’s help way too many times, or called him out of the blue to chat about a case just to hear Poe-san's voice. His scent always went soft and mellow when calling Poe-san, and Atsushi, Tanizaki-kun, and Naomi-san would all snicker together. Tanizaki-kun and Naomi-san in particular, because apparently Ranpo-san had always been so adamant that no one was smart enough for him.
And yet, he called Poe-san for advice on a case, or asked him for favors.
Atsushi shook his head, smoothing his sweater down as he saw a few rumples in it.
Ranpo-san really liked Poe-san, dare Atsushi say loved, Poe-san. He didn't ask anyone for help other than to get from the Agency to a crime scene, or to get his marble out of his ramune. He didn't ask for anyone else’s advice on a case. He didn't call in favors with anyone else.
It was only Poe-san who got to see that side of Ranpo-san.
And then there was the fact that Ranpo-san was trusting Poe-san (and Karl) with Atsushi today. Ranpo-san barely trusted police officers that he had known for years with someone of his pack. He barely trusted “outsiders” with the pack that he had created and cared for.
And yet–
This was the second time that Ranpo-san had asked Poe-san to help with Atsushi. Actually, the third, now that Atsushi remembered that book that Poe-san had written to trap Atsushi and Akutagawa in order for them to confess to each other.
Atsushi smiled down at his sneakers, only messing with the end of the belt now. If Ranpo-san could trust Poe-san with Atsushi, one of the newest members of the pack that the Armed Detective Agency made, then Atsushi should trust Ranpo-san’s judgment.
“Atsushi-kun!”
Atsushi lifted his head, smiling and waving at Poe-san, who was jogging towards him. The man was dressed in a dark green peacoat and black pants, complete with a white turtleneck peeking out from the top of the peacoat. He must still be getting used to Japan’s fall turning into winter weather and cold winds from the sea. Karl was riding his shoulders, a feral grin on his little face at the ride.
In comparison, Atsushi felt pretty underdressed, wearing a sky blue sweater and some black jeans and sneakers with his signature belt.
“I'm not late, am I?” The American detective asked, pulling his coat sleeve back to look at the wristwatch he had on.
Something panged in Atsushi when he saw it, but he shook his head, letting his belt go. “No! No, I'm just early, promise. You're early too.”
Poe-san smiled at him, dropping his arm. Karl cooed, moving from one shoulder to the other to be closer to Atsushi, and Atsushi couldn't resist reaching up and scratching the raccoon's ears.
“Good. That means we can get an early start on the day!” The Alpha clapped his hands together, before reaching for Atsushi's hand.
Atsushi blinked at the Alpha now holding his hand, but shrugged it off. Poe-san may come from a touchy-feely household, or maybe this was something that Americans. Or maybe he was so used to guiding Ranpo-san around that he didn't think twice about it now.
“What's the plan for today? Ranpo-san wouldn't tell me anything.” Atsushi let the pout creep into his voice. Ranpo-san wouldn't tell him anything about what Poe-san was planning, or about Fuzan-san and Rie-san’s case that he had started working on. He just shooed him out of the communal space and told him to get ready.
Poe-san laughed. “Yes, that does sound like Ranpo-kun. Well, since I knew you liked books, I figured we could visit some bookstores! Free time is scarce for you after all, you're the Savior of Yokohama.”
Atsushi felt his face light up in crimson. It was one thing to remind himself of what he was, it was another to hear everyone say that he was indeed the Savior of Yokohama.
“That's just a stupid nickname given to me by the press!” Atsushi whined, squeezing Poe-san's hand and hiding his face with his free hand in embarrassment.
“And yet, everyone I talk to does seem to agree with their conjecture.” Poe-san teased, and Atsushi was quite sure he heard Karl chittering in laughter. The betrayal! Complete and utter betrayal from the raccoon!
Atsushi groaned.
Poe-san stopped all of the sudden though, staring down at their intertwined hands.
“I'm sorry, does this make you uncomfortable? I'm so used to holding Ranpo-kun’s hand to lead him or Rosie tugging me along that I simply took your hand and didn't ask.”
The jasmine and sandalwood scent emanating from the Alpha grew sharp, the jasmines growing heady and the sandalwood merely an afterthought.
But Atsushi had been right in his deduction! He had grabbed his hand both due to his raising in America and because of Ranpo-san. He was getting better!
“No, it's fine. Kyouka-chan also grabs my hand on my arm when we're out and about. Sometimes we get some looks, but I figured she needs the comfort more than I need to keep up an appearance for the city of Yokohama.” Atsushi shrugged.
Poe-san looked at him with an odd look, but they continued on their way, hands still connected. Karl however was quick to jump onto Atsushi's shoulders and curl up contently around his neck. Atsushi laughed softly.
“Atsushi-kun, what do you mean by that?” Poe-san finally asked, his heeled boots clacking against the concrete as they continued to walk. “Keeping up an appearance?”
“Ah well.” Atsushi fumbled softly for an answer that he could explain. “Well, despite how everyone in the Agency acts, we still follow most societal norms.”
Most of them. Kunikida-san was a work in progress, with his proclivity towards anarchy when he thought no one who was impressionable was watching. Kunikida-san was an Alpha who would rather watch the world burn if it dared to hurt his loved ones.
“Societal norms?” Poe-san asked, squeezing slightly on Atsushi's hand. “Which ones would have any bearing on Kyouka-chan clinging to you? That's something siblings normally do, right?"
The jasmine and sandalwood scent was starting to grow a touch heavier with his questions.
“It's just that.” Atsushi looked down at their joined hands. “Japanese, we don't really like showing affection in public. Ranpo-san kinda has to when he goes out, or else no one will find him once he gets lost. But yeah. We don't like to, to hold hands outside of the home. It's easier here, in the city. Most people don't care.” Atsushi remembered the few times that he had gone to the village, or passed through a few to get to Yokohama.
“But in the cities, or towns, holding hands with a partner is really frowned upon. Public affection, platonic or romantic, isn't something we like to showcase.”
Poe-san seemed lost in thought.
“I see.”
Atsushi squeezed his hand to grab his attention when his scent started to die down, a sure sign that the Alpha was holding back his scent.
“Is it different in America?”
Atsushi couldn't imagine trying to hold Akutagawa’s hand. Not in public, not in private. Mostly because he wasn't sure the Prime Alpha wouldn't take his hand off with Rashōmon if startled. But he also knew that the Prime Alpha had taken care to not attack Atsushi on sight or on instinct anymore.
“Yes, it's quite different.” The Alpha started to perk up out of the funk he had started to sink into. “In America, most people don't care what couples do, so long as it's not explicit.”
Atsushi hummed, surprised. How far does that extend to? What technically counts as explicit in America? What would couples do? Could they go to jail if it was too bad?
But it also got his mind thinking in a different direction.
If Poe-san was used to outward displays of affection, would he see Ranpo-san asking did advice like Atsushi did? The favors? Did Poe-san know that Ranpo-san liked him so much?
Atsushi would have to make sure that he knew. He liked having Poe-san around, he was a nice guy, barring the time that he killed Yosano-sensei in one of his books. But Ranpo-san had said that he talked to Poe-san about that.
Poe-san probably knew that Ranpo-san liked him to the point of nearly loving him. But Atsushi would make sure that the Alpha knew.
Akutagawa also got insecure from time-to-time, thinking about how many Alphas Atsushi was surrounded by nearly constantly. Even though those were his pack.
Apparently Atsushi had surprised him when he had picked up the oranges from a gift basket so Akutagawa wouldn't get them. He knew Akutagawa didn't care for them, something about the acidity not settling right with Akutagawa’s stomach, but Kyouka-chan loved oranges.
Akutagawa had stared at him with large black eyes for a good five minutes, his fig and almond scent absolutely pleased.
“Do they hold hands often?” Atsushi asked as they turned a corner. America honestly sounded different, if not a little weird to allow the displays of affection be so public.
“Mhmm. And kiss in public.”
Atsushi's face went bright red.
Yeah, America sounded weird.
~~~~~~~~~~
Edgar was pleased that they went to the bookshop that had a coffee shop in it as well. They could select books and sit down with their drinks and read their books.
Of course, Edgar was going to buy whatever books Atsushi-kun had paid especial attention to, but that was a later occurrence. Plus, some of these bookstores had plushies in them. Atsushi-kun deserved a plushie or two.
They selected their books and ordered their drinks, a hand drip coffee with some sugar for Edgar, and an iced coffee for Atsushi-kun. After getting their drink, they sat at a nice little table and opened their books up.
Edgar took a long sip of his drink, enjoying the flavors.
"You know Ranpo-san is like, totally in love with you, right?"
Edgar nearly spat his coffee out onto his chosen book.
"Oh. You didn't." Atsushi-kun sighed. “I feared that was the case.”
Edgar managed to swallow his coffee, coughing harshly as the hot liquid scorched its way down his esophagus.
“Wha-what do you mean?” Edgar whispered.
“Ranpo-san really loves you.” Atsushi-kun insisted. “But it hit me in the way here that you might not understand that fact. Because of how different Ranpo-san shows his love from how an American Omega would.”
Edgar clamped down on his scent, refusing to let it shoot out and drown everyone who was in the bookshop and coffee shop. Karl crooned on his lap, pressing into his stomach.
“The way he shows his love, huh?” Edgar whispered, stroking a hand through Karl’s fur.
He knew he had been feeling down the night before, but he wasn't expecting Atsushi-kun to see through to his insecurities so fast. He was supposed to be an Alpha, strong and powerful to protect the boy, and yet he hadn't even done that right.
“Mhmm.” Atsushi-kun nodded, leaning forward on his elbows. His silver hair fell to one side thanks to the high ponytail it was kept up in. “Ranpo-san doesn't ask for favors you know. But in the time I've known you, he's asked for three.”
“Fifty-seven.” Edgar muttered, staring at Karl, who looked up at him almost knowingly.
“What?” Atsushi-kun asked, tilting his head.
“He's asked me for favors fifty-seven times.” Edgar clarified.
“That's incredible!” Atsushi-kun sat straight up in his seat. “And, and he calls you for advice on cases too.”
“Is that not normal?” Edgar asked with a frown, peering at the Gamma.
“Poe-san. He's the greatest detective ever.” Atsushi-kun deadpanned at him. “He calls you to listen to your voice. Ranpo-san is someone that likes to listen. He likes to act and take care of everyone.”
Edgar really felt like a fool. He should have paid more attention to Ranpo-san's actions. And to the fact that he asked for favors when he seemed to reject everyone's help. And the fact that he called Edgar for help on a case.
“But I can't really blame you either.” Atsushi-kun took a sip of his drink and sat back in his chair. “Ranpo-san is really subtle in showing that he likes and cares for a person, especially when you're from America and used to showing how much you love someone. It took me a little bit to realize that Ranpo-san asking me to guide him to a crime scene meant that he wanted to spend time with me.”
Edgar felt his heart lighten a little, knowing that he wasn't the only one in this boat on not understanding the whimsical Omega’s wants.
“Thanks.” Edgar sighed, relaxing slightly. Quickly going over their past interactions, Edgar realized just how much Ranpo-san called him or asked for silly, nonsensical favors. Probably just to hear his voice or know what Edgar’s day was like, because he talked about his day while he was doing the favors.
God, he could be a real idiot sometimes.
He shook his head, before focusing completely on Atsushi-kun and smiled.
“Let's just focus on reading and enjoying our books, yeah?”
Atsushi-kun narrowed his eyes at Edgar.
“You're not buying me anything.”
Edgar sipped his drink and didn't say anything.
“Poe-san, you're not buying me anything today. Okay?”
Edgar smiled into his cup, smelling the orchids in full bloom and the petrichor tell of a storm.
“Poe-san, you're not allowed to buy me anything!”
“I didn't know you were in charge of my finances, Atsushi-kun.” Edgar teased, and Karl chattered his laughter.
“Poe-san!”
~~~~~~~~~~
Atsushi pouted as they went to their third bookstore. It was hitting around twelve o’clock, and already Poe-san had bought at least three of the books that Atsushi had had his eyes on forever, but were more expensive than he could buy. Or convince himself to buy.
Poe-san was holding the books too, swinging them in a bag that was on his wrist. Atsushi couldn't return them without grabbing for them, and the Alpha knew that too. Dammit.
As they were entering the third bookstore, Atsushi's phone went off.
Won-Won yeah~. Shinjū wa hitori de wa dekinai! Futari nara dekiru~. Shinjū shinjū, shi-shi-shinjū~!
Atsushi is going to throttle Dazai-san for changing the ringtone he had set for the Omega.
He cursed under his breath, fishing his phone out before it could go off again and alert others of the fact that his Hovering Omega was an idiot.
“Yes Dazai-san? How can I help you? And would you mind telling me why you changed the ringtone I had set for–”
[“Where are you?”]
Dazai-san’s voice was cold and sharp. Atsushi's mouth shut with a click, and Poe-san turned to look at him. His free hand reached into his pocket, and he started to look around nonchalantly. But Atsushi had been a detective for a while now, he could spot someone scoping the area for a threat.
“We're at Isezaki Books.” Atsushi relayed, looking up to the sign in front of them.
[“Okay. Okay.”] Dazai-san sounded sincerely upset. [“Get back to the Agency. Now.”]
Atsushi frowned. He didn't like being ordered about, but this sounded serious.
“Alright, we're on our way back to the Agency.” Atsushi glanced at Poe-san, who nodded and handed Atsushi Karl, who was a nice weight in his arms.
[“See you soon.”] Dazai-san’s voice gentled.
“Ja ne.” Atsushi replied, and they turned around, heading back to the Agency.
What could have happened? What was going on? Was someone hurt? Dying? Dazai-san would have told Atsushi if it was about Kyouka-chan. He would have told Atsushi if Dazai-san himself was hurt. Kunikida-san was yelling in the background of the call, so he was okay.
What was going on?
“Atsushi-kun? Are you okay?” Poe-san asked, walking alongside him and keeping him out of traffic.
“I don't know what's going on. I don't like not having information.” Atsushi confessed. “When I was in the Orphanage, I knew practically everything. But ever since last year, my knowledge is so behind. I know practically nothing in this world.”
Poe-san was quiet, before he reached out and squeezed Atsushi's shoulder.
“Do you want to know a secret, Atsushi-kun?”
Atsushi's head snapped up, eager to learn.
“Everyone feels that. No one knows everything, so we're all scrambling for the information that we have and the information that could be given to us.” Poe-san kept his hand on Atsushi's shoulder. “We're all just floundering through life, wanting to know as much as we can. But we'll never know everything. So floundering is expected.”
Atsushi sighed, squeezing Karl slightly.
He did feel a little better, knowing that secret.
They walked up the steps of the Agency, opening the door to the office space.
Dazai-san was pacing around, Ranpo-san glaring down at his desk. Kyouka-chan was sitting at her desk, gripping a cup of tea tightly and Kunikida-san was talking to her softly. Kenji-kun and Tanizaki-kun and Naomi-san were all hovering around, their confused scents telling Atsushi that they didn't know what the hell was going on either.
“What's going on? What's wrong?” Atsushi asked, eyes dancing from person to person. Was it another war? Someone else trying to take over Yokohama for some reason? Someone targeting the Agency again?
“Dazai-kun. Sit down.” Ranpo-san ordered, before getting up and sitting at the couch that they usually reserved for clients and for detectives to talk about the cases that were brought.
“Atsushi-kun. Come here.”
Atsushi followed the older Omega's demand, and Ranpo-san dropped a file on the table. Poe-san sat next to Atsushi, and Dazai-san immediately crowded into the other space beside Atsushi.
Atsushi reached for the file.
“Ranpo-san?”
“Open it.” Ranpo-san looked tired.
Atsushi picked up the file. He opened it up.
It was Fuzan-san and Rie-san's case, like he had thought. He flipped through their timeline that they had relayed to Ranpo-san, and Ranpo-san’s notes started to pop up. That was concerning in and of itself. Ranpo-san rarely wrote notes down, and he only wrote them down for the most serious of cases.
“Hashimoto Tabito and Chiyo.” Atsushi read the missing persons that Fuzan-san and Rie-san were looking for. Looking for closure for. “And their nine-month-old son. Name unknown.”
“Hashimoto is Chiyo’s family name.” Ranpo-san said calmly. Too calmly when his scent was spiralling and shooting outwards, coating the Agency's office space. He was sincerely upset. “Tabito took it when he and his parents had a row when he said he wanted to marry Chiyo.”
Atsushi nodded. Made sense to him.
“They fell in with a bad crowd.” Atsushi noted, following the Hashimoto couple’s timeline. “That emblem. It's–”
He glanced at Dazai-san, whose jaw locked, before nodding.
“They fell in with the group that Ozaki-san and I took care of? Damn, then their kid is potentially the one that was experimented on.” Atsushi noted, and Dazai-san twitched violently at that, making Atsushi turn to look at him.
Dazai-san wouldn't meet his eyes.
“And then they ran.” Atsushi followed the timeline. “Out to the countryside.”
He shuffled to the next pages, confronted with a picture of the parents dead bodies.
“Fuzan found them.” Ranpo-san said tightly.
Atsushi made a noise of commiseration. “Poor guy. Lost his kid, his daughter-in-law, and the grandbaby.”
Kyouka-chan broke the teacup she was holding.
“Kyouka-chan!” Atsushi said, starting to stand, now ignoring the file. Dazai-san’s hand planted on his shoulder sat him back down.
“Uh?” Atsushi didn't understand.
“Finish the file Atsushi-kun.” Dazai-san said, and Poe-san suddenly shot upright and sat next to Ranpo-san, an arm wrapping around him and soft murmurs escaping him.
Atsushi saw that Kyouka-chan was being taken care of by Kunikida-san, so he went back to the file.
“Child disappeared. Probably taken by the cult and long gone before the police showed up. But. . .” Atsushi frowned. “But the cult lost them. They didn't know where the kid was either. They were pretty pissed about that.”
The tension in the office was thick.
Atsushi flipped to a map that was after the images of the parents death.
A map of Japan. A map of the countryside that the Hashimoto couple had fled to. A very familiar area of the Japanese countryside.
“The orphanage was nearby. My orphanage.” Atsushi muttered. “I wonder if I knew the kid. Wonder if he was one of the nice ones.”
Dazai-san's scent grew sharp. He was upset and angry.
Atsushi turned to assure the Omega, that he wouldn't hold anyone responsible if the kid had in fact hurt him–
Dazai-san reached forward and flipped to the next page. It was two sequences on the page, and they looked identical.
“What are these?” Atsushi frowned at the page.
“DNA sequences. One is from the cult, they took the Hashimoto baby’s DNA when they altered it, trying to create the perfect Prime Alpha or Prime Omega.” Ranpo-san’s tone was clipped.
Atsushi nodded. That made sense. The cult was weird like that, taking DNA from a defenseless kid.
But. . .
“What's the other one?”
Ranpo-san drummed his fingers against his knees, and Poe-san's arm squeezed the arm around the Omega.
“It's–” Ranpo-san opened his mouth. He closed it. “It's–”
“It's yours.” Dazai-san’s voice was tight. “It's from when you first joined us and Yosano-sensei gave you a check-up.”
Atsushi froze, staring at the sequences.
He started to chuckle.
“That's– that's a funny joke you guys.” He whispered.
The familiar countryside they had fled to. Fuzan-san mistaking him. Being found alone by the Headmaster, that his parents were monsters and hurt him, and threw him away in a trash bag, that’s what he told Atsushi. But if they were on the run–
Atsushi shook his head.
“This is– it's a prank? Right guys?” His head snapped around, looking at Kunikida-san and Kyouka-chan. Who couldn't meet his eyes. He looked at Dazai-san, who looked so terribly upset. He looked at Ranpo-san, who looked so sorry–
“It's just a joke. Isn't it?” He whispered. “Tell me this is a joke. It was funny, I laughed.”
He was pleading. He could hear his voice growing watery, fading in and out of strength.
“Tell me this is a joke.”
His parents had abandoned him. They weren't–
He was just an orphan with an Ability. He wasn't exper–
“Please.” He whispered. Tears started to fill his eyes, and Dazai-san’s arm wrapped around him. “Please tell me this is a joke.”
Tell me this isn't true. Tell me that my parents weren't–
Atsushi’s tears started to fall. One at a time, and then fully weeping.
Dazai-san wrapped his arms around Atsushi and Atsushi hid his face in the man's neck.
At least in his Hovering Omega’s arms and surrounded by his pack, he could feel safe.