Ephemeral Delights

Flare and Reiko's shared blog, will update this later. [WIP Theme]

[ephemeral-delights]

KazeTsuyo Week - Day 4

@kazetsuyo2020

Day 4: Water

Ship: Kakeru x Haiji  

Rating: G

Warnings: N/A

Wordcount: 709

"Water.

Without water, there wouldn't be rain. Without rain, would there be life?"

It's pouring again, the sky screaming and venting its frustration. Projecting its woes onto the earth itself, a loud thundery storm, lighting striking the ground repeatedly. Somewhere around the Earth, a child screams, frightened by the very forces of nature. Countless adults sigh and complain.

The walls of Chikusei-so seem to shake like a leaf as unrelenting winds battered the creaky building harshly. A boy lifts his head to watch the crying of the sky, soft music playing in the background drowned out by the thunder echoing. He jolts once again, seeming to feel the tremors of lighting run through the whole building, knocking over a photo frame at the corner of his desk. The edges of his mouth pulls upwards, casting a fond gaze upon the photo as he reminisces about the past. Storms tended to calm him down.

"Hakone Ekiden." Whispering quietly, he holds the photo up towards the light, watching the light reflect off the cool metal frame. The room lights up and the boy is blinded for a moment. He braces himself, the pitter-patter of rain disrupted by yet another booming of thunder. Placing the photo frame on the desk gingerly, he picks up his pen.

His head was empty, writing whatever he wanted, letting the smooth navy-blue ink flow onto the page.

A loud crash... he blinks, placing his pen down. He thinks to himself, must've imagined that. Then, he hears a shout of surprise, judging by the voice, one of the twins. Flicking off his lamp, he gets up and heads out.

Joutarou is standing by the door, pointing at a figure. This figure looks very familiar. The boy steps forward and practically rips off the hood. Greeting with a bright smile, the figure turns to shut the door tightly behind them.

"Ha? Haiji-san?" Joutarou says and his younger brother sticks his head out from inside the kitchen, "Oh~"

The boy ushers Haiji in, giving him a change of clothes. Haiji smiles gratefully, taking them and heading to the bathroom.

"Kakeru?" A voice asks tentatively, the boy turns to face the source of the voice. "Shindou-san, do you need something?" Shindou looks briefly at where Haiji had been before, "I just woke up from a nap. Was that Haiji?" He nods and Shindou's eyes go as wide as saucers, "I have to tell Musa. Thanks."

The boy is just left standing in the hallway, the storm outside as intense as ever. He sighs and heads to his room. As he steps towards his desk, he notices that his pen had rolled onto the floor.

"Ink has water, doesn't it?" He tilts his head before turning around, "Haiji, that was fast." Haiji is all smiles as usual, ulterior motive hidden behind a mask, "Thinking?"

The boy pauses to look at him, bending down to pick up the pen afterwards, "Maybe." "You're writing again." Haiji traces his handwritten words gently, the boy smiles softly at him. Haiji purses his lips, eyes scanning over the page, eyes softening, "You're Kurahara Kakeru. You don't need to be who your parents want you to be as long as you're a good person."

"Tell them that. See if they believe you." The boy offers a lopsided smile, putting the pen into his pencil case. Then he blinks once more, processing Haiji's words, "What's with the water thing anyway?"

Mysterious smiles as usual.

"It's raining, there's water, isn't there? Ink has water. There's water in us too."

The boy chuckles, grabbing Haiji's hand, leading him out of the room, "Alright, whatever you say."

Even though he can't stop his parents from pushing their expectations in him, even though he can't stop himself from feeling stressed and suppressed, he feels lighter somehow.

They get to dinner and midway, Haiji places his chopsticks down and gives a wide grin, "Water is an essence of life, isn't it?"

"To which everyone didn't quite understand.

But, the boy... no, Kakeru smiled, he would interpret it in his own way.

He was Kurahara Kakeru.

His thoughts and actions mattered.

He wasn't lost any longer.

He found his meaning to run.

He found his partner for life.

He couldn't help it, he smiled."

[ephemeral-delights]

KazeTsuyo Week - Day 3

@kazetsuyo2020

A/N: Dang it, I've been having writer's block. I'm sorry, it's slightly longer than before. (இдஇ; )

Day 3: Date

Ship: Kakeru x Haiji

Rating: G

Warnings: N/A

Wordcount: 689

"Come on, hurry up!" Haiji laughed, eyes twinkling. The rest of Chikusei-so watched the two leave, indulging Haiji with unnecessary dramatics. The twins were "bawling", lamenting about seeing the toilet in different light and other nonsense. Shindou was clutching a cookbook, waving sadly as if they were never going to see each other again. Musa was shedding tears, murmuring about some crush, the twins, and not having anyone to talk to. 

"Maybe if you helped carry something, it wouldn't take this long. You know, the rest of you could help too." Kakeru grunted, giving everyone a glare. Haiji leaned out of the driver's seat, giving a merry shout, "You're almost there, keep it up!" 

Putting the last of the luggage in the trunk, he opened the passenger seat door and the twins became a blob on the floor. Kakeru gave a small wave as Haiji started up the car. 

For a few moments, they were just silent, enjoying the peacefulness around them. "You know, I'm surprised that we could do this." Kakeru broke the comfortable silence, looking out the window at the passing hills and the constant of the Tamagawa River. A smile slipped onto Haiji's face easily, "We're going on a date!" 

"For 5 days," Kakeru questioned, "I'm not sure that's how it works." 

"Hush! We can go on a date everyday. Now, don't distract me, I'm driving." 

Kakeru pouted, "Fine." He leaned against the window, nodding off. 

When he came to, the passing scenery outside had changed, the Tamagawa River was no more, replaced by rows of trees. "Wmhere?" His words slightly slurred from sleep. Haiji glanced at the raven-haired boy, a slight tiredness in his tone, "We're almost there, another ten more minutes." Kakeru sat up slowly, rubbing his sore neck. They seemed to be at some sort of mountain place, there had been a significant change in pressure. 

Pulling to a stop, Kakeru got out first, opening the trunk. As he got out the bags, Haiji stretched his spine out, offering assistance as soon as he was done. "Let's get inside quickly! It's so cold out here." Exclaiming loudly, Haiji grabbed some of their bags and headed towards the brightly lit building. A clerk was typing away dutifully at the counter when they entered, he gave them a smile and Haiji checked them in.  

He gave them instructions about how to find their booked cabin, keys and a map. "Left or right?" Haiji grinned, holding the map upside down on purpose. "Please don't tease me, Haiji. It's very cold out here." 

Haiji had the nerve to pretend to be offended, "You were so much cuter when you weren't so snarky!" Kakeru gave him a blank stare before snatching the map and finding the way to their cabin. 

When they found the cabin, Haiji fished out the keys and unlocked the door. They peeled off their jackets and Haiji started preparing dinner. Kakeru went to shower on Haiji's insistence.

The moment he came out from the shower, his nose was assaulted by the smell of delectable food. "That smells nice. What did you make?" Kakeru walked over earnestly, earning a heartwarming laugh from Haiji. "You can already guess. Curry!"

Chuckling, Kakeru moved towards the table, setting the bowls and plates down. "I like the wooden aesthetic of this place. How did you find this cabin?" Haiji beamed at him, "It's a secret! I thought you'd like it." 

They ate, enjoying each other's company, and engaging in some small talk. After they finished dinner, Kakeru washed and cleaned the place up while Haiji went to go wash up. 

It wasn't long before they were in bed, snuggling under the covers. Kakeru felt Haiji shift a little, "So, how was our date?" Kakeru was confused, "Huh?"  

"Date 0." That was all Haiji said but Kakeru poked him. 

"It can't be Date 0. We've been dating for so long already."

"T-that's not what I meant." 

"Really? Because I think that it's probably day 100 already." 

"You made that number up, didn't you?"

"Maybe, I want to sleep now. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Kake-chan."

Just like that, both of them drifted off.

[ephemeral-delights]

KazeTsuyo Week - Day 2

@kazetsuyo2020

A/N: (I, honestly, adore Sakaki. It was difficult to write how he is an asshole but yet, not. He kind of is though. I'm sorry for the super short entry. I'm trying my best.)

Day 2: Animal

Rating: G

Warnings: N/A

Wordcount: 492

"He was human too. Humans changed and evolved. So why were animals who also changed and evolved different from humans? Those questions, Sakaki could never answer."

He could feel his blood boiling, a searing heat threatening to pierce right through his skin and unleash his fury upon the boy in front of him. Breath coming out in short bursts, he clenched his fists tightly, shoulders tense. Sakaki mimicked the face he was making, mocking him, "What? You're going to hit me? Won't that be the same as what you did to the coach?" He felt his hands claw out towards Sakaki without permission, "You-" The redhead sighed, steeping backwards so his hands never hit him, "You never change." Kakeru reeled back at Sakaki's sudden change in tone, "W-what?"

As if realising a mistake, Sakaki gasped and his eyes widened. He stepped backwards further, eyes narrowing, "I meant, animals will always be animals, no matter how appearances change." Kakeru snarled, feeling a new wave of anger wash over him, "What gives you the right to say th-" He felt a comforting hand placed on his shoulder and he turned. It was Haiji.

The older male kept his hand firmly on Kakeru's shoulder as he regarded Sakaki coldly, "Are you an animal too? Animals should stay at the zoo. Kakeru's changed but yet, you hold this grudge for so long. It's almost been four years since then. Have you really changed?"

Sakaki sneered, "Oh, the prince charming appears to save the damsel-in-distress." With Haiji at his side, keeping his emotions and actions in check, Kakeru surveyed Sakaki quietly. Hands clenched into fists and yet, his eyes seemed to exude a silent form of sadness. Haiji sensing that Kakeru was calm, dropped his hand from his shoulder, "Why do you keep attacking Kakeru like this? You're already in your forth year of university." Kakeru reached out and linked his hands with Haiji's, "Sakaki, maybe before I wouldn't have said this but, I'm sorry for what I did back there. If I had kept my anger under control, things might have turned out better. I can't change that but I can make it up to you, right?"

Sakaki smiled, a serene expression in contrast to all his anger, fury and rage before. "You've changed, haven't you? Only I haven't, I'm the animal, aren't I?"

Sakaki began walking away. Kakeru was about to call him before, Sakaki whipped around, this time truly yelling, "But, humans are animals, aren't they?!"

He turned, his bag held closely next to him, they couldn't see his face or expression anymore.

"But I'm human. Therefore, I'm an animal."

He spun around once more, "Don't you dare try to comfort me! You two lovebirds will never understand!"

Tears were running down his face of emotions better left unspoken, he took off running.

Kakeru looked at Haiji, "Do I?" "No, he has to sort out his problems. Everyone needs time to be alone."

"But he's not an animal." Haiji sighed and glanced at the spot where the redhead had previously been at.

"Give him some time. Maybe he'll get it."

[ephemeral-delights]

KazeTsuyo Week - Day 1

@kazetsuyo2020

Day 1: Gift

Ship: Kakeru x Haiji

Rating: G

Warnings: N/A

Wordcount: 630

"Why did you call me to come downstairs?" Prince asked, eyes not leaving his manga. Haiji blinked, not even caring that Prince was obviously disinterested, "Well, he was certainly a very interesting character!" Prince sighed, shoulders slumping even more, "Look, Haiji-senpai. I'm not here to help you out with your love life. Please just leave." Haiji gave an unreadable smile and Prince put his manga down, he had that bad feeling that Haiji was up to something. "If you're so unwilling, I guess we can call off that deal with the bookstore." Prince looked at him in disbelief, "There's no way that you would! Manga is my life!" He stood up, hands on the table, staring at him intensely.

Haiji continued smiling, "So, what are your opinions?" Admitting defeat, Prince grumbled a bit as he sunk back into the kitchen chair, "I've met him a few times. Just give him running shoes or a waterbottle. Everyone in first year knows that he likes to run." Narrowing his eyes, Haiji asked, sounding like he was super suspicious of something, "Why would you know that? You're in second year." Prince opened his mouth and was going to say something when Haiji's face lit up, "I can give him Hakone Ekiden!" Haiji's hand reached forward and placed it on his manga. Not his manga! He scrambled forward, trying to grab it but the book cover was glued to Haiji's hand.  Just like that, Haiji began to melt like ice and the floor started creaking. Prince tried jumping back but he couldn't. All he could do was watch as the floor swallowed the melting Haiji, combining together in one big mess.

"AHHHHHH!" Prince jolted awake, sweating profusely. He clutched his futon tightly, that bookstore deal was still there, he reassured himself. He would get his discount, Haiji wouldn't be swallowed by the floor and manga was still his life. He took in his surroundings silently, although still breathing heavily. His heavenly stacks of manga was still there, everything would be fine. Prince looked at the door,

A knock, followed by several knocks. "Come in." He said, getting up slowly, going to fold up his futon. Kakeru stuck his head in, "I heard some shouting while I was walking down the stairs. Are you okay, Prince-san?" "I'm fine." Kakeru just gave a stiff nod and closed the door.

After closing the door, Kakeru continued climbing down the stairs. "Good morning, Kakeru." Haiji greeted him, back facing him, using the stove. "Good morning, Haiji. Did the rest of them go for a run?" Haiji turned around, "Yeah, except Prince. Can you go check on him?" The raven-haired boy gave a small smile, "I already did. How are you feeling?" Haiji's heart sped up and he turned back to the stove at an alarming speed. Darn it, he's so cute...

He felt arms wrap around his waist and Haiji paused, "What is it?" Kakeru hugged tighter, "Thanks for finding me on that night. I don't regret coming to Aotake." Haiji turned off the stove, "I have to thank you too though. I found my true reason to run."

Prince came in, "You both gave each other Hakone Ekiden. End of story, please no more PDA." 

Kakeru pulled apart, cheeks flushed, "W-" A sudden laughter came from Haiji, "You still remember that?" Kakeru tilted his head and looked at Prince, "That?" Haiji grinned, "I talked to Prince about you before we met on that night." "O-oh."

As if his cheeks weren't red enough, his whole face turned even redder somehow. Prince gestured for Kakeru to sit down, "I'm telling you all this so you know what to expect if you continue dating the demon behind you." It remains unknown of what Kakeru learnt about Haiji's fantasies that day.

[ephemeral-delights]

Day 28, again - "I might just kiss you."

Prompt Number: 5

Fandom: Danganronpa V3 - Kokichi X Shuichi, Non-Despair AU (Not Hope’s Peak, though.)

Rating: G

Warnings: Death, angst. 

Wordcount: 547

The windows were frosted over and any slight wind would send them into shivers. They, specifically, Kokichi and Shuichi. Both of them were sitting outside on the benches. The front porch was a great hangout for them to enjoy the cold weather and yet, be in the comfort of their home. At any moment’s notice, they could just bolt back into their house to seek shelter or warmth. Sitting on the cold benches, they were wrapped snugly in their coats and scarves. They were huddled together, hands intertwined as they enjoyed each other’s embrace. 

Talking softy, Kokichi was reminiscing about their days in high school. No one had expected the bubbly troublemaker to grow up and be a famous entrepreneur. Kokichi had opened many casinos and malls. His calling as an entrepreneur only came when he stumbled upon Shuichi once again in college. Shuichi got himself a humble job as a career advisor, instead of following in his uncle’s footsteps to become a flashy detective. In the process of advising Kokichi and helping him up again after his many failed attempts at starting a new industry for entertainment, both begun to realise what they had missed out by cutting ties with each other so abruptly after high school. In high school, a fight had started their relationship and a fight had ended it. 

Kokichi was only cut off when Shuichi pinched his nose, “Shh, you’re making a lot of noise. You’re scaring the squirrels away.” Kokichi automatically stuck his tongue out. Ah, old habits sure die hard. “Not my problem, it’s just too eerily quiet.” Shuichi huffed, “Well, I know a way to make you be quiet.” Kokichi sneered playfully, “Oh really? Show me then.”

Shuichi attempted to elbow him but his jacket was too thick. Kokichi let out a laugh at him. He had matured, if he were still in high school, he would’ve fell to the floor in between laughter and tears. “You’re so cute. I might just kiss you.“ 

Kokichi went silent and his face blossomed into a cherry red. "No fair, that was cheating! You-” He leaned forward and- 

Shuichi was snapped out of his flashback, his eyes were watering terribly. Kaito was nudging him really hard with a sense of urgency. He looked up and he saw Kokichi’s pale face looking at him. He barely choked out a sob before the feelings hit him. He couldn’t bear it. Why had it been him? Why hadn’t he stopped him? Ice skating on thin ice? He should have known. He should have reacted faster.

HE SHOULD HAVE- he… he failed him SO MANY TIMES. When he put on his skating equipment. When he called out for him to join him. When he shouted for help. When he slipped under. 

What had he done? He knelt down and sobbed. His heart felt heavy. He didn’t want to lose him. The love of his life. They were planning on getting married. Hell, they already moved in with each other. Sobs racked his body as he cried out his sorrow. 

Life decided to screw him over. Why had it been Kokichi? He screamed out in frustration, pounding on the floor. His tears were shed, eyes were throbbing and he got up slowly. 

He left the hall, feeling empty and exhausted.

[ephemeral-delights]

Day 28 - "You keep me warm.”

Prompt Number: 26

Fandom: Bungou Stray Dogs - Shin Soukoku

Rating: G

Warnings: N/A

Wordcount: 606

  In the dim lighting of a bedside lamp, Akutagawa reads a book.

  The only sound in the entire room was the sound of pages flipping. The yellowed pages of the book were printed in a beautiful crisp and clear font, despite it’s seemingly old age. He was relaxing after a long day of work, even on Christmas eve. Those who defied the Port Mafia had strange tendencies to stir up trouble on Christmas eve. Clearly, everyone just wanted to have a good day. Why couldn’t YOU just relax for one day? Stupid criminals who defied the Port Mafia. 

  He placed his book down as he heard a familiar click of a lock. Atsushi stumbled in, his skin was very pale and he seemed dizzy. Akutagawa walked out the room quietly, shutting the front door and locking it. Atsushi was already dozing off on the living room floor, stomach flat on the floor. He kicked him lightly, “Get up. You’ll get a cold when the snow on you melts. I am NOT going to take care of you if you get sick. ” Atsushi grumbled and flipped around. He pulled Akutagawa’s hand and got himself up. Smacking into the bathroom door on his maiden attempt at trying to get into the bathroom, Akutagawa watched from the side, shaking his head.

  He grabbed Atsushi’s hand and yanked him inside. He walked briskly into the dimly lit bedroom and grabbed a random towel as well as some clothes for Atsushi. “Take it and change.” He instructed the drowsy tiger, passing it to him. Atsushi gave a sound of acknowledgment and closed the bathroom door.

   Akutagawa proceeded to heat up hours-old tea, clicking his tongue in annoyance at the tiger’s power. Akutagawa poured a cup of steaming tea he had brewed a few hours ago into the cup. It was disgusting in his opinion but it’d have to do. Atsushi slammed the bathroom door open and trudged out wearily, almost slipping a few times due to his clumsiness. He gingerly took the mug and drank from it, sitting down as carefully as possible despite his fatigue.

  Akutagawa eyed Atsushi as he sat down, Rashoumon grabbing a few teabags from the cabinets above, “What happened?” Atsushi only managed a quiet, “Tiger weakness.” Akutagawa rolled his eyes, “And so? You know, now, you’re just an easy target. Anyone who wanted to kill you would’ve succeeded already” Atsushi stuck his tongue out, “I don’t have a bounty on my head anymore, it’s fine. Besides, I have you~” Akutagawa leaned forward and pinched his cheeks, “Shut up, you can’t say that. You need to be responsible for yourself. I can’t save your miserable ass every time that you mess up. And, you better tell me about this… tiger weakness." 

  "Umm, how do I start? Tigers are like cats, we hate the cold. Warm things are the best, especially if it’s fluffy. So during the winter, all I want to do is sleep but I have work. I, unfortunately, can’t sleep for the entire winter. So…” Atsushi fiddled with his fingers. Akutagawa gave a snort, “Tiger’s don’t hibernate, I’m very sure. Do cats really hate the cold?”

  “Maybe, it’s just for me but-” Atsushi had stood up and he suddenly swayed, almost crumpling like a leaf to the ground. Rashoumon barely caught him in time and Akutagawa brought him into the bedroom. Unexpectedly, Atsushi snuggled up against Akutagawa, “You’re warm, you know. You keep me warm…” Akutagawa chuckled and picked up his book and read softly to the dozing Atsushi, who gave small hums of acknowledgment. 

It didn’t take long for both to fall sound asleep.

[ephemeral-delights]

Day 26 - "No, and that's final."

Prompt Number: 7

Fandom: Bungou Stray Dogs - Kindergarten AU

Rating: G

Warnings: N/A

Wordcount: 522

“No, and that’s final.”

“It was definitely, absolutely his fault!” Young Osamu Dazai had shouted across the room, pointing at  Nakahara Chuuya, a fellow student. “I don’t know what you’re going on about!” Chuuya had retorted back, tone indignant. Dazai had lost a crayon that was the same colour as his own hair. “He wanted the same colour hair as me so he took it! He took it!” Dazai stomped his foot, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. Chuuya glared back at him, twirling his own orange crayon in his hands, “I don’t want that! Brown is like…like…LIKE POOP!” He exclaimed after a while of thinking. Dazai looked offended, “You’re poop! KOUYOU-SENSEI, CHUUYA IS BULLYING ME!!” He melted into a puddle at her feet as soon as she walked in. Kouyou had heard a loud ruckus from next door and walked over to investigate the noise.

She let out a heavy sigh as she spotted the two, infamous for not getting along. The one and only pair, Nakahara Chuuya and Osamu Dazai.

“What happened? Nakahara, stop glaring at Dazai.” Dazai had let put a triumphant huff and Kouyou had eyed him into silence as Chuuya began to speak. “I didn’t steal the crayon!” He shouted as he gripped his orange crayon tightly in his palm. He was fighting back tears as he tried to defend himself. The class has gone eerily quiet.  Kunikida saw the situation while walking past and swooped in to help. He called the children out to play in the playground, thankful at not having to deal with troublesome children.

Kouyou was not fairing very well, with both children as stubborn as each other. Chuuya and Dazai would settle down only to have one of them suddenly disagree. It was almost like they were playing some sort of game. Kouyou’s eyes widened a bit at the revelation. A sneak under the table showed a lot. Chuuya was grasping his crayon with a steel-like grip while Dazai was lazily settling a suspiciously brown crayon onto Chuuya’s navy blue hat. Her suspicions were confirmed.

“Osamu-kun, may I ask what you’re doing?” Kouyou smiled sweetly, it was the venomous kind of sweet. One drop and it could and would kill if needed. Dazai froze, Chuuya jumped and screamed, and Kouyou resolved to retire soon. 

Now, Dazai had to face consequences for having accused Chuuya and attempting to get him in trouble. Quietly, he held out his wrists. Looking at Kouyou with his puppy-dog eyes, he shifted a bit to allow him to withstand the punishment without falling.

Chuuya was not innocent either. He had started the “fight”, provoking Dazai as long as he breathed. He looked at Kouyou, puppy-dog eyes present on his features. 

Kouyou felt herself get ticked off and she held out the ruler menacingly, counting to five internally to cool down sufficiently.

 "No, and that’s final. We’ve put this off long enough. Both of you need to grow up. I’m putting an end to this.“ She stated firmly and grabbed the other ruler off the table.

[ephemeral-delights]

Day 16 - “Now? Now you listen to me?”

Prompt Number: 3

Fandom: Bungou Stray Dogs - Supernatural...-ish AU

Rating: G

Warnings: N/A

Wordcount: 931

“Now? Now you listen to me?"

Dazai threw the pebbles straight into the still water of the lake. It created a big splash, which was received by an equally grumpy teenager, "Dude, screw off. You want to skip stones? Do it properly!" The redhead picked up a pebble from the ground littered with seemingly black and grey dots. He skipped it across the pond smoothly, he then turned to face Dazai triumphantly, "That's how you do it." Dazai hummed and grabbed another pebble, slamming it straight down into the pond. Chuuya had dodged, barely avoiding yet another giant splash of water. Dazai didn't say anything as he looked at Chuuya, eyes dead and cold. Chuuya glared back at him, "Go home. Stop poking around the forests. Don't say I didn't warn you." 

Chuuya kicked a few pebbles into the pond before marching off. As Chuuya's footsteps became softer, Dazai's, previously, expressionless face morphed into one of agony. "Why didn't you tell him?" A man, who looked like he was in his late 30s appeared from within the abandoned log cabin near the pond. A small, blond-haired girl was trailing behind him, "I don't want anything to do with YOUR man but Osamu-kun, you've got to do it." Dazai shrugged his coat off, letting the cold air engulf him.

"Don't matter."

"Oi, you, get out. Once it gets dark-" Chuuya came back only to find a blond girl and a man in his late 30s. "You took him, didn't you? Soul-snatchers." Chuuya looked at Mori, straight into his eyes. Elise smiled slightly, "How foolish. No, we're soul-mediums. Your dear friend wants some peace and quiet in his own mind, literally." 

"Never heard of them but I get what you mean. He even has someone to help him transit into his own mind, huh. I just wonder what he can't do." Chuuya commented as he sat down on the boulder Dazai had sat on before. A lone enormous pebble in the middle of many tiny pebbles. Did he just say enormous pebble? Oh well… 

"Aren't you surprised? At least, cautious?" Mori ventured further, wanting further information. 

"I'm a healer of souls. I can withstand an attack if i want. Besides, soul-mediums don't usually hurt people. They act like parents most of the time." Chuuya stated casually, pocketing a pebble.

Suddenly, the wind picked up and the space of the universe seemed to rip. Dazai slipped out of practically nowhere. His voice was hoarse and "Mori, I'm so sick of this soul-snatcher THING. How do i get rid of it? It's making me tired, eating me up inside from my energy to my intelligence. You know, I called a boulder a giant pebble? I'm hurting, i don't even know why anymore." Chuuya flinched, but said nothing, curious to learn more about what Dazai was saying. If it were any other context, it might've been a joke.

"I'm tired." Dazai muttered softly, eyes downcast.

"Of what?" Mori asked him, making Dazai lift his head slightly.

"Life in general. Life is tiring. People are tiring. Everything is a test."

"So what?" Dazai whirled around so fast, he would have slapped himself if he had a ponytail. Chuuya placed his hands on his hips, a power pose. "So what? Life is tiring? Who cares!?! We all face the same few things! You have more problems? NO SUCH THING."

Dazai smiled dryly, "You think now is a time for a pep-talk, Chibi? Stop living in a fantasy."

Chuuya grabbed Dazai by his shirt's collar and hissed venomously, "You're dying, aren't you?" Dazai smiled curtly, "maybe, why would you care?"

"Because I can do something about it?"

"...stop lying, Chuuya. You're so irritating. Always so positive, always so helpful. Always so… always the opposite of me. I'm inferior, aren't I?" Dazai laughed, voice cracking and squeaking. Chuuya sighed and placed a hand on his forehead. Dazai laughed even harder, sounding miserable, "Stop giving me hope you can do this, Chuuya. You can't fix it, there's no way. Healers of the soul don't even exist anymore." Chuuya looked a bit annoyed as he answered, lowering his voice a little, "Shut up. I can, I AM a soul-healer. You're just stupid not to realise." 

A long arm extended from the tree branch and hooked itself onto Chuuya's arm. Chuuya punched it as hard as he could, knuckles glowing a bit light blue.

Dazai went silent for a while before he choked out, 

"W-what is that? You have to tell me."

"Now? Now, you listen to me?"

Dazai nodded intensely. 

"It's a soul-snatcher, steals your soul. It manifests itself in you and sucks up all your energy and anything to everything like agility to better itself. After it takes all it wants, the victim is left dead."

"How do you know you're being attacked?"

"You'll feel a sharp pain shoot your ankle or arm and suddenly, be in a space you get deja vu from. Then you'll see eyes everywhere and feel paralysed. A trap root will wrap around the spit that hurt and you know, you're as good as dead. Unless, you find a healer." Chuuya spoke so fast Dazai almost couldn't keep up.

He closed his eyes and Dazai followed, unsure of what to do. He was back in his mind but it was strange, it seemed more chilling somehow. "You're welcome." Chuuya said and a long sword formed in his hands, it was a startling blinding light. Chuuya pressed it into the ground before stepping away quickly. A tendril immediately shot out and Chuuya grabbed the tendril and pulled… 

[ephemeral-delights]

Day 15 - “Just follow me, I know the area.”

Prompt Number: 2

Fandom: Bungou Stray Dogs - Ranpo X Poe

Rating: G

Warnings: N/A

Wordcount: 541

Ranpo Edogawa tapped his foot impatiently, pacing around the station. “That Atsushi…! Makin’ a famous detective wait this long…!”

Ranpo huffed, and sat on a bench, pouting. Like a little kid, he was just throwing a mini-temper-tantrum at his spot, trying to find something fun to do.

At the corner of his eye, he spotted someone familiar. He squinted. Is that… Poe? He yelled for Poe, sound echoing around the  station. Poe jumped back in fright, looking at all directions, trying to locate the source of the yell. Seeing that, Ranpo grinned. 

He waved at Poe to catch his attention. Poe scampered over, tightly clutching the book in his hands. “A-Ah, Ranpo! Lucky for me to find you here, I have the new manu--” Ranpo waved him off, interrupting him.

“Nevermind that, do y’know how to get to that uh… D Street?” Ranpo asked. Poe’s eyes widen in surprise, and he nods. “Mhm, I do… Why do you ask?” 

“Great!” Ranpo patted Poe on the back. “Take me there, won’t you?” 

“H-Huh? B-But I… Wh-What?” Poe stammered out, and clutched tighter on his book. “Just follow me, I know the area.” He says, finally boarding the train; Ranpo followed behind.

The two sit. Poe comfortably placed his knees together, hands on his lap, stared at his legs, and then… nothing else. Ranpo sat with his legs crossed, and leaned comfortably on his seat, which made Poe a bit embarrassed to be seen with him. Actually, Poe’s just embarrassed in general. Whatever he felt that make him go all red, that is.

Poe felt extremely awkward; Very uncomfortable. He wanted to stand up and rush off to hide in the bathroom. He decided that it was best to make small talk. It was not.

"H-How's the weather?" He asked. Ranpo tilt his head curiously, and shrugged. "Why don'tcha' see it for yourself?" 

Poe slowly nodded, and looked towards the window. Only to see a side of Ranpo’s face blocking the window. Ranpo turns around to look at Poe, and flashed him a smile. Poe flushed, looking away immediately. He wanted to beat himself up for reacting this strongly to something as trivial as that.

Poe bit his lip, and took a deep breath to compose himself. An announcement rang through the train. “Arriving next destination: D Street.” 

Poe placed a hand on his chest, relieved. He gave a weak smile, and looked to Ranpo. “Th-This is your stop. I won’t be accompanying you down…” 

Ranpo cocked his head to the side. “Huh? Why not?” He squinted. “Y’sure? Don’t ya wanna see a famous detective in action?” 

Poe shaked his head frantically, waving his hands in defence. “N-No, it’s not that I don’t want to see you, I-- I have to get back to something!” 

Ranpo eyed him suspiciously and then shrugged. “Alright then, see ya!” He lifted his hand to wave goodbye, other arm still folded behind him.

Poe gulped, and then sat back on his seat. He slightly regretted not going with Ranpo. He looked down at his book and then began to write...

[ephemeral-delights]

Day 1 - “It will be fun. Trust me.”

Prompt number: 1

Fandom (AU if applicable):  Danganronpa - Non KG, at a Circus. No specific AU.

Ratings: G

Warnings/Tags: N/A. 725 words.

He swung once around the hoops, gloves lessening the friction, allowing him to launch himself into the air. Purple hair bouncing around, eyes clear as crystal. Sparkling ribbons, bright neon bands and glittering hoops. The circus had all of those eye-catching costumes and accessories. He was dressed in an almost completely black leotard with sparkling white diamonds fitted into the shoulder areas to catch the light as he pushed himself towards the other hoops. He looped once around the ring and flipped a few times in succession before dropping down and landing on the platform, hands outstretched. The diamonds sparkled brilliantly as Shuichi, dutifully, cast the light onto him.

Shuichi was alternating the colours to ensure a smooth transition from Rantarou’s elephant tricks. The elephants had a very bright and exhilarating light beaming down on them, almost like a disco light. Kokichi’s, on the other hand, was meant to be a curious anticipation. Shuichi’s skill was hard to come by, the ability to smoothly blend and transition into everything and anything with just the special light effects.

Kokichi remained for a few moments in that position before Shuichi flashed a quick thumbs-up and he relaxed his tense arm muscles. He launched himself at the “Teleporter”, a rope-like contraption that swung him to the floor. Shuichi and Rantarou were at the bottom, Rantarou was grooming and feeding the elephants while Shuichi was holding their meals and drinks. “Mornin’, what’s for breakfast today?” Kokichi chirped as he sat down on the floor, stretching a bit more, just in case. Shuichi held out the paper wrapped package, “Not sure, but it’s Kirumi’s duty week for cooking.” Kokichi practically snatched the entire package out of his hands, “No way! Hand it over!” He tore open the wrapping greedily, “Woah, soda!?!? Oh, a sandwich WITH vegetables. Bleh.”

Rantarou had led the elephants to the grass patch for them to enjoy the nature for a while. Popping his head in between Shuichi and Kokichi, he took a bundle from Shuichi. “Soda? What a treat! Kokichi, you better drink in moderation.” Rantarou sighed as he watched Kokichi gulp the soda down, can almost upside down. Kokichi just made very strange, sounds of disagreement, still drinking from the can. Rantarou left the practice tent, claiming that he could hear Kiibo calling him for help on the costumes. Kiibo was standing in for Tsumugi, the costume designer, as she was feeling unwellShuichi was silently pondering on what Kokichi would want for the finale of the performance. He knew Kokichi preferred obnoxious, bright and frankly blinding colours flashing everywhere almost similar to Rantarou’s act. Yet, it was supposed to seem “mysterious”. At least, that’s the answer he had predicted. “Thinking about the lighting stuff?” Kokichi mumbled, having shoved his mouth full of everything in the bundle BUT the vegetables. 

Shuichi hummed softly at the statement, “I’m not sure what to do for your finale act. I was thinking mystery but we did that in Spain and it’s one of the rare times we are performing in Japan like we did when we first started. I want to make it special." 

Kokichi stopped chewing, "Then, let me show you something!” Shuichi looked at him nervously, “Every idea you had either ended in your costume getting dirty or torn. If not, something breaking or someone getting hurt.” Kokichi grinned playfully, “Not this time!”

“It WILL be fun, trust me!" 

"My- No, our safety?" 

"Some sacrifices can be made.”

“Kokichi…”

“What?”

“…nothing”

Kokichi climbed up onto the platform, leading Shuichi up slowly. He handed Shuichi gloves, winking at him mysteriously. His footsteps echoed across the practice tent as they walked to the edge. Kolichi looked down and gulped, “We have a net, it should be fine. It’s just-” Shuichi sighed, rolling his eyes, “Guess I’ll play your role for once." 

"Wha-AHHHHHHhHhhHHHHH!!!!” Kokichi screamed as Shuichi snatched him up and swung down the rope. Kokichi couldn’t help it. It’s not everyday a light technician practically yanks you off your feet and brings you down to the ground smoothly. 

Kokichi was panting, “You-you, how?” Shuichi gave a small smile, “I have my secrets. Plus, you were slow.” Kokichi stuck his tongue out, “I was just testing if you were courageous enough~" 

"Kokichi, that’s a lie, isn’t it?”

“Humph. Fine, I didn’t take anyone down with me before.”

“No wonder.”