corruptedsorrows
Were Chuuya to even indulge such a conversation he’d heavily argue the other’s stance on Chuuya’s humanity. Dazai had no place even putting his opinion there, let alone potentially bejealous of Chuuya for it. Though he never let it show to anyone, his humanity was something Chuuya still wrestled with to this day. Every time Corruption was called upon, every time he felt Arahabki stir just beneath the surface with his anger, every time he was confronted with new knowledge someone would normally be fully aware of… his status as a human was thrown into question.
Honestly, how much Chuuya actually felt and how much of it was artificial was something he could go mad trying to solve. So instead, he forwent the question all together. The mind was remarkably capable of bringing about its own destruction, Chuuya only had to look directly forward for the perfect example staring him down.
❝ When we worked together it was only because the boss would’ve been pissed if you’d succeeded in death. You’re out of your mind to think I didn’t enjoy every second of watching you drown when you pulled that crap. And I hated dragging you out. ❞
That was also for a myriad of reasons being how much Dazai would whine after being saved, both of them being soaked and exhausted, and Chuuya’s unfortunate frequency of having to pull Dazai out of the watery depths at least twice a week. These days Chuuya would happily see his body float all the way into Yokohama Bay and watch the fish devour his flesh. Alright, perhaps that was a bit graphic but really, he’d still do it.
To prove his claim to his threat as well, Chuuya took no shame in grabbing Dazai’s collar immediately upon hearing the taunting phrase and hauled him as far as his natural strength would allow. It wasn’t wildly far, but far enough that if Dazai didn’t know Chuuya’s attacks so well he’d have a bit of a time catching himself–or stopping the assault all together.
❝ I got along fine without you for 4 years already. Not having to deal with your disgusting mug again for the rest of my life would be a breeze, ❞ and a welcome one at that. ┈✥
“Oh?” It’s more mind games than any particularly impressive physical ability, if he’s being honest. He knows—remembers—the sides that Chuuya favors, the angles, the feints; it plays out neatly as he expects when he can still read all of his former partner’s tells. (See? In the end, there are always parts of the body that are more honest than you intend. True terror lies with those who use that to their advantage.)
Dazai catches himself after he stumbles back a step, then two. A dodge here, a duck of the head there—it’s almost like a dance, except rather than existing as two sides of the same coin, it feels more like anticipating a reflection, a shadow.
“You’re starting to sound like a slighted ex-wife, Chuuya. Did your husband leave you for a younger woman?” he teases, just before he sweeps his leg low, attempting to catch Chuuya off-balance. “Maybe she just didn’t see you standing around. With the sort of heels that’s popular these days, maybe she was a little taller?”
It’s a cheap shot, but it’s certainly no secret that Chuuya always makes him feel just a little childish, a little petulant. Dazai thinks that he’s normally quite good at shedding old habits, but perhaps this one thorn in his side is proof that he isn’t as adept as he thinks.
“It’s okay. Maybe if Chuuya apologizes, I could put in a good word with the a beautiful woman.”
