For ninjou.

[tenimuho]

[Tonight, Dazai is really drunk.

This is not different from most other nights in their favorite bar, save for a few things.

1. Ango isn't here.

2. Dazai is really drunk. The kind of drunk that has Odasaku concerned that he might be trying to die through liver failure. That drunk.

And so, it's with hesitation that he speaks up.]

Maybe you should stop drinking for tonight.

Comments

[ninjou]

[He shivers again, unsure why, mind and body on edge. He has never needed anything or anyone like this. He doesn't open his eyes.]

You're incredible.

[tenimuho]

[Odasaku does, just so he can commit Dazai's face right now to memory.]

So are you.

[ninjou]

[He looks absolutely blissful, lips parted, breaths heavy, but steady. He is given over. It makes him laugh, and he finally looks at Odasaku.]

I wish I could stay here longer.

[tenimuho]

I wish that too.

[It's unfortunate that things are the way they are.]

...But if we kissed like that all day we'd never get to cuddle.

[He knows that's not what Dazai means.]

[ninjou]

[It's a good way for him to divert Dazai from his darkness. That sliver of loneliness. He wants happiness that's beyond his tenuous grip on sanity and logic.

He wants this to be forever.

It won't be.]

Do you want to go...?

[tenimuho]

You have to get up early, don't you? So we probably should go to bed.

[ninjou]

I do...

[A little grin comes to his face as he takes his friend's hand again and lets him lead. They can get comfortable once they're in the room, of course.]

[tenimuho]

[Odasaku's bedroom is... a bedroom. It's not particularly big, nor well-decorated. About the only thing worth noting is that it has two bookshelves that are both packed.

The bed looks comfy, at least. Odasaku pulls up the blanket.]

[ninjou]

[Dazai smiles broadly at the bookshelves.]

Just like you, isn't it...

[Before he turns away and loosens his tie, setting it gently aside before he begins to unbutton his shirt. A pause.]

Is it okay if I take my clothes off?

[tenimuho]

That's fine. Is it okay if I keep mine on?

[He doesn't usually sleep naked and even if he did... not right now.]

[ninjou]

[Ah. Well, Dazai will just remove his shirt and leave his pants on. He understands. Discomfort.]

You're sure you don't want me to sleep on the couch?

[tenimuho]

Completely sure.

[He climbs into bed and pats the space next to him. C'mere.]

[ninjou]

[He makes quick work of his shirt and climbs into bed, woefully uncomfortable in so much clothing in a proper bed. He likes the cool sheets against his chest, at least.

The bed isn't so large. He tries to stay a few inches away until he's given the go ahead for more.]

[tenimuho]

You're going to fall off the side of the bed like that.

[Does that count as a go-ahead?]

[ninjou]

I don't want you to be uncomfortable.

[How to do this....]

[tenimuho]

I don't sleep with my clothes off normally, that's not it. Come over here.

[ninjou]

[Scooting... closer... can he put an arm around him? He tries.]

[tenimuho]

[He can do that, and Odasaku will just try and tug him to his chest.]

That's better.

[ninjou]

[It's still awkward... but he curls close and nuzzles his neck.]

You're warm.

[tenimuho]

So are you.

[A yawn. It's been a long, surprising day.]

[ninjou]

[All that matters is that he's curling up with the most important person he's ever known.]

Suddenly, you're tired...

[tenimuho]

Aren't you at least a little tired?

[It has to be late by now.]

[ninjou]

Not really.

[It's late, but he has Odasaku all to himself. His mind is racing with thoughts of past, present, and future, and all he can do, then, is duck his head and fake a yawn.]

Maybe a little...

[tenimuho]

I'll be here in the morning.

[That sounded fake but okay.]

[ninjou]

[Dazai will do ANYTHING FOR YOU Odasaku, including pretending to be tired. He curls up behind him, letting their bodies settle together. One hand rests on Odasaku's hair.]

I know.