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

[tenimuho]

[Odasaku decides right then that he cannot let on to Dazai that the curry is anything less than delicious.

It's good that he decided that before actually trying it, because that is too spicy. Odasaku barely manages not to cough, but it feels like his entire mouth is on fire.]

It's - it's really good.

[He takes a sip of wine.]

[ninjou]

[And Dazai, choosing not to read context clues right now, forcing himself to be oblivious, smiles broadly and nearly slides out of his chair in relief.]

Thank goodness! I'm so happy! That was the hardest part. I know you like it spicy, right? But it's too hot for me to try it. I did it until I could smell it, so it smells like what you always get...

[tenimuho]

[Well, now he really can't say anything.]

It's delicious. I'm only sorry yours didn't come out well.

[He has another tiny, tiny bite, followed by another sip of wine.]

[ninjou]

[Those are very small bites, but maybe he's just savoring it.

No.

Dazai can smell it from across the table. Dammit. He... completely ruined dinner. Just... smile and try not to facepalm. Nope, he puts his head in his hands rather briefly before running his hands over his hair.]

Do you want me to order something for delivery? Don't make yourself sick if it's not good.

[tenimuho]

[...Ah, he's bad at deceiving anyone as usual. Odasaku sets his spoon down.]

I'm sorry. Rice will be fine.

[ninjou]

[Something will go right. Something will go right. Dazai's not hurt, he swears. Not at all. Nope. He messed up and it's his fault, not Odasaku's.

They'll laugh about this someday. With a slightly crooked smile, Dazai pulls his phone out and waves it a bit.]

Are you sure? I'll pay. I'll get you real curry!

[tenimuho]

I don't want you to go out of your way for me.

[...though that's long since a lost cause, at this stage.]

Rice is fine. Let's just relax. Tell me about your day.

[ninjou]

[Odasaku has seen only the burnt tip of the iceberg. Well... okay, about half of the iceberg. The rest is waiting for after dinner.

But he can do this! He'll make it work. A few things are punched up on the phone, and he puts on some sweet, soft music of the type he knows Odasaku will appreciate. Then they can... at their rice. Mmmmm rice.]

I've been here most of the day. When I saw you this morning, I stole your key! It took a few hours to sneak everything in.

[tenimuho]

It looks like it took a while.

[He really only has seen about half, and it's still impressive.

The music is nice, though. Odasaku relaxes a little into his seat.]

I don't think I own a rice cooker.

[ninjou]

[Ah. He fusses with his phone a little, picks at his rice, then gives up, setting the chopsticks down.]

You do now! And the kettle, too.

[tenimuho]

Thank you. I'm sure they'll be very useful.

[And most importantly, neither of them are ruined in any way, so there's nothing to complain about there.]

[ninjou]

I hope so. You live like a bachelor...

[So does Dazai, so he's not really judging. He just thinks Odasaku deserves better. Which is why he went to all this stupid trouble for a two month anniversary.]

I have a lot of things planned that shouldn't go as wrong, so eat up! You can stop being disappointed after that!

[tenimuho]

[Odasaku smiles and starts to eat his rice.

...It's not bad rice, for what it's worth. Not exactly an entire meal, but he won't complain.

After that's all taken care of...]

You said you had more plans?

[ninjou]

[Dazai is a little too stressed to eat much, so he picks at his a little more before just waiting, watching Odasaku intently. This can still be good! The bedroom and bath are lovely...]

I was kind of counting on the mood being a little better, but you can at least go see. It's probably the thought that counts the most, as they say?

[He nods toward the bedroom.]

[tenimuho]

[Well then, Odasaku will just go have a look-see in the bedroom. Those sheets and pillows are fancy, and the rose petals are a nice touch.]

Romantic. Thank you, Osamu.

[None of the sheets have burn holes in them so they can still use them at a later date.

He's smiling, at least?]

[ninjou]

[Oh. Good. Smiling. Now Dazai can smile a little, too. He's standing in the doorway watching as Odasaku takes in the details, if he feels like examining everything. If not, at least he has a basic positive response to the overall aesthetic.]

There's... more in the bathroom.

[Well. Whatever. He's defeated, though he's trying to act like it's all totally fine. He takes things in stride, after all, but there's nothing that can stop him from running one soggy-bandaged hand through his hair a few times making it more of a mess than usual.]

I wanted it to be a special night for you. We haven't had much time alone, and I wondered if anyone had ever done something like this for you. And then I thought, well, if they had, I had to do better.

[Sigh.]

So... I'm sorry. But I tried.

[tenimuho]

[Odasaku turns back to Dazai, still smiling softly, and pulls him into a hug.]

No, no one's ever done anything this sweet for me. Even if it didn't work out the way you planned - it still means a lot that you wanted to.

It's alright for things to go wrong once in a while. It happens to everyone.

[They'll think it's funny, in the far future.]

[ninjou]

It was a pretty perfect plan until the flowers caught on fire.

[He pulls out of the embrace, but keeps his hands on Odasaku's waist.]

You can keep everything, obviously. I'm going to leave and pretend this never happened, anyway!

[tenimuho]

Do you have to? It'd be sad to spend our anniversary apart.

[Even with everything that's happened, of course he wants to salvage what he can of the date.]

We could just cuddle.

[ninjou]

I was thinking of trying again... if you want to give me a few minutes, I can get more flowers and another, less soggy gift.

[He leans in to nuzzle Odasaku's cheek.]

Or we can cuddle. I brought movies just in case you weren't in the mood for...

[Well, he nods at the bed.]

[tenimuho]

[Dazai gets a soft kiss on the cheek. Trying again would be okay, but then Dazai would have to do even more work, and he should just relax.]

That sounds nice. What movies did you bring?

[ninjou]

[Dazai is an idiot in love and always has a plan.]

About ten... so there are some comedies, a drama... one of those buddy cop movies. Something about a psychic detective...

[tenimuho]

I think a comedy might be nice. You need to just relax.

[It's been a long day.]

[ninjou]

This isn't about me.

[With a look down at the floor, Dazai contemplates something before taking Odasaku's hand in his.]

We don't see each other much because I'm busy. I'm getting more and more responsibilities with no end in sight. And I don't want to lose this chance with you. So... if I end up doing things like this occasionally, just humor me.

[tenimuho]

[Odasaku gives his hand a squeeze.]

...I don't mind if you want to spoil me now and then, but... I know we're not equals anywhere but in private, but I want to make you happy, too. Please don't forget that.

[He might not have the money or the resources that Dazai has, but he tries his best.]