12-25-2018, 07:51 AM
[align=center][div style="width:450px;text-align:justify;font-size:11px;margin-top:10px;color:#000;line-height:100%"]I've also been thinking a lot on what could happen in the future chapters of BSD... It's now been revealed that he wanted Yosano all along, but I was thinking - naturally, before it was confirmed - it could've been her, Dazai, or Ranpo. This fic is pretty much another "What Could Have Been", but doesn't fit the canon because it draws from the backstory I wrote myself.
For helping the agency and protecting them from the government and their Hunting Dogs, one member of the agency must be transferred to the Port Mafia.
It's a declaration that's been hanging heavily over everyone's heads since Nakahara Chuuya made the announcement, only made even more serious in the presence of Mori Ougai, no matter how congenial he was being for the sake of being their protector - for the time being, at least. The interim director was missing, and ever since Atsushi and Kyouka made their way to the safehouse after being so generously 'picked up' by Akutagawa while they were on the run.
Ranpo was missing too - until recently, a few hours ago when he had managed to zero in on a business owned by the mafia and use their phones to somehow get back to higher-ups that could come into contact with Mori. A clever, sneaky man he is as always, and Atsushi can't help but admire him... but the heaviness in the air around the detective left him anxious.
He supposes it's well-warranted, as Ranpo hasn't said a word or showed much reaction when told about the situation with Kunikida. Ranpo was emotional and volatile when it came to those he cared about, if his outburst relating to Oguri before this incident was any inclination of how he felt about those he referred to as 'friends'. Furthermore, considering the news, Ranpo no doubt willingly chose to avoid getting Poe anymore involved in his life - at least for now.
With Kunikida gone, the Director who knows where, and Dazai arrested... That left Ranpo as the leader; a last resort, a wild card that not many would anticipate, considering the personality most see on the surface.
"So, everyone's accounted for." Mori's tone is all too calm and casual as he walks into the room, arms folded behind his back, scarf swaying with every graceful step he takes into the bunker room. There”s a heavy silence. His magenta gaze narrows briefly before he adds, "Well, almost everyone, that is - but those who have the ability to attend are here."
More silence. It makes the boss laugh.
"You all are giving me such awful looks, it's making me feel bad." Of course, his voice doesn't actually express such a sentiment. Mori continues his pacing, every click of his dress shoes against the concrete seeming to add another small weight on everyone's chest. "With a situation as difficult as this, doing something without being given some compensation isn't a very wise or rewarding choice. As Dazai-kun has surely told some of you, I'm a man of the most optimal decision first and foremost. This is the only way I felt obligated to help you all. If it consoles you any, I can assure you Fukuzawa-dono agreed to my terms with a heavy heart knowing it may be difficult on you all..."
Finally, someone speaks - Atsushi. "Who is it that you want to take with you?"
This question makes Mori stop, coincidentally right in front of Yosano, as if he anticipated the question to be asked. Their eyes meet in what looks like a silent conversation, and there's a small look of defeat in her eyes that is soon followed by the older man offering out a hand towards her.
"Yosano-kun, it's been some time since we've worked together, hasn't it?" It's more of a statement than a question, one that bears no genuine fondness that his smile seems to try to express. "Would you not like to work alongside your former teacher once more?"
The temperature seems to drop. There's a shared glance around the room between the other members of the agency, excluding Ranpo who keeps his gaze deadset on the hand Mori has offered out to his coworker and most trusted friend. She stares, mouth opening to say something - but it never comes. Her lips purse instead as she holds out a hand...
But Ranpo's hand clasps tightly around her wrist before she can ever touch the pristine white gloves of Mori Ougai.
Yosano blinks. "Ranpo-san?"
Her heart leaps into her throat when she looks towards him and takes in the expression on his face. There's no light in his eyes, staring Mori down with a calculated coldness she's never seen before.
"Mori-san, can you cut the shit already?" Ranpo says, a humourless smile making its way onto his face.
Chuuya finally reacts, taking a step forward from where he's in the doorway to snarl. "Oi, watch your goddamn mouth you-" he starts, but is silenced by his boss holding up a hand in an unspoken order to stand down.
Mori keeps Ranpo's stare, accepting the challenge written in the words. "Oh? Whatever do you mean, Ranpo-kun?"
"Fukuzawa-san may have said that one of the agency members could join you, but he's no longer the man in charge. Our interim director is unfortunately missing, thus the position of leadership is given to me. As the temporary leader of the agency, I don't authorize this choice." Ranpo's voice does not waver as he speaks, but his grip around Yosano's hands loosens just enough in a silent order to lower it - and she does. "Moreover, Yosano-san isn't the one you really want - is she now?"
Atsushi tilts his head. "Ranpo-san, what are you talking about?"
"I agree, what ever do you mean?"
Green eyes glower, unwavering. "You've known me and Fukuzawa-san for more than ten years. Even after the detective agency was established, Fukuzawa-san continued to protect you as a bodyguard or work at your side for four more years until your position as the new Port Mafia boss was established. Throughout those years, you always praised me, jokingly asking Fukuzawa if you could take me under your wing instead." A pause, and the detective moves to step in between Mori and Yosano. His hands tuck into his pockets, back straightening to make him seem a little taller. "You wanted someone like me to help build your ideal Mafia, but when you couldn't have me, you found a replica in Dazai. Dazai left you, and you're without an advisor to further your goals with intelligence that is just as exceptional as yours. What can Yosano do? Heal your subordinates over and over? You ultimately don't care about losing numbers so long as you achieve your goal. Moreover, it means nothing to heal people and save them from dying if you don't get anywhere. You're really aiming for me - that's why you asked for Yosano, because you know I won't let that happen."
Ranpo stands up onto his toes, sneering arrogantly, mockingly. "Dazai was your original choice, but unfortunately, it's not a choice that can be fulfilled when he's in a high-scale prison over in Europe. Isn't it amazing, what lengths he'll go to make sure you can't have him under your thumb anymore? Well, that's expected. He won't forgive you for what you did to him."
Mori's brow twitches minutely. No one can notice it but Ranpo, the detective is sure. He presses closer, taunting - out the corner of his eye, he can see Chuuya's body posture tensing.
"Dazai's not the only one that knows what went down back then, you know. So really, why not get your original choice from way back when? The true genius instead of your molded prodigy."
He can feel the confused, worried, and even terrified stares on his back. Ranpo can map out which feelings are coming from who, can see the concern and shock on Yosano's face out the corner of his eye, but no one speaks. Hell, it doesn't even sound as if anyone is breathing until Mori does as he breaks into laughter, throwing his head back for a moment.
"As expected of you, Ranpo-kun. You really can see the truth in anything, even someone like me." Mori says with a lilting smile, head canting in some twisted fondness for the younger man. "Well, that should be expected of someone who's known me the longest outside of Fukuzawa-dono..."
The boss offers out his hand again, this time towards Ranpo.
"Let's not waste any more time bantering back and forth. You know what happens from here on, don't you?"
Finally, Ranpo's gaze lowers to focus on that hand - that cold doctor's hand, concealed with a pristine white glove. His eyes close with a sigh, and he reaches out to accept it, gripping tightly and shaking it. "Of course I do."
It's only then that the other agency members react: Atsushi steps forward, and Kyouka shakes her head slowly as her hands clasp together in some silent plea for him to stop. Tanizaki sputters, and for the first time in a long while, Kenji does not have a smile adorning his face.
Yosano, the closest to the detective, grabs at the wrist of his free hand. "Ranpo, you don't have to do this. If he wants me, I can go-"
"He doesn't want you." Ranpo's words are sharp like glass, digging into the ache that has its claws around Yosano's heart. Her breath hitches when he turns to her, expression solemn and serious - nothing like the cheerful detective that kept the agency together.
But no... Even without his smile, his pride wasn't wavering. He wasn't giving in or giving up.
The older man sighs, lifting a hand to grasp at the bill of his hat. He studies it briefly before setting it atop Yosano's head, then pulling it down hard enough to cover her eyes. "I'm sorry." From what Yosano can see past the hat on her head, there's a wistful smile on her best friend's lips. "It's a bit selfish of me, but I'm leaving you in charge now, Yosano-san. Take care of that until I get back, okay?"
"Ranpo-san, what about Fukuzazwa-san?" Atsushi shouts, distraught. "He wouldn't want you to do this!" Perhaps it's a cheap shot, perhaps it's inconsiderate, but letting the pillar of the agency go to that side -
"We can't wait for Fukuzawa-san. He expects us to stay alive, to prove our innocence. You can't do that here, and this guy won't let you leave unless his end of the bargain is upheld." Ranpo reaches inside his vest pocket for his glasses. He doesn't put them on, but grips them tightly. His other hand lifts, pressing against his chest proudly as he stubbornly ignores the leering stare on his back. "Stop standing there with your tails between your legs and listen up! You're the Armed Detective Agency!"
The words hold an echo, one everyone can recognize that is the strength and charisma of their director.
"Do anything you need to to stay alive. As your stand-in director in place of Kunikida Doppo, this is an order! And, as the pillar of the agency... Know that so long as I'm living and breathing, this agency will not fall. I swear on my life," his expression hardens. "I swear on the ability that founded this agency that you'll get out of this. We've gotten out of tough situations before, and now will be no different. Does everyone understand me?"
Silence.
"I said - do you understand me?"
Everyone bows their heads, hearts heavy. It's enough of a response for him to take as a 'yes'.
"... Good. I'm relinquishing leadership to Yosano until Kunikida or Fukuzawa's return. Stay together, stay alive. You know what are connections are, and make use of every asset we have left. I won't let you do anything less, even from the other side."
Ranpo turns. Mori has already made his way towards the door next to Chuuya, watching with a smile full of mirth. His patience knows no bounds, and surely he finds Ranpo's nearly heroic display something worth mocking at a later date. He takes a step towards the two mafiosos, but someone of smaller stature runs up from behind with their arms wrapped around his middle. He recognizes it right away as Kenji, turning to meet the blond's fearful face.
Ah... To have this kid of all people looking at him like that, how cruel.
"Kenji-kun, it'll be fine." Ranpo smiles. "After all, if I'm alright, everything's alright. Nothing will happen to me."
"Ranpo-san..."
Kenji is reluctant to let go, only doing so when Tanizaki walks up behind him to gently pull him away.
Ranpo gives one last look towards the agency members. They all exhausted, stressed, pushed to their limits... He can only hope that his choice to go so willingly will earn them a time to rest in safety until the coast is clear. With a small nod to everyone, and a final stare at Yosano, he turns to join Mori at his side as they walk out the room and disappear into the darkness of the hall.
The metal door of the bunker closes behind them, and Ranpo is left alone with the boss of the Port Mafia and his most loyal of executives he can feel boring a hole into the back of his head.
"Are you excited, Ranpo-kun? That morally grey streak in you and impulses you need to control because of your temper - you don't need to hold them back anymore. Not on this side." Mori asks after a moment of silence, amusement in his voice.
Ranpo exhales, finally opening his glasses and sliding them on his face. "It's certainly been a long time coming for you, Mori-san. The genius you wanted so badly for so long is finally here - you better make use of it while you can, because once this crisis is over, don't think I won't go back home."
A hearty laugh ensues, one that echoes through the halls like the call of a madman. "Chuuya-kun, you're in for quite the show in the near future!"
The executive merely flashes a wary glance towards his leader. He doesn't like the way that sounds - it sounds like a new job, a new hellion to babysit. "...Of course, Boss."
For helping the agency and protecting them from the government and their Hunting Dogs, one member of the agency must be transferred to the Port Mafia.
It's a declaration that's been hanging heavily over everyone's heads since Nakahara Chuuya made the announcement, only made even more serious in the presence of Mori Ougai, no matter how congenial he was being for the sake of being their protector - for the time being, at least. The interim director was missing, and ever since Atsushi and Kyouka made their way to the safehouse after being so generously 'picked up' by Akutagawa while they were on the run.
Ranpo was missing too - until recently, a few hours ago when he had managed to zero in on a business owned by the mafia and use their phones to somehow get back to higher-ups that could come into contact with Mori. A clever, sneaky man he is as always, and Atsushi can't help but admire him... but the heaviness in the air around the detective left him anxious.
He supposes it's well-warranted, as Ranpo hasn't said a word or showed much reaction when told about the situation with Kunikida. Ranpo was emotional and volatile when it came to those he cared about, if his outburst relating to Oguri before this incident was any inclination of how he felt about those he referred to as 'friends'. Furthermore, considering the news, Ranpo no doubt willingly chose to avoid getting Poe anymore involved in his life - at least for now.
With Kunikida gone, the Director who knows where, and Dazai arrested... That left Ranpo as the leader; a last resort, a wild card that not many would anticipate, considering the personality most see on the surface.
"So, everyone's accounted for." Mori's tone is all too calm and casual as he walks into the room, arms folded behind his back, scarf swaying with every graceful step he takes into the bunker room. There”s a heavy silence. His magenta gaze narrows briefly before he adds, "Well, almost everyone, that is - but those who have the ability to attend are here."
More silence. It makes the boss laugh.
"You all are giving me such awful looks, it's making me feel bad." Of course, his voice doesn't actually express such a sentiment. Mori continues his pacing, every click of his dress shoes against the concrete seeming to add another small weight on everyone's chest. "With a situation as difficult as this, doing something without being given some compensation isn't a very wise or rewarding choice. As Dazai-kun has surely told some of you, I'm a man of the most optimal decision first and foremost. This is the only way I felt obligated to help you all. If it consoles you any, I can assure you Fukuzawa-dono agreed to my terms with a heavy heart knowing it may be difficult on you all..."
Finally, someone speaks - Atsushi. "Who is it that you want to take with you?"
This question makes Mori stop, coincidentally right in front of Yosano, as if he anticipated the question to be asked. Their eyes meet in what looks like a silent conversation, and there's a small look of defeat in her eyes that is soon followed by the older man offering out a hand towards her.
"Yosano-kun, it's been some time since we've worked together, hasn't it?" It's more of a statement than a question, one that bears no genuine fondness that his smile seems to try to express. "Would you not like to work alongside your former teacher once more?"
The temperature seems to drop. There's a shared glance around the room between the other members of the agency, excluding Ranpo who keeps his gaze deadset on the hand Mori has offered out to his coworker and most trusted friend. She stares, mouth opening to say something - but it never comes. Her lips purse instead as she holds out a hand...
But Ranpo's hand clasps tightly around her wrist before she can ever touch the pristine white gloves of Mori Ougai.
Yosano blinks. "Ranpo-san?"
Her heart leaps into her throat when she looks towards him and takes in the expression on his face. There's no light in his eyes, staring Mori down with a calculated coldness she's never seen before.
"Mori-san, can you cut the shit already?" Ranpo says, a humourless smile making its way onto his face.
Chuuya finally reacts, taking a step forward from where he's in the doorway to snarl. "Oi, watch your goddamn mouth you-" he starts, but is silenced by his boss holding up a hand in an unspoken order to stand down.
Mori keeps Ranpo's stare, accepting the challenge written in the words. "Oh? Whatever do you mean, Ranpo-kun?"
"Fukuzawa-san may have said that one of the agency members could join you, but he's no longer the man in charge. Our interim director is unfortunately missing, thus the position of leadership is given to me. As the temporary leader of the agency, I don't authorize this choice." Ranpo's voice does not waver as he speaks, but his grip around Yosano's hands loosens just enough in a silent order to lower it - and she does. "Moreover, Yosano-san isn't the one you really want - is she now?"
Atsushi tilts his head. "Ranpo-san, what are you talking about?"
"I agree, what ever do you mean?"
Green eyes glower, unwavering. "You've known me and Fukuzawa-san for more than ten years. Even after the detective agency was established, Fukuzawa-san continued to protect you as a bodyguard or work at your side for four more years until your position as the new Port Mafia boss was established. Throughout those years, you always praised me, jokingly asking Fukuzawa if you could take me under your wing instead." A pause, and the detective moves to step in between Mori and Yosano. His hands tuck into his pockets, back straightening to make him seem a little taller. "You wanted someone like me to help build your ideal Mafia, but when you couldn't have me, you found a replica in Dazai. Dazai left you, and you're without an advisor to further your goals with intelligence that is just as exceptional as yours. What can Yosano do? Heal your subordinates over and over? You ultimately don't care about losing numbers so long as you achieve your goal. Moreover, it means nothing to heal people and save them from dying if you don't get anywhere. You're really aiming for me - that's why you asked for Yosano, because you know I won't let that happen."
Ranpo stands up onto his toes, sneering arrogantly, mockingly. "Dazai was your original choice, but unfortunately, it's not a choice that can be fulfilled when he's in a high-scale prison over in Europe. Isn't it amazing, what lengths he'll go to make sure you can't have him under your thumb anymore? Well, that's expected. He won't forgive you for what you did to him."
Mori's brow twitches minutely. No one can notice it but Ranpo, the detective is sure. He presses closer, taunting - out the corner of his eye, he can see Chuuya's body posture tensing.
"Dazai's not the only one that knows what went down back then, you know. So really, why not get your original choice from way back when? The true genius instead of your molded prodigy."
He can feel the confused, worried, and even terrified stares on his back. Ranpo can map out which feelings are coming from who, can see the concern and shock on Yosano's face out the corner of his eye, but no one speaks. Hell, it doesn't even sound as if anyone is breathing until Mori does as he breaks into laughter, throwing his head back for a moment.
"As expected of you, Ranpo-kun. You really can see the truth in anything, even someone like me." Mori says with a lilting smile, head canting in some twisted fondness for the younger man. "Well, that should be expected of someone who's known me the longest outside of Fukuzawa-dono..."
The boss offers out his hand again, this time towards Ranpo.
"Let's not waste any more time bantering back and forth. You know what happens from here on, don't you?"
Finally, Ranpo's gaze lowers to focus on that hand - that cold doctor's hand, concealed with a pristine white glove. His eyes close with a sigh, and he reaches out to accept it, gripping tightly and shaking it. "Of course I do."
It's only then that the other agency members react: Atsushi steps forward, and Kyouka shakes her head slowly as her hands clasp together in some silent plea for him to stop. Tanizaki sputters, and for the first time in a long while, Kenji does not have a smile adorning his face.
Yosano, the closest to the detective, grabs at the wrist of his free hand. "Ranpo, you don't have to do this. If he wants me, I can go-"
"He doesn't want you." Ranpo's words are sharp like glass, digging into the ache that has its claws around Yosano's heart. Her breath hitches when he turns to her, expression solemn and serious - nothing like the cheerful detective that kept the agency together.
But no... Even without his smile, his pride wasn't wavering. He wasn't giving in or giving up.
The older man sighs, lifting a hand to grasp at the bill of his hat. He studies it briefly before setting it atop Yosano's head, then pulling it down hard enough to cover her eyes. "I'm sorry." From what Yosano can see past the hat on her head, there's a wistful smile on her best friend's lips. "It's a bit selfish of me, but I'm leaving you in charge now, Yosano-san. Take care of that until I get back, okay?"
"Ranpo-san, what about Fukuzazwa-san?" Atsushi shouts, distraught. "He wouldn't want you to do this!" Perhaps it's a cheap shot, perhaps it's inconsiderate, but letting the pillar of the agency go to that side -
"We can't wait for Fukuzawa-san. He expects us to stay alive, to prove our innocence. You can't do that here, and this guy won't let you leave unless his end of the bargain is upheld." Ranpo reaches inside his vest pocket for his glasses. He doesn't put them on, but grips them tightly. His other hand lifts, pressing against his chest proudly as he stubbornly ignores the leering stare on his back. "Stop standing there with your tails between your legs and listen up! You're the Armed Detective Agency!"
The words hold an echo, one everyone can recognize that is the strength and charisma of their director.
"Do anything you need to to stay alive. As your stand-in director in place of Kunikida Doppo, this is an order! And, as the pillar of the agency... Know that so long as I'm living and breathing, this agency will not fall. I swear on my life," his expression hardens. "I swear on the ability that founded this agency that you'll get out of this. We've gotten out of tough situations before, and now will be no different. Does everyone understand me?"
Silence.
"I said - do you understand me?"
Everyone bows their heads, hearts heavy. It's enough of a response for him to take as a 'yes'.
"... Good. I'm relinquishing leadership to Yosano until Kunikida or Fukuzawa's return. Stay together, stay alive. You know what are connections are, and make use of every asset we have left. I won't let you do anything less, even from the other side."
Ranpo turns. Mori has already made his way towards the door next to Chuuya, watching with a smile full of mirth. His patience knows no bounds, and surely he finds Ranpo's nearly heroic display something worth mocking at a later date. He takes a step towards the two mafiosos, but someone of smaller stature runs up from behind with their arms wrapped around his middle. He recognizes it right away as Kenji, turning to meet the blond's fearful face.
Ah... To have this kid of all people looking at him like that, how cruel.
"Kenji-kun, it'll be fine." Ranpo smiles. "After all, if I'm alright, everything's alright. Nothing will happen to me."
"Ranpo-san..."
Kenji is reluctant to let go, only doing so when Tanizaki walks up behind him to gently pull him away.
Ranpo gives one last look towards the agency members. They all exhausted, stressed, pushed to their limits... He can only hope that his choice to go so willingly will earn them a time to rest in safety until the coast is clear. With a small nod to everyone, and a final stare at Yosano, he turns to join Mori at his side as they walk out the room and disappear into the darkness of the hall.
The metal door of the bunker closes behind them, and Ranpo is left alone with the boss of the Port Mafia and his most loyal of executives he can feel boring a hole into the back of his head.
"Are you excited, Ranpo-kun? That morally grey streak in you and impulses you need to control because of your temper - you don't need to hold them back anymore. Not on this side." Mori asks after a moment of silence, amusement in his voice.
Ranpo exhales, finally opening his glasses and sliding them on his face. "It's certainly been a long time coming for you, Mori-san. The genius you wanted so badly for so long is finally here - you better make use of it while you can, because once this crisis is over, don't think I won't go back home."
A hearty laugh ensues, one that echoes through the halls like the call of a madman. "Chuuya-kun, you're in for quite the show in the near future!"
The executive merely flashes a wary glance towards his leader. He doesn't like the way that sounds - it sounds like a new job, a new hellion to babysit. "...Of course, Boss."