the moon shone down on the city, reflecting off the undisturbed snow that lined the streets, slowly but certainly building with the steady downpour. this was his first time in st petersburg, and dazai wasn't entirely sure where he was. his body shook with the cold, his light jacket doing nothing to protect him from the harsh elements, so in a desperate attempt to not freeze to death, he entered the shoddy tavern on the corner of the street. it was hardly any warmer, but it would have to do.

the old bartender looked up at him, and dazai responded with a smile, ordering a glass of whiskey in russian, taking a seat. the bar was empty, aside from him and a couple other customers, and had a calm, silent atmosphere, isolated from the city outside.

dazai took a quick swig of his drink as his mind wandered. where was he meant to stay? he still had the money he saved from the mafia, so perhaps he could rent a place out for a bit, but where would he find someone willing to rent to him? not to mention he'd need to lay low until ango cleared his record, so somewhere indistinct and inconspicuous.

his thoughts were disturbed by bell as the door opened. silently, the new customer slid into a seat in the corner of the room, obscured by shadows, pulling a book out of his bag. he was younger than the other customers, perhaps around dazai's age, maybe a couple years older. he was slender and pale, with bags under his vivid purple eyes. when the stranger's eyes met dazai's scrutinising gaze, dazai felt his pulse spike. the stranger's stare was cold and calculating in an almost inhuman way. "interesting book?" dazai asked, taking another sip of his drink.

there was a brief pause before the stranger spoke. "yes, it is." there was a very brief glimmer of interest in his bixbite eyes. "pray tell, what made you think to wear such a light coat in the snow?"

"i underestimated how cold winter could be." that earned a soft chuckle.

"well, you should probably invest in a better coat for your stay." there was something about the man that was terrifying and yet, that same thing drew dazai to him. he wasn't sure, maybe it was the enigmatic air he wore like a cloak, maybe it was his analysing stare, or even his calm smile. "i'm fyodor dostoyevsky." ah, so he must feel the same way.

"osamu dazai."

"oh, so you're japanese?" the man asked in japanese that would've sounded fluent if it wasn't for the slight accent. "now why would someone leave the warmth of japan for the bitter cold of moscow?" the stranger—dostoyevsky's—knowing smirk told dazai he already knew something that dazai didn't want him to know.

"take a guess." dazai grabbed his drink and crossed the bar, settling into the seat opposite the russian so they could have a more private conversation. dostoyevsky hummed, playing along with the charade.

"perhaps you got bored of nice weather?" he shifted his weight so he was leaning closer to the brunet. "or maybe you're running away from something?"

dazai hummed, but offered no response as he took a sip of his drink. "do i really give off that impression?"

"you give off the impression of a house cat whose owner's just left him." dazai laughed at the simile, feeling it to be somewhat familiar, while dostoyevsky leaned back on his seat. it creaked a little under his weight. "am i wrong?"

instead of answering his question, dazai asked one of his own. "what about you?" the question earned a raised brow. dazai looked the lanky man up and down, taking note of his relaxed smirk and his sinister gaze. his messy hair perfectly framed his face and the contrast with his skin made him seem somewhat otherworldly. "you look like a rat, there must be a story there."

dostoyevsky blinked. "i can't tell if you're trying to insult me but i happen to be fond of rats."

"is that so?" dazai pulled his lips into a small smile. "well anyway, i've been trying to find a place to rent, you see. the streets don't look very accommodating this time of year." his comment earned a small chuckle. "so maybe my new friend will be accommodating enough to help me out!"

fyodor stood up, holding his book in his grasp. "okay, i wish you good luck with your future endeavours."

"how mean! you're not even willing to help a poor, lost tourist out!" dostoyevsky scoffed at his childish pout. "stay a little longer?"

the man seemed to contemplate the offer for a bit before his phone buzzed. "i'm sorry, but it seems like i can't." he seemed somewhat apologetic but dazai was acutely aware of the humorous undertones. "i wish you well, dazai."

"i'll see you around," dazai lifted the glass back to his lips, his eyes following the man's figure as he left the tavern. with a soft sigh, he leaned back, throwing back the drink, before pulling himself off the seat; he might as well find a place to stay.

the teen frowned, looking up at the luxurious looking building towering over him. dazai hesitates a bit. it was beautiful, but he wasn't sure how long he would be able to afford it given his finite resources and indefinite stay in russia. he smiled at the young receptionist smiling politely. he knew how to charm his way to a free luxury suite, and it seemed to still hold true in russia.

"do you have an update for me?" dazai yawned through the phone, playing absently with a stray string on his sleeve before running a hand over the egyptian cotton, smiling in satisfaction.

"dazai i don't think you have any idea how much work you've put me in," ango sighed, "your criminal record is very...extensive." dazai kissed his teeth. "it'll take time to sway my superiors."

"but you'll keep me updated if anything happens?" it was worded and asked like a question, but they both knew it wasn't. dazai didn't forgive ango and the government official knew that, but he did want to show his remorse. dazai was taking full advantage of his guilt.

"of course. well, it's nighttime there, isn't it? goodnight." ango hung up briskly, and dazai was unsure if it was because he felt too guilty to talk or if he was too busy. maybe it was a mix of both judging from the tiredness and slight despair in his voice. with a sigh, dazai stood up and shedded his coat and shirt. the city seemed to get more interesting with the appearance of the russian stranger—fyodor. dazai collapsed back onto the bed with a tired smile. tomorrow will be interesting, he had a feeling.

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new story for one of my favourite ships

i hope yall enjoy!

also pls hmu on insta it's @dazaistans and i want frens :(