"It looks like it's healed up nicely," Sayuru spoke as she gently ran her fingers over the small scar on Dazai's side.

Dazai sat on the couch of the Oda siblings' apartment, holding his shirt up so Sayu could inspect his now healed wound.

"I told you that you didn't have to worry," Dazai replied, dropping his shirt back down.

"And I told you that I always worry," Sayu shot back.

"You're not gonna stop her from worrying. Take it from me. She's a nightmare when I get even a papercut," Odasaku joked as he sat in the recliner, looking up from the book in his hand.

Dazai grimaced as he looked at the older redhead. "I know. Last time I got hurt, she was like a mother hen. I can only imagine what it'll be like when she is a mother."

"I think I'd make a great mother," Sayuri replied as she sat back.

"Didn't say you wouldn't. I just know how protective you'll be," Dazai clarified, but she just crossed her arms. Osamu grinned while wrapping his arms around Sayu. "You better be a good mother with all the practice you have with this child right here."

Odasaku chuckled lightly as he watched Dazai hang off of his sister. "He's got a point."

Sayuri smiled a bit, letting her weight lean against Dazai. Her phone went off and she grabbed it, looking at who had texted her.

"Why is that hat rack texting you? Doesn't he know that you're my partner, not his?" Dazai griped as he pouted.

"Calm down, Osa. He's just asking about the party tomorrow night," Sayuri replied, waving off his comments.

Odasaku glanced up from his book once again to look at his sister. "Party?"

"Yeah. Koyo's birthday was last week. A few of her friends in the mafia decided to throw a big party for her, now that she has some free time. You could come if you want to, Saku," Sayuri offered.

"I'll think about it," he replied before continuing to read his book.

"You should wear the dress that I got you," Dazai spoke as he rested his chin on her shoulder. "I haven't seen it on you yet."

"I think I will. I'm too lazy to go out and buy a new dress, so that works," Sayuri said, closing her eyes. "Now shush. I wanna sleep."

"Yes, your highness," Dazai mumbled.

Sayu wriggled out of Dazai's grasp and curled up against the arm of the couch.

"Am I that uncomfortable?" Dazai pouted as he sat on the opposite side of the couch.

"I figured you wouldn't want me sleeping on you. Didn't know if you wanted to leave or something," she replied as she tugged the blanket off the back of the sofa so it covered her body.

Dazai crossed his arms as he looked at her. "Maybe I wanted you to sleep on me. Not like I've got anything better to do."

"Suit yourself," Sayu said before pushing herself up and shoving Dazai down onto the couch. He grunted in surprise but allowed her to lay herself on top of him. He rested his hands on her back as she rested her head on his chest, bringing the blanket closer to her face. "You are pretty comfy."

Dazai hummed and just watched quietly as her eyes closed. He looked over at Odasaku who was still engrossed in his novel. He was comfortable in the home that the siblings shared. While he enjoyed the solidute he had with his shipping container, being with the Oda siblings made him feel less lonely even in the silence.

He closed his own eyes, but his mind wouldn't shut down. He listened to the occasional page being flipped a few feet away from him, and the feeling of Sayuri's breathing kept him grounded.

While sleep wasn't possible for him at the moment, he was relaxed.

"Ugh! Why is this impossible?!" Chuuya complained as he tugged at the tie around his neck.

Sayuri snickered as she walked over to help him. "It's not that hard."

The ginger watched in confusion as her fingers maneuvered the fabric around itself before pulling it tight. "How did you do that?"

"I wear ties every once in a while. Saku taught me and I've done Osa's tie up a few times while getting ready for events," Sayuri replied as she walked back over to her vanity to fix her bangs that framed her face.

"Why isn't he getting ready with us now then?" Chuuya asked. "Let me guess, he didn't want to be around me?"

That made the redhead laugh. "Nah, he's gonna be a little late. He had a job from the boss. Though he wasn't thrilled to hear that I invited you over to get ready with me. It's usually just us. I think he feels like I'm betraying him."

"He can get his panties out of the twist they're in. I'm not trying to steal his girlfriend from him," Chuuya snarked as he buttoned his vest.

"God, I wish," Sayuri mumbled under her breath, bit unfortunately it did not go unheard by Chuuya.

"Wish what? That you were his girlfriend or that I was stealing you?" Chuuya asked with a grin, already knowing the answer.

Sayu grimaced as she turned to him. "Don't act like you don't know the answer to that."

"I don't understand how you could fall for that suicidal waste of space," Chuuya replied, pulling his suit jacket onto his body. "I can't even stand looking at him for more than a few seconds."

"Don't judge my life choices," Sayuri grumbled.

"You're my best friend. It's my job to judge you're life choices," Chuuya shot back with a light chuckle.

Sayuri perked up and smiled at the ginger. "I'm your best friend?"

"Well, duh," he remarked with a shrug. "Who else would it be?"

"You and Albatross seem to have become pretty close," Sayuri replied. "I'm glad you like me more."

"You helped me out when I needed it most. You even went the extra mile to try and help me with my past. I thought the Sheep were my family until you showed me what it was like to have someone actually care about me." As Chuuya spoke quietly, he dug his foot into the floor, refusing to make eye contact with the assassin.

Sayuri wanted to tease him, but she knew that he didn't like coming across as vulnerable. Instead, she turned around on her stool and gave a warm smile. "You deserve love just like everyone else. I enjoy hanging out with you, and I know the Young Bloods love having you around. You're apart of my family, even if you don't like everyone in that family."

Chuuya scoffed at the referral to his rival. "Yeah, well, he's almost tolerable when you're around to keep him in line."

"That is one of my specialities," Sayuri agreed with a light laugh. "Alright, enough sappy shit. We've gotta party to go to!"

"I feel so fancy," Chuuya commented as the two walked out of the bedroom.

"You look very fancy. Especially with the hat. It really brings the look together," Sayu complimented with a smile.

"Thank you. I enjoy my hat," he replied proudly.

The two walked intot he living room where Sakunosuke was sat reading another book.

"You know, there's still time for you to get dressed and come with us," Sayuri spoke up, drawing her brother's attention.

"I'm good. I'd rather stay home and read. You have fun though," Odasaku replied with a small smile. "I'm having a better time in the peace and quiet."

"Suit yourself," Sayu said before kissing his head. "See ya later. Don't have too much fun without me."

"Be safe." Odasaku chuckled as he watched the two sixteen year olds start towards the door.

"Where's the fun in that," Sayuri joked with a wink before shutting the door."

Sayuri walked into the venue with a bright smile, running up to Koyo as soon as she saw her.

"Happy Birthday!"

Koyo smiled as she hugged her subordinate. "I appreciate that, Sayuri. This party was bound to happen sooner rather than later, but Mori can't run things without me, you know."

"I absolutely agree," Sayuri replied with a grin. "Men can't do anything right."

"Wow. Thanks," Chuuya remarked as he crossed his arms.

"Well, some men," Sayu corrected herself.

Chuuya just huffed before seeing Lippman and Albatross walking towards them. "Hey, guys."

"Yo, Chuuya! You made it! Doc is over at the bar. We're still waiting on Piano Man. He said Zoe was coming with him tonight," Albatross spoke as he stood in front of Chuuya and Sayu.

"Oh, his girlfriend, right?" Sayuri remembered. "I haven't met her yet."

"Yeah! She's super nice," Lippmann spoke up. "She's mixed. Her mom was from England and her dad's from Japan. Gotta say, Piano hit the jackpot."

"Oo! Now I'm excited!" Sayu gushed, loving the prospect of having a girl around. "I had heard him mention her a few times, but I figured I shouldn't pry."

"He tries to keep her away from the mafia as much as possible. He's really protective of her," Lippman replied. "Can't blame him though. I wouldn't want the woman I love to be in the crossfire because of me."

"What are we all talkin' about?"

They all turned to see Piano Man walking towards him with a beautiful woman beside him who looked to be around twenty.

Her hair was a dark chocolate brown that matched her eyes that were elongated by sharp winged eyeliner. She wore a burgundy dress that hugged her sides, ending just below her knees.

"We were talking shit about you, obviously," Albatross quipped with a grin. "Zoe, looking as beautiful as always."

"Thanks," the brunette spoke up with a smile.

"So you're the famous Zoe I've heard about," Sayuri spoke up with a smile. "My name is Sayuri Oda. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The two girls shook hands while smiling as Zoe spoke. "Piano mentioned you. He said you were scary."

"Really?" Sayuri grimaced as she looked over at the leader of the Young Bloods.

"You are pretty scary sometimes," Chuuya remarked.

"Don't worry. I like to come to my own conclusions," Zoe continued as she waved it off. "Plus, I know spending time around Piano Man and Albatross at the same time can drive anyone mad."

"Wow, thanks, doll," Piano grumbled.

Zoe and Sayuri both giggled at his reaction.

"We should get together some time. Like a girls day! I don't have many girls to hang with. I'd hang with Koyo, but she's so serious all the time," Sayuri spoke, stealing Zoe away from her boyfriend for the moment.

"Absolutely! I'm usually working or at home so having someone to hang out with would be a plus!"

The two girls wondered towards the bar together, starting to get to know each other better.

"Damn. She took my girl without even trying," Piano Man mumbled.

"Sucks to suck," Albatross teased as he slapped Piano Man on the back.

Chuuya rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You are both ridiculous."

"You just don't understand what it's like to be in love yet, Chuuya," Piano Man replied with a grin. "I'm sure you'll find a special little lady someday."

Chuuya huffed, but looked at the ground as he got lost in thought for a moment.

"You know, maybe he'd actually pull a lady if he didn't where that dumb hat all the time."

Chuuya grit his teeth as he whipped around to see Dazai walking towards him with a grin. "Maybe you'd pull a woman if you didn't look like a goddam mummy."

Dazai just chuckled as he shoved his hands into the pocket of his dress pants. "I think I'll manage regardless. Anyways, where's Sayu? I thought she was with you."

"She's over at the bar with my girlfriend. They seem to be hitting it off," Piano Man replied as he motioned over to the bar.

Dazai looked over to see the two woman giggling with one another. He had to admit that it was nice seeing her smile, but he didn't want this other person making her smile. That was his job. It was bad enough that Chuuya entered the picture.

He began walking over to the bar with a gaze that made others step out of his way as he passed.

"-and then his face got so red! I mean really! How can you not handle some good spicy ramen!"

"Right?! Spicy ramen is the best!"

Dazai cleared his throat as he stood behind the two women.

"Well speak of the devil," Sayuri spoke as she turned, her eyes taking in Dazai's form. "Zoe, this is Osamu Dazai. Osa, this is Zoe Takashi."

"Pleasure to meet you. Sayuri mentioned that you are partners," Zoe spoke as she held out a hand.

Dazai studied her hand for a moment before cautiously shaking her hand. He was able to read the look in her eyes quickly. She was as innocent as they come. Definitely an odd thumb in the room of mafia members.

"Pleasure is all mine," Dazai replied before removing his hand from hers, slipping it back into his pocket. "It's nice to see that Sayuri hasn't scared you off yet."

"Hey! I'm not that scary," Sayuri defended as her cheeks puffed up.

"Clearly you haven't seen yourself while working," Dazai replied as he leaned closer to the redhead.

"Wow, kettle. Thanks," Sayu grumbled which made Zoe snicker.

Dazai gave a cheeky smile and was about to speak when a new man sat down beside Sayuri.

"Hey, sorry, I don't mean to interrupt," the man spoke up. "I was just wondering if I could maybe buy you a drink."

Sayuri looked at the man with a bit of surprise but gave him a closed eyed smile. "I don't see why not! I'm kinda in the mood for a jagerbomb."

Dazai's eyes narrowed as he watched the guy grab one of the bartenders' attention. He knew that Jagermeister was Sayuri's drink of choice. Personally, he found it to be a fairly unappealing choice, but he didn't like that this stranger was buying her a drink at all.

He watched as Sayu downed her drink easily before conversing with the stranger.

Zoe sniggered as she watched Dazai's eye twitch in irritation. Dazai turned his attention to his fellow brunette, keeping his gaze hard.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing. You just seem very protective and it's cute. That's all," Zoe replied, unbothered by his cold gaze.

He began to stare at the bartop in thought. He knew he was protective of Sayuri, but why wouldn't he be? She was his first and now all these new people were coming in, stealing her time.

Each time he found something worth while, he inevitably lost it. He learned that attachment got him nowhere, but he had allowed himself to become comfortable with Sayuri. This was one time where he was not so easily going to let the world take away what was important to him.

He moved to stand behind Sayuri and the stranger before interrupting.

"I know you are getting to know each other and all, but I actually came over here to steal you for a moment, Sayu," Dazai spoke, his tone flatter than normal which Sayuri quickly noticed.

She may not be able to read his thoughts, but he had small signs in his voice and body movements that gave a few things away to her. As soon as she noticed the way Dazai was staring down the mam she had been conversing with, her lips curled into a grin.

"Oh, sure! It was nice to meet you. Maybe I'll see you around," Sayuri said to the man before turning to Zoe. "And I will see you on Saturday. I'll text you."

"Sounds perfect," Zoe replied with a bright smile. She grabbed her drink as well as one she had ordered for Piano Man off the bar and made her way over to the Young Bloods.

Dazai led Sayuri away from the bar, his hand on her lower back to guide her through the crowd.

"So, what did you need me for?" Sayuri questioned, seeing if he would admit it.

"Dance with me?" Dazai offered quickly as he held out his hand.

Sayuri snickered lightly but nodded, taking his hand and letting him pull her close. "You know, you can admit that you were jealous."

"And if I was?" Dazai grimaced, resting his hands on her waist after she looped her arms around his neck. "Would it matter?"

"Of course it matters," Sayuri said quickly. "You don't have to be jealous of me making new friends. You're still my favorite and you know that."

"I don't think he wanted to be friends," he grumbled.

"Oh, so you were that kind of jealous," Sayu teased with a giggle. "What if I liked him? I mean he was pretty handsome."

"Please," Dazai scoffed as he rolled his eyes. "He just wanted to get you drunk and take you home."

"Yeah, probably," Sayuri agreed, her fingers fiddling with a tuft of his hair at the nape of his neck. "But I know how much liquor I can take and I have no intentions of going home with anyone tonight."

"Well, what if I wanted to take you home?" Dazai joked with a cheeky grin.

Sayuri hummed as she leaned back a bit. "I don't know, Osa. If I was gonna go home with someone, they'd actually have to make it worth my time. Could you do that?"

"Why don't you find out," Dazai purred as he pulled her closer to him.

Sayuri's face began to heat up and she she laughed. "Shut up, you oaf."

Dazai couldn't help but smile at the sound of her laugh. He slid his arms around her back, keeping her in his grasp.

Sayuri was positive that Dazai could feel her heart racing in her chest, but she couldn't bring herself to care. She felt desperate for his touch whenever she was around him.

God, she adored him, but she knew that the chances of him reciprocating those feelings were slim so she took what she could get. Just knowing that he was comfortable enough to hold her close like this, to let her in his private space, to see his scars, and to even just be around him, it was enough for her. But she couldn't help but imagine his hands roaming her body. She craved feeling of his lips on her skin.

Dazai looked down at Sayuri and hummed, feeling the way her heart was beating. He pulled back slightly and studied her face. He could see the content look in her eyes as she gazed at him.

He moved his hands back to their place on her waist as he studied her whole frame.

"So you actually wore the dress," he spoke, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

"I did. What do you think?" Sayuri questioned as she looked down at herself.

"Looks a whole lot sexier on you than on that mannequin," Dazai replied in an oddly flat tone.

That made Sayuri's heart feel like it failed for a moment. "Well, I'd hope so. I mean I look sexy without the dress on, too."

"Damn. Do I get to see that?" Dazai's grin returned as he moved his gaze back to her eyes.

Any opportunity to flirt was ab opportunity she couldn't pass up, and damn was she prepared to follow through. "That all depends on how good you make me feel."

Dazai lowered his hands to her hips, leaning down so his lips were against her ear. "How good would it make you feel to hear me moaning your name?"

Sayuri tangled her fingers in his hair with one hand as she shivered slightly. The feeling of his hot breath in her ear made her desperate, but she didn't want it to show. "I couldn't tell you. Maybe we could find out."

She took her free hand and used it to move his face so she could look at him. Her lips curled upwards as she watched his eyes trace her expression.

"Are you sure?"

"I've never been more sure of anything."