There Existed No Law In Sparring Within The Port Mafia, Just No Death. And Even Then, Forcing One To

there existed no law in sparring within the port mafia, just no death. and even then, forcing one to the brink of it was always discouraged and yet occurring at a frequency she'd suspect only due to her presence. they'd gotten too comfortable, too dependent on her ability that they mock the power of death, the meaning of it. they spit in its face with every unnecessary means of violence, of near - overkill for the sake of gloating. what was victory when it was not genuine, born for appearances and not in gravity ? if not for the research opportunities each injury provided, she would have outright rejected their demands to be healed — let them sweat, squirm, writhe under the power she wielded. but, he, demon prodigy — or so they say, having been slotted alongside him more often than she'd like, he'd become the source of her intrigue. and now he had her pinned, lack of that foolish hubris most of the members carried. it was different with him, his confidence was factual. and she could not break him.

short gasp escaped her lips from the impact, flat of her back hitting the mat with a dull thud and she could've fought back more, used the momentum to attack him anywhere else he wasn't paying attention to but instead she relaxed further, muscles softer under his touch. ends of her lips twitched, slightly curving at the ends. she made no effort to squirm under his hold, not even to test the extent of the pressure he maintained. it was a rarity to be in such a position and she would allow him the once - in - a - blue - moon chance to soak it in. “ mmm, valuable lesson. thank you. ” velvety smooth, octaves settled and balanced as she shifted under him comfortably, bending at the knee. magentas flickered towards the small cut on the side of his cheek from where her nails must've grazed him. “ you're bleeding, you know. or do you like it when it's something i point out ? ”

sparring with yosano had its advantages, at least when dazai was slammed into the floor, she'd have to pay special attention to him afterwards and tend to wounds she purposefully inflicted. it was interesting, and dazai felt he learned quickly what to expect when she huffed and blew a stray strand of hair from her face, shuffled her weight onto her back foot and breathed in before lunging for him. her timings were impeccable, and though her techniques weren't ground - breaking, dazai struggled in evading her advances and a few times had ended up sprawled beneath her before both retreated to their respective corners of the makeshift arena, only to begin again. no shame to be had in losing to her, humiliation would only serve as a greater deterrent and cause greater mistakes, and after all, this was for fun if nothing else.

⅋ @leventar, yosano akiko . . . “ too rough for you? ”

her voice swam into the forefront of his mind once the blow from the cement floor had subsided in waving over him, dazai peeled open his eyes to meet her gaze with lips pressed together, sparing a look to the wrists she'd pinned beneath her palms before tutting, and in an instant hooking a leg around her to turn the tides. in a swift movement, he had her underneath him with a roll of his eyes, one knee applying pressure just above her elbow, other hand mirroring her earlier position, her wrist in his palm and pressed to the floor. the press of the rest of her body had been weaker, almost as though she'd expected him to give up after taunting him ⸺ not likely. nothing to prove between them, but dazai would be a fool to let her walk away with so many victories under her belt. simply, he'd been waiting for the right time to strike, and yosano had provided the perfect opening. “ you shouldn't gloat until your opponent is fully incapacitated. that's just common sense. ”

she knew he was looking at her, stared at him just as he stared at her but it was different here, in the way it shoved through the back of her spine and grabbed her, rattling her. vowed never to let another person affect her so deeply but lip fuckin' gallagher had slipped through the cracks, snaked into the confines of a tightly wound, strictly guarded prison, and infected her. this feeling was a disease, it would rot her from the inside out more than the cigarettes she kissed and she would let it.

skepticism in her gaze, brows furrowing when she caught that twitch of his lips — he thought she was stupid, he thought — “ hey ! don't fuckin' laugh, asshole. ” huffing and puffing, faux annoyance in her tone, the insecurity creeping. cared little for what he thought and yet cared so, so much it could eat her alive. teetered between the edge of fight or flight, tell him to forget everything. would he go running his mouth off to the next person that would listen for it ? word traveled fast in a shit town with nothing to look forward to.

lips pursed, as if she meant to ponder on his offer, as if she hadn't already borrowed a number of designer brands from the next town up. probably better not to get caught in them. “ she doesn't like me. ” was the first thing out of her mouth, not a pout but a statement of facts. “ sure she'd want someone like me gettin' all up in her shit ? ” brow lifted, free hand reaching out to grab him by the chin to face her. never learned personal boundaries, never learned space. affection in the form of hostility. “ not that i'm denyin', just sayin' ... i need to write like, four essays. some bullshit prompts an' shit about myself. sounds a lot like beggin' like a desperate freak. ” ivories bit down on her bottom lip as she glanced at his. “ 's a club pretty girls. smart girls. with money. networkin' and all that. ”

ground feels cold where he sits as hell freezes over. blinks at the brunette with a vibrant color streaked in her dark hair, replaying the way her lips move in his head to end with the conclusion that he's heard her correctly. mandy and his relationship is surface level in some ways, deep in others, all twisted and upside down. his life never has him feeling steady in his decisions, in his day - to - day, in every step he takes. the two of them together increases that, two unpredictable last names colliding and people crossing the street when they grow near. just out of caution. his thin lips quirk in an amused smile, stifled in the same way his chuckle is. loud noises scare the skittish cat.

"what kind of club?" it's a better alternative to the question that he almost asks: 'you? in a club?'

pries for information, sees the words that catch in her throat and are swallowed to burn in the acid that lays in the pits of her stomach. it's where most of her true thoughts go to die, he's learned. something about the damn milkoviches makes them rather choke than express. knows her too well, but barely through verbalized declarations, and more through his observations of what she places carefully between the lines. there's no bet with mickey, he'd put his next water bill on it. careful to keep his tone casual, his posture straightens and curves as he stretches his spine with his fingers clasped behind his head.

"you'd prob'ly fit into fi's clothes," he offers, his shoulders bobbing with a shrug as he slumps back against the wooden step. "she's always doin' interviews and shit 'cause she can't hold a goddamn job. could swipe some for 'ya when she leaves for work."

---

* 400 RANDOM DIALOGUE PROMPTS (READ MORE) ,

"i never noticed your eyes were this pretty."

"i'll stay in tonight, thanks."

"i can't even trust myself anymore."

"anything to eat around here?"

"i hope to repay your kindness someday."

"you're a terrible flirt you know."

"the only time you talk to me is when you need something."

"how did you find me?"

"how can i possibly trust you? after all you've done."

"i take orders from your father, not you."

"you're not a very convincing liar."

"i thought i'd never see you again."

"why can't i come with you?"

"it was my fault. it was all my fault."

"all this anger and hate, it's not good for you."

"this is the part where you apologize."

"is being drunk an excuse?"

"let me out of here! let me go!"

"aren't we in a good mood today?"

"i was making sure you weren't dead, since you never called."

"there's nothing left for me here."

"i know i lied to you. you can hate me and it's all right."

"i've been waiting for you for a long time."

"what happened? i heard a crash."

"was it you? did you do all this?"

"don't come any closer!"

"looking for something?"

"you're too scared to do it, aren't you?"

"i thought you'd like this."

"you came back!"

"i like seeing you smile."

"i must warn you, i won't go easy on you this time."

"it's better to expect disappointment."

"sorry to put you through that. i guess i owe you one now."

"no way, i'm not doing that."

"it's you! you came for me."

"could you be happy here with me?"

"let me buy you another drink."

"why should i trust you?"

"he's only mostly dead."

"knowledge is power."

"i screwed up. i know."

"we're going to have to stay here tonight."

"help me choose something to wear?"

"i do care."

"i'm sorry, i'm not what you think i am."

"how many more people need to die before you're satisfied?"

"you scared me."

"just try to hang on."

"i risked my life for you!"

"two years later and you haven't changed."

"we're not so different after all."

"i need you to trust me."

"why are you being so stubborn?"

"you don't scare me."

"i'm scared of what you're becoming."

"you look like you just saw a ghost."

"that's quite a scratch you've got there."

"i've always hated it."

"this is the part where you leave."

"don't treat me like a child."

"you were talking in your sleep."

"what are you doing out here by yourself?"

"wait. i've heard that sound before."

"would it be alright if i borrowed this?"

"i think i have a bit more experience with this thing than you do."

"it's not stealing if it was mine to begin with."

"it's nothing personal."

"you were going to leave without saying goodbye?"

"i'll still be here when you wake up."

"don't you fucking dare!"

"you're lucky you're cute."

"it's too dark, i can't see anything."

"i swear it wasn't me."

"that is not an appropriate question to ask a lady you've just met."

"i've got your back, okay?"

"how long have i been asleep?"

"just who do you think you are?"

"i think i might've broken something..."

"i wish you'd take better care of yourself."

"is this what you wanted?"

"what do you want in exchange for it?"

"did you miss me?"

"i'm trying my best and it's not good enough."

"it's not safe for people to see us together."

"don't lie to me."

"i see a lot of myself in you."

"take a seat, we're gonna be here a while."

"i won't hate you. i know you think that's what you deserve but it's not."

"who do you fight for?"

"it's rare to see your kind around here."

"walk with me?"

"i know you better than you think."

"why did you bring me here?"

"what did you want to tell me?"

"you don't even know my name."

"it's nothing, i'm just tired."

"of course i care. you're my family."

"i didn't tell you because i was afraid... of losing you."

"where is my candy, you son of a bitch?"

"you want me to punch him in the face?"

"please... say something."

"who the hell invited you?"

"we need to be careful."

"i just wanted to say i'm sorry."

"we're locked in!"

"don't be naked. i'm coming in."

"do you ever get afraid?"

"you wouldn't understand."

"promise you'll say something if you need help?"

"where have you been?"

"there was blood everywhere."

"i just need to step away for a bit, get some fresh air."

"we're safe, aren't we?"

"how about a little midnight snack?"

"how many people have you killed? how many?"

"whatever you're going to ask, the answer is no."

"you look... amazing."

"this isn't just about you. it's about what's best for all of us."

"you owe me a dinner. a very nice dinner."

"in about a minute, you'll be sorry you didn't listen to me."

"i wish we never met."

"you're late."

"we all have secrets, don't we?"

"i know i have a right to be angry, but i don't want to be."

"i see you don't recognize me. well, it was a long time ago."

"you showing up here must be fate."

"some risks are worth taking."

"you've been so quiet. what's on your mind?"

"you must be lonesome over here by yourself."

"you're very kind. some day it'll get you killed."

"this seems... dangerous."

"snap out of it!"

"have you been following me?"

"you can't or you won't?"

"how long have you been standing there?"

"i'm sorry i didn't come sooner."

"we can't keep going on like this."

"i don't need your help."

"i think i'm getting sick."

"i know who you are. i know what you've done."

"please tell me you have a plan."

"i just wanted to see you smile again."

"can i ask... what happened?"

"tell me it's not true. please."

"would you run away with me?"

"don't look at me like that."

"wow, look who remembered my existence."

"why are you really here?"

"have a drink with me."

"life is about more than just surviving."

"treat me like the princess that i am!"

"it's a gift. i had it made for you."

"thank me after we get out of this alive."

"you're not human, are you?"

"are you kidding me? we're not 'fine'!"

"they're better off without me. but i guess that's their choice."

"are you lost too?"

"come on. it can't be that bad."

"i don't like this. it feels... wrong."

"will you stay with me? just for tonight."

"can i help you?"

"you don't need to protect me."

"you can't leave me here alone!"

"you can stay with me."

"quick, this way. before they see you."

"i think the power is out."

"did you ever care about me?"

"did you hear that? it sounded like a scream."

"being strong doesn't mean never asking for help or admitting you're in pain."

"i'm here to drink alone."

"i did warn you not to trust me."

"you could've just used the door."

"you know, i really hoped i'd never see this place again."

"nobody tells me what to do."

"why can't you tell me what's wrong?"

"i'm really not one for crowds."

"don't be so dramatic."

"something's coming."

"i just wanted to do something good for once."

"you don't have to shout at me!"

"forget about me. just save them."

"it's fine. nothing i haven't dealt with before."

"i guess it runs in the family, huh?"

"this isn't our fight. it's my fight."

"do you ever stop being so serious and dull?"

"i heard you were dead."

"i'm going to get you out of here."

"that's a terrible story."

"here, take this. you'll catch a cold."

"you slept with her, didn't you?"

"i had my suspicions, but until now i wasn't sure."

"evacuate the civilians, i'll buy you some time!"

"he was unconscious when i found him."

"you don't have to hold my hand."

"i'm not leaving you."

"you're not getting away this time."

"you're clearly not okay so stop bullshitting me."

"i would give my life to keep you safe."

"do you want me to go?"

"trust me, these people are not your friends."

"i guess it's my turn to thank you."

"i bought two. here."

"i need to go. i can't be here."

"it's four in the morning. what are you doing?"

"do you ever stop talking?"

"it's not going to be easy, you know."

"well, how do i look?"

"are you threatening me?"

"you can never admit when you're wrong!"

"may i have this dance?"

"he knows more than what he's telling us. much more."

"we can't fix this. can we?"

"count me out."

"i don't know. shut up. i'm not blushing."

"let go of me! i have to help them!"

"i won't let anyone hurt you."

"do you ever hear yourself?"

"i've never had any sort of family before."

"you look better in my clothes than i do."

"i'm still learning."

"oh, i get it. you're trying to weasel your way out of having to practice."

"death is a part of life. i accepted that a long time ago."

"you see everyone so clearly except yourself."

"is this seat taken? sorry, it's a bit crowded here."

"what are you smiling at?"

"we're in completely different leagues."

"what if i never see you again?"

"we should get a pet."

"don't touch me. get away from me."

"i want to be there when you get what's coming to you."

"i'll believe it when i see it."

"you're lucky that i found you when i did."

"you're not dating anyone, are you?"

"you're not alone. i'm here."

"i never want to see you again."

"we can just sit here, you don't have to talk."

"i could show you the way."

"do i frighten you?"

"i didn't realize you were in so much pain."

"well, this is where i live."

"i'll be here. when you're ready to talk."

"you refuse to tell me where you're going?"

"i've seen you before, walking by."

"was that a friend of yours?"

"i'll make you bleed."

"wait. did you hear that?"

"i'm not even going to pretend to understand what you're talking about."

"i made a mistake."

"why don't you just kill me?"

"it's a lullaby. would you like me to sing it to you? would that help you fall asleep?"

"i already made my decision, you're not going to change that."

"i thought you... i saw you get shot."

"take me with you."

"you look awful. what happened?"

"you knew and you didn't tell me?"

"you shouldn't insult people that are bigger than you."

"how about you let me show you around?"

"i'm just saying, murder is an option."

"what's that smug look for? you think you can do any better?"

"for some reason, i'm attracted to you."

"you defeated it? alone?"

"i didn't want you to see me like this."

"don't go. please."

"how do i know you're real?"

"rough day today?"

"seriously, what is that thing over there?!"

"i'm not sober enough to talk about this."

"you should've thought about that before you got into a fight."

"you like this, don't you? i remember you saying that."

"what now? i'm tired."

"it won't be easy, that's for sure."

"watch what you say. the trees have ears."

"can you forgive me?"

"just let me do this for you."

"why were they coming after you?"

"why are you talking like we'll never see each other again?"

"why did you help me?"

"would you like something for the pain?"

"why did you come?"

"you snore in your sleep. it's adorable."

"i'm glad i could share this with you."

"just admit it. we're lost."

"well, don't stand there in the rain. come on."

"i really thought you were gone this time."

"if you tell me yours, i'll tell you mine."

"are you... smelling me?"

"i have a spare bed."

"your plan's gonna get us all killed, and you know it."

"find someone else to listen to your problems."

"i promise i'll never hurt you again."

"where do you think you're going?"

"it appears my trusting nature got the better of me. it's happened before."

"how did you get this scar?"

"you stepped on my foot!"

"i'm not sorry."

"i don't know how you do this every day..."

"what did you wish for?"

"there's no turning back now."

"see? i'm not just a pretty face."

"i'm on your side."

"do you remember anything? at all?"

"you don't know who i am, do you?"

"please don't do this, don't act like you care."

"i just want to take it all back."

"am i not good enough?"

"i won't let them hurt you."

"i'm fine, let me see your arm."

"why can't you let me in? what are you so afraid of?"

"this is wrong."

"none of this would’ve happened if you had just listened to me!"

"don't run away from this."

"you wanna know what your problem is?"

"so why's it so important anyway?"

"i'm not here to talk about my feelings."

"close your eyes and hold out your hands."

"seems like i'm always saving your ass."

"let me help with that."

"you know you aren't allowed in here, right?"

"don't shut me out. please."

"fine. i'll help you but you have to help me."

"i don't need you to understand, i just need you to help me."

"i have to do this alone."

"i'm not talking to you when you're like this."

"i don't need you anymore."

"why did you wake me?"

"how many times have i told you? you can't visit me here."

"jealous? i'm not jealous!"

"this place is cursed... i can feel it."

"you need to stay still."

"i've been to many strange places... but this is a new one."

"dangerous to be out so late."

"don't make me go by myself."

"i can't leave you alone for one minute, can i?"

"we're wasting time."

"you... don't like me very much, do you?"

"i would never lie to you."

"give me one good reason why i should believe you."

"i'm not sure what i'm supposed to feel."

"you're about as intimidating as a butterfly."

"no more lies, no more secrets."

"do you wanna get out of here?"

"what did they do to you?"

"i don't go away if you ignore me."

"you don't know when to give up, do you?"

"i can't help you unless you talk to me."

"what was that for?"

"you can't just come into my life and go right out of it. i won't let you."

"think of it as a compliment."

"did you want to be alone?"

"who did you piss off this time?"

"you'll be no help to anyone if you run yourself into the ground."

"stop trying to figure everything out. just focus on now."

"are you saying you care about me?"

"i did what i had to do."

"what? no witty remark? nothing clever to say?"

"i don't think we're supposed to be in here."

"they have us surrounded!"

"i've come for you."

"promise me?"

"why are you looking at me like that?"

"you'll always have a home with me."

"i never meant to hurt you."

"i believe you."

"let me see that."

"you can relax. we're safe here."

"you have to go somewhere safe."

"we've been through a lot. i think we should just lay low and take it easy."

"when was the last time you ate something?"

"we have to leave, now!"

"i need your help... and you need mine."

"i wasn't flirting, i was being friendly."

"change isn't easy."

"there has to be another way."

"i don't care what they say about me."

"you've lost a lot of blood."

"you don't give a shit about me."

"you want me? here i am."

"i never wanted to hurt you."

"it's very rude to stare."

"i don't often get the chance to talk to someone like you."

"if you have something to say, spit it out."

"when was the last time you slept?"

"i can't do this without you."

"you're such a fucking coward."

"i'm not drunk enough for this."

"i hope you haven't been standing out in the cold this whole time."

"i wish i could hate you."

"why are you still here?"

"you're hot when you're angry."

"are you going to kill me?"

"i don't have a plan, but we'll figure it out."

"we can stop them. i can help you."

"i don't feel so good."

"promise me you won't overreact."

"is... that my shirt you're wearing?"

"you look like you need a hug."

"what do these symbols mean?"

"you can't decide what's best for someone else."

"i guess i should've told you."

---

someone said choso was built like a twig and i’m even more convinced now ppl are not consuming the same content

---

the choice to walk and rely on public transportation was always something regrettable, to the extent of her shoes hurting at the last leg of their commute — the doctor had grown quite the tolerance, mastering the art of archaic beauty, and still found new heights to tackle. but finding distraction in a box of puppies was enough to have her forgetting her poor choices, slender digits gently petting each of the small, squirming puppies and the patient mother who only seemed to be staring her co - worker down. “ who said that the good home couldn't be the agency dorms ? we could adopt them to give to someone who needs it ! or have them as the agency's official mascot and support team ? aw, they're so cute, yes you are — yes, you're cute ... ” she'd begun to coo at them, making indistinct noises along with the soft whimpering of the babies.

she could feel his gaze burning into her with every urge to get them moving along and she turned slowly, head craning to meet him, brows downturned and eyes sharpened as if she meant to shoot daggers in his direction. there was a moment where she simply stared, imagining him diced into tiny pieces and kept in a jar. “ the detective agency's a dysfunctional family, wouldn't you say ? ” a curt smile made its presence, somewhat of a mix between forced politeness and a threat, emphasized as it dropped with ease. “ don't rush me. we have time, don't we ? ” soft huff emitting as she begrudgingly forced herself to stand upright, patting down her skirt.

head cocked to the side as she inspected him with skepticism, curiosity. hand reached out to straighten the crook of his tie, the wrinkled collar of his shirt. habit. “ why do you look at them as if they're the enemy ? were you mauled by dogs in your youth ? or just petty because you're far too alike with them ? ”

working side by side with the agency's doctor was an opportunity that presented itself far too little. or rather, for far less reasons than dazai's own pain and discomfort, patching him up after kunikida knocked him down yet another peg, or in the aftermath of dazai having attempted something wild and dangerous in the name of finding himself in an early grave. though, a courtesy call to a former client who had required treatment in their aftermath of their case saw them paired together, yosano to check the healing of their injuries and dazai in accompaniment to collect the final notes on the outcome of the case.

they should have driven, dazai had began to think he would rather have suffered behind the wheel or in the passenger's seat than where he'd truly ended up, standing at the edge of an alleyway whilst yosano cooed and fretted over a box of puppies further inside. he'd already made firm eye contact with the mother, had been unable to tear his eyes away from her lest she suddenly sprout up and attack him, but the longer yosano stayed crouched with her arms reaching into the box, the more he began to fidget.

⅋ @leventar, yosano akiko . . . “ they’re so cute, i could steal them and take them home. ”

“ mhm. ” a curt response, dazai uneasily shifting from left to right and heaving a sigh, head tilting towards the sky before he shook himself right again. “ it's not stealing if they're free to a good home. ” from his safe distance, he pointed to the words scrawled on the front of the box, then shifted his gaze to yosano's form with pursed lips, trying once again to see if he'd mastered mind control in an effort to silently make her move. “ we should go. ” he was forced to say instead, when that didn't work. not usually eager to work, dazai knew he would be only a matter of time before she questioned his true motives. the thought of having to admit his ... dislike for the animals in question forced a frown to take shape upon his lips. “ i'm sure some dysfunctional family on the brink of divorce will take pity on them thinking it'll save their marriage. let's go. ”

---

❙⠀ ⠀ 𝒊.⠀ QUINLEY, ADELAIDE.⠀⠀⠀.𖥔 ݁ ˖⠀⠀“⠀⠀it’s a fucking mess, to be honest with you ...⠀⠀” ⠀⠀[⠀. . .⠀]⠀⠀@fablelike .

slender digits pressed into sore temples, irritated from the onslaught of dead ends piling up after the other. in a more literal sense than anything, hazels drifting from adelade's towards the crime scene in which a crowd had begun to grow around the yellow tape, in which carts were being hauled out of the bricked house and a sobbing, an older woman stood off the side as she mourned the loss of her family members. she could remember how they both tried to help, tried to get through to her, but to no avail. their world existed with skepticism to cope for the unexplained, and tommy had called it then — death had loomed, and it would take its victim sooner than later. only it'd broken the pattern they'd previously established, and left nothing but more questions than answers they could even begin to theorize with. the rain was constant, unending and heavy as it threatened to pierce through the black umbrella shielding the both of them, toes of their shoes damp from exposure. “ i couldn't even pretend to give up if i wanted to. i feel like whatever it is, whoever it is, is making a joke out of us. ” words short and choppy, fluctuating in volume as she found her footing, attention carefully fixated on the detective's as she spoke. “ we need to get into that house. ”

---