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Mushitarou may be living scott free (or as scott free as he can be, affiliated in any way with the Ada) But not once did he agree to be a tool or servant, especially for a certain detective. Edogawa Ranpo keeps claiming that he needs his help for missions, for help and other things, while always threatening to release Yokomizo's manuscript. The first few are pretty basic, help atsushi, go find info, etc. Then they get….
"Mushi-san, go buy me sweets." "Mushi-san come with me and Poe to this cake shop."
Tedious.
He simply believes he's being used as an errand boy.
And if there's one thing he's good at, it's committing to something he believes in fully, so he thinks nothing of it when he's asked to accompany Poe on walks for inspiration, or read his manuscripts, and give suggestions to ranpo's research. He somehow manages to mentally neglect the fact that Poe can write scripts perfectly fine on his own, or that Ranpo needs no help in his deductions. He excels at being delusional, perhaps
And that excellence in delusions, or perhaps his lack of deducting intentions, is the sole reason for why he is here now - picking up a cake order, at a cafe, for Ranpo.
A little strange, he notes, a little weird, has he really let himself become an errand boy twice over after Yokomizo ?
Hah, he simply sighs as the door closes behind him, giving a series of clear rings to signal his farewell to the little shop.
The outside is peaceful at this current time, with some chill, fall is artistically at its height with orange coloured leaves falling into his hair and crunching under his shoes.
“Oh Yokomizo, I will take that wretched manuscript back soon, just you watch me! who do those two thing they are toying with me like this-“
There is a single moment where the bell by the coffee shop makes its chime again, a moment rushed where Mushitarou swears his old friend laughs at him,
“Will you now?”
And then next where, in a broken fragment of illusions and self mumbling he comes crashing straight into Edgar Allen Poe himself. Poe is much less nervous, Mushitarou finds out, when he's comfortable around a person and there's not others paying attention to him. He hasn't thought of the implications of such a thing as Poe happily pats him on the back. "Ranpo-san would like to go to this new restaurant this evening, would you like to come? I felt it was more proper to actually ask instead of texting."
So this author can be humorous. "Do I have much of a choice?"
He glared spitefully at the author's noncommittal shrug. "You're welcome to get ready at my place. Even I'm being forced into his whims by dressing up" at that, Mushitarou tilts his head. "What, is he weaponizing something against you too?"
Poe actually chuckles, and its..surprisingly pleasant, low and soft. "If you can consider love a weapon. You should probably get going, he hates cold pastries."
Mushitarou ignores the odd pang in his chest at the mention of love and hurriedly runs to the Ada. What would he know about such a thing? The only person he's ever cared for was strangled by his own hands. Ah, he really needs to hurry. No point in that train of thought.
——-
He had made it back to the Ada’s office with the pastries still warm, he nearly tripped up the stairs, forgot the elevator existed and cursed at least 4 different gods which Atsushi bore witness to with a laugh.
But, he made it, out of breath, with a weretiger trailing his steps as he presented the pastries to Ranpo - or, well, dropped them unceremoniously down on his desk.
“Just so you know, I am not made for running. "If you want them warm next time,”
he wheezed for breath ruining his act of nonchalance
“send the tiger boy next time, I hate having the wind ruin my hair!”
As he tidied up said hair, Ranpo laughed at him loud and clear, munching away in satisfaction and pointing an all knowing finger towards him “But you did run Mushitarou, and you’d do it again. So I think you're the perfect candidate by logic.”
———
After that, Ranpo had mentioned Poe, told Mushitarou that he’d trusted he heard the news of the restaurant - like Poe was entrusted as a sacred messenger or something- and then was provided no specifics when he’d asked for the time “Whenever I feel like it!” he had said.
Poe was kind enough to text it to him later on.
It’s a little later now, the beginning of the evening, as Mushitarou stands on the steps of Poe’s residence, contemplating every choice he ever took, or at least all that he took today. But really, why not be here? It's free food, a chance to go out, and he may find some entertaining moments in the way Poe lovingly acts towards the detective.
Which is why Mushitarou is really here right now, because as dumb as it is, the word love has been ringing in his mind all day and these two, if he knows them at all, just seem oddly desperate to have him come along (delusion he's sure) so fine, he will play along.
Finally he works up the courage to ring the little doorbell. 'this won’t be strange at all..'
Except his thoughts are rudely interrupted and his heart almost immediately drops to the floor at the sight of Poe's actual eyes . Is he being dramatic? Maybe, but not once has he seen what the American looks like under his messy fringe of hair. He expected something warm, droopy perhaps? Befitting of a shy and meek author, not sharp and bright and narrow and so..calculating. He feels like he's being read, made into a character for a book, and he supposes he should expect that from a detective's lover (?) Who writes murder mystery novels. The eye bags are to be expected at least.
He's shaken from his miniature trance by Karl skittering up his shoulder, nudging him. He can't help but smile at the little animal as he pets him. "Is Ranpo coming here?" Poe shakes his head kindly as he leads him inside. "I promised him tonight's look would be a surprise, so he's waiting for us. I took the liberty of buying some suits based on what you seemed you liked? As a treat and all. However if you have something else instead it's more than fine!"
Suits..plural?
" what..why would you spend so much-" aAs he quickly crosses over to scan the clothes he promptly sees the price tags and nearly faints. "What..what the fuck. This was way too much." The author only tilts his head in confusion. "Really? It wasn't that much for me." "Poe-" "Edgar actually, we're pretty close right? Ah, does that mean I can call you Oguri-kun as well? I'm not very acquainted with Japanese customs." A story that would be believable if those gray eyes didn't shine with mischief. Is every acquaintance of that detective a troublemaker? Wait, his original point. "Ah, then Edgar, I really can't accept this, it's too much." Poe smiles. "Really? They were pretty cheap. It's alright though, we are monopolizing your time. Consider this payment?"
He chooses to ignore the fact that this awkward man is loaded in money and looks at the suits with a light tint on his cheeks, unsure. After a few minutes he promptly picks the midnight blue one, accented with gold and scoffs when he finds that its his exact size. "That detective..." He looks at Poe a little uncertainly before the man springs into action, quickly leaving. "I need to prepare myself, so take your time and knock on my door if you're ready!" It does takes him a little while to get ready, he stands and stares in the mirror even longer. He looks-
Regal.. simply put this outfit is regal, silky smooth and of high quality and it’s fitted to just about his exact measurements - accentuating his shoulders with a sharp edge while evening out his waist it’s so..
God does he feel like a clam with its pearl right now, and yet he isn’t the pearl inside the clam which is what he should be, he is the clam surrounded by pearls, how damned ridiculous-
He stands there, analyzes at his own reflection for a bit before he twirls in place, examining all his best angles and something giddy clicks in him, cackling laughter erupting from him. How amazing is this charade, it's like he is finally fit in the regality he was always meant to be in. He seldom got to dress up before, Yokomizo had hated crowds and he often accompanied him up to his room when big book events made him anxious. But now.
He twirls once more, muttering under his breath
“Oh yes oh yes, this is perfect, that Poe’s certainly got an eye for fashion at least" He can't help but chuckle to himself as he looks selfishly one more time.
Filled with that adrenaline he quickly leaves the room, calling around the hallway
“Oi, mystery author, come here, I demand of you.” He raps on the door quietly and smirks at Poe's muffled yelps of "Come in!" Immediately striding in with a monologue. "Admittedly, despite your fashion choices this is quite good, especially considering what you're usually going around wearing. I suppose this was a new choice as I don't often wear blue, but-"
The words die in his mouth the moment he turns around. Poe's hair is tied up properly this time, red ribbon adorning his ponytail as curly hairs frame his face perfectly. His shirt was like gossamer, flowing sleeves and a perfect shape, tucked into sinfully perfect black pants. To top it all off was some light smoky eyeshadow and most of all, the prettiest pair of red heeled boots he's seen.
He almost doesn't expect Poe's timid personality to come through In his voice as he smiles at Mushitarou's suit choice. "I thought blue would suit you as well! Although I think the talk about my usual clothes was unnecessary." His lips tilt into a slight pout, accenting the sheen of lip gloss there. "I just wear what I feel comfortable in."
At a loss of words, Mushitarou can only nod as he stares unabashedly, which in turn makes Poe blush (a pretty thing) and it goes on in circles until a loud caw of ravens makes them both jump. Ranpo calling, no doubt.
“Hey !”
Ranpo’s voice echoes loudly in the phone the moment Poe clicks the button to answer it - so much so that Mushitarou can hear him clearly without him being put on speaker. What a contrast to the author he is..
“You guys are both late Poe! You were supposed to meet me at the agency for an escort 20 minutes ago !”
Ranpo-San complains loudly and Poe blinks nervously - casts an eye to his diamond encrusted watch, Mushitarou can easily deduct in return that the time for their meeting had not yet passed, still Poe answers his lover (?) with tremblingly delicate words.
“Why, where have you wandered off to Ranpo-San, you promised to wait there like a good b- ah,"
The mystery novelist fumbles over his words, a light blush dusting his cheeks as he meets and keeps Mushitarou’s eyes. It's a strange action from a man so unused to eye contact, but he seems rather transfixed.
“until Oguri-kun was all prepared !”
He finishes up his sentence and breaks their little unabashed staring contest when Mushitarou’s face turns into something resembling an unimpressed stare, Poe sure looks all gorgeously dolled up but they were certainly not waiting for him ! what an accusation, the novelist has no less the audacity of the detective after all-
“Poe, Poe ! Hey, listen to me already !”
They can both practically see the hand on Ranpo’s waist, pouting ah.. Mushitarou vaguely wonders how he would be dressed up, considering Poe has dressed them both like nobility itself.
“I am right hereeee, outside your door, may you do me the favor of letting me in already ?”
“R-Right, just a moment Ranpo-san !”
Poe stutters, and hangs up - a relieved sigh as he stands up and dusts himself off, offering a hand for Mushitarou to take, out of politeness no doubt or.. affection perhaps,
“Come, we better hurry, ah ? You look confused.”
Poe shoots him an awfully soft smile once again, a small curl of the corners of his lips and Mushitarou thinks he might have caught an illness for his heart pangs in its place.
“The way from the agency to here,”
Poe opts to explain his own made up questions instead
“It’s one of the few route’s Ranpo’s memorized, he couldn’t make it to the restaurant himself but he could make it here.”
“And,”
Poe’s smile widens a little, radiant, heat settles on Mushitarou’s cheeks
“He’s early because hah,”
Poe raises a finger to his lips as if he is uttering nothing less of a secret,
“He’s missed us. So come on, let’s hurry.”
Mushitarou Oguri might not make it through the night.
Ranpo looks downright unrecognizable and gorgeous , hair lightly styled and tousled into something somewhat neater, accentuating the little gold hoop pierced in his ear. His suit is a rich, rich brown, almost coffee, and it's lovely with the sleek leather gloves he's wearing.
He almost immediately hops into Poe's arms with a grin as he presses a sloppy kiss to his cheek. "My deduction could never have guessed you would look like this, oh wow!" Poe simply blushes and giggles as ranpo hops over and dramatically bows before pressing a kiss into mushitarou's palm. "And fortunately for you I must be proper, greeting a prince."
His chest curls at the simple word, but he huffs and turns. "Shouldn't we get going? I would assume you were competent enough to get a reservation." Ranpo simply giggles. "As a coachman for two princes, of course I did!"
......
prince ?
Mushitarou mulls on those words and what they might mean, he stores them in his heart as it fails to cease its rapid beating - a bit trapped in a cage it really is, his suit feels almost too stuffy and the night had just begun.
He walks by automatically, gets the door to a cab that arrived just perfectly, opened for him by Ranpo, ‘For two princes’ the words echo and he rubs at his flushing face - setting in on the far left side with an indignant huffiness.
Poe sits next to him with a small smile he ignores, opting to stare out the window instead, and Ranpo gets in at last.
He gives their directions to their driver, as impolitely as ever and Mushitarou catches words of the couples chatter, chuckles and laughs, kisses and compliments. Poe is weaving Ranpo’s outfit into the prettiest of words.. if only he could do the same.
They hold hands too, he notices at a glance and turns to stare right back out the window, the flashing lights blurring by at speed. he wants to complain, to bitch about it, to ask what kind of errand they have for him now, an undercover mission? inspiration seeking for a new novel? Why exactly is he here, dressed up?
But the words won’t come out, his face is still so hot-
and then, oh how the world stops. Poe’s hand, his fingers brush over his thigh, squeezing his hand resting there , and Ranpo chuckles easily and leans just a little over
“Hey, earth to Mushitarou, we’re here, would you come back to us already? I want to try the sweets as quickly as possible !”
“The meal first Ranpo !”
Poe echoes after the detective whose jumped out of the car at a moments notice and the hand holding his own vanishes but it’s warmth.. it’s warmth lingers. Mushitarou thinks that this might just be his death. He's surprised that his hand is held gently once again by Ranpo this time, insistently tugging as Poe nervously requested a table and pointedly ignores some waitresses' loud whispers of admiration. He's suddenly sat into a chair, both men sitting beside him rather than across. It's..way too close, the three of them almost cheek to cheek as they had elected to use his menu instead of their own.
Poe picked some sort of steak (how American), Ranpo chooses some pasta after pestering and compromising over dessert, and Mushitarou ends up choosing something with seafood at random. Ranpo of course loudly calls the waiter over, and orders equally as loud. Mushitarou manages to reign in his embarrassment and peacefully tries to order while Ranpo attempts to play footsie with him under the table.
Poe finally opens his mouth to speak, but just falls quiet. He tries again and after getting the same result, looks pointedly at the table.. His eyes widen in obvious nervousness as his lips tremble and Mushitarou immediately realizes what's happening and cuts in. "He'd like the steak please, medium rare if you could? With a glass of champagne as well, your best."
Both halves of the couple stare at him with...stars? No that's not it. With an unreadable look in their eyes, and mushitarou flushes under the scrutiny. "Simply staring is impolite you know, please just spit out." Poe suddenly seems to gain his voice as he quickly speaks. "I apologize for that, there's only so much I can handle but," he blinks almost owlishly. "How did you know what was happening? And you… remember how I like my steak?"
Mushitarou brightly flushes then, because it's true, Poe only asked him to accompany him to a grilling place once, so for him to remember it..
He quickly waves his hand. "I'm only doing my job, being your errand runner and all. Nothing to think about. And Yokomizo," his voice quiets as it always does when he speaks of the author. "He was terribly anxious often, and sometimes he just..couldn't speak. Nonverbal, is it? I often helped him request room service and things like that." Poe only smiles softly, his hum of acknowledgement a little too knowing.
While they waited, Ranpo had resumed his game of footsies under the table - baffling Mushitarou into a flushed face and incoherent noises because what is he even doing!! so childish!!! it’s ridiculous that this man has been able to keep Mushitarou on a leash for so long. Ranpo suddenly seems to remember an earlier topic and smiles.
“Why,”
He says, with a sly smirk and a little kick under the table
“You’re not our errand boy at all, Poe, tell him.”
“Ah- Um-“
the novelist stuttered, fidgeting over the table top as he was probably still partially recollecting my himself from his previous verbal stumble
“Mnm, Ranpo-san is right Oguri-Kun!”
Poe put up a finger, like he usually did when he put Ranpo’s deductions and knowings into words for others
“He is wondering where you got the idea from, we just like your company and.. if I may add my own words,”
Poe flushes a little, eyes averting as Mushitarou himself sucks in a quiet breath, watching that little glossy pout appear on Poe’s lips again,
“I don’t make you run around anywhere near as much as Ranpo-san does, please don’t rope me into that..”
“Uh-“
Mushitarou licks his lips, there is sweat collecting at his forehead under their once again, calculating gazes. It's he can feel it, what a pain-
He quickly puffs up and makes himself seem self-important and haughty,
“Well why else would you two drag me around everywhere and you!”
he points,
“You’re not innocent on that one either Poe,”
a heartbeat when Poe’s eyes grow rounder at him
“You drag me everywhere, from bookstore to bookstore and Ranpo-San always has a list for me to do, I don’t get a single moment alone !”
After his outburst, there comes silence, from them all and he is ready to shuffle back and somehow get past the both of them and run away- he’s ruined this, he- whatever this has been but-
Ranpo falls back in his own chair, arms crossed, pouty.
“Aiya Aiya, Mushitarou ! your deductions suck,”
he huffs, childishly. Poe picks up the irritation for him, voice a little quiet - no less annoyed, Mushitarou’s grown accustomed to it. He’s surprisingly one of the rare few who gets to know the novelist’s range of true emotions.
“Mnm! you should know, running you around all day, that’s what Ranpo-San had me doing before we-“
A plate gets placed onto the table, cutting him off. Mushitarou elects to ignore the knowing look they give him as he thanks the waiter and asks for another glass of wine. Despite the cut conversation, the silence isn't awkward or stifling, but comfortable. And..rather new.
Mushitarou has never casually shared bites of food and taken some in return (his and Yokomizo's tastes were different.) He's never found himself staring so intently at two people (Yokomizo obviously never dressed up, and even if he did, mushitarou never felt anything past a light flutter.) He has to vaguely wonder how much of his life did he live outside of Yokomizo and his whims. Not that he regrets it, but still, he wonders.
He cuts off his own thoughts with a small yawn and Ranpo tilts his head. "Not enough sleep, Mushi?" He preens under the nickname, but still shrugs nonchalantly. "I got distracted at a library till they sent me off." Poe sighs a little and nudges him. "You know I've told you my library is open, there's no need to be out on the streets that late." Mushitarou takes a sip of wine, electing to ignore him, because how could he just appear at his doorstep that late? Another yawn escapes him and Ranpo firmly taps the table and smiles. "Alright time to go to Poe’s, we can take the dessert with us."
While he was slightly miffed about coming, the prospect of leaving the couple to go to his apartment and take off his extravagant suit was a little. Strange. Yes, that's why it hurt a little. But it's funny isn't it? Like a male Cinderella, he was whisked to a night of elegance and now he's leaving it. After Ranpo makes an order for an excessive amount of sweets to be packed up, he stiffly stands up from the table and bows quickly, willing the lump in his throat to leave.
"I do appreciate the time, and the clothing, but I assume you two would like to head home and my place is pretty far."
Ranpo loudly sighs then. "Mushi you dummy, it's wayy too late and cold, you're coming."
..eh?
Mushitarou stands there, so dumbfounded and dizzy that words don’t find him at all.
Ranpo simply sighs loudly again, tapping his fingers against his own hip and opens his eyes to really meet Mushitarou’s gaze.
“I said it’s time to go to Poe’s place, there is three of us, so naturally,”
the detective gestures vaguely.
“All three of us would go, besides you can’t be dumb enough to not realize you’re the whole reason I’ve grown concerned and decided we’re leaving?”
Mushitarou jolts in his place at the boldness - all pretenses woven away and that sharp gaze, green eyes he-
Poe pats him on the back, like he had earlier today, an action of accustomed comfort
“Ranpo-San, you’re going to make him cry,”
the novelist sighs too now, eyes flitting around at chattering customers
“And cause a scene, let’s wait for our desserts in peace okay ?”
“Okay.”
“Fine.”
They respond in tandem, and Poe gives a relieved sigh; though the air is tense now, Mushitarou is fidgeting with the sleeves of this expensive suit - this magical night is almost over and he is just a problem, he’s upset this delicate balance and-
and they’ve received their orders now, it’s a haze, the way they shuffle to get up, the way Poe bows to say thank you, the way the waitress blushes and the way Ranpo tugs his arm in response;
It’s a haze even when the cold wind hits him and they stand around in wait for their car.
But then, Ranpo shoves one of the boxes of a dessert slices against his chest, a little fork placed on top of it,
and Poe hums with a smile long not seen
“You’ve spaced out Mushitarou-kun, so he is trying to apologise,”
Ranpo throws him a moments glare but he continues anyway, happy and sing song
“This is Ranpo-San saying ‘Please forgive me, I was concerned because I care, you didn’t do anything wrong !’”
Mushitarou’s heart skips a beat, he makes an awkward blushing noise and stares at the box of cake he is now holding
“Oh..”
“Oh ?”
“Oh.”
he reiterates at Ranpo’s almost offendedly questioning tone and then, he laughs, loud and clear, body rocking.
“Haha you both, you both are so ridiculous !”
The couple stare at him, with that strangely fond look in his eyes and just for this time, Mushitarou lets himself blush. He smiles and chooses to stand a little closer to the two when the car arrives and Ranpo dramatically rushes them in. He also tries to participate in the duo's chatter, but can barely find it in him to keep his eyes open.
He jumps slightly when Poe lays a hand on his head, but the author only focuses on chastising Ranpo for eating sweets early as he moves Mushitarou to lay on his shoulder. Ranpo still leans over and cheerfully says "the driver says we're almost there!" Mushi usually couldn't fall asleep in a place like this, nerves always getting the best of him but...this feels safe. Warm.
It feels like he only blinked when he sees Poe's mansion in front of them, and thanks the driver himself. The three walk in with an easy quiet, poe setting Ranpo's sweets on the table, Ranpo taking Mushitarou's and his own jacket and putting them away, Mushitarou electing to feed Karl, trying to remember the exact place his food is kept. It's comfortable while Mushitarou crouches there for a while, by Karl’s bowl - drowsy and warm, he watches as he eats, giving little momentary gazes, even a noise, to Mushitarou as if questioning what he is doing still there.
And, as if hearing the little racket caused by his companion, the question exchanged in some weird form of telepathy, Poe’s hand comes resting atop of Mushitarou’s head once more;
It awakens him enough to settle a warm pink on his cheek and cause him to scoff,
but Poe beats him much faster to speaking
“Thank you,”
he says and Mushitarou throws a pointedly confused look in return,
“For Karl. but he’s all taken care of now, you should go lay down early becauseRanpo-San is going to be up for a while rating all the sweets, come I will show you to my room.“
The rustle of the fabric of Poe’s shirt as he turns around to start walking is adjacent to a warning bell ringing in Mushitarou’s mind - confused.
“Your room ? Poe,”
he gestures, almost knocking poor Karl’s food bowl over
“I’ve stayed in your mansion several times, I know where the guest rooms are !”
Poe blushes just slightly, a finger scratching at his cheeks, some of his bangs have lost their styling now - beginning to shield his eyes once again, it suits him nonetheless Mushitarou admits it, gorgeous either way,
“That you do, but my beds big enough and it would be unfair to leave only you on your own.”
Mushitarou gets up, dusting his clothes off and electing to ignore both of their flushed cheeks,
“Rich boy, who the fuck has a bed big enough for three.”
He opts to say and Poe does nothing but tilt his head, blinking at him yet again
“I always have.”
“ Privileged rich boy.”
“Oh come on, Ranpo says it’s wonderful!”
“Ranpo likes being spoiled, he is a child.”
They step through the hallways like that until Poe makes the world seem to stop, nothing but his heels clacking and a gentle, tender voice,
“Don’t you too? You were quite fond when Ranpo-San bowed to call you a prince.”
Mushitarou jolts even as they walk and Poe pointedly hides laughter behind his fist, clicking open his bedroom door,
“It’s alright to be spoiled Oguri, you deserve it.” Mushitarou still elects to sigh quietly and quickly run to the bedroom. His stuttering heart increases twofold as he sees some comfier clothes set out for him, his exact preferences. "Seriously, if he wasn't a detective he'd just be a stalker." He lightly giggles to ignore his stuttering heart and patters quietly to the bathroom to briefly wash up.
He'd simply sleep, but something about not being clean in bed makes his skin itch, so he yawns and quickly picks a soap at random as he steps into the shower. A quick whiff tells him this is most likely ranpo's, a warm coffee smell compared to Poe's evergreen scent. Wearing one man's soap, and the others clothes, he almost feels like...
No, that's way too much to think about as he's tired. It's the tiredness, truly. He chuckles at his own silliness and puts on the pajamas while spotting his reflection in the mirror. His hair is loose, falling across his forehead and neck in messy waves that come from it getting a little wet. He stares defeated at himself, because maybe he has deeper feelings after all. Who else has seen this besides Yokomizo, who only saw it by accident? Just how much trust is he placing in those two?
He shakes his head and quickly tiptoes across the cold floor to the bed, because that is something for an awake mushitarou to consider. For one of the few times in his life, there's nothing at all in his sleep, no odd or confusing dreams or awfully realistic nightmares. It's new, but pleasant. The next moment he awakes, it’s not quite morning, the sun is still slumbering and the sky is dark out. But there is gentle chatter, not quite from next to him and not really from anywhere near either.
He realizes with a moment's pause and the drowsiness of sleep fading just a bit that it seems distant because the pitter patter of the shower blocks most of the noise,
those two…
he peaks his nose above the blanket he’d huddled in, squints towards the lights coming from under the bathroom door he’d used earlier and…
He sighs is what he’d like to say, but it’s heart that pangs about as loudly as the drumming of the water falling from the shower head and what seems oddly once again like the voice of his old friend, taunts him with a playful swish of air,
‘Get away from them you said ?’
Yes.. yes that is what he’d said just earlier today, but then he bumped into Poe and he got dragged along to this wonderful restaurant and his enjoyed spending his time with them so much and-
and his heart has not been kind enough to leave him alone for a day, it’s stuck to him like glue and it’s been beating with feelings he’s not been acknowledging because who is he to love-
Who is he to listen to these two’s intimate chatter, the softness of Poe’s voice as he tries to get Ranpo to quiet down and convince him his hair needs a wash - the free laughter of Ranpo’s voice chiming in return.
Who is he to think about the actions of kindness they’ve given him, to think about Ranpo who’d offered him a hand and a place in the detective agency, even if not as any sort of member. To think of Poe who showed him the way to write out his feelings with everything when he was still in hiding.
To smell like coffee and to wear Poe’s clothes surely, surely his heart has to be wrong and with the logic of his this just has to be not right.
Except.
That’s not true, because when the door with the light clicks open, and when he makes out the two mens rough silhouette, he thinks them both angels and quickly with a gasp draws the covers over his head. Thena scene plays out:
A gentle scene that includes him because of course a prince does not whisk their cinderella away without intentions of loving their gentle heart.
“Oh? did you see that Poe!”
Ranpo points,
“The duvet moved, he is pretending to be asleep!”
Poe sighs only, picking up Karl who chirps by his feed
“Yes, no surprise I told you you were being quite loud, he is a light sleeper.”
Ranpo laughs and while Mushitarou can feel his own heartbeat beating in his ears, footsteps shuffle towards
“Yes, I deducted as much, meaning,”
Ranpo seats him gingerly on the right of the bed,
“Even if I was quiet, he would have woken when I rustled the blankets.”
Poe stays standing as of now - Mushitarou knows because he doesn’t feel one more added weight, he only thinks of the causality the couple talks of him with - as if it is but their hundredth time doing so, or for that matter having him in their bed to which there certainly is no precedent.
“Ranpo-san you-“
Poe’s voice cuts off half way, Mushitarou wonders what gesture Ranpo gave him to earn such a reaction,
although he finds out as the blanket is playfully ripped from his grasp
“Now!”
Ranpo declares, smiling brightly in his face, nose to nose as he leans over,
“Whatever shall we do with our little liar Poe ?” Mushitarou accidentally lets out a very undignified squeak as he jumps to move only to be held down. "Nope, no running, what's going through that head of yours?" When he gains no response, Poe finally settles in the bed and gently strokes one of mushitarou's free hands. "Oguri-kun, you can tell us anything you know. Surely you can trust the people who have closely guarded your deepest secret?"
That may be his deepest, but his feelings are coming up at a close second in a list of secrets as he squints his eyes shut and turns his head. "I..I was wondering-" his mouth feels glued shut and he quickly shakes his head in apology, fighting back the urge to cry. He doesn't understand this, this is like no relationship he's had before. He has no precedent-
Ranpo scoots back to sit on his hips instead, gentle, as Poe scoots to cuddle right against him, smiling reassuringly. "Take your time, we've got all night. Would you rather we talk about something else?" Mushitarou can barely consciously nod past the anxiety gnawing at his chest, and ranpo brings his other hand to that spot under his collarbone and smiles. "Breathe like I am, ok? Then talk when you're ready."
They actually talk about everything but the conversation to be had. Ranpo excitedly tells Mushitarou about his ranking of sweets, Poe shyly asks about how his outfit looked, and both discuss the need for poetry in mystery novels, oddly enough. Mushitarou feels his heart calm, steadily beating as he breathes almost exactly like Ranpo, and-
"Do you both like me? Falls from his mouth unbidden, and his heart flutters tentatively as the two of them turn to him with smiles.
The last thing he expects is a kiss on either cheek, his face flushing dark red as ranpo speaks."I believe that would be the correct deduction, how about you Poe?"
Poe is a menace when he teases, nosing at mushitarou's neck and giggling quietly. "Not completely correct," he says as he moves to be right above his lips. "Love would be the better term."
And so Mushitarou receives the best kiss of his life as Ranpo sways happily.
And he wakes up to loud clanging, padding out to see the two arguing over the type of breakfast to be made. As he's doing it himself, he can't help but smile and think that maybe he deserves this after all.