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Assistant: Title: Ranpoe: Tipsy truths
        Author: Pawfishie Pawfishie 
        Chapter: 1/1 
        Summary: The agency had thrown a party to celebrate their recent successes, and with parties came alcohol... and drinking games. How was he supposed to say no? Now ranpo is hungover and missing a chunk of memories from last night causing a bit of a problem with Poe, and now ranpo is trying to figure out his confusing feelings.Ora drunk man's words are a sober man's thoughts (even if he didn't know it)
        Contents: Summary:
            
              The agency had thrown a party to celebrate their recent successes, and with parties came alcohol... and drinking games. How was he supposed to say no? Now ranpo is hungover and missing a chunk of memories from last night causing a bit of a problem with Poe, and now ranpo is trying to figure out his confusing feelings.Ora drunk man's words are a sober man's thoughts (even if he didn't know it)
            
        

        
  Notes:





    
      This is my second published fic and it's much longer than my first so sorry if there's anything wrong, feel free to give me criticism in the comments! Esp bc this isn’t my usual writing style so I feel like it reads kinda weirdly..Not technically finished but idk if I’ll update w another chapter, truly am sorry…Tw; binge eating(ish) !
    

    
        (See the end of the work for more notes.)
    



  





    
        
          Ranpo rubbed his eyes as he got up, his head pounding from the night before. The agency had thrown a party to celebrate their recent successes, and with parties came alcohol... and drinking games. How was he supposed to say no? This was exactly why he was waking up with a hangover.As he opened the door to the agency, he immediately heard Kunikida yelling at Dazai. Why? He didn't care, he just wished Kunikida would be quieter for his newly overly sensitive ears.His memory of the night was fuzzy at best. He remembered a crowd of people, including Lucy, Edgar, and a few Port Mafia members. “I must have gotten really drunk,” he mumbled, laying his head back. Hangovers weren't a frequent occurrence for him, so when they did hit, they were brutal.“Look alive,” a violet-eyed girl said, putting down a red solo cup in front of him. Ranpo could easily deduce it was her personal cure for hangovers.“Sweet?” he asked, knowing the answer. It wasn’t going to be sweet, it would be hard to make a hangover drink that tastes good.“Just drink it. You went hard last night,” she insisted, sitting on his desk. He crossed his arms over his forehead, trying to block out the relentless pounding that felt like his brain was trying to escape.“You look horrible,” Yosano said, barely containing a laugh.“I don’t even remember what happened,” he admitted, finally taking a sip before immediately spitting it back out. His taste buds would never forgive him for such cruelty“…Seriously?” Yosano asked, scooting closer.“Serious.”Ranpo opened his snack cabinet, feeling around for something to ease his suffering. Unfortunately, it was empty.“Where are all my snacks?”“You finished them last night…” she replied, shaking her head.Ranpo groaned, grabbing his phone from the desk and scrolling through his contacts til it landed on a certain raccoon owner, and began typing about needing snacks.“Are you sure you want to do that?” Yosano asked, her tone suddenly serious with a hint of amusement hiding. “You remember how you acted around him last night?”"I told you I don't remember anything from last night!" He furrowed his eyebrows before hitting send not thinking much of it."Ah..." She says, she looks more amused than earlier. "Well I'll leave you be then." And with that she slides off the desk returning back to her idling around.Ranpo leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming on the desk as he glanced at his phone. He didn’t have to wait long, infact within minutes, he heard the faintest shuffle outside the agency door before Poe stepped inside, clutching a small paper bag of snacks and looking uncertain, a small blush dusted his face."... I got your message," Poe said, hesitating by the entrance. He held up the bag like an offering.Ranpo squinted, taking in Poe's slightly flushed face. "About time! I’m suffering here, Ed! Hand it over."“Good morning, Ranpo, dear,” Poe said shyly, holding out the bag. "How are you feeling? Last night was ... Nice wasn't it?"Ranpo raised an eyebrow as he accepted it, glancing at Yosano, who shot him a smirk before crossing her arms and leaning against the door frame, clearly not planning on leaving any time soon.“Thank you Ed... it was ..” Ranpo cleared his throat, trying to sound casual.Poe gave a small, nervous laugh, scratching the back of his neck.Ranpo’s mind raced, grasping at Poe’s words as if they held the missing pieces he needed. “Right, right. Just… remind me... what were we doing last night again?"But before Poe could answer, Kunikida appeared beside the two, a stern expression on his face being suppressed, we can all guess who caused his grumpy mood.“Ranpo, we’ve got a new case.” His gaze shifted to Poe, who visibly straightened under the scrutiny. “I was going to let Kenji tag along with you but if you and Poe can do it alone, that's alright too."Ranpo clicked his tongue in curiosity but annoyance at the interruption but waved Poe closer, muttering, “Let’s get this over with." As they left, he glanced back at Yosano, who gave him another look, one Ranpo didn't understand at all.Outside, they walked side by side, with Poe stealing frequent glances in Ranpo’s direction, a faint blush dusting his cheeks again. Ranpo, meanwhile, tried to focus on the case but kept finding himself distracted by Poe’s strangely nervous demeanor.“So,” he began, as they turned down a street, “about last night…"Poe blinked, startled, before letting out a soft chuckle. “You don’t remember?” He hesitated, his smile faltering. “I mean, you were… well, very open. More than I expected.”Ranpo furrowed his brow, playing along. “Of course I remember. I just want to hear your take on it.” He grinned, but even he could hear the uncertainty in his voice.Poe seemed to accept this, his expression softening. “you said that you felt like I understood you in a way no one else did.” He looked down, his voice almost a whisper. “You… called me special.”Ranpo’s face flushed as he tried to process this. He really said that? It didn’t sound like something he’d say so easily, especially not in front of a crowd, much less the agency, and yet...Before Ranpo could press him further, they arrived at the crime scene. He slipped into detective mode, scanning the area and quickly noting the scattered evidence, though his mind kept drifting back to what Poe had said.The case wasn't hard at all, Ranpo didn't even need to use his glasses but he did so anyways to hear Poe's fanboying, which always brought a smile to his face and only for a moment did he forget about his earlier conversation.Later, as they returned to the agency, Ranpo tried to recall more details, hoping they’d come to him if he just looked at Poe long enough, Poe tried not to notice the others daggers for eyes.“Hey,” Ranpo said finally, leaning in closer. “So, back to last night…” He paused, "Did I say anything… specific? About us?”Poe’s cheeks turned pink as he met Ranpo’s gaze. “You, um… you told me you didn’t want to just be friends.” He swallowed, his voice barely above a whisper. “You said that you… you’d always admired me as well...”But Poe’s smile was fading, and he looked down, fingers fidgeting with his sleeve. “I… I thought you’d remember. And if you don’t, then…” His voice trailed off as he took a breath. “Maybe I should just… give you some space.”Ranpo’s heart clenched as he watched Poe turn to leave, but before he could reach out, Poe was already halfway through the door, his steps quick and uncertain.Yosano, who had watched the entire exchange from across the room, walked over, giving Ranpo a long, knowing look. “So… how’d that go?” she asked, crossing her arms, but she didn't really need to ask, it was obvious without words.Ranpo rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a rare sense of helplessness. “He knows I don’t remember. But I didn’t mean for it to come out that way, like it a mistake? Or it was just drunken thoughts.” though it was, Ranpo concluded in his head.Yosano sighed, patting him on the shoulder. "Maybe you should figure out how you genuinely feel about him?"Ranpo’s usual confidence faltered as he glanced toward the door, feeling the weight of Yosano’s words. For the first time, he felt that if he didn’t act soon, he might lose something that really mattered.But days passed, and still, Ranpo hadn’t reached out to Poe. His pride held him back, telling him that Poe should come to him if he wanted to talk. But the silence left him feeling down. He laid awake at night, wondering what exactly he had felt that night with Poe. Why did he say he wanted to be more than friends?He tried to figure out his feelings, and make sense of it all. He started writing a pros and cons list, then tore it up halfway through. Too silly, he thought, but soon found himself writing another, this time a list of pros and cons for the original list. Even then, he wasn’t any closer to understanding, anyone could tell he was just stalling, confronting his own emotions were much harder than it seemed.What did love even feel like? Yosano made it look simple, though her version of it usually involved threats with scalpels. But with Poe, it felt different. Ranpo didn’t like the feeling of being out of control, and yet, he kept thinking back to Poe’s timid smile, the warmth of his hand, the softness in his eyes when he looked at him.His mind wandered to Karl, wondering if Poe’s raccoon missed him. The thought of Karl, curling up beside Poe while he… what? Thought of Ranpo, too? It's silly, he told himself. But the curiosity ate at him, and every time he caught himself daydreaming, it took twice as long to pull his attention back to reality.The missed cases started piling up. Kunikida’s eyes narrowed each time he reminded Ranpo of his responsibilities, he was nicer with his words than he would of if it was Dazai but still. Yosano watched with pity, yet her face has a smug smirk still on it.“You look lost,” she said, folding her arms. “Missed two cases already, do I need to run a health check?”Ranpo rolled his eyes, but his usual dismissive grin didn’t come as easily. “Maybe I’m just taking a little break. Can’t a guy get a few days off?”Yosano raised an eyebrow. “Ranpo, it’s not like you to sit around doing nothing. You’re overthinking it.”He scoffed. “Overthinking? Me?” But her words had struck a nerve. He was so wrapped up in his own thoughts that he hadn’t noticed just how much he’d been spacing out.After she left, he gave in and pulled out his phone, hovering over Poe’s contact. Just a simple message that wouldn’t hurt, right? But the longer he stared at the screen, the more uncertain he felt. He wasn’t even sure what he’d say.He wondered if he should just pretend like nothing had ever happened. Maybe Poe didn’t want to hear from him anyway, maybe Poe thought he was just playing with his feelings, he could see how it would come across that way.With a sigh, he tossed his phone onto his desk and leaned back, rubbing his head. He wasn’t used to feeling so uncertain. But the thought of losing Poe, of never knowing what they could be, made him hesitate.Interrupting his thoughts, a familiar blonde came to his desk. "There's another homicide the police want your help with Ranpo." His smile radiated a bit of concern. Maybe this was Ranpo's opportunity to get his mind off things?Ranpo strolled through the crime scene listening to kenji's story about his hometown, hoping to finally take his mind off the confusing mess of his thoughts. But just as he was about to start his deductions, he caught sight of Poe across the street, standing with someone else, a man he didn’t recognize, chatting and smiling as if they’d known each other for years.A pang of irritation shot through Ranpo, tightening in his chest. He couldn’t look away, his mind jumping to wild assumptions. Who was that? A new friend? Someone… closer? He swallowed, feeling his usual composure slipping. The more he watched, the more he realized he had no idea what he’d do if Poe moved on without him.He forced his eyes back to the crime scene. But even then, as he looked at the victim’s dark hair, cut close to their face, he couldn’t shake the image of Poe laughing with someone else. Every detail seemed to remind him of Poe.By the time he finally pulled himself out of his thoughts, he realized he’d been standing there for far longer than usual, the case still unresolved, but again the case wasn't hard for Ranpo.After a few minutes of returning back to the agency Kunikida approached him, clipboard in hand, voice steady but laced. “Ranpo, how did that last case go?”"Too easy, too boring" he mummbled not looking up for his desk, only straightening a bit so his words could be heard somewhat clearer though his mummbles.But as soon as Kunikida was out of earshot, Ranpo slumped back into his chair, feeling the weight of his emotions pressing down again. The jealousy, confusion, and longing he tried to suppress surged back, leaving him more restless than ever. He’d solved the case, but nothing about this mess with Poe had been resolved, and he didn’t know how long he could keep pushing his feelings aside.Ranpo leaned back in his chair, eyes fixed on his phone screen, his thumb hovering over Poe’s contact. His mind felt like a tangled mess of uncertainty, and something that he couldn’t quite place. But one thing was clear; if he didn’t say something now, he might never.After a moment’s hesitation, he tapped out a message to Poe. At first, it was a simple greeting, but as soon as he hit send, a flood of thoughts started to spill out. He started talking about everything and nothing, an odd case he’d heard about, the latest rumors circulating around the agency, even the strange shape of a cloud he’d seen on his way back from the crime scene today (he left out the part where it reminded him of Poes face somehow). None of it was important; in fact, he knew it would probably come off as annoying.The more he typed, the more he found himself relaxed, like he was unwinding a knot he hadn’t even realized was there. By the time he’d finished the message, he almost felt lighter. Still, the worry lingered, hanging over him like a cloud. But now, there was a small comfort like a feeling like he was carrying an umbrella beneath it. He didn’t feel completely exposed to the downpour of his own thoughts anymore.He leaned back finished with his rambling, now waiting for the screen to light up with a response. He told himself to be patient, that Poe would respond when he had time, but each minute stretched endlessly. To pass the time, he grabbed one of the snacks Poe had left for him the week before, a small pack of sweet cookies he’d somehow resisted for days. Before he knew it, he’d finished the entire pack. His eyes drifted back to his phone; still no response.Ranpo frowned and reached for another snack, this time a salty cracker mix. It was mindless, something to keep his hands busy and his thoughts from wondering out of control. One by one, he went through each snack, nibbling on them absentmindedly, until the wrappers lay crumpled on his desk, every last treat Poe had given him now gone. Refreshing his messages, he tapped his fingers, telling himself it wasn’t a big deal if Poe didn’t respond right away. But with each tap, his impatience grew, and a quiet restlessness settled over him.Ranpo found himself unable to sit still, his mind caught in a spiral of pointless theories and nasty judgments about the man he’d seen with Poe. He debated sending a follow-up message to Poe, casually asking about who that guy was and what their connection might be. Each time, though, he’d decide against it, feeling that annoying pang of pride holding him back. If he asked, he’d only sound nosy, or worse… desperate. And yet, every time he closed his phone, he couldn’t keep himself from running over every detail he’d seen.He conjured up all kinds of flaws about that man, picking apart everything from his clothes to his posture to the way he’d seemed to laugh with Poe. "He probably doesn’t know Poe’s favorite books," he told himself. "Or the movies Poe loves." Ranpo scoffed at the thought, crossing his arms. And surely, Poe wouldn’t trust that guy with anything important. Ranpo was certain of it, even without knowing a thing about the stranger. In his own way, Ranpo felt that somehow he was superior, the one who really mattered to Poe, though the hollow feeling in his chest suggested otherwise.It was therapeutic in an odd way, this pointless nitpicking. Each imagined flaw he assigned to that man seemed to ease his jealousy, if only a little, giving him some temporary relief. He was about to launch into another round of criticisms when his phone vibrated in his hand, snapping him out of his thoughts.He stared down at the screen, a faint rush of excitement and relief bubbling up as he saw Poe’s name flash across it. "Finally" he thought, his heart racing just a little too fast for his liking. The message he’d been waiting for had finally arrived. His fingers hovered for a moment before he opened it, feeling a nervous thrill at what Poe might say.Poe’s message was simple but warm: *"Ranpo, thank you for all the messages—it was nice to hear about your week. I hope you’re doing well.”*Ranpo swallowed, reading it over once, then twice, then a third. The words were comforting, yet they somehow stung. He’d been, getting wound up over an imaginary rivalry with some stranger. After a pause, he typed back, still cautious but with a trace of his usual confidence: *"Of course you enjoyed my messages (⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧"*But, as he waited for a reply, he realized he was already feeling lighter. Just knowing Poe was there on the other end of the phone, thinking about him, was enough to make the lingering jealousy feel almost silly. It was then that Ranpo started to wonder, maybe what he felt for Poe was more than just a trivial interest. And maybe, that was okay.Ranpo, fidgeting with his phone, decided it was time to see Poe in person. He quickly typed out a message, inviting Poe to the coffee shop just below the agency. *It’s just for a quick break,* he reasoned, though he found himself tacking on extra requests in the message. He rattled off ideas,  "small hints" (though really more like demands) for Poe to bring snacks, since he’d long since abolished the ones Poe had left before. He even mentioned that he’d like to see Karl.Feeling satisfied with the message, he sent it off without hesitation, then called out to Kunikida to announce his break; Kunikida gave him a quick nod for solving his last case so efficiently and then reminded him to stay safe before heading to the presidents room to inform him. Ranpo gave a short wave before heading out.He arrived at the cafe first, of course, securing a cozy booth by the window. Before he even saw a response from Poe, Ranpo took it upon himself to order for both of them, two hot drinks and a small assortment of pastries, the exact things he knew Poe would enjoy, he held back on sugar just this once for Poe.  The drinks arrived, their warmth filling the table with a faint, comforting aroma. Ranpo glanced down at his phone, expecting to see Poe’s acceptance by now, maybe even a message about how he’d bring extra treats for good measure.But instead, his phone lit up with a message that made his heart sink: *"I’m sorry, dear. I don't think I'll make it today, perhaps we can schedule to another time soon?"*He stared at the words for a moment, feeling the disappointment wash over him as he read them again. He’d been looking forward to this break, and the chance to talk to Poe face-to-face. There was an odd sense of emptiness as he looked at the two untouched cups in front of him, realizing he’d have to sit through this break alone.Ranpo sat in silence, staring down at the two drinks he’d ordered; one, bitter and strong, just the way Poe liked it, the other a sugary concoction that usually suited his own taste perfectly. Today, though, even his favorite drink felt too sweet, grating against the odd ache of bitterness in his chest. He tried to take a sip of Poe’s drink, hoping it might somehow make him feel a little closer to him, but the harsh taste only left a sour twist on his tongue.Guess it’s my fault for assuming Poe wouldn’t be busy, he thought, forcing a slight smile. But Poe was usually busy, always with projects, deadlines, or some vast novel with a lengthy plot. Somehow, though, he’d always found a way to make time when Ranpo asked. No matter what, he’d bend things to see him, and perhaps that was why Ranpo had let himself expect it again. For a moment, he felt justified in his disappointment, but it only took a second for guilt to creep in behind it. Wanting Poe to drop everything just for him… wasn’t that a little selfish? Even if it has always been that way?But then another thought crossed his mind. What changed? Why wasn't it like it always was? Maybe that man- that Poe was with- was someone dear to his heart, dearer than his "Dear Ranpo", and that's what changed. Ranpo believed this despite the feeling held in his brain that he was wrong.Ranpo glanced down at the pastries he’d ordered which was usually a comforting indulgence, now just a sad reminder of how he’d ordered everything with Poe’s tastes in mind. The flaky, cinnamon-dusted treats looked like they’d been baked for a celebration, not a quiet, lonely afternoon. He felt a pang of embarrassment. Here he was, clearly having ordered for two, and now sitting here by himself. The café staff knew them well enough to recognize this order and understand what it meant. How long before they realized he’d been stood up? Could he even call it that?Typically, Ranpo wouldn’t have cared about something like this. But today, his emotions felt strangely amplified, his chest a heavy knot of frustration and disappointment he couldn’t quite untangle. He felt too stubborn to go back to the agency, not wanting to face the questions or the curious glances from his colleagues. But he also didn’t want to go home, not that he could find his way there without help, anyway. Yet even asking for help felt like surrender, and he’d had enough of feeling vulnerable for one day.Instead, he sat there, picking at the pastries, forcing himself to stay, just so he wouldn’t have to admit- even to himself- that he was feeling hurt.Ranpo leaned back into the worn booth, letting the empty hours stretch in front of him like an open invitation. Maybe he’d stay here until closing, and then, when they opened again tomorrow, he’d still be sitting here, sinking deeper into the faded cushions. Would anyone even notice him? Or would he just blend into the booth, an overlooked figure hunched over a cold drink and unfinished pastries, with an expression as worn and weathered as the seat itself?In a way, he and this booth shared a lot of attributes both held on to things too long, carrying a sort of quiet, lonely wear that was probably invisible to everyone else.His thoughts drifted, picking up random memories of the times he and Poe had shared in this very cafe. The thought made him sigh, his finger tracing circles on the table absentmindedly, trying to ignore the prickle of frustration and sadness pressing at the edges of his mind. He’d come here hoping for company, a conversation with Poe to lift his spirits. And instead, all he had was silence.Suddenly, the waiter returned, her face kind but curious as she glanced at the barely drank drink across from him. “Would you like me to reheat your friend’s drink?” she asked gently, her eyes lingering on Ranpo’s face.The question stung, bringing his loneliness into sharper focus. Ranpo shook his head, forcing a small, dismissive smile as he struggled to keep his pride intact. But in that moment, it felt too fragile, too thin to protect him from how silly he felt, sitting here alone with two cups. Swallowing his pride, he finally relented, his voice quieter than usual. “Could I just… get a to-go box?”The waiter nodded, sensing the shift in his mood, and quickly disappeared to retrieve it. As he waited, Ranpo’s fingers brushed against the pastries. He hadn’t wanted to leave here carrying anything but the lighthearted conversation he’d hoped to share with Poe. But now, all he’d be leaving with were reminders of the empty seat across from him.But all this time alone hadn’t been for nothing. The more he sat, staring at the empty cup across from him, the clearer his thoughts became. The decision took root in his mind, firm and unwavering, fueled by something he couldn’t name but knew was real. Maybe it was impulse, maybe he was just being stubborn, but it didn’t matter. What mattered was that he was done waiting. Today, he was going to see Poe.He gathered up his things, clutching the to-go box as he left the café with a quiet determination. The sun was dipping lower, casting long shadows as he made his way down the street. He didn’t exactly know the route to Poe’s house, and he was famously hopeless at finding his way alone, but he was confident he’d make it. All it would take were a few- well, maybe more than a few- stops to ask for directions.Ranpo marched through the streets with a purpose, pausing at intersections, eyeing street signs, and occasionally (very often) flagging down pedestrians. He’d ask where he was, get pointed in the general direction, and continue, checking landmarks and muttering to himself. He barely cared if he looked strange; nothing mattered right now except getting to Poe. For the first time in a while, he felt certain about what he wanted to do, and the familiar streets he usually avoided felt a little less daunting.After what felt like an eternity, he finally arrived at the steps leading up to Poe’s door, glad that at least he remembered the way it stood apart from the rest his heart racing from more than just the walk. As he approached, a wave of uncertainty hit him, almost strong enough to make him turn back. But he steadied himself, clutching the box as if it were some kind of offering, and took a deep breath. He raised his hand and knocked, waiting in the quiet, his mind racing with a thousand things he wanted to say, though he still wasn’t quite sure where to start.He stood there for a moment, grappling with a sudden wave of self-doubt. Was he being rude? Was showing up unannounced a terrible idea, especially when he knew Poe was often busy with his writing? Maybe he was overstepping, barging in on a friend’s life when he should have just sent a text or waited for a to reschedule his invitation. What am I doing? he thought, a nagging voice in the back of his mind mocking him for his impulsiveness.But turning back now didn’t seem feasible. He doubted he’d find enough pedestrians on the streets at this hour, with the sun setting and casting shadows that made the world feel both familiar and foreign. Plus, walking home alone in the dark didn’t appeal to him at all. He could feel the chill of the evening creeping in, making him shiver slightly at the thought.With a resigned sigh, he raised his hand and pressed the doorbell, the chime echoing through the quiet evening air. The sound felt both exhilarating and terrifying, and he stood there, heart pounding, unsure if he was prepared for whatever awaited him on the other side of the door.Moments stretched out like hours, and Ranpo bit his lip nervously, glancing around as if the world would give him some sign that this was the right thing to do. Just as he started to wonder if he should have waited until he could muster more courage or a better plan, he heard footsteps approaching. The door creaked open, revealing an eye then Poe, his expression shifting from surprise to a warm smile that lit up his features.“Ranpo? What are you doing here?” Poe asked, his voice soft and inviting, though there was a hint of concern in his eyes.Ranpo opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat, suddenly feeling the weight of his earlier indecision. He held out the to-go box almost instinctively, his heart racing as he realized this was his chance. “I… I brought pastries,” he stammered, his mouth battling with his vulnerability in the moment.Poe’s smile widened as he glanced at the box, curiosity sparkling in his eyes. “You didn’t have to do that,” he said, stepping aside to let Ranpo in, his demeanor warm and welcoming.As Ranpo crossed the threshold, he felt a rush of relief mixed with excitement. He had taken a leap, and now all he could do was hope he hadn’t made a huge mistake.As Ranpo stepped into Poe’s home, he felt a mix of warmth from the welcoming atmosphere and a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach. The inviting scent of freshly brewed coffee and the faint hint of something sweet from the kitchen enveloped him. He noticed the faint echoes of laughter coming from another room, and his heart sank a little. Did Poe have guests over? Or maybe that man over?“Make yourself comfortable,” Poe said, his voice light as he gestured toward a cozy sitting area adorned with books and soft cushions. “I just need to finish up a few things. It won’t take long, I promise.”Ranpo forced a nod, attempting to mask his unease. “Yeah, sure. No problem.” But as he watched Poe walk away, the laughter from the other room felt like a taunt, a reminder of the emotions he was struggling to untangle.He sank into the couch, trying to distract himself by picking up a book from the nearby shelf, but the words blurred together in a haze. His mind kept drifting back to the earlier conversation and the way Poe had looked so animated? Free? with that guy, did he ever look that way with me? The jealousy turned and tightened in his chest, mingling with an fear that maybe he’d overstepped by coming here unannounced.With a deep breath, he picked up his phone and glanced at it. No new messages. Not even from the agency. The silence felt heavy, and the only sound was the distant chatter from the kitchen. Was this guy still here? What if they were having a great time, laughing at something he couldn’t be a part of? Ranpo squeezed the book tightly, his thoughts spiraling again.To distract himself further, he glanced at the coffee table where a small plush toy sat, a whimsical creature that seemed out of place, likely a toy for Karl, it was a ridiculous thing, with oversized eyes and a goofy smile, yet it had rips all over that were sewed shut- likely from Poe. It made him smile a bit trying to imagine Poe fixing the toy.Just then, he heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and his heart raced. Was it Poe, or was it the other guy? He glanced toward the doorway, feeling a mix of hope and dread. When Poe reappeared, his expression was bright, but Ranpo couldn’t shake the feeling of being on the outside looking in.“Hey,” Poe said, his smile softening the tension in the air. “Sorry about that. A friend had a couple of ideas he wanted to share about my latest piece, and I didn’t want to be rude. But I promise, I’ll give you my full attention once I show him out”Ranpo nodded, and smiled as he tried to ignore the jealousy boiling beneath the surface. “It’s fine. Just…waiting isn’t really my strong suit,” he replied, attempting to sound casual, but his tone came out a little more strained than intended.As Poe stepped closer, Ranpo could see the remnants of laughter in his eyes, and it tugged at something within him. He was desperate to confess the jumbled emotions swirling around his heart, but the moment felt fragile, almost like it could shatter if he pressed too hard."Just give me a moment,” Poe said, reaching out to squeeze Ranpo’s shoulder briefly, an innocent gesture that sent a jolt of warmth through him. “I’ll be right back, after I show him out”As Poe disappeared again, Ranpo was left alone with his thoughts, the jealousy chewing his heart. He pulled out his phone again, contemplating perhaps asking him about the guy. But the words felt trapped in his throat. Instead, he shifted in his seat, glancing around, still feeling like an intruder in this moment that was supposed to be theirs.He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was about to miss his chance. How could he even begin to untangle his feelings when he felt so lost? All he could do was wait with his emotions as he tried to silence the doubts in his mind.Poe re-entered the room with the man, him and Ranpo taking a few glances at each other before Poe said something Ranpo couldn't hear. As the door clicked shut behind the man, Ranpo's heart raced in his chest, the anxiety from before swirling around in a mix of relief. “Sorry about that,” Poe said, his tone warm and inviting. “That was just a friend. I reached out to him for some insights on my mystery novel. We were sharing stories about how things usually go in real-life investigations.”Ranpo blinked, the relief coursing through him like a gentle tide. “Oh,” he managed, keeping his voice steady as he tried to hide the way his heart settled back into a rhythm."Your a detective, why couldn't you just use your own experience?.." he asked skeptical, with an undertone of jealousy "I'm a detective too, could of just asked me" he mummbled in his head."Ah... That's true but I wished for someone who was more average." He said with a slight smile at his own gloat.Ranpo seemed to accept this, “So he’s just helping you with your writing?” he replied as his eyes darted back to the plush on the table, he felt as if it was taunting him.“Exactly!” Poe exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “He has such an interesting perspective. We talked about all sorts of things, how people react in tense situations, the psychology behind suspects, and even the little details that make a scene feel genuine.”Ranpo nodded, trying to process this new information. He felt a little silly for allowing himself to feel so jealous over what turned out to be a professional meeting. Still, he couldn't shake the lingering feeling that maybe he had overreacted. He watched as Poe described the stories the detective had shared, noting how his partner's hands gestured excitedly as he spoke, bringing the tales to life.But as Ranpo listened, a sense of unease began to creep in again. Poe didn't seem tense or worried at all about last week, at least not like Ranpo was and it struck him. Maybe he had been wallowing in his own feelings for nothing. Was it possible that Poe’s lack of messages during their time apart had simply been him lost in his own world? work? Like Ranpo knew him to be. It felt oddly self-centered to think otherwise. Perhaps everything was purely one-sided.Yet, even as he tried to rationalize his emotions, the nagging thought of why Poe hadn’t dropped everything for him was still there. Was it unreasonable to want that kind of devotion? After all, he was used to Poe bending over backward to fit him into his schedule. The thought of it made him feel a bit spoiled, like a child throwing a tantrum because he couldn’t have his favorite toy. It irritated him more than he wanted to admit.“Did you want to hear more about what we talked about?” Poe asked, breaking Ranpo’s train of thought.Ranpo forced a smile, pushing aside his conflicted feelings. “Yeah, sure. I’d love to hear it.” But inside, he felt an odd mixture of admiration and frustration. The way Poe threw himself into his work was admirable; it was part of what made him who he was. Yet, at that moment, all Ranpo could think about was how he wished he could be the center of Poe's universe, just for a while... If not forever...As Poe continued to recount details of their conversation, his enthusiasm lighting up his face. Ranpo couldn't help but feel both grateful for this moment. The desire to confess what he felt battling with the uncertainty that clouded his mind. How could he tell Poe he wanted more, especially when he has said the opposite prior?Ranpo took a deep breath, readying himself for the question that he had been thinking about in his mind since they had reunited. “Hey, Ed… do you want to talk about… last week?”The moment the words left his lips, he could see Poe’s expression shift. His eyes widened in surprise, as if he remembered or realized something. "Last week?” Poe echoed, his voice barely above a whisper. Ranpo could sense the weight of his words. “Um, what do you mean?”He could tell that his question had put Poe on edge, and it was unsettling. The carefree atmosphere that had enveloped them moments ago seemed to evaporate, replaced by an awkward silence that hung in the air like a heavy fog.“Y’know… the party,” Ranpo pressed, trying to maintain a casual tone despite the tension that was wrapping around his chest. “Things got a bit… chaotic. And we… well, you and I…” He trailed off, unsure how to continue without revealing just how little he remembered from that night.Poe shifted slightly, a nervous demeanor was noticeable from him as he searched Ranpo's face for understanding. “Oh, right,” he said slowly, his voice almost hesitant. “That night…”Ranpo could see the gears turning in Poe’s mind, the way his brow furrowed in thought. It was as if he was trying to piece together fragments of a puzzle that just wouldn’t quite fit. There was a moment of silence that felt heavy.“I thought… I thought maybe you’d want to talk about it, too,” Ranpo said, trying to coax him into the conversation. He wanted to break through the tension, to pull Poe back into the lightheartedness they had just been sharing. “I mean, it was… important, right?”Poe’s expression deepened, and for a second, Ranpo feared he had made a mistake. “It was,” he admitted finally, but his tone was still nervous. "I just thought... You needed some time, to figure things out.."Ranpo’s heart raced, a realization crashing over him. Did Poe think he had been avoiding the topic, maybe that was why he didn't text him this week? Did he believe that Ranpo was too preoccupied to care about what happened between them? A rush of guilt flooded him, and he shook his head vehemently."I mean- I did but- it's not like" Ranpo stuttered, he never really done this before serious talks and feelings weren't his strong suit. “Ranpo, it’s okay,” Poe interrupted gently, his voice steadying. But the way he said it made Ranpo’s heart ache. “It’s just… sometimes I feel like there’s so much left unsaid. And I don’t want to bring it up if you’re not ready.”Ranpo’s mind raced as he processed this. Did he even know what he was ready for? The truth was, he desperately wanted to talk this out but did he even know how he felt? It's true he had been missing Poe for the whole week prior, and there are things about Poe he loves but just what does loving someone else entirely mean?“Ed, I just" he began, but the words tangled in his throat. How could he explain the confusion he felt, and the feelings he had “I want to talk about it. I think we should.”Poe looked at him, and for a moment, their eyes locked, the air around them charged. “Okay,” he finally said, his voice barely a whisper. “Let’s talk.”'
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