#ive only just met m/ushi but i ADORE him- and ive had love for a/ngo for awhile

[waterfallofspace]

Whenever you get to season 4 of b/sd, I would literally kill for a prompt involving numbers 47, 32, and 34 for mushitarou/ango pairing.

(as usual, thank you for the ask!!) I have gotten there, and OH BOY was I excited to fill this one hehehe~~

I will caution, I've only watched it once, and that was yesterday, so I'm not certain I have their voices/dynamics down perfectly, but I gave it a shot!! Hopefully you'll still be able to enjoy it <3

3.1k words (oops- haha~) prompts 47, 32, and 34, story under cut!

32. “Are you sick?” 34. “I don’t care if you’re sick. I’m not leaving.” 47. Hiding sneezes 

(References to swearing, a bit of severe coughing, and implications of contagion [minimal but there], just in case anyone doesn't like any of those!)

~~~~~~~

Ango had called the meeting a few days ago, and Mushitarou had agreed. There was no reason not to, he knew Ango wanted to discuss plans with him, and he had ideas to share. There was no reason not to… until it was too late. He woke up an hour before he had to leave with a miserable cold that had, as usual for him, chosen the worst possible moment to announce itself.

This is how he finds himself standing just down the hall from Ango’s office, having ducked into an empty room. Mushitarou pushes the door shut behind him, bringing a hand up to scrub at his irritated nose. ‘Of course today of all days I get sick. It would never be on a day when I have nothing to do, no no, it has to be when I have a meeting. And a meeting with him of all people.’

“gehhHh-! Damn it!” 

His hand swipes at his nose again, letting his eyes unfocus as he stares up at the ceiling. ‘Come on… just come out so I can go in, I don’t want to be late. He’s gonna be so mad if I’m late… I can’t embarrass myself like that, I want him to thin- to know I’m a professional.’ The tickle dances along his sinuses, tormenting him as it crawls at a steadily slow pace. 

Sneezes for him always seem to take forever to build, but once they do, they release in a dramatic fit he’s never been able to control. Which is why he’s standing in an empty office waiting for his nose to have a bit of relief while he still has a touch of privacy.

“huHhh…. hihh… hiH-! F- finally- kATSHh’diew-! hEhh-! C- come on… hAhh-! heH- AITCH’iue-! hADTchhew-! hh- dATZshhiew-! haiZSHh’diew-! hehh- eh’kAShhew-!” 

The fit finally over, ‘For now…’ he opens the door, giving his nose one final squeeze as he knocks on Ango’s office, collecting himself with a quick hand through his hair as the voice sounds from inside.

“It’s unlocked, Mushitarou.” 

“It’s still eerie how you do that, Ango.”

“It’s quite simple, really. You’re my only appointment today, and you’re exactly on time. Wasn’t hard to figure out who it must be.” 

Ango’s eyes are hidden as his glasses tilt up, the light catching them at an angle he seems able to find anywhere. He gestures to a chair across the desk from him, Mushitarou taking a seat with a tight nod, hand raising to brush his throat before he can process the movement.

‘I’m blown! He had to have seen that, he knows I’m sick now and he’s gonna kick me out and yell at me for coming in anyways and-!’ He casts a nervous glance at Ango, but the lack of reaction calms his mind immediately. ‘Hah! I’m a master of disguise. He can’t notice anything wrong, such a trained member of the government and I’ve completely fooled him!’ 

“If at all possible, may we save the pleasantries for after? I think it best we get right down to business. There’s much to discuss, after all.” 

“Sounds exce- hH- excellent to me.”

“Everything alright, Mushitarou?”

“Y- yes. Of course it is! Why would anything be wrong?”

Mushitarou pauses, arms still extended upwards as he surveys Ango’s face for any expression that indicates he’s been caught. None comes, Ango simply pushing his glasses up, and continuing on. Try as he might, Mushitarou can’t seem to focus on what’s being said. Instead, his attention is drawn back to his rapidly increasing symptoms as a cough starts to bubble up in his chest.

“-and so I don’t want to use our abilities, if at all possible. I’d rather not give the enemy a chance to fool us with manipulative tactics or frame us as criminals. Instead, if we- are you listening?”

“Wh-hh-at?”

“To the briefing. Are you listening?”

“Yeah, yeah. Something about abilities, something about manipulation. We still haven’t gotten to the part where you ask me for my help. That’s why I’m here, isn’t it? If yo-heh-! you don’t need abilities, what skill exactly are you asking of m- hAh- me? If you want detective work, shouldn’t you go to Poe, or Ranpo?” 

‘Shit- this is bad, this is really bad. I don’t think I can hold it off much longer. Why did I come in!? I should be at home dying in peace instead of sitting here trying to assist on a pointless case! But... he asked me to come...’ Mushitarou’s thoughts swell, his fingers flexing against his side as he fights the urge to scrub at his nose again.

“I don’t want just any detective work, I want you. My need isn’t for someone who can just solve a crime, I need someone with cunning. Someone like you.” 

“W- well, then I suppose I’ll cooperate. C- geH-! could be fun, after ahhll.” 

“Don’t get the wrong idea. This is a job, I’ll expect you to do your best.”

“I’m offended at the suggestion! I always give my best. You would do well to remember that.” 

Ango offers a vague expression, before continuing with the briefing. Mushitarou’s focus once again pulled to the itch crawling through his nose, building in intensity as the seconds seem to drag on. ‘I- I need to sneeze… I ca- hehh- can’t keep this up… m- maybe I can stifle them, but first I n- eH! Need a distraction… so I can pr- heH! practice…’

“D- hehh! Do you happen to hhahhave any tea? If we’re going to be wo- work… haH-! Working together, I’ll require a certain level of amenities to be provided.”

“Very well. The supplies to prepare tea are in the other room, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll get something started.”

“Thhhank you.” 

The second Ango’s footsteps start to fade, Mushitarou brings the back of his hand up to his nose once more. The damp feeling as he rubs it nearly sends him over the edge, tears starting to form in the corners of his eyes.

“O- okay… let’s see i- hehh… if I ca- can… heHh-! hH’ANGZShhiew-! D- damn it… hhaah… okay another try…. eH’DNNGA’shhiew-!”

His nose trembles at the attempts, fingers pinching it shut as he tries to keep the attack at bay. Another hitch brings his eyes crashing shut, tears starting to flow down his cheeks at the force of the itch. 

“hh’GNZSHHh’diew-! Closer, I think… A- another’s coming… hehh’INDGT’chuh-! Oh, I did it! B- but oh s- shit… it tihhhckles…!” 

Mushitarou’s eyes dart back to the door as Ango’s footsteps start to draw near. ‘Damn it… I st- still have… have to…. hehh! I did manage to st- heH! Stifle but it… ihhht…. Made the tickle so much wo- worse…. hahH!’ The door creaks open as Ango steps inside, tray of tea in his arms. Attempting nonchalance, Mushitarou reluctantly lets his hands fall back to his side. 

“I went with Sencha, I hope that’s alright.”

“Y- guh… heHh-! Yes, that’s f- fine.” 

“Are you alri-”

“huH’GNT’chh-! eH’KGNDT-!”

“Oh, I se-”

“hh’DNXT’shh-! hahh-! Ihh…. hh- eh’dNZEShh’diew-! hAhh… I- I can’t… I ne- heHhh-! Need to- haH’AITCH’diew-! hah’AIZSHh’ieew-! E- excuse me.”

“Blessings. Sorry- that’s a habit I picked up from Dazai. Haven’t been able to shake it.”

“Quite alright…”

A slight flush starts to fight its way onto Mushitarou’s face, so he reaches for the tea to distract himself. ‘I had wanted to suppress them entirely but I underestimated how much it would increase the itch. I’ll be prepared next time.’ Taking a sip he allows the warm liquid to soothe his aching throat.

“Shall we get back to business? I mean, if you’re-”

“I’m fine. Yes, we should. You were telling me what you require me to do?”

“Correct. The first step is-” 

Setting Ango’s voice to background noise, Mushitarou attempts to keep his breathing even. The tea had felt wonderful against his throat, however the steam had spread down into his chest, sparking the cough he’d been hoping to avoid. ‘A few sneezes can be overlooked, but if I start coughing he’s gonna figure me out for sure!’ 

Unfortunately the choice is made for him, a hitch catching on his breath as his nose decides to get back in on the action. He’s able to hold the sneeze off, but the sudden breath triggers the bout of coughing. Leaning into his arm, he barely manages to set his tea down in time, Ango pausing his planning to offer a concerned glance.

“Oh- are you alright?”

Mushitarou attempts to respond, but each word gets cut off by another cough spilling out. After what feels like hours, but was most likely just a minute or so, he manages to get control back over his spasming lungs. ‘Rotten body, betraying me like this, and in front of… him… of all people!’

“The tea simply went down the wrong pipe, that’s all.” 

“If you say so.”

“I do! S- say so, I mean. I do say so. Yes.”

A ghost of a smile flickers across Ango’s face before his stern expression studies once more. Mushitarou takes the opportunity to bring the cup of tea back to his throat, letting his hand brush against his nose in a desperate attempt to alleviate the growing tickle.

“So let’s get down to the heart of the matter. I need you to prove that our agent is being framed. I hesitate to go to Ranpo for a variety of reasons. However, all you need to know is I would prefer you, should you be available.” 

“I d- do believe I am. Though, we should di- heHh… discuss compensation.”

“Of course. What do you have in mind?”

“Well. My services are quite v- valuable… hAHh… E- excuse me I fear- f- fear I… heHh-! I may... hh’gNXDT-! heHh- eh’dNTZ’diew-! hAH-! hh- guh’AITZShh’diew-! eNGTSHhew-!”

“Blessings.” 

“hhH- AiTCHH’iew-! eZShhjuu-! heh’dATCHh’diew-!”

“And again.” 

His hand still pressed against his nose, Mushitarou risks a sniffle, paling slightly at the wet quality of it. ‘Gotta be careful not to irritate my sinuses further. I can’t risk another fit, he’ll definitely be onto me after three. B- but… it already tickles again… Curse this insatiable itch!’ With a wave of his hand, Mushitarou attempts to continue the previous conversation, guiding the topic away from the attack.

“Thank you. As I was saying, my services are quite valuable. I am uniquely situated to provide them, no one else matches my intellectual ability in this area.”

“Are you sick, Mushitarou?”

“What?”

“It’s a simple question, really. Are you ill?”

“No! Of course I’m not sick. You really think I’d fall prey to such things as illness?! I’m a master of my craft, a detective slayer, I’m not taken down by such… such weaknesses!”

Ango’s expression darkens, Mushitarou feeling the colour drain from his face at the sight. Sweat starts to form at his brow, not entirely from the fever he’s finding harder to ignore with each passing moment. ‘He’s angry… he’s seen through me… Damn it, how could I be so stupid? Of course he wouldn’t fall for my lies, he’s always known how to see through-’ 

“Who said that it was weak.”

“H- huh?” 

“You said you weren’t taken down by such ‘weaknesses’. It’s an interesting word to use, ‘weakness’. I don’t think it came from you. So I’ll ask again, who told you that it was weak to be sick?”

“Why does it matter?” 

Mushitarou’s voice is quieter, the hoarse nature starting to seep into his speech. His eyes have dulled with fever, a cough starting to pour from his mouth as Ango’s face twists into a grimace. ‘I guess my cover’s blown, no point in hiding the symptoms now. I’ve already failed.’

“Because you matter.”

The statement freezes him in his tracks, Ango’s office snapping back into focus as his eyes widen. The cough continues to burst from his lungs as they relentlessly try to free themselves from the irritation. Before he can gather what’s happening, Ango’s hand is rubbing short circles on his back.

“I- I hhhaahh… Have to-”

“It’s alright, Mushitarou. Go ahead.”

“heHh-! eh’GNXT-!”

“You’re only going to hurt yourself doing that.”

“hAH’INDT’diew-!”

“On top of that, it only seems to make you sneeze more. That can’t be helpful.”

Mushitarou only manages a slight nod before the itch swells once more, little gasps dropping from his lips as it torments him. Before he knows what’s happening, something soft is pressed into his hands. He manages to pry open his eyes long enough to recognize the tissues, bringing them to his nose as another gasp breaks through. 

“hih- enZSHHH’diew-! hah’AITZdjuu-! hehh… hiHH-! ih’hADTSHh’iew-! iNSHHEW-! dAZSHH’kiew-!”

“Blessings.”

Before he can process all that’s just happened, Mushitarou feels a touch against his face, jumping at the contact. He quickly calms down though, a cool sensation rushing through his head. With a moan falling from his lips, he leans into the touch. It takes him a beat to process that Ango’s hand is currently pressed to his forehead. Once he does, however, he finds his eyes scanning over to the man, noticing the concern flash across his face.

“Quite the fever you have there for someone who’s ‘not sick’.”

“I… uh…”

“You lied to me.” 

Their eyes never part, Ango’s expression calm yet stern, causing a pain to start to flood through Mushitarou’s heart. ‘I messed up… he knows… and worse, he knows I lied to him… why did I lie to him…’ Tears pool in his eyes, Mushitarou frantically attempting to blink them away, a nervous fluttering beginning in his chest. The same nervousness is mirrored through Ango’s eyes as he watches, hand never leaving the ill man’s back.

“P- please don’t go…” 

It’s strangled, and leaves Mushitarou coughing, ducking into his lap with the rattling noises. As one particularly rough batch leaves him unable to catch his breath, he kneels on the floor, head nearly touching the ground in an attempt to suck in some air. A firm hand grips his arm, another lightly tapping his back through the fit, until finally he manages to get in a solid breath. 

Mushitarou manages to lift his gaze back to Ango, noticing the way he tilts his glasses so the worry in his eyes is plain to see. Ango’s hand continues running circles across his back, despite the coughing having ended.

“I don’t care if you’re sick, I’m not leaving. Okay? I’m not leaving you.” 

“You’re…”

“Not leaving.” 

Tears start to fall down Mushitarou’s cheeks once more, this time having nothing to do with his illness. ‘Ango’s all I have. I never thought I’d have anyone… not again… not after… I just- I just thought I didn’t have anyone. But I have him… he’s all I have. I have him, and… he’s not leaving me.’ The strong hands grip his arms once more, Ango helping him to his feet, then pointing him towards the corner of the room.

“There’s a couch in here, please help yourself to it. It’s not much, but you’ll be able to rest while I prepare for us to return home. I just need to grab a few documents to work on.”

“H- home..?”

“Yes. I’m taking you home with me. I can properly care for you there in ways I couldn’t if you went back to your own place or we stayed here.”

“hEhh-! aITZSHh’diew-! ehh… hih- eh’dATCHH’iew-! enGZSHJ’uu-! huhh… heehhh- hH’kETchh’diew-!”

“Blessings.”  

Sinking into the couch, Mushitarou finds his hand still gripping Ango’s arm. ‘He’s not leaving me. He won’t leave,’ repeats in his mind, playing on a loop as Ango lets his fingers brush against his forehead once more.

“I need to grab some paperwork, but I’ll come back. I’ll be right over there at the desk, you’ll be able to see me the whole time.” 

A small smile crosses Ango’s face, a warmth that Mushitarou decides suits him perfectly. ‘He doesn’t smile enough… he should smile more. That kindness… it fits his heart. He should wear it more often.’ Ango gently pulls out of his grasp, grabbing the files, careful to stay in his line of sight like promised. Once Ango’s gathered what he needs, Mushitarou finds himself being gently helped to his feet.

“I care about you a great deal, Mushitarou. I won’t leave you alone. Especially not when you’re ill.” 

Letting himself lean into Ango’s embrace, Mushitarou replays the words in his mind again. 

‘I’m not leaving you. I won’t leave you alone.’ 

~~~ Time Jump: 5 Days ~~~ 

“nGT’chh-! eh’NXT-! gehNDT’choo-!”

“I’m so sorry Ango, I didn’t mean to get you sick-”

“dNT’chh-! heh’inGT’shh-!”

“I mean- I did tell you I was contagious, and you did make me stay over anywa-” 

Ango glances up at him from underneath the pile of tissues, eyebrow raising behind his glasses.

“Make you? eh’GNT’choo-!” 

Mushitarou blushes, waving his hands in the air as he attempts to continue his sentence.

“Anyways-! My point is, it’s really it’s not my fau-”

“Mushitarou. It’s alright. hH’KNGt-! Excuse me. I knew the risks when I signed on to take care of you.” 

“Well, now it’s my turn to take care of you! Oh- I know! I’ll make you some tea and soup!”

A smile slips over Ango’s features, quickly replaced by a grimace as he recalls the last ‘food’ Mushitarou had attempted to make. Nearly burning down the entire building. With a pot of rice. 

“I don’t know if I trust your cooking enough for that…” 

Huffing, Mushitarou starts to retort, stopping himself as Ango turns away to lightly sniffle. Mushitarou watches as his nose twitches a few times before he switches from sniffling to rubbing the tip. After about a minute of this, a frantic look flashes across his face as he grabs a tissue and holds it against his nose, eyes unfocused. 

 “Are you gonna sn-”

“hH’INGT’choo-! ah’gnT’choo-! dnXT’choo-!”

“Bless you.”

“Western blessings?”

“I- I picked it up somewhere and it just stuck. Same as you I guess. D- do you mind..?”

A faint blush creeps it’s way against Ango’s cheeks as he buries his nose back into the tissue for a blow, before tilting his glasses at that perfect angle so Mushitarou can no longer see his eyes.

“N- no. It’s quite alright. eH’KNT’choo-! eNXT’choo-!”

“Well then, bless you again, Ango~.” 

“Thank you, Mushitarou. hH’iNGT’choo-! ndGT’choo-!”

They share a smile as another box of tissues is handed over, Mushtarou heading off to the kitchen to attempt some tea as Ango remains on the bed. Neither of them know what this is, or what it could be. Nor do they know what they want it to be. But they do know one thing:

They’re not leaving the other alone.