PSL (closed)

[foundfate]

[The shop had finally settled again. It was a bit of a relief, because it hadn't anchored to a world in nearly two weeks, and Watanuki's food stores had started to run low. A shopping trip would be in order, mostly to replenish his nonperishable before the shop set out looking for another world in need of his help.

Usually Watanuki could guess when a move was about to happen, but sometimes it happened out of the blue. Like this last move, which had come so soon after arriving in the previous world. That usually meant that his services were in dire need and that people's souls were calling out to him, even if they didn't quite know it themselves yet. Watanuki would just have to wait for them to come to him.

His first visitor, at least, wouldn't take too long to get there. Watanuki always had a sense of when someone was to arrive, and as soon as the shop's gates had opened and revealed itself to the busy streets of Yokohama he had felt the impending arrival of a customer. It was enough to pique his interest, because he didn't usually get a visitor on the same day after a shop move. Someone was very perceptive, it seemed.

By the time his guest would arrive, Watanuki had already set up some tea in one of the sitting rooms. The summer was at its end, and the cool breeze felt nice enough that Watanuki had decided to open the movable doors to reveal the backyard, which was still bathed in the greens of summer. They could stay cool without the need of an air conditioner that way.

From there, he waited. He had a feeling that his guest was a particularly clever one, so he felt sure that they would find their way to the sitting room on their own.]

Comments

[neverwashere]

[An understandable policy. He chuckled and slid his hands into his pockets.]

Then let's see if I can actually part with the cost, no?

That boy with the long belt you keep seeing. At the moment, he can only control his transformations thanks to my boss' ability and his own reluctance, [or so he suspected] but there's a chance he'll be pulled off those training wheels sooner than expected.

Should that happen and until such a time he can willingly reconcile and transform, I'd wish for his ability to control the transformations without my intervention.

[A stopgap, in other words.

At this point, the tiger thing should be clearer to Watanuki]

[foundfate]

[Pieces were certainly falling into place, yes. A reluctant weretiger, one who needed the magic of another to keep himself in control...hmm...

Watanuki mulled over the wish as he prepared his pipe, packing a bit more tobacco into the end of it. Then he lit it, and he took a draw from it, exhaling the smoke with a slow breath. It was only then that he finally answered.]

You want a way for him to remain in control, for the tiger to be able to hide his stripes at will. That is certainly something I can do. However-

[With his free hand, Watanuki will reach over to indicate to one of Dazai's bandaged wrists.]

In order for him to hide the darker parts of his life, you must give up your ability to do the same.

[1/2]

[neverwashere]

[Whatever price he expected, that certainly wasn't it.

One personal choice for another, was it?]

[2/2]

[neverwashere]

[Discomfort settled under his skin at the mere thought of exposure. To cover the 'darker parts of his life,' indeed. He already covered himself with bandages even before holding a gun, witnessing a murder, meeting Mori - a lifetime of scars littered his skin, the causes of which were always indirect, for all that some of them were intentional attempts.]

My actual wallet's going to dry up with a wardrobe change.

[And turtlenecks were distinctly not the same as gauze clinging to his skin.

But only if he agreed.

And the question circled back to himself: just how far would he go for Atsushi's sake?]

[foundfate]

It shouldn't change too much. Stick to lighter clothes in summer, warmer clothes in winter. Dressing for the weather is acceptable. But purposefully wearing turtlenecks and covering clothing to make up for the loss of bandages would not be. And should you ever choose to violate the terms of the wish, then your co-worker would lose the control you are asking for him.

[It was indeed a tough decision for Dazai, and that was on purposes. Wishes were never cheap, and each wish's price was very personal. It had to be, as Watanuki had to factor in the rules of karma to the wishes he granted.]

You don't have to decide immediately. The offer will remain open for as long as I am in Yokohama, which should be a while yet.

[neverwashere]

[Even that comfort was denied him.

No wonder the easy practicality of writing on paper was preferable to this, if personal cost was what was being balanced.]

I'll let you know, then.

[He wasn't bitter. Really.

(Maybe he was, a little, over the general situation.)

As far as he could see, these prices were penalties for taking the shorter route for a guaranteed outcome, as opposed to years of personal refinement: one giant leap down, instead of incremental stumbling.

As far as concealing the book went, it seemed they'd have to stick to the old plan, and that half-baked idea he had earlier was easily tossed out the window. This deal on Atsushi, however, was something he'd continue weighing. Might have to.

Never letting him know was the only thing Dazai was certain of, and this wasn't exactly out of kindness. Atsushi being ineffective because of guilt wasn't something they could afford.]

If this does fall through, is there a confidentiality clause of sorts? Or will there be an extra fee for that?

[foundfate]

There's no extra fee for that. Until the deal is made, you aren't technically a customer of mine, so there is nothing to share. And if someone wants information on a wish someone has made, then they will need to pay the price for that information. I don't make a habit of giving confidential information out freely.

[That might not be so reassuring, but Daza would be safe for the time being. If he decided to actually make the wish, though, there might be conditions applied to giving out that information. It's worth looking into, should he decide to make that wish.]

[neverwashere]

[Not to worry, he'd come up with a solution for it. Someone would profit from asking - Dazai if he could help it, or the Agency.

Never mind that he still hadn't made up his mind when he visited the shop again the following week, except the sight before him meant he was almost out of time: a frustrated Tachihara in military uniform had just emerged from the gates, nearly bumping into Atsushi.]

Fuck, watch i-

...it's you. Tch.

[Tachihara grimaced, lowering the cap to shield his eyes, and carried on at a sedate pace with one hand in his pocket. Looks like someone has a lot on his mind.

Atsushi might also notice Dazai watching the Hunting Dog with a grave expression. Hmm.]

[foundfate]

[Atsushi definitely noticed, and after glancing between Tachihara and Dazai for a moment he finally settled on Dazai with a concerned look.]

Dazai-san...?

[He didn't ask the question out loud, but it was hanging there between them: what's going on? What is this place? And why was Tachihara of all people there?

The answers could be found within the shop itself. Watanuki was busy cleaning up from the previous customer, but he was available if Dazai and Atsushi entered.]

[neverwashere]

Well, if it isn't Atsushi-kun.

[He waved as he walked closer, peering at the sign posts and whistling.]

Fancy seeing you here. Enjoying the view? You must have quite the eye for architecture if these caught your attention.

[Mind, if Atsushi denied anything, Dazai would give him a friendly slap on the back with enough force to have him stumble past the threshold and into the shop's front yard. Lookit, a helping hand!]

[foundfate]

Ah- well- not really-

[Denial time was a go, as was shoving Atsushi into the shop yard with that 'friendly slap on the back'. Atsushi stumbled in and fell flat on his face, ass-up in the air.

The world seemed to go unsettlingly quiet as soon as Atsushi entered the shop grounds, though. It was as if the whispers of the wind and the tree branched had been called to a quick halt upon finding an interloper in their conversation and had started to stare down said interloper.

It felt like thousands of eyes were watching both Atsushi and Dazai, and given that neither of them would be able to see said eyes it might have been unnerving. Atsushi certainly looked bothered by it, though a cursory glance around didn't show any observers nearby.]

[neverwashere]

Whoops!

[Dazai followed him in soon after, whistling with his hands in his pockets, and stepped past Atsushi to head to the front doors. Do follow him in.]

Watanuki-san? You in there?

[At least he announced himself this time?

If there were plenty of unseen figures watching them, well. That was just slightly annoying. Dazai simply worked with the assumption that this was part of Watanuki's now improved barrier over the shop - things didn't feel like this the last time around]

[foundfate]

[That's partially true, since at least two sets of eyes belonged to the ones responsible for that barrier. If Dazai was observant he would catch a flash of pink and blue before the girls disappeared around a corner. They were staying far away from Dazai, it seemed.

Watanuki was actually in his lounge, relaxing on a couch while fanning himself with a paper fan. It wasn't too terribly hot, but it seemed Watanuki did not enjoy even a mild heat. Maybe it's the heavy kimonos he wears.]

Yes, I'm here. I see you brought a friend this time.

[Atsushi seemed a touch intimidated being called out like that, but he stayed right next to Dazai and cast the man a quizzical look. Who was this strange person?]

[neverwashere]

[Hard to miss the flashes ocolores in all this wood.

An amused smile lifted his lips at the sight of Watanuki lounging. Refreshing to see him do as he pleased, in contrast to their first meeting.]

So I did. [He gave Atsushi's belt a meaningful glance before smiling at its owner. Wait and see.] Busier than last time, I take it?

[foundfate]

Much busier. In the last week alone nearly a dozen people have come in here for wishes. A dozen! Normally I get one or two customers a week.

[Atsushi, still unsure, mouths 'customers?' to Dazai. What is this guy going on about?

Watanuki will sit up though, which lets his kimono sleeve slide down slightly and reveal just a little bit of his shoulder. He sure does keep that thing loose on himself, doesn't he?]

Are you two my next customers, then?

[neverwashere]

Maybe, maybe not.

[Dazai was close to saying 'yes,' given the situation he stumbled on outside the shop. Oh, but why should he get straight to the point? He could match the slow pace of Watanuki's unintentional striptease.

He gave Atsushi an encouraging smile and nudged him a step forward.]

This one, though, kept on peeking in, and I figured he might as well satiate his curiosity.

Say 'hi' to our dear proprietor, Atsushi-kun. He just set up shop around a week ago.

[foundfate]

[Atsushi seemed a bit gobsmacked by Watanuki's appearance, and it took a couple tries for his mouth to work properly.]

I- er- yes? I mean, hello. I'm Atsushi Nakajima.

[He seemed nervous, and he looked back to Dazai. Was that a good introduction?

Meanwhile, Watanuki hummed as he hummed in thought. This one was a tricky one, he could tell. Spirits would be all over this place soon.]

So it has been a week already. Interesting...Well, welcome to my shop. Hopefully you find something you are interested in.

[neverwashere]

[Why yes, Atsushi, that was a good introduction. Here, have a thumbs up.

Watanuki's remark caught his attention, though, and he made himself comfortable on the floor, stretching his arms after he sat down. Don't mind him, or how he patted the space next to him for Atsushi to follow suit.]

Yeah, a week. Don't you keep a calendar?

You already know what I might ask for, but I'm afraid my dearest colleague isn't aware yet of what you're offering. 'Wish granting' really isn't the first thing that comes to mind.

[That last part was said more for Atsushi's benefit, and to help speed along introductions.

(Giving Atsushi a hint that Dazai actually had a wish wasn't at all what he intended, but it was too late - the information was already out there.)]

[foundfate]

[Watanuki waved a hand dismissively at that first question. What point is there to time when you're unaging and not on a deadline?]

I keep track when it matters.

[Right about then Atsushi's eyes were going wide with surprise. A wish granting shop? Was such a thing possible?

Actually, he decided to ask that out loud.]

Wish granting? You can do such a thing?

Yes, with some limitations-

I want to make a wish!

[Watanuki blinked a little, but hey, people were quick to make wishes like that all the time. He suspected Atsushi would be one to make a wish anyway, so.]

Very well, what is it you want to wish for?

Dazai-san rarely smiles a real smile. All of his smiles are fake, I can tell, and that must mean he carries a lot of sadness with him. S-so I want to wish for Dazai-san to have a reason to smile for real.

[The wish was spoken firmly and with conviction, though as soon as he got it out he glanced to Dazai a bit sheepishly before adding a final sentence.]

I-If someone can make a wish for someone else...

[Well. What did Dazai think of that?]

[1/2]

[neverwashere]

[ohgod Atsushi you can't just say things like that out of the blue have you no mercy]

[2/2]

[neverwashere]

[More than that, Dazai dreaded the price Watanuki might ask, and he solidly clapped Atsushi's shoulder. Y'know, solid enough to send the other sprawling, and Dazai made himself comfortable with his new arm-rest. That Atsushi couldn't see his face like this was a huge bonus, and he kept his tone cheerful and light.

(In hindsight, he'd be startled with his own reaction - how his concern for Atsushi's toll had somehow come up first before his reflexive dislike for being meddled with.)]

Maa, Atsushi-kun. That's not something you need to wish for. I do smile when I'm alone, you know, and it's not my fault you aren't around to see it.

Is this your way of asking me to stay with you more often? Are my laughs at Kunikida-kun not enough for you?

[foundfate]

You two certainly are friendly, aren't you?

[Watching Dazai knock Atsushi over and lean on him like that, it reminded Watanuki of a certain someone from his own past. Ah, nostalgia.

He did silence Atsushi's protests with an unfortunate response, though.]

Unfortunately, that is a wish I won't be granting.

Eh? Why not?

Your wish is to create a situation in which Dazai-san would smile. I could create that situation, but it would not be guaranteed to make him happy. Despite the situation, he still has free will. If he chose not to be happy even in those circumstances, then that is his choice to make. You would be paying a price for what could turn out to be nothing. And if you wanted me to force him to be happy, well...I think you are not the kind of person who would want to force emotions on another.

[Atsushi does wilt a little, even with Dazai leaning on him. But it was a valid point, and even he had to admit to that.]

But I don't know what else to wish for...

[neverwashere]

[How... considerate. Yet more proof that Watanuki wasn't after profit, and wasn't dealing with such a person something Dazai would have to adjust to?

He gave the shopkeeper a grateful nod, the slope of his shoulders just a little more relaxed, and shifted to fully lean on Atsushi.]

Doesn't have to be now, you know. [To Watanuki:] Your sort of 'inevitability' also means 'it will occur at the right time,' correct?

[Look who's been thinking since their last meeting.]

[foundfate]

Exactly. When it is meant to happen, it will happen. In the meantime, you can take time to consider your options.

[He was a good shopkeeper and a good person, clearly. He also saw no reason to be purposefully malicious to Dazai or Atsushi either, which is why he had decided to explain his thought process.

Atsushi still looked dejected, but he needed to force that feeling down.]

Dazai-san, please get off of me...

[neverwashere]

Ehh? But Atsushi-kun is comfortable, and I've had a long walk.

[No, sorry, he wasn't about to sit upright soon. In fact, he'd start pinching Atsushi's cheek, an attempt at distracting the other from whatever downward spiral was about to start.

(Dazai never did have an easy time, dealing with people doing things for him out of the goodness of their heart. It just wasn't done!)]

More to the point - why exactly were you staring at the gate? Tachihara-san's surprising exit aside, I believe this is not your first time this week to visit the signposts.

[Why yes, he had taken the time to confirm just how often Atsushi passed by]