Tortured Souls || BSD AtsushixReader [✔]

Chapter 4

3rd person view

Atsushi couldn't wait to get to the Armed Detective Agency the next day. He wanted to tell Dazai that his little sister could understand Japanese and that she'd even spoken the previous day.

However, when Atsushi got out of bed in the morning (y/n) didn't say anything but 'good morning'. No matter how much Atsushi talked or asked her questions, she wouldn't speak. He was a little disappointed that she probably wouldn't speak at the office either, but at least she'd spoken to him. That was enough of a breakthrough to tell Dazai.

The said brunette had barely been at the office. He was chasing after hints for (y/n)'s whereabouts in the past few years every day, only present at the office in the morning to check on his little sister. She never spoke to him, just regarded him with big, reddish brown eyes.

Atsushi was so preoccupied thinking about (y/n)'s actions the previous day that he almost got run over again. (y/n) roughly grabbed his wrist to stop him from moving and Atsushi gasped softly when he felt her fingertips against his skin.

In the past week he never touched her because of Dazai's warning. The only moments they'd touched was when she saved him from a passing car or truck.

"You should watch where you're going", (y/n) mumbled before letting go of Atsushi's wrist.

"Right", the white-haired male stammered. "Thanks again."

(y/n) didn't reply and crossed the street. Atsushi quickly hurried after her and together they walked to the Armed Detective Agency.

As soon as they entered the office (y/n) sat down on one of the couches. Atsushi left her there and hurried to Dazai's desk.

"Dazai-san!", he called.

"Don't run, Atsushi-kun", Kunikida grumbled.

"Right", Atsushi mumbled. "Sorry."

"What is it?", Dazai asked. "Problems with (y/n)?"

"No, the opposite actually!", the man-tiger said. "She talked to me yesterday!"

Dazai's eyes went wide as he regarded the younger male in front of him.

"She... spoke?"

Atsushi nodded.

"I wanted to get her something and wondered what her favorite color was, and out of nowhere she told me it was white", he explained. "She also asked what I wanted for dinner, like it was the most normal thing in the world! I was so shocked that I didn't ask her much, but she did say that she can understand Japanese and has been listening to everything I've said up until now."

"She understands us? And she can talk?", Kunikida asked.

"I was starting to think she was mute", Yosano butted in.

"She's not!", Atsushi replied. "She said something on the way here too, but I don't think she will now. It seems like she has her moments. This morning she wouldn't speak either."

"Moments, huh?", Dazai mumbled. "Interesting. The fact that she can speak and understand us might help me find out where she's been all this time."

The brunette considered multiple clues and people he could talk to. Then he looked up at Atsushi.

"Please keep watch over her a little longer", Dazai requested. "I'm getting closer to finding out what happened to her. It won't be long now."

"Of course", Atsushi answered. "I'll watch over her."

That evening after work (y/n) and Atsushi were home again.

The two of them made dinner together and ate it in silence. Atsushi wanted (y/n) to speak again, but he didn't want to pressure her.

"So...", he hesitantly began. "Your tiger should be delivered tonight or tomorrow."

(y/n) looked up and locked eyes with Atsushi.

"They do evening deliveries?", she asked.

Atsushi nodded, happy to hear her soft and gentle voice once more.

"But I'm not sure they'll be here today. Wait, let me check online real quick."

He grabbed his phone and checked the delivery status. Then he pouted.

"Looks like it'll be here tomorrow. You're gonna have to hold out without it for one more night."

"Can you turn into a tiger for me, Atsushi-san?", (y/n) suddenly asked.

"Eh?!", Atsushi stammered.

(y/n) just blinked. As usual her expression didn't change or give her thoughts away.

"Kun is fine", Atsushi murmured. "And why would I turn into a tiger?"

"I know who you are", (y/n) said. "You're the jinko. The 'beast beneath the moonlight'."

"I am", Atsushi awkwardly said. "But why would I change into a tiger?"

"The moon's out tonight", (y/n) monotonously said. "I want to see you in tiger form."

"You do?", Atsushi asked in a surprised tone.

"Can you show it to me?"

The white-haired male didn't really know what to say. He wanted to please Dazai's little sister, but showing her his tiger side out of nowhere seemed like a bit much. But... She did want a tiger plushie. Besides, now that he had control over his ability, what could really go wrong?

"Eh, sure... I guess", Atsushi mumbled. "But later tonight."

(y/n) nodded and got up. She collected the dirty dishes and started cleaning them in the kitchen. Atsushi also got up to help her dry and put them away.

A few minutes later (y/n) excused herself to take a shower. When she returned, her hair still damp, she sat down in the bedroom. She didn't do anything, just blankly stared at the wall. Atsushi hesitantly walked up to her and halted.

"Uhm, (y/n)...?", he cautiously began.

The short girl turned around and looked at him over her shoulder.

"I could... do it now?", Atsushi suggested.

(y/n) nodded and watched the man-tiger closely. He took a deep breath and transformed. (y/n)'s eyes widened a bit and she got up. She walked up to the tall tiger, who regarded her with curious eyes.

(y/n) raised her hand, making the tiger flinch. She locked eyes with him and moved her hand a bit slower. Her hand touched the tiger's nose and she began gently petting it. Atsushi mentally screamed at himself when he noticed he was purring. (y/n) continued petting him and walked around him to run her fingers through his fur.

"Strong bones", she mumbled to herself. "Hard to break, but not impossible."

She continued petting him before she suddenly sat down again and pointed beside her. The tiger slowly sat down as well, towering over the small girl. She pointed at the floor again, and the tiger carefully laid down. (y/n) petted him some more, scratching behind his ears and caressing his flanks. She looked at him with chocolate eyes before suddenly laying down, snuggling up against the tiger. 

This is what she wanted?, Atsushi thought. Well... I'm not going to disturb her now. I guess I'm not sleeping in the closet tonight.

The tiger lowered his head to rest it on his paws, careful not to disturb the girl laying against him. He purred loudly as he slowly dozed off.