Chapter Text
Fukuzawa Yukichi. Early 30s. Single. Skilled in martial arts. Previously an assassin. Currently working as a bodyguard. Currently trying to get some much needed rest. Currently trying not to strangle a 14 year old.
“Come on, let's go out and eat already. My stomach hurts.”
His right temple began to throb more. Although he too very much wanted a warm bowl of soup right now, Fukuzawa would rather not go out and endure the winter chill. “Just order whatever you want. The money’s in the drawer-”
“No, we have to go out! You promised yesterday.”
It seemed that if he didn’t give in to Ranpo’s demands, then his mind would give out first.
The pained groans of an aging man and the gleeful cheers of a young teen echoed within the small confines of the former’s apartment. It was not at all an uncommon occurrence for the pair especially on days after a long hard case had just been finished. As Fukuzawa sluggishly prepared to go outside, he continued to lament over the other’s boundless energy and perhaps even livelier chattering.
He didn’t even need to look at the mirror to know his clothes hardly looked presentable; but at that point he just didn’t care and walked out of his sweet sanctuary.
However, the moment he stepped out he regretted that decision immediately.
“Fukuzawa-san!” You were standing in front of your door with luggage behind you. “Long time no see. How have you been?”
“L-L/N-san.”
“I was hoping your New Year’s has been well, although you look…. are you okay?”
“Y-yes, don’t worry about it.” He did his best to suppress a cough.
“If you say so then alright. But please don’t push yourself too hard.”
You two always shared pleasantries whenever you saw each other - which was, despite being next-door neighbors, quite rare - and one of the only interpersonal interactions he decided to maintain ever since he semi-withdrew from socializing. The last thing he wanted was for his efforts to go to waste.
Your eyes then landed on the shorter and unfamiliar figure beside him. “And you are?”
“Edogawa Ranpo. World’s Greatest Detective!”
“Aww, you’re adorable. Are you his son?”
“Yes.”
“No.”
Fukuzawa glared at the younger boy who seemed unfazed. Why did he have to be so difficult? His head began to throb once more from trying to come up with an answer and the weight of two innocent stares.
“It’s, uh, complicated.”
“Oh,” You casually responded, the smile on your face not fading in the slightest. “I see. Well, I guess I’ll see you around then.”
After a small bow and a sharp tug on the boy’s coat to make sure he didn’t linger to cause trouble again, Fukuzawa finally left you to enter your own apartment.
The warmth of the soup from the hot pot greatly soothed his aching body. Simple flavors and simple joys were all that was necessary in a man’s life, he thought to himself.
“She didn’t judge you for having me, you know.”
Comments like that, on the other hand, were completely unnecessary.
“Why are you mad at me? It’s not like I was wrong.”
Now he was mad at him for not being wrong. Was Fukuzawa really on the road to becoming this boy’s father? A guardian is one thing, but to be a parent…
“Can’t believe you’re this upset over a misstep with your crush-”
“It’s not like that. And you know it.”
“Oh, it is like that. And you know it.”
He couldn’t believe he was having an argument this petty with Ranpo over his favorite meal, especially on a day when he barely had any energy to walk to this place. But worse is the fact that he knew he couldn’t win.
Why he had let himself loose like that, Fukuzawa would never know. Has he truly lost his edge like the sword he’s abandoned for these many years?
His thoughts were scattered like the half-empty dishes on their table. Memories of your exchanges popped up like the bubbles in the simmering pot, but his fondest memory, still so warm and fresh in his heart, was the first time you had shared a meal with him - the time he first realized he wanted another person in his life.
Yes. He fell in love with you over a fricking hot pot.
“It’s kinda embarrassing, isn’t it?”
Fukuzawa nearly choked on the broth. “Do you have to be so rude?”
His outburst caught Ranpo by surprise. “I didn’t even say what I was going to talking about yet…” But noticing that the older man’s face suddenly flush, he scanned him for a moment. “I’m not a mind reader, Fukuzawa-san, but since you reacted like that- hmmm. Now I get why you’re single.”
“Shut it or I won’t buy dessert.”