"Dazai, get up." A distant voice whispers considerably, gently shaking his shoulder. "It's time for school, your first day of first grade."

Even with his hazy mind, Dazai could still recognize the monotone voice belonging to that of Ango. The gently shaking of his shoulder is of a foreign sensation, Dazai normally awoke on his own, not requiring any help of another.

"Mm." He groans into the pillow, pulling the blankets tight against his body, a rebellious act that Ango disliked.

"Dazai." He warns, "Last call, I've let you sleep in a bit." The bed creaks with the lost weight of Ango, his steps patted on the carpeted floor. "Get up."

Dazai frowns, fingers digging into his blue blanket before releasing his grip. Slowly raising his head, he blinks sluggishly, rubbing at the heaviness within his eyes. He gives a small yawn, stretching his arms way above his head before taking in his surroundings.

His assortment of books line up the top shelf near his dresser, his small closet door slightly ajar and displaying many clothing. Rustling with the bed sheets, Dazai throws his feet to the floor, wiggling his toes against the soft plush.

Moving along his room, he stops in front of his closet, yanking off a uniform from it's hanger. Changing in a daze, he saunters over to the kitchen where a plate of crab is prepared on his place. Instantly, his mood brightens.

"Look, I know first day of school is stressful." Ango points out, wiping his hands on a napkin, "So I made you your favorite. Eat."

Dazai does not need to be told twice, clapping his hands half-heartedly, he digs his fork into the meat and chomps it messily. Ango makes a face but sighs loudly before taking his own seat. He reads a paper — most likely Odasaku's drafts — while spooning his own breakfast. Although Dazai is keeping a calm facade, inside his stomach is a swirling turmoil of anxieties.

He needed to be appealing to others, to blend with the crowd, to be apart of them instead of sticking out like a sore thumb. It's put too much pressure on his little shoulders, studying all the necessary behaviors of children in his age. Of course, Ango reassured that no one would judge, but even that talk did little to diminish the stress.

Dazai could feel the food going bland in his mouth, his stomach did a dive once more. He hated when even his favorite things don't do well to calm his mind; it used to work. Ango glances at him from the top of his glasses, putting his page down and leaning forward.

"You ok?" He asks, trying to sweep any excess crumbs from the table.

"Yes."

"Nervous?"

Dazai doesn't respond, instead shoveling another forkful of crab into his mouth. Ango closes his eyes and breathes, something he does to process his next steps.

"Now, Dazai. Nothing is going to happen, it'll all be fine." Ango winces, "You shouldn't be in an age where you feel this way."

Dazai flicks his vision to his father, blinking slowly in comprehension. It was best to agree with Ango's words, however much they didn't work. Besides, the brunette was too tired to argue back.

"Oh shoot, we have to get going." Ango scrambles with his items, pushing his glasses up his nose. Dazai watches him run rampant around the kitchen, organizing any mess that catches his eye. He only follows suit when Ango blows a raspberry beneath his breath.

Dazai paddles to the restroom, taking his toothbrush out and proceeding with the cleaning of dentistry. He fiddles with his hair, unsure of the exact hairstyle he'd like, ultimately deciding on ruffling it into a whatever-like state. Smoothing creases from his collar, he gives himself a once over before turning the knob and heading out.

Ango hurriedly grabs the keys and beckons Dazai to the car, grumbling to himself on the many things he must accomplish in the day. Dazai gazes out his window, peering at the many moving pictures of buildings and people. He makes a drawing with his finger tip, smearing the fog that appeared in the cold night.

Just a jumble mixture of lines and zig zags, he's not much for creativity. The car turns to a corner and up a driveway, Dazai closes his eyes and breathes in deeply. Out of nowhere, his bandages start scratching against his skin, yet he doesn't unravel them.

Ango shifts the gears, taking a few seconds before fully looking at Dazai. "You know, I was also nervous for my first day of school."

Dazai blinks at the windshield.

"I'm just trying to say..." Ango mutters a 'Odasaku would've been better at this' under his breath. "You're going to be ok and it'll be over soon."

Dazai feels a warm hand rest on his timid shoulder, heat seeping through his clothes and relaxing his joints. He tries to give a small smile to at least ease Ango's forehead wrinkle. Must've worked because now he's getting ruffled in his hair and opening the car door.

.

Sitting in the far corner, Dazai twiddles with the corner of his book page. His cheek rests gently on the heel of his palm, reading the words one by one instead of doing the activity of talking with table mates.

The teacher prances around the room, trying to comfort any child that burst into tears. Dazai does a great job in ignoring everyone and everything in his environment, getting lost in a dystopian world his book depicts. The main character would've gotten shot in the head if not for the small interruption coming in Dazai's peripheral vision.

Glancing up to take in another small boy, probably a year younger than he, fiddling with his tiny hands in front of his stomach. Dazai fully turns to him and blinks slowly, as if trying to communicate with the twitches on his face.

Ango had scolded Dazai before on his manners, telling him to always say a nice greeting whenever another comes toward him. Dazai figures this situation calls for that specifically.

"Good morning." He nods, closing the book in his hands, another lesson Ango also engraved in his mind. Giving your full attention to someone when directed.

The other boy jumps slightly, not expecting a response upon his presence. In a quiet voice he murmurs what seemed to be a 'morning'. Dazai wonders if what this boy wants is an invitation, so he pats his palm against the empty seat on his table.

The other reluctantly sits down and peers at his book, faint wonderment igniting in his eyes. Dazai pushes the story forward and takes this moment to study characteristics on his face. This child had hair the color of glittering snow, a rather unusual pigment. Also, a rather unusual hairstyle but Dazai wouldn't judge too harshly.

His skin tone had a milky complexion to it, nose small and dusted with light freckles. It was a bit rosy because of the cold temperature of outside, along with a tint to his chubby cheeks. Dazai got the intrusive thought to squish them, yet, he didn't act upon it. Ango taught him to never touch anyone without permission.

However, the boys eyes are what entranced him. A captured sunset in distinct irises is the best way to describe them, one in a kind chance. A sparkling gold accompanied by a royal purple, something out of a gem. Dazai could not look away at all, which must've scared the other.

The younger shrank into himself, inclining his head and allowing his long strand of hair to hide his face. Dazai did the unthinkable and tucked that long strand behind an ear.

"I apologize, I didn't mean to offend you." Dazai started, trying for a comforting tone. "Your features just look beautiful, as do you of course."

That made the other widen his eyes and stare with disbelief, Dazai thought he looked like a deer in headlights. He pulls the book up, hiding his face behind the cover.

"Ah, sorry. I-" Dazai didn't know what he was apologizing for exactly but his comment seemed to have an effect on the younger.

"What's your name?" Dazai tried once more.

It took a while for a response but a small timid voice rang in Dazai's ear, having to strain himself to hear correctly.

"Atsushi..." He whispers, little fingers gripping the cover.

"Atsushi?" Dazai repeats, letting the syllables roll on his tongue. Delighting in the way his lips pull into a small 'o'. "I like it." He voices his opinion.

Atsushi finally looks — peers — up and studies Dazai's face. Which probably didn't reassure him in the slightest because the brunette was prone to not displaying much emotion. He hides back behind the book.

Dazai counts to three under his breath, a small tinge of frustration blooming inside his chest. Of course it wasn't directed at Atsushi, it was created because of Dazai's inability to be like-able.

His distress must've been felt because Atsushi pokes his arm. Directing his attention to a pale finger pointing at a word, Dazai quickly deciphers the phrase.

"That's 'indescribable'," Atsushi gives him a quizzical look. "It's something you can't explain, it is a hard word." Dazai huffs from his nose.

Atsushi giggles, "Your nose twitched." He gleefully states.

Dazai furrows his brows, only making Atsushi giggle even more. Although he doesn't much like being laughed at, Dazai knew it wasn't of hostility. So he just twitches his nose some more, memorizing the little jingles of Atsushi's laughs. He believes Atsushi looks even prettier with a smile.

.

It was lunch break and Dazai curled in on himself at a corner near a bookshelf. All these stories were for children and didn't interest him much but what was he to do besides such? Turning his page, he hears scuffling in front of him. Without even looking up, Dazai raises a different book toward the other.

Atsushi graciously takes it and situates himself next to the older. Dazai reads the last words on a sentence before bookmarking his page.

"You want me to read to you again?" He asks.

Atsushi nods vigorously, a grin beaming onto his face. A small colorful lunch box laid between them, open and inviting Dazai to eat its contents with Atsushi.

"Ok then...." Dazai clears his throat, imitating how Ango does it when he reads a bedtime story. Only makes Atsushi giggle. "Once upon a time, in a far away palace."

Atsushi snuggles closer to his side, face squished onto his bandaged arm to view the many pictures of the book. Picking up an octopus shaped sausage and popping it into his mouth. He sighs out lovingly, a tiny smile permanently stuck on his face as his eyes sparkle with astonishment. Dazai was reminded of an intrigued kitten, a pale one perhaps.

"There was once a prince." Dazai continued, allowing his head to rest atop Atsushi's. "He was the most cutest of all, very nice and extremely quiet."

"Princes can be nice?" Atsushi asked.

Dazai blinked slowly, "It does depend on their personality."

"What's personity mean?" Atsushi grimaces, unsure of his pronunciation.

"Per-son-nah-li-tee. Is the type of person you are. Like how you are very nice and quiet and cute."  Dazai nods along with his words.

Atsushi brightens, "So I'm a prince?"

"W-well." Dazai starts to sweat, perplexed on how to go about this. Ango told him to never lie but then he also didn't want to crush Atsushi's hopeful expression. "The most precious prince I've ever met."

Atsushi squeals happily, wrapping his little arms around the brunette and burrowing his face into his neck. Dazai stiffens slightly, causing Atsushi to retract.

"I'm sorry, did you not like that?" He asks pleadingly, searching Dazai's entire face for any hint of worry.

"No no, I'm ok. Just unexpected that's all." Dazai pats the others hair, as Ango would sometimes do to him.

Atsushi nods once, "Ok ok, I'll ask you next time."

Dazai smiles softly at that, so considerate, "Thank you very much."

.

"Can I sleep next to you?" Atsushi asks, biting his lip in nervousness.

Dazai tosses his blanket atop his mat, "Of course you can." He chose a secluded spot to be away from everyone else, the teacher has yet to scold him. Unsurprisingly, he was happy Atsushi came to him.

"Yay!" Atsushi does a little jump. Settling his materials down and fluffing his pillow before plopping beside Dazai. Ready for their first grade nap time.

"I'm going to dream of a castle where there's a big yard and we play all day!" Atsushi whisper shouts.

"That's a nice imagination." Dazai seats himself slowly. "How will you dream about that though? You can't choose your dreams." He pokes at a puffed out cheek of Atsushi.

The younger swats his prodding finger away with his angry — but adorable — pout. "I can, I will!" He stomps his foot as best he could while sitting down.

"I'm kidding, don't worry." Dazai rolls his eyes, laying his head down on the pillow and tucking his blanket under his chin.

Atsushi worries his lip once more, eyeing how snuggled up Dazai was and seeming to debate something inside his mind.

"What is it?" The brunette asked.

Atsushi took a moment to respond, "I can't choose my dreams. I hate having nightmares but....they never go away, no matter how much I wish them to."

Dazai's mouth opens slightly, truly surprised on Atsushi's reply and a bit worried on the meaning behind it. Atsushi twiddles his fingers around his long strand, bottom lip wobbling. Dazai gasps inaudibly, desperate to not have Atsushi cry, he yanks his blanket to the side and pats the mat.

"Do you want to sleep next to me?" Dazai questions, eyes widening a fraction when the realization dawned on him. "Wait, is this what you meant? With the question you asked earlier?"

Atsushi nods twice and climbs into his space. Hesitantly resting his small head on Dazai's shoulder, snuggling even closer when a bandaged arm wrapped around his middle.

"I just didn't know if you'd like it...." Atsushi mumbles, his eyes blinking sluggishly as his grip loosens on Dazai's shirt.

"I did like that you asked." Atsushi's lips quirk, Dazai becoming brave and threading his little fingers through white hair. "I like having you next to me, I'll keep you safe from nightmares."

Atsushi huffs a tiny puff from his nose, it wrinkles with each stroke of Dazai's fingers. But he doesn't pull away so Dazai guessed it was okay.

.

Atsushi twirls his fingers, mouth twisted into a sideways 's'. He was nervous, except he didn't need to be. This kid, Tanizaki, came up to them both and started talking very gently. Dazai made sure Atsushi was safe with Tanizaki before trotting over to pick up their pillows and blankets.

Dazai wonders if he could get Atsushi a toy to fiddle with instead. Perhaps a small cat, Dazai glances over when Atsushi starts conversing excitedly.

"I like foxes too!" Atsushi hips happily, throwing his arms up.

Perhaps a small toy fox. 

"But I love tigers!" Atsushi starts jumping up and down, delighted to share his interest with another student. Tanizaki indulges with questions upon questions, Atsushi merrily answering each and every one with joy.

Perhaps a white tiger. Dazai barely lets a smile slip onto his lips, going back to cleaning the garments strewn on the floor.

.

"How was your first day?" Ango asks hopefully, fingers tapping against the steering wheel, alerting Dazai of his father's nerves.

"I made a friend, if that's what you're asking." Dazai settles into his seat, clicking his seatbelt in place.

"Oh, that's good. That's really good." Ango mumbles to himself, shifting the car and driving away from the school.

"I think I'll only enjoy school if he is there." Dazai adds, nothing more. Ango seems pleased with the answer so they stayed silent the entire ride.

Dazai now discovers how his last statement was true, even when he didn't account for it.

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I am disappointed in myself for this one, but thank you for reading. Hope you had a good day, comments are always appreciated!