Bungo stray dogs One Shots

Ranpoe - Am I gay?

Feelings are quite the complicated matter. You don't know exactly how love feels like. It's like a small feeling inside that suddenly keeps rising. You won't know when it started. Only after a period of time you realize, that might be love.

But you're not sure. You don't know for sure because that feeling could be the same as always. That feeling has changed but now you don't see the clear distinction between like and love. Love is a complicated matter. A matter you can't google or ask others about.

Is it just attention you want? Are you truly in love? Do you just adore the looks or the whole person? When you love a person not only beautiful feelings appear. Jealousy. Uncertainness. Lack of confidence. How could you be ever good enough for that person?

Poe sighed at his thought. Did he love the detective? Or did he want attention? It was a truly distracting matter. He couldn't focus for the whole week. If this went on, how would he ever win with his mystery novels?!

He was probably not in love. Like how could he? That man ruined his life and self-confidence. He was mocking him. Even though he was so cocky he just mocked everyone, not only you.

Poe had a problem. There were two opinions he had and they just kept on arguing like Dazai and Chuuya did. Either it's love or hate... Or both? Chuuya and Dazai had a love-hate relationship...

'Pull yourself together', Poe thought to himself while once in a while straightening his back. He probably sat in front of his table for a few hours wondering what he should write. He's a rival. That's rivalry. The feeling of having someone greater than you. You look up to that person but at the same time want to make them feel the same thing you felt! It must be rivalry!

Though why did he enjoy writing so much? Next to his job as an architect Poe ever only wrote on his giant book for Ranpo. He never stopped and really enjoyed coming up with the most impressive story he could ever write.

Writing was like a fun little hobby that he now even started to publish. He paid for the publication himself. It was just a few pennies after all, nothing he would lose if he just took on another architecture job. After publishing his regrets kept filling his mind like poison. He couldn't even sleep the night before.

Ranpo even tried consoling. Something Poe had never thought he would do. Probably out of pity. It has to be pity, someone great like Ranpo would never shed a second glance towards a loser like Poe. "Why are you so nervous? These goldfishes will never figure out your book! They are all so stupid and this is one of the best mystery novels I ever read", was what the small detective declared. Poe blushed a little at the thought. Maybe he truly was in love at least a bit... NO that was because he was praised for his efforts!

In the end the worrying was just something his social anxiousness came up with. In a matter of weeks he rose to the top ten selling mystery novels. People all around the world started reading his novel and people kept commenting about the plot twist. Poe was extremely social anxious. He would always worry about others opinions. He was to shy to talk and absolutely scared about looking too intimidating with his eyes and his height. So getting so much positive feedback once in a while was great. It was better than gaining money or anything. It helped him building at least a bit of confidence. Even though the deadlines made him even more anxious now...

He even got into contact with another writer through Ranpo! The man was great and truly a kind soul. Poe was a bit confused and his heart ached when he heard that there was another writer in the life of the great detective... Though that worry was not worthwhile. Even though Odasaku seemed a bit slow and well... with his outfit as if he lived more on the streets than in a house with THE government official working for the special division for unusual powers Ango Sakaguchi. They made a few collabs and became friends.

It was thanks to Ranpo that Poe had met another writer and that he could publish and work on books now. He probably would still try solving cases if it hadn't been for that encounter. He wouldn't have met his new best friend Katai. Katai was also really shy. The shut-in was even worse than Poe. Still there was no one more brave in the subject of love. Katai knew the feelings and could talk about crushes and love for a long time. The two of them would console each other when having these embarrassing moments in public. When staying up too late and searching for an idea for the book Poe could just call his friend knowing that he would pick up. They both would text each other when awkwardly standing in public to appear busy. They were truly best introvert friends.

So even though meeting Ranpo had destroyed his confidence in his detective work he had learned about the perks of his other abilities. About writing, architecture and all. It wasn't even the intention of the detective to destroy Poe's confidence. He was just that kind of piece of work to humiliate and mock everyone. Ranpo even came over to Poe's house quite often to pressure him when the next book would be ready. Or when he wanted to buy sweets and didn't have anyone to go with. Or when he was bored. Or when he wanted to boast about a new case. Or when he was annoyed with work and hiding from Kunikida. Or when he-

Poe stopped his train of thoughts. The great detective was coming over quite often if he thought about it now. Even just when wanting to idly chat. He was always coming over even though he complained that finding his way was very hard with his sense of directions. It had become such a normal occurrence that Poe was completely used to the other ones presence. He would feel as if something was missing when he realized Ranpo went home. His heart would start aching and he felt lonely. With Ranpo there was always trouble ahead. Nothing would be silent for even a minute. But it wasn't comfortable for Poe. This open atmosphere made him feel more at ease. As if his embarrassing moments wouldn't matter to the other one.

Poe would catch himself watching the detective for half an hour neglecting his writing. He would realize the cute quirkiness when Ranpo hadn't bought enough sweets. He would see him do an adorable fit when Karl stole his chips. He could see Ranpo's peaceful sleeping face like an arrogant little kitten that had destroyed enough and went into slumber the moment after. He could see the detectives shining when he praised him which only made him want to praise the other one more...

A giant blush spread across the writers face. Maybe he really was in love. Maybe his feelings were more complicated than hate and rivalry. This was truly embarrassing! To fall in love with your rival, what kind of story is this?

Poe buried his face in his hands. He had to overcome this embarrassment. How could he face Ranpo now?! This was unreal! He could never again idly chat now without his brain full force throwing his feelings in his face! And the worst thing: The detective would never accept them! How could someone as great as Ranpo accept a lowly one as Poe?! Poe only had a few pennies, no self-esteem and a few books that didn't even reach the other ones greatness! How could he dare? How would this great mind even notice him? This love was impossible. Katai would suggest to confess to get it over with. But Poe wouldn't want to destroy his current relationship. Wouldn't want to lose this feeling and this person. Even if it meant hiding his feelings.

"Yo, Poe!", A voice made Poe's head perk up. Oh no. Ranpo tilted his head in confusion and curiosity.

There was no way Ranpo would ever love him.

"You do realize that I have troubles with directions and that I am an ass?"

"W-What...?", Poe was completely shocked and confused. Though it was quite normal for the detective to be a bit confusing and bold...

"Why would I ever just walk out of boredom so long? Why would I spent so much time here? Why would I even come here if this thief is only stealing my candies? You truly are oblivious to the obvious. Not as much as the other ones but that's just pretty obvious now. Glad you finally realized it too", Ranpo shrugged as he just sat down on the couch a five feet apart from Poe while looking at him directly.

Poe blinked a few times. Then he started laughing. The great detective beat him again or so it seems. He couldn't even say how glad he was this time for his loss.

________________________________________________________________________________

Hmmmmmm~ some fluffy Ranpoe uwu It was really fun writing Poes inner thought so I hope you enjoyed it as well :D This one is for @Camehereforanime cause this amazing person wrote so many comments and is just perfect~

Though you all are also perfect uwu Thank you for commenting, voting and reading. Anyways! I shall carry on (my wayward son)!