[ it's simultaneously a good and a naive thing, atsushi's trusting nature. dazai is grateful for it where he himself is concerned, because the last thing he needs is a concerned subordinate digging around in his past. on the other hand, a man could worry about a kid so willing to overlook shadiness. .. on the other-other hand.. maybe dazai's just earned his place.. somehow. despite his suicide-seeking and weird behavior and mysterious past.

... ah. he really is a much cuter subordinate than his last one. ]

They'd snap, don't you think? I could be sent plunging down into this sea of trash. [ he considers that briefly, weighing the merits, before ultimately dismissing the idea. ] Let's climb a little further. [ as he.. slowly.. starts moving up.. ] Maybe we can find something better on the way up. [ a beat, holding up an index finger as if to pause the teen. ] And I'm only postponing it until we're in a better venue. This wouldn't make for a very nice obituary, you know.