The Fall of Izaya Orihara

Chapter 34

Izaya's POV

When I woke up again, it was late afternoon. The sun trickled in through my windows, casting long shadows on the floor. I sat up, stretching and yawning widely. I rubbed my eyes before taking a glance around my room. The room was vacant other than my own presence, the ex-bartender nowhere to be seen. I got up quietly, feeling a bit uneasy waking up without him. I discovered a note on the coffee table when I reached the living room, obviously Shizu-chan's messy scrawl.
'Going to work for a bit, Tom needs me. Will be back with dinner later tonight.' I shot a glance at the clock, reading 5:33 P.M.
I sighed, not really wanting to be alone. So I threw on my coat and shoes, having slept in my usual outfit anyways. I felt around, making sure the knives in my pockets were still intact, before making my way out the door.

It wasn't long before I reached Ikebukuro, the sun dancing on the horizon, setting the sky ablaze. It was a beautiful sight, the orange hue reminding me of my monsters eyes in the sunlight. I faint blush painted my cheeks, and I shook my head to clear it, having work to do.
I met with a couple clients, things going smoothly. Suddenly my main phone buzzed in my pocket, and I quickly answered. I smiled when I heard the voice on the other end, "Ah, Shizu-chan! Sorry to keep you waiting if you're already back at my place! I have a few more clients to take care of, then I'll be there."
"I was about to start heading there actually, I'm still in Ikebukuro. What did you want for dinner? I can help you with the last of your clients and we can go out to eat?"
"Russia Sushi sounds good, and sure, you can help. Just try not to scare off my clients." I giggled, before giving him a meeting place.
"Alright, I'll be there soon." He mumbled, and quickly said, "Love you" before hanging up.
I couldn't help but blush at that, a smile on my face and a skip in my step as I made my way to our meeting spot.

After about 10 minutes, I saw the familiar blond mop of hair coming towards me. I skipped over to him, smiling. "Come on, Shizu-chan! I have clients waiting!" I announced before taking his hand in mine.
After what felt like an eternity, we met with my last client. A bad feeling settling in my gut as I laid my eyes on him. It was him. The same man who nearly killed me only a few months prior, leaving me to die with a knife in my side. I felt my eyes darken and I paused, pulling Shizuo with me to hide for a moment so we could talk.

"That weakling is the one?" He mumbled, peeking out to take another glance at the man in question. I nodded, sighing heavily. "I wasn't prepared, and he wasn't alone. I don't even know his real name, as he used a different name last time and now. He isn't the first client to try his hand at killing me, and probably won't be the last." Shizuo bristled, like an angry dog ready to protect it's owner. "I doubt he'll attack when he sees you with me, you have quite the reputation after all. Let's just approach him and see what he does. Don't chase him." He gave a small nod, however his eyes burned with rage at the man who nearly killed me. We approached the man, and I could see whatever confidence he had in attempting to kill me a second time fading. A few more steps forward and he began to run, nearly tripping over himself in his haste. No one followed after him this time, he was working alone this time I assume. I scowled at the thought, did he really believe he could have done what he did last time alone?
"See, he's afraid of you, Shizu-chan! No need to fight." Shizuo frowned at that, clearly not enjoying his reputation of being scary. I gave him a gentle nudge, "Come on, let's go eat."
He nodded, and turning to follow me. I gave him a playful smirk, "Race ya there!" He looked at me in slight surprise, before smirking back, "I won't lose that easily, Flea!"

And just like that, we were off, racing through the streets of Ikebukuro. I took to the rooftops, easily hopping from one building to the next. Meanwhile, Shizuo followed from below, not able to match my speed.
Just as we were nearing the restaurant, I paused.  I then leaped off the building and onto Shizu-chan's shoulders, laughing like an idiot. Shizuo, clearly caught off guard by this, stumbled before regaining his balance. He laughed as I jumped off of him, reaching the entrance to the restaurant at breakneck speed.
The protozoan reached the entrance not long after, panting heavily, while I barely broke a sweat. I gave him a moment to catch his breath, before we entered Russia sushi, hand in hand.

We sat down, ordering our food from the tall Russian quickly.
"Damn, you're fast flea..." Shizuo muttered with a smile, rubbing his callused thumb against my knuckles. I smiled in return, nodding, "I'm all recovered! I even went easy on you this time." Shizuo shook his head with an exaggerated sigh, "And you call me a monster...All I have is strength, but you have brains and speed!"
I gasped, feigning hurt, "How dare you compare me to you!" Before giggling loudly, smiling widely at him. Pink spread across the brute's cheeks as he continued to rub circles in my hand. "Has anyone ever told you that you have the most amazing laugh and smile when you're not faking it?" He asked, staring at me lovingly. My face grew hot, and I laid my head down on the table, not knowing how to respond to that.

Lucky for me, Simon arrived with our food, setting the plates down on our table. We conversed in Russian for a moment, before he left to let Shizu-chan and I eat.
I hummed in pleasure as the delicious flavor of the sushi coated my tongue. It doesn't get any better than this! Shizuo wordlessly ate his own food, his usual scowl replaced with a small smile. I didn't pay the glaring eyes any mind this time, not caring what they thought about the two strongest men in Ikebukuro dating. All my anxiety and embarrassment from our last date had faded, and I was just happy and comfortable, all thanks the the man in front of me.

We finished eating, and began to head home. Hand in hand as we walked through the city streets. My eyes caught on the familiar playground, the same one I had been to just a few hours prior. I dragged Shizuo to it, grinning as we reached it. The blond looked at me in surprise as I let go of his warm hand, heading to the swings. He followed after me, sitting at the second of the two swings, I having already claimed the first. The sun had already set in the sky, leaving the playground dark except for the lights coming from nearby buildings. I kicked my legs, beginning to swing as I thought about everything that had happened in these past few months. I had shown Shizu-chan my darkest insecurities, the most hidden parts of myself, and secrets I never shared with anyone. All it took was me nearly dying to lead me down this path. Definitely not the best way to fix my relationship with my enemy, but I couldn't find myself wishing it happened any other way. 

Shizuo's POV

I watched as the flea swung higher and higher, looking as though he could touch the stars. A smile was painted on his beautiful face, and I couldn't help but feel my cheeks heat. Just as he reached the highest point the swing could carry him, he jumped. Flipping gracefully in the air, twisting like a figure skater doing an impressive trick. My breath caught in my throat, both fearful for his safety, and in awe at his grace. He landed on his feet, laughing gleefully, before letting himself fall back onto the mulch. I got off my swing, walking over to where he lay with a smile on his face. I chuckled at his childishness, picking him off of the ground and placing him on my back. He hooked his thin legs around my waist, his arms draping over my shoulders. "Let's go home." I mumbled, and he hummed into my hair, I could nearly feel him smiling.