Welcome back, everyone! This is the third installment of Arlua's story, and takes place roughly eight years after the end of Attenuation.

So for this story I've decided everyone needs set birthdays. Arlua's is Feb. 28, Tania's is May 3, Supai's is March 7, Malcolm's was Dec. 6, Rimiko's is Oct. 8.

Disclaimer: I own only my OCs, just like in all my previous works.

Shizuo sighed heavily.

"Ani, is this really necessary?" he asked. His wife frowned at him, and he hurriedly amended his statement. "I mean, a small family party is one thing…but will her classmates' parents really let them come to her party? You've told me yourself that she hardly has any friends." Tania allowed herself a grin, which had become more frequent in the years since their marriage, even as Shizuo's rampages had decreased. He still lost control when his wife and/or daughter weren't around, or when someone was treating them in a way that he didn't approve of, but with Arlua keeping Izaya on a short leash when the informant wasn't working, Shizuo's outbursts had faded to a handful every month, instead of a daily occurrence. Still, the parents of the children in his daughter's class would doubtless remember how life in Ikebukuro had been just eight years ago.

"That's why Arlua is officially hosting the party, Zuo," Tania replied patiently. "To encourage the parents to put aside past fears." The strongest man in Ikebukuro sighed.

"Yes, but…"

"Well, you do always dress as a bartender," she pointed out.

"But…"

"I'll be right there with you, my love," she assured him. "I won't let you throw any of her friends' parents."

"But why do I have to mix drinks for them, and why does Arlua had a home bar?" the blond man demanded. Tania hid a smile and patted his arm.

"Because it's a good way to get the parents to meet you and maybe allow their children to hang out with our daughter," she reminded him. "I explained this when you agreed to it." He sighed again.

"I know…but why does she have a home bar?" he repeated his second question, knowing that his wife wouldn't relent on his role in the event scheduled to take place that afternoon. She shrugged.

"Who knows? Maybe she and the flea had it put in just to give me the idea of asking you to mix drinks," Tania answered dismissively. "Anyway, it'll all be non-alcoholic, since it's a kids' party."

Shizuo shook his head.

"The flea would do it, too," he sighed. He was prevented from saying anything else by the arrival of the guest of honor for the day's festivities. Rimiko Heiwajima, who had just turned seven years old, dashed into the kitchen and launched herself at her father. Her long, pale brown hair, which had bordered on blond when she was younger, streamed out behind her as she ran and jumped. Her father grinned and caught her, lifting her up and spinning her around as she laughed, delighted with his attention and the ease with which he lifted her. Her caramel eyes danced as she beamed down at him.

"Morning Daddy!" she giggled. He beamed back and brought her down to cuddle her against his chest.

"Good morning, Rimi-chan," he replied cheerfully. "Ready for your party?" Tania smiled softly at the pair as Rimiko nodded vigorously.

"I wanna see Auntie Lu!" she exclaimed. "And Uncle Kas and Uncle Sup, and my friends!" Then her smile faded and she made a face. "Daddy, will Flea be there?" she asked. Her father glanced at his wife.

"Probably, if only to keep an eye on Arlua," Tania answered. "But don't worry, sweetie. He won't bother you or your father. Or anyone else unless he wants to face Arlua's wrath," she added thoughtfully. Rimiko grinned.

"Will Auntie Lu smack Flea again?" the little girl inquired eagerly. One of her earliest memories was Arlua babysitting her while her parents worked, and Izaya making some comment about her that she hadn't understood at the time, only for Arlua to swat him upside the head. Since then, Rimiko was always eager to see the man she resolutely called Flea – or Maggot, when her 'Uncle Sup' (Supai Orihara) was around – whacked by the woman he loved.