I personally hope that this chapter reveals a bit more on what is really happening with Izaya. XD And it features lovely Namie-san, our very own brother-complex! v I don't own anything but I wish I owned Namie's mini skirt+sexy legs combo so I could stare at her all day and not get sued for sexual harassment... I promise I am not some old geezer typing away in the basement!!

XXX

Get Close

XXX

He was cast in an eerie glow of faint blue.

The tapping of the keys became monotone to his own hearing and the clicking of the mouse added to the symphony that dulled his every sense. He hadn't left his home for three days and he hadn't stepped foot in Ikebukuro for over two weeks.

There were too many excuses and he fell for one every single time.

Izaya knew how un-Izaya-like this was but revelation hurt and he was human too.

He banned all thoughts Shizu-chan.

"Good afternoon, Namie-san." Izaya greeted from his seat, he didn't need to turn his head to know it was her. The familiar click of those heels was enough to identify her to the list of two that came in and out of his apartment; after all, the other person was him anyway.

She crossed her arms and scoffed at the sight.

The room was dark and the curtains were pulled shut, only the faint light from the hallway streamed in and it was only enough to cast a frail shadow of the man with the short ebony cut.

Namie sat down on a cream white chair across from the other and remarked unceremoniously. Her gaze was cool but her words were cutting across the short distance between the two. "I refuse to clean up when you rot in that chair."

He waved a hand in the air and returned the stare without an ounce of consideration of being even remotely reserved; after all he was never one to hold back. "I just need a break from real life."

Her eyes were cast down to examine her nails as her shoulders gave a shrug. "Since it has nothing to do with Seiji, I couldn't have cared less." Namie never bit back her tongue as she never tried to please and so she told him things as it was from her point of view. "But I am curious who have the power to have Shinjuku's information broker hiding at home like a frightened little puppy. That's all."

Menace flashed in those red eyes.

"What are you talking about? I'm not hiding from any—" His protest was cut off as she looked up evenly. She was pointing to his smooth black cell that rested at the edge of the table, neglected for days. The words fell between them and Izaya's blood ran cold.

"Your phone isn't even on."

He hadn't realized just how serious it was.

"I forgot."

It came out smooth enough but they both knew too clearly. It was an excuse, an excuse, an excuse, and nothing more.

"Whatever you say, Izaya-san." She stood up as she smoothed her short pencil skirt neatly against her thighs. Namie looked at her employer and she had to bit at her lips to stop a smirk from blossoming over. Because apart from Seiji, this was the next best thing. "I'm going to Ikebukuro to see Seiji and you, you need to get out of here."

Izaya didn't look up to see her off. The door clicked softly behind her and he was consumed by darkness, even his computer screen had darkened over. A shudder of a breath fell uneasily from his lips and he reached for his cell phone.

The sleek black felt smooth and cold in his palm, it was his lifeline and this time, he had done the impossible. He had cut himself off. All because of one man, a man that he didn't even love. The word brought a shudder to him and Izaya flipped it open with ease. Pressing the button, the machine was coming to life right within his hands.

The screen blinked blue and the wallpaper of his own face between his sisters came on.

Mairu had a toothy grin and Kururi looked stoic, eyes half lidded as though she would fall asleep anytime. And he, he himself was smirking, the usual glint of smugness was sparkling within his red orbs and everything felt all right again.

A message popped up, informing him of all the missed messages he had received and the number was almost astounding. He scrolled through the list as he leaned back into his chair.

And then a soft beep sounded out as his phone received another new message.

Izaya's fingers trembled at the name of the sender.

000

Incoming message!

Accept.
Deny.

Sender: Shizu-chan

Topic: …

Message: Pick up your phone or I am coming to Shinjuku.

XXX Kuro

I should make a point: as much as I live in the 21st century, I never texted in my life... OTL I put modern technology to shame!!