Partially resolved
A/N:- Thanks for the reviews and onto the next chapter. Next one will be on valentines day and yep its soppy. Enjoy.
Shizuo snapped awake a small fist slamming into his nose again. Shaking his head the blond quietly slipped out of the bed before he could be hit again. The covers were askew barely staying on the bed. The led numbers showed that it was five in the morning. Leaving the restless sleeper alone, the blond went in search for his lover wondering where he had slept last night. There was a folded blanket on the end of the sofa but no sign of Izaya. On the table was the laptop and the driver's book.
Poking his head around the kitchen he couldn't see any sign of the flea. The bathroom door was open meaning it was empty. Taking the stairs he checked Emi's room and the bathroom seeing they were all clear. That left the office. The door was slightly ajar. Pushing the door open Shizuo leaned against the door frame watching as his lover typed completely focused.
It gave him time to look around the room. The window was still clear, the wallpaper a mix of white, red, black and gold to match the Valkyrie canvas that hung below the window. It was the only place not covered in computer towers or filing cabinets. He didn't know what was in them but maybe if he was lucky it would be bank statements and receipts from when Izaya brought the ring.
Which gave him another question he had been thinking about. When had Izaya brought the ring? How far had he planned ahead. "You're up early." Izaya stopped what he was doing looking up.
"Good morning, Shizu-chan. Couldn't sleep, the sofa isn't very comfortable. Can we ground her? I'm joking. What are you doing up so early?" Walking further into the room the blond stretched covering a yawn.
"I was getting beaten up." Shizuo sighed.
Izaya laughed. "Our little restless princess strikes again. I wonder where she gets that from."
"Well it's not from me. Probably you and your cold feet. Do you want a coffee?"
"I do not have cold feet. Yes thanks." Shizuo shrugged leaving the room. He was awake now so he might as well get an early start. Besides he was hungry and there were some tempting treats in the fridge.
x-x-x
"Mm, thanks." Izaya took the mug. Shizuo paused gaze narrowing on his lover's face.
"Are you actually wearing your glasses?"
"Hm? Yeah. It's not like I need them." The blond stared at the thin black frames.
"So they're a fashion statement?" Placing his hot chocolate on the desk, Shizuo leaned over snatching them away sliding them onto his nose. "You don't need these? I can't see anything through these. For someone so sharp, you're blind."
The flea scowled leaning closer. "Maybe you're right. I can't see anything like this. Can you come closer?" Shizuo slowly lifted the glasses up giving Izaya a doubtful look. "Please, Shizu-chan?" Damn.
With a sigh the blond moved closer skirting around the desk. "That better?"
"A bit closer you still look fuzzy. Maybe I should make another appointment." His lover muttered under his breath. Now he was worried.
"Wait. Your eye sight is really that bad?" Moving right next to Izaya he waved his hand in front of the raven's face. A second too late he caught that familiar smirk. Caught off guard the blond was pulled into Izaya's lap.
"No. It's 20/20. It's dangerous to be so gullible protozoan." Shizuo took off the glasses handing them back. He didn't see what was so bad about straddling his lover's lap. "You're too trusting." The blond flinched hearing similar words from what Vorona had said.
Slim arms wrapped around his waist pulling him closer his knees resting on the expensive leather hands on the top of the chair. "My offer from last night is still open."
"I can handle my own problems."
"I know. Doesn't hurt to ask. So what should we do now? Emi is asleep." One hand dropped from his waist. Suspiciously he followed its movements watching as Izaya reached under the chair. The thing jolted sliding lower, the back tilting slightly.
"Since I have extra time..." He could see Izaya's face light up. "I'm going to take a bath."
"Seriously?" His lover groaned rocking forward underneath him. "Unpredictable as always. It's just you and me. The door has a lock."
"I said not when Emi is the house. Wait until Sunday." Carefully he got down from the chair.
"That's ages away. What's the chances of her running in? It will be fine."
Shizuo scoffed shaking his head. "You mean like she snuck up on us last night whilst you were trying to seduce me?" Taking another step back the mug was held in his hands and he was far enough away from his sexually frustrated lover.
The raven gasped in shock. "I wasn't trying to seduce you. I was comforting."
"That's the same thing to you." Shizuo sighed leaning against one of the cabinets.
"No it's not." Izaya argued back.
"I'm not that stupid, flea. Any time anything happens it goes in your favour and we end up in bed together."
"Technically we're in bed together every night. I believe the term you're looking for is sex." Izaya pointed out with a grin. "Come on. Once a week isn't enough."
"One day a week and almost every time you go overboard. It's not my fault your libido hasn't diminished."
"It's your fault that I'm not satisfied. Are you that worried about Emi walking in on us doing it?" Shizuo shuddered putting his mug down.
"Emi is too curious. Besides me and Kasuka accidentally walked in on our parents when we were kids." The very memory made him shudder. Izaya leaned forward eyes gleaming.
"I didn't know that. I walked in on mine when I was a child too."
Shizuo sighed. "Oh. Did it mentally scar you too?"
"It wasn't an accident. My room was next to theirs and I could hear perfectly through the walls. I thought I'd see what they were doing."
"You are one creepy bastard." The blond muttered. Though a smile was brought to his lips at the thought of what Kyouko would have done to a young Izaya.
"Language there protozoan. Anyway you were the one that married this creepy bastard, though technically my parents were married when I was conceived."
"Smart ass." Was his retort.
"Why thank you, I love it when you compliment my body. You should know though, it's the brain that is smart." Shizuo deflated knowing Izaya was in one of his childish moods.
"Mama!" He heard her voice before seeing her. Emi rushed into the room slamming into his leg and refusing to let go. "Can I go to a sleepover with Aiko?"
"Yes!" Shizuo glared at Izaya who was throwing his hands up in the air whilst the chair spun around and around. The raven's thoughts were transparent.
"Where has this come from? Did Aiko say something yesterday?"
"No. Celty sent mama a message." The chair stopped spinning, Izaya placing a hand over his mouth.
"Ooh. You stole your mummy's phone. Naughty girl." Emi shook her head holding it out.
"It was on the table. It woke me up." Shizuo raised an eyebrow knowing that he had put his phone on silent. Taking the phone he read the message.
Does Emi want to sleepover tonight?
"It's a school night."
"Please?"
"I'll think about it. What do you want for breakfast?" His daughter pouted folding her arms. "Pancakes? Cereal?" He didn't get an answer, Emi running around the desk.
"Dada, can I go?" Shizuo folded his arms raising a brow. He was still in the damn room. Izaya caught his look chuckling sheepishly.
"I think you should wait until your mummy has made his decision."
"But you said to ask you if mama says no."
"Does he now? Then your father can decide and you can make her breakfast." Shizuo took his mug keeping a look of indifference on his face.
"Shizu-chan!" He was already gone, vanishing into the bathroom ignoring Izaya's voice as he called after him repeatedly knocking on the door. If his lover thought he was pissed off then he would be left alone to enjoy a hot soak. Besides it was a good lesson letting the raven think he was angry, maybe then he would think twice before letting their daughter get her own way.
x-x-x
What met him when he emerged from the bathroom in a short shirt and dark jeans was a very apologetic looking flea and a messy breakfast. "Sorry mama." Emi stood beside the plate head bowed clutching her hands together. "I made you breakfast."
"Thank you, sweetie." Sweeping her from her feet Shizuo held her in his arms and placed a soft kiss against her forehead. "Do you really want to stay over?" Emi nodded enthusiastically. He knew what Celty was thinking. Kenta was up all night crying. If Emi saw what it was like then maybe the subject of a little brother or sister wouldn't pop up. As it was he was hoping she would forget about the idea of a pet. "Okay. You can. Now go and get your clothes."
Small arms wrapped around his neck squeezing tightly. "Thank you. I love you mama." Setting her down she was off up the stairs. Shizuo sat down on the sofa not yet looking at his lover. Unable to keep it up any longer the blond smiled picking up the plate with his chocolate covered hot cakes.
"...you weren't really angry, were you?" Izaya asked shifting closer.
"Nope. I knew she went to you every time. What do you think she does when you say no?" Shizuo muttered taking a bite.
"She asks you? Wait you mean she plays us off against each other?"
"Yeah. Remind you of anyone?"
"Clever girl." The blond groaned gently whacking the raven's arm. "Ouch. That hurts." His lover whined rubbing at his shoulder. "Kiss it better." He didn't know why he bothered worrying. "So we have the house all to ourselves tonight..."
"I have work." Shizuo shot down Izaya's hopes for a night of passion. His lover though wouldn't be dissuaded taking another route to get what he wanted. Curiosity peaked the blond glanced at the phone in the raven's sly hand. Shiki. That's the name that flashed on the caller ID.
"Shiki-san, good morning...yes I have the information you requested...same as usual?" Shizuo slid further away feeling the intensity of Izaya's gaze. "Actually I want something other than payment this time. Could you give Shizu-chan the night off?"
Glaring at his crafty lover, Shizuo munched bitterly on his hot cakes glaring at the phone. "That's acceptable. Until next time, Shiki-san." The call ended the raven smirking at him. "Now we have the night all to ourselves. I have to get to work." His lover was smiling from ear to ear kissing his cheek before vaulting over the back of the sofa with a skip in his step as he practically danced to the front door.
x-x-x
"Mama! Can you do my hair?" Emi ran up to him holding her white and pink hairbrush. "I want it pretty today." Shizuo shifted back on the sofa so she could sit in front of his legs.
"Your hair is always pretty. Do you want plaits?" Shizuo asked trying to remember girls' hairstyles he had seen.
"No. I want it like waves." His daughter looked up at him expectantly. Shizuo ran her hair though his fingers.
"I need lots of small bands." He had an idea of how to do it but it wouldn't last long. "Can you go and get them?" Putting the brush on the table the blond watched his daughter zip up the stairs to grab the hair bands.
Moments later she was back clutching a large plastic pot where all of her hair accessories were kept. "Here mama." With Emi sitting by his legs, Shizuo grabbed the brush passing it through her long hair. When he was done he began separating thick chunks smoothing them out to braid. "Mama, I didn't want braids."
"This is the quickest way. Hold still." Being as gentle as possible he had his fingers full trying to remember the pattern. "Cross that one. Cross that one. Now this one." Step by step he took his time trying to get it right. "Pass me a band."
x-x-x
The result was a head full of mousy brown slightly wavy hair with a small braid put together from the front strands. Emi seemed to like it twirling around like a princess in her cream dress and slightly lighter tights.
Checking his phone he knew it was time to leave. "Go and put your shoes on." His daughter was still spinning. Probably another habit inherited from Izaya. "Emi. It's time to go."
Shizuo grabbed his coat throwing it on and grabbing the red school bag. His daughter was sitting by the door pulling on her shoes. Taking his coat from the hook the blond held it out. "Thanks mama."
x-x-x
Shizuo blinked caught in a hug. Standing there awkwardly he waited until she released him quickly typing. Are you okay? What happened yesterday? Celty was panicking for him worry clouding her eyes.
"I'll tell you later." He was already dreading reaching the school. What had happened after they had left he had no idea. Shizuo sighed trying to keep it from his thoughts. That though was easier planned than done. The other parents would know what had happened and their children would turn against his daughter. The teacher might have told the principal and Emi would be expelled.
A hand rested on his shoulder squeezing gently. It will be okay. Here. Shizuo took the offered chocolate bar slipping it into his pocket for later. Celty was comforting him with no idea what Izaya had done. In front of them the two girls were holding hands full of smiles. He hoped their smiles never faded.
x-x-x
Shizuo stood nervously at the gate trying to hide his feelings. There was no sign of any teachers or angry parents. "Mama, I'm going now." Emi held her hands up wanting a hug.
"Emi. If anything happens, I want you to tell me, okay?"
"Yes mama. I won't say anything about dada being scary." Taking a step back he stood with Celty watching Emi rush off school bag bouncing behind her fingers crossed that their wouldn't be any trouble.
x-x-x
Ouch. He didn't hold back. Shizuo nodded slumping in his seat nursing his hot chocolate. Today he had ordered a vanilla danish with not much of an appetite.
"No. He didn't." The blond agreed slowly stirring his drink. "I'm worried about what this means for Emi. The flea went too far."
But he did it for you? Celty typed a small smile on her lips.
"So he says. Thanks for offering to take Emi for the night."
His best friend smiled. It's actually you doing me a favour. Aiko has become attention seeking lately. With Shinra and Aiko clinging to me, I'm struggling to take care of Kenta.
"Emi couldn't be happier." Shizuo sighed. "Izaya too." He added wondering how he was going to get out of tonight. It wasn't like he wanted to disappoint the flea... "It feels like we were closer before we got married." Maybe it was just him, now that he had everything he wanted it felt like the spark had gone.
Celty tilted her head before picking up her phone again and typing. It's not just you. Shinra and I have our problems. Did you know Izaya and Shinra confide in each other like we do?
"I doubt that. It would be Shinra harping on about how much he loves you and Izaya would...No, I can't imagine it. Do they really?" He asked in confusion. Celty was smiling taking a bite of her mandarin cheesecake.
Yeah. Aiko overheard them talking. Shinra is the only one Izaya considers a friend. His friend blushed looking guilty. I may have took a sneak peak at his phone. It was only for safety reasons in case he was doing anything dangerous. Ahdksjfi. Shizuo took the phone away gently plucking it from her trembling fingers.
x-x-x
Nothing was perfect. Shizuo knew that even though he watched those around him strive to be. Every relationship had holes, each person had flaws. Fear, self hatred, insecurity. Small cracks that unless acknowledged would grow and splinter. Even if everything looked okay on the surface, every couple had their own problems. He wasn't the only one suffering, he wasn't the only one with issues. Glancing down at his finger the blond opened the door to his lover's office.
With only a few weeks until their first anniversary he needed to get his ring fixed. Shizuo went straight to the computer pressing the button. Izaya's trust was evident when the desktop screen popped up without a password prompt. Skimming his gaze over the folders his hand guided the mouse over to the file with his name. "The flea still writes these?" He murmured opening the word document.
January 28th. My Shizu-chan's birthday. This year I thought we could finally celebrate it together. I'm glad I didn't go through with Shinra's idea to throw a surprise party. Shizu-chan wasn't ready to celebrate the anniversary of his birth. The good news is that he'll try next year.
Shizuo leaned back against the chair cursing as he read over the typed words. The rest wasn't much. Basic updates on him and Emi, nothing on flea himself. Closing the document Shizuo skimmed the rest of the files. He was a little concerned that there were files for every one. Still the urge to see more of what the raven thought about him was too strong driving him to click another document.
I'm not one for language but this time I fucked up. Rash and tactless, I admit I may have lost control. Shizu-chan was pretty mad so yeah I thought we would be heading for another dangerous argument. Seeing how scared Emi was...I regret it. I should have asked for the two of them to leave the room. Don't get me wrong one of my precious humans went too far and needed to be put in their place.
Shizuo shook his head with a sigh closing the page without finishing. He knew the only thing Izaya felt bad about was his and Emi's reaction. Opening the next document his hand froze.
Shizu-chan doesn't know yet. I haven't told him, I'm not even sure if he'll understand when I eventually tell him. Knowing the protozoan he'll take it badly and think it's his fault. I guess that's why I'm so hesitant on sharing the information with him. I've made sure she won't say anything either.
Shizuo blinked staring at the screen. That was the only thing that was written. Letting go of the mouse he slumped in the chair rereading what he had discovered. Izaya was keeping something from him and who was this woman mentioned? It was something he shouldn't have seen. Closing the computer down Shizuo left the room disheartened and full of growing suspicion. Pulling off the ring wrapper his wedding ring split in half falling to the floor.
x-x-x
Tossing the book to one side Shizuo looked at his phone seeing that an hour had passed. His broken ring was on the table still in pieces. Taking a deep breath the blond decided to confront the issue. Instead of calling Izaya's mobile, the blond called the office.
Good morning. This is The Great Orihara Industry, Kamichika Rio speaking. How may I help? Shizuo grit his teeth denying the small spark of jealousy bursting into flame inside him.
"Can I speak to Izaya?" He asked trying not think of the woman sitting at his old desk spending all day alone in a room with the flea.
Can I ask who's calling? Orihara-san has instructed me not to pass any calls through.
"Tell him it's his lover." There was a long pause on the other end.
Nakura, there's a man on the phone claiming to be your lover. Who the hell was Nakura? My lover? Oh, Shizu-chan. Why didn't he call my mobile? Rio-chan, you did remember to put the call on hold? Shizuo shook his head hanging up. The woman sounded young and they sounded close.
Switching off his phone the blond returned to the office looking over the filing cabinets. Tugging the handle he met resistance. A bit harder and the drawer slid open though the lock was now broken. It was the newest one which meant the most recent documents would be kept in there.
Flicking through he found employee records, letters, bank statements, receipts and bills. Pulling out the pile Shizuo sifted through them. There was a receipt from the opticians, one for two tailored suits, one for all of the Christmas presents the flea had brought and a hospital bill dated a week ago.
Why had Izaya been in hospital and for how long? He hadn't noticed anything different. His lover had been home the same time everyday. Was this Izaya's secret? The worst ran through his mind. Dumping everything back in the blond slammed the drawer closed, the metal clang ringing in his ears. Maybe he had bitten off more than he could chew. The only thing his short investigation had rewarded him was more questions and a deeper worry that something was wrong with his lover.
x-x-x
Three o'clock and he was standing outside the school gate watching as groups of children walked past him going to their parents. Shizuo leaned against the thick stone pillar waiting for his daughter. When she came out she wasn't alone. A tap on the shoulder made him flinch. Shizuo relaxed immediately seeing that it was Celty. "Hey." Shrugging off the small rucksack he handed it over to his friend. "Emi's clothes for tomorrow." Turning back he saw that his daughter and the teacher had gotten closer.
"Shit." The blond cursed averting his gaze at the disapproving look one of the other parents gave him covering their child's ears.
"Mama." His daughter waved with a small smile on her face. Shizuo smiled warmly but his eyes were cold fixed on the woman that Izaya had threatened. She didn't look angry or happy. "Mama!" Emi ran into him giving him a hug.
"Orihara-san may I have a word?" Well that didn't sound good. For now he looked past the woman seeing Aiko rushing towards the gate.
"Emi, you'll be going with Celty today. I've already given her your change of clothes. Make sure you're a good girl, okay?" His daughter blinked looking at him and then the teacher. "See you after school tomorrow."
"Yes mama." Shizuo crouched down giving her a hug. Glancing up he could see Celty holding out her phone.
Are you sure you'll be okay with her? Releasing his daughter the blond stood patting his friend on the shoulder.
"Yeah. Let me know if she causes any trouble." Celty and the two girls walked away from the school gate, Emi and Aiko already holding hands as they skipped together.
"Orihara-san?" Shizuo turned his attention back to the teacher. He couldn't remember what the woman's name was. "Could we talk in private?" With a small nod the blond followed after the woman heading away from the other parents and into the school.
This time he was without Izaya so everything should go a lot smoother than it had at parents evening. It wasn't long before he was standing outside the same classroom, the only difference was the absence of the chairs outside.
"I believe we may have got off on the wrong foot. I wanted to apologise for my insensitivity. It was unprofessional of me."
Shizuo shrugged. "You're not the first and you won't be the last. As long as you don't poison my daughter there's no problem. My lover was out of line with what he said. You are my daughter's teacher and the only thing that matters is her education."
"I understand Orihara-san. There won't be any more problems. Your...lover was right in what he said. Is he a police officer or something?" Shizuo smiled nervously.
"Or something." At least there hadn't been any damage. It looked like everything would be okay. One of the biggest problems in his life was fixed.
x-x-x
When he returned home empty handed, Izaya was already there in the kitchen. Shizuo sighed running a hand through his hair. He had been hoping that his lover wouldn't be home. It was cruel but the plan had been to make dinner and take a couple of sleeping pills. He was in no mood to unlock another secret harmful to his mental state. For now he would have faith in the man he married. "I'm back." He called loud enough for the raven to hear as he toed of his boots. Shrugging off his coat he heard a voice behind him.
"Shizu-chan. Welcome home. I thought I'd leave work early." Turning around slowly the blond covered his amusement seeing Izaya in an apron over his suit. "You let Emi sleep over then?"
"Yeah, she went with Celty. Are you sure it was okay to leave?"
"Like I keep saying, it's my company. I called you earlier. It went to voice mail. Did you turn your phone off?" Shizuo shrugged heading for the bedroom.
"The battery died." He simply responded. The flea looked at him with a narrow gaze. "I should put it on charge."
"Oh. Did you call into the office today? I had my mobile on me. Why didn't you call me on that?" Shizuo opened the bedroom door slightly leaving enough room for him to toss his phone on the bed without being seen.
"Hm? Oh yeah I did call. I wanted to let you know we would be on our own tonight. I think I spoke to your secretary. There was no background music so I thought she had cut me off. I would have called back but my phone went dead." His hands were deep in his pockets nails digging into his palm. Too late he remembered about the healing wound.
At least for now Izaya seemed satisfied with his answer. "Make sure you charge it. Dinner should be ready in ten minutes." Shizuo nodded in acknowledgement even though he didn't care. "Shizu-chan, everything okay?"
"Mm." Slipping into the bedroom the blond closed the door dropping back on the soft mattress. Reaching underneath him he pulled his phone out and placed it on the bedside table plugging the cable in to at least give the illusion his phone had really died.
"You know Shiki-san couldn't get hold of you either." Shizuo blinked realising that it hadn't been just Izaya he had cut off. "Kururi went to see him today." Switching his phone back on the blond waited for the front screen to pop up showing him what he had missed. A missed call from Shiki, two from Izaya, one from Kururi and a text message.
"Ah." Opening the message a smile touched his lips. "She got the job. I'll be in charge of training her up." Izaya nodded saying nothing for once. "I should give her a call." Before the flea could utter a word of objection Shizuo went through the missed calls calling everyone back. He thought his lover would get bored and leave the room however that wasn't the case.
The edge of the bed dipped slightly as the raven took a seat resting an arm on his thigh. "Its times like this I hate technology, as useful as it is, it distracts my precious humans and now you." Izaya grumbled. Shizuo held the phone away to reply when his screen flashed signalling another call. "Sorry Kururi, I have to go." Ending the current call and accepting the new one, Shizuo smiled his daughter's voice coming through loud and clear.
Noting the change in expression his lover perked up lazily dropping into his lap. "That's Emi, isn't it. I wanna talk to her." Shizuo held the phone firmly in his possession listening as his little girl went through what she was having for dinner. "Shizu-chaaan!" His lover whined. With a sigh the phone was put onto loud speaker where the two of them could talk to her all thoughts of anything else forgotten.
Next:- Valentines day
