Saya: I cannot believe I'm in my last year of high school. Not sure whether to cheer or cry. Anyway, here's the long-awaited chapter! Yay! Aren't you excited reader! Continue on!

Doodle, I love you! You're the best beta ever! Yayz! XD

Disclaimer: If I owned the series Durarara!, would I be making this fanfiction in the first place?

The Wheel of Fortune Turns For People Who Believe in Love

It took a week, but Celty and Shinra were happy to see their guest smiling. Mikado had grown familiar with Kishitani-sensei's apartment. Because he was a freeloader, he helped the couple with the cooking and cleaning when he wasn't doing homework. The two adults doted on him as if he was their teenaged son.

"How's school today, Mikado-kun?" Shinra asked, taking a piece of meat out of the sukiyaki.

"It was fine. Masaomi is the same pervert as ever," the boy said. "May I be excused from the–" A PDA screen appeared before his eyes.

[You need to eat, Mikado-kun. Shizuo told me that you don't eat too much! Look at your arms! They're so skinny!]

"But–"

"Celty is right! A growing boy like you needs some protein!"

"Okay…"

The boy was happy to have two sets of parents.

Although, there were certain things he missed doing at his old place. Like changing without anyone watching. Yes, Celty was headless, but that didn't help him change in front of a woman. The doctor offering him free dissections didn't help either. Plus…

"Ah, Shizuo-san."

The ex-bartender was escorting him to school and from work. Mikado tried turning him down, but it was of no use.

"Sorry. It's for your safety."

Was he in such danger of being beaten up or kidnapped? The adults thought so, and they were being lenient on the matter. Threats were not on the "Okay" list. Shizuo even had the Otaku gang watching the kid's back when he couldn't.

"If it's to protect Mikapuu, we'll do it!" Erika declared.

"You have our word, Shizuo."

"Thanks Kadota."

Tom was told of the situation.

"Wow," he said, rubbing his head. "You better protect him Shizuo. I'm worried that he might get killed."

Shizuo growled. "I won't let him."

Masaomi and Anri were careful not to upset Ikebukuro's God of Destruction (in a Bartender's Suit). Shizuo didn't mind Mikado's friend who was girl. He liked the fact she was quiet. He felt ashamed when he couldn't remember her name. Kida?

"Mikado! We should hit on some girls today!"

"Eh? Masaomi–"

"I bet the girls will eat you up if they see how deliciously cute you are!" In a swift motion, his hand on Mikado's…assets. Anri blushed, and looking to her side, noticed a missing adult. When she focused what was in front of her, she saw Kida falling to the ground. A red dot was on his forehead.

"Shi-Shizuo-san! Why did you do that!"

"Why do you let this idiot harass you?" The gartender, blushing, wanted to rip the teenager in half for that stupid move. He held himself back and flicked him with his finger. They were surprised to see Kida fall unconscious. Shizuo wanted to leave the kid lying on the sidewalk, but Mikado didn't want that. The Otaku gang picked up the unconscious teenager.

"Poor Kida-kun," Erika muttered. "What did he do to deserve that?"

Mikado had a brilliant blush on his face. Shizuo told them what happened. Erika's eyes sparkled again.

So Shizu-Shizu is the guardian and possessive type!

The daily life continued…

A pair of binoculars zoomed in on the raven-haired boy. Izaya lowered them, and a smile formed on his face. Everything was going according to his master plan. Except the boy's apartment burning down. The informant knew the Slashers were obsessed with that stupid ex-bartender, but he didn't expect how much they wanted him.

All the better though. If things kept going his way, then he'd have the one thing he wanted.

"Ne, Tom-san."

His sempai hummed in response.

"What kind of gift does Shizuo-san want?"

The debt collector looked at Mikado. With a sigh, he said, "Of all things, you should know this by now. How long have you've been working with us?"

Mikado tilted his head to the side.

"I think about six months."

They wouldn't be having this conversation if the ex-bartender was with them. Fortunately, he busied himself with some punks. Tom and Mikado continued to talk. He heard of the kid's current living situation. He wanted to give him some time off work, but Mikado was stubborn. Not that he wasn't used to stubbornness already.

"You had plenty of time to get to know Shizuo. Anyway, what's this about giving him a gift?"

"Well," Mikado began. "I wanted to thank him for taking care of me. Even when I didn't want to be a damsel-in-distress–"

Tom chuckled at the comment. The high schooler glared at him, but gave up and continued talking.

"I thought it'd be nice to give him something to show how grateful I am."

"You're so thoughtful." Tom grinned, ruffling the kid's hair. "All right, I'll help you. Either way, Shizuo will be happy with whatever you give him. But there is something that he wanted recently."

"Eh? What is it?" A sparkle appeared in the blue eyes.

"Shizuo, what's up? It's rare for you to call me in the morning."

"Tom-san." A little bit of silence followed. The man, who was awoken a few minutes ago, raised an eyebrow. Another minute passed, and he heard his kouhai's voice again.

"Can I talk to you about something?"

"Is it urgent?" He waited another minute before Shizuo spoke again. It was that urgent, since his friend was acting out of character. After their conversation ended, he got out of bed and dressed in casual clothing. No need for fancy suits. It was Sunday. Instructed by the ex-bartender, he waited at Ikebukuro West Gate Park. On time, the two greeted each other and decided to eat breakfast.

"So, what is it that you needed to tell me?"

"Um, Tom-san."

"Yes?"

Shizuo opened his mouth, and with hesitation, said, "I'm gay."

Ever since the kiss with Shizuo, it was hard to look at the man without recalling the incident. When Mikado was with Masaomi and Sonohara-san, it was different. He was relaxed and talking with his friends. When they were alone, it was unbearable. His face would heat up, and he ceased talking. He blamed it on the weather, but it was fall now. Of all people, he wanted to know why the ex-bartender kissed him. He had a theory that Shizuo liked him, but that was crazy.

For one thing, he was a teenager and Shizuo was what, in his twenties? Even the eight-year difference was weird. Second, they were both guys. He liked girls on his part. No, he wasn't doubting his sexual preferences. Besides, they were close friends.

Still, he didn't like the silence between them. Shizuo probably noticed, and didn't say a thing. When either of them tried to bring a conversation up, they'd end up stuttering or stop talking altogether.

Damn poor social skills.

However…

"Mikado."

"Yeah, Shizuo-san?"

It took a minute for the blond to reply again.

"About that kiss thing–"

Why that kiss incident? Mikado's cheeks and ears flared to a bright color. He braced his heart to hear the next words.

"I…didn't mean to."

Eh? The kid's eyes slightly widened at the revelation. Shizuo scratched his head, avoiding eye-contact with his shades.

Despite his liking for Mikado, he'd rather be a friend than a…potential boyfriend. He wanted to talk to his younger companion again. Even if it meant he had to lie about his sudden kiss. It was the best thing in his life, but probably not in Mikado's.

"Just seeing that flea do…that," he growled, keeping his anger under control. The blond sighed, and said, "I didn't think about your feelings. I'm sorry."

Shizuo waited, and heard the kid's response.

"I understand."

"So…no hard feelings?" Shizuo looked at Mikado and smiled. The teen returned it with a small smile, and all was well. Little did the ex-bartender knew, something sparked inside his younger companion's chest.

Why do I feel…disappointed?

"Celty?" A certain doctor called from the kitchen. He was busy making some fried rice in the kitchen. "Is Mikado-kun out?"

The headless woman nodded. It was nighttime, and the television was on. She pulled out her PDA, and typed out a message.

[Mikado-kun went out to see Shizuo at the park. He seemed to be in a hurry.]

"Eh?" Shinra's glasses almost slipped off his nose. Propping them again, he turned the stove off as he and his mouth motored off towards Celty. "I thought Mikado was avoiding Shizuo like he had a disease."

[I thought so too, until today.]

"Guess they made up," he said, sitting next to his love. "And I was ready to show off my cooking skills to Mikado-kun again."

Beep, beep, beep.

"What was that?" asked Shinra.

[The chatroom.] Celty got off her seat from the couch, rushing towards the computer. She opened it, and clicked on the Internet symbol. She logged into the chatroom, and found many posts by different users. All by the name Saika.

Shinra appeared behind her, reading the messages. As he processed them in his head, Celty bolted out of her seat and ended up knocking him down. She left the apartment in a flash. Shinra fixed his glasses, quickly seating on the chair.

"What's the meaning of this?" He asked to no one in particular. In the chatroom, the following posts were online.

Saika: Today…

Saika: Mother

Saika: Mother

Saika: Mother shall be with

Saika: Heiwajima Shizuo

Saika: Heiwajima Shizuo

Saika: Heiwajima Shizuo

Saika: We shall be one with Heiwajima Shizuo

Saika: We love you Heiwajima Shizuo

Saika: Kill

Saika: Slash

Saika: Cut

Saika: Ryuugamine Mikado

Saika: He's in our way

Saika: Our way of love

Saika: Cut him

Saika: Ryuugamine Mikado

"You're…gay?"

Shizuo looked ashamed. Tom realized that his voice came out wrong. He apologized, and his kouhai accepted it. Tom wasn't expecting this new information at all. He knew the blond for several years, and thought he was totally straight.

Not anymore.

The two were in one of the private booths at Russia Sushi. Shizuo wasn't up for anything sweet, another surprise to Tom. They started off with a special set. Once Simon was out of their sight, they began talking.

"So…who's the lucky man?" asked Tom. He didn't mean to push the ex-bartender away. It took a few minutes before he heard an answer.

"Mikado."

…

"Eh?"

Tom's eyes were wide as their plates. Shizuo's cheeks–no, his whole face was red. He was expecting someone else they knew, but God forbid it was Izaya. They hate each other. That would also prove Karisawa-san correct. Receding back to his mind, he thought that it took a lot of courage for his friend to admit his secret.

"Shizuo," he called out. "Please don't do anything illegal."

Shizuo wasn't red anymore, but slightly peeved. "I'm not going to be a pedophile Tom-san. I only kissed him."

…

Tom never felt the strong urge to palm his face. Getting into "Mother-Hen" mode, he told Shizuo that kissing Mikado wasn't good.

"You might have revealed your crush to him."

"Sorry."

"It's going to be so awkward working with you two until you explain why you kissed him."

"That's because that shitty flea kissed him on the cheek."

"I swear, you and Orihara-san are like little kids. Look, Mikado is not a toy. He has feelings too. And by you kissing him, he's going to be conflicted. Remember when you told me that he was rejected by his crush right? It only adds more stress."

Shizuo felt shitty. He didn't read the situation until now. He ruffled his hair in frustration and slammed his forehead on the table. Tom patted his friend's head. Many thoughts raced through the gartender's mind.

All he wanted was to cherish Mikado dearly. Not screw his mind up. Why was love so complicated?

"I'm doing the best I can. I want to show him that I like him. Even if it's bad 'cause he's a teenager, I still want him to know."

"But…"

Shizuo looked at his friend.

"Love doesn't have be through touch," said Tom. A beam of hope glistened in the brown eyes. The older man smiled, happy to see Shizuo reconnecting with his own feelings. All the blond needed was someone to guide him to reveal more of those hidden emotions.

"Tom-san, I'm scared. What if I can't control this feeling?" Shizuo asked quietly. "Am I going to scare him away?"

"Mikado, what did you need to tell me?"

It was at night when they met in the park. They were in casual clothing, but Shizuo noticed Mikado's clothes were a bit nicer than he had regularly. He watched the kid with observing eyes. The kid looked down at his feet before making eye-contact. His grip tightened on the bag he was holding. An eyebrow rose in curiosity.

"I…I wanted to give Shizuo-san something."

The adult blushed, but the kid didn't see it and continued talking.

"It's a thank-you present. For taking care of me these past months." Small arms stretched out to the gartender, and in his hands, was a pack of cigarettes. The gartender's eyes widened. It was Shizuo's favorite kind, as well as expensive. How did the boy buy them? He was underage!

"Tom-san bought the cigarettes with my money. Hope you like it."

Shizuo, with a small blush, reached for his present. He was happy, and it showed through his smile. "Thanks Mikado. These are my favorite kind."

"Really?"

The high schooler was glad to hear the ex-bartender's words. He thought that he might have been scolded for picking an expensive brand. He wasn't, and his heart skipped a beat. His taller friend was smiling. Between the two of them, Mikado was used to those rare smiles. Today, it was different. He could see it in the man's eyes, but not explain what it was. Time stood still in that moment.

"Yes," Shizuo said, tucking his present under his arm. Tom's words echoed in his mind.

"The best thing you can do is embrace that feeling. No matter what, you're in control and direct it to whoever you want."

"I haven't been given such a nice gift for a long time."

Mikado didn't answer right away. He used the time to study Shizuo's face, especially the brown eyes. How much has their relationship changed in these months?

"Shizuo-san, I–"

Bwhoo!

Both males turned around, and saw Celty in the air. She skid across the pavement, a few inches away from them.

"Celty!"

"What are you–"

Bushes rustled near them. Soon, a mass of people circled the trio. They were chatting something inaudible, but grew louder within distance. Their words were directed towards Shizuo and Mikado.

"Heiwajima Shizuo."

"He's here."

"But that boy's next to him."

"Cut him."

"He's in our way."

Shizuo narrowed his eyebrows. Anger boiled at the bottom of his stomach. Those red eyes focused on him was annoying. One of these people must be the arsonist or the Slasher. The one who was trying to take Mikado's life. Apparently, it wasn't one, but many after the boy. No way they were getting their hands on him. Heiwajima Shizuo won't allow it.

"Celty."

The horsewoman acknowledged the man's call. She caught an expensive set of cigarettes. Shizuo nudged (actually pushed) Mikado to Celty, who caught the boy. They both watched the blonde man approach the mass of red-eyed people.

"All right!" He yelled at the top of his lungs. "Which one of you bastards burned my friend's home down?"

"I did."

"No, I did."

"It was me."

"Shut up!" Shizuo cracked his knuckles. "You know, if the criminal isn't going to reveal himself or herself, then I'll assume you all are the criminal. Prepare to meet my fists of justice!" The man launched himself towards the mass, beating them one by one. Celty and Mikado watched in awe as each fell, one by one, to Shizuo's strength.

Suddenly, an explosion went off in another section of the city. The Celtic fairy and high schooler looked at the direction. Shizuo stopped in his fight momentarily, throwing them off his back. He screamed, "Take Mikado with you, and go investigate it. I have this problem under control."

Celty nodded, snapping her fingers. Black shadow wrapped around Mikado's head, and became a helmet. Both seated themselves on the motorbike, and the Black Rider tossed something to Shizuo. It was a pair of black gloves.

[They can block any blade.] The man smiled, putting them on.

"Thanks."

With that, the two sped off. Mikado took one last look at Shizuo.

Be safe.

Once they were out of his sight, a huge smile decorated his face.

"Bring it."

The two arrived at the scene. Mikado couldn't believe what he saw. Three people were present. A teacher from their school. A young woman wearing a different school uniform. She had the red eyes as the Slashers. The last one he wasn't expecting at all. It was his friend. The one who he was in love with for months.

"Sonohara-san…"

She noticed their presence, but remained still.

"Sorry Ryuugamine-kun."

"Grah!" The mysterious Slasher charged for his friend.

"Sonohara-san!"

Cling!

Anri held her arm up, blocking the kitchen blade. It wasn't possible. The other girl backed away as his friend pulled something out of her arm. It was a katana. Her eyes opened, and they weren't brown anymore. They were the same as the other girl's. They were same as the other Slashers in Ikebukuro West Park.

Red.

"Why?"

Saya: Wow, my fingers hurt. I came back from camping, and it was freezing. Ah, time well spent with friends/classmates. Yay. See you guys later! Reviews are welcomed as always.