"It took longer than I'd expect from you."
Shiki's voice is dry and Izaya knows he's disappointed with his work.
"There were extenuating circumstances. My apologies for the wait."
Izaya replies easily, bowing his head as he should. He'd finally tracked down the mole, it had been much easier once he could actually go into the city. Shiki eyed him for a long moment.
"Should I ask about these 'extenuating circumstances'?"
Izaya waved the question away easily.
"They've been dealt with and won't be a problem in the future. I will however reduce my price considering how long you had to wait."
He doesn't like to do it but keeping the Awakusu happy with his business is key. Shiki nods.
"That will be acceptable. It'll be wired to your account by the end of the week."
Izaya smiles.
"I'm sure. Will there be anything else, Shiki-san?"
"No, but I do recommend you keep the slip ups to a minimum."
It's a thinly veiled warning and Izaya nods reluctantly.
"Of course. Should I see you out?"
Shiki shakes his head and stands.
"No. See you around, informant."
Izaya waves Shiki out the door and sighs, frustrated and tense. Talking himself out of trouble wasn't all that difficult but the effort it took plus his stress over his meeting with Shizuo tomorrow has him frazzled. After the kiss he really didn't want to see Shizuo but he knows he can't put it off for too long. As much as he knows it would be easier to give in, let the bond fade away once it's happy, he hates even the thought of having his free will stolen away. He knows that Shizuo isn't a bad person, he's probably the best choice somebody like Izaya could really get, but he just can't let the bond win.
Shizuo has steadily began to earn his trust but there's still that resolve to resist, Shizuo has done a lot of things to hurt him and while Izaya may give as good as he got nothing Izaya has ever done really matches up to the emotional pain Shizuo has given him, and not just from when he discovered how to work the collar. As much as Izaya would never admit it Shizuo's initial rejection when they'd only exchanged a couple words had hurt. He hated the part of himself that cared about any of that.
His determination to give Shizuo a reason to hate him has started to waver lately and he can't stand it. He can't tell what thoughts and feelings are his own anymore and the thought frightens him. He wants to call Shinra, he misses their banter, but he can't because Shinra betrayed him. It's all such a mess and it makes something in his chest pull tight. Maybe... Maybe Shinra isn't the only one he could call though. He debates it for a long time before slowly pulling out his phone.
It doesn't have to be a serious conversation, he just wants somebody to talk to. He takes a deep breath and hits call before pressing it to his ear as the ringing begins.
Shizuo jolts awake to the sound of his phone ringing, he blinks as he searches for his phone, realizing he must have dozed off after getting home from work. He answers without checking caller id.
"Hello?"
He rubs at his face to try and wake himself up but Izaya's voice through the phone helps with that in an instant.
"Hello, Shizu-chan."
"Izaya, what do you need?"
It sounds more stand-offish than he means it too but he just woke up. Izaya just laughs lightly and the sound sends a shiver through Shizuo.
"Just wanted to make sure you didn't forget about tomorrow. I don't want you to be surprised when I show up to your apartment."
Shizuo sighs, rolling his eyes at the playful amusement in Izaya's voice.
"I didn't forget. We made the plans yesterday."
Which he doesn't want to talk about because the sight of Izaya at the edge of the roof was terrifying. The kiss though... but he's not thinking about that either.
"What's the real reason you called?"
He can hear what sounds like a sigh from the other end of the line.
"That would be telling wouldn't it~ I don't give away information for free you know."
It's starting to seem more and more like Izaya doesn't have an actual goal for this call and after a moment Shizuo grins, Izaya was lonely wasn't he.
"Let me guess, you got tired of sulking alone at home and wanted somebody to talk to?"
There's a soft hitch of breath before Izaya scoffs.
"Of course not."
But there's a distinct defensive note to it that tells Shizuo the right answer.
"It's alright Izaya, I won't tell anybody your secret."
Shizuo teases, enjoying Izaya's frustrated sigh immensely.
"No but really, it's okay if you just wanted to talk. Not everything has to be a big deal."
He offers, softer and more serious. There's a long silence and just as Shizuo's about to say something Izaya responds.
"How was your day?"
Shizuo smiles, settling in for what he hopes will be a nice talk.
"It was nice. Most people were able to pay their debts and I got to see Celty at lunch. What about you?"
There's another pause then Izaya sighs.
"Not... Not so great I guess. I finally finished an important job but it took me a long time because I wasn't able to go into the city till recently. My client was unhappy with me so I had to reduce my price. I calmed them down but it was still stressful."
Shizuo bites his lip, feeling a little guilty over it.
"I'm sorry my order kept you from an important job."
He replies softly.
"I understand why you did it, Shizu-chan, but I still wish you hadn't."
Shizuo nods even though Izaya can't see him.
"I guess that's fair."
It feels really nice to just talk to Izaya like this. They talk for a little longer about little things before Izaya has to go. Shizuo sets his phone aside with a small smile before getting up to make dinner.