Title:- Thrice a lover

Rating:- M

Pairing:- Izuo

Disclaimer:- I don't own Durarara

Warning:- language, violence, yaoi

Summary:- Sequel to twice a friend.

Requested by:- Ziggy

A/N:- The next one will be for Guest.

The nights were vicious. Shizuo drew in on himself, wrapping the covers tightly around him. They constricted his movements but as long as he stayed warm it didn't matter. He would stay as a cocoon waiting for the vampire to show.

"Good morning, Shizu-chan." Izaya chirped skipping into his room. "You're not up yet?"

Shizuo ignored him wriggling so his head was under the pillow. If he could hibernate he would. He heard Izaya exhale pointlessly, moving closer. If the fucker started jumping on the bed again, the vamp was going out of the window; if he could find one.

"Eh? Shizu-chan?"

"Go away." Shizuo mumbled under the pillow. "It's freezing."

"It feels fine to me." Izaya jumped on the bed like he knew the damn flea would. "Come on get up."

"No."

"Ne, Shizu-chan. It feels like you've degraded to a child."

"Asshole." Shizuo growled.

"I suppose I'll have to drag you out of bed."

The teen jolted rolling from the bed and hitting the floor. He stayed curled up glaring at the vampire. "You're freezing. Don't touch me."

The vampire looked down at him and sighed. "I see. Winter is coming."

"Coming? Do you not see the snow piled up outside? I thought you were supposed to be observant?"

"I'll get the heating put on."

"Hah. You should have done that last night. If I get sick I'm blaming you!" Shizuo growled rolling over.

"I thought idiots didn't catch cold?"

"Shut up!"

"You know, Shizu-chan. You make this too easy." Izaya stood over him radiating chills. The vampire picked him up holding him in his arms. Shizuo never moved so fast in his life.

"Fuck. Don't touch me!" His shivering got worse and no blanket would do the trick. "You're freezing."

"Well I haven't bathed yet. I thought we could take one together."

"Hah? Why the hell would I take a bath with you?" Shizuo clenched his jaw to stop his teeth chattering. Damn vampires. They were clueless.

"Because we're dating. It's what couples do."

Shizuo held the blankets tighter around him. "Dating? Where did you get that stupid idea from?"

"Well we've already kissed."

"You did that on your own." Shizuo turned away inching towards his dresser.

"You joined in," Izaya pointed out "every time in fact. We've done it several times now."

"Tch. Shut up." Shizuo poked a hand from the blanket opening one of the drawers. "It doesn't mean anything. It's one of your bad habits."

"Hm, Tsunderes are high maintenance."

Shizuo scowled. "Who are you cal-" around him everything blurred "ling a tsundere? Huh? This isn't my room."

"Aren't you observant." Izaya grinned. "I had a new bath installed."

"A new bathroom more like it." Shizuo grumbled looking down at the pool size bath. It looked more like a hot spring.

"Well it heats up my body quicker." Izaya smirked.

Shizuo felt himself topple forwards, a cold hand against his back.

Splash

"It's hot!" The teen cursed at the sudden temperature change. The blankets were soaked tightening around him like a second skin. Shizuo poked a hand out trying to get free.

"The blankets came in handy after all." Izaya smirked taking off his clothes and stepping down into the water. Shizuo made sure to avert his eyes before he was accused of anything else.

"Ugh. You couldn't let me take the blankets off first?" Shizuo wriggled feeling something tear.

"Oops," Izaya grinned "I forgot."

"Liar." The teen grumbled tearing at his cocoon. Izaya herded him back against the edge.

"Maybe. You're not cold any more, right?"

"Not really." Shizuo felt like he'd been dropped in a sauna. The change from cold to hot was alarming.

"That's good then. I'm quite warm myself." Izaya moved closer, one hand touching his cheek."see."

"I get it." Shizuo grumbled pushing against the bundle. He felt the blankets rip under his strength. "Shit." He was left peeling his pyjamas away.

"Need some help?" The vampire offered.

"Not from you." Shizuo scowled pulling the top over his head. It flopped on the side drowned in water. His bottoms were a little harder to take off. It was only when they joined the soaked mess he realised he didn't have any clothes to change into.

"Boxers too." The vampire purred. Shizuo flipped him off moving further away. "Aw, you're no fun. Want me to take them off for you?"

"No, I don't!" Shizuo grabbed his waist band protectively only to scratch his skin. Izaya grinned twirling his finger. "Y-you! Give them back." Snatching his underwear he let them join the rest.

"Hm, two naked lovers submerged in water. What should we do?"

"We're not lovers." Shizuo grumbled.

"No? Izaya moved back arms spread wide. "We've kissed."

"Your fault."

"We've seen each other naked."

"Doesn't mean anything."

"I drink your blood."

Shizuo lifted a hand to his neck. "That's our arrangement."

Izaya tilted his head. "Your heart is beating fast."

"That's my adrenaline strength." Shizuo crossed his arms looking for how to climb out of the water. The water rippled around him, Izaya's after image fading. Shizuo gulped feeling the vampire's warm body pressed flush against his own.

"I see." Izaya murmured nipping at his ear. "I suppose you have a reason for being aroused too?"

Shizuo flushed clutching onto the sides. "Stop making stuff up. I'm clean now, I'm getting out."

"No, I think you're still dirty Shizu-chan." Izaya smirked kissing his neck. "Especially this part here." Shizuo shuddered feeling Izaya's hand.

"Don't!" He growled fisting a hand in raven locks. Using all his strength he pushed the vampire's head underwater, quickly making his escape.

Climbing out he hurried into the bedroom looking for something to wear. For the time being Shizuo knew he would have to borrow something of Izaya's to wear.

He didn't get far. Izaya's arms locked around his waist pulling him back. "Where are you going, Shizu-chan? Surely you're not going to run around like that?"

"Get off me, flea." The teen grumbled trying to get free.

"No. It's feeding time." The vampire promptly sat down pulling him into his lap. Shizuo felt his heart go wild, narrowly missing touching Izaya's naked parts.

"Then let me get dressed."

Izaya smoothed a hand under his jaw, lifting his chin. "No." Sharp fangs pierced into his neck, Izaya's bite momentarily painful.

"Idiot." Shizuo cursed as the vampire began to suckle. His eyes snapped wide feeling something different than usual. "Oi! Your hand. Move your hand."

"No."

"Stupid flea, ah. Move." Shizuo lowered his head.

"I am moving, Shizu-chan." Izaya murmured taking a break.

"Move your hand." Shizuo snapped.

"I am."

Shizuo rocked forward pulled back with ease. With every gulp he was getting weaker and Izaya stronger. "Flea!"

"That's not how to address me." Izaya chided.

Shizuo glowered. "Nn Izaya-" his head was tilted, the crafty vampire stealing his lips. Shizuo felt himself slipping and like he had done several times previously he joined in.

Izaya's lips were warm from drinking his blood, nothing like their first proper icy kiss. Shizuo closed his eyes allowing himself to believe for one small moment, they were both human. Izaya's hand moved again trying to loosen the coil forming in his abdomen.

"I'll let you off with this for now, Shizu-chan." Izaya murmured kissing his neck. Shizuo shuddered his body tensing. "Looks like you made a mess, ne?"

Shizuo shot a tired glare at the vampire, already submerged once again in the hot spring bath.

x-x-x

Shizuo was left torn by Izaya's impending visits. He didn't know whether he wanted to kiss or kill the vampire. A little of both if he was completely honest. His one little mistake had given Izaya the upper hand. Now he was wrapped around his little finger. More and more Izaya had stolen from him. His family, his freedom, his daytime and his heart. That didn't mean he was going to be submissive and bow to the king. The one thing he could count on was Izaya's rules. The vampire wouldn't take him. His blood was only delicious as a virgin. He was safe in that regard. The kisses and the touching he could handle.

Like always the door opened and closed quicker than a breath. Shizuo sighed knowing Izaya was in the room. "Good morning, Shizu-chan."

The vampire lay on top of him, nice and warm this time. For how long he didn't know. Their lips brushed, crimson hues staring into him. "Sweet dreams?"

"Not really." The teen grumbled.

"No?" Izaya kissed him again licking at the tip of his tongue.

"Move." Shizuo grumbled averting his gaze.

"Manners." Izaya chided.

"Move please." Shizuo corrected pushing against the vampire's chest.

"See, that wasn't so hard."

Definitely wanted to kill him. Shizuo was tired. He didn't take the pills. Now that the days were shorter, he didn't want to rely on Izaya waking him up. That was when he was most vulnerable. That was when things got tricky.

"I'm hungry." Izaya murmured.

Shizuo sighed tugging at his collar. "Bite me."

"Too many healing marks." The vampire smoothed his thumb over the injuries. "I won't bite your neck for a while."

Shizuo scowled. "You could just heal them."

"No, they mark you as mine."

As usual Izaya was a possessive idiot. Why he had to be marked like a pin cushion he didn't know. Who was going to try anything? The other vampires wouldn't dare go against their king.

"Fine. The wrist then." Shizuo grumbled pulling up his sleeve. Izaya though had slid beneath the covers. "Hey! What are you doing?"

The vampire grinned shimmying his pyjama bottoms down. "Feeding."

Shizuo paled. "No. Not there."

"You'll like it."

Shizuo shuddered. "Don't. Ah. Shit."

"See. This place is your most sensitive place after all."

Rocking back against the sheets, Shizuo gasped, his legs opening a little wider. His fingers found purchase in Izaya's hair. "Idiot. That's not a place for biting."

The vampire ignored him busy doing other things. Shizuo cried out arching a little. Izaya sat up and grinned. "Are you going to tell me you didn't enjoy that? Relax, I healed the puncture wound."

"Not the point." The teen grumbled. "You got the sheets dirty."

"No. You got the sheets dirty." Izaya grinned giving him a peck on the lips. "I'll have Celty collect them."

Shizuo shook his head. "I really hate you sometimes."

"Only sometimes? Are you admitting you like me then?"

"Piss off flea."

Izaya snuggled against his side with a lazy smirk. "You're so cute, Shizu-chan." Shizuo threw the vampire across the room.

x-x-x

Time was just as confusing as dealing with Izaya. Locked in the labyrinth that was his home, Shizuo felt the days run into each other, bleeding into a timeless scale.

With minimal windows in the house the only way to see the moon was at the gym. Shizuo had lost himself trying to count the days as they passed. The only clue he had was the brief glitch when Izaya didn't compensate for the weather. Days ago or was it weeks? Izaya had told him winter was coming. Was that still the case or were they already into winter?

Shizuo sighed pulling himself out of bed. He didn't want to get caught laying down again. Not with Izaya's habit of biting a new favourite place. He'd been training himself to wake up earlier. The room was nice and warm. With the fragrance he could tell the heating was on and the warmth was artificial. That meant it was still cold outside. Only a day could have passed or a week at the most.

Shizuo opened his bedroom door jumping back quickly to avoid a bucket of blood. "Sorry Celty-san, I didn't mean to scare you."

But the shadowy figure had already flown down the hall and vanished. Probably scared Izaya was going to punish her. Taking his breakfast from the tray, the teen watched where he stood and took it back inside.

He'd barely managed to sit down and take the first bite before he had company. "Celty again?" Izaya scowled looking at the blood soaked floor.

"She missed." Shizuo shrugged.

Izaya dropped down behind him, nuzzling his throat. "Good morning, Shizu-chan. You're up early."

"What's the time?"

"Does it matter?"

Shizuo shrugged. "I suppose not." He lied. "What's that?"

Izaya was wearing soft black gloves that didn't look like anything he'd seen before. They were more fluid.

"Thermal insulation. It doesn't matter if I'm cold or not now. I'll always feel warm."

"Right."

"Is that all?" Izaya sighed holding him. "I thought you'd be happy. I can touch you all I like now."

Shizuo pulled away reaching for his breakfast. "So? What does that have to do with anything?"

"Hm, your heart his racing." Izaya's head pressed against his back. "Can you hear it? Can you feel it? You want me, Shizu-chan."

"Are all vampires delusional?" Shizuo grumbled shoving the vampire away.

"You're still not being honest? Your blood doesn't lie."

"My blood can't talk." Shizuo went back to eating. Izaya sat behind him leaning against his back.

"It does to us. We can feel everything through your blood. Your habits, your emotions and your life span. To us it's like sipping droplets of your soul."

Shizuo scoffed. "Guess I must be hollow by now then."

"No, you're still fighting fit. I won't allow anything else." Izaya's fingers spider on top of his. Shizuo didn't pull away started by the conviction in the vampire's voice.

"...why me?"

"You've asked me this before, Shizu-chan. Can't you just accept that I've chosen you?"

Shizuo sighed. "It doesn't make sense." He muttered.

"Wow, that low self esteem of yours is working overtime." Izaya chuckled. "Would you prefer I propose?"

Shizuo blushed tearing his hand away. "What? No!" His hand covered his chest feeling his heart beat until he was dizzy.

"Are you sure about that?"

"Enough." Shizuo pushed away standing up.

"Never enough." Izaya was in front of him cutting off his escape. "Admit our relationship."

"I'm your blood donor." Shizuo bit out.

"Wrong. You're my everything." Izaya stepped into him. Shizuo fell back hitting the soft bounciness of his mattress.

"Hey!" Shizuo growled. "That's cheating."

"I love you, Shizu-chan." Shizuo's heart stuttered, Izaya moved in brushing against his lips.

x-x-x

"Are you going now?" Shizuo asked feeling drained. His boxers were down binding his thighs together.

"Is that what you want?" Izaya asked wiping his lips. It looked like the thermal gloves worked as a sponge too.

Shizuo didn't answer. His heart would only betray him anyway.

"You know you can't lie to me. Your blood is honest."

Shizuo sighed. "What do you mean by that?"

Izaya smirked raising a hand as if he was about to leave. "Who knows."

"Izaya!" The teen reached out. "Tell me."

"It won't change anything. You can continue to be in denial but your blood won't change."

Shizuo scowled. His blood wouldn't change? Hadn't it already? The vampire was so sure he was in love with him. That was the only reason Izaya had upped his game.

"What are you thinking?" Izaya asked head tilted.

"Nothing." Shizuo let go. How much was the vampire able to tell from his blood? Was there a way he could change it?

"Liar." Izaya pressed him down on the bed. "I could get it out of you."

Shizuo felt his face heat up. "Your playing isn't going to do anything."

The vampire paused staring intently at him. "Ah, so that's it. You think I'm not going to go any further?"

"It would break our contract." Shizuo didn't push back. He didn't need to.

"Oh that. I lied. I could claim you as mine any time I wanted." Izaya smirked releasing him. "Something to keep in mind, ne?"

"But you said-"

"Your blood is your diary. Your feelings, your memories, I can taste it all." Izaya grinned. "The virgin rule is so I don't have to see you making out with someone else. It's a major turn off for vampires."

Shizuo shivered. "You can see all that?"

"A little more yeah."

"...get out."

"Hm? You're upset, Shizu-chan? I warned you I wouldn't let you run any more."

Shizuo swallowed. "Get the fuck out, flea."

"For now." The vampire shrugged gone in the blink of an eye.

Shizuo lay on his side curled up into a ball. Nothing had been hidden. Izaya had known the moment his feelings had changed. Who was he kidding? All along he'd been running around clueless in the palm of the vampire's hand.

x-x-x

"Good morning, Shizu-chan." Izaya announced loudly knocking on the door. Shizuo ignored him shuffling under the covers.

"Good morning, Shizu-chan." Izaya said standing next to the bed. "I know you're awake." Shizuo ignored him, clenching his fists. "Still upset about yesterday?"

"...you tell me." The teen grumbled raising his head.

"By your attitude I'd say yes." Izaya sat on the bed touching his hair. "It's a bit late to be difficult isn't it?"

"Yeah, guess so." Shizuo sat up unravelling the bandage around his throat. "Drink up then."

"You know I-"

"I've already eaten." Shizuo interrupted. "Go ahead, drink my blood. It's part of my contract after all."

"Shizu-chan." Izaya touched his cheek but he smacked the offending hand away. "You're mad?"

Shizuo let the bandages fall onto the covers. Shaking his head he moved away from the vampire and got out of bed. "Flea, I think you should drink from one of the other donors tonight."

Izaya smirked. "Ah but you don't want me to. Shizu-chan will get jealous."

"Guess so. You'd know my feelings best, right?" Shizuo grumbled. It felt like the rug had been whipped out underneath him. He was free falling with no idea where he was going to land.

"Shizu-chan?"

"Just go. I don't want you feeding from me right now."

"Then later." Izaya said a flash of unease giving him away.

"Just go." Shizuo walked away slipping into the bathroom. With a sigh he closed the door.

x-x-x

"I can't apologise." Shizuo heard through the door. It looked like the vampire hadn't left yet. "This is who I am. Reading your blood is the least of my crimes."

Shizuo growled slamming the button to the shower. "You still here?" He muttered.

"If I go now something will break." Izaya answered back. "I waited patiently for you, Shizu-chan. I waited for you to realise your own feelings."

"But you already knew." Shizuo pressed his forehead against the cold wall.

"I did." Izaya admitted. With a shiver he realised Izaya was in the room with him sitting against the door. "I don't know what's holding you back, Shizu-chan."

"I told you I couldn't love you." Shizuo growled, water running into his eyes.

"But you do."

"I can't." Shizuo shook his head fist clenched.

"Why not?" Izaya asked quieter this time. The vampire was standing outside the small cubicle. "What's holding you back?"

"I don't know. Damn it."

"Yes you do." Izaya whispered hand on his shoulder. Izaya's hand was warm but the rest of him was cold. "Look at me."

Shizuo slowly turned around pressed back against the wall. "Why? You gonna compel me?"

"Never. Say you love me."

"I can't." Shizuo shook his head flicking water to the side.

"Shizu-chan," Izaya sighed brushing a thumb down his cheek "I love you. I want to spend an eternity with you."

"That's not possible." Shizuo mumbled. "You can't make promises like that."

"Trust me. Say it Shizu-chan. Even if it's empty. Say the words."

"I'll hurt you."

"I'm immortal, remember?" Izaya grinned leaning in. Shizuo closed his eyes unable to manage the heat of Izaya's gaze. "Say it."

"Fuck." The teen cursed. "...I- this is bullshit."

"Shizu-chan!"

"...I-I I-can't. I can't say it."

Izaya sighed deflating against him. It was cold. Shizuo shivered. "Alright. I'll wait for you to say it. As long as you realise it's fine. Don't shower too long. You'll catch a chill."

Shizuo blinked hearing the door close. It was the last time Izaya ever asked him about his feelings.

x-x-x

Shizuo stared at his breakfast on the kotatsu. The tray underneath was covered in small pink petals. Sakura blossoms. "It's spring already?" Shizuo mumbled. He looked up for Izaya's affirmation but he was alone.

Izaya no longer woke him up. He was given space. Shizuo sighed wondering just how long their new routine had been going. He sat eating in silence.

A while after his breakfast, the vampire finally showed knocking on the door for entry. "Hey, Shizu-chan."

Shizuo nodded in greeting. His heart was pounding. "I've already eaten."

"I know. Where do you want me to bite you?"

"Where do you want to?" Shizuo shrugged. Their exchanges felt awkward as if they were both holding back. Shizuo missed the old Izaya. The cocky, arrogant possessive vampire that wanted to stay by his side.

"It's not up to me. It's your body."

"I'm your donor, you're free to chose where to bite me." Shizuo clenched his fists feeling angry for some reason.

"I guess so." Izaya sat down next to him taking his wrist. "What's that?" The vampire eyes the centre of the kotatsu where he had made a small pile of the cherry blossoms.

"They were on my breakfast tray."

Izaya scowled. "Celty again."

"So are we in April now?"

"Yeah." The vampire confirmed biting into his wrist. Shizuo winced at the initial sting. His blood felt like it was boiling. Biting his tongue he casually dropped his hand into his lap. If Izaya noticed he didn't say anything. "Got any plans today?"

"Not really." Shizuo shrugged.

"I'm sure you'll think of something." Izaya licked across the wound. Shizuo stared at it watching as the bumps smoothed, the skin knitting itself together. Looking up the vampire was gone.

x-x-x

No one could mistake summer. The blistering heat drove him to his underwear. Shizuo lay across the small sofa a small paper fan failing to keep his temperature down.

His breakfast had been reduced to cold food and a small dish of ice cream. Whether that was Izaya's choice or Celty's consideration he didn't know. Either way he had no plans to do anything except melt on the sofa.

"Good morning, Shizu-chan." Izaya let himself in after the umpteenth time of knocking. "You haven't got dressed yet?"

"No."

"Are you planning to?" He could feel the vampire's gaze across his body.

"No. It's hot." The teen complained.

"It's the start of summer." Izaya shrugged.

Shizuo sighed. "Where did spring go? Why are you wearing gloves?"

"You know why." Izaya shrugged.

"Yeah. So you don't feel cold. It's summer now."

"It doesn't affect me."

Shizuo perked up. "It doesn't?" Sitting up he quickly grabbed Izaya's hand and slipped off the glove. The vampire was cold to the touch. Shizuo pressed the ice pack to his cheek and sighed in content. "Ah, that feels so good."

"Makes a change. Where do you want me to bite you?"

Shizuo nuzzled Izaya's hand. Standing quickly he led the vampire to the bed. "Wherever you want." He answered in the process of taking Izaya's clothes off.

"Shizu-chan! Don't."

"Why not? You're nice and cool." Shizuo pressed his head against Izaya's pale chest. "It feels good. Lay next to me."

"Shizu-chan." Izaya warned. Shizuo pulled him down snuggling against him. "Don't tease me."

"Stay here."

x-x-x

He'd never thought desperation would give him so much courage. Shizuo had Izaya underneath him. It had felt like so long ago since they had been together. Maybe now he could utter those words. He'd dreamed about saying them over and over again.

Izaya had gone cold on him and given him space. There was one day where he didn't see Izaya at all, not even for his blood. If he thought about it properly that was probably his Christmas present.

Shizuo sighed spread out and enjoying his own personal cold pillow. "You realise I need to drink your blood?" Izaya sighed.

"I know." Shizuo murmured. "In a minute." Slipping his fingers between Izaya's he guided them down. "It's too hot. Even here."

"Ah, Shizu-chan wants to use me?" Izaya scowled.

Shizuo sighed pressing his lips against Izaya's. Biting down sharply he let his blood drip. "Drink my blood and realise already idiot. I um...shit."

"Shizu-chan?" Izaya asked licking his lips.

"I-I- ah fuck it. Just claim me already."

Izaya stared at him. "Does that mean you love me?"

"...Yeah." Shizuo averted his gaze. He'd finally answered. "I still can't say it yet."

"That's enough for me." Izaya smiled rolling him on his back.

x-x-x

Izaya held his wrists either side of his head. The bed creaked continuously knocking against the wall. "Oi, can they hear that?"

"Probably. They know to keep their noses out of my business." The vampire shrugged.

Shizuo nodded. "...this is a little embarrassing."

"I don't want to hurt you." Izaya murmured against his throat.

Shizuo nodded closing his eyes. "I'm not like normal humans, you can go rougher." Izaya nipped at his lips. "I'll say it one day."

"Whenever you're ready, protozoan. It's not like I'm going anywhere."

"Mm, I know." Shizuo sighed.

"Good."

x-x-x

"You're still warm." Shizuo sighed in the vampire's arms.

"I've only recently drank your blood." Izaya murmured against his forehead. "Are you going to push me away now because I'm warm?"

"No," Shizuo sighed "you'll be cold soon."

"Shizu-chan, you're so mean sometimes." Izaya complained. "I'll get the air conditioning turned on."

Shizuo snuggled closer his head resting on Izaya's chest. "Later. It's fine for now."

"Guess so." Izaya smiled. "I'll get Celty to bring some more ice cream later."

Shizuo closed his eyes feeling free. His heart was pounding and he knew Izaya could hear it. His blood was probably singing with his feelings. There was no need for him to say anything but someday he would. After all they had eternity together.

End