Two years later.
Graduation.
"Would everyone please rise." The principal of their school spoke clearly into the microphone as he addresses the students that filled the large hall. "Classes of grade 11, you have demonstrated an outstanding performance in the last year of your exams, achieved excellent marks and I know each and everyone of you worked your hardest. However, there are few who pushed themselves beyond their capabilities and proved to have bettered themselves as time passed," he gestured to the table beside him, there were six trophies and four envelopes sat on top of the blue cloth that covered the wood. "I have awards to give out, so please be patient before I proceed with the diploma handouts." He picked up the first trophy and said, "Shinra Kishitani, this award is assigned to you for your outstanding leadership as class rep, and for your excellent performances in your biology field exams, congratulations."
The students clapped in unison, filling the large hall with it's sound. Shinra blushed and Izaya pushed him forward to encourage him to move. Izaya chuckled as he watched his best friend shyly walk up to the stage. Nothing changes, still the same. Izaya glanced at Shizuo who was stood to his left, the blond caught his gaze and gave him a knowing grin.
Shinra bowed politely and stood off to the side with his award.
"The next award goes to Kyohei Kadota, for his excellent achievements in social studies, you were a devoted friend to everyone at this school and we will miss you."
Kadota blinked in surprise. "Seriously?" he glanced at Izaya and Shizuo, they shrugged at him and continued clapping with the other students. Kadota stepped onto the stage and bowed before receiving his trophy.
"Dota-chin looks so nervous, it's funny to see him like that."
Shizuo huffed a laugh. "You're an asshole."
Izaya looked at him with a grin. "Still?"
Shizuo nodded. "Always."
Kadota stood next to Shinra and they laughed quietly, thankful they weren't alone.
"My next awards go to two of our top students in Phys ed, their continued improvement and show of interest in track and other events, have won this school many sports competitions. Izaya Orihara and Shizuo Heiwajima, you are being awarded these trophies for such performances."
Izaya cringed and Shizuo covered his face with one hand, they both spouted in unison. "Shit." When they moved toward the stage, Izaya could hear his sisters shout over the crowds of students, and his parents whistle.
So embarrassing, why couldn't they just stay at home. Izaya tried to remain calm as he stood up onto the stage, followed by Shizuo. They bowed and took the trophy from the principal.
"I also award this envelope to you, Izaya Orihara, you remained a top student in every subject and even though there were set backs due to rough circumstances, you never faltered and worked to achieve up to your highest potential. Congratulations." Another loud applause erupted from students and parents, Izaya quickly made his way over to his friends, trying his hardest not to blush. "Shizuo Heiwajima, this envelope goes to you. I know you haven't had the greatest of starts in life, and it wasn't easy for you to adjust here, but you've shown promise each and every year, and I couldn't be more proud for your accomplishments, no one has worked harder then you to better yourself. Congratulations." The hall filled with cheers once more, Shizuo took his envelope and quickly stood beside his friends.
Shizuo grinned slightly and nudged Izaya's shoulder. "Know it all."
Izaya half glared at him. "Shut up. You're still a protozoan."
"And you're still a flea."
Izaya clicked his tongue but a smile came across his lips, Shizuo returned it.
Other rewards were handed out to other students, followed at last by the diplomas. Pictures were taken by families and by other friends, their year books were excessively passed around and signed, it was becoming overwhelming. The four friends gathered outside for some peace and quiet, taking their minds off the excitement within the hall.
Shinra couldn't help but smile, he was so happy, and he felt that he needed to say something. "Hey guys, I just – I just want to say, that because of you, my high school years were the best I ever had, you taught me all sorts of things and made me the person I am now, I couldn't have survived without you all by my side. Thank you."
Izaya grinned and lay his hand on Shinra's shoulder. "Don't get all weepy on us, Dota-chin will start crying."
Kadota glared at him. "What the hell? shut the hell up, damn it."
Izaya chuckled and then a serious expression came over his face. "You're right though, Shinra, I don't think I would even be here today if it weren't for any of you, I quite literally owe you my life, you always had my back, and I'm grateful."
Shizuo smiled and a slight tear appeared at his eyelid, he frowned and wiped it away. "God damn it flea." Izaya laughed at his expression, he jumped and wrapped his arms around him.
"Naw… don't cry Shizu-chan!"
Izaya laughed again when Shizuo shoved him off lightly, but Izaya remained in his arms, twisting so that Shizuo had no choice but to wrap his arms around him from behind. "Look, I can't thank you enough for what you did for me, you were the first people to ever talk to me and treat me like I was a human being, not a monster. I couldn't have achieved half as much as I did without either of you. I know we didn't always see eye to eye, but I always knew that you would be there for me." Shinra and Kadota smiled at him, Shizuo then tightened his hold on Izaya. "And I fell in love with this flea, I think that's a pretty big achievement too."
Izaya groaned in embarrassment at Shizuo's display of affection in front of their friends. He turned around to glare at him, even though he was blushing now, he punched him lightly and huffed as he lay his head against Shizuo's chest. "Stupid protozoan."
Kadota chuckled, the two had come along way since the beginning and he was so proud of them. "Pretty sure my life wouldn't be half as exciting as it was if I hadn't met you three, you guys taught me the true value of friendship and I can't wait to continue our adventures together. I couldn't be prouder to call you my friends, even though you're more like brothers."
Izaya turned around in Shizuo's arms and Shinra spread his arms out. "Group hug!" Shinra quickly pulled Kadota in before he had a chance to protest and Shizuo grinned and Izaya tried his best to push against them as they trapped him in the middle.
"You're all so mean! I can't breathe!" the three let up their hold, laughing at Izaya's pouting face.
"Iza-nii!" they turn to see Izaya's sisters running up to them, followed by their parents. Kyouko smiled with tears in her eyes and she held up her camera.
"Smile boys!"
A snapshot of them was taken, Shizuo and Izaya in the middle linking hands, Shinra next to Izaya with his arm wrapped around him. Kadota next to Shizuo with an arm casually around his shoulder.
….
"I've been thinking," Shinra said to Izaya as they walked down the street toward their newly acquired office space within Shinjuku. It was a brand-new start, a brand-new place where they could test their skills they had learned over the years and embrace their full potential.
"What about?"
They turned a corner. "You've always been the confident one, and you have all these abilities, as much as I like to think I can be the key speaker, I think it might be best if you were in charge now. we're about to expand our business in the big world, and I don't think I have what it takes to keep up with the pressure. You're the best role for that, you should be in charge."
Izaya looked at him, before, while they had been at school, he hadn't wanted that – mainly because he hadn't thought they would last this long. now things were serious and they had gained so much for themselves, he could see Shinra's point. "All right, I'll be in charge, if you're sure."
Shinra smiled at him. "I'm sure."
Izaya looked over with a grin as Shizuo and Kadota carried in another two large boxes from the van downstairs. Kadota glared over at him, Izaya was playfully spinning on his new swivel chair while testing the computer's functions every so often. "Some things really don't change."
Izaya laughed loudly and stood up with a stretch. "Shizu-chan and Dota-chin are still the strongest, it's only fair for you to carry the heavy boxes."
Kadota rolled his eyes, he tapped the blond's arm. "I'll get the last two from Shinra." The moment he left, Izaya stalked over to Shizuo and pressed him against the wall.
"So, how does it feel to be dating the boss?" Izaya grinned at him and kissed him hard on the lips.
Shizuo moaned against the kiss and then grasped Izaya's arms. "Don't give me any special treatment or anything, be unfair to the others… or something like that."
Izaya chuckled and pressed his body against him. "I don't know, I might reserve some special treatment, just for you."
Shizuo grinned, catching on to what Izaya meant. "Exceptions accepted."
Izaya kissed him again and Shizuo returned the kiss heatedly.
"I thought this was a professional ghost hunting business, or have I gotten the wrong place?"
The two pulled away from each other, glancing toward the door to see a tall brunette woman standing there, a hand to her hip, long straight hair. She was slender and wore a dark green skirt with a lighter green long sleeved shirt, black tights covered her legs and she wore black shoes. Izaya stepped toward her, a hand outstretched, she took it firmly.
"My name is Namie Yagiri, I'm here as your new appointed secretary, I have a vast amount of knowledge of the paranormal world and will sure to benefit your business Mr Orihara. I am also a trained shrine maiden, so please trust in my abilities and use them to suit the situation, I will return the favour and trust in yours."
Shizuo narrowed his eyes, why the hell did they need a secretary? She looked full of herself and the blond found himself already disliking her.
Izaya looked her up and down, a grin formed on his face. "You're trying to convince me you're a shrine maiden, while dressed like that?"
Namie gasped in horror and clenched her fists, she stomped her foot. "I am a well-respected maiden, you scrawny brat."
Izaya chuckled, oh he was going to have so much fun annoying her. "Tut. So polite, I can see I chose well." Namie huffed in annoyance. "You start tomorrow, 9am." Namie frowned at him and then left the office. "Well that was fun."
Shizuo rolled his eyes, he couldn't help but be annoyed by her presence. "Her attitude pisses me off."
Izaya chuckled. "Relax, regardless of her personality, she is particularly good at what she does, she'll be a significant help, I think. She's only a secretary though, she won't be joining us all the time."
Shizuo nodded, he wasn't going to argue, Izaya was in charge and if he thought they needed some more help, then he'd have to deal with it.
Just then, Kadota popped his head around the door as he placed two boxes against the wall. "Hey guys, let's go get something to eat and celebrate, we'll wait downstairs for you."
Izaya and Shizuo nod in agreement, Izaya took his jacket off the door's hook. Shizuo watched him slide his arms into the black long coat; the wrist's, the bottom half and the hood was fur-trimmed. Izaya placed his hands in his pockets and then glanced at Shizuo. "What?"
"I can't believe you brought that."
Izaya pouted. "I like this jacket; I think it suits me." Shizuo shrugged and they step out of the office. Izaya mumbled his next words quietly. "At least I don't look like a bartender."
Shizuo glared at him. "Shut the hell up! It's called making a good impression, fleabag!"
The two had bought their clothing with the award money they had received in the envelopes, neither had expected the cheque, each had received 10,000Y, so they used it to buy something personal. Izaya brought a new jacket, and Shizuo brought himself a suit.
Izaya grinned as Shizuo huffed and made his way down the steps. Izaya looked at the front of their office door as he closed it and locked it behind him, he smiled at the black lettering that titled their new business name.
PRO: Psychic Research Office.
A/N: That's the end!I'm crying now!I can't believe it's over; I really hope you all enjoyed this as much as I did when I wrote it.Be sure to lookout for the sequel soon, and I hope to see familiar usernames pop up then.Love you all!
