"How's this?" Shizuo asked as he stepped back from their closet. He was dressed in dark blue jeans and a grey button-down shirt and Izaya could just see a white vest shirt underneath. The raven sighed, Shizuo was nervous, that much was obvious, and his ability to hide that fact sucked. "What, too much?"

Izaya shook his head. "You don't have to wear that." He grabbed a dark red long-sleeved top and pulled it over his head. He then sat on the bed to pull black pants over his long slender legs. Shizuo mentally shook his head, Izaya was still so skinny, but he wasn't going to comment, he knew he was trying. "Besides-" he then placed his two silver rings on. "I don't care what they think of you."

Shizuo frowned, the raven was acting weird, he wasn't his usual teasing self, in other words, he was being an ass. "Well I do."

Izaya shrugged, walking around the bed, he touched Shizuo's chest for a moment and then headed for the bedroom door. "We already know what they think of you." He grabbed his fur jacket from the back of the door, it was obvious to Shizuo then, that Izaya didn't care about the impressions they'd make. He didn't blame him, if Izaya's family already hated him, then the informant was going to continue to make sure they still did. Shizuo then blinked, as if the words Izaya spoke only just registered with him.

"That doesn't mean I'm okay with that," he growled, clenching his fists. Izaya glanced down, seeing him do so, he then leaned against the door frame, hands in his jacket pockets. Shizuo knew he was fiddling with his switchblade, it wasn't like either of them would hurt the other, he knew it was out of reflex, that Izaya did that, just a natural response on his part.

"No need to take what I said out of context Shizu-chan. You don't have to make a good impression when they didn't seem to care before; don't go to the trouble, is all I'm saying."

Shizuo relaxed a little, unclenching his fists, trying to calm down. "I guess I just didn't want to cause anymore hassle for you, I don't want to do anything that might reflect badly on you."

Izaya raised an eyebrow, was he fucking serious? He took his hands out of his pockets and stepped in front of him, leaning up to press his lips against Shizuo's. "I'm not ashamed of you Shizu-chan. I actually can't believe you would think that."

Shizuo shook his head. "Sorry," he muttered, "I don't think that, but your family will, I guess I just don't want them judging you for it."

Izaya sighed, annoyed and yet touched at the same time. "Are you sure you want to go?"

Shizuo tilted his head. "Is that what you're really asking?" he gave him a small grin, "or are you asking if I'm going to be able to keep my temper under control?"

Izaya shrugged. "Either."

Shizuo folded his arms. "Yes, and we'll see, I'll try my best." He then patted his front shirt pocket. "As long as my smokes last." Izaya smiled and they walked out of the bedroom, toward the front door where they went ahead to toe their shoes on. "Do you really need that?" Izaya looked at him and then understood what he was talking about. His switchblade. It seemed ridiculous to take it, but it felt strange not having it in his jacket. It wouldn't do them any good, for him to threaten anyone with a knife out of instinct. He took it from his pocket and placed it in the draw of the side table next to the door. "I wasn't saying you couldn't take it with you, I was just asking."

Izaya grinned. "They're not that bad, although it would be best for me to leave it here. Just as well there are no signposts available ne?"

Shizuo snorted. "Shut up."

Izaya chuckled and they made their way out of the apartment. "Of course, you can always throw a car at them."

….

Shizuo stared at the house, awestruck. It was three times the size of his own family home. The large gravelled pathway led up to a black metal gate, which had been left open on one side for cars to pass through. Among that, a clear view of the house could be seen. The outside design was modern, white textured panel based structured walls. Large open-faced windows and a steel framed black door adorned the front of the house. Flower beds decorated the edging around the house, and stepping-stones marked the path leading around to the back of the house. Izaya chuckled when he noticed Shizuo's expression. "They're not millionaires Shizu-chan."

Shizuo shoved his hands in his pockets. "Tch. Could have fooled me."

Izaya wondered if Shizuo was intimidated by the whole thing, it wouldn't surprise him, Shizuo was accustomed to simple pleasures. He enjoyed the not-so-modern lifestyle, which made him think of their own home, wondering if Shizuo had felt just as uncomfortable as he did now. Izaya's taste certainly reflected the house before them, though he wasn't one to flaunt; to him though, this was nothing more then a business home. "I told you, it's sometimes the simpler things that matter the most."

Shizuo nodded, finally understanding just what Izaya meant that day.

"Looks like we're not the first to arrive. Mairu and Kururi are probably here already too." There were many parked cars along the gravelled driveway, leading up to the house.

Shizuo tried not to think about it, he expected a few, it was a family gathering after all. The closer they got to the house though, the more he become nervous, mostly because he didn't do so well with crowds, especially when he was certain that he was going to be the topic of conversation among them. Judging by the outside, he'd be willing to bet that the inside was just as modern, if not more so. The two were about to make their way inside - the door had been left open to all visitors - when someone called out, catching their attention.

"Izaya!" the two turn to the voice, a man sporting a dark blue suit, short brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard made his way toward them. He was average in size and was roughly the same height as Izaya - maybe a couple of inches shorter. "Almost didn't recognise you."

Izaya almost snorted. As if. He then grinned and placed his hands in his jacket. "How's the liver?"

Shizuo looked at him, blinking at the random question, he then looked back at the man in front of them. What an odd thing to ask.

The man didn't seem to appreciate the question, he frowned and then walked past them without another word. Izaya laughed quietly, maybe he could have some fun at this gathering after all. He caught Shizuo looking at him and his laughter became louder. "My question was pertinent. He has a drinking problem."

"Oh."

Izaya chuckled. "He thinks he hides it well; he also didn't think I was aware, that's why he didn't respond."

Shizuo looked inside to where the man retreated. "He didn't look drunk."

Izaya shrugged. "Give it a few hours, and he'll be the most wasted out of them."

Shizuo looked back at Izaya. "Should I be worried?"

"About?"

It was Shizuo's turn to shrug now. "Dunno. Like, he gonna get violent or something?"

Izaya chuckled and then walked into the house, beckoning Shizuo to follow him. "Who knows."

The two walked into the house, Shizuo had been right on his assumption, the place was just as modern. White walls, light grey tiled flooring that was just a little too shiny; art paintings decorated the walls, a grandfather clock sat in the middle of the hallway, up against the wall by the staircase. The hallway followed through on the left into the large living room, and just ahead of them was the kitchen that then followed through to the open backyard.

All the floors were either laminated or tiled; Shizuo didn't say a word, because he just could describe it. A long island counter was situated in the middle of the kitchen, it looked like a small bar, full of different bottles that looked expensive, Shizuo guessed they'd been brought over by all the guests. "Think we should have bought something?" he said, gesturing in the counter's direction.

Izaya looked and rolled his eyes. "Like they need it, they should be grateful we are even here."

Shizuo looked around, and then his eyes landed on the yard, it had to be at least 30 feet in length and half that in width, he was also sure that the garden extended round, so who knew how big it was. There were people strewn about, chatting away and sitting on the many brown leather patio chairs. The garden was well maintained, short cut grass with few garden ornaments standing along the edges. A large deck on the left. "Are you sure they're not millionaires or something?"

Izaya shook his head, he didn't blame him though, for being a little impressed. To Shizuo, the house was probably what every average person could dream of, to Izaya, it wasn't a home or somewhere luxurious to live. It was lacking in every aspect of the word, 'home.' "I wonder where Mairu and Kururi are?"

Shizuo pointed a thumb in the garden's direction. "Probably outside somewhere."

Izaya pulled out his phone, sent a quick text to Mairu and placed it back in his pocket. 'We're here, in the kitchen.' "Do you want a drink?" he waved at the countertop. "Help yourself."

Shizuo noted the many bottles, from whisky to vodka, from cocktails to shots and liquors. Beside them, there was a large cooler that contained an assortment of beers. Shizuo grabbed an ashri and popped the cap with his thumb, he then poured the contents into a glass. Izaya raised an eyebrow at him then. "What, I gotta at least be civilised."

Izaya chuckled and they made their way through the back door. "One thing," he said as they stepped outside, "if you don't want to be making drinks all night, don't mention you used to be a bartender."

"I had thought of that already, your mother already thought I was your butler, good thing I didn't wear my outfit after all."

Izaya smiled and they stepped outside, Shizuo looked at the people around them.

"This all your family?"

"Most of them." Izaya looked around, hands in his pockets as they both leant against the wall for a moment. There were a few kids running around down the back of the garden. The males of the family were standing around with beers, or glasses of whisky. The women were sitting around the patio, with champagne in their hands. It felt more like a wedding, then a New Year's party, how everyone seemed to just divide themselves. Shizuo also started to feel like maybe he was underdressed. "Let's see now," he heard Izaya speak again. The informant nodded his head in the patio's direction. "My aunt Kaname and my cousin Fumiko are sat furthest to the right, my mother's side. From there, there's Hanaka and Jenai, twins of my other aunt Nanaka, my father's side."

"Twins run in the family or something?"

"You could say that." He then nodded at the few men standing beside a fountain statue. "The man on the left, that's Kaname's husband Hiroji."

"That's the alcoholic, right?"

Izaya laughed. "Right, my mother's brother."

"So that makes him your uncle then."

Izaya nodded. "Next to him, Nanaka's husband Teichi and their eldest son Yusuki."

Shizuo's head was already spinning. "Damn it, you know I'm bad at names."

Izaya grinned. "You could always nickname them. Make it easier to remember them."

Shizuo huffed a laugh. "Like alcoholic Hiroji?"

"Seems to help." Izaya nodded back to the twins. "Twins actually run on my mother's side."

Shizuo became confused then. "What?"

Izaya smirked. "Jenai and Hanaka are actually Hiroji's."

"Are you serious?"

Izaya shrugged. "It's true. Nanaka, my father's sister, had an affair with my mother's brother."

Shizuo shook his head. "That's disturbing. I take it no one found out?"

"No one except me."

"How the hell did you find out?"

"I overheard them. I was only ten at the time, but I was old enough to understand. When Nanaka showed up at the reunion fifteen years ago with new-born twins, Hiroji obviously freaked out, she never told him of course."

"So what - they all just shrugged it off as a coincidence?"

"I suppose so, twins don't have to run in the family of course. Anyway, Hiroji writes a check to Nanaka once a month, just to make sure she keeps quiet."

Shizuo frowned. "So he's an alcoholic and a cheat."

Izaya laughed. "Welcome to the family."

Shizuo snorted. "Mairu and Kururi turned out okay."

Izaya shrugged and then glanced up when his mother stepped outside. "I don't think she sees it that way." She looked over at them then, locking eyes with her son for a moment.

"The least you could do is mingle a little, though I'm actually surprised you're here, so I guess that's a miracle in itself."

Izaya sighed but he grinned at her anyway. "Always nice to see you too Mother."

Kyouko snorted with a hand on her hip, she then looked at Shizuo, tilting her head. "It's you, from the apartment that day."

Izaya watched Shizuo step forward, walking up to his mother with a hand extended. Honestly, he didn't know why the hell he was trying to exchange pleasantries. She's not worth it Shizu-chan.

"Hey, I'm not sure if maybe we got off on the wrong foot when we first met. I'm Shizuo Heiwajima."

Kyouko looked down at his hand and placed her own in his. "I don't care for first impressions, nor do I care what you are to my son, I obviously went wrong at some point while raising him." she then walked away and stepped up onto the patio.

Shizuo clenched the fist that wasn't holding his glass, unsure what to do, he felt Izaya's hand wrap around it. "Does she seriously have a problem with us?"

"I told you, for us to be a couple is unfathomable, she's probably burning us a cinder with her mind."

Shizuo growled. "That's really the issue, because you like men?"

Izaya shrugged. "No. Well, it is now, although she didn't like the way I turned out, even before she knew about that."

Shizuo sighed. "She said I was cute before, so maybe that's something."

Izaya grinned. "She's right, I don't just go for anyone, at least, not now."

Shizuo snorted. "Yeh well, you seem to have a thing for blonds."

Izaya's grin widened and he poked him in the chest. "Yes. Tall, strong and gentle one's. They're rare you know. One of a kind."

Shizuo rolled his eyes. "Good save."

"Thank you."

"Izaya! Shizu-chan!" there was only one voice that could belong to. The two turn their attention to the left, to see Mairu and Kururi running up to them. "You're here!"

Shizuo smiled, finally, someone that didn't patronize them. He was aware of the regular stares they were getting, be it from Izaya's mother, Hiroji, or one of the aunt's, he could practically feel his ears burning. He ruffled Mairu's hair. "Hey kiddos."

Mairu giggled and she hugged them both. "We're glad you're here."

Izaya smiled. "Couldn't let you fend off the family on your own now, could I?"

"S'not so bad. We're just playing with the little ones, but apparently we need someone to play 'the monster' that chases everyone."

"Don't look at me," Izaya warned, he wasn't the greatest with kids, he then looked at Shizuo and elbowed him. "Shizu-chan's good at playing, 'the monster'"

Shizuo glared at him, but Izaya just grinned. "Maybe they'd prefer a bloodsucker instead."

Izaya tilted his head, wondering what that was even supposed to mean, he then laughed. "I don't look scary enough. Bloodsuckers aren't that intimidating, they're too small." Shizuo continued to glare, not really getting the joke, Izaya then shoved him forward. "You're good with kids, just go play. I should probably, 'mingle'"

Shizuo looked at him then, feeling as though he should stay by Izaya's side. "Are you sure?"

"Unless of course, you want to try again with my mother?"

Shizuo snorted, he'd rather drink poison, but he wouldn't say that, at least, not in front of the girls. Shizuo handed his drink over to Izaya, Mairu and Kururi pulled on his arm. "Come on they'll love it. Just act all crazy and scary, chase us around a bit." He didn't have a choice it seemed; he was dragged away to the bottom of the garden. He had been right, the garden stretched out further then it appeared, it was no wonder they couldn't spot Izaya's sisters right away.

Izaya smiled as Shizuo was forced to chase the kids around, disappearing every now and then. He placed the glass of Ashri down in the shade by the door, he stared around the garden, the less time he spent around his mother and Hiroji, the better. It was best to talk to those he knew he could at least have a slightly civilised conversation with, ones that weren't going to scrutinize him the moment he opened his mouth. He really couldn't understand it, he couldn't care less what other humans thought of him, more often then not, he was amused by their reactions. So why was it, that when it came to these family gatherings, he simply just couldn't take it. He couldn't fathom out why they hated him so much, yes, he was oddly different to everyone else, he knew that, but still.

Shizuo was nowhere in sight now, he almost wished he'd asked the blond to stay with him after all. Then again, with just how protective Shizuo was, and that temper of his, it'd probably make the situation worse. Izaya looked back into the house, staring at the alcohol, wondering if a drink might help him relax. He shook his head, probably not a good idea. When he turned back to the garden his eyes fell on someone he didn't recognise, approaching him with two glasses. "Looking for anyone in particular? Or do you normally just stand around by yourself like this?"

Izaya raised an eyebrow. Was that a pickup line? What the hell. "And you are?"

The young man laughed. "Relax, we're not related or anything."

Izaya was sure that wasn't what he asked, but he answered him anyway. "You think I wouldn't know if I was related to you?"

"I suppose you would, you seem like the know-it-all type,"

Izaya wanted to laugh, was this guy for real? "You've got guts showing up here, friend of the family perhaps?"

"My name is Wafume Suki, I work with your dad, I'm an intern. I met your Mom at the Christmas party last week, she invited me."

This time, Izaya did laugh. "You know she's a homophobe, right?"

The guy tilted his head. "She is?" he turned to the patio, Kyouko was laughing at something and then she looked over at them, raising her glass slightly. He turned back to Izaya. "Are you sure?"

Izaya groaned inwardly, damn this guy was naïve, and incredibly boring. "I am her offspring, I would know."

"Well that's true. I'm just wondering exactly why then that she sent me over to talk to you."

Wait, what? Izaya wasn't exactly sure what was happening right now, he looked over when his mother approached them. "She sent you over here?"

Kyouko smiled when she stopped in front of them. "I trust things are going well?"

Izaya looked at her, trying to figure out her intentions, she hated the fact he was gay, she had made that perfectly clear. He couldn't even find the right words to form his question.

"Well," the guy spoke, "there hasn't been much in the way of conversation, I guess that's expected, we just met after all." He laughed.

Izaya grimaced, god that laugh, what the fuck? It sounded as if something was stuck in his throat. Why the hell is he even talking to me?

"Izaya, this is Wafume. He's an intern of your father's-"

"Yes, I got that part," Izaya replied, cutting her off, "why is he talking to me? He told me that you sent him over here." Izaya glared at her.

Kyouko sighed in frustration. "It's clear you won't come to your senses. So if you're going to be that way, the least you could do is set your standards higher. So as not to embarrass the family further."

Suddenly, Izaya knew exactly what she was talking about. So she hated that he was gay, yet she was okay if he chose someone different, someone that she approved of, someone that obviously wasn't Shizuo. You conniving, condescending -. Izaya bit his tongue, narrowing his eyes at her, he couldn't believe she was this conceited. He had to walk away, before he reached his limit, he didn't want to show them all how much they got to him. He clenched his fists. "Shizuo is everything more then anyone will ever be. No one is a more perfect match for me then him, nor ever will be." Kyouko glared at him and he glared right back.

Sensing the tension, Wafume quietly backed away and disappeared out of their line of sight. Kyouko snorted with a hand on her hip. "I seriously wonder how you turned out this way. I blame your grandfather, he was too doting on you, too encouraging."

Izaya's eyes widened a little, too encouraging, doting? Izaya's fists clenched tighter, yet he grinned, he really should walk away now. "I think I turned out fine. You're just mad that people feel sorry for you, because your only son didn't turn out to be the prodigy you hoped for, they pity you I bet ne?"

Kyouko seethed and Izaya felt the sting of a slap across his face. He scowled, his body shook with anger, he needed to calm down before he did something stupid. He glanced around, silence filled the garden, he looked further down, no sign of Shizuo, which meant he was still having fun - possibly anyway. That was probably better, who knew what the blond would have done if he saw or heard any of the conversation that had just taken place. Feeling very much the centre of attention - not the kind he liked - he strolled into the house.

Kyouko stared after him for a second, gritting her teeth. "Ungrateful bastard," she muttered under her breath and then placed a smile back on her face as she walked back to the patio. The silence diminished, though tension now filled the air as mutterings of those around her reached her ears. Her eyes almost glistened as she tried to listen to what her sister in law was saying. Hiroji tapped her shoulder, almost swaying a little.

"Oi, what the hell did he do this time?"

Kyouko smiled at him. "Nothing Hiroji, just a disagreement is all."

Mairu ran up the garden path, smiling and laughing, her laughter died when she caught the loud voice of her uncle. It was then she noticed the tension among everyone else. "The hell?" she then heard her uncle again.

"He fucking made you cry; he lacks respect, and someone oughta teach him some."

Mairu rolled her eyes and then frowned, she then began searching for her brother, who seemed to be absent. She only came up here to get a drink. The others were waiting for her back down the yard, she smiled for a moment, Shizuo seemed to be enjoying himself, he was a natural with kids. Mairu made her way inside the house, she knew that if Izaya was the cause of their mother's anguish, something had obviously ignited the fire. It could have gone either way, because she wouldn't put it past their mom to be the one to start it.

Izaya stood in the living room, hands in his jacket, to hide how much they were shaking. He stared up at the large mantel piece, he was surprised the picture frames were still where he remembered them being. He was surprised by the concept five years ago, and he was still surprised now. The two picture frames, the ones that held the only images of his grandfather. One of himself with him, and one of the twins. Even though this house was originally his grandfathers, he had handed it over to Izaya's parents a couple of years after Izaya was born.

He'd retired, yet he spent most of that time looking after Izaya, to which the informant had been grateful. Since his parents were always away, he'd spent more time with his grandfather then his own dad. At least, up until a certain point; once the twins were born, their responsibilities fell on him. When Izaya was fifteen, the last family gathering had been the last time he saw his grandfather. Izaya wondered why he hadn't come to his graduation, eighteen by then, but still. He found out afterwards, that his grandfather was ill, and his parents had somehow neglected to tell him.

By the time Izaya found out, he'd rushed to try and visit him at the hospital where he'd been for the last year, but it was too late. Izaya wasn't one to grieve like normal people, he'd gone to the memorial of course, but after that, he never thought about it anymore.

Until now, now that he had gotten a little time, his emotions were Shizuo's fault, he hadn't been this way before, he was sure of it. He glanced at the picture frame, the one that held the image of himself with his grandfather. When he'd gotten into Raijin, Izaya left home almost right away, it was the first time he experienced a great deal of freedom. After that, he didn't get much time to visit, his goals set for himself required a lot of his time. His grandfather was unsure about his life choices, and that he was always getting into trouble, but he never scolded him for it, nor did he reproach him, he still supported him. "I'm sorry," he said, still looking at the picture. "For not visiting much when I left, I just-" Izaya gave a lopsided smile. "I guess I was having too much fun."

He wondered, when he'd left the memorial that day, whether his grandfather was proud of him or not, he only ever pondered that thought once though, out of curiosity. "You might be wondering where I'd gone if you were still here. I've changed you know." Izaya smiled sadly. "You'd like him I bet. Shizu-chan would have liked you too, he's the simple type, but I imagine you'd have bonded over a cigar and whiskey, or something like that. I don't belong in this family anymore, but I'm doing okay…"

"Izaya?" Izaya startled, not expecting anyone to come looking for him. "Who are you talking to?"

He knew his sister's voice well enough that he need not see who was behind him. "I was just thinking out loud." He turned to grin at her, instantly the emotions were gone from his expression. "Lose Shizu-chan or something?"

Mairu shook her head. "No, I just came to get a drink. I overheard our Uncle yelling and-" Mairu's eyes widen a little, and for a second, Izaya thought that he'd been crying, that didn't happen right? He was sure he'd have known if he was. "You're bleeding!"

Izaya tilted his head in confusion. "What?"

Mairu pointed to her own lip. "There's blood on your lip."

Izaya turned to glance in the reflection of the glass cabinet. "Ne, nothing to worry about really, it doesn't hurt or anything. Her ring must have caught me."

Mairu walked toward him and then sat down on the couch. "Mom hit you?"

Izaya shrugged. "She didn't like what I said, I probably provoked her." Izaya chuckled. "I'm surprised she hasn't slapped me before now."

Mairu frowned. "It's not funny."

Izaya laughed. "Don't worry, nothing else happened."

"What did happen?"

Izaya sighed. "Mairu, it's fine, go back outside before Shizu-chan starts wondering where you are."

"More like where you are" Mairu slumped. "Mom's lucky he didn't see."

"He wouldn't have hurt her."

Mairu nodded. "I know, something would have gotten a taste of his rage though."

Izaya chuckled. "Probably a garden statue."

Mairu patted the space next to her, Izaya raised his eyebrow and she rolled her eyes with a huff. "Just sit."

Izaya did as she asked, she then pulled out some tissue from her pocket. She wiped his lip gently and you could barely tell he'd just been slapped. She smiled when a memory entered her mind. "See? Not that bad, barely a scratch. Reminds me of when we were little. Remember? When Kururi grazed her knee outside? It was the first time she rode her bike without stabilizers. She fell off and you carried her all the way back to the house."

Izaya did remember that, he huffed and rolled his eyes. "It was raining. I told you not to ride your bikes there, the ground was too slippery, but did you listen?"

Mairu giggled and then shrugged. "Would have been all right if she didn't hit the rock. She tried so hard not to cry though. Always trying to be brave in front of you."

Izaya looked at the floor, a guilty feeling coming over him. "I didn't care."

"Yeah I know, but she didn't want you to see anyway-"

"No I mean, I didn't care, not the way a brother should. I looked after you because I was supposed to."

Mairu smiled. "We know you were looking out for us in your own way, we know you cared, it didn't matter how."

Izaya smiled at her. "You trying to tell me that I did okay?"

Mairu nodded. "When you finished cleaning her up, you said, 'See? Not that bad, barely even a scratch.'"

"I can't believe you remember that."

Mairu's smile brightened. "Of course, even though we grew apart after you left, to the point we pretty much hated you," she leaned against his shoulder, "but we never stopped remembering the good times. Even if it wasn't for long, I'm glad we had you growing up, cause I don't think we would have turned out this awesome otherwise."

Izaya chuckled. "If you say so."

Mairu stood up with a grin. "It's true, we're badass."

Izaya shook his head, oh yeah, he'd been a great role model. He then stood up, a hand on her shoulder. "Let's go find Shizu-chan and rescue him from the other kids and your sister."

Mairu laughed. "Okay but first, tell me what happened."

Izaya huffed. "Seriously?"

Mairu folded her arms. "Come on, out with it, I'm not a kid anymore, so you can talk to me about things okay?"

Izaya stared at her, she was right, his sisters were so grown up now. "She sent someone over to talk to me after Shizu-chan went with you."

Mairu raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Apparently to try and set me up with someone."

Mairu blinked. "You're gay - and engaged."

Izaya laughed. "That's the funny part, it was a guy."

Mairu had to sit down again. "Huh?"

Izaya shrugged. "She said if I'm to be that way, the least I could do is set my standards higher, to not embarrass her or the family further."

Mairu narrowed her eyes. "She said what?"

"Don't get angry Mairu."

"How could she - Shizuo is the best thing that's happened to you! Doesn't she realise that? And - and just because you're gay it doesn't mean the end of the world."

Izaya moved his hand to hold hers, but she yanked it away and stood up. "Mairu? What are you doing?"

"I'm telling her!"

Izaya's eyes widen. "No you're not!"

"I'm telling her right now! See if she shuns me in front of everyone." Izaya got up from the couch, running after her.

"Mairu no!"

Mairu ran into the yard, located her mother and stormed up after her. She turned to smile at her. "Hello sweetie, having fun?"

Mairu frowned at her. "Don't hello sweetie me!"

"Excuse me? Who do you think you're talking to young lady?"

"A homophobe!"

Izaya stopped below the patio, urgh, now everyone was looking at him. Damn it Mairu.

"What are you talking about Mairu dear? What your brother and I had was just a disagreement."

Mairu glared. "You slapped him in the face just for being gay!"

"I did not say such a thing, I slapped him because he's ungrateful, not because of his, 'phase' to which he hasn't grown out of."

Izaya cringed at the words, narrowing his eyes up at her.

Mairu's eyes glistened for a moment, but she was too angry to cry. "Well you know what? I'm bisexual! I have been for some time, are you going to shun me now, for the way I turned out? I bet you're not so proud of us either."

Izaya approached her, stepping up onto the patio. "Mairu, that's enough, it's okay."

"No it's not! It's not fair. Mom, being gay isn't a bad phase."

Kyouko stared at her, blinking as everyone fell silent again. The second time today, her kids had caused her this grief.

Shizuo and Kururi were making their way back up the yard, when they noticed everyone's attention was on those standing on the patio. "What's going on?" Shizuo asked; when Mairu hadn't returned for some time, they figured she'd gotten distracted and decided to come and search for her.

"I don't know, everyone is all quiet."

"We miss something?" Shizuo searched for Izaya, it didn't take him long to spot him, he was the only one with that fur jacket after all.

Kyouko then turned to her son, taking a step forward. "This is your fault, your influence, you made her this way, because of you, she's got this - this thing."

Izaya glared at her. "You can't catch it, it's not a fucking disease!"

Shizuo clenched his fists as he started to approach them all, Kururi not far behind, wondering how long his temper was going to hold out.

"I knew it was a mistake to let you around them for that long. Look at what you've done now!"

Shirou, who was standing on the grass beside his nephew, looked over at them, this was getting out of hand. "Kyouko, calm down."

Mairu stomped her foot, getting her mother's attention again when she said, "He did a better job then you ever would have! I'm glad he was there, Izaya was always there for us, if he didn't look after us, we might have turned out like you!"

Kyouko turned and scowled down at her daughter. "You ungrateful little-" Izaya's eyes widen as she raised her hand, was she seriously going to - before Kyouko could go through with her idea, Izaya grabbed her wrist.

Shizuo stopped, clenching the garden lamp, bending it in half, someone was going to get this in their face. Kururi looked at him, surprised he'd held back this long, he was practically shaking with rage.

Kyouko glared up at her son. "Take your hand off me."

Izaya narrowed his eyes, he wasn't joking around anymore. "Lay one finger on either of my sisters and I'll make sure you regret it. I might deserve what you say or do to me, but they don't. Don't you ever tell them they're not good enough, it's you that's not good enough, understand? You conceited homophobic bitch."

Kyouko yanked her hand away, her eyes watering as she gritted her teeth. "Get out of my house!"

Izaya snorted. "I'd be glad to." He then looked across the yard, locking eyes with Shizuo and he smiled.

"You cocky - I'm gonna kick - your ass - show some respect - damn it." Hiroji stumbled past Kyouko and pushed Kaname out of the way when she tried to calm him down. His eyesight was blurry, and he'd clearly had way too much to drink. Izaya looked away from Shizuo when his uncle slurred out his name in a - what was supposed to be a spiteful tone.

Izaya stepped forward, grinning at him.

Shizuo pulled the lamp post from the ground, it didn't make a sound though, since it was in the grass. Nobody noticed apart from Kururi. She knew better then to try and stop him, her focus was on her sister and Izaya, unable to believe their mother would actually strike them.

Just fucking try it, I'll wrap this post around your body and throw you like a javelin. Touch one hair on his head, I fucking dare you. Shizuo was seething inside, it had been a long time since he'd been so angry at someone.

"You might want to back off," Izaya told him quietly, taking another step forward, so no one else could hear him. "Unless of course you'd like me to inform Jenai and Hanaka that they're really, yours." Hiroji didn't need to be sober to understand what Izaya meant, he clenched his fists angrily.

"Don't you threaten me you little shit. You don't know what you're talking about, so shut your god damn mouth."

Izaya chuckled darkly. "I always know what I'm talking about. Your little check that you write once a month? I'm sure everyone would like to know."

Hiroji grabbed a fist full of Izaya's shirt and pulled back his other, but that's as far as he got. He felt a strong hold on his fist, looking up, his eyes fell onto a certain blond's. A vein was close to popping on Shizuo's forehead, he lifted Hiroji off his feet, growling. "JUST WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING HUH!?"

Hiroji flailed his arms. "Let go! Put me down freak!"

"OH, I'LL PUT YOU DOWN ALL RIGHT, BUT NOT BEFORE I BEAT YOU SENSELESS!" Shizuo shook him hard, nobody moved an inch, too afraid, they'd never seen such rage in a single man.

Izaya stared at him, he hadn't seen him this angry in a while. "Shizu-chan-" Izaya knew it was futile, Shizuo wasn't going to listen to him, not when he was this angry. It was only half-heartedly that he was trying anyway, the other half would gladly watch Shizuo pummel his uncle to a pulp. Shizuo cracked his head against the man's forehead and threw him halfway down the yard, breathing heavily, trying to calm down. Izaya stepped forward then, placing his hand on Shizuo's shoulder. "It's okay, no one got hurt, calm down." He then looked at his unconscious uncle. "Well, no one that matters." Shizuo then looked at him, as if just noticing Izaya was there. Izaya smiled and linked his hand with Shizuo's. "Let's go home, okay?"

Shizuo sighed, taking a deep breath as he tightened his hold, he then grinned. "No one touches my flea."

Izaya smirked and then led Shizuo toward the house. "Mairu! Kururi! Let's go!"

The twins ran after them.

"You walk out of here now and you're not welcome here either!" Kyouko shouted.

Mairu and Kururi stopped and looked at their mom, Izaya and Shizuo stopped in the doorway. Mairu then grinned and stuck her middle finger up as she shouted, "See you in five years!" she took hold of Kururi's hand and followed her brother and Shizuo out of the house.

….

Shinra looked over at Celty and smiled. "I wonder how they're doing?" Celty looked at him and he continued. "Shizuo and Izaya I mean, I doubt Shizuo's temper will last, Izaya's family are pretty mean."

[I'm sure Shizuo will be okay, he wants to make a good impression after all.]

Shinra shook his head. "You've not met Izaya's parents, so you wouldn't know. His whole family, they're not nice people, not very accepting to those who are different than them."

[What does that mean?]

Shinra smiled. "I'd known all along, you know. When I first met him, I could tell. It bothered him more then he let on, he wouldn't have told his parents at all back then, not even after high school. I didn't say anything to him either, we didn't have that kind of friendship. But if he wanted, I'd be all ears if he wanted to share."

[Are you talking about Izaya's orientation?]

Shinra nearly laughed, it was so strange to hear Celty talk so 'human' yet at the same time, it wasn't that strange at all, not anymore. He nodded. "Not everyone approves of someone that likes the same gender. 'It's wrong,' or, 'It's not the natural way.' Well, Izaya's mother is the type to think that way, he didn't hide it from anyone else, just from them."

[That's horrible! Parent's aren't supposed to say things like that, are they?]

Shinra shook his head. "No, they didn't know about that until recently, I think they were disappointed, with just how Izaya turned out in general."

Celty slumped as if remembering how Izaya use to be. [He was a little-]

Shinra tilted his head. "Eccentric, kind of a dick?"

Celty shrugged. [It's still no reason not to accept someone's preference.]

Shinra smiled, he was forever falling in love with her kindness and openness. He looked around, it was so quiet, so peaceful, just the two of them. He laughed. "Last year, this place was filled with friends, we threw a party last year. Things have changed again since then."

[It's only eight. Wanna throw another one?]

"Now?"

[If you want?]

Shinra placed his hand over hers. "I like that it's just you and me."

Then the doorbell rang. [That was a coincidence, I swear.]

Shinra and Celty shuffled into the hallway and unbolted the door, they opened it and to their surprise, Mairu and Kururi ran through the door. "Hey!" they shouted and ran into the apartment. Shinra blinked and then turned to see Izaya and Shizuo.

"What are you guys doing here?"

"It was Shizu-chan's idea," Izaya mumbled quickly.

"No it wasn't! don't pin the blame on me!"

[Aren't you supposed to be at your reunion thing?]

Izaya grinned, spreading his arms out. "Just like every family event, it always ends with a brawl, so we left."

Shinra stepped aside and then shut the door after his two friends passed them. "What happened?"

"Long story," Shizuo grumbled.

"So what's the short version?"

Izaya spun around, hands in his pockets. "I don't think we'll have to go to another reunion again."

"Oh."

The four made their way into the apartment, the twins had already made themselves comfortable on the couch. [What happened?]

Izaya shrugged. "My mother is a homophobe, and my uncle is an alcoholic, words were exchanged and Shizu-chan threw my uncle across the yard."

Shinra's eyes widened. "What?"

Shizuo growled. "Only because he threatened you."

Shinra then looked at Izaya. "He threatened you?"

Izaya smirked. "I threatened him first, not with violence, but still."

"You wouldn't have had to if he didn't intend on approaching you in the first place. I'd have crushed him if he actually hit you."

Izaya sighed. "You made me leave my switchblade at home."

"I didn't actually think you'd need it! Besides, you don't listen to me anyway, so why would you now?"

"Sounds like some reunion, sorry I missed it," Shinra said with a smile.

"It was great!" Mairu piped in, "Shizu-chan totally flattened my uncle, cause he's a jerk, and Izaya was all like-" Mairu held up Kururi's arm for effect, "lay one finger on either of my sister's and I'll make sure you regret it."

[Your uncle threatened you too?]

"Huh? Oh, no, that part was my mom."

Shinra gasped. "What?"

Mairu smiled. "Yeh, it was so cool, cause Izaya and Shizuo were all protective and stuff, it was really cute."

Izaya and Shizuo shared a glance, smiling, Izaya slightly embarrassed. "I was just caught up in the moment." He tried to lie, as if any of them would believe him anyway.

"When we left, we were at a loss about where to go, so cause it's New Years, Izaya said we should come here."

Shinra looked at his friend, Izaya avoided his gaze, embarrassed about wanting to be here. There was a sudden flash in his eyes. [Shinra, it's not too late, we can still throw a party.]

"But-" Shinra looked at her, how could he say no? and it wasn't like his friends had such a great time at theirs, since they'd come away early, only to wind up here, where – they - belonged. Shinra then smiled, it was true, they were like family. "Okay, let's throw a party."

Mairu and Kururi jumped in excitement. "Wow really!?"

"Why not."

"Yes!"

Shinra then turned to Izaya. "You're good at getting the message across, wanna text everyone to ask?"

Izaya pouted. "That is a complete misuse of my skills as an informant."

Shizuo grinned and ruffled his hair. "But you're so good at it." Izaya glared at him and then shoved a hand over his face.

"Protozoan." He then took his phone out, clicked a few buttons and then placed his phone back in his pocket.

Shinra blinked. "That was quick, what'd you say?"

Izaya shrugged. "Party at Shinra's."

"Seriously?"

"You told me to get the message across."

"Did you have to be so blunt?"

Izaya tilted his head. "I thought bluntness was implied when getting the message across?"

[It doesn't matter. The important thing, is that we spend it with those we care about, with our family.]

Shinra sighed. "You're right."

…

Shinra's and Celty's apartment was soon filled with people. All their friends were delighted to come, each bringing with them some drinks and snacks. Music began to play, and everyone was either dancing, laughing or chatting away, talking about the long year they'd had. Shizuo looked out on the balcony, finally spotting the person he was looking for, he excused himself away from Kadota and made his way across the room and stepped outside. The cold night air visible on his breath. "Hey," he said, stepping beside Izaya, "I was looking for you."

Izaya smiled, not taking his eyes off the city. "Sorry, I just needed some air."

Shizuo leaned over the railing. "I best not smoke then huh." Izaya chuckled and then lay his chin on his arms as he leaned down. "You okay?"

Izaya nodded. "I was just thinking."

"You thinking is dangerous." Izaya looked at him and Shizuo shuffled his feet. "That didn't come out right; what are you thinking about?"

Izaya laughed. "Nothing in particular, I was just pondering on everything that's happened," he then set his gaze across the city once more. "A lot has changed, you know?"

Shizuo stared across the city, it's vibrant atmosphere ever present. "Any regrets?"

Izaya stood straight. "Not recently." There was silence for a moment and then - "I'm sorry."

"What for?"

"My family."

"The hell do you need to apologise for?"

Izaya tightened his hold on the rails. "Your parent's, they were so good to me, you didn't deserve the treatment you received."

"Tch. You didn't either, nor Mairu and Kururi. I think it's safe to say, that you know who your real family are. My mother certainly thinks of you as such already."

Izaya smiled a little. "She's just as protective as you Shizu-chan."

Shizuo shrugged. "Maybe the next time you get yourself into trouble, I'll set her on you." Izaya chuckled.

"I'll never hear the end of it."

Another minute of silence passed, Izaya shivered and stood closer to Shizuo for warmth. "Kind of a crappy year,." Shizuo said and wrapped his arm around the raven.

"Kind of a blur."

Shizuo's hold tightened and he lay his head on Izaya's. "I almost lost you."

"You too….."

"God, I hope this year is better, I don't wanna go through something like that again."

Izaya looked up at Shizuo and smiled. "It doesn't matter. I've come to realise something."

"What, how can it not matter?"

"It doesn't matter because, whatever happens to us, however bad the situation gets, we'll always come back to each other, like nothing can keep us apart. No matter how much people try."

"They fucking do try don't they."

Izaya smirked. "They'll always fail, every single time, because it's us, we're basically unstoppable."

Shizuo shook his head and then smiled. "You really believe all that, that we'll always come back to each other?"

Izaya shrugged. "They took our memories away and we still ended up together."

"You jumped off a fricking roof!"

Izaya almost shuddered at the memory and then grinned. "We're still here, it's just fate Shizu-chan."

Shizuo raised an eyebrow, Izaya was being unusually strange, he thought the raven didn't believe in fate and destiny like that. Maybe he just wanted some reassurance, something that kept him positive, that made him believe that everything would really be okay, if they had one another. "What about after?"

"After what?"

"You know, when we're gone."

"Are you asking me if I believe in the afterlife?"

Shizuo shrugged. "Not sure I believe in it, just a nice thought, I guess."

Izaya looked back out over the city. "I used to question it a lot, I feared death, sometimes I still do, if I think about it. It's not something I have any control over so-"

"At least not when you can't help it."

Izaya smiled. "Dangerous lifestyle aside of course. If we're talking about what's after, I like to think that we'll be reborn, as someone else, to start again."

"Yeh, that's a nice thought too, sounds a lot more logical then just - everyone goes to heaven or hell."

"If that is the case - see you there, in hell I mean."

Shizuo snorted. "Speak for yourself little devil."

Izaya poked him. "You wouldn't follow me?"

Shizuo tilted his head up in thought. "I'll visit." When Izaya pouted at him, Shizuo chuckled. "I'd probably drag your ass back up with me."

Izaya smirked at him. "Angels be damned."

Shizuo laughed. "So, back to the afterlife, if what you say about us is true, does that mean we'll end up together in our next life?"

Izaya smiled. "Sounds like fun doesn't it."

Shizuo snorted. "Can't wait. I might even promise not to try and kill you the first time we meet."

Izaya smirked and wrapped his arms around him. "Naw! that's so romantic!" he laughed and Shizuo shook his head. Suddenly, they could hear their friend's shouting and counting down behind them.

"It's going to be a good year; I can feel it." Shizuo placed his hands on Izaya's waist.

"Coming from you, that's got to mean something, your gut feeling is always right."

Shizuo smiled. "I don't know, I've gotten it wrong once, took me a while to admit it though."

Izaya leaned in close. "You got there Shizu-chan."

"3!"

"2!"

"1!

"Happy new year!"

Shizuo crashed their lips together as fireworks and shouts in the street were heard, their friends shouting and laughing behind them, and Izaya, there in front of him, like he always would be.

300