Students scattered everywhere on the field.

Tables were set with assigned members of the community.

Why the hell did they have to do this outside! It was freezing, and there was snow on – the – field!

Of all the times, the teachers picked now to "Broaden their choices."

Shizuo was more annoyed he had been late to this event. It was their first day back at school from half-term, and he was late. Shinra and Izaya weren't talking to him, but he couldn't even see Kadota within the crowd of students. Shizuo and Kadota hadn't heard from them since the night of the festival three days ago. The blond sighed, his breath visibly white in the crisp morning air. Thank God he brought a warmer coat this morning and a blue scarf tucked securely around his neck to keep in the warmth.

Shizuo walked across the field, growling when students bumped into him.

Shizuo discovered that many signup sheets were already filled, and he just knew he would get stuck with something he probably hated. Shizuo wasn't sure which was worse, a week of voluntary work or a week at school where only one of his friends spoke to him. A shout from the side caught his attention, and Shizuo smiled and gave a little wave when his friend came jogging up to him. "Yo," he greeted Kadota.

"Hey. Where've you been?"

Shizuo shoved his hands in his coat pockets. "Overslept. I forgot we even had this today."

Kadota chuckled. "Better try and pick something soon, there'll be nothing left."

"Tsk. It's not like it's career week or anything, so I don't see why we have to do this crap anyway. Doesn't the term 'voluntary' mean we have a choice?"

Kadota laughed at his friend's protests. "Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning."

Shizuo looked over at the tables with a click of his tongue. "Shut up." He sighed and looked back at Kadota, seeing a sheet in his hand. "What did you go for?"

Kadota held up his sheet. "Kind of enjoyed the lifeguard job we had in the summer."

Shizuo tilted his head in confusion. "But it's winter now, and that pool only opens for the summer."

"There's another swimming pool just outside Ikebukuro looking for help. A kids swimming club goes there."

"Oh. Anymore spots for that?"

Kadota shook his head. "Sorry man, only like four spaces available."

"How the hell did you get one?"

Kadota grinned at him. "I got here on time."

Shizuo frowned at him and tilted his head up in frustration. "Do I really have to do this."

Kadota shrugged. "Not sure if it's absolutely mandatory, but the week adds extra credit to our grades."

Shizuo sighed and stared at the tables still crowded with students. "Have you seen Shinra or the flea?"

Kadota nodded. "They were around somewhere earlier but haven't seen them since. I don't even know what they picked."

The snow crunched under Shizuo's shoes when he stepped forward. "Well, wish me luck."

Shizuo was frustrated when he saw many opportunities he would have taken had he been on time. Shizuo walked toward a table that appeared to be the least popular since no people surrounded it. Shizuo read the sign attached to the table. 'Orphanage.' I wonder why no one volunteered for this. The woman sitting at the table smiled politely at him. She had fair skin with brown hair tied into a neat ponytail and wore a long-sleeved white dress with a green scarf around her neck. Her name tag read 'Ayaka Fitz,' and' Care assistant' underneath her name.

"Hello, young man. Are you interested in volunteering for the orphanage?" she spoke softly, her expression one of pleading, and Shizuo felt sorry for her. There clearly hadn't been many interests. Actually, he felt sorrier for the kids living there.

Shizuo scratched the back of his head. "Erm, I don't know. To be honest, I was kinda late getting here. I saw this table had no one around, so I…well." Shizuo blushed a little, embarrassed by his confession. "Sorry."

Ayaka giggled a little. "It's quite alright. This time of year, we need all the help we can get. The children are very lonely at Christmas time. I know it's only November, but you can imagine…."

Shizuo nodded. "Why is no one interested?"

"Either they don't have time, it's too heart-breaking, or they simply don't want to."

Shizuo frowned; couldn't anyone take time out from their perfect life to help others who need it? "Bastards." Shizuo gasped and inclined his head apologetically. "Sorry."

Ayaka smiled. "Don't worry, I won't scold you."

Shizuo returned the smile. "I kinda wanna help."

Ayaka stared at him in surprise. "Don't feel like you have to. It's really up to you. I wasn't trying to guilt you."

Shizuo shook his head. "I've not exactly had a great childhood myself, so I know what they're going through. I want to help."

Ayaka clapped her hands together. "Oh, that's wonderful! Oh…not for your childhood, but-"

Shizuo chuckled. "I knew what you meant."

Ayaka slid the sheet toward him for him to sign. "There was only one other student who volunteered for this, so I'm sure he'll be grateful for a fellow classmate's help."

Shizuo blinked in surprise. "Who?" He looked down at the sheet. I wonder if I know him. Then he gasped. In neatly written Kanji across the first box was the name: Orihara, Izaya. "What luck…" he muttered.

Ayaka tilted her head. "Pardon?"

Shizuo tried his best not to snap the pen between his fingers. Of all the damn places he could have signed up for, he picks the one least interesting to everyone else. "It's nothing. It's just that I know who'll be working with me."

"Well, at least you won't be alone."

Shizuo couldn't help but click his tongue. "Trust me. I would rather than be the case."

Ayaka's expression turned sad. "Oh, do you two not get along? He seemed like a nice boy when I met him."

Shizuo frowned. Yeah, he's a real saint. In reality, the blond wasn't angry with him. Izaya could be a genuinely nice person – sometimes, but their friendship had been rocky since they met. The scenes from the festival had played over in his head since that day, and he still couldn't understand why their interactions felt differently – well, up until he got angry for no reason, and then everything went to shit. Shizuo slid the paper back toward her and placed his hands in his coat pocket. "I'll see you tomorrow then?"

Ayaka nodded. "Thank you so much."

Shizuo started walking away but stopped and cursed himself for his stupidity. He turned back to her with a sheepish smile. "Where is it?"

Ayaka chuckled. "It's the first building by west gate park."

Shizuo tilted his head up in thought. "Ah, yeah. I think I remember seeing that before. Didn't think it was an orphanage. Looked more like a church."

Ayaka smiled. "It was, but it was converted to an orphanage. The design was too historic to revamp, so we kept it the same."

"Gotcha. Alright, well, see you tomorrow." After I report to the school at seven in the damn morning. He smiled at her and walked off to try and find Kadota. Why does it have to be the flea? This sucks.

Izaya turned the corner of the second-floor corridor, barely looking up as he ascended the stairs leading to the library. Halfway, he bumped shoulders with another student who was too involved in their book to pay attention. "Watch it," Izaya gritted out, not in the mood for an exchange of apologies.

There was a "Sorry," mumbled quietly, and Izaya lifted his head up. The boy turned away from him, and the raven stopped mid-step to grab the boy's wrist.

"Shinra, wait-" Shinra refused to look at him, keeping his head turned away. "Are you just going to avoid me forever now?" When Shinra didn't reply or even acknowledge him, he was about to let him go in defeat until his friend's book caught his attention. Shinjuku Yamabuki high? Izaya's eyes widened. "Shinra, are you thinking of transferring?"

Shinra hunched his shoulders. "Don't know yet. Can you let go? I'm going to be late for class."

Izaya frowned, released his grip, and watched Shinra hastily retreat. Izaya didn't know something so simple could hurt so much. Shinra had been his best friend since the term started. Lowering his head in sorrow, Izaya ascended the rest of the stairs and pushed open the door to the library. Finding a computer, Izaya sat down at the desk, setting his bag beside his feet. If he wants to leave, then fine. I didn't want to be friends with him to start with. I can go back to my solitary life, and things will be less complicated. Izaya clenched his fists as they hovered over the keyboard because he knew that deep down, it wasn't true, and he'd been miserable without any of them to talk to. He decided to avoid Shizuo and Kadota, but that didn't mean he hadn't missed them. At least I'm not taking the coward's way out by transferring. Dread filled his heart; if Shinra transferred, nothing would be the same again. A sudden shadow appeared over the keyboard, and Izaya looked up and frowned. "What do you want? There are other computers."

Shizuo gripped the strap of his rucksack. He glanced at the screen and noticed it was black. "Are you even using yours, or did you just come in here to mope?"

Izaya's eyes narrowed, and he leaned back in his chair. "Not that it's any of your business, but I came in here to do some research. I have a free period, unlike someone else who's currently getting on my nerves."

Shizuo ignored him and took the chair next to Izaya. "I wanted to talk to you about something."

"I'm busy. I also have nothing to say to you. Now, if you don't mind, get the hell out of my space."

Shizuo gritted his teeth. "I don't understand what you're so fricking mad about. You're acting like a child. What Kadota and I did was for yours and Shinra's protection."

Izaya laughed dryly. "Oh please, sparing my feelings?" He gave a snort of derision. "How pathetic does that sound."

"It's true!" Shizuo flinched and hunched his shoulders when the librarian shushed him.

Izaya almost chuckled but forced a frown on his face. "I didn't deny it was. I said it was pathetic. The hell do you care about feelings, especially mine. Face it Shizuo, you and I could never really be friends, and now that Shinra is transferring, this little façade of ours can stop."

Shizuo blinked and barely acknowledged what Izaya said to him. "He's leaving the school?"

"Somewhere in Shinjuku, I think. Now, if you've finished gaping at me, I'd like it very much if you left."

Shizuo frowned and leaned forward. "Are you honestly telling me you're fine with that?"

"Yes. I really would like it if you left me alone. Surely you want that too."

The blond growled quietly. "I'm not talking about me. Are you really okay with Shinra leaving?"

Izaya shrugged. "What I want is irrelevant. It's his decision." Izaya smirked when he turned on the computer. "You don't have a free period right now, and can you really afford to skip a class? Your brain needs all the help it can get."

Shizuo clenched his fists and stood up, but before leaving the raven alone, he turned slightly and said, "Deny it all you want, but if Shinra really does leave, I imagine you will feel more alone than you did before you even met him. You might think being alone is fine, but I know you really hate it." Shizuo walked away, and Izaya was left to deal with the fallback of his words.

Izaya sighed, placing his elbows on the desk, head in hands. "He's wrong." Saying it aloud didn't make it any better.

"Excuse me, are you using that?" came a female's voice beside him.

Without a glance at her, Izaya grabbed his bag, stood up, and left with a mumbled, "Take it." He ran out of the library and headed for the roof.

…

Day 1: Orphanage, 9:00am.

Shizuo walked across the short grass after opening the small gate between the orphanage's fence. He had to admit, he was looking forward to this. It got him out of school, and he was helping people. The only thing he wasn't excited about was unavoidable was-

"You've got to be kidding me," came a hissed tone from behind him, and Shizuo frowned as he turned. The raven stood there, a hand on his hip and an annoyed expression. "Are you stalking me now?"

Shizuo growled, and a vein was suddenly visible on his forehead. "Of course not! I signed up yesterday, and I didn't know you did until I saw the sheet, but it was too late to back out."

"Were you forced to sign it despite seeing my name?"

"No! She said there weren't many people interested, and I felt bad. I wanted to help."

Izaya walked past him, heading to the front entrance. "I'm sure she'll regret accepting your help once you start scaring the kids."

Shizuo clenched his fists and stalked after him, ready to grab him and punch his lights out, but the door opened, and Ayaka stepped out, smiling. Shizuo stopped inches from Izaya, his hand retreating to his side. "Welcome, you two! It's so great to have you both here."

Izaya smiled. "My pleasure." There was a snort behind him, and he frowned a little.

Ayaka stepped to the side and gestured with her hand to the door. "Let me show you around. The kids are very excited to see new visitors, especially ones as young as yourselves."

The two boys followed the assistant into the building.

Despite the architectural design, the place felt very homely and warm. As they entered, a large room appeared on the right side, with shelves of toys neatly stacked and cushioned bean bag chairs in the corner. "This is where the children mostly play when it's this kind of weather," she told them before leading them further down the hallway. The next room was a classroom with small little desks and colorful stalls lined up in rows of three in front of a whiteboard. The walls were decorated with drawings made by the kids, and there was a black border surrounding the walls with the alphabet Kanji and numbers 1-10 in white. "We try to teach the children basic language and math skills. They seemed to be quite fond of learning new things." Making a left turn, Izaya and Shizuo were led into an open space area holding many long tables and chairs. There was an archway leading into another room to the far back wall. "This is where the children eat their meals. We provide them with what they need." Stepping out of the dining area, they passed by two other rooms on opposite sides of the hall. Ayaka pointed to the right first. "The children all share one bedroom, but each has their own separate beds. On this side is the infirmary." She pointed down the corridor. "Further down is the wash facilities."

There was a lot more to this place than Shizuo expected, and he felt happy and impressed they could provide the children with such necessities. "So, where are they all? I expected a lot of hyperactive screaming," he said with a smile, and Ayaka giggled.

"Oh, there'll be screaming," Izaya muttered, loud enough for Shizuo to hear. "Just more out of fear."

Shizuo shoved his clenched fists into his pockets. If he took a swing at Izaya now, he would frighten someone, and Shizuo didn't want Ayaka to think he was violent. "So, where are they?" he said, hiding his anger.

Ayaka gestured the opposite way. "Follow me." They were led to the opposite side of the corridor and turned left. "Since the temperature is a little higher today, my two other friends have taken them outside to play in the snow. They're out the back way." Izaya and Shizuo were taken through a set of sliding doors and into the white blanket of snow. They were met with joyful screams as the children ran around, throwing snowballs and hiding from each other, and others were building snowmen or making snow angels. They imagined a playground area on warmer days: a merry-go-round, swings, a curly slide, and a climbing frame, which were covered in snow.

Ayaka stepped forward and blew the whistle around her neck to gain the kid's attention. "Come gather around me for a moment, little ones!" Their heads snapped up to the woman, and they darted toward her.

Izaya and Shizuo stayed behind Ayaka, trying to familiarize themselves. "How many do you think there are?" Shizuo asked when Ayaka tried to calm them down long enough to give them her news.

"Around fifteen or so. Not as many as I expected."

Shizuo ignored the relief he felt when Izaya actually spoke to him. "None of this was what I expected."

Izaya turned his body slightly so he could look at Shizuo. "What did you expect? Gloom and depression?"

"N-no, I mean…. not exactly."

Izaya rolled his eyes. "Just because they're orphans, Shizu-chan, doesn't mean they would walk around teary eyed all the time."

Shizuo huffed. "I didn't mean it like that." And he also ignored the fact that Izaya had used his annoying nickname again and how he wasn't happy about it. "Just impressed is all. That the carers could do a pretty good job with what they have."

They heard the woman speak again. "I'm very pleased to announce that two boys from Raijin have arrived, and I hope you'll respect them as much as you do us. They're here for the week to help us, and I'm sure you'll have lots of fun. This is Shizuo Heiwajima and Izaya Orihara. Don't hesitate to ask them questions or for any help you might need." Ayaka turned to the boys and smiled. "They're all yours. Myself, Hana, and Masaki are always around should you need anything. Thank you again for coming."

It didn't take long for the kids to coax the teens to join them. Two small girls and a boy grabbed Izaya's hands and dragged him to the snowman they were building. Shizuo smiled after them and looked down to see three children staring up at him with excitement. "You're tall Mr.!" a little girl said loudly in surprise.

"Really tall!" a boy claimed.

Shizuo chuckled and knelt down to their level. "Wanna sit on my arms, and I lift you up?"

The two of them squealed in happiness as they sat within the crook of Shizuo's arms, and he looked at the third child, another girl with pigtails carrying a small grey stuffed bunny. "What bout me?"

Shizuo smiled and turned slightly. "I think there might be room for you and your little friend there to climb on my back." The girl's eyes widened, and she clapped happily and climbed up onto the blond's back. "Don't forget to hold on tight," he told her softly and stood up.

"Yay! Look how high we are! We're taller than anyone now!"

Shizuo jogged a little, holding the kids tight as they jolted up and down with laughter. He glanced over at Izaya, who was gathering snow into a ball. Izaya felt eyes were on him and turned around to meet Shizuo's gaze. Seeing the three kids using him as a climbing frame caused him to smile. Shizuo returned the smile, shaking off the warm feeling in his chest, and turned his attention to the kids.

Izaya smiled when the kids cheered once their snowman was completed. They began to chase each other, which allowed him to focus on other children who might need his assistance.

His eyes soon fell upon a small black-haired boy, dressed in a red-hooded coat and black khakis, wearing little brown shoes. He was sitting on one of the swings, gently rocking it back and forth. A couple of other kids nearby caught the boy's attention, and he smiled happily before his expression turned sad again when they ran past him. Izaya trudged over and sat on the swing next to him. "Not playing today?" he asked softly, startling the boy who looked quizzically at Izaya. "How come you're sat here by yourself?"

The boy looked at his feet, moving the swing slightly with the tips of his toes beneath the snow. "Cause."

Izaya raised an eyebrow; for some reason, this kid reminded him of himself when he was little. "Oh, I see. That's a good reason, I suppose."

The boy pouted. "Don't make fun. S'not nice."

Izaya chuckled. "I wasn't. I was agreeing with you. I didn't like playing with other kids when I was your age either. I just liked to watch."

"I don't. I wanna play."

Izaya tilted his head to the boy. "Then why don't you?"

"They don't wanna play with me." He placed one foot on the swing's seat and wrapped his arms around his leg, placing his chin on his knee with a sad sigh.

"I bet that's not true."

"Is too."

"Have you tried?"

The boy nodded. "They don't like me. I wanna play, but they just ignore me."

"Are they mean to you?"

"No."

Izaya tipped his swing over to the boy. "Were you mean to them?"

He shook his head. "No."

"Then how do you know they don't like you?"

"Dunno. Don't care anyways."

Izaya laughed lightly; it certainly sounded like him as a child. "Alright, well, how about we have some playtime?"

The boy looked at him with a bright smile. "Really!"

Izaya nodded. "Sure, if you want to. I'm not going to ignore you."

"Okay! Can I show you my secret place that no one knows about?"

Izaya leaned forward, elbows over his knees. "If you told me, it wouldn't be a secret anymore."

"Oh." The boy seemed to ponder for a moment before smiling. "That's okay! I want you to know."

"Okay." Izaya stood up. "How about this. You're the treasure hunter who's looking for gold, and I'm your assistant."

The boy giggled. "Yay!"

"So, show me your secret discovery, sir," Izaya said with a fake deep voice.

"Follow me my assis-assi..." Izaya tried not to laugh when the boy failed to pronounce the word properly.

"Why don't you try saying helper instead?"

The boy nodded with a somewhat pout and smiled as he turned to head for the trees. "Come with me, helper!"

Izaya followed him into a small forest area toward the back of the playground. The trees cast shadows, and it grew darker when the large branches covered the sky's light. The boy pointed toward what used to be another building. Frowning, Izaya continued to follow him as they climbed over fallen branches and jumped the small gap of a dried stream. "Do you come here often at playtimes?"

"Uh huh. I play all sorts of pretend, but I never thought of playing treasure hunter before."

Izaya smiled and stood before what was left of the structure. It looked like a steeple, or perhaps a place of prayer since the other building used to be a church. "What do you call it?"

The kid shrugged. "Secret hiding spot."

Izaya laughed. "Ah, makes sense." The boy's innocence made him think of his little sisters; they always came up with games like this. "What's your name?"

"Ren Kanata."

Izaya looked at the building. "Why don't you call it Kanata temple instead? After all, you found it."

Ren jumped up and down in excitement. "Wow! That's a really cool idea! Yay!"

Izaya heard a faint bell in the distance. "I think that's your carers telling us we should be heading back."

"Aww. I don't wanna go back yet. The teachers won't notice anyway."

Izaya chuckled. "I'm pretty certain they will. They're going to worry once they notice you're missing. Come on." Izaya turned toward the small forest and motioned for the boy to go first.

"K. But can we come back when it's playtime outside again?" Izaya nodded, and they began to head back through the trees and stepped onto the playground again. "What's your name Mr.?"

"Izaya Orihara." Ren looked at him with a blank face, not even trying to repeat either name. The raven caught his confused face and laughed. "I have two little sisters about your age. They just call me Iza-nii."

Ren looked down sadly at the ground when they approached the orphanage. "I don't have any brothers or sisters."

Izaya looked at him sympathetically. Nor parents.

They stopped just short of the entrance, and the boy shuffled his feet before looking up at Izaya. "Would it maybe be okay if I called you big brother? Maybe...for a little bit."

Izaya blinked at the sudden request and smiled. "If you want to."

Ren laughed happily and ran into the building.

"Oi." Izaya turned his attention to see Shizuo walking toward him.

"Shizu-chan, did you enjoy acting like a climbing frame?"

Shizuo gave a small laugh before remembering his own question. "Where did you go?"

"I'm not allowed to tell." Izaya placed a finger to his lips. "I'm sworn to secrecy. Treasure hunters don't reveal their findings."

Shizuo stared at him blankly. "Huh?"

Izaya rolled his eyes. "It's called pretend, Shizu-chan. Didn't you ever play that as a child?" Shizuo glanced away from him, and Izaya felt a little guilty. "Sorry."

Shizuo looked back at him and nodded his head to the building. "They want us to help out in the classroom."

"You didn't have to wait for me."

"Well, I couldn't find you. Seriously, where did you go?"

Izaya smirked at him. "Were you worried?"

Shizuo shoved him lightly. "The hell for?"

Izaya chuckled, and the two-headed inside.

The children settled down into silence as they listened to Hana explain how to multiply different numbers. "Multiplication is a lot like adding. For example, two times two can be said as two add two, and what might that be?"

Izaya and Shizuo were standing against the wall waiting for further instructions.

Hana pointed at a girl sitting at the front. "Chiyo, what do you think the answer is?"

"Four!" The little girl said proudly.

"Very good. Now, this might sound tricky. If I said two times four, what might that be?" The children started counting their fingers, and the boy climbing on Shizuo earlier put his hand up. "Yes, Riku?"

"Six?"

"I understand why you might think that, but when we say times, we actually mean to add four twice. You could write the added sum like this-" Hana wrote 4+4 on the whiteboard. "You would be adding the number four twice. Or you could write this if the two numbers were the other way." 2+2+2+2. "Does anyone know what this could be?"

While Hana continued to teach, Izaya glanced around the room and noticed Ren wasn't there. He leaned off the wall and turned to Shizuo. "I'm just stepping out for a moment."

"But we're supposed to stay and help."

"Relax. I won't be long. I've noticed a kid I was playing with earlier isn't here. I'm going to look for him."

"Oh, okay. Shouldn't we inform the carers?"

Izaya shook his head. "I'm sure he isn't far, so no need to worry them. I'll be back."

Just as Izaya was about to leave, Ayaka called out to them. "Orihara, Heiwajima. Would you be so kind and hand these sheets out to the children?"

Shizuo looked at Izaya, and the raven sighed. I'm sure he's fine. Probably in the bathroom or something. Izaya frowned in thought as he took half the sheets and handed them out. I don't think I even saw him come in here at all. Izaya glanced at the door and was about to leave when a tug on his sleeve pulled his attention.

"Can you help me Mr.?" A blond boy asked with bright blue eyes, pleading.

Izaya looked to Shizuo, but he was helping a different child. Izaya smiled down at the boy and knelt beside him. "Of course."

Once the class was over, the children were ushered across the hallway and into the cafeteria. Ayaka gestured to the teens to help themselves to the food being served on plates to the kids. Shizuo nodded his thanks, but Izaya declined. "I'd like to take a walk if that's alright. Familiarize myself with the building."

Ayaka nodded with a smile and led Shizuo to a table the carers shared. The blond glanced back at Izaya with suspicion, but the raven wiggled his fingers at him and skipped out of the room.

Izaya was good at memorizing and didn't feel guilty when he lied to Ayaka. Izaya walked through the corridor to where the children slept.

Izaya made a turn for the bedroom until he heard footsteps run behind him, followed by a giggle that could only be a child's. Izaya spun around, a hand clutching the door frame slightly, and quickly shook his head. Izaya chuckled a little and turned to head for the infirmary. "Ren?" he called and peered in the room, glancing around but couldn't see anyone. He was about to leave until his eyes landed on two small feet sticking out slightly under the bed. Izaya rolled his eyes humorously and walked to stand beside the bed. He bent down and tilted his head. "I could see your feet." Ren shuffled back, tucking his feet under him. "Not sure if that counts now that I've already found you. I didn't know we were playing hide and seek."

Ren wrapped his arms around his legs with a sad look, and Izaya bent down further, almost laying across the floor. "Aren't you supposed to be having lunch? Where did you go? I didn't see you in the classroom either."

Ren shrugged. "I don't like class. Everyone hates me and ignores me anyway."

This again, huh? I didn't know little kids could be this pessimistic. "Surely not all of them. Maybe they think you hate them. Have you ever thought about that?"

Ren looked up at him and shook his head. "No, but even the people who look after us ignore me."

"Well, there's a lot of you to take care of for just three people. Have you tried to talk to them by yourself when they're not so busy?"

Ren shook his head again. "At playtime, I just sit alone cause nobody wants to play with me."

Izaya sighed. "Sounds to me like you don't want to play with them either."

"Big brother?"

Izaya was surprised by the name for a second. "What is it?"

"Will you play with me at playtimes always?"

Izaya smiled and shifted under the bed. "I'll play with you, but you have to promise to try and get along with the other kids, and the carers. I'm sure they're only worried about you. Remember, I'm only here for a week."

Ren nodded. "Wish it was longer."

Izaya laughed and shifted to his knees. "If you promise to come out from under the bed and go get some food, I'll come for visits sometimes."

Ren smiled brightly at him. "You mean it!"

Izaya nodded. "Of course." He smiled and held his hand out. "Now, come on, before they really start wondering where you've gotten too, and before my own classmate starts looking for me."

Ren giggled. "He's really tall and always looks angry and stuff."

Izaya grinned before a genuine smile crossed his face. "He is, but he's not that bad. He's - he's a good guy." Izaya motioned again with his hand. "Let's go." Ren smiled and placed his hand in Izaya's, and the raven pulled him out from under the bed. "Go and get food." Ren nodded and ran from the room. Izaya couldn't help but stare at his hand. What was that?

"There you are. The hell are you doing down there? They asked me to come find you in case you got lost or something."

Izaya looked up from his hand and chuckled. "I was looking for Ren."

"Who?"

Izaya rolled his eyes. "The absent boy I told you about."

"Oh. Was he hiding there, or do you normally like sitting on the floor of random rooms?"

Izaya pouted at him, and Shizuo couldn't help but chuckle. "Shut up. I found him, and he was hiding, but I coaxed him out. Didn't you see him pass you?"

Shizuo shook his head. "Maybe he went the other way or something."

Izaya sighed and placed his hand on top of the bed to get to his feet, but a sudden wave of dizziness overcame him, and Shizuo was on him in a heartbeat when Izaya swayed against the bed. "Whoa..."

"Izaya? What's wrong, are you okay?"

Izaya blinked and straightened when the dizziness passed. He chuckled and batted Shizuo's hand away. "I'm fine. I think I stood up too fast. I'm good now." Shizuo frowned at him, eyes following the raven as the teen walked toward the door. "Coming?"

Shizuo soon followed after him, still frowning. Izaya never got dizzy like that for no reason. It came on suddenly, and he was extremely pale.

...

The two teens left the orphanage for the day, leaving behind smiling and waving children. The carers bowed politely to them when Izaya and Shizuo smiled and waved as they stepped backward toward the gate. Izaya glanced over and gave a direct wave to Ren standing beside Ayaka. The boy waved with both hands and shouted, "See you tomorrow!"

They turned and walked past the fence and headed down the pathway. "Well, that was kind of fun. I actually feel good about myself."

Izaya chuckled and shoved his hands in his pockets. "You certainly seemed to bond with the kids. I didn't expect that of you."

Shizuo snorted and gritted his teeth. "Why, because I'm a monster?"

Izaya stopped walking and stared at him as the blond continued. Izaya knew he should apologize or say something to counter his insult. Shizuo responded to teasing, and his temper always amused him, but sometimes, even Izaya's own insults didn't feel right when he said them. He deserves better than how I treat him.

Shizuo turned around, finding Izaya further back, staring at him. "What's the matter?"

And he hasn't even reacted to what I said. Izaya thought back to Shizuo's words from the library. The blond didn't know how much they made Izaya realize what his friends really meant to him. He'd never been happy with companionship before until he met them. Izaya didn't understand why his feelings for Shizuo felt different, but he now needed to fix things. Shinra was a different case; Izaya had no idea the boy held such feelings for him, and now he would transfer because of it. Izaya didn't know how to make it right.

"Izaya?" Izaya blinked when he noticed Shizuo standing inches in front of him.

"Ah, sorry. I spaced there for a second."

Shizuo frowned. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Izaya nodded and glanced down at the ground, kicking up some snow with his foot. "I was thinking..."

"I'll say. You were zoned out for like five minutes."

"You did the right thing, with Shinra, I mean."

"Huh?"

"I was just angry at the time, and kind of in shock. The kiss was not expected, but you and Dota-chin were just being good friends. It was only right for Shinra to tell me, and I was wrong for getting angry that you didn't."

Shizuo's mouth fell open. An outright apology from Izaya was rare, and Shizuo couldn't think of anything to say.

Izaya continued, "and you were right about another thing. I know I don't act like friends should. I have a hard time dealing with certain emotions, and I'm not used to having friendship, but I've gotten used to having the three of you around, and I don't want the bonds to break." Izaya looked up at him, sincerity in his eyes. "I value your friendship, Shizu-chan, and the way I treat isn't right. I just wanted you to know."

Shizuo was absolutely flabbergasted; where the hell did that come from? Did spending the day at the orphanage make Izaya realize how lucky he was? Even if it was Izaya, and sometimes the raven would really tick him off, it didn't matter. He was still a friend. A friend, huh? Pretty sure you don't feel strange feelings toward a friend. Shizuo mentally shook those thoughts away. "We're good. Don't worry about it. I get why you were pissed, but I'll accept the apology anyway because one coming from you is rare."

Izaya huffed and tried to shove Shizuo backward, but the blond just laughed. "I hate you..."

"Yeah? Well, I'm not too thrilled about you either, so we'll just be bad seeds together."

Izaya chuckled. "How pathetic is that?"

"Shut the hell up." It was Shizuo's turn to shove the raven, which, unfortunately, ended with Izaya flat on his back in the snow. Shizuo blinked and glanced down. "Whoops."

"Shizu-chan!" Izaya sat up with a shiver. "Ah, that's so cold." Shizuo held his hand out with a grin on his face. Izaya frowned up at him. "Helping me up? I should hope so."

Shizuo rolled his eyes and hauled the raven to his feet. Izaya bumped against his chest, laughing lightly, pressing his hand against it, and pushed back slightly. That same feeling from the festival was back. The warmth and the look Shizuo had given him.

"Izaya...we should... get...home," Shizuo said slowly but couldn't take his eyes off the other.

"Yeah... it's cold..."

The two leaned in, Izaya slowly balancing on the tips of his toes.

"It's snowing..."

Their faces were inches from each other.

"Uh huh..."

Closing their eyes, their lips touched, and Shizuo wrapped his arm around Izaya's back to bring him closer. There was a faint moan when their kiss deepened slightly. Izaya wrapped his arms around Shizuo's neck, pressing himself closer to the blond's warmth.

Only when a second moan came from their lips and the snow became heavier did they separate and realize. Both eyes were wide, and they panted a little before stepping back from each other. Izaya was the first to react. Shizuo stared after him when the raven ran off but didn't try to chase him.

Shizuo finally realized what those strange feelings meant, and it had nothing to do with friendship. "Shit."