Graduation.

"Would everyone please rise," the principal spoke clearly into the microphone as he addressed the students in the large hall. "Classes of grade 11, you have demonstrated outstanding performance in the last year of your exams and achieved excellent marks, and I know each of you worked your hardest. However, few pushed themselves beyond their capabilities and proved to have bettered themselves as time passed." He gestured to the table beside him, holding trophies and four envelopes. "I have awards to give out before proceeding with the diplomas, so please be patient." He picked up the first trophy and said, "Shinra Kishitani, this award is assigned to you for your outstanding leadership as a class rep and for your excellent performances in your biology field exams, congratulations."

The students clapped in unison, filling the large hall with its sound. Shinra blushed, and Izaya pushed him forward to encourage him. Izaya chuckled as he watched his best friend shyly walk to the stage. Nothing changes. Izaya glanced at Shizuo, who 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 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, who shrugged 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.

"The 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. "Shit." When they moved toward the stage, Izaya could hear his sisters shout over the crowds of students, and his parents whistled. So embarrassing. Why couldn't they just stay at home? Izaya tried to remain calm as he stood on 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 your highest potential. Congratulations." Another loud applause erupted from students and parents. Izaya quickly walked 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 worked harder than you to better yourself. Congratulations." The hall filled with cheers once more as 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, and Shizuo returned it.

Other rewards were handed out to other students, followed at last by the diplomas. Pictures were taken by families and other friends. Their yearbooks were excessively passed around and signed, and it overwhelmed them. The four friends gathered outside for some peace and quiet, taking their minds off the excitement in the hall.

Shinra couldn't help but smile. He was so happy, and he felt 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 placed his hand on Shinra's shoulder. "Don't get all weepy on us, or Dota-chin will start crying."

Kadota glared at him. "What the hell? Shut the hell up, damn it."

Izaya chuckled before a serious expression came over his face. "You're right, 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, but a slight tear appeared on his eyelid, and he frowned and wiped it away. "God damn it, flea." Izaya laughed at his expression, 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 all did for me. You were the first people to ever talk to me and treat me like I was a human being and not a monster. I couldn't have achieved half as much as I did without you. I know we didn't always see eye to eye, but I always knew you would be there for me." Shinra and Kadota smiled at him. Shizuo tightened his hold on Izaya. "And I fell in love with this flea, and I think that's a pretty big achievement."

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 and punched him lightly, and huffed when he lay his head against Shizuo's chest. "Stupid protozoan."

Kadota chuckled; the two had come a long way since the beginning, and he was proud of them. "Pretty sure my life wouldn't be half as exciting if I hadn't met you three. You 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 when 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 turned to see Izaya's sisters running up to them, followed by their parents. Kyouko smiled with tears in her eyes and 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, and 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 in Shinjuku.

"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. 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, so you should be in charge."

Izaya looked at him. While they had been at school, he hadn't wanted that, mainly because he hadn't thought they would last this long, but things were serious now, and they had gained so much. "Alright, I'll be in charge, but only if you're sure."

Shinra smiled at him. "I'm sure."

Izaya looked over with a grin when Shizuo and Kadota carried in another two large boxes from the van downstairs. Kadota glared at him. Izaya was playfully spinning on his new swivel chair while testing the computer's functions. "Some things really don't change," Kadota said with a huff of annoyance.

Izaya laughed loudly and stood up with a stretch. "Shizu-chan and Dota-chin are still the strongest, so it's only fair for you to carry the heavy boxes."

Kadota rolled his eyes and tapped the blond's arm. "I'll get the last two from Shinra." Once Kadota left, Izaya stalked over to Shizuo and pressed him against the wall.

"So, how does it feel dating the boss?" Izaya grinned at him and kissed him hard on the lips.

Shizuo moaned against the kiss and grasped Izaya's arms. "Don't give me any special treatment or anything. It would 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. "Exceptions accepted."

Izaya kissed him again, and Shizuo returned the kiss heatedly.

"I thought this was a professional ghost hunting business, or have I come to the wrong place?"

The two pulled away, glancing toward the door to see a tall, long straight-haired brunette woman standing there, a hand to her hip. She was slender and dressed in a dark green skirt with a lighter green long-sleeved shirt, black tights, and black shoes. Izaya stepped toward her with a hand outstretched, and she took it firmly.

"My name is Namie Yagiri. I'm here as your newly appointed secretary. I have a vast amount of knowledge of the paranormal world and will be 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, and I will return the favor 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 forming on his face. "You're trying to convince me you're a shrine maiden dressed like that?"

Namie gasped in horror and clenched her fists, stomping her foot. "I am a well-respected maiden, you scrawny brat."

Izaya chuckled; oh, he would 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 left the office. "That was fun."

Shizuo rolled his eyes and couldn't help his annoyance. "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. She's only a secretary, ao she won't be joining us all the time."

Shizuo nodded. Izaya was in charge, and if he thought they needed more help, he'd have to deal with it.

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 nodded in agreement. Izaya took his jacket off the door's hook, and Shizuo watched him slide his arms into the long black coat. The jacket was fur-trimmed at the wrist, bottom, and hood. Izaya placed his hands in his pockets and glanced at Shizuo. "What?"

"I can't believe you brought that."

Izaya pouted. "I like this jacket, and I think it suits me." Shizuo shrugged, and they stepped 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, each receiving 15,000Y, so they used it to buy something personal.

Izaya grinned when Shizuo huffed and headed down the steps.

Izaya looked at the front of their office door as he closed and locked it behind him.

He smiled at the black lettering titling their new business.

PRO: Psychic Research Office.