Disclaimer: I do not own Durarara! or any of the alternatives

Psy: I was wondering about everyone's opinion about the Slasher.

Psy: I saw many news articles about it in the newspaper and some television reports.

Roppi eyed the shamrock text box in curiousity. Once again more talk about them. The slashing itself has stopped, but of course with the Yellow Scarves around looking for them, news is bound to travel about them. But I really have to deal with this again tonight?

TarouTanaka: Hmm, I don't know much about them

Saika: Me neither.

Setton: I mean, they had a large rally not so long ago, I don't know what went on.

Kanra: Oh sure you do setton san

Kanra: This was before saika fixed her glitch

Psy: Glitch?

Saika's Glitch? How is this connected to them at all? Geez, sometimes I wish Izaya tells me about all of these things. Or at least make things clearer

TarouTanaka: Oh I remember that. Her account got hacked and basically became a spammer.

Saika: I'm sorry about that. I swear that I myself did not do that.

TarouTanaka: We believe you, it's okay.

Kanra: It sure gave us all a scare tho

Virus: So what does this have to do with them?

Kanra: Well, the spammer kept spamming the word "Love" and "Mother"

Kanra: Then after a while, "Shizuo Heiwajima"

Kanra: They were basically telling him to meet them

Kanra: Idk what happened next but something sure happened with him and the slashing incidents have almost vanished

Psy: I see…

Psy: But then what happened.

Setton: Well, things didn't really quiet down ever since they stopped slashing.

Setton: Apparently the two top gangs are looking for them.

TarouTanaka: Oh? Which ones?

Virus: The Yellow Scarves and the Dollars.

Setton: Exactly. The Dollars arent as open about their actions, but the Yellow Scarves believe that the Slasher is among them. Even going as far as attacking them or other people they suspect as being one even if they aren't.

Kanra: Meanwhile the Dollars are trying to prove that they don't have them

Kanra: Since the Dollars have no hierarchy theres no way for the members to know what to do next

Kanra: Hence why so many are quitting

Setton: And the Slashers are hard to find ever since the rally.

Kanra: All everyone has to go on is bright red eyes

Kanra: As scary as it sounds, its exciting at the same time

Virus: Of course you would find this exciting.

Saika: Umm, please excuse me.

Saika: I am not myself tonight so I'm leaving early.

Setton: Oh sorry, rest easy okay.

TarouTanaka: Bye Saika.

Saika has left the chat.

What was that all about. Perhaps the stress must have gotten to her or something. It'd get to me too if I wasn't so used to it. Then again, that's not good to say either.

Psy: I can't help but feel like this is my fault. I was the one who brought it up.

TarouTanaka: No its fine, I mean the news is everywhere, so it does bother everyone to some degree.

Psy: I guess.

Psy seems more passive today. I wonder what's going on.

Psy: Well, what is everyone's opinion on what them.

TarouTanaka: I mean, I never met one so I cannot give my opinion.

Setton: Well, I think the situations is blown way out of proportion. It's already bad enough that Ikebukuro has to recover from their damage, but now has to take a blow from another gang war.

Kanra: It is fun to watch and see what goes down, but i do believe Setton is onto something here

There was a pause, probably because everyone is waiting on Roppi to respond.

Psy: Virus-san?

Kanra: Dont tell me ur afk!?

Roppi stared at the screen. He hates the Slasher for making him involved in their group, but he doesn't want to voice it. He cannot even lighten the statement without having it laced with his hatred for them. This is supposed to be his way to not hate humans, but the Slasher talk isn't helping. I didn't ask to be born with my eyes. I hate them even though they are my favorite color.

You have entered a private conversation with Psy

Psy: You don't have to respond. Just pretend you are away from the chat and keep watching

Psy: Unless of course you actually are away from it right now…

Psy: I'll move it along and talk about something else.

Returned to main chat

Psy: Oh well, i guess he's busy right now and forgot to logout.

Psy: It's fine though, i think i got what i needed

Psy: Why don't we talk about something else.

Psy, whoever you are, thanks. I really don't want to think about them anymore today.

He decided to stay quiet the entire time in hopes to not have to answer the question. He did send a private message to Psy saying thanks and that he will be silent for the rest of the public chat. Izaya did send in some chats asking him where he was and why he's not saying anything, but he ignored them. Izaya you know why so shut up. After the main chat has ended, he decided to talk to Psy some more to explain himself.

Virus: I am sorry for that, but the Slasher is a topic that doesn't really agree with me very well.

Psy: No worries, I mean, Saika had ot leave because of it.

Psy: I shouldnt have brought it up.

Virus: It's fine. You were curious and you were new.

Psy: No excuse...

Psy: Well, should we talk some more or should I let you rest?

Virus: Hmm… maybe for five more minutes.

Psy: Fair enough. So what happened today?

Virus: Nothing much. Just another day looking for a job. Still nothing though. You?

Psy: Well i started classes today.

Virus: Really, how is it?

Psy: It's not bad. It is school but at least i get to draw in one some of them.

Virus: I see.

That's right, he majors in Graphic Illustration and minoring in Creative Writing. He really does want to be a Manga Artist. But why, it's not the best job out there.

Virus: Can I ask why you want to go into Manga?

Psy: Well…

Psy: The reason isn't something that I like to talk about.

Psy: But it is the reason I'm here in the city.

Virus: You don't have to share.

Psy: I will eventually, but I still need to sort it out.

Psy: Well what about you, do you have any dream?

Virus: …

Roppi paused and thought about it. The last time I had hopes for a dream was… so long ago.

Virus: No not really, I just want to live day by day.

Psy: I see. But didnt you have any when you were a kid?

Virus: … not that I can remember.

Psy: Gotcha.

Psy: I guess I should let you go for tonight. You seem out of it today.

Virus: Kind of, yeah.

Psy: Well Good Night. Hope to see you tomorrow.

Virus: Yeah sure. Night.

Psy is offline

Virus is offline

Hachimenroppi looked at his clock to show it was almost midnight. He was exhausted, that's for sure. And he still has to keep looking for a job. He rolled out his futon and changed into his usual sleepwear, which was a black and red trimmed pajama set with a long sleeve button down shirt and long pants. They were comfortable and he liked it better when his skin wasn't showing. He curled up under the blankets and rested his head. His day was indeed eventful. Although still unemployed, he did get his book back and somehow, got a friend. He seems so different than normal humans. He's actually kind of a goofball. But he stop stuttering to me… why does that feel like an accomplishment? He doesn't feel regret about having Tsuki enter his life right now. But he still doesn't know if it is the right choice for him. He too didn't have many friends other than immediate family. But just because they are close family, does not mean he likes being with them. Izaya really is nosy with him and his personal life since they moved to Ikebukuro, and the twins is more so and even unbearably annoying; well Mairu is at least her all of her nonsense jibber-jabber. He had always been most comfortable when he was left completely alone to just think and forget. Sometimes he would still think about how he wants to end his life because he remembered something that he wish he could forget. Although he cuts his wrists, he isn't ready to kill himself. He's just suicidal, wanting to never had existed or to die, but not going to any time soon. He just doesn't have enough drive, or is scared of death.

It wasn't always like this however. Back in his hometown when he was little, things were actually peaceful and enjoyable. He was actually happy and did not find humans to be so disgusting. He often times wish he could rewind time to go back to those days. Back then when ignorance was bliss. Back when the innocence of youth was a blessing. Back when it was only just him and his mother, no one else.

"Hachimenroppi! Where are you?"

A small little eight year old boy with short black hair peeked through the crack of his wardrobe where he was hiding in. He giggled as he watched a tall woman with her long dark brown hair in a bun looking around his room for him. She was wearing her navy blue butterfly yukata and was holding a smaller burgundy one with a red sash in her arms and the white inner part.

"Gram wants to take some pictures of all of us before we go. We better hurry or we'll miss the opening ceremony." The woman disappeared from his view and continued to call for him, but the suddenly the door flung open. "Found you, silly goose. What are you doing in there?" Looking inside, she sees an open notebook with pages full of writing. "Were you writing again?"

"Mhm…" the boy timidly nodded.

"Roppi, you don't have to hide your work, I love seeing your imagination come to life."

"I know… but…" The boy looked at the floor. The woman smiled and knelt down to his eye level. He stared into her dark brown eyes.

"We'll talk about it later, for now let's just enjoy today okay? After all, this is the only time I let you eat all the candy and sweets you want," she said with a smile. He smiled as well and climbed out. It took some time for the duo to finish dressing him, but they were finished and ready to go to the summer festival their town holds annually. Currently they walk through the large manor to meet their other relatives downstairs.

The Orihara family name was well known and had lived here for generations. The little boy didn't know the details but his entire family lived here. There was Gram who he also loved to be around when his mother had to be somewhere without him, his four cousins who can be loud and immature, his Aunt Ayame and Uncle Kizami who were Sakuraya's parents, and of course his mother, who he could not live without. It was only just the two of them. He never met his father, but it didn't matter because they were happy by themselves. She was his best friend and they shared so many fun and silly memories together.

"What took you so long Roppi-chan?" another boy about 2 years older than him with his own black and white kimono asked with his arms crossed together, grabbing onto the bottom of his sash were two identical girls with a pigtail on opposite sides of their heads in cream and light green colored yukatas.

"Izaya, be nice," a woman about the same age as his mother scolded. She as well as the older woman behind her and the man beside her was well dressed for the evening celebration. His Uncle Shirou and Aunt Kyouko were actually home this year from another business trip. He forgot what they did for a living but they were always away, leaving Izaya to care for his sisters Kururi and Mairu. Now that they were home, Izaya starts acting a little more like a child.

"Alright everyone, let's get ready for a picture," the oldest woman with her dark grey hair addressed and ushered everyone to the staircase.

"Wait, where's Kizami?" his mother asked the adults. As she said that, a woman with black hair with a small black haired child in her arms with a man behind her down the stairs.

"Sorry, Sakuraya was being difficult again," she apologized and stood next to

"Hotaru, isn't Joshua coming?" the older woman asked his mother. Her smile dropped a little before shaking her head.

"No, he had some important meetings tonight and he took Henry with him."

"What a shame." Roppi glanced down at the floor. He didn't really like Joshua or Henry. They both were new to the Orihara family, but they kept their family name from another country. He instead looked to his older cousin who was tapping his foot impatiently.

"Gram, we're gonna be late if we don't hurry up," Izaya complained.

"Okay okay, let's get started."

It took ten minutes to get a few pictures of each family and everyone as a whole, but after that, they walked out into the warm summer air towards the fair grounds. Roppi held onto his mother's hand while everyone talked.

"Mom and Dad gave me a lot of money guys, what should we get?" the younger of the three boys asked excitedly. Sakuraya was usually calm and quiet long ago, but ever since he started going to music classes, he started becoming more expressive.

"Well, you still owe these two something sweet, maybe some Taiyaki for them," Izaya held up his two hands, each with one of the twins who were getting excited and agreed. They were usually quiet and didn't like interacting with others. They basically were the same.

"Oh right, I forgot about that, what about you Pi-chan?" Sakuraya looked his way with those bright pink eyes and a large grin. The one with red eyes pouted.

"Don't call me Pi-chan, it sounds stupid. But, maybe something sweet too."

"Kids, stop thinking about just candy, there are some other good foods that aren't sweet. Besides, don't you want to save your money for the games," Roppi's mother suggested. The children all discussed about everything they wanted to do and get while the adult were also conversing with each other for the next 15 minutes until they arrived at the long lines of stalls and the smells of all the delicious food.

"Hotaru-chan, are you alright?" Roppi turned to look at his mother when he heard Uncle Kizami ask her. Her breath what a little heavier than everyone else's.

"Oh don't worry about me, I guess I need to catch my breath a little," she calmly said as she waved it off.

"Mom?" Roppi asked and faced her worryingly. She kneeled down to her son and gave a reassuring smile.

"I'm fine sweetie, I promise."

"A-Are you sure?"

"Of course, now smile for me, okay Roppi? I'm happy and feel so much better when I see you smiling." Hachimenroppi looked towards the ground. This isn't the first time his mother has been losing her breath, but she always say she was fine. But today was a day they can spend together, so he looked back up at her with the brightest smile he could make and squeeze her hands reassuringly.

"Okay."

"There's that lovely smile, now let's go have some fun."

They spent the next couple of hours on their own playing a few games and snacking. Afterwards the two were sitting on a bench near the river sharing some cotton candy. Neither of them didn't like being it crowds for a very long time and the scene was far too beautiful to walk pass without appreciation. The mountains that loomed in behind it were now dark thanks to the sun setting, giving the a mix of warm and cool colors a frame which mirrored in the waters below.

"Are you having fun Hachimenroppi?" she asked as she moved the child's new fox mask out to the side so he could watch the water.

"Yeah, are you?"

"Of course, it's nights these that I get to share another precious memory with you."

"Mhm!" The two gazed at the boats with lanterns hanging off them float by as the music behind them continued to play.

"Roppi," his mother started, "promise me that no matter what, you would always cherish these memories that you and I shared. Okay?" He looked up at her curiously. She was still facing the boats and her face is little more serious.

"Mom…"

"Can you promise me that?" He took her hand and leaned against her side, smiling.

"I promise." She too smiled and leaned towards him to place a kiss on top of his head.

"I'm glad. These memories that we share will give you strength in the years to come where you aren't a kid anymore. When the weight of being grown up is just too heavy to continue. I want you to keep them and always remember that we shared them together."

"The sun is gone and skies grows dark," Roppi started, "Time has passed since we gazes up above, yet it feels endless; as if time itself has stopped for this very moment. A moment to reflect, to remember, and to dream of what will. A tranquil display in the cool summer night as your streams of thought trickle into your memories; immortalizing them to observe for another time like this." The woman gave a small chuckle and smiled.

"That was beautiful sweetie."

"I'm not very good. Izaya is so much better."

"There's no need to be modest with your mother Roppi, I enjoyed it. But whether you are good or not, if you love to write, don't stop what you are doing."

After they finished their treat, they met up with the rest of their family around dinner time and ate before they started to walk towards the parade.

"Pi-chan! Look look look!" Roppi turned around to see a large white stuffed rabbit with pink button eyes being shoved into his face.

"Sakuraya, don't force things into people's faces, especially something that big," he yelled as he pushed it out of his face.

"Awww, but look at it, isn't it cute?"

"Well-"

"Hotaru!" Everyone turned towards Natsu and Hotaru Orihara to the latter collapsed and in a major coughing fit. Roppi first stared in horror before rushing to her side.

"Mom!" She tried clearing her throat to suppress her fit, but the coughing didn't cease. Uncle Shirou and Kizami supported her upright while Aunt Kyouko fanned her face.

"Darling, you need to go get some rest," Aunt Ayame suggested. Hotaru continued to shake her head.

"I-I'm … fine…" she mustered before going into another fit. Shirou came close to her ear and whispered something that the little red-eyed boy could not pick up. His mother glanced over at him sadly before nodding.

"I'll take her home to rest," Shirou stated before taking out his phone to call a taxi.

Roppi was still shocked by the situation. He slowly walked up to her and too her hand. His eyes were slowly filling up with tears threatening to fall. If there was one thing he was scared of most of all, it would be losing her.

"Take me with you too."

"Roppi, I'll be fine. Go and have fun with the others."

"But it's not fun if you're not here!" Hotaru crouched down and gently pulled him closer as she, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"I know sweetie. But please make the most of it. Have fun for both of us. I'm not feeling all that well right now so please understand, okay?" Roppi clung onto her tightly. He didn't want to leave her, not did he want her to leave him. But he knew this is for the best and relaxed a little.

"Okay…"

"That's my boy. Now smile for me. I'll get better faster if you do." He nodded while forcing a smile on his face.

"Hota-chan, the cab's here," Kizami called her. She turned back to her son and kissed his forehead.

"I'll see you when you get home. Be my strong Hachimenroppi that I know you are."

"I will." He watched as the two older men helped her walk to the cab and the group watch them disappear into the car and drive away. He still didn't want to move from his spot.

"Roppi-chan. Come on, you heard her," Izaya broke his trance. "She wouldn't want you to just sit here and spend the rest of the day crying. That would make her cry too- huh..." The twins were trying to pull him by the arms away from the younger boy. "Come on guys, stop pulling, I'm gonna trip." But the two didn't stop and the older brother slipped on some loose gravel and fell on his bottom. The girl giggled and hugged each other, high-fiving Sakuraya when he came over. This did cause Roppi to chuckle before his grandmother comes over to put her hand on his shoulder.

"Your mother is a strong woman Hachi, I'm sure she will be fine. Why don't we get her something to cheer her up when we go home."

"Yes Gram." He slid his mask over his face and followed the group holding Gram's comforting hand.

Roppi couldn't remember the rest of the day. His thought still worried about his mother. What caused it all to happen, was she sick? Why would she come out here when if she knew she was sick? But the did his best to remain positive and thought of a gift. At the end of the day, they all returned to the manor. He ran up the stairs with a box in his hands to her room. He paused in front of her door to catch his breath before knocking.

"Come in," she called and he opened the door to she her sitting up in bed. "Roppi, did you have fun?"

"I did," he replied before shutting the door behind him. He climbed onto the bed and sat close to her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm feeling better now, I don't know what came over me. Silly feeble body I guess," she joked. "Oh, what's that in your hand?"

"I… Gram and I bought something to cheer you up."

"For me?" He nodded. "Well let's see what it is." The opened the box and inside was a platter of otoro. She smiled. "Oh wow."

"Gram let us stop by on the way home and pick some up for you. It's your favorite right?"

"Yes it is. Now how did you know that?"

"Gram told me you liked it as a kid."

"Is it your favorite too?"

"Umm, yes." She smiled and gave him more kisses on his cheek.

"Thank you sweetie. Why don't we share?"

"Are you sure?"

"It is your favorite right, and I certainly cannot finish this all on my own."

"A-Alright."

The two of them sat in the bed picking out each sushi piece as Roppi told her about the night. His mother shared a few stories of her own when something related came up. When the box was empty, Roppi got up and grabbed some water for both of them and changed into his pajamas. He brushed his teeth and joined his mother in her bed. He already has his own room, but tonight he wanted to be close to this mother. He didn't want to leave her alone if something happened again.

"Get better soon Mom."

"Just keep smiling, no matter what. Your smiles will make me feel better."

"Okay."

"Sweet dreams Roppi,"

"Good night Mom." He reaches out to hug her, but as he goes to , he was greeted by an empty space. He sat up quickly in a panic. "Mom?"

"Mom!" Roppi sat up harshly causing his head to hurt a bit. He was panting heavily. He looked down to see he was back in his small apartment, alone. Not again. He glanced to a small corner of his room. A small shrine sits there by the window with a picture of his mother on that day. I can't seem to forget can I. How naive of me. He crawled out of his futon and lit another incense and stuck it in the rice.

"You're probably watching me now, are you. Are you still proud of your son despite all of his faults," he asked the picture. He stopped crying since the day she died, he stopped feeling any other emotion. But always stayed; the one emotion he could not suppress. "I'm sorry I stopped smiling Mom. I'm sorry I can't let go of what happened. I just wish…" He paused as he continued to look at her face.

"I wish I didn't have to lose you."

Hellooooooooo Everyone!

We get to see some of Roppi's back story! Awww he's so sad I just want to hug him and not let go.

Anyway, I am so so so very sorry for missing a chapter last month, I've been so busy with classes that I literally could not do anything else. I also had to prepare for an anime convention that happened last weekend. If you were at Anime Boston in last weekend, I was attempted Virus-138. It was a lot of fun but yeah, I should have worked more on this so sorry if it seemed rushed near the end.

Also, I'm bad at poetry...

So let me know how this turned out. Again I am sorry for missing a month, I'll try to be better about it. I still have a few weeks of school left before break but I'll try to be better about updating. Let's just hope my professors don't kill me in the process *glances nervously at mountain of homework*. Don't be afraid to review any comments or questions you have and I'll see if I can answer your question. Have a good day guys.