Disclaimer: I don't own DRRR or any of the alternatives.

Another day and still no job. Have I really run out of options. It is getting late in the evening, and Hachimenroppi still has no luck on a job. He did want to avoid any illegal or underground work, but there isn't many options aside from them.

"So, any luck with your job hunting?" The red eyes raven glanced down away from the voice with grim look on his face.

"What do you want Izaya?" The informant broker was leaning a wall in a hidden alley way wearing his usual smirk. He came out of the shadows and decided to walk towards the nearby guardrail and lean against it to be in the other's view as he spoke.

"Come on, I'm genuinely concerned. You've been unemployed for 2 weeks now and no other ways of getting financially stable. Until the news dies down about the Slasher, people will continue to suspect you as one of them. Your attitude and personality isn't helping either, so you're options are getting slimmer and slimmer."

"Wasn't it you who made the information spread to begin with?"

"Now now, I'm not responsible for it, I just know how it spreads. You don't have the human's trust since you can't prove yourself as innocent in this. Could it be that this is your fuel towards hating them? Well You wouldn't be wrong if you said they are oblivious to everything that doesn't directly correlate to themselves."

"Where are you going with this?" There was concern in Roppi's voice. He knew that whatever Izaya is going to bring up he was not going to like it.

"Straight to the point again huh? Come on, we hardly have a normal conversation anymore; but oh well." Since when have we had a normal conversation? Cause now isn't a good example either. "I'm here to make an offer you can't refuse." Roppi cocked an eyebrow. This definitely won't turn out well… "Seeing as though no one else around here will hire you, why don't you come work for me?" He was shocked. Sure he considered asking him, but always told himself to find something better.

"You're joking right, me work for you? I don't need your charity. And how is that an offer I'd like?"

"I didn't say you were gonna like it. I said it's an offer you can't refuse. Beggars can't be choosers now can they? Besides, it's only charity if I am not asking anything of you. You would work as a secretary of sorts. Should be fairly simple for someone like you." Annoying. This entire situations is completely annoying. But the younger cannot deny that his nosy cousin is right. He needed a job, and soon. It's almost the end of the month and can just barely make ends meet. Shit… he's right. Like always. And with that he let's out heavy sigh and crosses his arms.

"Fine, but on a few conditions that you can live with." Izaya gave a triumphant grin.

"I'm all ears. I'll see what I can work out and around."

"One, if your client of the day is anyone from the yakuza, which I know is frequent, I don't want to be around or have them see me. And I want nothing to do with their shady shit."

"Hmm… fair enough. I don't want them to know about you either."

"Two, I am not your personal toy, so don't use me for your ridiculous hobbies or pranks."

"Aww, there goes some of my freetime plan." Roppi narrowed his eyes at that, but the other didn't seemed phased; rather he laughed it off. "Kidding, I'm kidding. That's why I have my humans and Shizu-chan."

"And three, don't give me special privileges just because we're related. Just treat me like you're other secretary."

"She's more like my house maid than a secretary, but I guess I can use more of that too. Is that all?"

"For now."

"Well you're demands are reasonable, so yeah I'll accommodate. Consider yourself hired now Roppi-chan!"

"Yeah whatever, when do I start and what do you need me to do."

"Ehh? You're not even going to celebrate? Come on I'll even treat you to something and you can start tomorrow."

"I should have some idea of what I'm getting into."

"It should be easy for you with your experience as a librarian, just find the files I ask for, organize them, let my clients in and get tea ready, and edit information when I ask you to. Should be simple enough that even a middle schooler can do it."

"Is that it?"

"I swear, this is the exact same thing that Namie is doing. Granted I do make her cook for me and clean, but you can do those as well, right?" Hmm, sounds simple enough. Like he said, I don't have many options to choose from.

"Alright fine. I'll take the position."

"Great! Now let's get some food to celebrate."

"Wait, I didn't agree to this." But before Roppi knew it, Izaya grabbed his wrist and was about to dragged him to whatever place he planned for. He shook his hand out of the others grip. "Don't touch me!" Izaya widened his eyes for a moment at the sudden aggression, but retreated with a nod and stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"Still gets to you huh?" Roppi kept silent. "Alright, but you better not wander off or I won't let go next time."

He isn't dropping this is he? Fine. Roppi sighed and flipped his hood over his head. He understood the gesture is supposed to be natural, and that Izaya is someone he trusts a little more than he should. There are times where he can handle being touched. But the grabbing, especially when it's unexpected, will make him feel uneasy and defensive. He kept his distance but still followed his older cousin, all the way to a small cafe and bakery? "I thought you don't like sweets."

"I don't, but you do. And besides, I'm treating you after all; so don't pout about being spoiled now and then. Anyway, one of your favorites are cream puffs right? I heard this place has the best in these parts. They even have that matcha creme that you like so much. Why don't you go and take a seat somewhere while you wait." Luckily it wasn't super busy at the moment so there were plenty of seats hear a wall and away from a window. Once he picked their table away from view, he rest his head in his hand and waited for the informant.

Roppi does have a really bad sweet tooth when it came to desserts. He wouldn't admit it, but this was probably the only thing he missed about living with his cousins. Back when he was still in high school, Izaya always had to get the twins something sweet from time to time, basically because Mairu demanded him to and Kururi would emphasize with puppy dog eyes. Izaya didn't have as hard of a heart so he ends up doing as they said. And every time, he would always sneak a little something for him. And if any of them do see him on a worse day, they do try to comfort him, in their own weird way. Sure they're current family wasn't a normal one, but he did consider it better than his… alternative option. Because at least Izaya and the twins did care for him; to his distaste at times. Not only that, but the older man has kept his biggest secret that forced him to move to the big city. He was willing to drop his acts and break his manipulative composure just so he can make sure he was alright. The only reason he hate him is because he still treats him as if he still needs a handicap to live. I want to get stronger on my own, I don't need other people's help to achieve it.

"Still thinking that you shouldn't be here? Or were you thinking about hating everything again?" Roppi snapped back out of his thoughts and looked up at his cousin holding two insulation cups with a creme puff about this side of an apple balancing on top of one.

"I don't know, maybe both."

"Sounds about right. I got you some tea so we can talk about your new position."

"Right, thanks." Roppi took "So anything else I should know about?"

"Well it's as I've said. Organizing files, editing documents, and tending to client. But I wanna hear your opinion, which is better for you? I know you don't like much human interaction, so I can have you work more with the files and have Namie on the clients. Granted I also believe it's better that way too. People would get on edge if they see a person look almost identical to the person they're meeting with. It's ideal to not frighten my clients, to not only have an income, but to get them comfortable enough so I can squeeze out some info for later." Izaya gave a creepy smirk as he sipped his coffee.

"You can be so evil when you want to."

"It's business and I love my humans. Thus learning about anything, not matter how big or how small, is beneficial for me. Hence I think it's a better option for both of us."

"And Yagiri isn't gonna complain?" Roppi asked as he bit into his pastry. Izaya was right, This is really good.

"She will still do documentation, but not as focused as you are. Besides, she's horrible at filing; I always find missing information and misplaced documents. And this is coming from a former head of a research team. She's more suited to cooking and chores. Though speaking about her, I want you to make sure Namie is working as well. She tends to be slow because she's busy thinking about her idiot brother. And I do catch her going out when I am too. The only way I can get her to refocus is by doubling her pay, which is a hassle. So if you see her out of focus, do call her out or says something like you will tell me if you don't, maybe add in I'll take her pay and give it to you if you snitch."

"Would you really go that far?" the red-eyed raven asked. He didn't asked if Izaya would actually give him the money, but it wouldn't surprise him. He has mentioned to him before that Namie is a bit of a nuisance and he only keeps her around because of a deal. So he tends to mess with her knowing that she cannot leave him. He would be more surprised about how much he would actually go with belittling the former researcher.

"Maybe," Izaya sang. "Besides, I see it as fair; if she doesn't work, she doesn't get paid. And it increases efficiency so I don't mind. So what do you say, still interested?"

"Well it seems simple enough. I am okay with not being seen and just doing filing. So tomorrow at what time, and which apartment."

"8 in the morning, and my main one. I did keep your room just as you left it you know, so if you do decide that you don't want to go home cause it's too late or if the last train back already left, you can always sleep there."

"I won't be doing that anytime soon. But fine."

"Aww so mean. I even made sure that I'm the only one who has entered it just to clean all this time. You know, it does get lonely when everyone's gone. And when you are alone, you tend to think about things more deeply. Maybe, things that you've been trying to bury away for a long time." Roppi glared after drinking more of his tea.

"Izaya, I know what you're talking about, and I would prefer it if you stop bringing it up. It's harder to forget if you keep talking about it," he said while placing a hand over his wrist.

"If you really want to forget, you need a better distraction. Work can only do so much, and we both know school didn't help. And cutting is only a reminder of what happened."

"So what do you suggest? And don't say take up a fun hobby, I tried."

"I know. But you used to be a good writer back in the day. I still remember you pestering me to proofread your short stories. But that wasn't what I was thinking about. I was going to say, get some close friends. I have notice you and Psy being all buddy buddy when you two are online, so that's a good start. But you should think about some more physical ones; like Shinra or Dota-chin or even the Black Rider. After the amount of times you needed a doctor, I'm surprised you and Shinra don't have some sort of bond."

"Don't you find him annoying with his talk about his girlfriend? Cause I do."

"I'll admit, the mushy talk is gross. But he does have an interest towards monsters and their physiques. I think he still asks Shizu-chan for blood samples and a dissection session at times. And the Black Rider is an actual monster, what being headless and all." Roppi crossed his arms and leaned back in the cushioned seat.

"Just because they're your friends, doesn't mean they are automatically mine. And I don't see the benefit in friends. Most of them start because they want something from you anyway." Izaya lets out a sigh and rests his head in his hands.

"I mean, you aren't wrong, but even afterwards, they do last. Shinra and I are still good friends, and Dotachin and I still talk. Sure it may have started that way, but we made it into an actual friendship. You should at least let someone else in, cause having me as your only companion is sad..." Roppi continued drinking his tea as he toned out his cousin. He didn't need people anymore. Not anymore. He learned the hard way how can trust can turn to manipulation and betrayal. He didn't need that anymore. Especially after that…

Please, don't hurt me!

No one's coming. No one is coming to save me.

"Roppi-chan? Rooo~pi-chan?" He snapped back out of haunting thoughts and noticed Izaya snapping his fingers in front of his face.

"Huh? Sorry what?"

"You were spacing out again. Were you even listening to me?"

"I know what you want me to do, but you know how hard it is for me. And I don't need any more reliance on people." Izaya sighed in defeat, clearly Roppi wasn't going to change his mind any time soon.

"Fine fine, you don't have to decide now. I guess one other friend is fine. I'm sure Psy can offer something to ease your boredom." Izaya stood up and fixed his shirt and coat as if ready to leave. "Feel free to stay here, but I've got an appointment elsewhere coming up. But do consider adding someone physical to that inner circle of yours. Maybe find out who Psy is and arrange a meet and greet. Who knows, you might not be lonely anymore. But seriously, you need some friends. See ya tomorrow Roppi-chan."

A certain blonde appeared into the red-eyed raven's thoughts as the older man leaves the shop. He did agree to be his so called "friend" mostly because he was someone he could tolerate. He did understand some of his actions and did not focus too much on his problem. Sure it's probably because he knew nothing else about him and wanted a companion in a new place, but there was something about that made him not hate him.

What, what is it? Is it because he seemed so innocent? But i've met people who also gave that front. His naivete? Well maybe… but even others don't know about me. Perhaps, it's because he saw my fresh cuts and my bloody book? That did influence him to talk to me. But he claims that he hasn't looked into it before I showed him. That face was a genuine shock when I showed him the first page; that's not something you can fake. And even after I showed him, he still wanted to be friends. Why? Why didn't he get grossed out. And why was I happy that he didn't. Is it because, he knows and didn't care? Did he just, accept it? Could it also be his honesty too? He always seems to speak the truth. Sounds a lot like me with my opinions But he states them in a more positive light. Could it be that…

Roppi glanced down at his wrists and exposed a little bit of it. There weren't any bandages on them anymore. His cuts healed a while back and he hasn't had any urges recently. They blended it with the numerous other cuts from years before. It's really been that long huh? And even so, I can't forget. Maybe I do need a distraction. Since I now have a job, perhaps I can relax a little bit. I did tell him I would be his friend, so I might as well act like one.

Roppi pulled out his phone and found the text messaging application. He rarely uses this since he never liked talking to others. Sure he reads messages from Izaya through it, but he hardly replies; it was mostly for small talk or if he was out. Email was the best way for anyone to reach him since he is normally home and would always keep his phone on silent. Regardless, he searched for the blonde's name and entered his message.

[Hey Tsukishima. I've been thinking, that if we are going to be friends, we should at least get to know each other. Are you free this Saturday for lunch?] It was good enough to convey the message. He hit send and started to head out. He needed to prepare himself for dealing with his cousin. Once he walked out of the cafe, he got a reply.

[Really? You wouldn't mind? Of course ill come! Umm, could you by chance pick me up. Im still getting used to this place] He's been here how long now? Whatever, can't say I blame him.

[Okay. I'll swing by around 11:30 maybe. Are you fine with that?]

[Yep. Ill see you saturday Roppi san ^_^] He cracked small laugh when he say the smiley face. Is he really excited by it?

[See ya.]

As the cool air of the changing season hit his face, he starts to think about what he would do with his meet up with the spectacled blonde. What would they talk about? Where should he take him. He did initiate the meeting, but that didn't mean he had a plan. Some advice would be helpful. Perhaps he should ask Psy since he was around the same age as Tsuki.

Psy: Ehh? A place to hang out?

Roppi arrived home after buying some cup noodles for the night. He has been living off them for a little while, but that should change in time. They both didn't join the main chat and turned off their visibility to chat without interruptions.

Virus: Yeah, I'm meeting up with someone soon for lunch. I don't know much about them however so I don't know where to take them.

Psy: Ohhh? Is it a girlfriend I wonder? This caused his eyes to widen and got really close to biting his tongue.

Virus: It's not like that! We're just friends!

Psy: XD Alright alright no need to panic

Psy: You are inviting them to lunch right

Virus: Yeah.

Psy: Well im not familiar with places around here, but maybe a food court

Psy: That way they pick whatever they want to eat and you still can sit together

Psy: Plus theyre usually in take out containers so you can go somewhere quieter after ordering

Virus: Hmm, that does seem like it could work. I'll look into it. I guess that's one option.

Psy: One is better than none

Psy: Of course go somewhere nicer if its a date. But since you say its just a friendly lunch outing for the first time, it should be fine.

Virus: Yeah. It's actually the first time I've proposed a plan to meet with someone.

Psy: I see. Well im not expert either

Psy: Hope it goes well

Virus: Thanks.

Psy: So, why did you propose it? Was it because of Kanra? I heard she does bug you about being alone

Roppi reread that chat bubble. Izaya is talking about him behind his back. Now he is ready to have a little chat with his cousin at work tomorrow.

Psy: Sorry too personal?

Virus: No, it's just that I am reminded that she is a blabber mouth.

Psy: Sorry, am i not suppose to know that?

Virus: You're fine.

Virus: But yeah, she's right. I am almost always alone in my room in my free time. Don't really have any friends, so when it comes to it, I don't know much.

Psy: Thats fine i don't have all too many myself

Psy: If you want i cna help you with some pointers to keep conversation going

Virus: I would like that please.

Psy: Oh and Virus

Psy: Don't forget that im your friend too

Those words gave him some sort of comfort. He is not completely alone after all. Sure he doesn't know this user's face or name, but Psy is a person he can talk to for now. Many of Roppi's mental signals told him to not open up as much to this online user, but it put him at ease to have one friend as a distraction from the past. They spent the rest of the night was the duo talking about certain topics to bring up and pointers on how to react. And Roppi added more things to bring up with Izaya later.

Hello everyone! Sorry for not updating as often, but I have been stressed out with classes. I hope it turned out okay. I hope the iteration between Izaya and Roppi But yay these two can meet up again! How will their little meetup go? Only I know~. Regardless let me know if you have any questions on the story thus far. I'm sorry that I can't update as quickly as I used to but life comes before hobby unfortunately. I'm gonna cut this short, but have at good day everyone!