More than Broken

"Good morning Mercy." Kimmy sang quietly, as she cuddled Mercy.

Mercy groaned quietly; as the small blond woman sang her awake. It had been a long time since anyone had woke her up in such a manner, and in an odd way, it felt fitting. It felt like home. The sun hadn't come all the way out yet, and for the most part the two women were sitting in the dark, but the small rays of light sent glowing shadows across the room. After a moment, Kimmy let Mercy go, and started walking to the kitchen.

"What would you like for breakfast?"

"Nothing for me, thank you." Mercy yawned. "Kimmy, what time is it?"

"It's ten till six, Shyanne is getting dressed now. Mercy the two of you need to eat breakfast." Kimmy started with her lecture. "I'll make something for the both of you to eat, go ahead and get ready"

"Could I borrow some clothes?"

"Sure, Sure, I'll have them ready for you."

After a quick shower, Mercedes dressed into the form fitting black undershirt and skinny jeans Kimmy had provided for her. This wasn't her normal style, but Mercy was grateful for the loaned clothing. Once she was dressed and ready Mercy skipped to her friend's kitchen, only to be greeted with the sweet scent of waffles and freshly squeezed orange juice.

"Good morning friend." Mercy sang to Shyanne.

"What's up with you?"

"Nothing, just in a good mood," Mercy smiled. "We shall quickly eat breakfast, and then we shall go to work."

"I love you Mercy, but I hate your enthusiasm to go to work every day." Shy, grimaced.

"Well I love you too my friend, and," Mercy stuck her tongue at her friend, before they started to eat.

Mercy walked into her dark apartment building, already half asleep. Her work load alone was enough to send her into a reading comma for the weekend. She dropped her bags next to the large book shelf she installed into the wall, before stumbling over her end table. A string of curses left her lips, as she turned on the lamp she nearly broke due to her clumsiness. With the bright light now on she could see, and with that light a shower of shouts echoed through what she thought was an empty apartment.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

The chorus of six cheered happily, all the while Mercy's heart threatened to leave her chest. Her fingers gripped her blouse, while the questioned remained. Was it really her birthday? What day was it even? Both Chandasea and Shyanne tackled their friend to the ground while giggling.

"We brought all your favorites!"

"Simon has sushi,"

"We have the movies,"

"Shizuo brought games,"

"And Kimmy has the booze!"

Her friends traded off talking as if they were of the same mind. Mercy didn't doubt it though, those two bonded like the Aliens bonded with their hosts from day one. The silver haired girl smile brightly, finally able to process her surroundings.

"Did we surprise you?" Kimmy asked.

"Yes, though I wish I had some sort of heads up first."

"That wouldn't be any fun." Shizuo muttered, helping the poor woman from the ground. "Happy birthday Mercy."

He leaned over to kiss her cheek lightly, which of course made her friends coo.

"Thanks Shizuo-chan. What are we waiting for, lets pop in a movie and play a few games!"

The night progressed with a series of wins and losses, before presents. Being the tradition breaking girl she was, Mercy opened each present before the group go to eat the ice cream dessert Kimmy made her. When midnight hit, her most loving guests left her humble abode, allowing her to pass out on her couch.

After a long day at work Mercedes crashed onto her couch. It's been a couple of days since Izaya left for work, leaving some bored time. Today was supposed to be perfect, or so most people thought.

Mercy bubbled with joy, as she skipped around her house as she cleaned. Tonight Izaya was supposed to come home, and as nice as it was having time to her-self, Mercy was excited to spend some time with him. She didn't need him to be around all the time, to be honest she didn't like spending too much time with people, but she did miss having someone to call up randomly. Yes, she could call her friends, but they had their own lives, and Mercy didn't like to bother them too much.

Once her house was cleaned, and her fish fed, Mercedes skipped off to her living room. Mercy decided it was time to watch the new Zombie movie on the chiller channel. Halfway through the movie her phone buzzed angrily against her coffee table.

"Hello?" she questioned.

"Long time no talk," Robert's voice ran through her ears. "How have you been?"

"I've been well," Mercy sighed, "Can I call you back I'm expecting an important call."

"Sure, but I just want to know when I can see you again, I miss you."

As Robert spoke, his speech became choppy, alerting Mercy to an incoming call. She politely excused herself from the conversation, and answered her other call.

"Hello sunshine," Izaya's voice instantly sent a smile on Mercy's face.

"Hi love," She smiled. "How was your trip? Eventful I hope."

"Yes," his smirk radiated through the phone. "Now I want to have a nice night with you."

"Good, because I want the same," Mercy paused.

"Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, Robby's calling me again. Anyways, how much longer till I get to see you?" She groaned.

"Tonight, but I'm going to need you to call me in an hour."

"Okay, is this a work thing?"

"Yes, so I'll talk to you soon, bye."

"Bye-bye my love," Mercy muttered before hanging up.

Once the movie was over, Mercedes skipped over to her bathroom. This was one of the few times she decided to sit down and take a nice hot bath. Ever since she turned eight, Mercy stopped taking baths, and switched off to showers because of a silly reason. As she relaxed against the porcelain like metal of her bath tub, she sunk further into the water. A moment passed, before her phone started buzzing against the floor. A disappointed sigh exited her lips, as she leaned over and picked up her phone. It was her alarm telling her she had a minute before she needed to call Izaya. Mercy dialed his number, and waited for him to pick up.

"Hello," he questioned, pleasantly.

"I was told to call you," Mercy sighed, sinking till the water touched her chin.

"Thank you for remembering, darling," Izaya cheered

"You're welcome, so am I being a distraction for you while something happens?"

"Yes, yes you are." He smiled, "Any way's I'll be there in a few, bye."

After hanging up with Izaya, Mercedes tossed her phone onto the counter, and relaxed against the tub. The bubbles caressed her body, as she breathed in the lavender scent. Again her phone rang, forcing her to answer it.

"Hello?" she asked, just a little annoyed.

"Hello, my lovely cranky pants. I'm outside."

"I'm sorry love, the doors open, and I'm taking a bath. I'll be out in a moment."

In the following moments, Mercedes drained her tub and managed to wrap a towel around her body before Izaya walked in. Without wasting another moment Izaya wrapped his arms around Mercedes waist, and pulled her into a passionate kiss. She was breathless when they pulled apart. At seeing this, Izaya smirked, before hugging her tightly and allowing her towel to drop.

"You didn't need to stop bathing. It's a shame really, but at least you didn't get dressed." He purred, quietly in her ear.

A sly smirk crossed Mercy's face, as she nibbled his ear, but was interrupted when her phone started buzzing on the sink. Both Izaya and Mercy sighed, but it was Izaya who answered her phone.

"Hello, yeah, no, how about you stop bothering my girlfriend." Izaya growled, "He'll stop calling you now."

Waking up to her phone ringing, Mercedes leaned over Izaya's body to look at her phone then to the clock. The red lights flashed, showing it was three in the morning.

"Who is it?" Izaya yawned.

"It's shy, hold on." Mercy sat up, "Is everything ok?"

She was quiet for a few minutes as, what Izaya considered her angry friend, talked to her. As Mercy listened, Izaya pulled her into his lap and kissed down her neck. She leaned more into his body, before saying a loving bye to her friend.

"Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, Shyanne isn't feeling well that's all." Mercedes smiled.

"Do you really have to go to work?"

"Not for another three and a half hours, but yes, I do have to eventually go to work."

"Fine,"

When Izaya pulled away from her body, Mercy sent him a questioning glance. Before putting on his boxers, and walking out of the room, he told her to wait a minute. He was gone the total of five minutes, before walking back in with two boxes in his hand. Mercy waited for Izaya to pull her back into his body, when he sat back down.

"I know I missed your birthday," he muttered, as he handed her the smallest of the boxes. "So this is your actual gift, and this one is an apology gift."

"You really didn't need to get me anything." Mercy smiled, "but thank you."

Mainly because she was curious what Izaya got her, as an apology gift, Mercy opened the bigger box first, forcing the informant to laugh. The box was wrapped in white wrapping paper with multicolor circled all around it, and topped with a bright silver bow. When Mercy opened the box, she couldn't help but laugh. Inside laid a navy blue tank top, with a silver flower design on it.

"You're apologizing for tearing my shirt?"

"No, if it were up to me, I'd like to see you sleeping in my shirt every night." He purred, "But I am apologizing for missing your birthday, now I hope this will be your new favorite pajama shirt." After a quick kiss, Izaya leaned his face into her shoulder. "Now, open your real gift."

This gift was wrapped in navy blue, and topped with a gold bow. Mercedes ignored Izaya's annoyed growl, as she carefully took off the paper, and opened the small white box. She couldn't help but gasp at the beautiful necklace. The gold cross was embellished with navy and small diamonds. As Mercy admired it, Izaya took it from the box and placed it on her neck.

"Thank you so much," Mercy chocked up as she thanked him. "I don't know how to thank you."

"I know a way," Izaya smirked. "I mean, if you don't mind having more fun."

Mercy carefully picked up the boxes, and placed them on the floor, before straddling Izaya's hips. She leaned down and kissed him tenderly, as she wrapped her harms around his neck. Izaya gladly responded to her advances. It only took him half a second for him to have her on her back. His member pressed against Mercy's thigh. He ran his tongue across her lips, begging her to allow his entry. His tongue caressed hers, as his hands moved down her already naked body.

This was the second time they were enjoying each other's body, since Izaya came back, and they couldn't be any happier. Instantly Mercedes flesh prickled at his touch. Her body arched into his, when he forced his fingers into her. He wasn't going to stick to four-play, but he needed her just wet enough that he didn't hurt her. A small groan escaped her lips as he nibbled her neck. She was getting close. He smirked as he removed his boxers.

Both Izaya and Mercy panted quietly, as they lay on the bed holding each other, when Mercy's alarm went off. Izaya groaned, unwilling to let her go at the moment. She couldn't help but chuckle, but she managed to pull away from him, before turning off the clock. Since Shyanne wasn't feeling well, Mercedes had to wake up earlier so she could get to work on time. After another moment of quiet contemplation, Mercy leaned over and kissed Izaya passionately.

"I'm going to take a shower, get dressed, and go to work." She muttered obnoxiously, "But, tonight I'll make you a nice dinner and we can continue tonight's escapades, deal? "

"Only if you dress like princess Lea," he smiled.

"Please tell me you're joking?" Mercy chuckled.

"Nope, not at all," Izaya smiled mischievously. "I have a costume and everything."

"Ok, I'll be back."

Without another word, Mercy walked out of the room and into her bathroom. The hot water rolled off of her body, as she showered. She quickly dressed in her dark blue jeans and a fitted white button up, before pinning her hair up. Izaya was still in bed when she exited the bathroom. It took everything she had to keep from crawling next to him. Instead, she kissed him passionately.

"I'll walk you to the door." He muttered.

"Good,"

When they reached the front door, Izaya held her close. Sadness shadowed his heart; as he leaned down to kiss her forehead. Mercy laced her fingers into his, and kissed him once again.

"I'll see you tonight." He breathed.

"Yes, don't forget to lock up when you leave."

"Bye….." Izaya watched as she walked away, "My love."

Tears brimmed her lids, threatening to trickle down her face, as she pushed her phone away. This wasn't the time to completely fall apart, Mercedes was at work, and she still had plenty to do. She sucked in air, maybe too much air, before she started reading on. She needed the distraction, to keep from falling apart. Sensing something wrong, Shyanne walked out of her office, and almost jogged to her friend's side. She had started feeling better later on in the day, so she decided to come into work later than usual. In seeing Mercy rest her head onto her hand and hunched over her key board, Shyanne knew something was wrong.

"Come with me to the bathroom, NOW." Shyanne didn't bother asking.

She already knew Mercy would deny anything wrong, if they were around others. Mercedes had always been withdrawn, when in public, but when with those she cared about, she would allow herself to be more open. Before Mercy could object, Shyanne grabbed her best friend's hand, and dragged her off to the bathrooms. Once the door was shut behind them Shyanne locked it, and looked through each stall to make sure they were alone.

"Ok, tell me what's wrong, and who I need to kill."

Not even a moment passed, before Mercedes burst into tears and sunk to her knees. Shyanne's heart went out to her friend, as she moved to Mercy's side and hugged her. Minutes went by as Mercy sobbed into her hands, not bothering anymore to hide her pain. Once Mercy calmed down enough to speak, Shyanne asked her what was wrong again, but with less hostility. Once again Mercy sucked in too much air, to calm herself, so she could answer her dear friend's question, without any hint of the sob, begging to come out.

"My father died, this morning." Hot tears rolled down her face instantly.

"I'm sorry darling," Shyanne breathed stroking the side of Mercy's face. "Stay here and I'll tell Mr. Boss-man."

"No, I need to do my job." Mercy blurted out almost hostile.

"And either way I'm telling Mr. Boss-man, so you can either take it as the polite offer I intended it to be, or I'll have to ruin your day. So which one is it going to be, because I can handle you hating me for a while, but I will not tolerate your miserable aura in the work place?" Shyanne shot back equally as hostile, but with a motherly hint to it.

Mercedes looked down defeated, before moving under the sinks, so her friend could exit the bathroom. Shyanne looked at her broken friend with so much pity, before leaving she reassured Mercy she was coming back and left the room. Ten minutes later she came back with both of their belongings in hand, with a deep sigh.

"Come on, Chan is already on her damned way to your house." Shy breathed helping her friend up, "Remember what she did last time we left her alone in your house."

A small smile crossed Mercedes face, as they walked to the elevator. About two years ago, Chandasea asked for Shyanne and Mercedes help with a bake sell. The first two batches were perfect and the third batch had been burned. Shyanne and Mercy decided to go pick up more supplies, since they were running low on ingredients. When they came back Mercedes house was filled with smoke, and the stinking smell of burning plastic. Chandasea was running around the apartment opening windows, and trying to desperate clean up the flour on the floor.

Apparently Channy forgot about the vent in the back of the oven, and placed the plastic flour bin on it. The heat melted it and the flour that leaked out was burring in the oven. It took hours for the house to clear up and smell the same.

Mercedes was brought back from memory lane when Shyanne rushed her off to the truck.

"You know, she never told us how the bake sell went, all those years ago."

"I know, lets kick her," Shy shrieked, "I'll keep your informed my ass, damn that Chandasea." She paused for a moment, so she could look at Mercy. "Darling, Mr. Boss-man says 'you can have as much time as you need off, and that he is sorry for your loss."

"Thank you," Mercy choked up, already to sob again, "for everything." She swallowed hard to force the growing lump in her throat down. "All of you mean so much to me, and I don't know what I'd do without you."

"We love you, so there is no reason to thank us. We are your family after all, and as much as I regret saying it, you were right about that Izaya, he's a decent man." Shyanne half smiled at her friend, as she parked. "But don't tell the bastard I said that, or else I'll never hear the end of it."

They were in luck, they had beat Chandasea to the apartment, just by moments. When Mercy got out of the little black truck's passenger side, the giant white truck, known as Chan's swerved at some funky angle, narrowly missing their mourning friend. Mercedes didn't even flinch, when Chan jumped out of the car, a moment later, and hugging Mercy tightly.

"Damn it Chan, you could have fucking killed her!" Shyanne yelled, standing safely on the driver's side of her truck. "You're driving got worse."

"Shut up Shy, I was just rushing to give my bestie my love and support." Chan said dragging Mercy up the stairs. "Come now Mercy, we shall watch romance movies, and make cookies, as we sob."

For the small group of girls, this meant watching P.S. I love you and tragic movies all night. For some reason Mercy didn't want to do any of it, she didn't even want to be around anyone. So she did the only thing she could, she lied to the people closest to her, so she could sink into the familiar dark abyss she once lived in.

"I was thinking about sleeping for a few hours, before Izaya came over." She smiled weakly. "I hope you guys don't mind."

The two friends glanced at one another, before addressing the third one.

"O-okay, but if you need anything, we are just a phone call,"

"Or text away." Shyanne finished, Chan's thought.

"I know thank you guys."

The two girls walked you to the small apartment chatting somberly to each other, before locking Mercy into her house. In some ways Mercedes wasn't lying to them. Izaya really was coming over later, and right now she did want to sleep, but they could have done something, instead of her being alone. After declaring she was alone, Mercy walked off to her bedroom and changed into her brown shorts and the new navy blue tank top Izaya had gotten her. She would nap for an hour or two then cry for a while, before sleeping again. Before she could crawl completely under the covers her phone buzzed angrily.

"This is Mercy," she breathed leaning against the head board.

"Why are you home so soon?" Izaya's voice danced across her eardrum.

"I'll tell you when you get here," she said smiling up at the camera. "How are you?"

"I'm good, give me a few, and I'll be over in a moment." Izaya said, after a momentary distraction.

"Ok, I'll see you when you get here."

Mercedes was startled awake by a loud knock on her front door. Sometime between hanging up with Izaya and now, she had fallen asleep. She allowed herself to become coherent before she stumbled to the door. Opening the door she came face to face with a smirking Izaya.

"Hey love,"

Mercedes leaned up to kiss Izaya, but he handed her the leather bound book she gave to him a month before. She smiled slightly before taking it.

"Mercy, I have something to tell you." He sighed running his fingers through his hair.

"Ok, come on in, I have something to tell you too,"

Izaya leaned against the back of Mercy's couch, as he watched her place the book on her book case. Her movements were slow, almost seemed forced, but that would come later. Right now there was something important for them to talk about. Once Mercedes put the book on the shelf, she turned on her heals and skipped over.

"Ok, Izaya, you can go first." Mercy smiled.

She was genuinely interested in what he had to say, and she also thought it would be better if her news came last. After all, who wanted to start off with sad news, when there was a possibility of happy news? There was a sudden chilling look that touched Izaya's face. It took moment, but Mercy managed to mask her shock, and slight worry.

"Mercedes I must admit, you were the best I've ever done." He chuckled. "Honestly I don't know how I'm going to top this."

Mercedes glanced at Izaya questioningly as he spoke. Somewhere deep inside her heart, she knew exactly what he was talking about, but denial is a strong emotion. Seeing the lost look in her face Izaya laughed, forcing him to his feet. He walked around her, almost thinking on how he could clarify his meaning. Soon afterwards Izaya leaned into her, forcing her to lean further into her chair.

"After all none of my other, games, lasted this long, and none of them actually thought I cared for them." He paused to look into her eyes. "But I've never tried actually dating the pawns before. Unfortunately, this game has stopped being entertaining, and I'm going to have to say, we are over. Just think though, I'll have a hard time beating you."

Mercedes watched his chest move as he talked to her. When she felt her tears brim her eyes she took in a deep breath and hardened her expression, she refused to cry.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't entertaining enough." She replied coldly. "Shouldn't you be leaving? After all, I wouldn't want to waste anymore of your precious time."

Izaya's cruel smirk, slid into a disappointed mask, as Mercy pushed her chair back and stood.

"What, you're not going to beg me to stay? Or tell me you love me?" he breathed in pure shock. "Now this is a truly unexpected twist of events, "he smiled, "This, this is why I love humans so much, they never follow the rules of logic."

He danced around the house, slightly as Mercedes escorted him to the door. She watched as he spun around and stopped in front of her, with a small smirk again plastered on his face. She hated that smile, and at the moment she hated him, she hated every moment she spent with him, but most of all she hated herself for still caring for him.

"What did you want to tell me?" he asked before walking fully out of the house.

"That isn't really any of your concern now." She breathed opening the door, "is it?"

Izaya shrugged before walking out of the apartment. Without another word, Mercedes shut the door behind him and leaned against the door. For almost a fraction of a moment, Izaya looked truly hurt when Mercy forced him out, or maybe that's what she wanted to believe. She cursed the tears that slide down her cheek; at this point she wasn't sure if they were from her father's death or the heart break. After a moment of allowing herself to sob, she pushed herself off the ground and walked to her bedroom. Maybe some sleep would make me feel better. She thought as she curled up into a ball.