Uh, so I just wanted to get this out real quick, just to give you an idea of Hakari's past relationships with Shizuo, Shinra, and Celty. I will be getting more into the plot in the next few chapters, possibly the next one. (Hopefully) Ah, be expecting the next update to be a few days after Christmas, this is a promise. I swear on my old Mountain Dew can's grave. So, enjoy~

Shinra didn't know what to expect when he opened the door. It was Ikebukuro, and a lot of weird people show up at his door for various reasons. Usually, he's never surprised. Usually. This time a young woman with dark brown eyes and long hair to match stood in front of his door, huffing and puffing like mad. Not just any woman, his long time friend who suddenly vanished four years ago stood there. So of course he invited her in.

Moments have gone by. Now the two are just sitting at his table quietly. Gratitude ran through Hakari's mind. With the silence, she had time to catch her breath. Shinra, on the other hand, is a little shaken up.

"I can't believe it," He whispers. Hakari looks at him and smiles.

"Believe it." Hakari says. "How are you? How is Celty?"

"We're doing fine. Why are you back?" Shinra asks, his voice filled with sadness. "I thought...You left for good. You didn't tell anyone." Shinra looks away from her.

"Yes, I know. I'm sorry to come home so suddenly," Hakari begins. Shinra's head snaps up at the word home. It's no secret that Hakari hated 'Bukuro, but to call it home…

"You see," The woman continues. "I've recently joined a group."

"A group?" Shinra questions.

"Yes, a group."

"What is this group about?"

"It seems to have different meanings to it. I came to 'Bukuro to meet someone today. I honestly didn't intend to run into so many people I knew. I wanted to see Shizuo, but when I finally did I ran to you." Hakari's smile grows larger...and sadder. Shinra props his elbow up on the table, giving his head a nice rest.

"It can't be helped. Celty will be happy to see you. Did you find who you were looking for?" Shinra asks. Hakari nods

"I did. He's different than I imagined. He's weak and fragile."

"Why did you want to meet him?" Shinra gets up and walks over to his stove. He begins to pull out a pot.

"I just needed to." The sound of running water fills Hakari's ears as Shinra fills the pot.

"Do you still like Oolong tea?" Shinra asks.

"I love it." The clanging of metal on metal dances through the apartment, giving the friends a nostalgic feeling.

"Gonna tell me where you've been?" Shinra ask, leaning on the dark counter top.

"America," Hakari admits. For some reason, she's always been able to tell the truth to Shinra, even when it wasn't necessary.

"A-America?!" Shinra jumps. "What for?!"

"To get away, Silly." Hakari leans back in her chair. Her head looks to the ceiling. "It's really amazing over there. There's this small town I went to, it reminded me of Shizuo. He used to tell me how much he wanted to go to America. I want to take him someday, if he ever forgives me. Also if I get the courage to face him."

A warm smile spreads across Shinra's face. He has always liked the way Hakari talked lovingly about Shizuo. Everyone else sees him as a monster, but Hakari sees him as a prince. As a human.

Bang. Bang.

Hakari's eyes whip to the door. Shinra leaves his post at the counter to make his way towards the door.

Hakari intertwines her fingers, gingerly twiddling her thumbs. She waits anxiously for Shinra to return, praying to something that it's not Shizuo at the door. Her eyes close as the woman hears footsteps approach her.

"You can take it easy, it was just a delivery," Shinra laughs. Hakari's eyes snap open. Shinra lazily drops a small package onto the table.

"I should have know it wasn't Shizuo...he was in the middle of a fight."

"Oh?" Shinra asks, pouring two glasses of Oolong tea.

"Yes, he saw Izaya. Then a bunch of kids attacked him."

"Ah, I see. With Izaya in the picture, there's no way he'd leave the scene."

"Thank you," Hakari says as Shinra hands her a glass of tea.

"No problem. I texted Celty earlier about your arrival. She'll really be so happy." Hakari sends Shinra a big, genuine smile.

"Not as happy as me!" She chimes. Shinra returns the smile before taking a large gulp of tea.

The duo began to talk about various things. They talked about America, they talked about Oolong tea, they talked about Celty and Shizuo, they even talked about Izaya. Shinra and Hakari had always hit it off, right from the very first time they met. It was never awkward between the two. None of them were sure why, exactly. Maybe it was the fact they were both equally weird. Perhaps it was just because they were both in love with "unnatural" people. Or maybe it was just because they were destined to be friends.

"It's getting late. I feel a little sleepy." Hakari says.

"Oh yes, why don't you go sleep in your old room?" Shinra suggests. "You can see Celty in the morning."

"Okay. Please, tell her I'm pumped to see her." Shinra nods at her. The woman stands up and begins to walk down the familiar hallway, her fingers brushing against the cool wall. At the end of the hall she approaches a black door.

Hesitant to open it, Hakari closes her eyes. Placing her hand on the cold wood, she pushes the door open. A wave of nostalgia hits her in the face as she steps into the small space, one foot at a time.

This was the room where her and Celty stayed up all night talking about "girl stuff". The room where Shizuo stayed at when he was injured, just so she could keep him company while he rested. The room where she felt she was safe from everyone, even Izaya.

Hakari sat on the bed, gently stroking the ripped comforter. A sad smile spreads across her face as she remembers the origin of the tiny rips.

"Calm down, Shizuo!" Hakari tried, shaking the man. Beads of sweat decorated Shizuo's head. His eyes were clenched together as he gripped the pink comforter underneath him.

"Gotta..kill him…" Shizuo muttered, shaking his head from side to side. Hakari panicked. She didn't know what to do. He was hurt and had a fever. Now a bad dream? At times like this, she really hated Izaya. Of course he was her friend, but Shizuo was more important to her. Not knowing what to do, Hakari wrapped her arms around Shizuo, knowing full well he could accidently swing at her and knock her out.

"Shizuo, please calm down. It'll be okay, you'll get him someday. It's okay, calm down. Please, calm down." Hakari begged him. She held him tighter and continued to talk to him. She didn't notice Shizuo wake up .

He was confused as to why she was hugging him and trying to calm him down. Not knowing what to do, he wrapped an arm around her. The woman yelped in surprise. She looked up at him. Shizuo was staring at her in confusion.

"S-Shizuo. You're awake now." She stated.

"Thanks, Captain Obvious." The man simply replied. Not caring as to why anymore, Shizuo wrapped his other arm around her. He closed his eyes. Hakari followed suit, not really minding the tears in her comforter. The two drifted off into a soundless sleep.

A sigh escapes Hakari's mouth as she brought herself out of the memory. She spreads herself against the comforter, trying to remember the feel of Shizuo lying on her bed. Just like before, she drifts off into a soundless sleep.

Please,go ahead and point out any mistakes I've made. I'll try to fix them right away.