Chapter 7

As the door opened, Akira stood up and faced the door, trying to figure out in her head how she could explain the situation. Izaya also stood up and faced the direction she did. Both watched as Sora's parents came into the apartment. The door wasn't even closed yet before Sora's parents froze at seeing a stranger in their apartment with Akira.

Although Izaya knew Sora from when he had "helped" the yellow scarves during their gang war with the blue squares, he had never met her parents. That wasn't too surprising given Sora had been untrusting of Izaya since the moment Saki introduced the two of them. Sora's father had the fairly average appearance of a Japanese man, except he was taller than normal. Sora's mother on the other hand was clearly a foreigner. Probably American. She had the same wavy goldish hair and hazel eyes that Sora did. Almost a perfect copy of how Sora might look as an adult, except that her mother did not share the clearly distinctive Asian facial features that Sora did. Izaya had always suspected that Sora wasn't fully Japanese. Although, like he said, it's not like Sora ever really talked to him about that kind of thing. Then again, she had been right not to trust him.

After a moment, Sora's mother closed the door behind them, and the pair walked over to Akira and Izaya appearing very guarded. Both of them crossed their arms.

Well, he couldn't exactly blame them. He was a stranger in their home. Time to turn on the charm.

Izaya shot them a winning smile and bowed respectively.

"Ah, you must be Mr. and Mrs. Tanaka. Sora's parents, yes? It's a pleasure to finally meet- "

"What are you doing here?" Mr. Tanaka interrupted. Not that surprised at being interrupted, Izaya straightened up.

"Right. Sorry for coming unannounced, but you see- "

"You're that young man Sora told us about, aren't you?" Mrs. Tanaka interrupted. That threw Izaya off slightly.

Sora told her parents about him? It probably wasn't everything in their history, knowing her.

"The one Sora said has been hanging around Akira. If memory serves me correctly, Sora described them as being like a stalker. Showing up randomly to be with Akira."

"Plus, Sora also said that you were bad news, given the reputation that has gone around about you. Now, I don't know how you were given the impression that it's okay to show up at our home out of the blue, but it's not. If it seems like we are being rude, then that is because we simply don't approve of people we don't know invading our personal lives. Get out."

Izaya had expected Sora's parents to be wary of him, but did not think they would be this closed off. He hadn't even been given a chance to explain himself before they shut him out.

Akira shyly stepped forward.

"Um, uncle Kaito- "

"I don't want to hear it, young lady. We need to have a serious talk about this as soon as he leaves."

Akira sighed and shot Izaya an apologetic look.

Seeing he had apparently overstayed his welcome, Izaya made his way to the door without another word, discreetly taking his flick blade back while doing so. He had just barely walked into the hallway when the door was slammed behind him.

Well that was…something. Izaya almost felt like he shouldn't have been surprised at such a reaction. However, his intuition told him there was more to this than simple anger at him showing up at their apartment. And a lot of times Izaya's intuition was right when it came to following information.

Sora and her parents were extremely overprotective of Akira. Perhaps it would be a good time to look into Akira's files to see why this might be. Not only was this girl's innocence towards him adorable, he might even have a mystery on his hands. Oh Akira…she just keeps getting more and more intriguing.

After the door closed on Izaya, both of Sora's parents turned to Akira with disapproving looks. Akira sighed and sadly looked to the ground. She just wished that she could show them and Sora that she wasn't as helpless as they thought she was.

(later that night in Sora's room)

"Sora, I already told you that nothing happened."

"Oh really? The hickey on your neck states otherwise."

Akira immediately covered the mark Izaya had made on her neck.

So that's what that was called.

"W-well even still. It's not as bad as you probably think."

"Not as bad as I think?! Akira! You let Izaya, a man I warned you about, into our home! I'd say that definitely isn't good."

"H-he didn't do anything bad, you know. He even gave me his f-flick blade to show that he wouldn't hurt me." Akira shuttered at the thought of holding the weapon like she had earlier.

Sora simply rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, well that was clearly a trick to get you to trust him."

Akira didn't get angry very much, but this whole thing was beginning to get very frustrating.

"Sora, come on," She whined, "I've already gotten the lecture from your parents- "

"Good. You should get a lecture."

Akira groaned.

"You know I'm not an idiot, right?! If I felt attacked in any way, I could have gotten myself out of- "

"Oh yeah, you sure about that?"

Akira glared at Sora at that, but she seemed unapologetic at what she had said.

Akira could never really escape the past with them, could she?

"You know we're just trying to help you in the way that we think is best, Akira- "

"Oh yeah? And what's best for me? Keeping me away from the unknown? How would you know?! If you're determined to be such a hover-friend about this Izaya thing, the least you could do is tell what is so bad about him anyways! I've only ever heard vague warnings, and I've never felt a malicious vibe from him."

Maybe there's a reason for that, Sora thought before sighing.

"L-look, Akira, part of the reason why Izaya is so dangerous is well…because he's so unpredictable. I once heard a former friend say that his motivations and beliefs change every few minutes, and I can't help but think that's probably right." Sora sat down next to Akira on her bed and tried to take on a gentler tone.

"Akira…he's the type of person who would take pleasure in breaking someone's heart just to see how they would react." Despite what Saki probably claims.

"He's never had an interest in a relationship before, so it's already alarming that he's acting that way around you. When Izaya does the unexpected, you never know how dangerous the effects could be. He looks as people as his "humans", and despite saying he loves them all, he treats them like toys. Picking at their brains to see how much they can handle before they break. That is my biggest fear with you, Akira. He has taken his time to break people who are way more emotionally stable than you are. I can't even imagine what he plans to do with you. It's not a good thing when a snake like him takes an interest in you. After all, interest doesn't mean genuine caring."

Sora had hoped she could avoid sharing the harsh truth with her sister-like friend, but felt like she probably had no choice. Akira was extremely sensitive, and Sora would do whatever it took to keep her from shattering to pieces.

"Besides, Akira, I have experienced first-hand his toxic behavior…" Sora trailed off quieter and looked away from Akira as painful memories surfaced without her consent.

Memories of finding out what Izaya had been doing to the yellow scarves all along. The moment when he had shared some harsh possibilities with her, making her feel like a completely horrible person. Especially since she couldn't refute all his claims. He had been around her a lot at the time because of her connection to Saki and Masaomi. Despite knowing Masaomi was nothing like that demon, there was a reason she couldn't but relate the two when thinking of either.

Akira looked at Sora anyways with slight surprise. She was dying to ask Sora more about it, but knew she wouldn't be getting that out of her friend. Not tonight at least.

Also, it wasn't that Akira thought that Sora was lying about the way she had described Izaya…it's just that sometimes it can be difficult for your brain to convince your heart of something. Akira was after all always helpless around her crushes. Yet, this time her feelings felt stronger than they had with some previous crushes. Like a feeling she'd had only one other time…but she couldn't think about that right now. Akira sighed.

"Look…I'll be more careful, okay? I can't just be rude to him though if decides to talk to me, you know that Sora. It's just not who I am. Besides, I've noticed he's around this city a lot. I can't avoid running into him you know."

Sora looked at her again, seeming to come back to the present.

"I know, Akira. All I ask is for you to try to be careful. I know that it's hard for you to avoid falling for his charms. I just want to help is all."

The next day Akira found herself walking to Russia sushi. It was the first day of the weekend. She didn't have any school work left to do, so Sora's parents said she should stop by Russia Sushi for lunch to say hi to Sora, claiming that she could probably use the company. Akira suspected though that they probably didn't want Akira just wandering around Ikebukuro by herself. They didn't live too far from the restaurant. Although Sora's parents still made her leave the house carrying a pepper spray in her purse.

She sighed as she made her way. Thankful that they didn't at least insist walking there with her.

Despite being forced to go to Russian Sushi, she didn't really mind. Even with her friend working there, she had never dined there herself. Plus, she didn't really have anything much better to do. What would she do at home anyways? Surf the net? Write more embarrassing stories? Write to cope? At least this way she got to get some fresh air, despite how uncomfortable she gets around too many people. She was some good ways away from the apartment when,

"Ah, Akira-Chan! Fancy running into you here."

Akira stiffened when she noticed him walk up so that he was beside her. Neither stopped walking.

He didn't put his arm around me this time…why? Wait, it doesn't matter. It's probably for the best.

He seemed to have noticed her change in posture though.

"Something the matter, Akira-Chan~? Have we gone backwards with our communication efforts?"

Akira sighed and shyly looked away from him.

"Uh-um…I…I'm n-not supposed to b-be around you…" She stated barely over a whisper. He seemed to have heard it though, for he sighed dramatically, yet the smirk never left his face.

"Well, I had expected as much, given your guardians' reactions to me last night. But, we're just walking together, no? There's no harm in that. You were already on your way somewhere. I happened to see you as I was on my way somewhere. It was a complete coincidence~! So, there's nothing wrong with two people who get along walking side by side each other through the city, right? I'm not going to change your direction or anything like that."

Akira doubted the part about it being a coincidence, but yet again found that she couldn't exactly argue with him. How come he always made such good points? And in spite of herself, she still managed to blush in his presence.

"S-so, um…w-where are you going then?" She asked.

"A bit nosey, aren't you?" He laughed. "Just~ kidding. I'm actually in between clients right now so I thought I'd stop for lunch at Russia Sushi."

Akira sighed again. If Sora saw them walk in together she'd freak…

"Oh, is that where you're going too?"

"…Sora works there."

"Ah yes, the over-protective friend. Well don't worry, I usually take my food to go anyways. Would it make you feel better if we entered at separate times?"

Akira giggled slightly. That made it seem like they were running some sort of spy operation, not simply avoiding a lecture from a friend. He smiled too.

"So, tell me, do you ever just observe people?"

"Hmm?" Another unusual question from him.

"You know. Just watch the people around you to observe their interactions and reactions to things? Some call it people watching. It can be enjoyable to try to figure out the types of lives others are living. It's one of my favorite parts of observing. Observation is important to my job after all."

"Um, well, I-I'm usually too nervous around others to really look up at any of them."

"Oh, it's easier than you think. Trust me. You're a writer, yes?"

Remembering how he discovered this, Akira blushed as she nodded.

"Tell me, how do you base your character's reactions to the situations you put them in?"

"Well, um, I usually draw in from my own experiences of myself along with what I've noticed of my friends and family."

"You see. As a writer you write what's familiar, but sometimes to write of something you don't know much about in a story, it can be important to watch others so you can get a realistic depiction of how your characters would act."

Who knew he'd have good advice with this? Everything he was saying made perfect sense.

"Like, look over there. Tell me what you see." Izaya and Akira both stopped walking for a moment. They were in a shadow just before turning around a corner.

She looked where he pointed and noticed an unusual looking van a little bit in front of them, but on the other side of the street. Akira thought she'd seen that van around the city before. They were parked in front of the manga store. The back seats were open. Two guys appeared to be leaning against the front of the van, chatting casually. They appeared to about Izaya's age if Akira had to guess. Maybe college age? One of them had light brown hair that seemed to end at his shoulders. The other appeared tall and somewhat muscular. He wore a black beanie with a shadow that hinted at dark hair being covered, and he was wearing a dull green hoodie. He was kind of cute, but definitely nothing compared to Izaya. The thought made her blush again and she almost looked away, but felt like she should observe like Izaya said.

Because of where Akira and Izaya were standing, the guys by the van would not be able to see the pair of them.

"Well, two guys are leaning against an unusual looking van." And she described their physical appearances.

"Okay. And what can you tell me about them?"

"What do you mean? I don't even know them. I don't have enough information- "

"Just try. You can tell more about a person by simply watching them than you'd expect. Even by guessing from observation you could be closer to the truth than you'd expect."

She tried again and really watched.

"Pay attention to their body language and mannerisms." Akira felt her breath catch as Izaya leaned in by her ear. Despite his closeness she still managed to hear what he was saying.

"People say a lot more about themselves without actually saying anything. If you pay attention to the little details like that, you may be surprised by how inquisitive you can be."

Their postures were seemingly casual, yet their faces turned towards each other to talk quietly.

"What can you tell about the tones they're saying things?" He was whispering warmly into her ear. She took a deep breath. Tone? We can't even hear them from this distance.

"Like, notice the facial expressions they make as they say things. Even any subtlety in movements can mean a lot. Most people are oblivious to how open their body language can be to people like us."

People like us? What did he mean by that?

She took his words into consideration and watched the two guys more carefully.

There was a slight serious tension to the duo's faces. The taller one sighed and rubbed his forehead in exasperation.

Akira contemplated for a moment before sharing her thoughts with Izaya.

"Um, they're hiding something. Something they don't want regular people to know about because they're trying to act casual. Maybe it's something dangerous, like gang related?" She looked over at him. He was smirking again, but there was a gleam of something else in his eyes. He nodded at her.

"Go on."

"Um, the taller one seems to be in charge of something? Because the other guy keeps looking to him first. The taller guy also seems like whatever they're talking about is something he doesn't want to do but has to. The taller one doesn't have a dangerous air about him but has a strong one about him though. If that um makes any sense. Almost like he could take control of something but he doesn't have malicious intent?"

Akira was beginning to wonder how much of that was far-fetched given the small observations she had made. Maybe the writer in her caused her to think too creatively about what was probably more normal circumstances. Sora did used to say that Akira was always the dreamer. She used to always have her nose in some book or her own notebook.

Izaya let out a small laugh. He pulled away from her ear and they began to walk again.

"Wow, I'm impressed for your first-time people watching. You weren't too far off."

Akira was still watching, surprisingly caught up in it. A couple of young adults practically flew out of the manga store and stopped in front of the duo, chattering excitedly while carrying large piles of mangas. They seemed unaware of how many they were dropping from their excited jumping up and down. Then they pretty much leapt into the back seat of the van, closing the door behind them. The duo in front of the van shared a look and both sighed at the same time. Akira couldn't help but giggle at that.

Evidently, she forgot they were getting closer to the van, because the duo looked over to her at the sound of her giggle. Embarrassed at being caught watching, Akira blushed and looked away quickly. Izaya chuckled at that and waved at the gang across the street.

"Hey there, Dotachin~. How's it been?"

'Dotachin' groaned and sighed exasperatedly.

"I've told you not to call me that, Izaya."

Izaya just chuckled again. The van door facing Akira and Izaya opened and the energetic girl from earlier popped her head out, and waved at Izaya excitedly.

"Hiya hiya, Iza-Iza. How's Shizu-chan?"

Izaya rolled his eyes and laughed again.

"How should I know?"

"But- "A hand from the van covered her mouth, keeping her from saying whatever. There was a barely heard muttering of, 'are you trying to get us killed?' Izaya simply shook his head in amusement and continued walking. Akira started walking again, matching his pace. She noticed they were fairly close to Russia Sushi now.

"Say, Akira, do you mind if I ask you something first before we go in there? Like, maybe over at the park just across the street from the restaurant? I promise it won't take long. It's something you may not want to answer around a lot of people though I suspect."

Akira hesitated and clutched her purse closer to herself. After a moment, she quietly nodded and followed him across the street.

After all, as long as she didn't suspect danger, she really couldn't say no to him as much as she hated that.

Sora sighed to herself as she cleaned the bar table area of Russia Sushi. She thought Akira would have been here by now, but tried not to worry about it.

It's not like Izaya could try anything really in the short distance from their apartment, right?

She wished this would reassure her more. After all, Izaya was good at being unpredictable it seemed. As Sora got caught up in her thoughts while cleaning, she almost didn't notice the new customer who came in.

"You can seat yourself. I'll be with you in a moment." She called out, not really being aware of her lack of waitress etiquette. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the customer who came in sat down in front of the area on the bar she was cleaning. Sora looked up to see a familiar golden-haired boy wearing a white hoodie. She resisted the urge to scoff at him and immediately went to get him a menu without even looking him in the eyes. She came back and plopped a menu in front of him.

"You could have waited, you know. Clearly I wasn't done cleaning the bar." She went back to cleaning the rest and avoided looking at him. "Let me know when you know what you want."

It was quiet for a moment. Masaomi was never quiet. Hmm.

"Actually…um, I came to talk-"

"I'm a little busy right now, Masaomi. You know, working. Besides, you know I don't really want to be talking with you anyways."

"Right…um, that's kind of why I came here, I knew you wouldn't talk to me otherwise and it's important."

Sora sighed and finally faced him, hands on her hips.

"Well, are you gonna order or not?"

"Er, right." Masaomi ordered a drink which she immediately went to get. After giving it to him, she went to clean some of the empty tables to give him time to look over the menu. He turned around on his barstool so he could still talk to her.

"So, um Kadota told me that you are worried about a friend of yours. Apparently Izaya has been hanging around her a lot? I'm assuming Kadota's talking about that new girl who is always with you."

Sora sighed and faced him.

"What about it?"

"I want to help. I know you aren't too thrilled with me after the whole yellow scarves thing where Saki got hurt, but you and I both know how conniving Izaya can be. If your friend is being sucked into one of his games, I want to do what I can to keep her from getting hurt by him. Nobody deserves experiencing those games really."

She started cleaning again.

"Look, I appreciate the offer, but I can't really see what you'd be able to do. Like you said, we both know how dangerous he can be. It's not like you were able to save your brainwashed girlfriend from one of his games."

He flinched at that but didn't back down.

"Please, just let me try. You'd be surprised at how I could help."

"What, are you going to order your gang to be her body guards or something? Are they really stupid enough to attack Izaya Orihara?"

He looked offended by that.

"Sora…do you really think that after everything that happened with Saki that I would still be involved with that life? I left the yellow scarves a long time ago."

This surprised Sora slightly and she looked up again.

"But it was your gang."

He shrugged. "Someone could have taken over, or they could have fallen apart. But what happened to Saki caused me to not care about gang stuff anymore. It really doesn't matter. Especially when someone you care about could get hurt as a result."

Sora thought over his words for a moment. He quit because of Saki? Maybe he had changed after all.

She shook her head from those thoughts. Going down that road wouldn't help any.

"So how do you suggest helping if you don't have a gang to back you up?"

He shrugged again. "I could probably just help walk your friend home so she won't be alone. You forget, I can do some fighting of my own, so maybe I could keep her safe? Maybe he won't go up to her if she's not alone."

"But, you don't even know her. Why would you even do that?"

"Well, for one thing, the reason I don't know her is because I sensed you wanted me to give you some space." She went to get him a refill, almost forgetting that he should have ordered something by now.

"Even though you stopped being friends with me doesn't mean I stopped caring about you. We used to be like best friends because of Saki. That doesn't just go away. I still care about you a lot, so the people who are important to you I care about also. Maybe this could be my chance to prove myself to you again. So please…let me?" As she set his refill down in front of him she noticed him reaching out, like he was going to hold her hand or something.

She immediately moved her hand away from him and cleared her throat awkwardly. She glanced away and her eyes happened to catch that the news was on the restaurant's TV.

As Sora noticed what was displayed on the news she froze in her movements and her face paled.

Masaomi noticed her reaction.

"Sora? Is everything alright?"

After a moment of staying frozen she blinked and then gave him an unfocused gaze. Almost as though she barely recognized he was trying to talk to her.

"Um…yeah…uh tell Simon I need to make a phone call." And with that she dropped the rag on the counter and took off to somewhere more private in the restaurant to make a phone call.

Was that a reaction to what's on the news? It seemed kind of weird for Sora. She was usually so composed.

Curious about what could have gotten such a reaction out of her, Masaomi looked over at the tv screen to see what was being displayed on the news.

It didn't really seem like anything that would be noteworthy to her. Some guy he'd never heard of before apparently broke out of Ikebukuro prison. There weren't many details on him though. Apparently, he had been locked away for many years. Something about kidnapping it seemed?

After a little while, Sora came back over, still seeming a bit shaken.

"Um, I may need your help after all."

A/N: I just wanted to clarify something in case it was confusing. Sora's dad is not Akira's actual uncle. Their families are just very close so she calls Sora's parents Aunt and Uncle even though they aren't biologically related.