The first breakfast Shizuo and I ever had together was my favorite. He was given a plate already full of food and a pair of chopsticks. He stared at the eating utensils, unknowing what to do. He looked around to find everyone using and eating with ease.

Then he started to use his hands.

I reached over and tapped his arm and whispered. "Do you not know how to use chopsticks, Shizu-chan?"

He chewed his food while staring at me for a few moments. "My names not Shizu-chan"

"Answer the question, you imbecile." I hissed at him, but quickly replaced my frown with a smirk. I didn't mean to be so hostile towards my new friend.

Shizuo shook his head. "My mother knew all those things, but I was never taught." For a split second, his eyes were full of sadness, but the expression vanished just as quickly as it had appeared.

It made me curious. Who was Shizuo Heiwajima? What kind of past did he have? What sort of demons could produce such a strong and intelligent beast such as himself? How did demonic families function? Did they take care of their children or leave them to fend for themselves?

"I can teach you." I mumbled before taking a drink of tea. Shizuo glanced at me from the corner of his eyes. He grumbled something I couldn't understand before also taking a drink of his tea.

After we finished the first course of our meal, I stood up and raised my hand for everyone to be silent. The room quickly fell into hush mode and all eyes fell on me.

"My lovely people. Thank you all for joining me for breakfast today." I bowed, causing the crowd to stand and bow back. "I say we waste no time and address the shadow in the room, shall we?" I pointed to Shizuo. "This is the demon that tried and failed to attack me last night. Obviously he failed."

I heard a few chuckles and a few demonic hisses after my joke.

"I know you all have received word that there is a group of demons that are plotting to end my life soon. I also know that a castle full of guards is useful in stopping humans, but certainly not demons. We need to fight fire with fire." I grabbed Shizuo's arm and made him stand up. "So, this is my new body guard. His name is Heiwajima Shizuo. He is a very strong and capable demon. Please be nice to him."

A few clapped, a few did not. It angered me.

I frowned and crossed my arms. "perhaps some of you didn't hear what I just said." I smiled and stared hard at the ones who did not clap. "Please be nice to Shizuo."

They must have gotten the hint because after that, the entire room was applauding. Shizuo had a slightly red face and I assumed it's because he had never been honored before. Or maybe it was because he knew that a lot of people in the room didn't particularly approve of him working for me.

Shizuo and I sat back down and I finished my tea before leaning and whispering into his ear. "Are you finished eating?"

"This is just the first course." He growled back. I chuckled and leaned away.

"I guess demons do eat a lot of food. So tell me Shizu-chan-"

"- that's not my name-"

"- what did you do before I took you in?"

Shizuo had to think about it for a few moments. He chewed his food and took a drink before answering me.

"I robbed people. I was good at finding ways into rich people's houses and taking their things and selling them for money."

That probably meant Shizuo had quite the bounty on his had.

"So how much do they want for you?" I laughed and leaned on my arm lazily.

Shizuo smirked at my question. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and turned to me. "Thinking about trading me in, Izaya?" His sharp teeth looked menacing as he spoke.

I shook my head, but continued to smile. "Just curious if anyone was going to try and steal you away from me."

Shizuo laughed more.

"I guess we'll have to see."

After breakfast was over, I took Shizuo out into the garden. "This is one of my favorite places." I explained as we strolled around the giant koi pond in the center. "I don't have to stress about ruling over thousands of people when I'm here."

Shizuo stopped and looked at his reflection in the water. "Izaya. I'd like to get settled in here and start focusing on guarding you, but you seem manipulative. I don't know if I'm going to risk my life for you time and time again only to have you move on without me and leaving me to die."

No one had ever been that straightforward with me before. He had also figured out that I did enjoy manipulating people. It was only because they made it so easy.

"If I continue to see you fit to be with me, I won't leave you behind." I said, now looking at my reflection as well. Shizuo growled and shifted around.

"I don't know what is fit to be with you. I don't know anything about you!"

I shook my head. "What's the fun if I just come out and tell you everything?" I smirked and started walking backwards. "just stick around and you'll catch on, I'm sure of it."

"Dammit." Shizuo said and glared at me. "You're like a flea. You bite me all over and piss me off and then jump away before I can get to you." He stomped in my direction. "Just tell me what I want to know!"

I shook my head. "No thanks. It's more interesting this way."

Shizuo roared and ran after me. Lunging himself into the air and trying to jump on me, his eyes turned wild and his golden eyes started to glow brightly. I jumped just out of his reach and kicked his feet out from under him.

"Nice try." I purred. "You're just a little too slow though."

Shizuo stood up, still growling, and dusted himself off. "Okay, I didn't mean to lose my temper like that. You're just frustrating."

"It'll be okay, my dear beast. I'm like a fine wine. I shouldn't be taken in all at once." I answered and then we continued our peaceful stroll through the garden. Just a man and his demon