Shizuo POV

I hate violence.

It screws with people and it hurts them. Physically sure, but also mentally.

My brain is wired for fighting.

And I hate it.

I hate being this way. I've hurt more people than I could count with a calculator, and sometimes the pain is irreversible. When I see the damage I cause after I fly into a blind rage, I can't help but let my heart cry out in pain with them. I would never shed a tear, of course. It would ruin the image that I've built for myself. As much as I hate being known as the strongest man in Ikebukuro, it keeps most wannabe punks from starting a fight with me, and if I have to deal with a reputation like that because of it, that's fine with me.

It seems that I always get into this thinking mood after I chase that annoying flea around for a while. Sometimes, I don't know why I do it. It's just habit now, I think. My hatred for him has died down, though it's far from gone. Unless he's involved in a scheme where someone I actually care about is going to get hurt, I like to think I could care less about the man.

"Hey, Shizuo-san? You alright?" Tom's voice hits my ears and I nod without really hearing his words, causing him to raise an eyebrow.

"Alright, well, I think I can handle this last one, so why don't you head home. It's pretty late."

"Huh? You sure?" Tom knows me a bit too well. If someone makes me angry while I'm like this, it'll cause more damage than it's worth. After a little bit more of this back and forth, I finally consent and walk away, waving behind me as I do.

Now that I'm done for the night, what should I do? It may be late, but it's too early to go home and try to sleep. Walking around town is my best option, but there's always the possibility the flea'll show up again.

A sigh escapes my lips as I reach into my back pocket for my pack of cigarettes and my lighter. No sooner have I lit the death stick and put it to my lips is it snatched out of my fingers by a nimble hand.

"Shame on you, Shizuo-kun. You should know better than to smoke, it's horrible for you!" I freeze. I know this voice. It's been a long time, but her singsong voice is the one and only.

"R-Rei-chan?" The redheaded teen grins as she drops the cigarette, stepping on it as she springs forward to tackle the former bartender in a hug. Startled and frozen in shock, I can't do anything but stand there for a few moments before tentatively returning the hug, burying my face in her hair for a moment before pulling back, quickly wiping my eyes for any stray tears that might find their way out.

"Hey Shizuo-kun! Whew, I'm glad you recognized me. I would have felt so awkward if you hadn't. I'm surprised, actually. Your memory wasn't all that good, if I recall," Rei steps back and I put my hands on her shoulders, looking her over. Her hair is ever flaming, standing out in the dismal crowd of the city. Her sundress is dyed with the colors of the sunset and a bright yellow bow shines against her red hair, hanging right above her ear.

Her eyes haven't dulled the slightest bit since I last saw her. That small patch of freckles that she always complained about is still there, forming a bridge across her nose. Finally, I gaze at her lips that seem to be permanently dyed a bubble gum pink and I spot the thing I'm looking for.

The smallest of cuts curls around her upper lip, and I growl unconsciously. That scar brings back bad memories of the days where I could constantly hurt myself and end up in the hospital, my early high school days.

The girl breaks away from my grip and looks into my eyes with concern. "Hey, Shizuo-kun?" She notices my eyes scanning her scar and she covers it with one hand. "Oh, yeah, this. Don't worry about it, it's healed well. I barely notice it anymore."

"Rei-chan, what... what are you doing here? I thought... I thought...!"

"Don't worry about it, Shizuo-kun! I had to leave for a while, but I'm back! I don't know for how long, but I'll stay for a good while, I promise."

"Have... you talked to the flea? Does he know you're here?" Rei smiles softly, causing my rising anger to fade.

"Yes, I did. I had to wait forever before he finally showed up though. He didn't seem as confused about me coming back, but after all, he's used to strange things happening on a daily occurrence. You both reacted the way I expected. You haven't changed the slightest bit, Shizuo-kun. You and Iza-kun both. It was pretty easy to imagine the specific reaction from each of you."

"Ok, fine, but stop talking like that now. You sound like the flea," Rei giggles and nods.

"Fair enough. Now, I do have a question for you. I want to visit Shinra-kun as well while I'm here, but I don't know where he lives. Could you escort me there?"

"Um... sure... but why?" Rei giggles yet again and turns to look out at the busy road.

"Well, I figure since I'm here, I should visit him as well as you too, you know? So, you'll show me to his house, right?"

I clear my throat and nod. Something about her is giving me a light headed feeling, though I don't know why exactly. I zone out as Rei grabs my hand and leads me towards the road, and my legs seem to have a mind of their own as they immediately fall into the short route to the underground doctor's apartment.

Rei hums a popular tune loudly, though Shizuo can barely hear it over the bustle of the city.

"Hey, Rei-chan, what song is that? It sounds familiar..."

One corner of her mouth turns up as she glances back. "It's a pop song, by an American singer named P!nk. It's called 'True Love.'" Noticing the confused look on the blonde's face, she laughs. "What, you thought I wouldn't keep up with the times while I was gone?"

"... You're weird. Maybe not as bad as those two from Kadota's gang, but... still pretty weird."

Rei turns back towards the road, but Shizuo stops her as he turns into an apartment building, heading for the elevator while the young redhead looks around the plain walls and peeling paint, raising an eyebrow.

"Shinra-kun lives... here?"

"Oh, yeah, I forgot, you don't know what Shinra does for a living, huh?" She shakes her head, her amber eyes glinting with confusion. Shizuo doesn't answer the obvious question lingering in the air and instead, when he hears the soft ding, steps out of the elevator and walks over to a door painted in cheap pale yellow paint and raps on the door.

Loud footsteps precede the door opening wide and at first Shinra only notices the tall bartender standing in front of him. His trained eyes scan Shizuo's body for any kind of injury and looks confused when he doesn't see even a dot of blood on them.

"Hey, Shizuo, what can I do for... you..." The doctor's eyes shift from Shizuo to the young girl standing behind him, and his mouth drops open in an almost comical way. Rei waves happily, then taking a step back when he doesn't say anything.

"Shinra-kun? I think your wife'll get jealous if you keep staring at me." At this statement both Shinra and Shizuo look at her in confusion. She simply points to Shinra's left hand in response, where a simple golden band sits on his ring finger.

"Powers of observation are strong with me, huh? So, Shinra-kun, do you think I could come in and visit with you for a little bit? You're really the only one left." Her straightforwardness finally snaps him out of it and he regains his carefree demeanor and steps aside.

"Of course, of course, come on in! We've got 7 years to catch up on, and considering how young you still look, I've got a lot of questions!"

Rei laughs, taking a seat on Shinra's couch next to Shizuo and leaning into his large chest as the underground doctor starts shooting questions at her.

"Where have you been? After your accident at the end of our first year, I thought you had-"

"Woah, woah! I know you really want to know about that, but I'm not exactly up for talking about it the day that I arrive. Why don't we talk about something else, hmm?" Shinra blinks in confusion. What could he ask that wouldn't bring up... that?

It's kinda bad that I have to end everything I write on some kind of cliffhanger. Or is it? Idk, maybe it's a good thing, if it builds suspense. Anyways, thanks for reading! My little mini 'contest' is still up, btw, since nobody guessed what Rei is yet. It's not that hard!... right?

Review, Review, Review!~