Chapter 13: Savior

Izaya just sat on the couch eyeing the floor. Afternoon's sunset has finally come and he was in a state of thinking, unaware of any other thing happening in his background. Celty came in a few times but decided to leave him be and do her things. Shinra couldn't bring himself to talk to him normally or even give him a gentle pat without him getting startled and turn over with a quick flash of fear pouring from them before quickly turning into relieved gazes.

Shizuo would either spend his night over at his home or might be unpredictably considerate and march on down to Shinra's to help out. Either way it did not interrupt his train of thought. Even more time passed before an idea popped into Izaya's head. A go is evening walk. It's been a while since he has been out onto the streets of Ikebukuro, having the wind blow through his entire body, breathing in the fresh scent of outdoors and freedom, having the sun kiss his skin with it's undying light. But this was just going to be an evening walk nothing more, nothing less. Izaya looked around first to make sure no one was around and then for his coat, eventually found it hanging in a closet. He reached for it-

but felt a wave of hesitation hit him, freezing his legs onto the ground. His fingers twitched and reached for the coat once more gripping its sleeve only to feel panic rise within him.

This was the same coat that he wore when they-

N-no...

His face scrunched up into a painful expression filled with disgust and fear. This never happened before- why now?! He could remember exactly what happened, what they did to him. This fur lined coat was his favorite coat; his signature look. Images flashed through his mind, hammering them through his wall of sanity.

L-let me go... it hurts please stop...

That cold hand reached to his mouth and covered it, muffled his pathetic cries-

He pulled away with such force that he stumbled across the flooring. Izaya gasped for air feeling cold sweat freeze his body. He didn't realize tears were forming from his eyes until he felt the sting in them and almost trail out. This wouldn't help at all. Izaya looked around alert making sure no one secretly slipped in and saw his panic attack or hear anything. The raven kissed his teeth quietly and made way for an extra jacket; a grey hoodie. He slipped on his shoes and headed for the door, unlocking it as quietly as he could manage and slipping out. It would be just a walk in fresh air and then he'll come back before Shinra could make it out and get worried about him.

The outside felt great and the sun fading away into dark clouds of the night made it more soothing. The night was always his place. Nothing made him happier with being himself in a place that suits him. He walked passed the many people in the way and eventually people began vanishing for it was getting late. Izaya just skipped and hopped down the paths with a gleeful smile spread across his face, joy actually flowing from him. This was perfect, absolutely perfect! A low chuckle bubbled from his throat as he continued hopping around. He didn't care if people were watching him; he loved doing what he likes, even if it's not really what he does.

"Orihara-San!" Izaya stopped dead in his tracks and zipped over to where the call had come from. He had seen a kid in a blue uniform running towards him. "Ah, Hello Mikado-kun!" He chirped as Mikado came to a halt. "Forgive me for stopping you all of a sudden during this hour...!" He bowed, voice shaking with worry. "There's no need to apologize. Long time no see as well." Izaya replied raising his hand up and greeting in a friendly manner. Mikado must be going places even later than before. Late meetings I suppose...?

"I-I just wanted to make sure you were alright! You are, right?"

"Well of course I am. What's with the sudden worry Mikado-kun?" Mikado braced himself after looking around to make sure no one he knew was around. Izaya glared down at the young boy before him, confusion and suspense clouding his thoughts. "I um... I-I saw you and Heiwajima-san having your fights again..."

Oh no. Please don't tell me this is what I think it's about...

"I-I... was afraid that something might have happened." He said. "And you're worrying about little old me because you think he was gonna kill me~?" Izaya let out a low chuckle under his breath. "Um... t-that's not the only point..." Mikado lowered his head sheepishly and looked around desperately. The look on his face spelled fear, like he was scared what would happen if he told Izaya this 'information'. Then what is the point?

"I um..."

"...Saw you almost drown in the south west lake and saw...

That Shizuo saved you." His lips stuttered to a halt and closed them shut. Izaya's eyes widened as anxiety pressured its weight upon him. Cold sweat seeped throughout his body and fear engulfed him. So he really did see, huh.

"Eh? Are you sure that was me Mikado-kun? Am I really so clumsy to have been saved by a protozoan?" He hummed glaring down at the boy. Mikado quaked and stammered to hold his position, he was scared of what Izaya would do since Masaomi told him to stay as far away from him as much as possible for he was one of the most dangerous people in all of Tokyo; but he couldn't stand to not worry about him. It wasn't in his nature to witness something and turn his back on it like he had never seen it. Even if Izaya was dangerous he still wanted to check if the man was alright; and he was... at the mean time.

"But Orihara-kun-!"

"Take it easy. Just call me Izaya." He quickly interrupted the boy making him shut his lips tight. "I don't like rumors that are about me and that beast." He drew closer to the young one with an expression that looked teasing but eyes glaring daggers like a hawk ready to strike him down. Mikado tried his very best not to freak out or speak too fast, the chills running down hi a spine with a deadly vibe.

"...Please forgive me for saying this."

"But I know it's not a rumor. I saw it with my very own eyes." Izaya narrowed his eyes. This boy... persistent should be the word. He could feel that Mikado was trying to act brave or at least sincere to help out by his stance that had no flaws such as shaking. "Very well. I always forget that you're that type who won't let the chance slip. Oh, but I have on favor." Izaya drew closer to Mikado until his face was close to his. He whispered in a dark glare that sounded friendly but was dripping with venom.

"You're a trustworthy person who won't let the truth slip."

"So I'm trusting a boy like you to not speak of this to any."

His crimson eyes glowing a deadly shine, vision piercing Mikado's very being like a needle. All the boy did was nod and give his most honest glare of independent courage he had.

"I'm sorry again. I should've stayed out of your business." He apologized once again taking his space and bowing. "No, you're alright. You are something this city can't handle, ya know?" The raven gave a gentle smile with a voice of pure friendliness. "I don't blame you since it's mandatory. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be making my way." He said as he turned to his heel and began to take steps farther away from the boy. He heard a small "Wait!" from behind as he came to a halt, not turning around. "I just wanted to warn you about these parts. Blue squares hang around here a lot. Please be careful." All he did was but smile and continue walking away.

Eventually Mikado walked off the other direction and the pathway was getting darker and darker as well as the sky. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm so easy to be read like Simon said." He sighed, grin never falling. After some minutes of walking...

He heard heavy footsteps growing louder and trying to match his footsteps. The thought of it being Mikado again flashed in his mind but it couldn't be him. Those footsteps sounded too large and heavy compared to his light steps. Izaya walked down deeper and even more deeper into the shadows trying to make sure that he wasn't hallucinating. He was being followed.

Without realizing he was surrounded by darkness, he still thought he could maybe lose the pest if he hid in the shadows. Night was up faster than he could expect and the sun was no where to be seen.

Maybe I should go back. Best to lose such a burden~

He walked further into the dark alleyway until he confronted something very unpleasant. A dead end. How wonderful.

He turned around with a serious glare flashing through his eyes and back to the exit way. Now, let's see who you are, following me. I'd like it if you'd show yourself and make yourself less of a burden~" nothing was heard once again. Izaya's mocking smirk was wiped off of his face and formed into a deadly glance. Then out of the darkness he saw a figure approach from the sidelines and grow closer to him. He prepared himself for the moment to strike or counter as the figure approached even closer, a menacing aura radiated from it.

"Oh, you know who I am."

"...!?"

"You know who we are." It said as two more figures came from behind the previous one. Shit!

"Oh? I don't seem to recall shadows with no faces. Do mind showing your faces?" He ridiculed them. Even if he couldn't see their faces or their true selves, he could tell that those men were monsters.

"I think we'd rather not. Besides, we didn't come only to seek power here." The leader said, drawing closer to him. He stopped right in front of Izaya, somehow his sinister grinning yellow teeth visible in the shadows. "I'm pretty sure we came for something far more important, right darling?" Izaya felt sick to his stomach hearing 'darling' roll off such a dirty tongue he could hardly keep himself from kicking the guy's ass. So this is how Shizu-chan feels most of the time. Huh, really wish I didn't say this but I can't blame him now.

Shit! I must've forgotten my knives in my other jacket...

he cursed silently in his mind.

Just when the man reached out quickly to grab his arm, Izaya dodged swiftly and countered the man on his side, jabbing him in the stomach with his elbow. "A-AUGH! You bitch!" The man roared as he tried to swing again but the raven dodged once again, smirking with superiority. He might have been rusty and a little slow from lack of exercise and outdoor activities, but he still can beat ass.

"Now you're gonna get it, kid!" The other yelled running at him and swinging his fist in the most pugnacious manner. He ducked smoothly under the man, kicking his shin and making him fall over. "Kid you say? Why don't you guys quit acting like one~?" He laughed uncontrollably at their pitiful state. Pitiful, truly embarrassing for scum like them! He then turned around to see the third one with a scarf around his mouth holding a pocket knife and approaching near. Izaya's eyes flickered towards the blade's glistening light behind him. He forced his body to the opposite direction of the swing but was cut slightly on the hip. Blood seeped from his wound making him wince and look back at his opponent waiting to strike once again. Not good, not good at all. He couldn't dodge correctly now. What should he do?

"Now you're dead punk!" He ran at the raven hoisting his knife up ready to strike downward. Izaya quickly dodged it sluggishly but was able to counter and slam his hand against the man's arm, hitting a pressure point and he yelled in pain letting the knife slip from his hand.

"Your knife skills are horrible, I hope you know that~ Geez, I can't believe I got cut by it, too." He sighed with exhaustion seeping into his wound. "You guys really do know how to put a number. But oh that's not a compliment~"

"D-damn brat...!" A hiss was heard. "Huh? What was that? I can't speak useless. Please speak up, will you?" He leaned down putting his hand up to his ear, his grin never faulting. Oh how great it felt to feel superior to these fools.

Although he noticed that the grin on the man's face have returned. A slight snicker was all he heard before Izaya realized what he was smirking about. His smile immediately dropped and he spun around only to feel a massive hand grab his arm and pin both of his arms behind his back. "Gotcha!" He laughed. Another one!?

Just by having this guy touching his back he could tell this guy was pretty fat. Izaya struggled and tried yanking out of the hold but felt an uncomfortable wave spike up his back. The man held him close to his chest, his distasteful breath roaming all over his neck. He felt shivers crawl down his spine endlessly. "L-Let me go!" The raven demanded. "Hey, the boss was right. He does look like a chick!" He laughed again. "Nice going!"

"Now look here, pretty." He said grabbing at Izaya's chin and yanking his face towards his direction. "Why don't we have some fun, eh?" His smile growing ever more devious. The eyes of crimson widened as fear struck him. "You're so pretty, we're gonna have lots of fun." the chubby one holding him said incredibly close to his ear, hot breath blowing across it. A fleshy wet organ interacted with his ear making him shudder and squirm. "Aw, don't be like that! You know you want it..." the man said again as he licked and nibbled on his ear once more. The hot boiling feeling of both anger and embarrassment collided together within his being.

"S-Stop!"

Not again...

"We're not ever gonna stop until you beg, sweetheart."

And panic began to bust through. "NO!" He shouted headbutting the man restraining him. "Gah!" He immediately let go of Izaya and held his bruised face. With this chance to run, Izaya bolted faster than a lighting strike out of the area. "Dammit he's gettin' away! After him!"

His instincts screamed at him RUN. RUN. DON'T STOP. DON'T SLOW DOWN. JUST KEEP RUNNING. He simply obeyed his conscious ignoring the yelling of insults and clumps of loud footsteps behind him. His side hurt with excruciating pain but he still tried to ignore it and keep going. The light of the streets were right there! I can- He yelped as he tripped over a trash bag, stumbling and skidding across the pavement. New bruises formed on his arms and legs. He immediately scrambled to his feet but fell back over. There was no escape now... I can't escape! They're going to take me. I CANT let this happen again- I can't! Not again!

He zipped his head around panting to see the throng of men in front of him, faces all distorted in malicious grins and dirty teeth. He prayed to anything he could think of- anything. Something. Save him.

Shinra, Celty,

...Shizuo-

Anyone, save me!

He tried to think from all of their laughing. "Finally caught ya! Ha! Look at who's pathetic now!?" The leader said as he drew closer. He slammed his heel onto Izaya's leg. Izaya screeched a pained cry, the man stepping on it twice, then thrice. "Never do that again bitch!" Tears formed in his eyes faster than he could ever dream they would. "Now, let's get down to business, shall we?" He finally said, the other men chuckling and laughing. Izaya closed his eyes for the worse, hearing a belt unbuckle turned his stomach.

"HEY!"

...?

"WHAT THE FUCK'S GOING ON HERE DAMMIT!?" A roar came from the sides. Izaya opened his eyes slowly, gaining focus on what's happening. "None of you're God damned business punk. Now sc'dattle already."

...?!

"WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU SAAAAY!?" loud footsteps slammed against the cement. "O-oh shit dude!"

"I-it's S-Shizuo Heiwajima!" One of them cowardly said as be began running. They all began running except for the leader who was too slow. "WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING!?" The blond roared as he hurled a dumpster at the fleeing insects. It slammed in front of the leader's way cutting him off from his comrades. He swung himself around and leaned on the damaged dumpster shivering. "I-I-I'm sorry! Y-You can have him! Deal!?"

"...You're sick." He growled snatching the hem of the man's shirt and hoisting him up. "SO FUCKING SICK!" He shouted as he through the man like a rocket across town. Screaming died into the night's slight cricket noises and car honking. The steps grew louder until it came to a stop and dress shoes were in his vision.

"Hey, are you alright?"

He didn't bother to look up. Not look up at the man he hated most while he was in a weak and pitiful state.

"Oi! Are you even alive?"

He didn't bother to look up still.

"...Izaya...?"

His shoulders tensed and bangs of dark colored locks covered his eyes from being seen. "Izaya, is that you?" He asked again. Either he was unresponsive or just wanted to be alone. The fear got to him so much that he couldn't believe he could talk. Neither did he want this man of all people to find him this way. "Dammit answer me!" Shizuo snapped grabbing his arm and hoisting him up slightly to see his face. "...?!" ... Tears. Visible sparkling tears were streaming down his cheeks. Those eyes filled with surprise and fear.

Shizuo didn't know how much more of this shit he could take. The pressured pain that once burdened him many times returned to beat at his gentle heart once more.

Izaya. Izaya was crying.

"Don't touch me!" He hissed yanking his arm away as if he had just been burned. Once he retracted his arm the stinging pain from his knife wound caused him to wince and hold his side.

"We need to get you to Shinra's. Come on." Shizuo lent his hand out. Izaya gave a look of disgust. "And what made the monster suddenly want to help me~?" He hummed. "No reason in particular. Just take my damn hand already flea." He growled.

"I wish I could but my wound is killer~" he teased again making the blond growl. "Just shut the hell up and start walking."

The raven sighed annoyed and tried gaining balance using the brick wall as support. When he tried to walk he immediately fell back down with a small cry. His legs still hurt from behind stomped on... shit.

"The fuck's up with you?"

"Hmm, I don't know. Maybe if you were here earlier you'd know they bruised my legs?"

He grinned but Shizuo only gave a small frown before crouching back down to Izaya's level. "I hate suggesting this. But," he said turning around having his back facing Izaya-"climb on. I'll take you to Shinra's." Izaya's eyes widened for a split second before a chuckle slipped from his lips. "You're joking, right? Like hell I'd let you do that!" He laughed like a maniac. "Do it or I might leave you here." He snarled.

"That might just be better~" he chuckled again before feeling himself being hoisted up slightly. "Wha-!? Okay stop I'll do it!" He hissed making the blond back off slightly. He awaited until he felt arms slither around his neck and a lightweight feeling hit his back. "You're lighter than I thought you'd be." Shizuo said as he hoisted himself off the ground and began to walk. "And you're as stubborn as I've always thought." The raven chuckled sinisterly.

"Yeah yeah, just wait til we get to Shinra's so I can drop your ass down."

...Fine by me.

Shizu-chan is really... warm.

And at the moment, Izaya could hear rhythmic beating coming from the monster's chest. He leaned in until he could fully hear it. It was Shizuo's heart. It had a nice pace to it and pounding healthy and strong. It was soothing along with how warm Izaya had felt at the moment.

For some reason... I feel safe. I don't ever want to leave this.

He thought as his eyelids became heavy and fluttered closed, Shizuo's heart beat rocking him to sleep.

I don't ever want to leave this...

First chapter to go over 3k words. Even better; it's over 3,600 words. Until next ttime~