I would love to thank every single one of youfor waiting patiently and loving my story. To be honest, I really thought people were going to hate the story but I was completely wrong! Thank you guys so much! I wanted to give you this chapter as a present to show my gratitude. It is the longest chapter I have ever made and it's all for you guys! Have a Great Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, any celebration. Enjoy~

*Edit* Thanks to a review by an anonymous user named Freja, I didn't realize I mispelled something and had to come back and change it. Shout out and thank them for it!

Chapter 15: Your Gift is gonna have to wait

He opened the door with a slight turn on the knob, walking in slowly making the raven break his fixated eyes on the window over to him. For a second or possible a minute Shizuo could see complete confusion in those deep red eyes. Didn't Shinra say he wanted to talk to him? Well if it's including a pest like Orihara it wouldn't be simple nor easy.

"So, what do you want?"

"...What?" He said with a baffled expression pouring outward. "The hell you mean 'what?' Shinra said you wanted to talk to me, so spit it out already." A low snarl grumbled. Izaya didn't look like had got much sleep at all. He had dark rings under his lashes and it looked like he stayed up the whole night; or at least, tried to. "Did he really say that? I don't have any business with you." He said as his voice drew obnoxiously sharp along with his cat like eyes.

"The hell, louse? I come in here and you got nothing to say?"

"Maybe your brain isn't processing right- as if it ever does. I said I don't need to talk to you." The raven heckled with a bit of amusement in his voice, but it looked as if he was damned well tired of something that pissed him off. The cool and chilling morning mist made it feel as if the awaited time of the year was truly today.

"What the hell has gotten into you? Why don't you just sneak out already? No ones got time for your shit." Shizuo turned his head to the side as anger began to rush in his veins. But an annoyingly soft chuckle snapped his eyes back to the playful idiot before him. "Are you really that dense with that neanderthal brain of yours? I did that last time and the unfortunate possibility suddenly happened~ And also,

I don't want to be here myself." Izaya smirked but his eyes sharpened into slits.

"Tch, whatever. That Shinra is always trouble." The ex-bartender turned onto his heel and stomped his way back to the door. "Oh, Shizu-chan~" he heard, halting at the door. "I don't know if you've realized, but you've given me a great idea. Thank you~" Izaya said in a sing-song tone and a devious smile. What's he planning? Damn louse.

He slammed the door shut with obnoxious strength but not enough to break it. "Shinra! Get your ass over here!" He shouted down the hall, walls shaking from the stomping. Shinra peaked from his door and into the hallway seeing an annoyed blond at the end of it. "U-um, yes?" The doctor quivered outward to meet the beast in front of his. "The fuck you doing? You want me to break something!?" Shizuo growled into a low voice rising with annoyance. Shinra just flinched and looked up into those bothered orbs. "Look, I'm s-sorry! I thought that maybe you two should get to talking more. He seems lonely with just me talking to him." The doctor said raising his hands up in defense and speaking with confidence.

"Well that's not the way to go!" Vein slowly bulging. "Alright! Gee, what's gotten on your nerves?" He asked.

"That damned flea. Everytime I see him or even hear his annoying voice he pisses me off." Shizuo replied as he tightened his fists into balls.

Shinra sighed and pouted "Sometimes you really are unpredictable or just weird." Shinra said taking a step back and turning his back.

"Maybe I wouldn't have to be if people would stop fucking lying?!" Shizuo grumbled, crossing his arms and puffing heat. "I'm sorry. There, you happy now?" The brunette rolled his eyes.

"Saying it twice doesn't make it better."

"Well what else am I supposed to do!?" Shinra through his hands up in the air. Two apologies are better than one, but according to a brute's logic it's gonna have to be more or less. With that, the blond marched his way out of the room leaving a sighing Shinra rest.

[What is this 'Christmas' humans talk about?] Celty wrote, confusion whirling around in her conscious. It was still freshly early but a couple of hours passed. Celty had been talking to Shinra not too long ago and decided to ask him a question.

Of course Celty didn't know much about a Holiday because she was a Dullahan; an urban legend that held no time for human activities other than Death. Well, that is all she can remember at the moment due to her memory loss being a pain.

"Well, Christmas is a holiday we celebrate in caring for each other. We give and receive with jolly attitude! Unless you're like a lonely person who thinks they deserve everything..." Shinra smiled brightly and leaned closer to the woman in black charmingly. [Seems fun. But is there a point or...?] She typed, pouting a small cloud from her shrouded with dark neck. Shinra leaned even closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. "It's about sharing and giving happiness to others." He said-snuggling and nuzzling.

If Celty had a face, she would be blushing with either embarrassment or a in lovingly way. The doctor felt warm upon her deathly cold clothes and skin compared to the chilly weather outside. [Yeah but isn't that supposed to be with a large group of people?] She must have been watching a lot of tv commercials or movies. A Dullahan has no experience with humanly things, sadly. "It doesn't have to be big. It's meant for families and loved ones. It's not like we're going to have a party or-"

Suddenly with a rush of movements after a small silence, Shinra rose from his seat. "That's it!" He roared happily. Celty-if she had her eyes- would be wide with utter confusion. Just when she was about to start typing, Shinra grabbed her hands and gave her his brightest smile. "We'll have a Christmas party! And it will be your first!" He said as if he was a ball of sunshine himself. "Of course we'll need to invite everyone we know so," he pulled her up into his arms- "It will be fun!"

For a moment or eternity- didn't matter, Celty felt a string of happiness turn into a saving surge of it. It was going to be her first Christmas-! Something she had never experienced in her life. Immediately without a moments waste, she deepened the embrace between the them making Shinra stumble backwards. "Hey! Are you this excited? I'm just glad that you're happy, Celty."

"Shizuo! Hey, are you still here?" The brunette called out through the halls. Surprisingly, he saw a tuff of blond hair on his couch. He was steamed earlier and decided to lay on the couch, eh? Walking over without a moment's care, he noticed Shizuo was sleeping. "Ugh, really? Sometimes you can be more of a pain than Izaya."

He said tapping onto the brute's toned arm. "Hey! Wake up, sleepyhead!" He called again, nudging more furiously. Shizuo was always a heavy sleeper. Just when his senses kicked in like a dog's, that's when he will become alert and a light sleeper. Shizuo's eyes fluttered open slowly with an irritated look inside them, lashes casting a shadow over his dark yellow eyes. Low growling and grumbling were hearkened throughout the room.

"Rise and shine!" Was enough to get Shizuo into a bad awakening and groan. "What the hell do you want?" He said tried to turn on his side and ignore the pest. "Don't be like that! We're having a Christmas party today!" Shinra said as he nudged even more firmly than before. "Can you stop that!? And a Christmas party today? It's not even Christmas yet..."

"I don't care if it's tomorrow or even a week after, we're having a party so get your lazy butt up!" Shinra pouted and began to pull on his arm.

"God damn it, Shinra! Fine. Now what?" Shizuo groaned as he rose up, hair all messy as always.

"It's going to happen in a couple of hours when it's night. We need to clean up the place and as soon as we're done, contact everyone we know."

"It's going to be fun! Now stop lazing around like a blob and help!"

"Why not get the flea to do it? He likes these types of events." He muttered and to his surprise only silence greeted him. He turned his head slightly to meet Shinra half way.

"He would love to, but... he doesn't like social events anymore."

...?

"Just let him in his room and he'll be fine. Who knows. Maybe he might even come out during the party." The brunette said with an unusually saddened tone written into it. His glossy hazel eyes weren't fixed on Shizuo at all, but perhaps avoiding eye contact or just directly watching the floor.

"Alright, are you gonna help out or not?"

Shizuo knew that he changed the topic quicker than usual which made him want to ask the same question he's been itching to ask, but continuously got stuck in his throat.

'What happened to Izaya? Why do you constantly change everytime he gets involved?

What really happened?'

He didn't risk asking them because he felt an off putting feeling in it. Like he wouldn't like what it would be it what it could be close of.

"Alright. I'll help."

Night approached and the house was decorated with glorious ornaments, stockings, glittering ribbons. And the tree was set up but had no decorations on it yet. Shinra had planned that everyone would have fun pinning ornaments and their own decorations onto the prickly tree. Celty could hardly contain her excitement. She even made the food and Shinra decided to have Mika and Seiji over early to help them cook. They did amazing the last time during hotpot.

Shizuo decided to sleep on the couch immediately after he was done 'helping'. He had no clue why he was so sleepy today. Mika talking constantly about Seiji pissed him off to no end so he decided to block it with a thick well of sleep.

For a short notice, Mika and Seiji went out to get more supplies and Shinra went inside his room calling and inviting friends over while Celty was out riding her motorcycle to reach far closer friends.

Just piece and quiet... he didn't know how long he was asleep. He was still sleeping and couldn't care less. He thought he was dreaming but...

He felt a soft delicate muscle stroke his face. It felt like a hand. It remained there for God knows how long before slipping away. Whatever or whoever's hand it was, it felt angelic and a voice accompanied it. Shizuo thought he heard it say something but couldn't quite figure out what it had said. It must've been Kasuka- or at least his mother in the dream. It felt so real but he couldn't tell... it felt like a second ago but maybe it was an hour ago. A second in dreams could be minutes, or even hours, or even a longer time ago. But he was just sleeping so it couldn't have been a long time ago. But now he heard new voices coming from above him. He peeked his eyes open slowly to see some people in the room along with newcomers. "It's so great to have you guys here too! Right Seiji?"

"Of course it is, Mika."

Yup. He still wishes he was dreaming.

"Um, it's nice to be here too." A soft feminine voice wavered. "I'm glad to be here too!" A boy said. They both bowed shyly before walking in and taking their shoes off. Shizuo looked around to see Mika and Seiji welcoming Mikado and Anri inside while Walker and Erika were annoying each other about the best Manga or which anime character would be the best 'waifu'; Kadota sitting on the chair drinking and talking it out with Saburo.

Namie said that she wouldn't come because her too-lazy-to-work-boss hadn't given her paycheck yet. Shinra immediately told Namie what's happened to Izaya since she's been unaware of what has happened for the past couple of weeks. He obviously left out Seiji being here because it would probably get into a fuss with Mika... Simon and Dennis were having a simple chat but it looked as if they were challenging each other to some sort of knowledge test but eventually changed into Simon roaring with happy speeches.

Masaomi and Saki were still missing and it bothered Mikado heavenly but he prayed that they'll meet again.

"Oh, Shizuo. Nice meeting you here!" Mikado greeted with a low bow. His scarf was a light blue and wasn't very long. "Hey. No need to show kindness." He said drowsedly. Wonder how long I've been sleeping.

"Shi-zu-o! You are awake! Let us make peace greeting! Time of year is peaceful!" Simon shouted and spread his arms wide and grabbed Mikado and Shizuo together in a soft of headlock position. "S-Simon! It's great seeing you here- but could you please let go? You're crushing me!"

"Do as the kid says, Simon! Crushin' me too." Shizuo mumbled. Simon immediately let them both go and slammed a pat onto both of their backs before laughing mightily. Anri came storming right after Mikado and helped him gain balance.

"Mikado, are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine. Don't worry about me, enjoy the party." He said smiling at her genuinely. She smiled back before running back to Mika and Erika with Walker still trying to argue.

Kadota waved his drink in the air- "Hey, Shizuo!" before walking over and sitting by him. "Sup man. How've you been? Haven't seen vending machines or signs flying around lately." He said in a betting voice while moving his drink in a circular motion with his hand. "That's because I've been stuck here." Shizuo replied back. Kadota raised a brow but judging on the look Shizuo was giving it would probably make things more complicated so he decided not to ask. "Look man. Whatever is keeping you down, don't let it. It's probably none of my business but at least I can give some advice."

"Even though things may be tough, get around it. There might be something far beyond tough hiding behind it and is waiting for you to get to it."

"I have a feeling that what you're going through is similar to it. You're smart enough to figure things out, Shizuo." Kadota then patted Shizuo's shoulder before giving him a light nod and a genuine smile. Shizuo looked up and greeted back with a relieved grin. "You know just what to say even if you don't know the situation. Thanks."

"Anytime man! Well, I've got to get back to Saburo before he has to listen in on Erika and Walker's fantasy trips. Later."

Kadota got up from the couch and headed else where. Shizuo just continuously stared at the floor. He wasn't hungry and he was still tired. All that annoyed him were those guys arguing about things that clearly didn't matter. Celty was chatting with the girls and receiving advice. She must truly be having a great night with how happy she looked. Everything was going smoothly...

"SHIZUO!" A cry blew throughout the room and every one came to a halt, glancing over in the direction it was heard. Shizuo immediately jumped up from his seat and stopped half way between the chair and the hallway after seeing a fearful Shinra run out.

"Izaya's gone!"

He panted with eyes filled with fear. Why was he so scared for a pest finally leaving?

"Shinra calm down. He's probably out doing shit. He's probably fine even-"

"Shizuo, you of all people should know what happens when he's alone!"

That's when it hit. A sudden wave of panic slammed into his conscious repeatedly like a hammer. Izaya can't be alone or... anything could happen.

...

"Oh, Shizu-chan~" he heard, halting at the door. "I don't know if you've realized, but you've given me a great idea. Thank you~"

...

Don't tell me...!

"Shizuo...

His bed wasn't warm at all. It was cold..."

Faster than anyone could see him Shizuo dashed out of the door like a bolt of lightning. The silence deepened as everyone suddenly began to feel the uneasy feeling. No one here really knew or liked Izaya that much but...

It pained them all to hear it being desperate.

"He probably snuck out... can we all get back to what we were doing please?" He said with a painful expression, not daring to look up at everyone.

"I'm sure he'll bring him back. Sorry to worry you all."

"Where the hell are you, Izaya?!" Shizuo ran with his panting in an off rhythm and heat seeping through his clenched teeth. The air was freezing and it being late made it worse. What if the flea got himself a cold, or worse, kidnapped?!

He tried to speed up and leave his thoughts behind. The cold air slamming into his face and making his puffs of hot air visible, now rushed out of his way. He couldn't smell the stench or get any clue. His lungs burned from the intoxicating chilling air being inhaled and exhaled. The smell of frost clouded his sense of smell and could not catch any scent well.

Where?

Where!?

God damn it Izaya!

He rushed around the corner only to slam into some one and knocking them over. "Agh- sorry-" the fuck?

A man in a heavy coat and a dark hair short cut. Out of all places... you...

"Oh, fancy meeting you here, Shizuo." The man said as he regained posture and rose up. "You too... um, Kamito."

Kamito suddenly had small and faint wrinkles appear. What is he doing out here? Whatever he was doing he was getting in Shizuo's way.

"I'd love to stay and chat, but I'm looking for someone"

"Try looking east from here. Maybe they are there." Was all he said before giving a smile that was supposed to look helpful but to Shizuo it looked creepy. Shizuo didn't feel like saying 'thanks', not to that guy any way. He headed directly over to the east region and whipped his head around. Still no sign of the louse... He zoomed passed the streets and eventually...

A very faint horrid smell hit his nostrils.

There's no doubt. He immediately flew off towards the direction of the smell.

He flared at the streets with glowing colorful lights. The cold air was soothing and it made him feel much better than he has been since the last. His wound never healed completely but he couldn't care less. He sat on the roof top examining the humans below him. A loud sound boomed from behind him before hearing raspy gasps and loud growling. He must've busted the roof door down.

So much for having fun...

"The fuck have you been, bastard!?" He barked to the raven who had his back turned to the beast. "Whatever do you mean? I've been here this whole time~" he said in a singing like voice. He didn't rise from his seating on the ledge but rather avoided to look at Shizuo.

"Shinra and the rest are worried sick about you."

"The rest? What do you mean?"

"Shinra threw a Christmas party and freaked out when you weren't there and assumed you were kidnapped. Everyone got worried themselves." Shizuo said, eyes narrowing and breaths becoming more stable.

"You must be joking. I hate being cooped up anyway." He mused but venom dripped from when he said the word 'hate'. Shizuo drew closer until he was at least a yard away from Izaya, teeth baring and eyes flaring. "Why'd you do it?"

"...What?"

Izaya turned his attention halfway not fully meeting Shizuo's glare. The blond's mouth opened with slight hesitation before he had found his words again.

"I said... why'd you do it?" He repeated.

"Like I said; I don't like being cooped up."

He took one step closer breaking the space between them only to be faced with a knife. "Now what are you gonna do now? Take me back or kill me~?" He said with a devilish smile curling his lips up, a bad vibe pouring from it. He tightened his hold upon the knife and pointed it's tip with a deadly pose. "Why don't you just leave me alone for once? You're annoyingly bothersome, monster."

Shizuo raised his hand slowly and pressed it gently on the knife trying to lower it down. "And you think you're not?" He growled. Suddenly with a flash of white, a streak of red dripped from Shizuo's cheek. Izaya retracted his knife and kept his posture and distance; eyes glowing with a deadly gleam and temptation seeping from them. "What a shame, really. I would oh so love to come, but I'd rather spend my evening alone without something trying to chase me down."

Usually it was Shizuo that would be this mad and threatening in this demeanor but the way Izaya was acting and how cold his eyes were- yet, burning with passion- it seemed almost as if...

He wanted to get away from something.

"Damn it Izaya- quit being so damn stubborn and come with me already!" He barked, vein bulging within his temple. He took a step forward making the informant tighten his hold upon his weapon; knuckles turning a ghostly white.

"I already said I'm not going. There for I've made my decision. Don't you dare pity me." His eyes flickered with a gleam of danger.

"Why can't Shizu-chan ever get this through his knuckle-headed brain of his?" Izaya mused with a smirk. He backed away slowly but not on the edge of the building. More like in between the beast and the ending of the ledge; a very dangerous situation.

"If you won't then I might just have to force your scrawny ads over there!" Shizuo shouted as his voice escalated into a frightening roar, stomping his foot upon the roof's solid concrete leaving a faint dent in it.

"Aww, don't be mad Shizu-chan! You really are desperate for me, hmm~?" Izaya let out a devilish chuckle that turned into a heartfelt laugh. He could feel Shizuo's frightening aura pouring into the area; almost making him shake himself. Though, Orihara Izaya was never afraid of Heiwajima Shizuo, and possible may never be. He taunted the ex-bartender with that dastardly sickening smile that pissed him off, ready to fight.

"Fine by me... iiizaaaayyaaaaa...!" Shizuo snickered and dashed towards the armed raven. Fists clenched and blood rushing from the adrenaline. He through a pugnacious blow that came close to hitting Izaya's side but was evaded and slashed on the side. What's up with characters getting slashed on the side now?

As smooth as a slippery snake, Izaya regained his balance and continuously dodged every blow and punch the blond had been throwing carelessly, rage taking over his conscious. Right now Shizuo looked like he didn't care but deep down within his being he cared a lot about the situation. He wanted to kill Izaya- make him feel pain. That's all he cared about at the moment. But what Shinra had told him and hinted various things about Izaya... it didn't feel right.

Shizuo slid his heel on the concrete using it as a boost to fully turn him around and meet with the smirking informant and try to land a blow. He missed slightly grazing the raven's side. For a split of a moment Izaya wasn't smiling- in fact showed a pained expression and came to a stop right before the monster, grabbing his side. He was dangerously close to the ledge- no, was on the ledge and could possibly slip if not careful. Izaya noticed his position but turned back his attention to the roaring man who was charging at him like a bull.

"IZAYAAAA!" He roared about to land and burrow his fist within the being that caused him such hate. Hesitation began to build up within the beast, slowing down his fist to some degree.

Please stop...

Stop. His hand had stopped. His fist that was balled up in a dangerous way had stopped directly in front of the Izaya. The raven's beautiful crimson orbs now gleaming with a tint of fear did not go unnoticed.

He was scared. Why didn't he dodge? Izaya was more than capable of dodging like a snake. But judging on his appearance on how low he was, the pain written expression, his hand remaining on his side. Could it be that his wound had opened up...?

Shizuo didn't bother to look anywhere else but the russet colored eyes before him; shame and grief written in them. Not a word flew from either of them. They stood in their uncomfortable positions for who knows how long.

Shizuo began lowering his fist slowly, eyes glossing with a dose of melancholy.

"Just... come with me."

His voice wavered in a ghostly manner. His face was darkened by the lack of moonlight behind misty clouds and dyed golden locks. He looked dead.

Another deafening silence flooded the area except for the repeated steps of people below. No one could see them. No one could see how this ended up. Not many people were on these streets which made it like a ghost town.

Shizuo had frozen like a statue but for Izaya...

He had been stuck trying to find words in his fear strickened state. He parted his delicate lips slowy but hesitation blocked his way.

How long had this silence been? It was forever. Forever of them standing like this. Forever having to deal with this awkward situation. Forever to deal with this confusion.

Why didn't you just kill me...?

"...Shizu-cha-"

His voice was cut short for he had began falling backwards. Shizuo was blinded but could now see what was happening.

Izaya had slipped on the ledge...

Some thing within Shizuo ticked and sent a shock of fear through his nerves. Without any waste of time he dashed faster than the air could catch up to him. Izaya was deathly scared as his eyes widened with grief and let out a short shriek. The air flying out of his lungs from the sheer terror taking place.

This is it...

I'm going to die.

To die.

He slammed his eyes shut and prepared for the fate that awaited him.

"IZAYA-!"

He heard a shriek that he did not expect. Out of the blue, arms wrapped around his being and placed a firm hold upon him. Surprise was surging through him as he felt bring turned upside and hid face being burrowed in a broad chest. Izaya clenched and grabbed a fist full of the blond's clothing- holding on for dear life.

The louder the wind got and the harder they were falling made him feel even more scared but...

He didn't feel scared. Someone was holding onto him- trying to save him! He felt... safe. Like he wasn't going to die.

With a loud thud, objects flew out of their way as they impacted. The landing was much more softer because they luckily landed in a garbage dump in an alleyway. Lucky, huh?

Shizuo snapped his eyes open examining his surroundings. He was alive and he felt trembling.

He looked into his arms and saw the raven still clenching into his clothing with a death grip, shaking and burrowing his face within the blond's chest.

Was he scared? No, not scared. Terrified. He was close to death and honestly believed that he would die right then and there.

"...Izaya?"

The informant flinched but kept his face hidden.

"...Izaya, we're safe now..."

He still didn't look up. Shizuo was beginning to worry if he scared him that much. Another thing that caused hurt upon Izaya. A new record...

He tried to sit up and get a better position but the hand clenched harder to the point it could possibly start bleeding.

"...Don't let me go..."

He heard a faint whisper. It was stricken with sorrow and wavered. This seems so familiar...

Shizuo said nothing. He did not move. He did not speak. He did not feel like getting angry. He had no room for it. He couldn't hate his enemy here. Not here. Not when he's scared half to death and so venerable.

Moments to minutes had passed and Shizuo still did not move.

"...You really are that stupid..."

The blond raised his head and glared down at the quivering raven. "You are just so stubborn I can't stand you..."

"I sometimes can't stand you either..." Shizuo sighed.

"Are you alright?"

All Izaya did was nod. He finally rose from Shizuo's chest, eyes glossy as if he had almost cried or might have actually done so.

"We should really get out of this dumpster, it reeks..." he sneered giving a distasteful glare. "Yeah, and it reeks just like you do. Funny." Shizuo let out a small chuckle- wow. What a surprise.

"Shizu-chan really is weird if he can smell me and say I smell exactly like garbage. Typical of a brute I'd say~"

"Oh shut up. Let's just get out if this already-!" Shizuo rose up carelessly and met face to face with Izaya; straddling him.

They stared into each other's eyes out of the awkward silence. Izaya was looking everywhere but Shizuo but suddenly...

He was drawing closer. Slowly.

Blood rushed to his cheeks, heating them. He sat there confused on what to do.

The blond was drawing close. Closer...

(RING RING)

(RING RING)

They both snapped out of their zone and immediately broke contact. It was so awkward... Shizuo immediate searched his pockets for his phone. Wow, just on time, too.

"U-um- I should probably take this..." He took his phone out and immediately took the call.

"Have you found him yet!? I knew I should've checked on him-!"

"Shinra-"

"Please tell me you did find him or I might go craz-"

"Shinra! Yeah, I found him. Calm your ass down." He sighed annoyingly. Shinra might've been too anxious but it was good that everything turned out A-Okay!

"Thank goodness... now hurry home. I don't want to miss anymore of my dear Celty!"

And then he just hung up. 'What a great friend you got there!'

"Alright. Let's get you to Shinra."

...

And as always, Shinra flipped out and welcomed them in. Everything seemed to be fine but he noticed company were inside. They were still inside and had worried faces turned into relief.

"Anyways, Welcome back." Shinra said with a big smile. It was a little nerve racking to see company in a place where you felt safe from time to time- all glaring at you. "Um... Shinra? Am I interrupting something?"

"What? Shizuo didn't tell you?"

"We were having a Christmas party but when you were missing I got a little worried, so did everyone else."

Izaya stared- disbelief written in his eyes. Why would anyone care for him? He didn't need care. He was strong enough to hold on his own like he has been doing his entire life. On the contrary though, his humans need guidance. But was he truly in the right position to go back to the way he was before... the suspense happened...?

Why do they care? He felt a small pang of heat burn up within his chest. Someone cares for him. People care for him. Surprisingly.

"He didn't only worry just a little bit- he was freaking out." Kadota spoke up, smiling with a teasing sense. "I had a perfect reason to!" The doctor pouted. Giggles and laughter filled the room.

"Say, I'm surprised Shizuo. You're not destroying anything yet. Impressive if you ask me." The brunette said, eyes wide with surprise.

Shizuo glared down at the man and trailed his vision to the raven- "That's because this dumbass needs to be more careful so he doesn't get more destructive than me."

Izaya just gave an annoyed glare but chose to ignore the brute. "Hehehe~!" A certain giggle caught everyone's attention. "What? Don't you all see? Hehehehehe~!" Erika giggled even more. Every one honestly thought she went crazy from all the giggling and chuckling but then a surprising twist happened. Welp.

"They are totally going to be together! Hehehehehe~!"

Everyone froze and gave that 'Are you freaking serious right now, Karisawa Erika!?'

"You can even see it that Shizu-chan went through his way just to save Iza-Iza! Boy love is the best! Hehehehehe~!" Erika tried to calm herself down but was too busy squealing and fan-girling to care. "Oi- Erika-!"

"Next thing you know they'll be living together and doing thi-" Walker immediately rushed to her side and covered her mouth. "I'm so sorry! Erika is in her Otome Road fantasies again!" Walker tried so hard. He really did. "Mvey vill be doin fthingsv fflike cuddlimm and zleepimm togez-!"

"Erika please!" Poor Walker.

Anri was beyond confused and her face was as red as a tomato. "...I-is that even possible...? Wow... that's pretty... odd."

Mikado was blushing too. He was more likely afraid of what Erika was going to say next. Who knows what she was thinking about those two?

"Relax. It's her disturbing imagination. Can't blame her, really~" Izaya let out an amused snicker. Shizuo was glaring swords at the woman trying to ignore his completely pink face.

Was this chick for real!? She honestly had a death wish.

"She really is going to get killed one of these days..." Saburo sighed and lowered his drink.

It was so awkward that laughter broke from someone; contagious it being and spreading around making every one else laugh as if it was an infectious disease. Shizuo on the other hand was too embarrassed but tried to ignore it and blow off steam. This was really odd.

Soon after the party carried on. Izaya was sitting on the end of the couch talking to Kadota, as for Shizuo kept his distance from the crowd and leaned against the wall. He was thinking what had happened occurred earlier. When he encountered Izaya. When he saved him once again. And it was from him doing a mother dumb mistake.

"Okay everyone! It's about time to put up the star!"

Everyone fixated their attention on the doctor who was cheerful as can be. "Since this is Celty's first Christmas, I think she should do it."

Shinra gave his honest and genuine smile towards the woman of his dreams. Judging by her body language she was overwhelmed with uprising joy almost erupting from her. Celty raised herself from her seating with the other girls and approached Shinra- who had the star in his hands. He gladly handed it over to her. Celty took it very slowly and examined every angle of the sparkling object in her hands. Ever thing was amazing to her. She made her way to the tree that was glowing all sorts of colors and certain ornaments.

Everything felt great. Her first Christmas was being celebrated with the many people she came to know and befriend even though she believed she could not for she was something out if this world. They all were happy and not afraid of he she looked or afraid that she did not have a head. Celty really felt as if they were family and she was home. Even if she did not have a face, she was smiling with such unsustainable happiness.

Her shadows stretched and elevated the glowing star up to the very tip of the tree. Perfect fit.

The star shined with beautiful light as it shined its golden light upon them. "Wow! So cool!" Both Erika and Walker awed simultaneously at the sight. Cheering and clapping was heard. Happiness, joy, laughter- it was all present. And she could not ask for more.

"Look! It's snowing!" Mikado said as his happiness was flooding from him. Every one turned to the glass window. Frost chilled the edges of the window as small white puffs fell from the sky. "Wow! This just keeps getting better and better! This has got to be the best Christmas ever!" Walker beamed from his seat with enthusiasm flowing through his veins. "Seiji look! This is just wonderful! Right, Seiji?" Mika snuggled closer to her lover. "Of course it is, Mika."

This truly was a great Christmas.

By the time it was over every one said their goodbyes and headed home. Izaya decided to help Celty clean up. Shizuo continued to keep his distance but felt a tugging on his arm only to see Shinra trying to pull him into the hallway.

He made sure they couldn't be seen or heard. "What happened?" He questioned. Like hell Shizuo was gonna tell him everything. "He was in Ikebukuro's East side on a building watching the streets." Shizuo answered.

"You're not answering me fully. You have a knife wound that grazed your cheek and side."

"...Did you fight?"

Those hazel eyes were glaring into his with determination. The blond sighed before scratching his head. "Okay. We did fight but he called it first. Bastard almost got himself killed and I saved him. Happy?" He snarled. Shinra retracted himself and felt a wave of calming sooth his nerves. "Good."

"Shinra, why do you worry so much over him anyway?" Shizuo awaited the doctor's response but only silence was greeted. It took a moment for Shinra to look back up with a motivation.

"When the time is right, I'll tell you everything."

"Right now it's best not to ask." He said before walking away slowly but stopped half way. "...Thanks for saving him again. I promise I'll tell you soon."

"Your gift is gonna have to wait."

And he walked off closing the for behind him leaving Shizuo to wonder.

A Merry Christmas it was.