"Congratulations!" a chorus of cheers went up in the air at Russia Sushi which had been completely closed for the private function of Mikado's graduation/birthday party.

Everyone was there -

On his right sat Masaomi and his girlfriend Saki who was talking to Anri and Celty. Next to the Dullahan and Shinra was Mika Harima and Yagiri Seji. Kyohei, Saburo, Erika, and Walker sat opposite to them and on Mikado's left sat Aoba with Mairu and Kururi by his side.

Mikado had personally invited them in front of Masaomi and Anri telling his two friends that they had no opinion in the matter nor did they have the right to threaten Aoba which made the younger male slightly smug but Mikado ignored it, it didn't matter, unknown to everyone at the table, it was the last time they would see Mikado for a very long time, if not forever.

Mikado had sternly told everyone that Heiwajima Shizuo and anyone associated with him was not invited for obvious reasons. Mikado's relationship with Izaya had been revealed to everyone shortly before the final fight though almost everyone thought Mikado had been tricked and Izaya had just seduced him to use him.

Mikado had never talked about it with anyone, not eager to hear them shit all over the person he loved and their relationship.

"Thank you." Mikado smiled at the group.

"So, do you know what you want to do?" Kyohei asked sipping his beer. Mikado nodded,

"I want to go take a break for a bit and then go to university." The teen replied honestly. He did want to further his education but he didn't know if it was possible. Perhaps he could do a course online?

"That sounds good sempai. What are you going to study?" Aoba asked with big hazel eyes, generally interested. Mikado pushed up his glasses,

"I was thinking of something in literature or computer science."

"That really suits you, man. Being such a nerd and all." Masaomi grinned and roughly patted him on the back. Mikado laughed, wincing slightly at the impact. Everyone looked up when Simon came out with two large platters of sushi.

"Here! Everyone eat Sushi!" he grinned setting the two huge platters at each end of the table so everyone could reach at least one. Everyone started to dig in and Mikado picked up his chopsticks to look over the selection when something caught his eye, right in front of him was a batch of otoro which shocked him because he knew that despite everyone pitching in for the dinner, they couldn't afford this much of the expensive tuna along with everything else.

Mikado looked up at Simon with wide eyes and the large Russian man gave him a sad but knowing smile. Mikado swallowed thickly and blinked rapidly trying to calm the tears he could feel burning his eyes. He knew that Izaya hadn't brought it but rather that Simon had included it in memory of the informant.

Mikado bowed his head at the man, not wanting to draw the attention of the rest of the group. He knew that Simon had been saddened by Izaya's supposed death, he honestly thought Izaya wasn't as bad deep down and believed the informant didn't deserve the cruel, violent death that had supposedly befallen him.

Mikado knew Simon would be happy to know that Izaya was alive and turning over a new leaf but the teen couldn't tell him. He couldn't tell anyone. He picked up a few pieces of Izaya's favourite food and put it on his plate. It was a familiar taste but also one Mikado hadn't since Izaya had left knowing it would only make him think of his missing lover.

But now, now he knew that Izaya was alright and waiting for him, he ate it with a small smile. His blue eyes traveled over the group who were loud, cheerful and slightly troublesome, it was all very bittersweet. He cared about them, he truly did but he couldn't stay here.

At least they would have one another when he was gone, it wouldn't be as bad for them as it would have been for Izaya if he had decided to stay. He chatted with everyone while they enjoyed the food. Masaomi tried to order alcohol which was quickly denied by the owner Dennis because he knew the blond was underage, his friend still pouted however which amused Mikado.

"We should take a group photo!" Erika suggested excitedly and the group agreed. Mikado, though he usually disliked photos, agreed. Everyone squeezed in together including Simon around the table while Dennis took a photo with a wry smile. The photo was quickly shared around from phone to phone before it reached Mikado's.

The teen looked at the photo, it was a good one. Everyone looked happy. Mikado knew that he would have to get the photo printed out so he could take it with him.

[You should do a speech Mikado.] Celty suggested and Mikado made a face. He opened his mouth to reject the offer but Masaomi saw the message.

"Yes! That's a great idea! Do a speech Mikado!" he exclaimed excitedly which somehow got everyone around the table chanting for the teen to do a speech. Mikado laughed nervously.

"Okay, okay, just stop chanting." He begged. He took a deep breath looking at everyone at the table, they looked at him expectantly with smiles. Mikado felt a pang in his heart and he started to talk only to be ushered up by Masaomi who demanded he had to stand.

"Umm." Mikado felt uncomfortable standing whilst everyone else was sitting. He took another deep breath wondering what to say before it realised that aside from the goodbye message Izaya had instructed him to send, this was the last time he would be able to portray his feelings to the group.

"Well, I want to thank you for all coming out here tonight to celebrate not only my graduation but also my birthday. It's been a pleasure knowing you these last four years despite everything." Mikado looked a bit sheepish. "I'm sorry for causing you all so much trouble. I know I haven't been the easiest person to have to deal with so thank you all for putting up with me and all my nonsense." The teen bowed his head before standing up and continuing.

"You guys really mean a lot to me, you're all great people and I'm glad I was able to be your friend. The headmaster at my school said that while finishing school is the end, it is also the beginning of something new. So I am looking forward to putting all the terrible things I've done in the past and starting anew." Mikado finished with a smile.

"Yeah! Cheers!" the group cheered raising their glasses in a toast. Mikado met eyes with Simon who was looking at him strangely and Mikado wondered if the large man had figured out what he was going to do but somehow he knew, that if Simon had figured it out, he wouldn't try to stop him like everyone else would.

Mikado made sure to go around the table and talk to everyone and thank them personally for coming. A few people had small gifts for him which he was grateful for and thanked them. He relished spending time with everyone, savouring the memories.

Mikado watched the group of all the friends and people he'd come to know since he came to Ikebukuro. So much had happened in just four years, he'd done so many things – good and bad.

He glanced at Aoba's hand were the rather noticeable scar of where Mikado had stabbed him was. Even Masaomi, underneath his jeans, had a gunshot wound in his leg from Mikado.

He didn't know why they were still by his side but he was grateful. He smiled at everyone, looking around the table. Their smiles and laughter echoed in his mind.

He had loved Ikebukuro, he had met so many interesting people, lived an interesting life–

But that chapter of his life was over and while it was sad, Mikado knew that it was also a new beginning. He'd carry the memories of his time in the city with him forever, grateful for all the city had taught and showed him.

It was time to leave and start anew elsewhere.

Mikado smiled, tears burning his eyes as he looked at the people surrounding him.

Thank you…everyone…