Once again
A/N:- Happy New Year! Thank you for the reviews and onto the next chapter. Enjoy.
Izaya had offered to drive him to work, he had said no. Emi was still asleep on their bed and it wouldn't do any good to wake her up, his daughter was a nightmare when she sulked. A bit like someone else he knew. Making his own way by foot, Shizuo stopped outside the club. It was the same as he remembered it, down to the letters, spelling out the bar's name.
Resting his palm on the door, he took a deep breath before pushing it open. The bar was empty, since they hadn't opened. Heading for Shiki's office he knocked on the door. "Come in." The two bodyguards were back, standing behind the sofa. "Shizuo Heiwajima. Welcome back." Closing the door, he took a seat. "Thank you Shiki-san." His fingers twitched, the man still making him uncomfortable.
"Its good to have you back. You were a hard worker. I trust I don't need to show you how to do everything again?" Shizuo bowed his head slightly. "No. I remember." Shiki smiled slightly, chain around his neck gleaming. "Well then get ready for opening hours. Akabayashi is upstairs if you need anything." He knew then that he was dismissed. Standing up, he left the room, closing the door behind him, feeling the tenseness fade.
"Hanejima no nee-chan!" The name made him freeze, taking him back to the old days. The bright red suit had always stuck out. Looking up, he could see Akabayashi waving down at him, cane in one hand. "Its good to see you again." He couldn't help but smile. "You too." Walking over to the bar he heard his old name called again. "Miss beautiful should be here in a little while."
The laid back man turned around waving a hand in the air, Shizuo knew that soon music would fill the place. Tugging at his sleeve he made his way to the bar, where he would work. As he lifted the hatch a familiar face appeared, carrying a tray of glasses. Anri hadn't changed at all, though her hair was longer. "Shizuo-san. I'm happy to be working with you again."
She was smiling up at him, the confidence rolling off her like waves. "I look forward to working with you Anri." He didn't ask about the wooden sword at her side, he had a feeling she had been trained by Akabayashi, maybe she had changed. "This time, I won't have to rely on you." Raising an eyebrow, he popped one of the candies into his mouth.
Taking the tray, Shizuo began setting the empty glasses up underneath the bar, while the teen went to get some more. "Um, Shizuo-san. Do Mikado-kun and Kida-kun enjoy their work? They don't talk to me about it." Taking the remaining glasses, he smiled. "They look happy. The last time I saw them was before christmas." The girl lowered the empty tray. "Good. I'm glad. I'll go and wipe the tables."
Ten minutes later he saw another familiar face, the door opening to reveal the blonde. Vorona hadn't changed a bit. "Shizuo-sempai. I extend pleasantries." Stepping out from the bar, he let the blonde hug him. "Good to see you again, Vorona." Her heels clipped the bar as she vaulted over. "Starting procedure for opening." It was like nothing had changed. His stomach turned at the thought. No. It was different, he was a different person. "Shizuo-sempai?" Shaking his head, he headed for the door. "I need some air."
The apple candy was crushed between his teeth, as he pulled his phone from his pocket, pressing the first speed dial. His fingers twitching as he listened to the call trying to go through. Shizu-chan? He could hear the worry in Izaya's voice. Is everything okay? Shizu-chan? Hearing his lover's voice made everything better. "...Its fine. Is Emi still asleep?"
Yes. She's taken over the centre of the bed. How's work? Using one hand, he unwrapped another candy. "Its like I never left." There was a pause at the other end. Ah! That's good though. It means everyone accepts you, no matter what you dress like or do. Right? He had been seen through. "I guess. I'll see you if you're still awake when I get home."
If it gets too much, call me and I'll come and get you. Behind him he could hear the door open. "I can handle it. Goodnight Izaya." There was a sigh on the other end. Don't push yourself, Shizu-chan. Ending the call, he slipped the phone back in his pocket. "Are you okay? Shizuo-san." Tilting his head back, he smiled sincerely. "Yeah, lets open up."
Even if his skills had gotten rusty, he could clearly see Vorona had improved and Anri could handle the bar on her own just fine. The customers steadily poured in, all three of them serving, at different points. "Shizuo-sempai. As an observation, that habit remains." Following icy blue eyes, he could see his fingers tapping softly against the wood.
Shizuo pulled away as if he had been burnt. Clenching his fist, he took a deep breath, serving the next customer. "I'm going to clean the tables." After the last time, his coffee eyes remained on the teen, watching her anxiously, ready to step in at any time. "Pointless. Your concern is not needed." Vorona winked at him.
Later that night he found out exactly what she meant. A loud mouthed group came in, making crude comments. At that point Anri was collecting the empty classes. Vorona's hand gripped his wrist. "Shizuo-sempai. Observe." The group were already smashed, he could tell that much. "Hey look we have a cutie here." Shizuo blinked in surprise seeing the one who had spoken hit the floor. The raven haired teen stood over him, pointing the wooden sword at his throat. "Please leave now."
It was clear now that the girl could handle herself, besides that she was skilled with a sword. Vorona vaulted over the bar, taking them down one by one, throwing them out of the door. "Excuse me, can I order?" Averting his eyes from the scene, he continued serving drinks. They could handle everything without him.
Once the clock hit midnight, he let everyone know that it was closing time. The small few that were left filed out. The blonde washed up,while he changed the barrels and Anri swept the tables clean. The music that had been playing from upstairs stopped dead.
Roughly ten minutes after that the door opened. Shizuo looked up to tell them they were closed stopping in his tracks. What was Kadota doing here? "Hey Shizuo. How's work going?" Blinking in confusion, he watched as Kadota got closer, sitting on one of the bar stools. "Tonight was my first night."
His ex workmate laughed. "You look confused. I'm here to pick up Vorona. I can't let her walk home alone. She moved in with me over christmas. I can see why Izaya is so protective of you." He hadn't known their relationship had gone that far. "Kadota!" He had never seen Vorona look so happy. "See you tomorrow, Shizuo-sempai." Shizuo watched in amazement as they left hand in hand.
The door opened again, showing another two familiar faces. "Hey Shizuo. We've come to collect the princess." The younger blond was bowing with a cheeky grin across his face. Mikado sighed slapping him across the back of the head. "See you tomorrow, Shizuo-san." When did that happen? Anri walked between Kida and Mikado leaving for the night. Shaking his head, he threw on his own coat.
Since he was the last one there, it would be better to let Shiki know he was leaving. Knocking twice on the door he pushed it open. "Shiki-san. I-" His eyes widened seeing Akabayashi hovering over the man, no sign of the bodyguards. "Yes?" Neither one looked flushed or embarrassed that he had walked in on them. "I'm leaving now. Vorona and Anri have already gone." Shiki nodded. "I see. See you tomorrow."
Leaving the room quickly, the blond pushed open the door stepping into the cold night. It didn't matter that he had left TGOI, he would still see Izaya at home and it looked like the others came everyday to collect Vorona and Anri. He was glad Kadota was in a long term relationship. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he began walking home. He wanted to see Izaya.
Making his way up the path, Shizuo fished the key out of his pocket unlocking the door. The house was dark, making it look like everyone was asleep. Quietly closing the front door behind him and removing his coat, he placed it on the hook. Making his way through the dark, he slowly pushed open the bedroom door, trying to see if Emi was still asleep.
"She's in her cot." Jumping at the sound and warm breath against his ear, he moved back against the wall, arm barely stopping at Izaya's throat. "Damn it. Don't creep up on me." Entering the bedroom, he flicked on the light. "Its not my fault you didn't turn on the lights. I was sitting on the sofa." Slim arms wrapped around his waist. He was undeniably happy that Izaya had waited up for him.
"Shouldn't you be asleep?" His lover laughed, nuzzling his back. "I wanted to see how your first shift went." Shizuo sighed. At least he hadn't been picked up. "It went well. It's like I never left." Glancing behind him, Izaya was pouting. "Hm. I'm not sure whether I should be happy or not. You can still work for me."
"I know. You agreed to try it this way for a while first." The arms holding him let go. "True. I did say that. Today was so boring. Shizu-chaan!" Dropping down on the bed, he began unbuttoning his vest. He could see the mark he had left on Izaya clear as day. "You'll get used to it. I have Sundays off. We could leave Emi with Kyouko or maybe Celty? Aiko needs a playmate."
"I get to spend the entire day with you?" The look on his lover's face was predatory. "You know I won't hold back." He shivered at the low whisper in his ear. "Is that all you think about?" Izaya's fingers stroked along the mark on his neck. "Oh? But its what you want too." He couldn't deny it. "We should get some sleep." Pushing his lover away, he quickly got undressed, sliding into bed.
"You know one of my old habits came back today." He was laying away from Izaya, his lover's arms around his waist. "Is that why you called?" Shizuo nodded his head slightly. "At first it felt like I was back in the past and none of this has really happened." The arms around him tightened. "And now?"
"Its different. Anri has gotten stronger, Vorona has moved in with Kadota and I accidentally walked in on Shiki and Akabayashi. Its just me that's thinking of the past." He could feel long fingers pressing against his stomach. "So? You have me and we have Emi. That's all that matters. You really are a protozoan, worrying about unimportant things." Shizuo felt a laugh bubble in his throat. "What?"
"You called me a protozoan again. You haven't done that in a while." His lover sighed. "Sorry. I was trying to be careful." Turning around, he faced Izaya. "Why? You've always called me that. It's just a name. Besides you only call me that when you're worried." Moving closer, he kissed the man that he loved so much.
Dear diary, things are getting a lot easier with Izaya. At first I thought it wasn't going to work. It's been a month since I started work at Artic again. We've settled into a routine. I see Izaya in the morning when I wake up. We only have an hour together, before he has to leave for work. At the beginning he was acting like a child trying to pull a sickie. After that I would spend the whole day looking after Emi.
She's becoming more and more independent, I think that's Izaya's influence. She loves being looked after by Kyouko as well as Celty. It looks like my little girl and Aiko are getting along. Either Celty brings her to play or we'll take her there. She's eating a few more different things as well.
Back to work. When Izaya gets home, I have about another hour with him, before I have to leave for work. That is after he's checked that I've eaten and that I'm not tired. I can tell he's serious about me not overdoing it. Still he hasn't bothered me at work, so its okay.
If anything we've gotten closer. Beforehand I'd see him everyday, we would be with each other for twenty four hours, to the point I'd want some alone time. Now, I miss him. The little time we do have together, we make sure we don't waste it. Both of us look forward to the end of the week, the day where we spend all day together. Its not just Izaya or me taking control. Its the both of us, wanting to make up for lost time.
Every night I see the same faces. Vorona gets picked up by Kadota and Anri gets picked up by Mikado and Kida. Everyone is moving forward. I've started to accept the little quirks that have re-emerged. They're harmless or so Izaya says. Shizu-chan is Shizu-chan. I believe in him. Where was I? Izaya hasn't been to pick me up, yet he's always there waiting when I get home. I can tell he'd like nothing more than to burst into the club and take me away.
He's keeping his promise and as everyday passes I can feel my heart beating faster and faster, my emotions getting out of control. I love Izaya. I can say it in my head and write it so clearly again and again. A part of me wishes he would just open this up and read how I feel. Though that would be a pointless exercise, since he already knows.
"Shizu-chan. I'm home." Closing the diary, the blond returned it to the box, leaving it on the sofa. Emi was sitting on the floor surrounded by different coloured building blocks. She had two sets, one which were made of wood and kept in their packaging until Emi was older. The other set were slightly bigger and made out of plastic. On each one was a letter of the alphabet, a shape and a fruit or object.
"Welcome back." Tilting his head back, he let Izaya kiss him. "Dada!" The blocks were left alone, their little girl pulling herself up and running around to the back of the sofa. "Hello sweetie. Have you been a good girl?" There was a loud giggle in reply. Getting up from the sofa he headed to the bedroom. "I'm going to get ready for work. Your dinner is on the side."
Shizuo paused remembering something. "Oh! Tomorrow I'm taking Emi to see Aiko." His lover smiled picking their little girl up. "I could take her. Its Saturday tomorrow. You have to work from twelve. What do you think sweetie? Do you want daddy to take you?" Shaking his head, he went into the bedroom, hearing giggles from both Emi and Izaya.
As usual when he got home after work it was dark, opening the front door he knew Izaya was waiting for him somewhere in the room. "Izaya. I'm home." Calling out quietly, he waited for an answer. "Welcome back." Shizuo shivered hearing a low voice right by his ear, his lover's arms wrapped around him. "Shouldn't you be asleep?"
"Not without you. Have you eaten?" Taking Izaya's hand, he let his lover lead him through the dark. "I had some crisp at the bar." The hand squeezing his tightened. "Hm. You aren't coming back to work for me, are you?" Even if he couldn't see the raven's expression, he knew what he was thinking. "No. I'm not. I like how things are."
"I thought you might. I suppose it's okay. Shizu-chan takes the initiative more." He could feel his face heat up, remembering how he was the one to start everything half of the time. "You can sleep in tomorrow. I'll take care of everything." The flea kissed him once, climbing into bed. Getting in next to him, he pulled his lover closer, returning the kiss. "Goodnight."
Saturday he had to start earlier, which was a good thing since his old workmates came to see him. Shizuo had an hour lunch break, it was at that time that everyone showed up. "Shizuo-san, It's your lunch time." No sooner had Anri said it, the door opened. He smiled as a loud voice squealed. "Shizu-Shizu!"
Instead of crowding around the bar, they took a seat around one of the bigger tables. In turn he looked at all of them. Karisawa had cut her hair and was holding onto Walker, who seemed bolder than when he had last seen him. Kida and Mikado were as lovey dovey as usual, both of them smiling. Kadota was smiling too, though his gaze was focused on a different blonde at the bar.
"Shizu-Shizu! You look so happy. I'm glad. Iza-Iza seems better as well." Hesitantly he took the book that was handed to him. "I drew this for you." The blond left it closed, knowing it would contain drawings of him and Izaya. "Thanks." Next to him Kadota was sighing. Resting a hand on his friend's shoulder, he smiled. "Go. You want to spend time with Vorona. Right?"
"We came to see you." Shizuo shrugged. "Go up and see her." Moving his legs, he gave Kadota room to move past him. "Thanks man." Another squeal hit his ear drums and he knew people were staring at them. "Dotachin is pretty love sick. All he talks about now is Vorona." Glancing over to the bar, he could see how happy they looked.
"We should get some drinks. What do you want Shizuo?" Shaking his head, he met Walker's gaze. "Nothing. I'm fine." The younger blond grinned. "Shizuo won't touch any alcohol." It earned him another squeal. But they were right, unless Izaya was here, he wouldn't touch a drop. Flicking open the book he saw numerous drawings, that he knew Izaya shouldn't see. But on the last page, there was a coloured drawing of him and his lover dressed in suits, in front of a lot of people. Once again his empty finger twitched.
After a few hours everyone left not wanting to be a distraction. It wasn't that much of a goodbye. He knew he would see Karisawa and Walker the next Saturday. The others he had seen everyday. Sure enough when it was time to leave the usual routine happened. Kadota came to get Vorona. Mikado and Kida came to escort Anri.
The music upstairs stopped, this time he could see Akabayashi coming down the stairs. The laid back man winked at him, putting a finger to his lips. The door to Shiki's office opened and closed, leaving him alone again. That was until the the door opened again, making him grin stupidly. He couldn't help it. "Shizu-chan. I came to get you."
"What's wrong?" He couldn't move as Izaya crossed the floor, stopping in front of the bar, that he was behind. Drying the last glass, he placed it on the shelf, where the the others are. This was the first time his lover had come to pick him up. "...Why are you here?" Mr god complex hopped up onto the bar, one hand curling around his bow tie. "Emi is sleeping at Celty's. My mother is picking her up tomorrow. It's Sunday now. Our time. Remember?"
"Shizuo Heiwajima you can go home now." He was inches away from kissing Izaya, when the office door opened, revealing a man in a white suit. "I'm just leaving Shiki-san." His boss gave the flea a pointed look before the door was closed again. "Lets go, Shizu-chan." Lifting the hatch, he took Izaya's hand, following him out of the club.
Next:- Our vows