The fifth wheel

Mikado regretted opening the door almost immediately. He'd been left alone in the hotel room and now with Kasuka. "Good morning." The teen smiled uneasily. "Izaya isn't here."

"I know." Kasuka answered deadpan. "It's you I'm here to see."

Not wanting to be rude or ruin Izaya's plans, Mikado held back Kanra and let his brother in law in. It felt strange that he and Kasuka were technically related. "We don't have much, I think we have a couple of tea bags-"

"I'm not staying." Kasuka stood over him, eyes filled with nothing. He couldn't begin to fathom the retired actor's thoughts. "How much?"

Mikado blinked in confusion. "Sorry?"

"How much for you to disappear?"

Mikado's heart sank. Kasuka was trying to buy him off. It pretty much summed up how the rest of the day would go.

x-x-x

Old habits were hard to break and so were new ones only a week old. Shizuo woke up early, showering quickly and wrapping his torso so the telltale scars couldn't be seen. Making his way to the lobby he caught himself avoiding the reception desk.

Mikado and Izaya were back. There was no need to be on lookout for them. The woman behind the desk smiled giving him a small wave. The least he could do was remember her name since she had brought them together.

"Good morning." Izaya greeted resting a hand on his shoulder. "You're up early."

"So are you. Mikado isn't with you?"

"I left them asleep. It's the first decent nights sleep he's had since you know what."

"Them? You're referring to Kanra?" Shizuo asked leading them to the food area.

"Yeah. You've got to acknowledge her sometime, Shi-"

Shizuo sighed. Since he'd only been a customer, he didn't need to give a name. The receptionist thought he was a hired bodyguard for the retired actor Yuuhei Hanejima. He'd need to pick a name for himself soon.

"Listen, I'm sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have done that."

Izaya narrowed his eyes. "Please tell me you're referring to leaving our room."

"You know what I mean."

"Are you still going on with this crap?" Shizuo flinches surprised at Izaya's tone. "What happened to the new start? That wasn't a mistake. Far from it."

"Keep your voice down." Shizuo warned seeing they were starting to garner attention. "You should get back to your room."

Izaya reached for him as he went to stand. "What happened? You were happy to see us yesterday. Why the change of heart?"

Shizuo looked away feeling his appetite go. "I- doesn't matter. You and the kid should go."

"We're not going anywhere." The flea promised taking his hand. "Let's sit down and talk about this."

"I thought that's what we were doing?" Shizuo sighed snatching his hand away.

"Ah but you're doing it wrong. You're not listening or being honest."

"You want me to be honest?" Shizuo asked quietly. "How about you tell me the truth?"

"What truth?" Izaya asked.

"Yesterday. You lied to me."

"What do mean?" Shizuo closed his eyes hearing the minute pause. Anyone else wouldn't have noticed it. However he was used to Izaya's lies and manipulation. He knew every single one of the flea's tricks and right now things stank.

"You told me you were at Mikado's parents."

"We were. Anyway Mikado told you that. I didn't lie to you."

"Then why do you stink?" Shizuo pushed his untouched plate away.

"Hey. I showered this morning."

"See you around, flea." Shizuo shook his head in either disappointment or disgust. It was hard to tell at the moment.

x-x-x

"Shit." Izaya cursed resisting the urge to slam his fists on the table. He'd forgotten about the protozoan's sharp instincts. Though it was true he hadn't lied, Izaya hadn't exactly been truthful in their circumstances and the protozoan could sense that.

By covering up Kasuka's betrayal, he had set them up in a bad light. The already fragile trust was breaking down and it was his decision that had caused it. With a sigh, Izaya pushed himself up taking Mikado's breakfast.

He took the stairs to save time. Swiping the key card across the lock, Izaya pushed open the door caught in the middle of an argument. Kanra and Mikado were at it again. The teen looked like he was talking to himself.

"I don't see why you didn't let me cut him." That was Kanra. It was easy to distinguish them. Kanra was more assertive, like a sharpened blade. That didn't make Mikado any less dangerous though.

"Because we can't hurt him." Mikado had his fists clenched, a bitter bite to his words. "You heard what Izaya said."

"Screw Izaya-nii. This isn't going to go smoothly." Izaya raised a brow stepping into the room.

"Did I miss something?"

Mikado turned quickly looking guilty, probably on Kanra's behalf. "Um-"

"You missed something alright." Kanra cried pointing an accusing finger. "That guy just tried to buy us off. 'How much for you disappear?' What kind of question is that?"

Izaya checked the door was locked, setting the plate down on the bed. "Breakfast. Don't let Kasuka get to you."

Mikado ate ravenously. Izaya sat back watching his younger lover. "What?" The teen asked with a blush across his cheeks.

"Shizu-chan knows there's something we're not telling him. We met at breakfast. He's a bit cold this morning."

"Oh. Shouldn't you be trying to warm him up then?" Kanra suggested.

Izaya grinned. "I was just about to do that. Are you two going to be okay?"

"Fantastic." Kanra dead panned. "Even better if you let me threaten Kasuka a little."

"No. We have to be smart about it."

"We'll be fine, Izaya." Mikado sighed.

x-x-x

Shizuo knew the moment Izaya had joined him. The raven was sitting at the pool side watching him swim another length. Changing direction he cut across the water, swimming the length to Izaya.

"Still here?"

"You didn't ignore me." Izaya said instead. "You're wrapped in cling film again."

"Can't exactly show off my scars." Shizuo shrugged. "Did you want something?"

"I didn't lie to you,Shi-" Izaya shook his head looking around. They were still alone. "But I did omit something."

Shizuo moved closer, standing in the pool with his arms folded on the edge. "Go on."

"Everything went smoothly. Mikado's mother took us to Saitama. We wanted to come and see you as soon as possible."

"Then why didn't you?" Shizuo asked quietly. He'd thought he'd been abandoned.

"Because we couldn't get hold of you. Mikado called you every morning and every night but we didn't get a response. We weren't sure whether you'd changed your mind or not. It was only yesterday that we received a call from this hotel. Mikado wanted to come as soon as possible."

Shizuo tilted his head. Izaya wasn't lying but the slight scent was still there. "I didn't receive any calls."

"Maybe it was Kasuka's phone then." The raven murmured.

"What aren't you telling me?" Shizuo pressed resting a hand on Izaya's knee. The raven smiled at the gesture.

"This past week has been hel. We didn't know what was happening. Mikado became depressed. His mother thought you'd run off and weren't coming back."

"I'd never-"

"We know that." Izaya said quickly. "As soon as we saw your reaction yesterday, we knew the truth. Just when you come back to Saitama with us, be prepared for a frosty reception."

Shizuo drew in a harsh intake of breath, resting his head on his hand. Izaya stroked his damp hair. "I missed you."

"I know. We did too."

"I thought you weren't coming."

"Miscommunication. We're here now."

Shizuo smiled closing his eyes. His body felt lighter. "Yeah. I love you. You know that, right?"

Above him the flea chuckled. "I love you too. How much longer are you going to stay in there?"

"Dunno. Calms me down."

"We have to discuss some things. Those swimming trunks are distracting."

"Let me get out first." Shizuo blushed suddenly feeling self conscious.

x-x-x

"Nii-san, you're back." Kasuka walked over to him as he walked through the door.

"Yeah. I'm just gonna grab a few things."

"Where are you going?"

"To talk to them. By the way-" Shizuo cut himself off. He didn't know why he didn't ask Kasuka about the messages. He'd have to do something about it on his own.

"Nii-san, I think you should be careful. I don't trust them."

Shizuo nodded unable to push aside his brother's reservations. "I'm just going to listen to what they have to say. I'll be back soon."

"Nii-san, I don't want you to get hurt." Shizuo smiled ruffling his brother's hair.

"Sometimes I forget I'm the big brother. I'm supposed to be looking after you."

"Then don't go!"

x-x-x

Mikado paced nervously around the room waiting for the knock at the door. Izaya had come back after his second trip, positive. The misunderstanding had been worked out, Shizuo would be coming to discuss their future.

Five minutes was acceptable. It was enough time to shower and walk the short distance to their door. Ten minutes was normal. It was enough time to have a quick bath. But it had been an hour.

"He's not coming." Mikado muttered glancing at the door.

"Give him time." Izaya replied.

"It's been an hour!" Kanra added.

"Give him time." Izaya repeated.

"How much-" there was a knock at the door.

"One hour apparently." Izaya put the laptop to one side. "Aren't you going to let him in?"

Mikado retreated to window. Izaya shook his head with a teasing smile.

"Hey." He heard Izaya say. Shizuo walked into the room looking nervous in his black jeans, white tee and damp hair flopped down unstyled. Mikado relaxed at the sight. Shizuo's eyes met his before quickly looking away.

"Coward." Kanra jeered quietly.

"Shut up." Mikado whispered chewing at his lip. Clenching his fists, he walked across the span of the room. When he reached Shizuo, Mikado stared at him, Shizuo stared back. Izaya moved out of the way, standing guard at the door.

Making the final step, Mikado wrapped his arms around the man. Shizuo flinched but responded. Mikado smiled in their embrace. "I missed you."

"Nn."

"You look good, Shizu-chan." Mikado tugged forward a little needing Shizuo further away from the door.

"You look like shit."

"Sleepless nights will do that." Izaya's smiling but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. There's a dark emptiness ripe with suspicion.

"...right."

Mikado knows something has happened. Within that hour, Shizuo has been back in his hotel room with Kasuka.

"Shizuo, could you show me around?" Mikado asks taking a step back. His hands clutch at Shizuo's biceps.

"Can't the flea-"

"We can all go." Izaya grinned. "It'll be nice to get out."

"Sure." Shizuo agreed. Mikado shared a worried glance with Izaya. "Was that all?"

"Yeah." Izaya shrugged. "For now. I'm still working on our identities."

"I'm going to go for another swim. Let me know when you want to go."

The moment Shizuo left, Mikado turned to Izaya expecting an answer. "Think about where you want to go. I have work to do."

Kanra laughed at his foolishness.

x-x-x

Shizuo felt sick. Holding a hand over his pocket, he walked to the elevator taking it down to the ground floor. The receptionist wasn't at her desk. It took a while for him to find some peace and quiet. As it turned out in the gym. He listened to the force against the punching back.

Shizuo didn't like violence but the sound coursed adrenaline through his body. Taking a seat on the weight bench, he dug out the phone he had stolen from his brother. It was a new cheap one that could be disposed off.

It wasn't even turned on. Shizuo thought the battery might be dead. That was until the start up screen played and then he was looking at a small symbol, stating fourteen voice messages. Izaya had been telling the truth. But he had known that all along. As soon as he had seen the duo's shocked faces at the swimming pool. Since Izaya had reciprocated their moment of madness, he had known they hadn't waited. They'd been delayed.

Typical flea had tried to be sneaky and cover it up. Shizuo knew. His brother's words of desperation, the guilt trips. It was all so he wouldn't go back. If he hadn't stood his ground for the past week, it was almost certain they wouldn't have seen each other again.

"We're at Mikado's parents. We'll be coming tomorrow. Goodnight Shizu-chan...Goodnight Shizuo."

Shizuo skipped to the next message. Both Izaya and Mikado sounded happy.

"Good morning, Shizu-chan...Morning Shizuo. We're leaving after breakfast. See you soon."

They'd come. They'd gone after him as planned. Shizuo stared at the phone. He wasn't sure he wanted to listen to the next message. He knew who it would implicate.

"Shizu-chan." Izaya. He sounded angry and hurt. "Where are you? Why aren't you answering your phone? We came to get you but you'd already gone. Did you change you're mind? I thought we talked about this. Call me back."

"I'm sorry." Shizuo murmured. He had no idea if they'd even been led to the correct place. Why hadn't he risked confronting Izaya one last time to give him the details?

"Shizuo." Mikado. The teen sounded upset. "Are you mad? Do you hate us now? Are you even taking the time to listen to this? Izaya received his money back. Can't you speak to us? Please call me back."

"I didn't know." Shizuo hung his head. "I didn't fucking know." But the messages weren't finished and neither was the damage to his heart.

"Shizu-chan, you're not coming back, are you?" Izaya again, sounding torn up. Bitterness tinged his words, crisp over the speaker. "Always a protozoan, running away like a coward...shit. Just let me-us know you're alright."

"I was missing you, idiot." Shizuo whispered closing his eyes. Kasuka. His brother had kept this from him. After everything they'd been through, his brother had become the last obstacle in their path.

"Hey, you using that bench or what?" Shizuo got up leaving the gym. His feet gravitated him towards the exit. Outside he was buffeted by a cold chill.

"Shizuo, are you alright?" Mikado. Voice rushed and full of panic. His breathing was harsh bordering on hysteria. "You made it out of Ikebukuro, didn't you? I- could you let me know you're safe? P-please? I keep having dreams- nightmares. I know it wasn't real but- please...I need you...Mikado? What are you doing out here agai-"

"Shizu-chan." Izaya. Sounding tired. "You know things aren't so good here. Mikado's mother thinks the worst. It's hard to not say anything back. I can't make excuses for you, not when I don't know if you're coming back."

"Shizuo." Mikado. Or not. "Hey, it's Kanra. I know you don't want to hear from me but Izaya and Mikado need you. I mean seriously, all he does is mope around. You'd think someone died or something. Get over here before they move on. They won't wait forever."

Shizuo leaned against the outer wall, trying to remember how to breathe. It wasn't his fault but he felt like he had betrayed them with every day that he wasn't there. Unable to take any more he forwarded onto the last two messages.

"Shizuo." Mikado. His voice was hurried, containing something different to the panic and hurt. "A woman just called. She said we have a room at a hotel. It's you right? It's a message to let us know where you are? We're coming."

"Shizu-chan." Izaya. He sounded subdued. "Mikado believes in you. It's been seven days and still no word. One last shot. After this we're leaving. Shizu-chan, I love you. You know that, right?"

Shizuo slumped, using the wall to keep himself upright. His stomach churned violently. His fists clenched as adrenaline fast tracked though his body. His vision blurred, ears filled with the sound of cracking glass.

"Shizu-kun?"

x-x-x

Izaya opened the door expecting to see Shizuo. He was left sorely disappointed. It was a Heiwajima but the wrong one. "Kasuka-kun."

"Have you seen nii-san?"

"Not since breakfast." Izaya shrugged.

"I don't believe you." Kasuka tried to push past him but Izaya stood firm. "You won't take nii-san away from me."

"There's no chance of settling this peacefully?"

"I've tried that already."

Izaya nodded. "If that's what you call trying to pay off Mikado. I can see why Shi- never had a boyfriend or girlfriend before us."

"You know nothing." Kasuka hissed. Izaya watched the spark of hatred flare in usually dead eyes.

"I know your actions are hurting him." Izaya scowled.

"You did that with your arrival here." Kasuka snarled so much like his brother, Izaya had to wonder if the retired actor would pick him up and throw him.

"About that," Kanra asked behind him, her arms around his waist, head on his shoulder. "Why book a room in Mikado's name? Why not leave things alone?"

Kasuka didn't answer. Izaya sighed. "Because he had no choice. Is that all?"

"Stay away from nii-san."

"Boring. You really are like a dead fish, Kasuka-kun. Let go of your brother complex." Izaya yawned moving to close the door. Kasuka's fist sailed towards him, but Mikado pulled him back by his shoulders. With a grin he closed the door, hearing a crack against the wood.

Mikado released him in favour for the phone. Izaya turned the lock on the door ignoring the pounding outside. If Kasuka was playing deaf then so could he.

"Izaya, it's a woman. She says she wants to speak to...Izaya Orihara." Mikado looked pale. Izaya felt his blood turn to ice in his veins.

"That's not possible." He murmured in shock. Taking the phone from Mikado, Izaya held it to his ear. "Hello?"

"Izaya Orihara?"

"Who's asking?"

"Do you want to see Shizuo Heiwajima or not?"

Izaya gasped. "What did you do to Shizu-chan?"

"Room 256." The call cut before he could respond.

"Izaya?" Tossing the phone down, Izaya ran from the room.

"Stay here." He ordered closing the door. Sprinting down the hall, Izaya made it to the elevator, quickly scanning the buttons for the one he would need. The doors weren't closing fast enough for his liking. Impatiently he pressed the same button.

The doors slid closed, the lift descending towards the unknown. Izaya patted down his pockets. No weapons, no plan. Wringing his hands together he paced nervously. Why now? They had been free. What had gone wrong?

On the correct floor the doors opened and Izaya breezed down the hall, glancing at the descending numbers. At 256 he slammed his shoulder against the door. Rearing back he slammed against it a second time, only to fall further forward than he thought.

"That was quick." The receptionist smiled.

"You? Where's Shizu-chan?" Izaya demanded lunging for her. If it was one woman he could take her.

"Oi, flea. What the hell are you doing?" Shizuo asked staring down at him.

"Shizu-chan?" Izaya composed himself feeling like a fool. "I could ask you the same thing."

"Ahahaha, I was right." The receptionist grinned clapping her hands. "After I saw what you did to the window, I knew."

"What you did?" Izaya looked to Shizuo's bandaged hand. "You used your strength?"

"Yeah. Sorry."

Izaya sighed walking to the phone. Dialling the room number he picked up the receiver. "Hello?"

"Everything's fine. We'll be back soon."

"Really?"

"Really. Stop worrying." Izaya hung up to the call. Shizuo was sitting guiltily on the bed. "What did you do, protozoan?"

"Don't worry, I reported that a couple of kids threw a stone through the window. It was at the side entrance. No one saw."

"What do you want?" Izaya moved protectively to the bed.

"Nothing. Shizu-kun is my friend."

"He doesn't even know your name." Izaya reasoned. "Shizu-chan, what made you so angry?"

"Sorry, I have to get back. I'll get in trouble with my boss." Izaya's gaze flicked to her closing the door.

"Sorry." Shizuo murmured slumping against him.

"It's okay, Shizu-chan. It doesn't look like she'll tell anyone." Izaya cooed bringing the brute's head to his shoulder. Shizuo's fist opened, bits of cracked silver trickling through the gaps of his fingers.

It wasn't glass. Izaya realised making out the crushed components. It was the shattered pieces of a phone. "I'm sorry."

Izaya closed his eyes kissing Shizuo's cheek. "You have nothing to be sorry for, protozoan. Come on, Mikado and Kanra will be worried."

"Flea?"

"Hm? What is it?" Izaya asked in quiet soothing tones.

"Do you have anyone left?"

"I have you, Mikado and Kanra."

"No one else?"

Izaya smiled sadly briefly thinking of Shinra. "No. I've made my decision. The three of you are all I need."

"...I see." Shizuo whispered falling silent.

x-x-x

Mikado jumped up seeing the door open. Izaya and Shizuo walked in safe and sound. "Where have-" Izaya shook his head, pressing a finger to his lips.

"I suppose we should get something to eat. Room service?"

Mikado shook his head. "I want to eat out. It's boring being cooped up in here. Sorry."

"Lunch it is. Shizu-chan?"

"Hm?"

"Lunch?"

"Oh. Yeah." Shizuo answered looking distracted. His eyes kept taking on a far away look.

"Great. Let's go." Izaya grinned holding the door open for them.

"Nii-san! There you are." Kasuka. Mikado held Kanra back standing behind Shizuo. "Do you want to get lunch together?"

"I've already agreed to have lunch with these two." Shizuo answered quietly not looking at his brother.

"Oh. I'll join you." Kasuka fell in step with them as they left. "Nii-san, are you hungry?"

Mikado glanced over at Shizuo noticing he hadn't answered. It was like walking next to a sleepwalker. His hand was gently knocked away by Izaya. The raven shook his head in warning.

"Nii-san, where have you been all morning?"

Mikado winced at the pained silence. Kasuka kept talking, asking pointless questions. Every single one was ignored.

"Um, tonight could we possibly go up to the observatory in Tokyo tower? I want to see what it's like at night." Mikado asked quietly.

"Sounds good." Izaya shrugged.

"...sure." Shizuo said sounding emotionless. "Not too late though."

Mikado shared a worried glance with Izaya. The raven shook his head, resting a hand on his shoulder.