Izaya sighed as he sat on the couch, his leg bouncing up and down impatiently. Since Kuro was still MIA, Shizuo didn't want to risk bringing Izaya along with him during his usual routes, so he ordered the blind info broker to stay in the apartment until he returned. Izaya was fine with it until around a couple weeks ago when he started getting bored of sitting around all day.

"It's so boring," the raven complained out loud. "There's nothing to do." 'Besides, it's been nearly a year since he kidnapped me. I highly doubt he's still around.' Izaya stood up and started pacing back and forth.

"I really need to get outside," he sighed. Then, he suddenly clapped his hands together.

"That's it!" he exclaimed. "I'll walk to the park and back. Shouldn't be too long." Izaya grabbed his coat and key and headed out of the apartment.

He briefly paused outside the building to take a deep breath and orient himself with the busy streets. Izaya turned and started walking the familiar route that he had memorized over a year ago. Everything was going well until he felt someone bump into him.

"Oh, sorry," Izaya apologized. "I was following this route by memory."

"Oh no, it's my fault," the voice that replied made Izaya freeze. "In fact, I've been looking for you. Izzy."

"K-Kuro," the raven stammered. "W-where.."

"No need to cause a scene," Kuro replied as Izaya felt an arm wrap across his shoulders. "You were heading to the park, right?"

"R-right," Izaya nodded.

"Good," Kuro's voice grew cold. "We need to talk."

After they arrived at the park, Izaya felt Kuro's arm release him. But before he could get very far, he felt a switchblade touch the underside of his chin.

"Now," Kuro started. "I'm going to ask this of you only once. You only get one chance, got it?" Izaya nodded, aware of the knife.

"I need you to break up with that monster of a human and get back with me," Kuro demanded. "You are my possession, not his."

"I.." Izaya held the edge of his jacket to steady himself. "I can't. I love him, Kuro."

"Bullshit!" Kuro spat. "I remember you clearly stated that you would rather jump off a building than date him."

"Things changed," Izaya replied. "I.. fell in love with him. He treats me with respect and love." Izaya frowned. "Something you never did." The tip of the blade rested against his neck.

"Izzy Izzy Izzy," Kuro said. "You say that like it's a bad thing." The blade moved away from Izaya's neck. "Well, hate to break it to ya, that tends to be a side effect of arranged relationships."

"W-what!?" Izaya took a step back. "Arranged!? You mean-"

"That's right," Kuro replied. "I never loved you. My parents wanted me to get with you so I could live an easy life. And honestly, I can see why they wanted me too. You're living an underground paradise." Izaya knew he was showing his ex a horrified look. "Don't worry, your parents weren't involved in this. In fact, they never even knew it was arranged."

"Wh-why would you do this to me?" Izaya could feel tears starting to well up in his eyes. "I once loved you."

"Because," his voice turned cold again. "My parents will be returning to Tokyo in two weeks time. They expect to see their son with his little Izz-"

"You don't deserve to call me that!" Izaya shouted. "Only Shizu-chan gets that honor."

"Oh, is that so?" A cold shiver ran down Izaya's spine. "Then I guess I'll just have to take it back then." The next thing Izaya felt was a sharp, burning pain slice through the left side of his face. Then, his legs gave out under him.

"IZAYA!" The raven heard the familiar shout before a pair of strong arms caught him.

"Shi..zu..chan.." he managed to reply before he passed out from the shock.