Izaya sat in his study, his fingers carefully running across the braille in his book. It had been about a month since his eyesight had completely gone. Between Shinra's lessons and his daily practicing at home, it only took Izaya a couple weeks before reading braille became second nature. And with Shizuo's help, he was finally able to navigate his study without bumping into his desk.

Zzzzz! Zzzzz!

Hearing his phone going off, Izaya bookmarked his book and stood up to place it on his desk before answering.

"Izaya Orihara speaking," he answered.

"How formal," the cheery voice on the other end caught him by surprise. "You always knew how to talk to people."

"Mom," Izaya quickly changed to a more casual voice. "Is everything alright?"

"Everything is perfectly fine sweetie," his mom responded. "I just wanted to call and let you know that your father and I were planning on visiting you today since we were in the area."

"T-today?" Izaya tensed up.

"That's not a problem, is it?" his mom asked.

"Oh, no, that's fine," he quickly tried to calm himself. "Looking forward to it."

"Wonderful! We'll see you soon!" After he hung up, Izaya leaned on his desk to steady himself. He took a couple deep breaths before he made his way to the main area of his apartment where he knew Shizuo usually was.

"Shizu-chan?" He reached out and felt Shizuo guide him towards the couch.

"You done reading for today?" the blonde asked. Izaya just gripped onto his sleeve. "What is it?"

"Well..." he started. "My parents are coming over to visit. Today."

"Oh," Shizuo gently guided him around the couch, so he could sit down. "You're nervous about how they'll react to your condition."

"That, and.." Izaya hesitated. "I... I never told them Kuro and I broke up..." He gripped tighter onto Shizuo's sleeve. "I haven't seen them in over a year, Shizuo. Now the first thing that they'll see is that I'm blind. I'm scared about what they'll think."

Just as he thought he was about to cry, Izaya felt Shizuo pick him up and lay him down on the couch with his back to the ceiling.

"Shizu-chan, what are you-?" He was cut off as Shizuo started gently massaging his back and shoulders. He felt his body begin to relax and he released a relaxing sigh.

He continued to lay there and allow Shizuo's hands to relax his tense muscles. After a few minutes, he felt Shizuo guide him back into a sitting position.

"Feel better?" Izaya nodded as he found Shizuo's hand again. "You'll be fine. I'm sure your parents will understand." Izaya smiled and leaned against his aid.

"I hope so too."