[He hates that pitying look. But he doesn't show a single expression that suggests such. Instead, he merely stare coolly at Jacob. He can pity him all he wants but Izaya knows himself better than anyone else. Even Jacob.

Or so he likes to think anyway.]

Yes. It does.

[It's a firm stance. He's spent a long, long time thinking about this.

It's Izaya's turn to laugh. He hugs an arm around his waist and nearly falls over laughing. Finally, he stops and just smiles at Jacob, his expression gleefully optimistic.]

I'm already alone, Jacob. I've been alone for my whole life. I don't have friends. My family is estranged.

[It's not said in a sad or a pathetic way. It's sad as a matter of fact because it simply is.]

I'm used to being separated from society. I never really get lonely.

So yes, Jacob. I could live with that just fine.

[But then Shizuo's face flashes in his mind and his smile fades. For a moment, he wonders--- but no. That's not important. Izaya's pretty convinced that that won't be very...existent. He was a creature born out of loneliness and he would exist as one forever.

Yes. Izaya was convinced of this. Regardless of his newly obtained...lover.]