Shinzaya was not expected, but it's one of my favorites, so thank you for sending this one in.
I feel like Izaya and Shinra have very different ideas on 'romance', Shinra likes going on dates, Izaya likes peoplewatching. So they get somewhere in the middle. A nice open space where it's fancy, people talk amongst themselves, and Izaya just...Watches.
Shinra is happy to allow him his fun.
I also think they experience romance in some similar ways. Namely getting on very high places. Izaya does this far easier than Shinra, given Izaya's constant athleticism.
But, that being said...He knows that Shinra is a soft man at heart, odd as he is. So he'll give him chocolate, and hearts, both literal and not, and tell him he loves him.
They probably got together during their school days, and a lot of their old habits just never left.
idk if you’re still doing the flower event thingy, but i would love to see what’s your perspective on izaya and the flowers i pick are, petunia, aster, verbena, and zinnia. 👀👀👀
thank u so much!
It's been a while since I've written for the husbando. Thank you for the request!
❁ Petunia — How would they tell them they are in love? Where?
Ha…
Izaya is never going to give a proper confession—his s/o is just going to have to learn to read between the lines
His s/o might realize when Izaya spends much more time with them than he does any of his other “precious humans,” showing up inexplicably and pestering them with a plethora of random personal questions and teasing remarks
Or maybe when Izaya begins to refer to them as his “favorite” and claims he needs to protect "his human" from the “many bad guys” in Ikebukuro (as if he isn’t one himself)
Surely by the time their clothing occupies half of the information broker’s large closet and there’s a shiny new silver key on their keychain they realize Izaya’s true intentions...right?
❁ Aster — How they are like? They change when their S/O is around?
To most people—including his s/o—Izaya does not seem to change around anyone
He always maintains his playful, pseudo-childish behavior regardless of the company (unless, of course, that damned flea is being particularly annoying...)
However, only a select few who are very familiar with Izaya and particularly observant notice the subtle changes when he is around his s/o. Namely: Izaya’s protectiveness, similarly to how he treats his sisters. He is always looking out for potential threats when his s/o is around, careful to keep them away from the people who would be willing to hurt them to get to Izaya
❁ Verbena — How are morning with them like?
He is also more likely to do things for his s/o without expecting anything in return. With anyone else Izaya would never offer any favors for free. Izaya is manipulative and an avid user of blackmail. He only does what benefits him, whether it’s for his own personal gain or merely entertainment . No one has received help from Izaya without it being used against them later in some way
It is extremely rare that his s/o sees Izaya in the mornings. He is usually gone before they wake up, his side of the bed ice cold. Whether he is out running errands, surveying the city, or working in his home office, Izaya is almost always on the move as soon as he wakes up
On the rare case he does sleep in (after a particularly tiring night or an anniversary), his s/o may catch a brief moment of Izaya with his guard down, eyelashes fluttering faintly against his pale cheeks and lips slightly parted as he breathes softly
However, Izaya will wake up unexpectedly and catch his s/o staring so they should be prepared for an ample amount of teasing!
❁ Zinnia — How they are in bed?
As expected, Izaya’s teasing does not stop at the bedroom door
He will praise his s/o in a way that almost sounds condescending, thoroughly enjoying the way they flush and squirm under his gaze
Izaya is not gentle but he’s not very rough either—all of his touches are firm and full of intent. He will manipulate his s/o's pliant body to get the exact reaction he desires. Sometimes this can mean orgasm denial or overstimulation…
He’s not really a possessive guy but he sometimes will mark his s/o in inconvenient places just to see their embarrassment the next day as they try to hide their neck in the middle of summer
(1) OK WAIT ADDING ONTO THE ANALYSIS FOR IZAYA (same anon), so i just finished episode 7 of drrr!!x2 ketsu and the scene at the end where izaya calls shizuo and pretty much provokes him after sending down a giant construction crane to knock him and varona out (i feel like izaya knew shizuo would be able to defend her and would catch it in time, but he only did it to see what he'd do), when izaya spews a bunch of things that he thought might've ticked shizuo enough to fight him-
Thanks for sharing all of this; really nice analysis!
I wonder if his constant rejections have caused him to develop a particular unhealthy attachment style in his interpersonal relationships? Like avoidant attachment styles usually develop in people who were ignored or abandoned in their childhood and anxious attachment styles are linked to inconsistent responses (i.e. their caregivers being really kind one moment but distant the next). We have limited knowledge of Izaya's parents or childhood though, of course.
Here's a cool video on attachment styles if anyone is interested in learning more or identifying their own!
how much would it take for izaya to give into his emotions and truly fall in love with someone and how would that person try to pry into izaya and get him to be more vulnerable around them? like what lengths would u have to go in order to see the REAL izaya? i wonder this a lot considering he's such a lonely and isolated character who honestly just needs a hug and deserves so much... i think someone rlly needs to understand him to the fullest
So uh somehow this got out of hand and I spent 3 hours researching and rewatching DRRR
Disclaimer: I just wanna be clear that this is all just my own personal opinion based on my understanding of canon content. Everyone is free to have their own hcs and whatnot, I am no authority in any sense of the word. Your personal Izaya is the real Izaya, no exceptions. 💛
We are told, explicitly, that Izaya has always liked keeping a certain distance from other people since he was a child. Prior to high school, Izaya was a model student in every regard except his social avoidance. He preferred watching his classmates rather than interactimg with them.
Izaya’s interest in watching his peers gradually expands into watching all “humans” (at some point he begins to separate himself from others, perhaps finding everyone so unrelatable that he no longer considers himself a part of their category... the foundation of his god complex). We see the parts where he meets Shinra, forms a club that becomes something of a small crime circle, and our first sample of Izaya’s ability to manipulate people via Nakura. For the majority of the series we understand Izaya as someone with a god complex and unhealthy obsession with watching others. He has no qualms about manipulating and watching people get hurt--if there is not already trouble, he will create it just for the sheer entertainment it provides him. Izaya does not feel guilt for his actions on other people because he does not consider himself one of them; those are humans, he is a god.
So, overall Izaya’s general feelings about others seem limited to their entertainment value and usefulness. However, there are a handful of people Izaya clearly feels differently about: Shinra, Shizuo, and Aoba.
💊Shinra
Izaya initially accepted Shinra’s suggestion to make a biology club only because he found Shinra strange. Shinra is the opposite of Izaya in many ways, most notably that he has no interest in what other people; his focus is solely on Celty. Izaya actually admits to being jealous of Shinra for his relationship with Celty. I think this is a key point because it implies Izaya is 1) capable of growing attached to people and even considering them something akin to a friend (he even seems visibly upset in the episode where he is hospitalized and called Shinra only to have the man hang up on him in favor of spending time with Celty) and 2) Izaya--as you mentioned in your ask--may be lonely and yearn for some form of love.
👓Shizuo
Izaya says he loves all humans except for Shizuo, proving just how strongly he dislikes the blond. The main reason Izaya claims to dislike him is because Shizuo is so violent, the antithesis to Izaya’s personal policy of never actually hurting people himself. Izaya manipulates people to the point of suicide and murder but he never actually commits violent acts himself. Moreover, Shizuo is not like the humans Izaya adores--his superhuman strength makes him alien, perhaps even above humans--like a god. Shizuo is a threat to Izaya on several levels, physical and psychological.
🍃Aoba
Aoba is described as basically a younger version of Izaya; he has an obsession with watching people and Izaya immediately dislikes him for it. With this, we can assume Izaya is uncomfortable with people who are too similar to himself.
That being said, I think this leaves us with two options of who would most likely catch Izaya’s attention: someone who is either too much alike or too unalike.
There are two common tropes in fanfiction for Izaya’s S/O where they are either super intelligent, able to rival even Izaya’s own intellect and counter his manipulative ways or the exact opposite where it is someone who is so openly affectionate and believes in the good of everyone. I personally find the second more viable because, frankly, the first reads like a Mary Sue to me. Few people are canonically immune to Izaya’s manipulation, let alone smarter than him. I think outsmarting someone with a god complex like Izaya would be more likely to piss him off than tug on his heart strings.
On the other hand, a Y/n who, despite seeing the worst of him and perhaps even being a victim of his tactics, remains strong in their morality and shows no malice towards Izaya despite his crimes against them--I think that is the type of person Izaya would develop a romantic interest in. He is surrounded by people with ulterior motives and selfishness--even when Shinra saved him from a knife, it turned out to only be because Shinra knew it would earn Celty’s favor. Izaya expects people to be selfish, twisted, and so on. A pure hearted person would intrigue him and in the beginning he would likely do everything he can to break them, just to prove to himself they are just like all his other humans. His tactics will get more and more personal as he gets desperate--instead of having random gang members he pays to kidnap them, it will be he himself showing up to smooth talk them. He would do things he has done in canon which are, objectively, pretty awful: lying about others around them, setting them up for a crime they did not commit, goading them into committing suicide, etc.
Izaya is not for the faint of heart.
The thing that would change Izaya’s whole mindset is realizing that, despite all he has done to them, they still care about him if only for the mere fact he is another person. Saving him, protecting him, or defending him in some way--even when he certainly does not need it--would really get to him. He will, in return, find himself subconsciously protecting them when they need it. He’ll assume he is just doing it out of some weird form of politeness after they had worked so hard of him but it progressively happens more and more to the point he eventually realizes it is much deeper than that.
In his field of work, having people he cares about is dangerous. There are many people who would like to get back at him. Because of that, he has learned to be careful with the few things important to him and that will extend to his S/O. Sometimes he comes off as slightly paranoid with his requests (albeit always spoken in his usual seemingly unbothered manner) and very quickly gets them to move into his apartment where he knows it's safer. Unfortunately, being in a serious relationship with Izaya requires the sacrifice of some independence. Not only is it too dangerous to do some things alone, but Izaya also keeps tabs on all of their devices and essentially knows their location at any given time. Part of it is just Izaya being Izaya (namely an informant and all-knowing “god”), but most of it is concern for them because they’re his now. They are his responsibility, their safety takes priority above even his own.
Getting Izaya to fully trust them is a long, rocky journey but once he does, he never second-guesses his judgement. While he trusts them around his work and knowing secrets not even Namie has access to, he does try to keep them separated from his work, if only for their own safety.
As far as vulnerability goes, Izaya will share things with his S/O that he wouldn’t tell anyone else but there will always be some thoughts and feelings he keeps to himself. It isn’t that he doesn’t trust them, there are just things he feels he can’t share or possibly doesn’t want to speak aloud.
You asked to what lengths I would be willing to pry to get Izaya to be vulnerable but I don't think Izaya is the type you can pry with. He is a master of deciet, manipulating him or trying to sweet talk things out of him is futile. His S/O can only offer the assurance that they are there and show their unconditional love and support, Izaya will open up about what he wants to on his own time. His S/O can, however, sometimes persuade Izaya to take breaks on the nights he is overthinking and working himself too hard. He values their opinion above anyone elses and genuinely listens to their advice when reasonable. If his S/O notices he is stressed and tries to "surprise" him (it's almost impossible to actually surprise him) with his favorite sushi or a nice shoulder massage, he will be very appreciative and sure to repay them for their efforts later on.
Finally, Izaya is not good at dealing with others’ emotions in a sympathetic way. If his S/O needs comfort, Izaya can only listen and offer logical advice. He has no problems getting rid of physical threats but when it comes to invisible enemies like insecurity, Izaya is at a loss.
Overall, I think Izaya is an emotionally stunted bb who never expects to fall in love until it happens but, once it does, he is all in.
AYOOO WHAT IF ITS SHIZUO THAT IZAYA GETS JEALOUS OF W HIS S/O?! :000 ofc his s/o wouldn't go to the extent of intentionally doing anything to hurt izaya and shizuo is genuinely a friend of hers (like who wouldn't want to be friends w shizuo T-T) but as izaya and shizuo are already are, it's pretty clear izaya wouldn't take it lightly especially when he sees shizuo as something even greater than himself? (or a threat to replace his "godlike" authority) a monster even???? and so he'd probably think shizuo is also trying to replace him in his relationship due to his own insecurities (as u said before)
Your galaxy brain, anon!! 🧠✨
Shizuo would absolutely be his biggest threat in his mind when it comes to his s/o. Like yeah he has a reputation too and Izaya has even framed him for things but people generally trust (and like) Shizuo a thousand times more than they do Izaya (understandably).
If you started hanging out with Shizuo he'd prob play the usual "Shizu-chan is a brute" card in attempt to low-key scare you out of spending too much time with him. Even when you aren't around when Shizuo and Izaya run into each other I can imagine Izaya being extra petty and mean to Shizuo LOL it's like adding an extra layer to their fights. Shizuo has no idea why Izaya is fighting back so much today ??? but he doesn't question it to much cause he's focused in trying to exterminate the flea as usual lmao.
Omg prob unlikely but imagine Shizuo finding out that Izaya is jealous about how much time you spend with him and then starts intentionally trying to piss Izaya off with it msjdjdj. Like Shizuo starts going out of his way to hang out with you more and walk with you places (not that he doesn't enjoy it tho, you're friends afterall) and everytime he sees Izaya he mentions how much the two of you hang out djjshdhd. I love the idea of Shizuo just being a little shit to get on Izaya's nerves LOL
do you think izaya is one to be jealous in a relationship? as we know, there's always a loneliness dwelling in him and considering that shinra is pretty much his only established friend, and due to the fact that he's a fragile soul and could break almost instantly when it comes to such connections (according to shinra). so for some reason, i feel like he would need a lot of reassurance (*´-`)
Yesyesyesyes—
Listen, if you are special enough for Izaya to fall in love with you and be vulnerable with, he has some expectations. He expects you love him more than anyone else; spending too much time with another person is a big no-no.
But like, it's Izaya so of course he has to seem unbothered and in control of his feelings. He starts off by making off-handed comments about the person you’re spending time with or questioning your loyalty (“uwaah, I’m being neglected by my own partner~!”). Everything is said in his usual lilting, childish voice that anyone who doesn’t know Izaya well would mistake for him not really caring but you can tell. You notice the brief frowns or narrows eyes when you say you’re going out with that one friend yet again. I don’t think Izaya would ever outright admit he is jealous or force you to stop hanging out with anyone because deep down he feels insecure about your relationship. He has done so many awful things and indirectly hurt so many people, you’d probably be much safer and happier with someone else. For the sake of the relationship (and to stop Izaya’s poorly concealed whining) you’ll have to make the decision not to socialize with others so much.
However, if it is an unwanted romantic advance coming from someone else on to you, Izaya has no problems stepping in. (omg imagine Izaya having to use you as a decoy or something for one of his plans only to throw an absolute fit and ruin his own deal once a gang leader starts making moves on you asdfhjkeurh) If someone is bothering you at a party or on the street, Izaya will cut them off the moment they get handsy or you look uncomfortable. He’ll probably insult the person (“ara, didn’t your girlfriend publicly dump you last week? Do you have a humiliation fetish?”), simultaneously riling them up for a fight and taking their attention off of you. However, if the person is persistent or has much darker intentions, you may witness one of Izaya’s rare serious moments before he promptly takes care of the problem. ♡
omg i just had a thought: does izaya ever cry? and if he does how do u think he'd go upon it? (bonus if he has a s/o and they see him cry for the first time how would that go? :0) it's been on my mind since this man has a such a thick barrier against his emotions and sometimes i feel like there were times in the show where he was about to break and i kinda wished they included more of izayas vulnerability to which would completely show the complex side of him. if he ever cried in the show, any thoughts ab that?? (like say, shinra abandoned him for celty) IM SORRY THIS IS A LOT BUT EVERY TIME IZAYA GETS BROUGHT UP, I JUST GO RIGHT TO UR BLOG BC U EXPLAIN HIM SO WELL AND I LOVE UR THOUGHTS!
I know this has been in my inbox for eons but it’s kinda related to the last ask so I’ll go ahead and try to answer now LOL.
With how his last episode left off and a few other points in the story mentioned before (like when Shinra refused to visit him in the hospital), we have seen Izaya reach some pretty low points in his life. We also know he has people he’s attached to (particularly his sisters and, again, Shinra). Given that, and considering Izaya is still just a human being, I definitely think it is possible for Izaya to cry and I could see it happening in the series in the future. However, I think he is good at detaching himself from his emotions when necessary so it would certainly take a lot to get him to that point and he would likely prefer to do it in private without anyone to witness his moment of weakness (unless he decides to use it as a manipulation tactic).
My personal thoughts on Izaya crying? It would be, of course, very painful to watch. T.T I don’t personally need to see Izaya cry to know he is a complex person so I think I’d be more curious seeing how the fandom would react, especially people who don’t like Izaya cause they perceive him as heartless! If he does cry, I hope it’s over someone like Shinra as well, just to remind everyone he’s not actually as selfish and self-centered as most think he is.
And as for crying in front of his s/o--you would have to be really close to Izaya for him to be okay with you seeing him so vulnerable! There would need to be a well established trust and understanding between you two and, even then, Izaya would probably not want to burden you with his negative emotions. He feels he is supposed to be the one to protect his s/o, not rely on them for emotional support. However, if his s/o does stay with him, just silently holding him and letting him be human and just feel things for once, he would absolutely appreciate it, even if he doesn’t verbalize that. It would bring the two of you much closer and reinforce what he already knew: you are the most important person in his life. I think he may subtly change how he acts around you--not in a negative way of course, but he may be more genuinely affectionate and open with his feelings. Sometimes he just finds himself watching you doing some mundane task with full admiration and love that he just savors cause he never imagined he would find a human just for him hnnng--<3<3<3 He absolutely will not ever bring it up again tho and you better not either lmao.
now imagine if he's with someone who thinks otherwise and holds a sudden grudge again shinya. 🤔 like she wouldn't be so hostile about it but she won't hesitate to dirty her hands just to 'avenge' or give izaya what he truly deserves and she will lowkey enable and help izaya in his plans
and what if he met her while he was away from everyone then when they came back to shinjuku shes lowkey spiteful towards everyone and most esp shinya and shizuo
(under cut because tw: suicide mention, slight yandere)
Uhh tbh I don’t think Izaya would want revenge on Shinra. Even though he felt betrayed by him, I think he still cares about Shinra so with someone like that...he’ll probably just use her strong emotional responses to his advantage and manipulate her. If she’s willing to dirty her hands over Shinra, who else can her use her to mess with?
This feels like borderline yandere territory and with a yandere, I could see Izaya playing around with them. He would pretend to be really upset or hurt by someone and act weak to make them want to protect him and get rid of the “problem”--which essentially means them doing Izaya’s dirty work for him while he gets to sit back and watch. Kind of similar to how he pretended to sympathize with really depressed girls to get them to commit suicide.
Wait is this what that Killing Stalking manhwa was about? LOL
He might use them on Shizuo though--but even then he’s aware Shizuo is strong enough to not actually be killed by them, he’d basically be sending her out as fodder to distract/annoy Shizuo for a little while.
Sorry if this is not the response you were looking for but I genuinely do not see Izaya having an interest in someone who is so emotionally immature and willing to resort to violence over something so min
