Heat. Intense, pressuring heat. Death is inevitable. Touda's flames eat away at tender flesh, in a demonstration of unshakable obedience to his master. Tsuzuki welcomes death with a crushing joy; he has lived long, too long. Finally he will reach his peace.

With a thundering crash, the roof of this building collapses, becoming nothing more than a fiery tomb for the two men inside.

No, wait. Stop. Rewind.

Heat shatters glass in sparkling explosions. The air is too heavy to breathe, and the snake's coils curve around a half-sane man, begging for his end.

Hisoka calls to him, begs to stay with him. The boy cannot be alone again, it will kill him as surely as the flames. Better to die with the person he treasures. Better to die with Tsuzuki, knowing that at least they can rest together forever.

The fires that seem to reach from hell itself embrace them, ending their borrowed lives together.

No, wrong. Stop, rewind.

Hisoka embraces Tsuzuki, comforting him in his time of greatest need. He would die for this man. He is going to die for this man. Tsuzuki's heart clenches with the painful realization that he is loved by this boy, and that in his arms is the only one who will be with him for eternity.

They find a peace there, safe in the knowledge that where ever they go after this, it will be together.

Outside, Tatsumi is struck with the knowledge of a ginger-haired scientist. Watari cannot help them; Tatsumi can. And he does. He saves his most precious person, and the one who has won this person's heart.

Yes. That's it. That is how this fairytale ends.

No, wait. Pause. This is not the end. This is…

Oh yes, that's right. This is the beginning.