Hisoka slowly sipped on the water Izumi had brought him, averting his eyes from Tsuzuki, who had his own set locked on Hisoka. Tsuzuki's mouth curved down into a small frown. "Hisoka," he began in an almost whispered tone. Hisoka held his water glass in his hands, staring at the rim. "Is something troubling you?" Hisoka continued to stare at the rim of his glass, his fingers fidgeting over the cool surface.

"I'm fine," he responded in a neutral tone that could have fooled many into believing he was just intrigued by the item he held, but Tsuzuki knew him better than that.

"Is this Izumi's doing?" Hisoka remained unresponsive. "Are her random outbursts bothering you? We could always leave you know-"

"We have already placed our orders; it would be rude to leave."

"Hisoka-"Tsuzuki began to argue, but stopped. He reached across the table and took Hisoka's chin in his hand forcing their eyes to meet, the intimate contact making the younger man blush. Tsuzuki stared into Hisoka's eyes for a few moments, and Hisoka almost though he was going to kiss him, but Tsuzuki simply let out a deep sigh. "I wish I knew what was up, but if you'd rather not tell me, I won't push you to," he paused slightly, as if trying to determine how to say his feeling in the manor that was the least cliché. "If you need to talk, I'm always here," he decided on. One would think Hisoka would have smiled at the feel of Tsuzuki against him and the warm thoughts being exchanged, but all Hisoka felt was betrayal and disgust. He tore his face away from Tsuzuki's embrace and scooted his chair back so he was beyond his elder's reach. Tsuzuki withdrew his fingers and jumped as if he had been shocked, Hisoka's sudden rage felt to Tsuzuki as if he had been burned. "Hisoka," he whispered in pain and disbelief.

"Don't talk to me," he hissed back trying to fight down the rampant emotions bubbling inside him. Tsuzuki placed his hands back onto his lap and stared at them, not wanting to upset Hisoka further. They both sat in silence for a few moments, the quiet moans of the lovers amplified by the lack of conversation. Hisoka listened to the small gasps and giggles longingly, wanting more than anything to block out the comforting thoughts Tsuzuki was sending him. The thoughts did the complete opposite of their intended purpose, instead of calming Hisoka they were making him even more distraught. Hisoka found himself praying that a distraction would come soon because he honestly thought he was going to start crying. Izumi was quick to respond to his silent plea and moments later arrived with his salad. Tsuzuki also received the soundless request and deducted that Hisoka must be urgent to leave. Izumi quietly placed the in the spot in front of Hisoka. She smiled sadly when she read Hisoka's distress on his face.

"Hisoka," she began softly, like a mother would address her enraged son. "I'm really sorry, I didn't realize- I didn't know that you-" she struggled for words, but not able to find any, sighed and repeated, "I'm sorry. Gomen nasai."

"Excuse me, Izumi?" Tsuzuki began and Izumi switched over attention to him. "May I ask when you'll be bringing my wine?"

"Another waiter will be here with it shortly," she responded, her voice not as edgy anymore.

"Thank you." Izumi bowed and left. Hisoka took his napkin and examined it slightly, bemused by its unusual folding. Tsuzuki watched him as he did, noting the sharp contrast between Hisoka's pale skin and the deep crimson napkin in the dimmed light. Hisoka then delicately unfolded the napkin, Tsuzuki's eyes following his fingers as they dipped into crevices and freed the napkin then placing it onto his lap.

"Oh! if I were a glove upon that hand," Tsuzuki found himself mentally reciting. If Hisoka had heard Tsuzuki, he was doing a fine job of not showing he did. He then reached over the table and took Tsuzuki's napkin in his hand and unfolded it as well. He wordlessly handed the liberated napkin to Tsuzuki, their fingers brushing as Tsuzuki took it from him, small sparks of emotions exchanging between them.

"You needn't be a glove," Hisoka's spark told Tsuzuki, leaving him thoroughly confused. Hisoka took his chopsticks in his hands and began eating his salad. Tsuzuki was going to ask Hisoka about the message, but changed his mind and closed his mouth again and instead watched Hisoka eat. After a few bites, Hisoka abruptly dropped his chopsticks back into his bowl.

"Why?" he suddenly asked.

"Why what?" Tsuzuki questioned.

"Why?" Hisoka wanted to demand, "Why did you choose me? Why do you make me feel this way when I'm around you? Why do I constantly worry about what you think of me? Why did I feel I had to bribe you with sweets for you to like me? Why did you come here with me? Why have you been acing so weird? Why have you been guarding your thoughts? Why did you tell Izumi that?..." Instead he only asked, "Why didn't order anymore sweets?"

"I wasn't in the mood for a large dessert," he replied shrugging.

"This is coming from the man who daily quotes, 'There's always room for dessert'."

"Sweets aren't the only thing in the world," Tsuzuki responded smiling. He silently added, "Not anymore at least."

"But I thought," Hisoka began, flushing slightly, "I figured-"

"You brought me here thinking I'd break your bank on sweets," Tsuzuki offered.

"Yes- No, I mean no! I mean-" Tsuzuki smiled a bit, Hisoka was so cute when he was flustered.

"I'm not a total jerk all the time, you know. My parents did teach me to mind my manors." Before Hisoka could comment, Kei walked over carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses.

"Enter other waiter," he declared, setting the glasses on the table, one in front of Hisoka and one in front of Tsuzuki. "Izumi would have brought it herself, but it's policy that the bartender serves the alcoholic beverages so we can card the customer," he explained as he finished pouring wine into Tsuzuki's glass. He was about to pour some wine into Hisoka's, when the boy spoke up.

"And you very well know I am underage," Hisoka observed.

"So? That doesn't stop my boyfriend." Hisoka blushed.

"But- I-"

"He has a very low alcohol tolerance," Tsuzuki spoke up. Kei raised an eyebrow, as if curious as to what happened the night the two discovered that.

"If he doesn't drink too much he'll be fine, or he can always water it down a bit with ice cubes. It must really suck not to be able to drink," he commented, pouring wine into Hisoka's glass regardless of the boy's protests.

"Come now, you were a sober teen once," Tsuzuki laughed, "Well regardless, he'll be able to drink eventually."

"Not legally," Hisoka mumbled, which Kei heard clearly.

"Then... are you two...?" he wondered aloud. The two both looked at him oddly.

"What we what?" Tsuzuki asked. His question went unanswered.

"Hope you never get so depressed you become an alcoholic- it would be a bitch to try to smuggle yourself so beer, and I'm sure your partner wouldn't help you obtain any."

"What are you talking about?!" Tsuzuki demanded, but Hisoka understood.

"How- Did Izumi...?" he left the question hang, not finishing it.

"Though, I'm guessing you won't ever have a problem like that with Mr. Purple-Eyes over here- If you're really the pair he was talking about."

"What are you talking about!?" Tsuzuki demanded again.

"Tsuzuki," Hisoka answered in a tone that soothed all of Tsuzuki's frayed nerves, "Ask him."

"But Hisoka the last time we tried-"

"Hey, if you are have a question, don't be shy- I'm not gonna judge, chances are I've faced similar problems with Yama. And before you explain the details, keep in mind patience is a virtue, practice makes perfect, and even athletes know you've always got to stretch properly before rigorous activity." Both Hisoka and Tsuzuki blushed deeply at his implication.

"Not THAT kind of question!" Tsuzuki fumed, "I was going to ask you what you know about sirens!" Kei's expression grew serious.

"Did you ask Izumi that?" he asked seriously. Tsuzuki nodded.

"Yeeeeah, but we didn't get anything out of her."

"Well she's really the one you should be asking, I know practically nothing," he laughed unconvincingly.

"Which means you know something," Tsuzuki pointed out.

"All I know is they're chicks, they're attractive, and they sing." Tsuzuki didn't believe him but Izumi chose that moment to walk in and gasp.

"Kei! What are you doing! If anyone sees that you served wine to a minor, we're fired!" she hissed in a hushed voice praying the other customers wouldn't hear her, "And why are you the bartender? I thought-" Suddenly Hisoka's water glass shattered. Hisoka quickly looked to Tsuzuki, whose facial expressions mirrored his own, both wordlessly asking if the other had caused the glass to burst. All the couples surrounding them had turned to see what had broken; whispers about the two men sitting in a couple's area spread like a fire on an oilrig. There seemed to be quite a commotion occurring in the front of the restaurant as well

"TSUZUKI! HISOKA!" Watari's voice cried from near the entrance as he struggled past the oppressive waitresses. "The glass- I had to get your attention. I've got a lead on the case!" By this point anyone who hadn't given the trio their full attention earlier suddenly sat at full attention.

"Let him through!" demanded Hisoka pushing himself away from the table, Tsuzuki doing the same. The waitresses trying to stop Watari dropped their arms and moved aside. The three shinigamis came together at the point where the normal seating and romantic tables met.

"Hisoka-" began Watari, panting trying to get air back into his lungs, "I-" As quick as lightening, Hisoka's hand covered Watari's mouth, preventing him from continuing. Hisoka raised his voice deliberately, clearly wanting everyone to hear what he was going to say.

"I missed you too baby." And with that, he pulled Watari down to him. Watari's eyes widened, as did Tsuzuki's, when Hisoka's lips met his own.

"Not here! Everyone's listening!" Hisoka telepathically scolded. Watari and Hisoka were not as close as Hisoka and Tsuzuki, so the blonde scientist could not pick up on Hisoka's emotional SOS messages without physical contact. The kiss provided for this needed contact and also acted as a distraction to the audience, some of which began to turn away and return to their dinners. Hisoka kept the kiss up for a few more moments before breaking away, faking breathlessness. Sliding the hand that had once covered Watari's mouth down, he boldly caressed Watari's chest. "Nnnn, koi, let's go somewhere more private," he seductively pleaded, still speaking loud enough for the surrounding people to hear. Watari shivered.

"Don't do that! I came here to tell you about a lead, not be molested!" Watari mentally yelled back at Hisoka. "Besides," he added as an after thought, "If you keep this up, I'm going to want to do everything to you the title "koi" implies..." Tsuzuki fumed slightly, playing the part of the jealous friend-who-thought-of-his-friend-as-a-possible-love-interest very well. Though he didn't realize he was falling into the soap opera like plan Hisoka set up. Hisoka giggled- yes you read that right, giggled; like a little schoolgirl. Watari gave a seductive grin, that didn't leave to imagination the things he planned on doing in that 'somewhere more private' Hisoka mentioned. "Hai," he responded planting feather-light kisses on Hisoka's neck, "That's a wonderful idea koibito." Tsuzuki was definitely seething by this point. Hisoka giggled again and pulled Watari back towards the table he and Tsuzuki had been eating at. Izumi cocked an eyebrow at him as the three made their way to the table.

"There's an employee break room you can use," Kei answered the question before Hisoka's lips could even form it. "It's this way." Izumi grabbed his arm

"What are you doing! I know they're dying to relieve this sexual tension that's been building but-"

"Yama had a dream last weekend," Kei simply said, these words stopping Izumi's train of thought completely.

"What?" she managed to whisper doubtfully, "He hasn't had one in-"

"Six months, I know, but he had one. Shall we take these three now?" Izumi simply nodded her head.

"Yeah," she replied in a daze, "You take them there and I'll bring the food 'n stuff, will you be having anything Watari?"

"Just some of Tsuzuki's wine," Watari glanced over to the second wine glass on the table, "Or perhaps Hisoka's, rumor is that boy can't hold his liquor well at all." Hisoka blushed ever so slightly. "Ooo, and maybe some pot stickers, if you have any." Izumi nodded.

"Certainly, I bring them when I bring Hisoka his rice and Tsuzuki his pie."

Kei lead the three co-workers to a room not too far away and ushered them in, closing the door behind him. It was a cheerful enough room with jade colored walls, a love seat and a fair assortment of armchairs scattered about the room, as well as a round dinner table in a corner and a small entertainment center on the adjacent wall. Hisoka sat on the loveseat, most of the other seating arrangements claimed by textbooks, purses, and the like, and Watari sat on the armchair that faced it. Tsuzuki stood for a moment, his eyes searching for some open chair elsewhere in the room.

"There's plenty of room next to Hisoka, Tsuzuki," Watari offered, his hand absently rubbing the right arm of the chair. Tsuzuki looked a little flustered.

"Then maybe you should be sitting next to him, that way you can molest him instead of the chair," Tsuzuki mumbled, sitting as far as he could from Hisoka, which didn't make that much of a difference since the chair was on the small side for a love seat.

"Hisoka, what's Izumi's last name?" Watari asked, continuing to make patterns on the fabric.

"Matsumoto," Hisoka replied.

"Tatsumi, darling, would please run a search on Matsumoto Yamato for me?" Watari asked.

"Tatsumi?!" Tsuzuki exclaimed confused.

"You weren't the only one Hisoka and I were making jealous back there," Watari replied, continuing to 'molest' the chair's arm- and it was then the other shinigamis noticed that he had been caressing a shadow that lay on the arm of the chair. Watari smiled. "Arigato 'T'tsumi-sama. And when you come back, be sure to come in a form that I can thank properly." Watari watched as the shadow slid down the arm of the chair and disappeared into the large shadow underneath it. "But back to why the display was necessary in the first place," he continued, now turning his attention to Hisoka and Tsuzuki.

"Yes, you had mentioned a lead earlier," Hisoka spoke patiently, sounding like a businessman at a board meeting.

"Ah yes, well, first I must ask how your research has been going."

"Our research has been unfruitful so far, however, I believe I have a reliable source who can supply some useful information in proving our theories, but do you have information or not, because I was rather enjoying my date."

"Well, we've just received word from the Hakushaku of another victim with similar circumstances to the ones you're currently dealing with. He apparently lives in the area, which is a considerable difference from the other victims of Gion. Mr. Saka-" it was then Watari that noticed Kei was still in the room. "What are you doing here?"

"You're going to say Sakayama aren't you? I don't know what you people are, but there's nothing wrong with Touya, I talked to him not even twenty minutes ago." Kei told Watari coldly.

"This is none of your concerns young man," came Watari's response;

"Oh god, there is something wrong with Touya!" Kei asked frightened. Nobody answered. "What's wrong with Touya?!" he demanded again sounding scared.

"What's your relationship to him?" Watari asked indifferently, as a man who took people's lives daily, he was use to the hysterics that came with the territory.

"He's my friend! He's my co-worker! He's my ex-lover! What's wrong with him!?" Izumi walked in the room, but upon seeing Kei's crazed reaction got the wrong impression.

"Kei, whatever these men ask of you, please just obey. I'm sure they don't want to take you anymore than you want to leave, but it's part of their job," she explained trying to calm him.

"What are you talking about?!" Kei demanded, "Something's wrong with Touya, that's why he hasn't taken over his position as bartender yet!" Izumi looked to Hisoka.

"You really were here on business," she murmured. Hisoka averted his eyes, sensing what was coming next.

"Sakayama Touya's name was recorded in the Hall of Candles at 18:28 this evening," Tatsumi announced, appearing near the wall next to Kei. Kei jumped.

"Wha- what- Who-" he asked confused.

"We work for the Summons Section of Meifu, our job is to collect lost souls and bring them to be judged by the Bureau of Hades as well as look into unexpected deaths due to magical interference," Tatsumi explained. "Your friend Touya is dead."

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A/N: Dun dun dun!!! GAK! This is turning out like a soap opera! I originally wanted them to have a case so they're not just randomly doing nothing the entire day, but now it's actually, like, the main focus! I'm starting to get annoyed with myself for writing something worthy of an "ABC Daytime TV" slot right after All My Children and am seriously considering terminating this project, the only reason I haven't yet is *someone* actually read it and wrote a review. If there are those among you who would like me to continue this story, please leave reviews saying so, because if no one speaks up, I'm quitting. I'm not using this excuse as a device to get you to review, I'm serious- if you were to ask any of my friends they'd tell you that I'm only working on this because it's a small step above my English paper- seriously.

Next chapter! (if there is one... see above note): We learn about Izumi's secret, Yama's dreams, and Touya's death. Hisoka and Tsuzuki finish their dinner- accompanied by Watari and Tatsumi. There goes the romantic dinner for two! Random fluff, weird humor, double entendres- everything you could expect from a Project Megumi fic!