When The Sakura Stops Falling chapter 10
The tea and confectionary consumed a short while ago; both men were now both enjoying a relaxing walk down Omotesandō towards the Meiji Shrine. Under the gentle shade of zelkova trees as Muraki continued to regale his companion with anecdotes from his school years. "As you can imagine by the time Sakuraiji-san actually agreed to meet me in person I had already been courting his daughter in secret for a number of months." He paused looking up through the branches of the elm tree they were standing under before turning to look at the brunette standing besides him. "Naturally he was concerned about my suitability for his only daughter, I don't think the nature of my parents deaths helped much." Most wouldn't have picked up on the subtle change in the timbre of the doctor's voice; Tsuzuki however was not most people.
"From what little I do know about you, both your parents died before you finished school. I can understand how hard that must have been for you. Well sort of, for as long as I can remember of my life it was just me and my older sister." The shinigami tried to keep his voice down as there were a lot of people around them. Refusing to meet the other gaze however keeping his sight straight ahead in the direction they were travelling. Had he turned his head to look at the magician besides him the look of pain and genuine surprise would have taken him a back. "I wish I could remember them. Anything about them but there isn't anything there, just me and Ruka." A quiet sigh, "besides you must have won her father other eventually didn't you? When found you at that hospital you told me to never forget that she was your fiancée. As you can see I haven't forgotten."
Silence fell between them both again as they continued on down the tree lined street, the doctor still in his stunned silence. Whereas the one besides him started to hum a barely audible tune to him surprised at how at ease he was able to be with the doctor. Just like he had told his shinigami colleague back at the lab in Meifu, when he visited the warlock's home before it was like meeting with a completely different person. This occasion had turned out much the same. Loathe admitting to him, he was actually enjoying himself. As they were just starting to approach one of the torii which indicated they were getting close the Meiji shrine complex both men were brought back out of their individual thoughts by the ringing of a cell phone. Out of habit Muraki reached for his only to find it had not been his phone which was ringing. With a sheepish smile his cohort pulled the offending device out of his own pockets and checked the caller ID before giving an apologetic glance to the bemused warlock stood besides him.
"Do you need to return to Meifu so soon Tsuzuki-san?" Muraki asked, barely managing to hide the disappointment in his voice. "I had hoped we could have visited the museum within the Meiji Shrine together." He was silenced by a gesture from the brunette indicating that he didn't want the caller to know who he was with. The requirement for secrecy becoming all the more apparent to the blonde once the call was answered.
"Moshi-Moshi…..gomen Hisoka I must of lost track of the time….." plum coloured eyes met the others steely gaze with an apologetic look, "A new case?" that caught his attention as much as Muraki felt eaves dropping was beneath him he couldn't help his surprise that the boy would call his partner to summon him back to the bureau. The doctor tried to feign disinterest but couldn't help listening even as Tsuzuki walked a few steps away from the crowd for more privacy. Even then the sound of his own name coming from his favourite death god was even something he could not ignore. "Ne Hisoka I don't think we should be jumping to conclusions just yet….. We have no reason to think Muraki could be responsible….. I know that, Hisoka but listen to me!" The sound of the other's raised voice caused a few people milling around the torii entrance to look in the black suited shinigami's direction if only for a brief moment. "Just because that women has a link to him, doesn't mean that the next case is automatically going to be related to him. I know you have a history with Muraki but its not good for you to assume that…" the way the brunette's voice trailed off indicating that the caller had terminated the phone call.
Cautiously the pale man approached the guardian of death who was now staring at his phone with an intense gaze. The intensity of the stare wasn't what surprised him, his surprise came from the way the shinigami's features seemed almost twisted in a snarl. One didn't need to be an empath to clearly see the brunette was annoyed at something or someone. Surely the boy couldn't have riled up the shikigami master that much? Despite himself Muraki couldn't help the curiosity poking at him and he had to ask. After all if he wasn't mistaken his beloved shinigami had been about to defend him to a colleague. Not just any colleague however but his own partner. Almost as if they had sensed him approaching Tsuzuki turned around and had schooled his face in a mask of calm, even managing to smile at the blonde. That in itself was not enough to quell the desire to know bubbling inside and so he still proceeded to ask. "Are you alright Tsuzuki-san? My apologies but I couldn't help but overhear you use my name when talking to the boy just then…" The flash of irritation that appeared in those amethyst eyes which were boring into him was enough to silence him. Had he managed to send the fragile bridge between them tumbling so soon?
"What have I gotten myself into." The brunette grumbled to himself as he raked his hand through his own hair and laughed humourlessly. "Apparently there's a new case and I'm needed back in Meifu. Gomen but Hisoka suspects you and I can hardly tell him you promised to be on your best behaviour. Only Watari knows about our little arrangement as you know…."
Muraki couldn't help echoing the shinigami's words with a chuckle of his own as he looked at his feet in a uncharacteristic move not wanting the other to see the blush he was sure had appeared on his pale face. "I can assure you, if there is only thing I am it is a man of my word. Since you saw me at the hospital….. When you collected…." Finding himself unable to speak the words out loud he opted to explain himself a different way, "You are welcome to investigate but your colleagues would find I haven't been in Nagasaki since our last official meeting. Something that you could more then likely confirm with the Sakuraiji family is that I was busy assisting with the funeral arrangements. After all we were engaged for a long time, would that help your investigation?"
"Please believe me when I say I'm sorry to bring this back up Muraki-san" Tsuzuki replied in a gentle tone, having moved closer. Now he was standing immediately next to the paler man.
"You have nothing to apologise for, but the sentiment is much appreciated regardless. It is my own fault I suppose…." The sorcerer left the words unspoken, "Will I be able to see you again?" he couldn't help the hint of desperate hope which snuck into the inflection of his voice. Feeling himself relaxing once again ever so slightly when the brunette smiled.
"Let me get back to the office and see what this case has in store, if it doesn't look like your past work I will do what I can to keep the others from coming after you. I just wish I could tell them that I know it wasn't anything to do with you. Even after all that you have done even you deserve to grieve in peace and to your life back in order." Tsuzuki looked away, "I might get lucky and this case might not even be in my district, they might just want me to give my opinion. Despite everything I can not lie and say I did not enjoy your company today… but that being said surely you can understand why this is difficult for me?"
Indeed the normally malevolent doctor could understand the difficult position that the death guardian had willing placed himself into. Not only had he put himself in that position but he had done so of his own volition. "Of course Tsuzuki and I am well aware it is more then I had the right to ask for. I know it's selfish of me to want to another chance to enjoy your company at least once more. Perhaps it's foolish of me ne? Whatever happens I shall be eagerly waiting to hear from you again, until next time then."
"Until next time Muraki-san" Tsuzuki agreed. "I don't know why it never simply occurred to you to just ask you know. After the Maria Wong incident I would have been wary, but if I had known back then just meeting you like this would of prevented so much pain." The brunette shook his head, "Perhaps I'm being naïve again but I want to believe that you are still the good man she believed in."
"Perhaps indeed, but what would you do if you found that this good man you believe still exists inside me was real?" unable to keep his curiosity buried until the promised next time Muraki couldn't help blurting out the question. The reaction was something which would haunt his every idle moment from now till the next time he would see the shinigami.
Tsuzuki had looked around them both to ensure that they were alone, and that everyone who had been around the entrance had already moved further along the path to the entrance. Satisfied they wouldn't have an audience he had flashed the doctor a boyish grin before whispering in his ear "perhaps I could be persuaded to let that man take me on a real date sometime." The seed planted in the blondes mind, the brunette had straightened up, took a few steps back and teleported back to Meifu. In his wake a stunned and blushing doctor standing beneath the torii gate surrounded by the evergreen forest which encompassed the complex.
"My Tsuzuki I didn't think you had it in you to be quite so cruel…" the man muttered to himself, his expression one of a pained smile. Making sure he was alone with a glance around his surroundings he too chose to leave via magical means, teleporting back to his home. Once he was back in the safety of his lounge he loosened his tie and stalked through the large manor to hang his coat up before seeking out his faithful butler.
If Sakaki had been started or surprised by the sudden appearance of his employer he didn't show it. As was his usual way he simply welcomed the doctor home with a smile full of genuine affection. He was glad that he other was leaving the house again on a semi-regular if not completely regular basis once again. "Okaerinasai young master, I trust you had a pleasant day?" Due to how many years the butler had worked with Muraki he could tell just from a glance at the blond man that something had rattled him. That same experience also taught him to wait until the doctor would be willing to share what it was, if he ever would.
"Thank you Sakaki and it wasn't a bad day…." Muraki paused to choose his words carefully, but opted to change the subject instead, "pray tell do we have any more of that delightful jasmine tea? I could do with a soak but would love to have some once I finish bathing. Today has given me some things to think about, if you will excuse me." Waiting only long enough for the butler to retrieve the requested tea he turned on his heel and made his way to his bedroom to prepare for his bath.
Naturally the master bedroom of his lavish home being in a western style had its own bathroom and he knew he could take his time without being disturbed. One by one he removed his garments, leaving a trail across his floor as he walked through one room to the other which was his intended destination. Entering the spacious private bathroom the sorcerer sighed and ran one manicured hand through his platinum blonde hair. Pushing his bangs away from his face as he did so, catching a look at his reflection from the corner of one eye he turned to face his reflection. This was something he rarely did with his right eye un-obscured like it was in this moment. Several moments passed as he took in his own appearance the ghostly pale skin, the unnatural silver tone of his lone real eye in contrast to the other. The sneer which marred his features was involuntary as he continued to stare at himself with contempt clouding his thoughts. Images of the brunette shinigami flashed through his mind along with how they'd talked as if they were old friends and not enemies. Followed by memories of the night under the sakura tree with that boy, who always seemed to interfere and get in the way. Then it was that fateful meeting in Nagasaki, he'd been praying in the cathedral and had been interrupted by a stranger who turned out to be the shinigami he had been hoping to see. Unbidden his mind again returned to his earlier meeting with the sweet-loving guardian of death. A 'real date' he had said as he'd left to return to Meifu, he thought about the look on the other's face as they had said those words. How wonderful those words should have sounded and felt, instead they left a bitter taste in the warlocks mouth. The sound of a growl reached his ears as he felt the blossom of pain spreading through his knuckles and through the rest of his hand. Unaware of his own actions he had punched the mirror, subconsciously aiming at the spot in his reflection showing his artificial eye. Both eyes widening in surprise at the realisation that he growl had come from his own throat. Disbelieving his senses he held his hand up to examine it, as if seeing it made it more real the pain seemed to intensify almost immediately once he took a closer look. Luckily his experienced surgeon's eye told him he hadn't done any major damage to himself, except give himself seven years bad luck if one believed in such superstitions, which he didn't. The mirror would be easily replaced so it was a trivial matter and not worth delaying his bath. Pushing it to the back of his mind he proceeded to turn on the shower to rinse his body before getting into the bathtub as was the traditional custom for preparing oneself to take a bath. After all he hadn't been lying when he said he had some things to think about.
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Mean while upon returning to Meifu our favourite shinigami immediately groaned outwardly to himself. What had he been thinking saying that out load of all things? He wasn't supposed to be dating the doctor! True he had on both times they had met up found the doctor to be genuinely charming and had enjoyed his company. There had been a striking difference in the blonde's behaviour and demeanour then what he had begun to expect whenever their paths would cross in the field. Just what had cause him to say something so stupid he couldn't be sure but maybe he could blame it on the sugar content of the huge parfait Muraki had bought for him? It had come with a lot of chocolate, more then he'd expected. That being said he also had to take into account that ever since he had been sent to retrieve the soul of the man's fiancée his views had shifted ever so slightly. Other's had even noticed and he could only hope that Hisoka hadn't started to pick up on it. His young colleague had been partners with him now for a while and while they had their ups and down he didn't want to betray his trust. The empath's trust was hard won and once broken he was certain it would be irreparable. As his luck would have it as he made his way to the meeting room for the debriefing on this latest case he happened to bump into Chief Konoe. Sensing a chance to make good on his promise straight away for once he decided he may as well try to request a word in private. If the chief had time to spare that is.
"Chief!" Tsuzuki called out as he jogged the short distance down the corridor to catch up to his boss, "Chief, you don't happen to have a spare minute do you? I could really use your advice on something. It's something of a private matter if you understand."
"Ah Tsuzuki! There you are the others were wondering where you had vanished off to. Kurosaki-kun was trying to call you earlier did he manage to get hold of you?" Konoe had stopped and turned at the sound of his name being called from behind him. Looking pleased to see the other shinigami as he waited for them to catch up to him, resuming his walk as the other death god fell into step besides him.
"Oh yes Hisoka called me earlier about the new case so I came rushing back to the office as soon as I could." The brunette replied with his usual happy go lucky manner.
The division Chief chuckled, "Well I'm glad to hear it. So this private chat you need to have with me, so you think it can wait until after you get briefed on this case? You know how Tatsumi can be about your tardiness Tsuzuki, in fact I was on my way to the meeting room myself if you want to walk with me?"
Both men walked the rest of the way to the debriefing room while continuing to make small talk, only stopping when they arrived at their destination and receiving a disapproving look from Tatsumi. The look was more or less aimed at Tsuzuki, but the secretary didn't say anything seeing as Konoe had arrived with him. Now that everyone was in attendance the shadow master started to run everyone through the details on the latest case. At this stage they had no reason to think this was anything other then an unfortunate case of some young people who were messing with things they didn't understand. On this occasion, they had been attempting the summoning demons or other spirits. As often happened if proper preparation and precaution was not taken the souls of those who ended up dying for their mistake would remain in the world of living, not actually knowing they were now dead. From the information available to them Tsuzuki could see no reason it shouldn't be a quick and easy case to resolve. However he just had to keep an eye on his partner, ever since Hisoka had found out that Muraki was indeed still alive he was hell bent on seeing a connection to his killer in every case they had since. Even if it was clear to the rest of the department that the empath was seeing connections which did not exist. For this reasons as well as his promise to the warlock earlier outside the Meiji shine he needed to speak to their Chief. He just hoped he was doing the right thing.
Once the briefing had finished Tsuzuki noticed that Hisoka looked like he wanted to say something to him, what that was he would never known as the moment was lost. Konoe's voice broke the silence before the other could voice their thoughts. "Tsuzuki could you accompany me to my office for a moment? I need to speak to you alone." Without waiting for a reply the blue suited shinigami left the room. Giving his partner an apologetic look Tsuzuki stood and followed, not speaking again until he had entered the office of the department's leader.
"Take a seat Tsuzuki" the meeting room wasn't far from his office and so Konoe was already seated at his desk, "tell me what is troubling you? There isn't an issue between you and Kurosaki-kun is there?" Always one to get straight to the point Konoe fixed his subordinate with a piercing brown stare, it wouldn't be the first time that a partnership hadn't worked out with the other shinigami.
"Actually chief now you mention it…" he considered his words carefully, the issue wasn't technically between himself and Hisoka but it did involve him or at the very least it concerned him. "I have been becoming a little concerned about Hisoka's well being of late. Ever since you sent us to retrieve the soul of Sakuraiji-san and we had confirmation that Muraki-san was still alive. Hisoka seems to be well trying to find a connection to him in every case."
"I see. This doesn't surprise me for a couple of reasons I'm afraid Tsuzuki. As you aware as you heard it from the man himself, Muraki is responsible for young Kurosaki's death." The older shinigami lent back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling of the office. "Secondly you are not the first person to express such a concern to me. As it happens not long ago Tatsumi also came to me with his own concerns about Kurosaki's well being. However there isn't much I can do unless it starts to affect him in terms of his work, and you two both still appear to be working in the field effectively. Unless he makes a mistake or breaks one of the rules there isn't much I can do. Suspending him would be seen as unfair and rightfully so, I'm sorry Tsuzuki."
Unfazed by the other's words the purple-eyed brunette smiled at his boss and leant forwards a little before responding. "I understand, I just wanted to raise my concerns and I'm glad somebody else has also noticed it. If it's been noticed by somebody else then I'm not losing it at least." He chuckled quietly and humourlessly. "The thing is I know that on this newest case that Muraki wouldn't have anything to do with it. So I don't want to let Hisoka get too stuck on this fixation. It can't be good for him…."
"What would make you so confident that the doctor wasn't involved?" Konoe cut him off, his curiosity was piqued, "You seem awfully confident in that fact. Is there something you know that we don't? Has Muraki lost his ability to use magic perhaps?"
He realized too late that he may of underestimated the deductive reasoning abilities of the other shinigami, but if he could make the other understand then it wouldn't matter too much would it? It was only Hisoka he had to make sure didn't find out. "Well that's the other thing I needed to talk to you about." he'd come this far no point in backing out now he decided "On that mission where we got confirmation Muraki-san was alive, it was because he was there when I found Sakuraiji-san in the hospital room. It turns out she was engaged to him and he was actually waiting for me. Whilst it's true he prevented her soul from coming to Meifu he freely admitted to doing so, and willingly undid what ever spell was keeping her soul from passing over as long as I brought her back with me. That's not all though Chief, there was something different about him and I was curious. So I agreed to meet with him."
"And have you had this meeting Tsuzuki?" the other's voice was patient and calm. "It's been a while since that case; you've had plenty of time"
"I humbly apologise if I have overstepped my bounds but I have to admit that yes I have met up with since that case. In fact I have just come from meeting with him in Tokyo; I was standing outside the Meiji shrine when Hisoka called me about the new case." Tsuzuki continued to pursue being honest as his best option, and hoped that he wouldn't get into too much trouble.
"I see" Konoe looked thoughtful, "and your certain from these meetings you've been having that he's not continuing his games and tricks?"
"I am mostly certain, if there is one thing I know about him its that he has an obsession with me. Or at least he had one. I figured that perhaps I could use that to our advantage somehow, I got the idea from speaking with Sakuraiji-san actually" he continued to explain his idea to his superior. "She's known him since they were in school and the man she knew him to be is nothing like the person we've known him to be. I don't think she was aware of his illegal activities from how she talked about him. Actually now I think back on it he said the same thing, that she didn't know and he asked me if she'd suffer for his actions."
"So that was why you asked me all those questions when you returned to Meifu at the end of that mission." His chief asked, and Tsuzuki nodded. "I should have realised. However I wouldn't have expected him to ask you that if I'm being honest."
Tsuzuki felt a smile forming despite himself, he was certain he would be able to convince the elder shinigami that what he was trying to achieve was worthwhile. "That's what got me thinking. That there was something of the person he once was still buried deep inside of him underneath all of the darkness. If I could find a way to reach that part of him, the good part of him maybe I could solve the problem he poses for the bureau. I know eventually he'll have to answer for his crimes but in the meantime for his remaining years he could have a chance to redress the balance couldn't he?"
The look he was getting from the other side the desk was one of sceptism and uncertainty. "Tsuzuki why is it never simple with you?" Konoe shook his head but still had a fond smile regardless, "It's so like you to find a reason to see something good in everyone, I shouldn't be surprised you'd try to find it in him as well. It's true that he and his family have been a thorn in Enma's side for generations now." He paused momentarily as he searching for the right words to express how he felt about what had been revealed to him, "I will need to consult with the count on the best way forward. That being said for now I won't punish you for meeting with a mortal as long as it's not interfering with your work do you understand?"