Disclaimer: I don't own these characters.

Author's Note: I want to thank anyone and everyone who's read this story and left some form of feedback, added it to their favorites, or watched it (or me as an author). It's still got a ways to go, but I will keep plugging away at it.

Reunions and Redemption

Chapter 11: Feral

Three Weeks Later…

"Hey, Tetsu, go easy on the noodles, 'k?" The older Ichimura looked on in embarrassment as his brother literally attacked the bowl of ramen, his face a mask of savage hunger. In the last week or so, his appetite had returned in full force, and Tatsu completely understood the constant frustration of the numerous social workers who had to deal with his younger sibling. Sighing, he got up to get back to work, knowing Yamanami would be in to find him if he didn't show up. It wasn't that the man was rude about it. Tatsu just didn't want him to get to that point. And besides, with Tetsu opening up a little more (with a lot of help from Souji), Tatsu had no worries about leaving him alone. Getting ready to leave, Tatsu just reached the door when the redhead spoke up from his now empty bowl of noodles.

"When are you getting back from work tonight?"

"I dunno, Tetsu, probably around 9 or 10. I'm just patrolling with and so it shouldn't get that crazy."

"I thought you were just a bookkeeper."

"Tetsu, we're too understaffed for me to just have one duty. I have all the proper training, so I'll be fine."

"So I get the apartment to myself for once?"

"Ha, no. is coming over in a few minutes. It's his night off."

Tetsu nearly choked on his own tongue. The demon vice-chief?! He knew the station was understaffed but come on! The world seemed to crumble all over him at once and he stared miserably into the bowl. He knew the guy couldn't stand him, let alone baby sit him! Sighing heavily, he turned to his brother, trying to conjure a plea.

"Tatsu, you know I just turned 15, right?"

"I do. I also know your track record from the agency. Three kitchens nearly burned down, 4 living rooms obliterated, and every bedroom has needed extensive renovations. I can continue if you really want me to."

"I don't think it was 3 kitchens."

"I wouldn't care if it was only one! The bottom line is that I'm not leaving you alone!"

"But with Hijikata? He doesn't even like me! I'd rather stay with that Yamazaki guy if I had to pick."

"The matter's already settled. Besides, I can hear him coming down the hall. BEHAVE."

Shooting him a final warning glare, Tatsu turned to the door and waited for the knock. Sure enough, the scary man entered in all his scariness, his expression annoyed. Tetsu immediately looked down, brought his bowl to the kitchen and began scrubbing it and the chopsticks furiously. Eavesdropping on his brother and the vice chief while he did so.

"He already ate, so other than that, there's not much left to do besides keeping him under control. There's drinks in the fridge, help yourself to as much as you want. Oh and here's this."

Out of the corner of his eye, Tetsu watched Tatsu hand Hijikata a manila folder. Cocking his head a little, he tried to get a better look inside, but quickly shifted back when he noticed the scary man glance in his direction.

"Thanks."

"No problem. Listen, I also have cash if you want it."

"It's nothing."

With a few more words of gratitude and a small bow, Tatsu quickly slipped out the door, leaving Tetsu alone. With Hijikata. Until at least 10 o clock. He inadvertently shivered. Despite what his brother told him, he barely remembered the first few days he was at the place; any memories of the scary man taking care of him were vague. He seemed to give him the feeling he wasn't wanted anyway. Forcing a smile, he turned to the imposing man.

"Sooo…you're my babysitter."

Hijikata almost recoiled at the term. Despite his overall manliness, the term held unpleasant memories of being held captive by his older sister in their home when his parents were able to escape when they could. Babysitting was for girls, plain and simple. There was the undertone of bitchiness they all possessed that lurked beneath the veneer of authority. Even with Okita's antics Hijikata never needed to take on such a ludicrous mantle. In fact, the only time he could even vaguely remember interacting with children was seeing his niece on occasional visits to his sister, which were thankfully supervised. And few and farther between since she moved at least five hours away from where he was now. Scratching the back of his head, he regarded the small boy in front of him. The crazy boy whose brother claimed destroyed entire households when left alone. Like a puppy with no one to play with, really. But why all the supervision? He was 15, for Kami's sake! Looking back at the kid, he mentally loosened himself up as much as he could. He could tell they were both equally tense.

"I am just staying here till your brother gets back. And I prefer the term care provider. You're not a damn baby."