A/N:
Thanks again for those who reviewed. It meant a lot. ^__~
* * * *
Part 2
Tsuzuki and I sat in the cab's passenger seat, away from each other. At first, he wanted to snuggle next to me, but it took him two painful jabs in the ribs to get the message. I mean cuddling is fine, but I'm not used to do it, much less in public places. I thought he was angry but now he's pressing his nose against the windshield, enjoying the ride. He was chattering quite happily; much too happily for my own liking.
"Hey, Hisoka, how do you think Hijiri looks now?" he asks, turning his attention to me.
Finally. I was starting to feel useless.
"I don't know. The same, I guess."
Tsuzuki considered my answer for a moment, then he nodded.
"Yes, you're probably right. What's a year anyway? He must have grown a bit tall, though."
So, it had been a year since we last saw Hijiri? Time really does fly. It felt as if it were weeks apart.
"Do you think he'll remember us?" he asks again.
"Maybe." I said, but deep inside, I wanted to scream. Of course, Hijiri will remember you, he loves you. I'm not sure about the 'love' part, but I'm pretty positive that Hijiri must have felt that way. Tsuzuki had helped him out a lot, saving him from the hands of death and even ensuring the life of Kazusa, although we weren't able to save her. And they were flirting, anyway. On the other hand, I seriously believed that Tsuzuki had also felt the same way about Hijiri.
Wait. Does that mean...
This sudden realization hit me so suddenly that I whipped my head in his direction. Fortunately, he was still preoccupied to notice my head-whipping stunt.
I studied him, and he looks so, I don't know. He looks so serene; so happy. Not to mention excited. Like a puppy being showed a bone.
A stab of jealousy hits me in the chest, and I feel my infamous temper flaring up.
I went back through all the times Tsuzuki and I went through, and I dazedly I realize that I haven't elicited half the same response he's giving Hijiri now.
Jeez, Hisoka. Getting sentimental aren't we?
But I can't ignorer the feeling, though.
Tsuzuki asks me yet another question- about Hijiri- again.
I sort of growled, and said: "Why don't you go ask him yourself?"
This time, he was the one who did the head-whipping stunt. He raised his eyebrows at me questioningly.
I blushed, ashamed of my sudden outburst. But then again, I was always mean to him before. He must be used to it by now.
I caught him opening his mouth, as if to ask me a question, but I cut him off.
"We're here." I said curtly and went out of the taxi, not bothering to wait for him.
* * * * * *
"Who are you? Get out of my house, or I'll call security!"
"Don't worry boy, this will be painless. I guarantee you."
The boy hurled a vase across the intruder which he grabbed from a nearby coffee table. The boy waited until the vase reaches the man and then he'll flee.
But to his horror, the vase erupted into pieces at mid-hurl. Shards of broken china rained down the expensive carpet.
"H-how?" Surprise and fear was evident in his eyes.
"Stop resisting, boy. I'll use you to lure him in."
"You're crazy! I don't know what you're talking about!"
The boy took a step backward, whilst the intruder approached him menacingly. Frantically, the boy pushed everything down; the coffee table, the chairs, even the pillows. They were now separated by a mass of debris, and the boy made mad dash towards the door.
He locked it from outside, securing the man inside. He heaved a sigh of relief, feeling safe. For now. He moved his shaking legs to call the cops, but someone held him back.
He felt hot breath breathing down his neck, and he screamed. He tried to kick but the man had clutched from behind, keeping a good grip on him.
"Running away won't help you. Now give in!"
The boy still struggled, and the man finally lost his patience. He roughly turned the boy around, mad eyes searching terrified ones. The intruder lifted a finger, and placed it on the boys forehead. The boy screamed yet again, and fell down, clutching at the man's white coat.
The man squatted next to the boy, fingering his hair, and smiling.
"You'll do just fine, boy. You'll do just fine."
* * * * *
"'Soka-chan. Please. Are you angry at me?" Tsuzuki asks me for the hundredth time, as we stood in front of Hijiri's rented apartment.
"No." I said, which was true since I wasn't angry. Just annoyed, I guess. Not to mention jealous.
"Really, Hisoka?"
"I said no already, dammit!"
"Ookay." He said, smiling tenderly at me. once again, I feel myself being held captive of his smile. Mentally, I pull myself together and shifted my attention to knocking in Hijiri's door.
But on that moment, we heard sudden crashes inside and a scream. Tsuzuki and I looked at each other for a minute, both mentally appraising the situation. He nodded his head towards the direction of Hijiri's apartment and I let my barriers down. Through my empathy, I scanned the interior of the house. But to my surprise, I felt nothing. It was freaky, hearing movements inside the house. There is a person inside but I can't feel it.
"Tsuzuki, come here." I called out frantically. Either I lost my powers or something is terribly wrong.
Tsuzuki went closer to me, his eyes clouding with worry.
"What's wrong, Hisoka?"
Tentatively, I touched his hands and slowly traveled upwards to his arms. Slowly too, matching my caresses to him, I feel the empathic buzz on my nerve endings squeal louder as I let my hands travel up to his chest, feeling his heart.
I heave a sigh of relief. Good, my powers still is working. However, I didn't lose my contact with him, and fortunately, he didn't either. Tsuzuki's presence makes me fel secure.
"What's wrong?" he asks urgently. I shook my head.
"So what do you see inside?"
"That's it Tsuzuki! I can't feel a thing. I don't feel anything at all!"
He eyed me skeptically and I breathed impatiently.
"I'm sure it didn't work, that's why-"
The door burst open suddenly, and someone popped out, smiling what seems to be a strained smile. He was sort of distracted, looking at anywhere but us. Then he sort of snapped, and his gaze zeroed in on us.
He was acting so bizarre that we forgot to ask him what's happening inside. I even forgot to ask why I didn't feel anything from him.
"Tsuzuki! Is that you? And, Hisoka... oh my god! It really is you guys!" the figure squealed and motioned for us to get in. He was still elegantly poised, despite his sudden outburst. He has this air of confidence that exudes even in the most embarrassing times.
Smirking, I realize that Hijiri Minase hadn't even changed a bit.
* * * * *
I sat in Hijiri's well worn velvet couch, talking to my glass of water, while watching Tsuzuki converse with Hijiri. Behind their backs, I shot them both a dirty look.
From the moment Tsuzuki and I entered his apartment, Hijiri pounced on my boyfriend.
Got that? B.o.y.f.r.i.e.n.d. As in mine alone.
But apparently Hijiri conveniently sidestepped this tiny information.
No, Tsuzuki wasn't all that crude, he actually proudly introduced me to Hijiri. From the look of his face, I thought he was ready to cry. Then he must have changed his mind and seen the opportunity.
"Really? Congratulations!" he said and hugged him. Tsuzuki, being the gullible man he is, accepted it.
I'm not saying that he shouldn't have accepted it, but you know Tsuzuki. He does have this tendency to get carried away. They continued hugging for five minutes and they must have went on if I hadn't intervened.
Of course, I have to step on Tsuzuki's feet before that leech- er, Hijiri let go of him. After that, he excused himself to get something to drink, and Tsuzuki immediately went over to me, hiding his fox ears and tail. But I was so pissed; I nearly bit his head off. So now, here I am, sitting all by myself, talking to my loyal glass of water.
I threw them another dirty look.
After some time of 'how are you's' and 'how's life beens', I hear Tsuzuki clear his throat.
"Uh, Hisoka, do you want to discuss the plans now? Hijiri had agreed to help us."
I wonder why, I thought wryly.
"Sure, yeah. Fine, whatever." I answered, glaring at him.
He gulped, and glanced nervously at Hijiri before turning back to me.
"W-well, we should go on with our plans of yesterday. You'll be his friend, asking for help while I-"
"You'll be acting as my boyfriend, still." I said mockingly, holding his hand and looking at Hijiri. I smiled at him.
"Isn't that sweet?"
Ha! Take that, leech.
But Hijiri looks quite unaffected. In fact, he smiles indulgently at me, and started talking to me.
"I'm really happy for the both of you. I'm glad you two finally worked this out. You are both very lucky with each other."
Tsuzuki beamed proudly.
"Of course, it took you guys so long, but all's well that ends well, isn't it? I'm happy that you two find the person who'll share your happiness and sorrow."
Great. Really poetic, Hijiri.
"Thanks, Hijiri-san." Tsuzuki said, still beaming.
"Can I say something, though? About the plans, I mean."
"Sure, go ahead."
"Um. I don't mean anything about this, but I think you acting as Hisoka's boyfriend wouldn't work out."
I couldn't resist responding.
"So you want him to act as your boyfriend?"
Tsuzuki choked on his water. I reached out and stroked his back.
"No. But him being your boyfriend wouldn't work."
"And what do you suggest?"
"Oh, I don't know. What do you say Tsuzuki?"
Tsuzuki swallowed a mouthful of water.
"I don't know. What do you think?"
Hijiri tapped his chin, and thought of it for a while. Then he snapped his fingers.
"I know! You could be my bodyguard!"
This time, I choked on my water.
"What?"
"Well, you know, it gives enough reason for him to follow us around rather that being your boyfriend. Not boasting or anything, but I am quite famous. The people will understand."
Tsuzuki nodded.
"Fine with me. What about you Hisoka?"
Do I have a choice?
"Sure. Whatever you say."
This time, it was Hijiri who smiled.
* * * * *
Tsuzuki and I talked quietly in the guest room, where Hijiri had shown us.
"Tsuzuki, I think something is wrong with him."
"Huh? Why say that Hisoka?"
"For one thing, he is acting strange. He isn't like that Tsuzuki. He's a decent person before, not unlike today."
He laughed at me.
"Hisoka, even he is indeed acting strangely, we wouldn't know for sure. As I've told you before, we haven't seen him for a year. He might have changed you know."
I bit my lip, getting frustrated. I can't argue with that one.
"But I can't feel anything from him. That's weird, don't you think? He's a human being, and it's hard for him to cover up his feelings."
"We still wouldn't know. Would we?"
More and more, I was getting irritated with him. Why doesn't he believe me?
Then he placed his hands around me, and smiled.
"Let's just sleep on it together? Okay?"
I smiled, and I allowed him to lead me to bed.
Okay. I'll just check on him tomorrow.
All thoughts flew out of my head as his lips met mine for the first time.
t.bc.
A/N:
Part 3 up next!
Thanks again for those who reviewed. It meant a lot. ^__~
* * * *
Part 2
Tsuzuki and I sat in the cab's passenger seat, away from each other. At first, he wanted to snuggle next to me, but it took him two painful jabs in the ribs to get the message. I mean cuddling is fine, but I'm not used to do it, much less in public places. I thought he was angry but now he's pressing his nose against the windshield, enjoying the ride. He was chattering quite happily; much too happily for my own liking.
"Hey, Hisoka, how do you think Hijiri looks now?" he asks, turning his attention to me.
Finally. I was starting to feel useless.
"I don't know. The same, I guess."
Tsuzuki considered my answer for a moment, then he nodded.
"Yes, you're probably right. What's a year anyway? He must have grown a bit tall, though."
So, it had been a year since we last saw Hijiri? Time really does fly. It felt as if it were weeks apart.
"Do you think he'll remember us?" he asks again.
"Maybe." I said, but deep inside, I wanted to scream. Of course, Hijiri will remember you, he loves you. I'm not sure about the 'love' part, but I'm pretty positive that Hijiri must have felt that way. Tsuzuki had helped him out a lot, saving him from the hands of death and even ensuring the life of Kazusa, although we weren't able to save her. And they were flirting, anyway. On the other hand, I seriously believed that Tsuzuki had also felt the same way about Hijiri.
Wait. Does that mean...
This sudden realization hit me so suddenly that I whipped my head in his direction. Fortunately, he was still preoccupied to notice my head-whipping stunt.
I studied him, and he looks so, I don't know. He looks so serene; so happy. Not to mention excited. Like a puppy being showed a bone.
A stab of jealousy hits me in the chest, and I feel my infamous temper flaring up.
I went back through all the times Tsuzuki and I went through, and I dazedly I realize that I haven't elicited half the same response he's giving Hijiri now.
Jeez, Hisoka. Getting sentimental aren't we?
But I can't ignorer the feeling, though.
Tsuzuki asks me yet another question- about Hijiri- again.
I sort of growled, and said: "Why don't you go ask him yourself?"
This time, he was the one who did the head-whipping stunt. He raised his eyebrows at me questioningly.
I blushed, ashamed of my sudden outburst. But then again, I was always mean to him before. He must be used to it by now.
I caught him opening his mouth, as if to ask me a question, but I cut him off.
"We're here." I said curtly and went out of the taxi, not bothering to wait for him.
* * * * * *
"Who are you? Get out of my house, or I'll call security!"
"Don't worry boy, this will be painless. I guarantee you."
The boy hurled a vase across the intruder which he grabbed from a nearby coffee table. The boy waited until the vase reaches the man and then he'll flee.
But to his horror, the vase erupted into pieces at mid-hurl. Shards of broken china rained down the expensive carpet.
"H-how?" Surprise and fear was evident in his eyes.
"Stop resisting, boy. I'll use you to lure him in."
"You're crazy! I don't know what you're talking about!"
The boy took a step backward, whilst the intruder approached him menacingly. Frantically, the boy pushed everything down; the coffee table, the chairs, even the pillows. They were now separated by a mass of debris, and the boy made mad dash towards the door.
He locked it from outside, securing the man inside. He heaved a sigh of relief, feeling safe. For now. He moved his shaking legs to call the cops, but someone held him back.
He felt hot breath breathing down his neck, and he screamed. He tried to kick but the man had clutched from behind, keeping a good grip on him.
"Running away won't help you. Now give in!"
The boy still struggled, and the man finally lost his patience. He roughly turned the boy around, mad eyes searching terrified ones. The intruder lifted a finger, and placed it on the boys forehead. The boy screamed yet again, and fell down, clutching at the man's white coat.
The man squatted next to the boy, fingering his hair, and smiling.
"You'll do just fine, boy. You'll do just fine."
* * * * *
"'Soka-chan. Please. Are you angry at me?" Tsuzuki asks me for the hundredth time, as we stood in front of Hijiri's rented apartment.
"No." I said, which was true since I wasn't angry. Just annoyed, I guess. Not to mention jealous.
"Really, Hisoka?"
"I said no already, dammit!"
"Ookay." He said, smiling tenderly at me. once again, I feel myself being held captive of his smile. Mentally, I pull myself together and shifted my attention to knocking in Hijiri's door.
But on that moment, we heard sudden crashes inside and a scream. Tsuzuki and I looked at each other for a minute, both mentally appraising the situation. He nodded his head towards the direction of Hijiri's apartment and I let my barriers down. Through my empathy, I scanned the interior of the house. But to my surprise, I felt nothing. It was freaky, hearing movements inside the house. There is a person inside but I can't feel it.
"Tsuzuki, come here." I called out frantically. Either I lost my powers or something is terribly wrong.
Tsuzuki went closer to me, his eyes clouding with worry.
"What's wrong, Hisoka?"
Tentatively, I touched his hands and slowly traveled upwards to his arms. Slowly too, matching my caresses to him, I feel the empathic buzz on my nerve endings squeal louder as I let my hands travel up to his chest, feeling his heart.
I heave a sigh of relief. Good, my powers still is working. However, I didn't lose my contact with him, and fortunately, he didn't either. Tsuzuki's presence makes me fel secure.
"What's wrong?" he asks urgently. I shook my head.
"So what do you see inside?"
"That's it Tsuzuki! I can't feel a thing. I don't feel anything at all!"
He eyed me skeptically and I breathed impatiently.
"I'm sure it didn't work, that's why-"
The door burst open suddenly, and someone popped out, smiling what seems to be a strained smile. He was sort of distracted, looking at anywhere but us. Then he sort of snapped, and his gaze zeroed in on us.
He was acting so bizarre that we forgot to ask him what's happening inside. I even forgot to ask why I didn't feel anything from him.
"Tsuzuki! Is that you? And, Hisoka... oh my god! It really is you guys!" the figure squealed and motioned for us to get in. He was still elegantly poised, despite his sudden outburst. He has this air of confidence that exudes even in the most embarrassing times.
Smirking, I realize that Hijiri Minase hadn't even changed a bit.
* * * * *
I sat in Hijiri's well worn velvet couch, talking to my glass of water, while watching Tsuzuki converse with Hijiri. Behind their backs, I shot them both a dirty look.
From the moment Tsuzuki and I entered his apartment, Hijiri pounced on my boyfriend.
Got that? B.o.y.f.r.i.e.n.d. As in mine alone.
But apparently Hijiri conveniently sidestepped this tiny information.
No, Tsuzuki wasn't all that crude, he actually proudly introduced me to Hijiri. From the look of his face, I thought he was ready to cry. Then he must have changed his mind and seen the opportunity.
"Really? Congratulations!" he said and hugged him. Tsuzuki, being the gullible man he is, accepted it.
I'm not saying that he shouldn't have accepted it, but you know Tsuzuki. He does have this tendency to get carried away. They continued hugging for five minutes and they must have went on if I hadn't intervened.
Of course, I have to step on Tsuzuki's feet before that leech- er, Hijiri let go of him. After that, he excused himself to get something to drink, and Tsuzuki immediately went over to me, hiding his fox ears and tail. But I was so pissed; I nearly bit his head off. So now, here I am, sitting all by myself, talking to my loyal glass of water.
I threw them another dirty look.
After some time of 'how are you's' and 'how's life beens', I hear Tsuzuki clear his throat.
"Uh, Hisoka, do you want to discuss the plans now? Hijiri had agreed to help us."
I wonder why, I thought wryly.
"Sure, yeah. Fine, whatever." I answered, glaring at him.
He gulped, and glanced nervously at Hijiri before turning back to me.
"W-well, we should go on with our plans of yesterday. You'll be his friend, asking for help while I-"
"You'll be acting as my boyfriend, still." I said mockingly, holding his hand and looking at Hijiri. I smiled at him.
"Isn't that sweet?"
Ha! Take that, leech.
But Hijiri looks quite unaffected. In fact, he smiles indulgently at me, and started talking to me.
"I'm really happy for the both of you. I'm glad you two finally worked this out. You are both very lucky with each other."
Tsuzuki beamed proudly.
"Of course, it took you guys so long, but all's well that ends well, isn't it? I'm happy that you two find the person who'll share your happiness and sorrow."
Great. Really poetic, Hijiri.
"Thanks, Hijiri-san." Tsuzuki said, still beaming.
"Can I say something, though? About the plans, I mean."
"Sure, go ahead."
"Um. I don't mean anything about this, but I think you acting as Hisoka's boyfriend wouldn't work out."
I couldn't resist responding.
"So you want him to act as your boyfriend?"
Tsuzuki choked on his water. I reached out and stroked his back.
"No. But him being your boyfriend wouldn't work."
"And what do you suggest?"
"Oh, I don't know. What do you say Tsuzuki?"
Tsuzuki swallowed a mouthful of water.
"I don't know. What do you think?"
Hijiri tapped his chin, and thought of it for a while. Then he snapped his fingers.
"I know! You could be my bodyguard!"
This time, I choked on my water.
"What?"
"Well, you know, it gives enough reason for him to follow us around rather that being your boyfriend. Not boasting or anything, but I am quite famous. The people will understand."
Tsuzuki nodded.
"Fine with me. What about you Hisoka?"
Do I have a choice?
"Sure. Whatever you say."
This time, it was Hijiri who smiled.
* * * * *
Tsuzuki and I talked quietly in the guest room, where Hijiri had shown us.
"Tsuzuki, I think something is wrong with him."
"Huh? Why say that Hisoka?"
"For one thing, he is acting strange. He isn't like that Tsuzuki. He's a decent person before, not unlike today."
He laughed at me.
"Hisoka, even he is indeed acting strangely, we wouldn't know for sure. As I've told you before, we haven't seen him for a year. He might have changed you know."
I bit my lip, getting frustrated. I can't argue with that one.
"But I can't feel anything from him. That's weird, don't you think? He's a human being, and it's hard for him to cover up his feelings."
"We still wouldn't know. Would we?"
More and more, I was getting irritated with him. Why doesn't he believe me?
Then he placed his hands around me, and smiled.
"Let's just sleep on it together? Okay?"
I smiled, and I allowed him to lead me to bed.
Okay. I'll just check on him tomorrow.
All thoughts flew out of my head as his lips met mine for the first time.
t.bc.
A/N:
Part 3 up next!