Never Let Go

Mirai Kurosaki

A/N: Well, I think this goes into more depth about the plot…That's basically what the chapter is about.

~*~*~*~

"Hisoka?"

The soft and gentle tone was familiar. He'd been hearing his name called a few times earlier, yet now, it was much clearer. Just as his name was spoken again, a large but soft hand was placed on his forehead.

Hisoka struggled a moment but eventually got his eyes to open slowly, taking note of the person beside him. He felt very cold but his face felt flushed. The soft cushion on his entire left side gave him an idea that he was lying on his side. With a groan, he focused his vision to see Tsuzuki.

"Hisoka," the man repeated, smiling and offering a helping hand. "Can you sit up?"

Tsuzuki watched as Hisoka pushed off of the mattress with his elbow. Although too tired to sit up completely, Hisoka leaned onto his left hand, letting his right drape over his thigh.

"Wha…How long have I been asleep?"

Tsuzuki frowned and ignored Hisoka's question. Instead, he took the boy under the arms, and sat him on his lap as he shifted his entire weight into the middle of the bed. "Shh," he whispered, once comfortable. He shifted again, so that he could see Hisoka's pale face.

Hisoka blinked up at Tsuzuki, blushing when Tsuzuki leaned down and began licking at his lips.

"Tsuzuki…what are you doing? What happened?"

Tsuzuki refused to answer and began attacking at Hisoka's neck, causing Hisoka to fidget. "My sweet Hisoka…No one can have you but me."

"Tsuzuki!" cried Hisoka, as the man crushed his entire body. "Oi! Get off of me!"

The hot breath blowing in his ear caused Hisoka to shiver in fear. Just like that night under the blossoms. Tsuzuki tore open Hisoka's shirt, receiving a harsh punch to his cheek.

"I said GET OFF!" Hisoka shrieked again, pushing at the man's shoulders. Of course, Tsuzuki possessed the physical strength, and forced the boy's arms down, creating bruises under his grip.

Hisoka was only left to go limp, but he refused to keep silent. "YUKIO! ZENSHIN! TSUZUKI GET OFF! TSUZUKI!"

Tsuzuki growled and took both wrists into one hand and slapped Hisoka with the other. "You are only to speak when I say so!"

Hisoka cringed visibly. "Tsuzuki…What's the matter? You've never hurt me like this before! Stop it!" He whimpered when noting he had nothing else on covering his body. It was just like the time with Muraki.

"You're so pretty when crying, Hisoka. But the truth is…" Tsuzuki trailed off, eyeing Hisoka's frail body withering in despair.

"Tsuzuki…" Tears grew at Hisoka's eyes as Tsuzuki began taking advantage of the weaker form's weak point. He appeared ten times stronger than usual to Hisoka.

"The truth is, Hisoka,' Tsuzuki continued, smiling evilly at his partner. "You've been used and broken already."

Hisoka tightly shut his eyes, refusing to believe what he was hearing. "Tsuzuki! Stop!"

"Muraki has already claimed you. You only have the body of a child. How could you even live with yourself?"

Again, pain and memories began filling Hisoka's head. The same pain he was feeling just as when he was a boy. His body shook violently and he continued screaming and sobbing out the agony that was upon him.

Tsuzuki chuckled and met Hisoka's eyes. Hisoka gasped when he noticed that Tsuzuki's eyes weren't that gentle amethyst shade, but a devilish silver color.

With a laugh, Tsuzuki whispered. "I could never love you. Never."

Hisoka's world shattered.

"TSUZUKI!!!!!!!!!!"

~*~*~*~

With a strangled cry, Hisoka's eyes snapped open; his breathing was unusually faster. Two arms gripped his in a fashion of compassion.

"Hisoka!" bellowed his partner, holding the boy in his arms.

Hisoka's eyes darted quickly around the area, instantly resting on Tsuzuki's face above him. The emotions collided gently with his mind, allowing him to relax and lean into the touch. Apparently, it was just another nightmare. It was just a nightmare, he thought thankfully as in order to reassure his mind. It was so real…

"Tsuzuki," gasped Hisoka, clutching desperately at Tsuzuki's white shirt. It was a soft and silky as the man's dark hair.

Tsuzuki sighed and gently created circles upon Hisoka's back, as if a mother were comforting a frightened child. "Mm. It's me. You were only having a nightmare. It's all right…Do you want to talk about it?"

The motion of Hisoka's head side to side told him that the boy's answer was a 'no'. He felt the boy shiver for a moment, leaning in as close as possible to him. Green eyes slowly lifted up to meet the concerned ones of his lover. The boy whimpered and stammered amount, thinking of what to say.

"Tsuzuki…I need to ask you something," whispered Hisoka as he watched Tsuzuki blink. He always seemed to do that when he was slightly surprised.

Tsuzuki nodded and smiled sweetly.

Hisoka took in a deep breath and asked, "Do you love me?"

As expected, the man blinked again rapidly. His eyes narrowed and he drew Hisoka into a crushing bear hug. "Of course I do! Why wouldn't I?"

Hisoka angrily shoved away from Tsuzuki wrapping his arms around himself, shivering. He refused to meet the man's confused gaze. "My body…"

"Hisoka! I don't care about that! I've told you before, I love you for you and ALL of you!" shouted Tsuzuki grasping Hisoka's wrist.

"But…" continued Hisoka, pausing a moment. The emotions running through him from Tsuzuki were too strong. "Muraki. He already has made me his…puppet." He spat the last words out with venom. "I'm broken…and used."

Tsuzuki sniffled and shifted Hisoka so that they faced before one another, but he still kept the grip on the boy. "Hisoka," he said almost harshly. He forced their eyes to meet. "I don't care about any of that. That doesn't make me love you any less. And, Muraki is a pervert. He doesn't own you. No one can! Only you can own yourself, Hisoka. Don't think that I love you any less for ANY of those reasons."

Hisoka's eyes widened with very word. The feeling was so intense he couldn't help but allow the tears to trickle down. "Tsuzuki…You, idiot. You always say things like that."

"But they're the truth!" Tsuzuki declared, grinning widely. He grabbed Hisoka playfully and embraced him. "And what about you? Do you love me too?"

Hisoka sighed contently and leaned in once again into the touch. "Baka. Don't ask questions that you know the answer too."

Tsuzuki chuckled and pulled back, still smiling. "I know. I just love to ask."

"…Baka…"

"Isn't that just SWEET!" yelled a voice, causing both Tsuzuki and Hisoka to snap their heads up. At the edge of the bed stood Zenshin and Yukio, one smirking and the other smiling so widely you might think their faces would freeze.

Zenshin, the one who had spoken before, leapt onto the bed and hugged Tsuzuki strongly. "You're so kind, Tsuzuki! Now I know why you stay with him, Hisoka! He's irresistible!"

Yukio laughed and sat down at the edge of the bed, running a hand through his hair. "Ah. I agree."

Tsuzuki laughed and looked at Hisoka. "Didn't I say I was irresistible?"

Hisoka snorted and looked away, face flushed deeply. "Humph. You're irresistible all right. Irresistible to monkeys."

"Hisokaaaa! I'm hurt!" Tsuzuki sniffled; wagging his now puppy tail with his ears laid back in a hurtful expression.

All laughed besides Hisoka, who just snorted.

Tsuzuki giggled and went back to embracing Hisoka, slightly bouncing on the bed. "Sooo, what now?"

"Well," began Yukio, now seated on the chair. "Arisa is downstairs watching TV. Very entertained actually…Zenshin, dear, why don't you go and stay with her, just in case? I don't want to bother her with questions right away. It's not a good time."

Zenshin snorted and cursed. "You're too sympathetic. That's why we never get ANY work done! And don't call me 'dear' you jackass." He stomped down the stairs.

"He gets angry too easily," explained Yukio, ignoring his brother's continues curses.

Hisoka yawned and stretched his arms after demanding Tsuzuki to stop bouncing. He leaned back until he was against Tsuzuki.

Tsuzuki smiled again. "What about Hisoka, Yukio? We need to ask her what she was talking about."

"Hisoka-chan seems fine at the moment. Besides, if it happens again, we know how to control it. In the meantime, let's talk about the attack awaiting us in 6 days. We can't push everything all at once."

Hisoka blinked as Tsuzuki and Yukio began babbling on about nonsense about the attack and, because of Tsuzuki, the topic about him again. Hisoka calmed himself down trying not to let the vein on his head pop out of irritation.

Before he could ask what were they talking about, he flushed when Yukio's eyes fell on him. The man leaned on the chair he sat in and asked, "Hisoka-chan, do you remember what happened before you woke up?"

"What are you guys talking about? The last thing I remember was…Sitting on the couch, angry. Then, something happened and I was outside. There's a big blank now…and then, I felt something warm. And that was it," said Hisoka, trying to remember what that warmth came from.

Tsuzuki and Yukio exchanged glances. Tsuzuki was the one, who asked, "You don't remember anything else?"

"No! I just told you what I remembered!" Hisoka huffed staring up at Tsuzuki.

Again, another exchange of glances. For a moment, it seemed that no one would make a movement. Before he got to demand an answer again to what was happening, Yukio spoke up.

"I'll explain…"

~*~*~*~

Zenshin yawned again as Arisa continued to flip through random channels, too intrigued by the colors. He couldn't help but ask, "Haven't you ever watched TV before, Arisa-chan?"

The girl stopped flipping channels, landing on a cartoon. She shook her head sweetly with a cute smile. "No, actually. I've heard Rosa listen to it. It was something called 'news', I think. We weren't allowed to do many activities. Mainly, people had to strengthen their Fortune."

The last word made Zenshin wonder for a moment. "You mean,…gifts?"

The girl nodded. "I guess so. Rosa calls it Fortune. We have to kill all those who ravish this planet with greed and hatred of those who are different. Whether it be with Fortune or handicap," she explained, not affected by the conversation at all.

"Arisa-chan," Zenshin said, taking the remote and putting the volume louder so that Yukio wouldn't hear. He was going to get a good yell from this. "I need you to tell me everything you know about Rosa, her plans, what will happen to Hisoka. Everything…"

The girl only stared into his eyes, searching for an emotion, it seemed. Her smile grew into a thin line with her lips pressed tightly together. She looked away at the TV, though not watching it.

"It began about…fifteen years ago, I think, from what I've heard. The guards and Fortune people say Rosa's younger brother and mother were both telepathic. There were hunters at the time that searched for Fortune and took them into labs. They used them for prophecies and for the fun to be laughed at. Her brother and mother were taken."

Zenshin interrupted, "What about her? Doesn't she have…the uh…Fortune?"

He watched as Arisa smiled again up at him. "I'm getting there."

"Oh…Sorry, continue."

"She was then put into an orphanage in Spain. She was furious at the people who took her family away. Later on, she researched about those that hunted Fortune. She learned about all sorts of organizations who took people with Fortune to help them, as one guard told me. Well, in the orphanage was a boy who could control fire. A fire caster, or something, I guess. He had no friends, but no one knew about his Fortune, besides Rosa. They became friends immediately and planned to runaway. Both of them knew of what were becoming of people like that boy and Rosa's family. They had a plan for everything."

"What was the plan?" asked Zenshin, becoming very anxious with every detail.

Arisa lifted her shoulders in a tiny shrug. Her wings flapped out as if though to stretch. "I don't know the details. But all I know is that she's gotten enough people with the Fortune to attack soon. But, for some reason, she's interested in Hisoka-san," Arisa said with a frown.

Zenshin stared away into the TV. "What about Tsuzuki-san?"

"Is he not the most powerful Shinigami? Well, or that's what people say. Under her control…Not only does she get Hisoka but humanity won't stand a chance," whispered Arisa.

Zenshin then said, "Continue."

"Well, Rosa was obsessed with the idea. After a few years, she had an apartment with the boy in America. She also had befriended many Fortunes after the years of searching. But these Fortune people were too loners. They had no family at all or they had escaped the clutches of scientists. So, her real task was to find out about those with families or who accepted the world for its cruelty." Arisa paused, taking in a breath.

She continued after a moment. "She found a man, a dark sorcerer. Very rare moment to find one, I though when they spoke about it. At the time, Rosa had finally discovered that she possess the ability of anything she wished. But it was powerful enough or it wouldn't last long. She made a bargain with the sorcerer."

"Of what?"

Arisa's eyes narrowed. "If she possessed all the powers that were strong and had endless limits in return…"

Zenshin instantly took note of her hesitation to answer. "What is it?…Do you need to stop?"

"No," she replied quickly. "You must know. It's just a little hard to talk about." She flapped her wings slightly in an aggravated and nervous manner. "In return for the pure innocence and love of one of the Fortune children. But their was a catch, the sorcerer had told her, that that child must have already been broken and their love stronger than any other love among the children. I don't know what they meant by broken. Mentally, I think…"

She stopped again, smiling when Zenshin gently brushed the tears away from her eyes. "Arisa-chan," he said calmly, "What about your brother? Is Rosa using him because she has you?"

The smile disappeared as quickly as it came. "I grew wings starting at the age of three. I always had back pain and one day, one horrible night; they tore through my flesh. It was so bad. Mother was sympathetic…But frightened. My father he…He committed suicide five days later. My brother was the one that was mostly home, and because of me, he quite school to heal my back wounds and help me walk again."

"Walk again?"

She nodded slowly. "My wings felt like my arms and it made my balance go off. It took a while to learn to walk again. I don't know why I was the only one with wings…Until I discovered that my brother also did."

Zenshin couldn't help but stop her again. "He has…wings?" he asked with an astonished pitch.

"Yes. He can make them come and go as he pleases. He just never told me because I was too young to understand that I was really different. Later, our mother told us we were adopted, which really explained why our parents never possessed any ability.

Well, life went on. I had one friend; she was really nice. But, she was also different. She could see possible visions of crimes being committed. Scared her a lot though, but anyway. She lived with her father and grandmother. But then, Rosa came. I was outside, playing in the safety of my backyard with my friend, Sara, when we heard a knock at the door."

Arisa paused and her wings began trembling violently again. She sighed and said, "Mother answered it after telling my brother to stay close by me. Earlier that day, Sara had said someone was going to be murdered in this house and my mother refused to let it be her children. She opened the door and started talking to the lady. Her voice got louder to a screaming point. I tried to see what mother was screaming about. I ran into the house with my brother and saw as the woman used a strange ability I didn't know at the time and mother went paralyzed. I was only eight at the time, too. I ran to mother once she fell but brother pulled me away. Just as I had broken free mother began shaking and screaming. Her body began melting…Oh God! She just melted!" Arisa began sobbing softly and angrily rubbing tears away.

Zenshin soothed her hair softly bringing her into his arms, just as his brother use to do when he began crying. "You can stop."

"No," Arisa hiccuped, looking away. "I have to finish. You see Sara was right, mom was murdered. Sara was now by side, tightly clinging to James, as was I. She began talking in a language I didn't understand. My brother did though. He began swearing in our language again, demanding her to leave us. She didn't listen. She made fire from her body and shot it around the area so we were trapped. She took Sara and me, pushing my brother away. She held us tight with this strange electric wire she made with her fingers. She then began trying to use strange abilities to take my brother, but somehow he was able to dodge everything."

"What happened to your brother?" asked Zenshin, trying to get everything into his mind clearly.

Arisa sniffled. "She heard the sirens grow louder around there and stood beside me and Sara. She said something again that I couldn't either hear or understand. Then, the last thing I remembered was my brother screaming. Then…We woke up in a room. They were very nice and we were always provided with the things we needed. There were other winged Fortunes too. Not many, but a few. She said that only a few of the same kind could share a room or it would be too full. And that's how life has been."

"And then, why did your brother work for Rosa?"

Arisa said, "He came into the room I was in one day. He told me that once he found Rosa he came here to tell me that…That he'd do anything to set me free. At the time, he didn't know that no one would be set free, regardless of what happens. But, it was the beginning of everything, so he believed Rosa. He sold his soul to her in order to guarantee my safety. In return, he had the power to morph and disguise himself as any living object."

Zenshin breathed in deeply. "Man…But, why does he wear masks instead sometimes?"

"Oh that's simple. It sometimes hurts to morph. If he had morphed more than five times that day earlier, he would have to wear a special mask that stuck to his skin. Or something like that, from what I heard."

Silence crept up again.

Zenshin thought of the previous day. "Hey…What happened to you yesterday? You were…a monster. And I thought Rosa wasn't going to attack until the week was over."

Arisa smiled sheepishly. "Well, you see, when I was training and it was time for a break, I went to the room. There was another room right down the hall with large doors, which was forbidden. Everyone always believed that there was a curse if you went it. But, I went in, being the sister of James. Inside, there were books and some sort of crystals and papers around. I was shocked that I was able to enter without any traps. I began reading through the things after I made sure no one was around.

I found nothing that made any sense to me, but I did find a picture. See, earlier that week I heard people speaking that Rosa was going to add another 'friend' to our list. She said that he was already dead, but could be of great use!"

"What was the picture of?" asked Zenshin, almost impatient.

Arisa gave the tiniest hint of a smile. "Tsuzuki-san, of course. Next to his picture were two pictures of Hisoka-san. One was of him reading a book, with Tsuzuki poking his head form behind the couch, and the other was of…a younger version of him, in school uniform. I know it was he though. The same sad eyes he had. Attached to the photo was information about him. I was still learning to read but what I made out from it was that he was murdered and raped, but not enough evidence to arrest."

Zenshin's mouth dropped. "Now it makes sense. No wonder you were trying to warn us!"

Arisa ignored him and continued. "After that, I knew that they were the two that she wanted. I knew a passage that I could escape from. I never could at first, because I had heard that if anyone tried to escape they would be killed. So, I had to escape somehow to warn Hisoka-san. I would easily be able to dodge the creatures outside if I flew high enough"

"Outside?"

Arisa nodded. "There are these creatures that guard the area and fly around. Their positions are exactly at the same time if you count. They never worry about the other's work, only focused on their own orders. I was going to count the time until when this particular creature was passing by to take off. If I did it at that time, I could avoid being attacked by more than two birds. But while I was running out, these vines came out of nowhere and snapped onto my body, dragging me back in. I knew I would be caught now. I guess they let people snoop around and then are caught…Before they are executed."

Arisa sighed and let out a cynical laugh, as if though disgusted with her own actions.

"I struggled to break free, but couldn't. That was when I remember some potion that James had given me secretly for an emergency. I used one of my wings that was slightly free and pulled the bottle out. I turned it upside down and got a few sips in, before my wing slipped the potion out of its feathers. At that moment I focused on transforming into one of those creatures. I did, too, and broke free. I immediately took off and tore through the roof, flying high into the air, heading towards the other beach. I heard James say that's where he saw Hisoka."

James blinked. "But why did you attack? Er…That's what Yukio said," he said, noting the hurt expression from the girl.

"I guess my mind was taken over by the beast and wanted to kill Hisoka-san. I learned from the beasts after becoming one, that if there's anything they wanted to protect, their darker side would turn over and kill that person…And anyone in the way. That's probably why I chased after Yukio-san too. Either way, I was lucky those creatures didn't come out to attack me."

Zenshin sighed and rubbed his head. "But I saw on the computer that is wasn't one of Rosa's creatures."

"It wasn't. It was I. If Rosa or one of her slaves didn't send them, you can't detect it as a deadly creature out of the mansion," explained Arisa getting up. She headed towards the kitchen, the tips of her feathers tapping against the floor. "Want some water?"

"No, thanks." Zenshin cursed himself for being stupid. She must be thirsty from talking so much. "That's a hell of a story," he said as she sat back down.

Arisa didn't reply but took a large gulp of water. She set the cup back down softly. "That's basically from what I know. I'm sure that they'll be searching for me now. And, I'm highly sure her security is ten times that as before. James and Anthony must no much more."

"Anthony?" shouted Zenshin, his eyes narrowing.

"Oi, Zenshin! What are you doing?" cried Yukio, coming down the flight of stairs.

"Er…nothing."

Arisa smiled at Yukio. "Hi, Yukio-san. I was just answering some of Zenshin's questions."

Yukio's eyes fumed and glared daggers at his younger brother. "I thought I told you not to ask any questions, idiot!"

"Like you were going to do it!" replied Zenshin, meeting his brother's dirty look.

Yukio groaned. "Zenshin!"

"Yukio! Come one! We only have six days left now! I learned so much form this girl! It's vital to Hisoka-kun's and Tsuzuki-san's existence!" explained Zenshin, giving Yukio his puppy look.

Yukio snorted.

Zenshin smiled and glomped his brother. He loved it when Yukio didn't respond, which usually meant he gave up. "I love you!"

"Yeah, yeah." Yukio gasped for breath. Zenshin rolled off his brother and brushed himself off.

"What were YOU doing?" asked Zenshin.

Yukio shrugged and went to get something to snack on. "I was reminding Hisoka-chan what happened. Apparently, he couldn't remember."

"Poor Hisoka-kun," sighed Zenshin. "I want to see how he's doing."

"All right. But hurry up!"

Zenshin raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Yukio stuck his head out from the kitchen with an innocent smile. "I need you to cook me something."

"Jackass."

~*~*~*~

"Hisoka-kun? Tsuzuki-san?" whispered Zenshin, coming into the room.

Tsuzuki was holding a frail and pale looking Hisoka. Jade eyes were red as if though he were sobbing, while amethyst eyes showed concern and compassion.

The older man looked up at the soft tone of Zenshin's voice. "Come in," he said gently. "No need to just stand there."

Zenshin smiled sympathetically and sat down on the chair Yukio had previously sat on. "How's he doing?"

"I'm fine," snapped Hisoka, sounding very irritated.

Tsuzuki smiled with an apologetic expression. "He's upset because he can't remember why he did all the things."

"Ah. I almost got to ask Arisa-chan about that. But Yukio interrupted." Zenshin heaved his head upward to watch Tsuzuki whisper comforting words to Hisoka. "That bad, hmm?"

Tsuzuki gave a mute nod. The boy in his arms shook with rage for a moment before relaxing. He rubbed his eyes viscously, and said, "I don't understand what's going on. Why did I do that?"

Not knowing the answer himself, Tsuzuki looked at the form of Zenshin, as if though asking for an answer.

"Oh dear. You're getting a lot of bad news today, kid. I guess it's my turn to do some explaining."

Footsteps caused the three to focus their attention toward the stairs. Yukio and Arisa, who held a glass of water in her small hands, came to the top of the flight of the stairs. Yukio sighed and sat on the armrest of the chair where his brother sat.

"Might as well tell everyone," whispered Yukio.

Arisa looked around not finding a seat close by. It was then, she noted Hisoka had brought out a hand, inviting her to sit beside him. She smiled and took one of his hands to help herself get seated beside the couple.

Zenshin, after confirming was as comfortable as possible, asked, "Do you want me to explain it, Arisa-chan? You must be tired form talking."

The girl nodded. "I'll help though if you forget something."

Zenshin chuckled and cheerfully explained, "I doubt I could forget a story like that."

"Get on with it, Zenshin," hissed his brother, apparently annoyed.

"Sheesh fine."

Zenshin took in a breath and explained the entire story, of course, in his own artistic words. He paused every now and then when seeing the eyes of the others widened, with the exception of Arisa, at certain comments. What seemed like an eternity came to an end in about fifteen to twenty minutes. He waited for questions.

"Well, there's actually more I wanted to know, but, I think that's where I should stop for now, right, Arisa-chan?"

The girl nodded, gulping down the rest of her drink.

Hisoka shut his eyes tightly closed trying to concentrate on what was just told to him rather than what everyone else was wondering. Again, he struggled to push the other's thoughts back but failed once again.

He began to remember his home when he was younger and how he felt the same way when too many people were gathered in a single room. Then, he would be punished and locked away like a wild animal, whenever spoken of his ability. Memories flashed by and Muraki crept painfully into his mind.

Unable to contain the hatred and sorrow plunging all at once into his heart and mind, Tsuzuki let out a low growl in the back of his throat and discarded the sheets off of him violently, startling both Arisa and Tsuzuki.

Tsuzuki frowned and reached out for Hisoka, "Where are you going?"

Hisoka stood upward made sure his balance was accurate and passed Zenshin and Yukio, heading towards the stairs. "Out."

Yukio was the first to leap to his feet and took Hisoka's right arm gently. "Wait. I have a better idea."

Hisoka spun around and shook Yukio off angrily. "I'm…Leaving." He turned back around and stomped down the stairs.

"Take Tsuzuki-san with you!" Yukio called out to Hisoka. "You two really need to get your minds off everything for now! We all do, and my duty is to protect you. I know if Tsuzuki-chan went with you it would be all right."

A loud shout indicated that Hisoka was really upset at the moment. "I don't want to be protected, damn it!"

They heard the rustling of a jacket and silence for a few seconds before the door creaked open and was shut with a loud slam.

Arisa stuck her lower lip out in a pouting manner. "He shouldn't be left alone."

Tsuzuki nodded in agreement and went dashing after his younger partner. "Don't worry! We'll be fine!" he began calling out to them before Zenshin stopped him.

"Take this Tsuzuki!" said Zenshin catching up with the older man down the stairs. In his hand he held out a clip on button. The rim was dark gold and in the center it was a shade of scarlet. "If anything happens just press it. It will note me immediately on my own device."

Clipping the clip on his shirt, Tsuzuki smiled. "Thank you."

"And Tsuzuki…?"

Tsuzuki grabbed his coat off the hanger. "Yes?" He slipped his arms through and adjusted the jacket.

"Be careful," Zenshin whispered form the stairs almost in an inaudible tone.

Tsuzuki shut the door behind him.

~*~*~*~

Hisoka sniffled, preventing a sneeze from coming. It was beginning to sprinkle very lightly, and the weather had begun to fade off from cool warmth into a freezing environment. There was barely any people there, despite it were still early. Probably also because the sprinkles gave a sign of a future storm.

Tilting his head upward to study the clouds and shielding his bright eyes with one arm, Hisoka breathed in. It felt extremely good to get some fresh air. The extreme temperature was beginning to get to his delicate body. The thought of Tsuzuki holding him in his strong arms on those rainy days came to him.

"Ch', at a time like this, I'm still thinking of him?" scowled Hisoka at himself. He lowered his head once again and walked ahead toward a small empty booth. It was closed but it provided a nice place to sit. He sat himself down on the surface of one of the high seat and spun around so that he faced toward a lagoon like beach, his back facing the direction of the hotel.

Although he was beginning to tremble from the cold, Hisoka resumed on concentrating on what Zenshin had said. "So, she's after me too. And Tsuzuki as well. I'm going to make sure nothing touches him, as he has done for me." His eyes narrowed. I'm tired of begin watched over. After Riko died for me, I couldn't stand being protected like a child anymore."

He sneezed and groaned. "Great," he stated, "Now I'm getting a cold."

Something snaked around his shoulder, which startled him with a cry. Instantly, the warmth he was slightly familiar with began melting into his own body, erasing the feeling of the cold.

"Why did you follow me?" he asked already knowing who it was.

The hot breath sent a shiver down his spine with every word. "Just like one of our first days of knowing each other. Already getting sick again, Hisoka. I thought you could use something warmer than that sorry excuse for a jacket," whispered Tsuzuki, smirking.

"There's nothing wrong with my jacket," Hisoka stated firmly in defense.

Tsuzuki spun the seat around so that he was face to face with his lover. "Of course not. It's my favorite color; just like your eyes too." He smiled sweetly.

Hisoka blushed slightly and sniffled, feeling another sneeze.

A gloved hand popped out before Hisoka. He looked up to see Tsuzuki still grinning cheerfully like not a care in the world. "Let's get someplace warmer and have some breakfast."

Hisoka glared and stood up, dusting off his pants. "I don't need help. I'm not a child."

Tsuzuki watched as Hisoka turned and began walking ahead of him. Pouting and upset, Tsuzuki caught up to the boy, who had his hands shoved into his pockets, head facing straight. Noticing the boy's intense face, Tsuzuki decided to stay quiet.

As they walked a few more strides, Hisoka could sense the worried and hurt emotions from his lover. He sighed deeply and removed his left hand from his pocket. Reluctantly, after reaching his courage, Hisoka slowly slipped his smaller and cold hand into Tsuzuki's right, entwining his fingers with the man.

Instantly, Tsuzuki looked at Hisoka and smiled. He tightened his hold on Hisoka's hand and walked toward an open restaurant close by.

"Hisoka…"

Hisoka silenced him. "We've got six days left. What do you want to eat?"

"Oh anything is all right! I'm starving! What about you," asked Tsuzuki, ignoring the stare of a woman walking by.

Hisoka's shoulders gave a shrug. "Anything, I guess. Just as long as you have money to buy something."

"I thought you had the money," Tsuzuki said, his hopes going down to eat. "So, we have no money?"

Hisoka looked up at Tsuzuki for a moment, before giving a very microscopic smile.

"Idiot. You know that when I'm hungry I at least have money, unlike you."

"But you're never hungry," Tsuzuki said with a whining tone.

Hisoka confirmed that with a nod.

"So we have no money to buy!?"

The boy looked straight ahead, ignoring Tsuzuki's comment and said, "I hear their special at eh restaurant is good."

Tsuzuki groaned cranking his neck upward with a confused expression. "But we don't have any money!" he exclaimed towards the sky.

The action made Hisoka roll his eyes in a distasteful manner, even though he thought the groan was slightly cute. He walked on.

"Ahh! I'm starving too! I won't be able to make it back to the hotel form money! The food is right there!" Tsuzuki's eyes were filled with large drops of tears that were about to slide downward like a mad waterfall.

Before he could begin bawling though, Hisoka sighed and said, "I never said I didn't have any money, stupid."

Tsuzuki's tears vanished in an instant. "So, you mean you have money?" His mouth turned upward into the largest smile.

"I never said that either."

"Hisoka! Stop confusing me!"

"It's not my fault you're too stupid to understand."

The man sniffled loudly. Knowing then that that wasn't going to aid him in understanding what Hisoka meant, he smirked evilly with an idea. "Are you going to tell me if you have money or not?"

"No."

Tsuzuki pouted mockingly and released his grip on Hisoka's hand. Noticing that Hisoka was slightly surprised by the action, he pulled the boy extremely close to his own body, resting his hand on the hip of his partner. The boy was beginning to flush again.

"Tell me," he demanded cheerfully again.

The boy stuttered a moment before meeting Tsuzuki's eyes, shooting a dirty look at him. "No."

"Too bad." With that, Tsuzuki, making sure there were a few people close by, grabbed Hisoka's rear end tightly. Most of the people around quickly saw the action and either shot a disturbed look or an evil look at them.

The boy cried out, which was how many of the people noticed what had happened, and tried to jump back. Tsuzuki's strong grip, though, prevented him from doing so.

The man chuckled. "Well?"

"Tsuzuki…" Hisoka was silence with another hard pinch. "All right!" he cried, "I have the money!"

Satisfied with his work, Tsuzuki loosened his grip and lifted his hand higher up so that it rested comfortably onto Hisoka's hip again. He liked the feeling how Hisoka fit perfectly against him.

"Good," he finally said. "I think I'll have the special, then."

The boy, still flushing madly, from either humiliation or anger no one could tell, shouted, "You're impossible Tsuzuki Asato! I'm going to make you pay for that!"

Tsuzuki met the boy's furious gaze with a mischievous one. "Please do."

Jade eyes widened and the face grew into a complete crimson color. "Don't have those thoughts or I won't be able to eat!"

"I love you too."

"Tsuzuki you idiot!"

"Hisoka my cupcake."

"Cut that out"

"Mmm, cutting a cake…Sounds yummy!"

"Are you listening to me?"

"…With sprinkled…. Apple pie too! And ice cream! Hisoka makes a good dessert too…"

"I'm still right here!"

"…Mmm…food…"

"TSUZUKI!"

"Yes pumpkin? Ooh…Pumpkin pies…"

As went the conversation for the two, with the occasional glance from passerby's, until they reach the restaurant and the weather began lightening up, literally, with thunder and lightening bolting throughout the darkened sky.

~*~*~*~

Such a long chapter! Slightly boring because I needed somewhere to stick in some information. In the meantime, I can work on the next chapter. It took long due to the fact that I've been extremely busy. But, nonetheless, I got it done! Review please? Did you like it?