AN: Wooooowww lots of reviews for this chapter!!! YAY ^___^ I was a
little worried for a while ~sweatdrop~ Annnyway, here's the next chapter!
And the vortex of Christmas has caught up with me, so I may be a little
slow with the next couple chapters.sorry @_@
Panatlantic- Oh, don't worry about it! S'ok ^_^'' ~waves hand up and down~
Free4ever- Hmm, perhaps your right..I may just do a flashback of the fight. After all, who knows how much time had passed before her turning into Hisoka and them going back to the office ^_^" (translation= a flashback is an easy way to fix oocness ^^") And yeah, he is going to Oriya a lot.I dunno, I just think that it's a better hiding place than anywhere in Meifu ^^" And about the slap..I suppose it's a little OOC...ok, VERY ooc, but I was still in the mindset of Jade, and so was Hisoka :P And Saki got revived because..umm...I wanted him to?? ^^" Don't worry, I'm planning an explanation somewhere in this chapter.
Asidian- Awww it's ok, you don't suck! You reviewed lots of my chapters! ~pat on the back~ Heheh, not even I know if Hisoka's sticking around :P Guess you'll just have to stick around to find out ^_^v Heh, and Saki...allllll part of the plot, you shall see ~cackles evilly~
Yamatoforever- Whee questions! Love answering them.~clears throat~ Okies! Yeah, Hisoka went back to Oriya. I figure it's an easier place to hide at ^^' And Tsuzuki doesn't know that he left.again.although maybe he'll come get him :P Who knows? And, since Hisoka's a guy again, well..you'll just have to see about Ifrit and Cerberus. As for the question about Saki..bahahahahahah.ahem. Sorry. Read on and find out ^___^v
Oh, and I apologize for cursing more than usual in this chappie..it just seems to get the meaning across more sometimes. If you're offended.I'm sorry ;-;
Oriya nodded, frowning. Hisoka was holding himself up fairly well, considering the situation he had been placed in. Caught in a reluctant lie, not the best situation to found in. Now the boy was sitting beside him outside, scowling heavily.
" I can't even move things anymore. I've lost it all." Hisoka glared into space.
" And now Tsuzuki's mad at me as well. I can't see Ifrit or Cerberus anymore, I don't know when I'll change back and forth, and I don't know how to fix it!" Oriya sighed, looking up at the sky for a moment, trying to collect his thoughts. The boy needed some sort of reassurance, but given all that had happened, Oriya was drawing a blank.
" Well, Hisoka.I'm sure things will get better. And hey, if not, you can always stay here, provided you find a job and can pay the rent." Hisoka glared at Oriya. He winced mentally. Perhaps it wasn't the best time for joking around. Sighing once more, he stood.
" Come on boy. We'll have some tea, and we'll sort all of this out." Hisoka stood as well, sending a curious glance over at him.
" Why are you helping me? You're Muraki's friend." Oriya almost chuckled. Hisoka was back, that was for sure.
" Just because I'm his friend doesn't mean I totally agree with what he does sometimes. Now come on, I'm thirsty." A low laugh came from the boys direction as Oriya walked, and he smiled. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tsuzuki frowned, looking around at the empty apartment. Hisoka had left again without telling him. Or anybody this time, apparently. Unless Watari and Tatsumi were lying to him again too. Inu-Tsuzuki's shoulders drooped as he sat down on the messed up bed, scorch marks indicating the earlier battle when the whole thing got complicated. Why would Hisoka leave again though? It wasn't as if he had to cover up his disappearance again..
'Why don't I just leave then!'
Tsuzuki, un-chibified, buried his head in his hands. Why did it always come back to that conversation? It wasn't as if he..felt guilty about it...
" What have I done?" * * * * * * * * * * * *
Muraki kept his composure calm as he looked at the face of his supposedly dead brother. Which, he supposed, would be a hard thing to do.
" You don't look surprised to see me, brother dear. Why ever not? After all," the figure continued, an annoyingly superior smirk on his face, " I'm supposed to be dead." Muraki allowed a small scowl to twist his mouth.
" How?" It was spoken as more of a demand than a question. Another low laugh echoed across the destroyed room.
" You, of course. You made that clone for me.granted, you never got a chance to attach me to it, but..it's amazing what forgotten Shikigami can do, hmm?" Muraki blinked. Touda..
" He wouldn't do such a foolish thing. And why would he bother, anyway?" Recalling the events, Muraki figured he was lucky to get out alive. But how..? He had been unconscious when the flames started..his complexion paled even more.
"You.." This time the laugh was loud and ringing.
" Yes, me. Touda sensed a failing life, one other than that Shinigami's. So, since his master was suddenly gone..he pulled a few strings, I suppose. Don't ask me why, though." Now Saki was so close Muraki fought all urges to take a step backwards. Instead, he held his ground and glared at his 'brother'.
" Why?" Saki smirked, eyes glinting in the sunlight streaming through the broken window.
" Because, like you, I wanted to kill you with my own two hands." * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hisoka sipped the hot liquid, mentally wincing at its taste. Oriya chose a bitter tasting tea, this time. At least.more bitter than the others he had tasted here. But still.the inn/restaurant was a good choice to come to. Away from the office, away from Meifu, and away from..the other Shinigami. As he slowly relaxed, his arm gave off a weird pulsing pattern.
" Oh dear.." He didn't have time to utter more as hair pooled at his feet and his shirt grew rather..tight. A foul look crossed Jade's face as Oriya started to laugh. Taking in a long, shuddering breath, Jade tried to calm down. She had had very little sleep, one helluva headache, and she couldn't control what gender she was. Add that to Muraki still after her somehow, her Shikigami only coming when SHE was there, and that Tsuzuki had...well, he was mad at both her AND Hisoka...she was not having a good day. And, goddamnit, she was crying!!!
" Hey, hey, hey! What's the matter?" Oriya sounded a little panicked as she burst into tears, furious at herself for letting it get to her. She shook her head back and forth, wiping roughly at her eyes.
" Nothing." 'And the winner for lamest evasion of a question issssss...' Thankfully though, Oriya decided to let it rest. He didn't really have a choice though, seeing as the door opened and a familiar face stepped into the room, one hand pushing up glasses. Jade just blinked for a moment, sniffing.
" T.Tatsumi-kun?" Jade remained sitting, but blinked up at him, wide- eyed. Tatsumi glanced down at her, smiling slightly.
" Jade. You didn't sign out any vacation time." Jade shot a mock- glare at him. Trust Tatsumi to come and get her for something like that.
" Hello Oriya." Tatsumi nodded in the man's direction. Oriya sipped his tea.
" Tatsumi-san." Jade sighed, glancing tentatively at the waistband of her pants. Ok, they still fit. It was safe to get up.
" Thank you for taking care of Kurosaki-san and Jade." Jade deadpanned. She was going to kill him. Oriya caught the look she sent her co-worker and chuckled.
" No problem. It's actually been quite amusing." Standing, Jade rolled her eyes and went to leave.
" I'll get my stuff. I guess I can't run forever, huh Tatsumi-kun?" Tatsumi looked at her.
" No, you cannot. Especially when you're on company time." A slight smile from him was the only indication that he was joking. Emitting a weak laugh, Jade went into the room Oriya had provided for her and gathered up what little she brought. Really, it was just a backpack. Steeling herself, she took a deep breath and rushed out to meet Tatsumi. He was right. Running away wasn't going to solve anything. If Tsuzuki..well, she just wouldn't think about that. The secretary smiled slightly at her, bowed VERY slightly towards Oriya, and looked at Jade.
" Thanks Oriya." Giving a watery smile, she kissed the other man on the cheek. (no killing me! Friendly kiss!! @___@) Oriya blinked for a second, then a very familiar grin split his face.
" Well, I'm gonna have to give you bigger favors if that's what I get for such a small thing." He winked at her as she turned red and swung her backpack around to connect with his head.
" BAKA!" Laughing, Tatsumi guided her away before any more chaos could begin.
Once they were outside of the restaurant, Jade glanced questioningly at Tatsumi when they didn't prepare immediately to go back to Meifu.
" Uh.Tatsumi? I thought you said." Then, Tatsumi did something unexpected. He ruffled her hair and smiled. She was still blinking as he spoke.
" I booked the day off for both of us. Come." Jade wasn't sure whether she should hit him or thank him. Shaking her head, she ran after him.
" You messed up my hair!" An almost wail of protest found its way to her mouth as one hand patted down the mass of hair. Tatsumi smiled again, pushing up his glasses.
" It looks fine, as always, Jade. Now, let's go have lunch someplace. You need to relax a bit before we go back to EnMaCho. I have a feeling that there were a few things said between you and Tsuzuki-san, and both of you need to sort it out on your own." Jade could feel her face fall.
".Yes. Lunch sounds heavenly." She kept her eyes down so that she didn't have to look at Tatsumi. If she did, there was a very good chance that she would start crying again, and that was just embarrassing. * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tatsumi cast a worried look in Jades' direction. She had been silent all through lunch, but had made an attempt to be happy afterwards. Still, anybody that looked closely could tell that she was faking it. Taking the two snow cones from the vendor, Tatsumi thanked the man and went over to Jade and sat, handing her the strawberry-flavored cone and looked at the sky. Conflicts occurred occasionally between Shinigami partners.he was no exception.but to try and patch things up was difficult. Especially if one of the guilty parties didn't say what was wrong.
" Thank you Tatsumi." The cheery tone in her voice sounded real this time, at least. Partially satisfied, he closed his eyes and leaned against the large Sakura tree that they had occupied in the park. Perhaps things were getting better after all. * * * * * * * * * * * *
' I hate you!' Tsuzuki was fairly smoldering, Jade gasping at the strong statement.
' Why?? Just because I didn't tell.'
' I'm your partner and you didn't tell me! I.I told you stuff! How can I be partners with a person who lies to me!'
' Oh, shut up! I tried, ok? It's not easy on me either. Besides, the past is the past!' She clenched her hands into fists, full-out yelling now.
' Sometimes you're more trouble than you're worth, Jade!' Shock. Shock and sadness.
'..Fine.'
' Jade.I.'
' If I'm so much trouble, why don't I just leave then??'
' Fine!'
Jade jerked awake, gasping for air. That was funny.she wasn't aware of falling asleep. Tatsumi was shaking her gently, concern washing over her in waves. Shaking herself, she choked back on the sob that threatened to claw its way out of her throat. Dreams shouldn't affect her anymore, but the fight with Tsuzuki was so close in her mind that she couldn't help it. Rubbing her forehead, she glanced at the sky. The sun was setting. Sighing, she stood and dusted herself off, stretching to relieve the cramped muscles that were screaming at her for moving.
" Eh, I'm fine, Tatsumi-kun. Well..better than before, anyway." She smiled weakly at him as he stood and nodded, looking almost satisfied with her answer. He really was a nice man.
" Alright. We should head back to EnMaCho, however. Are you ready?" Jade paused for a moment, glancing back at the Sakura tree. Straightening her shoulders, she looked back up at Tasumi and nodded.
" No." He smiled gently, took her arm, and brought them back to Meifu.
AN: ~clasps hands together, holds them out in front of her and bows her head~ Gomen, gomen! I know it's short and nothing really happens but..MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy Holidays!!! ^___^v Plot development shall follow, I promise!!
Panatlantic- Oh, don't worry about it! S'ok ^_^'' ~waves hand up and down~
Free4ever- Hmm, perhaps your right..I may just do a flashback of the fight. After all, who knows how much time had passed before her turning into Hisoka and them going back to the office ^_^" (translation= a flashback is an easy way to fix oocness ^^") And yeah, he is going to Oriya a lot.I dunno, I just think that it's a better hiding place than anywhere in Meifu ^^" And about the slap..I suppose it's a little OOC...ok, VERY ooc, but I was still in the mindset of Jade, and so was Hisoka :P And Saki got revived because..umm...I wanted him to?? ^^" Don't worry, I'm planning an explanation somewhere in this chapter.
Asidian- Awww it's ok, you don't suck! You reviewed lots of my chapters! ~pat on the back~ Heheh, not even I know if Hisoka's sticking around :P Guess you'll just have to stick around to find out ^_^v Heh, and Saki...allllll part of the plot, you shall see ~cackles evilly~
Yamatoforever- Whee questions! Love answering them.~clears throat~ Okies! Yeah, Hisoka went back to Oriya. I figure it's an easier place to hide at ^^' And Tsuzuki doesn't know that he left.again.although maybe he'll come get him :P Who knows? And, since Hisoka's a guy again, well..you'll just have to see about Ifrit and Cerberus. As for the question about Saki..bahahahahahah.ahem. Sorry. Read on and find out ^___^v
Oh, and I apologize for cursing more than usual in this chappie..it just seems to get the meaning across more sometimes. If you're offended.I'm sorry ;-;
Oriya nodded, frowning. Hisoka was holding himself up fairly well, considering the situation he had been placed in. Caught in a reluctant lie, not the best situation to found in. Now the boy was sitting beside him outside, scowling heavily.
" I can't even move things anymore. I've lost it all." Hisoka glared into space.
" And now Tsuzuki's mad at me as well. I can't see Ifrit or Cerberus anymore, I don't know when I'll change back and forth, and I don't know how to fix it!" Oriya sighed, looking up at the sky for a moment, trying to collect his thoughts. The boy needed some sort of reassurance, but given all that had happened, Oriya was drawing a blank.
" Well, Hisoka.I'm sure things will get better. And hey, if not, you can always stay here, provided you find a job and can pay the rent." Hisoka glared at Oriya. He winced mentally. Perhaps it wasn't the best time for joking around. Sighing once more, he stood.
" Come on boy. We'll have some tea, and we'll sort all of this out." Hisoka stood as well, sending a curious glance over at him.
" Why are you helping me? You're Muraki's friend." Oriya almost chuckled. Hisoka was back, that was for sure.
" Just because I'm his friend doesn't mean I totally agree with what he does sometimes. Now come on, I'm thirsty." A low laugh came from the boys direction as Oriya walked, and he smiled. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tsuzuki frowned, looking around at the empty apartment. Hisoka had left again without telling him. Or anybody this time, apparently. Unless Watari and Tatsumi were lying to him again too. Inu-Tsuzuki's shoulders drooped as he sat down on the messed up bed, scorch marks indicating the earlier battle when the whole thing got complicated. Why would Hisoka leave again though? It wasn't as if he had to cover up his disappearance again..
'Why don't I just leave then!'
Tsuzuki, un-chibified, buried his head in his hands. Why did it always come back to that conversation? It wasn't as if he..felt guilty about it...
" What have I done?" * * * * * * * * * * * *
Muraki kept his composure calm as he looked at the face of his supposedly dead brother. Which, he supposed, would be a hard thing to do.
" You don't look surprised to see me, brother dear. Why ever not? After all," the figure continued, an annoyingly superior smirk on his face, " I'm supposed to be dead." Muraki allowed a small scowl to twist his mouth.
" How?" It was spoken as more of a demand than a question. Another low laugh echoed across the destroyed room.
" You, of course. You made that clone for me.granted, you never got a chance to attach me to it, but..it's amazing what forgotten Shikigami can do, hmm?" Muraki blinked. Touda..
" He wouldn't do such a foolish thing. And why would he bother, anyway?" Recalling the events, Muraki figured he was lucky to get out alive. But how..? He had been unconscious when the flames started..his complexion paled even more.
"You.." This time the laugh was loud and ringing.
" Yes, me. Touda sensed a failing life, one other than that Shinigami's. So, since his master was suddenly gone..he pulled a few strings, I suppose. Don't ask me why, though." Now Saki was so close Muraki fought all urges to take a step backwards. Instead, he held his ground and glared at his 'brother'.
" Why?" Saki smirked, eyes glinting in the sunlight streaming through the broken window.
" Because, like you, I wanted to kill you with my own two hands." * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hisoka sipped the hot liquid, mentally wincing at its taste. Oriya chose a bitter tasting tea, this time. At least.more bitter than the others he had tasted here. But still.the inn/restaurant was a good choice to come to. Away from the office, away from Meifu, and away from..the other Shinigami. As he slowly relaxed, his arm gave off a weird pulsing pattern.
" Oh dear.." He didn't have time to utter more as hair pooled at his feet and his shirt grew rather..tight. A foul look crossed Jade's face as Oriya started to laugh. Taking in a long, shuddering breath, Jade tried to calm down. She had had very little sleep, one helluva headache, and she couldn't control what gender she was. Add that to Muraki still after her somehow, her Shikigami only coming when SHE was there, and that Tsuzuki had...well, he was mad at both her AND Hisoka...she was not having a good day. And, goddamnit, she was crying!!!
" Hey, hey, hey! What's the matter?" Oriya sounded a little panicked as she burst into tears, furious at herself for letting it get to her. She shook her head back and forth, wiping roughly at her eyes.
" Nothing." 'And the winner for lamest evasion of a question issssss...' Thankfully though, Oriya decided to let it rest. He didn't really have a choice though, seeing as the door opened and a familiar face stepped into the room, one hand pushing up glasses. Jade just blinked for a moment, sniffing.
" T.Tatsumi-kun?" Jade remained sitting, but blinked up at him, wide- eyed. Tatsumi glanced down at her, smiling slightly.
" Jade. You didn't sign out any vacation time." Jade shot a mock- glare at him. Trust Tatsumi to come and get her for something like that.
" Hello Oriya." Tatsumi nodded in the man's direction. Oriya sipped his tea.
" Tatsumi-san." Jade sighed, glancing tentatively at the waistband of her pants. Ok, they still fit. It was safe to get up.
" Thank you for taking care of Kurosaki-san and Jade." Jade deadpanned. She was going to kill him. Oriya caught the look she sent her co-worker and chuckled.
" No problem. It's actually been quite amusing." Standing, Jade rolled her eyes and went to leave.
" I'll get my stuff. I guess I can't run forever, huh Tatsumi-kun?" Tatsumi looked at her.
" No, you cannot. Especially when you're on company time." A slight smile from him was the only indication that he was joking. Emitting a weak laugh, Jade went into the room Oriya had provided for her and gathered up what little she brought. Really, it was just a backpack. Steeling herself, she took a deep breath and rushed out to meet Tatsumi. He was right. Running away wasn't going to solve anything. If Tsuzuki..well, she just wouldn't think about that. The secretary smiled slightly at her, bowed VERY slightly towards Oriya, and looked at Jade.
" Thanks Oriya." Giving a watery smile, she kissed the other man on the cheek. (no killing me! Friendly kiss!! @___@) Oriya blinked for a second, then a very familiar grin split his face.
" Well, I'm gonna have to give you bigger favors if that's what I get for such a small thing." He winked at her as she turned red and swung her backpack around to connect with his head.
" BAKA!" Laughing, Tatsumi guided her away before any more chaos could begin.
Once they were outside of the restaurant, Jade glanced questioningly at Tatsumi when they didn't prepare immediately to go back to Meifu.
" Uh.Tatsumi? I thought you said." Then, Tatsumi did something unexpected. He ruffled her hair and smiled. She was still blinking as he spoke.
" I booked the day off for both of us. Come." Jade wasn't sure whether she should hit him or thank him. Shaking her head, she ran after him.
" You messed up my hair!" An almost wail of protest found its way to her mouth as one hand patted down the mass of hair. Tatsumi smiled again, pushing up his glasses.
" It looks fine, as always, Jade. Now, let's go have lunch someplace. You need to relax a bit before we go back to EnMaCho. I have a feeling that there were a few things said between you and Tsuzuki-san, and both of you need to sort it out on your own." Jade could feel her face fall.
".Yes. Lunch sounds heavenly." She kept her eyes down so that she didn't have to look at Tatsumi. If she did, there was a very good chance that she would start crying again, and that was just embarrassing. * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tatsumi cast a worried look in Jades' direction. She had been silent all through lunch, but had made an attempt to be happy afterwards. Still, anybody that looked closely could tell that she was faking it. Taking the two snow cones from the vendor, Tatsumi thanked the man and went over to Jade and sat, handing her the strawberry-flavored cone and looked at the sky. Conflicts occurred occasionally between Shinigami partners.he was no exception.but to try and patch things up was difficult. Especially if one of the guilty parties didn't say what was wrong.
" Thank you Tatsumi." The cheery tone in her voice sounded real this time, at least. Partially satisfied, he closed his eyes and leaned against the large Sakura tree that they had occupied in the park. Perhaps things were getting better after all. * * * * * * * * * * * *
' I hate you!' Tsuzuki was fairly smoldering, Jade gasping at the strong statement.
' Why?? Just because I didn't tell.'
' I'm your partner and you didn't tell me! I.I told you stuff! How can I be partners with a person who lies to me!'
' Oh, shut up! I tried, ok? It's not easy on me either. Besides, the past is the past!' She clenched her hands into fists, full-out yelling now.
' Sometimes you're more trouble than you're worth, Jade!' Shock. Shock and sadness.
'..Fine.'
' Jade.I.'
' If I'm so much trouble, why don't I just leave then??'
' Fine!'
Jade jerked awake, gasping for air. That was funny.she wasn't aware of falling asleep. Tatsumi was shaking her gently, concern washing over her in waves. Shaking herself, she choked back on the sob that threatened to claw its way out of her throat. Dreams shouldn't affect her anymore, but the fight with Tsuzuki was so close in her mind that she couldn't help it. Rubbing her forehead, she glanced at the sky. The sun was setting. Sighing, she stood and dusted herself off, stretching to relieve the cramped muscles that were screaming at her for moving.
" Eh, I'm fine, Tatsumi-kun. Well..better than before, anyway." She smiled weakly at him as he stood and nodded, looking almost satisfied with her answer. He really was a nice man.
" Alright. We should head back to EnMaCho, however. Are you ready?" Jade paused for a moment, glancing back at the Sakura tree. Straightening her shoulders, she looked back up at Tasumi and nodded.
" No." He smiled gently, took her arm, and brought them back to Meifu.
AN: ~clasps hands together, holds them out in front of her and bows her head~ Gomen, gomen! I know it's short and nothing really happens but..MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy Holidays!!! ^___^v Plot development shall follow, I promise!!