Author's Notes: The last part of "The Final Forgiveness". This really went out of hand. Thanks to everyone who commented! I'm sorry it began seriously then became silly. I hope you like this, although this became weird and there are now two omake's omake at the end. A lot of Shikigamis make their appearances here; I really like them all and I've always wanted to make a fic about them. (working on it!)
BTW, nobody asked, but I wanted to explain that I used the spelling "Rico" instead of "Riko" because although there's a kanji to the name, Hisoka's way of calling Rico is in katakana, indicating foreign language. Since Rico throws in random foreign (Spanish) words and "Rico" being a Spanish name, I just used that spelling instead of the original.
And lastly, a comment to one of the reviewers Psycho Sisters: are you referring to Rico the cactus or Rico the actor? ^_^'
Hei-Hei - this cat-like shikigami with wings. I think they only appear when there's a drought, but they're cute and Tsuzuki gets to sleep with them and one of them gets to hang around Touda's head. ^_^'
Yami no Matsuei, characters, worlds, events, are owned by Matsushita Yoko.
Major OOC's alert! Reluctant Hisoka, screaming Kurikara, wise cactus,
creepier serpent and dragon shikigamis, and other shikigami galore.
~ * ~ * ~
The young boy lounged over the bridge railings, watching the sunset peacefully. His blondish hair swept over his face as the breeze picked and whispered over his ears, soothing nonsense that he did not care to listen intently to. It really was peaceful here. He couldn't think troubling thoughts whenever he watched the sunset. It was always beautiful here in Gensou Kai.
His fingers absent-mindedly touched the place beside him and he started to discover that his companion had apparently gone. "Rico?" he called out.
"There he is!" Kurikara's cheerful voice announced from somewhere behind him.
Kurosaki Hisoka turned just in time to see two squealing figures rush towards him. "Kurikara Ryuu Ou, you TRAITOR!" he screamed.
The Final Forgiveness
omake 2
Souryuu awoke to find, for the first time in many days, that the pain in his body was actually bearable. With this, he rewarded himself with a hiss and a feral grin, thanking any Higher Being that watched over him and the other shikis that he could finally roar at everyone. He had known for several days now that Byakko had been continuously stealing from the kitchens, that a random Shiki had broken a priceless vase in the library, that Suzaku and Touda had managed to destroy half the Imperial Garden, that Kijin and Kurikara had uprooted some forest trees in their sparring match, and that Genbu-sama had molested no less than eight of his female staff. Knowing they were all acting like children and him not being able to yell at them was making him irritable.
Hopping out of bed, he pressed at his sides gingerly, grimacing at the new scars over his skin. He did not give himself time to lament how these newly-healed wounds would mangle his beautiful scales; instead he searched for his slippers before realizing that no serving woman arrived to help him. Frowning, he plucked his ornate robes from the chair where it was draped and shrugged it on. Baaya was usually awake and fussing over him at this time.
"Ah! Hold on, I said!" a muffled voice came from outside.
His frown deepened as he searched his table for his ribbon. That was surely Genbu-sama. Souryuu's scowl made way for the grin as he flung the massive doors open.
Sure enough, Genbu was scampering after a maid, howling, "Wait, wait! I just want to ask if—"
"Genbu-san!" he roared, hands resting themselves over his hips. "What is the meaning of this?!"
The two figures before him froze and turned to him. The woman gave him a grateful smile before curtsying hurriedly and disappearing just as fast. Souryuu was equally grateful for the immediate departure: he did not appreciate someone catching his jaw dropping as he stared at the older shiki.
Genbu looked up at him, bushy eyebrows wiggling appreciatively. "Well-well, you're awake! So, which do you prefer: tulips or chrysanthemums?" He gestured at the two wreaths positioned on top of his head.
Souryuu forced his mouth to work once more. "What for?" he demanded just as three Hei-Heis fluttered blissfully past him, garlands of off-white Baby's Breath strung around their necks. "Wh—what is that?!" he sputtered.
Genbu twirled around and Souryuu had to duck to avoid the random swinging of the old man's staff. "Why, they're Hei-heis with flowers, Souryuu-san! I hardly thought your brain will dwindle after that long fight."
"But what for, Genbu?" Souryuu demanded once more. At the corner of his eye, he started when he saw another Hei-Hei pop out from one of his priceless vat. "What the—?"
Genbu raised a shaggy eyebrow. He appeared to be amused. "Didn't you know?" he asked wisely. "Our master is getting married."
"Master?" Stunned silence.
"Tsu-zu-ki!" Genbu nodded.
"TSUZUKI?!" Souryuu exploded. He could see his day steadily going downhill. "And with whom, may I ask?"
But Genbu was already fussing over his staff. "I think I have to ask someone to paint flowers over this as well."
"With whom, Genbu-san?" Souryuu stressed, looming over the older man.
But Genbu did not seem the slightest bit intimidated. Instead, he huffed and glared as much as his half-present side of the face could huff at the bigger man hovering over him threateningly. "You need to ask?" He cocked his head pleasantly.
"It can't be—" Souryuu froze. His head moved so quickly that his neck actually snapped. "That goddamn idiot, I will not forgive him! Where is he?!"
"Just follow the screams," Genbu told him. "Now, the chrysanthemum or—"
"There will be NO wedding, not unless I can help it!" And with a flourish of robes and half-fastened hair, a steaming Souryuu stalked off through the hallway and disappeared into one of the connecting halls.
Genbu cocked a head at the direction Souryuu took. He had never questioned the other Shiki's uncanny sense of direction, especially when it came to Tsuzuki. At the thought of his master, his face broke into another grin and he hummed to himself, resolved in finding someone else to ask his important question concerning tulips and chrysanthemums.
~ * ~
Souryuu did not have to look long; as Genbu said, he just followed the shouts and yells and he had only turned a few sharp corners before he found Tsuzuki Asato sitting on the hallway floor, just outside one room. His master and friend looked surprised and infinitely pleased to see him. "Souryuu!" he shouted.
Souryuu had to brace himself just before Tsuzuki hurtled himself into his arms. Giving a small grunt, he pushed the shinigami away and held him at arms' length, ignoring the pouts and struggles Tsuzuki gave to hug him once more. "I have heard grave news from Genbu," he began.
But Tsuzuki only beamed. "I was wondering when someone would get around telling you! I just arrived yesterday but they said you were still weak so I didn't impose—isn't this great?!" he exclaimed.
Souryuu shook his head. "Tsuzuki, surely you—" He paused as another muffled scream followed by evil female laughter drifted from the room. "What's going on in there?" he asked sharply.
Tsuzuki glanced at the door briefly. "Oh, Hisoka's in there with Saya and Yuma. They're trying to fit him into his wedding clothes."
The shikigami tried hard not to wince as something crashed inside. "Tsuzuki," he began again slowly, "surely you don't mean to actually go ahead and wed this…boy. You are too good for him." There was another crash against the door. Souryuu's grip on Tsuzuki's shoulders tightened.
"But Hisoka's JUST right, Souryuu!" Tsuzuki told him happily. He frowned at the direction of the door. "Although they're taking a while. Saya and Yuma wouldn't let me enter because they said it's bad luck for the groom to see his wife before the wedding. I think it's just a mean Western tradition." Amazingly enough he managed a scowl that actually looked like a fond grin.
"Does…the boy approve of this plan?" Souryuu loathed having to say the boy's name unless he needed to.
Tsuzuki drooped partially. "Um…well, sort of. He hasn't really said yes…" He began to fidget; Souryuu was like a father figure to him and he really did want his approval. Then he brightened. "But Hisoka's father is there and he approved so I guess that's okay, right?" He sounded anxious.
Hisoka's father…Souryuu straightened and made his way towards the door.
"Oh!" Tsuzuki appeared startled. "Well, I don't think they'd appreciate having someone barge in there—"
"But this is my quarters," Souryuu declared loudly just as he pushed the doors open.
Immediately, something small and abhorrent dressed in half-fastened elaborate kimono rushed to his back as if for protection. "I'm sorry for starting the war," Kurosaki Hisoka babbled, eyes wide and frightened, darting looks into the room. "I'm sorry for your injuries and for Koujirou-san's wing, and the loss of many Tenguu. I'm sorry you had to learn all kinds of bad things about the Golden Emperor, but please save me!"
"Hisoka-chan!" two females squealed, each holding different sets of obi. "We're not finished!"
Hisoka gripped Souryuu's robes and the shiki felt a momentary pity for him. "Please," he begged.
Souryuu sighed. The things he did for Tsuzuki. "Now, listen here," he said sharply, "I am the Eastern Guardian Souryuu and I want to talk to this boy's relative."
From the corner of the room came a slight movement and Souryuu turned only to find a lean and graceful man slink from the shadows and emerge into the light. His hair shone the exact same color as the boy's. Dressed in a simple yet richly-woven yukata, the man brushed long bangs from his eyes that revealed sharp green pupils. Souryuu found his breath catching and he barely registered that the two females sulkily fell back. "I am Kurosaki Nagare, Hisoka's father," the man said.
Behind him, Hisoka made a small sound of either relief or dread.
Tsuzuki stepped up next to Souryuu. "As I said," he said nervously, "Kurosaki Nagare-san had given his approval to me."
"Kurosaki Nagare, eh?" Souryuu stepped closer and was impressed when the other man did not back down. He opened his mouth, only to find that his sensitive tongue had latched unto a scent that was not entirely…unpleasant. Instead, the boy's father stood straighter and watched him warily. Souryuu breathed again and was delighted to find he had not been wrong. The man, despite having human eyes, had the scent and movements that screamed water serpent. "And you gave my master, Tsuzuki Asato, permission to wed your son?"
"Yes, that is correct," Nagare replied carefully.
Souryuu turned to his heels and again put his hands on Tsuzuki's shoulders. "Let me be one of the first to wish you a happy wedding."
Tsuzuki beamed. Beside him, Hisoka groaned.
~ * ~
Touda did not like people. He did not like crowds, neither did he like Hei-Heis (and here, he plucked from his head a Hei-Hei shiki that had started to fall asleep with his hair as blanket). He cared for nothing (except getting out of Suzaku's way) and cared for no one (except for Tsuzuki, but that's different). That was why he tried to repress his irritation when Tsuzuki called him down from the roof.
"Hey, Touda!" Tsuzuki shouted. "We need to fit your robes."
"What, leather isn't good enough anymore?" Touda called back grumpily, though he obeyed. His irritation grew when Suzaku and Kourin came out next to Tsuzuki. He almost turned back.
Suzaku sniffed. "Here's your garments." She flung it at his direction.
Tsuzuki sweatdropped. "Oi, oi, even though that's really a Shiki's clothes, I just borrowed some of the stuff from Kurosaki-san, so please take care!" Under his breath, he added, "Tatsumi will also make me pay even though Kurosaki-san insisted it's alright to use."
Touda unfolded the heavy garment carefully. "I suppose I am to take part in this ceremony of yours," he said unhappily.
"All of you are," Tsuzuki affirmed. "Tenkou gets to throw flowers. Even my friends from Enma Cho came over, including my boss. Genbu is performing the ceremonies while all of you witness. Isn't it great?!"
"I am to play the opening song!" Kouchin announced happily, strumming her biwa. She danced lightly over the stone steps.
"It's really exciting, Tsuzuki," Suzaku told Tsuzuki warmly before she shot a glare at Touda. "You! Put it on now!"
"You're not my master," Touda grumbled but Tsuzuki was nodding at him eagerly so he threw the Imperial Robes over his shoulder and trudged towards the interior of the palace. There, he looked for an empty room where he could change out of his clothes.
"…and this is where we conduct the formal hearings," came Souryuu's husky voice from around the corner. "When you leave these halls, you shall come upon the garden that—oh. Touda." His voice barely masked his irritation at being interrupted.
Touda nodded and was about to leave when he suddenly noticed the man standing next to Souryuu, watching him with sharp eyes. The features bore a striking resemblance to Tsuzuki's young partner but that wasn't what caught his attention. The scent—"Good afternoon," he said, surprised to find himself speaking.
Souryuu made a small sound of impatience. "This is Kurosaki Hisoka's father, Nagare-san."
"I see." Touda slinked closer, ignoring Souryuu's furious glare. "You…have encountered a water serpent recently, haven't you?"
Kurosaki Nagare blinked. "I—yes, I have."
"I see." A small, dangerous smile formed on Touda's face. "I, too, am a serpent shikigami, although my element is fire. Although," he rushed to add when a knot of wariness crept into the other's eyes, "I hope I do not give off the same scent of evil that the serpent you encountered have. Not that I am saying you smell evil." Touda cursed his inability to talk without using his brain.
Souryuu more or less pushed him away. "Well, I was just showing Kurosaki-san the outline of my quarters," he stressed, locking into a glaring match with the other shiki. "We do have a wedding to attend."
"You agreed?" Touda hoped he did not sound too surprised.
"For Tsuzuki to be wed to that boy—to Hisoka? Of course." The dragon shiki's voice became louder with emphasis. "After all, Tsuzuki seeks my approval just as much and who am I to deny him happiness?" He stressed the words my, I, and happiness.
For the first time in his life, Touda felt like really challenging Souryuu. "I see. Well, then if you excuse me, I have to do my own part for Tsuzuki's happiness." He stalked off, careful to let his gaze linger at Nagare-san and let his own shoulders brush against Nagare's.
Behind him, he could hear Souryuu resuming his talk: "And you should meet my children, Tenkou and Kijin. I imagine they must be somewhere here."
"Oh." Nagare sounded impressed and intrigued. "You have children of your own?"
"Wonderful children!" Souryuu gave a rich laugh. "Well, I try to me modest, but a father must be proud of his own children, I always say."
Touda gritted his teeth and tried not to look back at the two figures walking away.
~ * ~
Hisoka wanted to hit someone. Anyone.
Left alone in the room with his hands unable to reach and pull the strings holding the obi together (Saya had secured it elaborately and had commented that the sleeves prevented him from really reaching towards his back), he wanted something to throw and yell at scream at. Tsuzuki, for starters. He couldn't help the heated flush that climbed his face as he thought about him. A husband?! What had gotten into Tsuzuki's head, asking permission from his father without consulting him first? And his father, next. Of course, there was—
"Lookin' good!" Rico whistled beside him, hopping around in his pot as he peered up at his shinigami master.
"Shut up, cactus," Hisoka muttered, twitching.
"What have you done?!" a voice howled.
Hisoka looked up just as a shorter character rushed up to him, dressed in lavishly decorated red and golden kimono. Kurikara Ryuu Ou, despite the scar on his right eye, looked particularly childish as he glared up at his master shinigami. "What have you done?!" Kurikara shouted again. "This—this—this is the ultimate—" He was trembling with anger.
Hisoka smiled evilly. Well. Something good was actually coming out of this. "Oh, I don't know, Kurikara," he told his shiki dismissively. I think the golden flowers on your head look particularly cute."
"Don't call me cute!" Kurikara cried out. "That—Watari put some kind of ward on my head and now the flowers won't come off!"
"But you're a 'flower girl'," Hisoka pointed out, grinning. "Only you and Tenkou-chan can be 'flower girls'. You're supposed to throw flowers at the guests."
"If you think this is revenge, boy," Kurikara began.
But Hisoka interrupted: "Oh, yes. Sweet, sweet revenge." He laughed softly.
Rico stepped back. The auras permeating in the room was building and he felt like he was being drained of his water. Kurikara is a fire shiki, after all. "Oi, I think the ceremony's about to start," he said.
"Tatsumi-san and Watari-san are back from the bank already?" Hisoka asked, surprised. Trust those two to find a way to make fund-transferring of two dead people quick. Suddenly, he found his heart beating faster. Panic was beginning to seep into his bones. "Is this really happening? Is this? Kurikara!" He turned to his shiki pleadingly but Kurikara only flicked a stray flower petal at him and huffed.
Suddenly, the doors were thrown wide open to reveal Kijin, smiling at Hisoka kindly. "It's time."
Hisoka's eyes widened and he backed away. "Nooooo!"
~ * ~
When Nagare had insisted that the wedding be Japanese style in tradition to the Kurosaki clan's heritage, Watari had managed to convince him to let Western style be used although he had relented that kimonos and yukatas be the primary attire.
Tenkou, along with a sullen Kurikara, flung flower petals towards the guests as a widely grinning Watari, dressed in golden red kimono as the bridesmaid, stood next to the rather imposing Tatsumi, whom Tsuzuki had chosen as the best man. Before them lay the witnesses and guests, mostly fellow shinigami from Enma Cho (Terazuma had been convinced despite being reluctant to enter Gensou Kai due to his shikigami's state, much less attending his enemy's wedding). Konoe mopped his forehead and looked paternally proud as two of his elite shinigami stood together before the Northern Guardian Genbu, along with his assistant Rikugou, to announce their love before the world.
"Do you, Asato, vow to love, honor, and respect Hisoka?" Genbu intoned.
Tsuzuki smiled at his bride. "Of course," he affirmed.
Hisoka blushed and looked away, cursing his skin features.
"Do you also vow to wash his clothes, fix his bed, feed him, and do your best at work so you won't have to bring home a non-existent paycheck?" Genbu demanded.
Tsuzuki gave a weak laugh and Hisoka nodded seriously.
"I think those are the wrong words," Rikugou murmured to Genbu.
Genbu glared up at him. "You are only an assistant!" he complained loudly.
"But you're speaking the wrong words!" the scholar insisted.
"It's actually important, Rikugou. Honestly, children nowadays! They never listen to their elders." Genbu shook his head, unaware of the vein that was now showing on Rikugou's temple, right next to the eye that was beginning to widen menacingly.
"Gen-bu-sen-sei—"
Hisoka leaned forward. "Can you also make him promise never to cook for me, especially when I'm weak and unable to say no to anything?"
"Hisoka!" Tsuzuki sounded as if he was about to cry.
Genbu nodded in understanding and even Rikugou looked thoughtful. "I think that is acceptable. Do you agree then, Tsuzuki?" Rikugou turned to his shinigami and Genbu looked affronted that he had not been consulted first.
Tsuzuki wilted but he turned to his bride and seemed to regain his strength. He nodded. "Of course! Anything for Hisoka-chan!"
Hisoka's mouth twitched again. "Baka," he muttered.
From the crowd, there was a bawling sound and everyone turned to see Watari weeping into his handkerchief, leaning on Tatsumi who was red-faced and looking embarrassed. "I'm sorry," the scientist sobbed. "Weddings always make me cry. You're so lucky, bon!"
Tatsumi-san rolled his eyes. "Oh, grow up," he muttered, patting his partner awkwardly, trying not to meet anyone's gazes.
Nagare was positioned rightly between Souryuu and Touda. Suzaku kept shooting sympathetic glances at the older Kurosaki and frosty gazes at Touda, but the three seemingly did not notice. Instead, Souryuu and Touda kept shooting glares at each other, gazes locking over Nagare's oblivious head. The older Kurosaki had his eyes only on Hisoka.
Then, Souryuu bent and whispered to Nagare's ear, to which the other man nodded and replied to in a low voice. Touda appeared stunned, then annoyed and he uneasily said something to Nagare, who also nodded at his direction.
Forgetting about Genbu's droning voice for a moment, Hisoka leaned over to Tsuzuki to whisper urgently, "Your shikis are flirting with my father!"
Tsuzuki glanced at them and grinned. "So they are. I never thought both Souryuu and Touda would actually act like the same person." He watched for a while. "I think if Suzaku didn't really respect Souryuu and hate all things Touda likes, she would also flirt with him."
Hisoka couldn't believe it. Tsuzuki was taking it all in stride! "Your shikis are flirting with my father," he stressed.
"I think your father's flirting back," Tsuzuki observed.
It certainly didn't seem so to Hisoka, but he had to admit that his father was entertaining both shikis' attention and seemingly appeared casual about it. He felt like fainting. He was getting married against his own will, both his shikis have betrayed him, and Tsuzuki's shikis were flirting with his father. Even in his own head thinking about it, he could not help stressing those important words.
"Hisoka?" Genbu prompted.
Both Tsuzuki and Hisoka jumped. "Eh?!" Hisoka asked loudly, blinking.
"Do you also accept Asato as your husband—"
"You mean I'm supposed to be the wife forever?!" Hisoka yelped, eyes wide.
"You can always show Tsuzuki who's boss when you're married," Rikugou told him, adding a wink. "If you know what I mean."
Hisoka blushed. "But—"
"—whom you will love, honor and respect?"
Frantically, Hisoka looked around, tried to find a friendly face in the crowd. All of them watched him expectantly, except for Watari who was still weeping and Kurikara who was glaring at him and tugging at his obi. "I think so?" he hedged.
Apparently, this was a good enough promise for Genbu because he continued, "Of course, we, being Tsuzuki's faithful divine shikis, have our own rules that we wish to ask of you."
Suddenly, the room became tense and Hisoka became aware that all of Tsuzuki's shikigamis were staring at him seriously. Souryuu, Suzaku, and Touda have even abandoned their glaring fest and turned to him instead. Taiyou was uncharacteristically still next to Rico, who was trembling unsteadily and Kijin stood next to Taimou and Bouchin, who carried Tenkou. Rikugou then said loudly, "Kurosaki Hisoka."
"Yes!" Hisoka replied just as loud.
"Do you vow to protect Tsuzuki with your own powers, to make him realize his true worth, to make him love his second life and be thankful for it, and to stand by him even if his past and future threatens to consume him?" Genbu looked serious.
Shocked at the gravity of the demands, Hisoka turned to each shiki, measuring their gazes as the words reverberated in his head. It took some time for the words to finally sink in, for Hisoka to actually realize what were the demands Tsuzuki's shikis were asking him. He felt a something hum in his blood, coursing through his veins, throbbing with his heartbeat. He felt dizzy and happy at the same time. He would not fail them after everything they've done for him. He could not help the answer that came out of his lips because they were the truth: "Of course!"
Suddenly, Byakko was beside Rikugou as he demanded, "Do you also promise to protect him from evil maniacs and hentais who want to molest him and do evil things to his body and mind?!"
"BYAKKO!" Tsuzuki shouted, face red.
"You need to ask?!" Hisoka retorted, insulted.
"Just making sure," the white tiger assured him, flashing him a grin, then "Oof!" as Genbu's staff connected to his crotch. He keeled over, moaning.
"Everyone keeps stealing my light," the old man complained before he beamed up to the two shinigamis. "WELL! I guess this is finished. You're now married. Kiss! Kiss!" He leered just as Rikugou hit his head with a thick book.
Tsuzuki and Hisoka then turned to each other, the younger shinigami's hands folded over his new husband. Tsuzuki grinned and leaned forward to plant a small yet loud kiss on Hisoka's lips. "Thank you, Hisoka," he murmured.
"Shut up," Hisoka said crossly. Despite it, a small smile was playing on his lips.
From the crowd came Watari's sob: "I love happy endings!"
~ the end ~
omake 2's omake:
How Tatsumi and Watari got the manager guy
in the bank to transfer all the money from Nagare's account to Hisoka's.
The Bank Manager is having a very good day in his office when someone walks in. He spares the person a glance before he balks and hurries towards the person who was looking around with a rather imposing look.
Manager: (completely surprised) Ku—Kurosaki-san?!
Nagare: (seriously) Yes, it is I.
Manager: We thought…that is, we've received news that… (takes out a handkerchief and nervously wipes sweat away from his forehead)
Nagare: That I was ill? (flatly)
Manager: That—that you were, well…I don't really believe rural rumors, of course, but they said that…you were…dead. (he sounds embarrassed)
Nagare: I suppose now you know how reliable rumors can be.
Manager: (confused) Well, of course. I didn't really…that is, but the people in—
Nagare: (interrupts coldly) Either way, what's done is done. I have come for something that is of the utmost importance. I need to withdraw all my money and transfer it to my son's account.
(The manager balks at his words.)
Manager: Your—your son?!
Nagare: (still deadly serious) Yes.
Manager: The—Kurosaki Hisoka, master?
Nagare: Yes.
Manager: (Again wiping sweat from his brow, apparently wondering if the man he is talking to was insane) But…your son…many years ago have passed away…(He stops, as if afraid to reveal this.)
Nagare: (shakes his head impatiently) No, he's not! He's right—(He pauses as he looks around, then appears furious. The manager "eeps!" and wishes he can hide) At least, he was right here.
(Just in time, the door of the bank flies open and a teenage boy makes his entrance, holding up his hands in an attempt to be dramatic.)
Hisoka: (very, very cheerfully) Hello, everyone! I'm back!
(Everyone in the bank stops and stares at the child whom they've only heard about and have never really seen; the bank manager, however, has his stare exchange from first to Hisoka to Nagare and back again. He looks very confused.)
Nagare: (furiously) Where were you?!
Hisoka: (pouty) Don't need to have a fit, Daddy. I rode the Eno Den! It was soooo cool! I felt like I was living in the 30's! (His face breaks into a grin.) Besides, 003 loved it.
(For the first time, the manager notices the owl nuzzling the boy's neck lovingly. If it was possible, his eyes grew wider.)
Nagare: (rolling his eyes) Anyway, the manager and I have just been talking about transferring all my money to your account.
Hisoka: (jumps up and down excitedly) Yeah! Go on, Daddy! Are the papers here yet? (He turns to the manager.)
(The manager begins to fuss as he motions them to his office where he types some code on the computer then hands a set of papers to Nagare.)
Manager: You are supposed to sign here and here, and your son will sign here.
Nagare: (looking at the papers and nodding to find they are acceptable) I see. Oh, no, thank you, I have my own pen. (mutters) Thank god Watari encrypted Nagare's signature here so it'll still be legitimate.
(Meanwhile, the manager has found out that Hisoka is a talkative teenager.)
Hisoka: …but I tripped and fell and 003 kept laughing and laughing and I kept yelling—and everyone was staring, but a really cute girl liked her (and he pats 003) so she gave us cotton candy and we shared it…I saw a really old-fashioned bookstore in the next avenue, do you think they still offer hand-copied and bound books? I've been looking for any scientific journals dating from the 1920's and before…is that your wife? So cute! And your son? Really handsome fellow, isn't he? Is he already in college? Uwaa! Maybe he'd like to date? Oh, oh! I didn't mean to say like that, but maybe he'd like to double date. I haven't really been—
(The manager, however, interrupts nicely, as if politely making conversation)
Manager: How interesting that you have a Kanto accent, did you go to school there?
(Nagare and Hisoka freeze and turn to each other.)
Hisoka: (eyes wide as he waves his arms) No! Well, yes, I had a tutor who's really interesting and he has a Kanto accent and I just followed him! Yes, yes, that's what it is! (He laughs although he looks at his father as he does so.)
Manager: (blinking at the father and son who are shooting intense looks at each other) I…see. (He resolves not to ask any more questions.) Then, please, Kurosaki Hisoka-san, sign here.
(Hisoka breaths what suspiciously sounds like a sigh of relief as he takes his father's pen and signs the papers. A few minutes later, the pair walk out of the bank, Hisoka practically skipping and Nagare balefully trying to ignore the younger man tugging at his yukata sleeves.)
Hisoka: (cheerfully but low enough not to be heard by anybody) I told you my illusion and voice-changer device would work!
Nagare: (coldly) But you almost blew it with your accent!
Hisoka (who is really Watari in disguise, looks hurt): Hey, I can't really take it away, right? It's already in me!
Nagare (who is really Tatsumi in disguise, looks furious): You could have at least tried to act! You know Kurosaki-kun is going to hurt you when he learns you were acting like a complete idiot using his body?
Watari: Yup! But in the meantime, he'll be too busy with his wedding plans, won't he? And you won't tell him, right?
Tatsumi: (shaking his head) You should not assume anything, Watari-san.
Watari: (tugging at Tatsumi's arm) Come on! Let's go ride the Eno Den again before we go back to Meifu. I don't want to be there when Saya and Yuma get their hands on bon.
Tatsumi: Watari-san! You can't order me around…
(The voices trail away as the two shinigamis disappear into the throng of people.)
omake 2's omake 2:
Two lost friends.
During the reception, Byakko iss happily bouncing around, scarfing down every edible dish he can grab when he bumps into someone.
Byakko: (mouth full of food) Moof, ekfuf me! ("excuse me!")
Terazuma: Watch where you're... (he stops when he notices Byakko is staring at him with wide eyes and becomes nervous with the scrutiny) Uh-- I'm sorry, I--
(Suddenly, Byakko launches himself to Terazuma, dropping all food and causing everyone to stare in stunned silence.)
Byakko: (shouting) Kuro-chan! Kuro-chan! It is you!!
Terazuma: (surprised) Wh--what?! (He suddenly changes to Kagan Koku Shungei, a handsome shinigami in human form although it is obvious his original form is of a sleek cat)
Kuro: (throwing his arms around Byakko) Byakko-chan! Byakkoooooo!! It's been a long time!! (they hug)
Byakko: I never thought I'd see you again!!
Kuro: Me too, me too!
(the two start babbling away)
Wakaba: (sniffing as she wipes the tears in her eyes) A beautiful reunion!
Rico and Taiyou: The end!! (heart heart)
~ * ~
Wow, that was long and completely out of control! I suppose Baaya, who was
been thinking Souryuu should get married, will be happy now that Souryuu is
trying to entice Nagare? ^_^'
More notes: Supposedly, it was just Souryuu flirting with Nagare, but I
kept thinking that Touda is more compatible with Nagare because he's a serpent
god (of course, Yatonogami is an evil serpent god keeping himself in Nagare's
body, and some of his characteristics might have rubbed of on him, right?). Like
attracts like, after all. I don't really think they'll date each other. I
just thought it would be fun for two shikis fighting for Nagare's attention in
front of Hisoka.
I'm sorry everyone was OOC. Hope you enjoyed!