Everyone happy with it so far? ^^ I hope so. Now, I know this is categorized as angst, and I (being the self-proclaimed "Angst Queen") will deliver on that! We've just got to build up to it. I'm having a lot of fun writing this, and all your great reviews are very encouraging. Thank you!

Meritite - He sure did! Don't worry, I don't think a dump truck falling on me could make me stop at this point. ^^;; Well, theoretically.

Kyraille Fade - Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying it. Yes, Watari is quite devious, isn't he? *calculated insane laughter*

Lothlorien1 - ^_^ You wanted more? Here it is. I hope you enjoy it!

Konnie-chan - *hugs back* Of course! Don't hyperventilate, now. *pats back soothingly*

When he arrived the next day, Watari bounced around Meifu in high spirits. Step one of Operation: Tatsumi had been a resounding success, his latest experiment hadn't blown up yet, and he still had the entire month's funding! 003 flitted around her human excitedly, eager to help keep his spirits up. Watari glanced over to his whisker-growing potion, debating whether to spike the coffee with it or not.

'If I do that, Tatsumi will get mad, and that would be counter-productive…Oh, the sacrifices I make for science!'

Shaking his head, he put the potion away, resolving to use it another day. He walked to the break room, whistling on the way. He reached the doorway, pausing. Tatsumi was inside already, sipping his coffee. He had a far away look on his face, as if he was thinking about something. Watari leaned in the doorway, watching the Kagetsukai. He studied the man's handsome features, allowing himself to muse on how attractive his friend was. 'Ah…Operation: Tatsumi will be rewarding in its own way for me…'

After a moment, Watari cleared his throat, smiling as Tatsumi turned, startled.

"Something on your mind?" he asked.

The blue-eyed man blinked in surprise, finally shaking his head.

'This is too perfect,' thought Watari, sashaying across the room to stand before the man. He leaned in slightly, rewarded by the man's nervous look.

"You know, if you need to talk, I'm here. Any time you need me."

With another smile, Watari straightened up and began pouring his own coffee, enjoying the double entendre his words had. 'Though he probably didn't notice.'

As he let his somewhat dense superior ruminate on his offer, Tsuzuki skidded in, followed by a calm Hisoka, who merely rolled his eyes at his partner's antics.

"I'm late! Sooorry, Tatsumi!" the violet-eyed Shinigami bellowed, finally skidding to a stop in front of the pastries and grabbing several.

Tatsumi cleared his throat.

"Actually, you are almost on time for once, Tsuzuki-san."

Tsuzuki paused, his eyes widening. He stood like that for a moment, then flashed an adorable grin.

"Sugoi! 'Soka, did you hear that? I'm on time! On time!"

Hisoka glared at his excitable partner, turning away from him to go to his desk.

"Wait, 'Soka! Wait for me!"

Watari watched the two leave, then glanced at Tatsumi. As the made eye contact, they smiled slightly at each other in their shared amusement.

Watari frowned, pouring the greenish liquid down the sink drain. 'Another failure. But how? I did everything according to my theory…mixed all the chemicals in order and with proper measurements…why didn't it work?'

He sighed, resting his head on his palm as he pondered his latest failure. 003 flitted over to him, resting on his shoulder and nibbling at his ear affectionately.

"Thanks, girl. I appreciate the support. But…maybe I just need to stick to simple experiments. Like with my drawing…maybe I'm just not smart enough to do more than simple lab work."

"That's not true, Watari. You are very intelligent, although rather prone to accidents. But that hardly means you are less than capable."

The scientist jerked around, startled as he heard Tatsumi's voice coming from the doorway. The Kagetsukai was leaning against the frame, and Watari felt his heart speed up in nervousness.

"T-Tatsumi! What are you doing here?" he stammered.

The blue-eyed man stepped inside almost hesitantly, his arms crossed protectively in front of him.

"I, uh…well…"

Watari tilted his head, bemused by his pseudo-partner's timidity.

"You wanted to talk to me? Personally?" he ventured.

Blue eyes widened, but Tatsumi nodded hesitantly.

Although he wanted to jump up and yell "Yatta!", Watari forced himself to remain calm.

"Well," he said, taking off his bulky lab coat and opting for a simple brown jacket, "Why don't we talk over lunch? I'm buying, of course."

Tatsumi debated for a moment, finally nodding.

"That would be…nice, Watari-san."