9. A Friendly Chat
A light wind blew the soft scent of sakura about the entire courtyard, and the late morning sun shone brightly as it traced shadowed patterns on the ground underneath the branches of the trees. It was a comfortable 68 degrees, and the breeze sent several petals falling to the ground in a sublime display of delicate beauty.
Tsuzuki could not remember when he had a more awful time while slacking off from work.
The lone figure sat pouting with his back up against the cool bark of a sakura tree. One hand holding a rectangular object, his arms were crossed reclusively in front of his torso and his legs were spread with his knees pulled slightly to his chest.
Tsuzuki sat contemplating how his afterlife took a turn for the worse, starting with his new partner. Everyone else respected the fact that he did not want to discuss certain aspects of himself. Having Hisoka as a partner required way too much thinking on Tsuzuki's part. It was like he was discovering a whole new side to himself, a very confusing side that tended to get him very upset.
Sighing deeply, he pushed back the chocolate-tinted locks that were distorting a dejected violet gaze, and turning his attention to his other hand, opened the cover of the small object.
He agitatedly leafed through the small hardcover book he had borrowed from his partner's desk. 'Why the Heck does he like these things so much, there aren't any pictures, not even on the cover!' he thought in exasperation as he became increasingly frustrated with the endless pages of the stately Garamond font. Suddenly, Tsuzuki shut the book aggressively and immediately chucked it to the side in anger. The already worn out book landed in the grass with a slight thud.
His brow furrowed, Tsuzuki's reluctant eyes traveled to the discarded book and he stared intently at the isolated item for a moment, anxiety clearly etched upon his features. The book itself was not too old, but it was clearly used a great many times and its wear was quite visible. However, the shiny green letters of the title shone vibrantly against its beaten and faded black cover.
Tsuzuki quickly reached out for the book and grabbed it, embracing it to his chest. He let his head drop as he closed his eyes tightly when he felt a hot sting forming behind them. The man felt a sudden chilled rush of shame wash over his entire body for abandoning the book simply because it had become frustrating.
He could feel the effects of his frustration as his tensed eyelids wavered with the stress and crystalline pools began to form amidst his dark lashes.
"I once had an awkward relationship with someone I cared deeply for as well," a voice from beside him said softly.
"Wha-!?" Tsuzuki gasped as he jutted forward from his position under the tree and turned in a clumsy fashion in order to face the voice. Now on all fours, he looked up, shocked at the frail angel who stood before him. Ingethel's ethereal gold hair caught gently in the breeze, and his aqua orbs were wide with minor surprise.
"I am sorry to intrude," he said sincerely as a warm smile reached his eyes, causing aquamarine to sparkle. The angel blushed slightly as his wings slightly arced forward to guard his shoulders in a yielding fashion. The angel was now quite embarrassed for having interrupted the man's thoughts.
Tsuzuki began to gather himself from the ground. Still clutching the book, he wiped the back of his hand across his eyes in an attempted casual fashion as he stood up straight. "Oh, um, that's okay," Tsuzuki said as he whipped up an award-winningly counterfeit smile. "But how did you...?" He trailed off, childlike curiosity lacing his tone as he eyed the angel attentively, his previous mysteries forgotten in order to solve this one.
"It was resonating from your entire being," Ingethel stated, glancing at Tsuzuki. The angel's fingers laced as they were placed gently in front of his corporeal body.
The Shinigami placed one hand on his hip and scratched the back of his head while staring at the ground, attempting to make sense of the angel's words. Realizing this, Ingethel continued.
"Your aura reveals to me that you are confused about someone you care deeply for," the angel said while bending slightly and peering up at the man who had his purple gaze fixed on the green below him.
"I...I'm sorry," Tsuzuki muttered. "I must have dropped my shields," he offered as an excuse for the angel being able to read him.
"Do not worry," the Angel said with a reassuring smile as he stood up straight again. Although he could feel Tsuzuki's barriers rising again, the celestial radiated a slight cheerful light as he sensed the sincerity of the apology in the man's vibrant eyes.
Tsuzuki stood with his jaw resting atop his fist as his left hand held his right elbow in place. He gazed at the grass a bit longer before a delicate smile caressed his pale lips.
"Hisoka can do that, too. Read other people," he said wistfully, still studying the mystifying turf.
"I had suspected he had elevated mental power, but I never realized the young man possessed such an angelic gift," the angel said in unidentifiable surprise.
Tsuzuki gave a small chuckle before he looked up at the angel and continued. "Well, he would never call it a gift."
"Many mysteries seem to surround your partner," Ingethel stated with a wry reassuring smile, though his brow creased in deep thought, creating a rather awkwardly contradictive visage that seemed to suit the ever-nervous creature.
"Yeah," Tsuzuki said with his gaze directed at the ground again, though staring at absolutely nothing. A spark suddenly flashed across his eyes as an idea struck him. "Hey...Um...You haven't... Felt anything from him, have you?" he asked hesitantly, watching the angel intently out of the corner of his eye.
Even though Ingethel was expecting this question from the mixed feelings he was receiving from the man, the angel was still a little uncertain on how to approach such a delicate matter. "Although all celestial beings are capable of interpreting hearts, he has kept up very strong barricades against such an infiltration, and I would dare not intrude were I am not welcome," he stated slowly, after a moment of thought.
"I understand. I was just curious I guess," Tsuzuki said lightly, a hint of disappointment in his tone.
Feeling a little guilty about his desire to breech his partner's privacy, he quickly rerouted the conversation to a more pleasant moment.
Letting his hands find his dress pants pockets, he spoke up. "So my emotions don't bother you?" gazing curiously at the angel as he gave a slight gesture with his head and began to walk.
"Not at all," the angel responded simply and honestly as he accepted the man's silent invitation to follow him.
His thoughts refused to separate from his partner, causing Tsuzuki to smile slightly before continuing. "They sure bug the Hell out of Hisoka, he must really hate me," Tsuzuki halfheartedly jested, though the angel could hear the jovial tone quickly drowning in the mire of the man's sorrows.
'Why do I even bother worrying about him anymore? It's obvious that Hisoka only gets mad when he knows I care about him. I don't want to make him mad,' Tsuzuki thought heatedly, though getting mad at his partner seemed to just make the man even more sorrowful. 'What did he really do? Why am I so upset with him?'
'Because I'm scared.' Tsuzuki froze as a small, young voice within his mind informed him of its latest epiphany. Next on the agenda was to figure out what he was scared of. Tsuzuki sighed as he reflected on how long it had taken him to reach this realization.
Ingethel had noticed that his walking companion had grown eerily quite, and upon hearing the man sighing, decided to pick the conversation back up. "I may appear young to you, but I have lived for many millennia..." The angel started, weariness apparent in his voice as he gazed out in into the distance ahead of them.
"...Give your partner time to refine his skill. With time, he will come to refer to it as a gift."
The angel tried his best to sound hopeful but feared he was failing as the man seemed reluctant to cheer up.
They were approaching the sakura courtyard that surrounded Tsuzuki's place of work. It reminded the angel that he would soon have to report back to Heaven and return to his own duties and coworkers. A slight ripple passed through his long wings as Ingethel shivered at the thought of returning.
"Are you okay?" Tsuzuki asked, turning to the shuddering angel in concern.
"I... I was just thinking about the case."
"Don't worry, we'll catch those two and they'll have their day in court for what they did to those innocent girls," Tsuzuki stated with a determined smile, trying to redirect his thoughts. He did not want the celestial creature to know about his latest revelation until he had sufficient time to contemplate it himself.
Tsuzuki glanced to the side expecting to see a reassured angel, bur instead found he had stopped walking several steps back and was studying his own delicate fingers as they lay against his abdomen and fidgeted nervously.
"You know, Azazel is not really as evil as the Council makes him out to be," Ingethel stated hesitantly while he timidly lifted his aquamarine gaze to gauge the man's response.
Tsuzuki was slightly dumbfounded at the remark. "But he murdered those women!" he stated, a bit too harshly for the angel, whose wings stiffened in a protective manner in response to the tone.
Considering a reply, the angel gently chewed his lower lip.
"Good and evil are not simply black and white. Nothing is ever that easy," the angel started wistfully. "I knew him before his fall, and before he met Semyaza. He was truly righteous," the angel said in a hushed voice. He turned his distant gaze from Tsuzuki as his ethereal face began to brim with repressed rage.
"Still, that doesn't justify what he did," Tsuzuki said in a more sober tone upon noticing his previous octave had disturbed the angel. If Ingethel wanted to talk, then Tsuzuki would always be willing to grant him a comfortable environment in which to express his feelings.
"True," Ingethel replied thoughtfully, as regret diluted his anger. "However, people change depending on who is introduced into their lives," he continued in a sorrowful tone as he wrapped his arms tightly about his torso and lowered his head.
"Nothing has to change," Tsuzuki calmly chided the angel.
Ingethel gave a slight start at those words. 'It already has changed,' he thought bitterly. 'And I have Semyaza to thank for that,' the angel mused sarcastically. Raising his head and dropping his arms to his sides, the overhead sun warmed his assured features.
"You are correct. Change is inevitable. Though only we can choose if we change for the better." The powerful words sounded out of place coming from the meek angel.
"Thank you, Tsuzuki-san, for listening," the angel stated with a sincere smile laced in revived self-confidence.
Tsuzuki could not prevent a smile from gracing his features. It felt so good to be able to help someone, he only wished he could do the same for the one person that mattered most to him.
Just being around someone who reminded him of his secretive partner made him depressed. He glanced up toward the intense noontime rays in estimation, "I should get going. I'm already late for a meeting."
"Should I attend?" The angel curiously asked the brunette's already retreating back.
The man glanced over his shoulder at the angel with a comforting smile. "It must not be a big deal if Tatsumi didn't ask you to come. He probably just wants a status report of the case. Besides, I can fill you in on any details." He finished and waited for a response.
"Understood." The angel complied with nod and a smile.
'It's so nice to see him smile and open up,' Tsuzuki reflected before he turned and broke into a slight jog, waving his hand behind him in an understood gesture of departure.
As the man grew smaller, Ingethel smiled to himself while a brisk wave of relief washed over his body. He could sense the concern emitting from the man throughout their entire conversation. 'All over that boy.' The angel pondered while lightly tapping a delicate index finger against his lips.
This would all work out if he could convince Tsuzuki that Semyaza was the one truly at fault. The angel was certain that sending the man's partner to go after the fallen pair would soon prove that.
Closing his eyes, the angel lifted his face to bask in the heavenly warmth of the overhead rays. "The sun will always set..." He said lightly to himself as he cupped each elbow in a respective hand. He stood strong against a powerful wind as it whipped his hair wildly about his shoulders and streamed through the feathers of his wings. "...I only hope that in the end it will rise again," he continued in a slightly lower tone while opening his eyes, engaging his ethereal aquamarine orbs with the powerful sunlight.
-------
Once inside the building, Tsuzuki ran toward the second floor to reach the Shokan division and straight to the conference room. He halted before opening the door to catch his breath in an attempt to slip in unnoticed. However, as his fingers lightly caressed the doorknob, it moved by its own accord and the door swung open, revealing a pair of irritated piecing blue eyes.
"You're late," Tatsumi stated in a tone that exuded power by the sheer amount of control it took to keep it calm.
His eyes closed, Tsuzuki's face broke into a worried smile as he pleaded with the taller man. "Sorry Tatsumi-san," he said while waving his hands in front of his chest in a defensive manner.
He quickly backed away from the shadow master, making his way to a seat backwards, almost tripping over Watari in the process. However, Tsuzuki was effectively set off course as 003 accosted him before he could do any harm to her favorite perch.
The owl flew back to Watari's shoulder and received a kind pat for her efforts.
Tsuzuki pouted as he rubbed the back of his head to attempt to sooth the avian damage. He sat down and glanced thoughtfully around the room.
"Where's Hisoka?" Tsuzuki curiously asked while pushing himself closer to the table.
Tatsumi let out an annoyed sighed. "We were hoping you would be able to tell us that." His frown deepened as he continued in a stately tone.
"All we know is that he is not in Meifu."
To Be Concluded...
Special thanks to my beta reader Chiharu-san.
And uber-thank yous to all my reviewers, you all play a bigger part in this story then you realize.
A light wind blew the soft scent of sakura about the entire courtyard, and the late morning sun shone brightly as it traced shadowed patterns on the ground underneath the branches of the trees. It was a comfortable 68 degrees, and the breeze sent several petals falling to the ground in a sublime display of delicate beauty.
Tsuzuki could not remember when he had a more awful time while slacking off from work.
The lone figure sat pouting with his back up against the cool bark of a sakura tree. One hand holding a rectangular object, his arms were crossed reclusively in front of his torso and his legs were spread with his knees pulled slightly to his chest.
Tsuzuki sat contemplating how his afterlife took a turn for the worse, starting with his new partner. Everyone else respected the fact that he did not want to discuss certain aspects of himself. Having Hisoka as a partner required way too much thinking on Tsuzuki's part. It was like he was discovering a whole new side to himself, a very confusing side that tended to get him very upset.
Sighing deeply, he pushed back the chocolate-tinted locks that were distorting a dejected violet gaze, and turning his attention to his other hand, opened the cover of the small object.
He agitatedly leafed through the small hardcover book he had borrowed from his partner's desk. 'Why the Heck does he like these things so much, there aren't any pictures, not even on the cover!' he thought in exasperation as he became increasingly frustrated with the endless pages of the stately Garamond font. Suddenly, Tsuzuki shut the book aggressively and immediately chucked it to the side in anger. The already worn out book landed in the grass with a slight thud.
His brow furrowed, Tsuzuki's reluctant eyes traveled to the discarded book and he stared intently at the isolated item for a moment, anxiety clearly etched upon his features. The book itself was not too old, but it was clearly used a great many times and its wear was quite visible. However, the shiny green letters of the title shone vibrantly against its beaten and faded black cover.
Tsuzuki quickly reached out for the book and grabbed it, embracing it to his chest. He let his head drop as he closed his eyes tightly when he felt a hot sting forming behind them. The man felt a sudden chilled rush of shame wash over his entire body for abandoning the book simply because it had become frustrating.
He could feel the effects of his frustration as his tensed eyelids wavered with the stress and crystalline pools began to form amidst his dark lashes.
"I once had an awkward relationship with someone I cared deeply for as well," a voice from beside him said softly.
"Wha-!?" Tsuzuki gasped as he jutted forward from his position under the tree and turned in a clumsy fashion in order to face the voice. Now on all fours, he looked up, shocked at the frail angel who stood before him. Ingethel's ethereal gold hair caught gently in the breeze, and his aqua orbs were wide with minor surprise.
"I am sorry to intrude," he said sincerely as a warm smile reached his eyes, causing aquamarine to sparkle. The angel blushed slightly as his wings slightly arced forward to guard his shoulders in a yielding fashion. The angel was now quite embarrassed for having interrupted the man's thoughts.
Tsuzuki began to gather himself from the ground. Still clutching the book, he wiped the back of his hand across his eyes in an attempted casual fashion as he stood up straight. "Oh, um, that's okay," Tsuzuki said as he whipped up an award-winningly counterfeit smile. "But how did you...?" He trailed off, childlike curiosity lacing his tone as he eyed the angel attentively, his previous mysteries forgotten in order to solve this one.
"It was resonating from your entire being," Ingethel stated, glancing at Tsuzuki. The angel's fingers laced as they were placed gently in front of his corporeal body.
The Shinigami placed one hand on his hip and scratched the back of his head while staring at the ground, attempting to make sense of the angel's words. Realizing this, Ingethel continued.
"Your aura reveals to me that you are confused about someone you care deeply for," the angel said while bending slightly and peering up at the man who had his purple gaze fixed on the green below him.
"I...I'm sorry," Tsuzuki muttered. "I must have dropped my shields," he offered as an excuse for the angel being able to read him.
"Do not worry," the Angel said with a reassuring smile as he stood up straight again. Although he could feel Tsuzuki's barriers rising again, the celestial radiated a slight cheerful light as he sensed the sincerity of the apology in the man's vibrant eyes.
Tsuzuki stood with his jaw resting atop his fist as his left hand held his right elbow in place. He gazed at the grass a bit longer before a delicate smile caressed his pale lips.
"Hisoka can do that, too. Read other people," he said wistfully, still studying the mystifying turf.
"I had suspected he had elevated mental power, but I never realized the young man possessed such an angelic gift," the angel said in unidentifiable surprise.
Tsuzuki gave a small chuckle before he looked up at the angel and continued. "Well, he would never call it a gift."
"Many mysteries seem to surround your partner," Ingethel stated with a wry reassuring smile, though his brow creased in deep thought, creating a rather awkwardly contradictive visage that seemed to suit the ever-nervous creature.
"Yeah," Tsuzuki said with his gaze directed at the ground again, though staring at absolutely nothing. A spark suddenly flashed across his eyes as an idea struck him. "Hey...Um...You haven't... Felt anything from him, have you?" he asked hesitantly, watching the angel intently out of the corner of his eye.
Even though Ingethel was expecting this question from the mixed feelings he was receiving from the man, the angel was still a little uncertain on how to approach such a delicate matter. "Although all celestial beings are capable of interpreting hearts, he has kept up very strong barricades against such an infiltration, and I would dare not intrude were I am not welcome," he stated slowly, after a moment of thought.
"I understand. I was just curious I guess," Tsuzuki said lightly, a hint of disappointment in his tone.
Feeling a little guilty about his desire to breech his partner's privacy, he quickly rerouted the conversation to a more pleasant moment.
Letting his hands find his dress pants pockets, he spoke up. "So my emotions don't bother you?" gazing curiously at the angel as he gave a slight gesture with his head and began to walk.
"Not at all," the angel responded simply and honestly as he accepted the man's silent invitation to follow him.
His thoughts refused to separate from his partner, causing Tsuzuki to smile slightly before continuing. "They sure bug the Hell out of Hisoka, he must really hate me," Tsuzuki halfheartedly jested, though the angel could hear the jovial tone quickly drowning in the mire of the man's sorrows.
'Why do I even bother worrying about him anymore? It's obvious that Hisoka only gets mad when he knows I care about him. I don't want to make him mad,' Tsuzuki thought heatedly, though getting mad at his partner seemed to just make the man even more sorrowful. 'What did he really do? Why am I so upset with him?'
'Because I'm scared.' Tsuzuki froze as a small, young voice within his mind informed him of its latest epiphany. Next on the agenda was to figure out what he was scared of. Tsuzuki sighed as he reflected on how long it had taken him to reach this realization.
Ingethel had noticed that his walking companion had grown eerily quite, and upon hearing the man sighing, decided to pick the conversation back up. "I may appear young to you, but I have lived for many millennia..." The angel started, weariness apparent in his voice as he gazed out in into the distance ahead of them.
"...Give your partner time to refine his skill. With time, he will come to refer to it as a gift."
The angel tried his best to sound hopeful but feared he was failing as the man seemed reluctant to cheer up.
They were approaching the sakura courtyard that surrounded Tsuzuki's place of work. It reminded the angel that he would soon have to report back to Heaven and return to his own duties and coworkers. A slight ripple passed through his long wings as Ingethel shivered at the thought of returning.
"Are you okay?" Tsuzuki asked, turning to the shuddering angel in concern.
"I... I was just thinking about the case."
"Don't worry, we'll catch those two and they'll have their day in court for what they did to those innocent girls," Tsuzuki stated with a determined smile, trying to redirect his thoughts. He did not want the celestial creature to know about his latest revelation until he had sufficient time to contemplate it himself.
Tsuzuki glanced to the side expecting to see a reassured angel, bur instead found he had stopped walking several steps back and was studying his own delicate fingers as they lay against his abdomen and fidgeted nervously.
"You know, Azazel is not really as evil as the Council makes him out to be," Ingethel stated hesitantly while he timidly lifted his aquamarine gaze to gauge the man's response.
Tsuzuki was slightly dumbfounded at the remark. "But he murdered those women!" he stated, a bit too harshly for the angel, whose wings stiffened in a protective manner in response to the tone.
Considering a reply, the angel gently chewed his lower lip.
"Good and evil are not simply black and white. Nothing is ever that easy," the angel started wistfully. "I knew him before his fall, and before he met Semyaza. He was truly righteous," the angel said in a hushed voice. He turned his distant gaze from Tsuzuki as his ethereal face began to brim with repressed rage.
"Still, that doesn't justify what he did," Tsuzuki said in a more sober tone upon noticing his previous octave had disturbed the angel. If Ingethel wanted to talk, then Tsuzuki would always be willing to grant him a comfortable environment in which to express his feelings.
"True," Ingethel replied thoughtfully, as regret diluted his anger. "However, people change depending on who is introduced into their lives," he continued in a sorrowful tone as he wrapped his arms tightly about his torso and lowered his head.
"Nothing has to change," Tsuzuki calmly chided the angel.
Ingethel gave a slight start at those words. 'It already has changed,' he thought bitterly. 'And I have Semyaza to thank for that,' the angel mused sarcastically. Raising his head and dropping his arms to his sides, the overhead sun warmed his assured features.
"You are correct. Change is inevitable. Though only we can choose if we change for the better." The powerful words sounded out of place coming from the meek angel.
"Thank you, Tsuzuki-san, for listening," the angel stated with a sincere smile laced in revived self-confidence.
Tsuzuki could not prevent a smile from gracing his features. It felt so good to be able to help someone, he only wished he could do the same for the one person that mattered most to him.
Just being around someone who reminded him of his secretive partner made him depressed. He glanced up toward the intense noontime rays in estimation, "I should get going. I'm already late for a meeting."
"Should I attend?" The angel curiously asked the brunette's already retreating back.
The man glanced over his shoulder at the angel with a comforting smile. "It must not be a big deal if Tatsumi didn't ask you to come. He probably just wants a status report of the case. Besides, I can fill you in on any details." He finished and waited for a response.
"Understood." The angel complied with nod and a smile.
'It's so nice to see him smile and open up,' Tsuzuki reflected before he turned and broke into a slight jog, waving his hand behind him in an understood gesture of departure.
As the man grew smaller, Ingethel smiled to himself while a brisk wave of relief washed over his body. He could sense the concern emitting from the man throughout their entire conversation. 'All over that boy.' The angel pondered while lightly tapping a delicate index finger against his lips.
This would all work out if he could convince Tsuzuki that Semyaza was the one truly at fault. The angel was certain that sending the man's partner to go after the fallen pair would soon prove that.
Closing his eyes, the angel lifted his face to bask in the heavenly warmth of the overhead rays. "The sun will always set..." He said lightly to himself as he cupped each elbow in a respective hand. He stood strong against a powerful wind as it whipped his hair wildly about his shoulders and streamed through the feathers of his wings. "...I only hope that in the end it will rise again," he continued in a slightly lower tone while opening his eyes, engaging his ethereal aquamarine orbs with the powerful sunlight.
-------
Once inside the building, Tsuzuki ran toward the second floor to reach the Shokan division and straight to the conference room. He halted before opening the door to catch his breath in an attempt to slip in unnoticed. However, as his fingers lightly caressed the doorknob, it moved by its own accord and the door swung open, revealing a pair of irritated piecing blue eyes.
"You're late," Tatsumi stated in a tone that exuded power by the sheer amount of control it took to keep it calm.
His eyes closed, Tsuzuki's face broke into a worried smile as he pleaded with the taller man. "Sorry Tatsumi-san," he said while waving his hands in front of his chest in a defensive manner.
He quickly backed away from the shadow master, making his way to a seat backwards, almost tripping over Watari in the process. However, Tsuzuki was effectively set off course as 003 accosted him before he could do any harm to her favorite perch.
The owl flew back to Watari's shoulder and received a kind pat for her efforts.
Tsuzuki pouted as he rubbed the back of his head to attempt to sooth the avian damage. He sat down and glanced thoughtfully around the room.
"Where's Hisoka?" Tsuzuki curiously asked while pushing himself closer to the table.
Tatsumi let out an annoyed sighed. "We were hoping you would be able to tell us that." His frown deepened as he continued in a stately tone.
"All we know is that he is not in Meifu."
To Be Concluded...
Special thanks to my beta reader Chiharu-san.
And uber-thank yous to all my reviewers, you all play a bigger part in this story then you realize.