Disclaimer: I do not own Yami no Matsuei or it's character's in any way, shape, or form (but I wish I did!) I do however, own my own characters, so no stealing!
Hisoka: I think they get the picture.
theCatandtheCow: Yeah, I know, but I still must remind people just in case 'Soka-chan!
Hisoka: Don't call me that.
theCatandtheCow: You let Tsuzuki call you that!
Hisoka: No I don't. Besides... that's different.
Tsuzuki: Yay! 'Soka-chan loves me!
Hisoka: No I don't! -blush-
Tsuzuki: Waaah! 'Soka-chan wa hidoooii!
theCatandtheCow: -raising voice so to be heard over whining- On with chapter 4!
Chapter 4: Love is pure…
Hisoka squirmed, his sleep was not peaceful, Tsuzuki could see that much. It was apparent that he was both anxious and fearful of their case now that their good ole doctor decided to make another appearance. His behavior for the remainder of the time had been, well, not strange since Hisoka was normally quiet, but unnerving. The boy had been thinking deeply about the situation, while his partner cleaned up the broken lamp and vomit, trembling and murmuring inaudible things, until Tsuzuki coaxed the tired and sick empath to get some rest.
Tsuzuki sighed, hanging his head. He should've known that he and Hisoka wouldn't have been ready to face another case, more so, the boy was still emotionally unstable. It was apparent even in everyday antics. Kyoto had scarred them both, however, Tsuzuki couldn't help but worry about his partner's wellbeing more than his own. Which was what explained his shields and lack of emotions overwhelming Hisoka.
Cradling his heavy head in his hands, memories of Kyoto flooded him. He felt guilty. Hisoka shuddered in his sleep once more, so Tsuzuki toned down his emotions and brought up his shields. He couldn't help feeling responsible for both girls' deaths, if only he had been stronger. If only he hadn't let the bastard Muraki get to him like that and weaken him. If only, if only. That was all he could think about since the flames from that night. If only he didn't care so much. That was the big one. He cared.
He cared too much about everything! About Hisoka, about Tatsumi and Watari, his other co-workers, the victims they had to send on, relatives of the victims, random people he didn't know, and the list could just go on and on.
Tsuzuki sighed again, receiving a shudder from Hisoka. The blonde then muttered something in his sleep that could've been deciphered as 'Baka' or something similar, then he curled up into an even smaller ball.
Gazing on forlornly, Tsuzuki watched as Hisoka tried to get smaller, shielding his body by bringing his knees to his chest. A slight whimper could be identified, a quiet 'No' and then silence. Seeing Hisoka's discomfort, the older Shinigami edged closer to his partner's bed and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. At first he tensed, but slowly relaxed and allowed a content sigh to escape his lips.
He can't take this. I can't take this. We won't go through with this mission, we're not ready for another run in with Muraki. Tsuzuki thought sadly, gazing upon his partner's calm, sweet face. I'll call Tatsumi and tell him we won't go through with it, but I should probably inform Hisoka of this first… when he wakes up.
With his free hand, Tsuzuki stroked the boy's hair lightly before pulling away, "Don't worry Hisoka, you won't have to see Muraki again. I promise."
Even in his sleep, Hisoka was caught between finding this comforting or unnerving.
"Nii-san! Nii-san, help me! I'm scared!"(1)
Darkness, engulfing pain, piercing agony. No light, everything dark. Hard to breath, please help. Can't see. The dark scares me. Help.
"Nii-san! It hurts, make it stop!"
Flames, licking at skin. Burning everything away. Everything away. So painful, it hurts. It won't stop. It keeps burning. Burning.
"Nii-san! Don't leave me! Please! Nii-saaaan!"
Scared. Alone. Dark. Pain. Fire. Burning. Smoke. Drowning. Silver. Red. Moon. Sakura. Violet. Green. Black. White. Kill. Scared. Don't go.
"Don't leave me!"
Hisoka screamed, clutching his shoulders in an attempt to calm himself. He was shaking terribly and his eyes were clamped shut. His throat now hoarse from screaming, silent sobs wracked his fragile form. His skin felt like it was on fire and his heart pounding in his ears. Emotions rushed through him, some not his own. Tears gently slid down his cheeks, leaving wet trails that dripped off at his chin.
Opening his eyes, he lifted his head slightly and looked around. It was dark. That was the first thing that scared him. The second was that he didn't know where he was. The third was that he was alone.
Shuddering, Hisoka sat up a little more and let his eyes grow accustomed to the dim lighting from the moonlight. Memories quickly flooded him, he was in the hotel room Tatsumi booked for them. However, the room being empty was not a good sign. He whimpered, feeling inanely pathetic, but desperately wishing for someone to come back.
Hushed voices could be heard on the other side of the hotel room and judging by the emotions, Hisoka guessed that Tsuzuki was out there. However, he figured his partner were briefing either Watari or Tatsumi on what had happened.
Another whimper, slightly louder this time. The voice ceased for a moment, then continued. The empath sighed, feeling his partner raise his shields, then crawled back down to the bed. He buried his face in his pillow, attempting to stop the heart-wrenching sobs that came from him.
"Hisoka?"
Pressing his face even harder into his pillow, the muffled sobs could still be heard in the darkened hotel room. Footsteps revealed someone edging closer to the bed. Hisoka curled up tightly, but left his face in his pillow.
"Hisoka?" Tsuzuki inquired, his voice laced with concern.
An incoherent mumble was emitted, "Hnn?"
"Are you alright? I heard you scream from outside. Did you have another nightmare?" he tilted his head to the side, though the boy couldn't see.
His words a little more clearer now, he replied, "I'm fine."
"You're crying." the man stated simply.
"So?" Hisoka growled, rubbing hastily at his face which was difficult since it was pressed against an object.
The springs on his bed creaked as Tsuzuki sat on it, "How can you be 'fine' if you're crying? C'mon, tell me."
Silence was all that could be heard as the boy pondered how to answer. Finally, he resulted with a: "No."
"Hi-so-kaaaa…" Tsuzuki whined, "I can't help you if you don't tell me-"
"I don't want your help!" Hisoka spat back, now glaring at his partner, having moved his head so he could see. "I'm fine!"
For a moment nothing was said, but Hisoka knew Tsuzuki was only trying to think of something to say now. The boy attempted to feign sleep, but knew it was pointless. Tsuzuki would see right through him.
"Hisoka?"
He groaned softly, then rolled over to face his partner, "What?"
"Want me to call Tatsumi?" he asked, tilting his head in inquiry.
Hisoka shot him a skeptical glance, "Why?"
"So we can go back to Meifu. Someone else can take over this case." Tsuzuki explained, then cut off Hisoka when he saw the boy was about to protest. "I don't think it's the right time to be dealing with Muraki, not with what happened last time… I'd just feel better if I knew that you were okay and safely back home-"
"Me?" Hisoka frowned, "What about you? Listen, I'm fine with this. Unless you feel extremely uncomfortable with this, then we're staying. We need to get back to field work. It's stupid just to give up a case because you're worried about me. I'm not a child. I'll be fine."
The violet-eyed man sighed, "But, Hisoka-"
"No buts. We're staying on with the case, that's final." he glowered before rolling over onto his side so he faced away from Tsuzuki.
Feigning sleep once more, Hisoka hoped his partner would catch on and leave him alone. Finally, Tsuzuki left the bed and went to the futon. Once the other was asleep, Hisoka allowed silent tears to stream down his face. Curling up into a tiny ball, he tried to drive his thoughts from Muraki and his dream of, what he believed to be, Touda's fire. Yet this proved to be futile, for the rest of his dreams were filled with images of that night when the moon's hue was that of blood and the sakura petals danced around them.
Tsuzuki yawned lazily, rubbing at his eye as rays of sunlight filtered in from the window. Morning. He struggled to open his eyes and attempted to move his left arm to rub at his other eye, but found it nearly impossible. Blinking down in stupor, he noticed a mop of unruly blonde hair.
Now, nearly fully awake, Tsuzuki stared in surprise at Hisoka. The boy was clinging to his arm as if it were a stuffed animal, his head nuzzled against his chest, and his body curled up against his for warmth.
Allowing a smile to play upon his lips, Tsuzuki dared not move again for fear of awakening his slumbering partner. He reveled in this moment, relaxed at the cuteness of his adorable counterpart and calmness of his sleep. Hisoka was much too sweet at this point. It was so tempting to place a kiss on those pinkened lips. He'd kill me if he knew I was thinking about him like that… and being sweet, adorable, and cute. He hates that. Suddenly, he moved slightly, the serene look on his face replaced by one of discomfort.
"Tsu… zuki…" he whimpered, pulling himself closer to the older Shinigami.
Tsuzuki felt despair come over him, as he wrapped his free arm in a comforting grasp around Hisoka. "Shh… It's okay, Hisoka. I'm right here."
"Tsuzuki…" Hisoka sounded so small, tears threatening to spill over, "Don't…"
Pulling him closer, Tsuzuki laid his head atop Hisoka's before continuing to comfort him. "'Don't' what Hisoka?"
"Don't leave me… I don't want to… be alone." he mumbled, quieting slightly by the reassuring touch.
"I won't, I promise." Tsuzuki replied to his half-conscious partner, "I won't leave you again."
This caused Hisoka to return to his deep sleep, but his cuddling did not waver. The boy clung to Tsuzuki until he awoke about fifteen minutes later, bright red and stammering whilst the man went on smiling.
TBC...
1. Nii-san meansbig brother in Japanese. Just in case some of you don't know that.
I know, short chapter, but hey... lots of cuteness! Heh, well, things may seem a little confusing now but don't worry! They'll get more confusing later on. Heh, kidding. I'm hoping to clear some stuff up in the next few chapters. You know, like: Is Muraki really behind it all and what's his motive? Who's the girl and what's her purpose? And the most important question... WILL TSUZUKI AND HISOKA END UP TOGETHER! Well, the last question won't be answered yet my little TsuSoka fans, but there will be some exciting twists that can make or break their relationship(crappy line, I know). So stay tuned!
Thank you all my wonderful reviewers! You are all so kind! -gives cookies- And thank you my wonderful readers! You are all why I continue this story! Okay, enough sap. -goes to write next chapters-