Tsuzuki: Mmm... cake... I love cake! Don't all of you? -looks expectantly at readers- It's so soft and moist and fluffy! But pie is good too! Especially apple pie! Have you ever tried Noji apple pie? It's the best kind! Of course, you can't forget cookies and candy and ice cream! Sweets are just so good it's so hard to choose! Pudding, cinnabons, danishes, custard, cream puffs, brownies, cake, popcicles, pie, cake, Hisoka- Oh! I think I've made my decision!
Hisoka: -whacks Tsuzuki on the head while blushing- BAKA!
Tsuzuki: Waaah! Hisoka hit me!
Hisoka: -blushing-
Tsuzuki: Aww! 'Soka's so kawaii when he blushes! -glomps- I love you so much! I could just eat you!
Hisoka: Stop it Tsuzuki!
Setsuko: Don't eat him Tsu-chan! Then there wouldn't be any of nii-san left to love!
Tsuzuki: -gasps- You're right! Okay, 'Soka, I won't eat you! -smiles-
Hisoka: -glares- Idiot.
Cat-chan: Enough boys, I need to introduce the next chapter.
Hisoka: ... -remembers something- YOU!
Cat-chan: Eep! I was hoping you forgot! -starts running again- AAAAHH!

Chapter 13: ...I spoke as a child

"Onee-chan, are you going somewhere? You're getting all dressed up." Setsuko inquired as she watched the young woman bustle about the room in a strange attempt to ready herself for the day.

Wakaba flashed a characteristic grin at the girl, "Yep! Hajime-chan and I have the day off today, so we decided to take you down to earth with us. We've planned something really fun, but we're not telling you what because it's a surprise."

The tawny-haired child smirked, "Did Terazuma-san really decide that with you onee-chan?"

"No. She forced me into it. Damn Kannuki…." the man slouched in a chair nearby growled, glaring at the two girls.

Wakaba wagged a reprimanding finger at him, "Now, now Hajime-chan. Is that the attitude you're going to have today? Because if it is then you will not be having a fun time with us, will he Aka-chan?"

"Aw, onee-chan, we can't make him do anything he doesn't want to." Setsuko pointed out, not wanting to get pulled in between.

During her stay with Wakaba and Terazuma, Setsuko discovered that it was a good idea to keep her distance from the grouchy shinigami. She had been clinging to Wakaba, only speaking to Terazuma when it was needed or she forgot. Space was not a problem; the girl was given the extra bedroom for now, so whenever Wakaba was out and Terazuma was being intimidating, the child would stay in her room until the copper-haired woman returned. Terazuma had avoided talking to her at all costs, also he wouldn't come near her. Setsuko had no idea why, she thought he was just distant like Hisoka.

The girl enjoyed observing the two shinigami interact however. It was obvious that they were very attached to each other, whether it was familial, friendly, or romantic; Setsuko was unsure. There were the occasional arguments, exchanges, flirting on Wakaba's half and teasing on Terazuma's. They were very animated when it came to having discussions. That made her feel more comfortable around them, except when they began threatening each other or yelled. That was a little out of control.

"Hajime-chan, you're coming and you will like it!" Wakaba had brought out her threatening tone, making the other two go pale and Setsuko cowered behind Terazuma's chair.

"Alright! Alright, I'm coming!" he glared, receiving a smile from his partner. "Gaki! Don't just sit there, come on!"

Setsuko timidly came back out from behind the chair, Terazuma had started calling her that from the first time they had a conversation. Gaki meant brat, even if she wasn't one, he still labeled her that way. She didn't complain though, she had been called worse.

"I-I'm coming Terazuma-san," she replied, darting over to where Wakaba was.

The copper-haired girl sighed, "No need to scare her now, Hajime-chan. Be a little nicer. It's okay, Aka-chan. Grumpy ole Hajime-chan won't hurt you."

"But freakish Kannuki might." the icy shinigami retorted.

"Hajime!" she shouted, both glaring daggers at each other.

Now it was Setsuko's turn to sigh. Despite how much she enjoyed spending time with the two of them, or at least Wakaba, the girl couldn't help the nagging feeling that this was going to be a very long day.

"Now see you two, this isn't so bad!" Wakaba beamed at her two companions as they exited a clothing shop with bags in hand, "Aka-chan needed some more clothes anyway."

"Thank you, onee-chan!" the child squealed and hugging the older girl's legs, pleasantly surprised that she had been taken out for some gifts.

Terazuma rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah. Are we done here?"

"Nope! It's lunchtime, so we're going out to eat." the copper-haired girl winked at her partner before taking Setsuko's hand and leading her down the street.

The man sighed and reluctantly followed. So far they had been to three shopping outlets, having bought clothes for both girls and some make-up for Wakaba as well. Four hours had passed, making it around one or so. Setsuko's stomach grumbled and she blushed, but Wakaba just laughed and waved it off. The two of them had been enjoying themselves, but it appeared that Terazuma was merely annoyed and angry that he had to be there as well. Deep down though, he was glad and relieved to see his partner so happy and excited over the child that had come to stay with them. Had Wakaba lived, she would've made an excellent mother and wife.

He blushed at the thought of her being someone's, no, his wife. Sure he cared for her, but he was still unsure of how far that affection went. Moreover, how she felt about him. The ebony-haired man would never be able to touch her for fear of transforming into Kuro. He wouldn't be able to give her the love she deserved, that didn't mean that he wouldn't do anything and everything in his power to keep other guys away from her.

"Hajime-chan, you coming?" Wakaba's voice brought him out of his reverie, he quickly covered it up with a mere grumble and shuffle of his feet.

The three of them were dressed in warm attire, for it was still winter in Chijou. Setsuko was bundled up in a warm pale pink and cream coat with a baby blue scarf and skirt. Her stockings were white and her boots were cream. On her head was a matching blue beret, completing the image of innocence Wakaba had attempted to portray on her. She herself was wearing a darker pink coat over her regular school uniform and white stockings along with pink boots and two pink ribbons in her hair. Terazuma just sported a dark green jacket and jeans, the cold didn't really bother him.

They arrived at a little Italian restaurant, a particular favorite of Terazuma's although he didn't say so, with good food and reasonable prices. Wakaba had to persuade Setsuko to order something bigger than what the child had intended, so she wasn't a burden, eventually complying in the end.

"This is good, onee-chan! Thanks for taking us here." she smiled gratefully after swallowing her first couple of bites.

Wakaba nodded, "You're very welcome, Aka-chan. Ooooh! Is it this late already?" she had glanced down at her watch and frowned at the time it displayed. "I have to go for a little while, preparations for the surprise I told you about. Hajime-chan, watch her while I'm gone and meet me at the park in an hour, okay? Bye!"

Without giving either of them much chance to reply, the copper-haired girl rose and paid for the meal before taking her leave. Mocha eyes blinked rapidly, then focused on the man sitting beside her. He didn't look all too thrilled about his new position of babysitter, but he didn't have much of a choice. Leaning back in his chair, Terazuma wondered about what they could do for an hour. He really had no experience with children.

"So whad'ya want to do for the hour she's gone, gaki?" he asked of her.

The child appeared startled, "I-uh.. I'm not sure Terazuma-san. What do you want to do?"

"Honestly, I want to go back home and relax but that's not really an option. It's not that hard to decided where to go. I mean, a toy store? The park? Anything within reason so's long as you leave me alone." he retorted coldly.

"Ah… the park sounds good…"

"Alright then, let's go and get this over with."

Kannuki wanted me to "bond" with her, but that's so stupid of her to ask me to do that. I don't get along well with kids, 'specially girls. And this kid, she's clingy. What if she tries to hold my hand or something childish like that? I'll turn into Kuro and then what. Kami-sama! Not only that, but she adores that idiot shinigami, Tsuzuki. What have I gotten myself into? Terazuma sighed heavily from his spot on the park bench, pretending to observe Setsuko as she played with the other children in the snow. Kids… what was Kannuki thinking?

Warily, the black-haired man eyed the other adults nearby. Most of them were the parents or guardians of the other children, while some just had nothing better to do. The children on the other hand, including Setsuko, were building snowmen, engaging in snowball fights, and making snow angels. The tawny-haired girl had just completed a snow angel, running off the make a snowball after getting hit by one. Her cheeks were rosy from the cold and from laughing, though it was obvious she was shivering.

Terazuma rolled his eyes, just like that stupid kid to go and get all wet with snow when it was cold out. If she got sick he'd never hear the end of it from his partner. Spying a vendor not too far off that had warm drinks, he decided to go and buy two, one for her and one for himself. He was just as cold and freezing his ass off on that wet bench.

He got a coffee for himself and a hot chocolate for Setsuko, he was aware that she liked them after Wakaba had made a few for her over the five weeks she'd been living with them. Through his gloves, the drinks warmed his palms and made him feel less irritable. He arrived back at the bench he'd been sitting at and scanned the area for the chocolate eyed girl. She wasn't within view. Scowling, Terazuma figured that she just went to play on the other side of the trees that were close by. Tramping through the white snow drifts, dark eyes scanned the faces of the group of children, none belonging to the one he was supposed to be taking care of.

When he didn't see her, he began to wonder if something had happened. Could she have been kidnapped? That doctor was out looking for her, maybe he'd followed them and taken her while he wasn't looking. No that was stupid, she would've screamed for help like any smart kid would do. Was she injured somewhere? Maybe she fell while playing hide and seek and hit her head and was now unconscious. His chest constricted. Ebony bangs fell in his eyes as he shook his head vigorously.

"That's absurd. I'm just worrying too much, she's fine. Gaki no baka." he muttered, going back to his search.

After fifteen minutes of searching the entire park and not coming across her, Terazuma's concern surfaced again. I can't believe I lost the kid! Kannuki adores her, how am I going to explain this? She was in my care! How could I have slipped up like this? I can see that purple eyed baka idiot doing something like this, but me? Enma above, where the hell is she?

"Gaki?" he resorted to calling for her as he retraced his steps through the park, "Hey, gaki, c'mon. This isn't funny anymore. It wasn't to begin with! Come on out. Gaki? Gaki!"

Time was slipping by and there was still no sign of the child. The drinks had long been forgotten. Terazuma asked the other kids if they had seen her and if so where she had gone. Not everyone had seen her and those that did had no idea where she would be and which direction she'd left in. After half an hour, Terazuma was beginning to panic.

"Gaki, where the hell are you! Gaki!" he looked around anxiously, nearly jumping out of his skin when he felt a tug on his coat.

Whirling around, he stared in shock at the girl in front of him. Setsuko was completely unharmed and smiling up at him with that grin of hers. In her hands was a box of dumplings, warm and wrapped up nicely. Terazuma blinked a few times, panic ceasing and confusion and anger replacing it.

"Hi Terazuma-san, were you looking for me? I'm sorry. I should've told you what I was doing." she rubbed the back on her neck sheepishly.

Terazuma bristled, "Looking for you! Of course I was! Where the hell did you go that took half an hour!"

"Oh, well, you looked cold and mad so I decided to get something to cheer you up." Setsuko replied meekly, holding out the box of dumplings, "Onee-chan told me you like these, so I got some for you to eat while you waited. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you worried."

"What?" he stared at the box before taking it into his own hands, his gaze softening only slightly, "Pff… gaki no baka. And I was not worried. I just knew Kannuki would be if I lost you. Come on, she should be here soon."

"Okay, Terazuma-san!" the girl nodded enthusiastically, following right behind the older shinigami.

Terazuma looked down at the box in his hands as they walked, Setsuko bounding on ahead as Wakaba came into view. He rolled his eyes and sighed, I can't believe I was worried about her. Stupid girl.

"So what did you do yesterday 'Suko-chan?" Tsuzuki asked the child, taking another random break from his paperwork, much to the annoyance of his partner. "Did you have fun with Wakaba-chan and dog boy over there?"

A light entered Setsuko's eyes as she nodded, "Hai! Onee-chan took me shopping and bought me some new clothes. Then we all went out to lunch. Terazuma-san had to watch me at the park, then onee-chan came back and took us to see a Noh performance. It was really good. Terazuma-san could interpret it very well, onee-chan was surprised. I had a really good time!"

The brunette ruffled her hair, "That's good 'Suko, I'm glad you had fun. You deserve to lay back and just play around. We all do once in a while."

"Baka. You do that everyday." Hisoka accused from his desk, not looking up from his paperwork.

"Mou! Why does 'Soka-chan need to be like that? Waaah! 'Suko-chan, tell him to be nice!" puppy Tsuzuki whined, fake tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Compared to what I could've said, I am being nice." he retorted calmly.

"WAAAAAHH!"

"Shut up."

"But 'Soka's soooo mean!"

"What did I just say?"

"Desserts are good for the heart and good for the soul?"

"…… Tsuzuki no baka…"

"Waaah! Hidoi!"

Setsuko laughed as she observed the two's antics. Despite the fun she'd had the previous day with Wakaba and Terazuma, she couldn't help but miss Tsuzuki and Hisoka. Their bantering had become routine for her, she couldn't imagine being without the two of them. The child wished that things could continue going on like they were. It felt so much like a home and family with them, with all of the Shokan division she'd come to meet. I'm home.

A porcelain doll sat erect on a small table, a billowing pink dress adorning it. Short, soft locks of a honey color bordered the pale, smooth face. Eyes a deep chocolate brown and lips of a pale pink sakura blossom. It was a beautiful doll, one of the main focuses of a man in white. The second focus was of a similar doll, only this one had wheat-tinged locks that came only just below the ears and piercing emerald eyes. A crack on one cheek also made it different from the first.

"And now the fun begins…"

Notes: Not enough Tsu/Soka in this chapter, I know. I've surprised myself by how long I've lasted without making the two of them have an intense make-out session! LOL. Sorry 'bout that, got carried away. Well, this was basically to show more of Wakaba and Terazuma since I don't think I have enough of them. They are so underrated! Well, to make up for the lack of Tsuzuki and Hisoka-ness, the next three chapters are all about them! Yay!

Reviews! Yay!
1. ffpanda: Thank you! Your support is much appreciated!
2. Hazel-Beka: Heh, I like that line too. It can't be helped! 'Soka is much too cute. Thanks for reviewing!
3. Sam: Yeah, the mangas describe more of what's going on. But I still love the anime(even if it cuts out most of the manga). Thanks, it's getting a little harder to keep them in character, but I'm trying! Hisoka especially, he's so difficult! Cute and quiet one minute and angry and distant the next! Can you say crazy mood swings? Thank you for the review!