Cat-chan: Heh, okies, back to normal chapters!
Tsuzuki: Tee hee, that was fun wasn't it 'Soka?
Hisoka: No it wasn't idiot.
Tsuzuki: Yes it was!
Hisoka: No it wasn't.
Tsuzuki: Yes it was!
Hisoka: No it- stop that!
Cat-chan: Come on boys, can't we all just get along?
Hisoka: You still haven't handed over that picture.
Cat-chan: -sighs- Don't worry, I burned it.
Hisoka: Good. -leaves-
Tsuzuki: Aww... did you really burn it?
Cat-chan: -sneakyish- Nooo... I made copies! -beams-
Tsuzuki: HOORAY!

Chapter 15: Simon says…

The night air was cool and bit into the little exposed skin that was available. Hisoka shivered and pulled his coat about him tighter, trying to make up the body heat that had seemed to have left him. Green eyes glanced around impatiently, his foot tapped against the snow-covered sidewalk. Around him, clusters of people were moving around in their own little bubbles and making merry and their idle chatter resounding in his ears. Not to mention his empathy.

Tsuzuki hadn't been gone that long, about five minutes really. The two were on their way to the restaurant for dinner, a little Chinese place, but had passed by a series of tiny shops and before Hisoka knew it, the brunette had suddenly darted into one. So now Hisoka was left out in the cold snow with a growling stomach waiting for his idiotic partner to hurry the hell up. He rubbed his hands together to create some kind of warming friction, pausing to blow on them lightly and then rub some more. Cold weather was not a particular favorite of Hisoka's, not to say that warm weather was either. He liked it in the mid-autumn seasons when it was at just the right temperature for comfort.

"Ne, 'Soka, you should really start dressing more warmly." Tsuzuki reappeared by his side, holding a bag in one hand and the other was shoved into his trench coat pocket. "It's cold out."

Hisoka glared at him, "Baka, I know it's cold. Besides, I'm fine like this."

"You're shivering." the man pointed out the obvious, receiving an eye roll from his partner, "And you're teeth are chattering and you're rubbing your hands together."

"S-shut up. It's your fault anyway, for having to run into that store and leave me out here." he retaliated.

Tsuzuki smirked, "You didn't have to stay out here. You could've gone in with me."

The boy had no reply to this. Instead he spun on his heel and stalked off in the direction of the restaurant, he wasn't in the mood to bother with Tsuzuki's antics and whatnot. He could hear the snow crunching softly behind him, the brunette apparently caught on and proceeded to follow him. At least he's not completely oblivious. Hisoka thought with a little amusement. His pace quickened, just to see what he would do. The reaction was at first surprise, then Tsuzuki was taking longer strides to keep up with the boy.

"Hey! 'Soka! Slow down, why are you going so fast?" he asked, watching him from the corner of his eyes.

Hisoka shrugged, "I don't know."

He slowed down anyway, cutting the brunette some slack. Besides, they were catching unwanted attention from passer-bys. Hisoka certainly didn't want that. So in comfortable silence, the two shinigami continued onward to locate the place where they would be dining that evening. Tsuzuki began humming to himself, just some little tune to pass the time with. It was enjoyable and lifting, when the man hummed. It made Hisoka think of his mother, when she had loved him, she hummed a lot when doing menial tasks around the house. It made the boy feel, secure. Unconsciously, he stepped closer to the source of the security.

"Here it is Hisoka." Tsuzuki placed a hand on his partner's shoulder to keep him from continuing on past the tiny restaurant.

Hisoka blinked up at the building, not aware that he had been lost in thought for a moment, "O-oh. Okay."

"Hey, Hisoka are you alright? You looked kinda spacey there." he inquired, opening the door for the two of them to enter.

The blonde frowned and nodded, "I'm fine."

"Okay, just making sure."

They were seated in a booth, Tsuzuki directly across from Hisoka. For some strange reason, the man seemed preoccupied by something other than the menu. The boy arched an eyebrow, not really sure that this was typical Tsuzuki behavior. Amethyst eyes suddenly locked on to his. Hisoka blinked for a second, then noticed that the man was deep in thought and not really looking at him. The emotion Hisoka picked up on was sadness. He frowned, why would Tsuzuki be sad? He took in his appearance subtly. Tsuzuki's chin was propped up by the palm of his hand, his elbow using the table for support. His head was tilted just slightly to the side and amethyst optics clouded over. The other arm just sat on the table top. The man was smiling too, for some reason, although it was sad.

Before Hisoka knew what he was doing, he copied the exact position of his partner. He rested his chin in his hand and stared straight back at Tsuzuki. The man was confused, his partner suddenly took on the same posture that he had ... causing the violet eyed male to blink; he had been about to start chattering on aimlessly again to fill the silence, Tsuzuki couldn't stand silence, but he however stopped just then, wondering if Hisoka was doing it on purpose or if it was an accident ... Only one way to find out ... he thought, grinning a little. It wasn't like Hisoka was exactly aware of what he was doing exactly, it just happened.

He turned his head the other way now, folding his hands on the table and sliding up in his chair slightly so he wasn't quite so slouched, watching his partner to see if he did it as well; if he did, it would simply amuse him to no end ...

Hisoka realized the man was talking, When had he started talking? Well, apparently he hadn't noticed the boy hadn't been listening. However, the brunette stopped mid-sentence. He had been chatting about something of no importance whatsoever, then nothing. The blonde was about to question as to why he stopped, but the inquiry died in his throat as his partner took on a new position. He blinked in curiosity, amethyst optics looking at him expectantly, as if waiting for a reaction.

When he felt his hands clasp together, he suddenly realized that he had once again mimicked his partner's actions. His head had tilted to the other side now, and his posture straightened to try and match the other's. Hisoka didn't need his empathy to sense that his partner was amused by this. He was reminded slightly of a child who observes someone older than them and copies their motions. A sigh escaped him, there was no way he'd ever leave the stage of childhood he was trapped in.

This is so weird, why am I doing this? It's stupid and he's only going to tease me about it. Despite the thought, he didn't move from the position he had taken on.

Tsuzuki just barely stopped himself from laughing outright at the other's actions - he had never seen Hisoka act like this before; it had to be from lack of sleep or something, because this was completely and utterly priceless as far as he was concerned, biting his lip, though besides that, his facial expression didn't change as he continued to look at his green eyed partner, straightening his head now and moving slightly as he crossed his ankles.

This is like Simon says ... only, without saying Simon says ... the brunette thought to himself as he waited to see if Hisoka would follow suit. Well, technically, the blonde could play the game without saying anything... ... Hmm ... ...

'Sokaaaaa ... can you hear me ...? he sent out, mentally prodding lightly at the blonde's mental barriers; they could play Simon says without saying a word out loud ...

Something was suddenly prodding Hisoka's empathy, he blinked realizing it was Tsuzuki, wondering why he was trying to get thoughts to him instead of just voicing it. He nodded in reply to his partner's inquiry, still puzzled as to what he wanted.

The amusement from his partner was now affecting him via empathy. So, the violet-eyed man wasn't completely oblivious after all. Hisoka watched lazily as he straightened his head, soon copying the action. However, he sensed he did something wrong. Tsuzuki had done something other than straighten his head... He sighed, then peered under the table. Cheating. he quickly smacked away whatever entity gave him that thought, then crossed his legs at the ankles as his partner had done. He's going to start laughing, I just know it.

Baka... The boy was a little annoyed with himself, but he also found this whole situation amusing as well. Besides, it was bringing up the brunette's mood, which in turn cheered up the boy. Not visibly mind you.

From surrounding people who had chosen to observe them, aka the Yaoi obsessed people, he could feel extreme giddiness and thoughts that ranged from 'Aww... how sweet!' 'when will they start making out?' and 'that's a pretty big age difference.' Hisoka felt like kicking them. Despite his attempt not to, he blushed at all the perverted thoughts from the table behind them and the waitresses giggling in the corner. He slammed up mental shields, but the emotions continued to get in. Baka yaoi fan girls... why can't they keep their hentai thoughts to themselves!

Oi - 'Sokaaa Let's play Simon says ... only ... without talking ... 'kay? the now-much-more-happy-than-he-had-previously-been shinigami said, projecting not only words, but feelings and little pictures as well, smile broadening slightly at the other and wondering absently what was making Hisoka blush so brightly, because he was looking like something akin to a cherry at the moment ...

He did notice the waitress that was serving some girls behind Hisoka's head was giggling with the girls, violet eyes blinking in mild confusion as he didn't know what they were finding so funny over at the table he was sharing with his partner - however, as soon as he looked at them, they looked away, obviously embarrassed for being caught staring. Turning his gaze back towards his partner, he waited to see if the other would comply to the request, uncrossing his ankles absently and seeing if the blonde was still paying attention as one shoulder slid down part way so that the other was higher than it ...

Hisoka blushed brighter, if that was even possible. He was first inclined to yell at the violet-eyed man and hit him or something, but the urge to do so faded as the man's happiness increased. He sighed and complied, observing his partner to see what he would do next. He pursed his lips and copied the position, not having to look under the table this time to see that he had uncrossed his ankles.

He found the shoulder sliding a little strange, wondering if Enma was laughing at him now. He must be, hell the entire division would be in hysterics if they were witness to this. At the continuation of thinking about the predicament he was in, he remembered why he had done this so willingly in the first place. As a child, he had loved to follow his mother around and copy what she did. She had found it extremely adorable and always told him so, which was why he continued to do it... well, until he was ostracized because of his empathy.

Even with his thoughts drifting around, Hisoka managed to match Tsuzuki easily, but he was confused as to why the man was looking behind him. Emerald eyes shifted slightly, but he saw nothing. However he could hear an excited squeal from behind him. He rolled his eyes at the behavior of the waitresses, there had to be something more important to do than watch the two of them play what Tsuzuki called "Simon Says".

If Watari had been there, the scientist would have been cracking up - that much was certain; Tsuzuki was pretty sure even the GuShoShin, who were so fond of Hisoka for visiting the library so often, would crack a smile at this. It was too cute not to; he was pretty sure even Tatsumi would change his expression slightly - perhaps not to something as drastic as a smile of course, but a quirk of the lips none the less ... Simon says cross your eyes ... and Simon says unfold your hands ... he projected with a smile, crossing his own and looking up and down absently; he was most certainly going to have fun with this one as he unclasped his hands and set them palms down on the table, wanting to see if the blonde really had conceded to the game. Arching an eyebrow at the command, Hisoka shrugged and complied. He felt stupid for crossing his eyes like that, but he almost laughed at the expression his partner wore. Almost. Which means it's safe to say that he cracked a small smile. Okay, something is definitely wrong with me. The boy placed his hands as Tsuzuki had done, the man was having extreme fun doing this. Not to say Hisoka wasn't... but he would not admit to that.
Take off your jacket ... Now - that hadn't been preceded by 'Simon Says', though Tsuzuki moved to do it anyway, wondering if he could trick the green eyed boy into doing it because he'd given Hisoka three commands to fulfill at once ... He blushed when he was told to take off his jacket, not thinking twice and moving to do so. However, it was difficult to do the with his eyes crossed so it only served to frustrate him. The boy realized via Tsuzuki's thoughts, that he had been tricked. Now he was cross-eyed with his jacket hanging off one shoulder.

Crossing his arms and frowning, he muttered, "That wasn't fair."

Tsuzuki fought back the urge to laugh at his partner's predicament, "All's fair in Simon Says!"

"Shut up, it's not like I wanted to play the stupid game." he countered.

Tsuzuki stuck out his tongue, "But you started it!"

"Did not. You're the one who started prodding my mind." Hisoka retorted.

The violet-eyed man giggled, "But you're the one who started mimicking me! If you didn't do that, I wouldn't have come up with the idea!"

"Baka." was all Hisoka had to say in reply.

"I win." Tsuzuki smiled.

The boy debated this for a moment, then sighed and gave in, "Fine."

"Yay!"

"Sorry that it took so long, boys." the waitress came to their table, a bright smile on her face. Hisoka was relieved to see that it was not one of the Yaoi obsessed waitresses, this waitress was one of the older ones and had clean thoughts. "Would you like to start with drinks?"

"Sure, I'll have some sake please." Tsuzuki grinned, then looked over at his partner, "What about you 'Soka?"

"I'll have tea." he replied to the waitress, still frowning at the man.

"Alright, I'll be right back with your drinks and then we'll see about ordering your food." she smiled, the padded off to retrieve the beverages.

Silence fell over the two shinigami again, and Tsuzuki found the sadness from earlier creeping back to him, "Ne, Hisoka?"

"What?" the boy tilted his head, looking a little sleepy.

Tsuzuki smiled sheepishly, "I was just wondering… was there a reason for you to start copying me? Or were you just bored?"

"Anou…" Hisoka paused for a moment, debating on whether or not he should tell Tsuzuki of his mother and his past and old habits. "My mother… I'd mirror her when I was little, she thought it was cute and I guess I liked the attention she'd give me back then. I don't know why I started copying you. It just sort of happened."

"Oh." Tsuzuki thought the idea of a tiny, little kid Hisoka copying a very pretty lady as she did chores around the house was absolutely endearing. He was very flattered that his partner would share that intimate memory he had of his mother with him, also that he saw Tsuzuki as someone he could mimic without feeling ashamed right off the bat. That meant Hisoka was comfortable around him, right?

He didn't know that he voiced that thought until the boy replied, "I guess. I mean, you're my partner so I should feel comfortable around you. Why?"

"Aa… no reason really. Just wanted to make sure."

Hisoka nodded, sort of understanding, "Okay."

Dinner came and went in silence, well as much silence as you could get with Tsuzuki devouring his meal not unlike a wild animal. Their meal consisted of fried rice, chow mein, pot stickers, and various vegetables. The brunette had soon polished off two helpings and started on his third. Hisoka merely stared at him for a few moments before shaking his head and returning to his own plate.

Once Tsuzuki's plate was completely empty and nearly spotless, he sat back with a content sigh and took a peek at his partner's plate. Hisoka still had at least half his food left and showed no further desire to continue eating it. Tsuzuki frowned; he was well-aware of how little the boy ate. It never ceased to worry him when he didn't finish a meal or completely skipped one. He was already too skinny as it was. Unfortunately, Hisoka refused to acknowledge it. That only served to frustrate him more. As his partner, it's my obligation to make sure that he's taking care of himself. That includes eating and sleeping, which I know that he's not getting much of either. That is not healthy. But he'll only think I'm babying him or something.

"A custard puff from Sakaeya! And a Shiroikifujin cheesecake! And this is Noji apple pie! I love all these pastries, but… I can't live without cake! Hee hee! Yum yum!" Tsuzuki beamed as he looked over all his sweets.

"Enough!" Hisoka was in a corner, fanning himself and bright red from the intense heat.

Tsuzuki blinked up at him innocently, "What's wrong Hisoka? Had enough of summer already?"

The boy didn't reply, he only proceeded to glare at his partner while continuing to fan himself. It was much too hot for his liking.

"You skipped breakfast again didn't you?" Tsuzuki chided, "What did you eat this morning? What about yesterday?"

"Oh, shut up. Just drop it." he retorted bitterly.

The brunette shook his head, "That's not good. You have to eat well in summer. Here, want some cheesecake?"

"I DON'T WANT ANYTHING!" Hisoka shouted, clearly losing his patience. "Just leave me alone! It's none of your business, Tsuzuki! Back off! Stop smothering me!"

Tsuzuki was immediately in sappy, pathetic inu mode, "Hey… It is too my business! Hmph! I have to worry about the health of my partner! Besides, I like you Hisoka!"

There was an immediate blush on the boy's cheeks as he stuttered, "Wha…" then he recovered, "Have you lost your mind?"

"Well I do!" the man countered.

"YOU IDIOT!"

"HEY! You called me an idiot! Waaah!"

"WELL YOU ARE ONE TSUZUKI!"(1)

"Baka."

Tsuzuki's head snapped up at the statement the boy directed towards him. Intense emerald eyes were set on him, seemingly attempting to search him, which might as well be true considering he was an empath. The man offered him a smile, which was clearly fake and forced. It faded rather quickly when he saw that it had effect on Hisoka whatsoever, his indifference remained.

"What is it?" he asked sounding slightly irritated, arching an inquisitive eyebrow.

Tsuzuki blinked, "Ah, what is what?"

Hisoka sighed, "Don't play dumb with me. Your emotions are coming through loud and clear, despite how jumbled up they all are. Something's bothering you. So, what is it?"

"You didn't eat all your food." the brunette finally pointed out.

The empath turned his gaze to the plate, then back up to his partner, "I'm not hungry."

"You didn't eat lunch either."

Hisoka scowled, "What are you? My mother?"

Tsuzuki looked as if he would deflate, "Mou, Hisoka you're not being nice. I'm only looking out for you and your well-being."

"I don't need to be looked after, I'm not a child." he glared.

"I never said you were!" Tsuzuki was quick to defend himself.

Hisoka looked away, towards the window, "…you were thinking it."

"No I wasn't and you know it Mr. Empath." the brunette sighed.

"Shut up."

"Would you boys like some dessert?" the waitress appeared at their table right before the man opened his mouth to say that he would not shut up.

However, he was quickly distracted. "Hai! Hai!"

"Baka." Hisoka rolled his eyes, but nodded to the waitress none the less.

She smiled, "I'll be right back with a dessert menu for you boys."

Her heels clicked as she walked away, Tsuzuki immediately turning his attention back to the boy. "You're sharing with me."

"No, I'm not." he frowned.

"Yes you are."

Crossing his arms defiantly, Hisoka shook his head, "No I am not."

"Hisoka, please? You don't eat anything-" Tsuzuki was cut off.

"I just ate!"

The brunette was now rolling his eyes, "Oh sure, half a plate of food in one day is eating properly. Way to go Hisoka."

"Shut up, I'm not hungry." Hisoka was now trying to defend himself.

"You're never hungry."

The boy said nothing else; one he didn't have a comeback and two, the injury in his partner's voice pierced him. Tsuzuki really wanted him to eat more. It wasn't his fault though, he had never eaten much growing up so he couldn't stomach large amounts of food or else he'd get sick. But it didn't look like Tsuzuki was going to let him weasel his way out of this one. It was either do as Tsuzuki says and eat or deal with a hurt partner all night. It wasn't that difficult a decision.

"Here you go, look it over and see what you like." the waitress handed Hisoka the menus before clearing their plates, "You want a box for this?" she pointed at the boy's plate.

He shook his head, "No thanks."

"Alright then, I'll be right back to take your dessert orders."

Hisoka handed Tsuzuki a menu, the man took it with a soft 'hmph' and was then silent. The empath fidgeted uncomfortably, he didn't like it when the brunette did stuff like this. It wasn't often that he did. Even so, it stung. Hisoka was reminded of his mother and father at times like these, disappointment radiating off them. Because of something he did or said. That's why Tsuzuki was acting like this now, because Hisoka had said and done something wrong.

He was still staring at the menu in his hands when the waitress returned. She immediately took Tsuzuki's order, seeing that he was ready, before moving on to Hisoka. She and the brunette both stared at him for a moment or two. When he didn't acknowledge them, the waitress tapped his shoulder. He came out of his reverie rather abruptly and looked around for some kind of explanation. The look on his partner's face answered any questions that formulated in his mind.

"Have you decided yet?"

Hisoka looked up at the waitress, replying softly, "I'll have whatever he's having."

The smile that appeared on Tsuzuki's face was definitely worth stomaching those desserts.

Notes: 1. That's a flashbackfrom the sixth manga. If you haven't read the manga, I'm sorry, but that scene was jusy too cute to leave out!

Cha cha cha, review time!
1. Sheila: Why thank you! Glad to hear that you like it -smiles- And a Mary-Sue is a perfect character that has no flaws or is exceedingly annoying. Some OCs can be a little Mary-Sueish which was why I was worried.
2. lunarkitty14: DON'T WORRY! I'm continuing, yay! Two chapters at once too! Although chapter 14 is short but oh well!
3. ffpanda: Yes, the power of the uber sexeh bishies must triumph over the evilness of Doctor Muraki! Heheh, and I've looked foreward to writing this Tsuzuki and Hisoka fluff! Yay fluff!
4. Kyokocat: Well I'm glad to see a new reviewer! It's good to get a wide spread audience. Oh and don't worry, I'm not doing anything too harmful to 'Soka-chan. Not yet anyway.
5. Hazel-Beka: LOL, yeah that is a very creepy mental image. I can so see Wakaba forcing Terazuma to take care of Setsuko so I just had to put that. And with 'Soka and 'Zuki? I just like to make them go back and forth! It's really very amusing!
6. Sam: Well I didn't think too many would like this chapter as much, but that's okay. It's not one I'm particularly proud of, however since Hisoka and Tsuzuki reign supreme in my mind. Good luck with your own fic! Thanks for reviewing!