Cat-chan: As I promised, another chapter! Hope I didn't leave you biting your finger nails for too long!
-pans to Tsuzuki who is doing so-
Tsuzuki: Wah! Cat-chan! Where's 'Soka? -starts crying-
Cat-chan: There, there Tsu-chan. -pats him on the head- Hisoka will be just fine!
Tsuzuki: Really? -hopeful-
Cat-chan: Really.
Tsuzuki: Waaii! Don't worry 'Soka! We'll get you back soon!
-stuck in Cat-chan's muse land-
Hisoka: Dammit Stephanie... You'll pay for these next few chapters!
-back to outside muse land-
Cat-chan: Tee hee! -heart-

Chapter 20: Fragile threads

It was like floating. Drifting back and forth between nothing and memories, some distant and others quite recent. It was impossible to keep a hold on anything though, everything kept slipping through grasping fingers. Except the screams. The screams of denial and fear and pain. The hideous laughter. The desperate cries for help. The inability to do anything. They wouldn't leave her alone.

Setsuko was still lost in the depths of sleep. Wanting to fight her way out of it , but at the same time, wanting to just stay there. She was too fearful of what might meet her. Would she be dead? Would she be with Haruna or Wakaba? Did Tsuzuki really come? Was Hisoka okay? Was he dead? Would she open her eyes to see that everything had been a dream? Or would Muraki be smiling down at her with a sinister intent? There were too many fears and apprehensions to allow herself to fully wake up. However, she also wanted to make sure Hisoka was okay. To make sure they both were.

Sound was the first thing that reached her. She could hear a faint beeping, steady and fragile, her life depended on that beeping. Or was it Hisoka's? There was also the sound of papers rustling, a quiet hooting, a flutter of wings, and a steady humming. It took some time, but she finally recognized those sounds as Watari and 003.

Next came touch, there was a blanket over her that was warm and fuzzy. Something soft and firm was beneath her; the infirmary beds. She was in the infirmary. Smell reached her now, the heavy stench of medicines and smoke surrounded her. The faint aroma of flowers was amid all this though. She could taste the smoke on her tongue, along with a variety of medicines and blood. Through closed eyelids, rays of sunlight burned through telling her that it was day.

With much effort, for her eyelids felt very heavy, mocha eyes blinked open. It was much too bright. She closed her eyes again and stirred. A small murmur came from her, hoarse and meek. The movement alerted 003, the owl began hooting happily and settled down in her hair.

"Chibi! Are you awake?"

Blinking her eyes open once more, Setsuko found herself staring at two golden optics framed by long blonde hair. She nodded in answer to his question, then began stirring again and tried to find her voice. The girl didn't trust it just yet, so she said nothing. Watari smiled warmly and then began to look over her, talking to her as he did so.

"How are you feeling?" he asked first, checking her pulse and then temperature.

This time she managed to whisper, "Aa… a little better…"

Watari nodded his consent to her answer, "That's good, gave us quite a scare, chibi. You and bon both."

"Nii-san… Is nii-san okay?"

The scientist glanced off the side before responding, "Bon'll be okay. His injuries have healed, but he hasn't woken up yet. And that's not good."

"How long was I asleep for?" she asked, her voice gaining more strength.

"Umm.." he tapped his chin thoughtfully, "About three days… You're recovering really well though. I'm surprised. I would've thought you to be out for at least five days."

"Oh… really, that long?" she rubbed at her eyes sleepily, surprised to see that both her hands were bandaged. "What about Tsu-chan?"

"Take a look for yourself." the scientist chuckled lightly, motioning over to the bed where Hisoka lay unconscious.

Setsuko followed his gaze, tilting her head over so the she could get a better view. Her heart was warmed at the scene she witnessed. Hisoka was fast asleep, bandaged up in some places, but looking relatively fine. In his pale, limp hand, a larger one grasped tightly. Tsuzuki was half on a chair and half on the bed the Hisoka was in. Chestnut locks dripped down onto the boy's chest, where Tsuzuki's head was nestled. Hisoka showed no discomfort at all by the weight that was placed there. The brunette's body was slumped over, so that he was seated on the chair but his upper half lay next to his partner. His free hand was placed on the boy's pallid cheek, like frozen in a gentle caress. The man seemed peaceful, but dark circles were under his eyes, this was probably the first of him sleeping since the fire. An eyebrow twitched and he wrapped his arm protectively around his partner, eliciting a slight wince from Hisoka because of the after-effects of his injuries. He then calmed, and fell back into the dreamless sleep that consumed him.

Despite the circumstances and injuries, Setsuko could not help but find the scene extremely adorable. Even in her young age, she understood what love meant. Yet this young age was also what allowed her to not understand how and why each gender became attracted to another. In her opinion all love was the same, no matter how you looked at it. She smiled at the pair, wanting to do nothing more than curl up beside them. But that wasn't her place.

Shifting her chocolate optics to train back on Watari, she picked up on the sad smile he wore. The girl blinked up at him, why would he be sad about the two of them? She opened her mouth to voice this, but all that came out was a dry cough. This immediately attracted Watari's attention. The scientist fumbled around for something with 003 fluttering about and watching her master intently. He returned with a bottle of cough syrup, instructing Setsuko on how to take it.

"Gomen, chibi. I forgot you needed a dose of this when you woke up. Your throat will be sore for awhile, but that's to be expected. As for your hands, they've been severely burned. Luckily that's the only part of your body that was. I've already told Wakaba-chan what to do to treat your burns so you don't have to worry about that. Ah, and it's best that even after you leave the infirmary to stay off your feet for some time. 'Kay?" he gave her a wink, watching as she reluctantly swallowed the bitter medicine. "It's grape so it shouldn't be so bad, right?"

"Aa…" she swallowed thickly, the taste was heavy on her tongue, "Okay Yuu-chan, thank you… but the medicine could taste a little better. Can I have some water?"

Watari smiled and handed her a small cup from her bedside. She took it gratefully and began gulping it down quickly. It relieved her irritated throat for a minute as well, the cool liquid refreshing her burning esophagus. Once finished with the cup, she handed it over to the scientist who asked for it.

"I'll go refill this for you. I'll be right back chibi!" Watari ducked out of the room, leaving Setsuko alone with a slumbering Tsuzuki and an unconscious Hisoka.

Tsuzuki stirred in his sleep, grunting softly and looking distressed. His lips curled upward into a sort of snarl, but not quite, and his brow furrowed into a scowl. Setsuko shivered at the quick change in character. Wide-eyed, she continued to observe the brunette as he struggled within the nightmare he was trapped in. The thought of being eternally lost in your nightmare was unpleasant to the child. She tried calling out to him, but her voice box was sore and refused to function for her. After failing at this, Setsuko could merely watch, noting that Hisoka sensed the change in Tsuzuki as well and flinched beneath the man's frame.

With a gasp, Tsuzuki's head shot up and he sprung from his dream. His breathing came heavily, normally bright violet eyes were darkened with emotion and fear. Her own mocha optics continued to stare at him, not able to muster up enough courage to speak to him in that state. The irritation in her throat quickly fixed that, for she found herself quickly biting back a cough. It burned her throat and soon she couldn't hold back. The brunette brushed his bangs back, regaining his composure and allowing his gaze to linger on Hisoka a while longer. They snapped up in Setsuko's direction once her coughing fit began. He stared at her for a while, as if trying to recognize her, for his eyes were distant. Concern then flooded into them.

"Setsuko?" Tsuzuki asked softly, rising from his chair and walking over to her bedside, "You're awake, that's good. I was worried. Are you okay?"

He rubbed her back gently, enough to put her coughing fit to an end. She recognized this gesture from when the purple-eyed shinigami comforted his partner. She managed a nod and a weak smile in reply to his question, but he didn't smile back. He could see it was forced. It faltered and instead she glanced over at Hisoka before back to Tsuzuki. He saw this and sighed, patting her on the head as he descended to sit on the edge of her bed. This time he gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry 'Suko-chan." he told her quietly, violet eyes looking to the unconscious boy in the next bed, "Hisoka will be alright."

"I know." she mumbled in reply, the loudest she could manage without losing her voice, "But I still don't like it that he's still sleeping."

Tsuzuki made a noise between a sigh and a snort, "I don't like it either. Honestly, I don't think Watari's very accurate with his diagnosis'."

Setsuko looked startled for a moment, as if worried that the scientist might've made a mistake when looking her over. Tsuzuki chuckled half-heartedly at her expression, only serving to make her heart sink even further at the desperately sad sound that tore from his throat. It was more depressing than a sob.

"Don't worry, 'Suko. I was only kidding. Watari's a great doctor."

"You bet I am!" both heads turned to see the blonde reenter with 003 on his shoulder, "Ah! Tsuzuki! Glad to see you're awake! I was beginning to worry, necrophiliac. You want some water too?" he asked while handing Setsuko her refilled cup.

Tsuzuki glared at the comment Watari made, as a joke about him having slept sort of on his partner, then went into puppy mode at the mention of water, proverbial tail wagging, "Yes please!"

Watari snorted, "Then get it yourself."

"Hidoi!" he was now pulling the wounded puppy look, "Mou! Watari-I! Don't be mean! I need to stay here to watch my 'Soka-chaan!"

"Your 'Soka-chan will be fine. There won't be that much of a change if you're gone for five minutes," the scientist pointed out, "And stop whining like that! You'll disturb bon and chibi!"

"Gomen…" he whimpered, rising and starting out of the room.

A rapid beeping sound called to his attention, making him stop halfway to the door. All three and the owl turned and looked in the direction of the noise. It was coming from a machine attached to Hisoka, reading his heart rate. The green lines were jagged and going at a rapid pace. Hisoka's face was pale, his body writhing and twisting beneath the layers of sheets. His breathing became erratic, but calmed as soon as Tsuzuki darted back to his bedside, grabbing the pale, limp hand, and Watari administered a sedative. The boy fell back into the motionless state he'd been in when Setsuko had awakened. Her gaze darted from between Hisoka to Tsuzuki to Watari and then to Tsuzuki again.

The brunette groaned, clearly distressed again, "See Watari? I can't leave, he freaks out when I try to."

"I thought he might be past that, guess not." Watari pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head, "This is strange, even with bon being unconscious, he can still feel when your presence threatens to leave him. It's possible that it's his empathy, but I can't help but feel there's something more…"

As the scientist trailed off, both men turned in the child's direction. Setsuko blinked up at them, unsure where this was going exactly.

"Setsuko." the stern tone of Tsuzuki's voice reached her, "What happened before the fire Setsuko? Why was there even a fire? Why didn't you and Hisoka try to escape? I want some answers, okay?"

Watari frowned, "One question at a time, Tsuzuki. We don't want to overwhelm chibi."

"Right, sorry 'Suko." his tone softened, "Can you tell us what happened?"

"Aa…" she nodded, fisting her hands in her sheets.

"Anou…?" Tsuzuki prodded.

She sighed, her voice hoarse still, "Nii-san… nii-san got scared… Yuu-chan? You remember the lady I told you about? Haruna?" Watari nodded, as did the brunette who seemed to recognize the name, "Well it was her fault. She liked nii-san's fear, so she-" Her sentence broke off with a cough, "-so she started feeding off it. She started the fire. Nii-san didn't leave because he couldn't, and I didn't want to leave him alone with Haruna."

"What was Hisoka so scared of?" Tsuzuki asked, looking at the child and searching for an answer.

Setsuko worried her lower lip, looking apprehensive before saying softly: "I don't know."

"Setsuko…"

She looked at Tsuzuki fearfully, not wanting to tell him for his reaction would not be positive. But he knew that she knew what was wrong. He knew that she knew what Hisoka feared the most. Would it be betraying the boy's trust to tell Tsuzuki what he feared? She didn't know, Hisoka never specifically told her not to tell anyone, but he was a very private person. The child could see this from observation.

Finally, she nodded and decided to tell the brunette some of what his partner was so afraid of, "Aa… nii-san is afraid of… anou…"

"Is it Muraki?" Tsuzuki asked, trying to get the answer out of her, on the edge of his seat and leaning forward still, "Is it?"

"No-o," she shook her head slowly, then mustered up the courage to try again, "Did something happen in Kyoto? Because that's what he's scared of… something that happened there… Tsu-chan?"

Tsuzuki had paled considerably, whilst Watari looked deep in thought. It was the scientist who spoke up in place of the brunette, "So bon's afraid of loosing Tsuzuki, is that it?"

"H-hai."

"Well that makes perfect sense!" the blonde clapped his hands together, "Tsu here has always been closest to bon, so it's only natural for bon to be afraid of loosing him. Especially since Kyoto."

"Watari-" Tsuzuki had started, but was cut off by Setsuko.

"What happened there?"

Watari looked to Tsuzuki, asking for permission to tell her, but the man shook his head and told her himself, "I… I tried to kill myself."

"Nani…?" she blinked up at him, her eyes growing dark, "Why?"

"Muraki, he-" he shook his head, "Muraki just made me loose it. He told me things that made me question the meaning of my existence. So I decided to kill myself again. Hisoka… he brought me back… he gave me a reason…"

Setsuko could clearly see that Tsuzuki wouldn't be able to continue talking about this. She didn't want to hear anymore anyway. Curling into herself beneath the sheets, she stared at him with unbelieving eyes. How could the man who seemed so cheerful and carefree have tried to kill himself? It seemed highly improbable. The seriousness of the situation at hand was the only thing reassuring her that what Tsuzuki said was the truth. Closing her eyes as an attempt to run away from what had been explained to her, she only managed to envision a lifeless Tsuzuki and her mother screaming at her in disgust and her father beating down upon her. Then darkness came to claim her.

I'm suffocating, drowning drowning drowning…can't breath. too dark. where's 'zuki? I'm scared. I don't like it here. Dark. Alone. Cold. Scared. Drowning. Drowning in my own blood. Tsuzuki come back. Don't go. Can't see you, but feel you leaving. No no no no no no no no. come back. Come back. I'm sorry, so sorry. I don't hate you, please don't think that. Don't hate you. Don't hate you. Don't hate you.

I love you.

The images come back, from memories and nightmares. don't want to see that! please, Tsuzuki! Too much blood, a gun, roses. no! A knife cutting through flesh, demonic wings, sinister laughter. stop! Flames eating away at his body, killing him, on his own free will. no…! Save him, but then he betrays. he didn't. He took you. Without your consent. It was just like Muraki. please… stop… Only a 1000 times worse because it was him… partner… Tsuzuki. No, he didn't. he wouldn't. you're lying! How can I be lying if I'm you? The only sane part left that is. No! you're not! Tsuzuki! He won't come for you, he hates you. No he doesn't! Then why isn't he here? He's coming! Are you sure? Yes! I'm sure! Tsuzuki, please!

"Tsu… zuki…"

Amethyst optics flashed at the sound of his name being breathed ever so softly, yet clearly full of distress. Hisoka was calling for him. He could've sworn he saw the boy's lips move, but that might be from a lack of sleep. It had been barely above a whisper, so he wasn't exactly sure that he'd even heard anything. Probably just his mind playing tricks on him again. The whimper that followed soon after gave him enough proof though.

Edging closer to his partner, Tsuzuki brushed back the golden bangs that clung to an ash-gray forehead. Hisoka gently nuzzled his head into the touch, lower lip quivering with doubt yet clearly craving more. The man held his breath, he was surprised, he hadn't seen his partner respond to any sort of gesture in this state. The spasms and thrashings that occurred whenever Tsuzuki would attempt to leave the room didn't count. Not that he particularly desired to leave the room and the boy's side, he just didn't like the look of sheer terror that took it's place on the young face. It tore at him to see Hisoka like that, completely and utterly helpless and dependant on someone to keep him tethered to sanity.

Tsuzuki's hand began moving, although he was not aware of it and did it on a subconscious level. He began to caress his partner's cheeks lovingly, stopping the motion when he felt something wet on his fingers. Looking closer, amethyst eyes dulled. Tears; Hisoka was crying. He couldn't recall seeing Hisoka cry during that short period of time. The boy's fingers twitched and Tsuzuki's eyes brightened once more, hope shining in them as he awaited his partner's awakening. It had been six days after all. Almost seven… Tsuzuki noted absently since darkness was now falling over Meifu. The slight movements ceased and Hisoka remained motionless once again, but the brunette waited. For how long he waited, Tsuzuki was not sure, but when the last of the sun's dazzling rays began to sank he sighed heavily and began to pull his hand away. A firm grip on his wrist stopped him from doing so.

"'Soka?" Tsuzuki blinked down at his partner, startled by the hand that had darted to grasp his own.

Hisoka's breathing was pained and labored, "…'zuki…"

The brunette's breath hitched and he scooted closer to the semi-aware boy, now seated on the edge of the bed instead of his own chair. Hisoka sensed the motion and shifted his body so that there was more room for him. He wanted the man to be able to lie down too. Tsuzuki could feel tears welling up behind his optics, but held them back just in case his partner was to wake up. He didn't want to worry Hisoka by crying right off the bat. The bed dipped under his added weight as he lowered himself into a lying position beside the youth. Once he was situated, Hisoka snuggled up to him and clutched at his shirt. His hands fisted in the material and his head lolled over to rest on Tsuzuki's shoulder, sun-kissed locks brushing against the other's cheeks. Brow furrowed in concentration, it appeared that Hisoka was trying to decide whether or not he was real. Tsuzuki's heart clenched when he remembered Hisoka once asking him if he was real after another nightmare.

"Tsuzuki."

He rubbed his back soothingly, "I'm here 'Soka."

"Mmmhmm… I know…" Eyelids fluttered open tentatively, emerald pools gazing directly into amethyst.

Tsuzuki smiled warmly, "Good morning sunshine, sleep well?"

"Night." he yawned sleepily and rubbed at his drooping eyes, attempting to keep them open. "How long?"

Tilting his head to the side, the brunette could make out some of what he was mumbling. It occurred to him that Hisoka probably couldn't speak much without going hoarse like Setsuko had. Tsuzuki would just have to decipher it the best he could, he was lucky that Hisoka hadn't spoken much to begin with.

"No, just tired." Hisoka sighed, hearing the man's thoughts, continuing to look at his partner with dazed eyes.

"Aa, okay." he nodded in understanding, "Well, yeah it's night. But how long what? How long has it been night or how long were you sleeping for?"

"Sleep for."

Tsuzuki chuckled at the fragmented speech, his spirits lifted considerably now that the source of his worry was alright and safe, "You slept for seven days, silly. Had me worried there."

"S-seven?" Hisoka's eyes widened, "That long?"

"Hai, you feeling any better?" The amusement that shone in Tsuzuki moments before was gone, replaced with his concern and serious behavior.

Hisoka nodded and opened his mouth to speak, but his partner hushed him, "Hisoka, Setsuko told me what happened. Why the fire was caused." Guilt made him finally avert his gaze, "Look at me, Hisoka. What scared you so bad? Was it really that you were afraid I'd leave you? Please answer me."

"Is Setsuko okay?" the boy looked at Tsuzuki timidly, but the brunette did not answer, "Is she?"

"I won't tell you how she's doing until you answer me."

Hisoka groaned, hesitating slightly before burying his face in Tsuzuki's chest, "Y-yes… and no."

"What do you mean by that?" he stroked soft locks gently, calming the tensed kid.

He bit his lower lip before responding, "I-I mean that yes, I was that afraid of you leaving me… and no because that wasn't the only thing…"

"What else then 'Soka?" Tsuzuki gently prodded.

"I…. Anou… Do I have to tell you?" Hisoka's voice rose in pitch, bordering on panic.

Pleading amethyst eyes met his, "I'd really like it if you did."

"You say that now…" the youth whispered, then replied at a normal tone, "Rejection."

That simple word was enough to send new tears to his eyes, he kept them at bay while he hugged Tsuzuki closer, resting his head on the slowly rising and falling chest of the man. He coughed, his partner rubbing soothing patterns on his back to calm him.

"R-rejection of my feelings… for someone I-I care about… by y-you…" Hisoka took a shuddered breath, as if to continue, but couldn't find the words.

"Rejection… you were afraid of being rejected again?" the nod against his chest told Tsuzuki the answer of that. "By me?" another nod before the man continued, "Why 'Soka? I would never reject you, you know that right?" there was no reaffirming nod, but Tsuzuki went on anyway, "All your life, all you knew was rejection. The people you trusted most, your own parents, began to hate and fear you. Because of your empathy. You were left alone because of it. It's only natural for you to have wanted to shut yourself away from others and become immune to pain. But by doing that, Hisoka… you were shutting out people who really cared about you and would not reject you for who you are. I like you, 'Soka. I like you just the way you are. Don't be afraid of me leaving you in any way, okay?"

Hisoka was silent for a long time, finally uttering a small mumble, "O-okay…"

"Anything else?" Tsuzuki asked, the boy shook his head, "You sure? Not Touda, or the dark, or Muraki-"

The body in his arms tensed at the mention of Muraki, a tremor running through him. The brunette frowned, not pleased by the fact that Muraki was still terrorizing his partner. Sensing the assumption Tsuzuki made, Hisoka began to shake his head and pulled away. His eyes were still wide with fear, but anger and the normal coldness mingled with it.

"No. I'm not scared of him." the empath said bitterly, sitting up straight and glaring at the wall opposite him.

Tsuzuki followed his actions, but without the glare, "You look like you are."

"I'm not!"

"Hisoka-"

"I'm not! I'm not afraid of him! It's not him I see in my nightmares!" Hisoka gasped and clamped a hand over his mouth before letting anything else slip out.

Tsuzuki's eyes narrowed, seeing that there was something the boy was hiding from him, "Hisoka, what do you see in your nightmares then?"

"N-no one…!" he shook his head frantically, "Nothing!"

"Hisoka…" Tsuzuki edged closer to him, "I don't want to see you like this…"

The boy looked up at him warily, "Tsuzuki?"

"Don't hide things this important from me-"

"This isn't important! Baka, what's important is getting our jobs done. Not… not my stupid, petty fears." Hisoka hugged his knees to his chest and rested his chin on them.

A gentle, yet firm grip lifted Hisoka's chin so that the boy was looking straight into amethyst eyes once more. He quivered at the touch, eyes brightened with unshed tears. The youthful face looked even younger then, Tsuzuki desperately wanted to just embrace him and chase away the demons plaguing the boy. But it didn't work that way with Hisoka. The boy was too damn stubborn for his own good. Besides, Tsuzuki wasn't sure whether or not he'd be pushed away by him or not.

"Hisoka, listen to me. You and your fears are important. What and how you feel… it's important to me. Whether you want it to be or not." he was startled by the serious tone of Tsuzuki, "You may think it's none of my business, but when you became my partner you made it my business. Understand?"

Hisoka simply stared at him, "Tsu-Tsuzuki…"

"I asked you if you understood Hisoka." he repeated, leaning towards his partner.

The empath leaned back away from him, "A-anou-!"

"Yes or no, Hisoka. That's all it is."

Hisoka shivered, "Ha-hai."

Tsuzuki nodded, but the predatory gleam in his eyes didn't leave and he continued to lean closer. His breathing was shaky and his heartbeat picked up. Hisoka in turn felt his breath hitch at the brunette's close proximity. The strong feelings of affection and worry and anger and desire all rolled off him in waves. The boy's empathy didn't approve of this turnout. Somewhere hidden beneath those emotions, Hisoka picked up on the smallest hint of something deeper. Much deeper. His eyes widened; unable to tell the difference.

I just want to caress his cheek again, like before when he was sleeping. So soft, like his hair. Why can't I just hold onto him and never let go? Capture those sweet, tantalizing lips with mine. Too long have I only imagined what he could possibly taste like. He reciprocates my feelings for him doesn't he? The rejection he feared, was of me rejecting his love? It must be. So close now. I can feel his warm breath on my lips. Oh, Hisoka… you're too beautiful.

"Too beautiful…" he breathed, sending shudders through the boy's body.

Green eyes tried pleading with lust filled amethyst, "T-Tsu-Tsuzuki…!"

"What are you afraid of?"

Hisoka's mind cried out, wanting to just close the gap and bask in the warmth that Tsuzuki provided for him. But the other half protested, fearing and disgusted by the immense lust in those eyes although he could not feel it in the emotions. But they were too much like his dream. That was it. This was just another nightmare. He squeezed his eyes shut and pulled back, It's not Tsuzuki. It's not Tsuzuki. It's not Tsuzuki.

Tsuzuki lightly traced the jaw line of his partner, barely touching his skin. But it was enough to force a scream out of the boy, who flung himself backwards so that he tumbled off the bed and to the ground. Amethyst eyes blinked in confusion, no longer clouded or dazed. He leaned over the edge of the bed to see if he was alright. The sight that met him made his stomach clench. There was Hisoka, staring up at him with fear etched in his entire being. Fear directed at him. Tsuzuki reached out for him, but he scooted away quickly, dragging his body on the floor and whimpering as if the man was to harm him in any way.

"It's not him I see in my nightmares!"

"Hisoka…" Tsuzuki whispered, his own body trembling as well, "Are you… are you afraid of me?"

He made no motion, neither affirming his partner's conclusion nor denying it. The brunette's heart sank and he felt despair wash over him. His shields faltered momentarily, sending a crash of emotions into Hisoka. The boy cried out once more, shoving himself up off the floor and stumbling away towards the door.

"S-stay away from me!" he was backing up, facing Tsuzuki and looking as if he were about to be devoured.

Tsuzuki tried to suppress the tears, but he'd been doing so for too long, "Hi-Hisoka… I'm sorry-! Please, I-I didn't mean it! Please Hisoka!"

"Tsu… zuki…" Hisoka stared at the tears that leaked from amethyst gems, fear leaving him and guilt descending upon him instead.

Spinning around on his heel, Hisoka fled the room. He tripped over himself however and fell into someone who gave a startled gasp. The emotions from this person coupled with Tsuzuki's and his sobs were too much. Hisoka grunted and darted off again, wanting to get away. Needing to get away. No more! No more! Please! I just want this all to stop!

"Nii-san?" Setsuko called after him, but the boy didn't stop.

She made to go after him, but the sobs from the room he had fled alerted her of another problem. Peering into the room, she was startled to see Tsuzuki hunched over and shaking violently. Animal-like gasps came from him as he cried into his arms. The sight was so heart-wrenching. Setsuko hurried over to him and placed a tiny hand on his shoulder.

"Tsu-chan?" she asked softly, her voice choking.

He clutched at his arms tighter, not stopping his cries, "I-it's all m-my fault! I-I pu-ushed him t-too far! I'm so s-sorry! Hisoka!"

Setsuko was at a loss of what to do. She had never seen Tsuzuki this upset before and she had no idea how to deal with it. Plus she had no idea what the man was talking about. It was beginning to scare her, he wouldn't stop crying no matter how many soothing things she said or did. Not that she knew of much to do in a situation like this.

"Tsu-chan, what can I do to make you feel better? I don't like seeing you cry…"

"P-please… 'Suko-o… F-find Hisoka? Please?" he asked through gasping breaths as the tears continued to fall.

She nodded, her voice still weak, "H-hai Tsu-chan. I will. I'll find him, don't worry."

With that said she reluctantly left his side, sparing him one last look as he curled up into a ball on the bed. His body would shake occasionally, hiccups escaping him as well as a sob or two. Setsuko worried her lower lip, mocha eyes shining with worry, then determination. She'd find Hisoka for Tsuzuki. She'd help the two of them. With that set in mind, the child hurried off in search of the boy who had fled the room. Unaware of the tears that fell from his eyes as well.

Fear is the heart of love… So I never went back…

Reviews!
1. lunarkitty14: Waai! Thank you lunarkitty! Poor 'Soka and Tsuzuki and Setsuko... I feel so bad for them. I'm sorry for making them suffer! Well, thank you for reviewing!
2. Sheila Ibrahim: Thanks for the review!
3. Kalili: Hisoka is somewhat okay... I think... He and Tsuzuki will make-out before the end of my story! -hopefully!- And of course Muraki planned all of this! lol. Heh, it's all good! I'm quite pissed off at Muraki's endless plotting, but I needed to give some background info and stuff. Yay suspense! Aw, good luck with your projects! And I'll see what I can do about the neko-french-maid uniform... I know that Tsuzuki and I would most definately like to see that... Kannuki is Wakaba's first name! Most peoples don't know that, gomen nasai. Thanks for reviewing!
4. Hazel-Beka: I have weird little paranoia stuff like that too, but I just thought of what would make Hisoka very scared. Having his worst Muraki nightmare but with Tsuzuki playing the role of Muraki! Honestly, that would scare me for eternity. But the mind has a weird way of playing tricks on you. Thanks for reviewing!
5. Kyokutou: Thank you, I'll keep up the updates as best as I can!
6. Harriet83: Why thank you, Haruna is quite the bitch -cough cough- I mean... character... heh, Tsuzuki tries to do what he can, but you can't do much when your little partner is scared of you, ne? Thanks for reviewing!
7. darkrini: -gasps- I would never kill off Hisoka! I love him to much, -hugs Hisoka- Gomen!
8. Sam: Thank you so much! -is very flattered- Hooray!