5. Interlude.
T: I apologise, once again, for the delay…I have no real excuse this time round so feel free to tell me off all you want! Warnings and disclaimer remain the same.
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She is involved in the task of filing out paperwork when there is a knock on the door and, setting her pen down, she says,
"Come in."
The door opens to reveal Hisoka's familiar face and, a smile catching at her lips, she enquires,
"To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"I was a little worried about your welfare." There is a certain stress in his voice that causes her to enquire,
"So you have been told, have you?" To which he responds with a gentle nod of his head and, rising out of her chair, she enquires,
"I think a coffee break is in order, would you care to join me?"
"Of course."
Hisoka waits until they are seated at one of the canteen's large, circular, tables and she has taken her first sip of her beverage before enquiring,
"Is it true?"
"Yes." There is, despite her greatest effort, a raw edge contained in the word and, guilt clear in his eyes, Hisoka responds,
"I am sorry, Tsubaki."
"I understand your reason for asking, Hisoka and so there is no need to apologise. Also…" She pauses momentarily, her teeth worrying at the inside of her bottom lip as she runs through her next words, and then she says, "Also the matter should not be affecting me in this manner."
"Yet such a reaction is forgivable considering the past you share with him." The response is, of course, typical of the other and, smiling despite the blackness of her mood, she says,
"Perhaps if our 'connection' were as terrible as your own it would be forgivable and yet all that ties us is a yearning that I should long sine have suppressed, thus it is not right that I use it as an excuse." Pausing to take another sip of her coffee she says, "I have been running from the reality of this fact for the greatest of times and yet I can not run any longer, not when doing as such means that I place my partner into danger."
"Then you are getting on well together?"
There had not, of course, been need for him to change the subject and yet she understands well the intent behind the enquiry. Understands that it is Hisoka's subtle way of informing her that he acknowledges her decision to forget Muraki, that he comprehends the consequences of this choice to be something she wishes to tackle alone and that he is there should she need him. This understanding warms her heart and, pushing aside the darker thoughts that have been clouding her mind since her encounter with Tetsua-san she responds,
"Indeed we are."
"You'll have to tell us all about him, Tsubaki-kun." This last comes from over her right shoulder and, turning in that direction, she is met with the unique amethyst eyes of one Tsuzuki Asato.
"What have I told you about poking your nose into other people's business?" Hisoka enquires as the elder Shinigami settles down at his side.
"I'm sure Tsubaki-kun won't mind telling me just a little and everyone else is really curious, there hasn't been a new starter since you joined, after all." There is an edge of 'kicked puppy' to the other's tone and, laughter lining the words, she responds,
"I will gladly tell you the little that I am able, Tsuzuki-san."
"I do not think that such a thing will be necessary." This last comes from over her left shoulder and, turning in that direction, she is met with her partner's smiling face.
"What do you mean?" She enquires as he settles into the remaining chair at the table.
"He means that an introduction will no be necessary as we've met once before, Tsubaki-kun." Tsuzuki responds after a moment's silence.
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T: I hope to have the next chapter up on wed but, given my recent track record, I make no promises! Review!!