Wandering Aimlessly
.ten.
Even though I said I wanted this to be OriTari, and even though many of you said I could go ahead and do that, it still took me a long time to decide. I might've been able to work this out a little better than I have, but that's okay. I seem to be the only one that minds... But has been made! This fic is not OriTari!! This fic is not not OriTari (like, duh)!! This fic is ?-Tari! I'm keeping a secret from you! Bwaha!!
Nothing to say other than "OMG CHAPTER UPDATES WILL TAKE EVEN LONGER NOW!" Haha, you read right... I won't be updating as much anymore. I have just entered high school, and I'm actually receiving homework for a change, and there's plenty of it. The problem is this play I'm in, but the play will be over on November 3!! So I'll be back you guys! THANK BUDDHA! PS- I'm not Buddhist. Sorry.
I apologize for making this chapter Oriya's POV. Tsuzuki hasn't had one for a long time, but this chapter will work really well with either Oriya's POV or Muraki's. And we just did Muraki. So there's that. Lastly, there are names of characters that reside in the Kokakuro from my other Yami no Matsuei fiction, For NaPap, Goddess. It makes it easier and that way and I won't get confused.
Er... do kotatsu serve as actual tables, too, or just warming thingies?
Okay, typing now!
DISCLAIMER
I don't own Descendants of Darkness/Yami no Matsuei. Darn.
EXCHANGE
Watari: -sitting between Amagumo and Oriya- I've decided to talk again!
Amagumo: Yes, bribery does work wonders...
Oriya: Bribery? What did you bribe him with?
Watari: She didn't bribe me, she just helped me realize that I, as the nicest character, should continue to be nice so I'm not replaced!
Tsuzuki: -escapes Muraki- Hey, wait, what!? Watari's the nicest character!?
Muraki: -catches up and watches-
Amagumo: Um... yeah.
Hira: -pouting because Oriya's getting Watari's attention-
Tatsumi: -pouting because Oriya's getting Watari's attention-
Oriya: -pouting because he's getting Watari's attention- Um... don't you have a boyfriend?
Watari: -stiffens- I... well, yes. I wasn't coming on to you or anything...
Amagumo: Yeah... this may be hard to work out. Let's see what I come up with!!
Muraki: Before you do that, Amagumo, I advise you strongly not to put Tsuzuki in the same position as Watari. No potential boyfriends for him.
Tsuzuki: I don't have to worry... I'm her favorite character. She won't possibly leave me with Muraki any longer...
Amagumo: Heheh... yeah. (About that...)
.Oriya Mibu.
"I absolutely cannot believe I am allowing you to enter this okiya."
"I'm having trouble believing it myself, Oriya. Thank you."
"Just shut up. What are you even doing here... Kazutaka?"
I couldn't believe it. I couldn't. Here he was. Standing here in front of me, silver and smirking... completely intact. This... he... it... he was alive and- well- well. He was perfectly fine. It was extremely frustrating and reprieving at the same time, and it was very uncomfortable to have these two conflicting emotions.
"I have a favor to ask of you..." he knew he was in trouble now. He tried to act nonchalant by avoiding eye contact and distracting himself by hanging up his jacket. How childish.
"What do you want?" I tried to sound as tired and wary as humanly possible, but I was still amazed that I could see him, that his voice would answer mine. That, if I wanted to, I could touch him. It amazed me, and so I ended up sounding very content.
He was surprised, I could tell, that I hadn't commented on how his return only meant he needed me to do more dirty work for him. "Oriya. I was wondering if you might talk to Ukyou-"
"You're dumping Ukyou." I did manage to sound flat at this time, because this news, although expected, was horrible. It had made me very happy when Kazutaka had proposed to Ukyou. I was happy because it made the both of them happy. They'd stopped bickering and bitching and bullying. Things were wonderful. And then Kazutaka "died" and we knew instantly that there could be no funeral. I mourned, Mizuiro mourned, and Ukyou mourned. There was no one else. No one else knew him except his colleagues and the shinigami, but that was much too insufficient for a funeral. So we didn't have even a shred of closure, and I'd always thought that I would kind of feel something if Kazutaka really did die. I guess I still don't know if that's going to happen or not, since he's actually alive, but the fact that, all those months ago, I didn't feel anything inside of me break (and I'm speaking of energy and spirit) or disappear... I could never think of anything else.
"I do want to break up with Ukyou, yes. For Mr.- Tsuzuki. For Tsuzuki."
I ran my hand through chocolate bangs and sighed, "And why, again, can't you do this?"
Kazutaka looked at me and said, "I honestly don't think that would go very well. I assume she missed me while I was dead, so reappearing will enlighten her, but if I do it only to break things off with her... Oriya, you know her as well as I do. You know I shouldn't. Oh, and I would like if you could go in person so you can comfort her. I imagine she'll be quite upset."
"What?" I said, folding my arms, "Are you sure you don't still love Ukyou, Kazutaka?"
He frowned, "I'll always love Ukyou. I just love Tsuzuki more."
I 'tsk'd' at him, "It's against the rules to be in love with more than one person. If you can't choose between two people, you don't love either of them," I'd heard one of the girls tell Nemu (another one of my girls) the same thing. Sometimes they knew what they were talking about.
His eyebrows rose in confusion, "But I did choose. I chose Tsuzuki."
I sighed, "Whatever. But if you don't think you should go tell her why do I have to? Why not just go on saying you're dead?" I think I knew the answer to this one, actually.
"Because then I'm being unfaithful. Besides, Tsuzuki isn't comfortable with my having a fiancée. Why don't you marry her, Oriya?" He actually seemed confused as to why I wasn't marrying Ukyou.
"You can't just marry someone, Kazutaka. You honestly have to love them deeply. I love Ukyou, but she's not the one for me-" I stopped there because I could see he wasn't understanding. Was he that hopeless or was I wording things wrong? It didn't matter.
"Fine, I'll do it, but-"
"Muraki-san!?" Mizuiro stepped into the room, ladle in hand (what the hell could he be cooking with that?), "Muraki-san!!" And he hurried over, throwing his skeletal arms over the silver doctor, who preceded to place a hand on the cook's head, "Good evening, Mizuiro." He... smiled at the black-haired head.
It felt like jealousy, but that couldn't be it. All I knew was that his smile made me very angry. I came to the conclusion that I simply found that his good mood was unreasonable. I was still in this ridiculous state of disbelief and shock and whatnot. Hence, my current mood and disability to function and reason.
I find function and reason to be important aspects in life.
"But-" I was sure to interrupt them instantly, making it so I knew Mizuiro knew I didn't approve of his barging in, "But, I think this whole idea is completely reversed from how it should be.
Kazutaka looked up and Mizuiro jumped away, "I understand. Thank you, Oriya," and he turned to leave.
I sighed, "...What do you think you're doing?"
Kazutaka stopped and waited a beat before coming back. He smiled at me and I felt better. Things would be right back to normal once I was caught up with what he'd been doing.
"Mizuiro, could you cook a little more food and get us some-?" I was cut off by the small, ecstatic cook.
"I know how he likes it!" He hurried into the kitchen, probably to scrap all he'd already begun to cook and make something special... what a waste. Maybe he'd be intuitive enough to keep the food he'd already prepared for another time.
Kazutaka wordlessly followed me to my room, where we sat across from each other at the kotatsu. He gave me an expectant look. He wouldn't say anything unless I asked about it, as usual. Very frustrating.
And then screams. Not of horror (though that would be more appropriate), thankfully, but of glee. I waved Kazutaka off, and he calmly took his time with getting out to greet the girls. They never came into my room or the short hallway that led to it.
I waited a moment before getting up and following him out. They would expect me to talk to them, and they'd want to share their excitement with me, even though I was already souring to his company. He really was just a big bother sometimes. Or maybe I envied how they all loved him. Or maybe I didn't understand how they could.
I used to think I was in love with Kazutaka. I was glad to find out the truth quickly. I'd just known him too long. I was too used to his depending on me and knowing only me. I was too used to being his number one. Actually... I was never his number one.
Tsuzuki.
I might be a little jealous of Tsuzuki, still. I continue to behave acerbically in matters related to the innocent shinigami. I don't give a whit for Kazutaka's greatest love. He's only ever caused me trouble, anyway. My picture of him wasn't very good, and I wish I could be a little more innocuous, but it was proving a difficult ambition to pursue.
"Mibu, he's back!! When did Muraki-san get back!?"
"Oh... about six minutes ago," I said, unable to stop a smile. They were so happy to see him. They were orphans and he was Santa Claus. Upon looking over the girls for a few seconds I realized a few of them were crying. I knew that some of them were totally scared of him... so why was their reaction to his return so dramatic? The furor was giving me a migraine.
Nemu whispered was talking to him calmly. They both looked in my direction once, quickly.
She was talking about me, huh? Okay... whatever.
Kazutaka grinned at me and dismissed the girls without a second glance in their direction. He focused on me and led the way back to my room, where he sat and continued to grin and he began to resemble some sort of disturbingly irreverent child. How unbecoming, he seemed to always seek to denigrate me in any way possible. It was an ongoing feud.
I sighed, "Just tell me what she said..."
The grin fled from his visage. I guess I'd ruined his fun somehow. How mean of me.
Oh, I'm just full of sarcasm today, aren't I?
"Are you depressed, Oriya?" He was teasing me. That was very annoying.
"Hell, yes. I thought you were dead. For some reason that made me more depressed than celebrative. Strange, isn't it?"
"I must agree that that is rather strange. I've only ever caused you trouble, Oriya," He reminded, relaxing a little into the quarrelsome conversation atmosphere we'd already managed to work up. I might have to take responsibility for it this time. Well, most times. Kazutaka usually kept his cool.
"Well, now that I'm here... I wonder if I might be offered some hospitality. I'd like o stay until the next full moon," he was frustratingly comfortable. His anodyne candor always pisses me off. As you can imagine, that meant I was pissed off nearly 100 of the time that I was in his company. He was so socially inept!
Though it's highly probable that the things he said were what were so frustrating, not how he said them. It hardly matters...
But his words had scared me. Was he going to die or something? Was he going away? Was he trying something stupid? Plus, he'd kind of suggested the privation of a home previously. Where had he been, really? Not the streets, for sure. Someone like Kazutaka, who had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, couldn't tolerate such living. Sturdy as he may be, he was still spoiled.
I discarded my worries quickly and just asked him about it, "Why? You going on a killing spree? Ritual suicide?" I didn't actually suspect him of either of those...
"I'm going to take Tsuzuki and Watari to a demonic realm." What a strange thing to say.
"I'm going too." What a strange thing to reply...
No, not strange, stupid.
And I kept going, too, "This time I'm getting involved, Kazutaka. I'm sick of having no clue as to what's going on and still doing the dirty work in the background! It's ridiculous and unfair!"
He laughed silently before replying, "But can you afford to leave the Kokakuro?"
Not really. The place couldn't hold itself up.
"I'm not going to come get you whenever I'm going somewhere new, Oriya. I don't have time for that, and I'm not determined to have you go with me, either."
I could understand this, but it was still very annoying to hear. Even before, when he needed me to clean up for him, his visiting was a paucity, and his locations were... inchoate most times. I had to figure this out before the full moon. Sooner, probably. Like... now.
"I think an adventure is just what you need, Oriya. Nemu said you've been depressed with me gone..." I looked at him angrily and he only smirked perniciously.
So they were excited because Kazutaka's return would pitch me back into my regular loop of behaviour? I don't recall becoming that unemotional... I was never so eloquent before. However, my insensitivity to change might only prove the point more. And we had lost a lot of money over the past year. I was a little stressed, I suppose. I'll allow that much to be said.
"It doesn't matter if I can afford it or not. I'm going."
His smirk would've widened if possible, "Oh, I know," he relaxed a little where he sat and transitioned us into the next point, "And it's probable that more people will be accompanying us as well- Mr. Tatsumi and Hira-kun."
Good, he'd stopped calling him 'Hiin' or whatever... They were such children.
"Is that supposed to make me want to withdraw? Stop trying to avoid me, Kazutaka. I am going," this clearness had apparently gotten across.
"I see. I suppose it wouldn't hurt. But I suppose I should tell you before we arrive that there will be much dan-" I cut him off there.
"Kazutaka! I do not care if it's certain death! I'M GOING!"
He nodded and took a drink of the tea I always had supplied in my bedroom. I liked drinking tea, it was very soothing, so I kept some on my little table for whenever I wanted it. I pretty much constantly drank it, so I had Mizuiro make sure there was always a semi-full teapot in here.
He set his cup down, "I'm happy that you are coming, Oriya. It makes me glad."
What an old fogey.
And so went the next few days, I only saw Kazutaka on passing in the not-so-vast halls of the Kokakuro. I'd glare at him at a child and he'd barely acknowledge me. Actually, he appeared very tired, almost as if he'd been drained, but I could only assume it was from depression. After all, he wasn't in the company of his purple-eyed love.
I still had some sort of problem with the purple-eyed shinigami. He'd only ever caused Kazutaka troubles, and he didn't even give a whit for the doctor that was, for some reason, so dear to me. Why did Kazutaka even love the man? Before, it was easy to simply say that it was because Kazutaka thought Tsuzuki would bring him joy in the future when he had him minus his head. Now, that couldn't possibly be the reason. Now, I'm sure Tsuzuki's head was something Kazutaka would like to keep. It was probably one of his favorite parts.
But, anyway, with Kazutaka back in the house everyone's moods changes drastically. Meals improved because Mizuiro again had someone to cook for, the girls who feared him became wary, the girls who loved him giggled and gossiped, and the girls who hated him became frustrated and irritable. I, who had before been reticent and apathetic, had taken on some color, and was part of the group who hated him. I became irritable. But... I have to admit this, I was much happier and spoke more kindly and with less indecision on my heart. Not knowing what happened to someone dear to you is very hard on you. I was, indeed, back to my old self, just even more of an old man, now. Kazutaka was going to be the beginning and end of my life.
The 'beginning' part made it sound romantic. I mean, we dated for two months or so (in high school), but quickly realized that was definitely the wrong choice. I meant that the parts of my life where something actually happened and when things actually mattered. Kazutaka was the start of that. Or maybe it was Shidou. Shidou came and everything changed. Kazutaka talked to me, always seething, of his half brother, and Ukyou-
So perhaps Shidou was the beginning of it all, but that did not change the fact that Kazutaka was most definitely going to be the end.
The morning of the full moon was a busy one. I had to figure out how I was going to leave the Kokakuro, since I couldn't be sure how soon I would be able to get back, if ever, and I had to trust someone with the information, because I was not willing to leave them without informing someone as to what had happened to me. I did not need wild police chases or anything like that going on and disturbing the Kokakuro's balance. I was worried, because it was rather obvious that Mizuiro would not be able to take are of the Kokakuro for more than an hour, and I didn't want to put it on any of the girls.
Ukyou.
I could call Ukyou over, tell her about Kazutaka and ask her to watch the Kokakuro. She'd hate me for it, but she'd do it. It was very much reminiscent of what Kazutaka had done to me all through last year, so I knew how she would feel. The only thing I would not really have experience of is the bit about her fiancé is alive, but ditching her.
Owning the Kokakuro, even though it wasn't necessarily a job I wished for as a youth, is the most important thing to me.
Well, I mean that's sensible. It's all I have, really.
So, calling Ukyou was the first thing I did this morning, and she said she'd be here around... now. I was worried about it, and Kazutaka was still in our home, so I hope he was smart enough not to suddenly appear in my room when he knew Ukyou was here with me. I was pretty sure he'd steer clear, but there was no way of really knowing.
Mizuiro came to me as I drank my morning tea, trying to calm myself down and prepare myself.
"Mibu," he said, knocking lightly on the light door to my room (I allowed Mizuiro in my room. He brought me my tea and my visitors), "Ukyou-san is here."
I took a deep breath, "Please let her in." I would not use cryptic words. I would cut straight to the point.
Ukyou came in and sat across from me, looking fairly tired. Mizuiro refilled my tea pot and, before the cook could even leave the room, I said, "Kazutaka is home."
Mizuiro hurried out and closed the door. He knew what was to come.
Ukyou did not instantly realize what I had said to her. She rubbed her eyes, and opened them, "Now, what, Oriya?" I did not say a word, and it sank in as she played it back in her head, "Oriya?" Already, tears in her eyes. Even knowing the magnitude of this event, I was fairly sure she would not let a single one of her tears spill over across her cheek.
"He phoned me about a week ago. He's been to see me here in the okiya as well."
Ukyou swept a hand under her eye to eliminate the wetness lingering, "I don't understand," her voice shook in justified shock, "Where has he been? Why didn't he come to me?"
"He didn't want to get us into trouble. There were people looking for him, you know," I closed my eyes and relaxed my nervous body, "And, Ukyou, Kazutaka has asked me to notify you that the engagement between the two of you should be called of as of now."
She stood up, "Where is he!?" she said in a harsh voice. The emotion lay heavy on her words, her tone terrible and grating.
I did not open my eyes to see her wretched expression, "He would be in this room now if he felt to see you."
I heard her choke.
"He is in his old room," I said, giving way almost instantly. How could he do this to her? Bastard. He would never understand other people's feelings. Or, at least, never concern himself with them. She turned and hurried for the door.
"But, Ukyou, please wait a moment. I have a favor to ask you..."
"Oh, NOW, Oriya?!" She said, storming back across the room to the kotatsu where I sat.
I stood up, "We're leaving. Kazutaka and I both. We've got to finish this thing with the shinigami so he can live normally again," I lied smoothly.
"Sounds dangerous," Ukyou snapped, not sounding the least bit concerned.
"It is less dangerous than it sounds," I said, answering to how I know she really felt about our mission, "I don't know when we'll be back. It could be tomorrow it could be-"
She cut me off sourly, "Never."
I sighed, "It could, possibly, I suppose. I doubt that, however," I went over to her, knowing that touching her would only make her angrier and possibly violent.
"But, Ukyou... I need you to do something for me. I want you to..."
And suddenly the atmosphere changed. Her mood instantly softened and something seemed to click, "I get it," she rasped quietly, her voice sore from fighting against the emotions that struggled to show through, "I'll take care of the Kokakuro, Oriya. I'll explain your absence to everyone as best I can. Just go."
I gave her a quizzical, worried look and she replied with a devastating smile. I frowned at her, and went to send Kazutaka straight to her.
As I left the room I heard a pathetic sob.
"I assume by your expression it went as expected?"
I did not know he was there, but I still did not find myself surprised to hear his voice.
"You were supposed to interfere and make her feel better. It isn't me she wants to see, Kazutaka." He shook with laughter and walked away.
He was such a cold bastard.
I followed slowly. I was ready to leave since I'd already put on my better fighting clothes. It looked a little strange, but I carried two katana and a wakizashi on me, all of which were my best. Kazutaka had said nothing less than this would be near enough, and even what I had seemed dangerously insufficient. This had insulted me somewhat, actually.
I went to his room, assuming we were to leave now, to meet the shinigami and Hira. I was more than pleased to find him bending over a side table, one hand in his jacket pocket, the other scribbling down a short letter. I knew it was for Ukyou. I rolled my eyes and grinned, backing out of the room to wait at the doorway.
He came out soon after my intrusion, and looked at me warily, probably expecting me to make a sarcastic remark about his sensitivity for Ukyou. I didn't. I wasn't that bad of a friend.
"You're ready?" He said monotone, looking away from me.
"Yes..." I said, taking a look around the place. It looked different. I was noticing things I hadn't seen before, even after all of the years I'd lived here. You always notice how precious things are to you before you lose them. But I could not be sure that I would die on this trip. In fact, I was almost positive that I wouldn't. The few days of preparation had informed me of the nature of this mission, and I was confident that I could defeat several of the demons whom we would potentially encounter. This all depended on whether or not Kazutaka could even get us there, because the tired look on his face was making me doubt him, really.
"How do we get them?" I said, wanting to ask what his problem was. It was obvious he had one. He definitely wasn't sad about leaving... and he probably wasn't worried about dying, either. And we were going to see his Tsuzuki, too.
"We're meeting them," He left and got into his car. I looked around the Kokakuro once, quickly, then hurried out before any of the others in the okiya noticed that I was leaving armed. They were sleeping now. They needn't rise for another hour or two. My days always started this early. Ukyou and Kazutaka's did not, apparently.
He drove us to the hospital that he worked. I was hesitant to get out of the car because my clothes made me look like some super-serious cos-player, but I didn't have enough time to worry about it.
"They're already there?" Kazutaka said, extricating himself from the vehicle and walking slowly towards their group.
"The glasses one is there, too. And is that Hira? I thought you said..." He had said. Apparently he hadn't been sure on who all was coming.
As we approached we could see what they'd been doing. Hira was attached to a seemingly flustered Watari, and the glasses one was talking to Tsuzuki with one of the most irritated expressions I have ever seen on a human being. Whether he was angry with Tsuzuki or someone else was indiscernible, but Tsuzuki looked mortified with whatever it was that was going on.
They were in business clothing.
It was pretty damn comical looking, I'll say that.
"Mr. Tsuzuki," Kazutaka was wearing that smile that he'd given Mizuiro and I a few days before. I think the man had changed over the year.
"Muraki..." Tsuzuki said, spinning around. He appeared as though he was confused by our arrival.
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting..." He said, smile already having run from his face, "Why don't we get straight to business? Follow me..." He turned and began walking the way we'd come.
No one said a word, we simply followed. Hira began talking to Watari again, but I didn't care enough to listen. What was the glasses one's name? I suppose I'd figure it out in due time.
I found myself watching Tsuzuki for the majority of the journey. I know it was ridiculous, but I was inspecting him. Questioning Kazutaka's utter devotion to him. I caught myself several times just glaring at the innocent man, but I honestly couldn't help it. For some reason it was very important that Tsuzuki to meet my approval. I would have to get around to taking to him today, too.
The walk continued and I eventually lost interest in the purple-eyed supernatural. I began to think about what we were doing now, really. I pretty much understood situation. Andou and Watari were in love and needed to power of Mikosei in order to stay together. I thought about why Tatsumi, Tsuzuki, and Kazutaka were going. Well, Kazutaka was obviously going for Tsuzuki... Tsuzuki was going for Watari as a friend. I assumed Tatsumi was going for Tsuzuki. I don't know much about Glasses.
I was going, too. Not for Andou or Watari... I was quite obviously going for Kazutaka and that didn't really settle well with me. I was all over him since he'd come home! I know he noticed! Though we both knew I couldn't be coming on to him... I honestly couldn't. But it still bothered me. Very much. I must be getting lonely again. Time to restart the cycle of getting a girlfriend (or boyfriend), pretending to be serious, pretending to be full, then getting dumped and pretending that's why I'm so apathetic and depressed. Then I start losing it and falling love with everyone and the short cycle repeats itself. It's not as stupid as it sounds. Lots of losers do it.
It was around this time in my thoughts that we arrived at a... rock. There really was no accurate word for it. The slab of stone extended at least two hundred people wide and it was laid flat on the ground. It was fairly smooth, although a little round. Towards the other end of the ridiculous slate were four rather predictable torches. These had been mysteriously lit by someone beforehand, of course. Now I say predictable because it all very distinctly reminded me of a stupid setting for a stupid ritual in some really stupid fantasy movie. Kazutaka sensed my feelings and glanced at me to observe my expression. I didn't have much of one, really.
He led us across to the torches and bent down. He then pulled out some chalk, sketched up a very accurate transmutation circle, and began to speak in some convoluted foreign language as he chalked the words around the circle's border. It was very intricate, and I could have been impressed if I didn't know him better. Even still, the circle's impressiveness could not overcome the horrible tackiness of this whole thing. Feeling awkward, I looked to the others to see if they were equally disdained by how dorky this seemed. They watched Kazutaka intently, obviously all business.
I sighed and folded my arms, stepping back as Kazutaka got back to his feet, "We'll be there in six minutes. You might want to close your eyes, for this can get nauseating."
I didn't see anything, and I certainly felt no different. Again unsure about it all, I turned to the others. They were all focusing on Andou, who was showing evidence of being particularly queasy. I felt my energy being tugged at and began to become irritate. It was a very uncomfortable sensation, to say the least. The Shinigami had to be used to such things. I looked to Kazutaka. Let's just say he wasn't smiling.
I don't think it seemed like a full six minutes, but I wasn't complaining. Soon we were in the dark dungeon-like areas I knew had started Kazutaka's conquest for revenge. I touched the cold, wet, stone walls in sentiment.
To my greatest shock, I found that these walls were not stone in the slightest. They were made of plaster, just like any other wall. They were painted a rather springy shade of green, and the place had some sort of smell going on. It was very overbearing. We were in a modern building. I could see that the others were just as confused as I. Kazutaka ignored us began to head down a long hall, which had no windows, and sported a yellow wall light every ten metres or so.
"Muraki..." finally our reticent Purple-eyes spoke up. I couldn't help but suspect that Kazutaka had been waiting for the object of his adoration to speak up. It was definitely something he might do.
"Hmn? Tsuzuki?" He glanced over his shoulder briefly. Huh. It really seemed as though he was testing the innocent kid in some way. Something like that. I saw Watari and Tatsumi glance at each other upon the absent '-san'.
"Why are you being so quiet?" Tsuzuki whispered this. He seemed uneasy. Kazutaka's silence surely wasn't reassuring.
Kazutaka smirked, "I merely have nothing to say, Tsuzuki."
Tsuzuki stopped trying to keep up with his boyfriend's pace and slowed down to think on this, "Okay..." Aw, the poor kid was disappointed.
"How does this work? Where do we go from here?" Came Tatsumi's strong, sure voice. I could hear some contempt in there, too.
Kazutaka slowed down, "Now we go to the desk to sign in and we can get on our way."
I was unable to discern whether or not he was being sarcastic. For some reason, I didn't think he was and had to wonder what that could possibly mean. Sign in? That made this whole thing sound so much safer than I knew it was.
"You're just going to leave it at that?" Tatsumi was annoyed, "Not going to explain anything?"
Muraki just kept walking, obviously taunting the bespectacled Shinigami with this silence.
"Kazutaka, you're supposed to be giving them information! Stop leaving them hanging and keep up your end of the deal!" I snapped. I did not feel like putting up with his shit today.
He and Tsuzuki glanced at each other, probably sharing a romantic memory of the date I know they had. Tatsumi appeared annoyed, and Watari rolled his eyes. He was, however smiling. What a happy fellow. It might improve my mood to get to know him.
"I see." That was all Kazutaka said.
I spun around at this time, my overlong hair splaying out around me with the movement. Andou stood there, staring at me, very much surprised. I had felt something, but he didn't seem to have done anything. I went to turn back around and he grabbed my elbow, "I don't think we've met formally..." He said, explaining his suddenly approaching me.
"We haven't," I said, falling in step beside him, "Mibu Oriya," I bowed slightly, but refused to stop. I knew I was being rude but I figured he understood that now wasn't the time.
He grinned stupidly, "Oh, yeah. Andou Hira. It is nice to meet you," he bowed shallowly.
I could see Watari hovering awkwardly behind his human lover's shoulder, but I knew he wasn't getting jealous. I wasn't sure what his deal was.
"Mr. Mibu? How did you get spirit energy?"
"I don't know." And I didn't know. If I had to answer I'd say I was born with it, though that sounds rather ridiculous. Besides, it didn't come up until I was at least sixteen. I was definitely not born with it. It'd come from nowhere. And it wasn't much, either. Not like Kazutaka's. And he was born with it. For sure. The man was very unnatural.
"I see." He fell back a bit to think on it.
It was suddenly quiet and I didn't like it much. It felt uncomfortable since no one knew each other and everyone had questions, "So where is Hisoka? It would have been nice to see him again."
Tsuzuki was confused and Kazutaka hated the name, but the guilty looks I got from Tatsumi and Watari were what confused me.
"Do you always keep things from him?" I muttered to the two shinigami. Tatsumi sniffed cavalierly and stopped thinking of it, but Watari's reaction showed that there were many times where they had chosen not to let him know about something.
Finally we emerged in a perfectly square room. In the far corner a red-haired woman stood and stared. She turned to us when we came in, but nothing really seemed to register. She handed Kazutaka a rock and a small knife. Her mouth opened ridiculously wide and a high-pitched voice sounded throughout the room, "You've been here!" I couldn't help but glance around the room to see where the voice could've come from. It was just instinct.
Andou had cowered at the sound. He straightened up, giving the secretary-demon a very nasty look. He turned to Kazutaka, "So what do we do with- Oi!"
Kazutaka slit his palm open and pressed his hand to the cold stone. He disappeared with a crack and both the knife and the stone fell to the ground. Silver feather floated slowly after the enchanted objects.
I picked them up an looked at the secretary. Her mouth opened and the disembodied voice shrieked, "Your turn!!"
-END CHAPTER TEN-
I'd planned on taking this farther (of course) but I figure if I end this chappie here it'll be easier for me to get back into a schedule with typing and school. I just need to hear from some people to get my drive back, y'know! So lots of reviews, you guys! Even though this chapter is a total let down! You probably thought it would be longer and all, huh? I'm exhausted... nighty night.
QUESTION(S) TO THE READERS
Who's POV next, guys?
Er... do kotatsu serve as actual tables, too, or just warming thingies?
Please give your input through a review!
EXCHANGE
Watari: Dude. You suck. And not in the good way.
Hira, Tatsumi, Oriya: ... Heheh.
Amagumo: No kidding.
Muraki: You owe them so much more than that.
Tsuzuki: I agree. That was mean, Amagumo.
Amagumo: No kidding.
Muraki: Tsuzuki's hot.
Amagumo: No kidding.
Tsuzuki: -???-
Watari: Chief Konoe is sexy.
Amagumo: -yaaaawn- No kidding.
All: !!!!
Muraki: -shoving Amagumo away- GET SOME SLEEP.
Watari: But we could've had so much fun with that!
Amagumo: No... kidding. –passes out-