AN: I'll admit it, I got myself into some writer's block trying to think of how to write a chapter involving an overly active-minded guy and a boy-turned-into-cat who doesn't have the capability to speak. That doesn't make for interesting conversation, which I love to write tons of. -cries- What have I got myself into?? Anyway, enjoy!! And review, pretty please?? With an apple bunny slice on top? :)

"I was sure that he would be home," Tsuzuki muttered to himself as he shuffled his feet up the stairs leading to his apartment door, "Where else could he have gone?"

It was a regular weekday afternoon. Tatsumi had ordered him to take the rest of the day off after noticing for quite some time that his mind was obviously in two different places at once. Practically half of his time was spent fooling around with Ringo while the other half was allocated to worrying over his partner's well-being. Aside from rearranging random stacks of paper and the occasional finger twirl of a pen, he was hardly focusing on the tasks he was given. In other words, he was needless excess baggage. And quite frankly, it annoyed the heck out of Tatsumi.

It was extremely rare for Hisoka to ever arrive late to work, much less play hooky without informing someone beforehand. Even on a day where he felt as if he wanted to die all over again merely to avoid having to deal with an onset migraine, he was still there in the morning to greet Tsuzuki, albeit halfheartedly. Things weren't the same in the office without Hisoka badgering and scolding him; with no one to constantly kick him from behind, he simply didn't have the energy to tackle his work.

But why did it feel like he was the only one who was concerned? For some strange reason, Tatsumi and Watari seemed relatively unfazed by the fact that he was missing in action. Did they know something that he didn't know? Was Hisoka purposely giving him the cold shoulder? Did he get into trouble? As far as he could tell, he didn't do anything too extreme the other day that would possibly prompt his partner into giving him the slip.

Tsuzuki cringed at the minor ache that started to pulsate against the back of his head. Something didn't add up right and it put him on edge.

"At the very least, you tell your partner where you are so he doesn't go crazy thinking of all the insane things that might have happened to you!" Clearly frustrated, he plunged a free hand into his pocket, fumbling around messily for his keys while holding Ringo securely in his other arm.

Hisoka's once erect ears were now flattened against the back of his head as he looked up at Tsuzuki with guilt-ridden eyes. He had to admit, the walk back to his apartment was a long one. It would've been quiet too if he was able to block Tsuzuki's thoughts from seeping into his mind.

Where is he? Did he go off on his own somewhere without me? Why didn't he tell me anything? Am I that bad of a partner that he would leave me in the dark? Does he need my help?

...am I that unreliable?

He didn't realize how much of an impact this had on Tsuzuki at first; he was taking it harshly.

And he would have to beat himself over it, he frowned inwardly.

He was so deeply immersed in his own thoughts that Tsuzuki completely forgot about the kitten that he was holding by his side. Not that Hisoka wanted to complain about the lack of attention, but after being harassed to no end just a couple of hours ago, it felt odd being ignored. He couldn't help but feel the slightest bit lonesome.

Hoping to snap his partner out of his present state of mind, Hisoka called out to him, vocalizing with a soft mewl that broke the silence surrounding the air. If it weren't for the situation at hand, he was nearly certain that he would've beat himself up for sounding like such a frail animal. However, he went against his better judgment and nudged his head against the man's chest, rubbing his cheek against his body gently. It couldn't have been good for Tsuzuki's health, moping around like a worried mother. At any rate, this was the least that he could do to help ease his mind off the matter.

As expected, Tsuzuki glimpsed down at him, his expression changing immediately from that of frustration to one of contentment. "Thanks, I really needed that right about now," he murmured as he smiled affectionately.

~*~

It wasn't long before Hisoka became adjusted to his new surroundings. He had to give credit to Tsuzuki; he was half-expecting his apartment to be messy, however, it was just the contrary. His furniture was a decent cream-color, completely void of clutter. The afternoon sunlight cascaded past the translucent drapes, brightening up the living area with its warm, luminous glow. Freshly cut tulips were adorned in a delicate glass vase situated on the windowsill, the smallest crack of the screen allowing a cool spring breeze to permeate the room with their crisp flowery scent. Pristine and relaxing, everything about his apartment seemed inviting.

I'd never imagine Tsuzuki to be the orderly type, he observed, smirking at the bowl of red apples sitting on the coffee table. He leaped onto the sofa and nestled his tiny frame against the armrest, leaning his chin on a soft throw pillow. After a long and tiring day, it was nice to be able to sit back and doze off without a worry in the world. He drew out a long sigh, unable to keep his heavy lids from shutting. He couldn't think back to a time when he felt so at peace with himself.

Cats have it easy, I guess, he chuckled.

"Ringo-chaaan~!"

Upon hearing his own name, Hisoka lazily opened one of his sleep-filled eyes, searching around for his familiar voice. He didn't want to get up. Not after getting so acquainted with the couch. Tsuzuki had left him to explore the place on his own, which he did. However, the longer he was left alone and undisturbed, the more he wanted to lie down and relax. For once in his life, he felt tranquil within the confines of a warm house, a place that he could actually call home. He let his eyes fall back to their slumber.

Just one more minute...

"Ringo-chan," he heard a close whisper.

Hisoka groaned. Letting out a big yawn, he stretched out his arms and arched his back. It would be like Tsuzuki to interrupt him whenever he was doing something, in this case, cat-napping. The image that he saw next didn't prepare him for what he was expecting. There, kneeling down in front of him, was a scantily clad Tsuzuki, hot and fresh out of a steamy shower, with nothing more than a flimsy white towel to cover himself up.

"I see you made yourself comfortable in your new home," Tsuzuki grinned, "Better than that old stuffy box you were in before, isn't it?"

Before he could reach out a hand to pet him, Hisoka went flying behind the couch, stumbling over his own feet and hitting the floor in the process. Behind his physical appearance, his face was flushing a bright and vibrant red hue. He could feel the heat as it crept up his neck slowly, his ears and cheeks burning hot with a feverish passion. Scrunching his petite body underneath the couch, he shielded his eyes with a flick of his paw.

T-Tsuzuki, please put some damn clothes on!

I know it's a short chapter since now that it's just these two, things have quieted down a lot. The next chapter will involve more of the two, so yay for conversation-less (more or less) chappie! -cries again- Hope that's okay with everyone!