A/N: I know this chapter is rather short but I'll try my best to upload the next one sooner!

Disclaimer: I do not own Hybrid Child, Nakamura sensei does =P

Chapter 2: It Ain't Optional

Kuroda was silent, his expression was unreadable and face partly obscured by hair.

Tsukishima shook his head slowly and looked away. "Listen, Kuroda, this is my responsibility. I'm the minister of this clan and the commander-in-chief. There is nobody left except me. I think you of all people know that best." He squirmed and struggled against the weight of the man on top of him. "Kuroda, get up."

Said man didn't move an inch.

"Get up please," pleaded Tsukishima.

Kuroda's chest suddenly heaved and Tsukishima felt a warm dampness on the side of his face. His heart skipped a beat and he froze. Is Kuroda crying? He'd never seen Kuroda cry… ever.

"He- hey, what happened to you telling me that I must do my job properly? Remember? You're always on to me about this," Tsukishima chided, smacking the other man's head softly, "You know you should actually be proud of me." Although the young minister's gaze was defiant, it still couldn't betray the nervous tremor in his voice.

The candlelight casted elongated shadows around the room that danced as the flames flicker. A battle raged on inside Kuroda's head. He knew that Tsukishima was right, committing seppuku was for the best. What does it matter if one life was lost, in exchange for the Lord's and many others? Many men had committed seppuku and it was seen as an act of honor, but when it came to Tsukishima… Kuroda felt sick to his stomach.

Am I a coward? Kuroda thought of giving in to fate and imagined dawn breaking and seeing Tsukishima walk out those doors for the last time. Can't I just keep breathing and deal with it?

The daily lives as they knew it would end, the everyday lives they had taken for granted. Sharing meals, going on trips, going fishing, bickering with Tsukishima, teasing Tsukishima, sitting beside Tsukishima, looking into those olive green eyes…

I will just keep taking one breath after the other and my life will go on, but I'll never see Tsukishima's face again, or hear his voice.

Kuroda felt droplets clinging to his lashes, threatening to spill at any moment. How he regretted wasting all this time. In a few hours, he would never be able to hold Tsukishima's hand anymore. Am I ready to continue living in this world without him?

Kuroda shivered and sat up. Tsukishima stared at him through red-rimmed eyes.

"Tsukishima, I'm sorry but I can't let things end like this."

"Kuroda – "

"No! Just… Just come with me. Please!" Kuroda pleaded, grabbing the other man's wrist.

"Hey you know this is impossible! Our clan has been defeated, what would people think of my family if I just run off? What do you think will happen to them?" Tsukishima shouted in frustration. "I can't come with you, I'm so sorry."

But I really can't live without you. Kuroda gritted his teeth and stood up slowly. "Tsukishima, I'm really sorry for this."

"What are you –?"

Blue-gray orbs met green. There was a strange frenzied glint in his best friend's eyes that Tsukishima had never seen before.

"I'm a selfish bastard. Just please, don't think so badly of me," Kuroda whispered, looking down at the floor. His hands curled into fists and in a flash, he struck Tsukishima on the face.

BAM! Kuroda's fist made contact with the other man's jaw and Tsukishima fell to the ground with a loud thud, completely caught off guard.

"Fuck!" Tsukishima cursed as he tumbled down, however he still managed to remain conscious. Dazed and bewildered, he tried to prop himself up on his hands and knees, wobbling all over the place.

WHAM! Kuroda landed another heavy blow, this time on Tsukishima's left temple. The man finally collapsed and stayed still. Kuroda vomited all over the floor and sank to his knees, trembling and head pounding, no longer controlling the flow of tears streaming down his cheeks.

Notes: The story might be moving rather slowly however I'm trying to make them stay in character, and I think this is a big decision for both of them.

This series is written with the anime ost in mind! Please listen to them while you read if you can =)

Any reviews or suggestions will be very very appreciated!

And a crazy big thank you to The Sirius of Black Daria for the review, it really motivates me! My first review ever! =D ^_^