Me: Well, I am posting the new chappy (when I should be doing my computer-based homework) and I'm also pleased to anounce the triumphant return of my Muse-
Muse: Shut the hell up before I rip your heart out and eat it!
Me: -who apparently spent all of Christmas and New Year's partying, before passing out in a roadside ditch for ten days before dragging himself home and staying in a two week coma on my bed (during which I was forced to take up residence on the floor). Needless to say, he's very cranky now that he's regained the use of his arms-
Muse: Seriously, shut up before I rip you guts out, throw them in a blender, and feed the remains to three-headed dogs!
Me: -but not the use of his legs, which means I can talk smack about him for a while. -ducks flying bowling ball- And plus, since I have plenty of time right now, I can finally get around to shout outs!
Muse: After three chapters?
Me: Yeah...
To laustic, redharuka96, and ShadowInTheDarknes: Thank you for your comments on the last chapter(s). Plus, I totally agree with you. Hisoka and Tsuzuki are compatible, and they do have a lot in common, though I won't recap what you already know.
To CrazyYnMLoverxD: Eh, Hisoka's sanity is kinda up for debate (at least in this fanfic). Personally, I think he's sane, but my muse argues that someone with nightmares as vivid as he has and all of the trauma, he's bound to have a hold on sanity that is tedious at best. It's an argument we have every Sunday night (you know, 'cuz Sundays are boring).
To Kaouri18 and Ryo Yuriko: Yeah, Tsuzuki's got his work cut out for him in this fanfic. People are adaptable, even dead people, and I kinda wanted to show that with Hisoka, even if he does feel slightly OOC. Plus, I felt like my reviewers needed a treat for sticking with me, so I threw in the hug. (And I've thrown in some Watari this chapter for Ryo) And if you liked that, there's one moment in the next chapter that will be cute and extremely AWESOME at the same time, plus a really cute moment that you guys are sure to love. The bad news? I'm still grounded, so it will be a while before I even update at all! -listens to fangirls screaming in agony-
To Sasskitten: I wish I could trade muses with you right now. Ever since mine woke up from that coma, he's been making my life hell. (Muse: Whatever, Dum Dum. Now get me Gum Gum!) -sighs- I liked him better when he was asleep. And before he saw Night at the Museum. And Muraki tortures Tsuzuki, Hisoka, and generally everyone he meets, though he seems to prefer Hisoka and Tsuzuki above others. Lucky them. Oh, and the idea of Muraki getting his ass kicked bu Tatsumi makes me smile.
To Saphira112: YAY! YOU'RE HERE!!! -tackle-glomps- I saved you for last in my line of shout-outs. And yeah, I totally agree with you. Whoever wrote that knows nothing about YnM. I'm straight (even though I'm a girl) and even I take offense to that! I don't care that they're both guys, YnM has an awesome story, and beautiful characters that speak to me on a very deep emotional level. And he (or she) totally reduced that to a frigid, two-dimensional level. Bastard. And so that I can help you on your rampage, here's how I found that. Simply type in "Tsuzuki and Hisoka" in the google images section, and it comes up on the first page. -puts on glasses- Here, let me read the full quote to you:
"Tsuzuki and Hisoka: Gentle seme and feisty uke. Angsty boy and ditzy man. You're the living embodiment of a cliche. You're cute enough, but you're the kind of pairing that grates on every other pairing's fans' nerves. You're tolerated, though, because you're considered the canon coupling." -whips off glasses that make me look smart- I don't know about you, but that warrants death in my book. Not exactly what I said in the last chapter, but close enough. Yeah, just go to google, and you'll find it. Can't believe someone posted that -bleep-. Even if it's a freakin' quiz result, why the hell do you put it on a quiz when it isn't even true? So head on over to google, Saphira, and take your muse with you. You've both gotta see this shit to believe it. I need my RNH (Rental Ninja Horde).
Anyways, enough of me trying to start riots and general chaos. On with the chapter!
Chapter Seven
Close to a month passed by. Not much changed for Hisoka, though he was still wondering about that encounter between Tsuzuki and himself. Occasionally, he felt those same protective emotions, warm and comforting, coming from his partner, but as soon as he glanced at Tsuzuki the elder shinigami's shields slammed back up.
Other than that, not much changed between Tsuzuki and Hisoka. Tsuzuki was still the sweet-loving baka that he always was, and Hisoka constantly had to keep him in line. Occasionally, they talked about Kyoto. Tsuzuki said that he was tired of all the sympathetic looks, and that he was ready to move past it: a sign that if Hisoka wanted to talk, he'd be willing to listen.
What Tsuzuki had said was true; he did want to move past his bad memories of Kyoto. He still felt guilty for all of the people that had gotten hurt, but he didn't want to kill himself. Hisoka had taught him that his death wouldn't do anyone good and that he would probably only hurt his friends.
Besides, as long as Hisoka was there, he would stay with him. He knew the empath needed time to sort out his own feelings and doubts. He didn't even know how long it would be before Hisoka excepted the fact that he deserved to be loved just like anyone else, something that they were too alike in. But they had all the time in the world, and Tsuzuki would wait forever if need be.
So time passed on. There was the normal flow of paperwork, explosions caused by a certain scientist, battles between rivals, and the rantings of a secretary hell-bent on taking over the office. Hisoka was torn between being happy that they had no cases and waving his arms wildly and screaming "The boredom! It burns!"
No one had really changed that much, appearance wise, and Hisoka noticed that out of all of them he was the one who had changed the most. When he brought up the subject with Tsuzuki, the amethyst eyed shinigami bragged that because Hisoka was young he was the most adaptable. This had resulted in Hisoka chucking a weighty dictionary at his head. He hated to be reminded of his young looks.
Too bad the serenity didn't last long.
Watari dropped by their office early one morning. Hisoka was sitting at his desk, trying to do reports even though his unruly hair kept getting in the way, while Tsuzuki was trying to juggle work and eat a slice of cake at the same time.
"Yo, Bon." Watari said cheerily as he popped in. His hair was slightly singed from his latest mishap, but he was otherwise cheery as ever. "Hey, Tsuzuki, care to test out my latest experiment for me?"
"No!" Tsuzuki and Hisoka shouted at nearly the same time.
Watari chuckled as they both stopped and looked at each other, surprised at both of their reactions. "Well, Bon, answering for Tsuzuki now? Sounds like you too are pretty close right now."
He gave the blonde a wink, causing both Hisoka and Tsuzuki to turn a brilliant shade of red. Hisoka looked around for something suitable to throw at him and, finding nothing within his reach or psychic range, sighed deeply. "What do you want, Watari?"
"Do I need a reason to visit Meifu's hottest would-be couple?" Hisoka sputtered before deciding to resort to his best death glare, which the scientist seemed to be immune to. Only Bon can look that cute when he's as red as a tomato.
"Ok, now you're just asking for me to hurt you." Oh right, he's a violent, slightly obsessive-compulsive empath/telepath.
"Watari, cut to the chase while you still have teeth." Tsuzuki advised through a mouthful of cake, though the slight grin on his face gave his amusement away. He smiled at the empath who seemed to be wondering why his best death glare wasn't working.
"Actually, I didn't come by just to harass you two, though it is pretty fun messing with Bon." Watari chuckled nervously as a coffee cup went flying by his ear. "Just kidding, Hisoka. Anyways, Tatsumi wants to see you two. It looks like you've finally got a case." Kyushu's shinigami exchanged a dubious glance, before heading out the door.
Tatsumi looked a lot more maniacal than usual when they walked in, and Hisoka was reminded that he really did have the face of a villain. God help anyone on Tatsumi's bad side, considering the way he treated his own friends. The secretary stood beside Chief Konoe's desk, and Hisoka was sensing more unstable emotions (which for Tatsumi wasn't a lot, since he usually never showed them at all) coming from him than he had sensed in a long time.
"Ok you two, let's cut to the chase. I want you to head out immediately."
"Immediately? What's the rush?" The order had certainly caught Tsuzuki's attention, and all thoughts of slacking immediately disappeared. This was serious.
"We've had five murders in the last couple of days, all in the Hyuga area."
A chill went down Hisoka's spine at the mention of Hyuga. "Anything peculiar about the victims?"
"Yes. They were all killed in the downtown area, within a few blocks of each other. It has attracted the attention of the press, and we're having a difficult time keeping it low-key. There have been particularly strange auras at each of the crime scenes, and all of the victims wounds continued to bleed even after death, not clotting at all."
Hisoka's right arm clenched at that, and he could feel a burning sensation under his bandages. His eyes shifted to the sleeve of his orange shirt, and he was sure that he could see a red aura flaring under its material. Could it be? Is it them?
"Hisoka, you ok?"
Hisoka's head snapped up at Tsuzuki's question, to find all eyes in the room on him. "I'm fine." He replied tersely. "Please continue."
"There have been animal hairs found at each scene, but that area is renowned for having packs of wild animals running wild down there, so we have chosen to overlook that. Since Kurosaki knows the area, we will leave finding accommodations to you." Tatsumi's grin was absolutely evil as those words brought an indignant outburst from both shinigami. Well, that's my payback for five years of missed work, Kurosaki.
"What do you think of it, Hisoka?" The empath glanced up at his partner. They were standing on top of a warehouse and watching the streets below. It was midday, and downtown Hyuga was bustling.
"It sure is suspicious. Especially considering that we would have a case, here of all places." Hisoka stuck his hands in the pockets of his jeans. "I have a couple of friends around here that own me favors, so it shouldn't be too difficult to find a place to stay."
That statement made Tsuzuki's brow arch involuntarily. "I thought you said you didn't like humans."
Hisoka shrugged. "There are a few worth hanging around. But living with one? Like hell. I don't need that kind of stress."
"I suppose that makes sense…" Tsuzuki said thoughtfully.
"Anyways, I'll call in on them later. For the moment, it's time to start some snooping." Hisoka inclined his head to the street below. "I would suggest heading to the Inferno. It's easy to hear local news there, plus Dante would probably be willing to spill the beans and give me some info."
"Sounds like a plan." Tsuzuki agreed. He let Hisoka lead the way, since he knew the town better than he did. Hyuga wasn't know as a hotbed for supernatural activity, even for Kyushu, and the last time Tsuzuki remembered coming here was in the seventies.
It had definitely felt more hospitable back then. These days, the aura of downtown Hyuga was one of animosity, the inhabitants looking out for their own interests. The law of the jungle applied here, and it was dog eat dog.
Hisoka seemed to have developed a reputation around this area. As he walked by many people stopped and stared, some in fear, some in contempt, but there was not a friendly face to be seen. They stared at Tsuzuki as well, and Tsuzuki couldn't help but feel like an animal in a display case, being sized up as either predator or prey.
One group even got as far as beginning to approach, cracking their knuckles threateningly. Hisoka stopped and rolled up his sleeves, exposing the bandages wrapped around his arms and his glittering curse marks. He shot a glare at the humans, and Tsuzuki saw their visible shudders before they backed away. Hisoka continued on without saying a word, leaving his partner to catch up.
"That wasn't so nice." Tsuzuki said as he caught up.
Hisoka rolled his shoulders. "And getting the crap beaten out of me isn't nice either. You have to prove to them that you're someone to be avoided here."
After twisting through enough alleyways to make Tsuzuki completely lose his sense of direction, they were in front of the bar. "You stay out here." Hisoka commanded, heading into the bar before his partner could protest.
Tsuzuki sighed as he watched a few people wander by, before turning his attention back to the bar. He wasn't foolish enough to risk Hisoka's wrath by going in when the empath had told him not to, but since the Inferno was one of those places that the "door" was just an empty hole that people could walk in and out of as they pleased. He could watch over his partner just fine from right here.
Hisoka threaded his way through the crowd of usual bar hoppers, ignoring the flashing lights and sounds of music. He had always hated dancers, but now he detested them more than ever as he was jostled from side to side. Dante had better have some info for him, or there was going to be a problem.
The manager of the bar looked up and felt his jaw drop as he clapped eyes on his former employee, who sat down on a chair at the bar. Dante chuckled. "So, you've blown into town again, eh, Hisoka? Considering the usual trend, I had expected it to be a few years before you came back."
Hisoka allowed for a sardonic grin at his former boss, knowing fully well that he wouldn't be back after this, ever. "Yeah, well I couldn't help but feel like coming by. And…" He took a deep breath, looking intensely at Dante. "I was wondering what you could tell me about the recent murders around here."
Dante drew in a sharp breath and averted his eyes to avoid that probing emerald gaze. "What do you want to know?"
"First off: what do the police think about the murders?"
"They think that they're the work of a first-class psycho. They have some of their top dogs working the case, and since they're snooping around everyone is keeping really low-key on their activities."
"Naturally. Wouldn't want to give the police another reason to celebrate, would we?" Hisoka answered smoothly.
"Yeah. You're lucky, Hisoka. Other than beating the shit out of anyone who dared to mess with you, you never really dabbled in any other activities. I'm not so well off." Dante wiped some sweat off his brow. "Having the police around is really making me jumpy. Kind of like waiting for something to slip up, you know?"
"I can understand that." For once, Hisoka was being honest. He had spent five years struggling to hide his shinigami abilities, and every morning he wondered if he would slip up, and have to leave again.
"Second: do they have any suspects yet?"
"No, not yet. There are so many suspicious folks around here that the police have a solid line of suspects from all over. Anyone could be a killer. You could be the killer, I could be the killer. There's no one to trust." Dante gulped, and Hisoka could sense genuine fear emanating from him. Hardly surprising, considering that the murders were throwing the balance of power among Hyuga's underworld out of balance.
"That's all I really wanted to know, Dante." Hisoka stood up from his seat. "A friend of mine and me will be staying in town for a few days. Do you think you could put us up for a little while?"
Dante shifted his eyes around. "Yeah. I've got a spare room at my apartment. You can stay there until your… business is concluded."
"Thanks." Hisoka rose from the bar, a split second before there was a splinter of glass as an empty beer bottle hit the bar beside him. "Kurosaki!" The words came from a distinctively female voice, laced with disgust.
Hisoka sighed tiredly before turning to face his attacker, a fair-haired woman wearing a shirt with the Inferno's logo on it, obviously an employee. She would have looked pretty most of the time, if she wasn't pissed.
"Damn, Kurosaki, and I thought your ugly mug was gone for good. You have a tough time making it where people don't take pity on you?"
That struck a nerve with the shinigami, and he could feel a distinctive headache beginning to form behind his eyes. "Well I would have hoped that a bitch like you was out of my life for good. Unfortunately, I have business in this town, so go talk to your imaginary boyfriend until I'm gone."
There was a moment of silence as the two seethed, before the woman backhanded Hisoka right across the face. He hissed at the sting, but otherwise remained silent. "Whatever, you bastard. You'd better hope your stay isn't long, or you'll regret it." She turned on her heel and walked over to the opposite end of the bar, quickly writing up the orders of a table full of high school drop-outs.
"Don't worry about her, kid; she's just a sore loser." Dante said as he loosened the grip he had on his shotgun. Hisoka rubbed at his face, the hand mark faded away before anyone noticed it healing.
"No prob. I'll see you later, Dante."
As Hisoka walked out of the bar, Tsuzuki shot his partner a questioning look. "What was that all about?"
His partner shrugged his shoulders as they headed down the street. "Cassandra? She's just one of my former co-workers."
"What did you do to piss her off?"
"Maybe it was when she tried to sic her brother on me on my first day and I broke his jaw. Maybe it's the fact that we were always competing while I was at work. Maybe she just hates my guts. I don't know." Hisoka kicked at an empty can.
"Well, a little competition is good for you. Helps you grow." Tsuzuki teased lightly. Just as he had expected, Hisoka's face grew darker.
"I don't need to do any growing. I'm just fine the way I am, and there's no point in wishing for something that there's no chance in hell of happening." He whacked his partner hard over the top of his head.
"Oh come on, Soka-chan." Tsuzuki cried as crocodile tears ran down his face. "I meant it helps you grow in character."
"Yeah right. You were just trying to make me mad. Can't believe that you haven't gotten anymore mature since I left." Hisoka grumbled.
Tsuzuki grinned. "Well, I did manage to keep up the paperwork on my own for five years. That's something."
"Yeah, considering that I can do that at twenty one, (technically) I would really hope that a guy over a century old could do simple paperwork."
"I'm not that old!" Tsuzuki protested indignantly. "Let's see… I was born in 1900." He began counting off decades on his finger, before stopping and remaining silent.
"Uh-huh." Hisoka said. "Think before you open your mouth, baka."
They both froze as a hand clamped down on Hisoka's shoulder. Tsuzuki saw his partner's eyes darken at the physical contact, and he knew that Hisoka was about to attack before an authoritative voice cut through their thoughts. "Kurosaki Hisoka?"
"Yeah." Hisoka said as he jerked his jacket out of the stranger's grasp and turned around to see a middle aged man in a black overcoat standing behind him. "That's my name, but I don't know why it's any of your business."
The man's face darkened as he reached inside his coat and pulled out a wallet, flipping it open to reveal a badge. "Sgt. Yuki Shinomori. I'm afraid I'm going to have to take you down to the station for questioning."Oh, shit.
Ok, let's see on my list of things to do with this fic. One: get Hisoka back to the Bureau. Check! Two: overdone character analysis by one Hajime Terazuma. Check! Three: conveniant excuse to get Hisoka and Tsuzuki to live together. Thank you Tatsumi, and check! Finally, four: the totally-cliched-return-case-that-is-a-conveniant-excuse-for-me-to-finally-get-some-in-first-class-character-torture. Check and mate!
Plus, I got to help my reviewers in their quest for peace in the YnM fandom, and promoted general chaos as usual. -dusts off hands- All in a days work. Looking forward to the reviews (and to see your reactions on my quote of the pairing result) and I'll see you all in the next chapter.
