20.09.15 Hi guys, firstly I need to apologise to all of you for the long wait *inserts 90 degree bow*. I know it has been years since I last updated. Many things had happened, and I never got around to continuing my fanfics until I came across my stories again. It has been so long since then and I have forgotten abit about the storyline *my bad*, but of course I am still in love with Hotsuma/Shusei pair alot so that was what kept me going.

This chapter will be a little fast paced. I am now in the midst of completing Chapter 6 so it should be out soon *fingers crossed*. I have an idea of how I would like the ending to be so all is good. I should be able to complete this fic soon.

Once again, thank you so much for your patience and neverending support. I truly appreciate all the love and support you all have given to this fic. xxx

Disclaimer: I do not own Uraboku. If I did, trust me on the fact that I will fight for a Season 2 for the anime.

Chapter 5: Undying Love

I love you.

Those words kept ringing repeatedly on Hotsuma's head. He had mixed emotions… from happiness and overjoy to feeling numb. Those three words shook him to the core.

'Shu… Shusei… what are you saying now. J-Just…' his voice trembled and grew soft. He did not know how to respond. He was too shocked; with the news of Shusei leaving his side anytime from now and now he heard those words.

Maybe, somehow deep down he did long to hear those words. But of all the timing, this was the worst.

'Shu.. Shusei…' he whispered, not knowing how to respond.

Shusei merely gave a weak smile. He slowly lifted a pale and slender hand and palmed Hotsuma's cheek, caressing the golden bronze skin tenderly.

'Hotsuma…' he whispered, and drew his face closer. Slowly, he closed the distance between them and their lips touched lightly with the other, a mere pressing of skin.

Hotsuma gently cupped Shusei's cheeks to support the kiss and slowly but firmly, he pressed his face closer to deepen the kiss. Shusei's lips were slightly chapped but to Hotsuma, it was the sweetest thing he ever tasted. He wanted more. Oh gosh, how he wanted Shusei right now. But he will take it slow, as Shusei was currently ill.

Slowly, the both of them parted from the kiss and merely stared into each other's eyes. Has his eyes had always been this beautiful? Hotsuma wondered, as he stared into the never-ending pools of hazel, wishing he could just drown into them.

As the minutes (or was it hours or seconds?) passed, Hotsuma returned a weak smile as his partner. 'You sly little fox, Shusei,' he said, giving Shusei a weak squeeze on his shoulders.

Hotsuma then took a deep breath.

'I love you as well' he said, slowly but reassuringly.

Shusei's eyes widened slightly, then the tears slowly welled up in his eyes. Hotsuma just smiled at the loving face and slowly wiped off the tears with the back of his fingers.

The next few months, they were inseparable. Hotsuma stayed by Shusei's side all the time, just wishing for that slimmer of hope that somehow, Shusei will get better.

But he never did.

And so, on one of the coldest days in January, Shusei did not wake up. Hotsuma grieved; he screamed and cried in sadness, in anger, in helplessness. He distanced himself from everyone, even Yuki who he has opened up to during the war with Duras.

He just wanted to be alone.

.

10 years later

Duras still lingered at the shadows of the city.

As one of the tiny critters was about to pounce on an innocent passerby, a man in his late twenties spoke out in his clear crystal voice.

"Burn, creature of darkness".

And the Duras was burnt into ashes, not standing a chance against the flames.

Stepping out of the shadows temporarily to monitor and ensure that the Duras was killed, the man was decked in a navy trench coat, with boots and a silver cross necklace hanging around his neck.

Hotsuma walked in the shadows, silently looking out for anyone suspicious. He has long lost contact with the Giou clan, deciding to leave them. He could not bear to see their faces, each of them always with their partners. It reminded him too much of Shusei, when he sees the interactions between Tsukumo and Toko, Yuki and Luka and the other Zweilt pairs. There were too many painful memories.

It has been 9 years since he left the Giou clan, ever since he graduated from high school. He just packed up the little stuff he had and left a note, thanking everyone in the house for their concern.

He has been moving around since, earning enough to support himself from all the errands he run. His Zweilt powers were stronger than ever, and every night, he patrols around the area and city, silently destroying more Duras.

Hotsuma turned one corner, entering into the usual café that he visits. He ordered his usual black coffee and just sat by the window, looking into the gloomy sky.

He was lost in his thoughts, that he nearly missed noticing a man taking a seat opposite him. He glanced up, and if he was drinking coffee during that time, he swear that he would be choking now.

Tsukumo still looked as youthful as ever. Hotsuma guessed that it must be the snacks he was eating, and maybe the interaction with animals.

'Tsu-Tsukumo?!' Hotsuma gaped, not believing the sight before him. Tsukumo just smiled. 'Hello, Hotsuma,' he said, grinning from ear to ear.

Hotsuma sighed. "Guess I can never hide from you all, especially you with your hearing," he said, crossing his arms. He took a sip from the coffee, looking over the silver haired man. Tsukumo just smiled again, a comfortable silence taking place, which relieved Hotsuma. He thought that it would be awkward seeing anyone from the Giou clan again.

"So…" he started, placing his cup on the saucer, "whats going on?" he continued.

Tsukumo's eyes then became serious, his smile dropping.

"Come home, Hotsuma" he said, his voice growing silent.

Hotsuma just scratched his head, making his blond hair even more messy. He sighed once more, and stared back out the window.

"Tsukumo… you know why I can't. That place was where I grew up with..with Shusei. I just…" he stopped, not knowing how to continue.

There was another moment of silence, and Tsukumo clasped his fingers, resting it on his chin.

"Hotsuma… we found him."

Hotsuma raised an eyebrow. "Him? Who are you talking about?"

Tsukumo gave a solemn expression. "We found Shusei".

.

Hotsuma's mind went blank. He then put his head down low, his bangs hiding his eyes.

"Tsukumo… what are you talking about?" he asked solemnly. "Please do not give me any false hope," he said, trying to keep his emotions in check.

Tsukumo shook his head lightly, reassuring the blond that he was far from joking. "We found his reincarnation a few weeks ago… so…"

Hotsuma slammed his fists on the table, his half filled cup of coffee was knocked onto the floor, shattering into pieces.

"Wh-What?! What are you saying, Tsukumo… what do you mean?" his voice raised, a little skeptical on the shocking news.

"Will you just listen to what I have to say before asking more questions, Hotsuma?" the silverette said patiently, not the least bit affected by Hotsuma's outburst.

Hotsuma took a few deep breaths, then crossed his arms, a frown still marring his handsome face. Tsukumo continued. "Toko-chan and I were out on a mission near Kyoto region, we were hunting for Duras and we happened to stumble upon him. We both were shocked… he…he could see Duras unlike the rest of the citizens. He saw us fighting Duras… a-and…"

Hotsuma was more confused now. It doesn't make any sense to him. "Wh-What happened then, Tsukumo?"

Tsukumo gave the blond a sad smile. "He… he doesn't remember anything about the past though. Everything seemed so alien to him… it's just like how when we first met Yuki. His memories seemed to be all erased off."

.

4 weeks ago

The rain was falling heavier than ever, impairing the Zweilt pair's eyesight. Nonetheless, it does not affect a certain silverette as he possessed the Ears of God.

"Toko-chan… 11 o clock," yelled Tsukumo in desperation. Toko swung her large broad sword at the said direction, killing a Duras that was mere millimetres away from attacking her.

Tsukumo sighed in relief. That was a close one, he thought.

The Murasame siblings were about to call it a day when Tsukumo suddenly heard cries of desperation. Help… someone help me! A little voice cried out. Tsukumo looked out in alarm. "TOKO-CHAN!" was all he needed to say and ran towards the direction of the voice, his sister following closely behind.

They ran for about two hundred metres, and stumbled upon a young boy who was on the ground, his eyes looked horrified. In front of him stood a low level Duras, but the size of the Duras was over 6 feet tall. Without hesitation, Tsukumo took out his gun and swiftly shot the Duras on the head.

The Duras did not stand a chance and shattered into pieces and was carried away by the cold wind. Tsukumo swiftly went to the boy who was still in shock.

"It's ok" Tsukumo said soothingly, patting the boy's head gently. "You're safe now".

When the boy looked up, Tsukumo gaped in surprise. No… no way… is this some kind of a joke? Am I dreaming now?

Toko went to his side and she nearly broke down when she saw the boy's face. It brought back so many memories. The boy was a splitting image of Shusei's younger self. The Murasame siblings exchanged glances and nodded. The Shusei lookalike was still in shock, but he managed to asked hoarsely, "Wh-What was that?" the boy asked.

Tsukumo continued to pat the boy's hair gently. "That's a Duras, demons of the underworld."

Toko also approached the boy gently. "What's your name?" she asked in a kind tone, not wanting to scare the boy off.

The boy seemed to have gotten ahold of his senses, and he stared at her, his eyes quivering a little, probably still from the shock of encountering a Duras.

"S-Shusei. Usui Shusei is my name, onee-san," he said softly, barely over a whisper.

Both of the Zweilt guardians held their breath. What does this mean?

Upon realization, Tsukumo then placed both hands onto the boy's shoulder and then gave the boy a warm embrace.

Shusei merely flush a little from the sudden loving gesture. He should be feeling uncomfortable that a stranger was embracing him out of the blue but somehow, this felt warm and comforting. It feels… feels like home, he thought.

Toko was also overwhelmed with emotions and she joined in the embrace, tears flowing from her eyes. "Shusei" she merely repeated.

.

What seemed like hours later, they let go of Shusei and just stared at him. Tsukumo wiped off the remaining tears. The rainy weather has long since passed and now the sun was about to set.

"Um.. may I know your names as well? Onee-chan and Onii-chan?" he asked, tone a little shy.

Tsukumo ruffled the young boy's hair. "I am Murasame Tsukumo, and that's my sister, Toko. We both are Zweilt guardians."

Shusei seemed confused and tilted his head a little. "Zweilt guardians?" he asked.

Tsukumo just smiled. "Well, you can say that we protect citizens from those demons you saw."

Shusei then looked up at both of them. "Do you two have special powers?" he asked.

"Yes, we do…." Tsukumo then trailed off and said something that took Shusei by surprise. "So do you right, Shusei?"

Shusei's eyes widen. Tsukumo continued. "Your eyes… they are not somewhat ordinary, right?" Tsukumo gave Shusei a small smile.

Shusei merely glanced down, holding onto his jacket tightly. "I-I…"

Toko then interrupted. "Let's go get dry first, before you all catch a cold. Shusei… where do you stay?" she asked.

Shusei glanced up at Toko. "Um… the orphanage just a few blocks from here."

Tsukumo and Toko glanced at each other, their minds already made up that they needed to get Shusei back as soon as possible. Looks like it's time to call Takashiro to update him.

.

It turns out that Shusei still had the Eyes of God, as he could still see images on reflective surfaces. Takashiro was contacted and immediately, the papers were signed to release Shusei from the orphanage.

He grew close to Tsukumo, looking up to him like a big brother when the silverette took care of him when he was brought to Twilight Mansion. Shusei does not seemed to remember anything from the past, as he showed no signs of recognition when the sight of the mansion came to view.

Rather, the young soon-to-be Zweilt was showing a little excitement at seeing his new home, his eyes shining brightly.

A few days passed since Shusei's arrival. Takashiro called a meeting with the Zweilts one night, and everyone arrived, taking a seat on the sofa.

"Well, this is interesting," said Tachibana. "Looks like little Shusei does not even remember that he was a Zweilt in the passed life."

Toko frowned. "This is not funny, Tachibana. How will Hotsuma react?"

"Moreover, can we even get in touch with him?" asked Senshirou.

Tsukumo glanced at the Giou clan leader. Takashiro was seated behind his desk, looking at them calmly, but Tsukumo knew that many questions were running at the back of his mind.

"Takashiro-sama…" he began. "Do you have any idea where Hotsuma can be? You do know right?" asked the silverette.

Takashiro looked up and gave Tsukumo a small smile. "Looks like I cannot hide anything from you, Tsukumo," said the necromancer.

Everything immediately perked up. "Takashiro-san, you know where Hotsuma-kun may be?" asked Yuki, the Wielder of the Light of God.

Takashiro jotted something down and gestured for Tsukumo to come up to his seat. When he did, Takashiro passed him an address. "Thi-This is…" the silverette whispered.

"Where he was last seen. You better head out tomorrow morning before we miss him. Hotsuma tends to move from one place to another."

"Wh-What should I say to him though?"

Takashiro merely gave a sly grin. "Tell him that we found Shusei. That should be enough to get him back here."

.

Present

As Tsukumo finished explaining to Hotsuma, the blond just lean back and covered his eyes with the back of his hand. Tsukumo continued. "Takashiro asked you to come back, Hotsuma. A-And you will be assigned to train Shusei to be a Zweilt guardian."

Hotsuma gave a hollow laugh. "That damn necromancer really knows how to rile me up. Shusei does not even remember me anymore. I should not be the one teaching him…"Hotsuma swallowed, his thoughts going haywire at the thought of spending time with his lover, his partner, who was now 10 years old, 16 years younger than him.

"You would probably be a better mentor to him," said Hotsuma. Tsukumo crossed his arms. "What are you saying Hotsuma?" he scolded lightly. "No one knows him better than you do. For goodness sake, this is Shusei we are talking about. Eventhough he has no memories, deep down he is still the same person, the same soul."

Hotsuma merely gave another deep sigh. "I-I… Tsukumo, I really want to see him… oh god I missed him so much," the blond said. "B-But…"

Tsukumo immediately interrupted. "No buts… if you really love him, Hotsuma, then be there for him. Guide him. Let him know what it's really like to have a family." Tsukumo said patiently. He then gave a smirk. "Who knows? A few years down the road, he will probably fall for you all over again."

Hotsuma immediately blushed and nearly fell off his seat. "Tsukumo…" he said dangerously.

Tsukumo merely gave an innocent smile. "What? I know how you two are."

Hotsuma sighed. "You do know that I am 16 years older than him now right. By the time he goes to high school I will be in my late thirties by then. This is just illegal. That makes me a paedophile!"

"Love has no limits, Hotsuma. Although, I would prefer you don't make any moves until he has hit adulthood," he teased the blond lightly.

"MURASAME TSUKUMO" he yelled, wanting to seriously slap the silverette in front of him.

Tsukumo burst out laughing. "Hahahaha… now that's the Hotsuma I remember," he said happily, still laughing at the blond. "You should have seen your own face. Priceless!"

Hotsuma merely ruffled his hair. "Lets go then," he said and stood up, leaving enough money for the bill and tip.

Tsukumo smiled in triumph. Hoho… this will be interesting to watch.

Oh hohoho... next chapter, a Hotsuma and Shusei reunion?

Please review. If really would mean the world to me. Many thanks and see you all in the next chapter.

xxx Kimihearts