by Empath no Tenshi
Finally. After a long day of work, the shinigami were free to spend the rest of their afternoon the way they wanted as some of them eagerly looked forward to tonight’s Christmas party.
But not all of them were thrilled when the announcement was made, as Tatsumi was again anxious about the budget that they would have to spend on the said party. But what can he do. If it weren’t for those sweet little pleading eyes that Tsuzuki always used whenever he wanted something�
Hisoka was impassive about this little gathering as always. Another night out meant another headache for him, not just because of the hangover he’d get from his very low tolerance of alcohol but also because things like parties just plainly made him feel sick. What with those storm of emotions crashing into his head all at the same time, sometimes it made him wonder why his mind hadn’t exploded from past get-togethers he’d been to.
� As for Watari, he would have been raring to go to the Christmas party if only this new idea didn’t spark in his mind that he’s dying to try. But he had no choice. Tatsumi insisted that everyone must go (wouldn’t want to waste the expenses now). And that ‘everyone� meant especially him, for the sole reason that they wanted to make sure that their office would still be intact when they were done.
Tsuzuki was� Well, he was Tsuzuki and would always be Tsuzuki. If this person were to say no to parties, which of course meant a bucket of sweets and a hundred slices of cake, that would be scary. Besides, there were always wines during parties. And wines meant a drunk Hisoka who’s too stubborn to say no to a glass of sake. And of course, a drunk Hisoka meant the chance to� carry him to bed.
~*~
This time, Tatsumi went at great lengths and did everything he could think of to lessen the expenses. For the food, each of them was supposed to bring something to be shared with the rest. For the venue, the party was to be held at the office, and lastly, for the decorations, they made use of the ones used the previous years; which included Watari’s old and busted Christmas lights, crumpled banners that the Gushoshin found at the library and even a very dusty Christmas tree Tsuzuki and Hisoka dug at the stockroom that took almost a week to wash the dirt off before they were able to set it up.
Right after work they wasted no time. The employees who were assigned to decorate rearranged the desks and covered them with a long velvety pine green cloth with red and golden trimmings to form one big banquet table. Tsuzuki hanged the stubborn banners up on the four walls despite that they wouldn’t lie flat no matter how many times he straightened them while Hisoka held the short ladder to support him. Well, at least the Christmas lights were nice to look at even though most of the bulbs were already dimmed and merely flickering instead of sparkling.
“Looks nice…but there’s something missing…” Watari voiced out, looking around the place some more to figure out what seemed to be lacking.
“You’re right. Wakaba-chan isn’t here yet. She said she was going to bake a chocolate cake. She even asked that shape-changing freak to help.� Tsuzuki said over his shoulders as he struggled with the stubborn banners and nearly fell off the ladder if Hisoka hadn’t been there to hold it in place. Besides, the young shinigami couldn’t risk letting his older partner fall on his petite form or he might break at least a dozen bones.
“Oh! I think I have just the right thing.� Watari exclaimed and excitedly dashed out of the room.
Tsuzuki curiously looked at Hisoka, who simply shrugged in reply.
~*~
� What used to be their ‘dull and boring office� as Tsuzuki wrongly branded it was now a lively party house. The lights were off and instead they had Christmas lights plus the disco ball (that Watari brought in when he came back) for illumination. It was a good thing that Tsuzuki had a mini-radio on his desk, which they turned to full volume and used as a sound system.
“I wonder what’s taking Wakaba-chan so long.� Tsuzuki whined as he and Hisoka went to the table along with everyone else to get food. “Maybe Terazuma decided to eat the whole cake! That’s evil!!!� Tsuzuki whispered to Hisoka suspiciously as they walked back to their seats to eat.
When he noticed that his plate was filled with a mountain of pastries to the edge while Hisoka barely had anything in his, he transferred a few pieces to the youth’s plate. “Here.�
“What are you doing!?� Hisoka cried out, startled, as he pulled his plate away from Tsuzuki.
� “Hisoka, you should eat more than that!� Tsuzuki playfully scolded. “Besides, there’s plenty of food for everyone and I can always go back to the table.� Tsuzuki forked a bite-size bit of pastry and held it near Hisoka’s mouth. “Come on, don’t be shy.�
“I’m not!!!� Hisoka pushed the fork away. “Just s.. stop that!� The fuming youth stammered with a cute little red stain on each cheek. “I can eat by myself, idiot.�
The two continued their antics unaware that Watari had been watching them from one of the tables. Those two were simply adorable even when they were arguing and throwing both objects and insults at each other. Then suddenly, an idea clicked in his mind. He waited for Tsuzuki to go back to the banquet table for the fifth time- which was just too predictable because just after a couple of minutes Tsuzuki did just that- then grabbed his chance.
He walked to Tsuzuki and whispered. “We’ll have a game. It’s really fun so make sure you drag Hisoka with you to join. Oh and stay beside him when we play it. Okay?�
Tsuzuki looked at him blankly but went with his plan anyway. “Okay!�
So Watari called for everyone’s attention and made the announcement. “This is a very simple game. All who want to join please form a single file.�
Watari didn’t know and care how, but as promised, Tsuzuki was somehow able to persuade Hisoka into joining them so now the couple was standing at the end of the line.
“Now, the mechanics. It’s pretty simple. Each of you must pass this card to the person next to you.� Watari began, holding a business card in his hand, which made bored expressions appear on some of those who lined up. “The catch is…you don’t do it with your hands. But with your lips.� He ended with a naughty smirk, which made some of their female coworkers giggle and whisper excitedly to each other. Not to mention most of them were sneaking glances at Tsuzuki and Hisoka.
�
“Let’s start then!�
Watari passed the card to the person at the very front of the line, who passed it to the one beside him and so on. In the middle of the game, Watari noticed that Tatsumi was sitting all by himself in a corner, so he decided to forcefully tug him along too. They stood next to a now beaming Tsuzuki and very nervous Hisoka, with the latter’s anxiety becoming stronger as the card got closer.
�
When there were only three persons before the card came to Tsuzuki, Hisoka inched closer to him and whispered a threat. “Be very careful when you pass that card to me, Tsuzuki.�
Tsuzuki nervously nodded.
When it finally came to Tsuzuki, he instinctively held Hisoka’s hand as he passed the card. Hisoka had t stop himself from breathing a relieved sigh when Tsuzuki had successfully passed the card to him, not letting it fall off in the process. Or else it would have led to� very embarrassing consequences.
Now it was his turn to pass the card to Tatsumi. After that, it would be all over.
As simple as that�
That was what Hisoka wanted to happen anyway until Tsuzuki suddenly jerked around in excitement when Wakaba and Terazuma arrived. “The cake’s here!!!� And upon doing so, he unconsciously elbowed Hisoka. Consequently, Hisoka hurtled forward and crashed into Tatsumi. He would have still successfully passed the card to Tatsumi only if the said card hadn’t fallen off his lips.
Needless to say, it led to the two shinigami accidentally kissing each other.
What Watari planned was for Hisoka to kiss Tsuzuki… not Tatsumi. And he was sure that with Tsuzuki’s carelessness he had a high percent of success. He supposed that one way or another Tsuzuki would make that card fall off. It didn’t matter whether intentionally or not just Watari knew he would. He never expected this.
What once was a very lively chattering and laughing died down into shocked silence.
Hisoka was very red and obviously avoiding Tatsumi’s eyes when they pulled away. He didn’t have the courage to stay any longer so he ran out of the room in seconds.
Tatsumi also had hints of blush on his face but hid it by feigning to fix his glasses. “I� I think I need to go to the washroom for a moment.� He said then promptly stepped out.
~*~
After fifteen more minutes, Terazuma broke the awkward silence. “Oi, don’t you think you have someone to run after? And I’m not referring to Tatsumi.�
Tsuzuki looked stunned but snapped out of his thoughts upon hearing that, knowing it was addressed to him. He went out of the room and started to look for his partner.
He ran to that one place he was sure Hisoka would be. He always went there whenever he had problems or wanted to think about stuff. So Tsuzuki ran up until he reached the last flight of stairs that led to the highest floor. There was an empty office there with a balcony on it. He found Hisoka there more than once when the youth went out of their office and wanted some time alone.
As expected, he was there. The empath was sitting on an iron chair he seemed to have pulled out from the office and placed outside just right behind the railing. He was holding his knees close to his chest and absently looking down on the darkened grounds as the branches of the Sakura danced with the night wind.
“Hisoka�?� Tsuzuki apprehensively moved closer.
“Go away.�
Hisoka tightened his hold on his knees.
“Hisoka-�
“I said go away!�
But Tsuzuki stubbornly stepped closer.
“Go away…”
Hisoka sighed when he sensed Tsuzuki was already right behind him. “So my partner’s not just an idiot but also a deaf.�
“You’re mad at me aren’t you�?� Tsuzuki guiltily looked at him.
� Hisoka kept quiet and merely stared at the pink petals that glowed under the moonlight as they fell to the grass below.
“I knew it…” Tsuzuki sadly sighed.
“It’s not you. Idiot...� Hisoka finally spoke. “I want to be mad at you for what happened, but who can really blame you…”
“Scream at me then. Or hit me. Or� or� kick me or something…” Tsuzuki desperately pleaded.
“It’s not that. I’m just worried that Tatsumi-san…” Hisoka paused fleetingly then continued. “Will probably dock my paycheck for good.�
Tsuzuki just ruffled Hisoka’s hair on that. “Silly� even the stupidest person in the universe wouldn’t fall for that. The Hisoka I know wouldn’t sulk like this just because of money.�
He stepped in front of Hisoka and held his shoulders. “You’re not a very good liar you know.�
They both abruptly turned to the door when they heard a knock before it creaked open and Tatsumi walked in. “Excuse me� Tsuzuki-san, can I speak with Kurosaki-kun for a moment?�
Tsuzuki suddenly fell on his knees and bowed with all humility to Tatsumi. “Please don’t dock Hisoka’s paycheck!!! It was my fault! Punish me instead.�
“Oh yes. Don’t worry because I will do just that first thing in the morning.� Tatsumi austerely started, which made Tsuzuki’s head drop and Hisoka look down in shame, then added with a gentler tone “But that’s not why I came here for now.�
The partners then looked up to him curiously.
“Tsuzuki-san� can I have a moment with Kurosaki-kun?� Tatsumi calmly reiterated.
� “Yes! Of course.� Tsuzuki frantically answered. He got up and softly grasped Hisoka’s shoulder for a moment then stepped out of the room.
Tatsumi pulled out a chair from the abandoned office then placed it next to Hisoka’s. They sat together in silence, admiring the evening scenery displayed in front of them.
“About earlier…” they said simultaneously after a few minutes of uneasy silence, which made Tatsumi laugh slightly. When he noticed Hisoka’s face was flushed, he subsided his laughter.
“I� I’m sorry about it.� Hisoka finally said.
Tatsumi looked at him in the eye and gave him a gentle smile.
“I know- and I’m quite sure everyone does- that it was an accident, Kurosaki-kun. It wasn’t your fault just as much as it wasn’t mine.”
Hisoka breathed a relaxed sigh as though he had been holding back his breath ever since that incident. Another long, awkward silence ensued between them. But though they’ve already settled the matter, Hisoka still looked tense� as if there was still something bothering him. Tatsumi noticed this, so for the first time in his life he actually decided to pry.
“Is something wrong? Kurosaki-kun.� He started cautiously, hoping not to scare off the nervous boy.
Hisoka tried to hide it, but Tatsumi saw the glint in his eyes that signaled he heard his question.
� “No� nothing.� Hisoka said in a low whisper.
“It’s not nothing if it’s obviously bothering you that much.� Tatsumi pressed on.
Hisoka hesitated� but since Tatsumi was someone he was sure he could trust, he decided to speak. “I don’t think I’ll ever have the courage to go to work tomorrow� Maybe I’ll ask for a transfer or� or resign. Say, what happens to a shinigami after resigning anyway?� Hisoka didn’t dare look at Tatsumi when he asked that.
“Well, I can’t answer that for you because I myself don’t know. But I can tell you one thing� If you don’t go to work tomorrow, I’ll go to your house and drag you if I have to.� Hisoka he held his chest in surprise.
Tatsumi merely smiled pleasantly, and Hisoka had seen him use that seemingly boyish grin on accountants when they were over-budget. “You’re not planning to let me face this embarrassment alone� are you now?�
“Of� of course not…” Hisoka stammered, the poor boy looking as though he’s about to faint.
“You better not.� He affirms with an evil smirk that silently says ‘or else�.
Hisoka need not weigh his options anymore because a lifetime of shame was undoubtedly better than an angry Tatsumi.
� As a cold wind blew, Hisoka hugged his knees tighter, desperately trying to warm himself. Tatsumi, being the gentleman that he was, took off his coat and wrapped it around Hisoka’s shivering form.
“Come, we better go inside. It’s warmer there.�
Hisoka got up and Tatsumi ushered him in.
~*~
� When they stepped out Tsuzuki was sitting on the floor right outside the room, apparently he was anxiously waiting the entire time.
“Why do you look so worried? I didn’t fire him, Tsuzuki-san.� Tatsumi assured him with a smile.
“Thank goodness.� Tsuzuki sighed in relief.
“But I’m still thinking whether I should fire you or not. Happy Christmas.� Tatsumi smiled at him pleasantly before walking away.
Tsuzuki’s head dropped. “I’m dead…”
“Who said you’re not?� Hisoka said with closed eyes and raised eyebrows.
“Hisoka! You don’t have to be mean to me tonight too.� Tsuzuki pathetically whined.
“Says who?� Hisoka pushed.
This time, Tsuzuki really looked like he was about to burst into tears, sniffing grossly.
“Baka…” Hisoka sighed then walked away, feeling even more pity for himself. It wasn’t enough that he had an idiot for a partner. Now he also had to face yet again another embarrassment that will probably last until the end of his afterlife.
“Hisoka! Wait for me!!!�
~*~
Back at the party, Tatsumi faced his officemates with confidence he had mastered from years of working as EnmaCho’s most notorious secretary. He had to end the party. It was already past three in the morning and he expected them all to be in time for work the next day.
After the cleaning was done and everyone had reluctantly started their ways home, Watari approached Tatsumi when they were the only ones left.
“So� um� how’s Bon? Did you guys talk about it already?�
“Yes.� Tatsumi simply nodded, putting an end to the topic.
“He must have been shocked by what happened ne? And in front of everyone too…” Watari sadly sighed.
“Yes� It was quite an embarrassment.� Tatsumi agreed.
But deep within� Tatsumi mused that if embarrassments were that sweet, he wouldn’t mind them at all.
~*~
Tsuzuki followed Hisoka all the way back to the young empath’s small house. Hisoka was too tired to object so he merely walked straight into his room and changed into his pajamas before collapsing to bed with tiredness.
Tsuzuki sat beside him and looked around his room contentedly. “Wow� so neat…” He voiced out in awe.
“Well, unlike other people I’m never too lazy to clean up my room.� Hisoka remarked sarcastically.
� “Why would I bother cleaning up my room if I’ll just mess it up again anyway?� Tsuzuki childishly defended.
“Your hopeless.� Hisoka sleepily yawned.
“Tired, aren’t you? I guess I better let you sleep.� Tsuzuki pouted.
He walked towards the door. He was about to close it when Hisoka called him. “Tsuzuki� Oh, nothing. Good Night.� Hisoka hastily said then turned on his side, facing the wall opposite where Tsuzuki stood.
Tsuzuki suddenly smiled then walked towards him.
“Hisoka…” He lightly tapped Hisoka’s shoulder.
When Hisoka looked up at him, Tsuzuki barely had time to see Hisoka’s adorable curious expression because he swiftly bent down and captured Hisoka’s soft lips and pulled him into a deep kiss.
After a very long moment, Tsuzuki decided to pull away mainly because he could sense the person below him losing his breath.
“What the heck did you do that for?� Hisoka looked so cute with face bright red clashing against the color of his eyes that were now glaring like daggers at his partner.
“Maybe I was jealous because Tatsumi had a Christmas kiss and I didn’t� Tsuzuki smirked playfully as he affectionately caressed Hisoka’s smooth cheeks. �
“Idiot.�
Hisoka hastily grabbed his pillow and smacked Tsuzuki with it. “Go to sleep.�
Tsuzuki turned puppy and pitifully pouted. He miserably turned and was just about to walk out when Hisoka grabbed the back of his white top.
“Where do you think you’re going? I meant here� beside me.�
~*~
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!
~*~
-Owari-