Very nice...though I've never been a fan of the Tsubaki/Hisoka pairing, the close friendship and almost sibling-like relationship I could see between them has always intrigued me. The emotional hoops Hisoka jumped through with regards to Tsubaki are some of the most poignant, imo. Thus I'm very happy that there's a lovely, well-written fic like this out there. Good job!

This is the first Yami No Matsuei fic I have read and enjoyed. I've loved the show and manga for years, but feared treading into the fandom; you know. But this drew my attention. Tsubaki-hime fascinates me. It's amazing how innocent she looks and acts but how tragic and tainted her character is..., and that she drew comfort from Hisoka. She drew comfort from death. It's kind of sweet and morbid too. If Tsusuki didn't exist I would love Hisoka and Tsubaki (especially how they're portrayed in the manga). Reading this, I felt satisfied that these were the extension of the characters.

You worked the present tense in well, and I don't usually enjoy present tense. Loved.

~Chilly

Oh...how horribly awkward for Hisoka, and they make such an interesting pairing too...
Anyway, using the present tense instead of the usual past gave this fic a kind of 'in the moment' feel, which really suits it, given what we know is going to happen and all. Makes me wonder if he managed to keep that promise in the end line after all...