AN- I return with a sort-of sequel to chapter two. This story was inspired by Imina's request.

Beware of rampant OOCness (sorry).

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Theme: “I will break into your thoughts-With what's written on my heart.”

Tsuzuki shot out of bed with an anguished cry. He was across the room and flipping on the light before he could think about it. (The light always helped chase away the bloody images.) With a shaky sigh, he leaned against the door and slid down to sit on the floor. It seemed he’d shredded his bedding again and it made him glad he’d bought a spare sheet set earlier that week.

The violet-eyed shinigami knew he should get up and take care of the bed but he couldn’t bring himself to move. He was tired of the nightmares. He was tired of the guilt. He was tired of facing both alone. Before he knew it, he was sitting in Hisoka’s living room. Tsuzuki sighed, hating his own weakness, because he knew he couldn’t leave without seeing his partner for just a moment. He hoped the younger man was sleeping, but knew (with his luck) that that wouldn’t be the case. He also knew that he’d annoy (or more likely worry) his partner to no end. But he knew none of those things would stop him because seeing Hisoka always gave him peace.

Silently, Tsuzuki climbed to his feet and drifted down the hall towards the bedroom. Taking a deep breath, he reached for the doorknob. Just before he touched it, the door swung open and he found himself staring into a pair of brilliant emerald eyes.

“I wondered how long you’d be sitting in my living room.” Hisoka said quietly as he ushered Tsuzuki into the room. “So, what’s wrong?”

For a long moment, the older shinigami studied his partner. There was something determined in Hisoka’s eyes and it made Tsuzuki weary. Slowly, he sat on the bed and buried his face in his hands. The younger man sat next him, close enough that their shoulders touched.

“I know you want to tell me… I feel that desire.” He said quietly. “And I know you’re afraid to. I feel your fear all the time.”

“I’m sor-“ Tsuzuki began, looking up at him.

“Don’t.” Hisoka snapped, turning to face him. “I’d know those things even without empathy. Don’t interrupt.” Tsuzuki nodded mutely. “I can deal with your fear because I know that someday you’ll believe that I won’t abandon you. But your pain, Tsuzuki, I feel that all the time too, and I… I hate it. I hate it more than anything. More than Muraki, even. And I don’t even really know what’s hurting you!”

“The past.” Tsuzuki whispered. “And the sin of my existence.”

“You need absolution, right? Forgiveness? How can you get either if you never tell me?”

“It’s unforgivable.”

“I don’t know how else to help you, Tsuzuki. Because loving you hasn’t been enough to stop your pain.” The younger man said softly, his eyes never leaving his partner’s face. Slowly, Tsuzuki looked up to meet his eyes.

“You love me?” he asked.

“Of course I do, idiot!” Hisoka replied, tone scathing.

“You never told me.” Tsuzuki responded, voice full of wonder.

“I thought it was pretty obvious.”

“But would you still love me if I wasn’t human?” the violet-eyed shinigami mused, gaze slipping away from the eternal-teenager.

“We’ve already had this conversation and-“

“I mean, if there was real, undeniable proof.” Tsuzuki cut him off and Hisoka knew that his answer would affect absolutely everything.

“I wouldn’t care if the devil himself told me he fathered you. No matter what, you’re the most human person I’ve ever met.”

A moment later, Tsuzuki wrapped Hisoka in a tight hug and buried his face in his hair. The younger man could feel the tide of Tsuzuki’s emotions warring against each other. Silence descended upon the room with such absolution that Hisoka was sure he’d lost the battle, but he refused to admit defeat. His mind began to wander then, thinking of anything else he could say.

“I have a lot to tell you.” Tsuzuki whispered finally, so softly that the younger man almost missed it.

“I’m listening.” Hisoka whispered, pulling his partner closer, a tiny smile on his lips.

END

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AN- Thank you for reading. Please tell me what you thought.

Oh, btw, the chapter titles are the titles of the songs I'm using for the themes. Since a lot of the time I take a lyric out of context, the song names don't really make sense for story titles... but this way I can see which songs I've already done. I'm so lazy. As always, if you can think of a good title for this chapter, please tell me.