((This chapter was actually going to be longer, but I started thinking it might be TOO long. If you think it's too short, then be appeased, 'cause Chapter 3 is on the way!))

CHAPTER 2

The afternoon passed quickly for Tsuzuki, a blur of laughing faces and piggyback rides and rice crackers. When Yoshiko called the children to line up for dinner at six o'clock, Tsuzuki was amazed at how much time he'd lost.

"They have to go already?" he asked plaintively from the floor, holding onto two little girls in matching paint smocks who were delightedly smearing paint into each other's hair and Tsuzuki's.

Yoshiko laughed. "Yes, Asato-sensei. Please help them pick their things up, and then we'll let Kimura-san and Erika-san escort them to the dining room. Ne, Kimura-san?" She looked toward the open door, at a short, silly-looking man and a slender, older woman. Kimura was wearing coveralls and a goofy smile, but the kids seemed to really like him. Already three of the children were tugging on his clothes. Erika had her own gaggle of fans as well, and she carried one of the smallest in her arms.

"Come on, Shizu, Maria," she said, smiling. "Don't you want to eat?"

The girls cheered emphatically, and slid out of Tsuzuki's grasp. "Ja, ne, 'Sato-sensei," Shizu chirped, bouncing up on her toes to give Tsuzuki a kiss on the cheek before she and Maria ran to join the others.

"Ja," Tsuzuki called back. He watched until the last set of little legs trotted out the door then leaned back, stretching out on the thin carpet with his hands over his head, a wide smile on his face. "Yoshiko-sensei, that was so much fun!"

Yoshiko laughed and sat down next to him, folding her legs underneath her and pulling the elastic band out of her hair. Her ponytail sprang free, a shimmering curtain of black silk tumbling down her back. "They're certainly a handful, aren't they?"

"Hai. But they're so cute!" Tsuzuki was practically glowing, his imaginary tail wagging happily. "Don't you think so, Hisoka-sensei?"

Hisoka ignored his partner's enthusiasm, concentrating instead on untying his apron. He had one of the worst headaches he'd had in a long time, and his stomach roiled uneasily. He'd never realized little kids could be so loud. Tsuzuki might be enjoying himself, but Hisoka just wanted to lie down for a while. "I think you just like calling us 'sensei,'" he said shortly.

Tsuzuki blinked, peering at Hisoka, but Yoshiko giggled again. "Tell me, Asato-kun," she said, "do you have children of your own?"

"Who, me?" Tsuzuki shook his head, sitting up with a smile. "Ah, iiya, I'm not even married."

"Really?? But you're so good with the girls! I'm surprised some lucky lady hasn't snatched you up!"

"Er, I don't have a lot of time for that, really –"

"No! Well, that's a shame. You'd make a great father!"

A vein ticked in Hisoka's forehead, and he plucked uselessly at the knot holding the apron on. It stubbornly refused to undo itself, and he was beginning to think he'd be stuck in yellow plastic forever. Yes, he'd have to sit on these sticky little tables in a room that smelled perpetually like juice and listen to this woman throw herself at his partner for the rest of eternity, while Tsuzuki, airhead that he was, wriggled on the carpet, happily oblivious.

"Oh, I don't know," Tsuzuki was saying, a silly grin on his face, and Hisoka gave an impatient sigh.

"Shouldn't we be getting settled in?" he asked, annoyed.

"Ah!" Tsuzuki at least had the grace to look chagrined. He slid his paint- covered apron off, folding it tidily. "You're right. Gomen, Hisoka. I almost forgot. Hisoka's very good at keeping me on task," he added, winking at Yoshiko.

Hisoka looked down, unable to stop his cheeks from coloring. Leave it to Tsuzuki to say something like that. Trying to look busy, he confronted the knot one more time and only succeeded in getting frustrated. The ache in his head buzzed angrily, and he closed his eyes briefly against the pain. Suddenly, a large, warm hand closed over his, and that wonderful stillness spilled through him, dulling his headache. He looked up, startled green eyes meeting concerned amethyst ones.

"Let me," Tsuzuki said mildly. He moved Hisoka's fingers and deftly undid the knot, his hands brushing the boy's side as he worked. It was a relief to have Tsuzuki shielding for him, like pulling off shoes that were too tight, and it felt so good that Hisoka had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from letting the quiet just swallow him up.

After a moment, Tsuzuki slipped the heavy string free with a flourish and pulled the apron over his partner's head. As soon as he broke contact, the headache thundered back, and Hisoka caught his breath, unprepared. Darkness abruptly washed over his vision, and then Tsuzuki's strong arm was against his back, holding him up. Again the cool stillness broke the pain, and Hisoka leaned against his partner before he could stop himself.

"Hisoka-kun?" Yoshiko was on her feet, tugging off her own apron, her pretty brow wrinkling. "Are you okay?"

"He gets headaches sometimes," Tsuzuki said calmly. "He just needs to lie down. Would you mind –"

"Oh, no, of course not," the woman said, hurrying to the door. "Hisoka-kun, I'm so sorry. You both did so well today, I just plain forgot you were both new. Please, follow me. I'll show you to your room."

Hisoka watched distantly as Yoshiko disappeared through the doorway, thinking he ought to move. "You've been practicing," he told Tsuzuki softly. "Why?"

He didn't see so much as feel the taller man shrug. "I want to be able to help you."

The younger shinigami went still. That was a powerful statement, and one he wasn't comfortable with. Oh, he could let Tsuzuki help, of course. Despite appearances, Tsuzuki was one of the most powerful employees of EnmaCho. If anyone could make things easier for Hisoka, it was Tsuzuki Asato.

But it wasn't in Hisoka's nature to let others do things for him. Independence was vital. He couldn't rely on Tsuzuki to be around 24-7.

He forced himself to straighten up, welcoming the pain in his head now that he was ready for it. "I'll be fine," he said. "Don't worry about me."

Tsuzuki didn't answer, just followed the teenager into the hall. Yoshiko was waiting a bit down the way, and she led them to a red wooden door identical to the playroom door save for the number six on it. "You'll stay here, and I hope it's okay," she said, opening the door to reveal a modest room with two twin beds, a night table, and a small door off to the left. "That's the bathroom through there. Um, the younger children are in this block, so if there're any problems tonight, it'll be up to you to help take care of them. I'll be on the other side, so if you really need help, come get me. Do you think you can handle it?"

Tsuzuki gave her a smile and a salute. "Yes, ma'am. You can trust me."

"You're such a good big brother," Yoshiko said suddenly, her voice swelling with admiration. "Hisoka-kun, you're very lucky."

"You think so?" Tsuzuki asked cheerfully. "I think I'm a little absent- minded. If I didn't have Hisoka, I'd probably forget all kinds of important things."

"Like to eat things other than cake," Hisoka muttered. He leaned against the doorframe, staring at his partner with through half-closed eyes. He badly wanted to reach out and catch hold of Tsuzuki's hand, just touch him again. All that calm, that easy comfort, just inches away... He grit his teeth, annoyed at thinking such weak thoughts. "Thank you for showing us the room, Nakamura-san."

Tsuzuki nodded. "Yes, you're a great help."

Yoshiko colored prettily and said, "Come by my room before you go to dinner, and I'll walk you to the dining hall. I'm in room nine, okay? It's closer than it sounds."

"That's so nice of you! We certainly will." Tsuzuki beamed at the smaller woman until her blush deepened and she left, giving them a couple of backwards glances and a wave before she rounded the corner. Tsuzuki turned, but Hisoka was gone. Blinking, he went into their room, shutting the heavy door.

"Hisoka, where'd... ? Ah." The blonde was already sitting on one of the beds, both hands pressed to his face.

Although more infrequent now, this was a drill Tsuzuki was familiar with. He went to the bathroom and wet a washcloth, wringing it out before he brought it to Hisoka. Kneeling, careful not to touch the boy, he pressed it to Hisoka's forehead.

"I need to talk to Yoshiko about what's going on around here," he said after a moment, "but I ... maybe you need to go back. This is too much, Hisoka."

"I'll be fine, I told you," Hisoka answered, his voice muffled. He lowered his hands, his tired green eyes still holding a spark of defiance. "I just need to adjust. I'll be okay by the time you get back."

"If it was me, then you – "

"Please, Tsuzuki, I'm just --" He looked away as if embarrassed, his voice softer. "It was harder than I thought it would be. But I'm all right."

Tsuzuki frowned, but he let Hisoka take the washcloth and stepped back. He couldn't keep prying; that just wasn't how things worked between them. They had to be allowed to have their own space, to make their own decisions whether it was good for them or not. "Well... if you're sure..." Even to himself, it sounded insincere.

Hisoka said quietly, "Tell her I'm sorry I can't make it."

Tsuzuki nodded, wishing there was an easy way to stay and help. Hisoka was stronger than he looked, though. It would be okay to leave him, just for a little while. They were on a case, after all, and they needed more information. "... hai," he said, forcing a smile. "I'll see you later tonight."

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Tsuzuki glanced at his watch, surprised at the time. It was only seven thirty, but the orphanage had calmed down a lot. The hallway was quiet now, and without the voices of the kids, kind of lonely. He hurried to Yoshiko's room, thinking he'd like to speed things up a little. He still wasn't feeling right about leaving Hisoka by himself.

Door number nine opened at the first knock, and Yoshiko greeted him with a smile. "I thought you might not make it," she said.

"I'd be sad if I had to eat by myself," Tsuzuki said honestly. Somehow, food was always better when there was someone to share it with. "But are we late? I didn't see anyone in the halls."

"No, it's just this section. We have kindergarteners and preschoolers in this wing. They go to bed early. Seven thirty is practically lights out for them. It's not very exciting, but it gives me a lot of free time." She shrugged pleasantly and added, "You look worried. I hope Hisoka-kun is feeling better?"

"He'll be fine," Tsuzuki said, unconsciously echoing Hisoka's words. "He sends his regrets, but I'm sure he'll be back tomorrow."

"Oh, well, I'm glad," Yoshiko said, relaxing. "He acts a little distant, but I think he's a sweetheart. The kids were really warming up to him. Ano, Asato-kun, did you want to come in for a moment? The cafeteria here is good, but, well, school food is school food, after all, and I just made strawberry tarts this morning –"

"Tarts?" Reassured and presented with food, Tsuzuki instantly brightened, his imaginary tail wagging again. "I'd love some! Thank you!"

Yoshiko laughed and stepped back, letting Tsuzuki pass her. Her room was just as small as theirs, but much more cozy. It had one bed, a tiny table, a hot plate, and a mini refrigerator. There were pictures on the walls of Yoshiko with various children, all smiling and waving, and a slightly bigger photo of her with a handsome young man holding a bouquet.

The promised tarts were sitting on the table, glistening with pink glaze and fat berries. Yoshiko brought out two plates and some iced tea. "I know I said this before, but thank you again for volunteering," she said, serving the desserts. "It really means a lot to everyone."

"It's nothing," Tsuzuki said cheerily, waving one hand as he openly studied the photos. "We're glad to help. Demo, who's this man in the picture? He seems nice."

Yoshiko paused, and Tsuzuki glanced at her to see her expression had softened. "That was my husband," she said wistfully. "Nakamura Eikichi. He died some time ago."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean –"

"Oh, no, it's fine. You're right, he was nice. I loved him very much. But he's in Heaven now, so it's all right." She patted his hand before putting the plate in front of him.

Unable to resist the excitement of pastry, Tsuzuki scooped up a forkful of strawberries. The crust was buttery and crumbly, and the fruit was firm and sweet. It was one of the best homemade tarts ever. "These are soooo delicious!"

"Really?" She seemed happier, her cheeks pink. "I'm glad you like them. I wanted to give both of you a sort of welcoming present. Maybe you could take Hisoka-kun's back with you...?"

"I will, thank you. He'll like that." And if he didn't, maybe he'd let Tsuzuki eat his share. "Ah, Yoshiko-kun?" Tsuzuki paused, but unable to think of a suave way to bring it up, finally just said, "Yoshiko-kun, can I ask you about what's going on? With the kids?"

"Oh..." The teacher seemed to shrink a little, but she nodded. "Yes. I knew you'd want to ask eventually. It's only natural. It's good we're staying here, then. The director, he gets angry if we talk about it."

"The director does? Why?"

Yoshiko made a frustrated noise, her pretty face sad. "I don't know. I understand about not discussing it in front of the children, but amongst ourselves? Why not? Maybe if we shared what we know, we could solve this, but nobody wants to get kicked out, especially when the boys and girls are depending on us, so... It feels like nobody's doing anything about it."

"Well, at least the press doesn't know what's happening," Tsuzuki said, trying to put a good spin on something obviously upsetting. "But maybe the police --?"

"The police haven't found anything, and you're right about the media. If word of this got out, they'd shut this place down, and these poor kids have nowhere else to go." She sighed, then jabbed at her tart. "I'm sorry, I know I sound horrible. Asato-kun, I just don't know what to do! I feel so helpless. I can't stand what's happening. Those three boys... they weren't hurting anybody... they weren't even troublemakers..."

"Did you know them?"

"Only one. Nicholas. He was in my class. The other two were older, in second grade and third grade. We thought it might be something they ate, or a sickness, but the police doctors can't find any similarities. They didn't even play together."

"Were you..." Tsuzuki didn't want to ask, but he had to know. "I mean, did you have to see...?"

She nodded, her eyes going to one of the pictures on the wall. It was of her and a tiny boy with scraped knees, presumably Nicholas, standing next to a slide. They were holding a rabbit. "The other boys and girls were all awake, but he was still in bed. I went to get him up, and... he didn't move. He was so still, and I think I screamed. Someone came, but I don't remember much after that. I just remember how peaceful he looked, how ... happy. Like he had just seen something wonderful...."

She trailed off, and they sat in silence for a while. Eventually, Tsuzuki decided to change the subject. He didn't want to upset Yoshiko too much. "Yoshiko-kun... who's Kanbe? It seemed pretty important to Shuichi to do what he said. Is he an older boy?"

Yoshiko had started to take another bite, but her fork stopped halfway to her mouth. "Kanbe..." She pursed her lips, shaking her head. "I'm not sure what the kids think about that. Supposedly – well, according to them, anyway – Kanbe is just a little older than they are. He's about seven, I think. He's... it's silly."

"No, what?"

"He's a ghost, Asato-kun! He's some silly ghost the kids think they see, and he tells them to do dangerous things that only kids would think up. I don't know if it's some kind of new Pokemon thing or what, but they all listen to him, especially the boys. Even when I tell them not to. And that Shuichi..." She frowned. "I've told him over and over to ignore dares from other kids. I guess Kanbe was too much to resist. If you hadn't been there today... I just don't know. The whole thing is one big mess."

"A ghost..." Tsuzuki popped the last of the tart into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. A ghost. He wished Hisoka was feeling better. His empathy would be useful in locating the spirit, if one existed. The problem with ghosts was that they could only be sensed when they were solidly in one world or the other, either Chijou or Meifu, and most of the time they were somewhere in between. Hisoka would be able to pick up any lingering emotions, however...

"That was wonderful," he said suddenly, smiling at Yoshiko. He put his fork on his empty plate, leaning back. "Thank you. I'd like to stay longer, but I should go check on Hisoka." Maybe they could get started investigating.

"Um, but dinner...?"

He patted his flat stomach. "That strawberry tart did me in. I think I'm good until tomorrow."

"Oh, I see." Yoshiko looked disappointed, but she pulled out a little container and put the remaining tart inside it. "I'm glad you could stop by, anyway. It's nice to have someone nearby to talk to. Please give this to Hisoka-kun, and tell him I hope he's well soon."

Tsuzuki nodded as he took the proffered treat. "I will. And Yoshiko... don't worry about the children. I'll help you protect them. Whatever – whomever – is doing this, we'll figure it out. We'll stop them."

Yoshiko's eyes were shiny, but she smiled as they both stood. "Thank you, Asato-kun. You're going to be so good for all of us. I can tell."

"Really, it's nothing. I'll see you after classes?"

"Yes. In the afternoon." She went to the door, opening it for him. "Until tomorrow. Good night."

"Good night."

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The room was quiet and dark when he got back, with that pleasantly warm smell of clean sheets and deep sleep. Hisoka was curled halfway under two blankets, the washcloth in a soggy pile next to his head. Although Tsuzuki was mildly disappointed they wouldn't get to talk, he was relieved, too. He didn't really want to have to send his partner back to Meifu. Hopefully, tomorrow would be easier on the younger shinigami.

Tsuzuki moved easily through the dark, putting the tart on the night table and the washcloth in the bathroom before he got out the communication device. The machine whirred softly as it started up, the screen casting a bluish glow over the room. Hisoka usually did the paperwork, but since he was indisposed, Tsuzuki was going to have to write the report for the first day. He also wanted to know anything the Shokan Division could tell him about Kanbe or a ghost in the orphanage.

He leaned against the headboard of his own bed while he typed, long legs out in front of him, the device on his lap. He was stiff by the time the report and the requests for information were finished. It had taken a while longer than he'd expected, but it turned out there were no answers to be had just yet. The Gushoshin were in the middle of a library crisis, and they were going to have to get back to him tomorrow.

Not a great help, but it did mean he wasn't going to have to stay up all night. Yawning, he stretched and put the device on the mattress before starting to undo the buttons on his white shirt. He didn't know what had possessed him to wear his office clothes to an orphanage, but they were all he'd brought with him. Old habits died hard, he supposed.

He was halfway done when a soft noise came from Hisoka, and he stopped. He looked over at the other bed, listening intently. The screen of the communication device was still on, and in its soft light Tsuzuki could see Hisoka's slender hand twitch, grabbing at the blanket. There was another noise like a moan.

Nightmare. Another familiar drill, and one Tsuzuki intensely disliked. He hated watching Hisoka suffer, especially in dreams where there wasn't anything he could do.

He tightened his shields and went to the bed, sitting on the edge and shaking his partner gently. "Hisoka. Wake up. It's a bad dream. Soka-chan..."

Hisoka's wide green eyes snapped open, staring at Tsuzuki in blank fear before he realized where he was. Recognition flooded in, the corners of his eyes growing wet. Hisoka immediately set his jaw, but his lips trembled, and he bit back a sob. "I –"

Tsuzuki leaned over, pulling Hisoka into his arms without a word. He hugged the boy tightly, and Hisoka locked his fingers in Tsuzuki's soft cotton shirt and buried his face in the taller man's chest, shaking. They didn't speak for what seemed like a long time. The tenuous nature of the moment prevented it, both of them choosing to cling to the little bit of comfort they could afford.

Eventually, Hisoka drew away from Tsuzuki, although he didn't break the circle of the other's arms. "We have to go. I shouldn't have – something's happened," he said thickly. "To the kids."

"Nothing's happened." Tsuzuki wanted to smoothed a hand down Hisoka's back, rubbing through the sweat-dampened fabric of his pajama top, but he kept still. "It was just a nightmare. Everyone's fine."

Hisoka shook his head, breath hitching in that left-over way it does after crying. "No, it wasn't a dream. I felt it, Tsuzuki. It was here, now."

"Was it a vision?" Tsuzuki asked, frowning slightly. "What did you see?"

"Not a vision. My empathy. Everyone's asleep and it's quieter now, so I could hear it. There was something in that room, Tsuzuki, something big. It was ugly... hungry." He rubbed one arm absently, as if chilled. "It wanted to hurt the kids. To feed. It was looking for someone, but I couldn't tell who, you woke me up –"

"Which room?"

"I don't know. It had a huge window in it, stained glass, and there were white doves in the pattern –"

Tsuzuki stood up, leaving Hisoka in the bed, and went to the door, stepping into his shoes. "I'm going to get Yoshiko. She can tell us where that room is. You stay here."

"I'm not staying!" Emerald eyes flashed indignantly, self-assurance returning now that he was more awake, and Hisoka pushed the blankets back. "You don't even know what you're looking for --!"

"Is your headache gone?"

Hisoka glared, unable to answer, and Tsuzuki opened the door, buttoning up his shirt. "Then you stay. Tell Kachou what you saw. I'll be right back."

To Be Continued...

(("I'll be right baaaaack!" XD I just had to throw in that line from Scream. Is Tsuzuki breaking the rules of scary monster movies? Dunno, we'll just have to see...))