hisdarkmark | Fortieth Hex - [Written/Action]

[When he first opens his eyes, he's immediately blinded by the sunlight and he hisses loudly, rolling over in the dirt to shield his eyes. He doesn't move for a moment, barely bothering to take in what was going on. It was obvious he was back. His clothes were still torn and disgusting from the last draft, and he had a few dried scabs on his arms, but otherwise...he seemed fine.

Sitting up, he gropes around the area for his journal to check the date.

Shit. Just how long was death supposed to last in this place? He supposed it wasn't too entirely unusual, considering how long Arumat was gone when he had been murdered. He adjusts himself on the ground, shifting the way he's sitting and reaching in his pocket for a pen. The writing is scratchy and scrawled, but the words are legible.]

So that's what it's like.

[He doesn't care. He doesn't care to read through everything and find out what he's missed. He's on his feet and carefully walking toward house 25, already knowing that Tsuzuki and Hisoka were waiting for him and most likely could kill him again for being dead for so long.

The thing was, however, was that he couldn't figure it out. He couldn't seem to wrap his mind around what he's lost as a penalty. Maybe he got lucky and they didn't take anything at all. That would be nice, wouldn't it? But it seemed highly unlikely, especially considering the nagging in the back of his mind that something was missing. He'd just have to work it out later.

Hmm...hello house 26. You seem awfully familiar, and not in the way that it was the house some of Draco's friends live in now. He used to spend a lot of time in that house, didn't he?

No. Maybe not. He couldn't imagine why he would...must be mistaken.

It isn't until he's almost at his front door that he takes his journal again, scrawling out a few more words.]

...am I the last one to come back then? Suppose they really do save the best for the end.

[ooc: Death penalty explained briefly here]

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I forgot about that.

[It's not manipulation done on purpose, at least. It's the way Tsuzuki normally feels. And he's glad when he senses Hisoka grow boneless in his arms, because that must mean he's enjoying himself. Tsuzuki continues to pet him, taking his cues from the way his wings shiver and arch beneath him.]

I can ask him questions. Try to find out if he's himself.

If you can stand to talk to him. I suppose it can't be helped.

[There's a growing drowsiness in his voice as Tsuzuki's grooming does its job. There's no room for annoyance in this perfect little bubble.]

There are too many things not adding up, so I think we'll have to.

[When Hisoka's voice becomes ever so slightly slurred, Tsuzuki can't help but feel extra fond of him. It's nice when he trusts him enough to let himself relax. He's missed that.]

sure. [He lets his eyes droop closed, content to ride whatever emotions Tsuzuki will bring him towards. He'll just agree, because he trusts. And Tsuzuki's trust echoes within his core to make him trust harder. for now, at least.]

You're right. We'll have to talk to him.

[The sudden change of opinion lets Tsuzuki know that he's too close, since Hisoka can't separate their feelings anymore. Back when they were together, this almost-synching of emotions was something he feared, because of the implications.

Tsuzuki tenderly strokes down the whole backside of Hisoka's wing one last time, before placing it back.]

We should let him cool down a little, first. Emotions are running high right now.

Sure.. [It's not that complicated. Nothing has to be that complicated when he's safe. Genuine safety is so rare it would be stupid to throw it away.]

He'll be better tomorrow.

[Tsuzuki doesn't believe he can provide real safety at all, especially now. He's keeping the pretense up only because he knows that Hisoka needs some kind of stability in his life, kind of like their clients.]

It'll all work out. You'll see. Why don't you rest a while, and I'll go see how he's holding up?

...okay.

[He slides the rest of the way off Tsuzuki's lap, obediently curling up against his pillow instead. A little nap never hurt anyone.]

[Hisoka looks so innocent when he's sleeping. It's enough to make Tsuzuki want to lie down and fall asleep next to him, arms wrapped around his partner. However, that's uncomfortably close to straddling the boyfriend/friend line, and until he's found out where his own boundaries are, he can't follow his wants heedlessly. He owes Hisoka that much.]

Sweet dreams.

[Stroking Hisoka's hair once, he gets out of bed to look for Draco.]

Fortieth Hex - [Written/Action]

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