Yami No Matsuei Fan Fiction ❯ Shadows and Flame ❯ Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

 

Tatsumi stood in his kitchen listening to the unusual level of noise in his living room. Watari and Tsuzuki were playing cards while Hisoka watched. He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was getting close to midnight and still no sign of Blaze. He knew he shouldn't be worried considering that Blaze could easily take care of her self but he was. He found himself watching the hands of the clock as they slowly revolved around and growing all the more tense with each sweep.

 

“Tatsumi-san?”

 

He jumped, startled. “Ah, Kurosaki-kun. What is it?”

 

Hisoka stared at his own sneakers for a minute then looked up at the older man. “I had something I wanted to talk to you about.”

 

“Certainly,” he said, adjusting his glasses and looking expectantly at him.

 

“I'm confused,” Hisoka said.

 

“Concerning what exactly?”

 

Hisoka tilted his head to the side for a moment and looked at him intensely. “Well, what you say concerning my grandmother and what you feel toward her are two completely different things.”

 

“What makes you think that?” Tatsumi said, glancing at the clock again.

 

Hisoka shrugged. “You dropped your shields somewhat while the two of you were dancing.”

 

Tatsumi stared at him in horrified disbelief. If Hisoka knew then Blaze most certainly did. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

 

“Then you know,” Tatsumi said after a long and awkward silence.

 

“I know you love her.”

 

“I'm not so certain that love is the proper word,” Tatsumi began.

 

“I may not know what love feels like personally. But I know it when I feel it from someone else. You love her with everything in you. And it scares you out of your mind. I guess what I'm trying to find out is what you intend to do about it.”

 

Tatsumi swallowed hard and stared at the clock for a moment before answering.

 

“Nothing.”

 

“Nothing? Why not?”

 

Tatsumi busied himself with the few dishes in the sink before answering.

 

“Because she's so far out of my league I can't even begin to express it,” he said honestly.

 

“You sincerely believe that. And it isn't just because of what we found out about her tonight. It's what you've always felt.”

 

Tatsumi nodded. He was feeling slightly sick.

 

“Granted I've only known Blaze for a few hours, but she doesn't strike me as the kind of person who would see someone as less than worthy due to their station in life. Or after life as the case is.”

 

“The fact that she belongs to someone else is enough detriment.”

 

“Watari? I don't get that feeling from him. He loves her, yes. But not the same way you do.”

 

Tatsumi turned slowly to stare at Hisoka. Hisoka had never been wrong on an assessment of someone else's feelings.

 

“Even if that is true, Blaze has never indicated that she's interested in pursuing that kind of relationship with me. She's the most honest and direct person I've ever known and she would have said or done something before now.”

 

Hisoka made an impatient noise. “That's because before tonight, she honestly thought you hated her. From what I've heard from Tsuzuki and Watari she's had good reason to believe that.”

 

Tatsumi nodded. He could see where someone else would get that impression. They had only had one really major knock down drag out vicious serious fight. But other than that they had never fought about anything serious or important. They had only fought about petty and stupid things which had rapidly escalated into full blown verbal assaults. She had never backed down or backed off when engrossed in an argument and he had enjoyed their verbal sparring matches. Evidently too much so if she actually thought he hated her because of them.

 

“Hey, Bon!” Watari called from the living room.

 

“Hai?” Hisoka said, sticking his head out of the kitchen door.

 

“Come here and explain to this mental mess what one of the Queens of Earth is,” Watari said.

 

“Mental mess?” Tsuzuki said indignantly and smacked Watari in the head with one of the cushions sitting on the sofa. Watari threw the other cushion at him and a full scale battle was about to ensue when Hisoka stopped them.

 

“It's worse than having toddlers,” Hisoka said to Tatsumi.

 

“Or teenagers.”

 

Hisoka gave him a dirty look but didn't say anything.

 

“Kurosaki-kun, you were never a teenager as far as I can tell.”

 

“Thank goodness,” Hisoka said. “Now what did you need explained about them?”

 

“Everything,” Tsuzuki said. “I don't see how our Blaze is one and kept something that major hidden from all of us this long.”

 

Three sets of eyes suddenly turned to Watari.

 

“Okay, okay. I knew.”

 

“For how long?” Tsuzuki asked.

 

“For almost as long as I've known her.”

 

“How?”

 

Watari sighed. “The Queens and Kings of Earth are marked with a small crown and symbol of the element they control somewhere on their bodies. I happened to see hers. She asked me not to say anything about it, so I didn't. Honestly, it wasn't that important to me and I kind of forgot about it.”

 

“How do you forget something of that magnitude, Yutaka?” Tatsumi asked.

 

“Because, what she is happens to be secondary to who she is as far as I'm concerned,” Watari said firmly. “I really don't give a damn if she's one of the Queens of Earth. She's just Blaze to me and that's all I see as important. This is one of the reasons she didn't want anyone else to know. She was afraid the reaction would be bad. That people would be afraid of her.”

 

“Why would we be afraid of Blaze?” Tsuzuki asked sounding completely bewildered. “That still doesn't explain how she can just challenge the King of Hell for us.”

 

Tatsumi sighed heavily. “She can do it because she's his equal. Though on a slightly different plane. Her primary duty is to collect earthbound souls and send them on to where they belong. Much like a shinigami does only she deals with the more dangerous ones. She has first choice of those who have died. The ones who can and will work for her. But she also has control over life as well as death. She can breathe life into something that is essentially dead.”

 

“Wow.” Tsuzuki said in awe. “She can really do that? Okay so if Blaze is one of the Queens of Earth, how is she a shinigami as well? We all know that Blaze was human and alive at one time.”

 

“One of the reasons the Kings and Queens of Earth are so different from the Kings and Queens of Heaven and Hell is they were all human at one point in time,” Hisoka said. “As I understand it, they have control of all of the elements but specialize in one. In Blaze's case its fire. From what I've read and what little I can pick up from her, she became one of the Queens after she was a shinigami. She kept on with the work as a shinigami because she knew no one else could handle some of the things she has to. To her mind, she's still fulfilling her duties as a shaman by doing both jobs. It actually makes sense considering that's what she's always done.”

 

“So, Watari, where are her markings? And why didn't any of the rest of us notice?” Tsuzuki asked.

 

“They aren't in a place she usually displays to the public.”

 

“Oh, come on. Tell us where,” Tsuzuki said, bouncing up and down in his seat on the sofa.

 

“No. If she wants you to know, she'll tell you herself.”

 

“Tell me or I will cut your funding in half for the next five years,” Tatsumi said.

 

“Ok-ay. If you really want to know that badly. Yeesh! On the inside of her left thigh. There. Happy now?”

 

“Ow! No he's not happy. Stop telling him things like that,” Hisoka said, holding his head and looking blearily at the rest of them. “He's jealous and not shielding and it frigging hurts.”

 

Watari stood up and grabbed Tatsumi by the wrist. “Come in here, Seiichiro. You and I need to talk for a minute,” he said, dragging Tatsumi into the kitchen. Leaving Hisoka and Tsuzuki to stare at the closed kitchen door.

 

“What is your major malfunction? I've seen you be weird before but this is a little bit much.”

 

“You're really one to talk about weird,” Tatsumi said.

 

“Yeah. But at least I admit to it. You've been off the charts since that dance with Blaze tonight.” Watari paused as quite a few things processed all at once and several other things tumbled and clicked into place in his mind. “Oh, my gods! You don't just want Blaze. You love her.”

 

“I hardly think this is an appropriate conversation to be having with you,” Tatsumi said, reaching up to adjust his tie. Then he remembered that Blaze had taken it off of him at the restaurant. He was trying desperately not to imagine what it might feel like to have her remove other articles of clothing from him.

 

“Who better to have this conversation with than me? I know both of you better than anyone else seems to. Gotta admit her wings were a major surprise though. So?”

 

“So? What?”

 

“So, what are you going to do about it?”

 

“As I told Kurosaki-kun earlier this evening, nothing.”

 

“Nothing?!?” Watari said, aghast. “Now I know you've lost your mind. You two would be perfect together.”

 

“Yutaka, don't start,” Tatsumi said warningly.

 

“Stubborn bastard. I swear some days you make me want to throw things at you. Don't you think you should at least tell her how you feel?”

 

“I hardly think topics of conversation between two people should go from all out verbal annihilation to professions of love in the space of an evening. And she isn't mine she's yours, Yutaka,” Tatsumi said impatiently.

 

Watari stared at him for a minute then started to laugh hysterically.

 

“What's so damn funny?”

 

“You!” Watari giggled. “Thinking that Blaze is my girlfriend or something.”

 

“But she calls you honey all the time. You two are obviously close.”

 

“She calls me Honey as a nickname, not a term of endearment. She always said that my hair and eyes reminded her of honey and it just kind of stuck. She's my friend and occasional lover but that's as far as it goes.”

 

Tatsumi was digesting this new bit of information when someone knocked on his door.

 

“I got it!” Tsuzuki called from the living room. “Wow!”

 

Watari and Tatsumi walked out of the kitchen. At least Watari walked out and Tatsumi stood leaning on the doorframe trying to not embarrass him self by falling in the floor. His brain had suddenly jammed and he couldn't seem to register anything but the woman in front of him. Sometime after they had left, Blaze had changed clothes. The simple dress she had been wearing had been replaced by a red silk cheongsam decorated with gold and bronze embroidery. Her hair was up and dressed with what looked like ruby and diamond beads. She wore the clothing of her rank well.

 

Watari was certain he heard Tatsumi moan behind him. He knew that sound quite well. It was the sound Tatsumi made when he was trying to restrain himself from pouncing on someone. He smirked to him self thinking, oh, yeah, you have it soooooo bad.

 

“Blaze, are you trying to kill us all again?” Watari laughed. “Bon, stop thinking dirty things about your grandmother.”

 

Hisoka's mouth snapped shut suddenly as he realized he had indeed been staring. “I'd have to be blind not to notice she's a beautiful woman,” he said defensively.

 

“There is that,” Tsuzuki said grinning. “Why the change?”

 

“I needed to talk to Kwan-Yin. As she sees fit to wear western dress when she visits me, I only see it as proper to respect her in the same manner.”

 

“So, Kwan-Yin is your counterpart in this part of the world,” Hisoka said.

 

“Actually, she's my balance point. Her main element of command is water so she helps mellow me out. Plus, she gives really good advice when I'm worried about something. And we kind of needed a third party to intervene this evening.”

 

“Yeah. We know part of what happened with you and the King of Hades. We just don't understand why.”

 

“I'm not sure I can really explain this very well but I'll try. You know how when you really treasure something you'd do just about anything to protect it? You are my treasures. And since I can't be here to protect you all the time, I set EnmaDaiOh with that task.”

 

“Blaze, we're all perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves,” Tsuzuki said.

 

“I know you are. I have no doubts in your abilities. I just wanted to make sure you had some backup in case you got into something a little over your head. This reminds me, I'm really annoyed that you didn't call me when Saganatas showed up.”

 

Tsuzuki squirmed uncomfortably in his seat, remembering the damage that particular demon had done through him. Blaze crossed the room and sat next to him on the sofa.

 

“No one blames you for what happened, Tsu,” she said, taking his hand. “From what I hear, you and Hisoka did a wonderful job taking care of him. He's an annoying little bitch anyway. Always thinks he's better than everyone else.”

 

“But why would we have called you, Blaze?” Hisoka asked. “As a Queen of Earth you only deal with the earthbound spirits.”

 

“Yes. But I also deal with the high ranking demons that Kira and the rest of them can't handle. I also have dominion over those who have serious magickal power and refuse to go on after their bodies have died.”

 

“But why didn't you tell us, Blaze?” Tsuzuki asked, looking genuinely hurt.

 

“I wasn't sure how you would react to the information. In the past, when I've told someone about it, they've behaved differently toward me. I didn't want that to happen with any of you.”

 

“Blaze, I would have thought that my non reaction to knowing what you are would have given you some indication that you were safe with us,” Watari said.

 

“It probably would have if I had the same relationship with everyone that I have with you, Honey. Hisoka and I just met today, so there was really no time there. Up until lately, Tsu has been so fragile on certain levels and I didn't want to scare him. Don't get mad at me, Tsu, you know it's the truth,” she said when Tsuzuki opened his mouth to argue with her.

 

“Yeah, you're right,” Tsuzuki said. “But why didn't you tell Tatsumi? You should have known he wouldn't freak out or anything.”

 

Blaze turned her head to look at Tatsumi who was still standing in the kitchen doorway. Trying not to think about how utterly edible he looked with his hair slightly mussed, tie and jacket off, top two buttons undone and shirt sleeves rolled to the elbows. He had the strangest look on his face. Peering at her over the top rim of his glasses. Wonder if it's possible to die again due to sexual frustration? she thought.

 

“I didn't see that it would do anything other than make the situation between us worse,” she said truthfully.

 

Tatsumi thought he saw a look of pained resignation cross her face for only an instant before it was gone.

 

“Damn it! Say something before I force a truth potion down you,” Watari hissed at Tatsumi.

 

Tatsumi swallowed hard and approached Blaze as though he were heading for the gallows. He dropped to both knees in front of her and took both of her hands in his. He studied her slender fingers for a moment noticing the calluses on them from years of hard work before she had died. He looked up to see her startled expression.

 

“Blaze, if at any time I have ever said or done anything to make you think I hated you, I sincerely apologize. I never intended for our fights to get so far out of hand.”

 

“But they did,” she said quietly.

 

“Yes. And that was my fault entirely. You were never afraid of me. You never backed down or backed off. You argued any point you had to make completely and with such intelligence even though it was about petty things. I've always admired that strength in you.”

 

“You have a really strange way of showing it, Seiichiro,” Blaze said, trying to pull her hands out of his but he held on tightly. She could have easily broken his grip on her but didn't see any point just then.

 

“I know. I just wanted you to know that I'm sorry. I don't want to fight with you anymore, Blaze. I can't take back what's been said in the past. But I'd like to think you and I can start again from now.” He bowed his head again. It seemed to her as though he was waiting for either absolution or annihilation.

 

His grip on her hands was almost painful. Blaze sensed a tumble of emotions in him even though he was shielding. Remorse, self loathing and absolute terror. The deeper feelings he was guarding as though his after life depended on it. She sighed and put her forehead against the top of his head.

 

“Seiichiro, there's nothing to forgive you for. I was just as bad, looking back on it. I didn't have to argue with you. I could have just walked away from any fight but I didn't. For much the same reasons you had.” She felt the shift in him. An almost overwhelming sense of relief seemed to flood his mind. Along with what seemed to be a tiny spark of . . . hope.

 

Tsuzuki cleared his throat and everyone looked expectantly at him. “I think it's time we all get going. It's almost one in the morning.”

 

“Probably a good idea,” Hisoka said with a yawn.

 

Tatsumi released Blaze's hands and stood up. Taking a couple of steps backward as Blaze stood as well.

 

“How long are you here, Blaze?” Tatsumi asked.

 

“At least until Wednesday. I have a few other things to go over with Kwan-yin that weren't covered tonight. And I wanted to spend some time with all of you,” she said, smiling. “Okay, I'm going to walk Tsu and Hisoka home. Honey, go to your place, providing you can remember where it is and make sure it's fit for habitation and I'll meet you there.”

 

“Will do,” Watari said and headed for the door. “Night everyone.”

 

“You don't have to walk us home, Blaze,” Tsuzuki said.

 

“I know I don't have to. But I want to. Tonight has been rather hectic and I haven't had time to talk to Hisoka or you that much.”

 

Tsuzuki shrugged. “Okay. Come on, Soka. Night, Tatsumi.”

 

“Good night,” Tatsumi said absently, still looking at the woman next to him.

 

Blaze smiled up at him then wrapped one arm around his neck and kissed him softly on the cheek. The contact was brief and feather light, barely registering as a kiss, but he felt as though she had directed a fireball through him.

 

“Night, Seiichiro,” she said before following Tsuzuki and Hisoka out the door. The door closed behind them and Tatsumi moved to lock it. Instead leaning his forehead against the wood and trying to refrain from beating his head against the door.

 

Baka! He thought to himself. You just let her walk out your front door without saying anything.

 

As Hisoka, Tsuzuki and Blaze were making their way down the hall they heard BANG! BANG! BANG! Coming from Tatsumi's apartment.

 

“What the hell was that?” Tsuzuki asked.

 

“Tatsumi-san banging his head against the door,” Hisoka answered without a second thought.

 

“Hey, don't look at me,” Blaze said. “I was trying to be nice.”

 

“Maybe I should go check on him,” Tsuzuki said. “It isn't like him to do something like that.”

 

“No. Leave him alone. He's an adult, he can work though this on his own,” Hisoka said.

 

Tsuzuki looked worriedly back at the door to Tatsumi's apartment. The noise had stopped so he presumed that Tatsumi had either ceased beating his head into the door or that he had rendered himself unconscious.