We make a good team - Tatsumi (masochismtango)

[yummyshinigami]

(It was Tsuzuki's steadfast dedication that swayed Tatsumi to his side. Even if the other man disagrees and claims another excuse, the Shinigami is sure his old partner decided it was nice to be together for old times sake.

He'd like to think. In truth, he knows Tatsumi isn't overly fond of him after he chose to leave their partnership. Still, aside from the budgets and insults and refusals to spend time with him, they get along fine! In any case, with Hisoka off to training, Tsuzuki needed a partner, and somehow, they managed to get Tatsumi to agree to be his companion.

The short trip to the island proved uneventful. The water surrounding the small piece of land is beautiful, a shade of blue that didn't exist outside of paintings or books, a color so clear that the colorful fish were easy to spot, even from the boat. The island itself is densely populated due to thick trees and strict land limitations. Both men are also told the surrounding forests contain many poisonous animals and plants, but as Shinigami, that doesn't (shouldn't) pose a threat, but Tsuzuki is careful to stay on the paths, almost comically so.

Once they reach their destination, it's night. The moon stands high in the sky, unobscured by clouds and surrounded by too many stars to count. Due to the small population, the lights don't interfere with the nocturnal view at all.

Despite the late hour, once they get settled in, Tsuzuki doesn't hesitate to knock on Tatsumi's door. Yes, normally, he has a strict budget, but since they're on a mission together again, surely Tatsumi will agree to celebrate and they can get a big dinner! Lunch wasn't enough to fulfill him.)

Comments

[yummyshinigami]

( Tsuzuki seems genuinely surprised to find Tatsumi relenting. The smile that settles into place directly after is something more real, less silly; something genuinely happy. Considering the multiple concessions, the distance Tatsumi has already agreed to give, Tsuzuki too can be a bit more reasonable. Besides, he even agreed on a singular bottle instead of a just one small cup. )

Mhm. Then, one bottle of sake.

( Even if Tsuzuki can hold his liquor well enough to drink that several times and never show the smallest sign.

The hotel seems largely empty so late at night. Their footsteps are added only to the sound of the animals outside, various hoots and chirps making the atmosphere quite nice. )

Right now, it's almost like a vacation.

[masochismtango]

Don't forget we are here to work. This isn't a vacation.

(Tatsumi slides the shouji door that leads to the dining area open. A few low tables are scattered around the tatami, all unoccupied at the exception of the one at the far end of the room, where a patron is drinking sake. As they enter, the host, an older woman in a faded but scrupulously clean yukata, comes shuffling towards them.)

I'm so sorry to bother you.

(Tatsumi bows low, his back stiff, the way he has been taught when he was a child, the way, years and a death later, he still bows.)

But my companion and I are hoping that the kitchen is still be open? I know it's late, but we've traveled from afar...

(The woman smiles and nods, ushering them towards a table.)

We'll start with... (He has promised Tsuzuki, there is no way around it.) a bottle of sake. And will have two of whatever the kitchen can make at this hour. Anything else, Tsuzuki-san?

[yummyshinigami]

I'll remember, you don't need to remind me.

( His tone is that of a pout instead of anger. Despite his habits and behavior, Tsuzuki has a rather nice track record. )

Wah...it's like an old Japanese movie.

( He looks around in excitement and awe as if he isn't nearly a hundred years old himself, as if he can't go to Japan any time he wants. The attention to detail, the way the tables sit so low to the ground, it really does feel like being on a movie set. )

Huh? Can we get three? We skipped lunch so one extra meal at dinner is okay, right?