Their third day back at the office after Kyoto was interrupted by a bird flapping against the window. "Hmm... for you, Kurosaki-kun," Tatsumi said, opening the window to let it inside. "It looks as if it's come a long way."

     "Oh?" Hisoka accepted the note the bedraggled bird held in its beak. Strange, it looked like one of Tsuzuki's little birds, and his handwriting too, but Tsuzuki looked as confused as he was - until suddenly Hisoka sensed recognition, then shame and desperation. Hisoka unfolded it anyway, silently reading words marred by water spots and smudges of red.

Dear Hisoka,

I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to be your partner. I hope someone can make you smile.

I love you.

Tsuzuki Asato

     Hisoka shuddered at the realization of when and why the note was written - but looking at Tsuzuki's stricken face, he was just grateful that he wasn't seeing a ghost.