It was a while later before Hisoka was let out of the infirmary, and he walked with Tsuzuki back to their office. Tsuzuki held the door open, and Hisoka slowly padded his way across the room, and very gently set himself into his chair. Tsuzuki waited at the door for a while longer, watching how his partner uncomfortably shifted around, trying to find a position that didn't irritate his side. Then, once he was situated, he looked up and glared at his partner.

"Stop staring at me, baka, and get to work, already!"

Things seemed to be back to normal, and Tsuzuki loved that. He could stand to be yelled at, if it meant that his partner was okay. Tsuzuki smiled and went over to his own seat. He looked back at Hisoka, who had already started working, before tending to his own pile of papers. It was about ten minutes before Hisoka said something.

"Thank you."

"Hmm?"

Hisoka was staring at him, with eyes calmer than Tsuzuki had ever seen them before then.

"Thanks for what, Hisoka?"

"When I was down there… I had lost all faith that someone had would come and save me. I wanted you there, and you didn't fail me… Come to think of it, you never have before. It's like you always know when I need you…"

Tsuzuki smiled. But when he did that, Hisoka looked away.

"But I know what you're going to say. 'It's because we're partners', right?"

"Wrong."

Hisoka gasped. Tsuzuki was at his side, hugging him lightly.

"That's not it at all… it's because… we're friends!"

"Friends…? Mm… thank you, Tsuzuki…"

Hisoka smiled and hugged back, feeling as though he was really happy. He thought that was going to be a new day full of joy and relaxation.

However, not more than twenty minutes later, Tatsumi was passing by their office, and heard shouts.

"Here, Hisoka! Try it!"

"No!"

"Aww… please?"

"I said no!"

"But you need to eat!"

"Get that out of my face before I pound you!"

"Hisoka! Hidoiiii!"

Tatsumi smiled… and decided to knock that time. …Not that they'd hear it.