Somebody might recognize this from a different author here. My old penname was Snix, which died, so I decided to reupload my story here. This is completely my story. Though I don't own the characters...

Light glinted through the slightly opened blinds and down upon a sleeping form. A short rap at the door caused the figure to flinch, a slender arm coming up to wipe the sleepy seeds from his eyes. His mother's shrill voice sang into the room. Daisuke blinked owlishly and scratched his head. Bleary eyes glanced at the alarm clock only to have panicked hands grab the nearest clean shirt. 7:55 a.m. He was going to be late for school again. He ran for the door, but was stopped by his tiny, rabbit like pet, Wiz.

"Agh, Wiz, I don't have time for this!" Daisuke reached down to gently move his pet to the side. Wiz bit his shoelace and tugged him into the kitchen where his mother sat folding up a brown paper bag. She smiled and handed it to him. Daisuke returned the smile, "Thanks, mom, but I gotta go!" He turned and ran out the door and down the street. He glanced at his watch and panicked at the quickly ticking hands.

Bursting through the door, he got in his seat five seconds before the bell rang. He glanced around him, taking stock of who was or wasn't there. There was someone missing, but Daisuke couldn't put his finger on it. The teacher, a tall balding man, barked attendance. He marked but one person absent; Satoshi Hiwatari. Two feelings flooded Daisuke; Relief that he wasn't going to need to be stressed over being attacked and a small sadness that festered in his feet. Having Satoshi around was something he had grown used to, almost fond of. He examined his fingernails.

The rest of the day passed with fairly few bothers. Daisuke did not concentrate on his work, so his mind wandered. Dark had been oddly silent lately, allowing Daisuke to think freely. The bell rang and Daisuke snapped his math book shut. A sheaf of papers hit his desk.

"Niwa, please deliver these to Hiwatari."

Daisuke felt a knot tighten in his stomach, "Yes, sir." He pushed his chair back and got slowly to his feet. He treaded towards the door, feet as heavy as lead weights. As he left the school, Takeshi shoved past him, heading in the opposite direction. He had a very determined look in his eyes and it seemed that he didn't see Daisuke at all. Daisuke backed into the brick wall behind him, staring after his distracted friend. The light overhead flickered once, and then went out. Daisuke snapped back to himself and left the building. A light wind blew over the papers he clutched in his hand, reminding him of his task. With a sigh he continued down the deserted street until he reached the Hiwatari residence.

At the top of the stairs, Daisuke knocked once softly, waited, and then knocked harder when nobody answered. Still there was no answer. Daisuke tried the knob apprehensively. It was locked tight, and unthinkingly, Daisuke fiddled around for a second until the lock sprung open. The door swung inwards, allowing Daisuke entrance to the dark apartment. He crept in, unsure if this was the right thing to do. Edging slowly, he peeked around a corner and spotted Satoshi dozing on small, under stuffed couch. Daisuke released the breath he had unknowingly held. Walking faster, he approached the couch, making sure the Satoshi really was snoozing. Daisuke placed the papers on a nearby coffee table and approached Dark's enemy.

Satoshi shifted in his sleep causing a lock of light blue hair to fall into his face. Daisuke stopped a moment to look at Satoshi. He had never before been able to look at him, really look at him. Satoshi's skin was a shade too pale and his bright hair offset his coloration. All of Satoshi's features were rather fine and petite. As he rolled on couch, his black shirt stretched over his arms revealing unsuspected muscles. Daisuke sat down, still unsure of what he was doing. In slumber, Satoshi looked peaceful and relaxed, very unlike his normal uptight self. He watched Satoshi, apprehensive, wondering if it would be a good idea to wake him up.

The doorbell rang. Satoshi jerked upright. Sato's eyes opened wide and his flesh paled another shade. Daisuke felt his cheeks begin to burn with a blush. Words escaped him and he muttered indistinctly about nothing in particular. One of Satoshi's hands gracefully wiped his eyes and replaced his crooked glasses on his nose.

"What were you doing here?"

Daisuke shook his head, "Nothing. I was delivering homework, since you weren't at school today."

Satoshi gazed at him, eyes full of something that Daisuke couldn't place, and released him, "That's all right. You should have woke me."

Daisuke again shook his head, "You might want to answer the door." Satoshi looked at him, quizzically. The door bell rang again and Sato's eyebrows went up. He smiled, lifting a hand to rest on Daisuke's shoulder. Sato went to the door, leaving Daisuke to his thoughts. Dark was quiet no more, Hah. Serves you right. Daisuke pursed his lips.

I know your thoughts. You shouldn't be so embarrassed for visiting a… friend… Daisuke blushed deeply, "So what. Sato's my friend. Do you have a problem with that?" Dark fell silent, letting Daisuke win this fight.

Satoshi approached the door. He glanced over his should and saw the glazed look that signified a conversation with Dark. Using one hand, he opened the door. Takeshi peered in and spying Satoshi pushed the door open more. He looked around Satoshi and into the apartment behind the older boy.

"Is Daisuke here?"

"Niwa? Yes. Do you need him?" Satoshi glanced back. Takeshi continued to look past him.

"He was supposed to bring you your homework. I need to talk to him."

Satoshi nodded. He shut the door and walked back to Daisuke. Daisuke looked at him with large red eyes, "I hope you're feeling better…"

Sato smiled, his eyes tired, "I feel better just because you stopped by to see me." Daisuke returned the smile. His eyes were all ready moving down the hall to the door as he slipped to the side and jogged to meet Takeshi. Daisuke's book bag lay forgotten in the hall. Satoshi eyed it, a smirk forming on his face.

The phone rang in the Niwa house. Emiko pranced to the phone and answered it, "Niwa residence. Who may I ask is calling?"

"Hiwatari Satoshi… May I speak with Daisuke?"

Emiko paused, unsure of letting her son talk with Dark's enemy, "What do you want with my son?"

"I've noticed that he has a tendency to be late to school. I live much closer and while he was delivering my homework an idea dawned on me. Will you let Daisuke board with me? It would make it easier for him to get to school on time? I have extra rooms."

"Can you wait for just a moment?" Holding the phone to her chest, Emiko called for her son. Daisuke walked uncertainly up, his feet dragging again. Emiko tilted her head to the side, "Hiwatari is on the phone."

Daisuke felt an unconscious grin light his face, "Oh. What does he want?"

"For you to come live with him."

"Oh…"

"What do you think?"

"I've never thought about it, but I'm sure I'd be fine."

Emiko twitched her nose, "Do you trust him?"

"I do. He won't hurt me."

"Fine. Go do your homework."

Daisuke looked blankly at her, "I can't. I lost my book bag." He gave her a parting smile and returned upstairs. Emiko watched him go. She returned to the phone.

"Hmm. Daisuke was not opposed to the idea. I'm not sure if I trust you, but he does. When can he move in?"

Satoshi grinned, "As soon as he wants. He left his book bag here this afternoon."

"I'll have him pack up, then. He'll be over soon. Thank you for your thoughtfulness." She hung up, still very unsure of this set up. She glided upstairs and into Daisuke's room, "Daisuke, let's pack your overnight stuff up. He has your book bag, too."

Daisuke grabbed his duffel bag and threw in his extra clothes and other necessities. Wondering aloud, he asked, "When will you bring my other things over?"

"Tomorrow, dear."

Nodding, Daisuke zipped his bag up with a final tug. His mother kissed his forehead, "Be careful." Daisuke got to his feet and walked out the door without a second thought.

The crisp night air caused a shiver to run through Daisuke's body. He pulled his jacket closer to his body, thinking that the weather seemed a lot like Hiwatari's personality. He shivered involuntarily. An overhead light flickered out, and Daisuke quickened pace.