Disclaimer: I still don't own DGM.

Warnings: underage smoking, hints at inappropriate behavior, hints at ptsd or anxiety, references to the deaths of others

I hope you enjoy. :)

Kanda POV

I hate this place. Honestly I do.

There's nothing here worth going on, nothing here worth living for. Then again, somehow I doubt there would be a reason anywhere else, either. Ever since Alma died… Ever since then, I've had no will, no desire to live. But I could never allow myself to give up, either. That's for weaklings. And besides, his sacrifice… I can't just waste it like that…

I breathed in deeply. It's only Tuesday. You can't smoke during the school week. I groaned, hitting the back of my head against the wall. It was my lunch period and I was outside, smoking, in my usual place. Tykki wasn't there, and I was sorely wishing it wasn't a cigarette between my lips, but something else…

I finished smoking the cigarette and crushed it with my boot, then stared introspectively at the burned-out cigarette butt. Damn it, I wish these things weren't so unhealthy. I'd definitely be a chain smoker then. As it is, I only have 1 or 2 a week, when I really need a break. That's why I tend to do it in school. At home, there are other methods of calming myself down, but here…

I sighed. I probably ought to apologize to the Moyashi… Wait a minute, why did I think that? He's in the wrong, not me. He goaded me into punching him, and he deserved what he got. I glanced around, noticing the ever-darkening sky above me. Looks like it's gonna rain… Just like that night…

I gasped, clutching my chest and gritting my teeth. No! Don't think about it! Think about the Moyashi! With his irritating smile and obnoxious care for other people. I grimaced, realizing again who that annoying little brat reminded me of. I'll bet that's why I can't stand him – he reminds me too much of Alma…

Except Alma had never looked like he had something to hide, like he had something weighing down on his very soul. Honestly, though, I highly doubt anyone else notices it. The only reason I can see is that I'm the same way. Sure, the type of mask we use is different, but it's still a mask. He probably has his own pain…

Damn it; who cares! Pain is meant to hide; society teaches us that from the very beginning. He can handle it; and besides, I'd better straighten myself out before I go around playing at being the Good Samaritan. Honestly, I chuckled remorsefully, who could I possibly help, when I can't even manage to save myself?

Just then I noticed that my phone was vibrating, and with a sigh I picked it up. I'd never admit it out loud, but secretly I was glad of the distraction.

"What?" I growled impatiently into the receiver.

"Yuu-kun, my darling boy! How are you?" The voice on the other end instantly set my nerves on edge.

"I am not your boy."

"But of course you are! A pupil is like a son, after all. And I am your adoptive father, even if not your real one. I care for you as a father cares for a son!"

"Yeah, sure. Get to the point. I'm in the middle of my lunch break," I interrupted, knowing the professions of 'fatherly love' would go on until I stopped them.

"Yuu," Tiedoll continued, much more somberly, "I need you to come home this weekend."

"Why? What happened?" I felt worry beginning to worm its way through me. Tiedoll is never serious.

"Daisya is gone. I just received word. The soldiers who came to inform us left not ten minutes ago."

For a moment I felt the world tilt, as if the ground was opening up below me, or the sky was falling down on top of me. I sank to the ground, unable to remain standing.

"…What…?"

"Yuu…" I could hear the tears in his voice. "The funeral is this Friday. I'll call the school, and tell them to let you go home, and to let you stay away the rest of the week."

I felt a headache begin to build and nausea begin to rise inside of me. Not good. The world seemed to be spinning, but I was sure it couldn't be. Or at least, it shouldn't be. But maybe the whole universe was upset at Daisya's death?

"I'll call you later, and I'll buy you plane tickets," Tiedoll promised me, "Yuu… do you want to talk?"

I pulled myself together a bit, pinching the bridge of my nose. "No. And don't call me; just send a text. I… I need some time to myself." I already knew what I needed tonight, regardless of how unhealthy it may be.

"All right, Yuu, but I'll call you in the morning."

"Ok. Bye."

"Good-bye, Yuu-kun."

After the line ended I stood up and leaned back against the wall. You know what you need… Taking a deep breath, I dialed. After 3 rings, they picked up.

"Yo, Kanda. What's up?"

"Where are you?"

"At home; I decided to skip school today."

"Well, I'm going home right now. And Tykki… I need you tonight."

For a moment there was silence on the other end. Then:

"I'll be at your place in 2 hours."

And with that he hung up.

So yeah. I think it's pretty clear that I'm finally beginning to move the plot forward, and as such, the story is getting darker and darker. However! I promise that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. The category is hurt/comfort after all.

Anyways, I hope you liked it. :)

Also, thanks again to everyone who read, followed, favorited, or reviewed the story or me! I love you guys! :)

Note: The next chapter might also be Kanda POV, but that would break the pattern that I've had up till now, so... I don't know yet. We'll see.