YES!!! Two exams over, just five more to go. I'm back with a vengeance! I have no writers block! Maybe I should take long breaks from writing more often, but I think I would have an angry mob at my door and hate mail from Mayu-chan. 0_o (eep). I have worked seriously hard on this chapter so I want lots of reviews. I've written this one slightly differently than previous chappies, it's long, has flash backs and jumps about a bit so I hope no one gets confused. And YAY! Brace yourselves Dark/Daisuke fans! We are getting down to business! (ahem, cough, blush) but remember this is T rating so don't get too excited. R&R.

'Risa?'

Both Risa and Dark stared at each other shocked. Risa recovered first and her face split into a huge smile as she literally leapt upon Dark to hug the life out of him.

'It is you! It's been so long since we last seen each other!'

'Keep it down Risa,' Dark hissed.

Although the area was practically disserted, Dark didn't want to make a scene.

'Did you see me in the newspaper? You may not have recognized me but you're so cool, you probably figured it out right away. Right?'

'Err…sure,' Dark hadn't a clue what she was talking about.

'That's why you're here now! You wanted to find me to congratulate me! You really didn't have to, you're so sweet!'

Dark remained silent and let the girl voice her crazy self-centered scenario, he wasn't really listening. One thought that managed to process through her constant chattering, was how the heck does Daisuke have feelings for this…this…brat? One sight of him on T.V. and she's all over Dark like a rash, and she even thinks that he was serious about her after one measly little date and a kiss. Dark grimaced at the memory; he couldn't even begin to imagine kissing her again.

'So, shall we go?'

'Hmm…what?'

'On our date.'

Dark mentally gagged. When did they get on the subject of a date? Hell no.

'Sorry, I'll pass.'

Dark heaved himself off the bench and looked down at her. Shock and disappointment was written all over her face.

'To be honest Risa, for the last five minutes I haven't a clue what you'd been talking about and this meeting was pure coincidence, I wasn't expecting you or looking for you. We are…'

Dark stopped. Risa's eyes had become watery and her expression was so pained and saddened, Dark couldn't bring himself to say the last words 'not an item.' Despite himself not liking the girl, he hated seeing or making women cry. He sighed aspirated and cursed his weakness.

'We are going on a date.'

Risa lit up immediately.

Satoshi wandered around the rotten house in a daze. Krad's fun had left him exhausted, aching and somewhat disoriented. It was like walking through a nightmare and waking up to find the injuries from your dream littered all over your body. Slightly healed shallow cuts lacerated his sides and back, the blooded thin scabs were drawn across a colourful array of large, painful bruises. Satoshi's face, however, was unharmed and contrasted with the darkened skin on his collarbone.

'Your face is the only appealing thing about you.'

Krad's words echoed in Satoshi's mind, haunting and taunting him.

Every move that Satoshi made was agony and he had to support his weight against a neighboring wall to prevent his legs from collapsing. Satoshi thanked every God that he could think of that he was on the first floor. He didn't think his body could survive going down the stairs.

He forced his body into the dinning area and across to the other side where a broken, rotten wooden door led to the kitchen. Or at least he hoped led to the kitchen. Food and something to drink were high on his 'things to do before I collapse' list and he did not want to waste any more energy trying to look for it.

He raised a hand and used his body weight and the little forward momentum he had to push the stiff, crumbling door open.

'It looks like sleeping beauty is awake.'

Satoshi's head jerked up at the familiar cruel voice and immediately regretted the movement. If his back had a pair of lungs and a voice box, it would be screaming.

Krad was casually sitting on the kitchen counter near the sink with his legs and arms crossed. His flawless white clothing showed no sign of the violence he executed the night before.

'Are you hungry Toshi-kun?' Krad asked mockingly, 'You better hurry then, Kiba has almost cleaned this place out.'

As if called at a silent summoning, Fang came through a dark doorway that led to the basement stairs, carrying a loaf of bread in his arms.

'This is the last one,' he said to Krad.

'Then you'll have to ask Master Hiwatari nicely to buy some more,' Krad replied almost kindly.

Fang simply nodded and walked past Satoshi to the dinning room.

'Kiba, save some bread for Toshi-kun here,' Krad smirked.

Fang turned around at Krad's calling and then shifted his gaze to Satoshi. He looked at him as though sizing him up and seeing the weakened state he was in, tore off a generous amount of bread. Fang kept eye contact with Satoshi as he placed almost half the loaf into his hands. He was reading him, Satoshi realised.

Fang took a bite out of the bread and turned around to go into the dinning room.

Satoshi stood there, gawping at him.

'He doesn't even know who I am,' Satoshi said more to himself.

Satoshi then turned on Krad.

'What did you do to him?' he demanded.

'Nothing.'

'Liar.'

'It's true,' Krad said calmly, 'isn't it natural to get memory loss when your brain's been oxygen deprived for so long.'

'Not like this,' Satoshi argued uselessly.

'Go get reacquainted then, who knows, his memory might come back,' Krad waved him off, smirking.

Satoshi was right though. Krad was lying through his teeth.

Flashback:

'YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?!'

'Calm down Krad, you've damaged one house already,' Kei said gruffly.

Shortly after Krad had left a batted, bruised and unconscious Satoshi in his new found torture room, Kei had returned from his business with his secret force team.

'And partially repaired it! My magic is not a tool that you can use at you leisure. Fixing things is more draining that destroying and I've barely recovered my magic from healing the FREAK! And now you want me to do this?'

'Yes.'

'Forget it.'

Kei frowned and Krad saw that he was about to get either a lecture or a threat. He wasn't in the mood for either.

'Remember this Hiwatari, the only reason I'm still around is because through you I can get to Dark Mousy. I've been obedient so far because doing so has improved my chances to kill him. Do NOT mistake me for your PET!' he fumed.

Kei listened quietly and calmly, but he was not intimidated by Krad's claim.

'Then if I explain to you, how it will improve your chance 'to kill him,' as you put it, will you do it then?'

End Flashback:

Krad watched the two teenagers sit quietly whilst eating. Satoshi had tried to make conversation but Fang was not very talkative. He either answered Satoshi with a shake of the head, a nod or nothing at all and it somewhat annoyed Krad at how submissive he'd become.

When Krad had first found Fang trying to get out the door, Krad had a sudden spark of malicious hope that he still had some fight in him. He was disappointed, however, when only fear and a little lingering instinct was left in his eyes.

No fun at all.

As the day drew on, even that disappeared. The old Fang that fought for his freedom and friends gradually faded away and was replaced with Kiba, who was little more than a shell.

Krad growled in frustration. Surely there could have been a better way to get at Dark without wiping the memory clean of his newest torture toy. He heals so fast that he's ready for another round the next day and he looks similar to Dark so it's easy to imagine that it's him he's torturing instead. But what's the point if he doesn't react?

Krad stared at the floor through his golden bangs. This just wasn't fun anymore.

By the time Saehara had finished interviewing everyone, had lunch and explained the situation to Emiko and Daichii, it was already 6 o'clock. Emiko asked if he would like to stay for dinner, but he declined, explaining that someone needed to go home to feed his dad.

Daisuke watched his friend leave from the doorway and noticed the sky had turned a light pink as evening settled in. Daisuke closed the door and as he entered the living area, he had a strong feeling that he was forgetting something.

'That friend of yours sure had a lot of questions,' complained Max.

'What's your favorite colour? What's your favourate food? Who's your idol? It felt like we were celebrities,' commented Nudge.

'I don't think celebrity interviews are even half that long,' Max groaned, stretching her arms above her head until they clicked. 'If Dark was here maybe he would have paid more attention to him instead of us.'

'Speaking of Dark, maybe I should go look for him,' said Daisuke, suddenly remembering.

Iggy patted Daisuke on the shoulder and made him jump.

'He'll show up soon enough.'

'Yeah, but still…'

Max instantly saw the worry starting to build and she sighed.

'Do you want us to go with you?' she asked.

Daisuke was surprised by her question and didn't answer at first.

'Ie, it's fine. I don't want you to put yourselves in danger because of me. Just tell mom to wait for us before serving up.'

'You sure?'

Daisuke gave a brief nod, and then went to get his coat.

Dark was somewhat relieved when the dimming light signaled the time to leave. Risa had dragged him off to a fair and had been waltzed around, forced to win a prize for her and he had to pay for the Ferris wheel ride for both of them. Dark now wished he hadn't pick pocketed someone with a fat wallet, because even he was starting to feel guilty about the amount he had to spend. Mostly on the little girl that was chewing away on a toffee apple and annoyingly clinging to his arm as if she owned it. A small frown formed on her face.

'Awww, everywhere is closing. I would have loved to have stayed a bit longer.'

And spend all the money that isn't even mine, Dark added mentally.

'We should get going then,' Dark said, trying to hide his eagerness to leave.

They walked amongst the crowd and Risa took her time to make the moment last longer, much to Dark's dismay. Dark tried to speed the pace up a bit once they were free of people and guided her to through the town to come to a stop by the fountain. Dark hadn't planned on stopping. The fountain was a very popular dating spot and it was also the quickest route to Risa's home. Risa obviously thought he brought her here purposefully and unwound herself from his arm to stand next to the mid thigh high wall. She stared at the view beyond it, which Dark would admit was very beautiful, if only there wasn't an annoying little girl standing in front of it.

The sky was pale gold and turned pink and orange near the setting sun. The large red orb just touched the edge of the sea line and made the sea appear as though it had its own bloody sun just under the surface. The sand of the shore and cliff face were stained pink with sharp black shadows cutting into the surface. The image was threatening as well as beautiful.

Risa looked upon the view with a dreamy expression. The cold wind gently breezed through her hair like a Hollywood romance shot. Her cheeks were pink from the cold but she ignored it. Her thoughts contained nothing but thoughts of Dark and what a romantic situation they were in. Soon he would come and wrap his arm around her shoulders and tell her how beautiful she was and then he would turn her face towards him and smile at her with that gorgeous smile of his and they would lean towards each other, eyes closing and…

'Have you finished daydreaming?'

Risa jumped as she heard Dark standing beside her and looking down at her with serious eyes. She blushed, suddenly feeling self conscious and pretended to look at the scenery whilst she watched Dark out of the corner of her eye. She waited for him to make his move.

He stood beside her with his arm almost in contact with her shoulder. Risa's heart raced as she waited. Was Dark too shy? Should she make the first move? No, it's the men's job to make the first move, not the other way round. She continued to wait, peeking at Dark as he stared with serious yet unfocused eyes at the view. He must be thinking of what to say! Risa thought excitedly.

Finally he spoke.

'Risa…'

Daisuke had walked with a quick pace as he searched the streets and alleys for Dark. He had searched the parks, the town centre and had just finished sweeping through the area where a fair had closed for the day. Where else could he be? Daisuke thought frantically.

Earlier he had snuck into the police station just to check if he was caught. There was a teenage shoplifter and a passed out 34 year old drunk but no Dark. Daisuke was torn between relief and anxiety.

Now after wandering the streets blindly, he was just letting instinct lead his feet from location to location. His gut was tying itself in knots and his bottom lip was becoming swollen because he was biting it so much. Each place he tried seemed to be Dark free.

As the sky over head became a deep blue, Daisuke knew he should start heading back. His feet were on autopilot and took him across the familiar cobbled roads and pavements that have been there for centuries. Daisuke blinked and squinted when he became clear from the shadows of the buildings and out onto the outer road, which had a clear view of the sea.

Daisuke continued walking towards home and let his thoughts wander. Maybe Dark has returned home already and Daisuke was just worrying too much. That thought eased his squirming stomach and he allowed a brief moment of calm. He was probably worrying over nothing. Dark is perfectly capable of looking after himself and was probably somewhere having fun or coming home.

Daisuke looked up from his trainers to see just how far he had come and immediately became distracted. In the not too far distance Daisuke could see the stark silhouette of the fountain and the blurring of shadow and light from the water billowing out the top. But that wasn't what caught his attention.

The floor streamed behind him as he ran. The fountain enlarged as he became closer and hid the figure that Daisuke was sure he saw standing there. He was sure he saw a flash of violet when the figure turned his head and the way he stood was so Dark-like, it had to be him.

Daisuke couldn't help but grin.

'Dark!'

Daisuke screeched to a halt. His smile was no longer present. Instead, shock, anger, betrayal and overwhelming jealousy consumed him.

Dark wasn't alone. His body hid the small frame of Risa, who he was holding loosely at arms length with his hands on her shoulders. His head was bend downwards, as though he was about to kiss her.

Daisuke's head was reeling, his heart constricted painfully and he stood there in shock, unmoving and unsure what to do.

'Niwa-kun?'

Risa's eyes had widened in surprise at Daisuke's appearance and she looked worriedly between him and Dark.

Dark was equally surprised, but was soon replaced with horror at the torn look on Daisuke's face. Daisuke was starring at him and then at Risa with large watery eyes. His breathing was heavy from running and was becoming ragged from fighting tears. Dark could only imagine what kind of turmoil he was in.

Before Dark could call out to him, Daisuke had turned tail and ran. His form quickly disappeared from sight.

'Wha-what was that about?' Risa asked confusedly.

Dark snapped.

'You are a heartless wench,' he said, pushing her away harshly.

Risa stumbled and fell onto her backside, letting a cry of pain escape. She looked up to Dark with tears in her eyes.

'Why?'

Dark sneered disgustedly.

'Daisuke's face should have been explanatory enough. He's been in love with you since he laid eyes on you and you ask, 'what was that about?'' Dark growled.

'But why is it that you reject me! I love you! Not Niwa-kun. You're handsome, cool, independent and romantic! Niwa-kun could never reach those standards.'

Risa felt a stinging pain across her cheek and she couldn't believe it. Dark had just slapped her. She looked at him in shock and then froze. Dark's eyes, that were normally warm and gentle, were looking down at her with cold fury.

'You really are heartless.'

Dark turned and strode purposely away from her.

'Dark,' she whimpered pitifully.

'Don't come looking for me again,' Dark said coldly, 'I have no interest in self-centered, selfish girls.'

He left. He couldn't stand to look at her anymore. So what if he hit her? She needed some sense knocked into her and she deserved it, it was only his pride against hitting girls that almost stopped him from doing it. But her words, those cruel words that were said about his Daisuke…if she were a man he would have given her a black eye or two.

Dark looked at the sky and summoned With. Flying high enough to get a clear bird's eye view, Dark searched the ground for a streak of red and found him, still running and heading towards his house.

Oh no you don't, thought Dark. If Daisuke gets in the house now, Dark may not get a chance to talk privately for who knows how long. Dark swooped in upon Daisuke silently and scooped him up in his arms.

'WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!' Daisuke yelled.

'Stop struggling or I'll drop you!'

'Dark! You put me down this minute!'

'No.'

'I mean it Dark!'

'So do I.'

Dark angled eastwards to the cliffs and glided over to one of the wind turbines and landed smoothly onto it. Dark smirked at how Daisuke's eyes shifted. There was no escape from up here.

Once Daisuke's feet were on solid ground he fought his way out of Darks arms and walked as far away as he could from him. Dark didn't stop him or try to follow him. He knew Daisuke was beyond angry.

Nothing was said for a while and Dark seated himself to prepare for a long wait. He would be patient; he owed Daisuke some time…and an explanation. Would he actually believe him though?

Flash back:

'Risa…'

'Yes?' she said quickly, she was obviously nervous.

'We have to stop this Risa.'

She turned to him confused.

'Stop what?'

'This delusion of us.' Risa opened her mouth to deny his suggestion but he stopped her by raising his hand, 'This love is one sided, I'm sorry but I do not feel the same for you.'

'You're breaking up with me?'

Dark held her shoulders and looked her in the eye to make his message clear.

'We were never together to begin with.'

End Flashback:

Dark just hoped Daisuke would understand.

A few minutes passed and Dark noticed Daisuke's shoulders had stopped shaking but he still didn't turn around to face him. Ten minutes passed and Dark was becoming restless. He played with the edge of his clothes and every now and again he glanced in Daisuke's direction, who was now pacing to keep warm. He finally broke the silence.

'Dark, take me home. I'm cold.'

Dark frowned disapprovingly at Daisuke's back and answered.

'Will you listen to me first?'

Daisuke sighed and turned around, giving Dark a famous I'm-listening-so-get-on-with-it glare. Even though his face was cast in shadow, his eyes had a light of their own which Dark couldn't draw away from. It didn't help that the red sun in the background caused Daisuke's form to glow and his flaming red hair to blaze like amber. It was hypnotic.

Dark finally broke out of his trance when Daisuke narrowed his eyes in annoyance. Dark had been staring for too long. He told Daisuke what had happened and emphasised the fact that Risa forced him on a date and that he didn't go out of choice. Daisuke listened silently and impassively. Dark began to worry over Daisuke's lack of reaction and thought that he didn't believe him.

'I'm really sorry that I hurt you. I know how long you've loved her and I had selfishly taken advantage of her attraction to me. I not only toyed with your feelings but hers as well. But that will never happen again,' Dark added, 'I told her not to pursue me anymore…and that I'm not interested in her.'

Daisuke's expression became pained and he stared at the white turbine floor.

'Is that really the truth, Dark? You could actually be with her now, if you wanted.' Daisuke said quietly.

'Daisuke-'

'I understand,' he interrupted, 'She's pretty, funny and a wonderful girl. What could someone as special as her want with a loser like me? She deserves better. I don't want to get in the way of her happiness.'

'That's not true Daisuke-' Dark argued, but Daisuke cut him off yet again.

'And then there's you Dark,' Daisuke whispered, 'We are no longer connected, so I have no right to hold you back anymore. Risa…she looks so much like Rika so I can see what you see in her-'

'Don't compare Rika to her!' Dark said angrily.

Daisuke jerked his head up at Dark's outburst and noticed that he had jumped to his feet in anger and was shaking with uncontained fury.

'Rika was never as self centered as her! She was caring, unselfish and would have never hurt someone like she has done countless times to you! And if I really wanted to be with her, then I wouldn't have chased after you! You are more important to me than anyone on this Earth Daisuke! You are not a loser, you're my best friend, my brother, my…' Dark took a deep breath to collect himself and said more calmly, 'you're my other half. It doesn't matter if we're in different bodies, I would feel incomplete without you around.'

Daisuke was speechless. A lump had risen to his throat and he was finding it hard to breathe. His heart was pounding uncontrollably against his ribcage and his mind was a jumble of confused thoughts.

What does he mean by all that? What is he trying to tell him? Why was his heart racing so much? Why did those words have such an affect on him? Why did Dark go so far as to perch him on a wind turbine just to talk to him? Why was Dark looking at him now with such vulnerable, desperate eyes?

'Do you understand? Daisuke?'

'Why did you chase after me?' Daisuke breathed.

His voice had all but given up on him. He was scared. Scratch that, he was terrified. He was unsure where this was leading to and the feelings that raged within him were tearing him apart. He didn't know what to do.

He became more panicked when Dark began walking towards him but he had already moved away as far as physically possible and there was no where he could run to without falling to a painful death. Dark really gave him no escape routes.

Dark approached cautiously. He could see that Daisuke was on the verge of panicking and didn't want to scare him into doing something stupid, like jumping off a 50 metre tall wind turbine. As he got closer, he took in Daisuke's form. He observed the creaminess of his skin and how it blended beautifully into a rosy hue on his cheeks. Whether it was from cold, anger or embarrassment, Dark wasn't sure but he liked to think it was him that caused Daisuke's blood to colour his cheeks. Daisuke's ruby eyes were wide and fearful but held a light that growled defiance. That's what Dark loved best about his eyes; they were expressive, lively and shone like a beacon to his soul. He never wanted that light to fade.

When Dark was no more than a few feet away, he set his sights on Daisuke's lips and watched transfixed as a round pink tongue slowly slid across them and made them glisten with moisture. They were plump and looked soft and smooth. Dark wondered how they would feel under his fingertips, or even better, against his own lips. Dark pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind. Now wasn't the time for that.

Dark stopped inches from Daisuke and his height forced Daisuke to crane his head back to look him in the eye. His small figure made him appear helpless and fragile beneath Dark's towering form. Daisuke was practically glowing with innocence. Any words that Dark had planned to say suddenly vanished from his mind.

He dipped down and planted his lips on Daisuke's in a soft kiss.

Daisuke's eyes widened at Dark's actions. Dark had opened his mouth as though he was going to say something and then stopped. Next thing he knew, Dark had wrapped an arm around him, pulled him flush up against his warm chest and was creating the most passionate sensations upon his mouth. Daisuke thought he was going to lose his sanity, how could such a small thing feel so good?

Instinctively, Daisuke had placed his hands on Dark's chest as a barrier, but now they were desperately gripping into Dark's clothes.

Dark moved away slightly and Daisuke practically swallowed the air. Dark was still centimeters from Daisuke's face and was watching him with half lidded, clouded purple orbs. He was flustered and blushing like a beetroot but made no intention to move away. In fact he became bold once again and brought his hand up to caress Daisuke's cheek, running his thumb over his pink, swollen lips.

Daisuke had his eyes closed and just let Dark's touch wash over him. Dark was warm and gentle and Daisuke had never felt so secure just being embraced in his arms. Daisuke laid his head on Dark's chest and cried.

He knew something was up. He knew something was developing within him for a long time now, but he was too afraid to confront it. It became obviously clear, when he saw Risa with Dark a few moments ago.

He knew all along.

He was in love with Dark Mousy.

HA!!! IN YOUR FACE RISA!!! YOU HAD IT COMING!!!

I'd just like to point out that Krad's torture is NOT sexual abuse, although I may have unintentionally made it sound that way.

Review plz.