ASN: Sorry for the delay, but I think you'll agree this one was worth the wait.
Chapter 20: December 20
Rain streamed down the windows of Satoshi's apartment late the next afternoon, providing a faint background noise that curiously complemented his research.
Unfortunately, his hair was being especially irritating today, and Satoshi brushed it out of his face for what had to be the thirtieth time that day. It fell right back into his eyes, and he sighed.
Daisuke laughed, and Satoshi raised an eyebrow at him. "And what, may I ask, is so amusing, Niwa?"
"Oh, nothing at all," Daisuke responded with a grin. "I guess the humidity from all this rain isn't doing much good for your hair."
Satoshi gave him his patented 'it may be funny to someone, but I'm not laughing' look and turned back to his book.
Daisuke quieted, and for a moment, all was silent. Then a new voice spoke up.
"Fancy meeting you here, Commander."
Shocked, Satoshi's head snapped up. Dark was sitting stiffly on his couch, a look of embarrassment on his face.
"Well, this is awkward," the thief cracked nervously.
"What are you doing here?" Satoshi demanded, rising to his feet. "What have you done to Niwa?"
"Believe me," Dark snapped back, standing as well, "do you think I want to be here?"
The commander was, momentarily, thrown for a loop. "What?"
The thief rolled his eyes. "For being a genius, you can be so stupid sometimes."
Understanding crashed upon Satoshi in massive wave—bringing with it feelings of astonishment, an uncontrollable bit of pleasure…and a good amount of fear. "You mean…Niwa is—?"
"Thinking a little too highly of you, apparently," Dark said, sounding a little concerned. "Emiko's going to kill him."
"He—" Satoshi began in a daze, then shook his head as if to clear it. "Change back," he demanded.
Dark raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"Bring him back."
"No, not yet," Dark said thoughtfully, sitting back down and making himself comfortable. "I think we need to talk first, Honorable Commander."
"About what?" Satoshi asked suspiciously, pointedly remaining standing.
Dark smiled softly. "The most important person in our lives, of course."
Satoshi crossed his arms and waited.
Sure enough, Dark didn't disappoint him. "Do you love him?"
Even though Satoshi had been expecting the question, he still wasn't completely prepared for it. "Dark…"
"No dancing. Just answer me."
He looked down at the carpet. "I can't," he whispered.
"Can't?" Dark was beginning to get angry, he could tell. "Can't?! That doesn't mean anything! Are you saying that you don't? Is that it?"
"No, I'm saying that I can't," Satoshi snapped, glancing back up. "I'll only hurt him."
Dark's anger abruptly subsided. "How do you know you're not hurting him now?" he asked softly.
Sudden guilt flashed through him, and Satoshi knew that he hadn't managed to keep it from crossing his face.
"I thought so," Dark whispered.
Then the thief was gone, and a blushing redhead was in his place.
Silence filled the apartment as the two boys stared at each other. "Niwa—" Satoshi said finally, taking a step forward.
Daisuke immediately bolted and was gone from sight in seconds.
XXXXX
Daisuke had almost fallen down the stairs in his rush to get out of the apartment building. Now he was pelting headlong through the heavy rain, trying not to run into anything.
Daisuke, calm down—
Leave me alone!
How could he have done it? When had he fallen in love again? Why hadn't he seen it coming?
And, oh god, what did Satoshi think?
For some reason he couldn't quite realize or accept, he was crying. One hardly noticed, due to all the rain, but he recognized the tight feeling in his chest. The last time he'd cried, he'd just broken up with Riku-san…
And Satoshi had been there, waiting for him. A steady presence in his life.
Always ready to save him…always there for him…
Like now.
Just as Daisuke had run past an alleyway, Satoshi had come sliding out of it and stopped in front of him, dripping wet. "Niwa!"
Daisuke skidded to a halt right before he ran into him. Seizing the opportunity, Satoshi caught him by the shoulders and pulled him into the alley, out of the road.
"Hiwatari-kun—"
"Shh!" Satoshi studied him carefully. "You ran from me."
"I'm sorry, Hiwatari-kun," Daisuke babbled desperately as he tried to hide his tears. "I don't know what happened…I just was thinking about you and—"
"I said shh!"
Daisuke shut up as Satoshi gently brushed his cheek with one finger. "Don't run from me," the taller boy said softly, a look of concern obvious in his eyes. "I don't like it."
Then he lowered his head and kissed Daisuke.
It was soft and sweet and tasted like rain. Surprised, Daisuke pulled away with a gasp…and backed into the alley wall. Satoshi stepped forward, trapping him in place, and set one hand on other side of the smaller boy, leaning in to reestablish contact. This time, Daisuke let him.
As the rain continued to pour, they leaned in to each other. Just for a moment, the history, the feud, the curses, didn't matter. It was just the two of them, kissing tentatively at first, then with a gaining confidence, accepting that, perhaps, something had happened between them that neither had expected.
Satoshi pulled away at last, not letting go as he studied the redhead in his arms. Daisuke swallowed, sniffling a little. "Why'd you—"
"Because I wanted to," Satoshi told him with a vague smile.
"Are you okay?"
The smile turned a little sickly. "He's very angry…you'd better go."
"I don't want to leave you alone," Daisuke said stubbornly. "What if you get hurt?"
"Better me than you," Satoshi responded, turning away. "I'll see you tomorrow, all right?"
"Hiwatari-kun…"
"Go!"
Daisuke reached out a hand to him…and suddenly Dark was there again. "Take care, commander," the thief said shortly. "He's going to be sad if you get hurt."
Satoshi waved a hand even as he doubled over in pain, and Dark ran for safety. He wasn't sure if Satoshi could control himself. Not after that.
Will he be okay?
I don't know.
Are you sure it's a good idea to leave him alone? Daisuke pressed, worried. What if something happens? He's not even indoors!
The commander has taken care of himself for this long without your assistance. He'll be fine.
When Daisuke spoke again, his voice was hesitant. Dark? Are you…mad at me?
Dark tripped over a loose stone, surprised despite himself. He hadn't meant to imply that he was upset. No, moron.
So why do you sound angry?
Daisuke, Dark sighed and finally slowed down. Honestly, I think it's kinda masochistic for you to get over your cousin by falling for your worst enemy…but I'm not really in the position to say anything.
Daisuke huffed slightly. You live in my head.
But not in your heart, Dark countered.
The redhead was silent for a moment. So, you don't hate me? he asked softly.
Never, Dark replied with a grin. Come on, let's change back before someone spots me and calls the cops.
Daisuke nodded agreement as they switched. They were almost home, and he didn't really want to explain to his mom exactly why he had changed.
It would certainly lead to interesting confrontations, Dark commented.
And it would lead to a conversation I really don't want to have right now, Daisuke responded. Mom was mad enough the first time.
I'll say.
He trotted down the street and opened the door quietly, hoping he could sneak in before anyone noticed.
No such luck. Towa was dusting the front hall lamp. "Daisuke! You're soaked!"
"Yeah, it's raining," he responded, wringing out the tail of his t-shirt.
She squeaked. "Oh! I just mopped!"
"Sorry," Daisuke apologized sincerely. "I'll clean it up once I get changed." "And where's your umbrella?" she chided, waggling a finger. "You're going to catch a cold."
"Oh!" He clapped a hand to his forehead. "I left all my stuff at Hiwatari-kun's."
"Do you have to go back and get it?" Towa asked. "I can go get a raincoat for you."
Paling slightly, he shook his head. "I don't think that's such a good idea. He'll bring it to school tomorrow, I'm sure."
He brushed at his pants, making a face as the water puddle at his feet grew. "Ugh. I'm going to go change."
He moved toward his room, only to stop when Towa spoke his name. The serious look on her face was completely at odds with the silly maid's outfit she wore. "I truly believe that if anyone can guide the Hikari line out of the mess they've put themselves in, it's you."
Daisuke flushed slightly, running his hand nervously through his sopping hair. "I don't know—I can barely keep myself and Dark out of trouble. How can I solve the Hikari's problems?"
Towa smiled cheerfully. "I have confidence in you, Dai-chan!" she enthused, and then she bounced away to fetch a mop.
Daisuke blinked after her.
You know, she's probably gonna think that you and the commander are cute Dark commented in a slightly malicious tone. And she likes to take pictures, in order to 'keep the memories alive.'
Daisuke groaned mentally. She'll be the only one in the family.
Nah, your dad will back you the entire way, Dark continued. Remember, he was the one with the idea to combine the Hikari and the Niwa bloodlines.
DARK!
The thief snickered. Nice to know you still have that great sense of humor.
With a sigh, Daisuke made his wet, squishy way up the stairs. You act like this on purpose, don't you?
And you wouldn't have it any other way.
XXXXX
"The situation has gotten out of hand," a cold voice announced. "It is becoming more difficult to overpower him. Personally, I would recommend that we move quickly. I just need three or four days to get my affairs in order."
Hiwatari removed his glasses and polished them thoughtfully. "If that is your suggestion, then we shall do so. Is everything set?"
"Just a few more preparations and we should be ready," the voice replied. "I will contact you again in three days."
"And we can end this once and for all," Hiwatari said with a smile.
