The Breath I'm Dying For
Day: Friday
Title: Chapter 2, Some Time Together
~~~~~~Small Shoppe~~~~~~
It took about ten minutes to get to the small shop, Dark skipping next to the bluenette.
Satoshi walked right in, but Dark hesitated as he looked up at the sign. Elegant Children. The Kaitou raised an eyebrow. 'What are we doing here?' He thought to himself. With a sigh and a shake of his head, he walked in, figuring he'd have to in order to find out.
Satoshi didn't notice as the phantom thief disappeared from his side, or
reappear for that matter. He was looking for something in particular, wanting to get in and out quickly so the elderly gentleman at the front could close upclose on time.
Dark fidgeted as he looked around, hoping no one recognized him there. He did have a reputation to protect, after all. "What are we looking for?" He asked nervously, not too sure he made the right decision of coming in.
There were all sorts of baby items lining the walls and tables in the shoppe. The multitude of pastel colourscolors almost nauseated the phantom. He wondered if it was normal for there not to be any bold colourscolors.
Satoshi smiled softly. "I need something just up ahead," he replied quietly, not wanting to disturb the atmosphere. He carefully made his way through, stopping at a rack.
Dark sighed heavily and scratched his head. "Aye yi yi," he muttered, hoping this would be quick. But nonetheless he followed the bluenette. His heart skipped a beat as he watched the bluenette easily shuffle through the tank tops and pick out two gray ones. His mouth felt dry as the teen moved on to the far wall, looking as if he fit in, as if he belonged there.
Satoshi sighed softly as he used his free hand to look through the selection of colors and designs, before settling on a plain black one buried at the bottom.
Krad sighed in annoyance. "Black? Really? The doll has his eyes, now his secondary color?" He hissed lowly, not liking how much Dark was taking up Satoshi's life.
Satoshi ignored the angel, not caring what he thought. Besides, black was one of his favorite colors.
Dark cocked his head to one side as Satoshi moved to a different counter that had a selection of small boxes on it. 'Baby's first days, cloth kit.' He read before looking at the contents. 'Newborn onesie, footie pajamas, swaddling blankets, washcloths, socks, hat, and mittens. Do babies really need all this in their "first days"?' He wondered as he looked through the selection of colors. None of them grabbed his attention, they were mute and boring.
Satoshi looked over to Dark. "He's small, so one of these preemie kits will be better. Do you want to help me choose?" He asked with a blush, holding up a box that featured light green and yellow colors.
Dark swallowed thickly but started fingering through the row of choices anyway. "Just get the one you...want...oh." He trailed off as he saw a dark blue and lavender kit. He suddenly regretted opening his mouth before looking at them all.
Satoshi followed Dark's gaze and picked up the box. "Hmm. I didn't see that one. It looks nice," he mused softly.
Dark nodded. "I like it, the colors go well together." His tone was soft, tentative.
Satoshi's heart fluttered a bit. "Yes, they do, very soft and delicate." He looked at the thief, not entirely sure he himself was referring to the clothes or not.
Dark looked back flatly, trying not to let anything be betrayed in his expression. Trying not to betray the tightening in his chest, the way his heart quickened. He tried to keep his breathing as even as he could, though it felt like he wasn't getting enough air.
Satoshi gave in first, finally looking away and down at the doll. "We should...I mean, he closes soon." He turned and made his way to the front, expertly navigating through the maze of racks and tables.
Dark closely followed the bluenette up to the counter, hoping they were done.
The old man at the counter happily took the few items from the young teen. "You look like you have your hands full," he remarked with a smile.
Satoshi smiled back. "Yes, thank you." He was grateful to not be balancing the items and doll anymore.
Dark scowled softly. "I would've helped if you'd've asked," he huffed, crossing his arms defensively.
Satoshi raised an eyebrow. "I thought you'd've waited outside." He smiled at the man, letting him know they were just teasing each other. He had the smallest thought of how happy it had made him when he had realized the phantom had followed him inside.
The old man laughed heartily. "Lover's quarrels are never won by the one without the baby," he said to Dark with a chuckle, placing the gray tops in a bag.
Satoshi blushed and opened his mouth to explain, but Dark spoke up first. "He isn't...I mean...We aren't..."
The old man held up a hand. "I understand, forgive me, please." He hit a few buttons on his computer, making a dissatisfied face at the screen.
Satoshi smiled. "It's quite all right, we understand how that distinction could be made." He wasn't at all upset. Though, there was a twinge of...something when he thought of how quickly Dark denied them. How rough his tone was.
The old man smiled and held the wrap up. "Thank you. Do you know how to tie this particular one?"
Satoshi nodded. "Yes, thank you." He gently rubbed the doll's back, blushing softly at the admittance.
The old man nodded. "Good, they can be tricky, my wife always had a hell of a time with them." He put it in the bag, careful to not wrinkle the tank tops too much. "What's his name?" He motioned to the doll as he rang up the preemie kit and put it in the bag.
Satoshi blushed a little. "It's a doll for a school project. It's a robot that is to replicate parenting a real newborn. We...haven't decided on a name yet," he said softly. A pang of hurt flitted across his heart but was gone as quick as it came.
Dark swallowed thickly, a small bit of hope rising in his chest as he heard the 'we', but then he remembered that Daisuke was on the same project.
The old man smiled in reminiscence. "I remember when my granddaughter did something similar. Though, she hated the experience then, still does anytime it's brought up. She refuses to have anything to do with children now. Though, I don't blame the project. Some people just aren't supposed to have children," he said sadly.
Satoshi's expression saddened. "I'm sorry, it must be hard." He looked down at the doll, knowing how painful it was to know your line was ending.
The old man shook his head. "It's quite all right, I assure you. If I may, however, why are you getting these? It's only a short project after all," he asked as he brought up the teen's total.
Satoshi smiled brightly as he took his wallet out of his back pocket with his free hand. "I figure it'll just be easier. I do enjoy having both hands free from time to time, but I feel much better having him close to me," he explained. Happiness settled in his chest as he looked down at the doll. Shaking his head, he clumsily pulled out some cash and handed it over.
Dark smiled at the bluenette. He suddenly felt the need to reach out and grab a pale hand in his own, to feel the cool flesh against his own warm skin, to interlink his fingers to fit perfectly in smaller ones. But he couldn't. That wasn't supposed to be something he thought about.
The old man smiled warmly. "You seem to be quite comfortable with this. Have you ever thought about it? Having children, I mean?" He handed the teen's change back as he kept his question soft, careful not to sound like he was judging or prying.
Satoshi frowned as he shoved the assorted change and wallet back into his back pocket. "All the time," he replied as he took his bag. "I hope you have a good night." His voice cracked as he turned and walked out, tears coming to his eyes.
Dully in his mind he heard his voice from a few years prior saying he wanted to never have children, that it was too dangerous. He heard a raspy voice say that it was possible. He remembered the moment the deal was sealed with blood. How the claw had sliced his flesh. How the wound stung, and a slimy tongue lapped the seeping liquid. How his blood had run cold.
The memory made his blood feel like ice in his veins as he walked away.
Dark frowned as he watched the teen walk away before turning to the shop keeper. "Thank you," he said sincerely to the elderly gentleman before turning to follow.
"Wait," the old man said, commanding the purple-haired man's attention. "Watch out for him for me, will you? I worry about him sometimes." He held out the receipt for the phantom to take.
Dark nodded. "I'll try, he isn't exactly easy. I mean, he tries to be difficult. I mean...he doesn't let anyone close easily," he stumbled over his words, trying to find the right ones without insulting the bluenette.
The man smiled knowingly.
Dark turned and followed Satoshi out of the shop, letting his thoughts rule his mind. He wondered what Satoshi meant when he said 'all the time'. He thought about the different ways to take it, wondered if it meant that the teen didn't want one. Or if he did. He wondered what it would mean if the Hikari didn't want any, what it would mean if he did.
He shook his head as they got to main street. "My favorite artist so far has been your grandfather. Though, that has something to do with how humble he was. Before him was...your great times like 10? 11? grandfather, his name sake. Zenedith Hikari. He had..." Dark sighed happily, unable to think of the right word to do it justice as they walked down the street.
Satoshi smiled softly. "Yes, he had. He had it all, really. He was good at painting, excellent at sculpting, but his metal works? Oh, they were...they are too beautiful for words. His woodwork was just as good, if not better, but he never shared those." Satoshi looked up at the stars as they walked.
Dark looked at Satoshi in shock. "Wood working? I never knew he worked with that." He frowned. "I guess you learn something new every day."
Satoshi looked at him and smiled brightly. "You just have to pay attention."
The doll started fussing.
Satoshi grimaced as he looked down at the doll. "Can we swing into that alleyway just up ahead so I can feed him?" He felt a twinge of shame at the idea of feeding the doll in an alley, but he couldn't just pull his shirt off in the middle of the street.
Dark smiled at Satoshi and put a hand on the small of his back, leading the teen gently.
When they finally stopped halfway down the dark alley, Satoshi turned to Dark. "Could you hold him and the bags for just a moment while I get...he's hungry," he finished, not really knowing how to approach the topic. The words felt awkward even in his mind.
Dark smiled and took the cloth bag. "Of course, I'd be happy to help." His hand brushed across Satoshi's as he took the shopping bag from the teen. His heart jumped at the touch; his breath almost caught in his chest. Clearing his throat, he carefully took the doll, holding it close to his chest the same way he had seen the bluenette do it.
Satoshi smiled gratefully as he took his top off, exchanging it for the doll with Dark. His smile softened as he held the doll to his chest, hearing the crying turn to suckling. "Thank you, I can take those now, if you'd like." He held out a hand for the bags, not wanting to cause too much of an inconvenience for the man.
Dark held them back. "I've got them. You've got your hands full." He let himself admire the pale chest now open for his viewing.
Satoshi blushed as he saw Dark looking over him with a darkened gaze. "Th... thank-k y-you," he stuttered, looking away from the Kaitou.
Dark looked away quickly. "I didn't mean to stare, I've just...it's different seeing you without a shirt, I guess." His defense sounded weak even to him as he scratched the back of his head.
Krad huffed. "Yeah. Sure. If he really didn't mean to stare, he would've caught himself before all but molesting you with his eyes." Anger radiated from him as he wished he could come out and slap the phantom for his staring.
Satoshi's blush deepened, his mind racing a thousand miles a minute but not forming a coherent thought.
They stood in silence for a few minutes until the doll stopped suckling. Satoshi pulled the small robot away from his chest, smiling down at it. He took a deep, steadying breath. "Could you...uh...I need to put on my shirt..." He looked up at the Kaitou, hoping he wasn't being too much trouble.
Dark smiled broadly and held out his free arm. "I've got this." His tone was soft and sure as he carefully took the doll and held it close to his chest.
Satoshi smiled gratefully as he gently took his shirt from where it was draped over the phantom's shoulder. "Thank you." He put the thin material on, feeling slightly ridiculous over having to take his shirt off to 'feed' the doll.
Dark smiled broadly. "Well, you can't do this alone, now can you?" He teased.
Satoshi playfully growled at him. "I'd like to see you try." His tone carried the lightheartedness through it. He was genuinely having fun with the Kaitou, something that he never expected.
Dark shrugged. "Daisuke wouldn't last an hour with him alone. He hates the doll. Even when Risa picked it out, he was grumbling about it. She first wanted a different one, but he told her to pick a small one, one that was easier to take care of." He handed the doll back over to the bluenette.
Satoshi raised an eyebrow. "This one is small, premature size if you ask me." He held it close to his chest, gently stroking its dark hair. They made their way back onto the street and continued the journey to the apartment.
Dark raised an eyebrow. "So what if it is?"
Satoshi laughed softly. "I'd say premature babies are harder to take care of when they are newly born. They need more attention and feedings and aren't as strong. They need more help longer." He sighed softly and adjusted his glasses before letting his hand drop back to his side.
Dark laughed and rolled his shoulders back, causing his hand to brush against Satoshi's. Frowning thoughtfully, he let his hand brush against the bluenette's again. A wave of pleasantness washed over him as he did so. He quite enjoyed the feeling of the coolness, the smallness, the perfect fitting together-ness.
Satoshi blushed softly as Dark's hand brushed against his own. He quite liked the feeling. "So, Zenedith?" He asked, hoping to be able to pick up a conversation to cover up just how much he enjoyed their time together.
Dark looked up at the sky for a moment. "Yeah, he was pretty cool. Horribly outspoken before marrying that wife, though." He smiled as he reminisced. He felt their hands brush again, savoring the sharp zing of excitement it sparked in his chest.
Satoshi's smile saddened. "Yes, I forget sometimes that you knew them. Truth be told, there's a lot I want to know about my family. Krad...Krad knows about the tamers, of course. But he doesn't know everything. Not only that, but he..." he trailed off, thinking about his time with Krad from before the angels could separate from their tamers at will.
Dark nodded. "Yeah, Krad was different then, too. I'm surprised I haven't seen him. He wanted for so long to have his own body, but now that he can...how do you guys make it work? Obviously Dai and I barely ever are together now, only for the occasional fly around the city or a rare heist." He lightly kicked a rock down the street, hoping he wasn't stirring up too much trouble with his counterpart.
Satoshi smiled. "We have an agreement. He doesn't try to force his way out and when he does want out, I find the quickest way to get to a private area so we can transform. Then he pushes me out and viola, we each have our own bodies." It wasn't much more complicated than that anyway. Granted, it was complicated when private doesn't mean soundproof. It still hurt to have wings ripping through his back.
Dark sighed contentedly. "I'm glad it isn't too bad, then. Though, Emiko may have you revisit that deal for the two weeks," he said thoughtfully. Though, he wasn't planning on telling the fiery woman that the blond was technically under her roof. As far as he knew, the woman was under the impression his counterpart was out of his tamer's body, too.
Satoshi laughed softly. "He already promised not to be a problem. He doesn't want to lose a hand." He held up his free wrist to show the bracelet.
Dark frowned. "I guess that means I should stay out of Dai then." He reached for the small hand, to look at the bracelet. At least, that's what he told himself.
Satoshi let his hand fall. It brushed against Dark's as they passed, causing a smile to form on his lips. He raised an eyebrow, enjoying the opportunity to use a play on his words. "My, my. I didn't realize the Great Womanizing Phantom Thief swung that way," he teased lightly, though he knew what Dark had really meant.
Dark grabbed Satoshi's hand and brought it up to his lips. "Only for you, my Love." He teased in a sickeningly sweet tone, meaning to just weird out the teen. He kissed the soft skin.
Satoshi's breath hitched for a moment, but he covered it quickly. "This pleases me, seeing as how I hate sharing." He winked at the phantom, playing along.
Dark's throat tightened and his lips stopped working. Which was probably a good thing because the only thing running through his mind was the thought of how he didn't want to share the bluenette with anyone either. He let their hands drop to their sides, though he still didn't let go.
He wondered where that thought came from. He had never thought like that about the teen.
Satoshi smiled gently, enjoying the warmth spreading from the large hand clasping his.
Krad sighed in their mind. "You really do want him all to yourself." He let Satoshi make what he would of his statement.
Satoshi blushed softly. "I do not. We're just teasing." Right now, he truly believed those words.
Nonetheless, he was glad that they were standing at the main door to his apartment building. "We're here," he breathed.
Dark smiled. "Here, I'll get the door." He used his free hand to push the door open. "Where to?" He looked around, wondering if they would take the staircase or go straight through.
Satoshi smiled back at the thief. "We've gotta go upstairs." He led the way to the staircase, slowly taking each step. "Be careful, one of these are loose, it'll pop up."
Dark followed happily, suddenly giddy at the thought of seeing how the bluenette lived. He didn't put much thought to what the teen said until he fell, smacking his nose roughly.
Satoshi yelped as he was pulled back by his hand, hearing a sickening thump.
"Owww!" Dark groaned as he turned over, both hands on his nose.
Satoshi smiled gently and reached down, helping the man up.
"Why is that...oww!" Dark whined, holding his nose painfully.
Satoshi shook his head. "They just haven't fixed it yet. Let me see." He reached up with his now free hand and gently touched a thick wrist.
Dark winced as he let his hands open, showing the bluenette his nose.
Satoshi breathed a sigh of relief. "It's not broken, which is good. You're not bleeding...but you'll probably bruise." He lightly touched the man's cheek with his palm, using his thumb to barely brush the tip of his nose.
Dark smiled gently as the soft touch sent shivers down his spine. "I don't bruise easily." He said lightheartedly, the pain already fading.
Satoshi raised an eyebrow. "What about..." He blushed at the thought that crossed through his mind.
Dark smirked. "Sex can get rough with no evidence on me. Not even hickeys stick around very long."
Satoshi's blush deepened, causing his cheeks to flame redder than the stripes on his shirt.
Dark chuckled. "Come on, let's keep going up." He grabbed a small hand in his, pulling the boy up the stairs.
Satoshi laughed softly but let himself be pulled along. At the top of the stairs, he pushed ahead, leading the phantom down the hall. When they got to his door, he stopped.
Dark almost ran into the teen, barely stopping in time. "Why are we stopping?"
Satoshi half smirked as he looked at the confused Kaitou. "I need my hand back to unlock the door." He gave Dark's hand a quick squeeze to accentuate his point.
Dark blushed. "Oh, yeah." He didn't let go for a moment, choosing instead to look down into the dark blue eyes that were full of wonder and unexpected innocence. He swallowed thickly and took a step back, giving the teen room to access the doorknob.
Satoshi took a deep breath to steady his quickly beating heart before pulling out his keys and opening the front door. "I'm sorry for the mess," he said as he stepped in, kicking away his book bag that he had hastily thrown in when he had made the quick stop on the way to see Hiwatari.
Dark stepped in, expecting to see a disaster zone. It was mostly spotless. There were a few books sitting out, a laptop sitting on the coffee table, a basket of folded clean laundry behind the couch, and a few clean dishes in a drying rack. "Uh, Satoshi? If you call this messy, how would you describe Dai's room? Or mine, for that matter?" He looked to the bluenette questioningly, a little worried about the teen's opinion on the matter.
Satoshi blinked slowly. "I call Daisuke's room lived in. And as for your room, I haven't exactly seen that, now have I?" He said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Dark scratched the back of his head. "Oh, yeah, right," he mumbled.
Satoshi gestured to the couch. "Go ahead and make yourself comfortable, I'll be a few minutes." He gently set the doll on a recliner, making sure it was tucked in against a pillow, just in case.
Dark shrugged and sat down, putting the bags beside him. "This place is nice. You have pretty good taste." Granted, the walls were pretty bare, but it was almost bachelor-y. He was shocked at the lack of art, though.
Satoshi raised an eyebrow at the thief. "I didn't choose it, Hiwatari did. I just live here." He walked up behind the couch and grabbed the shopping bag from beside Dark, being careful to not touch the man. He grabbed a tank top from it and set the bag back down, letting his hand brush against the warm arm. His heart quickened in his chest; his breath felt like it was caught in his lungs as the warmth spread to his chest.
Shaking his head, he took off his school shirt and slipped the tank top on, noting that it was a bit more fitting than he had expected. He grabbed a plain tee shirt from the basket, putting it on over the tank top. It was a fair bit larger than his actual size, but he didn't too much care as it was a bed shirt. And he did plan on going to bed when they got back to the Niwas.
Besides, it was a special shirt, one that he had had with him for years.
Dark looked back at Satoshi, about to ask a question, but it died in his throat. 'He's cute like that,' he thought to himself, licking his suddenly dry lips.
Satoshi reached back over the couch and took the black wrap out of the bag.
Dark stood up as the teen opened the plastic packaging around it. "Do you need any help?" He hoped to be able to have a reason to touch the teen again, longing to feel the smaller body against his own.
Satoshi smiled and shook his head. "No, I've got this. It's not too difficult. Though, if you'd like, could you grab him for me so I can get him in?" He started wrapping the fabric around himself, hoping he was getting it right.
Dark bounced over to the chair and gently picked up the doll. He noticed its eyes were open. And they were purple. A lighter purple than his own, but purple nonetheless. Shaking his head, he carried it over to the bluenette.
Satoshi carefully took the doll and placed it in place in the wrap. "There we are. Thank you," he said, looking up at Dark.
Dark's throat tightened again.
The wrap conformed to Satoshi's frame, gracefully emphasizing his petite delicate features. The doll was hidden in the wrap, but the look was natural on the teen. Dark suddenly found himself imagining there was a baby in the wrap, not the doll.
Satoshi blinked slowly as Dark's eyes traveled over him. The purple irises were heated, but distant. Satoshi blushed softly. "What is it?" He felt as if the man looked at him much longer like that, he'd melt into a puddle of goo.
Dark swallowed thickly and shook his head. "Nothing. It's nothing," he muttered, refusing to look at the teen again.
Satoshi let it go for the time being, deciding it wasn't worth making anything awkward by pushing more. "I need to change my pants and pack a few things." He looked away from the phantom, instead focusing on his toes. His sock had a hole in it, something that had been bugging him most of the day.
Dark nodded. "Okay, I'll...uh...just let me know if you need help," he stumbled out, feeling a bit embarrassed with his thoughts.
Satoshi chose not to answer, instead just heading into his room and grabbing a spare backpack. He quickly changed into a pair of clean boxers and some sweatpants, feeling pretty tired already. He really wanted to just get back and pass out. Digging for a pair of socks, he made sure to grab a few extra pairs for the upcoming weeks.
He grabbed an extra few tee shirts and sweatpants, some boxers and jeans, a school uniform, and two bottles of pills from his nightstand. He dug his keys, change, and wallet out of his pants pocket and grabbed his oral hygiene products from the adjoining bathroom. He also grabbed unopened bottles of shampoo, body wash, and conditioner, as well as a hairbrush.
Stuffing it all in the bag, he went back out to Dark.
Dark looked up as he heard the bedroom door open again. "Hey, do you have everything you need?" He asked, standing to grab the backpack from the boy.
Satoshi shuffled his feet and looked away in shame, not quite able to put into words that he hadn't, but not willing to say he had.
Dark cocked his head to one side. "What is it?" He asked, setting the bag by the kicked school bag.
Satoshi shrugged and took a deep breath and slowly let it out as a sigh. "It's nothing, I can live without it," he said softly, though he secretly hoped the Kaitou would argue with him and insist he grab it.
Dark's eyes narrowed. "Show me," he said firmly as to leave no room for argument. Or loopholes. Something told the phantom that the bluenette was good at those.
Satoshi grimaced slightly. "It's nothing," he insisted. He didn't want to show it to him, he just wanted to grab it.
Dark crossed his arms and looked pointedly at the teen.
Satoshi sighed softly.
Krad hummed and put his transparent chin on Satoshi's shoulder. "You do know you started this, my everything. Now you have no choice but to. Besides, let us be honest here, you'll go crazy not being able to use it," he murmured thoughtfully.
Satoshi huffed. "Go away, Krad," he said aloud, rubbing his temples and closing his eyes.
Dark's expression softened and he walked up to the suddenly exhausted looking teen. "Hey." He wrapped his arms carefully around the thin body in front of him, resting his cheek on the top of Satoshi's head. "I've got you." He knew the softly spoken words probably weren't what the teen needed, or even wanted, but he did it nonetheless, hoping to bring some comfort to him.
Krad frowned but retreated.
Satoshi smiled thankfully and relaxed against Dark. Krad was just too much for him some days and it was nice to have someone bring him down to earth. He could easily get lost in Krad's musings and moods. He was grateful to the thief, his heart fluttered softly.
The doll started fussing.
Satoshi's expression softened as he pulled away. He slowly loosened the wrap enough to take the doll out. "Where'd the cloth bag go?" He looked around for it almost desperately, trying to ignore the fluttering still in his chest.
Dark sighed heavily, not having been ready for the bluenette to pull away. "It's on the couch," he said dejectedly.
Satoshi smiled and looked back at him. "Thank you." He laid the doll down next to the bag and started changing its diaper.
Dark leaned on the back of the couch and watched the teen. "You're good at that," he murmured. In his mind, the doll started moving little arms and legs around, gurgling and giggling. He smiled warmly at the image, hopelessly wishing that it was real.
Satoshi smiled down at the doll as it stopped fussing when he finished up. "So I've been told," he said softly, not caring if the thief could hear him or not. He grabbed the kit from the shopping bag and carefully opened it, getting the onesie and footie pajamas out of it. He took off the thin white shirt that had been on the doll since getting it and replaced it with the onesie, then the pajamas.
Dark hummed softly. "He looks cute," he mumbled, warmth spreading through his chest.
Satoshi nodded. "Yeah, he is." He picked the doll back up, gently resting it back in the wrap. He then put the rest of the kit and the removed shirt into the cloth bag. He also dug the second tank top out of the shopping bag and put it in.
Dark smiled. "Let's get that last thing and get going, Emiko'll be worried if we don't get back soon," he said softly, standing up fully.
Satoshi smiled gently. "Okay, come with me." He started making his way to a side room.
Dark happily followed, almost skipping giddily across the living room to the door. He froze at the open door, his breath stopping.
The room was full of beautiful paintings. There were many canvases strewn about, pictures of the night sky, sunsets and rises, people and places, all sorts of things. They were all delicate and lovingly done.
But they were also all slashed, torn, ripped.
Dark looked down at the ground and saw many torn in half pages littering the floor. There were general sketches on them, some abstract, some incredibly detailed. He swallowed thickly and looked around more before his eyes rested on one painting mostly hidden against a wall. He walked to it and reached out, gently touching it. He recognized the dark purple hair and eye and tanned skin. It was him.
He pulled the painting out from behind the easel it was hiding behind.
It looked as if it was a picture done with an incredibly high-resolution camera. It was an exact replica, as if looking into a mirror. Except there were gouges in this painting, too.
Satoshi paid no mind to Dark as he dug in a cabinet, pulling out a brand-new sketchbook still wrapped in its protective sleeve. He also grabbed a small wooden box, opening it to make sure there was enough charcoal and pencil for two weeks. He closed it, satisfied.
Satoshi looked to Dark and found him staring at the picture. "I couldn't sleep," he said softly, looking down and shuffling his feet. He wasn't ashamed of the picture per se, he was quite proud of it, actually. But even he could admit that it was weird that he had painted the Kaitou from his shoulders up in so much detail.
Dark nodded and gently took Satoshi's hand. "It's...I'm flattered," he said truthfully. He wished he could spend more time looking at it, but they really needed to get back before the Niwa woman came looking for him.
Satoshi smiled up at Dark slightly. "We should get going," he said softly, turning to leave the room.
Dark followed the teen. "So, we have two backpacks and the cloth bag. Do we need anything else?"
Satoshi shrugged. "I don't think so. But I can always come back if I haven't." He really didn't want to spend much more time here. He put the sketchbook and wooden box in his school backpack and flung it over his shoulder.
Dark did the same to the other backpack and took the assigned cloth bag from the couch before Satoshi could. "I've got this." His voice was barely more than a whisper. He couldn't stop thinking about the painting, it astounded him that the bluenette was such a good artist. Yes, Satoshi was a Hikari, but he also wasn't like his predecessors.
They had been...shall we say overly proud of their art. They already had art being displayed and sold by the time they received Krad. They had been very vocal about their skills. When they were young at least.
Satoshi looked up at the phantom. "Are you sure? I can..." A long warm finger touched his lips, silencing him.
"I said I've got this," Dark said, his eyes and tone gentle.
Satoshi blushed softly, his heart racing again.
Krad frowned as he came back forward. "I'm not liking this, Satoshi-sama. You need to be more careful."
Satoshi sighed heavily. "What are you talking about?" He couldn't help the pang of annoyance that ran through him.
Dark's free hand drifted down to Satoshi's. "Besides, I want to do this," he said tonelessly, letting Satoshi decide if it was supposed to be teasing or not. He didn't know himself. He knew he wanted to, god did he want to, but this wasn't what was supposed to happen.
Satoshi smiled and let Dark hold his hand.
Krad grumbled. "You'll get hurt," he said contemplatively, crossing his arms at Satoshi in their mind.
Satoshi mentally rolled his eyes at the blond. "Quit being so allusive and just tell me what you mean," he shot back at the blond, getting a headache from him.
Krad shook his head. "I can't, but just watch out, guard your heart from him. Now, I'm going to sleep," he said, slipping back away.
Satoshi smiled as they walked out, locking the door as they left.
When they got outside, Dark broke the silence between them. "You...make beautiful art. It's better than some of the others that I've seen," he said cautiously, hoping not to scare the bluenette.
Satoshi raised an eyebrow at the thief. "You aren't planning to take any of it, are you? They're dead." His chest constricted at the thought of any of his art being taken from him. They were the only thing that kept him sane sometimes.
Dark looked down at Satoshi thoughtfully. "I do only take dangerous art, so I guess there's no reason to. Besides, what fun would it be to take something from your apartment where I wouldn't have much of an audience?" He teased, gently squeezing the pale hand in his own.
Satoshi sighed in relief, his voice soft. "Thank you."
Dark smiled down at the bluenette. "You're welcome." He changed the topic to artwork.
On their way back to the Niwas, Dark and Satoshi talked earnestly about different works and artists. Both enjoying the conversation they shared.
As they entered the Niwa house, they were laughing over an old fond memory of Dark's. It had something to do with a whipped cream pie falling on him when he was chasing Withe.
Kosuke looked up as the door opened. "You're home late," he commented, turning the page in his book. He took a sip from the coffee cup next to him, holding his gaze on the two.
Dark shrugged flippantly. "It's not like we were on a date that got out of hand," he said simply, heading to the stairs.
Satoshi was blushing furiously, his hand still in Dark's tugging him with. "I'm sorry," he tried to say to the man, but Kosuke waved him off.
"I'll let Emiko know you're home. She'll be relieved you both got back safely." He stood up with a soft groan before exiting the room.
Satoshi furrowed his brow but didn't answer. 'I'm sure he misspoke is all,' he thought to himself as they walked up.
When Satoshi and Dark got to Daisuke's room, Dark let go of Satoshi's hand. He set the bags he had by the door just inside and went straight to the bed, flopping down on the empty surface.
"Well hello to you, too," Daisuke said half sarcastically to his angel as he looked up from his schoolwork on the desk.
Satoshi smiled and waved at Daisuke a little timidly. He missed Dark's hand in his. "Hey," he said quietly.
Daisuke smiled widely at the bluenette. "Hey, Satoshi. How'd it go?" He turned in his chair to look at him.
Satoshi set his bag next to the ones Dark had put down. "It went well, I was able to get everything I needed for tonight at least. I got a couple things for the doll, to make it easier for us," he said happily, bending down to get his homework from his school bag.
Daisuke cocked his head to one side. "Is that what that...cloth thing on you is for?"
Satoshi nodded and used a free hand to move a bit of the black cloth, showing the sleeping doll resting against his chest. "I can hold him and do everyday things that need two hands." He let the cloth rest against him once more before sitting on the floor to do some of his homework, his textbook next to him and his notebook in his lap.
Daisuke shrugged. "I hope you don't expect me to wear it," he said firmly, balking at the idea.
Satoshi shook his head. "If you don't want to, you don't have to."
Dark smiled sadly as he watched the teens, his mind on the painting he had seen. The painted irises had had so much life in them, so much detail. It made his heart soar when he thought of the attention the bluenette had paid to them.
After a while of them doing schoolwork, the doll started crying.
Daisuke huffed in annoyance. "Can you get that thing to shut up? Please?" He asked, rubbing his eyes.
Dark shot a glare to his tamer. "It literally just started. At least give him a minute before you get on his case." He hoped he'd be able to get the redhead to calm down a little.
Satoshi paid them no heed as he took the wrap and his tee shirt off. He smiled as he unclasped the tank top and pulled the flap down, exposing the sensor. He brought the doll up to his chest, relaxing as the doll ceased crying and started suckling.
You see, the tank tops he bought were nursing tank tops. They had a built-in bra for breasts, but for Satoshi it served as a flap to keep the sensor covered from the doll. It would also make it less awkward for him to 'feed' the doll.
Dark laid his head back down and looked at the teen, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched the bluenette care for the doll.
Daisuke sighed in frustration. "Why do we even have so much homework over the break? Much less with this stupid project?" He grumbled, pushing his textbook away.
Satoshi raised an eyebrow at the redhead. "You know that this is still less than if we had school these two weeks, right?" He had calculated this previously, mostly for work reasons. Though, he would admit the doll threw the numbers off a little.
Daisuke glared at the suckling doll. "We basically do," he muttered.
Satoshi rolled his eyes but chose not to argue. "I'm getting tired." He leaned back a little bit to stretch his aching back, groaning softly as a soft crack was heard.
Daisuke sighed heavily and nodded. "Yeah, me, too. You can sleep in my bed with me if you want. It's basically an extended sleep over." He stood up and went to his closet to get some clothes for bed.
Satoshi nodded. "Thank you." He set the now 'full' doll on the bed next to Dark and went to his bag. He grabbed one of the pill bottles, his oral hygiene stuff, and his brush.
Dark huffed. "What about meeee?" He whined.
Daisuke looked at him with a confused expression. "You...have your own room. You sleep there every night?" His brow furrowed with his confusion.
Dark sighed and hopped off the bed. "Fine," he muttered dejectedly. He was mostly teasing. Almost teasing.
Satoshi rolled his eyes at the thief. "Are you okay with the doll while I go brush my teeth? I'll change him before I do." He looked to the redhead.
Daisuke waved him off with a hand.
Satoshi smiled and quickly changed the doll's diaper before he left the room, planning to finish getting ready.
Dark smiled and bounced after the teen, figuring he could get his own teeth brushed, too.
Satoshi raised an eyebrow as Dark followed him into the bathroom. "Yes?" He asked, not having expected company.
Dark shrugged. "I gotta do mine, too," he said in an obvious tone.
Satoshi swallowed softly. "I... okay. I can wait." He turned away, hoping the thief hadn't seen his pill bottle.
Dark cocked his head to one side as he grabbed the pale wrist. "WE can do it together. I don't take up the whole sink." He gently tugged the bluenette back to the counter.
Satoshi sighed softly. "Okay, just...I..." He looked away, blushing.
Dark's brow furrowed as he let go. "We'll be together for two weeks, whatever it is you're trying to hide, I'll find out," he said plainly, opening a drawer to get his toothbrush and toothpaste out.
Satoshi nodded softly, acknowledging that the thief was right. He set his stuff down with a sigh.
Dark looked at Satoshi's pile and raised an eyebrow. "What's that?" He asked, pointing to the bright orange bottle.
Satoshi blushed brightly. "It's...I'm not...I have to take these twice a day. It's easier to remember to take them when I brush my teeth," he said quietly.
Dark wet his toothbrush and put some toothpaste on it. "What's it for?" He asked before putting it in his mouth and starting to brush.
Satoshi looked away. "It's...to help stimulate blood production. For my low blood pressure," he said softly, taking one out and setting it by the sink. He wet his own toothbrush and put paste on it. He started brushing his teeth.
Dark shrugged and dropped the topic, figuring that the teen was probably done explaining to him.
They brushed their teeth in silence, neither wanting to spray toothpaste over the counter.
After flossing and mouthwash, Satoshi swallowed his pill and grabbed his hairbrush. He turned, leaning back against the sink counter. "Do you think...I mean, is it okay if I shower? I think… I think I feel up to it." He hummed softly as he ran the bristles through his hair, the feeling comforting.
Dark nodded. "Yeah, I'll let Dai know, he can watch the doll for a while." He grabbed his own hairbrush and started to brush his long hair. "Towels are in that cabinet there, no one will barge in." He pointed to the cabinet with his brush, shrugging.
Satoshi smiled, a soft blush on his cheeks as a thought crossed his mind of not minding if the phantom did, in fact, barge in. "Thank you. I need to go get my shower stuff, so I can double check with Daisuke if he's good with it."
Dark frowned. "No, I'll grab the stuff for you. Dai doesn't seem to like the doll, so you'll get a little more time if I do it." He turned the shower on for the bluenette to emphasize his point.
Satoshi looked up at the Kaitou. "Thank you," he said sincerely. He waited until the other left before getting undressed and hopping in.
Dark quickly went to grab Satoshi's stuff from Daisuke's room. "He's taking a quick shower, so we're gonna watch the doll for a few minutes," he said matter of factly.
Daisuke looked at Dark. "As long as you watch him, sure." He shrugged before turning back to his sketchbook. He was laying on his stomach on the bed, propped up on his pillow so he could doodle comfortably.
Dark sighed softly. 'You're really not going to be of much help here, are you?' He thought, feeling bad for the bluenette. He took the teen's stuff to the bathroom. He knocked. "It's just me," he called out.
"Come in," Satoshi called out. When he heard the door open and close, he peaked his head out. "Thank you." He held out his hand for his items.
Dark handed the conditioner to the bluenette.
Satoshi laughed softly and took it, setting it on a small empty shelf in the shower. He peaked back out for the other two bottles.
Dark grinned and only handed over the body wash.
Satoshi shook his head in amusement, setting it next to the conditioner. He peaked back out for the last bottle.
Dark's smile turned mischievous as he held the shampoo hostage. "I'll trade it for a kiss," he said teasingly.
Satoshi smirked back at the man. "Just a peck or full french?" He asked in amusement.
Dark raised an eyebrow. "Depends, do you want a dollop or the bottle?"
Satoshi couldn't help himself anymore. He started laughing heartily.
Dark, too, started laughing. He handed the bottle over. "I gotta get back to Daisuke," he said, leaving the room quickly to hide his excitement. He felt a giddy joy from his interaction with the bluenette.
Less than ten minutes later, there was a knock on the bathroom door.
"Come in," Satoshi called, figuring it was a bored Dark back to tease him. As the door cracked, he heard crying.
"Satoshi! I need your help," Daisuke said, his tone frustrated.
Satoshi sighed softly. "Burp him, he'll quiet down," he said tonelessly. He was hiding his own annoyance at being completely soaped up and bothered.
Daisuke sighed irritably. "Can you do it?" He whined.
Satoshi peaked his soapy head out. He was going to tell the redhead to just do it, that it was part of his grade, his responsibility to do. But Daisuke looked very upset and angry, too angry. He sighed softly and ducked back into the shower.
"I need a minute to rinse and dry off and then I can," he replied, deciding to just quicken his shower. He quickly rinsed and turned off the water. "Can I have a towel?" He asked, sticking his hand out for one. He felt soft cloth touch his skin and pulled it in.
He raised an eyebrow at finding himself holding a robe. With a shrug, he put it on, securing it around his waist with its belt.
He opened the curtain and held out his arms. "I can take him now."
Daisuke handed the doll over. "Thank you," he said before quickly walking out.
Satoshi shook his head and laid the doll on his shoulder, gently patting its back. Once it burped, it quieted. He could swear he heard babbling from the doll, but he knew it was in his head.
Dark raised an eyebrow as Daisuke returned empty-handed. "Where's the baby?" He asked suspiciously.
Daisuke shrugged. "It is a doll, not a baby. And Satoshi's got it." He emphasized the 'it' both times in annoyance as he plopped down in his place on the bed.
Dark rolled his eyes. "You said you were going to ask him what to do. You specifically told me that you weren't going to hand him off," he said tensely, annoyed that his tamer seemed to already be passing off all of his 'parenting' duties. He emphasized the 'him' to try to personify the doll. He understood that the doll was just a doll, not a real baby, but he could fantasize.
Daisuke sighed at his angel. "He took the doll willingly," he argued.
Dark raised an eyebrow. "Do you plan to do any of your assigned parental duties?"
Daisuke looked at Dark quizzically. "You're being ridiculous, Dark. If he had a problem with how much I'm participating, he'd tell me," he replied, pushing Dark's side playfully.
Dark wasn't in the mood for Daisuke's antics. "I'm gonna go see if he needs help." He got up and made to the bathroom quickly. He didn't bother to knock; the door being slightly cracked anyway.
Satoshi didn't notice the door being pushed open. He was too enamored with the doll. He gently stroked the dark hair, noting that it wasn't black like he had thought, but a dark dark purple. So dark it was almost black.
Dark leaned against the doorway and watched the bluenette. He felt his heart flutter at the sight. A warm wave of pleasure washed over him. A feeling he had felt once before, but not so quick, not so intense. And the last person he had felt this way over was Rika. And he had told her he loved her at a few points over their brief time together.
That scared him. He gasped silently, having to force himself to breathe as the fear crept up his throat.
Satoshi was softly talking to doll. He was murmuring gently, nonsense words almost, his sentences not really going together.
Dark hummed softly, unable to control himself from making his presence known.
Satoshi looked up at Dark and blushed. "We're supposed to replicate parenting a baby. I'd...I'd do this, talk to him." He looked away as tears formed in his eyes, thinking about how he'd never get a chance to do this after the project.
Dark nodded. "I would, too. Here, I'll hold him. So you can get dressed." He held out his arms, hoping the teen would accept his help.
Satoshi smiled gratefully and carefully handed the doll over. "Thank you." He quickly wiped the evidence of tears from his eyes, hoping the phantom hadn't seen them, or at least, wouldn't mention them.
Dark smiled widely, pretending to have not seen Satoshi's motion. He started softly bouncing on the balls of his feet, producing a gentle motion to keep the doll soothed.
Satoshi gulped softly as he watched Dark. "You're good at this," he said softly. He buried the feeling that arose. The feeling that made his heart pound loudly in his ears, the feeling that made his face flush and his head feel dizzy.
He was dizzy.
Oh, that wasn't Dark.
Satoshi sat down on the edge of the tub with a thunk, his vision blurred and unable to focus. His world was spinning. "I'm gonna be sick," he mumbled, trying to reach for the toilet.
Dark immediately reached down with one hand, easily balancing the doll in the other. He put his hand on Satoshi's back and helped him get to the porcelain.
Satoshi gripped the side of the bowl and retched into it. He let himself empty his stomach, knowing it was no use to try holding it down. When he was done, he leaned back. "Thank you, I wouldn't've made it if you hadn't helped," he said weakly.
Dark held out his hand. "Need help up?" Happiness spread across his chest, banishing the worry, as Satoshi took his hand and helped him stand up.
Satoshi reached over and flushed the toilet before turning to the sink. He grabbed his toothbrush and toothpaste, brushing his teeth again to get rid of the taste of bile.
Dark smiled sadly. "Are you okay?"
Satoshi spit and rinsed his mouth. "Yeah, just need to take another pill," he mumbled, reaching for the orange bottle.
Dark sighed softly. "You know, I've always wanted one of these off and on over the years," he shared reflectively, getting the conversation away from the teen's condition. He knew it probably wasn't something to share, that it was a secret he'd never shared before, even to his tamers. But he felt at ease with the teen, like he could bare his soul to the bluenette and not be judged.
Satoshi looked down and blushed softly. He decided it would be better to take his pill than answer. It wasn't something that one could really comment on as far as he knew.
Dark cleared his throat, ridding himself of the lump that rose. He was grateful that the teen had stayed quiet.
Satoshi then realized he was just in the robe still. He took a shaky breath and bent down, picking up his still clean clothes. He quickly got dressed, but chose to leave the tee shirt off, figuring it would be too hard to deal with it during the night. He had no doubt he'd have to wake up and feed the doll. Besides, he didn't want to accidentally tear the worn fabric.
Dark looked Satoshi over and laughed softly.
The nursing tank top was quite fitting, though not stretched over his skin. The darker gray of the top against pale skin was almost intoxifying to the Phantom.
Satoshi looked up at Dark, concerned when he saw distant eyes that were darkened, intense. "What is it?" He looked down to make sure there wasn't a stain or wet spot on it.
Dark shook his head. "It suits you beautifully," he said with a small laugh.
Satoshi blushed deeply as he picked up his shirt and wrap, setting them on the bathroom counter.
The doll started fussing.
Satoshi smiled and unclasped one side of the tank top before holding his arms out to Dark.
Dark carefully handed the doll back.
Satoshi smiled gratefully up at the thief as he brought the doll up to his chest. "Thank you," he said quietly.
The doll's fussing ceased and turned to suckling.
Dark winked at the teen. "I'll give you some privacy," he said with a laugh, turning from the teen and waving back as he walked out, still chuckling.
Satoshi rolled his eyes and followed the Phantom Thief, still feeding the doll.
Daisuke sighed heavily as his angel and best friend entered the room, still on his bed sketching.
Satoshi smiled timidly at the redhead and sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for the doll to finish before going on to do something else.
Dark sat in Daisuke's desk chair, reclining back as far as the chair would let him.
Daisuke looked at the bluenette. "How ridiculous do you feel doing that?" He asked genuinely, watching in confused revolt as the doll fed.
Satoshi shook his head at the redhead. "It's an important grade in the class, takes up about a quarter of our final grade this semester if I read right," he said with a shrug. He didn't expect the redhead to understand the attachment he felt to the doll.
Daisuke huffed and rolled his eyes, going back to sketching.
Satoshi let the topic go, knowing that there was no use in continuing the conversation.
The doll soon finished, and Satoshi re-clasped the tank top. He laid down next to Daisuke, placing the doll between them.
On muscle memory, the bluenette reached for his nightstand. Not feeling it, he turned to look before remembering he wasn't in his own bed. "Daisuke?" He waited for a grunt of acknowledgment. "Do you have any books that I could read?"
Daisuke kept his gaze on his sketchbook. "There's a bookcase downstairs in the living room full of books. Go pick one," he said flippantly, not looking up.
Satoshi raised an eyebrow. "Is it really okay?" He asked hopefully.
Daisuke nodded.
Satoshi got up and stretched with a groan. "Any I'm not supposed to touch?"
Dark shook his head. "Not there, no."
He'd come to regret saying that.
Satoshi smiled and headed downstairs to get a book.
Dark watched as Daisuke glared at the doll. A pang of anger settled in his chest. Almost protectively, he went to the bed and sat on the edge, looking down at the wide-open eyes of the doll. They reminded him of the ones on the painting he had seen.
Daisuke sighed and turned back to his sketching. "Whatcha thinking about, Dark?" He asked nonchalantly.
Dark sighed softly. "I saw a painting. It was...oh, Daisuke, it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen." He hummed softly as he reflected on it once more.
Dai put down his pencil and looked over to Dark. "Oh?" His tone was soft, inquisitive.
Dark nodded and looked to the redhead, an expression of longing on his face. "I want it, Daisuke. I want it so badly that just thinking about it hurts."
Daisuke shrugged. "Then tell Mom to send out a warning," he said simply, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Dark immediately dismissed the idea, it left a burning rot taste in his mouth to even entertain what his tamer suggested. He shook his head. "It's not like that."
Daisuke raised an eyebrow. "What is it like, then?" He turned over to look at the phantom, his interest peaked.
Dark smiled sadly. "I can't take it from its owner. Besides, it's not dangerous." He shrugged his shoulders, hoping to come off as nonchalant about it.
It must have worked.
Daisuke looked back to his drawing, sighing as he turned the page to start again. "What is it about?"
Dark shook his head again. "It doesn't matter too much. It was vandalized anyway." He sighed sadly and grabbed a few extra pillows from the upper loft of the bed and set them at the head of it, arranging them so he could recline back against them and still be half-sitting.
Daisuke looked at Dark. "Oh." He moved over a bit to give his angel more room to get comfortable.
Dark sighed heavily and laid back against the pillows. "What're you drawing?" He asked, changing the subject.
Daisuke shrugged. "I'm just practicing eyes. I can't seem to do them right." He sighed in frustration at his inability, turning the page to start again.
Dark glanced sideways at Daisuke's sketchbook, catching a glimpse of the failed attempt. He kept his mouth shut. 'Satoshi is much better at them than Dai,' he thought to himself. He hated that he compared the two teen's abilities, but he couldn't help it after seeing those perfect eyes so full of emotion on canvas.
Satoshi came back in the room, raising an eyebrow at Dark being in his spot. He took a shaky breath, the smallest thought of wanting to be in Daisuke's spot crossing his mind. He shook his head.
Krad let a flutter of anger rush against Satoshi. "I felt that. You wish you were Niwa," he accused.
Satoshi closed his eyes for a moment, concentrating on the blond. "No, that's not what it was," he murmured in his mind.
Krad huffed. "Uh huh. You want Daisuke's spot," he pointed out.
Satoshi opened his eyes as he rolled them. "On the bed, you doorknob," he retorted in their mind. He felt Krad huff again, but the blond didn't answer.
Dark looked over as Satoshi came in. He smiled and half-sat up, supporting his weight on his elbows. "Hey, you," he said happily.
Satoshi shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. "I can sleep on the floor if its preferable for you," he offered.
Dark scoffed playfully. "Hell no. I can't sleep next to anyone, it's creepy," he said lightly, amusement clear on his face.
Daisuke let out a faint, disbelieving, "Uh huh."
Satoshi nodded thoughtfully and walked up to the bed. He sat on the floor and leaned back against the base board near to the head of the bed. He let his legs splay out while opening his book.
Dark looked over at the bluenette. "What'd you pick out?" He asked, resting his hand on one of Satoshi's thin shoulders.
Satoshi half-closed the book and held it up to show the cover. "Darkest Ice," he replied with a smile. He knew he loved the book, having had a copy of it before. The original one. This one. He loved the story line, the plot, the gore, the happily ever after.
Dark's breath hitched momentarily.
Daisuke rolled his eyes. "Why'd you choose that book? It's crap," he said, keeping his eyes on his sketching.
Satoshi's smile softened. "I like it," he answered, putting it back in his lap.
Dark found his ability to breathe. "Why?" He asked softly.
Satoshi shrugged in response.
Krad rolled his eyes at his tamer. "It's because it's a gruesome story where the survivor is traumatized. And heals. And ends up with a happy ending with a house full of kids. It's what you hope for," he ground out.
Satoshi growled. "Shut. Up. You. Jerk." He said out loud, holding his head in his hands, the book falling to the floor. He didn't want to hear the truth about it. Didn't want to hear that he hoped for something impossible.
Dark and Daisuke looked to Satoshi with shocked expressions. Worry was also evident on Dark's.
"Krad is..." Dark left his question open ended, hoping the bluenette would fill in the blanks.
Satoshi shook his head. "He isn't being threatening. Just...saying things that I don't want to hear right now," he answered, resting his head against the bit of mattress he could reach.
Daisuke still looked nervous.
Satoshi smiled. "He's not coming out until this bracelet is off. He'd lose a hand after a short amount of time if he tried it," he explained in short.
Dark smirked knowing he'd have two weeks with the bluenette without the blond getting in the way.
Daisuke set his pencil down and turned to the bluenette. "Why is Krad still in you? I thought he always wanted his own body."
Satoshi smiled softly. "Ask him next time you see him. I'm sure he'd enjoy the talk," he said sincerely.
Dark started laughing.
Daisuke growled at both of them. "You don't know, do you?" He asked in an accusing tone, feeling left out.
Satoshi glared momentarily but relaxed quickly. "It's just not my story to tell. Not mine to share. Please, just let it rest," he almost begged. He hated when his angel would get mad for him accidentally sharing things.
Krad's smile beamed in Satoshi's mind.
The doll started crying.
Dark groaned softly and stood up. "I'm going to bed," he said, stretching slowly.
Satoshi took a moment to savor watching tanned flesh before quickly hopping up into the spot freshly vacated by the Kaitou. He smiled and pulled the fussing doll up onto his chest in an effort to soothe, instantly quieting it.
Daisuke sighed in relief. "Thank you," he said tensely, hating the sound the doll made when upset.
Satoshi raised an eyebrow. "You could have picked him up and he'd have quieted."
Dark bit his lip as Satoshi laid the doll on his chest, watching it rise and fall on the small frame. He took a deep breath to steady himself. "Do either of you need anything before I leave?" He hoped he was keeping his reaction to himself.
Satoshi smiled up at the thief. "Would you please hand me my book? And the cloth bag, if you don't mind?" He shifted nervously, hoping he wasn't causing too much trouble for the man.
Dark smiled back, nodded, and quickly grabbed the cloth bag. He came back and set it on the bed next to the blue hair. He then bent down to pick the book up. "Want me to take a couple of the pillows back? So you can lay flat?" He smirked down at the teen, half-kidding, half-hoping to get one last chance to touch the boy tonight.
Satoshi nodded and leaned forward. "Yes, please." He enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the Kaitou, he wouldn't have thought of the pillows until about three in the morning, probably.
Dark grabbed the extra ones and tugged them out, leaving them on the floor, half under the bed. He then handed the book over.
Satoshi gently grabbed the book, letting his fingers hover on Dark's own for a moment. Sparks lit up in his chest at their gentle touch, causing him to blush slightly. He slowly pulled the book from Dark's hand, missing the feeling of the warm fingers instantly.
Daisuke sighed softly. "When are you getting up, Dark?" He asked before the thief left.
Dark shrugged.
Daisuke groaned and laid back, focusing on his drawing again. He was mildly annoyed, but not too much. The angel never really woke up on a specific time schedule.
"Good night," Satoshi said softly, giving a small wave to the other.
Dark smiled brightly, his heart racing at those two simple, but thoughtful words. "Good night."
Daisuke waved his hand nonchalantly. "Night," he said though it was a bit of an afterthought.
Dark didn't let it dampen his spirits. He bounced out of the room, heading to his own.
Satoshi watched as Dark left with a smile on his face. There was a small pang of longing as the Kaitou left, but he didn't dwell on it, deciding to focus on the wild and wonderful ride the last six or seven hours gave him.
He picked his book up and started reading, glancing at the door every now and then with a wide smile on his face. He enjoyed hearing the gentle scratching of Daisuke's sketching, it soothed him. He tried not to think of how easily he accepted something other than the deafening silence of being by himself in his apartment.
He easily held the doll against his chest with one hand, his book in the other.
Sometime soon, both boys fell asleep. Daisuke on his stomach with his sketchbook and pencil under his face. Satoshi's book ended up on the floor again, losing his place.
The boys didn't get to sleep long, the doll started crying.
Satoshi groaned as he tried to wake up. He half sat up, his mind spinning. He needed a few minutes to let his mind catch up. It was one of the more annoying symptoms of his low blood pressure.
Daisuke woke up groggily and cracked one eye to look at the bluenette. "Shut it up," he groaned, annoyed with being woken up.
Satoshi nodded slowly and tried to force his brain to catch up quickly, but it was hard. He tried to take care of the doll anyway. He grabbed the cloth bag and dug out a diaper and wipe. He tried to take the old diaper off, but his fingers weren't quite ready to work. He clumsily made it happen.
The doll quieted for a moment, content.
Then it started shrieking.
Satoshi's eyes fluttered, causing him to sway a bit.
Daisuke groaned and grabbed his sketchbook, throwing it in frustration.
It hit Satoshi's head, causing him to tumble off the bed.
Daisuke sighed and picked the doll up. It quieted instantly. He smiled and set it back on the bed, only for it to resume it's screaming. He picked it up again, quieting it. He repeated the process of trying to set the doll down, to no avail.
Satoshi's mind was still spinning. He was trying desperately to get his bearings. Trying to ignore the pain pounding in his head.
Daisuke handed the doll down to the bluenette. "You take it," he mumbled, laying back down and going to sleep.
Satoshi took the doll in his arms and laid back on the bundle of pillows, too hurt and dizzy to get up. He was, however, grateful the Phantom hadn't put them back up. After a moment, he fell back asleep with doll on his chest.
There was only a short time before the doll cried again, waking Satoshi. He dazedly sat up, ignoring Daisuke groaning at him to quiet the doll. He started the process of getting the sensor exposed, feeding the doll, closing his shirt, and falling back asleep.
It happened a few more times in the night, each harder than that last for the bluenette to get two brain cells together in order to do it.
Sometime in the night, Dark woke up and snuck to his tamer's room. He only meant to watch them for a minute, but he found himself enthralled by the bluenette. He leaned against the doorway, just in case he'd need a quick getaway. He stayed until the doll woke up crying, slipping away so he wouldn't get caught.
Satoshi slowly got to changing the doll's diaper. He was insanely glad it wasn't an actual dirty diaper; he didn't think he'd be able to get the doll properly clean not being fully awake.
He fell back asleep, knowing he'd be up in about an hour for another feeding.