-_-_-_-
Daisuke drummed his fingers on his desk impatiently, staring at the clock as it ticked away the seconds until his freedom.
He needed to get home, Takeru hadn't been in school yesterday and he hoped that nothing had happened. As far as he
knew Yamato and Takeru were just staying home, and Daisuke knew that Yamato would never do anything to Takeru and
Mr. Ishida seemed like a nice guy. Once Ken had met Takeru's father and had later told Daisuke that he couldn't be
trusted. Said something about his eyes. The gogglehead had brushed it off. He just couldn't explain this feeling in the pit
of his stomach. Something was coming, something bad, it was the same feeling that he got when progress reports came
out, but amplified. He had felt physically ill at one point but he had no clue why. The only thing that Daisuke knew was that
when he thought of Takeru his mindy and body came chaotic, his emotions were so strong.
Finally the bell rang, signaling the end of school for that day. Daisuke shot out of his chair only to run into the back of the
rising person who sat in front of him and collapse in a heap on the floor. Daisuke thought, 'Figures.' before apoligizing and
running the rest of the way out of the classroom. He grabbed a few books out of his locker and sprinted to the Ishidas. He
knew Hikari would be angry at him for not saying hello or goodbye but he didn't care at the moment. He could get over a
little fight with Hikari but something told him that this was something he wouldn't be able to get over so easily. The front of
the Ishidas door thudded as Daisuke collapsed upon it, sweaty and out of breath. While Daisuke caught his breath he
thought smugly, 'I'd like to see Takeru run a mile in under five minutes three seconds!' Getting up, he rang the doorbell
over and over until he heard sounds of movement from inside. He stood back and grinned at Yamato who was bleary
eyed and yawning.
-_-_-_-
Takeru had walked for a long time in the mostly deserted streets and he was tired. He hadn't slept at all last night which
added to his exhaustion. His normally bright eyes were dark with emotion, he was worried, sad, and angry all at the same
time. He was about to turn a corner when he noticed someone out of the corner of his eye. It was the same person who
had been behind him for the past ten minutes. He never got a good look at her as she kept her distance and cleverly
used the closest objects to remain concealed but it still bothered him. He looked around for the first time in hours and
noticed where his feet had taken him; the beach.
-_-_-_-
Yamato ushered Daisuke in, blinking owlishly at him, the gogglehead gave him an odd look. Yamato was still wearing his
pajamas: plaid pants and one of his old band's t shirt. Yamato muttered, "What're you doing here?" Daisuke said, "I was
just looking for Takeru, seen him?" Yamato looked even more confused, "He wasn't at school?" "Was he supposed to
be?" Yamato knit his eyebrows in concentration, "Well, when I woke up before he was gone and I had assumed that he
went to school." Daisuke thought over the new information before asking, "What time did you wake up?" Yamato in turn
took his time before replying, "I think it was around seven or so." Yamato was getting more and more edgy as he
wondered where Takeru was. He hadn't been at school or home as far as he knew, and he had no real idea of where to
look for him. Takeru was missing!
-_-_-_-
A lone figure lay on the cold sand of the beach playing with the sand in between his fingers. The dreary coastline was
quite deserted as it was winter and Takeru had taken advantage of it. The tide had long ago soaked the back of his clothes
but he didn't care. He was so deep in thought that he didn't notice the person who lay down next to him until she cleared
her throat. Takeru looked up suddenly, and was shocked to see Maro lying on her side watching him intently,
unidentifiable emotions glittering in her hard chocolate eyes. He sat up and his hackles rose as he said, "What are you
doing here? Shouldn't you be in school? And why did you follow me?" Maro didn't say anything and continued watching
him. The minutes stretched into an eternity between them and Takeru's emotions were now overloaded, all his pent up
sorrow and hurt came out as he lashed out at her. "WHY DON'T YOU ANSWER ME? WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH
YOU? I DON'T GET YOU! LEAVE ME ALONE!" Takeru was now sitting up, his head buried in his hands, which were resting
on his knees. Maro waited several minutes before replying, "I like you Takeru. You interest me. You're not just some
empty headed person like everyone else." Takeru who was trying not to cry made no sign that he had heard, although the
news shocked him.
-_-_-_-
Daisuke and Yamato were at their wits end it was almost six now and they had spent the past five hours calling people and
walking around on the streets in search of Takeru. They walked into the empty apartment and plopped down on the
couch, the only thing that they could do now was to sit and wait. Suddenly the door opened, and the two sprung up from
their seats to see who it was.
-_-_-_-
"I know about your father Takeru. I know what he does." Takeru had not been expecting this, he sat up and stared at Maro,
shaking. His mouth opened and shut once before his features formed into a more calm look, "So you know that he
works at the television station, so what?" Maro's mouth twitched before she continued, "I meant I know what he does to
you." To prove her point she prodded his rib cage which was still bruised from the previous day's encounter with his
father. Takeru unwillingly groaned, and then his mask was replaced with genuine anger, "It's none of your damn business,
Maro. You can't go around thinking that you can hold it over my head because I won't let you." Maro mentally smirked,
everything was going the way she wanted. She nodded sympathetically, "I'm not trying to hold this over your head." She
unrolled her shirt sleeve and pointed to an inky black bruise on her upper arm. "I know what you're going through. Its not
your fault."
-_-_-_-
Yamato and Daisuke were looking at Takeru, who had a bland expression on his face. His eyes were bloodshot and he
clothes were damp. Not to mention sandy. Yamato's previous look of worry contorted into anger, "Just where the hell have
you been? We were worried about you!" Daisuke joined in, "Yeah, we searched the whole damn city for you!" Takeru
avoided their eyes, "I went for a walk." he said with a shrug. Takeru made his way to his room, ignoring them entirely.
-_-_-_-
Takeru tried to say something but nothing went past his lips. The color had drained out of his face he sat there like a fish
out of water his mouth opening and closing. Maro was at this time sitting up, counting off the seconds until she would say,
"Believe me Takeru, its not your fault." She repeated this once more and Takeru was desperately trying to work against his
tears. His face was creased in frustration and finally he started sobbing mournfully. Maro wound her arms around him and
let him cry on her. Takeru only listened to the comforting noises she cooed into his ear, and never saw the cold, heartless
smile she wore.
-_-_-_-
Yamato's eyes betrayed his hurt and surprise at Takeru's nonchalance, and he stopped his little brother's retreat to his
room. "Look, I'm sorry I didn't mean for it to come out like that. Its just we worried about you, you know?" Takeru gazed
evenly at his brother and Yamato noticed for the first time that Takeru was taller than him. Yamato brought his hands up
suddenly for a hug but stopped at seeing Takeru flinch. The brothers stood frozen, both minds were fearful only
Yamato's also was hurt that his brother would fear him. Takeru turned and sprinted to his room where the loud slamming of
his door and the quiet click of his lock were the only sounds that Yamato could hear.
-_-_-_-
They talked for a very long time. Maro was telling Takeru how little she thought about his friends and family, "If they are so
'close' to you, wouldn't they have noticed that your father is abusive? Your friends Hikari and Daisuke sound like idiots,
especially if they can't see that something is wrong with you." Takeru replied, "They do care about me Maro. Yamato
doesn't know because he's away at college and my friends don't notice because I'm a good actor." Maro raised a perfect
eyebrow delicately, "Takeru, I've seen you act and you can't lie for your life. Maybe your friends already know and maybe
they really don't care." "NO!" Takeru cried, "No, its not true. I don't believe you. You're wrong Maro." Takeru stood up,
Maro with him. She looked pleadingly, "Maybe you're right but I don't think you are and I just want you to know that I care."
Takeru walked away. Maro walked in the opposite direction, satisfied with the seed of doubt she had planted in him,
knowing her work would be done shortly, especially when Takeru was this emotional.
-_-_-_-
Daisuke walked over to Yamato and said quietly, "What was that all about?" Yamato just shook his head without bothering
to reply, his eyes trained on the door where the mournful guitar music was coming from.
-_-_-_-
I'm so mean!
-arynnl
Daisuke drummed his fingers on his desk impatiently, staring at the clock as it ticked away the seconds until his freedom.
He needed to get home, Takeru hadn't been in school yesterday and he hoped that nothing had happened. As far as he
knew Yamato and Takeru were just staying home, and Daisuke knew that Yamato would never do anything to Takeru and
Mr. Ishida seemed like a nice guy. Once Ken had met Takeru's father and had later told Daisuke that he couldn't be
trusted. Said something about his eyes. The gogglehead had brushed it off. He just couldn't explain this feeling in the pit
of his stomach. Something was coming, something bad, it was the same feeling that he got when progress reports came
out, but amplified. He had felt physically ill at one point but he had no clue why. The only thing that Daisuke knew was that
when he thought of Takeru his mindy and body came chaotic, his emotions were so strong.
Finally the bell rang, signaling the end of school for that day. Daisuke shot out of his chair only to run into the back of the
rising person who sat in front of him and collapse in a heap on the floor. Daisuke thought, 'Figures.' before apoligizing and
running the rest of the way out of the classroom. He grabbed a few books out of his locker and sprinted to the Ishidas. He
knew Hikari would be angry at him for not saying hello or goodbye but he didn't care at the moment. He could get over a
little fight with Hikari but something told him that this was something he wouldn't be able to get over so easily. The front of
the Ishidas door thudded as Daisuke collapsed upon it, sweaty and out of breath. While Daisuke caught his breath he
thought smugly, 'I'd like to see Takeru run a mile in under five minutes three seconds!' Getting up, he rang the doorbell
over and over until he heard sounds of movement from inside. He stood back and grinned at Yamato who was bleary
eyed and yawning.
-_-_-_-
Takeru had walked for a long time in the mostly deserted streets and he was tired. He hadn't slept at all last night which
added to his exhaustion. His normally bright eyes were dark with emotion, he was worried, sad, and angry all at the same
time. He was about to turn a corner when he noticed someone out of the corner of his eye. It was the same person who
had been behind him for the past ten minutes. He never got a good look at her as she kept her distance and cleverly
used the closest objects to remain concealed but it still bothered him. He looked around for the first time in hours and
noticed where his feet had taken him; the beach.
-_-_-_-
Yamato ushered Daisuke in, blinking owlishly at him, the gogglehead gave him an odd look. Yamato was still wearing his
pajamas: plaid pants and one of his old band's t shirt. Yamato muttered, "What're you doing here?" Daisuke said, "I was
just looking for Takeru, seen him?" Yamato looked even more confused, "He wasn't at school?" "Was he supposed to
be?" Yamato knit his eyebrows in concentration, "Well, when I woke up before he was gone and I had assumed that he
went to school." Daisuke thought over the new information before asking, "What time did you wake up?" Yamato in turn
took his time before replying, "I think it was around seven or so." Yamato was getting more and more edgy as he
wondered where Takeru was. He hadn't been at school or home as far as he knew, and he had no real idea of where to
look for him. Takeru was missing!
-_-_-_-
A lone figure lay on the cold sand of the beach playing with the sand in between his fingers. The dreary coastline was
quite deserted as it was winter and Takeru had taken advantage of it. The tide had long ago soaked the back of his clothes
but he didn't care. He was so deep in thought that he didn't notice the person who lay down next to him until she cleared
her throat. Takeru looked up suddenly, and was shocked to see Maro lying on her side watching him intently,
unidentifiable emotions glittering in her hard chocolate eyes. He sat up and his hackles rose as he said, "What are you
doing here? Shouldn't you be in school? And why did you follow me?" Maro didn't say anything and continued watching
him. The minutes stretched into an eternity between them and Takeru's emotions were now overloaded, all his pent up
sorrow and hurt came out as he lashed out at her. "WHY DON'T YOU ANSWER ME? WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH
YOU? I DON'T GET YOU! LEAVE ME ALONE!" Takeru was now sitting up, his head buried in his hands, which were resting
on his knees. Maro waited several minutes before replying, "I like you Takeru. You interest me. You're not just some
empty headed person like everyone else." Takeru who was trying not to cry made no sign that he had heard, although the
news shocked him.
-_-_-_-
Daisuke and Yamato were at their wits end it was almost six now and they had spent the past five hours calling people and
walking around on the streets in search of Takeru. They walked into the empty apartment and plopped down on the
couch, the only thing that they could do now was to sit and wait. Suddenly the door opened, and the two sprung up from
their seats to see who it was.
-_-_-_-
"I know about your father Takeru. I know what he does." Takeru had not been expecting this, he sat up and stared at Maro,
shaking. His mouth opened and shut once before his features formed into a more calm look, "So you know that he
works at the television station, so what?" Maro's mouth twitched before she continued, "I meant I know what he does to
you." To prove her point she prodded his rib cage which was still bruised from the previous day's encounter with his
father. Takeru unwillingly groaned, and then his mask was replaced with genuine anger, "It's none of your damn business,
Maro. You can't go around thinking that you can hold it over my head because I won't let you." Maro mentally smirked,
everything was going the way she wanted. She nodded sympathetically, "I'm not trying to hold this over your head." She
unrolled her shirt sleeve and pointed to an inky black bruise on her upper arm. "I know what you're going through. Its not
your fault."
-_-_-_-
Yamato and Daisuke were looking at Takeru, who had a bland expression on his face. His eyes were bloodshot and he
clothes were damp. Not to mention sandy. Yamato's previous look of worry contorted into anger, "Just where the hell have
you been? We were worried about you!" Daisuke joined in, "Yeah, we searched the whole damn city for you!" Takeru
avoided their eyes, "I went for a walk." he said with a shrug. Takeru made his way to his room, ignoring them entirely.
-_-_-_-
Takeru tried to say something but nothing went past his lips. The color had drained out of his face he sat there like a fish
out of water his mouth opening and closing. Maro was at this time sitting up, counting off the seconds until she would say,
"Believe me Takeru, its not your fault." She repeated this once more and Takeru was desperately trying to work against his
tears. His face was creased in frustration and finally he started sobbing mournfully. Maro wound her arms around him and
let him cry on her. Takeru only listened to the comforting noises she cooed into his ear, and never saw the cold, heartless
smile she wore.
-_-_-_-
Yamato's eyes betrayed his hurt and surprise at Takeru's nonchalance, and he stopped his little brother's retreat to his
room. "Look, I'm sorry I didn't mean for it to come out like that. Its just we worried about you, you know?" Takeru gazed
evenly at his brother and Yamato noticed for the first time that Takeru was taller than him. Yamato brought his hands up
suddenly for a hug but stopped at seeing Takeru flinch. The brothers stood frozen, both minds were fearful only
Yamato's also was hurt that his brother would fear him. Takeru turned and sprinted to his room where the loud slamming of
his door and the quiet click of his lock were the only sounds that Yamato could hear.
-_-_-_-
They talked for a very long time. Maro was telling Takeru how little she thought about his friends and family, "If they are so
'close' to you, wouldn't they have noticed that your father is abusive? Your friends Hikari and Daisuke sound like idiots,
especially if they can't see that something is wrong with you." Takeru replied, "They do care about me Maro. Yamato
doesn't know because he's away at college and my friends don't notice because I'm a good actor." Maro raised a perfect
eyebrow delicately, "Takeru, I've seen you act and you can't lie for your life. Maybe your friends already know and maybe
they really don't care." "NO!" Takeru cried, "No, its not true. I don't believe you. You're wrong Maro." Takeru stood up,
Maro with him. She looked pleadingly, "Maybe you're right but I don't think you are and I just want you to know that I care."
Takeru walked away. Maro walked in the opposite direction, satisfied with the seed of doubt she had planted in him,
knowing her work would be done shortly, especially when Takeru was this emotional.
-_-_-_-
Daisuke walked over to Yamato and said quietly, "What was that all about?" Yamato just shook his head without bothering
to reply, his eyes trained on the door where the mournful guitar music was coming from.
-_-_-_-
I'm so mean!
-arynnl