A/N: I'm sorry I haven't updated but school is wretched. In one of my classes we're assigned two page essays per week. They're really heaping the work on us and it's been difficult just taking care of that and things at home. Besides this chapter is an important one and I wanted to make it perfect. I'm sorry this is so late, and thank you for waiting and reviewing. And be sure to check out the quote, for quotes apply to everything, even stories.
Dragon hunter- I haven't gotten the third manga yet, I don't even know who Krad is, so I don't know what else to say...
Phantom Dark- Hello again friend, I hope class isn't boring you as badly as mine have. Thanks for the cards and I hope you like this new chapter.
Hitaru- lol, I'd ruin it if I answered your questions, but I updated for you!
Yipster54- trust me, if you're a dork, my brother and me are the ultimate dorks. We can't wait for the movie and he found out there's going to be like a spin off game of final fantasy VII! No joke! It's supposed to be about Vincent! I'm not sure, but I've thought about it, like once I get the new manga's I might do something else, it depends.
ToTalLy WeIrD Grl aka Redrose Moon- lol, I will tell you that Dark does play a bigger role in the rest of the story, but no hints.
Chocbo-master- has anyone else noticed the most of the people who review are into Final Fantasy? What kind of weird connection does DN Angel have to Final Fantasy? lol, tell me it's just not me, thanks for reviewing!
Sprixer- What is up with your email? I think you need to switch to a new server or something, every time I send you one I get that stupid mail demon return to sender thing. What's going on?
Family Guy- I obey all commands... well actually none but yeah here it is, lol.
CrimsonEyedAngel99- Love your name, and thanks for telling me anyway, it used to REALLY bother me, stupid I know. Sorry to keep you waiting for the update, school is hell.
May- I added some in here, and I agree it's supposed to be mainly Satoshi and Aeris and it will stay that way, because well... that's how the story is lol- lame excuse, I know but it's true.
Part X
"It matters if even a small thing is mistaken, for sometimes such a small oversight; confusions, or lack of understanding can lead to the breaking of people, and their hearts." –Anonymous
"Hold on Riku, I'll carry you,"
"Daisuke! No! I'm too heavy-"
Aeris watched with barely hidden amusement as Daisuke, blushing and fumbling, carried an injuried Riku up the gym stairs who was as red as a tomato.
While playing floor hockey, Riku had been checked by the crazed Takeshi, sending her crashing to the floor before he could grab her and stop the fall.
"I'LL GET YOU TAKESHI!" Riku yelled from Daisuke's arms, "I SWEAR-!"
Unable to stop herself, Aeris burst into a fit of giggles while Satoshi shook his head.
"IS IT MY FAULT YOU WEIGH LIKE FOUR POUNDS?! THE WIND COULDA KNOCKED YOU OVER!" Takeshi argued loudly.
"TAKESHI! DETENTION! NOW!" Mr. Osaka shouted after blowing his whistle.
"OH COME ON REF! IT'S A CONTACT SPORT!"
"I SAID NOW TAKESHI!"
Aeris's eyes pleaded with Satoshi. "Oh please Satoshi, I can't see!"
Satoshi crossed his arms. "And that's my fault how?"
"But if you don't help I won't be able to see what's going on in there!" Aeris protested, pointing to the Nurse's office where Riku and Daisuke had gone and shut the door after them.
"Fine, fine, get on." Satoshi rolled his eyes but kneeled and let her climb on his back and lift her into the air. "I don't see why the have windows at the very top of windows anyway," He grumbled hooking his arms around her legs so he would be sure not to drop her.
"Aww..." Aeris whispered, watching as Daisuke carefully set Riku on the bench and helped to bandage her ankle, "Daisuke's really just a big softie." She gently patted Satoshi's head in a sign that she was ready to come down.
Satoshi got the hint and let her down before tugging her down the hall. "What exactly is the point on spying on your best friend exactly?"
Aeris rolled her eyes, "I wasn't spying! I'm her best friend, it's a privilage."
Satoshi raised his eyebrows. "Sure, keep telling your self that."
"Does it feel better now, Riku?" Daisuke asked, forcing her to lean on him while they walked, she refused to be carried again.
"It's fine Daisuke." She muttered, trying hard to ignore the fluttering in her stomach.
"I'm sorry about what happened."
Riku felt her face heat up. "It's not your fault Takeshi's an idiot."
Daisuke didn't say anything and she didn't pressure him to. It was easier when he didn't speak. Then she didn't have to worry about saying something incredibly stupid.
"Riku?" His voice was different now, softer.
She fought down the feeling of being washed away and turned her head. "What?"
"I'm glad your okay." Daisuke was looking at her, straight in her eyes.
Riku couldn't move, it felt like she was frozen with his arm around her waist, staring at her like that, he was so close he could count every eyelash.
Satoshi quickly pulled Aeris into the dark broom closet and closed the door quickly.
"Satoshi!"
"Shh! Daisuke and Riku are out there," He whispered.
If it had been lit in the closet, he would have seen the look she was giving him. "And why are we in the closet?"
"I think they're about to-"
The door opened letting in almost blinding light.
"Satoshi you dog! We're at school, not the movies!"
"TAKESHI!"
Aeris felt herself frown. It wasn't that she didn't want Satoshi around, it was just that she wanted to go through the file!
"Satoshi," She said gently, "It's not as if men are going to charge into the house and shoot me."
"They've tried just about every other way." Satoshi muttered, tightening his arm around her shoulders as if just the thought upset him.
They were sitting on the sofa, watching another movie, a movie Satoshi didn't like, but stayed anyway, for her safety.
Sighing, Aeris, without even being aware of it, rested her head in the crook of his neck. "Satoshi, you don't have to stay to protect me."
He looked down at the tip of her head as if she was crazy, "Of course I do."
Aeris felt her heart lurch painfully. Of course that's why he's here, why else would he be?
"Do you not want me to stay?" He asked feeling his heart lurch and she jerked from her thoughts.
"Of course I do, just not for that reason-" Aeris immedietly clamped her jaw shut, wishing to just crawl under the sofa and die from embarrassment.
Satoshi stiffened and looked down at her. "What do you mean?" Aeris moved her head away so she was no longer so close.
"Nothing," Aeris said quickly and resisted the urge to suffocate herself in on e of the pillows.
"It's not nothing, what is it?" He asked but she wouldn't answer. "Why else would I be here?"
She felt her heart clench painfully and resisted the urge to sob out loud. Praying that her voice would not break she spoke. "...Your right, there is no other reason."
Rising before he could say anything she muttered something about being exhausted and rushed upstairs, ignoring the nausea and threw herself on her bed.
Chuu slowly crept closer and snuggled against Aeris's chest, her ears twitching every time a tear fell on them.
Aeris had never felt so stupid, he could have been affectionate because he pitied her, the kiss, holding her hand, everything...
She should have never left her cage; she had be abused there, it was true, but the pain had been nothing compared to this.
Never had she felt so worthless and foolish.
Satoshi stood in her doorframe, watching Aeris twist and turn, sometimes crying out in her uneasy sleep.
He was confused; she was obviously upset, he could tell by her voice when she left the room. But what had happened? Was it his fault? Things had been going well, she was leaning against him, and even rested her head on his shoulder.
Quietly he crept into her room and pulled the covers over her gently when he felt something odd beneath the sheet. Raising his eyebrows he reached under and pulled out a plain manila folder.
It looked like the same one from the other day... the folder that had fallen out of Aeris's clothes. He'd forgotten all about it.
He moved to open it but hesitated. It was Aeris's private property, he had no right to look at it, but still... it wasn't as if it was her diary...
Ignoring the warning bells going off in the back of his head he sat on the edge of the bed and opened the folder.
Satoshi felt numb all over. He had just received the shock of his life, and was half surprised his heart didn't give out from the shock of it.
Aeris was an accused murderer of her parents when she was only nine years old.
It explained everything; the collar, her living alone, his father's attitude, her uneasy sleep.
Satoshi felt betrayed and used.
He was the police comissioner's son, she probably set him up from the get go, using him to convince his father of her innocence.
He was sure she didn't do it, but she had used him, never even probably liked him.
His heart ached, he wanted to get as far away from her as possible but how could he leave and put her in danger?
She may not feel anything towards him, but he was bound by his feelings for her. He couldn't abandon her even if he tried.
Slowly, without thinking, as if his body was not moving of his own accord, he carefully replaced the folder and it's contents in the sheets where he found it and sat in the chair opposite the bed.
Riku watched as Satoshi walked a bit ahead of Aeris who trailed behind, a forced smile on his face. The scene was so odd, they both seemed changed from just the few days before.
Daisuke exchanged worried looks with Riku, what could have possibly happened?
If Aeris had had any doubts about Satoshi not caring for her, they were laid to rest now. He hardly even looked at her, let alone be closer than a few feet and behaved with an icy demeanor.
She had ruined the fragile friendship they had once had with her big mouth.
She should have just remained silent, she would rather have remained in doubt then know for sure he felt nothing.
The only reason he even remained was probably because of the guilt that if he left she would be harmed.
And the worst part was that there was no way to fix this, she had dug her own grave and now she must be put to rest in it.