Chapter 11

Homesick

Sweet laughter echoed in Daisuke's head. He knew that voice, it was his mother, but what was she laughing about? Groaning he tried to push himself up from the bed but found it impossible to move. "Wha?" Daisuke's question came out unclear and slurred with sleepiness.

"Oh Daisuke! You're finally up! Why didn't you tell us Dark was staying the night?"

Daisuke froze. Memories from the previous night flashed through his head. An agonizing sound erupted from him as everything began to make sense. Why did he have to become so tired after Dark entered his room? Why couldn't he have had more energy; enough to kick Dark out of his room at least!

"Is this the boy you told me about Emiko?"

Daisuke's muscles grew tense at his father's voice. Great, he hadn't seen his father for the longest time and hours after meeting the man again his father catches him in bed with another boy! His father was probably going to jump the first airplane out of there the moment he got the chance.

"Yes," Emiko answered energetically, not caring about her son's predicament. "Dark is such a charming young boy. I know, I'll prepare breakfast and we can all eat together!"

"Mom!" Daisuke shouted, but his mother had left the room with his father before he could complain further. He could almost cry. Why was everything and everyone so set on making his life miserable? "I hate you Dark," Daisuke muttered quietly. "Why do you have to make things so complicated?"

"Because what's life without a few complications?"

Squeaking Daisuke tried to move away from the body above him, but found it futile. "I-I thought you were asleep!"

Tilting his head to the side Dark stared intensely down at Daisuke. The boy looked like a feral animal backed into a corner just waiting for a chance to escape. "I told you, I'm not leaving until you tell me why you couldn't sleep."

Daisuke scowled. Figures Dark would say that. He probably just wanted to blackmail him with whatever he told Dark. Turning his head so he was no longer facing the purple haired teen Daisuke replied coldly, "Then I guess your staying here forever then, because I'll never tell you."

Frustrated and wanting some answers Dark did the first thing that came to mind. He straddled Daisuke's waist, pinned the boy's hands down above his head, and with his free hand forced the redhead to look up at him. "Listen, believe it or not I do care what happens to you, so tell me whatever it was that was upsetting you last night."

"Who said I was upset!" Daisuke countered back. Dark had to be lying, it was something that the older teen always did, like with the apology in the hospital. It was fake. Dark didn't care about him. No one did. "Just because a person doesn't want to sleep doesn't mean they're upset!"

"Then why?" Dark persisted. Already he could see Daisuke cracking under the pressure. Beads of sweat were pouring down Daisuke's forehead, and the younger teen's breathing was uneven. Any moment now Dark would have his answers.

"Because!"

"Because why!"

"Because my dad is here, that's why!" Daisuke screamed at Dark, sending the older teen into complete shock. What could be so bad about Daisuke's dad being home? Did he abuse Daisuke or something?

As if reading his mind Daisuke answered Dark's unspoken questions. "I barely know my dad. He's never around and now that he is I don't know how to act. I'd be more comfortable with you and Krad in my house, at least I know you guys."

Darn it, Daisuke scolded himself. I didn't mean to tell Dark any of that! It just came out!

"That's it?" Dark asked in confusion. That was the big secret? Is it just me or does something seem off? I may not be Daisuke's best friend, but I know him and it isn't easy to upset him, okay it is, but not to such a high extent.

Daisuke's body went limp. He felt so defeated. He knew Dark wouldn't understand. No one ever understood. Sighing in defeat he closed his eyes and nodded his head.

"You're lying."

"What?" Daisuke's eyes flew open at Dark's bold remark. How dare Dark! What made Dark think he knew anything about his life? "I told you the truth!"

"Maybe but there's something else," Dark spoke softly leaning his face closer to Daisuke's so he was occupying the redhead's personal space. "I don't know you too well Daisuke, but I do know it isn't easy to get you as upset as you were last night. What is your real reason for being upset?"

"My dad is here," Daisuke stated flatly.

Scowling Dark tightened his hold on Daisuke's wrists. "And…?" Dark pressured.

"And he's going to be living here with us."

"Continue."

Salty tears were brimming behind Daisuke's eyes. He didn't want to answer, but at the same time another part of him wanted to tell the world what he was feeling and why. Licking his dry lips he obeyed Dark's command. "If he's here we're not moving back home."

Everything was silent. Dark stared lifelessly at Daisuke not fully understanding what he had said. On some level Dark knew what Daisuke meant, but the main part of his brain couldn't process what he was just told. Unconsciously his mouth moved and he spoke the hidden meaning in Daisuke's words. "You hate it here. You want to move back to your old home, but now you are stuck here forever."

Nodding his head Daisuke forced his tears down. He wasn't going to cry. He may never see his old friends again. His mom may forever treat him like a nuisance, while she treats Dark and Krad like kings. He'd get over it eventually. He had to if he didn't…

Daisuke didn't complete his thought, for before he could Dark moved off of him and pulled Daisuke into a strong hug. Dark's embrace was so warm and secure that Daisuke found himself giving in and letting himself be held by the one person who made his life miserable. With his back pressed up against Dark's chest Daisuke swallowed the lump growing I his throat, and held onto the arms that were keeping him safe. Unannounced to him, silent tears were falling down his face.

X.X.X.X.X.X.

Akira: Fluff! Oh dear lord, how long has it been since I've written such a fluffy piece? I think the teenage angst is affecting my writing style.

Mimi: Is that good or bad?

Akira: Don't really know.