Daisuke didn't know what to do. Satoshi was in his arms sleeping, because he exhausted himself after the little episode with Hiwatari. Dark had left after saying that he left something outside and To-to… Well, no one knows where she went because she left when nobody was paying attention. So now, here Daisuke was, alone with an unconscious seven-year-old Satoshi in his arms, sitting on a closet floor, albeit a large closet. Daisuke sighed and shifted his body to make himself more comfortable. Slowly scooting back to make sure Satoshi wouldn't notice, Daisuke made it to the wall. He leaned his back on it and stared down at the door. Something compelled him to ease Satoshi. Satoshi still seemed scared and there were tear tracks down his cheeks.
"My dear, dear child, please don't cry.
I know this is not goodbye.
Though we're now parting,
Our dream is just starting.
My dear, dear child, please don't cry.
Know for sure that I won't lie.
We'll meet again one day.
But right now, I can't stay.
My dear, dear child, please don't cry.
Don't act like I'm about to die.
Trust me on this, that's all I'll say.
Give me your word, say you're okay." 1.
Daisuke didn't know where he came up with this, but he knew he had to ease Satoshi's fear a little. Singing softly and lightly always seemed to work best with lullabies too. And Daisuke knew he couldn't stay in this time forever. He might suddenly be jumped into another time like earlier, before Dark decided to paint Daisuke. Hm. Maybe Dark was searching for the painting?
"…'m 'kay." Satoshi mumbled into Daisuke's shirt. His eyes were closed but his eyebrows seemed less furrowed and his expression was more relaxed. Perhaps Satoshi had heard Daisuke singing, as softly as it was. So, maybe the next time he saw Satoshi, Satoshi wouldn't freak out like in some movies where the person who leaves doesn't leave a note behind. Daisuke could just say he sang the note to Satoshi.
Shifting around again, Daisuke moved one of his arms gently to Satoshi's knees and the other to Satoshi's neck. Then he proceeded to pick him up. When Daisuke was sure that Satoshi wouldn't fall off, Daisuke kicked the doors of the closet open (because they're the type that automatically closes itself when there's nothing in the way). Daisuke walked over to Satoshi's bed and lightly placed the kid under the covers and kissed his forehead without thinking.
As he turned around and took a step, something in the air pulsed before things blacked away again. Daisuke knew he was time-traveling again and wondered if Dark was going to go, too. Daisuke was pretty sure that he'd reappear in Satoshi's room when everything came to focus again. He just hoped that Satoshi wouldn't be there. It'd complicate things. It'd also be hard to try to explain about time and space and magic to an eight-year-old.
Dark had just wanted to look for his painting. He didn't exactly come back to find a canvas being covered with touchy-feely ivy. Okay, so the ivy wasn't really touchy-feely. Dark was just irritated by the fact that ivy grew on his painting of Daisuke! It was like the ivy liked Daisuke and blocked the painting from people just to keep Daisuke all to itself! Dark admits that his thoughts were a little bit crazy right now.
He was walking towards the garden, intending to make the trip quick and return to Daisuke's side. But like Murphy's Law (Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong), his plan didn't come true and he blacked out for a few seconds. Or at least he thought it was a few seconds until he stumbled into where he knew his painting was at. Then he simply knew that time had jumped again. He absentmindedly wondered if Daisuke came with him. Then the thought struck his head and he seriously thought about it.
'Where's Daisuke! I don't want to be alone with a kid! (To-To: What am I? Oxygen?) I don't want to grow into an old man until I see Daisuke again! T.T' Yeah, Dark's thoughts were rather turbulent. But he was worried for himself or for Daisuke, he wasn't really sure. Dark just knew he wanted the painting back from the ivy and Daisuke back from wherever he was.
Gritting his teeth, Dark grabbed the ivy with both fists firmly and tugged. The resistance was useless, because of the ivy's thickness (or lack there of) and Dark's desperation-turned-strength. Dark grinned as he stumbled back from using too much force. His painting was now his again! The evil, wicked ivy did not take his painting of Daisuke! Beat that, stupid green thing! (If Dark were any less of a man, he'd jump up and down, pointing a finger at the ivy in triumph while saying 'In your face'.)
Throwing away the ripped part of the ivy in his hands, Dark walked forward towards the painting and crouched down. He gently picked it up and flipped it around to look at the picture of his object of affections (and lust).
The painting was a bit worn, but it was still beautiful (or maybe the subject was). It was rather hard to picture this painting was painted only the night before (to Dark) when the painting and paint was crying out that it was a year. Even the canvas was a bit curved by the ivy's presence for so long. Dark reluctantly looked at the contents, scared that Daisuke had somehow aged in the painting. He scoffed at the thought of it, but Dark couldn't pound out the fear. But the fear was extinguished as soon as his eyes focused onto Daisuke.
The figure in the painting was as exuberant and pretty as always. Soft, pale skin reflecting the gentleness of the moon's rays while the eyes, so red, so deep took in the beauty of the night, the darkness, accepting it. The drifting wind playing, tugging with locks of hair that could make many people jealous just with one look. Dark could go on and on, but he wasn't sure he'd rather go all poetic like with a substitute than the actual Daisuke.
"Daisuke!" Dark remembered that he had to find the redhead! He couldn't just give up without searching for Daisuke! If he did, Dark would be called a fool for not attempting to woo him before Daisuke suddenly disappeared.
Hm… Dark supposes that being away from Daisuke made him a teeny bit hysterical. How else was he this… out of character?
Satoshi doesn't think an eight-year-old boy could've stood it. He had a valid reason for what he did. Satoshi didn't expect that Daisuke be over his bed! I mean come on, would you expect someone you didn't see for a year (and that was only one day!) to suddenly be in front of you after you had a nap? Satoshi had a perfectly good reason why he screamed like a bloody girl, then.
What is that noise?
It's so irritating. Too high for Satoshi's ears. Satoshi closed his mouth to swallow and the noise instantly stopped. Was he just continuing to scream at first?
"Oh god." Satoshi mumbled to himself as he covered his face with his hands. Now he just embarrassed himself even more. And in front of his Daisuke-nii-chan too! God! Daisuke is going to never see him again! Satoshi's nii-chan will think that Satoshi is too geeky to hang out with! No! Satoshi likes to be with Daisuke-nii-chan!
"Er… Satoshi?" Daisuke nervously asked the nearly hyperventilating boy. Daisuke wasn't a doctor or anything smart like that in medical but he was pretty sure he should distract Satoshi before something serious happens. "Stop!" Daisuke exclaims as Satoshi raised his head to smack his head and grabbed Satoshi's wrists before he could kill brain cells.
"Daisuke-nii-chan! I'm so sorry. I don't mean to be an embarrassment for you!" Satoshi cried out and he pounced onto Daisuke exactly the way the seven-year-old did not too long ago. Déjà vu struck Daisuke for a moment before he grabbed Satoshi, making sure not to drop him.
Why did Satoshi say that he was an embarrassment to Daisuke? It's not like it was true. Was Hiwatari talking crap again? Daisuke's anger was growing at the man and a tiny bit of dislike formed from that anger. 'Why does he keep on hurting Satoshi this way! No matter, which past we're in, he has such a sadistic, bastard side! Satoshi is just a kid; those around him'll influence him! Does Hiwatari want him to have a low self-esteem!'
Don't answer that. Because all of us know that Hiwatari only wants the cash.
"Satoshi! It's okay. You're not an embarrassment. If you were my real brother, I'd be proud! Don't let anybody's words get to you." Daisuke wasn't exactly sure if Hiwatari did say something, though. So it was best if he said anybody. When Satoshi made no move to answer, Daisuke shook his arms to ask Satoshi to answer.
"Mm." Not exactly an understanding or a rejecting sound, but Daisuke accepts it. He slowly sat down on the bed and moved Satoshi so he sat on his lap. Thinking a weird thought (nothing perverted), Daisuke chuckled. Satoshi looked at him questioningly.
"Nothing. It's just that you're eight, right?" Daisuke received an affirmative, so he continued. "Well, where I live, eight-year-olds refuse to sit on laps. They think it's too childish and embarrassing. And right now, you were complaining about being an embarrassment. So… It just sounds sort of ironic…" Daisuke frowned. Now he confused himself, and Satoshi too, if his look was taken into account. Satoshi nodded slowly and the silence resumed.
Suddenly the door banged open and a relieved looking Dark peeked in at Daisuke and Satoshi who blinked owlishly at the intruder. If Daisuke weren't there, Dark would've just stood there and blink the same way back to start a contest. But since Daisuke was there, Dark merely grinned brightly and hopped in, relieved that Daisuke was there and he wasn't alone anymore. Dark hauled the painting into the room, to get attention. When he was sure he had Daisuke's 100 attention, he leaned against the wall and blocked the painting from sight, which instantly sparked an eight-year-old genius's interest.
"What is that?" Satoshi asked as he pointed at the painting behind Dark. Satoshi expected Dark to answer him, not Daisuke to ask another question.
"Is that from earlier?" Daisuke asked with wide-eyes and a slack jaw. Raising an arm, he pointed at the worn canvas, almost accusingly. Dark nodded and his grin widened, if that was possible. He stood up straight and turned the painting around, revealing the old 'new' painting of Daisuke! Dark still hadn't named it yet, so it'll go by painting of Daisuke.
Satoshi gasped as he looked at the canvas. It was his Daisuke-nii-chan! In Dark's perspective, Daisuke became the most beautiful person Satoshi has ever seen, even more than the little angel in the safe. And an angel is otherworldly and ethereal. If Daisuke is more beautiful than an angel, that's saying something. Luckily, Satoshi only has platonic feelings for his nii-chan and just thinks that the painting symbolizes Daisuke's greatest qualities.
"You're so pretty!" Satoshi whispered in awe. Since he wasn't in his puberty yet, his voice was still high. And the words 'you're so pretty' made him sound more like a girl than ever. Dark couldn't help but laugh at the comparison. Satoshi as a girl was simply too much for him to handle. Satoshi glared at him but gently pushed himself off of Daisuke to get to the painting. On the floor and on his knees, he crawled over to the doorway and grabbed the painting from Dark's hands. Dark let it go easily as he walked into the room and sat down on the bed next to Daisuke.
"You better not start molesting Daisuke-nii-chan while on my bed. I need to sleep there, y'know." Satoshi said loudly as he continued to examine the painting. Looks like he picked up some knowledge of sexual contact during the one year they trio were apart (to Satoshi). Daisuke blushed beet red whereas Dark smirked coolly and self-satisfied. Seeing the smirk (which told everyone that Dark was proud of what he did to Daisuke), Daisuke punched his arm lightly while still blushing.
"Satoshi-otouto-chan. Do you like that painting? The answer has nothing to boost my own ego. But increasing or decreasing Dark's ego depends on your answer since he was the one who painted it." Daisuke said with a weak smile, as he blushed even further for complimenting the same person who made out with him not too long ago.
"Really? He doesn't seem the type with talent." Satoshi ignored Dark's splutter and glare that was aimed at him; he merely smirked back at Dark, infuriating the purple-haired male. "But the painting is great. And that should boost your ego, nii-chan, because you're too meek." Satoshi said in a matter of fact tone. If he could blush any more, Daisuke would. Or maybe Daisuke's cheeks were coloring in anger?
Unbeknownst to the eight-year-old and the oldest person in the room, Satoshi's comment brought a provocative thought to Daisuke's mind. 'Satoshi thinks Dark doesn't have much talent in painting. But what about in bed?' Flustered, Daisuke furiously turned away to hide the ever-reddening cheeks that were starting to hurt with so much heat and blood rushing to Daisuke's head.
"Daisuke!" Dark drawled out. "What are you thinking about that got you so red?" Dark's face was occupied with a smug smirk, as if he knew what Daisuke was thinking about. Dark didn't know for sure what Daisuke was thinking about, but he knew it was about Dark. And Dark has great observational skills (thank you very much, he says), and he noticed Daisuke's embarrassed and reddening face.
"Daisuke-chan. Don't become a pervert!" Dark exclaimed dramatically, placing a hand onto his chest in a stupid way, which was quite hilarious. Satoshi laughed at Dark's antics while Daisuke grew red with anger and glared at Dark. Dark laughed at Daisuke's expression and Daisuke huffed, pouting. It's surprising that Daisuke isn't crossing his arms.
"Shut up, Dark. I'm not the perverted one. You are." Daisuke said immaturely, deciding at the last minute to stick his tongue out as well to act like the perfect child as his blush was receding. Once again two of the room's occupants laughed and Daisuke simply stuck out his tongue. The mood was light and the trio decided to talk about things recent in their lives, or more of Satoshi talking and Daisuke/Dark making things up since they were from a different time.
Time flew by quickly, To-to and some other maids entered in between a couple of hours to bring food. As night approached, Satoshi told Daisuke that he heard Daisuke sing a lullaby when Satoshi was seven. Dark had looked Daisuke with confused and amused eyes and asked Satoshi to elaborate. He did and Satoshi asked where Daisuke got the lullaby from because he couldn't find it. And being a rich, genius like Satoshi, not finding something like a simple lullaby was a big deal.
"I still remember the words!" Satoshi smiled. "They weren't exactly great, but not bad either. Heh. Can I say it to Dark to embarrass you?" Satoshi asked with a smirk towards Daisuke. Daisuke never knew an eight-year-old could smirk or be so scary at the same time. He shook his head furiously. But Daisuke had to make sure Satoshi wouldn't sing/recite/say the poor excuse of a lullaby.
"No! Don't!" Daisuke said as he jumped up. Dark's interest was piqued up. "Eh heh. Why don't you tell me your ideas on how I suddenly appeared in front of you?" Daisuke was sweat dropping. Or he would be if this were an anime. Satoshi blinked. And blinked again. Then his eyes were clouded over. Satoshi was thinking. He probably was thinking about what Daisuke had just asked.
"Hm… Maybe Daisuke-nii-chan is a wizard like in those Harry Potter books and you can apparate like them?" Satoshi asked, not really seriously. Daisuke blinked before bursting into laughter. Him? From a famous series like Harry Potter?
"Don't make me laugh, Sato. Me? I can't be from a story like that!" Daisuke laughed at Satoshi. Dark looked at the both of them and chuckled at Sato's semi-embarrassed face. The oldest and the youngest both didn't notice that Daisuke didn't deny the usage of magic.
And the night continued on, jokes flying and laughter singing. This was one of the most relaxing days Dark/Daisuke had ever since they had left their own world and entered this mysterious world of Tarot that no one can truly say they know. Soon, Satoshi was put to bed and Dark and Daisuke left to see how different the town was until time jumped again.
Ten years old: Satoshi nagged Dark and Daisuke to bring him to Genius's R Us and bought many, many things that Dark cannot name.
Eleven years old: Satoshi starts telling Daisuke about his first crush on a girl in his class and Dark gives some advice (which didn't work).
Twelve years old: Dark and Daisuke went to the mall with Satoshi to buy some things (Dark: Magic paint! 2., Daisuke: Manga, Satoshi: A Dummy's Guide to Being a Prodigy).
Thirteen years old: Dark tried to convince Daisuke to allow Satoshi to watch porn. Satoshi pranks them and Daisuke fumes.
Fourteen years old: Satoshi hosts a party and tells Dark and Daisuke that it could serve as Satoshi's birthday parties for all of the years they've met. Dark and Daisuke turned the party into something like a college student party.
Fifteen years old: More talking about their lives. Satoshi asks how Dark and Daisuke look like they never age. Daisuke changed the subject and Satoshi didn't bother to ask again. Satoshi talks about how he's going to graduate early and hopefully could inherit his inheritance so Hiwatari could already be booted out.
At the end, all three exchanged hugs and presents because two of them (Dark and Daisuke) knew that the last person would be different. Or another person, entirely. Dark and Daisuke knew they shouldn't have gotten attached to Satoshi, but it was somehow nice to meet a new Satoshi that wasn't haunted by rape.
"Hey, Dai-nii-chan?" Satoshi asked as the trio lay on the roof of the mansion (which was very high up, thank god none were afraid of heights). "Why do you act like someone is going to die or that we're never going to see each other again?" Great question. Dark looked at Daisuke, wondering how the redhead would answer to that question.
"Because…" Daisuke paused, thinking on how he should word the next part so it won't come out like Daisuke never wanting to see Satoshi again. "… I think I can't come anymore… I'm leaving for a place far, far away and I can't simply come anymore. Dark can't either." Looks like this is rather hard. Daisuke gulped.
"Is the reason part of why you never age?" Satoshi asked. He was rather perceptive, Daisuke observed. He nodded. Satoshi seemed saddened but at the same time satisfied with the answer. Daisuke and Dark didn't know what to make of it. The intervals of time for each stay varies a lot, so now Dark couldn't tell when they would be before Krad and Satoshi.
Krad…
Even though it was only a bit more than a week, Dark still felt like he didn't see Krad for a long, long time (which makes his own world even further). Sighing, Dark shook his head.
"You never tell me about yourselves. And since you think this is the last time you'll see me, why don't you guys tell me a story. I know I'm too old, but please?" Satoshi said. The tone wasn't really begging or pleading. But it wasn't a casual, normal tone either. His eyes told Daisuke that he genuinely wanted to spend the rest of their time together in a good mood.
"Sato, you're acting way too solemn. We're not dying. Daisuke just said that we might not see you ever again. But we might see you again. Possibilities. Possibilities. Plus, he just said it. Daisuke didn't promise it." Dark said, trying to convince Satoshi to crack a smile. It didn't work, but Satoshi's tense shoulders loosened. His expression was still calm, but not frigidly cold calm.
"Just tell me a story, please?" Satoshi pleaded. His eyes were enlarged and Dark knew for sure that Satoshi was putting on his perfected puppy eyes (that he learned from Daisuke). Daisuke obviously was immune to it, but Dark wasn't. Daisuke just watched Dark crack, knowing that they'd tell the story for sure.
"Well… Okay." Dark muttered, looking away. Satoshi grinned while Daisuke smirked.
"I would say hooray. But I'm fifteen." Satoshi's grin turned into a smirk, mirroring Daisuke's expression. He sure looks up to his non-biological brother.
"Okay…" Pause. Daisuke didn't know how to start or what to say.
"Er… You can start?"
"I'll just start with the cliché 'once upon a time, in a land far, far away', okay?" Daisuke asked. He decided to tell his own story. Of course, Daisuke would make minor changes (like names and maybe genders), but it'd be his life, basically. Dark would be none the wiser, either about Daisuke's past.
"Hm… Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a lonely orphan by the name of… Aki. She didn't have any friends and people were afraid of her. She could see into the future. One day, a handsome man requested a reading in her fortune telling shop. Later on, they were both sucked into another world…" Daisuke continued on, capturing Satoshi and Dark's attention. Dark recognized the flow of the story, but didn't choose to comment.
And the story continued where Aki traveled with Yami (the handsome man) and Imai to meet Hikaru. When Daisuke mentioned that Aki and Yami were sent to the past, suddenly everything blacked out once again. Daisuke could only see Dark and himself. Satoshi was gone.
Instantly, they knew. They were going back to the closest thing other than home.
Satoshi figured that the memories will come in order and now that it has reached fifteen, no doubt Dark and Daisuke will be back soon. Satoshi breathed out a sigh. He didn't know if he was disappointed or not. He wasted all this time on his own (he spent his days in the garden and nights in his room, it was also a week in present time) and ignored Krad. But so far Krad accepted it.
"I hope he didn't find another person." Satoshi murmured. Now Satoshi couldn't have time to spend with Krad alone. Dark and Daisuke might be all over each other like in that one horrifying memory. Satoshi doesn't want to be the third wheel (or odd man out). And things would be awkward, because Dark and Daisuke would be used to another kind of Satoshi. They'd be too busy bothering him and forgot all about Krad.
"Satoshi?" A voice bounced off statues and entered Satoshi's ear. As a natural reflex, he turned around and faced the person who spoke. It was Krad.
"Hey." Satoshi quietly muttered. His face lifted and he looked at the stars for a few moments. Then he looked back towards Krad. "They're back in my room. Let's go." Satoshi stood up, brushing himself. A mutual understanding from Krad and Satoshi was made and they won't mention their shared kiss to Dark or Daisuke. It'll just be embarrassing.
"Okay." Krad said, just as quietly. Neither knew why they were so quiet. Krad didn't know how Satoshi know that Dark and Daisuke were back, but he didn't bother asking. It'll delay them.
When they neared the doors to the mansion, they both heard two voices yelling their names. The voices were distinct and Krad immediately recognized them as Dark and Daisuke's. Having proof that they were back, Krad subconsciously walked faster, eager for the reunion. It was boring all by himself. And he didn't have the money to pay the inn where they were staying earlier.
"Satoshi! Krad! Where are you?" Daisuke shouted loudly in the mansion. Luckily, Hiwatari wasn't home; otherwise Daisuke would get into trouble. As Satoshi and Krad were walking up the stairs, they heard another voice that was meant to be quiet and seductive, but since they heard it, they knew Dark had failed.
"Daisuke… Since they're not here yet, you want to… make out?" Dark said as he walked up to Daisuke. Like in some movies, he placed his hand to the wall beside Daisuke. He leaned down. Dark didn't expect to be slapped by a red-faced Daisuke.
"Pervert!" Daisuke flamed, his arms flailing in nervousness as he looked around for an escape. Daisuke saw the stairs and ducked under Dark's arm. Daisuke ran towards the stairs, tripping some but not falling flat on his face. Daisuke prepared to jump down the stairs and accidentally landed on top of two bewildered Krad and Satoshi. They were blinking up at the redhead sitting on them.
"Ow." Daisuke said as he rubbed his bottom. His cheeks were still red and Daisuke scampered off of Satoshi and Krad. They sat up and faced the blushing ruby-eyed boy.
"Why are you running?" Satoshi asked. He felt awkward. He had gained two pasts and one side was telling him to be friendly were his nii-chan while the other side was telling him to control his emotions. Krad was unaware of his partner's turmoil.
"N-no reason!" Daisuke squeaked. Being kissed right now was not really good. Daisuke was just spilling his history less than half an hour ago. Now he was all emotional and Daisuke doesn't think that he can take Dark's kisses without acting like some hormonal teenage girl.
"Daisuke!" Dark skidded around the corner, holding his cheek lightly. It had stung. Who knew Daisuke could slap so hard. "Satoshi? Krad!" They were back, for sure now. Dark forgot about his kiss as he bounded over to Daisuke and Satoshi and Krad. Daisuke was still flustered, but Dark pretended it wasn't his fault. He leaned over Satoshi and stuck a hand out, preparing to help Satoshi up. After Satoshi, Dark helped Krad up. And last but not least, Daisuke.
"You're back." Krad said with a welcoming smirk. He had one of those guy hugs with Dark and slapped Daisuke on the back. Daisuke weakly grinned back and Dark chuckled. Satoshi awkwardly shifted from one side to the other.
"Daisuke?" Satoshi was only speaking to Daisuke now. "Is it okay if… I call you nii-chan?" Satoshi was nervous. He knew that he was older than Daisuke, but his memories' emotions were still looking up to Daisuke. Besides, Daisuke seems much more mature than Satoshi (sometimes and now isn't one of those times).
"No…" Daisuke ignored Satoshi's disappointed expression and the fact that Dark was pulling Krad away, noticing the private conversation. "I'm younger than you, now. I'm your… otouto." With a small smile, Daisuke took Satoshi's arm and led him towards Satoshi's room where Dark and Krad were currently talking. Satoshi weakly smiled back at Daisuke.
"Okay… Otouto." Satoshi murmured. They walked to the room and joined Dark and Krad's conversation. In his mind's eye, Satoshi, without a rape haunting him, smiled gratefully to have friends.
1. The lullaby, as I'm sure you guessed, is my own creation. It's bad, I know. I came up with it at the last second.
2. Courtesy of IchikoKitsuneKoumori.
A/N: I'm starting to run out of ideas for this story. I need a muse! I want to apologize for the story straying away from topic and the fact that the characters are so OOC. It's because I haven't read a DNAngel manga in a while (because I prefer to read the ones that I haven't already read) or seen the anime in quite some time (because I always seem to fall asleep while watching the first episode).