Talk about drama.
That's what Dark has to say when Solaku, Renaca, and Satoshi relayed what happened in their point of view during the attack. Dark's side of the battle was nothing. He didn't join. He was only a bystander. Even though Dark said he wouldn't appear weak in front of Daisuke, he didn't help out at all. Daisuke sent his Tarot to help out (which did most of the work), and the Tarot cards saved everyone. Krad pulled Satoshi to safety before he was blown up and since Satoshi was the target he doesn't count.
'I can't believe I'm so useless.' Dark thought sullenly. He angrily sulked around in the kitchen of the Hikari Mansion as he watched some maids cook lunch. Dark was so furious with himself.
"Damn it!" Frustration was laced in between his words and he slammed his fists harshly onto the counter. His fists throbbed but he ignored it as accusing thoughts circulated around his mind.
'You're so weak, Dark.'
'I'm so ashamed.'
'What a sissy.'
More self-conscious words rang loudly in Dark's mind as he desperately tried to clear his mind. He hit his head with his hand again and again, as if hitting his head would drive the degrading accusations out. No such luck. Dark was about to bang his head onto the kitchen counter, but Daisuke's voice stopped him.
"Dark, what Zodiac animal are you?" Daisuke asked as he sat upon another three-legged stool. He shuffled familiar Tarot cards and Dark wondered what Daisuke was doing. Dark shot Daisuke a questioning look and waited for an answer that didn't take too long.
"I'm doing something that's… I guess you could say I like horoscopes and things like that?" Daisuke said, but the sentence was more questioning than an answer allows. Dark ignored that and gave Daisuke a look. Rolling his eyes, Dark opened his mouth.
"I'm not sure. Rooster? I've never really cared for such things." Dark said in a logical manner. Daisuke caught his roll of eyes and resisted the urge to do the same. He casually looked away as he shuffled his cards, thinking of an answer. None came up and Daisuke handed the cards to Dark.
"I forgot an important detail. The one who is getting their fortune told needs to shuffle the cards." Daisuke said with a wink. He leaned onto the counter with his head in his arms as he studied Dark. Dark fidgeted but complied with the request. After a few (uncomfortable) moments of shuffling cards and studying, Dark handed the cards back to the owner. Strangely, the cards were quiet during the entire episode.
Daisuke placed the cards in the star position. With five cards, Daisuke could determine the past, the present, the future, possible adversaries, and helpful aides. He studied the cards for a minute while Dark wondered what his future would be and why he was bothering to have his fortune told with Daisuke.
"Recently, something has happened. (Dark: Well, duh.) You're feeling self-conscious as of late." All this was said with a spooky voice that Daisuke no doubt labeled as Fortune Telling Voice. The next few words were in a normal tone. "Dark, are you okay? The cards say that you're ashamed about something you did and you'd hurt yourself to repent. And don't say nothing's wrong."
"I'm okay." Dark muttered. He caught Daisuke's look and raised his hands up defensively. "You said not to say nothing's wrong. You didn't say I couldn't say that I'm okay. You're just worrying too much, Daisuke." Dark received a glare from his statement. Daisuke crossed his arms in disbelief and uncrossed them. He decided not to respond and began to pick up his cards.
When he was about to pick up the last one, another hand was placed on his hand. Looking up at the hand's owner, Daisuke saw Dark's concerned gaze. Glaring once more, Daisuke pulled his hand away with the card in his grip. He moved the cards back into order and began to walk away. But again, Dark captured Daisuke's hand in his own.
"Daisuke! Don't go. I'm sorry." Dark said quietly. The maids in the kitchen were still working, but they were now indiscreetly watching what would happen next.
"I… just…" Dark couldn't continue.
"You don't need to explain. After all, you're fine, aren't you?" Daisuke replied with a mocking tone. He couldn't help it. He had assumed he was Dark's boyfriend from the kisses and could therefore be talked to. But it seemed Daisuke had assumed wrong.
"Daisuke." Dark begged. Daisuke turned away, but his hand was still in Dark's hand. It looked like Daisuke was giving Dark a chance but he couldn't look at him. Thinking that, Dark took advantage of the fact and pulled Daisuke into his arms.
Daisuke struggled in Dark's arms, trying to free himself. However, Dark's grip was relentless and Dark held on. He wanted to explain and having Daisuke walk out during a confession (not a romantic one) was not a nice prospect. He didn't care if the maids were now openly staring at the two.
"Dark! Let go!" Daisuke whispered harshly as he thrashed in Dark's arms. His fists thumped on Dark's chest but it didn't cause much harm. Dark didn't let go and he wanted to kiss Daisuke again. To keep him quiet, though. But Dark didn't. Dark thought it wouldn't help the situation much.
"Daisuke, I'm sorry. But let me explain." Dark pleaded. Daisuke slowly stopped, but his hands were still clenched.
"You don't want to explain and I won't stop you. Let me go." Daisuke said quietly with his head bowed. Dark's face grew frustrated once more.
"No. I'll talk. And you'll listen." Dark spoke firmly. Then his expression eased and he tilted Daisuke's face up. "Daisuke… I was afraid. I couldn't protect you when those men were obviously skilled men…"
-o.o-
Satoshi and Krad were in Satoshi's bedroom, nursing some scratches. A first aid kit was placed randomly onto the rumpled bed covers. (It was because Satoshi was too lazy to straighten his sheets. Don't be pervy.) Now, there was a Band-Aid on Satoshi's cheek and crisscrossed bandages were around his arms from where tree branches had scratched him. Some wounds were when he was running and accidentally scraped his arm against a sharp trunk. Krad was in better wear since he followed Satoshi. He avoided getting hurt. And now, he gets to play doctor!
"Krad. Don't be perverted. I know what you're thinking." Satoshi said as he rubbed his forehead with closed eyes. Without having to see, Satoshi knows that Krad was pouting.
"But Satoshi!" Krad whined. He was now on his knees next to a Satoshi who was half on the bed. Krad grabbed Satoshi's arm and shook it in time with each syllable. "But, Satoshi! I want to play!" Satoshi shook his head, thinking of what else they could do besides playing. But he shook his head again to dispel the images and pushed himself off the bed.
"No, Krad. Come on. Let's go see what the other two are doing." Satoshi said as he took his arm out of Krad's grip. He paused at the door, one hand on it, and turned around with a smirk. "And stop pouting."
Krad's bottom lip jutted out even more, in a mock pout. He tried to push it out further to spite Satoshi's words, but it was no use. Satoshi laughed at the face Krad made when his lower lip wouldn't follow his orders.
As they neared the double doors to the kitchen, they heard silence except one or two voices. The voices were familiar but the lack of sounds of cooking was not. Satoshi didn't bother to knock (who knocks in their own house?) and pushed the door open. He saw Daisuke in Dark's arms while Dark's mouth is open. It seems like he was talking and was interrupted by Satoshi. And it also looked like he wouldn't be continuing till it was just the two of them.
"Well, Dark. Continue your talk with Daisuke. You didn't care about the maids listening." Satoshi said in a half-serious, half-mocking voice. That almost made Krad laugh, but he had to hold it in to watch. Dark's face burned when he registered the meaning of the words. His eyes darted from side to side while his body is completely still except for his chest, which is moving from breathing.
And as Satoshi had said, the maids were watching him and Daisuke. His blush reddened, proving the idle thought in Daisuke's mind that a seme could blush. He pushed away the thought and Dark's arms as well. It wasn't because he didn't like Dark. He just didn't want to embarrass the purple-eyed male anymore. Seeing their master's guest finally noticing them, the maids blushed in embarrassment and swiftly moved right back to work.
"I-I have nothing to say." Dark said a bit too quickly. He immediately knew what he did wrong and looked away, hoping that Satoshi and the rest wouldn't notice. His attempt proved to be a failure, however, when Satoshi smirked.
"Fine. Fine." Satoshi said, his smirk growing wider when Dark visibly let out a sigh of relief. "But you distracted the maids from cooking our lunch. You deserve a punishment." Dark grew afraid. For an unknown reason, he thought Satoshi was trying to sound a little kinky, but he threw away the thought because why would Satoshi be flirting with Dark? When Krad was there, when Satoshi and Krad were an item?
Dark shook his head in confusion. Then he noticed the other people in the room watching his movements with amusement (or more specifically: Satoshi). Dark would've growled, but thought better of it. He merely reached out and grabbed Daisuke and pulled him into his arms.
"Hikari." This was the first time Dark used his surname and though it was used jokingly, Satoshi couldn't help but feel hurt a tiny bit. "Don't come any closer. If you do, I'll possibly have my way with your 'otouto-chan'." With that said, Dark leaned his head down and paused to give a dramatic effect. When he was sure he captured all attention, he opened his mouth to lick Daisuke's neck.
Within moments, the skin of Daisuke's neck were pretty much red. Daisuke's nervousness was pretty much a large amount. He choked at the laughing faces of Satoshi and Krad and felt Dark's smirk behind him. Daisuke was so humiliated! Daisuke needed to hide! He didn't want to see those amused looks directed at him! Since his arms were trapped in Dark's arms, Daisuke turned around and buried his face into Dark's chest, seeking for comfort.
Daisuke ignored the laughs as he willed his cheeks and the other bodily parts to stop blushing and warming Dark's shirt. Meanwhile, Dark was still waiting for Satoshi's answer to Dark's 'threat'.
"I'm pretty sure you would have your way with him anyways, sooner or later. What would it matter when?" Satoshi spoke as he moved again, confidant strides following him. "And I'm not about to do anything."
Dark quirked his lips and let his arms hung loosely around Daisuke's waist. Daisuke continued burrowing his head into Dark's chest as his cheeks redden further from the hands that were placed right above his rear end. Krad laughed into his hand while Satoshi merely walked forward and stared amusedly into Dark's eyes. Dark's own irises reflect a humorous attitude.
"Young masters." To-to suddenly appeared behind Dark. She caused almost all four of them to jump up in surprise, but Satoshi had enough control and Dark had a bundle of weight weighing him down.
"Please leave. You're distracting the others from preparing your lunch. If you'd like lunch, please do not stop the others from making them." To-to said politely as she bowed towards Satoshi. The other maids shouldn't find out that Satoshi and To-to are on a friendly relationship. Otherwise they'd be jealous and start picking on the animagus.
Satoshi, although still want to pick fun, chose to comply with To-to's request. Grabbing Daisuke and Dark's arms, he tugged them towards the door, where Satoshi nodded to Krad to tell him to come with him.
-o.o-
"So… What do you want to do?" Daisuke asks as his cheeks finally turned back to its original state. Ignoring the somewhat sad look Dark carried (Daisuke's cute blush was gone!), Daisuke turns to face the newly appointed owner of Hikari Co. The group of four was still a group, but it seemed like they had split themselves into partners. Daisuke is now walking closer to Dark than Krad or Satoshi, but Satoshi had chose to be close to Krad.
"I heard from Krad that you guys were originally on a journey and that I…" Satoshi looked away nervously when Krad gave him a wink. "…that I stopped you because Krad wanted me." Daisuke nodded understandingly and Dark casually whistled while trying to get an arm around Daisuke's waist again. Daisuke slapped it away but continued to look at Satoshi and Krad. He waited for either Dark or Krad to answer. When neither made a move to do so, Daisuke decided to respond.
"That is somewhat true. But there were other minor reasons as well." Daisuke elaborated, gesturing around to emphasize a point. "Krad might've felt lonely, since Dark and I were gradually growing closer. (Dark: -smirk-) And we were running low on things and since we had no funds, we would've had to stay here till we get enough money to stock up on some supplies. Then there's the fact that I need to…" Daisuke cut himself off as his eyebrows furrowed. Dark, however, continued.
"Daisuke, here, has to think of a plan to woo me." Dark replied cheekily. Daisuke, instead of blushing like Dark thought he would, punched Dark's arm playfully. Satoshi almost smiled at their jokes but he didn't and Krad didn't even pay attention.
"No. I don't need to woo you. You're the one doing the wooing." Daisuke replied with a smirk. Dark copied Daisuke's expression and smirked himself. Suddenly, Daisuke began to become wary of Dark's reply.
"So you admit you're the girl of the relationship? After all, the girls are always the one who is waiting to be wooed." Dark said. Daisuke pouted but he didn't stop Dark or deny the accusation. Looking at the difference in height and age, Daisuke could've already found out that he would be the 'girl' of the relationship.
Krad's arm was now wound around Satoshi's waist and his mouth was dangerously near Satoshi's neck. Though Satoshi isn't exactly uncomfortable with the positions, he wouldn't like his friends to make fun of him. But then again, if they talked about Satoshi and Krad being a couple, it'd make the girls (and some boys) stay away.
"Um… So, if you need some money, I could lend you some." Satoshi said weakly as he tried to push Krad's sucking lips away from his neck. It was futile, but Krad relented and didn't try to mark him. But it didn't mean Krad didn't place butterfly kisses all over. Only hickeys were rejected (for now).
"Satoshi." Daisuke said softly as he paused in his step, ignoring Dark's arm that was now resting peacefully around Daisuke's waist. "I don't want that. People might think that we only set this… situation up just to monopolize you and take your money." Daisuke said quietly. This thought only came to him a few seconds ago. Daisuke honestly didn't want to appear as if he's using Satoshi.
"… But you need it don't you?" Satoshi asked, trying to convince Daisuke. He wanted to help. If Krad needed something, Satoshi would do his best to help. Isn't that what boyfriends do?
"Yeah. But we could just do some odd jobs here and there while we travel." Dark said, helping Daisuke. He turned his head a bit, to look like he was paying attention to the conversation. When three fourths of the group is now talking, Krad stopped his molesting and joined in as well.
"Okay, but wouldn't it be more convenient if Satoshi join us?" Krad asked, sticking up for no one. Krad preferred his own idea. It wouldn't appear as if they were taking advantage of Satoshi and Satoshi and Krad wouldn't need to have a long distance relationship. Satoshi stopped in his steps, contemplating the idea. Dark merely waited for Daisuke. Dark doesn't really mind either way. If Satoshi would distract Krad from paying any attention to Dark or Daisuke, then Dark has more opportunities to be with Daisuke!
Daisuke copied Satoshi and thought about what Krad had said. If Satoshi would join the group, there would obviously be some pros and cons. Let's start with the cons first.
1. Nobody would be able to take care of Hikari Inc. And Daisuke was pretty sure Hiwatari would try to take the company over when they were gone.
The solution to this problem sounds easy, but hard to do. All Daisuke, Dark, Krad, and Satoshi have to do is find proof that Hiwatari had attempted to kill Satoshi Hikari. And, Satoshi could probably find witnesses of the attack.
2. Fan girls would be jealous of Daisuke, Dark, and Krad for taking away Satoshi. And the fact that Krad is Satoshi's boyfriend might not be so well with the Satoshi Hikari Fan Club. Jealousy might cause some accidents.
The solution: none. Nada. Zilch. Fan girls can never be fully, completely annihilated. Not that Daisuke want to commit murder. The best option would be to somehow to sic YFG (Yaoi Fan Girls) onto the Satoshi Fan Girls and hopefully convert them. But that in itself might be bad. Who knows if the YFG would stalk them and take photos. But anyways…
3. Daisuke doesn't think someone like Satoshi would be used to camping and sleeping out doors. Daisuke doesn't mean to offend Satoshi, but Daisuke thinks that Satoshi has only ever slept on a feathery soft bed and not the hard dirt floor. It might take a while for Satoshi to adjust and Daisuke wasn't even sure if Satoshi's back would suffer or not.
Perhaps Krad could hold Satoshi when they sleep? Satoshi would have a comforting presence that would wipe away all discomfort. Krad might be a warm, comfy pillow for Satoshi.
For now, Daisuke couldn't really think of any other bad reasons why Satoshi shouldn't go. It's a given that traveling would be dangerous, so that doesn't really prove as a con. Moving on to the pros.
1. Satoshi's new addition to the group might remove some crushes and fans of Daisuke and Dark. Then the pair would probably have less stalkers and similar people slinking around, following them.
2. The YFGs can stop only focusing on Dark and Daisuke and could take pictures of Krad and Satoshi instead. It's a selfish reason like afore mentioned, but Daisuke never said he wasn't a selfish person. It's a human emotion. Dark and Daisuke could be alone in the true meaning of the word (and no one will have blackmail material).
3. Daisuke has yet again another selfish reason. With the famous Hikari heir, no doubt Dark, Krad, and Daisuke would be treated with extreme care in towns and no one would think about taking advantage of them or trying to steal money.
"I'm okay with it." Dark said, not used to the silence that had followed Krad's suggestion. In all honesty, Dark wouldn't mind. And since Daisuke was contemplating about it, it meant Satoshi had a chance of joining them.
"I agree with Dark. So it's up to Satoshi, now, if he wants to come with us." Daisuke spoke, gesturing to Satoshi to talk. Satoshi looked up with uncertain eyes before looking down at his shoes again, lost in thought.
"I'd like to." Krad was about to jump for joy, but he stopped. Satoshi continued. "But we have to deal with Hiwatari, first. Otherwise, this town might end up in slavery thanks to him." Satoshi said softly, hoping not to disappoint Krad. Krad smiled gently, noticing how kind Satoshi was to his people. Krad hadn't even thought about Hiwatari, but who would want to think of the man?
"I thought about that already, Satoshi." Daisuke said, without hesitation. "If we could perhaps find evidence of him trying to murder you, he might be sent to trial for a sentence. I'm sure out of the villagers; some would have seen the assailants' faces. And no doubt, they'd confess, hoping that the jury would let them off easier." Daisuke explained rather quickly. However, Satoshi heard everything.
Satoshi frowned. It was a plan, but not a very good one. There were a lot of ways this plan could go wrong. For one, the assassins should've already been gone since the Tarots had mysteriously left them somewhere. And the villagers might not like to be bothered with things like court. This plan isn't foolproof, but it's the best one they currently have.
Satoshi nodded. If it's the best, why not use it.
-o.o-
Few Days Later
Daisuke's plan had hitched off perfectly. The men were found in the forest, nursing their injuries. They had been forced into town, kicking and screaming. But somehow, they had agreed to testify. The younger townsfolk, the teenagers, had agreed to be witnesses, because nothing big happened much in town besides festivals.
The judge was at Satoshi's birthday party, and he had seen the assault. The favor was on Satoshi's side and now, the four bishounens were sitting in court with others, waiting for the judge to pass judgment. Murmurs echoed through the room while people spread gossip and what they think. They were all appalled that a stepfather would harm their own child. Daisuke wondered if they ever read 'Cinderella'.
The jury slammed his hammer down and the hall had quieted down when they heard 'Quiet in the court!' People quickly looked forward, waiting for the blow.
"Those who charge Hiwatari as guilty?" Hiwatari stared smolderingly at his lawyer when more than three quarters of the court had raised their hands. Hiwatari's lawyer had obviously been a bad worker for his client.
"As innocent?"
Even though not everyone had raised their hand when the jury has asked about guilty, it wasn't exactly surprising that no one raised their hand during innocent. Hiwatari didn't come off as a nice person. He was arrogant and merciless and cruel. Hiwatari had thought everyone else was beneath him and treated them as so. Therefore, no one had even thought of helping him.
Satoshi had looked away when the judge had first asked the question. He now knew he was free. Free from the terror of Hiwatari. From the loathing of existing for nothing. And now, free to love Krad unconditionally. Satoshi didn't pay attention to the sentence of how long Hiwatari would be locked away. Hopefully for a long time.
"Well, Satoshi? What do you say? Want to join us?" Krad whispered into Satoshi's ear. His arms were wrapped soothingly around Satoshi. Krad knows that Satoshi felt a wave of feelings swamping onto him with the knowledge of freedom. Any word that Krad spoke would echo loudly into Satoshi's mind.
Satoshi glanced up briefly, before his eyes decided to stay on Krad's face. Satoshi nodded. Somewhere, in the other side of town, church bells rang, signifying an ending to a nightmare, and a beginning to so much more.
-o.o-
Daisuke couldn't help but smile softly and gently when Krad and Satoshi kissed. Seeing the two getting closer, Daisuke looked away and in the process, into Dark's eyes. His arms, unaware, had grasped tightly around Dark and they were leaning, ever nearer. They were both happy for their friend and the serene peace in their hearts, however short it may be, made them pleased and welcoming to love.
By now, Daisuke's chest was onto Dark's, their face, about a foot away from each other. Dark leaning down. Daisuke reaching up. Knowing that they would kiss, Daisuke's mouth opened a small slit for warm breath to come out.
An inch away, the breaths Daisuke let out, mingled together with Dark. The gently pressure onto the lips somehow made them more excited and Dark's tongue darted out to wet his lips.
Finally, their lips met. It wasn't quite like how chick flicks had described it, but Dark wasn't sure if he'd like to compare. There wasn't any special shock that goes through their body. There was a tingle down in his nether regions, but that's normal.
But Dark did feel a spark for Daisuke. An aching love that Dark doesn't exactly know how deep. But Dark know that even if their kisses don't feel like how others describe it, no tingle, or no spark, Dark knows that Daisuke is the only one for him. Deep down, Dark knows…
…Dark knows that Daisuke is the other half of him. Daisuke Niwa is one half of Dark Mousy and without him, Dark couldn't go on living.
Dark was afraid of the depth of his feelings, but he didn't let his terror control him. Dark was the type to live in the moment. And now, Dark would simply enjoy kissing Daisuke.
Adventures.
Public.
Krad and Satoshi.
They all faded into the back of Dark's mind as Dark applied pressure into the kiss. His tongue entered Daisuke's mouth as Dark let his feelings overwhelm him. Through the small contact of the tongues, Dark tries to convey his feelings to Daisuke.
… Daisuke feels it. The love. The longing. The desperate need. Everything that Dark had tried to describe but failed, Daisuke knows. Even though Daisuke and Dark didn't know each other before, they were okay with it. They have till the end of time to love each other. As the saying goes: it only takes an eternity to love someone.
-o.o-
In the dank shades of the remote mountains, a shadow leaned over a cauldron of images. The creature's lips curled into a maleficent smirk. Fangs protruded out of its mouth and the flittering light gleamed brightly over the sharp end.
"Enjoy it while it lasts, young Niwa. For after this one moment of happiness, I will crush your poor, weak wings." The voice of a devil echoed through the cave as rats scurried away from the demon. The voice scratched the walls and the creature plunged a palm into the bubbling cauldron.
Hissing, the beast pulled out a steaming heart, fresh blood still on it. The heart was still beating slowly, as if begging to be let go. No use. The demon's lips cruelly grinned in amusement as the fangs tore the muscle apart. With half the heart in hand and blood on his lips, the demon once again spoke.
"O' CHOSEN ONE! COME! IF YOU THINK YOU CAN DEFEAT ME, COME! I shall await your defeat. Your beautiful red locks and head will be on a silver platter, for display."
Malicious laughter filled the cave as the beast feasted on the heart of the living.
A/N: I just made a last minute decision. I think this story will be split into two or three parts, so this is why I made this the last chapter. Tarot is now complete and the sequel where the journey starts. And if you're the type who skips author's notes, THERE'S A SEQUEL COMING UP! I'm not sure when I'll be done with it and if the story will be out as fast.