Hooray for this is a long chapter!

Disclaimer- Not yet…

Italics – flashbacks

Daisuke's POV

I couldn't get much sleep last night. I was worried about what I would get on my history midterm since I knew I didn't do too well. I'm not really the person who would get troubled by a grade but this time I am, if I bomb the midterm then I'm going to fail history. That's going to be a bad thing since it would be my first class I failed so far in my 14 years. Another thing that bothered me was that every time I fell asleep I would see Riku smiling and saying those 3 words I wanted to hear from her badly.

The dream starts off with her waiting under a Sakura tree while I walk up to her. "Daisuke, I love you!" She said in my dream. "Please be mine!" Then we shared a kiss under a cherry blossom tree.

Too bad every time I woke up it brings back painful feelings, like a stab in me. Oh well, it's 9am right now I should be getting up for my trip to my grandma's house. Today is her birthday after all. Suddenly I remembered something, I forgot to give her a present! Great, first it's my midterms now it's people birthday presents. I think I'm getting old too early. Getting my clothes on quickly before my mom woke up, I immediately rush out of the door only to find a surprise. I looked at the white covered ground, why would snow fall so early in December? The weather has been so warm lately that it doesn't even seem like winter. I guess weather can change in a split second but in any case it was freezing outside! Grabbing my mom coat out of the closet that seemed to be a little bit too small for me and went into the cold. I wondered to myself, what would an old lady like my grandma want for her birthday? I looked on the sidewalks that the shops had there were none that seem to fit her. Walking even further I noticed something that might be able to help me.

I had a smile across my face. "How about that shop Menou-san's mom owns? I heard she has some antiques that my grandma might like!" Hurrying to the store that was located at the end of this street, I found the signed that said 'Workshops'. Looking through the window I could already tell which one I wanted for my grandmother, the medium sized wooden clock. It's perfect for her. I heard footsteps coming out of the store I looked to see who it was. It was Menou-san getting a ruler out to measure how many inches the snow is. I smiled once again. It's been a while since I done that with…my dad.

A younger version of the red head brings out a ruler to the back porch of his house. "Otou-san, look! It's 4 inches of snow!"

The older man chuckles as he stood next to his son. "If you're lucky, I might come back from work early mommy and me will help built you a snowman!"

"I hope so! I want a happy snow day!"

I blinked for a moment, it's been a while that I had memories about him. Especially in daylight time. Ignoring my own comments I walked to the blonde girl who finished measuring the snow.

"2 inches." She said with disappointment. "I was wishing to get more snow then that." The female turned around to see me. "I didn't expect to see you here Daisuke, is there something you wanted?"

"I hope you don't mind but I want to get the wooden clock that is sitting on the window." I pointed to where it was.

"That thing? It's been there every since I was born…"

"It makes it even more perfect, I'm getting it for my grandmother."

She looked at me like she was shocked. "Daisuke, I didn't know you were that type of person that would even care about your grandparents. These days kids and teens don't even seem to care about old people anymore." Then she walked into the store with sadness, probably Menou-san is a lady at heart rather then a 13-year-old. I followed her into the place. "The clock costs about 30 dollars." The girl said.

My eyes widen. I forgot about getting money too? I'm really starting to get old. Kuso! "Gomen, Menou-san I forgotten my wallet at home. Is it okay that you hold on to it until I get back?" As I am about to go to the door I felt a pull on my right wrist. I gave her a question look and she sighs wrapping the clock with paper.

"It's okay Daisuke, you don't have to pay. The clock's as old as time it just needs a place to stay." She puts the clock in the bag. "I believe that all artwork has some form of life in them, it's such a shame that people can't really see that."

I grabbed the bag and sighed. "I guess, but people are like that I suppose." Menou-san seems like an adult stuck in a teenager's body. With that, I walked out of the store. "By the way, thanks Menou!" I said to her at the opening of the door before making my speedy way back home.

It's really cold today and the wind keeps blowing against me. Soon after that thought, I heard yelling at the park I'm walking in. I wonder what's wrong. I stepped in a little closer into the fight hiding behind trees. I know this is wrong but I couldn't help but listen. The couple seems to have a very heated argument.

"Why were you flirting with that girl the other day?"

I could already tell where this is going I better leave before they spot me and kill me when they do. This situation makes me wonder if Riku was my girlfriend, would my relationship with her last? Getting out of the park I saw my mom looking for me. "Kaa-san!" I shouted to her.

"Dai-chan! It's 9:20, get in the car we don't want to be late for your grandmother's birthday party!" She said back. "Oh what's in the bag?"

I gazed at the ground that was still covered with snow. "Um…it's a clock that Menou gave me for grandma." I didn't want to tell my mom that I forgot getting a present and giving money for the clock.

She patted my head. "I understand, it's okay to forget things."

I gave her a shocked expression. How in the world did she know? Kaa-san grabbed my arm and ran back to the car in a rush. Why is she in such a hurry to go to my grandma's house? It's not like anything too exciting happening there.

"I don't want to face against the morning traffic yet." She said.

Does my mom have ESP today or something?

I sighed as the 5-hour trip to London, where my dad's mom lives. Now that I think of it more, I don't really want to go to her house for…a good reason.

I heard my mom sigh. "You know, it's been a while since we last saw your grandmother. About 9 years now?"

I didn't say anything more then a 'hn' coming out of my mouth. I continued seeing what was outside of my car window and without even turning around, I knew my mom was smiling sadly at me.

"I know you don't want to see her right now, but she's getting old and seeing her son's family is the next best thing."

For the millionth time already, I sighed.

"Daddy, I want to know, why does the sky seem like it's so sad sometimes?" Daisuke questioned while the sun begins to fade into the gray clouds.

His father patted his head. "I think it's a little bit too young for you to be understanding something like that."

"I'm just curious. Why?"

"You see son, the sky can tell people tons of things. Like how the weather is, what's the time of the day, and so on. However, some people sees it differently."

The younger boy blinks. "I don't get what you are saying."

"I'll tell you when you're older, it's a little bit too complicated for me to explain it to you."

Daisuke smiles. "Okay!" He marches on the sidewalk with his father.

Two flashbacks in one day, that's not a good sign. My past is coming back to me. My mom and me spoke nothing for the next 5 hours in the car. During that time, tears came out of my eyes unknowing to me. It means that it won't be long until…that happens again.

"SHUT UP! LEAVE ME ALONE!" --------

Finally we're here at my grandma's house…well…more like a mansion. My mom told me to get the suitcase and go inside the place but that was before I saw how many steps there were before getting to her mansion. My eyes widen. How in the world does my dad's mother walk up those 2000 some steps? I grabbed the bags as I went up the steps, only 1989 more to go.

What seemed to be forever, I finally made it up to her mansion. I fell back to the ground with swirls on my eyes. "I'm never walking up stairs ever again."

Kaa-san giggled. "C'mon Dai-chan, we're here." She carried the rest of the bags as I got back on my feet trying to walk. I can't feel my legs. However, when I got to the place, I saw something that bothered me. Why is Satoshi here? Wait, I forgot his parents are good friends with my grandma but he doesn't seem like the type who would join something like this. I walked up closer, now he his eyes are swollen as he sleeps. Did something bad happen to him? I mean, he doesn't cry unless it's really important.

I went up to him, he was sleeping on the bench just outside the place. I was about to say something before knowing Freedert, my cousin, is sitting next to him. "Oh, konnchiwa Freedert-chan!"

"Konnchiwa." She said with a sigh. "Hiwatari-san isn't feeling well today, I saw him crying not too long ago."

"What happened to him?" I questioned her. She told me that it appears that he and Krad broke up. That must have been earlier today when Menou-san gave me the clock. "How sad." That's all I commented on. I really had nothing to say since I didn't really know them all too well. But seriously, it's really sad.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Freedert's parents. "Hello Daisuke, it's nice to you see you here."

"It's nice to see you too." I replied quietly. "I guess I should be going inside now huh?"

"You should, your mom wants you to say hi to your grandmother."

"Oh." They could tell that in my tone of voice, I didn't want to go. However, I don't really have a choice. "Alright then." I went inside the mansion and saw tons of people ready to stampede over me. It's only because I'm the only heir to my grandmother's family. I eventually found my mom in the kitchen, which took a while.

She glared at me. "Dai-chan, I was beginning to think when you were coming inside." Then she patted my head. "I know it's hard for you to come here, it's the same feeling for me too. I think your grandmother would like to see her grandchild before she dies." She told me that dad's mother wouldn't come out of room since she's stubborn, so she pointed out that her room is the 3rd floor up and the 5th door on the right. Giving my mom my coat, I did what she told me to do.

As I got up to the final level of the mansion, I saw how gloomy it looked and how different the aura of the place is now. Candles were the only light supporting and the paintings were spooky as well. It gave me a bloodcurdling feeling like looking at them. I guess this is what happens to obaa-san when she gets depressed.

I knocked on her door. "Are you there?" Of course she's there, why wouldn't she be? I knocked on the door again after a moment of no response. "Ready or not, I'm coming in!" Wait, I'm not the type of person who would just rush in. Great, Dark's rubbing off on me. I cried mental as I pictured him laughing evilly in the background with a fan covering his mouth. I turned the doorknob around. "Grandma?" (1)

I saw her rocking back and forth in her chair looking out the window like she's ready for die. "Is that you Daisuke?"

I smiled to her. "Hai." I went up to her. "It's been a while." I think she's about 79 years old right now.

She twisting to the right she saw me. "My, you have grown. I think you were about 4 foot when I last saw you. How tall are you now?"

"5'3." I said. "I'm not really as tall as dad was when he was around my age." It kind of embarrassed me to say so.

Obaa-san sighed. "You know, you look a lot like your father."

I gazed down at the floor. She had to bring the topic about otou-san already. "I know."

"Somehow, everyday, I wondered what life would have been like if he never died. Such a shame really."

"I know." I said once again, keeping myself quiet. "Oh yea, I forgot." I grabbed what was inside the bag and gave the clock to her. "I hope you like it, it's the only thing I found that suited you."

"Thank you." She said before it on the self. "I'll remember it. I think you should go back to downstairs where your friends might be waiting for you."

I bowed to her. "Arigato." Then I marched down to the first floor. I didn't even bothered to go say anything to my mom, Freedert-chan, or anyone. I just immediately went straight to the bathroom wanting to let all my sorrow out. Seeing this mansion, seeing obaa-san, every part of this keeps bringing painful memories.

There's a reason why I haven't seen anything from my childhood for 9 years. I blamed myself for causing my father's death. It's a burden that only I carry.

The 5-year-old Daisuke didn't know it but this was going to be the day where his life is forever changed. "Neko-chan!" He said pointing to the cat slipping out of his parent's hands.

"Dai-chan!" Emiko shouted chasing after his son who is running after the animal.

Finally the cat ran across the road but the naïve little boy ran after it anyway. "Kitty!" However, not knowing to him a car was coming by. He looked at the light from the vehicle not moving an inch.

"DAISUKE!" His mom yelled ready to charge to save him but her husband got to him first. A scream was heard after the collision of the car. "KOSUKE!" She cried.

Daisuke only looked at his father in wonder giving him a questioning look. "Otou-san?" The young boy saw the blood coming out the older man's head. "D-Daijoubou?"

Kosuke only grinned at the red headed boy while hugging him. "I'm alright, everyone will be fine." Then he passed out on the pavement. His wife came running in kneeing by his side praying that God might spare his life crying.

The smaller male got out of his father's grip. He could only wonder what his dad might be doing lying on the road. He tugged the woman's shirt. "Kaa-san, will dad be okay?"

She smiles even though the love of her life is in a bloody bath of his own. "Sure." She lied, she didn't want to worry her only son. "Everything will go to plan."

The moment Kosuke gone to the hospital, it was too late. He had died along the way.

From that point on, I always see mom whispering dad's name in her sleep.

"Why did you leave me?" She kept on saying that and every night I would go into her room trying to comfort her in the middle of the night until I was 9. Sometimes, I think she sees me as my dad since people said I look a lot like him aside from the crimson hair and eyes. I remember that dad's family blamed mom for his death, they said that she should have done something about it instead of doing absolutely nothing. Even grandmother too. My mom had never met her again until today since the older woman moved away from here. "I WISH IT WAS YOU RATHER THEN MY SON!"

It would cause my mom suffering and pain. She would always think of ways of trying to kill her and she would get drunk as well. I couldn't stand seeing the only parent I had like that. It didn't take long until I realized that it was my fault for his death. If I hadn't chased after the cat, if I had ran away when the car came, if I hadn't done anything this would have never happened.

I heard knocking on the bathroom door. "Daisuke-kun? It's Freedert! What's going on? People heard you crying! Are you okay?"

I ignored the comments my cousin made. I just wanted to be left alone. I continued crying

Daisuke, at 7, thought that if he had never been born would everything be going back to normal? All he wanted was to stop his mom's suffering.

One day, during in the middle of the class, his teacher finished reading a fairy tale story to them. She said "If you could have one wish, what would it be?"

"TO BE A FIREMAN!"

"ICE CREAM!"

"CANDY!"

"A KITTY!"

The teacher smiled. "Those are very nice advice. How about you Daisuke, you haven't said anything yet."

He remained silent. "I don't want to wish for anything." He finally said.

"There must be something!" The teacher commented trying to be optimistic.

"…There is something…"

"What is it?"

"I wish, that I had never been born. So everyone would be happy as they were."

The older woman blinked at his answer thinking why a child at his age be thinking about death already? "Um…very good Daisuke. Let's move on now shall we?"

Later that day, his mom forget to pick him up from school which means the younger boy has to go walk home…again. He came up a 3-way intersection that was located near his house. Thinking back at his wish he thought to himself that he would jump out of nowhere when the lane next to him had a speeding car.

Just when he saw one, someone pulled him back.

"Are you insane? You looked like you were about to jump in there and get yourself killed!"

"That's what I plan to do." The boy looked at his 'savor' with the dead eyes he has. "That way, everything will return to the things they were and mom wouldn't have to suffer anymore."

Then he slapped him across the face. "Baka! Think about what you're saying! If your mom is suffering, think how she would feel having a child of hers die!"

"Demo, every time she sees me she thinks I'm dad. It makes her sad even more."

"She'll get over it, she has to move on sometime or later! I can't believe that I'm talking to a hopeless case like you, you probably deserve to die." Then he walks off waving his hand at the younger boy from the back.

He was probably right, maybe I did deserve to die. However I couldn't really stand being weak, in front of my mom anyway.

"That's it! I'm coming in!" I heard kaa-san breaking the bathroom door. "Dai-chan! What's wrong?" She finally saw the weaker part of me with my eyes swollen from the tears I cry, leaning against the wall covering my knees with my arms.

I cried even more. "Gomen kaa-san." I said. "Gomen…" I gazed upon the tile, trying to look away from everyone else. I felt my mom's embrace.

She sighed. "Shhh, it's okay. Cry all you want let the pain come out. I'm here."

I listened to her. I cried my heart out. I saw people, even Hiwatari-san, sadly smiling at me even though they probably don't have a clue to what's going on.

-------------

Dark's POV

Today's a weekend and there's nothing good to do. Dai-chan's off on his trip to London, Krad's having a PMSing day, and my parents are having a business trip meaning I can't bug them to death either. The video games I have for my PS2 are starting to get boring too. I lay back against my bed staring at the air that's in front of me.

"Man, it's a Saturday and I'm so bored!" I wailed at the top of my lungs. I feel like a little kid again. Look on the bright side, when there's a will there's a way. Let's see I could always go to the arcade. Nah, they're like the video games I have. How about go see a movie? There's nothing good on though. Watch old home movies? Ew no, what am I thinking? Am I that bored enough to actually talk to myself? Yea probably, I'm talking to myself right now aren't I? Right you are.

Getting out of my bed, I decided to raid the fridge. A lighting strike in the background, just my luck, my parents took away all the junk food too. How am I suppose to live without it? I grabbed a banana and turned on the TV to see what is on. Another unfortunate event, nothing good is on either. Today isn't my day. With nothing else to do, I decided to pay a visit to the local zoo.

"Mommy, I want a monkey!" A kid next to me said.

Her mom sighed. "No you can't have a monkey for the millionth time. It's too wild."

"But mommy, I WANT A MONKEY!" She screamed making my ear drums pop. I felt sorry for the mother having to have a child like that when she carried her daughter off. Oh well, I paid the lions a visit too. They're not doing anything either, they're just lying around the dirt wasting the whole day off. This is boring. As I began to walk away, I heard a lion roar. What is it now? I saw that one of the lions is looking at me. What in the world is he looking at me for? I noticed that I was wearing a sliver crossbow necklace that really shines.

"You want this?" I hold up the jewelry teasing the animal. "You can't get it can you?"

After a moment, the lion roared at the purple-headed teen and jumped over the fence. "Oh shit." Now I know what it feels like running for dear life! "AHHH!" I seem to be doing a really good job at it too. Then I tripped on the ground. Crap, I'm going to die…

"Dark-san? I think he's alright." I heard a familiar voice.

"Of course he's fine, he's opening his eyes with no harms on his face stupid!"

"Well excuse me for worrying about him!"

"That's a change, you're actually caring about your ex."

My vision is clear now, I saw the Harada twins fighting once again. "Hey." I said giving a wink. Riku rolled her eyes and Risa giggled.

"He's okay now, we can go home." The older sister harshly said dragging her sibling with her.

"But nee-san! I want to stay with Dark-san for a moment!"

She rolled her eyes once more. "I'll be waiting outside the lobby for 5 minutes but after that, I'm leaving without you. Mom wants us back directly at 5pm today."

Risa glared at her before smiling at me. "Dark-san." She started the conversation with a sweet tone of voice. I could tell something is up already. "It's been awhile since we've been alone like this."

"Um, yea, Risa it has." I responded back to the younger twin.

"Dark-san you're so funny." She giggled again. "There's something I need to ask of you…"

End of chapter 7

I was really tempted to make Daisuke say, "Here's Johnny!" at that point. Haha.

Risa (Me): Sorry if the grammar is really bad, I'm trying to learn how to beta read my own fic! Plus, my beta reader has a lot of homework as well.