Chapter 15

Daisuke didn't speak once Hinami was born. He simply stayed away, most of the time spending his time outside.

He allowed the others to spoil the infant.

At this point he didn't know what to do. Maybe he stayed because of Ken or maybe because of Miyuki or even because of Hikari.

He watched the gentle snow fall from the darkened sky.

He then heard a door open behind him. His head lowered hoping maybe it was a Chosen Child and their partner who wanted to go home.

"Just going to stay out here?"

Ken.

Ken Ichijouji stepped to lean against the rails beside Daisuke. "You know being out here in the cold will just make it harder for you to carry Hinami?"

Daisuke continued to look down, "you should be in there carrying your daughter."

Ken snorted, "I should be, but so should you. You're her 'Uncle Daisuke-san' are you not?"

Daisuke serious demeaner was quickly broken to a quick chuckle. "Uncle? I don't know if I'm ready for that responsibility."

Ken shrugged, "what? Giving Hinami-san gifts that Miyako-san doesn't approve of. Only coming over when you want to get her father, me, in trouble." This led to another light chuckle from Daisuke. "Bringing over the cool friend-like sister, Miyuki…?"

Daisuke's face then dropped, "Ken-san…"

Ken sighed, "the speech you know. What you said. She believed it. Everyone probably did. You know… I'm starting to think you're the only one that didn't believe it."

Daisuke looked up at the clouds, hoping to see stars, "a speech doesn't fix it."

Ken shrugged, "neither does staying outside."

Daisuke frowned, "Ken-san, I think they're happier without me… they've been before."

Ken interrupted, "didn't we talk about this. Of course, we moved on. No one could stay like they were five years ago. But Daisuke-san, we missed you. We all did… even Hikari-san."

Daisuke clenched the metal bar and said, "I made her cry. I don't think I can ever make up for that."

Ken looked at Daisuke before sighing and patting her shoulder, "I made Miyako-san cry… a lot more than anyone would think is appropriate. Sometimes in pain, sometimes in love. Hinami wasn't born from perfection. She was born from emotion."

Ken then let go of Daisuke who looked down. Closing his eyes and he heard the door behind him open and then close. The cold breeze blew as the chill felt like tiny spikes against his skin. He opened his eyes and then turned to the door.

He reached for the knob, feeling the difference between the warmth radiating inside and the cold that he stood in.

He turned the knob and opened the door. The warmth invited him in, and he allowed it to let him enter.

Once inside, he turned to the living room area to see it empty. He turned towards Miyako and Ken's bedroom and saw all of them gathered. He heard the cues of an infant before hearing the shutter of the cameras.

Daisuke got nervous seeing all of them gathered. He could still feel that his body was cold as he opted to stay distant. He made his way to the kitchen and was about to roll up his sleeves until he heard footsteps on the hardwood floor.

He stopped and glanced over, nervous at who it could be. Her eyes were met with the soft wave of Annia. Takeru's wife.

"Oh, did I startle you?" Her voice was genuinely concerned, but still, he was still reminded of the punch to his face he received from Takeru. She still confidently walked over until both were now in the kitchen. "We didn't talk much back then, huh?"

Daisuke could only shrug.

Annia smiled before leaning against the counter. "I know what I was to a lot of people. A nice girl. Takeru's girlfriend. That nerdy girl he chose over Hikari. I… I heard various things from various people… truth be told. I didn't mind. The 'chose over Hikari' one stuck with me the longest, but it was par for the course. I got over it when everyone got along with me."

"You, on the other hand, by the time I was so close to Takeru-san… I could gauge what people thought of me. A large majority of you didn't mind me. A few of you were cautious of me. You on the other hand, I couldn't tell."

Annia looked down with a smirk, "you were such a mystery that every time you popped up. My curiosity became… 'what does he think of me?'." She began to slowly walk around the kitchen. "You weren't close enough to me to like me as a friend immediately. You didn't spend time wondering if Hikari and Takeru will get together. Your best friend was Ken Ichijouji who was boyfriend at the time, now married, to Miyako who was fond of me. Yet, you were friend with Takeru who became my boyfriend, now husband. But you were friends with Hikari-san… who liked Takeru."

Annia licked the inside of her cheek. "But then you and Hikari-san were like… in love or something." He rubbed her arm, "you didn't manipulate her out of her love for Takeru-san. At least, she said so. Hikari made sure we knew you never used her. Never…" Annia then glared at Daisuke. "Never. Even when she was pregnant."

Daisuke gulped and looked down.

Annia huffed, "so, Daisuke-san. What do you think of me? Cause it's a curiosity."

Daisuke looked over at Annia who had this quiet anger towards her. It reminded him so much of Takeru. Daisuke answered, "you're Annia."

Annia sharp glare dropped, first to confusion then to anger again, "w-what?"

Daisuke nodded, "what you said… about how we didn't talk. Never got close. You were just… Annia. Not anything else. Not the friend of anyone or the one who Takeru was with. No." Daisuke looked down, "you were just you."

Annia was still before stepping back and beginning to giggle. Daisuke glanced over wondering if she was rageful, but she was just giggling. She stopped herself from devolving into pure laughter and said, "couldn't you just… say something like Takeru's wife."

Daisuke was about to reply until Annia said, "because you were only ever 'that boy…'. That boy that broke her heart. That boy that was gone. That boy… I couldn't forgive." Daisuke didn't know it, but Annia was recalling when Hikari broke down in the shower.

Annia smiled while looking down and said, "right, you're Daisuke." She said before turning around and beginning to walk off.

Daisuke could only watch as Annia stepped out of the kitchen and looked down the hallway. "Takeru-san, I'm ready to go."

Daisuke looked down until he heard footsteps get closer from down the hallway. He looked up and made eye contact with Takeru. Takeru wasn't glaring, but simply observing. He turned away after a split second as Daisuke simply took a step back.

It was like a domino effect; Takeru's departure made the others leave. Except for Takeru, Annia, and Taichi, everyone else waved to Daisuke. Daisuke could only nod with a nervous smile. He was seeing each of his friends go once again.

The last one to leave was Jyou, talking to Ken who was only off frame.

Once Jyou was out the door, Daisuke realized something, Hikari was not seen. And at the same time as the realization, Hikari appeared from the hallway and looked at Daisuke.

Both looked at each other before Hikari crossed her arms and walked closer, "h-hey," she said looking away.

Daisuke asked, "I thought you would go with your brother."

"Well," Hikari sighed, "I don't have a car and I think Sora is tired. I thought it would be nice to stay the night here. In the guest room…" Daisuke nodded before she asked, "you?"

He stopped nodding and replied, "I… I can walk home."

Hikari crossed her arms, "or… stay with me?"

Daisuke was stunned as he turned over to Hikari who looked away. She then turned back to look at him and say, "w-what? Can't share a bed with me?"

Daisuke blinked and then said, "oh, a-a joke."

Hikari glared, turning her head at him, "I'm being serious." They both looked at each other's eyes. "I mean I don't mean that way, but you don't have a car either, right? Well maybe stay over. Miyako is my best friend and Ken is yours."

Hikari was now redder than she was before. She didn't know, but she expected him to be much more willing. Maybe giving her a reason to deny.

Daisuke replied, "H-Hikari-san, I'm fine walking…"

Hikari huffed, "No!" She said sternly, glaring. "D-Daisuke-san, I just think it's safer for you to stay okay. Even if there was a bus, you cannot go out there. Now…" she got in front of him and glared, "y-you're staying in the guest room with me and Miyuki."

Daisuke looked at Hikari and then replied, "yes."

Hikari glared for a moment before her demeaner began to break down to nervousness. "Okay, well first room to the left. Miyako and the baby are sleeping so you won't get to see them until tomorrow anyways."

She turned and paced back to the guest room, leaving Daisuke speechless in the kitchen.

Daisuke stood alone for a moment before taking a deep breath. He headed to the guest room where the door was closed. He got in front of it and stood there. Not knowing if he should knock or just open the door.

If he knocked, he may wake up the baby whose room wasn't too far. Or if he walked in and Hikari was changing.

Maybe she wants me to leave and just wanted to be…

He then heard the doorknob turn and the door opened. He saw Hikari, wearing pajama pants that were clearly Miyako's and a white tank top. "I-I changed as quick as I could…" she said before the door opened wide and there was Miyako, wearing a long t-shirt that was tied like a gown.

"Dai-san."

"Miyuki! Be formal!" Hikari blushed.

Daisuke said, "m-maybe I should go walking home. The cold isn't too bothersome."

Hikari stomped her foot, "no! Come on, I got a pair of Ken-san's pajamas for you." She said pointing at the queen size bed with the pair of pajama pants. Daisuke nodded and said, "I mean I will be fine. I can sleep with these clothes on the floor."

This time when Hikari got to his face, it was way more serious. "No." She didn't say it with annoyance. "If you're uncomfortable with sleeping in the same bed as me… and Miyuki. Say so."

Daisuke looked down, "H-Hikari-san…"

Hikari huffed and grabbed the pair of pajama pants. "Miyuki-san, go to bed, I'll be right back." Stern mother was her attitude before grabbing Daisuke's wrist causing him to gasp before he was pulled to the bathroom.

When dragged in, Hikari closed the door and then turned to Daisuke with a glare. "What is with you?"

Daisuke didn't say a word.

Hikari sighed, "Daisuke-san. I am trying to make this work. Trying to make it easier on you, but you're… you're making it difficult. Why can't you get into the same bed as me."

Hikari suddenly felt herself lose her grip on his arm as he moved his hands beside her, pinning his hands against the wall as he leaned down. Hikari shuttered a bit as she didn't expect this from Daisuke. He looked down at first, but then showed his serious, but saddened face.

"I'm not going to say anything I don't want to regret saying. But Hikari-san, you're a girl I…" he stopped before sighing, "you're a girl I had sex with. I know we'll be in bed with Miyuki, and I am not some idiot who would try anything, but it just makes me nervous okay. We only shared a bed once and…"

Hikari gasped out before composing herself. "D-Do you want to have sex with me?"

Daisuke's hand twitched, "I told you… I don't want to say anything I'll regret."

Hikari nodded before asking, "then be honest with me. Just on this… has it been on your mind?"

Daisuke looked into her eye before looking away, "no." He said as Hikari gasped. "I mean I didn't see you and think about 'sex'. You don't like me that way and I know trying to pretend you do would just make things worse. I only want to have sex with someone who wants to have sex with me." Daisuke could feel his face burn up, but he knew he had to say this.

He looked back at Hikari and his eyes widened. Her face was dazzled, one he recognized as someone who was into someone. And she was looking right at his eyes.

He saw her mouth open and knew what was coming next, "what if I want to have sex with you?"

Daisuke's eyes looked closely. His eyes and Hikari were locked. He felt his hand lower as he began to lean his head closer. Hikari, instinctually, began to close her eyes, lean her head back and part her lips, puckering ever so slightly.

Shit! Both thoughts cursing themselves for this for different reasons. Shit… both then thought in happiness for the same reason.

And then the door knocked.

Daisuke gasped himself back to reality, leaning back and moving his hands away. Hikari, still holding his pajama pants adjusted her hair.

"W-Who is it?" Daisuke asked leaned against the door now, trying to pretend what almost happened didn't happen.

Ken's voice replied, "me? Hey is Hikari-san in there? She's not with Miyuki."

Hikari coughed a bit, "I am here…" she began to nervously play with her hair. "I was… helping Daisuke-san with… no with like… like with his pajama… I mean I was talking with him."

"Hey, look, it… it's not my business. Can I just get some hand towels. I just want some cause the baby is still a baby and…"

"No, no, no, I get it," Hikari walked to below the sink and opened the cabinet to take out a clear white towel. She went over to the door as Daisuke moved out of her way. She opened the door, blushing immensely, looking at Ken who didn't know what to say.

He just accepted the towel and said, "okay, g-good night." He said as Hikari nodded before he added, "you two." And she winced a bit.

Daisuke winced too, but he made sure he didn't look at Hikari.

Once again, both turned and made eye contact. Hikari put the folded pajama pants on the toilet top and said, "I'll be in bed…"

Daisuke nodded as he saw her fit herself to the door before closing it. He could only sigh and lean against the sink before getting a smile flustered smile.

Hikari, on the other side, was the same. Leaning against the door and sighing happily. "Idiot…" she said before composing herself and heading to the guest room. When arriving there, she saw Miyuki happily laying down on the bed. "Miyuki-san?"

Miyuki turned her head and gave a wide smile. "Yes, mommy."

Hikari smiled gently and walked over, "Daisuke-san… is going to share a bed with us for tonight. Okay?" Hikari waited for her daughter's response.

Miyuki blinked and said, "okay." Normally as if it wasn't a bother. "Can he sleep with us every night?" Miyuki asked with a giddy smile.

Hikari looked on before sighing, "I mean… d-do you want him around that much?"

Miyuki began to fiddle with her fingers, "I mean… I mean I would like it if he was around. He likes soccer just like me."

Hikari could only smile as she adjusted a strand of Miyuki's hair. "Daisuke-san does like soccer. Would you like him living with us?"

Hikari didn't hear the hallway bathroom door open.

Miyuki looked up at the ceiling, "I mean, would you?"

Hikari blinked as if she knew the question was coming, but still shocked it was to be asked. She thought about a lot and then shrugged, "maybe, I mean I wouldn't mind Daisuke-san living with me."

He didn't make a sound, but Miyuki's eyes looking over at someone behind her made her realize what she had said. She glanced back to see Daisuke standing with a surprised look on his face, wearing the pajama pants and his long sleeve shirt.

Hikari did not respond immediately, but simply got an anxious look to see how he would react.

"Oh um…" he said at first, "r-ready to sleep?"

Hikari inhaled deeply. This was going to be the first time she shared a bed with Daisuke since that night. Since that night that led to Miyuki being conceived. The last night she saw him.

Yet she was still excited.

She was still excited.

Hikari adjusted her bangs and said, "ready." She said before sitting on one side of the bed and beginning to get herself comfortable. This was a test. This was her test to see if he would run off.

She glanced over at him, getting a smile and pointing her eyes a few times at his side of the bed which was against the wall. He nodded and began to slowly walk towards the other side.

Miyuki giggled not knowing what this meant, but being excited, nonetheless.

Hikari's eyes were following Daisuke. When he stopped as he got to the other side, she tilted her head.

Daisuke looked at the bed and then back at Hikari. They shared a look as he shifted his head slightly down to ask, 'you sure?'. She just nodded as then he began to get on the bed. The moment his knee touched the bed and the weight of bed shifted slightly. She braced herself and kept watching Daisuke.

He was smooth as he got to the other side of the bed. Hikari turned to where she was laying on her side, staring at him. He finally was settled and laid down, staring right at her. Both their eyes reflected each other.

Their stare only to be broken when Miyuki made a noise. They both glanced down to see the young raspberry colored haired girl laying comfortable with her eyes closed. A smile so wide.

Daisuke and Hikari smiled before looking at each other. They waited a moment looking at each other then back at Miyuki. Hikari shifted the covers to ensure Miyuki was tucked in. Once confirmed the little girl was asleep, Hikari said, "she's a hard sleeper…"

Daisuke, at first silent, then said, "she got that from me. But she sleeps quietly like you."

Hikari got up and turned off the lights. The room became dark, but the nightlight in the hallway gave enough illumination to help her get back to bed. By that time, her vision adjusted, and she was back to looking at Daisuke.

"You're tired…?" she asked before yawning.

Daisuke shrugged, "I mean, a bit, but…" he stopped himself, seeing Hikari with her eyes closed.

"I'm still awake, dummy," Hikari said with a smirk as she left one eye open.

"I mean, I don't want to prevent you from sleeping."

Hikari adjusted herself a bit before opening both her eyes. "Daisuke-san, how can I sleep? This is the first time we're sharing a bed. Last time you left…"

Daisuke blinked and looked down, "Hikari-san… I'm sorry… I can't…"

"Hush," she said with a tired, yet soothing voice. "I just… H-how do I know you'll be here in the morning? This time…"

Daisuke lowered his head into the pillow he had, "I'll be here in the morning then…"

Hikari stirred, "promise…?" She was now fading to her slumber.

"Promise…"

Daisuke reply was then met with Hikari letting out a disjointed, "if… I will… if you… are here… kiss me… a lot…with you… I want another… baby…"

Daisuke only watched Hikari fade to her slumber. Quick sleeper as he remembered her. He didn't respond, he waited to see if she was truly awake. But once she was asleep, he looked at her then at Miyuki then back at her.

He stayed awake a bit longer.

At that point Miyuki got cold and began to cling on to her mother. Daisuke ensured they got the blanket for the night.

And at one point, Hikari hand reached out. She stirred as her hand wanted something to hold. Daisuke relented and put his hand. Their fingers laced she held his hand.

He could finally rest seeing her smile.

In truth, he was worried this comforting sight would be gone by morning. He stayed awake a little longer wanting to see and experience it just a bit longer.