Keiichi had slept soundly that night. It took awhile to get used to the other being there with him, but the feelings of awkwardness and being uncomfortable passed. Satoshi, on the other hand, fell asleep almost instantly. His head lay on Keiichi's pillow a few inches from the other. His eyes shut, expression so tranquil, Keiichi almost forgot how sick he was. Just from looking at him when he was asleep like this, you couldn't tell. His breathing was so soft and even, his lips parted ever so slightly. His bangs fell to the side, covering parts of his face. His hands were balled into loose fists and placed close to his chest. They were mere centimeters away from Keiichi's. The brunette couldn't help but smile subtly. The other looked so... normal. Keiichi frowned slightly. No...normal wasn't the right word...

He sighed and rolled over, straining his mind as he tried to think of the word. He fell asleep to that thought.

He awoke the next morning surprisingly enough, not tired at all. As he stretched a small frown crossed his face. He'd have school tomorrow... He glanced over at the sleeping other. The thought of school hadn't occurred to him at the time... Or his parents return, whenever that was. Soon, he guessed. He stared at the crinkled mess of blankets at his feet as he tried to think of what he could do. What if his parents came home while he was at school? What if they found Satoshi? And even if they didn't, would Satoshi even want to stay here? He'd be cooped up in this same room all day, alone. Keiichi bit his lip. Maybe taking him in wasn't a good idea, even if, at the time, he didn't know of the consequences.

So what could he do?

Keiichi glanced over at the other again. He was making progress fast. In the few days he'd known him, they'd already figured out his name. The memories would slowly come back to him.

"They had too." Keiichi told himself. "Satoko's waiting at home for him...He has to come back to her..." That's what Keiichi had to keep telling himself, in order to get motivated. Satoko needed her Nii-nii back. Satoshi deserved a chance at life again. For whatever reason he was kept in that clinic...Clinic...

Could he have been talking about Irie's clinic? Keiichi wondered. That was the nearest clinic around, wasn't it? It was possible that he ran from there, to here. Would Irie happen to know anything about it? Keiichi sighed. Even if he did, Satoshi wouldn't want him to talk to him. He'd escaped there for a reason, hadn't he? Somehow Keiichi had a hard time imagining Irie doing anything to hurt Satoshi, especially since he was a loved one of Satoko... Then why run? Then again, if it were Keiichi and he was cooped up somewhere he didn't want to be...he probably would've done the same.

Keiichi would have continued brooding if Satoshi hadn't stirred next to him. Keiichi glanced over at him, expecting to see him awake. The blonde's eyes were still closed, but his once tranquil face had changed. A pained looking scowl had crossed his features. Keiichi watched him for a few seconds and waited to see if he would wake up. When he made no more movements in those few seconds, Keiichi turned away and resumed his brooding. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Satoshi make slight movements that looked almost like a twitch. He looked over at him again. The movements he was making reminded Keiichi of a dreaming dog. Keiichi swallowed his nervousness that was building up best he could. People had bad dreams all the time. He'd wake up.

When Satoshi started thrashing around and mumbling incoherent things, Keiichi's worrying returned. He reached over and shook the other lightly, hoping it would be enough to wake him. Satoshi unconsciously batted his hand away and continued to thrash and mumble. Keiichi went back again, trying to shake him awake.

"Satoshi, wake up," He tried to say as loudly and calmly as possible. Satoshi's face grew more distraught as he batted him away and his mumbling became louder, more distressed sounding. Keiichi was growing desperate. He pinned Satoshi's hands back on either side of his head.

"Satoshi!"

Keiichi found himself practically straddling the other. The brunette held the thrashing blonde down and continued to say his name over and over again.

"Why isn't he waking up?" Keiichi thought desperately as he shook Satoshi again.

"Wake up!" He found himself practically yelling now. Something wasn't right. Normal people would wake up after such treatment. This scared Keiichi. "Wake up..." He repeated, quieter this time. The thrashing stopped suddenly. Keiichi waited, hopefully. Nobody moved. Slowly, Satoshi's eyes opened. They were scared, he was trembling much like he had last night. Keiichi let out the breath he'd been holding and sat back, releasing Satoshi's arms. He backed off the other and sat in front of him.

"You about gave me a heart attack..." Keiichi told him, placing a hand over his racing heart for emphasis. Satoshi wasn't paying any attention. He was too busy looking around the room as he sat up. He wrapped his arms around himself tightly and continued to tremble.

"It was...a dream...right?"

Keiichi looked up at the other and offered him the best reassuring smile he could muster.

"Just a dream. You're fine."

Satoshi nodded but still continued to tremble. He was drenched in a cold sweat and his heart was beating in his ears. The dreams were back.

"You going to be okay?" Keiichi asked him, full of concern. Satoshi didn't seem to hear him. He was still hugging himself and trembling violently. The blonde seemed to be deep in thought, and from the expression he was making, it wasn't a good.

Keiichi wasn't sure what came over him really. Maybe it was the thought of it would help calm the other down and bring him back to reality. Maybe he just felt like he needed it as well after all that stress. He wasn't quite sure his reasoning, but he decided to do it anyway. He crawled over and placed his arms around the other in a firm hug. He rested his head on Satoshi's shoulder.

"Everything's okay."

Satoshi tensed as Keiichi's arms embraced him. He closed his eyes and relished in the wave of comfort it brought him. He loved and hated the fact that Keiichi could make him feel so safe. He didn't know why he trusted the brunette as easily as he did. Just his presence was so sincere and comforting... Satoshi bit his lip. He really couldn't stay here any longer. He was growing too attached, too fast. Already, he felt so dependent on Keiichi. He didn't want to burden Keiichi and drag him down. Satoshi was sure he'd be fine on his own. His bruises and wounds were almost healed. He could find shelter. His memories would come back to him. He could tell Irie he was fine now and everything would be okay.

"As if it would be that easy..." He thought bitterly as he tentatively hugged the other back. A small smile crossed Keiichi's lips when he felt the others arms around him. Satoshi hated how he contradicted himself like he did. He told himself to not grow attached, and all he did was grow closer to the other. He depended on Keiichi so much already. It worried him. Would he really be alright if he left? He wasn't sure now...

He was reminded cruelly of the dream he'd had seconds ago. A shiver ran down his spine as paranoia seemed to consume every fiber of his being. Keiichi seemed to sense him tensing, because he hugged him a little tighter. Satoshi closed his eyes. It was a dream. Keiichi would keep him safe...Keiichi...

Satoshi pulled away from the comforting embrace and wrapped his arms around himself. He stared at the floor in front of him silently. Keiichi stared at him curiously, trying to figure out what was wrong. He was about to break the silence when he heard something down stairs that made him freeze instantly.

The sound of the front door opening.

Satoshi looked up confused. Keiichi jumped up and began to push him.

"H-Hey, Keiichi, what're you-" Satoshi started to ask, but Keiichi placed a silencing hand over his mouth.

"Sh! Just, get in my closet, I'll explain later!"

Satoshi would've argued, but judging from the look on Keiichi's face, this wasn't good. He complied, and went to sit in the closet. Keiichi shut the door once he was inside before he bolted out of the room and down the stairs. Satoshi sat perfectly still, listening intently. Was it the police again? Or worse...

"No...it couldn't be...she's...not alive...she's not...she doesn't exist..."

Satoshi took a deep, calming breath to help relax. Downstairs he could hear the shuffling of bags and voices. Keiichi's in particular rang out.

"Welcome home, Mom, Dad."

Satoshi's eyes widened. His parents? Keiichi never mentioned them before... Was Keiichi going to tell them? It would make sense...Then again, why would he hide him if that was the case? Satoshi was so confused...

He brought his legs up to his chest and buried his face. If Keiichi had parents...then things were about to get even more difficult. Just when Satoshi had started to talk himself out of leaving...this happened. Satoshi couldn't help but laugh at himself. He could be so stupid...where did optimism get you in life? All it did was leave you feeling disappointed...

Satoshi bit his lip as he stared at his knees. He sat up, a bit straighter, and held out his arms. In the darkness he could make out the bruises that were still just barely present on his arms. His eyes softened a bit as he stared at them. He'd leave after they were healed. That gave him a day or two to prepare. He wasn't sure what he could prepare, really. He couldn't steal from Keiichi, ever. He sighed. He'd just have to fend for himself. Who was he kidding...these extra days he was giving himself were just self satisfaction. He didn't want to leave Keiichi. It was just for the better. He shut his eyes tightly and placed his hands on the ground next to him. Why was he so attached? Was it just because he had no one else? He frowned, not wanting to think about it any longer. By the time his brooding was over, he heard the familiar sound of Keiichi running up the stairs. The brunette threw open the closet door, a worried smile on his face.

"Sorry about that...I wasn't sure if...you know, they'd come upstairs or not...I wish I could introduce you to my parents, but...given the circumstances..." Keiichi laughed, albeit nervously as he out offered Satoshi help up. The blonde boy took it hesitantly and was pulled to his feet. "Don't worry about them, Dad's always busy with his art, and Mom usually just works around the house or reads." Keiichi explained briefly. "I...was going to mention them but...It slipped my mind..." He admitted sheepishly. Satoshi feigned a small smile but said nothing. Keiichi meandered his way to his futon, sighing all the way. He spun around and collapsed face first on it, letting out all his frustration in a single groan. Satoshi sat on the edge of the bed, glancing over at the other. Keiichi seemed a bit distraught...He wanted to comfort him, much like Keiichi always did for him...

He felt his cheeks heat a little as he leaned over Keiichi and wrapped his arms around him from behind. He wasn't sure why he felt embarrassed by the gesture, or why his heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest. He let his head rest on Keiichi's back and his eyes close. He thought of this as both comforting for Keiichi...and a farewell for him.

Keiichi, on the other hand, had no idea what was going on. He had a mini freak out when he felt Satoshi practically lay on top of him, arms wrapped around him tightly. All stress he had built up seemed to melt away, just like the indifference he'd felt before did. He smiled and whispered,

"Thanks, Satoshi..."

Satoshi felt his heart rate increase and a small almost giddy feeling rose in his chest. Just something like that made him feel so warm inside...

"You're too attached...You're just going to hurt him... Or your going to hurt yourself..." That annoying, nagging voice told him in the back of his mind. At this time, he chose to ignore it and concentrated on comforting Keiichi.

And saying good-bye.


Night soon came. Satoshi remained hidden in Keiichi's room while he sneaked enough food up for both of them to eat. His parents weren't nosy people and didn't seem to interested on what Keiichi was doing in his room. Satoshi was thankful for that. It made it easier to hide...

"So, I have school tomorrow, so I'll be gone the first part of the day." Keiichi told the other as he sipped some ramen. "My parents shouldn't come upstairs, but if they do, just hide in my closet or somewhere okay? We can figure out a way to make this work, until you're well again."

Satoshi remained quiet the whole time. Keiichi seemed to have given some thought to all this...It only worsened Satoshi's guilt.

"It won't take long to get you well, right?" Keiichi grinned that carefree smile of his. Satoshi couldn't bring himself to look the other in the eyes. He just nodded before nibbling his ramen. For some reason, he wasn't hungry...

Keiichi set his finished bowl down in front of him on the floor and looked at the other.

"So, your dream...what was it about?"

Satoshi choked up, not expecting that kind of question. His dreams...he'd rather just forget.

"Nothing..." He answered sullenly. Keiichi wasn't satisfied. He smirked.

"Was it a...bad...dream?" He questioned.

"You could say that." Satoshi answered simply, obviously not catching onto Keiichi's innuendo.

Keiichi snickered.

"Was it... a naughty...dream?" He joked, trying hard to bite back laughter. Satoshi shot him the opposite of an amused look.

"No."

"I'm just messing with you, but seriously, what was it...?"

Satoshi's face grew dark.

"I'd rather not talk about it."

Keiichi folded his arms over his chest.

"But, it might help you rem-"

"If what's in my dreams actually happened...maybe I don't want to remember..." Satoshi cut him off short.

Keiichi was stunned. He couldn't find his voice. Satoshi almost seemed angry just then... He had always appeared so gentle and laid back.

"Maybe some other time..." He finally said, breaking the silence. Satoshi didn't say anything; he continued to eat his food. If those nightmares were real...maybe it was a good thing he remained unable to remember.

Once Satoshi finished eating, Keiichi took both their bowls downstairs and washed them before anyone could notice there was an extra bowl. He went back upstairs to find Satoshi already laying down in his futon.

"Tired?" Keiichi asked, hands on hips.

Satoshi, whose back was to him, nodded slightly.

"Me too."

Satoshi stiffened when the lights went out in the room and Keiichi climbed into the futon.

A muffled 'G'night' could be barely heard as Keiichi dove face first into his pillow. Satoshi glanced over at him before scooting farther away. Too attached...too attached... He had to leave tonight. He couldn't burden his friend any longer. Keiichi readjusted himself so he wasn't suffocating and sighed heavily. He fell asleep facing Satoshi, a small smile on his face. Satoshi bit his lip as he slowly sat up. When Keiichi didn't stir, he slowly slipped off the futon. His movement undetected by the other, he was free to go. Unable to leave without saying good bye, Satoshi paused before walking out. He tiptoed back over to Keiichi and let his hand brush against his brunette hair. A risky move he was willing to chance.

"Good bye...Keiichi. I'm sorry..."

That being said, he slowly made his way out of Keiichi's room, silently sliding the door behind him. He walked down the steps as quietly as he could, making sure he didn't make too much noise. He exited through the back door, and didn't look back. If he did, he wasn't sure he'd be able to follow through.


Keiichi woke up mere minutes after Satoshi left, almost as if his instinct had told him something bad happened. Panic set in almost immediately when he realized Satoshi wasn't there. He sat up, all remnants of being tired leaving him. Pure adrenaline was coursing through his veins now as he jumped out of bed.

"Satoshi?" He whispered harshly through the darkness. "Satoshi?"

When he received no reply, he left his room and stalked downstairs, making little noise for how fast he was going.

"Satoshi?" He whispered as he turned the corner. Maybe he was in the bathroom. Keiichi ran down the hall to check, not surprised when he saw no one in there.

"Gah..." Keiichi ran a hand nervously through his hair. He walked back through the house, looking everywhere plausible Satoshi could be. After looking everywhere he could think to look, Keiichi accepted the fact that he wasn't there; he was far from giving up. Out of sheer determination, he began looking again, checking all the doors. When he got to the back door, he noticed it wasn't locked as it usually was. That wasn't a coincidence.

He reached out and gripped the door knob.

"Please let him be alright..." Keiichi whispered in the dark as he pulled the back door open. He was greeted by the chilled night air and the sound of cicadas crying in the distance. The near full moon above shone down brightly, lighting up the area quite well. Keiichi took a step outside, cringing as he bare feet touched the cool soil. He considered running in and getting shoes, but he really didn't have time to waste. Satoshi was out there somewhere, and even if he had to search all night he'd find him. He had to get him well.

Breaking into a run, Keiichi set off, determination his fire, fueling him to look. Satoshi couldn't have gone to far. He'd be found.


Satoshi ran his hands along his arms, trying to keep warm. The night breeze whipped through his thin shirt like a knife and his feet stung as they stepped on twigs and rocks, much like they had a few nights before. That had seemed like such an eternity ago...yet here he was again. Alone in this world, with no one but himself...As far as he could remember, that was how it had always been (not that he remembered much anyway). Even when he was with the people of the Clinic, like the Director, he felt alone. They didn't understand him. They just wanted to use him as a science experiment, or that's how it seemed to him. Was that why he ran? He couldn't remember...He must've hit his head while running away. He grimaced to himself. It wouldn't surprise him.

The night seemed so calm and peaceful as he walked into nothingness. He wasn't sure what was ahead for him, or where he was even going for that matter. All he knew was he was walking away from the town, away from the clinic, and away from Keiichi. It was for the better. He'd find some place to take shelter and someway to find food. Who knows, maybe a miracle would happen.

Satoshi stopped to stare up at the endless amount of stars in the sky. Who was he kidding...this was practically suicide.

The stars above him winked and flickered. At the clinic, from his window, they weren't visible. So many lights blocked them out...Satoshi hadn't realized how much he'd missed them until now. As he continued to stare, he caught sight of a falling star, lasting only so long. If he had blinked, he would have missed it.

"Aren't I supposed to make a wish...?" Satoshi asked himself as he bit his thumb nail. That was right, wasn't it? Satoshi looked back up at the innumerable amount of stars before slowly closing his eyes.

"I wish for a miracle."

That was the only possible solution to his problem.

A rustling noise behind him made him open his eyes immediately. He was frozen from fear as the sound grew closer. He didn't want to turn around. He wanted to run. His legs wouldn't allow him too. He was growing desperate as fear and adrenaline kicked in. Not even bothering to see what it was, he let instinct take over. Given the options of 'fight or flight' he flew. Paranoia seeped in, and pretty soon, all the shadows created from moonlight warped into terrible hallucinations. Satoshi couldn't stop running. Whatever was behind him was drawing nearer. He could feel its breath on the back of his neck, he could feel it catching up. His lungs burned as he continued to run from whatever was pursuing him. He wasn't cut out for this. But he couldn't stop now. He had to run. He had to save himself. He needed that miracle.


Keiichi's fear of losing the other continued to set in as he searched. Honestly, he had no idea where the other could be. Keiichi had been wandering aimlessly for so long now, he wasn't even sure if he knew where he was. He could worry about that after finding Satoshi. So, he continued to look, with no luck.

"Dammit Satoshi...What were you thinking..." He cursed under his breath. He needed to find his friend. He had too.