A/N: Wow, I wrote this entire chapter in one night. I only hope those who read it will like it. So far the pattern is still ongoing but no one has guessed it right yet some are close though. This chapter is also the longest so far.

Disclaimer: Yep I do…not own them! Lol never have, never will, never want to. I respect them too much!

Chapter 4: Treats, Threats and Thieves.

Daisuke did a sideways glance towards his newest friend and companion. He found it hard to believe that they had only met the night before and were now walking side by side like long lost companions. The actor found what he had said earlier had been the truth. In the utterly brief amount of time he had been acquainted with the boy he found he had grown fond of him. Like he felt protective of him especially since the boy seemed a bit clumsy. But then again that wasn't entirely his fault. The first time Mao had fallen it had been due to lack of food and sleep the second time had been blamed on Roku who had tripped his master, and the third time so far had been to Mao too desperate to return to his studies after waking up from the highly needed and well deserved nap.

Daisuke had promised Mao a surprise and only hoped the other boy would enjoy it as much as he had planned to. Luckily for both of them the small part of the city where they both resided was not as busy as most mornings and Daisuke took the advantage to walk out in the open without anyone stopping him for an autograph or a picture. It didn't happen to often though anyway but he could take the chance today. He looked over to see Mao inspecting his still bandaged hand.

"How is it feeling?'

Mao glanced up slightly startled then moved his hand around. "It doesn't hurt anymore. I don't think I thanked you for helping me with it."

"No thanks required. I was happy to help. I'm just sorry it had to happen.'" Daisuke said truthfully. "Now, I have a question for you."

"Nani?'

"I'm sure thanks to your studies and work you do not have much time for movies or television but have you seen any of my work that you can freely and honestly say you enjoyed?" Daisuke asked.

Mao stopped for a minute the nodded, "Hai, there was that one film where you played the older brother of the dying sister. How you were determined she be saved and did everything in your power to keep her alive."

"Oh you mean Kakko no Kokoro that was probably my most difficult role. I had to go through so many emotions." Daisuke said.

"I could tell and I think it was your best role. You were amazing in it." Mao said. "Why do you ask?"

Daisuke smiled as he led Mao into a small restaurant and sat him down. "I'll explain after you eat. Now go ahead and order."

Mao glanced at the menu and Daisuke immediately noticed the boy's eyes were focused strictly on the least expensive list of meals.

"You may order anything you like but it has to be over 500 yen.' Daisuke insisted. "I'm going to make sure you get a good meal in your system and price is not a problem."

"I told you I don't want to be a charity case." Mao argued eyes still focused on the least expensive choices."

"You aren't a charity case. I just want you to enjoy yourself here okay?" Daisuke protested. "Look if it will make you feel better you can treat me some time in the future."

Mao looked up with a stubborn expression gracing his features. "I already had that in mind."

"That's fine." Daisuke finally dropped the argument and scanned the menu himself before ordering his pleasure including a glass of iced tea. He scanned the dessert menu and noticed a list of sweets that he himself wouldn't be too fond of but wondered if his dining companion would and then pointed to one of the cakes and held up one finger to the order taker and pointed towards Mao who thankfully was still focused on the menu so he didn't notice the exchange. Daisuke put a finger to his lips so the order taker would know to keep it a secret and luckily he was understood.

Once Mao had ordered his choice of food and beverage he looked around. "You know I've walked by this restaurant many times and have wondered what it would be like to eat here but I never could."

"When is the last time you went to eat out?" Daisuke asked sipping his own iced tea.

"Hmm, I think it was right before my parents-" He trailed off evidently upset by the subject.

"Oh, oh I see gomen." Daisuke said.

"It's okay. I still have my brother despite us growing a bit distant from each other.' Mao said.

"Do you not get along with your brother?" Daisuke queried.

"It's not that. He has his own life and I have mine. We still talk occasionally, not often as I would like but he does have his wife and their daughter." Mao said. "Also I don't like to bother him with my problems."

Daisuke only shook his head. "Tell me something Mao, if I hadn't made the suggestion earlier would you have actually gone out in search of a second job?"

Mao lowered his eyes and nodded. "It would have only been temporary though only until I could get back on my feet again. "

"Well like I mentioned before. I'll help you out with food and a few other necessities and in return you can do me a few favors. You won't be a charity case because you'll be giving me something in return." Daisuke explained smiling when their food had arrived. He gave thanks for the food before digging in happily. Glancing over he noticed Mao was eating too but slower then himself. "You are hungry aren't you?"

"Hai, I'm just used to eating my meals slowly so the feeling of fullness lasts longer." Mao explained. "I'm enjoying my food don't worry."

Daisuke noticed Mao had followed his wishes and ordered something just over 500yen but only just so he couldn't argue. The price of the dessert would make up for it. He only hoped Mao wouldn't feel too full to eat it. After a refill on their tea the order taker nodded towards Mao who had finished his own meal and was tracing circles on the table. Daisuke nodded in response. Minutes later a small piece of chocolate mousse with strawberry drizzled topping and whipped cream was placed in front of a now wide eyed Mao.

"Wait a minute, what's going on I didn't order this." Mao protested.

"I know I did. You were studying so hard earlier I figured you'd like a treat. I wasn't sure what kind you would like so I guessed. Is it okay?" Daisuke inquired.

Mao hesitantly picked up the provided fork and took a delicate bite of the chocolate and in minutes closed his eyes. "This is so good!"

Daisuke chuckled warmly and reached over with his own fork to sneak a piece. As mentioned he wasn't a big fan of sweets but this time he'd figured he'd make an exception. To his surprise it wasn't as sweet as he expected it to be but sweet enough. "You're right."

"Thank you" Mao said a huge smile now on his face as he devoured the dessert almost greedily. Once the plate was clean save a few crumbs he looked up almost embarrassingly.

"You enjoyed my surprise I assume?" Daisuke asked.

"That was the surprise you mentioned earlier?" Mao inquired.

"Actually that was a spur of the moment idea." Daisuke admitted. "I hope you didn't mind it."

"Not at all." Mao responded. 'It's been quite a while since I've had anything so sweet and delicious, so thank you thank you."

Daisuke chuckled, "Well like I said after all the studying you did in such a short time I figured you deserved a treat."

"Speaking of I should probably head back home. I still have a lot more to go over. I'm still not confident yet." Mao said as he looked at his cellphone.

Daisuke looked at it as well not realizing Mao even had a phone but didn't ask about it. "Would you like me to join you? I don't have any plans for the rest of the day and the last thing I want to do is lay around my apartment bored out of my mind."

"Wouldn't you do that anyway if you were at my place? I'm not exactly a great source of entertainment and there isn't much to do anyway." Mao said.

"You're more entertaining then you might think. Besides if you want I could quiz you on your studies." Daisuke offered. "You seemed very determined and I want to help, that is if you'll let me."

Mao considered this before smiling, "All right sure. If it won't be too much of a hassle that is though."

Daisuke smiled in return, "Then afterwards if you're up for it we'll pick up a few groceries okay?"

Mao readied himself to protest but stopped himself seconds later. 'If you insist. But I'm only getting the bare essentials. Let me pick out what I want but only within a certain budget okay?"

"Ok, okay, I guess I can't argue with that." Daisuke nodded before paying the check and leading Mao back towards the apartment building. The day had grown a bit warmer but it was still a comfortable temperature so the walk was relaxing.

It seemed their enjoyable walk was to be interrupted by the clearing of a throat and Mao stopped in his tracks causing Daisuke to nearly run into him having been walking a few steps behind the boy.

"Daijoubu ka?"

"You pathetic little-"

Daisuke looked up in time to see the same man from the night before storm over and grab Mao's arm tightening the grip firmly, "Oi, what's going on here?'

"Gomen Sukoshi-sama-" Mao tried to speak but bit back a yelp when the grip on his arm tightened.

Sukoshi moved into Mao's personal space hissing his response to the apology, "You liar, you told me you were going to be studying and here you are out and about. If I wasn't understaffed already you would be fired this instant."

Daisuke stepped forward having had enough and pushed the other man away. "How dare you speak to him like that? I have spent the last several hours with this young man and except for the past hour and a short time sleeping he has done nothing but study."

Sukoshi opened his mouth to protest but stopped when he realized who Daisuke was and stepped back. "Oh, I, I see. In that case see to it that he continues with his studies. He can't be failing his exam." He turned to look at Mao, "I'll see you for the night shift Hamao-san." With that Sukoshi turned heel and went on his way.

Once the two of them were alone Mao felt his knees give out and he collapsed where he was standing only to feel Daisuke's arms wrap around his waist holding him in place. His entire body was shaking. Mao moved to wrap his own arms around the older boy and shook his head repeatedly.

Daisuke allowed the boy to get out what he needed to, tears, sobs, shouts, anything but no sound came only the shaking of his head and the trembling of his body. After several minutes their moment was interrupted by the sound of Daisuke's cell phone and he groaned when he realized he recognized the ringtone. Releasing one arm from Mao, Daisuke pulled his phone out of his pocket and answered with an irritated, 'Hai?"

"Watanabe-san were are you we have to discuss-"

Tonaku I told you I was taking the day off and I have no plans to come into the studio whatsoever. So whatever photoshoot or meeting you have cooked up without my consent will have to wait. If you don't like my decisions go ahead and fire me."

"Watanabe-san I insist you come to the studio. We never did finish discussing your role-"

"Well, if the director and producer plan to behave the way they did last night towards me and that young man from before I am not too keen on working with them." Daisuke argued.

"I understand and I spoke with them after you left. They are willing to accept an apology from the boy for disrupting the meeting and-"

"Whoa, whoa, stop right there. He did not do any harm. He fainted from exhaustion and lack of nourishment. No apology is required. Now if they want me in the drama contact them and tell them I will meet with them tomorrow evening at the same restaurant. I have already made plans for today that can not be cancelled under any circumstances." Daisuke said noticing a look of confusion on Mao's face whom had released his hold and was now standing next to him.

"Very well. I will contact you as soon as I have the details. But know that tomorrow your schedule will be packed due to this spontaneous choice to take the day off."

Daisuke chuckled dryly, "If I recall you gave me the day off yourself remember?"

A few more words were exchanged before Daisuke ended the call and pocketed his phone, "Sorry about that."

Mao shook his head. "If I'm keeping you from your work I don't want you to-"

"It's my choice. Now come on you have some studying to do." Daisuke said relieved when a smile graced itself on Mao's features. Moments later he remembered the 'surprise' he was going to show Mao but decided to save it for after Mao passed his exam, which he was certain the other boy would pass.

The continued walk was peaceful and it seemed like the day itself was allowing them to enjoy the air and the company provided. As if nothing could go wrong.

Both of the boys stopped when an unfamiliar ringtone echoed around them.

Mao had reached into his pocket and fished out his phone answering it in a hurry. After a few exchanged words a look of horror plastered itself on his face and he took off running towards his apartment at full speed. Once he reached the building he stopped only for a moment to fish out his key and ran up the stairs to his door. But it seemed it wouldn't be needed. The door was open and Roku was hiding behind the love seat which had been turned over and the coffee table was on it's side. The closet was thrown open as well as the cupboards and the fridge. Mao's laptop was missing and all of his notes from earlier were scattered all over the room.

"No no no…" Mao ran for his hidden cash stash but was stopped by Daisuke, "Don't! If you try to touch something you may erase any fingerprints left by the thief."

Mao did stop and stepped out of the room calling for Roku to come to him. Thankfully the feline could sense his friend's distress and leaped into Mao's waiting arms purring loudly.

Daisuke was already on his phone calling the police. After exchanged words they stayed outside the door as to keep from tampering from any evidence and breathed a sigh of relief when 2 officers finally showed up. They immediately began to question Mao but it seemed the boy was too far in shock he couldn't do anything but stare off into space.

Daisuke offered to answer as many questions as possible and managed to give them enough information before the officers entered the apartment scanning the room and then looking at Daisuke.

"Does he have any friends or family he can stay with until we have searched the place for evidence?"

"Hai, he'll be staying with me." Daisuke said reaching into his pocket and pulling out his card.

"Wait I thought I recognized you. You're that actor from-"

Daisuke brushed the officer off, "That's not important. Please this boy has gone through a lot. Let me just take him with me and if you need to speak to either him or myself you can reach me at this number." He jotted down his 2nd cell number used only for emergencies and handed the card to the officer. If I don't answer right away leave a voicemail. I always check the voicemails cause very few have that number."

"Very well we will contact you soon."

Daisuke only nodded as he led the still quiet Mao from the building and back towards his own apartment. The whole way there Mao hadn't let go of Roku who had fallen asleep in the boy's arms still purring. They reached the building and the handsome actor let the boy in offering a pair of slippers and to his surprise Mao had removed his shoes and slipped his feet into them walking out of the foyer and into the living room but stopped there.

Several moments of silence passed and Daisuke placed a hand into Mao's shoulder. "Do you want anything?"

"You don't have any cat food here do you?" Mao asked quietly.

Daisuke all but chuckled. Of all the things for the boy to want or ask for, cat food was the last thing he had expected. "No but there is a store not too far from here. Pets are welcome in this building and I can get Roku some temporary fixings."

"You mean you'll let me stay here?" Mao asked genuinely surprised.

"Of course. I won't be happy knowing you have no place to go while the investigation is going on. " Daisuke said as he led Mao over to the sofa and sat him down.

"But what about-"

"If you're going to mention anything about your work or your exams I'm sure they will be understanding given the circumstances." Daisuke inquired. "If you don't believe me why not call the head of your school and see what they say. That is unless you feel you will be up to taking the exam tomorrow."

Mao shook his head. "I'm not sure of anything right now. I'm not sure what I should do anymore."

"Well I can tell you won't want to stay here for free given how stubborn I've come to learn that you are. So you will clean up after yourself and Roku, and every other night if we eat here at home you'll do the dishes and keep your room tidy as well as your own laundry." Daisuke said hoping it would be fair to make those demands.

Mao looked around before setting Roku down and the two boys watched as the feline ran towards Daisuke's room hopped up onto the bed and curled up at the edge of the mattress before falling back asleep. A chuckle was shared between the two of them.

"I guess Roku has decided. You're staying." Daisuke said.

"Thank you…" Mao trailed off as he shook his head, "You know we've known each other for almost a whole day and within that amount of time you've saved my life and become my roommate although temporarily I still don't know what to really call you."

Daisuke chuckled, "If you feel comfortable enough to feel free to call me Dai-chan."

"Dai-chan." Mao tested it on his tongue. "Hai, Dai-chan it is then. Thank you."

Daisuke smiled, "For what?"

Mao looked around the apartment with a sad smile. "For making me feel like I'm really at home even though it's not really my home."

Daisuke moved forward and before he could stop himself pulled Mao into another embrace, "This is you're home now for as long as you want or need to stay here."

Mao returned the embrace burying his face into Daisuke's shoulder. After several minutes they broke apart and moved to the sofa. Mao leaned forward resting his head into his hand after a moment with a groan. "Now I'll never be ready for my exam!"

"Is there anyway a classmate could lend you the notes or perhaps we could go to the school and speak to your teacher." Daisuke suggested.

"I don't really know anyone else in my class so that's not an option. But as for going to talk with my teacher I think he's at the school right now. Mao said "All I know is if I don't pass that exam and place in the top 3 I'll lose my scholarship.."

"Is that a certainty or a possibility?" Daisuke asked.

Mao shook his head. "As far as I'm concerned, both."

Daisuke nodded. "Very well then; let's get going. We need to pick up some things for Roku anyway so we might was well do that on the way back."

"My professor may be too busy to see me though." Mao said.

Daisuke reached for Mao's hand and lead him back towards the foyer sliding off his slippers and back into his shoes, "We'll cross that bridge when get there okay?" he waited for Mao to put his own shoes back on before looking at the other boy. "How long has it been since you've been on the train?"

"Not since before I moved into my place. Like I told you before I had to use all my money for rent and bare necessities." Mao answered.

"But your school is quite a walk from your place right?"

"Only 5 kilometers one way." Mao said shrugging.

"One way? No wonder you're so skinny." Daisuke low whistled. Well from now on you'll have a rail card. I insist okay? My place or I guess I should now say our place is even further so you'll need to start riding the train okay? In return if you are insistent you may pay back a small amount from your wages at the restaurant. But nothing more than 5000 yen okay?"

"If you insist, Dai-chan." Mao said.

"I do now come on lets go speak to your professor and get Roku some goodies. Maybe later I'll treat you to that surprise I mentioned earlier."

"You mean you still have a surprise for me?"

"Yep and after everything you've told me I only hope you like it.."

Mao reached for Daisuke's hand their finger's just barely brushing and a smile just barely graced both their features. 'Youv'e done so much for me already."

"Well if my surprise will bring out that smile of yours it will b more than enough payment believe me." Daisuke said softly. He chuckled when he saw a faint blush dust itself on his companion's cheeks. "Come on we have a train to catch."

A/N Yeah cliffy or not you guys decide. Was I too cruel to Mao in this chapter? I'm not sure myself. I know I could have done a lot worse but I didn't want to go too far. If you want me to continue 3 reviews = chapter 5. And for those of you anxious just for the 'intimate moments' of this story, it's going to be a bit of a wait. The aren't going to just meet know each other for a day or two then be madly in love. Lol but they will be together no worries.

Note: Kakko no Kokoro translates to Heart of Determination an actual title of a novel I am currently writing.