A/N: Minna san I- (gets knocked over by a wave of inspiration and is dizzy for a moment) Oh, hey were did this chapter come from? Well looks like I managed to get this done after all! Yea! I apologize if it's not up to everyone's liking. I wrote it over a period of two hours non-stop.

Disclaimer: The boys to each their own and each other. anyone else is fair game!

Chapter 5: Companionship and Compromises.

"Are you sure you'll be able to study enough in the next two days? You do have another work shift do you not?" Daisuke asked as he noticed Mao was almost lost in the notes now sitting on his lap. The two of them had spoken to Mao's professor about Mao's apartment being robbed and how he was not allowed to touch anything, including his notes for the exam.. To both their surprise the man had actually told him he was sorry to hear about what had happened and told him he would allow his student two days more to study. The only thing was Mao had to get all the answers correct in return. Daisuke knew that Mao would be studying every second he could spare and he ahd been right. As soon as the two of them had taken their seats on the train Mao had dived into his studies surprisingly able to concentrate even on the fast moving train.

"Tomorrow I have a short shift at the restaurant. I plan to study as soon as I return to your apartment." Mao answered not once looking up from the sheets of paper.

"Well what time is your shift?"

"It was going to be late afternoon till the evening since I was technically supposed to take the exam tomorrow. But since Maseru-sensei is giving me a 2-day extension I plan to use my now free morning and early afternoon to study. After that I will work my shift at the restaurant then when I return to your apartment I plan to keep studying." Mao explained.

Daisuke looked at the boy amused. He had it all planned out. "Well I do hope you plan to eat somewhere in that schedule and sleep as well."

"I plan to take my break at the restaurant." Mao answered. "After what happened the other day I find it best not to overwork myself too much."

"Well you are going to have a good breakfast as well if I have anything to say about it." Daisuke argued. "And I don't want to hear anything about it."

"Speaking of food we still need to pick up some things for Roku." Mao pointed out now looking up from his stack of papers. "Um, that is if we still can of course."

Daisuke chuckled, "Yes of course, Mao. Roku is part of our little family now too."

"Family?" Mao inquired.

"Well we are friends yes? And friends can be considered part of a family. At least that's what I believe." Daisuke responded. "Unless I'm over stepping my bounds."

"No, no." Mao shook his head smiling. "I like that, thank you Dai-chan." His head turned towards the door of the train when their stop was announced. "Well, let's go get some food and toys for Roku. I promise I will reimburse you when I get paid."

Daisuke took Mao's hand into his own pulling him to his feet when the train came to a stop at their station and pulled him out of through the doors. "Don't even think about it."

"But, Roku's my cat so-"

"No, means no." Daisuke stated firmly. "I offered to get Roku some food and toys so you don't need to pay me back understand?"

Mao looked down unwilling to keep arguing although he felt he still should. 'All right. If you insist."

"I do, now come on you know what Roku will like best so you go ahead and pick out a few things." Daisuke said as he led Mao towards a small pet store. "I'll hold on to your notes so go look around." He leaned against the wall near one of the shelves and watched as his new roommate did indeed explore the store. While he waited he was trying to figure out what to do for dinner that night when his thoughts were interrupted by sudden, 'Kawaii!' coming from near the window. Daisuke moved from his spot against the wall to investigate and almost echoed the 'kawaii' with his own.

Mao had been just browsing near the animal pens when a small litter of kittens must have caught his eye. He had reached down into the pen after noticing that petting the kittens was allowed and began to pet one of the kittens who appeared to be the only black and white furred. The kitten must have been an adventurous type because she had pawed or rather clawed its way up Mao's arm and had settled itself on his right shoulder. Thanks to his long sleeved shirt Mao had barely felt the little ball of fur's claws.

"I think she likes you," the storeowner pointed out walking over smiling. "You're the only one she has actually done that too."

"Well I already have a cat so." Mao pointed out unable to resist petting the now purring ball of fur on his shoulder. "She is very sweet though. Has she been given a name yet?"

"No we don't name them ourselves. The customers who buy them usually do."

Daisuke cautiously held his hand out towards the kitten allowing it to get his sent and smiled when he felt his hand being licked by a rough raspy tongue, "You know I have been thinking of getting a pet. I'm not home much but when I am it gets rather lonely."

"Well she is a well behaved little girl. Only her brothers it seems are the more adventurous type." the owner explained.

"Could have fooled me." Mao said smiling. "But if Dai-chan would want a pet I wonder if Roku would be willing to have another friend. He isn't very territorial and he sleeps most of the time."

Daisuke looked at the kitten more closely and noticed on the top of her head where it was mainly black there was a faint circle of white. "Well, I guess I'll have to pass though. I have a big project coming up and I won't be home enough really to pay attention to her."

"That's too bad, I really think she likes you both." The owner smiled warmly and carefully removed the kitten from Mao's shoulder playing her back into the pen. "I'll tell you what if no one comes in and offers to buy her within two weeks or so I'll let you have her for free." she glanced down noticing the kitten had started mewing, almost as if she had lost something. "I think she would like that and I have a feeling so would you."

"I'll think about it" Daisuke said smiling, "Thank you. I guess it doesn't help that i already have a name picked out for her." He turned to Mao, "Better finish up. It's getting near dinnertime and I'm not sure about you but I'm getting hungry."

Mao nodded and soon picked a small bag of cat food and a few toys ones he knew that Roku wouldn't turn his nose at. "All right here we go. By the way Da-chan, if you were going to take that kitten home what was the name you had thought of?"

Daisuke walked back over to the pen and pointed to the light circle ontop of the kittens' head. "Take a wild guess."

"Angel?" Mao asked.

"Yep, seems appropriate doesn't it?"

As the owner checked the items out he glanced over at the kitten again and noticed she was actually looking up at them. "I don't think she's too happy with you leaving her here. And who know I may actually start calling her 'Angel' myself."

Daisuke chuckled. "Well if my project goes smoothly I may actually come back for her."

"I'll hold you to that and I think she will too.' the owner pointed out.

Once the purchases were made the two boys headed back towards Daisuke's apartment. On the way Mao kept looking around almost nervously. Daisuke noticed easily, "Is something wrong?"

"I'm sorry, I'm just worried that's all." Mao stated truthfully.

"Worried about what?"

"Well you walking around in public with me like this couldn't you, well wouldn't there be-"

Daisuke caught on to what Mao was trying to get at and chuckled, "No need to worry about that. I may be famous but I'm not that famous. Besides there are other actors and various talents who receive a lot more publicity then me."

"Well if you are going to be starring in that new project, Blade of Shadows I'm positive your popularity will increase tenfold." Mao stated.

"Maybe. It doesn't matter to me either way though. As long as I can enjoy acting I'm okay with it." Daisuke answered. "Now come on let's get Roku fed as well as ourselves." He pulled his key out when they had reached the front door and unlocked it.

As soon as the door was open Mao raced through the door nearly knocking Daisuke off of his feet. "Roku!"

The feline in question bounded up to his friend and master and sniffed him before looking at him curiously.

"He's hungry, I can tell." Mao chuckled, "Oh dear I hope he didn't um, well."

"I don't think so. He must be thirsty as well." Daisuke walked into the kitchen and set the two small bowls down filling one with fresh water and the other with some of the purchased cat food. "Now that our furry companion's dinner has been taken care of time to decided what to do about the human occupants of the place." Daisuke looked at Mao whose stomach had indeed decided to make its announcement of hunger.

"So take out or should I cook something?"

"You can cook?" Mao asked almost disbelievingly.

"Yes, one can only survive on instant meals and takeout food for so long. I mean after all if I have a kitchen I might as well put it to good use." Daisuke said chuckling. "Tell you what, why don't you keep studying a little while I whip us up something edible."

"Should I be prepared for any explosions?" Mao asked teasingly. He was actually growing more and more comfortable with Daisuke and it was evident to both of them.

"I offer no guarantees." Daisuke said, "Go on make yourself at home." he turned towards the cupboards but stopped and turned back. "Oh I just thought of something, don't you have a uniform you need to wear to work?"

Mao stopped dead, "Yes and since I need a replacement the fee for it will come out of my wages. I didn't think of that."

"In that case tomorrow before my, meeting with my agent I will accompany you to the restaurant and I will personally cover the expense of your uniform."

Mao turned his eyes widened, "But Dai-chan!"

"I insist, besides I partially blame myself. If I hadn't suggested we leave to get something to eat your apartment may very well have stayed untouched." Daisuke pointed out.

Mao sighed. "I guess I can't argue with that but keep in mind I don't blame you for what happened. You couldn't have known. Neither of us could have." He walked back over and placed a hand on Daisuke's arm. "I'm grateful to you for everything you've done for me so far. I owe you so much."

"You owe me absolutely nothing," Daisuke argued.

Mao turned so his back was facing the brunette and took a few steps forward. "But I-"

"No Mao, I-" Daisuke stepped forward only to feel himself tripping over a certain furry someone.

Mao turned just in time to find Daisuke falling and he just barely caught him keeping him from making contact with the kitchen floor. "Dai-chan all you all right?"

"Yes, I think so. Roku must have wanted attention or something because I nearly tripped over him." Daisuke said looking down at the tiger striped feline who in turn just glanced up at him as if to say 'what? I didn't do anything."

"I don't understand. Roku never does that at least he never used to. I always give him as much attention as I can." Mao said. "I'm sorry, Dai-chan."

"No harm done, Mao." Daisuke said smiling. "I'm fine so nothing to fret over." He straightened himself up, "I'll be even better once I'm sure the two of us have eaten so go on and study while I start dinner."

Mao did as he was told and settled onto the floor using the coffee table as his desk and was soon absorbed in his work. 45 minutes later he felt a tap on his shoulder and soon his nose was filled with the scent of something delicious and his stomach decided to speak up once again.

"Come, its time to eat." Daisuke said. "After that if you wish you may study a bit more but then I think you should probably go to bed a little early."

Mao was going to argue with that wholeheartedly but a yawn escaped his lips cutting off his choice. "Okay."

The two of them enjoyed the meal and Mao insisted tonight was his turn to do the dishes. Daisuke offered up no quarrel with that and he decided to take the time to glance over the notes that Mao had been so deeply engrossed in. There was a lot the boy was going to have to know it seemed for this exam but Daisuke knew that a good night sleep would help him out immensely.

Mao finished the dishes and put them back in the provided cupboards also using this opportunity to learn the layout of the kitchen. He walked into the living room and sat down at his makeshift desk again immediately picking up where he had left off.

Daisuke had used this time to take a quick shower and changed into more comfortable attire. Looking down at his own clothes and over at Mao who was still dressed in the same outfit from earlier he came to realize that all of Mao's possessions were off limits that included anything he had in is wardrobe. "Mao may I speak to you for a minute?" To his surprise Mao actually looked up at him smiling.

"Yes?"

"Tomorrow morning I want you to take a break from your studying. You and I need to get you some new clothes." Daisuke said sitting down on the edge of the sofa.

"New clothes?" Mao asked evidently confused.

"Yes, since everything at your apartment can't be touched you'll need new clothes." Daisuke pointed out.

Mao froze. He had forgotten all about that fact. "But I can't afford to get-"

"Mao when is your birthday?" Daisuke asked.

"Oh, it was back in June."

"Then consider the clothes that I am going to buy you as a late birthday present." Daisuke insisted. "I won't take no for an answer."

Mao dropped his head in defeat. It seemed the two of them were at war with each other over so many things. He didn't even know the score, not that he was keeping track of course. "All right, but only because I can't very well go around in the same outfit."

Satisfied with the answer Daisuke stood up stretching. "Do you want me to quiz you?"

Mao smiled, "Would you? The sentences I have underlined and highlighted are the things I know I'll need to know for the exam." He handed the stack of papers to Daisuke who asked him the questions and either smiled when Mao got an answer right or playful 'tsked' when he answered wrong, which turned out to be only 3 times. He stopped when another yawn had escaped both their lips. "Come I think it's time the two of us headed off to bed. It's getting a little late."

Mao nodded in reply standing up and stretching. "Um, Dai-chan?"

Daisuke was straightening out the papers and placing them on the coffee table, "Hmm?"

"Do you possibly have something I could borrow to sleep in?" Mao asked almost shyly. "This may be my only outfit right now but I don't want to get it wrinkled."

Daisuke chuckled, "Not to worry Mao, I already thought about that. There's a pair of sleep pants and the smallest shirt I could find lying on the guest bedroom bed so help yourself."

"Huh? But I thought I was suppose to sleep on the sofa." Mao pointed out.

"Nonsense, you are my temporary roommate are you not?" Daisuke said.

"Well yes, but-"

"Mao, please, I know my sofa isn't that comfortable to sleep on. Besides that bed hasn't' been used since I moved in here. It might as well be put to good use right?" Daisuke insisted.

Once again Mao couldn't argue. But a thought occurred to him and he looked over, "Dai-chan if you don't mind me asking, why do you have a two-bedroom apartment anyway?"

"Well, I was going to have a roommate but he moved before he could fully settle in. His girlfriend had said yes to his proposal." Daisuke explained. "I however had settled in and figured I might gain a roommate in the future so I decided to stay. I guess my hunch was right. And to be honest I think I will enjoy having you as my roommate no matter how temporary it is."

Mao blushed, "Thank you Dai-chan." he stood up. "I guess I'll head to bed then."

"Hai, oyasumi."

"Oyasumi, Mao." Daisuke said quietly. He waited until he heard the guest bedroom door close before heading to his own room after double-checking to make sure the stove was turned off and the front door was dead bolted. He headed to his own room leaving the door slightly ajar when he noticed that Roku had made himself comfortable on the edge of the bed. Chuckling he climbed under the covers and clicked off the light before closing his eyes and allowing sleep to claim him.

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Mao's eyes shot open and he woke up shivering. His entire body was nearly drenched in sweat and he was panting hard.

A nightmare. It had been a nightmare, a terrifying one at that. He couldn't remember everything that had happened, only that there had been a gun pressed against his back and Dai-chan had been gagged and tied to a chair. Kicking back the covers and getting to his feet somehow managing to stumble to the bathroom a little ways down the hall on shaky legs Mao drew himself a glass of water and slowly drained it not wanting to make himself start coughing. He took a minute to try and calm himself but his body wouldn't stop shaking. The black-haired boy tried to head back towards his room but stopped halfway collapsing and drawing his knees up to his chest. Seconds later he felt something furry brush against his arm and he peaked out. "Roku?"

"He's not the only one."

Mao glanced up to see the silhouette of Daisuke standing there. "Gomen, Dai-chan I didn't mean to wake you."

Daisuke kneeled in front of the boy and immediately pulled him into his arms. "You had a nightmare didn't you?"

Mao nodded albeit confused, "How did you know?"

"You screamed in your sleep. I heard you from my room. I was actually on my way to check on you when I didn't hear anything else." Daisuke explained. "Do you want to tell me about it?"

Mao only shook his head, "I just want to go back to sleep, but I'm afraid of being alone.' he admitted almost embarrassingly.

"Then come lay down with me." Daisuke offered. "I'll get you a fresh change of sleep clothes and I'll keep an eye on you while you sleep okay?"

Mao nodded, "Okay, I guess." He was too tired and took shook up to argue with Daisuke.

Daisuke slowly pulled Mao to his feet allowing the other boy a moment to steady himself before leading him to the bedroom. "My bed is big so you won't have anything to worry about. I mean Roku seems to like it." he walked over and turned on the bedside lamp engulfing the room in a warm dim glow.

Mao faintly chuckled when he saw Roku bound past them and made himself comfortable once again on the edge of the mattress, "I'm glad he's made himself at home." He said softly.

"I hope you will come to do the same in time." Daisuke said. "As I told you before your welcome to stay here as long as you need to okay?" he gently pushed Mao down so the other boy was sitting on the bed and went through his night clothes and casual wear drawers soon producing a pair of sleep pants similar to his own and a white shirt. "Here go ahead and change. I'll be right back."

Mao did as instructed and changed into the new provided clothes then sat down on the edge of the bed next to Roku who as asleep purring contently. Minutes later the door opened again and in popped the head of what looked like a large white teddy bear. "Dai-chan who or what is that?"

Daisuke had both arms wrapped around the extra large stuffed animal and he peaked his head around it. Daisuke already looked at least 5 years younger then his actual age. A teddy bear in his arms didn't help that situation in the least. "This is Kyoki, it was a birthday gift years ago from my older sister. It was sort of a joke, but still all in good fun. Until you came along he was my roommate. " He placed the bear next to Mao smiling, "And now he is your new sleeping companion."

Mao looked at the teddy bear who looked back at him with a blank expression before the black-haired youth nearly fell over laughing. Soon he had wrapped his arms round the bear holding it close still laughing.

Daisuke smiled warmly. Hearing that laughter, seeing that smile and look of happiness on Mao's face, for some reason he felt he couldn't get enough of it. The only thing was he didn't know why. "So I think it's best if we get some shut eye." he said.

Mao's laughter settled down and he move up to the top of the bed near the pillows carrying Kyoki with him both arms wrapped tightly around the bear's middle, "Thank you Dai-chan."

"No thanks needed Mao. Just get some sleep." Daisuke gently instructed before clicking off the bedside lamp and climbing under the blankets this time waiting till he was certain that Mao was asleep before drifting off himself.

A/N: Eh, not my best but hey I've been working a lot! I hope those of you who read it enjoyed it! Also keep in mind although I do have the next chapter planned out a little, please don't keep nagging me when it will be updated. If I sound rude I apologize, I don't mean to be. But please keep in mind when I work I do up to 12 hour shifts almost every day so I am usually every exhausted. I will update when I can, I promise. In the mean time if you haven't already feel free to check out my other fics! for now 3 reviews = chapter 6!