A/N: Okay I am so sorry I took forever with this and I'll take all the flames thrown at me for it. But I do hope whomever reads this will enjoy it. Also there will be one similarity between this chapter and Princess-Serenity-chan's new chapter of one of her fics. I had the idea before she did and I am saying this now so no one can accuse me of copying her which I am sure would happen if I didn't say anything.
Disclaimer: I own only three characters and you can probably guess who.
Chapter 9: A day of surprises and promises.
"So we will meet you at the station in two hours then?"
Mao looked up from his phone when he realized he was being addressed. Daisuke and Keimiko had insisted they escort him to the university claiming they wanted to make sure he arrived safely and on time. He had woken up early and gone over his notes one last time, and though his confidence wasn't one hundred percent he was more determined and confident now then he had been the days prior, "Hai, thank you both."
Keimiko smiled, "Well, I have to go and meet with my agent and discuss our-" she cleared her throat, "New relationship. And I have to make sure my schedule today is open."
"That's fine, I have to talk to Tanaku anyway. He's going to be surprised to hear about this, I'm sure. I'll meet you both back here in two hours." Daisuke responded leaning over to give Keimiko a kiss on the cheek in order to keep up appearances.
With that the three went their separate ways.
Mao entered his classroom and took a deep breath, "I can do this" he whispered to himself before taking a seat at his desk.
Daisuke pulled out his phone and dialed his agent's number. When the recipient of his call finally picked up he didn't hesitate, "I have some news. Do you remember my former costar Urasaki Keimiko?"
"Yes, what about her?"
"Well I think you may want to know that she and are now dating." Daisuke said trying to keep his voice in check He wasn't surprised when he heard a thunk followed by scrambling sounds.
"Please tell me I didn't just hear what I thought I did."
"No you heard me correctly Keimi-chan and I are now in a relationship." Daisuke responded, "She and I had dinner last night and we both agreed that we like each other enough we think trying out a relationship is something worth, well trying." It wasn't a complete lie.
"Wait, you only just started this whole-"
"Whole what? I'm in control with my love life and you are manager yes, but you have no say in whom I date or don't date." Daisuke defended.
"I see, well as long as your new relationship does not interfere with your work, I see no reason you shouldn't have a girlfriend. It's not uncommon I suppose." Tanaku responded.
"Thank you for understanding. Keimiko and I won't see each other too often because of our schedules we know but we want to make this work." Daisuke explained, "Oh speaking of I'll be going on a date with her today."
"Today but you-"
"You promised me three days off to give me time to think about the role for Blade of Shadows, and those days start today." Daisuke reminded firmly, "I expect you to not go back on your word."
"Yes very well. But know as soon as these next three days have come and gone you will be expected to return to work with no excuses and no disruptions, am I understood?"
"I forget what a slave driver you can be sometimes." Daisuke chuckled, "But yes I understand, and I will have my decision made when I see you." He ended the call before dialing Keimiko's number.
"Did you tell him then?"
"Yep, he bought it. Now all we have to do is make it look official. Why don't you and I meet at the Petal Café near the train station? That way it will look like we are on a date and we will be near the station to meet Mao." Daisuke suggested.
"Okay, I can meet you there in twenty minutes. My schedule today is free like I thought. Oh by the way I was right." Keimiko chuckled, "Minako was surprised when I gave her the news. But she said she supports us so there shouldn't be any problems in that department."
"Good, one less thing to worry about." Daisuke responded, "I'm heading to the café now, I'll see you here in about 20 minutes." With that he ended the call and made his way towards the designated meeting location.
Mao looked over the answers on his sheet before sighing deeply. He hadn't been sure on a few questions, and some of them hadn't even been on the study sheet Sensei had given them. But when he noticed his teacher giving him a signal that clearly meant he only had 5 minutes left to finish. All of his answers were given he just worried that the ones he hadn't been sure about would turn out to be his failing point. Knowing he had to risk it he stood up and walked up to the desk. He bowed low before placing his finished exam on the desk, "I have finished Sensei."
"Very well. Please take your seat while I grade this." Maseru reached over to put on his reading glasses before he immediately started checking the answers on the test.
Mao had done as he had been told and had returned to his seat. All the while he wondered how he was managing to keep still. Finally after what seemed like decades he was signaled by Maseru to come forward. Standing up he approached the desk, "Please Sensei, if I did that badly, I ask you not to sugarcoat it."
Maseru looked at his student confused before he chuckled loudly, "My boy, quite the opposite. You once again are the top ranked in your class. Out of all the questions you only had one wrong. And that one I see you left blank. But I will give you a chance to answer it now. If you are able to answer it correctly you will be the only student in the class to answer this exam perfectly."
Daisuke looked at the clock on his phone before sighing. "I hope Mao's okay. He was quite nervous about his exam."
Keimiko reached over and took a hold of her 'boyfriend's' hand. "He'll do fine trust me. I've only spent a few hours with him and I can easily read the determination in his eyes. He reminds me a lot like you."
Daisuke chuckled, "Well this boy has a lot going for him whether he realizes it or not."
"You seem quite fond of him." Keimiko pointed out, "Should I be jealous?"
Considering Daisuke knew their 'relationship' was all an act, he honestly wasn't sure if the woman was joking or being serious. "Why, should you be?"
Keimiko smiled, "Oh come on you know I'm only teasing." She glanced up and waved, "Mao over here!"
Daisuke turned to see their younger companion heading towards them and he offered the boy a smile, "Hey their kiddo how did it go?" The smile faded when he noticed a worried look on Mao's face. "Hey you okay?"
Mao nodded as he looked at the empty seat at the table. "You two looked like you were having such a good time I didn't want to bother you."
Keimiko caught on immediately and lowered her voice, "You know it's all an act. Yeah I love this guy to death but not like that. You have nothing to worry about trust me." She motioned to the chair, "Now come on sit down and tell us the good news."
"Why do you think I have good news?" Mao asked perplexed.
"Well you did just come from you exam and you've been studying almost non-stop since I first met you." Daisuke put in, "So there cannot be anything but good news."
Mao looked down shyly, "I, I don't want to make a big deal about it."
Keimiko was now on the edge of her seat, "Okay that's it you've crossed the line, now you have to tell us."
"I just received the highest marks on my exam that's all." Mao stated softly, "I was the only one to answer every question right including a trick question Sensei added to see if we were paying attention. "
"You were the only one?" Daisuke asked.
"Well there was another student who came close they had one wrong but it wasn't the trick question. " Mao pointed out, "So like I said it's not that big a deal."
"You are way too modest do you know that?" Keimiko asked chuckling before turning to Daisuke, "This will just add to the list of reasons to do what we had planned today."
Daisuke nodded, 'I was thinking the same thing. We can head there and then head to the Promise Location with some bentos and have a picnic."
Mao looked at Keimiko and Daisuke utterly confused, "What are you two talking about?"
"All in good time Mao. But first, since you are now acting like my assistant and Keimiko's cousin you don't mind spending the day with us do you?"
"Well I did plan on doing some job hunting but-"
"Mao I already told you and if you recall correctly I told my manager I'm hiring you as my assistant, so that's not just an act. I want you to stay with me. Remember its part of your rent cover." Daisuke responded.
"Are you sure?' Mao asked. "I mean I figured you would want me out of your hair as soon as possible."
"That's the last thing I want kiddo." Daisuke said placing a hand on the younger's shoulder, "Believe me, I just want you safe, especially after what happened."
Mao closed in on himself for a moment knowing exactly what Daisuke was talking about, "I don't want to remember that" he said softly.
Keimiko reached over and placed a reassuring hand on her 'cousin's shoulder, "It's okay, you don't have to talk about it."
Mao gave her a grateful smile, "So what exactly did you two have planned anyway?"
"Well first I have to ask you a question," Daisuke said, "Have you ever been on a roller coaster?"
"Once I think several years ago, I went with a few friends to a small amusement park but the place shut down a year later. Why do you ask?"
"Because our first stop, well I guess second stop of the day is going to be the amusement park." Keimiko spoke up smiling.
"Wait did you two already have this planned?" Mao asked.
"Actually yes we did." Daisuke confessed, "Well remember that promise I made to you the other day?"
Mao only nodded.
"Well if you remember your favorite movie of mine Kakko no Kokoro you'll recall a few scene's that took place in an amusement park." Daisuke pointed out.
"Wait you mean?"
"Yep that's where we are going."
"But I thought that was just a movie set.' Mao responded evidently confused.
"Well during the time we were filming it was, but it was actually being built around us as we filmed. The director had permission from the owner to feature it in the film. Not many people realize that the park wasn't completed while we filmed the shots." Keimiko explained. "But thanks to a few special effects and green screen shots we were able to make it look like the park was complete."
Mao smiled, "I never would have guessed. But you said we're going to go there?"
"Yep, it's just an hour train ride from here and don't even think of trying to pay for anything." Keimiko pointed out. "I've got it all covered." she turned to look at Daisuke, "That means you too."
Both boys opened their mouths to protest, Mao more insistently than Daisuke but when they saw the look of determination and stubbornness on the woman's face they knew not to argue. Even on her worst days Urisaki Keimiko was not a force to be reckoned with.
"Good, now that we are all in agreement, let's get going." Keimiko smiled knowing she had the upper hand.
True to Daisuke's word the train ride to their destination was indeed just over an hour and they had entertained themselves by telling Mao a few funny stories that had happened on the set. Mao had felt quite out of place sitting next to the two celebrities but managed to keep the thoughts, 'I'm playing the role of her cousin' in his head to keep himself focused. Luckily it helped.
When they reached their destination it was a short walk from the station to the main entrance of the park. Considering it was a weekday the park wasn't as busy so they didn't have to wait too long.
"Dai-chan, I think that's-"
Daisuke looked up to see Keimiko point towards a middle aged man standing near the entrance, "Yes it is him. I phoned him earlier when I was waiting for you at the café. Admittance and games and food are free for us today."
Mao once again opened his mouth to protest, "Daisuke I told you I don't-"
"This is not charity Mao. This is our way of saying congratulations on your exam." Daisuke explained. "And this is your chance to meet a very good friend of ours, Hamao Kyosuke I would like to introduce to you, Kutana Shuuji. Kuta-kun to his close friends."
"Daisuke Keimiko, it is so good to see you two again. Hard to believe it's been almost 3 no 4 years." Kutana smiled as he offered Daisuke a handshake and a warm smile to Keimiko, "You two haven't changed a bit." He turned his attention to Mao, "And is this the young man you spoke so highly of?"
Mao bowed low, "I'm very pleased to meet you Kutana-san." he could feel the blush radiating off his cheeks, "May I say I enjoyed your performance in Kakko no Kokoro as well."
"Ah yes you remember me as their father in the movie." Kutana san said. "It was quite the challenging role to say the least. Speaking of roles I heard a rumor you may be cast as the main character in the movie adaption of Blade of Shadows."
"That rumor is true. I am currently in the stages of deciding if it is a role I am suited for and if it is one I wish to pursue." Daisuke explained. "But enough of that. Mao here just finished one of his most challenging exams and as a reward Keimiko and I decided to bring him here."
"So are you two lovers then or-?" Kutana asked looking at Mao and Daisuke respectably.
"No, no." Keimiko spoke up, "Mao is actually my cousin. He is given name is Kyosuke but ever since he was a little kid he always liked being addressed as Mao. No, Daisuke and I started seeing each other recently, very recently." She hated the lying but knew there wasn't much choice.
"Yes the article from the other day was just some tabloid nonsense. Keimiko had told me her cousin was in need of a job and I've been looking for an assistant. So it all worked out well." Daisuke continued.
Kutana nodded, "Ah I see well that makes sense. I'm glad you two have found happiness. Not that there would be anything wrong if the article had been true of course."
"Well just between us I will admit I do glance the other way sometimes. I mean surely it's understandable being an actor." Daisuke confessed knowing he could trust Kutana.
"Like I said I'm not one to judge. But I do however need to head to the main office. I'll see you three kids later and today everything is on the house. I already spoke to the owner." Kutana handed them each a silver wristband, "Should any of staff give you any trouble simply show them this. They'll know what it means." With that he offered another smile before heading off.
Mao turned to look at Daisuke, "I don't understand. How is it he knew we were coming?"
Keimiko crossed her arms in front of her chest, "To be honest I was about to ask the same thing."
"Well the day I made that promise to you, the day I had walked you to your old work location. I had some time to kill so I made a few phone calls." Daisuke admitted.
"Wait you planned this even before I took my exam?" Mao asked.
"Yes I had complete confidence in you. I knew you would pass with flying colors and I was right." Daisuke answered, "I saw the determination in your eyes as soon as I saw how hard you were studying. It was just one exam but your poured yourself into it. So I knew you could do it."
"Well thank you very much." Mao said softly.
"Well Mao it's your day, what do you want to do first?" Keimiko asked looking around.
"Let me make sure I have this right. All the rides and all the games are free right?" Mao asked.
"Yep. As long as you stay by us." Daisuke answered.
Mao thought for a moment before smiling, "Can we go on a few rides?"
"Sure take your pick." Keimiko chuckled.
A bright smile appeared on Mao's face as he walked around the park with the other two in tow. They went on several different rides including the roller coaster, and bumper cars.
"Okay Mao pick one more ride and then we'll go play few games is that okay?"
Mao only nodded before taking off towards another ride.
Keimiko chuckled having stopped riding after the third choice. "I swear he reminds me of a kid in a candy store."
"You can say that again. I don't think he's had time to really be a kid." Daisuke responded as he watched the look on Mao's face and he eagerly climbed onto his ride of choice.
"Daisuke what do you plan to do?" Keimiko asked softly.
"Huh about what?"
"When Mao returns to his apartment what do you plan to do?"
Daisuke was confused, "Why are you asking me this?"
"I know Daisuke. I can see it." Keimiko responded. "I saw it last night too."
Daisuke opened his mouth to speak again but stopped before shaking his head. "I don't want to give him up. I can't give him up."
"So I was right wasn't I?" Keimiko asked.
"Please don't say anything." Daisuke requested.
"Don't worry I won't. This is something you need to tell him yourself." Keimiko said. "For now let's drop the subject and get back to a fun filled day."
Daisuke only nodded before looking up in time to see Mao stepping off the ride. Seconds later he realized Mao looked a little green and he ran towards the boy catching him just before he fell. "Are you okay"?
Mao nodded as he leaned into Daisuke correcting himself and schooling his features. "Yes, sorry. I guess that ride was a little too crazy for me. Thank you" he added.
"As long you're all right." Daisuke said softly before helping Mao steady himself on his feet.
"Come on boys let's let Mao's stomach settle and play some games." Keimiko suggested leading them over to the booths provided. She stopped in front of the dart game and held up her wristband, "I'll take 20 darts please."
The man at the booth handed her the darts and smiled, "Let's see how well you do."
After the last dart was thrown Daisuke's Mao's and the man at the booth's jaws were hanging by the hinges. Keimiko had managed to pop every single balloon and had a look of satisfactory on her face. "Um I think I'll take the small teddy bear there. It's cute." She turned to her 'boyfriend' holding up a handful of darts"Care to try your hand?" she asked Daisuke.
Mao snapped out of his trance, "Yeah, why don't you win her a prize?" he suggested hoping to add to the 'staged relationship'.
"I'll give it a go." Daisuke said before holding up his wristband and asking for 20 darts as well. He was just as good at the game as his 'girlfriend'. "Okay now go ahead and pick a prize."
Keimiko glanced up at all the choices but then she glanced over at Mao to see if there was anything in particular he had his eyes set on. She noticed he was eyeing something and she pointed, "I'll take the white tiger please." Glimpsing back over at Mao she saw the smile on his face and she knew she had chosen right.
Once the tiger was in her arms she turned to Mao, "Would you carry him for me?"
Mao only nodded as he took hold of the tiger. "So now what?"
"I'd say let's play a few more games and then we'll head out." Daisuke suggested, "Mao do you see any other games you'd like to play?"
Mao scanned the area before pointing out some of the other games. The three played more before it came time to stop and eat. "Dai-chan what exactly are your plans for lunch?"
Daisuke looked over at his roommate, "What makes you think I have something planned?"
"After everything that has happened so far, I wouldn't put it past you." Mao responded holding the stuffed tiger close to him. "But depending on what we do, do you think it will look awkward for me to be carrying this around?"
"Well we all have a few small souvenirs from here that we really won't want to drag around. So Kuta-kun told me we can leave anything we win near the front entrance office and then pick them up when we had back home." Daisuke explained. "Come on let's head there now and drop these off."
The other two followed Daisuke through the park but Mao was having trouble moving through the crowd that was developing and he nearly plowed into somebody. "Sumimasen."
"It's not bother I- Oh Watanabe-kun and um…"
Daisuke was at Mao's side in a second along with Keimiko, "Mao, are you okay?"
"Yes I'm fine I just-"
Keimiko latched on to Daisuke getting as close as she could, "Hey babe is everything okay?"
The man whom Mao had run into quirked an eyebrow, "Wait I thought you and him were-"
Daisuke leaned over and kissed the corner of Keimiko's mouth, "Working together? We are. This is Hamao Kyosuke my new assistant and my lovely girlfriend's cousin. Who may I ask are you?"
"Oh my manners, we have run into each other twice quite literally and I never introduced myself. I'm… Leiko Orochi ." The man said, "So I-
"Well it was nice meeting you, come on we need to get going." Daisuke said as he led the other two away from Orochi. Once they were out of earshot he turned to Mao, "You sure you're okay?"
"Yes I think so." Mao responded holding the tiger closer to him.
Keimiko felt Daisuke grip on her hand tightened and his expression changing from happy to irritated. "Dai-chan what's up?"
"I have a bad feeling about that guy." Daisuke said, "I think he might have been the one who took that picture and sent into the media."
"But you don't' have prove so you couldn't call him out on it right?"
"Exactly." Daisuke responded. "But let's not let that worry us now. I'm getting hungry." He led them to the main office where they dropped off their goodies and explained they'd be back later to pick them up.
"Oh by the way Dai-chan you never told us your plans for lunch." Mao pointed out.
"Well how would you two feel about going on a picnic?" Daisuke asked.
"A picnic? How we don't have-"
Daisuke chuckled, "Already taken care of."
Keimiko quirked an eyebrow before shaking her head, "You called in that favor didn't you?"
Mao cocked his head to the side in confusion, "Favor?"
"A friend of ours whom lives in the area I planned for us to have a picnic owes me one and he's going to be providing the food for the picnic." Daisuke explained, "He owns a shop that makes amazing bentos and he has blankets we can use."
"Oh so you meant a true picnic." Keimiko said, "That sounds like a great idea. What do you think Mao?"
Completely lost in thought Mao hadn't even heard Keimiko nor had seen the crack in the street and his foot hit the right spot. He found himself falling forward and braced himself for the impact but none came. Turning around he felt a pair of arms around his torso and he felt his cheeks start aflame. "Thank you." He whispered.
"Careful, now." Daisuke smiled as he helped Mao straighten himself out. "Now come on you two lets go."
"Were exactly are we going?" Mao asked.
"The Edogawa River." Daisuke responded.
The trip from the park to the river took no more than an hour give or take and they talked more about the movie and Daisuke explained his desire to take the role for Blade of Shadows. Both Mao and Keimiko told him he should do it. Being the director and producer's first pick was an honor and Mao told him he would help with his lines as promised. "Well I guess I didn't need all three days to decide."
"But that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of them." Keimiko pointed out.
The train stopped at their station and the three exited and Daisuke led them to the shop where the bentos and blanket were already waiting a long with a note.
Daisuke read over the note before folding it up and placing into his jeans pocket.
Keimiko looked worried, "Is everything okay?"
Daisuke forced a smile, "Yeah, don't worry just something Tatsuki wanted to remind me about.
Mao said nothing as he followed the other two down a path to an open clearing, When the reached the river he couldn't help but smile, "I'm glad today worked out like this. It is a perfect one for a picnic."
Daisuke smiled for real this time, "I'm glad you're having fun. You deserve it."
Mao chuckled, "Well between working and university my free time was used studying and playing with Roku. I didn't really have much of a life. But now that I don't work at that restaurant anymore I can focus most of my time on my studies. If that's okay of course."
Daisuke laughed, "Of course it is. I'd actually prefer it that way. True I have hired you on as my assistant but I would never ask you to neglect your studies. What kind of friend and employer would I be if I did such a thing?"
Keimiko couldn't hide her smirk as she watched the admiration in Daisuke's eyes as he looked at Mao. Had they truly been dating she would have been jealous to no end. But since she had never harbored those kinds of feelings for Daisuke she found no reason to be. Instead she wondered how long it was going to take Daisuke to realize why he kept staring at the younger boy. "I on the other hand will have to get back to work tomorrow. But to keep this whole show up we'll stay in touch more often."
"Sounds like a plan and once things start to die down I think we'll keep it up for a few more weeks maybe a month and then call it off with a believable reason." Daisuke responded as he began to set up the picnic.
Mao moved to help but stopped when his cell rang. "Oh sorry, excuse me." He pulled out his phone and answered, "Moshi moshi. Yes this is he." After a few moments of silence he thanked the caller than hung up.
Daisuke looked up from his place on the blanket, "Mao is everything okay?"
Mao sat down next to Daisuke and looked at him with an expression that couldn't be defined, "That was the detective from the investigation." Mao spoke softly, "He said I'm free to go home."
Keimiko looked at Daisuke and wasn't at all surprised to see the look of worry on his face. "So what are you going to do?"
"I don't know. I don't want to inconvenience Dai-chan anymore than I already have but I-"
Without thinking Daisuke suddenly threw caution to the wind and leaned over pulling Mao into a tight embrace startling both the younger boy and Keimiko in the process, "Don't leave."
Mao looked confused but returned the embrace, "Dai-chan?"
Daisuke held tighter, "Please Mao, don't leave."
"I don't understand why you-" Mao started only to be cut off.
"I can't lose you." Daisuke said with a tone of finality in his voice. Seconds later it dawned on him. He couldn't deny it anymore. He was falling in love with Mao.
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A/N: Okay I'm aware this chapter isn't anywhere near as long or as good as you were all hoping and I'm sure many of you will think there was too much Keimiko and not enough DaiMao but keep in mind I have to do it this way. There will be more DaiMao soon but please be patient with me. If anyone liked the chapter and would like me to continue 3 reviews = chapter 10!