A/N: Wow almost 7 months it took me! I am so sorry! I don't dare say why it took me so long. But I have good reasons. Anyone who reads I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: It's easy to tell who I own and who I don't own. aka take a while guess.

Chapter 10: Memories, Mistakes and Mysteries

Mao stood perfectly still for several seconds trying to figure out what Daisuke meant when he said he didn't want to lose him. Surely his presence around the older man hadn't place too big of an effect on him. After all they had only known each other for a few days. True Daisuke had saved him and offered him his home and a job. But that was all the more reason he had to go back home. Despite Daisuke's protests about him not being in debt, he still couldn't grasp that. He still owed the older man so much.

"Daisuke, I, I'm sorry I-"

Daisuke slowly pulled away, "No, I'm sorry. It's just after everything that has happened I feel very protective of you. And if you leave I fear I won't be able to look out for you anymore."

Mao shook his head and chuckled, "Dai-chan, you have no idea how much I appreciate your concern. But I already owe you so much and if keep going I'll be so far in debt to you, I don't think I'll ever be able to get out again."

"Mao, why do you insist on believing that I expect any type of payment?" Daisuke asked as he took a seat next to Keimiko.

"It's just, I don't feel I deserve all the kindness you have bestowed upon me." Mao answered as he sat across from the other two and picked at one of the provided bentos. "I mean I believe everyone in the world deserves kindness in one shape or form. But I just think I've been given more than what is entitled to me."

Keimiko chuckled. "Mao, no one is entitled to a certain amount of kindness. It's not how the world works. If Dai-chan wants to take care of you in the ways he has been, then it's his choice. He's doing it because he wants to."

Daisuke nodded, "Exactly. I wouldn't have done all those things for you if I hadn't wanted to or believed you earned them. And even then you didn't need to earn them. If I want to do this I will."

"But I-"

Knowing it was going to take a lot for Mao to believe him Daisuke quickly figured out an alternative. "Okay, if you insist on returning to your apartment I can't stop you. But will you still work for me?"

Mao took a bite of the sushi roll before swallowing and nodding, "I would be a fool to turn down the opportunity to work for my favorite actor."

Daisuke cocked an eyebrow, "I thought you didn't have favorites."

"Well I don't but if I had to pick a favorite it would be you." Mao said glancing at Kemiko, "No offense."

Keimiko chuckled, "None taken trust me. In fact Dai-chan is my favorite actor too."

Daisuke hid his face in his hands, "I'm not the one who's supposed to be blushing."

Mao smiled, "But the color looks good on you. Anything looks good on you." In attempt to be playful Mao reached over with his chopsticks to try and take one of Daisuke's pickles. The result was catastrophic as he leaned too far almost crashing on to the bento which was quickly moved by Keimiko and he ended up landing on Daisuke's chest who had toppled over by the weight from the other boy. "Oh! Gomen!" He tried to move but was stopped when he felt Daisuke's arms wrap themselves around him locked tight behind his back, "Dai-chan?"

Daisuke playfully acted clueless, "What?"

Are you going to let me up?"

Daisuke hummed for a moment then answered, "Uh, no I don't think so."

Keimiko shook her head at the display in front of her. "Apparently Dai-chan thinks you look good on him too."

Mao's cheeks turned a dark red and he wiggled out of Daisuke's arms. "This won't look good if someone sees us."

Daisuke smiled as he did release the other boy and sat up. "Not to worry. This area around this time is rarely habited. It's the reason why I chose this place. I knew we would have plenty of privacy."

"But I-" Mao started again.

"Keimiko smiled, "Let's just finish eating then return to Daisuke's apartment. Why don't you stay one more night Mao? By the time you two get home it will be quite late."

"She's right. Oh by the way, Mao do you have class tomorrow?" Daisuke asked as he placed his recently relocated bento on his lap and dug in again.

Mao took a bite of rice before nodding, "Just morning classes though. Maseru-sensei is giving all the students a breather before the next exam. Probably a good thing too. Our last exam was considered one of the most difficult of that course."

"Oh so that's why you were studying so much." Daisuke said as he finished his rice, "To be honest I just thought you lacked the confidence in yourself."

Mao placed his chopsticks down and went quiet.

Daisuke realized his mistake, "Wait you mean you did?"

Mao only nodded.

"Mao I have only you known you for less than two days and I can tell just in this short amount of time you are one of the most intelligent young men I have ever had the privilege of meeting." Keimiko spoke up. "You have no reason to lack in confidence. You are going for a dream and you are working hard for it."

"She's right and if you want along the way we'll encourage you as much as you want." Daisuke glanced at Keimiko, grateful for her saving his butt again.

"You mean it?" Mao asked.

"Yes, now let's finish our lunch and head back. I told Kuta-kun we would pick up our souvenirs from the amusement park before they are closed." Daisuke spoke up.

The three finished their picnic surrounded by a comfortable silence before dropping the blanket back off at the friend's shop along with a thank you note.

"Oh by the way Dai-chan. I talked to Tatsuki a few days ago. He said you still owe him that drink." Keimiko spoke up.

"Tatsuki?" Mao asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

"Yeah, Kudoku Tatsuki. He played my roommate in Kako no Kokoro. and Keimiko's doctor." Daisuke explained.

"Oh yes that's right. Your character was going to university to be a doctor." Mao spoke up remembering.

As they headed back to the train station, Keimiko insisting she pay again, Daisuke found Mao walking a few steps behind them.

"Mao is everything okay?"

Mao looked up, "Oh, I just thought you two should walk side by side and I just stay behind, you know for appearance sake."

Daisuke reached out and took Mao's hand into his own then Keimiko's in his other, "You're basically family aren't you? No reason why you shouldn't walk with us. But if it makes you uncomfortable you could hold Keimiko's hand."

"I don't mind either way boys. I just know we have to get back." Keimiko pointed to her phone displaying the time.

"Yikes it's later then I thought." Not caring about the results Daisuke gripped Mao's hand tighter and led the other two back towards the train station.

By the time they reached Daisuke and Mao's stop, Keimiko looked at her phone, "Well, this is where I leave you two. I have to get home and get some sleep. I have an early meeting tomorrow."

For appearance sake Daisuke pulled his 'girlfriend' into his arms and kissed her on the cheek. The angle he kissed her though made it appear as if their lips had locked. "Well call me when you get home so I know you made it home safe."

Keimiko nodded, "I will." She turned to Mao, "Oh before I forget." she held out the white stuffed tiger that Daisuke had won. "I want you to have this."

Mao stood there shocked, "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. I saw you eyeing it when we were at that booth. I picked it out specifically for you." Keimiko responded, "That is unless you think Roku will get jealous."

Mao smiled as he accepted the large white stuffed animal, "Are you kidding? He'll probably sleep on it knowing him. He'll claim it almost as soon as I get settled back in to my place. Thank you very much." He and Daisuke watched as Keimiko started walking away, phone already to her ear.

"Come on let's get going." Daisuke led Mao out of the train and up the stairs. "So do you have any plans for tomorrow?"

"I'm the one who should be asking you that shouldn't I?" Mao quiered, "I mean you still have two days to yourself right?"

"Very true." Daisuke pointed out, "Say I know Keimiko suggested you only stay tonight but would you mind very much if I asked you to stay tomorrow night too? I, I feel I would enjoy your company while I have the time off."

Mao folded his hands behind his back as he picked up his pace to keep but with Daisuke, "Well since I won't have classes for two days as well, I didn't really have any plans. So I guess if I wouldn't be a bother."

Daisuke shook his head, "Mao, I think it's utterly impossible for you to ever be a bother. Besides that I'm asking you to stay, not the other way around. There is a difference."

"I suppose you are right." Mao responded.

"I know I am." Daisuke spoke with a smug tone. "Now come on let's get back to my place. I'm sure a certain feline is missing you."

As soon as they walked in the door Daisuke very nearly tripped over Roku whom immediately was underfoot. He was surprised when he heard Mao lightly scold the tiger-striped cat whom in return merely yawned and pawed at his food dish. Looking at the items he had purchased he wondered if he should give them to Mao or-

"Oh Dai-chan, I have a favor to ask." Mao spoke up having poured a small bit of food into the silver bowl.

Daisuke carefully sat down on his sofa and leaned his head back so he was looking into the kitchen. Mao looked quite amusing upside down he noted, "Yes what is it?'

"Well, since my apartment isn't very big and I well. I-" Mao trailed off,

"What is it?" Daisuke asked again knowing by now he had to coax almost anything and everything out of the boy.

"Well, I was just wondering if it would be okay for me to leave these here. I mean if by chance you could watch Roku for me anytime." Mao asked softly.

"You mean cat sit?"

"Yes. If not I understand I-"

Daisuke chuckled, "Of course you can leave those here. I mean after all I did pay for them so they are technically mine."

Mao chuckled as well, "Yeah, yeah I guess they are." He walked over and sat down next to Daisuke but ended up being pushed further into the other man when Roku insisted on sitting in the little nook between his owner and the arm of the sofa. "Gomen."

Daisuke smiled, "No, it's okay. I like it."

"Okay." Mao whispered softly. The two of them sat together in a comfortable silence. Finally Mao thought of something, "Hey Dai-chan. Are you going to wait to tell your manager about your decision?

"Actually yes I am." Daisuke responded. "It's not often I get time off let alone three days in a row like this, so I'm taking advantage of it. I finished up so many projects in a row over the past several months I was surprised I was even granted this time to consider my decision for the role."

"I've read those books and I think you'll make a great Mamoru." Mao smiled.

"It will be a difficult role. I haven't really starred in many movies. Kakko no Kokoro and a few others but this role will take a lot out of me." Daisuke admitted.

"Yes you are usually a stage actor aren't you?" Mao asked as he adjusted his position so his feet were tucked under his bottom. He turned his body to pick up Roku and placed the tiger-striped feline onto his lap. The furry companion didn't look pleased to be moved but soon settled back in when he realized the lap of his owner was much warmer. It also helped that Mao was petting him causing the feline to start purring.

Daisuke reached over and lightly scratched Roku behind his ears, "Yes, and I've done a few other movies."

"Did you ever sing?" Mao asked.

"Yes, in most of my stage plays I performed a solo or two. I also had an idol DVD filmed in Vietnam. I sang a song there that I wrote myself." He pushed himself off the sofa and walked over to a small bookcase, "Let's see where did I put – ah! Here it is!" he pulled out a fairly sized book that looked somewhat like a photo album. He walked back over to the sofa and plopped back down, "This book contains pictures and programs and copies of parts of scripts I would always have trouble with."

Mao's eyes were wide as saucers at the size of the book, "You must have many happy memories in here." he carefully moved Roku onto the floor and gave him a pet before turning back to Daisuke.

Daisuke placed the book on Mao's lap, "Go ahead and take a look through it if you would like. I need to go make a quick phone call. After that would you like to watch one of my movies?"

"You have copies of your own films?" Mao asked.

"Yes, but only so I can look back and see how well I have improved in my skills as a performer." Daisuke explained. "Also it's nice taking trips down memory lane once in a while."

"Um, do you think we could watch Kako no Kokoro?" Mao asked softly.

"Of course." Daisuke stood up and picked up his phone, "I'll just be a few minutes so feel free to look through the book. Just be careful."

"Already planned on that." Mao chuckled. He began flipping through the pages chuckling at a few of the funny photos and gasping at some of the drawing on the edges. He was about to ask Daisuke if he had drawn any of these little pictures but remembered the older had said he was making a phone call. Deciding he would ask later he continued to flip through the book until he stopped on a particular page.

"Ah I see you've reached the Kako no Kokoro page." Daisuke said as he sat down on the sofa again. "That one was rather difficult to put together."

"How come?"

"Because it had so many memories for me to choose from. I almost started it's own book. Keimiko, Tatsuki, and Kuta-chan and I had such an amazing time on that set." Daisuke responded, "We only filmed for 3 weeks but I wouldn't change that for the world."

"Dai-chan may I ask you something?"

"Of course, anything."

Mao closed the book and placed it gently on the coffee table, "Do, do you think if you and Keimiko had starred in a movie where you two were a couple you would have romantic feelings for her?"

Daisuke was confused by the question but answered truthfully, "I can answer that easily. No."

"Why not?"

"Because Keimiko and I have known each other since we were both in school for acting. We have always seen each other like brother and sister. The only way we would be able to pull off a romantic relationship is by acting." Daisuke explained, "Besides she's too focused on her work to start a relationship with anyone."

"Are you?"

"Well that depends. If I ever did find someone who wouldn't expect me to give up what I'm attempting achieve I might be interested in a relationship." Daisuke stood up and placed the scrapbook back onto the bookshelf, "But for now I think I'll stay in my current relationship with my job."

"If you're in a relationship with your job, and you're taking a break from it, and spending time with me does that mean you're cheating?" Mao asked in a light tone.

"What if it does?" Daisuke asked in a serious tone. He didn't wait for Mao to respond as he walked past the younger boy and into his room.

Mao sat there frozen. What? Had he said something wrong? Unsure of what else to do the college student grabbed his cell phone and his copy of the apartment key. He needed to get out. Racing down the stairwell he took off running. Where he was going he wasn't sure. All he knew was he had offended Daisuke and he couldn't be round him right now. What he didn't notice were the storm clouds brewing or the fact he had forgotten to grab his jacket.

Daisuke heard scratching at his door. Rolling off his bed he glanced at his alarm clock and realized it was almost midnight. He had fallen asleep! Pushing himself up he walked over to the door only to be greeted by a tiger-striped feline who started meowing almost immediately. "Roku?" Bending down to pet the cat he was startled when Roku moved away and kept meowing. Daisuke made his way into the kitchen to find Roku's water bowl empty. He filled up both and looked at the cat expectantly. To his surprise Roku only kept meowing and he started to notice he was wandering around. Only then did he realize that his apartment was quiet, too quiet.

He ran to Mao's room to find it empty and he checked the other rooms too. The boy's phone was gone but his jacket was still there. Looking outside he could see the rain cascading down in sheets so think he could barely make out the lights of the late night going ons of the city. Cursing himself for not remembering to get Mao's number he threw on some shoes, grabbed his jacket and Mao's as well before running out of the apartment.

The first place he decided to check was Mao's apartment building. It was a long shot but it was better than nothing. Once he reached the building he looked up at the window where he knew Mao's room was only to find the inside dark. Cursing under his breath he took off towards the next street only to nearly trip over something lying half way in the middle of the sidewalk. Upon further inspection Daisuke held back a gasp when he realized it was Mao. Kneeling down he carefully moved the boy's soaking wet hair from his face. It was then he noticed a small trickle of blood along the hairline.

Not wanting to risk getting his phone wet and the call being pointless, Daisuke quickly adjusted his jacket so it covered his head. He then dialed for an ambulance. Once he had given the details of his location and the reason for calling he hung up and waited. As the minutes ticked by Daisuke tried to figure out who had done this. From what he could tell Mao didn't have any enemies, the boy was too sweet for something like that. There was only one person who could have done this but even he wouldn't have stooped that low. Or would he?

By the time the ambulance arrived, despite his jacket Daisuke was nearly soaked to the bone. It took some explaining but he managed to get in the ambulance along with the Mao and the paramedics. On the way he quickly called Keimiko, explaining what had happened. She told him to keep her updated.

Once they reached the hospital and Mao was taken in Daisuke was escorted to the waiting room. It wasn't until he was fully in the light did one of the nurses recognize him.

"Watanabe-kun? What are you doing here? Are you all right?"

"I am fine. But someone very close to me was harmed. And I won't leave here until I find out if he will be okay." Daisuke explained, "Please don't let anyone know I'm here though. I don't want to cause a scene."

The nurse nodded, "Yes, yes of course. Please excuse me."

Daisuke glanced up when he saw one of the doctors approaching him. "Sensei, please how is Mao?"

"He is stable. It seems he had been attacked from behind. He has no major damage to the brain, but we are unable to wake him up. He is also showing symptoms of the flu and his right wrist is badly sprained." The doctor explained.

"He's still unconscious?"

"I'm afraid so. You may go in and see him, though I can't guarantee he will respond to you."

Daisuke nodded as he was led to the in-care patients' floor. When they reached Mao's room he felt tears welling up in his eyes.

"Watanabe-kun, there is an officer who would like to speak to you." The same nurse from earlier spoke standing in the doorway.

Daisuke turned to see the same officer from when Mao's place had been broken into. "Yes?"

"Watanabe-kun, my apologies but I will be brief. I am Officer Takeda. I spoke to Young Hamao-kun earlier today. His apartment was thoroughly searched, but there was no evidence of any fingerprints besides his own and yours." the officer explained. "But Mao was attacked within 100 yards of his building, and I don't think that was a coincidence."

"What are you saying?" Daisuke asked.

"I'm saying I think someone is after your friend. And I think I may know who."

Daisuke's eyes widened, "Tell me."

Takeda shook his head, "I'm sorry I cannot. Not until I have enough evidence to back up my theory. Until then if you want that boy safe you need to keep him with you. Do not let him go back to his apartment, no matter what."

"Why are you doing this? " Daisuke asked. "I mean I know it's your job and all but why specifically him?"

Takeda closed the door, "This stays between us."

Daisuke nodded.

"At first this was just another normal case for me. But things changed after what happened to young Hamao at the restaurant he works or I guess worked at. I was a regular customer there and my son was hoping to apply as well." Takeda explained. "The other day he was going to hand in his application after we had sat down for dinner the other night. Don't ask me how but we overheard what happened in the back room. In a way you both saved my son from something that could have easily happened to him if he had been hired."

"And as your way of thanking us you are trying to find the guy who is after Mao, is that correct?" Daisuke inquired.

Takeda nodded, "That's correct. Now I don't think it was Sukoshi but I'm not checking him off the suspect list."

"Is there anyway you could do a background check on someone else?" Daisuke asked, "I might have an idea who it could be."

"Give me a name."

"Leiko Orochi."

"Why him?"

Daisuke reached over and grasped Mao's hand, "Mao and I have run into him more than once, and each time trouble has followed close behind."

Takeda nodded as he stood up, "I see. Well I best get going. Please let me know how young Hamao fairs when he wakes up. And please see if he remember anything about the attack." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card, "This is my personal information. It's easier to reach me there then at my work phone."

Daisuke took the card and nodded thank you before looking back at Mao. Despite his efforts Daisuke ended up dozing off. But the whole time, his right hand never let go of Mao's left.

Nearly 4 hours had passed before Mao's eyes finally opened and he took in his surroundings. Immediately he felt the dull pain on his temple and he tried to reach up to feel it. When he couldn't move his hand he glanced down to see a handsome brunette asleep clutching his hand. "Dai-chan? Dai-chan wake up."

Daisuke stirred awake and glanced up. When he saw Mao's eyes open, his own eyes went wide and he sat up fast, "Mao! Oh, thank goodness! You gave me quite a scare!"

Mao's eyes dropped, "I'm sorry."

Daisuke reached up place his palm on the younger boy's cheek, "No, don't apologize. All that matters is your okay. Do you remember what happened?"

"Yes. I left the apartment because I thought I had offended you so I decided to take a walk to give you some space. Also I remembered we hadn't purchased any toiletries for me when we went shopping. So since it was safe to return to my place I figured I'd grab a few things for the next day or two just be safe. When I left I had a feeling someone was following me. I turned around and saw, well I thought I saw a guy in a black hoodie. I didn't think anything of it so I just kept walking." Mao shook his head, "I don't remember anything else."

Daisuke sniffled, "It's my fault you were hurt then."

"What?"

"You took my actions the wrong way. I wasn't offended by what you said, I was upset with myself." Daisuke answered as he reached for a tissue from the side table and dabbed his eyes.

"I don't blame you." Mao spoke softly, "But why were you upset with yourself?"

"I can't tell you." Daisuke responded, "You'd never believe me."

Mao reached out and touched Daisuke's cheek with his own uninjured hand and looked the handsome actor in the eyes, "Try me."

A/N: Okay! Since I don't really have any other stories I'm working on safe one, I should be able to get the next chapter up a lot sooner I promise! But I am upping my review request however to 4 instead of 3. I have specific reasons for doing this that will remain anonymous for now. But please 4 reviews = chapter 11! And please look forward in the next few months for a extra special DaiMao oneshot from me as well!