A/N: Minna-san! Yes you are seeing this right. I have updated with only a month since the previous chapter. I said before that I would update sooner and I meant it. I only hope anyone who reads this chapter won't be disappointed with the results. Please enjoy!
Disclaimer: There are some things I own and some things I don't. What I don't should be painfully obvious.
Chapter 11: Favors, Friends and Familiarity
He couldn't do it. He couldn't bring himself to say how he felt.
Daisuke inserted his key into the lock of his apartment door, and let himself in. Closing the door, turning around he rested his forehead on the cool surface.
"Try me." Was what Mao had said.
He had opened his mouth to speak his thoughts and feelings but something held him back. Not the right time? Not the right place? He wasn't sure but something in him had told him it wasn't supposed to happen, at least not yet. What wasn't, he wasn't sure.
Glancing down he saw Roku sitting in the entrance. Lightly chuckling he slipped off his shoes and walked into the kitchen, "Despite everything you never change do you?" He filled the food and water bowl before petting the feline a short time.
Once he was sure Roku was settled Daisuke headed into his room for a change of clothes. He didn't like being away from Mao, even if the boy was safe in the hospital. But the younger had insisted he'd be okay while Daisuke went home for a change of clothes. He had wanted Daisuke to stay home and get some rest but the handsome actor had refused claiming he wouldn't be able to sleep. That had won him the argument. He had two free days left and he was going to spend every moment of them with the younger boy.
After changing and a quick freshening up , he texted Keimiko to give her an update. His 'girlfriend' texted back a thank you along with a 'stay out of trouble' and a smiling emoticon. After responding with 'speak for yourself' Daisuke pocketed his phone and headed back to the hospital. He had something he needed to discuss with his roommate.
As he was at the crosswalk his cell rang and he pulled it out. Looking at the display he held back a groan, "If this is work related I'm not going to be happy."
"Well it is so suck it up." Tonaku answered in a half-joking half-serious tone, "I'm only calling to let you know I have scheduled a meeting with Morishiku-kun and Takemoto-kun. We will meet here in my office. I would have waited to tell you tomorrow but I have some damage control to take care of tomorrow."
Daisuke cleared his throat, "I see. Is there anything else you have planned for me?"
"Yes as a matter of fact. The damage control I mentioned? I saw the ridiculous article about you and that boy. And yet you tell me you're started dating Urisaki-san. Daisuke, what is going on?"
"That is something I'd rather not discuss over the phone. I'm actually in a hurry so I don't mean to be rude but I need to go."
"Very well. But after the meeting you and I are going to talk. No getting out of it this time, understand?"
Daisuke sighed, "Yes, I understand. I'll be at the office by ten the day after tomorrow. Until then-" he pocketed his phone and rested his head in his hands, "Oh boy."
"Now, as I said we plan to keep you for most of the day just for observation." Dr. Nanaku spoke after draping his stethoscope around his neck, "After that little scare of you being unconscious thanks to that blow to the head, well. We don't want to take any chances." He smiled, "But you are a strong healthy young lad. I'm sure you will soon be right as rain. If everything looks okay you will be discharged later this evening."
Mao slowly nodded, "Hai, thank you Sensei. Oh Dai-chan, you're back already?"
Daisuke pushed himself off the doorframe and walked into the room, "What? Were you hoping I'd be gone longer?" He asked jokingly.
"I'm not going to answer that." Mao responded after taking a sip of water. "Did you feed Roku?"
"Yes, and I can tell he misses you already." Daisuke took a seat in the chair next to the bed, "I don't know how he put up with you when you were overworking yourself and studying to the point of exhaustion."
Mao's eyes fell to the provided light blue blanket, "Gomen."
Daisuke shook his head, "You don't need to apologize. But there is something I wish to discuss with you. That is if you are awake enough."
"Nanaku-sensei says I need to get plenty of rest but I'm not tired yet." Mao answered.
"Well if it's doctors orders you should get some rest then." Daisuke pointed out, "What I wanted to talk to you about can wait. You're health is more important."
"What about you?"" Mao asked, "I told you, you didn't need to come back. You could have-"
"And I told you Mao. I am not leaving your side unless it's absolutely necessary." Daisuke interrupted, "I have my reasons but I can't say what they are. Not yet. Please be patient with me."
"I will be. But I wish you'd ask more of me." Mao answered as a yawn followed his words. "I guess I am a little more tired than I thought I was."
Diauske chuckled, "Then you best get some rest. I'll be here when you wake up." He glanced over to see Mao already sound asleep. Once he was sure the boy wouldn't wake up on a whim he made he asked the nurse from earlier, who ironically was Mao's nurse to let the boy know he went to get some coffee should he by chance wake up early.
Making his way down to the cafeteria Daisuke pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts. Once he reached the one he was looking for he pressed 'Send.' After two rings someone picked up.
Once he heard the voice he was relieved, "Did you get my voicemail yesterday?"
Tatsuki sighed, "Yes I did. Kemiko called me as well. What the heck kind of trouble are you two stirring up now?"
"You're one to talk. If I'm not mistaken you were known as the practical joker on the set even though your role was supposedly the most challenging." Daisuke pointed out.
"Ha, ha. But seriously, what's going on?"
"Is there anyway you can meet me at St. Lukes?" Daisuke asked.
"Do you mean the hospital?"
"Yes, and before you jump to conclusions, I'm fine. But I'm going to need to cash in another favor."
"I'm about 20 minutes away actually. Where should I meet you specifically?" Tatsuki asked.
"Well right now I'm heading to the cafeteria for some coffee."
A faint chuckle was heard on the other end of the phone, "Coffee huh? That's a rarity. Something must be going on for you to favor a 'cup of jo'."
"You could say that. But I'll explain everything when you get here. Text me when you're outside the building." With that Daisuke pocketed his phone. He walked into the cafeteria, ordered his pleasure and sat down at one of the tables. He figured there was no point in going upstairs just for a few minutes only to have to come back down again.
Twenty minutes had come and gone and Daisuke headed towards the front entrance. If he timed it right he would reach the door right around the time Tatsuki would text him.
Sure enough as soon as he exited the ground floor waiting area his phone vibrated in his pocket. Pulling it out he deleted the message immediately not needing to read it, and walked out of the building. He was immediately pulled into a one armed embrace.
"Long time no see."
Daisuke returned the embrace before letting go. "You can say that again. But I'd prefer if you'd do it after I explain what's going on."
"Sounds like a plan to me." Tatsuki laughed.
"Now I'm sure you wondering why I asked you to meet me at a hospital."
Tatsuki tapped his finger to his chin as if he was deep in thought. "Yes the thought had crossed my mind."
"Well it's a long story and one that will need a visual, so follow me." Daisuke responded as he led Tatsuki to the elevator. Once they reached their destination Daisuke placed a finger to his lips indicating he wanted the other man to stay quiet.
Tatsuki peeked into the room then looked at Daisuke, "That's the-"
"So you saw that stupid article as well huh?"
"Wait. I'm confused. Is it true then?" Tatsuki asked before raising his hand up in defense, "Not that there would be anything wrong with it I mean I-"
"Tatsu-chan you're babbling." Daisuke said placing his hand on his friend's shoulder. He walked into the room moved to close the door just enough it didn't latch but no one would just walk in. "Like I said earlier it's a long story and it all started with him."
Tatsuki sat down and listened carefully as Daisuke launched into the entire explanation. When the other handsome actor explained what had happened earlier that day he sighed. "Why didn't you tell him?"
Daisuke looked over at Mao who was still asleep surprisingly. Then again he had kept his voice hushed as he told his story. "What was there to tell? I don't even know if what I'm feeling is real. I know I've grown quite fond of him and I know I don't think I could imagine my life without him now."
"One of those you've known him only for a few days but it feels and seems like years, type situations, am I right?" Tatsuki asked.
"Exactly." Daisuke responded. "And after everything that's happened. I'm not comfortable leaving him alone now. He's a walking target whether he knows it or not."
"I can easily see why." Tatsuki chuckled faintly, "He could easily pass for a model if he wanted to."
"I told him that when I took him shopping." Daisuke smiled as he walked over and placed a hand on Mao's shoulder, "But his love for animals I guess has him studying to be a vet. And I know he'll shine in that career just as brightly as he would any other. I've only seen him with his own cat and one other kitten we met the other day. And man I've never seen anything like it."
"Oh no!"
Daisuke nearly jumped when he heard Mao speak. He looked down to see the hospital bed occupant sitting up with an anxious look on his face. "Mao what's wrong?"
"I missed my classes this morning! I'm going to get in trouble I-"
Daisuke moved his hand away once the college student had quieted down, "It's okay, you're not in trouble. I contacted the school on my way back to my apartment. Your sensei knows what happened."
Mao visibly fell back against his pillow in relief, "Thank goodness. I was really worried there."
"I told you I am going to look out for you as long as you let me." Daisuke spoke softly as he turned to look at Tatsuki, "Oh, Mao I want you to meet someone."
Tatsuki walked forward, "Pleased to meet you. I am Kudoku Tatsuki."
Mao bowed in response as well as he could while sitting in a hospital bed, "Pleased to meet you. I really enjoyed your performance in Kako no Kokoro."
Daisuke looked at Tatsuki, then Mao, "Mao, Tatsuki here is going to be helping you move all your stuff from your place into mine."
Mao's eyes widened, "What why?"
"Because I can't let you go back to your apartment. It's not safe." Daisuke responded, "And you said your brother lives too far away for you to stay with him and keep going to school. So the only option left is for you stay with me."
"Don't I get a say in this?" Mao asked feeling hurt.
Daisuke sighed, "Mao, please listen to me. Do you remember the guy who we ran into the other day and yesterday?"
Mao took a moment before looking up, "You mean Orochi-san? Yes what about him?"
"Well I think he might have been the one who attacked you. And if I'm right he could try to go after you again." Daisuke explained. "If you go back to your apartment you'll just be an easy target for him and I can't let that happen. So please stay with me at least until things get figured out."
Mao sighed deeply as he leaned back against his pillows, "Well when you put it that way I suppose I don't really have much of a choice. But I said it before and I'll say it again. I refuse-"
"You won't be a charity case. You will still clean up after yourself and Roku and you will also pay one quarter of the bills." Daisuke spoke up already knowing where this conversation was headed.
"Why only one quarter? Why not half?" Mao asked, evidently confused.
"Because knowing you, you'll use as little amount of energy and water as you possibly can, so you will only pay for what I'm sure you'll use." Daisuke explained. He turned to Tatsuki, "When is your next free day?"
"Actually tomorrow. Would that work?" Tatsuki asked.
"I think so. Mao, your sensei said you need to be back in for class tomorrow but also mentioned it will only be a morning class. I on the other hand have the day off, only to prepare myself for the announcement of the movie." Daisuke looked up to see Tatsuki wide-eyed, "What?"
"You've been cast as Mamoru?"
"Yes, and to be honest I almost refused the role." Daisuke spoke honestly.
"Why in the world would you refuse such an amazing role like that? The 'Blade of Shadows' book is one of the most popular novels ever written!" Tatsuki gasped in excitement.
"Believe me I know. And it will be my most challenging role yet. But I-"
"I'm going to be on the set with you remember?" Mao asked knowing what Daisuke was going to say, "If I'm your assistant, I'll need to be near you incase you need me for anything."
"Yes that's right. I'll have to discuss it over the meeting the day after tomorrow with Tanaku." Daisuke spoke up as he thought it over. He turned to look at Tatsuki, "So can you meet us at my place tomorrow around 1 in the afternoon?"
"Sure, that should work. Well now that we have this all planned out, I need to get going. I have a lunch date." Tatsuki spoke up looking at his phone. " I will see you two tomorrow then."
Daisuke watched Tatsuki go before turning to look at Mao. "Well, it's nearing lunch time. Do you want me to call the nurse?"
"No, Nurse Tozaki told me they would be coming around with the menus when lunch was to be served." Mao spoke quietly.
"I see, well I think I'll join you if you don't mind." Daisuke smiled.
"No, that's fine." Mao responded his voice soft.
Daisuke could tell something was bothering the younger boy but didn't push it. He would figure it out sooner or later. It was a lot to ask him to just up and leave his apartment and move in like this but it wasn't like they really had much of a choice. At least that's what Daisuke believed.
After lunch was served and the boys had eaten their fill Daisuke looked at Mao with a solemn expression, "Mao, if you're feeling up to it, would you like to go to the zoo tomorrow? That is after we have finished our other planned tasks of course."
Mao's eyes lit up almost immediately, "Really?"
"Yes, I believe weather is supposed to be favorable and I'd love to see how you interact with the animals." Daisuke responded. "I haven't been to the zoo in quite a few years myself so it will be quite the experience."
"Um will Keimiko be coming with us though?" Mao asked.
"I don't think so. She has a lot on her plate with a new drama coming up. I mean she had a day or two to, rest and those days she used to come see us. At least that's what she told me when you were on the rides at the amusement park." Daisuke responded, "Why did you want her to come with us?"
Mao shook his head, "I, I just thought she should to keep up appearances that's all. I don't want to blow your cover."
"Mao I'm inviting you as a friend. There is nothing wrong with that." Daisuke pointed out. He noticed Mao had an uncomfortable expression on his face, "Mao are you okay?"
"I have to use the toilet." Mao answered blushing.
"Oh, of course. Do you need any help?"
Mao kicked off his covers and swung his legs over the bed, "No I think I can manage, thank you though." He barely made it three steps before his legs gave out.
Daisuke was quick to catch him before he fell and chuckled softly, "I beg to differ. You must still be a little shaky from the pain meds. Come on I'll help you."
Mao only nodded, "Thank you."
Once Mao had taken care of business and was back in bed he noticed a confused expression on Daisuke's face, "Ano, is everything okay?"
"I'm just trying to figure something out, is all." Daisuke answered as he tapped his cheek with the pad of his index finger.
"What is it?"
"Well everything you do it seems you try to do yourself and won't accept help or assistance unless you have no other choice. And yet just now, you gave in almost immediately. Why is that?" Daisuke inquired.
"Oh, that's easy. If I had refused your help I could have injured myself more and be even more well-" Mao tried to explain, "It was the only way to reach the desired results."
"What do you mean by that?"
Mao shook his head, "I honestly don't know. It's hard to explain but, ever since I started off on my own I promised myself I wouldn't rely on anyone because I felt I could be independent. I mean accepting the occasional help if I had no other choice sure but. If I-"
Daisuke reached over and took Mao's hand into his own. "You shouldn't think that way. You should accept help if it's offered especially if the results will turn out positive and benefit both you and the one helping you."
"But I feel like I'm just going to owe favors and debts that I can ever return or pay off. And I-"
"Kyosuke, you won't owe anyone anything unless they specifically say they want something in return." Daisuke interrupted, "I can tell the reason you are so reluctant to stay with me is because you still believe I want something I return. I will tell you now. And I will keep telling you until you believe me." He reached up and placed his hand on Mao's cheek. Their roles were reversed. "Do you understand?"
Mao could feel his pulse quickening and it showed on the heart monitor in the room. "I understand. But if I do stay with you I am still going to do all the things you said I had do. You can't go back on that since you're the one who said it.
Daisuke lowered his hand and placed it on top of Mao's, "Fair enough. Now they'll have you here for the rest of the day correct?"
"Yes. Dr. Nanaku told me if everything looked okay by this evening I would be discharged." Mao answered.
"Well that's at least another seven hours. Did you want to do anything to pass the time?"
Mao shrugged, "Not sleep, that's for sure."
Daisuke chuckled, "Why is that?"
"Because if I sleep anymore I'll throw off my entire sleep schedule and end up dozing off in class."
"Good point." Daisuke answered, "Well perhaps we could play a game or watch something on tv."
"Actually could you tell me more about yourself?"
"More about myself? What else would you like to know? And out of curiosity, why?"
Mao smiled, "Well if we are going to be living together at least until further notice, would it not make sense for us to know everything we can about each other so we don't up shocking each other in the near future?"
"Well when you put it that way." Daisuke said smiling.
The rest of the afternoon and evening was filled with the two of them talking. Mao learned quite a lot about Daisuke, more then he was sure anyone else knew. He in turn told the older man as much as he could about himself. No secrets were to be kept they had vowed to each other.
It was going on dinner time when Dr. Nanaku entered the room. "Well Hamao-kun we are going to take your vitals one more time and if all looks well you will be free to go."
"Thank you." Mao said as he bowed as well as he could given his current position.
"We will expect you to return in one week, however; so we may give you a check up." Dr. Nanaku added, "Will there be someone whom can watch out for you until that time?"
Daisuke stood up, "Yes, I will take care of him."
Dr. Nanaku eyed the handsome brunette carefully, "Very well. Please see that he gets plenty of rest and nourishment."
"Already a part of my plan. He is my assistant now so what I say goes."
Mao's eyebrows lifted. What exactly did Daisuke mean by that? Maybe he wanted Mao to be more than just an assistant. A servant perhaps? No, no Daisuke wasn't that type of person and Mao doubted he ever would be. But still he couldn't help but wonder what Daisuke meant.
After he was released from the hospital Mao found he couldn't look Daisuke directly in the eyes and it was painfully obvious he knew. But he couldn't help it. But if it bothered Daisuke he didn't voice his thoughts like Mao was sure he would have.
It wasn't until they reached Daisuke apartment, Roku had been fed watered and played with for a brief moment did Mao's curiosity get the better of him. "Daisuke, what exactly will be expected of me as your assistant?"
Daisuke, having been in the middle of making a pot of tea looked over his shoulder, "Why do you ask?"
"Is it wrong of me to want to know?" Mao inquired as he took a seat on the sofa.
Daisuke finished the tea, and after offering Mao a cup walked over with a tray. "Of course not. It's just I wonder if you are thinking of going back on what you promised."
Mao took his cup into his hand and watched the leaves as they danced in the warm liquid, "I have no reason to go back on it. I merely want to know what it is I will be doing."
Daisuke set his own cup down, "You're hiding something from me. What is it?"
"I don't know what you mean." Mao denied.
Daisuke's expression softened and he moved from his spot on the chair and sat down next to Mao. "I see you are worried about what I said to the fine doctor. Am I wrong?"
Mao shook his head. It seemed it was nearly impossible to hide anything from this man, "No you are not wrong."
"I can tell you believe I'll expect a great deal from you. Perhaps more than you are willing to give." Daisuke spoke resting his forehead in his hands. "Mao listen to me very carefully. I would never put you in harms way and I would never ask you to do anything you would ever be uncomfortable with. The only tasks I'll expect of you is to help me with my lines, fetch my lunch and make sure I don't overwork myself."
"Is that all?" Mao asked with doubtfulness in his tone, "Surely an assistant will be required to do more than that."
Daisuke nodded, "You are correct. There will be more than that necessary of you. But what I just mentioned will be the main tasks I'll anticipate from you."
"You're leaving something out. I can tell." Mao pointed out, "Are you going to tell me what it is, or will you have me guess?"
"I'm curious to know what your will come up with as a guess." Daisuke answered truthfully.
"Give me one hint. Does it have to do with me personally?"
Daisuke picked up his teacup and sipped it quietly before looking at Mao with that smile of his. He raised his hand and placed it on the younger boy's cheek leaning ever so closer before resting his forehead against the college student's own, their lips mere inches from each other, "What do you think?" He didn't wait for an answer as he moved away and finished his tea. Once the cup was empty of the liquid contents he walked into the kitchen to wash out his cup and headed towards his bedroom. "Goodnight Mao. We still have one more day to ourselves before we must face reality and all it has to throw at us. I suggest we don't waste a moment."
Mao watched in awe and confusion at Daisuke's door. Why had Daisuke moved so close to him like that? Why was he looking at him like he was, was he didn't know. And most importantly, why did he want to be that close to him again? Every part of his being desperately wanted to go into that bedroom and ask all those questions. But something was stopping him. He thought back to all the times Daisuke had helped him over the past few days and he felt his heart nearly skip a beat.
Could it be possible?
Was he in love with Watanabe Daisuke? Or even crazier, could Watanabe Daisuke be in love with him?
A/N: Cliffy? Yes I believe so. I know most people would think these two would be confessing to each other and all that already. But I'm taking this story at a pace I think works best. Also, the pattern is still going! If anyone would like me to continue 3 reviews = chapter 12!