XXXHolic Fan Fiction ❯ Osaka ❯ The Prelims ( Chapter 1 )

Watanuki frowned as he finished up packing his lunch. Well, his and Domeki's. It sometimes irked him that he was still backing Domeki's lunch, but after he saw how poorly Domeki ate when he didn't pack his lunch, he didn't mind so much. Not that he would ever admit that to him. Watanuki cleaned his tiny kitchenette and grabbed his school case, carefully balancing the two lunches as he navigated his way out.

 

Watanuki looked up at the sky and cursed his fate as it started raining. He was already halfway to school and couldn't turn back around to get his umbrella without being late. He held the lunches close to him so that they wouldn't get wet as he lowered his head and walked faster.

 

As fate would have it, Watanuki turned the corner a little too fast and walked right into someone. He dropped his school bag and his own lunch in favor of Domeki's as he slipped. Two hands reached out and pulled him toward a broad chest before he could hit the ground.

 

“Oi.”

 

Watanuki's eyes popped open and he looked up. Domeki's inexpressive face hovered over him. “Let go of me!” Watanuki shrieked.

 

Domeki forced Watanuki up before releasing him. Domeki picked up his umbrella, Watanuki's case, and the now dripping lunch.

 

“Give that to me!” Watanuki demanded. “Don't you have an early club or something?”

 

Domeki handed him his case, but held the lunch. “It was cancelled. This for me?”

 

“No it isn't!” Watanuki handed Domeki his lunch, and grabbed back his wet lunch.

 

“This one's heavier than that one,” Domeki observed.

 

Watanuki grimaced as he started toward school. Domeki followed, holding the umbrella over them both. “I packed extra because of your tournament this afternoon.”

 

Domeki watched Watanuki's pale face flush from the corner of his eye. “You gonna be there?”

 

“Of course not! I do have a job, you know!”

 

“Yuuto wouldn't mind you being a little late. Pick up some of that sushi she likes.”

 

Watanuki rolled his eyes. “I doubt that'll appease her.”

 

“Then tell her you're not coming.”

 

“As if it's that simple!” Watanuki snorted.

 

“Why isn't it that simple?” Domeki said as they reached the front door of the school.

 

“You wouldn't understand,” Watanuki said wirily. He turned and looked at Domeki. Domeki was staring at him. “What?”

 

Domeki quickly averted his eyes.

 

Watanuki huffed and pushed his way past the larger boy.

 

“So, you're coming right?” Domeki pressed.

 

Watanuki ignored him and walked quickly to the classroom.

 

“Domeki!” Himawari and her parade of girls flocked over to him. “We're so excited about your tournament! We're all going to be there!”

 

Domeki walked over to his desk and put his books down. “Then you can sit with Watanuki.” He said loud enough for Watanuki to hear.

 

Watanuki's head flinched up and turned to them.

 

“Watanuki, you're coming to Domeki's tournament?” Himawari said looking at him with wide eyes.

 

“I, um…” Watanuki flushed as he looked at Himawari.

 

“Why don't you all sit together?” Domeki suggested.

 

The girls behind Himawari made audible sighs as Himawari turned back to Domeki and nodded happily. “That's a great idea, Domeki!” She smiled at him brightly before turning to Watanuki. “You guys are such good friends.”

 

 

 

The day crawled. Domeki ignored the meaningful glances from the girls in his class as he pretended to watch the teacher. He chose his seat because it afforded him a perfectly disguised view of Watanuki. Domeki didn't understand his need to be close to Watanuki or his need to watch over the black haired boy, but he chose not to think about it too hard. His grandfather always preached to him that he should follow his heart. And his heart very clearly was telling him not to lose sight of him.

 

Domeki felt a tinge of annoyance as one of the girls on the other side of Watanuki threw a note that just barely missed Watanuki's head. He frowned at the giggles that erupted around the dark haired boy. Watanuki, as always, was completely oblivious to everything but the teacher.

 

Domeki jumped as the bell rang for lunch. He quickly stood up as his classmates started crowding around his desk to talk to him. He endured them for several minutes before he ran out of patience and excused himself.

 

Domeki grabbed his lunch and frowned as he quickly made his way to the library. He knew his frown was more of a scowl and counted on it to keep other people from bothering him. He turned down the back corridor until he came to the last study room. As he had suspected, Watanuki was seated at the table, his homework from the morning pushing his lunch to the side.

 

Watanuki looked up at Domeki walked through the door and closed it. “What do you want?”

 

“To eat lunch.”

 

“Shouldn't you be with your adoring masses?”

 

Domeki made a show of looking around. “I told them to join me here.”

 

Watanuki scowled. “They better not come here! I have to get this done since I'm going to your stupid tournament!”

 

Domeki sat down and took out his bento. “Do your homework at the tournament. Everyone else does.”

 

Watanuki rolled his eyes. “I'm not that rude. If I'm going to go to your tournament, I'm going to watch it.”

 

Domeki glanced at the bento then at Watanuki. Watanuki looked down at his literature book, his face red. Domeki looked back at his bento. Hand rolled onigri, the shrimp with the dipping sauce, sliced fish, and colorful pickles. All of his favorite things. Domeki was humbled that Watanuki took so much time and trouble for him.

 

“What? If you don't like it, you don't have to eat it,” Watanuki said sharply.

 

“Hn,” Domeki said, wanting to say so much more, but was unsure how Watanuki would take it. He opened his chopsticks and took a slice of fish. Perfect.

 

Watanuki turned the page in his book, his eyes scanning the page quickly. Domeki watched as the blue eyes sharpened and Watanuki focus closed in on his work. Watanuki closed his eyes after reading the passage and sat for a few seconds before reaching out for his pen and notebook. In small, meticulous script, Watanuki wrote the essay the teacher assigned. Domeki watched as the words flowed from Watanuki easily. Domeki envied the ease at which it all seemed to come to Watanuki. He knew from experience that he would be up late into the night writing and rewriting the essay.

 

After several minutes Watanuki's pen stopped and Watanuki looked up. “What?”

 

Domeki didn't take his eyes off Watanuki. Watanuki's cheeks flushed slightly.

 

“What? Do I have something on my face?” Watanuki asked.

 

Domeki shook his head. “You look flushed. Are you catching a cold?”

 

Watanuki rolled his eyes. “No, I am not catching a cold.”

 

“Good,” Domeki reached over and picked up some of Watanuki's pickles with his chopsticks.

 

“Hey! You have your own lunch!” Watanuki snapped.

 

“Yours is better,” Domeki shrugged and reached out for another. Watanuki took the pickle out from under him and he popped it into his mouth.

 

“You idiot!. I packed them at the same time.” Watanuki said, stealing his fish back from Domeki.

 

“I think you do something extra to your lunch.” Domeki teased with a straight face.

 

“Yea, I dropped it in the rain.” Watanuki said rolling his eyes. He snapped up the last onigri and popped it into his mouth.

 

“Yea, maybe that was it,” Domeki nodded.

 

“You're a freak, you know that, right?” Watanuki huffed.

 

Domeki's heart started beating too rapidly as the blue eyes sparkled at him. I love you. He blinked at the sudden thought.

 

“We have to get going or else we're going to be late,” Watanuki said as he closed his books and stood up. He was still smiling.

 

Domeki followed him, a little shell shocked at his thought.

 

 

Domeki listened respectfully as his coach spoke about the tournament. It was the final regular tournament of the year and would determine who would go to nationals. Domeki, although he was only an underclassman, had a fairly good shot at making the finals, if not going on to nationals. Now that there was a strong possibility that Watanuki might be there watching, Domeki wanted to make sure that he shot his best quiver.

 

Domeki wasn't completely ignorant at how strange that thought was. As he walked up to the main arena, he kept his eyes forward, not letting himself search out the other boy. He couldn't put his finger on when he started constantly thinking about him, long enough ago that Watanuki was no long a distraction, rather, he was just Watanuki. A very strange, but large part of Domeki's every day existence. Seeing Watanuki and hearing his voice was like breathing to Domeki. He was pretty sure that Watanuki never noticed his existence until well after he got his part time job at the store. Domeki bowed with the rest of his teammates and absently fell into his familiar thoughts.

 

Domeki had a theory that Watanuki never really saw anyone until he started working for Yuuto. Even Himawari, whom Watanuki insisted was the greatest thing since indoor cooking, was always met with Watanuki's ever so polite, but vaguely distant blue eyes. It was only after working for Yuuta for a time that Watanuki's eyes started really focusing on her. Domeki knew the minute Watanuki had actually seen him for the first time. It was that night when Yuuto and Himawari had come over with Watanuki to tell ghost stories, the same night Domeki realized he could exorcise demons. There was a look of recognition that sharpened Watanuki's blue eyes and made Domeki's pulse quicken and his breath fall short. Domeki had been a borderline stalker of Watanuki before that, but in that moment, Domeki was completely ensnared.

 

Domeki looked away from the archers to search the crowd. It was packed in the arena, just like everyone had anticipated. It only took him a few seconds to find Watanuki. The black haired boy was sitting next to Himawari. Domeki frowned slightly when he saw Himawari leaned over Watanuki to talk to a boy who was sitting in front of them. Domeki recognized the boy's uniform as being from a private school across town. The students of the school had a reputation of being both wealthy and irritatingly spoiled. Domeki's frown deepened when Watanuki's lips quirked up in a hint of a smile.

 

Domeki forced himself to turn his gaze to the archer in front of him. The archer seemed uncentered and ended up shooting well below his potential. Domeki mentally picked apart his form and the lack of grace in his movement, vaguely aware of his growing distemper. He glanced back up at Watanuki and found the blue eyed boy speaking to the idiot in front of him as Himawari spoke to one of the girls from their class next to her. Watanuki leaned forward just slightly to hear what was being said before he sat back, laughing.

 

Domeki looked forward again. If Watanuki wasn't going to pay attention, why was he there?! What was up with all of that “If I'm going to go, I'm going to watch” garbage?! Domeki's lips tightened into a frown. The archer whose turn it was shot well, and Domeki tried to concentrate on his form.

 

After a few seconds, Domeki's eyes wandered back to Watanuki. The moron in front of him was now turned all the way around and was talking to Watanuki animatedly. Judging Himawari's sour expression, she felt as left out as it seemed. Domeki felt unfamiliar anger creep up on him. He pushed it down and looked at the stranger carefully. He had with wavy brown hair. Domeki guessed that he was okay looking, nothing earth shaking to be sure. Certainly nothing that should have made Watanuki ignore Himawari for. That as far as Domeki got before he felt an elbow in his side.

 

Domeki looked up and noticed his coach nodding to him. Domeki stood up and tried to focus himself to shoot. He stood at the line and took a breath. At the last second, his eyes betrayed him again and sought out Watanuki.

 

Blue eyes pierced him like weapons. Watanuki was sitting up, ignoring all around him, watching him. Domeki blinked and turned to the target, his heart pounding. In a series of smooth, effortless motions, Domeki emptied his quiver. He turned back to Watanuki. Watanuki's eyes regarded him seriously, a small smile on his pink lips. Domeki's hearing suddenly came back to him and he quickly stepped away from the line and took a breath. Realizing that he had no idea how he did he glanced back at the target. Perfect shots.

 

Domeki's coach came over and clapped him on his back. His team mates looked at him amazed. The judges crowded around that target and examined it. Domeki permitted himself a ghost of a smile before glancing back up. Watanuki inclined his head as their eyes locked, but then looked down when the flake took hold of his arm. Domeki watched as Watanuki's eyes dimmed as he smiled politely at the dickwad. The dickwad turned back around and for a brief second Domeki made eye contact with him. Then the stranger smiled coldly at him and turned back to Watanuki and said something. Watanuki looked at him and shook his head saying something back to him.

 

Domeki's arm was pulled and Domeki had to look at his coach who was blathering something. When he coach finally finished speaking, Domeki looked up and Watanuki and the jerk off were gone.

 

 

 

 

 

“…yes, yes. I'll be here tomorrow with the nigari.” Watanuki said waving his hand as he stepped out the door. “Good night,” he called shutting the door behind him. He yawned and started walking home.

 

“Yo.”

 

Watanuki stopped and looked over. Domeki was leaning against the wall of the park across the street from the store.

 

“What are you doing here?” Watanuki flailed.

 

Domeki shrugged and walked over to him.

 

Watanuki rolled his eyes and started walking toward his apartment. “You know, you could answer when someone asks you a question.”

 

“Who's your friend?” Domeki asked abruptly.

 

“What?” Watanuki scowled.

 

“That jerk who was sitting in front of you at the tournament,” Domeki clarified.

 

“The jerk who was…” Watanuki walked a few steps, obviously thinking before he stopped short and looked at Domeki. “Oh, Ryo. He's from Seiginku.”

 

“Yea, I recognized his uniform.” Domeki said sourly.

 

They walked in silence for a block. “I made it to the nationals.” Domeki said suddenly.

 

Watanuki snorted. “Did you really doubt that you would?”

 

Domeki glanced at him. “Yea.”

 

Watanuki rolled his eyes. “Then you're more of an idiot than I thought. Do you know that all ten of your arrows were touching each other? That all ten of them were in a space smaller than a 50 yen coin? There hasn't been a person in our school who could do that. Ever.”

 

“Really? I didn't hear that.” Domeki was secretly ecstatic that Watanuki took the time to listen to the judges.

 

“I had to leave after you shot,” Watanuki admitted. “Himawari stopped by the end of the tournament to tell me.”

 

Domeki sighed. Stupid girls do have their uses, he supposed.

 

Watanuki's apartment building loomed before them as Domeki slowed down.

 

“So, what were you doing hanging around the store?” Watanuki asked with a forced casualness.

 

Domeki held up his now clean bento. “I wanted to return this to you.”

 

“Idiot.” Watanuki snapped grabbing it away from Domeki before crossing the street to his door.

 

Domeki watched him walk though the glass doors and turn to his mail box. Fourth one from the right, fifth row from the bottom. Domeki stepped into the shadows as Watanuki disappeared though the lobby. Exactly 3 minutes later, a light on the 7th floor flicked on.

 

Domeki watched the light for a few minutes before turning toward home. It was another mystery to Domeki. For all the years he had been watching Watanuki, he had never seen his parents. He had never seen anyone else in that apartment. Watanuki never mentioned his parents, and it made Domeki feel a little sick to think of Watanuki being alone all night because his mother and father worked impossibly late hours. Domeki didn't think it was possible for Watanuki to have any siblings. At least none around his age. He was much too… quiet for that. Plus to Domeki's knowledge there was no other Watanuki in their school or any of the surrounding schools. But Watanuki apartment was in a nice building, one that Domeki's mother said cost a great deal to live in. Domeki yawned as he entered his shrine. It was a long day. Nationals were in a few days, he had a literature essay to write, and he was dead tired. Now that he knew Watanuki was safe at home, maybe he could concentrate on those other things.

 

 

 

 

 

“Watanuki!” Himawari called in her breathless, annoying voice. Domeki watched as the twit fluttered around the blue eyed boy who was packing up his books, getting ready to go to work. Didn't she already leave? Domeki thought sourly.

 

“Yes, Himawari-chan?” Watanuki smiled at her brightly.

 

Domeki felt the urge to roll his eyes as he slowly got his books ready. He had practice so he couldn't walk Watanuki to work.

 

“Ryo's at the front gate of the school waiting for you!” she chirped.

 

Domeki stilled and focused on his math textbook as his ears perked up.

 

“Ryo?” Watanuki's voice was devoid of recognition. “Oh, Ryo!”

 

Domeki forced his book into his case.

 

“Ryo's here to see if you want to go get coffee!” Himawari fluttered. “And he said it just like that. Get coffee! I told him I would find you right away!”

 

“Thank you, Himawari-chan!” Watanuki's voice started fading away as he and Himarwari walked out of the classroom.

 

Domeki glanced out the window and could just see Ryo leaning indolently against the gate. Domeki forced himself not to react as Ryo looked up and locked eyes with him. Then, with a smirk, Ryo winked at him.

 

Domeki frowned as watched as Ryo's self satisfied smirk melted into a disingenuously shy smile as Watanuki and Himawari walked up to him. Domeki studied Watanuki's body language. The dark haired boy was obviously apologizing. Even Himawari's infamous pout wasn't changing Watanuki's mind. Watanuki bowed a few times and then waved at them quickly as he darted off in the direction of the store. Domeki allowed a smirk as Ryo looked back at him. Ryo shrugged his shoulders, conceding the match before turning to Himawari. Domeki turned from the window, suddenly in a great mood.

 

 

 

 

 

“Yo,” Domeki called quietly.

 

Watanuki jumped and looked over. “Will you stop doing that?!?” Watanuki whispered harshly. “If you want to give me your stupid bento, you could just leave it at the door instead of lurking in the shadows like some mugger!”

 

Domeki just followed Watanuki.

 

“I can't wait until next week! You'll be gone, Yuuto will be gone. I'll be able to have some peace and quiet for once!”

 

“Where's Yuuto going?” Domeki asked.

 

“She said something about going to visit a friend over in China somewhere.” Watanuki said waving his hand. “She says she'll be gone for the weekend, and maybe a better part of the week, depending on how well it goes.”

 

“Huh.” Domeki frowned. “What weekend is she gone?”

 

“The same weekend you're in Osaka for the nationals.” Watanuki said happily. “I'm so happy…”

 

“Are you going with her?” Domeki interrupted him.

 

Watanuki laughed. “Are you crazy? I'm not going anywhere with her. I'm staying at home and relaxing for a change. Maybe I'll even ask Himawari…”

 

“Why don't you come to Osaka with me?” Domeki said frowning.

 

Watanuki stopped short and stared at him. “Are you insane?”

 

“It was just a suggestion.” Domeki said defensively.

 

“A bad one!” Watanuki said walking away quickly.

 

Domeki shook his head. “Don't you think it's a little dangerous for both Yuuto and me to be gone at the same time?”

 

“You're an asshole,” Watanuki said turning away. “It's late and I have to get home.” He said flatly.

 

Domeki stumbled after him. “I just meant…”

 

“I know what you meant,” Watanuki's tone made the cool air positively arctic. “Where's your bento?”

 

Domeki held it up.

 

Watanuki grabbed it and stomped over to his building, leaving Domeki watching him from the shadows.

 

 

Domeki couldn't concentrate on what the teacher was saying to save his life. He met Watanuki on the way into school but the dark haired boy was unusually distracted and didn't say much. Domeki couldn't tell if Watanuki was still angry from the night before or if something else was on his mind. Whatever it was, if it bothered Watanuki, it bothered Domeki.

 

As the bell rang for lunch, Domeki quickly packed his books and had every intent and purpose of following Watanuki to the library. Unfortunately, everyone quickly crowded around him to talk about his trip to Osaka. It rather peeved him that somehow he had been elevated to some kind of celebrity because of his shooting at the tournament.

 

Domeki listened to everyone with ever fading patience before he pointedly looked at his cell phone and announced that he had an appointment. A few of the others smiled knowingly and made seemly random comments about some upperclass girl he sometime spoke to. Domeki just nodded and quickly walked out of the classroom.

 

Domeki quietly opened the door and was surprised to find Watanuki sleeping on his math book. Watanuki's hand was fisted tightly around his pencil and he murmured something just under his breath. Domeki sat down across from him and pulled out the lunch Watanuki had made him. It was delicious as always, but Domeki found his appetite diminished as he watched Watanuki move restlessly. Finally, Watanuki's breath seemed to catch and he made a sad despairing noise. Domeki bit his lip for a second before he picked up one of Watanuki's books and dropped it loudly on the table.

 

Watanuki's head shot up, his glasses skewed on his face.

 

Domeki didn't lift his eyes from his bento as Watanuki pulled himself together. Watanuki's eyes narrowed. “What are you doing here?”

 

“Making sure you don't sleep through class,” Domeki said in a flat voice.

 

Watanuki bristled. “I don't need you.”

 

“That's what you say now, but when Himawari finds you drooling on your homework, you'll wish I was here to wake you up.” Domeki said

 

“I wasn't drooling.”

 

“It was only a matter of time.”

 

“Shut up.”

 

“Hey, I'm just looking out for you.”

 

“That's the last thing I need.” Watanuki said rolling his eyes. “You looking out for me comes with a price tag almost as large as Yuuto's.”

 

“Is packing a bento for me all that difficult?” Domeki asked evenly.

 

“No, but having you around all the time is!”

 

Domeki looked at Watanuki for a few seconds until Watanuki flushed and looked away, leaving Domeki wondering exactly what Watanuki was thinking. They sat in silence as Domeki finished his lunch and watched Watanuki do his math homework.

 

After several quiet minutes, Watanuki threw his pencil down and rubbed his eyes. “I don't know what I'm doing here.” He murmured.

 

“Late night?”

 

Watanuki shook his head. “I didn't sleep well.” He picked up his pencil and looked back at the problem.

 

“If you aren't getting it, don't force it. You'll just give yourself a headache. Did you have a bad dream or something?”

 

Watanuki's blue eyes sharpened on Domeki. “Tell me again why you're following me around.”

 

“I believe it's because I save your life on a fairly regular basis now.”

 

Watanuki rolled his eyes. “Look, do yourself and me a favor and just stop. I'm fine on my own.”

 

“That's not what Yuuto says.”

 

“Since when do you listen to what she says?”

 

“Since she's been helping me keep you safe.”

 

“Stop saying that like you care.” Watanuki's voice cracked as he gathered his books.

 

“I do care,” Domeki's voice had just a trace of surprise as he looked at Watanuki.

 

“No you don't!” Watanuki spat. “This is just some freaky game to you. Well, I don't need your help or your pity.” Watanuki stomped out the door quickly.

 

 

Domeki spent the rest of the afternoon trying to figure out what he was going to say to Watanuki. Straightening out what was going on between him and Watanuki was important. Far more important to him that some stupid archery tournament. His coach might go nuts on him, but he would just tell him it was an emergency. Plus, Domeki was pretty sure he could get a better quality practice at his home then at the crowded practicing hall.

 

Domeki frowned when he noticed Watanuki packing up his books a few minutes before the bell rang. Domeki quickly packed up his books as well. Just as the bell rang, the teacher called Domeki over. Domeki was so tempted just to blow off the teacher and follow Watanuki, but nodded to the teacher respectfully as Watanuki slipped out the door.

 

Domeki listened as the teacher wished him well in the tournament and then reminisced about his own archery days. Domeki really, really didn't care and frankly, he was getting sick and tired of the whole archery celebrity thing. Now if it got Watanuki to be less of a bitch to him, then it would be useful. Why was it that Watanuki was the only who wasn't `ooooo'-ing and `ahhhhh'-ing over him?

 

Domeki forced a smile and nodded as the teacher excused him. He quickly shot out the door and was surprised to see Himawari looking dejected by the window. He almost walked past her, but at the last minute she looked up. “Domeki.”

 

“Hey, Himawari. What's going on?” Domeki ground his teeth and slowed down.

 

“Nothing,” the idiot girl sniffed, her lower lip quivering just slightly.

 

Domeki forced himself to stop and look at her. “What's wrong?” he asked, praying that she would get to the point before he completely missed Watanuki.

 

“Nothing,” Himawari with a little sigh that very clearly begged him to keep pushing.

 

Domeki took a breath. “Really?”

 

Himawari sniffed.

 

Domeki looked around before going to lean against the windowsill next to her. “You sure?”

 

Himawari started crying in earnest as she flung herself on him. “I was going to go out for coffee with Ryo today, but when I got there, he told me that he only wanted to go with Watanuki and not me! Why was he so mean?”

 

“Ryo?” Domeki tensed.

 

Himawari nodded tearfully. “I bet he wouldn't have been so mean if Watanuki was there.”

 

“Where was Watanuki?” Domeki asked.

 

“I don't know. I thought he was waiting for you, but then he came out of the school without you.” Himawari dried her eyes and sniffed. “I don't understand why he didn't want me along. I mean, aren't I pretty? Watanuki keeps saying that I am. Well, he did until Ryo came along. Now, he doesn't really say very much to me at all. Domeki, why? Have I changed? Am I not as pretty as I was?”

 

“You know you haven't changed, Himawari,” Domeki said dryly. “What Ryo's story anyways?”

 

“Watanuki didn't tell you?” Himawari's surprise overrode her irritation at Domeki's first comment.

 

“No,” Domeki said flatly, suddenly regretting stopping.

 

“Well, when he sat in front of us at the tournament, he told Watanuki that he looked familiar. He kept asking Watanuki questions until he figured out that they went to the same grade school.”

 

“What?”

 

Himawari nodded, crocodile tears forgotten. “Yep, Ryo insists that he and Watanuki used to play together all the time.”

 

“What does Watanuki say?”

 

“Watanuki doesn't remember. It was funny, Watanuki sounded like he didn't remember very much of his childhood.” Himawari mused.

 

Domeki chewed on his lip as a bad feeling started welling up inside of him. “If he didn't remember, why is he still talking to him?”

 

Himawari shrugged. “I don't know.”

 

Domeki gave her a look.

 

Himawari flushed. “Well, I don't know for certain, but Watanuki seemed really eager when Ryo was trying to jog his memory.”

 

Domeki rolled her eyes. “I don't trust him.”

 

“But he seems so nice!”

 

“If he was nice he wouldn't have spoken to you like that.” Domeki reminded her. “Look, stay away from him. Do you know what coffee shop he and Watanuki went to?”

 

Himawari shook her head.

 

“I'll go to the store.” Domeki sighed.

 

“You don't think Watanuki's in any danger, do you?”

 

If you only knew the half of it. Domeki thought. “I'll make sure he's okay.” Domeki said aloud.

 

Himawari smiled at him. “You are such a good friend to him.”

 

Domeki nodded absently.

 

 

 

 

 

“Domeki, how unexpected,” Yuuto said meeting him at the edge of the empty lot.

 

“Is Watanuki here?” Domeki asked shortly. He didn't really have the patience to deal with her.

 

“I was rather hoping he was with you.” Yuuto said dryly.

 

“He's not. When do you expect him?”

 

“He asked for the day off. He told me he was going out with a friend.”

 

Domeki looked at her. “And you thought he meant me?”

 

“Well,” Yuuto said slowly. “It's not like he speaks to anyone else. Save that girl.”

 

“Well, now he has a new friend or, according to Himawari, an old friend.” Domeki said flatly.

 

Yuuto's eyes widened slightly and she leaned forward. “What did you say?”

 

“This Ryo guy says that he and Watanuki are old friends.”

 

“How old?” Yuuto frowned.

 

“Grade school.”

 

“Not possible.” Yuuto snapped.

 

Domeki could only blink at her vehemence.

 

“Watanuki did not grow up here. Who ever this person is, he is not from Watanuki's past.” Yuuto's eyes were narrowed. “I find the timing of this to be… troubling.”

 

This is what worried Domeki. “I asked him to come with me to Osaka, but he refused.”

 

Yuuto's eyes focused on Domeki for a moment. “And was offended, I'm sure.”

 

Domeki shrugged. “You know it.”

 

Yuuto regarded him quietly for a few seconds. “I can not postpone my trip,” she said. “The work Clow and I are to do is too important.”

 

“Then I'll not go to Nationals.” Domeki said instantly.

 

“You would give up going to Nationals?” Yuuto asked in a neutral voice, but her lips curled up into a cat like smile.

 

Domeki shrugged. His coach would kill him. As would most of his classmates, but who really cared, if it meant Watanuki would be safe.

 

“Wait here.” Yuuto said quietly. She disappeared, presumably into her store.

 

Domeki looked around absently. Funny how clear everything became when he was worried for Watanuki.

 

“Here,” Yuuto handed him a slip of paper.

 

Domeki took it and glanced down.

 

“This is Clow's number. Should anything happen, call me. Any time.”

 

“Is there a cost associated with this?” Domeki asked wirly.

 

Yuuto smiled. “The price you're paying for your feelings for Watanuki is high enough, don't you think?”

 

Domeki stilled.

 

“He does care for you.” Yuuto said softly. “You are never far from his thoughts.”

 

Domeki snorted. “I'm going to his apartment to see if he's home yet.”

 

Yuuto watched him leave as a smile graced her lips.

 

 

Domeki stood up as Watanuki came walking down the deserted street. He hadn't had to wait long, but every minute pressed on him uncomfortably. The relief he felt just hearing Watanuki's footsteps was enough to make him weep. “Yo.”

 

Watanuki glanced at him. “Domeki?”

 

Domeki stepped out of the shadows.

 

“Were you waiting for me?” Watanuki's voice didn't have its usual bite. Instead he sounded sad.

 

Domeki's eyes swept Watanuki's drawn face as he nodded. “I've decided not to go to the Nationals.” He said quietly.

 

Watanuki sighed. “Don't be an idiot, Domeki. You've worked on your archery for years. Longer than I've known you.” Watanuki's eyes were downcast as he paused. When he looked up, the yellow light from the street lamp seemed to leech the blue from his eyes leaving them dark. “Besides, you can't let your friends and team mates down.”

 

“What's wrong with you?” Domeki demanded leaning closer to Watanuki.

 

Watanuki stepped away. “Nothing, I'm just tired.”

 

Domeki's hand stopped inches from Watanuki's thin shoulder. “Watanuki.”

 

Watanuki turned around and Domeki's hand dropped to his side.

 

“Did Ryo do something?” Domeki asked suspiciously. “I asked Yuuto about him, you know. She said that he can't possibly know you from grade school.”

 

Watanuki stopped by didn't turn around. “I know,” he said softly.

 

“What?”

 

“Nothing. Forget it.”

 

“No, what do you mean? If you know he's not who he says he is, why…”

 

Watanuki's shoulders slumped and he turned back. “Where's your bento?”

 

Domeki blinked. “It's at home. I forgot…”

 

“I'll pick it up tomorrow,” Watanuki sighed again. He started walking again.

 

Domeki was at a lost for words. He had seen this side of Watanuki before, not often, but often enough for him to know that Watanuki would talk when he was ready. Domeki could only wait by him until the words broke free from Watanuki's habitual reticence. Domeki stayed until the light turned on in Watanuki's apartment before turning back home.