The Challenge: Part Eight Ken’s head snapped around as he heard that familiar voice. Ken began to push in that direction, something made much easier by the fact that he was now going with the crowd rather than against. He was still panting for breath by the time he made it to Daisuke’s side.
“Why did you go off like that?” Ken asked. Daisuke just continued to study him.
“So? Miyako told you all about the bus stop?”
“A little.” Ok, so that was not entirely a lie. “Finish filling me in?”
Ken listened attentively, but could not help giving a smirk as Daisuke finished his story.
“What?” Daisuke asked.
“Nothing.” Daisuke looked hurt. “It’s just. I mean, I got an incredibly vivid mental picture of you screaming on a bus bench. Your lucky the park police didn’t pick you up.” It was all Ken could do to hold in the chuckles threatening to bubble to the surface. Somehow, Daisuke did not think it was that humorous.
“Are you worried about them knowing?”
“Are *you* worried about them knowing?” Ken queried in return.
“No—God no! I could tell the whole world.”
“Then why should I be?”
“It’s not that simple, Ken. Sure, nobody Daisuke can love anyone he wants. But you’ve got an image to upkeep. You don’t really need me going around telling the world your dark secrets.” Ken wanted to punch him for the nobody response, but decided now probably was not the best time.
“Why not? It saves me the effort.” Ken joked. Daisuke did not laugh. “Oh, come on Dai, what have I got to do, stand on a bus bench and shout it out? I love you. You do for me what no one else is capable of doing.”
“You still left.”
“I had to think. And it was a stupid mistake.”
“I thought super-geniuses weren’t suppose to make mistakes.”
“I think we’ve established that that is untrue.” Ken smiled. “Come on, its getting cold. We should head home.”
“Umm, yeah. In a minute. You head on back.”
“No, I want to stay here with you.” Now it was Daisuke’s turn to smile.
“I can’t think with you here.”
“Daisuke…”
“I’ll be back in like 30 minutes, I swear.”
“Ok,” Ken finally agreed, “But if your not I’m going to come down here and drag you back myself.”
“Like to see you try.” Daisuke scoffed. They laughed together for a moment.
“Daisuke,” Ken said, catching his eyes and refusing to let them go, “I will always love you and nothing can change that.” It was all Daisuke could do to keep the tears from showing as Ken leaned forward to kiss him in the soft and gentle way that was only Ken.
“I’ll be home soon.” he promised.
Ken just nodded as he watched Daisuke walk further down the alleyway.
The Challenge: The Conclusion
Daisuke sat quietly watching the traffic move below. For once the voices in his head seemed finally to have quieted down. Not that he needed them to tell him he was a screw up. He had made that point for himself earlier and had done it exceptionally well. Daisuke gave a bitter snort. At least he could do something really well. No one would ever accuse him of doing a half-assed job of ruining his own life. Miyako’s words were still ringing in his head. He knew that Ken would be sitting at home, waiting for him, that Ken was willing to give him that door marked exit. He just was not sure that was what he wanted. After all, Daisuke had never turned down a challenge.
I know Ken will always love me. He has never broken a promise to me, ever. I can have my Ken for the rest of my life. But, even though Ken was unwilling to admit it, Miyako was right.
All I’m saying is that you’ll never *really* know.
What was that phrase his mother liked to use? Oh, yes, let good enough alone. Good advice if you were willing to settle with mediocrity. And yes, he was more than willing to accept that for himself, but not for his Ken. Ken deserved to soar.
Daisuke just closed his eyes and let his body fall.
Back