Gone And Back Again

XVIII. Just Double Checking

 "He didn't see you." Daisuke said blandly as they entered his room.

 "He didn't see me." Dark repeated, confusedly, flopping onto his younger brother's bed.

 "Why?" They asked, in sync with each other.

 The exchanged tired glances, Dark draped an arm over his eyes, wings widespread, and Daisuke slumped in the chair of his desk, dreading doing homework in such a distracted condition.

 "I think that just made us more confused than before." The angel mumbled.

 The live one nodded. "Though, now we know that Hiwatari can only hear you through the phone, that, or you have some sort of effect on phones... Why don't I call the Haradas, and you'll talk behind me, and we'll see if they get interference?"

 "Sounds like a solid plan. What are you gonna talk about?"

 "Um, I dunno, I could talk to them about the homework?"

 "What? No, don't do that."

 "Why not? What do you want me to talk about?"

 "Listen, Daisuke, do you normally talk to them about that kind of thing?"

 "Um... No... But still, it shouldn't be anything of importance, right?"

 "Wrong! Listen, the Haradas are the kind of people who would notice any 'weirdness', especially from someone they call a friend. So... I have an idea. Talk about being worried for Hiwatari. The conversation won't have to last long, after all, all you have to do is ask them if they've noticed that he's seemed off. Whatever they say, you're all kinda friends, so you can ask them if they'll keep an eye on him. They'll think it's pretty normal that you'd be worried."

 "You're awfully manipulative for an angel."

 "I'm not being manipulative, I'm being clever."

 "Whatever."

 Though Daisuke thought his older brother was being ridiculous, he agreed that the plan was probably better, and it also ensured that he'd have multiple perspectives on Hiwatari's actions. So, he dialled in the Harada number, and waited as the phone rang.

 "Hello?" Riku's voice came through the phone.

 "Ah, Ms. Harada, it's me, Niwa."

 "She has caller ID Daisuke, she knows it's you."

 Daisuke shot a glare at Dark.

 "Niwa, I know it's you, I have caller ID, silly. Y'know, most phones do. You're so awkward." She giggled. "Anyway, what's up?"

 "Oh, um, right, sorry. It's just, have you noticed how odd Hiwatari's been acting lately? I'm kinda worried for him."

 "That's because you like him." Dark's grin was similar to that of a famous cat, and increased how irritated Daisuke was with the angel.

 "That's true, he has been acting weird... Is there someone else there, or something? It sounded like a muffled-ish voice, and a bunch of static a second ago."

 The brothers' eyes widened with realization as they glanced at each other.

 "Um, yeah, uh, I guess the phone was acting up, you probably heard Wiz, or someone else, ah, sorry. Anyway, do you know why he could be acting weird?"

 "Hmm... No, not really. Do you have any idea?"

 "Not really. Ms. Harada, can you and your sister do me a favor, please?"

 "Yeah, sure, what is it?"

 "Could you keep an eye on him? Like I said, I'm kinda worried."

 "Yeah, okay, I can do that. I'll ask Risa. Was that all?"

 "Yeah, thanks. Good bye."

 "Bye Niwa, see ya tomorrow!"

 "See you tomorrow."

 So the two hung up and Daisuke turned to Dark. "Looks like you cause interference."

 Dark pouted jokingly. "That's not fair! That means I don't get to call any girls who can see angels."

 Daisuke rolled his eyes. "How many girls would you find anyway? Plus, we both know your selection isn't limited to just girls. At all."

 "Oh, shut up. Why do you say that?"

 "I saw you and-"

 Before Daisuke could finish, Dark huffed and tossed a pillow at him. "I'm taking a nap, do your homework, and be responsible, and stuff."

 Daisuke rolled his eyes, but decided that doing homework would be a better idea than trying to argue with the older teenager.