AAAND Another chapter! And longer this time too! XDD

So this is another Doumeki chapter! More elaborate than Chapter three, since I realized that's more like the prologue or something. ^^ But there's not much Watanuki in this one and Himawari takes second place ^^; And Haruka! XDD

And yes, MAJOR spoiler alert for Himawari in season two of the anime. (more than the previous chap) and Haruka's existence. But only that ^^

Thank you very much for reading this fic! And also, I'd like to inform you all that the nature of this fic might change starting from the next chapter ^^;

Through guilt, he had the unconscious desire to disappear.

And through this, he unknowingly draws danger to himself.

He is unaware that he, himself, is drawn to those that will cause him harm.

And in a similar manner, he is repulsed by those that will keep him safe.

...

...

The first time he met him, irritation bubbled up in the pit of his stomach.

He doesn't know exactly why, but the guy irritates him to no end. In fact, just being in that guy's presence pisses him off.

It must be how the guy's face barely changes no matter what he's doing or what's going on around him.

It must be the way the guy speaks in a tone so flat and apathetic it's impossible for it to not get on your nerves.

He's not sure what exactly it is… but there's just something about that guy that seriously annoys the heck out of him.

But if you were to ask him directly, his main reason would be this:

"I don't CARE if they're childhood friends! Himawari-chan is too good for him!"

...

He doesn't notice, though, that in his presence, he doesn't worry at all about things 'unseen'.

He doesn't notice that in his presence, he can walk home peacefully… or as peacefully as it is with him cursing and complaining.

He doesn't notice that in his presence, he is safe; free of nightmares and demons and 'things' that are out for his blood.

"Shizuka-kun's family runs a Buddhist Temple you see. My grandmother took me there when I was in third grade" Himawari explained, taking a bite of Watanuki's home-made bento. "Yum! This is so good!"

Watanuki blushed. "You're exaggerating" he played modest, genuinely happy that his crush is praising his work. "Heh, so that's how you two met then…"

"Yeah. Shizuka-kun was so cute back then too" she claimed, sending yet another deadly blow towards the poor boy's heart. "I actually thought he was a girl for a while!"

He was resurrected. "Eh? Why a girl?" Watanuki is genuinely shocked. Just how the HELL can a guy that could probably pass for a yakuza member ever be mistaken for a girl?

Himawari grinned. "You see, when Shizuka-kun was a kid, he was always wearing a—"

"Kimono" and suddenly, the topic of their conversation appeared. "Bento" Doumeki stated, staring expectantly at the bespectacled boy, a hand outstretched.

Watanuki was too amused to feel offended. "Eh? What's this, what's this? The great Doumeki wears girl's clothes? I didn't take you as one to dress in drag" he smirked haughtily, chest puffed in arrogance. "By the way. I didn't make this for you, you hear? These are just left-overs from when I made my and Himawari-chan's bento, understand?! You better be grateful that the great Watanuki-sama even thought of gracing you with his marvelous cooking! Now get on your knees and thank me!" he demanded, handing over the extra bento.

Doumeki, once again, ignored him. "My grandfather made me wear them" he explained instead, opening the bento and grabbing his chopsticks. "Itadakimasu"

Watanuki felt a vein pop. "Why you little…"

"You two are such good friends!"

"LIKE I SAID~ that's not it Himawari-chan~!" TTaTT

Although it may seem unbelievable, he was born rather frail and sickly.

There was even a point when his parents feared he would not live very long.

But through all, his Grandfather believed he would grow up to be strong.

...

...

It was a night of the full moon on the Third day of the Third Month, a night where spirits and ill will are prominent. His mother is not as spiritually sensitive as her father, but even within the temple's barrier and the cleansing festivities, his Grandfather claimed that she was indeed affected by the spirits during childbirth.

'You saved her' his grandfather would say, an honest smile on his face. 'If you weren't her son, the delivery would've killed her'

He would tell him that the reason he was born sickly is because he gave up some of his spiritual energy to save his mother, that this is also a reason why he is not able see 'that' world.

His Grandfather would also say that his aura is pure. Pure enough to keep evil spirits at bay.

"You have a gift, Shizuka, and you also have a purpose. Which is why you have to be strong for when that time comes."

He doesn't cling to the words like how most naive children are likely to do -despite his expressions, he isn't too happy having to wear female kimono every day- but he doesn't doubt the words either.

He didn't need to see or sense to know that there are things that cannot be fully explained; the people coming to their temple for blessings and exorcisms are proof enough. He trusted his kind grandfather.

And he is indeed thankful that his mother is safe, whether he truly played a part in it or not.

...

Two people came to the shrine that day; a lady that looked to be about his grandfather's age, and a little girl his own.

Almost immediately, he knew that something wasn't quite right with that little girl despite her bright smile.

His grandfather seemed to have read his mind and smiled. "That girl is human, Shizuka. Just as you are" the man assured.

He stayed silent despite his burning curiosity.

Later on he is asked to serve tea to the guests -his mother being too busy in the kitchen- and then his curiosity was sated, in its place a feeling of confusion and deep pity.

"There is no spirit haunting this young girl" he overheard his grandfather speak. "However, she is destined to bring bad luck to any who are involved with her"

"Shizuka" he jolted out of his reverie as his grandfather noticed his presence. "Just in time"

With a bow, he opened the door and silently served the already lukewarm tea. He paused as he served the girl, looking up at her face. No one would ever think that such a normal-looking girl could bear such a curse...

"Shizuka-chan right?" he nodded, albeit not so pleased with the nickname. "That's a really pretty name. Mine is Himawari, it's nice to meet you!" her smile never wavered, and he is slightly unnerved that it looked both bright and broken at the same time, unable to hide the moisture forming at the corners of her eyes.

His grandfather chuckled. "It's alright Shizuka. Would you like to be friends with her?" he turned to his grandfather with wide eyes, awed at the warm smile on the man's weathered face.

The girl's smile wavered slightly at this, and he nodded his head with a strong, albeit subtle, conviction.

"I-is it alright?" the old woman who came with the girl inquired worriedly. "If what you said is true then-"

"It's alright" His grandfather assured, his voice tender as he reached down to ruffle his and the girl's hair affectionately. "This child is special"

For the first time, as he saw the true look of hope in the girl's eyes at his grandfather's words, Shizuka started to actually understand everything his grandfather told him. And that, if it really is true, then he is thankful.