Discaimer: Do not own Darker Thank BLACK or its characters.

Yin didn't know how long she had been unconscious, but she knew that things had changed. The fogginess of her simple programming had begun to disappear. Yin could not only think clearer, but she could speak her thoughts more easily now. Granted, most of the time, they still came out as short one-word answers. Though the walls were still there, they were crumbling slowly but surely.

Somehow Hei had managed to sever Yin's ties to Inagami. And Inagami had left Yin a gift of her own—the ability to begin breaking down the walls in her mind. Her violet eyes were still sightless, but she could see more clearly than ever now. She looked upon the face of Hei as Inagami and his image was burned into her memory forever. Yin could see what love truly meant for them.

He sat near the window now, staring into the rainy night. She didn't need her specter to see the concern on his face. He was still afraid they might be after them. His star still shone in the sky, so they knew he was still alive. That made him a target. Hei would never be free as long as his star was in the sky. He hated putting Yin in danger, but for being a Doll, she was stubborn as hell. She would not leave his side willingly. And Hei couldn't bring himself to part with her either. Her presence always made him a better man. Tonight, though, Yin knew for this night, they were safe. The Syndicate, Pandora, CIA-whoever was after them-had other things to deal with. Tonight, Yin and Hei would have a moment of reprieve.

In her silent way, Yin moved to Hei's side at the window. She brushed her fingers softly against his arm. He tensed for a moment, but relaxed when he realized it was just Yin. He wrapped his arm around her waist and held her close, breathing in her clean, watery scent. He laid his head against her chest and let out a relaxed, relieved sigh. Yin cradled his head in her arms and bent down to kiss his thick black hair.

"Yin," he whispered, tightening his grip around her waist. Yin's hands moved along the broad line of his shoulders and down his strong arms. Her sensitive fingers found the scars littered across his skin. Yin knew the story of nearly each and every one. Over the years, she knew the pain and the punishment Hei went through to protect this world and these scars were left behind to remind him of his trials. His grip loosened, so Yin took a step back and knelt beside him so that she was face to face with him. Though her lilac eyes were sightless, they seemed to see right into his. She traced the lines of his face—his high cheekbones, strong chin, his soft lips. She ran her finger first over his upper lip, then his lower. She hesitated for a moment, and then brought her own lips to Hei's. He kissed her back and pulled her against him.

In a brief instant, Kenji's words came back to haunt him: "You can't help who you fall in love with."