...Part 29: Krad...

I woke up later that night – or morning, or whatever; it was still dark – but definitely not in the way I had fallen asleep. Suna and I had managed to readjust in our sleep so that we were lying horizontally across her bed, with her back facing me and my arm draped across her waist.

The Heart was humming contentedly on the desk, glowing dimly and nearly transparent.

I was tempted to just fall back to sleep, but neither I nor Satoshi wanted to deal with me being the one to wake up in the morning, and neither Satoshi nor Suna would appreciate him waking up there, so I decided I had better take my leave. The rain had let up by now anyway.

I sat up slowly, just gazing at Suna for a while as she slept, a peaceful almost-smile relaxing her face. I knew it was because I was there, but as much as that was obvious, I still couldn't bring myself to fully believe it.

Getting up off of the bed, I unfolded the blanket at the foot of it and draped it over her. It was actually kind of chilly in the room when there wasn't someone else's body heat to support you. I leaned over her and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Suna."

I sighed as I reluctantly stepped outside and spread my wings, stretching them.

Satoshi...? Are you awake?

I am now.

Sorry.

Don't apologize – as nice as it is, it's really weird.

I nodded. It felt weird. I don't really want to leave her. She's alone, and –

When she has The Heart with her, she doesn't feel quite as alone as you might think, Satoshi interrupted.

How do you know?

Because it reacts to you, wherever you are. Haven't you noticed? The piece is almost like a living thing – it could almost count as company.

I guess so.

Was that all you woke me up for?

I don't know. I really didn't know what I'd waken Satoshi up for in the first place, but I think that was pretty much it.

Well in that case, I'm going back to sleep so I can get up at a reasonable hour.



Sure. I flew back to the apartment in silence, drowning in the thick scent of rainwater. When I got there, I barely remembered that I should probably change out of my uniform before crashing face-first onto the bed.

I felt myself shift into Satoshi's form before falling blissfully back to sleep – deep, dreamless sleep.