A/N: We're nearing the end of this adventure! There's another important point of view shift here. The rest of the story is from Satoshi's point of view, concerning the events immediately following Krad and Dark being sealed. Have fun reading!

Satoshi's Point of View

It took much too long for me to recover from what happened. It was two weeks later, and I still didn't quite believe it. But every time I relived the scene in my memories, I was forced to curl my knees into my chest to combat the ice that ran through my veins. There was no way a feeling like that was a figment of my imagination. I had never felt anything like it. The sincerity in his lips was intoxicating, and it had only taken a moment for me to fall in love. But this was Krad. I had to remind myself of that every time I would begin to crave his touch. There were so many things wrong with what I was thinking. Krad had tortured me. Made me feel worthless. But something had changed in him. The way he held me was shocking, to say the least. A knock on my apartment door snapped me out of my contemplation, and I hurried to answer it.

"Hey, Satoshi, I brought you dinner," Daisuke announced when I opened the door.

"Thank you," I replied quietly as he entered. It had become a habit of his to check in on me every few days. I had arrived home from the field trip in a state of disarray. At least, more than normal. I missed work simply because I didn't know what day it was. I would sit alone for days at a time, never turning on any lights or even eating anything. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I was lost, and Daisuke had pulled me back to reality with his constant kindness.

"How are you?" he asked after setting my meal on the coffee table in front of the couch. It was evening, and orange rays of sun still streamed in through the sliding glass door, but he insisted on turning on a lamp. Probably to assure himself that I wouldn't be sitting alone in the dark when he left.

"I'm okay," I replied, taking the lid from the plate he had brought and using the food as a distraction. I sighed when he sat next to me, immediately dropping his hand on my back.

"You don't sound okay," he muttered. Either he was more insightful than I gave him credit for, or my voice had betrayed me. Either way, I set my dinner back down and buried my face in my hands, occupying my mind with how my hair felt between the tips of my fingers. I hadn't told anyone the specifics of what had happened when Krad and Dark were sealed. It was shameful. Weak. Giving into my greatest enemy like that just because he had said a few kind words. "Satoshi, maybe… maybe if you told someone what happened, they could help," Daisuke suggested innocently. I jerked away from his touch and stood, keeping my back to him as I took the few steps to my desk, leaning down to flatten my palms on the hardwood surface.

"You don't understand. No one ever will," I said, my voice hollow and emotionless.

"If it has anything to do with Krad, I might understand better than you think," he offered. A chill shot down my spine just at Krad's name, and I knew I had to get this out to someone or I might actually waste away. It was taking such a toll to keep it bottled up and bear the pain alone.

"If I tell you, you are sworn to absolute secrecy. You are not to tell a single word of this to anyone, not even Kioko," I told him, barely turning to look at him. He seemed shocked by my sudden resolve, but he still nodded.

"Of course. Not a single word," he promised. I still didn't move. There was no way I could look him in the eye and admit what I was about to say.

"I fell in love with him, Daisuke," I whispered, moisture welling in my eyes at the confession. There wasn't a reply for a moment while tears began to patter to the desk.

"Sorry, I didn't really hear you," Daisuke replied, seeming a bit anxious to hear what had broken me down so immediately. I choked down an actual sob before taking a breath to repeat myself.

"I fell in love with Krad," I all but screamed. I closed my eyes, trying to hold back the legitimate weeping that was taking over as I waited for Daisuke's reaction.

"But how? Satoshi, he nearly-"

"Killed me. Several times when we were younger. But when we were in the museum, he… he had changed. He told me so many things I didn't believe. That he didn't want to hurt me anymore. He was proud of who I had become. He said… he said he loved me. That seeing me so strong and brave had changed how he felt about me," I spilled everything to him, and he listened silently. When I glanced back, his mouth was hanging open in disbelief, and I almost chuckled. Within my speech, I had regained some semblance of control, and I turned to face him.

"That's a lot to take in," Daisuke admitted. I smirked and shook my head.

"Imagine hearing it all from Krad himself right before he kissed you. That's how it happened for me," I muttered. Daisuke chuckled uneasily and brought his hand to the back of his head.

"So, that's why you've been so depressed?" he asked.

"Yeah. I keep fighting myself about it. It made me feel so complete that it disgusts me. There's no way it was real. He was lying, stringing me along, something," I added. I sat down next to Daisuke, who was still just processing everything I had told him. I shook my head again, though, as I remembered how desperate Krad's hold on me was after we had kissed for the second time. It was like he had felt my heart open to him and didn't want to let it go. I had seen his tears and heard his shallow breathing as he tried to collect himself. "It was real, Daisuke. I keep telling myself it wasn't because I know I can't have him back, but I know it was all the truth. I just… don't know if I can live like this, knowing there was someone out there who cared about me like that only to have him taken away the moment after it was all out in the open. Why didn't he tell me sooner? We could have found a way for him to stay," I found myself rambling, but I really didn't care. Speaking it to someone other than myself was a bit therapeutic.

"You know, Satoshi, I didn't know Krad very well when we were kids. I mean, all I know is that he was a jerk, really. But if he started having these thoughts just in the past few months, he probably didn't want to admit it just yet. He was proud, if nothing else. Or, maybe he knew there was nothing anyone could do about it. He had to leave, so having a few weeks, especially confined to sharing a body with you, wouldn't have made it any better," Daisuke made his conjecture, and both possibilities made sense.

"It doesn't really matter why, I suppose. It doesn't make it hurt any less," I whispered, hugging my arms to my chest to keep from crying again. Daisuke placed his hand on my back and leaned around to look at the side of my face.

"I think I know how you feel. I'm sure you didn't know this, because you and Kioko didn't really talk after you guys broke up, but after Krad… attacked her, or tried to… I think you know what I'm talking about," he paused for me to nod. It was absolutely horrific, but something in Krad's mind in those moments told me that he never intended to go much further than he did. He was just trying to stoke Dark's anger, and he had paid for it. "After that, Dark and Kioko dated. I mean, actually dated, for three years. I was stuck watching the girl I loved smiling at someone else, holding his hand, kissing him. It was the worst," he completed his thought.

"I had no idea," I admitted. Still, it wasn't exactly the same. "But you knew it wasn't going to last forever. Eventually, Dark would have to disappear, leaving you the opportunity to love her. This… this is permanent. Krad is never coming back," I pointed out. Daisuke sighed. I knew he wanted to help, but there was nothing anyone could do.

"You know, there's a study that says expressing your emotions in art can help you cope with them. I feel like that's right up your alley," he suggested with a smile. I gave half a laugh and turned to him.

"I don't know, but maybe I'll give it a try," I replied. It seemed to cheer up Daisuke, because his constant brightness returned, and he patted my shoulder in what was meant to be a reassuring gesture.

"I should get home. If you ever need to talk, just let me know," he said as he stood from the couch. I nodded, and that was all that was said before he left. I buried my hands in my hair and shook my head. Art. Sure. Tell the last Hikari to create art. As if that hadn't backfired before. But the paints and canvas in my closet were practically calling to me. If anything could help, it was immortalizing Krad in acrylic. At least then I could see his face in something other than my memories. Maybe it would ease the pain. So, I discarded my cold dinner, which I hadn't touched, and got to work. I flicked on the recessed lighting above my desk, went to the closet, and set up my workspace. But, as soon as I was sitting before the canvas, brush in hand and paints laid out, I considered aborting the task. It took hours for me to have the fortitude to even open a bottle of paint, but once that was done, it was like my hands went on autopilot, mixing colors and applying them as though I had been doing this my whole life. I did occasionally create art, but I had always ended up destroying it at risk of my hands instilling something evil into it. I didn't know how to seal my own art, so burning it maliciously seemed like the best course of action. This though… I knew I wasn't going to have the heart to put flames to it.

The sun was just breaking the plane of the earth when I finished, gently brushing the final highlight into the end of long, blonde hair. I glanced out at the barely illuminated western horizon past the sliding glass door and sighed. My eyes avoided the product of my efforts as I put away my supplies and washed my hands, pulling my sleeves back down from where I had hiked them up to my elbows. Knowing I would have to face it eventually, I studied my work. Krad looked back at me, the gentle smile on his lips that he had shown me when he gave one last glance before stepping into The Black Wings. The ornate frame behind him would always remind me of his fate and the finality of it. It was perfect, I decided. It brought to mind the good and the bad. Krad loved me, and that shouldn't cause me pain. Wherever he was, he was probably thinking of me, too. I was sure of it. I supposed painting had taken some of the strain off of me, because I was exhausted. I sat down, staring across the room at my art as my eyelids became heavy. Finally giving in, I lowered myself to the couch and closed my eyes, instantly finding myself asleep.

I had no idea what time it was when I finally woke up, but I was a bit irritated when it felt like something was crawling over my forehead, bringing me out of my slumber. I slapped it away, even more annoyed that the nuisance was someone's hand. I supposed I hadn't locked the door after Daisuke left, and he was probably back to try to make me eat.

"Daisuke, go away. I don't need a babysitter," I grumbled, turning to bury my face in the pillow under my head. A light chuckle that didn't sound like Daisuke at all shocked me into full awareness, and I pushed myself up into a seated position, waiting for my vision to clear from the sudden movement. Golden eyes and blonde hair in front of me almost made me lose consciousness all over again, but I only shrank back into the couch. "No, this is a dream. I knew I shouldn't have done that stupid painting," I complained, pulling my knees up to my chest. I couldn't control the tears that began to flow down my cheeks, and I jerked away when a gloved hand touched my face to wipe the salty trails away. "Stop. This isn't fair," I whined, shutting my eyes tightly as an attempt to get rid of the image my mind had surely conjured in my sleep.

"Satoshi, this isn't a dream," Krad finally spoke. His voice sounded real enough, but I'd had vivid dreams before. I didn't respond. That would only encourage the illusion. So, I dropped my forehead to my knees and ignored it, knowing it would end soon. Eventually I would find myself awake on the couch, the only evidence of Krad in the room being his image on canvas. My heart felt like it stopped completely when I had a sudden realization. Slowly, I lifted my gaze to face Krad, who was still knelt before the couch, watching me intently. My wide eyes studied his face before wandering to the desk behind him. My throat closed, threatening to suffocate me when I realized what had happened. My painting was incomplete. Only the background remained, and the likeness of Krad was absent from the image.

"The painting… you… you came from the painting," I could barely scrape my voice from my throat. When my gaze returned to Krad, he smiled.

"You have the power of the Hikari, Satoshi. You gave me an escape from The Black Wings when you painted me in that picture. As part of The Black Wings, I couldn't exist absent of it for long, but when you gave me my own work of art, apart from Dark, I became real. I'm not half of The Black Wings anymore. I am your creation," he explained, his voice gentle and patient as I absorbed what he was saying. I was speechless, and I stared at Krad's hand when he placed it on my knee, which was still pulled up to my chest. I lowered my legs and leaned toward him, hesitant. He was patient, and I tried to come to terms with what I had done. I never imagined that I could have created a bridge by which Krad could reach me from his sealed state. But when I looked into his eyes, it didn't matter anymore how it happened. I was just glad it had.

"You're actually here," I whispered. I brought a hand to Krad's shoulder, and I breathed a sigh of relief when it was solid. This really wasn't a dream. This was actually happening.

"Satoshi, I'll have to admit I'm a bit confused. Why did you paint me?" he asked me. The question seemed highly unnecessary. Had my feelings not come across before he had been sealed? It took a moment for me to gather my thoughts, during which Krad glanced at my hand on his shoulder curiously.

"I missed you, Krad. I still feel like an idiot saying things like that. Never in my entire life did I think I would feel anything for you except hate. And then you gave your stupid speech in the museum, and I actually believed you. You hurt me. In more ways than anyone could ever imagine. And still, you have a change of heart and I'm throwing myself at you like a lovesick schoolgirl. Why am I so weak?" I scolded myself, withdrawing from him and casting my eyes to my lap. I cringed when Krad took my hand from where it was rested on my knee.

"I'm sorry, truly. I am glad you survived everything I put you through," he told me. The words caused the hair on my arms to stand on end. It was exactly as Daisuke had said before. I would find someone who was glad I had survived. Glad I had decided to keep living. "I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I will never hurt you again," he seemed to promise, tightening his hold on my hand.

"It may take some time," I admitted. Krad brought his fingertips to my chin, coaxing my eyes up to his.

"If you'll have me, I'll be here to help you heal," he offered, his lips breaking into a gentle smile. I took a chance and leaned toward him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. When he returned the embrace, not really able to pull me toward him in my seated position, I chuckled.

"Let's do this right," I muttered, shifting to stand. He took the cue and stood from where he was kneeling in front of the couch, waiting for my next move. I looked to him and finally found the strength to smile. Finally, I wrapped my arms around him again, resting my cheek on his shoulder and relishing the feeling when he embraced me, holding me against him. The longer we stood there, the more my heart inundated the emptiness with warmth until I felt that wretched completion I had felt before. I was still a bit disgusted with myself. That holding this vile creature would bring me any amount of comfort. But when he turned to press gentle lips to my temple, I realized he really wasn't the same as before. This wasn't an attempt to lower my guard. This wasn't a tease to make me angry later. He wasn't going to use this closeness as an opportunity to assault me.

"I love you, Satoshi," he whispered, burying his face in my neck and holding me only more firmly to himself. I couldn't deny that I reciprocated his feelings, but I just couldn't bring myself to say the words. It would expose me to a degree that I couldn't yet bear.

"I can't say it. Not yet," I confessed. This man had seen my heart more than I cared to remember, and many times he had taken advantage of what he had found there. Now, though, there was no point in hiding. I could be completely honest with him without fear of a backlash.

"Take your time. I'm not going anywhere," he told me, moving just enough to trail his hand from my shoulder blade around to my collarbone. I almost flinched back when his fingers reached my throat, my subconscious cautioning me that he may have violent intentions. I relaxed again when his touch continued up to my chin, drawing my eyes up to him. It still completely baffled me that the anger and condescension were completely gone, replaced by sympathy and unadulterated admiration. I wanted to kiss him again, just to be sure that everything I felt before was still there.

"Can I… will you…" I trailed off, and the corner of his lips perked up in a half smile that made my heart skip as I tried to collect myself. "I want to kiss you," I said quickly, steeling my determination.

"Whatever you want," he replied, uttering a small chuckle that I felt in my chest, which was pressed to his. I took one hand from around his back and, just like before, my fingers shook with the anticipation of touching his face. It was such a simple, but no less intimate action that would admit more than I wanted to say in words. I admired him. Putting aside our past, he was incredibly attractive. His features were soft, but held just the right balance of masculine intensity. His figure was thin and graceful, but still I knew his strength beneath his seemingly delicate appearance. I didn't realize that I still hadn't even touched his face until he put his hand on top of mine and pressed my palm to his cheek. He closed his eyes and leaned into the contact. After a moment, he removed his hand, but I had steadied myself enough to maintain my position. Gaining a bit of courage, I pulled him toward me, and he seemed a bit surprised when our lips touched. Still, it didn't take long for him to relax, taking the back of my neck and tilting his head to deepen the intimacy. And, just like before, my entire body was at peace after the initial shock of first contact. I could have fallen asleep, warm and comfortable in his arms. It wasn't sparks and fireworks, the things someone would expect when thinking about love. It was peace. Something I had never had in my entire life. Instead of excitement and a pounding heart that made me fear the consequences of even feeling something so intense, it was exactly what I had always wanted. Perhaps the fireworks would come later, but for now, I was content to rest and be loved at the same time. When I pulled away from him, I gave a satisfied sigh.

"You said whatever I want, right?" I asked him quietly. His eyebrow lifted curiously, and he nodded cautiously. "Will you sleep with me?" I requested. When his eyes widened and an actual blush rose on his cheeks, I realized he had misread my meaning. "No, not that. I mean, just be there. While I sleep. Sorry, I didn't really think before I said it like that," I backtracked, flustered by his reaction. Krad laughed, and I mean a full, hearty laugh that I had never heard before.

"Are you sure that wasn't a Freudian slip?" he teased. I turned to stalk to my bedroom, punching his arm on the way by.

"No, it certainly wasn't. I've only kissed you three times, and I'm still trying to convince myself that this isn't just a very elaborate dream. That isn't even on my mind right now," I threw the comment over my shoulder as I entered my bedroom. I changed into more comfortable clothes and threw back the sheets before he even appeared in the doorway. I didn't even reward him with a glance, instead lying down and pulling the blankets over me. Weight on the other side of the bed let me know that he had joined me, and when I felt his warmth on my back, I snuggled into him, smiling when I fit perfectly in the curve of his body.

"You're absolutely certain this is all you wanted?" he whispered, his breath striking the back of my ear. I growled and jabbed his ribs with my elbow.

"I'm thirty-six years old. I have more self-control than that. Being in bed with someone doesn't automatically make me think of making love to them. I'm very tired, Krad. Please just let me sleep," I grumbled. Krad chuckled and pressed a light kiss to the space behind my ear.

"Alright. Sleep well," he whispered. That was the last thing I heard before I fell asleep, but I remembered smiling to myself, glad that I had given Krad a chance. Never in my entire life did I think that I would be glad Krad was with me, but there I was, letting him hold me while I slept and actually enjoying the peace his warmth brought me.