Daisuke had chosen his favorite spot to spend the warm evening. His old favorite, the look-out with the water fountain, had been destroyed by the earthquake six years ago and had never been rebuilt. He had too many memories bound to it anyway and had found a new one soon. It was remote, secluded, and gave him a great view of his home town. Dark was a solid presence within him, enjoying the peace just like his host.
Glancing to his left, he studied the profile of his lover. Satoshi was silent, eyes closed, face tilted to the waning sun, enjoying the last rays. It had been a month now. Nothing had happened and their lives seemed so normal, except for the presence of Dark and Krad. They still had their plans, their lives, and though Satoshi was sometimes too silent for Daisuke's liking, he hadn't reverted back to his former cold self. Now and then he was very introspective and he refused to talk about Krad.
Watching the boats out on the ocean, bathed in the fiery light of the setting sun, red and orange and yellow, Daisuke looked inward. Dark wrapped himself around him, transmitting a question.
He smiled.
I'd like to ask you something
Sure. Shoot
You said something to Krad… about you and him living through us. About having no life of your own. About… depending on us
Dark was silent for a moment, then sighed. Yes. It's true. We're… spirits… nothing more
But you live through the Niwa bloodline
Never for real, Dai. I can't experience an existence like you do. You have an identity, a life, a name, a mother and a father, family and friends. I'm… well, a curse, right? I come to life within a host, we have a fun time, then he falls in love and I disappear
Daisuke pondered this. You called yourself a parasite
Dark winced. In a way I am. I take all from the host and give little
You gave me a lot. I mean,… He smiled, feeling slightly embarrassed, you were everything I couldn't dream of being. Every girl loved you, my Mom was nuts about you… She and Grandpa waited for you to emerge in me… You became a hero to the people in this town because you gave a good chase
Daisuke… think about it. For Emiko it was like someone waiting for Christmas or Easter, the kaitou replied evenly. I'm the family tradition. I come when the son turns fourteen. I leave when he falls in love for real. I was never in control. Face it, I have no life and no identity except to be the phantom thief
Daisuke bit his lower lip at the slight bitterness in his friend's voice and Dark sighed a little.
You never told me that
No, because I always wanted to make the best of the months or years I could have. Pondering about life and such things, all the stuff I couldn't have or couldn't be… my time was too precious
You helped me become who I am today, Daisuke whispered, looking at him in his mind, meeting the dark violet eyes. Everyone owes you, Dark. The whole family
A shrug. My job
You are more than a tradition to me. You're a person
The eyes widened a little and Dark's expression changed subtly. Dai…
Grandpa said that our partnership… it went a lot deeper than his and yours
Dark nodded mutely. You were special. You still are. I don't know why. Maybe you saw more in me than a job and inheritance… a disease…
You weren't a disease! Daisuke almost yelled. Okay, so I wasn't thrilled at first, but you were my friend. And now you're back. Without the curse. You're not a tradition, Dark. Not something to discard because of an emotional change or an artifact. You have an identity, a life, an existence
Dark swallowed and retreated a little. It was too close to home.
I want you to stay
And drive you nuts? came the teasing remark as the kaitou rallied to cross the river of emotional turmoil, find safe ground.
Yeah, well… Daisuke grinned. We belong together, Dark. You're part of me. You are me
Thank you, Daisuke. I'm honored to have you as my host
Daisuke looked at Satoshi again, interlacing their fingers, wondering if his lover could ever have this balance with Krad. A smile answered the gesture and Daisuke leaned his head against one shoulder. Satoshi kissed his head.
He hoped there would be a resolution.
"You think we'll ever find out what started all of this?" Daisuke murmured.
"Your Dad and grandfather are looking into it."
Yes, but without much result so far.
"What if it comes back?"
Dark sent a shiver of fear and determination through him. There would be no third attempt. He would destroy it this time.
Satoshi smiled a little. "I think there's a good chance it won't be able to grab us unawares once more. There are two very determined spirits trying to prevent that fate."
Daisuke looked at him, a smile blossoming on his features.
"Krad has a vested interest in keeping this host alive," Satoshi added, no emotions in his voice.
"He's not alone there. So have I." Daisuke swiftly leaned over and kissed his lover, straddling his lap in the progress and deepening the contact.

Dark grinned to himself, watching the emotional waves lap up all around him. Yep, Daisuke was having fun; so was Satoshi. As for Krad… His mood dampened a little. The revelation had been unexpected and a sharp reminder of their different paths and pasts. He would never have thought in his wildest dreams that the reason behind the insane pursuit was this. No wonder Krad had turned out as he was now. No wonder all he knew was force and anger and pain.
The kaitou glanced at the fine tendril of barely visible light that stretched out from the plains of Daisuke's mind, connecting Dark to his other half. He had never really noticed it before, but now it was sharp and clear. It was his bond with Krad, the piece that kept them together. They had been one once. They still had a lot in common. And Dark wanted to make sure that this last connection would stay. No one and nothing would cut it.