A/N: It's 1:15 am here and I can't sleep so I'll just try and write a decent chapter. I wish time would just fly by so I can go ahead and have my waffles. I don't need sleep. I want you all to know that I plan on finishing No Need To Run, Fortuna Smiles, Whatever We May Be and this story before officially retiring from the D N Angel fandom. So I hope you guys enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own D N Angel.
Every girl hated her. Riku could feel all of their jealous stares burning at her back and hear their hushed insults passed from ear to ear. Your senses always seem a bit more keen to what people are feeling when your younger and she could pratically see the envy pooling at their feet. She was just child, but every one of them glared at her as if she had stolen something that was rightfully theirs. Riku didn't mind however, she would just run her fingers over the black feather dangling as necklace around her neck and smile up at Dark who was usually at her side.
Dark, true to his word, hardly left the young girl's side causing them to grow extremely close. He played with her when the other children wouldn't and escorted her safely around the grounds. And even though it was compromising to his manly persona, he took her to pick flowers in a nearby meadown. There he showed her how to make headdress out of flowers, a talent he would never admit to having. He'd smile brightly at Riku as she spun and danced through the field, he simple sundress twirling at her thighs. In his chest grew the will to protect her from all harm in any form. She was important to him like a sister or a child he would undoubtedly have of his own one day.
Days passed carelessly for the two up until the time came for the phantom thief to steal his first Hikari art. You could almost slice a knife through the tension that night as the villagers waited by the gate. Dark who had been mentally preparing himself all day was just finishing up last review over his plan. His confindence was fairly high, but he still had no idea what to expect. His training and scheming had kept him away from Riku all day and he was sure she was outside in the crowd waiting for him like the others.
Even the village leader was wrought with anxiety, which he was unable to disguise by the sweat on his brow causing the other's to become uneasy. The suspense was a smothering that wouldn't be releived until Dark returned with the enchanted artwork in hand. As Dark shifted his way through the crowd and toward the gate applause errupted from the sea of people. All their hopes rested upon his onyx wings, this was their chance to shine.
Riku pushed and scrambled her way around the mob of people, but could not reach him in time. She caught a glimpse of her master saying something to Dark, which was unfortunately inaudiable do to the chatter of those around her, before Dark spread his wings and took off. She could only whimper and peer up at him as he soared higher in the night sky, whispering a short phrase of good luck.
Hours past without a sign of return and by then many had retreated to their beds. Riku on the other hand, remained dilegently at the gates. Her mother had desperetely tried to persuade her to come in, but new that her child would not oblige until Dark returned safely. She would stay there until dawn if need be; she had become just as devoted to Dark as he was to her.
As time passed her mind wandered over all of the possible scenerio's that could be the cause of his delay, none of which she approved.
"What if he's hurt in the woods," she gasped to herself, rushing into the forest.
You assume she would have learned her lesson about trudging through the forest at night alone by now, but her mind suprisingly at ease. If danger befell her Dark would come. She knew he would! However, time was not gentle on the girl and fatigue settled on her not long through her search. Her legs, underdeveloped for the strenous activity, gave way and she had to wrap her arms around the base of a nearby tree for support.
"What are you doing out her alone," a stern voice called from the left.
"Dark!" she rushed into his open arms.
"I was looking for you," she breathed.
"You silly girl," his expression softened. "You knew I would come back."
"I know," she closed her eyes and pressed her nuzzled against his stomach, "but I was worried."
"Come on," he smirked, gathering her into his arms. "Let's get you home."
Charcoal colored wings spread from his back as his feet gently elevated from the ground. He flew slow and carefully, aware of her exhaustion. With his useful skills of sleath, he manage to slip Riku back into bed unoticed. He was smiling proudly over the yawning girl neatly tucked under securing blankets. Brushing away strands of her auburn hair he kissed her lightly on the forhead.
"You shouldn't venture out like that," he said seriously, "you could get hurt."
"How did you find me?" she rubbed her bleary eyes.
"I could feel you," he gently tapped her chest just above her heart," here."
Feeling the pulse of her heart beneath his touch was more comfort then he had ever known. She was so reckless that he questioned his ability to protect her. What if he didn't make it on time?
"Did you get it?"
"Huh?" Dark was shaken from his grim reverie.
"Did you get it, the art?"
"Oh yeah," he winked. "Of course I did."
Reaching in his pocket he pulled out an odd shapen pendant and dangled it before her face. It gleamed miraculously in the flickering candle light by her bed.
"It's beautiful," she awed reaching out for it, but Dark quickly tucked it back away.
"I wouldn't touch it, it will cast a spell on you," his eyebrow arched.
"Time to go to bed, it's way to late for you to be up."
"You're right," she yawned once more. "But promise me."
"Anything," he replied smoothly.
"You'll be here when I wake up."
"I promise," he beamed running his hand over her head. "Sweet dreams."
a/n: all fluffy, huh? Well don't get use to it because in the next chapter Dark will warp into the playboy we all know!
