A/N: I think it's safe to say that this story is going to be completed first. So you can expect more frequent updates, who knows I might throw in a 'Fortuna Smiles' update at some point.
I'd also like to point out that I realize it said 4 years in the last chapter, but if you go back and check you will see that it says 8 now. I don't know where my head was at. I also fixed that 'Her put his arm around her waist' thing-Thanks Daisuke-n-Dark.
Disclaimer: I don't own D N Angel
A pair of slender, creamy legs slowly slipped into the edge of the river. Crisp, cool water rushed up against her thighs sending trails of tiny goose bumps up her arms. Pale lips parted and a small gasp of relief was released.
"This feels so good," Riku sighed, wading in further.
She was now waist deep into the river and the bottom of her white sun dress was floating up around her. Taking in a quick breath, she completely submerged herself. Coming up she smiled and ran her hands through her dripping hair.
"Who's this?" Dark smiled to himself as he landed next to a nearby tree. Raising a curious eyebrow, he leaned against it, enjoying its shade.
The girl's back was to him, but it didn't matter to Dark whether or not she saw him. Who was going to deny him anyway? The playful look that flashed across his eyes and the smirk plastered on his face made his intentions clear.
His violet eyes narrowed as he carefully studied the girl- no, woman- before him. The sun gleamed of her damp, chin length hair giving it a reddish glow. Dark bit his bottom lip as he observed the way her soaked clothing clung to her shapely form, the almost transparent texture revealing every feminine curve. Dark was now aware of every detail of the girl down to the minuscule droplets rolling from her shoulders and down her arms.
Just as Dark was about to make himself known, the girl turned her head. Long lashes danced open exposing a pair of round honey colored eyes. Dark immediately recognized the profile.
"Riku..." he muttered to himself in disbelief.
Guilt instantly washed over the thief for gawking over his young master, but it quickly subsided and was replaced by an odd humor. Riku had to grow up at some point, right? Was it really so wrong for him to notice, he was still a man after all. Sure, he hadn't expected the head-strong girl to turn out so good looking, especially to the point where he would be lusting after her. Riku had reserved many of her tomboyish traits, but still had a raw sort of beauty that not even someone who had watched her grow up could deny.
"You've really blossomed, little Riku," Dark chuckled to himself before flying off.
That day was Riku's 14th birthday and because her family was one of the more pretigous in the village, an enormous party was insisted. That night a fire would be held, music would be played and everyone would celebrate her venture into 'womanhood'. Riku was less than thrilled.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, but her. While everyone danced and laughed Riku remained in the corner with her arms crossed, sulking no less. Her hair was up in a foriegn short of headdress and she was wearing the most elaborate clothing that money could buy. She had no problem expressing her discomfort with the hoard of ribbom and lace, her scowl was prominent.
"That dress is really flattering on you," Dark whispered in her ear from behind, "so lady-like."
"What do you know," she snapped, "and don't sneak up on me like that."
"I've seen most of you awkward stages, but this one really takes the cake," he laughed joining her side.
She growled at him.
"Why so bummed? This is your party after all."
"More like my parents party," Riku breathed, glaring at the pair as the gossiped among the crowd.
"Oh I see." Dark stared at her inquisitively, "And how did you invision your perfect birthday?"
"Oh I don't know...maybe with less people. I'd like to spend this time with someone close to me," she smiled to him. "Birthdays are a personal kind of thing, you know."
"Hey, you wanna dance?" he elbowed her playfully.
"Sure."
Just as the couple was about to make their way out onto the dance floor, a mass of screams erupted from the crowd shortly after a large blast. As the people dispersed, running in fear, a tall, slender young man with long blonde tresses approached. He had white wings sprouting from his back similiar to Dark's black ones and was clad in spotless white robes.
"Are you Dark Mousy?" he called cooly.
"Who wants to know?" Dark hissed instinctively throwing his arm out to shield Riku.
"After today I shall be rerfered to as the man who murdered you, Dark. My name is Krad and I've been sent her by the Hikari clan to retrieve the stolen artwork and bring back the head of the Legendary Phantom Thief Dark."
"So you're just another one of the Hikari's hench-men?" Dark laughed.
"More like the trashman," Krad replied as a malicious fire passed over his eyes.
"Well I suppose this is a challenge then?" Dark shrugged.
"I suppose it is."
"One condition though," Dark peered over his shoulder at Riku who was quivering behind him. "we take this out of the village."
"Fair enough," the stanger grinned, unmasking a set of pearly fangs.
"Dark no-"
Before Riku could finish her protest the angels had already asscended. She could only peer in horror as his onyx wings disappeared against the night sky. It was hard to tell by looking at the pair which would be the victor, they seemed to be an equal comparison. Please be careful Dark...
Hours past without his return and Riku knew no sleep or comfort. Her eyes remained fixated out her bedroom window and toward the heavens. She prayed to herself over and over again that any minute he would arrive wearing his usual cocky grin. Just as things were beginning to look hopeless she heard a loud 'hmph' followed by a thud in the distance. Without at second thought to what the sound might be, Riku bolted out the door and in that direction.
Fortunately she was right, Dark had collapsed in the street just infront of her house. Rushing to his side Riku gently placed his head into her lap and caressed the side of his face. His body was littered with various scrapes and bruises. His body was completely limp from lack of energy and it wouldn't be long before he succumbed to sleep. Gradually he managed to open one eye and gaze at her sadly.
"I'm sorry," he heaved, " I was trying to make it back so you wouldn't worry, but I'm just so tired."
"It's ok," she whispered, " everythings fine now."
a/n: Isn't it cute how they worry about eachother?
I left out the battle seen because I'm not very good at them. If you think the chapter is lacking because of it lemme know and I will go back and add it.
