A/N: I'm really suprised by the popularity of this story. Major thanks to all those who read AND review. I hope you will continue to enjoy the story as it begins to wrap up. I hate this chapter...grumble my writing has been a bit off this week. I apologize guys.
Disclaimer: I do not own D N Angel
"You escaped the crowd tonight," her tone was playful with a hint of accusation, as if he was trying to avoid her as well.
Dark released a defeated sigh,enclosing his large onyx wings just moments before he took flight. So much for going unnnoticed. Peering over his shoulder at the smirking auburn haired girl, "Yea well, I doubt I could handle being mauled by my fanclub tonight. This is going to be a big hiest."
"I know," she agreed, uncrossing her arms and joining his side. "You are stealing one of the Hikari's most prized pieces of art."
"That's why they all just wanted to wish you luck," she added straightening her posture and smoothing her disheveled hair. "First I had to fight the mob and then chase you down to reach you in time."
"Is that so?" he raised an eyebrow teasingly. "Are you stalking me now?"
"You wish," she grinned, flirtatiously punching him in the upper arm.
"The sun's setting," he stated with trace of uneasiness hanging in his voice,"time for me to go."
"Wait, you have to make me a promise first," she pleaded, grabbing his forearm.
He couldn't help but smile at the familiar request.
The setting sun had seemingly set the sky on fire, giving her eyes a copper glow. Her hair appeared to be a unique shade of red that was brilliant enough to make the sky envious. A modest breeze slowly passed, playing with the tips of the silky tresses that elegantly lined her face. Dark's anxiety vanished as he stared at the blossoming fourteen-year-old. She really was beautiful.
"Why do you always ask me to make the same promise?"
"Because..." she whispered resting her hand delicately on his chest before trailing up his neck to caress his cheek.
The desire burning in Riku's eyes was completely foreign to Dark as he felt himself fluster under her touch. The thief had imagined this very moment numerous times in his mind, but here with it played out before him seemed even more surreal.
"I love you," she declared for the first time, before over lapping his lips with her own.
It was a moment that would surpass time and ensure the lovers' bond for an enternity. With gentle press and strokes their kiss lingered just moments before a gradual, heated depart. Dark's hands had snaked their way up Riku's back and were now filtering effortless through her hair.
"I love you too," his breath was warm on her cheek," and I promise to come back for you, as I always do."
Gripping her shoulders lightly, he placed simple kiss on her forehead. Smiling over his back as his obsidian colored wings unfolded, he took flight. She watched him descend with a prayer still fresh on her lips. She didn't care about the stupid art, she just wanted him to return safely. But somehow the trepidation in heart began to stir as his wings faded against the darkening sky.
The stars were shining in full and clear by now, mapping out the heavens and offering what comfort they could to Riku's growing distress. It had been some hours ago since Dark had set off for the Hikari village and he usually didn't take this long. She resorted to waiting a top the village wall as she often did, her bare feet swinging gracefully off the side. Summer had come around once again, leaving the night's atmosphere warm and a bit muggy. Every so often a gust of refreshing wind would travel up her skirt. When this occured she couldn't help but lean her head back and smile in relief.
Hearing the umistakable sound of wings flapping in the distance, Riku's eyes immediately began to scan the horizon. Grinning, she could see Dark's angelic figure rise just above the hills. Her smile faded nimbly as she realized that he was injured. The constant rise and dives of his flight made it clear that he was having a tough time getting back to her. Gathering to her feet, she quickly rushed over to open the gate for him.
Dark's landing was anything but graceful as he collapse face first into dry, dusty earth. Riku nervously bit back on her bottom lip for it was painful to watch, but swiftly came to his aid. An open gash along his abdomen bleeding profusely was the first thing to attract her attention because it appeared to be the most severe. Ripping the bottom of her dress, she quickly applied pressure to the wound. She could feel the wave concern wash over her, nearly knocking her over with its force. Hot tears were now brimming the edges of her honey colored eyes, clouding her vision.
"Riku," Dark calmly reached up and caressed her cheek with the back of her hand, "I told you I'd come back."
She took his hand in one of her own, while substaining pressure with other. By now the tears were rolling shamelessly down her flushed cheeks, How coud I let this happen? How could I let him go! She wanted to kick herself, she wanted to be the one hurt instead of him. After all that he had done for her, why couldn't she be there for him just once? Why did he always have to leave her behind?
"I don't understand...," Dark's eyes glazed over with pain," how come I can't beat him."
He muttered briefly before subcoming to darkness. Riku continued to cry over the unconcious boy as several villagers filed out of their homes to see what the commotion was. She didn't even have to ask, a doctor would tend to him soon. Feeling warm hands grip along her arms, someone pulled her away from the body to make room for the medical aid.
