a/n: This is going to be a little heart wrenching to write! This entire story has pretty much been leading up to this moment- so I really hope you guys like it. I only got 3 reviews on chapter 11 btw. Maybe I'll hold out on the last chapter until I get enough reviews!

Disclaimer: I don't own Dnangel.

It didn't matter how fast or how much she ran, Riku couldn't escape. Her past was hot on her trail and didn't show any signs of letting up. Even if she ran to the end of the earth-it would follow. She could hear undeniable sound flapping wings pursuing at her feet even in the pouring rain, proof that her past wasn't far behind. No matter what she did Dark was going to be there the minute she turned around. His feelings hadn't changed and she doubt they ever would; he had been waiting for her all this time.

Realizing that running would not remedy her of her problems, her feet slowed to a reachable pace, dragging through the puddles ahead. As soon as she stopped Dark descended behind her, but she took her time before turning to face him. She turned swiftly, water dancing around her ankles. Their eyes met instantly in an intense, unsettled stare.

Dark peered at the girl he had been chasing through the water droplets falling from his long lashes. Soaked to the bone, her hair clung and formed itself around her face and her cotton tee shirt had melted itself to her like a secondary skin. He had yet to detect whether she was quivering from the bitter rain or the verge of tears, none the less, he wanted to comfort her. He called out her name, unsure whether his voice was strong enough to carry over the sound of falling water roaring in their ears.

"I don't want this," she said gravely, "I don't want these things."

"Daisuke meant to tell you," he defend taking a step toward her.

"It's not that," she choked tearing her eyes from him, "I don't want remember things I spent so long trying to forget."

Dark's eyes widened, he his pupils minamized and brimmed with tears, "You knew..."

"Yes," she answered solemnly.

"HOW LONG!" he demanded throwing back a fisted hand.

Cringing at his tone, she refused to meet his heated gaze burning the side of her face, "Since I first witnessed your battle with Krad...that night in the park."

"WHY!" He approached her angrily, grasping her shoulders in a tightened grip- his fiery amethyst eyes daring her to look at him as he shook."WHY DID YOU KEEP IT FROM ME."

Complying at last, Riku met his challenge with something equal and foreign blazing in her own usually passive eyes. "Because sometimes...it's just easier to forget."

"You left me there and after you promised me you would come back!"

Gradually his expression transformed to one more confused and lachrymose, releasing at last the tears that had been clinging to corners of his eyes. His grip on her shoulders loosened as he slid down her height to his knees. Wrapping his arms firmly around her waist, he pressed his face into her stomach and wept almost pathetically- before her, God and anyone who cared to gaze upon him pityingly. Riku gave a disheartening sigh as she placed a consolatory hand on the head of the man sobbing against her abdomen.

"Because sometimes...its better to live a life free of grievous memories. It's better to forget the one's you love instead of reliving those tormenting moments over and over," she continued. "I swore to myself that I would never experience those things again."

"And I promised that I would find you," his reply muffled.

"Then we are both persons of our word," Riku whispered somberly before collapsing to her own knees.

Dark's face was now buried in the crook of Riku's neck as she ran an unsteady hand through his mass of hair. The rise and fall of her chest against his was a pleasure he vaguely remembered. And feeling her erratic trembles against him in the frigid atmosphere, made him tightened his hold around her waist. Now that she was in his arms how was he ever going to let her go again?

"I'm sorry I hurt you, Dark," her finger trailed behind his ear. "I know how much you love me and sacrificed for me. I'm sorry."

"No, I'm sorry," he raised his head so that his breath was hot on her cheek," that none of it wasn't good enough."

Riku cast her head toward the sky, her bangs shading her eyes. She gazed wistfully at the clouds as they slowly disband and the rain thinned until the last few drops fell and slid down the side of her nose. Tirelessly she choked back the restless tears gathering within her eyes and throat. She had to be a pillar for him now as he was for her so all those years ago.

"It wasn't suppose to turn out like this," Dark's whispered sobs echoed within her ears.

"I know."

a/n: I know that was incrediably short, but it didn't feel right adding the rest. Forgive me! So now there will be 14 chapters instead of 13! Look forward to the next two chapters!