It's been a while since I've written anything for this fandom, I started in my late teens but I hated how I wrote them so I've since deleted them. I hate how few stories there are in the fandom, especially around this couple. A time skip after the anime ended with the characters having grown, considering college and becoming high school students. Given their canon age, they would be in middle school in the OG series

anyway, please follow, favourite and review

Risa sat silently at her table, staring out at the ocean reflectively, the calming vision of the waves hitting the sandy beach of their coastal hometown comforting her. How often she had watched the sea before, but now it felt different, she felt different. A sense of longing and boredom washed around inside of her, a steaming cappuccino was placed before her. The scent of coffee and cakes wafting around her, staring into the distance and pondering on what her life had become in such a short year. No longer the girl who daydreamed about becoming a thief, no longer a girl who chased around Dark in hopes of getting his attention. No longer filled with the delusion that she could enter his world or ever had a hope of being part of it. She was now fifteen years old, a senior in the middle school system, admired by the younger freshman students and soon to leave. She was a role model to younger students, looking to her for advice and help, she had her studies to consider and sneaking off into the night for someone who didn't give her the time of day wasn't ideal. In another year she would be sixteen, a freshman in high school, the looming future of college and university now becoming prominent. If her potential teachers and university head found out about her actions, it wouldn't look good for her and she would be rejected or seen as problematic. All of her actions would reflect badly and Riku would become involved due to being her sister. Her future weighing heavily on her shoulders, defining which course her life would take if she didn't choose her decisions more wisely.

The carefree years of bliss she was so used to were now fading away, the days where she could do whatever she liked. She couldn't ignore her responsibilities forever, she needed to understand she needed to take control and understand what needed to be done. She had always been selfish she knew this, but now it was just a painful reminder, of how she had used other people to get out of things. Asking people to take over her classroom cleaning when she didn't want to, asking people to take paperwork and such to the teachers office when she didn't want to. Using others as her scapegoat so she could do what she wanted. She had to consider her options, she had to consider a life without her sister as hard as it would be to accept. Riku was looking at options for cooking school and a sports scholarship given her talents, she loved animals too so becoming a vet was another career path. Riku had the intellect and drive to be able to make it far in life, focusing on her studies and keeping up with lessons. Risa had lost count of how many times she had borrowed Riku's notes. Riku adored cooking and despite having a butler, she loved helping in the kitchen and even cooking for both of them. Making their lunches and more, beating her little sister. For a while Risa had been jealous of how Riku flawlessly picked up skills, but now she couldn't be prouder. But she knew Riku deserved all she worked hard for, all the stress and pressure she had put on herself was finally working in her favour. But at the same time, it was so easy for her.

Risa had always been a terrible cook, she was forever being yelled at by the home ec teacher, despite how seemingly perfect she was to others, she was far from it. She hid all her flaws and pretended she wasn't as messy as she appeared. But she was a skilled seamstress, she was always top of the class in textiles, she had other talents. But she had been so desperate to appear perfect and skilled to others, she forgot about doing something for herself and accepting her flaws. Upon reflection, she was still conflicted on what felt like the right career path.

"You have finally become a lady" Dark's voice echoed in her mind

She bit her lip and sighed sadly, she finally got his attention as she had always dreamed of, pining after him, chasing after him, putting herself in harms way. She finally got his attention but it was bittersweet. Dark had told her she had finally matured and become a lady, by finding her grandmother's letter and learning the truth, she had grown immensely. Accepting that the only woman in Dark's heart was her grandmother, that he would never love anyone but Rika for eternity. Realising that from the start her love for him was doomed to fail, that no matter how much she fought, no matter how hard she worked, she would never be the girl he wanted. No matter how much she tried to compete, trying to win Dark's love was impossible, she would always be a doppelganger for her grandmother. Out of the both of them, she resembled their grandmother the most, which would form a painful memory to Dark, the image of a girl long since passed and a love that would never be.

Niwa, the host for Dark fell in love with Riku, her older sister, forgetting his unrequited love for Risa to find happiness with Riku. Meaning, Dark also harboured feelings for Riku, that he too had fallen in love with her. She had lost the battle of love to her older sister who never had to try and win his heart, she did so effortlessly. She was stubborn, strong willed but kind and sincere. Riku was an easygoing girl and hard to hate, which is why they fell for her. Riku's fiery nature was what drew Dark to her, how she wore her heart on her sleeve but kept him on his toes. Riku had healed the heart that Risa broke, he took the time to understand her and her in return. Dark was impressed by the amazing talents Riku harboured that were often overlooked in favour of her younger sister. Riku's happy ending would always be with Niwa and Dark, she was his chosen sacred maiden. Risa had to accept she had lost a long time ago, that she was chasing a dead dream.

Hiwatari had lost Krad

Daisuke had lost Dark

Both of them had returned to the life of normal teenage boys, their family curses had been lifted, they had lives to consider, new paths to take. Nobody would remember Dark ever existed, aside from herself, Riku, and their respected families. They would remain a mystery and a dream to anyone else, forgotten by time.

Daisuke no longer had to live and train as a phantom thief, though his skills would become handy as he grew older, perhaps to take on gymnastics or other sports scholarship to be closer to Riku. But he was also innately skilled in the art, he could attend an arts college if he so wished. She was amazed that she had never known this side of Daisuke, that he had hidden these secrets so effortlessly. He wasn't as boring as she believed and felt bad for ever thinking such things. Daisuke had harboured immense stress on his shoulders of hiding his family secret while being responsible for all the robberies that had taken place. Riku had realised the connection far before she had, while calling Dark a pervert she was able to understand and eventually accept that Dark and Daisuke were one in the same. She was in love with Daisuke but Dark was in love with her too, learning to connect with both. Now that Dark was gone, Riku felt some relief but guilt for not understanding him better. Aware of the bond Daisuke had shared with him. But no matter how much Risa tried to interfere in their lives, regardless he and Riku would always be connected.

Daisuke had even formed a close friendship with Hiwatari after said events, casting aside their previously rivalry. Their family history no longer meant anything, they had no reason to fight or have tension between either of them. Aware of how lonely Satoshi had been all these years. As if he had heard her thoughts, the door to the café opened and the bell notifying that a customer had arrived filled the room.

Hiwatari appeared in the doorway of the café, a look of boredom and eerie calmness on his features, but he was visibly softer and more relaxed than he used to be. He'd come out of his shell since Krad had been discarded from his body. He'd received an unexpected call from Risa, wondering what could be wrong. He no longer wore glasses, which drew more attention from girls lately, all sighing and swooning over his new look. Due to Krad being gone, he no longer needed them. Satoshi remained as disinterested as usual, he had never cared for the attention of females before and crushes or admirers meant nothing to him. He never had an issue with telling the truth, no matter how it affected those around him. He was softer than he let on deep down, using actions rather than words to convey his feelings. Adorning a red turtleneck jumper, a black leather jacket gifted by Daisuke and jeans. Even she had to admit he looked cool, completely out of character than the boy she had known previously.

He spotted Risa sat alone at her table, admiring her for a moment, she hadn't changed a bit in the aftermath of all that had occured. She was as lovely as ever, picturesque even. Her hair fell loosely past her shoulders, to her mid-back, she'd since discarded the pink ribbon she was known for at school, giving her a more mature look. Wearing a black turtleneck jumper, a beige winter jacket with buttons to fasten and a furry interior, along with blue jeans and some brown laced shoes. She'd stopped trying to dress cutesy, resembling a doll, she had gone for clothes she felt comfortable in and discarding her immaturity. Reflecting her inner growth on the outside, she appeared very ladylike, rather than the girly, immature style she previously wore.

"Hiwatari" she greeted with a gentle smile, he looked healthier, she was glad. The colour had returned to his cheeks, he seemed less tense and comfortable. He was comfortable with showing emotions, his eyes full of life yet constantly thinking. He was still adapting to having control over his own life again, something she hadn't seen in him before. But she was happy he was moving on. They hadn't ever spoken much in school, acknowledging each other but never being friends. She felt bad that she had never gotten to know him better, or understand much of his trauma.

Hiwatari approached the table, taking the seat beside her, calmly ordering some tea from a waitress before returning his gaze to Risa. She seemed healthier than she had before, eating regularly and no longer sneaking out at all hours. He knew she had attempted to become a thief herself in hopes of gaining Dark's attention without considering the training that came with it. Unaware of the effort and danger one put themselves in, which is why Niwa had been training since he was a toddler. Preparing his body for danger and all the risks it came with. Even though Dark was gone, his body would still remember, keeping him safe from harm. "You finally began to smile again" he responded with a hint of relief, he knew she had harboured feelings for Dark, which started as a childish crush that blossomed into an intense affection. But it had ended amicably when she learned of his relationship with her grandmother. The heart was a complicated matter, you couldn't control how you felt about someone, nor could you control whether or not someone felt the same way. Dark had eyes for her grandmother, which later transferred to her older sister once his tamer fell for Riku.

Risa blinked, she gazed at her coffee, gripping the cup like a lifeline, mustering up all her courage. "It was never going to last, I hurt Niwa a long time ago and he fell for Riku. Dark was never mine, to begin with, I was just selfish" she hummed reflectively. She had dreamed of a life where they would be together, projecting her ideals for the perfect man onto Dark, confusing her novels with reality. She never considered that she may be a bother to Dark or that she may have gotten in his way. Making Niwa's life complicated in the process, interfering with what he wanted or how he felt. She had clung to Dark, desperately seeking his attention like a spoiled child. Looking back she had been so foolish it was laughable.

Satoshi nodded, but her actions had been from a place of good intentions, merely acting on her feelings. Common sense rarely came with a crush, it blinded you from the truth "Isn't everyone in love selfish?" he questioned. Risa had loved Dark, even if it never came to fruition, she had wanted his affections and tried her hardest to be part of his word. Showing she was capable of love, her actions speaking louder than words, but in hindsight she hadn't thought things through clearly. She worried for the thief's wellbeing, admired his craft, and tried to be part of his life, even when she didn't belong. But she was capable of maturity and had become someone Dark would be proud of.

Risa chuckled, he wasn't wrong there, she had never realised that Hiwatari was so mature. He rarely spoke about himself which left her intrigued. Only now she did realise the motives behind her actions. "I was more afraid of losing Riku than I ever was of Dark" she admitted, it all made sense now. When she realised Riku was developing affections for Daisuke, they were no longer as close as they previously were. Riku's attention directed towards someone else, she felt lonely, ignored. Realising that someone else was important to Riku. She was her twin, her big sister, her other half. Risa had always been there for her when she needed help, when she had a bad dream or was struggling. Riku was always on her side even if they didn't agree, standing up for Risa if she was ever bullied or harassed. When they argued or got mad at each other, Daisuke played referee and helped them make up. A life without Riku, her presence no longer there, as if she no longer existed. That feeling was too lonely for Risa to handle, attending separate colleges, she would get lonely. It was part of growing up but it was a hard choice to accept.

"How did you feel, knowing Niwa and Dark was the same man?" he asked, it had to have been a shock to the system to learn the boy she rejected was also the man she had yearned for. Due to their family history and lineage, he had quickly figured out who Daisuke was and about being Dark's tamer. He was skilled in athletics and gymnastics, he was fast and very bright for his age. To the average student he was simply skilled and had secrets, but Satoshi figured out his connection to the phantom thief. However, he enjoyed their cat and mouse game, protecting Niwa and Dark from his stepfather and Krad's thrall. Keeping his secret until the very end.

Risa stiffened, shame, confusion and embarrassment filling her, she'd broken Niwa's heart, then led him on to determine if he was actually Dark. She'd chased after Dark like a delusional fangirl which ended in heartbreak. She had been involved in both of their lives and never considered the consequences of her actions, only thinking of herself. Realising how cruel she had been, knowing Daisuke was there the whole time when she was flirting with, going on dates with, chasing after and kissing Dark. The pain he would have felt, the heartache and jealousy, listening in and watching his other self flirt with the girl he liked. It made her feel so awful, she couldn't apologize enough for what she had put him through. She hurt Niwa and then tried to seduce him when she clicked that he was Dark, she stamped on his heart and then led him on. She ignored his feelings only to use him for her means, friend zoning him and then giving him hope when he started to develop feelings for Riku. She hated herself for that, Risa had only loved ½ of Niwa, that wasn't enough, Riku had loved all of Niwa, Dark and Daisuke. Though she fell for Niwa, she learned to accept Dark and fall for him too. She had wasted her time on a guy who would never give her the time of day, believing she could make him notice her. She had focused so much on becoming a thief to impress him she ignored the people closest to her and their concern for her newest obsession. She had hurt Daisuke by dating his other half and ignoring him, she had been his first love and she had treated him badly. "I… I feel like an idiot" she confessed.

"And Riku?" he questioned, she had gone from being the girl everyone asked about Risa, to developing her own relationship. Now people were noticing how cute she was and how happy she seemed with Daisuke. She and Daisuke were always together now, nobody was surprised when they became a couple. Niwa was always hanging around with her, flustered and nervous, stumbling over his words. They were both still awkward, Risa was still as stubborn as ever, but now he had someone to protect. Worrying over each other constantly. She made him lunches, meals and all sorts, showing off her cooking skills. Niwa teaching her some training from his time as Dark if she ever needed to protect herself.

Risa smiled in amusement "Riku's spoiled for choice, she's got an offer for a sports scholarship, she could attend a cooking school or veterinary college. But she's getting a flat with Niwa when they attend college together. She's always been smarter than me, so she'll be fine" Risa huffed. Riku had the world at her fingertips, any of her dream careers were within her reach, but which one she chose for extra curriculum and which one she chose for her career was undecided. She was losing her best friend and her sister in one, it hurt so much. Riku would have her own flat while attending college while she was with Daisuke, their own little love nest. She didn't doubt Daisuke's family would be teasing him relentlessly for it. Risa had never been able to compete when it came to her sisters skills, these days she was just popular for being cute and not much else.

Satoshi blinked, ignoring the waitress who placed his tea on the table in front of him, more concerned with Risa's conflict. She was struggling with her development into a high school student and the growing responsibility, a lot of people in their year felt the same way. New friends, new classmates and new changes. Risa had grown up this past year, her old self would have never even considered these options or changes, sulking like a spoiled brat and calling Riku mean for abandoning her. Having moved on from her naïve, girlish crush on Dark, realising what real love meant. He was proud of her growth, falling in love with her all over again "What about you?" he asked. When was the last time anyone asked Risa how she was coping, not to gain anything, not to get a date out of her. But just to check in and ask if she was ok, if she had any personal problems. What would become of her future now that Riku would be leaving?

Risa blinked, snapping back to reality, Satoshi was probably the only person aside from Daisuke who had ever asked her on a personal level of her problems. Seeing her as more than a princess with the perfect life. She laughed awkwardly "Well, I can't cook to save my life, Riku had always looked out for me in that area. Maybe I can work in medicine or fashion?" she suggested. She would never be the housewife who made delicious meals or could read a cookbook, she would under cook or burn it, get the wrong ingredients or some other form of chaos. But that didn't mean she was talentless, she had other skills. She just needed to hone in on what she was good at.

Satoshi hummed, acknowledging and accepting your weaknesses and flaws was hard to do. Risa strove to be perfect in nearly all areas but often failed. For her to accept she had them and decided to choose what she was best at was a strong choice. Many people would judge her for that, which took courage. He gently reached across to finger the ends of her hair, still as soft and silky as he remembered. "What about me?" he asked, where would she fit into his life? He didn't want to act as strangers anymore. He would always be a police chief, he had a lot of growth and changes to do, a lot of his career to consider, but it was his future. He wanted to protect people, but he didn't want Risa to feel alone. He wanted to take care of her, he wanted to make her smile.

Risa blushed, she wasn't used to boys being so forward, for all Dark had been flirtatious, Satoshi was more subtle. He merely had to be in her presence, give her a glance or do something as casual as touch her hair and her heart fluttered. Biting her lip subtly, contemplating her feelings for him. She had always considered Hiwatari to be handsome, even when she had feelings for Dark, but she had repressed them out of loyalty to him. Why would she look at other boys when she wanted Dark to notice her? That she could even consider getting a boyfriend? Now that he was gone, she was free to choose someone else, but would he stay?

"I'm a terrible cook" she blurted sharply, he couldn't expect a warm meal on the table when he got home. If he had any thoughts of her being the cutesy girlfriend who made lunches and such he would be mistaken. Which only made her worry further on how she would cope with meals in college.

"I can be a house husband" Satoshi responded bluntly, he enjoyed cooking and he didn't mind working from home. If Risa became a working girlfriend then he could prepare meals for them both for when she returned. Many husbands worked from home while their wives were breadwinners. He would always wait at home for Risa when she had a long shift or a hard day, knowing she would appreciate a homemade meal. He could test his cooking on her.

"I can be childish and a crybaby" she argued, Riku had been taking care of her since they were kids, she knew how immature Risa could be and how she always had to have her way. She used puppy dog eyes, sulking and being cute to her advantage, not so much anymore, but the habit remained. She may let her temper out on him, she may end up crying or sulking for no reason. She may whine a lot, she may complain and she could act immaturely around him. If he didn't want that or found that annoying he needed to be warned.

"You're cute when your mad" he teased, he had seen both the Harada twins sulk and it was indeed similar but adorable, but he preferred Risa's sulky face. Risa wore her heart on her sleeve, her eyes always shone bright when she was happy. She had a vigor for life and she was always eager to try something new. She loved adventure and had a passionate soul. He loved seeing her be herself around others, her love for her sister and drive to protect those she cared for. He wanted nothing less than for Risa to be herself around him. He would need to take pictures of Risa sulking for future reference.

"I love stuffed toys" she warned, she still had her rabbit that she cuddled in bed sometimes. When Dark rejected her she clung to it for weeks, sobbing into her pillow as she feeling of rejection washed over her. The loneliness that followed was unbearable, knowing she would never be the girl he wanted. When Risa went missing she was mad with worry, hugging her bear for comfort until Riku came home safely. It was childish but it was there when she needed it.

"Stuffed toys are cute" Satoshi agreed, Risa seemed like the kind of girl who liked stuffies and he didn't mind that. They brought a sense of comfort and nostalgia to people in some form. Many stuffed toys were adorable and came in many forms, she wasn't wrong for finding them cute, most girls did. Even her tomboyish sister Risa had a soft spot.

Risa blushed, nothing deterred him which was admirable but also concerning, nothing she did, nothing she said stopped him from liking her. Wondering now why she had overlooked him for so long, he was the ideal guy. She could have spent time getting to know him and enjoying time together instead of mooning over Dark. He was a skilled painter like Daisuke, due to his family lineage. She would love to watch him work sometime. "So… you want to be my boyfriend?" she mumbled bashfully. Satoshi nodded, he'd yearned to be so, ever since they met, she was his sacred maiden. He'd felt it to his very core, Krad had known too and teased him relentlessly about his feelings for her. But he never made his feelings known, watching her from afar while Niwa mooned over her and she remained oblivious to any of her admirers. Now there was nothing holding him back on telling her how he felt. Risa swallowed bravely, she couldn't neglect this chance, it was her second opportunity to do this right. She knew she liked Satoshi, she didn't know where their relationship would lead, but that was ok. They could take things at their own pace and grow from there. Reaching out to take his hands in her own, hesitantly taking a deep breath. It wouldn't be easy to move on from Dark, he was her first love after all "I… I need patience, I… I've never experienced love outside of a novel or a dream. Hell, I had a crush on a thief, I might be messy. But… I'm devoted" she stammered.

Satoshi smiled, squeezing her hands softly to reassure her "You're my first girlfriend, so this is all new to me too" he teased. Until now his only focus had been on catching Dark and his police work, a relationship with a girl was new to him. But he was curious of this adventure and how it would unfold. Risa bit her lip to stifle a laugh, they were both a mess, but it was a start.