While I Was Away
By: Naru-chan
Naru-chan: Sorry I haven't updated in a while! But the plot…it was so hard for me to choose what to write since I had so many different ideas…
Daisuke: Plus, she had the flu and fever…
Dark: And I, a ladies man, know that you must be kind to those less fortunate.
Riku: … ::stares at him in disgust::
Satoshi: ::chuckles behind his hand:: Dude, it's hard to make me do that!
Dark: S-Shut up YOU!
Naru-chan: ::holds him back and sweatdrops:: Why is it I'm always doing this?
Daisuke: Maybe he needs some anger management classes. ::smile smile::
Dark: YOU-!
Riku: You can say that again.
Dark: T.T Why is everyone ganging up on me?
Naru-chan: lol Maybe because everyone seems to think that you'll end up with Riku!
Dark: Will I?
Naru-chan: ………
Daisuke: Guys! Naru-chan has decided that Riku…will be paired with me! ::happy happy::
Dark: AND me!
Riku: What am I…an object?
Naru-chan: Noooooooo! What I mean is that I'm gonna have alternate endings!
Risa: That way, everyone's happy! ::smile smile::
Daisuke: Yay!
Naru-chan: But then…. Hmmmmm… ::frowns:: My teacher said that literature with a happy ending isn't a good story… ( On the other hand…YOU GUYS WILL ALL BE HAPPY! XD
Everyone: ::cheers::
Risa: Here you are!
Daisuke: And all of my fans… T.T Thanks for caring about me!
Dark: And MY fans, thanks for cheering me on! ::winks::
Satoshi: Yeah…right…
Naru-chan: Here's chapter 7! "To Her Heart"! It's sort of like a x-mas special...!
For AnnieWith Annie gone
Whose eyes to compare
With the morning sun?
Not that I did compare,
But I do compare
Now that she's gone.
-Leonard Cohen
Chapter Seven: To Her Heart
She was going to be late, she realized as she glanced at her silver watch in a frantic manner. She stumbled down the red brick stairs in her new, white boots that had fur around the top. Quickly she apologized as she bumped into someone in her haste, but hurried on her way though the person grumbled. She cursed the fact that she was wearing a cotton skirt, even though it was new and she adored it. It hadn't been practical, she admitted, but she wanted to wear them. Damn her and her silly urges she could never resist. However, the red, velvet jacket was a wise choice, she amended in her mind. It evened everything out for her. Still, it didn't change the fact that she's late.
"I'm sorry!" she panted when she finally reached a wooden bench that was painted a shade of green she would never wear. She dropped all her books and her bag onto the bench before collapsing onto it as well. "I'm so sorry I'm late!"
He turned and smiled. "It's no problem. After all, I was the one that asked you to come. Thanks…again for letting me do this."
"It's nothing, really," she smiled barely, wiping a little bit of sweat off her brow. "I know how you love Riku…Daisuke."
His smile widened. The smile reflected through his red eyes, which looked as if they were waiting for something to just happen. He had grown. He was no longer short, but actually quite tall. He was taller than Satoshi, who had grown as well. Not only that, but his face had matured as well. He had lost quite a bit of that baby look, even though deep inside he was still the same loving, caring boy. He taste in clothes had changed as well. He wore a black turtleneck with red stripes going through the middle, matching his flaming red hair. Over this he had a gray jacket with snow now resting on his broad shoulders. He wore causal black pants that matched he sweater.
He continued to smile as he waited until Risa stopped panting before rising from his seat. He dusted off some snow and picked up her books (his own in his backpack), but left the snow on already on his body there, not really caring. What really mattered was going as soon as possible to him.
"Ready?" he asked, holding out his hand that was covered with homemade gloves that had been a gift from someone.
Risa blushed considerably, but smiled. She reached out and left him help her up. "Yeah. Let's go."
As they made there way to Risa's house, she watched him closely. It had been half a year since her twin had left, leaving no trace behind. The only noise between them was their steps.
"Have you…heard from Riku?" she asked him finally in a hesitant voice.
"No," he laughed somewhat in a sad way. "Why would she? I mean…I don't even think she has my address. Besides, if she would write to anyone, it would be you. You're family! Hasn't she?"
"No," she said after a pause. She lifted her hand and tucked a strand of warm brown hair. "She sometimes sends me some clothes and pictures of Paris… maybe a short letter here or there, but that's about it."
"Ah…She must be busy," he sighed vaguely, looking away. He stared at the snow falling. It was such a pretty sight. Then he turned and smiled at Risa. "Well, she'll be back soon. Half a year has already gone by! I mean…yeah, it's probably pathetic of me to just wait for her to come back, but what can I do? I mean…she's never really liked me anyway. She shouldn't after the way I treated her! I acted as if she wasn't alive…so I don't think it's fair for me to suddenly beg her to come back when she's not here anymore."
"But…don't you think you're being a little harsh on yourself?" Risa protested, putting her hand on his arm, frowning deeply. There was a surge of emotion on her part, but Daisuke just smiled. It seemed as if he wasn't taking her serious, but that wasn't it. It was because… he was smiling because he knew he was. But Risa still wanted to convince him to stop.
"…Sometimes, when I'm feeling really bad. You know…during one of those days." Daisuke laughed lightly, running a hand through his hair. Still, he had a smile on his face. "But then…not really. I mean, at that time…I only knew her as your twin. I was blind. I let myself be naïve, so…I lost her. So the fact that I'm hurting inside isn't really unfair. What's unfair is that I didn't feel it sooner. When the time comes there will be no more pain…Riku will be back and…I'll show her my love for real. I won't lose her again. No matter what."
She didn't say anything, but looked away. His words "I let myself be naïve" ran through her mind. They rolled over and over. But there was nothing she could do. She felt like Daisuke right about then, and it all seemed so ironic.
"So how are you and Satoshi?"
"Wha-?"
"How are you two doing?" Daisuke smiled brightly. "Great right? Everyone at school thinks you're going to be voted 'Cutest Couple'!"
"Uh…yeah, great," she said falsely. Luckily, he didn't notice. To be honest, Satoshi seemed more distant to her. This was a time when couples were closer! But…for them it was different. They seemed to be drifting slightly. Risa had a feeling it was her fault… But she did love Satoshi! She did, but…
"Must be nice…" he said softly, but loud enough she could hear. "To be in a couple…" He turned and smiled cheerfully. "Neh…Risa…" She turned and looked at him. He was blushing slightly, but his eyes had the look as if he was really far way. "Do you think we can go to Paris for Christmas?"
"Huh?"
"Riku. Can we go to her?" he finally turned and smiled wider, hope gleaming in his eyes. "For Christmas! Everything would be perfect! I… I can finally tell her how I feel!"
"What's…"
"Hmm?" he said absently, glancing over.
'What's so different between Riku and me?' she screamed in her mind. But she couldn't say that! No way… Besides, she already knew… she and Riku were nothing alike.
"What a great idea."
"I know, isn't it?!" he smiled brightly, his face flushed. "I mean I could find her the perfect gift and everything! It would be the best…!"
She swallowed hard. But she continued to smile. Not that he noticed. It was funny. It used to be that all he looked at was her - that all he hoped for was her smile. But now…it was the opposite. He dreamed of seeing Riku's. But Riku wasn't here and she was! She shoved those thoughts out of her mind. She looked up and stared at Daisuke. He had gotten taller, she realized slowly. He was no longer just a bit taller than her, but a few inches more. Like… Satoshi…
Satoshi…she knew that he knew she had conflicting feelings. He was always so observant. But he didn't mention it, so…nor had she. Should she have? But then… she didn't want him to be hurt just because she was being so strange. She did love him! She would rather die than let him be hurt, but-…but she would do the same for Daisuke as well, so…
"Risa? We're here."
"Oh! Yes, yes, come in!" she laughed weakly, looking up at her mansion. She quickly opened the door and walked inside. She didn't bother saying "I'm home" since she knew no one else was around. She quickly dropped her things and turned, inviting him to do the same with a smile.
Silently she led him up the stairs and down the hallway. She gestured to a door and stepped away. She knew he wanted to feel alone, so she didn't say anything.
He reached up and pressed his hand against the door. There was a soft smile on his face as he slowly turned the golden knob. He opened the door, and stepped inside. Instantly, the scent of his beloved rushed over him. It had been so long since he had got a whiff of it. It smelled like… fresh air. But it really wasn't. It also had a tang-like smell to it. It was like… spring.
The floor was covered in a white carpet. On the right, there was a single bed, with a rustic sheet that had blue and white stripes. It was neat, as if it had not been touched in quite some time, which it actually hadn't. To the other side, there was a wooden desk that gleamed probably from the polishing that someone had recently done. It looked as smooth and cold as ice. There was a huge glass window that led to the balcony outside.
Daisuke quickly turned and noticed with relief that Risa had left him alone. He didn't want her to be here. It wasn't that way, but… He let himself fall onto the bed, which he found fluffy and comfortable. So comfortable he didn't want to get up. He took in a deep breath, closing his eyes. In his mind, he pictured Riku: her hair… her smile… her voice, saying his name. He missed her so much! It felt like the pain would never quite stop coming. Just thinking of her was like a punch in the face. But he hid it well. He truly felt he deserved this for loving Risa when he had truly loved Riku. But… it hurt to breath sometimes, just because she wasn't there.
Slowly, he opened his eyes. He blinked and found that he was squeezing something. He looked down and realized it was a teddy bear… It was the one… from so long ago, he realized. The one he had retrieved for her… The event he never got to tell her. Not only did he realize that, but also tears slipped down his cheek. He couldn't stop them-hadn't even known they had been there. He let out a sigh, letting the tears fall. There was nothing more he could do… He squeezed the bear tightly.
He was so pathetic… He just couldn't admit that he was scared. Scared of going to Paris! He had wanted to go so badly and now… would he? He said he would but… he was so scared… What if he rejected him? What if she felt sorry for him? That would be the worst… He didn't want Riku's pity. He wanted her love. Was it so wrong of him to just wait, hoping that when she comes back, she'll see in him a different light and…God willing, love him? It would be too good to be true… But he did hope, nonetheless. Hope so much that at times he felt like just stopping whatever he was doing and jump the next plane to France.
He looked up and found himself staring outside at the snow. He had a wonderful view of the snow falling down. It brought a sudden emotion in his heart. It made him think of a quote… "Snow falls on my heart…" It made him realize that without Riku…it really did. He felt icy inside.
"Snow…falls on my heart…" He slowly got up, as if in a trance. The bear slid from his numb fingers. He opened the window to the outside world, tears still slipping without a sound down his cheeks. "When you're not here with me, Riku…"
The wind blew furiously, causing the snow to swirl around him. It was like the storm he felt inside of himself. Like the storm that always appeared whenever he thought of her. And only her. She was the only one for him. Without her…he was nothing… Of course he hid it well, but at times like this, when he was overwhelmed with the fact that she was gone, he couldn't hold it back. That was why…
"Riku…I wish you knew how much I love you…" Then he smiled somewhat. "But this Christmas…you will."
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"Achoo!" Riku sneezed. She sniffed and rubbed her nose with her hand absently. 'That was odd,' she thought to herself. 'I'm feeling warm right now.'
And indeed she was, in her long, black jeans and large, wool, white sweater. She even had black scarf on. She frowned, but continued on her way home. She ran a hand through her shoulder-length hair that was half tied up and braided with a white ribbon. She had just finished her Christmas shopping. She blushed slightly as she looked at the huge bags she carried in her hands. But she smiled too. She couldn't wait to see the look on her friends' faces when they saw them.
"Bonjour," a deep voice next to her said.
"Ah...! Dark!" she blushed and frowned. She shoved him a tiny bit with her elbow to show him she wasn't pleased with the way he greeted her. "Stop that! You always sneak up on me!"
"I wouldn't call it sneaking…" he grinned, rubbing the back of his head. "It's more like…how you say…my special way of greeting you! Besides… is that what I think it is?" he pointed at the presents. "Pour moi (For me)?"
"Non!" she answered, sticking out her tongue, pulling the bags just out of Dark's reach. "None for any perverts!"
"Ohhh, why must you insist on calling me that?" Dark moaned in agony, bringing both of his hands to his heart, as if she had just shot there. He sniffed a few times, just for the effect. "I haven't even done anything to you!"
"Liar!" she blushed. She hastened her step. "Anyway, I have to go. This is no time for idle chitchat with you. I have things to do, places to be, you know!"
"…" Dark's red eyes narrowed slightly, making him look serious. He wasn't about to just let her get away after blowing him off just like that. Not… this time of the year. He reached out and grabbed the braid in her hair.
"What do you think you're doing?!" she cried, annoyed, quickly turned around to yell at him some more, but tripped over herself. His eyes widened in alarm. He gracefully caught her in his arms, but they both were sent crashing onto the ground. The bags were scattered all across the sidewalk as well. But at that moment Riku wasn't concerned with that. She was more concerned with the fact that her face was pressed against Dark's chest. She could smell his sexy cologne… feel his hard, strong chest…
"Don't be so…careless," Dark's husky voice warned her. She looked up at his face, and found that it was flushed, but frowning, obviously concerned. He looked like he was going to bop her on the head just to make sure she never fell again. Her own face was flushed as well.
"It…It was your fault!" she began, trying to get up on feet as quickly as possible. She hurriedly grabbed her things. "If you hadn't done that- well-!"
He reached over to pick up something just the same time she was going to. Their hands met temporarily. She grabbed it back, holding it near her chest within her other hand. She felt herself blush scarlet red.
Dark, noticing her being flustered, grinned a little. If she was flustered, that meant that he was getting to her. It had been so long ago, it seemed, since he had confessed his love. Neither of them had said anything about it since, but he could tell she remembered. And at times he showed that he still cared in little ways, like running out through the rain to meet her after her class ended to share his umbrella with her, or give her his jacket when she was cold, even though he only had a T-shirt underneath. He could tell that… his waiting was becoming worth it. Because what he had said a half a year ago was true. He would wait for Riku until he knew he couldn't win her anymore.
"You should really be more careful, Riku," he smiled. "Sometimes…I won't be here to save you."
"I know that," she snapped. She was still mortified about what had just happened. To herself, she thought, 'But other times you won't be there to make me get hurt!'
"Not that…I wouldn't want to be there," he said softly, but loud enough for her to hear. All her thoughts flew out of her mind. His red eyes half closed… He began leaning in slowly…slowly…
"Look at the time!" she cried desperately, rising to her feet, carelessly wacking him in the face with a bag as she did. She began scurrying away before Dark even got up. "Gotta go! Au revour!"
Dark swallowed hard. He had been sooo close. He hadn't kissed her since that day in the park either. He let out a long, sad sigh. Soooo close… Riku still pushed him away. No matter what… It was getting so annoying! He rubbed his forehead with his hand because he was beginning to get a headache. It seemed like she was still clinging to the past. He frowned at that word. The "past"… He quickly turned him mind onto other things.
'Ah, well, I had stolen her first kiss,' he thought, trying to sooth himself. Then he let out a sad sigh as something resurfaced in him again. Something he didn't want there… 'Just being near her was enough. Yeah… It's enough.'
He was about to get up when he saw a gift that she had accidentally left behind. He didn't want to look inside, but…his curious manner took over. He shuffled through the bag and saw that it was an elaborate paint set. It was truly gorgeous. He frowned. Krad painted but… though Riku and Krad were friends, he couldn't see her giving him this. So… who was the gift for? …It was someone who could obviously paint very well. Who was this person to Riku? Dark felt frustration flow through him. He felt so pissed he wanted to just break the paint set right then and there.
"Who the hell did Riku buy such an expensive gift for?!" he screamed at the top of his lungs, not caring that people everyone stopped and stared.
-----------------------------
'Oh God!!!!' Riku screamed in her head. 'Where is it? Where is it?!'
She was in her room. No one else was home though. She shuffled through all of her bags frantically. She threw the things out of them carelessly, not really giving a damn what it was. As long as it wasn't the most important thing of all! The paint set! Ohhhh, where could it have gone?! She sniffed, trying to hold back the tears. She had looked everywhere for that gift… It had been perfect beyond belief! It had been perfect for…
There was a knock on her door, but she ignored it. She just had to find it! It had cost so much too! More than anything she had bought this year! She couldn't believe she had just lost it! She was so stupid! Such a klutz!
'If he was here, he'd probably say that… Oh God, where is it?!'
"Looking for this?" a low voice asked from the door. She blinked and turned around. There Dark stood with a bag. His face looked dark, but she didn't notice. She was too busy staring at the bag.
"You found it!" she screamed in relief. "Thank you!"
She grabbed the bag and held it against her chest. She let out a sigh of relief. She didn't know what she would have done if Dark hadn't found it. She also didn't know that her face was flushed, nor that Dark's was getting more and more vexed.
"Who's it for?" His tone was one level before a growl.
"Oh…no one really…" she still hadn't noticed.
"Don't give me that crap!" he banged his fist against the wall, stunning Riku. "Whoever it's for…you obviously care for! So why can't you tell me who? It's obviously not for Krad! You wouldn't get him something so glamorous as this! Besides, Sabrina probably bought him a set. So who are you giving it to?!"
"It's…It's none of your business!" she shouted. "Stop snooping around in my things!"
"It's for him isn't it?" he spat. "You still love him, don't you?!"
"No, that's not-" she looked away, clutching the bag closer to her chest – her heart. She took a step back defensively.
"YOU DO!" he roared. He grabbed onto her wrist bring her closer to him. She flinched.
"Dark…you're hurting me…"
"You still love him! After all this time! You still love him! Goddamn it! Waiting isn't as easy as it looks, Riku! You have no idea how much I have to hold back! I love you! Can't you see that?!" he screamed, not hearing her last comment.
"Ow…Dark…don't…" she winced. Her teeth clenched. Tears formed at her eyes, but she tried holding them back.
His eyes widened and he quickly let go, taking a step back. He swallowed hard and slammed his fist against the door. He let out an aggravated groan.
"I'm…sorry. I'm sorry." With that, he left the apartment soundlessly.
When the door shut behind him, Riku let out a strangled sob. Her knees gave out underneath her. Tears flowed down her cheek silently. She knew… She knew she still loved Daisuke! Dark just couldn't replace him in her heart…! She knew that Dark loved her, but… it wasn't enough! Daisuke… Daisuke had always been the one for her! She held the bag to her heart again. Daisuke… Daisuke would always be the one for her! His kind smile… his cheerful personality… the look of concern that showed that he really cared… his bright red eyes… This made her jump. The eyes that… were so much like the one that loved her…
She also knew that Daisuke didn't love her…but the thing was, she wasn't sure. After so long… did he love her now? While she was gone…had he realized that he might be able to think of her as more than just a friend – or even a friend?
"Daisuke…" she choked. "It hurts, Daisuke."
-----------------------------
"Risa."
"Huh?" Risa turned and blinked. She had been peacefully walking down the hallway. She blinked once. Twice. In front of her – or rather, behind – was Satoshi. There he stood, with a straight back. Proud. She felt her cheeks redden. She smiled weakly. "Satoshi…"
"Can we…talk?" he took a few steps closer.
Risa glanced away, but nodded. "W-What is it?"
"Risa…" he was close enough to smell her shampoo. He lifted a hand and touched her hair. It had been a while since he had been able to…not that he hadn't realized that before. In his mind flashed an image of him laying on his bed, staring at the black phone next to him, but not being able to lift a finger, fearing deep in his heart, he would only get a message. He leaned in. "Risa, you know…I need to know. Do you…do you love me still?"
"Satoshi…I…" she sniffed and her hands tightened over the books that she was carrying in her arms. "You know that I…"
"You're hesitant," he said sadly, letting his hand fall. "I see…I understand."
"NO!" she screamed so loudly that Satoshi stopped from walking away. Barely. "No, you don't understand… Satoshi, you…you're always there for me. You understand me more than I do. You…you love me and I…I…"
"You…?" he whispered, his breath caught in his throat. He was rarely ever like this. It seemed that only Risa could do this to him. Risa… only Risa. His Risa. Or was she his anymore?
"I…love you…but…" she sighed.
"But…" he sighed as well.
"But I'm feeling confused right now. I don't know… Ever since Riku left I've suddenly developed…feelings – feelings that I know aren't supposed to be there – were never there." 'I think,' she added to herself. "But I'm sure they'll go away… I'm positive! So… Satoshi, please," she laid a hand on his arm. "Don't give up on me… You're all I have."
"But Risa…knowing this, I-"
"I know it must be hard on you!" she answered passionately. "If I had been you, I would have left myself ages ago! That's why I love you so much. You're not like me… I hate myself for doing this to you! But… I don't know what else I can do."
She sniffed slightly, holding back the tears that she knew would come if Satoshi left her alone.
"Risa…" he hugged her gently. "I don't know how much more I can take…but knowing that you do love me…I'll try. I'll try."
"Thank you…" she muttered, not being able to hold the tears back anymore. "Thank you Satoshi…"
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"Hey…did something happen between you and Dark?" Mio asked suspiciously, leaning closer to Riku's shocked face. Her golden eyes narrowed dangerously. Not only that, but the knife that glistened in her hand also looked extremely dangerous as well. On her mouth, there was something between a sneer and a smile.
"N-Non!" Riku's eyes widened. She quickly walked back into the wall. Her right eye twitched with fear. Seeing Mio mad was something that Riku learned was not something you wanted to do in your life experience. She swallowed hard and put on the best fake smile she could muster under such horrifying conditions. "N-Not at all! Why would you think such a thing?!"
"Well…" Mio cooed, walked closer. She lifted the knife, much to Riku's distress, until it was one foot away from Riku's face. Since she was so angry, her broken American accent reappeared. "Dark's been… irritated and depressed past few days…and only reason this that I can think is that something happened. Oui?"
"Non!" Riku lied. She pressed herself even more against the wall. She knew that Mio would never hurt her, but…if she was pissed…she was pissed. "Dark… I haven't spoken to him lately! It couldn't possibly be my fault!"
"Oh. I see…" Mio sighed. The anger disappeared from her pale face. She lowered the knife and left it on the coffee table. "I sorry, Riku…it's just that…well, it's probably not your fault anyway. I just want to blame someone…even though… Oui, it's not your fault. I'm sorry…"
"W…What?" Riku blinked.
"Yes, well…" she smiled sadly. "Winter is…the season that Dark…that we hate."
"Why…? Winter…it's my favorite season…" Riku added softly, more to herself than Mio.
She was really confused. Was this why Dark had overreacted? To be honest, Dark usually never blew up out of nowhere. And now… Riku had just learned that Dark never felt well during this time of the year. Dark had…really helped her out this year. Really! When he was around… her thoughts wouldn't stray to Daisuke. Or rather…he would be the cause of them. But then… the thing was, she didn't mind being reminded of Daisuke. She knew it sounded odd, but… why would she not like being reminded of her one love? Even though he didn't love her back…but Dark did. So it was like…Daisuke and Dark combined. It was…a somewhat pleasant feeling. Yet sometimes…not so much.
"Why do you all hate winter?" she repeated.
"Look…if really want to know, don't ask me. Ask Dark. After all," Mio smiled weakly, "It's really about him…"
Riku's throat was shut. She couldn't say anything if she tried. Her face was flushed at the thought of discovering what was wrong with Dark. To see if she could help him the way he helped her. So because she couldn't speak, she just nodded before rushing out the door.
When the door closed behind Riku, Mio let out a sigh, letting herself fall onto the black couch. She stared up at the ceiling in distress. Outside, there was a loud noise, probably from the storm that brew. "What I'm doing…is right, right? …Oneesan…"
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Dark grumbled, flipping through a comic book, but not reading anything. His pet, Wiz, a black rabbit, "kyuu"ed, trying to comfort his master, but since it was obvious that he could do nothing, he hopped off, depressed. Dark couldn't get what happened out of his mind. Guilt was beginning to eat at him. He really shouldn't have blown up in Riku's face like that… From the very beginning she had told him that he would get hurt! So… just because he was feeling that hurt… didn't mean it was her fault. The image of her wincing in pain reappeared in his mind.
"ARG!" he cried, slamming the book onto the table in front of him. He couldn't take it anymore! He had to go see Riku again! He could never stay away from her long it seemed. It was like he wasn't whole without her! Even when she was punching the crap out of him… It really didn't matter what she did. As long as she was with him! And he had gone and ruined everything he had strived for! He was so stupid! Stupid, stupid, stupid! He hurriedly opened the door, only to have something crash right into him.
"What the hell?!" he leered. Then he blinked when he found arms wrap around his body. He noticed a bob of caramel hair and let out a sigh. He ruffled her hair a bit, saying softly, "I thought you were mad at me…"
He got no answer.
"Of course, you deserve to be, after the way I acted… I know you don't love me…at least, not yet, or that way. I know you still love that other blasted guy… I'm sorry I hurt you…"
"No! Don't say that!" she finally said, though it was muffled into his black vest. She looked up at him. Her light brown eyes shined, her pale face flushed, making her look vulnerable. "Dark… you don't know how much you've done for me. I mean… you're the first person whoever loved me. So… thank you."
"Riku…does this mean-"
"But…" she interrupted him, looking down, blushing deeply. He struggled for the words, but forced them to come out. "But you're right still. I…still don't feel that way about you. So… I'm sorry."
"Ha, it was too good to be true anyway," he let out a little laugh.
"But Dark-! Mio told me…that winter…that you all hate winter. I was wondering…could you tell me why? Please? Because…because you've really helped me and I- I want to help you too."
Dark's laughter slowly died. He smiled grimly. "She told you that, huh…? Then I guess it's okay if I told you…"
He took her hand and led her to the couch where he had just left. He sat, folding his hands over his lap. She watched him as he closed his purple eyes. He took a deep breath, as if to calm himself, or to prepare himself for something. She couldn't figure out what. Until he spoke.
"Three years ago…the love of my life – my first love of my life…died." He turned and smiled lightly toward Riku. "Does that surprise you? She died during the winter. She was Mio's twin sister… everyone's friend. So when she died, we all took it very hard. We couldn't help but hate the winter. It seemed like it was what took her away. Took my Menou away."
He took a moment to compose himself, but she didn't interrupt him.
"Not that it was really the winter's fault. It wasn't anyone's fault. You see she had always had a weak heart. Most of the time she wasn't permitted to leave her room. But…she hated it. She would stare out the window by her bed during long nights – nights because the day and the night were not different to her - and dream of being healthy…being normal.
"I lived by and knew her well. I knew her before her condition had worsened. I visited often. But like you…I fell in love with her at first sight. She seemed so weak, but when she smiled…she became so alive. She was beautiful, you know. Long, silky blonde hair… wide blue eyes – as true and blue as the ocean! That's what she was like… the ocean. She was there, but you could never obtain her. She was the only thing at the time… that I could capture… Not only did she die… but she hadn't loved me either. She had loved Krad.
"Not that it was Krad's fault…but it pissed me off. I mean the guy only had the eyes for Sabrina! He didn't care about her…not the way I did. I guess that's why I've been so…strange lately. You…remind me so much of her…"
"…Dark…"
"And one day…she was gone. I had been planning to finally tell her how I felt about her and…when I got to her house…her bed was empty. Everything…" He held up his hand, which was balled into a fist and opened it. "Gone."
Riku didn't know what to say. For the second time that day, she couldn't speak. And…even if she could, she could do nothing.
"That's why…" he smiled warmly. "I won't let anything take you away from me. Especially not my own folly."
"Dark, I-"
"Shhh, don't say a word," he whispered gently, pressing his forefinger against her lips. The lips he had once kissed and longed to kiss again; the lips that most definitely…did not belong to him, but some unknown man. "I know. You're going to say that he already has you, aren't you? I know. But I don't care, because…no, that's a lie. Of course I care. I care so much I'm about ready to explode right here and now. I'm so jealous. I want you to love me. I want you to only look at me. But I won't let myself get carried away by my emotions again. The thing is… if you're happy, I'm happy. If I had your love… I would be the happiest man in Paris – and that's really saying something. But if I don't, I still will be. Just as long as every time I look at you, you're smiling back at me. So…"
He carefully wiped the tears that had unknowingly appeared and slid down her red cheeks. He looked her straight in the eyes and smiled the same smile that only he and Daisuke shared.
"Smile."
Riku closed her eyes and let his tenderness flow over her. She let the tears fall. Because all that mattered was her smile. And she was smiling. Smiling for the one that loved her.
"Thank you…thank you…thank you," she whispered over and over in a broken voice.
When she had been with Daisuke, she had always felt like a caged bird. Her wings had been entrapped in a cage – beautiful, graceful, gorgeous, but a cage nonetheless. Though she loved it there, she was never happy. Now… it was as if… the chains that had held her there had loosened. And the steel gate opened, to reveal one person. One man. She was…free. She could spread her white (or were they black – tarnished from the past?) wings again.
"…Dark…"
"Hmmm?"
"I…"
-----------------------------
"I can't believe it!" Daisuke exclaimed shakily, pressing a hand against the glass window, which he realized was trembling. It was December 23rd! By the time they reached Paris, it would be the 24th! Christmas Eve! The pit of his stomach was jumping up and down. He could barely contain himself from running off the plane. "Where's really going!"
"Yes…aren't we all so very happy…" Satoshi, who sat next to him, said with fierce sarcasm. He had folded his arms over his chest, even though it wrinkled his $100 button-up shirt. He was casually wearing dress pants as well. Everyone in plane (especially the girls) couldn't help but stare at the blue haired boy. Risa elbowed him in the ribs for his comment, but Daisuke hadn't even noticed anything. He was much too giddy.
"Oh! This is it, Daisuke!" Risa said supporting. Her hair was tied up into two ponytails, even though she should have outgrown the girly look. She wore a comfortable pink turtleneck, and a lacey white skirt. She smiled brightly, making her lip-gloss glisten. She hoped to comfort him in every way she could. He sure needed it.
"Yeah…!" Daisuke let out a long breath. His right leg bounced up and down. He opened a bottle of water and gulped down a quarter of it. "Yeah, this is it! We're really going!"
"It sounds like you're still not convinced," Satoshi pointed out, frowning. He let out a sigh. He couldn't be mad at Daisuke. It wasn'tDaisuke's fault that Risa was unsure of a few things… Besides, it was so obvious that Daisuke loved the older twin! Here the guy was taking a plane to finally confess his love to her…! Plus… he was a friend. So Satoshi placed a hand on Daisuke's shoulder. Daisuke looked over in surprise, since Satoshi so rarely – especially recently – showed any emotions that he cared about anyone anymore. "It's okay. No matter what… you'll have us. We'll be here for you to the very end."
"Satoshi…" Daisuke smiled gratefully. "Thanks…"
Risa felt her heart lift as well. Not to mention speed up. Satoshi…even after all they'd – she'd put him through, he was still there for them. At their moment of need… he never let them down. She smiled and felt herself blush. She laid her head onto his shoulder, much to his surprise. She smiled at him warmly. Then looked at Daisuke.
"Yeah. We're all here for each other. We're all best friends, after all. Together…'til the end! So relax, Daisuke."
"OI!!! Don't you even THINK about forgetting ME!" Takeshi shouted, kicking on Daisuke's seat since he sat right behind the redhead. He hadn't changed much. His black hair was still spiky, just the way he liked it. He was now, much to his displeasure, shorter than Daisuke, but not by too much. He made himself feel better by reminding himself at times that at least he wasn't as big of a fool like Daisuke (when he was actually more so…).
"Thanks guys," Daisuke let out a laugh, even though his heart was beating like crazy. He was sure that they could all hear it! But that's what love does to you. Make you do crazy things. If it weren't for love, he wouldn't be on this plane! He'd never actually been on one before too… But for love – for Riku-!
'So…' he thought firmly, 'I'm going to do this…! No matter what the outcome! As long as I know I tried… That'll be enough.' He gripped harder onto the side of his seat and swallowed hard as a stewardess announced that people should fasten their seat belts as they took flight. 'I hope.'
The trip was long, but it seemed short to Daisuke. While the others dozed off, fate was not kind enough to let him sleep. He thought over his plan. He would go to her (she knew where she was because Risa gave him the information). He would surprise her with his gift! It was perfect. It made him think of her… He had attached a love letter onto it. It told her he loved her, and if she felt the same way, to meet him at the Fountain of Wishes. He would be waiting there for her… If she didn't appear then…he would give up.
He swallowed his fifth drink. Slowly…his eyes dropped. He began to doze off. Fate…wasn't so cruel after all. But Sleep was.
"Daisukeeeee!"
"Wha-!" he jumped, blinked and looked around. He was at a park…there was a gust of wind, causing the leaves to blow all around him, and make his red hair fly as well. He cringed, raising his arms, as if to shield him, but suddenly the wind was gone. He blinked and looked up slowly. He stared at the person who had called to him. His red eyes widened in awe.
There she was, beautiful as always, in a cotton skirt and white sweater. Nothing special, but things like this never bothered either of them. She stood in front of him, but she was fairly far away. Daisuke wanted to run up to her, but he was afraid she'd disappear.
"Daisukeeeee!" she smiled warmly, blushing lightly. She cupped her hands around her mouth, as if to make sure he heard her. "Daisukeeee!"
"Anata… (You…)"
"Do you remember?" she asked in a cheerful, but soft way. She lifted a hand to push her hair back over her ears. When she got no response, her smile turned slightly sad. "Daisuke…so you don't…"
"IIE!!! (NO!!!)" he cried, at the top of his lungs. Then, composing himself, firmly said, "Iie… How could I ever forget you?"
"Daisuke…"
"Ah…?"
"I've always…" the wind blew louder, causing everything to shift. The last words that came out of her mouth was lost in the wind, but Daisuke read her lips.
His wide eyes widened even more. Then he closed them. He smiled warmly. "I'm coming to tell you that too. Soon…we can be happy. Together…"
"Daisuke…I must say…" she turned away from him. "Life and love are very much the same. They have no happy endings."
"Yes…you're right… There aren't…because love doesn't have an ending, Riku!"
She jumped slightly. "My name…you say it so…"
"Riku…I-"
"Dai-su-ke!"
"Huh?! Wha?!" he jumped, only to hit his head on something really hard. "AHHH! Ow ow ow ow ow!"
There was echoing moans of pain coming from Takeshi. He rubbed his chin, glaring darkly at his friend.
"Daisuke…" he growled.
"Ack! Gomen (I'm sorry)!" Daisuke quickly replied, hoping not to get strangled.
"We're here."
"What…?"
"We're here," Satoshi butt in. He stood in the isle of the plane with a two bags over his shoulder. Risa stood at his side with a bag of her own. "We're here, Daisuke."
It took a moment for that fact to register into Daisuke's brain. He swallowed hard. He felt as if he had just swallowed his heart. 'This is it…'
-----------------------------
Naru-chan: What do you think? ::smiles::
Dark: I hope you liked!
Riku: Haihai!
Naru-chan: By the way, I'm glad that you guys liked the fact that I tried to keep the characters the way they really are in the series!
Daisuke: She tried.
Satoshi: Yeah, well I think you got Dark wrong. He's not so "sweet" and "nice".
Dark: YOU LITTLE PUNK! WHAT A PIECE OF ME?!
Satoshi: ::points at Dark:: See…?
Dark: T.T
Naru-chan: REVIEW PLEASE! AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY! XD I SO HAPPY!
Riku: Review review!