Author's Notes

This is a request by Kousagibriefs. Just to be totally honest, I'm a big Serena/Darien fan. It must be justified, since they seem so meant for one another. So, with this said, mind the fact that this was REALLY hard to come up with, and write! So in short, review and let me know what you think.

Storm of Envy

Chapter 1: An Ordinary Night

The thunder rolled off in the distance. Looking at her slender figure as it slept soundly, he couldn't help but lick his lips. This would be his, no matter what. As he jumped out the window, he wondered what always drove him to desire what could never be his. He shook the thought away. He would get this, finally end his own curse. After jumping through the gate after Hohenheim of Light, he had landed in a world that was unlike his previous. It had technology that was far advanced, and only a select few who could perform some strange form of alchemy, mostly women. There was a man, but he threw roses, and it was hardly entertaining. The one that had his eye on was a blond with two long pigtails that reminded him of rabbit ears. Her eyes were soft, loving, understanding, like a woman in his memory. Someone he couldn't remember clearly, but it was those eyes that kept him watching over her fights with the man in the cape.

That bastard. One day he would kill his rival. The day she didn't care about him anymore, the day she was his, that man would fade off the face of the Earth. He could hear his screams. He would pierce him through just like he'd done to that boy, Edward Elric. However, he was sure her understanding eyes wouldn't appreciate him killing off the one man that currently had her heart. Nearby, he was confronted again by the masked man. He looked at him with such cold, threatening eyes.

"You stay away from her."

He said nothing to this man, to Tuxedo Mask. He was a homunculus. He would do as he damn well pleased. Even if it meant love notes that he delivered faithfully at night, then so be it. One way or another, this girl would be his. Tuxedo Mask didn't deserve such a rare beauty. Never could Tuxedo Mask ever earn the right to her heart, at least not in his eyes.

"Stay away from MY Serena."

That phrase was so painful. Tuxedo Mask didn't realize this poor homunculus' curse. He was Envy. He would always desire that which others possessed. In this case, it had been a woman with rabbit hair. His eyes turned cold, looking to the man with more hatred than he had in awhile. This man was not that Elric boy, but he was getting up there on the scale. He gave Tuxedo Mask a cocky smile.

"I thought you couldn't possess a human. Besides, I can do what I please. I've not hurt her, unless you're worried about that."

"Bastard. Stay away from her."

He had enough. No one, not even Hohenheim of Light, had ever called Envy the homunculus a bastard. He lost the last shred of respect for the masked man. He ran right next to him, a glint of devilish delight in his eyes, as they danced at the prospect of blood.

"Call me that again, and I guarantee she'll never see you again in this world, regardless of her feelings for you."

Pulling back, he looked at the stunned man. His words had worked. He would almost bet that the man was shaking underneath those dark clothes he wore. His eyes widened, and his heartbeat had momentarily stopped, then accelerated. He held now a rose. The man had a comfort object after all, he mused. Stupid man didn't know when to quit, or run away, much like that damn Edward. He looked to Tuxedo Mask, that old, vicious smile of his plastered on his lips.

"I've warned you. Next time I won't be so friendly. Leave my Serena be."

So the man could still show courage, even with death dancing in his face. He gave him that much credit. But he was still a fool. A large fool, who had his beloved Bunny under his watchful eye.

Serena awoke to her window open, a gentle breeze blowing. Luna was sleeping soundly in Sammy's room across the hall. Serena noted that Rini had gone to her room this time. She smiled warmly as she thought of the future daughter. Then, she saw the message pinned to her vanity mirror. There was a strange symbol located on the front. It looked like a dog with wings, maybe. It was him again. She flipped open the message, and began to read.

Dearest Bunny,

As I promised in my last letter, I would answer your question. I have killed many, including a boy who stood in my way. This lifestyle has been all I've known for centuries. No, I am not human, nor am I a demon, Bunny. I am a product of an envious man. One who I still hold hatred for bringing me into the world. However, this hatred does not drive me to suicide, nor can I die by simple means. There are only a few ways to kill me.

I've seen the man who protects you. He does such a job that I fear he's overprotective. I want to be there for you, not guard you like some prized trophy. Bunny, please understand that I am doing my best not to harm this man, for he has often caught me delivering these notes, and he means so much to you. It's not my style to let him roam free, I won't lie to you, but if he means so much to you, dearest Bunny, then I will do my best not to harm him in any way, short of his pride.

It would seem that the night has come faster than I planned. Respond when you can Bunny.

Love,

Envy

Serena looked at the note curiously. So that was why he was a creature of the night. He wasn't human, however, Envy had found the kindness in his heart, by merely seeing her. It was enough to make her shiver. As she studied the note further, she saw that the scrawled message looked like it possessed wear and tear. Envy had held this note for some time before handing it to her, a few days, at the least. Either that or Envy ran through a rosebush to deliver it to her. She chuckled. She would reply in the morning. Serena thoughtfully went to the window, gazing out at the stars that were barely visible through the stormy night. Her eyes drifted to the moon, which was only half visible in this night sky.

"It's been awhile since I've had an admirer. This one's like Diamond, but he's not acting rashly on his desires," Serena said thoughtfully to the moon. "Will he act on his desires one day? Do I have to fight? No, I don't. I've not had to fight those who care for me yet, and I don't plan to do it now. There is the feeling there, towards this strange being named Envy. Can I really betray who I am to see this one person? To meet this one man who may do more than say hello when we meet? A part of me wants that kind of adventure, but another also reminds me of my loyalty to Darien, the future king of Earth. Do you have any ideas on what to do?"

The sky didn't answer; the clouds from the raging storm curiously silent.