"Darien," the man behind the counter bellowed, "it's time." He removed his hand from Serena's as he slowly stumbled back to reality. He removed his eyes from hers and turned awkwardly towards the cashier. During her brief introduction to the gorgeous man, who she knew now was Darien from the man's yelling; the small store had filled with another 30 people Serena estimated as Darien went and sat on the small wooden stool. He had a copy of his book in his hand as he smiled at her. Serena's smile just grew as she went and grabbed one of the remaining seats at the back of the reading area, not taking her eyes off of him. She had a clear view of him from her seat, and him her. He began reading passages from the book, reading them towards her each time he raised his head from the book. She wasn't listening to what he was saying anymore, she was thinking of the gorgeous man who couldn't take his eyes off of her as he recited from his first novel with happiness and a twinge of nervousness. Serena stared at the way his mouth glazed over the words he had written with care, and she was fascinated.

As Darien finished his reading, the modest audience clapped their praise and motioned towards him to get copies of his book signed. He smiled gloriously towards her who returned the bright smile, before he moved to a signing desk and was engulfed by his audience.

20 minutes later, the store was almost clear and Serena got off the chair she'd remained on during the whole event, before walking slowly towards Darien. The final woman in the line thanked him for his signature and complimented the novel before moving out of the line to pay for the book. And then it was just Serena facing Darien.

"You know, I haven't even let my parents read this yet," he gestured towards a book in front of him, "No one I care about has ever heard my writing, until today," Darien said before sheepishly lowering his head, embarrassed by his confession to this beautiful girl. Serena smiled softly and put her hand on his. Darien's eyes quickly moved to his hand which had Serena's smaller one resting on top, before moving his eyes slowly to meet hers, his mouth agape.

"You are a fabulous writer. I could tell you were speaking from your soul. I was fascinated," She said.

Darien blushed, and swallowed deeply before opening his mouth to respond.

"I hope you don't think I'm crazy," he said "but I feel like I've known you for a long time. I feel like your eyes can see straight into my soul, and…" Darien scratched the back of his neck with his free hand before continuing, "You have left me speechless, Serena. I'm glad you heard me read today. It feels like you were meant to be here. Fate," he barely told as he timidly now moved his hand from under her's.

Serena stared at him, her eyes bright and understanding. She walked around to the same side of the desk as Darien, grabbed his hands and motioned him to stand up as she put her hand under his chin. She leant up and kissed him slowly and with care. Her being so bold had Darien amazed and grateful. They both pulled away slightly to stare into each other's eyes before Darien softly spoke.

"My name is Darien, by the way. I didn't get a chance to tell you earlier. And Serena," he moved closer to her face, so his warm breath was against her lips, "You have taken my breath away."

With these words, she softly grabbed the sides of his face, kissing him again as his hands grabbed the sides of her face with care, as they gracefully moved their lips against each other. It felt like this was where they were meant to be, where their lives had been moving towards all this time; this moment, each other clasped in the hands of one another, the rest of the world irrelevant around them.

"Have a good day Darien." "Thanks Andrew, you too" Darien replied as he thanked the cashier and the bookstore for having him. Serena looked at him as he turned and smiled at her, before they headed out of the bookstore into the snow.

"So, I know you love books," He said as he gestured weakly towards the bookstore as they began walking down the street, "But I don't know anything else about you," he said slightly apologetically, even though they had only just met.

"Well," She said loudly and with enthusiasm, "I do love books, and I love to write; poetry mainly."

"That's impressive," He commented and smiled as she mirrored his smile, slightly facing him as they walked.

"Okay, we're going in here," Serena said as she grabbed his hand and dragged him into the 'Little Red Door' coffee shop. They both immediately noticed the warmth from the roaring fireplace across the shop, as they started making their way to a free table.

"Coffee?" Serena asked Darien as a waiter started coming toward them. He nodded. "Two coffees please," She said to the waiter, "and two pieces of cheesecake too. Thanks," Serena said to the waiter before he left to get their order.

"So, what do you do, Darien Is writing your full-time occupation?" She asked.

"Well, actually, I started last month teaching at Juuban College. My first teaching job," he said with a smile. "They got me in in a rush, they had to replace a teacher," he said as he smiled slightly softer. "I teach literature."

Serena smiled weakly before lowering her head. "Did I say something wrong?" Darien asked with worry in his voice. "Umm… that was my dad you replaced," Serena said as his mouth dropped. "You're Ken's daughter?" Darien asked, looking a little nervous. "Well, yes, I am." Serena said. "But, I mean, is that a problem?" She asked, now afraid of his answer.

He looked up and smiled at the waiter as their food and coffees were placed in front of them.

"Serena," Darien let out before continuing, "Your father is now on leave and I'm his replacement. I'm going to be honest; your father very much dislikes me," he said before slowly raising his eyes to finally meet Serena's.

"But why?" She asked, "It's his fault he was asked to take leave, not yours."

She looked at him whose eyes were now slightly red, before he reached across the table and grabbed her hands. "I promise Serena, we've met a few times; there is nothing but anger in his eyes and in his soul towards me," he stated blankly as he reluctantly removed his hands from hers. Serena immediately felt cold without him there, and it wasn't just because of the weather.

She ran her hands through her hair before gesturing her hands in front of her as she prepared to talk.

She could feel through no fault of their own, that this could already be the end for them. Darien started to shift in his seat.

"Darien, I believe you, that Ken hates you. But, I don't want us to say goodbye to each other because of his wrong-doing. You didn't do anything wrong," she said as she put his right hand in her left across the table. They both felt the feel of home with each other's hands in their own.

He knew he could never say goodbye to this girl. He watched her face curiously as she took a breath and smiled adoringly back at him, "I'm not losing you, Darien," she said with tears forming in her eyes.

Darien reached his free hand over to Serena's face and grazed her cheek. "Serena, honey, I promise, you have me completely bewitched. I'm not going anywhere," he said as he leaned across the table to kiss her lips softly.

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?" A voice boomed from behind Serena.

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