Darien needed to blow off some steam. He was so wound up with conflicting feelings, of needing her but not wanting to be tied down. The connection they shared could not be denied, every time he was near her. That ethereal tether would pull him ever closer, charging his mind and body with a state of bliss he was reluctant to let go of. He hadn't felt so content in the pressence of another person as he did with her, since his parents died. It tore him up inside that she didn't trust him, that he had wounded her so deeply. That perhaps he had broken them and could not repair their relationship. It filled him with such a sense of panic he could barely breath. It aggravated him even more that she had seen their first kiss as an act of desperation to heal them. And on some level he had to admit it was...
He felt ready to scream. The war that waged inside of him left his whole body burning with a noxious energy. That needed to be released. Storming into the gym, after normal training hours was bad enough. Having not been around for the last few weeks was even worse, considering Sarge had such high hopes for him as a contender.
Pushing through the beaten in metal front door, the gym was oddly bright. Blinding him for a moment, as he squinted to clear his vision under the florescent lighting. Flickering high above from long lamp posts that hung from the curved metal ceiling above. Sarges office sat on the opposite side from the long windows and exercise equipment. A tiny closet like space, the old man pretty much lived in, during the evenings. Trying in vain to finish up his paper work for the day to day running of the gym. The business end of it wasn't his passion, but it was a necessity.
Beside his office was the archway to the group washroom, and lockers. The whole place after years of use, now smelled like sweat and old socks. Darien loved that smell!
The open main area of the warehouse was set up logically for only training purposes, there was nothing fun or frivolous inside. Several bright red leather sand bags hung from the rafter's just off from the dented metal front door. With several more speed bags hanging nearby. A few yards away was a huge area of mats, for grappling and cardio, such as pushup, and curl ups. Metal chin up bars were bolted to the brick wall near the mats. Weight benches and various other styles of weight lifting machines stood against one wall. Several long windows hovered over the equipment, that allowed for a little light. Which didn't do much to brighten the dingy interior during the day. At the far back of the warehouse was a caged boxing ring, built in an octagonal shape. Fondly called the 'Thunder dome" by his gym mates. That was were all the sparing took place, and getting his ass handed to him by Kane pretty much daily. The monster just loved to punish him, using him as some kind of strange crash test dummy for his new fighting moves. That mat had seen more of his blood and sweat then any or them.
Sarge was grumbling over a stack of bills, upon the clutter of his desk. The light from his old black metal goose neck desk lamp adjusted to focus upon the papers. The rest of his little office remained in bitter shadow. Vague outlines of a massive cork board was mounted on one wall. Plastered with posters, schedules and old photo's. An old dull grey couch, that looked like something garage sale worthy. Sat in a sad sagging state under the board. Sharp light filtered in through the open front door to his office, creating a pillar of light to brighten only a short column of the darkness within the room. The faint light, shimmering upon the glass of a trophy case pushed up against the opposing wall. Filled with a life time of mementos of a proud fighting career.
Sarge leaned back in his vintage wooden wide back chair, with a grunt. That responded to the man's muscle bound weight with a plaintive squeak. Sarge was a short man compared to his six foot and over students. With a wild ring of grey hair, the was always a fly away mess over his large ears. The very top of his head always shiny. As the man seemed to constantly gather a sheen of sweat there, doing just about anything. A boxer in his day, he still possessed the strong body of an athlete. His hands overly large, with many enlarged veins from his years of using them as weapons.
The heavy sound of a sandbag being pummelled, drew his attention from his paper work. Rising with a moan, his old bones and muscles sore from sitting to long. Pushing his chair aside, he stood with a resigned sigh. He was wearing the white flowing pants and shirt of a Martial Arts Master, with an old tattered black belt tied around his thick waist. Sarge had made fighting his life, learning and mastering many different disciplines in his life time. The disciplines he was now teaching his students, in the hopes of cultivating the next Cage Champion.
The old man moved stiffly out of his office and into the bright atmosphere of the main gym. Finding Darien dressed in his training clothes. Of a pair of grey sweats and black nike sneakers, and a black t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up showing off his powerful arms. A white towel was twisted and tucked around his neck and into his shirt collar to catch his sweat.
He had his hands wrapped up securely in white tape, protecting his bones as best he could. The boy was going hard at the heavy bag, punching it in a flurry of intense strikes. Fuelled by raw emotions, wanting to exhaust his inner screams and his body. Attempting to find his calm, by working the bag over thoroughly. Sarge crossed his arms and leaned back against the dusty brick wall by his office, taking in his star students furious state. Wondering were he had been and why suddenly he was here at such a strange hour working through his aggressions.
The boy was going through some difficulties for sure. He recognized that fierce gaze, Darien carried in his dark blue eyes. As he punched and gave the bag various high kicks, bombarding the poor thing relentlessly and without mercy. Sending the red leather bag careening plaintively back and forth on it's heavy iron chain link cable.
Sarge left him be for a few more minutes letting him work out his frustrations and rage. He had been there himself many times over as a young man. The gauntlet of becoming a man was filled with all sorts of trails. This poor boy had been left alone to deal with becoming an adult all on his own, with very little guidance.
"Darien..." He approached cautiously, knowing that the boy had one hell of a temper. That he needed a bit of alone time to blow off steam before he allowed anyone in to soothe his seething rage.
Darien was soaked with sweat, hopping on his toes away from the bag. His whole body charged with energy from his rapid attacks. With a grunt of acknowledgement, he quickly pulled out the end of his towel to wipe the sweat beading on his forehead, tossing his head to the side swiftly. Flipping his long dark fringe, that always seemed to hang over his right eye, away to fall over his temple instead.
"Haven't seen you around much..missed a-lot of training. Your behind your gym mates now on some techniques." He commented dryly, positioning himself behind the bag. Giving Darien a nod to continue his efforts upon the bag. Sarge was going to give it a bit more stability, so Darien's strikes could connect more securely and not run the risk of broken bones or sprained wrists. The boy was going way to hard core on the bag,with his frenzied punches.
"I have other obligations right now, I'll catch up after October." Darien commented bitterly, thundering his fists into the bag in a series of snap punches.
Sarge grunted, as he felt the power behind those heavy strikes connecting with his gut as he held the bag could teach a fighter speed and technique. But one either had a strong punch or not. Darien was one of the gift few who's could punch hard. His fists connected like battering rams, large and heavy. He struck as if he was trying to a hole right through your body. That was what was going to make me great! Make him a Champion.
He seemed to have a natural talent for combat, as if fighting had been bred into him. It left Sarge shaken and astounded at the same time. Darien was a warrior heart and soul.
"Last year of school..." Sarge vaguely began his subtle digging. Giving Darien a small smile.
"Yeah..." Darien breathed, not biting. As he then struck the bag with a side kick, knocking it free from Sarges grasp.
Sarge moved away wringing his arms, and scowling disapprovingly back at Darien.
"Sorry...Sarge...I just need a few minutes to work out some stuff. I know I shouldn't be here so late. " Darien apologized lamely, moving away from the bag himself. To brace his hands on his hips, craning his head back and closing his eyes willing his mind to calm down.
"I am guessing that it isn't your school work." the old man chuckled, slapping Darien on the back good naturedly.
"This amount of fury can only come about from a woman." He finished with a wiry grin, ushering Darien over to the weight bench.
"Did she break up with you?" Sarge questioned, spotting him as Darien began to lift the metal bar over his head. Several large weights applied on each end, making the muscles on his arms and chest flex and ripple under the strain.
"I am not even dating her yet...but that's not going to happen either." Darien stated, groaning from the strain of the weights as much as his heart. At hearing such bitter, finality coming out of his mouth.
"Why? Is she ugly?" Sarge smirked down at him, catching the protective fire in Darien's eyes.
"No! She beautiful...really beautiful actually." Darien responded with a tone of awe. He could admire, Serena for hours. Having memorized already so much of her. Her soft golden hair, that shimmered in the sun light. Her wide, innocent blue eyes that were so full of life and love. How her face curved so gently around her cheeks, giving her an absolutely adorable charm. How those cute little cheeks would warm when ever he smiled at her. How she would respond back, with the soft, secret smile she only bestowed on him. That would just melt his heart and beguile his mind. How sweet she had tasted, how soft and pliable her full pouting lips had been crushed against his. The elegant curve of her neck, slender shoulder's, and lithe frame that molded so perfectly against his, as he held her. The soft approving sounds she had made, when he deepened their kiss...all of it was haunting him. Filling him with such conflicting emotions of need, guilt, desire...and disappointment in himself for forcing himself on her. When she had been a mess of emotions to begin with, he had now made things far worse.
"Horrible personality then...a real ball busting bitch?" Sarge smirked down at him, finding the boy day dreaming about this mystery girl.
"Never! She is the sweetest person, I have ever met." Darien roared back him, furious that he would call her such an uncouth name. "Fun, kind to a fault...a bit clueless but in a cute way. She frustrates the shit out of me...but I wouldn't have it any other way." He finished, his voice trailing away as he fell into more troubled thoughts concerning Serena.
"So why not? Does she like someone else?" Sarge kept digging wanting his student to work out his issues concerning this girl. Playing the part of counsellor and concerned friend.
"No, I don't know..." Darien growled, replacing the weights after finished three sets of ten.
"She is way to young for me. Anyway." He shrugged, slowly sitting up on the black leather bench. Spouting his age old excuse and not feeling any force behind it.
Sarge snorted in response. "Age is never a factor in these things my boy. My Angelica was six years my junior, and we loved each more in one life time then most do in ten." He sniffed, rubbing a tired hand down his face. He missed her so very much.
Darien paid him an concerned look, mulling over his words. When Serena had been thirteen and he was sixteen it seemed like such a difference in age. Now that she was few years older, more mature in both body and attitude, that divide had seemed to grow smaller. Yet he worried how his peers would react if he ever did start dating her. She was only in grade nine, while he was graduating, for Christs sake! Would they harass him about it like Jed had in the past, make things more difficult for her?
It seemed that guys his age didn't take girls her age seriously, saw them as marks to be had and not as girlfriend material. Which was one reason he was in this mess to begin with. Among many other reason's that only made him more infuriated.
Sarge watched his inner battle for a moment, then merely nodded, taking him over the cage for a little sparing. The best place to keep the conversation going, and work out the restlessness in the boy's mind.
"So what happened to get you so rilled?" Sarge inquired, circling Darien inside the octagonal ring. The black mesh of the cage surrounding them, like an iron cocoon.
"She slapped me." Darien sighed, he could still feel a slight stinging on his cheek were her slender hand had connected. Her attach hadn't hurt, it was the fury behind it that burned his insides like acid.
"Did you do something...unforgivable?" Sarge was serious now, all humour gone from his face. His soft brown eyes gone cold.
"I just kissed her!" Darien defended with a shout. Sending a left hook toward's the old man's jaw.
Sarge dodged it easily, swinging his body low then nailed Darien in the gut with sharp jab.
Darien took the strike without flinching, his stomach muscles quite strong and defined now, they could take a hit.
"And she didn't want to be kissed?" Sarge continued,his face innocently curious.
"Well, she was damn encouraging at first." Darien growled again, cursing himself for his impetuousness. He never wanted to give her the impression again that he wanted to date her, as he did a year ago. But a strange part of his mind was pleading with him...why the hell not!
"Then she changed her mind." Sarge nodded with a chuckle.
Darien stood back, glowering down at his Sensei. Then stalked over the edge of the cage, shaking it fiercely with his frustrations. It rattled threateningly back at him, as he pushed himself off with a roar. His mind would not calm down.
He knew he wanted her, after tasting her lips. He knew he was hooked, it scared him as much as it excited him. But she was three years younger then him...it wasn't right for him to be lusting after such a young girl. But it wasn't just lust...he felt so very strongly for her on so many other levels. She had silently found her way into his heart long ago, with out even trying.
"Everything is just a mess now." He sighed, thumping his forehead against the cage in defeat.
"Son...?" Sarge moved to him, "Sit." He commanded, pointing to the mat.
Darien reluctantly did as he was told, his body was still too charged to just sit calmly. As he sank to the mat, to sit on his butt. His knees drawn up slightly, arms draped over his knees as he leaned forward hanging his head between his raised legs. A legs kept jumping while he growled and muttered curses, staring forlorn down at the scuffed mat between his arms.
As if it held all the answers to his turmoil.
Sarge settled himself down next to him, chuckling knowingly at how worked up his student was over a girl. It could only amount to one thing, the boy was falling in love with this girl. Or had been fighting that love for the last few years, letting those feelings fester and intensify by keeping them bottled up.
"This girl...I am guessing she was the reason you beat poor Jed and Zac into a fine pulp a year ago?" He turned to regard him seriously.
"Yeah..." Darien answered brushing a hand through his wet hair, feeling quite shamed about how he acted then.
"So you seem to have pretty intense feelings for her." Sarge commented, not wanting to use the word love just yet, knowing how nervous Darien was about that word. Love was not a word used lightly around such a serious young man.
Darien thumped his head back against the cage, groaning in distain at himself.
"I've made a real mess of things again. " he admitted with a resigned huff.
"The unwanted kiss?" Sarge nodded.
Darien dropped his head back down. "A year ago I lost my temper with her, told her leave me alone. And she did...for a whole year. Last year...with out her. Sucked beyond the telling of it! I never realized how much she meant to me, how even spending a short time with her made my life so much better. So I tried to repair things..wanted to be friends. But she doesn't want that, I hurt her to deeply. Wants nothing to do with me. Then I got scared I was going to lose her, and I didn't know what to do. To make things right between us so I just kissed her... But I don't think I can handle her disappearing again." He raised his head up, a clarity of truth dawning upon him.
"It sounds like she has made the decision for you, and you need to respect it." Sarge grumped, rising to his feet and helping Darien up.
The light that had been growing in Darien's eyes dimmed.
"It sounds like you have been forcing yourself on her, and she isn't ready to accept you yet. " Sarge pushed the iron linked hatch open, climbing out with a soft grunt.
Darien's mind was spinning morbidly again, as he followed his Sensei out of the cage.
"It's a very over used saying, but I think it works for this situation. My boy. If you love something let it go, if it comes back then it was meant to be." He stated with a sigh. Finding Darien now standing stiffly just outside the cage, contemplating his feet sadly. Looking like a guilty man about to walk to the gallows.
Sarge felt for him, truly did. First love was always the hardest to claim, and more difficult to let go of.
The camper was strangely dark, when Serena and Sammy arrived back at the trailer court. A suspicious unmarked, white van was parked out front. It had no back windows, just solid metal panels. Serena stopped instantly, bracing a hand on Sammy's chest to halt his forward progress. He cast her a curious look, then noticed the van himself his face paling. The young boy was dressed in baggy jeans, worn out white high tops and a sky blue plaid hoody. His dusty blonde hair flying in the wind, and soft blue eyes turning cold and cautious as he noticed the van.
A gust of wind blew around the trailer court, howling around the rotting remains of forgotten vehicles scattered about the oil stained dry grass. The broken down trailer's and campers of the destitute, moaning against the night as well. Carrying a warning that irrevocable change was coming for them.
The burst of wind, casting stray golden strands across Serena's face. She brushed then back, tucking them with an irritated movement behind her ears. The dull sounds of her dance music, coming from her earphones hanging around her neck, whispering in the quiet of the night. Offering not solace, from the anxiety and dread now roiling deep inside of her.
"Stay here..." She breathed, herding her little brother back behind a navy blue broken down Ford Arostar parked on the edge of the dirt road. Sitting like a rusty hulk a few sites away from their camper. Sammy hunched down low, grasping the rusted out bumper, ducking his head out nervously. As Serena casually made her way up to their temporary home. He admired his older sister, she was the bravest, strongest person he knew. Nothing shook her up for long, always there to comfort him, she always found a reason to smile. Taking on what ever crisis sprang up before them with a stoic grace, guiding and protecting him always.
As she disappeared behind the van, Sammy's heart shot into his throat like a bullet. Lodging itself there, and throbbing fiercely till his throat turned dry and sore. He was so scared and so nervous his fight or flight instincts were kicking in. His head hurt with a stressful ache, while his body was now trembling as he was forcing himself to remain in hiding.
Serena was struggling to breath normally, as she neared the van. Her knees were trembling with fear, blinking back tears trying to remain in control of her emotions. When deep down she just wanted to run away and break down and cry. They had been on the run for over two years now, she dreaded any sort of change to their everyday. This van was an omen that their lives were in flux yet again.
While Shingo had become nervous and scared of his own shadow during the uncertain life they lead. Usagi was forced to find the inner strength to deal with what came, to hold Shingo together any way she could. To endure it all in silence, so she could be the rock her little brother could draw strength from. It was her responsibility to reclaim their state of normalcy after every change. To smile and comfort him, and make everything alright.
The passenger side door to the van opened with a quite squeal, as she noticed her cautious image reflecting in the round side mirror. Her scared wide blue eyes staring back at her. Her pink hoody hanging oddly off her frame, her embroidered jeans now marred with dried mud around her thighs. Her loose golden hair dancing in the wind, wild and untamed.
A very tall man, dressed in a tan suit emerged to greet her. He had a strong , yet kind face, and gentle blue eyes. With dark brown hair, cropped smartly around his ears.
Giving her a fond smile, he thrust a hand out as he introduced himself.
"Emmett Simms. I'm from the Agency." He offered, his voice a soft baritone that spoke with a certain amount of authority; "Tsukino, Usagi...I presume?"
Usagi stood rigid, staring uncertainly at his offered hand. Swallowing her trepidation, as she slowly moved her own hand forward to grasp his. Silently introducing herself, acknowledging he assumed correctly. Her mind spinning, the last time an agent from 'The agency" as they called it. Had shown up on their doorstep, they had been relocated to another country.
For the last two years, the agency had only communicated once over that special cell phone. Telling them to move out to this trailer court. Now an agent was here...which meant their cover was indeed blown and her life here was over.
"I'm not leaving!" She suddenly pulled her hand back, glaring fiercely up at Agent Simms. Fearing that her life here was at a end, and she would be leaving everyone she had come to care about behind and confused as to where she had gone. It had been bad enough when she and her brother were forced to live within the confines of that hell hole of a camper for two months. Their father enforcing their incarceration out of fear that someone had been sent to kill them. Unable to leave and enjoy a single summer day, the camper had become it's own cell. An unjust punishment because her father had pissed off some really powerful men back in Japan. She had ended up telling the girls some story about spending the summer at her grandmother's back in Japan. She had promised herself never to allow anyone to cage her ever again. Those two months had been unbearable, feeling like a captive nearly snapping her mind and body.
"Yes...you are." He stated blandly. "Go pack your things. Ms. Tsukino. "
"You can't do this to me!" She wailed, stamping her foot like a child about to tantrum.
Emmett remained stoic and unfeeling towards her explosive tirade. Glancing mildly around the dark and dilapidated trailer court.
"Call your brother." he commanded, paying his partner sitting in the driver's seat of the van a small nod.
Usagi growled, storming into the camper refusing to listen to him. Slamming the front screen door open with her rage, a few seconds later, she found the inside of the camper had been ransacked and her father gone. Her heart already beating quickly was now slamming against her ribs in rising terror. The glass of the t.v screen was smashed, dishes and food was thrown all over the interior. The cushions of the couch and kitchen benches were slashed, stuffing laying everywhere. Their back bedroom had been destroyed. Their survival items and clothes from their army bags strewn everywhere. The two wooden drawers ripped out and their clothes dumped on the bed.
"Were's Poppa!" She shouted in a panic towards the Agent. Popping her head back out of the open doorway. Her eyes wide and full of frightened tears.
"We don't know...that's why my partner and I were sent in." Emmett commented mildly, crossing his arms over his chest.. "Your 'Poppa' has gone missing. "
Usagi swallowed hard, barely holding back her fear. Tears ebbing at the corners of her eyes, as Emmett then stalked over to the front door.
"Get your things!" He shouted in her face, losing patience.
Usagi was forced to squeeze her eyes shut, not liking his angry face so close. Cringing away slightly, as a small moan of fright escaped her tightly pressed lips. Submissively ducking back into the camper, having no real choice. She returned several minutes later with two army bags, and two black garbage bags full of their belongings. She had been so frantic about gathering things up quickly, Emmett having really scared her by shouting in her face. She failed to notice the message log on the phone. Now blinking as a tiny red light on the top of their special cell phone, now laying discarded under the kitchen table. Still connected to its little black charging cradle. That was a direct link to 'The Agency' protecting them. She had no time to wonder what had happened to her father, as Emmett tossed her bags into the back of the van then motioned impatiently for her to get inside.
She was reluctant, standing frozen before the back doors. Staring in stunned confusion at all the surveillance equipment set up in the back. When Emmett rudely picked her up, by gripping her around the waist with his two large hands. Picking her up bodily with a yelp and setting her down harshly inside the van. As she turned around to confront him on his man handling and lack of patience, she found her brother now crawling in to the hatch behind her. His blue eyes wide in fear, but having made his choice not to leave her side.
"Shingo..." She breathed, as her brother meekly walked to her side in the shadows of the van. They settled themselves down on the grey polyester bench mounted against one side of the van. She glanced around the van curiously, the opposing side of the back hatch was filled with monitor's and a long electronics board. With a single metal stool bolted into the barren iron floor. There was no barrier wall between the van's main hatch and the forward bench. She took one shallow breath after another willing her heart to calm down, as Emmett slid onto the front bench closing the passenger door with a slam. His partner was a woman, dressed in smart looking navy pants suit. With long strawberry blonde hair that curled in waves down her back. She turned to regard their passengers, her face was elegant, with wide soft brown eyes.
"Isabella Patterson." She introduced herself, giving them a warm smile, showing with that smile she meant them no harm.
Usagi hoped so, they had no choice but to go with these two for now.
As Shingo drew in close on the couch, wrapping his arms around her waist for security. She was forced to shelve her concerns about blindly leaving with two adults they didn't know. Sighing with understanding for his fear, holding him close as the van backed up and drove out of the trailer court headed who knows were.
After several minutes of continual mental stress, Usagi's body was trembling out of her control, her teeth chattering by the intense fear she was keeping contained. Shingo was just as frightened, and his sister slowly losing her cool wasn't helping any. He just held her more tightly,his eyes darting about the shadows of the van nervously.
"Were's dad?" He whispered, as Usagi had his head cradled to her chest. Petting a hand down the back of his head, attempting to soothe him and herself with the repetitive motion. The van rocking back and forth as it traveled into the city, constantly having to shift her butt on the seat. To maintain her balance, since she or her brother were not wearing any seat belts.
"I don't know...the agent said he's missing..." She blurted out, before really thinking things through. She shouldn't have told her brother that. Now he would be even more terrorfied. She instantly groaned at her stupidity.
Shingo remained silent, his mind churning a mile a minute with that horrible information. They knew very little about what had happened back in Japan. Just that bad men had killed their mother, when she was walking home from the store. They had just made it home from school that day, when their father and two american agents had greeted them at the front door. They were told to pack enough clothes, and essential for a week. Usagi had dutifully packed up the Army bag she had been given, packing up the last item her mother ever bought her. The blue silk kimono that she had been begging for. To wear at the summer festivals and the special trip to the fireworks they had planned that year. Then she had said goodbye to her room, and the only true home she would ever know. Since then they had been on the run, trying to stay hidden. Their father Kenji never spoke about what happened, but Usagi had pieced together a bit of it over the last few years. Her father was a reporter, had been a very prominent one in Tokyo. He had been investigating the Yakuza, over some illegal gambling circles in Ginza. The money trail had ended up with ties to the Diet. The Yakuza thought to silence him, by killing his wife as a show of their power. It had only back fired on them, exploding a fire storm of conspiracy against them and the Senator in question back in the Diet.
Kenji fearing that his children were next, managed to find aid in the American government. They were shipped overseas and into hiding, while a major trail was now taking place back in Japan.
She had no idea why America was helping some reporter and his family, why they got involved in the first place. She didn't know the name of the Senator on trail or the Yakuza that murdered her mother. These last few years she had just been waiting, chewing her nails with worry wishing it was over with. So she wouldn't have to be scared anymore.
The van slowed to a stop, and Emmett slid out.
"Are we there?" She called weakly to the woman driving the van
"No, sweetie we got a bit of a drive yet. Emmett's just relocating to our touring car." She offered, barely glancing over her shoulder. Before pulling out back onto the road again, with out further words.
Usagi was left again with an intolerable acid burning in her stomach, wondering if her brother and her were going someplace safe or to their deaths? It was over an hour later, driving through the dark of night, sitting in ever rising panic. Feeling cut off and secluded in the windowless cage like interior of the back hatch before her question was finally answered.
Darien had barely slept last night, still to worked up over what he was going to to about Serena. Coming to the conclusion he would focus on increasing his reputation and protect her from the sidelines. He would leave her be, not push a friendship or much else upon her. Give her the space she needed and hope like hell she came back to him.
Now sucking happily on a brown to-go mug from a local coffee shop, as he parked his truck on school grounds. Taking a moment to savour the bitter sweet liquid, mildly paying a few peers striding past his driver's side window a curt nod.
The morning light was constantly slipping behind the slowly gathering clouds, the once clear blue sky dimming into a dull weaker version of itself. The leaves on the trees that lines the parking lot were beginning to dry out and wither upon the branches. Fall was creeping into the landscape more every day, by October the harshness of winter would be lurking in the air.
He slipped out of his black truck, dressed in a pair of black jeans and a white button down shirt with a navy wool knit sweater thrown over top, as an after thought for warmth.
As he retrieved his black back pack from the crew cab, he found Andrew was sitting on the cement steps just outside the school. Those well worn steps led up to a modest side door of the High School. It would take them from the parking lot and into the main hall of the Dungeon. His best friend was dressed in a pair of dark blue plastic track pants, and a long sleeve yellow shirt with a navy t-shirt layered over top. Boasting the huge green face of Kermit the Frog. Andrew was a goof...always and forever the jester in Darien's life. Something he needed but would never admit to. If it wasn't for Andrew, easy going nature and fun loving personality always dragging him out of his brooding funks. He would have never made it this far in life, to much had been taken from him at such a young age. The burden to great, the loss to painful to deal with. Andrew had been there for him, he had given him hope. Darien could never repay the man for all he had done to for him over the years.
He wasn't alone...it was enough.
He closed his truck doors and with a resigned sigh, promised himself not to stray from his plans again. If Serena needed space he would give it to her. He just wanted her happy, even if that meant he wasn't a part of that happiness.
"Morning..." Darien muttered, taking a long sip of his coffee.
"Not a good sign man." Andrew commented, with a smirk. Standing to his feet as Darien mounted the stairs. "You haven't touched the stuff in nearly two years?"
"She's changing my life, man." Darien commented back playing the straight man.
"For the good or the bad?" Andrew responded with a smile.
"That's still up for debate." He slurped loudly from his cup, hiding his bitter smile.
Serena glowered at her face once more in her locker mirror, the bruises were healing slowly. A sick green tinge still lay beneath her now dull blue eyes. She was uncertain if it was lack of sleep from last night from being in a new house, or the stress of the trip out to that unassuming small town. That had her tossing and turning all night. Or the worries about her father...her future...or the twisted relationship she was flourishing with Darien now. All festering and writhing inside her brain, preventing her to relaxing enough to fall asleep. Either way she was an exhausted mess this morning, barely able to drag herself out of bed. But Emmett wouldn't let her lay in bed all day, forcing her like a drill sergeant to get ready, promptly driving her to school without breakfast. Stating if she had moved faster then she would have been able to eat. Her brother was scared stiff of the man already, jumpy and eager to please him. Just to avoid the man's overly aggressive, strictly regimented style parenting.
Emmett had been commanding then about since last night with a military like zeal. Serena was going along with his demands for now, feeling him and Isabella out. Giving them the benefit of the doubt that they were legit, that she could trust her life and her brother's to them.
She was dressed nicely, needing to find some silver lining to her life. She had dug out her favourite summer mini dress. A cute pink and white plaid number with a low heart shaped neckline that showed off the upper swells of her breasts, and had a very short skirt that twirled nicely when she swayed her hips. She accented the dress with her black kick pants for Cheerleading. Which hugged her finely shaped upper legs, stopping mid thigh. The rest of her slender pearl white legs lay bare, with a dainty pair of brown cross strap dress shoes. That weaved up and over her ankles, looking like something an apostle might wear. In the pictures she had seen long ago as a child in the Holy Bible her father had kept in his bedside drawer. Her family had never been loyal to either the shrines or to Catholic churches back in Tokyo. They kind of just picked and choose what aspects of those two faiths to teach to their children.
The shoes had an open toe, revealing very shiny toe nails. She had plenty of time last night with her self inflicted insomnia, to paint her toe nails pink to match her planned outfit for today. Doing up her hair in her traditional style of twin buns and tails, her outer self at least looked well put together even though her inner self was currently unravelling.
The musky smell of coffee drew her attention from the mirror, her mind was crashing already and it wasn't even home room yet. Desperate and not truly thinking things out again, she noticed Darien sauntering down the crowded hall with Andrew beside him. A brown foam coffee cup clutched in a hand, he had it poised before his lips just as he passed her locker.
Intent on ignoring her as was her wish, yet Serena had other plans. She stared hungrily at the coffee, snatching it out of his hand as he passed in front of her.
Darien spun in alarm, finding his "Simple Sweetness" dressed in the most adorable outfit to date. Mildly taking her first sip of coffee. He stood smirking at her, as she tipped the cup to her lips, her innocent blue eyes focused downward upon the dark plastic safety lid. Looking so demure and sexy in her cute little dress, her beautiful blue eyes hooded alluringly by her long dark eyelashes.
When the hot bitter flavour touched her tongue, she groaned in disgust, scrunching her face up in both pain and distaste.
"ohhhh, this is the nastiest stuff..." She complained, but instantly her head began to clear from it's exhausted fog. So she tipped the drink again to her lips, taking another painful gulp. Swallowing and complaining at the same time, yet not relinquishing the coffee.
"Sere..." Darien questioned, with a fond smile. She was casting her spell upon him again, with every sweet tone of her voice, every cute grimace of mild disgust as she consumed his morning beverage.
She merely hummed back, her face hidden behind the brown cup as she took another lingering sip.
Andrew was laughing softly beside him, taking in Serena's antics just as fondly.
"It's kinda hard to leave you alone when you steal my coffee." He finally remarked dryly.
"Easily solved." She responded in a clipped tone, turning her back on him to focus on the inside of her locker once more. Grabbed her binder and text and tucked them under an arm as she slammed her locker closed. Before merely striding away down the clogged hallway, his coffee still held hostage in her dainty little hand. Disappearing into the crowds as smooth as silk.
Andrew burst into roaring laughter, as Darien stood dumbly in the hall, his hand reaching pleadingly for her to return his precious coffee.
"What the hell did you do now...to piss her off." Andrew questioned, after he got his laughter under control.
"I kissed her." Darien responded with a dead pan expression, then left Andrew stunned speechless in the hall.
Through out the morning between classes, Serena caught Darien flirting charmingly with most of her Cheer mates in the halls. Finding they were giggling and eagerly engaging with him, matching his complements with ones of their own. Meekly brushing their hips and breasts into his near caresses, with anticipation shining in the their eyes. Of receiving more attentions from him later. At first she was annoyed at his playful behaviour, rolling her eyes and ignoring him. Which soon grew into anger as he resolutely ignored her as well. Soon devolving into a sick twisting feeling in her gut. Of all her unwanted feelings of jealousy and regret. The worst was catching him with Amelia down in the dim obscurity of the Dungeon. He had her pinned up against a set of lockers, down near the Home Economic's class. Which had been her destination for third period.
Seeing him acting so familiar with her silent nemesis, made the bile rise in the back of her throat and her skin crawl with vile goose flesh. The horrid woman was dressed alluringly in a black sweater, that fell over one shoulder and super tight jeans that covered her well muscled legs like a second skin. Serena stopped in her tracks at the base of the small set of stairs, that lead down from the main hall to the basement classrooms. Staring frozen in confusion at first, as she watched in a numbed disbelief. As he dominated the lime tinted blonde against the metal doors, with his taller body. Devouring her mouth eagerly with his own in the very same manner he had with her last night. Yet he was even more bold with the older woman, brushing a thumb over her breasts teasingly. While his other hand gripped her slender neck holding her still so he could languish his tongue within her mouth. His hands moving eroticly over the woman's more curvy body, and more ample breasts, in an endless exploration of her flesh beneath her clothes.
Making the kiss he shared with her seem caste and childish in comparison. He hadn't tried to touch anything intimate with her? Because he didn't want to...because he was not attracted to her as a woman?
It was like watching her worst nightmare come to life...she had been worried about that kiss not mattering. Knew that slapping him was rash, more likely an over reaction. To her defence she had been an emotional wreck and the last thing she needed was Darien's misplaced affections. But even those affections were now even more uncertain then they felt like last night.
Her heart clenched inside her chest, as she realized that the door to his heart was now sealed to her. That he had taken her words at face value and moved on. The understanding that they never really had a chance together was slowly crushing her as it did a year ago. Suddenly she started to gasp and struggle for breath. Clutching a hand to her breast, all blood draining from her face she dropped her books with a loud smack to the beige lino, racing off to her lemon scented sanctuary. Desperately keeping her sobs at bay until she was safely tucked away behind it's pathetic plastic walls.
Dashing into the girls washroom, her vison once more a blurry mess. She darted into a open stall, slamming and locking the door. Before breaking down upon the toilet yet again, choking and gasping in her anguish unable to catch her breath.
This is not happening...This is not happening...stupid, stupid, stupid Usagi!
She cursed herself, her inner voice raging upon her, drowning her in a tide of self loathing and brutal mental reprimands. Hating that here she sat, yet again, bawling in the toilets over a boy!
Darien bolted off Amelia at the sharp sound, his vison clearing in time to see two golden tails fluttering out of view down the side hall. Then the dull thunder of the bathroom door swinging savagely, and striking the wall, as it was pulled open in a panic.
"Fuck..." Darien ducked his head, spitting the swear out under his raised arms, which were still braced on either side of his pointless rendezvous's head.
"Darien..." Amelia, brushed her finger down his cheek seeking to draw him back to her waiting lips.
"I gotta go..." He stated, pulling away from her; "late for class..." He called absently, with a curt wave of his hand over his shoulder. Before walking briskly down the side hall. His need to punish himself with regards to Serena. Pushing him onward down the hall to endure listening to her crying horribly for a few minutes. Lurking just outside the women's bathrooms, his face bowed with a pathetic hangdog expression. It didn't take long before he couldn't stand listening to her heartache any longer, but unwilling to comfort her this time. Since she seemed never to want him around for that anymore. He slumped his shoulders in resignation, hating himself for hurting her yet again. Moving away from the bathroom, to disappear down the faintly lit back hall of the dungeon to get to his class in the machine shop.
But ally's had to be made in whatever manner was needed, Daniel was powerful at Cross Roads and Darien had a war to win. He just hoped while he was protecting Serena. He could find a way to get her to forgive him for his past and now present transgressions.
"I'm sorry...Sere..." He muttered, his voice filled with disappointment at what she saw. She had bared her heart to him last night and today he had inadvertently ripped it out yet again.
Amelia stood blinking in confusion, her cheeks flaring. More then a bit ashamed to be just abandoned in the hall. Like some second rate freshman tease. Word had gotten around how Darien Shields had out preformed Daniel out on the field yesterday. That he would become Quarter back by Homecoming, taking over the team from Daniel. When he became King, she wanted to make sure she was his Queen. Homecoming would be their crowning...
So Amelia had caught up to him down in the dungeon, having been subtly following him all morning. Wanting to get him alone and stake her claim to the most prominent fellow Senior in the School. She started a simple conversation first, then pulled him into the locker's for a much awaited kiss. She had wanted to take him for a test drive so to speak, find out if he was a decent make out artist as well as a rising football star. Darien had resisted at first, prudish or shy? She didn't care he warmed up to her alluring wiles quickly enough. Her plan had started out fine, but her seduction hadn't been flawless. Since now she was standing alone and sexually frustrated in the empty hall of the basement classrooms. But it was a start...she wasn't going to give up.
Darien found Serena again at lunch time, listening to her music. Her pink head phones glued to her ears, sitting alone at the back corner table yet again. Her focus dominated by the large window beside her, watching the leaves dart across the dirt track.
He wanted to talk to her, make things right..but she had told him to leave her alone. Yet this morning she had been playful, in that antagonizing sort of way. When she felt angry and confused about him. Never able to truly hate him, thank god.
Standing in the cafeteria buffet, he kept glancing up from his tray to her. Fighting with himself as how to deal with her, if there was even a way to make things right between them right now? Seeing how lost and sad she looked was slowly killing him inside. He wanted to run over there, apologize for kissing that slut. For kissing her last night, for not telling her how he felt. For letting her go, believing he didn't have feelings for her. To pull her up into his arms and hold tight. He just wanted her to want him in her life...
"Dammit!" He roared, slamming his empty tray down on the rolling iron bars of the front counter. Passing the middle aged cafeteria lady, dressed in her white dress and hair net a dark look. She merely stood unfazed behind the glass, ladle poised before the soup tureen, with a strange look on her aged face.
Darien stomped away after his little blow up, heading out past the line. Leaving the cafeteria through the open double doors, heading down the short hall towards the second story balcony. Raye was in line a few yards away, blending in with the throng of students. In a pair of jean overalls and dark halter top underneath, watching him leave with a calculating eye. Then ducked out of line herself, intent on calling that bastard on his shit. He was not going to play his games with Serena's heart any more!
Darien made it to the outer balcony, raising his face up with a sad, sober expression. Slowly closing his eyes to bask in the peaceful silence the empty court provided. The faint sun penetrating through the large glass skylight, that hovered over the center of the courtyards roof. Warmed his face for a moment, before he groaned unable to appreciate the solace this moment was trying to provide. The din from the crowds in the cafeteria at lunch time frayed his nerves, out here their faceless voices were just a dull whisper. He crossed his arms over the cement barrier, glowering darkly down at the scattered students milling below in the inner garden. How was he going to stop hurting Serena? Fate just seemed to throw them together at the worst of times.
"You are the biggest Ass on the planet!" A soft, snide voice spoke at his elbow.
Darien turned to glare mutely at Raye. The dark haired girl, stood her ground beside him. Dressed in a pair of jean overalls and black halter top underneath. Her face and neck was plastered with cover up concealing scratches and bruises. Her cold brown eyes holding as much strength and fury as his own. Lita may protect his 'Simple Sweetness' physically.
But Raye was the protector of her heart, and right now Darien was a breath away from a real verbal ass kicking.
"I know.." he agreed with a growl, returning his furious glare back upon the silent garden below.
"I can't believe you kissed that cow!" She shouted, leaning against the barrier, next to him.
"I can't believe I kissed that cow either!" He admitted, with a smirk towards Raye attempting to lighten his coming assault.
He realized it was a useless effort, as she narrowed her eyes threateningly.
"You know she kicked the shit out me yesterday afternoon." Raye admitted, her jaw clenching in rage at the memory of the fight. And her less then dignified performance in trying to protect herself. As Amelia straddled her shoulder blades and ground her face into the sidewalk.
"Why?" Darien inquired lightly, fights were common place at Cross Roads High. It was just how the pecking order was maintained.
"I called her a slut and a bitch on the first day of school." Raye shrugged.
"Nothing new there." Darien stated, confused as to why Amelia got so rilled over a few words that almost everyone in school called her.
Raye merely shrugged, not knowing truly herself. Figuring she was just the chosen victim for the horrible girl. To use as a symbol of her superiority and power over all the other girls in school. So she could maintain her fear quotient, and her Queen like status in the school. She had gotten into a minor confrontation with Amelia at the end of their welcome back assembly. It was just a brief stand off, bumping into each other when exiting the congested cafeteria. But Amelia had thrown an insult in a loud piercing voice, over the crowds heads towards Raye. Intending to intimate her. Just after the long ebony haired girl had managed to extract herself, from the vile woman's threatening pressence. Raye had been seeking to just fade into the crowds unnoticed, instead receiving several odd looks and snickers over Amelia's overly loud taunting. Raye had just insulted the girl back under her breath as she milled away with the crowds, but someone had over heard and reported her comments back to the Bitch in question.
"Look, Raye I was just having a bit of fun. Thats all, Serena gets way to emotional about stuff." He commented lightly.
"YOU KISSED HER!" Raye shouted in his face, making him back up a step. "Then she catches you kissing someone else...someone she hates!" She kept on getting right in his face. "You don't do that...you insensitive jerk!" She growled in frustration, poking him fiercely in the chest.
"Oww..." He moaned in mock hurt rubbing his injured chest. Then sought to defend his actions in the tried and true male way of acting uncaring.
"So..." He started indignantly, receiving a back hand upside the head. "She slapped me, and told me to leave her alone." He amended, rubbing his head ruefully.
"Do you have any idea, how long that girl has been pinning for you to kiss her!" Raye continued, casting a sympathetic look back through the cafeteria doors. At the pathetic blonde now slumped in her plastic chair. Her gaze moving sadly from her hands in her lap, to the window. Looking lost and alone at the far end of the busy cafeteria.
Darien could only stare blankly as Raye closed her eyes and took a deep breath trying to find her calm center, before she lost it and tossed the clueless bastard over the balcony. It would be a righteous killing and well worth it. She was seething with hot fury, her insides roiling with wrath. She felt ready to explode and watching Darien fall a couple stories would releave a lot of her rage right now.
"That summer...you were all she talked about. It drove me crazy! But it was the happiest I have ever seen her. Now she just seems broken..." She waved a hand frustratingly towards the blonde.
"Talk to her, fix things, don't just take the easy road and start avoiding her again. You either have feelings for her or you don't but please let her know were you stand. I can't stand to see her this way." Raye pleaded, before crossing her arms over her chest nodding her head demandingly towards Serena. Silently commanding him to go to the table and face another awkward conversation of feelings with the one woman he could never be truthful with...at least now right now.
"Hi..." Darien sat down just opposite of the down caste blonde. She paid no attention to his existence for a long time, until his penetrating stare got to be to much. Then she pulled down her head phones to acknowledge him, with a distasteful frown as if he smelled bad or something.
"Hi..." She returned curtly, picking at the table with a fingernail.
"Look I know you caught me kissing Amelia...it wasn't really as it seemed?" he started nervously, knowing damn well the Senior Cheerleader had been an amazing kisser and on some primal level he had strangely enjoyed it. But she was also a person Serena despised...and seeing them together like that must have been brutal for her. Yet Amelia was a very useful pawn to use against Daniel, since she was one of his many ex-girlfriends. Which was why he allowed himself to give into her, casting the proverbial carrot before her to use for his benefit. He already knew she was using him for something, and he was planning on using her to help protect Serena from Daniel. He wasn't going to give up that advantage just yet.
Serena raised an eyebrow in irritated disbelief that he would just deny what she had seen as some kind of fantasy.
"All right, fine. It was exactly what it seemed." Darien raised his hands in defeat. "But to my defence you told me to leave you alone, you slapped me after I kissed you and told me I was scared and I had no feelings for you." He rambled on, as she remained silent. Her gorgeous blue eyes accusing him of cheating even though they had never been dating.
"And it had been less then twenty-four hours since you had any female contact of any kind! So naturally you jumped at the chance to lip wrestle with the next available female!" Serena growled, her voice rising with hurt.
"No!..." Darien growled back, leaning over the table to confront her.
"Was our kiss so meaningless...just some ordinary encounter, easily forgotten?" She questioned, her voice wavering.
"You stopped the kiss, not me." Darien proclaimed, crossing his arms and leaning back into his chair with satisfaction as her accusing manner deflated into a defensive posture.
"Last night was not the time to start proclaiming your feelings for me!" She relented.
"Who said anything about feelings?" Darien shot back, giving her an arrogant smirk. Escalating this argument with his pompous attitude.
"I..." Serena tried to keep arguing but his denial yet again, chilled her heart as it did that summer.
"Perhaps if you stuck around, and actually reciprocated any loving feelings back maybe I might have told you how I felt for you." He continued in whining defensive tone, biting hard on his resolve to finish this. To push her away, to keep her heart safe from further pain. He had to keep her at arms length for now. If they were meant to be, things would work out for the good. If not he had to find the strength to let her go. When the time was right, when he had conquered the school, then he could make her his with out worry. Until then the many unseemly tasks he had to accomplish during his conquest. Would only continue to cause such a sweet and compassionate girl like her further confusion and anguish.
She jumped up from her seat, hot tears welling in her eyes. Her chair scraping along the floor in her haste to stand, to tower her small frame over his arrogant one in defiance.
"You are such an Anata!" She voice rising, nearly shouting in her rage. "How could you just turn that kiss around on
me...you bastard. " She hissed, her voice low and dangerous. Barely able to form words she was so livid. Then stormed over to the other side of the table, hands balled up into fists at her hips, face red with fury, while her eyes were shimmering with regret.
"I don't want you to have feelings for me...I don't want you at all!" She screamed in his face, tears now rolling unhindered down her face.
"You called me scared..." Darien stated, his hot breath mixing with her's. Making her heart quicken, and her own breath to become shallow. "I think you were the one who got scared." His fathomless blue eyes pierced her with such certainty in the statement she gasped in fright, slowly backing away. Then turned and ran from him, her mind now whirling with strange thoughts that maybe he was right. With all that had been going on in her life, perhaps she was the one scared of her feelings. Perhaps she wasn't ready for love, she might never be ready to handle such an intense feeling with him.
Darien took one breath after another, trying to settle his heart. Standing now unmoving beside his chair. Trying to control how his body was trembling, the roar of fear in his ears. Watching her leave in such a tragic state, a silent torture upon his spirit.
It was better this way...he hoped. If she hated him, there was less chance for her be hurt by him in the future. The logic wasn't perfect, but it was all he had right now. He wanted his girl out of harms way.
But some of what he said was the truth as he saw it, she was scared of him. For many more reason's then just his love that he kept safely hidden.
Raye caught her as she dashed out of the cafeteria, sending him a look of disgust and utter disbelief that he would be so cruel to her yet again. With a protective arm draped over Serena's shoulder's, allowing the smaller girl to hide her face against her overalls bib. She softly guided the blonde away down the short hall and out towards the second stories inner balcony.
Cheer practice had just ended and Serena was headed up the bleacher's narrow stairs, to visit with Amy and Raye. Who were huddled up once more on the top row, both in their fall jackets and jeans. Raye was a deep red, with a thin hood covered in white faux goose down. Amy was hiding from the cold fall wind in her heavy brown leather mid length jacket. With a folded collar, she now had flipped up to protect her neck. The thick jacket bunching up around her waist, a belt accented the short bottom hem. Making the usually mousey girl look, sexy and dangerous.
Mina had become part of the group, fitting in with her old friends easily. The honey blonde followed sombrely after her. Having heard from Serena how she caught Darien sucking face with Amelia in the hall. The fellow freshman, passed their so called, Cheer Queen a cold look as she started to leave the field with the rest of squad. Moving purposefully into the exiting football player's path, seeking out one in particular.
Serena made it up several rows, watching sadly as she spotted Darien dressed in his blue and red jersey. The pads and shoulder guards underneath making him look bulky, and sharply angular along his torso. Leaving the field, with his arm wrapped possessively around Amelia's shoulders. His face hot from running, ebony hair damp hanging over his eyes. In that charming, rouge like way she found so appealing. A fond smile spreading over his lips, as he gazed down at the swooning girl in his arms. The girl that wasn't her...
Serena's gut hurt with crushed hopes, a dull burning ache that had only grown worse as the day continued. She couldn't watch as he left with another woman, especially one so mean and vile as Amelia. So she cast her eyes down, watching her white tennis shoes plod up the stairs. Her chest tight and aching as her heart fluttered painfully.
Regretting her words, and her actions, her whole being was shivering with the cold...hugging herself tightly she firmly avoided looking at him any longer. The flimsy cheer uniform, with her wine red body suit, sleeveless white vest accented in blues and red and mini skirt did nothing to block the wind. But her chill was more then the fall air, she had felt something dieing between her and Darien today.
She had told him she had moved on, to leave her alone. He was now doing just as she asked...and it was killing her. After a few moments she felt he had left her line of sight, and it was safe. So she raised her eyes from the bleacher's finding bitterly a beige Ford Taraus Sedan parked across the street.
With the tall, broad chested agent, with the short cropped dark brown hair. Who was now her Guardian, leaned casually against the driver side door. In his plain unassuming beige suit with a black turtle neck tucked underneath his suit jacket. His steel blue eyes focused intently on her, a stern no nonsense air about his stiff frame. Commanding her with a look to move quickly to the car.
"I gotta go." she stated quickly to Raye and Amy. Turning on her heel with out further explanations, and jogged back down the stairs.
Raye, Amy and Mina watched in confusion as Serena grabbed her tan over the shoulder satchel. That had been tossed to the grass near the sidelines and darted off the field. It was unusual for her not to hang out at least for a little bit.
Raye and Ami stood up to watch her cross the street, and duck into the open back door of a Sedan. A man they didn't recognize closed the door behind her then slid into the driver's seat. The car roared away from the school moments later.
Darien had left Amelia at the front gates, finding an avenue of escape by veering from her to strike up a conversation with Chad and Greg. A couple of his new friends on the football team, who were leaning against the red brick of the privacy fence. Still in their uniforms not yet making it on school grounds yet.
Darien had been discussing with fake excitement,the party happening out at the 'Rocks' after the friday game. An ancient labyrinth of rock formations situated in a nearby valley. Full of sand stone caves, and hollowed out arches hidden within the brush lands just a bit further north from the city. Many archeological digs had occurred out there. Unearthing everything from dinosaur bones to arrow heads.
He was in the middle of taunting Greg about getting himself laid in one of those caves, when a set of golden tails caught his eye. He raised his head from Greg in time to watch curiously. As Serena darted swiftly across the street, as if something horrible was chasing her. Her fear clear in her frantic pace, she ducked quickly into the back seat of a beige car just down the street. A dark brown haired man with an air of authority, slammed her door shut and just as swiftly slid into the driver's seat. Squealing out of his parking spot, with all the skill of a race car driver. Roaring away down the busy avenue that the Schools were built on.
"What the hell..." Darien remarked, his hackles rising at the very sight of that man. Something serious had happened to his 'Simple Sweetness' in the last twenty-four hours?