Chapter 11

AN: I might be taking a few liberties with this chapter... Let it be please.

"I'm not going to fire her, Dymion." Andrew said for the tenth time. "It might have been wrong for her to do that, but I stake my reputation on this, she's the best bet of keeping you alive. I've been getting letters asking for you to step down or else there'd be consequences. The threats aren't directed at me, but I still have more bodyguards than I'm pleased with at the moment."

"Give me real ones, give me a hundred, I don't care! I just don't want Serenity here anymore."

"I'm sure there's a reason why she did what she did. I'm sorry, but she's staying put. Look, if it makes you feel any better... I'll talk to her about this. She has been different this time and I'm not sure what it is. It might have been a mistake. Give her a chance to explain."

"I don't want her to. I want her gone. She's been lying to me at every moment she can. I dislike this tight confine that she's put around me."

"That doesn't sound much like the Serenity I know. She's bright, outgoing, caring. She worries about the small details. This isn't your first rodeo with a female, what makes this one harder to pretend with?"

"The fact that I hate that word in this scenario. I wanted a chance with her months ago but I didn't know who she was and I put it off. Then I learned that she'd been put there systematically to ensure that my interest would be snared."

"Dym-" Andrew's voice held all the concern that Endymion needed to hear. He was suddenly wising up to Endymion's plight and was trying to find the best way to broach this. "I don't know why she's doing this, but there's always a reason behind everything she does. Continue going with the flow, and everything will smooth itself out."

"I hate all the publicity." Endymion argued.

"There's got to be a reason." Andrew insisted. Then he started chuckling. "I'm loving the photo of the two of you on the rags."

Endymion groaned and dropped his face into his hands. "That was sure some kiss." Endymion agreed. "But I'm sure you know all about it."

"Actually I don't." Andrew dropped in his lap. "Serenity never kissed me."

"I've- it's hard to explain."

"You've got feeling for her. In fact I'd almost even say that she does things to you that no other female has managed to do to you. I've never seen you like this before and I have a feeling that its something you don't want to acknowledge."

"I'll acknowledge it all right, but it's completely one sided."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Positive. She made it completely clear a few times now. I was just too dumb not to listen. What would she want with a boring Ambassador anyway? I wouldn't be surprised if I were her most bull-headed client."

"I'm sure you're not." Andrew chuckled. "I don't know who she's worked with before, but I don't think all would have kept their distance and their comments quite to themselves the way you have. However perhaps your right to stay away. She's doing a job and these things might get a little tricky with being practically on top of each other. It might just be a location and situation problem." There was something in his voice that Endymion couldn't quite place, but his heart came up with a word that he knew not to be true, but had to investigate anyway. Was Andrew, Jealous?

"Drew, I don't know how you came out of this type of situation completely unscathed." Endymion complained, throwing his head down onto top of his folded arms with a groan. "I was already falling for her before the forced close-quarters. But to think that's she's had several hundreds of male clients-"

"I wouldn't say that I did either." Andrew commented lightly but that didn't go unnoticed by Endymion, not in the least. The dark haired man's head shot back up and he fixed Andrew with a steely hiss, daring him to not go on as he waited for the sound to come from the other end of the line. "Not that Sere gave me any motivation to feel that way. She was always perfectly friendly and that was the problem. She treated everybody with that unfailing polite charming manner. The only difference I could see between me and a hundred other males was that she actually deemed it important to spend time with me. More than the others at any rate. I thought that meant something more. Remember I didn't know who she was the entire time. But she didn't give any indication that she was aware of my feelings either.

When I'd attempted for something more, she somehow managed to maneuver it to make it seem like I was turning her down. Rather, telling her that my feelings weren't that deep and there was nothing to come of it. It was then that I realized she was right and I was feeling more of a warm feeling because she chose to spend a bit more attention on me than the others. I thought that maybe it was because we were both fluent in our same language.

I am glad that I kept talking to her, she wouldn't let it be any other way, and we formed a very strong friendship. I'm thankful for that friendship. Sometimes I think she knows me better than any one else in my life. She certainly knows how to get me to relax. I wouldn't think that you have to worry about anyone that has been her client in the past to harbor intense feelings for her, not that she would ever entertain the notion for a single one of them for longer than a minute. She would have put an end to their desires before they even realized they began."

"That doesn't mean anything."

"I think it does." Andrew begged the differ. "I haven't seen her since our time together, except for the other night with you weeks ago, but there was a difference. I've never seen her act like that around anyone. She was a bit more high-strung. She completely ignored you on several different moments. She made an obvious showing of interest in me by sitting near me first. If that wasn't enough, for Serenity never tries to make anyone feel left out and she didn't succeed very well with you, as she felt guilty for trying, then the constant touching of you added all the weight it needed."

"What are you talking about?"

"From the moment she came back from her meeting she was holding your arm, holding your waist, letting you bring her close. Sitting at your side, touching your hair. Walking with you to the door and standing within breathing distance to you as I left, not to mention the touching as you went back in. There were other moments, when you weren't looking at her but she was. She was watching you with an intensity her job does not require."

"I'd say all of that is BS." Endymion argued. "She's done nothing but insult me."

"Now who's BSing?" Andrew countered softly. "She has thrown you back-handed compliments left and right. For a girl who cannot sit still and be alone, calling you boring was just a self-defense method for hiding what she really meant, someone who is content to be on their own. Something she admires a great deal. Then she called you the complete opposite of boring in my presence. Then she even told you that you weren't to your face. Not many people subterfuge her orders and she was probably thrilled by it."

"None of that means anything." Endymion grumbled. "She's seeing Jeb."

Andrew started laughing. "That is the most ridiculous statement I've ever heard. Ask her about him when the time's right. Hell, don't ask, just act. She'll respond, I guarantee it. Just... don't insult him, will you? He might not be her boyfriend or anything sordid as that, but she will take you down for insulting him or one of her friends." Endymion could hear Andrew shake his head.

"I'm now more confused than ever. Are you saying I shouldn't pursue this or that I should?"

"I'm saying that I can see both sides and really it is up to you to figure out how to go about this. I have never seen her behave with anyone else the way I have seen her do with you. Anyone else and you wouldn't be having this conversation with me as we are. You would know how both of you feel and would be at peace with it."

"The only one who isn't at peace is Serenity." Endymion grumbled. "Now because of the way she's made me angry with denying what I obviously know was there last night, I can't even say that with confidence."

"Give her time. She sticks by her principles like a priest. The two of you were drinking last night and you're in a vulnerable position, she might not want to take advantage."

"I have a hard time believing any of that." Endymion huffed in frustration. "If anyone were taking advantage-"

"Yeah." Andrew laughed agreeing with Endymion's unspoken assessment. "But I've got to get going. Got a country to run and everything like that."

"All right, just make sure that you keep it in one piece until I get a chance to leave." Endymion teased.

"Will do." Andrew hesitated before signing off the call. "You'll be all right, won't you?"

"Yeah. I might have to make some changes with my guards, but I wont try to give them the slip." Endymion answered.

"That's not what I meant." Andrew's tone was a bit accusatory.

"I know." Endymion ground out. "But its no longer, if it ever were, in my hands. She can do whatever she wants for all I care, as long as it doesn't include me."

He heard it in Andrew's voice even though the man didn't say anything, that he was disappointed. "Ok, cheers mate, see you tonight." Andrew would be at the ceremony officiating.

Almost as soon as he hung up the phone there was a knock at his door. "Come in." Endymion called, not wanting to talk to anyone but having no choice in the matter. It was the one he least wanted to see. "Serenity." He greeted coolly, ignoring her as much as he could.

"Endymion-" She ventured, sounding unsure. He willed his eyes not to look at her, she was a phenomenal actress. "Look, about yesterday and this morning, I'm sorry." That wasn't good enough. She came up to his side and reached a hand out to put on his shoulder. "Really I am. I had no right to act that way at any time. I shouldn't have orchestrated a photo shoot like that, but people were beginning to wonder if we really were an item or if friendship was about as far as we could claim. I was hoping that the kiss would be a little less sensational and while we were dancing or laughing, something impulsive and easily brushed aside as friendly in our eyes but more in the public's. The last thing I wanted was for people to think there was a rift between us, so I acted impulsively and kissed you. I shouldn't have done it." Something in her words didn't ring true to him and he wasn't sure if it was on her end or if it was because he wanted it to mean more than she said.

Endymion bristled a little. "I don't care." He shifted his arm away from her hand and she stood there for a long time, not saying anything. Probably thinking how best to spin this.

He glanced unnoticed at her and she looked forlorn. Then he saw her shoulders go back in his periphery and she was setting herself for what she was going to do next. She was determined. "I am sorry. Truly. This is a working relationship and I let it get the better of me and I didn't take into account your feelings on the matter. From now on I will not tip off any journalists. If they capture pictures of us together it will not be my doing. Or if I think it is necessary to have a few photographs crop up, I will warn you of their presence ahead of time and tell you what they're there for."

"That's all I can ask." He murmured, looking at the speech Tony had whipped up for him. It was pretty good but Endymion had a few things he wanted to change. Usually he wrote his own but this one was so cookie cutter that he felt confident to put it in his secretary's hands.

Serenity turned stiffly around and left the room, taking all the warmth and light with her. She plunged him into a silence that he had never noticed before. He ignored it and continued working. Half an hour later there was another knock. He didn't tell them to come in and they didn't wait either.

Jeb was the one to grace him with his presence this time and he smiled ruefully, knowing he wasn't Endymion's favorite and probably wasn't to be received too warmly. "I wanted to have a word." Jeb held his palm open and the earpiece was in his hand. "Alone."

Endymion gestured to the seat across from him. "By all means."

Jeb sank down into it and a wry grin plastered on his features as he realized the old trick that the chairs did but he didn't comment on the cliché. "It's about Serenity."

"I don't wish to speak about her."

"Well then, just listen." Jeb told him succinctly, not being waylaid by Endymion's clipped tones. Endymion supposed more than one could play that game. He inclined his head, but his eyes went back to his papers. "You have to give her a break. She's got a lot on her plate, more than I can share. That's not an excuse but a plea. She looks like she's handling all of it effortlessly and I almost believe that but something's been off on your case and she's completely aware of it, causing a bit more stress than she's used to."

"This has nothing to do with me. Nor why I should give her a break. I haven't done anything to warrant such accusations in the opposite."

Jeb smiled. "Yeah, I see it now." The comment had no baring with what Endymion just said or anything Jeb said either, the man had spoken out loud to himself. "You might be right, but holding last night over her head has got to stop. She is trying to save your life and she can't do that from the other side of the house."

"This has not stopped her before our disagreement."

"No, but you don't know how she operates. Not all of us agreed with her ploy last night. She's been berated by all four of us for what she did, and you have every right to be angry with her. She acted inappropriately in one way but her role dictated what she had to do, so we let up. Your refusing to talk to her is the last thing she wants and it harms the image she's worked so hard to obtain in the public sphere. She hates it when anyone she knows, and respects, is angry with her. So please rethink your stance. I can guarantee it won't happen again, she can guarantee it as well."

Endymion sat back and looked over at Jeb, weighing his words. On the one hand, he could see Jeb's point. This wasn't conducive to a working relationship but at the same time, the problem was he wanted it to happen again. "We will maintain the facade in public." He slowly allowed. "But I need time to cool off. I'll think about what you've said."

Jeb nodded and stood up. "That's all I can ask for."

"It surprises me that you would be the one to come and talk to me." Endymion inserted before Jeb could replace the earpiece.

Jeb lifted a blond brow over blue eyes. "Oh?"

"What with your relationship with her, I wouldn't have thought that you'd be lobbying for a closer one between the two of us. I would have thought you'd be glad that we were at odds."

"Its not good for business to have unhappy clients." He smiled cheekily, giving nothing away to Endymion's subtle probing. "Nor to have an unhappy Serenity. I'll see you around." He gave a mock salute and wandered off.

Endymion glanced at the clock. He had to go take a shower and change so he'd be ready within the next hour or so to go. The speech was good enough, he'd have to give more time to the future ones, Tony was good but not as good as Endymion would have hoped.

He saw Nic on the way to his rooms and the other man smiled. Endymion returned the gesture. "Oh, did you want me to run an eye over the speech?" He asked, fulfilling his role as secretary, but he was only supposed to be the mediator between Tony and Zed.

"Sure. It's on my desk." Endymion gave him his thanks and went upstairs. Tonight was semi-formal, before and after the ceremony there would be drinks, dinner and music. He saw a flash of gold disappear down the hall and he wondered if Serenity was on her way to get ready as well. As his date for the night, she'd have to appear his equal. Knowing what looks she'd worn in the past, he didn't have a worry about that. She was a complete chameleon yet unable to completely disappear. Everyone knew her face.

Endymion was finishing up, applying cufflinks to his sleeves and walking out of his room. Serenity's was further down but she happened to come out at the same time. She looked startled and started apologizing about the near run in. He had to remind himself to pick his jaw up from the ground. He had trouble clearing his throat and it took a few starts before he was able to accurately express himself. "You look-" He completely forgot about his anger until just then and he snapped himself into a straight position. "Passable." That was the biggest understatement of the year! She not only looked gorgeous, but she looked sexy as hell to boot!

"Gee, thanks." Serenity smiled tightly. Her eyes flicking to his wrists. "Need any help fastening them?" They might be a bit old school, but they added a bit of pizzazz. He held out his right arm for her to do up, it was more difficult for him than his left. He almost thought it was a mistake when her hands deftly did it up, but her fingertips still brushed the sensitive skin at his wrist.

Where she touched, it felt like scorch marks. Though her hands were still cool, his blood rushed up to meet each smooth strike against his skin. He pulled away from her almost unwillingly and nodded curtly. "Thank you." He turned and made his way back down the stairs. He knew Serenity was following him in her- was it black or was it cerulean?, gown. Depending on the angle, the color was completely different. He wasn't sure how that could be, especially such vividly contrasting colors. The material itself was whisper thin. The only thing she could possibly wear under it was a perfectly matching body-glove. The dress clung to all her curves yet it didn't look uncomfortable in the slightest. He had to swallow painfully to even begin thinking of other things that could distract him from his imagination on what she wore underneath.

Near the door, he waited for her to put on her shoes. When she bent, he was aware of the dental-floss strapped, highest yet, heels. So when she stood, she would be practically walking on the tips of her toes. He noticed in that moment that her legs were bare and were tanner than anyone in England had a right to be.

He cleared his throat when she saw him noticing her and raised an eyebrow in question. "Do you use self-tanning lotion or do you run off to the salon every time you're out of my sight?" The tan wasn't from a bed or from the non-existent sun, there was no pealing or shedding or spots that accompanied such behavior. Though he had seen her outdoors most of the day, as long as it wasn't raining or they weren't in his office. That time outdoors might have contributed to a shade darker than the normal British complexion but couldn't account for hers.

Confusion still graced her features and then the cloud cleared and a smile blossomed in its place. This was the one she usually reserved for him and he wondered if it was because he was so daft and she was amused. "I've told you, I'm part Native American."

"You also said that was ages ago." He countered.

She shrugged her one bare shoulder, looking back at him innocently. "Some traits carry on from one generation to the next. I'm not nearly as dark as my ancestors but its still there. Other traits choose to express themselves randomly, with no real rhyme or reason to it, but its in the genetic pool, so its a contributor. For example, neither of my parents are a natural blond and before you ask, yes, they are both my biological parents."

"But there was blond somewhere in your gene pool?" Endymion asked noticing the height gain as she rose to her feet, the top of her head almost reached his nose rather than his chin like her regular heels.

"The gene, sure, the color, eh." She made a hand gesture rocking it from side to side as well as pulling a face. "My maternal great-grandmother was as blond as... well, the British are pale." She laughed at an inside joke, he wasn't sure he got the full impact of it but he got not only the origin but the humor. The confusion must have been on his face because she grinned wryly. "Jeb's Australian."

That made things a hundred times clearer. Endymion nodded and reluctantly held out an arm for her, afraid she would topple over without his support. She took it gratefully, though she was still very graceful when she walked without it. "And the eyes?" He asked leading her down the path to the car. They were unique and never a color he'd seen in someone's face before. The blue was an ancient color, somewhat like antique furniture, faded but knowing at one time it had been vibrant as some strands still maintained that color. It was not only unique, but he couldn't help but recognize that they were stunning.

"They are exactly the same as my mother's and her father before her and her grandfather before him and so on."

"Do you get anything from your father?" He teased, opening the car door and helping her into the seat. He moved quickly to his side before she answered and she waited to do so rather then letting it drop.

She grimaced. "My height."

"Your mother was the tall one?"

"Unfortunately, and no, she did not pass that on, at least- nevermind."

Endymion nodded during the drive to the conference and party gathering thereafter. He was thinking quickly, she was in a rare form where she didn't mind him asking too many personal questions and not getting bored with the topic instantly. Usually he'd get an answer or two and then she'd switch subjects, never to be reclaimed again and he was so interested to know all he could. Generally she was peppering him about personal details. She wasn't going to share the rest of that last thought, but he had more questions. "Was there anything good, in your mind, that he passed on?"

"My winning personality?" She batted her eyelashes at him and suddenly he knew that frank honesty was coming to a close about her and her family. She'd hide the rest now in flippant comments like that one, honest sure, but completely? That was a bit harder to judge.

"I think that probably came from your mother as well." A corner hitched up on the side of her face and he wondered if he hit the nail on the head with that one.

"The incessantly upbeat aspect, probably." She agreed reluctantly. "The sweetness actually came from my father."

"You're sweet?" Endymion choked out and he laughed when she glared at him. "Ok, you have your moments. When you're not laughing at me for doing something incredibly stupid or saying something dumb."

"Then by the way you speak, it means that I'm never sweet." There was a slight frown the the corners of her mouth and then she shrugged. "Perhaps then that you don't warrant any sweetness." She said glibly but the sting was taken out of her words by her over the top cheesy grin.

"Sometimes your frank analysis and openness makes we wonder exactly how effective you can be in the field. It also makes me wonder why you aren't dead yet. Even if you weren't hiding your secret job from them and doing illegal things."

His eyes slid across the car to her and something in his look told her that it was not said in spite, but that her personality was unlike any he'd come across before. She amused and amazed him and she was always doing so.

They arrived far too early to the ceremony for Endymion's peace of mind. He wasn't worried about addressing the people or even the duties that would face him once he completely stepped into his new role. Rather he wished to retain the laid back atmosphere they obtained in the silence and seclusion of his two seater. They were never going to be alone for the rest of the evening and he didn't know if any point in the future they could recapture this. It was a turning point of sorts and they were both vaguely aware of it and hadn't shied away. That didn't mean though once they left the car, they would both come together with the same mentality again.

There was very little choice though, they couldn't just sit in the car for the rest of the evening, Endymion had his duties and Serenity's door was being opened by Kai. He and Nic had followed behind. Jeb was already inside, waiting for them to arrive as he scouted it out ahead of time and ensured it was safe to come. Zed was monitoring the roads, news and police scanners. He had no real reason to be with Serenity tonight as it had nothing to do with her and everything to do with Endymion. This was a well advertised event and if anyone was going to attack him, this was one time they knew exactly where he'd be and when. The same couldn't even be said at his place of residence or office. In those situations there was always the possibility of being drawn away from a room or building altogether without warning. Here he was required and it was systematically planned out for every second.

There were many other bodyguards at the gathering tonight. Some were for Endymion and the others were for Andrew. He had said that his guards were mostly hired through Serenity's company. Endymion could spot the obvious ones and the not as easily viewed were exactly that. He knew what to look for in some cases but if Andrew had more than he could see, Endymion was not positive he could say one way or another.

Andrew came over to greet him. On his arm was a very tall, very beautiful blond. It was with some surprise that Endymion saw Kai stiffen and a glare he had never seen before crossed the large man's features. If he had been in Andrew's shoes, he might feel nervous. The glare Kai was giving his blond friend was equivalent to a death stare. In all truthfulness, Andrew should be dead.

It was odd though because he thought the two men got on well enough. Kai had guarded Andrew in the past and when they had met again at the house, they seemed on friendly terms. He heard Serenity's brittle laugh just then and she extracted herself from his side to take the other woman's arm. "Come along now Mina, lets leave the men to... talk." She gave a pointed look at Kai and then shuffled the tall blond away.

Endymion wished he could be a bug and overhear their conversation, but Jeb and Nic had that pleasure while Kai stayed back with him. Andrew looked over to Kai with a smile but it melted off his naturally cheery face when he saw the black look in return. "I'm sorry?" Andrew ventured without even knowing what or even if, he had done something wrong. Kai's features cleared a little at the apology and he nodded stiffly. "We'll talk later." Andrew promised the brute of a bodyguard.

Endymion and Andrew walked away from Kai and Endymion asked what everyone was thinking. "What was that about?"

"I'm not sure, Mina had said something about her boyfriend being temporarily assigned to England... but I hadn't made the connection. She wanted to come and meet the newest Ambassador and so I invited her along."

"What's her job?" Endymion asked dryly and when Andrew gave him a disbelieving look he scowled. "What?"

"She's the most sought after model in the world right now. If someone manages to score her to do a shoot, they're lucky. Though she does always acknowledge her starters and if they want her, they get first priority unless she's already on site with another agency or photographer."

"I thought Serenity-"

Andrew shook his head. "She dabbles in it, but Mina's job is modeling. Serenity's a lot more fussy about what she poses in front of the camera for."

Endymion's scowl deepened, his earlier anger at the girl resurfacing. Seems she didn't have any problem posing for the camera if it meant to cement their arrangement to the press. Andrew seemed to recognize it as well and the reason behind it. He tried to feebly change the topic, but Endymion waved his concern away and forced a brighter look onto his features. Serenity had apologized at large about it and they'd come to an understanding. He shouldn't hold this over her head anymore, though he would be a bit more cautious about where they were and what they did. Though she had promised and from what he had seen she stuck to those. "How do they know each other then?" Endymion gestured towards the blonds, so disproportionally off even if the technical coloring was the same. On a license, both would read blond hair, blue eyes. But that seemed like such a vast simplification.

Serenity had frog marched the other blond away with a serious face, something both funny and surprising, Serenity even with her heels only came up to Mina's shoulder. Mina was probably nearer Endymion's height, yet still shorter by several inches. Though the tall model was wearing heels as well, though not quite as ridiculous. Endymion wouldn't go so far as to call her... skinny. She was thin and fit but there was definite appeal to her shape and softness. Then he could suddenly put his finger on it, she had a volleyball figure. Tall, thin and fit but only because she was active. His eyes didn't remain long on the taller one, she was probably on the shorter side of models. 5'8, maybe 5'9, at most 5'10 before the heels.

His eyes kept going instead to the short one of the two, the one that was all the right curves but it was more than that. It was the personality imbued behind her eyes, the vibrant, cheerful, fun-loving nature. The caring, sensitive girl that she didn't want people to really see, but wanted to put enough of it out there so nobody would take her too seriously, but just seriously enough. The way she could manhandle someone was charming, though nobody had seen the strength in her fingers as she pulled the other girl with her. He saw all of that when he looked at her, and it made him long to touch the goodness in her. To know she was real and not a figment of his imagination.

She had been concerned about Kai, he had seen that clear enough, and saw it now too, as her eyes kept flickering to the man brooding in the corner, but watching all that went on as well. Nic was slowly making his rounds towards Endymion, the only one who could reasonably do it without Serenity's presence.

"Well, she has worked with Serenity in the fashion world on many occasions. I suppose I should have realized Mina was talking about Kai. The description she gave me was spot on when I asked about him. But her nickname for him is-"

"Let me guess?" Endymion asked, seeing the taller one laugh loudly and she seemed just as bubbly as Serenity. "Ke-ke?"

"No, just K. I thought it was for k-a-y, but I guess she just calls him by his first initial."

"For some reason I can't see Kai letting just anyone change his name or a name so antagonistic if said wrong."

"I can't believe that she's dating him. Though I suppose it makes sense in a way, always running into each other whenever she sees Serenity, and he is big and-" Andrew made some type of gesture with his hands that was supposed to describe for him where words failed about Kai's body and appeal but the gesture didn't really make sense and Endymion couldn't even begin to describe it. Andrew sighed. "It's just the way the world works sometimes."

Endymion was glad to see that Andrew didn't say anything about the fact that Kai was a lowly bodyguard, but then Endymion reminded himself, that Kai wasn't that either. He was like Serenity, bodyguard was just his cover. He wondered, for the millionth time, just what they all did when they weren't hiding behind these covers.

Nic made his presence known and nodded at Andrew's words. "I can't either. The little bastard hid it from all of us. Or rather, all but Serenity. He probably spilled the whole thing out to her the moment it happened and not because he only told her so he could get the days off when Mina was in the same city."

Endymion couldn't help but laugh at the last half hour's conversation. These guys were too much and way too involved with each other's lives. Though he supposed, that's what made them seem like a family, the fact that they cared so much about each other. Even when it was inconvenient sometimes. He'd noticed too, that this group, Serenity and her four male entourage seemed the most cohesive of the group of bodyguards there tonight. Even though most were on Serenity's payroll either for himself or Andrew, those five moved with a fluidity and respect that he didn't see with any of the others. Especially none that weren't hired by her company.

Someone almost bumped into Endymion but Nic moved him out of the way in time and the person looked up in surprise to the near miss. "Oh!" It was an older gentleman with a woman similar to his age on his arm. Both were well dressed but a bit gaudy since they were so old, but still somewhat nice. "My dear, this is the English Ambassador for the Middle East and Africa." He informed her. "Though I read something about you in the newspaper, just the other day-" He frowned, thinking.

"I will be changing locations." Endymion supplied helpfully, though the announcement would be made official only in the next hour or so. He was supposed to be circulating with the guests and then he would disappear to only be introduced on stage again by Andrew. He wasn't supposed to be here talking to the man.

"Oh really? I suppose that could be it. I really thought though it involved a woman. I have been saying to my wife for the last five years that it is such a shame that a handsome man like you doesn't marry." He patted the woman's hand. "This is he, Martha."

"Pleasure to meet you both." Endymion didn't want to respond to the marriage pitch again. He'd heard it a hundred times before. He just wasn't interested right now.

Martha took up her husband's mantle. "Yes, dear, you have. I quite agree young man. There is absolutely no reason that you cannot at least marry before you're thirty. You seem to be catch enough for any woman and you just need to pick one. Draw her name out of a hat if you must, but do get married."

"I'm not going to pick a wife out of a hat." Endymion protested good-natured. "I'd at least look her up online."

"That's it!" The man jabbed his finger at Endymion. "The woman I saw with you in the paper. She's here tonight! I just saw her not too long ago. Perhaps you can make it up to her and apologize for whatever you did wrong. Martha, what is that woman's name, the one that you talk about insistently? The one who you can't stop singing her praises?"

"Who?" Martha thought for a moment but then she brightened. "Serenity's here?"

"Yes, she is." Endymion agreed and pointed them in the right direction, hoping that would keep Serenity out of his hair for awhile.

Nic looked at him like he was crazy. "Serenity's going to kill you for that."

"What? It's not like she doesn't like the attention and she'll be as sweet as pie to them." That much he knew was true. Whether or not she'd enjoy having to talk to an old couple, well that was kind of iffy. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Serenity talking to the couple, she sent him an amused glance back, probably being told that Endymion was sorry for whatever pig-headed thing he'd done, the bone-head. Mina was no longer with her, but she wasn't with Andrew either.

Endymion found Mina and Kai together near a darkened corner though they were not doing anything, just talking and Kai's arm was about Mina's waist. The way though that Mina held herself against Kai suggested a sensuality that had far more expertise than any woman Endymion had seen before. She did it in a way that was seductive and yet completely innocent to the casual observer. Kai seemed adapt at handling her, though Endymion was sure that Kai was having trouble concentrating on his duty, but he was still keeping an eye on things.

Endymion felt a warm body at his elbow then and he thought for sure that it was Serenity coming to tell him that it was time for them to go on to the next part of the evening, but when he glanced down, he encountered a chest that should have been where Serenity's eyes were meant to be. Nic straightened out and started coming towards them. Someone was far too close to their charge.

This woman was tall, even without her heels she was just short of his own height. With her heels she was staggering. If he thought that Serenity was generously blessed with her curves, and she was, this one had too much. For him at any rate. She had them on display in none of the subtly that Mina nor Serenity showcased theirs. The front end was not only a 'V' but also cut across the chest just above indecent. If she moved the wrong way it might be considered as such. He only took this in because he had accidentally looked at it. He didn't usually ogle a woman's assets. Though he made an exception for Serenity. He'd been physically attracted before, sure, but he didn't do it quite as obviously as he was now or some of his male counterparts. His eyes flickered up, wondering if it was a constituent that had something of importance to talk to him about.

He looked troubled at the woman as her green eyes held his, he recognized her from somewhere. Where-? But before he could ask, Nic came up and started flirting with the woman. Subtly moving the woman away from his side. It wasn't like they could very well surround him at a party without giving the game away.

Endymion was still mulling over who the woman was, she looked like she was enjoying her flirt with Nic, but she kept glancing over to him as if she wanted to say something. Nic kept dragging her back into further conversation. This time it was Serenity who came up to him, but from the front, rather than beyond his periphery. It was kind of a metaphor for not only her personality but also for the way they handled each other. Always head on.

"My darling!" She greeted, slipping an arm through his. "I've been tasked with informing you that you have to go get powdered."

"Powdered?" He questioned not understanding and questioning her word choice.

"Of course, for the cameras dear, you'll be on stage shortly." She tilted her head up towards his and she gave a long blink with her heavy lashes. Oh she was just the picture of innocence, wasn't she? With that movement it made her look even a little slow, as if it wasn't straight up, she couldn't understand it.

He leaned towards her a little and kissed her. Only it was a small kiss, only for a brief second and it wasn't even on her mouth. It was on the corner where her lips met. When he pulled back, she looked up at him dazed. He'd finally surprised her and that hadn't been his intention. He didn't know what his intention had been. But the look was reward enough if he hadn't enjoyed the touch of their skin together more.

Endymion led for a change to a room he knew well. This area was often used for these functions while in England. The woman who was doing the make-up was also familiar and he was surprised when Serenity chatted easily with the girl. "I didn't think you were one for small talk with anyone making less than a certain dollar amount or holding a different kind of clout." Endymion explained his shock badly and after such openness earlier!

A smirk hitched up side of Serenity's features as she shared a look with a girl in the mirror and the other girl nodded. "Molly makes more money than you do."

"That isn't saying much." Endymion countered, he made a pretty good income, the government paid for a lot of his expenses but nothing like a socialite would expect.

Molly leaned over his shoulder to look him in the eye through the mirror, she was as amused as Serenity was. "I make far more than most big-time actors. You only think they're attractive, but that's got more to do with me and my magic wand than it does any real beauty."

"You magically transform them into looking good?" Endymion asked dubiously and when Molly nodded he tried to provoke her. "Then make me look like a movie star."

Molly laughed as Serenity sat on the counter looking on amused. "My dear Ambassador for England... You have far more in that category than I know what to do with. Any attempt to make you look better will actually do harm."

"Then what do I need you for?" He asked silkily.

"To make sure your nose isn't shiny." Molly winked but he wasn't sure if it was at him or Serenity and the girl's grin widened.

He was finished far earlier than he expected and they were right on time for him to be introduced to the crowd listening to Andrew. That might have had more to do with the cues buzzing in the man's ear, his earpiece was far more visual than anything Serenity or her lot wore.

Endymion came up to the podium, nodding to his friend. "Thank you Andrew for that wonderful introduction. I thank you all for coming out here tonight. The rumors are true, I am stepping down from my ambassadorship in the Middle East and Africa. I am also pursuing a position as such for the European sector. I am looking forward to representing you as I have for the last several years, but this time closer to home. It is an honor to be in our own backyard for the future."

Several questions were asked and he fielded them with expertise gained not just from the years he held this role but from watching others his entire life do the very same. He knew exactly what not to say and how to spin a bad question into his favor rather than stammer out a reply.

He was aware the entire time of eyes on him, and not from anyone in the crowd, but by one pair in particular. He would have thought she'd be scanning the crowd, making sure no ill will came to him but instead she was looking at him with adoration in her gaze the entire time. He looked for a camera panned onto her but all were still stationary, all were exactly where they had always been, on him. Perhaps then it was someone in the crowd that had not been satisfied with their relationship. Endymion thought that none of that gaze bespoke about how she really felt.

His life was a bore compared to hers. He didn't even get to meet that many foreign nationals, several monthly and those he met on the street but no where near the number if he was doing a grassroots campaign or an NGO. He was too high up the ladder to be allowed to meet all the cases in person, though he took on more than his fair share, more than any ambassador usually did. He wanted to make sure that nothing slipped by, no blunders that could cause another major incident or leave one family bereft if they went out of their way to seek his help.

She on the other hand galloped around the world without a care, meeting hundreds of people in all the different sectors of life, being a household name and having even the youngest and poorest person know her name and come up to her on the street, even when she wasn't working. The most downtrodden and the most elite. He had been living in a cave, mentally about the pop culture world, but no one else tonight he saw greet his 'girlfriend' could be said the same of. It wasn't just England either, it was the world over. His small ventures out into the real world were nothing compared to hers.

His speech finished, he was met with praise and cheers and he stepped down to talk to those who hadn't a chance. Serenity came to stand by him and he wrapped his left arm around her waist as he kept his right available to shake everyone's hands. She smiled and greeted all the curious onlookers politely and held up her end of ambassador's girlfriend. Though that wasn't usually the term attached to someone with an ambassador. Mistresses and girlfriends did attend these things but usually they weren't so prevalent, fading into the sides with their peers. Since Serenity was so well-known on her own and since they were meant to look more than just a simple couple, she was introduced to his future employees, business partners, investors, competitors and the like.

They all seemed enthralled by her, both the men and the women. It was Endymion that was starting to act strange through the introductions. He lifted a shoulder to rotate it, hoping the material of his jacket could itch that part of his neck for him. Then he let go of Serenity so he could rub at the skin irritating him. He kept rubbing at it and scratching. Serenity was looking up at him in curiosity before worry infiltrated her gaze.

"You're not allergic to something are you?"

"Only shell-fish, but I haven't had any to eat." He felt like his throat was blossoming but it was different from the usual reactions he had when he'd made the mistake before. His face felt hot and itchy too. He rubbed at it and he was surprised when he felt small hands on his, holding it down.

"Don't do that!" Serenity hissed, looking around frantically for one of the others. "It'll only make it worse and spread it."

"Spread it?" Endymion queried. "If I ate something, it will spread anyway." His tongue didn't feel like it was swelling up, only on the outside, his lips and everything else.

"That's because you didn't eat anything." She took something out of her purse and stabbed him in the arm with it. "That should help some until we can get you to a doctor. There he is!" She grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the door where Jeb was standing. "Nic's gone to get the car and Jeb was waiting to hear from Kai if its arrived yet. Jeb's arrival means that the way is clear." She informed him quietly. "I'm awfully sorry everyone, but we've got to go. Endymion's having a reaction to something."

There were murmurs of concern but no one deterred them. They were into the car and Serenity pushed him against the seat before she took alcohol wipes out of and started rubbing it against his palm. He noticed they had gotten red and swollen, and he only could guess at the sate of his neck and face. "How do you reckon this happened?" Jeb asked as he sat in the back with her, Nic and Kai in front. He took the wipe from her and she hissed out a breath of air.

"You're allergic too!" Jeb pushed her back and handed her a clean one. "At least allow me to do my job."

"What?" Endymion asked as Jeb dabbed a new alcohol wipe on his neck, being careful not to touch skin to skin. "What do you mean by your job?"

"Andrew couldn't have told you, but he did say I was the newest member of the team. When they found me, I was already starting out as a doctor." Jeb grinned at him and it widened when Endymion's eyes did. "Don't strike you as the type, do I? Perhaps Australian doctors are less stodgy than your British ones."

"If you're a doctor, then why are you here?"

"They needed a medical person on the team and I was a perfect fit, I have the looks of not only being ruggedly handsome, but also being tall and built. So when I was determined to join after meeting them, I was easily enfolded into the circle."

"But why did you want to join?" Endymion's vocal chords seemed to be working better again and he looked directly at Jeb now.

"Why not? Meeting Serenity changed my life for the better and once I met her, I couldn't leave her or let her leave me. Especially not when she kept putting herself in dangerous situations."

Endymion's eyes closed and he leaned his head back against the seat, pained, tired and weary. Jeb just as good as admitted what Endymion always suspected. The two of them were an item and pretty serious at that. He had no more to say. The ride to the hospital was pretty uneventful and their stay was short. The doctor they went to summed up what Jeb and Serenity thought, and issued him a prescription for a topical solution to allergic reactions.

Jeb dabbed a bit onto Serenity's hands before helping Endymion apply some to his face. "She's allergic to shell-fish too?"

"Deathly." Jeb replied. "I was loath to let her touch you when we found out about that particular ailment, but her quick thinking reduced your flare-up and made it virtually dead. Still it could have passed onto Serenity and having used her pen already on you, would have made things a lot worse if she somehow got it on the top portion of her body."

"Someone must have known." Endymion commented and the other four were nodding, they'd already come to that conclusion themselves. "About Serenity's too?"

"Nobody knows about Serenity's. Though it couldn't be too hard to figure out, she can't even use the older style of toothpaste. Yours, only a few could possibly know. I hadn't seen anything in the papers about it and when I did a google search nothing came up with the keywords." Nic announced from the driver's seat.

"I was bad as a child, refusing to believe I couldn't eat whatever I wanted. I ended up in the hospital a few times. Any number of people could know and not have it be researched through an article. The press never got wind of it as far as I'm aware."

"That either reduces or expands the search." Serenity sighed, hiding her hands under her so she wouldn't get the urge to touch her face. Or him, as he noticed her looking at him unsure a few times, concern flashing and disappearing in her eyes. It was odd, knowing she wanted to touch him but dared not. The idea of it was somewhat pleasing to him, the wanting to touch him part, not the being unable to. He couldn't touch her either, even with a reassuring brush of his fingers. She'd probably flare up and he'd be the culprit. How strange that they were both afflicted with the allergy for shellfish?

He then recalled his hands on her waist. "Jeb-" He really wished he didn't have to ask this man to do this for him, but he couldn't. "Can this transmit through fabric?"

"Not that likely, no." Jeb reassured him, already looking in his memory for times when that would be a concern. Then Jeb shook his head. "If its reached Serenity, we'd already be aware of it. She wouldn't have gotten to the hospital."

"We got a few epi pens now, one for you, one for me."

"Who could have done this, do you think? Molly-?"

"No." Serenity instantly cut him off. "Molly has been thoroughly vetted. If it is due to her cosmetics, someone ground it up and put it in there. Molly never uses anything of the sort." Serenity paused before disclosing this information. Endymion felt like he was taking a step back in her estimate if she had to think about this first. It wasn't the instant trust that he'd seen her give him in the past. "I've used Molly a dozen times in the last year alone for my own makeup as well as others in my businesses. There has never been a problem before. Besides, Molly's a Scott, she doesn't care about English Ambassadors."

"I'm a bit offended by that statement, but I'm not sure why." Endymion teased her, then leaned back against the seat, putting further distance between them and regarded her for a long time. This was inevitable. "By the way... thank you, you've saved my life. Already you've fulfilled the duty you've come here to do."

Serenity looked away and mumbled something, he was sure was cheapening her actions. The fact that she had put herself in danger to do it, well that was just more of an testament to her courage.

"I'm serious." Endymion insisted. "Really, thank you."

She gave him a slight smile, but said no more on the topic and the ride home was a silent one.