Okay, okay. I know I gave myself a deadline for March 31st this year.. I've been a busy little bee since February. I planned and held my first annual Child Abuse Awareness Event in April, My cousin's wedding was in June, I've been working non-stop since May, and I've got my own apartment!! ^.^ Happy happy! i am living with the oldest of my many sisters, Lol. She's a great roommate.

ANYways, so here is the LONG awaited Chapter 21. It's a long one. 6 pages in my word processor. So enjoy. i now just have to figure out how I'm going to write the next chapter. :S

Can't wait to read all your replies.

xoxo, Lindsay

PS. Today is the sixth year anniversary of my grandma's passing, so it's a special day today! I am off to bed, seeing as I worked last night and have spent the last four hours finishing typing this up for all of yoo. Hearts and hugs!

"What a beautiful face I have found in this place
That is circling all round the sun,
What a beautiful dream that could flash on the screen in a blink of an eye
and be gone from me soft and sweet
Let me hold it close and keep it here with me."

"In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" Neutral Milk Hotel

To Have You Once Again:

Chapter 21: "Over the Sea"

There was complete silence. Nothing could be heard, there was barely even a breeze. The only sounds heard were his footsteps, slow and almost dragging. The city was deserted, there was no sign of traffic at all. The stores all had closed signs, buildings were crumbling, everything was 'dead,' cars just abandoned in the street. He couldn't figure out what was going on.

The silence was building pressure on his ears, he called out, his voice bouncing off the walls back at him. He walked closer towards the Tokyo Tower, his eyes taking in the barren surroundings. He had an eerie feeling crawling under his skin.

He heard a sudden explosion and saw the corner of a building fall to the ground near the Tokyo Tower. He quickly began to run, a sudden urgency pulling him towards the tower.

He had made it to the top of the tower, his chest burning with every breath. He looked around and his eyes widened in shock as his eyes fell upon all of Serena's friends laying on the floor, dead. Something suddenly flew past the huge hole in the wall, past the tower, catching his eye. He quickly ran towards the opening when something else in the floor caught his eye.

As he turned towards it, he was suddenly laying on the floor, Serena turning him over onto his side, and held onto him tightly. She was sobbing heavily, her cheek wet with tears. He was confused, unsure of what was going on. Serena sniffled softly and began to whisper something in his ear. He tried to pay attention, but when he moved his head to face her, he was suddenly laying in the hospital room.

Confusion filled his head once more as he searched the room. He quickly looked beside himself and found his arms empty. Where had she gone? He thought to himself, quickly getting up out of the bed. He ran to the window and ripped open the curtains, and was blinded by the bright white light that shone through the window.

Darien jolted awake. He still lay in Serena's bed, but his arms were empty. Panic filled his body as he sat up and looked around the room, his eyes searching for her. He found her leaning against the wall, staring out the window. Her thin body outlined in the bright sunlight. Her face had colour, her cheeks were rosy, the sun was glowing in her eyes, which weren't covered by her out-grown bangs. She looked positively stunning in this moment.

She slowly turned her face towards him when she realized he was awake, with a simple smile upon her lips, as he stood up and crossed the distance between the two, wrapping his arms around her waist, as she buried her face in his chest.

"You know she won't be able to stay with you," A cold voice spoke softly from behind him. Darien turned to look behind him and found Luna sitting on the bed side table next to a vase filled with brightly coloured flowers.

Darien quickly looked back to Serena, who was looking at Luna, a look of sorrow on her face, sadness replaced that glowing look in her eyes once more, "You know why, don't you?" He heard another voice and turned to find Mina standing on the other side of the room, her face half covered by shadow.

"It's because of who she is," another voice said in a somewhat mocking tone. Confusion filled his head once more. He found Rei sitting on Serena's hospital bed, her face also covered by shadow.

"She's not normal, she's a monster," another voice, much softer than the others, it belonged to Amy who stood in a farther corner of the room.

"She's going to leave again," Mina repeated, an evil smile starting to tug at the corners of her lips.

"She's going to leave you," He heard Lita's voice from a dark corner, what the hell was going on?

Darien looked down towards Serena and found she had taken a few steps away from him, her eyes downcast and to the side. She didn't say a word, when suddenly a huge gash appeared slowly across her chest, blood beginning to seep out of the fine cut. Panic filled his entire body as he went to step forward to stop the bleeding.

Darien eyes quickly shot open in fear. He jolted up into a sitting position and looked around confused. He was still in Serena's hospital bed, his arms once again empty. His body filled with panic as his eyes frantically searched for her.

He once again found her standing next to the window, her body outlined in bright light, shining slightly through her gown, shining off her skin, now a new creamy complexion. Her out-grown bangs slightly disheveled to the side, no longer hiding her eyes. She slowly side-glanced at him and turned her face towards him when she realized he was awake.

Darien stood and slowly walked towards her, a smile crossed her lips as she turned towards him. He wrapped his arms around her tiny waist, her arms automatically wrapping around him and they held onto each other.

"The doctor said I could go home this evening," Serena said softly into his chest, showing no sign of letting him go, "I probably won't be home in time for dinner, but at least I can go home," she nuzzled her face into his chest as his arms tightened slightly around her. She felt him rest his cheek on the top of her head. He said nothing, he only held her tightly, trying to shake the residual dread left over from the dream.

He couldn't explain it, but the feeling of dread didn't really feel like it was from the dream. It felt to real to be residual. He felt afraid of their future, and very confused.

Darien helped Serena out of the car. She still felt a little weak,and the chill in the air didn't help at all. Holding onto her lightly, he helped her up the front steps and was just about the reach for the knob when Mrs. Tsukino swung open the door, and with a huge smile on her face enveloped Serena in a warm, welcoming embrace.

Serena smiled happily and returned the hug tightly, "I'm so happy your home," her mother said warmly in her ear and helped Serena in the door. Darien placed Serena's bag on the floor and shut the door as her mother helped her out of her coat.

"It's cold in here," Serena said softly as she rubbed her arms with her hands and Darien wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "I'll keep you warm," he smiled down at her. Serena looked up and returned the smile.

"I'll go get you a sweater," Mrs. Tsukino smiled at the two before turning to go up the stairs.

Darien and Serena made their way into the living room and sat on the couch. Serena tucked her legs up and nuzzled herself into Darien's side as he wrapped his arms around her once again.

"It's feels so good to be home," Serena said softly, her head resting on Darien's shoulder.

Darien smiled softly and kissed the top of her head, "It feels good to have you home," he replied softly into her hair.

Serena's mother came into the living room and handed Serena the sweater, "Did you two want any dinner? Your father and Sammy went out for a bit so dinner hasn't been served yet," she smiled warmly.

"Actually I'm a bit hungry," Serena smiled up at her beaming mother, "The hospital has such gross food," she crinkled her nose at the thought of eating it.

"I'm hungry as well," Darien nodded, "In all the commotion over the last few days, I haven't eaten much. Serena's gag responses tot he hospital food didn't make me want to eat what she wouldn't." His nose crinkle just as Serena's did.

"Well then let's eat," Mrs. Tsukino laughed as she turned and went to the kitchen.

Darien helped Serena into the kitchen, "I'm okay Darien, I can walk fine," she smiled up at him, squeezing his hand as they entered the kitchen.

Dinner was passing somewhat slowly, the conversations had mostly kept them from eating. When they were maybe half way through, Mr. Tsukino and Sammy had come home. Joining them, they all ate together.

Everything felt right for Serena and Darien. They hadn't felt this happy in a very long time. Every so often they would catch the other just staring with a smile and couldn't help but smile back. They both knew what the other was thinking, because they both felt the same way.

This was how their lives were supposed to be. Happy, and together, with family and the one person you loved. While they ate, and talked, and laughed, Serena and Darien held hands under the table often. Maybe fearful the other would suddenly disappear if the other let go, or maybe they felt that they had enough time apart that the contact, subconscious or not, was needed for the main reason of just needing it, feeling it there.

Serena sat in the kitchen gazing at nothing in particular, slowly stirring her tea. It had been almost a week since she had gotten out of the hospital and she was starting to feel a lot better than she had in a long time. There was a light tapping on the door, her concentration quickly broke on the second knock and she quickly went to answer the door.

She opened the door and found Darien with a small smile on his freshly shaven face, "Good morning," he said softly.

Serena returned the smile, "Good morning," she stepped aside to let him in.

Darien didn't move, "I was thinking maybe we could go for a walk," he continued to smile, "It's very beautiful out today."

Serena looked out past his shoulder and found the brightly shining sun, "I guess so," she smiled, "I just have to change," she again stepped aside and reached her face up to kiss him as he stepped inside.

Serena came back down the stairs wearing and over-sized gray sweatshirt. Darien smiled up at her when he realized it was his, as she lingered on the last step, "My, that is a nice sweater," he reached up to her and pulled her into a warm kiss as she giggled.

Darien helped her into her coat and opened the door, "Thank you kind Sir," Serena giggled lightly as she stepped through the door.

"You're most welcome my sweet lady," he followed her out the door and down the steps.

They walked through the park hand in hand , enjoying the warm weather. It felt like spring it was so warm.

"So, when are you thinking about leaving?" Darien asked quietly.

"I was thinking maybe next week, after packing some of my things," Serena answered, looking down, "I called my boss yesterday, and told her about being in the hospital, she told me to take some more time off," she looked up with a small smile, "A Stress leave, woot!" she said sarcastically.

Darien smiled slightly as he took in a deep breath, and put the hand opposite of the one holding hers, into his pocket as he looked up and around.

"Are you alright?" Serena asked, they had already talked about her going back home. As far away as it was, she loved her little apartment. She looked at him as his eyes scanned the scenery of the park around them.

"It's not like I won't be able to come visit you, like on weekends and such," she smiled up at him.

A small smile crossed his lips but didn't reach all the way. He was thinking to hard. Serena's smile disappeared and she stopped walking. Darien stopped beside her, as she wrapped her arms around his waist, "I know it's far away Darien," she said into his chest as his arms slowly wrapped around her, "But we can make this work," she looked up at him, "Right?"

Darien looked down at her the same small smile on his lips, "Of course," he bent down to kiss her forehead.

Serena's thoughts filled with doubt. Why was he acting this way? They had already talked about this, already agreed.

Darien continued walking, his arm around her shoulder, blankly watching the scenery. Serena's troubled thoughts worried her, did he not want to try and make it work? Was he trying to find the right way to end it?

Darien suddenly stopped, they were standing in their usual spot by the lake. Where they had shared their first kiss, where they had spent so much of their time together. Serena's mind filled with memories just about the same time Darien's did. Serena's grasp around his waist slightly tightened. She didn't want to let go.

"What if I come to stay with you for a few days?" Darien said softly, not removing his gaze from the lake.

Serena looked up at him, her smile wide yet still uncertain.

Darien looked down at her and smiled softly at her reaction.

"I think that would be a be lovely," she reveled at the thought of showing him her tiny apartment, it's beautiful view, her life that had only one thing missing. Him.

"Rei's grandfather has already given me time off," he looked down, slight embarrassment clouding his face, "Considering the state I was in," He finished with a small smile and returning his gaze to the lake.

Serena was so happy, not even the memory of all the bad stuff could dampen her spirits. She tightened her arms around his waist as he tightened his arm around her shoulders.

"Maybe after I finally finish this job over at Rei's," he paused and Serena looked up as his gaze slowly found her eyes, "Maybe I can stay a little longer than a few days," Serena's heart melted. Was he seriously asking if they should move in with each other?

Serena smiled widely up at him as a slight breeze picked up a few pieces of her hair. Darien smiled down at her as he moved some of it behind her ear and slowly traced her jaw line, "So what do you think?" He asked her softly.

Serena hugged him tightly, "I think it's a wonderful idea," she spoke into his chest, enveloping him in a hug.

With a short chuckle, Darien lifted her chin so that their eyes met and enveloped her in his arms, embracing her in a passionate kiss, as the warm sun beamed down on them, silhouetting them in the light breeze.

Serena opened the door and was greeted by a group of smiles. She smiled as she held the door open, "Good morning," she laughed as her friends piled in the door.

"Good morning Serena," Mina smiled and practically pounced on her, embracing her warmly.

"Hey Mina," Serena giggled as she returned the hug.

"We're here to help you pack," Lita smiled as she stretched her arms over her head.

"Well I appreciate it" Serena smiled at the girls.

Mrs. Tsukino's head popped out of the kitchen doorway, "Oh girls you're all here. I've just made a fresh batch of cookies," she smiled brightly, "I'll make some tea," and with that her head disappeared back into the kitchen as the girls all made sounds of delight and followed Serena up the stairs.

"So you're not moving back home," Amy sighed softly as she placed some books into a box.

"Well I'm only a train ride and a half away," Serena smiled as she bent down to pick up some photo albums, "You guys can come visit whenever you like, and it's not like I won't come to visit." A few loose photos fell to the floor.

Rei bent over picking them up, "These are from your 16th birthday Serena," she laughed as she showed the girls.

The photos were of Serena in all her glory with her birthday cake. Icing was everywhere. Another photo was of Serena and Rei, who was also covered in icing, throwing chunks of cake at each other. The third was of all the girls, smiling and laughing, all covered in icing, showing the major food fight, each with chunks of cake in their hands, or in mid air. They all looked so happy.

Rei looked up from the photos at Serena with a small smile. Serena looked up as well. She was a completely different person. Back then she was so carefree, so happy. Now she looked as though she would blow away with the slightest wind. A sort of sadness filled Rei's body. So much had changed in the last year, she could barely believe it. This woman standing next to her, she barely knew anymore.

Rei watched the other girls laugh at the photos, making fun of each other, and for the first time in a long time, Serena was acting like her old self, whining and laughing like before.

'Before,' Rei thought to herself, 'Before she left with no word,' a tear crept into her eye, but she quickly blinked it away before it had a chance to surface.

"Are you okay Rei?" Serena smiled at her softly. The other girls looked up at Rei.

Rei smiled, "Yeah, I'm fine," she turned around quickly to pick up something else to pack.

Mrs. Tsukino came into the room with a tray of cookies and tea, "Here you go girls, time for a break," she smiled as she placed the tray down on the table.

"Ooh, my favourite," Mina cheered excitedly as they all reached for a cookie.

Serena stood back and watched her friends. Her mother stood beside her and looked around the room, it almost empty, "I see you're leaving some things behind," her mother said softly, noticing the stacks of comic books still sitting on the bookshelf.

Serena was slightly dazed as she watched her friends. She felt as if she was watching some other person's life through a window. It felt as if she didn't belong to this life anymore.

"Serena?" Her mother's voice interrupted.

Serena looked up at her mother and smiled, "I'm sorry."

"You're leaving some things behind?" Her mother repeated.

"Oh yeah, I figured you'd like to know I'd be coming to visit," She smiled, "Unless you'd like to use my room for something else," her eyes filled with concern all of a sudden.

"It's quite fine. You're room will always be your room," she smiled, wrapped an arm around Serena's shoulders and squeezed her close. Serena leaned her head against her mother's shoulder.

"Go have some tea," her mother kissed the top of her head before gently pushing her towards the almost empty tray of cookies and giggling girls.

After packing most of Serena's things, the girls sat around the able once more, sipping some fresh tea, taking another break.

"So," Serena put her cup down and looked up at the girls, a smile slowly spreading across her lips. The girls looked at her with intense curiosity burning in their eyes.

"I'm pretty sure Darien asked to move in with me," she beamed a smile so bright, the sun held no comparison.

Their mouths dropped in surprise, "Oh wow," Rei smiled.

"That is wonderful!" Mina sounded a little too excited, but then again that hadn't really changed about Mina.

"I know," Serena looked down as she fidgeted with her tea cup. "We talked about it the other day. He's going to come home with me and stay for a couple days. Then after he's finished with your place Rei," she looked over at Rei, "He might move in."

"That is wonderful news Serena, I'm so glad you guys are back together," Mina beamed along side her. The other girls smiled just as widely, all happy with this outcome, no matter how far away Serena would still be.

The air was still. Serena tossed and turned in her bed. She had been out of the hospital for little over two weeks, she was leaving in a few days to go home, and she had barely slept at all. Her nights were spent mostly tossing and turning, pacing back and forth. Insomniacs had it worse than anything. Getting back into a "proper" sleeping habit after a year of pretty much never sleeping was hard.

Tonight held an uneasiness. She could feel that something was just not right. The air was too still, some sort of silence had fallen over the city. Serena was fearing the worst. She got out of bed and stared out the window, watching the moon rise as something ebbed at the back of her mind. Something was coming, she could feel it in her gut. She just wasn't sure what it was.