lRei stood in front of the mirror, avoiding her reflection. After getting off from work, Rei had planned to have a movie night with Jerry under a blanket that would lead to doing a little more than sleeping after that. Her quiet night changed when her future mother-in-law stepped out of the family car and demanded that they were going shopping. Rei had worn her fair share of designer clothing in her life, but she never ventured into the designer district part of the city. After many conversations with his mother, Rei could see that Angie Hays was trying to develop a relationship between them. For her future husband's sake, she had bitten her tongue at the backhanded compliments and unintended insults. She learned that's just how they were taught how to talk. Rei had been dragged from store to store with a forced smile that looked more like a grimace. She was fine when it came to purses and shoes, but when it came to clothes, she hated every single piece of clothing she had been handed.

Angie walked over, nodding in approval for the first time that day. "Rei, it's perfect."

The dress was a dark navy and plain. It only had a ruffle design flowing on the middle of the dress, but that was it. Rei frowned when she heard those words. This dress was classy, something the Hays twins would wear, but not Rei.

"I look like a politician's wife."

Angie frowned, "This accentuates your figure in a flattering way that doesn't look too trashy. You don't look like an old maid either, what's the problem?"

"I don't look like me." Rei tried to explain frowning at her own vague explanation.

Surprising Rei, Angie placed her hands on Rei's shoulders. "You remind me so much of me."

"High maintenance with a mean temper?" Rei retorted rolling her eyes causing Angie to give her a first genuine smile.

"No, well yes, but I wasn't in the best state when it came to love. I excelled in all aspects of my life, but I didn't care for love. Jerry's father, was exactly what I needed." Angie led Rei to one of the white couches nestled in the boutique.

"Jerry's father, he too was the black sheep. He was so enthusiastic and so full of life. He changed the company to care about people and their lives instead of money only. He wanted to listen to everyone. He got rid of the corruption in his family's business that was the backbone to this company. He paid back the old farmers' descendants of the ones his grandfather tricked and lied to. He wanted me to be a part of his world he had created." Angie's tone turned nostalgic as she allowed herself to get lost in old memories. Rei watched as Angie smiled in a certain way that Jerry did when he looked at her. It must have been a long time since she thought about her late husband.

Angie dug through her purse and pulled out a handkerchief. She unfolded it to reveal a pocket watch. It didn't look as valuable as the hairpin in Angie's hair, but Rei could see that it meant so much more to her than any of her expensive goods. The glass was dull, the metal was rusted, but to Angie it was still her most prized possession.

"This belonged to Jerry's father. He gave it to me after we met as a payment for breaking my bicycle. It wasn't valuable back then and it still isn't, but that doesn't matter. I remember how I slapped him across the face for making me late to work. He had this idiotic grin when we met, he kept telling me I will love him. That I was going to marry him. I called him delusional. He pursued me, annoying me just to get my attention and then he did succeed in the end." Angie explained earning a laugh from Rei.

"Sounds a lot like how I met Jerry." Rei replied at the parallels.

Angie smiled, "Jerry is his father's son in more ways than one."

"Can I ask a question?"

"Of course."

Rei bit her lip hesitating for a moment. "Why did you disapprove of me so much?"

Angie shook her head, "Your relationship with my son hasn't always been…healthy. I thought you were a spiteful girl taking advantage of his kindness, every time you call, he runs to you. I was scared of the power you have over him. A part of me is still hesitant to hand him over because how do I know you're the best girl for my son? You reminded me so much of me that it scared me. I will never forget how I could just call my own husband for the world and he would give it to me without question."

"I understand your worries, sometimes I think of that too." Rei confided, "I'm so lucky to have him in my life, that I take him for granted sometimes, but then I think about him. I don't want to sound cocky, but I believe I am the best for him."

"Why?"

Rei smiled her body filling up with confidence. When it came to Jerry, she never felt insecure. "Because he's the best for me. No one has ever come close to comparing to him. If he's the best for me, I can try my hardest to be the best for him."

Angie took one of Rei's hands nodding in agreement. "My daughters told me because of you, he became better. I didn't understand until I remembered the countless girls that paraded in my home when he thought I was gone. He rarely showed up to work either. Only once a week than he ran away overseas to Bora Bora or some other destination. Ever since he met you, he grew up. He never wanted to in the past and resented me for his loneliness, but for you he did. I give you my blessing, I welcome you into our family.

Rei laughed, "I was expecting something more dramatic when we come to this."

"Of course you were. Just because I gave you my blessing, I'm still not going easy on you."

"I wouldn't expect it any other way." Rei replied smiling to herself. She waved her hand to fan her face to stop the tears that were forming to her surprise. Angie laughed taking Rei's hand in hers.

"Why are you crying? I haven't had the chance to be mean to you yet." Angie joked as Rei shook her head.

Rei found herself unloading her thoughts without hesitation. It could be her emotions or the day in general or the week before her wedding that was the cause, but she didn't care. "I never had a family outside my grandfather."

Angie's eyes softened. It wasn't a known fact that Gaspard Hino, governor of Romulus one of the countries within the alliance, had a daughter. A great leader yes, but a father he was rather lacking in every sense of the word. She wouldn't be surprised if the man even knew his daughter was getting married.

"You're a part of my family now. Don't think about the past because you have a wonderful family now. I am proud to gain another daughter." Angie expressed causing Rei to beam even through her tears.

"Thank you. This is the last time I'm going to cry about this." Rei muttered as Angie laughed at the answer.

"I wouldn't expect anything else."

Jerry stretched his muscles after his employees threw him an impromptu congratulatory party. He had finished settling his affairs with the company before his honeymoon. He planned a quiet night with his boys at his apartment, but someone didn't tell him that is was used for a pampering night for the ladies. Jerry opened to door to hear giggles and then the cold voice of his mother. He was shoved out of the door within minutes by his mother, who went off on him about decorum and tradition. Jerry began to call his brethren because of the change of plans, but they were standing on the other side of the elevator.

"Did my mother call you?" Jerry asked.

Darien chuckled, "Like you wouldn't try to sneak back into your apartment just to see Rei before the wedding."

Jerry groaned, "It wasn't like that! I thought they were going to be at my mom's home or Robin's penthouse."

Zane sighed. He was surrounded by idiots that never listened. "She did mention that she'll be using your own home. That was a week ago might I add."

"Last night for us to be single!" Jerry exclaimed, throwing his arms Zane and Nate ignoring Zane's comment. "I had plans tonight too for my boys."

"We're not exactly single to begin with." Nate muttered.

"I didn't think you were involved with someone." Kael responded dryly.

"Don't you have a girlfriend?" Nate asked with a smirk.

Kael sighed shaking his head, "You are never going to forget about that."

"You slept with a snake just for business. Sounds a bit prostitute like." Nate retorted wincing when Kael retaliated with a whack to his head.

Darien shoved Kael with a warning glare, "Look, this isn't about us tonight. It's about Jerry's bachelor party so let's act like grown ups then go at each other's' throats after the wedding."

Kael rolled his eyes at Darien's mother hen act before turning to Jerry. "What would you like to do tonight?"

Jerry laughed nervously, while scratching his head, "Well there's one thing I haven't done in a while."

The guys, except Kael, looked at each other with fear and doubt. There was a lot Jerry hasn't done in a while and not all of those acts were particularly enjoyable for anyone of them. Kael had always had a splendid time, but they had very different ideas of fun. Kael was open minded like that and didn't complain so he always had a good time with whatever Jerry roped them into throughout their years of friendship. In the end Jerry's idea wasn't that bad, according to Kael and even Nate had no objections; however, the other two had no experience with this sort of play.

Zane coughed again, "What the hell?"

Kael took a drag of his cigar then a sip of his scotch with a sigh of relief. "I'm enjoying myself."

Darien scoffed muttering, "You can't say anything. Your only friends besides us are rich, cynical, old people who don't remember their actual voices."

"It takes a bit of practice. Hand me my Scotch will you." Nate held out his hand as Jerry handed him a glass.

"It's been a long time you Cuban beauties." Jerry inhaled the smoke, "Thanks for doing this with me guys. Means a lot."

"I'm a doctor that's smoking. It's a bit of a hypocrisy." Zane mimicked Kael, but still couldn't get it without feeling like he ate an ashtray.

"You handle alcohol quite well but a little smoke freaks you out?" Jerry questioned quirking a brow, "Oh and Darien you don't inhale the smoke, you taste it."

Kael took a sip of his scotch, "I told you to start off with the mild ones, but you never listen to me."

After a few more failed tries, Darien and Zane gave up, the latter muttering something about lung cancer. This was how Jerry wanted his last night as a groom. After tonight, this part of his life was over. He was with his best friends, smoking cigars he took from his grandfather's antique cabinet, drinking aged Scotch (that also belonged to his grandfather) on a rooftop that belonged to Kael.

Darien glance down at his watch, "I'm calling it a night."

Jerry laid down on the ground, "Why? Bachelor parties last all night!"

"Sorry. Look Maddie and I started this thing about coming home at ten together and look it's a long story, but it's complicated. I'm going to go."

"Leave me why don't you. You never loved me!" Jerry shouted burying his face in his suit jacket he scrunched into a ball as a makeshift pillow.

"Go. I'll deal with sleeping beauty." Kael told Darien who nodded in reply before making his way towards the elevators. He didn't want to leave, but he was walking on thin ice with Madeline as is and he didn't want to mess up.

Nate extinguished his cigar. He wasn't sure if it was the combination of drinking and smoking that made him gossipy. "Have you ever noticed anything between Darien and Serena?"

"Nope." Jerry mumbled when Kael turned him back onto his back.

"What do you mean? They are just as mean and immature as before." Zane replied shuddering at the rehearsal dinner last night. It ended with Kael holding Serena back from throwing a pie at Darien's head. Darien on the other hand was on the ground with Haruka sitting on top of him so he wouldn't be able to retaliate with the cupcake in his hand.

Nate shook his head, "It's not that. I don't know. It seems forced, like they are being too mean and too immature to each other."

"Please clarify." Jerry said propping his elbow up so his head could rest on his hand.

"I have an idea that may seem a bit far-fetched, do you think maybe she has feelings for Darien?" Nate asked, "And I've had this idea for a while, I'm just waiting for evidence."

Zane opened his mouth to reply, but then he closed his mouth and sighed. "I thought she was just thinking about her curse as well with another wedding to plan. She always has that sad smile whenever she has to plan a wedding. I'm pretty sure it's just that."

"Rini's not cursed." Jerry pointed out.

"She's young we'll have to wait and see." Kael replied putting out his own cigar.

"I know what we should do after this." Jerry grinned leaping up to stand.

Serena opened her door to see four men at her doorway, she leaned against the door arms crossed. "What are you doing?"

Jerry grinned, "Night before the wedding can't see the bride."

"So you settle for bride's best friend?"

"Yep." He even made a pop for the p.

"I haven't seen that movie yet, I heard it's hilarious." Zane pushing his way through the door, the rest of the boys following.

"No please, come in. Without an invitation at all." She muttered sarcastically, "Where's your leader?"

"Don't know. You know he's supposed to spend the night with the groom to be." Jerry answered still bitter at his friend's departure.

"I didn't realize you had such strong feelings, shall we call off the wedding?" Kael smirked as Jerry flipped him off.

"Why aren't you with the rest of the girls? Even Rini's there." Nate asked, taking a handful of the popcorn.

Serena shook her head snatching the bowl back from him. "I have to be in wedding planner mode completely tomorrow not the best friend."

"So strange the works of a wedding." Jerry commented looking ahead of her seeing what was on the TV, "You know, I've always wanted to see that movie."

He pushed himself past Serena plopping on the floor, grabbing a cushion from the couch. Serena eyes widened as the other guys followed his direction each taking a spot either on the couch or the floor. Her junk food for the evening had been taken over as well. She closed the door, shaking her head in disbelief. They even had the audacity to play the movie when she wasn't in the room. She stormed to the front of the TV inciting groans across the room.

Serena rolled her eyes, "Why are you here?"

"I like the view."

"Free food."

"I was planning on a hangover tomorrow."

"It's pretty."

All of them said at once with such a look of innocence Serena almost believed them. Except Kael, whose expression matched his friends' if you knew him well enough to see past the monotony. They watched the ever changing emotions on her face as she weighed the cons and pros before groaning in defeat, sitting down next to Nate and Zane on the couch.

"Hand over the candy."

Nate threw the box of chocolate in her direction. Zane moved over and pressed play to resume whatever movie they interrupted. Halfway through when all of them was stuffed with the junk food, Nate turned to Serena, who was laughing at scene. It was time to conclude his findings. He had wanted to satisfy his curiosity all night, but didn't really know how to approach such a matter. It wasn't like this when it came to guys and their crushes. They would usually rag on each other before the topic switched.

"Serena."

"Mmhm."

Might as well just get it over with. "Do you like Darien?"

He watched as she froze and the rest of them turned, waiting for her answer. It was silent for a few minutes with only the sound of the talking coming from the TV.

Serena closed her eyes, biting her lip. She didn't know why she decided to be honest with them. "Please don't tell him."

"When did you know? After your night together?" Zane asked patiently as if he were trying to not scare a wild animal.

Serena shook her head slowly hugging the pillow close to her chest. "A little bit before. It's been developing I guess." She laughed without humor, "Do you know how hard it is to see them together sometimes?"

"Yes." Kael muttered to himself being the only one to experience unrequited love, "You want him to be happy."

"Madeline is trying so hard and for once I can see that she deserves him. So of course, I'm happy for him." Serena rationalized hugging the pillow tighter.

"But." Zane put in.

"But, a part of me wants to be with him." Serena finished before shaking her head at the absurdity, "A very miniscule part that still believes in unicorns and happily ever afters and all of that crap."

Nate smirked, "I knew it."

Serena nudged him with her body, "Please, don't tell him. I'll be humiliated then I'm going to kill you and get away with it."

Jerry grinned leaping up on to his feet, "Ok. Alright let's make a vow. Whatever is said in this room stays in this room between the five of us. It never happened once it's tomorrow."

Serena sighed in relief, "Fine with me."

Kael only nodded while Nate and Zane exchanged exasperated looks before agreeing as well. Jerry ran into the kitchen only to return with Serena's finest bottles of alcohol and a five coffee mugs. "We have to make a toast with it."

"Where did you even get that?" Serena asked, "You're not in my house enough to know."

Jerry set all of his findings on the coffee table then proceeded to pour the remainder of the drinks into one cup. He waved her off, "I have my ways. Look are we toasting or not?"

"What the hell is this?" Zane asked his nose scrunching up at the smell of the contents Jerry passed to him.

"I don't know." Jerry replied with an easy smile. "I just looked at the drinks that are near empty and mixed all of them together. I call it living nightmare."

Zane shook his head, "No thank you. I'll stick to my tea with toasting. No way in hell I'm unleashing my alter ego."

Kael took his own mug, "It looks relatively safe."

"Relatively?" Nate asked in suspicion.

"It's not bubbling like acid so I'm going to say it's safe. Unlike most of you, I handle my alcohol well." Kael replied taking a sip.

Nate followed his example only to choke the contents back up, "This tastes terrible."

Jerry shrugged wincing after tasting his concoction, "I wouldn't expect living nightmare to taste good so zero expectations there."

Serena took her own sip before shaking her head, "No, I have to be 100% focused tomorrow. So I'll pass. Vow taken, I'm good."

"You're no fun. Besides one tiny glass isn't going to do anything." Jerry retorted knocking back the rest of the contents. It tasted awful, but he wasn't drunk so he'll be fine.

The boys woke up to at a myriad of alarms booming and seemingly hidden throughout Serena's apartment. Serena was absent, but she still managed to wake them up in the most uncomfortable and cruel fashion. Jerry yelled and walked towards the sink where a cat alarm clock was singing a children's song. Nate crawled along the floor towards their phones all under the couch, but with alarms blaring. Zane came from the bathroom, which had at least 7 alarm clocks scattered. Kael sat on the dining table, stirring his coffee, ignoring the commotion.

Kael looked at his watch, "It's 12:00, the ceremony starts at 3:30, but we have to be there at 1:30."

"I hate her!" Jerry exclaimed, picking up another bottle from the floor.

"What happened to I'm not going to get drunk?" Zane yawned and stretched out his back.

"Shut up." Jerry muttered using the couch to pull himself to a sitting position.

"I feel fine." Kael stated as Jerry flipped him off in response.

Zane chuckled, "That's because you're not human and Jerry's an idiot."

Jerry rolled his eyes and threw him one of the suits hanging on the door, "Stop rubbing it in."

"Let's not try to kill each other," Zane mediated, "Besides, I think Nate's still asleep."

The three men looked over at their friend who had his hands under the couch and was snuggling into the hardwood floor. He made some strange noise, a mix between a dying cat and baby's laugh, before falling fast asleep. They all rolled their eyes in agreement, that man could sleep anywhere in any condition if he really wanted to.

Rei sat in the bridal suite with her bridesmaids. All of them sat in their matching satin robes that her future sister in laws had made for her big day. She shook her leg nervously as she looked at her phone, "Are they in their suite?"

"Rei calm down, Zane said they had a hard time waking up. Let's just say they were doing things at an ungodly hour and now they are suffering." Tiffany suggested, "You can kill my brother after the wedding."

Ami had finished first despite strong suggestions of the makeup artist who insisted on more is less. Ami won that argument after using her icy voice she used on her interns right before they cried. She was so happy when Rei didn't make her wear one of the more hideous choices she had, but a lavender dress that reached down the floor. It had a lace bodice with a sweetheart neckline that was similar to the wedding dress, but there were no crystals.

"Jerry has been waiting to marry you since he met you and besides they just spent the night at Serena's." Ami explained, calming her friend.

The hair stylist curled her hair to perfection and after arguing with Angie, she had managed to keep her hair down instead of some sort of bun. "Where is Serena? She is still a bridesmaid too."

"She got her makeup, hair and dress all done earlier. She is still the wedding planner." Lita smiled at her reflection, "You know how she is in her wedding planner mode."

Mina sighed in relaxation, "I love getting all dolled up by a professional. Rei stop frowning."

Rei rolled her eyes, but tried to calm down by focusing on her friends. "Ami you look beautiful."

"I'm thankful for your choice of dresses. I tried on more ridiculous ones than serious ones." Ami chuckled happy to distract her distraught friend.

Mina jumped from her seat and ran towards the garment bag. She pulled down the zipper and motioned for Jerry's sisters to help her with the dress. Rei turned to look at her reflection and grinned, "It's still as gorgeous as I remembered."

"Don't forget the veil!"

"Finally! I set up the alarm clocks and you're still late." Serena exclaimed when the boys finaly got to the suite. She pointed to Darien, "And this one just got here too! What the hell is your excuse?"

Darien was dressed in his tux and shrugged, "I overslept."

"It's 3:00 in the afternoon." Serena replied with a deadpanned expression, "Do you want to die?"

Darien was about to retort in a witty manner before seeing no humor on Serena's face with her threat. Today, she'll probably do it too so he stayed silent allowing her to move her assessment to his friends.

"Absolutely no excuses, my god didn't you brush your hair?" Serena grabbed a strand of Nate's hair, "At least you're dressed."

"We had some trouble with this one." Zane gestured to Nate who yawned and walked slowly towards the couch where Darien was sitting. In reality because Nate refused to get up, Darien was called to help with the waking process.

Jerry gestured to the man standing in a corner, "Who is he?"

"One of the photographers, they're snapping candids. I promise you won't even notice they are there. There is one with the bride and her party now." Serena explained as the man waved.

Kael raised an eyebrow at her, "Aren't you part of the wedding party?"

"I already took some when I went to go check on her," Serena sighed, "Ok so you're all a little behind schedule, but that's okay." She pointed at Jerry, "You have to be at the altar at 3:20, the guests should be arriving from 3:15-3:35, and the actual ceremony will begin at 3:40."

"You said it started at 3:00? I was freaking out over nothing?" Jerry exclaimed as Serena rolled her eyes.

"I knew you were going to be late so I lied." Serena retorted, "Now I'm going back to the greenhouse to double check on decor and guests and all of that fun stuff so behave. Don't and I'll hang you on the trees in the forests of Russian winter." They winced as Serena slammed the door shut cursing at them rather loudly before doing so.

Darien sighed in relief that she left. He hadn't realized she was going to be this insane. "What did you guys get up to after I left?"

"Did you know Serena has bottles of alcohol in her home?" Nate asked deflecting the question, "I was surprised she had a wine cooler and storage for it and everything. Jerry made a living nightmare."

Darien chuckled not noticing the diversion. "Why would you drink that?"

"There's whiskey and rum too, oh and I saw a mini fridge full of different kinds of beer from around the world." Jerry exclaimed.

"Seriously, do you want to die from alcohol poisoning or Serena?"

Jerry shrugged in nonchalance, "What can I say? I'm a thrill seeker."

"It's time." Rei looked up at the sound of Serena's voice at the doorway.

Serena smiled at her friend taking her hands into hers, "I never thought I would see the say Rei Hino would be getting married. Are you ready?"

"I've never been more ready in my life." Rei replied before pulling Serena into a hug, "Thank you so much for everything."

Serena laughed, "Don't make me cry until the ceremony starts." She released Rei's hands and turned to Helios, "Follow Helios."

The teenager with a mature demeanor gave Rei a small smile, "I'll lead you the gardens where you'll enter after the bridesmaids and groomsmen have already walked."

Serena lead the rest of the bridal party to wear the groomsmen had been standing. She closed her eyes before opening them again to see the various glows that surrounded them. She sighed shaking her head at the sight. The part of her that was so set on making these couple be together wasn't responding. It was almost as if her drive disappeared. For her friends' sake, Serena was glad. Maybe this was what happened to her grandma, after a while it does hurt seeing so much yet you couldn't do anything about it

Rini met up with her sister interrupting her thoughts, "All of the guests are seated."

"Perfect. Let's get this party started." Serena beamed effectively hiding behind her smile.

Jerry had just began to walk down the aisle and next was the maid of honor and best man. Lita's hair was down for the occasion with the same lavender dress as Ami's. Nate was dressed suavely in his matching black tuxedo with a bright red tie. He was walking stiff and awkward as he always acted in a suit, but with Lita on his arm, he didn't feel as odd. Lita assured him with her smile hiding her laugh when she heard his sigh in relief.

Mina seemed like she was floating instead of walking in plum colored dress. She gave a smile to the crowd looking very much like a queen than a bridesmaid. Kael had his usual emotionless expression, but he couldn't help but drift his eyes to her. It was a fact that Mina Aino was a beautiful woman, but she was so much more than that. And far more deserving of someone other than him.

Ami and Zane were next, both of them wearing similar grins. Out of all of the couples, they appeared the most comfortable. Just minutes before walking down the aisle, they were telling each other the details of their nights before the wedding. Both were laughing while waiting for it to be their turn to walk. Both didn't notice the candid photographers snapping at the couple. Actually the couples forgot there were photographers there in the first place, but they captured moments that Ami and Zane had denied ever existed.

Serena turned to Darien, "Remember to walk with the same pace."

"I know, I was there when you made us all walk together five jillion times." Darien rolled his eyes.

Serena glared, but linked her arm around his and almost dragged him with her. Darien ran for a bit before forcing the petite girl to slow down to the pace she had everyone practice. Both plastered a fake grin when they saw the crowd, but that didn't mean they couldn't mutter to each other.

"Jerry's family is a piece of work. They hated everything I did."

Darien held back his chuckle, "That's the Hays for you."

"Is it bad to say I'm sick of this wedding?"

"Nope. I feel the same way." Just when they were about to part, Darien muttered when they passed each other to get to their designated side, "You look amazing." Serena beamed at Darien who only smiled and turned his attention to the bride.

There was Rei with Artemis. Jerry was in complete awe. The dress was lace on top with a few crystals, a beaded crystal flower on her waist and flared out. Her hair was in loose curls and the veil covered her face, but he could see a similar smile to his own on her face. Jerry didn't care much for her dress, sure it was pretty, but his attention was on the girl in the dress. He was speechless when she finally approached him and had to grab his hand when he didn't reach out to her. His grinned widened at her frown on her pink lips, but they twitched upward at his attitude. As cheesy as it sounded, Jerry understood what it meant when it felt like no one else existed but them.

The officiate began, "We are gathered here today to celebrate a love story that has no end. This is the beginning of the sequel."

There was something about weddings that could make the world weep. It did not matter who were the ones at the end of the aisle, but the sight could make the stereotypical manly man cry. Today wasn't an exception. There Rei stood with her ink black hair flowing down her back, contrasting against the white of her dress. Her soon-to-be husband stood across from her in his own white suit contrasting his groomsmen's black.

Darien looked on, the third one in line. His eyes flickered to the silent cries of joy in the first row from Jerry's twin sisters. His own grandmother dabbed her eyes with a silk handkerchief his grandfather had passed to her. His normally refined sister blinked her garnet eyes rapidly, stopping the tears that threatened to follow. Darien smirked as his eyes met Serena's teary ones. She made a face thinking he was mocking her emotional state, but that couldn't have been further from the truth. She didn't know how she looked now: her cheeks flushing in embarrassment, a strand of hair along the side of her face that had fallen, her small smile, and the watery eyes. Darien had never seen anything quite like her. For a girl that was threatening to murder him just moment ago, she looked quite beautiful now. Maybe she always looked like that beneath her flippant attitude.

"I've already said everything I wanted to at this moment, so give me a couple years to think about it." Jerry winked as she rolled her eyes at his words.

"I don't like repeating myself." Rei replied and turned back to the officiant, who nodded at the peculiar couple.

He adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat, "Alright, I guess that counts as writing your own vows. Usually I get more than that, but this is fine too. By the power invested in my I pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride."

Jerry beamed and threw his arms out. Rei grabbed his tie and pulled him down to meet her lips. When Jerry pulled back just to throw one of his hands in the air in celebration, Rei rolled her eyes and pulled him back to her. Serena clapped her hands and wished for her notepad right now, another checkmark to a couple to celebrate.

A few hours later after the formal photos with the family and wedding party, the reception was about to begin. The reception had a lot more people invited than at the ceremony because Jerry's family knew plenty of people. The reception was held in the 'library'. Elysian Gardens had numerous buildings, but the biggest was the Library. Just like all of the other buildings, the Library was made of marble, but looked more like a mini mansion than a library. It didn't even hold books in the building except for a few really old ones behind glass. It was the perfect mixture of luxury and beauty, which the couple and his family appreciated. Serena took out the long tables in exchange for smaller ones for a more intimate experience. She decorated the ballroom with giant bouquets made of red lilies with gold jewels. She lowered the ballroom's lighting to emphasize the glass dome's view of the stars.

"It's breathtaking." Rini gasped, stepping into the venue for the first time.

"This is why I wasn't at cocktail hour." Serena was proud of her work.

Rini bit her lip, "Can I ask a tough question?"

"I'm a wedding planner/cupid, I've been asked plenty of questions."

"Do you think you'll miss this?" Rini gestured to their surroundings, "Because of your acceptance with the curse."

Serena shook head, "I never wanted this for myself."

"Why not? You never planned a wedding for yourself?"

"No. I never want to get married. You know that." Serena replied, "There's so much I want to do and not want to do that I just don't see the point."

Rini sat next to her sister, "I thought maybe you changed your mind."

"Because of Darien?"

"Well yeah. You met your soul mate so I guess I assumed."

Serena laughed, "My mind hasn't changed even though I think I'm in love with him. It's complicated."

"You think or you know?" Rini asked, "They are very different things."

"I don't know. He's one of my closest friends, it's sometimes a little weird to think about." Serena replied with a sigh.

"There's Madeline too."

"Yep, so I supposed I try not to dwell on it." Serena finished with her usual flippant manner. Rini could see past her sister's bravado, but chose to not point it out at this second. After all, there was a wedding to go to.

In minutes the reception was full of people, dancing and laughing. Jerry and Rei entered last, both wearing similar expressions of shock at the décor and ambiance. Rei turned to Serena who had a smug smirk on her face.

"Serena."

Serena shrugged in nonchalance, "I know."

Jerry laughed throwing his arms around Serena's body, "Thank you."

"If you weren't marrying my best friend, you wouldn't get this." Serena protested, but couldn't help the smile forming on her face.

Rei unexpectedly hugged her as well, "Seriously, this is amazing."

Serena pulled away turning to Jerry, "Treat her better than anyone has ever treated her."

Jerry nodded, "Promise."

"Go, enjoy." Serena took a single large step back as the couple began to be engulfed in congratulations from their friends and family. Serena watched with a wistful smile, she never wanted this.

Lita nervously kept tapping her foot waiting for that woman to say something about speeches. The maid of honor speech was soon and Lita was not good when it came to words. She hated speaking in public. She looked over at Nate, who sat across from her, sipping his wine as if he didn't have a care in the world. He was the opposite of Lita, he was comfortable with speeches and crowds. All of the boys were, being raised as part of the upper class it was a requirement to have. They exchanged glances before Nate took out his phone and waved it in her direction. She arched an eyebrow in confusion before looking down at her own phone to see his text.

You look sick

Lita glared at him before typing her response. How are you not sweating right now?

When you have to do several speeches in your life, this becomes normative. And self hypnosis.

What?

I believe I don't have sweat glands

Lita laughed and looked up at his smirk. She shook her head at his absurdity feeling more at ease after their exchange. He looked really good tonight. Usually in a suit, he would be hunched over not exuding his usual confidence, but not tonight. Nate had taken off his bowtie a while ago and unbuttoned the first two buttons off his shirt. His eyes met hers again and Lita caught her breath. He grinned at her and it wasn't one she ever remembered him having. Never did he look nervous, but at ease.

A woman around her 40s clinked her glass, "I believe now is the time for the best man and maid of honor speeches."

Nate sighed dramatically, but for the sake of Lita, stood up first. He put on his charming smile and turned to face Jerry and Rei, who were sitting like a king and queen, quite literally. Their chairs were more ornate and larger than everyone else. The table where they sat was raised on a platform to look down on people, it was quite like the court life in history books. This was so like Jerry. He also knew the woman of his affections was sitting across from him. He didn't need notecards to plan out what he was going to say.

"I remember Jerry's first girlfriend at the age of 4, Desiree. Back in a time where I thought girls were still gross, he already found them appealing. At that age I never understood him and was so grossed out. I tried to get him kicked out of our little group, but our leader, Mr. Shields," He pointed to Darien who waved when the spotlight turned on him, "said that he'll learn or maybe we will. I never understood that until I had my first girlfriend. Granted I was 14 not 4, but I finally understood. We thought this bachelor would stay one for a long time, but just like when we were kids he fell in love first. It was the same thing, I didn't understand what made her so appealing, until I met her. She became the center of his life and made him better. It still surprised me someone so unattainable would fall for Jerry the former class clown." Nate raised his glass to Jerry and Rei who laughed at his words, but his eyes drifted over to Lita. "I understand just like I did all those years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Hays."

The audience clapped and cheered, some of them teared up; however, Nate focused his entire attention on Lita. She understood his implied words and the ball was back on her court. She was shocked, but maintained her posture and stood up when the crowd began to die down. This may be the moment she either accepts his feelings or break his heart. He didn't regret it though, putting his heart out there and giving her that power. Even if she didn't return his feelings, at least she knew.

Lita cleared her throat and looked down at her notecard, "I want to congratulate my best friend first and foremost and…" She looked back at Nate and felt all of the words come together. "I don't need a notecard that has practiced and polite words because that's not Rei or Jerry. Rei, you've always had a hard time trusting people and that includes your husband. It took us over a year to find out where you lived when we were young and that's because we followed you home one day. Unlike some of us, you never wore your heart on your sleeve. You wore it protected and hidden and I remember when Jerry vowed that he would dig deep and retrieve it. Granted, I thought he was an idiot as well until I saw how you met someone who didn't give up. If they did, they wouldn't have stayed in your life for so long. I've never seen two people become a shelter for each other." Lita smiled at Rei's teary eyes. These were the right words. "I want a shelter too and hopefully it'll be as safe as yours. I love you both so much, congratulations again."

Rei clapped wiping the tears that hadn't fallen. She turned to look at Jerry, who was clapping, but had a smirk etched on his face, "What?"

"Why are you looking at our guests like you're going to kill them?"

Jerry shrugged, pretending to be innocent. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"We haven't signed our wedding license. If you don't tell me, I can still leave you." Rei threatened, but Jerry was unfazed by it.

"Fine. Nate and Lita."

"What about them?"

Jerry rolled his eyes, "You know for a lawyer, you aren't very observant."

"Then oh great watcher of people, do share your news?" Rei replied dryly, reaching out for her champagne flute.

"Ha ha. They exchanged a look."

"So?"

"This means in the next few months, we could be attending their wedding." Jerry whispered dramatically.

"Let's just focus on ours for a bit." Rei groaned, "We are not Serena and we're not going to try to be."

Jerry shrugged, but he didn't reply opting to sip his alcoholic beverage. Rei glared, "Don't you dare."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Children please calm yourself." Angie protested, "This is a wedding, your wedding. Smile for the cameras." Jerry and Rei exchanged a look of disdain and rolled their eyes, but they didn't respond.

Serena shifted her eyes to the corner Darien was. Madeline stood beside him, looking impeccable in her blue dress, her red hair in a messy ponytail. They were dancing and laughing just like every couple in the room. She had her arms around his neck as they swayed only they didn't look like they were having any problems that required therapy. There was something about weddings that made people pretend they didn't have any problems either. Darien pressed his lips at the hollow of her throat when she threw her head back and laughed at whatever he said. They looked happy. She closed her eyes shaking her head, no she never wanted any of that.

Nate finally had the guts to approach Lita. She froze when she saw him, but she didn't run away so that was a good sign. The ball was on her court, he reminded himself, but that didn't mean he couldn't speed things along hopefully in his favor. She long took off her heels leaving her feet bare against the wood floor. Her hair had come undone from the neat braid it was in earlier from her many rounds on the dance floor. Her makeup had smeared from the sweat, but she still looked beautiful in Nate's eyes.

"Hey."

"Hey." Her cheeks flushed, but luckily it was dark enough he didn't see.

"The décor looks amazing." Nate's mentally punched himself. Those were his first words to her? This girl was already making a fool of himself, but he knew in the end it would've been worth it.

Lita looked up at him nodding, "Serena really outdid herself."

"Did you mean what you said…during the speech?" He asked, it was better to get it over with now. Maybe she was actually rejecting him, but his idiotic brain thought otherwise.

She looked at her feet, "Did you mean what you meant with your speech?"

"Are you answering a question with a question?"

"Aren't you doing the same thing?"

Nate sighed, both he and Lita weren't great when it came to talking about feelings. He wasn't Jerry who would tell Rei he loves her even if she rejected him a hundred times. He had never been the romantic type and this was entirely new ground for him and maybe Lita as well. She may let him down gently if she didn't feel the same way.

"A friend once told me love is a leap of faith, and maybe it was time I jumped. So I'm jumping off the cliff right now." Lita finally looked at him with confusion as he continued, "I know this delightful little coffee place that opens late. Do you want to come with me?"

He waited for what felt like eternity for her answer. Her green eyes widened then she bit her lip in contemplation. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a few seconds before giving him a reply. "Ok."

Ami and Zane chose to be away from the crowd taking solace on one of the many balconies that the venue had to offer. Ami finished the rest of her cake and looked over at Zane playing on his phone.

"Bored?"

Zane grinned shaking his head, "Do you want to dance?"

Ami rolled her eyes in a playful manner, "I'm not that bored."

Zane sighed, but the smile never left his face. It was so like them to not want to be a part of the crowd. Ami had never been comfortable and Zane preferred being with his best friend. His eyes glanced behind him at the drunk, oblivious, and carefree guests. All of them had drunk their fair share of drinks from the open bar that the Hays family had happily arranged for and their true colors were starting to show. Zane didn't allow himself a single drink despite the irregular heartbeat in his chest. It was now before everyone else found out then she would be very mad if she was the last one to know.

"Can I tell you something?" Zane asked in a surprisingly serious voice.

Ami arched an eyebrow, "What's wrong?"

Zane took out an envelope from his suit pocket that had been folded and crinkled. He tried his best to smooth it out, but it was more to calm his nerves than anything. He handed it to her without a word. She took it hesitating before taking the letter out. She read it, absorbing the words, her eyes widening with every line.

"You're leaving?"

Zane nodded slowly, "I leave in two weeks."

Ami's breath caught, "I don't understand. We're moving up. We were getting our first solo surgeries. Why would you leave?"

"I wanted to be a doctor because I wanted to be a superhero. Handling interns and dealing with the board is not what I signed up for. It was what my parents wanted. I'm going to volunteer and be a doctor in places that need a good doctor that isn't corrupt or unskilled. I'm going to be doing more and it's what I always wanted." Zane explained feeling a weight lift off his chest.

Ami knew he wasn't happy. Not that he ever told her, but she could see the occasion when he allowed his pleasant demeanor slip. He looked older than his age. It pained her that he wouldn't tell her why he was feeling this way, but she waited. Being the forever supporting best friend, but she didn't see this coming. Still, she was still the forever supporting best friend.

Ami managed to muster up a smile, "I'm glad you figured it out. I always wanted you to be happy, but I never knew what to say because you wouldn't talk to me about your turmoil."

"It was my burden not yours." Zane replied quietly, "You'll be fine without me."

"The interns are going to flood the hospital with their tears once you leave." Ami muttered causing Zane to chuckle.

"Please play nice. I know it's hard for you because you're so pompous, but please for me?"

Ami's mouth dropped open, "I am not pompous."

"Fine, high expectations. Be nice, you'll get another person to be head of the interns with. Be nice to your new partner as well." Zane pleaded causing a small smile to form on Ami's lips.

"I promise." Ami replied, "Promise me you'll be safe."

Zane nodded, "Promise."

Ami nodded as well. They both stood together in silence before Ami uncharacteristically threw her arms around him. Zane stiffened for a second before wrapping his arms around her waist. He closed his eyes inhaling deeply, holding her longer than any of their hugs. He was surrounded by linen and city lights on the rooftop where they could never see a single star in the sky. Now he was going to be surrounded by all the stars in the galaxy, but he was going to feel more alone than ever. He wasn't planning on the next part.

"I love you Ami." Zane whispered causing Ami to pull back beaming at him.

"I love you too." Ami replied, but Zane knew it wasn't in the way he said it. His arms dropped. He really wasn't planning on the next part.

"Ami, I've had feelings for you probably ever since I met you." Zane said quickly as Ami froze, her smile falling. Zane wasn't sure if it was because he was leaving or caught up in the moment, but he couldn't stop himself.

"You became my best friend and then you became everything to me. There were so many times I wanted to tell you, but I didn't want to lose you. I was a coward and I know this isn't the best time to tell you, but then I wouldn't know when." Zane rambled watching Ami's face carefully as she absorbed his words. Her expression became blank and knew she didn't feel the same, but another weight had been lifted. The problem with this one was that he may have lost his best friend.

Zane found no other words so he chose to run. He ran past the dancing crowd and the caterers. He didn't know where he was going, but he was going to keep running. Why did he do that? He kept running until he found himself at the gates of the botanic garden. Zane leaned his head against the gate sinking down to ground. He let out a yell in aggravation. He should have kept his mouth shut. He had been fine living his life as just friends. He was perfectly fine being unrequited. Why the hell did he say that?

"Daydreaming about your wedding?" She looked up at the familiar voice to see of course Darien looking down on her. Even in heels he still surpassed her in height, she noticed.

Serena have him her coy look deciding to play along, "Yes but my husband…disappeared."

Darien raised an eyebrow, "What has happened to your husband?"

"I'm not sure. He's an 80 something billionaire." Serena winked, "Anything can happen at that age."

Darien snorted, "Never took you for that kind of girl."

"Every girl has thought of it before, has no male ever thought of life as a billionaire's lap dog?"

"Of course, we just don't admit it as freely." Darien replied as Serena laughed shaking her head.

"I don't understand why I still talk to you."

Darien winked, "Meatball head, you'll miss my company."

"Sure." Serena replied rolling her eyes, "Where's Madeline?"

"She had to leave early. It's her last magazine shoot then her last runway show tomorrow in Prague." Darien explained the smile never leaving his face.

"I've never see you so happy." Serena commented.

"It's just...I know Maddie and I still have a lot of work to do. Therapy is working wonders on both our parts. It was weird at first with Dr. Mauian, but then it became ok. For the first time, I see us lasting forever like in movies." Darien replied, "For the first time, I'm excited about looking into our future."

"I'm glad you found that." Serena told him quietly.

Darien noticed her very subtle mood change, "We'll find you your boy toy."

Serena snorted, "You act like I want that nauseating love life everyone has. No thank you, with my sight I'll just ruin it."

"Why do you want to ruin good things for you?" Darien asked as Serena shrugged nonchalantly.

"I don't know, it's just what I do." Serena replied, "Want to dance?"

Darien opened his mouth about to force her back to the subject at hand, until he saw the sad eyes she had on at every wedding she ever planned: the longing, frustration, acceptance, and loneliness. This certain look she hid rather well, but something made her slip up at this wedding.

"Ok, I love this song anyways."

Serena astonished herself by dragging him on the dance floor. A slow song had just ended and a more upbeat one played. There was no awkward imitations of the waltz, just two people moving around like a pair of idiots with no rhythm. Just like all of the other people around them. From the corner of her eye, she saw Kael who was lurking in the shadows earlier take Wanda Shields' hand and lead her to the dance floor.

"Dear there are multiple women who love to be in your presence, yet you choose the old woman for your first dance." Wanda drawled.

Kael shrugged, "Experience over age."

Wanda laughed, "This is why I never pressured you into looking for a wife for my future great grandchildren; however, flattery will get you nowhere."

"I'm content with my life at this moment Wanda."

She rolled her eyes, "As fun as this was, I must get back to my husband. Our song is up next." She dropped her hand from his shoulder, "Since I'm still the batty old woman, I demand you go find a silly girl. Look there's a pretty girl over there, amuse yourself. Have fun dear."

Kael followed where she pointed and there was Mina. She was alone for the first time, not that he was keeping tabs on her. She had multiple partners of both sexes all night. He didn't remember seeing her turn down any one of them. Just when he was about to make his way towards her, another man beat him to it. She beamed when she saw him, she must have recognized him. Mina pulled him into a hug and dragged him onto the dance floor. A small part of Kael hoped he could get her alone again, but she didn't leave the mysterious man's side all night. She even left with him when the festivities were over, leaving him to his shadows. Maybe he missed his chance.

Serena hugged her sister and brother good bye. Both of them were leaving as she was left alone to try to instruct how to clean. It was always like this and as usual both offered to stay, but she refused. The cleanup crew was starting to come in as the party ended. There was one more person that was perched against the pillar.

"You're supposed to leave."

"I'm waiting for Kael. He's my ride. He wandered off somewhere."

Serena nodded, "Well, thanks for the company."

"How are you getting home?" Darien asked, "I can ask Kael. He won't mind."

Serena shook her head. "Thanks for the offer, but I'll be fine. Helios offered to let me stay the night at his house. Well…he lives on Elysian Gardens so it shouldn't be so bad."

Darien smirked, "Have you been on the balconies in this place? The view is incredible."

Serena shook her head. Darien didn't say anything before making a dash towards the stairs causing Serena to kick off her heels so she could follow his speed. Serena even found herself laughing along the way. He was right, the view was astounding. There were small light poles every so often around the garden, but it was the stars that etched into her memory. Elysian Gardens was located closer to the woods than the city making for even more prime location for weddings.

"How did you find this place?" Serena asked in awe of the view.

Darien leaned back against the balcony, "My grandparents threw Trista's sweet sixteen here. The boys and I were bored out of our minds so we did some exploring and found this place."

"Not for a long time. Besides I'm considered old, so I don't really get anything anymore." Darien replied, "Hey, look the cleanup crew is here."

Serena looked down at the group of people who started to carry away the chairs, "Finally, I'll be able to get out of here."

"You know you can't avoid this conversation."

Serena rolled her eyes, "What conversation Shields?"

Darien frowned at her use of last names. Her flippant manner that was starting to bother him was just a defense mechanism. He repeated it to himself before continuing. "Ruining what's good for you."

"I don't want to fall in love. I don't want to be the saps in romance movies. That's for me an observer to want for everyone else. I'm good with backstage work, I don't want the starring role." Serena replied, "Why can't you understand that?"

"If you truly want that then I'll leave you alone. Serena, I care about you and I want you to be happy because we're friends. I don't think you want to be alone forever." Darien told her carefully.

Serena scoffed, "You don't know what I want. I sure as hell know what I want more than you do."

"Then why do you look so sad?"

Serena's mouth shut as she turned away from him, "Can we not?"

Darien placed his hands on her shoulders forcing her to turn around, "Serena, I've watched you plan a lot of weddings over the years. You never once look happy doing it."

"I'm planning a wedding. I'm pretty stressed out most of the time." Serena tried to reason, but Darien wasn't going to give up.

"It's not just that. You look like you're resigning your fate that you'll never get that. You long for it though. You want it, but you accept that you don't. Why is that?" Darien asked, "Do you even understand your worth?"

"Of course I do! It's not about that. Rini told you about the curse didn't she?" Serena exclaimed as Darien became silent.

"I'm not meant to have a happy ending. I can meet my soul mate and it'll never last. I've accepted that a long time ago. I accepted that love was for everyone, but me. I have never once wanted to fall in love because I couldn't. So yes, I'm cynical and callous when it comes to love for me because that's how I'm going to survive. Do you even understand wanting to fall in love like every other idiot in the world then being told you can't because it won't last. Did I mention it'll hurt like a bitch when the time comes?" Serena snapped, "I wish I was like you. God, I wish I could be stupid."

"I didn't know. I don't think I will understand what you're feeling. I just wish you would give it a chance. At least you'll know."

Something in his words just made Serena snap. She sighed in exasperation, "Did you know that I had the power to cut off my soul mate so that we would no longer be bounded? Sadly, it only works once when I meet the poor sucker. I chose to be an idiot and accepted such a fate only for it to screw me over."

Darien's eyes widened, "So that's who old lover boy was."

"The old lover boy is you!" Serena yelled causing Darien's eyes to widen like a bug. She huffed plopping on to the chair.

"You mean…?"

"Do you have any idea how hard it is to be unwillingly part of an unrequited love? It sucks."

Darien frowned, "What do you mean unwillingly? I happen to find myself an excellent catch. You should be glad you have feelings for me."

Serena almost laughed at his words. She had forgotten this wasn't a random stranger. "My god this was supposed to be a serious moment where we cry and have a moment."

"Did you honestly think this was going to be a tearful realization?" Darien asked with a look of disbelief, "You have been watching too many movies if you think we were going to cry then have sex after this confession."

"I never said anything about sex!" Serena stopped her pacing.

"I never said I expected it!" Darien closed his eyes, feeling his cheeks redden. "I was just referencing movies."

Both remained silent before Darien began to chuckle. Serena looked at him, rolling her eyes, but she could feel a smile tugging on her lips. She ran through a lot of scenarios in her head when she thought about confessing, but she didn't think he would act so normal.

"We're stupid."

Darien laughed, "We kind of are, but ok shall we get the serious stuff out of the way?"

"You have questions." Serena stated.

"How did you know?" Darien asked, running a hand through his hair, "I mean we used to hate each other. I mean there are still occasions I want to run you over with a monster truck."

Serena laughed, "I don't know when it happened. I just know that one day, I didn't think you were that bad."

"That doesn't exactly mean you have feelings for me that are more than…friendly." Darien turned to face the trees.

Serena leaned against the railing, "I can't believe how calm you are right now after I just told you."

Darien shrugged, "I've already told you this isn't the first confession I've gotten," He smirked, "I mean look at me."

"You are a cocky buffoon."

Darien continued on as if she hadn't said anything, "I have a method that I stick with for every confession I've ever gotten and usually the end result is pretty good."

"We'll talk."

"About what?"

"I don't know, whatever we want. Whatever it leads to." Darien looked down at her with a smirk, "So you know how I handle confessions, what about you?"

Serena raised an eyebrow, "There was my first confession I guess. It was after entrance exams and he just ran up and told me he was in love with me. I doubt he knew what it meant, but I spent two hours lecturing about the importance of love. He fell out of love with me after that, but we remained friends. He just had a baby this year."

"You stayed friends with a guy you rejected?"

"He's such a dweeb. He married my friend, Molly, a few years back." Serena laughed, "I don't know. I just never felt like any of the confessions I had gotten were genuine. They confessed because I was pretty or cute or they wanted to see if I was actually crazy. I never used to words I reject you, but I usually told them why we weren't a good fit and usually they understood."

"What about me? What made me different?"

"You accepted my craziness. You would tell me things I never wished to hear, but I needed to. I don't know, you were just there in the most amazing ways in my life." Serena turned to look into his eyes, "You showed me that love wasn't a bad thing. That even though I'm cursed, I can still find love, but then I think about you and I realize that I am cursed. Out of every man in the entire world, I fall for the one that is taken. What's worse is that I'll never do anything to try to break him up with his girl because he smiles a certain way when he's with her. That smile he gives only to her makes me happy because of my role as cupid, but it hurts because it'll never be mine."

Darien gave her a small smile, he raised his hand to comfort her, but stopped midway because he knew it wasn't going to help. He retracted his hand, but held her gaze, "You don't realize the lives you have touched when you just jump into their lives do you?" Darien asked, "You just make finding love a little more bearable because you make people believe in those fairytales and nursery rhymes. You're the only person I know where as harsh as reality is, you never give up."

Serena felt tears forming, but she refused to let them fall. "I know how harsh reality is. Sometimes I think about giving up myself."

Darien placed his hands on her bare shoulders forcing her to look at him. "You'll get over this. You're stronger than any red string of fate."

Serena shook her head, "Haven't you learned anything from me when it comes to fate?"

"I learned that it's your life and your choices. So yes a God of Love is telling us we have to be together, but I'm not going to listen to it." Darien's voice softened. "You deserve someone who will wait on you hand and foot. Not someone who's heart belongs to another."

Serena had no other words to say. Instead of the quips from before, he showed her his mind and it was exactly how she knew it was going to be. She knew she was going to be rejected, but she didn't think it was going to hurt this much. Serena turned away from him inhaling deeply then exhaling twice as long. Darien didn't say anything except take a step back to give her some time. Serena felt more composed, but knew it wasn't going to last long and she wasn't going to cry in front of him about him.

Darien waited for her to turn back to him giving her as much time needed. It wasn't his first confession he rejected, but this one didn't feel the same as the others. Maybe it was because she's one of his friends or maybe it was because unlike the others who confessed to him, they weren't genuine. What's more genuine than feelings from a cupid? When she faced him, she was beaming. She must not have noticed her glassy eyes from the layer of tears that were so close to falling. It reminded him of the wedding with her standing there trying to not cry, but fails. Everything is the same except the sadness in her eyes. If he wasn't a good man, he would have comforted her, but he is. All he can really do is give her space.

"I wish you the best." She whispered. She wasn't planning this either. Serena wrapped her arms around his waist. Darien remained frozen until she pulled away.

"I'm sorry, Serena."

Serena shook her head, "Don't be. We're still friends. This is the last time you'll hear this from me."

"I know." Darien replied quietly. Where did this gnawing feeling come from? He watched her run away from him without a goodbye probably because she couldn't hold back her tears anymore. He wasn't going to stop her and he was out of quips for the evening. Darien leaned against the railing watching her figure run towards Helios' family home or at least one of them. It reminded him of his grandparents' place in Lunara.

"How much did you hear?"

"I was about to leave when I saw that you weren't leaving." Kael explained moving out of the shadows, "Are you ok?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Kael shrugged, "I don't know. You are acting as if you have been rejected."

"I have absolutely no idea what I'm feeling. I can't put a word to it." Darien replied looking back at the stars. "It feels different after that night. Something's changed."

"That doesn't count. Neither of you remember a damn thing. I'm pretty sure it was before."

"When did you become such a relationship expert?"

Kael scoffed, "I'm awful at these messy human emotions. I never know how to act. However, I'm observant."

Darien had to smile at that, "I remember the first time you felt jealousy. You acted like such an ass to my sister. I wanted to kill you."

Kael shook his head with a tiny smile on his face, "Emotions are weird. You can just follow my example and not feel any of the messy ones. Just be bored."

"Kael, I'm not you. I'm a passionate lovey dovey sap. All of the emotions that come with it, I'll gladly take it." Darien retorted watching his friend roll his eyes.

"Whatever. Let's go. Your grandparents' flight back to Lunara is in the morning and she wants all of us to drive them to the airport so she can pester us. I'm quite sure a Spanish Inquisition is in the works as well."

Serena ran down the stairs pushed open the doors ignoring the cold wind. She kept running to one of the smaller houses outside the main one. She slid down the door and allowed the tears to fall. She finally confessed and she knew the ending, but she didn't expect it to hurt so much after mental preparedness of it. It was over. He knew and he didn't feel the same way. Serena moved towards the desk, took a deep breath, and wrote everything onto a sheet of paper. It was close to the early am hours when she finished. She reread the words more times than she could, crumpling it then straightening it out, not sure what to do with it. Her tears had subsided once the letter was finished, but the weight in her chest remained including the throbbing of her throat. As if her heart still wanted to cry over a love that was never meant to happen, but her brain said that was silly and ceased the tears.