Thank you so much for your kind words. Sorry it took me a while. I love all of you! THANKS FOR YOU SUPPORT ENJOY!


Serena opened the door holding onto her head in the process. If she told her past self that a night with Madeline Blanc was fun, her past self would have laughed her pretty little head off. Once the two were drunk off, they ended up trying to bake cookies, but failed and passed out amongst the flour. She finally made it back home to see Rini hugging her knees on the couch. The TV was on, but she wasn't watching. She seemed focused on twirling her pink hair around her fingers then unwinding them again.

"You ok?" Serena asked approaching her with caution. Rini never acted like this unless she was about to lash out at someone. With her hangover, Serena prayed it wasn't her.

"Helios and I broke up." She said in such a dejected voice that caused Serena's heart to clench.

Serena sat down wrapping an arm around her shoulder, "How cliche do you want this breakup talk to be?"

Rini laughed trying to be cheerful even though it was forced. "I'm ok. Our timing wasn't right."

"That's a rather grown up decision." Serena pointed out. "I'm proud of you."

Rini shook her head switching subjects. "What happened to you last night? I thought I was supposed to be hungover."

"I glad you're not. I don't think my body can digest alcohol as well anymore. I went over to Madeline's last night and we drunk a gradient of wine starting with white and ending with the darkest red I've ever seen. We almost cleaned her wine cabinet." Serena explained rubbing her head some more.

"Madeline? Madeline Blanc? Darien's ex? Why were you two hanging out?" Rini asked confused by her sister's choice of friends.

Serena decided to not tell Rini the whole story. It was a lot to take in and Rini had her own problems to deal with. "We came to an agreement. I met Darien's drunk self the night before too."

"He's a dick." Rini stated wincing shuddering at the memories.

"Aside from that, Madeline and I aren't friends. I needed a drink and so did she, so why not drink together?" Serena explained, "I don't want to face Darien after that."

"What did he say to you?" Rini asked. Serena was the furthest thing in the world from being a coward.

Serena shrugged hugging a pillow close to her chest, "Words I thought I wanted to hear, but when I heard them, I hated them."

"Complicated." Rini sighed knowing her sister didn't want to talk about it. Serena had her own issues to deal with. Rini could relate to Serena's words. "Do you think you've grown up?"

"What do you mean?"

"I broke up with Helios because we were going to grow and change. For the better, for the worse, I don't know. Do you think I made a mistake?" Rini asked not quite sure if it was regret she was feeling gnawing at her stomach.

Serena exhaled setting the pillow down, "Of course I've grown up. You have to. You grow up and you don't even realize it until it hits you or someone tells you. I like to think it's for the better." She wrapped her around Rini's shoulder. "You let him go. You thought about someone other than yourself and you're only 16. No, I don't think you made a mistake."

Rini sighed turning to Serena with tears filling her eyes, "Is it ok if I cry about it?"

Serena laughed pulling her sister into her arms, stroking her hair. "Of course it is. You loved him. Now he's leaving. I would be more surprised if you didn't cry, to be honest."

"I hate this. Feeling weak."

Serena sighed, "Loving someone isn't a weakness. It just hurts a lot when it ends, but you'll live. Unless you're in some tragic star-crossed lover plotline where everyone dies in the end. Maybe that's heaven for some people so who am I to judge?"

Rini laughed, "Please shut up and let me sob my sorrows away."

Serena rubbed her sister's back. "We could always get drunk."

"Serena!"

"What? I do it all the time!"


Rei walked into the office with her cup of decaf. Decaf. Well to have a healthy baby, there were many vices she had to give up and what made her most upset was the coffee. Rei lived off of coffee and almost nothing else especially when she had a case coming up. Couldn't do that anymore now that she was feeding for two. She walked into her office only to groan. Her husband was insane.

Her once sterile-like office now resembled her late grandfather's temple from way back when. There were plants everywhere and she was sure the walls got repainted too. On one of the side tables that once had her law books stacked haphazardly, was replaced by a waterfall. There was even a Bluetooth speaker playing meditation music. There were pillows almost everywhere. Her old chair was replaced with a newer plushier one and under her desk was a tiny hammock so she could have a place to put her feet.

"Oh, you like your surprise?" Kael asked when he walked in holding a box.

Rei groaned, "He's crazy."

Kael shrugged placing the box down, "You married him. You knew what you were getting yourself into."

"True." Rei walked over to the box, "What's that?"

"From your fellow employees. I believe everyone has heard of your pregnancy by now. They are slippers so you will forgo your heels at least for a few short moments. Jerry sent it over and had us all sign the card. " Kael explained in the same droning tone he usually had only it wasn't cold. It made the biggest difference in the world, but it was only reserved for people he cared about.

Rei shook her head, the smile not falling from her face. "Well thank you. I'm sorry for all of this."

Kael waved her off, "Nonsense, you're family."

Rei nodded surprised to hear that from Kael. Aside from his friends, he didn't seem to care about anyone or anything. He was wonderful at his job just because he was highly rational and emotionally unattached, but he didn't seem to care much for it.

Kael looked down at his phone at the text cursing to himself, "We have a meeting."

"I wasn't aware I had one." Rei gathered some of her papers and her iPad, shoving them into her large purse.

"Don't hate me. Our new clients requested you, I promise to minimize your stress as much as possible. Your husband threatened to behead me if anything were to happen to you and my future niece or nephew." Kael explained vaguely, but Rei didn't question him for more details.

Rei almost before she realized he was serious, "You're kidding? Oh, you're not. Oh, my god, I'm going to kill him."

Kael relaxed for just a slight moment, "I will tell you right now that if the stress becomes too much, you can leave this case anytime."

"Well, they requested me so it's fine. I can handle it." Rei replied. A part of her was suspicious. Why would Jerry try to interfere in her work? He had never done it before. Also, why would Kael give her the option to quit?

"It's a high-profile case that requires the utmost confidentiality."

Rei followed his brisk pace to the conference room only to tense when she turned around. She understood why her husband decided to butt his head into her job. She should have demanded more details. The governor and prime minister candidate of Romulus stood up gesturing for the other two women to stand as well.

"Mr. Hino, it's a pleasure. Please take a seat and we'll discuss your case further." Kael greeted in his usual monotone voice. So different from the voice he used with her.

"This is Rei Hino. She'll be a part of your case as well." Kael introduced.

"Mr. Hino." Rei greeted.

The older man looked over to Rei, "Rei, I see you're doing well. Let's drop the formalities for at least a minute."

"Very well. Father." Rei replied mimicking Kael's neutral tone, "How are you?"

"Good." He glanced down at the rose gold wedding band on her left hand, "I had forgotten you had gotten married. I'm sorry I couldn't be there."

"Your absence wasn't a huge loss. It was rather expected. Now let's get back to business."

Gaspard Hino nodded resuming his diplomatic self. "If you wish. This is my daughter, Cassia, and my wife, Lorelai. The case is about my daughter."

Rei didn't understand why her heart clenched at the mention of his new family. The one he started a few years after dropping her off with her grandfather. She never asked about them and they never asked about her. Of course, she had looked them up once or twice. She shook her head, trying to lock away those insecurities she thought she had overcome. Maybe she was only avoiding them.

Cassia and Lorelai gave her a once over, the look of being carefully scrutinized the upper society often did when meeting anyone. Rei only knew about these looks because of Mina's lessons before her marriage into the Hays family. How opposite they resembled his first family. From their curly hair to their mocha colored skin and brown eyes. Of course, they knew of each other, Rei remembered meeting Cassia when she was only a newborn and Lorelai never cared for Rei.

Rei quickly looked over the case file Kael handed her. She couldn't help but smirk. "Quite the scandal."

"Not yet." Cassia muttered as her mother glared at her.

"No, it's going to be ok."

Rei couldn't help but point out the obvious, "She's charged with murder. This isn't exactly something that you can throw money at and it will disappear."

"Rei, please stop." Gaspard scolded. Rei ignored the pang in her chest looking back at Kael to mediate.

Kael sat up from his chair, "She's right. Now these documents don't tell us the full story."

For the first time instead of the haughty girl that she showed the public, Cassia looked more like the teenager she was, self-conscious and confused. "We didn't mean for it to happen."

"Who's we?" Kael asked.

"My friends who are also charged. I never pushed her out the window. I taunted her a little, I didn't think she was going to be that dramatic." Cassia replied averting her eyes away from theirs.

"What happened?" Rei asked using the tone she used for her friends when they were about to have a breakdown.

"I'm in the group for the most popular kids in school. Our Queen Bee picks a target of someone that she doesn't like for whatever reason and she gets the whole school to bully her. They have that power and we participate. It's been that way for years. This year, it was Marianne Saulnier. I don't know why, but it was her. I admit, her school life was terrible and I participated in some of the teasings and I tripped her once or twice, but I didn't kill her!" Cassia cried as her mother placed an arm around her.

"Just tell us what happened on that day." Kael said wanting the most information out of the girl before she had a breakdown and was rendered useless.

"My friends and I finished eating lunch earlier. We went to the music classroom to hang out before class started and Iliana has the key because she's one of our student representatives. We didn't know Marianne was there until she fell. Now I've been arrested for pushing her out the window or a bully that caused her to commit suicide on school grounds! We didn't even know she was there. Next thing I know, plop! There she is on the ground!" Cassia explained, "If I'm being charged as a bully then they can sue the whole school because we all messed with her in some shape or form."

"Don't say that at the trial." Rei demanded.

"Did you post that on social media?" Kael asked her parents.

"No, we've kept her away from all of her devices." Gaspard replied instead of his crying daughter.

Rei looked over the notes, "No camera footage."

"And Miss Saulnier hasn't woken up." Kael pointed out, "There is a way to spin this."

"How? I might as well go to jail right now. There's nothing. Everyone at school knew she was a target, she had no friends and everyone knows we hated her!" Cassia exclaimed tears falling down her cheeks, "I can't go to jail."

"You bullied her, but you're young. We can talk about peer pressure, the desire to fit in and regret. Let's hope she doesn't wake up until the trial is over." Kael explained, "It'll be easier that way. She's the victim and she hates you."

"Let's not curse the girl either." Rei muttered.

Kael rolled his eyes, "Emotions don't win battles."

Rei sighed knowing Kael was right. If she was the one in charge, she would have done the same thing, especially with a case this complicated. She couldn't throw her own emotions in as well. Rei thought of something that to a teenage girl was against everything she was taught to believe.

"You may have to turn on your friends."

"No." Cassia protested immediately.

Lorelai hushed her gesturing for Rei to continue."Your friends are in the same boat as you. They will do the same thing to you. If you don't want to go to jail, you will do exactly what we say."

"Cass, listen to them. They know what they're doing. They are the best in the Alliance." Gaspard scolded.

Cassia nodded after a minute still sulking, "Only if I have to."

"Excellent." Kael replied.

They discussed a few more details including strategy, how Cassia was to dress, whatever would put her in a better light. They did their research on the jury, the judge, and others who will be attending that could work in their favor. Rei managed to work in blaming one of her friends much to Cassia's dismay. Rei kept her eyes on the papers waiting for her father and his family to leave before beginning to pack her own things.

"You don't have to accept." Kael stated.

"You should have told me it was my father." Rei's voice growing cold, "You could have given me a warning."

"I apologize."

"No! You told my husband before you told me! It's not Jerry's father. It's mine and you kept it from me!" Rei exclaimed then took a deep breath feeling a little dizzy. She sat down as Kael rushed to her side.

"Are you ok?"

Rei waved him off snapping, "I'm fine. Just a little nauseous and I'm a little tired. Very normal, I'm growing a child in my body. Then I had an unexpected visit with my father and his new family. What do you expect?"

Kael nodded knowing she wanted to be left alone. "I'll be outside if you need anything."

Rei rubbed her temples. She pulled her phone out of her dress pocket calling, "What the hell Jerry?"

"So you found out?" Jerry asked laughing nervously, "Are you ok?"

"Why does everyone keep asking me that? I'm not fragile!" Rei snapped groaning in exasperation. No, she wasn't going to snap at him first then ask questions later. She wasn't going to push him away. She exhaled deeply, "I'm sorry. Look, I just have a lot going on right now. For this marriage to work, you have to talk to me."

Jerry sighed running a hand through his hair, "I'm sorry for hiding it from you. It's just that we never talk about your father. Except for the obvious. I don't know how you feel about him having a new family or not being at the wedding or anything really."

Rei tried to hold onto her anger, but she felt it slipping away. "Why didn't Kael tell me?"

"Don't blame Kael. I found out on my own when I was going through his stuff." Jerry leaned against the window trying to ask her in the best way possible, "Are you ever going to tell me about your dad?"

Rei had locked her thoughts away from him for a long time. She tried to be like Serena and become apathetic towards him, but found that to be too difficult. She wanted to tell him everything, but she didn't think she was ready to handle her own feelings towards him: the resentment, anger, frustration, and the loneliness.

"You're my husband. This should be easy telling you. I just don't know why it isn't."

"I'm not going to pressure you if that's what you're thinking..."

"I know." Rei interjected, "I know you're not. I don't want to relive it all again. I just want to avoid it for the time being."

She heard him sigh and go silent for a second or two before speaking. "I'm always going to be here. Nothing you can say or do will ever make me run away."

Rei switched topics feelings her eyes filling with tears wanting to end on a good note. "So my office today?"

Jerry chuckled, "I'm being overbearing, but my mom kept emphasizing the need for the stress-free environment. I'm just trying to make that happen."

"We're human. It's never going to be stress-free. With our jobs and families and friends, Jerry, it's not going to ever be void of stress. A little stress won't hurt the little peanut."

"Peanut?"

Rei blushed rubbing her toned belly, "Yes. It's the size of a peanut right now and it'll be cruel to always call the baby it so Peanut."

Jerry laughed, glad to hear the happiness in her voice. "Fine, Peanut. I really have to go. I'm really stretching the beginning of this meeting."

"I love you." Rei said softly. Those three words still meant too much for her to say all the time.

"What's the occasion?" Jerry asked beaming at the board members who began to take their seats. They could wait a couple minutes. His mother, who was the President, wasn't even here yet.

"A thank you for loving me. Especially now when I need you." Rei replied, "Peanut loves you too."

"I love you both." Jerry groaned audibly at the chatter in the background, "Mom, I'm almost done...it's Rei...she's fine. I really have to go."

"Bye. Tell Angie I say hi." Rei hung up the phone feeling more at ease already. Jerry was ridiculous and insane most of the time, but he had never failed to not be there for her when she needed it. She glanced down at her belly still finding the idea of a human being growing in there surreal.

"I promise I'm going to try to be the best mom in the world." She whispered before leaning back on the chair. She wasn't a quitter. Kael may have offered her to leave this case anytime, but she wasn't going to. Rei sat up when the door opened to reveal her father without his family.

"Did you forget something?" Rei asked remaining in her professionalism.

"No, I wanted to talk to you. We didn't have much time before."

She could feel herself tensing up, but she was stubbornly trying to keep the calm she just found. Gaspard sat down on the chair across from her, his features still stern and sharp, but he looked uncomfortable. Good.

He began, "Thank you for taking Cassia's case."

"It's not a problem. You requested me and I am one of the best. I was trained by the best. You should feel assured about your winnings." Rei replied in the same neutral tone she reverted to with her father. Her grandfather often compared her to her mother in stubbornness, but she had her father's temper.

"I'm sorry for being unable to attend your wedding." He repeated unsure how to begin.

"Your presence wasn't necessary. I sent you an invitation because my mother-in-law told me to. Pleasantries. Keeping the peace." Rei explained remembering the take deep breathes. What was her father trying to do?

He nodded, "That's understandable. Jerry Hays, he's from a good family."

Rei couldn't help herself, "I never really had much to compare to so I suppose his family's good."

"Rei…"

"What do you want? Why are you trying to talk to me as if nothing happened?" Rei snapped, her temper increasing.

Surprisingly, Gaspard kept his temper in check. "A father will always worry about his daughter."

"You have no right to call me that. The minute you abandoned me at grandpa's temple, you gave up your rights to call me that." Rei exclaimed, "I've been fine without you. I found an amazing husband, friends that have always been there for me, grandpa, and now a family that loves and accepts me. What are you trying to do?"

Gaspard allowed her to yell at him. In the past, he had been the one to do the yelling and he regretted it every time. "Rei, I'm sorry."

Rei froze at the sudden apology. She was prepared to battle with him whenever she saw him, but not this. Not a man she hadn't seen since her mother died. The man in front of her apologizing was her father from so long ago. Once upon a time, she would have been ecstatic to hear those words, but now she didn't know what to do. She grew up without her father's love and attention, wasn't it too late?

"I have to go." Rei began to pick up her purse, putting it over her shoulder.

"Rei…"

Rei ignored him rushing out the door. She left the premises knowing Kael was going to be furious for her abrupt departure, but Rei couldn't find it in her to care. For a long time, she had always wanted to hear those words from her father, but why did it make her angry now that she finally heard them? She wasn't sure where she was going until she ended up at the park across the street. She sat down on the bench and of course she ended up at a playground. Rei never liked kids. They were loud, annoying, and small. She rubbed her abdomen, but she loved her own child more than she will ever love anyone. Rei wiped away her tears that she didn't realize she had formed until they fell.

"I promise you that I will never make you feel like that." Rei whispered.


Ami found herself in the on-call room once more. Zane and Ami had shared various on call rooms throughout medical school, internship, and residency. They had claimed this room in particular because of the view of the park nearby. Well, Zane chose it but Ami didn't feel the need to argue with him. It was probably due to the fact that most individuals would rather jump off buildings than face the Ice Queen. It suited Ami just fine to be as feared as before. She looked down at her phone, scrolling through all of the messages she had sent Zane. From his lack of reply, wherever he was, the cell service wasn't that great. She shook her head, when did she become one of those girls to pine her life away? She still wasn't sure if she loved him or even understood what love meant.

She climbed onto the top bunk, covering herself with the thin white blanket they gave all of the patients. It didn't do much for the cold, but Ami had grown used to it. Ami raised her arm to look at her watch, 2:30am. She shouldn't be needed anytime soon unless some accident came about. Ami closed her eyes trying to get some sleep and then her phone began to ring. She almost leaped off the bed before realizing she was at least four feet above ground so she scrambled off the ladder diving to her phone.

"Hello?" She panted knowing who it was already. Who else would call her through a secure line?

"Why do you sound so out of breath?" Zane asked chuckling.

Ami rolled her eyes trying to sound casual, "I was trying to sleep."

"Right. I forgot about the time difference. It's mid-morning here. I finished settling down so I thought why not give you a call?" Zane replied running a hand through his hair. He was still trying to get used to the length or rather the lack of length. He had developed a nervous habit of running his fingers through his hair and now that it was the standard military haircut, he had to find a new one.

"You facetime your boys before me."

"Technicalities. That was an emergency."

"Emergency?"

"Post break up mess. Worse case I've seen."

Ami laughed sitting on the bottom bunk. She slowly began to lay down onto the bed. Would she be a fool for noticing his body imprint still remained? His scent was long gone due to the weekly cleaning, but even the tiniest things like this brought her comfort. "How is everything?"

"You know, war-torn country. Just trying to do the best we can. Nothing too exciting, mostly just checkups, vaccines, blood draws, you know basic stuff." Zane replied, "What about you?"

"I helped repair a valve this morning. I'm moving to neuro tomorrow."

"I thought we were going to be heart people."

Ami shook her head grinning, "You love the heart. I was always a brain person myself. Remember we tried to specialize in two fields just so that we wouldn't be apart?"

Zane groaned, "Worse idea in the world. I remember them telling us it was impossible, but we were cocky little dumb dumbs thinking we were special butterflies."

"You got addicted to caffeine."

"So did you! We didn't sleep at all that year. We got committed to the psych ward just so that they could make us sleep." Zane reminded with a smile on his face.

"Are you in love with me yet?"

Ami's eyes widened, her sleepiness gone. "What kind of question is that?"

Zane chuckled, "I've decided every time I call you, message you, write letters etc., I'm going to ask you that."

"What if my answer is always no?"

"Statistically impossible. You're going to say yes eventually if I pursue you enough with conversation and maybe a musical, but that's last resort." Zane beamed.

He'd be lying if he said he didn't miss her. It wasn't just his feelings for her, it was just her. Every day for the past 5 years, they met up every morning. Now, every morning he woke up to a rooster and soldiers beginning their training for the day that was accompanied with yells. He missed being greeted with tea and Ami rolling her blue eyes as she complained about the latest intern drama. She always wore glasses in the morning and drank coffee instead of tea, pursing her lips in disgust at the lack of caffeine in his hands. Contacts were put in after her morning coffee, and her eyes would resemble more of a lake instead of an ice rink, where you could see your reflection in that pool of water. It was temporary, though. He missed that.

Ami had no idea what to say to that so she decided on practical. "Go eat breakfast."

"You haven't answered my question."

Ami sighed feeling slightly guilty, but if she lied to him wouldn't that be worse? "No."

"Now was that so hard?" Zane joked hearing Ami scoff.

"I don't know." Ami replied quickly. How did he have this effect on her? She was normally always calm, exuding confidence.

Zane laughed, "I thought you would miss me, but I guess not."

Ami wasn't sure if it was the lack of sleep or the slight pain in her chest at the sound of his voice, but she didn't deflect like she normally did. "Of course I miss you. You know I miss you."

Zane grew quiet on the phone not sure what to say. He called for another reason, the reason in his lap at that moment. He stroked the cardboard box that he should have given her before he left, but the cowardice came back.

"I'm going to send you an address and a map and maybe a few notes. Will you go there alone when you get it?"

Ami agreed without any hesitation, "Ok. Where am I going?"

Zane took a deep breath exhaling. It was going to be alright. "You're going to read my story. No, it's just my favorite book about my life. It's called Marina."

"Why would you tell me now?" Ami asked. She had always been curious about Marina. "Why not face to face?"

"Because it'll hurt me too much." Zane's lungs sometimes felt as if they stopped working. "She would scold me silly, but it's true. I've accepted that she died and I've forgiven myself, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to talk about her. One day I will be, but not now."

"Ok." Ami replied hoping her confirmation would stop any sort of panic attack that may have been developing.

"I love you, Ami." Zane said unsure of why he said it. She didn't feel the same, but that potential that she may give him hope. His quickened breathing stopped when he thought about Ami.

"I have to sleep." Ami replied not know what to say. "Good morning."

"Good night."

Ami looked down at her phone. He never said I love you since that night. It was always teasing and jokes, but never 'I love you.' Ami didn't know if she even felt love before. It was different with Zane. Her love for him was once as her best friend. Did that change?


Lita rolled her eyes once again tonight. Her eyes had to be strained due to a number of times she performed that action. She has a very handsome boyfriend. Lita knew it. It's a fact that Nathaniel Sparrow is handsome. It's like how you know the sun sets in the west and rises in the east. It's fact. Lita loved it, most of the time. Tonight wasn't one of them. There were times when he wanted to take her these fancy little restaurants that were on the outskirts of Elysian. The drives were always long, but Lita never cared because the view was amazing, prospect of delicious food, and Nate. The problem with these places was that they were usually very upper class. The problem with this was because it made Nate's past more apparent especially in the female sort.

"...that's all Claudia." Nate finished ordering for both of them. Normally Lita would never let anyone order for her, but due to her choice overload and giggly creatures hounding her boyfriend, she let him decide.

Claudia winked at Nate then beamed at Lita before skipping away. Their waitress wasn't the problem. Claudia was a 40 something housewife that had gotten bored once her children left for college and her husband was still working or banging the housekeeper. She was a decent woman. The women behind her were questionable.

"What are you glaring at?" Nate asked once more seeing the foul expression on her face.

Lita sipped her tea, her facial expression becoming relaxed once more. She didn't think she was being that obvious. "Nothing. My what lovely silverware they have."

Nate snorted at her ridiculous attempt at deflection. He took her hands that were resting next to the teapot into his own. "Seriously?"

"If I tell you, you'll either laugh or we start screaming at each other. Both activities are loud. We're in public, I'm not doing either especially when your lion-like laugh causes me to yell at you." Lita explained causing Nate to smirk.

"Humor me." Nate pressed the issue on as Lita sighed, but relented. He frowned when she pulled her hands away from his onto her lap.

Lita got straight to the point. "Why are all of the women at the bar being all giggly like a bunch of hyenas?"

Nate hadn't noticed. He looked over his shoulder and almost winced at all of the women at the bar. It looked as if one of them was getting married and this was her bachelorette party. The problem, he had been involved with many of them in very intimate ways including the soon to be bride. That wasn't what you told your girlfriend, though; however, you weren't supposed to lie to her either.

"I know them." He settled on a neutral statement.

Lita quirked an eyebrow, "You know them?"

"Yes, same social circles."

"Social circles?"

"That's what I said." Nate took a large gulp out of his water fanning himself a little. "Did you the wine for the seasonal items?"

Lita gave a deadpanned expression, "We're on a date and you're asking me about work?"

"Yes because you're jealous and I don't know how you'll react so I'm deflecting." Nate explained, but it only caused more irritation to Lita.

"What exactly is it that you don't want me to find out so

you're deflecting?" Lita questioned. They had never talked about romantic pasts or in Nate's case, physical past.

Nate sighed, "Can we not talk about this here?"

"Why not?" Lita asked in the same defiant tone.

"Because they'll know you're reacting and it'll give them immense pleasure."

. Lita took a deep breath before trying to make conversation only it was more strained than before. Lita knew Nate had a past before her. She knew she was different, but she didn't understand her insecurities. Now that Lita and Nate were dating, Lita found herself being a topic of discussion within the upper class society. No wonder why Mina did everything in her power to try to leave, but aristocracy was still engrained in her DNA. Rei had married into it, but she had a rich background that made more people back off of her. Lita, didn't have any of that. She didn't know how to handle the sharks.

Dinner wasn't as enjoyable as before. Instead of discussing the food, they both ate as fast as they could with minimal conversation. Nate paid the bill as Lita excused herself to the bathroom. Instead of peace, Lita encountered the hyenas from the bar. All of them tipsy, but they were still trying to fix up their makeup. Lita ignored them washing her hands until she felt a tapping on her shoulder.

"Yes?" She asked the blonde who looked her up and down scrutinizing her.

"What made you so special?" She asked, "Why you? I don't see it. You're not his usual type."

"Leave her alone Aubrey." Her friend said as Aubrey waved her friend off.

Lita frowned, "What are you talking about?"

"Doe eyed, polite, doll like women were the ones he went after. Because we're easy. You're not. You're tall, brash, and a fighter. It's never been you yet you got him. Why?" Aubrey asked and Lita wasn't sure if it was to her or to herself. Lita was ready for a physical mean confrontation, but she wasn't ready the confrontation of an old lover asking the new one why not me?

"Aubrey!" Her friend stomped over muttering apologies as she dragged her crying friend away. Lita looked down at Aubrey's finger recognizing her status as bride to be. She frowned, unsure why seeing that sad woman made her feel guilty. There was a different Nate before her with a different kind of life.

Lita remained silent throughout the entire ride back to his house. She was supposed to spend the night, but after encountering his ex, she wasn't sure if she wanted to. There were so many questions Lita had and she didn't know if Nate would be willing to share. Communication was key, she knew that, but Lita wasn't sure what would be said about her own insecurities and his past he hid from.

"...it's long and dumb, but I would love it if you would go." Nate finished as Lita blinked back at him with furrowed brows.

"Huh?"

Nate laughed nervously. Lita had been uncharacteristically silent escaping into her thoughts that she didn't reveal to him. It bothered him ever since they left the restaurant, but he hoped that maybe she would be more comfortable after leaving. That didn't seem to be the case."I was wondering if you would go to Jerry's Christmas party with me?"

"You said you'll always be honest with me." Lita began, "I know you have a past. I refuse to judge you on it, but I need to know how many?"

Nate frowned, "How many?"

"How many women have you been involved with that I have to encounter? No! A better question is what kind of man were you before me?" Lita exclaimed unsure where her frustrations came from: Aubrey or what Aubrey said, all of the Aubrey's friends, or everyone that told her it wasn't going to work between them.

"It doesn't matter."

"It matters!" Lita exclaimed her voice softened, "I talked to Aubrey in the bathroom."

"Aubrey?" Nate's eyes widened, "Why?"

"I'm not the type you go after. She is and she kept asking why did you choose me? I keep wondering why myself, because I'm furthest thing from those women! What kind of past is it that makes an engaged woman cry her eyes out when she finds out you're in a relationship? How many have you hurt along the way?" Lita asked as Nate groaned in exasperation.

"Why does it matter?" Nate asked once more, "The man I was isn't the man I am today. Why does it matter?"

"Why won't you tell me?" Lita asked her voice going back to it's normal volume. "I've gotten glimpses of your past to know that you were not a good man. You are now though, what is so bad that you can't tell me?"

"Maybe you should leave?" It was the last thing Nate wanted, but he couldn't do it. He couldn't tell her. He wanted to eventually, but for now maybe it would be better if he pushed her away. How could he tell her he never went after girls like her because they were better than him. She was better. How could he tell her his past when it would make her run for the hills?

Lita should have fought back, but she didn't. She should not have let her temper get so out of control, but she did. Lita grabbed her jacket before exiting his home. She leaned against the door after she shut it wondering what had gone so wrong. A spontaneous romantic night turned into a fight.


Kael never understood the terms to his friendship with Mina Aino. They hung out doing friend things like movies, ice cream, and the occasional deep conversation. It was so...normal. The kind of normal that seemed boring after doing it over and over again, like routines but had structure to them. That kind of normal. Today, it wasn't that kind of normal. Once he had gotten out of work, Mina had called him singing to him about their plans that she was going to force him into. He didn't think his Friday night would consist of him bringing out his nicest tuxedo as the blonde directed him to some fancy country club.

"Please, explain to me why are we here?" Kael asked once more keeping his eyes at the front window.

Mina struggled with her dress, but still managed to answer him. "I told you, a wedding."

"Who's getting married?"

He got no reply except an invitation thrown over that landed on his lap. He lifted the white envelope taking the cardstock paper of lavender and a pale blue with silver writing of the groom's and the bride's names cordially inviting them to their special day. Who the hell are Josephine Catomeris and Elijah Kovitz? He shook his head. Was this what friends meant? Instead of a quiet evening with a little jazz music and a good book, he was kidnapped, put into his best tux, and forced to play chauffeur for a deranged girl who threatened to tell her uncle about a little white lie he made back when he was still in law school.

"I'm done. Let's go." Mina sang pushing open the car door, brushing off the invisible lint off her dress. A white one with ¾ sleeves made of lace that clung to her body like a second skin. If Kael hadn't been taught propriety, he would have stared.

Instead of complimenting her, he pointed out the obvious. "Isn't white only for the bride?"

Mina waved him off flipping her blonde waves over her shoulder. "It's champagne not white. No rules that say I can't." She walked to the trunk, opening it pulling out a pair of black heels, her favorite Christian Louboutins.

"Why are we here?" Kael asked watching her struggle to slip on her heels. She gave him a look that she had given him plenty of times since the beginning of this diabolical partnership. He wordlessly offered his arm for her to hold still giving her a cold look he gave to clients when he interrogated him. There was no way she was friends with these people if she was dressing in white despite what she said about color differences.

Mina rolled her eyes holding onto his arm slipping into her heels with ease now. She flipped her head down then flipped it back up, fluffing her hair once more. Then she pulled a compact out of her red clutch, checking her makeup. This had to be perfect. She met his eyes never looking away as most of his clients out of fear. She met them head on as she began her story.

"Josephine was once a dear friend. Without her, I would have failed the science requirement of my higher education career. We were in design school together, then interns, then our designer dreams came true. I adored that bad dye job of a muppet. Then I got the couture job and she grew envious. That bitch stole my boyfriend and is now marrying said ex-boyfriend. I was invited, it would be rude not to attend." Mina explained with an arrogance in her voice that wasn't usually present. Her stature far more pompous than usual.

Kael recognized that entitled voice, cocky mannerisms, and smirk not smile. Mina may have been avoiding the upper-class world, but she will always be one of them. He didn't like it.

"What's my role in this scheme?" Kael asked with a neutral voice.

"Arm candy." Mina replied flippantly linking their arms together, "We're just in time for the reception."

He allowed himself to be led by Mina who all but dragged him into the reception hall at some former mayor's house. Kael's favorite feature was probably the fountain. He didn't recognize any of the guests, but he didn't expect to. He ignored the stares he had gotten, but he was sure they were directed more at Mina than himself. She didn't pay them any attention, searching for the bride. When Mina finally spotted the blushing bride, she headed straight for her stopping only to snatch 2 flutes of champagne from the server.

"You look darling." Mina complemented with the sweetest voice that made Kael feel as if he were getting cavities.

"What are you doing here?" Josephine scowled, her beaming expression gone.

Mina smiled sweetly, "You invited me to remember? Congrats by the way."

"Thanks." Josephine purses her lips as if she swallowed a lemon. Elijah came up behind her greeting Mina with a grin.

"I'm glad you could make it." Elijah said, "And your friend?"

"Well, I didn't want to come alone." Mina winked at her former lover causing the new bride to roll her eyes. "I'm sorry we couldn't make it to the ceremony. Kael was working late."

Josephine looked at the pair, "You're dating?"

"Who knows? I've always been a go with the flow kind of girl." Mina replied not saying yes, but not saying no either. Smart, Kael thought. She gave herself an out just in case.

The bride nodded, looking at Mina as more of a person than a monster. Her husband placed a hand on her shoulder making her give him a look of reassurance. The entire time watching the display, Mina's stomach ached and her chest felt as if a boulder was crushing her, but she dared not to look away. It was the part of the plan after all.

"Congratulations. I wish you both only happiness." Her voice was different when addressing Elijah compared to Josephine. It was warmer, soft, genuine, and sad.

He nodded, "Thank you. Josie, let's dance?"

Josephine did look content when she took his hand and he led her to the dance floor. Mina exhaled, her hand on her heart.

Kael looked down at her with a puzzled expression, "I thought…?"

Mina shook her head beaming at him falsely. "Let's get some fresh air."

Once again he allows himself to be dragged to gardens that sat empty. He saw signs of the ceremony taking place near the rose bushes, but other than that the wedding didn't touch the rest of the area. Mina remained quiet, her finger began to twirl around her hair, and her other hand held her shoes. Kael walked beside her silent as well, hands in his pocket and his eyes never left her. Inside he was curious. He wouldn't be surprised if she had socially destroyed the newlyweds then went on to drink their wine, but she didn't. Once again, Mina left him speechless.

Mina smirked at his perplexed expression."Did you honestly think I was going to ruin their wedding?"

Kael shrugged, "That's the image I thought you were going for. You wore white."

"Champagne. A room full of designers, they all know the difference. I went because he invited me and I wanted to rub that in her face and show her I'm over him, so she'll leave me alone so we collaborate on next season's line in peace. Just good business." Mina explained. "I'm not that vindictive."

"Why didn't you tell me that?" Kael asked stopping in front of the water fountain.

"Because it was last minute planning and I didn't want you to say no."

"I don't think I can deny you much, Mina." Kael muttered pausing when he thought about the implications of what he just said. Mina wasn't like most people, though.

"Because I'm a princess. Who can deny me?" Mina winked before dropping her shoes then jumping into the fountain making a tiny splash. "Join me!"

"No."

Mina pouted, "You said you can't deny me."

"I lied. I can deny you many things still." Kael frowned at the water stains on his suit jacket. He had to send one of the assistants for dry cleaning tomorrow.

Mina laughed, "Thank you by the way."

"For being your arm candy?" Kael asked as Mina shook her head.

"For trusting me blindly." Mina replied as his eyes met hers. He couldn't hide his look of disbelief because she was right. He did trust her. When did that happen?

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just had to stay in character." Mina danced around the fountain before sitting on the ledge. He remained standing next to her.

His mind drifted back to her sneaking glances at the groom, her voice when she congratulated him, and the hand against her chest when she watched them dance. All of her malice was directed at the bride, never the groom. What character was that?

Kael shook his head at where his thoughts were leading, but it would make sense. "How many relationships have you had?"

"Depends on your definition of relationship." Mina replied flippantly.

"Longer than 2 months."

Mina laughed. She had been dating since she was 6 years old. "I stopped counting if it's those terms."

"Longer than 8 months." Kael edited ignoring the burning sensation in his stomach hoping his voice remained steady and neutral.

Mina pondered over this one. She didn't seem to catch on to his turmoil. "4."

"Did you love any of them?"

"No. I told you I haven't felt love." Mina told him in a way that she had told everyone. Now, Kael was curious.

"What made this one so worthy of your attentions once more?" Kael passed his tuxedo jacket for her to wear when she shivered a little but refused to get out of the water slapping his hand when he offered to get her out.

She put it on hugging herself unsure if it was the water or the topic itself. "I thought I would grow to love this one."

"I thought you never felt love before." Kael repeated her words.

"I haven't, but out of all of my exes, he was the closest. I saw a future with him and I didn't see that with the others." Mina confessed. "I've never told anyone that."

"What made him special?" Kael asked the. gnawing sensation gone when he looked at Mina's expression; eyes glazed over, a tiny smile playing on your lips as if you had a secret no one knew about. He used to feel like that for someone else once upon a time.

Mina smiled wistfully, "He was so kind and gentle to me. He valued what I had to say, my intelligence. He made me laugh. He was honest." She frowned. "Even when he broke up with me to be with her."

Kael felt his curiosity growing. He had never had a thirst to learn everything about someone, but Mina has always surprised him. "What exactly happened?"

"Josephine and Elijah grew up together. They have a history and they never got over each other. I suppose that was my mistake for not realizing it sooner. Still, if they both talked to me like adults, I would have let him go. They didn't." Mina frowned. "Couture job came and Josephine decides to tell him she still loves him. He denied her at first because he was with me not because he loved me only because he was honorable. I didn't know if it was true at the time but then I saw how they looked at each other." She thought back to the reception seeing Elijah look at her as if every impossibility was possible. "He never once looked at me the way he was looking at her. As much of a bitch as she is, she looked relatively pleasant when she's with him."

"I would hate to tell you this, but you didn't grow to love him because you already loved him." Kael commented as Mina turned to him scoffing.

"No…"

"First it's those butterflies that make you feel nauseous. Then, it's the small touches here and there, and you don't want to be anywhere else but with them. All of that goes away with time. Eventually, you grow used to their company, not in a bad way. The kind of way where you can't imagine them not being in your life. There's gratitude in there as well. Thankful that they came into your life in the best way possible." Kael's thoughts took him back to the only woman he ever loved. His tone becoming sad when he got to the end of their relationship. "You gave him up because you knew he would be happier with someone else. Because you didn't know anyone else that deserved happiness more than they did."

Mina's vision blurred with the layer of tears that had formed at the realization. It made sense. It explained why her heart ached when he told her he loved someone else. Her voice soft, "I loved him. I really loved him. How did you know that and I didn't for years?"

Kael didn't "Because unlike you, I've only loved one woman. I still love her. She was my first everything, just like how he is your first. That kind of love stays with you for the rest of your life imprinted into your skin. A part of you will never get over that."

Mina nodded finally understanding why he never felt anger for Trista for leaving him. Just like how she never felt anger for Elijah for leaving her. However, she disagreed with him on one thing.

"I think no, I know falling in love a second time will feel just as amazing as the first time. Maybe that's why I have a string of relationships even after him, I'm trying to find that feeling again. I should be more critical about who receives my affection, but that doesn't mean love isn't worth it again." Mina's voice full of confidence even though she felt broken inside at the sudden realization, but it wasn't sudden. A part of her always knew.

Kael nodded his voice going back to its usual flatness. "I hope you feel that way again, Mina."

"No. You deserve to feel that way as well." Mina looked up at him, tugging his arm trying to get him to sit down.

Kael sighed allowing himself to be pulled. Once again, he trusted her blindly. "You sound like my friends."

"I should, I am your friend."

"Mina, I have given up on the idea of love." Kael explained looking at the stars instead of her eyes. If he looked in them too long, he may give in to her curiosity.

"Why? I don't think Trista would be too pleased with you." Mina replied causing a small smile to form on Kael's lips.

"She wouldn't be." Kael agreed. He tried to put it in the simplest terms."For me, it's not worth it. I don't think I can go through that again."

"You're scared of getting hurt?" Mina asked in disbelief. This bulk of a man that could stare down the world and make them cower with ten words or less, was afraid?

"Not with falling in love. It's difficult to explain."

Mina pressed further, "Tell me, please?"

Kael contained the small smile that was about to form. "I have only ever let one person in my life in the most vulnerable way possible. Do you know how hard it was the first time to let someone in?"

"No," Mina had no idea what that felt like. "I'm the exact opposite. I let everyone in." When she looked into his gray blue eyes, she saw the beginning of his guard building up again. It reminded her of Ami and her icy exterior to strangers who didn't know her, but Mina had learned early on how to break those down or at the very least slow down the build up; keep them talking.

"Why Trista?" She made sure her voice had a mixture of curiosity and friendliness. He had to know that he could trust her. So she ignored the way her heart began to beat just a little faster or how her instincts told her to hold onto him and never let him go.

"You've met Trista, everyone likes Trista."

Mina frowned. It wasn't false. The woman was classy, strong, aristocratic, out of this world, and just about what every other woman in the world strived to be. "No, not what everyone else saw. What did you see?"

To Kael, that wasn't the right question. For the first time in a long time, he remembered fleece blankets and rainy days, forest green hair fanned out against his blue sheets as she read her favorite book, whispers of the future, the smell of rain and autumn, legs around his waist holding him against her as if it were the last time they would ever meet. Their first kiss had her laughing because of how nervous he was and she wasn't.

"I saw everything but at the same time, she left me wanting more." Kael could never put words into his memories of his first love. He deflected the same question back to Mina, "What did you see?"

"I already told you."

"I see what everyone else sees."

Mina was surprised how she could relate. How funny once someone pointed out what was so obvious, you saw the world, particularly, your world different. She remembered dreams of bed and breakfasts because of how much he hated hotels. The memories of snow in their hair, instant cameras with the silliest face that she kept in a box, stolen kisses in the dark because they were more romantic, and getting lost just because what better way to connect with someone.

"I'm not as poetic as you so bare with me." She saw the tiniest smirk, but he remained silent. She looked at her feet still in the water, "I fell for what everyone else saw, but I stayed for the small things like how he runs his hands through his hair way too much when he's excited or how he made me like silent movies because of commentary."

"You still want all of that? Even though that person only exists once?"

Mina shook her head, "I don't want another Elijah. There's only one of him in the world. A part of me will always belong to him, that I can accept. I do believe that it feels as amazing as it does the first time, falling in love."

"I suppose I've wanted more than that. Feeling love is fleeting." Kael replied causing Mina to scoff.

"Isn't that expecting too much?"

"What I felt for Trista was beyond those dreaded three words." Kael explained. He hadn't revealed this to his friends. "I never told her I love her because it was more than that. She was home to me. She was the wind, you can feel it, but you can't catch it. Why should I settle for something less when the first time I loved, I felt that? What are the chances of me ever finding that?"

Mina tried to smile at him, even through the layer of tears forming over her eyes. She sighed trying to make a joke, "I thought you were a statue."

Kael chuckled making Mina shudder at the sound. She liked his laugh. It was warm unlike his demeanor, "Should we go?"

Mina nodded taking his hand as he helped her out of the fountain. She learned something more about Kael. He was a normal man who loved more, and it must have been the worst kind of pain when she took someone else's hand to find a happily ever after. Hearing Kael describe love was different. Now, she will ignore the nerves dancing under her palm for she had a love she didn't think she had to mourn for. Afterwards, she would keep searching for the person that felt like home and the wind at the same time. For the first time, Mina understood love. She should call Serena about her delayed heartbreak, she's probably a first.


Serena opened the door to see Darien on the other side. This wasn't the Darien that professed his feelings, but her Darien. Yes, for this moment she would call him hers. Only her Darien would be on the other side of her door holding two lunch boxes Nate probably made with a guilty expression shifting his weight from one foot to the other avoiding her eyes.

"Serena, I…"

"Forgiven." Serena interjected.

Darien rolled his eyes, "Can you just let me say it first?"

Serena stifled a laugh before she nodded. Darien sighed in exasperation before starting again. "Serena, I'm sorry. I'm sorry you had to see me like that. I'm sorry for what I said to you. You didn't deserve it and I treated you like a dick. So for my apology, I have brought over lunch that my friend made at his restaurant that's your favorite."

Serena took the top box, "I forgive you. Let's eat?"

"Best idea I've heard all day." Darien stated before following her to the living room.

Serena sat across from him almost finished with her gourmet sandwich then her eyes moved over to Darien. He had hardly touched his own gourmet sandwich. She placed it down nudging his leg with her foot.

"You usually finish it just seconds before me."

Darien smiled, "Seconds?"

"I usually win." Serena replied with a smirk. She leaned against the couch, her head resting on the seat. "Why the long face?"

Darien placed his sandwich on the parchment paper. "What did I say to you? Nate said when they found you, you looked like a deer in headlights."

Serena's smile fell. She didn't move her head, proceeding to stare at the ceiling. He didn't remember and this time she was rather thankful. "Nothing I couldn't handle."

"I'm sorry." Darien apologized again sensing her hesitation. "This only happens when I'm way over my tolerance level. Not all those times you've seen me tipsy and I'm just rambling about the world."

Serena did manage to look at him with a smirk, "Remember the time you cried about the cake?"

Darien laughed, "The cake incident. Let's not talk about that again." Darien noticed her looking away from him, "What did I say to you?"

Serena shrugged, trying to remain nonchalant. "Does it matter? Darien, I'm fine."

"I didn't mean anything of it. Whatever I said in that state, it was intended to hurt. I know how to hurt people." Darien trailed off shaking his head.

"I'm fine. That's all that matters. Let's not talk about it. Please." Serena pleaded and Darien could only nod his head in agreement.

"There's more to this conversation actually." Darien began waiting for her to finish the rest of her food and his. "I don't think we should be friends anymore."

Serena felt her body stiffen, her eyes narrowing at him. "No."

"No?" Darien asked, "You can't say no."

"Give me a legitimate reason and I'll consider it."

Darien held his hands out in frustration, "I keep hurting you. What kind of friend does that?"

Serena had never felt the urge to maim someone so much in her life. "You're not hurting me. Since when have I ever given you the power to hurt me?"

She was lying through her teeth, but she was acting on that part of her that didn't want him to leave her life. Feelings for her, for him, for others, it didn't matter. Somewhere along the lines of their interactions, he made a permanent spot in her life. Serena knew logically it would have been better if he did, but she was selfish. No matter what happened, he wasn't supposed to leave.

Darien couldn't help, but point out the elephant they were still avoiding. It was better this way. "You have feelings for me and I still want you to be my friend. How can you tell me I haven't hurt you with that?"

"The only time you ever hurt me was when you told me you liked me!" Serena exclaimed feeling the pressure lift from her chest, but at that moment, her heart was being squeezed and nothing would release that invisible hand.

Darien froze. It wouldn't have hurt her if it was only so simple. I like you. "What were my exact words?"

"Why would I ruin my relationship with lust? Nothing would have happened if I didn't have feelings for you." Serena repeated his words. How many times they repeated in her mind? "What right did you have to tell me that? When you already knew how I felt? When Madeline wasn't in the picture anymore? You know how I feel about you, why would you throw that back at me?"

"Serena…" Darien tried to grab her hand only to have her pull it out of his grasp.

"Even after all of that, I still want you in my life! How messed up is that?" Serena cried sinking onto the floor wiping away the tears with her arms.

Darien sat down next to her, "Wouldn't it be better if we end this right now?"

Serena shook her head, "Haven't you been listening to anything I've said? You aren't allowed to leave my life."

Darien wrapped his arms around Serena, but he didn't want to scare her so it was as if he were trying to hug a porcupine. His arms enveloped her waiting for her to push him away. She did after a minute or two in his arms. Serena didn't like being comforted.

Serena pulled away wiping away any evidence that she had cried earlier. "So, did you watch the season premiere of that horror show?"

"Serena…"

"Humor me, please." Serena pleaded.

Darien nodded, but he gave her look to tell her this conversation wasn't over. "It was good. It wasn't as spine-tingling as I thought, but it had its moments. It's only the first episode so we'll see what happens."

For Darien, it was the first episode in the season premiere of his friendship with Serena. What were they exactly? She would avoid it with her last dying breath, but Darien wasn't sure what to make of it. He didn't even know if he had those feelings, but his drunk-self said that he did. Darien shook his head, he wasn't going to dwell on this. Especially when Serena made it clear what she wanted.

"...I don't think it's the fortune teller." Serena concluded her farfetched theory that Darien had been half listening to.

"I just think it's too obvious." Darien commented after they finished the first episode together.

"So what are you going to do now as a single man?" Serena had her guard up now. She wasn't going to have deep conversations about the happenings in her life. She was, however, going to be all cupid with Darien. "I can set someone up for you."

Darien laughed shaking his head, "No. I'm ok. I have to accept that it's over between Madeline and me first before I think about finding someone else."

"It's over?" Serena asked in disbelief.

"You told me that if I love someone enough, sometimes letting them go is the best thing. I love Maddie enough to let her go. Who knows? She'll find someone who is a better fit than me and that makes me happy." Darien explained feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. Madeline was letting him go so the least he could do was do the same thing for her.

Serena nodded, "You're growing up."

"Yeah, well it's about time."

Serena smirked knowing this was a bad time to bring it up, but she couldn't resist messing with him. "So Xavier is still single."

"No."

"Why not?"

"No!"

"You've been keeping contact over the years!"

"Shut up before I stab you with this fork!"

"Darien!"

"Serena!"

And just like that, they went back to the way they were. Friends and friends only. Serena ignored the dancing nerves down her spine when he grabbed her arm to stop her throwing jelly beans at him. He chose to ignore the joy he felt when she punched his arm in retaliation because she only hit people when she was happy. After all, they were only friends.

Just when they were about to start the next episode, the door swung open to reveal a teary Lita.

"I don't know what happened."

Serena stood up opening her arms ready to embrace Lita while Darien tried to clean up a little making more room on the couch.

Darien sighed running a hand through his hair as he excused himself to go the kitchen. Both women ignored him and his excuses. Lita continued to breakdown while Serena comforted her with words only because he knew Serena was steering clear from her favorite method of coping, alcohol. He wondered if that meant his friend needed him, but unlike Lita, Nate needed to be alone. Doing heaven knows what, but it was better if he was alone at least for a little bit. He set about to boil tea and brought it over to the women before escaping into the kitchen once more when Serena shooed him away.

It was oddly domestic and something Darien could see happening in the future. Once again he found himself thinking about Serena. She rejected him and he wasn't sure about his own feelings for her, but his mind drifted to her once more. Serena was a different kind of complex compared to Madeline. Serena wasn't the type of person people loved. She was rather eccentric, impulsive, outgoing, brilliant, loud, and stubborn. She loves love, but hated it for herself. For being a servant to cupid, Serena was rather cynical and a skeptic. For Darien, he cared about her. She had wheedled her way into his life and became his female confidant about love. Caring about her was easy, but having her push everyone away made her hard to love. Darien knew he wasn't in love with her, but something was changing. What he didn't know.