Ties That Bind 1.5 The Knot

Chapter 8

Kiss & Tell

Author's Note: Hi everyone sorry about the delay in getting this chapter out but I have been putting in a lot of extra hours at work as it gets closer to the holidays and will do my best to continue to update on time or as close to it as possible. I hope you do enjoy this chapter as it introduces another new character and gives a little insight to Darien's earlier days before he met Serena. Hope you enjoy and as always please send your thoughts and reviews. Thanks Mars Light

Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon never did, never will thank you!

Darien turned his head and looked towards the stairs once more, but there was no longer any sight of Serena as he heard Pennsworth's order come from behind him stating "follow me"

He turned around to face the older gentleman with a simple nod of his head and could feel all the prying eyes of everyone starring at him knowing what he had done, and the gossip and intrigue would certainly be going full speed this night as he followed Pennsworth while waiting to keep all discussions behind closed doors and followed the duke into his private study closing the door behind them.

He stepped inside the room seeing unlike his own study here it was left mostly dark with no windows to give off any natural light and took special notice that unlike at Castle Hill where the room was filled with many books for Serena to read, here the walls were filled with mostly portraits hanging of ancestors that all seemed to be looking down at him passing judgement, but none so much as the large portrait hanging on the wall behind the duke's desk of a young woman in her early years with deep blue eyes that looked the same as his Serena and knew with no doubt that it was her mother Serenity.

He let out a loud gulp feeling intimidated in a way he never expected by that of just a portrait, but the frozen look Serenity had starring at him, it was like her eyes were piercing him right through to his soul, knowing what he had done to her only daughter and daring him to take care of her precious heart.

The duke took his seat behind his desk as he looked over seeing what had drawn Montgomery's attention away as he looked up at the portrait hanging on the wall of his lost daughter and shook his head knowing he would not let the same mistakes happen again, and lose his granddaughter the way he did her mother to someone less suited as he turned his attention back to Montgomery telling him sharply "I thought I made myself clear when we last spoke that you are to leave my granddaughter alone and not step foot on these premises again"

Hearing the duke's strict words were enough of a distraction for Darien to hear as he turned his full attention back to the duke, seeing the older gentleman sitting in front of him with a look of stubborn superiority about him, while hearing him tell him that Serena, his Serena was off limits as he stood there smugly having no intentions of letting her go and crossed his arms telling him just as stubbornly "with all due respect sir. If I did not come this evening, that is exactly what would have happened, she would have ended up all alone. I think it is you who needs to open your eyes and see that Serena and I belong together"

The duke stood up from his chair abruptly not appreciate hearing Darien's smug comment, towards the earlier fiasco as he raised his voice up demanding "I think it is time for you to take your leave Montgomery. My granddaughter is more deserving than of someone like yourself and you need to disperse to give her the opportunity to find someone better suited towards her standings, which I am certain if you had not interrupted this evening, she would have done so"

Darien felt the blood bubbling up inside of him to hear the duke's comment and think of Serena being in someone else's arms this evening, anyone else, but not with him as he made a tight fist trying to cover up the rage he felt inside as he told him "you do not know what you say, Serena is unlike the other girls you cannot just dress her up and expect that she will be the perfect duchess for you, you don't what she has suffered through"

The duke stood listening to his words as he walked around to the other side of the desk and leaned back stating calmly "I will admit that the girl was not raised properly as she should have been, but she will learn her place here"

Darien stood shaking his head hearing the duke speak knowing full well he had no idea of which he spoke, in which Serena did a very clear job of masquerading her true feelings to others, himself included as he took a deep breath in responding back "I am the one who is right for her, only I know what she has been and suffered through and I can make her happy, if you give me the chance"

The duke let out a loud scoff hearing his request and walked across the room to the small bar in the corner as he poured himself a small glass of brandy then took a small sip from it telling him in a condescending tone "what she has been through you say, tell me Montgomery how much that you speak of that my granddaughter has been through is because of you?"

Darien took a deep breath in trying to find the right words to deny the duke's claim, but knew he would never be able to after all the mistakes he had made as he shook his head replying "I am not the man that you think I am"

The duke held his head up high as he responded in a harsh tone "I know full well of the company you keep. I have done my own investigating and your reputation far proceeds you Montgomery, and what you have done to so many women, my granddaughter included"

Darien stood there frozen for a moment unsure of how far the duke's knowledge would take him as he shook his head telling him back "I am a changed man"

The duke lifted up his drink hearing Montgomery repeat the same words that Serena had tried to convince him of time and again as he shook his head replying "changed hardly, just by being here this evening and the actions you took with my granddaughters honor, prove that someone like you could never make a kind soul like hers happy. You will never be welcome in this household"

Darien shook his head not believing that was true and was not willing to walk away but would fight for what he wanted, what he desired most as he told him back "look your right I have done some questionable things in my past, but Serena she is special and belongs with me" as he took a deep breath in and was ready to make a commitment he never would have considered before now telling the duke back "if you are so concerned with her reputation than I will marry her if I must"

The duke scoffed at his proposal having no intentions of letting this man get anywhere near his granddaughter again telling him abruptly "do you really think I would ever let a man like yourself have her, I will never give you my blessing"

Darien became angry hearing the duke's refusal of his offer, when he knew all this evening was for, was a set up to find what the duke considered a proper match for Serena as he slammed his fist down of the desk reminding him "I can tell you personally that Serena's offers are limited, the proper gentleman will look right past her and see what you are keeping carefully hidden, but there are some things even you cannot change, that she will not be a virgin bride on her wedding night"

The duke looked to him angrily hearing the disrespectful way he spoke as he yelled out "how dare you speak to me of the way you have defiled my granddaughter, leave this place at once and do not return, you have done enough damage to my granddaughter's reputation. You are not now, nor will you ever be deserving of her"

Darien looked back up at the portrait hanging on the wall, but this time did not see Serenity, but Serena looking back at him with sad eyes as she spoke solemnly telling him "I am not the girl I once was" he closed his eyes tight thinking of the scared girl from the mistreatment she had been through and would be damned if he would let her be hurt again as he slammed his fist down on the desk, knowing the man in front of him knew nothing of her or what they shared together as he screamed back "she is mine"

The duke turned to him hearing the way he spoke with finality of his granddaughter whose own ranking far proceeded the boy before him as he shook his head replying "you will never be good enough for her" and then walked towards the door and opened it wide telling him "she is no longer a concern of yours, you will keep a proper distance from my granddaughter going forth. Now seeing as you do have a title of your own to speak of, I will give you this courtesy, you may either leave on your own or I will have someone escort you from these premises, either way you will not be near my granddaughter any longer"

Darien turned to see one of Pennsworth's guards come walking into the room with a sour grimace on his face and knew that his threat was not without merit and Pennsworth would have him thrown out, which meant causing a bigger ruckus that he already started with and he had caused enough intrigue and pain to Serena for one evening as he shook his head sadly and walked towards the door knowing he would leave for this night, but this was in no way over as stopped in the doorway and turned to face Pennsworth telling him "I will leave, but know this is not over. Serena belongs with me only. I alone can make her happy"

The duke watched his greatest nuisance leave as shook his head knowing exactly how he expected to make her happy, but he would never allow it telling him assertively "I am certain there is another who will find many of my granddaughters charming attributes very attractive, without having to cause any further ruin to her good name"

Darien nodded his head knowing the name that the duke was looking to protect was his own and the charming attributes in which he spoke of that other men would find attractive is the expensive dowry Pennsworth would put out with her as he shook his head telling him back "that maybe so, but ask yourself this will she be happy with anyone of your choosing. Serena deserves to be happy with someone who knows more about her then just the title she comes with"

Pennsworth held his head up high as he shook his head responding back "she is a Pennsworth and beyond that of your own worth I believe it is time for you to make your leave"

Darien took a deep breath in and let it out seeing that it was exactly as he expected and all that Serena meant to him or anyone here was a title as he shook his head telling him back "I see well ask yourself this next time she wakes up shaking in the middle of the night from a nightmare she had, will her title keep her safe and remind her that she is wanted"

The duke looked to him with a shake of his head expecting that in time all that he spoke of would dissipate on its own without his presence as a reminder as he held up his head high telling him sternly "Serena's welfare is no longer a concern of yours"

Darien looked seeing the cold stern expression in the man in front of him, knowing that he was wrong with every word he spoke, he could never stop thinking or caring about the girl who consumes all his thoughts as he looked to him determined stating back "and that is where you are wrong, you may think you know what is best for her, but I am what is best for her" then went storming out of the study slamming the door behind him to continue this argument another day, while feeling aggravated over how everything went completely wrong tonight.

He stepped out of the tightness of the study and looked up towards the staircase expecting that she still kept herself locked away in her room alone with whatever thoughts she was keeping from him, and knew he needed some much-needed air and a chance to gain his thoughts and actions together on what to do next.

He stepped back into the ballroom seeing everyone standing around while they continued on having their conversations with the melody of the music continued on playing and others danced lively dances while the guest of honor still remained nowhere to be seen and yet everyone continued on as though she did not matter.

He shook his head watching those Pennsworth considered a higher class and proceeded to walked past all of them and out to the terrace where he leaned up against the balcony and looked out towards the darkness of the gardens below thinking about how he had held her wrapped tight in his arms again, and felt the rhythm of their bodies moving as one, but then they parted and her mood quickly changed to a sudden coldness and he needed to know why and how to fix this, but the duke wouldn't allow him anywhere near her and kept insisting on finding another who would find her attributes charming.

He slammed his fist down on the railing knowing it would not be difficult to persuade some of the gentleman in that room with the duke's money and title, but with Serena being Serena the amazing, bright, smart, out spoken woman that he couldn't get off his mind. She would not be happy with any of the duke's choices.

He made a tight fist at the thought of another one of those dandy men coming in and calling her his own, and trying to change her into being just like one of them. A pretty face with no real brains or thoughts of their own to speak of and he couldn't stand the thought of Serena being stuck in that world and it made him mad with fury thinking of another with their arm wrapped tightly around her, keeping her within the sanctity of their dominion.

He took a deep breath in knowing he would never allow it to happen, for them to destroy what he cherished most, but there was no more that could do this night with Serena keeping herself shut away from him and the duke keeping him far away from speaking to her. He took a deep breath and looked up seeing a single window with a candle burning inside and assumed it to be her own room and knew above all else he refused to let this be the end between them when he heard a voice call pout from behind him, a voice he had not heard in many years speak up saying with a hardy laugh "well looks like you were getting a little more acquainted with the new duchess"

Darien turned around surprised to see none other than his old adolescent comrade Awson Wells standing in the shadows of the balcony as he stepped further into the light with a grin stating "well I guess somethings never change"

Darien blinked his eyes seeing the man standing in front of him, instead of the boy he once knew in their youth where they made it a game, a competition to go to balls such as this one and see how many young debutantes they could sway to empty promises while carefully avoiding the angry fathers who demanded of marriage afterwards. He hadn't thought anything back then of what would happen to those many girls after he left them ruined, but things had changed a great deal since those times.

He let out a deep sigh knowing this was how he had developed his reputation leaving every mother to warn their daughters against the devil with the angelic eyes, until eventually word spread and he was exiled to the countryside to do as he pleased, but with warning to stay away from the gentry which he had done so happily for many years until she came along and now here he was once more, competing with a duke that stood in the way to the one thing that he wants most of all as he turned to his old buddy with an extended hand telling him "been a long time"

Awson walked over expecting his old friend was up to his usual tricks again as he shook his hand telling him with a delighted grin "too long, old friend, too long"

Darien shook his hand and then leaned back against the railing as he looked inside seeing everything the same while everyone continued on in their own little circle and looked to his friend commenting dryly "seems like not much else has changed since the last time, the gossip is still soaring high and the upper class think of nothing, but themselves"

Awson crossed his arms in front of him amused by his friends comment knowing that in other days gone by most of the gossip that was caused was by him, which tonight was no exception, but to hear Darien speak of others thinking only of themselves was laughable as he made it a habit of making girls blush in the days gone by, with stating proudly of his various conquests as he replied back telling him with a grin "well I heard your bedroom activities got you snuffed out to the country side"

Darien nodded his head as he leaned back against the railing knowing there was more to his parting than just some debutantes, but decided not to go into the particulars between himself and his uncle with a friend who had made no contact to him in years and replied back simply telling him "it's true, wasn't so bad though, plenty of pickings especially one in particular" as he smirked thinking of a certain blonde

Wells laughed at his comment knowing of the stir that his old buddy used to cause in the gentry with his secret habits that were not so secret among the peers telling him with a laugh "ahh same old Darien, can't keep your eyes or hands off a pretty young face" as he let out a yawn and continued telling him "things haven't been the same around here without you, rather boring actually missed all the excitement without you; so I take it old man Pennsworth will find out that his granddaughter is not as innocent as she once was"

Darien stood up straight hearing him speak of his and Serena's earlier gathering in the barn and expected by now if Awson knew, then that would mean so did everyone else within a fifty-mile radius as he crossed his arms in front of him and looked to him on guard questioning "what do you know?"

Awson relaxed back against the wall seeing the startled expression on Darien's face as he began to laugh at his friend's secret alliance, that was not so much a secret after all telling him back "Darien, Darien you can trust me old buddy. You know I am not one to kiss and tell so what has you all hot under the collar, worried old man Pennsworth will have her chasing you down the aisle, never stopped you before"

Darien looked to Awson knowing that he had made it a habit on there more youthful days to live precariously through his exploits and would proudly share them with any one willing to listen and did not expect that this evening would be any different as he shook his head wishing he had handled things differently with Serena and took better cautions as he looked to Awson telling him with a shrug "it's complicated"

Awson laughed aloud hearing Darien speak of the one thing he avoided most at all cost, complications when it came to the opposite gender, seeing as he was the one who took every road less traveled to stay far away from anything having to do with commitment or a moral responsibility as he scratched his chin wondering what he missed particularly about this girl and looked to Darien asking intrigued "complicated? Since when do you do complicated?"

Darien heard Awson's question as he walked over to lean up against the railing and looked out on the gardens below them where she had put her trust in him and as usual, he had let her down.

He took a deep breath in knowing Awson was right, before she came along he was never one for complicating matters, but being with her made it all worth taking the risk and he was ready to embrace whatever complications came with the digression he took this night with her as he looked out over the garden and thought about the way she held his hand in her own and let him guide her through the night.

He took a deep breath in and could hear her voice in the silent night call out his name asking for more of what only he could give her and had found himself very pleased to see even with her new title, she was still his Serena and they still connected the way they always had before reaching new heights, but then everything changed and came crashing down with all that happened afterwards being a complete mess. As he looked back up to the candle lit window and longed to be near her.

He saw the slight flicker of the candle go out and let out a deep sigh feeling the world as he knows it is turning to darkness and expected everything he once trusted was now spinning out of his control and he was unsure on how to fix all of this, when he couldn't be near her as he saw Awson come walking over next to him as he leaned up against the railing asking curiously "well?"

Darien looked over to him seeing the playful grin he had on questioning back uninterested with a roll to his eyes "well what?" Awson laughed as though his question should be obvious considering with whom he was speaking too and asked again "well was she good?"

Darien stepped away from the railing not wishing to go into details, while knowing things were far more than just good between Serena and himself and he could never begin to put into words or explain what he had found with her as he shook his head telling Awson firmly "I'd rather not discuss it"

Awson refused to drop it after finally getting some action back in the mundane with Montgomery back in the mix and knowing he had always gotten all the juicy details from him before with Darien's debutante rating systems that left the left-over pickings for his own enjoyment, of course only selecting the four stars or better as he told him with a grin "come old man, you never had a problem with sharing before, tell me was she a five star did you get her to orgasm? I would imagine that she would not be much of a screamer"

Darien turned around sharply while looking daggers at Awson after not appreciating hearing the comments he spoke of his Serena and told him adamantly with a warning to his voice "I won't being discussing it this time, now drop it"

Awson laughed aloud never hearing Darien get so worked up over some girl before, especially one as ordinary as that one as he pushed him on saying with an amused grin "come on, what's the matter Monty? Was the machinery not working or something? Did you have a problem performing? Stayed out on the sidelines too long?"

Darien looked around them to make sure no one would be overhearing this conversation and link it back to his connection with Serena as he looked to Awson with a shake of his head telling him firmly "will you drop it already someone might hear you"

Awson laughed amused seeing the way Darien was now acting nervous and jittery like many of the white-collar gentlemen of their youth that they used to make fun with and steal away the beauties on their arms as he mockingly told him "well can't have that letting others know what they already do"

Darien turned to look at him expecting that Awson had somehow found out about his and Serena's exploit in the barn, which he would make certain for her sake it went no further then this terrace as he shook his head ready to deny all allegations asking "what are you speaking of?"

Awson looked to him with a shrug of his shoulder as though it should be obvious as he looked inside where all the gentlemen and ladies were gathered around saying back "why do you think the men all avoided her this evening. A girl like that suddenly appears with such little breading with Pennsworth claiming she is some long-lost granddaughter. She obviously does not belong here in this crowd and comes from no-where, they all know it, she is used goods"

Darien shook his head knowing most of what Awson had spoken of her was true, but none so much as that she does not belong here in this society, where they would tear her apart if they only knew who she really is and where she had come from before, but he would not let on and end up hurting Serena any further then had been done this night as he heard Awson continue on telling him "if the duke wants to find her a good match, he'll have to pay some poor slump a hefty sum to take her off his hands"

Darien fists came together in a fit of rage hearing the reminder that the duke did not find him good enough to be with her, while he continued to dress her up and parade her in front of all who in his eyes were better suited, even though they would never appreciate someone as feisty in nature as she is and responded back "yes well I do not believe she will be so easily bought"

Awson nodded his head as he continued laughing aloud at the amusement of the situation, he found himself in that his old pal had gotten himself caught up in a net as he shook his head replying "yes well the girl does have certain charms to her"

Darien shook his head not being amused with Awson's reminder of whom the duke spoke of and all those who would see her for who and what she is rather then just her title and could feel the knot twisting in his stomach that he could lose her to one of them as he shook his head telling him again firmly "drop it"

Awson let out a laugh having no intentions of letting this go especially not after seeing how Darien's facial expression changed when he spoke of her as he continued on telling him with a laugh "no I don't think I will, you have me rather intrigued about this girl now. I think I may want to get to know the new duchess a bit better myself, if the girl is looking for some company to help by her time before Mr. right shows up. I will be happy to oblige"

Darien reached out suddenly and grabbed hold of Awson by the collar of his shirt as he held him down tight against the railing and told him with a deadly warning "you'll stay far away from her"

Awson looked up to him not taking the moment serious enough knowing that there was much more going on, then what Darien had spoken about this girl and became curious on what type of girl could leave him so unhinged as he baited him on further and carefully removed Darien's hand away from his shirt telling him "this isn't your world anymore my friend, you have been sitting on the sidelines too long and if I choose to become better acquainted with the new duchess I will do so - so tell me is she one that does that little humming noise when you go down on her I love it when they do that?"

Before Awson had any chance to react Darien's fist came in contact with his jaw as Awson stumbled back against the railing and caught his balance and he brushed his hand up against his bruised jaw that would end up with a nasty mark come the morning as he regained his footing and looked up to Darien with a shake of his head saying back "what the hell man"

Darien gave him a deadly glare knowing his plans had since changed and he would not be going anywhere as long as Awson remained a threat to her as he gave him a deadly warning stating coldly "stay away from her"

Awson stood up straight with his shoulders back hearing the threat in Darien's voice, which only perked his own interests further as he continued to edge him on while shaking his head saying back "no I don't think I will. I am intrigued now. I think I may see if the duchess wants to become better acquainted and join me for a dance after all"

Darien looked back at him knowing what he wants is more than just a dance with Serena and would use many of the same tactics he had perfected in his youth to do so as he shook his head wishing he had carried his dagger along with him this night, but his fists would have to do as he stepped forward keeping his voice level while telling him strongly "take the hint and stay away from Serena"

Awson crossed his arms in front of him showing no caution to Darien's warning as he shook his head telling him back "and what if I don't, what if I would take a ride on her myself, I am sure with the right bit of persuasion she could be mighty…"

Awson did not get to finish his comment as he ducked down seeing Darien's fist come swinging forward to connect with his head, only this time Awson had no intentions of backing down as he stood back up and took a swing back at Darien as the two old friends developed into a full-on fist fight outside on the balcony.

Darien fist connected with Awson's stomach as he yelled out "you'll stay away from her" as he held him down by the neck and slammed his fist into his Awson's stomach one more demanding "stay far away from her, you hear me" as he released him and took a step back

Awson had no intentions of walking away from the fight as he walked forward and through a quick punch to his face which Darien quickly ducked out of the way from, but did not expect the other first to come knocking him off balance as he stumbled to the side as Awson shook his head watching the once powerful man now ruined by some pitiful girl asking "what the hell has gotten into your pants or should I be asking with whom have you gotten yourself lost into hers, perhaps if she is good enough to make you all out of sorts I should have a go of her myself"

Darien stood up tall as a rage took over within him as he forcefully pushed him forward down to the ground and slammed his fists into Awson's face repeatedly commenting "you will go no where near her"

A large crowd formed along the doorway hearing the disturbance while watching the scene that had developed of two grown men rolling around on the floor throwing fists at each other's faces as Darien held Awson down by the neck to the pavement as he slammed fist after fist into his face when a single voice rang out from the crowd screaming out "stop this right now"

Darien immediately released his hold on Awson as he let out a deep breath knowing the voice he heard before he even looked up to see Serena standing there with her hands on her hips looking towards him clearly very upset.

He carefully took a step away from Awson who was lying on the ground with a bloody nose and a couple of chipped teeth and knew things had gotten out of hand this night for sure and he was given another chance to speak with her to set things right, but judging by the look she has on she was not much in the mood for talking as he looked to her while shaking his head telling her "Serena let me explain"

Serena looked down to the man who was lying on the floor of the balcony with Darien standing over him after causing the various bruises she saw on the other man's face and knew she knew everything she needed to know as she walked forward with a commanding presence and gave him a sharp shove to his shoulder telling him back "no you will listen to me, you cannot keep doing this Darien, you cannot beat up every man who looks at me a certain way, it's over between us. I'm not yours anymore. I am letting you go now leave and don't come back"

Darien stood there speechless hearing her say the words he never wanted to hear not from her as he saw her turn around and walk away from him, but missed as she wiped the tears away from her own eyes as she walked away from him towards the crowd that awaited her return as he made one last desperate plea calling out her name "Serena wait" but saw as she continued to walk forward to a world he was an unwelcome part of.