Sunset At Paradise Cove
Chapter 38
Author's Note: Hi everyone been kind of a quiet week for reviews. I hope you have continued to enjoy the story. Please send your thoughts and reviews with feedback as I would like to hear what you think of the story so far or you can always follow along. There are not going to be that many more chapters but I think you will see a new depth and understanding with the characters and their choices and I hope you enjoy. Thanks Mars Light
Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon never did, never will. Also, there in a song Livin on a prayer by Jon Bon Jovi don't own it, but it is one of my favorites"
Darien went and stood out on the beach looking out at the calm water in front of him as the waves slowly crashed up onto the sand, he let out a deep breath thinking to himself out there alone on that water everything always made sense to him, it was here on land where things felt out of his control.
He sat down on the dry sand as he placed his head down in his hands thinking of all the things that constantly invaded his mind thoughts that had all been unexpected, but most of which was that he was genuinely saddened over the loss of the child, their child as he let out a deep sigh knowing of how he had deeply messed things up and could not show his true feelings having to instead keep up a strong presence over the past several days to be strong for Serena and not show her how much he was truthfully hurting inside as well.
He sat and let out a small chuckle thinking of the hours long plane ride he had where he thought of all the things he was going to say to her which he foolishly thought would be enough to regain her trust, how he would apologize and, in the end, things would turn out right, but he certainly did not want this to happen or had expected that any of his plans would turn out the way they had. In truth it could not have gone any worse than it did with Serena now losing all her trust and hating him.
He took a deep breath in and let it back out knowing he was able to at least convince her to come back with him after meeting those people, he had certain expectations of what he would have found when meeting Serena's parents, but most certainly was not what he got. They were far worse people than he ever met before only caring for themselves and how others would perceive them and was pleased they got what they did in the end and now Serena was going to be staying with him and would have the life she richly deserved he would see to it, only now the baby was gone which left one question strong in the air as he let out the breath, he held questioning his next action "I have a wife in name only, that understandably hates me"
His quiet solitude lost in the abundance of his thoughts did not last long though as he heard a familiar feminine voice come walking up from behind him asking coy "what are you doing out here all by yourself?"
He turned around surprised to see Eva standing behind him as he shook his head disinterested telling her "it's just you, what are you doing here?"
Eva was a little taken back by his abrupt response, but decided not to show that it bothered her as she walked up to him and placed her hands up against his shoulders saying gently "I heard that you had left town suddenly. I hadn't believed it at first, that you would just up and leave actually miss a surfing competition, whatever the reason for your leaving must have been pretty important, but your back now and I wanted to welcome you home"
Darien turned back to her not needing to add any further complication to what was already a hyped-up situation as he quickly shrugged away her hands and stood up from the sand as he turned around to face her saying back disinterested "yes its true, I had some things that needed my immediate attention that I needed to take care, but I am back now"
Eva looked to him feeling the cold barrier that he was putting between them, which she had every intention of knocking right down as she nodded her head and proceeded to walk up closer putting her hands down to his chest telling him seductively "yes you are and now that your back you can give me one of those expert surfing lessons you had promised before you left"
Darien looked down to her with a shake of his head knowing she had much more then she was looking for other than a quick surfing lesson as he swiftly reached down taking her hands off of his person and putting them down to her sides as he took a further step back away telling her "look Eva I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression before it was wrong of me, but there is nothing and there will be nothing between us"
Eva looked to him with a slight shake of her head not understanding why he wasn't throwing himself down at her feet like most men are telling him back with a charming smile "come on now Darien you and I we have so much in common we could make a great pairing, just let me prove it to you" as she took a step closer, but just saw as he took a step further back as she shook her head and yelled out frustrated "it's because of that girl isn't it? You feel some kind of messed up loyalty to her because you got her knocked up come on Darien think about it? she is not like us"
Darien shook his head hearing her speak of the child that they had lost as he felt the rage raise up from his ultimate stupidity and reached out and grabbed her arm roughly telling her "listen up that girl you speak of is my wife and you will not speak of her in such a way. She is going through a lot right now and I won't have you making any comments to make it worse then what it already is" as he released her arm and let out a deep breath as he turned back to look down the beach at the small house just past the sand dunes.
Eva looked to him surprised not expecting to hear him take such a strong stand for the park avenue princess, who probably broke a nail as she shook her head telling him coldly "come on Darien we both know that you aren't really interested in her, besides I am sure right now she is out somewhere buying diamonds or something with all her rich friends" as she began to laugh at her own joke.
Darien turned back to look at her his face like stone as he commented back sternly "your wrong about her, she's here actually she left her big city life and chose a much simpler life here with me. Now she and I we still have a lot to work through so I would appreciate it if you would keep your distance from her, she doesn't need any added stress right now"
Eva rolled her eyes back to hear that Serena would get in the way once again as she looked to him with a small chuckle asking "really what kind of nerve does that girl have, it is bad enough that she came back once, but twice what does she want this time?" Darien looked back at her with a shake of his head replying coldly "for your information I was the one who asked her to come back, this is going to be her home now here, with me"
Eva's mouth was open up wide as she stood there in shock for a second and then started to laugh loudly as she looked to him stating sarcastically "oh wow Darien you really had me going there for a second, with you saying that you actually wanted to settle down with Ms. Park avenue herself. I mean that would be hysterical, the whole idea of it is absolutely unthinkable"
Darien crossed his arms not liking what he was hearing as he looked to her with a slight raise of his eyebrow asking "and what type of person do you think that I am that I would just abandon her without a second thought?"
Eva looked to him with a slight smile feeling the tension raising in the air and knew she had to put things back on track telling him "of course not, but I thought you had finally come to your senses, that you belong here with us enjoying the perfect sea air every day and being out surfing from dawn until dusk and just hanging out with your buddies during the evenings and well she. Darien she is not like us she does not belong here. She is one of the type of people that we share a laugh about after their frilly vacation is over"
Darien stood there listening to her of what his life had become about and he had never really questioned it up until now of what his life really consisted of until he heard it spoken out of another's mouth.
He looked to Eva with a slight shake of his head to hear her speak of what all his friends thought of what his life consisted of and up until now and they would be right, and it hadn't bothered him all that much spending his days surfing, nights playing at the tiki bar and any extra time in between looking for a new girl to amuse himself with. Only now he was not so sure it was what he wanted and was looking for more as he shook his head telling her back "she does belong here Eva and I am going to do everything possible to make sure she realizes that too"
Eva had no interest in leaving it there as she walked over to him and slowly ran her hand up and down his arm cautious as she told him with a little gleam in her eyes "ok fine I get it you are a decent guy who wants to do right by his child and take the girl in, but it does not mean you have to settle for her either. I mean come on the girl is boring and you know you and I have so much more in common Darien, and I can make you happy in a way she never could. I am also great with kids I could help you raise little Darien Jr."
Darien closed his eyes tight hearing her speak of the child again that could have been as he opened his eyes up wide as a certain truth became clear to him as he reached over and grabbed Eva's arm moving it away from his hold telling her abruptly "no we don't, you and I don't have anything in common not anymore and once more even if there was no longer a child between us, I still would prefer Serena's company over yours"
Eva took a step back stunned by his words as she stood there shaking her head in disbelief as she told him offended "how can you say that, someone like her she could never make you happy. You two have nothing in common and mark my words you will grow tired of her and go looking for another and when you do, I won't be there any longer waiting for you. I am going to find someone else better than you, just wait you will be sorry for turning me away over her"
Darien simply nodded his head as he replied back to her with a small grin "I truly hope that is true and that you will find someone that will make you happy and maybe your right that whatever is going on between Serena and I was not meant to last, but I can tell you this I am going to take this ride for however long I can and find out for myself"
Eva looked to him confused as to why he would choose this other girl who obviously did not belong here over herself as she shook her head asking him "is all of this about the baby? Because you feel you have to stay with her for some messed up family drama?"
Darien looked to her with a shake of his head thinking back to Serena's own words to him back at the hospital telling him he had no further reason to stay now that the baby was no longer holding them together as a small smirk crossed his lips realizing even with the loss of the baby, he still didn't want to be without her as he looked to Eva with a grin telling her "no I can honestly say it is not" as he turned around and headed back up the beach.
He walked for what felt like hours left deep in thought over all of his many mistakes and the one thing he had to find a way to set right. The biggest question though still remained on how he would do it, he had sworn off caring for another or opening his heart again after what happened with Daisy. Only now he found himself in unfamiliar territory with a wife in name only which left him with an unpleasant feeling which he wanted to change.
He kept walking down the sand until he found himself standing in front of a familiar location as the loud sounds of music echoed through the night air, he let out a deep breath needing this distraction and walked up towards the entrance where he was greeted by the usual crowd as the hero, they all thought he is, which they couldn't be more mistaken.
He walked over to the bar where the usual serving girl behind the counter smiled up at him stating in a friendly manner "hi Darien haven't seen you around here much where have you been?" Darien looked to the girl behind the counter knowing she was kind and sweet and probably the exact type of girl that he should be interested in but instead he had another girl that he couldn't get off his mind as he smiled back telling her "I have had a lot going on lately Lucy, but how are things around here"
Lucy leaned down on the counter as she smiled telling him "oh the usual not much is different around here, but I hope all is alright with you it did cause a bit of a stir when you weren't here for the qualifying round of the surf tournament"
Darien looked to her with a slight shrug of his shoulder hearing everyone speak of the tournament like it was the worst thing in the world that he had missed it, when at the time he had not given it a second thought as he shrugged his shoulders telling her "there will be others"
Lucy looked to him amazed to hear Darien the man who lived dreamed and thought of nothing other then surfing speak of the tournament like it was no big deal as she shrugged her shoulders back telling him "well since you are the reigning champion from last year, you will automatically qualify for the final round or at least that is what I have heard"
Darien looked up to her surprised as he questioned back "the final round it has not happened yet?" Lucy looked to him with a shake of her head seeing this was more the man she expected replying back "no it was supposed to be three days ago, but got cancelled because of a passing storm and it has been rescheduled for Friday, which means that you could still be in it I suppose"
Darien nodded his head as he turned around and looked back up at the stage where the other members of his band were still going on performing without him as he let out a small sigh telling her "yeah I guess I have a chance to do this over and set things right this time"
Lucy looked to him seeing where his attention was turned to as she smiled telling him "it is not too late why don't you get up there and join them looks like they could use another man" Darien turned back to her with a shake of his head replying back "no I don't think so" and as soon as the words left his mouth, he heard the cheering out loudly from behind him of the crowd all calling out his name.
He let out a small chuckle and turned to face the stage where Andy stood holding out a guitar as he called out loudly "well lets here it ladies and gentleman the man is back in town lets get him up here"
Lucy turned to look at him with a small smirk stating "well there all waiting on you" Darien kept his head down slightly as he shook his head telling her embarrassed "I don't know last time things did not turn out so well"
Lucy nodded her head after witnessing herself the odd performance he last gave on stage as she reached out and placed her hand over his telling him assuredly "that is why you can't live in the past now go on ahead out there and don't think about what happened before and live in the now"
Darien looked to her with a small smirk knowing that her response could be used for more then just playing music as he questioned back "live in the now huh?" Lucy nodded her head as she told him "yeah don't worry about what happened before and just go out there and be yourself and enjoy the ride for where it takes you"
Darien smiled the first genuine smile that he hadn't felt in days as he let out a deep breath that he had been holding onto for far too long as he nodded his head telling her "you know Lucy I think I just might do that" as he stood up from the stool and walked up towards the stage
Andy came walking up to his friend as he patted him on the back in a friendly manner telling him "good to have you back. Did you get everything settled that you needed too?"
Darien shook his head as he replied back telling him "hardly, but I know which direction I am headed in now" Andy looked to him not sure exactly what change had come over his friend as he nodded his head telling him "alright well you set the course and we will follow"
Darien looked to his other band members and friends as they nodded their heads in response as Ryan shouted out "glad to see you found whatever screw was loose in that head of yours" Darien shook his head as he replied back "yeah it's a shame can't say the same for you"
Andy patted him on the shoulder as he handed over the guitar and questioned back quietly "everything is alright now between you right, you got things settled between you and Serena now"
Darien took a deep breath in as he took the guitar and put the strap over his shoulder telling him "well it's not perfect, but it is a new start as he looked over to Lucy with a small smile and then walked up to the microphone stand.
He looked out on the waiting crowd as he took a deep breath in and saw all their expectant faces looking up at him waiting for him to start singing and then over to Angelo who was standing in the corner with a displeased look on his face to see him back up on stage again as he crossed his arms and looked to him with a large scowl on his face.
Darien took a deep breath in then reached down and placed his hand in his back pocket and felt a small key ring left inside as he smiled and then started to speak out to the crowd "alright well this is a bit of an old favorite, but if you know the words come on and sing along as loud as you can" he began to play the opening chords as Andy and the others picked up right away on the tune as Andy gave him a small nod of approval with a smile as he grabbed onto the mic and started to sing "Once upon a time not so long ago, Tommy used to work on the docks, union's been on strike he's down on his luck, it's tough, so tough"
He looked out seeing he had the crowd's full attention with some singing along as he continued singing the next line "Gina works the diner all day, working for her man she brings home her pay, for love, for love. She says, we've got to hold on to what we've got it doesn't make a difference if we make it or not" he let out a small chuckle thinking of close to the same words he himself spoke earlier that day to Eva as he smiled thinking of the girl with the hair as bright as the summer sun as he continued on singing louder "We've got each other and that's a lot for love, we'll give it a shot. Woah, we're half way there" the crowd started singing along loudly with him as he continued on with the song, but all his thoughts were focused on one person as he sang "Woah, livin' on a prayer take my hand, we'll make it I swear Woah, livin' on a prayer"
It was late that evening after coming off a huge high from the exhilaration he felt from the crowd as he walked down the beach slowly until he reached his place and opened up the door to the small cottage and walked inside being cautious not to make too much noise.
He was cautious not to make too much noise expecting Serena would be fast asleep in the bedroom at this late hour and did not want to wake her. He walked over to turn on a small lamp on a side table to sit and read for a while, when he heard a slight stir come from behind him.
He turned around surprised to find Serena had curled herself up on the couch holding the bear that he had purchased tightly in her arms while she was fast asleep.
He carefully walked up to the couch and looked down seeing how peaceful she slept like a heavenly angel, and knew personally of the aching back she would feel in the morning from sleeping on the couch all night as he carefully leaned down having never done this before and placed one arm behind her back for support and then placed the other under her knees as he carefully picked her up into his arms.
He held her light form in his arms feeling the way her body seemed to curve perfectly into his arms as he smiled seeing the way her lips curled up in a small smile while she slept, she seemed to be having a good dream as he let out a small chuckle glad to see that at least in her dreams she could find peace as he felt her shift slightly and rest her head against his shoulder.
He held her close and carried her into his bedroom knowing he would do whatever was needed to be sure she would feel comfortable here with him as he lied her down carefully on the bed and saw as she shifted slightly and kept one hand around the bear and with the other took hold of one of his pillows as she held onto it tightly and rested her head against it, which he was certain would have her scent left on it by morning, which was a rather pleasing thought.
He looked around quickly and saw a blanket sitting on an empty chair in the corner, he crossed the room and grabbed the light blanket left over the side of it and then walked over and carefully covered her sleeping body with it as he looked down seeing her resting peacefully as he whispered quietly "sleep well" and then reached down and placed a soft kiss to the back of her head.
He watched her shift slightly by the soft touch as he stood back up and then turned around to go back inside, he walked to the doorway and then took one last look at her before leaving the room, seeing she was still sleeping peacefully in his bed and then closed the bedroom door behind him and went inside to get whatever sleep he could on the hard couch.
Author's Note: Hi everyone thanks for reading and following along I will try to get each chapter out as quickly as I can, but lately I have been exceeding busy with work and the last few chapters that I have written I stayed but late into the evening working on so I have decided that I will get the chapters out as quickly as I can, but not kill myself doing so either. I hope you have enjoyed the story so far and would really appreciate any reviews that you would like to send. I know this chapter was a little bit of a filler and so will the next chapter be probably, but it will center more on how Serena and Darien grow to come together as themselves and find love with each other. Hope you enjoy and please send your thoughts and reviews. Thanks Mars Light
