Sorry it took me a couple of days to continue

Sorry it took me a couple of days to continue. I had a huge test this morning for my political science class, and I really needed to put in some quality study time, but I'm back now with a whole new chapter.

They stood there for a while, their lips locked. Darien was thoroughly enjoying himself, but Claire, on the other hand, needed a few seconds to process just what exactly was going on.

Finally, she placed her hands on Darien's chest, summoned all her strength together and pushed. The kiss was broken, much to Darien dissatisfaction.

Claire immediately stepped back while trying to catch her breath, and Darien, who had a very puzzled look on his face asked, "Why'd you do that?"

Claire, who had been bent forward with her hands on her knees, looked up and finally got a good look at Darien's eyes.

"Oh God," she weakly said to herself.

Darien smiled and replied, "Nope, sorry to disappoint, but it's just me. But I was sure that you'd be glad to see me. I mean, you certainly were the last time we met."

Claire searched her brain until she understood what he was talking about. 'Beta-c' she thought.

Darien took a step towards Claire, while Claire, in turn, took one back and said, "Look, Darien…the last time you went quicksilver mad, I wasn't exactly myself either. I wasn't responsible for my actions, just like you're not responsible for yours right now."

Darien continued to move towards her, so she continued to walk backwards until she came into contact with the wall, bringing her evasion to a halt.

"No where to run," Darien whispered while he closed the last remaining inches of distance between them.

"Darien," Claire persisted, "We weren't in our right minds then, that's why I acted like that, but I am now. Can't you tell the difference?"

Darien, who had been slowing leaning down towards her face, suddenly stopped and stood up straight. "You're right," he said, "This is different. You're afraid of me. The last time you weren't."

Claire watched as Darien's face went from looking disappointed to looking angry. Then, his head dropped and he looked down, and when he looked back up at her, Claire saw a huge smile on his face.

"You said that the last time we met you weren't in her right mind, correct?" Darien asked.

"That's right." Claire replied.

"Well, I don't know about you… but I like you better that way." Darien said mischievously.

Claire just stared at him until the realization of what he meant finally hit her like a ton of bricks.

"Darien, what do you plan to do?" she asked worriedly, already knowing the answer.

"Oh, I don't plan on doing anything. You're the only one who knows how to creature Beta-c, remember? So, get to it 'cause the faster you're done, the faster we can get this party started." Darien then grabbed Claire by the wrist and pulled her over to the counter where her lab equipment was.

"Darien, you don't really expect me to manufacture Beta-c with the intent purpose of injecting myself with it, do you?" Claire asked.

"Of course not," Darien said. Claire began to let out a sigh of relief, but it was cut short when Darien continued with, "I'll do the injecting." The color drained from Claire's face, much to Darien's amusement, "And I do suggest you get to work quickly. After all, you wouldn't want to upset me, would you?"

Claire just nodded her head and turned towards the counter. 'What am I going to do?' she thought as she reached for a beaker, 'I can't do this… but maybe I can trick him into thinking that I've created a batch of Beta-c before he…'

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when Darien, who was standing behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, nuzzled her ear, and whispered, "And Claire, don't even think about deceiving me, 'cause even though I'd rather have you with me, I won't have to think twice before snapping your neck if you try and fool me. Understood?"

Tears began to form in her eyes, but Claire refusing to let them fall said, "Yes, I understand, Darien."

"Good," Darien said still holding onto Claire, "That's my girl."

TBC (tomorrow, promise)