Ok this took a while! But I finally got an idea for this. I
suffered a bad case of writer's block on this story for a while,
but here's more. Hope its ok.
** For disclaimers see chp.1 **
Denote thoughts
~~~ Denote Flashbacks
**********************************************************************
"Smooth move Darien! Now she knows you're here, but not who you are."
Andrew fixed his mask, "I like it, giving her a glimpse but not too
much, very mysterious."
Darien chuckled, "In all honesty, I didn't mean to let her see me.
I was just memorized when she walked in and then she was
looking straight at me, and our gazes locked for a second." As he
kept is eyes focused on her in the circle of women she stood with,
he recalled those few seconds of bliss.
~~~ He'd been checking in and looking for Andrew when suddenly
there she'd stood. Dressed in a pale lavender dress that clung to
her figure, emphasizing her narrow waist, slender arms, and not so
flat chest. The skirt of the gown fell in full folds to the floor.
An old-fashioned, silver-gilt girdle went about her waist,
crisscrossed at her back, and tied again at the front, just below
her belly button.
Darien knew of Ken's over-protective nature and was amazed that
she'd been able to wear the dress. As he looked for his necklace
earings he'd forgotten how close they were, and suddenly their
gazes locked. Behind her pale lavender butterfly mask, her topaz
blue eyes sparkled in excitement and apprehension as they stared,
and for just a second they had bonded. Then he'd seen her father
reach out and take her arm and knew he couldn't let her see where
he went. He'd ducked behind a larger man walking by and taken
off through a side door to the card room. ~~~
By now most of the guests had arrived, so the lights were dimmed
and a speaker walked over to the microfone set up in front of
the orchestra. Dr. Swaine, the head of the hospital came up and
welcomed everyone to the nights festivities. "I hope you will
all enjoy tonights events. In true old-fashioned style, we have
set up a card room to the right for the gentlemen to retire to
and have a cigar and brandy, and for the ladies there is a
refreshment room to the left, in the old music room. The
orchestra will be playing tonight, and of course the Embassy's
lavish garden't are open for all those who need to take a breat
of fresh air. Please feel free to anything available, and don't
forget about the reason we're here, the hospital's donation box
is by the exit and will take cash or checks. Thank you and have
a wonderful time!" he smiled and the lights came back on.
People milled about the room, chattering with old friends and
making new ones. Darien walked about greeting aquaintances here
and there, making sure to keep an eye on Serena and Andrew.
Seeing Andrew approach one of the waiters that were carrying
trays with champagne, Darien checked his watch and was surprised
to see it had been only half an hour since he got there.
he thought as he
watched Andrew put the card on the man's tray and point out
Serena.
He smiled at one of his friends from the hospital and went to
chat with him.
Mike was as much of a social butterfly as Darien was a recluse.
He loved parties and grand festivities. Having heard that the
ball would be a masquerade, he'd worn an adorned mask that
covered more than half his face. Yet Darien knew the guy's
voice to well to mistake him for another. Walking up to him he
noticed the girl who hung on his arm, wearing a mask that matched
his in everything but its color. Mike's was orange whilst hers
was yellow. She wore a yellow gown, also old-fashioned because
that was part of the evening's theme. Smiling as he walked up
to them, Darien glanced over to Andrew and was relieved to see
his friend give flash him a quick grin and nod.
**********************************************************************
Serena was in the middle of a circle of her mother's friends, trying
to keep her excitement down, and listening to their praise of her
dress, when a waiter cleared his throat, gaining the ladies attention.
Blushing he looked straight at Serena and bowed lightly, enjoying
the curious looks he was recieving, and the view he'd suddenly gotten
of the golden haired butterfly. He'd nearly forgot why he had
interrupted them when an older lady waved her hand imperiously and
demanded, "Well, how can we help you young man?"
Blushing again, he bowed to the waist this time and held his tray up
to Serena, offering her the white rose and card he'd been given.
In accordance to the orders gotten to speak like old fashioned
pages, he kept his gaze lowered, at the lower half of her dress,
and spoke to her. "M'lady, this was sent to you by a gentleman who
wishes to remain anonymous."
Serena's brows had lifted as he bowed to her and lifted the rose
for her to take. Recognizing her admirer's symbolic rose, she smiled
and gingerely lifted the rose from his tray. Then as he straightened she giggled and thanked him, using a regal tone of voice to match
his accent. "I thank you kind sir." As he bowed and backed away,
Serena was suddenly aware of the keen interest in the ladies
around her. She knew she'd have to explain, thinking it over she
was relieved to hear her mother step in for her.
"I see you got another letter from this young mystery gentleman."
Ilene stood to her right side, and at the sound of her voice the
other women looked to her to explain. "It seems my daughter has
acquired an admirer, who wishes to finally express his true feeligs
for her."
Mrs. Furhata smiled and laughed, "So I take it he is being very
secretive, yet romantic from the looks of that rose."
Another of the ladies, the imperious Mrs. Swain, wife of the
head of the hospital and also a renown surgeon, joined in. "Well
don't keep us here in the dark dearie, what does the letter say?"
Serena, who'd stood smelling the rose's delicate scent, lifted
the card and read its message. Again it was written in the same
bold handwritting as the previous message, Serena was surprised
that this message was not quite as cryptic. In fact it said
'Pink is the color of goodness, sweetness would be more fitting
when it comes to you. Your way of dealing with even the worst
of people keeps my hopes afloat that you may see the goodness
in me, and gift me with one of your sweet smiles.'
Unable to help herself, Ilene pulled the flower from Serena and
read the message out loud. Then looking up at the other ladies
as they thought it over she turned to Serena. "Its certainly
different from the other message. What did that one say dear?"
Serena took the flower back and answered, "It was more cryptic,
it said 'White is the color of purity, like the purity of my
love for you.'"
Looking up at the ladies, Serena continued, "Then it went on,
'The power of a rose is often taken for granted, think carefully
this night and my identity will become as clear as these
crystals by evening's end.' that's all." looking around at the
thoughtful faces, Serena giggled at the thought of someone going
through all this trouble just for her.
Just then the lights were dimmed and Dr. Mizuno, dressed in a
simple, yet elegant Sapphire gown, stood at the microphone and
announced the dancing was about to begin.
Serena didn't know how to dance, so she followed a few of the
ladies towards the refreshment room, when unexpectantly a
gloved hand took her arm, stopping her. Looking up at a
stranger in a finely polished grey suit, Serena was surprised
at his boldness. When he released her and introduced himself.
"Excuse the rude introduction, I saw you were leaving with the
ladies and wondered if you cared to dance? You seemed too
beautiful to be left off on the side of the dance floor."
he smiled and waited her reply.
Serena blushed at his compliment, but was saddened that she
didn't know how to dance the old fashioned dances like waltzes
and minuets. Smiling apologetically she looked up to his green
eyes behind the mask and noted the intensity there. "I'm sorry
but I'm afraid I don't very much care for dancing right at this
moment, but perhaps later on?"
He looked surprised by her refusal, but he simply grinned and
took her hand, "Later on then, but I will have that dance,
Miss...?"
"Tsukino, and you are?" she felt unnerved by his holding
her hand so gently, yet firmly.
"Lucien Chevaux, at your service Miss Tsukino. But please just
refer to me as Lucien. Is there a first name I might use instead
of Miss?" he teased as he offered his arm and led her towards
the side of the dance floor.
Serena giggled "Yes, how very rude of me. You may call me
Serena."
Lucien was enchanted by her sweet high pitched giggle and
smiled even broader. "Serena, how very appropriate for a
beautifully demure creature such as yourself. Tell me, what
gave you the idea of wearing a butterfly mask?"
Serena lifted a hand to adjust the mask and smiled, "My
mother calls me her little butterfly because she says I am
as free sprited as they, and as small as well." she sighed
and looked down at her rose, which her mother had taken the
note off and put in her purse for safe keeping.
"I see, that seems like an appropriate name for such a delicate
creature such as yourself." Seeing her twist the rose in her
hands, he wondered where she'd gotten it. Reaching down to
take it from her hands, he smiled at her surprised look and
lifted it to her ear. "Allow me to assist you in securing
such a lovely rose." Then he took out one of her pins, which
loosened a curled strand of hair by her face and used it to
pin the rose behind her ear.
Serena was surprised by the gentleness he used when securing
the rose in her hair, and blushed at the intimatacy that seemed
to have settled between them. Then a strange
feeling of betrayal came over her. Her thoughts surprised her, for
she hadn't even met him and she already felt a link to him.
"There you are all done ma petite papillon, all set." He placed
her hand in the crook of his arm and led her towards the
refreshment stand at the back of the ball room.
Serena walked along with him, wondering about what he'd called
her. She recognized the language, but not the meaning. Angling
her head up towards him she asked, "Ma petite papillon? I know
I've heard petite before, but 'ma petite papillon' is new to me.
What does it mean?"
Not surprised by her question, Lucien chuckled softly and
put a hand over hers, "'Tis my own name for you cherie, but if
you must know, it is simply 'my little butterfly' in French."
Serena raised a brow and her eyes twinkled as she replied, "My
little butterfly? Might you be getting a little too close
monsieur?" she pronounced the word perfectly.
Lucien laughed at her coy look and witty remark, "If you think
so, I shall just call you papillon, no 'ma petite', agreed?"
he stopped before a the large fireplace next to the stand and
looked her over, yet again.
Serena decided she liked his name for her, so she nodded her
head in agreement and then looked into the flames, thinking up
a name for him.
As she stood quietly thinking, Lucien looked her over and smiled
at how easily he'd gotten so close to her. Looking over her form fitting
gown, which sparkled in the firelight, as well as her mask,
wondered how he could tempt her outside and to remove her mask.
He asessed the silky sking of
her hands and the bottom half of her face that was not covered
by ther butterfly. Studing her sparkling blue eyes in the
glow from the fireplace, he looked down to her glossy pink lips
which tempted him to steal a kiss. He found he couldn't think of
anything but getting a taste.
Serena stood contemplating a nickname for him. He wore a mask
in the shape of a falcon. Very lifelike, but so adorned to
match his suit, the falcon lost part of its predatorial look.
Smiling up to him as she remembered the word she was looking for
she was surprised to see through his mask, that his eyes had gone
from their usual bright light green color, to a dark emerald color.
Seeing the strange intensity in them, Serene was startled for a
moment and gasped unwillingly breaking him from whatever his
thoughts had been.
Almost immediately, his gaze focused on her eyes and she saw
his eyes were back to their lighter shade. Deciding it was just
a strange effect from the light of the fire, Serena disregarded
it and broke the silence. "If I am to be 'Papillon' then you
shall be monsieur falcon." She pronounced falcon with a french
accent. "I meant to give you a better name, but I couldn't think
of falcon in japanese." she smiled apologetically.
"Do not worry about it, I am most pleased you decided to bestow
upon me any nickname." he smiled and thought of the sweetness of
this girl in front of him. He took up
her hand again as they went to get a drink.
**********************************************************************
Much to his dismay, Dr. Richards had dragged Darien with him to the
men's card room to talk with some of his colleagues. Listening to
the older men discuss politics, Darien forced himself to keep himself
involved in the conversation. What he really wanted to do was go out
to the ballroom and ask Serena to dance. Unexpectedly Dr. Richards
smiled to a man behind Darien and waved him over.
Turning to see the new man, Darien was curious to see a stocky,
middle-aged man walk up and greet the group with a laugh. Then he
spoke with a heavy french accent. "Well gentlemen, may I ask if any
of you came accompanied by a lovley young lilac butterfly?"
Recognizing it was Serena's mask and dress he reffered to Darien
was about to ask about her, when he heard Mr. Tsukino speak up
from the doorway. "What about the young butterfly, Monsieur
Cheveaux?"
The man turned and grinned even broader at Mr. Tsukino. "Well,
what a pleasure that she be of a good family. Tsukino, I came to
warn that my young Lucien seems to have taken quite a liking to
your dear butterfly."
Mr. Tsukino flushed in anger for a moment, before composing himself
and remarking, "She is in good hands I trust?"
Cheveax laughed again and nodded, "Rest assured, my son is a most
chilvarous man. You need fear nothing except perhaps a broken heart
when she gets home. Lucien has my gift for breaking a heart with
but a word," an exaggerated sigh, " 'tis a Frenchman's curse to
be so gifted."
Laughing at his jest, Dr. Richards waved his long time friend
Tsukino over and turned to Darien. "Perhaps I could offer my
esteemed apprentice here, to safely watch over your butterfly Ken?"
Darien had met Mr. Tsukino at the hospital once, and once again
at his house one day when Serena had forgotten a book at the arcade
and he'd used it as an excuse to visit her at home. Mr. Tsukino
had been grateful for the returned book, but wary about leaving
Serena and Darien to talk. Upon realizing Serena and Darien didn't
get along, he'd been quite averse to leaving them to their quarrels.
Recognizing him, Mr. Tsukino smiled and offered Darien his hand.
"Hello Mr. Chiba, how are things going for you this evening?"
Surprised Darien shook hands with Mr. Tsukino and replied, "Quite
well sir. I hope things go well with you also."
Ken smiled at the young man Ilene had pointed out as one of
Serena's potential suitors. It had taken a week of sleeping on the
sofa for him to give in and promise her not to interfere with
Serena and allow her a suitable boyfriend. After having met
Darien again at his home, he'd noticed the young man's interest
in his daughter and asked his friend Keith Richards about his
young apprentice.
~~~ "Chiba? Why he's the best apprentice I've ever had! He's got
quite a future ahead, he's working to become a surgeon and is weeks
ahead in his lessons. I can barely keep up with him." Keith had
chuckled.
"And what about him personally?" Ken had wondered
"He's a fine young man. Works hard, studious, not taken to parties
or dalliances. In the year and a half since I've known him he has
yet to have a girlfriend, although half the nursing staff and
volunteers practically throw themselves at his feet. He's got his
feet planted firmly on the ground that's what. I'm sure once he
finds a girl, that'll be it, she'll be his one and only. Yes,
he'll take care of her all right. But he's very researved and
quiet about his background. He grew up in an orphanage from the
age of ten, when he lost his parents in an accident. But he's a
good man." ~~~
Ken wondered about Serena and Darien. She certainly brought him up
a lot at home. Not a day went by when his name was not mentioned in
their household. Turning to Darien he beckoned him over to a side
table and asked quietly. "I'm actually quite concerned about this
young Lucien Cheveax with Serena." he glanced over to where the men
were taking up some brandy. "I would be greatly in debt to you if you
would excuse yourself from here and keep an eye on her for me. I know
you're a fine young man, and I feel I can trust you to watch over her
carefully." He chuckled at Darien's obvious surprise.
"You would trust me with your daughter sir?" Darien was awestruck at
his luck.
Ken nodded gravely, though inside he was laughing, "Yes, you seem
respectable. Will you do me this favor?" he asked
Nodding Darien fought to keep a grin from his face, "I would be
honored sir." then turning towards the doors he excused himself
loudly enough to be overheard by the other men.
"If you will pardon me sir, I believe the smoke in here grows too
thick for my lungs. I'd like a breath of fresh air now." with that
he walked out of the smoky card room and out into the ballroom,
scanning it for his precious meatball head, wishing she'd worn her
namesake hairdo tonight to make it easier for him to find her.
Looking around, he spotted Andrew by the refreshment stand in the
back of the room. When he caught his friends attention, Andrew
discreetly pointed out Serena, sitting in a chair by the fireplace
chatting with a man in grey, who'm Darien guessed would be Cheveaux.
**********************************************************************
Well, I hope that's good enough for now. Its way late, so I've gotta
stop there. I hope to have the next chapter out soon, but we'll see.
Please remember to R&R. Reviews are really nice!
Thanx again!
BunnyRena
suffered a bad case of writer's block on this story for a while,
but here's more. Hope its ok.
** For disclaimers see chp.1 **
Denote thoughts
~~~ Denote Flashbacks
**********************************************************************
"Smooth move Darien! Now she knows you're here, but not who you are."
Andrew fixed his mask, "I like it, giving her a glimpse but not too
much, very mysterious."
Darien chuckled, "In all honesty, I didn't mean to let her see me.
I was just memorized when she walked in and then she was
looking straight at me, and our gazes locked for a second." As he
kept is eyes focused on her in the circle of women she stood with,
he recalled those few seconds of bliss.
~~~ He'd been checking in and looking for Andrew when suddenly
there she'd stood. Dressed in a pale lavender dress that clung to
her figure, emphasizing her narrow waist, slender arms, and not so
flat chest. The skirt of the gown fell in full folds to the floor.
An old-fashioned, silver-gilt girdle went about her waist,
crisscrossed at her back, and tied again at the front, just below
her belly button.
Darien knew of Ken's over-protective nature and was amazed that
she'd been able to wear the dress. As he looked for his necklace
earings he'd forgotten how close they were, and suddenly their
gazes locked. Behind her pale lavender butterfly mask, her topaz
blue eyes sparkled in excitement and apprehension as they stared,
and for just a second they had bonded. Then he'd seen her father
reach out and take her arm and knew he couldn't let her see where
he went. He'd ducked behind a larger man walking by and taken
off through a side door to the card room. ~~~
By now most of the guests had arrived, so the lights were dimmed
and a speaker walked over to the microfone set up in front of
the orchestra. Dr. Swaine, the head of the hospital came up and
welcomed everyone to the nights festivities. "I hope you will
all enjoy tonights events. In true old-fashioned style, we have
set up a card room to the right for the gentlemen to retire to
and have a cigar and brandy, and for the ladies there is a
refreshment room to the left, in the old music room. The
orchestra will be playing tonight, and of course the Embassy's
lavish garden't are open for all those who need to take a breat
of fresh air. Please feel free to anything available, and don't
forget about the reason we're here, the hospital's donation box
is by the exit and will take cash or checks. Thank you and have
a wonderful time!" he smiled and the lights came back on.
People milled about the room, chattering with old friends and
making new ones. Darien walked about greeting aquaintances here
and there, making sure to keep an eye on Serena and Andrew.
Seeing Andrew approach one of the waiters that were carrying
trays with champagne, Darien checked his watch and was surprised
to see it had been only half an hour since he got there.
he thought as he
watched Andrew put the card on the man's tray and point out
Serena.
He smiled at one of his friends from the hospital and went to
chat with him.
Mike was as much of a social butterfly as Darien was a recluse.
He loved parties and grand festivities. Having heard that the
ball would be a masquerade, he'd worn an adorned mask that
covered more than half his face. Yet Darien knew the guy's
voice to well to mistake him for another. Walking up to him he
noticed the girl who hung on his arm, wearing a mask that matched
his in everything but its color. Mike's was orange whilst hers
was yellow. She wore a yellow gown, also old-fashioned because
that was part of the evening's theme. Smiling as he walked up
to them, Darien glanced over to Andrew and was relieved to see
his friend give flash him a quick grin and nod.
**********************************************************************
Serena was in the middle of a circle of her mother's friends, trying
to keep her excitement down, and listening to their praise of her
dress, when a waiter cleared his throat, gaining the ladies attention.
Blushing he looked straight at Serena and bowed lightly, enjoying
the curious looks he was recieving, and the view he'd suddenly gotten
of the golden haired butterfly. He'd nearly forgot why he had
interrupted them when an older lady waved her hand imperiously and
demanded, "Well, how can we help you young man?"
Blushing again, he bowed to the waist this time and held his tray up
to Serena, offering her the white rose and card he'd been given.
In accordance to the orders gotten to speak like old fashioned
pages, he kept his gaze lowered, at the lower half of her dress,
and spoke to her. "M'lady, this was sent to you by a gentleman who
wishes to remain anonymous."
Serena's brows had lifted as he bowed to her and lifted the rose
for her to take. Recognizing her admirer's symbolic rose, she smiled
and gingerely lifted the rose from his tray. Then as he straightened she giggled and thanked him, using a regal tone of voice to match
his accent. "I thank you kind sir." As he bowed and backed away,
Serena was suddenly aware of the keen interest in the ladies
around her. She knew she'd have to explain, thinking it over she
was relieved to hear her mother step in for her.
"I see you got another letter from this young mystery gentleman."
Ilene stood to her right side, and at the sound of her voice the
other women looked to her to explain. "It seems my daughter has
acquired an admirer, who wishes to finally express his true feeligs
for her."
Mrs. Furhata smiled and laughed, "So I take it he is being very
secretive, yet romantic from the looks of that rose."
Another of the ladies, the imperious Mrs. Swain, wife of the
head of the hospital and also a renown surgeon, joined in. "Well
don't keep us here in the dark dearie, what does the letter say?"
Serena, who'd stood smelling the rose's delicate scent, lifted
the card and read its message. Again it was written in the same
bold handwritting as the previous message, Serena was surprised
that this message was not quite as cryptic. In fact it said
'Pink is the color of goodness, sweetness would be more fitting
when it comes to you. Your way of dealing with even the worst
of people keeps my hopes afloat that you may see the goodness
in me, and gift me with one of your sweet smiles.'
Unable to help herself, Ilene pulled the flower from Serena and
read the message out loud. Then looking up at the other ladies
as they thought it over she turned to Serena. "Its certainly
different from the other message. What did that one say dear?"
Serena took the flower back and answered, "It was more cryptic,
it said 'White is the color of purity, like the purity of my
love for you.'"
Looking up at the ladies, Serena continued, "Then it went on,
'The power of a rose is often taken for granted, think carefully
this night and my identity will become as clear as these
crystals by evening's end.' that's all." looking around at the
thoughtful faces, Serena giggled at the thought of someone going
through all this trouble just for her.
Just then the lights were dimmed and Dr. Mizuno, dressed in a
simple, yet elegant Sapphire gown, stood at the microphone and
announced the dancing was about to begin.
Serena didn't know how to dance, so she followed a few of the
ladies towards the refreshment room, when unexpectantly a
gloved hand took her arm, stopping her. Looking up at a
stranger in a finely polished grey suit, Serena was surprised
at his boldness. When he released her and introduced himself.
"Excuse the rude introduction, I saw you were leaving with the
ladies and wondered if you cared to dance? You seemed too
beautiful to be left off on the side of the dance floor."
he smiled and waited her reply.
Serena blushed at his compliment, but was saddened that she
didn't know how to dance the old fashioned dances like waltzes
and minuets. Smiling apologetically she looked up to his green
eyes behind the mask and noted the intensity there. "I'm sorry
but I'm afraid I don't very much care for dancing right at this
moment, but perhaps later on?"
He looked surprised by her refusal, but he simply grinned and
took her hand, "Later on then, but I will have that dance,
Miss...?"
"Tsukino, and you are?" she felt unnerved by his holding
her hand so gently, yet firmly.
"Lucien Chevaux, at your service Miss Tsukino. But please just
refer to me as Lucien. Is there a first name I might use instead
of Miss?" he teased as he offered his arm and led her towards
the side of the dance floor.
Serena giggled "Yes, how very rude of me. You may call me
Serena."
Lucien was enchanted by her sweet high pitched giggle and
smiled even broader. "Serena, how very appropriate for a
beautifully demure creature such as yourself. Tell me, what
gave you the idea of wearing a butterfly mask?"
Serena lifted a hand to adjust the mask and smiled, "My
mother calls me her little butterfly because she says I am
as free sprited as they, and as small as well." she sighed
and looked down at her rose, which her mother had taken the
note off and put in her purse for safe keeping.
"I see, that seems like an appropriate name for such a delicate
creature such as yourself." Seeing her twist the rose in her
hands, he wondered where she'd gotten it. Reaching down to
take it from her hands, he smiled at her surprised look and
lifted it to her ear. "Allow me to assist you in securing
such a lovely rose." Then he took out one of her pins, which
loosened a curled strand of hair by her face and used it to
pin the rose behind her ear.
Serena was surprised by the gentleness he used when securing
the rose in her hair, and blushed at the intimatacy that seemed
to have settled between them. Then a strange
feeling of betrayal came over her. Her thoughts surprised her, for
she hadn't even met him and she already felt a link to him.
"There you are all done ma petite papillon, all set." He placed
her hand in the crook of his arm and led her towards the
refreshment stand at the back of the ball room.
Serena walked along with him, wondering about what he'd called
her. She recognized the language, but not the meaning. Angling
her head up towards him she asked, "Ma petite papillon? I know
I've heard petite before, but 'ma petite papillon' is new to me.
What does it mean?"
Not surprised by her question, Lucien chuckled softly and
put a hand over hers, "'Tis my own name for you cherie, but if
you must know, it is simply 'my little butterfly' in French."
Serena raised a brow and her eyes twinkled as she replied, "My
little butterfly? Might you be getting a little too close
monsieur?" she pronounced the word perfectly.
Lucien laughed at her coy look and witty remark, "If you think
so, I shall just call you papillon, no 'ma petite', agreed?"
he stopped before a the large fireplace next to the stand and
looked her over, yet again.
Serena decided she liked his name for her, so she nodded her
head in agreement and then looked into the flames, thinking up
a name for him.
As she stood quietly thinking, Lucien looked her over and smiled
at how easily he'd gotten so close to her. Looking over her form fitting
gown, which sparkled in the firelight, as well as her mask,
wondered how he could tempt her outside and to remove her mask.
He asessed the silky sking of
her hands and the bottom half of her face that was not covered
by ther butterfly. Studing her sparkling blue eyes in the
glow from the fireplace, he looked down to her glossy pink lips
which tempted him to steal a kiss. He found he couldn't think of
anything but getting a taste.
Serena stood contemplating a nickname for him. He wore a mask
in the shape of a falcon. Very lifelike, but so adorned to
match his suit, the falcon lost part of its predatorial look.
Smiling up to him as she remembered the word she was looking for
she was surprised to see through his mask, that his eyes had gone
from their usual bright light green color, to a dark emerald color.
Seeing the strange intensity in them, Serene was startled for a
moment and gasped unwillingly breaking him from whatever his
thoughts had been.
Almost immediately, his gaze focused on her eyes and she saw
his eyes were back to their lighter shade. Deciding it was just
a strange effect from the light of the fire, Serena disregarded
it and broke the silence. "If I am to be 'Papillon' then you
shall be monsieur falcon." She pronounced falcon with a french
accent. "I meant to give you a better name, but I couldn't think
of falcon in japanese." she smiled apologetically.
"Do not worry about it, I am most pleased you decided to bestow
upon me any nickname." he smiled and thought of the sweetness of
this girl in front of him. He took up
her hand again as they went to get a drink.
**********************************************************************
Much to his dismay, Dr. Richards had dragged Darien with him to the
men's card room to talk with some of his colleagues. Listening to
the older men discuss politics, Darien forced himself to keep himself
involved in the conversation. What he really wanted to do was go out
to the ballroom and ask Serena to dance. Unexpectedly Dr. Richards
smiled to a man behind Darien and waved him over.
Turning to see the new man, Darien was curious to see a stocky,
middle-aged man walk up and greet the group with a laugh. Then he
spoke with a heavy french accent. "Well gentlemen, may I ask if any
of you came accompanied by a lovley young lilac butterfly?"
Recognizing it was Serena's mask and dress he reffered to Darien
was about to ask about her, when he heard Mr. Tsukino speak up
from the doorway. "What about the young butterfly, Monsieur
Cheveaux?"
The man turned and grinned even broader at Mr. Tsukino. "Well,
what a pleasure that she be of a good family. Tsukino, I came to
warn that my young Lucien seems to have taken quite a liking to
your dear butterfly."
Mr. Tsukino flushed in anger for a moment, before composing himself
and remarking, "She is in good hands I trust?"
Cheveax laughed again and nodded, "Rest assured, my son is a most
chilvarous man. You need fear nothing except perhaps a broken heart
when she gets home. Lucien has my gift for breaking a heart with
but a word," an exaggerated sigh, " 'tis a Frenchman's curse to
be so gifted."
Laughing at his jest, Dr. Richards waved his long time friend
Tsukino over and turned to Darien. "Perhaps I could offer my
esteemed apprentice here, to safely watch over your butterfly Ken?"
Darien had met Mr. Tsukino at the hospital once, and once again
at his house one day when Serena had forgotten a book at the arcade
and he'd used it as an excuse to visit her at home. Mr. Tsukino
had been grateful for the returned book, but wary about leaving
Serena and Darien to talk. Upon realizing Serena and Darien didn't
get along, he'd been quite averse to leaving them to their quarrels.
Recognizing him, Mr. Tsukino smiled and offered Darien his hand.
"Hello Mr. Chiba, how are things going for you this evening?"
Surprised Darien shook hands with Mr. Tsukino and replied, "Quite
well sir. I hope things go well with you also."
Ken smiled at the young man Ilene had pointed out as one of
Serena's potential suitors. It had taken a week of sleeping on the
sofa for him to give in and promise her not to interfere with
Serena and allow her a suitable boyfriend. After having met
Darien again at his home, he'd noticed the young man's interest
in his daughter and asked his friend Keith Richards about his
young apprentice.
~~~ "Chiba? Why he's the best apprentice I've ever had! He's got
quite a future ahead, he's working to become a surgeon and is weeks
ahead in his lessons. I can barely keep up with him." Keith had
chuckled.
"And what about him personally?" Ken had wondered
"He's a fine young man. Works hard, studious, not taken to parties
or dalliances. In the year and a half since I've known him he has
yet to have a girlfriend, although half the nursing staff and
volunteers practically throw themselves at his feet. He's got his
feet planted firmly on the ground that's what. I'm sure once he
finds a girl, that'll be it, she'll be his one and only. Yes,
he'll take care of her all right. But he's very researved and
quiet about his background. He grew up in an orphanage from the
age of ten, when he lost his parents in an accident. But he's a
good man." ~~~
Ken wondered about Serena and Darien. She certainly brought him up
a lot at home. Not a day went by when his name was not mentioned in
their household. Turning to Darien he beckoned him over to a side
table and asked quietly. "I'm actually quite concerned about this
young Lucien Cheveax with Serena." he glanced over to where the men
were taking up some brandy. "I would be greatly in debt to you if you
would excuse yourself from here and keep an eye on her for me. I know
you're a fine young man, and I feel I can trust you to watch over her
carefully." He chuckled at Darien's obvious surprise.
"You would trust me with your daughter sir?" Darien was awestruck at
his luck.
Ken nodded gravely, though inside he was laughing, "Yes, you seem
respectable. Will you do me this favor?" he asked
Nodding Darien fought to keep a grin from his face, "I would be
honored sir." then turning towards the doors he excused himself
loudly enough to be overheard by the other men.
"If you will pardon me sir, I believe the smoke in here grows too
thick for my lungs. I'd like a breath of fresh air now." with that
he walked out of the smoky card room and out into the ballroom,
scanning it for his precious meatball head, wishing she'd worn her
namesake hairdo tonight to make it easier for him to find her.
Looking around, he spotted Andrew by the refreshment stand in the
back of the room. When he caught his friends attention, Andrew
discreetly pointed out Serena, sitting in a chair by the fireplace
chatting with a man in grey, who'm Darien guessed would be Cheveaux.
**********************************************************************
Well, I hope that's good enough for now. Its way late, so I've gotta
stop there. I hope to have the next chapter out soon, but we'll see.
Please remember to R&R. Reviews are really nice!
Thanx again!
BunnyRena