Hey out there! Here's chapter 4, I'm sorry it wasn't out
sooner, I don't like making people mad at me for not posting ^_^
The file got lost on my computer for a while and since I moved, I
haven't been able to look for it sooner. I know what a pain it is
waiting weeks for a new chapter to a story. Thanks to everyone who
wrote me about this, I wasn't sure if I should continue with
'Blue Moon' but I can't leave it like that. So enough babble,
hope you like this!
** For disclaimers see chp.1 **
**********************************************************************
Serena pondered Lucien's joke, "So... why did he bury them if they
weren't dead?"
Lucien chuckled, "You don't deal with politicians very often do you?"
Seeing her shake her head, eyes still puzzled, Lucien explained,
"Politicians are notorious liars, so when the plane full of them
crashed and the old man asked if they were all dead, he didn't
believe the ones who told him they weren't. He assumed they were
lying to him and were dead, therefore he gave them what he thought
was a proper burial." he explained.
Serena's eyes lit up "Oh! I see! The politicians were buried alive
because they were always lying!" She giggled at herself for not
understanding.
"Why do you laugh Papillon? Surely it wasn't very funny?" Lucien
misunderstood her humor.
"No I was just thinking how silly I must seem, not understanding such
a simple joke." she unwillingly sighed and mumbled, "Definitely just
an airhead."
Having heard her last words, Lucien wondered at their meaning. "Who
would that airhead be?" he asked softly.
Noticing he'd heard her, Serena turned surprised eyes to his.
"No one! Or rather, its just something I hear a lot." she tried to
smile and change the conversation, "So what are you doing here in
Tokyo? Did you leave France very long ago?"
Still bothered by her earlier airhead statement, Lucien decided
not to pursue the matter, for now. Instead he smiled and moved to sit
by her, instead of across from her. "I left France last summer, in
July, to help my father with his research here at the hospital."
Intrigued that he worked there, but seemed so young, Serena asked
more, "You came to help your father? But you don't seem old enough to
work in a hospital, I mean you look young, or rather..." she fumbled
with her words for a moment.
Laughing at her awkwardness, Lucien answered "Yes I help my father,
and you're quite right about my age too. I'm only nineteen, but have
been helping him with his reasearch for the past two years, so he
brought me here to help him better. There was only so much I could
do from afar."
"Oh..." Serena thought that over, Glancing up
at him, she noticed the way he looked at her when she talked, as if
her opinion mattered.
Suddenly he took her empty cup from her hands and stood, "If you're
feeling better, perhaps we could share that dance cherie?"
Trying to think up a new excuse, she was relieved when the waiter
from before came over and interrupted them. "If you'll excuse me,
I have another message for you M'lady." bowing again he offered
Serena a small silver box with a thin ribbon holding it closed.
Taking it, she thanked him and watched as he excused himself and
walked away. Looking up to Lucien, she saw the curiosity in his
eyes, but felt she'd rather open it on her own. As she stood and
opened her mouth to excuse herself to the powder room, he stepped
before her and lifted the hand that held the box. "Will you not
open it and see what it is?"
Seeing there was no way out of it, she nodded and pulled off the
delicate ribbon, pulling up the lid she gasped as she saw it's
contents. A pair of tennis bracelets twinkled up at her, lying
amongst a small piece of mistletoe.
Puzzled by the gift, Lucien lifted the bracelets and mistletoe,
seeing the note beneath he pointed it out to her. Picking it
up and reading it, Serena's eyes clouded up in thought. "What
does it say?" Lucien had to ask.
Deciding it best not to tell him, Serena smiled up and joked,
"'Tis just a silly riddle I was put up to tonight. This was the
next clue, but they didn't give me a hint." dropping the note
back into the box, she took the mistletoe from him and put it
inside as well.
Displeased by her response, but deciding not to worry about it
for now, he closed the box and pulled up her wrists. "Allow me
cherie" and hooked one bracelet around each. Looking down at her
face while she scrutinized the bracelets, he decided the gift had
been a blessing in disguise, he'd totally forgotten about the
mistletoe tradition.
Pulling her hands from his, Serena looked up into Lucien's eyes
and noted they had partially clouded up like before. she pondered as they stood face to face,
neither realizing how close they'd gotten until a voice was
cleared from behing her.
Turning abruptly, Serena was pleased to find Andrew by her side.
"Hello Andrew, how nice to have seen you here." she smiled up at
him.
Having seen the gift go awry, he'd decided to interrupt Serena's
quiet time with her new friend. Seeing the looks the guy was
giving her, he knew she didn't understand the trouble she
could get into with a guy like Cheveaux.
"Yes it is so nice to find you here Serena, I trust you've been
enjoying yourself?" he kept his eyes with hers.
Noting how he intended to ignore Lucien, Serena wondered about it
but knew it would be rude not to introduce him. Turning sideways
she waved a hand toward him while speaking, "Yes I've been enjoying
a nice chat with my new friend Lucien Cheveaux." turning to Lucien she
smiled brightly and waved to Andrew, "Lucien have you met Andrew
Furhata? He's an intern over at the hospital."
Gazing at Andrew with a look of annoyance, Lucien suddenly smiled
and replied, "I believe I have, you are studying to be a nurse is
that not?"
Recogizing Lucien's last name, he knew about this guy who'd been
called especially from France to help his father in his studies.
Darien had been in line for the position of Dr. Cheveaux's
assistant, but he'd turned it down, stating that he was interested
in surgical medicine, not in working with the major projects of
the hospital. He'd asked Dr. Richards to keep him on as his
assistant, not wanting to work in the confinig laboratory. Being
that he was so well admired by Richards, Darien had been granted
his position of assitant, a step up from apprentice. Not that
Andrew saw any difference.
For a moment the two of them stood looking each other over, and
Serena puzzled over their obvious dislike of the other.
"Andrew?" she reminded him
"No I'm a hospital intern, my career is yet undecided for sure."
Turning to Serena he smiled and offered her his arm, "If you will
permit me Serena, I have been asked to escort you to the ladie's
refreshment room by your mother. She was surprised by your sudden
dissapearance."
Serena's brow's shot up, "Oh Mother! Yes, Lucien introduced himself
to me and I completely forgot to tell her that I was staying out
here in the ball room." she turned and excused herself from Lucien.
"Monsieur Falcon, excuse-moi, I really must see to my mother or
she'll worry over me for naught."
Bowing, he lifted her hand to his lips and placed the briefest kiss
upon the back of it. "But of course, I fully understand a parent's
worries, especially regarding such a delicate creature like yourself.
Jusqu'a ce que plus tard, mon est cher Papillon." Standing and giving
a curt nod to Andrew, he turned and walked towards the card room,
thinking over how to deal with this new obstacle.
Eyeing Serena quizically, Andrew asked, "Since when do you speak
French?"
Giggling, Serena just took his arm and let him lead her towards the
refreshment room. "Actually I've been taking French lessons for three
years now from my neighbor, Maman-Cosette."
"Ahh... I see now, and why didn't you ever tell us?"
Serena shrugged, "I guess because none of you would have believed me
about understanding something besides a video game or comic book."
Realizing she'd said too much she smiled brightly and changed the
subject, "So Mamma asked you to bring me to the ladies room?"
Still puzzled over her previous words, Andrew snapped back to
the conversation after a minute of silence and shook his head.
"Actually no, I haven't spoken to her tonight," seeing her mouth open
to protest, he kept going. "I just thought it best to separate you
from Lucien."
Serena pursed her lips in distaste, then looking angrily at Andrew
had to ask why.
"Because he's not a very great guy Serena, I've worked with him,
even had to show him around the hospital when he arrived and know
that he's no good for you. The guy's famous for being able to
sweet talk girls and then break their hearts. I just don't want you to
fall prey to that hawk like the others." Andrew tried to make her
understand. Surprisingly enough, his usually attentive little meatball
head was glaring at him.
"So you think that I'm just gonna throw myself at him like the rest
of them and let myself get hurt? Don't you think I know better? That
I can take care of myself?" she stopped and faced him, hands on hips
and lifted her chin defiantly. "You know, I can't believe you! You're
always the one who's telling me to cheer up, that you don't think like
the others, that I'm just a dumb blonde airhead, meatball head, but
you do! You think I'm just a little kid that you have to watch over,
like 'There goes the ditz getting into trouble agian! Better go get
her out of it.' and probably working with Darien on our arguments.
I can't believe you Andrew! I was just talking to the guy, nothing
serious, just making a new friend."
Angered by her response he pulled her over to the side of the ballroom
where they could talk a little more privately. "Listen Serena, I don't
think you're a dumb blonde, I'm blond too. And I don't help Darien in
your arguments either, I know Lucien and he's not the kind of friend
you want to make Serena. He's been looking you over all night."
That startled her, "Looking me over? Like what? No wait, don't answer
that." smiling softly at him she spoke in her sweetest voice, "Thank
you for worrying Andrew, I'm sorry I brought all that up. But you're
gonna have to back off. I'm a big girl, I can watch out for myself."
Shaking his head, Andrew knew he wouldn't get throuth to her tonight,
"Serena please be careful, I don't want you hurt."
Still smiling, she nodded her head and turned to go to the ladies
room when suddenly he took her by the arm.
He'd been told to give it to her later, but he decided now would
probably be a good time to remind her. Pulling another silver out of
his pocket he put it into her hand. "I know you just got the last one,
but I can't let you forget about him."
Serena's eyes widened at the sight of the box he'd put in her hand.
"Oh my gosh! Andrew, I... I thought you were going out with Rita!"
Seeing her misunderstanding he shook his head and smiled, "No, its
not me Serena, flattered you would think so. I was just told to give
this to you tonight at 11 o'clock." Pulling out his pocket watch, he
saw it was only ten. "I'm an hour early."
Curiosity getting the best of her, she opened the box to reveal a
jeweled rose pendant. Made up of five Rubies in the shape of the
flower, and Emerealds cut into shape for the stem, she looked up
incredulously. Nodding down at her, he took it out of the box and
pinned it on her dress, over her heart. "You know, I'm told these
are real Emeralds and Rubies."
"Who?... You know him! You know who he is!" Serena looked pleadingly
at him.
"Yes I know who he is, but I can't tell you. You have to figure this
out on your own." winking he added, "Think of the least likely
candidate." then walked away, leaving her still on the side of the
ballroom, with the note unread.
Picking it up, it said 'Only the richest stones for my love. Keep
your eyes and mind open, and beware lest you get caught beneath the
mistletoe without me'
Serena's eyes lit up as she
realized what that meant. Turning towards the dance floor, she looked around for
anyone watching her. Then suddenly remembered and looked up, making
sure she wasn't under any mistletoe. I can't believe I'm gonna get
my first kiss!
**********************************************************************
Darien watched over her and was pleased with the smile that lit up
her face as she read the note. Seeing her glance about the room, he
promptly turned his back for a second, before turning to watch her
again. He was incredibly grateful to Andrew for steering her away
from Cheveaux, whom he noted, was still looking over her like a
hawk over his prey.
Darien's hands unconciously turned into fists at his sides. Breathing
in to calm himself, he decided to go over and ask Serena to dance.
So
thinking, he headed directly towards her, chuckling as he saw her
head suddenly scan above her to make sure she wasn't under the
mistletoe.
Putting her head back down, Serena spotted a familiar mop of black
hair and recognized Darien by his one unruly bang that was forever
falling into his eyes. she suddenly wondered.
Then noticing he was looking right at her, she realized she was his
destination.
Hoping to keep from arguing, Serena decided the best way to keep a
fight at bay would be to act nicely towards him. When he reached her
she smiled up at him and greeted, "Good evening Darien, I hope you
are enjoying yourself tonight?"
Surprised by her attitude, he decided to keep peace between them, but
still argue just a bit to keep things normal. "Good evening Serena.
I'm actually bored out of my mind, I can't believe people enjoy this
kind of junk."
"Junk? What junk? Dancing, chatting, what junk?" Serena put her
hands on her hips.
Darien chuckled, "Don't raise your hackles meatball head, I just
don't see the point to these kind of parties that's all."
Serena sighed and shook her head, "Darien, the point is to just
have a good time." Looking whistfully out at the dancers, she
smiled "I can't imagine how much fun they're having."
Raising his brows in surprise, he asked, "You haven't danced
tonight?"
Pouting her lips unhappily, she turned sideways from him to watch
the dancers more full. "For your information, I was invited to dance
by a very nice gentleman, but I turned him down."
Staring at her pouty lips, Darien listened and then lifted her hand
in his and tugged her onto the dance floor, "Then dance with me."
Struggling to pull herself away, Serena looked up at him pleadingly,
"No Darien! Please! I can't!" she whispered fiercely, not wanting
anyone to overhear her.
Eyeing her curiously he halted in the middle of the dance floor as a
song ended and a waltz began. Placing his right hand firmly about
her waist, and taking the other in his left hand, he smiled down at
her, "Come on, I know you've seen this in movies, just put your
other hand on my shoulder." Seeing the uncertainty in her eyes he
leaned down and whispered into her ear, "Trust me Serena, I swear
I won't embarrass you. Just follow my lead and you'll be fine."
Swallowing and nodding nervously, Serena lifted her hand and looked
up at his smiling eyes.
And then she was swept up in the dance, and barely noticed if her
feet touched the ground. A shudder
ran through her as she felt his hand around her waist, warm and
strong on her back. He was an amazing dancer, so much so, she hardly
noticed she was dancing too. She felt lost in the moment, safe and
strangely enough, complete. That thought startled
her as she began to think over their friendship.
Darien watched as a myriad of emotions flashed through Serena's
preoccupied eyes. She was following him perfectly, as though they
had danced together before and knew each other's steps. As they spun
about the room, he tried to sort his own feelings out, but he knew
where he was headed. Suddenly he was pulled out of his reverie by
Serena asking him a question.
"Darien how would you describe us?" he didn't catch her question
at first, so he asked her to repeat it.
"I was just wondering how you would describe us? I mean you and me,
are we friends or aquaintances, what?" she looked up inquisitively
at his eyes.
Unsure of her meaning, he gave the simplest answer he could think
of. "I would say we're more than just aquanitances, wouldn't you?"
seeing her nodd, still unsure, he kept talking, "We've known each
other far too long to be just simple aquaintances, and we know too
much about each other to not be at least friends... I mean I do
consider you a friend Serena."
Relieved she smiled up at him, "Good, I like to think of you as a
friend too Darien. A very aggravating, hot-headed, and stubborn
friend, but a friend none the less." she finished teasing.
An amused twinkle appeared in his eyes and he replied, "And I would
have to say all that and more about you Serena."
Not liking the way that sounded she raised an eyebrow "More?"
Grinning he nodded and spun her agian, "Yes, I'd have to add sweet,
funny, smart, and easy on the eyes."
"Easy on the eyes? You mean I'm not totally ugly, thanks ever so
much, but what is with the smart comment? We both know that's not
true Darien and I'll thank you not to ruin tonight for me by
bringing up my scholarly failings." Serena glared.
Still grinning Darien shook his head at her and bowed as the dance
came to an end. Lifting his head to see her curtsy he saw the glimmer
of hurt in her eyes. Staightening, he took her arm in his and led her
off the dance floor towards the gardens, "Do you know you just proved
me wrong?" he told her.
Cocking her head sideways she looked up at him bewildered, "How?"
"How many fourteen year olds that you know, would have spoken the
words 'scholarly failings' describing their study habits?" Darien
pointed out, "Besides Amy."
Serena giggled, "I suppose no one, not really, but so what? I used
two big words and understood what I meant. I'm not smart Darien,
you yourself have told me so enough times to make me belive it."
Darien flinched, knowing she was right, he'd told her countless
times what an airhead she was, but he'd never thought she'd take
his words to heart. "You know Serena, I was just teasing you, I
never actually meant any of that." he tried to ammend.
Seeing how serious they'd gotten, Serena just nodded and changed
the topic, yet again. "Have you seen Andrew tonight?"
Remembering both Andrew and Lucien, Darien decided to bring
up the latter. "Yes, I talked to him before he interruted you and
Lucien earlier. I was going to join you then, but was stopped by
an older gentleman before I could."
Serena's eyes lit up at his mention of Lucien, "So you know Lucien
too? What would you say about him? Andrew warned me against
talking to him, but he's just being over-protective like my dad."
Darien smirked, "So you think Andrew was just over-reacting? Did
he tell you about Lucien's reputation as a playboy at the hospital?
or about all the girls throwing themselves at his feet?"
Before she could respond, Serena felt her hand being lifted from
behind her. Then Lucien stood before them, smiling at her and
standing so that Darien was off to the side. "Ah! I see you are
feeling better enough to dance now, Papillon. May I ask for the
honor of the next song? After all, I did clarify that I would
have a dance with you before the night was through, did I not?"
Smiling and now more confident after her dance with Darien, Serena
tipped her head slightly and replied, "Yes indeed, you did say that
we would have a dance tonight." Turning back to Darien, she thanked
him and allowed Lucien to lead her back to the dance floor, leaving
a glaring Darien behind them.
"Your friends do not approve of your making new friendships I
believe, or is it just me?" He chided, knowing she would try to
clear things up.
"No monsieur, they're just a bit over-protective of me, that's all."
Serena looked up uncertainly as she realized the next song would be
more upbeat than the last one she danced and more challenging.
"I have to admit Lucien, the reason I said I wasn't feeling much like
dancing before was because I really don't know how. Darien pulled
me onto the floor and led me through the last dance, I didn't really
know what to do."
Lucien smiled at her honesty and nodded, "Well then I shall show you
how to dance just as he did, by guiding you through the steps."
Seeing her nervousness through her mask he pulled her close, closer
than she'd danced with Darien and put his arm about her. "Just
follow my lead" he leaned down to whisper into her ear, noting the
lavender scent that clung to her skin. Standing to full height, he
pulled her as close as he could without having her being indecent
and led her in the steps to the dance.
On the sidelines, Andrew met up with Darien and stood watching over
their meatball head as she was pulled closer to Lucien. "Damn! Look
how close he's holding her Andrew! The jerk had better back off
or I'll..."
Andrew lauged, "Whoa! Is the oh-so-cool and confident Darien Chiba
getting jealous now?"
Flushing, Darien agreed, "Yeah all right, I'm jealous ok? Will you
look at that! She hasn't even said anything or pulled away!"
Looking the couple over, Andrew realized Darien was right, Lucien
had Serena held at the very limit of what would be deemed proper.
However, knowing this was Serena's first formal party and that
Lucien was only her second dance partner, Andrew could see why she
hadn't pulled back.
Darien glared, Seeing Lucien bend down to whisper something in her ear,
Darien's vision turned red. Even more upsetting was that Serena
seemed to laugh at what he had said, not noticing how close Lucien
had bent to speak into her ear.
"For a beginner you do dance divinely papillon." Lucien spoke into
her ear, bending a little too close for comfort. None the less,
Serena merely smiled and thanked him for the compliment.
"Merci, you know I'm surprised I haven't stepped on your toes or
fallen yet," with a small sigh "I'm usually quite the klutz."
Raising a teasing eyebrow Lucien replied, "A klutz? Someone as
graceful as you? Never!"
"Graceful am I? You haven't seem me on a day to day basis, I assure
you Lucien, I am quite famous for my falls." Serena grinned cheekily.
Seeing the opportunity to push their friendship to something more
Lucien smiled and whispered yet again into her ear, "Would you like
me to see you on a day to day basis?"
His breath tickled her that time, due the nearness of his lips to her
ear, sending a strange shiver down Serena's spine. she wondered about both his statement and her reaction to
his nearness.
Feeling the shiver run through her, Lucien was relieved to hear the
song end and bowed to her, grinnig truimphantly. Serena curtsied and
took the arm he offered her. "On a day to day basis? How so?" she
asked.
"Well if you'd like, we could exhange telephone numbers and call
each other sometime." Lucien led her away from where he'd seen
Darien and Andrew standing.
Shaking her head, Serena explained, "No, I couldn't give you my
telephone number, my father doesn't allow me gentlemen callers."
"Gentlemen callers? How many genltemen has he had to warn off? A
dozen or two at least." Lucien laughed at her choice of words.
Serena flushed, "No, I didn't mean gentlemen callers as in having
many admirers, in fact I'm one of the only girls as of yet to not
have a boyfriend. I just meant guys in general can't call me at
home, unless my dad knows them well." giggling she offered an
example, "My teacher set me up with a tutor once, he was new in
town and really very nice, but when he called my house to arrange
a tutoring session my dad picked up, told him who-knows-what
and the next day when I showed up to school I was informed that
my tutor had switched classes!"
Laughing at her silly story, Lucien was surprised but glad to hear
she hadn't had a boyfriend yet. He gave her another smile as she
went on talking about her over protective father, thinking up a
plan to remedy her current single status. His eyes gleamed mischievously.
**********************************************************************
That's it for chapter 4, hope to have the next one out soon. Like
I said before, I've re-located and am in-between places right now,
so I don't have as much computer time as before. Please R&R, its
really helpful to hear from readers. Thanks!
BunnyRena
sooner, I don't like making people mad at me for not posting ^_^
The file got lost on my computer for a while and since I moved, I
haven't been able to look for it sooner. I know what a pain it is
waiting weeks for a new chapter to a story. Thanks to everyone who
wrote me about this, I wasn't sure if I should continue with
'Blue Moon' but I can't leave it like that. So enough babble,
hope you like this!
** For disclaimers see chp.1 **
**********************************************************************
Serena pondered Lucien's joke, "So... why did he bury them if they
weren't dead?"
Lucien chuckled, "You don't deal with politicians very often do you?"
Seeing her shake her head, eyes still puzzled, Lucien explained,
"Politicians are notorious liars, so when the plane full of them
crashed and the old man asked if they were all dead, he didn't
believe the ones who told him they weren't. He assumed they were
lying to him and were dead, therefore he gave them what he thought
was a proper burial." he explained.
Serena's eyes lit up "Oh! I see! The politicians were buried alive
because they were always lying!" She giggled at herself for not
understanding.
"Why do you laugh Papillon? Surely it wasn't very funny?" Lucien
misunderstood her humor.
"No I was just thinking how silly I must seem, not understanding such
a simple joke." she unwillingly sighed and mumbled, "Definitely just
an airhead."
Having heard her last words, Lucien wondered at their meaning. "Who
would that airhead be?" he asked softly.
Noticing he'd heard her, Serena turned surprised eyes to his.
"No one! Or rather, its just something I hear a lot." she tried to
smile and change the conversation, "So what are you doing here in
Tokyo? Did you leave France very long ago?"
Still bothered by her earlier airhead statement, Lucien decided
not to pursue the matter, for now. Instead he smiled and moved to sit
by her, instead of across from her. "I left France last summer, in
July, to help my father with his research here at the hospital."
Intrigued that he worked there, but seemed so young, Serena asked
more, "You came to help your father? But you don't seem old enough to
work in a hospital, I mean you look young, or rather..." she fumbled
with her words for a moment.
Laughing at her awkwardness, Lucien answered "Yes I help my father,
and you're quite right about my age too. I'm only nineteen, but have
been helping him with his reasearch for the past two years, so he
brought me here to help him better. There was only so much I could
do from afar."
"Oh..." Serena thought that over, Glancing up
at him, she noticed the way he looked at her when she talked, as if
her opinion mattered.
Suddenly he took her empty cup from her hands and stood, "If you're
feeling better, perhaps we could share that dance cherie?"
Trying to think up a new excuse, she was relieved when the waiter
from before came over and interrupted them. "If you'll excuse me,
I have another message for you M'lady." bowing again he offered
Serena a small silver box with a thin ribbon holding it closed.
Taking it, she thanked him and watched as he excused himself and
walked away. Looking up to Lucien, she saw the curiosity in his
eyes, but felt she'd rather open it on her own. As she stood and
opened her mouth to excuse herself to the powder room, he stepped
before her and lifted the hand that held the box. "Will you not
open it and see what it is?"
Seeing there was no way out of it, she nodded and pulled off the
delicate ribbon, pulling up the lid she gasped as she saw it's
contents. A pair of tennis bracelets twinkled up at her, lying
amongst a small piece of mistletoe.
Puzzled by the gift, Lucien lifted the bracelets and mistletoe,
seeing the note beneath he pointed it out to her. Picking it
up and reading it, Serena's eyes clouded up in thought. "What
does it say?" Lucien had to ask.
Deciding it best not to tell him, Serena smiled up and joked,
"'Tis just a silly riddle I was put up to tonight. This was the
next clue, but they didn't give me a hint." dropping the note
back into the box, she took the mistletoe from him and put it
inside as well.
Displeased by her response, but deciding not to worry about it
for now, he closed the box and pulled up her wrists. "Allow me
cherie" and hooked one bracelet around each. Looking down at her
face while she scrutinized the bracelets, he decided the gift had
been a blessing in disguise, he'd totally forgotten about the
mistletoe tradition.
Pulling her hands from his, Serena looked up into Lucien's eyes
and noted they had partially clouded up like before. she pondered as they stood face to face,
neither realizing how close they'd gotten until a voice was
cleared from behing her.
Turning abruptly, Serena was pleased to find Andrew by her side.
"Hello Andrew, how nice to have seen you here." she smiled up at
him.
Having seen the gift go awry, he'd decided to interrupt Serena's
quiet time with her new friend. Seeing the looks the guy was
giving her, he knew she didn't understand the trouble she
could get into with a guy like Cheveaux.
"Yes it is so nice to find you here Serena, I trust you've been
enjoying yourself?" he kept his eyes with hers.
Noting how he intended to ignore Lucien, Serena wondered about it
but knew it would be rude not to introduce him. Turning sideways
she waved a hand toward him while speaking, "Yes I've been enjoying
a nice chat with my new friend Lucien Cheveaux." turning to Lucien she
smiled brightly and waved to Andrew, "Lucien have you met Andrew
Furhata? He's an intern over at the hospital."
Gazing at Andrew with a look of annoyance, Lucien suddenly smiled
and replied, "I believe I have, you are studying to be a nurse is
that not?"
Recogizing Lucien's last name, he knew about this guy who'd been
called especially from France to help his father in his studies.
Darien had been in line for the position of Dr. Cheveaux's
assistant, but he'd turned it down, stating that he was interested
in surgical medicine, not in working with the major projects of
the hospital. He'd asked Dr. Richards to keep him on as his
assistant, not wanting to work in the confinig laboratory. Being
that he was so well admired by Richards, Darien had been granted
his position of assitant, a step up from apprentice. Not that
Andrew saw any difference.
For a moment the two of them stood looking each other over, and
Serena puzzled over their obvious dislike of the other.
"Andrew?" she reminded him
"No I'm a hospital intern, my career is yet undecided for sure."
Turning to Serena he smiled and offered her his arm, "If you will
permit me Serena, I have been asked to escort you to the ladie's
refreshment room by your mother. She was surprised by your sudden
dissapearance."
Serena's brow's shot up, "Oh Mother! Yes, Lucien introduced himself
to me and I completely forgot to tell her that I was staying out
here in the ball room." she turned and excused herself from Lucien.
"Monsieur Falcon, excuse-moi, I really must see to my mother or
she'll worry over me for naught."
Bowing, he lifted her hand to his lips and placed the briefest kiss
upon the back of it. "But of course, I fully understand a parent's
worries, especially regarding such a delicate creature like yourself.
Jusqu'a ce que plus tard, mon est cher Papillon." Standing and giving
a curt nod to Andrew, he turned and walked towards the card room,
thinking over how to deal with this new obstacle.
Eyeing Serena quizically, Andrew asked, "Since when do you speak
French?"
Giggling, Serena just took his arm and let him lead her towards the
refreshment room. "Actually I've been taking French lessons for three
years now from my neighbor, Maman-Cosette."
"Ahh... I see now, and why didn't you ever tell us?"
Serena shrugged, "I guess because none of you would have believed me
about understanding something besides a video game or comic book."
Realizing she'd said too much she smiled brightly and changed the
subject, "So Mamma asked you to bring me to the ladies room?"
Still puzzled over her previous words, Andrew snapped back to
the conversation after a minute of silence and shook his head.
"Actually no, I haven't spoken to her tonight," seeing her mouth open
to protest, he kept going. "I just thought it best to separate you
from Lucien."
Serena pursed her lips in distaste, then looking angrily at Andrew
had to ask why.
"Because he's not a very great guy Serena, I've worked with him,
even had to show him around the hospital when he arrived and know
that he's no good for you. The guy's famous for being able to
sweet talk girls and then break their hearts. I just don't want you to
fall prey to that hawk like the others." Andrew tried to make her
understand. Surprisingly enough, his usually attentive little meatball
head was glaring at him.
"So you think that I'm just gonna throw myself at him like the rest
of them and let myself get hurt? Don't you think I know better? That
I can take care of myself?" she stopped and faced him, hands on hips
and lifted her chin defiantly. "You know, I can't believe you! You're
always the one who's telling me to cheer up, that you don't think like
the others, that I'm just a dumb blonde airhead, meatball head, but
you do! You think I'm just a little kid that you have to watch over,
like 'There goes the ditz getting into trouble agian! Better go get
her out of it.' and probably working with Darien on our arguments.
I can't believe you Andrew! I was just talking to the guy, nothing
serious, just making a new friend."
Angered by her response he pulled her over to the side of the ballroom
where they could talk a little more privately. "Listen Serena, I don't
think you're a dumb blonde, I'm blond too. And I don't help Darien in
your arguments either, I know Lucien and he's not the kind of friend
you want to make Serena. He's been looking you over all night."
That startled her, "Looking me over? Like what? No wait, don't answer
that." smiling softly at him she spoke in her sweetest voice, "Thank
you for worrying Andrew, I'm sorry I brought all that up. But you're
gonna have to back off. I'm a big girl, I can watch out for myself."
Shaking his head, Andrew knew he wouldn't get throuth to her tonight,
"Serena please be careful, I don't want you hurt."
Still smiling, she nodded her head and turned to go to the ladies
room when suddenly he took her by the arm.
He'd been told to give it to her later, but he decided now would
probably be a good time to remind her. Pulling another silver out of
his pocket he put it into her hand. "I know you just got the last one,
but I can't let you forget about him."
Serena's eyes widened at the sight of the box he'd put in her hand.
"Oh my gosh! Andrew, I... I thought you were going out with Rita!"
Seeing her misunderstanding he shook his head and smiled, "No, its
not me Serena, flattered you would think so. I was just told to give
this to you tonight at 11 o'clock." Pulling out his pocket watch, he
saw it was only ten. "I'm an hour early."
Curiosity getting the best of her, she opened the box to reveal a
jeweled rose pendant. Made up of five Rubies in the shape of the
flower, and Emerealds cut into shape for the stem, she looked up
incredulously. Nodding down at her, he took it out of the box and
pinned it on her dress, over her heart. "You know, I'm told these
are real Emeralds and Rubies."
"Who?... You know him! You know who he is!" Serena looked pleadingly
at him.
"Yes I know who he is, but I can't tell you. You have to figure this
out on your own." winking he added, "Think of the least likely
candidate." then walked away, leaving her still on the side of the
ballroom, with the note unread.
Picking it up, it said 'Only the richest stones for my love. Keep
your eyes and mind open, and beware lest you get caught beneath the
mistletoe without me'
Serena's eyes lit up as she
realized what that meant. Turning towards the dance floor, she looked around for
anyone watching her. Then suddenly remembered and looked up, making
sure she wasn't under any mistletoe. I can't believe I'm gonna get
my first kiss!
**********************************************************************
Darien watched over her and was pleased with the smile that lit up
her face as she read the note. Seeing her glance about the room, he
promptly turned his back for a second, before turning to watch her
again. He was incredibly grateful to Andrew for steering her away
from Cheveaux, whom he noted, was still looking over her like a
hawk over his prey.
Darien's hands unconciously turned into fists at his sides. Breathing
in to calm himself, he decided to go over and ask Serena to dance.
So
thinking, he headed directly towards her, chuckling as he saw her
head suddenly scan above her to make sure she wasn't under the
mistletoe.
Putting her head back down, Serena spotted a familiar mop of black
hair and recognized Darien by his one unruly bang that was forever
falling into his eyes. she suddenly wondered.
Then noticing he was looking right at her, she realized she was his
destination.
Hoping to keep from arguing, Serena decided the best way to keep a
fight at bay would be to act nicely towards him. When he reached her
she smiled up at him and greeted, "Good evening Darien, I hope you
are enjoying yourself tonight?"
Surprised by her attitude, he decided to keep peace between them, but
still argue just a bit to keep things normal. "Good evening Serena.
I'm actually bored out of my mind, I can't believe people enjoy this
kind of junk."
"Junk? What junk? Dancing, chatting, what junk?" Serena put her
hands on her hips.
Darien chuckled, "Don't raise your hackles meatball head, I just
don't see the point to these kind of parties that's all."
Serena sighed and shook her head, "Darien, the point is to just
have a good time." Looking whistfully out at the dancers, she
smiled "I can't imagine how much fun they're having."
Raising his brows in surprise, he asked, "You haven't danced
tonight?"
Pouting her lips unhappily, she turned sideways from him to watch
the dancers more full. "For your information, I was invited to dance
by a very nice gentleman, but I turned him down."
Staring at her pouty lips, Darien listened and then lifted her hand
in his and tugged her onto the dance floor, "Then dance with me."
Struggling to pull herself away, Serena looked up at him pleadingly,
"No Darien! Please! I can't!" she whispered fiercely, not wanting
anyone to overhear her.
Eyeing her curiously he halted in the middle of the dance floor as a
song ended and a waltz began. Placing his right hand firmly about
her waist, and taking the other in his left hand, he smiled down at
her, "Come on, I know you've seen this in movies, just put your
other hand on my shoulder." Seeing the uncertainty in her eyes he
leaned down and whispered into her ear, "Trust me Serena, I swear
I won't embarrass you. Just follow my lead and you'll be fine."
Swallowing and nodding nervously, Serena lifted her hand and looked
up at his smiling eyes.
And then she was swept up in the dance, and barely noticed if her
feet touched the ground. A shudder
ran through her as she felt his hand around her waist, warm and
strong on her back. He was an amazing dancer, so much so, she hardly
noticed she was dancing too. She felt lost in the moment, safe and
strangely enough, complete. That thought startled
her as she began to think over their friendship.
Darien watched as a myriad of emotions flashed through Serena's
preoccupied eyes. She was following him perfectly, as though they
had danced together before and knew each other's steps. As they spun
about the room, he tried to sort his own feelings out, but he knew
where he was headed. Suddenly he was pulled out of his reverie by
Serena asking him a question.
"Darien how would you describe us?" he didn't catch her question
at first, so he asked her to repeat it.
"I was just wondering how you would describe us? I mean you and me,
are we friends or aquaintances, what?" she looked up inquisitively
at his eyes.
Unsure of her meaning, he gave the simplest answer he could think
of. "I would say we're more than just aquanitances, wouldn't you?"
seeing her nodd, still unsure, he kept talking, "We've known each
other far too long to be just simple aquaintances, and we know too
much about each other to not be at least friends... I mean I do
consider you a friend Serena."
Relieved she smiled up at him, "Good, I like to think of you as a
friend too Darien. A very aggravating, hot-headed, and stubborn
friend, but a friend none the less." she finished teasing.
An amused twinkle appeared in his eyes and he replied, "And I would
have to say all that and more about you Serena."
Not liking the way that sounded she raised an eyebrow "More?"
Grinning he nodded and spun her agian, "Yes, I'd have to add sweet,
funny, smart, and easy on the eyes."
"Easy on the eyes? You mean I'm not totally ugly, thanks ever so
much, but what is with the smart comment? We both know that's not
true Darien and I'll thank you not to ruin tonight for me by
bringing up my scholarly failings." Serena glared.
Still grinning Darien shook his head at her and bowed as the dance
came to an end. Lifting his head to see her curtsy he saw the glimmer
of hurt in her eyes. Staightening, he took her arm in his and led her
off the dance floor towards the gardens, "Do you know you just proved
me wrong?" he told her.
Cocking her head sideways she looked up at him bewildered, "How?"
"How many fourteen year olds that you know, would have spoken the
words 'scholarly failings' describing their study habits?" Darien
pointed out, "Besides Amy."
Serena giggled, "I suppose no one, not really, but so what? I used
two big words and understood what I meant. I'm not smart Darien,
you yourself have told me so enough times to make me belive it."
Darien flinched, knowing she was right, he'd told her countless
times what an airhead she was, but he'd never thought she'd take
his words to heart. "You know Serena, I was just teasing you, I
never actually meant any of that." he tried to ammend.
Seeing how serious they'd gotten, Serena just nodded and changed
the topic, yet again. "Have you seen Andrew tonight?"
Remembering both Andrew and Lucien, Darien decided to bring
up the latter. "Yes, I talked to him before he interruted you and
Lucien earlier. I was going to join you then, but was stopped by
an older gentleman before I could."
Serena's eyes lit up at his mention of Lucien, "So you know Lucien
too? What would you say about him? Andrew warned me against
talking to him, but he's just being over-protective like my dad."
Darien smirked, "So you think Andrew was just over-reacting? Did
he tell you about Lucien's reputation as a playboy at the hospital?
or about all the girls throwing themselves at his feet?"
Before she could respond, Serena felt her hand being lifted from
behind her. Then Lucien stood before them, smiling at her and
standing so that Darien was off to the side. "Ah! I see you are
feeling better enough to dance now, Papillon. May I ask for the
honor of the next song? After all, I did clarify that I would
have a dance with you before the night was through, did I not?"
Smiling and now more confident after her dance with Darien, Serena
tipped her head slightly and replied, "Yes indeed, you did say that
we would have a dance tonight." Turning back to Darien, she thanked
him and allowed Lucien to lead her back to the dance floor, leaving
a glaring Darien behind them.
"Your friends do not approve of your making new friendships I
believe, or is it just me?" He chided, knowing she would try to
clear things up.
"No monsieur, they're just a bit over-protective of me, that's all."
Serena looked up uncertainly as she realized the next song would be
more upbeat than the last one she danced and more challenging.
"I have to admit Lucien, the reason I said I wasn't feeling much like
dancing before was because I really don't know how. Darien pulled
me onto the floor and led me through the last dance, I didn't really
know what to do."
Lucien smiled at her honesty and nodded, "Well then I shall show you
how to dance just as he did, by guiding you through the steps."
Seeing her nervousness through her mask he pulled her close, closer
than she'd danced with Darien and put his arm about her. "Just
follow my lead" he leaned down to whisper into her ear, noting the
lavender scent that clung to her skin. Standing to full height, he
pulled her as close as he could without having her being indecent
and led her in the steps to the dance.
On the sidelines, Andrew met up with Darien and stood watching over
their meatball head as she was pulled closer to Lucien. "Damn! Look
how close he's holding her Andrew! The jerk had better back off
or I'll..."
Andrew lauged, "Whoa! Is the oh-so-cool and confident Darien Chiba
getting jealous now?"
Flushing, Darien agreed, "Yeah all right, I'm jealous ok? Will you
look at that! She hasn't even said anything or pulled away!"
Looking the couple over, Andrew realized Darien was right, Lucien
had Serena held at the very limit of what would be deemed proper.
However, knowing this was Serena's first formal party and that
Lucien was only her second dance partner, Andrew could see why she
hadn't pulled back.
Darien glared, Seeing Lucien bend down to whisper something in her ear,
Darien's vision turned red. Even more upsetting was that Serena
seemed to laugh at what he had said, not noticing how close Lucien
had bent to speak into her ear.
"For a beginner you do dance divinely papillon." Lucien spoke into
her ear, bending a little too close for comfort. None the less,
Serena merely smiled and thanked him for the compliment.
"Merci, you know I'm surprised I haven't stepped on your toes or
fallen yet," with a small sigh "I'm usually quite the klutz."
Raising a teasing eyebrow Lucien replied, "A klutz? Someone as
graceful as you? Never!"
"Graceful am I? You haven't seem me on a day to day basis, I assure
you Lucien, I am quite famous for my falls." Serena grinned cheekily.
Seeing the opportunity to push their friendship to something more
Lucien smiled and whispered yet again into her ear, "Would you like
me to see you on a day to day basis?"
His breath tickled her that time, due the nearness of his lips to her
ear, sending a strange shiver down Serena's spine. she wondered about both his statement and her reaction to
his nearness.
Feeling the shiver run through her, Lucien was relieved to hear the
song end and bowed to her, grinnig truimphantly. Serena curtsied and
took the arm he offered her. "On a day to day basis? How so?" she
asked.
"Well if you'd like, we could exhange telephone numbers and call
each other sometime." Lucien led her away from where he'd seen
Darien and Andrew standing.
Shaking her head, Serena explained, "No, I couldn't give you my
telephone number, my father doesn't allow me gentlemen callers."
"Gentlemen callers? How many genltemen has he had to warn off? A
dozen or two at least." Lucien laughed at her choice of words.
Serena flushed, "No, I didn't mean gentlemen callers as in having
many admirers, in fact I'm one of the only girls as of yet to not
have a boyfriend. I just meant guys in general can't call me at
home, unless my dad knows them well." giggling she offered an
example, "My teacher set me up with a tutor once, he was new in
town and really very nice, but when he called my house to arrange
a tutoring session my dad picked up, told him who-knows-what
and the next day when I showed up to school I was informed that
my tutor had switched classes!"
Laughing at her silly story, Lucien was surprised but glad to hear
she hadn't had a boyfriend yet. He gave her another smile as she
went on talking about her over protective father, thinking up a
plan to remedy her current single status. His eyes gleamed mischievously.
**********************************************************************
That's it for chapter 4, hope to have the next one out soon. Like
I said before, I've re-located and am in-between places right now,
so I don't have as much computer time as before. Please R&R, its
really helpful to hear from readers. Thanks!
BunnyRena