I re-worded some stuff, I plan on having the next chapter out
sometime next week. Sorry for the wait, but anyways here's
chp 5.
**********************************************************************
Walking out of the Ladies room Ilene looked about for her daughter
or husband. Having nearly fallen asleep listening to the women with
their endless gossip, she could use a dance to wake up. Searching
the room for Ken, she spotted Serena walking off the dance floor
of the same young man who'd asked her to dance before. [I'm so glad
to see that she's having a nice time, Serena looks absolutely
stunning tonight.]
Her thoughts were cut off as an arm wrapped around her waist and
she was pulled to lean back against her husband. "Doesn't she
look lovely out there? That young man asked her to dance a while
ago, I'm surprised to see her still with him."
Ken growled, "He's not the best young man for her" [Where's Chiba?]
He was relieved to see Chiba and a friend walk over to them.
Ilene turned to look at her husband amusement in her eyes, "Have
you run a background check on all the young men here already?"
Grinning down at her he shook his head, "No but I have heard of
that particular young man through the tales of his womanizing that
were going around the smoking room."
Ilene made a face, "Don't believe in idle gossip Ken, they're
probably just malicious rumors, he seems like a charming young
man."
Glancing up to see Serena being led to the dance floor by a new guy,
Ken didn't know if he should be angry or relieved. [Just be glad
she's away from Lucien now] Looking down to his wife's puzzled gaze
he smiled and asked her to dance, knowing full well how much she
loved dancing.
Meanwhile as Serena was twirled around the dance floor she wondered
about the look Lucien had given her new dance partner. "I must
say you are quite exquisite, the sight of you dancing and
that smile of yours made me lose my apprehension at interrupting
you and Lucien because I just had to get a dance."
Serena wondered how everyone knew who Lucien was with his mask
on, so she asked him about it. "Its their family crest back in
France. The Cheveaux actually descend from the old French
nobility and their family crest has been a grey Falcon like
that for generations. Its well known by everyone who works at
the hospital actually."
"So you work at the hospital too?" Serena asked.
He smiled and nodded, "I'm one of the youngest interns at the
place, only three of us are seventeen."
Serena looked up in awe, "That must be so neat to know what you
want to do in life at your age. I'm completely clueless about
my future."
"No special interests or talents?" he asked
Serena shook her head and curtsied as the song ended, "None
whatsoever"
He bowed and took her hand to leave the floor, "I highly doubt
that, you seem very smart for someone of our age."
Serena beamed and shook her head, "Do I really seem like a
seventeen year old?"
"You mean you're not? You could pass of for eighteen if you
wanted to, how old are you?" he was interrupted by a friend
meeting them at the edge of the dance floor.
"Hello Mark, may I cut in on this dance?" he bowed to Serena
and smiled.
Mark turned to Serena in a way that said-'Its up to you', but
she could tell he didn't want her to go. [He is pretty nice,
and he's only seventeen!] Feigning tiredness, Serena leaned
a bit on Mark's arm as she spoke to his friend. "Perhaps
the next dance? I'm feeling rather thirsty and Mark and I
were about to go get some punch."
Nodding, his friend agreed to let her sit out this dance
and moved out of their way. Mark nearly beamed as he led
her away from him. "Do you want to go get that puch?"
he asked
Serena nodded and stopped for a minute turning to face him
"By the way, you can call me Serena."
Again his face lit up and he tried to explain, "I felt
bad that I didn't introduce myself before the dance and
didn't want to do so in the middle of the floor, I was
trying to concentrate on both the conversation and the steps
to the dance."
Serena giggled as she agreed with him, "Me too, this is
my first time at something like this and I had just
been taught to dance by a couple of older friends of
mine."
Marks eyes suddenly looked pensive beneath his gold mask.
"You're friends with Lucien?"
Serena nodded, "I actually just met him tonight but he's
been quite charming really."
[Damn him! Serena won't stand a chance if he decides he
wants to try something with her] Mark asked about her
other friend, "You said you'd been taught to dance by
a couple of friends?"
"Yes, actually my first tutor was Darien Chiba, you
might know him if you work at the hospital. I hear he's
quite a wiz for science, the big jerk." Serena mumbled
the last part beneath her breath.
Not softly enough, however, to escape from being noticed by
Mark. "A jerk is he? From what I've heard of the
'great assistant' Dr. Richards is ecstatic to be working with
him. He's known for being weeks ahead in his studies and for
being quite aloof with personnel actually, I've never seen
him act rudely to anyone though."
Serena huffed, "Well don't fall for that polite act of his,
beneath that aloof exterior is a man who loves to tease
people."
[Chiba's teased her? Here I thought he'd be good to
turn to in keeping her from Cheveaux] Mark looked
down to her annoyed expression, "He's teased you? I'll
never belive it, the guy has no idea of teasing
people, he's never really been around them."
That caught her attention, "Never really been around
whom?"
Mark looked surprised, "You're his friend but he hasn't
told you?"
Serena shook her head and looked up to his face, "No
we're not exactly close friends, we don't know each
other's families or anything, except for my dad whom
he met one day when I left my bag somewhere."
"Well I'm not really sure if I should tell..." Mark
hesitated purposefully and was amused to see her
eyes turn pleading as she protested.
"I'm sure he won't mind! Won't you please tell me?
Please?!!!" she gave him a begging puppy look,
her big blue eyes looking up so innocently and
sweet.
Before he could think he slipped out, "You can't
help it can you?"
Serena's look turned confused, "Can't help what?"
Realizing he'd spoken it out loud instead of in his mind, he
decided to tell the truth. "You are irresistable"
Serena blushed and looked down shyly to her hands,
suddenly noting the bracelets on her wrists. [Oh no!
I almost forgot!] Looking back up to Mark, she
smiled and reminded him of the punch they were
supposed to be getting, pretending to really be
thirsty.
**********************************************************************
Darien was busy speaking with a group of doctors who
were discussing a new surgical tool and the controversy
about it, when Andrew walked over and asked to speak
with him.
Stepping off to the side, he looked around for Serena, whom
he'd lost track of because of the conversation. "Where is she?"
Andrew pointed to the dance floor, where Serena was being
twirled around by a blond haired young man in a black tuxedo
and golden mask.
"He's her fourth dancing partner since Lucien stepped away."
Andrew looked amused at his friend who was no doubt seeing red
due to the proximity at which this new guy held her.
"What time is it Andrew?" Darien glared daggers at this new guy.
[Does she honestly not notice how close these guys keep holding
her?]
"Its eleven thirty Darien, do you want to give her the last clue
early?" Andrew pulled out another silver box.
Darien sighed and took it from Andrew, "We'll see, I'm not
really sure about this anymore."
"You mean you might not give it to her? You can't do that!
You have to tell her who you are, it wouldn't be right not
to!" Andrew looked Darien in the eyes, "You might not get the
reaction you want, but how do you think Serena will take it if
she's stood up by her secret admirer?"
Darien looked over to the dance floor and saw her laugh at
something her current dance partner said. "I'm not sure she
even remembers anymore, she wouldn't be too worried. She'll
probably walk out of here with a boyfriend tonight either way."
Andrew growled and smacked Darien across the arm. "That's the
dumbest thing I've ever heard you say, and you've said plenty
of dumb things these past few days. Serena will be devastated!
I know, I saw her eyes light up when I gave her that earlier
box. She's already half in love with you..."
"But she doesn't know its me! What if she's dissapointed when
she finds out and it ruins even the minimal friendship I've
managed to earn tonight?" Darien asked
Andrew shrugged, "I don't know... I don't think that will
happen, you have to try Darien."
Darien sighed and looked out to the dance floor as the song
came to an end. Serena's eyes met his and she smiled brightly
at him, waving slightly with the hand that rested by her side.
Her dancing partner said something and she turned her attention
back to him. "See she likes you already, I told you this would
work. Serena's liked you for weeks, I'm like a brother to her,
I can sense these things."
Darien kept his eyes on her as she was asked to dance again,
she looked tired for some reason. [Serena's not having a good
time? I would think she'd revel in this type of event] He watched
as she was whirled about the floor for yet another piece, her
step lacking it's usual 'bounce'.
**********************************************************************
Serena curtsied to yet another guy who'd asked her to dance. [Oh I
know I'm gonna be regretting this tomorrow, my feet hurt so badly
from the dancing I've done and its only eleven thirty!] She'd caught
a glimpse at Darien and Andrew earlier, although she'd tried to ask
silently for help, neither one understood the message.
[And so I am left to dance with another partner who might step on my
toes again] Serena was surprised to find that the toes being
stepped on were not any of her dance partners, but hers. [I thought
I would be the one tripping over people and stepping on them but
I haven't messed up once!] She smiled, proud of herself and her
unexpected dancing abilities.
As yet another guy headed towards her, she quickly looked around for
a place to escape. [The ladies' room!] She turned quickly to take
refuge in the room and came in contact with a very soft and
warm wall. [Great, why did I have to bump into someone
now?] She grimaced before raising her face to see who her she'd run
into this time, and was relieved to see a smiling Lucien in front
of her.
"I'm so sorry Papillon, I had meant to catch up to you and was
not expecting you to turn so suddenly." he glanced at someone
behind Serena and then quickly smiled down at her. "Would you
care to take a break? You've been dancing for quite a while now..."
"I'd love a break!" Serena cut in and threaded her arm through
his. [Perfect] Lucien smiled wickedly and steered her towards
the exit to the gardens. "How about we stroll outside for a bit? I
hear the Embassy gardens are quite a sight."
"That would be lovely" Serena smiled and let him lead her outside,
asking about France and his family there.
In another area of the ball room, Darien and Andrew were talking
about when to give her the last and most obvious clue, when a
couple of younger hospital interns joined them. Mark was the
first to speak up, "I wonder what it is you might find to tease
Serena about?" he looked directly at Darien.
Flushing, he shrugged and smiled awkwardly, "Just trivial stuff,
its nothing serious, she knows that."
Mark shrugged and asked Andrew if he knew Serena. "Yeah, actually
I've known her for years. Her dad and mine are best friends so I
grew up watching over her like my little sister Lizzy."
The other guy joined in at this point and asked about Lizzy.
"Well she was really dissapointed that she couldn't come tonight,
but my parents didn't RSVP for either of us."
"So how did you get in?" the other asked.
"Darien wasn't bringing a date, so he invited me to come with him.
How did you get in?"
"Same way actually, Mark had his extra ticket and invited me to
come with him. We were hoping to look for females here and so
far he's really taken to Serena."
"Is that so?" Darien returned his attention to the conversation,
which he'd turned from to look for Serena.
Mark looked away from the dance floor also, "Yeah she's a real
sweet kid, so innocent and naive. I can't help but be drawn to
her, how could anyone? She just makes your overprotective side
appear from out of nowhere."
Andrew agreed, "I know what you mean, its hard watching over her.
She's so trusting with everyone and doesn't like to hear bad
things about people. Even when you're warning her to keep her
from being hurt, she believes in the goodness in others."
"That must certainly be the case with Cheveaux, I don't think
he has the best intentions in mind when it comes to Serena.
Seeing him so charming and caring is like watching a wolf
in sheep's clothing." Mark added and scanned the crowd for
either Serena or Lucien.
"Hello gentlemen..." Dr. Richards joined the group and the
topic of conversation was quickly changed from Serena to
the doctor's latest memo at the hospital. Both Darien and Mark
taking occasional glances from the group to the dance floor,
Andrew watching them both and smirking. [You better tell her who
you are or she might be taken from you]
**********************************************************************
Walking with Serena towards the doors to the gardens, Lucien caught
sight of a friend and nodded over Serena's head. She was talking
about some silly topic she'd recently studied and he listened with
half an ear, wondering how he could keep her from being asked to
dance again and at the same time leave her side to talk to his
friend.
The opportunity came in the form of a ripping sound coming from the
hem of her gown in the back. "Oh no!" Serena tried to turn and see
but couldn't manage it. "Could you check if its very large a tear?"
she looked up a Lucien.
"Certainly" he kneeled slightly by her feet and was relieved to see
it was a minimal tear. "It is not too large, the seamstress could
take care of it in a matter of minutes I believe." he stood and
led her towards the room set up for the seamstress.
"They have a seamstress here?" she looked astonished, making him
laugh. "Yes there is a lady hired for just such emergencies."
Leaving her to get her gown fixed, he stepped outside the room
and walked over to his friend.
"How is it we've never come across this girl before?" he asked
Lucien grinned, "She's only fourteen and very naive." his grin
widened as he reached out a hand.
His friend looked at him apprehensively, "You know it might be
too strong for her, she is really small."
"I won't use the whole thing, I just need one more test subject."
Lucien glanced around again to make sure they weren't being
overheard.
"It looks like she's well protected here, both Chiba and
Furhata have been watching over her like closely. Especially
whenever you're near her."
"Tell me about it! I've never cared too much for Furhata and
Chiba I only meet up with from time to time so I don't really
know him, but they sure act like they know me."
"With all the womanizing stories going around the hospital?
I'd be surprised if even one of the hospital guests didn't
know about you!" the other laughed and Lucien saw the door
to the seamstress open.
Serena walked out, talking to another young girl and he saw
her glance around for him. "Well my newest 'subject' has just
re-appeared so I've gotta go. We'll be out in the gardens for
a few minutes and then we'll come inside and she can dance as
much as she wants."
"If she can dance" his friend mumbled and waited as Lucien
walked away. [How can he do that to such a little thing?
Fourteen!] And he watched her smile brighten as Lucien
arrived and offered his arm. [Poor little thing, I hope it
isn't too much for her, he doesn't realize what it could
do to a person]
"Would you care for a glass of punch to take with you while
we check out the gardens?" Lucien smiled down at Serena
beside him and felt a pang of guilt as she happily accepted
and smiled so innocently. [Could it be too much for her? It
hasn't been too much for any of the others... she'll be
fine. I just need one more test and that'll be it.]
"Some punch would be great!" [He's so thoughtful! Why
couldn't he be my admirer?] Serena sighed inwardly and
walked with him over to the beverage area.
Taking a glass from his friend, Lucien nodded when he tapped
one of the drinks he was handing him. Turning to Serena he
handed her the glass and then smiled as she took a sip. "Mmm...
you know this punch is much better all of a sudden!" Serena
smiled and proceeded to finish off the rest in the next gulp.
"All that dancing made me really thirsty" Serena giggled at
his slack jawed expression.
[Damn! That's supposed to be taken in small doses!] A
cleared throat behind him made him glance back to see his
friend give him a pointed look. Lucien shrugged in an
'Oh well' manner and turned back, smiling to Serena.
"How about that tour of the garden's now?"
Serena's face lit up again, "That would be great!" and
she took his arm, heading out with him.
**********************************************************************
Darien danced with a few of the older ladies and was surprised
when Dr. Richard's wife tapped him on the shoulder. "I don't suspect
you planned on asking me for a dance, so I thought I'd ask you."
she grinned.
"Well I didn't think I could handle the dissapointment if you
turned me down. After all, you are already married so it would have
been another pain to my already terrible heartache!" Darien sighed
and led her out onto the dance floor.
Mrs.Richards laughed some more and was delighted when she realized
he was an excellent dancing partner. "You know I've always told
my husband he danced well, but he doesn't even compare to you!"
Darien raised a teasing brow, "So if I dance with you for the rest
of the evening will that earn me an A on the next exam?"
"Like you even need to ask! We both know well enough by your
115% in my class that you could fail the final and still pass with
an A!"
Darien chuckled, "Oh yeah, I guess I'd forgotten"
They danced a bit more and he bowed as the song ended. "She really
is a lovely girl you know" Mrs. Richards suddenly added as he led
her towards her husband.
"Who?" Darien asked, knowing full well who she meant.
"Oh, the little butterfly being taken outside by the Falcon." she
pointed towards the exit where Lucien and Serena were walking down
the steps to the gardens.
"Damn" Darien forgot his manners for a moment and then turned
surprised eyes as Mrs. Richards broke out laughing. "My
apologies Mrs. Richards its just..."
She wiped at a stray tear that escaped from her laugh and
tried to catch her breath. "Oh my dear boy! If you knew how
long my husband and I have wanted to see you so worked up over
a girl! Now don't mind me for intruding, but she is a lovely
little thing and in a lot of trouble if she stays with Lucien
outside. I know better than to listen to idle gossip, but I
also know that most gossip is created from a grain of truth."
Darien agreed and excused himself from her "I think I'll take
a stroll through the gardens myself."
Mrs. Richards smiled and squeazed his arm, "Atta boy! Go get
her!"
Darien chuckled and blushed, "Yes m'am!" and headed out to
the gardens to find Serena. Andrew was on the patio, stuck in
a group of friends and their girlfriends. He was barely able
to stick his head out and tell Darien to turn left past the
gazebo, before a girl started flirting with him again and he
had to re-join the conversation.
One of the guys recognized Darien and called out to him, but
he just waved and headed down the steps into the garden paths.
After turning at the gazebo, he simply followed his instincts,
hoping whatever caused him to get crashed into by Serena every
day would help him find her now. [Those crashes can't be pure
coincidence!]
A few turns later, he heard her giggling and knew he was close
by. Slowing and using his stealth techniques, practiced by
following the scouts unnoticed during all those fights, he
stayed close so he could hear their conversation.
"Are you sure you're all right?" Lucien asked Serena
She giggled again and nodded, "I just got the strangest energy
boost! I think that punch must have been spiked or something!
I could probably dance all night!"
Lucien smiled a bit awkwardly as she mentioned spiked punch
and noted the glazed expression in her eyes. [Damn! That dufuss
was right about her, she's too small for such a dose, and all
at once too!] He took her arm and lead her towards the quickest
path to the ball room. "How about we go back inside and dance
then? Since you're feeling so energetic now and we wouldn't want
to waste much time out here!"
"Good idea!" Serena beamed and took his arm "I hope they play
some lively songs!"
"Yeah that'd be great" Lucien wondered about the side effects
and looked her over carefully.
Darien walked out from where he stood and followed at a
safe distance. [He had the chance to try something and he
offered to go back inside? That makes no sense!] He made it
back to the ball room and joined Andrew in one of the smaller
areas for watching and saw Serena on the dance floor with
Lucien.
He told Andrew what happened and both wondered about the
guy's intentions. They were joined briefly by Serena's
dad and then decided to join in the dancing. "We can't
just stand around here and she seems to be fine!" Andrew
bugged Darien until he asked a girl to dance.
Darien danced a total of five songs before deciding to take
a break and look out for Serena again. He'd seen Lucien on the
sidelines for a long time now and wondered about their sudden
separation. Sitting on a chair with a good view of the floor,
he kept his eyes locked on Serena for a while, without really
concentrating on her, his mind elsewhere. It wasn't until she
stumbled a bit that he re-focused on her and noticed the
changes.
She wasn't really smiling, she just sort of had a smile
plastered on her face and she stumbled again. She apologized
and tried harder, but something was wrong. [What could it be?
She was full of energy when she came in... But that was like
seven songs ago and she looks pale somehow.] Deciding the
easiest way to find out how she was would be to dance with
her, he headed down and waited for the song to finish. As he
cut in and she curtsied to her other partner, he saw the relief
in her smile and the fear in her eyes. Before he could ask
Serena took his arm and he felt her shaking, "Darien I don't
feel good, something's really wrong with me."
He felt the weakness in her grip and immediately moved an arm
around her waist in an attempt to stabilize her and leaned
down to tell her he'd take care of her, making it look like
he was merely flirting to everyone else. "Lean on me and I'll
get you out of here ok? Do you want to go home? I'll send
Andrew for your parents"
Serena shook her head, "My parents are somewhere in the gardens
and I don't want to ruin their evening, can't you take me home?"
she looked up pleadingly, her eyes awash in tears and Darien
felt his heart constrict at the sight of them.
"Ok" He steadied her and was truly afraid by the lack of
strength she had. [This can't be the girl who runs across
town in 15 minutes flat every morning!] He looked over to
Andrew who was dancing with a redhead and waited to get
his attention. Serena's voice broke him out of his worries
as she whispered, "Darien?"
He looked down to see her hand lift to the lapels of his
tuxedo and try to hang on. "I don't think I can stand anymore,
I'm so weak!" He felt her legs give and scooped her up into
his arms before she fell to the ground.
"Serena nevermind going home, I'm taking you to the hospital!"
He was relieved to see Andrew's attention was caught when he
lifted her and that he was headed towards them, as well as
Dr. Mizuno and Dr. Richards.
"Hey Serena what is it are you ok?" Andrew came up and lifted
a hand to her forehead.
Darien felt her shiver and start trembling, sweat started to
break out on her forehead and she merely whimpered in
response to Andrew's question, turning her head into Darien's
tuxedo and clinging to him. "Serena we can't help you if we
don't know what's wrong!" Darien was waiting for his jacket
to wrap it around her before going out into the late night
air.
She lifted her gaze to his and he saw that she was barely
there, her eyes were glazed and frightened him. "I don't
know what's wrong" she whispered and he felt her go limp in his arms,
her head dropped against his chest.
"Get her to the hospital, I'll follow in Andrew's car!"
Dr. Mizuno ordered Darien and proceeded to make arrangements
for Mrs. Richards to find Serena's parents while Dr. Richards
went with Andrew to the hospital as well.
Dr. Mizuno's order had come seconds too late however, Darien was
already halfway down the front steps and calling for his car.
**********************************************************************
That's it for now, so what do you think? Please review!!! I'm
starting on the next part tomorrow and will post it sooner if I get
more reviews! ^_^ (don't you hate it when authors do that?) But
really, what did you think of this part? Again, sorry for the delay!
() ()
('.') BunnyRena
(")_(")
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
sometime next week. Sorry for the wait, but anyways here's
chp 5.
**********************************************************************
Walking out of the Ladies room Ilene looked about for her daughter
or husband. Having nearly fallen asleep listening to the women with
their endless gossip, she could use a dance to wake up. Searching
the room for Ken, she spotted Serena walking off the dance floor
of the same young man who'd asked her to dance before. [I'm so glad
to see that she's having a nice time, Serena looks absolutely
stunning tonight.]
Her thoughts were cut off as an arm wrapped around her waist and
she was pulled to lean back against her husband. "Doesn't she
look lovely out there? That young man asked her to dance a while
ago, I'm surprised to see her still with him."
Ken growled, "He's not the best young man for her" [Where's Chiba?]
He was relieved to see Chiba and a friend walk over to them.
Ilene turned to look at her husband amusement in her eyes, "Have
you run a background check on all the young men here already?"
Grinning down at her he shook his head, "No but I have heard of
that particular young man through the tales of his womanizing that
were going around the smoking room."
Ilene made a face, "Don't believe in idle gossip Ken, they're
probably just malicious rumors, he seems like a charming young
man."
Glancing up to see Serena being led to the dance floor by a new guy,
Ken didn't know if he should be angry or relieved. [Just be glad
she's away from Lucien now] Looking down to his wife's puzzled gaze
he smiled and asked her to dance, knowing full well how much she
loved dancing.
Meanwhile as Serena was twirled around the dance floor she wondered
about the look Lucien had given her new dance partner. "I must
say you are quite exquisite, the sight of you dancing and
that smile of yours made me lose my apprehension at interrupting
you and Lucien because I just had to get a dance."
Serena wondered how everyone knew who Lucien was with his mask
on, so she asked him about it. "Its their family crest back in
France. The Cheveaux actually descend from the old French
nobility and their family crest has been a grey Falcon like
that for generations. Its well known by everyone who works at
the hospital actually."
"So you work at the hospital too?" Serena asked.
He smiled and nodded, "I'm one of the youngest interns at the
place, only three of us are seventeen."
Serena looked up in awe, "That must be so neat to know what you
want to do in life at your age. I'm completely clueless about
my future."
"No special interests or talents?" he asked
Serena shook her head and curtsied as the song ended, "None
whatsoever"
He bowed and took her hand to leave the floor, "I highly doubt
that, you seem very smart for someone of our age."
Serena beamed and shook her head, "Do I really seem like a
seventeen year old?"
"You mean you're not? You could pass of for eighteen if you
wanted to, how old are you?" he was interrupted by a friend
meeting them at the edge of the dance floor.
"Hello Mark, may I cut in on this dance?" he bowed to Serena
and smiled.
Mark turned to Serena in a way that said-'Its up to you', but
she could tell he didn't want her to go. [He is pretty nice,
and he's only seventeen!] Feigning tiredness, Serena leaned
a bit on Mark's arm as she spoke to his friend. "Perhaps
the next dance? I'm feeling rather thirsty and Mark and I
were about to go get some punch."
Nodding, his friend agreed to let her sit out this dance
and moved out of their way. Mark nearly beamed as he led
her away from him. "Do you want to go get that puch?"
he asked
Serena nodded and stopped for a minute turning to face him
"By the way, you can call me Serena."
Again his face lit up and he tried to explain, "I felt
bad that I didn't introduce myself before the dance and
didn't want to do so in the middle of the floor, I was
trying to concentrate on both the conversation and the steps
to the dance."
Serena giggled as she agreed with him, "Me too, this is
my first time at something like this and I had just
been taught to dance by a couple of older friends of
mine."
Marks eyes suddenly looked pensive beneath his gold mask.
"You're friends with Lucien?"
Serena nodded, "I actually just met him tonight but he's
been quite charming really."
[Damn him! Serena won't stand a chance if he decides he
wants to try something with her] Mark asked about her
other friend, "You said you'd been taught to dance by
a couple of friends?"
"Yes, actually my first tutor was Darien Chiba, you
might know him if you work at the hospital. I hear he's
quite a wiz for science, the big jerk." Serena mumbled
the last part beneath her breath.
Not softly enough, however, to escape from being noticed by
Mark. "A jerk is he? From what I've heard of the
'great assistant' Dr. Richards is ecstatic to be working with
him. He's known for being weeks ahead in his studies and for
being quite aloof with personnel actually, I've never seen
him act rudely to anyone though."
Serena huffed, "Well don't fall for that polite act of his,
beneath that aloof exterior is a man who loves to tease
people."
[Chiba's teased her? Here I thought he'd be good to
turn to in keeping her from Cheveaux] Mark looked
down to her annoyed expression, "He's teased you? I'll
never belive it, the guy has no idea of teasing
people, he's never really been around them."
That caught her attention, "Never really been around
whom?"
Mark looked surprised, "You're his friend but he hasn't
told you?"
Serena shook her head and looked up to his face, "No
we're not exactly close friends, we don't know each
other's families or anything, except for my dad whom
he met one day when I left my bag somewhere."
"Well I'm not really sure if I should tell..." Mark
hesitated purposefully and was amused to see her
eyes turn pleading as she protested.
"I'm sure he won't mind! Won't you please tell me?
Please?!!!" she gave him a begging puppy look,
her big blue eyes looking up so innocently and
sweet.
Before he could think he slipped out, "You can't
help it can you?"
Serena's look turned confused, "Can't help what?"
Realizing he'd spoken it out loud instead of in his mind, he
decided to tell the truth. "You are irresistable"
Serena blushed and looked down shyly to her hands,
suddenly noting the bracelets on her wrists. [Oh no!
I almost forgot!] Looking back up to Mark, she
smiled and reminded him of the punch they were
supposed to be getting, pretending to really be
thirsty.
**********************************************************************
Darien was busy speaking with a group of doctors who
were discussing a new surgical tool and the controversy
about it, when Andrew walked over and asked to speak
with him.
Stepping off to the side, he looked around for Serena, whom
he'd lost track of because of the conversation. "Where is she?"
Andrew pointed to the dance floor, where Serena was being
twirled around by a blond haired young man in a black tuxedo
and golden mask.
"He's her fourth dancing partner since Lucien stepped away."
Andrew looked amused at his friend who was no doubt seeing red
due to the proximity at which this new guy held her.
"What time is it Andrew?" Darien glared daggers at this new guy.
[Does she honestly not notice how close these guys keep holding
her?]
"Its eleven thirty Darien, do you want to give her the last clue
early?" Andrew pulled out another silver box.
Darien sighed and took it from Andrew, "We'll see, I'm not
really sure about this anymore."
"You mean you might not give it to her? You can't do that!
You have to tell her who you are, it wouldn't be right not
to!" Andrew looked Darien in the eyes, "You might not get the
reaction you want, but how do you think Serena will take it if
she's stood up by her secret admirer?"
Darien looked over to the dance floor and saw her laugh at
something her current dance partner said. "I'm not sure she
even remembers anymore, she wouldn't be too worried. She'll
probably walk out of here with a boyfriend tonight either way."
Andrew growled and smacked Darien across the arm. "That's the
dumbest thing I've ever heard you say, and you've said plenty
of dumb things these past few days. Serena will be devastated!
I know, I saw her eyes light up when I gave her that earlier
box. She's already half in love with you..."
"But she doesn't know its me! What if she's dissapointed when
she finds out and it ruins even the minimal friendship I've
managed to earn tonight?" Darien asked
Andrew shrugged, "I don't know... I don't think that will
happen, you have to try Darien."
Darien sighed and looked out to the dance floor as the song
came to an end. Serena's eyes met his and she smiled brightly
at him, waving slightly with the hand that rested by her side.
Her dancing partner said something and she turned her attention
back to him. "See she likes you already, I told you this would
work. Serena's liked you for weeks, I'm like a brother to her,
I can sense these things."
Darien kept his eyes on her as she was asked to dance again,
she looked tired for some reason. [Serena's not having a good
time? I would think she'd revel in this type of event] He watched
as she was whirled about the floor for yet another piece, her
step lacking it's usual 'bounce'.
**********************************************************************
Serena curtsied to yet another guy who'd asked her to dance. [Oh I
know I'm gonna be regretting this tomorrow, my feet hurt so badly
from the dancing I've done and its only eleven thirty!] She'd caught
a glimpse at Darien and Andrew earlier, although she'd tried to ask
silently for help, neither one understood the message.
[And so I am left to dance with another partner who might step on my
toes again] Serena was surprised to find that the toes being
stepped on were not any of her dance partners, but hers. [I thought
I would be the one tripping over people and stepping on them but
I haven't messed up once!] She smiled, proud of herself and her
unexpected dancing abilities.
As yet another guy headed towards her, she quickly looked around for
a place to escape. [The ladies' room!] She turned quickly to take
refuge in the room and came in contact with a very soft and
warm wall. [Great, why did I have to bump into someone
now?] She grimaced before raising her face to see who her she'd run
into this time, and was relieved to see a smiling Lucien in front
of her.
"I'm so sorry Papillon, I had meant to catch up to you and was
not expecting you to turn so suddenly." he glanced at someone
behind Serena and then quickly smiled down at her. "Would you
care to take a break? You've been dancing for quite a while now..."
"I'd love a break!" Serena cut in and threaded her arm through
his. [Perfect] Lucien smiled wickedly and steered her towards
the exit to the gardens. "How about we stroll outside for a bit? I
hear the Embassy gardens are quite a sight."
"That would be lovely" Serena smiled and let him lead her outside,
asking about France and his family there.
In another area of the ball room, Darien and Andrew were talking
about when to give her the last and most obvious clue, when a
couple of younger hospital interns joined them. Mark was the
first to speak up, "I wonder what it is you might find to tease
Serena about?" he looked directly at Darien.
Flushing, he shrugged and smiled awkwardly, "Just trivial stuff,
its nothing serious, she knows that."
Mark shrugged and asked Andrew if he knew Serena. "Yeah, actually
I've known her for years. Her dad and mine are best friends so I
grew up watching over her like my little sister Lizzy."
The other guy joined in at this point and asked about Lizzy.
"Well she was really dissapointed that she couldn't come tonight,
but my parents didn't RSVP for either of us."
"So how did you get in?" the other asked.
"Darien wasn't bringing a date, so he invited me to come with him.
How did you get in?"
"Same way actually, Mark had his extra ticket and invited me to
come with him. We were hoping to look for females here and so
far he's really taken to Serena."
"Is that so?" Darien returned his attention to the conversation,
which he'd turned from to look for Serena.
Mark looked away from the dance floor also, "Yeah she's a real
sweet kid, so innocent and naive. I can't help but be drawn to
her, how could anyone? She just makes your overprotective side
appear from out of nowhere."
Andrew agreed, "I know what you mean, its hard watching over her.
She's so trusting with everyone and doesn't like to hear bad
things about people. Even when you're warning her to keep her
from being hurt, she believes in the goodness in others."
"That must certainly be the case with Cheveaux, I don't think
he has the best intentions in mind when it comes to Serena.
Seeing him so charming and caring is like watching a wolf
in sheep's clothing." Mark added and scanned the crowd for
either Serena or Lucien.
"Hello gentlemen..." Dr. Richards joined the group and the
topic of conversation was quickly changed from Serena to
the doctor's latest memo at the hospital. Both Darien and Mark
taking occasional glances from the group to the dance floor,
Andrew watching them both and smirking. [You better tell her who
you are or she might be taken from you]
**********************************************************************
Walking with Serena towards the doors to the gardens, Lucien caught
sight of a friend and nodded over Serena's head. She was talking
about some silly topic she'd recently studied and he listened with
half an ear, wondering how he could keep her from being asked to
dance again and at the same time leave her side to talk to his
friend.
The opportunity came in the form of a ripping sound coming from the
hem of her gown in the back. "Oh no!" Serena tried to turn and see
but couldn't manage it. "Could you check if its very large a tear?"
she looked up a Lucien.
"Certainly" he kneeled slightly by her feet and was relieved to see
it was a minimal tear. "It is not too large, the seamstress could
take care of it in a matter of minutes I believe." he stood and
led her towards the room set up for the seamstress.
"They have a seamstress here?" she looked astonished, making him
laugh. "Yes there is a lady hired for just such emergencies."
Leaving her to get her gown fixed, he stepped outside the room
and walked over to his friend.
"How is it we've never come across this girl before?" he asked
Lucien grinned, "She's only fourteen and very naive." his grin
widened as he reached out a hand.
His friend looked at him apprehensively, "You know it might be
too strong for her, she is really small."
"I won't use the whole thing, I just need one more test subject."
Lucien glanced around again to make sure they weren't being
overheard.
"It looks like she's well protected here, both Chiba and
Furhata have been watching over her like closely. Especially
whenever you're near her."
"Tell me about it! I've never cared too much for Furhata and
Chiba I only meet up with from time to time so I don't really
know him, but they sure act like they know me."
"With all the womanizing stories going around the hospital?
I'd be surprised if even one of the hospital guests didn't
know about you!" the other laughed and Lucien saw the door
to the seamstress open.
Serena walked out, talking to another young girl and he saw
her glance around for him. "Well my newest 'subject' has just
re-appeared so I've gotta go. We'll be out in the gardens for
a few minutes and then we'll come inside and she can dance as
much as she wants."
"If she can dance" his friend mumbled and waited as Lucien
walked away. [How can he do that to such a little thing?
Fourteen!] And he watched her smile brighten as Lucien
arrived and offered his arm. [Poor little thing, I hope it
isn't too much for her, he doesn't realize what it could
do to a person]
"Would you care for a glass of punch to take with you while
we check out the gardens?" Lucien smiled down at Serena
beside him and felt a pang of guilt as she happily accepted
and smiled so innocently. [Could it be too much for her? It
hasn't been too much for any of the others... she'll be
fine. I just need one more test and that'll be it.]
"Some punch would be great!" [He's so thoughtful! Why
couldn't he be my admirer?] Serena sighed inwardly and
walked with him over to the beverage area.
Taking a glass from his friend, Lucien nodded when he tapped
one of the drinks he was handing him. Turning to Serena he
handed her the glass and then smiled as she took a sip. "Mmm...
you know this punch is much better all of a sudden!" Serena
smiled and proceeded to finish off the rest in the next gulp.
"All that dancing made me really thirsty" Serena giggled at
his slack jawed expression.
[Damn! That's supposed to be taken in small doses!] A
cleared throat behind him made him glance back to see his
friend give him a pointed look. Lucien shrugged in an
'Oh well' manner and turned back, smiling to Serena.
"How about that tour of the garden's now?"
Serena's face lit up again, "That would be great!" and
she took his arm, heading out with him.
**********************************************************************
Darien danced with a few of the older ladies and was surprised
when Dr. Richard's wife tapped him on the shoulder. "I don't suspect
you planned on asking me for a dance, so I thought I'd ask you."
she grinned.
"Well I didn't think I could handle the dissapointment if you
turned me down. After all, you are already married so it would have
been another pain to my already terrible heartache!" Darien sighed
and led her out onto the dance floor.
Mrs.Richards laughed some more and was delighted when she realized
he was an excellent dancing partner. "You know I've always told
my husband he danced well, but he doesn't even compare to you!"
Darien raised a teasing brow, "So if I dance with you for the rest
of the evening will that earn me an A on the next exam?"
"Like you even need to ask! We both know well enough by your
115% in my class that you could fail the final and still pass with
an A!"
Darien chuckled, "Oh yeah, I guess I'd forgotten"
They danced a bit more and he bowed as the song ended. "She really
is a lovely girl you know" Mrs. Richards suddenly added as he led
her towards her husband.
"Who?" Darien asked, knowing full well who she meant.
"Oh, the little butterfly being taken outside by the Falcon." she
pointed towards the exit where Lucien and Serena were walking down
the steps to the gardens.
"Damn" Darien forgot his manners for a moment and then turned
surprised eyes as Mrs. Richards broke out laughing. "My
apologies Mrs. Richards its just..."
She wiped at a stray tear that escaped from her laugh and
tried to catch her breath. "Oh my dear boy! If you knew how
long my husband and I have wanted to see you so worked up over
a girl! Now don't mind me for intruding, but she is a lovely
little thing and in a lot of trouble if she stays with Lucien
outside. I know better than to listen to idle gossip, but I
also know that most gossip is created from a grain of truth."
Darien agreed and excused himself from her "I think I'll take
a stroll through the gardens myself."
Mrs. Richards smiled and squeazed his arm, "Atta boy! Go get
her!"
Darien chuckled and blushed, "Yes m'am!" and headed out to
the gardens to find Serena. Andrew was on the patio, stuck in
a group of friends and their girlfriends. He was barely able
to stick his head out and tell Darien to turn left past the
gazebo, before a girl started flirting with him again and he
had to re-join the conversation.
One of the guys recognized Darien and called out to him, but
he just waved and headed down the steps into the garden paths.
After turning at the gazebo, he simply followed his instincts,
hoping whatever caused him to get crashed into by Serena every
day would help him find her now. [Those crashes can't be pure
coincidence!]
A few turns later, he heard her giggling and knew he was close
by. Slowing and using his stealth techniques, practiced by
following the scouts unnoticed during all those fights, he
stayed close so he could hear their conversation.
"Are you sure you're all right?" Lucien asked Serena
She giggled again and nodded, "I just got the strangest energy
boost! I think that punch must have been spiked or something!
I could probably dance all night!"
Lucien smiled a bit awkwardly as she mentioned spiked punch
and noted the glazed expression in her eyes. [Damn! That dufuss
was right about her, she's too small for such a dose, and all
at once too!] He took her arm and lead her towards the quickest
path to the ball room. "How about we go back inside and dance
then? Since you're feeling so energetic now and we wouldn't want
to waste much time out here!"
"Good idea!" Serena beamed and took his arm "I hope they play
some lively songs!"
"Yeah that'd be great" Lucien wondered about the side effects
and looked her over carefully.
Darien walked out from where he stood and followed at a
safe distance. [He had the chance to try something and he
offered to go back inside? That makes no sense!] He made it
back to the ball room and joined Andrew in one of the smaller
areas for watching and saw Serena on the dance floor with
Lucien.
He told Andrew what happened and both wondered about the
guy's intentions. They were joined briefly by Serena's
dad and then decided to join in the dancing. "We can't
just stand around here and she seems to be fine!" Andrew
bugged Darien until he asked a girl to dance.
Darien danced a total of five songs before deciding to take
a break and look out for Serena again. He'd seen Lucien on the
sidelines for a long time now and wondered about their sudden
separation. Sitting on a chair with a good view of the floor,
he kept his eyes locked on Serena for a while, without really
concentrating on her, his mind elsewhere. It wasn't until she
stumbled a bit that he re-focused on her and noticed the
changes.
She wasn't really smiling, she just sort of had a smile
plastered on her face and she stumbled again. She apologized
and tried harder, but something was wrong. [What could it be?
She was full of energy when she came in... But that was like
seven songs ago and she looks pale somehow.] Deciding the
easiest way to find out how she was would be to dance with
her, he headed down and waited for the song to finish. As he
cut in and she curtsied to her other partner, he saw the relief
in her smile and the fear in her eyes. Before he could ask
Serena took his arm and he felt her shaking, "Darien I don't
feel good, something's really wrong with me."
He felt the weakness in her grip and immediately moved an arm
around her waist in an attempt to stabilize her and leaned
down to tell her he'd take care of her, making it look like
he was merely flirting to everyone else. "Lean on me and I'll
get you out of here ok? Do you want to go home? I'll send
Andrew for your parents"
Serena shook her head, "My parents are somewhere in the gardens
and I don't want to ruin their evening, can't you take me home?"
she looked up pleadingly, her eyes awash in tears and Darien
felt his heart constrict at the sight of them.
"Ok" He steadied her and was truly afraid by the lack of
strength she had. [This can't be the girl who runs across
town in 15 minutes flat every morning!] He looked over to
Andrew who was dancing with a redhead and waited to get
his attention. Serena's voice broke him out of his worries
as she whispered, "Darien?"
He looked down to see her hand lift to the lapels of his
tuxedo and try to hang on. "I don't think I can stand anymore,
I'm so weak!" He felt her legs give and scooped her up into
his arms before she fell to the ground.
"Serena nevermind going home, I'm taking you to the hospital!"
He was relieved to see Andrew's attention was caught when he
lifted her and that he was headed towards them, as well as
Dr. Mizuno and Dr. Richards.
"Hey Serena what is it are you ok?" Andrew came up and lifted
a hand to her forehead.
Darien felt her shiver and start trembling, sweat started to
break out on her forehead and she merely whimpered in
response to Andrew's question, turning her head into Darien's
tuxedo and clinging to him. "Serena we can't help you if we
don't know what's wrong!" Darien was waiting for his jacket
to wrap it around her before going out into the late night
air.
She lifted her gaze to his and he saw that she was barely
there, her eyes were glazed and frightened him. "I don't
know what's wrong" she whispered and he felt her go limp in his arms,
her head dropped against his chest.
"Get her to the hospital, I'll follow in Andrew's car!"
Dr. Mizuno ordered Darien and proceeded to make arrangements
for Mrs. Richards to find Serena's parents while Dr. Richards
went with Andrew to the hospital as well.
Dr. Mizuno's order had come seconds too late however, Darien was
already halfway down the front steps and calling for his car.
**********************************************************************
That's it for now, so what do you think? Please review!!! I'm
starting on the next part tomorrow and will post it sooner if I get
more reviews! ^_^ (don't you hate it when authors do that?) But
really, what did you think of this part? Again, sorry for the delay!
() ()
('.') BunnyRena
(")_(")
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