^.^ Hey there! Sorry for the long wait again, way too much
schoolwork. Thanks for all the reviews I hope this chapter
is to your liking!
* Just a note: The star locket in the fic doesn't play the
same music as in the story. I had to change it so it could
go with the song. If anyone's seen the film Simply Irresistable
and heard that song 'Once In a Blue Moon' the locket plays
that song- And I took out the last part of the song 'cuz
it didn't really fit in here ^.^;;
** Disclaimer- I don't own these characters or anything that has
been trademarked so don't sue me k-? **
~~~ Denote Flashbacks
**********************************************************************
- We left off...
... their lips lightly touched and...
...he was kissing her.
Serena would have smiled were she not stunned by the sensations
being kissed by Darien was causing her. His breath washed over her,
dark, musky, with the hint of roses she'd come to recognize him by.
His smooth, firm lips pressed against hers subtly, and she wondered
how to respond to a kiss. Cautiously raising her left hand to his
head, her fingers brushed slightly against his hair before
her fingers threaded through it.
Accepting that as a form of ecouragement, Darien dropped the bed
control beside her and moved his hands to lift her closer to him.
His left hand slipped to the center of her upper back and
supported her, while his right hand moved up to cradle her neck
and head. [So soft... ] He kissed her deeply, forgetting
everything- where they were, why they were there- all that
mattered was that he was kising Serena, finally.
Unable to stop, Darien leaned forward more and pulled her closer.
Serena made a sound at the back of her throat and lifted her
free hand up to his back, flinching slightly as she again pulled
on the IV needle.
Feeling the expression through the kiss, Darien was surprised
when he tried to pull away and Serena tightened her hold on
the back of his head. Smiling, Darien pulled back far enough to
whisper against her mouth, "Open your lips"
Unsure of wether she should, Serena opened them only a bit
as she felt Darien's lips come back down on hers.
Having realized she wasn't sure, Darien determined to
show her why, opening his own mouth and lightly running his
toungue over her lips. The shiver that ran through her,
encouraged him more and soon enough he felt her lips relaxing
and managed to nudge them apart.
Gasping, Serena clutched at Darien's shirt and neck as she
felt his toungue enter her mouth and explore. The feel of
his toungue against hers, the slickness of it as it traced
her pallet, her teeth, every part of her mouth, nothing was
left unexplored.
Serena remembered all the movies that showed both people in
the kiss participating, and slowly lifted her toungue to
his- smiling as she heard him groan and twine his with
hers. An odd heat was running through her, her hands trembled
and she unwillingly moaned as their toungues danced.
The sound bringing him back to reality, Darien remembered
the night's earlier events. [Damn, she was hurt...] Pulling
back and ending the kiss, he looked down at the girl in his
arms. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes wide and vague at first,
then clearing and sparkling up at him. Her hand moved
down from his neck to around his shoulder to hold on to him.
Noting the confusion in her eyes, he smiled and apologized
as he pulled the messy box out of his pocket. "I'm sorry
Serena, I hadn't planned on you finding out like this."
Looking down at the familiar wrapping, Serena couldn't stop
the gasp that escaped her as she lifted suprised eyes to
Darien's face. "It was you?"
Nodding his head yes, Darien settled the box on her lap as he
lifted his hand to her face again. "I wasn't sure how to
tell you. I've only just come to understand how I feel about
you... but I wasn't sure how you would react to finding out I
was your admirer." He stroked her face gently, cupping her
cheek in his hand.
"I can't believe it was you," Serena whispered and looked up
into his eyes, "I kinda hoped it might be but..."
"But what?"
Smiling shyly up at him she added, "You just seemed so out
of my league, you're so smart and handsome and cool..."
Darien chuckled and played with a curl by her ear, "And
here I thought it was you who was out of my league."
Noticing the confusion in her eyes, Darien explained, "You
are so sweet and happy, you're cheerful and popular and...
I dunno, you make me feel things I've never felt before.
So many emotions I never thought I'd feel have suddenly
just appeared. I get jealous when someone comes near you or
when you smile at another guy like at Andrew. My whole day
gets ruined if I don't see you either in the morning or
in the afternoon..."
"Really?" Serena interrupted and said she felt the
same. "I get so grumpy when I don't get to see you too!"
Darien grinned and re-adjusted his arm beneath her back,
accidentally reaching the open part of the hospital gown
so his hand unexpectedly touched her bare back.
Serena shivered as she felt his hand on her back and
looked up to his midnight eyes. Moving her hand from
his shoulder, Serena cupped his cheek as he had hers
and moved it up to his black eye. "How did you get
this?" she lightly touched his eye and kept her fingers
smoothing back his eyebrow.
"It doesn't matter" He shrugged and struggled to keep
himself in check as the contact with her skin became
a bit much, even for him.
Looking his face over, Serena noticed a small scar
beside his lip. With her eyes focused on his lips
now, she spoke without thinking over her words.
"Did you really kiss me?"
Darien nodded and lifted her chin to meet his gaze
as she snapped out of her thoughts. He laughed a
bit at the taken aback look in her eyes as she
asked. "I asked that out loud didn't I?"
"Yeah" Darien grinned and watched as she suddenly
yawned, her eyes now drooping sleepily. He began to
lower her again, ordering, "Get some rest now so you
can get out of here soon."
But Serena held him tight and he was obliged to
lift her back upright to avoid hurting her. "Are
you leaving?" she suddenly looked very frightened
as she glanced around the room.
"I'll sleep in that chair over there." Darien
nodded towards it and settled her back against the
pillows, moving the backrest up with the control
now that his hands were free.
"Can I open this?" Serena lifted the forgotten box
from her lap and looked up at him, yawning again.
"Later, you need to rest Serena." Darien was about
to take it away but she shook her head.
"Please?" She gave him her best puppy-dog look and
smiled as he sighed and nodded. "But you're gonna
go to sleep afterwords."
Nodding, Serena pulled on the ribbons and paper
until she had the box opened and she smiled as she
saw the star inside. "Its so pretty!" she pulled
it out and smiled wider as the lid opened to
play a light tune.
"I don't know why it made me think of you, but
it did." Darien took away the wrapping paper
and box that had held the locket, setting them
on a nearby counter.
Serena hummed along and looked down at the
pretty moon and stars in the circle. "There
was a blue moon tonight too."
"A what?" Darien moved beside her on the bed
to lean against her pillows a bit.
Serena pointed to the little moon, it wasn't
painted white or grey like most, it was a
silverish-blue. "A blue moon... technically our
real moon goes through a phase once every 28 years
that makes it appear blue from here, making it
a blue moon." she shrugged and looked out the
partially closed windows, humming to the song
again.
Darien watched her averted profile, wondering
where that information had come from. Before he
could ask, Serena suddenly turned and looked
back into his eyes. "Could you stay with me
for a bit? 'Till I fall asleep?" her eyes
were droopy already and Darien nodded.
"Ok, then could you go around to the other side
of the bed?" Serena lifted her arm with the IV
and grimaced.
"Don't move too much Serena" Darien
straightened from his leaning position by the
bed and walked around to the other side,
suprised as she scooted over to the edge of
the opposite side.
Serena smiled softly and patted the bed. "I
was just making some room for ya."
Looking her over, Darien sighed and stood
beside her. "Can't you at least sit with me?
This bed's big enough to hold the both of
us and you'll be on top of the blankets."
Serena asked hopefully and the look in her
eyes made it nearly impossible to say no.
"All right- but if your father kills me..."
Darien sat beside her, not intending to
lean back against the pillows 'till she
moved over and pushed him back to lay her
head on his shoulder. "Thanks Darien" Serena
smiled and closed the locket as the song ended.
"I can't spend the night like this Serena."
Darien clarified.
"I know, just stay 'till I fall asleep."
Sje settled her head more comfortably
and opened the locket again, humming a
bit to the music again.
Laying with his shoulder as her pillow,
Darien sighed and made himself comfortable,
resting his head above hers and turning onto
his side so he could wrap his free arm around
her to keep her warm.
Serena was humming still before she started
singing softly.
"The room is empty
The lights are dim
And my heart wonders
If I'll ever see you again
My tears are hungry
For an open door
When your arms held me
I never felt that way before
I'll be waiting
I'll be watching
Under a blue moon
The taste of heaven
Only happens
Once in a blue moon
Once in a blue moon"
The last two lines were hardly audible as she
clicked the locket shut and whispered sleepily.
"That's how I felt when our dance ended."
Feeling her body relax totally in his arms,
Darien listened to her steady breathing and
thought over the events of the night. The most
surprising thing being Serena's reaction to
him and his feelings. [Not to mention her trip
to the hospital...] Without even realizing it,
Darien soon nodded off, turning further towards
Serena, who had turned over onto her side with
her back to him, so they lay spoon-fashioned
together in the bed.
**********************************************************************
"Holy crud." Sammy stood in the doorway to Serena's room, staring
at the bed.
"What is it?" Andrew came over behind him and stared wide-eyed at
the bed.
Amy came over to look too, "So?..." She smiled as she saw the
pair on the bed, and quickly looked over to where Serena's parents
were coming over. "Oh dear" pushing past the two guys, she came
over beside the bed and shook Darien.
"Wake up" she looked over at Serena, sleeping soundly with her head
on his arm.
"Wha...?" Darien sleepily looked over his shoulder and met with
Amy's worried gaze.
"My parents are coming down the hall." Sammy explained and watched
as Darien tried to pull away.
"Mmm- mmm" Serena lifted a hand to his arm and protested the loss
of her pillow.
"Sorry babe" Darien pulled back carefully and slipped off the bed,
moving over to the chair he'd told her he'd spend the night in,
he messed up an extra blanket that was on it as though he'd
just gotten up from there.
Just in time as well, Ken and Ikuko arrived just seconds after
he sat down. Ilene came over and smiled down at him, "You poor
dear did you wake up in the middle of the night? We thought it
best to leave you to your sleep."
"Thank you, yes I woke up and came over to check on her." Darien
smiled, still sleepy and caught the other's curious looks.
"If you'll excuse us, we'll take Darien downstairs so he can
get some coffee." Andrew nodded towards the door and Darien,
Sammy, and Amy all followed.
"Did any of the nurses come in during the night?" Ken asked
him.
[Oh shoot! I hope not!] Darien shrugged and grimaced. "I'm
afraid I passed out like a light as soon as I sat down again."
"Well thank you for staying here with her, I'm sure if she woke
up and was afraid, seeing you there probably helped." Ken
smiled and Sammy unexpectedly laughed.
"What is so funny young man?" Ikuko asked.
Shaking his hea, Sammy quickly stepped out of the room
calling out over his shoulder, "Nothing mom!"
Darien walked out with Andrew and Amy, refusing to answer
anything until he'd gotten his promised coffee. He stopped
by the nurses station and asked about who'd been working
the overnight shift. A good acquaintance of his Kay
spoke up, "I was the one who had to check in on your girl-
friend last night, but don't worry, I'm not the type to
get someone into trouble. I won't even mention her company
last night."
Darien smiled, relieved, "Thanks Kay"
"So you spent the night with her?!" Amy skipped anxiously
beside him all the way down to the cafeteria.
Darien nodded and sat down while Andrew got them coffee. He
returned to their table with Sammy and some food. "We thought
you'd be hungry too."
"Thanks" Darien opened a blueberry muffin and ate it with his
coffee as the others started bombarding him with questions.
Andrew- "So you weren't really asleep when we left were you?"
Amy- "Did you finally tell her how you feel?"
Andrew- "Did you give her the last clue?"
Amy- "What's gonna happen now, are you an item?"
"Is she still a vir..." Sammy's question was muffled by
Andrew and Darien choked on his bite of the muffin.
After catching his breath, he nodded at Sammy. "Of course
she's still a vir- you know- I was on top of the covers!"
He shook his head and set down the food, now fully awake.
"Yes we did get our feelings cleared up, no I wasn't really
asleep when you left, no I'm not sure where things are going
from here, yes I gaver her the last gift, and yes she is still
whole!" Darien added for Sammy.
"You didn't even kiss her?" Sammy asked.
Smiling, Darien nodded, "Yes, but that was the only thing that
happened last night."
Amy sighed, "Ohh... Serena's first ball and her first kiss..."
she stared dreamily off to the side, picturing what the dance
was like.
Darien stared wide-eyed at the dreamy girl. "She'd never been
kissed?!"
"Nu-uh" Amy shook her head and finished off her hot-chocolate.
"I'd better go call up the girls and tell them what happened,
I was running late this morning, see you in her room!" she
walked over to the elevators and headed up to her mom's
office.
"My sister got kissed? Yuck!" Sammy laughed and shook his head.
"I'm gonna go see if she's awake yet." he took off too.
Andrew finished his own coffee and sat back looking at his
messy friend. "So you got the girl?" he raised an eyebrow
inquisitively.
Darien smiled, "Yep" he finished his coffee and muffin.
"Come on lets go back upstairs." he stood and headed up
before Andrew.
"What about Lucien?" Andrew asked as they waited for
the elevator.
Darien frowned, "He'd just better hope I don't find him
any time soon."
"Is she pressing charges?" Andrew entered the elevator
behind him.
"I don't know, I kinda forgot about that" Darien rubbed
his eyes, his bruised one hurting as he did so.
"That's some black eye" Andrew laughed as he thought
back to how hard it had been to restrain Darien.
"And what's so funny?" Darien glared
"Nothing, I'm just glad you and Serena are hooking up."
Andrew shrugged as he walked out of the elevator.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Darien followed and
they stopped at the counter around the corner from
her room.
"Hmm... how should I put this?... she'll be good for
you Dare. You have to admit she's the one person
who can make you lose that precious control you
have over your emotions." Andrew held up a hand to
stop whatever Darien was gonna say.
"She's been doing it for months, since you first
got hit by that test paper of hers you haven't
been the same guy as before. You come into the
arcade either angry or bored, bicker with her, and
leave with a big grin. You tease her, but you also
gave her your jacket the other day. You have never
done that for anyone before... You guys act like
you hate each other, but we all realized that wasn't
true. You'd both be good for each other, she brings
out the lighter side in you, and you could probably
help her mature a bit more." Andrew smiled and headed
over to her room.
"Sounds like a great girl if she can do all that
to you." An older voice broke into Darien's
thoughts.
Turning he saw a gentleman of about 65-70 years
walking by with a bouquet of flowers in his hand.
He smiled at Darien and added, "My wife used to
do the same to me, five years younger than me
she was. We used to argue like cats and dogs when
we first met, everyone thought we hated each
other- for about three months. But during a summer
when she went away I was so miserable, I couldn't
explain it then BOOM! I realized I loved her."
The man smiled and sighed, "When she came back
I was surprised to find out I was the first
person she wanted to see. I asked her out and...
we've been together for over 52 years."
"Wow" Darien saw the emotion in the older man's
eyes.
The old man laughed, "But boy did we hate each
other at first, we still do sometimes- but I
wouldn't give her up for the world." He nodded
his head and excused himself, heading over to
one of the rooms down the hall.
His parting words stuck in Darien's mind as
the old man added- "If you're really like my
Celie and me- you're gonna have to tell her
you love her before its too late. I nearly
lost my girl to the competition- I'm sure you
must have some too."
[Lose Serena... ] Darien was brought out of his
musings when Ken, Ilene and Andrew walked over
to talk to him.
"Is Serena ok?" He asked and the nodded yes,
they explained that Mark had dropped by and
they'd left them to talk.
[She's talking to Mark?] A pang of jealousy
hit Darien, but he shook his head to rid
himself of it. [Stop being stupid Darien]
He focused on the Tsukino's as they discussed
what to do about Lucien.
**********************************************************************
"So how are you feeling Serena?" Mark sat by her legs
on the bed.
Serena shivered and pulled up the covers a bit, "Ok
I guess- I'm really sleepy and I feel really heavy
and blah."
She smiled and suddenly raised a hand to her hair,
"Oh gosh I must look horrible!" she groaned and
put her head beneath the covers.
"No you look fine!" Mark laughed and leaned forward to
pull the blanket back.
Serena looked up skeptically, "You're not just saying
that?"
Mark shook his head and bade her to sit up since
she'd slipped down into the blankets. Serena tried,
only to find her arms feeling oddly weak. "I can't
sit up." she pouted and tried again.
"Here let me help" Mark scooted forward and gently
took a hold of her sides beneath her arms and lifted
her to her pillow.
He'd come a lot closer, Serena lay wondering what
to do as he slipped his hands down from her body to
the bed, to support himself a bit over her. "Thanks"
"Yeah" Mark smiled and lifted a hand to her face,
cupping it as Darien had the night before.
[Oh no- he can't like me!] Serena watched unsure
of what to do to geth him away. She licked her
parched lips lightly and realized her mistake as
his eyes focused on her mouth now and he leaned
down as if to kiss her.
She was saved by a knock on her door.
Dr. Mizuno stepped in and Mark moved away, standing
beside her instead of sitting on the bed. "So how
are we doing this morning?" Dr. Mizuno smiled and
greeted Mark.
"All right I guess," Serena yawned and pulled up
the covers, watching as Mark stepped outside to
allow the doctor to work.
Dr. Mizuno waited for him to step outside and
smiled down at Serena. "That's gonna be a tough
call."
"What is?" Serena wondered
"Well you have two very good young men vying
for your attentions..." the doctor smiled as
Serena flushed, but she nodded and sighed.
"The good news is that if you're feeling well
enough you can go home for Christmas."
"And the bad news?" Serena asked
Dr. Mizuno patted her hand, "I'm afraid your
parents have decided to press charges and
you'll be going to court soon."
Serena gasped, "Press charges? Against whom?
Why?"
"You mean you don't even know why you're here?"
Dr. Mizuno looked down at the worried girl
before her. "Lucien drugged you"
Serena froze, a flashback to the night before
came to mind.
~~~ "I'm sorry"
Surprised, Serena turned back to look at him and noted the
concerned look in his eyes. "Sorry for what?" she whispered.
Darien sighed and took hold of her hand, "For letting this
happen to you. I knew he'd be trouble for you, we tried
to warn you but you wouldn't believe me and I should have
paid better..."
"Warn me about him? Who'd you... What does Lucien have to
do with this?" Serena interrupted.
"He made you get sick," Darien said, and waited for her
reaction. ~~~
"I'll go talk to your parents about your
going home." Dr. Mizuno patted her hand
gently and left her to her thoughts.
After a few moments on her own, Serena was
re-joined by Andrew who'd wanted to see
her alone for a while.
The first thing he saw were the tears slipping
from her eyes silently as she stared down at
her lap. Moving over beside her, he lifted
her chin and asked what was wrong.
"I... I thought... nevermind." she wiped her
eyes and sniffled. "Aren't you missing your
christmas celebration Andy? You should be
at home opening your gifts with Lizzy and
your parents, not here."
Andrew smiled and shook his head, "You
honestly think I could celebrate knowing
you were in a hospital?"
Serena shrugged, "I guess not... I don't know...
I'm really confused right now Andy- that's all"
"Anything I could help with?" Andrew pulled up a
chair beside her.
Biting her lip for a moment, Serena finally
nodded and spoke. "How do you tell someone
that you care about them, but that you lo-
care about someone else too?"
"Care about someone else or love someone
else? There's a big difference." Andrew
sat back, knowing full well who she spoke
of.
"But I'm not sure if I he loves me too and
I won't be the first one to say it 'cuz
what if he doesn't?" Serena yawned and lay back.
"One of you will have to say it first Serena,
he's never had anyone like you- I'm pretty
sure he doesn't recognize his feelings for
what they are, but he does feel that way
towards you." Andrew watched her struggling
to stay awake.
"You sure?" Serena stifled another yawn and
blinked her heavy eyes.
"I'm sure- get some rest Serena" Andrew
stood and pushed her hair off her face.
"But I'm so tired of sleeping..." she yawned
and felt her body getting heavier.
"Its what you need right now, you need to
rest and let your system recover." Andrew
leaned down and kissed her forehead, whispering
"Sleep"
Smiling down at his little Serena, he realized
she wasn't as little as he thought her to be,
but not quite old enough for all this either.
[Poor little thing] he pulled up her covers
and turned at the sound of the door opening.
"We're taking her home!" Ilene smiled and
was soon followed by Ken, Dr. Mizuno, Sammy,
Darien and Mark.
"You sure about this Dr.? " Andrew looked
down at the sleeping girl.
"Yes, all she needs now is to rest, and
she shouldn't spend Christmas in a hospital.
She's one of the luckier patients who's well
enough to go home."
"How're you gonna get her to the car?" Sammy
walked in and sat down on the chair Andrew
had vacated.
"I guess I'll have to carry her down." Ken
wondered if his back could take it.
"And make your back troubles worse? Nonsense!
I'm sure we can find someone else who will carry
her down for us, its not like she's the heaviest
person on earth." Ilene told him, fully expecting the
following replies.
"I could take her for you" Darien and Mark both
offered.
"Thank you Darien, I'd be much obliged." Ken
stood back and Darien moved forward to carry
her.
"What about the IV?" he asked
Dr. Mizuno shook her head, "We didn't mean just
this second." She and Ilene shooed everyone out,
asking Sammy to go find the lost Amy. "We're
gonna get her ready."
The IV was carefully removed. Serena's hospital
gown came off easily enough and she woke up
as the cold air hit her bare arms and chest.
"I'm cold" she whispered, blinking sleepily
up at her mom.
"I know dear but I'm sure you'll be more
comfortable being carried down in your
PJ's than in a hospital gown." Ilene kissed
her forehead and pulled Serena to sit up.
"Help me get you dressed dear." She went
slowly, but soon enough Serena lay back down in
her pink tank-top bunny PJ's. Lifting the bed's
backrest, Ilene stood beside her and combed
through her hair, with the speed and efficiency
only a mother could have, Serena's hair was
tangle-free and hanging in a long braid down
her back. "Your meatballs wouldn't be too
comfortable later."
Serena nodded and shivered, pulling up the
covers again. Dr. Mizuno checked her temperature
(standard procedure) asked how she felt and
then went over to the door and called the men
back in. Amy had returned- having called the
girls and told them they were invited over to
the Tsukino's later on. (Ken had asked her
to invite them over for a bit)
Smiling at Serena, Amy came over and hugged
her carefully. "How do you feel?"
"Ok" Serena smiled and looked around the
room.
"So when can we go?" Sammy asked, impatiently.
Dr. Mizuno walked over to Ken and led
him over to the receptionists asking for
Serena's release papers she'd had them type
up. Ilene looked around the room to make
sure she didn't leave anything, grateful
that they had come too early for the flower
shop to be open and spotted a small box
and some wrapping paper on a nearby counter.
"What was in this dear?" She came over with
the box, her eyes sparkling excitedly.
[So that's where she gets it] Darien smiled
as Ilene reminded him of Serena waiting
for her hot chocolate.
Serena blushed and smiled, "That was my
last gift." she pulled out the music box
and showed it to everyone.
"Oh its so pretty!" Amy touched the little
circle that opened it and the song started
palying softly.
Ilene's eyes softened and she smiled
tenderly. "So'd you find out who he was?"
Serena nodded, unsure if she should
say who or not. "And?" Amy asked eagerly.
Serena bit her lip uncertainly before
replying. "Lets just say I wasn't dissapointed"
Dr. Mizuno re-entered and told them they could
get going if they wanted- "Ken's almost
done with the paperwork so if you want to
start heading down you can."
Andrew helped Ilene carry down Serena's stuff
from the night before. Her poofy ball dress
had been hung in a little closet, her shoes
and mask were with it. Sammy led the way out,
with Amy beside him. Mark walked along with
them and Ilene and Andrew followed closely.
Darien noticed her shivering as she pulled
off the blankets and looked around for
his coat. [I must have left it on the sofa
overnight] "I'll be right back" he hurried
out and over to the sofa, but it was gone.
"Kay did anyone find a black tuxedo jacket?"
Darien asked as he headed over to the counter.
She smiled and handed it over, "Wouldn't want
her to get cold would we?" she winked and
picked up her purse. "Merry Christmas
Darien!" she smiled and headed over to the
elevators.
"Thanks, you too Kay!" He smiled and walked
back to Serena's room, where she was asking
Ken about Lucien.
"We'll talk about that some other time,
he's already been reported and they're
contacting the other people he gave that
stuff to for check ups and tests." He leaned
forward and hugged her carefully, "But lets
not worry about that today- its Christmas!"
Serena smiled and nodded, her smile growing
a bit brighter as she spotted Darien over her
dad's shoulder and saw the warm smile on
his face. He came over and Ken stood, thanking
him again for his help. "Its not problem"
Leaving them to catch up with Ilene and
the others, Ken realized he didn't mind
the idea of Darien carrying his daughter.
[And here I always said I'd shoot the
first man to touch her!] He chuckled and
shook his head as he remembered his old
pledge. [He's a decent young man though,
with a good future ahead of him.] Thinking
over Darien's qualifications, Ken wondered
about the young man's family. [I'll have to
ask about that later] He didn't even wait
for them in the elevator, so lost in thought
he was.
Back in the room, Darien lay his jacket over
her shoulders and smiled as he saw she still
held the locket. "I thought your mom took
all your stuff?"
Serena nodded and put her arms through
his coat's sleeves. "Smells just like the
other one." she smiled and wondered how
he'd lift her.
He leaned down and placed his hand beneath
her back and her legs, carrying her princess
style again. Serena carefully raised her arm
and placed it around his neck, her other one
holding the locket still.
"So what's gonna happen now??" Serena asked
as he walked over to the elevator and she
pressed the button with her free hand.
"Happen now?" Darien looked down at her
as she nodded.
"Between us- what'll happen?" She bit
her lip uncertainly and waited for his reply.
Stepping into the elevator and waiting for
the doors to close, Darien leaned against
the wall remembering the older man's advice.
~~~ "If you're really like my
Celie and me- you're gonna have to tell her
you love her before its too late. I nearly
lost my girl to the competition- ..." ~~~
He suddenly asked. "Do you think you could love me?"
Serena's eyes widened but she nodded 'Yes'
and was brought closer to him so their faces
were almost touching, his eyes staring intensely
into hers. Cautiously he continued, "Would it help
if I said I already love you?"
Her throat suddenly contstricted and her eyes
watered, Serena nodded, "But only if you really
meant it." her shaky voice showing her uncertainty.
Darien nodded and brought his lips to hers, his
breath caressing as he wispered, "I do" before kissing her again.
**********************************************************************
Ok's well that's not the end- just one more part to go, but
that seemed like a good place to stop. Start with a kis- end with
a kiss ^.^ I hope you like this chapter- And don't forget to Reivew!
Thanks!
BunnyRena
schoolwork. Thanks for all the reviews I hope this chapter
is to your liking!
* Just a note: The star locket in the fic doesn't play the
same music as in the story. I had to change it so it could
go with the song. If anyone's seen the film Simply Irresistable
and heard that song 'Once In a Blue Moon' the locket plays
that song- And I took out the last part of the song 'cuz
it didn't really fit in here ^.^;;
** Disclaimer- I don't own these characters or anything that has
been trademarked so don't sue me k-? **
~~~ Denote Flashbacks
**********************************************************************
- We left off...
... their lips lightly touched and...
...he was kissing her.
Serena would have smiled were she not stunned by the sensations
being kissed by Darien was causing her. His breath washed over her,
dark, musky, with the hint of roses she'd come to recognize him by.
His smooth, firm lips pressed against hers subtly, and she wondered
how to respond to a kiss. Cautiously raising her left hand to his
head, her fingers brushed slightly against his hair before
her fingers threaded through it.
Accepting that as a form of ecouragement, Darien dropped the bed
control beside her and moved his hands to lift her closer to him.
His left hand slipped to the center of her upper back and
supported her, while his right hand moved up to cradle her neck
and head. [So soft... ] He kissed her deeply, forgetting
everything- where they were, why they were there- all that
mattered was that he was kising Serena, finally.
Unable to stop, Darien leaned forward more and pulled her closer.
Serena made a sound at the back of her throat and lifted her
free hand up to his back, flinching slightly as she again pulled
on the IV needle.
Feeling the expression through the kiss, Darien was surprised
when he tried to pull away and Serena tightened her hold on
the back of his head. Smiling, Darien pulled back far enough to
whisper against her mouth, "Open your lips"
Unsure of wether she should, Serena opened them only a bit
as she felt Darien's lips come back down on hers.
Having realized she wasn't sure, Darien determined to
show her why, opening his own mouth and lightly running his
toungue over her lips. The shiver that ran through her,
encouraged him more and soon enough he felt her lips relaxing
and managed to nudge them apart.
Gasping, Serena clutched at Darien's shirt and neck as she
felt his toungue enter her mouth and explore. The feel of
his toungue against hers, the slickness of it as it traced
her pallet, her teeth, every part of her mouth, nothing was
left unexplored.
Serena remembered all the movies that showed both people in
the kiss participating, and slowly lifted her toungue to
his- smiling as she heard him groan and twine his with
hers. An odd heat was running through her, her hands trembled
and she unwillingly moaned as their toungues danced.
The sound bringing him back to reality, Darien remembered
the night's earlier events. [Damn, she was hurt...] Pulling
back and ending the kiss, he looked down at the girl in his
arms. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes wide and vague at first,
then clearing and sparkling up at him. Her hand moved
down from his neck to around his shoulder to hold on to him.
Noting the confusion in her eyes, he smiled and apologized
as he pulled the messy box out of his pocket. "I'm sorry
Serena, I hadn't planned on you finding out like this."
Looking down at the familiar wrapping, Serena couldn't stop
the gasp that escaped her as she lifted suprised eyes to
Darien's face. "It was you?"
Nodding his head yes, Darien settled the box on her lap as he
lifted his hand to her face again. "I wasn't sure how to
tell you. I've only just come to understand how I feel about
you... but I wasn't sure how you would react to finding out I
was your admirer." He stroked her face gently, cupping her
cheek in his hand.
"I can't believe it was you," Serena whispered and looked up
into his eyes, "I kinda hoped it might be but..."
"But what?"
Smiling shyly up at him she added, "You just seemed so out
of my league, you're so smart and handsome and cool..."
Darien chuckled and played with a curl by her ear, "And
here I thought it was you who was out of my league."
Noticing the confusion in her eyes, Darien explained, "You
are so sweet and happy, you're cheerful and popular and...
I dunno, you make me feel things I've never felt before.
So many emotions I never thought I'd feel have suddenly
just appeared. I get jealous when someone comes near you or
when you smile at another guy like at Andrew. My whole day
gets ruined if I don't see you either in the morning or
in the afternoon..."
"Really?" Serena interrupted and said she felt the
same. "I get so grumpy when I don't get to see you too!"
Darien grinned and re-adjusted his arm beneath her back,
accidentally reaching the open part of the hospital gown
so his hand unexpectedly touched her bare back.
Serena shivered as she felt his hand on her back and
looked up to his midnight eyes. Moving her hand from
his shoulder, Serena cupped his cheek as he had hers
and moved it up to his black eye. "How did you get
this?" she lightly touched his eye and kept her fingers
smoothing back his eyebrow.
"It doesn't matter" He shrugged and struggled to keep
himself in check as the contact with her skin became
a bit much, even for him.
Looking his face over, Serena noticed a small scar
beside his lip. With her eyes focused on his lips
now, she spoke without thinking over her words.
"Did you really kiss me?"
Darien nodded and lifted her chin to meet his gaze
as she snapped out of her thoughts. He laughed a
bit at the taken aback look in her eyes as she
asked. "I asked that out loud didn't I?"
"Yeah" Darien grinned and watched as she suddenly
yawned, her eyes now drooping sleepily. He began to
lower her again, ordering, "Get some rest now so you
can get out of here soon."
But Serena held him tight and he was obliged to
lift her back upright to avoid hurting her. "Are
you leaving?" she suddenly looked very frightened
as she glanced around the room.
"I'll sleep in that chair over there." Darien
nodded towards it and settled her back against the
pillows, moving the backrest up with the control
now that his hands were free.
"Can I open this?" Serena lifted the forgotten box
from her lap and looked up at him, yawning again.
"Later, you need to rest Serena." Darien was about
to take it away but she shook her head.
"Please?" She gave him her best puppy-dog look and
smiled as he sighed and nodded. "But you're gonna
go to sleep afterwords."
Nodding, Serena pulled on the ribbons and paper
until she had the box opened and she smiled as she
saw the star inside. "Its so pretty!" she pulled
it out and smiled wider as the lid opened to
play a light tune.
"I don't know why it made me think of you, but
it did." Darien took away the wrapping paper
and box that had held the locket, setting them
on a nearby counter.
Serena hummed along and looked down at the
pretty moon and stars in the circle. "There
was a blue moon tonight too."
"A what?" Darien moved beside her on the bed
to lean against her pillows a bit.
Serena pointed to the little moon, it wasn't
painted white or grey like most, it was a
silverish-blue. "A blue moon... technically our
real moon goes through a phase once every 28 years
that makes it appear blue from here, making it
a blue moon." she shrugged and looked out the
partially closed windows, humming to the song
again.
Darien watched her averted profile, wondering
where that information had come from. Before he
could ask, Serena suddenly turned and looked
back into his eyes. "Could you stay with me
for a bit? 'Till I fall asleep?" her eyes
were droopy already and Darien nodded.
"Ok, then could you go around to the other side
of the bed?" Serena lifted her arm with the IV
and grimaced.
"Don't move too much Serena" Darien
straightened from his leaning position by the
bed and walked around to the other side,
suprised as she scooted over to the edge of
the opposite side.
Serena smiled softly and patted the bed. "I
was just making some room for ya."
Looking her over, Darien sighed and stood
beside her. "Can't you at least sit with me?
This bed's big enough to hold the both of
us and you'll be on top of the blankets."
Serena asked hopefully and the look in her
eyes made it nearly impossible to say no.
"All right- but if your father kills me..."
Darien sat beside her, not intending to
lean back against the pillows 'till she
moved over and pushed him back to lay her
head on his shoulder. "Thanks Darien" Serena
smiled and closed the locket as the song ended.
"I can't spend the night like this Serena."
Darien clarified.
"I know, just stay 'till I fall asleep."
Sje settled her head more comfortably
and opened the locket again, humming a
bit to the music again.
Laying with his shoulder as her pillow,
Darien sighed and made himself comfortable,
resting his head above hers and turning onto
his side so he could wrap his free arm around
her to keep her warm.
Serena was humming still before she started
singing softly.
"The room is empty
The lights are dim
And my heart wonders
If I'll ever see you again
My tears are hungry
For an open door
When your arms held me
I never felt that way before
I'll be waiting
I'll be watching
Under a blue moon
The taste of heaven
Only happens
Once in a blue moon
Once in a blue moon"
The last two lines were hardly audible as she
clicked the locket shut and whispered sleepily.
"That's how I felt when our dance ended."
Feeling her body relax totally in his arms,
Darien listened to her steady breathing and
thought over the events of the night. The most
surprising thing being Serena's reaction to
him and his feelings. [Not to mention her trip
to the hospital...] Without even realizing it,
Darien soon nodded off, turning further towards
Serena, who had turned over onto her side with
her back to him, so they lay spoon-fashioned
together in the bed.
**********************************************************************
"Holy crud." Sammy stood in the doorway to Serena's room, staring
at the bed.
"What is it?" Andrew came over behind him and stared wide-eyed at
the bed.
Amy came over to look too, "So?..." She smiled as she saw the
pair on the bed, and quickly looked over to where Serena's parents
were coming over. "Oh dear" pushing past the two guys, she came
over beside the bed and shook Darien.
"Wake up" she looked over at Serena, sleeping soundly with her head
on his arm.
"Wha...?" Darien sleepily looked over his shoulder and met with
Amy's worried gaze.
"My parents are coming down the hall." Sammy explained and watched
as Darien tried to pull away.
"Mmm- mmm" Serena lifted a hand to his arm and protested the loss
of her pillow.
"Sorry babe" Darien pulled back carefully and slipped off the bed,
moving over to the chair he'd told her he'd spend the night in,
he messed up an extra blanket that was on it as though he'd
just gotten up from there.
Just in time as well, Ken and Ikuko arrived just seconds after
he sat down. Ilene came over and smiled down at him, "You poor
dear did you wake up in the middle of the night? We thought it
best to leave you to your sleep."
"Thank you, yes I woke up and came over to check on her." Darien
smiled, still sleepy and caught the other's curious looks.
"If you'll excuse us, we'll take Darien downstairs so he can
get some coffee." Andrew nodded towards the door and Darien,
Sammy, and Amy all followed.
"Did any of the nurses come in during the night?" Ken asked
him.
[Oh shoot! I hope not!] Darien shrugged and grimaced. "I'm
afraid I passed out like a light as soon as I sat down again."
"Well thank you for staying here with her, I'm sure if she woke
up and was afraid, seeing you there probably helped." Ken
smiled and Sammy unexpectedly laughed.
"What is so funny young man?" Ikuko asked.
Shaking his hea, Sammy quickly stepped out of the room
calling out over his shoulder, "Nothing mom!"
Darien walked out with Andrew and Amy, refusing to answer
anything until he'd gotten his promised coffee. He stopped
by the nurses station and asked about who'd been working
the overnight shift. A good acquaintance of his Kay
spoke up, "I was the one who had to check in on your girl-
friend last night, but don't worry, I'm not the type to
get someone into trouble. I won't even mention her company
last night."
Darien smiled, relieved, "Thanks Kay"
"So you spent the night with her?!" Amy skipped anxiously
beside him all the way down to the cafeteria.
Darien nodded and sat down while Andrew got them coffee. He
returned to their table with Sammy and some food. "We thought
you'd be hungry too."
"Thanks" Darien opened a blueberry muffin and ate it with his
coffee as the others started bombarding him with questions.
Andrew- "So you weren't really asleep when we left were you?"
Amy- "Did you finally tell her how you feel?"
Andrew- "Did you give her the last clue?"
Amy- "What's gonna happen now, are you an item?"
"Is she still a vir..." Sammy's question was muffled by
Andrew and Darien choked on his bite of the muffin.
After catching his breath, he nodded at Sammy. "Of course
she's still a vir- you know- I was on top of the covers!"
He shook his head and set down the food, now fully awake.
"Yes we did get our feelings cleared up, no I wasn't really
asleep when you left, no I'm not sure where things are going
from here, yes I gaver her the last gift, and yes she is still
whole!" Darien added for Sammy.
"You didn't even kiss her?" Sammy asked.
Smiling, Darien nodded, "Yes, but that was the only thing that
happened last night."
Amy sighed, "Ohh... Serena's first ball and her first kiss..."
she stared dreamily off to the side, picturing what the dance
was like.
Darien stared wide-eyed at the dreamy girl. "She'd never been
kissed?!"
"Nu-uh" Amy shook her head and finished off her hot-chocolate.
"I'd better go call up the girls and tell them what happened,
I was running late this morning, see you in her room!" she
walked over to the elevators and headed up to her mom's
office.
"My sister got kissed? Yuck!" Sammy laughed and shook his head.
"I'm gonna go see if she's awake yet." he took off too.
Andrew finished his own coffee and sat back looking at his
messy friend. "So you got the girl?" he raised an eyebrow
inquisitively.
Darien smiled, "Yep" he finished his coffee and muffin.
"Come on lets go back upstairs." he stood and headed up
before Andrew.
"What about Lucien?" Andrew asked as they waited for
the elevator.
Darien frowned, "He'd just better hope I don't find him
any time soon."
"Is she pressing charges?" Andrew entered the elevator
behind him.
"I don't know, I kinda forgot about that" Darien rubbed
his eyes, his bruised one hurting as he did so.
"That's some black eye" Andrew laughed as he thought
back to how hard it had been to restrain Darien.
"And what's so funny?" Darien glared
"Nothing, I'm just glad you and Serena are hooking up."
Andrew shrugged as he walked out of the elevator.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Darien followed and
they stopped at the counter around the corner from
her room.
"Hmm... how should I put this?... she'll be good for
you Dare. You have to admit she's the one person
who can make you lose that precious control you
have over your emotions." Andrew held up a hand to
stop whatever Darien was gonna say.
"She's been doing it for months, since you first
got hit by that test paper of hers you haven't
been the same guy as before. You come into the
arcade either angry or bored, bicker with her, and
leave with a big grin. You tease her, but you also
gave her your jacket the other day. You have never
done that for anyone before... You guys act like
you hate each other, but we all realized that wasn't
true. You'd both be good for each other, she brings
out the lighter side in you, and you could probably
help her mature a bit more." Andrew smiled and headed
over to her room.
"Sounds like a great girl if she can do all that
to you." An older voice broke into Darien's
thoughts.
Turning he saw a gentleman of about 65-70 years
walking by with a bouquet of flowers in his hand.
He smiled at Darien and added, "My wife used to
do the same to me, five years younger than me
she was. We used to argue like cats and dogs when
we first met, everyone thought we hated each
other- for about three months. But during a summer
when she went away I was so miserable, I couldn't
explain it then BOOM! I realized I loved her."
The man smiled and sighed, "When she came back
I was surprised to find out I was the first
person she wanted to see. I asked her out and...
we've been together for over 52 years."
"Wow" Darien saw the emotion in the older man's
eyes.
The old man laughed, "But boy did we hate each
other at first, we still do sometimes- but I
wouldn't give her up for the world." He nodded
his head and excused himself, heading over to
one of the rooms down the hall.
His parting words stuck in Darien's mind as
the old man added- "If you're really like my
Celie and me- you're gonna have to tell her
you love her before its too late. I nearly
lost my girl to the competition- I'm sure you
must have some too."
[Lose Serena... ] Darien was brought out of his
musings when Ken, Ilene and Andrew walked over
to talk to him.
"Is Serena ok?" He asked and the nodded yes,
they explained that Mark had dropped by and
they'd left them to talk.
[She's talking to Mark?] A pang of jealousy
hit Darien, but he shook his head to rid
himself of it. [Stop being stupid Darien]
He focused on the Tsukino's as they discussed
what to do about Lucien.
**********************************************************************
"So how are you feeling Serena?" Mark sat by her legs
on the bed.
Serena shivered and pulled up the covers a bit, "Ok
I guess- I'm really sleepy and I feel really heavy
and blah."
She smiled and suddenly raised a hand to her hair,
"Oh gosh I must look horrible!" she groaned and
put her head beneath the covers.
"No you look fine!" Mark laughed and leaned forward to
pull the blanket back.
Serena looked up skeptically, "You're not just saying
that?"
Mark shook his head and bade her to sit up since
she'd slipped down into the blankets. Serena tried,
only to find her arms feeling oddly weak. "I can't
sit up." she pouted and tried again.
"Here let me help" Mark scooted forward and gently
took a hold of her sides beneath her arms and lifted
her to her pillow.
He'd come a lot closer, Serena lay wondering what
to do as he slipped his hands down from her body to
the bed, to support himself a bit over her. "Thanks"
"Yeah" Mark smiled and lifted a hand to her face,
cupping it as Darien had the night before.
[Oh no- he can't like me!] Serena watched unsure
of what to do to geth him away. She licked her
parched lips lightly and realized her mistake as
his eyes focused on her mouth now and he leaned
down as if to kiss her.
She was saved by a knock on her door.
Dr. Mizuno stepped in and Mark moved away, standing
beside her instead of sitting on the bed. "So how
are we doing this morning?" Dr. Mizuno smiled and
greeted Mark.
"All right I guess," Serena yawned and pulled up
the covers, watching as Mark stepped outside to
allow the doctor to work.
Dr. Mizuno waited for him to step outside and
smiled down at Serena. "That's gonna be a tough
call."
"What is?" Serena wondered
"Well you have two very good young men vying
for your attentions..." the doctor smiled as
Serena flushed, but she nodded and sighed.
"The good news is that if you're feeling well
enough you can go home for Christmas."
"And the bad news?" Serena asked
Dr. Mizuno patted her hand, "I'm afraid your
parents have decided to press charges and
you'll be going to court soon."
Serena gasped, "Press charges? Against whom?
Why?"
"You mean you don't even know why you're here?"
Dr. Mizuno looked down at the worried girl
before her. "Lucien drugged you"
Serena froze, a flashback to the night before
came to mind.
~~~ "I'm sorry"
Surprised, Serena turned back to look at him and noted the
concerned look in his eyes. "Sorry for what?" she whispered.
Darien sighed and took hold of her hand, "For letting this
happen to you. I knew he'd be trouble for you, we tried
to warn you but you wouldn't believe me and I should have
paid better..."
"Warn me about him? Who'd you... What does Lucien have to
do with this?" Serena interrupted.
"He made you get sick," Darien said, and waited for her
reaction. ~~~
"I'll go talk to your parents about your
going home." Dr. Mizuno patted her hand
gently and left her to her thoughts.
After a few moments on her own, Serena was
re-joined by Andrew who'd wanted to see
her alone for a while.
The first thing he saw were the tears slipping
from her eyes silently as she stared down at
her lap. Moving over beside her, he lifted
her chin and asked what was wrong.
"I... I thought... nevermind." she wiped her
eyes and sniffled. "Aren't you missing your
christmas celebration Andy? You should be
at home opening your gifts with Lizzy and
your parents, not here."
Andrew smiled and shook his head, "You
honestly think I could celebrate knowing
you were in a hospital?"
Serena shrugged, "I guess not... I don't know...
I'm really confused right now Andy- that's all"
"Anything I could help with?" Andrew pulled up a
chair beside her.
Biting her lip for a moment, Serena finally
nodded and spoke. "How do you tell someone
that you care about them, but that you lo-
care about someone else too?"
"Care about someone else or love someone
else? There's a big difference." Andrew
sat back, knowing full well who she spoke
of.
"But I'm not sure if I he loves me too and
I won't be the first one to say it 'cuz
what if he doesn't?" Serena yawned and lay back.
"One of you will have to say it first Serena,
he's never had anyone like you- I'm pretty
sure he doesn't recognize his feelings for
what they are, but he does feel that way
towards you." Andrew watched her struggling
to stay awake.
"You sure?" Serena stifled another yawn and
blinked her heavy eyes.
"I'm sure- get some rest Serena" Andrew
stood and pushed her hair off her face.
"But I'm so tired of sleeping..." she yawned
and felt her body getting heavier.
"Its what you need right now, you need to
rest and let your system recover." Andrew
leaned down and kissed her forehead, whispering
"Sleep"
Smiling down at his little Serena, he realized
she wasn't as little as he thought her to be,
but not quite old enough for all this either.
[Poor little thing] he pulled up her covers
and turned at the sound of the door opening.
"We're taking her home!" Ilene smiled and
was soon followed by Ken, Dr. Mizuno, Sammy,
Darien and Mark.
"You sure about this Dr.? " Andrew looked
down at the sleeping girl.
"Yes, all she needs now is to rest, and
she shouldn't spend Christmas in a hospital.
She's one of the luckier patients who's well
enough to go home."
"How're you gonna get her to the car?" Sammy
walked in and sat down on the chair Andrew
had vacated.
"I guess I'll have to carry her down." Ken
wondered if his back could take it.
"And make your back troubles worse? Nonsense!
I'm sure we can find someone else who will carry
her down for us, its not like she's the heaviest
person on earth." Ilene told him, fully expecting the
following replies.
"I could take her for you" Darien and Mark both
offered.
"Thank you Darien, I'd be much obliged." Ken
stood back and Darien moved forward to carry
her.
"What about the IV?" he asked
Dr. Mizuno shook her head, "We didn't mean just
this second." She and Ilene shooed everyone out,
asking Sammy to go find the lost Amy. "We're
gonna get her ready."
The IV was carefully removed. Serena's hospital
gown came off easily enough and she woke up
as the cold air hit her bare arms and chest.
"I'm cold" she whispered, blinking sleepily
up at her mom.
"I know dear but I'm sure you'll be more
comfortable being carried down in your
PJ's than in a hospital gown." Ilene kissed
her forehead and pulled Serena to sit up.
"Help me get you dressed dear." She went
slowly, but soon enough Serena lay back down in
her pink tank-top bunny PJ's. Lifting the bed's
backrest, Ilene stood beside her and combed
through her hair, with the speed and efficiency
only a mother could have, Serena's hair was
tangle-free and hanging in a long braid down
her back. "Your meatballs wouldn't be too
comfortable later."
Serena nodded and shivered, pulling up the
covers again. Dr. Mizuno checked her temperature
(standard procedure) asked how she felt and
then went over to the door and called the men
back in. Amy had returned- having called the
girls and told them they were invited over to
the Tsukino's later on. (Ken had asked her
to invite them over for a bit)
Smiling at Serena, Amy came over and hugged
her carefully. "How do you feel?"
"Ok" Serena smiled and looked around the
room.
"So when can we go?" Sammy asked, impatiently.
Dr. Mizuno walked over to Ken and led
him over to the receptionists asking for
Serena's release papers she'd had them type
up. Ilene looked around the room to make
sure she didn't leave anything, grateful
that they had come too early for the flower
shop to be open and spotted a small box
and some wrapping paper on a nearby counter.
"What was in this dear?" She came over with
the box, her eyes sparkling excitedly.
[So that's where she gets it] Darien smiled
as Ilene reminded him of Serena waiting
for her hot chocolate.
Serena blushed and smiled, "That was my
last gift." she pulled out the music box
and showed it to everyone.
"Oh its so pretty!" Amy touched the little
circle that opened it and the song started
palying softly.
Ilene's eyes softened and she smiled
tenderly. "So'd you find out who he was?"
Serena nodded, unsure if she should
say who or not. "And?" Amy asked eagerly.
Serena bit her lip uncertainly before
replying. "Lets just say I wasn't dissapointed"
Dr. Mizuno re-entered and told them they could
get going if they wanted- "Ken's almost
done with the paperwork so if you want to
start heading down you can."
Andrew helped Ilene carry down Serena's stuff
from the night before. Her poofy ball dress
had been hung in a little closet, her shoes
and mask were with it. Sammy led the way out,
with Amy beside him. Mark walked along with
them and Ilene and Andrew followed closely.
Darien noticed her shivering as she pulled
off the blankets and looked around for
his coat. [I must have left it on the sofa
overnight] "I'll be right back" he hurried
out and over to the sofa, but it was gone.
"Kay did anyone find a black tuxedo jacket?"
Darien asked as he headed over to the counter.
She smiled and handed it over, "Wouldn't want
her to get cold would we?" she winked and
picked up her purse. "Merry Christmas
Darien!" she smiled and headed over to the
elevators.
"Thanks, you too Kay!" He smiled and walked
back to Serena's room, where she was asking
Ken about Lucien.
"We'll talk about that some other time,
he's already been reported and they're
contacting the other people he gave that
stuff to for check ups and tests." He leaned
forward and hugged her carefully, "But lets
not worry about that today- its Christmas!"
Serena smiled and nodded, her smile growing
a bit brighter as she spotted Darien over her
dad's shoulder and saw the warm smile on
his face. He came over and Ken stood, thanking
him again for his help. "Its not problem"
Leaving them to catch up with Ilene and
the others, Ken realized he didn't mind
the idea of Darien carrying his daughter.
[And here I always said I'd shoot the
first man to touch her!] He chuckled and
shook his head as he remembered his old
pledge. [He's a decent young man though,
with a good future ahead of him.] Thinking
over Darien's qualifications, Ken wondered
about the young man's family. [I'll have to
ask about that later] He didn't even wait
for them in the elevator, so lost in thought
he was.
Back in the room, Darien lay his jacket over
her shoulders and smiled as he saw she still
held the locket. "I thought your mom took
all your stuff?"
Serena nodded and put her arms through
his coat's sleeves. "Smells just like the
other one." she smiled and wondered how
he'd lift her.
He leaned down and placed his hand beneath
her back and her legs, carrying her princess
style again. Serena carefully raised her arm
and placed it around his neck, her other one
holding the locket still.
"So what's gonna happen now??" Serena asked
as he walked over to the elevator and she
pressed the button with her free hand.
"Happen now?" Darien looked down at her
as she nodded.
"Between us- what'll happen?" She bit
her lip uncertainly and waited for his reply.
Stepping into the elevator and waiting for
the doors to close, Darien leaned against
the wall remembering the older man's advice.
~~~ "If you're really like my
Celie and me- you're gonna have to tell her
you love her before its too late. I nearly
lost my girl to the competition- ..." ~~~
He suddenly asked. "Do you think you could love me?"
Serena's eyes widened but she nodded 'Yes'
and was brought closer to him so their faces
were almost touching, his eyes staring intensely
into hers. Cautiously he continued, "Would it help
if I said I already love you?"
Her throat suddenly contstricted and her eyes
watered, Serena nodded, "But only if you really
meant it." her shaky voice showing her uncertainty.
Darien nodded and brought his lips to hers, his
breath caressing as he wispered, "I do" before kissing her again.
**********************************************************************
Ok's well that's not the end- just one more part to go, but
that seemed like a good place to stop. Start with a kis- end with
a kiss ^.^ I hope you like this chapter- And don't forget to Reivew!
Thanks!
BunnyRena