April 2002
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, but I do own the story
Note: Marcus, Francis and Charles are of my own creation, they are not based on
anyone, alive or dead.
Chapter 10
A knock on the bedroom door brought Darien out of slumber. His golden
haired Princess lay curled against him trustingly, her head on his shoulder. He
gently slid out from around her and pulled the covers to her chin. Grabbing his
robe be belted it, yawning, as he walked towards the door. He undid the locks and
opened the door part way so the bed was shielded. "Yes?"
"Darien, sir?"
"What can I do for you Charles?" he asked with a yawn, resting his shoulders
against the jamb and the door as he stared at the elderly man.
Charles glanced to the right, concerned, "The princess is not in her
chambers and the door is broken. Is she with you?"
He nodded, "Martin tried to hurt her again last night. I couldn't leave her
alone."
Charles let out a deep breath, "Thank heavens. Mina is downstairs in the
foyer with Dr. Mizuno and three other women. There is also a blonde man looking
for you."
Darien grimaced. "That'll be Andrew and one of the women has red hair.
She's Rita." he ran a hand over his face, "I'll wake Selenity up, send them along
and have them wait in her chambers, alright?"
Charles nodded, "As you say sir. Is Selenity all right? Martin didn't hurt
her?"
"Thankfully no, my cat raised the alarm. Of all things, eh? Anyway, give
us a few minutes before you send the gang along, alright?"
Charles nodded, looking carefully at his face. "Are you alright, sir?"
"Hmm?"
"Your eye..."
Darien grimaced, "Oh. I'm fine, it'll stop swelling in a couple of days."
Charles nodded, "I'll have Dr. Mizuno bring you some ice." His tone left no
room for argument as he turned away and Darien closed the door. He re-engaged the
locks and leaned against the plank. His eyes wandered back to his fiancée, curled
up in the center of the large bed, Luna sleeping on her pillow. A soft smile
crossed his lips. His two girls. His babies. With a sigh he walked back towards
the bed and sat on the edge, curving one hand gently around Selenity's shoulder,
"Selenity,"
She murmured a soft protest in her sleep, tying to push his hand away. He
chuckled, "Come on, sleepy head, we have guests arriving, it won't do for them to
find us dressed like this."
Her eyes fluttered open and she looked at him confused. "Darien? Why do I
hurt?"
He looked at her concerned, gently brushing her hair away from her eyes,
"Where, love?"
"All over. My wrists hurt, my back is sore. I feel like..." her eyes flew
wide as the previous night's events came rushing back to her. She rolled away from
him with a groan, "How can you look at me?" she asked softly.
Darien slid his hands around her shoulders and pulled her back to him, "I
can't if you're going to hide from me, lovely. I love you; I don't need another
reason. Amy, Mina and Drew are here to see us, plus a few others. Think you can
be sociable for a little while?"
She groaned again before whirling to face him, her eyes wide, "Oh my gosh!
It's Sunday!"
He nodded, "I know. I thought we talked about this earlier..."
She threw her arms around his shoulders and hugged him, "Not that, silly.
Happy Birthday, Endymion." He smiled, his arms going about her waist as she hugged
him. "Thank you for listening to me last night."
"Anytime, Princess." he pulled her off the bed and towards the bathroom.
She let him go as they approached and he helped her stand, though she seemed
steadier on her feet. She was reluctant to enter the other door as Darien reached
or the lock.
"Charles told me our friends were here, Selene. He also asked about you. I
think Mar- your uninvited guest woke up earlier and probably snuck back to his
room."
She swallowed hard, but nodded once, "I need clothes, open it."
"That's my girl." he undid the lock and pulled the door open. They entered
together and Selenity breathed a sigh of relief. Someone had tidied her room from
last night and everything was back in place. Her hand snuck up around her neck and
closed about her pendant. He led her to her dresser, "Pick something casual."
She rolled her eyes at him, "No, I was going to ask you to pull out my
formal wear. These are our friends, of course I'm going to pick something casual."
He chuckled as she pulled a pair of black slacks, a white blouse and small
white socks out of her drawers. He looked away when she asked and then offered her
his arm when she was ready. He escorted her back to the bathroom, locking the door
to her room and then removed his aid. "You change in here, I'll go slip into
something a little less revealing."
She grinned, "I like the robe."
He winked at her before closing the door on his side. "Call if you need
something, precious."
She acknowledged him as he stepped away and turned towards his bed. Luna
was gone. "Baby girl, come here little one." he called, kneeling on the floor and
looking around for her. She meowed, scampering over to him and into his hands.
She licked his face, his hands, his neck, anything she could get her tongue on.
She purred as he scratched her hear and her back, kneading his chest before laying
back. He obligingly gave her a belly rub. "Go eat, pet, daddy's got to change for
company. Drew is coming over."
She meowed, almost as if she recognized his best friend's name. Licking his
fingers one last time she nuzzled his hand and wandered back to her food dish. He
smiled as he pulled a new pair of black jeans out and slid into them. Barefoot he
paced to the small dresser and removed a black t-shirt and sweater. He quickly
pulled them both on before grabbing black socks. He pulled them on before Luna
could see them and stood. Reaching down into his sock and underwear drawer he
pulled out a can of cat treats. He shook them a couple of times and Luna fairly
flew over, meowing and rubbing up against his leg like she was starving for
affection. "You liar," he teased her, pulling a small fish-shaped treat out of the
can. He held it up out of her reach and she went up on her hind legs, wrapping her
forward paws around his hand to daintily take the treat.
He chuckled, watching her carefully eat the treats she rarely received. He
stroked her back while she ate it, making her purr. "What are those?"
He glanced up and left Luna on the floor, going to help Selenity back to the
bed. She instead sank to the floor next to him, petting the small cat. Her hair
was done up in its 'royal' hairstyle, but she looked casual enough for a day with
friends. "Cat treats. They're for when Luna," she meowed, "is a good kitten.
I'd say she met that mark last night."
"May I feed her one?"
He offered her the open can and she carefully took a treat. Luna licked her
teeth and lips, looking at her. She waited as the Princess was instructed how to
hold the treat before approaching cautiously. She sniffed at her hand, her tongue
snaking out to taste, before she carefully got up on her hind legs and took the
treat, her paws wrapped carefully around the Princess' hand.
"Are you still sore?"
She nodded, grimacing. "I think I should have Dr. Mizuno look at me."
Darien cocked his head to the side, placing the closed can of cat treats
next to her. "Speaking of which, I think I hear the gang remarking over your huge
TV. I'll go grab the Doc, don't feed her too many."
She smiled at him as he left, offering another treat to his cat while she
petted the silky soft animal.
Darien opened the bathroom door to Selenity's room and stood in the doorway.
The girls were laughing and talking loudly together, Andrew standing uncomfortably
off to one side.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the elusive gang of gossipers."
The conversation stopped as Darien spoke, his tone teasing. Drew's eyes lit
up, "Dare! Wow, man, I mean wow! This place is amazing! Where's Selenity?"
Darien jerked his head back towards his room, "In my room. We had a little
incident in here last night so she grabbed my bed. Dr. Mizuno, she'd like to speak
with you."
Amy detached herself from the group with a smile, dropping a bag of ice in
his hand, "Anything for her, Dare. Join Drew, he's out of his mind with what to
talk to us women about. Happy Birthday," she shot back over her shoulder as she
closed the bathroom door to his room.
"Indeed, Dare," Andrew came over and clapped his friend on the shoulder,
staring at his swollen eye curiously, "Happy Birthday, how's it feel to be another
year older?"
He rolled his eyes as the girls took turns kissing him on the cheek and
wishing him a happy birthday. Thankfully someone had told them not to ask about
his face. "Pretty good, actually. I'm engaged to this amazing young woman, and
I'm all set to take my finals for my PhD. Though that day is a few days away yet."
"Not to mention you've got to finish your classes." Rita offered him a bag,
"I took the liberty of going to your professors and explaining the situation. They
gave me some notes of what they covered on Friday so you won't have missed
anything. They're quite taken with you, you know?"
Darien chuckled, accepting the bag, "Thanks Rita. I appreciate it. So what
did everyone bring?"
Rita waved her hand at where Mina and a couple of girls were unpacking a
bunch of bags. Snacks of every kind, movies, board games, cards, candy, they
unloaded bag after bag and spread it out across the floor near the wall-sized TV.
Darien whistled in amazement, "Wow."
Rita grinned, reaching up to ruffle Andrew's hair, "Drew masterminded it
all. We ladies did the shopping. Charles supplied the funds."
Darien laughed. He swung an arm around his best friends and walked with
them towards the gossiping young women.
Selenity continued to pet Luna as Amy stepped into the room, offering a
fourth treat to the happily purring kitty.
"You wanted to talk to me, Selenity?"
Selenity nodded, wincing. Her bones ached. "I have a couple of questions."
Amy nodded. "May I sit?"
Selenity smiled slightly, "There's plenty of floor, help yourself."
Amy sat across from her, watching the Princess interact with the cat.
"What's on your mind?"
Selenity put the treats off to the side and scooped Luna up in her arms,
scratching the purring ball of silk behind the ears, "Am I supposed to ache in my
bones when I heal?"
"Where exactly do you ache?"
"All over. I was attacked last night, somewhat..."
"Darien?"
Selenity shook her head violently, her neck cracking in two places before
she stopped with a grimace, "No, my... my old betrothed. I broke off the betrothal
last night, and he wanted revenge. That's why there is a hole in my bedroom door.
He bent my back at a weird angel."
Amy motioned for her to stand, "Here, stretch out on your stomach and I'll
take a look at you."
Selenity let Amy help her up and to the bed, placing Luna on her pillow.
Amy lifted her blouse as she lay face down on the bed, her gentle hands probing her
back. "Your spine is slightly out of line, Princess. He must have used quite the
force. I can fix the problem, if you like."
"Do I have to move again?"
Amy chuckled, "I think this mattress is firm enough. Let me see." She
placed her hands over the disjointed pieces in her back and proceeded to crack
them, forcing them back in place.
Selenity sighed as pain started to die, her back relaxing, "Oh that feels
good."
Amy chuckled and continued. Finally she was finished and stood back.
Selenity didn't want to move she was so relaxed. "Mmmmm, wow."
Amy pushed her over onto her side and raised an eyebrow. "Anything else
you'd like to talk to me about, Princess?"
Selenity pushed herself up until she was sitting, reclaiming the cat in her
arms. Luna seemed contented to stay with her. "Is it natural for me to scar after
I heal?"
"Scar?" the doctor's eyebrows lifted in surprise.
She nodded, lifting her hair to reveal the thin scar along her hairline.
"I've had that for years. Five or so. And these," she rolled her sleeve back,
revealing tiny white scars on her arm where she'd had deep wounds a few days
before.
Amy examined them carefully, frowning, "I don't scar and I don't understand
why you do. Anymore?"
"You won't tell anyone if I show you the others?"
"You're my patient right now, I can't tell anyone. It's part of my oath."
Selenity reached for the buttons on her blouse and gently undid them,
pulling the front apart and pushing the fabric out of the way on the left side of
her body. Amy's eyes darkened as she saw the tiny pattern of scars her bra
couldn't hide. The reached out and gently touched the slightly circular pattern,
her eyes flying back to Selenity's, "That looks like a bite mark."
She nodded, shoulders dropping, "My... my old betrothed bit me a few months
back. I've got other scars, anything I've ever done to injure myself that's drawn
blood has left scars."
Amy sighed, "I'm stumped, Princess. No one scars at everything, but you
seem to. I think it has to do with your blood, but," she shrugged helplessly,
"without further tests I can't venture a solid guess."
Selenity did her blouse back up and tucked it back into her slacks. "Thank
you for listening, Amy. Could you help me into the other room?"
Amy smiled and nodded. Luna crawled to Selenity's shoulder and spread our
across them, draping herself around her neck with a lick to her cheek. Amy
chuckled, "Cute cat."
Selenity placed one arm around Amy's neck, the other reaching up to pet
Luna, "She's Darien's. She's the hero from last night."
Amy nodded, helping her slowly towards the other room, "I won't say
anything, Princess. Let's just enjoy celebrating Darien's Birthday, shall we?"
Selenity smiled and allowed herself to be taken into the other room.
The next few hours were a happy occasion. Selenity was introduced to Mina's
friends, Raye and Lita, Amy the fourth, and the five of them hit it off
wonderfully. Rita, Andrew and Darien, being the older group, watched as the girls
spread out across Selenity's floor. Pillows were searched for and found in both
rooms, her couch and dresser moved for something to lean against. In the space of
an hour they had created a semi-circle, which comfortably seated everyone. Darien
sat next to Selenity, who curled against him. Andrew and Rita were to one side,
the other girls sprawled across the floor as they went through various movies. The
girls gushed over Selenity's ring, expressed their concern for their accident and
finally teased them mercilessly for staying the night at Darien's apartment without
a chaperone.
Selenity laughed and smiled with the girls, completely relaxed, and asked
them about their lived in turn. Lita was a chef, and the owner, in her own small
busniess. Struggling, but it was hers, and she didn't have time for romance. Mina
was in college to play volleyball but was also a model on the side. A boyfriend?
Who wanted just one? She played the field and was enjoying herself. Amy waved
away the question with a roll of her eyes and a glib, "I look after each of you
when you're injured, do I really have to answer this" refusing to make any mention
of her personal life. Raye was a Shinto priestess. She was engaged to a rock star
but he was away on tour and she hadn't seen him in a month.
"So what do you guys do around here for fun?" Selenity asked with a smile,
her hand gently stroking Luna. The black cat had been petted and showered with
caresses from the girls, and had soaked it up like it was her due. Darien had
lovingly called her a turncoat before adding his own caresses to theirs. After
awhile, Luna had simply curled up on Selenity's lap where she was easily accessible
to her master and his lady.
The four girls exchanged funny looks before shrugging, "The movies, mostly,"
Mina told her. "Mostly people try to stay off the streets. Never know when
something might attack you."
"Something?"
Raye laughed, "She means someone. Tokyo has pretty crazy streets sometimes.
Personally I like to go to the mall but these ladies have lives and they're rarely
available for a weekend shopping anymore."
Darien nudged Rita, "Here's your soul-mate, Rita."
She swatted him with a smile, "Oh shush you. Raye and I should take
Selenity shopping one of these days. Get her some clothes that are casual so she
can go incognito with us."
Raye brightened, "That'd be awesome. How about it, Selenity, you want to
come hang with us? Take in some shopping, some shakes and maybe a movie?"
She looked at them, smiling, "I would love to."
Mina looked up from the pile of 70 or so movies strewn across the floor,
"Hey, Selene, have you seen Blazing Saddles?"
"What?"
Mina giggled, "Blazing Saddles. It's a movie."
Selenity shook her head, "Can't say I have. What's it about?"
"It's a comedy. Trust me on this one."
Selenity sat back against Darien as Mina moved to start the movie, Amy
ripping open a bag of popcorn and Lita passing around drinks. "Why would someone
put fire to a saddle?" Selenity asked Darien in a low voice.
He grinned, "That's not what the movie's about love. Just watch."
And she did. Laughing, snickering, holding her sides at the humor and the
antics of the people on screen. When it was finished she had tears running down
her cheeks. "Oh my lord!" she got out, trying to breathe, "I never knew!"
The others grinned at her strong reaction to the comedy, Lita discreetly
checking her watch. "I'll be right back, alright?"
The others waved her away as Selenity got her wind back, wiping her cheeks,
"Oh wow, do you have anything more that is that funny?"
Mina grinned, "Oh yes, I collect humor and chick flicks. Sometimes it's
both!"
Selenity giggled, "More, this stuff is great."
Mina began going through her movie titles, holding up the covers for debate
as if she were selling something, "Alrighty... First on the menu we have a twisted
tale of love and hate, a modern twist on the taming of the shrew in the high school
environment. 10 Things I Hate About You. Any takers?"
Darien and Selenity gave it thumbs up, Drew, Rita and Amy giving it thumbs
down, "We saw it three days ago, Mina," Raye grumbled, not giving it a rating,
"it's a good movie but it has been viewed lately."
Mina shrugged, "Alright. Selection 2. Written in the future when the water
of the world has dried up, one wise cracking young woman must save herself, and her
friends, from the evil that wants to control all of the underground water in the
world. Tank Girl. Any takers?"
Selenity blinked, "Is this supposed to be a funny movie?"
Mina nodded, "And it's a chick flick," she told her with a wink.
Drew, Raye and Darien gave it thumbs down as Rita and Amy gave it thumbs up.
Selenity shrugged, "Sounds too weird for me."
Mina put it next to the first movie and pulled up another comedy, "A story
about a lawyer who lies about everything. His son makes a wish he can't lie for a
whole day and watch what happens when his lies come back to haunt him. Has some
hilarious outtakes at the end too. Liar Liar. Anybody?"
She got almost unanimous thumbs up and laughed, "Alright, we have a winner!
Third time's the charm I suppose." Mina pulled it out of the case and walked
towards the VCR, "And if you'll turn your attention to the doorway, lords and
ladies, you'll see we have a very special surprise."
They turned to look, Selenity clapping as Lita stepped in with a large cake,
the sparklers and candles burning brightly. Lita winked at Darien and began to
sing, the other joining in almost right away.
"Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Darien,
Happy Birthday to you!"
Selenity moved away as Lita placed the cake in front of him. The drawing
done with the icing on the cake depicted a man in armor, resembling Darien,
offering a red rose to a young woman who resembled the Princess. He reached for
her hand and gently squeezed it. She smiled. It was a lovely cake.
He took a deep breath and blew out the candles. His friends clapped as he
waved to get the smoke out of his eyes. Lita offered him a knife, "Would you like
to cut it now or shall I go leave it on the counter for later?"
He accepted the knife and cut into the cake once. Amy produced paper plates
with plastic forks and he cut again, removing the red rose, intact, from the cake.
He offered it to Selenity with a soft smile, "A rose for my princess."
She blushed gently before taking the cake, "Thank you, milord. You are too
kind."
He smiled before cutting pieces for everyone. Finally, everyone had a piece
and were back in their seats. The cake was gone in the first half of the movie,
their sides aching with laughter as the lawyer ran across obstacle after obstacle
and being unable to lie.
The movie ended with the outtake which had everyone laughing more. Finally
Mina rose to pull it out of the VCR and chuckled most of the way there, "Ok, I
don't know about everyone else but my sides are killing me."
Selenity nodded, holding her, "Ow... oh my, that was awful. Can you imagine
a politician being unable to lie?" she giggled, curling up on the floor in silent
laughter.
Her friends just smiled and waited for her to calm down again. She finally
sat up and looked at them with a smile on her face. "You guys are the best."
"Not yet we're not," Rita argued, pulling a small box from behind her back,
"Now we are. Happy Birthday from Andrew and I, Darien."
Selenity leaned back against the couch as Darien opened the box. His breath
caught as he pulled car keys from the box, his gaze darting to Andrew. Andrew
shrugged, "I called in a bunch of favors, pal. Your new black Porsche is sitting
in the driveway. With your claims after your car was a write off, well, I talked
to the guy you bought the first one from and he agreed on a deal. Happy Birthday,
pal."
Darien grabbed his friend in a tight hug, "Thanks Drew. Rita. You guys
really are the best of friends."
Drew hugged him back, Rita hugging him in turn before he sat back with the
keys in his hand. Amy cleared her throat. "I know none of us can top that Darien,
but we each brought something for you too."
He accepted a small package from her and gently unwrapped it. A poetry
book. He smiled, looking up at her, "Thank you, Amy. I'll treasure this."
She blushed, "Your welcome."
Raye pulled a thin roll out of her pocket and passed it to him. He looked
at her curiously, seeing a string running through it. "Pull the strings on the
ends. Gently." she told him by way of instruction.
Doing as he was told a small sheet of paper unfurled, revealing the picture
of a blue humming bird on one side, a verse on the other. He read it carefully,
out loud. "A Birthday. A time to cherish the days gone by, a time to look to the
future. A time for new beginnings and old endings. A time for joy. Happy
Birthday."
He nodded to her with a smile, "Thank you, Raye, it's beautiful."
She smiled, "Your welcome."
Lita grinned, "You ate my contribution already," she told him with a wink.
They laughed good naturedly, Darien saying, "And it was delicious, I assure
you." as a means of thanking her.
Mina shrugged and pulled out a small box, "It's kind of for both of you."
Darien carefully unwrapped it, his gaze riveted on what met his gaze as he
opened the box. Selenity's breath caught as he gently, reverently, pulled a
picture frame from the box. Everyone was in it. A montage of everyone present and
some that were not. He looked up at Mina. "Thank you. This is incredible, Mina."
She grinned, "You know me, always want to lend a hand. Your welcome."
Selenity hugged her best friend, "It's gorgeous."
Mina shrugged and pulled away, going to dig through her movie pile once
again. Darien gently placed the picture on top of Selenity's desk before pulling
her into a hug. "Did Selenity get you anything, beyond her 'yes' to marry you?"
Drew asked with a grin.
Darien chuckled, "Yes, actually, but she gave it to me a while ago," he held
up his hand and showed the ring to his friend.
Drew shook his head, "Wow, must be nice."
"It's nice, but not as nice as my Princess."
Selenity relaxed against him as Mina put something into the VCR and settled
in to watch.
Author's Notes: Questions, comments, flames... anything you want to say, please
e-mail me at
Jademax@hotmail.com
I know, write me a critique! ;D
Thanks for reading!
Jade_Max
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, but I do own the story
Note: Marcus, Francis and Charles are of my own creation, they are not based on
anyone, alive or dead.
Chapter 10
A knock on the bedroom door brought Darien out of slumber. His golden
haired Princess lay curled against him trustingly, her head on his shoulder. He
gently slid out from around her and pulled the covers to her chin. Grabbing his
robe be belted it, yawning, as he walked towards the door. He undid the locks and
opened the door part way so the bed was shielded. "Yes?"
"Darien, sir?"
"What can I do for you Charles?" he asked with a yawn, resting his shoulders
against the jamb and the door as he stared at the elderly man.
Charles glanced to the right, concerned, "The princess is not in her
chambers and the door is broken. Is she with you?"
He nodded, "Martin tried to hurt her again last night. I couldn't leave her
alone."
Charles let out a deep breath, "Thank heavens. Mina is downstairs in the
foyer with Dr. Mizuno and three other women. There is also a blonde man looking
for you."
Darien grimaced. "That'll be Andrew and one of the women has red hair.
She's Rita." he ran a hand over his face, "I'll wake Selenity up, send them along
and have them wait in her chambers, alright?"
Charles nodded, "As you say sir. Is Selenity all right? Martin didn't hurt
her?"
"Thankfully no, my cat raised the alarm. Of all things, eh? Anyway, give
us a few minutes before you send the gang along, alright?"
Charles nodded, looking carefully at his face. "Are you alright, sir?"
"Hmm?"
"Your eye..."
Darien grimaced, "Oh. I'm fine, it'll stop swelling in a couple of days."
Charles nodded, "I'll have Dr. Mizuno bring you some ice." His tone left no
room for argument as he turned away and Darien closed the door. He re-engaged the
locks and leaned against the plank. His eyes wandered back to his fiancée, curled
up in the center of the large bed, Luna sleeping on her pillow. A soft smile
crossed his lips. His two girls. His babies. With a sigh he walked back towards
the bed and sat on the edge, curving one hand gently around Selenity's shoulder,
"Selenity,"
She murmured a soft protest in her sleep, tying to push his hand away. He
chuckled, "Come on, sleepy head, we have guests arriving, it won't do for them to
find us dressed like this."
Her eyes fluttered open and she looked at him confused. "Darien? Why do I
hurt?"
He looked at her concerned, gently brushing her hair away from her eyes,
"Where, love?"
"All over. My wrists hurt, my back is sore. I feel like..." her eyes flew
wide as the previous night's events came rushing back to her. She rolled away from
him with a groan, "How can you look at me?" she asked softly.
Darien slid his hands around her shoulders and pulled her back to him, "I
can't if you're going to hide from me, lovely. I love you; I don't need another
reason. Amy, Mina and Drew are here to see us, plus a few others. Think you can
be sociable for a little while?"
She groaned again before whirling to face him, her eyes wide, "Oh my gosh!
It's Sunday!"
He nodded, "I know. I thought we talked about this earlier..."
She threw her arms around his shoulders and hugged him, "Not that, silly.
Happy Birthday, Endymion." He smiled, his arms going about her waist as she hugged
him. "Thank you for listening to me last night."
"Anytime, Princess." he pulled her off the bed and towards the bathroom.
She let him go as they approached and he helped her stand, though she seemed
steadier on her feet. She was reluctant to enter the other door as Darien reached
or the lock.
"Charles told me our friends were here, Selene. He also asked about you. I
think Mar- your uninvited guest woke up earlier and probably snuck back to his
room."
She swallowed hard, but nodded once, "I need clothes, open it."
"That's my girl." he undid the lock and pulled the door open. They entered
together and Selenity breathed a sigh of relief. Someone had tidied her room from
last night and everything was back in place. Her hand snuck up around her neck and
closed about her pendant. He led her to her dresser, "Pick something casual."
She rolled her eyes at him, "No, I was going to ask you to pull out my
formal wear. These are our friends, of course I'm going to pick something casual."
He chuckled as she pulled a pair of black slacks, a white blouse and small
white socks out of her drawers. He looked away when she asked and then offered her
his arm when she was ready. He escorted her back to the bathroom, locking the door
to her room and then removed his aid. "You change in here, I'll go slip into
something a little less revealing."
She grinned, "I like the robe."
He winked at her before closing the door on his side. "Call if you need
something, precious."
She acknowledged him as he stepped away and turned towards his bed. Luna
was gone. "Baby girl, come here little one." he called, kneeling on the floor and
looking around for her. She meowed, scampering over to him and into his hands.
She licked his face, his hands, his neck, anything she could get her tongue on.
She purred as he scratched her hear and her back, kneading his chest before laying
back. He obligingly gave her a belly rub. "Go eat, pet, daddy's got to change for
company. Drew is coming over."
She meowed, almost as if she recognized his best friend's name. Licking his
fingers one last time she nuzzled his hand and wandered back to her food dish. He
smiled as he pulled a new pair of black jeans out and slid into them. Barefoot he
paced to the small dresser and removed a black t-shirt and sweater. He quickly
pulled them both on before grabbing black socks. He pulled them on before Luna
could see them and stood. Reaching down into his sock and underwear drawer he
pulled out a can of cat treats. He shook them a couple of times and Luna fairly
flew over, meowing and rubbing up against his leg like she was starving for
affection. "You liar," he teased her, pulling a small fish-shaped treat out of the
can. He held it up out of her reach and she went up on her hind legs, wrapping her
forward paws around his hand to daintily take the treat.
He chuckled, watching her carefully eat the treats she rarely received. He
stroked her back while she ate it, making her purr. "What are those?"
He glanced up and left Luna on the floor, going to help Selenity back to the
bed. She instead sank to the floor next to him, petting the small cat. Her hair
was done up in its 'royal' hairstyle, but she looked casual enough for a day with
friends. "Cat treats. They're for when Luna," she meowed, "is a good kitten.
I'd say she met that mark last night."
"May I feed her one?"
He offered her the open can and she carefully took a treat. Luna licked her
teeth and lips, looking at her. She waited as the Princess was instructed how to
hold the treat before approaching cautiously. She sniffed at her hand, her tongue
snaking out to taste, before she carefully got up on her hind legs and took the
treat, her paws wrapped carefully around the Princess' hand.
"Are you still sore?"
She nodded, grimacing. "I think I should have Dr. Mizuno look at me."
Darien cocked his head to the side, placing the closed can of cat treats
next to her. "Speaking of which, I think I hear the gang remarking over your huge
TV. I'll go grab the Doc, don't feed her too many."
She smiled at him as he left, offering another treat to his cat while she
petted the silky soft animal.
Darien opened the bathroom door to Selenity's room and stood in the doorway.
The girls were laughing and talking loudly together, Andrew standing uncomfortably
off to one side.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the elusive gang of gossipers."
The conversation stopped as Darien spoke, his tone teasing. Drew's eyes lit
up, "Dare! Wow, man, I mean wow! This place is amazing! Where's Selenity?"
Darien jerked his head back towards his room, "In my room. We had a little
incident in here last night so she grabbed my bed. Dr. Mizuno, she'd like to speak
with you."
Amy detached herself from the group with a smile, dropping a bag of ice in
his hand, "Anything for her, Dare. Join Drew, he's out of his mind with what to
talk to us women about. Happy Birthday," she shot back over her shoulder as she
closed the bathroom door to his room.
"Indeed, Dare," Andrew came over and clapped his friend on the shoulder,
staring at his swollen eye curiously, "Happy Birthday, how's it feel to be another
year older?"
He rolled his eyes as the girls took turns kissing him on the cheek and
wishing him a happy birthday. Thankfully someone had told them not to ask about
his face. "Pretty good, actually. I'm engaged to this amazing young woman, and
I'm all set to take my finals for my PhD. Though that day is a few days away yet."
"Not to mention you've got to finish your classes." Rita offered him a bag,
"I took the liberty of going to your professors and explaining the situation. They
gave me some notes of what they covered on Friday so you won't have missed
anything. They're quite taken with you, you know?"
Darien chuckled, accepting the bag, "Thanks Rita. I appreciate it. So what
did everyone bring?"
Rita waved her hand at where Mina and a couple of girls were unpacking a
bunch of bags. Snacks of every kind, movies, board games, cards, candy, they
unloaded bag after bag and spread it out across the floor near the wall-sized TV.
Darien whistled in amazement, "Wow."
Rita grinned, reaching up to ruffle Andrew's hair, "Drew masterminded it
all. We ladies did the shopping. Charles supplied the funds."
Darien laughed. He swung an arm around his best friends and walked with
them towards the gossiping young women.
Selenity continued to pet Luna as Amy stepped into the room, offering a
fourth treat to the happily purring kitty.
"You wanted to talk to me, Selenity?"
Selenity nodded, wincing. Her bones ached. "I have a couple of questions."
Amy nodded. "May I sit?"
Selenity smiled slightly, "There's plenty of floor, help yourself."
Amy sat across from her, watching the Princess interact with the cat.
"What's on your mind?"
Selenity put the treats off to the side and scooped Luna up in her arms,
scratching the purring ball of silk behind the ears, "Am I supposed to ache in my
bones when I heal?"
"Where exactly do you ache?"
"All over. I was attacked last night, somewhat..."
"Darien?"
Selenity shook her head violently, her neck cracking in two places before
she stopped with a grimace, "No, my... my old betrothed. I broke off the betrothal
last night, and he wanted revenge. That's why there is a hole in my bedroom door.
He bent my back at a weird angel."
Amy motioned for her to stand, "Here, stretch out on your stomach and I'll
take a look at you."
Selenity let Amy help her up and to the bed, placing Luna on her pillow.
Amy lifted her blouse as she lay face down on the bed, her gentle hands probing her
back. "Your spine is slightly out of line, Princess. He must have used quite the
force. I can fix the problem, if you like."
"Do I have to move again?"
Amy chuckled, "I think this mattress is firm enough. Let me see." She
placed her hands over the disjointed pieces in her back and proceeded to crack
them, forcing them back in place.
Selenity sighed as pain started to die, her back relaxing, "Oh that feels
good."
Amy chuckled and continued. Finally she was finished and stood back.
Selenity didn't want to move she was so relaxed. "Mmmmm, wow."
Amy pushed her over onto her side and raised an eyebrow. "Anything else
you'd like to talk to me about, Princess?"
Selenity pushed herself up until she was sitting, reclaiming the cat in her
arms. Luna seemed contented to stay with her. "Is it natural for me to scar after
I heal?"
"Scar?" the doctor's eyebrows lifted in surprise.
She nodded, lifting her hair to reveal the thin scar along her hairline.
"I've had that for years. Five or so. And these," she rolled her sleeve back,
revealing tiny white scars on her arm where she'd had deep wounds a few days
before.
Amy examined them carefully, frowning, "I don't scar and I don't understand
why you do. Anymore?"
"You won't tell anyone if I show you the others?"
"You're my patient right now, I can't tell anyone. It's part of my oath."
Selenity reached for the buttons on her blouse and gently undid them,
pulling the front apart and pushing the fabric out of the way on the left side of
her body. Amy's eyes darkened as she saw the tiny pattern of scars her bra
couldn't hide. The reached out and gently touched the slightly circular pattern,
her eyes flying back to Selenity's, "That looks like a bite mark."
She nodded, shoulders dropping, "My... my old betrothed bit me a few months
back. I've got other scars, anything I've ever done to injure myself that's drawn
blood has left scars."
Amy sighed, "I'm stumped, Princess. No one scars at everything, but you
seem to. I think it has to do with your blood, but," she shrugged helplessly,
"without further tests I can't venture a solid guess."
Selenity did her blouse back up and tucked it back into her slacks. "Thank
you for listening, Amy. Could you help me into the other room?"
Amy smiled and nodded. Luna crawled to Selenity's shoulder and spread our
across them, draping herself around her neck with a lick to her cheek. Amy
chuckled, "Cute cat."
Selenity placed one arm around Amy's neck, the other reaching up to pet
Luna, "She's Darien's. She's the hero from last night."
Amy nodded, helping her slowly towards the other room, "I won't say
anything, Princess. Let's just enjoy celebrating Darien's Birthday, shall we?"
Selenity smiled and allowed herself to be taken into the other room.
The next few hours were a happy occasion. Selenity was introduced to Mina's
friends, Raye and Lita, Amy the fourth, and the five of them hit it off
wonderfully. Rita, Andrew and Darien, being the older group, watched as the girls
spread out across Selenity's floor. Pillows were searched for and found in both
rooms, her couch and dresser moved for something to lean against. In the space of
an hour they had created a semi-circle, which comfortably seated everyone. Darien
sat next to Selenity, who curled against him. Andrew and Rita were to one side,
the other girls sprawled across the floor as they went through various movies. The
girls gushed over Selenity's ring, expressed their concern for their accident and
finally teased them mercilessly for staying the night at Darien's apartment without
a chaperone.
Selenity laughed and smiled with the girls, completely relaxed, and asked
them about their lived in turn. Lita was a chef, and the owner, in her own small
busniess. Struggling, but it was hers, and she didn't have time for romance. Mina
was in college to play volleyball but was also a model on the side. A boyfriend?
Who wanted just one? She played the field and was enjoying herself. Amy waved
away the question with a roll of her eyes and a glib, "I look after each of you
when you're injured, do I really have to answer this" refusing to make any mention
of her personal life. Raye was a Shinto priestess. She was engaged to a rock star
but he was away on tour and she hadn't seen him in a month.
"So what do you guys do around here for fun?" Selenity asked with a smile,
her hand gently stroking Luna. The black cat had been petted and showered with
caresses from the girls, and had soaked it up like it was her due. Darien had
lovingly called her a turncoat before adding his own caresses to theirs. After
awhile, Luna had simply curled up on Selenity's lap where she was easily accessible
to her master and his lady.
The four girls exchanged funny looks before shrugging, "The movies, mostly,"
Mina told her. "Mostly people try to stay off the streets. Never know when
something might attack you."
"Something?"
Raye laughed, "She means someone. Tokyo has pretty crazy streets sometimes.
Personally I like to go to the mall but these ladies have lives and they're rarely
available for a weekend shopping anymore."
Darien nudged Rita, "Here's your soul-mate, Rita."
She swatted him with a smile, "Oh shush you. Raye and I should take
Selenity shopping one of these days. Get her some clothes that are casual so she
can go incognito with us."
Raye brightened, "That'd be awesome. How about it, Selenity, you want to
come hang with us? Take in some shopping, some shakes and maybe a movie?"
She looked at them, smiling, "I would love to."
Mina looked up from the pile of 70 or so movies strewn across the floor,
"Hey, Selene, have you seen Blazing Saddles?"
"What?"
Mina giggled, "Blazing Saddles. It's a movie."
Selenity shook her head, "Can't say I have. What's it about?"
"It's a comedy. Trust me on this one."
Selenity sat back against Darien as Mina moved to start the movie, Amy
ripping open a bag of popcorn and Lita passing around drinks. "Why would someone
put fire to a saddle?" Selenity asked Darien in a low voice.
He grinned, "That's not what the movie's about love. Just watch."
And she did. Laughing, snickering, holding her sides at the humor and the
antics of the people on screen. When it was finished she had tears running down
her cheeks. "Oh my lord!" she got out, trying to breathe, "I never knew!"
The others grinned at her strong reaction to the comedy, Lita discreetly
checking her watch. "I'll be right back, alright?"
The others waved her away as Selenity got her wind back, wiping her cheeks,
"Oh wow, do you have anything more that is that funny?"
Mina grinned, "Oh yes, I collect humor and chick flicks. Sometimes it's
both!"
Selenity giggled, "More, this stuff is great."
Mina began going through her movie titles, holding up the covers for debate
as if she were selling something, "Alrighty... First on the menu we have a twisted
tale of love and hate, a modern twist on the taming of the shrew in the high school
environment. 10 Things I Hate About You. Any takers?"
Darien and Selenity gave it thumbs up, Drew, Rita and Amy giving it thumbs
down, "We saw it three days ago, Mina," Raye grumbled, not giving it a rating,
"it's a good movie but it has been viewed lately."
Mina shrugged, "Alright. Selection 2. Written in the future when the water
of the world has dried up, one wise cracking young woman must save herself, and her
friends, from the evil that wants to control all of the underground water in the
world. Tank Girl. Any takers?"
Selenity blinked, "Is this supposed to be a funny movie?"
Mina nodded, "And it's a chick flick," she told her with a wink.
Drew, Raye and Darien gave it thumbs down as Rita and Amy gave it thumbs up.
Selenity shrugged, "Sounds too weird for me."
Mina put it next to the first movie and pulled up another comedy, "A story
about a lawyer who lies about everything. His son makes a wish he can't lie for a
whole day and watch what happens when his lies come back to haunt him. Has some
hilarious outtakes at the end too. Liar Liar. Anybody?"
She got almost unanimous thumbs up and laughed, "Alright, we have a winner!
Third time's the charm I suppose." Mina pulled it out of the case and walked
towards the VCR, "And if you'll turn your attention to the doorway, lords and
ladies, you'll see we have a very special surprise."
They turned to look, Selenity clapping as Lita stepped in with a large cake,
the sparklers and candles burning brightly. Lita winked at Darien and began to
sing, the other joining in almost right away.
"Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Darien,
Happy Birthday to you!"
Selenity moved away as Lita placed the cake in front of him. The drawing
done with the icing on the cake depicted a man in armor, resembling Darien,
offering a red rose to a young woman who resembled the Princess. He reached for
her hand and gently squeezed it. She smiled. It was a lovely cake.
He took a deep breath and blew out the candles. His friends clapped as he
waved to get the smoke out of his eyes. Lita offered him a knife, "Would you like
to cut it now or shall I go leave it on the counter for later?"
He accepted the knife and cut into the cake once. Amy produced paper plates
with plastic forks and he cut again, removing the red rose, intact, from the cake.
He offered it to Selenity with a soft smile, "A rose for my princess."
She blushed gently before taking the cake, "Thank you, milord. You are too
kind."
He smiled before cutting pieces for everyone. Finally, everyone had a piece
and were back in their seats. The cake was gone in the first half of the movie,
their sides aching with laughter as the lawyer ran across obstacle after obstacle
and being unable to lie.
The movie ended with the outtake which had everyone laughing more. Finally
Mina rose to pull it out of the VCR and chuckled most of the way there, "Ok, I
don't know about everyone else but my sides are killing me."
Selenity nodded, holding her, "Ow... oh my, that was awful. Can you imagine
a politician being unable to lie?" she giggled, curling up on the floor in silent
laughter.
Her friends just smiled and waited for her to calm down again. She finally
sat up and looked at them with a smile on her face. "You guys are the best."
"Not yet we're not," Rita argued, pulling a small box from behind her back,
"Now we are. Happy Birthday from Andrew and I, Darien."
Selenity leaned back against the couch as Darien opened the box. His breath
caught as he pulled car keys from the box, his gaze darting to Andrew. Andrew
shrugged, "I called in a bunch of favors, pal. Your new black Porsche is sitting
in the driveway. With your claims after your car was a write off, well, I talked
to the guy you bought the first one from and he agreed on a deal. Happy Birthday,
pal."
Darien grabbed his friend in a tight hug, "Thanks Drew. Rita. You guys
really are the best of friends."
Drew hugged him back, Rita hugging him in turn before he sat back with the
keys in his hand. Amy cleared her throat. "I know none of us can top that Darien,
but we each brought something for you too."
He accepted a small package from her and gently unwrapped it. A poetry
book. He smiled, looking up at her, "Thank you, Amy. I'll treasure this."
She blushed, "Your welcome."
Raye pulled a thin roll out of her pocket and passed it to him. He looked
at her curiously, seeing a string running through it. "Pull the strings on the
ends. Gently." she told him by way of instruction.
Doing as he was told a small sheet of paper unfurled, revealing the picture
of a blue humming bird on one side, a verse on the other. He read it carefully,
out loud. "A Birthday. A time to cherish the days gone by, a time to look to the
future. A time for new beginnings and old endings. A time for joy. Happy
Birthday."
He nodded to her with a smile, "Thank you, Raye, it's beautiful."
She smiled, "Your welcome."
Lita grinned, "You ate my contribution already," she told him with a wink.
They laughed good naturedly, Darien saying, "And it was delicious, I assure
you." as a means of thanking her.
Mina shrugged and pulled out a small box, "It's kind of for both of you."
Darien carefully unwrapped it, his gaze riveted on what met his gaze as he
opened the box. Selenity's breath caught as he gently, reverently, pulled a
picture frame from the box. Everyone was in it. A montage of everyone present and
some that were not. He looked up at Mina. "Thank you. This is incredible, Mina."
She grinned, "You know me, always want to lend a hand. Your welcome."
Selenity hugged her best friend, "It's gorgeous."
Mina shrugged and pulled away, going to dig through her movie pile once
again. Darien gently placed the picture on top of Selenity's desk before pulling
her into a hug. "Did Selenity get you anything, beyond her 'yes' to marry you?"
Drew asked with a grin.
Darien chuckled, "Yes, actually, but she gave it to me a while ago," he held
up his hand and showed the ring to his friend.
Drew shook his head, "Wow, must be nice."
"It's nice, but not as nice as my Princess."
Selenity relaxed against him as Mina put something into the VCR and settled
in to watch.
Author's Notes: Questions, comments, flames... anything you want to say, please
e-mail me at
Jademax@hotmail.com
I know, write me a critique! ;D
Thanks for reading!
Jade_Max