5 Things I Hate About You

Chapter

By: Lady of Silver

e-mail : Vooley@Defiantchild.com or Lady_of_Silver@usagiandmamoru.com

Thanx again to all the people who put in reviews!! I love you

all and you're my inspiration! Special thanx to Lady Rinoa, for

her pleasantly annoying reviews which make no sense at all, but serve to make me laugh. You do make a difference chikka. ;)

Okay....standard disclaimor applies..and I'm wrinting this at 1 in the morning....so give me a lil break if it isn't as good as the previous. Like one of you said, I'm trying to make it longer and paying closer attention to detail.

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****Three Weeks Later****

The music started, and she was lead down the red carpeted

aisle on the arm of her father. The skirts of her white

dress swished as she walked. Her hair was up and a small

veil covered her face. She had opted for no mascara,for she

knew she'd cry, and it'd look aweful after it ran.

Intending to go to bed immediately after they got home,

she realized they'd have to sleep in the same room. In

the same bed! Her heart almost stopped. Her back straightend

and filled with steele. she continued onward, toward the alter.

They danced closely together, trying to convince everyone

they were a new loving couple. They appeared to be whispering

silly things in each other's ears, for either would laugh

after. Really, they were telling jokes, trying to lighten

the dark mood. Help ease the nervousness of returning to the

same home, instead of two separate ones, go to the same bed,

instead of their own separate ones. Serenity shivered at

the thoughts of what could and might happen. Darien seemed

to know, for her told her he'd sleep on the sofa in the

room, and she could have the bed. She had smiled greatfully

to him and hugged him, being so relieved of that worry that

she had forgotten herself. She blushed after realizing that

she was doing, but didn't pull away. Inhaling the smell of

his cologne, she felt slightly dizy, for the fragrance played

with her senses.

Finally, when it was rather late, they were allowed to leave

the reception. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin were staying in their other

mansion, for they had lived with Darien to keep him company

until he had someone to live with. Serenity now occupied that

position, so they were no longer needed to stay. Darien

opened the door for her and she walked in quietly and slowly.

She was in no hurry to go the bedroom, that they would share."

she swallowed hard at the thought. It was the master bedroom.

First, trying to distract her, he had the maid make some tea.

He then directed the butler to put her luggage in his room.

She fumbled nervously with her coat, for her fingers just didn't

seem to want to undo the clasps. He came up behind her, and

expertly took off her coat. It seemed as if she were the only

nervous one.

'Oh, why only me? Why can't he be nervous too?!' her mind

screamed in agony and humiliation. He sat beside her on the

sette, and chuckled. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he

drew her close to his chest.

"Don't be so nervous. Nothings going to happen to you."

he said as he rubbed her back. Her blue eyes gazed into his

with uncertainty. She found a warm comfort in his arms,

which was a strange feeling. She had always been on pins

and needles around men before, but there was something

about him that made her relax. Soon, she felt the full

weight of today, and her eyelids began to close. Tea

hadn't even come yet, but she felt too tired to move.

Her head rested on his chest, and she fell asleep.

Darien looked down, only to find his beautiful blonde

bride fast asleep. 'Terribly taxing day for her I'm sure.

I'll just put her to bed.' he picked her up carefully,

and proceeded to their bedroom. 'Maybe too much champaign

too.' he added as an afterthought. He knew she had drank

atleast five glasses at the reception, for he had discouraged

the waiter from returning with another trayfull. He felt

uneasy about undressing her when truely they were not married, but then he realized that she'd want to keep her dress, and sleeping in it would ruin it. He pulled out a simple white nightgown, and dressed her carefully, quickly, and without looking, too much. When he pulled out a hairpin, he was surprised when the whole mass tumbled down and spilled

about her pillow. He laid her down and covered her up. After

he dressed for bed, he climbed in next to her, forgetting the

idea of the sofa. Immediatly, he fell asleep.

**Morning**

The sunlight of the new day did not wake her this morning. Instead, she rolled over in her sleep and was stunned to feel another form with her. She also felt a heavy weight across her stomache. Cracking one eye open, she looked down to see a bare tanned arm. Her eyes traveled up, and rested on the man's face. She bolted up into sitting position, causing him to wake startled. She pushed his off the bed.

"Ah!" and he fell off the bed. She pulled the covers up to her chin, and carefully peared over the side of the bed. Darien sat up. "What'd you do that for?" She frowned.

"You were supposed to be on the couch." she growled.

"I was?" he asked, slightly confused.

"Yes you were!" She threw a pillow at him.

"Well nothing happend to you now did it." he muttered as he got up. She shrunk back to her side as he laid back down. She watched as he pulled the covers over, so that they were covering him, and laid his head back down on the pillow.

"Ugh!" she threw the covers off herself and got out of bed. The morning air was cold, and she shivered immeadiately after she stood.

"Hey, come back here. The bed's cold." he whined and pulled her back. She let out a stunned shriek as his arms wrapped around her under the covers. He chuckled, feeling her tense up. "Serenity Serenity Serenity." he shook his head and tightened his hold when she tried to wiggle out.

"It's morning. I have to get up." she tried desperately to get out of his arms, but he was just too strong. 'Damn him. I can't believe I'm even here! I don't remember going to bed.' "Oh my god!" she froze, and whipped her head around, staring at him.

"H-how did I even get in here?" she asked slowly, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. He looked a little guilty and first got ahold her arms, trapping them inbetween them.

"You fell asleep and so I brought you up here. How else?" he grinned as mortification crossed her lovely face.

"Ah! I'm going to kill you! How dare you!" she struggled, twisted, and kicked, fighting to get her arms free, so she could punch him. He just laughed, and rolled over, pinning her onto the bed, with him on top.

"Oh why are you so upset. I am your husband afterall." he grinned.

"Y-you are the most vile creature I have ever come across!" she snapped, her eyes filled with fire.

"Sharp tongued still?" he questioned. Her face paled and he chuckled. "So you do remember the last time that happened." he mused. She stared up at him, uncertain as to what his next move would be, but hoping something happened quick, so that her heart would stop beating so fast. He smirked and bent his head. She inhaled a sharp breath, but he stopped just barely an inch from her face. "Nervous Sere?" he asked in a husky low voice. She shivered. He chuckled and rolled onto his side, her immobile and limp form next to his. Sighing, he pulled her closer. 'I can't explain it, but it just feels so...so right with her here.'

"D-Darien?" her soft voice sounded far off, like some other thoughts occupied her mind, leaving no other space.

"Yes?"

"When are Andrew and Mina arriving?" she seemed to relax finally.

"In a few hours. If I know Andrew, he'll hold Mina off til supper." he laughed.

"Oh that's stupid." she brooded and crossed her arms. She seemed to have become accustomed to the fact she was resting in his arms. And yet, he had only one arm around her, with a gentle grip. His other hand was resting unconciously on her hip. Inhaling the soft scent of her hair, he smiled slightly.

'So is this what it'll be like waking up every morning?' he wondered. 'If so, I don't mind as much as I thought I would.' There was a knock at the door, which seemed to bring Serenity back her senses. She pulled away and burried herself under the soft covers. He sighed and sat up.

"Who is it?" he called.

"It's me. Andrew."

"And Mina!" another voice chimed.

"Come on in!" Darien sighed. He recieved a pinch from Serenity. "Ouch, what was that for?" he glared at her. She glared back.

"You're letting them come in? Please, you may not care, but I do!" with that, the door began to open, and she flew back under the covers, pretending to be asleep. Mina pushed Andrew out of the way and hurried in. Darien grinned at her fallen face when she spotted Serenity's blonde head in her pillow. Andrew came up behind her.

"I told you." he sighed. Mina's lips went into a pout.

"Well, how was I supposed to know she'd not be awake. She's usually up at six, helping in the study with her father's books." Andrew covered her mouth and smiled apologetically to Darien.

"Atleast I've got a smart one." Darien shrugged. He winked at them, and then carefully and ever-so gently placed his hands on either side of Serenity's waist. He tickled her, and she flew into sitting position.

"Don't do that!" she hissed, pulling the covers up to her chin. Mina closed the window and Serenity smiled at them, giving Darien another pinch.

"Quit that." he jumped slightly and wrapped an arm around her, and taking her hands in his.

"Quit what, honey?" she asked, her sugary sweet voice laced with venom. Andrew laughed, as he watched his cousin get the best of his friend. They were obviously warming up to eachother. Serenity turned a questioning glace toward Andrew. "Mina actually got up before noon?" she smiled slightly.

"Hey! I resent that." Mina frowned slightly, then smiled.

"She got up before me actually." Andrew replied.

"Are you kidding?" Serenity looked stunned.

"No. She wanted to come here to see you as fast as she could."

"How wonderful." Serenity laughed and smiled brighter.

"Why are you so cheerful? Happy night?" Mina winked. Serenity's smile melted and was replaced with a deep frown, that darkend her eyes. Stepping out of the bed, she filled her back with steele and marched into her bathroom after grabbing a set of clothes. She re-entered and grabbed shoes a few minutes later, before throwing her nighgown onto the bed. She picked up her cloak, and left. They just watched her go. She paused at the door.

"If anyone needs me, I'll be outside." she offered stiffly and took hold of her small bag. Slinging it over her shoulder, she walked out.

"Are you just going to let her go out by herself? She doesn't even know this place very well. I thought more of you Darien." Mina chastised. His eyes darkend at the knowledge that Mina was right. It wasn't proper for Serenity to be out alone.

"Would you mind waiting in the hall for a little bit?" he asked. Andrew nodded and pulled Mina out of the room. Darien hurriedly got dressed and ran out the door. As he jogged passed Mina and Andrew, he managed to supply a quick explanation. "Going to retrieve my new wife." he huffed and ran out of the mansion as the butler opened the front doors.

"She's by the willow trees, sir." James, the butler, called and smiled slightly. Darien slowed his pace to a brisk walk, and then snuck up behind her. She appeared to be doing some sort of paperwork.

"What are you doing Serenity?" he asked as he sat down beside her. She jumped practically five feet, and stuffed the papers quickly into her bag.

"Nothing." she replied somewhat nervously. Her blue eyes captured a look of innocence and used it as best as they could. Darien sighed and shook his head.

"Sure." he stood and held out his hand for her. "Come on back inside. It isn't proper for a lady to be out unaccompanied at this time." he picked her up when she refused to take his offered hand.

"Hey! I'm in the middle of something here!" she cried. He swung her up into his arms and then proceeded towards the house, ignoring her protests. "Darien! Let me go!" she wriggled and fought, just the sme as she had done earlier while they were still in bed. Her golden blonde hair tumbled from it's holding place as she faught. Oblivious to her hair-style, she continued to struggle. He finallty stopped and set her down, pulling her tightly into his arms.

"If you don't stop wiggling like that, I'll give you an acutal demonstration of our marriage." his face was serious. Her eyes grew large and her face paled.

"Y-you wouldn't d-dare!" she gasped. He grinned.

"Oh wouldn't I?" he began to move toward the stairs. She became paniced. Like always, when a situation occured, her instincts kicked in, the coolness of her attitude rushing back to her. Her eyes flashed with fire and her back straightened in defiance.

"No, you wouldn't." she snapped, her voice cold and sharp. He rested his forehead on hers.

"Just you wait." he whispered, then turned and went into the sittingroom, where Mina and Andrew awaited. Serenity straightened her hair and dress before going into the sittingroom also.

****11 o'clock that night****

Serenity sighed as she closed her book. She gazed around at her surroundings. The library/den was dark, accept for the solitary desk light which allowed her to read. The walls were lined with bookcases stuffed with books. The desks and tables also contained piles of old worn ones that Serenity imagined hadn't been read for years. It was rather dusty in this dark room, for the maids were not allowed in here to clean. It was Serenity's job and mistress to clean it, for it was her husbands private room. She wouldn't have set foot in it if it hadn't been for the books. She estimated the whole room housed thousands of old hardbound books. Most classics, her favorite. She had already compiled a small mountain of the ones she wanted to read. Now, she sat, curled up on the chair, bent towards the light, with her nose stuck in a book. Resting on the bridge of her nose were reading glasses. Her skirt drapped over the edge of the chair and fluffed about the floor, its light pink contrasting greatly with the floor's lush burgandy carpeting. Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening and closing echoed through the house. She paid no attention, totally absorbed in her book. She didn't even know when the door to the room opened and Darien came in. She barely noticed when hands rested on her shoulders. Her eyes were drooping and the lines of text were becoming blurry.

"It's late Serenity. Go to bed." he said, stiffling a yawn.

"You're not." she argued tiredly, her eyelids dropping slowly, covering those beautiful blues that attracted Darien most to her. 'The eyes of an angel, an angel from hell.' he had thought the night she had fainted.

"I just got home from the office. I'm going to bed now, and you're coming with me. It's late, and you need your rest." he said as he gently eased her out of the chair. He bookmarked what page she was on, and carefully picked her up. Carrying her up the stairs, a smile crept onto his face as if he were suddenly amused at this situation. 'I think she does this onpurpose, just so she doesn't have to admit she wants me to take care of her.' He managed to open the bedroom door, and sat her on the bed. After undressing her, he slipped a nightgown onto her small form, and laid her down in the bed, pulling the covers up around her. He dressed for bed quickly, and laid down beside her. He felt her arms snake around him and he did the same, cradling her slumbering form in his strong arms. A contented sigh escaped and a small smile grazed her lips. With the knowledge that she was happy, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Thunder rumbled in the night air, and lightning streaked across the darkend skies, sending Serenity into a state of horrified terror. She shot up into sitting position, stunding Darien awake. Another roll of thunder sounded and was followed by another streak of lightning. A cry escaped her lips and she cowered closer to his form. He too sat upm and began whispering soothing words as he held her, her face in his shoulder as he stroked her hair. It was early into the morning, close to three o'clock, when the storm died out, and she drifted to sleep once again. He laid her back down on her pillow, and watched her. She was quite a puzzle. Tough and stubborn by day, weak, vulnerable, and easily frightened at night. Yes, she surely was hard to figure out. His thoughts drifted toward her life before he had met her. She had once been a very nice girl, or so he had heard. Andrew had supplied the information that she had loved someone once, but he had cheated on her and she was deeply hurt. She used hate to fill that void, hatred toward all men, save her father and other family. He laughed to himself, thinking about the ironic ending of the ice queen. To be forced into marrying someone she absolutely detested. 'Soon,' he thought.'soon that ice will melt, and will reveal the princess.' he returned to his spot beside her. She snuggled up to him and rested her head on his chest.

Serenity opened her eyes slowly, for the late morning sun had yet to reach them. Rising into sitting position, the warm arms of Darien slipped from her sides. The blanket slid from her shoulders and the cold air of the day slapped at her uncovered skin. She shivered and looked around. It was dark inside, for the shades and curtains were drawn about the window, refusing to let the light enter. Darien yawned and sat up also. She turned her eyes to him, which held embarracement, thankfullness, and pain in their blue depths. He smiled slightly and raised a hand to cup her cheek.

"Feeling alright?" he asked her in a gentle tone. She nodded and looked down at the covers. "Are you sure?" he questioned. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. She began to cough instead. Thrown into a coghing fit, her body shook with the force. He quickly fluffed her pillow and then added his behind it, before easing her back onto them. She attempted a smile, which failed miserably. He got out of bed, and went to shut the window, before getting dressed and going downstairs. He ran to the kitchen and told the maid to fetch the doctor. He went back up to Serenity and pulled up a chair. She had leaned her head against the headboard and closed her eyes while he had been gone, and when he picked up her hand, she faught to open them.

"D-dare-" coughs once again overtook her. He knitted his eyebrows in worry.

"The doctor is on his way. I've sent for him. Don't talk right now." he said and eased her back onto the pillow, for she had been forced to lean forward during her coughing fit.

He covered her up, and kissed her forehead. The doctor arrived twenty minutes later. Darien sat in his study, staring at the wall as he swished the burgandy liquid in his glass. The door opened, and the doctor stepped in. "Will she be alright?" he asked.

"It's the flu. It will pass." the doctor replied. "Just have her take the medicine I've given to the maid. In a few weeks, she'll be back to normal. I'll be back in three days to check on her."

"Thank you doctor. I'll see you in another three days." Darien said. The doctor nodded, although unnoticed by Darien, and let himself out.