With You: Chapter 4
No bright sky greeted anyone that morning. Darien opened his eyes and glanced out the window. It was a gray, dull, rainy day.
Darien then turned and glanced out the window. The perfect day for a funeral, Darien thought. His eyes then rested on Serena's face. Carefully Darien reached over and brushed a strand of hair away from Serena's face. His feelings for her had definitely grown. The only thing that Darien wanted was to protect Serena from any more pain. Unfortunately, Darien knew it would be very difficult.
He gently pulled away from Serena. Careful not to wake her, Darien headed out of the room and to the kitchen.
Darien fixed himself a cup of coffee. Quickly drowning the cup, Darien headed to the bathroom.
Serena woke up to the sound of a shower running. She glanced up at the window and sighed. Slowly Serena got out of bed and made her way to the balcony, which was off the living room. She placed her hand on the glass and just stared out at the rain.
Some time later Serena felt a warm hand touch her shoulder.
"Would you like something to eat?" A deep voice asked.
Serena shook her head. "I'm not hungry."
Darien just nodded. "We'll eat later then." His hand started to rub down her back. "Ready?"
Serena nodded.
The car ride was quiet except for Serena's directions. She spent her time starring out the window. Darien was concentrating on the road. Darien was adorned in a black suit. Serena couldn't help but noticed how well the suit for Darien. Also she noticed how handsome he looked.
Darien's car pulled into the driveway. He gave Serena a small smile. Then they both got out of the car.
Serena left Darien to explore the lower level of the house, while she got ready.
Darien's eyes scanned over pictures of the family. The amount of memories and love Darien could see in the house amazed him. Serena must have experienced thousands of memories with her family. A luxury Darien never knew.
Darien's loss was deal able to him because he couldn't remember his family. But Serena, she remembered everything.
Darien's eyes continued to roam over the pictured for a while. Someone clearing their voice interrupted his thoughts. Darien turned and his eyes met Serena's.
She was standing at the bottom of the stairs adorned in a black dress. Her skin looked sickly white against the black. At her feet lay a small duffle bag.
Darien immediately decided that Serena should never wear black. She looked a lot better in brighter colors.
"Ready?" Serena voice asked weakly.
Darien walked up to her and hugged her tight. "Remember Sere, I'm here with you." Serena just nodded. Darien picked up the bag and the two headed out the door.
They arrived to the funeral in silence. Darien opened Serena's door for her and helped her out. He held an umbrella over their heads with one hand. The other rested on her shoulders as they entered.
The funeral passed by quickly to Serena. She wept the whole time. Relying on Darien for strength. There were few in attendance, but Andrew and the girls were there.
The funeral was coming to an end and soon Serena's family would be laid to rest.
Darien held Serena close to her trying to keep her protected from not only the rain but also the pain.
The graves were being ready to be lowered, and Serena left the safety of Darien's side to say her good-byes.
Darien watched her walk up to the caskets and placed a rose on each one. Andrew came to stand next to him.
"It's going to be unbelievably hard for her," Andrew said in a hush tone.
"I don't care how hard it is, I'm going to be there for her. Every single moment I can," Darien said back.
Andrew examined his friend. Suddenly it dawned on him. "You lover her, don't you?"
Darien stared him right in the eye. "With all my heart."
Serena gently laid a rose on each grave. The rain beat her body harshly. Tears she was shedding mixing with the rain.
"I miss you guys so much. But I promise that I will try to be happy. It's gonna be hard but I'll try. I'll make you proud. I pray you are all in peace. I love you so much." Serena let out a sob at the end, then turned and walked back to Darien. He head was bent and she didn't look up when she reached Darien.
Andrew stepped forward and embraced her. He whispered his condolences and offered his support. Serena thanked him.
Soon the girls walked up. Each one giving Serena a tight hug. They said basically the same thing as Andrew, but they all added in apologies for the night of the fight.
Serena was too exhausted to be angry with them. She quickly forgave each of them.
The girls offered to get together later that day, but Serena refused. The girls sadly understood and agreed.
Darien kept his hand around Serena's waist. He felt a hand tap his shoulder. Slowly he turned to see a women standing there.
"Can I help you?" Darien asked.
"Yes, I need to speak with Serena Tsukino," the women answered.
Darien realized that it was a social worker. He quickly excused himself from Serena and the others.
"Can I speak to you before you talk to her?" Darien asked pleadingly. The women nodded in response.
Darien and the women walked a little ways from the group.
"Listen," Darien started, running fingers through his wet hair. "I want to be Serena's caretaker. I'm a close friend, I have a steady job, and a secure place for her to stay."
The women looked at Darien carefully. "I understand you good intentions, Mr." the women trailed off.
"Chiba," Darien quickly filled in.
"Mr. Chiba, I can not simply just hand Miss Tsukino over to you. There's paper work and applications and so on. Things of those nature need to be handled first."
"I understand," Darien countered. "But please, give me a chance. I'll do all the paper work and whatever else I need to. Just please, give me a fair chance," Darien pleaded.
The women let out a soft sigh. "Okay Mr. Chiba, here's my card." The women handed him a small business card. "Call me later today and we will work out the details."
"Thank you so much," Darien smiled. He might just be able to help Serena with everything.
The women nodded and walked away. Darien tucked the card in his pocket and headed back to the group.
"Who was that?" Lita asked.
"Oh, just someone who want to express her condolences," Darien stated wrapping an arm around Serena. Serena in turn sneezed.
Darien looked down at her. Then back at the group.
"I'm sorry guys, but I think we need to get going. I don't want Serena to get sick," Darien stated.
The others nodded in agreement. They all told Serena that they would call her later.
Darien and Serena said their good-byes, and then headed back to the car.
Darien helped Serena into his car. The rain was eating down now and Serena was soaked. Darien was upset with himself that she wouldn't take the umbrella at the funeral. After Serena was settled into the car she sneezed again. Darien took off his semi-dry jacket and draped it over Serena. Then he quickly closed the door and ran to the driver side of the car. He got in and started the car.
The drive was uncomfortably quiet. The only sound was the rain and Serena's occasional sneeze.
"When we get back, I'll make some soup for us while you change," Darien said.
Serena didn't answer.
The car stopped at a light and Darien looked at Serena. She was staring out the window with tears slowly running down her face.
As the light changed, Darien reached over and took Serena's hand in his. He gently gave it a squeeze. Serena turned and looked at Darien. He just gave her a comforting smile and turned back to the road.
The car pulled into the parking garage and Darien helped Serena out. He kept his arm around her and Serena leaned on him. He grabbed her bag and they headed upstairs.
Once they got into the apartment, Darien took her jacket and hung it up.
Serena kept her head low and whispered, "I'm gonna take a shower and change."
Darien nodded, "I'm going to make some soup."
"It's ok Darien. I'm not hungry."
Darien gave a small smile. He remembered how when he was young he didn't want to eat either. He put his hand on Serena's chin, tilting her head upward.
"Serena, I know the last thing you want to do is eat, but you have to. Even if it's only a little. You still need to eat something."
Serena was about to protest but she was cut off when Darien leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"Go on and change Serena," Darien said quietly. Serena nodded and headed to the bathroom with her bag.
Once she was out of sight, Darien leaned against the wall.
"God Serena. what are you doing to me?"
Darien had changed and was in the kitchen. The soup was slowly cooking. He held a card in one hand and a portable phone in the other. He slowly dialed a number.
"Hello, Barbara Carter here."
"Hello Mrs. Carter. This is Darien Chiba, I spoke to you earlier."
"Oh yes. Mr. Chiba. Well I can tell your something right now Mr. Chiba. It seems we have a file on you. I had no idea you went through our services."
"Yes." Darien said gritting his teeth. "Unfortunately, your services never did find me a family."
"Anyway Mr. Chiba. It seems that you are a very good candidate for Miss Tsukino. However, Mr. Chiba, I still need you to fill out some paper work."
"That's fine," Darien cut in.
"You might not think it to be so fine," Barbara shot back.
"What do you mean?" Darien quickly asked.
"Well Mr. Chiba," she started. "It will take a week or two to look over the paper work from not only you but other applicants. So until the decision is made, Serena will be placed in temporary foster care."
Darien's heart stopped at that moment. He couldn't even think. Everything he had planned had fallen apart in a matter of seconds.
"Mr. Chiba, are you still there?"
"Yes. yes I'm here," Darien stuttered.
"Mr. Chiba, we will be by at noon to pick up Serena, tomorrow. I will bring the paper work then," Mrs. Carter said and hung up.
Darien put the phone down and stared at it.
What was going to happen now? How could he possibly tell Serena that she was about to be taken from him?
"Darien?" A soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "Who was that?"
Darien turned and his eyes met Serena's. She tilted her head to the side. "What's wrong?"
Darien gave a weak smile and turned back to the soup. He pulled the pot off the stove and poured it into two bowls.
"Come on Serena, let's eat."
Serena ate slowly, her eyes glancing back and forth from Darien to the soup. She only ended up eating about half the bowl.
"Darien?" She asked quietly. He looked up at her. "Will you tell me what's wrong?"
Darien sighed and began to clear the table. After all the dishes were cleared, Darien walked over to Serena and offered his hand. Serena gently took it. Darien led her to the couch and sat down with her. Serena leaned against him slightly. Darien grabbed a blanket off the end of the couch and draped it over them. Serena then leaned her head on his chest. Darien in return gently played with her hair.
"I don't know how to tell you this Serena," Darien said after a long pause.
"It's ok Darien. Everything will be ok as long as you are here for me," Serena said.
"That's just the problem." Darien muttered.
Serena's head shot up and she looked Darien in the eyes. "What do you mean Darien?" Her voice sounded so scared.
Darien closed his eyes and turned his head away from Serena. "The social worker. That's who was on the phone."
"What did they say?" Serena asked very quietly.
Darien reached up and pinched his nose right between his eyes. Serena's eyes were now downcast afraid of what was to come.
"You. you have to go to a foster family," Darien said as quietly as he could.
Serena's eyes snapped open in shock. Darien felt her body go rigid. He was about to say something when Serena's voice stopped him.
"When?" She asked.
Darien looked down at her and answered, "noon, tomorrow."
"I see." Serena whispered.
When was it going to stop? When was the pain going to leave her? Why couldn't the world let her get her life going again?
Darien could see the struggle inside of Serena. He bent down and kissed her temple, causing Serena to gasp slightly.
"I'm sorry," he whispered in her ear. "But I promise you Sere, I will take care of this. It might take me a little time, but I will fix it. You will be back here with me."
Darien's voice was filled with so much passion that it almost scared Serena. But she just buried her head in Darien's chest.
"I know you will Darien. You're all I have."
Darien wrapped his arms tight around Serena and held her. He would occasionally kiss the top of her head.
Eventually Serena fell asleep in his arms. Darien glanced down at her. Carefully he shifted himself and her so they were lying down on the couch. He cradled her against his body, making sure the blanket covered them both and that Serena was comfortable.
He bent his head close to Serena's and kissed her forehead.
"I promise Serena. I won't let you be separated from me for too long."
Darien closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Serena's eyes slowly opened and looked at Darien. She smiled and cuddled close to him.
"I know you will Darien."
To Be Continued.
No bright sky greeted anyone that morning. Darien opened his eyes and glanced out the window. It was a gray, dull, rainy day.
Darien then turned and glanced out the window. The perfect day for a funeral, Darien thought. His eyes then rested on Serena's face. Carefully Darien reached over and brushed a strand of hair away from Serena's face. His feelings for her had definitely grown. The only thing that Darien wanted was to protect Serena from any more pain. Unfortunately, Darien knew it would be very difficult.
He gently pulled away from Serena. Careful not to wake her, Darien headed out of the room and to the kitchen.
Darien fixed himself a cup of coffee. Quickly drowning the cup, Darien headed to the bathroom.
Serena woke up to the sound of a shower running. She glanced up at the window and sighed. Slowly Serena got out of bed and made her way to the balcony, which was off the living room. She placed her hand on the glass and just stared out at the rain.
Some time later Serena felt a warm hand touch her shoulder.
"Would you like something to eat?" A deep voice asked.
Serena shook her head. "I'm not hungry."
Darien just nodded. "We'll eat later then." His hand started to rub down her back. "Ready?"
Serena nodded.
The car ride was quiet except for Serena's directions. She spent her time starring out the window. Darien was concentrating on the road. Darien was adorned in a black suit. Serena couldn't help but noticed how well the suit for Darien. Also she noticed how handsome he looked.
Darien's car pulled into the driveway. He gave Serena a small smile. Then they both got out of the car.
Serena left Darien to explore the lower level of the house, while she got ready.
Darien's eyes scanned over pictures of the family. The amount of memories and love Darien could see in the house amazed him. Serena must have experienced thousands of memories with her family. A luxury Darien never knew.
Darien's loss was deal able to him because he couldn't remember his family. But Serena, she remembered everything.
Darien's eyes continued to roam over the pictured for a while. Someone clearing their voice interrupted his thoughts. Darien turned and his eyes met Serena's.
She was standing at the bottom of the stairs adorned in a black dress. Her skin looked sickly white against the black. At her feet lay a small duffle bag.
Darien immediately decided that Serena should never wear black. She looked a lot better in brighter colors.
"Ready?" Serena voice asked weakly.
Darien walked up to her and hugged her tight. "Remember Sere, I'm here with you." Serena just nodded. Darien picked up the bag and the two headed out the door.
They arrived to the funeral in silence. Darien opened Serena's door for her and helped her out. He held an umbrella over their heads with one hand. The other rested on her shoulders as they entered.
The funeral passed by quickly to Serena. She wept the whole time. Relying on Darien for strength. There were few in attendance, but Andrew and the girls were there.
The funeral was coming to an end and soon Serena's family would be laid to rest.
Darien held Serena close to her trying to keep her protected from not only the rain but also the pain.
The graves were being ready to be lowered, and Serena left the safety of Darien's side to say her good-byes.
Darien watched her walk up to the caskets and placed a rose on each one. Andrew came to stand next to him.
"It's going to be unbelievably hard for her," Andrew said in a hush tone.
"I don't care how hard it is, I'm going to be there for her. Every single moment I can," Darien said back.
Andrew examined his friend. Suddenly it dawned on him. "You lover her, don't you?"
Darien stared him right in the eye. "With all my heart."
Serena gently laid a rose on each grave. The rain beat her body harshly. Tears she was shedding mixing with the rain.
"I miss you guys so much. But I promise that I will try to be happy. It's gonna be hard but I'll try. I'll make you proud. I pray you are all in peace. I love you so much." Serena let out a sob at the end, then turned and walked back to Darien. He head was bent and she didn't look up when she reached Darien.
Andrew stepped forward and embraced her. He whispered his condolences and offered his support. Serena thanked him.
Soon the girls walked up. Each one giving Serena a tight hug. They said basically the same thing as Andrew, but they all added in apologies for the night of the fight.
Serena was too exhausted to be angry with them. She quickly forgave each of them.
The girls offered to get together later that day, but Serena refused. The girls sadly understood and agreed.
Darien kept his hand around Serena's waist. He felt a hand tap his shoulder. Slowly he turned to see a women standing there.
"Can I help you?" Darien asked.
"Yes, I need to speak with Serena Tsukino," the women answered.
Darien realized that it was a social worker. He quickly excused himself from Serena and the others.
"Can I speak to you before you talk to her?" Darien asked pleadingly. The women nodded in response.
Darien and the women walked a little ways from the group.
"Listen," Darien started, running fingers through his wet hair. "I want to be Serena's caretaker. I'm a close friend, I have a steady job, and a secure place for her to stay."
The women looked at Darien carefully. "I understand you good intentions, Mr." the women trailed off.
"Chiba," Darien quickly filled in.
"Mr. Chiba, I can not simply just hand Miss Tsukino over to you. There's paper work and applications and so on. Things of those nature need to be handled first."
"I understand," Darien countered. "But please, give me a chance. I'll do all the paper work and whatever else I need to. Just please, give me a fair chance," Darien pleaded.
The women let out a soft sigh. "Okay Mr. Chiba, here's my card." The women handed him a small business card. "Call me later today and we will work out the details."
"Thank you so much," Darien smiled. He might just be able to help Serena with everything.
The women nodded and walked away. Darien tucked the card in his pocket and headed back to the group.
"Who was that?" Lita asked.
"Oh, just someone who want to express her condolences," Darien stated wrapping an arm around Serena. Serena in turn sneezed.
Darien looked down at her. Then back at the group.
"I'm sorry guys, but I think we need to get going. I don't want Serena to get sick," Darien stated.
The others nodded in agreement. They all told Serena that they would call her later.
Darien and Serena said their good-byes, and then headed back to the car.
Darien helped Serena into his car. The rain was eating down now and Serena was soaked. Darien was upset with himself that she wouldn't take the umbrella at the funeral. After Serena was settled into the car she sneezed again. Darien took off his semi-dry jacket and draped it over Serena. Then he quickly closed the door and ran to the driver side of the car. He got in and started the car.
The drive was uncomfortably quiet. The only sound was the rain and Serena's occasional sneeze.
"When we get back, I'll make some soup for us while you change," Darien said.
Serena didn't answer.
The car stopped at a light and Darien looked at Serena. She was staring out the window with tears slowly running down her face.
As the light changed, Darien reached over and took Serena's hand in his. He gently gave it a squeeze. Serena turned and looked at Darien. He just gave her a comforting smile and turned back to the road.
The car pulled into the parking garage and Darien helped Serena out. He kept his arm around her and Serena leaned on him. He grabbed her bag and they headed upstairs.
Once they got into the apartment, Darien took her jacket and hung it up.
Serena kept her head low and whispered, "I'm gonna take a shower and change."
Darien nodded, "I'm going to make some soup."
"It's ok Darien. I'm not hungry."
Darien gave a small smile. He remembered how when he was young he didn't want to eat either. He put his hand on Serena's chin, tilting her head upward.
"Serena, I know the last thing you want to do is eat, but you have to. Even if it's only a little. You still need to eat something."
Serena was about to protest but she was cut off when Darien leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"Go on and change Serena," Darien said quietly. Serena nodded and headed to the bathroom with her bag.
Once she was out of sight, Darien leaned against the wall.
"God Serena. what are you doing to me?"
Darien had changed and was in the kitchen. The soup was slowly cooking. He held a card in one hand and a portable phone in the other. He slowly dialed a number.
"Hello, Barbara Carter here."
"Hello Mrs. Carter. This is Darien Chiba, I spoke to you earlier."
"Oh yes. Mr. Chiba. Well I can tell your something right now Mr. Chiba. It seems we have a file on you. I had no idea you went through our services."
"Yes." Darien said gritting his teeth. "Unfortunately, your services never did find me a family."
"Anyway Mr. Chiba. It seems that you are a very good candidate for Miss Tsukino. However, Mr. Chiba, I still need you to fill out some paper work."
"That's fine," Darien cut in.
"You might not think it to be so fine," Barbara shot back.
"What do you mean?" Darien quickly asked.
"Well Mr. Chiba," she started. "It will take a week or two to look over the paper work from not only you but other applicants. So until the decision is made, Serena will be placed in temporary foster care."
Darien's heart stopped at that moment. He couldn't even think. Everything he had planned had fallen apart in a matter of seconds.
"Mr. Chiba, are you still there?"
"Yes. yes I'm here," Darien stuttered.
"Mr. Chiba, we will be by at noon to pick up Serena, tomorrow. I will bring the paper work then," Mrs. Carter said and hung up.
Darien put the phone down and stared at it.
What was going to happen now? How could he possibly tell Serena that she was about to be taken from him?
"Darien?" A soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "Who was that?"
Darien turned and his eyes met Serena's. She tilted her head to the side. "What's wrong?"
Darien gave a weak smile and turned back to the soup. He pulled the pot off the stove and poured it into two bowls.
"Come on Serena, let's eat."
Serena ate slowly, her eyes glancing back and forth from Darien to the soup. She only ended up eating about half the bowl.
"Darien?" She asked quietly. He looked up at her. "Will you tell me what's wrong?"
Darien sighed and began to clear the table. After all the dishes were cleared, Darien walked over to Serena and offered his hand. Serena gently took it. Darien led her to the couch and sat down with her. Serena leaned against him slightly. Darien grabbed a blanket off the end of the couch and draped it over them. Serena then leaned her head on his chest. Darien in return gently played with her hair.
"I don't know how to tell you this Serena," Darien said after a long pause.
"It's ok Darien. Everything will be ok as long as you are here for me," Serena said.
"That's just the problem." Darien muttered.
Serena's head shot up and she looked Darien in the eyes. "What do you mean Darien?" Her voice sounded so scared.
Darien closed his eyes and turned his head away from Serena. "The social worker. That's who was on the phone."
"What did they say?" Serena asked very quietly.
Darien reached up and pinched his nose right between his eyes. Serena's eyes were now downcast afraid of what was to come.
"You. you have to go to a foster family," Darien said as quietly as he could.
Serena's eyes snapped open in shock. Darien felt her body go rigid. He was about to say something when Serena's voice stopped him.
"When?" She asked.
Darien looked down at her and answered, "noon, tomorrow."
"I see." Serena whispered.
When was it going to stop? When was the pain going to leave her? Why couldn't the world let her get her life going again?
Darien could see the struggle inside of Serena. He bent down and kissed her temple, causing Serena to gasp slightly.
"I'm sorry," he whispered in her ear. "But I promise you Sere, I will take care of this. It might take me a little time, but I will fix it. You will be back here with me."
Darien's voice was filled with so much passion that it almost scared Serena. But she just buried her head in Darien's chest.
"I know you will Darien. You're all I have."
Darien wrapped his arms tight around Serena and held her. He would occasionally kiss the top of her head.
Eventually Serena fell asleep in his arms. Darien glanced down at her. Carefully he shifted himself and her so they were lying down on the couch. He cradled her against his body, making sure the blanket covered them both and that Serena was comfortable.
He bent his head close to Serena's and kissed her forehead.
"I promise Serena. I won't let you be separated from me for too long."
Darien closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Serena's eyes slowly opened and looked at Darien. She smiled and cuddled close to him.
"I know you will Darien."
To Be Continued.
