Hey everyone! OMG'sh! Thank you! I love you all and your kind words! *They
love me! They really love me* Whoa! Sorry my ego got away from me! Any who
I wrote another story called The Next Full Moon. But don't worry I'm not
gonna neglect either. OK on with the story! Oh one more thing please read
the author notes at the bottom!
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon and since I'm tired of repeatedly saying it this goes for the rest of my chapters. **************************************************
Minutes turned into hours as Serena sat on the beach next to Seiya. 'I have to be dreaming.' The tide had moved up and now they sat in the water completely soaked from their waists down. Neither cared. Unable to stand it anymore Serena turned so she was facing Seiya. He was looking at the waves, making note of their constant rhythm.
"Seiya..." The words died in Serena's throat when Seiya turned his eyes on her. It felt as though he could see her very soul through her eyes. 'This feels so right.' Yet somewhere in the back of her mind there was the smallest protest. 'No! There is someone else for you! He missed his chance!' Tearing her eyes away Serena dropped her head. The events of the day finally catching up to her, Serena began to sob. Somewhere along the way her mind registered Seiya putting his arms around her and pulling her into a hug. Other than that all thoughts left her and she cried out her soul.
Her voice hoarse from crying, Seiya's shirt soaked from her tears, Serena shoved herself out of his warm embrace. Her eyes were red and puffy. She was sure there was snot dripping out of her nose. 'God I must look like The Blob! Quick everyone run!' Shaking her head, she wiped at her nose and eyes. When she finally felt decent she turned again towards Seiya.
"OK what are you doing here and how did you know where I was?" Seiya just smiled at her, his heart melting, knee buckling smile. Serena just scowled at how one little smile from him left her woozy.
"I wanted to surprise you. My folks are selling the house and they wanted me here to make sure everything went smoothly. I ran into Lita and Raye. They seemed really upset when I started asking where you were. They just said you needed some time alone and left me scratching my head at their very cryptic message. Then I ran into Amy and she told me what happened." Seiya paused here, trying to read her reaction, her face remained emotionless, but her eyes were screaming for him to move on, so he continued.
"I figured since you were most definitely crying your eyes out," He paused again to wipe a stray tear off her face that had fallen. "You'd come here. I remember how you'd always sneak into my room late at night crying and we'd come here. You'd just stare at the moon or lay down on the said listening to the waves. It's nice knowing not everything changes." Seiya finished.
"Raye and Lita think my mother is here in town. The nurse at the administration office at the hospital." Serena said looking at the waves. Seiya just stared at her waiting for her to continue. Understanding how hard this was on her.
"I'm so tired Seiya." When their eyes met Seiya felt like his heart was going to break. The sadness in her eyes was so overwhelming, he had to push down the urge to pull her to him.
"It's like everywhere I look, everyone's happy. I mean I don't want people feeling the same way I do whenever I see a little girl holding her mother's hand. I want to know what's wrong with me. I want to know why I wasn't good enough for my own fucking mother to love me! I want to know why all I want to do is curl into a ball and cry my goddamn eyes out! Where's the person who's supposed to love and protect me?! When will that person come?!" Unable to keep talking Serena just started crying again, this time Seiya went with his urge and pulled Serena to him. Stroking her hair and telling her it would be alright. Never before had he known how hurt Serena was by her mother's disappearance. And now the said woman was supposedly back in town and hadn't even tried to contact her. All he could do was hold her as she cried her heart and soul out.
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Darien had been talking go this woman named Beryl for about half an hour now. They were sitting in the lobby of the bed and breakfast. He had tried very subtly to get the woman to detach herself from his arm but every attempt failed miserably. So here he was, stuck talking to this red haired woman. Darien quirked his head to side in confusion. Her eyes just moments ago had been able to hold his attention, now when he looked into her eyes he just saw lust and greed.
He began getting uneasy as he noticed how close she had managed to make them. A little alarm went off in his head telling him to run away as fast as he could. Darien looked down at the woman's leg that was now draped across his and her left arm which was entwined with his. 'How the hell did that happen?!' Thinking only of releasing himself from this woman's grasp, Darien jumped up quickly, knocking Beryl to ground followed by an audible "Oomph!"
Beryl was now glaring daggers at Darien. Her face turned upwards showing every curve of her face. The dress she was wearing moved further up her leg as a result of her turbulent fall. Darien smiled down at the woman, taking delight in the comical scene she was portraying. Beryl, being the ignorant woman she was, took his smile as something more promising than a good laugh. Confidence once again running through her mind, she lifted herself, straightened her dress and threw her arms around the neck of a man completely unprepared.
Beryl pulled his face to hers, pressing her lips hard on his. At first his lips and body remained still, as if weighing the pros and cons of this decision, and then he began to respond. He hand made it's way to the base of her neck, his hand turning into a fist as he grabbed her hair, holding her head in place. All Beryl could do was moan as the man ravaged her mouth. Her moan pulled him back to reality. He quickly pulled his head away and removed his head from it's tight hold at the nape of her neck.
Running his hand through his ebony hair Darien cleared his throat, preparing an explanation for his behavior. He paused when he looked at her. Her lips were swollen and red from their bruising kiss. Her eyes slightly glazed over at the passion it held. Darien was sure if the woman hadn't moaned he would have taken her right their in the lobby. He frowned at that thought. Sure he had bedded many women but he never slept with a woman based purely upon an attraction. Shaking his head of his thoughts he settled his eyes on the woman's face.
"Uh...look I'm sorry. I think I gave you the wrong idea," He mentally slapped himself at that comment. 'Ya think?! Tonguing a complete stranger probably would give the wrong idea!' Ignoring his own snide thoughts he continued. "This is a really bad idea. We don't even know each other. So um...I think we should just go on our separate ways, ok?" Darien's eyes were almost begging the woman to leave quietly. A scene was the last thing he needed.
Beryl was completely dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events. When she had "accidentally" bumped into this gorgeous man outside, she had seen the lust in his eyes. So being horny, like she constantly was she figured he'd be a good way to release her pent up....frustrations. Then when he had told her his name an idea began formulating in her head. Everyone knew of Darien Shields. He was top lawyer and one of the richest, most eligible bachelors in all of America. Beryl was sure, given the right amount of time, he would be head over heels in love with her and soon they would be reading their own wedding announcement in the newspaper. Of course after they were married she would claim she didn't love him and then leave him, taking with her all of his money. And now the idiot in front of her was ruining her plan! Well she'd be damned if she let him go without a fight! So putting on her most innocent smile she spoke.
"My goodness you are right! I'm so sorry! Oh my gosh I'm so embarrassed." Beryl delighted in seeing the man's expression turn to sympathy.
"Please don't be embarrassed." Darien picked the woman's hand up, in a comforting manner.
"I honestly don't know what came over me. It was like I just had to be near you. I know this is going to sound ridiculous but," Beryl paused, knowing fully he was waiting for her to continue. "I felt drawn to you." She finished, surprised she was able to make herself blush and then lowered her head in an act of awkwardness. Releasing her hand, Darien brought his hand to her cheek, gently caressing her soft skin. This effectively caused Beryl to raise her eyes, a questioning look in them.
"Would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow night?" Darien asked, amused when he saw her face light up with joy.
"I would love too!" Beryl wore a bright smile on her face. Her plan worked and soon the rest would fall into place. Oh how she loved men and how easily they were manipulated by a pretty face. ******************************************************
It was around eight in the morning as Serena made her way towards the shop. So much had happened last night on the beach with Seiya. So much was said. Serena still could not believe all the things they talked about. Soon her thoughts drifted back to last night and what Seiya had told her.
***Serena still sat in Seiya's arms and he began a conversation after hours of silence.
"You know Serena there are other reasons I came back." He spoke slowly.
"What...other...reasons...?" Serena took a deep breath after every word, it was like her lungs refused to take in air. She had been waiting her entire life to hear him say.
"The most important reason is because...because I love you."***
Serena had waited her entire life to hear him tell her that he loved her. How many nights she had spent dreaming about the very event. In her dream she would always be dressed in a beautiful white gown and he in a black tuxedo. Later she came to realize it was her wedding day that he was expressing his true feelings for her. The odd thing about her dream though, was that Seiya's face was always blurred, so she could never really see his face. She just knew he had black hair. And since Seiya was the only man she loved and he had black hair, she just connected the dots.
Although her childhood dream was actually coming true Serena wasn't exactly sure how she felt about Seiya now. If he had told her four years ago he was in love with her she would have jumped into his arms never letting their lips separate. But now...They were both different people. She was a different person. Her thoughts were roughly interrupted by a jarring impact with a very solid wall. When Serena looked up she realized it wasn't a solid wall, but a very solid man. Looking closer Serena recognized him. Darien. A bit confused as to how he had found her Serena looked around her surroundings. She all but slapped herself upside the head for not realizing she was at the shop. And if not for her encounter with Darien she most definitely would have kept walking.
"Hi." Darien began, butterflies starting to flutter in the pit of his stomach.
"Hi." Serena just wasn't in the mood for him. He annoyed her to her wits end yesterday but there was something about him. Something that kept her from sending him away and it wasn't just because he was a customer, though she tried unsuccessfully to convince herself of that.
"Um...I had my car towed here. They put it in the alley next to your shop. I hope that's ok." The look in his eyes made Serena soften a bit. His eyes were almost saying 'Please like me!' She smiled and nodded her head and started out for the alley. Darien was one step behind her, his eyes never leaving her blonde head. When they came to his car he watched as Serena popped the top up and ducked under the hood to get a better look.
"So Doc? What's the diagnosis?" Darien quirked a smile when Serena just laughed softly.
"Well it looks like you're gonna need a new fan belt. Definitely new oil. I'd feel better if I replaced that muffler and I need to tweak with the transmission a bit but it's not TOO bad." Serena smiled at him. Darien might as well have had a bright, pink neon sign above his head blinking, 'CONFUSED.'
"So I guess what I was asking was, how much is this going to cost me?" Serena gave him her biggest smile. The smile reserved for telling people the large sum they were going to owe her.
"Well let's see a new muffler's gonna be about $450. To replace the oil that'll be about $35. Fan belt will be about $325 but I'm gonna have to order it so that'll be another $200. And for me to mess around with your transmission will be about $130." Serena still wearing her biggest smile waited for his reaction. She actually liked seeing the person's reaction, it was quite a good show. But all Darien did was reach into his inseam pocket in his coat, took out his check book and started scribbling away. When he was finished he ripped the paper out of the book and held it out for Serena to take. A bit disappointed, Serena just took the check and walked back to the shop, towards her office to deposit the check in the safe. Darien was right behind her.
Once she had deposited the check she turned to find Darien holding a can of oil. Somewhere along the way he had taken off his jacket. He was just looking at her, smiling like a fool. Serena stuck her hand on her hip, looking him over. Trying to figure out what he was up to. She didn't have to wonder long because Darien began speaking.
"Think you could show me how to change the oil? I could save myself $35." Serena smiled. He was funny, she'd give him that much.
"Are you sure? It will require you to get dirty." A smug look came across Serena's face. She knew everything about cars and he knew diddly squat. Today was going to be fun.
"I think I can handle a little dirt." Serena made her way towards him. Stopping mere inches from him, she took the can of oil from him and made her way towards a car she was working on. She lifted the hood and began her lesson. She showed him where the oil went and what the process entailed. When she was done Darien repeated what he had just learned in his own words.
"So I lift up the hood. I pull out the wirery stick thingy. I clean off the oil on it. And then I pour the oil down the little hole I got the stick thingy from?" He looked at her, with pure boyish amusement in his eyes. A small ache formed in Serena's heart. There was something about this man....
"Am I right?" He interrupted her thoughts. She nodded her head. "Here try it." She handed him the oil can, having complete confidence in him. He poured the oil, doing all the preparations. He was pretty neat but had gotten some oil on his hands. Serena laughed as she watched him trying to get a majority of the now dripping black oil off his hands. Her laughter stopped almost immediately when he turned towards her. An evil glint in his eyes and his hands outstretched. Serena began backing up.
"Darien I don't know what you're thinking but you better stop thinkin it!" Serena warned, praying her voice didn't betray her.
"Whatever are you talking about Serena? I was just going to point out you had an eyelash right..." Before Serena could so much as protest he had swept his oily hand across the right side of her face. A pure black line ran straight across. "There." He finished, smiling at the look of outrage on her face. Serena quickly began looking around for something, anything to get back at him for. Finding yet another can of oil laying around, 'I really have to clean this place up.' She picked it up and began stalking towards a now retreating Darien.
"My, my, my Darien. Not so brave are we now?" She taunted. She lunged at him, not allowing him to say a word. She had the can of oil pointed towards him, intending fully to dump the entire can on him. Darien grabbed her arms, stopping her from turning it upside down on him. To his surprise she was rather strong. Soon they were pressed against one another, each trying desperately to drag the can of oil to them. After minutes of struggling the can turned upside, dumping it's contents on them both and all over the ground where they stood. Serena tried pushing Darien away but he slipped, falling backwards and bringing her right along with him.
Serena sucked in a breath harshly, when she realized their position. She was laying on top of him, her left leg between his legs, both of them slippery and coated with oil. She had ducked her head down, resting in the crook of his neck when his quick intake of breath caught her attention. She looked up and their eyes locked. Midnight blue clashing with ocean blue. Emotions running ramped through them both. Serena was lost in the depth his eyes held. She felt herself falling deeper and deeper into the soul of this man and she didn't care. All she wanted was to never have him let her go.
She slowly acknowledged the decreasing distance between their lips. She felt him gently pulling her up, closer to his face. She was right above him, her eyes looking straight into his. Serena watched as his eyes slowly moved to her lips, devouring them. Then quickly his eyes jumped back to hers. Their lips were inching closer and closer until finally they met. Serena couldn't believe how intense it was. If she had been standing she was sure she would have past out from the passion of it. Soon he had slipped his tongue into her mouth, doing things she had never even dreamed about. All she had the strength to do was moan into their kiss. A cough broke them out of their haze. 'I know that cough.'
Knowing fully who was standing there, staring at them. Serena locked eyes with Seiya. Her heart broke when she saw the devastated look on his face. Seiya quickly turned away, a clear act of disgust. Serena felt tears starting to form in her eyes. She quickly scurried off of Darien, embarrassed at how she let herself get carried away. She stood as best she could, she was after all covered in oil. Seiya turned and started to walk away.
"Seiya! Wait! Please...let me explain!" Serena began desperately.
"No it's ok. I knew I had missed my chance. I just didn't know you were THIS type of person." Serena pulled back as if he had struck her. She didn't know when Darien had gotten up but he was quickly standing in front of her. His eyes flashing with uncontrolled anger.
"Who the hell are you to talk to her that way! You better fucking apologize and now or else." Darien's voice tight. Seiya just looked past him to Serena. Tears now freely running down her face. Guilt suddenly attacked him. He had caused her to cry. Never before in the entire span of their friendship had her tears been because of him.
"God I'm sorry Sere." He tried to go to her but the dark haired man was blocking his way. All Seiya could do was glare at the man standing in his way. His eyes went back to Serena. At hearing his voice she turned her back. She couldn't stand to look at him. Out of everyone in her life, she never had had a doubt in her mind Seiya would always be by her side. Now...she just didn't know.
"It's ok. You can go now." Her voice wavering with the need to release the building up tears.
"Sere--" Seiya tried to speak to her but she cut him off.
"Please just, just go Seiya." She turned towards him, facing him. Her eyes showing her soul as always. Defeated Seiya just nodded and slowly left. As soon as he had left Serena felt her shoulders slump. She just couldn't take this for much longer. She felt like she was going to fall and she did. Expecting to feel the cold concrete she was surprised when she felt warm arms gently picking her up and holding her against him. She looked up to his eyes, silently thanking him. She had only known him for two days but she felt as though he was her other half.
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OK I hope it was worth the wait. OK on with the author's notes. For babby-c: Sorry that I confused you. Darien is staying at a Bed and Breakfast. I just typed cottage cuz I think of them as the same. For Shhh.its.a.secret: You're right. I didn't give as much detail as I would have liked in ch. 4. When I'm all done I'm going to revise. Not before, I'm too afraid I'll get distracted and not finish this story for a LONG time. For Fiy-chan: You know I never realized this was a bit dark. Heh. Thanks for pointing that out, but I'm not sure if it'll change soon. But have no fear it's going to be a happy ending for all! Now for the rest of my reviewers I would love an Editor. I haven't checked my mail yet so if you've e-mailed me a reply to my request, sorry. I would love two editors! You can just e-mail me at SuperLuperBabe@aol.com. Please type editor in the subject so I know not to delete you. Ok well that is all. Well till next time
~Snowflake~
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon and since I'm tired of repeatedly saying it this goes for the rest of my chapters. **************************************************
Minutes turned into hours as Serena sat on the beach next to Seiya. 'I have to be dreaming.' The tide had moved up and now they sat in the water completely soaked from their waists down. Neither cared. Unable to stand it anymore Serena turned so she was facing Seiya. He was looking at the waves, making note of their constant rhythm.
"Seiya..." The words died in Serena's throat when Seiya turned his eyes on her. It felt as though he could see her very soul through her eyes. 'This feels so right.' Yet somewhere in the back of her mind there was the smallest protest. 'No! There is someone else for you! He missed his chance!' Tearing her eyes away Serena dropped her head. The events of the day finally catching up to her, Serena began to sob. Somewhere along the way her mind registered Seiya putting his arms around her and pulling her into a hug. Other than that all thoughts left her and she cried out her soul.
Her voice hoarse from crying, Seiya's shirt soaked from her tears, Serena shoved herself out of his warm embrace. Her eyes were red and puffy. She was sure there was snot dripping out of her nose. 'God I must look like The Blob! Quick everyone run!' Shaking her head, she wiped at her nose and eyes. When she finally felt decent she turned again towards Seiya.
"OK what are you doing here and how did you know where I was?" Seiya just smiled at her, his heart melting, knee buckling smile. Serena just scowled at how one little smile from him left her woozy.
"I wanted to surprise you. My folks are selling the house and they wanted me here to make sure everything went smoothly. I ran into Lita and Raye. They seemed really upset when I started asking where you were. They just said you needed some time alone and left me scratching my head at their very cryptic message. Then I ran into Amy and she told me what happened." Seiya paused here, trying to read her reaction, her face remained emotionless, but her eyes were screaming for him to move on, so he continued.
"I figured since you were most definitely crying your eyes out," He paused again to wipe a stray tear off her face that had fallen. "You'd come here. I remember how you'd always sneak into my room late at night crying and we'd come here. You'd just stare at the moon or lay down on the said listening to the waves. It's nice knowing not everything changes." Seiya finished.
"Raye and Lita think my mother is here in town. The nurse at the administration office at the hospital." Serena said looking at the waves. Seiya just stared at her waiting for her to continue. Understanding how hard this was on her.
"I'm so tired Seiya." When their eyes met Seiya felt like his heart was going to break. The sadness in her eyes was so overwhelming, he had to push down the urge to pull her to him.
"It's like everywhere I look, everyone's happy. I mean I don't want people feeling the same way I do whenever I see a little girl holding her mother's hand. I want to know what's wrong with me. I want to know why I wasn't good enough for my own fucking mother to love me! I want to know why all I want to do is curl into a ball and cry my goddamn eyes out! Where's the person who's supposed to love and protect me?! When will that person come?!" Unable to keep talking Serena just started crying again, this time Seiya went with his urge and pulled Serena to him. Stroking her hair and telling her it would be alright. Never before had he known how hurt Serena was by her mother's disappearance. And now the said woman was supposedly back in town and hadn't even tried to contact her. All he could do was hold her as she cried her heart and soul out.
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Darien had been talking go this woman named Beryl for about half an hour now. They were sitting in the lobby of the bed and breakfast. He had tried very subtly to get the woman to detach herself from his arm but every attempt failed miserably. So here he was, stuck talking to this red haired woman. Darien quirked his head to side in confusion. Her eyes just moments ago had been able to hold his attention, now when he looked into her eyes he just saw lust and greed.
He began getting uneasy as he noticed how close she had managed to make them. A little alarm went off in his head telling him to run away as fast as he could. Darien looked down at the woman's leg that was now draped across his and her left arm which was entwined with his. 'How the hell did that happen?!' Thinking only of releasing himself from this woman's grasp, Darien jumped up quickly, knocking Beryl to ground followed by an audible "Oomph!"
Beryl was now glaring daggers at Darien. Her face turned upwards showing every curve of her face. The dress she was wearing moved further up her leg as a result of her turbulent fall. Darien smiled down at the woman, taking delight in the comical scene she was portraying. Beryl, being the ignorant woman she was, took his smile as something more promising than a good laugh. Confidence once again running through her mind, she lifted herself, straightened her dress and threw her arms around the neck of a man completely unprepared.
Beryl pulled his face to hers, pressing her lips hard on his. At first his lips and body remained still, as if weighing the pros and cons of this decision, and then he began to respond. He hand made it's way to the base of her neck, his hand turning into a fist as he grabbed her hair, holding her head in place. All Beryl could do was moan as the man ravaged her mouth. Her moan pulled him back to reality. He quickly pulled his head away and removed his head from it's tight hold at the nape of her neck.
Running his hand through his ebony hair Darien cleared his throat, preparing an explanation for his behavior. He paused when he looked at her. Her lips were swollen and red from their bruising kiss. Her eyes slightly glazed over at the passion it held. Darien was sure if the woman hadn't moaned he would have taken her right their in the lobby. He frowned at that thought. Sure he had bedded many women but he never slept with a woman based purely upon an attraction. Shaking his head of his thoughts he settled his eyes on the woman's face.
"Uh...look I'm sorry. I think I gave you the wrong idea," He mentally slapped himself at that comment. 'Ya think?! Tonguing a complete stranger probably would give the wrong idea!' Ignoring his own snide thoughts he continued. "This is a really bad idea. We don't even know each other. So um...I think we should just go on our separate ways, ok?" Darien's eyes were almost begging the woman to leave quietly. A scene was the last thing he needed.
Beryl was completely dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events. When she had "accidentally" bumped into this gorgeous man outside, she had seen the lust in his eyes. So being horny, like she constantly was she figured he'd be a good way to release her pent up....frustrations. Then when he had told her his name an idea began formulating in her head. Everyone knew of Darien Shields. He was top lawyer and one of the richest, most eligible bachelors in all of America. Beryl was sure, given the right amount of time, he would be head over heels in love with her and soon they would be reading their own wedding announcement in the newspaper. Of course after they were married she would claim she didn't love him and then leave him, taking with her all of his money. And now the idiot in front of her was ruining her plan! Well she'd be damned if she let him go without a fight! So putting on her most innocent smile she spoke.
"My goodness you are right! I'm so sorry! Oh my gosh I'm so embarrassed." Beryl delighted in seeing the man's expression turn to sympathy.
"Please don't be embarrassed." Darien picked the woman's hand up, in a comforting manner.
"I honestly don't know what came over me. It was like I just had to be near you. I know this is going to sound ridiculous but," Beryl paused, knowing fully he was waiting for her to continue. "I felt drawn to you." She finished, surprised she was able to make herself blush and then lowered her head in an act of awkwardness. Releasing her hand, Darien brought his hand to her cheek, gently caressing her soft skin. This effectively caused Beryl to raise her eyes, a questioning look in them.
"Would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow night?" Darien asked, amused when he saw her face light up with joy.
"I would love too!" Beryl wore a bright smile on her face. Her plan worked and soon the rest would fall into place. Oh how she loved men and how easily they were manipulated by a pretty face. ******************************************************
It was around eight in the morning as Serena made her way towards the shop. So much had happened last night on the beach with Seiya. So much was said. Serena still could not believe all the things they talked about. Soon her thoughts drifted back to last night and what Seiya had told her.
***Serena still sat in Seiya's arms and he began a conversation after hours of silence.
"You know Serena there are other reasons I came back." He spoke slowly.
"What...other...reasons...?" Serena took a deep breath after every word, it was like her lungs refused to take in air. She had been waiting her entire life to hear him say.
"The most important reason is because...because I love you."***
Serena had waited her entire life to hear him tell her that he loved her. How many nights she had spent dreaming about the very event. In her dream she would always be dressed in a beautiful white gown and he in a black tuxedo. Later she came to realize it was her wedding day that he was expressing his true feelings for her. The odd thing about her dream though, was that Seiya's face was always blurred, so she could never really see his face. She just knew he had black hair. And since Seiya was the only man she loved and he had black hair, she just connected the dots.
Although her childhood dream was actually coming true Serena wasn't exactly sure how she felt about Seiya now. If he had told her four years ago he was in love with her she would have jumped into his arms never letting their lips separate. But now...They were both different people. She was a different person. Her thoughts were roughly interrupted by a jarring impact with a very solid wall. When Serena looked up she realized it wasn't a solid wall, but a very solid man. Looking closer Serena recognized him. Darien. A bit confused as to how he had found her Serena looked around her surroundings. She all but slapped herself upside the head for not realizing she was at the shop. And if not for her encounter with Darien she most definitely would have kept walking.
"Hi." Darien began, butterflies starting to flutter in the pit of his stomach.
"Hi." Serena just wasn't in the mood for him. He annoyed her to her wits end yesterday but there was something about him. Something that kept her from sending him away and it wasn't just because he was a customer, though she tried unsuccessfully to convince herself of that.
"Um...I had my car towed here. They put it in the alley next to your shop. I hope that's ok." The look in his eyes made Serena soften a bit. His eyes were almost saying 'Please like me!' She smiled and nodded her head and started out for the alley. Darien was one step behind her, his eyes never leaving her blonde head. When they came to his car he watched as Serena popped the top up and ducked under the hood to get a better look.
"So Doc? What's the diagnosis?" Darien quirked a smile when Serena just laughed softly.
"Well it looks like you're gonna need a new fan belt. Definitely new oil. I'd feel better if I replaced that muffler and I need to tweak with the transmission a bit but it's not TOO bad." Serena smiled at him. Darien might as well have had a bright, pink neon sign above his head blinking, 'CONFUSED.'
"So I guess what I was asking was, how much is this going to cost me?" Serena gave him her biggest smile. The smile reserved for telling people the large sum they were going to owe her.
"Well let's see a new muffler's gonna be about $450. To replace the oil that'll be about $35. Fan belt will be about $325 but I'm gonna have to order it so that'll be another $200. And for me to mess around with your transmission will be about $130." Serena still wearing her biggest smile waited for his reaction. She actually liked seeing the person's reaction, it was quite a good show. But all Darien did was reach into his inseam pocket in his coat, took out his check book and started scribbling away. When he was finished he ripped the paper out of the book and held it out for Serena to take. A bit disappointed, Serena just took the check and walked back to the shop, towards her office to deposit the check in the safe. Darien was right behind her.
Once she had deposited the check she turned to find Darien holding a can of oil. Somewhere along the way he had taken off his jacket. He was just looking at her, smiling like a fool. Serena stuck her hand on her hip, looking him over. Trying to figure out what he was up to. She didn't have to wonder long because Darien began speaking.
"Think you could show me how to change the oil? I could save myself $35." Serena smiled. He was funny, she'd give him that much.
"Are you sure? It will require you to get dirty." A smug look came across Serena's face. She knew everything about cars and he knew diddly squat. Today was going to be fun.
"I think I can handle a little dirt." Serena made her way towards him. Stopping mere inches from him, she took the can of oil from him and made her way towards a car she was working on. She lifted the hood and began her lesson. She showed him where the oil went and what the process entailed. When she was done Darien repeated what he had just learned in his own words.
"So I lift up the hood. I pull out the wirery stick thingy. I clean off the oil on it. And then I pour the oil down the little hole I got the stick thingy from?" He looked at her, with pure boyish amusement in his eyes. A small ache formed in Serena's heart. There was something about this man....
"Am I right?" He interrupted her thoughts. She nodded her head. "Here try it." She handed him the oil can, having complete confidence in him. He poured the oil, doing all the preparations. He was pretty neat but had gotten some oil on his hands. Serena laughed as she watched him trying to get a majority of the now dripping black oil off his hands. Her laughter stopped almost immediately when he turned towards her. An evil glint in his eyes and his hands outstretched. Serena began backing up.
"Darien I don't know what you're thinking but you better stop thinkin it!" Serena warned, praying her voice didn't betray her.
"Whatever are you talking about Serena? I was just going to point out you had an eyelash right..." Before Serena could so much as protest he had swept his oily hand across the right side of her face. A pure black line ran straight across. "There." He finished, smiling at the look of outrage on her face. Serena quickly began looking around for something, anything to get back at him for. Finding yet another can of oil laying around, 'I really have to clean this place up.' She picked it up and began stalking towards a now retreating Darien.
"My, my, my Darien. Not so brave are we now?" She taunted. She lunged at him, not allowing him to say a word. She had the can of oil pointed towards him, intending fully to dump the entire can on him. Darien grabbed her arms, stopping her from turning it upside down on him. To his surprise she was rather strong. Soon they were pressed against one another, each trying desperately to drag the can of oil to them. After minutes of struggling the can turned upside, dumping it's contents on them both and all over the ground where they stood. Serena tried pushing Darien away but he slipped, falling backwards and bringing her right along with him.
Serena sucked in a breath harshly, when she realized their position. She was laying on top of him, her left leg between his legs, both of them slippery and coated with oil. She had ducked her head down, resting in the crook of his neck when his quick intake of breath caught her attention. She looked up and their eyes locked. Midnight blue clashing with ocean blue. Emotions running ramped through them both. Serena was lost in the depth his eyes held. She felt herself falling deeper and deeper into the soul of this man and she didn't care. All she wanted was to never have him let her go.
She slowly acknowledged the decreasing distance between their lips. She felt him gently pulling her up, closer to his face. She was right above him, her eyes looking straight into his. Serena watched as his eyes slowly moved to her lips, devouring them. Then quickly his eyes jumped back to hers. Their lips were inching closer and closer until finally they met. Serena couldn't believe how intense it was. If she had been standing she was sure she would have past out from the passion of it. Soon he had slipped his tongue into her mouth, doing things she had never even dreamed about. All she had the strength to do was moan into their kiss. A cough broke them out of their haze. 'I know that cough.'
Knowing fully who was standing there, staring at them. Serena locked eyes with Seiya. Her heart broke when she saw the devastated look on his face. Seiya quickly turned away, a clear act of disgust. Serena felt tears starting to form in her eyes. She quickly scurried off of Darien, embarrassed at how she let herself get carried away. She stood as best she could, she was after all covered in oil. Seiya turned and started to walk away.
"Seiya! Wait! Please...let me explain!" Serena began desperately.
"No it's ok. I knew I had missed my chance. I just didn't know you were THIS type of person." Serena pulled back as if he had struck her. She didn't know when Darien had gotten up but he was quickly standing in front of her. His eyes flashing with uncontrolled anger.
"Who the hell are you to talk to her that way! You better fucking apologize and now or else." Darien's voice tight. Seiya just looked past him to Serena. Tears now freely running down her face. Guilt suddenly attacked him. He had caused her to cry. Never before in the entire span of their friendship had her tears been because of him.
"God I'm sorry Sere." He tried to go to her but the dark haired man was blocking his way. All Seiya could do was glare at the man standing in his way. His eyes went back to Serena. At hearing his voice she turned her back. She couldn't stand to look at him. Out of everyone in her life, she never had had a doubt in her mind Seiya would always be by her side. Now...she just didn't know.
"It's ok. You can go now." Her voice wavering with the need to release the building up tears.
"Sere--" Seiya tried to speak to her but she cut him off.
"Please just, just go Seiya." She turned towards him, facing him. Her eyes showing her soul as always. Defeated Seiya just nodded and slowly left. As soon as he had left Serena felt her shoulders slump. She just couldn't take this for much longer. She felt like she was going to fall and she did. Expecting to feel the cold concrete she was surprised when she felt warm arms gently picking her up and holding her against him. She looked up to his eyes, silently thanking him. She had only known him for two days but she felt as though he was her other half.
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OK I hope it was worth the wait. OK on with the author's notes. For babby-c: Sorry that I confused you. Darien is staying at a Bed and Breakfast. I just typed cottage cuz I think of them as the same. For Shhh.its.a.secret: You're right. I didn't give as much detail as I would have liked in ch. 4. When I'm all done I'm going to revise. Not before, I'm too afraid I'll get distracted and not finish this story for a LONG time. For Fiy-chan: You know I never realized this was a bit dark. Heh. Thanks for pointing that out, but I'm not sure if it'll change soon. But have no fear it's going to be a happy ending for all! Now for the rest of my reviewers I would love an Editor. I haven't checked my mail yet so if you've e-mailed me a reply to my request, sorry. I would love two editors! You can just e-mail me at SuperLuperBabe@aol.com. Please type editor in the subject so I know not to delete you. Ok well that is all. Well till next time
~Snowflake~
