The Perfect Prank
Chapter XI. Consenting Adults
By: Sailor Angie
AN: I apologize ahead of time for the over use of the ellipses. I feel they're necessary for dramatic effect. Also, this chapter isn't much longer than the last because as I said before Chapters 10 and 11 were originally one chapter. There is an important note in the authors notes at the end. Read, Review, and try to Enjoy!
***********
Serena pulled the sides of her dress up as she climbed the stairs to her room. 'If I'm lucky,' she thought, 'Mina will spend the night with Andrew.'
She took one last look at her hair in the mirror before disassembling the mass of bobby pins that held her curled locks up in a loose bun. Eventually her tresses were completely released.
She has just pulled her pajamas out of a drawer when she heard a knock on the door. She dropped the clothes on her dresser and answered it.
"I forgot." Darien stood before her still in his tuxedo. He looked tired.
"Forgot what?" Serena looked up at him.
"I promised you a dance." He held up a cd and entered her room. He found the stereo quickly and pressed play. "I hope you like Sinatra." Darien turned to face her, "May I have this dance?" He extended his hand and she took it. He took her right hand and held it up by his chest while he wrapped his right arm around her waist.
Serena followed suit by wrapping her arm around his waist as well, however, she took it a step farther by putting her arm inside his suit coat and rested her head on him. Together they both swayed to the crooner. Darien made sure to hold Serena as close as possible.
"Tell me why you really came here." Serena whispered.
"I was wrong when I sent you away in that cab. I need help, and you're the only one who can help me right now." Darien breathed her in.
"And how pray tell can I help you?" Serena played coy.
Darien rested his head on Serena's, "I just needed to be with you is all. I am over Raye; it has been a month after all. The problem is, I'm not over the fact that I'm single again. To see how happy they all are . . . makes me sick. They all have someone. Andrew has Mina, Greg has Amy, and now Chad has Raye. Once again I'm left out; I've got no one."
Serena stopped and let her hands cup his face, "But don't you understand Darien, you have me." Her eyes pleaded with his.
Darien removed her hands from his face, "You have no idea what that means to me," he paused, "But--"
"But what Darien? We're both consenting adults, and you need me as much as I need you." Serena stopped, she was scaring herself, she almost believed what she was saying.
"You must know how badly I want you, but that's exactly why I can't have you." Darien still held her hands.
"I don't understand." Serena whispered.
"I don't want to hurt you--"
"How could you hurt me Darien?" Serena was so close, she wasn't about to let go so easily.
"I will not let you be my rebound. I would be using you--"
"Then use me!" Serena begged, "You're all I can think about. When you hold me I'm in heaven. I can't get you out of my head. Ever since you kissed me that day, I've wanted you . . . I've needed you." Serena was desperate, and was surprised at how candidly she was speaking. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she wondered if she meant every word. The answer . . . yes. . .
"We can't do this right now." Darien sounded unsure of himself.
"Tell me the kiss meant nothing, tell me I mean nothing to you and I'll give up." Serena knew she was risking everything. He was silent. Serena knew she had won. Now all she had to do was seal the deal . . . with a kiss. She grabbed the lapels of his coat and crushed his lips with her own.
Much to her delight he began to kiss her back, but broke from the kiss suddenly. "We can't do this." Darien seemed hesitant.
Serena called him out, "Who are you trying to convince Darien? You sound unsure." She challenged.
"I am." Darien smothered her mouth as she has just done. He kissed her with such hunger and strength, bruising her lips; as if she was his oxygen, and without her he would die.
Serena stripped Darien of his coat and began unbuttoning his shirt as he removed her dress straps.
It was only when he found himself attempting to take unsnap her bra that he knew he had to stop. He gently pushed Serena away, "Not like this." He whispered huskily. He put the straps back over her arms and buttoned up his shirt. All the while Serena was dumbfounded. He took hold of her shoulders and looked her square in the eyes, "I'm not ready yet, but when I am, you'll be the first to know." He kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry Serena."
She pulled him into an embrace, "You promise I'll be the first?"
He kissed her head, "Yes, I promise." Serena walked him to her door, "Good night Serena, thank you for your help." He began slowly backing down the hall.
"Goodnight Darien, you're welcome." She blew him a kiss and he winked at her.
'Breaking his heart may prove to be a bit more impossible that I had originally anticipated.' Serena thought as she shut the door behind her.
***********
AN: First off, some character notes I want to clear up after reading reviews:
1.) Andrew, I know sometimes it's hard to follow the timeline with this story, but it has been a month since Raye and Darien broke up. Andrew meant no harm in calling Raye, Chad's girlfriend. As he's been spending so much time with Mina, he hasn't realized how much Darien is going through, and obviously wouldn't know that he shouldn't have said that. And of course he didn't know he was breaking up an almost kiss in the beginning, but I just wanted to get your feet wet for what was to come in this chapter!
2.) Chad, ever the idiot, like Andrew has not been paying attention to his friend's feelings. Yes, he should have waited, but if you think about it, him and Raye have been 'together' for about 6 months. Bottom line, it was wrong of him, but he's a moron, what else can I say?
MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!! I want to respond to a reviewer in my author's note. Ava reviewed for I believe the first time last chapter(without signing in), and seemed to be really upset that I publish notes to my reviewers at the end of the chapters. And Ava, I'm not a particularly mean person or anything, but if you have a problem with it, then don't read them. Responding to my reviewers is the least I can do, and it would take me forever to do it individually through e-mail. I know they can get lengthy some times, but my reviewers are involved in my creative thought process, and I depend on them for a lot, and I that's why I need to talk to them, so I'm sorry, but I won't stop responding to them. I'd be interested to hear what my lovely reviewers have to say about this pressing issue. Regardless, here are my Reviewer Responses, longer than ever, just for you Ava. :D
TheFairyQueen(Tanya), thank you so much for the complement about my 'mad writing skills,' it makes me happy. Also I'm glad you like that D/S are slowly 'slipping' into liking/loving each other. Like I said in 'Love Is Blind,' in reality, you can't just like someone in two seconds. It takes time, especially after what Darien has been through.
Mikahoshi11, I thought you had deserted. I sent you an individual e-mail, but I don't think you got it, anywho, thank you for your review/response support, I wouldn't want to disappoint. I hope my character notes answered your questions, let me know if you're still confused about anything! Love you bunches darlin'!
Krystal-Jade, I understand where you're coming from, and I think that along with some other readers you maybe confused about the timeline. Raye and Darien have been broken up for a month. Serena has known for 3 weeks, and has been comforting him, and spending time with him. I guess in hindsight, I should have put in some kind of filler chapter with them being together, but people seem to be bored with me already. Hope that clears things up.
AMI MIZUNO1, thank you so much for your 'smile' help, keep your eye out for your suggestions, and I'll be waiting for your next review!
Mistressmoon, I've missed you. I thought you may have given up on this one. I suppose you might be a little disappointed in Darien after this chapter, but he's trying to keep his composure. Glad to have you back dear.
Silverian Rose, if you're not satisfied with this chapter (as far as D/S getting together), you will be by the next one okay!
Leira1, I think your 'movie' suggestion is a great one, but go into more detail, what do you mean exactly? Hope my character notes answered your question, lemme know if you're still confused okay!
The Final Stillness of Saturn, you just seem to have the worst of luck my dear. I hope people stop picking on you. (I can beat them up for you if you'd like!) As you referenced, we are seeing a major change in Serena, she's going from a cynic, to an optimist. Funny what love can do to a person. I will definitely take your 'smile' advice, look for your suggestions in coming chapters!
Serenity's Angel In Heaven, I hope this chapter preview is long enough for you. I needed the last one to be short so I didn't give anything away. Make sure to check my character notes for answers to your questions on Chad okay!
Lara1786, whew, glad you know it's not a lemon, and I agree that stories don't have to be graphic to get you wound up. Glad you like the way things are progressing with Darien and Serena, it's really gonna pick up after this chapter.
Diva, WOAH! Long review, holy moley, okay, and I have some stuff to clear up. I think mentally Serena is there for Darien, she's just still in denial about it, and you hit the nail on the head with the 'eyes averting' comment. She's really starting to feel the pressure from this prank, and definitely having second, third, fourth and fifth thoughts about it. Check the character notes for answers to your Chad/Andrew questions, and as far as Serena's 'shattered heart,' I feel like she's been too busy for a boyfriend, so Darien's really the first guy she's gotten to know. The reason she's so bitter toward everyone (or at least used to be) was because they all judge her based on her family's wealth. She just wants to be normal, and not treated extra special, and then chastised behind her back. And you're so great at predicting my next moves. I think you had this chapter written in your head before I had it typed up. Lastly, thanks for your 'smile' suggestions. Look for them in coming chapters, see you soon.
Hehe, just had to give you an individual shout out for your "do it" comment, I laughed for five minutes strait. I dunno, maybe they will, maybe they won't. That'd be a good poll question, to see if people think they should or not. Thanks for your support.
Kirei*snow*tenshi, SailorKittyMoon, Ellen, PassionTep, serena/darien, Weirdo's Rule, serena79, Pamela, I know this took me a while, but like I said school's my first priority. I update as soon as I can, but thanks for sticking with the story, and thanks for your support, you guys rock!
Krys, Ava, more, I know the past two chapters were shorter, but remember I said they were originally together, and I decided to separate them, so that's why. As far as chapter length in general goes. I write 3 pages front and back in my purple college ruled notebook with out space in between paragraphs for most chapters, which usually translate to about 4 pages typed. There are a few chapters coming up that will be longer, and some that will be shorter. I wouldn't make them so short if I thought that it wasn't necessary to break up the flow of the story. Thanks for your support, see you next chapter.
***********
Preview --- Chapter XII. Playing In The Snow --- 1st Semester has come to a close, and Christmas is just around the corner. Will Darien and Serena be able to stay away from one another during winter break? Will Serena finally give in to her heart and call off the prank? Or will she be more determined than ever? Look for a short cameo from a surprise guest!
Chapter XI. Consenting Adults
By: Sailor Angie
AN: I apologize ahead of time for the over use of the ellipses. I feel they're necessary for dramatic effect. Also, this chapter isn't much longer than the last because as I said before Chapters 10 and 11 were originally one chapter. There is an important note in the authors notes at the end. Read, Review, and try to Enjoy!
***********
Serena pulled the sides of her dress up as she climbed the stairs to her room. 'If I'm lucky,' she thought, 'Mina will spend the night with Andrew.'
She took one last look at her hair in the mirror before disassembling the mass of bobby pins that held her curled locks up in a loose bun. Eventually her tresses were completely released.
She has just pulled her pajamas out of a drawer when she heard a knock on the door. She dropped the clothes on her dresser and answered it.
"I forgot." Darien stood before her still in his tuxedo. He looked tired.
"Forgot what?" Serena looked up at him.
"I promised you a dance." He held up a cd and entered her room. He found the stereo quickly and pressed play. "I hope you like Sinatra." Darien turned to face her, "May I have this dance?" He extended his hand and she took it. He took her right hand and held it up by his chest while he wrapped his right arm around her waist.
Serena followed suit by wrapping her arm around his waist as well, however, she took it a step farther by putting her arm inside his suit coat and rested her head on him. Together they both swayed to the crooner. Darien made sure to hold Serena as close as possible.
"Tell me why you really came here." Serena whispered.
"I was wrong when I sent you away in that cab. I need help, and you're the only one who can help me right now." Darien breathed her in.
"And how pray tell can I help you?" Serena played coy.
Darien rested his head on Serena's, "I just needed to be with you is all. I am over Raye; it has been a month after all. The problem is, I'm not over the fact that I'm single again. To see how happy they all are . . . makes me sick. They all have someone. Andrew has Mina, Greg has Amy, and now Chad has Raye. Once again I'm left out; I've got no one."
Serena stopped and let her hands cup his face, "But don't you understand Darien, you have me." Her eyes pleaded with his.
Darien removed her hands from his face, "You have no idea what that means to me," he paused, "But--"
"But what Darien? We're both consenting adults, and you need me as much as I need you." Serena stopped, she was scaring herself, she almost believed what she was saying.
"You must know how badly I want you, but that's exactly why I can't have you." Darien still held her hands.
"I don't understand." Serena whispered.
"I don't want to hurt you--"
"How could you hurt me Darien?" Serena was so close, she wasn't about to let go so easily.
"I will not let you be my rebound. I would be using you--"
"Then use me!" Serena begged, "You're all I can think about. When you hold me I'm in heaven. I can't get you out of my head. Ever since you kissed me that day, I've wanted you . . . I've needed you." Serena was desperate, and was surprised at how candidly she was speaking. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she wondered if she meant every word. The answer . . . yes. . .
"We can't do this right now." Darien sounded unsure of himself.
"Tell me the kiss meant nothing, tell me I mean nothing to you and I'll give up." Serena knew she was risking everything. He was silent. Serena knew she had won. Now all she had to do was seal the deal . . . with a kiss. She grabbed the lapels of his coat and crushed his lips with her own.
Much to her delight he began to kiss her back, but broke from the kiss suddenly. "We can't do this." Darien seemed hesitant.
Serena called him out, "Who are you trying to convince Darien? You sound unsure." She challenged.
"I am." Darien smothered her mouth as she has just done. He kissed her with such hunger and strength, bruising her lips; as if she was his oxygen, and without her he would die.
Serena stripped Darien of his coat and began unbuttoning his shirt as he removed her dress straps.
It was only when he found himself attempting to take unsnap her bra that he knew he had to stop. He gently pushed Serena away, "Not like this." He whispered huskily. He put the straps back over her arms and buttoned up his shirt. All the while Serena was dumbfounded. He took hold of her shoulders and looked her square in the eyes, "I'm not ready yet, but when I am, you'll be the first to know." He kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry Serena."
She pulled him into an embrace, "You promise I'll be the first?"
He kissed her head, "Yes, I promise." Serena walked him to her door, "Good night Serena, thank you for your help." He began slowly backing down the hall.
"Goodnight Darien, you're welcome." She blew him a kiss and he winked at her.
'Breaking his heart may prove to be a bit more impossible that I had originally anticipated.' Serena thought as she shut the door behind her.
***********
AN: First off, some character notes I want to clear up after reading reviews:
1.) Andrew, I know sometimes it's hard to follow the timeline with this story, but it has been a month since Raye and Darien broke up. Andrew meant no harm in calling Raye, Chad's girlfriend. As he's been spending so much time with Mina, he hasn't realized how much Darien is going through, and obviously wouldn't know that he shouldn't have said that. And of course he didn't know he was breaking up an almost kiss in the beginning, but I just wanted to get your feet wet for what was to come in this chapter!
2.) Chad, ever the idiot, like Andrew has not been paying attention to his friend's feelings. Yes, he should have waited, but if you think about it, him and Raye have been 'together' for about 6 months. Bottom line, it was wrong of him, but he's a moron, what else can I say?
MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!! I want to respond to a reviewer in my author's note. Ava reviewed for I believe the first time last chapter(without signing in), and seemed to be really upset that I publish notes to my reviewers at the end of the chapters. And Ava, I'm not a particularly mean person or anything, but if you have a problem with it, then don't read them. Responding to my reviewers is the least I can do, and it would take me forever to do it individually through e-mail. I know they can get lengthy some times, but my reviewers are involved in my creative thought process, and I depend on them for a lot, and I that's why I need to talk to them, so I'm sorry, but I won't stop responding to them. I'd be interested to hear what my lovely reviewers have to say about this pressing issue. Regardless, here are my Reviewer Responses, longer than ever, just for you Ava. :D
TheFairyQueen(Tanya), thank you so much for the complement about my 'mad writing skills,' it makes me happy. Also I'm glad you like that D/S are slowly 'slipping' into liking/loving each other. Like I said in 'Love Is Blind,' in reality, you can't just like someone in two seconds. It takes time, especially after what Darien has been through.
Mikahoshi11, I thought you had deserted. I sent you an individual e-mail, but I don't think you got it, anywho, thank you for your review/response support, I wouldn't want to disappoint. I hope my character notes answered your questions, let me know if you're still confused about anything! Love you bunches darlin'!
Krystal-Jade, I understand where you're coming from, and I think that along with some other readers you maybe confused about the timeline. Raye and Darien have been broken up for a month. Serena has known for 3 weeks, and has been comforting him, and spending time with him. I guess in hindsight, I should have put in some kind of filler chapter with them being together, but people seem to be bored with me already. Hope that clears things up.
AMI MIZUNO1, thank you so much for your 'smile' help, keep your eye out for your suggestions, and I'll be waiting for your next review!
Mistressmoon, I've missed you. I thought you may have given up on this one. I suppose you might be a little disappointed in Darien after this chapter, but he's trying to keep his composure. Glad to have you back dear.
Silverian Rose, if you're not satisfied with this chapter (as far as D/S getting together), you will be by the next one okay!
Leira1, I think your 'movie' suggestion is a great one, but go into more detail, what do you mean exactly? Hope my character notes answered your question, lemme know if you're still confused okay!
The Final Stillness of Saturn, you just seem to have the worst of luck my dear. I hope people stop picking on you. (I can beat them up for you if you'd like!) As you referenced, we are seeing a major change in Serena, she's going from a cynic, to an optimist. Funny what love can do to a person. I will definitely take your 'smile' advice, look for your suggestions in coming chapters!
Serenity's Angel In Heaven, I hope this chapter preview is long enough for you. I needed the last one to be short so I didn't give anything away. Make sure to check my character notes for answers to your questions on Chad okay!
Lara1786, whew, glad you know it's not a lemon, and I agree that stories don't have to be graphic to get you wound up. Glad you like the way things are progressing with Darien and Serena, it's really gonna pick up after this chapter.
Diva, WOAH! Long review, holy moley, okay, and I have some stuff to clear up. I think mentally Serena is there for Darien, she's just still in denial about it, and you hit the nail on the head with the 'eyes averting' comment. She's really starting to feel the pressure from this prank, and definitely having second, third, fourth and fifth thoughts about it. Check the character notes for answers to your Chad/Andrew questions, and as far as Serena's 'shattered heart,' I feel like she's been too busy for a boyfriend, so Darien's really the first guy she's gotten to know. The reason she's so bitter toward everyone (or at least used to be) was because they all judge her based on her family's wealth. She just wants to be normal, and not treated extra special, and then chastised behind her back. And you're so great at predicting my next moves. I think you had this chapter written in your head before I had it typed up. Lastly, thanks for your 'smile' suggestions. Look for them in coming chapters, see you soon.
Hehe, just had to give you an individual shout out for your "do it" comment, I laughed for five minutes strait. I dunno, maybe they will, maybe they won't. That'd be a good poll question, to see if people think they should or not. Thanks for your support.
Kirei*snow*tenshi, SailorKittyMoon, Ellen, PassionTep, serena/darien, Weirdo's Rule, serena79, Pamela, I know this took me a while, but like I said school's my first priority. I update as soon as I can, but thanks for sticking with the story, and thanks for your support, you guys rock!
Krys, Ava, more, I know the past two chapters were shorter, but remember I said they were originally together, and I decided to separate them, so that's why. As far as chapter length in general goes. I write 3 pages front and back in my purple college ruled notebook with out space in between paragraphs for most chapters, which usually translate to about 4 pages typed. There are a few chapters coming up that will be longer, and some that will be shorter. I wouldn't make them so short if I thought that it wasn't necessary to break up the flow of the story. Thanks for your support, see you next chapter.
***********
Preview --- Chapter XII. Playing In The Snow --- 1st Semester has come to a close, and Christmas is just around the corner. Will Darien and Serena be able to stay away from one another during winter break? Will Serena finally give in to her heart and call off the prank? Or will she be more determined than ever? Look for a short cameo from a surprise guest!