Alicia Blade
June 2005 ANs:
Had to do some major revisions to this one. In the original I'd been jumping between POVs, so I tried to cut that out and stick to third person this time around. Hope you enjoy! Prepare for mush!
...
Original ANs:
I have to thank Athena, a wonderful friend who gives me the best ideas and is always 100 supportive! Luv ya! And Edeet who also gave me some great ideas for this fanfic and is a totally cool friend too! Thanx! Let's see, who else? Legoliza for reminding me to put in a very essential part in this story. Eek, woulda been a disaster if I forgot! Thanx! Uh... Shan-chan, R-chan, Patti-chan, and Mia-chan, aka the Pack for reading my fics even if I don't get them back until 3 months later. Heh heh... that's okay though. Thanx also to everyone who has ever e-mailed me or given me inspiration or been my friend. And, last but most certainly not least, the Lord, Jesus Christ, without him, nothing would be possible.
Chapter Two: First Date Jitters
The dress was perfectly smooth, not a wrinkle in sight: white satin with a light pink sachet around the waist and spaghetti straps tying onto the low neckline. Sequined white and silver sandals with a small heel and gold buckles adorned her feet. Her toenails had been colored a dusty rose pink, matching her fingernails. Small pink heart earrings dangled from her earlobes, matching the golden chain and pink heart charm on her neck. Two golden locks fell from their usual buns on either side of her head, with her bangs flowing lightly over her forehead. Two small bobby pins with miniature hearts and gold beads were threaded along her hair as well. Her cheeks had a natural rosy glow, probably due to the numerous times she had ran up and down the stairs searching for shoes and jewelry. Her lips were stained with a simple pink gloss and her elongated lashes lightly brushed up against the pale blue shadow on her eyelids.
She looked gorgeous and she knew it. But no matter how sure of herself Serena was, her blue eyes still swam with worry.
She checked the small bunny clock on the dresser. 4:56. He said he would be here at five. Five o'clock. And then I will spend five whole hours with Darien. Darien. Who is taking me to the Valentine's Dance. Who is also taking me out to dinner. Darien...
10... 9... 8...
She breathed in deeply.
What if he changed his mind? What if he doesn't want to go to a middle school dance? What if he doesn't want to go with me after all?
7... 6... 5...
Closing her eyes, she saw his face smiling at her when she had said yes. But then she saw his mocking grin when he teased her. Meatball Head. Klutz. Airhead.
Maybe I don't want to do this. Maybe I don't want to be stuck with him through the whole dance. Maybe he's only doing this to make me look stupid in front of the whole school.
4... 3... 2...
What will I do if he doesn't show up? He did say five, right? What if I'm not pretty enough? What if he looks so good in a tux, I trip and fall, or, even worse, drool all over myself? It's already hard enough to think around him in normal clothes.
What will happen when I see Josh? Will he be with Jessica? Will everyone be jealous because of Darien? What if HE sees Jessica and ditches me for her? She is so much prettier and...
He did say five, right?
1...
She took another breath and opened her eyes. They were still dark with worry. Darien, where are you?
She checked the clock. 4:56. STILL? I could have sworn ten minutes have passed! What's wrong with that clock, anywaaaait a minute. Okay, there, it's now 4:57. Not much of a comfort. Oh, where is that blasted man? Doesn't he know how crazy this is making me?
Maybe it would be better if he doesn't show up. I mean, it's not like we'll be able to get along the whole night. What would people think if we started arguing in the middle of the dance? Besides, it's not like I REALLY want to go with him or anything. It is Darien, after all. The completely ignorant, rude, conceited, unpleasant, idiotic, self-centered, charming, egotistical, horrible jerk!
Wait a minute... how did charming sneak in there?
She groaned slammed her eyes shut.
Who are you trying to fool, Serena? Face it. You're sprung over the guy. You were happier than a kid on Christmas when he asked you to the dance tonight.
To the empty room, she whispered, "Oh, Darien, where ARE you?"
She checked the clock. 4:58.
She checked the mirror. Stunning.
She glanced out the window to see if he was pulling up to the driveway. Empty. It was dark outside. It had been getting dark around 4:30 that time of year. There was a sliver of a moon balancing on the horizon. The neighbors' porch light could be seen glittering from where Serena stood. Stars were beginning to peek out from the protective blanket of night. But her dark driveway was empty.
He will be here. He WILL be here. Sooner or later. Preferably sooner. He did say five, right?
Biting her lip, and then quickly grabbing the lip gloss on the desk to reapply the bit that had rubbed off, however unnoticeable it was, she began to count backwards again.
10... 9... 8... 7... 6...
She put the cap back on the makeup and groaned, slamming her eyes shut. Why isn't it working?
"Daaarieeeenn!" she whined to no one, then opened her eyes just wide enough to see the clock clearly. 4:59. Okay, he's not late yet. But must he make a point of being here exactly on time?
She began to nibble on the inside of her cheek, not taking the chance of smearing her lip gloss again.
"Darien where ARE you?" she screamed at the clock. As if in a mocking reply, the digits changed.
5:00.
She could have sworn the small bunny was laughing at her. She had an urge to throw it out the window. Clenching her fist and pressing her lips together, Serena strode over to it angrily. Then, with a glance out her window, she froze.
Headlights. Two absolutely beautiful, glorious, enthralling lights, like those at the end of a dark tunnel. Two headlights of a red car just now pulling into the driveway.
With a smile spreading across her face and a delighted squeal, Serena grabbed her small handbag and flew out of the bedroom and through the hallway, down the flight of stairs. Just as the doorbell rang, she called over my shoulder,
"Bye Mom! Bye Dad! Be back around 10:30!" Then she tossed the door open and flew outside.
Darien stumbled back as a force came hurdling into him. With a startled yell, he grasped onto the railing of the porch with one hand and looked down at the girl in his other arm. Serena was breathing heavily, her chest rising with every gasp of air. Both of her hands were resting on his chest, grasping at the black tuxedo. After her heartbeat had calmed somewhat, she looked up at Darien who was staring down at her with shock. The dim lights from the neighborhood allowed both of them to look into the eyes of the other, stars twinkling from within the blue recesses.
Licking her lips, Serena pulled away before grabbing Darien's hand and pulling him down the stairs. "Come on, let's go!" she squealed happily.
Half way to his car, Darien managed to gather his senses and regain his composure. He gently wrapped his free hand around her upper arm. She paused and turned around, looking up at him with confusion. Darien smiled down at her, released her arm, and walked ahead. In his most gentlemanly manner, he opened the passenger car door. She looked at his hand reaching out to hers to help her in and immediately recognition crossed her face. She smiled and giggled lightly before placing her small hand in his palm and stepping lightly into the sports car.
Darien shut the door behind her and she fastened her seatbelt, before lying her hands in her lap and twiddling her fingers around each other, her previous nervousness returning tenfold. She heard Darien entering the car and sitting down in the driver's seat. She stared straight ahead as she felt the car rumble as the engine was turned.
Darien looked over at the girl sitting beside him, everything except for her eyes and a few golden strands hidden in shadow. Shaking his head in wonderment, he pulled slowly out of the driveway.
They had been driving for three minutes. It seemed like thirty to both of them. Darien would occasionally glance over at Serena. The stripes of light from the street lamps moved over her lap, stomach, chest, neck, and worried expression. He would pull his eyes back to the road. The drive was silent. Darien could feel anxiety now seeping into his own mind, tearing him away from the flying spirits he had grown accustomed to the past few hours: ever since she had said yes and thrown herself into his arms.
Finally, he pulled into the parking lot of The Emerald Garden, the snazziest restaurant that part of Tokyo. Turning off the engine, he unbuckled his seatbelt as Serena did the same. Then, he did something even he was not expecting. Instead of reaching for the door handle, he turned the other way and grasped Serena's hand. She gasped and turned to look up at him.
His heart caught in his throat when he saw the worry and fear in her eyes. Taking a breath, he relaxed and smiled slightly. Rubbing the back of her hand with his fingertips, he whispered, "Serena... what's wrong? Did I do something?"
Serena stared blankly. Her thoughts dissolved into air at his touch. Her heart pounded at her ribcage at his voice. Her lips tingled as her eyes drifted from his concerned sapphire gaze to his slight, quirky grin.
She closed her eyes to calm the whirling in her stomach. As a small smile spread across her pink lips, she opened them again to look up at him. "I'm fine," she whispered. "Just a little nervous I guess."
Darien smiled wider and removed his hand from hers, reaching up to trace along the soft curves of her jaw.
"Don't be," he said. "I promise everything will be fine. Tonight will be perfect! I'll make this the best night of your life! I promise."
Serena had to laugh at his courageous attempts to comfort her. Darien was greatly relieved and slowly drew his hand away from her cheek, to both of their disappointments. With a soft gesture, he motioned for her to stay put and got out of the car. Serena looked on with confusion as he walked around the front of the car to her door and opened it for her, before holding out his hand once more. She giggled again at the thought of being treated like a real lady for once, something that never happened to her. Actually, she was quite surprised that Darien, of all people, could be such a complete gentleman, so sweet and charming. She felt herself falling as she placed her hand in his and looked up into his sincere face while stepping onto the pavement. No, she was not having a klutz attack, though falling into his arms seemed like a very welcome event at the moment. She felt herself falling in love.
...
Darien stepped into the well-lit restaurant with Serena on his arm. Releasing her, he approached the reservation desk.
"Two for Chiba, please."
The host looked down at his papers, scanning for the reservation. "Oh, yes, sir, the wait will only be a few minutes."
"Thank you." Darien turned back to Serena and his breath caught. This was the first time he had seen her in full light. She looked like an angel beneath the crystal chandelier, soft music floating around her from inside the eating area. Her blue eyes were focused on the waiters and waitresses as they walked by, carrying platters of elegant delicacies and delicious entrees. Her pink lips had a slight, astonished smile playing across them, and her hands were linked through each other, as if forcing herself not to reach out and steal the food from the passersby. Her white satin dress fit her petite body perfectly and the pink heart jewelry added a cupid-like feature.
Serena noticed Darien staring at her from the corner of her eye. Nervously, she turned to face him. He immediately clamped his jaw shut and she saw him take a deep breath before running his hand through his black hair. She smiled at the sight. He actually looks... scared. And shy. I wonder why... But God, he's cute when he looks down like that.
And then, Serena's eyes drifted down as well, leaving his face to take notice of whatever outfit he had chosen. Her eyes nearly bugged out. Sure, she knew he was going to wear a tuxedo, and she had already taken notice of it earlier, but now that she had the full opportunity to see him, she was stunned.
He wore a black tuxedo with a white dress shirt, and black bow tie, only adding to the incredibly perfect silky black hair and midnight blue eyes.
He is so handsome. How am I ever going to get through this night without just staring at him the whole time? Oh who cares if I stare at him all night? How does that saying go? Easy on the eyes? Heh heh... Yup, definitely.
Darien walked over to Serena and once again offered his arm. She smiled widely up at him before leaning against his arm as they were led to their table.
...
"... and then Melvin jumped out of the bushes wearing this tuxedo and cape and throwing these roses at the poor guy! Molly and I were mortified! It turns out the boy was only trying to interview us for a paper add about our school! We would have had our names in it and everything if Melvin hadn't flipped out and started attacking him. Oh, it was SO funny!"
Darien laughed as Serena told her about the times her geeky friend had imitated... well, HIM, though Serena didn't know THAT. A waiter came by and politely took Darien's empty plate while Serena turned back to her dish to scrape off the last bits of delicious food.
The conversation and laughing died down quickly. Darien watched her lick her lips after every bite. He watched the way her eyes closed for a brief moment, savoring the taste, and how bits of sauce would find their way to her cheeks. With a smile, he would bite his lip to refrain from leaning across the table and kissing away the misplaced meal.
Suddenly, in the middle of the quiet, candle- and chandelier-lit restaurant, Darien failed to remember how he had ever thought of this girl before she was the lovely enchantress sitting across the table from him. Her golden hair no longer reminded him of a pasta dish, but of a crown upon a gorgeous princess. He couldn't grasp onto the memories of any time he'd seen her and not been caught up in her sheer beauty. The light that emanated from her smile and pale blue eyes burned into his soul until he could feel himself smiling by just watching her. He realized in that split second that Serena was quite simply the most radiant, heavenly, exquisite, divine girl he had ever been in the presence of. And he could not comprehend how he had failed to notice before.
Serena sighed and propped her head up in her palms, her elbows resting on the table. A waitress scurried over and took the empty plate from her. Serena's eyes found their way to a crystal chandelier hanging in the center of a dance floor. Couples twirled around the floor, always finding their way back to each other's arms, as if drawn by invisible threads. Another worry began to cloud her thoughts.
Darien noticed the change and immediately reached across the table to hold her hand in his. She looked up at him, gazing over the single candle flame in the center of the small table. His eyes spoke volumes to her, asking why the drop in spirits. She smiled comfortingly, though he appeared unimpressed.
With a sigh of defeat, she said shakily, "Darien, I... maybe this isn't such a good idea after all."
Darien felt as if she might as well have slapped him. "You wish you hadn't come with me?"
Serena gasped at his question. "Oh no! That... that's not what I meant at all!"
Relief and confusion spread over Darien's expression as his fingers tightened slightly over hers. "Then what did you mean?"
Serena sighed. "Well... okay. Darien... when you asked if I would go to the dance with you, I was so excited. But because now I would show everyone that I had the cutest and most mature and... yeah, that I was at the dance with YOU. But then, after I got home... it wasn't so much about making everyone jealous anymore. It was more like, 'Omigosh, I'm going to a dance with Darien!' you know? But... as happy as I am to actually be here... with you, I still, well, sort of want to..."
"Make everyone envy you until both Jessica and Josh are turning green?" finished Darien with a smile. Serena looked up surprised.
"Exactly!"
Darien laughed. "Don't worry about that. Trust me, it won't be a problem at all!"
Serena smiled a bit in relief. "Then... you're not mad at me for... well... using you?"
With a low chuckle, Darien squeezed her hand gently. "Of course not. Hey, you did say yes, either way. And that's all I cared about, really. Besides, you said that it's not just that anymore, right?"
Serena smiled brightly and Darien felt his heart soar at the sight. "Right!"
Warily, Darien pulled his hand away from hers. They exchanged smiles before Serena tore her gaze away blushing, to look out over the dance floor again. And, like last time, her smile fell.
"Serena?"
She turned back to him. "Darien... well, there's a... um... small problem though."
Tilting his head to the side, Darien urged her to continue.
"Well, you see, I... um... sort of... don't know how to dance."
She nibbled on her lip as her gaze inspected his reaction carefully. He smiled and even laughed a little.
"Is that all? Well, gee, I can teach you. No problem!"
Serena's eyes lit up. "Really? You know how? Like, really good and stuff? And you could teach me?"
"Of course! Come on." Darien stood and offered his hand, but she recoiled from it instantly.
"Oh no! No way!"
He scrunched his brow. "Huh? What's wrong?"
"Not here! I don't want to learn in front of all these people!" she squealed, looking around in paranoia, as if to prove her point.
Darien sighed and collapsed back into his chair. However, his small, disappointed frown faded away as he looked upon her adorable, slightly frightened face.
"Alright, alright. We'll just... learn somewhere else I guess..."
"Oh but where? Darien the dance is..."
"I know. Don't worry. I'll take care of everything."
Serena sat back and analyzed him with a peculiarly suspicious and confused pout. At last, a smile made its way along her lips and her large blue eyes glowed.
"Okay!" she said cheerily. Darien laughed at her delightful charms and pondered what he would do to solve this odd little dilemma. Then the waiter came with the dessert tray and the rest of the dinner was spent chatting over more precious memories and mindless small talk, each simply drinking in the other's company.
Serena smiled contentedly and sank down farther in the leather seat. Looking around, she thought, Wow, what a nice car. I wonder what he does for a living to afford all of this.
She glanced at the digital clock on the dashboard. Only 6:18? What are we going to do for the next 40 minutes?
"Darien, the dance doesn't start until 7. Where are we going?"
Darien smiled. "You'll see."
She raised an eyebrow and sat up straighter. "Darien?"
"Hm?"
"What are you up to?"
He laughed a little at her suspiciousness. "Who? Me? Up to something? Nah, of course not!" He smiled at her mischievously.
Serena creased her brow and shrugged, finally resorting to looking out the window to the dark night outside. Closing her eyes, she thought of the look on Jessica's face when she saw Darien, with HER arm strung through his. She smiled even more at stringing her arm through Darien's.
Moments later, the car slowed and came to a stop. Confused, Serena opened her eyes. They were in a dark area, a few clusters of trees and patches of grass. A garden with roses shining silver in the moonlight was noticed right outside of her window. She looked over to Darien. He was busy fiddling with the radio.
"Darien? Where are we?"
He looked up to her and smiled. "The park," he stated simply, sounding rather proud of himself.
"The park? But... why?"
"You'll see," he said mysteriously, his cocky voice irritating her as her mind began to search for any explanations. Darien's hand stopped on the dial of the radio and he slowly turned it up. Serena heard a slow acoustic guitar solo just now bringing the end to a song she didn't know. "Wait here," said Darien, stepping out of the car.
Serena sighed and leaned back in the car seat. Like at the restaurant, he walked around the front of the car and opened her door, offering his hand.
Eyeing his face speculatively, Serena stood and placed her hand in his. The air outside was slightly cold, though her heart was beating fast enough to warm her body instantly.
When she had been led by Darien into the midst of roses, he smiled to her and bowed slightly at the waist, never allowing her hand to fall from his. Looking up, he asked, "My lovely lady, may I have the honor of this dance?"
Serena gasped. Then, with a huge and beautiful grin, she nodded her head, a blush reaching her cheeks. Darien smiled even wider.
"Okay, now this is really simple. First, you put your hand on my shoulder, like this." He guided her hand to his right shoulder and then rested his on her upper back. "And then your other hand goes here," he took her palm into his and held it gently. Then, with the hand lingering at her side, he brought it around to the small of her back, pulling her closer to him.
Serena gasped and smiled, then pursed her lips together as he began to twirl around the small open area. She could hear the small heals of her shoes lightly tapping on the brick pathway. Looking down, she watched her feet carefully, trying her hardest to match his movement. She heard Darien laugh and looked up at him confused.
He smiled down at her and, releasing her hand from his, tilted her chin up with his finger. "Look at me," he whispered soothingly. "Just relax and let me guide you."
"I'm afraid I'll step on your feet," she whispered back.
Darien smiled. "Is that what you're worried about? Well then, here, try this." Darien stopped dancing, but kept his arm around her. "Now stand on my feet."
"What?"
"Don't worry, it won't hurt me. Just put the toes of your feet on mine."
"But..."
"Don't worry Serena, I promise it won't hurt. Trust me?"
Serena looked into deep puppy dog eyes and laughed slightly. "Okay... I guess..."
Looking down again, she slowly stepped onto his feet. She felt his arm lifting her up as she did so. She breathed in deeply at the closeness of his warm body, and found her senses overcome with a soft cologne she hadn't noticed until that moment. It's delicious, she thought, leaning her head onto his chest to smell the fragrance better. Cinnamon and roses and evergreen and rainwater and chocolate and sugar and... and... oh Darien... I wonder what your kisses taste like.
She didn't know how her mind had drifted to that thought, but she couldn't rid herself of it as she felt herself being slowly turned around as Darien led her in small circles. She could vaguely hear one of her favorite duets coming on the radio, sung by two of her favorite artists, Shannon Carter and Marsha Jordan.
I like dancing like this, she thought. Not nearly so much work. And he's so close...
But you still hold onto me
Come to my side
And I can feel you.
My eyes are locked down tight.
Let your voice calm the aching in my head
And your hands drift around my waist,
Your smile cuddle in my hair.
I will kiss you,
And I will love you,
And I will believe you
As long as these moments last...
Whisper sweet nothings in my ear.
Tell me it will be alright,
Even if you are lying,
And I will believe you.
You are my brick,
Pulling me into the calm.
And no one can make me feel
Like you do.
And as long as you kiss me
And love me...
As long as you believe in me...
I will hold onto these moments while they last.
I belong to you...
Even if it's a lie,
Say it will be alright
And I will believe you.
I believe...
I believe...
I believe...
That you must hold onto these moments
While they last.
Darien smiled as Serena rested her head on his chest. He felt her inhale deeply. Nuzzling his face gently in her golden locks, he smelled her shampoo and smiled. A heavenly scent dulled his senses. She was so close he could hardly breathe, and he found that he couldn't think straight at all. The small rode garden was nothing more than flashes of silver against the navy backdrop, with a silver streak hanging high in the sky and glinting stars smiling down upon them.
He couldn't help but notice that her petite body fit his like a puzzle. She felt so small and fragile in his arms, and yet she held an unimaginable power around her, and around him. Her satin dress felt smooth and light beneath his fingertips as he stroked them slowly along her back. One hand lingered on her waist while the other mindlessly came up to sift through her golden hair. He could feel her sigh underneath his touch and smiled. Before he knew what he was thinking, his lips were lightly caressing her forehead, teasing her hair, stroking down her cheek...
The song came to an end, and Darien reluctantly stopped dancing. Serena remained in his arms for a moment, her eyes closed in a peaceful trance. He looked down at the angel in his arms and lay one last butterfly kiss on her soft skin. Slowly, she opened her eyes to look up at him. They were groggy, as if she had just been awakened from a dream, but they sparkled with a million different emotions that Darien didn't recognize. Emotions he had never seen, felt, heard of... But his eyes matched hers exactly, for he had never never felt this way in his entire life, and he simply couldn't comprehend that it would be over after that night.
Hold onto these moments while they last...
Breathing in, Serena seemed to force herself out of his arms, placing her feet onto the brick pathway once again. Darien heard the click of her shoes softly against the ground and smiled down at her reassuringly, noting a blush tinting her cheeks.
"See, dancing's pretty easy," he whispered.
She smiled back. "I think I'm ready to dance for real now."
Darien nodded and returned his hands to their original position, taking her right hand in his left, and reaching his other arm around her waist, wasting no time in pulling her toward him. His body was already suffering for lack of her warmth and his senses longed for the scent of her shampoo and the taste of her smooth skin.
She breathed in sharply and slowly placed her hand on his shoulder like he had shown her. Lying her head on his chest again, she closed her eyes. He could feel her heartbeat speed up.
He whispered into her ear, "Relax. Just follow my movements, and let me do the dancing."
Serena shivered in delight at his warm breath on her ear, though she tried to ignore the incredible sensation. He began to turn around slowly and she easily followed his smooth movements. The hand on her back would occasionally tighten or loosen, and she learned to understand which way he would turn next depending on these subtle movements.
Serena smiled dreamily. I've always wanted to dance like this. It looks so cool in the movies and it is so romantic. I wonder where Darien learned to dance like this. But who cares? I just like the feeling. I never thought being so close to someone could bring such a cascade of emotions. Ooh, my entire body is tingling. I wonder if he can hear my heartbeat. God, I never thought his touch could effect me like this. But he's doing something to me. His touch is definitely doing something to me. I hope this never ends...
Darien had watched her feelings fly past her face, and enjoyed watching each one more than the last. She's so beautiful when she's confused. Or happy. Or content. Or in my arms. Yes, definitely gorgeous when she's in my arms. I wonder what she's thinking. Does it matter? God, just looking at her now, surrounded by roses, drenched in the moonlight. Like a goddess. No, more like an angel. Oh, goddess, angel, what's the difference? She's mine tonight. Either way, she's mine.
Becoming daring, Darien quickly let go of her waist and spun her around away from him. She gasped at first, but seemed to pick up the movement quickly, twirling back to him and ending with her back resting against his chest. Darien smiled and turned her around, making eye contact before dipping her into his arms. With yet another gasp, she fell easily, giggling and laughing. Darien smiled down at her, resting so trustingly in his arms. The outside world got still as he found his lips slowly closing the gap between their faces.
Her giggles halted abruptly as she saw his eyes looking down on her so seriously. So full of love and desire and... and... lust? On instinct, Serena raised her hands to his shoulders and wet her lips. Her eyes drifted close as she realized exactly what was going on. He's going to kiss me. Darien's going to... this can't be happening. I mean, it's impossible. But it is... Oh God, if this is a dream, never, ever let me wake up...
Darien's lips were so close to her, not even an inch away. Her eyes were closed, her lips were parted, just slightly. She looks so vulnerable... innocent... beautiful...
Serena felt his warm breath tickling her lips, his arms holding her as if she were lying on the air, only the toes of her shoes brushing the ground. His strong arms were wrapped around her tightly, possessively, and yet with a gentleness that made her feel as if she were made of glass. With one hand on her lower back and the other nestled in the crook between shoulder blade and neck, it was as if he were claiming her for his, always and forever.
A first kiss, in a rose garden, under the moonlight... how perfect... she thought. A small, absentminded giggle and sigh left her mouth just before Darien's lips caught onto hers.
A roaring electricity flowed through their veins. Serena's arms reached behind his back and grasped onto him as she felt her entire body go limp beneath him. Her lips tingled with the gentle, caressing kisses, slowly deepening. Darien felt the girl in his arms become light as a feather and all thoughts pass away. The sudden crashing of heaven upon him nearly made him drop the angel, though he held on tight. He could feel her hands roaming over his shoulders and back, before settling upon the black hair at the nape of his neck. His lips began grabbing for more of her taste, aching for the delights sending shivers speeding down his spine. As if she was a drug, he only desired more.
Serena felt his lips urging hers apart, slowly coaxing her to open her lips to his assault. Her lips parted and she gasped at the feeling of his tongue slowly entering her mouth, tasting her, playing with her. And then she groaned at the incredible sensations he was arousing.
Her mind drifted to a few moments ago when she had thought his touch was doing things to her, and now his kisses were burning deep into her soul. Her mind drifted to the dance, briefly forgotten. Who cares about the Valentine's Dance? Can't we just stay here the rest of the night? she thought, his kisses blanking out any further reflection.
Hush now, don't speak a word.
Don't move just yet...
Please don't let me wake up...
I couldn't bear to open my eyes
And find that this is a dream.
To lose this feeling that I have
Whenever you are near.
I pray that I will never wake up.
No, don't pull away just yet.
I am terrified.
My arms want to reach out to you
And pull you back to me,
But what if I wake up
From this perfectly heavenly dream?
Please do not talk.
Don't say a word, for I understand.
Just rest and hold my hand.
I won't wake you up
If you will let me sleep.
Don't speak,
For in the dream we carry on
And with a whisper,
I'll be gone.
Darien heard her groan beneath him and, at first, it only caused him to deepen the kiss even further, though he knew he was probably bruising her sweet lips by now. And that's when he began to reassert himself.
What are you DOING? he silently screamed at himself. She's 14 years old! And you're kissing her! Not just that, but you're kissing her like she's a freaking chocolate dessert! Have a little self control, Darien! You're going to scare her away!
Darien managed to pry himself away from her tempting kisses and with lightning quick movements, he had her on her feet again and at arm's length away from him.
Serena almost lost her balance when Darien jerked away from her, but managed to catch herself. Her head was spinning, her thoughts were spinning, her entire world was on haywire. Finally, she gained the strength to look up at Darien as he stared at the bricks beneath them. Both were breathing heavily, gasping for air. Eventually, Darien forced himself to look up at her. Blue clashed with blue and both were speechless.
With the least bit of dignity, Darien managed to choke out the very words Serena didn't want to hear and she felt her world crash back to reality.
"Serena... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have. It... was... it was a mistake. It won't happen again... I'm sorry."
Serena felt close to tears, the only thing keeping them from falling in cascades was the incessant tingles left on her lips. She even managed a nod, slowly and uncertainly, but a nod nonetheless.
And Darien felt his heart break. Well, there you go. It was a mistake after all. I guess... maybe... she doesn't feel that way...
Darien nodded along with her. They continued to stare at each other for a long time while the music surrounded them. Song after song, the lyrics blurring around them. Serena only desired to throw herself into Darien's arms, and he only wished to hold her close again. But neither dared say so.
"I... think that maybe... we should get going..." said Darien after a good five minutes of silence between the two, each attempting to cease the whirling thoughts. "To the... uh... dance. We don't want to be late..."
Serena only nodded. Looking down, Darien began to walk the short distance to his car, Serena only a few feet behind him. He chewed his lip nervously, not knowing what to say or do, but knowing exactly what he wanted.
On impulse, he turned around to face her, surprising her with his quick movements.
"Serena, please don't be angry. It's just that... you were there and so close and... I didn't know what I was doing... but I just... I still want to take you to the dance, I mean, if you don't hate me now. Please don't hate me! It really was a mista..."
Serena placed two fingers on his lips before he could utter the dreaded word.
"Darien... don't. Just... don't. Of course I still want to go to the dance with you! Let's just forget about it okay? Besides... it's not like you did anything wrong really. I mean... I sort of... liked it..." Her fingers dropped from his lips and she looked away blushing.
After her words had sunk in, Darien managed a smile. She liked it? Then... it wasn't a mistake? He felt like jumping for joy or sweeping her into his arms, but decided against both actions. Settling on a goofy smile, he opened the door for her before proceeding to his side of the car. If Serena had been watching, she would have seen him skip half way to his door... maybe it's a good thing she was too busy dreaming to herself to notice.