A/N: I'm sorry it's taken so long to update, but I've had a bit of Writer's Block concerning this story. BTW, if you want to see Antares's gown, it's at TheDarkAngel dot co dot uk under Gowns. It's the Damselle Dress.

Elysium

Darry vaguely remembered waking for a moment to see Mrs. Starr telling the nurse she wanted to take him and Antares home. Both of their families were there now, his parents and Trish, and Rigel and Mr. Starr. Antares slept still, on her side facing him, her hand still around his. He smiled and closed his eyes, only dimly aware of being lifted and carried away.

When he came to again, Antares was waking beside him on the futon bed where they lay, and the last light of early evening was shining on them gently through the great bay window. Antares smiled at Darry and he smiled back. They didn't speak. They didn't need to. By and by, they both yawned, stretched, and sat up. Antares broke the silence first:

"I wonder where everyone is?"

"Good question. It might have something to do with these," Darry replied, reaching over and touching two neatly folded piles of clothes on the end of the bed. There was a note pinned carefully to the pile on Antares's side, which Darry unpinned and handed to her. Antares took it and read it aloud:

" 'Kids
When you wake up, get dressed and come down to the beach. Sirius is making barbeque for dinner.
Love,
Mira' "

Puzzled, Antares looked at Darry, who shrugged.

"I guess this means we get dressed," he said, taking what he assumed was his pile of clothes. Antares did likewise with hers. "Um, am I missing something here?"

"If you are, then I'm missing it too," replied Antares, equally confused. Their clothes had been replaced with costumes from the Renaissance period. They looked at each other blankly. Antares shrugged. "I'm assuming there's a reason for this weirdness. We might as well get dressed."

"OK," said Darry. The two turned their backs to each other and dressed. Antares was finished first and rose, twirling a couple times and smiling. She wore a stunning dress is made from a high quality black panne velvet. The contrasting front panel was in rich wine shot silk velvet. Each side of the front panel was trimmed with an ornate black braid. The braiding is laced under the bust area with a pretty satin ribbon. The sweetheart neckline was also trimmed with the same ornate braiding. The sleeves were just beautiful; the top sleeve was made from black velvet and fully lined in contrasting satin to match the front panel, while the under sleeve was in a stretch lace, tightly fitted and coming to a point over the hand. The point of the sleeve was trimmed with a tiny satin rosebud. She found a brush and brushed out her white hair, wiggling her bare toes in the soft carpet.

"How's it coming, Dare?" she asked, careful not to look at him in case he wasn't finished.

"Well, I feel silly," said Darry, rising and turning to Antares for her judgment. She turned to him and smiled.

"Silly?" she repeated. "I think you look great." Darry smiled. He wore a loose-fitting shirt, the front of which featured a stand up collar and an open lace up neck. The neck was laced up with cord through silver eyelets. The open neck featured lace-trimmed frills that 'waterfalled' down the front. The sleeves were baggy and gathered at the wrist onto a lace cuff. Over this he wore a waistcoat of deep red satin and a black jacket. Long black pants and low-heeled black dress boots completed the ensemble.

"You look amazing," he said. "Like a dark princess or something." Antares smiled and, walking around to his side of the futon, kissed his cheek.

"Come on," she said. "They're waiting for us." Hand-in-hand they walked down the wooden sidewalk to the beach. By now it was getting dark, but there were coloured lights along the sides of the path, which hadn't been there before. There were lights burning down on the beach as well, and faint sounds coming up to them: music. Curious, the two hastened their steps, wondering what was going on. They had no sooner set foot on the beach when

"Surprise!"

Both of their families, and Antares's friends and their boyfriends jumped out from the shrubs and bushes around them. Antares and Darry jumped in surprise, but grinned. Everyone was dressed like they were, in Renaissance-styled clothes. But Darry and Antares were dressed the best, like a prince and princess at court, or a grand ball. The latter was closer to the truth, actually. Their families had set up a grand party for them on the beach, with lights strung up all around, food set out on tables, and a stereo playing music. Everyone started to dance, and Darry and Antares joined right in, spinning, jumping, laughing wildly. They stopped for a while to eat dinner on picnic tables that had been set up, but the music kept playing in the background. As soon as they had finished eating, everyone was up and dancing again, this time to slower music. Antares smiled as she gazed into Darry's eyes, her hands on his shoulders, his on her waist as he smiled back at her. Gently, without a word, Darry pulled Antares closer. She slid her arms around his neck as she moved towards him. Lovingly, Darry tilted her chin up. Their lips met. Darry slid his arms around Antares, holding her tight. Antares slid one arm around his shoulders, the other hand going up to the back of his head. In that moment, they each knew all the happiness the world could offer.

Elysium. That's where they were for the remainder of the week, passing a wild and wonderful four or five days together. Elysium. That's where they were when they kissed, tasting all the sweetness of their love for each other until they nearly cried with joy. Elysium. That's where they were when they fell asleep on the beach together, nestled safe in each others' arms, no fear of monsters permeating their dreams, invading their peace. Elysium. They said the word, and it felt right. That's where they were whenever they were together. Antares nearly cried when Darry and his family finally had to leave. Her parents had flown them back to the police station where their car was, and the time of separation was upon them. She and Darry held each other tight, never wanting to let go.

"I will see you again," promised Darry.

"I know," said Antares. "But I'll miss you so much." She squeezed Darry lovingly.

"I'll call you and IM you and write you every day," said Darry. Antares laughed softly. They had exchanged all available contact information, promising to stay in touch.

"I have something for you," said Antares, drawing back a little and taking something from her pocket. It was a dark pewter talisman on a black cord, carved with strange symbols. "It's a talisman to destroy evil and protect its bearer. Wear it when you think of me." Darry smiled and put the talisman around his neck.

"I'll never take it off," he said. "Never." Antares smiled.

"Darry? It's time to go," said Trish gently. Darry nodded sadly.

"Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au', mela en' coiamin. My heart shall weep until it sees thee again, love of my life," he said softly, "Amin mela lle, Tingilya. I love you, Twinkling Star." Antares smiled. She had been teaching Darry Elvish all week and he had learned fast.

"Lle naa belegohtar, Taurnil. Oio naa elealla alasse'. You are a mighty warrior, Darius. Ever is thy sight a joy," she said. "Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva a'maelamin. Sweet water and light laughter 'til we meet next, my beloved." They kissed on the lips, and noticed that Trish and Rigel were doing likewise. Smiling, they kissed again and again, until the Jenner adults sadly broke them up and loaded their children into their car. Antares blew Darry a last kiss and waved and waved to him until the car was out of sight. She couldn't wait for the summer; Darry and Trish were coming to the house on the beach to spend at least a month with them. Antares missed Darry already, as soon as he was out of her sight.

'Please…just one last kiss?'