Being nearly 6, it was beginning to get a little dark. The cool autumn breeze bit through Serena's black sheer sweater to her skin, and she crossed her arms, attempting to stay warm. Her stomach seemed unstable, and sickened at the thought of what lay ahead. The minutes dragged on, and finally her watch read 6. Her heart fluttered at the sight of the red mustang, as it pulled into the driveway.
Serena didn't wait for him to get out, and instead leapt up, heading for the passenger door. It was pushed open from the inside. She climbed in, sliding once again over the slick leather, and looked to Darien, smiling. She tried to keep her facial expression steady, resisting the urge to let her jaw drop and allow oozing drool to drip down her chin. He wore a button up black shirt, unbuttoned to just the right amount. A short black cord with a silver band hung around his neck. Serena could tell the shirt was made of silk. The sleeves were rolled up to reveal his forearms. He also wore a pair of faded blue jeans, and, lord help her, incredibly sexy sunglasses. Darien smiled back at her, his eyes enough to pierce her heart.
"Hey darling," he winked, backing out of the driveway and taking off down the street. There he goes with that wink again.
"Hi Darien," she managed, not finding the words to tell him he looked incredibly sexy. She never was a good compliment giver.
"Are you ready to have some fun?"
"Hell yes. But it would be nice to know where we are going. Your note was not as helpful as I would have hoped," she added, noting that the corner of his mouth twitched playfully at her comment.
"I guess I can tell you now. But first, I have to ask, Serena, do you like clubs?"
"We're going to a club?" she asked, slightly surprised. There were age restrictions on most clubs.
"Not just any club. Have you heard of 'The Haven'?" he asked, glancing in her direction. Serena felt herself thrum with excitement. The Haven was a new teen club with live music, dancing, and an incredible amount of games, videos, food, and fledgling artists and musicians. The place was a hive for new and exciting things, as well as new talent. You practically needed a special reservation to get in; it was packed for weeks ahead of time.
"Are….are you…." She stammered, her comprehension level failing, leaving her gaping at him in awe.
"I hoped you'd be interested. I figured you'd love all the new music and things," Darien ran a hand through his hair, and reached over, rubbing her arm to relax her.
"How'd you get us in?" he shrugged, nonchalantly.
"Relatives in the business." Serena nodded, assuming he meant his uncle. The pair drove the rest of the drive talking, and soon they were pulling into the parking lot. Serena was a bit nervous, as she had never been to a club before. She made a pass to open her door, but Darien immediately chastised her, saying that it was his job, and that she had better get used to it. She flushed.
"Darien?"
"mm?"
"Have you ever been here before?" she asked, slightly intimidated, but excited nonetheless. She really hoped she didn't sound chicken.
"Not yet. I've heard good things. Let's see if it lives up to the expectations, hmm?" They moved towards the security. Serena was extremely happy when Darien took her hand, leading her through the doors after supplying the guards with two tickets.
Music. Bodies. Laughter. Dancing. Paintings. The smell of food, and fruity drinks. The Haven was like a giant immaculate warehouse. A polished dance floor lay in front of a stage, shining under lights and fog. Small groups of people were clustered on the upper level of the building, performing, or sharing musical ideologies. Tables lined the food area, and squeals of laughter echoed from the video arcade. An art showcase was also present in the basement. People were down there sculpting and painting portraits, and admiring the work of others. Darien and Serena roamed the building, taking it all in. Serena was captivated by the music erupting from the stage. The beat was addicting, it covered the atmosphere of the whole place. They settled at a table, and Darien bought them both drinks, Serena sipping a virgin pina colada, Darien a strong iced tea. They began to talk, relaxed and natural. Both of them were happy to be talking outside of school walls, and outside the topic of anything related to the aforementioned place.
Eventually, they meandered upstairs to the game room, where Serena promptly challenged Darien to a game of air hockey. Serena ended up in a fit of deep, hearty laughs, after realizing that Darien had played air hockey only once in his life before, and had refused to go easy on him, despite his obvious handicap. Darien brought Serena into the basement, and they observed the paintings, all of them done by people their age. Serena was entranced by a blood red glass rose that was resting peacefully under a glass veil. Darien agreed, mentioning that it almost looked as beautiful as she did tonight. Serena smiled, gripping his arm as she felt a little light headed.
They ran into a crowd of people from school, most of whom Serena didn't know, but she figured were seniors, for many of them threw the pair perplexed looks, and seemed aware of Darien's presence. This was a no doubt awesome addition to her confidence as they regarded her with their prying eyes. After settling upstairs, they ended up in front of the stage, enjoying the music. Serena absently swayed back and forth, enjoying it way too much. The band was playing a catchy song that she just couldn't help but soak up. The dance floor was buzzing as couples and groups of people got down with their bad selves, the sexy soul filled song washing over the crowd. She felt a hand on her back.
"Do you want to dance?" Darien asked, gesturing towards the floor.
"I'd love it," she smiled. He returned her glance, and grabbed her hand, leading her through the crowd. Darien turned, facing her, and Serena let herself slip into synch with the song. Her hips swayed back and forth, as her hands naturally raised themselves into the air. Her feet moved in short, rhythmic steps. Darien's hands found their way around her waist, and Serena let her slinky form work up against his body. She let her hand wrap around his neck and slide down his chest. He looked down on her seductively, a smile playing at his lips as his hips worked with her own. Darien dipped her, unexpectedly, and he smiled as she laughed, spinning into his arms dramatically.
"Serena," he whispered into her ear as she wrapped herself in his arms, swinging her hips once again against him, "will you be my girlfriend?" Whoa. Talk about spontaneity. Her whole body seemed to still, processing the unfeasible question with a sufficient supply of struggle. And then, just as suddenly, it began to wash over her. Serena thought her heart was going to explode out of her chest. She turned around, facing him. He looked so open and exposed, willing to share himself with her. She nodded, moving closer.
"Absolutely." He smiled, and took her in his arms, lifting her from the ground, spinning. She yelped and entangled her arms in his dark hair. She had been right, it was like silk. Their foreheads pressed together softly.
"Darien?"
"Hmm?"
"Will you be my boyfriend?"
"I could be so lucky." The rest of the night was a blur to Serena. It felt like time was standing still as they danced.
"Where are you again?"
"We just left the teen club, and are going back to his place."
"And he's bringing you home?"
"Yep."
"Is anyone else going to be there?"
"Probably," Serena lied.
"Well, alright…I'll leave the back light on, just open it with your keys okay?"
"That's fine," she replied as evenly as possible, knowing that her mom had basically just sent her curfew to hell. She rolled her eyes at the thought of having to deal with the damn door again, but restrained herself from mentioning it. Her mom bid her goodnight, and hung up the phone. Darien looked at her inquiringly, and she gave him the thumbs up.
"When does she want you home?" he asked, his eyes flicking back and forth between the road and her face. It was 11:00 PM. They had spent nearly 5 hours at The Haven, having a good time.
"She forgot to mention that, actually," Serena frowned sarcastically, stuffing her cell in her jean pocket.
"Well, after a night like that, I think we could use some peace and quiet," he laughed, winking at her yet again. Serena agreed. Darien pulled into a large apartment complex, and entered the parking garage. He parked the car, and led her through a door into the lobby. It was lush, with stuffed armchairs and exquisite vases and tables. The receptionist greeted them and they walked through the room to the elevators. Serena stepped inside as Darien jammed the button. Apparently he lived on the 3rd floor. She stared at the golden light as it passed from floor to floor, illuminating each one in turn.
"Do you have any brothers and sisters?" Serena asked suddenly, surprised she hadn't asked him earlier, and uneasy about whether or not she was going to have to meet his family. The thick doors glided open, and she followed him down the hall. Strange, usually there were a lot more rooms on a given floor, she noted to herself. Quite suddenly, she realized how strange the entire situation was. What was his mother going to think? Her son bringing a girl whom she'd never met before into their apartment at 11 o' clock at night? It was questionable, even to Serena.
"No, it's just me," he answered, pulling out his key ring from his pocket once again, stopping at the last door in the hallway. Serena also noted that Darien didn't have nearly as much trouble unlocking his door as she did hers, damn door. Darien flicked on a light, and beckoned her through the threshold. Serena instantaneously knew why there weren't as many doors on the floor. The apartment was huge. A large spacious living room was adorned with a black leather sectional, and a big screen TV. To the left, a kitchen with dark stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances contrasted against the deep wood of the dining room table.
"This is it," he stated, kicking his shoes off in the large wood floored entryway. Serena did the same, and removed her black sweater, leaving her in the blouse like white silk tank top. Darien took it from her, hanging it up on a nearby coat rack.
"This is really nice, Darien," she mused quietly, not wanting to wake his parents.
"Why are you whispering?" he asked, looking around as if he was missing something.
"I don't want to wake anyone," she retorted, looking towards the bedroom hallway.
"There's no one else here, don't worry about that."
"Where is your family?"
"My….my parents died in a car crash 7 years ago," Darien stammered a bit uneasily. Guilt and sympathy appeared out of nowhere in Serena's chest.
"Oh Darien, I'm so sorry," she reached for his arm, taking hold of it promptly.
"Don't worry about it, I'm okay," he looked down as she rubbed his arm encouragingly. Serena was about to open her mouth with a retort, when a thought struck her.
"Then who lives here with you?" Darien laughed, at her sudden revelation.
"I'm sure you've heard of my uncle, he owns that new department chain you know? Well, he lives one door down," he said with a peculiar edge to his voice. Serena entered the living room slowly, as Darien walked into the kitchen, stretching his arms over his head.
"You mean you have this whole place to yourself? Oh my god, Darien." She couldn't help but gawk, having your own place when you were going on 18 was excellent.
"Yeah well….my uncle decided a couple of years ago that it would be best. We don't get along very well anyway," he confided. "He pays the rent until I can either afford it on my own, or move out. Anyway, you want to see the rest of the place? I want to show you something." He led the way towards the hallway, and Serena followed. She was amazed that his place was kept this immaculate. Darien pushed open a pair of double doors, and Serena found herself in his bedroom.
Framed movie posters hung on the walls, and a large bean bag chair sat in front of a much smaller fire place. A stereo rested on top of a chest of drawers, and a desk was nestled in the corner, covered with books and a computer. Darien had a luxurious bed, with gray dressings. Knit blankets were tossed casually on a chest at the foot of it. Her gaze then turned to the far wall, and she swallowed at the sight before her.
"It's really a good view, look," he opened the glass door for her and stepped out onto the balcony. The cityscape was magnificent. In the distance, skyscrapers and tall buildings glowed silver in the ominous moonlight. Serena could see the grassy sprawling hills of the downtown park less than a mile away. Stars hung low above her, and the moon winked, seemingly millions of miles closer than its normal position in the black sky.
"Oh wow," she gasped, as she rested her hands on the railing. Darien rested his back on the same railing, his arms crossed, as he watched her observe the sky.
"Beautiful isn't it?"
"Yeah, it really is," she nodded. "I'd be out here all the time if I lived here."
"I'm out here a lot. I come out here to clear my head, like I was talking about the other day. That's why I wanted you to see it." Serena smiled. Darien reached over and rested his hand on her shoulder, pointing to the sky with the other.
"Do you see Orion, the archer? There's the Lazy W, the poor queen." He showed her numerous constellations, and even told her the stories behind some of them. Serena shivered as he finished the chilling story of Cassiopia, partly because of the cold, partly because of the ending. "Let's go back in, you look cold." She conceded, and they were once again in his spacious living room. She took a seat on his very oversized, very comfortable sofa, as Darien went to the kitchen, and poured them both sodas.
"Thank you," she smiled happily at her iced soda. She hated pop in cans.
"So, how do you want to spend our time relaxing? I could attempt to beat you in a video game, though I doubt that would be wise. There's an alarming number of board games in the closet. I am quite the avid poker player, though I don't know if you are. And I do pride myself on having quite a few good movies. Or," he said, setting his soda down on the coffee table with a grin, "do I just get to stare at you all night?" Serena flushed, swallowing the ice cube she was currently sucking on, and began coughing harshly. Darien seemed to enjoy this reaction from her, and was just about to open his mouth to speak again, when Serena interrupted him.
"Movie it is! I think I'd choke before the night was over if you did that," she chuckled, only half joking. Darien laughed, and stood up, heading over to the entertainment center.
"Alright, so what type of movie are you in the mood for?" he asked, sticking his head through the cabinet door to look at all the titles on the cases. Serena shrugged.
"I'm not picky. Something interesting." She mused, thinking full well that she doubted she would care as long as she was watching it with Darien. Wrong, indeed.
"Well…how about this? It's sort of a creepy movie, not gory, just spooky, in a cool sort of way." Serena grinned nervously, her jaw clenched.
"Yeah, heh, whatever you say, sounds good!" She said through gritted teeth. Fabulous. Serena had a nasty habit of getting the crap scared out of her in these kinds of movies. She could watch things about zombies jumping out of windows onto humans, or vampires seducing the unsuspecting heroine (vampires were cool), but this stuff that could be real, that could actually happen, made her jump like a firecracker on the fourth of July.
Darien settled on the couch next to her after inserting the disk, and pushed a few buttons, cueing the credits. His presence relaxed her somewhat, and she swallowed, hoping that the presence of her big handsome boyfriend would be enough to get her through the film. That thought made her smile, and she instinctively rested her head on his shoulder. It still seemed surreal to her that he had actually asked her to be his.
As if mimicking her thoughts, Darien wrapped an arm around her shoulders, ushering her closer, so that she was snuggled comfortably up against him. She peered cautiously at the large TV, watching as more and more people became stranded at a hotel miles away from any city. The plot slowly progressed, and soon, you discovered that all the people were really multiple personalities trapped inside the head of a convicted killer. Apparently, one of the personalities was eliminating the others, killing them off. A psychiatrist insisted that the personality that resurfaced might not be the one that was homicidal.
She loosened up, watching with interest as the psychiatrist talked, her eyes wide. Serena was considering becoming a psychiatrist for a living, and this aspect of the movie fascinated her. A soft rumble came from somewhere, and she ripped her eyes away from the screen, looking upwards. She realized that Darien had laughed, no doubt at the blank stupor that had been plastered all over her face a moment before.
"Intense, isn't it?" he whispered at her round puppy dog eyes. She nodded slowly, then raised an informed finger into the air.
"Well, I'd like to do that some day. What that psychiatrist is doing, see? I think it's interesting." Darien leaned closer. Serena did not like the look on his face. He looked like he was up to something.
"You sure? I mean, look at what's happening? Looks like a scary job to me," he teased, wrapping both hands around her waist. Serena frowned, turning back, determined to prove him wrong.
"Darien, you're a chicken. If you think I'd be scared of a single dark hallway and a-YYAAAAAAAARR!" In a split second she was a foot off the surface of the couch, suspended in mid flight, arms flailing wildly.
Laughter. Thunk. "OOF!"
"Sorry!" she panted, her breathing heavy. She had landed, with a significant amount of force, on Darien's lap. "I knew this was a bad idea." Congratulations to Serena, she had just mad mistake number one. She chastised herself. Darien merely looked down at her.
"Scared yet?"
"Err….." she clenched her eyes shut. Another chuckle.
"It's okay, I'm right here," he said protectively. And without further notice, his arms wrapped around her, pulling her to his chest in a hug. Serena's eyes fluttered open, and she snaked her arms around his neck.
"Good," she replied. Taking a chance, she looked into his eyes. Mistake number two. The familiar pull tugged at her, and that glossed look began to cover Darien's eyes. A very helpful thing then occurred to Serena. She was Darien's girlfriend, he could kiss her whenever he wanted.
In one swift movement both of them moved forward, capturing the other in a forceful kiss. Serena was spinning. There was nothing better than this feeling. She could feel Darien's chest moving under her, unevenly. Her hands slipped up into his hair, and she pulled away, placing a few kisses on his neck. Darien moaned, deep and low, his hands twitching at his sides. He gave in, and ran his hands up her back, moving her lips to his once more.
Serena must have struck a soft spot, for his kisses were deeper, and sweet. His body tensed, and Serena felt a soft tickle on her lips. Taken aback, she realized it was his tongue. Her lips parted on their own. She had no control over it. It was not Serena's doing. It was certainly not her fault that Darien seized the opportunity to explore her mouth openly.
"What do you think the student body would say if they saw that?" he asked, smiling. Serena laughed.
"To hell with them."
"That's what I was thinking too," he replied huskily, and his lips were on hers. His hand slid up to her neck, the other around her waist, and he leaned forward, turning her with him. Darien let her head rest on the end of the sofa, and pressed his body into hers. Serena allowed him to explore her mouth once again, her hands still wrapped around his neck. She returned his kiss with matched passion, amazed by the feel of his skin under her hands. His hair fell forward, brushing against her nose. It was silky, and tickled. She ran her fingers through it, but her hands started moving on their own, as her lips had done earlier. When Darien's hand slipped under her blouse and ran across her stomach, she was given a sharp job towards the direction of clinically insane.
Decency began to fall out of her mind as her fingers stopped to rest on his chest, something else replacing those thoughts. She could feel his chiseled form under the black shirt, and couldn't think of anything else. Slowly, she traced the outline of the collar, and followed it down to the first button. Darien inhaled sharply as her femininity allowed her to undo all the buttons unnaturally fast. The last button was undone, and her arms reached around his waist, twisting up to his shoulders. She tugged on it gently, wanting very much to pry it off of his lean body. Darien sat up, and shrugged it off, tossing it onto the floor. Just about positive that she was dreaming, Serena shook her head, reopening her eyes. Darien smiled down at her, his head cocked to one side.
"Are you okay now?" he whispered into her ear. Serena gulped, wondering if she honestly was or not. Looking at him made her dizzy. His tanned chest and 6 packed (6 packed!) stomach were the epitome of perfection. He kissed her tenderly on the cheek, and she reached around his chest hugging him tightly.
"Darien, pinch me," she pleaded.
"What? Why?" his kisses continued to trail down her neck, leaving hot, steaming marks on her skin.
"Because I think I'm dreaming," she felt tears burn in her eyes at the thought, and she fought them back with tremendous effort. His kisses stopped, and he met her eye to eye, inches from her face.
"You are not dreaming. Though I'm flattered I'd make it into your dreams," he smiled, caressing her cheek. Serena didn't find this as amusing, and she swore as a tear managed to escape her eye. Darien's expression suddenly changed to one of fear.
"Serena, baby, don't cry. What's wrong?" he asked gently. Serena wiped angrily at her face.
"Why me? You could have anyone, I just can't believe that you actually…" her voice trailed off as she managed to choke down a sob. She closed her eyes, and they were softly touched by something gentler than anything, and she knew he had just kissed her eyelids.
"Are you kidding me? You're the most beautiful, crazy, greatest person I know. I love being with you, do you understand me?" his tone was harsh, yet gentle and loving. "I thought you were going to tell me to put my shirt back on," he winked at her, and Serena let out a sigh, a weight lifting from her chest.
"Come here, I want you to listen to something," he stood up and took her hand, leading her to his stereo. He pushed a CD in, and pushed a button or two.
I saw your teardrops and I heard you cry
All you need is time
Seek me and you shall find
You have everything and you're still lonely
It don't have to be this way
Let me show you a better day
And then you will see the morning will come
And all of your days will be bright as the sun
So all of your fears just cast them on me
how can I make you see?
I'll be your cloud up in the sky
I'll be your shoulder when you cry
I'll hear your voices when you call me
I am your angel
And when all hope is gone I'm here
No matter how far you are I'm near
It makes no difference who you are
I am your angel, I'm your angel
"You hear these words?" He asked, taking her into his arms. "This is how I feel about you." Serena rested her head oh his chest, and felt herself melt. She wanted to cry, this time out of happiness. Darien's hand reached one of her own, and he took it into his, swaying back and forth with her to the sweet music. His other hand rested in the small of her back, holding her close to him. She felt so protected, so safe, she never wanted to leave. She placed a long kiss at the bottom of his neck, to show her appreciation.
Dancing there, in Darien's moonlit apartment, being held by him, touching his bare chest, smelling his sweet scent, and hearing his loving words, Serena realized something. She was falling in love.
Time was now the most inconsistent thing in Serena's life. Every moment that she wasn't with Darien, was like an eternity, every one with him, not nearly long enough. Serena had always been a romantic person, but she had never felt this way before. Darien was the most wonderful person she had ever met. They had returned to school on Monday after spending nearly the entire weekend together, to a buzz like no other. Every corner held new whispers of the small blonde that the most desirable guy in teenage society was now dating. Somehow, though Serena really didn't understand exactly how this had happened, the whole school knew Darien and her had attended The Haven. The girls looked at her with a sense of amazement, and awe, as if they were amazed at her abilities. Serena didn't pay the slightest attention to this, wondering if Darien would take to it as kindly. And to her utter astonishment, Darien had taken her hand on that first Monday after school, and led her down the hallway, smiling and laughing with her the whole while. He later added a cherry to the sundae when he kissed her after exiting the building, no doubt letting several dozen people witness it. Serena wasn't normally one for PDA, but at this point in time, she just felt like standing in front of the gossiping girls and saying, THAT'S RIGHT LADIES! HE'S MINE, ALL MINE! AND HE DOESN'T DAMN WELL CARE IF YOU SAY DIFFERENTLY!
Unfortunately for Serena, Darien was showcasing a rather visually explicit part of their relationship near her locker one day the following week, when an unusual circumstance unfolded. She was enjoying the feeling of his arms wrapped around her waist, his head snuggled comfortably into the crook of her neck as she dug through her locker for her stuff, when a disgusted snort erupted from beside her.
"Seems you really did have alternative motives Shields, you son of a bitch," a ragged and trembling voice spat with distaste. Darien's body stiffened, and Serena turned to the source of the voice. She shouldn't have been surprised at Jake's words. She shouldn't have even been surprised that he was back in school. What did surprise her was the complete and total loathsome look that he was giving her, Serena, at that moment. She tried to ignore the fact that it had a freakishly chilling affect on her, and shook her head at his twisted words.
"Leave us alone, Jake," her words were simple and detached, and hopefully, dismissive.
"You don't know what you're doing Serena, you'll see, he's just one big so-"
"Oh, yes, Jake, Darien really is the SOB you say. Course you aren't, are you? Always got some perverted, twisted, way to defy my protests, intruding on my life, don't you? Say one more word, one more thing about Darien to me, and I swear to god I'll issue a restraining order." Serena was beyond feeling pity for him. He was sick, and just plain wrong. The words were true, and she didn't need to say anything more to him. Protectiveness was natural, expected, and every ounce of Serena wanted to protect Darien from this. Nothing would stop her from preventing it. Jake turned an unhealthy shade of stark white, his eyes merely slits, and turned on his heel, storming away from them. Darien's hands rubbed her stomach gently.
"I didn't know you could be that cruel, darling," he returned his chin to its place on her shoulder.
"He had it coming," she retorted. Darien simply kissed her softly on the cheek, and Serena knew he understood how she felt.
AN: How'd that one go? In case you are wondering, the song is I'm Your Angel, by Celine Dion and R. Kelly. Props to them. Uhm, yeah…email me, and let me know if you like some of the scenes in this chapter…I didn't know exactly how far to take some of them. Oh! How could I forget? Did the movie sound familiar? It's called Identity. Props to them for the inspiration.