Alright, here you go, guys! I apologize for the delay, but my router got destroyed. -.-; Anyways, here is your fourth installment in Darkness Absolute! On a side note, while I haven't been updating, I've still been writing the story, so you all can expect updates almost weekly until I'm caught up, though I'm nearly finished with the story anyway. And now, to respond to my reviewers!

Jellybob 15: Glad to hear I'm staying true to your favorite character! Interested to hear Dolimus is outdoing him with your story character favorite-ness. You yelled at me for forgetting to respond to your last review, so I hate you now.

Demidevi: It is.

Amazoness Archer: Actually, you're obligated to continue, aren't you? ;)

Rice Kracker: If you like Dolimus now, wait until future chapters. You won't be disappointed. ;) I've always loved reading your reviews, by the way! I'm rather proud of my action scene, lol. Acually, it should be rather obvious why the sandwich made him sick, lol.

john: Yeah, he's the vampire. It was established in the second chapter, I believe. Glad you like it so far!

That covers them all, I'd say! Everyone, thanks for reviewing, and here's your next chapter!

"Darkness Absolute"

By: Von Stupor

Chapter 4

As Joey and Tristan sat in Joey's room playing a video game, Joey noticed his sister moving around the hall. She hummed softly to herself as she bustled back and forth.

"Hey sis, what'cha doin?" he asked her.

"I'm just getting ready to go out, that's all," she replied with a smile.

"Wat? Yer gettin' ready awfully slow fer just going out somewheres. An' why are ya all dressed up all semi-formally and stuff?"

"Well, I'm actually going out on a date!"

"Wat!" Joey and Tristan spurted in unison as Joey paused the game.

"Why didn't ya tell me sooner?" Joey asked sternly. "Why are you goin out on a date?"

"Who are you going with?" Tristan joined, sticking his face between the two. "What's his name? What's he like?"

"Git yer nose outta this, Tristan!" ordered Joey, shoving his face away.

"I'm going out to dinner with Dolimus, and because I knew you'd overreact." She answered with a cocky wink and smile, sticking her tongue out a bit. "I'll be back later, Joey! Later, Tristan!"

With that, she went down the stairs and exited the house. Joey and Tristan stood in place, stupefied.

"Actually, I think I coulda handled it a bit better by stopping her." Joey observed.

"I think I could have handled it for you," Tristan argued.

"I think you handle it just fine by keeping out of it!"

"We're coming here?" asked Serenity in surprise as they arrived at a local restaurant.

"Yes, this is a particular favorite of mine, to be honest," replied Dolimus.

"Now I see why you asked me to look nice for tonight…"

They had gone to a local authentic Italian restaurant. It was rather formal for what Serenity was used to.

"How could you ever afford this?" she asked in awe. "This is… it's like a dream, but in reality!"

"My father is a bit wealthier than what you would probably think," he laughed.

"What does you father do?"

"My father? Uh… he is a professional card player."

"Really? What game does he play?"

"All kinds, really. He's what they call a jack of all trades. His confidence and intellect are envied by all who meet him."

"Wow… may I meet him sometime?"

"Er… maybe. Uh, we should get our seat."

"Are you feeling okay?"

"Hm?"

"You seem a bit flushed."

"Oh, I'm just a bit warm in here, that's all. This atmosphere kills me, ha ha."

Serenity simply giggled in response. Within a few minutes, they were seated near a window and began searching the menu for their order. Serenity gazed out the window for a moment.

Outside stood a large, beautiful water fountain. In the water and around the structure were lights, focusing on the fountain, radiating a spectacular beauty through the darkness. Around it was a flower garden with paths lined with dim lights.

"Wow… this place is so beautiful…" she admired, becoming lost in the artwork.

"Yes, it is the main reason I come here. I am fascinated with beautiful scenery."

"I can understand."

"You seem to perfect it tonight."

"Wha…!"

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to say that out loud…" Dolimus said, turning his head away, scratching the back of his neck.

"Oh, it's okay. I just… no one's really told me something like that before." Serenity began to blush.

"I see… I fail to see why. You are a very beautiful girl."

Serenity remained silent, her face a crimson hue. She looked away, toward the floor, smiling warmly. She could hardly make eye contact with him.

"Hello sir, madam, may I take your order?" asked a waiter, who had just approached them. He looked toward Dolimus.

"Yes, I would like today's special, if you don't mind," the young man responded.

He looked to Serenity and she ordered the same.

The waiter scurried away, and Serenity looked over to Dolimus. It was then that she had finally noticed his entrancing light blue eyes, fixed on her. She became lost in them, and the two stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity.

"Are you okay?" he asked her.

Snapping out of her trance, she nodded and nervously looked away, observing the restaurant.

"So, I guess you like the restaurant so far?"

"Yes, I do… This is a wonderful place; I only wish I could come here more often…"

"In time, I'm sure you will."

The two chatted for another thirty minutes until their food arrived. They enjoyed more conversation as they ate, and before long, prepared to leave.

Dolimus left his payment on the table and the two left the restaurant. Rather than walking towards his car, Dolimus gestured for her to follow him around the building.

"Where are you going?" she asked, curiously following.

"Look," he said, pulling a bush aside to reveal the fountain she had seen earlier.

"Wow…" he murmured, and strode along the lighted walkway towards the fountain.

"The railing here provides a nice place to sit," he added. "I like to sit here sometimes and watch the stars above. The lighting around here is perfect, bright enough to see, but not enough to drown out the true beauty of the heavens."

Looking upward, Serenity frowned. "If only it weren't so cloudy tonight…"

"Yes, they called for clear skies tonight. I suppose not everything can go as planned, yes?"

She nodded and sat next to him on the fountain railing.

"I suppose you enjoyed tonight?" he asked, intently.

"I did, very much. Thank you, Dolimus."

"It is more than my pleasure. I suppose we should be going, then?"

"Look! The sky is clear now!"

Looking up, Dolimus smiled. "Ah… A break in the clouds… Perfect."

They sat in silence for a minute or two and admired the stars. Once more clouds came, Serenity stood up.

"Yes, it's getting a little late. I should get home before Joey has a bigger fit, hee hee," she mentioned.

"He knows?"

"Yeah, I told him."

"Ah… I have a hunch that he doesn't take too kindly to friends of you, no matter who they are."

"He's just a little overprotective of me. Typical older brother!" she giggled.

"Ah, I see. But it is good to have a brother that would defend you from anything. I, myself, would know…"

"Do you have a brother?"

"I did… but I don't like talking about it. I'd rather not— at least not right now, if you don't mind."

"I understand. But if you ever decide you want to talk about something… you can always talk to me."

Dolimus looked at her forlornly for a moment, and let out a weak smile.

"Thank you," he said softly.

She smiled in return, and the two stared at each other. Suddenly, Serenity jumped up.

"Oh! Here we go again!" she laughed. "If we keep this up, I may never get home!"

Dolimus stood up, chuckling. "Yes, let's go. I wouldn't want Joey to bust another artery over our little tonight."

She smiled and followed him back to his car, whereupon he drove her home.

They approached the front door of the house and stopped at the doorstep.

"I enjoyed tonight… a lot," Serenity said to Dolimus.

"I did too, I'm glad we went. I'm also glad you had a good time," he replied, a slight smile on his face. He reached and held her softly around her shoulders, staring deep into her peaceful eyes. He appeared a slight bit distressed.

"Are you okay… Dolimus?" she asked him, concerned.

"Yes, I fine, it's… nothing." He replied recovering, and grabbed her hand. Lifting it up, he kissed it. "Thank you for making the evening brighter. Perhaps we could go again?"

"I'd love to," she answered, bowing a bit.

He smiled and walked back to his car.

"You betta run!" Joey screamed from a window on the next floor. As Dolimus turned to look at him, he recovered. "Uh, I mean hey Dolimus! How's it goin? Heheh…" He sucked his head back inside and shut the window.

He shrugged, got in his car, and drove away. Serenity watched him until he had left her sight and proceeded to step inside.

"So, how did yer date go?" asked Joey, a slight sternness in his voice.

"I… I think I'm in love with him…" she answered with her kissed hand over her heart.

Joey's jaw dropped as he stared at his love struck sister in shock.