Summary: Serena's and Darien's professional careers cross paths. The more they work together, the closer they become. Will they give in to their desires or remain stubborn and distant? Modern day, no senshi, UM love story.
Disclaimer: Naoko Takeuchi owns Sailor Moon. I claim no ownership of it! Only of this story, which is all mine! This is my first attempt at fanfiction! Enjoy!
Author's Note: Here is a fun chapter that I hope you enjoy! Still more teasing, I'm afraid... hehehe
As always, thank you to all the fans of this story who are following, have reviewed, sent messages, and made a favorite! I really appreciate it all and look forward to many, many more chapters for this story!
Enjoy! =)
Loveology
Chapter 6: The Springs
The speakers in the Tahoe began blasting Lady Gaga's Boys Boys Boys. Serena had her iPod connected using her wireless iTrip FM transmitter. The two bubbly blondes were singing along vociferously, bouncing and dancing as best as they could while sitting in the comfy leather bucket seats the SUV had to offer. Just before the song ended, the woman's insipid voice of Serena's GPS sounded, announcing a left turn ahead. Turning the music down, Serena and Mina began to take in their surroundings.
They turned onto an allée design of a long, straight driveway lined with arching Laburnum trees – their branches dangling golden and lavender chain-like clusters of flowers. An underplanting of white alliums and bluebells setting off for a striking contrast.
"It looks so dreamy out here! Like we're on a romantic getaway!" Mina cooed. Serena nodded in agreement.
An elegant circular driveway greeted them at the end, presenting the lavish lakefront estate. In the center of the circle was a fountain of the goddess Selene standing in the Sea of Serenity holding the divine sacred sword.
Serena and Mina gaped at the luxurious estate with big, wide eyes.
"No. Way. This. Is. His. House! Are you sure we got the address correct?"
"Yes, Mina, I promise. I checked three times. It's the exact address Darien texted me." Serena checked his text to the house numbers plastered on the baroque address plate, just to be sure. She was starting to doubt it herself. Darien certainly didn't act the rich yuppie type to flaunt his affluence of wealth, even if it was unapparent to others.
"This must be the mother-in-law suite." Mina observed, pointing as they drove in front of the separate dwelling unit on their way to park behind the other cars on the circular driveway.
"Pfft. More like an ALL-the-in-laws suite! Look at the size of it!" Serena exclaimed impressively.
"True." Mina tilted her head and craned her neck to look back as they passed it. "It looks like it could hold five families comfortably!" Mina exaggerated. Slightly.
Serena went around the turnabout to park diagonally with the other rows of cars, parking her SUV beside a red Mustang convertible.
"I see Ami's electric Bolloré Bluecar she had imported from France. This is definitely the right place." Serena validated.
They gathered their rolling luggage bags and headed to the grand entryway, under the stone-wood porte-cochère. Serena adored the fountain, feeling an attachment that bordered on sentimentality.
"Darien said we could just walk in..." Serena said. She knocked twice nevertheless before she turned the ornate lever-style door handle and walked in.
"Hello? Darien?" She called out as they entered the foyer.
The extravagant mansion combined Italian architecture, modern amenities, and refined elegance with a timeless style. It was an open floor plan with stone walls, high vaulted ceilings, and wood floors and beams throughout. A neutral color palette of an earth tone color scheme gave it a warm and inviting ambiance.
"Holy moneybags! This place is gorgeous!" Mina let out an appreciative whistle as she absorbed the breathtaking scene. Being an Interior Decorator, Mina was on cloud nine in Darien's virtual heaven on earth.
Ami just then emerged from the pool deck, coming in through the French-style sliding doors. With the open floor plan, the girls quickly noticed each other.
"Serena! Mina! Glad you two could make it!
"Hi, Ami! How are you?" Serena greeted as she hugged Ami.
"Ami!" Mina piped as she waited for her chance to hug Ami. "It's so good to see you!"
"You too!" Ami responded as she embraced Mina.
"Here, let me show you to your room." Ami guided them across the living room and diagonally to a hallway leading to multiple bedrooms.
"This is the biggest guest room Darien has in the main house." Ami explained as she made her way into the V.I.P. bedroom. "I hope the two of you don't mind sharing a room? If not, I'm sure Darien could –"
"No, it's fine. We don't mind sharing, really." Serena turned to Mina for approval, though she knew it was unnecessary.
"Yeah, don't worry about it." Mina waved her hand to convey her sincerity. Her eyes turned mischievous. "Besides, I'm sure someone..." She glanced to Serena. "...will end up sharing a bed with another come nightfall."
"Mina!" Serena shrieked with a scarlet hue staining her cheeks as she slapped Mina's arm.
All three ladies giggled in understanding at the saucy remark.
"We should probably change." Serena stated as she beheld Ami's apparel. She was virtuously dressed in a vintage-style navy and white pin up one-piece swimsuit. Mina and Ami nodded.
"I need to bring out a few things for Darien to throw on the grill for lunch. I'll come back in about ten minutes to walk you out and introduce you to everyone."
"Thanks, Ami."
"That would be much appreciated."
Ami smiled. "Think nothing of it." She turned to leave, only to stop and turn again when Serena stopped her with a question.
"Would you mind not letting Darien know we're here yet?" Nervousness was settling over Serena, though she couldn't quite understand the reason why. She was hoping to observe Darien and his friends before she was presented to them.
"No problem." Ami smiled again and headed out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Thankful for Ami's loyalty, Serena turned her attention to Mina who was smirking at her.
"So, which scantily skimpy swimsuit did you choose?" Mina asked as she pulled out a golden fabric material from her now opened suitcase.
Serena grinned. "You'll just have to wait and see!" She gave her a wink as she strolled her luggage bag into the adjoining bathroom to change.
When Serena emerged, she took in the sexy appearance Mina provided. The metallic-looking material of Mina's golden crochet monokini oozed around her curvaceous body like liquid gold, highlighting her sun-kissed skin. Her mass of blonde tresses were intricately formed in a high bun, snuggled by a bohemian-styled headband wrap.
"Ooh, la la!" Serena praised.
Mina turned and did a spin so Serena could see her from all sides. When she stopped to look at Serena she catcall-whistled. "You look ravishing!"
Serena's swimsuit choice was a bandeau twist top in an ombre of sunrise colors, accentuating her ample bust. It was arrestingly complimented by skimpy turquoise tanga bottoms. She wore her hair in a stylish side-swept braid with a white floral crown.
Serena gave an appreciative grin.
-Knock Knock-
"Ready ladies?" Ami's soft voice asked behind the closed door.
"Come in, Ami! We're ready!" Serena hollered as she grabbed her phone. She took one last look at her appearance in the ivory boutique cheval floor mirror. Satisfied, she walked to Ami.
Ami blushed a light pink hue when she saw the two exiguously clad women. "Well, I know of two eligible bachelors who won't be able to keep their eyes off of you two!"
"Really?!" Mina piped excitedly.
Amy nodded, "Yes, Darien and Malachite – Darien's best friend. I'm positive he will devour you with his eyes!"
Mina and Ami giggled. Mina exchanged glances with Serena, who wiggled her finely arched brows suggestively.
Ami led them to the sliding glass doors that displayed the palatial outdoor retreat. The visual ecstasy before them revealed a stunningly natural stone grotto patio, featuring a vintage outdoor kitchen, poolside dining, sunken plush seating, relaxing swimming pool, and exquisite lake views.
This private resort impeccably blended indoor and outdoor living. An abundance of lush tropical plants gave for a beautiful scenery on several acres of pristinely landscaped property.
A perimeter overflow spa sat atop the 200-ton boulder waterfalls that cascaded into a lazy river, which flowed smoothly into the beach-entry pool. Deck jets embellished the vanishing edge, in-ground pool over the broadly transparent lake.
The volcanic fire-pit area was nestled alongside the ritzy streams the lazy river granted.
The barbecue kitchen island included remarkably powerful built-in grills, side burners, and smokers with a complete line of beverage and refrigeration units. A wall extension enclosed the freestanding kitchen area of extended granite counter tops supported by stone cabinetry.
"Seriously, who is this man's interior designer? I need to be networking with them!" Mina exclaimed with awe.
"Actually, Darien designed all of this himself. But he does know quite a few people in the industry. I'm sure he would be more than happy to give you their contact information."
"What can this man NOT do?!" Asked Mina impressively. Ami and Serena grinned, wondering the same thing.
"Just wait until nightfall. Darien's pool exhibits an aquatic dance floor that 'reflects' the starry night-sky." Ami visually air-quoted the word. "The 200 fiber optic lights mirror the stars! It's visually breathtaking and undeniably romantic!"
Serena let out a loud sigh. This man was deeply affecting her feelings and was strongly holding her mind. The more she learned about this man, the more emotionally affected by him she became. His amazement was inspiring in so many ways.
"Okay, so sitting on the sun ledge is Lita and her fiancé, Nephrite." Ami pointed to the brunette couple – a bosomy woman wearing a floppy sun hat, feeding grapes in a typically cliché fashion to the awaiting man's mouth who was garmented in green drawstring swim briefs.
"Over there in the pool is Rei, Darien's sister, and her husband, Jadeite." The raven-haired beauty wearing sunglasses and a violaceous bikini was floating on her back in a float, holding what the girls assumed to be a piña colada. A short-haired blonde male submerged in the water for a second before bursting out of the water, flipping Rei over in his wake. In the process of it all, her top popped off, causing her to let out a few expletives towards her good-hearted conniver – giving the women a good laugh.
"The charming couple in the kitchen area are Andrew - Darien's other best friend - and his wife, Rita." Serena and Mina noted the medium-blonde man playing bartender at the blender station bar and the burgundy-copper woman who was teasingly seducing him with a piece of ice.
"Are we walking onto the set of an erotic film?" Serena asked half jokingly.
Ami couldn't contain her laughter. "I can see why you would ask that. This is Darien's personal Hedonistic Paradise!"
"Mmm! Who is THAT?!" Mina asked of Ami as she pointed in the direction of the two godlike embodiment of humanity's finest offerings of men.
"That, my dear, is Malachite. Assuming you are speaking of the blonde Adonis-looking man? The other handsome fellow is Darien." Ami answered.
Serena's breath hitched.
Darien and Malachite egressed from a side door, carrying various items for grilling. Every movement Darien made while carrying the propane tank, flexed and defined every tautly muscle and sinew in his arms and chest; prominently displaying a well-toned and chiseled upper body. Her eyes followed the mix of water and sweat droplets that dripped down his healthy bronzed skin to the deliciously rippling muscles of his abdomen. From there her eyes wandered to his sculpted hip bones, carving the temptingly deep iliac furrow poking out of his board-shorts teasingly.
Serena momentarily allowed her thoughts to drift to what it would be like to delineate his perfect abs and protruding pectorals and broad shoulders with her slender fingers. She noticed how the sunlight danced over his thick and rich hair, glistening the wetness as it fell unruly over his piercing oxford blues. Everything about this man screamed powerfully flawless.
Two running tail-wagers suddenly appeared, gaining their attention.
"Those two are Mischief, the black dog, and Lucy, the brown and white one." Ami explained.
The dogs ran to Malachite with a ball in one's mouth and a Frisbee is the other's. The women watched as Malachite coerced the pups to the pool where he threw each item in. Both dogs jumped in after their favorite toys. Darien took this opportunity to push Malachite in the pool. The women couldn't hear what was being said but they did see how everyone joined in applause and laughs as it happened.
"Speaking of which, Darien has a ritual – well, more of a rite of passage, if you will. Everyone gets thrown into the pool at least once during each visit. You two will undoubtedly be targeted. I would watch your backs and stay away from the pool unless you plan on getting in yourself or wish to have someone do it for you. Everyone is up for game and anyone can be the pusher."
"What about Darien? Has anyone ever got him in?"
"Once. Malachite caught him off guard years ago. He has since then avoided any and all attempts. Almost as if he is somehow exempt from his own rule..."
Serena watched as he continued to linger by the pool, laughing at being able to pull one over on Malachite.
"Humph. Let's see how evasive he truly is. Ami, ask the others not to draw any attention to us, please."
Ami nodded, a grin gracing her angelic features. 'If Serena can pull this off, Darien would be bested, proving Serena to be a suitable match.'
xx
Blaring music from hidden speakers disguised their approach. Even so, Ami gave a shush motion of the one-fingered gesture to her puckered lips. All eyes remained on Darien, doing as Ami asked even though they were curious of the newcomers. Jadeite engaged Darien in a joking conversation to keep him distracted.
Serena tiptoed to Darien, his back to her, crouched down near the pool. He had no reason to believe he was the target of a stealthy prowler's advances. After all, everyone was accounted for...right?
'Wait,' he thought, looking around. 'Where is Ami?' It was then that he smelled the potent aromatic fragrance of wild flowers. He stood up quickly and turned. Just as he thought – "Serena..."
"Hello, Darien." She softly purred – grinning – before she shoved him.
Apparently she didn't push him hard enough because his arms flailed, but he remained standing. His shocked expression changing to a smug one. Before he could completely regain his balance, she shoved him again, only this time she no longer held the element of surprise and he reached out and grabbed her, pulling her in with him.
A shriek was heard before the sound of splashing. An uproar of applause, whistling, and laughter grew louder as they surfaced.
"I like her!" Professed Jadeite.
"Good one, Serena!"
"Oh my God, that was great!"
"YESSSSS!"
"Way to go!"
"About damn time!"
"Holy shit, did that just happen?!"
They both gasped for air as they surfaced, laughing. Darien shook the excess water from his hair and drew a hand down his face; Serena used her slender fingers to wipe the droplets from her eyes.
Both grinned to one another at their arrangement – he had his arms around her waist, trying not to let his hands wander and roam her soft curves and toned body.
"Glad you could make it today," he expressed sincerely.
Smiling sweetly she replied, "Thank you for the invite."
Holding Serena flush against his hard chest and firm abdomen, she could feel every bit of his solid muscles as he guided them to where she could stand comfortably. The entire way, Serena tightly latched onto his strong and sculpted shoulders, holding his unwavering gaze. He made sure to feel every inch of her body he possibly could against his, without noticeably and terribly intentionally doing so.
"Well - well, Dare, guess your undefeated streak just ended. Hmm?" Rei triumphantly declared, bringing the couple back from their stupor.
Serena let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding in. A short whimper escaped her parted lips as his arousal briefly caressed her inner right thigh when he untangled himself from her. Her soft moan did not help in his battle to control his overactive hormones.
"Maybe so... but you better believe that it won't happen again," was his assured reply to his sister, but he looked at Serena with a challenging glint in his eyes.
Serena reciprocated with a mischievous grin plastered on her face and laughing eyes. 'Game on, Darien.'
"Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Serena. Serena, everyone." Darien announced, bowing to her like royalty as best he could in the shallow waters. Serena waved like Miss America to the crowd with both hands, smiling adoringly.
"And this is Mina!" Ami volunteered quickly after Darien, showcasing Mina with her arms. Mina gave a deep curtsy.
A chorus of 'hello's,' 'hi's,' and 'hey's' were given with a few 'nice to meet you's' in various wording forms.
"Enjoy yourself." Darien whispered as he turned from her soon after, slowly making his way to the side of the pool in leisure freestyle strokes.
"I'm going to start on lunch!" was hollered by Darien over the sounds of splashing water. Stalling for time before he pulled himself out of the pool, he was willing his erection to go away. 'Baseball, golf, soccer. Baseball, golf, soccer...' Usually thoughts of sports did the trick for him. Not so much this time. He gave up, remarking wittily to himself that everyone would starve if he waited for his sexual excitement to abate.
Now out of the pool, and unfazed by the erection he was presently sporting, Darien adjusted his shorts while shaking his leg a bit and stalked off to the grill. Maybe grilling the food would help keep his mind focused.
Serena watched as the water sluiced down his body, over tanned ripples of muscle. She noticed the pitched tent in his pants and could only relish in the satisfaction of doing that to him. 'If only he knew of my wet state.' She mused. And she wasn't talking about the water.
Darien and Malachite manned the grills, cooking everything from honey barbecued ribs to bacon-wrapped chicken to buttery garlic shrimp skewers. Lita and Ami helped make all the side dishes, helped Darien and Malachite when they needed something, and set the table. As they were working on the food, Andrew and Rita entertained at the swim-up bar with their bartending flair of bottle-flipping juggles, manipulating flaming liquors, and other bar mixology magic. When Serena or Mina ever asked if anyone needed help doing anything, they all politely declined and told them to relax and enjoy their visit.
It was Jadeite who asked if anyone was interested in playing water volleyball while they waited. Mina was the first to respond with a definitive yes! She went on to explain how she was part of the national championship team that won in high school; albeit it was in beach volleyball. Nonetheless, if whoever played wanted to win, because she was competitive, they should choose her team. Jadeite was known for his skills as well, so he just told her to "Bring it on!"
Teams were composed of Jadeite, Rei, Rita, and Andrew on one side and Mina, Serena, Nephrite, and Zoisite on the other. The game started off simple enough, with everyone trying to warm up and practice setting, spiking, and passing. It wasn't until about 10 minutes in when things started to heat up. Mina and Jadeite always seemed to hit it directly to each other, like some battle of skills. Those two seemed an even match.
Malachite was just enjoying the view of Mina's bouncing breasts every time she would jump for the ball. Him and Darien were watching like spectators in between flipping, turning, and seasoning the food. Ami and Lita cheering on the sidelines every now and then.
It was the rest of each team who would determine the outcome of the game. For instance, when Zoi had the ball, he would hold it, toss it, and then hit it, but it would hit the net. When Rei had the ball, she tended to pass it to the complete opposite side of where it needed to go, costing her team a point every time. As competitive as Mina and Jad were, they acted uncaring of the score and were fair and understanding to their teammates. Ultimately, Mina's team did end up winning, giving Mina a triumphant, 'told ya so' look. The game ended just in time for food.
Lunch turned out to be a sumptuous feast. It was deliciously discovered that Lita was an exquisite culinarian. Pretty much the entirety of the extensive smorgasbord, along with an alluring choice of desserts, was catered by her. She knew where to go to handpick the freshest, most wholesome, savory, and organic - when possible - ingredients, seafood, meats, fruits, and vegetables. She was their very own female version of Anthony Bourdain.
xx
Before they could begin, Darien asked Rita if she could get her camera ready to commemorate the memorable moment. He knew the ladies wouldn't feel so glamorous after eating so he knew to get the photo in now before food. Rita, a professional photographer, had her Nikon D3400 positioned on a tripod to capture all of them paired off in front of Darien's Paragon in Paradise. Each woman paired off with a man - with all the women in front. Rita explained how the camera was on a timer and that it was going to take ten photos continuously. There were four poses she wanted to do. The first was going to be a jumping pose, the second a silly face pose, the third being a Charlie's Angels pose, and the last being a lovey dovey pose.
With the 10 second timer ready, Rita quickly made it in front of Andrew where she would call out the different poses after two shutter clicks. Based on the flashing orange light that quickened in pace once the camera was about to take a photo, Rita hollered out, "Everyone jump!"
Everyone did, with luckily no one getting smacked in the face with a flailing arm. Everyone laughed, imagining what that photo would look like.
"Silly face!" Was asked of next. Tongues sticking out, eyes crossed, puffed out cheeks, ears pulled out, pig noses, etc. were various forms of faces used for that pose.
"Charlie's Angels!" The famous and iconic poses from the movies were used, along with the men using poses from James Bond and Sterling Archer.
"Lovey dovey!" Immediately after she said that, Darien reached over and cupped the back of Serena's neck with one hand, gently tugging her closer. Her eyes widened, but she came willingly. Her breathing became labored. His head descended, his mouth closing the gap, their lips touching, eyes closing. Darien's other arm snaked around her waist, pulling her closer. His hand pressed on the small of her back, trying to leave not a hairsbreadth between them. One of her hands slid to the back of his neck from lying comfortably on his biceps, threading her fingers through his soft hair. She was daring him to continue - to deepen the kiss. The feel of her against him was all-consuming. He wanted nothing more than to pick her up bridal style and ravish her lips the whole way to his bedroom. If they ever made it that far - Darien had the assumption he wouldn't make it past the kitchen before he would lay her on the island and fuck her to exhaustion.
Their mouths explored each other; lips, tongues, sensitive skin, moving together, triggering sensations which spread throughout their bodies. She felt his extremely hardened length pressed against her lower abdomen and he felt her firm breasts and hardened nipples as they tantalized his well-defined torso.
When he finally, yet reluctantly, pulled back to end the kiss, he sucked out her lower lip a little, then released it. Their foreheads rested on one another's to stop their heads from spinning into euphoria from the adrenaline rush and aphrodisiacs emanating wildly.
"I had her plan that pose specifically so I could do that with you and so we could capture our first kiss. I hope you don't mind? Presumably you enjoyed it as much as I did?" He questioned, judging by her willingness during the kiss.
Rei looked on with wide eyes, unsure how to process the scene. Ami knew it was bound to happen, just wasn't sure how much willpower Darien had to maintain his oath. Lita and Mina just smiled, while all the guys just smirked and gave affection to their respective women.
Serena swallowed, nodding. "I loved every minute of it. I only wish it to continue." They were completely unaware of watchful eyes, so engrossed with each other.
Every ounce of willpower had to be summoned to prevent him from granting her wish. With a kiss to her nose, he replied, "Perhaps later. The day is still young and we have plenty of time for another opportunity." He gave her a flirtatious wink.
Serena nodded, grinning ear to ear, accepting his removal from her.
"Now, let's eat!"
xx
Everyone gathered at the long built-in water table and benches to have their fill of the savory sustenance of edible goodies.
Watching how someone eats can tell you a lot about them. Such as, if they try something they are afraid to eat, chances are they are willing to do the same in life. Darien didn't gather Serena for the picky-on-food type, so that was a plus. Even if she was, he was sure Lita would cure her of that easily enough. Lita had this natural ability to make even the pickiest of eaters at least try something they didn't like by presenting a mouth-watering edible for the most discriminant of taste buds.
Her and Serena seemed to hit it off right away. Even Serena's sister, Mina, was mingling perfectly with everyone. Especially Malachite. Darien and Malachite were two of a kind. They both played the field until they had to conquer other divisional championships for lack of conquests in their own leagues. Somehow though, these two blondes seem to crack what no other ladies have yet: the correct sequence of numbers to unlock their commitment combination code. Could these men be willing to commit to these women if there was a risk of losing them if they didn't? Might be too early to tell. Maybe these blonde beauties were just looking for fun? No reason to jump to any conclusions. Yet.
xx
After lunch, as everyone sat relaxed and sated, the millennia-old ritual of getting to know one another commenced. Fun, interesting facts were found out about one another. Facts no one outside this group knew. It's amazing how much is revealed when alcohol is involved.
Like, Mina was in the special edition magazine of Playboy College. She modeled the year she turned 21 for the month of December. Her spread featured her in a log cabin, sitting in front of a roaring fire and tangled in fur blankets. Serena's mouth dropped and her eyes went wide upon the reveal.
"What?" Mina asked her sister rather indifferently.
"Does mom and dad know?" Serena questioned back, flabbergasted.
Mina shrugged. "Probably not. I used a pseudonym and it doesn't even look like me - the angle of the shoot, my hair color, and hair style..." She patted her bun for emphasis.
Serena had an 'ah ha!' moment. "Was that when you took that ski trip to Denver with Elisabeth? You went brunette that winter!"
"Well, we did end up skiing…eventually…with the photographer. He still emails Elisabeth to this day asking if we're interested in posing again." Serena just shook her head.
"What, uh, what name did you use?" Malachite asked nonchalantly, but everyone rolled their eyes and smirked or laughed at his eagerness.
Mina gave a seductive grin. "Why see those photos when I'm right here, right now?" Mina leaned into him, brushing her left breast to his incredible bicep. "You should save those for when you're missing me." She whispered in his ear and blew softly on the tips. Malachite closed his eyes and smiled at her antics.
"Okay, my turn!" Malachite piped up. "I love sunbathing in my birthday suit."
"That's not a secret." Rei stated. "Since you were 16 you've been parading around naked whenever you could."
"Yeah. Everyone knows that about you. Try again." Darien laughed.
"Okay, bet you didn't know I was one of the sexy clowns on stilts during the Fantasy Fest Parade last year."
"Woah, that was you? The one who kept fucking with that big, asshole trucker dude? Man was he pissed at you!" Jadeite recalled with mirth.
"How can a clown be sexy? I mean Harley Quinn comes to mind, but she is a female." Rita pointed out, watching as Rei splashed water on Jadeite.
"She's dressed as a jester." Reported Neph.
"But she is known as the clown princess." Explained Jadeite from his floating position in the pool.
"Whatever, man."
"You know how to walk on stilts?" Ami inquired.
"Yep. That's two facts revealed. Ha." Malachite stated triumphantly, holding two fingers up for all to see.
"Ohh! Fantasy Fest! I've always wanted to go to that!" Mina hinted suggestively.
"You should come with us this year. Andrew has a house down there and we all stay there for the full ten days." Acknowledging her request, Mal offered an invite. "It's pretty much all of our yearly vacation ritual."
"Mi casa es su casa." Andrew offered proudly.
"Yay! Thank you! That is so awesome! Isn't that next month? I need to take off!"
"Wanna come too?" Darien asked Serena quietly. Zoi was mentioning something about how he cheated on a test?
"What?!" was everyone's reaction.
"Um, yes, I would love to." Serena had to pull her attention away from Zoisite. 'No way he did that!' She thought, dumbfounded. "It sounds like fun."
"Great! Ami and I sometimes have to miss out on a few days with our hectic schedules - which may undoubtedly be your case as well. But as long as we can make some of the days, I'm sure we'll have a fun time!" He gave her a smile that made the butterflies in her stomach start flapping.
"Which song?" Serena and Darien were finding it hard to concentrate on what everyone else was kibitzing about.
"Katy Perry's Teenage Dream." A Katy Perry song came on, cueing Rei to divulge her secret.
"Really?"
"Oh, I love that song!"
"I love Katy Perry!"
"Rei, that's awesome! Are you going to do anymore?"
"Maybe." She shrugged. "Luke Martin, a lyricist, has called a couple times to see if I was interested in working with them on some songs..." She was still kicking her foot in the water, splashing Jadeite with sprinklings of droplets.
"Why keep the anonymity?" Was queried by Lita from sitting rather comfortably on Neph's lap.
"It's just easier to keep business and personal life separate from other interests if I do." They nodded in understanding.
"Ami, what about you?"
"Let's see… did y'all know I was one of the only three contestants to win at Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?"
"I believe it!" Rita beamed, patting Ami's back from her elevated sitting position on the pool deck.
"Me too. You're a genius, Ames." Serena smiled at her proudly.
"That's awesome!"
"Yeah, great job!"
Cheers and congratulations went around for Ami.
"Talking about TV shows, I once tried out for American Ninja Warrior."
"And?"
"Eh, I ended up falling in the later stages." Confessed Jadeite sheepishly.
"I heard it's hard to get on that show?"
"There isn't always a winner. There were more than 75,000 people who applied the year when I did it. I was one of the 100 contestants who applied in my qualifying city. I think only two guys made it that year from my city. It's hardcore. Awesome, but very intense."
"That's pretty badass to make it that far, Jed. The upper body strength needed, the balancing act, power in your jump - all those skills are tough to do in those obstacles they create." Professed Malachite.
"I know. Thanks, man."
"Before I met Neph, he told me that he was a candidate for Mission to Mars One." Lita supplied, while Neph was taking a leak in a nearby bush.
"No way!"
"Get out!"
"Shut up!"
"The selection process for an astronaut candidate is very exclusive in that the candidate must have a wide range of disciplines and characteristics." Recited Ami.
"Yes, five key characteristics must be utilized to the fullest potential. What are they? Creativity, ability to trust, curiosity, … and …" Zoi tried remembering the stipulations.
"Resiliency and adaptability." Ami finished.
"How do you both know all that?" Serena asked.
Before they could answer, Darien speculated, "You both tried out, didn't you?"
"No."
"Yes."
They both looked at each other while the others raised their eyebrows at a possible lover's quarrel.
With Ami's eyes narrowed into slits at him, Zoisite felt the need to explain to her. "I did, just to see if I could make it in."
"And did you?" The group was captivated with anticipation for an answer.
"I did. I got to the second round of the selection process and everything."
"So why didn't you continue on with it?"
"Probably the same reason Neph cancelled his application - because there are no means to return to earth. Mars would be considered home. If Ami wasn't coming, then I didn't want to leave her."
"Aww!"
"So sweet!"
"So romantic!"
Neph walked up right about then.
"Neph, we know you love space - astrology, astronomy, cosmology, astrophysics, etc, so why didn't you continue on with Mission to Mars One? Sounds like it would be a dream for you." Rei ventured.
"It would have, I believe. I wanted it more than anything. But, I wanted Lita more."
A chorus of awes went around.
He scooped her up and kissed her fiercely. She reciprocated by returning the kiss with fervor.
"Oh, get a room, you two."
Lita pulled away to respond. "Very well. We shall see y'all in a few hours." She gave a wide grin and a wink before inclining her head to the house for Neph to carry her to their room. He obliged with pleasure.
Darien shook his head.
"To be in love." Mina sighed.
"So who hasn't gone yet?" Rei observed as she pointed to each person left in the group. They all did the same.
Darien half raised his hand as he scratched his right leg with his other hand. Sere mimicked his hand, and so did Andrew and Rita.
"Hey, Lita didn't go!" Cried Rita.
"Let's see… what don't we know about Lita…"
"She's about to be the owner of a prominent five-star restaurant." Darien provided.
"Google can tell you that."
"Only as of yesterday, Rei. Hence why they're celebrating with us." Darien quipped back.
"Now, now you two. I remember when she was 13 or 14 - I forget which - she stole a recipe that she ended up tweaking for an award." Andrew recalled.
"Technically that's not illegal." Zoisite remarked. "People do that kind of shit all the time."
"The stealing part of it is." Ami gave icily, still upset with Zoi.
"If you want to get into semantics-" Zoi tried before Andrew interrupted.
"I wrote a book." Andrew blurted while gauging everyone's reaction.
"A book? What kind of book?"
"You mean a Playboy article?" Snickered Malachite and chuckles went around.
"A children's book, actually." Andrew said matter-of-factually, though he laughed too at Mal's joke.
"Is there something you want to tell us, Rita?" Darien dared to ask.
"I am not pregnant, Mr. Shields. We are, however, actively trying."
"Aww, really?" Serena and Mina cooed.
Trying to change the subject back to the book, Andrew continued on as if he was never interrupted. "I made the book years ago when Lizzy was six. She inspired me to write it."
"What's it about?"
"Oh, you know, fighting evil by moonlight and winning love by daylight. That kind of thing. Little girls love that stuff."
"And big girls!" Serena supplied. "I wanna read it!"
"I will send you a copy." Andrew offered happily.
"Thank you!"
"Back to you, Rita. So y'all are trying for a baby?"
"Yes! I think Andrew is upset because I want to try every 12 hours during my ovulation period."
"It's more like a job than pleasure. She reads all these articles on how to get pregnant and what to do during sex. The only time it's enjoyable is when she isn't ovulating because I know then she wants sex because of me and not for a baby."
"Oh, Andy, you know I love you!" She said as she cupped his face and gave him a searing kiss. "My biological clock is ticking and I have baby fever like no other! I would love a baby created by Andrew and I, but if it doesn't work out, I would want to adopt."
"Rita was adopted. So we understand the importance of adoption and the power of it."
"Wow, I did not know that!"
"It's interesting because apparently I get my creative side from my biological parents and not my upbringing. My mom was an artist and my dad was a musician."
"I've heard of talent being passed in offspring by the polygenic inheritance gene."
"I love you, Ami!" Sere claimed. The alcohol was doing away with her inhibitions.
"Good for you, Rita. I hope it all works out. You two deserve happiness."
"Thank you!"
"And I would love to have little babies to spoil!" Sere's smile was heard in the words. To see it wasn't necessary.
"Last, but not least, Darien and Serena, you two are it."
"I posed for a Lana Lanai photo once. It was titled, Self Portrait as a Moon Princess."
"Oh, yeah! Peggy Jones! I heard she ran off with an Italian man and is touring Italy."
"Good for her!"
"She is a client of ours. We've purchased some of her work." Rei spoke, indicating her and Darien being the purchasers.
"We have some as well." Ami added. "That painting of you is beautiful. I saw it at an art show downtown where she had an exhibit of her work." Ami explained.
"Thank you, Ami!"
Darien wanted to tell everyone that he purchased said panting, but thought better of it. It was purchased before he ever met Serena. Besides, she would probably see it soon enough. It was in his bedroom after all.
"Guess it's my turn." Darien turned the spotlight on himself. "Hmm, what don't y'all know about me?" He tapped his chin as if in deep thought.
"In college, I worked at an all-male version of Coyote Ugly. It was a stripper-theme bar. Think Magic Mike meets Coyote Ugly."
"I'm guessing you weren't doing it for the money?"
"It most definitely wasn't for the money." He boasted playfully.
xx
The hot Florida sun chased the group to find refuge in the forms of cooling, clear waters or under shady umbrella trees.
Much to no one's surprise, Lita and Neph remained indoors, undoubtedly partaking in mattress dancing.
Mina and Malachite decided to take the kayak down to the springs, just beyond the lake. This would give the two of them some alone time to get to know one another. Both were very attracted to each other and needed to see how much they could learn about the other without the audience of family and friends.
With the food and all the drinks that rightfully went with it reducing Ami and Zoi to a pleasant state of somnolence, they opted to nap on the wicker, all-weather double bed. After that, they would probably take to reading under the umbrella until the time came for them to get ready for the award ceremony.
Andrew and Rita stayed behind and went skinny dipping in the pool. Like Joe Nichols states, "Tequila makes her clothes fall off." They, along with Darien and the others, had a hedonistic view of life, so nudity, exhibitionism, voyeurism, and various sexual expressions were common and acceptable. They all attended events like Mardi Gras and Fantasy Fest, went to Hedonism in Jamaica, and joined a swing or sex club at one point in their lives.
Itching for a little competition led Rei and Jadeite to take to wake-boarding on Darien's lake. His lake was surrounded by a series of masts that held an overhead cable. The overhead cable rotated in a counterclockwise motion around the lake. Along the cable there was a number of carriers. Riders were pulled around the lake by the ropes attached to these carriers. Darien had put in a number of special obstacles, like sliders and kickers on the lake's surface for making tricks. This is where the competition began. Rei and Jadeite frequently came to Darien's place for this reason alone. Mainly because Darien worked all the time, though it was good to see him when he was home. The electric cable system was also used to go riding on two skis, slaloming, kneeboarding, and barefooting.
The springs located just beyond Darien's lake trailed for miles and had a deep center that was perfect for snorkeling. This is what Darien asked Serena if she wanted to do. She was sold after his sales pitch:
"Immerse yourself in a spring and your breath will be taken away. First by the chilly waters and then by the incredible array of fish and turtles that you will see."
Serena giggled at his persuasion technique. Then she tried to play into his game.
"What if I inhale water?"
"I'll give you mouth-to-mouth." Was his quick, yet serious response as he led her to the gear shed that housed his water equipment. Her heart skipped a beat at his answer.
"Is anything in this water going to eat me?"
'Only me' he wished. "Nothing that I will allow." He reminded himself as well. Luckily Serena took that comment as him being chivalrous.
Fish darted beneath them, playing hide and seek in the lush underwater carpets of eelgrass. She gave a gasp of delight and dragged the snorkel to her mouth, anxious to start. "They're beautiful. Can we take a closer look?"
Darien helped fit her mask and flippers first before nodding. Then they slid into the water from the dock he added for better entry. Without waiting for him, she ducked under the water and Darien followed her into the clear waters.
It only took moments for him to realize that she was an excellent swimmer. Her kick was smooth and graceful as she slid through the water with the elegance of a sea creature. Seriously distracted, Darien decided that if he didn't concentrate, he was going to drown.
A school of small, colorful, tropical fish darted in and out near her legs. She twirled in the water, causing the school of fish to veer off and disappear. Serena felt transported to another world. Sure she had her share of snorkeling before, but here, in the springs with Darien, just seemed magical.
Nemo-esque clown fish with wavy, floaty, fanlike fins looked like the most elegant couture. It was like a candy shop down there, with all the brilliant colors and shapes. It was also like meditation - the only sounds being the sound of breath - in and out, in and out. So enchanted she was by the exquisite beauty of the scenery and all the colors that swirled with life. Beneath the surface, she could see the support of life the springs could offer - one of the most unique and diverse freshwater ecosystems in North America.
His position, above and behind her, gave him a perfect view of her long, slim legs and her curvaceous backside. He watched her reactions and body as it maneuvered through the underwater obstacles. Her flat and toned stomach elongated her torso as she stretched her arms to quicken her pace. When she eventually came to slow, his hands glided over her body, resting slightly on her butt. She turned and swam to him, pressing herself to him. Serena teased him a bit before swimming off in search of more wonder. It was a game, he knew. She was playing hard to get and he was just trying to keep his oath while enjoying some of this delicious torture.
They glided through the water, swift and smooth. The water sparkled in the sunlight and shoals of colorful fish darted beneath them. The sun splattered her silhouette over the aquatic vegetation-covered sand bottom.
They snorkeled for about an hour, exploring different parts of the springs ecosystems, careful not to touch or disturb any of the freshwater wildlife. Each time they surfaced, Serena burst into a torrent of chat, telling Darien what she'd seen and asking question after question. And every time she would submerge into the cool water, she would put the snorkel in her mouth in a provocative way and would bob her shapely ass on the surface before she would disappear. He looked to the heavens for moral strength. Not finding any, he let go another long-suffering groan. She must realize what she's doing - she must. Maybe she thought nothing of wiggling her butt around. That everything she did wouldn't affect him in an erotic way. Serena made him feel like a testosterone-driven teenager, and that was hard enough the first time around.
Finally he gestured to the surface and they slid upwards through the sun-dappled water and emerged to hot sunshine. Serena removed the snorkel from her mouth, laughing and gasping for air.
"That was fantastic!" Her smile was as bright as the sun. "That was one of my top favorites things I've ever done!" Her happiness was so infectious that Darien found himself smiling back.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it." He started to remove his mask from his face but let it sit on top of his head. They were both supporting themselves by the dock that floated just above the water's surface. Floating, they just stared at each other for a moment. The sun was facing her, highlighting the tan she was now sporting from being in the sun all afternoon. Her cheeks were pink and she had an adorable oval indentation on her lovely face from the mask. This time it was her who initiated the kiss. She moved in slowly, watching his lips the whole time. When their lips met, she closed her eyes and her softly puckered lips that were slightly parted, brushed his, trailing a heated breath over his parted and willing ones. It was his tongue, however, that turned her innocent kiss into something they both really wanted. His tongue slid between her lips and feathered over her own. Warm and decadent, his taste seeped over her tongue and she drank him in hungrily, wanting more. His harsh groan exploded into her mouth and the rush of his exhalation blew over her face. "You make me crazy."
She smiled, but was determined not to show him how much that one kiss had flustered her.
"We should probably head back to the house to get ready for the ceremony." He saw the look of disappointment etched on her beautiful features. How disappointed he was with himself. His jaw clenched and unclenched.
"Trust me in that I say that not because I don't want to continue. On the contrary… but it is getting late and we all really need to make it on time tonight. We do not want my mother's wrath unleashed on us."
Serena nodded in understanding. He lifted his body onto the dock and turned to help Serena up and out of the water. Darien saw Mal and Mina in the distance heading back in. He inserted two fingers in his mouth to give out a long and loud whistle. Mal looked up to his direction and gave a salute when Darien motioned for them to come on with his arm and hand.
Darien grabbed Serena's gear after she took it off and put it back in the gear shed with his. He then reached for her hand and led her down the path that would take them back to his house.
"Thank you for spending the day with me."
Her pulse was thudding dangerously fast.
"I enjoyed it so much I hate for it to end."
He squeezed her hand and looked back at her with a grin.
"Then it's a good thing the day isn't over."
She stopped him. He looked startled.
"Seriously though, I am having a wonderful time. Mina too. Thank you so much for inviting us."
Darien felt his heart would leap from his chest. What was it with this cardiologist and his heart?
"Feel free to come over and join me… us, whenever y'all like."
"Thank you." She smiled sweetly. They continued on down the path.
She wanted their relationship to go all the way. She felt he was holding back for some reason.
Darien knew it wasn't going to be easy to remain unaffected around Serena. Her beautiful face, gorgeous body, and intelligence would certainly test his professional integrity. What he had to do was think of her as a co-worker. Not only couldn't he cross the line, but he was determined not to cross the line.