Hey everyone! Sorry it's been a while. To make up for it, this chapter is pretty long. This is likely not the end of the story yet but I need some time to figure out how I want to start the ending. Anyway, I hope that everyone enjoys what I've written so far and I will try to update again fairly soon.

Warning! Mature content. This story is rated M!

Chapter 12

All of the girls swooned over the sudden romance of the couple, making Darien and Serena stop abruptly. They looked at each other and nodded, knowing that they should be leaving for dinner at her parents' place. Standing up, they brushed themselves off and Serena looked to all of the girls with Darien at her side, holding the small of her back.

"Thank you for all of this! I really loved my party and all of the presents!" She could feel the tears brimming again in her eyes. "You all mean so much to me and I hope that I can make you all feel the way that I do right now." She looked up at Darien and smiled as he rubbed her back.

Raye stepped forward. "Serena, don't you know that's why we did this for you?" Mina chimed in as well. "Yeah, Serena. You brought us all together. We're like a family" Everyone nodded in agreement, including Darien. Before long, Darien checked his watched and motioned towards the door slightly.

"Sorry ladies, we should get going. Serena's mom is making a huge dinner for us tonight and we can't be late, especially if we're going to tell everyone about our new living arrangements."

"No worries! Thanks for coming and it was a lot of fun." Raye smiled at Serena and Serena nodded to her.

"Thanks Raye. I had a great time and thank you everyone for the gifts and for going to all of this trouble."

"Make sure you use the study tools I gave you! They'll be super helpful for college!" Everyone grimaced at Amy's school talk.

"Come on, Amy! It's the weekend! Don't you take any breaks from school?" Lita asked, slightly frustrated.

"Don't worry about it, you guys. Amy is right. I should use them and start studying more…" Serena quieted her voice to only slightly above a whisper and finished her thought "Whether I do or not is another question…"

"What was that Serena?" Mina asked, hearing a portion of Serena's whispers.

"Oh! Nothing! Thanks everyone! See you all later!"

"Thanks everyone, both for planning and for hosting." Darien smiled to all of the girls as he and Serena walked out to his car.

Frantic waving was occurring from both sets of people as Serena and Darien crouched into his car and drove away.

Serena watched Darien as he drove, his hair tousled by the wind from his open window. Her eyes drifted down, noticing his dark stubble and chiselled jaw line. Then further again. His hands were clenched around the steering wheel and his muscular arms were made even more evident when they turned a corner. Serena took a sharp breath in, wanting him badly at that very moment but still resisting. She moved her hand over her stomach and her arm grazed the pocket containing Darien's letter from earlier:

"My Dear Serena,

I hope that the surprises today made you smile and feel loved by all of us. Rini sends her love from the future as well. I have a care package at the apartment from her for you. She said that when she told Neo Queen Serenity about your birthday, she just smiled and giggled. I guess she must know something we don't.

Although we both know we'll be together in the future, I want to enjoy each and every moment on our journey together. You have made my life brighter and more fun than I ever thought it could be and even if I had to wait another lifetime to be with you and only you, I would. Please know that even though I don't talk much, you are all that I've wanted and I hope that I can show you everyday how much I love you.

Happy Birthday, love of my life.

Darien."

As Serena finished the letter for the second time, tears began to well up in her eyes, overflowing and sliding down her cheeks. Darien took notice and blushed a bit.

"I mean it, you know. Every word of that, I meant it." Darien glanced between Serena and the road, making sure that she understood his sincerity.

"I know, silly. That's why I'm crying! I never thought that I could feel so loved. And I love you just as much. Things just feel perfect right now."

Arriving at the Tsukino residence, Darien kissed Serena lightly and they smiled at each other. Serena tucked the letter back into her pocket, touching it once more lovingly. The pair wandered up the walkway to the house and knocked a few times.

"Coming!" Mrs. Tsukino opened the door within a minute and welcomed the couple inside. "Here you go, have a seat! Would you like some drinks? Who am I kidding? Of course you would!" Quickly she wandered into the kitchen, leaving Darien and Serena alone with Sammy and Mr. Tsukino.

"So Darien, Serena told us that you want to be a doctor. How is that going for you?"

"Oh uh. It's going great, thanks." Darien felt a little nervous and he could feel himself starting to sweat just by talking to her dad. Serena took notice of Darien's uneasiness and decided to chime in.

"Dad! Come on! Give Darien a break, for once. It's my birthday today and so you should be nice to me and my boyfriend!"

"Sorry, Hun. I'm just making conversation. Right, Darien?"

"Sure Mr. Tsukino. No problem." Darien laughed a little, trying to make himself feel more at ease but to no avail.

Lucky for Darien, Mrs. Tsukino wandered back into the room with some lemonade, completely interrupting the "conversation" that he and Serena's father were having.

"Here you go, you two! Now tell me, when are you two going to get married?" Both had begun sipping on the lemonade but Darien nearly choked at Mrs. Tsukino's forward question.

"Uhh. Actually, mom we haven't really talked about it much." Serena looked a little puzzled at her mom's prodding questions.

"Come on, dear. After this much time you must have talked about it at some point or at least thought about it!"

"She's right Mrs. Tsukino. With Serena only just leaving high school, we haven't been thinking about marriage much yet."

Serena felt a little deflated at Darien's comment. Maybe he hadn't been thinking about marriage but she sure had.

"Oh Darien, don't be so formal. Why don't you call me Ikuko or mom?" Darien's eyes widened at her suggestions. "After all, you're going to be part of the family. A mother can tell these things you know."

Sure, Darien had thought about marrying Serena many times but there was no way he had the courage to propose just yet. Beyond that, the questions were difficult to answer in front of an audience that included Serena's father. He couldn't think of any response for Mrs. Tsukino other than laughing to let her know that he was okay with her questions. Then Darien was completely blind-sided by Mrs. Tsukino.

"So Darien, did you give Serena the key to your apartment like you had planned? She said yes, right?"

Darien blushed a little and looked around, noticing that Serena's father was starting to become a little bit pale.

"WHAT!" His voice became filled with panic and worry as he thought of his little girl moving in with a college guy. Even though they'd been dating for years, moving in with someone was different, at least in his mind.

"Dear, you knew that Darien was going to ask Serena to move in with him. I've talked to you about it before." Mrs. Tsukino waved her hand at Mr. Tsukino, basically telling him that his concerns were unimportant in the face of such news. Serena's dad turned a rare shade of crimson as he glanced between Serena and Darien, mortified. Though he remembered brief conversations with her on the subject, he was able to block most of them out and tell himself that it was an unlikely scenario. Unfortunately for him, that was not the case.

Serena and Daren held hands, Serena blushing as Darien was building up the courage to tell them that she was moving in and Mrs. Tsukino sat on the edge of her seat with a slight lean forward, waiting for the answer. "Well, come on you two! I want to know if I have to buy housewarming gifts!"

They looked at each other, and started at the same time. "Uh, well. Oh! Sorry. You go first." Their speech was completely in sync and they were still not sure of how to answer the question or who should answer it, for that matter. Thinking about it, Serena decided that she wanted to be the one to answer her mother. They had shared a lot and this was a big moment for Serena and for her dad, though in a different way.

"Mom, Dad, Sammy." Her voice started off calm and serene but as she approached closer to the news, excitement grew in her voice until she was nearly shouting. "I'm going to be packing up my stuff tomorrow and moving in with Darien!"

Darien rubbed his ear a little bit. He hadn't realized that his proximity to Serena may be a problem for hearing loss. Luckily the ringing stopped a few moments after and Serena's mom approached the two swiftly, grabbing them in an awkward group hug.

"I'm so happy for you two! And what's that?... I think I hear wedding bells!" Mrs. Tsukino grabbed them tighter and the couple glanced to each other, making awkward faces at first, then smiling.

After all of the awkwardness had subsided, dinner was served and everyone sat down to a great meal, as per Mrs. Tsukino's usual dinners.

The drive home had Darien a little nervous but he powered through and was even surprised at himself when he spoke to Serena.

"You know, Serena your mom is right."

"I need to change my socks more than once a week?" Serena blinked a bit, trying to remember everything her mother said.

"Well, yeah but that's not what I meant." Darien smiled to her. "I mean that she's right we'll be getting married."

"Aww! It's nice to hear you say that. We already know that though." Serena was a little taken aback at his obvious comment but brushed it off as nothing.

"Yeah… but I meant maybe soon?" Darien got a little more nervous, brushed his hand through his hair and blushed, waiting for her reply.

"You're kidding? I haven't even thought that much about it yet…" She looked around the car, trying to hide her many thoughts regarding that aspect of their lives.

"Now you're kidding, right?" Darien laughed a little, knowing that she may not be the typical girl but in this aspect, she was.

"Yeah… well, maybe."

"Look, Serena. I know that I'm not the most expressive guy but I really do love you and I want things to be great between us. I just feel like I don't want to make you uncomfortable. That's why I've been so worried about talking to you about… well, almost anything personal these days."

"I can't believe you've been afraid to talk to me… I've been afraid to talk to you. I don't want you to think that I'm some dumby."

"Really? I could never think that about you. If I really thought you were a dumby, I wouldn't be with you in the first place. Don't you remember when we first met and we were always on each other's nerves?"

"Who wouldn't? I dreaded running into you but at the same time, I wanted to so badly." Serena clenched her hands and blushed at her first admission of her thoughts during the time she hardly knew him.

"Heh. I know what you mean. Anyway, part of the enjoyment in that was hearing the remarks you always came up with. It makes me proud to know that you're so fiery and that you demand respect from others."

Serena smiled to herself, finally feeling like she could tell Darien anything and she could sense his ease as well.

"I don't know why it took us so long to feel comfortable being honest with each other. I mean, we've been soul mates even in a past life and we still do the same stupid dance every other person does in a relationship."

"Not anymore though, right? I promise, I'll tell you whatever is on my mind as long as you promise me the same." Darien smiled to her, hoping she would let him into her deepest thoughts.

"Of course! Though, you may regret that sometimes." She laughed a little, thinking about the many things she suddenly felt comfortable telling him.

Darien parked the car and the couple made their way up to their apartment. As they approached the door, Darien stopped and grabbed Serena's shoulder.

"Wait! I've always wanted to do this with you."

"Do wha….?" Serena couldn't even finish her question as Darien scooped her up, ready to take her into the apartment.

"Welcome to your new home, my Meatball head."

"Hey! Put me down, you! You know I practically lived here already!"

"Yeah, but now you have a key! It's momentous! Cost me a few dollars to have that thing cut but it's about the sentiment." Darien smiled at Serena. "Give me a sec, I'm gonna hit the bathroom then we can watch some TV."

"Oh, watching TV? Is that what we're calling it?" She giggled and shoved him a little.

Darien smiled and laughed with her, then made his way to the bathroom, nervous for the coming events. He was planning to wrap himself like a present. Might as well make the evening a little goofy too, right? Leaving the fabric in the bathroom seemed like a good idea and so he made his way there, hoping that Serena wouldn't notice anything.

As Darien had suggested, Serena turned on the television and was stretched out on the couch, trying to relax after their long day. He made his way out of the bathroom, only wrapped in the fabric that he had purchased. He even tied it in a bow for fun.

"Ready for your last present?" Serena hadn't even noticed him emerging from the bathroom but upon hearing his voice, she turned and saw him, barely covered and she laughed a little.

"What's this? I thought you were planning to make this evening romantic, silly?"

"It is romantic!" And with that, he walked over to the couch and sat himself behind her back. He sat for a while, trying to build up courage and finally wrapped an arm around her and started kissing her neck. He turned himself slightly, bringing both hands to the front of her shirt and began unbuttoning her floral blouse slowly. When he finished, Serena moved to her knees and turned herself towards him, running her hands over his shoulders, chest and stomach. She could feel his body slightly tense at her first light touches but as she moved more quickly, he became more accustomed and moved into them.

"I missed touching you like this." Serena began to blush and Darien brushed the back of his hand over her face. Rather than reply verbally, Darien smiled and brought his hands to hers, holding them for a moment, then grazed over her arms and shoulders until reaching her chest. Serena gasped at Darien's forcefulness in removing her bra; it was a front closure pale pink bra with white polka dots. Upon opening the bra, Serena's breasts sprung out, almost surprising Darien and he continued looking at her ample chest, smiling at his handiwork.

"Uhh, Darien… My eyes are up here." Serena smiled at her little joke, laughing a bit and awaited Darien's reply.

"For a moment like this, your beautiful eyes will have to wait." He smiled to her and stuck out his tongue. She responded by wrapping her arms around him and giving him a hug, pushing him much closer to her now free breasts and making him blush profusely. He was noticing that his wrapping may have been a little tighter than necessary, especially given his intentions. Serena looked down and noticed Darien's slight discomfort.

"Is it okay with you if I open my last present now?"

"Please do." Darien moved himself so Serena could easily undo the bow he had tied and within moments, Darien was sitting completely naked on the couch, awaiting Serena's next move. To his surprise, she moved away from him, turning away and sitting on the other end of the couch. Darien watched her a little longer and she never moved. He felt dejected and started motioning to stand up and walk to bed when suddenly he felt Serena run up behind him, moving her hands over every part of him and standing on her tip toes to kiss his shoulders. He turned swiftly and looked down, noticing that she had removed her skirt and panties. Now standing completely naked in front of him, she looked up and smiled.

"It's only fair, right?"

Darien smiled and nodded, completely surprised at her forwardness and comfort around him. She moved in for a hug and found Darien running his hands over every part of her body. She began doing the same; grazing her hands over his muscular back, shoulders and finally reaching his ass. Her face became flushed and very warm as he moved to her neck and began kissing, carefully and calculated.

"Uh, Darien? Shouldn't we move this to the bedroom?"

And with that, he scooped her up and carried her to bedroom. He continued to kiss her neck and moved up to her mouth once they reached their destination. He laid her carefully on the bed but she wouldn't let go of his shoulders, forcing him to lay on top of her.

"You're okay, Serena? I don't want to crush you or anything"

"I'm perfect." She smiled to him coyly and Darien smiled back.

"I already know you're perfect." She laughed a little at his cheesy line but the moment soon returned to one of seriousness and lust. "Are you sure about this, Serena?"

"I'm sure." She moved back up to his mouth and began kissing him with an urgency she had never mustered before. Darien understood but before he made love to her like he had dreamed of so many times, he decided bring back an old favourite of his. He started moving down, kissing her breasts, stomach and her inner thighs delicately. Finally he reached his destination, spreading her legs. Serena grasped his hair as he moved his tongue across her most sensitive parts. She gasped and began bucking her hips, causing Darien to move his tongue faster, flicking her clit rhythmically.

"Ohh… Darien don't stop"

Darien reached his hands underneath her and groped her ass, thrusting his tongue into her as deeply as he could. But suddenly, he moved away from her nether region and propped himself on top of her.

"Why did you stop!"

"I just wanted to make sure you're ready for me and also I had to satisfy some of my urges that have been waiting since this morning…"

Serena blushed at his comment and Darien moved in to kiss her.

"Ready?"

"Very. Be gentle please."

Darien kissed her forehead, letting her know that he would try his best to make her comfortable.

As he pushed himself into her slowly, he could feel all of her wetness surrounding him; he had to resist the urge to thrust into her harder. He watched Serena's face as he continued to push his member into her; her eyes were watering a little and she was biting her lip. Once he was completely submerged, he looked to her.

"Are you okay? We don't have to go any further than this."

"Darien. I'm fine. I'm sure it'll get better as we keep going. Don't worry." Serena was touched that Darien was so willing to do whatever she wanted.

And with that, Darien kissed her, very proud of her for being so strong. Serena nodded to him and he pulled out slightly, then back in, giving her some more time to adjust.

"Darien? I think you can go a little faster than that"

At that moment, Darien sped up his pace a little and was watching Serena's face as he continued to thrust. Her expressions changed from wincing and grimacing to the expressions she had made during their previous nights together. Finally, Darien knew that he could pace himself as he wanted to: fast and deep. As he sped up, Serena wrapped her legs around him, urging him as deep as he could go and Darien complied, kissing her lips, cheeks, and neck. He moved his hands over her frantically, once again and was whispering to her as he did. Serena was rushing her hands over Darien's chest and back, attempting to hold back moans and gasps but to no avail.

"Oh wow, Darien. You feel so good. Please… don't… stop"

"Oh God, Serena." Darien could feel himself getting much closer as he continued to thrust into her tight wetness and based on Serena's expressions and flushed face, she wasn't far behind. He watched her as he continued, loving every intimate moment with her.

She could feel her body reach the pinnacle of sensitivity and tension, clutching Darien's back as he continued to thrust. She felt a warmth in her stomach and within seconds, she orgasmed, allowing Darien to feel her body tense and release at all of his thrusts and touches.

Upon her orgasm, Darien felt her walls tighten around him and couldn't hold back any longer. He continued to kiss her, grunting and moaning into every kiss as he released in her, both of them sweaty and exhausted. As Darien began to move off of her, Serena stopped him.

"Um. Could we just stay like this for a little bit?"

Darien kind of wondered at her request but complied nonetheless. His urgent and frantic kisses were replaced with sweet, slow ones that grazed her forehead, cheeks and chin. He knew that she was cherishing this time with him and he was feeling the same way. He'd been waiting so long and thinking for so long about being with her in every way and now that he was, he understood why their relationship transcended time.

Darien's arms began to grow tired from holding himself up and Serena could see him beginning to struggle so she let him remove himself from on top of her and he relaxed next to her, propping his head up on his hand. Serena moved herself in the same way and they stared at each other for a while before talking.

"I can't believe we live together now!" Serena squealed a little with excitement and Darien smiled with the same excitement. After all of the activities of her birthday, they were both exhausted and ready to sleep. As Serena's eyes began to grow heavy, she looked to Darien and he kissed her forehead.

"Happy Birthday, again."

Serena smiled and kissed him.

"Now I have to think of things we can do for your birthday." And with that, they both fell asleep.