Chapter 7

Over dinner, the six of us had done more deliberating, writing out every detail we could figure out about Valentino and vampires in general. Darien and Amy sat at their own laptops checking recent news stories, while Mina and I recounted what we knew through pop culture, in hopes that something could be relevant, and Lita carefully recorded what we found to be essential and what we considered irrelevant to the situation. We stayed up much past midnight, mugs of coffee and tea scattering the dining and living room, and empty packages of various snacks lying about. With a resounding click, Lita set down her pen. Darien and Amy followed suit, the lids of their laptops clicking closed in unison. Amy looked hopeful, "I think we're getting somewhere. Now we just have to wait until we have an opportunity to use what information we've gathered."

Lita and I nodded, while Mina stretched and yawned. "Let's hit the sack, guys. We need some rest to take Valentino down."

The rest of us nodded in agreement. Mina and Amy retreated to the living room to start making up sleeping bedrolls while Lita, Darien, and I tidied up. Once everything was picked up and the girls had settled in for bed, Darien and I went into the bedroom. I quickly washed my face, tossed on an oversized t-shirt, and brushed my hair out. After such a long day, it was nice to finally let it down. As I brushed my teeth, Darien came into the bathroom, already in his PJs. He picked up his toothbrush and began brushing his teeth. As I finished up, he washed his face and then joined me in bed. I clicked off my nightstand light, "Goodnight, Darien," I said with a yawn as I snuggled into my side of the bed, my body facing the picture window. I heard Darien's light click off and he said, "Goodnight, my love."

After attempting to sleep for some time, I lay awake and stared outside the window. The city was buzzing along below me, but seemed peaceful. Darien, on the other hand seemed restless, tossing back and forth. With a sigh, I felt him turn towards me and wrap his arms around me, pulling my backside into his body. "You still awake, too, Serena?" he whispered.

I nodded, "I'm all wound up." I turned to face him. Darien's eyes were barely open. Through the light of the window I saw his lips turn up into a small smile. He then closed his eyes and kissed me. I placed my hand at the nape of his neck and returned the kiss. Our kisses began slowly, then built up in speed and pressure. I felt Darien's hand wander up my t-shirt towards my chest. While it certainly wasn't the first time it had happened, I was surprised he was doing it on a night such as this. I pulled back for a second, my heart racing.

"Something wrong?" he asked, his voice low and raspy.

I shook my head, "No, I was just surprised."

Darien then continued with his kissing and caresses. I felt at a loss. This was as far as we had ever made it in bed before. Did he want something more? My heart now pounding, I reached for Darien's waistband. At this, he pulled back, looking somewhat embarrassed. I brought my hand back up to his shoulders. Darien rested his head on mine. "I'm sorry," he said, seemingly out of breath.

I furrowed my brows, "Sorry for what?"

"I just don't think it's time for that, yet. I know you're eager, but it doesn't feel right."

I smiled and kissed Darien's nose. He looked into my eyes. "You aren't disappointed?" he asked

"Not at all. I know you like to take it slow." I felt my cheeks grow hot as I admitted, "I don't even think I'm ready. I just thought that's what you wanted."

Darien pulled me close. "No, especially if you're not ready. It'll happen when the time is right."

I nodded and yawned. "You're right. For now, I think I'm finally ready for some sleep. Goodnight, again, Darien."

Darien yawned, "Goodnight, Serena."