Author's Note: This is my little Thanksgiving surprise for all of you :) To those celebrating in the U.S., hope your holiday was pleasant. To all the rest- at least your country didn't kill any Indians ;) I'd just like to say I'm thankful for all of my lovely, supporting readers. Each comment pushes me to continue writing. This is my longest story EVER and I think I can give all of you credit for that since w/o you I would have probably never kept going with the story. And that is my thanks :)

P.S. I know this is a short chapter, but I feel enough is said. I liked it. Hopefully you do too...

You Again?

Chapter 22

Leaning forward that last miniscule space was so easy. So very, very easy...

Turning my head that small fraction to lightly peck his cheek instead of falling willingly into his arms for a kiss I now knew would be more than explosive, however, was anything but.

But I managed.

I was finally taking some control- even if it is a small amount, it is better than nothing.

I stayed there for just a second. Just one. That Darien scent- a mix of spice and something sweet- was intoxicating, but I knew I had to pull back. And I did.

I smiled at him for a number of reasons when I was once more facing a semi-confused looking Darien.

Number one: He looks adorable when he's out of the loop.

Number two: I was finally exhibiting some form of self-control around Shields.

Number three: Well… I was happy. I couldn't help it.

"I'm not that kind of girl," I told him but my smile ruined my attempt at seriousness slightly. I saw his sarcastic smirk begin to spread, but didn't let him say a word- not yet. Bringing out my pointer finger to halt his most probably jesting response I continued, "Despite what happened a little while ago. I'm not. That," I pointed to the coat closet and could feel my cheeks burn, "What I was in there- that wasn't me. Not really. I'm not usually that crazy." His mouth opened, "Uh uh! I'm not. That adolescent Serena that always yelled at you for the slightest comment and that- well, hormonal Serena," His smile grew and I couldn't help but lightly smack him on the arm, "Shut up. Anyway- She's not really me either. I don't know what she is, but I'm a respectable person, I'm an organized person… I'm a…" I tried to think of a word but couldn't so I shrugged it off and ended with, "I'm not that." Once more pointing to the closet I ended my small tirade and looked at him for a response.

He didn't give one.

He took my hand and started leading us away from the now few crazed dancers all attempting to do some sort of Hairspray routine- and failing miserably might I add. Cindy- I quickly noted before being dragged away- was amongst the crowd doing something akin to the mashed potato with another girl her age

And then we were in the empty hall- not in a closet, thank god. I might have hit him if he led me there again.

When I got the courage to finally look up I saw him smiling that now all-too-familiar crooked smile.

"Before I comment on any of that crap you just said, I'd like to get one thing straight. In the middle of all that bull was there some sort of answer that I didn't catch?"

Then I realized he'd never technically asked a question… Well, that wouldn't do. I wasn't going to make this easy for him.

"That depends, in the middle of all that bull was there some sort of question that I didn't catch?"

"Touché," he replied easily then before I could think, react, or anything he swooped down quickly to peck my stunned lips then he gave me the most heart-melting smile I'd ever seen- beautiful and perfect in all its crookedness. With a feather light caress on my heated cheeks he asked, "Will you go out with me?" I couldn't help the smile that immediately came… "Meatball head."

I glared, swatted his hand away from me, and took a step back. He gave a small chuckle. "Sorry, sorry. Guess I'll have to come up with a more appropriate nickname."

"You better." I said as I crossed my hands across my chest.

He laughed again and took a step forward so that I could once more feel his warm breath against my all-too-sensitive flesh. "Back to topic. Answer the question, Sere."

"That one is better." I replied. He looked confused, "Sere. No more meatball head."

He smiled but glared at the same time. "Fine. Now stop avoiding and answer the question, Sere." He repeated in a gentle voice.

I nodded.

He smiled… evilly. "Answer." He repeated. "Use your words." I couldn't help but laugh slightly.

"Yes."

"Yes, what?" He inquired. I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, I will go out with you."

Now he rolled his eyes.

"Not that. Use a name." As I prepared to speak he added, "Not Shields."

I smirked a little- okay, maybe that was what I'd intended to say.

Then a thought came and I smiled sweetly, "Yes-"

I waited just enough time. Just when he opened his mouth to speak…

"Muffin."

His head bowed slightly as he laughed at my little joke.

When he looked back up the humor was still there, "I can live with that- for now."

"Muffin isn't good enough for you? I love muffins. You wish you could be as fortunate."

He smiled a little and said something I couldn't hear. When I asked he shook his head while giving another small chuckle.

We stood there for a few seconds. Neither of us talking. Just staring silently.

I figured he was probably in the same situation I was, thinking, "What do I do now?"

Just as the thought entered my mind, he quickly proved it wrong.

He wasn't in the same situation I was at all.

While I'd been thinking something along the lines of "Oh God, what have I done?" he apparently was thinking something very, very different.

Something better.

I leaned into his kiss willingly this time, no fight, no nothing. Not a thought. Just the feeling.

I let myself go for just a little while.

A while longer than that…

One more second…

Oh, what the heck?

My body bent slightly as he leaned down further for better access. I let him explore my mouth like none other… and I wasn't all that passive myself.

But my mind was aware enough of our surroundings to realize that this wasn't exactly appropriate… not that this ever was but still… damn mind.

Darien would never know the strength of will I had to call upon to push against his chest and stop the blissful moment. When he responded to my protests and stared at me inquisitively I attempted to look reprimanding.

"This is not all we're going to do from now on."

"You don't seem to mind." He replied easily and I rolled my eyes while also stepping away from the circle of his arms.

He looked at me in askance, but the expression quickly faded as I reached my hand out for his. He took it and I led us back to the party we had so rudely been ignoring.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE:

I will not be updating again for a few months due to excessive amounts of homework which will be an impediment to my creative thoughts- aka, I will probably have none. Physics, math, physics, and more physics... If you can't tell, physics is my ultimate nemesis. It is the heel to my Achilles. For more info/ possible updates on my AWOL status, check my profile. Thanks for your understanding :)