Author's Note:

Yes, I've completed the next chapter! And by the way, I completely understand your frustration with me and my slow updates because I just read this book and it turns out it is a trilogy and I didn't know that! The next book comes out in September so you can imagine how annoyed I was finding this out. I'm not very patient either haha. Hopefully this holds you over though (weird phrasing I know) because this is full of cheese and all that good stuff =) Enjoy and review!

You Again?

Chapter 26

As I let myself into my apartment I couldn't help but be thankful that Sammy was gone. I'd never thought that before. The place always felt lonely when he was away… which is most of the year but I'm glad he's not here for this. Sammy can be surprisingly sensitive in these situations but I can't stand for him to be here right now. I couldn't stand it if anyone was here to witness the sight of me completely distraught, disgruntled, and disoriented.

I placed my keys on the endtable next to the door and walked groggily into my living area.

I wasn't crying anymore. I'd done enough of that on the way to finding a taxi and then inside the cab… Luckily the driver didn't really seem to mind. He didn't even seem to notice, he just drove and took his money and was done with me.

Once I'd plopped down on the sofa I sat unsure of what to do next. It's only three o'clock and it's Saturday… Which means that the next day is Sunday… Which means that I'd have to see or confront Mina again tomorrow. But I don't want to. I can't.

I decided I'd miss my first Sunday luncheon with the girls. It was a long time coming really. I'd had fights with them before, we'd argued and yelled but we always showed up. I'd always felt it was immature not to but I don't even feel like being mature right now. Maybe I'm not. Hey, I am the twenty-eight year old virgin. The only one in the bunch. Even Amy rid herself of that title sophomore year in college with a sweet nerdy boy that charmed his way into her life, Greg something. I'm the last holdout…

The thought rang bitterly in my mind.

No. That's not even right. I don't have any sort of regret when it comes to that aspect of my life. I'm not the one experiencing heartache after heartache and pretending it is nothing. I'm not the one throwing myself at strange men just because I've given up on the premise of happily-ever-after. I'm not the one risking my health with my activities.

My heart is perfectly intact; my dreams of happily-ever-after are dim but they haven't vanished; and my health is perfectly fine.

Sorry, Mins, but I'm not apologizing. Okay, I just thought 'sorry' but that's not really an apology.

I've always loved knowing I still have that part of myself, knowing that it will be special and saved for someone that really deserves it, earns it. I'd never think anything less of my innocence.

My thoughts drifted and I found myself sliding further down onto the plush cushions that seemed to beckon me. Then my lids drooped and I stopped thinking.

A warm hand reached out and held a delicate one in its grip. The conspicuously intimate couple stared at each other with a sense of dread, the ominous threats tainting the usually carefree air around them. The unusual ringing noises didn't faze them in the least.

The Moon shook in unison with the approaching guards racing toward the young couple. They didn't move.

The lightening struck the now cratered ground with a force that would someday inspire myths of angry Gods smiting unworthy minions. They held onto each other tighter.

It didn't matter. Only they existed. And the buzzing. Them and the persistent buzzing around them. The buzzing… Them and the buzzing…

BUZZ

I awoke ungracefully from the unusual dream of women in flowing dresses and men in military garb by the annoying intercom ring. Before the images disappeared I grabbed a nearby notepad and pen and wrote down all I could remember.

There was the woman in the flowing dress with the crescent on her forehead… Selene… Selene! My story. I'd dreamt about my story!

Endymion and Selene were in danger. They were fighting against a force they didn't understand. A woman. Bitter and jealous. At what? At Selene?

The answer was automatic. Yes.

BUZZ

I ignored it again.

The woman wanted to destroy them. Their eternal love that seemed to bind the very essence of their souls seemed too much to her for two people to share. Two people that didn't include herself… and Endymion. Her betrothed.

He'd betrayed her.

She was a woman scorned… Just as the proverb said. Hell hath no fury…

The words tumbled out of my mind and onto the empty page that soon filled with various scribbles.

BUZZ

"Damn it!" I finally got to my feet and pressed the damn button that would allow me to speak to whoever the jerk on the other side was.

"What?!" I screamed.

It was my jerk.

"Hey Serena. Let me up?" His voice was kind, gentle... and serious. Not the Darien I usually got.

"One sec." I replied, worried that something might have happened.

I didn't even have mind enough to think about the possible reason for such an unexpected visit, I merely buzzed him in and sat back down on my couch, blinking the lingering illusions away.

It didn't take him long to come up. He'd barely knocked on the door when I shouted "Come in." He did.

"You keep your door unlocked?" Now his voice was back to something I was used to. Incredulity. He locked the door before he turned to glare.

"Sure. Why not?" I didn't really. Not usually anyway.

"Because something could happen. You're not exactly living in the suburbs now are you?" His voice conveyed a concern that his words seemed to try to hide.

"I'll be fine." I replied without moving from my spot on the couch.

He came over.

"You okay?" The words were gentle again and as I looked up I saw all sorts of emotions, some unidentifiable, but the foremost being concern.

"Yeah. Why not?" I knew I wasn't being very responsive but I was still lethargic from the nap and still dazed by the vivid dream that I hoped would help me with a story long forgotten.

"Because you don't look it." He replied as he joined me, sitting down beside me on the couch- notice, he didn't sit at the other end. Then he smiled, "Plus. You've written 'hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' over here a few times."

I raised a skeptical brow. I hadn't written that! Well… maybe once?

Nope. I'd written that line three times in the middle of odd sentences.

"Well," I shrugged, "it's true."

"I'm sure it is." He agreed easily.

"I'm sure you have personal experience with the matter." I added as an afterthought.

With a small crooked smile, he shrugged.

My head drooped down to the couch cushions where I let it rest, facing Darien next to me. Apparently this didn't suit him because he asked again.

"You okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Again.

"Mina called me." He replied with a shrug as if this were no big deal. As if this is something completely not unusual which it so is not.

"What?" My incredulity was obvious, venomous even.

Again he shrugged.

"She said you two got in some sort of fight or argument or something and you wouldn't listen to her so she sent me." He smiled with an obviously proud smile at being chosen.

"Why did she send you?" I don't get it. Why would she send him of all people? How did she send him?

He shrugged again.

"The girls are all busy tonight so she didn't want to bother them." Then he placed his hand on his heart in feigned hurt, his face screwed up in the most adorable puppy dog face. "I'm deeply, deeply hurt. You'd rather one of the girls be here than me?"

"I dunno," I smiled teasingly to the best of my ability, trying to switch the subject of conversation and keep things light like they've always been between us, "What'd you bring? The girls would've brought chocolate."

He held up his empty hands. "Unfortunately I come unprepared. You'll have to deal with just me."

I could handle that… I hope anyway.

"Plus," He added with that familiar wicked teasing gleam back in his midnight gaze, "I don't think the girls could distract you quite like this… At least I hope not."

I'd barely managed a small grin when his lips were pressed gently on mine. There was a softness to this kiss that hadn't really been there the other times. The others had been more needy and urgent, more passionate I suppose. This one was sweet and teasing and I loved him for it. The thought barely registered in my befuddled mind but I felt my heart jump a little. It hitched up and I can't imagine it ever coming back down… I don't know if I want it to.

I leaned forward to actually reciprocate instead of sit like a stone, no longer passive. I felt him do the same. Get nearer. His hard muscled body pressed against mine in a way only his had ever done. I welcomed the heat, the comfort and security I felt in his arms as he wrapped me up protectively, possessively.

He'd barely touched his tongue to the seam of my mouth before I opened willingly for him. I felt his lips curve upward pressed against mine and couldn't help but do the same. He nipped my lip lightly before he took what I offered. He always got to me. I can't help it. Back in high school he teased and I found myself helplessly playing the taunting games. Now he teased and I found myself helplessly playing this much more entertaining game too.

I didn't mind. I realized I didn't. I never had. At least with this game, which really wasn't a game at all. At least not to me. I can't be sure exactly what it is to Darien but I don't think he would consider it a game either. I know he doesn't.

With this thought firmly in my mind I laid out my legs more comfortably and fully on the couch beneath him, he'd already spread out across the cushions. It took some maneuvering but soon I was fully supported by the soft fabric beneath and a firm, solid Darien hovering over me, careful not to leave his full weight on my conspicuously smaller frame. He went up for air, still holding my face in his palms but now just looking at me with this intense gaze I couldn't decipher. Despite the consideration, I didn't like it. I didn't want him hovering, I didn't want any space between us. Without any consideration myself, my body pushed off of the couch to press to his, trying to feel him more fully. One of my arms snaked around his waist, pulling him closer still as my other hand held onto his neck for support. I kept eye contact as I leaned forward to capture his lips again then my eyes closed of their own accord.

The gentleness was still there, achingly painful at this point but the urgency made a grand appearance as he delved more deeply into my mouth, his hands finding purchase on my bare waist as my shirt hiked and I felt his full body pressing into mine. His full body. Though I'd never experienced it myself, I wasn't naïve enough to be confused. I did know my anatomy.

Honestly, this always scared me. Immature maybe but it's the truth. And at this moment, with this man that I knew deep in my gut would never hurt me, the fear still lingered. My stomach plunged. I don't want to shy away from him. I don't. But I have to. I pushed lightly against his chest and he stopped, hovering again.

His breathing came fast and furious on my face, mine probably feeling the same on his since I could barely manage to do the now annoying task. I took gulps of much needed air and waited for some kind of response. Incredulity again. Anger maybe. I don't know what to expect. I'm half tempted to close my eyes and bury my face in the couch to hide from this humiliation and my eyes do actually close but then I feel his lips. On my forehead.

"Good you spoke up now or you'd have had to hold your peace." His voice was an attempt at light though we both knew light had passed about ten minutes ago. I'm glad none-the-less.

"Thanks." I manage to mutter the word, still barely making eye contact. Knowing my cheeks must be crimson. Then I sadly felt him move off of me, making me feel empty and somehow lonely. I restrained the urge to call him back.

"If you don't mind, I'll just splash my face with cold water or something. I think I'll have to do with that for now." He grins that crooked, teasing grin again and I manage a light nod as I sit up with a smile of my own.

Burying my face in my hands I try to think through the situation, evaluating what I'd just done.

I'd turned him down. I couldn't deny that and I laughed at the absurdity of it. I don't know if Darien Shields has ever been turned down in his life but he seems to have taken it rather well… well, as well as possible, I could hear the water running and I couldn't contain the laugh.

No, I have to continue this evaluation again before he comes back.

Am I happy that I turned him down?

My head shakes of its own accord and I will it to stop its betrayal.

Okay, it's kind of empowering in a weird way I'll admit but it isn't like I didn't want to continue. I did. Kind of… Well, I can't deny that my body wanted to continue but my mind, always a whole other matter anyway, wasn't so convinced. This just wouldn't have been right. I mean, the irony of it alone is enough for me to take pause at this impulsive act. Just as I get on my high horse with Mina, I do the exact opposite of my advice… Then I realized what had happened with Mina. I had gotten on a high horse, feeling I had the moral high ground there. And… in a way I completely agree with what I was trying to say, but maybe not how it came out. I had basically called her a tramp, sleeping around like that. That wasn't my intention. Not at all. I mean, she should be more choosy but who am I to tell her who to choose? I'd never even really experienced anything like that until just recently and I'm sure there is much more than just that. The least I could've done is be understanding instead I made her feel like she was a slut. Made her feel more ostracized from the group than she'd already probably felt.

I can sympathize with how she's feeling. Just a while ago I was in the same boat. It could be compared to being on an island really. At first, there were five of us so it wasn't so bad. We worked together to get by and we even had fun making tents and building fires then singing songs like Kumbaya or something. Then a boat came for Lita and Lita alone. We accepted it, especially since she was so excited to get on the boat. We were even excited…. Then another boat came for Ray and at first she didn't want it. She pushed it away, wanting to stay on our little haven of sorts. But that resistance didn't last long. Who could turn down the safety and security on the other side once she escaped the limited luxuries of the island? So then there were three of us… It got a little quieter. The loudest of the bunch were after all gone. Mina still tried singing Kumbaya but she had to do it alone because the rest of us didn't know the words, Ray had been her companion there. We got by with the three of us… but then Amy found a life preserver and being the great swimmer that she is she's already halfway off the thing herself. As I stared enviously at my fleeing friend, I found a boat off in the horizon and I knew it was coming for me. Mina is sitting on a rock staring at the stars wondering why her boat hasn't come yet and why she can't swim like Amy so she can get off of the now lonely and seemingly soon to be deserted plot of land. And the irony of it all is that Mina is the one that has always had dreams of white knights and horses riding into sunsets… But for some reason hers isn't showing up.

"What're you writing?" I heard his voice come from a distance. I'd been zoning out. I looked down at what he was referring to and quickly crumbled the paper before he saw the word "Kumbaya" written all over it.

"Nothing," I replied quickly and got up to throw it away. He just laughed, probably knowing something was up but he didn't argue.

When I went back to sit he was already on one side of the couch with one arm spread along the armrest and the other slung over the side of the couch. I didn't hesitate or even think about it, I went over to where he was to cuddle into his side. He wrapped the one arm around my shoulders and brought me a little closer.

"You ever going to tell me what happened or are you going to distract me some more?" His voice had that wicked edge to it.

"I think there's been enough distractions for today but I wasn't the one initiating them."

"Oh really? Then who was the minx that tried to jump me?" I couldn't help but laugh.

Looking up with my most innocent expression I replied, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Course not." That was definitely sarcastic. "Again, you're avoiding. What happened?"

I shrugged, "Can I not talk about it right now? I think I've figured out most of it on my own anyway." I'd have to go to lunch tomorrow. That was decided. I had to talk to her.

I felt him nod, since my head was once more against his chest I couldn't see it anymore. "Sure, what do you want to do right now though?"

I shrugged again, content with what we're doing. "I'm doing just fine here."

His chuckle came low and I felt it reverberate in his chest, felt his heart's slow, steady thumps beneath my ears.

We stayed like that for a while making small, idle chitchat that wasn't forced or annoying like it usually would be to me. His voice had a calming affect on me, almost lulling me into sleep but never quite getting there since I'd just taken a nap anyway. It felt nice. I felt things I hadn't felt in a long time. Safe for one. I hadn't felt that in a long time, not being able to get this close to another person for so long. I'd never actually sat like this with anyone since my father's passing. Before him it was my mother. Now, no one. This isn't to compare being held by Darien to being held by a parent but there is the same sense of security to it. This isn't necessarily a romantic gesture, it is friendly and comforting. Like a friend except more because I would never cuddle up to any of the girls like this. I had my eyes closed most of the time, feeling more at peace that way. The sound of his breathing and his heart drumming is enough for me. I don't need my sight to enjoy that.

The silences that passed between us weren't uncomfortable either, they just were… They were just there and at least on my end, I didn't mind. I don't think Darien did either since he never made a move to get up or leave my side. He just sat there holding me and not saying a thing if I didn't initiate it. I think he wanted to give me some peace in case I was too deep in my thoughts to talk or something.

"How did you get good at this?" I couldn't help asking that. He's an only child so it doesn't really make sense for him to know how to comfort a girl like this so well. Unless…

"Andrew has a sister." He replied and I could feel my muscles tensing… Andrew has a sister? Well, it isn't as bad as what I was just thinking but… Does that mean that Darien does this with her too? Holding her like this? Being with her in the same way he is with me?

"He does? I didn't know that." I tried to ease myself so he wouldn't notice my tension. My voice was completely innocent, as if asking any other dull question but really, I just wanted more information on this sister that Darien goes around cuddling.

"Yeah. She's sixteen now. His parents had her unexpectedly actually. They didn't think his mom could even have children anymore at that point but BAM. There she was. She's always been quite a handful though." His laugh was affectionate and I smiled and really eased up. She's sixteen. Never mind.

"A handful? What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying I'm a handful?" I sat up straighter to give him a feigned glare. His crooked smile came with a slight crinkle at his eyes this time. My heart nearly stopped.

"You're more than a handful but I enjoy it." He leaned down to give me a quick peck then I was falling. He caught my head before it hit the armrest. He'd gotten up hurriedly and I looked at him in confusion. Reaching his hand down he took my own to push me up so I was seated straight. Crouching down in front of me, still holding my hand he said, "Now, we need to get some food in you because it's nearly eight and I doubt you've had much to eat today." As soon as he said this I realized just how hungry I was. I wasn't famished or anything but I could definitely go for some food so I didn't argue. He asked for the directory but I didn't have it so he went on the computer and looked up a nearby takeout place.

"Chinese okay with you?" He called from my room where the computer was. I was too lazy to follow him.

"Yeah. Sounds great."

He came back in, his cell in hand. "Eggrolls or potstickers?"

I paused to think about it but he just laughed and rolled his eyes and I heard him order both along with about half a dozen things I knew I'd never be able to finish. But he's a guy and if Sammy is any indication, we won't have any leftovers.

We passed the waiting time watching reruns of the Cosby Show episodes then switched between Friends and Frasier. Eventually the doorbell rang and I got up this time to get it since Darien was too preoccupied with falling apart laughing over something Joey had just done to move himself. I knew my smile was affectionate when I looked over at him and I felt good about it. This felt right. The girl on the other side of the door was a small Asian teen with a perky smile and an adorable though incomprehensible accent.

"Mushi mushi!" She greeted then gave me the bags and told me the price. I briefly wondered if 'mushi mushi' is Chinese or Japanese… but ignored it and went to put the food away. By the time I came back to pay her she was gone and Darien was putting away his wallet.

"Hey!" I crossed my arms across my chest.

"I'm the one invading your home, the least I can do is pay." I would've argued but he'd already crossed the room to my side in the kitchen and he managed to scoop some kind of chicken out of the container with chopsticks and stuck it into my mouth. I chewed and swallowed then scowled. "Good huh?" He was laughing… I tried to keep my face straight but it fell apart and I nodded then my stomach won over and I grabbed my chopsticks to get some more. I'd enjoy this for tonight. Tomorrow would come soon enough and I don't want to think about it before I absolutely have to.