Twins

Slipping down next to the dark water quietly, Serena slid onto the soft grass with a gentle sigh. Finally away from everyone else, she stretched in the moonlight before sinking deep into meditation. Wind whistled around her, carrying the scent of her mother’s rose garden with it. letting the wind unwind her hair and fall around her shoulders in cascading waves of gold.

Images painted themselves in her mind with bold dark strokes and she reveled in the soft tones. Thoughts drifted through her mind with neglect and carelessness as the night closed around her quietly. Her breathing deep, no one would know she was awake and very much alert.

She let the robe slip from her shoulders, revealing her almost-lingerie-like swimming suite that hugged curves never shown. Breathing deeply the night air and letting the summer smells invade her senses, her soul fell into peace. Letting the trees wave in the wind, the grass tickle her feet and the gentle mist touch her face, she sighed in contentment.

Standing, she slipped out on a rock and stood poised at the dark waters edge as it lapped gently at the rock. One passerby dubbed her a goddess on the spot and snuck in for a better look. she stood with perfect stance and dove under the glossy surface as he stood there hypmotized.

Her form in the water was perfect and elegant, her body something out of a lovers dream. Her skill at slicing the water was knife-like. It was obvious she didn’t come out a lot during the day. Too pale for that, he thought wolfishly.

She swam a couple laps and must have just noticed the fog roll over because she turned and started to come in to shore. Upon closer inspection, the swim suit was skimpy skin tight black cloth and lace. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen a woman move like that. Almost snake-like and quick. If he wasn’t what he was, he wouldn’t have been fast enough to cover the ground between them and pick up the forgotten robe.

Winded, but finally at peace, she swam toward the shore and used the current to take her in. the water had been like ice when she’d gotten in, but right now she was used to it. taking hold of the black rock she’d dove from, she traced the cracks a second before looking up sharply.

“Miss?” he held out a hand and she looked it over warily before gripping it. His hand was the same temperature as hers, but he looked completely dry. He lifted her out easily and held the robe up for her to slip into. Not accustumed to a man being so thoughtful, she turned to him as she fastened the tie in front.

“Thank you. Is there something I can help you with?” he shook his head and tossed her her towel, which was black as well. “Are you here to see Mina maybe?” smiling, he shook his head.

“No, I don’t know a Mina. But I would like the pleasure of your name.” Shocked, she nearly dropped the towel she held and stared at him. No one had ever asked for her name, in fact she’d always been like wallpaper to everyone. He seemed amused by her reaction, as if he knew something she didn’t.

“Excuse me?” she asked quietly and shuddered against the chill night air. A figure rushed up from the cabin and took the girls arm. They looked almost the same, identical twins maybe?

“Rena, come on! Jen’s been crying for you.” She looked over at the other girl and nodded. Mina looked over at him and smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, we haven’t been introduced yet. I’m Mina.” He nodded curtly, but was not interested in this one. The other was still staring at him, he admitted he liked her looking silently. “Serena,” Mina hissed quietly, “Jen is crying.”

As if snapped out of a dream world, she turned away from him and leaned on a hand as she took a step toward the cabin. Mina was startled by the young man’s fast dismissal of her and even faster steps toward her sister. He’d taken hr hand by the time Mina had turned to see what was happening.

“Uh, sherry, might I have the pleasure of meeting again?” he paused and kissed her hand. “And perhaps next time I will have the honor of a name?” she stared at him anew before nodding gently.

“Serena.” His smile was sharp and glittering.

“Tomorrow night, then Serena. Here, by the lake. Same time?” nodding blindly, she managed to dig out a half smile and turn toward the house. The other –Mina?- walked up behind him quietly.

“You like her, don’t you?” she asked softly. He deemed the question too stupid to reply to. Of course he liked her. he wanted her very badly, to feel such warmth in his arms was feverish.

“So dark.” He murmured and grinned evilly. The other blond dismissed easily, he turned and left. Mina stared after him in a rage. How could he not notice her? how could he not see the deep tan and shimmering hair and big blue eyes? Nothing made sense, Jen hadn’t started crying till that man had come out of the trees. She wondered faintly who he was and why he’d been spying on Serena before turning back to the house.

Looking out at the lake the last minute, she noticed the fog had gone out again.

“Mina, I’ve finally gotten her to sleep, so keep quiet when you come in.” Serena whispered from inside the door. Mina nodded and slipped passed her into the house. The darker girl was absently brushed her fingers through her to produce the ‘greasy’ effect she was known for.

She’d left the swimsuit upstairs in her room and left the baggy clothing that made her figure less then pleasing upstairs as well. Mina knew her well enough to know her only love could be the night. The only time she removed her disguise was at night when no one was looking.

“Who was that, did you know him?” Mina asked quietly and her sister gestured otherwise. Her face was so very pale now, and from the look of them, they’d been trapped in each others eyes for quite some time when she’d come.

“I thought maybe you did, but he’d never heard of you. And he asked for my name, but I think he was joking.” She whispered again, her voice almost scared as she stood there. “Oh, Mina, he was so cold. His eyes where like black ice.

******************************

“Hey, Mina!” Serena watched from the other side of the hall as her sister leaned against her locker and smiled at one of her many friends. Looking down at her own books, she sighed and began to pick her way through the crowd. She was the geek of the family, she didn’t want to spend time with guys, and she wanted to learn. But she wasn’t good at it.

Someone bumped into her roughly and she looked up in shock. Usually people didn’t get anywhere close to her. Mina’s boyfriend looked down and smiled.

“Hey…don’t I know you? You’re Mina’s sister, right?” she took a step back and nodded shyly. Hidden behind dark clothes and badly brushed hair, she looked greasy and worn. But in fact, she was very tidy at home. She just knew the tricks. “When you see her, give her this, will ya? Thanks.” He didn’t even wait for her to answer, but slid a note into her palm before dodging past her and hurrying to his next class.

She looked down at the note and sighed. Just another of Mina’s boyfriends, she went through them like popcorn and didn’t feel remorse that she’d let them go. Serena earnestly wished one would break up with her first, just to show her what it was like. Looking up, she slid the note into her back pocket and continued on her way.

************

“So, Rena, how was school today?” her mom asked as she walked into the kitchen and let her hair out of the tight knot on the back of her head and grabbed a brush.

“Same as usual.” She stated quietly and began long strokes to cover her incredibly long blond hair and release the ‘greasy’ look. It wasn’t often she left the house after school, she didn’t have any friends. Not only that, but they would be leaving by the end of the week to go up to the cabin in the mountains next to the bay. It was the only place besides home that she truly liked.

Mina walked in behind her and threw her books on the kitchen table restlessly. Giving her sister a reproachful look, she tsked a few times and began to rummage around in the fridge.

“That new boyfriend of yours gave me a note for you.” She pulled the wrinkled piece of paper out of her back pocket and threw it at her sister, who wasn’t watching and it landed in her hair.

“Jeez, Serena, can’t you aim at all?” she bent her head forward and the note fell into her empty plate. Shrugging, the other walked out of the room and trudged through their finely decorated living room. Leaning against the railing, she’d just begun to stomp ungracefully up the stairs when Mina came screaming up behind her.

“Is this some kind of joke, Rena?!” she demanded and the other looked at the note in her hand before snatching it away and reading through. Smiling, she laughed a few times, shook her head, handed it back and walked up the stairs happily. “If you did this, I’m never going to speak to you again!”

“What reason could I possible have for breaking up you two? Like I even care he exists.” Mina cried out again and flung herself at her mother as she came in from the back room.

“Mama! Rena’s ruining my life!” Her mother glanced up and shrugged.

“Rena, stop ruining your sister’s life.” She called up the stairs halfheartedly as Mina was thrown into another fit.

Upstairs, behind the protection of her door, she sighed and flopped back down against the bed, letting her long hair fan out around her. Grabbing the remote from the side of her bed, she flipped a switch and sighed as the first few beats of her favorite song broke out through the speakers.

Heavy guitar followed soon after and the hoarse voice of the lead man shattered the near silence. Smiling happily, she forgot all about not having friends or that she had that test in the morning. Closing her eyes to the sound, her mind wandered its’ limits. Creatively, she was a genius, and to everyone else, she was a genius. But she never felt good enough.

Sliding off the bed gently, she began her stretching excersize. Dropping down into the splits easily, she leaned to one side and lifted the opposite leg till she felt the muscles give. Holding it for a few minutes, she turned into a scissors’ split.

She could faintly hear her mother and sister screaming downstairs, but tried to block out the noise as she stretched. Recalling her stack of homework, she went over assignments and counted and guessed how long it would take her if she started after karate.

Deciding she wouldn’t make it for deadline, she stood and switched off the music before opening a few books and filling out sheets. A moment later, her door opened soundlessly. She felt her dad watching her and smiled lightly. He did this a lot. She was his little girl, almost nothing like her mother.

“Working hard?”

“Harder then you.” She replied and turned in her seat to stand and hug him. He seemed worried about something when he sat down on the edge of her bed. She ignored it, though and turned back to her books till he spoke.

“Serena? We have a problem.” Glancing up at him, her eyebrow shot up.

“What is it?” he sighed and leaned in closer.

“Well, your aunt just called and said grandpa had a stroke, and we where going to see your other grandma while we sent you guys to the cabin, but none of us can make it. You think you can keep Mina and Jen under control till we get back?” she paused and set down her pencil.

“I guess I could. How long will you guys be gone?” shrugging, he fingered an edge of the trailing black sheet that peaked out from under her covers.

“Five, six weeks tops. Think you can handle it?” she nodded and turned back to her paper as he rubbed her back down a bit and left, closing the door behind himself. She was a bit distracted at the moment and found herself looking down at someone else’s name.

Gwendolyn Drake? Who the heck was that? Flipping the pencil around, she scrubbed at the name till it disappeared. Shrugging off the incident, she returned to her research and writing down the information she needed. By the time she looked up at the clock, it was dinner time. Somehow, though, she wasn’t hungry at the moment.

Sighing, she stood and headed downstairs anyway. Her mother wanted her to make an appearance even if she didn’t want anything to eat. Mina wouldn’t stop going on and on about this guy in her PE class and Jen spilled her drink three times before her dad took the glass away. Her mom had another business deal going on and Dad wanted to go to the park and play a few games on Saturday.

Serena sat there staring at her family like she’d never seen them before. At one point she found herself wondering whom these people where. Why they where in her house, and when her mother would come home. There was a flash of silver in the corner of her eye and she turned with lightning speed to see what it was.

“Rena? Dear, are you alright?” Dad gripped her arm and she looked back at him, finding him familiar once more. She smiled weakly and nodded.

“Ya, just thought I saw something.” He glanced around and shrugged before turning back to his dinner.

“Alright. Are you going to eat anything tonight?” he asked as he shoveled a forkful of spaghetti into his mouth. She shook her head and leaned back in her seat.

“Nah, I’m not hungry. I better get going if I’m going to make it to karate in time for opening excersizes.” Mina sneered on the other end of the table.

“Of course she’s not hungry, dad. Is she ever? She’s always in her room or at karate or too important to hang around with the rest of us.” Her mother shot her a look and she grumbled an apology.

“Well, Rena. Have fun, and don’t hurt your sensei this time.” she nodded and walked out the door and up the stairs to get her gi on.

An hour and a half later, she stood at her front door. Staring at it helplessly, she couldn’t help but feel like she didn’t belong here with these people. There was something so alien about them. As if she’d never known them, never grown up around them. She knew it wasn’t true, but the feeling was so strong, she nearly turned and walked away.

Shaking it off, she reached for her keys and unlocked the front door. It slid open silently and she walked through, setting her staff behind the plant. Realizing her parents where still up and talking in the kitchen, she padded over to the door and listened in. she knew it was wrong, but she didn’t really care.

“Of course she doesn’t feel like she belongs! Mina’s always putting her down because she’s different.”

“Yes, but did you see how she looked at us at the table? It was like she didn’t know who we where.” Her father’s voice answered back angrily. She winced inside, knowing she’d caused this particular fight.

“Well, she is the only one who can get Jen to calm down if she has a nightmare. It’s really scary, though. Sometimes she doesn’t seem like my daughter.” Her mother stated as she heard her lean against the counter and close an open drawer.

“Maybe not, but she is our daughter, LeeAnne.” She sighed. “Look, we’re leaving at the end of the week. I trust her to watch over Mina and Jen. The girl’s tough as nails, no one’s gonna mess with her up at the lake.”

“I know she’s strong. Those classes she’s at really made her that way. But, I can’t help but feel that the alienation, and the strange feeling I get when I look at her or think of the lake.”

“There’s nothing we can do about that. Look, she should be home any minute, we’ll lay down some ground rules. She’ll follow them, I trust her.” she backed away from the door and sighed, swallowing. They had noticed how strange she’d been at dinner. Swallowing, she stepped forward again and knocked.

“Hey? Can I come in?” she peaked her head through and her father nodded. “Sorry, just need a drink.” Walking over to the sink, she reached for a glass when her dad took her shoulder.

“Rena, we need to talk.”

Flipping the stick upward, she switched into the other lane and let it fall back into place. Mina sat beside her in front and Jen sat sleeping in her car seat in the back. Mina hadn’t said a thing since yesterday morning. Serena had kept silent on the drive as well, but this was ridiculous. Mina usually wouldn’t shut up unless you knocked her senseless. Something was up, and she wasn’t telling.

“So, Mina, what are you thinking?” The other blond looked over at her older sister and sighed thoughtfully.

“I don’t know, Rena. I had a strange dream last night.” A look of puzzlement flew across the other’s face as she glanced at the passenger seat.

“Ya? Spill.” The other shook her head and leaned against the glass pane beside her.

“It was really dark out, there was mist everywhere. I was lost in it, and Jen was with me. I remember trying to look for you, but every time I thought I saw you, you just melted back into the shadows. There was something else out there, I couldn’t tell what it was. It felt wrong, all of it. I remember thinking not all of it was bad, you where safe from it somehow…but I woke up screaming.”

She shot her sister a weird look and shook her head. Something really funky was going on. First her parents, and now her sister? Especially Mina, she wasn’t exactly the most caring person in the world.

The rest of the trip went in mutual silence, Serena driving and Mina handing Jen her sipper-cup when she woke up. The scenery flashed by in deep emerald greens and dark shadows where the hot summer sun couldn’t reach. The road seemed to stretch on forever till they started to smell the ocean. Ten minutes later, they crested a hill and drove into the small town beside the lake. It was an inlet for the ocean about thirty miles west of there.

In town, people turned and waved when they saw who it was. The family car had gone with her mother and her father had taken Mina’s nice sports car. All that was left was her five-year-old firebird. And it was nice compared to everyone at school’s car, but that was beside the point. Their first stop was the store to pick up some chocolate ice cream and bread before heading out to the house.

Slipping down next to the dark water quietly, Serena slid onto the soft grass with a gentle sigh. Finally away from everyone else, she stretched in the moonlight before sinking deep into meditation. Wind whistled around her, carrying the scent of her mother’s rose garden with it. Letting the wind unwind her hair and fall around her shoulders in cascading waves of gold.

She let the robe slip from her shoulders, revealing her almost-lingerie-like swimming suite that hugged curves never shown. Breathing deeply the night air and letting the summer smells invade her senses; her soul fell into peace. Letting the trees wave in the wind, the grass tickle her feet and the gentle mist touch her face, she sighed in contentment.

Standing, she slipped out on a rock and stood poised at the dark waters edge as it lapped gently at the rock. One passerby dubbed her a goddess on the spot and snuck in for a better look. She stood with perfect stance and dove under the glossy surface as he stood there hypnotized.

She swam a couple laps and must have just noticed the fog roll over because she turned and started to come in to shore. Upon closer inspection, the swimsuit was skimpy skintight black cloth and lace. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen a woman move like that. Almost snake-like and quick. If he weren’t what he was, he wouldn’t have been fast enough to cover the ground between them and pick up the forgotten robe.

Winded, but finally at peace, she swam toward the shore and used the current to take her in. the water had been like ice when she’d gotten in, but right now she was used to it. Taking hold of the black rock she’d dove from, she traced the cracks a second before looking up sharply.

“Miss?” he held out a hand and she looked it over warily before gripping it. His hand was the same temperature as hers, but he looked completely dry. He lifted her out easily and held the robe up for her to slip into. Not accustomed to a man being so thoughtful, she turned to him as she fastened the tie in front.

“Thank you. Is there something I can help you with?” he shook his head and tossed her a towel, which was black as well. “Are you here to see Mina maybe?” smiling, he shook his head.

“Excuse me?” she asked quietly and shuddered against the chill night air. A figure rushed up from the cabin and took the girls arm. They looked almost the same, identical twins maybe?

“Rena, come on! Jen’s been crying for you.” She looked over at the other girl and nodded. Mina looked over at him and smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, we haven’t been introduced yet. I’m Mina.” He nodded curtly, but was not interested in this one. The other was still staring at him, and he silently admitted he didn’t mind her looking.

“Serena,” Mina hissed quietly, “Jen is crying.”

As if snapped out of a dream world, she turned away from him and leaned on a hand as she took a step toward the cabin. Mina was startled by the young man’s fast dismissal of her and even faster steps toward her sister. He’d taken her hand by the time Mina had turned to see what was happening.

“Serena.” His smile was sharp and glittering.

“Tomorrow night, then Serena. Here, by the lake. Same time?” nodding blindly, she managed to dig out a half smile and turn toward the house. The other –Mina? - walked up behind him quietly.

“You like her, don’t you?” she asked softly. He deemed the question too stupid to reply to. Of course he liked her. He wanted her very badly, to feel such warmth in his arms was feverish.

“So dark.” He murmured and grinned evilly. The other blond dismissed easily, he turned and left. Mina stared after him in a rage. How could he not notice her? How could he not see the deep tan and shimmering hair and big blue eyes? Nothing made sense; Jen hadn’t started crying till that man had come out of the trees. She wondered faintly who he was and why he’d been spying on Serena before turning back to the house.

Looking out at the lake the last minute, she noticed the fog had gone out again.

“Mina, I’ve finally gotten her to sleep, so keep quiet when you come in.” Serena whispered from inside the door. Mina nodded and slipped passed her into the house. The darker girl was absently brushed her fingers through her hair to produce the ‘greasy’ effect she was known for.

“Who was that, did you know him?” Mina asked quietly and her sister gestured otherwise. Her face was so very pale now, and from the look of them, they’d been trapped in each other’s eyes for quite some time when she’d come.

“He seemed interested in you.” She replied through clenched teeth. Serena looked over at her in surprise.

“What’s wrong, Mina?” she turned away and shrugged.

“Nothing.” She stated sharply. The other grinned in conquest as her sister began to walk out of the room.

“He was cute, though. I wonder who he was… Hey, Mina? Just *how* interested was he?” the other grumbled something and ran up the stairs before she could comment. Serena laughed evilly. Finally, someone interested in her rather then her sister.

“Well, your up early, for once.” Mina teased quietly and her sister shrugged.

“Might as well, couldn’t sleep. That guy’s face haunted me all night.” A wicked grin spread over Mina’s face as she set the milk on the table.

“Oh, you got it bad, girl.” Her sister’s dark blue eyes clashed against hers as anger flared instantly.

“Shut up, Mina. You where the one drooling all over him, not me.” But the smile didn’t fade as she set herself down in the wooden chair smugly.

“Ya, but you where totally lost in his ‘cold’ eyes.” She stated with a sly little grin as Serena sent her a dirty look, but didn’t retaliate. “And if you want my advice, he’s way out of your league.”

“That’s only cause you want him.” She took a spoonful of cereal and chewed on it thoughtfully. “It was really strange, though. He just appeared out of no where, didn’t even give me his name. He’d never even heard of you.” Mina scoffed and shrugged.

“Of course he hadn’t, he was too busy staring at your swimsuit to notice anything else.” she looked at her sister angrily.

“It’s not like I was planning on anyone being there, your highness. He just kind of showed up.” Sighing, she stood and walked toward the window and wrapped both arms around herself again. Mina rolled her eyes and stood as well, setting a hand against her sister’s shoulder.

“Look, I know you can take care of yourself, Serena. But watch yourself tonight, k? He didn’t exactly strike me as normal.” Jen walked into the kitchen and tugged and Serena’s baggy black jeans tiredly.

“Rena, is mama coming today?” she asked through her fist as she rubbed her eyes tiredly. Serena smiled fondly and lifted the five-year-old easily.

“Nope, not yet. She’ll come in a few more weeks.”

She stood out under a large elm tree, her baggy black shirt plastered against her as harsh winds whipped it around. Sighing, she glanced around one more time. jeez, was he really coming? She’d been waiting for five minutes out here, and now she had the keenest feeling of being watched.

The wind was really ripping through the trees tonight and the fog lay in the bay stubbornly and refused to move. It was slightly chilly out tonight, too and she wrapped both arms around herself to warm up a little.

Just when she was going to give up, a jacket was slipped over her shoulders and she turned to face the same mysterious man. His eyes where no longer like ice, but where much softer then before. Still, she could sense that he was dangerous as he walked around her and looked her up and down. She moved to object, but he held up a hand and stopped her.

“Why do you hide behind large clothing?” it was more demand than question and she had a quick urge to spit something rude at him. But his eyes stopped her. “Come with me.” He motioned for her to follow and she did without thinking, somehow knowing he wouldn’t try anything. And if he did…well, she could take care of herself easily.

He led her through a stand of trees and down a slope toward the water’s edge. A boat sat waiting in the water as it lapped angrily against the side. He turned toward her and offered a steady hand and she climbed in wordlessly. She teetered once as stronger wave hit the side, but his arm was immovable and held her steady as she sat opposite of him.

Strong, powerful strokes sent them into deep water before she could register which direction they where going in. looking across at him, she saw his eyes constantly on her, as if gauging what she was exactly.

“You study martial arts.” He stated as fact. A little shocked, she nodded.

“How did you know?” a smile played along his upper lip.

“It’s in the way you move. I noticed the first time we met.” He paused and reached for her hand. “By the way, Serena, I’m Darien.” she smiled and shook, though his hands where like ice. He shrugged and took the ores again.

“Bad circulation. You do not live here, do you?”

“No, I live two towns over, but we own the cabin and come up here every summer. Where are you from?” he was silent for a while, but let the ores fall into the boat.

“Across the ocean.” His mysterious answer caused her brow to furrow in thought.

“Who are you really?” She asked quietly and his sly grin returned as the boat hit land again.

“That, my dear, will come in time. Until then, please accompany me to my home.” More then a little worried about who this stranger was, she let him take her hand again and help her onto the shore of an off land island. There where many around here, but this one she knew instinctively.

“I thought this island was abandoned…” she murmured quietly, but he somehow heard.

“I purchased it two months ago. It’s quite nice out here now, I’m sure you’ll find it comfortable enough.” He began up the path and she followed cautiously, picking her way through the under brush that had grown over the pathway since it was abandoned. He seemed easy going as he walked upward.

They cleared the trees moments later and come on a real live castle. She gasped and stared, her jaw nearly dropping. She’d explored this island since she could walk, but she’d never seen a castle of any kind. He seemed glad enough that she was impressed and took her hand to lead her across the drawbridge.

“This castle is eight hundred years old, you know. They moved it, stone by stone from northern England.” She nodded absently and reached out to touch a stone as they passed. The stone itself seemed to speak of the years it had seen in its’ lifetime. She found it only mildly fascinating. He smiled lightly and opened the door to lead her through into a coronation hall.

They passed through many corridors and hallways. A suite of armor wasn’t uncommon as they made their way through, and the stone floors seemed freshly mopped. Not a speck of dust lingered there. Still they moved on up a few staircases and some more hallways before he opened a door and led her through. She stared in awe at all the clothes piled on hangers and draped over chairs…everywhere. He reached for one and smiled thoughtfully.

“I have dinner ready for us downstairs, but I thought you might want to get into something more fitting.” Lifting one, he held it against her quietly as he judged how it would fit on her. A little intimidated by all this, she stared at it dumbly. He let his lips fall against her neck once and she swooned instantly. Then he was gone.

She checked her reflection in a mirror on one wall and sighed, fingering the fine lace and silk cautiously. What kind of person would go through this much trouble? Was he some kind of murderer or what? He had to be filthy rich, that was drop dead obvious. Looking at her greasy looking hair tied in that tight knot on the back of her head, she sighed and let it down.

Brushing it out carefully with a comb she found on a counter somewhere, she pulled it up like her mother’s. Two strange bobs with long cascading trailers. The black dress was cut princess style with arms that drooped just passed the elbow and a v-cut neck. Smiling quietly, she decided it actually looked pretty good.

There was a slight knock at the door and she turned as it opened. A smile spread itself over his handsome features, as if in triumph. And a little uncomfortable, she looked to the floor for comfort. He stepped forward and lifted her chin delicately.

“Now you look presentable. And a lady never looks to the ground.” She’d never seen such blue eyes before and felt her knees go weak as she managed a tiny smile. Her heart felt like it was going to up and fall out of her as he bent slightly and lay a chaste kiss against her mouth. “Shall we?” He offered his arm and she took it before being led out of the room and down the hall.

It must have been hours later when he helped her through her front door as she sat catching her breath. She’d been laughing and eating and dancing and laughing some more since she’d left. Still recovering from another sly ploy he’d let loose, she looked up at him through thick dark lashes.

For a moment, she thought he’d swoop down like some dark, glorious angel and sweep her off her feet in a kiss she couldn’t bare to imagine, but he didn’t. He simply let a single kiss fall along the bridge of her nose and left once more. Alone on her front door step, she watched him disappear into the trees like some fairy tale rogue before closing the door and sliding down the wood in a deep swoon.

Mina walked in a moment later and jumped at the sight of her sister sitting against the door with a smile. Her eyes narrowed and she leaned against the counter, her arms crossed.

“It’s passed your curfew.” She stated as fact and Serena looked up listlessly from her possision on the floor.

“I know.” She whispered and Mina shook her head before reaching for a glass and turning on the water. Her sister shifted posisions on the floor and hugged her knees against herself.

“So, how did it go?” she asked over one shoulder and heard the other blond laugh gently.

“He’s perfect.” One eyebrow shot up and she turned, staring at her sister strangely.

“What?” she leaned her head against her arms, looking up at Mina for a while, her eyes distant like they’d never been before.

“He treated me like a queen, Mina, we had dinner and danced and…and he’s so funny…” she sighed and smiled, closing her eyes in thought. Mina stared at her for a minute before downing her drink.

“You got it bad, girl.” she let out a tiny little laugh and nodded tiredly.

She nearly jumped out of skin when she heard the balcony door open on it’s own and was up in an instant, but it was only Darien. How he’d gotten up on the balcony in the first place was beyond her and why he didn’t come in through the front door was confusing.

“Jeez, Darien, you scared the crap out of me.” She let out the breath she’d been holding and leaned one hand against her chair. He didn’t say anything for the longest time, his eyes never leaving her face. She began to get a little nervous about this. “How did you get on my balcony?”

“We need to talk about something, Serena.” He stated and she stopped and stared at him as he sighed and sat down on the chair in her room. Something was wrong, that was obvious. Kneeling down in front of him, she set a hand against his knee gently.

“Darien, what’s wrong?” Both blue eyes clashed against hers, a slight pain hidden in their depths. One strong hand came up to caress the side of her face as they drown in the blue orbs before them.

“Serena, do you love me?” he asked quietly. A little shocked at his question, she reached up and took his hand gently.

“How can you ask that, of course I do.” A little unsure, he leaned down and kissed her tenderly.

“Would you still love me if you knew what I was?” her brow furrowed in thought and puzzlement.

“I can’t think of anything that would change how I feel about you, Darien. Whatever it is, we can get around it.” he stood and walked to the other side of the room restlessly, leaving her sitting on the ground in front of her chair in the black pants that seemed to hug her curves gently.

He stared at her for a moment, his eyes gauging something about her as she stood and walked over to him. Setting a hand against his chest, she stood on tip-toes and kissed his cheek.

“Just tell me, Darien.” he sighed and pushed her away, seeing the flash of pain in her eyes. He’d never pushed her away before.

“Serena, sit down.” She flashed him an odd look, but did as she was told and sat on the edge of the bed slowly. He paced for a while, rubbing the back of his neck and clenching his hands into fists nervously. “Serena…” he looked up at her and stopped, unable to go on with what he was going to say. He could sense the fear in her, but not fear of him. It was fear of what he would say.

“Go on.” She smiled gently and he bit back another sigh.

“How old do I look?” shocked, she laughed a little and crossed her arms.

“Early twenties, why?” pausing and looking him over warily, her eyes lost their glint. “Are you saying you’re too old for me?” fear of rejection now as she sat ridged on the bed. He shook his head and knelt in front of her.

“That’s not it, Serena. Age has something to do with it, but…” a little tired of his edgy answers, she rolled her eyes and gripped his arms.

“Just out with it, Darien.” deciding there was no other way, he nodded and set his forehead against her knees.

“I’m a vampire.” He sat there, head against her legs and waited for her to scream, to throw him away, to cower against a wall at the sight of him. But she didn’t. She laughed. Smiling ironically, he knew it was going to be one or the other. “I’m serious.” He looked up at her, his eyes frozen like they’d been that first night and her laughter died instantly.

“You are a vampire? A real one?” sighing, she looked toward the window and nodded. “That would explain a lot of things, the past, the fog…” she trailed off and looked back down at him. “I don’t know if I believe this or not.” She stood and began to walk around the room as she thought, her eyes glazed over as her hand strayed to her neck.

“I’ve never hurt you.” He stated and sat on the bed where she’d been. Her eyes flashed over to where he sat and she let herself sink into the computer chair next to her desk.

“If you are, you wouldn’t tell me.” Her accusation bit him as he nodded.

“I wasn’t going to, but something came up.” sitting back, her hands went through her hair as she thought.

“You weren’t going to, but I would have found out when you killed me, right?” he shook his head and stood.

“I never hurt you, Serena. I haven’t left a scratch on you.” She was once again the cold distant girl he’d begun with so long ago. “I wasn’t going to turn you, I was only curious about you.”

“Curious about what?” he moved to speak, but she held out a hand and stopped him. “Start from the beginning, Darien. If that’s your real name.” He nodded and began to pace again.

“The night I was turned was in Greece 120 bc, I was a merchant’s son. They called me Endymion back then, after the shepherd that captured the moon goddess’s heart. When I was fifteen, my father bought a slave girl. I didn’t even notice her until three years later. She was now, of course, sixteen and quite beautiful. I think maybe I loved her. on the night of my twenty and first birthday, I asked Selene for her.” one eyebrow shot up curiously.

“You came here to tell me you fell in love with another girl over two thousand years ago? And who the heck is Selene?” he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Selene was the goddess of the moon. And I asked for her because I thought she was perfect. That night, while I was at the temple, robbers broke into my home. She tried to fend them off, but in the end was killed. I was granted immortality so I could be with her for the space of one lifetime. But I would serve Selene forever.

“So, two nights later, when I got back and found out she’d died, I thought I’d been tricked. My parents didn’t recognize me anymore because of the change, I had no choice but to run. I went back to Selene’s temple and she came to me personally. She had promised me a lifetime with her, but I’d have to pay eternity forward if I truly wanted it. I had no choice, it was either that or I follow her to the crypt.” He paused and swallowed, staring out the window at the moon.

“I wandered the earth for what seemed like forever until I came once again after the fall of the roman aristocracy. I found among the reckage another like myself. By then, there where four of us, I hadn’t known about them for the longest time. But I was the first of my kind, I am the oldest vampire to have lived. My four ‘brothers’ are jealous, bloodthirsty monsters. One posed as a romanian prince and brought attention to us in the fourteenth century. Many thought they’d killed him, but he tricked them by placing animal bones in his crypt.

“it was around that time when we here hunted the most, and my brothers made a few more of us. Granted, there are only about two hundred of us on the face of the earth, but if I spend one day out in the sun, they all die. Most myths about us are only that, the garlic, the crucifixes, the home soil. That irish author blew everything far out of perportion about us. Being invited into a house I merle thought a courtesy.

“Anyway, these four brothers of mine tend to group together and drop in every few hundred years to see how I am. Or to see if I was dead or not, they seem to wish me dead so they would have the power I do.” He let the tale fade into nothingness as she sat there and thought about what he’d said. The irony of her first assumption seemed hylarious at the moment, but she couldn’t bring herself to laugh. He turned to look at her from across the room, his eyes guarded.

“So why tell me all this? Aren’t you afraid I’ll expose you?” he shrugged.

“If you chose to expose me, I would have no reason to continue my existence.” Both eyebrows shot up in surprise and she stood.

“What are you saying, Darien?” he stood and came forward, taking both her shoulders in his hands.

“I’m saying you are the only thing important to me. Is it really that hard to realize that?” trying to catch her breath again, she tried to steady herself with the wall behind her. “Did you think I was playing a game with you, Serena? Did you think I would throw you to the side once I was done?”

“Stop it, Darien.” she looked down to hide her shame, reaching up to cover her mouth with a hand. “That isn’t fair and you know it.” she tried to bite back a sob when she raised her eyes to meet his. “You come in here tonight, tell me your some ancient vampire who fell in love with a girl before my ancestors where even born and expect me to just kinda be ok with the fact your in love with someone else…”

Shaken by her tears, he sighed and wrapped both arms around her to let her cry. He’d never seen her do it before, she’d been open but not soft. Within a few breaths, he ran his fingers through her hair and kissed the top of her head.

“I never loved her, Serena. That wasn’t what I said.”

“Then what did you say? You sold your soul for a girl you didn’t even love.” A little stung by the truth in her words, he just held her while she fought for control of herself.

“I was stupid, I wanted her because she was beautiful. Just because I’m old doesn’t mean I’m perfect.” She calmed considerably then, but didn’t seem to have the strength to pull away. “And I didn’t expect to fall in love.”

“Your brothers are here, aren’t they?” she asked quietly and he nodded, clenching his eyes shut and clinging to her.

“They saw you last night. I didn’t know till after I took you home.” He paused and pulled away to wipe at her tears gently. “You don’t understand, Serena. They think you’re free game, all three of them want you.” She sniffled adorably without thinking and he smiled gently. The look of puzzlement only made the picture better.

“Why would they want me?” Running his thumb along her cheek and jaw line, he sighed inwardly. She had no idea how beautiful she was.

“Why wouldn’t they?” feeling a little more then frustrated now, he turned away from her. “Jeez, Serena. All my life, everywhere I’ve ever been, they know who they are. Every girl, every man, everyone to at least some extent knew who they where, what they where. But here you are, completely clueless as to how much you effect people.”

“I…” He turned toward her, a glint in his eyes that made her voice stop cold.

“Serena, you are the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever come across. You are so smart and strong and dark and light…” he trailed off and sighed, taking his head in hand and walking over to the sliding glass door. “I could see that much the first time I saw you. What do you think that mask you hide behind all day does? People see who you are, and they react to that. What do you think they saw when they saw you?”

Still in shock, she sank down onto the bed and stared at the floor as if it where the most interesting thing in the world. Her mind reeling and her heart pounding, she barely noticed when he came and sat beside her on the bed.

“I know it’s a shock, Serena. I didn’t want any of this to happen.” She nodded dumbly and looked up at him.

“So what now?” he closed both eyes and began to rub his temples.

“Two things left to do. One, we could lock you up tight enough that even I couldn’t get in.” feeling the onset of a headache, she leaned her head against his arm and set both eyes out the window.

“And the second?” his mood darkened further as he looked at her through lowered eyes.

“I think we should do the first, Serena.” She took his arm in hand, a fearful look in her eye.

“I don’t want to be taken from you, Darien. There’s another way, I want to know what it is.” He cleared his throat and stood, walking across the room to gaze out the glass door into the night beyond. The trees stood in silent passiveness in the wood, the crescent that stood high above the earth looked down without care or regret. Nothing like him. The night seemed so alien now, so different from what he was used to.

“I’d have to bite you, Serena.” A hand took his and he looked away in shame. How could she feel so calm when faced with something like this. Her heartbeat was strong and unwavering as her other hand took his shoulder.

“I don’t want to be locked up, Darien. I don’t want to be like some caged animal just because a few vampires think I’m dinner. Now, explain how it works to me.” Shaking his head, he turned back to her and gripped her shoulder in despair.

“I won’t bite you, Serena. It’s as simple as that.” She covered his mouth with a hand and smiled weakly.

“Tell me how it works.” Gulping, the dark man sank into the chair beside the computer and let his head rest against the desk. “Would one bite kill me?” he shrugged and looked up to see her sitting beside him on the floor, her eyes so soft and warm in the moonlight.

“No. it’s a conscious decision that has to be made by both sides including an exchange of blood by both people.” A grin broke out across her face.

“Ha, so if it wont kill me, then why not?” groaning inwardly, he slid forward in the chair and took both sides of her face in his hands.

“Because I wanted this to be special between us, Serena. I want you to trust me. And I don’t want to hurt you like that.”

“Does it hurt?” she countered easily enough and he grudgingly shook his head.

“It doesn’t have to. It’s easy to manipulate human emotion, to make someone forget it even happened.” Stopping to catch his breath, he traced the oval of her face with a finger. “So easy to make them remember something else, anything else…” their lips met once softly, slowly as she toyed with the idea, rolling it around in her mind as she flirted around the edges of the undead. In the end, the excitement was too much, the adventure too great.

“Do it to me, Darien. If it keeps them away without taking me from you, then do it.” raging the battle against himself, half wanting her blood so badly it was screaming, and the other half wanting to run so far away the temptation wouldn’t dream of coming close.

“Please, Serena, I just can’t.” she frowned and gripped the front of his shirt, letting her face fall mere centimeters short of his.

“Stop being silly. I’m serious, I refuse to be locked up. I quite simply won’t stay there.” His eyes widened and his jaw dropped in astonishment.

“You wouldn’t…”

“I would.” Her tone dared him to challenge her and he gulped. She’d never been so forward before, of course she’d never been faced with quite such a decision before. That was beside the point. “You do it, Darien. I am dead serious.” Deciding she was probably right anyway, he sighed and nodded.

Leaning forward, he caught her lips against his roughly.

Her eyes widened as she stared at the screen in shock. The pieces where falling into place now. Everything about this guy was starting to make some sort of freakish sense. She doubted it for a second before biting her lip and grabbing Jen’s hand. Standing, she raced out of the library and out to the car.

She pulled out of her parking spot quickly, her movements jerky against her nerves. Every light in town seemed plotting against her as she raced back to her house.

She moaned gently, her hands coming up against his chest as they stood together. Both arms snaked around her, pulling against a hardened body. His kisses where like fire, burning through every defense she had against it. She didn’t care anymore, though. None of that mattered once his strong hand slid to the tight planes of her stomach.

She sighed in contentment, her hands going through his silken black hair. He smiled between kisses and held her tighter as she went weak. He’d never drug a kiss out longer then a second before so this was brand new. The feeling of this girl going weak against him made him practically giddy.

He pulled away from her mouth, sending a trail across one cheek and down her neck. She clung to his shirt at this, her gasp of surprise sweet. He worked back up her neck, licking at her earlobe and pressing his lips against the tender little patch of skin behind her ear. She cooed at this, her heart pounding and her thoughts muddled incoherently

Mina came racing up the stairs, her breathing hampered and Jen under one arm. Serena’s door was shut, but that didn’t stop her. She barreled into it, knocking it completely off the hinges. Screaming at the top of her lungs, she walked in just as the monster’s teeth sunk into her sister’s skin. She moaned in passion and collapsed against him, her arms traveling around his neck.

“Stop!” she screamed and Darien drew back to look up at her. His eyes refracted red light and blood seeped out of her sisters neck. Mina covered her mouth with one hand and tried not to let her lunch hit the floor as she covered Jen’s eyes with the other hand.

“Mina, get out! What are you doing?!?” She pulled away from Darien in shock and Mina scrambled for an answer.

“He’s a freakin’ vampire, Serena!”

“So?” she answered back calmly and Mina’s jaw dropped in amazement as she was drawn back into his embrace and watched as he savored each little drop he licked for the tender flesh of her neck. She lay her head back in undeniable pleasure and shot Mina a look.

“He’s drinking your blood, Serena! He’s gonna kill you and make you his eternal bride and then who’s gonna cook dinner and watch Jen and what am I gonna tell mom? That her daughters been abducted by some psychopath vampire who…”

“Mina, drop it. Put Jen to bed and take a few pills.” She turned in his arms and wrapped both arms around his neck again, letting him pull her closer.

“But…”

“Now, Mina. Don’t give Jen nightmares.” She watched as her sister stiffened and his teeth reinserted themselves in her neck. She sighed and pulled him closer as Mina backed out of the doorway and stumbled blindly down the hall.

He drew away a moment later and sighed as he bent and lifted her from the ground. She let both arms wrap loosely around his neck, not caring where he took her anymore. She was laid down in her own bed, the covers pulled up tightly around her before faintly hearing the balcony doors slid open once more. She couldn’t remember anything after that.

Sunlight filtered in through dark lace and caught her eyes. She shifted quietly, wishing she could fall back to sleep. It had been so deep, her dreams didn’t come. She shifted again, trying to stuff her head under the pillow, but it was no use, she couldn’t get back to sleep.

Sitting up tiredly, she brushed her hair back from her face and glanced around the room. It seemed so alien somehow, like she’d never seen it before. How strange it had felt, his teeth in her neck. But, she hadn’t been scared, not for a minute. It surprised even her how much she trusted him, especially after what he told her last night.

Standing, she smiled as she looked in the mirror. She felt great, she should feel weak, though. With all the vampire stories, the victim was always weak the next morning, but she wasn’t. She felt like shopping.

The thought was shocking, she’d never felt like getting anything new before, but…she felt she needed something else. She felt like she was shedding an old skin, which was more then a little weird to her, how awkward it was, to feel this way. Throwing on a black T-shirt, she tied it in a knot at the waist and pulled her hair back in a fast braid before winding it in a large circle around her head. her door had been knocked off the hinges, but she didn’t even notice as she walked passed.

Sliding down the banister like she hadn’t done in a decade, she giggled, spun a few times and ran in toward the kitchen. Mina looked like she hadn’t slept at all last night and Jenny was staring at her. She was grinning from ear to ear as she began to slam around the cupboards for something to eat.

“You ok?” she nodded, still grinning widely. “We’re out of cereal.” She offered as Serena opened the upper cupboard. She sighed and shrugged, reaching into the fridge to grab the last sunny d. “Hey! That’s mine!!” she yelped as Serena tore off the lid.

“Ah, vampire victims need orange juice, you know. Besides,” she took a long sip and licked her lips, “I don’t see your name on it.” Jen laughed and clapped her hands as Serena reached into the fridge again and grabbed a small tub of applsauce. Ripping open the top, she stuck a spoon in it and handed it to her little sister.

“Gall, Rena, are you sure you’re alright?” she looked over at her sister for a second, not quite understanding what she was talking about. “You’re…I don’t know…different…” she picked at her nails nervously and Serena laughed before draining her juice and crushing the bottle in one hand.

“I feel great, Mina. In fact, I haven’t felt this good for as long as I can remember. And actually,” she paused to drain another glass of water before filling it again. “I want to go shopping today, so you’ll have to ditch your friends for a day and stay with Jen while I’m gone.” She started to protest, but Serena had already drained her third glass of water and left.

“But I’m terrible with kids!”

She stared as the sun crested the horizon and turned to warn him, but he was too wrapped up in fighting them off. The first and closest burst into flames and flew away as ash. The second was thrown over his shoulder and toward the sun, he too burst in ashes, screaming in pain as what was left was blown away by the wind.

The third, and second strongest, stood his ground, trying desperately to hold Darien off before he glanced over the darker one’s shoulder. Her silhouette was caught by the sunlight and fear crept into his gaze. He turned to run from it, but burst into blue flame before he could reach the cover of the trees. Darien turned, looking up at her through his already healing injuries. The sun caught his eyes and he shied away from it. She ran for him, throwing both arms around him.

“Don’t you dare!” she screamed, but he didn’t burst into flame like the others. He looked up at the sun before sliding one hand along her face lovingly.

“Wait for me, I’ll come for you.” He whispered and bent to kiss her, but disintigrated like a ghost before their lips touched. With him gone, she collapsed in tears as the dawn came, chasing away the shadows. She lay sobbing beside the lake, her hair fanning out around her.

Mina watched from the cover of the trees as her sister cried in pain. Knowing there was nothing she could do, she simply stood there listening. Her sister had *never* cried, especially not like that. Finally sighing, she stomped out from the trees and knelt beside her, lending a shoulder for her to cry on as they stood together and headed for the house.

It wasn’t long before they reached the back door. It slid open easily as Mina fumbled with the latch and helped her sister through. She’d never seen anything like that before, even in movies. The vampires just burst into ash and fire out of no where. It had been scary and exciting all at once. Her nerves still sharp and aching with the strain, she led her sister up the stairs to her room before closing the newly fixed door behind her.

She wanted to be left alone.

“Hello?! Anybody home!” the door slid open and Mina looked up from her cereal.

“Dad! Mom! I was wondering where you two where!” She stood and helped Jen out of her seat.

“Hey, Mina! Where’s Serena, still asleep?”

She slammed her locker shut and stared at the faded number on the top. It was all she could do to keep going, but to think about him night and day. To know he was still alive even though it was against all odds. She sighed and dropped her eyes. It seemed like he would never come back.

‘Wait for me, I’ll come for you…’ the words hurt her as she called them back from her memory. His face haunted every day, every night since he’d disappeared. That awesome, terrible face that was so dangerous and yet, so non lethal. Trying to put on a good face for the day, she turned away from the locker and started down the hallway. There was no point dwelling on it.

“Gall, Mina, I’ve never seen Serena look so down before.” Amy stated as she watched the other blond walk down the hallway. since that day Darien had disappeared, she’d shunned her tried and true baggy clothes for something a little more elegant. Though, she still remained in black, Mina didn’t know if it was from habit, or mourning.

“She met this guy up at the lake, they fell totally in love with each other. But he disappeared.” Rei sighed and leaned against her boyfriend casually.

“Who would have thought anyone would fall for Serena. She’s a loner and she wasn’t very pretty when she left here last year.”

“Well, I don’t think there ever will be another like him. He treated her like a queen, wouldn’t let her lift a finger for anything. Told me off more then once that I needed to go easy on her. and I admit, I was a little more rough then usual. But, still, he was the hottest guy I have ever laid eyes on.”

“Hey.” Her newest victim nudged her with his elbow in protest, but she didn’t take it back.

“You know, she’s actually cute in those clothes.” Jeremy scratched the back of his head thoughtfully. “you think I got a chance?” Chad nearly choked.

“Oh how the mighty have fallen! You said just two weeks ago you wouldn’t touch her with a thirty foot pole.” He shrugged and leaned against his locker.

“Opinions tend to change when she shows up lookin’ like that.” Mina rolled her eyes and nudged Rei for her chap-stick.

“Well, she does have some nice curves.” Greg stated mildly as Chad and Jeremy’s eye’s shot open. They threw each other a look and Amy cleared her throat.

“So she does, so what?! Look, you guy’s didn’t even give a care about what color she wore everyday last year. Besides, she just got out of a very serious relationship, she needs time before any of you but in.” Mina smiled as she watched her sister turn the corner.

“She does have a nice butt, doesn’t she?” Chad rubbed at his beard in thought as Rei reached up and grabbed his ear.

“Don’t even think about it, Romeo. We’ll see you guys after class.”

She stared at the contents in her locker blankly, thinking about what she was supposed to be doing. Or more truthfully, trying to figure out what she was supposed to be doing. She’d gone blank once she’d entered the hallway. her backpack stood on the hanger in back, a few assorted books on the top shelf and her jacket in the bottom.

“Hey, Serena.” She looked up in shock at the chisled features of Jeremy Christensen. Once she saw who it was, she rolled her eyes and returned to her locker, reaching down to grab her coat.

“Was there something you wanted to say, Mr. Christensen?” she threw it over one arm and grabbed her backpack, beginning to fill it with books and sheets of notes.

“I was wondering what you had planned for Friday.” Throwing him a sideways glance, she slammed her locker shut in his face.

“I’m not interested, Jeremy.” She started to walk passed him when he caught her arm.

“Look, no pressure. Just give me a call when you’re ready.” Twisting her arm around, she grabbed him by his wrist and shoved it in his chest.

“Slight hint, Jeremy. I’m really not interested. Go ask Mina out or something.” Shock registered on his face as she let his arm go and passed Chad and Greg on her way out.

“Ouch, brake me off a piece of that!” Chad growled playfully as Greg laughed.

“Watch it guys, she’s still stuck on that… thing at the lake.” She stopped in her tracks, her heart pounding at the mention of him. “She thinks he’d actually come back for her or something. Couldn’t have been so great if he just up and leaves like that.” She turned, looking at them as they laughed over it. her anger started to rise at that.

“Take that back.” She stated in her deathly cold tone and they glanced at her.

“Oh, scary Serena’s gonna kick my butt, guys.” He wiggled his fingers in mock fright. One golden eyebrow arched dangerously as they broke into laughter again. She didn’t even notice her sister and her friends come into the hallway as everyone else left.

“I said take it back.” He finally calmed himself and shook his head.

“This is too much. Come on, the guy dropped you like a newborn babe. Well, technically, that’s what you are. Did you let him kiss you? Did you sleep with him?” Chad was laughing so hard, tears where falling off his face.

He was the first to hit the ground with a black eye. She dropped her coat and bag to the side as Jeremy rushed her from the front. She dropped at the last instant, sweeping his feet out from under him. Even Greg was mad enough to grab her by her hair. in a feat so incredible, it made them all stop dead in their tracks, the girls watched Serena kick up and hit him in the face. He had stood behind her shoulder before dropping her hair and careening back against a locker.

Chad grabbed her arm and held it behind her back. Instead of doing the high kick she did before, she turned and flipped him over himself onto his back on the ground. When Greg and Jeremy came at her from both sides, she jumped and kicked sideways to knock both over. She landed in a dragon stance, her hands ready to shield and hit if they rushed again.

Standing, she walked over to Jeremy and lifted him from the ground, slamming him back against a locker in anger. There was blood streaming from his nose from that last kick as his eyes went wild. Hers narrowed as she held him at arms’ length by the neck.

“You will never *never* say that again, little boy. He was ten times the man you could ever wish to be. You’re just jealous.” Her anger spent, she could only let him sit there with her hand at his throat.

“Sere. That wasn’t very lady like.” Her eyes went wide as her grip loosened. He dropped to the floor and scrambled away as Chad and Greg followed suite. In one fluid motion, she turned and buried her face in a black leather jacket, tears streaming down her face.

“Look at that guy… He’s…” Rei breathed as he wrapped both arms around the blond.

“Darien…He’s back.” Mina in disbelief and glanced at the window. “But the sun…”

“I missed you so much.” she sobbed into his shoulder as he took the pencil from her hair and threw it over one shoulder.

“Sh, Sere, it’s ok. I’m here now.” her hair tumbled down to the floor in waved of cascading gold as he buried his hands in it.

“They s-said…”

“I know.” He nodded and kissed her forehead. “You should have heard what they where thinking in Trig. I believe you may have killed them.” He wiped at the tears tenderly and snuck a gentle kiss before letting one arm fall on her shoulders as he turned her toward the girls and the exit.

“But what happened? You just…disintagrated and…” he covered her mouth and gave the girls a quick glance.

“I’ll tell you in private. High school girls have a tendency to hear things they aren’t meant to.” He shot Mina a meaningful look as she pointed at the sun in disbelief before looking at her fingers. Totally confused now, she just stared at them as they walked out the door together and into the sunlight.

He climbed in her car as she unlocked her side and sat down in the driver side. She set both hands against the wheel and leaned her head back on the seat as she tried to clam herself enough to drive again. In the end, it was his hand on her shoulder that lent her the strength.

“Look, I know this is going to sound completely insane…” he trailed off as she laughed and shook her head.

“It’s a little late for that, Darien.” he chuckled at his own foolishness and shook his head.

“I know, I just thought I might warn you I am completely sane. When the sun came up, and the others shattered into dust, I didn’t. You saw, of course. Well, remember when I told you that I went to Selena to ask for that girl? Well, she…called me.” One eyebrow shot up, but she didn’t question as she pulled out onto the road. “So, I had no choice but to go. It’s the creator/creation thing again.” She nodded and he sighed, leaning back in his chair as she’d done just a second ago.

“Is there a park around here somewhere?’ he asked softly and she glanced around. Biting her lip for a second, she switched lanes and turned in the opposite direction of her house.

“It’s a couple blocks down.” He nodded again and brushed a hand through his hair.

“Good, I’d rather not have you driving when you hear this.” She glanced sideways at him, but shrugged and turned into the park before sliding into a space just short of the grass. He got out, but she waited for him to come to her door before taking his hand to help her out.

They walked along the path as he searched for the right words. She just let him, eating up the attention he showered on her like chocolate. It felt so good to be in his arms again, having him hold her close like this. It had been one long lonely month since he’d left.

They reached the bridge and stopped as she looked down at the ducks. He smiled fondly and bent to smell her hair. She cooed quietly as he brushed the long strands to the side and lay a tender kiss against the nape of her neck.

“Sere?” he asked softly and she moaned in response. “Do you love me?” she turned in his arms and wrapped both arms around his neck, leaning heavily against him.

“I would die for you, Darien. You know that.” He drew a breath in through his teeth.

“Would you spend eternity with me?” she stopped and pulled back to look him in the face.

“There is nothing I would love more then that, Darien.” the worried look melted from his face as he took both her hands in his.

“Selena explained a lot of things while I was with her. Look, when…when I went to her the first time, she fell in love with me before I had a chance to state my case. That’s why she treated me different then anyone else. And she was so busy watching me that she completely forgot about that girl. That’s why she died. You follow?” she looked him over warily.

“So, you even charmed a goddess into loving you? Well, what the heck are you doing wasting your time on me then?” he sighed and smiled helplessly as he leaned forward and kissed her till she couldn’t speak again

“Sh, my minx. I’m not done yet. Ok, now when I got back and found that the girl died, Selena knew I would never forgive her. And, after a while, I was more a son to her then anything. The reason that the Greek gods aren’t worshiped anymore is because they all decided to help me. She knew that even Zeus would do anything she asked, the only match for her beauty was Aphrodite. They pooled all the power they had into making a perfect mate.” She looked up at him expectantly, not quite catching his drift.

“And?” she urged him on as he chuckled.

“You are so naïve, Sere. Look, she sent a daughter here for me to find. And she looks just like Selena, k?” she nodded in understanding.

“And?” he sighed exasperatedly.

“You’re not even curious as to why I’m standing out in the middle of the park while the sun’s over my head, aren’t you?” she shrugged.

“I figured She owed you a favor and got Apollo to fix it.” he groaned and leaned his head on her shoulder as she laughed. “Oh, stop it. Come on, you’re not falling to dust, I’m happy. Tell me who it is, I’m dying to know.” He looked up at her.

“Ha ha ha…” he deadpanned at the corny pun and she smiled. “Look, Serena, I fell in love with you, right?”

“Well I should hope so.” She stated as she rolled her eyes.

“Stay with me here. And They sent someone down here for me to find, right?” she nodded and leaned against the railing. “Dang it, you look just like Dite when you look at me like that.” Her eyebrow shot up.

“Does she know you have a nickname for her?” she asked curiously as he growled playfully.

“You’re not helping.” She giggled and bit her lips to keep them closed. “Have you ever thought that you’re special, that you where meant for something big? I mean, jeez, imagine any normal person meeting and falling in love with a vampire who can walk in the daylight and knows the Greek gods personally? Doesn’t that strike you as abnormal?” she shrugged before realizing what he was implying. Her eyes went wide and she stared at him as her jaw dropped.

“You can’t possibly mean me…?” he nodded.

“Jeez, I was practically writing it on your forehead.” Excitement mounted and she squealed before throwing both arms around his neck.

“You know what this means!?!?!” she asked excitedly and he shook his head. “We where meant to be! It’s destiny!” he practically dropped and groaned. She laughed and poked him in the chest. “I’m joking, Darien. I knew it was destiny that first time you kissed me.”

He smiled and ran a hand over her face. There hadn’t been a minute he didn’t think about her. Wondering if she was ok, if she had found anyone else. he bent and pressed his lips against hers. She gasped into his mouth, but grabbed his jacket and pulled him closer before wrapping both arms around his neck and playing in his hair.

“Oh, look! How romantic!” Rei sighed and leaned against a tree as Mina nodded.

“It was like that all the time up at the cabin. Just don’t get him mad, he gets…let’s say overly protective.” Amy looked at Mina curiously, but the blond waved her off. “Did you see Serena in there with Jeremy and the guys? He gets much, much worse.” Rei winced as Mina nodded.

“They do make a cute couple, though.” Amy sighed and tilted her head to the side. They watched as he slipped his tongue into her mouth and her eyes shot open in shock before drawing her closer and turning her head sideways to get a better angle.

“Just look at that.” Mina growled and crossed her arms. “It’s just not fair. Who would have thought that a guy like that would fall for her? I’m usually the one that gets the guy.” Rei reached over and slapped her arm roughly.

“Oh, stop whining. They’re perfect for each other.”

He drew away, looking down into her dazed eyes and brushing the stray strands of hair back from her face. She licked her lips gently, memorizing his taste. Smiling and blushing, she giggled and leaned against his chest.

“Come to Greece with me.” He whispered into her hair and she looked up at him in shock.

“What?” he sighed and took her face in both hands tenderly.

“Come to Greece with me. Selena asked me to bring you there.” She leaned against the railing to try and sort through her feelings.

“You want me to travel half way around the world to meet someone?” he nodded.

“do you remember looking at your family that night before you came to the lake. And you didn’t recognize them as yours? Because Selena was standing beside you and you recognized her as your real mother. You nearly saw her, you where so close. she wants to meet you in person.” She gasped and choked.

“B-but I’m Mina’s twin, Selena couldn’t be…”

“No, you’re not. Sere, Selena gave birth to you, you are her literal daughter. I’m not speaking her creation. She is you’re real mom. You where placed in that crib in the hospital, the records, Lee Anne’s memories, all of them aren’t real.” She bit her lip and looked down.

“How am I going to explain this to mom and dad?” he shook his head.

“You won’t have to. If you say yes, she’ll arrange everything.” Gripping her shoulders gently, he lifted her chin with a finger. “Serena, you don’t have to go if you don’t want to. But she’s your mom, and she wants to meet you face to face.” She sighed and shook her head.

“I’m gonna need some time to think about this. Traveling half way around the world to meet a goddess who is my mom…” he didn’t say anything and wrapped both arms around her.

“It’s ok, Sere. You don’t have to go now. But when you do, she’ll make you immortal like me so we can be together.” She smiled, nearly laughing as she shook her head.

“I knew you where going to make me your eternal bride.” He chuckled and held her tighter.

“Ya, well. You’ve always been the know it all.” Laughing, they walked off the bridge together and towards the car.

“Darien? Did the bite change how I look?” she asked quietly and he glanced down at her.

“I don’t think so, why?” she shrugged and pulled her hair back away from her face.

“Well, my mom looked at me weird when she came to the cabin. And just now, those guys said I looked different.” He shrugged.

“You’re probably taking on the countenance of Selena. From the time we met, it probably set off a chain reaction. Don’t be scared by it, it only makes sense.” She nodded and leaned against his chest again.

“You don’t think the girls heard what we where talking about, do you?” he shook his head.

“Nah, they where too far away for that.