Femme Fatale C8 RaqUmali 8/21/01 PG13 Edited by Kell - 11.02 IM BACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!... hehehe... Sorry peoples.. I'm still working on this k... so bare with me. ~* Serena had gone a bit early that day as they were all ordered too. After an employee had stumbled upon the dead Jack as he called himself. Many were released so they may have peace in the investigation. "That was too close to home," Darien commented as he drove home. Serena was quiet but learned to make subtle and quirky remarks to hide her hidden identity. "I know.. that was really odd... I mean having that type of security our company has.. I thought it would be impossible." "Well you know that just concludes..." Darien thought as he remembered countless times where he was the target... Serena looked at him with interest as he turned the wheel. "Concludes what?" she asked "I wonder..." he thought. "Wonder what?" she was now curious to what Darien was thinking. "Nothing..." he turned to give her one of his wonderful to die for smile. Serena inwardly cursed herself for loving that smile, she already knew that this tactic of his was her weakness. ~* The week had gone by and it had been quiet for Serena. But she was not about complain, the her job was easy enough for her that she really let the days go by and live itself. It was now Friday and Serena was gladly looking for that three day holiday weekend. "Serena..." Serena smiled as she recognized that voice. "Yes...Dr. Chiba," Darien couldn't help but smile, there was just something about the way she said his name. Whether Darien or Dr. Chiba.. it was said with finesses and...sultry. "You know... you keep saying my name that way, I'm going to think your flirting with me," he stood beside her. "Me... flirt with you... I think you've got it the other way around," looking around she noticed a few hidden eyes on them. "Me... oh no... no... no... it was you," Darien crossed his arms and swayed to back a bit to his heels. Serena knew this was getting no where... Remembering at one time when they both had a 20 minute conversation on who had started to flirt with who. "So I did," she gave in..., "and what are you going to do about it?" Serena thought, 'why...did... you... say... that???' She watched Darien's eyes gleam a bit with mischief. "Forget it don't answer that," she laughed as he crooked his brow. Darien everyday had seemed to grow onto Serena, vice versa. They both rode with each other to work and gone home together as well, then dinner, then lounging relaxing at home. It was a daily ritual to be together. That when one misses work... or they have to drive separate vehicles... something was missing. His actions were becoming bolder, his flirtatious side was becoming more and more noticeable to not only Serena but others as well. Sometimes when introductions were made, his arm would find itself draped around her... He would leave it there till they had gone and he would just smile. Leaving his colleagues to wonder what his relationship was with his assistant. Unknown to Serena, was as clear as they come. His protective demeanor was to ward off any men who dared to step up. Just as how he was with the optic tech... he had no reins on sharing his prized Serena, his knowledgeable, intelligent and sophisticated Serena. Indeed that is what she was to him, not only his assistant but his eye candy as well. He had already recognized the feelings during her first day. Darien was indeed attracted to her. Her mind, body.. and her whole being was attracting him to the core. Though with his past experiences of boredom with other women.. this was so much different. Even different than the closest his heart ever let anyone in, Victoria. The only other woman, that had attracted his fancy before. With that in mind, Darien sort of blew off the feelings as he remembered the breakup... It was frustrating and all the more unfeeling. He had thought she was the one... the one to fulfill his loneliness. But it was all some game she played to get her way to her corporate ladder. A sucker he fell and now with his help, direction and amounts of high people. She held a high position in a company that he helped build. Soon right after... she had broken all ties with him. Not even so much as a good bye. But the bitterness subsided as he realized his feelings for Serena was beyond what he felt for Vicki. Wanting to have her only for him, his protection his right hand woman, his and only his. The feelings were made public to his eyes after the innocent kiss she had given him during the poker game. Stunning him as he watched her vanish towards the stairs. Remembering the tingling sensations he felt from head to toe. Then as the evening progressed... he remembered how much he yearend for more. Trying to soundly fall asleep, it was the least on his mind. His body wanted to do more... little did it help that his mind was agreeing to the need. It was then and there that he would take these feelings of his slowly. Using it as a stepping stone to show her his caring and the personal side of Darien. "Do you have anything planned for tomorrow or for this weekend?" Darien uncrossed his arms. "Nothing... my usual I guess... cook dinner, watch a bit of TV or perhaps rent one.. why?" she was curious. "Well.. Remember that camping trip that the guys and I had?" "Yes." she nodded as she reminded him the other day. "Well, the guys cancelled out on me and I was wondering if you would like to go?" Darien had hope in his eyes as he watched her reaction. "All of them?" Serena asked as if it was too weird for all of them to cancel. "Well, Mike is having company over from afar; Zen is going to a party celebrating a great aunts..." Serena raised her hands up. "Enough said... Darien I would love too... I haven't gone camping in a while," her eyes gleamed appreciatively. "But I wasn't prepared... I mean I don't have camping gear." "I have plenty, but why don't you go ahead and go and buy what you need for the trip." He motioned to get his keys out of his pocket "But... what about.." "I'll get a ride home from Mike. Now go...I'll see you when I get home," Serena stared at him first, she looked behind him and realized it was still early. It was only 11 am, then she thought about the files that needed reviewing on her desk. "Darien, what about the files that are needed?" "All done... I took a look at them and did them already while you were meeting with Stephanie and the rest are being done by my interns. Now do you have any other excuses?" He smiled. "I don't, do I," she returned as she snapped the keys from his hand and walked away. Leaving him to admire from behind, he smiled at himself. "You know, you owe us big time," Darien turned around to find Mike and the others walking towards him. They turned to him then to Serena walking to her office. "What?" Darien grinned a few. "I had my heart set on catching a large trout this weekend," Kyle put in. "Darien--does too!" Zen had motioned towards the office that Serena had gone in. "But, I'm not sure if I can do it...what if she doesn't feel the same," muttered Darien silently. "Sure she does... the whole entire building sees how she adores you," Darien smiled a bit at the comment. "YEAH...So when you get back... you two better be a greater item then these rumors we always hear," Mike had patted his back, "or the next camping trip will be courtesy of Dr. Chiba." "How about if I take you guys out to lunch?" Darien turned his thankful eyes on them. "I'm not going to say no to food," Nathan laughed as they all followed each other out the door. Serena was a light traveler, only cause she was always used to dealing what little she had when it came to her mission. Therefore, she only needed the necessities. It was a quarter pass five and Serena was in the kitchen making dinner. Baked chicken with sautéed mushrooms and wild rice. Tossing the salad, she heard the door open and by know she was able to distinguish foot steps, from Darien's loafer taps to Andrew's thumping boots. She also noticed that there was another set of footsteps she can distinguish as well... "Darien... Michael in the kitchen," she smiled as she seasoned the salad. Within instant Darien and Mike came to view. "How did you know it was us?" Darien asked as he immediately rolled up his sleeves. "Yeah, that was totally weird when you even knew it was me," Mike took a stool and sat across from Serena. "I have good instincts," she smiled. "I know your staying for dinner," Serena pointed her finger to Mike. Darien had washed his hands and now was beside Serena. "Of course... I can't turn down a home cook meal for left over macaroni and cheese," Mike inhaled the aroma of baked chicken. "Besides-after one whiff of the aroma from the door, you can't kick me out now without having tasted it," Mike grabbed a cherry tomato from the salad and popped it in his mouth. "He practically smelled it on the way here. He was actually following his sense and invited himself to dinner," Darien added with a little sarcasm. "Can I help?" asked Darien as he glanced down to Serena. Mike couldn't help grin at his friend. He was so stricken it was so obvious, but they do make an awesome couple, he thought as he watched them converse and flirt. "You can set up the table," she smiled fully. Darien had winked at her before turning to get plates and make his way to the table. Serena's eyes followed Darien until she had felt eyes on her. Turning she saw Mike's obvious grin. "YOU... go wash your hands." "Yes.. ma'am," walking off to the bathroom. Dinner had been great, 'a fabulous meal with fabulous company' was how she had described it. Andrew had come in moments later and they had started dinner. Darien sitting at the head, Andrew sitting at the other, Mike and Serena on each side. "What time will we be leaving tomorrow?" asked Serena wiping her mouth with a napkin. "I was thinking we leave early-early as 4am. Its about a five hour drive and we can make it by 10 to get a good spot," Darien eyes turned away a bit as he felt Andrew's eyes on him. On his lips was a wide grin, he was clued in on the trip... for one.. he was to go too. "Sounds good. Anyone for dessert?" she stood. "What did you make?" Mike beamed at the sound. "Peach Cobblers with vanilla ice cream," she smiled. "I'm not turning that down," he nodded yes in wanting. "Okay and I know you two wants some as well," Serena walked off. "Serena, how long since you've gone camping?" "Oh... its been a year or two. My girlfriends and I usually go as a group." "Are any available?" asked Andrew curiously. Serena laughed. "We all are," she had suggested not even thinking of what she had said. The two looked at Darien and wiggled their brows. "Not for long," muttered Mike as he coughed from Darien's gaze. "Well is there a chance we can meet these girls?" "Perhaps..." Serena started laughing at the last memory of her camping trip with the girls. "What?" "Nothing. I was just remembering the last time we went camping. The girls and I had decided to have a early morning swim. Being a private area... no one was there so... um..." Serena turned blushing a bit. "You didn't...?" asked Andrew. "No.. not fully... we were in our panties" she walked over with a tray of cobblers and ice creams. Andrew, Mike and Darien was curious to what happened. "What happened" "Well, we forgot our swim suits and went swimming with our panties... Anyhow when we got back... a bear had mauled our campsite and all our clothing's were torn and ripped to shreds. It was somewhat embarrassing to go down to the ranger station only in your panties." "What did the ranger say?" Darien raised a brow in curiosity. "What could he say... he was speechless of course... five woman standing before you dressed only with their panties... what could you say?" "Lucky man," muttered Mike as his imagination ran wild. Five woman dressed in only panties... 'I wonder how much rangers make?'. "So what happened?" "Well.. he gave each of us blankets.. cause we started to attract the other rangers and he kept us in his office until, they were able to find clothing for us." Mike looked at his glass of water.. he needed it, but it was empty. Thinking and imaging five beautiful women with nothing on but panties just was boiling his close friend down there. The cold refreshing water would of help his lower area calm down. He looked at Andrew than Darien and cleared his throat. "*ahem*" The three pairs of eyes looked at him, but was trying to avoid the pair that sat infront. "Dare or Andrew can you get me some water please?" Darien had looked at him weirdly. "Then get up and get it... I mean... your not a guest in this house." "Um... I..." Mike eyed him trying to plea with him. Then he turned to Andrew and stared at him as well. "Mike are you okay?" asked Serena as she stood. "I'll get it!" she eyed Darien and Andrew a bit before taking his glass and walking away. "What's the matter with you" whispered Darien. "I'v..got..a .. ardon" he whispered within his closed mouth. "A what?" asked Andrew. Serena at first couldn't figure out what had happen to Mike that he couldn't get up... Remembering what the conversation was on, she smiled as she had an idea and then chuckled. "I cant understand you..." Darien leaned a bit to hear his friend. "ive...got..a..r..don" "What?" said Andrew and Darien looking at each other... Serena couldn't help it. "He said He's got a hardon!" Serena came walking back to the table and placed the glass of water in front of him. Michael's flushed and he lowered his head down in embarrassment. Darien and Andrew remained quiet until Andrew burst out laughing. "I'm sorry Mike, I didn't know talking about my adventure would make you stiffen up" apologized Serena but was overpowered by Darien and Andrew laughing at the word 'stiffen'. Mike just gave each of them an angry glare. ~* It was nearing four when Darien had finished packing the bags inside Serena's truck. He had agreed that evening that they would take her truck being that it was more than likely comfortable then his jeep wrangler. He was a modest man, he only needed what was necessary to him. One he had his BMW to work and his beat up jeep wrangler to play in. "Ready?" asked Darien as he stared at Serena from the front steps. She was wearing fitted jeans and a printed light blue sweater. On her feet were brown hiking boots. "Yep," she jumped down the five steps and landed with graceful balance. Darien opened the door to let her in and she had gladly accepted his invitation. When Darien climbed in himself he looked at Serena, she smiled, even at the darkest and godly hour she still was bright and beautiful. He just couldn't resist. "Serena..." he whispered "Hmmm.." "Have I ever told you how much I love that smile of yours?" he grinned as he watched her features turn a shade of pink. "I guess not!" he then laughed. "No.. you haven't... But I guessed I should confessed how much I love yours as well." It was now Darien's turn and Serena chuckled. "Thank you... I'm glad you do... We ready?" he asked before he turned the key. "Yep... oh wait..." Serena unbuckled her belt and reached from behind Darien's seat. It was a silver chrome coffee travel cup. "You didn't have coffee this morning so I thought you could use some along the way," she placed the personal sized thermos on the center console. Darien said nothing... he was very touched, she thought about him, even it was as minor as having coffee, she still thought about him. "Thank you," he whispered as he took the cup and drank. The drive was peaceful, it was still dark outside but he could see the faint light of the sun start to rise, it was perfect. 'This is wonderful,' he thought as he turned to his right to find Serena reclined and huddled sleep form. Smiling at the cute-ness, he sighed as the suns' rays begin to rise over he form. Taking his right hand, he caressed away the locks that had fallen over her eyes. Serena was breathtaking. Stirring at his touch, he pulled back not wanting to wake her. Her eyes fluttered open, she was even beautiful sleepy. "How long did I sleep for?" she murmured as she sat up and returned the chair to a sitting position. "Just for an hour" "How you doing?" Serena turned to him. "I'm okay." "Your not sleepy are you? I can drive?" Caringly she smiled. "I'm fine Serena," he laid his large hand over hers resting on her lap. Serena looked at her hand and smiled blushing-ly. Her eyes coming back to his as he squeezed it. "Are you okay with this?" he squeezed once more. "If you are?" she commented as her heart began to hum that lovely thumpty thump thump. "I think... I prefer it this way" his eyes caught hers and both spoke in volumes. "Me too.." she whispered as she felt warming in her senses. Darien smiled but kept his hand on top of hers. Liking the touch as he caressed her hand with his index finger. They stayed like that at the remainder of the ride, and when they had stopped off for a brake. It was if they came out of the truck with new understanding. Darien had opened the door for Serena. In doing so, Serena jumped out and smiled brightly. Her feelings for Darien was becoming stronger and stronger and she knew she had to suppress it; but at the moment,it didn't concern her. No-one... was here to see her playing couple. So when she had jumped out of the car, Darien took one look at her and sighed. He brought each hand to hold the side of her shoulders as he spoke. "Do you even know how beautiful you are?" he said to her then caressing her hair away. Serena has never been treated in such a sincere way. Yes, she's dined with many who were attracted to her but never has she ever heard anyone confess his emotions so sincerely. His words were simple but reading between the lines... she knew it was deeper. "Are you planning on making me blush this whole trip?" as the heat on her features were building. "Only cause I think you look adorable with flushed features," he joked. "Come on.. lets gets some breakfast" Darien snaked his hand around hers and pulled her along. Darien and Serena arrived at the ranger station about 10:15. He had wanted to check in with them so incase an emergency he knew where to find them. Upon entering the cabin, he was greeted by a man in uniform. "Dr. Chiba, back for another trip?" The trip him and the boys made were a yearly ritual--male bonding sort of. "Yes I am," he smiled as he signed in, as Serena came walking in. The man looked at her and thought she looked familiar. "Justin... this is Serena... Serena this is Justin.." "Serena, you look really familiar," he remembered as Darien raised his brow to the man than to Serena who just shrugged an 'I don't know' "Didn't you ever go camping at Lake Mananuki" Serena blushed,'he couldn't' she thought. Darien caught this and smiled. "You didn't happen to be there when her and her friends decide to go skinny dipping?" Darien eyed the man. "Well, It was the talk of the year. Five girls coming in, in their panties..." "You where there?" Serena looked at him wildly. "Yeah, I was the one that had to go to town and get you all clothes," he laughed, "I was a junior ranger, training there for the summer." Darien was laughing wildly... as he put his arm around Serena. "Seems like you gave the rangers quite a show," Serena glared at him. "It was funny, the next year, the volunteers at the area tripled, hoping that you girls would come back." Arriving at their final destination they stood out form the truck. Serena sighed, the area was beautiful. Picturesque sceneries all around, woodsy paths and serene atmosphere greeted them. A river flowing in front with a few small little fishing boats on the side and she couldn't even imagine a more welcoming spot. "Like it?" "Its gorgeous," she smiled, "but I have to say, its not as beautiful as home." "Home?" Darien asked wondering if she was referring to her home in Massachusetts. "Home... our home... you know... the one where Andrew, 'You and I' live in." Serena turned to walk towards the water leaving Darien to smile largely. 'Our home' he loved the sound of that 'you and I' sounded even better. He opened the truck and decided to let her wander while he unloaded. The campsite was finished two tents were set up, one for Serena and the other for Darien. The middle was fire pit they had built with large stones. Darien had been really surprised by Serena's knowledge of camping and her skills were helpful. Indeed she was a wilderness kind of girl. Darien was finishing his tent unrolling his sleeping bag, thinking how he would have preferred to sleep next to her but knew it was all too soon. Serena called for him. "Darien," he heard as he stood. Darien came outside and was greeted by Serena holding up two plates. "What's this?" he asked as he took the plates. "Lunch silly," Darien looked at his plate and found a sandwich and a pickle. "When did you make this?" asking as he moved to sit next to her at a rather large log they found near the lake. "I made it with the left over from last night. Chicken sandwich a la Serena," she joked. "Anything a la Serena I like," Darien found her blushing-again! "Will you stop doing that," punching him at the side as he laughed. Darien had began to fish for dinner, as Serena ventured her ways to the woods.. trying to ensure of her surrounding 'just in case' she thought. She can still see Darien from the clearing and just smiled as she looked at him, so calm. When she had returned, Serena held more wood for the evening. Darien had come and met her half way holding something behind his back. Serena arched her brow wondering what he was up too. Stopping as they came face to face. "For you," he moved his hand away from his back and brought out a bundle of wildflowers. Serena was melting... if this was courtships... she was enjoying every minute of it. "Thank you their lovely." He took reins of the twigs and wood she had found and gave her the bouquet. The walked soundly back to their camp site and just lingered. Dinner was set, Darien had caught a large trout. With his last experience of his male intuitions, he had thought to be the one to prepare the fish. When he had arrived and showed Serena his catch, she praised him and took it from his hands. "This will make a wonderful meal," she lastly said as she made her way back to the lake with a knife. Darien was amazed. Darien always had the duty, he remembered taking Vicki once and this wasn't even camping. She didn't want to go anywhere that didn't housed her correctly or one without running water. So he gave in and rented a cabin on top of the mountains. Coming back from fishing, he presented to her his catch of the day. The typical male ego, of the man trapping and the woman preparing. He thought wrong, Vicki had just looked at him and gave him a disgusted look, then walked away. She didn't even touch the fish for dinner. 'what did he ever see in her' he thought as he watched Serena stoop down towards the lake, obviously washing and cleaning his catch. The meal was wonderful, as always, Serena still amazes him with her domesticated skills. Even in the wilderness she knew how to make her meals right and homey. Serena bent down to take the plate from his hands when. "That was wonderful," he handed her the plate. "Thank you!" Darien sat comfortably watching Serena around the area.. She knew what she was doing, this was second nature to her. At first glance if you were to run into Serena in her professional suit, a man can never guess she was knowledgeable in wilderness survival. He could see that, when she would find something that she could use. For the rice, she found bamboo shoots to cook them in (AN: YES this could be done..) Yes he was a great scientist but he never thought of the concept. Indeed she was full of surprises. After pouring tea, Serena made her way towards Darien. All this time she had sensed his eyes on her... and no matter what she did it was always on her. Even turned away from him, his stare was electrifying, and throughout the whole time, the feelings that she had been holding tightly too were becoming harder and harder to hide or to hold back. She was eagerly excited that he also had feelings for her, which was more the reason everything was so hard to hold back. IT was so easy to release any feelings she had for the man when the feelings were mutual. Easy to fall for him and she knew that it was happening... This was going to get complicated. Her duties... her obligations to her Black Widow Family her Oath and her 'honor', what will happen? Finally getting a hold of herself she made her way with two cups of steaming tea. The evening was well underway as the sun began to set. "Here you go," Serena handed him his tea. "Thank you," Darien moved over a bit and gestured for her to sit next to him. Serena caught on and made herself comfortable. Getting herself situated, Serena felt his hand snake behind her, now as a couple they sat admiring the wonderful evening. Serena was silent, all due to her mixed emotions of honor and her heart. Never in her state had she ever been in a situation where her heart was doing the talking. Never did she ever countered her honor nor her duty as an officer. Sure she had gone through relationships in high school and even heartbreaks... but this was different... that was mere puppy love... As she had gone through the hardening and the wicked tests of the Widow Family. Her desire to be love by a man had been put off. The need to be the best soldier was her only focus and through treacherous situations, hell raising atmospheres, battling to ones deaths be it her own or the other. She proved herself worthy... and succeeded. Serena ranked, ranked like no other female soldier had ever... Medal of honor, merits of outstanding performances of all sorts, master diver, master explosive, expert rifle, sharp shooter, master parachutist, academic excellence.. anything that came in her way she excelled. Now Colonel, she is currently the commanding officer of the Black Widows. Serena loved her chosen career, no other job could give her the world... Traveling to many places such as Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Iraq, Lebanon, Spain, Italy and many more. As if it was a drug, many missions gave her the rush of high adrenalin, blood curdling situations that always kept her coming back for more. Her position kept her busy, and it never gave her the reason to look for love or seek refuge from any man.. NOW she was unsure... and finding Darien, the feelings were rising, what she was certain she did not need before is now being questioned. Now she was unsure of what she wanted. "Serena..." Darien started as she had seemed quiet. "Hmmm?" Serena turned to meet his eyes breaking her thoughts. "Is something the matter?" he squeezed her shoulder gently. The darkness fell and now the wilderness was their home. "No.. nothing's the matter......" she whispered. "Are you sure? You know you can tell me anything," Serena thought about the comment and wished that she could tell him many things, real things and the truth. "I'm fine Darien. I'm just enjoying this." Placing her mug down she leaned in wrapping her right arm around him. Darien had been slightly leaning back on the log behind him.. now her whole body weight was now on him. A sweet smile plastered itself on Darien's face as he held her closer. He too placed his mug down and brought his arm around her as well. Placing his chin above her golden cap he sighed. "Serena... tell me more about yourself," Serena contemplated... she had hoped that many things she had already told him would pacify his questions. Lies were most of what she should be telling, but with his warm heart, she always told him truth or at lease somewhat. "What do you want to know?" she thought as she skimmed her mind for some good stories. "Anything, I'm sure a woman that is as intelligent as you, one that can cook," Serena had brought her face up to look at him. She held a slight grin in her features as he went on, "clean and your adaptive skills are remarkable," Darien gestured as he waved his arm around their campsite, his eyes then softened, "a woman whose as beautiful and as charming as you," he tapped her nose, Serena responding with a soft giggle, "has a wonderful history." "History... hmmm... I didn't know I was to give a history lesson." "Yes... consider it as Serena101," joking a bit as she poked him on a soft spot she found earlier that day. "I don't even know where to begin." "Doesn't matter, I'm even curious to your 'ex-boyfriends,'" he said almost bitterly. Serena laughed, "Just as long as you don't share with me intimate details." "Intimate-I'm never one to be intimate with anyone." "I find that hard to believe," Serena sat straight and arched her brow. "And just what do you mean by that Dr. Chiba?" Darien saw the mirth in her eyes and laughed. "Not what your thinking... I only meant that your such a beauty. I'm sure you've had many admirers," Serena softened and smiled, this man was too sweet, even for her. "Well your wrong," poking him again on his soft spot, Darien jerking a bit. "The last boyfriend I ever had or even dated was my first year in college and that didn't last longer than two weeks," Darien frowned as he thought of her age. "You mean to tell me, that your last boyfriend was when you were 18 years old?" he watched her nod then shy a bit. "Your joking!" "No. I'm not -really- I was too busy for any relationships... remember I was a military brat so I never stayed anywhere for long. Then I was always away at school and I really concentrated on my studies. I really had no social life." "Not even a date or two." "If a movie was a date then sure I had a few. But I never took them seriously. I had classes to cram for or finals to ace." "So... no intimate involvement what so ever?" he asked softly not trying to sound rude. "I had none." She whispered shyly, she thought. She's kissed a man before... being it be a distraction to her prey, she's been touched several times but never did she allow anything to get so close where she had to loose her sacred self. Thankful she was never caught for she knew, she would of lost it with to many men for torture. Things always went her way, either she killed them trying to bed her or she puts them to sleep and leaving them to think that their evening was spent on passionate bliss. "I can understand your goals and I admired it but 8 years... wow Sere, I never would of imagine," Serena now raised her brow to her petname. "Sere?" "Yes... Sere." He grinned as he brought her hand up to lay a light but smoldering kiss on her hand. "I like." Serena than began to talk about her childhood, thinking it wouldn't hurt giving him the truth. There would be no harm done. So she went on, talking about her upbringing and her trails and tribulations of life. Leaving parts of the military, her induction to the black widow and her missions. After an hour of talking about her it was now his turn. "How about you Dr. Chiba...? Class is in session," Serena settled herself down within his arms again. "Well.. lets see... just like you I studied a lot. I was attending a private school till junior high when they felt that I was to advance for my age. So I attending another private school with advanced studies...," Darien went on about his life, talking about his parents but mainly his mother, her influences and her support. Serena took this as a close loving relationship, then his experience in college and extended studies. A good 25 minutes to when he started, he was done. "And now I'm here." "Not so fast," she sat up. "You failed to talk about you're ex-girlfriends" she slurred. "Oh... now its my turn eh..." "Well.. if I had to share mine... then its only fair." "Okay... Okay..." he thought about it a few. He wouldn't ever hold anything from her. But he didn't want her to be hurt if she heard something she didn't want or expect to hear. "Well... as for relationships.. I've had a few." "Uh... huh... and what's a few?" "Four" "Now I don't believe you... I'm sure you were a handsome young man..." "How you figure?" Darien probed. "Your handsome now Dr. Chiba... I'm sure you were a handsome young man as well..." Serena watched Darien's eyes dimmed a shade darker than his normal. She didn't know what she saw, what type of emotion it was but it was a bit thrilling. "You think I'm handsome?" he whispered. "Of course I do... their wouldn't be a woman that would disagree..." Darien gave her an appreciative grin. "I'm sure you were a heartthrob." "I don't know about heartthrob, but in high school, I had three girlfriends... but they never lasted." "How come?" "Well, my mother instilled in me the aspect of a good education. My education was very important, and I took it seriously." "So basically your girlfriends couldn't handle being second best to your physics book," Serena watch him nod, "and then..." "Then after high school I had I think two girlfriends. One in my freshman year and the other in my junior year." "What happened to your senior year?" "I was too serious with my studies that I was generally sleeping in the library or in lab." "Second best again eh... then..." "Well after that... I dated a few but none ever attracted my interest long enough." "Not even one?" curiously she pried. She knew it was none of her business but she wanted to know, what type of woman had interested him when no other could. "Well..." Darien hesitated "Their was this one girl who I thought was the actual one." "What made you change your mind?" Serena laid her hand on his forearm. "Victoria, in the beginning was very considerate and very easy going. She had high standards and high hopes....and..." You mean a snob?" Darien chuckled but Serena hit it off the spot. "Not at first, but later she showed her true color. She led me to believe that she was the one." Darien sighed before going on "I fell for it and was hurt at the end." "What happened?" "Well.. later.. when I got her a high position in a company I helped build she left me that same day." "She used you." "Yeah, she did... I had been a fool and fell for her game. But what makes me angry is that. I'm usually a person with good judgment in character. Everyone was able to see her conniving side but me. Mike and the rest of the guys saw her in many ways then I ever did and here I was, planning to ask her to marry me." Serena felt odd, he had loved another, her thoughts now became of worry. Could she ever measure up to this Victoria woman. Could he ever love her as he did with her. Serena looked down, her emotions starting to run rancid as she thought about her offering, 'nothing'. "I'm sorry.." she sighed. Darien had caught the sudden change in her tone. A tone of sadness and questioning. Just what he didn't want to happen. Taking her chin and raising it up to see his face.. he looked into her eyes. "Don't be," Serena searched his eye... confused. "What do you mean?" "Serena... I'm not sorry," he whispered. "Because now.. I've found someone thousand times better...... million times more beautiful......... and billion times smarter," Darien caressed her chin with his index finger, going to her chin then moving to her lips. Serena stayed immobile, she didn't move. His words were soothing, the assurance was there, the feelings she had before of measuring up to Victoria were now thrown out of her mind, now she searched his eyes for more, wanting more... Darien watched her eyes deepened as his and he could no longer resist. "I'm.. not sorry... not sorry at all.." he lastly breathed before being caught within her gaze and slowly bending his head to capture her lips. Stay tune for chapter 9...... Our lifeline......email..email..email.. umalific@hotmail.com Yours truly ~ RAQ IGNORE THIS. (chapter finished 8.23.01 - this is for my benefit I want to know how long my chapters usually take me.)