Femme Fatale C9
8/24/01 - PG13
Author: raq
Edited by Kell - 11.01


I had a wonderful response from all of you.. that I thought I would give you 
another chapter this week. I'm going to post this now rather than wait till next 
month. I thank you all.. 


Insert from chapter 8...

"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.

~~~ on with chapter 9

Serena again was paralyzed by his stare, his blue eyes mingling with hers, 
breaths away, were his lips.

Darien held his eyes steady as he searched her eyes for any objection to what he 
was to do. In her bluest depths, he saw his image wrapped up with something 
else. His own breath mingling with hers as he urged to hold off, his mind 
couldn't resist any longer. Softly and passionately he made contact with her 
lips, a delicate and innocent kiss. Serena exhaled, her heart was beating all to 
quickly, and again causing it to beat even faster as he went on.

Darien pulled back a bit to find any doubt that she didn't want this, but all he 
found was the same passion the same cravings mirroring his own. Moving locks of 
hair from her shoulders, tucking them behind hear ear, Darien started to nuzzle 
her neck, softly rubbing the tip of his nose playfully on her warm skin. Loving 
the smell of lavender and vanilla, her natural essence. "You are good enough to 
eat," he huskily murmured, as he then began laying subtle burning kisses along 
his path.

Serena closed her eyes, the warm feeling and pleasure running through her veins. 
Butterflies began to roam soaringly through the pit of her stomach as she heard 
him speak. Serena groaned in her state of passionate high. Her skin blazing, 
feeling the sensation of his warm breath liven up her senses. He made his trail, 
tipping her chin as he kissed the sensitive parts. Another moan escaped her lips 
as she yearned for his lips to touch hers. AS if he read her own need, he kissed 
his way to her lips. Starting from the corners of her naturally pouting lips and 
moving on. Then the trail stopped and Serena opened her eyes. 

Looking down on her Serena found eyes that held the many details to the man. She 
found all types of emotions swirling to a boiling cauldron of desire, they were 
not different from her own. His desires flickered anxiously wanting her answer, 
hopeful eyes stared back, scared of rejection she might give.

Buried in those hypnotic eyes, Serena found herself reeling from her own 
emotions. From the start, from the first night she met him she no doubt felt 
that sensation of wanting. Flirting with him and even letting herself be lead by 
his charm. The flaming desire as he would touch her, leaving her skin burning 
and aching for more. Even as she playfully kissed him that one night, she had 
returned to her room aching and wanting more. 

The sense of protectiveness and wanting something special flickered in his eyes. 
She wanted it, she wanted it all, his needs, his kindness, his passion, his 
wanting, his dreams and most of all his love. Even with that thought, her honor 
was protesting but it never stood a chance as he whispered her name. "sere..na" 
breath trickling on her lips. Her eyes lidded with burning intensity "Darien..." 
she breathed huskily, asking for more. The hint was taking and Darien took her 
lips then and there.

Darien craved for more, he wanted to taste her, now the sweet innocent kisses 
weren't enough. Slightly he began to hint and made his probing tongue touch her 
sensitive lips. Invitingly Serena feeling the warmth and desire rapping through 
her body opened her mouth to let him in. 

The intensity and amplitude of the kiss reached its peak as they caressed each 
others tongue with their own and Darien's hands, began to roam. Smoldering from 
head to toe, the exciting feeling her body felt was becoming too much to bare. 
Darien's hand roamed from her waist to her rib cage, caressing and feeling her 
firm and deliciously curvaceous body. 

A sudden moan escaped Serena's lips as he kissed the nape of her neck trailing 
down to mid chest. It was uncertain to Serena when the top three buttons of her 
light blue shirt came undone or how was she now laying flat on her back. Not 
caring if anyone would stumble on them or even if any animal came to intrude... 
It was just the two of them at the moment and nothing in her power could counter 
that. Everything became so blurry and she didn't care, and all the attention her 
mind and body wanted to give was to this man, and this man only. Serena felt 
Darien's skin touch her own, as one of his hands cupped her left breast over her 
bra. Though their was clothing between, Serena felt the electrical jolt that 
raised her boiling temperature to a whistle and groaned a little too loudly than 
what she had wanted.

Leaving trailing kisses down her chest, Darien had somehow found his way under 
her shirt. An intense sexual craving was pressing him on and on he went as he 
cupped one her left breast. His ears registered the loud intense moan and his 
brain clearly but reluctantly relayed to his mind what was happening. As if he 
was slapped in the face, Darien stopped abruptly and looked up.

Serena felt the movement of his hands and his kisses stopped once the groan was 
heard. Eyes lidded with desire she opened her eyes to see his. His eyes deep in 
sorry as he sat up, confused and a bit puzzled to the sudden draw, Serena too 
sat up as she waited for him to speak.

Finding the words, Darien was afraid that he had ruined something between he and 
Serena. Afraid that he had pushed her into something she not wanted, although 
her response was the opposite and his actions may have wanted to consummate 
their sexual desire, his heart wanted ease. Not wanting to pursue that large of 
a step with Serena- not until he was clear to how she felt. His eyes turned up 
to meet hers. Shirt unbutton and lips bruised her eyes showed the desire but 
also remarkable confused. Unknowing what to say, he forced himself to speak.

"Serena.." Serena turned her attention to him as she button her shirt. Not that 
it wasn't on him in the first place.

"Yes..."

"I'm sorry.. I didn't.." Serena had placed a finger on his lips, hushing anymore 
apologies.

"Darien, I didn't obviously say no... so...don't.." Darien's eyes searched for 
the sincerity in her words and found them in her wide eyes and soft smile. 
Taking her hand he softly kissed each and ever knuckle then her wrist. The 
smoldering blaze that calmly started to die began to burn once more.

"Serena. Its not that I didn't want too- believe me I wanted to go on. But I 
think you and I need to talk first before we take this... whatever we have 
here," caressing her features, Serena was touched by his sensitivity, "to the 
next level; but I have to know. How do you feel about you and I?" Serena was a 
bit speechless, how was she suppose to answer that, when she herself didn't know 
what she wanted. Not that she didn't know- she knew she wanted him, but what 
would happen when her mission is done and she would have to leave.

"Darien... I'm... I'm... afraid...," she confessed, it was true Serena was 
afraid... afraid of what would happen if things didn't go as expected. Looking 
from his eyes to the ground she felt torn. For the first time in her 
professional life, she was cursing her chosen career. 'why..? honor... or a 
chance at love.. honor... love... honor...love..'

"Serena... what are you afraid of?" Darien took a deep breath... She will tell 
him.

"Darien.. what if... things don't work out between us. You and I work together, 
we live together.. WE... we..." okay so it didn't come out to the full truth.

"Serena," he whispered, "I'm not rushing you to do anything. I'm just asking for 
a chance--a chance for you and I to build--build something that perhaps end with 
marrai..." Darien searched his words, "well.. lets just say the possibilities 
are endless and... we don't need to worry about them right now."

"But what if..."

"Serena, I have never been so enchanted by a woman... ever... like a spider," 
Serena blinked at his statement or rather the word Spider, "you spin me in this 
web of passion, desire, wanting, needing, and much more so much more. Victoria 
or what I felt for Victoria couldn't even compare to what I feel for you... here 
and now. Compared to you, she was mere puppy love... where as you..." he stroked 
her fallen hair back, "is something very special." Serena had been smitten, 
bitten by the bug and hit by cupids arrow the same time. Her decision was made 
and no matter what was at stake at the moment there and then she choose him... 

"Something special huh..." Darien grinned at her comment.

"Yes... very special... too special for me to ignore or not try at all... now 
what do you say?"

"Only if I can have next Friday off..." smiling she was now playing his game.

"I can deal with that... what else?" Serena hesitated a bit.

"I want... you... to... kiss... me..." Serena caressed his chin urging him even 
closer.

"Is that all?" he whispered as he stared at her pouting lips.

"Mmmm hmmm" murmuring in a whispered tone as she sensed his closure.

"Well... then... I guess this is a yes..." he inched closer hovering slightly 
above her lips.

"Yes..." she silently breathed.

"Good," he then hesitated no longer and kissed her fully. 

The moon was in its highest peak, the wilderness hymn of owls or other nocturnal 
could not even disturb the couple. Sounds of whimsical pleasure foretold their 
affair and what they had planned. At a surrendered state Serena and Darien 
touched the moon several times that evening and early morning... their desires 
had completed them, one body, one mind, one soul and one heart.

Fluttering her eyes opening Serena had woken, feeling the comfortable arm around 
her waist. Turning slowly not to wake him, she faced his sleeping form, admiring 
him silently. 

His features were very strong... and even in his sleeping state very determined. 
He was the man that spoke to her passionately and made her feel the woman she 
was. He was the man that took her to high heavens, purring her name so lovingly 
as she peaked in pleasurement. 

Serena sighed as she slowly removed herself from his hold and covered her some 
what naked body with another blanket. Kissing him softly on the cheek she made 
her way outside the tent, she had much to think about and she needed to think 
without him distracting her every thought.

The breath of fresh air was livening to her body, the crisp wilderness air 
always held its own soothing a calming essence. Her surroundings were beautiful, 
nothing can compare to the mother natures atmosphere. Eyes searching and 
catching a glimpse of squirrels frolicking around and a few forest creatures 
mingling, she was happy. 

Wrapping her blanket around her, she made her way towards the small dock at the 
edge of the lake. The padding sound of her bare feet was subtle, not disturbing 
any of nature's morning rituals. She was at the end and as she looked out she 
found many fishes swimming bravely on the shallow waters. "If you know better, I 
think you all need to go before my companion wakes up," smiling as the fishes 
bobbed their head up to take the small critters that were a delicacy to them. 
With a look out towards the endless water she sighed in frustration. "What have 
you gotten yourself into Serena?" she asked herself.

Her thoughts taken to a deeper trance as she sifted through all what has 
happened. Serena knew she had just committed a sin when it came to the black 
widow law, 'She who is a widow shall not have a lover, husband or a boyfriend 
and will remain a widow till her term. A widow, will be married to no other than 
this organization.' "Strike One" muttering out loud, 'Section three of the 
by-laws and procedures manual, a black widow agent will not get herself involved 
with her subjects personal lives. She will only involved herself as the mission 
states and as protective caution' "Strike Two". It never was never written but 
always instilled to her by her superiors 'the heart is a weak element in our 
missions...... never... let your heart do the talking... never let your heart 
take over... and never let your heart fall' "Strike Three" she whispered softly.

Serena had always felt that way sometime in baring life, all she had really 
needed were her sisters, her sisters for life and her family. It was not so much 
she wasn't attracted to the opposite sex, she just felt that things would be too 
complicated as she grew to adult hood. Aside from being a black widow... She 
didn't need the burden that came with a relationship. 'So why change now?' she 
asked herself. As she recapped the changes that had happened, overwhelmed by the 
control her heart was now taking.

Ever since she had met Darien, she had been undenyingly attracted to him. Her 
sense of protectiveness became even more with him on the line. It was not only a 
mission but became a personal matter when he was concerned. She had already felt 
the pull and the desire to be with him, but her honor always spoke, intervening 
as she thought about relationship with her subject. Thinking that she was very 
capable in handling the matters of her heart, she pushed all thoughts of him 
aside a few times and concentrated on her mission. 'to protect' but how was she 
suppose to keep her heart from interrupting her mission.

Serena never understood herself when it mattered the heart. Never understanding 
the void or the loneliness she felt when she was alone or when she would see 
others, happy and joyful with their significant other. It was a need she ignored 
believing what the family had instilled. She was a soldier...... a soldier 
doesn't need a heart.. for it breaks even the strongest ones. This was something 
she grew up with in her transition of a black widow officer.

Just like a few women who had been caught... they were stricken from their ranks 
and were dishonorably discharged. She didn't understand it then why they would 
betray such sacred oaths.. but now.. it was all clear to her.

Serena didn't understand it... she didn't understand it until that evening. The 
evening where she knew she had needed him, the evening where she had wanted to 
be touched, to be explored and conquered. She had surrendered herself to Darien 
that evening... and no matter how much her fallen honor tried to bring her to 
her senses... she knew she couldn't turn back now... not when she had willingly 
confessed the love she held for him.

Working alone, Serena knew she could very well that she could hide this... for a 
while... and even to Darien... she could always say she was going a way for a 
bit and come back... It was going to be complicated and a long haul but she was 
going to make this work. She could do this after her mission... 'Once a widow's 
mission is done... A widow leaves silently' her honor whispered as she 
frowned... "NOT this widow!" she muttered a bit angrily as her heart spoke with 
dominance now over her honor. 

Being in such deep thought, Serena did not even hear the padding footstep that 
came closer to where she was standing...... A pair of strong arms surprised her 
as it in-circled around the waist. She jumped a bit as she felt his arms 
sneaking around her. "It's just me," the morning voice muttered as he held her 
firmly. Serena smiled and leaned back for comfort, this is what she wanted, this 
is what she had surrendered to... Turning around quickly she smiled at his 
twinkling eyes, rounding her arms around his neck she was happy. Darien was a 
fine man.. even finer when he had no shirt on... 'Now only if we can get 
everything off' she thought the blushed.. Darien looked at her with an arched 
brow.

"Goodmorning," kissing him softly on the lips before he can say anymore.

"Mmmm.. it is isn't it," grinning as he nuzzled her neck, "sle..ep wel..l?" he 
muffled still face down on the crook of her neck.

"The best," she thought about their evenings explorations and blushed a bit.

"Go..od.." he muttered again as he trailed kisses along her neck and felt his 
hands finding the opening of her blanket. Gliding his hand pass her stomach 
ending up on her firm behind.

"Dari..en," Serena wanted to just topple him over and have him make love to her 
on the dock.

"Mmmmmm," he continued. Serena's own thoughts became a blur until Serena was 
brought out of her dreamlike state as she heard a vehicle from a far. Opening 
her eyes... she saw a ranger jeep headed their way.
"Darien.. someone's coming," Darien turned and did find a Jeep coming their way. 
He looked at Serena and laughed.

"Now we don't want to give the rangers another peep show do we?" he chuckled. 
Serena blushed, "Go.. get some clothes on," Serena obeyed and quickly walked to 
her tent.

After a few stretches and deep breaths he made his way to their site.. to meet 
with the ranger who had interrupted their morning. The man had stepped out of 
his jeep and approached Darien. Darien had already put on a shirt and was 
putting it on as he recognized him as the head ranger.

"Good morning, Dr. Chiba. I hope I didn't interrupt anything," he grinned a bit. 
He knew from what he had seen afar that he did. He then arched a brow as Darien 
grinned.

"It was...... until you decided to interrupt... Tim, what brings you here?" they 
shook hands and Darien waited for his answer.

"Well Dr. Chiba, we were informed that their was a bad storm headed this way. 
We're relaying the message to everyone so they are aware of what is to come if 
they stayed." By this time Serena had come out of the tent. Wearing jeans and a 
white spaghetti strap tank, her hair brushed out of its strands but was still 
loose around her. Tim had saw pass Darien and admired the woman behind him.. He 
kept staring until Darien cleared his throat. Taking his eyes away from Serena 
he returned to Darien, who was eyeing him distastefully at the moment. "Sorry 
Sir... good morning ma'am" he tipped his hat.

"Good Morning," returned Serena as she stood to stand next to Darien, 
instinctively he put his arm around her. Wrapping her arms around his waist, it 
made a warming sight. Even the ranger, who had seen Victoria a year or so before 
had to say that the woman before him was no match. He had to grin to how a 
lovely couple they made.

"Tim was just coming to tell us that theirs a storm headed our way."

"Oh no..." frowned Serena... she didn't want to leave now; she was enjoying 
herself too much. She looked up and sensed Darien didn't want to leave as well.

"Yes, it's suppose to be a bad storm. Many campers are preparing to leave, but 
if you folks decide to stay and ride it out. The ranger station will be open."

"Thank you but I think we will be leaving later today as well," Darien had 
answered, the ranger nodded.

"Alright, just check out at the station so we know that you have gone," he 
tipped his hat once more, "good day Darien, Miss."

"Good day," both Serena and Darien watched the man leave and headed to another 
part of the woods.

"So...I guess this cuts our camping trip short?" frowned Serena. It was Sunday 
and they still had Monday off.

"Yes, but it doesn't mean we can't continue this elsewhere or at home," he 
smiled.

"And just what did you have in mind?" face to face they eyed each other.

"Well, I know a great bed and breakfast about three hours away... how about we 
stay their for the night." 

"But we don't have reservations. I'm sure they are filled since it's a three day 
weekend."

"True but we can try," he whispered as he kissed her again.

~*

Monday morning..

Andrew had opened his eyes and greeted by sunlight. It was warm and friendly to 
those who enjoyed their mornings. He was not one of them, especially a man with 
a hang over. He muttered a bit with a few explicit curses before sitting up. The 
sight was one to give him a deeper headache.

Around the room were beer bottles and paper plates everywhere. Bodies of his 
friends on the floor snoring and blubbering. He sighed, "Man... how can six guys 
make such a mess." He stood and stretched smelling the aroma of fresh coffee. He 
looked down and counted, all five men were present; who would be here. The 
thought of Darien and Serena being home ran in his mind but looked at the time 
it was only 6 am. He walked down slowly and turned to the corner to find, Serena 
wearing a navy blue silk pajama shirt, it didn't dawn on him that it was 
oversized for her small frame.

Serena stood behind the counter drinking her coffee and reading the paper. She 
loved the smell of fresh brewed coffee in the morning and even loved drinking it 
fresh, catching it as it seeped down from the percolator. She gazed at the 
paper, reading the section on Worlds News. 'Kidnapped UN Members Found and Safe 
in Neutral Grounds' Serena read on and found the name she wanted, Michiru Kiou, 
she smiled. 'I knew it,' she grinned, anytime Michiru comes to speak it means 
that the Black Widows were involved. Serena stopped as she heard steps coming 
from the stairs. She looked towards the area waiting for the man who she knew 
was Andrew.

"What are you doing home?" he asked as he made his way towards the stools. 
Serena knew these men had much to drink, she sensed it when she saw all the 
bottles and cans of beer. Taking an empty cup she poured the coffee and brought 
it to Andrew.

"Thanks."

"Rough nite huh?" she giggled as she looked up a bit pale.

"You can say that again," he took a sip of his coffee, "hmm good. Hey why are 
you home so early. I didn't expect you two to be back until later on this 
evening."

"A storm was headed that way, we didn't want to get caught in it and the bread 
and breakfast inn was full so we just decided to come home," she explained as 
she took another sip. Andrew eyed her, he wanted to ask if his friend and this 
beautiful woman were finally an item. He was curious if they were-he would be 
proud. If they weren't his best friend was going to get an ear full. "So 
Serena..."

"Ohhh man! I've got a headache," muttered one of the three men walking to take 
the other stools. Just as Serena did with Andrew she took four more mugs out of 
the cup board and poured it away. Good thing she had made 12 cups.

"You got one!!!!" Kyle held his head steady

"I've got an even larger one since you stepped on my head," Zen had added 
turning to Michael.

"Well, I didn't know you were sleeping there," Michael had answered. Serena had 
brought their coffee in front of them and they livened with the smell.

"I love it when Serena makes coffee," Jayson had mentioned as he drank the 
smooth dark liquid.

"That's why you always sneak in Darien's office to take some. Huh?"

"Well, its unfair. Serena makes her around the world coffee and we have to 
settle for company brewed," said Michael

"So I take it that you've sneaked up his office as well?" asked Andrew, who had 
the honor of having Serena's coffee every morning.

"Yeap," Michael than looked up to a smiling Serena who was still behind the 
counter... Hair loose and what morning sight she held, "Hey what are you doing 
home?"

"I was beginning to think that I was invisible," she smiled. "We came home early 
this morning." The guys all looked at each other, and was trying to figure out 
who was going to ask. Finally with everyone looking at Andrew; he rolled his 
eyes and turned.

"So...Serena, anything special happened in your trip?"

"Special? What do you mean?" 

"Umm you know...like...," started Michael as Darien's body came to view from the 
door way behind Serena. Darien had only had navy blue silk draw string pajama 
pant on, Serena knew this and flushed a bit but unseeing to the men.

"Good morning everyone," he smiled, Serena didn't even turn. Just stared at the 
guys before her and then dipping to drink her coffee.

"Morning Dare," said the five men. They watched Darien make his way behind 
Serena, putting his hands on her hips rubbing them in circular motion. The guys 
eyeing him with every move, Serena still didn't turn. She made eye contact with 
Andrew and he smiled. Darien carefully pulled Serena's hair away from one side 
of her neck, leaving a soft subtle innocent kiss. The guys eyes were as large as 
their coffee mugs. Andrew just drank his coffee and smiled some more... 'oh 
yeahhhh, something special did happen'. "Morning," he whispered in her ear. It 
was then Serena turned to him a bit, still facing the men. She smiled as she 
found his bright blue eyes to be so menacing... He was giving them a show.

"Good morning," she returned, he winked at her then dipped down to kiss her on 
the lips. Taking the mug out of her hands he took a sip and turned his attention 
to the men who seemed like they were holding their breaths.

"So, I know you six got hangovers. Other than that what did you guys do all 
weekend?" he noted their pale features.

"You see it," said Andrew

"You six drank all week?" asked Darien who leaned up against the counter 
sideways. He still stood next to Serena.

"Umm...well see, we didn't have as interesting weekend such as yours," grinned 
Michael.

"YEAH!" the others added and Serena and Darien laughed, "Spill!"

"Nope," Darien teased as he took another sip, the men looked at Serena.

"I kiss but I don't tell," she laughed as she looked at Darien then to the men.

"Come on, you owe us big time anyway," Serena caught that and raised her brows

"Owe you for what?" She looked towards Darien who was emotionless other than the 
slight grin then to the men. "WHAT?"

"We don't tell," chuckled Kyle, Serena wadded up a napkin and threw it at him. 
Darien laughed admiringly at his now official girlfriend and how well she got 
along with his best friends.

"Serena, Darien had talked to us into not going camping so he can have you go 
alone with him instead," Andrew explained to Serena. Serena's mouth opened to an 
O and the guys laughed at her. Indeed she was surprised, she turned to Darien.

"You mean you had this all planned?" she watched him nod and grinned even 
larger. Softly she tip toed and kissed him on the lips. "Your so sweet," the men 
jealous of the exchange. It had been good to see their friend happy and they 
knew he deserved a woman such as Serena.

"Hey how about us? We're the ones that did nothing all weekend, giving up our 
once a year camping trip," sarcastically Zen had added.

"Oh thank you," she made her way towards the men, first it was Andrew, one by 
one she kissed them on the cheek and hugged them in appreciation. Darien laughed 
as the men smiled at Serena's friendly nature. She was so loving, 'she's the 
one,' thought Darien as he watched her go from Michael to Jayson. "How about I 
make it up to you guys? Have dinner tonight with us? I'll make a special 
dinner."

"Yeah that sounds good," the men agreed...

"Okay. I'm going to shower up and get dressed. I need to go grocery shopping," 
she walked back towards Darien and kissed him on the lips before leaving through 
the doors where Darien had come from. The guys stared off as she walked out of 
the kitchen. Noticing the same looked he and Andrew had the first time they saw 
Serena in the morning.

"Darien was that your shirt?" asked Andrew with a raised brow, finally noticing 
the large oversized shirt, 'you sly dog.'

"Let me make this easier for you four-right now," he arched his brow a bit, 
"nothing." Kyle looked on with a perplexed look of astonishment. Michael who had 
an unsteady balance, fell off his stool landing on his side. Darien laughed and 
walked the same way Serena exited.

"Nothing????" choked Jayson

"Was Serena wearing Darien's shirt?" muttered Kyle as they looked towards 
Andrew. Andrew shook his head.

"You know for men who have such high IQ... you are all clueless" he chuckled. 
Before another voice came rasping.

"OHHHHHHHHHH...," they all laughed, "what the hell did you guys put in my 
drink?"

~*

"Darien...," Serena whined as Darien had added a few different items in the 
cart. She took the various packages of candies and put them back on the shelf.

"What?" he shrugged.

"Your going to get sick with all that candy"

"But Sere" I need...," he watched Serena's lips turn into a slight pout and he 
sighed, "you--I need you," he came closer and caressed her lips with his. Serena 
turned a bit as she thought she felt someone watching them. Her serious face 
caught Darien, "Sere, you okay?" Serena then turned behind her and saw no one.

"Um... yeah," Darien than silently dropped another bag of Hershey's symphony in 
the cart when Serena had turned around. He walked away quickly before she looked 
down and found a bag of unwanted candy in the cart.

"DARIEN!!" she somewhat yelled to his walking figure, pretending to ignore her.

They were now in the produce department and were bagging a few fruits and 
vegetables. Darien had been in such a playful mood since this morning and 
although they were childish even for such high degree Serena thought it was very 
cute of him. It made her happy that he was comfortable with her, at ease that 
even his childish nature showed himself.

Darien had stepped next to her and whispered in her ear. Making her blush and 
playfully smacking him on his shoulder. He laughed and kissed her on her lips. 
She giggled and sighed. "Can you get a bushel of spinach please," he nodded and 
went off. Again the nagging feeling of being watched bothered her and she lifted 
her head to look around. She scanned towards where Darien was at... nothing... 
then she scanned the other areas... when she her eyes hit a deep brown gaze. She 
took note of the girl, red hair, 5'4, the girl looked to be eyeing both she and 
Darien. Serena racked her brain she remembered seeing this girl before... only 
where? The girl narrowed her eyes and broke the stare as she walked off when a 
man with almost the same color of eyes and hair approached her. He looked over 
towards Serena and smiled. The man Serena knew she didn't know... but the 
woman...

"Sere, you okay?" asked Darien as he had been staring at her for a few minutes. 
He had seen her stare at a woman who had returned the gaze.

"Yes,I'm okay," she smiled acting as if nothing happened.

At the counter in line, Serena and Darien playfully chatted. Acting like little 
high school kids, Darien held Serena around the waist as they waited for their 
turn. Darien kissing her lightly on her temples and she giggling in return. The 
few old passers smile at the two love birds as they made a comment. "Newlyweds?" 
one even asked. Darien and Serena looked at each other and laughed. "No..no.. 
Sir.. just a blooming relationship, but perhaps later we will be," Serena turned 
to look at Darien a bit surprised at his comment. He just smiled and lifted her 
hand for another shivering kiss.

Again Serena looked up to find the same woman to be eyeing her. Serena gritted 
her teeth as she firmly returned her stare. 'Serena never backs down, from 
anything.' The girl glanced up, Serena knew she had taken a look at Darien then 
back down to Serena and the girl smiled. A smile Serena didn't like at all, the 
type of smile that Serena always knew was trouble.

Serena kept her eyes on the woman, even though she had turned and was paying her 
items. The girl without another look or a glance walked out of the store with 
her companion.

~*

A few weeks later............ Washington DC

Three women were meeting, reviewing ordered business or areas in which they're 
team of widows were needed. 

"Miss. Meiou, you have a call on line two?" said the bubbly secretary over the 
intercom.

"Who is it?"

"Agent Leper" she says. The three woman looked at each other than leaned back.

"Pass her through."

"Agent Leper, how are you this morning?" Setsuna held the pen in her hand 
loosely.

"Good morning Miss Meoiu."

"Ms. Tenou and Ms. Koui is here as well."

"Oh, perfect. Good morning to you as well Ms. Tenou and Ms. Koui."

"Same here. Now agent Leper shouldn't you be dealing with your new assignment?" 
asked Haruka towards the new recruit. During training she was a bit antsy about 
the new recruit for she seemed to like working on her own, acquiring the name 
Leper.

"Yes, ma'am, I don't leave till tomorrow. I had wanted to tell you something 
that I had seen a few weeks ago."

"And what may that be?" all three waited.

"Its about Agent Vixen ma'am," the women all looked at each other.

"Agent Leper, what about Agent Vixen?"

"Well, ma'am my subject and I had stopped over at a grocery store and found 
Agent Vixen and her subject there."

"Of course you see her with him... She is his body guard."

"Well, she seemed more than just a body guard ma'am," Michiru stopped her 
scribbling and looked to Setsuna and the to Haruka.

"Go on agent Leper."

"Well she was very intimate with him out in public, in fact when someone had 
made the comment on being a newlywed, her subject had said that they weren't but 
perhaps later on," Haruka stood and walked towards the window.

"I see."

"I just thought that you would like to know," a smile can clearly be seen from 
the speaker.

"Thank you for that information Agent Leper. We will take this matter out with 
Agent Vixen privately."

"Yes ma'am."

"Good day," Setsuna had pressed the button before the girl was able to respond. 
She looked a Michiru who sat in front.

"Why her?" asked Haruka, "she is too good to go astray."

"What shall we do?" asked the woman in her executive chair as she leaned back.

"First of all, Black widows stay together. They back each other up like sisters. 
Why did Leper turn the other way as we usually had?"

"Our new recruit is pretty cocky from what I had observed during war games," 
Haruka gave them her opinion.

"I seem to recall where Hotaru was in the midst of holding herself back from 
clobbering the new recruit," Setsuna added.

"Agent Vixen has not met her yet, she was on a trip to the Nassau Islands for a 
mission when this occurred, that is probably why Vixen didn't hold back," Both 
women looked at Michiru intently.

"So what are we going to do? Not only that but when the others find out about 
Leper's betrayal; theirs no telling what kind of trouble she will put herself 
in. The other girls are protective of Vixen."

"She is still new and don't know the real meaning or experience of a real 
soldier."

"Let her learn that the family stays together," Haruka distastefully remarked.

"Enough about Leper, what shall we do about Vixen?"

"No matter how much I hate the idea," paused Michiru "She has to be punished."

"We can't," said Haruka, "she has done many things for the country, we can't 
punish her. She has too much honor, this country as well as others owe much to 
her."

"Haruka we have too."

"As a Colonel, Vixen was to be a great example of a widow she has broken a rule. 
We can't let this go unpunished. How will we be when the others do it as well."

"The others have done it, but no one ever ratted on them."

"Well, we can't let this pass."

"Sooo your making her as an example." 

"I hate to say this but yes. Anyone-who brakes the code will be punished."

"Couldn't we just turn the other way?" Haruka asked as she walked to see Michiru 
and Setsuna's eyes.

"Haruka, it would be easier to let things pass if no one else had seen her, but 
we can't especially since another widow had seen her with her own eyes," Setsuna 
breathed regretfully, the three fell quiet.

"This country will be loosing a great soldier," Haruka muttered angrily, "but if 
its an example is what she will be made so be it. I won't be the one to blow her 
over," walking out of the office without another word. Michiru and Setsuna 
looked at each other and sighed.

Setsuna leaned forward to press the intercom. "Jackie, contact Agent Vixen and 
arrange a meeting with her in her area. Have three tickets headed flying into 
Seattle and four returning."

"For Miss. Tenou, Miss. Koui, yours and ?"

"Agent Vixen" Setsuna looked up to Michiru.

"Yes, ma'am," Setsuna threw her pen down and rubbed her temples.

"I don't want to do this," she muttered.

"But we have too."

"I know," she whispered.


Stay Tune for Chapter 10

I strongly suggest to keep those Reviews up.. they make me... feel nice and 
mushy that I feel like posting more. Ehhehe okay call me goofy.

~ yours truly

RAQ

Post date 11.29.01