Title: Learning How to Love Author: BluCrescent Rated: PG Email: BluCrescent@hotmail.com 7/22/99 Hi everyone! I'm sorry I didn't get this out last week but here it is part 3 of Learning How to Love. A big thank you to everyone who wrote to me and told me to continue writing this story. So to all the people that wrote me this chapter is for you. You know who you are. Thank you everyone! ^_^ Disclaimer: I don't own Sailormoon. As if that isn't obvious. ^_^ Part 3 Mina's barbecue had long ended and now Serena is back in her apartment taking the bath that she didn't get to the night Darien had called for their first date. Serena slips into her bath and is immediately surrounded by fragrance candles. Soft violin music is coming out of the stereo and Serena relax and let her mind go over what happen just the afternoon. Finding out that Liz is Darien's sister made that afternoon so much easier for Serena. She liked Liz but couldn't help but feel a little jealous of the girl. Now that she knows whom Liz really is there's no walls between the two becoming friends and Serena doesn't feel awkward anymore around the girl. As Darien and Serena had walk up the panic table Serena couldn't help but laugh at Mina's expression. Hers jaw was hanging almost to the ground and she had eyes as wide as saucers. Hearing Serena's laughter Darien couldn't help but laugh also at the situation. Serena silence at once to hear Darien laugh. It was strange she never realize he had such a deep and rich laugh. The kind that comforts and warm the heart. "So, I guess everything's all right?" Mina asked with twinkle in her eyes as the two sat down on the benches. "Yeah, everything's all straighten out. No more misunderstanding." Darien said stealing a glimpse of Serena. Her cheeks burn as she remember her mistake and seeing Darien looking at her with those eyes only made her blush even more. "Ok, enough with the talking. I'm dying to know whether the chef of Crescent Palace approve of my cooking or not," Andrew said handing a plate to Lita. The next few hours were spent at the table eating and talking. Darien made sure that Serena got everything she wanted and was very polite to her the whole time. They made small talk but Darien never once mention the invitation to another night out the whole time. Eventually being the men that they are they got restless and decided to play a nice friendly round of basketball. The game was everything but friendly. You would have thought they were going for the championship or something. It ended up with a tie when Mina ended up apprehending the ball when it landed right in the middle of the gazebo where the girls just happened to gather. Darien hadn't mention anything about his question earlier and she was afraid he wouldn't again. Frankly it was getting Serena nervous. He stirs something in her that she hadn't felt in a long time. And it both scared and excited her at the same time. She wanted it so badly to get to know him. To know that's he's real and not just a figment of her imagination. To know that if should she ever need him he would be there and not disappear like a dream when she reach out to him. She wanted to say yes to the date but most of all yes to him. But that chance might not exist for her now. She was afraid, afraid that he would give up on her and move on and afraid that she might be falling for him and him not returning her feelings. But most of all she was afraid of losing him, of losing her one chance for true happiness. Half of her wanted to run away from these feelings but the other half told her to stay and bask in it's glory. She was to frighten and to confuse to do anything but sit there numbly listening to the girls talking. Soon it was time to go home. The day had somehow turned into nights and stars hung from the heaven. Little Chinese lanterns hang around the backyard and the moon was as beautiful as ever. It's reflection shining on the pond. Everyone went home already except for Lita, Ken, Darien, and Serena who stayed to help Mina and Andrew with the cleaning. It took awhile but eventually everything became spotless once again. "We have to go Mina. Thanks for inviting us." Lita said as she went to give Mina a hug. "Hey, it's not a big deal. I'm glad y'all have fun," "Yep! We sure did," Ken said smiling stealthily. "Lita would you like me to drive you home?" "Only if Serena can come too because we came here by the bus." "Don't worry about Serena Lita. I can take her home. You and Ken just go ahead." "Serena do you mind?" Lita asked. "Just go. God girl," a smiling Serena said but inside she was completely nervous at the thought of being a car with Darien. "Great! K, then bye everyone," Ken and Lita said as they waved to their friends. "Looks, like we should go too Serena. Are you ready?" "Yeah, I'm ready. Bye Andrew, bye Mina thanks for everything. Bye." "Don't let her slip through your fingers," Mina whispered to Darien. "Bye," the couple waved back as they look at the receding back of their friends. "They make a great couple don't they?" Mina looked up to find her husband smiling fondly at her. "Yeah, and so do we," Andrew said before he seal it with a kiss. Darien opened the door for Serena and helped her into the car. Before the he let go of her hand he slip her a soft kiss on the back of it. "And the games start once again," Serena thought as he walk around to the driver side. The drive to Serena's house was in complete silence. Darien didn't bother trying to start a conversation and so Serena didn't even try to talk. Especially when she knew her voice would crack if she say just one word. So the two rode down the road in silence. Serena staring out the window and Darien starring at her from time to time afraid that he might crash if he didn't keep his eyes on the road. Once Serena caught his reflection in the glass window and couldn't help but tease him a bit. "You, know it would be good for both of us if you keep your eyes on the road." Poor Darien being caught red handed didn't know what to say blush furiously. Serena try to submerge her laughter but it soon won and she was laughing hysterically in the car. The sight of Serena holding on to her stomach and laughing her heart out warm Darien and soon he was laughing also. They eventually settle down and the rest of the ride home was rode in a comfortable silence. Darien walked Serena up to her front door. He noticed that she already had the house key in her hand so there really was much time for him to talk to her. Maybe she didn't want to talk that why she had the key ready he thought. The image of her earlier stuttering because he had asked her flash across his head and his heart crack a little bit. Darien was about to chicken out but Mina's words rang true in his ears and he was determined to ask her once again. Serena open the door to her house and was about to enter before Darien got up the courage to ask her. "Serena?" "Yes?" she slowing turned around and was caught off guard by the intensely of Darien's eyes. "Would you...would you like...." "Just say it!" Serena thought and she was snapped out of it to the richness of Darien laughing. "Well madam, I will say it." Serena gasp when she realize she had said that out loud and her check blush a becoming pink. "Would you like to accompany me on a...shall we say a date?" Darien asked with a silly smile on his lips. For his confident was boost by Serena little outburst. Finally Serena thought. All this time and he choose this moment to ask me out. But yes of course yes she thought as the burden of the day worries lift from her shoulders. "Yes, I would like that," she said barely audible staring at the ground. Darien cupped his hand under her chin and lifted her eyes up to his. He was struck by the amount of warmth in her eyes. The two stayed in that position for what seem like eternity. They were drowning in each other eyes. They couldn't and didn't want to pull away. Slowly, very slowly their lips crept toward each other. They were only a millimeter away when Darien changes the direction of his lip and planted a kiss on Serena check. Her skin was soft like the finest silk. The spot when Darien kiss immediately flare up with heat. Darien lifted his head up and brushed the spot where he kissed her with his thumb. His hand trailed down her face slowly relishing in the feel of her soft skin. Her eyes were close and the moonlight cast a bright angelic light on her face making her seem more beautiful then ever. Her cheeks were red and her naturally curl eyelash cast a small shadow in her face that the moonlight countered. The effect was pure beauty. Darien hands drop to his side and Serena open her eyes and look up to him through her lashes. "Bye," Serena said breathlessly and went inside with her knees wobbling all the way. Darien skipped to his car with a goofy smile on his face. He had not kissed her once but three times and each more magical then the one before. Serena is really something else. She's able to bring emotions out in him that he never knew existed. He had been with other women but none of them had the ability that Serena have. None of them had the power over him that renders him powerless to them. Serena have that power over him. She makes him forget about the surrounding world and just focus on the two of them. With her he felt happy and complete. Her smile fills up his heart and course through his veins like wildfire in a prairie. Serena sigh as she steps out of the tub and wrap a towel around her. One by one she attempt to blow out the candles and drain the tub. It had been a wonderful day and what's more is that she have a date with Darien Saturday. He had called when he reached home and asked when she'll be available. Once business was taken care of Darien preceded to flirt his head off. They talked for a little while well, actually hours. Through the phone line the two were very relax with each other. There wasn't any awkward silence and they talk very freely about everything and nothing all at the same time. "Good morning everyone!" Lita sang as she entered the restaurant. "Ok, spill it what happened between you and Ken last night?" Serena eye her friend suspiciously. "Nothing, nothing at all," Lita said coolly, "What about you and Darien?" Lita retorted. "What happens between Darien and I are none of your business, but if you must know we have a date Saturday night." "I knew it! I knew there was something between y'all!" "Ok, so I spill the beans aren't you going to tell me what happened?" "Nope!" teased Lita. "Ah that's not fair! Lita!" "Hehehe, ok, ok you think someone's depriving you of something essential." "Hey! This is essential ok. So what happened?" "Nothing he drove me home and then we.... kissed," Lita cough the last word hoping that Serena would hear it. But of course nothing juicy in her friends' life goes without her knowing. "Y'all kiss. Oh my gosh! So are you guys an official item yet? Huh huh?" Serena poke Lita in the stomach trying to get the answer out of her. "Seriously, I don't know. But it feels so good just being with him you know." Lita said with a far away look in her eyes. That night when Ken had drop Lita off emotions were running haywire inside of her. During the whole drive home they were flirting and there's no way that any of them could deny it. She had liked him before but now she was crazy for him. Sure there used to be the wall between them that clearly mark; you can't date your best friend. But now it's totally different and that wall has been knock down. They haven't talk in so long and when they first saw each other today sparks were flying. These were not just sparks of admiration but sparks of love, passion, yearning, and so much more then a person who never have been in love could comprehend. Those feeling that plague her at first sight of Ken plague her then as Ken and her walk up the driveway to her apartment. They were saying their good-byes when Lita looked up to find Ken gazing at her with a goofy smile and stars in his eyes. His eyes, they pulled her in with no mercy and so Lita found herself inching closer and closer to Ken. They were so close together that one movement by any of them would have their lips end up making contact. "Are you sure Lita?" his breath brushes against her lips and made them even more flush. Ken wanted to make sure if she want this to happen. Even having her as a friend would be better than not having her at all. And if Lita regret this kiss then it would be over for them. "Yes," she replied softly rubbing her nose against his. Well, that was all the assurance Ken need. He gave her a butterfly kiss, which made her smile. He circle his arm around her waist and brought her body closer to him if that was possible and kiss her lightly but then Lita wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head down to her he deepen the kiss. When they broke apart both were gasping for air. "Wow that was some kiss!" Yeah well, so did you and Darien kiss?" Lita ask taking her mind off of Ken for a moment. "On the cheek," Serena pointed to the exact spot where she could still feel his lips on it. " So I guess Darien was being a gentleman when he kiss you huh?" "Of course, nothing heated and passionate like you and Ken," Serena tease. "Oh shut up," Lita say blushing crimson red as she threw a towel at Serena which she successful caught. Serena look through her closet one more time looking for something to wear. Darien had called and asked if she would like to go to the fair. So now Serena's trying to find something casual to wear to the fair. Outfits after outfits were tried on but none of them please her. Then she found a little outfit in the back of her closet. She hadn't worn it in so long hopefully it'll fit. She try it on and silently thanks God that it still fits. Serena look at herself in the mirror and had to smile at the image she made. She's wearing a white tank top with a blue 3-quarter sleeve poplin shirt over it and a pair of blue flares. She looks like she's a lot younger then the age of 25 but hey that's her style and she likes it. Beside she's totally comfortable in it. Now for her hair and make-up she thought as she sat down to her make-up table. She pulled her hair up into a high ponytail and tied it with a blue ribbon. After all it's the fair and you can't have your hair flying all over your face during the rides. For color she only add a bit of tented moisturizer to her face and lip-gloss to make her lips soft and shiny. Serena slip the tube of gloss into her purse and walk out into the living room to wait for Darien. Darien rang the doorbell of Serena's apartment and stood on the steps waiting for her to answer the door. "Coming!" he could hear Serena say as she head for the door. The door slowly opens to review Serena with a bashful smile. She was eyeing Darien and try hard not to show it. He's wearing a pair of khaki and a blue button down shirt. His hair as usual is comb to one side with a few tendrils falling into his eyes. "For you fair lady," Darien said as he took a single white rose out from behind him and presented it to Serena. She smiles at the gesture and took the rose gingerly into her hand and was surprise to find all the thorns gone. Darien took her hand into his and they walk out to his car together. He opened the door to his black Porsche and help Serena in. He closes the door gently and went over to the driver's side. After a fifteen-minute search of Darien's car Serena gave up trying to find any kind of music to listen to. So she turned on the radio and to her delight one of her favorite song is on. They're playing Hey Leonardo and Serena sang along to it. If Darien was asked he would have say Serena's voice sound much better than those Blessed Union guys do. The guy's voice was hard and scratchy compare to Serena's angelic sound. Her voice rang true to the beat and had warmth to it. They drove to the fair like that, Serena singing her heart out and Darien enjoying her presence. "So, where do you want to go first?" Darien asked Serena with a map of the fair ground in his hand. "I don't know yet. Why don't we just walk around see what intrigue us, k?" "K, let's go," Darien folded up the map and loop his arm around her waist. They couple walk down the stone path looking at the different booths. One offer to make a silhouettes of them for 5 dollars but both thought that there's really no way for the silhouette to capture the true beauty of each other so they decline. "Oh....Darien I want that bunny. It's so cute!" Serena grab Darien pointing his view to a large pink bunny that appears to be winking at them with one ear flop over the left eye. "Ok, lets go see what I have do to get that rabbit for you," he gently guide Serena to the booth with an old man yelling out to the pedestrians to play the game. "We would let to give it a try," Darien said nodding to the man. "That would be 2 dollars please," the man said handing Darien 5 darts. "What do I have to do to win that pink rabbit over there," "Hit the bull eye while I spin the dart board that's all," "That's all?" Darien said sarcastically. Darien folded backs the sleeves of his shirt and signals the man to start spinning the board. He's determined to get that rabbit for Serena. Even if he had to try all day, he'll get that rabbit for her. Darien stares at the bull eye carefully taking aim for his first shot. One by one he let the darts flew from his hand. Slowly so very slowly the board stop spinning and came to a complete stop. All this time Serena had cross her fingers and silently praying for Darien to make the shot. When the board came to a complete stop Serena's eyes went wide. One dart had landed on the 40 mark and 2 had landed on the 30 mark. But not one but 3 darts hit the bull eyes directly in the center of it, splitting the first two in half. Darien silently thanks God that he still has his archery skill from high school. "Yeah! Darien you did it. I can't believe!" Serena yell jumping up and down during all that time shaking Darien up quite a bit. "Here you are sir," the man handed Darien the pink bunny. "Thanks, now I wonder what will I do with this rabbit? Maybe I should give it to a toy drive or something? What do you think Serena?" Darien asks teasingly. Serena lips are in full pout mode, which made Darien laugh right out. She just looks too cute he thought. "Well, I don't know. What was your original plan for the bunny in the first place?" "Original, I was going to give it to you but now I realize you're too old for that." He eyes her with mischief in his blue orbs. "I'm not too old," Serena sound outrage, "you should see my room it have about 50 stuff animals in there, all shapes and sizes." "So, is that an invite to your bedroom?" Darien slyly. "No, don't even think about it!" she said hitting him in the arm only to feel his hard muscle not yielding to her touch. "I just kidding, don't get mad on me. Please, I'll give you the bunny?" he said waving the bunny in her face and making it dance for her. She couldn't help but laugh at Darien's attempt. He was making the puppy dog face and just look so goofy and handsome at the same time. Serena pretended to be thinking about it, then broke out into a huge smile and gave Darien a peek on the cheek. Darien grasp loosens on the bunny and Serena took the opportunity to grab the bunny from him. Serena pretend to be examine the bunny and once in a while look up through her lashes to see Darien just standing there stun. He couldn't believe Serena just kiss him. Ok so it wasn't on the lips but it was still a kiss. And any kiss that came from Serena is like an unfound treasure. Ok calm down Darien he thought. Don't want to make her think you're a goofball. He smiled at her and put back on his mask of complete confidence and coolness. "So, it is an invitation to your bedroom," he tease her. "Darien...." Serena growl at him through her teeth. "Ok, ok I'll stop," he hold his hand up defensively pretending to block her invisible blow. The rest of the day was spent walking from one booth to another. Darien proved to be a master at the booth games and pretty both Serena's and Darien's arm are flowing with prizes. By midday they had to make a trip back to the car to unload the prizes. "How about we get something to eat?" Darien asked Serena. "Yeah, that sounds good. I'm hungry," "Race ya to....," but before Darien could say anything else Serena was off running to the food stand. "So that's how you want to play huh? I get you yet Serena!" Darien called to her. "Just wait till I get my hands on you!" Serena turned her head around to find Darien gaining up on her. "Oh I'm so scare!" she said sarcastically. Just then Darien lunge on her but Serena's was too quick for him and ran away laughing. Darien stood up from the asphalt and once again tries to catch up with the girl of his dream. She has spirit that he knows and he like that. A great change from the ditzy girls he used to date. But now days it's Serena that's taking over his mind and body instead. Darien ran as fast as he could trying to catch up with her but halfway there she stop dead in her tracks. Unfortunately for Darien he couldn't stop and bump right into her and the two of them ended up on the ground. He was on top of her and she was about to tell him to get off of her when she caught that look in his eyes. That looks of passion and love that both scare and thrill Serena to the core. She was lost in his eyes. They amaze her. The colors are never the same. Sometimes they have a grayish color but now they're a deep blue and show every ounce of his emotions. Slowly ever so slowly his lips crept toward hers. "Darien?" "Oh...sorry here let me help you up," he extend his hands to help her up. Darien walks up a hill to a shaded spot beneath a cherry blossom tree with their order of foods. Serena had disappeared saying she needed to freshen up. So now here he is with two plates of hot food waiting for Serena to join him. Around him the sound of children laughing and prizes being won ring loud and clear. A few weeks ago the same sound that play a smile on his face would have made him sick. In just a short time Serena has been able to bring out this fun side to him. Usually it would be paper works that accompany him on a Saturday not a beautiful woman. "Guess who?" Serena said keeping her hands over Darien's eyes. "Well, I don't know is this Lisa, Kelly, Jen, Cristine, or is it Shelby?" he pry her hands from his eyes and slowly kiss a fingertip for each name. One by one the kiss sent chills down her spine but each time he mention another's name it kills something inside of her. 'None of them," she said sulkily pulling her hands from him and crossing them across her chest. She turns away from him and tries to stop the tears that are welling up in her eyes at the moment. "Then I guess it must be," he stood up pulling her to him until she was leaning against his chest. "The most intriguing woman alive and the most beautiful also, are you Serena?" he ask placing a butterfly kiss down her neck. It's tickle so much that Serena had to laugh. "So you're not mad?" Darien asked looking her in the eyes. "I don't know yet," with a smile on her face. "How about that late lunch?" Darien said trying to change the subject. "Ok." "So where do you want to go now?" "The Ferris wheel. We have to get a ride on it! The view is," she stopped in dead in her sentences as Darien laugh echo through out the fair ground. "And what's so funny? That you're laughing like a hyena?" Serena said hurt that he's laughing at her. "Nothing, nothing at all. It's just the way you talk you sound like a little kid that's going to the fair for the first time. I just think it's cute that's all." He thinks I'm cute? Serena smile as realization sinks in. "Ok, so you what to go on the Ferris wheel?" "Of course! Can't disappoint the little girl on her first trip to the fair." "Hey, I'm just happy ok. I forgot how being at a place like this can make all your problems seem so far away that's all. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Except the fair isn't what's taking my problems away but you are." Serena smile and Darien took that as an initiative to take her hand and walk to the line where the Ferris wheel is. The Ferris wheel crept to a stop and slower the line move. Each step Serena and Darien got closer to the front of the line. The blue sky has turned into navy blue and stars glitter from the heaven. They smile down on the people of earth as if they know something that no one else does. Fireworks litter the sky and oh and ah could be heard from everyone present. Finally Serena and Darien are at the front of the line and they are ushered into the ride. Slowly the contraption crept up higher and faster. Each time the machine accelerates Serena hold on to Darien tighter for dear life which Darien didn't really mind. He was actually enjoying the role of the night on shiny armor a bit. Eventually Serena relax and was able to enjoy the view. Everything on the fair ground looks so small. The people looked like ants and the booth were like miniature toys. Some of the pedestrians had laminating sticks so the effects were like fireflies glowing against a black canvas. The night sky was scattered with fireworks. One bye one it shoots into the night creating beauty and magic. And blue blossoming flower here and a trail of light there. The night was pure magic, something that can rarely be found in real life and is usually only save for movies. But somehow this night escape from the filmmakers and found its way to Darien and Serena. The setting was right, the lighting was right, even the atmosphere was right, now all they needed was two actors. Serena turn around to find Darien gazing at her. His raven hair flap against his face in the wind. A small smile played across his lips and spread to his eyes. The eyes shimmer with the light of the fire works and raging emotions inside of him. Serena stare into his eyes. They captivated her and made her a victim of its beauty as like-wise Darien was with her. The blue ribbon had lost its way in the wind and her hair now flies freely. Her skin is glowing with happiness and her lips soft and inviting. But her eyes, they pull him in and wouldn't let him out. They drag him under with every second and surround him in warm and serenity. Their eyes pull them together and soon their lips met in a soft kiss. Darien immediately pulls away against his heart's wishes. He looks into her blue orbs expecting to find disapproval but instead found warmth and a smile. Slowly their lips crept toward each other wanting to explore this newfound territory. Second by second went by and each an agony for the couple. Finally their lips met and it was fireworks, not because of the fireworks in the sky, but the rockets going off in their heads. The real fireworks were nothing compared to their kiss. Each felt as if they were strap to a rocket and was blasted into space. His lips play on hers and slowly he lures her out. He slips inside of her as she wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him down for better access and they dance with one another. Three months flew swiftly by that nestle the relationship of Ken and Lita. The two had gotten off to a passionate and loving romance. There was no awkwardness or uneasiness that is usually felt as they got to know each other. But instead there were total acceptance and understand from each other. The term I love you were constantly on their lips. In loving Lita, Ken found a kindred spirit and farther more a soul mate. One who he could talk freely to and not worry about being judge upon. Lita discover the man she had always wanted was right under her nose. The love that they felt as friends intensified and became the flame of passion and love. Lita never doubted the emotion that Ken feels for her and Ken found no reason to ever doubt Lita of hers. The time they had free were spent together, always in each other's arms or with the other one nearby. Lita and Serena also found their place in Mina and her circle of friends. The six girls usually gather for lunch, shopping trips, anything you just name it. The main thing is that they were having fun and got to know each other. Serena and Lita found 4 more friends to confide in and Ray, Amy, Liz, and Mina found life more beautiful with the company of these girls. Somehow with their busy schedule the six girls and their boyfriends, fianc鬠or husband found time to get together and go out. They laugh, play, joke, party and so much more. Serena and Lita are eternally grateful for the day they met their new friends and lover, whom had added a large amount of spice to their lives. During the pass months Darien became even more intoxicated with Serena every living second. Going out with her was never a burden to him but a pleasure. Just seeing her glow with happiness made everything worth while. With her he felt at ease and didn't have to pretend. Holding conversations with her are interesting and intriguing. He came to realize that not one day went by when he didn't think of her. Her image embedded in his mind. Just the thoughts of her smile sent him off to seventh heaven. Around her his emotions rage like wildfire and he couldn't help but fantasize being with her. After being with so many women he had found her. The girl or rather woman that set his heart ablaze. He's ready to tell her, to show just how much she means in his life. She had enjoyed the pass few months they had share together. Darien is kind and understanding to her needs. She felt comforted and safe around him. It had been a long time that she had felt safe around any man. She hadn't dated since college and still shudder at thought of what made her stop dating. But with Darien it's different, he doesn't pressure, judge, criticize, nor berate her. With him it's an open mind and understand or at least trying to understand and not judge who she is that embrace her. Tonight is a special night Serena could tell. The red roses that Darien had given her when he came to pick her up had proved that. Usually he would give her a single white rose but tonight he gave her a dozen red roses, all in its full glory. Each rose petal soft as silk and not the less bit bruise. The fragrances bomb-bard her nasal passage with tantalizing hints of pure love and passion. They're at Minnie's Restaurant the place where Darien took her on their first date together. Serena took a sip of her drink and survey the restaurant. The decorations are still the same except the paintings are replace with pictures of landscapes. A pity they took down the paintings Serena thought. Darien sat across her in a black tuxedo. His hair is slick back with one tiny strand of hair falling down the side of his face. The lighting gives his face a warm glow and highlights his strong jawbones. The blue eyes that first captured Serena are now glaze over and is apparently in deep thought. She could tell he wants to tell her something, He had been that like from the time he picked her up till now. Darien looks at Serena intently as if he was trying to find an answer written in her. She's wearing a soft sleeveless pearl white dress. The material flows around Serena and hugs her curves nicely. Her hair is set in curls and is clip to one side. A little curl hangs at the corner of her right eye and bounces every time she made the slightest movement. A single lit candle on the table adds warmth to her checks and made her eyes dance like fire. The picture she painted then made Darien catch his breath for the thousands time and he realize that he's not about to make a mistake by telling her. "Penny for your thoughts?" Serena ask him. "Serena I want to tell you something and I want you to promise to let me finish before you say anything," Darien said taking her hands in his. "Ok," she said looking into his eyes to find so many emotions flying. "Serena, you are the most amazing woman I've ever met. You're intelligent, funny, kind, giving, and beautiful. You are what every man wants to be his. These past few months have been the best time of my life. Being with you I feel complete somehow I can't explain it though. When I'm with you everything...everything seems right and for that moment in time I can forget about all my problems. Serena you mean a lot to me and I thank God everyday that we met that faithful day in the grocery store." Serena smile up at Darien for she was happy that he feels that way. By some degree she feels the same thing for him. But while that warms her heart it also scare her. She knows where these feelings will lead and she's scare to death of it. "What I'm try to say is that Serena I love you." Darien look into her eyes to find a very frighten child. Tears well up in them and cascade down her flawless checks. "Serena, oh Serena don't cry, did I say something wrong?" "I'm sorry Darien, I can't do this! I have to go!" she said through tears. "But where? Let me take you." "No, no I'll just take a cab!" she push her chair back and got up in the process spilling her cup of wine. "Oh I'm sorry, let me clean that," she took a napkin and hastily clean the table. "I have to go, I'm sorry Darien I just can't this. It's too hard!" she said with tears running down her face that is now wet from countless drops of tears. She grabbed her purse and run for the door. One thought and one thought alone occupies her mind. It's to just get away, away from the pain that it could cause and already cause, away from the fear, and away from the pain in Darien's eyes. She was afraid, had dreaded the day when Darien would those three words. Afraid that no matter what she couldn't say them back to him and knowing that deep in her heart she could never fully give him all of her. She was not ready to trust with her heart fully again not now and maybe not ever. Everything was going so well, why did he have to say it. Tears course down her face and blurring her vision in the process. Out of nowhere she runs into a waiter and food went flying everywhere. She picked herself up and ran to the front counter with tears and paid them for the mess she had cause and run out the door leaving a disturb Darien in his chair. He sits in his chair listening to her say something about being sorry and left. But those words flew right over his head. Over and over he keep hearing the sound of her rejection in his head. What had done wrong? Didn't she feel for him the way he feels about her? Obviously not because she just ran out the door he thought bitterly. She's the first person he ever said those three words to and now she's gone. The pain of heartbreak thrust through his veins and into his head making it throb with unbelievable pain. With her final step out of the door she took away with the light of his life and made him a barren desert. He sits stun at how one moment of utterly peace and warmth could change drastically into seething pain and misery. Just a moment ago he was so sure that he was right in telling her of his love but now the bitter black pain in his heart have prove him wrong. He had never been in the shadow of heartache till now and it engulf him without mercy. It took over his body and soul leaving him throbbing with agony. "Your dinner sir," the waiter said tapping Darien on the shoulder trying to get his attention for the last several minutes. To be continue..... Author Notes: So how was it? Write to me people. I desperately need suggestions, comments, or whatever you want to write me about. Oh yeah if you're disappointed in the kissing scenes I'm sorry. It's just that this girl never really experienced that so if y'all don't like it you have to email me with your suggestions. I was wondering if I have a homepage would y'all visit it? I need answer on this one ok, because I'm thinking about making one but if no one visit it then what's the use you know? Please write me! Until next time! :) Peace out, BluCrescent