Title: Opposite Attraction - Chapter 7 Author: Blue Ice E-mail: Blue_IceSM@hotmail.com Rated: G Hi everyone! Thanks so much for every single e-mail that all of you sent me about Opposite Attraction. I had never thought that this story would be that good. This is the last chapter of this story. Even though I'm glad to finish it, it's also kind of sad that this is the ending. The reason why chapters 5 and 6 weren't posted on Sunday was because my internet provider broke down. At least I think that's what happened. Since the weekend of July 25, I haven't been able to read any new stories. And I had no idea that there were new policies about sending in stories. I didn't even know Sailor Skuld resigned until she replied my mail and told me about everything. So I'm very sorry to Andrea, who had to put up with me. And also all the readers who wanted to read chapters 5 and 6. Well, I think that's all I have to say. I'll let you read the rest now ...... --*-- Serena closed her eyes as she listened to the steadily increasing rhythm of Darien's heartbeat. "Darien?" she asked softly. "Ya?" "I just wanted to make sure you're really here." she said with a sigh and pressed her cheek against his chest. Darien smiled down at the angel in his arms and gently kissed the top of her head. "I'll always be here." he replied and leaned his head against Serena's. With a tiny smile, Serena let go of Darien reluctantly. "Do you promise that?" she asked as her eyes became misty. "I promise." he answered simply and looked deeply into her eyes. A flash of emotion passed between them as Serena's mouth opened slightly as if she was trying to say something. But no words came out. "Serena....I. I have to tell you something." "Yes?" she looked up to him hopefully. 'Do you love me Darien?' Serena thought silently as she waited for him to speak. "I....I think....um...." Darien stuttered. "Hey you two!!" "Ahhhh!!" Serena fell into Darien's arms as she was pushed from the back. "Oh sorry! I didn't mean to..." Rei giggled. Looking up to Darien through her thick lashes, Serena's cheeks turned red with a becoming blush. Standing up on her own feet, Serena turned to face Rei. "I can't believe that people actually loved my song! This is the happiest day of my life!!" Rei jumped up and down as she hugged Serena fiercely. "Uh....Rei...I, I can't breathe." Serena squeaked out as Darien chuckled slightly. "Gosh I'm sorry!" Rei laughed and let go of her best friend. "You were so awesome! I mean I had no idea that you were performing tonight. You actually wrote that song all by yourself?" Serena asked incredulously. "You better believe it!" Rei beamed happily. "It was so beautiful and touching....I almost wanted to cry." Serena said honestly as she blinked back her tears. Rei's eyes became blurry as she felt extremely overwhelmed. "Gees Meatball head. You pick the worse times to be mushy." Rei laughed slightly as she reached up a hand to wipe away some tears that had already escaped her violet eyes. They embraced one last time and smiled brightly. "Well, I've got some more autographs to sign. There's actually a line, and....and the security guards had to keep all the people from destroying the stage settings! I'm just so...ah...I can't even explain it!" Rei covered her mouth with her hands and screamed. "Then you better hurry. I don't think they can hold back all those fans any longer." Serena giggled and pointed to a huge crowd of screaming people. "Thanks Serena!" Rei hugged her briefly and ran back to the stage. "Look at her. She's so happy." Serena sighed as she watched after Rei. Meanwhile Darien gazed down at Serena's glowing face. 'She is so amazing.' he thought as Serena turned to face him again. Just as Darien was about to say something.... "Serena honey! There you are!" Irene came rushing to her daughter with a pot of irises. "Look what I bought!" she held up the pot happily. "Ya another one of her collections. I tell you I'm allergic to all the pollen. Why can't you buy a necklace or...or a dress....always flowers...." Ken muttered as he joined his wife. He suddenly realized that there was stranger with them. "Who are you?" he asked as he eyed him closely. 'And standing so close to my daughter...too close.' he thought disapprovingly. "Uh....this is Darien. He's my friend." Serena looked over to her mother for help. "Oh Darien. It's nice to meet you finally." she extended her hand for a handshake. "It's nice to meet you too Mrs. Tsukino." Darien nodded and smiled lightly. "I...I can't thank you enough for saving Serena's life. I'm just so thrilled that you're doing alright." she smiled engagingly at him. 'Nice young man. They make such a cute couple.' she thought as she gazed warmly at her daughter and Darien. "Darien. I owe you my gratitude for saving Serena. It meant alot to me. You're always welcome at our house." Ken said and stepped up to Darien. Extending his hand unexpectedly, Ken looked into Darien's eyes. They were sincere and in his heart he knew that his little girl was growing up. "Oh um....please Mr. Tsukino, it was really nothing. Serena means alot to me....oh I mean in a friendship kind of...way" Darien stuttered. "I know you do." Ken nodded, his features softening under the evening glow of the lights. Serena suddenly blushed, listening carefully to her father and Darien's conversation. Inside, she was thrilled that they were getting along. "What do you plan to do with your life?" Ken asked flat out as Darien reached out his hand with a firm but respectful handshake. "Huh? oh....I plan to be a doctor sir." Darien answered nervously. "I guess that's a good profession." Ken nodded and smiled a stern smile. "Dad! Are we going to the video store or not!!???" Sammy hollered as he waited impatiently by the car. "We'll be right there!" Irene waved back as Sammy slumped his shoulders. "We promised to take Sammy to the video store since he got an A on his science test. The mall is open until midnight tonight. I guess we better go." Irene smiled up to Darien who unknowingly took Serena's hand into his. Before her husband noticed, Irene quickly dragged him away. There are just some things that he has a hard time eccepting....like some college guy holding his only daughter's hand. "Be home by 1 o'clock ok?" she asked Serena. "Ya mom." Serena smiled and leaned against Darien's shoulder. "I love you sweetie!" she hollered as they walked to their car. "Love you too mom!" Serena giggled and waved as they drove away. "It seems like we always get interrupted at the worse times." Serena giggled as she and Darien walked slowly to find the rest of the girls. "I wonder what Mina, Ami, and Lita are doing. I haven't seen them in a while." Serena looked around the park searching for her friends. "Let's go get some food. I'm starving!" Serena suddenly grabbed Darien's hand, and dragged him all the way to the food stands. Darien laughed as Serena squealed happily. ------------------- <> ------------------- "Oh look at the time. I think I'd better go home." Serena smiled tiredly and pulled at her dress. "Ya. I'll give you a ride." Darien smiled and took her hand in his. It was becoming a habit for them now. Giggling Serena let Darien lead her to his car. During the ride home, Serena leaned against the seat comfortably as she gazed out the window at the passing objects. Stars had already appeared in the dark sky as a few scattered clouds covered the bright crescent moon. Night scenery was always one of Serena's favorites. It was so peaceful and serene. Serena sighed deeply as she began to doze off. "Serena? Wake up?" Darien gently shook her shoulder. Serena turned and stirred, muttering something incoherent. "Oh muffin...I'm so glad....you here......" Darien chuckled and shook his head. 'Who's muffin?' he asked himself wonderingly. "Serena? We're here." He shook her harder. "What....huh?....I'm up, I'm up..." she yawned and stretched her arms lazily. "Were you dreaming?" Darien smiled and asked. "Ya....it was so sweet...." she looked down to her hands folded in her lap and smiled. "What was it?" he asked as Serena blushed. "Oh....uh nothing really. It was just a silly dream." Serena looked up to Darien's handsome face. "I better go." she said softly and got out swiftly. "Wait." Darien grabbed her wrist as she just shut the car door. "Did you have fun tonight?" he asked her as he pulled her close to him. "Ya....I'm glad you were with me." Serena giggled lightly as Darien stored in the tingling sound of her sweet voice. "I'm glad too." Darien leaned his forehead against hers as he gently rubbed her knuckles. Darien's watch beeped a couple of times as it turned 1 o'clock. "It's 1 o'clock. I....I should go in." Serena whispered as her eyes lids slowly covered her seemingly slumberous eyes. This was all too familiar as she leaned towards him slowly. "Serena...." Darien murmured before......"I....I uh better go before your father comes out." Darien hastily turned away from her tempting lips as Serena's eyes opened slowly from her daze. "Oh... right." she sighed at the lost moment. "Good night." Darien kissed the back of her hand softly and smiled. "Bye." Serena brushed away a piece of hair from her face as Darien walked around to his car. She watched longingly as Darien pulled out of her driveway. And waving one last time, he drove away. "Serena? Hello??" Mina waved a hand in front of Serena's expressionless face. "Earth to Meatball head!" she giggled as Serena finally came out of her daydream. "Dreaming again?" Lita asked and placed her drink aside. "I was just thinking....." everyone sweat dropped. "Serena? Thinking?" Rei looked to Ami and shrugged. The girls were spending a nice afternoon at the café ¥njoying some ice cream and away from the sweltering summer day. "Oh this is impossible!" Serena moaned agitatedly and leaned back into her booth. "What is?" Ami asked curiously. "Darien...and... ..and me! This whole thing between us is just driving me insane! It's so confusing!" Serena let out her frustration and rubbed her temples. "So you guys are a couple!" Mina cheered and leaned in closer to the table. "Spill it. I want to know every juicy detail of your secret love affair." "Love Affair!!???" the girls looked over to Mina. "She's just been reading my romance novels. Told you they were good." Lita winked as everyone just hung their heads. "Go ahead Serena." Ami encouraged. She knew Serena wanted to tell them something. "Well....I don't even know how we ever started to like each other....as friends I mean. I think it was the day when he told me.....um never mind about that part." Serena reconsidered her options. She didn't want to tell anyone of Darien's past without asking him. "What part?" Mina asked as everyone was getting interested. "I....I can't tell you. I'm sorry if I'm hurting your feelings. But it's something important to Darien and even though he told me, I don't want to be untrustworthy." Serena looked apologetically to her best friends. It really did make her feel bad, not being able to tell them. But this was too personal. It was Darien's past, a part of him that now belongs to her too. "We understand." Rei smiled lightly to reassure her. "You don't have to tell us anything that makes you feel guilty ok?" Lita said as Serena smiled. "Go on." Mina propped her elbows on the table. "Well....after the accident, all I could think of was how much I missed being with him. It's like a whole part of me died the instant he was taken away from me. I know it's strange, and I can't explain it." she continued. "I had thought that I really lost him when I saw him with Claire the day I went to pick him up." "Oh." the girls nodded, putting the pieces together. Everything was making sense now. "And last night, he came to me out in the garden after I ran out of the restaurant. He was so sweet and....and warm. I remember he held me in his arms and he told me that I was beautiful and.....and we almost....." she trailed off, the rest clear to the girls. "Oh if it wasn't for us....if we had just stayed inside instead of snooping around..." Ami sighed as the girls looked down in shame. "No.....don't say that. If that was our destiny, then nothing you say or do can change it. Besides, I wasn't even sure of my feelings. Things were just too complicated. And they still are." Serena smiled as the girls nodded. "Are you sure of them now?" Rei asked as Serena finished telling them everything. "Your feelings for him I mean." Serena shook her head slightly. "He probably doesn't feel anything for me but friendship. It's really no use. I mean he's a brilliant, handsome, sweet man....and, and I'm just nothing but a high school girl. Why would he want me when he can have any girl he desires. There's plenty of mature, sophisticated, beautiful women that would die to date him." Serena sighed deeply as she almost lost all of her hopes. "He chose you over Claire. Doesn't that mean something?" Lita asked as the girls smiled. "He did, didn't he?" Serena sat up suddenly and a small smile spread across her lips. "But.....maybe he just didn't like her..." Serena sunk back into the seat in misery. The door suddenly opened, as a tall, young man walked in and sat down at the counter. "Darien! hey bud. Haven't seen you in a while. How's going?" Andrew hollered as he poured him a drink. "Two more weeks of finals and I'm free.....well until Fall that is. Then I'm taking my masters." he said and sighed. "Work and school? You must be exhausted." Andrew laughed as he wiped some water spills on the counter. "Hey how come you're not at the hospital. I thought you do volunteer work there on Sundays?" Andrew asked. "Oh the kids went to camp. It's about three weeks." Darien replied as he caught something familiar from the corner of his eye. Turning around slowly, he found himself staring into two large beautiful blue eyes. Smiling softly, Darien slightly waved to Serena. Andrew leaned back and watched the two knowingly as the girls looked at each other. "And she thinks she doesn't have a chance..." Mina elbowed Lita and giggled. Feeling her cheeks becoming warm, Serena turned away and looked down at the napkin she was twisting in her hands. 'Why am I so nervous?' she asked herself and peeked up from under her eyelashes. Darien had turned away also. He was now talking to Andrew again. "Did I just imagine that?" Andrew smiled and punched Darien slyly in the arm. "So when do plan to tell her?" he asked as Darien moaned. "Would you stop that already. I....I can't just go up to her and say...Hi Serena. I really like you. Maybe you'd like to go out to dinner sometimes?" Darien shook his head. "It's not that simple." Andrew sighed and looked over to Serena who was blushing madly. "How do you even know she doesn't feel the same way. Did you see how she looked at you?" Darien chuckled slightly. "That doesn't mean anything Andrew. Anyway, I've got to go study. See ya." Andrew laughed slightly. "Don't work yourself to death." Darien was walking to the door, when he suddenly stopped in front of Serena's table. Looking at each other intently, neither could think of anything to say. "Hi." Darien finally said as Serena smiled. "I guess we won't be seeing each other today. The kids went to camp and won't...." "Ya I know." Serena replied as she stood up. "Are you still taking finals?" Serena asked and mentally smacked herself. It was really an awkward situation and she couldn't think of anything to say. "Ya, I still have two more weeks, and...then I'll be done." Darien answered and ran a hand through his ebony hair. They both suddenly cracked up at their pointless conversation. "I feel stupid." Serena giggled and looked up to the ceiling. Chuckling, Darien took Serena's hand and led her outside. "Where are we going?" Serena asked while she followed Darien to his car. "Just somewhere I always go to think." he answered simply as he turned on the engine. Serena smiled lightly and leaned back against the seat. The whole ride there was spent in silence as Serena watched Darien's hand on the shift gear. It was something about his large, masculine hands that Serena just couldn't stop take her eyes off. She suddenly blushed as her mind begin to get crazy ideas. 'Serena. Don't get your hopes up. You'll just end up hurt.' she said to herself and looked out the window. "Uh....did you guys see what I just saw?" Lita asked as they watch Darien and Serena drive away. "Now that was romantic." Mina sighed and leaned back lazily. "Where do you think they're going?" Ami wondered. "Probably somewhere private. Away from prying eyes. Somewhere serene, romantic, and beautiful....." Lita trailed off as the girls giggled. "Oh my god! What are we doing here??!!" Serena grabbed on to Darien's arm as she looked down from the roof of a 50 story building downtown Tokyo. "Isn't this great!?" Darien laughed as he led her to the edge. "I think I'm going to pee my pants!" Serena's legs felt like jelly as she saw tiny ant size cars passing below. "You think up here?" she asked as she clutched the railing tightly. "You can see everything up here. The vast sky, the busy streets. It's a great place to be alone." Darien smiled and looked next to him at Serena. "Wow! Look at all those people walking down there." Serena squinted her eyes. "This is so cool!" She laughed exuberantly and stretched her arms above her head. "What do you feel?" Darien asked as he watched her every movement. "I....I feel the wind. And it's soft and breezy..." Serena trailed off as she turned her face towards the wind. Two streamers of golden hair flapped wildly as the wind whipped around Serena's body. "The wind's quite strong.....whoa!" Serena spun around as a gust of wind lifted up her skirt. Darien turned away slightly as her lifted skirt gave him a full glimpse of her gorgeous legs and buttocks. Serena looked down with a blush and pushed her skirt down. They spent a good half an hour just standing on the roof. Once in a while, Serena would look up to Darien with an admirable gaze. She never realized how beautiful he was, if beautiful could be used to describe a man. And the nonchalant way he would close his eyes to feel the powerful wind made her heart beat like drums. For some unexplainable reason, Serena followed the contour of his shoulders down his strong arms...and lower and lower....to his hands that tightly gripped the railing. 'Wouldn't it be so romantic if he'd touch me....' Serena blushed suddenly as she scolded herself mentally for thinking such things. "You ready?" Darien asked as Serena was snapped out of her daze. "Ya. Let's go." she smiled up to him warmly. Looking around them one last time, Darien gently nudged Serena to the stairs. "I'm glad you took me there today. It was amazing." Serena said as they walked towards her house. Darien just smiled and grabbed her hand in his. 2 weeks later.... "Darien! There you are. Come with me to my office. I need to discuss some important issues with you." Dr. Saruki hollered as he spotted Darien. "Oh....Alright." Darien smiled and followed. "I would like to introduce you to Dr. Bryan." Dr. Saruki gestured as an American man stood up to greet Darien. "Nice to meet you." they both said in English. "Please sit down." Dr. Saruki said as he took out some files. "Now...you must be wondering why I'm here...." Dr. Bryan began. "Me? Sir?" Darien asked in astonishment. "Why yes. You're the finest student here at Juuban and I'd definitely want to have you at our university." Dr. Bryan explained. "So what do you think?" he asked Darien, who all of a sudden couldn't speak. "I...uh.." "I am leaving Japan in a three days for the States. You're ticket is already paid for and I highly recommend that you think this over carefully. It is an once in a life time opportunity." Dr. Bryan shut his brief case and smiled. "I don't think I can really back down on this offer sir." Darien answered and took a deep breath. "You have potential Darien. I'd hate to see it wasted." Dr. Bryan stood up and offered his hand. "I'll be expecting to hear from you by tomorrow. I hope you'll make the right decision." he nodded as they shook hands. "Dr. Saruki. I'll see you tomorrow at the board meeting. Good day gentlemen." he nodded his head and shut the door behind him. "Well. What do you think Darien?" Dr. Saruki asked and sat down in his chair. "I think I need more time to make my decision." Darien replied as he picked up his books. "Your thesis was acknowledged two weeks ago. This might be the single most important step of your life. What else can stop you but yourself?" he asked. He had thought that maybe it was because of his niece Claire. But then remembered how she told him they just wanted to be friends. "Actually there is something....or rather someone that's stopping me." Darien sighed as he turned the doorknob. "Whatever it is, or whoever it is, it can't be more important than this." Dr. Saruki shook his head. Darien sighed deeply. "I really don't understand it myself." Dr. Saruki chuckled. "Oh by the way. Claire wishes you the best luck. Whatever that means." Darien nodded in understanding. "I'm sorry that I disappointed you sir. But Claire and I...." "I know Darien. I know perfectly well." Dr. Saruki smiled. "Well goodbye professor. I'll be sure to call tomorrow." "Good luck Darien." Darien waved slightly and left the room. Darien spent the rest of the afternoon and evening agonizing over the hardest choice he had ever had to make. It was either Serena or America. "She'll probably be heartbroken." Darien thought, then sighed. 'You don't even know if she even feels anything towards you. Damn it!' Darien paced back and forth, each time wanting to pick up the phone and call Serena for help. Maybe she'd know what to do. No, this was his decision; the single most important decision of his life. 'What am I going to do?' "Serena....are you alright? You look depressed." Lita asked softly. Serena has been quietly thinking to herself for the last thirty minutes as everyone else happily carried on their conversations. Raising her head, Serena sighed deeply. "To tell you the truth...." "Going to study abroad? Is he?" Mina asked as Serena told them what was bothering her. "He told me that his thesis was acknowledged and he's been invited to an university in America." Serena looked down sadly. "Well it be long?" Rei asked. Serena nodded as she remembered what had happened just yesterday. ********** Darien had called her unexpectedly Saturday morning just when Serena was getting out of bed. He had said that he wanted to tell her something very important. "I need to see you." was what he said to her on the phone. Immediately Serena's heart sped up in anticipation. Maybe he was going to tell her he loved her. Serena had thought at the moment. She answered with an unsteady "Yes Darien" as she clutched the phone tightly beside her ear. Putting on a cute yellow sun dress that stopped right below her knees, Serena quickly left her house to meet Darien. When she reached the park breathlessly, Darien was already there waiting for her. He had been standing there tiredly with his hands in his pockets. "Darien?" Serena had called out. At the sound of her sweet voice, Darien turned to face her. His eyes immediately fell over her lovely appearance. Not wanting to make things more difficult, Darien turned away from her. Serena at the moment was slightly hurt. He didn't even say hello to her. Deciding that that was insignificant to get upset about, Serena waited patiently for Darien to speak. After a while of standing in silence, Darien sighed deeply. "Serena. This is really hard for me to tell you." Darien started. But nothing in the world would have prepared Serena for the next thing he said. She had been helpless but to gasp in shock as she listened carefully to Darien's steady words. He was leaving her? "For a year....or perhaps, a little longer than that....I won't be back." he had told her as they stood over a small bridge, watching the tiny ripples of the creek, as the light breeze blew over the clear water. "Would it be okay?" Darien had asked hopefully. "I'm ...I'm alright. What's wrong with America?" Serena replied as her hands tightened unknowingly over the railing. Darien looked down to her with a sad expression as he listened to her broken voice. "It doesn't mean that we can't see each other forever." she said as she turned her watery gaze up to him. "And I'll always remember you." she said as she bowed her head. Darien could do nothing but looked down regretfully at her small dejected form. "Good luck in your studies." ************ Serena sighed as she remembered saying goodbye to Darien. "Serena....are you really okay?" Lita asked. Looking up, Serena nodded. "It's okay. One of his dreams is coming true and I have to see him off, smiling....." Serena replied shakily. "Serena.....don't, don't do this to yourself." Rei looked across the table with concern at Serena. "I'm okay, I tell you." Serena smiled sheepishly and scratched the back of her head. The girls watched with knowing looks as Serena walked down the street by herself. The sun was starting to set as a orange glow cast over her figure. "With such an unexpected turn of things, it must by very hard for her." Lita said sadly. "Just when they realized that they cared for each other." Ami shook her head. "She must be so lonely and heartbroken. The poor thing." Mina sighed. "I hope she'll be alright." Rei looked down as the girls just stood there watching as Serena's form became smaller and smaller in the distance. Back in her room, Serena sat on her bed sadly as she gazed out the window at the tiny stars. "What am I going to without him?" she said to herself with tears in her eyes. "Serena...." Serena turned toward her door at the new voice. "Mom." Irene smiled warmly. "Cheer up sweetie." she said as she walked towards her daughter. "But I can't ...." Serena whimpered and collapsed on her bed. "Serena...." "All this time I never figured out my feelings. And, and now that I have, it's too late." Serena cried. "Darien is going away. He's going to study abroad. To be honest....I, I wanted to say no. Please stay with me." Serena cried into her soft blanket as Irene sat down next to her daughter. "Oh sweetie." "I'm not so strong...." Serena sobbed as Irene gently brushed away some hair from Serena's face. "Don't say that honey. You're a very strong young woman. Remember how Darien was fighting for his life? Remember how desperate and hopeless you had been? But you still believed and had faith. And because you were there for him, and you were strong, he made it. Do you remember that?" Irene asked as she gathered Serena into her warm embrace. "Mom...." Serena wiped away her tears and gazed into her mother's kind face. "Let's see him off with a smile hum?" Irene encouraged as Serena wrapped her arms around her tightly. ________ "New Japan Airlines to New York. All passengers should proceed to the departure gate." the intercom announced as Darien sighed. "It's time...." Suddenly another small voice interrupted Darien's thoughts. "Darien...." Darien turned with a suitcase in his hand to see Serena standing sadly before him in her school uniform. "Serena..." he said longingly as she raised her head to look at him. They stared at each other, neither wanted to say anything, afraid that they'll lose control of their emotions. Taking a deep breath, Serena walked bravely up to Darien. "I thought you weren't coming because of school....." "I'll be waiting!" Serena suddenly said cutting Darien off. Darien looked down to her pleading eyes as he softened at her innocent face. "I'll be waiting for you..." she said again, this time more maturely. "For the time being, I will be so busy that I won't contact you so often..." Darien said as Serena nodded in understanding. "That's alright....I'll write to you everyday...., so...." she couldn't go on as warm tears rolled down her flushed cheeks. Darien gasped slightly as his heart broke. "Oh, no.....I planned to see you off with a smile today...." Serena looked down as she tried to wipe away her tears. She had wanted to be brave for him. 'Serena....' Darien wanted to reach out his hand and comfort her so badly. "Serena...." Darien said as Serena looked up to him. In his hand was a velvet box. "What..." Serena looked at it blankly as she took the box. "Open it." Darien smiled. Opening it slowly and carefully, Serena gasped at her teary eyes fell the content within. "Oh..." Serena couldn't speak as she stared at the shiny object. "Here." Darien bent down and set his suitcase down on the floor. Taking the golden star shaped object out, he held it by the thin chin and put it around Serena's neck. "I don't understand...." Serena took the object and held it gently in her hands. "It's, it's a locket I've had since I was little. Keep it so that whenever you feel lonely, you can always listen to it and remember me." he replied as Serena opened the lid. A soft melody began to play as her eyes widened. "Darien...." she launched herself into his arms as she buried her head in his chest. "Thank you. I'll treasure it." she smiled happily as Darien's strong arms wrapped around her petite body. 'Oh sweet Serena. I'm so sorry.' Darien murmured silently. "This is the last call for Flight 547 from Tokyo to New York." the announcer said loudly. Letting go of Darien reluctantly, Serena turned towards the terminal. "I guess it's time for you to go." Darien nodded sadly as he picked up his suitcase. "Come on let's go." he said as he took Serena's hand and walked dreadfully to the gate. Giving his ticket to the flight attendant, Darien looked back to Serena. No matter how hard she told herself not to cry in front of Darien, she couldn't help herself as tears rolled down her cheeks nonstop. "I'll miss you." Serena whimpered as she reached out her hand to him. Taking her small hand in his, Darien kissed it gently. "Goodbye Serena.....I ..." "Sir. It's time to go." he was cut short as the flight attendant called for him by the terminal. "Go Darien. Just go." Serena closed her eyes tightly, not wanting to watch him leave. She felt his grasp loosen as he backed away from her slowly. Opening her eyes, Serena saw his retreating back for just a few seconds. Then....he was gone. "No.....god." Serena's heart shattered as she ran away from the windows that gave her the view of the runway. She ran and ran until she was at the front entrance. Stopping suddenly, she looked up the flight lists. "Departure: Tokyo to New York nonstop: Departing time 10:35." she softly murmured. The electronic clock next to the list turned 10:33 as Serena looked back, taking deep shallow breathes. "Oh god. I have to see him off!" Serena cried as she ran back as fast as she could up the escalator and around the corner to find... ...nothing. No Darien. Just other passengers waiting for their flights. Looking out the huge windows, she saw that his plane was slowly turning to the runway. Pressing her hands against the glass, Serena's eyes closed slowly as she tried to contain her oncoming tears. "Darien...." She watched as the plane was in position. She watched until the plane slowly begin to increase in speed. She watched until it lifted itself off of the runway and swiftly into the air. "Oh my love...." she said softly as her breath fogged up the glass. "Serena!" gasping at the familiar voice, Serena blanked her eyes furiously, thinking that she was hallucinating. Was that? Was that? "Darien!" Serena's eyes became misty as she saw her one true love standing before her. He was still there. But his plane. She turned to the window as she saw a tiny speck in the far distance. "You're...." "I can't leave you." Darien stepped forward as his own eyes became glazed with unshed tears. "But....but....your dream.... everything you've ever wanted...." "I want you....Serena." Darien put down his suitcase as he stopped two feet away from her. "I love you." he finally said as Serena gasped. Putting her hands over her puffy eyes, Serena backed away not believing what she was hearing. "Oh this is not true. I'm....I'm just imagining. This can't be true." she shook her head furiously. Whatever kind of fantasy world she was in has put a strange spell over her heart. "Open you eyes Serena. I'm here." Darien took her hands away from her face and lifted her chin to face him. "Did you hear me? I love you." he said slowly as Serena's features softened. "Darien! Oh Darien! I love you so much. I thought I would never get a chance to tell you!" Serena cried as she launched into Darien's awaiting embrace. "Serena....how I've waited so long for this moment." Darien whispered huskily into her ear. "Please don't leave me. Don't leave me." Serena cried into his shirt as Darien chuckled. "I'll never leave you again. I love you Serena. I love you so much I thought my heart would burst. I wanted to tell you so many times." he confessed as Serena laughed exuberantly. "Darien...ahh!" she giggled as Darien picked her up and twirled them around and around until they were both dizzy. Never have they felt this much joy and love for anyone before. Setting her down gently, Darien smiled softly down to her. "Serena...." he said as their fingers entwined together. "All those times, you were trying to tell me that you loved me?" Serena asked as looked into his loving eyes. Darien nodded with a lopsided grin. Serena looked down with a soft, content smile and turned away from him. "What is it?" Darien asked as he put his arms around her waist and turned her around to face him. "I...I can't believe that we love each other. I was so afraid that I would lose you. How can I ever live without you, your smile, your eyes...." Serena whispered as she reached up her hand to touch his face tenderly. Covering her hand with his, Darien leaned down slowly towards her face. Their lips barely touched as Serena suddenly giggled."What's so funny?" Darien asked as he chuckled at her expression. "Your hand's tickling me." Serena answered and looked up to Darien with a blush. Realizing what she meant by that, Darien moaned with a chuckle and leaned his head against hers. "So what if you're so irresistible." He said as he grasped her buttocks affectionately again and pushed her closer to him. Without giving her time to respond, his lips crushed to hers passionately. His hands ran slowly over Serena's back as she moaned slightly. "Darien...." Serena whispered as he kissed down her smooth, ivory neck, liking the taste of her sweet skin. Running her fingers through his luscious hair, she nudged him slightly. "I don't ever want to be apart from you again. Promise me that." Serena urged as he kissed her across her flushed cheeks. "You have my word, Serena, always." he said softly as he captured her lips with a long, sweet kiss. The End! * Yeah!!! I'm finally done!! So....what did you think? I would like to thank everyone out there who's been reading my stories and writing me! You guys are the best ever! I really needed your support and encouragement. I would have stopped writing because of school if it weren't for your constant demand for new chapters. Opposite Attraction was so fun to write and I am so happy that so many people have written me and told me that they loved this story. Thank you so very much! Please write me and tell me what you thought of the ending. Two more new stories are coming out soon, so stay tuned! Sayonara! <3 Blue Ice P.S. Most of the dialogue from the part when Serena and the girls are talking about Darien leaving Japan and before Darien and Serena said goodbye at the airport are taken from episode 173. Just had to make that clear. Bye everyone!