      Chance Encounters


      Author: aria


      Rated: NC17



      Epilogue
      December 1999
      Serena covered her face with her handbag as she strode past the crowd of 
      reporters into the building. It had been over a year since that fateful 
      night and reporters were still after her and Darien for interviews.
      It was concluded that Nephlite and Fabienne were the ones that had been 
      terrorizing them and the case was closed. It was so sad how things ended. 
      Darien and Serena paid for a proper funeral, they were their friends for 
      so long that it only seemed right.
      Serena sighed. The reporters were so tiresome. It seemed like everyone was 
      after them for movie deals or book deals and interviews. And all because 
      she was seeing one of he world's most eligible bachelors. But it was the 
      price she'd have to pay to be with him. And because of that she did it 
      gladly. Didier smiled and waved at her. She waved at him as she swept past 
      the desk and got into the elevator. Serena didn't feel like talking to 
      anyone. She just wanted to go home and relax with Darien. She shook her 
      head wearily. It had been a very long day. She had gone to her agent to 
      get things settled over her book that was due to come out in a few weeks. 
      Serena decided to write her and Darien's story herself. She was an English 
      major after all.
      Serena leaned against the back of the elevator and thought about what had 
      happened over the past year. Afterwards, after all of the drama, Serena 
      unofficially moved in with Darien in Paris. She then flew back and forth 
      between school and Paris. She managed to arrange a compromise with her 
      professors, she got to spend her time in France with Darien while she got 
      the lectures over the web and she would return to present seminars and for 
      final exams. It worked for her. But now that she'd graduated last spring 
      she moved all of her stuff over and settled in with Darien. She still had 
      her apartment in Vancouver but she sublet to Mina and Lita.
      Now, after all the upheaval and adjusting to new surroundings, life was 
      beginning to get back to normal. Happily, Serena walked in the door. She 
      looked forward to spending some time with Darien. She hadn't seen very 
      much of him in weeks. For the past couple months he had been busy 
      preparing for the Millennium, coordinating his concert for the new years 
      celebration. It was suppose to be the biggest party ever and he had been 
      working himself ragged over it. He was to play just hours before the clock 
      struck midnight for the million people projected to attend. From how he 
      looked when he got home late every night, Darien was working very hard. 
      But today he decided to take the evening off so that they could spend some 
      much needed time together.
      Darien sat on the couch with a golden haired man laughing. They stood up 
      when they saw her.
      "Jadeite!" She ran over and gave him a hug. "It's great to see you! You're 
      looking well!" She took off her coat and boots and put them in the closet. 
      Serena sat next to Darien and gave him a kiss. "So what's up?" The three 
      of them had gotten to be very good friends since the night. The doctors 
      told them that if it hadn't been for Serena he probably wouldn't have made 
      it. Serena was just glad that she could help her friend. Jadeite stopped 
      by all the time just to say hi and hang out, but lately he was scarcely 
      seen. "We haven't seen much of you lately."
      He grinned happily. "I was just telling Darien that I've got a new 
      girlfriend."
      *That would explain it!* Serena's eyes widened. "That's great!" She gave 
      him another hug.
      "Is she anyone I know?"
      "You bet your ass baby!"
      Serena spun around at the familiar voice. "Raye!" She ran to her friend 
      and gave her a hug. "When? How?" She couldn't seem to move beyond one 
      syllable words.
      "You didn't think that I would let you be the only one with an 
      international guy did you?" She sat next to Jadeite, laughing along with 
      her new boyfriend.
      "Hey what about us?
      Serena turned again. One by one Lita, Mina, Malachite, Kyle, Andrew and 
      Seiya filed out of the kitchen.
      "Oh my god! You guys! What are you doing here?" She ran to them for a 
      group hug.
      Seiya smiled. "You're guy over there thought for some reason that you 
      might've missed us. And who are we to turn down a free trip eh?"
      Andrew turned to Darien. "Beautiful plane man!"
      Darien smiled at them all. "Thanks. Glad that you could all make it." He 
      looked out the window at the snow covered city. It was the first break he 
      had in months and he looked forward to spending it with Serena and her 
      friends. "What would you guys like to do first?"
      Everyone started shouting their ideas. Darien held up his hands. "Sorry I 
      asked!" he laughed. "Since you will be here for a few days how about we 
      spread it out a bit?"
      Serena looked at them. "You're here for new years then? Great! Which hotel 
      are you at?" She went to the fridge for some mineral water.
      Mina shook her head. "We're just down the street from you!" She looked 
      very excited.
      "We're in a studio a few buildings down!" Darien had set them up in an 
      apartment down the street from their own place. They had just finished 
      unpacking and rushed over to surprise Serena. "We love your guys' place!" 
      she looked at Malachite. "We have to get a place like this."
      Serena's eyes widened. "What?"
      "We're moving in together!" Mina and Malachite smiled happily.
      "That's fantastic you guys!" Serena gave them another hug. Then looked at 
      the rest of them. "So anything else I should know about? Raye and Jadeite 
      are going out, Malachite and Min are moving in together." She raised her 
      brow at Andrew, Kyle, Seiya and Lita. "How about you guys?"
      "Well as a matter of fact," Andrew put his arm around Lita's shoulders and 
      smiled.
      "You guys!" Serena hugged them. "This is so great!" She looked at the 
      remaining two. They laughed at her expectant look.
      "If you're expecting me to throw my arms around Seiya you've got another 
      thing coming." Kyle backed away from him.
      Laughing, Serena hugged them anyway. "Aw, you'd make such a cute couple 
      though!"
      Everyone laughed. They sat and talked about what had been going on since 
      they last saw each other.
      A few hours later they were walking down the street towards the Eiffel 
      Tower. There was activity everywhere under it and on it. They were doing 
      final checks on the fireworks display for the following night. They all 
      walked past watching the people bustling about.
      Serena linked arms with Darien and smiled. She couldn't believe that he 
      flew her friends over, he was so sweet. "How did you have time to arrange 
      all this, Darien?"
      "I had a spare moment here and there." Darien looked at her smiling face. 
      He felt that he had been neglecting Serena and wanted to make it up to 
      her. What better way then to bring her friends over for the big party? He 
      didn't tell her that her parents were also on their way. He wanted it to 
      be another surprise.
      Darien put his arm around her waist. He had hardly been around but she 
      never complained once. Instead, Serena had supported him every step of the 
      way and even helped him where ever she could. He smiled when he remembered 
      her bringing him a picnic for him and his crew at the concert site. When 
      everyone thanked her she simply shrugged and smiled.
      For Christmas he bought her a car of her own and he wrote her a song. 
      Serena was thrilled with both. He woke her up that morning with the song. 
      He wheeled the piano right up to the foot of the bed and played. Darien 
      remembered her eyes when she listened to it, her dreamy, happy look. It 
      was the best reaction he could hope for.
      Serena was being a bit more mysterious about her gift for him though. All 
      he knew was that she was working on it and that he would get it after new 
      years. Darien couldn't even guess what it could be. He half-heartedly 
      tried to get a hint or two out of her but he knew that there was no 
      budging her when her mind was set. He would just have to wait.
      Serena smiled up at Darien. The wind swirled through his hair and brought 
      colour to his cheeks. He was absolutely incredible. She turned and watched 
      her friends running around. This was fantastic. She couldn't be any 
      happier.
      They took the gang to several sights over the day then took the Metro 
      home. Exhausted, Darien and Serena walked through the door and fell onto 
      the couch.
      She leaned against him. "So do you have any work at all tonight?"
      He wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "Nope." Darien ran his cold nose 
      down her neck. "I'm all yours tonight."
      "Oh really? I thought you were all mine regardless." She gave him a stern 
      look.
      He saluted. "Oui, mademoiselle. Always."
      She giggled and kissed his neck. "So what can we expect tomorrow night?"
      "Total chaos." He shook his head and grinned when she arched her brow at 
      him. "Well maybe not total chaos. We have everything worked out perfectly, 
      except for a couple of bugs that we can sort out tomorrow. I have a two 
      hour concert, then the fireworks display, and then you give me my 
      present!" He gave her his most innocent look. "Give me a hint?"
      Serena shook her head. "Nope, you'll just have to wait until tomorrow 
      night ok?"
      "Please!" He got on his knees and put his head in her lap.
      She raised her eyebrows. "Well you could always try to persuade me..."
      Darien persuaded her very well, but she still didn't tell him. Serena 
      wanted it to be a big surprise.
      The next morning Serena picked everyone up from their apartment. Darien 
      had to go and do last minute checks so he dropped her off on his way. She 
      knocked on their door. She didn't get an answer. Serena knocked harder, 
      banging with her palm. She finally heard some shuffling on the other side. 
      Serena heard someone fumbling with the locks, a lot of swearing and then 
      the door squeaked open. A mass of dark hair that Serena recognized as Raye 
      squinted at her and opened the door further to let her in.
      "Hi Serena." Her voice was scratchy. "Come on in."
      Serena looked at her. "Are you alright?" She walked in. The studio was a 
      mess. Clothes, bottles, shoes and the seven of them were strewn 
      everywhere. Carefully, she stepped over what looked like Andrew with his 
      head in a lampshade. She shook her head. "I take it you guys had fun last 
      night."
      Raye nodded, "European stuff kicks butt." She pointed at a case of beer 
      with 'Stella Artois' on the side and went to the kitchen for her coffee. 
      "Wanna cup?"
      Serena shook her head. "You got any bottled water? I'm trying to cut back 
      on caffeine." She looked over at her comatose friends. "You think they'll 
      kill me if I wake them?"
      "Yup."
      "Ok then." Serena stood in the middle of the room and bellowed. "Hey you 
      guys! Time to wake up!"
      One by one they groaned and looked at her with bloodshot eyes. "Go 'way!"
      "Wakey wakey! Come on you guys! What about tonight?" She smiled brightly 
      at them.
      "What about sightseeing? Shopping?"
      Mina perked up at the word. Malachite tried to crawl away but she grabbed 
      his foot. "Hang on while we get ready." Slowly they got up and got ready.
      An hour later they were having breakfast at a caf. They decided to spend 
      the day hopping from attraction to attraction. It was fun to hang out with 
      them again. They took the Metro all over the city. Serena barely noticed 
      the sights. She was focussed on the fast approaching evening. She grew 
      more and more excited as the light started to fade from the sky. She could 
      hardly wait until tonight.
      Hours later, she dropped everyone off at their studio so they could get 
      ready for the festivities. Serena quickly walked back to the apartment, 
      she and Darien were planning to get dressed and have dinner together 
      before the performance.
      He was already waiting there for her. Serena smiled and took off her coat 
      and shoes and gave him a hug. "Mmmmmm. How was you day?"
      Darien kissed her hair. "Good. We got all the bugs out. How was yours?"
      "Pretty good." She told him about the day she'd had. Serena pulled him 
      with her into the bedroom. "You have to help me find something to wear 
      now."
      Darien followed her in smiling and watched as she opened up the wardrobe 
      and gasped.
      Inside the door hung a beautiful blue silk dress and matching cashmere 
      jacket. Serena ran her fingers over it. "It's gorgeous!"
      "Well that's done." Teasingly, he went to move her out of the room. He 
      knew that she wasn't.
      "Wait I have to find accessories for it now!" She ducked under his arm and 
      headed back into the room. Serena immediately started digging through her 
      jewellery box.
      He came up behind her and held a velvet box in front of her face and 
      opened it. Inside were sapphire and diamond earrings and matching 
      necklace. "Done."
      Serena looked at him open mouthed. "Darien..."The jewels were 
breathtaking.
      "Now that's all sorted," He took the box from her hand and placed it on 
      the vanity. "it's time for dinner, chre." Darien led her out to the 
      dining room.
      Serena gasped again. The curtains were pulled back so that the city looked 
      as if it was at their feet. But that wasn't what caught her interest. The 
      table was lit with a large candelabra. The warm light made the gilded 
      dishes gleam and the crystal glasses sparkle. It was beautiful. "Darien, 
      this is too much!"
      He smiled and gently pulled her over to the table, helping her into the 
      chair he pulled out for her. Then sat down in the opposite chair. "It's 
      never too much, Serena." He kissed her hand.
      Darien brought out dish after dish and they leisurely enjoyed the meal. At 
      six they decided it was time they got dressed. It only left them with 
      three hours to get ready and knowing what it was like to get dressed 
      together, it probably wouldn't be enough time.
      They took a long shower and then reluctantly got out to get dressed.
      Darien dried her off and helped Serena put on the dress. She held up her 
      arms as he slowly slid it down her body. He stood back. The shimmering 
      fabric fit her like a second skin though it did pull a bit tight on her 
      breasts. He thought that he knew her measurements. Darien shrugged. I 
      guess not. Still I looked great on her. Next he kissed her neck and put on 
      the necklace, he nibbled her ears and put on the earrings.
      Serena's eyes were closed as he dressed her. Done he kissed he nape of her 
      neck. She shivered and wondered if it would be that bad if they missed the 
      concert. She opened her eyes and looked at him. Darien's eyes twinkled 
      happily.
      Serena picked up his tux and shirt and brought it to the bed. She pulled 
      his towel off and dressed him like he did for her.
      Sometime later, they were both fully dressed and completely aroused.
      Darien gently caressed her cheek and kissed her. His other hand ran over 
      her bare shoulders and down her arm to hold her hand. The past few years 
      flashed through his mind. He remembered how she looked the first time he 
      saw her, her eyes when he gave her the ring, the way she took care of 
      herself and Jadeite that night at the house. She was so incredible. He 
      sank into the kiss.
      There was a knock at the door.
      They were both trembling when he pulled back. Darien smiled. "Can you 
      answer that, chre?" He put his cufflinks on quickly and sat on the bed to 
      put on his shoes.
      Serena nodded and steadied herself. "Yeah." She ran her hands down her 
      side smoothing the fine fabric that had been steadily climbing under 
      Darien's hands. She slipped on her shoes and walked to the door and opened 
      it. "Mom! Dad! Dave!" She stood stunned for a moment then gave them a hug 
      and kissed their cheeks in true Parisian style.
      Her parents smiled. "Hello dear!" They walked in.
      "What are you doing here?" Smiling she led them into the living room.
      "We're here for your boyfriend's concert! You didn't think that we'd miss 
      that did you?" Dave grinned happily and gave her another hug. "You look 
      very happy, Sere." He looked around that apartment and wandered to the 
      window. "Nice, very nice."
      Serena smiled, she was very happy.
      Her mom looked around and nodded approvingly. "I like this." She looked at 
      Serena. "You look magnificent dear!" She pulled her husband in to look 
      around with her.
      There was another knock on the door. "Thanks mom." Serena answered that 
      one too.
      This time it was Darien's parents, hugs and kisses again. Before she could 
      shut the door the gang arrived and joined their group. Now Serena was 
      getting suspicious.
      "Make yourselves at home everyone." Serena went to make some coffee 
      leaving everyone to talk. "Darien, cher! Could you come out here?" Somehow 
      she knew he was behind this.
      Darien walked out of the bedroom in his tux, looking as majestic as ever. 
      "Oui, chre?" He smiled innocently. He waved at everyone in the living 
      room. "Hi everyone!" He casually put his arm around her waist. "Is 
      something wrong?"
      The grin on his face told her that he definitely had something up his 
      sleeve. She smiled up at him. "Care to explain?"
      "You always said that you wanted everyone that you loved with you when you 
      got married." He smiled gently. "Well here they are."
      Eyes wide, Serena looked at him. "M..married?"
      He nodded. "Yes."
      "But...but..." She looked around at everyone's smiling faces. "Now? How?" 
      Great! She was so flustered she was rhyming. There was another knock at 
      the door.
      Serena stuck her head around the corner and watched as Jadeite answered 
      and led a priest into the room. Well that answered her last question.
      She quickly ducked back into the kitchen. "We can't now. Darien...I...my 
      dress...we..." Serena stammered. "Darien..."
      "You've made me wait long enough, Serena." He held her to him so every 
      inch of her was pressed against him. "There is nothing holding us back 
      now."
      She realized he was right. They had made it through just about everything 
      imaginable to be here together. "Alright." Heart pounding she hugged him. 
      "Let's do it!"
      They positioned themselves in front of the windows so that the glowing 
      city was a backdrop. The priest started reading. Serena was trembling as 
      she looked at Darien. She was amazed at how calm he looked. He repeated 
      the vows and looked at Serena. Her turn! Serena turned to the priest and 
      carefully repeated the words. They exchanged rings then kissed. Grinning 
      happily they turned to the group and the priest announced, "Je vous 
      prsente Monsieur et Madame le Conte."
      Everyone cheered at the grinning couple.
      Serena looked up at Darien smiling. They were finally married!
      "We're married, chre!" He grinned back. He kissed her again. This was the 
      happiest moment in his life. Reluctantly he pulled back. "It's concert 
      time!" They would have celebrated a bit more but, unfortunately, they had 
      roughly forty five minutes to get to the site.
      They arrived just in time. Everyone took their front row seats while 
      Serena stood off to the side of the stage. Darien ran past the waiting 
      orchestra and stood centre stage. The audience applauded and cheered. He 
      held up his hand and took a microphone from one of the stagehands.
      Darien waited until the noise died down a bit. Smiling he raised the 
      microphone to his lips. "Bonsoir Paris!" He smiled at the screaming 
      audience. "Are you ready for the biggest party in the world?" He held the 
      mike out for the screams and brought it back to his lips. "I can't hear 
      you!" He held it out again to the answering din. "Let's show the world how 
      to do it right!" He went to hand the microphone back to the stagehand but 
      stopped. "Oh and just to warn you wonderful ladies who are planning to 
      give me articles of clothing and keys and such after the show." He wiggled 
      his eyebrows. "Be prepared to answer to my wife!" He pulled a blushing 
      Serena onstage. "Everyone say hello!" Serena waved at the screaming 
      audience. "Enjoy the performance and happy new year!"
      Serena scurried back to her spot off stage and watched her husband start 
      to play. She felt an enormous surge of pride as she gazed at him, 
      listening to the beautiful music evoked by the touch of his fingers.
      It was an incredible performance. The music was highlighted by a 
      spectacular light show. Now she knew why Darien looked so tired after 
      work. It must have taken forever to get the music, lights and lasers 
      synchronized. The effect was dazzling. The two hours flew by. As Darien 
      stuck the last chord the fireworks went off simultaneously. There was a 
      deafening cheer from everyone. They all turned from the stage to the 
      Eiffel Tower.
      Serena had never seen such a huge crowd be so quiet for so long. She 
      leaned back and looked at Darien. "Happy new year, Darien."
      "Happy new year, Serena." He kissed her tenderly.
      The display lit up the night sky with a golden light. Serena walked out to 
      Darien and they stood holding each other as they watched. The fireworks 
      were set off in such a way that it looked as though the tower itself was 
      being launched into the new millennium. The effect was stunning. The 
      pyrotechnics lasted thirty minutes and held everyone in silent awe.
      "I suppose you want your present now?" She grinned at him.
      "You said it, I didn't." He looked around. "You have it with you?" Darien 
      couldn't see any boxes or anything that resembled a gift.
      "Yup." She smiled at him but didn't move.
      "Come on!" He hopped up and down like a little boy. "You said I could have 
      it after new years! It's after new years now!"
      She decided to tease him a bit more. "I didn't say when after new years 
      though."
      "Serena!" he pouted. "I'm dying here!" Darien was so curious he was about 
      to burst.
      "Well you're going to have to wait."
      "Until we get home?"
      "No. More like six and a half months." She grinned at his puzzled look. He 
      really had no clue. Gently she took his hand and guided it to her stomach.
      Darien's eyes widened when she pressed lightly. There was a small, almost 
      imperceptible bump. But it was definitely there. "Really?" Beaming, he 
      explored some more. He couldn't believe he hadn't noticed anything before. 
      "We're having a...I'm going to be...really?" Darien was so excited he 
      couldn't finish his sentences.
      "Really." Serena knew he would be happy. She'd been dying to tell him ever 
      since she found out a couple of weeks ago, but had been waiting for the 
      perfect way to tell him. This seemed like the best way.
      Darien pulled her into his arms and held her to him. This was the best 
      gift she could have given him. He looked at her in amazement and pulled 
      her down beside him on the piano bench.
      "Is that why the dress is tight here?" He lightly touched the neck of the 
      dress. Serena nodded. It made sense now. Why she was drinking water by the 
      gallon instead of coffee. He knew that he knew all of her measurements! 
      Darien put his hand on her stomach again feeling a rush of guilt for not 
      noticing. "Are you feeling alright? Have you been sick? I'm sorry I was so 
      busy I..."
      Serena put her fingers over his mouth. "I've never felt better. I love you 
      Darien."
      "I love you Serena."
      They kissed until the fireworks died out and the sky went dark. It was the 
      best way Serena could think of starting the New Year.
      The End
      ~~~~~'~~~~@