slr_europa@yahoo.com http://www.geocities.com/slr_europa AIM :: SeeShelliRun *********************** Love Through Time - A Serena & Darien Saga Volume I, Chapter vi By Sailor Europa "Serena? Are you listening to me?" My head snapped to attention at the words, my eyes temporarily taken off the musty sidewalk I had been watching so intently. I gazed up at Harlan, who just continued to glare angrily down his nose at me. I bit my lip, my cheeks heating up in embarrassment. He huffed in disagreement, as I let my gaze slip back down the my feet, as they appeared every few seconds from beneath my velvet dress, then disappeared again as my legs kept my body moving. I sighed, looking up absently, my eyes catching Selene giggling as she ran in front of my gaze every so often. I tried hard then to keep my mind on Harlan's self-absorbed tone as he chattered on about some man who came to his club last night. I hoped I was at least looking like I was paying him some attention, when the fact was, I wasn't. Harlan had taken a longer lunch break today, upon Selene's insistence, in order to take her, and unfortunately me also, on a walk through the park. So afraid to break her heart by declining, I reluctantly agreed to go. Although now, my mind was beginning to drift back to more interesting things. Or people, as the case may be. I felt my face flush violently, my unabashed passion from the past night now replaced by shame, embarrassment ruling my mind as I thought back to the hidden meeting. I sighed dejectedly, hoping he hadn't thought the same thing.... "Serena?!" Once again, my mind was jolted back to the present, the dark haired man in my day-dream now replaced by the annoyed face of my companion. He gave me a stern scowl, his disapproving frown wearing down on my conscience. I gulped nervously, nodding violently, hoping I could convince him I had been paying attention. He glared at me for a few more seconds, still slightly suspicious as he began to talk once more about himself. I let out a sigh of relief, determined not to make him anymore upset than he already was. I refused to let my mind wander now, and I now began to notice the streets that we were passing, and I listening slightly, as my mind whirred in recognition.... Oh no...... My eyes darted around frantically as we paused for a few seconds for Selene to catch up, who had at some point fallen behind. I felt my palms perspire as I gazed up at the all too familiar book shop teaseing and taunting me ironically. My mind was racing and my face ignited, my cheeks growing hot as I ducked down, ashamed to show my face around here. God, I hoped he wasn't around..... "Serena!!" Harlan's voice was far above his natural tone, and I realized I had once again gotten distracted, and rightfully so, I thought. But now, his annoyance was replaced by a vengeful, blazing eye, now glaring agrily at me. I couldn't speak, and my feet became rooted in my present spot, paralyzed by his malicious expression. "This is the third time you've ignored me!" His voice rose with each word, the people milling about the streets now all stopping to stare, their whispers still very audible over Harlan's frightening bellow. My eyes glanced fiercely about, pausing for a second on the book shop window, my mind falling to fear as I noticed most of the visible people inside watching also, eyes wide with anticipation. "I should not have to deal with your disrespect!" Fully screaming now, I barely had a chance to react before I was taken aback. He struck me. Stunned more than hurt, I struggled back, my legs failing to fully support me. My head spun in the direction of his swing, and I felt my flaring cheek in shock as I slowly turned my head to face him again. His eyes were curved upwards in a somewhat blissful grin, his mouth still twisted in contempt. My eyes were wide, and I couldn't even blink as I met his stare head on, my face a mask of confusion and hurt as I tried to comprehend such a hideous task, right out in the street. I felt a tear fall down my red cheek, and I watched as he willingly pulled back again. My hands raised involuntarily to block my face, my eyes squeezing shut tightly as I did. Realizing what I had done, my eyelids flew open, gazing back at him as his eyes widened in shock and disgust. Oh God, what had I done? He drew back fully, winding up preparation and I felt my body tighten in suspense, my arms bolted at my sides, paralyzed as I watched his arm swing around from behind.... ...When another hand entered the scene, it's long fingers wrapping tightly around Harlan's wrist. Taken aback, I watched in shock as Dariens' brooding figure barreled over Harlan, gently forcing me backwards as he stepped in harms way. I scurried over the side, my hands pushing me up off the dusty street. For seconds, I watched in agonized anticipation as Darien's narrowed eyes stayed locked on Harlan's, who was just beginning to recover from his surprise, and upon realizing who had interrupted him, turned to an expression of loathing. My breath came quickly, and I moaned in misery, hoping this didn't escalate to what it had the potential to become. Harlan wrenched his arm away and rubbed his wrist, his eye-line not faltering from Dariens piercing glare. The street had gotten eerily silent, most people stopping to watch curiously or running quickly for cover from the conflict. I stood back, my mind whirling as to what to do. I didn't want to anger Harlan more, but I was so afraid something drastic would take place in front of my very eyes. I didn't know how to help, what to do. I couldn't interfere without risking suspicion from Harlan, which would only cause more trouble, not only for me, but for Darien too. And the thought of that only made my blood go sour.... "What do you think you are doing?" Harlan growled from under his breath as Darien's stance stood perfectly still, his face contorted in disgust as he took a step closer. "Something someone should have done a long time ago...." He muttered, practically spitting the words back at Harlan. "Didn't anyone ever teach you respect?" "I don't believe that is any of your business....." Harlan replied tauntingly, practically daring him to contradict him. Dariens eyes got cold, and I almost wondered if he was going to retell the whole clandestine affair to him, his eyes looked so cold. He glanced my way, and I gave him a pleading look. His gaze reluctantly averted back to Harlan and he stood up straight as he drew in a deep breath. "I'm making it my business." Darien muttered, his eyes shooting the floor in guilt. My heart felt heavy as I watched his eyes grow serious, and I fought the urge to throw him a reassuring glance. Although I wished to God he wasn't doing this, I couldn't fight the emotions that washed over me as I watched him defend me. I couldn't imagine Harlan doing that, nor did I want to. My love fought against my angst then, eventually both being overrun by guilt for even thinking such things at this time. I sighed inwardly, rejecting all thoughts for the moment. "I think it would be in your best interest to just take a step back, and let me handle my own matters." Harlan said, turning his back on Darien as he straightened out his jacket. Darien stood still, his body writhing in anger. "Not until you can handle your 'matters' _and_ your wife," He emphasized the last word in such contempt even I cringed. "RIGHT." Harlan stopped, his fists clenched at his sides. My breath stopped as I watched him turn around slowly, Darien still holding his head up confidently. "Are you insinuating that I can not handle my wife correctly?" Harlan said, his face inches from Dariens. Not wavering, Darien just stared back. "I did not insinuate a word.... I said it flat out." Darien said. Harlan narrowed his eyes and I watched him pull one clenched fist back, before I realized I couldn't take it. "NO!!" I screamed, before I even had a chance to think. I flung my body onto Harlan, putting my own hand over his, my other one firmly on his chest and looking him squarely in the eyes. "Harlan, DON'T make a scene!" His eyes hardened, looking right past me. He rolled his eyes, annoyed at my interference, just before he gave me a disapproving scowl, and shoved me roughly to the ground. I gave a barely audible howl as my arm caught on the cement, causing a long wound to bleed immediately. I cringed in pain, tears of frustration and agony springing from my eyes. In one mistaken moment, Darien's attention was averted as I was hurtling toward the pavement. His eyes grew wide, and I watched him scramble in vain to grab my hand to keep me from falling, when Harlan decided he'd had enough, and wound up, concentrating all his energy on one punch. Darien looked up just in time to catch the knuckles in the jaw, and he cringed silently in pain, stumbling backward. He shook his head, swallowing hard. In one swift moment, he pulled back his massive arm, clenching his jaw in determination. I immediately jumped up, abandoning my own cuts, and threw myself in between the both of them. "Stop it!" I yelled, my outburst enough of a distraction to cause Dariens arm to drop slightly. I put my hands on Dariens chest, pushing him a few feet back. Taking the opportunity undetected from Harlan's eye, I looked him in the eyes, throwing a quick, hard glare at him. I mouthed the word 'NO ' and I felt the tension in his body dissipate and my own muscles relax. I took a deep breath and turned to my husband, a stern expression creasing my face. He huffed, knowing he wasn't going to win this one and stood up straight, his head held high as he gazed down his nose at him. "You are going to go back to work," I said, pushing Harlan even farther away from Darien. "And calm your nerves down." I turned him around and gave him a nudge towards the corner. I risked a quick, pathetic look towards Darien and heaved a huge sigh as I watched him gaze helplessly at our two disappearing figures. I closed my eyes and bit my lip, only having the courage to thank God that this was all that had taken place. Shaking my head, I said a terse good-bye to Harlan as he headed back towards his office, and I walked a confused and now depressed Selene back home, only wanting to curl up and cry instead. ***** "Just hold still!" I said in an exasperated tone. I had returned to Dariens an hour later, only to find him holding an ice pack to his chin, which had begun to swell and bleed in open parts. I sighed, pressing a cold rag to his jaw, which was now turning all shades of purple. He cringed and even whined a bit, and it was all I could do not to laugh at his low tolerance for pain. I grinned inwardly at the idea of such a massive man being scared of a little water. His face scrunched up in agony as I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "It can't be that bad...." "You aren't the one who took a fist in the jaw...." He mumbled. He eventually got fed up and pulled the cloth away from me and threw in back in the cold water bath. He grew annoyed and turned away, crossing his arms defiantly. I sighed, leaning my neck back for a second, thankful for the break. I sat for a second, watching his back as he slumped over in his chair. Sighing, I shook my head in defeat and returned the tub of water back on the counter near the kitchen. I remained standing, my arms crossed over my chest, waiting somewhat patiently for him to break. "Darien...." I sighed, my patience wearing thin as he sat riggedly with his head down. I watched his back loosen and he sighed himself. "What happened today?" He paused before answering. "I don't know...." His voice cracked and I watched his stricken face swivel around to face me. He couldn't look me in the eye and I almost thought for a second he might cry. My heart throbbed and I put my hand softly on his shoulder. "Serena, you know I would never let anything happen to you.... and watching him....." His voice got softer and I watched his jaw clench in contempt, which, under the circumstances must not have been easy. I shushed him by cupping his face in my hand, rubbing his chin gently. He sighed, his jaw coming unwound at the gesture, and closed his eyes as he leaned his head into my palm. A small, private smile crept onto his face and he gently kissed the ball of my hand. I grinned contentedly, thankful to finally be off the subject of this afternoon. His expression grew solemn suddenly and his eyes opened sadly as he pulled himself up off the chair and walked himself back to the kitchen. Puzzled by the swift change in emotions, I stood up and slowly followed him. Halfway there, he ventured back and stopped in front of me. His face got a little hurt, but considering the injury, I didn't stop to think about it. He brushed past me quickly though, hardly giving me a second look and sat back on his chair once again. I felt hurt and my heart pounded questioningly as the silence began to suffocate me, unlike the comforting one from a few moments ago. I wanted to escape it, but I could found it impervious to analysis, and impossible to grasp. I sighed, blinking back tears, knowing this wasn't the time to become sensitive. Giving it one more try, I walked softly over to him, and slipped my hand over his shoulder. "Darien....." I mumbled softly, massaging the covered skin gently. I cringed as he pulled away at my touch. Dejected and utterly hurt, I immediately backed away, hardly mumbling a good-bye as I padded sadly to the stairs. I chanced another look at him and watched his shoulders sag lightly, his form growing despondent. Sighing in confusion and pain I pulled on the door and listened to the slight creak as I entered the stairwell. "Wait...." I stopped. Rotating around, I hesitated before venturing back. His body heaved as he drew in a breath and turned to face me. "Serena, I'm sorry." I stared, not knowing whether to reply or not. "I just found something out.....And I'm not sure how to react to it." I nodded, taking one step towards him. He sighed and stood up. "Serena, a friend of mine in France is incredibly sick, and he needs someone to take care of him." I nodded still, my mind not quite grasping the concept. "And....?" I asked. He sighed. "The illness is long and painful, and I could be there for....a while." He sighed and put himself back onto his chair. "More than likely, it will be at least a year." My throat tightened invountarily, the rest of my body not sure what to make of the news. I walked quickly to him, grabbing his hands and squeezing. "I hope you aren't thinking of staying here....Just for me." I said weakly. He looked up at me and put his massive hands to my cheek and gave me a sympathetic smile. "I'd like to...But I know I can't. He needs me, and I would never be able to forgive myself if I didn't help him." I nodded solemnly. "But Serena...." He hesitated, looking down at his legs. I stared at him expectantly and he sighed, frightened. "What is it?" I asked quietly, reassuringly. He smiled sadly, and I could tell he was searching for the right words. He tugged at my hands and kissed the backs somewhat distractedly. I gave a small laugh, my anxiety climbing. He sighed, defeated. "Serena.... I want you to come with me." ******************************* I do so love my cliffhangers! This was the shortest chapter yet, but I think the content MORE than makes up for it! :) Hope you enjoyed! Feedback, pleaaaaase? slr_europa@yahoo.com http://www.geocities.com/slr_europa AIM :: SeeShelliRun