Title: Love Through Time: Volume 1, Chapter 6
Author: Sailor Europa
E-mail: slr_europa@yahoo.com
Rating: pg-13

********************************************************************************

Europa-chan here, back for more! ;P I hope everyone is enjoying the story!
(I know, I say that every week, but I really mean it!) I must warn you, this
chapter is not so saccharine-y sweet, as it is.....compassionate (for lack
of a better word). I won't give it away anymore, you'll see soon enough. :)
Anyway, I gotta give a huge thanky-poo to Sailor Elysia, who reads everyone
of these, even though I think I'd rather have her get some more of her
stories out, than read mine over. ^_~ But I'll live. I gotta give props to
Jennifer Wand, Lianne, Razzz, Sidnei, Sailor Elysia....all exceptional
writers, and should be read! Standard disclaimers apply, I don't own ANY of
the original characters, but I am writing the story (duh!), so don't steal
that.....

***********************
Love Through Time - A Serena & Darien Saga
Volume 1, Chapter 6

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 in turn just glared 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 consequently 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 thrust 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 head looked 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, seeming to tease and taunt
me ironically. My mind was racing, and my face flamed up, 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, that glared 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 also watching, 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 quickly pulled back again. My hands raised 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 have 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
front of me. 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 shock,
and upon realizing who had interrupted him, turned to a look 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 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, not wanting to
anger Harlan more, but I was so afraid something drastic would take place
right now, but 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! But he glanced my way, and I gave him a
pleading look. His gaze 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 smile in his direction. 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 these things now! I sighed, pushing it all out of my
mind for the time being.
        "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 back 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 clenching 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 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 tiny screech 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 yelped
in pain,
hitting the pavement hard. 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 his one punch. Darien
looked up just in time to catch the knuckles in the jaw, and he howled 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, and threw myself in between the both of them.
        "Stop it!" I yelled, my outburst enough distraction for Dariens arm
to drop
slightly. I put my hands on Dariens chest, pushing him a few feet back.
Using the opportunity, 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 I felt my own muscles begin to 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
up 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 the only consequence. Shaking my head, I
said a terse good-bye to Harlan as he headed back to his office, and I
walked a confused and now depressed Selene back home, only wanting to curl
up and die 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 even bleed in open parts. I sighed, pressing a cold rag
to his jaw, 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 got 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. I
sighed, shaking my head in defeat as I got up and put 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 crack.
        "Darien...." I sighed, my patience wearing thin as he sat defiantly
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 leapt 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 happily, 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 pained, but considering the injury, I didn't stop to think
about it. He brushed past me quickly though, hardly giving me a look and sat
back on his chair once again. I felt hurt and my heart throbbed as the
silence seemed to envelope me, although it wasn't a comforting one like
before. I wanted to escape it, but I could feel it was impenetrable, and
impossible to grasp. I sighed, blinking back tears, knowing this wasn't the
time for them.
        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 and I entered the
stairwell.
        "Wait...." I stopped, my mind lightening. I turned, still hesitating
to
venture 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 out something.....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. "Most likely a year." I gasped
in shock, 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 looked at him expectantly and he
sighed, frightened.
        "What is it?" I asked quietly. 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."

*****************************

How's that for a climax? *grins wickedly* How will she react? What will she
say? Stay tuned, for the next exciting, romantic conclusion! Same sailor
time, same sailor channel! (OK, how corny was that?) *L* I'm sorry, I don't
know WHERE that came from! Well, did you like? Huh? Did ya'? E-mail me and
tell me! PLEASE!!!! - sailoreuropa@geocities.com
Michelle Merriman