And with that simple question and caring touch, 
Serena's whole perception of Darien the Eternal Baka 
shattered into a trillion pieces.  She blinked, swallowing 
tersely as she met his gaze again.  Her stomach was 
hosting a three-ring circus, but she could not ignore
the infinite attraction she felt washing over her.

	Cupping his cheek, she leaned forward 
hesitantly, and Darien's eyes widened in surprise as 
her face approached his own with obvious intent. Her 
soft breath brushed against his parted lips, and they 
ached in anticipation. '*Meatball Head!?*' He 
inwardly gasped in astonishment. Granted, it was the 
last thought he had.

	Her lips grazed lightly against his own in the 
tiniest of kisses. She pulled away slightly, eyes 
searching his momentarily before lowering her face to 
his again, lingering at his lips a bit longer. Eyes 
fluttering shut in elation, Darien held perfectly 
still, afraid to move...that somehow it might make 
her stop. But she continued, her fingers tracing 
lightly down his face and neck as her delicate lips 
shyly teased his own with brief but delightful 
kisses.

	He was tense and unmoving, transfixed like a 
cold statue, seemingly unmoved by her advances, and 
tears quickly sprang to Serena's eyes at his lack of 
response. She pulled away from him suddenly, face 
turning away in disgrace and humiliation.

	Darien felt Serena abruptly push against his 
chest, moving away brusquely, and he struggled to 
pull himself out of the daze he'd fallen into. 
Reaching out, he caught her wrist before she could 
slip away completely. Pulling her close once more, a 
hand on her chin forced her to look at him, and 
through the dim light the flashlight offered, the 
emotions in her wavering eyes did not escape 
him.

	Serena felt her heart begin to thud erratically 
in her chest, pumping the blood furiously through her 
temples.  She could feel them both trembling 
nervously as they stared at each other with an
unmistakable intensity.

	One arm enclosing her waist, Darien pulled her 
gently against his body, causing Serena to gasp 
quietly. Gazing at her sincerely, he cupped her cheek 
and caressed it lovingly, trying to ease away the 
doubt that burned in her eyes. Slowly, he lowered his 
face to hers and, like she had done, touched his lips 
to hers in a brief but tender kiss.

	She breathed his name, her eyes rolling shut 
as he pulled away to kiss her cheek, directly to the 
right of her aching lips. Her simple endearment sent 
shivers skittering down his spine. Shy, yet determined 
hands tangled in his hair and eased him back in the 
direction of her mouth. Their lips met in a mutual 
caress, both exploring the other's face with gentle 
hands.

	Neither attempted to end it--slow and tentative 
at first...almost shy as they began their exploration 
of each other. But as Darien's hand left her cheek 
and slid down her back with deliberate slowness, the 
kiss swiftly deepened another level, increasing in 
firmness and longing. Both abandoned their 
frustrations and fears and imparted themselves 
completely to the comfort and affection the other 
offered.

	The yearning for more began to escalate 
rapidly. It was if the lightning outside suddenly leapt 
through their skin and heated their blood in a surge
of electricity that left them both shaking.  Lost in the 
sensations that inundated them, they ravaged each other 
feverishly, not really knowing what they sought but 
demanding it nevertheless. 

	Serena tightened her arms around his neck as she 
felt him draw her impossibly closer, his hands now tangled 
in the silky lengths of her golden hair as they gently 
roamed up and down her back.  A desperate whimper escaped 
Serena's throat, met with Darien's soft groan of pleasure 
as he eased her head to the side, his mouth parting against 
hers.  As their tongues danced, they clung to one other 
passionately, surprising even themselves with the weight 
of their need.  Gradually, their desire became sated as 
the kiss turned soft and gentle once more, mingled with 
their ragged breathing and fervent caresses.