The After Effect

Darien couldn't help but smile. "I know I don't tell you enough, but I do love you, Serena. With every fiber of my being."

"I know, Darien, truly. It's alright." I rubbed his back gently.

"You'll stay with me tonight, right?" I could hear the catch in his voice despite his face being buried in my neck.

"On the couch. I'll stay here on the couch. That way when you wake up from the nightmare, you'll know that I'm still alive and well."

"But.."

I shook my head, pulling away from him as I blushed. "Look.. I know we've been intimate before but.. It isn't right. Not culturally. If you need me, I'll be here but until we're married.."

He nodded, yet I could see his sadness. "You're right. Your father would already kill me if he knew about those times."

I could see he was resisting the urge to yawn. I leaned up and kissed his forehead. "You sleep, my love. I'll just be in the other room." As I stood from the edge of his bed, I had to resist the urge to groan from pain. I didn't want him to worry. I walked to his bedroom door and flipped off the light. "I love you, Darien." I said softly, leaving the room. I closed the door partially behind me.

From his room, a view into the living room would provide him with an image of a sleeping me. Unfortunately when Darien woke from his predicted nightmare, he couldn't see me. It was just a pillow and a tossed blanket.

I could hear his cry for me from the kitchen. I grabbed the glass of water I had gotten up for and quickly made my way to his room. "Hey, easy. I'm right here. I was just getting some water for myself. Here." I offered it to him, which he graciously took to help calm his pounding heart.

"I-I thought you were gone." He sighed in relief, setting the now half full glass of water on his nightstand.

"Of course not. I promised you I would stay. I just got thirsty, that's all." I smiled at him.

He reached up for me, pulling me against his chest in a kiss. I gave a muffled squeal of surprise. I pressed my palms to his bare chest and pushed lightly, breaking from the kiss.

"Darien... I really am here. It's okay.." I soothed softly.

"Serena.. I need you." He murmured against my lips. His vibrant eyes darkened with a lust that always pooled directly at my core.

I bit my lip, nodding slightly. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks.

"Are you sure?"

I nodded once more. "I need you, too."

He groaned, tugging me into another kiss. This time it was heated. I melted under his touch as he rolled me beneath him. I succumbed to his will late into the night, needing him as much as he needed me.

His touches were feather light and he was so gentle with me as I really was bruised to no end from the battle prior. I was stretched so pleasingly well that it was easy for me to reach my peak several times. We were perfect together in all aspects. In bed was no different. Despite our times together prior, I still couldn't help but blush when he lavished me with praises, kissed every inch of skin he could. My heart soared with every 'I love you' that slipped through his lips. It was as if he felt he needed to make up for the possibility of lost time in the future as we made love several times that night.

I felt a fluttering kiss to my shoulder blade and groaned as the light from the window assaulted me the next morning. "What time is it?" I pouted, trying to pull the covers over my face.

"Almost ten." Darien chuckled softly, kissing my shoulder once more. "Hey, I made you something."

I rolled towards his voice and cracked an eye open. My eyes opened fully, widening. On a tray next to the bed was breakfast for two. "What're you-?" I was silenced with a kiss as he helped me sit up, blanket covering my bare chest.

"You do so much for me. Between saving the world dozens upon dozens of times, caring for my wounds, and breaking the rules to spend the night with me. I thought this time I'd show you how much you mean to me. So. I called the girls up. They're going to cover for you again tonight. I spoke with your professors and got you out of class. I called your father asking to meet with him after he gets off work so we're having dinner with your parents to discuss pushing up our wedding to as soon as possible. Then you'll be coming back home with me so you can spend the entire day and night resting while I care for you this time. Including your favorite breakfast in bed."

I smiled brightly at him. "Is this going to be an all the time thing? Because I'm pretty sure I'll get ridiculously fat if you're constantly spoiling me like this." I teased.

His small laugh was infectious. Hearing him so happy made me feel the same. "Perhaps just the after effect of traumatic events like yesterday."

"Think I can handle that." I nodded. "Thank you, Darien, really. This wasn't necessary."

"I know.. But I don't tell you enough. I love you, my princess." He smiled brightly, kissing my forehead.

"And I you, my prince." I grinned up at him, far more thrilled for the future than I've ever been.