I though ya’ll deserved this a little earlier than I was originally going to put it out…

 

Chapter Twenty-Two: Renaissance of the Lost

 

            *Slowly and very gently, so as not to disturb his train of thought, Serena lifted her muddled head and looked into Hiiro’s eyes. Though his mental presence had been long since abandon, his physical presence still lingered before her. He was beautiful. All the more reason to let her heart finally just run it’s course. She very slowly stood on her tiptoes and leaned towards him. Barely pecking his lips, she pulled away, suddenly unsure about her decision.

            Hiiro felt the warmth added to his, her soft and tender lips link with his for a brief second and lost all self control. When he felt her begin to pull away, he simply wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in closer.

            “Do you trust me?” He whispered into her ear. Her ear tickled from the warm waft of his breath.

            “Almost.” She whispered back, looking into his eyes and practically laughing. She brought her hands up his back and neck and let them trial into his dark mane. “Yes, I do trust you Hiiro Yui.” He then tipped her head up towards him and dipped his head down to hungrily taste her sweet and taunting mouth. She tasted like sugar, sweet sugar. Deepening the kiss, he heard her moan and felt her body go almost completely limp within his grasp.

            Serena kissed back with all her might. Hiiro pushed more and more, and she accepted and took as much as he could give. The pent up passion of the two lonely souls poured out into the purity of their kiss, and finally the heated tension was broken by their need for air.

            “That’ll be fine for now.” Hiiro groaned as he gained his breath back. He gave her a truly happy smile and wrapped her into a huge hug. She squeezed back as tightly as possible, knowing that even though there was a chance of being hurt, it would be no where near as wonderful as the joy she felt at the moment. When they released each other from the hug, both looked at each other’s face and began laughing.

            “You’re crying.” She told him.

            “So are you.” He lifted his finger and brushed the tears aside. Laughter dying, they simply stood in the dark silence of the moonless night, looking at each other.

            “Hiiro, where does this leave us? I’ve been so confused for so long I don’t know what to make of anything anymore.”

            “I’m not sure either. We’re more then friends.”

            “Hiiro, we’re married, of course we’re more than friends!” They both broke out laughing again.

            “Well then, wife, if you have no objections, I would like to begin maybe, what does Duo do with Hilde?”

            “Not sleep, that’s for sure.” Serena joked.

            “I meant when he’s not…”

            “I know, I know, but I think you mean date.” Hiiro shrugged. As long as he got her  he didn’t care what she called it.

            “I want to take you to breakfast. Alone.”

            “How are you going to pull that with Duo and Hilde around?” Serena giggled.

            “Early. We leave early.”

            “Oh Hiiro! It’s late as it is. Look at the time, it’s past one thirty!”

            “Hnn.”

            “You are so evil!”

            “Hnn.”

            “Fine. Cave boy, have it your way.”

            “Good.” He smirked. She stuck her tongue out at him.

            “We could put that tongue to better use you know.” She gasped in shock at his comment. It was so… out of character. Maybe Quatre was right; maybe she really did make Hiiro act differently. She was still a little unsure about this, but they were only dating- maybe- after all.

            “Hiiro Yui, I don’t think so. Leave my room before I change my mind and turn you down for breakfast!”

            “Goodnight wife.”

            “Goodnight husband.” With that he shut the door, leaving her to her dreams.

>>>)(<<<

            “Momma, Momma!”  A second later Serena felt a giant lump lad on her from the sky. Opening her eyes and scanning the clock, she saw what time it was. Six seventeen. At least Ben was still on time. There was something so comforting about the stability of Ben’s clockwork appearance. Then she looked up and saw not only Ben had jumped on her bed, but a larger, more looming person as well.

            “ Duo! Get off of me!” A man’s booming laughter echoed throughout the room, followed by the higher but still loud laughter of a little boy. Serena simply sighed and rolled her eyes.

            “Thank you both so much. What a way to wake up.” She pulled Ben in close to her and slightly tickled him. He giggled.

            “Sorry Serena couldn’t help it. It was fun though, you really ought to try it some day.” Duo told her, still smiling.

            “Really?” She asked, forming an idea in her mind. “So tell me then: is the Perfect Soldier awake yet?” Duo grinned wider, catching onto her idea.

            “Nope! Come on Ben, we’re going to wake up Hiiro!” Duo raced out of the room, followed by a shorter blur.

            “Wait for me!” Serena cried, not bothering to throw on a robe. When she raced out of the door, she found Duo and Ben down the hall, quietly peeking into Hiiro’s room. She joined them and spotted Hiiro’s sleeping form in the bed. Duo counted a three and all three of them raced into the room and jumped on the bed.

            “Hey! What the…?” A blonde head poked up out of the covers, followed by another blonde.

            “Qua…Quatre? Dorothy?” Duo stuttered. “What are you doing in here?” Duo asked, apparently very mixed up and confused.

            “We were going to wake Daddy up!” Ben exclaimed happily.

            “Uh, Quatre, this was Hiiro’s room, right?” Serena asked him.

            “It was. We switched last night. Something about him wanting the room across the hall from you…” Quatre answered. Dorothy nodded; trying to collect what little dignity she still had back.

            “Serena, I hate to tell you this, but look at the doorway.” Duo whispered in her ear. Serena turned her head so she was able to see the doorway and blushed. There stood Hiiro, dressed, arms crossed, smirk on his face.

            “Thanks for switching Quatre.” Hiiro said coolly. He sauntered into the room and bent over the bed. He picked up Duo and dropped him on the floor. He picked up Ben and placed him on the floor. He picked up Serena and as he gently placed her on her feet, he whispered in her ear: “We leave in twenty minutes. Trowa’s watching Ben.” Serena modestly nodded and watched as Hiiro walked out the door.

            “Serena?” Duo was waving his hand in front of her face.

            “Hmm?”

            “What did he say to you?” Quatre asked for Duo. All occupants of the room were looking directly at her, including Ben.

            “He said to tell Duo to get a new t-shirt.” Everyone but Duo laughed.

            “I don’t get it.” He looked down at his shirt that was ripped in more than five different places and had Hilde’s picture blown-up on it.

            “Never mind. Ben honey, come here. Would you like to spend the day with Uncle Trowa today?” She asked him.

            “Uncle Trowa is the tall one?” Ben asked uncertain.

            “That’s right. He’s really nice.”

            “Ok Momma! Uncle Trowa!” Ben went running out of the room and down the stairs to where Trowa had been eating a nice, quiet bowl of cereal.

            “Serena, why did you need someone to watch Ben?” Dorothy asked.

            “I’m going out to see what’s left of my home town today, and I’m not sure it’s the best thing to have Ben with me yet.” She semi lied. She was going to see the town, just with Hiiro. Finished, she realized she only had fifteen minutes to get ready, including a shower and hair, so she left Quatre’s room as quickly as she could politely. When she left, Duo was still sitting on Quatre’s bed, and Dorothy was sending very clear signals she wanted him gone. Duo didn’t seem to notice.

>>>)(<<<

            “This is a great town. It’s almost impossible to imagine you would ever want to leave it.” Hiiro told her as they walked down the main street together.

            “I know. I can hardly believe it myself. It’s beautiful here, even in the dead of winter.”

            “So where do you recommend eating breakfast Serry?” Hiiro asked her. She flushed and he smirked. “Something wrong?” He pressed.

            “No. Just… everywhere in town I went with Darien. I don’t know, it’s just strange, you know?” That, and she was still not sure about getting close to Hiiro. But she couldn’t tell him that of course.

            “No.” He smirked again.

            “It’s like this: Everyone always thought Darien and I would end up together no matter what. Everyone, even me. Now when I go back, I have these memories of when Darien was nice versus what I now know about the slime ball.”

            “All the more reason for us to go to your favorite place. We’ll erase those memories ad begin anew.” She smiled this time. But Hiiro always ended up making her want to get closer to him.

            “You know, you’re right. Thanks Hiiro!” She squeezed his hand gently. “We’ll have to go to the arcade without a doubt. I spent almost my entire life at the arcade when I lived here. Everyone I knew used to hang out there.”

            “Arcade it is.”

            When they reached the arcade, Serena had second thoughts. She almost didn’t go in. But she knew Hiiro was right. She had to put her past behind her, regardless of memories she had. With a deep breath, she allowed Hiiro to pull her into the slightly dark arcade. Inside it was busy, just as she remembered it. The same smell, the sounds of the arcade games and the ringing of bells. Waiters, waitresses, and busy people weaving in and out of each other.

            “Let’s get a table, alright?” He whispered to her. She nodded. As they made their way to the tables, her eyes lit up.

            “Hiiro! That one! We have to go to that one!” He watched her dull eyes become full of life and sparkles. As they sat at the table, Serena settled into her old place and felt right at home. She could see her friends next to her, across form her, talking ad laughing over which boys at school were cute, which teachers were evil, and what their plans were for the weekend. She could see her friend Ami studying as furiously as ever, Mina and Lita gossiping and drooling over the guys, and Rei and herself fighting like cats and dogs. Her favorite moments had been at this booth.

            Hiiro just watched as tears filled her blue eyes and spilled over as she sat still, remembering past events that had taken place here in the arcade. Reaching over and gently shaking her shoulder he brought her out of her daydream and back to the present.

            “Sorry. It’s just this is my old booth. My friends and I always used to sit here. No one else used to sit here because they knew it was ours.”

            “I’m sorry, but you can’t sit here.” A blondish redheaded man in an apron told them as he came to take orders.

            “Why not?” Serena asked sadly.

            “This booth is always reserved for a few of our special regulars.” The man replied. Serena looked up and the happiness that had quickly drained form her face returned instantly.

            “Andy! I though I was a special regular.”

            “Ser…Serena? Sere! You’re back!” The man cried, dropping his order pad and bending down to sweep Serena into a hug.

            “Andy! It’s great to see you!” She cried. As hard as Hiiro tried, he couldn’t help but want to take out his gun and blast this apron wearing freak of a man into kingdom come. Serena must have caught the murderous look in his eyes because she let go of Andy instantly. But she didn’t stop smiling.

            “Andrew, this is Hiiro. Hiiro, Andrew works here at the arcade. His father owns it.”

            “Not anymore. I own it. It’s nice to meet you Hiiro.”

            “Hnn.” Hiiro responded. Serena laughed at Hiiro’s stoic behavior and shook her

head.

            “Don’t feel bad Andy, Hiiro’s usually like this.” Andrew looked slightly put out, but he adjusted quickly and smiled back at Serena. Then he frowned.

            “Where’s Darien?” Andrew asked. This time, Hiiro did pull his gun.

            “Mention him again; I shoot.” He said as coldly as possible.

            “Hiiro, it’s alright, he doesn’t know about Darien.” Serena’s long face was filled with determination as she gently placed her hand over Hiiro’s and pulled the gun from its aimed position on Andrew’s forehead.

            “What?” Andrew asked, shocked and confused. Serena was with a man who carried a gun and would shoot at will? She must have really changed.

            “Andrew, things have… changed. This is my husband, Hiiro Yui.” She gave Hiiro a look pleading him to play along. If her parents thought they were married and Andrew by accident told them differently, she would be caught. She felt dirty and guilty for lying to such a good friend, but she wasn’t sure where his loyalties would lie when he found out about Darien. She was only protecting herself and Ben. Of course, Hiiro didn’t need the please, he would have gladly acted for Serena.

            “Husband? Wow. I though you and Darien would be together forever.”

            “No.” Hiiro stated blankly.

            “Andrew, Darien’s not the nicest kind of man anymore. I know you were best friends way back when, but he’s changed. He left me alone without anything and pregnant. Then I met Hiiro and…”

            “Everything fell into place.” Hiiro finished, shooting Serena a warm smile. Good acting came at a price. But he didn’t mind smiling in front of other people as much when he was doing it for Serena.

            “Wow. What a change. Wait… you have Darien’s son?” Andrew asked.

            “No. I have Hiiro’s son. Darien was never the father, only the statutory rapist.” Both Serena laughed and Hiiro smirked at that. But Hiiro felt slightly more lightheaded. Was Serena being truthful when she had said Ben was more his true son than Darien’s? But he hadn’t been around that long, nor had he done much except get him out of the school. But he did like Ben, and he knew he more than liked Serena. Plus, Ben even called him Daddy. Maybe he was…

            “…incredible. Well, if Darien ever decides to ‘visit’ this arcade again, I’ll be giving him a good punch in the nose for you Serena.” In that moment Hiiro knew he liked Andrew.

            “Thanks Andrew, but Hiiro took pretty good care of that. I think Darien’s still in the hospital.” She giggled. Hiiro too smiled.

            “You don’t need a gun to cause permanent damage.” Hiiro joked. This time even Andrew laughed, though it was slightly more stressed than Serena and Hiiro’s.

            “So have you been to see the girls yet?” Andrew asked her.

            “No! Are they still all here?” Serena asked excitedly.

            “Of course! They all went to Tokyo University and graduated last year. They’re all still in town. Ami’s taking an internship at the local hospital, Lita’s trying to get a building so she can start her own restaurant, Mina’s been working at a talent agency, and Rei’s still at the temple, as dutiful as ever. They come in here everyday and gossip just like they used to.” Andrew filled her and Hiiro in.

            “They sound like they’re so happy! Any new love interests?” She pressed Andrew for information.

            “Why would I know?” Andrew faltered, giving away his knowledge.

            “Just tell me!” Serena cried.

            “Well, that kid Greg came back and he and Ami are pretty close. Then Lita and Ken. He’s a good guy. Oh, and of course Mina and I and Rei and Chad…”

            “You and Mina? No way!”

            “Yeah.”

            “Took you long enough!” Serena yelled, making Andrew blush. Hiiro hated interrupting them because he loved watching Serena so happy. It was like she had been transformed from a sullen and cold creature to a warm and carefree woman. The only trouble was he was dying of hunger.

            “Food?” Hiiro asked quietly.

            “Food. Andy, my usual- wait, never mind. I don’t eat that much anymore. Just get me a burger and drink. Anything besides coke!”

            “And Hiiro?” Andrew asked.

            “Same exact thing. No coke.”

            “Coming right up.”

>>>)(<<<

            “Wasn’t that fun?” Serena chirped as they strolled though the light snowflakes falling upon their heads.

            “Not bad.” He smirked.

            “Hey, Hiiro, thanks for making me go in there and face my fears!” She stopped and looked up at him. Without warning, she through her arms around his neck and planted a large kiss on his lips. It was her first completely self-initiated move towards him, and it felt great to let it go. Why weren’t they together yet? Oh yes. She wasn’t sure he could trust him yet. But, then, what was she doing now? She decided to forget it all and live in the blissful moment for a change.

He responded deeply, tilting her head back and nearly bruising her delicate lips. As the snow fell around them, a group of young women stopped to watch the two finish their intimate kiss while the snowflakes fell. When Serena and Hiiro finally parted, they were howled and whistled at until they turned to look at who was doing the whistling. The street got very quiet as the stare-off began until finally one loud screech nearly broke the glass window next to them.

            “Serena?!” The game was a foot!*