'…You've given me the world
You know I can't resist
Something more than this…'

More Than This

--- The Cure

000

Chapter 16

000

In Serena's whole life, there seemed nothing near the pain of labour. Time slowed to a grind as the serious contractions set in, rendering Serena breathless with the force of it. Hours of agonising waiting and now the baby was ready to emerge into the world, it would have been a poetry moment if it didn't hurt so bad!

"Work with the contractions, Serena, breathe deeply and push with them," Amy repeated yet again, reverting to doctor mode to control her personal anxiety.

"I'm pushing, I'm pushing!" Serena snapped back, growling in between her words.

A particularly vicious contraction followed, rippling through her abdomen causing her to cry out and cease all movement in a bid to recover.

"Keep going, cara," Darien whispered, his deep voice breaking through the turbulence. He brought her knuckles, with his hand in her death grip, to his mouth and kissed her fingers.

Their eyes connected, holding for a few moments before Amy broke the reverie. What Serena saw was love; it was unsettling and made her want to hide, to avoid the looming hole she knew she'd fall into. She felt strings being irrevocably joined to him, making it very hard for Serena to find the power to sever them once and for all. Deeper and deeper into my own mess… God, she was lost.

"…Serena, we've got to keep going, I know this hurts, but we're getting there."

Serena watched Amy analyse everything the nurse and midwife did from the sidelines. If Serena had the energy she would have grinned; it was unusual for the timid Doctor to encroach on others—she was very grateful Amy had stayed. God, she loved all her friends like sisters, and I continually lied to them…what type of friend am I? It was a difficult to admit, but Serena promised that when the birth was over she'd tell them the truth – all of it. As if reading her mind, Darien squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Breathing deeply, Serena braced herself, pushing as she felt the next contraction tremble and increase to expel her child. Their child. Moaning, she screwed her eyes closed, blocking everything out to focus on the task ahead. I want this baby! Clamping her jaw, she let her body rest a moment before willing her muscles to push again. All she heard in her mind was a constant mantra of push!

"Yes! That's it, the baby's head is through," the midwife commented. "Now I need you to pause. Remember we discussed this before we came in. We've got to ease the baby's shoulders through."

Serena groaned, unable to speak as she gritted her teeth. Breathing deeply, she waited, feeling the midwife reach in to reposition the baby. Resisting the temptation to push was very difficult and her hand clamped Darien's harder. From that point everything the midwife said was 'blah blah blah'. Soon after, Serena felt a little body slip out along with warm liquid. It proceeded too quickly for Serena, in her exhausted state, to analyse properly. All she knew was that one second her whole body was taunt as a bow then it changed to a wonderful sensation of relief. She'd been stretched for so long and then, suddenly the pressure was all gone. She felt light as a feather.

Glancing at the midwife, she saw the woman busy with the baby. Serena knew, from the pre-birth speech, that they were going to cut the cord connecting them. There was happiness but also a touch of sadness—they'd been so close for nine months. As soon as they were separated there came a high pitched wail; never had such a noise sounded so sweet in Serena's ears. She'd never forget it.

Serena barely caught a glance of the pink baby before it was whisked away to get cleaned up. At the same time, the midwife got back to business, coaxing Serena to gently push when she instructed to remove the placenta.

"Can I see the baby?" Serena croaked eagerly.

The midwife smiled kindly, "Yes, the nurse is just finishing."

A second later the nurse brought the baby to Serena's bedside. Once the infant was safely in Serena's arms she was assaulted by many riotous emotions. Awe. Happiness. Relief. But mostly incredible love. It was a little girl, a beautiful baby girl. She stirred in Serena's arms, her tiny face screwed up into an adorable expression that seemed to say 'who turned on the lights?' Serena grinned, defiantly her child. She had big, beautiful eyes in a rich, smoky blue. Serena hoped the gorgeous colour never changed.

"Ti amo. Ti amerò per sempre. I love you, Serena, I will always love you." Darien whispered hoarsely in her ear.

Serena turned to look at him, her lips upturning with a gentle smile just for him. He looked equally awed by the events, his eyes conveying the true emotions he kept strictly guarded.

Darien took her lips in a kiss so tender Serena could just about hear the click of the padlock within, making her his. Beautiful as it was, there lurked a dark shadow near by that insidiously whispered he could damage her beyond fixing. The knowledge made her scared; made her feel like a prisoner—albeit a willing prisoner. But what would happen when he got sick of her? Or he returned back to his wife. Would she have the strength to continue? For her baby she could, but it would be a half-life.

His lips were so warm and gentle on her chafed lips, as if trying to heal the dull throbs within her body. When he pulled back, his stormy eyes held hers for a moment, then dropped back to their baby. Tentatively, he touched the baby's hand which instinctively curled around his large finger. Her fragile, tiny fist barely spanned half his index finger. The baby's big blue eyes regarded him for the first time, it brought tears to Serena. They were almost a family. Almost…

"Sorry to break this up, but we're just going to finish up with the baby. Mrs. Marinelli, please rest. You're exhausted."

Only after the midwife mentioned the exhaustion did it come crashing down around her. She was overcome with tiredness that she didn't even protest the name error. Numbly she allowed the midwife to take her, resistance building up, urging her to protect.

Sensing her distress, Darien kissed he forehead, "I'll watch over her, Serena. You just relax."

She didn't want Darien to leave her, but nodded, watching his back longingly as he followed the midwife to the other end of the room.

Sighing deeply, Serena's eyes became heavy and she let her head drop back to the mattress. Just a short nap…Sleep stuck swiftly and she drifted away into complete blackness.

000

"Would you like visitors now?" A nurse inquired, "You don't have to, but your friends are quite insistent."

"Alright," Serena said, waves of nervousness fluttering within her.

Darien kissed her forehead, "I'll be here so we can tackle this together."

"You do know that Raye is going to be right on this," Serena pointed out, biting her lip.

Darien grinned, "I do know. But I can combat fire with fire."

It had been five hours since the birth and Serena was in a lavish post-birth hospital room. Beside her, in a clear plastic cot was her baby girl. Since she woke up, Serena could not stop looking at her. She wanted to get out of bed to be closer, but stern looks from Darien had her pulling the sheets up to her chin. The baby was snoozing, swathed in pink blankets with a woollen pink hat on her little head. She was adorable.

Darien certainly outdid himself. He had gotten a suite that had a large window, which displayed the hospital gardens for her. In the morning sun it was quite pretty but it was the thought that added to the appeal. He knew how much she loved the view from buildings. The walls were sedate but merry, painted pale, eggshell blue with warm cream curtains and furniture. Her bed was huge and there were quite a few arm chairs dotted around the place. On the opposite wall, on a sideboard, were vases of flowers, balloons, sweets and soft toys. Darien had bought the most spectacular bunch. It looked to be about four dozen pale yellow and pink roses, woven with baby's breath, carnations and many more assorted flowers.

Serena heard the increasing sound of multiple, fast moving footsteps coming towards the room. Glancing at Darien, his eyes reflected calmness and power—his mask had slipped back on. Within seconds the girls crowded in, surrounding the cot and giving hushed coos of adoration. Then, one by one, each marched to her bed, a stern expression coating their faces. Raye was in the lead, her arms crossed and lips pressed into a no nonsense line.

"Right. We want some answers, Serena and from you Darien," she snapped. "Serena, lets start with you. What is your relationship with Darien, start from the beginning and leave nothing out."

Serena licked her lips and drew in a deep breath. "Remember in Italy, guys, when I met that stranger—"

"Oh yeah, how could we forget the guy you kept under top secret," Lita interjected.

Serena nodded, "That was…Darien."

Serena braced herself for something, but when she opened her eyes she found the girls positively stunned. Mina was trying to say something, her mouth opening like a fish. "But…but I thought it was Seiya? So Darien the father?" She eventually managed.

"I am. I'll reiterate it for all of you. This. Is. My. Daughter."

"But, Darien," Raye added sternly, "You were engaged to Beryl. You didn't even like Serena."

Darien's muscles rippled from where he leaned against a wall, by the baby's cot.

"I know I was engaged to Beryl, but I couldn't help myself. An error on my behalf. But, I don't regret it."

Mina gasped, looking mightily offended, "Error on my behalf. That sounds so blasé and…and…I don't know. It just sounds wrong! You used our best friend, you scumbag!"

"Mina!" Amy reprimanded.

"No, I agree with Mina," Raye continued, her hands planting on her hips, "Serena didn't know you were engaged to Beryl, Darien. You left it out—how absolutely typical of you! She deserved to know. And what's worse, I told you to leave my friend's alone."

The expressions on the girls, even Amy's, were darkening by the second. Unconsciously, the girls circled Serena's bed, blocking his view of her.

"I didn't use her," Darien answered, his voice deep and quivering with suppressed anger.

"Bull! When have you ever not used a woman, Darien." Raye snapped back.

Darien's eyes darkened, shooting sparks at his sibling—his usually supportive sibling—for her mutiny.

Serena knew calling everyone in had been a mistake.

"Please, guys! Enough!" Serena said furiously, her fingers at her temples. "You're going to wake the baby. Please, just go—all of you—I need to be alone and, when I'm thinking straight, I'll call you back. But only if you're calm and receptive."

It hurt. It hurt for everyone to revive the insecurities. She was doing that well enough by herself. Error on my behalf sounded as if he burnt out the clutch on his Ferrari or something. Sometimes, she just didn't know Darien, he was two people and she just couldn't wholly trust him.

"You too, Darien. I just want my family." She said, not even looking at him.

When the door closed, she looked up to confirm he was gone. A sob escaped her throat but she quickly suppressed it. It hurt to love someone so much and know you couldn't have him. Slipping from the bed, Serena swept her loose hair over her shoulder and leaned over the cot.

She was such a beautiful baby. At least she had a part of Darien forever. Her skin had gone to a healthy, soft pink, her face calm and serene as she slept on her back. Serene. Beautiful word.

There came a soft knock and her family entered the room. Sammy strode in first followed by Kenneth and Irene.

"Cool," Sammy said, peering at the baby. "It's cute."

"It's a she, Sammy."

"Meh! Whatever, still cute."

"Yes, she is," Irene added, pecking Serena's cheek, "You must be so happy."

"I am." It was a short answer. She definitely was happy, but she was sad too.

"We couldn't wait to see her," Kenneth said, "You slept for a long time."

Irene tsked. "Child birth really takes it out of you."

"I know," He responded defensively.

"Hey!" Sammy interrupted, spying the treats on the sideboard, "You didn't eat any of the stuff we got you!"

Serena grinned, "Yeah. Doctor confiscated it. I wasn't allowed to eat anything except ice chips."

"Oh delicious. Ice chips." Sammy grimaced. "So what are you calling it. I mean, she."

"I honestly don't know."

"Your good ol' Italian's probably filled with deep and meaningful names. Don't use them. Stick to the English Mildred, Agatha or Bunty. It's patriotic. I am not calling my niece Aphrodite, Hera or Athena. Got that?"

Irene coughed, "No honey, those are the Greek Gods, not the Romans."

"Whatever. You get the idea though."

"Alright, Sammy. Don't worry." Serena tried not to laugh, deciding to leave the fact that her name was inspired by a Greek goddess out of the conversation. I'm not naming her Bunty.

"Shouldn't you be in bed?" Kenneth interjected.

"Urg. Don't send me back there when I just—finally—got out!"

000

Serena cradled her baby in her arms, having just been taught by the nurse how to bathe her with a cloth until the umbilicus fell off. She was dressed in a brand new little outfit Darien had got. It was a soft jumpsuit in buttercup yellow, a tiny giraffe embroidered on the left side. Nice and snug the baby was snoozing again after being breast fed. Not the easiest thing to do, but Serena was getting the hang of it.

There came a tentative knock on the door before it was opened. Serena's heart rose when she saw Darien, then it promptly sunk as she remembered the earlier events. It didn't help that Serena didn't feel beautiful. How could she? She was dressed in a dull gown, her hair was tangled and her skin was pale, unusually so.

"I'm sorry about earlier," Darien eventually said, "It wasn't…" He seemed genuinely lost for words.

"It's okay, Darien. It's what we expected. But now we've got to get on with things, such as giving her a name."

Darien frowned and Serena mentally cursed. Damn him for being so observant, she hated that he could see through her shields while his were impenetrable. She returned her gaze back to the baby, cuddling her more protectively mostly to appease the soreness within her.

"I want to name her after you, piccola," Darien answered, closing the distance so that his chest was inches from her back. Awareness prickled down Serena's spine and butterflies rippled through her belly.

"Sammy doesn't want anything to flowery," Serena tried to joke, but it came out weakly. She was still tired—mentally and physically.

Darien's warm hands gently clutched her hips, pressing closer to her so he could look over her shoulder at the baby. Serena's breath caught, he was so warm and strong.

"She looks so serene," Darien commented, his breath whispering past her cheek.

"That's what I thought too."

Serena gave a long sigh, melting against Darien who carefully encircled her waist, laying a chaste kiss on her hair.

"How are you holding up, Serena? Do you need anything?"

"I'm fine. Sore but that's to be expected. The girls came and visited earlier. I hurt them, Darien, by keeping this secret."

"Don't feel guilty. You did what you thought was best. You did things that hurt you to spare others around you. I'll never forgive myself for all the pain—it's all my fault."

Serena turned to face him, "I don't blame you Darien. It happened and now we have Her. But now we need to…uh…get on with our lives." Serena bit her lip, feeling awkward about addressing the next issue. "Um…concerning custody, I have no problem sharing Her with you. I have a temporary arrangement with my dad, staying with him until I can get back on my feet." As she said this, she took a tiny step from his embrace.

She could see his jaw set with anger, but he didn't protest. "I want to spend as much time as possible with our daughter but custody wasn't what I envisaged. It's only half of the whole package—I want more."

The connotation was not lost to Serena. Sighing, she bit her lip, "Look Darien, we can only work with what's possible. Let's just be happy that we created something beautiful together."

She didn't wait for his reaction, turning and heading towards the baby's cot. Placing the baby on her back, Serena turned and walked right into Darien, who had silently followed her. She fumbled to escape his grasp but he wrapped his strong arms back around her. Unlike before this embrace was possessive and demanded submission.

"I won't just let go, cara. I want to marry you."

Serena sighed, looking up at him. How she loved those words. "Darien you might divorce Beryl but that doesn't absolve you. There's more to it then that. You can be so wonderful but you can also be so cold. Some times I barely recognise you. I don't know if I could trust you again."

She searched deep in his eyes, imploring him to understand. "Can we resume this conversation later, I'm going to nap while the baby sleeps."

Darien nodded, his actions stiff. Unwrapping himself from her, he headed to the door but just before he left he turned around, determination etched on every feature.

"I don't deny what you've said. But remember I will do anything for you. That much I can promise and it'll never change. If you think I'll let your plans pass without a fight, you're wrong Serena."

000

Darien left the room feeling frustrated, angry and unsettled. When he entered the room his heart swelled at the image of Serena back dropped by the warm sun. She looked like an angel. The image was even more beautiful with their baby in her arms. The baby had inherited his inky black hair which, now dry, had formed into perfect little curls reminiscent of Serena's.

Of course, in contrast, her words left him cold. To hell with custody. His daughter with have a father and a mother. Storming off, he pulled his cell phone from his pocket, calling his lawyer.

"Has she signed the separation papers?"

There was a pause over the line, "No, she hasn't. I went to her personally but she refused to sign."

A cold, cynical smile curved over Darien's face, "Figures. Up the divorce settlement."

"It's going to take a lot to knock that gold digger off, you know."

"Give her whatever it takes." Snapping the phone down, he sat down in a hospital arm chair feeling dejected.

He had a lot of work to do but he was determined to achieve his goal. I can't lose you. He knew he wouldn't tolerate her being with another man, he couldn't even handle the idea without scowling darkly and clenching his fists. No one would usurp his position as a father and lover. No one.

000

Salute to the Queen. Happy Birthday. Thanks for the day off!

I hate giving excuses. So I won't. I just beg you to be merciful in your punishments and spare my phalanges. If that's not good enough, just spare my right index finger so I can type out a script due this Friday. Otherwise I won't survive for anymore updates. My performing arts teacher is scarier then all of you combined.

Thank you so much Mg for the information. I refurred to it like a bible.You are a lifesaver!!! Hope you liked the attachment and I'll be sure to clearly mark e-mails in the future XD.

On a finishing note, I've had lots of people ask for Darien and Serena to get together and lots of people who don't want them to get together. I'll leave it to you…Go to my Live Journal and participate in the poll, the URL is on my profile or you could use this. Remove the spaces and substitute (s) for a slash and (u) for underscore.

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