Sinful II: "I'll Cover You"

Author's Notes: I dreamed this up after reading and rereading my former Serena/Ed fics and wondered why I never bothered to write a new one. There was a simple reason why I stopped writing: my muse died and I had to find a new one. Anyway enjoy my latest foray into writing for "Law & Order"

By the way, before I forget, Serena's little revelation in season 15 doesn't exist in my fics…mutters something about how stupid that was and six months have passed since the ending of the original "Sinful".

By the way, the song in this is from the musical "Rent"

Six months had passed and in her opinion, they'd been the best six months of her life. Serena and Ed had settled into a nice dating rhythm by now and it worked out in their favor. The sex happened twice a week and most nights they' had quiet dinner dates, theatre outings, movies…normal stuff.

But they were by no means a normal couple.

Everything had to be done in absolute secrecy. Serena and Ed called each other on their cell phones and used other email accounts as a form of communication. There was a huge risk involved in seeing one another. It was called impropriety and it could cost them both their jobs,

Sometimes, especially during the sex, losing their jobs almost made it seem worth it.

On one particular "normal" date, he took her to see the Broadway show "Rent" (insert shameless plug about Jesse L. Martin in the original cast and the movie here). It was an afternoon show and they'd gotten out while it was still day and were now taking a walk through Central Park.

"So, you enjoyed the show?" Ed asked, slipping his hand into Serena's.

"Yes, it was wonderful." Serena said, honestly. "I haven't enjoyed a Broadway show that much in years. Come to think of it, it might have been years since I've seen one."

"You cried during 'Your Eyes', I noticed." Ed said.

"It was an emotional song!" Serena protested. "Normally I don't cry during things like that."

"Yeah, right." Ed joked, laughing as he pulled her to him and gave her a playful kiss. "By the way, what was your favorite song?"

"Would you like me to sing it for you?" Serena asked slyly.

"I'd like that." Ed said, noticing the look in her eyes.

Serena stood up, smoothed out her blouse and jeans and began to sing.

"Live in my house, I'll be your shelter

Just pay me back

With one thousand kisses

Be my lover-I'll cover you"

Ed chuckled and took her hands and decided to sing with her.

"Open your door, I'll be your tenant

Don't got much baggage, to lay at your feet

But sweet kisses I've got to spare

I'll be there and I'll cover you"

Serena was laughing at this point as they sang in perfect compliment to each other.

"I think they meant it

When they said you can't buy love

Now I know you can rent it

A new lease you are my love,

On life-be my life

Just slip me on I'll be your blanket

Wherever-whatever-I'll be your coat"

They continued to walk, holding hands and still singing, now doing an improvised version of the dance Angel and Collins did in the show.

"You'll be my king, " Serena sang. "And I'll be your castle."

Ed twirled Serena around.

"No you'll be my queen
and I'll be your moat."

He brought her closer to him as they sang, almost kissing her as they headed back into harmony.

"I think they meant it

When they said you can't buy love

Now I know you can rent it

A new lease you are my love,

On life-all my life

I've longed to discover

Something as true as this."

At this point, they'd forgotten everything else but the song and the meaning behind it became more to them. It was at the moment that the worlds left each other's lips that they began to realize that they were falling for each other.

So, Ed meant every word of the next verse.

"So with a thousand sweet kisses

I'll cover you

With a thousand sweet kisses

I'll cover you

When you're worn

Out and tired

When your heart has expired"

And Serena responded in equal honesty.

"If you're cold and you're lonely

You've got no nickel only

With a thousand sweet kisses

I'll cover you

With a thousand sweet kisses

I'll cover you."

She embraced Ed and pressed her forehead close to his and smiled as they sang the very end of the song as one.

"Oh lover I'll cover you yeahhhhh

Oh lover I'll cover you"

As they finished the song, Serena laughed and smiled wider.

"Be my lover?" She asked, softly.

Ed then decided to surprise her and dipped her backwards, kissing her deeply, murmuring. "Yes…I'll cover you."