Preparations (Shea)

[Darian Dumonte]

Darian was already walking down the hall of the dormitories having returned from a quick trip to the city but, it had been the board announcement that had caught his attention. There was going to be a prom and that was something not to be missed. The first of its kind and Darian already knew who he was taking. They both needed a change of pace the recent stresses and action was not them at the moment and had strained the both of them lightly. Darian nodded to himself mentally as he went over the small inventory that was in the bag he was carrying. The first was a few roses but, Darian had cheated and made each rose a different color one to represent each color gem that she could tap into. They were in a protective wrap and had their thorns taken off so just their beauty remained to be seen for the viewing pleasure. The second was a box of chocolates as a sort of heavy apology for being a pain in the ass especially during that last mission that they had just completed.

A mission that I should have had more control on myself but, instead I lost my cool.

Darian knocked on the door waiting for Shea to open and gave a smile when she opened the door brushing a lock of his hair back. There was another gift but, that would be saved for a bit as he brushed a lock of his hair aside. He was in casual clothes at the moment wearing dark blue jeans that were well-made and more relaxed fashion in boots. His shirt was a long-sleeve one with a hood attached to it but, it was light weight over the heavy hoodies that seemed to be so popular with people. He turned his attention to look her over for a brief moment and when invited in he kissed her lightly on the lips. A gentle kiss that he put a lot of heart into wanting to make up some for the mission especially. He brushed a lock of her hair aside tucking it behind her ear.

“I’m sorry about the mission, that wasn’t exactly a display of my best traits at first. So, I did just get back from town.”

He opened the bag and placed the box of chocolates against her chest ever so lightly the words ‘I’m Sorry’ written in elegant white. He looked up at her tucking a lock of his raven hair behind his ear.

[Shea]

It had been a few days since she had seen or heard from Darian even though his dorm was only next door. Things had been a bit tense since the mission when she had flown off the handle. She didn't normally do that and he knew that he had crossed an abundance of boundaries for her to do so.

Shea sat in her window seat and sketched the courtyard below. Mainly Bella lying in a tree not too far. Bella had been giving Shea the alone time she needed to sort things out and she appreciated that despite how badly she sometimes wanted to just break down and cry she had been working hard at being strong.

Today she was dressed rather nicely. Dark colored blue jeans that had the red accented threads. She wore a soft silken red long sleeve shirt that buttoned down the front and very unusual for Shea today was the fact that she only wore her star ruby. And the ruby on her wrist. Her other earings and other gems sat placed gently in her jewelry box waiting for her to put them on again.

Her hand worked over the page as she drew but she really couldn't concentrate. Her mind was on other things. A knock sounded at her door. Slowly she sat her tablet down and walked over. Her barefeet made no noise against the floor as she went to the door. She opened it and there was Darian. She smiled softly as she looked at him and opened the door wide to let him in.

He kissed her lightly and she returned it blushing slightly as she closed the door after him. Soon she felt him tucking a locke of her hair behind her ear and she smiled lightly. A box that read 'I'm sorry' on it was pressed gently against her chest and she smiled again as she took it.

"I probably shouldn't have said all those things to you. But, I was angry and I knew that the only way to get you back to any sort of fighting stance was to say the things I did. But, I said them cruely and I hope you'll forgive me." she said softly as she took his hand gently and led him to the bed.

Sitting down she pulled herself in an indian style and turned to face Darian who now if he had followed her lead, sat next to her.

"Thank you for the chocolates, we can share them." she said softly as she ran her finger along the celophane that contained them. Discarding the wrapping she opened the box and fed him a chocolate.

[Darian Dumonte]

Darian saw Shea’s smile and gave a sigh of relief. She had cooled off from the mission just like he had and he had missed her sorely. He was used to being around her everyday and doing otherwise hadn’t been cool at all that was for sure. He stepped into the room at her invitation and he smiled at her as he looked at her. He shifted for a moment and glanced around the room memorizing everything but, she looked very nice today and he noticed she was only wearing the ruby and the star ruby today. That had meant something to him because the Star Ruby he had given her before they started getting real close and realizing it. Darian felt her hand take his and they drifted over to the bed and he sat down with her.

“It’s ok I wasn’t exactly being agreeable during the mission and it really did cut me deeply that the place could be…forgotten so quickly. I guess I took it somewhat personally since it was in France rather then somewhere else. Then Lucian’s words struck me in the wrong way when I was already on edge. You did what you had to do.”

Darian said as he idly brushed a lock of his hair aside again as he shifted where he was sitting so he was more or less beside her the box of chocolates between them as he watched her. Still moving with that unconscious grace that came so naturally to her he had once said he was rather envious of the way a dancer could move so gracefully and she did it without even thinking. He gave a smile at that little thought. He looked up at her and took the chocolate in his mouth but, kissed her fingertips lightly and shifted his attention to her.

“So…I went to the city today to pick up a few things and mend up to put us as happy Shea and Darian again.”

He said with a grin as he picked up a chocolate and fed it to her as he shifted his hand into the bag and brought out the next items. He placed the tissue wrapped bouquet in her lap and carefully un-wrapped it right in front of her. Before her were beautiful roses each rose matching the color of one of her gems as he nervously shifted and let her view them.

[Shea]

As he kissed her finger tips she smiled again and that he had done it. She took her fingers back and when the chocolate came to her mouth from him she followed suit and kissed his own fingertips before savoring the sweet candy.

Another thing came out of his bag and she smiled brightly. Unwrapping it were the most beautiful roses she had ever seen in her life. Blushing at the sudden influx of gifts. She touched the roses softly looking up at him her eyes brimming with tears as she picked them up one by one and inhaled their heavenly sent. One rose for each jewel, she didn't miss that sentiment. Red, blue, green, onyx, white, and white with red tips. She looked at him.

Closing the gap quickly she kissed him passionatly and lovingly as she stroked his cheek. Only kissing for several moments before pulling back. She stood for a moment and went into the bathroom. Water could be heard running momentarily. She came back with a crystalline vase of water and placed the roses on her desk in the water.

"They're beautiful, but really Darian, you didn't need to buy me things." she said softly as she sat back down and gently fed him another chocolate from the stash they still had yet to eat.

[Darian Dumonte]

He knew he had done the right thing with the roses having wanted to really bridge the gap between them. He watched her study each one and knew she didn’t miss the sentiment that was expressed in each of them. He watched her look at him but, her next move was something that caught him completely by surprise as she closed the gap and pressed her lips on his. It wasn’t one of their soft kisses it was a deep and passionate kiss the kind that he wouldn’t miss as he returned it his arms wrapped around her shoulders and pulling her closer to him. He felt her fingers brush his cheek ever so lightly in that soft and gentle touch the kind that he didn’t easily forget. He gave a smile because he knew it was a touch from her and it always felt nice. Finally after several moments the kiss was broken and he removed his arms from around her as he watched her get up and head to her bathroom.

The sound of running water reached his ears and he saw her come out with a crystalline vase something that he wouldn’t miss because it was so elegant and beautiful. Darian gave a smile as he watched her pick up the roses that were laying on the bed beside him his fingers lightly tracing the cover. He watched her put them in the face and turned to look at the arrangement for a moment they certainly did look good and it was something that he wasn’t able to ignore for that brief moment. The gemlike coloring on the roses really did have a mystical and almost unique affect as he turned his attention from the roses to the gem of his life. Shea had come back to the bed and in an almost mischevious move he placed his head in her lap and smiled up at her as he bit half of the chocolate that was at his lips.

“I wanted to buy those gifts Shea, you really mean something to me,” Darian said softly to her as he gazed up with a smile and finally sat up.

“Yet…there is something I wanted to ask well two things actually…” His fingers slipped into the bag and secured the last thing he had painstakingly worked on but, he waited for her response and her curiosity first.

“The first is would you be my date for the upcoming prom?” he asked.

[Shea]

She sat back down on the bed and as soon as she did Darian's head was in her lap. She chuckled and moved the chocolates out of the way and placed them to the side. She ran her hand though his hair gently as he looked up at her and explained a bit about the gifts. She smiled.

"I love them both thank you." she said softly.

Yet, it seemed there was a bit more to this visit than met the eye. She heard him say he had two questions for her and she looked down at him nodding to tell him that she would answer them.

The first came after he rumaged in his bag for something. She didn't see what it was because she was looking down at him. Another gift she assumed and she was sure that she would get to see what it was soon. She continued to run her hand through his hair gently and smile gently down at him. He asked about prom and she would have laughed and such a silly question but it seemed to mean something to him.

"Of course, I would love to accompany you to prom." she said with a bright smile. "I can't wait, actually I just got the notice the other day and since we were fueding I just hadn't had time to talk to you about it." she said with a smile and kissed his forehead.

"Now what else was there?" she asked softly.

[Darian Dumonte]

Darian felt Shea’s fingers in his hair and almost gave a sigh of relief it was something that he enjoyed to feel. He closed his eyes for a brief moment as he felt Shea’s fingers gently working his hair not having a care for the world for a brief moment as he enjoyed the touch that she was giving him. This was why he enjoyed being with Shea it was her soothing touch that made him feel like he could take on the world no matter what happened. He smiled up at her especially when she thanked him for the gifts and rested his head against her lap a bit more. He saw her bright smile at the question and grinned in return that was good.

One question down.

Darian sat up some and gave a smile at her excitement over it. Truthfully he had been meaning to ask her for awhile now but, he just couldn’t find the right moment hence his trip to the city to pick up a few things. Darian caressed her hand lightly and sat up.

“Terrific this is something that we can both enjoy tremendously then.”

He felt the kiss on his forehead and gave a small smile. It was always great to have such touches from Shea and he was glad to have this with her rather then the arguing that they could do. It wasn’t something that settled well with Darian because he always knew that his temper would always try to get in the way of things. That was just how it was he guess but, still he wanted to be better for Shea because Shea always made things seem better and he couldn’t help but, feel that every time that he was with her. It wasn’t because he was sucking up for her it was just the honest truth that he head to realize with Shea he felt more relaxed and happier overall and that wasn’t something that you just ignored. Darian knew now that to ask this question would be the best thing that he could do for her right at this moment.

He finally looked up at Shea and slid off the bed suddenly and shifted taking a kneeling position as he looked up at her and gave a small smile at her. An honest look on his face and truthfully he looked a tad nervous asking this because, who could honestly not be nervous for asking a life-changing question. Darian looked up at Shea with a smile on his lips as he gazed up at her. They really had come a long away and he was happy about that yet, he wanted to do something extra special for her. He finally held up a small box his gaze serious there was no playfulness in his gaze at the moment this was a serious question as he gazed into her eyes. Those soft eyes that had always been there it seemed and provided so much emotion.

“Shea Marlise Donnovan,” Darian started as he looked into her eyes not moving them away from her wonderful gaze. “We really have come quite a ways with our times and battles alongside each other. More importantly the arguments that we have strived through and the pressures that we’ve endured. This is a question that I ask in utter seriousness because you’ve changed me in a way that I still feel. Slowly and subtly you have guided me almost. I’m not perfect I know that but, I still want to ask this question because I love you. You and you only. Nobody else.”

He paused for the effect as he closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them. Finally he brought out a small black box and opened it the ring inside a true masterpiece. The ring was made of the purest of platinum with alexandrite lining around its edges the design having elegant grace and curves. It was almost as if wings were for the sides of the ring as if they were grasping the crest. The detail and thought put into this clearly evident in this craftsmanship. It had taken Darian hours, painstaking hours with the alchemy he had learned to shape this. The crest was a coat of arms but, rather then a traditional design in it was five pure and beautiful gems. Four of them surrounding the center gem in a circle arrangement. At the northwest point was a diamond its shimmering glow sparkling in the light the pure beauty clearly seen as white as fresh fallen snow. At the northeast point was the ruby a sparkling and fiery soft of image but, more importantly the color had an inner flame that matched Darian’s eyes. The southwest corner was a sapphire its glory like the crystal blue of the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of the French Riviera The southeast corner was a deep onyx however, rather then the dull and lifeless color it seemed to be alive and the edges caught the light to make it seem like stars sparkling in the night sky. However, the center was extra special with a crown cut so it stood above the other four gems the glorious emerald was not the deep green of most emeralds but, a brighter green that matched the apple green of Shea’s eyes.

“Shea Marlise Donnovan…will you marry me?” Darian asked softly.

[Shea]

She was glad that he had finally asked her to prom and that they were making up as well. She didn't like to fight, and especially with Darian. She didn't like fighting with him because she was very close to him and it was hard on her to hurt by him. Yet, there were times that it happened anyway.

But suddenly Darian rolled off her lap and she chuckled at the way he did it. But then something made her sober quickly. The way he knelt before her. The classic scene. Her heart beat fast and she could only just stare at him. Her hands shook slightly and her heart rose in her chest.

He began to speak and tears welled up in her eyes slowly stinging them making him blurry. His words touched her. They weren't one of those couples that constantly confessed their love for one another. It was just there. They didn't need to say it for it to exist. But yet at this moment when those words came out of his mouth tears ran down her cheeks.

He paused and she watched him after wiping the tears from her eyes. His eyes opened and he opened a small black box. Inside was a ring with each of her jewels in it. Her eyes only produced more tears as she saw the work and thought he had put into. She wiped her cheeks but every time she did the tears were replaced by new ones.

And when he asked the final question she finally broke down and cried. Looking at him her hands shaking she knelt on the floor next to him and hugged him tightly to her. She nuzzled her face into his neck and let the tears fall for a few moments as she just cried in his arms. She pulled back and looked into his eyes her own pale green ones filled with tears but also joy.

"Yes, Darian Dumonte.. yes." she whispered so softly as she kissed him passionatly. With such passion that she bowled him over and he fell down on his back. She didn't say anything or laugh she only continued to kiss him forgetting all about the beautiful ring and just thinking about him.

[Darian Dumonte]

He saw her tears as he gazed into her eyes knowing this proposal and the words had deeply touched her because they never constantly said the words. It was just the raw charged emotion that was always there, the tension in the air that drew them closer, even after some rough moments like the ones they had recently been through. For one of them to actually say the words it meant that the moment was symbolic and deeply meaningful these weren’t words that either Darian or Shea took lightly and he knew that. He saw her tears but, at the same time he could see the joy that soared through her, the happiness that surged through her. Her eyes already spoke her acceptance towards this as he suddenly felt her surge forward her arms around her tightly. She was crying against his shoulder her tears dampening the shoulder given the thin material but, he didn’t care. Darian had his arms around her tightly now and gently rocked her as he let her have the moments she needed to let go.

He felt her nuzzling into his neck her cry not the deep sad one but, the cry of someone who had been deeply touched by this. He felt her pull back for a moment her emerald eyes meeting his ruby ones. He waited for a brief moment and then her words…she said the words. She accepted this proposal and Darian felt a small click deep inside him. The click that said yet another part of his life was complete that would lead to so much more things and events. The acceptance of his proposal made him feel more complete more fulfilled but, it appeared that her acceptance and joy wasn’t just limited to her words. He felt her press forward again hard his back suddenly against the floor as she placed her lips on his. This wasn’t that gentle or tender kiss they usually shared this was a passionate kiss that said everything. He wrapped his arms around her waist once more and returned her kiss with an equal burning passion.

With touch and feel he placed the ring on her hand on the correct finger sliding it on where it belonged. He then pulled her more tightly to him and let the kiss make everything else seem worthless because when compared to the passion that Shea was now expressing for him alone it just didn’t compare. Darian forgot everything else right then and didn’t know how long the kiss was held he didn’t even know it felt like an eternity the passion flowing and finally released from it’s chains. They were acting on what they both wanted at that moment. Finally Darian broke the kiss slowly adding a small light kiss once more before he pulled back and gazed into her eyes with a happy smile on his lips.

“Wow…” That single word there was no way to truly describe the passionate kiss that they had just shared. Darian gazed up at Shea for a moment and leaned forward again pressing his lips on hers once more sharing another kiss this time initiating a passionate kiss as his fingers trailed through her hair.

[Shea]

The kiss was returned as passionatly as she had given it and there was no stopping them at this moment. The feelings that they were showing each other was the deeper side of love. Yes, more physical but only because right now words would not express what it was she wanted to say and what he was saying back. Only here could they show each other and the way he held her to him only made it better.

She felt the ring slip onto her finger and it felt like it just fit there. The symbol of their love for one another was now on her finger and he held her tightly again. The kiss broke after several long and joyous minutes and she looked down at Darian her breathing was erratic now as her eyes held so much it was hard to decipher.

She chuckled at his word and nodded. But it wasn't long til he was kissing her once more the passion once more evident as he brought her close again. This time a moan of pleasure extended forth into his mouth as she gently pushed her tongue inside. Never had they shared a kiss so deep and yet here it was. They were now engaged and the last of the restrained was waning fast. She felt his hands run through her hair and she yearned to moan again but held back.

Her hand however went through his hair softly and gently carressing and loving him with her touch as much as she could. She didn't want to stop. She didn't want the kiss to end. She was enjoying this, their time together, finally showing the feelings that lay hidden inside for each other.

[Darian Dumonte]

He heard the moan issue forth and a part of him just look surprised yet at the same time elated that he had caused such a sweet noise to issue from her. Shea his love and now his fiancé it was something to truly be happy about to know that he was doing her right. He felt her tongue push into his waiting mouth and didn’t say a word or try to he was surprised by this action yet at the same time pleased by the aggressive move. He nibbled on her tongue and suckled on it slowly and lightly tasting her and then returned the favor by slipping his tongue into her mouth. If he could smile in his current position he would a large and broad smile at what he was doing. The kiss was being helped a deep and long kiss for several minutes they gently touching each other during it wall. Touching and caressing. Sharing feelings that they had long since hid from each other that was now rushing out of the broken wall.

Darian broke the kiss when he finally needed air and took a deep gulp of it and almost shivered under her touch her smile dazzling him. It was a fulfilling moment for Darian so see Shea with such a loving look in her gaze and he certainly didn’t want the moment to end. He kissed her cheek lightly and looked into her eyes a smile on his lip. A pure and joyous gaze in his eyes as he looked at Shea glad that they were through the latest hurtle and even closer then ever before. However, a floor was alas in one of these large places cold and as much as Darian wanted to continue what they were doing he also didn’t want to get cold. He slowly sat up with her and gave a smile kissing her other cheek lightly in a feather-light kiss before he stood up with her. He slipped onto the bed and then pulled her to him so she was against him once more his arms once again snuggly around her body.

“This is a good day indeed,” he said softly and opened his eyes giving a smile at her. “So many things we have to plan but, right now I want to enjoy the moment with you. Just savor this wonderful and blissful moment with you love,” Darian said those words with a loving tone in his voice as he kissed her forehead.

[Shea]

The kiss lastest some time as they held each other gently carressing one another. It was wonderful and perfect all at the same time and Shea found herself lost in the world. He was so warm and so loving. They fit together well. He had a short temper and she rarely had one. She was reserved as was he yet when the need arose they could be as loud as needed. They balanced each other well and it was amazing that two people could fit like this.

When the kiss broke she smiled. She couldn't help but do so. She wanted to just cuddle up with him now and feel content in the decisions they had just made. And it seemed that the very same thing was on his mind as he kissed her cheek and sat up. She moved off of him having been straddling him this whole time that she now just realized with a blush. She watched him stand and did so herself.

Laying on the bed some few moments later he pulled her close and she went willingly. Her left hand lay on his chest her ring sparkling in the soft light of the room. She snuggled up close and lay her head on his shoulder. She didn't want to move or go anywhere. It had been a full week without speaking to one another and in a way she was glad. Because it made this entire day that much more special.

He was right they had a lot of things to plan now. A Baroness and a Duke's son didn't get married every day the wedding would be huge. And it was best to start thinking about it now. So many things left to decide yet for now she lay thinking of nothing than of how happy she was to be laying in his comforting arms. Hearing his heart beat through his chest. She said nothing but then again there was no reason to speak. Words could not covey.

[Darian Dumonte]

In a way this moment was sort of unbelievable. When Darian first met Shea he wouldn’t believe that their relationship would progress to something so deep and intimate. This was something that he would just look at you and laugh not believing a love was found so easily. Yet here he was right now with Shea, his love snuggled up against him her hand sparkling with the elegant engagement ring. On his hand he now put the matching one only instead of the emerald being the centerpiece his was a ruby. He rested his hand against hers and smiled. They just clicked. On a deep and innate level they clicked easily and wonderfully the way that neither of them would have believed.

Darian realized that the delay was perhaps a good thing in a way the week gave them time not only to cool off but, to realize what they felt for each other. He shifted his gaze and smiled down at her and moved his hand to lightly run through her hair as he enjoyed the calm and serene presence that she had. He was short-tempered and she was patient where he was out-spoken she was level-headed. It was a wonderful match-up and he was glad that he had made that first choice in going to meet her in the courtyard. When she was with Bella and relaxing underneath that tree as he approached noting their unique bond. After all it was the same bond he and Orchid had.

Speaking of Orchid the cat was now lurking beneath Bella and patiently waited glad that the two were able to get over the recent event. Darian kissed the top of Shea’s forehead lightly and let her just rest against him. Cuddling and enjoying this blissful moment like he was. Words weren’t necessary right then both of them enjoying the moment of peace that seemed to emit from this. Darian ran his fingers through her silky hair ever so lightly and gently letting it play with her locks of hair. This was something that he had grown used to doing with Shea and he enjoyed it when she returned the favor because it meant that she was in a very good mood.

He saw her head against his chest and knew she was listening. Listening to the sound of his heartbeat and letting that play out a new melody for her. The melody of his soul. The soul that now belonged to Shea as hers belonged to him. He lightly traced his fingers down the back of her neck and let her listen. Let her enjoy this moment.

[Shea]

It was peaceful. Like right before a storm when everything is quiet and not even the wind blows. The world just seemed to stop for the two lying in the bed together. Holding one another gently and expressing feelings that could not be said only felt.

His hand went through her hair softly and a small smile crossed her face. It was so relaxing when he did that. It made her want to fall asleep and she might too if no one ever said anything. Yet, even that seemed like an okay idea because then they would sleep together once more as they did occasionally.

She felt him move and opened her eyes seeing that he put a ring that matched hers on his finger and she smiled. Closing her eyes once more and listening to the beat of his beautiful heart. It would be awkward to reach up and play with his hair right now from the position she was in and so instead she sent her left hand around to the back of him. Stroking his back lightly and pulling herself closer all the same.

"I love you Darian." she said softly as her eyes remained closed and she didn't move. This was still a special moment and a special time. She wanted to let him know once more before the moment passed how she felt because she hadn't told him when he had said it earlier. But she knew that he was already aware of her feelings yet sometimes it was just good to say it.

[Darian Dumonte]

This blissful moment was something that was cherished as Darian felt her shift against him nuzzling up closely and enjoying the warmth and closeness of the moment just as he was. Who wouldn’t enjoy a moment such as this? When you just admitted the deepest feelings a person could possibly muster to the person who returned them with equal passion and strength. It was something that couldn’t just be ignored and set aside in fact it was quite the opposite you cherished it and savored the moment even more. This was a special moment with Shea even the atmosphere just felt so right so perfect for this moment the light falling through the window at just the right moment.

It was as if God himself was blessing this moment this union between Darian and Shea and he gave a small smile at that as he continued running his fingers through her hair. He knew that she loved it and commented to him several times how relaxing it was too her so he did it. Not just because he wanted to make Shea feel good but, because he enjoyed watching her reactions when he touched her gently and lovingly like he was doing right now. He felt her arm shift and her body nuzzle up more closely they were now tightly pressed together in this intimate and loving moment. He felt her fingers slowly working his lower back down and he closed his eyes.

Then she said those four words.

Darian opened his eyes and smiled down at her those words sounding so wonderful and so beautiful coming from Shea. He just smiled happily. He already enjoyed hearing those words from her even if it was rare. That was what made it more special they didn’t have to say it all the time but, when they did it was more intimate and heart-felt.

“You look ready to fall asleep and forget the world right now,” Darian commented with a smile. “Am I that cozy?” he teased with a grin.