Devil's Silver #6 Wicked Game

By Carol M.

Summary: Nothing can ever be easy for Darien, including a wedding proposal to Claire

Spoilers: All the eppies just to be safe

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I dont own them, I just love them

Author's Note: Don't let this part fool you, folks. You are in for one bumpy ride. I just hope you enjoy it!

Six months after A Tale of Two Brothers

Darien and Claire swayed wordlessly in each other's arms to Sade's No Ordinary Love in the candlelit room. His eyes were locked on hers, paralyzed. He couldn't move them if he wanted to. She mesmerized him.

He ran his hand slowly through her hair, breathing in the ambrosial scent of fresh strawberries.

She in turn gently took her hand and caressed him from his forehead down to his strong jaw line in one blissfully slow motion.

He sighed achingly in response, loving the tender way she always touched him. Somehow she always knew just what he needed.

She put her head against his chest and breathed in his rich, musky scent. She could hear his heart beating rapidly in her ear. She could feel small nervous tremors in his stomach muscles as she pulled closer to him. Six months and her touch could still make him jump out of his skin.

He pulled her even closer to him. He wrapped his arms snuggly around her, putting his head on her shoulder and closing his eyes, feeling nothing but overwhelming love pouring out of his heart. He wondered how he had gotten so lucky.

-------------------------------

Darien's stomach was doing rolls. His palms were sweaty and his breath was coming in short gasps.

He carefully reached into his pocket and pulled out a small ring box. He opened the box and glanced nervously at the person sitting next to him. He took a deep breath. "Claire, I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" he said.

Silence.

Darien's heart started beating so rapidly he thought it might explode.

"No."

Darien looked irritated. "What do you mean no?"

"No."

Darien sighed heavily and looked at Bobby, who was sitting next to him in the driver's seat of the van. "Hobbes, you're supposed to be helping me here," said Darien in frustration.

"I am helping you, partner. I'm trying to prepare you for every possible scenario, have you ready with a comeback for every outcome," said Bobby with a serious tone to his voice.

"Okay, Hobbes, this is not some kind of tactical mission, this is an engagement. Now come on man, I need help here," said Darien with desperation.

Bobby nodded. "Yeah, you definitely need something because that was pathetic."

Darien rolled his eyes. "Okay Mr. Expert. How should I do it then?" Darien asked.

"Fawkes, you gotta romance her. Women want flowers and candy and romantic moon lit strolls. They want to be wined and dined. They want us men to take charge and make their dreams come true," said Bobby matter of factly.

"Seriously, Hobbes. What the hell should I do?" asked Darien.

Bobby cleared his throat. "Well I have found in the past that women respond well to finding engagement rings in their food. Viv loved it," said Bobby with a smile.

"Ah, no offense Hobbes, but you and Viv didn't exactly live happily ever after," said Darien.

Bobby chose to ignore the comment. "Bobby Hobbes knows how to romance women," he said defensively.

"You guys are idiots," said Alex.

Darien and Hobbes turned around from their seats in the van and looked at Alex who was sitting in the back, rigging up a microphone and camera.

"Okay Susie, since you're so smart, how should I ask Claire to marry me?" asked Darien.

Alex looked at Darien and rolled her eyes. "How should I know?"

Darien looked at with an annoyed expression. "Look, you're a chick, right. What should I do here?"

Alex sighed heavily. "Fawkes, this is not the time."

"Ah come on, Monroe. Give me a few pointers," said Darien in a pleading tone. He flashed her his puppy dog eyes. "Please."

"Fine," she said with irritation. "The problem is you're trying too hard. Keep it simple. Claire doesn't need a ring in some fried rice, she just needs to hear the words and see that you love her. No matter what you do she is going to love it because she loves you," said Alex.

"Aw, Alex, I didn't know you cared," said Darien.

"I don't. I'm just trying to get you to shut up about it so we can get back to the task at hand," said Alex sharply.

"Oh," said Darien.

Bobby nudged Darien in the ribs. "Don't listen to her, Fawkes. Keep needs flash, she needs excitement, she needs fireworks."

Alex cleared her throat. "Boys, we need to get to work here."

Darien saluted her. "Yes, ma'am."

Alex reached up to the front and pushed the microphone into Darien's ear. Then she handed him the cap with the camera in the turtle. Darien grimaced. "Okay, the Agency really needs to invest in better hats."

"Do your thing, Fawkes," said Alex.

Darien started to get out of the van but was stopped by Bobby. "Remember partner, you need back up, you just holler. I got your back, my friend," said Bobby.

Darien smiled. "Thanks buddy."

Darien stepped out of the van and quicksilvered, slowly making his way towards an abandoned warehouse where a weapons deal was being made by some local gangsters. Darien's job was to get some video and verbal intel and then a SWAT team was going to storm in and bust them.

Darien strolled carelessly towards the warehouse, his mind on other things. Tonight was the night. He was going to pop the question. He just prayed to god that Claire loved him as much as he thought she did.

He reached the entrance of the warehouse and stepped inside. He was greeted with the shock of his life. Standing front and center next to a table filled with guns was Arnaud and Huiclos De Phon.

"Kirk, to enterprise, come in," whispered Darien into his microphone.

"What's your twenty, Fawkes?" replied Bobby into his own microphone from the van.

"Guess who decided to put in a cameo appearance? Arnaud and his brother," whispered Darien.

"What? Are you sure?" asked Bobby with surprise.

"I'm looking right at him, Hobbes," responded Darien.

Bobby glanced over at Alex. "Arnaud's in there."

Alex quickly pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. "This is agent Alex Monroe. We need SWAT now. Yes you heard me right, go now."

Bobby started to talk once again into the microphone. "Okay, Fawkes. Don't do anything, you hear me. Me and Monroe will be right there," said Bobby into the microphone as he reached for his gun. "You copy Fawkes?"

No answer.

"Fawkes?"

Bobby heard choking sounds coming from the receiver. He looked at Alex with panic. "We got to go now," said Bobby as he pushed Alex out of the van.

The wire was tight across Darien's throat. He could feel it digging into his skin, causing blood to trickle down onto his shirt. The quicksilver shed from his body as he slowly started to lose control. He thrashed about, trying to throw off his attacker, but the guy was just too strong.

Darien's vision was starting to blur. He could see Arnaud and Huiclos in a panic trying to gather up the guns. He could hear loud noises coming from outside. They sounded like trucks, but he didn't know if he was just hearing things. His body was aching for oxygen. He started to sway unsteadily as his attacker tightened his grip. So this was the way it was going to end.

"Let him go, pal," said Bobby as he stepped in front of the pair.

The attacker pulled Darien directly in front of him so Darien was shielding his body. The attacker then backed up directly against the wall so he couldn't be shot from behind. He pulled even tighter on the wire, eliciting a choked moan from Darien. Darien could make out Bobby with his gun aimed at both of them.

"Shoot, Hobbes," gasped Darien.

Suddenly, Darien and his attacker were pushed to the side. The attacker looked down to his right and saw Alex ready to kick his leg again. This was all the distraction Bobby needed. He aimed his gun and pulled the trigger, hitting the guy in the arm. The attacker loosened his grip on Darien, who fell to the floor with a groan.

The sound of doors being kicked in filled the room. SWAT members dressed in black and armed with guns ran into the room, shouting. "Everybody Freeze!" yelled one of them.

Alex and Bobby knelt down next to Darien, who wasn't looking so good. "You okay, partner?" asked Bobby as he examined Darien's throat.

Darien grabbed at Bobby's jacket. "Get Arnaud," he choked out.

Bobby looked at Alex. "Take care of him," he said as he got up to find Arnaud.

He spotted Arnaud and Huiclos making a run for it out of a small window towards the back. Bobby cocked his gun and aimed it at both of them. "Freeze DePhons."

Arnaud clawed at his facemask, trying to rip it off so he would be invisible. Bobby shot off his gun, hitting inches away from Arnaud's head. "Don't even think about it, Arnie," yelled Bobby.

Arnaud and Huiclos both turned around. Huiclos looked completely panicked and dropped all of his guns. Arnaud looked completely at ease, as usual.

"Drop the guns, Phone," yelled Bobby.

Arnaud did what he was told. Bobby, along with two SWAT members, ran towards the two brothers. Bobby pushed Arnaud to the ground and cuffed him. "It's all over, Arnaud. You're going away for a long time, my friend," he said with satisfaction.

Arnaud started to laugh. "That's what you think, friend. Believe me, this is just a prologue."

Bobby picked Arnaud off the ground and roughly shoved him towards one of the SWAT members. "Yeah, a prologue to your life as a prison lackey."

Arnaud smiled. "Perhaps," he said as the SWAT members dragged him and Huiclos outside to their truck.

Bobby ran back over to Darien, where Alex was trying to help him recover.

Alex took Darien's head and forced him to look her in the eyes. "Fawkes, you have to take deep breaths, okay," she said firmly.

Bobby got down on the floor and rubbed Darien on the back. "Come on, partner, breath," he said with encouragement.

Darien did what he was told and tried to take deep breaths, but every time he did he was wracked with coughs. He was starting to panic. "I can't breathe," he whispered urgently to Bobby.

"Lay him on his side," said Alex. She and Bobby both rolled him so he was laying on his side.

Darien continued to cough, but was able to get more oxygen in this position. Gradually, he was able to breathe again. He was also starting to feel the pain in his throat and neck.

"You're doing good, partner," said Bobby.

Darien looked up at Bobby. "Thanks," he slurred and then promptly passed out.

Bobby slapped his cheek. "Fawkes, Fawkes, come on buddy."

Alex pulled out her cell phone. "I'll call an ambulance."

Bobby shook his head. "No, I think he's okay. He just needs to get to the Keeper." Bobby picked up Darien's legs. "Help me get him in the van," said Bobby.

Alex picked up Darien's arms and helped carry him to the van. Bobby drove off, heading to the Agency, while Alex stayed behind to wrap up the sting operation.

A Few Hours Later

Darien opened his eyes and was greeted by the familiar surroundings of the Keep and the staring faces of Bobby and Claire.

"Cla…" he tried to rasp. His throat ached.

He reached up to his throat with his hand and all he could feel was bandages. Oh yeah, I was nearly strangled to death, he thought.

"Shhh," Claire said. "Don't try to talk," she said as she stroked his hair gently.

Darien eyed Bobby. "What happened?" Darien asked in a soft whisper. "Why was Arnaud there?"

Bobby smiled widely. "Well my friend, today may just be your lucky day. Turns out our Swiss friend was trying to get back into the terrorist game and needed some guns from our gangster pals."

Darien looked up at Bobby with confusion. "How did he know we would be there?" Darien asked. "They guy who attacked me must have had thermal."

Bobby shook his head. "Old habit. Arnie said he always makes his guys where thermal glasses wherever they go. He was as surprised to see you as you were to see him."

Darien flashed Bobby a look of eagerness. "Where is he?" he whispered loudly.

Claire sighed with concern. "Darien, no more talking," she said firmly.

Darien gave her the puppy dog eyes. "Come on, Claire, this is Arnaud. My brother's killer, my worst enemy," he whispered.

Before Claire could respond, Bobby jumped in. "He's in jail. There gonna lock away the ABBA head and throw away the key," said Bobby as he extended his hand to Darien. They slapped hands.

Darien looked at Claire in amazement. "Wow," he whispered.

Claire couldn't help but smile at the pure joy detectable is his barely there voice.

"It's over, it's finally over," whispered Darien. He looked at Claire. "Keep, we gotta celebrate."

Claire smiled widely. "Okay, but on one condition. All he celebration will be done with you in bed, resting."

Darien looked at her slyly. "Will you be in bed with me?" he whispered.

Claire played coy. "Possibly," she said with a smirk.

Bobby looked at the two of them with disgust. "Okay, can you two like stop. You're creeping me out here."

Darien smiled. "Sorry Hobbesy." After a moment he softly added, "Thanks for taking down Arnaud, Bobby."

Bobby patted Darien on the back. "Not a problem, D, it was my pleasure," he said with a smile.

He looked at both Darien and Claire and started towards the door. "Well, I'm gonna go find Monroe and do some follow up work. You two have fun tonight," said Bobby as he winked at Darien.

"Oh don't worry, my friend, we will," whispered Darien loudly.

Bobby exited the Keep, leaving Darien and Claire alone.

Claire leaned down and hugged Darien tightly. "I'm glad you're all right, Darien. I got worried when I saw all the blood on your shirt," she said.

"Ah, don't worry about me, Claire. It's gonna take a lot more then piano wire to take me out," he said.

Claire pulled away from him. "Well you need to go home and rest," said Claire as she reached for her car keys.

"Claire, it's okay, you don't have to drive me. I'll get one of the Agency guys to do it. Finish up what you have to do here and then head on over to my place," he said as he got out of the chair.

"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you?" she asked.

"Yeah, yeah. Come over around seven and the celebration will begin," whispered Darien with a sparkle in his eye.

Claire smiled. "Seven it is. I'll stop by my house and pick out an outfit to celebrate in," she said as she walked towards him and took his hands.

" The black boots would get me in a celebratory mood," he said as he leaned in for a kiss.

"Oh, they would, would they," said Claire breathlessly between kisses.

"Uh, huh," said Darien as he kissed her again.

After a few more seconds of kissing, Darien reluctantly pulled away. "Okay, got to save myself up for celebrating tonight," he said in a husky voice. "I'll see you at seven, okay," he said as he pressed his forehead against hers.

She smiled. "Seven it is," Claire said.

After one more kiss, he walked out of the Keep. He could feel the ring box still in his pocket. Voice or no voice, tonight was the night.

But someone else had other plans.

TBC