A Home For The Holidays
Chapter 34
Epilogue
Author's Note: Hi everyone this is it the last chapter. I would like to thank all of my readers for supporting my story and continuing to come back and enjoy each week while seeing Serena and Darien fall in love in a different kind of story outside of the Sailor moon universe. As I had stated when I first took back up writing this story it holds a deep personal connection to me and some of the emotions that were expressed in this story are very real and I hope that came through in my writing.
I also wanted to just mention quickly a comment that I received on the last chapter. To clarify Tiffany is not a prostitute she has done questionable things to be able to get a part in a show or what was hinted at in exchange for rent, but does not actively go out to sell herself for money, but do to her questionable habits she has created a reputation for herself with certain people.
Lastly I would like to thank all of my readers who still were following a Christmas story all year through I am so grateful to have all of your support. Thank you everyone and I hope you continue to enjoy my writing as there are more stories to come and ideas that I still have to create. Please continue to send all your reviews. I would love to know what you're thoughts of this story as a whole are so please send your thoughts and reviews. Thanks and Happy Holidays Mars Light
Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon never did, never will thank you!
358 Days Later
Serena stood in the kitchen as she mixed the batter together for Santa Claus pancakes when Sam came running in to the kitchen begging her "are they done yet, are they done yet"
Serena shook her head and told him" no I just told you the same thing a minute ago when you last asked, have a little more patience. I'll call you when their ready"
She put the bowl down on the counter and walked to the refrigerator to grab the milk to make the frosty beards, taking the milk carton in one hand while closing the refrigerator door with her foot she turned around to see Sam sticking his finger in the mixing bowl as she looked at him shaking her head with disapproval asking him "Sam where did you learn such manners"
Sam looked down shyly and told her "sorry Serena" She walked back over to the counter and picked up the bowl again and continued mixing telling him "that's ok, but don't forget Santa is still watching. If you want him to bring you presents tonight you have to be on your best behavior"
Sam stood up straight as he looked to his sister afraid that Santa might not come he asked her quickly "can I help you with something Serena, maybe the dishes or dusting or something?"
Serena stood there and thought about if for a second and then smiled telling him "you could clean up your room" Sam pouted putting his hands on his hips as he looked to her disappointed he complained "clean my room really?"
Darien came walking into the kitchen at that moment, not sure what he missed, but looked over to Sam telling him "listen to your sister"
Sam shook his head as he looked over to Darien arguing he told him "you always take her side"
Darien walked over to Serena as he gave her a quick kiss on the lips, which she gladly accepted then turned around to Sam telling him "when you look as good in a dress as she does I'll take your side too"
Serena smiled at his comment as she explained to him "I told him to go clean up his room" Darien turned to look back at Sam and nodded his head telling him "she's right and the den too while you're at it"
Sam put his hands on his hips annoyed asking "really" Darien nodded his head telling him "yes, your cars are all over the floor inside do you want Jane to fall and break her neck"
Sam lowered his head as he sighed with agreement telling him "no" Darien looked over to him nodding his head telling him "come on I'll help you clean up. We'll do it together" Sam nodded his head excited knowing Darien always had a way of making even the most borings things fun like cleaning.
Darien walked over towards Sam, but then took a step back and put his finger in the mixing bowl that Serena held and licked some mix off his finger as Serena stood there frustrated she called out to him "now I know where he gets it from"
Darien just laughed joyously as he walked over to Sam putting his arm around his shoulder telling him "come along, let's get this place cleaned up before the family comes"
Serena heard the words family comes and let out a loud groan as Darien looked over to her with a smile telling her "don't worry we'll get through"
Serena nodded her head knowing in just a couple of hours they would have a house full as she looked to him asking "when are your aunt and uncle coming over". Darien looked to her with a shrug of his shoulders saying "they should be here in about two hours"
Serena nodded her head as she looked up to the clock on the microwave seeing it was after 11 and turned to Sam telling him "please go put on your nice clothes today"
Sam let out a low grunt as he looked up to Darien asking him "do I really have too" Darien nodded his head telling him "listen to your sister" Sam walked out of the kitchen grunting away about going to get changed as Darien turned and walked over to Serena taking the bowl out of her hands and placing it down on the counter asking her "how about you?"
Serena looked up at him surprised by his question asking "what about me?" Darien let out a small sigh and shook his head looking at the woman he loved with a knowing smile asking "are you going to actually wear something that I told you to buy for yourself, for once?"
Serena stood there blushing she told him "Darien your gifts are far too extravagant and unnecessary. I've told you, all we want is you we don't need all your gifts" Darien smiled hearing her words again as he gently touched her cheek getting a little pancake mix on her face he told her "Serena I told you I want to give you and Sam everything and I meant it"
She nodded her head knowing she could never win this argument and was still not use to the extravagant presents that he suddenly surprised them with as she asked him "was there something you had in mind" Darien smiled as he told her "the green dress I think would go lovely with this" as he pulled out a small box from his back pocket and handed it to her
She looked up at him surprised by the unexpected gift she told him "I thought we were going to wait on exchanging gifts until later"
Darien smiled as he shook his head telling her "this isn't your Christmas gift Serena, one year ago today you entered my life and made everything brighter and I saw these and thought of you"
Serena took the box from him knowing he enjoyed seeing the expression on her face when he surprised her with little gifts like this as she shook her head telling him "you know you shouldn't have done this" He shook his head knowing she was stalling and smiled telling her "you always say that, just open it" She did as he asked and looked down to see a beautiful pair of diamond drop down earrings with small emeralds at the ends as she looked to Darien lovingly telling him "there beautiful"
Darien looked to her seeing that sparkle matching in her eyes he told her brightly "I am glad you like them. I saw how perfect they were, simple but had a beautiful shine and thought they were meant for you"
Serena smiled as she heard his sincere words while holding the beautiful earrings in her hand, but then looked down sadly telling him "you are too good to me, but I have nothing to give you in return"
Darien tilted her head up to look at him he told her "having you and Sam here with me is the greatest gift that you continue to give me every day" Serena looked up to him adoringly and put her lips up to his and he kissed hers back when Angela came into the kitchen waving a finger at them saying "none of that you two. If I have to cook dinner for a houseful tonight. I need the kitchen back, are you almost done in here Serena?"
Serena turned to see Angela standing behind Darien as she blushed telling her "yes sorry Angela" as she playfully hit Darien telling him "get out of here so I can finish" Darien reached over and took another finger full of mix, she shook her head telling him "you better go make sure Sam is actually cleaning in there and not just playing some more" Darien nodded his head as he stole one more quick kiss from her and then reluctantly walked away he told her "if I must" as he licked the mix off his finger and walked out of the room
Angela looked to Serena watching him leave the kitchen with a jolly smile she told her "I never thought I would see that smile on his face again for Christmas" Serena turned to look at Angela blushing after being caught kissing Darien in the kitchen and picked up the mixing bowl telling her "yeah" Angela nodded her head happily saying "yes and it's all because of you dear" Serena smiled knowing it was true, they had certainly come a long way in a year and she couldn't imagine her life now without him in it.
Serena stood to the side of their bed as she looked over to Darien asking him "will you zip me up" Darien stood on the other side of the bed near his bureau putting on his gold watch, wearing his dark green blazer he turned around to see her standing there looking beautiful wearing her green velvet dress. A simple dress with a curved neckline and a large green satin ribbon wrapped around it, but it looked beautiful on her. To him she always sparkled in anything she wore, but today she looked especially magnificent.
He walked over to her and zipped up the back of her dress placing a kiss on the back of her neck, then straightened out her mother's crystal necklace that she wore to keep a piece of her mother with her today and whispered into her ear "your mother is very proud of you Serena"
Serena turned around to face Darien knowing without saying a word, he always seemed to know what was on her mind and knew just what to say. She pressed her lips to his own telling him "thank you" then turned around with his arms still wrapped around her seeing there reflection together in the mirror a perfect couple she asked him "how do I look" He looked at their reflection together with a look of complete love and devotion to the girl in his arms he told her "amazing as always"
Serena blushed at hearing his words then turned around wrapping her arms around his neck still not believing after all these months that he truly was hers and this was there life now. She nervously bit down on her lower lip he looked to her with a little grin shaking his head telling her "you know not to do that around me"
Serena looked back at him with a knowing smile and teased "what are you going to do about it?" Darien placed his hands up to her cheeks ready to kiss her when they heard the doorbell ring. She looked up at him with a sigh telling him "I guess it will have to wait until later" she walked away from his embrace he sat down on the bed looking her way like a disappointed child she laughed telling him "come on it's probably your aunt and uncle"
Darien shook his head with a groan hearing her mention his relations as Serena shook her head telling him "come on they haven't been that bad, actually they have been very kind lately"
Darien nodded his head knowing his aunt and uncle's attitude had changed dramatically towards Serena and Sam, whether it was because he threatened them of being completely cut off or if it was Serena and her amazing kindness, strength, and courage, they finally came to see exactly what he did in this beautiful woman and loving boy he chose to spend his life with.
He stood up from the bed and walked over to Serena with a look in his eyes she had come to know well and put his arms around her holding her close to him he told her "they can wait another minute" Serena made no attempt to move away from his hold as he placed his lips down on hers while she wrapped her arms around his neck kissing him back when they heard the doorbell ring once more.
Darien let out a little groan from the disruption as Serena stepped away from his embrace and took his hand telling him "come along it is Christmas, time to be with one's family"
Darien gently reached up touching her cheek lovingly telling her "I have all the family I need with you and Sam" Serena smiled at his comment and was about to reply when they were interrupted by a knock on their bedroom door with William announcing "sir your aunt and uncle have arrived"
Serena looked to him finding one way to say everything she felt inside with in only a short time she told him "I love you" then turned around and opened the bedroom door and walked towards the living room to greet there guests
Darien reluctantly followed her from the bedroom as he reached out and took her hand in his, she looked up to him with a warm smile giving his hand an extra squeeze and together they walked into the living room.
Mae stood by the tree looking at the handmade ornament that Sam had made in class and turned to see the loving couple walk in the room with a big smile. She put out her arms telling Serena warmly "Serena dear how wonderful to see you. Looking beautiful as always"
Serena let go of Darien's hand as she walked over returning Mae's hug telling her "it is great to see you too Aunt Mae and you too Uncle Philip"
Philip walked into the room carrying two glasses of eggnog as he handed one to Darien and looked to Serena with a smile telling her "you are looking lovely Serena" as he looked around the room seeing everything cleaned up and turned his attention to Darien asking him "so where is my favorite nephew?"
Darien stood by Serena's side as he placed his hand on her shoulder knowing Philip wasn't talking about him he told him "Sam is in the study" Serena called out Sam's name as the boy came running inside and saw Mae and Philip standing there and went running up excited asking them "did you bring me any presents"
Serena looked to her brother shocked as she shook her head correcting him she called out "Sam manners"
Sam looked down to the floor apologetically telling her "sorry Serena" Mae just laughed aloud she told her "it is fine child, we would never come empty handed for our favorite nephew" as Henry came walking into the room at that moment holding arms full of gift boxes. Serena looked to Mae and Philip shaking her head telling them "you really didn't have to do that"
Mae shook her head telling her "nonsense we enjoy doing it for the boy, don't we Phil"
Philip nodded his head as he looked to Sam excited asking him "how about we go play that PlayStation game you and I. I want a rematch"
Sam grew excited as he told him "you're on" as they walked back into the study together. Mae watched them go like two excited children and looked to her nephew shaking her head asking him "so when are you going to propose to this lovely creature beside you"
Serena stood there blushing at her comment knowing it was not the first time Mae brought it up she told her "that's ok, Darien and I are very happy with the way things are right now, aren't we"
Darien smiled as he took Serena's hand in his giving it a little kiss telling his aunt "that's right, why mess with perfection"
Serena smiled knowing he was happy with her and Sam and nodded her head agreeing with him "yes of course" when they turned hearing the door slam shut as Tiffany walked inside moaning and groaning she looked over at Serena ranting loudly telling her "can you believe him. I can't, I mean really what was he thinking? Hi Darien"
Darien had to laugh as he watched the tornado walk in the room that is Serena's cousin Tiffany. Serena took a deep breath and looked to Tiffany shaking her head asking "what is it this time?"
Tiffany looked to her frustrated as she through her hands up in the air telling her "it's Adam he insists that I spend too much money. I mean me really he has to understand that I need to make a good impression for my roles. I can't go to an audition wearing just anything I mean don't be ridiculous"
Adam walked into the room at that moment as he looked to Serena and Darien nodding his head telling them "hello" then looked over to Tiffany finishing their argument telling her "you didn't let me finish. I told you I don't mind buying you nice things, but I cannot afford to do it all the time. I am not made of money Tiffany"
Tiffany shook her head about to argue with him further when Serena put out her arms and looked to cousin saying "you can look through my closet. I am sure there is something there that you could borrow"
Tiffany's eyes lit up at the mention of borrowing something of her cousins, knowing most of what was in her closet now are rich designer labels as she looked to Serena asking "really" Serena smiled telling her "sure"
Darien leaned over Serena's shoulder as he whispered in her ear "you know you're never going to get it back"
She gently pated him away with a knowing smile seeing how she had more than enough clothes to spare she told her cousin "go ahead" as Adam looked to her relieved and whispered "thank you"
Serena giggled seeing her cousins eyes light up she nodded her head saying "no problem" as Darien looked to Tiffany telling her "you know my friend Evan has a movie coming up that there looking for someone to fill a small role in. It is not much just a few lines but"
Tiffany looked to him amazed having her breath caught in her throat she asked "Evan as in Evan Fleming"
Darien nodded his head yes as Serena shook her head telling him "no Tiffany only likes the starring roles" Tiffany turned to Serena proudly telling her "shut up Serena, for Evan Fleming I will make an exception"
Both girls giggled at the thought of Evan's dreamy eyes and amazing smile as they said his name out loud "Evan Fleming" and even Mae stood there fantasizing she told them "he is so dreamy" while the guys rolled their eyes and the girls laughed.
They all sat down together and shared a delicious meal as Darien lifted his glass and turned to Jane and Angela who sat at the table with them, along with Henry and William he told them "to the ladies who put this feast together for us this evening, everything was delicious as always, thank you ladies"
Everyone at the table followed suit and raised there glasses to the two woman. Angela smiled and nodded her head towards Darien telling him "thank you sir"
Tiffany looked over to the women sitting at the table with them and shook her head telling Serena "it must be nice having servants to do everything for you isn't it cousin"
Darien looked to Tiffany not appreciating the tone she took with Serena as he began to stand up from the table, but Serena put her hand to his knee first shaking her head with a knowing smile then turned to her cousin pleased telling her "Jane and Angela are like family to us, they are an asset, but you should know a thing about others helping seeing as how you haven't had to pay any rent for your apartment in the past 11 months since it is under new management" as she took Darien's hand in her own.
Tiffany gulped at Serena's subtle reminder of who the new owner of her building is and lowered her head nodding towards Darien as she repeated the sentiment to both Jane and Angela telling them "everything is very wonderful thank you ladies"
Sam spoke up at that moment changing the subject begging "can we open up presents now please"
Darien looked over amazed at the strong woman by his side and the carefree boy in front of him he nodded his head telling Sam "yes we'll open up presents now"
They all sat around the large tree in the Livingroom as Sam opened up his presents, tearing the paper off and throwing it to the floor while William did his best to clean up after the boy Serena laughed telling him "I don't think you'll be able to keep up with him, no matter how fast you go"
William looked to her with a smile telling her "with all due respect miss the gentleman at your side used to make a far greater mess when he was a boy"
Darien's face turned red while everyone laughed and then continued watching Sam open up the next box, excited for his next gift. He grabbed a long narrow box with shiny red paper and quickly ripped open the wrapping to see a dark blue electric guitar he called out excited "awesome" as Serena and Darien shared a knowing look they told each other "ear plugs" Darien turned to look over at his aunt and uncle standing to the side watching Sam go through there presents he shook his head telling them sarcastically "thank you so much for that"
Tiffany butted in looking to Serena telling her "nonsense, every boy should learn to play an instrument it's good for him"
Serena nodded her head with a smile agreeing with her statement saying "alright than he can practice it at your place"
Tiffany shook her head telling her cousin happily "sorry no can do, don't have the room"
Serena looked back at her surprised asking "why?" As Tiffany smiled taking Adam's hand in her own she told her "Because Adam has moved in with me, and we turned the other room into his office"
Serena smiled at the happy couple glad for her cousin she told her "that's great" Darien looked over to Adam nodding his head laughing he told him "well it's about time"
Tiffany looked over to Darien placing her hands on her hips stubbornly telling him "well not everyone moves in with their girlfriend after only a week Darien"
Darien put his arm around Serena proudly telling her "hey when you know its right"
Sam continued opening up more presents oblivious to the conversation that was going on as he picked up a sweater out of a gift bag holding it up in his hands disappointed putting it to the side he said "another sweater" then looked around realizing there were no more gifts to open as he sat down with a frown. Serena leaned in to him telling him "relax Sam, you still have the presents that Santa will bring tonight"
Sam cheered up at the thought of Santa coming he told her "yeah, I hope he brings me the Xbox I want"
Serena looked over to Darien who gave her a knowing look she told Sam "I guess we will see" and then gave him a tap on the shoulder whispering to him "do you have something to say Sam?"
Sam looked to her puzzled as she cleared her throat and told him "say thank you to everyone for the great gifts"
Sam nodded his head as he told her "oh right" and stood up addressing everyone in the room he told them "thank you for my Christmas presents everyone, they were all great gifts" then made a face saying "even the scratchy sweaters"
Serena laughed as she shook her head at her brother's style telling everyone "thank you very much for your thoughtful gifts" when Darien stood up and took her hand telling her "actually there is one more present to go yet"
Serena looked up to Darien confused asking him "what are you doing?" she watched with her mouth open as he took a small box out of his coat pocket and got down on one knee, holding her hand in his he told her "Serena since you and Sam entered into my life I have not known a single lonely day. You both have filled my life with so much happiness, joy, and laughter. I cannot picture nor do I want too, spend one day without either of you by my side" He put out his other hand for Sam to take.
Sam walked over next to his sister as she put her arm around him trying to hold back her tears, Darien held both of their hands in his telling them "you are my family, both of you and if you will have me I would like to be a part of your family forever. I love you both very much. Serena will you be my wife and Sam will you let me be your brother"
Serena with tears running down her cheeks nodded her head crying out "yes, yes" Darien smiled as he quickly stood up and wrapped his arms around her holding her close to him and then looked over at Sam asking "so how about you?"
Sam nodded his head yes knowing they would have a real forever family again as he held onto his sister tightly and Darien put his arm around them both, holding his family close to him as everyone cheered and smiled saying "congratulations" Henry looked over to Darien with a nod of his head telling him "well done sir."
Darien nodded his head back to his loyal friend, then let go of Serena and Sam for a moment and took the diamond ring out of the box slowly sliding the ring onto Serena's finger as she smiled up at him admiring the huge diamond on her finger she told him "you shouldn't have spent this much on me" Darien shook his head with a laugh telling her "I knew you would say that, but you'll have to get used to me spoiling you"
She looked to him with a knowing smile telling him "I don't know if I will ever get used to your surprises"
Darien gave her a knowing grin and wrapped his arms around her holding her close saying "good because this is only the beginning"
Sam spoke up behind them saying with a large grin "this is even better than an Xbox"
Serena walked back into the living room seeing her fiancé standing before the Christmas tree quietly as she walked up to him wrapping her arms around his waist he turned and looked to her with a smile asking "did Sam go to sleep"
Serena shook her head telling him "no not yet he said he is too excited to sleep"
Darien looked to her with a knowing smile he told her "I know how he feels" as he lifted up her hand up and placed a kiss on her finger that she now wore his ring on
Serena smiled up at the amazing man in front of her, knowing he is more than she ever expected and he is all hers telling him "I still don't know if I am only dreaming"
Darien laughed as he told her "this is real Serena and you and I will have a lifetime of happiness to show for it"
Serena rested her head against his shoulder telling him "I don't know if I will ever get used to your world and everything that you have given to us" Darien smiled as he lifted her face to look at him saying "this will be our world Serena and you'll have the rest of our lives together to figure it out, but know I will forever be at your side when you need me" Serena nodded her head as she wrapped her arms around his neck remembering a night one year ago today when she felt so lost and told him "I never expected to find you"
Darien nodded his head telling her "I feel the same, but I am so glad that I did" as he reached in and gently kissed her lips then told her "sometimes you have to believe in Christmas miracles Serena, ours led me to find you"
Serena looked to him with a knowing smile and nodded her head she told him "I do believe Darien, I do because my Christmas miracle is you"
The End and a new Beginning!
Author's Note: Ok that's it everyone I hope you all enjoyed the story and please send your thoughts and reviews and let me know what you think. Thanks and Happy Holidays Mars Light.