“You’re here.” Xander breathed a sigh of relief when he opened the door to reveal the dark-haired beauty, “I didn’t think you would.” He admitted uncertainly.
“I said I would be.” She replied with a tight smile, handing him a bottle of red wine from Giovanni’s collection.
“You didn’t have to.” He smiled at the gesture and stepped aside, “Come on in.”
“Something smells delicious.” Serenity commented as she shrugged off her leather jacket.
“I made Lamb Ragú, I hope that’s okay?” The uncertainty in Xander’s eyes had yet to diminish.
“My brother invoked the code to save my life.” Serenity could hardly wrap her head around it. The way Xander spoke of the brotherhood made it seem like a sacred code, the type of thing that could save one’s life.“He did and I drove him to it.” Xander admitted miserably, “He has every right to hate me and to blame me.” He smiled sadly, looking Serenity in the eye.“But he doesn’t.” Serenity frowned, “Not really, regardless of what he said.”Xander shook his head, “He only said that to make you happy, because he knows as long as you think we’re on good terms you will be happy.”“That’s bullshi
The next day, Serenity was all packed and dressed in a comfy floral jumpsuit. Their flight to New York was set to leave in a few hours which gave them ample time to meet up and make it to the airport, but before she could leave there was something she had to do first.“A month!” Lorenzo burst, while Matteo just stared at her with a disapproving frown.“Yeah, basically, but I’ll call every day without fail and bombard you guys with a ton of pictures of our travels. If either of you are feeling up to it, maybe you can join us for a day or two in Mexico once we get settled?” She ranted, she knew the sudden news would upset them and as a result she’d come up with as many consolations as she could.“Serenit
Stepping out of JFK Airport, Serenity was hit by a sudden wave of nostalgia. The last time she stood beside Xander facing this bustling city she was a heartbroken, nervous wreck filled with uncertainty and child-like hope.“Brings back memories, doesn’t it?” He murmured, watching a yellow taxi come to a stop before them even though they hadn’t hailed one.“I’m trying to figure out if it classifies as a good or bad one.” She mused, helping him to load their belongings into the trunk of the car.“Well, when we arrived here we had no idea what waited for us on the other side, but we were finally free.” He shrugged, opening the door for her.&
Serenity leaned against the doorframe of the kitchen watching as Xander bustled around the kitchen preparing dinner for them and she couldn’t help but think; the tiny apartment she’d bought with a year’s worth of savings from her first job never felt so much like home.“Hey, you.” Xander threw her a wide smile before quickly returning his attention to the sizzling pan in the stove, “How was your shower?” The tiny booty shorts she wore just barely peeked below the oversized T-shirt she wore, but Xander’s favourite thing was the slightly damp curls that fell down her back in a way that made them so effortlessly beautiful.“Refreshing. What are you cooking?” She wondered, padding closer to him and stood on her tippy toes to glance over his shoulder, but even that wa
The morning Mexican sun flooded through the light curtains bathing Serenity’s face in a warm glow.Brushing the stray hair from her face, Xander committed every curve of her beautiful face to memory. Long lashes whispered against her cheeks and the light dusting of freckles on her nose gave her an air of youthfulness. Xander’s inspection continued, not releasing he’d been caught till his eyes rose to find her hazel orbs staring directly at him.“Has anyone ever told you it’s creepy to stare at someone while they sleep?” She whispered, but a smile tugged at her lips.“Has anyone ever told you it’s unfair for one person to be so damn gorgeous?” He traced her olive skin with a single digit and Serenity shiv
The dinner Serenity talked Selena into took place at a pizzeria in the heart of town. Peter first took her there for her birthday knowing how much she missed home and nothing said Italian and American like pizza did.“This place is amazing, you’re gonna love it!” Serenity squealed, finally spotting her friends at their usual booth.“Peter!” Serenity exclaimed, dropping Xander’s hand to throw her arms around her best friend whom she hadn’t seen in months.Watching Peter’s face disappear into the crook of her neck as he hugged her tightly sent a wave of discomfort through Xander’s body. He was instantly transported to hi
“Hey you! I thought Xander was joining us?” Selena frowned at the empty chair beside her at the table as she leaned down to kiss Serenity on the cheek.“Nope, just us and this little cutie.” Serenity smiled widely at the chubby cheeked princess and stretched her arms out to the child, who to her surprise jumped into her arms without a moment of hesitation, “Oh, wow!”“Yeah, she’s a social butterfly.” Selena rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face never fell, “She thinks everyone is her best friend.”“Well, I have no problem with that at all. Isn’t that right my little bestie.” Serenity tickled her little tummy and little Gracie giggled and grabbed Serenity face between he
“Hey, are you okay? You’ve been really quiet since you got back.” Xander frowned from across the counter where he was throwing together a simple chicken pesto for dinner. “Yeah, I’m fine, just tired.” Serenity brushed off his concern with another sip of wine and while she really was exhausted it wasn’t at all physical. Selena’s revelation about her feelings towards Xander and the reminder that she wasn’t being completely honest with him about her life here in Mexico was setting her on edge. “Hey.” Xander rounded the counter with a small smile on his face, “I know when something is bothering you, but I”m not gonna pry it out of you. You know you can always come to me when you’re ready to talk.” He rubbed her back in circular motions and as soothing as the action was, it only made Serenity feel worse. “I know.” She hurriedly slid off the chair and out of his reach, “I promised Lorenzo I’d call him tonight. You go ahead and eat. I'm not that hungry right now.” She waved him off as