Garen

I looked around the sparse room as Serenity moved around her kitchen "searching" for a mug to serve tea in. I could feel the fear in her veins, but for Daniel's sake, I wasn't going to push her.

"Um, sorry," she muttered as she set down a steaming pair of mugs. "I only had Earl Gray, I hope that's okay."

I gave a slight smile, "I'm sure it will be fine." Taking a sip of the bitter concoction, I questioned my ability to hide how nasty this drink was. "So, Mr. Willet, I appreciate you checking on me, but I'm sure you have far more important issues to deal with." Her attempt to get me to leave was almost adorable, except I needed this human to realize what was at stake and Daniel wasn't going to tell her, so I would.

"Actually, Serenity, I don't have any more important matters. It is my responsibility to ensure Daniel's safety and happiness. You are now part of that, so here we are," I told her bluntly.

Her heart hammered in her chest as her eyes widened, "I...I don't know what you're implying, but Mr. Ito and I are not anything beyond boss and employee, sir." Her indignant huff was humorous. I gave her a side glance and her cheeks flushed crimson. "What did he tell you?" Her voice was filled with fear. I almost felt sorry for her...almost.

"He told me the truth. I know what you are to him, and I know he is going out of his mind worried you're going to reject him." I told her honestly. She started to protest, but I cut her off. "Serenity, you need to understand what this means, not just to Daniel, but to you. If you stop fighting the pull, you'll see how amazing it can be." I let my powers nudge at the corners of her mind, calming her fears. I had to tread lightly, humans were easily overwhelmed with my thrall. If pushed too far or too quickly, a human could become lost in a trance, unable to return to reality.

I heard her heart begin to slow as her breathing deepened into a slow and steady pace. Tears pricked at her eyes as she held my gaze. "I can't," she whispered. "It can't work."

"Shh," I cooed, brushing a tear from her cheek. You're strong, Serenity. Look at all you've accomplished. You are perfect for him; you just need to give him a chance. Let him take you out." I pushed romantic images of dancing and a lingering kiss into her mind as she smiled through her tears. We spoke for several more moments as I gently pushed her will until she was in her room preparing for an early evening with Daniel.

Humming to myself, I dialed his cell. He picked up almost instantly, snapping out my name. "What's wrong?" I asked.

"Mother decided to visit, and Serenity called in sick," he sighed.

"Hmm, well your mom visiting is always suspicious, but at least you have a date to cheer you up." I chuckled.

"Garen, what the hell are you talking about? I don't have a date. If this is your crazy way of trying to make me forget Serenity, then knock it off," he growled.

"Nah, this is my way of helping," I said, "Now get your ass in the limo and come pick up your girl. She's almost ready for your night of dinner and dancing."

The line went silent, until finally Daniel asked, "What did you do?"

"What you should have," I snapped at him. "She needs to be reassured so I gave her a little nudge. I'm sure the two of you will have a fantastic evening together and you can show her how much you want her."

"Garen, if you compelled her to like me, I'll fucking kill you!" Daniel seethed.

"I only gave her a slight nudge to open the door. The rest is up to you, buddy," I chuckled. "Now hurry up, or I'll take her dancing. Fuck, her dress looks amazing." Then I quickly hung up the phone knowing he was going to move faster than the speed of light. I was so busy laughing at my own joke that I didn't notice her walk into the room until the delicate scent of her perfume hit my nostrils. "Ahh, the beauty has arrived," I said playfully as I turned around. I gripped the counter tightly when my eyes landed on her.

I was eating my own words as I gazed at her. She wore a sapphire blue dress with silver heels and accents. The fabric was shimmery and clung in all the right places, yet still managed to look loose and sexy as fuck. Her hair hung in soft curls against her neck as her eyes met mine. "Do I look okay?" she breathed, "I wasn't sure what to wear."

Swallowing, I answered, "You look beautiful. Daniel is a lucky man." I felt my own heart pounding as I continued to stare. Her cheeks flushed crimson and I coughed, breaking the tension. "He should be here any moment." As if the universe had heard my words, there was a rapid knock at the door. I could hear his hushed mutterings through the metal, as he cursed my impetuous nature.

Serenity moved toward the door and hesitantly opened it. "Hello," she squeaked.

"You look amazing, Serenity," Daniel gasped.

I handed her a shawl and her purse, then shooed them out the door. Once their footsteps were well out of distance, I let myself slide to the floor, a gut-wrenching sob coming from my chest as I placed my hand over my own heart.

I felt the outline of the emblazoned ankh and cursed the universe that had given me what I could never have.

Author's Notes:  So should I let them become a trio or not?  Please comment, vote, follow, and share!