January Thirty First.
(Hour of the Misconception)

"W-what.. do you..mea-"
"Cody's been after me for years, I'm not surprised he came back again.. even after his banishment... I suggest you tell Sonya that he's more dangerous than he appears..."
I shake my head. "Well what will you do? You can't get hurt... I won't let that happen."
He takes my hand. "Nothing's going to happen to me... but you have to stay away from him... and possibly me, for the mean time... he'll use you to get to me, I know that... but as long as he doesn't know about you, both of us should be fine... for now."
I nod. "So he's just out there to get you?" The only question I can seem to get out and ask.
"Mm.. more like out there to kill me. But don't be alarmed... he doesn't have the strength to fight me off."
I snort. "Don't make excuses... now let me use the phone... Sonia needs to be talked to."

"I don't care! You're just making up stupid lies! I can tell, you know!"
Sonya was shouting on the other end of the phone. Can't beat much sense into this girl. And by this time, Yuki knows all about it.
"I'm not talking bullshit here, Sonia... you have to believe me on this one. Cody is not who you think he is..."
Yuki steps into the conversation. "Sonia, please listen..."
"And you know him better? You haven't even seen the guy, nor have you met him. So you can't possibly know him."
"But Darren DOES." We both say in unison.
A pause. A breath. "Yeah? Put him on the phone then. Let me talk to HIM."
I sigh. "Darren! Phone."
Darren pushes the speaker button, and holds a finger to his mouth. "Mm, hello?"
"What's this crap you're saying about Cody? Aren't you supposed to be a caring brother?"
Darren scrunches his nose. "Cody isn't my brother."
Another pause. "Yes you are, Cody said so himself."
Darren shakes his head. "Cody lies to people... he's actually out to get me, like Cierra has been trying to tell you for the past ten minutes. I can assure you that seeing Cody is putting both your and our lives in danger... I suggest you stop hanging around him."
There's no answer from Sonia. Darren sighs, and hands me the phone.
"Hello?"
"Yeah. well, I don't care what you guys say, he can't be what you think he is. This conversation is done."
I hear the click of the phone. Darren looks at me with saddened eyes. "This doesn't look good, you know that."
I nod my head.
"I thought Sonia was your friend."
"We thought so too... til now."
Me and Darren stare at each other. Yuki puts a hand on my shoulder.
"I'm sure everything will be fine, Cierra... you're in good hands, after all." She looks at Darren. "But I have to go, my mother just pulled into the driveway... sorry for leaving you at such a bad time..."
"It's okay, Yuki," I say, shaking my head, "I'll call you later, hon."
She nods and slips out the door. Darren looks at me. "You won't be okay at my house anymore... he already knows where I live. My father is going out on another trip soon too, so he'll take the opportunity to strike. But I'll have to tell my dad about it... and maybe my mother, if she has a chance to get an earful."
I don't give a response. Too much stuff going through my head.
Darren puts his arms around me. "I'll keep you safe... that is my priority now... if anything happens to you... I swear I'll die."
I look up at his glowing eyes. "I could say the same to you."
His face moves closer to mine. I can feel his breath on my neck, the only thing that feels warm. I take his hands, making my own tremble. I take a good look at him, this probably being the second time that I actually just stood there and observed him. He's so immaculate compared to me... and yet, here I am standing with him again... I start zoning out into my thoughts.
But they're interrupted by his cold lips pushed onto mine. It makes my arms tingle, and sends shivers up my spine. Always does. And I'm pretty sure it always will.
Lips still locked, he picks me up and carries me up the stairs. He knows my house all too well.
Kicking the door open, he lays on the bed, settling me on top of him. I feel the contours of his chest, every strong line and detail. He finally pulls away, out of breath. I turn onto my back, and rest upon him. I can feel his fingers run through my hair. It's soothing... and I find myself falling asleep.

February First.
(Hour of the Designated Guardian)

I wake up to find myseldf still atop Darren. He's awake, as usual.
"Morning sunshine..."
I smile. "You must have been quite uncomfortable, me being sleeping on top of you all night."
He shakes his head. "Nah... I'm alright... I never sleep, remember?" He smirks at me.
I roll off his chest and put my feet sturdily on the floor. He sits up straight on the bed, and watches me shuffle to the door. In one smooth movement, he's up from the bed, and grabs me from behind, flinging me over his shoulder.
"HEY!" I exclaim, kicking and punching him in protest.
He descends down the stairs, I can feel the thumping of each individual step. Once at the bottom, he swings me off his shoulder, and I touch my feet again to the floor. Darren still holds onto my arms, and I try to break free.
"You won't get away, love, I've got a good hold on you."
I don't listen, feeling a sense of challenge, and jerk my arms to free myself from his grasp. Doesn't work the way I planned. I tug at my sleeves, and step backwards furiously. I feel like my arms are ripping off the rest of my body. I stop for a second, catching my breath. One last try. I collect all my strength I have, and tug hard. Darren lets go, and I'm sent flying backward, letting out a small screech. Darren runs, and catches my arms, before I hit the floor.
"Gotcha."
I open one eye. Darren smirks at me, and I try to punch him, but he still has a hold on my arms. He pulls me up and kisses my cheek.
"Okay, you can go now. You're such a fighter." He lets go and turns around to sit on the couch.
Red in the face, I run up to kick his ass, just to get back at him for letting me go and almost hurting myself. But he's a little to quick for me, and he spins around and grabs my foot. I stare at him with a gaping mouth, waiting for him to flip me, or some other stupid notion. But he just sets my leg back down and sits on the sofa. I blink, a blank expression on my face.
"Uh.." I didn't really know what to say at this time, "Mm... I'll be right back..."
I go into the kitchen to make toast. Yes, toast. As I open the bread box, and get out the toaster, I hear the sound of footsteps outside. I shrug, and continue to open the fridge and grab butter. I go to set it down on the counter, but the sound of breaking glass makes me jump, and I drop the container to the floor. I run to the kitchen to see if Darren is hurt. I glance at the window, which is now broken, and see Darren, and another boy standing there with angry, menacing faces.
"Darren, who..."
He growls at me. "Stay back there..."
"I see you've brought a bet, now haven't you. Darren? Is this a "If I win" kinda fight?"
Darren growls some more. "You should leave. You don't get to lay one finger on her..."
"Darren, who is this?" My voice is shaky, and I can feel my body trembling.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I haven't properly introduced myself," he hisses, "I'm Cody. Are you with Darren? Or just a snack for later?" He takes a step forward.
Out of instinct, I step backward, but I stumble, and fall to the floor. I cower there, in the shadow of Darren.
"I said, leave her alone," Darren shouts, "She's not a meal, Cody. If it's me you want, then I'm here. But don't you dare touch her."
"Tsk, tsk...she's cute too... but fine, I'll just have to satisfy myself with you."
Darren's fist clench up. I can see him trying to suppress his shaking. I see Cody ready to take a leap at Darren, I suddenly feel ashamed for not doing anything to protect him, never mind myself. Cody coils up, and by this time I've made up my mind. Cody takes off, and I grab Darren's legs, pulling him down on top of me, and Cody crashes into a nearby mirror, shattering it. I piece hits me in the face, leaving a clean cut across my cheek. Cody makes a hissing sound, and Darren puts an arm around me.
"I'm too lazy to put up with you now," Cody grumbles, "But watch yourself, Darren. I won't be gone for long." He jumps over us and leaves through the broken window.
My face is stained with blood mixed with tears. Darren sits on the floor and drags me into him. He wipes my face with his sleeve, and holds me tightly in his arms.
"That was a stupid thing to do," he whispers, "You'll get yourself killed doing stunts like that."
"I don't care... people do stupid things for the people they truly care for."
He kisses me on the head. I close my eyes, suddenly feeling my insides grow warm.
"I love you, Darren... don't dare leave me... even if it costs me my life.
"I won't let Cody get to you... I love you, Cierra. Forever and ever and ever."