“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

The morning Italian sun was warm against her skin, but Xander’s fingertips dancing across her skin left a delicious burn in its wake.  “I wouldn’t mind waking up like this every day.” She mumbled huskily, her eyes finally cracking open to reveal deep hazel pools when his hand dipped beneath the sheet. “You have freckles on your arms.” Xander mused as he traced up to the curve of her shoulder.  The way his eyes followed his movements with such deep concentration made her heart rate kick up a notch.  “What are you doing?” She wondered curiously, emotions played across his face like a classic romcom.  

“Did you guys kiss and make up?” Serenity cocked an eye at her brothers and Xander as they slided in beside her at the entrance of the church.  The memorial service her mother organised for Darrio was about to start and Caterina Lombardi insisted that the three siblings stand at the entrance to greet the guests and accept their heartfelt condolences. Ironically not a single guest she met till now was actually her brother’s friend.  “Yeah because I’m not weirdly and spectacularly intertwined enough with your family as it is.” Xander smirked sarcastically.  “Aww, as long as you guys made up, I don’t mind kissing you on their behalf.” She teased, pinching his cheeks for dramatic effect, earning her a disgusted

“Mom?” Serenity’s eyes widened when she entered the living room of the Moretti residence and found her mother browsing the family pictures on the mantle.  “Hello, Alessia.” Caterina smiled softly.  “What are you doing here?” Serenity stuttered, taking a few cautious steps closer.  “I’ve come to bring you home.” She stated plainly, looking her daughter directly in the eye.  “Excuse me?” Serenity’s eyes widened, she was having a hard time believing the words coming out of her mother’s mouth.  “Lorenzo told me you have been living at the Lombardi

Serenity swallowed hard, the lump formed in her throat was proving difficult to get rid of. After Giovanni’s revelation she excused herself and hurriedly made her way outside. The thin blouse she wore did little to protect her from the cool evening air, but she could barely focus on the weather over her muddled thoughts.  This changed so much. Her mother had granted her the chance to experience a somewhat normal life, her teenage years were ones she cherished most and unlike all other American born children, she loved high school. At the same time she had unknowingly given away a decision which would have changed the entire trajectory of her life.  “Penny for your thoughts?” Xander slipped off his suit jacket and dropped it over her shoulders, after watching her for almost an hour he finally had enough.&nb