Chapter 38: A lil dip

[I'm glad ppl are reading this and responded to my previous plea. Now, lets try something else. 

So I have a bunch of chapters in stock and the way it hurts for you to wait for the next chap is the way I feel keeping all these chaps. How about we make a deal?

If I get 10-15 reviews from you guys in the next 24hrs I will release 2 chaps on my next release, maybe 3 if you are generous enough. 

The criteria for these reviews are as follows:

1) No word spamming

2) No nonsensical and hate filled reviews, if you have an issue with the book present it calmly. 

3) Please be honest

4) No biased criticism, that goes to the Harem loving/ hating fanatics. If you don't like harem fics kindly go away and not write useless reviews.

5) Provide detail as to why you have given the book your stated amount of stars

Anyways thats all. Happy reading!!!! 

=========================================================

As Darius and Ororo settled by the pool, the moonlight casting a soft glow on the water, an air of tranquility surrounded them. Darius leaned back, his arm casually draped around Ororo's shoulders, pulling her a little closer. She could feel the warmth of his body, which both comforted and flustered her.

"So, what's new in the world of Ororo Munroe?" Darius asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Ororo chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, it's been mostly the usual. Teaching at the school, training new mutants, and trying to keep everything under control."

Darius nodded, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Sounds busy. But I'm sure you handle it all with that calm, majestic aura of yours."

Ororo laughed, shaking her head. "Majestic, huh? You're laying it on thick tonight."

Darius grinned, leaning in closer. "Only because it's true. Besides, it's not every day I get to see you. I have to make the most of it."

Ororo felt her cheeks warm. She looked down at the pool, trying to hide her smile. "You haven't changed a bit, have you?"

"Why would I? This charm works wonders," Darius said, his tone teasing. "Speaking of wonders, how have you been handling your powers? Any new tricks?"

Ororo shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh, you know, just the usual. Creating storms, controlling the weather. The basics."

Darius chuckled. "Basics, she says. You make it sound so easy."

"It's second nature to me," Ororo replied, finally meeting his gaze. "What about you? Any new displays of your immense power?"

Darius leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I've been taking it easy, believe it or not. But sometimes, I can't resist a little show."

Ororo raised an eyebrow. "A little show, huh? Like the one I saw trending all over the internet?"

Darius laughed. "Guilty as charged. But hey, it's all in good fun. Keeps things interesting."

Just then, Zuri, who had been lounging nearby, wandered over. The black panther pup looked up at Ororo, her big eyes full of curiosity. Ororo reached down, scratching Zuri behind the ears. "And who's this little one?"

Darius smiled, watching the interaction. "That's Zuri. Found her on one of my adventures. She's been my companion ever since."

"She's adorable," Ororo said, her voice softening. "You have a way with animals."

Darius nodded. "And with people, too. Especially when they're as lovely as you."

Ororo blushed, looking away. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"But that's part of my charm," Darius said, grinning. "Seriously though, it's good to have you here. I've missed our conversations."

Ororo glanced at him, her eyes softening. "I've missed them too. It's... nice to feel normal for a bit, away from all the responsibilities."

Darius squeezed her shoulder gently. "Well, tonight, it's just us. No responsibilities, no stress. Just good company and a beautiful night."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the sound of the water lapping at the pool's edge filling the air. Darius's hand moved from her shoulder to her back, tracing light, comforting circles. Ororo felt herself relaxing more, leaning into his touch.

"You know," Darius began, a teasing note in his voice, "I was thinking we could have a little fun. Maybe a midnight swim?"

Ororo's eyes widened slightly. "A swim? Now?"

"Why not?" Darius said, standing up and offering his hand. "The water's perfect, and it's a beautiful night. What do you say?"

Ororo hesitated, then took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet. "Alright, but no funny business."

Darius put a hand over his heart, feigning innocence. "Who, me? I would never."

They both laughed, and Ororo kicked off her shoes, stepping gingerly into the pool. The water was warm, soothing her nerves. Darius followed, diving in gracefully and emerging with a splash, his white hair plastered to his face.

"Show-off," Ororo muttered, but she couldn't help but smile.

Darius swam over to her, a playful gleam in his eyes. "You know you love it."

Ororo splashed him lightly. "Maybe a little."

They swam around for a bit, the cool water contrasting with the warmth of their growing connection. Zuri watched from the edge, her head tilting curiously.

As they floated side by side, Darius turned to Ororo. "So, tell me more about your students. Any promising young mutants?"

Ororo nodded, her eyes lighting up. "Yes, actually. There's a girl who can phase through anything. She's incredibly talented but a bit of a trouble maker."

Darius listened, genuinely interested. "Sounds like she's lucky to have you as a mentor."

Ororo smiled. "I hope so. They all have so much potential. It's just a matter of guiding them."

Darius reached out, taking her hand underwater. "You've always been good at that. Guiding people."

Ororo felt her heart flutter at his touch. "Thank you, Darius. That means a lot."

They swam back to the edge of the pool, sitting on the steps with their legs still in the water. Darius leaned in, his voice soft. "You know, Ororo, you're one of the few people who really gets me. I appreciate that."

Ororo looked at him, her eyes full of warmth. "And you're one of the few who understands me. It's... nice to have that connection."

Darius's hand moved to her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin gently. "It's more than nice. It's special."

Ororo's breath hitched, and she leaned in, their faces inches apart. "Yes, it is."

Just then, Zuri bounded over, nudging Darius's leg with her head. Darius laughed, breaking the tension. "Looks like someone wants attention."

Ororo giggled, reaching down to pet Zuri. "She's a good distraction."

Darius sighed dramatically. "I suppose we'll have to save the romantic moments for later."

Ororo shook her head, smiling. "You're incorrigible."

"And you love it," Darius said, winking.

They continued to chat, the conversation flowing easily between jokes, flirtation, and genuine connection. The night wore on, but neither of them felt the passage of time. 

As the moon reached its zenith, they finally decided to call it a night. Darius helped Ororo out of the pool, wrapping a towel around her shoulders.

"Thank you for this," Ororo said softly. "It's been... wonderful."

Darius smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Anytime, Ororo. You know where to find me."

Ororo nodded, feeling a warmth in her chest. "Goodnight, Darius."

"Goodnight, Ororo," Darius replied, watching as she walked away, a content smile on his face.

As Ororo disappeared into the night, Darius turned to Zuri, who looked up at him expectantly. "Well, Zuri, it looks like things are going to get interesting."

With that, he picked up the little panther pup and headed back inside, the night still filled with the promise of more adventures to come.

==

=

As Darius made his way back inside, carrying Zuri in his arms, he found Harmony waiting for him in the living room. She was sprawled out on the couch, her lips forming a dramatic pout, and her eyes following him as he entered. The sight was both endearing and amusing.

"Well, well, well," Darius said with a smirk, setting Zuri down gently. "What do we have here? A princess in distress?"

Harmony huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Not funny, Darius. You left me out there all alone."

Darius chuckled, walking over and sitting beside her. "All alone, huh? In a mansion filled with luxuries? Poor you."

Harmony nudged him with her foot. "You know what I mean! I wanted to spend time with you, and you were off having a romantic evening with your girlfriend."

"Yes she is my girlfriend," Darius stated, though a hint of a smile tugged at his lips. "But I'm sorry, Harmony. I didn't mean to leave you out."

Harmony's pout deepened, but there was a glimmer of happiness in her eyes. "I guess I can forgive you. But only if you pamper me. I want all your attention."

Darius laughed, pulling her into a hug. "Alright, alright. How about a movie night? Your choice of film, and I'll even make popcorn."

Harmony brightened up instantly, her pout disappearing. "Really? You promise?"

"I promise," Darius said, holding up his pinky. "Pinky swear."

Harmony linked her pinky with his, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Deal. But first, I need a foot massage. My feet are killing me."

Darius rolled his eyes playfully but obliged, taking her feet in his hands and starting to massage them. "Anything else, Your Highness?"

"Hmm," Harmony pretended to think, leaning back and closing her eyes. "Some chocolate would be nice. And a nice warm blanket."

Darius chuckled. "You really know how to milk it, don't you?"

Harmony opened one eye, smirking. "You bet I do. Now, less talking, more pampering."

As he continued to massage her feet, Harmony sighed contentedly. "You know, I'm really happy for you, Darius. Ororo seems nice."

"She is," Darius agreed, his tone softer. "And she's been through a lot. She deserves some happiness."

Harmony's expression softened. "And you deserve someone who makes you happy too."

Darius smiled at his sister. "Thanks, Harmony. That means a lot coming from you."

After a while, they settled into the couch, wrapped in a warm blanket, with a large bowl of popcorn between them. Harmony had chosen a light-hearted comedy, and they both laughed at the antics on the screen.

"This is nice," Harmony said, resting her head on Darius's shoulder. "Just us, like old times."

"Yeah," Darius agreed, giving her a squeeze. "Like old times."

They watched the movie in comfortable silence, occasionally exchanging playful banter. Zuri, having found a cozy spot at their feet, dozed off peacefully.

When the movie ended, Harmony stretched and yawned. "Thanks, Darius. I really needed this."

"Anytime, Harmony," Darius replied, kissing her forehead. "You know I'll always be here for you."

Harmony smiled, her eyes twinkling. "And I'll always be here for you, little brother."

Darius chuckled. "Even when you're demanding attention and being a brat?"

"Especially then," Harmony said with a grin.

They both laughed, the sound filling the room with warmth. It was moments like these that reminded them of the strong bond they shared, one that had endured through time and space.

As they settled in for the night, Harmony's thoughts drifted back to Ororo. She was genuinely happy for Darius, but a small part of her couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Not because she didn't want her brother to find love, but because she missed the days when it was just the two of them against the world.

"Darius?" Harmony said softly.

"Yeah?" Darius replied, his voice already heavy with sleep.

"Do you think Ororo will stick around?"

Darius opened his eyes, looking at his sister. "I hope so. But no matter what happens, you'll always be my number one girl."

Harmony smiled, feeling a bit more reassured. "Goodnight, Darius."

"Goodnight, Harmony."

==

=

Life watched from afar, her ethereal presence hidden from the mortal plane. She observed Darius and Harmony's bonding moment, their laughter and camaraderie filling the room. A pang of longing hit her heart, remembering the times when she was the one Darius turned to, the one he laughed with.

"Forgotten," she murmured to herself, a hint of bitterness in her voice. Her sweet little brother, once so close, now seemed distant, wrapped up in the company of Harmony.

A small, mischievous smile formed on her lips. "Perhaps it's time to remind him of his eldest sister," she whispered. "A little lesson in family priorities might be in order."

With that, she vanished into the night, her mind already forming plans to re-enter Darius's life in a way he wouldn't soon forget.

========================================================