Playing Matchmaker Lady Starra Alternate Address Rating:PG

Chapter 1: Poolside Manner

Hi, minna! Here's chapter 1. It's pretty long, I hope it doesn't drag too much! Seeing as I am overseas and can't get on the internet any time I want, it may be a while before the next chapter gets out. Forgive me, please! But I would love your e-mails, so keep 'em coming! Ja ne!

 Standard disclaimers apply.

~ ANDREW ~

 Okay, I'm no shrink, but I think I know denial when I see it, and in Darien's case, that's exactly what's going on. You'd think that by now, Darien would learn that he can't hide things like this from me. I'm his best friend, after all. I can't speak for Serena, but I know for a fact that if Darien really didn't like her, he would just ignore her all the time. Since he goes out of his way to tease her, I'm thinking there's more to it than he's letting on. Yes, Darien can be insensitive, rude, and arrogant, but all in all, he's a great guy and is always there when you need him. Darien's also the most sought- after guy on campus, but for some reason, he never shows interest in a lot of the girls who have tried to date him. If he's that good-looking, I'm sure Serena's noticed it, too. If I could just get them to see each other through the midst of insults and flying shoes, they would find a lot to love.

After a couple more weeks of their brawling, I couldn't take it anymore and decided to put my plan into action. As I thought about what I could do, I began to think about the current situation as it is. They never seem to see each other outside of the arcade or someplace on the street. Maybe I could get them in a different environment, and then they'd act different. No guarantees, but it's worth a try. Hmm, now let's see. What can I possibly do to make this work...?

"Hey, Andrew."

I came out of my thoughts to see Darien walking into the arcade. Speak of the devil...

"Hey, Dar. What's up?"

"I just came by to find out what time you need me to be at your place to help set up on Saturday," Darien said.

"Saturday?"

"Yeah. You know...Lizzie's birthday party?"

"Oh, right! The pool party. Well, the guests should all be there by noon, so maybe you shold come by around ten. You're gonna help work the grill, right?"

"Sure. Call me to let me know if you need anything else, okay? Sorry I can't stay, but I've gotta get to work. See ya!"

"Later, Darien," I said, going back to my work. Not a moment later, I heard an all-too-familiar outburst.

"Why don't you watch where you're going, Darien?"

And so it starts.

"Don't you have someplace better to be, Meatball Head? Like detention?"

"OOOHHHHH!"

Serena was with three of her friends, Raye, Amy, and a girl Serena had only started hanging out with recently, Lita. They passed whispers to each other as Darien and Serena were having it out.

"I really would love to stay and have another one of our Hallmark conversations, but I really should be going now. Watch your step, Meatball Head!" Darien laughed, leaving the arcade.

"Grrrr! DON'T CALL ME THAT!" Serena fumed.

All of her friends giggled.

"What is so funny?" she asked.

"Serena, I think that guy likes you!" Lita said.

I smiled. Looks like I'm not the only one who thinks so.

"WHAT? Are you mental? Darien is a creep!"

"He's so handsome, though. You should at least give him a try,

Serena," Raye joked.

"You guys! OH!"

Lita chimed, "Yeah, he even looks kinda like my..."

"Old boyfriend!" Serena, Raye, and Amy said in unison.

Then, in the midst of listening to their conversation, an idea came to me. I walked over to them.

"Hey, girls," I said.

"Hi, Andrew!" Serena and Lita greeted.

"Listen, my sister's birthday is on Saturday, and we're having a pool party for her. I was wondering if you girls wanted to come," I told them. Their eyes lit up immediately.

"A pool party at your house? Really?" Serena said.

"Yup. There'll be all kinds of food," I said.

"Hey, I'm there!" Serena replied.

Heh-heh. I knew she wouldn't turn down free food.

"Do you need anyone to help? I make a mean potato salad!" Lita offered. I remembered Serena bragging about Lita's cooking one day, so I agreed to let her contribute to the party.

"If you want to, that'd be great. You may have to make a lot, though."

"No problem!" she agreed.

"What time does it start?" Raye asked.

"Noon. And don't forget your swimsuits!" I added.

"This'll be a blast! Thanks for inviting us, Andrew!" Serena exclaimed.

No. Thank YOU, Serena, I thought.

"Hey, it's my pleasure. Well, I have to get back to work. See you around, girls!"

There, that wasn't hard. Now, both Serena AND Darien will be at Lizzie's party. I only hope this doesn't backfire on me. I know they'll both flip when they see each other there, but if I play my cards right, they won't hate each other so much by the end of the day. This is going to take some strategy. I thought long and hard about it all week, and by Saturday, I had Plan A ready to go.

~ SERENA ~

 I could hardly believe it. I was going to a party at Andrew's house! Lita and I wanted to look our best, so we went out and bought new bikinis just for the occasion. I just HAD to impress him! I chose a pale blue bikini with a white daisy print, and a sheer sarong in the same pattern. With it, I would wear my favorite white sandals and sunglasses, and my bunny beach towel, of course. Lita's suit wasn't bad, either. She got a dark green two-piece with black stars on it. Hers came with a longer sarong, made of slightly thicker material. I have to say, we both looked pretty darn good!

We picked up some gifts for Lizzie while we were at the mall, and grabbed a snack at the food court.

"So tell me about Darien, Serena," Lita said.

"Darien? What about him?"

"Well, how long have you two been flirting, hmm?"

"FLIRTING?!?" I cried.

"Oh, come on, Serena. Darien's a hunk, and you know it!"

"Why would I like Darien? He always calls me Meatball Head!"

"Exactly! How many guys out there have a pet name for you? He probably calls you that because he likes it when you insult him back. I think it's SO cute!" Lita grinned.

"Ugh! You take that back right now, Lita! I know exactly what you're trying to do! You're trying to get me to like Darien so you can have Andrew all to yourself! Dream on, 'cause it's not happening!"

"Fine. Keep denying it. But I'm telling you, Serena...one day, those blazing eyes of his are gonna do weird things to your mind, and when it happens, don't say I didn't warn you!" Lita sneered.

"Oh, will you just SHUT UP?" I cried.

"Okay, okay. But...do you think he's a good kisser?"

"LITA!!!!!!!!!!"

~ ANDREW ~

 On Saturday, Darien came by before the party to help us set up tables and chairs, get the house ready, and take care of any last minute items. Little did he know what I had in store for him that day!

A little before noon, the guests started to arrive. Darien started the grill and I began greeting guests, keeping an eye out for Serena and her friends. I assumed that Serena would be fashionably late, as always. Within a few minutes, a group of Lizzie's friends were swooning over Darien.

"Oh, he's so FINE!" one girl squealed, a friend of Lizzie's I recognized as Janet.

"He's perfect!"

"I wonder if he has a girlfriend?"

Then, I realized that Darien's fan club could spoil my plan. I had to do something, and fast.

"He does," I said, answering their question. The group of girls popped up their heads and blushed, realizing I'd heard them.

"Oh. Andrew!" Janet said, blushing even more.

"Sorry to disappoint you, ladies. Darien's found the love of his life," I told them, not really lying. Darien WAS crazy about Serena. He just didn't know it yet.

"Hi, Andrew!" a voice called from behind me. I turned to see Serena, Lita, Amy and Raye each carrying a birthday gift, and Lita with a whole tub of potato salad.

"Hey, girls! Great to see ya!" I said with a smile.

"Where can I put this, Andrew?" Lita asked me.

"Here. I'll go put it out back. Just put all your gifts in the corner with the rest of them," I instructed, taking the potato salad from Lita. I went outside and put it on the long table, and went to the porch where Darien was busily working the grill.

"Andrew, is this all the meat there is? I thought you got us some steaks!" Darien said.

"Yeah, they're in the kitchen. Why don't you take a break and go get them? I'll take over for a few minutes. They're in the fridge on the bottom shelf," I told him. There was a scheme behind that, obviously. To get him in the house and run into Serena! My timing on that one couldn't have been better. Serena was walking out of the house as he was going in, and once again, they crashed into each other.

"Meatball Head?!?" Darien exclaimed.

Serena looked up and gasped.

"You! What are YOU doing here?!?!?!" Serena cried.

"Never mind me! What are YOU doing here?" he demanded.

"I was invited, thank you very much!"

Darien looked back at me.

"Hey, do you guys HAVE to fight HERE? Everyone's supposed to have fun today. For my sister's sake, please, PLEASE put all your differences aside for one afternoon, will you?" I pleaded.

Darien and Serena just glared at each other.

"Just keep your distance, Chiba!"

"Believe me, that WON'T be a problem, Meatball Head!"

"Humph!" they both finished, storming off in oppisite directions.

Oh, boy. I can see THAT didn't work out too well. Not a good way to start off Plan A. But I wasn't finished with them yet. This day was far from over!

~ DARIEN ~

 I stomped into the house past Serena. What was Andrew thinking, inviting her to the party? He knows how much we irritate each other. Maybe he was just being nice, because that's how he is. I can see why so many girls flock to him. I've had my fair share of offers, but because of the princess in my dreams, I never dated anyone seriously. Sighing, I brought the steaks outside and immediately questioned Andrew.

"So, what made you invite hurricane Serena?" I asked.

"Come on, Darien. Serena's a great girl, and she's a friend. I don't see how you can just keep being rude to her, ya know?"

"It's just...ah, forget it! Can we just finish cooking these burgers so we can start on the steaks already?" I said, changing the subject.

"Ugh. Fine," he sighed, giving in.

Wonderful, just wonderful. I had hoped to get a little fun and relaxation out of the day, but NOOOOO! Another day arguing with Meatball Head. Another day... My thoughts were interrupted when I looked up to see none other than Serena herself, and at first, she didn't look like the same girl. But I would know that hairstyle anywhere. She had taken off her her shorts and shirt and was now wearing a light blue bikini with some kind of white floral print. My breath caught. I couldn't move. I watched as she slipped on a matching sarong around her slender hips, and then putting sunscreen on her finely shaped legs, then on her creamy arms. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. I felt like I'd been sucked into some kind of deep vortex of emotions I'd never known before, powerless to stop it. I couldn't believe that this meatball- headed crybaby had such a beautiful body! I began to wish that I was the one putting sunscreen on her, caressing those gorgeous long legs, that smooth back, those fine, straight shoulders...

~ ANDREW ~

 "Where'd you put the hot dogs, Dar? Dar?"

He didn't seem to hear me. I noticed he was staring at something. I followed his gaze to see he was looking in Serena's direction. She was now in her swimsuit, and I'll admit that even I was caught a little off guard by it. She definitely looked good, that was for sure. I diverted my attention back to Darien. Looking at him, I grinned slyly. He was watching her! Man, this was all working out even better than I thought! Then, I remembered the food.

"Dar. DARIEN!"

"Huh? What?" he exclaimed, snapping out of it.

"Don't cremate the burgers, dude!"

"Oh...aahhh!" he said, quickly taking them off the grill.

"What happened? You kinda spaced out there, buddy!" I said, trying very hard not to burst out laughing.

"Oh...it's nothing! Don't worry about me. Now, how 'bout those steaks?" he said.

With everything in me, I once again held back my laughter.

~ DARIEN ~

 Just great. Andrew caught me staring at her! I was expecting him to tease me about it, and I was surprised whe he didn't. Maybe he hadn't noticed I was staring at her after all. If he did, I surely would have heard some smug remark by now.

We put the steaks and and some hot dogs on the grill, then announced the food was ready. Serena, of course, was almost the first in line. She was right behind Lizzie, kindly giving the birthday girl first dibs on all the food. She piled some chips, dip, deviled eggs, and a huge slop of potato salad on her plate. Geez, leave some for the other guests, Serena!

I quickly looked away when she got to the end of the line. She looked so good in that bikini, and I didn't want to be caught staring at her again. 'Why am I getting this way around her now?' I wondered.

"Would you like a burger or a hot dog, Serena?" Andrew asked her.

"Hmm...could I get one of each?" she asked.

"Sure. Here you go."

Andrew added a cheeseburger and a hot dog to her already full plate. She loaded them up with ketchup, mustard, and every other condiment we had there. Seriously, how can she eat so much and still look the way she does? Must be because of her daily morning marathons to school. I shook my head.

"What is it?" Andrew asked.

"Did you see how much food she got? She's like a human vacuum! If she keeps it up we'll never have enough food to go around!"

"Aw, come on, lay off of her, Darien. She's just being herself and having a good time. Lighten up, will you?" Andrew told me.

Once we got everyone served, we finished cooking our steaks, and we grabbed some potato salad and some other stuff before going to find a table. I really didn't feel like being around the crowd, but Andrew insisted. Just about every seat was taken, and we were about to give up when we heard someone call to us.

~ SERENA ~

 "Hey, there's Darien and Andrew. Looks like they need a place to sit. Hey, Andrew! Darien!" Lita called, waving. "Over here!"

I almost choked on my food.

"Lita! What do you think you're doing?!?" I whispered in an annoyed voice. They began to walk over to us. Then I realized that the last two empty seats in the whole place were the two chairs next to Lita and I. I could have died. 'Oh, man!' I thought. 'Please, let Andrew sit next to me! Don't let it be Darien...'

"Hey, Lita, Serena," Andrew said. "Looks like we lucked out."

To my utter dismay, he took the seat next to Lita. Ugh! Now I had to sit beside Darien! Can't I even enjoy my meal without hearing his insults?

"Aren't you gonna sit down, Darien?" Lita asked him, then raising an eyebrow at me. I glared at her. Oooh, here she goes again! Reluctantly, Darien sat down next to me. I remained silent and continued to eat my food. I WAS NOT going to let him ruin my appetite.

"Mmm! This potato salad is great! Thanks for making it, Lita!" Andrew said.

Lita blushed. "You're welcome."

I rolled my eyes and began talking to Andrew. "This is a really nice setup, Andrew. I'm so glad they canceled rehearsal today!" I said, taking a huge bite of cake.

"Rehearsal?" Andrew asked.

"Oh, didn't you guys know? Serena's got the lead in the next school play," Lita said.

~ DARIEN ~

 I burst out laughing.

"Meatball Head on stage? I'm sure that's really gonna attract a huge audience!"

She glared at me, growling. I hated to admit it, but she just looked simply gorgeous with fire in her eyes. Then, I shunned the thought. Sheesh, Darien, you see her in a bikini and then you start falling to pieces! Get your mind in check, Chiba!

"A play, huh? What's it called?" Andrew asked.

"It's a stage presentation of 'Anastasia,'" Serena said. "It's about this young girl whose family is killed and then she loses her memory, and she grows up in an orphanage. When she's older she sets out to find her identity, and it turns out that she's really this long-lost princess that everyone's been looking for. At the same time, this really evil villain is after her. It's a really great story."

Listening to this, I can't help but think how similar that story is to my own life. Here I am, having lost my memory after my parents' death, trying to find my identity. I also grew up in an orphanage, and I am also trying to find my princess. Meanwhile, the evil minions of the Negaverse are trying to stop me, by trying to get the Imperium Silver Crystal for themselves. It hammers a little too close to home.

"So who was lame enough to think that YOU were princess material, Meatball Head?" I sneered.

"Why don't you just SHUT UP, Darien?!"

~ ANDREW ~

 Uh-oh! Bicker alert! Must stop this now...

"Hey guys, why don't we get everyone together and have Lizzie blow out her candles?" I suggested.

"Yeah, cake!" Serena chimed enthusiastically.

Gathering all the guests around Lizzie's table, we brought out the cake and everyone began to sing "Happy Birthday" to Lizzie. She blew out every single candle, with everyone applauding. After that, Lizzie opened her gifts, to give everyone time to digest their food before we started the water sports.

This is where stage two of Plan A would commence. The volleyball net was all set up over the pool, and I had already drawn up the teams on paper. I'd asked Lizzie to give me a list of her friends that were couples, and I added the names of the single guests to form the teams, excluding Darien and myself. The way we were playing the game went something like this: there was an even number of guys and girls on each team. The guys had to balance the girls on their shoulders while the girls hit the ball over the net. If the ball hit the water or someone dropped their teammate, it was an automatic point for the other team. It wasn't your ordinary water volleyball game, but it was sure to create a few laughs.

Suddenly, Serena's team realized they were short one player. Gee, I wonder how that happened...heh heh. Everyone on her team was a couple, which was the main reason why I asked Lizzie to make that little list for me. I went over to Darien, who was cleaning up the picnic area, and began to speak with him.

"Hey, Darien, Team 6 is short one player. Could you fill in for them?" I asked.

"I don't really feel like playing, dude," he told me.

Oh, no! You ARE NOT getting out of it that easy, Darien Chiba! "Dar, there's no one else. C'mon, it'll be fun," I urged.

"Fine. I guess I could play one quick game," he sighed. Score! But I brace myself for what's coming. He doesn't know he's on Serena's team. I really hope they don't catch on to what I'm doing. If this whole operation goes sour, it could really effect my friendship with both of them, which could be really bad.

"Where are they?" Darien asked.

"Team 6 is over by the lounge chairs off to the right."

I held my breath as we walked over there. Well, here goes...

~ SERENA ~

 As I'm standing with my team, I can't help but feel a little sad. They were all boyfriend and girlfriend, and we were short one player. Just my luck. Suddenly, I hear the sound of the voice I'd know anywhere.

"Is this Team 6?"

I snapped my head around to see Darien standing in front of us.

"DARIEN!" I cried.

"Not you AGAIN!"

"YOU are playing on our team?"

"Andrew, why don't YOU play?" Darien asked.

'Yes, Andrew. Why don't you?' I thought.

"Dude, I gotta referee! Look, work it out, okay? The next round is about to start."

Suddenly, I had a horrific thought. If Darien was on my team...and everyone else on our team was a couple... Oh, God. I had to sit on Darien's shoulders! No, no, no! This IS NOT happening to me!

"I AM NOT going to sit on your shoulders, Darien!" I cried.

"Well, I don't WANT you sitting on my shoulders, Meatball Brains!" he said.

"Come on, you two! Suck it up! If you don't play, we won't be able to either!" a guy on our team said.

"Yeah, get over it," another girl agreed.

Darien and I just shot an angry glance at each other and I turned away. Then we heard Andrew call for teams 5 and 6, and my team got into the pool. Then, I saw Darien take his T-shirt off, his back still facing me.

I was stunned. He had a very nice and muscular body, and his back was perfectly toned, his shoulders broad and strong-looking. He had one of those hard washboard stomachs and the six-pack abdomen was obvious.

'Wow, he looks so good. Why does someone who looks like that always have to be such a pain?' I wondered.

Before getting into the pool, I took out the pins that held my hair up and let the buns down, knowing how awful my hair would look if they got wet. Finally, I turned to get into the pool. 'Might as well get this over with,' I thought.

"Okay, everyone! Take position!" Andrew shouted among us.

Darien lowered himself in the water. "All right, Meatball Head. Climb on."

"Quit calling me that!"

Reluctantly, I began to climb on his back, and I felt those perfectly toned muscles of his touch my skin. I closed my eyes and tried to focus. Was Andrew's body this perfect? As I sit on his shoulders, I can feel him supporting my weight with his strong hands. I wonder, what it would feel like, if he held me close to him, and I could wrap my arms around that perfect stomach and that long back and those hard shoulders...

NO, NO, NO! My mind screamed. 'You DO NOT like Darien, Serena! You hate him! Hate, hate, hate!' Good grief...HOW am I supposed to concentrate on this stupid game?!?

~ DARIEN ~

 I look over at her and see her fiddling with her hair. The "meatballs" suddenly disappear and her golden strands begin to tumble down her shoulders. Then, that queer feeling came over me again. I had always known her hair was long, but I never imagined it looked anything like it did now. Without the buns, her hair almost went down to her ankles, swaying in the slight breeze of the afternoon. The pounding of my heart pulls me back into reality. 'I'm losing it again! Get a grip, Chiba! The last thing you need is to have her catch you gaping at her!'

She slipped into the pool, and Andrew's voice shouted above the chatter.

"Okay, everyone! Take position!"

"All right, Meatball Head. Climb on," I sighed.

"Quit calling me that!" she cried, beginning to climb on my back.

I closed my eyes as her skin touched mine, and I breathed in the sweet, delicious smell of the coconut-scented sunscreen that lingered there. The sweet aroma seemed to assault my senses, and I shook my head to clear it. Before long, I was supporting her weight by holding her long, smooth legs, softer than anything I'd ever felt in my life. I could feel her long golden mane, partially wet from being in the water, pooling down my back and clinging to it like vines around a tree. I'm glad I'm not the one who has the ball, because I can barely even think straight right now...

HOLD IT! Reality check, Darien! This is MEATBALL HEAD we are talking about here! You ARE NOT going ga-ga over her, understand? You are 19, she is 15. You hate her, she hates you, end of story! While all these thoughts are swirling through my head, the game continued, and suddenly I feel Serena fumbling above me.

"I've got it! I've got it!" she cried, and leaned forward to attempt to hit the ball, but she lost her balance and plummeted into the water.

"WOOHOO!" the other team exclaimed. "That's a point for us!"

Serena's head came up from under the water, and immediately she fumed at me.

"Oooh! Darien! You were supposed to move WITH me, you dufus!"

"Hey, it's not my fault you klutzed out at the wrong time!" I snapped.

"It was YOUR fault! Where was YOUR mind off to, anyway?"

"It's not my problem that you couldn't hit the ball!"

"Oh...just SHUT UP!" she cried, and the next thing I knew I was splattered with a huge gush of water, courtesy of Serena. My hair was now completely wet, my eyes stinging slightly from the pool water. A wicked grin broke out on my face.

"So ya wanna play rough, do ya? Take this, Meatball Head!" I said, and splashed her back with twice as much force.

"Hey!" she said, and splashed me again. We kept splashing back and forth, vaguely hearing our teammates telling us to stop.

"SPLASH FIGHT!!!" someone on the other team cried, and soon everyone in the pool joined in, water flying everywhere in all different directions.

"I'll get you yet, Meatball Head!" I shouted above the crowd. I grabbed her shoulders and pushed her down to dunk her in the water. When she came up for air, she attempted to do the same, with little success.

"Give it up, Serena. You can't win this one," I said, holding her charging arms.

"Never!" she laughed, struggling. I then wrapped my arms tightly around her waist, pinning her arms to her side. She gasped as her eyes went wide.

"Surrender, Tsukino. You're cornered," I said in a low voice.

Suddenly, our gazes locked, and I could feel myself drowning in those azure pools of blue, that odd feeling once again clouding my mind. We forgot the commotion still going on around us, and I found myself holding her even tighter, pulling her closer to me. I felt my senses go numb as I lowered my face to hers...

~ SERENA ~

 I gasped as I felt his arms embracing me, locking tightly around my waist. I was so close to him now, that perfect body of his right up against mine.

"Surrender, Tsukino. You're cornered."

I gulped, and found myself staring into his sapphire eyes, the glint in them making my heart go on light speed. Feeling him hold me even closer, I gulped again. What was going on? What is he DOING?!? Everyone around us was still splashing and dunking each other, but I barely noticed them.

Just moments ago, I had wondered what it would be like to be held in his strong arms, and how it would feel being gathered up in that muscular build. Now, it was happening. Then, his face began to inch towards mine, and vaguely I realized what was about to happen.

'My God, he's going to...'

Still looking into his deep blue eyes, my mind was in a state of disarray, of confusion. I felt his warm breath tickling my lips, my head going light. And suddenly...

SPLASH!

~ ANDREW ~

 I smiled widely as I watched them, Darien holding Serena close to him, staring at each other as if in a trance. Well, it's about time. When I noticed the space between their lips begin to close, I wanted to pat myself on the back for coming up with such a foolproof plan. Then, my pride was cut short when I saw the couple get splashed with a huge tidal wave of water. Rats.

It had snapped them out of it and I watched in slight defeat as they parted from each other, acting as if it never happened. Ooooh, how stubborn can one get?!

~ DARIEN ~

 Stupid, stupid, stupid! I kept hearing in my mind. 'Why did you lose it like that in front of her? In front of everybody! Who knows who could've seen you! You were about to KISS her! You are such a MORON!'

I wanted to kick myself. I made myself look like some kind of lovesick fool. One thing was for sure, I WOULD NOT lose control like that again. I would keep myself in check at all times, and pretend that this never happened. Serena's still Meatball Head, no matter how sexy she looks in that bikini...

Oh, man. This WAS NOT going to be easy to forget.

~ SERENA ~

 'What was THAT all about?' my mind screamed. 'If we hadn't gotten splashed, we would have...oh, God. Serena, for the very last time...you DO NOT like Darien! He's obnoxious and rude, and you will forget this whole thing ever happened! So what if he's strong and handsome? He's still the same Darien underneath it all. You hate him, and he obviously has no interest in a high school girl like you. Leave it at that.' I thought. I wondered if Lita had noticed us when we were in the pool. 'If she did, I am NEVER going to hear the end of it from her!'

~ ANDREW ~

 All right. They're not in love yet, but some physical attraction has definetely been established, as much as they'd like to deny it. It looks like I'll just have to work with what I have. I began to wrack my brains for another place I could get them together, when the phone rang.

It was Craig, the drummer of the band that Darien and I played in. He called to remind us of rehearsal the next day, and I assured him that Darien and I would be there. When I hung up the phone, Plan B came to me instantly. The band was playing next Friday night. Serena didn't know how musically talented Darien was, didn't know that even I could play. As the guests began to leave, I tracked her and her friends down.

"Thanks a lot for coming girls," I said.

"This was tons of fun. Thanks, Andrew!" Lita said.

"Any time. I was wondering...what are the four of you doing Friday night?" I asked.

"I have rehearsal for the play, but I should be done by six. Why?" Serena said.

"My band is playing a gig at the university. I wanted to know if you girls would come."

"Your BAND?!?" they all exclaimed.

"Well, it's not MY band. I do play the bass, though," I said.

"That's wicked cool, Andrew!" Serena said.

"It's at Central Tokyo University, at 7:30 in the main auditorium. We need all the support we can get will you be there?"

"WILL WE!" they all said in unison.

"Great! I'll make sure you guys get good seats, okay?"

We talked a while longer, and Serena told me all about her play and that it would be next Saturday at the Little Theater. I had every intention of going, and taking Darien with me wether he liked it or not.

But, first thing's first. I didn't let on to Serena or her friends that Darien was in the band. If I did, Serena might not want to come. Still, she wouldn't be disappointed. Darien was an awesome musician, and I knew she would be impressed. They still don't realize how little they know about each other, but with a little help, love will have its way, especially if I had anything to say about it.

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