|
Watch out meatball head ! Chapter 16 (A.N. be prepared for some Serena & Darien action – I know that the last two chapters haven’t had anything to do with them two ! ~sorry ! the last chapter uploaded in a mess and it was hard to read – but I tried my best on this one !) ********************************Darien******************************* I hadn’t had much luck falling asleep, so I was up early. But my muscles felt pretty sore – probably because of the beating I took from the guy. I didn’t know if I was prepared for another encounter with those girls. I felt totally washed out and humiliated. And the worst bit was that it was in front of a bunch of teenager girls who thought they knew better than me – in which of course they were right. “who do those damn girls think they are ?” I spoke out loud. “the sailor scouts.” Replied a voice behind me. I whirled around a bit too sharply, I felt a stabbing pain pierce through the back of my neck. Still rubbing the back of my neck I turned to look at the hologram of the green haired girl who called herself ‘Sailor Pluto’. “and they are not ‘damn girls’ they save the world from evil everyday, think you could be a bit more grateful and maybe less resentful.” She replied. “think you could knock before entering.” I said sarcastically. “I could’ve been changing and that would have been embarrassing” I continued rationally. “there are worse things to be embarrassed about, I suppose.” She smirked raising an eyebrow. Momentarily I looked at her genuinely confused. “yesterday. Mall, near the pizza parlour. Pretty lame attempt for a super hero don’t ya think ?” instantly I felt my entire face turn a deep shade of red. “how do you know ?” I muttered, blushing. “I know and see all, Darien. That’s how I know when to visit you and when not to.” Her smile disappearing and her expression turning serious. “how are you ? you took a pretty bad beating from the guy.” “yeah, and you were there to help me.” I retorted sarcastically an attempt to disguise my embarrassment. “I am forbidden to leave my post at the gate of time by Queen Serenity, that’s why I’m always here only through a spirited hologram. And I repeat Darien, I see all and know all but I cant do anything to control or change the destiny of one.” She replied gravely. At this my frown only deepened. “who were those teenage girls anyway ?” I said in an attempt at changing the subject. She sighed. “I already told you- they save the world from evil. Like you. A ‘super hero’ as you call yourself.” How does she know so much about me ? I thought annoyed. “that would be because I can read your thoughts, a gift from queen serenity – up until your memory is fully restored.” (A.N. I don’t know if Pluto has that ability but – I need it in my story !!!) I starred at her startled at the thought. My thoughts wondered uncontrollably to when exactly she had started this ‘reading thoughts’ business. Again reading my thoughts she smiled. ‘long enough’ she said without opening her mouth. “what ? how did you do that ??” I asked confused. She laughed out loud but in my mind she said ‘not only can I read your thoughts but I can also talk to you without anyone hearing. So I’ll be in your mind whenever you need me.’ Just what I need I thought sullenly, forgetting that she could read my thoughts. She gave me one of her raised eyebrow looks. I just rolled my eyes and turned away. ‘this is going to be interesting’ she said into my mind. *~*-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~* three hours later Pluto had explained who the girls were, the sailor scouts – the red Mars, green, Jupiter, blue Mercury, and yellow Venus. And she had also vaguely mentioned sailor moon. She had gone all-hesitant when I asked about sailor moon. In the end I had to drag it out of her. She said that she was another scout who didn’t yet know she was sailor moon. But all in all she had left after a maximum of fifteen minutes, she really took her job seriously at her ‘post’ – either that or it was just me she couldn’t stand being around. Not only the whole saving the world business but I had much more to do like think about cleaning the apartment – it really did look like a dump, then there were my evening classes, I didn’t really feel up to going to them but by missing I was only gonna cause more hassle for myself, and then there was the girlfriend thing . . . So a little later in the morning I decided to go and visit Andrew, at the arcade. he must have been expecting me because as soon as I came in, he glanced and waved quickly, motioning to a seat at the counter. He smiled. “So ?” he asked wiping a tall glass with a yellow rag. I looked at him blankly. “how did it go ?” he pressed. My expression didn’t change. He couldn’t have known about the ‘tuxedo mask’ thing. “what are you talking about ?” I asked. Andrew rolled his eyes heavenward, “Mina already told me that you were gonna meet up with Lita for details on Serena. She also said it was your idea. So what gives ?” “oh” I said, amid all the ‘excitement’ of this morning I hadn’t had time to quite think about it. “well err.. it went ……..well.” I said avoiding his eyes. “are you prepared to meet her yet ?” he asked eagerly. “Well actually ---.” But I was cut off by him. “got to make a quick phone call, be right back.” *********************************Andrew***************************** I motioned one of my co-workers to take over for me while I went into the backroom, where the payphones were kept. I rummaged around my apron pocket for some change, and quickly pulled out a quarter. Pulling out the piece of paper handed over to me by Mina, I dialled the vaguely familiar number.
After about ten rings, I was ready to hang up when an irritated voice answered. “Hello ?” I smiled, knowing her she probably was still in bed. “uhh hello.” She replied hesitantly. I slapped myself mentally –she probably didn’t know who I was ! “its Andrew – do you have any plans for today Serena ?” “oh hey Andrew ! well no, not really.” She didn’t seem happy about her not having plans. “How about coming over to the arcade ?” I asked quickly, keeping my eyes on the pay phone screen, I didn’t have much time left. “I guess so, when ?” “how about now ?” 15, 14 . . . . 13 seconds left. “Now !!?!” “yeah, there’s someone I’d like you to meet. So just hurry up and get here ok ?” 8, 7 . . . . 6 seconds “Well . . . . I could come over now. How about in-.” BEEP BEEP (dial tone ) “-about 20 minutes.” Serena finished, to the dial tone, to no one in particular. *-.,,.-*~ ::Serena, opened mouth, staring at the phone:: (Serena’s P.O.V. “ok now THAT was weird.”) ~*-.,,.-* I groaned. I just hope she got the message and came to the arcade. ********************************Lita********************************* Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. Pete. . . . . . etc. those were just along the lines of what I was thinking. I was on my way home after the scout meeting and had decided that maybe I’d be able to find Andrew or maybe Darien himself and ask them about Pete. So here I was at the arcade. I was just stepping inside when I saw Darien disappear at the other end of the arcade - the last time we had met, everything hadn’t gone smoothly. To say the least ! so I had no intention to having a conversation with him. “Hey Andrew.” I said cheerfully plopping myself down at a stool near the counter. Andrew looked pretty busy. He was serving a customers and he flashed me a quick be-with-you-in-a-minute smile. I took that time to drift off in another day dream starring you-know-who (A.N. Pete) *-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~ 15 minutes later ::Andrew standing across the counter from Lita, snapping his fingers in front of her glazed over eyes and dreamy face:: “HEY ! Earth to Lita !!! HELLLOOOOO anybody home ?” the nagging voice cut into my dream interrupting the romantic scene. I snapped out of my day dream, irritated. “What ?” I glared at Andrew’s humoured expression. “I don’t suppose this has anything to do with yesterday ?” Andrew asked looking a bit confused. (A.N. Andrew’s referring to the bit where Darien invited Lita for a get-to-know-your-girlfriend-without-your-girlfriend talk. And Lita thinks he’s referring to meeting the new guy ‘Pete.’) I looked at him surprised. “Darien told you ? ohh . . . isn’t he dreamy . . . . .” Andrew looked away he looked thoroughly uncomfortable. (A.N. if you haven’t already guessed, Andrew thinks Lita’s referring to Darien.) I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts and snap out of the trance. I felt myself flush. “you wouldn’t happen to know where he is would you ?” I asked eagerly. “uhh . . .” Andrews eyes flicked to the empty counter, possibly looking for a distraction. “He’s sssooooo hunky, with his black hair and dark eyes. I am so glad I met him yesterday -.” I glanced up at Andrew, he was looking at someone standing behind me. I whirled around to face Serena. She looked pale maybe a bit sick. *******************************Serena********************************
‘He’s sssooooo hunky, with his black hair and dark eyes. I am so glad I met him yesterday -.’ She could only mean Darien – I had seen them together, with my own eyes. “I – I’m fine.” I said softly. “I just need to sit down.” I finished weakly. “You guys want your usual ?” Andrew spoke over the counter. I nodded even though I had no idea what my ‘usual’ was. He smiled. “good, its on the house, Serena. A welcome back chocolate sundae with extra rainbow sprinkles coming right up.” (A.N. I imagine this is the sorta thing Serena would order.) “Hey ! what about me ?” Lita exclaimed. *********************************Andrew***************************** quickly sending their orders, I slipped out from behind the counter and made my way across the arcade to where Darien had disappeared after I had come out of the backroom from making the call. I had hoped that I’d have a minute to talk to him, but there was no sign of him. ‘for the first time on her life Serena’s on time – she had arrived in about 15 minutes – and I desperately needed her to be late !!!’ I finally caught sight of Darien starring fixatedly at a sailor V video game booth. ‘Maybe if he started liking ‘Sailor V’ him and Serena would have something to talk about.’ I thought amused at the image of Darien playing a video game. He definitely needed to loosen up and maybe Serena would be the one to do it– assuming that Mina’s plan worked and they fell for each other . . . . . if it didn’t – we move onto plan B – prepare for world war three. However, when I reached him and was standing a few inches in front of him, he was still frozen in a queer position the same startled look plastered across his face. *******************************Darien******************************** I was standing a few feet from the finally empty ‘sailor V’ video game booth. A few weeks back a new game had been released, and after Andrew had disappeared I had wandered off to see what all the commotion was about. But as soon as I placed my finger on the booth that I felt the air rush out of my lungs and a bright light flash in front of my eyes. ~ FLASH BACK ~ (start of) I was standing behind of the same booth I had been holding only a second ago – well ‘I’ wasn’t standing there ‘another’ me was. It was sort of like watching a movie – except that ‘I’ was in the movie. That girl was seated at the booth – Serena – my supposedly ‘girlfriend’. She didn’t look very happy – other than the fact that she was soaked and her hair was hanging around her in messy tangles - and I didn’t think she knew the movie-guy-me was standing behind her. She was playing the Sailor V game. The words ‘GAME OVER’ flashed on the screen. And she groaned under her breath. If looks could kill that game would be toast. Then I was clapping. She whirled around startled at my presence. “Nice. Very ‘impressive’” the Darien said to her. She glared at the Darien, I had a towel slung around my neck and another folded one, held up in my hand. “How long have you been standing there ?” Serena asked narrowing her eyes.
“Long enough” The Darien replied. ~ FLASH BACK ~ (end of) “hey man – you ok ?” a voice cut through my thoughts. I jumped in surprise. So did Andrew, unfortunately the floor must have been newly mopped or there must have been something on the floor because he slipped and fell back. I reached out to grab him or to try and steady him but suddenly another flash of light blinded me. ~ FLASH BACK ~ (start of) “What is it this time Meatball Head, cant stand up in your own two feet ?” Came the Darien’s voice.
Slowly Serena turned to face Darien. For a minute she stared at his confused expression, she had tears streaming down her face and a distressed look followed.
They both ran out of the arcade and into the stormy night.
~ FLASH BACK ~ (end of)
(A.N. if you haven’t already figured it out – both the flash backs are from the night of the accident – from the first chapter)
“hey Darien ? come on – you ok. ?” some one was shaking me.
”yeah” I gasped, prying open my eyes and breaking away from the strong grip. It was Andrew. He must’ve managed to regain his balance ‘cos he was standing steadily in his own two feet – if anything I was the one who needed something to hold on to. Grabbing the edge of a table I tried to shake off the unsteady feeling from my head.
“You zoned out for a minute – mesmerized by the sailor V game?” Andrew joked. When I didn’t reply he’s smile disappeared. “or was it something else ?” he asked hesitantly.
“Something else.” I mumbled quickly. ‘DARIEN, STOP IT, STOP IT, STOP IT !!! O.K. ? LLLEAVE MMME AAALONE !!!! I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU !!!! WHY CANT YOU LET ME BE ! WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO PICK ON ME !!!!!! JUST BECAUSE I’M SMALLER THAN YOU DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN PICK ON ME !!!!!!’ her screeching words echoed in my mind over and over again.
When I didn’t reply Andrew went on. “Well Serena’s here and she’s ready to meet you.”
“wha- ? NO ! You cant- I” I stuttered. I glanced around nervously. “I- I’m not – not ready yet.” I said trying to think of a reason. Well I could think of lots of reasons, like the fact that we argued and the fact that she hated me – but I couldn’t explain it to Andrew – unless he already knew about this already.
“it doesn’t matter. You don’t come out of the hospital and refuse to see your girlfriend. –at least say hi to her.” Andrew grabbed my elbow and firmly started guiding me across the arcade.
“Andrew- you don’t understand. I just- I cant !” I stammered unsuccessfully. We were not only approaching the counter where Serena was seated but Lita too- the girl from yesterday.
I saw Serena smile and nod at Lita and say something, looking around the arcade. But as soon as she saw me her smile froze.
*********************************Serena******************************
“ . . . . guy is sooo cute ….looks like my old boyfriend ! . . . . . . in love with him . . . . hope I see him again . . . . . he is just sooo amazing . . . . it was kinda embarrassing . . . . . . but he was totally cool about . . .”
I nodded between spoonfuls of my chocolate Sundae - I wasn’t really paying any attention to what Lita was saying. But I had a pretty good idea about ‘who’ she was saying it about. ‘didn’t Lita know that Darien was suppose to be my boy friend ?’ maybe she had never met him. I felt weird about all of this.
“How long have Darien and I been together ?” I bluttered out suddenly, interrupting her.
She starred at me – her mouth open amidst what she was trying to tell me. “uhh well – umm I don’t know . . . . exactly.” She frowned. Her eyes darted then looked away guiltily.
(Lita’s P.O.V. here I’ve been going on about Pete and Serena’s been worried about Darien all along !)
“Did you ever meet ? You know you and Darien ?” I pressed on.
“What ? No !!” she said a little too quickly. (Lita’s P.O.V. oh my god!!! could Serena have seen us yesterday ?) “I wonder where Andrew’s disappeared to.” She said – probably in attempt at changing the subject.
I smiled in spite of how miserable I felt. I didn’t understand most of it but if Lita didn’t want to say anything – I trusted her . . . . . . I hope. I glanced around the arcade, trying to get a glimpse of Andrew.
I saw someone – but it wasn’t Andrew.
********************************Darien*******************************
‘Darien – your needed at the ‘Beauty Boutique’ behind the Domino’s pizza parlour. There ‘s going to be an attack. Hurry.’ Sailor Pluto’s voice rang out clearly interrupting my thoughts. But for once I was glad to hear from her.
I grabbed my elbow from Andrew. “There’s something wrong – I have to go to the beau- my apartment. I left the uhh stove on.” Before Andrew could answer I made a dash towards the arcade door.
******************************Andrew********************************
“But- Darien - WAIT !!” but it was too late he had already disappeared through the door. I turned back around towards the girls. Serena was sitting next to Lita her spoon halfway towards her mouth – a look of distress expressed on her face, she was starring beyond me towards the arcade door in which Darien had just left.
I groaned inwardly – thinking of what it could possibly look like to her – her boyfriend running away from her. Then I glanced at Lita, she had finally stopped talking long enough to notice Serena’s expression. But even as I glanced at Lita I felt uncomfortable. She was one of the girls who hung around Serena – Serena’s ‘close circle’ one might say.
‘was she in on this plan on getting Serena and Darien together as a couple ?’ I couldn’t help wandering. “hunky and dreamy” weren’t the kind of words you’d use on a guy you’re trying to pair up with your best friend. (A.N. did that make any sense ???)
But –then again – if she wasn’t in on the plan why had Darien asked ‘her for help ? could it be that Darien liked Lita back ? these confused thoughts kept appearing and most of there concepts I didn’t like.
The only way to solve my problem – or the problem that might be occurring was to talk to either of them.
*******************************Serena********************************
I only managed to catch a glimpse of Darien – no sooner than I had caught sight of him than he had dashed out of the arcade. ‘some boyfriend’ I couldn’t help thinking. But then again, I was glad that he hadn’t stuck around – what was I going to do with Lita there anyway ?
If we really ‘were’ a couple then – I dunno. But if we weren’t a couple everything would make much more sense. I sighed out loud. How could one of my best friends be falling for my boyfriend ?
When I finally rid myself of all the self pity I was indulging in I glanced up to see both Andrew and Lita starring at me questioningly. Lita was looking at me and Darien back and forth as though that would solve everything.
“did I miss something ?” she questioned us.
I looked at Andrew – he was looking increasingly uncomfortable by the minute. ‘why would he feel uncomfortable ?’ I wondered. Unless he knew something I didn’t. by the look of sympathy he had flashed me – I’d take it that he felt sorry for me. The only way I’d be able to get anything out of him would be through guilt. If I played my cards right I might be able to pull this off. But when ?
I hid a smirk. The sooner the better. “Excuse me.” I sniffed, jumped off my stool and dashed towards the girls room – but not fast enough to hear Lita hiss at Andrew.
“what’s going on ?”
*-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~*-.,,.-*~* 5 minutes later
I reappeared to the counter flashing both Andrew and Lita weak smile. They were both looking slightly guilty and concerned.
“I better get going home. Or mum will be worried.” I said finally breaking the silence. Lita opened her mouth to answer but she was interrupted by a familiar beeping sound.
‘BEEP’ ‘BEEP’ ‘BEEP’ ‘BEEP’ ‘BEEP’ ‘BEEP’ BEEP’ ‘BEEP’
“what’s that ?” Andrew and I asked at the same time – what ever it was, it was coming from Lita.
“that would be my uhh . . . . beeper !” she said rummaging through her pocket nervously. She pulled out the familiar looking pink object, and murmuring a quick excuse she disappeared towards the pay phones.
But I knew it wasn’t a beeper she pulled out – it was the little square thing that gave you messages – the one like I had. (A.N. communicator) I was positive that I was sailor moon – but if she had that communicating thing it only meant that she was one of those girls – who dressed like me in similar sailor costumes.
I wished I’d bought my communicating thing – but I’d left it at home, the only thing I’d bought was the brooch – which was inside my pocket. From the flash back’s I’d had I knew that I needed that to transform into sailor moon. I glanced at Andrew, he was looking towards the arcade door – there were more customers entering, smiling at me apologetically he walked away.
Getting up I tip toed towards the pay phones. I slipped into the next one to Lita.
“Lita get to the ‘Beauty Boutique’ ! its near the domino’s pizza parlour. We found the monster. Hurry !”
it was Mina !!
*******************************Darien********************************
I traced the familiar steps towards the domino’s pizza. But a stayed a floor above the super stores. I didn’t feel like making a grand entrance like I had done last night.
I had reached a corridor leading elevators and stairs, making sure that there was no one around I called sailor Pluto. ‘do I transform in any less pain ?’
She didn’t answer instead I started transforming – amazingly I didn’t feel much of the pain – maybe it was because the elevator door opened and my mouth was hanging open itself, but in shock.
*~*~*~*~ hhmmm….. wonder WHO is in the elevator . . . . . ::grins:: I am so evil with the cliff hangers !!!! well looks like there’s a love triangle – or square ?! Lita thinks Serena likes Darien, Serena thinks Lita likes Darien, Serena kinda likes Darien, Darien kinda likes Serena but thinks Serena hates him, Andrew thinks that Darien likes Lita and Lita likes him back, all the while Lita is wrapped up with Pete !
::blinks innocently:: “what have I started ???”
| |