| Serena bounced up to the counter where her friend Andrew worked. "Hey Andrew!" She called out as she halted to stop infront of him. "Hey, Ser-" he began but was quickly interupted. "Geez, Meatball head! You could break glass with that shreik of a voice you have there," a voice said, just a few feet left of Serena's position. The blonde's face fell, as she looked over at the blue-eyed, raved haired man. "I hate you Darien Chiba. I was having a perfectly good day! And YOU ruined it!" Serena pouted as Darien laughed. "What? You got A thirty five on your quiz instead of a thirty?" Darien chuckled. Serena's face fell even more, as tears seeped into her pefectly blue eyes. "No," She whispered then pushed the tears back and let the anger flow. "Did you become cute instead of the sewer rat that you are?" She snipped. "It depends. Do you think I'm cute?" "It depends. Have you broken a mirror yet?" "You, Guys..." Andrew put in for the first time. "You are the most agrivating girl I have ever had to deal with." "Am I now?" "Not to mention the fact that you are just completely stupid. Honestly Do you even TRY in school?" Darien's words stung Serena as she tried to shrink on the stool. To make it worse Darien continued on, "And WHY are you so DANG klutzy? Do you even pause to SEE where you're going? Or do you just pick a half-way straight line from point A to point b and see if you don't run into anything?" Silent tears flowed down Serena's cheeks as Darien pointed out all her flaws to her. "And what IS it with you and-" At that point Andrew smaked Darien on the head and Serena rushed out of the building. Darien looked after her. So He'd had a bad day, was it right for him to get on her like that? After all he DID kinda like the beautiful blonde... No he didn't. That was IMPOSIBLE. But still... Andrew smaked him on the head again. "And you're not even listening to ME!" He growled. Darien's head snapped over to the blonde haired culprit who had messed up his hair. "Nope," Was his simple reply. "I said you shouldn't get on her like that! I bet that if you took just a little time to get to know her, you'd end up loving her." He snapped. Darien raised an eyebrow. "Meatball Head?" "She has a name ya know. Do you even know what it is?" "Yeah It's-" Okay so Darien had 'Accidentally' found out Serena's whole name: Serena Elizabeth-Marie Tsukino. But if Darien told Andrew that he would have gotten Shot Down! So Darien played it dumb, "Uhhh, Jenny? Jaqline? George?" Andrew didn't look the least bit amused. "Serena! Her name is Serena Elizabeth-Marie Tsukino! She likes on 9087 Crossroads lane. She has a little brother named Sammy, whom she refers to as 'the spore' She has a Cat named Luna. She has a mother named Elizabeth-Marie, And a Father Named Johann. She's a smart girl she just needs to try harder. And VERY nice. But you would know that if you gave her ONE FRIGGIN' CHANCE!" Andrew growled. Of course Darien knew all of this, but wasn't anywhere near telling Andrew that. Darien shrugged, "So? Your point being?" That pushed Andrew over the cliff. "Alright, I'll make a bet with you. One weeks paycheck. If You think that you can spend three WHOLE days with Serena and NOT fall in love with her I will give you a weeks paycheck." Darien considered this. "And what if you win?" Darien asked Andrew calmly. "Then you have to get up on this counter an announce in a full clear voice that you: Darien Lakrin Chiba have fallen desperatly in love With Serena Elizabeth-Marie Tsukino." Andrew finished and looked Darien in they eyes. He held out one hand, "Do we have a deal?" Darien considered it for a moment, then grasped Andrews hand sealing the bet. "We have a deal." Andrew nodded. "Alright. Here," Andrew scribbled seven miscelaniouse numbers on a torn slip of paper that wrote at the top: Serena's #. "Call her. And if you doo-oon't the bet is OFF!" Andrew said, determined to prove his point to darien. "Alright," Darien shoved the paper into his ugly green jacket (AN: I am Sorry I HATE that jacket. I personally think that he should GO SHOPPING! Especially with some one with a LITTLE taste in fashion. Like... Oh ME?). Andrew nodded. Darien walked out the door to his apartment thinking, *What did I get myself into?* Andrew was calmly looking at his retreating friend, *KNEW he always liked her, and She likes him... they just need a little push.* ** Darien walked into his fasionably (AN: IS this the ONLY thing he's fashonable in?) decorated twelth story apartment. The first thing his eyes fell on was that deadly black phone. Would That phone spell doom for Darien? (AN: Ahhhhhhh! It's the phone from hell! it'll ring you death!) A small red light blinked rapidly on and off on the shiny black plastic. Darien walked over and pressed a dark gray button. "Message Number one," The mechanical male voice said to him, "Recorded at: 4:37 pm." "Oh, Daaaaaaaaaaarieeeeeeeennnn!" Andrew's sing-song voice cut through Darien's sanity like a hot knife through butter, "Just a little reminder for you to call Seeerrreeeeeeaaaaannnaa!!!!" And it clicked off. "Die you reched Being, Die," Darien muttered under his breath, considering throwing the phone out of the window. Exactly WHAT had he gotten himself into? tormenting Serena was just a casual pastime of his. It had no meaning, he had no 'feelings' for her... Or could it be... something else? "It's now or never," Darien muttered and picked up the phone. He slowly pressed the numbers that were carefully spelling doom to his sanity (AN: If there are SEVEN numbers and DOOM and only four letters, then what do the other numbers stand for?). RING! Silence. RING! Silence again. RING-Click! "Hello?" An unkown female voice asked the timid Darien, who's stomach was doing flips. *Why am I nervous? It's Just Serena...* He thought. "Uhhh, Is Serena there?" He asked. "Yes She is. Will you hold for a moment," The voice said. Then he vaguely heard: "SERENA! Pho-one!" "Who is it?" "Some young man." The voice said. Darien could hear the phone being handed off to some one else. "Hello?" A sweetly famillar voice asked, you could easily tell that she had been crying. At that one word, darien felt his body go limp while his insides tensed up to no extent. He swallowed hard. He knew the pain he caused her, was there a way to fix it? "Uh? Ser-Serena?" He asked nervously. *It's just Serena. It's just Serena. It's just Serena,* Darien repeated to himself. "Yes?" "It's Darien." There was a long painfully awkward silence. The only sound was the hum of the electric circuts and the occasional breath of Serena. Darien bit his lower lip in nervousness. "Oh," Was the only word that was said after that silence. "Listen, Serena, I want to apologize for today. I was completly out of line," Again silence. Darien decided to go on, "I'm terribly sorry, and I feel horrible about it. I was wrong." "No, you were right," Serena whispered after another long moment. "What?" "You were right. I am just a silly, stupid, klutzy, little junior high girl." "What? No! Serena, You are a smart, beautiful young woman, who just happens to stumble alot." Darien said in defense of her self- esteem. "That's an intersting way to put it," She sniffled, on the verge of tears again. "Please don't cry serena. I Hate it when you cry." Darien whispered. "You're the reason for these tears, Darien." Thoes were the horrid words that brought Darien's world come falling to a crash on the floor, right off it's high horse. He took a slow deep breath. "I know. I'd like to make it up to you." "Would you, really?" Serena asked curiously. "Yes, I would," Darien said, calming down, "how about we spend tomarrow together?" "Uhhhh... Darien?" "Yes?" "Think about that." "I am and I see nothing wrong." "Darien?" "Yes?" "You are insane." "I've established that fact, but thank you for reminding me," Darien chuckled, "I'll pick you up about ten thirty. See ya then!" And darien hung up the phone. ** "He WHAT!?" Mina screeched into the phone, from the other line. "He wants to spend the day with me," Serena took a breath and flopped onto her bed and picked up one of her stuffed bunnies. "Yeah, I know He's gone insane, Min. What should I do? I mean he WAS nice on the phone." "And you've always had a crush on him," Mina interjected. "Hey!" Serena protested, "So did you!" "Everyone does," Mina said matter-a-factly. "I see..." "C'mon Serena you HAVE to admit that A: It IS kinda a cool that HE wants to spend tomarrow with you. And B: He's one of thoes all-around atractable guys." "Duhh, We all know that," Serena said sighing. "Maybe he has some 'Hidden intentions'?" "Yeah, Right. And demons can fly." "After some of the times I've seen you yell at Darien... he certianly seems to 'fly' down the street." Mina giggled as serena on the other line laughed along with her. "Well what do you think it means?" "I'm not sure, but go hang out with him tomarrow and find out what he wants. You never know, maybe you guys could end up the hottest couple since Romeo And Juliet." "Oh, Like THAT'LL happen," Serena rolled her eyes. "C'mon Serena! You're never gonna get any where with an attitude like that!" "It serves my perpouses!" "It makes you rather dry though!" Mina countered her friend. "Let's just stay on the subject!" "Alright, But what do YOU think it means?" "I think it means that his conscience -however small- caught up with him." "That's hardly beliveable. I Still think that he has hidden intentions!" "Cause you know he keeps thoes feelings so well hidden." Serena said sarcastically. "Serena, Just give him a chance!" "I don't know..." "Serena!" "Well...!" "Serena, you're gonna drive me up the wall." "Min!" "What?" "What in the devil's name am I going to wear!?" **Day One** Darien walked up to Serena's house and knocked on the door. There was a pause before a woman who looked about fourty opened the door and smiled at him. She had brilliant bouncy black hair, and deep blue eyes. She had high cheek-bones and a slender face. A complete contrast to Serena's looks. For a moment Darien wondered if he was at the right house. "Uhhh, Is Serena here?" "Yes She is. Sorry we haven't met. I'm Serena's mother Elizabeth- Marie," She opened the door and let Darien walk into the clean house, which was decorated in pastels. "I'm Darien. Serena's friend," He smiled. "Yes, Sorry serena is running a little late. I think she should be ready soo-" "SAMMY!" "Correction there may be a slight delay," Elizabeth-Marie chuckled. "Oh," Was Darien's only response. "SPORE!" Darien heard being called out then a door being slamed. "Mooo-oom! Serena's on PMS!" Sammy called out. Darien turned an unbeileavable shade of red. Even Serena's mother turned a light shade of pink. "Sammy! We have company!" She scolded. "Oh. Who are you?" The little brown haired boy asked Darien without concern. "I'm Serena's friend, Darien." "Serena has friends!? WOW!!!!" He said sarcastically. Darien heard a muffled, "I heard that!" From the top of the stairs. "What's it to ya!?" Sammy called back. Serena finally walked out of the room and growled down at the young boy who was fated to have a LONG 'Talk' with Serena in the near future. She walked down the stairs with a grace that Darien had never seen in Serena. That and the fact that she was the most beautiful creature Darien had ever seen. Her long blonde har wasn't in it's usuall annoyingly cute meatballs and pigtails but in one long braid down her back. A light pink ribon weaved carefully in and out of the hair then landed in a bow at the end of the golden strands. She wore a pair of light blue jeans and a pink tee-shirt with a white heart on the top and a sparkily purple butterfly in the center of that, it hugged her in ALL the right places. Her make up was perfect. Just the lightest touch of pink eyeshadow and pink tinted lip-gloss. But the most amazing thing was the scent that radiated from her. Strawberries. Darien found himself wanting to nuzzle his face into her neck and hair and breathe in the rich aroma that tempted him with impure thoughts. "Hum, Hey, Serena," Darien said, fighting down nervousness. "Hello, Darien," She smiled, and picked up a small white purse from the table next to the front door. She turned to her mother, "I'll see you about..." She turned to face Darien. "Hm? Oh! Uhh About six or seven," Darien said, once again fighting down nervousness. "Alright. Have fun you guys!" Serena's mother called to them as they walked out the door. "Don't klutz out Serena!" Sammy mocked. "That little spore," Serena grumbled under her breath. She was a woman with a mission: Find out what the HELL darien wanted. "So, Serena... You look, Ahem," Darien cleared the lump forming in his throat, "Very nice." Serena turned to him the scent of her becoming more relavent. "Thank you, Darien. You look very stylish your self," Serena smiled, commenting on the baggy khaki cargo pants, a tight white tank top that accented his mucells, and a dark blue button-down shirt -that was unbuttoned to show off his FABULOUS mucells- with red dragons 'flying' across it. All in all Darien was fasionable for once (AN: Sorry I HAD to make him have SOME fasion sense!). "But that means I can't comment on that reached green jacket," Serena flashed him a mocking smile. "I'll have you know that I DO have a fashion sense, it's just work regulations restrict me from showing it." Darien said laughing slightly. "Oh like I believe that!" Serena laughed with him. He Grabbed her around the waist and pinned her body to his. "You were saying?" "Stop it!" Serena said between peals of laughter. "Let's go, Serena." Darien said releasing his beautiful victem and taking her to his car. (AN: I bet you five dollars, of which I don't have, that you can guess what it is!? YEP! A 2001 Silver Mazzda Miada convertable! Smart Readers!) "I must admit that you have a very nice taste in cars though... to bad that can't leak into you clothing sense," Serena flashed him another one of her killer smiles. "Oh really? I'll have you know that BRAIDS are out of style!" Darien laghed as Serena hopped into the car. She turned to him and smiled a sly smile, then shrugged. "Oh Well," She reached behind her and pulled out the braid letting her golden tresses fall over her smoothly curved body. Darien had been in the process of getting in the car when he looked at her. The world just stoped for him. She was beautiful... *THINK about what you're thinking, Darien!* He scolded himself, *It's just for a bet! Nothing more; nothing less!* But there was an aching feeling in him that said he was just trying to fool himself. "Darien?" A sweet voice brought him back to reality. "Huh?" He asked shaking his head. "You've been staring at me for the past minute. Is there something wrong? Did I smear my lipgloss?" She asked him curiously. "Wha? Oh No! It's just, uhhhhh," He paused for a moment. *Tell her!* One part of him yelled. *Don't tell her!* the other said. Darien didn't know what to say. "Darien?" Serena asked again. "It'sjustthatyoulooksobeautifulwithyourhairdown." darien sped out before she had a chance to say or do anything else. "Huh?" She questioned. "Nothing. Never mind." "But-" "C'mon, Serena! Let's go have fun!" Darien smiled a debonare smile at the girl. She shrugged then giggled. "I didn't know that you were capable of fun, Darien Chiba." "Neither did I." He laughed. "You are hopeless." "Maybe you can change that," He winked at her. And Serena blushed. *She's so cute... WHAT!? I did NOT just think that. <You did. C'mon. Admit it, Chiba. You've got the hots for Serena.> WHAT!? <You do, You know it. Look at her... So beautiful, so full of life. She's like a living breathing ray of sunshine.> I do NOT like her like that. I am just trying to prove something to Andrew! <Are you? Or is it something else?> It is not, nor will it ever be, 'something else'. <You're lying, Chiba.> I know I am. <HA! So you admit it!> How can you be so cruel to me? <How can you push thoes feelings away? Look at her.>* Darien peered over at the beautiful girl who was looking at him with concern, her sweet mouth moved but no sound came to Darien's ears. *What is she saying? Why do I feel like this? Why is she doing this to me? Is that a concerned look? <You better belive it! She cares for every one and every thing! Including the detached cold Darien Chiba.> No she doesn't. <Yes she does, just look in thoes big-blue eyes. You know that there's something in there you treasure.> No there isn't. <Why are you trying to fool yourself, Chiba? Why?> I don't wanna be hurt. And I don't wanna hurt her. <You can't hurt some one who loves everything!> Can't I?* The little voice in his head stayed quiet. He shook it off and smiled at Serena. "DARIEN!" "Huh?" "Darien I've been calling your name for the past three minutes! Where were you?" Serena asked. She had crawled over next to him. Her eyes bled concern and her sweet, shinny, rosy, strawberry flavored lips curved in a frown. "Don't frown, Serena. It doesn't fit you," Darien said as Serena shifted back into her original position. She looked at him with concern again, shook her head, then smiled a brilliant white smile. Darien smiled back at her. "You, Mr. Chiba, are the most confusing man I have ever met." "That's my lot in life," He winked at the blonde. "Darien?" "Yes?" He asked her as they finally started off down the road. "I- What-," Serena blew some breath between her lips. "Serena?" Darien glanced over at Serena. She sighed. "Never mind," She turned to look at the scenary that flew past her. "Serena, You don't have to hold anything from me. We're friends right?" "I guess..." "You GUESS?" Darien chuckled, "That's not the answer I was looking for, my beautiful blonde!" Darien stopped after he adressed her as that. *WHAT WAS I THINKING!? <Hey, Remember me!> YOU! <Yep, Yep!>* Serena chuckled, "My beautiful blonde? Where did THAT come from, Darien?" "Don't ask," He grummbled. "You confuse me, My handsome prince charming." She winked at him, as he looked over. "So you DO think I'm cute." "Guilty as charged!" Serena laughed. "If you admited that you think I'm cute, then I guess I'll just have to admit that I think that you are not so bad looking your self!" Darien laughed as Serena smiled at him. There was a short comforatable silence before it was broken by Serena. "So where are we going, Charming?" Serena smiled a slightly-cocky smile over at Darien. "That's my little secret, Beauty," He countered. Serena laughed. "Oh no! I'm being kidnapped!" "Yes, I'm taking you to my secret layer in which I'll never let you out, Muhahahahahahahahahahah!" Darien laughed a mock evil laugh as Serena smiled at him. "You're the most interesting person I know!" "Oh! So I've gone from confusing to interesting! Is that a step up or a step down on the Serena Scale?" Darien asked her. "A step up, Charming." "Thanks, Beauty." The two sat in a comforatable silence before Darien pulled into a parking lot. "No, We're not there." "Then why are we here?" "I wanted to blind-fold you." "Darien!" "Hey, It's a suprise!" "Oh, Fine." Serena crossed her arms over chest as Darien pulled out a hanker-chief and wrapped it around Serena's eyes. His fingertips brushed across her cheek, and he couldn't help but sigh at how soft and gentle her skin was. "So?" Darien asked her. "Can you see anything?" "If I could would I be frowning?" "What did I tell you about frowning?" Darien smiled as Serena sighed and forced down another smile and a giggle. The rest of the drive was silent. After another twenty minutes of driving, the car finally pulled into a long driveway lined with weeping willows. After another minute or so Darien finally stopped outside a high, vine-covered stone wall. He jumped out of the car and went to help Serena out. She stumbled on the first step and fell into Darien's arms. "Sorry," She cringed. Darien just smiled the goofiest smile ever. *Thank god she can't see me now,* He thought. "No it's okay, Serena." His arms encircled her slender waist and helped her into a steady standing position. "Thanks," She said. Darien took her hand as he pulled out a key to the rought-iron gate that linked one wall to the next. He unlocked it, then led Serena inside. "Darien? Where are we?" She begged. "I can't tell," Darien chuckled and once again took Serena's hand. He couldn't help but wonder why his heart and soul jumped at the touch of her. *Why is this happening to me?* Darien asked himself as he tried to slow the beating of his heart, *<You know why.> But must I admit it? <Sooner or later you're going to have to. And if you wait untill later it may end up being too late.>* Darien's mind screamed at the thought of any other guy holding Serena. Touching Serena. Kissing Serena. Hell even LOOKING at Serena in the wrong way boiled Darien's blood. *She's mine. She has to be. Could she be? <That all depends on you>* Darien let breath out between his lips. "Darien?" A voice asked him. He snapped back into the world of the living. "Yes, Serena?" "Why are you doing this?" "Doing what?" Darien asked, oblivious to the fact that this wasn't usually what he did. "Being so nice to me?" "I-" Darien didn't have an answer to that. "think that you deserve it." He said quickly. "Deserve it? After how mean I've been to you?" "Yes. After what I said to you, you deserve it." There was a quick pause, "Besides I'm finding out that I enjoy spending time with you." "Me, too." Came the reply. "Okay we're here," Darien said coming up behind Serena and began to undo the hanker-chief. Serena just sighed. "Finally." She said then the hanker-cheif came off and she saw where she was. It was a garden. A wonderful garden with every kind and colour of roses you could imagine. And in the center was a stone gazeebo with vines crawling up it, and small pink flowers bloomed every where on the plant. She gasped then turned to Darien. "Well?" He asked her. She was speechless. "Darien?" "Yes?" "Thank you!" She ran up to him and surrounded him with a hug. Darien stroked her hair. "It was my complete pleasure." He whispered into her hair. The two stood there for a matter of minutes before, Serena finally pulled away. Embarassed by what she had done. Darien just smiled at her with an effection in his eyes that Serena had never known. The rest of the day went quickly, and soon Serena found herself looking out at a sunset from a balcony in a tower in Darien's gardens where they had ate an early dinner. Serena turned to Darien, who stood behind her, and smiled. "Thank you, Darien," Serena said as Darien came up next to her. Darien didn't say anything, it was almost as if he was lost in thought. Serena turned to him and gave him a questioning look. It wasn't the first time that day that Darien had just blanked out on Serena. It was almost as if Darien was thinking too much about something he should just leap into. "Darien?" Serena asked him. He didn't respond. Serena sighed and calmly leaned against the railing of the balcony, waiting for Darien to come out of his daze. *...5 ...4 ...3 ...2 ...* "Huh?" Darien asked turning to Serena. She rolled her eyes then smiled at him. "You, Mister, have been drifting in and out of thoes dazes for the entire day," Serena said lightly. Darien shook his head as if trying to dismiss a thought. "I have? Oh, I'm sorry, Serena! I haven't been fair to you! Can I make it up to you?" Darien said worry flooding his voice. "Darien?" Serena turned to him, and raised a questioning eyebrow. "Yes, Serena?" "Why ARE you doing this. And don't say I deserve it." "Andrew said I should try to get to know you," Darien said looking out at the sky that was stained with shades of red and orange and yellow. "And?" "And what?" "And what do you think?" There was a long pause and for a long moment Serena thought He was going to say that he still hated her. That he wanted to torture her for the rest of his life. "I think you are a wonderful, caring, gifted, beautiful person," Came Darien's reply as frames of their conversations through out the day popped into his mind's eye. "You do? You don't think I'm a maliculous little brat?" "Serena!" Darien said, reprimanding her on cutting herself down. He took her hands in his and looked her in the eyes, "I have never- EVER thought that about you." "Really?" Serena asked, tears gracing her eyes. "Really," Darien said sternly, then smiled. Serena jumped foreward and pulled him into a hug. Darien certianly didn't mind. In fact, he responded whole-heartedly. Darien smiled peacefully as they parted and then looked at the time sorrowfully. "Uh-oooooh," He bit his lower lip as Serena raised an eye brow at him. "Uh-oh what?" "Uh-oh, it's eight o'clock." "WHAT! Eeek! My mom's gonna KILL me!" Serena jumped. Darien nodded, and took Serena's hand and lead her through the garden back to where Darien's car was parked. He opened the door for her and happened to make it to her house within twenty minutes. "Sorry, about keeping you so late. Would you like me to go in and apologize to your mother?" Darien asked as he walked Serena up the steps. She just smiled at him. "Nahhhh, She'll get over it," She said calmly. Darien smiled at her. "Well, Um, good- good night," He swallowed hard as Serena smiled up at him. It must have been the way she looked in the setting sun because Darien didn't know what led him to do what he did next. He kissed her. Alright so it barely counted as a kiss. He just gently brushed his lips agaist hers for a mear second then blushed and turned away. Serena gasped at first then smiled at the blushing darien, "Good night," She said then smiled at him one last time and entered her house. Serena's day had beed a wonderful one, who knew Darien could be so charming. She sighed and looked out at the starry night sky. "Oh, C'mon, Serena. This boy has driven you up the wall for the past five months and now you're acting as if it never happened!" Luna said from Serena's bed. She turned to look at the black cat who was reading a book. "Yes. I think He deserves my forgiveness," Serena said turning back to the starry night sky. She sighed as she thought of the raven haired man that had managed to steal her heart today. "You, confuse me." "I know, Luna." Serena smiled at the confused expression on Luna's face then turned to her diary on her desk. It was a quiet night, Well Serena hoped it would STAY a quiet night. The last thing she needed was an attack from the nega-verse on a night like this. After finishing her entry, she crawled in to bed, having to kick Luna off for she took up too much space. Luna just grumbled something inaudible and continued to read on the floor. Serena laughed at her cat's stubborness. She took one last look out the window before falling into a deep, peaceful sleep. *~*~*~*~* A tall handsom man with a long black cape lined with red silk held out his hand to Serena. His face was half hidden behind a white mask. Serena gasped as he pulled her close and started to dance. his movements were soft and gentle, and he held her as if she were an heirloom china- doll. Serena smiled up at the masked man, he smiled a soft caring smile. He wisked her around the stars of the night sky, then pulled her close and bent down and whispered into her ear: "WAKE UP! GEEZ SERENA!" Serena's eyes bolted open to find the slightly concerned face of Luna looking down at her. Serena grumbbled something that was mangled the sleep that still lay embeaded in her voice box. "What?" "You have a visitor!" "Whoooo?" Serena yawned out. "Talking to yourself?" Came a slightly cocky voice. Serena stopped mid-yawn and turned to look at her door way. Darien leaned against the door frame. Serena blushed to no extent and pulled the covers to her chin as if she had something to hide. ** Day two** "Uhhhhhhhhhh, Hey, Darien," Serena said as Darien moved to sit at the end of her bed. Luna mewed and moved from her comforatable position on Serena's bed, to an overlooking position on Serena's desk. "Hey, Serena. Think you're up for another day with me?" "I don't know, What do you have planed?" "That's my secret, Dearie." He winked at her as Serena blushed. "You confuse me, Darien." "So am I the constantly moving animate object on the Serena scale? Or are you just undecided about me?" Darien said smiling a cocky smile at the blonde. "No, You're just the most confusing one, Mr. Chiba." Serena winked at him. He smiled. "So, go get dressed take a shower, paint your toe nails, go do whatever girls do in the morning, and I'll be waiting downstairs," Darien said, getting off the end of her bed and walking out the door. Serena looked after him and smiled. She was about to call out, 'What? No morning kiss?' But decided agaist it. She just smiled a slightly smug smile and walked to her bathroom. Serena, dressed in a pair of jeans and a tee-shirt, bounced down the stairs to find Darien waiting for Serena calmly. She said good-by to her mother then opened the door and rushed out. She knew that if she stayed in the house to long, her mother would start to ask questions about her and Darien, and their plans for the day, and so forth. "You know, you're very lucky," Darien said, as serena hopped into his car. She paused to look at him."Why?" "You have such a loving caring family," He said quietly. There was a long pause before Serena turned to him, and looked at him sadly. "Tell me about you're family, Darien," She asked. Darien shook his head. "Some other time, maybe," He replied sadly. "Darien? What happened," Serena asked, almost as if she were on the verge of tears. What could have happened to Darien's family to make him this way. Darien shook his head again. "I don't want to bring this day down. I do NOT want to waste such a beautiful day like this, with such a beautiful girl -might I add-, on what happened to my parents," Darien said smiling. Serena blushed, and turned away from him to hide it. Darien took her hand and laughed effectionatly. "You have to be the cutest girl I know." Serena turned back to him. "I better be Chiba!" She laughed, tapping him on the nose then smiling. Darien took her hand again. He gave it a gentle kiss, then started off down the street. It had been slightly cloudy when the day started out, but all in all it was supposed to be a reasonably nice day. When Darien and Serena had reached their destination, that's when the 'supposed to be' wore off. Darien offered his hand to help Serena out of his car. She took it graciously, then looked up at the sky. "Oh, Dear," She mummbled. Darien looked at her. "Yes? What is it?" "It looks like it's going to rain!" Serena moaned. Darien chuckled. "Give it time, it'll clear up," He said optomisticaly. Although, with a second look he wasn't so sure. Serena raised an eyebrow at his proclaimed optomisim. Then a few rain drops splattered down, then a few more, then a turrent of water graced the two's day. Darien grumbbled a few 'choice' words under his breath then opened his car. "Well, THAT ruined today." "I think I jinxed it," Serena said shaking her head. "That's imposible for you to do," Darien said happily. "And why is that?" She asked the handsome man. "You're too perfect and happy, and wonderful, and magnificent, and beautiful for you to jinx anything!" Darien replied happily. Serena blushed a crimson at his words and smiled shyly. Darien started his car, "C'mon. I fully intend on NOT wasting this day!" "What do you mean?" Serena asked. Darien just smiled sheepishly, and yet slyly at the same time. Serena's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "What do you mean?" She repeated herself. Darien once again said nothing. For the first time that day Darien took a good long look at Serena. Her long hair was damp and hugged her body, and glisened. Her blue eys sparkled with confusion as Darien once again, did not reply to her question. Her sweet pink lips pursed in defeat, as Darien just smiled, a slightly goofy smile, and started off down the street. Darien pulled into a parking ramp and hopped out of the car. He opened the door for Serena. She raised an eyebrow and got out. "Where exactly are we?" She asked taking the hand that was offered to her. Darien Just twirled her around in a slightly complicated twirl, and pulled her body close to his then away. The lot was empty, the other residents having something to do that day. "Daaarien!" Serena whined. Darien chuckled. "Why does it matter where we are? As long as I'm with you i'm perfectly happy." Darien said placing his hands on her waist picking her up and spining her in the air. It looked like a clip strait from one of the old 40's black and white movies. Serena shook her head. "This is a side I've never seen of you," Serena said. Smiling as Darien wisked her into a waltz. Darien laughed a carefree laugh. "You're the only one who can bring this side out!" Darien said. Not even Darien knew how he had ended up in such a state of mind. Maybe it was Serena, maybe it was just the day that pulled things that had been long forgotten. "Darien?" Serena asked. Darien stopped then pulled Serena close to him. He looked her stright into thoes blue stars of hers. Darien gave her hug, then took her hand and started toward the building. Serena shook her head. "Okay," Darien said opening the door that hid their final destination, "Here we go." Darien painstakingly slow opened the door. Serena peered inside to find an immaculately clean apartment. "How do you keep it so clean!?" She asked in a slightly bewildered state. "Very carefully. Well it's not like I have anyone to pick up after. And it's not like I don't have time." Darien shrugged. "Ohhh," Serena said in mock sadness, "And I thought teasing me was what you were doing most of the day?" "Ohhh, Well what was I supposed to do when you weren't at the arcade? Do you know HOW many hours I've spent at that arcade waiting for you, and you've never showed?" "I didn't know I was supposed to be on a schedual." Serena giggled. Darien wrapped his arms around her carefully. "Sometimes I wish that your schedual was to spend the entier day with me, every day," He whispered into her ear. Serena blushed as Darien kissed her temple and started toward the kitchen. Serena followed, simply because she felt hollow and empty when Darien let go of her. "Serena, can I ask you something?" Darien asked as he put a kettel of water on. "Shoot," She said comforatably. "How much have you dated?" He asked the girl. Serena blushed. "I haven't." She whispered. "Oh." "You?" Serena asked him. "I haven't either. So don't worry." "But, your eighteen!" "Yeah, well. When i date a girl I want to know that what we have between us is really special. Not just some fling that'll end soon." Darien said with pride. Serena looked up at him. "I could undersand that," Serena said. Darien walked up to her and took her hand. "And I think that what we have is something really VERY special," Darien threaded his fingers through hers. Serena gasped at his openess. Tears seeped into Serena's eyes as she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him close. "I think so too," She whispered, tears streaking down her face. Darien pulled back a little to look her in the eyes. When he looked in to the soft, serene blue stars that were graced with tears he knew that what they had WAS special and that it would always be that way. Darien bent down slowly and pressed his lips against Serena's. She responded whole heartedly. This kiss was simple at first, but their hearts demanded more. Darien's arms suddenly tightened around her waist and picked her up off the ground. Serena's legs wrapped instinctively around him. He shifted her body so that she was sitting on the counter and he urged her mouth open. Serena complied, entagling her fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. Darien's hands stayed firmly and protectively at her waist. *She's finally mine,* Darien thought, *God, She's MINE!!!* His mind lept for joy. And his arms tightened around her, pulling her closer to him. After a few minutes the kiss had slowly died down into the sweet caress it started from. Darien pulled slowly away from her face a few inches to look her in the eyes. She was blushing a light pink, and her fingers were still tangled at the nape of his neck. He smiled at the bewildered look she had on her face. He kissed her forehead gently then her nose, then gently kissed her on the lips. He pulled her close and whispered into her ear, "I think i'm in love with you." Suddenly He could hear Serena's soft sobbing and pulled away a little to look at her with concern. "Serena? What is it?" He asked. "I think i'm in love with you too," She wrapped her arms tighter around his neck. Darien nuzzled his face into her neck, the one thing he wanted to do since the day before. The scent of strawberries infultrated his senses and the only thing he could think of, was Serena. Here in his arms. Here with HIM. LOVING him. Holding him. Kissing him. And only him. After another few long moments the very loud HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS of the kettle of boiling water broke them apart. Darien kissed her on cheek, as Serena just sat on the counter, in fear that if she moved he'd never come back. Darien turned off the heat that fed the kettle and walked back to Serena. He swept her in his arms and twirled her around. She laughed as Darien pressed his forehead against hers. She was finally his. ** "You know it's the weirdest thing! You'd think WE would be the first ones to hear about it, but NOOOOOOOO!" rei said indgnantly as she, Mina, Lita, and Ami -who was burried in a book- sat down at a booth in the arcade. Andrew walked up to them. "Hey, What are you girls talking about?" he asked. "Serena hasn't been home the past two days! We want to know where she is. And What EXACTLY she is doing with who she is with!" Lita grumbled, slouching in the booth. Andrew tossed his head back and laughed. "My, My, my aren't WE nosy little girls!" He chuckled. The four girls stared him down with death looks. he held up his hands defensively. "I know who she is with." "We all do, Mina told us," Ami said glancing up from her book. "And exactly what do YOU know, Andrew?" Rei asked in a sugar sweet tone. "Uhhhhh, Nothing," He said backing away from the group. They got up and surrounded him. He suddenly became very nervouse. "ANDREW!?" They screeched! "The things I do for HIM!" Andrew screeched back. "ANDREW!" The girls shreiked louder this time. "Thank GOD he's not winning the bet!" Andrew grumbled. The girls heard it. They stopped dead in their tracks and silence enveloped thim in a dizzying haze. "what?" They whispered. Andrew didn't say anything. Ami closed her book shut and threw it at him. It bounced off his head and clattered to the ground, quickly being forgoten. Her lips pursed in anger and fear for her friend. "I never EVER want to see you again. You are a cruel, inhumane, discurtious man- no BOY. I hope you perish in hell!" Ami turned on her heal and walked out of the arcade. This only kept the scouts quieter longer. Never had they seen Ami burn with such hatred. The girls turned and rushed after their blue haired friend. ** Serena's laughter made Darien feel bubbly inside. The two lay by his fire place, Serena wrapped in Darien's arms. Darien holding Serena, and refusing to let her go. "Alright. Favourite colour?" He asked her. "White," she replied without a moment of hesitation. "Why?" Darien asked the gentle blonde. "It's a very pure colour." "Like you?" He whispered into her ear. Serena chuckled then kissed him. Just then the phone range. Darien grumbled a few choice words then mumbled, "Let the friggin' answering machine get it." Serena chuckled again. "Uhhh, Dare? It's Andrew. You're probobly not there right now, but I had to tell you this. They know. Her friends know." And then the phone was hung up. Darien pulled away from Serena. She looked at him with curiosity. "Darien?" She asked. Hating the fact that they weren't as close as she wanted to be. Darien just shook his head. He planed on sharing every minute he could get. He loved the girl so very much. He knew that for a fact. But he didn't want to lose her. And there was no way he planed on letting her go now. "I'll tell you about it some other time, Serena," He said. Serena looked at him with slight exasperation. She just shook her head and snuggled up against him. Darien smiled at the goddess he held now. He kissed her again, and smiled again. ** "So what do we do?" Mina asked the three other girls who lay in gloomy dispositions. "She has a right to know," Ami said pacing back and forth. "She does." Came a lone reply "I'll tell her," Ami said, taking the weight off every one. One single tear fell from her eye. ** "Good Night, Princess," Darien said as He walked Serena up to her house. Serena smiled up at the man she had fallen in love with. "Good night, prince," Serena said. She stood on tip-toes and kissed Darien, who responded whole-heartedly. Serena hugged him one last time before she walked into her house, Wishing she didn't have to go. "Hello, Serena!" Her mother said as she walked in the door. "Hello, Mother." "Your friend Ami is here." Serena smilled and bolted up the stairs to her room. Ami sat on her bed talking to Luna. Luna didn't look very happy, neither did Ami. Serena approached the two with caution. "Serena, I have to tell you something..." Ami said. ** Serena nodded and forced back tears, "Alright. Good bye Ami." Ami looked sadly toward the ground. As soon As Ami had left serena threw her self on her bed and cried and cried. Luna came up beside her sobbing form. "He's worthless, Serena. If he actually accepted to do this to a girl like you, then his heart is cold black and worthless," Luna said nuzzeling Serena's left cheek. "But, You don't understand, Luna," Serena said wishing she could explain her pradicament to her beloved feline friend, "It's just that he told me something, very important." "And what would that be?" Luna asked. "He told me he loved me." The was a long akward silence before a sound was heard, and it was the sound of a car pulling into the drive way of Serena's house. Serena got up and walked to the window trying to avoid Luna's dulling, curious, strange gaze. It was a familliar silver convertable. Serena saw him looking toward the direction of her room. They locked eyes for a long few minutes. Then Serena snapped the curtian shut and turned away from him. Darien loved to see her, but this... this had broken his heart. To see her in such a state of hatred toward him, riped his heart from his chest and smashed it on the ground. He pushed back cold tears that forced their way to his eyes. *I have to talk to Serena. I have to explain to her that this is so much more. I HAVE to. I need her. I love her. She is my life source,* Darien thought walking up to Serena's front door. He nervously pushed the doorbell. "Oh. Hello, Darien!" Serena's mother greeted him as she opened the door. "Won't you come in?" She opened the door wider for him and he cautiously stepped inside the tidy house. "May I speek with Serena?" He asked the woman. She nodded. "She's in her room right now, why don't you go talk to her?" Darien nodded and slowly climbed the stairs. He walked to the closed door of Serena's room and quietly knocked. "It's open," he heard from inside. It sounded like Serena had been crying good and hard. He bit his lower lip and forced back tears of his own. He opened the door to her room. She sat on her bed with a book open on her lap. She didn't look up at him. She didn't say anything to him. She barely acknowleged his presence. "Serena..." "Yes?" Serena still hadn't looked up from her book. "Serena, We have to talk." "There's nothing to talk about, Darien," She said angrily, slamming her book shut and staring at him coldly. Darien swallowed hard. It was easy to tell that she had been crying. Darien now felt like crying himself. "I think there is," Darien force out. "Like what!?" She yelled at him, "How you're a dirty, rotten, no good, lying, cheat!?" Darien grabbed her by the shoulders and suddenly let go of everything. He yelled at her first of how much she was hurting him, then yelled at her for her being so god damn tempting, then yelled at her for making him fall in love with her, then yelled at her for yelling at him, then he kissed the living daylights out of her. "Why you dirty rotten, no good-" Serena had said when they broke apart, but was quickly silenced again by Darien's lips. This couldn't go on. Or they would be here forever. But Serena was no where NEAR stopping him. "Get off her!" Came a light british accent and then a big black fur blob pounced on his head. Darien let go of Serena and turned to look at the culprit. A black cat. "Ser- Serena? Is- Is that your c- cat?" He said. Serena nodded. "Luna, Meet Darien. Darien, meet Luna. Now isn't this an interesing introduction?" Serena said slowly working her way from the dazed Darien. However darien was firmly convinced that this cat was possesed. "Well don't look at me as if I'm satan herself!" The cat snapped, offended that his man had never seen a talking cat who lived with the champion of justice. "I think I'm going to be going now..." Darien said backing out of the room. "Bye, Daaaaarien!" Serena called mockingly. But then Darien grabbed her wrist and dragged her out of the room with him. "Hel-!" Serena began but Darien put his hand over her mouth. "Serena," He whispered harshly, "Don't say anything. You know I won't hurt you." Serena wasn't so sure, but she nodded. Darien took her to his car. The first thing he did was start off down the street. Heading for out of town. *Oh, GOD! I really am being kidnapped,* Serena's mind screamed as the city she knew so well shrank with distance. "Serena, You DO know I'm not going to hurt you, right?" Darien asked. Serena nodded. "I don't belive you. Serena I swear I will never hurt you," Darien said quietly. Serena nodded then shivered. "Are you cold?" Serena didn't say anything. Darien stopped in the middle of the road. It didn't matter because they were far out of town. "Here," Darien took off his jacket and covered her up. "If you knew you were going to be kidnapped you should have dressed warmer." He tried to lighten the mood. "Won't you be cold?" Serena asked him. "No. I'm fine don't worry," Darien said as he started off down the road again. It was another good hour of driving before Darien came to a stop. Thet were smack dab in the middle of no where. The sky above them was littered with the stars of the heavens, and a sliver of a moon was hanging in the sky. With one look toward the moon Serena felt calmer, some how. Darien took her hand in his, "Serena, Can we talk now? With out being interupted by your possesed cat?" Serena looked up at him. She was bathed in the silver light from the sliver of the moon. She looked simply beautiful. And yet some how familiar... ** FLASH ** Prince Endymion strolled along side the lake. He looked toward the sky. It was dotted with the stars of the planetary alliance. He sighed, *And the Moon.* "Endy!" His head snapped around. "Serenity?" He called. The beautiful Princess Serenity bounded up and flung herself into her Endymion's arms. He engulfed her with a deep hug. After a few moments he pulled away and gave her a scolding look. "You KNOW you're not supposed to be here, Serenity. If they find you-" "Don't Endy, Things on the moon are getting terrible, and we are getting less and less time to see each other," Serenity said silencing him. "We didn't have that much to begn with," He said. Serenity looked up at him. "Do you love me?" Serenity asked. "With all my soul and then some," Endymion said wrapping his arms around her. Serenity let her tears of joy fall freely. Endymion looked at her, "Do you love me?" "With all the universe of my soul," She said. Endymion bent down and kissed her sweetly. "You look so beautiful in the moonlight," Endymion said when they parted. Serenity blushed. She snuggled against his chest. "I love you, My Prince." "I love you, My Princess." ** FLASH ** Darien shook his head, *What a strange thing to think of.* "Darien?" Serena asked. Darien looked at her. Serena was so beautiful. He wrapped his arms around her. Serena suddenly felt so warm and protected, She snuggled deeper into his arms. This felt so familliar... ** FLASH ** Princess Serenity jumped back, startled by the fact that the bush infront of her was moving. "Serenity?" It was speeking to her. "Endy?" Serenity asked the bush. A tall man with broad, muscular shoulders, raven hair, and navy blue eyes to match his attier stepped out and wisked Serenity into his arms. "It's been so long since I've seen you," He whispered into her ear. Serenity wrapped her arms around Prince Endymion's neck. "Oh, I've missed you!!" Serenity said, tears seeping into her soft blue eyes. "I love you, Serenity. Never forget that," Endymion whispered to her. "And I love you my sweet prince," Serenity reached up and traced his jawline with her finger-tips. She seemed sad and afraid. He bent down and kissed her sweetly. "I'll protect you forever. Untill the end of time, my love, and forever untill then end of that time," Endymion said wrapping his arms around her. She snuggled deep into his arms. Here She felt warm and protected. "And I will love you untill the heavens above come crashing down, and through when they build themselves up and repeat the process," Serenity said, Closing her eyes and drifting into a serene mind. Endymion kissed her again. ** FLASH ** *Where did that come from?* Serena asked herself. A cold wind swept past them And -out of instinct- Serena snuggled deeper into Darien's arms. "Are you cold?" Darien asked as he tried to still her trembling body. "Yes," Serena said. Darien kissed her forehead and wrapped his arms tighter around her. "Serena?" "Yes?" "Do you forgive me?" there was a long pause before Serena could reply. "Darien, I'm not sure. Why, though?" "I don't know. Maybe I was selfish when I accepted, but you... you changed me Serena. I can't live with out you. I need you." Serena let the tears of joy fall freely, "I love you, Darien." "I love you, Serena," Darien said wrapping his arms around her tightly. |