Title: Winning Love Chapter 2
Author: Alicia Blade
E-Mail: Kammi22@sprintmail.com

Hi I’m back!! Here’s Chapter two, longer and more romantic as promised! I would like to thank all the wonderful wonderful people who e-mailed me Whom I love dearly. Thanks especially to Maria, Athena, and Sailor Serenity Moon who have showed a lot of interest in this story and kept Me inspired and who write the nicest mail ever. Also to Lianne who has Supported my newly acquired fanfic writing addiction, and Roo, Allison and Jade who have given me many ideas and inspiration to this story. But most of all, I would like to thank my dear friend, Rayea, who got me hooked on Sailor Moon in the first place. Thanx everyone! Well, here ya go…

Chapter 2: The Talent Show

The next few days passed incredibly slow. I only saw Serena a few times, each with only a couple exchanges of comments before I slipped up and she went storming away. By now I was slowly losing hope. There has to be some way I can make her see how I feel. She has to have some clue that I am in love with her. Doesn’t she?
I never really realized how much I depended on these little conversations with Serena. Then again, I’ve been realizing a lot of new things lately. It’s like, if I don’t see that beautiful blonde, if I don’t get the chance to talk to her, tease her, even hear her insult me back, the whole day is ruined. Like I’m going through meatball head withdrawal or something.
So now I’m in my bedroom searching through my closet. I heard Amy and the new girl Lita talking about this talent show, and if I know Serena, she wouldn’t miss it for the world. Not that she will notice me or anything, but if she does, I want to make sure I look… presentable. Yeah, that’s it. Presentable. Not to mention handsome, charming, completely irresistible… you know, the works. I smile to myself. Serena, you’re making me contemplate what to wear to a talent show. How do you do it?
Finally deciding on black jeans and a dark polo, I quickly run some gel through my hair and dash out the door.
Once at the theater, I quickly find Andrew at the entrance.
"Hey, where’s Lizzie?"
"All the contestants are backstage," he answers. Darn, I won’t see her before she goes on. Andrew then gives me a peculiar look. "What are you all dressed up for?"
"Huh? Oh, I, uh…"
"Ya think she’s gonna be here?"
Oh no. Not that again. "She who?"
A sly grin. "You know…"
"Andrew, drop it. Not another word about her."
"Ha! So she does exist!"
Ugh! Me and my big mouth! "Let’s just go sit down, okay?"
"Anything you want, Romeo."
I roll my eyes and go take a seat a couple of rows from the stage. I should have a great view from here.
The lights are already turning down. An announcer walks onto the stage, microphone in hand.
"Welcome to this evening’s performance. We are very glad to have such a wonderful turn out." There is applause. Why is everyone clapping? It’s not like he did anything.
Finally, the program begins. First on is a magician. Yeah, it’s great that you can pull a rabbit out of a hat, but can you make a steel-tipped rose out of thin air? Thought not.
Next was a mime. Nice box. Wonderful box. Beautiful box. BORING!
He was followed by Lizzie who performed a very beautiful piece on the piano. By far the best- so far.
Another magician, and then some girl with a red wig and high pitched voice singing ‘Tomorrow’ from "Annie." Hasn’t anyone ever heard of something called originality?
Then, a familiar girl with long black hair stepped onto the stage. It’s about time. Raye has a ton of talents. I’m sure she can add a little spice to this show. I was right. She wore the traditional white Karate uniform with a red belt. In the center of the stage, she placed both hands in front of her and bowed to the audience, then took a fighting stance. With a few karate calls, she began her routine. The powerful kicks, punches, and blocks were broth strong and graceful. After she had finished, she once again took a bow, and the crowd went crazy. Way to go, Raye. This show needed a little fire. (AN: hee-hee. Fire. Get it? "………" Okay, nevermind.) After a final bow, Raye gracefully walked off the stage.
Next came a familiar girl with short blue hair. Hmmm, what is Amy going to do? Give us a lecture on the chemical properties of a molecule of H2O? That would be interesting. NOT! I was surprised when she said she was going to give a monologue from the familiar Shakespeare play, ‘Macbeth’. Surprised, but not too much. She’s perfect in every other subject, why not literature? She began,

"I have almost forgot the taste of fears.
The time has been my senses would have cooled
To hear a night-shriek, and my fell of hair
Would at a dismal treatise rouse and stir
As life were in’t. I have supped full with horrors.
Direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts,
Cannot once start me.
Wherefore was that cry?
The Queen, my lord, is dead.
She should have died hereafter.
There would have been a time for such a word.
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."

Wow Amy. Talk about deep. The crowd sure seemed to love it though. Definitely better than some dumb magician.
Next came Lita, wheeling out a long table with plates and jars of ingredients on top. An Italian song began to play in the background. In a large bowl, Lita began to mix what looked like flour, yeast, water, and salt. She seemed to be having a ton of fun throwing those in, and managed in getting white ingredients all over herself as well. The audience loved it. Dumping the contents onto a cutting board, she began to roll out the dough. Once she had a round pizza crust, she took it into the air and began twirling it and flipping it. Now she began to dance as well, spinning around the table in turn with her creation. For a finale, she tossed it one more time and caught the crust on a wooden spoon. The crowd was laughing hysterically. Shakespeare, then this? Great line-up. I would sure hate to be on the judges bench right now. Lita took her bow, then left, the half finished pizza still dangling from the spoon. Some stage crew quickly wiped up the mess she had made and scurried off. I held my breath. I knew who was next. Nothing could have braced me for what I saw. My beautiful meatball head walked onto the stage- without the meatballs! But this was definitely her. I would know that beaming smile anywhere. She wore a pale pink dress with white daisies that fell to her ankles. In her long, flowing locks of golden hair, was another daisy, tucked behind her left ear. I could feel me jaw drop. Right now, I didn’t care if Andrew saw me, even though he would know right away who ‘the mysterious girl’ was. I don’t think I could have stopped staring if I wanted to. Not that I wanted to. She was like a perfect angel. Her blue eyes washed over the crowd. I could feel her nervousness, as if I was a part of her. How is that? Darien, she is getting to your head. You’re imagining things. I think I was lucky, because Andrew was so stunned he didn’t notice my own reaction. Serena on the other hand, did notice. Once she saw me, a blush crossed her face. I forced my mouth closed. She seemed grateful for this action and quickly turned away.
"This is a song," her voice chimed like a bell. I’d never heard her voice sound like that. She sounds… mature. Okay, who is this girl, and what did she do with my Serena? Not that I don’t like it. It’s a welcome change from ‘Wahhh! Darien why do you have to be so mean!’ I have to say. She continued, "that I wrote called ‘Storm’. First, I would like to thank Raye Hino for writing the music for me." Someone on the side of the stage began to play a soft music piece on the piano. If I could have removed my eyes from the angel before me, I would have realized it was Raye. Serena began to sing, and her voice rang through my ears, every word echoing deep within my soul.

"Let the wind take away the rose petals,
The last remnants of a painful love.
Let the rain drown out their horrid scent
Which lingers still above.

He gave you the bouquet, then kissed you
And you stood upon a cloud.
When did that heaven become so gray?
And his gentle whispers, thundering loud?

Close your eyes, and dare to dream.
The roses can’t hurt you now.
Forget the love that could have been.
He won’t hurt you now.

Dry your eyes on your sleeve.
Leave the drenched petals where they lay.
Go home and warm by the fire.
Let the storm carry the memories away.

Close your eyes, don’t forget the dream.
He can’t hurt you now.
Never forget the love that is.
The roses can’t hurt you now."

The song came to an end. I didn’t think I could breathe. It was so… un-Serena. And yet it was so beautiful. So touching. Magical. The crowd was silent for a few seconds. Then came the clapping. Soft and scattered at first, then louder. They loved it. They loved her. I love her. Still clapping, I stood up enthusiastically. Serena looked shocked that I would be starting her standing ovation. Then my example was followed by Andrew. Pretty soon, the whole crowd was on their feet, cheering vigorously. Serena had the brightest smile I had ever seen on her. So beautiful. You are so gorgeous, my Serena. No one compares. No competition. My glorious Serena. I love you. I didn’t know love until I got hit in the head with a test. Your test. And I knew, though it didn’t occur to me then, that I loved you. And I always will. I’m done denying it. Serena- you’re mine now. I’ll be good to you. I’ll be perfect. Everything you want me to be. Everything you need me to be. And when I have you, I will never let you go. Not for the world. I love you. Serena, I love you. I love you.
I got this sudden urge to scream out ‘That’s the girl I’m going to marry!’ really loud. I was so full of pride, of love, of… about a million other foreign emotions. But, I quickly decided against it. I don’t think that outburst would do well with my best friend, not to mention my future wife. And so I just smiled and continued clapping with as much energy as possible. My hands were red and soar, but I didn’t notice. Finally, the crowd began to sit down and become quiet once more.
The rest of the show flew by. I didn’t pay attention to any more acts. Serena’s song echoed in my head, and all I could see was her standing there bathed in the spotlight, just like an angel. My angel. When I finally managed to snap out of my dreams, I noticed they were already presenting the prizes.
"Third place," the announcer spoke, "goes to… Raye Hino!" Raye walked foreward from the line of contestants and took a small trophy.
"Second place goes to… Lita Kino!" She followed Raye’s example.
"Before I continue, I want to thank all of our contestants for participating. And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for… First place goes to… Serena Tsukino!"
There were a bunch of hugs from each of Serena’s friends, including the short red head whose performance I must have missed. Then Serena approached the platform. Another standing ovation. She looked like she was gliding, floating on air… until she tripped and fell on her face. I looked down, chuckling. Hey, my Serena’s back. I knew she couldn’t pull off being mature the whole show. But, this is why I like her, right? Right.
I look up to see she is on her feet and smiling again, though a blush still lingers on her cheeks. She kindly takes the trophy, and stands for a minute, just savoring the sounds of applause. Then she, and the rest of the contestants, rambled off the stage. I watched her until she disappeared behind the curtain.
"Ahem."
"Huh?" I asked.
"Ready to go?" asked Andrew.
"Sure."
"Okay, I told Lizzie I’d meet her by the backdoor."
"Let’s go."
Andrew and I walked outside. The moon was high in the night sky. Walking around the building, we easily found our way to the back entrance by following the sounds of laughing, giggling, and friendly congratulations.
"Hey Andrew! Darien!" came Lizzie’s voice from the crowd. We followed the sound to find a very hyped twelve year old.
"Hey Liz!" yelled Andrew.
"You were great!" I exclaimed as enthusiastically as possible. My mind was currently searching for a blonde. I half expecting to see two golden buns bobbing about the crowd. Then I remembered she had her hair down.
"They’re giving out free punch and cookies!" continued the girl.
"Let’s go get some." Andrew and Lizzie disappeared in the crowd. I began to follow. Let’s see, where there’s free food, there’s Serena. I was wrong. Instead, she turned up in one of the most unlikely places. Talking to me!
"Uh…Darien?"
I turned to see a very shy blonde girl next to me. Her voice told me it was most certainly my meatball head. She was looking at the ground, the toe of her shoe digging into the soft grass. Gosh, she looks so adorable! I just want to wrap my arms around her. Congratulate her and kiss her and tell her just how wonderful she was. Just how wonderful she is! I shake my head, trying to rid myself of the thoughts.
"Yeah?" I almost hear my voice crack. Okay, Darien. Calm down. It’s just Serena. Yeah, like that helps.
"Well, I just, uh, I-wanted-to-say-thank-you-for-starting-the- standing-ovation-it-made-me-feel-really-good." She took a deep breath. I was speechless. Then she looked at me, a huge smile on her face. "Okay, that’s all. Bye!" And she was gone. I still couldn’t talk.
So… the meatball head finally realizes that jerkwad Darien actually has a heart. Now we just have to get her to know that heart belongs to her. Another time. I’m exhausted.
I found Andrew and told him I was leaving, but made sure to tell Lizzie what a good job she had done first.
Once in the parking lot, I turned once more to look at the crowd just now beginning to dissolve as people straggled out into their cars. For a second, I thought I noticed a head of long blonde hair watching me, but then it was gone. Wow, she is really getting to me. Even making me see things. Oh, well. Like it matters. This is what love is supposed to do, right? I drove home that night, humming Serena’s song all the way.

The next day, Sunday, I went for a walk. I still had Serena’s song drifting through my thoughts. It was fairly early, around 9:30, so I highly doubted Serena to even be out of bed yet. That is why I was surprised to see a familiar hairstyle poking above a booth in the arcade. I said hello to Andrew and went to the other side of the room, where I could drink my coffee and gaze at her at the same time.
She sat across from a boy with brown hair. I felt jealousy hit me like, well, a bad test paper. The boy seemed to be explaining something to her. She would just frown and nod. Finally, he finished talking. I could see her force a smile, then the boy left. I glared after him until he disappeared out the automatic door. He never noticed me.
If he hurt her…
I’ll deal with that later. Right now, there was a less than cheerful blonde sitting alone in the corner of an arcade.
I stood and walked over to her. Putting on my most carefree smile, I sat down on the other side of her booth. She didn’t look up at me, but continued to stare at her lap.
"Hey, Serena."
She turned her head to the side, her eyes closed. "Go away, Darien. I don’t want to deal with you right now." The fire that usually sang with her voice was gone.
Oh Serena. Smile. Laugh. Insult me! Just do something… normal!
"Ahh, you’re hurting my feelings, meatball head." Her head snapped around to look at me. Ha! Got her! I knew she wouldn’t be able to stand the temptation of yelling back at me with that name! I was wrong. Her eyes were brimming with tears getting ready to pool over. Again, her voice was flat.
"I said, leave me alone. It was nice of you to stand at the show last night, but I thanked you for that and I don’t owe you anything and I would appreciate it if you never talked to me again." She stood and began walking towards the doors. About half way, she broke into a jog, and was gone.
Oh Serena, I’m sorry…I… Never talk to you again?! I can’t do that!
I got up and followed her. Once outside, I looked around. Now where has she gone off to?
Something told me to go to the park. How do I know that? Oh, who cares? For once in your life, Darien, don’t analyze this! I quickly ran toward the park. Following my instincts, I found a large tree with its bows and limbs hanging over and reaching to the ground. From inside, I could hear a soft whimpering. My heart broke.
Pushing aside a branch, I crawled inside. There she was, leaning against the trunk, her head buried in her knees, her arms wrapped around her ankles. Her body trembled with each sob. I had an urge to wrap my arms around her. Hold her until she stopped crying. Until she was alright. Until everything was alright.
But, I didn’t. Cautiously, I reached a hand out to her shoulder.
"Serena?" I was surprised at the concern I could hear in my voice.
She snapped back, away from my grasp. I paused, then continued, inching closer until my hand rested on her arm. "I’m sorry. I didn’t… I mean… I just thought…"
"Oh, shut up Darien." Her voice was heavy and… mocking? Am I missing something? "You didn’t do anything. Just… leave me alone, okay? I want to be alone."
I half smiled. "No can do."
She looked at me like I was insane. "What do you mean ‘no’? I said leave me alone!"
"Look, Serena. I don’t want to see you hurt. Why don’t you tell me what’s wrong? Maybe I can help."
Now her expression was speculative. "I… don’t know…"
"Don’t you trust me?"
"Well I…" she looked into my eyes. Oh, how I want to hold her, kiss her, never let her go. Serena, how do you do this to me? She continued, "Well, it’s kind of silly, but, well, there’s this party tonight. It’s like a really fancy masquerade ball or something, and, well, some one was going to take me, but now he… he…" she once again broke into gentle sobs. Wait a sec… masquerade ball? The same one I have to go to tonight?
"Serena… do you mean the St. Joseph’s Spring Ball?" She looked at me surprised.
"How… do you know?"
I smile. "I have to go there tonight. I’m a surgeon in training at St. Joe’s Hospital, and it’s required that we go."
She stared for a second. "Great! Just great! Everyone gets to go but me! You get to go ‘cause of some stupid training! Amy gets to go ‘cause her mom is in charge of the thing! What about me? I want to go…" She began to cry again.
Why would she want to go to one of these balls? It’s nothing but boring music and boring people with boring conversations. But then, who am I to deny my love’s wish?
"Hey, Serena, if it’s so important to you, why don’t I take you?"
She looked up at me, her eyes full of hope. I could almost make out a smile, but then the eager look faded. "Don’t be silly, Darien. I’m sure there are a million girls you’d rather be taking. Besides, shouldn’t you take Raye or something?"
Raye? Why would I take Raye? And what is this ‘a million other girls’ stuff? Serena, you are the only one for me. You always will be.
"Serena, now you are being silly. I would love to take you. It would be much better than getting stuck dancing with some boring lady twice my age every other song!"
"Really?"
"Really."
"I… I just don’t know…"
"Serena! That’s it! I am taking you to that ball tonight whether you like it or not! Now, I will pick you up at seven o’clock. Be ready!"
For a second, she just stared at me expressionless and unblinking. Then, the smile that has brightened many of my days in the past broke through, and I could feel myself smiling as well. How would I ever live without that smile?
"Darien, I don’t know what to say. I… I… thank you!" She threw her arms around my neck, and all thought stopped.
What do I do? What do I do? Okay, Darien, breathe. Don’t forget to breathe. Breathing good.
Slowly, I wrapped my arms around her slender waist. She felt so perfect in my arms. Like this is where she belongs. Her warm body pulsed against mine. A strand of her hair gently tickled my nose. I could feel her breath on my neck. My eyes were closed tight, trying to memorize the feel. The sensation. My Serena. Mine.
Her hands untied themselves from behind my neck and she backed away. I opened my eyes to see a blush. A smile came easily. My brain was numb, flustered from the moment. But it didn’t matter. What mattered was that she was happy. I had made her happy.
I coughed, attempting to relieve some of the tension in the air. "Uh… do you want to go grab a shake?"
"Huh? Oh, uh… no thanks. I told Mom I would be home for lunch. I should get going."
"Oh, do you want a ride?"
"No, I’ll be fine. It’s a pretty day for walking."
We crawled out from beneath the tree.
"So, I’ll see you at seven, then?"
"Uh-huh."
"Where do you live?"
"2202 N Cherry Hill."
"Alright, I’ll see ya then."
"Okay, Bye, Darien."
"Bye, Serena." She turned and began walking away. "Oh, Serena?"
"Yeah?" she turned to face me.
"I really liked your song last night. It was very… beautiful."
She smiled in surprise. "Thank you." Her voice was very small and shy.
With one last smile, I turned and walked away, whistling to myself a song I’m sure would always be burned into my mind. This was going to be a very interesting night.


Stay tuned for: Chapter 3: The Masquerade Ball

Thanx for reading! I hope you enjoyed! Please write to me! I love mail!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!

The quote Amy recited was taken from William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Act 5 Scene 5. In my opinion, it is his best quote. Very deep and meaningful. It takes place right before Macbeth takes his army to war. He has just gotten message that his wife, the queen, has committed suicide, and he is so ‘insane’ that he doesn’t exactly care, and in a way is envious of her for getting out of this life. At least, that is my interpretation. The song Serena sings is a poem I wrote. It is a slow song, but I don’t know how to explain the melody. Use your imagination. It was originally titled ‘Storm: Epilogue to Love’. Do you like that better than just storm, or should I keep the long title? Tell me. I want to know what you think.

Okay, one last thing. To all you authors out there: is it just me, or is fanfic writing, like, addicting? I used to never write fanfics, and now that’s all I write. Next to poems which are like, my pride and joy.

Anyways, please e-mail, have a nice day, rock ‘n’ roll, peace out, God bless

BYE!