Merry Christmas, everyone. I wanted to send this in close to Christmas, so I had to hurry and finish it. I hope everyone likes it. This story is during the first season and Serena can't stand Darien. Raye and Darien have gone out, but weren't really serious, and have broken up. It's in Serena's P.O.V. the whole time. Because of that, most of the beginning is thinking. A big thanks goes to my editor and good friend Evangeline. She's and awesome writer. E-mail her and tell her to send her other story! You'll love it! Disclaimer: I didn't get my very own Darien for Christmas. Dang it! But my birthday's in a few months. Maybe then! I do not own Sailor Moon. I also don't own the various stores and items involved in Serena's Christmas shopping. Well, I have some of the items, but I don't own thebrand name! "..." is for speaking. '...' is for thinking. (...) Serena sidetracking. (AN:...) Author sidetracking. -------------------------------------------------- Title: The Twelve Roses of Christmas Author: Sailor Song Rated: G E-mail: sailorsong27@hotmail.com Editor: Evangeline -------------------------------------------------- I never thought I'd be so happy! Christmas really is the most wonderful time of year. It all started the week before Christmas... ****December 18. Exactly one week before Christmas Day**** "Alright, Serena. I'll see you in four hours. Are you sure you want to do this alone?" "Yes, Mom. Everyone else is busy and I can't buy something for you if you're with me!" "Okay. I'll meet you here at eight. Do you have enough money for dinner and shopping?" I playfully rolled my eyes at her. I brought two hundred dollars with me. I was pretty sure that would cover dinner... even for a stomach like mine. "Yes, Mom." "Well," she called and began digging in her purse, "take an extra ten dollars and my cell phone. Call me if there is any trouble." I took the money and phone. 'Every little bit helps!' "Okay, Mom. I love you. Bye." "Bye, Serena." I turned from the car and ran as fast as I could before Mom remembered anything else. I couldn't wait to go holiday shopping. I wanted to go with my friends, but they were all busy. Of course, this gave me a chance to get everyone a gift without them knowing. Molly was on a date with Melvin, which, by the way, I helped make them a couple. Amy and Greg were studying for the big end of the year test in June, seven months away. Not something I would do. Ever! Raye and Chad were busy with temple duties, or what I like to call chores. Something else I'd never do! And Lita was giving cooking lessons to Andrew. That I would do... except last time I made a mess at the poor guy's house, and considering I have a tiny crush on him, I didn't want to push my luck. Now I wouldn't care about cooking at Tuxedo Mask's house... So here I was at Tokyo's largest mall, alone, to spend money on friends, family, and *ahem* myself! 'This is gonna be great!' I thought and walked in. The mall was gorgeous with dazzling the Christmas lights and the holiday music playing in the background. Everything was beautiful. I looked at all the people walking around, or should I say... couples. I suddenly became very jealous of all the happy girls walking around with a cute guy's hand holding theirs or with his arm around their shoulder. Then I noticed a man walking alone. He seemed kinda sad. My sympathy overdrive was about to kick in until I recognized the man.Darien Chiba. Now don't get me wrong. I love everyone and everything. On occasions I'd *love* to smack my talking black cat Luna. Other than that, I'm nice to everyone. But this man had a heart of ice that wasn't going to ruin myChristmas shopping. I ran into the nearest store hoping he hadn't seen me. I looked around and saw some people giving me very strange looks. I smiled and glanced back to see if he had spotted me. Guess not. 'Whew! That was close. What store am I in anyway? Let's see... Jewelry, accessories, purses... Gotta be Claire's.' I walked around hoping to see something that would catch my eye for me to buy... for my friends of course. I saw a row of necklaces that looked intriguing. They were silver and each had a different small, silver planet symbol charm onthem. 'Raye, Lita, and Amy will love these!' I grabbed Mars, Jupiter and Mercury, but I was suddenly compelled to buy the crescent moon and Venus as well. I was on my way to the checkout when I saw those wicked cool Karma Beads. I grabbed a pink necklace to see what kind it was. 'Romance. This could be good for Molly. She and Melvin really hit it off! I'm so proud of myself.' I then grabbed a red bracelet. 'Love. Raye could use this. She just broke up with Darien and met a super hunky rock star at the temple. She just needs the extra push in the right direction. Yep, she's getting red.' I noticed a sign that advertised the bracelets on sale for two for $8 and the necklaces for two for $14. 'No sense in letting a good sale go to waste.' I grabbed a pink necklace like Molly's for me. (Hey, I needed a boyfriend! That hunky Tuxedo Mask would be perfect!) I also grabbed a clear bracelet. 'Strength. Heck, I'll need it to keep me calm in case I do run into Darien.' I walked to the cash register to purchase everything. I didn't really pay much attention to the total price. I was too busy making sure Darien was gone. I handed the cashier some money and she gave me my change and bag of goodies. I peeked out the doors to make sure he was gone. He was nowhere to be seen. In fact, no one was around. I walked out the door and was about to continue shopping till something caught my eye. A perfect, thornless, red rose lying outside the door of Claire's. I picked it up gently and looked around. 'I wonder who dropped this?' I looked again to see if anyone was insight. Nope. 'Well, I'll hold onto it. Maybe someone is walking around withmore of them.' I looked at the rose as I continued to walk. It was absolutely beautiful, just like Tuxedo Mask's roses. 'Hmm... Could it be?' I wondered and put the rose in my bag. I looked up so I could see where I was going. I didn't want to make too big a fool of myself by tripping in the middle of the mall. To my horror, I once again saw that conceited jerk with an ego the size of the Earth just ahead of me. 'Crap. What is he doing here? What to do... What to do... Aha!Bookstore!' I ran into the store. Then it hit me. 'I hate books. Well, except comic books. I should get Amy something from here, but what? She probably has every book in the store. Wait a minute... A gift certificate! How perfect!' I walked to the cashier and bought a $10 gift certificate forAmes. 'She's gonna love it!' I thought as I slipped the certificate in my Claire's bag and walked to the exit of the store. I didn't bother looking for him this time. Instead, I looked on the floor out of fun to see if another rose might appear. It did. 'What is going on?' I asked myself quite confused as I bent down to pick up the rose that was, once again, perfect. 'I know, it's the same rose I found earlier and it f...' My idea faded when I pulled out the other from my bag. 'Okay! Who is dropping all these roses? Could they actually befor me? No way!' I looked around again to see if anyone was anywhere to be seen. Just as before no one was around. 'Okay... where is everybody? It's... it's...,' I glanced at my watch, '4:30. School's out till next year, it's Saturday, and no oneis here.' I began walking on, now determined to find someone. I put both roses in my bag and I looked for any signs of life in the mall. The romantic in me began to come out as I walked. 'Let's imagine the perfect guy. Totally romantic, way cool, dark hair, mysterious eyes, deep, sexy voice...' (Do you know who I'm going for? Yep! Tuxedo Mask! I bet every girl dreams of having their own Tuxie. Sorry girls... he's mine. Who does he save? Me! Okay, he does save the other Scouts, but who did he save first? Me!) I was brought from my (to say the least) wishful thinking, when I finally saw someone. I felt like running up and kissing them... until I saw who it was. 'Of course! Why wouldn't the one person in sight be Darien? Heck, my luck we'll end up being the last people on Earth! No, no... even worse. We'll be stuck on an elevator together because of the Negaverse and he'll find out I'm Sailor Moon so I can save his butt!' He was sitting on a bench facing me (he wasn't, the bench was)reading a book. 'Who comes to the mall to read?' I sweatdropped as I thought of all the people I knew who would. 'Amy, Greg, Melvin... Darien...' Now I was in a pickle. How was I supposed to get past Darien? If I were to run we all know I'd trip and fall. 'Oh look, a store!' I slowly crept into the closest store to me. The aroma was breathtaking. Sweet, glorious smells filled the room. I was in heaven. Well, actually... Bath and Body Works. (Hey, close enough.) I began to look around at all the various lotions. 'Who do I have left to buy for? I want to get something else for Raye. Then I have Lita, Mom, Dad, Sammy, and Andrew. Are those the only people?' I looked around at the walls filled with all sorts of fragrances. All kinds of sales were displayed everywhere. 'Three for $10 or five for $15 for antibacterial lotions. Hmm... I'm getting good at bargain shopping!' I began to smell each kind. 'Antibacterial. Lita could use this for when she's cooking. Howperfect!' I grabbed five different kinds from the selves. (No... I'm not spending more on Lita than anyone else. I need some lotion too!) I saw a large bottle of hand cream that was $6. 'This would be perfect for Raye. (I mean, the girl shoots fire from her fingers. Her hands have to be dry.)' With that settled, I headed to the checkout. Conveniently placed near the cashier was a rack of lip gloss. '$3. I could always use some of this,' I thought and grabbed ablue one. After paying for my large purchase, I headed to the front ofthe store. 'How am I going to get out of here if Darien is still outthere?' I looked at the bench he'd been occupying, but he had (thankfully) left. I almost felt bad I'd been avoiding him because he looked really lonely. Catch that? I almost did. 'I have to admit that every time I *almost* run into him, I find a present for someone.' I walked out and wasn't surprised to see another rose on the ground. I simply picked it up and put it in the bag with the others. 'Either someone is really clumsy... (like me) or these are actually for me,' I thought rather curiously. I'd always wanted a secret admirer. This was getting interesting. 'I've been going to this mall all my life, and never once have I ever seen someone selling roses here...' My stomach growling interrupted my thoughts. 'Dinner,' I thought and headed to the food court. There wasn't a large crowd in the food area. Not that I was surprised. No one had been around all night. I walked over to Chick-fil-A and ordered a combo with their delicious nuggets and fries. I couldn't wait to eat. I hadn't eaten since... since lunch, and anyone who knows me knows I love to eat. 'How long have I been here?' I wondered and looked at my watch. 'It's 5:00! Only an hour! I feel like I've been here for 3 hours.' The man gave me my food and I found somewhere to sit. Before I could enjoy one bite, guess who I saw. Yep, of course, Darien. I was a sitting duck. He'd only have to spot me and I'd be stuck. There was no way I could choose between food and my bags of presents, and I couldn't carry both. I had to hide, but where? Where else? I slid out of my seat and fell to the floor. 'Good, Serena,' I thought, mentally slapping myself. 'He'll never see you here. You would choose a restaurant with notablecloths...' Then I heard it. That voice that angers me so and yet sendschills up my spine. "Hey, Meatball Head." I'd been caught. I looked up to see a very confused Darien looking down at me. "Oh. Hi Darien." 'Well, maybe he didn't sound mean then, but he can be. Wait!Did he call me...' "Don't call me Meatball Head," I declared to him. 'Idiot. He should know my name.' He began to chuckled and offered me and hand. "The floor isn't the greatest place to eat, you know," he commented rather smartly. "It's not the greatest place to hide either," I muttered under my breath and took his hand. "Hm?" he asked as I stood. "Nothing," I replied, rolling my eyes. "So what are you doing here?" I asked him kinda hatefully. "Oh," he said kinda taken aback. "Just wanted to say hi." Right then I started to feel guilty. 'It's Christmas. I should be somewhat nicer to him.' "Do you want to eat here with me?" 'Oh no! I did not just ask him that.' "Sure, Serena. That would be nice," he said and walked over to order something to eat. 'What have I done?' I asked myself. 'Did he just call me Serena?' He came back to my two seating table with the exact same meal I had. Except he had... "Cheesecake?!" I shrieked. "I didn't know they sold that here." "Yep. And it's really good. I figured you didn't know, otherwise there would be none left." I glared at him as he laughed to himself. He then brought another out with chocolate on top. "Very funny," I said. "What about you. Are you gonna eat two?" "No. This is for you," he said and slid it over to me. "Me?" 'Me?! Why is he being so nice? We're suppose to hate eachother... aren't we?' "Yes you," he said. "I just thought I'd be a little nicer toyou." 'Is this guy reading my mind?' "Why?" I asked rather suspiciously. "Because, well... You're Andrew's friend. And Andrew has great taste when it comes to friends." "That's true," I said. The conversation suddenly became very quiet as we both began to eat. (Can you believe I actually ate slowly?! Well I did. I hear the shock in your voice. But I don't think Darien could believe it either.) "So are you here shopping for your parents?" I asked. I didn't realize that my simple question would cause Darien's face to pale as it did. Then I saw it. That mask. The mask he always wears to hide his feelings. 'What did I say? Maybe he had an argument with them. Maybe they never loved him. Or maybe they have...' I didn't need to wonder anymore. I knew the answer. Darien didn't have to tell me. The look in his deep blue eyes told my heart I'd discovered the truth, painful as it was. But he surprised me with what he did next. He took the mask off and opened up to me. "They died... when I was little... in a car crash. I survived, but... I don't remember anything about them..." 'How horrible. He's an orphan. What do I say to that? I wish I'd never asked. I never wanted to hurt him.' I suddenly became very interested in the french fry in my hand. I couldn't look at him. 'Why did I have to ask him that? Why...' I felt his fingers under my chin and he gently tilted it up so I could look at him. "I'm sorry, Darien. I... I didn't mean to. I..." "You didn't know, Serena," he said softly and smiled. "No one does, except Andrew." "Then why'd you tell me?" I was about to cry. I hate sad stories. "Because I want to be your friend, Serena. I hate when I make you mad at me. Each time I do, I never know if you'll ever speak to me again. I'm going to make changing my attitude towards you be my New Year's resolution." 'Wow! I never in a million years thought I'd hear that. Darien, a college student who wants to be my friend. He isn't mean at all.Just lonely.' "Why don't we start early then?" His eyes lit up with so much happiness when I said that. "Okay. Thank you, Serena." "For what?" I asked surprised "For everything..." he said with a solemn look. He still had a hint of sadness that made me feel bad I'd even said anything. 'My favorite quote could come in handy right now.' "Never frown when you are sad," I started, getting his attention, "for you never know when someone is falling in love with your smile." I love that quote. (AN: So do I!) Darien looked at me and smiled. "You should really do that more," I said finally finished with my food and now starting on the desert. "Do what?" he asked opening his cheesecake. "Smile. It looks really good on you." 'Did I just say that?' He chuckled and took a bite. I looked at my watch. 5:30. I have two and a half hours to spend. Maybe now I won't shop alone. "How long are you going to be at the mall, Darien?" "I don't know. I'm just here to waste time. How long will yoube here?" "A couple more hours." "Are you here alone?" "Yeah. Hey do you want to shop with me?" I asked impulsively as I finished up the cheesecake. (It wasn't a big cheesecake, mind you.) "Sure," he said finishing his as well. "That would be fun." "Okay. I have three or four guys to buy Christmas presents for and I need some help." 'Maybe I'll even find something for you.' We threw our garbage away and walked out of Chick-fil-Atogether. 'I can't believe just 30 minutes ago I was trying to avoid theguy and now...' "Hey, Serena," Darien said and snapped my from my thoughts. "Hm?" "Is that yours?" he asked pointing down. I looked. Guess what it was. Yep, no mystery here. Another rose was lying outside of the restaurant. "No," I answered picking it up. "But this is the fourth oneI've found today." "What did you do with them?" he asked as we began walking. "Oh, I've been carrying them around to see if I can find the owner," I said and put it with the others. "That's honest of you, but you don't think they could be foryou?" "Well... no." 'But how I wish they were.' "When did you find them?" "After every store I came out of. Why?" (Now I was curious. Does he know something?) "Sounds like someone is giving them to you." "I don't believe it. How? Why?" 'No way. Roses for me?' "Okay, I'll prove it," he said and walked in a store. 'He left me. What in the heck is he doing?' I entered the store he'd just walked in. It was empty except for a few clerks and me. 'No wonder it's empty. It's a kitchen supplies store. How boring. (Unless you're Mom or Lita!) But, where's Darien?' "Meatball Head!" 'Did he just call me... I'm gonna kill him!' "Where were you," I asked. I really didn't think it would be hard to spot his black hair and (ugh!) green jacket. "Making sure no one else is in the store besides you and me." "Why... oh! I get it." (Yeah, I really did get it.) "You want to prove someone is giving me the roses aren't you," I said and started walking out. (Told ya I caught onto his logic.) "Sorry, Mr. Chiba, but I believe your conclusions are wr..." I stopped suddenly. 'Dang man. Did he have to be right?' Rose number five laid there in front of the store entrance like all the others had. "What did you say, Serena?" "Oh, shut up," I said as I bent down to pick it up. I wasgetting kinda worried. 'Some lunatic could be following me around the mall, well,besides Darien.' "Was I right?" he asked in an annoying, mocking sort of voice. "Of course, Mr. Smartypants," I said putting the rose in hisface. "Smells good," he replied. "Ooh! You're impossible!" I walked away from him and put therose in my bag. "Hey, wait up, Sere!" he called and caught up to me. 'Sere?! I guess that's better than Meatball Head.' "What's wrong?" he asked keeping with my increasing pace. "Nothing. Why should anything be wrong?" I questioned him while walking on. 'Just the fact that some strange person is following me and giving me roses. That's all.' "You seem upset," he said as he crossed my path to stop me. I didn't answer him. I simply looked at my shoes. "Are you mad at the fact that I was right or you were wrong?" 'What did he just say? Of all the egotistical, egocentric,self-absorbed...' I looked up at him with anger in my eyes. Anger that died when I saw a smile appear on his face. I knew that smile. I'd seen it several times before on his face. Every time he'd get a rise out of me I'd see that devious smile appear. "I just wanted to get your attention. Not make you mad." "I know. I'm just kinda worried." "About the mysterious rose giver?" "Yeah." Then, Darien Chiba did something I never thought I'd ever seehim do. "Never fear, Lady Meatball Head. I shall protect you!" he exclaimed triumphantly with his finger pointed high in the air. 'My goodness... This man is a total nutcase!' I couldn't believe this boring, usually sensible man was making a scene in the mall. I blushed as the people who were passing gave us weird looks. "I shall keepith yon flower dragon away!" he proclaimed, put his arm around my waist and pulling me close to him. 'There goes hoping I wouldn't make a fool of myself today.' I was warm in his embrace as he stood in the middle of the mall protecting me. He coat (ugly as it was) smelled of sweet flowers. 'Wait... whoa... time out! What's wrong with this picture? Darien... holding me... middle of mall...' "Darien please. People are staring," I said trying to pull away from his protective arm. "Huh? What?!" he questioned and snapped out of his knight-in-shining-armor trance. "What happened?" 'Did he not even realize what he did? Heh, heh... this could befun!' "You just made a fool of yourself in front of a lot of people. That's all," I told him watching his face pale. 'He really doesn't know. I'm never gonna let him live thisdown!' "How did I do that?" he asked confused. I pulled him close to me and whispered in his ear. "I did what?!" he exclaimed. I giggled as his face turned an extremely bright color of red. I never envisioned Darien to have multiple personalities. That was enough to make me double over with laughter. "Was it that funny?" he asked me as his face returned to itsnormal color. "Your... face... 'I'll... protect...'" Tears were coming to my eyes because I was laughing so hard. You think it's funny, do you, Meatball Head?" he said with a funny look in his eye. I slowed my laughing and was about to yell at him for calling me by that stupid nickname, until I saw that look. "Uh-oh... Darien, what are you going to do?" At this point I'd stopped laughing altogether and was getting alittle nervous. 'What is he up to?' Then he found it. That stupid spot on my body that was so incredibly ticklish. The side of my stomach. A thousand feelings went through my head when he found the spot. I wanted to smack him, scream, kick, jump, run. But I was frozen and unable to decide for myself which to do. So my body chose for me. I burst into another fit of giggles. Unable to keep my feet planted, I fell to the ground, but luckily, my bottom broke my fall. How lucky for me! "Owwwwwww!" I shrieked still giggling. "Are you okay, Serena?" he asked sounding really concerned. "Yeah. I'm just gonna have a painful bruise, that's all." "I'm sorry, Sere," he said and offered me a hand. "Don't worry about it, Dare," I told him and stood. "You of all people should know I fall all the time." "That's true!" "Hey! I'm *yawn* not that *yawn* clumsy, am I?" "No, but you seem awfully tired." "Yeah, just a little. What time is it anyway?" I looked at my watch almost expecting it to say 8:00. Insteadit was only... "6 o' clock. I don't think I could even *yawn* shop anymore andit's only six!" "Well, do you want me to take you home?" "I... er... um..." I was completely shocked. "I don't mind." "Would it be out of your way?" "I doubt it. You live in the Juuban area, right? I live in Azabu. It's on my way." "Okay. Thanks. I'll call my mom just in case to see if she'sleft to get me." I pulled her cell phone out and dialed my home number. Luckily Mom answered it. This would be hard to explain to Dad. He'd goballistic. "Hi, Momma, it's me." "Hey, sweetie. Are you okay?" 'Typical Mom.' "Yes, I'm just a little tired. A... friend I ran into has offered to take me home, if that's alright?" "Sure, honey. See you soon." "Bye," I said and hung up. "Okay, I'm ready." "Let's go." We left the mall and walked to the parking lot. I was so surprised with how quickly Darien and I became friends. 'If we kept up at our current pace of friendship we might be going... out... Whoa, Serena! Get that thought out of your head. This is Darien we're talking about here!' I looked out in the parking lot to see if I could spot the car that Darien would drive. I saw an ugly green car, backed into a space, that matched his jacket. It had to be his. Backed in perfectand ugly. He turned down to the driver's side and pulled his keys fromhis pocket. I couldn't resist. "So, Darien. I see you found a car that actually matches youroutfit," I teased. "Yeah, Meatball Head. I always thought *black* went witheverything." "Huh?" I was dumbfounded. Then he turned and opened the door of a two door, black sports car. 'No way! THAT'S his car?!' "Well, are you coming, Serena?" "Um... yeah... coming," I stuttered and walked over to the passenger side. I opened the door and put my bags on the floor, then slid into the seat. "Did you get all your shopping done?" he asked as we shut the doors and he started the car. "No. Shoot. I guess I'll have to come back tomorrow," I said as I buckled my seat belt. "Why don't we go together?" he asked as he fastened his belt and began to pull out of the parking space. "Your not busy?" "No. I have to come back tomorrow, too." "Okay." We didn't say anything more during the ride. Basically because I fell asleep. I hadn't been to school so I didn't get a nap, and the motion of the car put me to sleep.**** "Meatball Head!" I heard a male voice call. "Hmm..." I muttered. Then I realized what *HE* said. "Don't call me that!" I exclaimed, now wide awake. The man next to me just laughed. "We're here." "What?" I looked out the window. "How did you know where Ilived?" "Well, um... I followed you home after our fight at the arcade last week to apologize. But before I could find the words to tell you, you were home." "Oh." I glanced up at him. He really didn't have a heart of ice. He could be really sweet. "Well, thanks for the ride," I said,getting out. "Hey, Sere," he called stopping me. 'Sere. I'm beginning to like that!' "Yeah." "Are we still going shopping tomorrow?" "Yeah. I can't wait! I'll call you if anything changes." "Okay. I'll pick you up at two," he said as I began to shut the door. "Hey, wait. How did you get my number?" "I got it from Andrew. I... I was going to apologize to you,too." He smiled at me as I shut his car door. I waved good-bye to him and walked to the door of my house. 'Am I falling in love with this man?' I wondered as I walked inside. This time I didn't second guess myself. I was.****December 19**** Darien picked me up at exactly two the next day. When I got in his car I noticed my bags on the floor. "You left them here yesterday," he said with a chuckle. "I guess I was too tired to notice." "You're not going to fall asleep on me again are you?" I giggled. "No. I got plenty of sleep last night!" "Good. The drive was kinda boring, except for your snoring." "I do not snore!" 'Do I? I think Luna would have told me...' "I'm just kidding, Sere." It didn't take us long to get to the mall. Darien dropped me off at the front, then went to find a space. How nice of him! After what seemed like forever, he finally walked up to where I was and wewent in. My shopping didn't seem to take as long as before. I found my dad some house slippers. If I were to ever get a boyfriend, I know he'd ruin his old ones by pacing the floor. I found a Sailor Moon pocket game for Sammy that he had been wanting. I couldn't deny my brother such a wonderful super hero,could I? For my mom, I bought some lotion and a new apron. She was about to wear her old one out. I think she uses it every day! I bought Andrew a new spatula. I sorta, kinda left it on the burner at his house. I was pretty sure he needed a new one. Darien, through all my shopping, was very helpful. He helped me carry my bags which I greatly appreciated for I was running out of arms! He told me the colors and items a guy would like. I was clueless when it came to shopping for a guy. I was very grateful tohim. This brought my newest challenge. What was I going to get Darien? He had probably never had a real Christmas. I would have to give him something special. I was about to go into a department store when Darien stoppedme. "Hey, Serena. I need to go to a couple of stores. I'll come find you in there though," he said pointing to the store I was aboutto enter. "Okay." 'This will give me a chance to find something for you.' I didn't really know what to get him. It had to be somethingspecial. Then I found something perfect. A blue sweater that would bring out the color in his eyes and his dark hair. I was so excited. 'He'll love this.' I found a size I was sure would fit him and went to a cash register. I handed the lady the sweater and looked out for Darien. 'I hope this doesn't take long! He could come any minute and...' And then, there he was, coming in the store. Headed strait forme. 'Ack! He'll see his gift and the surprise will be ruined!' "Your receipts in the bag, Miss." "Huh?" I turned around to see the lady hand me a plastic bag that you couldn't see through. "Oh, thank you." 'Whew! That was close!' "Hey, Sere," Darien said as I walked over to him. "Doneshopping?" "Not yet. One store left." I had to get Luna something. She'd be absolutely crushed if Iforgot her. Loud noises of birds and dogs filled the store Darien and Iwalked in. 'I love pet stores!' I walked over and looked at the cats. I sometimes think Luna is lonely and I want to get her a friend, but I don't want to push my luck with another pet. I about died when I saw a white cat with a Band-Aid on its forehead. It was in the arms of a girl about my size with almost the same color hair. 'I wonder if that cat has a crescent moon and talks, too?' I almost laughed at the thought of two talking cats, but I thought of how annoying that would be! "Are you going to buy something or stare into space, Serena?" "Oh, right!" I walked over to the cat beds and found one Luna would love. It was so pretty with crescent moons all over it. After I paid for the present, Darien and I walked out. I couldn't wait to give everyone their gifts. Especially Darien. We arrived at my house and he helped me get some of my bags. This time, I didn't forget the ones from the night before. "Darien, thank you for all your help. Would you like to comein?" I think he would have accepted, but he looked sadly at the lights and decorations. "No thanks, Sere. I have some things to do. I had fun though." 'I bet he didn't want to see all the Christmas stuff we have.' "Okay, Dare. I'll see you soon." "Bye, Serena." "Bye," I said as I shut the door. I trudged up the stairs with my many presents and went in my room. I dropped everything on the bed, which scared Luna, and looked out my window. Darien was opening his car door and was about to get in until he wiped something away from his eye. Was he crying? He looked up at me and waved. I smiled and waved back as he left. I would have to do something to make his Christmas special. I began looking through the bags and found the roses from the night before. They still looked perfect for being out of water for who knows how long. I would have to put all six of them in a vase. 'Six. I thought I only had five. I began trying to remember when and where I got each one. "I only found five last night. Someone must have given me another, but who? Could it be... Darien?"****December 20**** I decided to go to the arcade. I wanted to give Andrew his gift early and maybe run into Darien. I walked in and saw Andrew helping someone with a game. I went over to the bar to wait for him. He walked over to me and smiled. "Hey, Andrew!" "Hi, Serena. I heard you and Darien have been keeping each other company for the past few days." 'Oh man. If he knows, then who else does?' "Yeah. I ran into him at the mall." 'Good explanation. Short and sweet.' "But I thought you two couldn't stand each other," he said probably thinking of our many fights. "Yeah, well, things change." And I was about to change the subject. "Here's a present for you." "Oh! Thanks, Serena. Here's something for you." He handed me a small piece of paper with coupons for the Crowngames and drinks. "Thanks, Andrew! I'll use these up soon!" "I know. Without you, I'd probably go out of business!" "Ha, ha. I'll use the free soft drink now." "Okay. What do you want?" "Coke." "This one doesn't work, but the ones in the workroom do. I'llbe right back." I watched him go then I turned around to look for Darien. Much to my disappointment, he wasn't around. I turned back around and nearly fell out of my seat. Right in front of me was a rose lying on the counter. Rose number seven. "Andrew!" "Hey, Serena," he called walking out to where I was. "Thanksfor the spatula!" "Your welcome. Did you put this here?" I asked pointing to therose. "No. You didn't bring it?" he asked giving my drink to me. "It wasn't here when I sat down..." I said taking the drink. There was only one other person in the arcade and Andrew had been in the back room. How did it get there? I sat there deep in thought, staring at the rose. I didn't notice Andrew go back into the work room. I also didn't notice the doors opening and a figure coming in. But I did notice the sudden ticklish feeling I felt in my side. I started laughing really hard, but I lost all control of my arms and I threw my drink in the air. The drink came down and splattered on me and hopefully my attacker. I turned around to see Darien, his hair covered with Coke,smiling at me. I touched my hair which was becoming sticky. "Yech! Good going, Darien," I said to him giving him a pretendlook of anger. His smile faded when he saw my face. "I'm sorry, Serena. I'll make it up to you. Don't be mad," he said really worried. "I'm not mad, Darien. Don't worry about it." "No, I feel bad. I'll take you out to dinner. How's that." 'He wants to take me to dinner!!' "Okay." I smiled so he'd know I really wasn't mad. "Great. I'll pick you up tomorrow at seven?" "Sounds great!" 'I can't wait!' "What happened to you two?" I heard Andrew ask. "I... um... spilled my drink. But don't worry, it doesn't look like it got on the floor. Just Darien!" "Thanks alot, Meatball Head." "You're welcome, flower dragon slayer! I better go wash this out of my hair. Bye, guys." As I walked out I heard Andrew teasing Darien. "Flower dragon slayer???"****December 21**** I was really kinda nervous about going with out Darien. But this was just dinner, right. I mean, he didn't mean to spill my drink on me. This was just a spur of the moment thing, right? Somewhere in the back of my mind, I wanted this to be more than an apology dinner. Maybe that's why I wore a long, blue dress with a white cardigan over it. I wasn't overdressed though because he was wearing a simple black suit. Something told me this wouldn't be a trip toMcDonald's. I was surprised that he took me to a nice candlelit restaurant. The atmosphere was beautiful and so was the food. But I could not concentrate on any of that. So many emotions ran through my mind. 'Is this a date? Does he like me?' 'Don't be silly. He's just doing this because of the drink. He's a college student. You're just an nice high school kid to him.' All through dinner, I sat torturing myself with all these thoughts. I knew I loved him, now I was sure of it. But did he likeme? We didn't talk much. I didn't eat much either. I just wanted to go home and cry. I had convinced myself that Darien would never like me for anything more than a friend. The ride home I just looked out the window. It seemed to take forever, but finally we arrived at my driveway. I opened the door and looked back to thank him, but he wasn't in the car. He was standing next to me. "Thank you for dinner, Darien. It was good and..." I couldn't say anymore. I just started walking to my door. "Serena," he said and followed me. "Are you okay? You've beenreally quiet." "Yeah, fine." "Are you mad at me?" 'Yes,' I thought looking into his eyes. 'You made me fall inlove with you.' "Did I say something wrong?" 'No. You said all the right things.' Neither of us spoke. We stood outside in the cold gazing in each other's eyes. We came closer and closer together until our lipsmet. This was something I'd always dreamed of. Lips on mine filling my body with warmth and happiness. My first kiss. After what seemed like hours, we broke the kiss. An unstoppable tear ran down my cheek. Darien reached up with his finger and caughtit. "I'm sorry. I have to go," I said and ran in the house beforehe could stop me. I shut the door and leaned against it as another tear rolleddown my cheek. 'Great, stupid, you've blown it!' I opened the door hoping he hadn't yet left, but I saw his car already down the street. I'd let him go. He probably hated me. I looked down and saw something on my doorstep. A white rose. Rose number eight.****December 22-23**** I didn't go out either of those days. I was too scared to because I knew I'd run into Darien. The 22nd I stayed in my room, staring at the seven red roses and the one white in the vase on my dresser. I left my room around two in the afternoon to get something to eat. I heard the door bell ring, so I looked out the window to seewho it was. No one was outside. I opened the door and found a package with my name on it. It didn't have a return address. When I opened it I found only a redrose in it. 'Rose number nine.'**** The 23rd I thought would be a good time to wrap presents. I wasn't planning on going anywhere so what else would I do? I found the silver Venus and Moon necklaces I'd bought impulsively. I'd save the Venus for someone, but the moon I thought I'd keep for myself. I wrapped Darien's present last. I had promised myself I'd give him a great Christmas, but I'd let him down. I went to bed early that night. No mysterious roses appeared... until around midnight.**** I thought I was dreaming. I awoke to the sound of rustling fabric and the smell of a rose. Then I saw him. My dream hunk, Tuxedo Mask, in my room. He smiled at me, then without a word, scooped me into his arms and flew out the window. (Hey, it felt like flying to me! I was in Heaven!) I should be frightened of this man who took me from my home in the middle of the night. Luna said he could be the Enemy because he too was after the Imperium Silver Crystal. But for some strange reason, I wasn't scared. I felt safe. I snuggled into his warm chest as he carried me. From what I could see, we were going to the park. He looked down at me and smiled. 'If only I could see past the mask.' He stopped somewhere near the water. I couldn't see it, only hear it in the background. I shivered as a chilly wind passed. He set me down on a bench and put his cape on me. It was warm and smelled ofroses. "Thank you," I said finally able to speak. He sat next to me on the bench and smiled. "For what, Serena?" "For getting me out of the house. For showing me this beautiful place. For... for saving my life." "Saving your life?" "You have protect Sailor Moon many times from youmas," I said thinking this was a dream. "Without you, I'd probably be dead." 'If this isn't a dream, Luna will kill me!' We sat in silence listening to the crashing waves upon therocks. 'This is how I want my date to be. I want to share this moment with Darien, wherever he is. I hope he'll talk to me again after the other night.' Something about this man was bugging me. I had no idea who he was. Why not ask now? "Who are you, Tuxedo Mask?" I asked, hoping he'd remove themask. No such luck, though. "That will be revealed to you soon, Champion of Love and Justice. But until that time..." He pulled out a red rose, just as beautiful as the others. "Are you the one that..." "Soon, Serena. You'll know everything soon. I promise." "Can I see you again?" I asked as he picked me up again andleft the waterfront. "How about tomorrow? Right here." "Okay," I said and drifted off to sleep in his arms.**** I awoke in my room with the window closed. Luna was curled up fast asleep at the foot of the bed and looked as though she'd notbeen disturbed. 'It was just a dream,' I thought and pulled my covers up to me. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something lying on my pillow. Rose number ten. ****December 24. Christmas Eve**** 'One day till Christmas,' I thought walking happily to Raye's temple with bags filled with presents. We had decided to give gifts that day because we'd be with our families tomorrow. All of us, except Lita because she had lost her parents. I invited her to my house, but she told me she'd be visiting a friend of hers named Ken, or something like that. On the way I passed the park. I couldn't get that dream out of my head. It seemed so real. Maybe it was. 'If I was a little late to Raye's she wouldn't yell at me too much. It's Christmas Eve.' With my mind made up, I walked through the park, trying to findthat spot. I only had to listen to the pounding waves up ahead to know I'd found the place I'd visited last night, dreams or not. The area was just as beautiful as it sounded. The blue ocean water upon the rocks took my breath away. I found a bench that was facing the water and walked to sit down for a moment. I wondered if Tuxedo Mask would really show up like he said that night. But I didn't have to wonder long. I saw something that showed me he'd already been there. A gorgeous yellow rose lying on the bench we had sat on that night. I now knew it hadn't been a dream. I also knew he had already left because I knew the meaning of yellow roses. When I was little my grandparents couldn't visit me on my birthday, so they sent me yellow roses. The little card I received told me that the meaning behind them was missing a special occasion. I stared contented at the rose. It was just as beautiful as theother ten. 'Could they all be from Tuxedo Mask?' "So how many is that?" a voice said pulling me from my thoughts. I looked up to see Darien looking down at me with a book in hishand. I was so happy to see him. I wanted to hug him and apologize for the other night, but I was froze. I couldn't find the words to tell him I was sorry. "E... eleven," I stuttered out and turned away from him. "Do you mind if I join you, Serena?" "It's a free world isn't it?" 'Whoops. I shouldn't be mean. You're suppose to be making his Christmas better, remember?' "Oh, okay. I'll just..." He began to turn and walk off. 'You're going to lose him, stupid. Don't let him walk away.' "No, Darien. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. Pleasedon't go." "I've got to be going anyway. I don't want to bother you." "But you won't. Please don't leave. I know that's what I deserve after leaving you on my doorstep that night, and for avoiding you the past few days, and for being mean. It's because..." 'Say it now or never.' "Because I... I fell in love with you," I finally got out and began to sob. "But I never thought someone in college could ever want to go out with me, a high school student, so I pushed myself away from you so I wouldn't get hurt." I couldn't say anything else. The tears were really coming now and I had just made a fool of myself. I thought he'd leave. He'd go have a good laugh with Andrew about the stupid girl. But he didn't. He sat down next to me and put my arms aroundhis shoulders. "I have something to tell you, Serena." 'He's wants me to stay away from him and never talk to himagain and...' "I fell in love with you, too. But I didn't think you liked me as anything but a friend. Then after our kiss that night, I thought I'd ruined any chance with going out with you because I didn't see you after that." "Really?" I asked hopefully as I looked up. "Yes, really." We shared many kisses on that bench after that. Somewhere in the breaks he asked me out, and I said yes. At another time I asked him to spend Christmas at my house, and he said yes. We went to Raye's party together and exchanged gifts. That night when I finally got home I put rose number eleven in the vase with the others.****December 25. Christmas Day**** "Christmas! It's Christmas!" I shrieked when I woke up. I picked up Luna and kissed her on the forehead. "Morning, sleepyhead." "What? Where?" I laughed at her and pulled her present from my closet. "Merry Christmas, Luna!" I said and laid her in her new cat bed. "Thank you, Serena," she called as I ran from my room. I ran downstairs and saw my whole family was already awake. Dad, Mom, Darien, Sammy... "Darien!" "Morning, Serena," he said smiling. "About time you got up!" my brother called from the tree. "Sammy!" my mom called. "Morning, dear." "Morning Mom and Dad." They smiled at me, then Mom poked Dad and they went in thekitchen. "When did you get here?" "Not too long ago. I called to see if you were awake and your mom said I could just come on over." "Good. Hey, I've got something for you." Where would I give him his gift? Not down here. I didn't want Sammy teasing me all day. "It's up in my room." Good save! We walked up the stairs and I prayed that Luna wouldn't say anything. She does have a habit of doing that around him. Luckily, she had fallen asleep in her bed. "I see she liked your present," Darien said pointing to Luna. I found his gift and handed it to him. "Here ya go, Dare!" "I got you something, too," he said pulling something from his coat pocket. He handed me a wrapped box. "Thanks. You first." I watched nervously as he opened his present. I think just the fact that I gave him something was about to bring him to tears. He pulled the sweater from the box and smiled. "Thank you, Serena. I love it!" he said holding it up tohimself. "I'm glad." 'Wow! The sweater does match his eyes!' "Your turn," he said I opened the box and was shocked by what I found. A gold covered rose lying inside. Rose number twelve. "Darien," I gasped. "It's beautiful. Did you..." "Give you the others," he finished for me. "Yes. All twelve ofthem." "But what about..." "I am him. No, it wasn't a dream." "Oh, Darien, really! How perfect! We are..." I had to let the whole world know. Why not start with my cat? "Hey, Luna!" "What, Serena... I mean... uh... Meow!" "It's okay," I said smiling. "Darien is Tuxedo Mask. He knows." "Hey, Luna," he said to my dumbfounded cat. "I'm glad to know you can actually talk and I'm not delusional!" We all had a good laugh over that one. My Christmas was wonderful because of Darien. I hope I made his as special as he mademine. And my twelve roses of Christmas. They have stayed in perfect condition on my dresser since the day I found each of them. ****The End**** Merry Christmas to one and all. We celebrate the birthday of our king!