Chance Encounter- Part 1
Rating: G
Julia Middleton
turtle_psycho@hotmail.com

Serena and Darien talk over the internet, but don't know the other's 
identity. Of course they eventually find out, but where do they take it from 
there? How do they react? :) Please E-mail me your comments!

*******
	A sleepy Serena found herself being called back to reality during 
class. "Serena! What have I told you about falling asleep in my class?!" Ms. 
Haruna bellowed. Serena opened her eyes to see Ms. H standing over her. She 
sat up drowsily and apologized. "Sorry Ms. H. I was up late last night." 
"That doesn't excuse your falling asleep in my class. You have a detention!"
	The bell rang and all but Serena and Ms. H left the class. Serena 
spent most of detention sleeping, which kinda defeated the purpose of her 
having detention in the first place. When detention was over, Serena grabbed 
her things and walked home slowly. 

***
	Serena made sure to stop by the arcade on the way home, in hopes of 
catching a glimpse of Andrew. Serena found Andrew talking outside the arcade 
with Darien. "Hi Serena!" Andrew called. Serena perked up a bit. "You look 
like you didn't get much sleep last night. Kinda like Darien over hear," 
Andrew said while motioning to Darien. "I didn't," she replied as she slumped 
down against the wall. Darien joined Serena in sitting against the wall.
	"Jeez, what's with you two today?" The two half asleep drones just 
shrugged. Serena gave into her tired body, and closed her eyes. Her head fell 
to rest upon Darien's shoulder, but Darien didn't mind. He too had fallen 
asleep. Andrew smiled at the cute couple they would make, and was extra 
careful not to wake them.

***
	A few hours later, Serena woke up. It was dark out, and the arcade 
was closed. She looked around to find out what had happened, and remembered 
falling asleep while talking to Andrew. Then Serena's eyes fell upon Darien. 
Her first instinct was to move away, but something stopped her. She looked at
Darien as he was sleeping. *He almost looks handsome.* Serena grabbed her 
books and was ready to rush home when Darien woke up. Drearily, he asked 
"Meatball head? What are you doing here?" looking around he noticed that he 
was at the arcade. "What am I doing here?" he added. "We fell asleep Darien. 
Andrew was nice enough not to wake us," Serena said sarcastically.
	She extended a hand and helped Darien up. "Well why don't I walk you 
home? It is pretty dark out," Darien offered. Serena considered the offer 
briefly, and then accepted. "Why thank you Darien. That's awfully kind of 
you." Darien smiled a little, but then snapped out of it. "Well, I wouldn't 
want you getting lost, Meatball Head!" he laughed. Serena's face turned a 
little red and she prepared to yell at Darien, when she realized that she 
was too tired to put up a fight. "You're right. It is really dark. Why don't 
we get going?" Darien was surprised that Serena wasn't mad. Serena and 
Darien began walking to Serena's house in silence.

***
	By the time they reached Serena's house, they had warmed up to each 
other. "Well thank you for walking me home Darien." Darien smiled. "Well, I 
certainly didn't mind your companionship," Darien replied with a smile. 
Serena seemed as though she had a question to ask. Darien could just sense 
it. "Is there something you want to ask me?" Serena wondered how Darien 
knew, but decided to just ask her question. "Actually, there is. I was just 
wondering why you have been nice to me today. You are usually a bit mean, 
and you tease me. But today, you were actually nice. Why is that?" 
	"I met someone. She seems to brighten up my day, and I don't feel 
like being mean. Who knows, if I talk to her more, maybe I will be nice to 
you all the time," Darien answered. Serena smiled a little. "Well I'm glad 
that you have someone. In fact, I met someone too." "Well that's nice to 
know. Maybe we could double sometime," Darien said with a laugh. Serena 
laughed too, but then they both realized what a bad idea that would be. 
"Well, maybe sometime," Serena replied. As Darien turned to walk back to 
his apartment, Serena gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. 
	Darien and Serena were both shocked, and Serena quickly wished that 
she could take it back. Darien just smiled and told Serena goodnight. Serena 
watched Darien leave, and once he was out of sight, she snuck up to her room 
without alerting her parents that she was home.

***
	When Serena had showered, brushed her hair, and changed into her 
pajama's, she sat down at her computer. She logged on under her usually SN, 
Moon Bunny. As her buddy list was loading up, she pleaded silently that Cape 
Boy would be on. *Please oh please! Let him be on!*
	The list popped up to reveal that Cape Boy was on. *Thank you!* she 
thought excitedly. The message box popped up and Serena checked to see what 
Cape Boy had written. She read it aloud with a smile. 

	"I was up so late talking to u last night that I took a lot of naps 
today."
	"Same here."
	"It was worth it though. I could stay up all night talking to you."
	Serena smiled at what Cape Boy had written. She replied with, "You 
always say the sweetest things."
	"Well it's hard not to. When I'm writing you, I just feel so sweet 
and happy. I was nice to everyone today," Cape Boy replied.
	"I thought that guys like you didn't exist. I'm so glad to find out 
that they do."
	"It's  me who's surprised that there are girls like you. When can I 
meet you?"
	"Meet? Um.. I dunno. I have never met someone that I talk to online 
before. I'm kinda nervous about it," Moon Bunny wrote.
	"There's nothing to be nervous about. I don't go around picking up 
girls on the internet. But you're different. I just have to meet you. Don't 
worry, I give you my word, I'm not some psychopath or anything."
	"Well, okay. Why don't we meet tomorrow afternoon in the park? We 
could have a picnic kinda thing," Moon Bunny suggested.
	"Tomorrow afternoon it is then. I can't wait," Cape Boy replied. 

***
	Serena logged out and went to bed happily. "Tomorrow afternoon. I 
can't wait to meet him. I bet he is gorgeous," Serena said to herself as she 
turned out the light and snuggled under her covers.

***
	Darien signed off with a smile. "So I'm finally going to meet her. I 
can't wait. I bet she's beautiful. This will be my chance to really get to 
know her. All I really know is that she goes to Crossroads Jr. High. I know, 
she is a lot younger than me, but she seems so sophisticated. I'm just so 
excited about meeting her," he spoke to himself before going to bed.

***
	That morning, Serena woke up around 12 PM. She got up reluctantly, 
until she remembered that she would be meeting Cape Boy. As she remembered, 
a smile crept across her face. "Today is going to be a wonderful day! I'm so 
excited!" Serena changed her clothes, brushed her hair and teeth, and 
hurried over to Lita's house.

***
	Lita opened the door after hearing the bell ring a few times. 
"Serena? What are you doing here?" she asked in surprise. "I came over to 
ask you a favor. There's this guy-" Serena began. "A guy?! You mean you're 
seeing a guy and you haven't told me yet?!" Lita demanded. "Not exactly." 
"What do you mean?" Lita asked. "I've been talking to him over the computer. 
I don't know his name, or what he looks like, or anything really. But he is 
really sweet," Serena explained. Lita was confused so she continued. "Well, 
today I am supposed to meet him. We're having a picnic in the park, but I am 
a lousy chef. So would you be able to help me out and make a picnic basket?" 
Serena begged. 	
	Lita sighed. "Sure thing. But when you get back, I want details!" 
Serena jumped with joy. "Thank you Lita!" she exclaimed. Serena came in and 
waited as Lita prepared the food. In a lil less than a half hour, she was 
done. 
	"Wow! That was fast," Serena said in surprise. "Thanks. I just 
whipped up some sandwiches, potato salad, some brownies, fresh squeezed 
lemonade, and a bag full of chips. Enjoy!" Lita said proudly. "Now go have 
fun. And don't stay out too late." Lita handed Serena the basket and pushed 
her out the door.

***
	After Serena was pushed out of her friend's apartment, she started 
on her way towards the park. Thoughts were rushing through Serena's head. 
*What if we hit that awkward silence thing? What if he's ugly? What if we 
don't hit it off? What if..* Serena's thoughts trailed off as she realized 
that she had reached the park. "Here goes nothing," she said. 
	Serena looked around to where they had said to meet. Then she 
realized that they hadn't really specified where they were going to meet. 
She began to get worried until she saw Darien. *At least I don't have to 
wait alone. I can go wait with Darien. I wonder why he's here.* Serena 
brushed her thoughts aside and greeted Darien with a cheery hello. 
	"Hi ya Darien! What are you doing here?" Serena walked up to Darien 
with a bright smile and a picnic basket. "Hi Serena. I was just waiting for 
someone, but I don't see them. I guess I could wait with you until she gets 
here," Darien replied with a smile.

***
	The two waited for over an hour. No one showed up. "I wonder why he 
didn't show up," Serena complained. "Yeah, I'm kinda worried. She said she'd 
be here," Darien added. "Oh well. There's no use in wasting a perfectly good 
picnic basket. Care to join me Darien?" Serena asked. Darien looked at his 
watch, and then at Serena and the picnic basket. "Sure why not," he said 
happily. "I guess there's no point in just waiting for them."

***
	Serena went home a little disappointed that Cape Boy hadn't shown. 
"I guess I should tell Lita things didn't work out," Serena said as she 
picked up the phone. 
	After a few rings, Lita rushed to the phone. "Hello?" "Hi Lita, it's 
me Serena." "Hey! How'd it go today at the park?" Lita asked eagerly. 
"Things didn't work out. He never showed up. Darien was there waiting for 
someone who didn't show up either. So I just ate the picnic with him. He can 
be pretty nice," Serena replied with a smile. "You know, what if it was 
Darien who you talked to online? You said that you're guy didn't show up, 
and if his girl didn't show up.," Lita suggested. Serena burst out laughing. 
"As if! Darien isn't Cape Boy. No, there's no way!" "I dunno. Why don't you 
ask him about it?" Lita asked. "Nah. That's okay. But thanks for making the 
lunch today Lita. I gotta get off the phone so I can log in and check if 
Cape Boy's on. I'll catch you later Lita."

***
	"Where were you today? We were supposed to meet at the park but we 
never specified where," Moon Bunny wrote.
	"I was there. I didn't see you either. I guess we need to be more 
specific next time."
	"Okay, why don't we go out to eat? I'll be sitting in the fourth 
booth of the diner by the Crown Game Center. Do you know where that is?"
	"Yeah. I hang out there sometimes. I'll be there tonight," Cape Boy 
replied.
	"Tonight? What time?"
	"How about 8? That's in 2 hours. You'll have time to get ready."
	"Okay. I'll see you then."

***
	Darien walked into the diner and looked over to see an all too 
familiar set of meatballs poking out of the fourth booth. "S- Serena?!" He 
asked in disbelief. Serena turned around to see a very confused Darien. "Hi 
Darien! What are you doing here?" *It must be a mistake! She can't be Moon 
Bunny!* Darien thought nervously. He tried to remain calm as he walked over 
to the booth. "I was planning on meeting someone here," he said. "Oh me too!" 
Serena replied with a smile. "What a coincidence!" Serena remembered what 
Lita had said. *Oh no! Darien can't be Cape Boy! Could he?!* "Um Serena, by 
any chance were you planning on meeting, um.. Cape Boy here?" 
	Serena gave Darien a surprised look. "Actually, yeah. Wait a second. 
You're not Cape Boy, are you?" Serena asked nervously. "Yeah, I am. And 
you're Moon Bunny, huh," Darien replied with a look as though he'd been 
slapped by reality. Darien sunk down into the booth and sat across from 
Serena. 
	"So what are we supposed to do now?" she asked. "I don't really 
know. So, all this time I thought  was talking to this great girl, and I was 
really talking to you?" Serena nodded. "And you're supposed to be this really 
great guy who is sweet and funny." Darien was a little offended. "Are you 
saying I'm not a great guy who's sweet and funny?!" Serena laughed. "I 
didn't mean it like that. But you have to admit, we do act pretty different 
when we are talking on line," she replied. Darien laughed a little. "I guess 
you're right. You know, you really aren't so bad Serena. Do we have to stop 
talking on line?" Serena considered his question. 
	"Well, things would be different though. Wouldn't they? I mean, now 
that I know Cape Boy's you, and you know Moon Bunny is me. I think it'd be 
kinda hard to treat each other the same." "But things don't have to be 
different," Darien said with hopeful eyes. "Well, it's like I've seen a 
completely different side to you Serena. You can be really nice." Serena 
smiled at the compliment. "And you haven't called me Meatball head since.. 
Well I guess yesterday," she said, trying to look on the bright side. 
	
***
	Lita and Mina walked in to find Serena and Darien talking. "Wow, I 
wonder what's gotten into them," Mina said with a laugh. "I think I know 
what's going on," Lita said with a secret smile. "Why don't we leave those 
two love birds alone?" "Love birds?! What are you talking about Lita?!" "Oh 
nothing. Let's go."

***
	"So Darien, would you wanna catch a movie?" Serena offered. "I'd 
love to," Darien said while extending his arm to Serena. Serena accepted his 
arm and they got up and walked out of the diner. "We can ride my motorcycle 
to the movie theater. Why don't you pick the movie?" Darien said while 
putting on his helmet and starting up the bike. Serena grabbed the other 
helmet and got on the bike behind Darien. Serena wrapped her arms around 
Darien's waist as they took off. "Hold on tight!" Darien said with a smile. 
Serena tightened her grip and leaned her head against his back. Darien was 
happy to have Serena so close to him. *I wonder if this could actually 
become something. I mean, it would be kinda weird if Serena and I started 
dating, but I could get used to it.*
	
***
	Serena hadn't said anything since they left the diner. "Are you 
scared?" Darien asked. "Uh.. A little," Serena said as she tried to speak 
over the roar of the engine. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to 
you. I'm a very skilled rider." Serena closed her eyes and held Darien even 
tighter. *I wonder how things would work out if Darien and I actually 
started dating. I don't think it would be too bad.*

***
	They reached the theater and the ride seemed to end all too soon. 
Darien parked the bike and got off. Serena was still a bit shaken up. Darien 
reached his arms out to Serena and lifted her up off the bike. Serena was 
surprised that Darien was so strong. "Do you work out?" she asked with a 
smile while feeling the muscle in his arm. "I try to keep in shape." "A nice 
shape it is too," Serena replied."Oh gosh, I said that out loud didn't I?" 
Darien laughed. "It's okay. There's no need to be embarrassed. Actually, I 
think you are beautiful. I never really said anything before, but things are 
different now I guess. It's a good different." 
	Serena gazed at Darien with her sparkling eyes. "You really can be 
sweet." "Well it isn't hard when you're around," he replied with a smile. 
Serena blushed. "You're such a flirt," she giggled. Darien realized he was 
still holding Serena in his arms. He smiled slightly and began to put her 
down. "So what movie do you want to see?" he asked. "Well why don't we skip 
the movie and go walk around in the park? Or we could go for another ride on 
your motorcycle.. Or.." Darien interrupted Serena's rambling with a kiss.
	He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her as if he were madly in 
love with her. Serena made no move to end the kiss. Darien finally pulled 
back. Serena was stunned. "That wasn't too bad. Maybe we could try it again?" 
Serena asked. Darien smiled and kissed her again.
	"See Mina, I told you they were love birds!" Lita exclaimed. "How 
cute!" Darien and Serena turned to face Mina and Lita. "You were right all 
along Lita," Serena said with a thankful smile. Darien had his arms still 
wrapped around Serena but he didn't try to move them. "That is so cute! So 
are you two like an item now? What's going on between you two?" Mina asked 
in excitement. Darien looked down at Serena. "I don't know. What is going 
on between us?" he asked with a smile.
	"I'm not quite sure. I know that we used to not get along, but now I 
see a different side to you, a side that I like a lot. So I don't really 
know what's going on between us, but I do know what I want to go on," Serena 
replied with a sly smile. "Oh? And what do you want to go on?" Darien asked. 
Serena had a twinkle in her eye and Darien got the message. He leaned in and 
was about to kiss her when he realized that Lita and Mina were still 
watching. "Um, do you mind?"
	"Oh! I get it. You two want to be alone. Okay, come one Mina, lets 
go." Lita grabbed Mina's arm and dragged her away.
	"Do you want to go somewhere where we can be alone?" Darien asked 
Serena. "I thought we were going to watch a movie?" "Change of plans, if 
that's alright with you," Darien replied with a crafty smile. Serena's 
curiosity got the better of her. She got on the bike after Darien and the 
two of them rode off.

End of Part 1. :)