Title: The Becoming
Author: Sailor Bunny	
Disclaimer: The usual blah blah blah
Rating: PG

Hey guys! Yeah yeah I know I never finish what I start. I know you guys are wondering about
my other stuff, and don't worry, I'm working on them and will get them out soon. I found this
that I was working on and decided to finish it. I think it's the best I've written so far, so please
send me your approval. Thanks for everyone's comments pertaining to A Family For Christmas.
That'll be finished and up soon. Please email me and visit my site! I'm also putting together a
new Usagi Mamoru site that'll have my fanfic and others too so please visit it also!
Sailor Bunny aka Lindz
sailorbunny21@yahoo.com
http://bounce.to/meatballhead
http://kiss.to/blueheart

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I took a deep breath and opened to doors to the Crown Center
Arcade. Tucking away a small peice of my blonde hair, I walked
in and sat down in my usual booth. I quickly dodged Andrew and 
Darien, who were too busy talking to notice me anyways. Andrew's
sister, Lizzy, came up to me. "Hi! Can I take your order miss?"

"Lizzy it's me." I hissed, hoping they wouldn't hear.

She gasped. "SERENA?! Oh my GOSH what did you do to your HAIR?!"
She screeched.

I winced and saw Andrew and Darien turn around to see me, looking
horrified. They walked over to me. Andrew started to say something,
but Darien spoke first. "What happened to you Meatballhead? Did
you get in a fight with a lawnmower? What happened to your meatballs?"

I glared at him. "My mom said I wasn't a little girl anymore and
made me cut them off." I felt my eyes tear up.

"Serena, it looks real nice.." Andrew said, trying to cheer me up.

"No it doesn't! I hate it! I want my pigtails back!" I buried my head
in my hands and started crying. 

Andrew sat down beside me and wrapped an arm around me. "Serena, you
look more gorgeous than you ever have before."

"She looks about 20." Darien added. I looked up at him not sure whether
he was insulting me or complimenting me.

I sighed and brushed my hand down my newly cut hair. It was cut about
2 inches past my shoulders. I couldn't put it up in meatballs anymore,
though I could style it in any other way. "Listen, Sere, how about a
sundae? Would you like that?" Andrew asked.

I looked up forlornly at him and nodded. He motioned Lizzy to bring
me one. "Hey, Meatball..I mean..Serena...it doesn't look bad at all."
Darien said, a little confused at using my real name.

I felt a smile twitching at my lips. "There's one good thing about
my new haircut." My eyes twinkled.

"What's that?" They both asked.

"You can't call me Meatballhead anymore!" I smiled.

He grinned back. "Maybe you don't have your meatballs anymore, but
you'll still be Meatballhead to me!" 

I groaned and banged my head on the table.

"HEY ANDREW!" Four voices chorused. I groaned yet again. My four best
friends, Amy, Mina, Lita, and Raye walked over and shoved their way
in. They glanced at me questionally. I ducked my head. "Hey Andrew,
who's that?" Lita asked.

I pulled my head up. "Hi guys." I said meekly.

All four gasped. "What happened to your hair???"

"My mom made me cut it." I started crying again.

"Why?? You're supposed to wear your hair like that!" Raye asked.

"Well it's not like SHE knows that." I said.

"I remember you cut it once when you were little and it took you
years to grow back and how mad your mother was." Mina said.

Andrew and Dariend looked at me confused. "What are you talking
about?" They asked.

"Uh, nothing. Nothin at all." I glared at them for even hinting the
notion of my past life as a princess. I could tell the girls had dozens
of questions. "I'll explain the whole thing later."

They nodded and Lizzy came with my sundae. I smiled and eagerly
wolfed it down. Everyone laughed. "At least you still have your
appetite." Darien smirked.

I glared at him. "Whatever Darien." I fished around my pockets,
finding nothing. "Oh no.." I muttered.

"What?" Andrew asked.

"No money..oh no oh no oh noo.." I whimpered.

"Don't worry about it Meat..Serena. I'll treat ya." Darien said.
He pulled out a wad of bills from his wallet and plunked $2.50
down. He winked at me.

"Huh?" Everyone asked.

"Well, Serena's feeling down. I'm being nice, is that a crime?" He
asked innocently.

"For you? Yah." I said.

"Well if you don't want me to..." He started to take his money.

"No, no that's ok Darien. You're the best." I smiled. I checked
my watch and gasped. "Oh no I'm supposed to be home. Mom, Dad and
Sammy are leaving for Aunt Aggie's tonight and I have to see them
off. Bye guys!" I jumped up and started running. It was almost 9.

I thought I heard my name being called, but shook it off. As I came
to my house, I noticed the door slightly ajar. 'Mom and dad never
leave it open..' I thought. I slowly went in and gasped. "Oh my god!"

Everything in the house had been trashed and thrown about. My face got
pale and my throat dry. Suddenly a thought ran through my head, 'What
if they're still here?' I ran back outside and slammed the door. I
slid down, breathing hard, not sure what to do.

"SERENA!!!" 

My head snapped up in fear, only to find Darien running towards me. I
groaned, but in relief. "You left your purse." He said, out of breath,
handing me my pink little change purse with a bunny stitched on it.
I stared at him blankly and took it. I tried to mutter a 'thanks' but
it came out like 'mmph.' "You ok?" He asked.

I couldn't handle it and broke down sobbing.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I sat quietly, watching policemen swarming through my house, 
interregating me. I buried my face in my hands wishing they would all
go away. Darien dismissed them rather harshly and turned to me.

"So your parents left town and didn't leave the number?" He asked me.

I sighed. "Yes. They probably left a note, but the theives ruined it
or something. I don't know."

"Then you'll need a place to stay until your parents come back, 
right?" He asked again.

I sighed and nodded. There's no hope for me.

"Well...I have a place and there's a spare bedroom..." Darien said.
"It's pretty nice, but there's only one bathroom.."

"What are rambling about?" I asked.

"I'm not rambling."

"Well, whatever. You know what I mean." 

"No, I don't" A small smile peeked through.

I groaned. "Darien, you're not helping so please leave. This isn't
much the time to tease me."

"Sorry, Serena. Look, what I was saying was..well..maybe you could
stay at my place. I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to. You
probably want to stay with your friends, seeing as how popular you are.
I mean, you trust them and all, and hate my guts and--" He stuttered.

I smiled. "NOW you're rambling." He blushed and ducked his head. I
smiled bigger. It was kinda cute... "Well, since you're the first to
ask...and seeing as I have nowhere else...um..sure why not?" I could
not believe what I was saying.

"Great! Um, so should you go get your stuff now?" He asked.

"Shouldn't you ask your parents first? Or did you move out or something?"
I asked. His face clouded over and I immediatly regretted what I said.
"Darien?"

"Uh, it's ok. Just go get your stuff and I'll explain later, ok?"
I shrugged and ran upstairs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I came back down about half an hour later with 2 suitcases, a duffel
bag, my school briefcase, and a bookbag. Darien gawked. "Uh, Sere, 
think you have enough stuff?"

My brow furrowed. "I'm not sure...I could be forgetting some stuff.."
He was still gawking. I giggled and winked at him. "Come on."

He took my suitcases and duffel bag. "My car is just around the corner."
He said. He set down the bags next to a really hot blue BMW convertible.

"THIS is your car?" Now I was gawking. My mouth was wide open and I
was practically drooling.

"Sure. You like it?" He grinned.

"Heck ya!" I hopped in. "Darrrien can you pretty please roll the top
down?" I gave him a puppy face.

He laughed and rolled down the top. We reached Azubu Apartments. 'This
guy sure lives in style.' I thought. He got out, grabbed my stuff and
we went to the 5th floor.

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I was surprised when I entered
the room. It was a bland and spotless. Not many decorations, just two
paintings. It was all different hues of green. I walked inside and 
plopped myself on his black leather couch. He had a nice sound system
and television set. I laid back on the comfy couch. "Ya know, Darien,
I might wanna crash riiiight here." I closed my eyes and snuggled deeper
in the leather. I got up and walked around. The kitchen wasn't too
big, and it was also spotless. A bouquet of red roses were set on the
table. "Hey Darien, who gave you these? Your girlfriend?"

He appeared next to me. "Nah, I don't have a girlfriend. I always have
to keep fresh roses in the house. For good luck..you know. I put your
stuff in the spare room. Come on."

He led me into what has now become my room. It was different shades of
blue, again bland and spotless. This is one clean guy. I collapsed on
the bed and closed my eyes. "Oh yah this will do." The bed was extremely
comfortable. He laughed.

I got back up and went inside the bathroom that was next to my room.
Spotless again, in black and white. Not only is he clean, but he can
decorate like nobody's business. It was pretty big and would most
definatly meet my needs. I walked into the next room, which just happened
to be his. It was spotless, except a few things on his dresser. It was
also in different hues of green. I walked over and saw a picture on his
nightstand. I picked it up.

I assumed it was a picture of his parents. His mother was beautiful, with
long black hair and blue eyes and his dad was very handsome and looked
a lot like Darien did now. In the middle of them was a very happy little
boy, with messy black hair, freckles, blue eyes, and missing teeth. A
smile crept up her face. "Hey, is this you?" She asked Darien as he
came up behind her.

He nodded, a bit grimly. "Yes. And my parents."

"Where do they live?"

"...."

"Darien?"

"They died."

My eyes widened. "Oh my Lord...Darien..I'm so sorry.."

"Don't be. It wasn't your fault. I don't remember them much anyways."
He shrugged.

"What do you mean?" I asked, almost regretting it.

He sighed and put his arm around me. He led me into the living room
and we sat down on his couch. "This was taken on my sixth birthday. I
was so happy because my parents were going to take me to the park to
play baseball. But...a drunk driver hit us and drove us off a cliff.
I woke up barely even remembering my name. My mom died instantly, with
the child she carried, and my dad died on the way to the hospital. They
said it was a miracle I survived. I sometimes wondered, though." He
hung his head, hiding his tears.

I brought his head up and brushed away a falling tear. "Darien, why
do you say that?"

"I had amnesia..still do..and didn't remember any relatives. They did
a search and realized I had no living ones..or at least none that would
take me in. So I lived in an orphanage. It was horrible and I was so
happy when I turned 18 and was set free of that place." He sighed and
leaned back.

I took his hand and placed it on my cheek. I kissed it softly then hugged
him. "Darien, if I had known all that..I wouldn't have.."

"Serena, if you knew all that you would pity me. Just like you are
pitying me now."

I hung my head. "I don't pity you Darien. I'm geniunely sorry for all the
suffering you endured. But it's over now."

"Yeah. It's over and I don't have to go back to the past anymore."

"Sometimes it's good to go back. Learn from past mistakes and grow.
Become stronger." 

He shrugged, got up and walked into the kitchen. "You hungry?"

I smiled weakly. "Aren't I always?" I got up and joined him in the 
kitchen. "Whatcha got?" He opened the refridgerator and a couple 
cabinets for me. Lo and behold..this man..is..a..god. "CHOCOLATE!" I
squealed and grabbed the chocolate ice cream, chocolate syrup and chocolate
chips. "Mmmmm..you certinatly like chocolate dontcha?"

He nodded. "My weak spot."

I grinned and got out 2 bowls.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We sat eating ice cream and watching tv in the dark for awhile. I 
yawned and leaned my head against the sofa. He looked down at me. "Tired?"
I nodded. He took my bowl and put it on the table. "Go to sleep Sere."

I smiled and nodded, sluggishly walking to my new room. I changed into
my fluffy pink pajamas, took my toothbrush and walked into the bathroom.
I apparently was too sleepy to hear water running. I walked in on Darien
taking a shower and got an eyeful. My eyes widened to the size of plates.
"Uhhh..I..I..I.." He got a towel and wrapped it around his..very wet..
body. My face turned as pink as my pajamas. He grinned. I felt my knees
go weak and I ran into my room, slamming the door, breathing extremely
heavy. 

A few seconds later, I heard a knock at the door. I took a deep breath
and opened it. Darien stood there in pajama pants..nothing else..
Kami-sama..with a sly grin on his face. He walked in and sat on my bed.
I tried to hide the flush on my face and sat beside him. He grinned
wider noticing my blush and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. A chill
ran down my spine. "Now you see Serena..about the..birds and the bees..
men have different body parts than women.."

I moaned and buried my face in my hands. "Darien this is..embarassing
enough for me..don't make it worse."

"Why'd you walk in anyways? Hopin to see somethin?"

I glared at him, still red in the face. "NO! I was gonna brush my teeth
and go to bed."

"Don't tell me you didn't hear the water running." He raised an eyebrow.

"As a matter of fact, NO I didn't. I'm really tired. Please...just..
UGHHHH you are imPOSSIBLE!" I buried my face in my hands again.

He chuckled and pulled me close, hugging me. "You're the greatest too
Meatballhead..even if you're in denile. I know you're madly in love
with me."

I pushed him rather harshly away. "I am NOT!"

He laughed and got up. "You don't think I look good?" He spun around,
modeling himself, rather well.

I gulped. Okay I admit it the guy is hot. I mean look at the guy! Jet
black hair, gorgeous blue eyes, a great tan, a very muscular body, and
a smile to melt any girl's heart. He's a total babe. Doesn't mean I
LIKE him. I mean, he's a JERK! That's all there is to it. "I'm tired
Darien and I have school tomorrow...OH MY GOSH SCHOOL!! How am I gonna
get there??"

"I'll take you. Go to sleep Meatballhead. I know who you'll be dreaming
of tonight." He grinned, winked, and left my room closing the door.
I groaned and took down my meatballs. I can definatly skip brushing my
teeth this once.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I woke up bright and early at 7:30 the next morning. Darien woke me 
up by singing very loudly in the shower then yelling something about
not walking in on him. I groaned and got up, changing into my uniform.
I grabbed some toast and cereal. Darien strolled in a bit later, dressed
in jeans and a white shirt. "Morning Meatballhead." I waved sarcastically
at him. "Hurry up I'm ready to go. Don't wanna be late."

"Why not I always am." I shrugged gulping down the rest of my breakfast.

"Yeah but think..wouldn't it just freak your teacher out to see you
come in early for a change? It'll totally blow her away..maybe enough
so you don't have much work."

I looked up at him and broke out in a smile. "Ya know Darien, I like the
way you think."

I finished up eating and grabbed my briefcase. Darien led me down to
the parking lot and to his BMW. He grabbed a helmet from the motorcycle
that was parked beside it. I shot him a confused glance. He grinned
and tossed me another helmet. "We're taking my motorcycle today."

I gaped down at the gorgeous hunk of metal. "THIS is YOURS?!" He
nodded and sat down in it, motioning for me to do the same. 

I got on, shaking my head in bewilderment. "Hold on tight."

I wrinkled my nose and put my arms ever so lightly around his waist.
He revved it up, getting an EEP! from me and my arms wrapped tighter
around him. We sped off to school.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As we drew nearer to Crossroads Junior High, I saw all the popular
girls gaping, getting a smug smile from me. He pulled into the parking
lot and hopped off, taking off his helmet. I jumped off and handed
him the extra helmet. He grinned at me. "All those girls look like 
they're about to kill you."

I turned around to see the girls angrily glaring at me seeping with
jealousy and laughed. "Just what I always knew they would do."

He mussed my hair and gave me a brief hug. "I'll pick you up at 3:15..
in case you get detention." He winked and hopped on his bike. "Cya
later Meatballhead."

I stuck my tongue out at him and went inside my school, hardley waiting
for Ms. Haruna's reaction.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I strolled into Ms. Haruna's classroom oh so cool and confidently.
I saw Amy and Lita glance up at me and their mouths drop open at my
unexpected earliness. All the other kids were doing the same. I went 
over to the teacher's desk. "Morning Ms. Haruna!" I chirped.

She spun around. "SERENA?!?! But..but..it's..it's EARLY! Oh this is
something to CELEBRATE! Everyone, Serena Tsukino is EARLY!" I grinned
and waved. "Why..we have..PERFECT ATTENDENCE for the FIRST TIME this
whole year!" Ms. Haruna gasped, making all sorts of realizations.

I took my seat inbetween Amy and Lita and waved to them. "Serena..you're
early..are you sick?? What's happened?" Lita hissed.

Just then, Jessica, Mallory, and Kimberly, the three most popular
girls in the school, walked over to my desk. "SeREna! Who was that
guy you came to school with?? He's totally hot! What's his number?"

I shot them a smug smile. "Who? Ohhh that guy. Yes well, my house was
broken into last night and he offered to let me stay at his place."

Amy and Lita stared quizzingly at me. I had told them briefly of what 
happened, but didn't say who I was staying with. "What's his name?
What grade is he in??" The girls asked.

I sighed with a mock boredom. "Oh he's in college. A freshman. His
name is Darien."

"DARIEN?!?! You're staying with DARIEN?!" Amy and Lita exclaimed. I
nodded my head.

"Well hey Serena..there's a party going on Friday and you can come.
Bring that guy too!" Jessica said, giving me an invitation.

I glanced down at it. It was the biggest party since..well the biggest
party period. I'd wanted to go to it..but they just wanted to get to
Darien. That's not gonna do. "Hmm I dono..I think we might be doing
something then. Sorry girls." I smiled.

Their mouths dropped open as if my refusal was the worst thing I could
do. "Well whatever." Kimberly said sneering. "If you change your plans,
be sure to  come by with that guy." They walked away, noses so high if
it rained they would drown.

Lita burst out laughing. "They were so jealous they were green! You
GO girl!"

"Yes, but why didn't you tell us you were staying with Darien? You
could've stayed with me or one of the other girls..I know how much you
detest him." Amy said.

I shrugged. "He was there when I found out and the first one to offer.
Plus his bed is comfy."

"Oooh you slept in his BED?!" Lita squealed.

"NO I stayed in his spare room." I glared.

"Class! Settle down! Today, in celebration of Serena's wonderful earliness
we'll be spending our period outside." Ms. Haruna said.

The class cheered and turned to me, thanking and praising me. Ah, to
be me.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I had no detention that day and I waited on the lawn until Darien came
by in his convertible. All the girls glared jealously at me as I hopped
in. He took me down the the Crown Arcade. We walked in together, almost
giving dear Andrew a heart attack. "Serena?? Darien?? Together?? Not
fighting?! I knew you guys would eventually come to your senses!"

"What are you talking about Drew?" Dariend said.

"Oh come on Dare you know exactly what I'm talking about. You and
Serena..c'mon you guys admit it." He winked.

My face flushed and I shook my head, outraged that one of my best guy
friends would say such a horrid thing. "Well I know SERENA here has
the hots for me."

My mouth dropped open. "I do not you lying self righteous JERK!"

"Oh yeah that's why you walked in on me taking a shower. I know you
want me girl." He laughed.

"YOU SAW DARIEN NAKED?!" Four very shrill voices cried behind me. I
winced and looked behind to see my four beloved best friends. I will
kill them eventually.

"It's not my fault! I was tired and wanted to brush my teeth and go to
bed! I didn't heart he freakin water running. I hate him! You know that
guys! Guys?" I pleaded.

Raye grinned. She had long since gotten over Dare, though he didn't
remember them ever dating, and developed a new intrest in Chad, though
she denied it. "Sereeeeena! Go girl!"

I groaned. Amy grinned and walked up to me. "We have a Senshi meeting
now in a bit. Be there." She whispered in my ear. I nodded. Darien and
Andrew shot curious glares. "We're leaving as soon as you kiss Darien
goodbye." She whispered a bit louder.

My mouth hung open and the girls howled with laughter. Amy! The good
senshi! Immune to gossip and teasing! She has turned on me! Oh cruel
world with such people in it..."Darien I'm going on with the girls. See
ya later."

"Well wait. Where will you be and when should I pick you up?" He asked,
swiftly grabbing my arm.

"What are you, my dad? I know where you live I'll come by myself." I replied.

"Nu uh. Too dangerous. Who knows who might try to abduct you. Where will
you be?" He replied stubbornly.

I groaned and looked at Raye who nodded and winked. "I'll be at Raye's. You
know the Cherry Hill Temple? That's where we'll be. I don't know when we'll
finish. What do you think guys? 4:30?" They nodded.

"Okay I'll pick you up at 4:30 at the Cherry Hill Temple. See ya Meatballhead."

I glared at him and walked out with the scouts.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Spill it Sere. We all know about you past with Darien but what about the
present? You DO like him don't you??" Lita grinned when we got there.

"NO! Okay, we might have been destined to be together..but that was the PAST!
It's the year 2000. Time for changes. Like my hair. And possibly my attitude. My
history with Darien was over when Beryl killed him. He doesn't remember anything
and if he did he'd still feel the same way. Just like I do." I replied seriously

"It IS time for a change Serena. Time for you to change the way you hate Darien.
So what if he doesn't remember your past? You have a total thing going on. You
look so cute together..not as Princess Serena and Prince Darien, not as Sailor
Moon and Tuxedo Mask, but as Serena Tsukino and Darien Chiba. Really
Serena, stop being so stubborn." Raye said.

"Yeah well whatever." I shook my hair.

"I do like your hair Sere." Mina said. "It looks good. I don't think your mother
would approve but it's wicked kewl."

"Yes well it's tradition for all Lunarians to wear the regal hairstyle. It'll grow
out." Amy said. "And rather quickly. I do remember how fast your hair grows."

"Well anyways, on with business and these weird aliens. Any word on them?"
I asked.

"SERENA? You want to discuss SCOUT BUSINESS? Well, this IS a year for
changes!" Luna exclaimed. 

I shrugged. "It's my duty as Princess Serena and Sailor Moon to protect this
world from any and all evil. Now, we know they're sucking energy from people
just like Beryl and the Negaverse did. But the question is..why? And where
do they come from? Why Earth? Who are they?" 

"I'm developing a tracking system for the aliens. I'm still working out the
bugs but I'm sure it will work. The next time we battle, if someone will place
the tracking device on the aliens, then we will know their whereabouts and
will be able to attack and destroy them." Amy said.

"Good work Ames. It's possible they could do something like what Neflite
did and assume a human identity and we could attack them there." I said.

"That could backfire if it's not really them though. We'd have to take percautions."
Raye said. I nodded.

We went on discussing how to capture the aliens and the identity of Moonlight
Knight until 4:30, around the time more people came to the temple to pray. Suddenly,
we heard screams outside saying "Help! Monster!"

I jumped up and looked out, seeing a monster out attacking innocent people and..DARIEN!
I gasped and threw my hand in the air. "Moon Crystal Power!" I screamed. The other girls
and I transformed and ran out. Darien was just outside of the door, giving me a fright.
"Hurry! Run and hide!" He hesitated, then ran.

I turned to the monster. "I am Sailor Moon warrior of love and justice! How dare you attack
innocent people coming to pray at this wonderful temple? On behalf of the moon I will
right all wrongs and triumph over all that is evil..and that means you!" I yelled.

The monster growled. It was large and furry, like a tiger mixed with a human. It stood up
on it's hind legs. "Sailor Moon you and your pathetic friends can't stop me. ROAR!"

It shot out lightning bolts to us. We desperatly dodged us. Sailor Jupiter growled. 
"Fight lightning with lightning! Jupiter Thunder Dragon!" She cried and a huge dragon
shaped lightning bolt sped towards the monster. It shot of one of it's lightning bolts,
destroying it.

Amy looked in her computer. It's weak against water attacks! I'll attack it! Mercury Ice
Bubbles Freeze!" She attacked as the monster attacked and froze him still.

"I'll take it from here! Moon Sceptre Elimination!" I attacked it, turning it to dust. "Yes!
Moondusted" I cheered. I noticed Darien peek around the corner. I ran off to detransform
with the girls. "Oh wow a monster attacking your temple Raye! Pretty freaky, eh guys?"
I notioned trying to get them to catch on.

"Serena!" Darien said, running over to me. "Are you okay?"

I nodded. "Perfectly fine Dare. Let's go. See ya guys!" I waved to them. 'Serena you are
darn smooth.'

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We stopped by the Blockbuster Video and got a few movies and went home and ordered
a pizza. We sat and ate in silence watching Notting Hill. I could feel tension in the air, mostly
radiating off of Darien. He sat tensley watching the movie half of the time, and with the other
half, watched me. "Darien, are you ok?" I asked. He just nodded. I shrugged. "I'm gonna go
take a shower." He nodded again, not paying any attention to me. I rolled my eyes and went
into the bathroom. 

I sang the Sailor Moon theme song in the shower. If there's one good thing about being a
Scout, it's all the publicity. Everyone loves Sailor Moon..hey she has her own merchandise
line. I own most of it. 

I heard a slight fumble outside of the shower. I spun around to find a shocked Darien. I screeched
and grabbed a towel. He stood there with his mouth wide open and face as red as fire. I grinned.
Payback time Chiba. He gawked a while longer then ran out and slammed the door to his room.

I laughed and went to my room and changed into my fuzzy pink pajamas and knocked on his door.
He let me in and sat back down on his bed. I plopped myself down beside him and put my arm around
him. He shivered. "You see Darien..about the birds and the bees...men and women have different
body parts.." I mocked.

"Oh shut up Sere. You shoulda told me you were taking a shower." He groaned.

"I DID! You were so spaced out you didn't notice. NOW who's madly in love with who?" I
howled with laughter. 

He turned bright red and ducked his head. "I..just have a lot on my mind. I was thinking too hard
and didn't hear the water running."

"Uhhh huh sure Dare. I know you want me." I nudged him and laughed.

"Huh. Whatever. Don't flatter yourself." He retorted. 

I laughed. This is fun. I stood up and pranced and modeled around. "You don't think I'm hot?"

He gulped and his face flushed. "Serena I have classes early tomorrow. Stop this it's childish.
Go to sleep." He said getting up.

"Ooookay Dare. I know ya want me though." I giggled.

"WHATEVER!" He called from his room and slammed the door.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I was dancing...dancing..twirling around and around. "Serena there's terrible danger.." His voice
echoed through my head. I only concentrated on our dance. "...you must know..I may not return.."
He spun me into his arms and I pressed into his chest. I can't let go.."You'll be in my heart
always.."

"And you will always be in mine.." I replied. I felt his lips brush against mine, harder then, kissing
me. I kissed back with all my heart and soul.

I saw flashes of light...every colour..swirling and flashing...

"Then you will love no one!" Beryl yelled in all her evil. She shot a flash at my prince...he groaned..

"Serena...run! Run get away NOW!" He yelled..dying..my prince was dying as was my heart..

"No!!! Darien!!!" I yelled, running to him.

"No! Serena RUN!" He yelled...He's dying..oh Kami he's dying..

I called for him, reaching for him. Beryl's evil laughter echoed in my mind. I kept running..
reaching..I jumped for him. Sharp pains entered my body and I screamed in pain. "Darien!"
I reached for him.

"Serena!" He grabbed my hand and held it tight. 

Beryl's wicked laugh rung throughout the entire kingdom. Bright flashes..bright colors..
I screamed. "DARIEN!" I screamed and felt our hands part.."DARIEN!" Then black..

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Serena! Serena! Wake up!" His voice called, shaking me awake.

My eyes flew open and I saw him. "Darien!" I cried and wrapped my arms around him.
I held him so tight..so close..I can't let go now..

He hesitated then hugged me back. "It's okay Sere. It was just a dream."

I looked tearfully up at him. "Oh Darien..I thought she took you..I thought she had both
of us..but you're here..you're here.." I kissed him deeply. He pulled back and stared into
my eyes surprised. I looked into his blue eyes..those same eyes..I kissed him again,
harder than before. 

He hesitated, then kissed me back with equal force. I wrapped my arms around
his neck and ran my fingers through his inky black hair. He finally pulled away.
"Serena..." He started.

My eyes were still closed. Just like before...I opened my eyes and saw Darien. He
wasn't the same Darien. He wasn't my prince. He was..Darien Chiba. "Darien..I..
oh my gosh I'm sorry...I thought you..I thought..you were...someone else.."

Disappointment flashed in his eyes. "Oh..Serena..sorry. What were you dreaming
about?" I looked quizzingly at him. "You were dreaming of something and screaming.
Then you called my name..you sounded scared and in pain. You..wanna talk about
it?"

I wanted to tell him. But he wouldn't understand, much less BELIEVE anything
about it. I shook my head. "I think I'll go back to sleep. Thanks Darien. Thanks
for everything."

He smiled warmly and nodded. I gave him a big hug. "Nite Serena." He said
kissing the top of my head.

As soon as he was out of the door, I closed it slightly, leaving a crack and
went to my suitcase. I got out my locket and gingerly ran my fingers across
it. A beautiful echoed the empty room and I closed my eyes listening to it.
I went to sleep with it playing.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning I woke up and walked in the kitchen and found a rose lying
at the place I usually eat at. I picked it up and noticed a note attatched.
'Serena...if you ever need to talk to anyone, I'm here. I can become a good friend.
                                                                                     Signed, Darien'
A smile came to my face and a pair of strong arms enveloped me from behind. I
spun around to face Darien.

"Sleep well?" I nodded. "Well hurry and eat. You gotta get to school." I grinned
and grabbed some toast and we were off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We recieved envious looks from the popular girls again as we drove up, this
time in the BMW. Lita and Amy had just gotten there and waved as we parked.
I hopped out and went to meet them. "Hey guys!" I greeted them. 

"Hey Serena! Early again! I'm very proud of you." Amy smiled. We chatted for
a while, until it was time to get inside.

I turned to Darien who had a warm, loving smile glazed on his face. I smiled back
and gave him a small hug. "See ya at 3:15 Darien." I said. He grinned, nodded, mussed
my hair a bit, and drove off.

"It seems you and Darien have gotten much closer. Is there a chance you might
pick up where you left off so many years ago?" Amy asked, grinning.

I shrugged. "I don't think so. I actually had a dream about that last night. More of
a nightmare really...it was so real like...it just happened. Gods it hurt." I shuddered.

Lita hugged me tightly. "I'm sorry Serena. I know it's painful. But we were given
a second chance. A second chance to live and to love. Take it."

I shrugged. "I just want to take it day by day. And today I want to just make it
through school. Okay?" They agreed and we walked into class.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I wasn't given detention today either. All of the teachers were overjoyed of
my attendence and attention. I actually did my homework and I got pretty
good grades also. Darien was a bit late, not that I minded. I needed time to
think. I played my locket and memories of my past life filled my head. Oh,
how I miss that life. It was hard...but I miss it. I miss mother and father...

"Serena?" A soft, deep voice called. 

My eyes flew open and I stared into Darien's soft gaze. I smiled lightly 
at him. "Hey Darien. I'm ready."

"You alright?" He asked concerned. He wrapped his arm around my waist.
I nodded. He shrugged and we got in his car and drove on to his apartment.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It was around 4:30 and I was doing Algebra, the subject I'm most bad in. I
groaned in frustration. Darien glanced up from his own studying. "What?"

"I just..don't get this. Darien will I ever REALLY need Algebra in the real
world? Or is it all some hoax?" I sighed.

He chuckled and walked over, leaning over my shoulder and looking at what
I was having so much problems with. "Aw, Sere, this stuff is easy!" He said.

"Huh. Easy for you to say. You're like..some kinda college GENIUS!" I huffed.

He flashed me a smile. "Where did you get that from?"

I grinned sheepishly. "That's what Andrew says about you."

He smiled. "Heh well..I'm ahead of my game but not a GENUIS. So anyways,
this stuff is pretty simple. Look, the key to it is to simplify. It's too complicated
if you try to go the way you're going. Just simplify it. It'll come quicker and
easier." He said, staring into my eyes.

I looked down and worked the problem out. It was quick and actually easy.
"Is this right?"

He looked down and after awhile answered. "It's perfect." I grinned and hugged
him. 

"Thank you so much!" I hugged him. "You've made it so..SIMPLE!" I beamed.

He smiled back fondly. "Of course. If you take the simple approach..it'll all..
fall into place.." He leaned forward and I felt his warm breath tingle on my
mouth. My eyes fluttered shut and I leaned in.

DING DONG!

My eyes fluttered open. Darien squeezed his eyes shut and sighed. I got up.
"I'll answer it."

I walked to his door and opened it. "SERENA DARLING!!" My mother cried,
running in and hugging me.

"Mom! What..what are you doing here? How did you know?" I gasped in
surprise.

"We got to our house and found it taped up and I asked the police. They said
it got broken into. I asked where you were and he said he didn't know that the
girl who was there said there was no phone number to Aggie's. I called your
friend Amy and asked her if you were staying with her and she said no that
you were here with a very responsible person. Let me meet your new friend,
where is she?" Daddy asked grinning.

Darien emerged, with his hands in his pockets and the most little boyish look
on his face that made me melt. "Mr. Tsukino, I'm Darien Chiba. I found your 
daughter outside of her house after she had discovered it was broken into.
Policemen swarmed her and suffocated her so I sent them away. Serena 
explained to me the situation and upon hearing her distress, I offered my home
for her to stay in until your return. She stayed in my spare room and I assure you,
sir, she has been in the best of hands." He said respectively.

Daddy glowered at him, giving him the look over. He looked around the apartment,
stopping momentarily at the Quantam Physics books and other books for geniuses
like him. "Have you in any way, touched my daughter in a way I would not approve
of?"

"No sir. I respect your daughter very much and I just wanted her to be safe." He
replied.

"Serena, has this man made you uncomfortable in any way?" He turned to me.

"Darien daddy, and no. He's been very kind and generous to me. He's gotten
me to school EARLY and helped me make B's and even an A on my homework.
I haven't gotten detention ALL WEEK!" I beamed proudly.

My mother, father, and brother's eyebrows shot up and they were speechless.
My mother spoke. "Well then, thank you young man..Darien..for taking care
of our princess for us. We are very grateful."

We all turned to Daddy to see his reaction. He frowned at Darien a while
longer. "Yes thank you. You've been kind." My mouth dropped open and
Darien hinted at a smile. "Serena, go get your bags, let's go home. We'll
order Chinese."

"YAY!" I cheered and went immediatly to pack. I was almost finished when I
felt a shadow cast over me. I turned around to see Darien standing in the
doorway.

He walked over to me and handed me my locket. "You left this in the kitchen."
he said.

I walked over to him and took it. "Thank you. Darien, thank you for everything.
You've been unusually nice to me and I really appreciate it." I said.

He smiled down at me and put a hand on my shoulder. "No problem Serena. It's
been...brighter since you've been here."

I grinned and my brother appeared at the door. "Serena, dad says hurry up and
stop talking to your boyfriend and let's go." He sneered. 

I glared at him. "Darien's a friend and I'm ready." I went and got my stuff and walked
out, Darien following right behind me. Dad helped to take some of my bags and
my mom hugged me.

We walked to the door and stepped out. Mom turned back to Darien and
gave a warm smile. "Thanks again Darien, we can't thank you enough." He
smiled and nodded. "Honey, let's go down to the car and let Serena say goodbye
to her friend, ok?" Dad started to protest, but agreed.

As soon as they were out of sight, I turned to Darien. I gave him a smile. "Well."
I started.

He smiled back. "Well."

"I guess...I'll be going. Thank you, though, for all your help. It's been great." 
I should be happy I'm getting away from this jerk...why does it feel like
before?

"Yeah, anytime. It's been great having you."

We stood in uncomfortable silence. I wrapped my arms around him in a brief
hug and lightly kissed his cheek. "Maybe..I'll run into you later?"

He laughed. "Probably literally. Sure. I'm at the Arcade a lot to visit
Andrew."

I smiled. "Okay, well, I'll see you later then. Bye Dare." I left, feeling his
eyes burning in my back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Almost a week flew by and I hadn't seen Darien. I continued fighting the
monsters and aliens. My yearning for Moonlight Knight was slowly fading,
while the yearning for my past life grew. I decided to take a walk in the park
one evening and sat under a willow tree, reflecting my memories of my past
while my locket played softly.

"Serena? Is that you?" A soft, masculine voice asked.

My head snapped up and I faced..."Darien!" I gasped. The locket stopped
playing.

He walked over and sat down beside me. "I haven't seen you in a while." He
finally spoke.

"I know..I haven't seen you either." I replied, fiddling with the locket.

He took notice of it and took it from my hands. He turned it to the side and flipped
the special switch which opened it. The soft melody started playing. He gazed up
into my eyes. "D..Darien?" I breathed.

"Princess..." He replied, giving the locket back.

My mouth hung slightly open. "You..you remember?" I whispered. He nodded in
reply, his eyes never leaving mine. "When?"

"I...saw you transform into Sailor Moon that time at the temple. A few memories came
back, just enough to make me think. Then when you had that nightmare and I left..
you started playing the locket...OUR locket. I remembered everything then." He
replied, softly caressing my cheek.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked.

He shrugged. "I really don't know. Scared, I guess. But I'm not scared anymore."
Darien leaned over and brushed his lips against mine. "I know things are different
now...but I was thinking...hoping..we could be friends?" He asked, his eyes pleading
for an aswer yes.

I smiled. "Friends..yes Darien..I'd love to be your friend."

He smiled and leaned forward, brushing his lips oh so softly against my cheek. 
"Friends then." He said.

"Friends." I replied. 

I could tell this was the becoming of a beautiful friendship...and who knows...maybe
more...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

YAY YAY YAY! The end! Ooh I like this one, it might well be the best I've written so
far. I'm starting to get over my writers block and I'm working on the 3rd chapter of
Cupid, 2nd chapter of For You, and I found some others I've started so look for those.
I also started an Usagi and Mamoru shrine and I'm transferring my fanfiction archive
over there. Be sure to visit it! Thanks for everyone's comments on A Family For Christmas.
I'll get to finishing that soon.
I might write a sequel, if I get any suggestions or inspiration
*hint hint* I've also been thinking of changing my pen name but I'm not sure what to.
Please email me with any suggestions!
Sailor Bunny aka Lindz
sailorbunny21@yahoo.com
http://bounce.to/meatballhead
http://kiss.to/blueheart