Here's my Valentine fic.  Happy Valentine's Day.

CHOCOLATE ROSES
Drygonrose
Drygonrose@hotmail.com

This is my second fic, I’m not done the first one yet, but I thoughtthat 
I’d take a break and write a Valentine’s day fic, Valentine’s day isone of 
my fav holidays.  In this story Serena isn’t Sailormoon, Darien isn’tTuxedo 
Mask and there are no such thing as Sailor Scouts.  I hope everyonelikes 
this story.  I’d love to hear from you.
Disclaimers:  Sailormoon and all the characters don’t belong to me. Blah 
blah blah.  (You all know this)

I wanna thank all the people who were nice enough to e-mail me,especially 
Katagillian and Lazuli. I also want to thank Amanda for giving 
encouragement.  Thankz!  I also need an editor and anyone who wouldlike to 
do it would be welcome.  Just e-mail me.   No without further ado………

~Chocolate Roses~

“Serena!  Where do you think you’re going young lady?”  Ken practically
screamed at his daughter.  You know you are not allowed to go out with 
guys!!  Who is he?  I’ll murder him, no… first I’ll torture him andthen 
I’ll murder him.”
Serena looked at her father with round eyes and then looked out thewindow 
to see Tobias starting to come down the pathway to her house panicked, 
“Mom!!!” <How did he find out?>
Irene came running down the stairs with Sammy in tow, “What is it, 
sweetheart?”  Then, hearing Ken mumbling about how he was going tomurder 
this ‘boy’ that was taking out his baby girl, and how he was going tomake 
him regret it, as well as how he was going to lock Serena in her roomuntil 
she was forty at least, took charge.  “Ken come here, I need you’rehelp.”
“But I have to…..”  his voice trailed off realizing that Irene wasn’tgoing 
to let him do ANYTHING to the boy.  Nearly growling he followed hiswife 
back to the kitchen.  Serena seeing him leave breathed a sigh ofrelief.  
Then she grinned happily, she was finally going to go out with Tobias,the 
hottest guy in school.  He was going to take her out to dinner and thena 
movie.  < I couldn’t believe it when he asked me out, me, SerenaTuskino, a 
freshmen no less.  Oh!! There’s the doorbell. >  Serena ran and openedthe 
door, there was Tobias smiling at her.
“Hey Babe, ready to leave?”  He grinned sexily at her.  <Turn on thecharm 
Tobz my man and she’ll fall into you’re arms just like all the othergirls.  
Lets see, when can a schedule another date?  No not Tuesday, I’m goingto 
see Cindy, that girl has hot legs.  Not Wednesday, that’s Maria’s day. 
Isn’t it some kind of anniversary for us, she was so damn annoying,every 
day reminding me, but that girl is HOT!  Thursday, yeah, Thursday…………Ican 
go out with her then. >  Then he tuned back to her, “What were yousaying babe?”
“Nothing much, just how……” Serena’s voice trailed off.  < I don’t wanthim 
to think that I’m a ditz. >
“Never mind, let’s go babe,”  Tobias cut her off.  They had dinner at a
local restaurant and then went to see a movie, Serena didn’t evennotice 
that she was the one who paid for both the restaurant bill as well asthe 
movie tickets.  Then they bumped into Rei who was there with Chad infront 
of the theatre.
“Raye!!” Serena yelled glad that her friend was there to see her on adate 
with a really popular guy.  “Hi Chad.”
“Hey Serena.”  Raye pointedly ignored Tobias. <What’s Serena doing witha 
creep like him?  He has a girl for each day of the week.  Serena isnaïve, 
she doesn’t know that Tobias is a jerk.  She’ll believe him if he tellsher 
pretty words and other things like that.  She’ll be so hurt when shefinds 
out, but I know her, if I tell her that he’s a jerk, she won’t believeme, 
in fact, she probably accuse me of being jealous. >  “You going to see 
Scream 3?”“Yeah, oh Raye this is Tobias,”  Serena put in helpfully not noticing
the looks that Raye and Tobias were giving to each other.
“We’ve met,”  Raye said flatly.  “Come on Chad, let’s go.  I’ll see you
later Serena.”
“Bye…..”  Serena stared at Raye’s departing figure.  <  Why was she socold. 
  Not because she doesn’t like Tobias, he’s perfect.  No, she’sprobably 
just jealous of that I’m going out with a guy like him and she’s goingout 
with Chad. >  “Ready to go in?”  She smiled brightly at Tobias.
***********************************************************
“He’s great Lita, he’s a major hottie and he’s really sweet.  When I 
screamed he even put his arm around me.  OH and we’re going out againon 
Thursday.  I can’t wait.”  Serena babbled happily.“What was his name again?”
“Tobias, you know the most popular guy in school.  He is soooooo cute.”
“Serena, are you sure?  Tobias isn’t really a nice guy and he’s notthat 
popular.  I’ve heard things about him, that isn’t really that great. They 
say that he has a different girl every day of the week except for onegirl 
Maria who’s clung to him for almost a year.  I’m pretty sure that heisn’t a 
nice guy.”
“NO WAY!!!!  Tobias isn’t like that!  He’s sweet and kind and nice.  He
wanted to go out with ME!!”  Serena nearly screamed into the phone.
“I didn’t mean anything by it, but it’s just that I don’t want u to get
hurt.”  Lita said sighing.  <Tobias is not anywhere good enough forSerena.  
She’s sweet and innocent while he’s cruel and heartless.  She doesn’tknow 
what kind of person he is, she just won’t see the truth.  What are wegoing 
to do?  I have to call the girls.  Damn. >
“I won’t be hurt because Tobias isn’t like that at all.”
“For you’re sake I hope so.”**************************************************
                  (A week later, a week before Valentine’s Day)
Serena was running down the street, she was late.  Tobias was waitingfor 
her and this was probably going to make her look bad.  Since she wasn’t
watching where she was going.  WHAM!!!!  “I’m sooooo sorry, pleaseforgive 
me sir.”“Don’t worry about it Meatball Head, I’ve gotten used to it.”  Darien
picked himself off the ground and held out a hand to help Serena up.  Serena
took it gratefully, but when she was up she remembered that she was suppose
to be mad at Darien.“DON’T CALL ME THAT, MY NAME IS SERENA NOT MEATBALL 
HEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
“Don’t blow a gasket Meatball Head. Where are you off to in such arush?” 
<Darien, you’re an idiot, you don’t say things like that if you wanther to 
like you!  Sheesh!>
“For you’re information, Mr. Smartypants, I’m going to the arcade tomeet my 
boyfriend.”She didn’t even notice that Darien had gone pale.  <She has a
boyfriend, you’re too late.  Damn it, why didn’t I be nicer to her, then maybe,
just maybe she would have fallen for you, not this person whoever he was.>  
Then he realized that Serena was looking up at him with concern in her eyes 
because he had probably been staring into space for quite a while now. 
“What did you say Serena?”  Also forgetting to call her Meatball Head.
Serena was surprised, <He didn’t call me Meatball Head!!>  “I asked ifyou 
were alright, you looked really spaced out.”
“I’m fine, so whose this guy of yours?” Darien asked trying to soundcasual.
	“His name is Tobias and he’s really, really sweet.  You can meet him,come 
on.  AHHHHHH!!!!!! I’m soooooo late!!”  Serena ran off, pulling Darienalong 
with her.  Darien was marveling at the feel of her hand in his, theyseemed 
to fit together perfectly.  All too soon they were outside the arcadeand 
Serena finally realizing that she was holding Darien’s hand and thatTobias 
could see her doing it let go.  Darien immediately missed her warmth. Then 
Serena spotted a guy who Darien had seen often around Tokyo.  Almostevery 
time, he had been with a different girl.  Darien began to get angryseeing 
Serena run up to him and throw her arms around him.
“Hey babe, you’re late, can’t you be on time for once?”  Darien’s blood
began to boil as he heard the tone of voice that Tobias was using.  Itwas 
harsh and cool as well as uncaring, but Serena didn’t seem to know itand 
burst into tears.
“WAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!  I’m sorry Tobias, it’s just that I ran into Darienand 
we stopped to talk, I’m really sorry Tobias, Please forgive me!!!!!!!!” 
Serena sniffled.  Darien noticed that when Tobias heard his name, hiseyes 
narrowed and he began to look around to see who this ‘Darien’ personwas.  
It was totally obvious to everyone but Serena that Tobias didn’t reallycare 
about her at all, he was just amusing himself with another girl in hisspare 
time, that is it was obvious to everyone except Serena who was staringup at 
him with teary eyes.
“Stop you’re caterwailing Serena.  Fine I’ll forgive you, but you haveto 
watch it, I’m a busy guy, I don’t want to wait forever for you.”  Tobias 
said crossly finally seeing Darien standing there.  It was also obviousto 
everyone (except Serena) that Darien was angry, not just a littleticked 
off, but full blown ‘I’m going to blow my lid and come kill you’ angry,it 
was then that Andrew who was watching the whole thing realized thatDarien 
liked…..no…..loved Serena.  Quietly Andrew walked up behind Darien andput 
an hand on his arm, restraining him.
“Let me go Andrew,”  Darien’s voice was cold, devoid of emotion and it 
scared Andrew because even when Darien was sad, his voice heldsomething……a 
hint of feeling.
“Come on Darien, don’t interfer, Serena’s got to find out sometime whata 
jerk that guy is, I mean I just saw him and a girl making out.”
“I’m going to kill him!”
“That’s not going to help right now Darien, Serena will just be mad atyou, 
not him and plus at the moment, she’s upset about being late.”
“So?  Tell her about what you saw.”
“I don’t think that she’ll believe it, I’ll try talking to her, but Idon’t 
think that it will help any.  Serena just won’t believe it, the othergirls, 
Serena’s friends already came and tried to talk to her.  She just won’t
believe that this guy is not what he seems.  You know Serena’s aninnocent 
and she’s very trusting.   I’ve already tried too and she just lookedat me 
with contempt.”
“We’ve got to do something, that guy is taking advantage of her.” Darien argued.
“Let her find out by herself Darien, that’s the only way that she’llbelieve 
it.  She’s not going to listen to you, especially not if she didn’tlisten 
to me and her friends.  I seriously doubt that she would even listen towhat 
you have to say, all you do is make fun of her and tick her off.” Andrew 
noticed how Darien’s face paled and how his eyes became sad and hollow 
before the mask was replaced and all Andrew could see was a face withno emotion.
“Still we could try….”  Darien’s voice trailed off as a tearful Serena 
pushed pass them and ran out the arcade.  “What happened?”
“I dunno, but I think that she might have found out about what a creepthat 
guy is.  Go after her Darien, you love her don’t you?  Go after her.”  
Darien didn’t even seem to realize that his big secret was out, insteadhe 
followed Serena out the door and ran after her disappearing ‘meatballs’
*****************************************************
Serena began to cry in earnest as she ran from the arcade, Tobiaswasn’t 
taking her to the dance.   He said that he had to visit his sickgrandmother 
so he’d be away for the Valentine’s Dance.  Serena had really wanted togo 
to the dance, but it was a formal dance and you HAD to have a date. She was 
happy because she had assumed that Tobias was going to take her, butnow she 
couldn’t go.  All of her friends were going to go, Amy with Greg, Rayewith 
Chad, Lita with Ken and Mina with her new boyfriend Josh.   They hadeven 
bought their dresses.  Amy’s was a conservative light sky blue with ascoop 
neck and a slightly flared skirt, Raye had bought a flaming red dressthat 
swirled around her when she moved.  Meanwhile Lita had decided to go ina 
short brown skirt and a dark forest green tanktop.  Mina was wearing a 
pretty pastel yellow dress that came down to her ankles and Serena hadfound 
a beautiful light gray dress with patterns stitched into it.  When you 
looked closely you could see constellations and planets.  She hadfallen in 
love when she saw it and she new that Tobias would have loved it.
Nearly stumbling she looked up and realized that she had reached therose 
garden.  It was Serena’s special spot, she had never found anyone elsehere. 
  It was really a long pathway with red roses growing from the sides ofthe 
path.  Each rose seemed perfect in it’s own way and at the end of thepath 
there was a gazebo where roses were entwined with the posts.  Serenawalked 
into the gazebo and sat down thinking.  <I really wanted to go to thedance, 
it was going to be so special, my first Valentine’s Day with aboyfriend.  
Tobias is so sweet, it’s not his fault that he can’t go to the danceand he 
even told me that I could go with someone else, as friends of course. He 
should know that no one would even consider asking me on such shortnotice 
especially if we would just be going as friends.  I so wanted to go. Raye 
told me that the decorations are almost ready to put up and they’re 
beautiful, I so wanted to see the gym when it’s decorated, thisValentine’s 
should be special, but I can’t even spend it with Tobias.>  With that 
thought, Serena began to cry again.
Suddenly a hand came down on Serena’s shoulder and she looked up. “Darien?”
	“Hey Serena, don’t cry, tell me what’s wrong.”  Darien’s voice wassoft and 
caring, Serena was amazed because he was actually being nice to heragain, 
calling her Serena and all.  After debating inside whether she wouldtell 
him her problem or not she decided that she would.
“Well there’s a dance next week and I really wanted to go.”
“So what’s the problem?”  Darien asked hoping that Tobias had told herthat 
he didn’t’ want to take her.
“Tobias is going to be out of town.  He has a sick grandmother and I can’t 
ask him to not go, but I really wanted to go, Raye told me that it wasgoing 
to be really special.”  Serena saddened just thinking about it.
<So he’s going to be out of town is he?  I’m sure he’s already goingwith 
another girl and he can’t take out more than one girl at a time. Serena 
doesn’t know about all his other ‘conquests’ and he wants to keep itthat 
way.  If I know serena she’ll just stay home and mope.  She’s so lovingand 
caring that if her boyfriend wasn’t going to have fun then neither wasshe.> 
  “So why don’t you go alone?”
“I can’t, you have to have a date and the dance is in one week, that’snot 
enough time to find a date, one that is alright with the fact thatwe’ll 
only be going as friends.”  Serena sighed.
“Tobias said that you could go?”  <So that’s his plan, I bet Serena now
thinks that he’s such a great guy allowing Serena to still go to thedance, 
but the chances are that she wouldn’t be able to find a guy to go with. 
Andrew shouldn’t have stopped me, I want to tear his heart out, justlike 
he’ll tear Serena’s heart, but she has to know, I can’t just let her goon 
thinking that this creep likes her.”“Yeah.”
“I’ll take you,” as soon as the word were out Darien felt a great calmset 
on him, now it was up to her, either she would agree or disagree, itwas all 
up to her.  At least he had tried, if she did agree to go then he wouldbe 
the happiest man alive, but if she didn’t then he would be utterlycrushed.
“Really?”  Serena’s eyes grew wide like saucers and then distrustful,“This 
isn’t one of your jokes right?”
“No, I swear to you, if you want to go, I’ll take you.”  Darien smiled 
finishing his thought, <and then maybe you’ll see the creep with anthergirl 
and realize that we’re meant to be together.>
“Alright!!”  Serena shrieked and threw herself into Darien’s arms. Darien 
stood still for a moment and then wrapped his arms around her. <Serena, 
you’re hugging Darien and you’re liking it.  Something must be wrongwith 
me, I mean this is Darien, the annoying guy that always bugs me……. Buthe is 
being really really nice today and cute and totally hot.  AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! 
  What am I thinking, I must be coming down with something, I have areally 
sweet and cute boyfriend and here I am thinking about Darien!>
<This is too good to be true, we seem to fit together perfectly, ifonly 
she’d see that.  I wish that she could stay in my arms forever.  I’dnever 
be like that creep, I’d know how special Serena is and try to be worthyof 
her.  If only she’d give me a chance.  I love her so much, mybeautiful, 
sunny, happy, meatball head.>  “So when is this dance,”  Darien asked 
clearing his throat, his arms still wrapped around Serena.
Serena seemed to jump out of her trance, leaping out of Darien’sembrace.  
She laughed nervously, “Well the dance starts at 8 so I think that you 
should pick me up around 7:30.  Is that okay?”“Sure, is this a formal dance?”
“Um, yeah, it would be good if you could dress a bit formally.”
“Alright, I have a tux.”“Where did you get a tux?”  Serena asked curiously.
“At a store, Meatball Head.”“Don’t call me that!!!”
“Alright, we’ll call a truce for now, I won’t call you Meatball Headuntil 
after the dance.”  Darien laughed.
Serena was grumbling, “I guess that’s better than nothing.”
	*********************************************  				(The next morning)
Serena yawned, getting up.  She looked at the clock and was amazed tosee 
that she wasn’t actually late.  She grinned and quickly got out of bed,got 
dressed and ran downstairs.  On the table there was a package sittingthere. 
  Serena saw that her name was written on it.  She quickly ran over andtore 
off the wrapping and peered inside.  There amidst the wrapping sat a 
beautiful porcelain figurine of a rose.  It was deep red in colour and 
looked real, as if the dew drops on it would in a second fall from the 
petals.  Serena reverently picked it up and saw a note dangling fromit.
To my beautiful Serena:I look upon your lovely face,
And see your beautiful smile,You make me dream of better things
I’ll see you in a while.Love:  Someone who cares
	Serena stared at the poem wondering who would do such a thing.<Tobias, of 
course, silly!!>  For an instant Serena had been hoping that someone(namely 
someone named Darien)  had done it, but that was just impossible. Darien 
didn’t care about her, even if he was for once being nice and takingher to 
the dance. She sighed, wondering why she was feeling so depressed when 
Tobias had given her such a lovely present and then took the packageand put 
it up in her room.****************************************************
				(After school)
	Serena was running down the street going to the arcade.  She wanted tofind 
Tobias and tell him how much she liked his present.  Of course whatwould 
happen except she would run into someone.  “Oh I’m so sorry sir, Iwasn’t 
watching where I was going.”
“It’s okay Serena, I don’t mind, too much.”  Darien deep voice sent a 
delightful shiver of anticipation down her spine.  “Where are yougoing?  
The arcade?”
<Stop it Serena, stop thinking about him.  He’s just being nice becausehe 
feels sorry for me.>  “Um, yeah, are you coming?”
“Yeah,”  with that the two of them walked together in silence the restof 
the way.  When Serena spotted Tobias she ran over to him, again notnoticing 
that Darien’s expression seemed to fall.
“Tobias!!!  Thank you so much for the gift!”
“Huh?  Babe, I didn’t send you a gift.”  <Good think Miranda’s in the 
bathroom.  I have to get rid of her and soon.>  “Is there a reasonyou’re 
here Babe?  Cuz I’m meeting my friend and we have to go.”
“Oh….it’s okay……bye.”  Serena didn’t seem to pay any attention toTobias 
after he had said that he hadn’t sent her the gift. <Then who had?  Who
would do such a thing, she didn’t know any other guys that had a crushon 
her.  No one liked her as far as she knew.>  Again she wasn’t watchingwhere 
she was going and ran straight into (AN:  You guessed it)  Darien.
“Whoa, Serena, this is getting to be too much of a habit, once a day is
enough, but twice?”  Darien teased unable to help himself, he wasreally 
hurt about the fact that Serena had ran over to Tobias greeting him so 
lovingly.  <Fool, she’ll never greet you like that.  Even if you didsend 
her that gift.>  Darien sighed.
But Serena didn’t even seem to notice, all she did was mumble anapology and 
walk away contemplating about what had happened that day.
************************************************
So it continued for the rest of the week until the dance.  Serena wouldwake 
up early and run down the stairs to see a present sitting at the table. She 
questioned everyone about it, but no one knew who had left it there. On the 
second day there had been an exquisitely carved rose that was attachedto 
this poem:My beautiful Serena:You, my love, are like a rose
You are beauty, faith, and strengthYou are dreams, hope and love.
I wait till at last we meet, farwell until February the 14th
Yours forever:  Someone who cares.
*************************************************
Then on the third day there was a package with a beautiful paintinginside.  
It was of the secret rose garden and the poem read:My beautiful Serena,
Four more days until we meet,I can hardly wait.
I shall count each second gone by,And leave the rest up to fate
Love always:  Someone who cares.********************************************
One the forth day there was glass figurine, it was so detailed that it 
looked so real and the light caught it beautifully as it reflected the 
sunlight, moonlight and any other light.  The poem:My beautiful Serena:
As each day is over and doneI dream with stark anticipation
I await the day I see your faceTo declare my love through all the nation
Forever yours:  Someone who cares.
*****************************************************
The day before Valentine’s Day (and the dance) Serena found on thetable a 
real red rose which was in full bloom.  Attached to it was yet another 
beautiful poem.My beautiful Serena:I need you more than the stars themselves
More than the sun and moon.I need you like I need to breathe.
One day, one day, I’ll see you soon.Dreaming of you:  Someone who cares.
********************************************
Finally it was the day of the dance and Serena was so excited.  It was 
strange really, because over the week she had almost totally forgottenabout 
Tobias.  She hadn’t seen him since the day the first present hadarrived.  
She had stayed at home daydreaming about the man who was sending herthe 
gifts.  All her friends were a bit surprised at her, because she hadbeen 
distant. Her teacher had nearly a heart attack when she went to schoolearly 
every day this week as well as finishing her homework.  Serena didn’ttell 
anyone why she had been early this week and why she had done herhomework. 
(She was really really bored and she HAD to do something to take herbrain 
off the mystery man.
  It might have seemed strange that in all her imaginings that themystery 
man looked a lot like Darien. She hadn’t even seen Darien in the pastweek.  
It was shocking how much she missed seeing him, every day, but she justkept 
missing her.  She hadn’t been to the arcade so that might have been the
reason, but usually she at least saw him once a day.  Serena was afraidthat 
Darien was going to change his mind about the dance.  Serena sighedthen, a 
gift hadn’t come today, but Serena was still hopeful because themystery man 
had told her that he would see her on Valentine’s Day which was today.
Serena was getting ready for the dance, being almost as excited aboutit as 
the mystery gift man.  She was going to spend the whole evening withDarien. 
  She had put on the dress and was now debating on how to do her hair, 
finally deciding on her meatballs with pearls looped around the buns. She 
was just finishing up her makeup when the doorbell rang.  She quicklyran 
down the stairs, threw open the door yelling, “Bye Mom, bye Dad, seeyou 
later.”  Then Serena grabbled Darien’s hand running into the NICE carand 
then telling him, “Drive, hurry up, Darien!!!!”  As Darien sped awaySerena 
saw her father run outside shaking his fist and his other dragging himback 
inside by the ear.“What was that about Serena?”  Darien asked.
“Well, my dad is a little overprotective and even if I told him that wewere 
only going as friends than he still would have tried to murder you…..” her 
voice trailed off as she got a good look at Darien in his tux.  Helooked 
HOT!!!!!  There wasn’t any other word in the English language thatdescribed 
it except for hot.  He filled out his jacket like he was made for it.His 
hair was falling adorably over his eyes.  And he was stealing looks ather 
while trying to drive.
“Your dad’s that bad?”  <Gods!  She looks beautiful.  I can’t believethat 
she’s going with me. That dress is a knockout.  It makes Serena seemolder, 
more mature. Even though we are going as friends, I’m hoping to changethat 
tonight when I give her, her last present.>
“Yeah,”  Serena continued to stare at Darien.  She knew that all theother 
girls would be green with envy.   The two were silent during the restof the 
ride each lost in his or her daydreams.  In no time at all the twoarrived 
at the school.  Darien parked his car and came around the other side toopen 
the door where Serena was sitting.    Serena just smiled at Darienwondering 
when he got so gentlemanly.
The moment the couple walked into the dance almost all the eyes swungaround 
to look at them.  They made a striking couple, his dark, brooding goodlooks 
to her light sunshine smiles.  Serena noted that Amy, Raye, Lita andMina 
were all gaping at her, but then she turned and noticed something. There 
was Tobias out on the dance floor with a bimbo blond hanging on to hisarm, 
well not exactly hanging, more like draped over his arm.  Serena gaspedand 
saw red, she was about to storm over there and yell at Tobias whenDarien 
squeezed her hand.
Then he whispered, “Pretend that you don’t care.  It’ll make him moremad.  
Pretend that you wanted to come to this dance with me and that you werethe 
one leading him on and YOU are the one who is going to dump him.”
“I am going to dump him!!”  Serena hissed back, now that her initialrage 
was gone was just hurt and her eyes burned with tears.
“Come on, let’s dance.”  Without waiting for an answer Darien pulledSerena 
out onto the floor.  It was a slow dance and Darien pulled her closeand 
again he marveled at how they seemed to fit together perfectly.  Serena 
buried her face in his chest and he could feel that she was fightingback tears.
“Why did he do something like that?  I really thought that he caredabout 
me.”  Serena sniffed.
“He’s one of those guys that are creeps, who don’t really care who they
hurt, they have a different girl each day of the week.”
“All the girls and even Andrew tried to tell me about him, but Ifoolishly 
believed that he really cared about me, instead I was just one of hisgirls. 
  Someone new, he would have dumped me the minute that I began to borehim!” 
  After Serena began talking, she began to feel less and less hurt andmore 
and more angry.  “How could he do something like that to me!!!  I hate 
him!!!!  Gods, I’m going to show that guy a piece of my mind!!!”
“Don’t make a scene, it will just fuel the gossip that’s probablyalready 
started.  You know what you should do?”“What?”  Serena asked grudgingly.
“You should act like you don’t care.  It will make him mad and you canshow 
him what he lost out on.  You’re a great girl Serena.”  Darien smileddown 
at the still teary eyed meatball head.
“You think that I’m great?”  Serena looked up, losing herself in thedark, 
mysterious eyes.
<She doesn’t know how breathtakingly enchanting she is.> “Yes,”  Darien
trailed on his mind still on other things, “You’re absolutelybeautiful.”
Serena’s mind was reeling at the implications of this comment.  <Darien
thinks I’m beautiful?  Wow!!!  Maybe he’s my mystery man.  Sigh, as if,with 
my luck it will probably be a ten year old idiot.  I wish it were 
Darien…….wait a minute, when did I start thinking about Darien likeTHAT?  
He is an annoy creep, who’s being really nice to me and he looks HOT ina 
tux.  Oh shit, I’ve gone and fallen for him, haven’t I?  Yup I guessthat’s 
it.  No wonder, I was more angry than hurt when I saw Tobias with thatslut 
what was her name?   Mindi, yeah that was it.  Well I don’t care abouthim, 
I just liked the idea that I would have a boyfriend.  I didn’t reallywant 
Tobias, I didn’t love him, but do I love Darien?>  Just then Tobiaswith 
Mindi on his arm came by.  Serena pointedly decided to ignore him,following 
Darien’s advice.  “Darien, you’re the sweetest guy!”
Darien looked shocked for a moment and then he too caught sight of the 
couple rapidly advancing on them.  Then he smiled lovingly down at her,
stealing Serena’s breathe once again with his dark eyes and sensuallips.  
“You’re a dream Serena.”
During this exchange Tobias looked shocked, he stared at both of themand 
frowned.“Serena, can I talk to you for a second?”
Serena was about to decline and do some more staring into Darien’seyes, but 
then she caught his eyes, he was urging to her to go so she grinned and
said, “Sure Tobias.”  They walked to the edge of the gym, which was all
decked out in white, pink and red.  Serena reminded herself to tellRaye 
that she did a really good job on the decorations.  “SO?”  She asked 
impatiently.
“Serena, this isn’t what it looks like.  It’s just that I promised totake 
Mindi a month ago.  I keep my promises, even if I don’t like Mindianymore.”
Serena smiled serenely, “Don’t worry about it, I don’t care.  I wasgoing to 
break up with you later, but I haven’t seen you.  I’m in love withDarien.”  
The moment she said the words she realized that it was true, she wasmadly 
in love with him.  She took a deep breath and continued, “Sorry if Ilead 
you on.  Good-bye Tobias.”  Serena turned to leave, but Tobias grabbedher arm.
“What do you mean?”  His voice was cold and sounded dangerous.  Serena 
wanted to run, but she couldn’t break free of his harsh grip.
“Let go of me.”  She said quietly trying not to panic.
“No way Babe, you can’t dump me, I’m Tobz.”
A new voice entered the fray, “I believe the lady told you to let hergo.  I 
think you should do it.”  Darien’s quiet voice sent shivers downSerena’s 
spine when the word weren’t even directed at her.  Tobias was obviously
intimidated by Darien because he let her go.  Serena instantly flew to 
Darien, who put his arms around her.  “Don’t bother the lady again.” Then 
without another word, he turned and walked away with Serena.
The rest of the dance was a haze to Serena, she knew that she spent therest 
of the night in Darien’s arms, dancing every dance.  With each passing 
moment she fell farther and farther in love with the sweet mysteriousman 
who was now sitting in the car beside her.  Darien had talked to her so
tenderly, giving her loving looks, secret smiles and sensual caresses. 
Serena had even ignored all of her friends because of him, and she knewthat 
everyone had believed that Darien and her were madly in love.  EvenSerena 
was beginning to have trouble believing that he was just acting. <Maybe he 
isn’t>  a voice in her head suggested.  Serena quickly pushed thethought 
out of her head, she couldn’t bear to be hurt.  She hadn’t cared whenTobias 
had tried to hurt her, but if Darien did, it would break her heart.  She 
hadn’t wanted the night to end, but the night was almost over and shewas 
going home.
She sighed and Darien turned asking, “What’s wrong?” <This is my last 
chance, I have to take it.  I made everything ready before I pickedSerena 
up.  Do I have enough courage to go through with my plan?>
“Nothing’s wrong Darien.  Hey, where are we going?  This isn’t the wayto my 
house.”  <Maybe he’s taking you somewhere special.>  The annoying voicein 
her head persisted.
“I want to show you something Serena.”  The two drove in silence for a 
while.  They reached the park and Darien stopped the car.  “Wait, turn 
around, I’m going to put this blindfold on.”  He pulled out ahandkerchief 
and gently tied it.
“Where are we going?”  Serena was beginning to get excited.  She loved 
surprises and she couldn’t help remembering that her mystery man hadtold 
her that he would see her today, it was almost midnight and she stillhadn’t 
so………….“It’s a surprise,”  Darien took Serena’s hand and lead her out of thecar 
and down a pathway.  He was careful that she didn’t stumble and that nolow 
branches hit her face.  Finally he reached where he wanted to go and hesaid 
softly, “We’re here Serena, you can take off the blindfold.”
Serena tore off the blindfold and blinked a few times.  Then shegasped, she 
was in the rose gazebo, but in the center of it stood a table.  Serena 
walked closer to the table.  There on the table was one last poem:Dare to Dream
Dare I dream a dream?Dare I dream of love?Dare I think of you?
And the stars above?Dream of moonbeams dancingUpon a shimmering lake
Dream of angels singingBefore the pearly gatesWhen I think of you,
All I see is lightWhen I look at you,Your eyes are shining bright
When I hear you speakI long to hear your words.When I see you cry,
I wish to shout and curse.Do you love me now?Can you love me ever?
For I shall love you nowFor always and forever.So I dare to dream a dream.
So I dare to dream of loveSo I dare to think of youAnd the stars above.
		My elegant Serena,
			I’ve loved you forever, ever since I first set eyes on you. You are 
everything to me.  I live to see you everyday, a second without you islike 
being in hell.  I don’t know if you love me or not, but I had to try. Will 
you be my Valentine?  Look behind you.
	Serena whirled around and saw Darien standing there with something inhis 
arms, she ran straight into his arms, tears filling her eyes.  “Oh Ilove 
you too,”  she sobbed.
	“Don’t cry Serena, what’s wrong?”  Darien asked concerned, but elatedat 
the same time for Serena had just told him what he had been waiting an 
eternity (and would wait another eternity) to hear.
	“Nothing is wrong, I’m happy!!!!!”
“Good!  Here’s your last present.”  He handed her a bouquest of roses,not 
normal roses, but ones made of chocolate.  “I know how much you love 
chocolate.” He blushed.  Serena took the roses and looked at them, eachone 
was a work of art, she didn’t know that you could make chocolate looklike 
something so real.“I love them!!!!  Just like I love you!”
	“I love you to my beautiful Meatball Head.  So will you be myValentine?”  
Darien asked, near tears himself.  He was almost afraid that he wasdreaming 
this moment.  This one perfect moment, but Serena’s warmth wasn’t adream.  
He was a lucky man.
	“Of course!”  Serena gave him another squeeze before Darien’s head 
descended his lips tenatively touching hers.  The two stood entwined inthe 
moonlight, together, always.On this special day, at this special time
Tell the that person who means so muchThree little word that change the world
To touch the heart, to touch the soulI love you.HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY
	
********************************************************

YAAAAAAA!!!!!!  I’m finished, I wanted to get it done beforeValentine’s 
Day.  E-mail me and tell me what you think.  All the poems in this ficare 
mine. 	I hope that you all enjoyed reading it.  Seeya later.Keep dreamin’
~Drygonrose