Title: I Dare You
Part: 2  ( A Trip to the Mall.)
Rating: PG
E-mail: shenkoskyusa@netscape.net

OK this part, will not be like the last two, and filled with errors.
Nor will any thing else I write, from here on out.Promise.
From now on, it'll all be readable.
Thanks to Alicia Blade and Lady Starra, for putting this up.
Thanks to Nikki-chan, Kiwi, Izzy and Grace McMoon.
And every, one else who e-mailed me.Hope you like this part.
Oh and gess what, the 19th is MY BIRTHDAY!.( Grins BIG )
Ha I'm going to get so much stuff!.
Disclaimers: I still don't own, Sailor Moon! isn't it a shame.   
@--<----   @--<----   @--<----    @--<----   @--<----   
Serena, stared out the window.'This is nuts.
I haven't been able to keep, my mind off Darien, all day.
Why am I even thinking about him?So he was nice, one time.
Big deal, give the boy, a medal.
It's not like he was a completely, different person.
He was still a cranky old, annoying upperclassman.He's no different.
So how come I can't wait, to see him again?.'
Serena, sighed and grabbed, her favorite, white bunny.
She hugged the doll to her, and breathed in the pleasant scent, of perfume that all ways
Circle, the stuffed, animal.
She often wondered if her Mom, had put dried flowers in it.   
How was she, suppose to act, like she didn't have feelings, for him, when he did things like this.
She looked over at the bouquet, of blood red, roses standing in the middle, of her dresser.
She had been so shocked, when the Flower boy, handed them to her, that she didn't even tip him.
Instead she just shut the door, and walked up the staircase, in a haze. 
What was the matter, with her?.This was Darien.
He'd hurt, her a million times, and plus some.
She wasn't suppose to be thinking, about his smile. 
Or how his eyes seem to swallow, her whole, when he looked, at her.
' Don't even start on his eyes!.' she warned herself.She, sighed again.
Hugging, the bunny a little closer, she looked over to her, alarm clock, 
just as the digits read 12:34am." This is going to be a long, night."
@-<------    @-<-------    @-<-------   @-<---------
" But Amy, he's been acting, so weird.First, he decides to call a truce.
Then he sends ME roses!....ME! I just don't know about him lately."
Serena calm down, I'm sure Darien has good reason.
Did you ever think, that maybe he really does want a truce, and that was his little way of making emends?"
" Well yes, I thought about that Amy.But your missing the point.
The blue haired girl sighed." And that would be?" she asked."This is Darien!. 
He doesn't just up and start, sending people, of all people.Me flowers!."
"Perhaps he truly is sorry, and wishes for you, to forgive him?."
" But why, does he care, what I think."
When she got no reply, she looked over to find, her friend fidgeting?.
She raised an eye brow, and gave her a quizzical, look." Ame's?."
" I...I don't know Serena, maybe you should talk, to one of the other girls, about this.
I don't have that much, experience in this area." 
Suddenly Serena, felt sympathy, for her good friend.
And a little desperation for herself." Amy, I can't.
Raye, would never, let me live it down if she found,  out I was stressing, over Darien. 
Lita.Well Lita, would slip off into some fantasy, about her last, boyfriend.
Mina, I love her, but she just can't keep, a secret.
Please Amy, all you have to do is listen, you don't even have to give advice, unless you want to."
She loved all her friends, truly she did, But Amy, was the best at keeping, a secret and giving advice.
" Just listen?. " Asked the shy, blue haired, girl.
Serena smiled kindly at her. "  Yeah that’s it.    Just listen."      
" OK Serena, tell me any thing, you want.You know I'll always listen."
" Tell her what?." Asked a deep male, voice.
She must of jumped, ten feet when she heard, Darien.
He had completely snuck up on them.Taking a deep breath, and calming her nerves.
She slowly, she turned around, not knowing what to expect.
And came face to face, with........a chocolate, sundae?.
" Thought I'd pay up." he answered simply.
Thinking, that this was her queue, to leave.
Amy quietly, picked up her text books, and found the nearest exit.
Leaving a happy Darien, and a nerves, looking Meatball head.
Darien, took the seat, that Amy had previously, been occupying.  
Slowly he, slid the sundae, across the counter, making sure that she had noticed it.
And watched, as her eyes grew to the size of saucers.
Growing anticipation, crossed her face, and
without hesitation, she dug into her chocolate, treat.
He smiled, as little bits of ice cream, landed on her cheeks, and nose. 
She was so kawaii. He thought silently, as a look of bliss, crossed her 
ice cream, covered face.
He knew, it was a good idea, to surprise, her with chocolate.
After all, the quickest way to Serena's heart, was through her stomach.
He silently congratulated, himself.This was going better, then planned.       
With any luck, he wouldn't mess, things up." Uh....did you get the flowers?."
Suddenly, Serena looked nerves, again." Y..yeah."' There goes, that idea.'
She pushed, the empty, bowl to the middle of the table, and sat back in her seat.
Staring at the counter, she folded her hands in her lap, as an uncomfortable 
silence drifted, over them.' OK on to plan, two." 
" Well Meatball head, I was just wondering, if you had any plans, for today?." 
She looked up little, startled. 
" N..no not really.   Why?."  'Was that suspicion in her voice?.
All the more reason, to show her you mean her no harm.'
He looked back up to the Angel, and gulped. 'OK play it cool.
And don't lose your nerve!' he warned himself.
" Cause I was just thinking about how much, I needed a new shirt, and thought you might, wanna come to the mall, with me."  
He gave himself a pat, on the back.That actually, came out right.
And he didn't mess, up or any thing." The mall?.  I don't know, Darien."
Well he was expecting, that much.
He had to make up, for allot, before she'd be comfortable around him.
But that didn't mean he was going to give up without even trying!.
He ignored the abnormal beating of his heart, and concentrated on the girl before him.
To the hole world, he looked calm and collected, but inside he was a complete wreck.
And, terrified, he'd be shot down.
Yesterday was great, but it didn't mean she trusted, him.
Or even that she'd give him a real, chance.
No this was one of those situations, were you have no idea, whats going to happen.
He decided, to push his luck.He had to show her he wasn't, a bad guy.
To have any chance, with her she needed to know, he wasn't what he appeared.
'Besides.' He thought whimsically. ' Girls like a man, of mystery' Or at least he hoped so.
He looked back to her.
She was fidgeting with her napkin, and looking to cute for words.
' Figures, you'd fall in love, with the only girl, who hasn't tried throwing herself, at you.'
He thought about the irony of it, for a moment.
She looked so innocents, and pure.That was the only, way to describe her.
Other than beautiful, that is.He sat back in his seat, and watched her.
He waited, for her to look up.
When she did, he did something completely different, from normal.
Instead of turning his head, quickly and pretending like he was looking at something else, like he normally did.
He held a steady gaze.Smack, right between the eyes.He took a deep breath. 
Her eyes held the power, to make him speechless.
They’d done it more times then he could count, and he found himself in the same situation as so many, times before.
But he didn't mind one bit.He'd be more then happy to drown in them.
She blushed under his gaze, and he felt a smile tug at his lips.   
" Why are you looking at me like that?." She asked nervously.
He smiled a little more, but said nothing.
" What?.    Do I have ice cream on me or something."
Still he stayed quiet, and continued to stare.
Serena's discomfort was noticeable.
She wasn't use to any one, staring at her the way Darien did.
It made her feel like, melting." I was just thinking about how cute, you are."
He could of smacked himself right there.
He definitely wasn't planing on letting something like that slip out.
But he hadn't even been thinking.
He was to busy, looking into her eyes and grinning like an idiot, to think.
She giggled a little nervously, and looked down at her lap, as a blush sprang to her cheeks.
"It's not nice to lie." She informed him.
Taken aback a little, he looked at her to see, if she was serious.
Well she sure didn't look, like she was kidding.He frowned a little.
" I'm not lying." He tolled her." Darien, I know I'm not cute." 
She said while looking, down at the table, and blushing. " So don't say I am." 
He nodded a little.He had always known, she had low self esteem.
He just never knew, how bad it was.Well he would have to do something, about it.
But right now, he had to convince, the beautiful Meatball Head, to come with him to the mall.
Then he could, help that low confidence, problem.
She was looking, at the top of the table again, and fidgeting with her napkin 
some more." Serena?. "She looked up, at him nervously." Y yeah?."
He smiled, coyly at her, and grinned.
She would find out, that when it came to the important things.
Darien Shields didn't give up.   
" Serena, I would really appreciate it if you came to the mall with me.
I think it'll be fun.
And besides it'll give us a chance to get to know each other. "  
She bite her bottom lip, and looked down.
" I'm not sure.  I have to be somewhere in a couple hours.I can't be late."
" Then will stay until, you need to leave.How’s that sound?."
She still looked doubtful.
" If it makes you feel better, my car is only a couple blocks from here.
We could get back to it, and I'll take you where ever you need to go.
And I promise you wont be late."'Should she?.
Something in her really did want to.But still.She sighed.
Her heart was beating so fast, and she couldn't seem to stop blushing.
She still wasn't sure if he was kidding when he said she looked cute. 
'He but he did look serious.' She thought silently.
'And he acted like he really did want her to come.
But Ray would kill, her if she was late again this week.
She really did want to go, it might be fun.
A part of her really wanted to see if he was serious about, this friendship thing.
And the other part of her just wanted to go.'Well what’s the harm in it?.  
I could always get back in time for Rays, fire reading.'
She looked up, and he gave her this hopeful little grin.
He was slowly wearing down all of her resistance.
She smiled and nodded her head in agreement.
At this point a broad smile, dawned on his face, and she blushed a little.
'He really is cute, when he smiles at me like that.'
Realizing what she had thought, she blushed a little more and stared at the table.
'What am I thinking lately?.Better get your head screwed back on girl!.'
'She said yes!.  I can't believe, she said yes!'He was temporarily, on cloud 9.
I thought I'd have to get down on my hands and knees before she agreed!.'
Serena, sat by quietly and thought about, if this was indeed a good idea. 
She looked over to him and frowned.
' Well he is being nice. but is that really enough reason to trust him?.'
She sighed a moment.' Well every one deserved a chance.   Right? '
All most as if sensing her sudden hesitation, he snapped out of his happy thoughts, to concentrate on her.
Gaining a little confidence, and a stroke of genius.
( not to mention a little push from desperation, and fear, of her changing her mind )
Darien stood up and cleared his throat.
Taking a deep bow, he stretched out his hand and asked.
" Milady, would you care to accompany me, on this fine afternoon?"
Serena, taken aback a little, gave a nervous giggle and nodded.
' What’s the harm? ' She asked herself silently.
' After all, maybe he really had changed. '
Hesitantly, she put her hand, in his and allowed him to pule her up.
Little electric, shocks went up her arm, and she quickly pulled away.
' How does he do that, to me.' 
He gave her a sly wink, and wrapped his arm around her.
She felt herself blush to the vary tips, of her hair, and laughed a little.
' He had definitely changed, somehow.'
" So to the mall? " she asked while sliding out of his embrace, and walking ahead.
She wasn't ready for these feelings he stirred, in her.
It was all to quick, and over powering.
He looked, slightly downcast but quickly gained his composure.
" You bet Milady.  That is if her majesty, wishes it. " 
She giggled a little and decided, to play along.
After all she wasn't the kind, to turn down a chance at the mall.
And aside from that, his light hearted banter was making her feel,more at ease.
And as long as those butterflies stayed out of her stomach, she'd be fine.
She turned to him and smiled.Working up he most, disbelieving voice, she said.
" NOT want to go to the mall!.  Are you kidding? " she managed to look positively scandalized at the vary idea.
And laughed at the way her own voice sounded.
He chuckled a little at the imp before him.She was positively adorable.
And so full of life.Sometimes he wondered where she put all that energy.
" Well Malady.If you would kindly, help me in my quest for a shirt.
I would be most appreciative."" So I shell, kind sir."
He laughed at her British accent, a little.Her's was almost as bad as his!.
He had to admit, this was kind of fun.
He hadn't goofed around, in so long he could barely remember.
Feeling childish, he reached out tapped her on the back.
He then announced.  " race ya! "Right before breaking into a dead run.
Serena, stared at his retreating figure a moment before, laughing and running after him.
' No way is he going to win this race!'With in moments they were neck and neck.
Serena smiled and gave him a wink before passing the stunned Darien.
' Had no idea she could run like that.' He thought silently while trying to keep up.
The two raced through Tokyo, like children.
Laughing and goading each other on as they went.
Unsuspecting bystanders, jumped out of the way before they were run over by the young couple.
When they finally reached the mall, both were out of breath and gasping for air.
Serena quickly recovered and began to drag Darien in with her.
" Common slow poke.   The mall will be closed by the time we get in, if you don't hurry up."
Darien chuckled a little, before quickening his pace.
It's amazing how quickly she could change, her attitude.
He wrapped his arm around her again and began to lead the way.
' If at first you don't succeed." he tolled himself.
Before she had a chance to pull away
He tightened his grip on her, and steered her into the first store.
She bowed her head in an attempt to hid the blush that stained her cheeks.
Her stomach was doing those God offal flip flops again.
She quickly decided to, concentrate on any thing other then how her heart was pounding against her chest
Or how her palms were sweating.
Or how the smell of his cologne was becoming intoxicating. 
She closed her eyes and tried focusing on something else.
This was exactly what she was afraid would happen.
" So what kind of shirt are you looking for?." She asked while hoping her voice didn't give out.
This was so weird.Darien looked surprised at first." Shirt? "
" Yeah, the shirt you said you needed."Darien, began to blush slightly.
He had completely forgotten his alibi.
" Oh I just need a normal shirt, nothing fancy.But we can do that later.
Lets go to that store you wanted to go to first."
Serena smiled, a little.  " OK if your sure."
Darien tightened his arm around her a little more.
Then gave her that smile that always made her melt.
" You just lead the way Milady."She giggled a little.
' This is kind of fun.  I never new he could be like this.'
" So Darien? do you go to the mall allot? "
He looked down at his one true love, and smiled.
She could all ways make him smile." Not really, why Meatball head?."
" I was just wondering." She answered silently. 
While trying to get her emotions under wrap. 
' She's so beautiful.'  he thought whimsically.
He couldn't seem to take his eyes off her for a moment.
And the smile on his face refused to go away.
'She hadn't poled away ether.   Maybe there was a chance for him after all.'
The mall was packed with people.Mostly kids and teenagers.
Darien looked over to the toy store.
The place was littered with screaming toddlers.
One particular little boy, was covered in chocolate, and throwing a tantrum.
The Boys Mother looked ready to pop at any moment.Darien chuckled a little.
He never really noticed every thing that was going on around him.
He was always to busy studding or working to pay attention.
But now it seemed that he was seeing through new eyes.
' Serena ' he thought silently.She had a way of effecting him.
Making him come out of his shell and pay attention.
He looked down at her blond head, and smiled.
Every thing he did lately was somehow effected by her.Like the roses he bought.
He would of never done that for any one else, but for Serena.
Buying her roses and things just seemed natural.
Even if they weren't an official couple....yet.It just felt right.
That was the only way to explain it.Holding her like this felt right.
The thought of kissing her sweet lips felt right.Just being with her felt right.
It all ways had.   He had just been to stubborn to realize it.
He was so busy running from love he almost missed the best thing in his life.
And it had scared him.The thought of needing someone so totally.
The thought of being needed.
He was terrified when he realized he loved her for the first time.
Terrified she'd turn him down.Terrified he'd mess it up.
And just plain afraid to love.That’s why he always pushed her away.
Why he acted like he simply didn't care.That way he couldn't get hurt.
It wasn't until he had a revelation, one night.He had been hurting her.
The one person in this whole entire world he loved.
The one person he would give his life for.Who he never wanted to see cry.
He had felt so guilty.It was eating away at him.That was one week ago.
He had steered clear of her after that.Or at least tried to.
But now he couldn't afford to stay away.That one week was pure torture.
He had been going through Serena, withdraw.Maybe that’s why he took the bet.
Some inner voice telling him that this was his chance to set things right.
To mend the wounds.To win his love.Ether way he wouldn't lose.
He loved her to much to lose her.He refused to give up.
And the thought of her loving him back, no matter how impossible it seemed.
Was enough to make him try.
He looked back to the source of warmth at his side, and thought about his chances.
They were slim.After all he had to make up for six months worth of pain.
Serena, unconsciously snuggled into his embrace a little deeper.He smiled.
But just maybe he did have a chance.
@--<-----   @--<-----   @--<------  @--<------
8 Store's and allot of Darien's money later.... 
" Oh can we go there....please? "" The toy store? "" Yeah it'll be fun."
" I don't know Serena."
" Oh please!. They have a huge plush rabbit, I've been saving up for."
" Yeah, but.....A toy store?. 
Don't you have enough stuff?.  And besides your not five.  What are you going to do with a big, stuffed bunny?."
Immediately he regretted the words.
Serena, pulled out of his embrace to pout at him." Jerk!."    
And with that she dropped, the bags she had been carrying and marched off to the toy store.
Leaving Darien, to carry everything.He sighed, and dropped to his knees.
Picking up the two bags filled with clothes, he added them to the pile in his arms and staggered after her.
" I deserved that.You and your big mouth!"
He muttered while searching blindly for the girl with the meatballs.
'Better mend the damage.   And quickly.'
After ten minutes, he was ready to pull his hair out.
He had looked all over that blasted toy store, for her.
He kept running into screaming kids, and hostile adults.
Darien felt something tugging at his pant leg and looked down to see a little boy.
The kid was adorable.  Couldn't of been more then two and a half years old.
Pudgy cheeks.   Shaggy blond hair, and a ice cream covered face.
" Hey, I want my Gee. "Darien smiled at the youngster." Your what?."
" Gee, I want Gee."Just then the boys Mother came up, carrying loads of toys.
Her dark vibrant, brown hair, came down a little past her shoulders.
And her brown eyes, flickered annoyance at the, 8 year old boy at her side.
" I  thought I tolled you to watch you brother, while I paid for this."
" I was watching him, but then I seen this great looking batman."
" Jon! You are not getting any more toys, and that’s final!." But Ma, please!"
" NO!.  You almost lost Michael."
Darien laughed, a little and began to search, for his Meatball head again.
In the distance he could hear the woman giving up, and muttering something like.
" Your sister never gave me these problems."
He turned a corner to another isle, and " splash!" Got soaked by a kid with a 'Super Soaker
5 Thousand.'
" Thanx!" he yelled after the boy, as the kid ran ran full speed after his sister.
When Darien finally spotted Serena, she was in the checkout, carrying a huge stuffed rabbit.
' Boy she wasn't kidding when she said, it was big.'
The thing was, at least half her size, and blue.
A big powder blue plush rabbit, that resembled a cloud, in size and color.
He staggered over to her.
sopping wet and tired of carrying enough clothes to cover, the girl for a year.
He said.  " Did you get it? "  Stupid question, he tolled himself, and stared at the bunny.
" I'm not talking to you!." She answered with hurt in her voice.
" What did I do?. " " You said I was acting like a child!."" I did?. "
( Kas: Isn't it amazing how guy's forget what they did after onlyfive minutes?.)
She turned around ready to yell at him, and stopped dead in her tracks.
Suddenly she bursted out laughing.She couldn't help it.
He look absolutely comical.There stood, or rather hunched Darien Shields.
Sopping wet, and loaded down with bags.
Little ice cream hand prints, covered him from the waist down.
Not to mention the rainbow, of silly string, that covered his left arm.
She doubted he had noticed it yet." What's so funny? "
" It's just, you (giggle) look so (giggle) cute."" Hu? "
" Never mind, come on. " she said while leading the way out of the maze of children.
Darien just stared bewildered at the retreating form, before running after her.
" So are you still mad? "" Mad, about what? "
" Uh...it's not important.  You almost done with shopping?."
" Yeah, Hey! we didn't, get your shirt!."
" Oh right the shirt.  Well I can get it another time."
"No way we came here for you remember?.
Now common, I now this great place that sells guys stuff."
She took him by the arm, and began dragging him through the mall once more.
' Well at least I'm getting exercise.' he thought silently, as Serena the mall troller
extraordinar, began yet another spree.' It's going to be a long day!.'
When they finally reached, 'The Store' they were both exhausted.
Darien from carrying two tons, worth of clothes.
And Serena from carrying and dragging, Darien and a big giant bunny, around the mall.
" OK you get the shirt, I'll sit back and wait." she puffed.
Darien put down the bags and regretfully, looked around.
His pocket book, was still screaming at him, for buying her all that stuff.
He picked up a shirt, and took a double take.The prices were outlandish.
No wonder why he never went, to the mall.
He quickly set the shirt down, and walked away.
He had to find something, that wouldn't make him take out a second moorage, on his apartment.
He picked up a T shirt.   '20.00$!'He looked it over.
It looked exactly the same as all the others sitting at home in his top drawer.
Except they only cost him five, for 10.00$.
At this point, his wallet was throwing a tantrum.He looked back to Serena.
She was sitting there quietly, wile holding on to her bunny.
She gave the impression of a child, with a beloved toy.
' Your going soft.' he tolled himself as he picked up, a different shirt and walked to the register.
He wouldn't dare look at the price.No way.  No how!.
Instead he quickly handed the cashier, his credit card, and turned his head.
If he didn't know the price, he couldn't morn over it.He looked over to Serena.
She was so beautiful, sometimes it stunned him.
And he'd just stand there in complete awe of her.That was what he was doing now.
Watching from afar.
A pastime he'd become quite fond of, ever since the first time he seen her.
Oh sure, his brain didn't know he was in love then. 
But that’s not to say his heart had missed it.
And there are times when you heart controls your, eyes and feet.
' To bad it couldn't of controlled my mouth.' He thought sourly.
" Sir sign here!" the cashier, said while knocking him out of his thoughts.
" Oh yeah."  He quickly turned around to face the orange haired, pierced up cashier.
Taking the pen, he signed his name, and took the receipt.
He began to leave when the cashier called to him." Sir you forgot your bag!."
A blush slowly came, to his cheeks.
Quickly he grabbed the bag, and went to leave, but came face to face with a giggling 
Meatball head.
" What?.  Like you've never done that! "  his blush was increasing by ten fold as she continued to giggle, at his discomfort.
' Glad she's having fun.'
Darien bent down and picked up the bags while Serena grabbed the Bunny.
He silently smirked as Meatball head, barely managed to lift the over sized bunny, off the ground.  
He put all the bags onto one arm, then wrapped his other around her.
" We done yet? " he asked while grinning at her.
" Yeah, I don't think I could carry this through the entire store."
He nodded his head and pulled her a little closer.
" I know these bags are heavy."She smiled up at him.
"Thanks for carrying them for me." 
" No problem, always happy to help a pretty lady."
She blushed becomingly, and giggled.Suddenly she stopped walking.
Darien looked over to the girl, as a horrified expression, crossed her face.
" Serena, are you OK.   What’s wrong?."" Oh my God! " She breathed.
While staring at some unknown object in the distance.
@--<------   @--<------    @--<-------
Ha! a cliff hanger!.
Don't you just hate them. ( evil grin.)
OK OK I'm sorry about the cliff hanger, but Notepad, wont hold anymore data.
My floppies filled with data, and it's my last one.I have to buy more. 
OK the Mom in the toy store with the brown locks, was my mom.
And the 8 year old at her side, was Jon, my little brother.
And the little toddler, was Micheal better known as Miky or Munchkin.
My baby bro.I love the little kid.
Any way, I stuck them in, cause Mom, always reads my stories.
Thought it be a cute surprise.
E mail me and tell me if you liked it/ Hated it/ ext.I need E mail.
I have no idea, what to do for the next, part.
So if you want this story to live, you gotta help. 
Oh and Darien slept with a teddy bear.
( And still does, it was brown and named Bobo.) 
OK over the week some stuff has happened to are computer and as a resalt, I now have 3 or 4 e-mail addresses.
kas_91@hotmail.comkimberly_shenkosky@mailcity.comtshen@tir.com
and finally shenkoskyusa@netscape.net
E-mail me and fill up my folders. ( little grin )God bless.Kas.