Author’s Notes: I’m back! I’ve also decided to take this story one step at a time, which means that the parts will come out every week, rather than all clumped together. I hope you’re all enjoying the story, so far it’s been a blast writing it, and maybe I’ll get more out to you in the future (besides this story.) Once again, I have to acknowledge my friend Sailor Starlite, who has given me input and is taking the time to send this in for me! I am not exactly sure what is wrong with my e-mail, but I am VERY grateful that she is taking the time to do this for me. Thanks all who mailed me with suggestions! I REALLY appreciate it! The whole story is still dedicated to my friend, who’s name I won’t mention (because she’s shy) who’s mom has cancer, and may or may not live. My prayers and heart goes out to her. Now, on with the show. (standard disclaimers) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Serena and Darien...together?! No WAY! Part: 7 By: Mako-Chan E-mail: Breeze13@hotmail.com Rated: PG-Pg13 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Raye was tired. Tired of walking, tired of sitting, even tired of the whole matchmaking scheme that Amy, much to everyone’s surprise, had cooked up. She stared down at her hands. They were shaking. She wasn’t too surprised. She had been walking around in the hot sun for about an hour now, without any water. When she came across a stone bench, she wanted to praise the admins for taking pity on her pathetic soul. When she saw the fountain there, WITH running water, she wanted to jump for joy. There were, in actuality, two fountains. One was a small stone drinking fountain, the other was a tall statue of what looked like a girl. Raye was only surprised that the girl was facing backwards, but she knew Darien was a complex sort of guy. That was what had first attracted her to him, and made Serena repelled first. Raye laughed to herself. It was true, she admitted to herself. Serena was totally sprung over Darien. And if what Andrew said was true... well, Raye knew that the old saying “opposites attract” was true. Darien... Darien made Raye’s heart skip a beat, and her stomach tremble and her vision swim, and yet... after that one date with Chad, all that stopped. All that changed, and Raye was no longer jealous of all the attention Darien gave Serena, even if it was just teasing. She now had a whole new perspective. Sure, Darien was still cute, and sure, he was still attractive, and she loved him for it, but now... Now she liked him more like a sister to a brother, not like he felt for Serena. Although Chad was a far jump away from who she would really love, he did give her the gift of freedom, and it felt so good. Raye gulped in a huge mouth full of water and sighed. She may as well stay there. After all, if she moved, Melvin may miss her. She got out her walkie-talkie. “Leader Green, this is Leader Red. I am at what I believe to be the center of the maze, over.” “Copy that, I’ll tell Leader Orange right away, over.” She put the walkie-talkie back into her pocked and sighed, enjoying the fragrance of the roses, and the soft spray of the water. Serena was a lazy, clumsy, irresponsible brat, and Darien was a concieted, over-bearing, arrogant, jerk. She smiled to herself. Darien and Serena deserve each other. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Serena was having a blast. Not only did she love being with Darien, and everything about him, she found, but she also enjoyed having him reciprocate the feelings... it gave her a sense of security she couldn’t find anywhere else. Darien didn’t know what to think. He knew, way down inside him, that he loved this girl that was tugging him all across Tokyo, but part of him was afraid to get too close to her. He wouldn’t be able to stand it if he lost her, and the more he thought of that, the more he kept his distance from the girl. He found himself making up excuses to leave, weather it was to get them something, or he had to use the rest room, or whatever, he was trying to spend as little time with her as possible. Serena, all the while, was being slowly driven insane. ‘Why is he acting like this?’ her mind screamed. Then a cold, dead answer returned from her heart, ‘I don’t know. Maybe he doesn’t love you, or even like you.’ The answer nearly broke her heart. She could understand if he didn’t love her. To him, she was probably a fourteen year old twit who could barely stand on her own two feet with out falling over. She shook it off. ‘He said he liked being with you, so what’s the big deal? The guy kissed you for pity’s sake!’ she thought, ‘or maybe you kissed him...’ Serena’s thoughts were broken when Darien returned with a large soda. “Um, here, er, Serena,” he said nervously. Serena had never seen him like this, so nervous. Maybe... did that mean that he might like her, too? Then again, it could be because he’s afraid she would kiss him again. Darien stood transfixed, wondering if he should just go for it or not. ‘Yeah, right, Dare,’ his mind scorned, ‘you’re nothing but an arrogant jerk to her, she’d never see you as anything more.’ “Darien?” she asked quietly. He jumped a little, “Hmm?” “I was sort of wondering... you don’t MIND me hanging around with you now, do you? Because I could always go to Amy’s house if you don’t want me around...” He almost laughed. Not want her there? She was like the moon in the sky to him, without her, he would be nothing but a lonely orphan. “No, Serena, I don’t mind, I think that being with you is, well...” ‘wonderful, perfection, grandeur...’ “Nice.” ‘NICE?!’ She sighed, “Oh, thank goodness... I mean, I thought a guy like you might be bored hanging around a girl who’s barely out of junior high like me...” ‘So that’s where this is going,’ he thought. “Look Serena,” he said, grabbing her wrists so that she faced him, “I make friends because of who they are, NOT because of their age or popularity.” He was afraid he had gone too far almost, her eyes glistened with tears that refused to fall. She smiled softly at the remark. She should’ve known a guy as wonderful as Darien didn’t care about such trivial things, “I know,” she said weakly. Darien sighed a little, glad he didn’t hurt her. If he made her feel pain in any way, he would be devastated. He couldn’t stand himself if he caused her any harm. They had walked in silence a few blocks, when Serena asked, “Darien, can I... um, ask you something?” He grinned, “You just did, didn’t you?” “I, well, I mean that is to say,” she faltered. He gave her an encouraging pat on the back, “come on, Meatball Head, you know that you can ask me almost anything.” “I um... that kiss, earlier over at my house... what did it mean?” she said carefully. ‘Oh no! Anything but that, Meatball Head!’ he thought. He sighed, “I don’t know myself, Serena. Uh,” he looked at her with curiosity, “What do YOU think it meant?” he said cautiously. “Think it meant, or wanted it to mean?” she asked him cynically. “I uh, uh, well what did you WANT it to mean?” he asked her. “Well,” she said slowly, “I wanted it to mean, that” she paused and looked into his eyes, so intense was his gaze, “I wanted it to mean that you... liked me.” He laughed, hadn’t they just been through that? “Of course I like you, Meatball Head! And, I” he hesitated only a moment, “I am glad that you care about me, Serena, because I really like you, too.” “Oh, Darien,” she sighed blissfully, “I’m so glad mom went to the art show.” “Me too, Serena,” he said, unconsciously putting an arm around her shoulder, “Me too.” ------------------------------------------------------------------ Andrew was having fun. It wasn’t every day he had the chance to mess with someone’s mind, and he was enjoying it as much as he could. Amy, (the nut) genius, was putting together the whole scheme. It was a surprise to all of the members of ALFK. Amy interrupting two innocent victims lives, who may or may not hate her for it in the end? Andrew was proud of the little blue haired twerp. (To himself, privately, ALL the kids who go into his shop are “twerps”) “Captain Apron,” said Sherry, “order’s up.” He pretended to growl, “Don’t call me Captain Apron!” but really he was sort of LIKING the dumb name. He could already picture a comic book: “Faster than an ice cream machine, more powerful than a kid playing Sailor V, it’s CAPTAIN APRON!” He laughed at the thought. ‘Yeah, right, Andrew,’ he thought to himself, ‘no one in REAL life is a super hero, and I don’t care how many people say they’ve spotted the Sailor Scouts!’ He smiled and delivered the order to the couple. It turned out it was Serena and Darien. Serena was cuddled up in a ball next to him, sipping the biggest soda pop Andrew had ever seen, and Darien was softly playing with her hair. Andrew smiled, but decided to pretend that it was a huge shock. “Darien, and... SERENA?!” he yelped, glad his voice sounded as surprised as he wanted it to. Darien moved away from Serena, and it was quite clear that he was disappointed in doing so. Serena glanced up at him, her eyes full of admiration. “Um, yeah, Andrew,” he said, “I’m helping Serena out today. We both had a good time yesterday and we called a truce, so we’re friends now.” He nodded, unconvinced that they were just “friends” now, “So, where did you go last night?” “To that new restaurant, Moon Kingdom Cafe’, it was an ace!” Serena chattered on and on about her date last night and Darien moved closer to her again. She unconciously curled up next to him as soon as he did that, and Andrew had to smile to himself. He had a feeling that Darien and Serena had no idea what they just did, but he certainly knew. And so did Rita, who he saw outside on the roof of a building with some binoculars. “Well, then, you two bestest friends,” Andrew smirked, “I’ll get you both a milkshake, on the house. Oh, what kind would you like?” “Chocolate!” they both exclaimed instantly. So, Andrew left to make the milkshakes. ------------------------------------------------------------------- “Come on, Darien,” Serena giggled, “Sailor Moon would whomp Tuxedo Mask flat. It’s like, no contest.” “I have to disagree, I mean, the guy may have only two attacks, but he’s fast. He would dodge that pitiful little tiara of hers, and also that cheesy wand. It’s all about agility.” “Yeah, but Sailor Moon has the other scouts to back her up.” “I thought that this was one on one contest, Serena. And besides, Sailor Moon’s supposed to be a huge klutz.” Serena seemed a little more peeved at that remark than Darien thought she would, “Sailor Moon is NOT a klutz!” “Chill out, Meatball Head,” laughed Darien, “For all we know, Tuxedo Mask is a klutz.” “He is not!” Darien had no idea what Serena was getting all worked up about. It’s not like she has ever met Sailor Moon. Maybe Tuxedo Mask, he grinned, but not Sailor Moon. ‘Flattered, Meatball Head,’ he thought, ‘you don’t think I’m a klutz.’ “Let’s get off this topic, okay, Darien?” she asked him. “Sure, Serena. So what now?” “Who do you think would win, Sailor Jupiter, or Sailor Mars?” she grinned. “I don’t know, Meatball Head. Whatever it is, I disagree with you!” they laughed and sipped their milkshakes, enjoying each other’s company. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (AN: this is to the tune of “the song that doesn’t end” hehe) “This is the day that never ends, and my butt is numb my friends, some how I started this whole thing not knowing what it does, and I will keep on sitting here forever just because this is the day that never ends,” sang Lita in the trees. She was SO bored. She had somehow dropped the cards from her perch in the tree, and now she was even more bored than before! Lita looked up. The sun was still high in the sky, and she was tired like it was midnight. Her hair ached. Not thinking twice, she pulled it down from the pony tail that it was held in and started playing with it. Soon she had looped it in a Star Wars style, like Princess Leia’s. She pulled out her pocket compact and giggled, “Luke,” she said in a raspy wavering voice, “I am your sister!” “I didn’t know that, Lita,” giggled Raye, “and who’s Luke any ways, is he cute?” Lita jumped a little before saying, “Shut up, pyro! It was just a stupid joke, okay?” “Don’t call me pyro, Lita. You’re the one that packs over 1,000 volts, you know!” “Girls, shouldn’t we be back at base?” asked Melvin. “Stay out of this!” both the girls yelped. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Sherry stared at the “happy victims”, knowing all too well that the two would leave with bugs on them, or as a couple. The thought made her laugh. Serena and Darien were arguing, and Sherry watched as Darien leaned towards her. He took a sharp look around, and gave her a quick kiss. Suddenly Sherry thought, ‘I could dance all night, they’re together!’ “Andrew,” she whispered to him, “Darien just kissed Serena!” “For reals?” he hissed back. “For reals,” she agreed. “This is SO cool. Oh, Amy and Lita will be so mad they missed this!” he grinned. Sherry smacked him on the side with a tray, “Listen, Captain Apron, you missed it too. So far, I am the only one who’s seen them kiss.” Then, Rita burst through the door, “Not true,” she smirked, “I saw them kiss earlier today, and let me tell you, the two were REALLY mad when this guy interrupted.” “They kissed earlier, too?” Andrew asked, rubbing his hands together, “things are going better than expected.” “Well, cupid, watch out. They still think they’re nothing more than friends.” “Don’t worry, after we get track of them, there will be nothing more to worry about.” “I hope you’re right.” “Trust me.” “As far as I can throw you, and since I can’t even lift you...” “Just shut up.” --------------------------------------------------------------------- “Darien,” Serena gasped as he gave her a quick peck on the lips. “You uh,” he stammered, “you had some whip cream there.” She sighed, “Thanks. I um, I’m glad you got it. I wouldn’t want to walk around looking like a moron all day.” “You couldn’t do that if you tried, Meatball Head,” he told her. She giggled and blushed, turning a shade of red as deep as Amy’s had turned two nights ago at their slumber party. “Uh, Darien?” she asked. “Yeah, Meatball Head?” “I was wondering, if you, that is, if you wanted to maybe go catch a flick?” she looked around with a sly smile, “I’m positive Raye would want to go see one with Chad, maybe we could all go together.” “I don’t know, Serena...” he began. “Oh, come on,” she pouted innocently, “My treat?” He grinned, “Well, if it’s a chance to get revenge on you for last night’s wad blown, I give. Let’s go find Raye.” ‘Find Raye indeed,’ thought Amy, ‘you two aren’t going anywhere on a double, this is strictly a singles night.’ She walked over to her friends, “Hey there, Serena... DARIEN?” she yelped, sounding shocked. “Hi, Ames!” she twittered, “I’m supposed to stay the night at your house, aren’t I?” “Yeah, you are,” she murmured, “Um, here. I found this pen on the ground, I think you dropped it when you left here yesterday with your book bag.” “Oh, thank you! I always lose pens,” she said softly. Amy was pleased when she saw her put it in her breast pocket, the microphone pointed at her mouth. “Oh, Serena. I almost forgot,” she said slyly, “your mother wanted me to give this to you,” she grinned handing Serena the small pin. “ Thanks. I wonder what it’s for?” she said. “It’s just a pin your mom said she found. She told me that it looked just about your speed, so...” “So she picked it up and was going to give it to me, right?” “You got it. Oh, and Serena, I have a computer class now,” she bit her tongue as she lied, “I don’t think that you want to go to that with me, so just stay with Darien until later.” She nodded, “Okay, Ames,” her nose wrinkled up, “I can’t stand more school, so thanks for sparing me the insanity.” “No problem,” she laughed, “bye Serena,” then she made her face shine with disbelief, “Darien.” For added affect, she mumbled to herself, “No one’s going to believe me if I told them...” ---------------------------------------------------------------------- “Well, that was unusual,” stated Darien. “What was?” asked Serena, unaware that anything was wrong. “Amy in army decor... do you think that something’s up?” he asked her cautiously. “What could possibly be up, Darien? It’s just Amy, probably the most trustworthy friend I know,” Serena giggled, “besides, why spend the day worrying when we COULD spend it at the movies.” “Well, if you put it that way,” he said, his mouth tugging into a broad smile, “Shall we, mi’lady?” he asked, offering the crook of his arm to her. “We shall,” she blushed, looping her arm inside his. With that, the couple strolled to the movies. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- “CHAAADDD!” shouted Raye, grabbing her broom and chasing the poor guy around the temple, “WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT RECORDING YOUR SONGS OVER MY TAPES?!” she screamed. “Uh, like Raye, sorry! I was trying to be nice!” he said, dodging the sweeping attack of the broom. (AN: sweeping, broom... any one get that joke?) “NEVER AGAIN, CHAD! I DON’T WANT YOU TO SING EVER AGAIN!” she said, watching him run from her like he was being chased by fire. (AN: Anyone one get THAT joke? Hehe... I doubt it, but...) “Ding Dong!” said the doorbell. (AN: What?! Don’t look at me like that, doorbells can talk... sort of. Besides, it was another joke. Not a good one, but still...) “You can say that again,” muttered Raye. She ran to the large doors and said, “WHADDAYA WAN- Oh, hi Darien, Serena.” “Um, hi Raye,” mumbled Serena, curious to what was making the noise, she peered around the corner frantically, “We were wondering if you and Chad wanted to go to the movies with us?” “Me, and CHAD?!” Raye wailed. “Woah, really?” he said, popping up besides Raye. As soon as he did that, she smacked him with the broom. “Chad’s on parole for singing within twenty miles of me,” Raye growled, “So, no, but you two can go alone.” Serena and Darien glanced at each other, unsure. Finally Darien spoke, “I guess, Raye.” “Good. Now leave, I need to finish chasing Chad around. That’s the LAST time he’ll mess with MY music,” she squealed, shutting the large doors. Serena and Darien could hear the shuffling and shouting from inside, but they shook it off. It wasn’t every day you got to go to the movies with the person you secretly admired, after all. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Author’s Notes: Hiya, peeps! Got long, (well, for my chapters anyways) so I cut it off there. Thanks all who wrote me before with comments and suggestions! I thrive on mail. BTW, I need to thank Sailor Starlite, she’s my new editor. Glad she can help me out, she has several stories out, so go read them, they are all terrific! Later... Mako-Chan