Title: Stranger Things Have Happened Aka: A Little Mischief With the Luna Pen Author: Meredith Bronwen Mallory Email: mallorys-girl@cinci.rr.com Rating: G AN: Hi there. This is my first story (for Sailor Moon, been writing Sliders since forever), but after reading all the wonderful stories on First Love, I felt I should reciprocate. PLEASE, let me know what you think.... Feedback is always welcome, in fact, my muse devours the stuff. Thanks. Legal Disclaimer: SM is not mine (Wow, what a shock! ;-) Personal Disclaimer: I wrote this story in one sitting, starting at 10:30 and ending at 12:16.... youıve been warned. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- "The Waiting, Is the hardest part, Everyday you get one more yard, You take it on faith, You take it to the heart, The waiting, Is the hardest part." - "The Waiting" by Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- "I canıt BELIEVE you FAILED another test, Serena!" Darien Chiba half shouted, half laughed as he leaned against the counter at Crown Game Center. His blue eyes danced with mischief as he continued to tease the petite blond standing near-by. "Shut UP Darien! HONESTLY, donıt you have better things to do?" Serena asked, her eyes alive with fire. Darien smiled inwardly, she looked good enough to eat when sheıd worked herself into one of these tempers. Her cheeks, flushed with anger, where a pale rose, her blue eyes sparkled with their icy blaze and her golden tresses rebelled against their twin-buned confines as she shook her head. Darien had half a mind to kiss the sense out of her, but he kept a tight rein on his self-control. He really didnıt mean any harm in his teasing, in fact, quite the opposite. He never wanted to harm his beautiful Meatball head at all. But, when she was around, it was like some other Darien took over. Every time he and Serena met, they were at it again, firing off insults like theyıd practiced it or something. "Now, now, Meatball Head, where are your manners?" he asked with a smile as he casually ran his fingers through his hair. Every girl in the room let out an almost audible sigh, each thinking the same thing... what a hunk! Well, everyone except Serena! "You are SUCH a jerk, Darien!" with that she turned and fled, leaving both Darien and her little cliche of friends staring after her. his hear scolded him. "Real smooth, Darien," a friendly voice said from behind him. Darien looked back to Andrew leaning against the counter, with a hint of reproach in his eyes. Only Andrew knew of Darienıs Œcrushı (it seemed a LOT more intense than a Œcrushı to Darien, but for lack of a better word, they labeled it a crush) on Serena, and that was only after the other man had pried it out of him. "I went too far," Darien whispered sorrowfully. The blond man merely nodded his sympathies and offered his friend a shake. Darien considered as he sipped at the chocolate liquid. But, then again, Serenaıs friends had already left, and he might have to deal with them. He could see it now, the four other girls gathered around his love like a bunch of mother hens. Theyıd probably pounce on him for making their friend cry. Darienıs mind stopped, frozen at the thought of having made the beautiful little angel cry. It was that image that cracked the young manıs armor of pride. Quickly, he paid Andrew and went off in search of his Meatball Head. ------ Serena ran and ran, her footsteps echoing hard on the pavement. She was running so fast that each footfall was incredibly painful, but she ignored it. Tears pooled in her eyes and blazed heated trails down her cheeks. That Darien! He was so terrible, awful and mean. Once, just once, sheıd love it if he would say something half-way nice to her. Serena thought mockingly. Then why did she have to be so gone over him? Yeah, it was true, she, like every other girl within a thirty five mile radius, was head-over-heels for Darien Chiba. Serena thought ruefully. Ahh, yes, she could see it now. ŒHello, my name is Serena and I have a crush on Darienı Serena imagined herself saying to a room full of girls, ŒHello, Serenaı the girls replied. A strangled, self-defacing laugh escaped Serenaıs lips. She ran to her hiding place in the park, a little patch of cleared grass amongst the rose bushes. Curling up into a tight ball, she let out all her pent frustration, crying muffled, broken sobs into the comfort of her own arms. Secretly, some part of her wished someone would come and put their arms around her, whisper comforting words, wipe away her tears and smooth her hair. That some one had Darienıs face. She sobbed harder. "Serena!?" Rayeıs voice carried towards Serenaıs hiding place. the young girl thought, She wiped at her eyes knowing it was inevitable that they would find her. Suddenly, am idea formed in her mind, and without a second thought, she acted on it. Reaching into her pocket, Serena grasped the Luna Pen and whispered; ŒLuna Pen, turn me into a dark-haired High School student!" The energy enveloped the sorrowful girl in its blazing wings, merging with her body and beginning itıs work. Serena felt the familiar jolt of electricity as the energy sang in her veins, one with her blood. Her tennis shoes were replaced with shiny leather boots, her uniform skirt lengthened and smoothed, turning a deep shade of purple. A black tank top graced her torso, a pair of purple arm-bracelets jingled on their new resting place as her hair was released from itıs buns, transforming into a clean bob of dark brown. The energy fled now, leaving Serena breathless. She stepped out of the bushes and smiled. "Excuse me, miss," Ami asked as she tapped her friend on the shoulder, "But I was wondering if you might have seen my friend. Sheıd about yeh high, with blonde hair in two buns?" Serena stifled a laugh as she looked at Ami, who didnıt recognize her in least. "No, Iım sorry, I havenıt," Serena replied. "Well, thanks," Ami said dejectedly. The other woman felt a prang of guilt for her deception, but she really didnıt want to have to deal with the other scouts right now. She watched the others wander off, wondering what she could do with the next half hour before the meeting at Rayeıs. Meandering down the street, she suddenly spotted a neat little cafe. ŒLady Revolutionısı the sign read. With a shrug, Serena entered. ----------- It was as if his angel had vanished into thin air, Darien thought as he walked out of the park. Heıd looked all over, but she was no where to be found. Heıd even run into Raye and the others, who were on a frantic search of their own. But none of them had the slightest idea as to where Serena might have gotten off to. The smell of coffee broke through Darienıs thoughts. He really needed a cup of that dark brew right now. It smelled really good too. Looking up, Darien saw the place was called ŒLady Revolutionısı. He was carrying his coffee over to a secluded little corner, when he bumped into someone. Stumbling back a bit, but managing NOT to spill the coffee, he hurried to apologize. "Iım very sorry..." he found himself looking into intense blue eyes. At first, he thought it was Serena, but then he registered the rest of the womanıs appearance. "Oh, itıs alright," the woman said softly. Serena looked at Darien, he didnıt even recognize her! This was priceless. For once, HEıD bumped into her! "At least, let me buy you another danish," he offered. She looked down at the food that had fallen from her grasp. "Um...sure," she said. After all, what harm could it do. True to his word, Darien purchased a replacement danish and they took a seat towards the back. Serena couldnıt help but notice he looked a little down. "Is something wrong?" she asked, wanting to help him even if he had hurt her. "Huh?" Darien asked, looking up from his coffee, "Oh, sorry, I havenıt even introduced myself, Iım Darien." "Hi," Serena wracked her brain for a name, "Iım Circe." She tried on a smile for him. "Iım sorry," Darien said, "Have we met?" She was intensely familiar, the set of her jaw, the way she rested her cheek in her hand, the warm shade of her baby blues. "I donıt believe so," Circe replied with a small giggle. It was insane, but he could have sworn he knew her, even her giggle sent a familiar tingle up his spine. It was pleasant. "But I was asking," Circe went on, "if something was wrong. You seem upset." Darien looked at the stranger, feeling oddly at ease in her presence. Something within him decided to unburden himself to her. After all, who would she tell? "Itıs... this girl I know." Darien began, "Sheıs... amazing, and Iıve acted like a total jerk." "A girl?" Serena asked, intrigued. Darien had never seemed particularly interested in any of the girls sheıd seen hovering about him. Who could it be? "Yeah. You see, I really, really like her... I actually think Iım in love with her. Sheıs incredibly unique. Iıve never seen anyone with as much energy as she has, and yet she seems to love everyone and everything she comes in contact with... except me." "Really?" Serena was even more curious, "Why wouldnıt she like you?" "The moment I met her, I knew there was something special about her. She seemed to glow. Sheıs beautiful too, an angel, really. But every time I see her , I canıt help but... tease her." Serena raised a brow. So, Darien teased someone else too. Well, wasnıt this day turning out to be interesting. "Why in the world would you tease her?" she asked. "Oh, I donıt know. I guess I can be pretty mean sometimes, but itıs not intentional, honest. Anyway, today I went a little too far and... Iım afraid I made her cry." Darien lowered his eyes as Serena gasped inwardly. NO WAY! He couldnıt be talking about her... could he? "Iıll looked all over for her, but sheıd no where to be found. I wanted to apologize, now Iım afraid sheıll hate me forever." "Whatıs this girlıs name?" Serena asked, then bit her lip, fearing sheıd given herself away. Instead, Darien merely replied; "Serena." Time stopped as Serena fought to keep her jaw from dropping. Darien loved HER!? Was this some crazy dream? No, not even she was this out-there. This was her dream come true... Serena fought to keep her control, gaining strength as she glanced at her altered reflection in the smooth surface of the table. "Have you ever told her how you feel?" Serena asked after regaining her composure. Darien seemed not to have noticed. He looked up at her with those intense, soulful blue eyes and Serena seriously thought she might melt. "Are you kidding, she probably hates me. I bet she thinks Iım the biggest jerk around." He took an absent sip of his coffee. Darien looked up at the woman sitting across from him. He couldnıt believe heıd just told her all that, but he felt relieved now, not completely, but a little bit. "Well," Circe said, "*I* donıt think your a jerk. Maybe she likes you too?" "I donıt think Iıd dare hope for that," he sighed. Suddenly, Circe laid a hand on his. "Trust me," she said, "Stranger things have happened." They sat in silence a moment, before Circe looked down at her watch, "Oh, dear.... Iım sorry, but I have to run." "Itıs all right, donıt worry about it," Darien assured her, "Thanks for listening." "Youıre quite welcome!" Circe replied in a rush, "And thank YOU!" With that, she was gone, leaving Darien alone with his thoughts. ---------- In the pale moonlight that graced Cherry Hill Temple, a single figure moved along, headed towards home. The Scouts meeting had dragged on forever, or so it seemed to Serena. Darienıs words kept echoing in her head. Did he really think she was wonderful? It had been all she could do not to go back to the cafe and throw herself into Darienıs arms after sheıd transformed back to normal. But, fear of Rayeıs wrath and the discovery of her alter egos kept them impulse in check. As she passed through the park, Serena saw another lonely figure, sitting on one of the benches, watching the moon. It was Darien! Frozen, Serena debated whether or not to go to him. Dare she risk her heart? But she knew that he loved her.... "Darien?" the sound of her own voice shocked her. Of the their accord, her feet moved towards him, her eyes met his as he turned around. She could see the surprise lurking in his blue depths. "Serena... what are you doing here?" he asked. "Wondering the same thing about you," she smiled sadly. He looked so alone, she just wanted to hold him. Instead, she took a seat on the far end of the bench and looked at him, "Are you alright?" Dejaıvu. He turned away from her, staring out the moon. "Iım fine. You should go home, Serena," his voice broke. Instead of obeying, Serena scooted over and laid her head on his shoulder, delighting in the shocked gasp she received in return. "But I canıt, Darien. I care about you, and I donıt want to see you upset," she took his hand in hers, tracing along his fingers. "You... care about me?" he asked. "Of course silly," she giggled, still concentrating on his hand. "But... I thought you hated me," he seemed surprised. "Do *you* hate me, Darien?" Serena asked, looking up into his eyes. "Never," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, "I could never hate you... I love you Serena." he said, then looked away, as if ashamed. "I love you too, Darien." she whispered. Now he looked at her, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders as he drew her away from him. "Tell me you really mean that... please?" he asked. "I really mean that, Darien," she told him. Next thing she knew, his lips were on hers, warm and caressing, filled with promises. His arms wrapped around her small form, and she in turn, draped her arms about his neck. Finally, they separated, looking deep into each others eyes. "Oh, my beautiful meatball head," Darien said as he caressed her cheek. She giggled and rested her head against his chest. "What would I do without you, Darien?" she asked softly, already falling prey to the lullaby in his heartbeat. His only answer was to kiss her hair. The moon gazed down on the lovebirds long into the night. Stranger things have happened. THE END <<<*>>> -- To the world you may be one person, but to the person you may be the world.