"A Trap for A Truce" Chapter 2: A Rocky.... and Romantic Start? AN: Well, here's chapter 2, hope you like! Thank you to Alicia and Lady Starra for posting my fics and thanks to all the wonderful people that have e-mailed me! I LOVE e-mail! Keep it coming! Special thanks ofcourse to my best bud Grace McMoon! You rule! Mush forever! Disclaimers: Don't own it. Don't sue me! Rated: G ;) Enjoy! And don't forget to E-MAIL MOI! natia_99@yahoo.com The dock was crowded with people and their luggage as evening fell. One couple cast a delightful silhouette against the hazy sunset. A tall young man bent towards a young woman with long, golden hair.... "I do NOT need your help!" "Serena, you're tripping over your own feet trying to carry all that!" "I am perfectly capable of carrying my own bags thank YOU!" "Your so stubborn Meatball head!" "MEA-" They were interrupted as a man in Uniform approached them. His nametag read 'Jenkins'. "Excuse me? Darien Chiba and Serena Tsukino?" "Yes?" They replied. He sighed with relief, "Ahh, our contest winners! I've been looking all over for you! I'm to escort you to your room." They followed him through the crowd and onto the ship. Neither had noticed the implication of 'room' in the singular, so when he opened the cabin door and showed them a large room with a giant king sized bed they both simply stared in shocked silence. "What's the matter? Is the room not to your liking?" Asked Jenkins with concern. "WE-" began Serena when Darien suddenly put his arm around her and squeezed her shoulder insistently. "It's wonderful." He said trying to smile, "Thank you." "Very good sir. Goodnight." He left them and closed the door. Serena jerked free of Darien's arm, "WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!" "Serena, they think we won this contest as a couple remember? If they found out we're not...." "Oh." "Look, there's a couch." He said pointing to the plush couch against the wall at the foot of the bed, "I'll sleep there and you can have the bed." He said amiably. "No, no. We both won the contest. We'll take turns." She insisted, still recovering. "Alright." He shrugged. They unpacked some of their stuff quietly and then Darien stood. "I think I'm gonna take a shower before bed." He headed for the bathroom and left Serena to her own evening routine. She watched after him thoughtfully, trying to shake off her embarrassment. We have to sleep in the same room?! Oh my God! He's NAKED in there RIGH T NOW! She blushed furiously, all alone in the room. But she couldn't help but chuckle a little too. Who've thunk it? Darien and I trapped together on a romantic cruise for two! Ironic to say the least! She looked over at the bed and blushed again. Trying to keep her thoughts from wandering.....I wonder if Darien's had a girlfriend....I wonder if.... She stopped herself. Snap out of it Serena! It's Darien! She continued with her routine, forcing herself to think about other things. When Darien came out he found her doing sit-ups on the floor, in sweat pants and a T-shirt. Surprise was a mild word at that moment. He simply stared at her. Finally she looked up and gasped out, "I always exercise before bed. What?!" "Nothing, nothing." He quickly stuttered out and kept busy setting up the couch for a bed. How was he to know that Luna forced Serena into the routine of bedtime exercising as part of her Scout training? "Mind if I take a pillow and a blanket from the bed?" "Of course not. Go ahead." She panted out. How is she so strong....how many sit-ups has she done??! She finished and then headed for the bathroom, "My turn for a shower." He nodded. He waited till the water was running and she was humming faintly before exhaling slowly. How did I ever end up here, on a cruise ship, in a one-bedroom cabin, with Meatball head? He smiled. It had been interesting so far. Never had he known a girl like Serena. Never had a girl had the ability to make her way into his life. But Serena simply crashed in. She didn't wait for an invitation, didn't let his every defense hamper her in the slightest. It was a little disconcerting sometimes, but amusing none the less. He'd have fun teasing her for the week. Although, it might be tricky...he thought of her exercising and carrying her luggage all at once....she's strong...what else don't I know about her? His thoughts were cut short as she emerged from the bathroom in her pajamas. He'd tucked himself in with his books, his contacts out, glasses on. He caught his breath, glad he was sitting. Her hair was brushed out of its odangos. It streamed long and damp and golden to the floor. Not for the first time he was forced to admit to himself that she was beautiful.... He tried to hide a blush and quickly looked back to his books, knowing forever that this chapter of chemistry would forever make him think of Serena with her hair down.... She looked over at him and then towards her soft, fluffy, bed. Good, maybe he's forgotten... She tiptoed towards the bed.... "Wait a sec!" He exclaimed. "Huh?" "Weren't we going to review your work every night?" She groaned, "...stupid photographic memory..." He caught her muttering as she pulled out her books. They sat against the bed, books on the floor, in their pajamas. Darien diligently studying; Serena nodding off on her own shoulder. Darien looked over, "Serena!" She sat up dazedly with a jump, "I'm awake! I'm awake!" she slurred. He sighed and put his books aside. Settling closer to her he pulled her books to her lap. "Come on, I'll help you. Just a quick review and then you can sleep." They reviewed until Serena understood again and even went ahead a little. One hour stretched to two. Serena tried valiantly to stay awake. Darien was an interesting tutor, but finally her eyes refused to obey her brain and she drifted into an exhausted slumber. "And so Serena the-" Darien looked down to realize she'd drifted off against his shoulder. He looked at the time and smiled. She'd done really well-quite the trooper. Who knew she had it in her? She didn't even seem to know. She was pretty smart when she worked at it. He gathered up her books carefully-as not to wake her. Then he awkwardly tucked his arm around her. She shifted snuggly against him and he started, looking down at her. She smelled sweet and clean, her damp hair trailing gracefully around her, her eyes were buttoned closed and she was snoring lightly. No doubt about it, she's adorable. Even more so than when she's mad at me. He tucked his other arm under her legs and lifted her gently to bed. Then he cautiously laid her hair down over her shoulders, letting it fall loosely round her face. She looked like a Princess. He tucked the covers around her and shook his head. Have I EVER tucked someone in before? Then he settled onto the couch with his books and finished studying.... It was late, late in the night when Serena stirred and awoke. She sat up and looked around, then slipped quietly from bed, rooted through her bag for a large book and crept towards the door. As she passed by Darien she smiled. His books lay loosely around him, his head rested to one side and his glasses had slipped down his nose. He looks adorable in those glasses. She put her heavy book down silently and ever so carefully tugged his glasses off and put them aside. She gathered his books and made a neat pile on the floor. Then she tucked him in gently and smiled as familiarity washed over her. All the times her parents had tucked her in and now here she was tucking Darien in.... She picked up her book and tip toed out the door to embark on the real reason she overslept every morning... Darien smiled as he headed for the door in his jogging pants. Serena was curled up and snoring loudly. He bit back a laugh. Oh Meatball head... Then he headed out for his morning jog. The ship was beautiful. The jog gave him the opportunity to orient himself and see all the facilities it offered. There were several pools, a tennis court encased in netting, a dining and dance hall and so on. The sun was rising as he came across a crewman-the same one who'd shown he and Serena to their room-Jenkins. "Up early this morning are we sir?" "I jog every morning actually-is that alright?" "Of course. Your girlfriend does not jog with you?" He flushed a little but then laughed. Serena? Up early? To JOG?! ....although she had been exercising before bed.... "No, she's still asleep." He smiled and Jenkins nodded. "There's a brunch at 10:30 in the dining hall. There will be an orientation- tours of the ship and activities you may want to participate in will be explained-as well as the stops the ship will be making along the coast." "Great! Thanks for telling me. I'll have to get Serena up so we can go." "Good morning to you sir." "Bye now." Darien jogged away. When he finally returned he found-to his surprise-Serena was up and dressed, fixing her hair up into her usual odangos. "Hey," she greeted, "You were out jogging?" "Every morning." He replied, "Did you get a good sleep?" "Amazing! Once you sleep in this bed you won't EVER want to give it up!" He headed for the bathroom, "There's a brunch and orientation at 10:30, wanna go?" "BRUNCH?! Of COURSE I wanna go! I'm starved!!!!" He laughed. They headed towards the dining hall. Darien pointed out the places he'd noticed on his jog. "This ship is huge!" she exclaimed. They walked along further when Darien teased, "Wow Meatball head, have we ever gotten along for this long before? It's gotta be some kind of record!" "Ohhh! Why do you call me that?!" It could be argued here that, in this instance, Darien revived the hated nickname to break the strange tension building in his heart since she fell asleep against his shoulder. But since he refused to admit it to himself in the slightest-much like he did at home in Tokyo-I must omit these non-existent inner thoughts as a dutiful authoress! ;) "In case you've forgotten, your hair looks like a pair of meatballs!" "I happen to like my hairstyle! I've always worn it this way!" "Awww, I never said I didn't like it! I just pointed out it was funny!" "It is NOT!" "Is too!" She frowned, he was enjoying this WAY too much. They reached the dining room doors and he halted her. "We'd better be civil at brunch." he grinned. "Hmph! Why SHOULD I?" "Because everyone thinks we're a couple." "AS IF!" He flashed her a winning smile, "Don't be like that Meatball head." "ohhhhhhhhh!" They walked in together and Serena's face immediately brightened. "A Buffet! Yahoo!" Darien laughed at her enthusiasm, "Let's find a table." They found a table and Serena bolted for the line up-not even waiting for Darien. As she reached the end of the line though, she tripped and fell flat on her face. "Wh-oops! Ahh!" Splat. The two women in front of her looked down and then exchanged amused glances. She caught them and bit back tears as she tried to pull herself up gracefully. Suddenly Darien was beside her. Oh no.... she thought, but his reaction surprised her. "Oh my gosh Serena! Are you all right? That was a bad fall!" He pulled her gently to her feet and dusted her off, resting his hands on her shoulders. She felt a faint blush creep into her cheeks, he was way too good at his pretending thing. "This floor is a hazard." He continued and fixed the two women in front of them with a cold glare. They turned away quickly. He looked back to her face, "Are you alright?" he asked softly, genuine concern in his voice and eyes. She stared at him in disbelief for a long moment before nodding deliberately. They took their plates and started down the table. By the end she had regained herself and was cheerfully cramming as much food as possible on her plate. "Waffles, sausage, fruit salad, muffins, crepes, bacon, scrambled eggs, French toast! I'm in heaven!" she exclaimed. They headed back for the table and dug in. Suddenly Jenkins approached them, "I heard the lady had a fall-is she alright?" Serena grinned with a mouthful of waffle and nodded. "Good, good. I've told Roger a thousand times not to mop just before brunch, but he never listens. My apologies Miss Tsukino." Then he was gone. Serena smiled after him then remembered Darien's strange reaction. She didn't know what to make of it. Why was he so nice and gentle and concerned and....sincere? No, no. That can't be it. He was just pretending. We have to act like a couple. He couldn't very well have laughed at me in front of all these people-it could give this whole facade away. Her smile turned wry and a little bitter. Otherwise he would have. Darien never noticed this play of expressions on her face, too lost in his own thoughts. He was as confused by his own actions as Serena was. He couldn't understand it. He thought of those two women exchanging glances and frowned-a strange, protective instinct had burst from his heart at that sight. He couldn't explain it. He found himself, for the first time, consciously fearful of the feelings Serena pulled from his without his consent or control. He tried to shake off the realization that he'd always been fearful, always pushed her away because when she looked at him directly he forgot everything else in the world. He was shaken from these thoughts as Serena stood and said, a trifle stiffly, "The sign ups are starting, I guess we'd better head over." He stood a little shakily and nodded. She turned to say something coldly to him, but at that moment he caught her hand in his own and kept it and she was rendered speechless for some time. The rest of the day was spent in tours and sign ups. It flew by in a rush of sights and decisions. Serena and Darien-only 24 hours previously mortal enemies-suddenly had to decide everything they would be doing together for the next seven days. It was staggering. Darien began to enjoy it though, in spite of himself-planning things to do together, figuring out what they each liked to do-much as they argued over some things. He'd never done anything like it before. His enthusiasm was contagious and Serena found he earlier bitterness towards him faded slowly away. Evening fell and dinner was served in the dining hall. Through tours the passengers had combed every inch of the ship and they were exhausted-and in Serena's case-famished. She carried her plate back from the wide, delicious buffet table to a small, two seater by the window and sat down-much too the gratification of her weary legs. Darien sauntered over with his own plate and sat across from her smiling, "I signed us up for Tennis tomorrow." "Tennis?!" she choked-visions of klutzing out dancing through her head (AN: Sorry, I'm in the Christmas spirit!) "Yeah," he replied, oblivious to the terror in her eyes, "I love tennis but Andrew hates it so I never really have anyone to play with. Do you mind?" She looked at his eager, smiling face, the relaxed posture of his shoulders-he was in great mood--and she couldn't say no. No matter how much she would humiliate herself tomorrow. "No, not at all." she managed weakly. They ate quietly as the sun set in a dazzling array of colours against the sparkling water of the sea. Serena caught her breath. What a beautiful sunset. Times like this she forgot her ever worry, her every fault, her mission, her fears....everything. The answer to existence lay in it. There was some kind of benevolent energy gazing back at her. She propped her chin up on her hands and stared dreamily out at it. Darien's eyes slipped away from the window and fell to Serena involuntarily. He started. The play of light on her skin, her eyes dreamy and unfocused-there was a loveliness in her so suddenly he was struck simultaneously with a sense of how did I never notice before? and an odd, dreamy deja vu he could not place. The way he looked at her changed forever at that moment-he would realize later. She was usually bursting with endless energy, always going faster than her body could keep up with-he'd never caught her like this, when she was still. It was a moment of grace. Her soft features out of focus, her hair almost silver from the last day's light reflecting. He pushed back the pangs of deja vu for later and simply admired her. She looked over and caught him staring-the sunset mercifully hid his blush. "What?" she said half alarmed, half embarrassed, checking her face. He bit back a smile. She assumed he was staring because she had something stuck to her face-she had no idea now pretty she was. "Out of curiosity-why do you wear your hair like that Serena?" He couldn't very well just blurt out how pretty she was not COULD HE? I mean, what would she think of it coming from him? Better to stick to known territory. She frowned suspiciously at him. "No teasing," He assured her, "I've just never seen anyone else with that hairstyle." She eyed him warily another moment and then shrugged, "I don't know really. It's come to me naturally to wear my hair in two odangos since I was a little girl...." she sighed, "....is it really that bad?" He raised his eyebrows, "No, no, not at all. Just unusual. It's good to have your own sense of style though....don't ya think?" She gave him a winning smile. At a vulnerable moment he'd actually managed to say the right thing. He was in the process of proudly patting himself on the back when her voice cut in. "Like your green jacket?" she teased. He frowned. What the...? "What's wrong with my jacket?" He said defensively, shifting uncomfortably in it. "Don't you ever get tired of wearing it?" she giggled, "It's all you ever wear!" "It is NOT!" hmmm...actually it is....uh oh... He frowned and sulked darkly across the table from her. She only laughed harder, "Aww...I'm sorry....it's a nice jacket....really..." He rolled his eyes, "Thanks. I can tell you're so sincere too!" Note to self....buy a new jacket....a couple of new jackets... They finished eating and got up to go. "Phew! I'm exhausted!" Serena exclaimed as they headed out the door, "Can't wait to get to b-oop!" She tripped and headed for the floor face first-but she never reached it. She opened her eyes as Darien pulled her back up, his hand holding a fistful of the back of her shirt. "Have a feeling I'm gonna be doing a lot of this while we're here." Her thank you died on her lips and her eyes lit up with temper. She tore herself free of his grasp and stalked off haughtily. He smiled and followed suit. When they reached their room she promptly grabbed her bag and stomped into the bathroom-slamming the door righteously behind her. He choked back a laugh. She was so cute when she was mad. He walked up to the bathroom door and tapped it lightly, "Awww, Serena- don't be mad!" Silence. He shook his head and headed back towards the couch, "I don't mind catching you.." he muttered softly. What he didn't know was that Serena had opened the bathroom door to yell at him as he turned away and caught what he said. She froze and simply stared at him, open mouthed. An eerie prickling at his neck made him stop and turn slowly around. "Serena! Uh...how long were you standing there?" She just kept staring at him. "Wh-at?" he said a little desperately, "Well, I really DON'T mind okay? I mean..you're not heavy or anything...and uh..." He trailed off senselessly and she smiled. "Apology accepted." she said simply and then returned to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. He looked at the door a long time. Confused and shaken out of his reserve. Get it together Darien! She emerged in sweat pants and a T-shirt again and sat down beside the bed to exercise. He looked down at her, "Hey...uh...mind if I exercise with you?" She regarded him oddly then shrugged, "Go right ahead." He headed for the bathroom and threw on his sweats then returned and sat next to her. "You exercise every night?" He queried. "I don't have a choice..." she muttered bitterly, thinking of Luna harping on her. He frowned curiously, "Who makes you exercise?" Her eyes widened. oops "Oh, well, uh, my uh, Mom got me started.....and now I just keep it up....a girl's gotta keep in shape you know..heh heh..." He shook his head and kept on with his sit-ups. He never knew what to make of Serena when she got like this. He kept up with her surprisingly well. She stole glances over at him. "Hey, you're pretty strong." She observed, "Do you exercise too-I mean besides jogging?" He smiled. After the whole Tuxedo Mask thing started happening his muscle tone had perfected itself effortlessly. He kept up the jogging out of habit. He could leap tall buildings now.... "You could say that." he grinned, thinking of all the battles back home. They finished and washed up. Then Serena tried once again to get to bed without Darien remembering. But he was waiting with her books out and ready. "Nooo!" she groaned. But study she did and then promptly fell asleep. Darien wasn't far behind her- the bed really was comfortable! They slept peacefully. By some strange miracle they'd survived their first day.... AN: That's it! Phew! I had soooo much trouble writing this blasted chapter. I hate sorting out all the little technical details! Chapter 3 will be better I promise! so now, do you duty and e-mail me to let me know this doesn't TOTALLY suck? Arigato, you're doing the right thing ;)