Hey, everybody. I decided to take a short break from my 'Past' Books.
I've been itching to write this story and here it is. I'm sorry about
the delay with Book 3: Betrayals of the Past. I hope this short story
compensates for the delay.
This story was inspired by a Mandy Moore song, "Cry" from her latest CD.
I guess you can call this a songfic, which, in a way, it is. However,
you will not find the lyrics anywhere in my story. I don't have the
permission to add them in. You really don't need them since my entire
story is based on the song. Of course, as with any other songfics, I
added in some ideas of my own.
This story solely revolves around Serena and Darien. You won't find
the Inner Scouts anywhere. They're mentioned, but don't make any
appearance.
Now on with the story! Hope you like it. Oh! The rating is PG for
drama.
CRY
By: Moonbunny83
7/9/01 - 7/10/01
E-mail: moonbunny83@hotmail.com
Sailor Moon created by:
Naoko Takeuchi
The song "Cry" is produced by James Renald and Peter Mokran
© 2001 EMI BLACKWOOD (CANADA) MUSIC LTD. AND AUDIO SPUNK
Serena Tsukino released a deep sigh as she gazed at the snoozing
Darien Shields. She couldn't believe that a sophisticated college guy
like him would actually be interested in some plain junior high girl
like her. This is where she was mistaken, however. To Darien, she
was anything, but plain. She is always so full of life, so energetic,
so lively, so spontaneous -- though spontaneity was probably not
always good for Sailor Moon. That characteristic may well get her in
a tight corner, trapped. But, he loves her anyway; though she doesn't
know it, yet.
She nestled herself closer in the sofa as she continued
watching the oblivious Darien. They were in his apartment having
another one of their study sessions in an effort to help her pull
her grades up before the ending period. Unfortunately, it would seem
that Darien hasn't been getting enough sleep lately. She was aware
that Darien has been trying to juggle his work, college, and her.
Like that wasn't bad enough, his professors assigned research papers
to be done by the end of the week. She was sure that it was all a
conspiracy among the instructors, but she has no way to prove it.
Serena grasped her pencil and made an attempt to solve the
problems in front of her. All she saw were hazy figures and she
realized that she was also tired. She shook her head clear of the
sleeping bugs and once again glanced at Darien. He looked so cute
and free of troubles with his dark bangs draping across his eyes and
forehead. There is such a strong aura around him that one would
think him to be made of steel -- cold and unreachable. But she knew
better now that she was able to see the man behind the hard exterior.
She smiled contentedly as she remembered that fateful late afternoon
when she was first given a glimpse of a very vulnerable Darien Shields.
FLASHBACK
SERENA'S VIEW
Ugh. Again. I did it again. As much as I had tried to be
on time, I was late. Again. Raye is going to skin my hide this
time. She threatened to do so and I have no doubts that she was
only kidding.
I ran as fast as I could down the seemingly long street.
This was one of those cases that I was glad I was Sailor Moon.
Fighting off youmas sure is a great way to keep in shape. I looked
up at the darken sky and frowned. It looks like it was going to
pour bullets any minute. I better be safe and sound -- and
dry -- inside the temple before the clouds start gushing loads of
water.
I decided to take a short cut across the park. I swerved
myself to the left and ran towards the grass-filled commons. After
covering several feet I abruptly stopped at the unfolding scene in
front of me. I took a few seconds to catch my breath as I realized
who it was. I'd know him anywhere. Besides that unmistakably dark
hair of his, his presence practically radiates with coldness.
I shivered and wrapped my arms around me in an attempt to warm
myself. I silently stood there, watched him grasp his head in what
appeared to be pain. I felt guilty for spying on him like this even
is he is a jerk. I was about to leave when I suddenly saw him wipe
his face as if to rid himself of aggravating tears. I stopped and
gave him a scrutinizing look.
He can't possibly be crying. Guys like him don't cry. Guys
like him don't show any emotion. He's so cold that his tears would
freeze if he did cry. I bet Luna that he thinks crying is a show
of weakness.
I quietly approached him to get a better look, making sure he
doesn't hear my steps. I gasped at what I saw. Tears ran down his
haggard face unchecked. I couldn't believe it. I didn't know what
to do. Should I try to comfort him? Ask him what was wrong? Ask
him what had made him cry? He'd probably think me a pest if I try
to. But he looks so forlorn. I can't stand seeing him like this.
I don't care if he yelled at me, but I've made my decision.
Straightening my shoulders, I headed toward him, no longer
caring if he heard me or not. I halted once again when he abruptly
turned and started walking away. My shoulders fell as I stood there
once more. I felt so affected, I was speechless. It's not like I've
never seen men cry. My own father had shed a tear or two in my
lifetime. But with Darien, it seems so different.
Then and there, I felt something. I didn't know what it was,
but there was one thing I was sure of. I was changed.
DARIEN'S VIEW
I stared at the dark, gray sky bitterly and scoffed. It
perfectly complimented my mood at the moment. My face was void of
all emotions as I once again recalled that hideous car accident when
I was only a little boy. I couldn't remember a single thing. I
have amnesia, the doctors said. My parents died in the crash, the
doctors said. I have to live in an orphanage, the doctors said.
I clutched my head between my fisted hands in agony. I could still
hear their mocking voices. They didn't care about me. All they
were concerned of was to get rid of me as quickly as possible. I
took a staggering breath and slowly lowered my hands to my side.
I can't remember their faces. I can't even remember if they
had loved me. They must have loved me. I don't think I could bear
it if they didn't . . . I've never known love -- to love or be loved.
I angrily swiped at the tears that had dared make their presence
known. I hadn't even realized I was crying until a solitary tear
crept down my chin and onto my neck. I have never before cried ever
since my parents died and it surprised me that I did so now. I had
always believed that crying is a show of weakness. I sure felt like
a weakling at the moment. Disgusted with myself, I abruptly turned
my back on the dark, gray sky and decided to head back to my lonely
apartment. It was bound to rain soon and as upset as I am, it is not
my intention to become soaked to the skin.
THE FOLLOWING DAY
The bells rang as a familiar meatball-headed teenager made her
way inside the arcade. Her long ponytails trailed lazily behind her.
Plopping herself down on one of the booths, she called to Andrew.
"Andrew!!" Serena yelled across the customer-filled room.
Upon hearing her ungracious holler, Andrew grinned and slowly
advanced toward her.
"What's up Serena?" he inquired, that silly grin still on
his face.
Seeing the expression, she quickly hung her head and apologized
in a sheepish voice. "Sorry I bellowed at you like that . . ."
Andrew removed his apron and sat across from her. "Don't
worry about it Serena.," he assured her. "It was beginning to get
a little too quiet in here anyway. I should thank you, if anything.
You always seem to liven things up."
Serena blushed and cleared her throat. "Well, I only wanted
to say hi."
"All right."
"So . . .," she trailed off then greeted in a cheerful
tone, "Hi!!"
Andrew laughed and responded, "Hi, Serena." After calming
himself down, he continued. "So . . . How come you're all by
yourself today? Where are those four girls and that cat I always
see you with?"
"Oh! You mean Raye, Mina, Lita, Amy, and Luna?"
"Yep. Who else?"
"Well, Raye is busy meditating, Amy is studying as always, and
last I checked, Lita and Mina went to the mall guy shopping."
"Guy . . . What?" Andrew raised an eyebrow.
"Um . . .," Serena stuttered. "It's a girl thing. You
wouldn't be interested at all!" She looked at him awkwardly.
"What about the cat?" he asked, deciding to forget and
ignore what girls seem to like doing these days.
Serena sighed in relief and answered, "Luna? Who knows? I
never know what that fur ball does when she's not chewing my head
off. She's probably with Artemis."
"Artemis . . . He's another cat, right?"
"Yeah. He's Mina's." Andrew suddenly had a weird look on
his face and actually let out what sounded to be a snort. "Andrew,
are you okay?" she asked, worried that he's finally gone bonkers.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I was just imagining cats on dates." He
chuckled. "Silly, huh?"
"Not really. Luna and Artemis had gone on dates before." She
stopped for a second then added, "Of course, they would never admit
it even if you torture them."
Andrew stared at her, stunned. "They what?!" he asked
incredulously.
Serena suddenly got the feeling that he thought her a lunatic.
"Um . . . Nothing! Never mind. Forget what I said!" she quickly
responded.
He gave her a funny look and shook his head disbelievingly.
He stood up and tied back his apron around his waist. "Did you
want anything?"
"Just a chocolate milkshake, please," she ordered, all the
while smiling.
Andrew smiled back. "One chocolate milkshake coming up!" He
gave an exaggerated bow and left to retrieve her drink.
Serena quietly waited as she started thinking about what
happened yesterday afternoon. She still couldn't believe it and
she saw everything with her own eyes. She sighed, so lost in her
thoughts that she didn't hear the bell announce someone's arrival.
Darien grudgingly dragged himself inside the arcade. He
looked up and saw Andrew busy making what appeared to be chocolate
milkshake. He went straight to his blond best friend and said in a
flat voice, "Give me the usual." With that said, he sat on one of
the stools in an annoyed manner.
Andrew, shocked at his unusually rude behavior, -- to him
anyways -- placed Serena's milkshake on the counter and stared at
Darien. When Darien didn't say anything, he threw up his hands in
frustration. "All right, Darien. What is the matter with you?"
"What do you mean, Andrew?"
"I mean that you ruder than usual."
"Thanks, bud," he replied sarcastically. "I could always
count on you to cheer me up."
Andrew only grinned. "Nah," he objected. "That's Serena's
department and here she comes now." He looked over Darien's
shoulders and waited. Darien turned around and sure enough, an
impatient looking blonde was making her way towards them.
Serena came up and addressed Andrew in a teasing voice, "Can
I have my milkshake now, Andrew?"
"What? Oh." Andrew looked at her apologetically and handed
over the forgotten shake. "Sorry about that, Serena."
"Forget about it. I was feeling lonely over there by myself
anyway." She seated herself down, took a sip from her milkshake,
and gave her attention to the silent man sitting next to her. "Hi,
Darien." Darien only grunted in response. Serena, pretending she
knew nothing, asked Andrew, "What's eating him?" Andrew shrugged
his shoulders and gave Darien his 'usual' -- a cup of coffee.
"I was hoping you could get it out of him," Andrew replied.
"Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but there are other customers
waiting for me. Talk to both of you later." With that, he left
Darien and Serena alone.
SERENA'S VIEW
Now what? Should I tell him I saw him cry yesterday? Maybe
I shouldn't. After all, I'd probably only embarrass him. I should
say something, but what? It's obvious I would have to be the one
to break the ice. Well, here goes nothing.
"Nice weather we're having, huh?" I cringed. Dumb, Serena,
really dumb. That's the way to start a conversation! Like that
hasn't been used before.
Darien looked at me in disbelief. "Nice weather?" he repeated.
"It rained nonstop yesterday afternoon and the roads are practically
flooded."
"Well, the rain stopped finally and that makes it a nice
weather compared to yesterday," I defended myself. "And besides,
the roads aren't flooded at all. Just some puddles here and there."
"Whatever."
That went well. He's ignoring me again. Now what? Ugh.
I've already asked myself that question. And so far, I don't know
the answer.
I took a deep breath and finally decided to go straight to
the topic. "Darien, is anything the matter?" Darien once again
looked at me. I thought I saw something flicker in his eyes --
something like emotion. Exactly what specifically, I couldn't tell.
It disappeared as quickly as it had come. Maybe I was wrong about
him being cold. Maybe . . . Just maybe, he actually has feelings
like other normal people.
"Don't worry about me Meatball Head. It's nothing I can't
deal with by myself." He stood up and said, "I appreciate your
concern, but I'll be fine. See ya later, Serena." He affectionately
tousled my locks and left.
I watched him leave the arcade with his shoulders sagging. It
was so unlike him. He usually struts like a peacock, but not anymore.
Not only that. He actually didn't make any snide remarks other than
that horrid nickname. And he only used it once. He actually acted
nicely to me, too. I suppose stranger things have happened.
I finished my milkshake and made myself a promise. I will
find out what was bothering him. When I saw him crying, something
changed inside me. I don't know what, but I am determined to find
out. I have to. It feels like everything depended on me. And I
will find out.
DARIEN'S VIEW
I took a swallow of my coffee as soon as Andrew left. I was
well aware of the blonde sitting next to me, but I decided to ignore
her. I didn't know what to say so I centered all my attention to
the dark cup of coffee I held in my hand.
"Nice weather we're having, huh?" I heard her remark.
I looked at her and thought maybe she has gone nuts. It
rained so hard yesterday and didn't stop until early this morning.
It was almost flooded outside as well. Well, to me anyways. I
mentioned this to her and winced when her face fell as she tried to
defend herself. I knew she was trying to make me feel better, and
I hated myself for hurting her. I couldn't seem to say anything
nice to her no matter how hard I tried and thus I ignored her again.
She turned silent for about a minute which I knew was a hard feat
for her. Then, all too soon, the bomb was dropped.
"Darien, is anything the matter?"
I stared at her, at those cerulean orbs of hers that seem to
hold concern for me. I slowly felt my walls begin to crumble.
Almost.
I stood up at the same time telling her I was fine -- that
she has nothing to worry herself about. As an afterthought, I
lightly mussed her hair with one hand. Appalled at what I had done,
I left, feeling even more miserable than before.
LATE IN SEPTEMBER
Serena slowly walked home, giving the dark, gray sky a look
of disbelief. 'I don't believe it. It looks like it's going to
rain hard again. Just like that day when Darien . . .,' her thoughts
trailed off. "I still can't get over it . . . Seeing him cry . . ."
she pondered out loud. She rolled her stiff shoulders and stretched
her arms out. She has just finished training with the other girls
and she felt exhausted to the bone. Rolling her neck from side to
side, she stopped halfway. She thought she saw someone heading
towards the park -- someone who looked amazingly like Darien.
'It's about to rain . . . Why would he-." She halted her musings
and right away knew that something was wrong. She's seen this
before. Frowning, she quickly ran after Darien.
Making her way to the park, Serena saw Darien kneeling on
the soft ground, clutching the grass, his shoulders shaking
uncontrollably.
"Darien . . .," she murmured, slowing down her pace. As if
hearing her, Darien looked up. She held in a gasp when she saw
his tears brutally make their way down. She knelt down in front of
him and carefully took him in her arms. He sobbed like a child,
burying his face in the crook of her neck. She felt his tears on her
skin and became aware of her own, streaming down her face. Serena
held him like that, waiting for him to get his composure back. And
he did, after a while.
Darien moved out of her embrace and apologized in a cracked,
hoarse voice, his head bowed down. "Serena . . . I'm sorry."
"You're sorry?" she scowled. "What for? Darien, look at me,
please." When he did, his eyes still blurred in tears, she continued
in a softer tone. "You have nothing to be ashamed of. You of all
people deserved to have a good cry -- to finally release everything."
She held his face between her hands and looked at him intently.
"Won't you tell me what's wrong?" she whispered.
Darien stared back and saw genuine concern shining from her
eyes. He finds it difficult to believe that she actually cared.
He can trust her with her feelings, he decided. "I . . . I just
feel so alone all the time." His voice broke.
Serena gave him a bright smile and contradicted, "You are not
alone, Darien. You have me, Andrew, Raye, Lita, Mina, Amy, Luna,
Artemis, and a whole lot of other people."
"Really?" he voiced hopefully.
"Really."
"But do they love me . . ."
"Aah . . . Darien, we all love you."
Darien beamed. "Thanks, Serena. I needed that."
Serena gave him a friendly peck on the cheek, surprising
both
Darien and herself. "Glad to be of help." She stood up and pulled
him with her. It was then that she realized that they were soaked
to the skin. "Well, what do you know?" she giggled. "It's raining."
Darien laughed along. "Yeah . . . I guess we've been too
preoccupied to notice." He took her hand in his and together,
they left the park and the dark gray sky, their laughter overwhelming
the sound of the pounding rain.
END FLASHBACK
SERENA'S VIEW
I'll always remember that late afternoon. Catching a glimpse
of the real Darien really changed me. He still keeps his feelings
hidden deep inside him in places no one would find. When I saw him
cry, I realized then that forever was in his eyes. He believed that
he'd be alone forever. I shook my head slowly.
Looking at him now, his face unmasked, he looked so happy.
Someday, he'll open up to me. I just know it. Until then, I'll
hold him and try to make everything go away -- to make his
everything all right.
END
That was short . . . Sorry about that. So, how was it? Send any
comments (good or bad) to me. There might be a sequel to this. I
haven't yet decided. Until next time.
*^_^* Moonbunny83
I've been itching to write this story and here it is. I'm sorry about
the delay with Book 3: Betrayals of the Past. I hope this short story
compensates for the delay.
This story was inspired by a Mandy Moore song, "Cry" from her latest CD.
I guess you can call this a songfic, which, in a way, it is. However,
you will not find the lyrics anywhere in my story. I don't have the
permission to add them in. You really don't need them since my entire
story is based on the song. Of course, as with any other songfics, I
added in some ideas of my own.
This story solely revolves around Serena and Darien. You won't find
the Inner Scouts anywhere. They're mentioned, but don't make any
appearance.
Now on with the story! Hope you like it. Oh! The rating is PG for
drama.
CRY
By: Moonbunny83
7/9/01 - 7/10/01
E-mail: moonbunny83@hotmail.com
Sailor Moon created by:
Naoko Takeuchi
The song "Cry" is produced by James Renald and Peter Mokran
© 2001 EMI BLACKWOOD (CANADA) MUSIC LTD. AND AUDIO SPUNK
Serena Tsukino released a deep sigh as she gazed at the snoozing
Darien Shields. She couldn't believe that a sophisticated college guy
like him would actually be interested in some plain junior high girl
like her. This is where she was mistaken, however. To Darien, she
was anything, but plain. She is always so full of life, so energetic,
so lively, so spontaneous -- though spontaneity was probably not
always good for Sailor Moon. That characteristic may well get her in
a tight corner, trapped. But, he loves her anyway; though she doesn't
know it, yet.
She nestled herself closer in the sofa as she continued
watching the oblivious Darien. They were in his apartment having
another one of their study sessions in an effort to help her pull
her grades up before the ending period. Unfortunately, it would seem
that Darien hasn't been getting enough sleep lately. She was aware
that Darien has been trying to juggle his work, college, and her.
Like that wasn't bad enough, his professors assigned research papers
to be done by the end of the week. She was sure that it was all a
conspiracy among the instructors, but she has no way to prove it.
Serena grasped her pencil and made an attempt to solve the
problems in front of her. All she saw were hazy figures and she
realized that she was also tired. She shook her head clear of the
sleeping bugs and once again glanced at Darien. He looked so cute
and free of troubles with his dark bangs draping across his eyes and
forehead. There is such a strong aura around him that one would
think him to be made of steel -- cold and unreachable. But she knew
better now that she was able to see the man behind the hard exterior.
She smiled contentedly as she remembered that fateful late afternoon
when she was first given a glimpse of a very vulnerable Darien Shields.
FLASHBACK
SERENA'S VIEW
Ugh. Again. I did it again. As much as I had tried to be
on time, I was late. Again. Raye is going to skin my hide this
time. She threatened to do so and I have no doubts that she was
only kidding.
I ran as fast as I could down the seemingly long street.
This was one of those cases that I was glad I was Sailor Moon.
Fighting off youmas sure is a great way to keep in shape. I looked
up at the darken sky and frowned. It looks like it was going to
pour bullets any minute. I better be safe and sound -- and
dry -- inside the temple before the clouds start gushing loads of
water.
I decided to take a short cut across the park. I swerved
myself to the left and ran towards the grass-filled commons. After
covering several feet I abruptly stopped at the unfolding scene in
front of me. I took a few seconds to catch my breath as I realized
who it was. I'd know him anywhere. Besides that unmistakably dark
hair of his, his presence practically radiates with coldness.
I shivered and wrapped my arms around me in an attempt to warm
myself. I silently stood there, watched him grasp his head in what
appeared to be pain. I felt guilty for spying on him like this even
is he is a jerk. I was about to leave when I suddenly saw him wipe
his face as if to rid himself of aggravating tears. I stopped and
gave him a scrutinizing look.
He can't possibly be crying. Guys like him don't cry. Guys
like him don't show any emotion. He's so cold that his tears would
freeze if he did cry. I bet Luna that he thinks crying is a show
of weakness.
I quietly approached him to get a better look, making sure he
doesn't hear my steps. I gasped at what I saw. Tears ran down his
haggard face unchecked. I couldn't believe it. I didn't know what
to do. Should I try to comfort him? Ask him what was wrong? Ask
him what had made him cry? He'd probably think me a pest if I try
to. But he looks so forlorn. I can't stand seeing him like this.
I don't care if he yelled at me, but I've made my decision.
Straightening my shoulders, I headed toward him, no longer
caring if he heard me or not. I halted once again when he abruptly
turned and started walking away. My shoulders fell as I stood there
once more. I felt so affected, I was speechless. It's not like I've
never seen men cry. My own father had shed a tear or two in my
lifetime. But with Darien, it seems so different.
Then and there, I felt something. I didn't know what it was,
but there was one thing I was sure of. I was changed.
DARIEN'S VIEW
I stared at the dark, gray sky bitterly and scoffed. It
perfectly complimented my mood at the moment. My face was void of
all emotions as I once again recalled that hideous car accident when
I was only a little boy. I couldn't remember a single thing. I
have amnesia, the doctors said. My parents died in the crash, the
doctors said. I have to live in an orphanage, the doctors said.
I clutched my head between my fisted hands in agony. I could still
hear their mocking voices. They didn't care about me. All they
were concerned of was to get rid of me as quickly as possible. I
took a staggering breath and slowly lowered my hands to my side.
I can't remember their faces. I can't even remember if they
had loved me. They must have loved me. I don't think I could bear
it if they didn't . . . I've never known love -- to love or be loved.
I angrily swiped at the tears that had dared make their presence
known. I hadn't even realized I was crying until a solitary tear
crept down my chin and onto my neck. I have never before cried ever
since my parents died and it surprised me that I did so now. I had
always believed that crying is a show of weakness. I sure felt like
a weakling at the moment. Disgusted with myself, I abruptly turned
my back on the dark, gray sky and decided to head back to my lonely
apartment. It was bound to rain soon and as upset as I am, it is not
my intention to become soaked to the skin.
THE FOLLOWING DAY
The bells rang as a familiar meatball-headed teenager made her
way inside the arcade. Her long ponytails trailed lazily behind her.
Plopping herself down on one of the booths, she called to Andrew.
"Andrew!!" Serena yelled across the customer-filled room.
Upon hearing her ungracious holler, Andrew grinned and slowly
advanced toward her.
"What's up Serena?" he inquired, that silly grin still on
his face.
Seeing the expression, she quickly hung her head and apologized
in a sheepish voice. "Sorry I bellowed at you like that . . ."
Andrew removed his apron and sat across from her. "Don't
worry about it Serena.," he assured her. "It was beginning to get
a little too quiet in here anyway. I should thank you, if anything.
You always seem to liven things up."
Serena blushed and cleared her throat. "Well, I only wanted
to say hi."
"All right."
"So . . .," she trailed off then greeted in a cheerful
tone, "Hi!!"
Andrew laughed and responded, "Hi, Serena." After calming
himself down, he continued. "So . . . How come you're all by
yourself today? Where are those four girls and that cat I always
see you with?"
"Oh! You mean Raye, Mina, Lita, Amy, and Luna?"
"Yep. Who else?"
"Well, Raye is busy meditating, Amy is studying as always, and
last I checked, Lita and Mina went to the mall guy shopping."
"Guy . . . What?" Andrew raised an eyebrow.
"Um . . .," Serena stuttered. "It's a girl thing. You
wouldn't be interested at all!" She looked at him awkwardly.
"What about the cat?" he asked, deciding to forget and
ignore what girls seem to like doing these days.
Serena sighed in relief and answered, "Luna? Who knows? I
never know what that fur ball does when she's not chewing my head
off. She's probably with Artemis."
"Artemis . . . He's another cat, right?"
"Yeah. He's Mina's." Andrew suddenly had a weird look on
his face and actually let out what sounded to be a snort. "Andrew,
are you okay?" she asked, worried that he's finally gone bonkers.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I was just imagining cats on dates." He
chuckled. "Silly, huh?"
"Not really. Luna and Artemis had gone on dates before." She
stopped for a second then added, "Of course, they would never admit
it even if you torture them."
Andrew stared at her, stunned. "They what?!" he asked
incredulously.
Serena suddenly got the feeling that he thought her a lunatic.
"Um . . . Nothing! Never mind. Forget what I said!" she quickly
responded.
He gave her a funny look and shook his head disbelievingly.
He stood up and tied back his apron around his waist. "Did you
want anything?"
"Just a chocolate milkshake, please," she ordered, all the
while smiling.
Andrew smiled back. "One chocolate milkshake coming up!" He
gave an exaggerated bow and left to retrieve her drink.
Serena quietly waited as she started thinking about what
happened yesterday afternoon. She still couldn't believe it and
she saw everything with her own eyes. She sighed, so lost in her
thoughts that she didn't hear the bell announce someone's arrival.
Darien grudgingly dragged himself inside the arcade. He
looked up and saw Andrew busy making what appeared to be chocolate
milkshake. He went straight to his blond best friend and said in a
flat voice, "Give me the usual." With that said, he sat on one of
the stools in an annoyed manner.
Andrew, shocked at his unusually rude behavior, -- to him
anyways -- placed Serena's milkshake on the counter and stared at
Darien. When Darien didn't say anything, he threw up his hands in
frustration. "All right, Darien. What is the matter with you?"
"What do you mean, Andrew?"
"I mean that you ruder than usual."
"Thanks, bud," he replied sarcastically. "I could always
count on you to cheer me up."
Andrew only grinned. "Nah," he objected. "That's Serena's
department and here she comes now." He looked over Darien's
shoulders and waited. Darien turned around and sure enough, an
impatient looking blonde was making her way towards them.
Serena came up and addressed Andrew in a teasing voice, "Can
I have my milkshake now, Andrew?"
"What? Oh." Andrew looked at her apologetically and handed
over the forgotten shake. "Sorry about that, Serena."
"Forget about it. I was feeling lonely over there by myself
anyway." She seated herself down, took a sip from her milkshake,
and gave her attention to the silent man sitting next to her. "Hi,
Darien." Darien only grunted in response. Serena, pretending she
knew nothing, asked Andrew, "What's eating him?" Andrew shrugged
his shoulders and gave Darien his 'usual' -- a cup of coffee.
"I was hoping you could get it out of him," Andrew replied.
"Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but there are other customers
waiting for me. Talk to both of you later." With that, he left
Darien and Serena alone.
SERENA'S VIEW
Now what? Should I tell him I saw him cry yesterday? Maybe
I shouldn't. After all, I'd probably only embarrass him. I should
say something, but what? It's obvious I would have to be the one
to break the ice. Well, here goes nothing.
"Nice weather we're having, huh?" I cringed. Dumb, Serena,
really dumb. That's the way to start a conversation! Like that
hasn't been used before.
Darien looked at me in disbelief. "Nice weather?" he repeated.
"It rained nonstop yesterday afternoon and the roads are practically
flooded."
"Well, the rain stopped finally and that makes it a nice
weather compared to yesterday," I defended myself. "And besides,
the roads aren't flooded at all. Just some puddles here and there."
"Whatever."
That went well. He's ignoring me again. Now what? Ugh.
I've already asked myself that question. And so far, I don't know
the answer.
I took a deep breath and finally decided to go straight to
the topic. "Darien, is anything the matter?" Darien once again
looked at me. I thought I saw something flicker in his eyes --
something like emotion. Exactly what specifically, I couldn't tell.
It disappeared as quickly as it had come. Maybe I was wrong about
him being cold. Maybe . . . Just maybe, he actually has feelings
like other normal people.
"Don't worry about me Meatball Head. It's nothing I can't
deal with by myself." He stood up and said, "I appreciate your
concern, but I'll be fine. See ya later, Serena." He affectionately
tousled my locks and left.
I watched him leave the arcade with his shoulders sagging. It
was so unlike him. He usually struts like a peacock, but not anymore.
Not only that. He actually didn't make any snide remarks other than
that horrid nickname. And he only used it once. He actually acted
nicely to me, too. I suppose stranger things have happened.
I finished my milkshake and made myself a promise. I will
find out what was bothering him. When I saw him crying, something
changed inside me. I don't know what, but I am determined to find
out. I have to. It feels like everything depended on me. And I
will find out.
DARIEN'S VIEW
I took a swallow of my coffee as soon as Andrew left. I was
well aware of the blonde sitting next to me, but I decided to ignore
her. I didn't know what to say so I centered all my attention to
the dark cup of coffee I held in my hand.
"Nice weather we're having, huh?" I heard her remark.
I looked at her and thought maybe she has gone nuts. It
rained so hard yesterday and didn't stop until early this morning.
It was almost flooded outside as well. Well, to me anyways. I
mentioned this to her and winced when her face fell as she tried to
defend herself. I knew she was trying to make me feel better, and
I hated myself for hurting her. I couldn't seem to say anything
nice to her no matter how hard I tried and thus I ignored her again.
She turned silent for about a minute which I knew was a hard feat
for her. Then, all too soon, the bomb was dropped.
"Darien, is anything the matter?"
I stared at her, at those cerulean orbs of hers that seem to
hold concern for me. I slowly felt my walls begin to crumble.
Almost.
I stood up at the same time telling her I was fine -- that
she has nothing to worry herself about. As an afterthought, I
lightly mussed her hair with one hand. Appalled at what I had done,
I left, feeling even more miserable than before.
LATE IN SEPTEMBER
Serena slowly walked home, giving the dark, gray sky a look
of disbelief. 'I don't believe it. It looks like it's going to
rain hard again. Just like that day when Darien . . .,' her thoughts
trailed off. "I still can't get over it . . . Seeing him cry . . ."
she pondered out loud. She rolled her stiff shoulders and stretched
her arms out. She has just finished training with the other girls
and she felt exhausted to the bone. Rolling her neck from side to
side, she stopped halfway. She thought she saw someone heading
towards the park -- someone who looked amazingly like Darien.
'It's about to rain . . . Why would he-." She halted her musings
and right away knew that something was wrong. She's seen this
before. Frowning, she quickly ran after Darien.
Making her way to the park, Serena saw Darien kneeling on
the soft ground, clutching the grass, his shoulders shaking
uncontrollably.
"Darien . . .," she murmured, slowing down her pace. As if
hearing her, Darien looked up. She held in a gasp when she saw
his tears brutally make their way down. She knelt down in front of
him and carefully took him in her arms. He sobbed like a child,
burying his face in the crook of her neck. She felt his tears on her
skin and became aware of her own, streaming down her face. Serena
held him like that, waiting for him to get his composure back. And
he did, after a while.
Darien moved out of her embrace and apologized in a cracked,
hoarse voice, his head bowed down. "Serena . . . I'm sorry."
"You're sorry?" she scowled. "What for? Darien, look at me,
please." When he did, his eyes still blurred in tears, she continued
in a softer tone. "You have nothing to be ashamed of. You of all
people deserved to have a good cry -- to finally release everything."
She held his face between her hands and looked at him intently.
"Won't you tell me what's wrong?" she whispered.
Darien stared back and saw genuine concern shining from her
eyes. He finds it difficult to believe that she actually cared.
He can trust her with her feelings, he decided. "I . . . I just
feel so alone all the time." His voice broke.
Serena gave him a bright smile and contradicted, "You are not
alone, Darien. You have me, Andrew, Raye, Lita, Mina, Amy, Luna,
Artemis, and a whole lot of other people."
"Really?" he voiced hopefully.
"Really."
"But do they love me . . ."
"Aah . . . Darien, we all love you."
Darien beamed. "Thanks, Serena. I needed that."
Serena gave him a friendly peck on the cheek, surprising
both
Darien and herself. "Glad to be of help." She stood up and pulled
him with her. It was then that she realized that they were soaked
to the skin. "Well, what do you know?" she giggled. "It's raining."
Darien laughed along. "Yeah . . . I guess we've been too
preoccupied to notice." He took her hand in his and together,
they left the park and the dark gray sky, their laughter overwhelming
the sound of the pounding rain.
END FLASHBACK
SERENA'S VIEW
I'll always remember that late afternoon. Catching a glimpse
of the real Darien really changed me. He still keeps his feelings
hidden deep inside him in places no one would find. When I saw him
cry, I realized then that forever was in his eyes. He believed that
he'd be alone forever. I shook my head slowly.
Looking at him now, his face unmasked, he looked so happy.
Someday, he'll open up to me. I just know it. Until then, I'll
hold him and try to make everything go away -- to make his
everything all right.
END
That was short . . . Sorry about that. So, how was it? Send any
comments (good or bad) to me. There might be a sequel to this. I
haven't yet decided. Until next time.
*^_^* Moonbunny83