1/1
Rated G
By Jelp
Little girl Serena Darien First Season Romance.
Just to let everyone know, one of the scenes (see if you can
figure out which one) was inspired by Alicia Blade's "Royal
Flush." (This means that someone is using sign language.)
I don't own Sailor Moon.
Sending the Right Signs
Serena walked into the arcade, tired after finsihing her boring
mid-terms. She felt so horrible. She had barely gotten any sleep
last night after last minute cramming. She plunked her head down
on the countertop.
"Ow." She grumbled after plopping her head down too hard.
"Are you alright Meatball Head?" Darien asked. He had been
sitting in the stool next to her and she hadn't even seen him.
"You look like something that cat dragged in." He stated simply.
"Bite me." She threw with as much spite as she could. Her eyes
focused on the counter top in front of her.
"Harsh." Darien smirked as he took a sip from the coffee
that was sitting in front of him. "Hey Andrew, can you get me a
cup of hot cocoa?" Darien asked. Andrew nodded his head as he
headed into the kitchen.
"So, do you wanna talk about it?" Darien asked as he put
his lips to his coffee. He took a small sip before setting it
down again.
"With you, no." Serena turned her head to face the side
that was farthest away from him.
"Look, I know you're not in the best of moods-"
"-you think?"
"-but I know that you wouldn't be down because of something
that really wasn't universal."
"What does that mean?" Serena asked, feeling dumb.
"You're spirit is hard to break."
"Oh. Well, if you must know, it has NOT been my day." She
picked her head from off the counter and turned to face him.
"Why are you being so nice?" She asked cautiously.
"I dunno. I can be nice sometimes. I think that we just
bump into each other at the wrong time."
"But I bump into you ALL the time."
"Well, if you think about it, when you bump into me I am
probably heading somewhere, or when you see me at the arcade I
have just finished a hard day at school. You may not believe me,
but I like to get home and do things just like everyone else."
Serena thought about it long and hard. It made sense.
"You seem to get me at bad times too. You always step out
in my way on my way to school." She said thoughtfully. He raised
an eyebrow at her.
"I think that it's also you fault that you run into me. You
share as much of the blame as I do because if you think about
it, you have the same opportunity to move out of the way as I
do." He stated smartly. She thought about it.
"Did you put a whole lot of thought into this or something?
You seem to be rattling off these ideas one right after the
next."
"Actually I have." Darien took another sip of his coffee.
"I throught maybe we could stop insulting each other." Serena
rolled the idea around in her head.
"Here you go." Andrew said as he placed the hot chocolate
down in front of Darien. Andrew turned to go and attend to
another customer. Darien slid the hot chocolate towards Serena.
"Maybe this will cheer you up." He said, flashing her a
smile, a real genuine smile. Not one of the usual sneering
or cocky smiles, but a friendly smile. It made him look even
more handsome.
'Whoa Serena. You do NOT think that Darien is handsome.'
She thought looking him over. 'Darn it! He is hot!' She would
have had to been blind not to notice his looks. His profile
looked so solemn as he sat there running his index finger around
the rim of the coffee cup. He took another sip.
"You've been drinking that coffee non stop for the past
five minutes, and it's still not done. I bet I can finish my hot
chocolate before you can finish your coffee." Serena said as she
challenged him.
"I don't think that's a good idea." He said.
"What, don't think you could win? On the count of three-"
"-Serena-"
"-one-"
"-it's-"
"-two-"
"-really-"
"-three!" and before Darien could say another word, she
took a big gulp from the mug, and immediately spit in back out
as she started to fan her tongue.
"-hot." Darien finished. He rolled his eyes skyward.
"Why didn't you tell me?" She glared at him.
"I was trying to!" He sighed. She was still glaring at him
when the arcade doors slid open. A young girl walked in. She
looked lost, exhausted, and terribly afraid. She looked no more
than ten. Her blonde hair was pulled up into a pony tail that
hung midway down her back. She walked over to a both in the
corner, looking around with wary eyes. Serena and Darien looked
at each other, both wondering if they could do something for the
little girl.
"You stay here." Serena said. "You might insult the poor
girl." She walked over to the young girl. The girl's brown eyes
looked up at Serena in fright. The girl shrank back in her seat.
"What is your name?" Serena asked kindly. The young girl
just stared at her. Her eyes, terrified. Serena started to
fidget with the hem of her skirt.
"Ummm... Tu hablas Espanol?" She tried. The girl still
looked confused and scared. "Sprechen sie Dutsch?" Serena said.
The girl was still drawing a blank. Serena racked her brain for
another language. "Oday ouyay easkspay Igpay Atinlay?" Serena
tried in Pig Latin. The girl sat up as if figuring that Serena
was not a threat.
Darien was watching intently, and couldn't help but laugh
as Serena tried speaking to her in Pig Latin. The girl made a
motion with her hand. Darien recognized it and sauntered over to
the girls.
"Umm..." Serena looked at the girl. "Wanna play patty-cake
or some sort of clapping game?" Serena tried, confused at what
the girl's hand motions meant.
"Her name's Stacey." Darien said as he came up behind the
two girls.
"How do you know that?" Serena asked skeptically.
"She signed it. She's deaf." Darien said.
"Oh." 'Well, at least that explains the hand motion.' She
thought. "Well, do you know sign language?" She asked.
"How do you think I knew her name?" Darien said arching his
eyebrow at her.
"Good point." She said. Darien got nearer to Stacey who had
shrunk down again at his approach.
My name's Darien. He signed to the girl.
My name is Stacey. She signed back, sitting up again.
Are you lost? He asked. She nodded.
Where are your parents? He asked, trying to help.
Dead. Her eyes lost their fright but they became sad.
Where do you live? He felt bad for bringing up such a
bad memory. He knew how she felt.
The orphanage. She signed. I'm just staying there
until my aunt and uncle can come and pick me up. I was moved
from Foster home to Foster home until my uncle could get a job.
But I was getting so cooped up in there! I just had to get away.
I climbed the tree that hangs out over the street. I thought it
would be a change from the orphanage, but I got lost.
Which orphanage?
Tokyo's Rose Garden Orphanage.
"What's wrong?" Serena asked, feeling left out.
"I'll tell you in a minute as soon as I find out." Darien
turned back to Stacey. Does Mrs. Greenway still work there?
He asked. Stacey nodded, looking at him oddly.
How did you know that? She wondered. He smiled.
I used to get in trouble all the time for climbing that
tree, and then walking along the wall. He explained to her.
You're Darien Chiba! She signed. Her motions getting
rushed and excited. She told us all the time that you were the
most difficult boy. You would do everything you were told,
except when it came to keeping you inside the orphanage. Mrs.
Greenway also told us how you planted that beautiful rose garden
which made the orphanage rename itself. Her eyes no longer
showed fear, or sadness, but awe.
That was me. He chuckled. For the first time since she
entered the arcade, she smiled.
Will you take me back to the orphanage? She asked.
Of course I will, but wouldn't you like to see Tokyo just
for today? I'm sure it wouldn't hurt. He told her. Darien knew
exactly how she felt being obligated to stay inside the orphanage
at all times.
I would love that! She started to get excited.
Darien turned to Serena.
"We're taking her around Tokyo for the day." He announced.
"We are?" Serena asked confused.
"Yes." He confirmed. "She's staying at Tokyo's Rose Garden
Orphanage until her aunt and uncle can pick her up."
"An orphan? Poor thing." Darien stiffened but said nothing.
How about some hot chocolate first? Darien asked as he
turned his attention back to Stacey. She nodded.
"Andrew, another hot chocolate please." Darien yelled to
Andrew. Andrew nodded his head and disappeared into the kitchen.
After Darien introduced Serena to Stacey, and Stacey to
Serena, Andrew arrived with the hot chocolate.
"You're going to be up all night if you keep drinking this
much liquid." Andrew said as he walked over to help someone with
a video game. Stacey let her drink cool and drank it slowly
unlike Serena had. It did not take her long to finish it, and
they headed off to walk the winter wonderland of Tokyo's park.
Stacey was having a great time. She was skipping along as
she held Darien's hand. Darien didn't seem to mind translating
the hand gestures from Stacey to Serena, or what Serena was
saying to Stacey. Serena was amazed that Darien could be so kind
and loving to a girl that he had never met. It seemed she had a
lot to learn about him. She started to watch him intently. He
would stop all of a sudden, and show things to Stacey, like
rabbit tracks in the snow. He even showed them the best place to
make snow angels.
Darien didn't know who was having the most fun. It seemed
that Serena and Stacey both had grins on their red nosed and red
cheeked faces, and laughter sparkled in their eyes. It was a
nice change not fighting with Meatball Head.
"Well, ladies, I'm sorry to say that I think that it's time
to head to the orphanage." Darien said to Serena as he signed to
Stacey. Both girls pouted.
I don't want to go back. Stacey signed, the laughter in
her eyes was replaced with sparkling tears. Darien hunched onto
his back legs.
I know that you don't want to go back, but everyone will
be worried about you. Darien signed, looking straight into her
tear filled eyes.
I know. She wiped a stray tear. But, I'm having so
much fun. Another tear escaped her eye. Like a loving brother,
Darien brushed it away. Serena, who was watching the whole seen,
and even though she had no idea what was going on, started to
cry at the lovingly gesture he made as he brushed her tear away.
I'll give you something so that you won't forget us. Now,
hold out your hands. Stacey did as she was told. Okay, I
want you to concentrate very hard. Stacey did so.
"What are you doing?" Serena asked.
"I'm going to give her something. Just watch." He placed
both his hands lightly over hers for a few seconds, and when he
removed his hands, a yellow rose was there. Stacey's and
Serena's mouths dropped opened. Stacey took the rose and twirled
it in her fingers. She jumped into Darien's arms and gave him a
hug. He gave a chuckle. Stacey pulled away with a big smile on
her face.
"The yellow rose symbolizes friendship." Darien both said
to Serena and signed to Stacey.
I'm going to put you up on my shoulders, if you need to
talk to me, just tap my shoulder, okay? He signed. Stacey
nodded.
"We're going to the orphanage now." Darien told Serena. She
just nodded her head, afraid that her voice would break if she
were to speak.
The three joyously bounced along, spirits high. Serena
walked slightly behind the two, admiring the young man. It
didn't take very long to walk from the park to the orphanage. At
last they arrived at the orphanage's front gates.
"Should we go in with her?" Serena asked.
"Yes." Darien said, as he seemingly gathered courage to
the orphanage as the gray sky began to produce a fresh batch of
snowflakes. He pushed the gates open with a creak. They walked
silently up to the front doors, the joy vanished from the their
faces. Darien knocked gravely. A woman in her late fifties
opened the door.
"Yes, how can I help-" She cut off upon seeing Stacey on
Darien's shoulders. "Stacey!" The woman said, relief filled her
eyes. Darien kneeled down so Stacey could get off his shoulders.
We were worried about you. The woman signed to Stacey.
"Thank you for bringing her back here. How did you know
how to communicate with her?" She asked without looking up from
the runaway child.
"Mrs. Greenway, I'm sure you couldn't forget me." Darien
said, much to the surprise of Mrs. Greenway and Serena.
"Darien Chiba." Mrs. Greenway said, looking up at the young
man. She smiled at him. "Who's your friend?" She asked looking
over at Serena. Serena blushed.
"This is Serena. Serena this is Mrs. Greenway. She's been
head of this orphanage since I lived here." Darien said. Serena
tried not to look shocked. 'An orphan...oh Darien.'
"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Greenway." Serena said, smiling
at the woman that had most likely raised Darien. "You did I fine
job with bringing this one up." Serena said kindly. Darien gave
a smile. Mrs. Greenway swelled with pride.
"Her aunt and uncle are coming to pick her up tomorrow."
Mrs. Greenway kindly said. Darien got down on one knee so he was
eye level with Stacey.
I had fun today. I hope you did too. Darien signed.
I did. Thank you. And thank Serena for me. She gave him
a hug. Thank you for the rose. For emphasis she took it out
and smelled it.
"Good-bye Stacey." Serena said over Darien's shoulder.
Serena says good-bye.
Remember to tell her thank you, and also good-bye.
"She says good-bye and thank you." Darien translated to
Serena. Serena got down and hugged Stacey.
Stacey turned and ran to her room, stopping once to wave
good-bye.
"Thank you again for returning her." Mrs. Greenway smiled
at the young teenagers. "You make a cute couple. Bye." She shut
the door. She didn't get to see the brilliant shade of red that
graced Serena's and Darien's faces.
"Us? A couple? Like that could ever happen." Serena said.
"That would never work." Darien agreed.
"My thoughts exactly."
"So..." She trailed off.
"I'll walk you home." Darien said. There was an awkward
silence between them.
"She probably meant as in looks, since we're both cute."
Serena said as they walked to her house.
"You think I'm cute?" Darien asked surprised.
"Well, yeah." She admitted sheepishly. "I mean, I'm not
blind you know." She added nervously.
"You know, you are cute looking, especially when you're
mad." Darien smirked.
"So, is that another reason you tease me, because you like
seeing me cute?" She countered.
"Uh...maybe." Another awkward silence fell.
"Does this mean there's an attraction between us?" Serena
asked curiously.
"Well...it's possible. But it's unlikely. However, there is
a way to test if there's an attraction."
"What?" Serena asked curiously.
"This." Darien leaned in and gently kissed her on her lips.
A kiss that came too quick for the both of them. Darien blushed.
Serena smiled lightly.
"I think I need another test." Serena giggled blushing.
"Really?" Serena nodded her head. Darien closed the gap
between their lips, lingering a bit longer this time. Serena was
smiling from ear to ear. She grasped Darien's hand and lead him
the rest of the way to her house. It was fairly dark by the time
they reached their destination.
"I better go soon so I can make it home before it gets
completely dark. Where is the Azuban district from here?"
"Go about five blocks to the left, and then two blocks
until you reach Umi Lane."
"I can find my way from there, thank you." He smiled at her
with a twinkle in his eye. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and
started to walk home.
"Was it difficult?" She asked after his retreating form.
"Was what difficult?" Darien asked as he walked back to
where she was standing.
"Your childhood." She asked. Darien sighed.
"It was."
"Will you talk to me about it?" She asked.
"Not now." He said. "Someday."
"How did you do that, rose thing?"
"Hold out your hands, and close your eyes." He said.
"You didn't have Stacey close her eyes."
"She wouldn't have known when to open them unless I let
go of my hand and tapped her. She might have thought that I
placed it there on my own."
"And you didn't?" She asked.
"No, are you going to close your eyes?"
"No. I'll concentrate." Darien rolled his eyes. He placed
his hands on hers and concentrated. A red rose was left in her
hands.
"I thought it would be yellow." Serena said excitedly. She
looked up at Darien, who was blushing again. "What?" She
wondered.
"I thought it would be yellow too."
"So? What's wrong with red?"
"Yellow means friendship; red means pure love." He said running
his fingers through his hair.
"Maybe Mrs. Greenway wasn't so wrong about us after all."
Serena said intelligently.
"Maybe. We'll just have to see where our hearts lead us."
He kissed her lovingly. They pulled apart, and both felt dazed.
Darien and Serena said their good-byes. He left her sight, but
not her heart. And he never would again.
The End. Or the beginning?
I don't really know how to use sign language. If this seemed
wrong to anyone, sorry. I just thought it made for a sweet
story. Would anyone like me to hurry up and finish my Silver
Millennium fic instead of doing another First Season romance?
Any takers? - Jelp