Disclaimer: I do not own any characters.

Author's Notes: How about a bunch of one shots?! Sounds fun to me! Shoot me some ideas you'd like to see! This is one I wrote...more to come! Fav or follow! And review so you can get updates!

Story summary: Darien and Serena have one night away from their world of battles and worries. Pure fluff!

Just One Night

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"...97, 98, 99, 100..." Serena combed a pink brush through her golden locks from top to bottom. It was her nightly ritual before bed. She would shower, put on her comfortable pajamas, and brush her hair one hundred times.

Luna was fast asleep on the bed, her paws curled under her black coat. Even the royal guardian needed her rest. Serena scratched her ears affectionately and placed her brush on the dresser.

It had been a long night. The teenager almost laughed. No, it had been a long year. Being a senior in High School was suppose to be fun and memorable. Seniors got to sit at whatever benches they wanted to at lunch. They got to decorate for all of the school dances. They even had a Senior Class cut Day where none of them were expected to go to school!

Serena and the scouts, however, didn't seem to get to enjoy a lot of these activities. Something always came up. A youma, a phage, any type of evil that wanted to take over the world. It always happened.

Evil was always there. Earth was constantly in danger. There was never a break or a second for a "time-out." It was rush and go and transform and defeat. And for a teenager who just wanted to be normal, it was exhausting.

The moon was in the night sky. Bedtime. Serena glanced at her clock: 1:35 am. She wasn't tired. All of the adrenaline from her earlier battle had given her mental alertness. It was like the one time she tried Darien's coffee when he wasn't looking. Even after a few sips, her hyper activity gave her away. Even to this day, Darien refused to give her coffee.

A smile played on her lips. Darien. He had protected her once again tonight. She could still feel his arms around her as he embraced her goodnight. He had kissed her as usual. The Sailor Scouts, in the background snickering, had ruined the mood.

"I'm not tired," she whispered. Maybe if she took a walk, she could wear herself out. Grabbing her boots, she slipped them on. She pulled her high school hoodie over her small frame.

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Darien sat upright in his bed. No, it wasn't a dream. Someone was at his door. He yanked the covers off of himself and bolted towards the door. He was tired. The battle had drained him physically and emotionally. Not to mention, he was in his last year of college. Taking a master's course had taken his time, his stress, and commitment to being a doctor to a whole new level.

There was so much to balance! He had become a little too dependent on coffee and burning the midnight oil was beginning to get to him. Even during the battle tonight, he knew he was sluggish. He had the bruise to prove it from that demon's attack.

Knock, knock.

"I'm coming!" His fingers grasped the door handle tightly and yanked it open. Whoever woke him up better have a good reason because he was about to lay into them!

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Serena stood at the door with a look of apprehension on her face. Her long hair had been tucked in a quick braid. Dressed in her hoodie, flannel pajama pants, and a pair of bunny slippers, she looked as if she didn't care how she dressed at that moment.

"Serena? Are you okay?" He was awake now. He pulled her into his apartment and shut the door. His heart raced. What was she doing here? Had something happened? Was she hurt? It wasn't like her to be out so late at night.

His hands rested on her upper shoulders, his mind finally focused and alert.

The blonde shuffled her feet from embarrassment. Silly me, look at him, he's worried. I knew this wasn't a good idea. He looks exhausted. Pulling away from him, she turned towards the door,"Oh, Darien, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have came..."

"No, no...you don't have to go...please, tell me what's wrong. Are you hurt? Did something happen?"

She tried to smile,"I'm alright...I just...couldn't sleep. I went for a walk hoping I would get sleepy...the next thing I knew, I was here..."

Even at 1:35 in the morning, Darien couldn't help but smile at his fiancé dressed in bunny slippers. "I'll put on some tea..."

"...and some of those cookies...?"

He laughed,"...and some of those cookies..."

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Both of them sat in the living room with the windows open. The moon's light shone in and lit the room perfectly. Tea and cookies sat on the coffee table. Some tea was left, but they had managed to eat six cookies together.

Darien sat on the floor, his back propped against the couch where Serena sat. The hour went by and they talked about school, their friends, and even the battle from tonight. Life had gotten so busy. The communication had dwindled for awhile, but neither of them had said anything. It seemed as if their life of fighting evil had become a duty...a strain on their relationship almost.

"...Would you give it up?" Serena questioned absentmindedly. Her fingers ran through his thick raven locks. His eyes were closed, his head resting on her lap.

There was silence. His blue eyes opened and stared at his love for a moment. Would he give his calling of being Tuxedo Mask up? Would he rather be a normal college student and have a normal fiancé and go on normal dates instead of battling enemies at midnight? Yeah...a part of it sounded tempting.

He replied,"It isn't that intent to give it up...it's more...how do I put it...? I'm exhausted, Serena. Sometimes, I wish I could sleep for a week or find some type of escape even if just for a little bit..."

"I feel the same way..." She couldn't help but smile. How comforting it was to know her weakness was the same as her strong Tuxedo Masks'.

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Time continued to go by. Serena climbed off of the couch and sat by Darien. Her arms were tucked into his, her forehead resting on his shoulder.

"I love you, Darien. Not because I have too...or because it's our destiny...I love you because you're you...you're my best friend..." Boy, staying up late and eating cookies really made her get emotional, didn't it?

Darien kissed her forehead and looked at her. "...what brought that up?"

"...I don't know. I guess I just wanted you to know that. I don't think I say it enough. I mean, I do say it...but not enough. Its been awhile since we've gotten to talk like this. So, in case we get busy again, you'll know." What had brought that up? Maybe it was the early morning hours or maybe it was even the fact it had been a long time since they had a heart to to heart talk.

Something welled up inside of his chest as he saw her like this. Open. Relaxed. Completely at ease. This is how it should always be with them. Even if she wasn't his destiny, he would find a way. This was too sweet of a love.

He took her face in his hands, kissed the corner of her lips. "I love you more than you will ever know."

Kissing him was second nature. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he pressed his lips against hers. He tasted like honey tea. The two embraced, whispered sweet nothings. Separated for a brief moment.

Something just felt right between them. This was right. They were right. It was a moment both of them wanted to freeze. How long had it been since they had a single night together? A night to relax and just talk? It was the balm that was needed to soothe over the battle wounds of reality.

"...you should get home, it's late..." Darien brushed her bangs from in front of her eyes. He stood tall and stretched his long legs. Reaching down, he pulled Serena up.

Serena nodded. Reality had to start sooner than she wanted. She turned in his arms for one more kiss.

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Neither of them knew how it started. Darien couldn't pull away from her. The goodbye kiss had been innocent as all of their kisses...not anymore...not since his love decided to test her boundaries and slip her tongue past his lips.

Things heated up instantly. Never had they kissed as this before! Darien could feel himself groan as his princess pressed herself closer to him, her fingers dancing in his hair. She didn't want to let go.

His left arm encircled her waist tightly. His other arm, now resting against the closed door, braced him as this uncharted territory was explored. A fire began to build in his stomach. Ugh, this needed to stop!

"Serena," he murmured through her kisses. What was he suppose to say again? How did he stop this? heavens, he couldn't think!

Her fingers slipped beneath his simple white shirt. A pink flush colored her cheeks as she explored his abdomen. This was a new feeling she had. Her mind screamed to stop, her hands refused to obey.

Not knowing his own strength, Darien slammed her body into the door until they were embedded into each other's bodies, not a single space between them. No matter how close they were to each other, it wasn't enough. Both of them wanted more.

They touched, they tasted.

"...this has to stop," he whispered again as he realized every inch of his body was awake.

Serena pulled away from him then. Slowly, she regained her composure. Her arms wrapped around her chest. Her face clearly was as red as a beet. Beautiful blue eyes look into hers. As if she was challenging his authority, she walked towards his bedroom. Didn't turn around to see if he followed.

The door to her home wasn't that way. Darien called himself every name in the book. The most beautiful woman in the world was in his bedroom and he wanted to send her home. Knowing his meatball head, she was probably crying her eyes out. Taking a minute, he caught his breath and tried to think of something to calm him down mentally and physically. Easier said than done.

He pushed open his door,"Serena, I didn't mean it like that, I-"

"For once in your life, Darien Chiba, don't think..." Once more, her lips crushed his. His moon princess became bold! It was his turn to turn red as he saw her hoodie and flannel pants folded neatly on the nightstand.

So...for once in his life...he didn't think.

The time passed slowly for the two lover's as they explored a world neither of them had ever knew. They laughed from embarrassment, whispered endearments to reassure one another, and came together as one.

He pushed through her easily, she cried from the pain.

Every single tear was kissed away.

And finally, at the end, they both called out for one another in pure pleasure.

It was a wonderful thing as they fell asleep in each other's arms.

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5:00 am.

The tiny blaring of horns from below and a clock radio announcing the news meant the sun was about to come up. Tokyo City was about to burst to life and it was only Saturday.

Darien opened his eyes. A smile spread across his face. Serena, sleeping with her mouth wide open, was curled up beside him. It had been an escape both of them needed. For the first time, they were able to connect in a way lover's were meant to.

...and it was beautiful...

"Shouldn't you head home...?" He whispered.

A yawn escaped her lips. "It's Saturday...mom doesn't wake me until one or two in the afternoon..."

"What about Luna?"

Opening her eyes, she looked at him,"Are you trying to get rid of me?"

"No...just being...wise..."

She kissed him lightly,"Quit being wise and go back to sleep. This is the first time I feel at peace and your wisdom needs to just stay away for a few more hours..."

"Okay," he whispered. A smile formed on his lips, a peace in his heart.

...even if this peace lasted for one night, at least they had each other.

And that made it all worth it.

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