Disclaimer: Sailor Moon does not belong to me, I do this purely for fun.

Just Because

"Silent Support"

Serena signed as she gazed out upon the glistening lake. Her sandles cast aside beside her as she dangled her feet over the pier edge, into the warm water. It was another hot day and everyone was busy with plans of their own. Which left her with too much time alone to think and she hated that. Leaning back on her hands, she tilted her face towards the sun, letting out a soft sigh. Unknowingly letting a few tears fall from her closed eyes.

She wasn't ready for this kind of responsibility. She wasn't strong enough. All the other scouts we the exact opposite of her. Strong, beautiful, smart...warriors. They could keep their cool during a battle while all she could do was fumble around barely able to stay alive. If it wasn't for Tuxedo Mask, she would have died long ago and that thought brought a shudder to her.

Darien had been sitting on his favorite park bench reading a book when he noticed Serena quietly walk past him. She seemed to be in her own little world and he was tempted to tease her but something in her eyes caught him. There was sadness there. And not over something trivial, it looked like it was from the very depth of her soul. How he knew that, he couldn't say. It was just a gut feeling. For a moment he contemplated leaving her to her thoughts but for some unknown reason he found he couldn't leave her.

So here he was, standing a few paces behind her on the pier as he gazed at her unguarded appearance. He always knew she was pretty but at this moment, she was beautiful. Her golden hair pooling around her petite, delicate form. The sun highlighting her pale skin to golden with her rosey lips parted slightly to exhale. Her eyes were closed and he watched as two tears slid down her flawless face. He wasn't use to seeing her so serious. To see her cry real tears of anguish and not just for attention. He didn't know what to do...

It felt like a lifetime that he stood there. Wanting to approach her and comfort her but afraid to make the first move. So there he stood, giving her his full support and understanding, even though she did not realize he was behind her.

Serena smiled softly, knowing exactly who was there. She didn't have to hear him or see him. She felt him. She always felt him. Her body would tingle and her heart would jump whenever he was near. She didn't understand it or question it, she just new she enjoyed it. Enjoyed the feelings it invoked in her and so she treasured it. She treasured him; but he didn't need to know that. Not right now anyway...

Slowly she opened her eyes to gaze out at the scenery before her again and letting out a soft exhale. Waiting a few moments more, she sat and enjoyed the silent company. Grateful to know that even though they fought at every meeting, he was still there for her. He, like Tuxedo Mask were her beam. Someone she could always count on. Someone always constant. Pushing herself up from her sitting position she gracefully slipped on her shoes before finally turning around.

She turned to look at him with a soft look in her blue eyes, a delicate smile gracing her beautiful features. With winsome steps she walked closer to Darien until she stood directly in front of him. Time seemed to stop as they gazed at one another, the sun beginning to set in the horizon.

"Thank you" she whispered softly, so that only he could hear.

The End

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