Dear Readers,

Hello again! SailorLeia here with the another chapter! And I'm so glad you're all still writing! Thank you so much for all of your wonderful reviews! As promised, this chapter, is alot of Serena and Darien moments! Hope everyone enjoys!

Dedicated to the magic feeling and spirit that always follows Christmas! For always making anything possible in December, every year, no matter what you believe!!! God Bless!

"Fifteen Ways To Make Your Prince Remember You Exist!"

Chapter 3 – One Step Forward, Two Steps Back!

A Letter From:

Andrew to Rita!

Hey honey! I just got your letter, and the pictures of the African sunrise. I wish I was there with you too. But I have to tell you, life back home has been far from boring these last few days! You know how I was telling you about Darien's little crush on Serena? Well, everyday I'm more convinced that she is the girl for him! A hint here, a push or shove there. By the time you come home, I believe he will finally be serious about a girl! YAY!

But as busy as I've been lately; with work, school, and making sure Darien doesn't screw things up too bad. Don't think even for a minute I haven't missed you. You've been in my thoughts and as I hear myself giving Darien and Serena advice. I always wish you could hear me, and tell me whether or not my advice is good.

When you left, you took my heart with you. Today was a great example of why I need you. And what happens when you're not around. I can't explain it, really; but somehow, when I rolled out of bed today… I just knew it was going to be one of those days. Don't ask me how I knew this; let's just say all of the appliances in my kitchen at home. Where all nice enough to give me the heads up! After school I went straight to work, and it was busy unusually early today. I didn't even take a breath to relax till break time. And as usual, Darien was right on time, to cheer me up! He walked in just as I was let on my break; the moment I saw him smiling as he walked in… I knew I was going to hear it.

"It's busy in here today." Darien commented smile unwavering.

"Yeah, it's been like this since I got here, and we think it'll be like this all day. So Lizzie was nice enough to give her old brother a break." I said tiredly.

"What happened to you?" He asked, with a laugh, you know Darien.

"What didn't happen to me would be a much shorter story!"

"That bad, huh?"

"Worse! But you must be having a good day? Right?" I asked, I know what you're thinking. And you're right, I am nosy! But Darien never tells me anything unless I ask straight out, and even then he'll dodge!

"Not really, what makes you say that?" Darien said with a look of confusion, but smile never slipping from his face.

"You've been smiling, like an idiot; since you came through the door, Dare." I explained.

"No I haven't!" Smile widened, this is beginning to scare me now.

"Yes, you have, and you know what I think?"

"No, but I bet you're going to tell me."

"I think a certain blonde-headed, blue eyed beauty has something to do with it." I tried and was rewarded with a look that said, 'Yes, but I'm not telling you that!' And for the record, Serena is pretty, but she's got nothing on you!

"You couldn't be further from the truth." My best friend tried to wiggle from my grasp. But if he thinks he can get away that easily; just because I've had an off day… he's sorely mistaken!

"I'm sure, how was yesterday?"

"Terrible, I don't know how, but Ann found out where I worked. She found me there and made this big stink, it's amazing I didn't get fired." Darien complained.

"She was asking around here yesterday, where you were. I guess someone told her." I told him honestly.

"Really, that's funny; Ann said you told her where I was." He said with his arms crossed, if looks could kill, I would have dropped dead right there. But then again if looks could kill, my mother would have killed me when I was a toddler.

"Darien, she asked me and I didn't tell her." I said truthfully,

"Than how did she find out?"

"I don't know I wasn't paying attention to her, I saw her bolting for the door. But I didn't know she was running out to torment you." I explained, but right after I said it. I remember telling Serena where he worked and I probably did tell Ann too, by mistake. I would not directly tell her, she had to be eavesdropping! But if I told Darien the truth, he would really be steamed so I skipped that. I just hoped he wouldn't mention this again.

Thankfully, he let it drop after that. By saying, "Well, I don't know how she found out, but the rest of my day was awful! I went to bed as soon as I got home last night, couldn't wait for it be over. Then I got up today and first thing this morning I was given my sign, today would be better."

"You bumped into Serena?" I asked, knowing he called that his 'sign.'

"Yeah, it's so weird, when she runs into you, full force. It hurts, but as much as it hurts, it's always a sign, today's going to be good. Especially first thing in the morning. I bumped into her twice today."

"Twice, already?" I teased.

"Yeah, this morning was so quick, I don't think she even noticed it was me. She was late and she was running with that other blonde girl you know. The one with the big red bow?"

"Mina?" I asked.

"Yeah! That's her name, and I didn't get to say a word before both were outta sight. Even so, today wasn't so bad. Right after school, I was walking through the park and I crashed into her again. That time she was by herself, and not in such a hurry."

"Did you get to talk to her that time?" I asked.

"A little." He commented nonchalantly.

"What did you say?" I asked, see how he makes me work for anything?

"None of your business." Darien laughed, sipping his coffee.

"Why so private?" I asked, knowing just how to get a rise out of him.

"Because I know what an incredibly, compulsive gossip you are." Darien defended his privacy. But I had an ace up my sleeve.

"So says you, but you know what I think? I think you like Serena; and want to keep the moments you spend arguing private. Not because their pointless or meaningless, but because you think their special. What could make them even more special, than having them only between you two." I explain, while I'm thinking I really need to write this stuff down.

"I can literally feel my brains turning into mush!" Darien mumbled as he banged his head on the table. Then he sat up and said, "Listen Andrew, I have no idea why you think I should date the 'Meatball Head.' But let me make something clear right here and now. There's no way that's going to ever happen?"

"Why, because you know that if you did date her. That you could actually, FINALLY be dating someone, you could get SERIOUS about?"

"No! Because Serena is too young, too klutzy, and too much of a crybaby."

"I'll admit, she's all of those things, But you have to admit. She's a good person, she's unlike any of the other girls around here, and she's got a big heart!" I defended, which is true, as you know.

"Yeah," he smiled as he studied his cup for a moment. "She's alright, even though I seem to bring out the worst in her. As she brings out the worst in me."

"You just never know what she's going to say, or do. She's unpredictable, and she's probably the only girl I know, other than Rita, who's not afraid to tell you what she thinks. Especially when your being a jerk! And you like that!" I explained.

"Sure, that is nice, but that doesn't mean I want you to start planning the wedding. Will you please chill out!?" He asked, "Serena lives in a completely different world from me. That's why we argue so much."

"No it isn't! You argue so much, because she makes you nuts. Since you can't be with her, because you won't let yourself. You scream, to distance yourself, so you won't get too close!" I explained, definitely hitting a mark. You should have seen his face.

Then he clammed up, and just didn't want to talk about it anymore. So he would stop frowning so pathetically, I swore to back off. But I know he got frustrated, because he knew, I was right. Now Rita, do me a favor? Please look at the things he was saying, notice how much time he was smiling and please tell me what you think. Girls are naturally better at this stuff than guys. Please tell me if I'm doing alright? Because…

I really wish you could see them together. It's so amazing! I've never seen Darien light up, like he does whenever she's around. Serena's such a sweet girl, I can't think of anyone good enough for her, except maybe Darien. And since Darien got us together, and Serena helped out when you were leaving… I feel like this is the best thing I could do to pay them back for their kindness. You know?!

I hope this letter brings some cheer to the desert. And I can't wait to hear what you have to say! I love you, miss you and can't wait to see you again! Sweet dreams!

-Andrew

A Letter From:

Rita to Andrew!

To My Dear Andrew,

I've missed you terribly today! From the crack of dawn, till night fall, nothing I did today really went right. I don't think I could have made it, if it weren't for your letter! Which I received while I was on my lunch break. I was laughing out loud as I read it. Thankfully everyone here is like that when they receive letters from home. So I wasn't embarrassed.

I think it's so sweet how you care so much about our friends. I can also tell, even from thousands of miles away; you are absolutely right. Darien is definitely in love with this girl! It's so satisfying to see our little cynic finally in love, at last!

I really wish I was there to see it for myself. Especially after hearing about the way those two get along. I bet their making life interesting around there. You probably think it's terrible for me to get so much joy out of Darien's dilemma. Finally meeting his match. Especially since he was one of the main ones helping us get together.

But you have to agree that it's so great to see him tripping over a girl for once. So many spend too much time tripping over him! I knew someday, a girl would finally turn that head, I'm so glad it's happened sooner rather than later.

My advice to you, Dear Andrew, is help him as much as you can. You know a thing or two about love (that I know for sure), and your friends with the girl he likes too. We don't want his first love to be a bad experience. You of all people know how hard his life has been. And who knows, it could amount to more than just first love…

I really wish I could be of more help, but I'm beginning to fall asleep hugging my computer. Not a pretty sight when you're trying to do research and you have keyboard print on your face and arms. But thank you so much for SOME good news. Your letter, as always, really brightened my day. You're in my heart and I love you! Sweet Dreams!

-Rita!

Serena's Journal!

I have to say that of all the days since we defeated Beryl. Today felt so much better than all of the rest combined! Things are so much easier and feel so much better with Mina around. Not to mention, I bumped into Darien three times today! It was amazing!

The first time was this morning, as me and Mina were making a mad dash for our schools. I was in such a hurry I slammed into him, fell to the ground, got back up and kept going so fast… I didn't even think to comment, and neither did he. We both grunted 'sorry,' I think. Then we were on the move again! It didn't even hit me what had just happened either, until Mina asked on a pant, "Hey? Wa-Wasn't that Darien?"

School was even great today… as great as school could possibly be. Don't worry, I'm not turning into Amy! But speaking of Amy, she and Greg are always seen as a pair now. TOO CUTE! But what makes it even more perfect, is Greg is on our side. He just knows Amy wouldn't want to go on not remembering her destiny. So he's slowly and gently doing little things here and there, and trying to help her remember. Which is great, because if we cut Mina lose; she'd get too confused.

I got so wrapped up in talking to Amy and Greg after school. I forgot I was meeting Mina in the park; to catch her up on Amy's progress. So I was booking, through the park and I was almost home free when-

WHAM!

I slammed into Darien, almost as hard as I did this morning! I was expecting to hit the pavement like I always do. I even closed my eyes, anticipating the impact. But it never came! Do you know why? (By the way, I had to document this, because it's never happened before!)

Darien wrapped his arms around me and caught me, instead of letting me nearly break my butt like usual. I merely stumbled, he held me; till he knew, I was steady on my feet again! The next part I can't really explain what happened… I guess the best way to put it is… deja-voo.

But something happened when I looked up into those midnight-blue eyes. Something that slowed time and sped up my heart beat. And I could just tell I wasn't the only one affected. But he didn't want me to know that, even though it threw him for an even bigger loop than me. This time we did actually get to talk, too.

"You alright?" Darien asked me, HE-NEVER-ASKS-ME-THAT!!! Not in any of the millions of times this has happened before. It took me a second to reply, because I thought I had imagined it!

"I think so," I replied, I looked into his eyes again. He was looking away, but then chanced a glance, and when our eyes met again… the feeling was still there, it hadn't gone away… like we'd somehow done this before.

"You really need to start watching where you're going, Meatball-Head." He was feeling awkward, I was fine. It was an out, I knew it and I took it; to make him feel better. Letting the words; 'what just happened here?' Die on my tongue!

"And you really need to stop calling me that!" I said with a smile, as a breath of relief left him.

"What other name is there for you? It's not my fault your parents named you the wrong thing!" He smirked smugly.

"Oh I feel for your children. All of them will be named after food."

"At least it won't be as bad as I'll feel for your kids; you'll probably misspell all of their names all of the time."

"Would it really kill you to be nice?" I asked him.

"It wouldn't kill me, but it might come close being nice to you." He smirked annoyingly, yet so beautifully! How is he so handsome, ALL THE TIME?!?!? And how is it he gets under my skin so easily!?

"Well, you just were nice to me a second ago and you're still standing! I don't think you even broke a sweat."

"I wasn't nice!"

"Yes you were, instead of letting me fall to the ground like always, you caught me." I explained, he was about to interrupt and say something else stupid. But I stopped him by saying, "Save it, I'm just saying thanks."

"Are you being nice?" He asked trying to turn it around.

"Yes, and unlike you, I'm not afraid to say so!"

"I'm not afraid."

"Sure you're not Darien, catch you later." I waved as I walked away, and praise the lord I didn't even stumble! He didn't say 'bye,' the punk! I had places to be, people to revive; I didn't look back.

When I reached the fountain, which was our agreed meeting place, Mina wasn't there. I was about to go searching for her, when she popped out of the bushes with a huge grin on her face. I completely forgot that she missed all of the fun before.

By the time, Sailor Venus joined us; Darien was taken by the Nega-Verse. So she missed all of the old arguments me and Darien used to have. She'd never seen us normal before. Not really. So she couldn't stop going on and on about how cute we were! Which was encouraging, even if a little embarrassing.

We had a blast, but just before it got dark enough for the street lamps to come on. A new cardian decided to attack downtown. Which sent Mina, Artemis, Luna and I rushing at breakneck speed to the scene. Little did we know that we would find Lita and her friend Ken in the middle of things!

Lita was really confused, as old instincts were kicking in, while Ken was trying to protect Lita from getting hurt. The monster was a lion, somehow crossed with a person. It had to be the most powerful creature we've fought yet! But Venus and I did manage to finish her off. Lita watched on all confused, so to help her remember things easier, Luna did this mind melt thingy. Supposedly, Luna used the same thing on me and Mina, but I don't remember it like that! But anyways, Lita went into kind of a trance, where all of her Sailor Scout memories were replayed to her. When she opened her eyes, Luna asked, "Lita, are you alright?"

"Oh, hi Luna! It feels like forever since I've seen you." She said picking her up, as well as Artemis, and squeezing them.

"Good to have you back, Jupiter!" Artemis praised, then Lita saw us standing there, still in our sailor suits. "Serena, Mina!" She smiled and just managed to put the cats down before running to us and hugging the breath from both of us.

"So good to have you back Lita!" Mina cheered tearfully!

"We missed you SOOOOO much!"

"I missed you guys too! You don't know how much! Sorry it took me so long." She apologized wiping her own tears.

"Hey, no need to apologize, you're back now and that's all that matters I said." I told her, meaning every word.

Mina was the one that said, "Look at us, something as wonderful as Lita remembering and all three of us start crying!" She giggled and wiped her own tears.

"Sorry," I said quietly.

"That's okay, little princess, I'll be looking out for ya now!" Lita winked. I can't even begin to tell you how good it felt to hear her talking about all of the good times!

Mina and Lita were having a sleepover at Lita's House, so they could get all caught up. They wanted me to come along for the ride, but honestly, I haven't slept since I regained my memories. So bone-tired, I started walking home, with the promise of catching up with Lita in school tomorrow (as well as her friend Ken, they made a really cute couple!). Which brings me to the third time I bumped into Darien. It was after dark and I was taking the short cut, through the park. Luna was on my shoulder still gushing about having two reliable Sailor Scouts back! (Get it? Two outta three? Sometimes I think that cat wants to go to the pound!)

But anyway, I was walking and I just want to make this perfectly clear! He bashed into me, and when I nearly fell over, he caught me again. But not like last time, last time he caught me was almost like a hug. This time he caught me in a position that any dancer would call 'a dip!'

"Whoa!" Was all I could manage to say. But let's face it; you wouldn't be very witty in my position either.

"Sorry about that Meatball Head, I swear, I didn't see you there." Darien said out of breath, he had been running.

"And you're always telling me to watch where I'm going?" I asked, while he's still holding me in a dip position. Not that I'm really complaining, but he was at an advantage here. He was just staring into my eyes and holding me. He didn't even have a plucky retort, full of his usual sarcasm. The big goof was dumbstruck, "Darien, I think it's okay to let me up now." I finally said, and he quickly put me back on my feet.

"Oh right, sorry!" He said, was that blush? I didn't have really time to find out, as I noticed my guardian, sprawled out on the sidewalk.

"Oh no, Luna! Luna… Can you hear me?" I asked as I picked up her small kitty-cat body and cradled her like a baby. She likes that when she's hurting. Luna mewed at me quietly, just let me know she was alright. I breathed a sigh of relief and hugged her, she knows how to give me a good scare.

"What happened to her?" Darien asked concerned.

"Well she was on my shoulder, but she got knocked off." I explained.

"I'm so sorry Serena, is she going to be alright?" He asked taking Luna's little paw.

"I think she'll live, she's a tough little cat." I explained, don't think I missed that he actually called me 'Serena.' Because I didn't I'm just trying to see if he'll do it again.

"She'd better be, with you for a master." He said, and instantly covered his mouth; as if he regretted it. I think I was glaring at him, but I can't control my reactions to the things he says. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that," he explained.

"It's okay," I forced myself to say, with great effort.

"I don't know why, but whenever you're around I can't seem to stop saying the wrong things!" Darien explained.

"Hey, I'm just as bad, don't worry about it." I comforted, as I started walking away injured cat, and bruised pride in tow.

Darien jogged up beside me and asked, "Why did you say she's pretty tough?" Darien asked, making conversation.

"No, you'll laugh," I said.

"No really, I want to know." He insisted.

"Okay, well, I didn't adopt Luna, or raise her from a kitten. We just sort of found each other one day. I was late for school, NO-WISE-CRACKS. For once, it was a good thing I was late, because I found a group of kids in a parking lot, torturing Luna. After I chased off the pip-squeaks, I checked to see if she was alright. She was just as claim and sweet as she is now. Not a scratch on her, and those kids were murderous."

"That's pretty cool," Darien smiled, "Sounds like you saved her."

"Sort of, but most of the time I think she saved me." I smiled winking at Luna who rubbed her head on me and purred. I couldn't stop the giggle that escaped, and Darien actually chuckled beside me.

"Sounds like your lucky to have each other." Darien smiled, he was actually being nice. I kept feeling like I was going to wake up any moment and find it all to be a dream. But it was real!

"I think so too! So, what are you doing out so late?" I asked.

"I always run this time of night, my question is; what are you doing out so late?"

"I was studying with some friends and totally got caught up." I explained, but come on; this is Darien I'm telling this too. Not my parents, he isn't going to believe that.

"Or you were gossiping with your friends; and totally got caught up." He corrected, totally seeing through my lie. But I couldn't tell him he was right, that would be SURRENDER! And that's not gonna happen, even if he is supposed to be back on our side!

"No, I was studying; you know I'm not completely dense; I do study some." I said defensively.

"Sure you do, gotta work hard for those thirties!" He said with a smirk; that terrible smirk! The one that drives me to screaming at him, because I can't kiss him!

"You are unbelievable!" I exclaimed!

"Thanks." He said, terrible smirk still on his face.

"That was NOT a compliment!" I verified.

"But that's how I'm going to take it." Darien said as he began to head down a path I wasn't taking. Not waving, not saying 'bye.' Just leaving in silence, so I shouted behind him.

"You're not even going to say 'bye.' Like a civilized human being!?"

"You didn't say 'bye,' earlier!" He threw back at me.

"Only because I had a feeling I'd see you again; before my day was done! And I was right." I explained.

"See ya around, Meatball Head!" Darien waved, but didn't look back. He didn't have to for me to know he was smiling. I could hear it in his voice.

"Sweet dreams to you too!" I called back, and finished the rest of my journey home. What I wouldn't give to stay here, and sleep all night tonight. But I know that's asking too much! And I'll be out with fellow scouts saving the world. But that's the curse to being a super hero. I try to stay positive; Mina and Lita are here to help me now. I'm in much better shape than I was before. They're both so happy to be back in the chaos, while I'm hoping the other's will be as glad to be back. The little things that were happening between my prince and I were encouraging. But I'm not going to let it get my hopes up just yet. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Today's Overall Progress – SUCCESS! LITA'S BACK! Mina's doing great, I bumped into Darien three times! All that's going on with Amy, Raye and Darien is baby steps. But at least we're getting somewhere right!

Tomorrow's Objective: Try to see, or maybe even talk to, Raye! It's so hard since we go to different schools, and she's a priestess when she's off Sailor Scout duty! When she's not Mars she's on a different wavelength from the rest of us Scouts. But I miss her so much, and if we're ever going to get Mars back… It's going to take some effort!

That's all for now, So did you like it, love it, hate it, tolerate it? Let me know, I love hearing from you guys! Much love!

-SailorLeia!