"Perfect Strangers" by MoonPrincess568

Author's Note: I'm glad to see some reviews. I'm still hoping for more though! I do emphasize for everyone to REVIEW! I see your guys' author and story alerts, and yet no reviews. Please leave a review! Anyways, here's a never seen before chapter. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon.

Chapter 3: Baby, Just Say Goodnight

I sat back against the cushioned booth seat, leaned my head back, and closed my weary eyes. I felt my stress slowly ease away. The stress of school, sports, and my two jobs is overwhelming me. School… Why did I have to take five AP classes? I promised myself to take it easy senior year, but nope, I did the exact opposite. The only class that I could kick back and relax was Pen Pals. Man, I should've taken another elective. Then, I had after school responsibilities as well. Football practice takes up at least three-four hours of my study time, and away football games take up the entire night. Then in the winter sports season I have basketball and I have baseball in the spring. I also have two part time jobs at a restaurant and at a clothing store at the mall. I'm biting more than I could chew, and the stress of college applications is also creeping up on me. I don't know why I do this to myself. I should've learned a lesson from last year and the year before.

But I need to pass the AP exams to get ahead in college to receive as many athletic/academic scholarships I could get. And I have work a lot, so I could support myself and afford living on my own. Long story, short – my parents died in a car accident when I was six, and I was the sole survivor. My uncle and aunt took me in. The court granted that I would receive all my parents' fortune, because they didn't leave a will. They also ordered that I wouldn't be able to get a hold of their money until my eighteenth year or with the permission of my legal guardians. I don't live with my uncle and aunt anymore. I felt like I was a burden to them, especially since they had three children of their own. I've been living alone in my own apartment ever since I transferred to Crossroads High. They were okay with it, but I was put under one condition that I would have to pay my own rent and bills without their help or my parents' money, so I could learn responsibility. And lately, money has been running low. The landlord increased the rent by ten percent and I've been getting less hours at work. Damn our falling economy. More and more stress… And one more thing to add onto my stress is my girlfriend, Tessa. Well, she isn't exactly my girlfriend since we're on a break. I don't like thinking about this topic much… I have other things to worry about. Luckily, today is a day off from practice. And I have an easy work load for homework tonight, thankfully. These types of days I try to savor the most.

I heard a cup thump against the booth table. I inhaled the aroma of the hot brewed coffee as it smoothly filled the cup. "Here ya go, Dare," Andrew said as he set down the coffee pot onto a coaster.

"Thanks, Drew," I said as grabbed my coffee and pulled it closer to me. I lifted it up to my mouth, blew into it, and then took a sip.

"So... How was your nap?" he asked with a smirk as he sat down across from me.

I sat down my mug and replied, "I was just resting my eyes."

"Uh huh, sure," Andrew teased. He placed this palms behind his head and rested against the booth, and said enthusiastically, "Man… Thank God for rain! No practice!"

"Yeah, I needed a day off," I sighed as I leaned back.

"Don't we all?" he laughed as he leaned forward and rested his arms on the table. I watched him reach for his drink and pop the top of the soda can.

"Aren't you supposed to be working?" I said with an apprehensive look as he took one big gulp of his refreshment.

"Not with this weather. I don't expect anyone to walk in anytime soon," he answered, pointing out the window. I nodded in agreement as I looked out the big glass windows. No one was walking the streets because of the down pour. Then, I heard a roar of thunder and saw a white flash lit up the muggy sky.

"So, you know what's in three weeks?" Andrew curiously asked.

"What?" I said, cocking an eyebrow.

"Dude, you don't know?" he said with sarcastic wide eyes like it was an insult. The type of look where it made me seem like I forgotten a very important date. And I don't think I have? It wasn't his birthday or anyone I knew.

I shrugged and said, "No, I don't know. So what's in three weeks?"

"Homecoming," he simply answered.

"Oh," I sighed and looked out the window as another bolt of lightning flashed. Homecoming, I repeated in my head. More stress…

"Did you know you're nominated for Homecoming King?" he asked.

"Huh?" I responded, obliviously. I didn't know what he was talking about. Me? Ugh why do they always have to nominate the football players? Then of course I knew the answer: stereotypes and traditions. I began to think back and tried to remember when they announced the nominees, but I came up with blank. "When did they announce this?" I asked.

"Oh yeah, I forgot!" he said as he jumped from his seat, "They announced it during first period when you were absent on Monday!"

"Oh, I see." I responded and took another sip of my coffee.

"And you know who else was nominated?" he said with a crooked smile.

"Who?" I asked, rolling my eyes because I already knew the answer.

His smile widened and said, "Yours truly!"

I laughed and sarcastically said with an interested expression, "So you're the competition?"

"Yup," he said, playing along, "And along with Allen Ferguson, Kirk Carson, and some other dude. Uh, I think his name was Liam. You know that one guy in some band and all the girls obsess over?"

"Oh okay," I said disinterested and gazed into my half empty mug.

"Who do you have in mind?" he randomly asked. I looked up from my mug and gave him a confused look. "Ya know… the homecoming dance?"

"Oh," I responded, "I don't know. I haven't thought about it."

"What about Tessa? She is still your girlfriend," he reminded. Why did he have to go down this road? I know where this was heading…

"Yeah, I guess…" I said, rubbing the nape of my neck.

"You guys have been separated for what now?" he said, and began counting with his fingers, "July, August, September, and now we're hitting October? About four months?"

Four months. It made me shiver. I composed myself and responded, "Yeah, I know."

"Damn, that's hella long."

"Yeah, I know," I repeated.

"You guys might as well say you guys are broken up."

"Yeah, I know," I repeated again.

"Dare, what's wrong?" he asked.

"Just drop it. I don't want to talk about it." I said looking away at the window again with crossed arms.

"Okay," he said, "Sorry, man." Andrew reached for the coffee and poured more into my mug.

"I don't know anything anymore. It's so frustrating. I know she's been waiting for me for four months, but I don't know what to do!" I blurted out.

"Then just end it, man." He suggested, "You should've just broken up with her right there and then."

"C'mon, Drew. You know how I feel about her, well I used to feel about her. Fuck, I still don't know how I feel about her…"

"You know, Darien. The longer you make her wait, the longer she suffers. You're just ruining her senior year. End it." He said as I drank my coffee, "And you're ruining yours."

"I know…" I said, "It's hard letting go. A part of me wants her. And another part of me wants to let go."

He shrugged and then he suggested, "Then why don't you guys give it a go again?"

"Yeah, but…" I was at a lost of words. I didn't know what the right thing for me to do. I'm torn. And ever since I met Usagi, it just made it worse. Usagi and I have becoming closer and closer. We have this connection with each other, no pun intended. It's making me so confused. I want to end my relationship with Tessa, so I could see who else is out there and to experience college life without the hassle of a girlfriend. Or what if I end it with Tessa, and Usagi and I get closer… maybe it will be a start of a new relationship? Ugh, why am I thinking of that? I shook my head. She's just my pen pal... But what if I did get back with Tessa? Would it get any better? Would I be happier? Fuck, I don't know what road I'm going to take.

Andrew cleared his throat to capture my attention and asked firmly, "Do you still love her?"

I didn't answer him. Do I? Do I still love her? These questions clouded up my mind. I grabbed my mug and took a sip. Coffee is such a stress reliever.

"C'mon, Darien. Answer the question. It's only going to help you in the long run," He said, "Do you or do you not?"

I didn't answer. I faced the window again and watched the rain. Do I?

"I think I know the answer," he said, "Because if you did, you would've answered already."

Do I love Tessa? Yes and no. Again, a part of me still loves her and another part of me wants to go our separate ways. Maybe I'm feeling this way, because she was my first serious relationship, my first love. I rubbed my temples and closed my eyes, "A part of me still loves her." I admitted and sighed.

Andrew sighed too and responded, "Everything will fall into place somehow. I guess you gotta wait."

"Yeah," I agreed, "Thanks Drew."

"No prob," he answered with a reassuring smile.

"And what's up with you and Rita?" I said, changing the subject, "You guys have been avoiding each other like the plague. Big fight?"

"We're not together," he answered. He picked up his soda and finished the rest of it.

"What?" I said with a surprised look.

"Yeah," he said and crushed the can with his right hand in frustration.

"What happened?" I asked.

"You know about that party at Alex McCoy's house a few weeks back?" he said playing with the crush can.

"Yeah, what about it?" I questioned.

"I was suppose to meet up with her there, but I was running late because I had to lock up. I got to the party as fast as I could. When I was at the party, I was looking for her and– " I cut him off.

"Dude, don't tell me you caught her cheating on you?" I blurted out.

"That is exactly what happened!" He said pushing the soda can away from him.

"Drew, are you fucking kidding me?" I said with wide eyes.

"Dude, does it look like I'm kidding?" he answered looking at me straight in the eye. He continued, "I asked Brooke where she was and she told me she hasn't seen her. So I went upstairs, I tried a few doors and finally I found them…"

"Did you catch her, uh, you know…," My eyes winced. I didn't want to picture Rita and Alex getting it on, or anyone at that matter.

"No, good thing I didn't…" he said, shivering out the picture in his head, "But it looked I interrupted them!"

My eyes widened and said, "Fuck! What did you do?"

"I pulled her off the damn bastard!" he answered, "She was so fucking wasted! She couldn't stand up straight. I had to carry her to my car."

"Wow…" I said stunned. I wish I was there for him.

"Yeah! I took her to my place and she knocked out," he said shaking his head, "I didn't sleep that night. I just watched her sleep…"

"That sucks," I responded, "What happened when she woke up in your room?"

"Nothing, she was confused why she was at my house," he answered.

"Wow, she was that drunk?"

"Yeah," he frowned.

"Did you break up with her then? Or did you give her a second chance?" I questioned.

"I gave her a second chance, but it wasn't the same. I couldn't look at her the same way. The image of her and Alex burned in my head," he answered, rubbing his temples.

"When did you guys actually break up?" I asked.

"Last week," he answered.

"Oh," I said, "How'd she take it?"

"Not very well," he said looking away from me, "She started crying and apologized. She kept saying 'I love you' and vowed that she'll never drink again."

"Awww man," I said, "I'm sorry."

"Thanks, man."

"Why didn't you tell me? I'm your best friend."

"Because you had your own problems to deal with," he responded.

"Oh, but you should've said something anyways," I said, "You shouldn't keep it all bottled it up."

"Naw, dude it's okay," he said, "I vented to Lizzie about it."

"Oh okay, good," I said, "Damn, you guys were dating longer than me and Tessa!"

"Yeah, I know…" he said, "But the thing is I still love her."

"I'm sorry," I said again, "Damn, you two were like the perfect couple!"

"Same with you and Tessa," he responded.

I ignored him and asked, "So if you and Rita aren't together, then who are you asking?"

"I have no idea," he answered.

"Haha, so we're on the same boat," I laughed.

"Haha, so I guess so," he said, cracking a smile.

"Hey, Drew?" I said. His eyebrow raised, and I continued, "What time is it?"

He looked down at wristwatch and said, "About five-thirty. Why?"

"I should get going. Got homework," I said, getting up from the booth. We walked over to the entrance.

"Alright," he said, "See ya later."

"Bye," I said and walked out. It was still pouring. I wasn't even wearing a jacket, because it wasn't raining this morning. I quickened my pace to get to my car, so I wouldn't be drenched. I didn't bother pressing the cross walk button. I checked both ways and walked across the street. I got my keys out of my pocket, pressed the unlock button, and ran to the driver's side. I got in and started my car, and the first thing I did was turn on the heater. While I was waiting for the car to warm up, I turned the radio on and the song "Nothing Lasts Forever" by Maroon 5 played. It was the only song I've been listening to lately, and I would let it play over and over again. I decided that I should go. I checked my rear view mirror and adjusted it. A girl caught my eye and I found myself staring at her. She was soaked from the rain with her head down. She was simply wearing a burgundy v-neck, skinny jeans, and a black leather tote bag. She looked so familiar. I waited for her to get closer, and then I realized it was Tessa. How dumb of me? I should've recognized her bag. It was the one I gave her for her seventeenth birthday. What was she doing walking around by herself especially in this weather? Where's her car? Where is she going? I waited for her to walk closer to my car. I rolled down the passenger window as she was parallel to my passenger door.

I called out, "Tessa!" Her head turned towards me with puffy eyes, and it was evident that she was crying.

"Darien…?" she mumbled, turning away from me.

"Yeah," I said, "What are you doing out here in the rain?"

"I was just walking," she answered softly.

"Walking? Are you crazy, Tessa? It's pouring!" I exclaimed.

"Yeah, I just wanted to think…" she said, "I'm going home now."

My eyes widened. Her house was about three miles away from here, "Where's your car?"

"At home," she answered, motionless.

"Tessa, if you walk in the rain you're going to catch pneumonia," I said sternly, "C'mon, I'll take you home."

"No, it's okay. I'll walk," she said and stepped forward.

"No, Tessa. I'm not going to let you walk in the rain for three miles!"

"No, it's okay, Darien." She said, "I'll be okay."

"Tessa…" I said. She gazed at me, "Fine, if you don't want me to give you a ride, then I'll walk home with you." I unbuckled my seat belt, and opened the car door. I stepped out and walked towards her.

"No, Darien. I want to be alone," she pleaded as we were now face to face, "I don't want you to get sick."

"Speak for yourself," I responded placing a hand on her shoulder to stop her from walking away. She nudged my hand and looked down at the pavement. I could see that her eyes became watery. She turned around quickly and began to walk. Again, I placed my hand on her shoulder and turned her around. "Tessa, I'm going to worry about you if you walk alone in the rain." I guaranteed by giving her a half-smile. She took a step closer to me. Now, our bodies were almost touching. She gripped on to my arm, which sent electrical shocks through my body. I forgot how much her touch affected me. Her watery green eyes met my dark blue ones and she faintly said my name, "Darien..."

"Yeah?" I said with raised eyebrows.

"You're right, I shouldn't be walking in the rain," She admitted, "I'm sorry… I was being stubborn."

I gave her a half-smile again and opened the door for her, "It's okay. I understand." She stepped inside shivering. I went to my trunk and got a towel from my gym bag. I walked back to the driver's seat and offered her the towel. She took it and muttered a soft 'thank you'. I started the ignition and headed to Tessa's house. No one spoke. It was dead silent, and all you could hear is the raindrops crashing against my car. I had no idea what to say to her because I know she wants to get back together. This car ride reminded me of the one when I broke it off. I turned on the radio and again the first song that played was 'Nothing Lasts Forever'. I realized that was not the song I should play around Tessa. I didn't dare to look at her and quickly changed it to FM radio. In the corner of my eye, I saw Tessa sulking in her seat and staring out the window. Obviously, she heard the first two verses of the song…

Four Months Ago

I didn't know what to do. Just a few weeks ago, it was our second year anniversary and we finally got a chance to celebrate it today. After junior year end, we were preoccupied with our summer jobs and we couldn't find time to hang out. On the other hand, I was indifferent. I didn't mind seeing her everyday. I actually liked being apart from her. I felt myself distancing from her, and I stopped answering her phone calls and never called back when she asked me to. One night, Tessa got so frustrated with me that she stormed into my apartment and chewed me out for being a horrible boyfriend. I got her off guard and crashed my lips onto hers. She wrapped her legs around me, and I brought her into my bedroom. I didn't know what had come over me. One minute I didn't want to be with her, and when I saw her, I wanted to be with her. After we made up, she told me that she had the Fourth of July weekend off. I told her I was free that weekend also. Tessa was so enthusiastic that we finally got time together just in time for our second year anniversary even though it was few weeks off. But in that few weeks before Fourth of July, my same indifferent feelings came back. I was so confused, and then a couple of days before our date I realized that I needed space to figure this all out.

So, here we are celebrating our second year anniversary. I was pretended to have fun with Tessa at the beach and I was quiet all night. After dinner, I suggested that we should go to the beach again and take a walk. I had to do it tonight. It was the only time I was going to see her. My conscience began telling me I shouldn't do it here on the beach and tonight of all nights, but I ignore it because it was now or never. We walked quietly along the shore. She grabbed my hand and leaned her head against me.

I led our way back to the beach picnic tables. I let her go of her hand and said, "How about we sit down?"

"Okay, sure?" Tessa answered. I took a seat first and she decided to sit on top of the table.

"So…" she said.

"So…" I mimicked a bit nervously. She giggled and looked up at the stars.

"Tonight was wonderful, Darien," She said, looking down at me with a satisfying smile.

I didn't answer. I had to do it now. It was the perfect time. "Tessa…"

"Yes, Darien?" she responded, then suggestively asked, "Did you want to go back to your apartment?"

"No," I answered coldly.

"Are you sure?" she asked again.

"No, I'm not in the mood," I said and began, "It's just I don't know how to say this…"

"C'mon Dare! Just spit it out," she encouraged with a playful smile. I frowned.

"What's wrong?" said Tessa with a concerned look, because she wasn't expecting that reaction. She reached from my hand and began caressing it with her thumb, but I quickly pulled away.

"I need some space…" I finally said, looking away from her.

"What?!" she said with wide eyes as her body shot up straight.

"I need space," I repeated, now looking at her with emotionless eyes.

Her eyes began to well up. She wrapped her arms around my neck and nervously asked, "Why?"

"I just need a break. Some time apart," I answered pulling her arms off of me.

"Why? What did I do?" she questioned, dumbfounded. I looked away again, but she placed her hands on my face and made me face her.

"Nothing, it's me not you," I said. I kicked myself in the head. Why did I have to use the oldest excuse in the book? Fuck, I'm screwed.

"Don't give met that crap, Darien!" she said with furrowed eyebrows and angry eyes, "Tell me the truth."

"I'm not– " I said, getting cut off from Tessa.

"You don't love me anymore!" she accused and slapped me. I placed a hand on my right cheek and watched her run towards the ocean. I snapped out of my delayed reaction and ran after her. She sat near the shoreline with her leg gathered underneath her arms and her head rested against them. I kneeled down next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I still love you," I whispered into her ear. She turned her head towards me with watery eyes and flushed cheeks. I offered my hand and she grabbed onto it. I looked at her and watched her expression change from dazed and confused to resentment. She forcibly pushed me away with all her strength, but I didn't budge.

"If you still love me, then why are you trying to break up with me!?" she yelled.

"I'm not saying that I want to see other people," I answered, trying to calm her down, "I want time alone."

"Oh…" Tessa said, "Then answer this Darien… Are you in love with me?"

"What do you mean?" I said baffled, "I just said I did…"

"Darien, I think I figured it all out. You want to get away from me to find out if you truly love me," she said while I remained silent to hear her out. Then she preceded with tears running down her cheeks, "There's a difference between being in love and loving someone. Loving someone is simply caring for them like how you love your parents and friends, but being in love is where your souls are face to face, giving each other their whole heart," she gulped and wiped away her tears and continued, "It's magical and it's undefined. No words could explain it. You feel stillness every time when you're with them. You feel at ease and nothing in the world could separate them or bring them down," she stepped forward to me and held on to my waist, "If anything comes between them, they will fight for their love. And Darien… I feel that. I'm in love with you."

My eyes widened, then I looked away from her as I removed her arms around me. I don't feel exactly the same way as she described it just now – not even close. But this was the whole reason I wanted to have space from her! Just to figure it all out. Why can't she just let me have my space?

"Tessa, a part of me is in love with you, but another part of me wants to be alone," I admitted, and it was the only thing I could say.

"Is there someone else?" she ambushed.

"Huh?" I asked dumbfoundly.

"You heard me. Is there someone else?" she repeated, "You're cheating on me! Aren't you?!" she indicted.

My eyes widened in surprised. Then I looked at her straight in the eyes and said, "Seriously, Tessa?"

Now, I was angry. Why would she think I would do that? I would never cheat on her and she knows that! She's letting her anger get the best of her. She didn't say anything to me. She knew very well that she was wrong for accusing me like that. I saw the look on her face, and she knew that she couldn't do anything about me wanting space from her and that she couldn't change my mind. We both fell silent and we just stood there. Good, because I needed time to calm down. I didn't want to yell at her. She's already emotionally screwed up because of me. I don't need to make things worse.

"Darien…" she whimpered as her tears began to overwhelm her, "I'm sorry…"

"I forgive you," I said. She ran into me and began crying into my chest. She held on and didn't want to let go. I looked down at her and consoled, "Tessa, I'm not breaking up with you. I don't want to see other people. I just need a break and be alone for awhile. It's not like I'm never coming back to you. When I figure it all out, we can figure everything else together."

"Really?" she asked as she held me closer.

"Yes, really," I answered as I nodded.

"Are you sure that this is because of you, and not me? Like am I too needy or something?" she asked looking up at me.

"No," I answered, "It has nothing to do with you."

"Then why are we breaking up? There has to be something…" she trailed off.

I pulled her away from me and placed my hands on her shoulder and said, "Tessa, like I said, it is mostly about me and what I want and how I feel. We've been together for two years and I've changed… You've changed too," I paused, "We're young and we need to venture out to figure out who we are. If we are truly meant to be together, we'll find a way."

"Okay Darien, I understand…" she said and crashed her body against me once more.

"Shhh… It's okay, Tessa. I'll come around. I promise," I said. She stared at me and she tip toed, and her lips met with mine. I couldn't let this go too far, so I held on to her waist and lightly pushed her away from me.

"We can't do this, Tessa." I said rigidly and then suggested, "I should take you home."

She nodded and started walking to the car. I followed behind her with my hands in my jean pockets. Gosh, that was easier than I thought. As we reached the car, I pulled out my keys and unlocked the door. I started the car and put the windows down. The ride back to Tessa's house was silent, so I decided to turn on the radio and a song just began. I recognized the beginning and it was "Say Goodnight" by The Click Five.

Baby just say goodnight
I'll be gone tomorrow
Baby just close your eyes
I can't take the sorrow
Baby just walk away
You know I can't stay
There's no easy way to say goodbye
So baby just say goodnight

I couldn't let the song continue, so I changed the station. I didn't want to make her cry again, but it was too late. My eyes shifted towards the passenger seat and glanced at her, she was sobbing into her hoodie that she left in my car. The whole time I tried to block out her shedding tears. When we finally reached her house, she didn't face me and swung the car door open. I sighed and watched her walk out. I didn't expect her to say anything to me when she left, but she turned around and replied, "Darien?"

"Yeah?"

"Goodnight," she said and walked away.

I shook my head from that memory. We reached her street and I parked on the curb in front of her house. She escorted herself out, and then held on to the door. I didn't know what to expect. What is she going to tell me? I waited, then she said my name softly, "Darien…"

"Yeah?" I responded.

"Thank you,"she answered and closed the door. She turned towards her house and took a few steps. I put my car in drive about to take off, but I decided to take a quick look. I saw her running back to my car. I braked and rolled down the window.

"I miss you," she answered with a faint smile. I didn't say anything, but waved her goodbye and took off. It was all too familiar. What am I going to do about her?

Author's Note: I hope you guys like it! I promise I won't take that long to put up chapter 4! So now, go on and review! :)