Title: What a new beginning really means
Author: PrettyVchan
.:: Hey guys, this is my second fanfic. I hope you guys enjoy. It's fairly different from the first one since this one is A/U. Please make sure check out my fic "In Joy and Sorrow".
Hope you enjoy my story ::.
Chapter 3 – The world around us
Raye and Darien had a really great time together. They went first to the movies and watched a comedy and then they had dinner in a fancy restaurant Andrew told Darien about. They talked mostly about her. She told him about her goals of becoming an actress and that she wrote songs as well, but she needed to help her grandfather with money and that's why she was going to Business school. She also told him about the things she enjoyed doing in her free time and a little about her family and the fact she was training to be a priestess. Darien didn't talk much about himself because he really didn't like to, so he tried his best to avoid any deep topic by complementing her, which seemed to work well.
Nothing eventful happened in their date. He thought the girl was charming and interesting and felt like kissing her at some point but thought he should maybe take his time. He wasn't sure if he liked her that much.
In his car, back at her apartment building entrance where he was going to drop her off, she asked him something she had in her mind since they left earlier:
"Huh, Darien…what are you and Serena doing tomorrow, if I may ask?" She sounded like she was trying really hard to hide her anger.
"I thought I should help Meatball Head with her school work, since she's struggling with that… why? Does that bother you?" He asked, smirking.
"Of course not!" She crossed her arms in her chest "I just think you should know that it's going to be a waste of time. Serena is not very smart, you know? That's all I think."
"You really think ill of her, don't you?" He asked, serious.
"Not ill of her… I just know her faults and try to point them out to her, so she realizes she has to grow up, that's all! That's being a friend and being helpful."
"I think you should back off a little bit, Raye. Let her be herself."
"I am TRYING to help her to improve herself. If you like her so much then you should take her to dinner, not me." She said, looking away.
Darien held her chin making her look at him and smirked again.
"You look cute when you're jealous."
"I am so not jealous!" She murmured
"What about us going out tomorrow again after I am done helping Serena?" He asked flirtatiously.
"Really? You want to take me on another date?" She asked, eyes shimmering.
"Of course, why wouldn't I?" He couldn't help but to flirt with her, she was very beautiful. "Say you meet me at your apartment around 6 p.m. tomorrow?"
"Yeah! Sounds like a plan." She smiled.
"Great" He approached her and kissed her left cheek. "Have a good night then."
She blushed to his kiss and left the car, going back to her apartment.
…
For some reason, Darien looked forward to see Serena that afternoon. He couldn't figure out why he wanted to help her so badly so he decided it was obviously because he hated to see pretty girls getting upset.
Again that day he had lunch at Andrew's but this time the only people with him were Amy and Lita.
They sat at a smaller booth and talked a little about school and expectations about his future job. Lita asked some about how he and Andrew had met and mentioned that she was plan to throw a surprise party for his birthday. She wondered if Darien could help and the young man was pleased to. She blushed to his comment of how much she seemed to like Andrew and he was sure she was actually in love with his good friend, which he thought was cute but very worrying.
Darien had notice how close Mina and Andrew were and how protective he was of her. Andrew would mention the blonde beauty every five seconds and in multiple times he'd get home and see his friend talking to her on the phone and that made him feel sad for Lita. It may be hard to like someone who doesn't like you back. That whole one-sided love thing everyone talks about.
When he was all done with his lunch he decided it was about time to leave and go meet Serena at her place. He said his goodbyes to the ladies and when he was about to leave Lita approached him asking him to bring Serena some food she made herself.
"I am assuming she didn't have lunch and if she did, it wasn't something healthy so would you please bring this to her?"
He thought of how touching that action was. Something so simple as making lunch for a friend who obviously needed support could really touch his heart. He noticed how lonely his life had been and aside from Andrew he never had people doing this kind of things to him. Serena was a lucky girl.
…..
She was terrified with the idea of being alone with Darien. Actually, she was terrified of how stupid she was going to look in front of him. She didn't know why she'd agreed with that whole studying thing but then again, she was kind of forced by the way he talked. It didn't help that they would be all alone in her apartment. It made things worse, actually, since she felt really uncomfortable being alone with any guy that wasn't a family member or Andrew. Even with Seiya she didn't feel comfortable and they had been going out for at least eight months now.
For some reason, she also felt the need to look pretty for Darien. Not that she liked him, of course she didn't, it was just cause she didn't want to look stupid AND ugly. 'Of course, that's all'. She got home from school, took a shower and put on black leggings and a baby blue low cut T-shirt that had some sparkles on it. Her hair was tight on a ponytail and she wore a little bit of make up but not enough he could really notice.
She was pacing around the apartment when she heard someone knocking on the door. She took a few deep breaths and answered it trying to understand why she was so nervous about looking dumb.
He wasn't a bad vision at all. That tall, black haired man, beautiful midnight blue eyes staring at her, dressed casually all in black again, holding something that looked like a bowl and smelled really good. He smiled to Serena and she let him in without saying much.
….
He noticed that her books were already set on the meal table and that the house seemed even more organized than it was last night.
"I brought you lunch, Meatball Head. I mean, Lita asked me to bring it to you." He said, handing the bowl to the girl.
"Yay! Thanks!" She smiled. He loved when she smiled. Why?
"Are you hungry?"
"Yeah, I haven't had lunch yet, only breakfast and two snacks." She said casually, already grabbing a fork and sitting at the table to eat.
"Is that all?" He said sarcastically, sitting by her. "What are we studying today? Do you want me to revise your test so we can take if from there…?"
"Sure" She said, mouth full.
He looked at her appreciating the fact that she seemed content. He also notice she looked beautiful. Blue really suited her. He tried his best not to notice her cleavage and forced himself to focus on the test. It wasn't an easy one especially for someone who didn't have the natural way with the numbers. He waited for her to be done with her meal and started to explain to her exactly what she had done wrong.
He actually found her to be a quick learner but her anxiety would get in the way of her doing the right thing. She seemed to be terrified of failing so she wouldn't even try her best. They studied until a little after five, when she decided she was done for the day, already yawning.
"See, it wasn't as hard as you thought it was, right?"
"You're right, it wasn't" Her smile would light the room. What was he thinking again?
"You're a smart girl, Serena. You need to give yourself more credit, I have the feeling you don't believe in yourself."
"Come on, we both know I am not smart, or beautiful, or special in any way, no need to say this type of things." She said it in a way that sounds as if he had offended her.
"Why do you have to be so defensive all the time? I am complementing you."
"Well, I don't need your approval." She crossed her arms and stood up "You can go now, thanks for the help."
"I am not going anywhere, I told Raye I would meet her here."
"Oh…" She thought for a bit "In that case… I'm going to my room and you can do whatever you want, just don't destroy my apartment." And she walked to the stairs.
"Wait!" He asked "Can't you keep me company?"
Serena hesitated. Did he really want her company?
"Look, I appreciate you helping me, I am not sure why you're doing this but you don't need to act like you like me or anything."
"But I do like you. I want us to be friends." He said timidly, looking down.
She was out of words for a moment. He had caught her out of guard. She could use a friend right now and they seem to get along well nowadays. It was weird to think that the annoying teenager who would make her cry almost every day now wanted to be friends with her.
"Okay, I'll keep you company" She said in defeat, head down. "But only if you play the new Sailor V game with me!" Her eyes were sparkling.
"Well, I don't really play videogames, and I never played this one before" He saw disappointment in her eyes "But I guess I could give it a try, right?" He added quickly and she smiled again, grabbed his hand and walked him to the couch. He felt an electric sparkle as she touched him and felt something burning inside of him. He tried to brush away the feeling. She sat him down at the couch and hooked up her videogame handing him a controller. Serena started to talk nonstop about the game, about things she liked in Sailor V and how awesome it was to play it. They had a great time even though she was majorly kicking his butt at the game.
Sometime after 6 they heard the door opening and Raye and Mina got back at the apartment both looking surprised to see the duo playing videogames.
"Well, well, I thought Meatball Head was going to study! I didn't know Sailor V thought something other than how to act like a 5 year old." Raye smirked, eyes shifting from Darien to Serena.
"Hi Serena! Hey, Darien! Good to see you guys! Sere, I have great news for you!" Mina smiled widely and bounced up and down with excitement.
"What's up?" Serena asked, pausing the game and jumping to where Mina was standing.
"Guess who's coming back in town?" Mina couldn't hide her excitement
"Molly?" Serena asked, happily
"Noooo! Why would I get this happy about that? I mean, I love Molly but…THAT'S NOT THE CASE! THE THREELIGHTS ARE COMING BACK!" Mina jumped out of excitement.
"Oh" Said Serena thoughtfully
" 'Oh'? Did you understand what I said? SEIYA is coming back! And Yaten!" Mina had a dreamy expression in her eyes.
"I know who the Threelights are." She said, going back to her spot by Darien.
"Why aren't you happy, Serena?" Asked Raye "You're boyfriend is finally coming back from his tour. You cried your eyes out when he left."
Darien gagged to the sound of the word "boyfriend". Really? Meatball Head had a boyfriend? Luckily, the girls were too focused on Serena's (lack of) reaction.
" I am happy," She affirmed not sounding convincing
"What's wrong? Did you guys have an argument or something?" Asked a suspicious Raye
"Not really, he just…haven't call me in forever and now even Mina gets the news about him coming back way before I do. I wonder if he'll call me to let me know…"
"I'm sorry" Mina apologized "Yaten told me they've been really busy with touring and I'm sure Seiya misses you, he's crazy about you, you know that. I'm sure he'll call ya".
Darien noticed Raye's eyes rolling.
"Oh please! I told you that would happen, Serena. I warned you it wasn't a good idea for a regular girl like yourself to date a Superstar. He's a nice guy, and he likes you, but it's show business, he won't have time to be the ordinary boyfriend you need him to be."
"I know Raye, you constantly remember I am not good enough for Seiya."
"Meatball dates a Superstar?" Darien asked sounding surprised.
"Yes, haven't you heard of the Threelights?" Mina asked, in shock
"Not that I remember."
"Impossible! They are the biggest thing on the planet! Wait here!" Mina ran upstairs.
Serena seemed very upset and even Raye felt sorry for her.
"I didn't mean to offend you in any way, Serena. I've known Seiya for a long time, and he's such an impulsive person and you're a very sensitive person. Your relationship worries me, that's all." She said honestly, approaching her friend with kindness.
"You think I am weak, don't you?" Serena asked softly
"Not weak, I just think you are too childish to be dating…you may not have the maturity to deal with someone like Seiya and…"
"Why do you have to use these words with me, Raye? Sometimes I feel like you're mean to me on purpose."
"SEE? Here we go again, you being extra sensitive, it's like no one can tell you anything."
Darien held his breath knowing the two would start a big fight but Mina getting back to the living room, screaming, shifted the attention out of the conflict:
"HERE! I FOUND IT" She handed Darien a poster with three guys looking forward and posing like typical pop stars.
"This hunk here is Serena's boyfriend!" She showed him, pointing to a tall black haired man with blue eyes and a cocky expression. "This is Amy's crush – don't tell her I told you that, she would kill me. His name is Taiki." She pointed to a brown haired man "And this one is Yaten" She sighted "He has the best voice and he's so nice, and sweet." Yaten looked a lot like a girl, silver hair and green bright eyes, delicate features. For some reason Darien didn't like any of them.
"Yaten's is Mina's lover" Raye joked
"Shut up! Aren't you late for your little date?" Mina blushed. Darien felt sorry for Andrew and wondered if they would talk about the "Threelights" like that in front of him.
"We are late, Raye. Plus I wasn't really planning to spend our time together talking about other guys, you know" He smirked and winked to the brunette.
"Let's go then! Let me at least change into something decent, I won't take long." She said happily.
Mina approached Serena and sat by her side, where Darien previously had sat, her arms around her friend's shoulder.
"He's coming back really soon and you'll feel happier than ever. It's just a phase, I swear."
"Thanks Mina…" Serena smile lightly.
Darien observed the scene quietly standing by the door. He thought about Raye's effort to talk to her friend, it mustn't been easy for her. He wondered again what was up with the two girls. He also felt happy Mina was there to keep Serena company, he could tell she needed to be around people now. And of course, he thought about that Seiya guy and wondered whether he was a good guy after all.
Raye didn't take long getting dressed and the couple left soon enough.
The date was again very pleasant and again, they talked a lot more about her. At the end of their date, she invited him over for some tea. He gladly accepted and they got into the dark apartment trying to be quiet so they wouldn't disturb anyone.
It was a little late and as far as they could hear, everyone was already in bed.
Darien waited for Raye to make the tea and when she got back they both sat on the couch and talked for a little bit. She was remarkably beautiful specially wearing that red blouse and the tight jeans. She could easily become a model if she wanted, he thought smiling.
"What are you smiling about?" Asked Raye resting her tea at the center table.
"I was just thinking…" Darien did the same "You are really beautiful" The mood was already set: dark apartment with people already sleeping, the two of them alone. She blushed a little. He rested his arms in her shoulders and looked at her in the eyes.
"Darien… I really like going out with you." She blushed.
"That's good, because I like taking you out on dates." Darien declared.
Before he knew what was happening, Raye's lips were pressed against his. He responded to the kiss in a soft way, trying to decide if he liked the way she kissed.
His whole life Darien heard people talking about the feeling you get when you kiss someone you really like for the first time. He hoped he'd feel butterflies in his stomach but he felt nothing more than pleasure to be kissing an attractive girl.
Her kiss was tender and she tasted sweet. They kissed for a while until a loud sound broke the kiss. The phone was ringing.
"Excuse me" She apologized "It's late at night so I guess it may be something important".
Darien was a little bit frustrated with such an abrupt end to their kiss.
"Hello? Yes? Well, she's sleeping, and you should know better than calling this late, you know she has to wake up early." Long pause. "So what I'm not her mom? I'm not waking her up, call her tomorrow!" Another pause "Wait, what? What did you just say? That's rude." Short pause "Fine, I'll wake her up, you better have some good excuse for not calling her for almost two weeks."
Raye sighted
"I'm sorry, it's Seiya, I'm going to wake Serena up, and I'll be right back." She said.
"Okay" He murmured.
Raye went upstairs and it didn't take too long for her to come back, a sleepy Serena by her side. She didn't even acknowledged Darien's presence since she went eagerly straight to the phone.
"Want to go to my room?" Raye asked, "I mean, just so we give her some privacy" She realized that question must have sounded suggestive after they kissed.
"I think I should get going," He said simply. "I've enjoyed our evening though," He said getting closer to her. "We should go out again soon." He smiled.
"I'd love to." She smiled back mischievously
"WHY DID YOU EVEN CALL ME IF YOU'RE JUST BEING CRUEL?" They heard Serena's voice, she was definitely crying. "Seiya! I don't want to see you again if you keep doing this to me!" Pause "This is unfair! I just asked you something! Have you been drinking? Is that why you called me?" Pause "OH REALLY? YOU KNOW WHAT? JUST GO TO HELL! I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!" And she slammed the phone.
"What happened Serena? What was that all about?" Raye asked
"He is a joke! Seriously! He's nothing like the Seiya we know! He became a smug asshole, all he thinks about its fame, fame, and fame! I don't know him anymore!" She cried
"Nothing is going to be solved if you just scream and hang up the phone! And I hate to say I told you so."
"OH MY GOD, SHUT UP!" Serena screamed, "I'm so done with both of you! Leave me alone!" She stormed off, leaving Raye astonished.
"Look at her! She is impossible, I didn't say anything wrong, I was being supportive." She turned to Darien
"Raye…I don't think you quite notice what you say and how you say it sometimes…"
Raye seemed even more astonished.
"Are you insinuating I did something wrong? Really?" She asked, dangerously.
"I'm not insinuating anything. Just give her a time. Look, why don't I check on her before I leave just to make sure she's okay? What's her room?"
Raye looked at him angrily and after a few seconds thinking she answered.
"Go upstairs, you'll know the room when you see it." She turned around, facing the wall. Darien sighted, but grabbed her through the waist and whispered in her ear. "And then I'll check in on you afterwards, to see how you're doing."
Raye nodded and he headed upstairs. Serena's room was unmistakable since it had a little sign saying: 'SERENA'S! Not Raye's room'.
He knocked on her door lightly.
"Get out Raye!"
"It's me, Darien."
She took a while to respond but finally said: "Come in."
The room was dark; the only light was coming from a lamp by Serena's bed. He could see that the room was baby pink. By the door he noticed a lot of pictures hanging on a mural. He recognized a lot of faces he knew but was surprised to see how many pictures of Raye she had. It seemed like they used to be closer in the past. He looked at Serena who was sitting in her bed, facing the floor.
"Serena…Raye didn't mean to be rude to you, she's just worried…"
"If you're here to talk about her just go away, she doesn't need a lawyer, she knows how to talk and everything" She looked at him and he could she deep hurt and anger.
"I'm sorry. I didn't come here to talk about Raye. I just came here to check on you. How are you feeling?"
For a while she didn't respond. She was contemplating the feeling of having someone worrying about her and wanting to know her feelings.
She looked down again and he could see tears falling from her eyes.
"I'm fine" He could barely hear her.
"I'm sorry, Serena" He said getting closer and sitting by her side "Is there anything I can do to help you?"
She started crying more. He held her close to him, feeling the need to protect and calm her down. For some reason he hated to see her suffering and needed her to be okay. Again, when they touched, he felt sparkles of electricity traveling through his body and almost felt like crying with her. It was like her unhappiness was his unhappiness. 'What is going on with me?'
He begun to caress her soft hair and started to mumble some words of comfort.
…
What was that feeling growing inside of her? She felt like she was being protected from all evil around her and slowly all her sadness started to leave her body making her feel in peace for once in a really long time. She pressed herself even closer to him, feeling like she belonged there and scared that if he went away she would feel alone again.
…...
They stayed like that for a long time, in complete silence, just listening to each other's breath. He kept caressing her hair and whispered to her:
"You don't need to tell me what's going on, just rest and I promise I won't leave you until you're sound asleep and snoring."
She chuckled. "I don't snore" She said it in a low, sweet voice that made him smile. They stayed like that until she finally relaxed enough to fall asleep. As soon as he realized she was asleep he saw someone coming in the bedroom. It was Raye. She was holding a glass of water.
"Here, Serena, I brought you this…"
"Shh…" Darien said in a low voice "She's sleeping."
Raye helped Darien by lying Serena down in the bed so he could get up. She turned off the light and they both left.
Darien was still feeling some sort of warmth in his chest. While holding Serena he had completely forgot about Raye, about kissing her, and could only focus about how great if felt to help Serena out.
"Darien…I would love to take you on that offer…you know…you said you'd check on me too" She smiled "But I'm tired and I need to go to school tomorrow. You need to rest as well. I think I should go to bed."
He couldn't agree more. He kissed her softly and quickly in the lips and told her she didn't need to take him downstairs. For some reason he felt like he couldn't leave Serena and worried if she would be okay in the morning.
'Quit thinking about Meatball Head, it's getting annoying.' He thought to himself, satisfied with the idea of coming back the next day and tutoring her.
.:: A/N: Hey! I had a big day yesterday going to the dentist and hanging out with friends I hadn't seen in a long time. Unfortunately, I woke up feeling sick today and spend the whole day in bed. Lame. I am feeling better now! I am working on the next chapter of "In Joy and Sorrow" and I'll update it tomorrow. Thanks for the reviews!"
PrettyVchan! ::.