Hey, everyone, here's the next installment. It's shorter than usual this time, but I promise the next chapter's longer. Some of the plot thickens here so, keep an eye out! Have fun!
Moonlight Eternal
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is not mine, but Love Hexagons is. And there was much rejoicing yay
L O V E H E X A G O N S

By Moonlight Eternal Edited By Dragonborncrystal (thanks)

Chapter 3 In Which Royalty Experiences Pregnancy And Another Cousin Drops In 20th Century

An hour after her arrival, Mina sat in front of a warm fire along with Serena in her friend's living room, drinking hot tea in deep thought. Such great gossip, while fully enthralling for a while, gets boring. So, the two had strayed to the new enemy and sailor senshi to deal with. They had been thinking about who the new scout was.
"Rini's daughter from the future"
"No, her granddaughter"
"Maybe sister"
"Mina, I know for a fact Darien doesn't like kids to a great extent. We'll probably only have Rini"
"Yeah, but he IS Tuxedo Mask and this is Sailor Masquerade. Maybe it's like his sister's daughter"
"That'd work if he HAD a sister"
"Think Moon Kingdom, Serena"
"Maybe she's not even related to Rini at all, just another scout's daughter"
"Who else has black hair"
"HOTARU!" they cried in unison.
"Oh, that explains it. Rini and Hotaru are, after all, best friends. That makes sense.
except wouldn't she be Sailor Saturn, not Masquerade"
Mina shrugged and sipped her tea again. "Maybe she's a second child. You're the senshi expert, not me"
"Please, I'm as much of a scout expert as you! Pluto's a bigger one...but it is possible she's a second child."

The moments of thought grew longer as the tea got lower in the cups. After they had finished the tea entirely, Mina said she was leaving ("Can't miss any of my beauty sleep!" she had said cheerfully). So they bid their farewells, and Serena was left alone. She entered her pink bunny decorated room to put on some very lacy Victoria's Secret pajamas. As she was about to turn off the fire, she heard a light rap on her door. Thinking that perhaps Luna had decided to come over instead of staying at Mina's, she went to answer the door. "Hey, Luna," she said looking down, expecting to see her black cat with a crescent mark on her forehead. But instead she found.
"Wwwho are you??"

2 Minutes Later

Serena had driven about 100 mph to get to Darien's as quickly as she could (she thought she might have plowed over some poor old lady on the way there), but now she was a little afraid of where to start...she decided to knock on the door first, then tell the story to him face to face, instead of at the door. "Well, here goes..."

She knocked on Darien's door, holding the hand of a little girl. A moment later, Darien opened the door, rubbing his eyes, and wearing nothing but smiley-face boxers. Serena could hardly contain her laughter at THIS sight, but she tried. "Darien-giggle-, I think-giggle- we need to talk-giggle-" Darien looked at her sleepily, then glanced at a little girl with black hair and deep blue eyes holding Serena's hand. He went back to Serena, smiled as if to say "Good night," then did a double take back to the little girl. Serena watched his eyes widen in amazement.

There was a long pause and then he said, "Don't tell me, another 'cousin' stopped in from out-of-town."

30th Century Again

When Rini was called for at around 3:00 PM the following day by her mother, she was still fuming. How could her own mother keep such a secret from her? Not that they had had much contact within the time she had gone to the past. Yet still, she could have found time to tell her this little 'tidbit' of information, Rini thought.

As she entered her mother's sitting room, she glared at her, shaking Serenity and wounding her deeply. What had she done this time? Rini was her treasure, and although when she and Rini had existed in the past together they hadn't gotten along regularly, when she physically gave birth to Rini, the love for her was different. "Small Lady, are you alright?" she asked apprehensively.
"No mother, I'm not"
"Then, what is wrong?" Serenity sighed sadly. She had a couple of guesses as to what was up. Rini only looked at the floor which somehow had become quite interesting. Rini hated the anger that flared through her so suddenly. She knew it hurt her mother more than anyone, and she wished she would just tell her so Rini had no reasons to be angry anymore. Suddenly, Rini ran into the soft arms of her mother and hugged her gently, as if to say 'I'm sorry.' They just sat there in the silence for a few moments. "I know, Mommy." Rini said. "I know you know." Neo-Queen Serenity said, smiling. She'd thought that was what it was.
"So it's true?" Rini asked, looking at the queen's middle as if it would speak to her as well.
"Yes, it is." The queen smiled happily.
"But why..." "Oh, I have my reasons. Now, Small Lady, as much as I'd love to tell you everything, there are other matters we must attend to first and foremost"
"Yes, Mother"
"What has been going on with in the past?" Rini explained to her ever-listening mother about the attack from Desdemona upon Serena, the strange new scout, and leaving Serena unconscious. "I came here as soon as I remembered what you had said"
"Which was..." her mother queried curiously.
"To come back when it happens. I assumed you were referring to when Serena was attacked. Was I right"
"You were. It gives me some time to ready myself. I'll inform your father about what is going on in the past as well. Rini, my only instructions to you are this: speak with the Priest Helios before you leave about Desdemona. I give you permission to visit Elysian if you cannot reach him first. Secondly, bring everyone to the future when the new sailor is revealed. The reason will be shown in due time. I'm sorry, Small Lady that I cannot be more specific, but you know Pluto's law." Rini's mother smiled sweetly, but Rini read the fear in her eyes, somewhat hidden but evident none the less.
"Mama, will you tell Daddy"
"Tell me what?" asked the King, who had entered with a sandwich in hand. He looked from his wife, to his daughter, and back. "What?" he asked again. Rini eyed her mother to tell her sorry. The queen only smiled a little wider and said, "Oh, nothing Dear. Would you excuse us, Small Lady? Endymion, say good bye to your daughter." Serenity hugged Rini, then Endymion as well. "Have a safe trip, Small Lady. Remember what I said"
"I will Mama." Rini hugged both tightly, squeezing the tears in her eyes."We'll wait for you here. Mind the scouts of the past, Small Lady"
"Yes Papa. See you soon. I love you!" Rini scampered outside, and ran as quickly as possible to the gardens, hoping to find the others still there.

Upon her swift arrival, the elder senshi eyed Rini curiously until she managed to say, "She's telling him! Time for Operation Find-Out-What's-Going-ON!" The Scouts responded with chaos. They scrambled in a messy fashion towards the northern gardens, to a window looking in the where Endymion and Serenity were in deep conversation in front of. Rini got on Mars' back to peak over the top of the large hedge. The rest of the girls peaked through the hedge's branches. Luckily, the window was a crack open. They were silent as they saw the two rulers speaking.
"I see. That's why she has to go back...I wish she could stay a little longer." Endymion was saying.
"Yes, I have more than one reason to wish she was here"
"More than one? Well, I do too, but"
"Oh, Endymion, I mean more than because I love and miss her. I'm sending her back not only for protection from what will happen here, but also"
"Guys, this is boring." Venus wined. "SSSSSHHHHH!" the others drenched Venus in a shower of spit.
"...but I could use her protection as well"
"Why"
"Well..." 'Here it comes,' Rini thought, happier than she had been for a while.
"I was going to wait for a few more months, but I guess it's necessary to tell you. After all, the scouts already know it and I guess you SHOULD. Just promise me something, Endy, don't go.
ballistic"
"Oh no, what have you done..." Endymion groaned.
"It's not so much a what have I done, but a what we have done"
"I don't know what you mean, Ren, but I believe I have a reason to fear"
"Of course not!" Serenity snapped, which caught Endymion's attention more than any sweet tone she could have used. "Sorry...what I meant was that it takes 'two to tango' shall we say"
"Ren, I know about the birds and the bees! You don't need to"
"ENDYMION!! Just listen, okay!" Endymion sat down on the couch, stunned. His wife was regularly of the calm disposition, but every so often flames leaped up in her eyes, as they did now. "That's better. Now," Serenity smiled her regular smile, speaking in a pleased voice, "what I have to tell you might be a bit shocking. Please hear me out."

CRUNCH
"Speaking of hearing, I can't hear a thing! I'm moving in a little closer for Operation What-Does-Royalty-Do-
In-Secret-Finding-Out-A-Queen-Is-Pregnant...You know, that's a mouthful. Can you think of a better Operation title"
CRACK
"Venus!! For the Sake of the Moon, WHAT ARE YOU DOING"
"Sorry, I forgot I was so heavy!!" Venus squealed.
"Jupiter, KEEP YOUR VOICE DOWN!" reprimanded the senshi of fire.
"You're as loud as me, MARS"
CRASH
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" Multiple scouts screamed as their faces met the ground along with their' source of hiding.
"Mina, back up, back UP! You're standing on me"
"I can't! There's someone behind me"
"It's another BUSH! WHY NOT JUST KNOCK IT OVER AS WELL AND FREE ME SO I CAN BREATHE!" Jupiter cried out in agony from the ground.
"Guys, quiet down...and Mars, would you mind removing BOTH of your feet, and any other bits of weight, OFF MY BACK!" Amy yelled, a little miffed about her current situation, as she was atop the fallen hedge, but under all of Mars's weight.
"Shut up you guys, or they'll hear us!!" Venus said angrily.
"Too late," Rini said, a large sweat-drop forming over her head. The king and queen were just staring outside their window, as it was a little strange to be in the middle of a conversation one moment, then see your favorite rose hedge completely topple over and witness all of the scouts and your daughter fall with it. Endymion was a little shocked to say the least.
"I'm pregnant." Serenity said, smiling as the dust settled. Endymion, still in the state of utter disbelief heard her not. Even after the others climbed through the open window and began to fan him and scream such things as, "Yoohooooo!" and "Earth to Endymion!" in his ears, his expression remained blank.
"I think he's a lost case, Serenity." Venus sighed moments later. Jupiter sympathized by patting her on the back.
"Oh, I expected this," Serenity murmured, glancing at the large clock on the wall. "He should come around any second now"
"YOU'RE WHAT??" Rini giggled as the others fell backwards out of surprise at Endymion's outburst. Everyone but she, her mother, and father were now on the ground.
"Uh...let's leave these two to it, shall we?" Mars said a bit shakily. Everyone else, having lost a few years to their lives each, agreed and followed on what seemed liquid legs.
'Well, I might as well go to Elysian now. Mama will have Papa calmed down by the time I get back, and I really have nothing else to do...'

Rini followed a crystal and marble hallway that was empty except for her hollow, echoing footsteps for what seemed hours. Just as she thought she ought to turn back since she obviously went the wrong direction, she could make out the door that towered above her by at least 4 times. Its intricately designed white marble was beautifully decorated by silver and gold outlining its fantastic designs. The gold knobs lined with crystal stood almost as high as Rini's 4 "11 head. Though looking to be heavier than any object imaginable, once pulled on the doors were quite light. After a moment of deep breathing, and promising her insecure self that this would be okay, Rini pulled the doors completely open while her Silver Crystal shone inside its locket, hanging around her neck, allowing her entry.

A blue and white vortex swirled like a turbulent sky before her, and with shaking hands Rini entered it. Meanwhile her mind was wandering in Elysian already...how was Helios going to react to her, seeing her in person? He'd said he'd like to someday, right...right?!

As Rini's mind raced, she blinked and suddenly found herself in Elysian. Once again, her breath as well as her thoughts left her as the beauty filled thirsty eyes. All around her the glorious spring season blew sweet, soft winds accompanied with delicate petals of pink roses and cherry blossoms. The large lake, a silver rippling pool of holy water, shone around the small white-marble columns of the Elysion Temple of Aislin. Rini set out towards it, gazing around at the marvels she didn't see everyday at home. As she looked up into the sky, clear and azure, she took another great breath of air and collided with someone taller than her, as well as a little more graceful.

From the ground, she let out a small "ow" but then in 1 second flat managed to pick herself up. Bowing low, she took to apologizing immediately. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" she said, shame evident in her voice. Would she ever stop being like her klutzy teen mother and become the graceful queen? She expected to greet one of the shrine maidens with her red-rose colored eyes but instead, after looking up curiously at the sound of a low, soft chuckle she met eyes of aquamarine. "Hello, Maiden." Helios spoke, smiling.
"Hello," Rini sighed internally at her own shyness. She would love to just kiss him, but quivering nerves drew her back.
"You're hair has grown since I last saw you..." Helios said admiringly. Rini took her mid-back length pink locks into hand, and stroked them fondly. She was finally growing into her hair, and she was happy to see someone noticed. "Yes"
"It looks quite lovely"
"Thank you..." Rini blushed a bit.
"Why is it that you come to Elysian? According to your parents-" Helios began, giving her a stern face but still managing to keep a smile in his eyes.
"My mother gave me permission. Helios, I'd love to just talk like old times again, but I have a problem...well, actually we all do in the past." Helios' eyes widened in surprise. "Is not all well"
"I came back to the future from my training because my mom told me to at a certain point in time. Then, after I explained what was going on, she told me that I needed to talk to you. So I thought I'd come talk to you personally so I could make sure you had a spare moment." Helios looked somewhat grieved at her last statement.
"Maiden, it's not that I avoid you"
Rini couldn't believe it. Had she just said that? "Oh, no...it's alright, I know." Helios looked at her with dissuaded blue eyes. There was an immense amount of worry in them,over both the topic of the conversation and the statement Rini had just made.What I don't know is something else. My mother said you would know about a woman calling herself Desdemona...do you?" Helios's gaze gained a new level of apprehension as Rini spoke the name.

"Desdemona is the ruler of the Shadow Realm. As I protect the dreams of humans of Earth, she ruins them, or attempts to. Her world is a desert land of waste, sand everywhere and one lone castle in the midst of the golden dunes. She is the one to blame for those who lose faith in themselves, and the situations causing their lack of faith. She loves nothing more than to destroy happiness. Why do you wish to know about her"
"Because she attacked Serena"
"The princess?! Is she alright"
"I think. When I left, she was still unconscious"
After a moment's silence, Helios bent over to become eye-
level with the somewhat shorter girl, placing a hand on her shoulder. Rini tingled at his touch. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern evident in his features.
Rini blushed. "She was focusing on Serena. One of her minions who got me, but I'm fine now"
"I'm glad," Helios said with relief. "Desdemona is not an easy opponent for anyone, if that is who she is. You're sure that it was Desdemona who attacked her, Maiden"
"Yes"
"This is a strange twist of events...Besides wreaking havoc upon the populace of earth from the safety of her palace, Desdemona does nothing else. And she tends not to stray anywhere, or specifically choose one person to prey upon."

"What are you saying, Helios?" Rini asked, glancing up at his face, noticing the worry lines creasing his usually smooth light skinned forehead.
"I believe Desdemona isn't the greater evil here. The only reason she'd be after the queen would be for her own gain. She takes pleasure in the horrors of life, but to one such as your future mother, such terrors can only take so much away. She remains the same person, mostly. I think that Desdemona is working for someone else, someone seeking revenge upon your mother. Although, who knows their true goal..." Helios glanced down worriedly at the young lady before him. Rini was unaware of his look, thinking deeply.

Suddenly, Helios swept her into a close embrace. He held her tight for a few moments as Rini stayed stock still in shock. "Helios..." she said curiously.
"Be careful...Rini," he murmured, kissing her sugar pink lips gently.

While the Above is Going On...

"Darling, have the plans been set..." a young man with dark olive skin, and chestnut brown hair lowered his face to look into the reflection of a mirror showing a lovely woman with long sapphire-colored hair which tumbled to her knees. Her violet eyes met his emerald green in the reflection. "Of course, my sweet. We are ready." "Good. Once we have captured the heir to Crystal Tokyo's pure hearted-energy, and her star seed of life, the Imperium Silver Crystal, we shall no longer be stopped." After a long pause, the woman spoke again. "Ask me it again, Alexander." "Ask you what?" The man, obviously Alexander brushed his warm lips upon the girl's cheek. "What is it you want, Azura, my Queen?" "Ask me why we toy with this girls life, so that I may answer it fully. I do now understand what I didn't so long ago." "Why, my sweet, did we come here?" he asked, giving in to her demand. "Our story, dearest." Azura began, brushing the long, beautiful hair before him. "We came from earth years ago for one reason: to become the most powerful rulers of the solar system, then the universe, and on. Our lovers had betrayed us both, and in this small alikeness we found a small bit of console. Only the power of darkness could award us the dream of having back the ones we loved, and ruling the galaxy together. So we took it, a chance to start anew, not to make amends, but destroy them. We released the being Chaos, hoping it would destroy not only this specific solar system, but Guardian Cosmos and Sailor Galaxia as well. It ravished other planetary systems, and we knew this would be the toughest one yet. And we witnessed the destruction of OUR hard work, and the fleeing of Chaos, who would later be recaptured by you. Those guardian planet brats, especially the one known as Eternal Sailor Moon, ruined all the work. And that eternal Sailor is your goal. So I have sent out another servant of ours, known as Desdemona of the Shadow World. She can fulfill our destiny for us. First, we shall kill the future Sailor Moon, just for the fun of it. And then we shall weaken the scout in the past, and capture her for you. You always did love her body so...Then her lover boy will come running, and we'll have them where we want them..."Azura sighed in delight. "Can't you just FEEL it... The onset of victory is upon us!" Alexander grasped one of Azura's hands. "And then we shall rule." She finished, and stood to meet the man's green-eyed gaze.

"Desdemona, arise and meet your master," shouted Azura, still looking into her lover's eyes. "Yes, my Queen." The sharp amber eyes, deep and evil, were the first to be seen as Desdemona appeared before the couple. "I am ready to serve you..." Desdemona bowed to the two. "Ah, yes. Here are your orders. Fight with the 8 guardian scouts, the Prince of Earth, and Eternal Sailor Moon once more. Your objective is to slowly drain the Moon brat's energy, then bring her to us when she is at death's door." "Yes, my mistress. And then"
"Then you shall receive the reward of the control of Chaos; only you shall hold his leash!!" With a smile dancing across her face, Desdemona disappeared into the shadows. 'She shall be mine...' thought Alexander. 'And when he comes, he'll be mine.' Thought Azura.

Serena sat tensely on Darien's couch. Darien (now wearing a robe) sat opposite of her and the little girl (still clutching Serena's hand). The little girl hadn't said a word yet. Serena sighed and then started. "Only a couple of minutes ago, I was getting ready for bed, answered my front door, and here was this little girl. She hasn't told me her name, or even where she's from. She has a key that looks a lot like Rini's. And not only that, but I couldn't get it out of my head how much she looks like..." She looked down at her own tight, white knuckles, "...well, you."

Darien had noticed this too. The resemblance was striking. The little girl couldn't have been more than 5 years old. She had black hair with random sunshine-blonde streaks in it, and it was pulled up into two odangos, identical to Serena's, and the girl's long ponytails were looped back up to the buns. Her deep eyes held remnants of the earth's seas and dark midnight sky swirled together in the deep layers of blue. Those eyes only belonged to one other person on the planet, the Prince of Earth, Endymion. In other words, the two people possessing those eyes sat across from each other. Apart from her face, the little girl was dressed in a school uniform resembling Raye's, only in the colors sugar pink and white. She was staring down at her hands, obviously a little shy. When Darien stared harder (he was STILL half asleep, considering it was 1:30 in the morning), he noticed something else about this girl that was familiar besides the hairstyle, time key, and his eyes. "Serena," he said in surprise, "she's doing the same thing you do"
"Eh?" the woman asked. "What do you mean?" Serena looked down at the girl again.
"She was gripping her skirt the same way you do when you're nervous!" Darien looked proudly at Serena, who looked blank.
"What are you talking about"
"Whenever you get tense, you start to twist your skirt in such a way, I'd recognize it anywhere"
"Darien, you actually NOTICE that kind of stuff"
"I know everything about you, just like you know what I do when I'm nervous." Serena pictured him putting his hand through his hair in such a way, and smiled at the thought.
"Yes..." suddenly, she remembered why she was there. Shaking her head of all other thoughts, she said, "Anyways, I thought that maybe since you were so good with Rini you might be able to-" "Rini?" the little girl asked, startling the two. Even though the whole conversation had been ABOUT her, they had both forgotten she was there. Darien recovered the quickest, "Rini was a little girl who came to stay..." Darien never got to finish his sentence, because at that time thunder shook the large apartment building, after a flash of lightning lit up the silent, sleeping (almost) city. Serena AND the little girl shrieked, then jumped to Darien for protection. A pink flash occurred, and they saw Rini falling (and not at all gracefully) from the sky. Two seconds later she scrambled into Darien's apartment.
"Hi, I saw the lights on, so I thought I'd just come straight in...oh hi." she said, not actually acknowledging the little girl who sat now in Darien's lap. Then she too did a double take and asked half-afraid, "WHO'S THAT??" Serena groaned, telling the story over. Slowly, yet surely, the little girl crept up to Rini, and then sat next to her, and snuggled into her. To Rini's surprise, she didn't mind this small child falling asleep on her. She felt compelled to reach down and hug her. The little girl stared up intently into Rini's eyes and said in a questioning voice, "Are you Princess Lady Serenity?" Serena and Darien glanced at one another, and Rini's blood ran cold in her veins. Then, as if thinking differently on the matter, the girl said softly, "No, you're not her...she's much older..." Rini was relieved, and yet a little guilty about not having told the truth that she actually WAS Small Lady Serenity, daughter of Serena and Darien's future selves, Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion. How the child knew that in the future she'd be known as Lady Serenity was beyond our 12 year olds' comprehension. It was also above the thoughts of our elder couple present as well. There was a lot of mystery to the little girl falling asleep, still snuggled just as close. Yet Rini felt a bit of satisfaction with the little girl. And she was so sweet and innocent (reminding Rini of a younger, less mischievous version of herself). But still...how could this little girl about 5 years old know Rini? Unless she was from the future... but then there was the fact that she resembled Darien so much...that couldn't be just coincidence.

Rini was too tired to really contemplate where this little girl was from, and who she was...so very softly, she asked the half-asleep 5 year old, "What's your name?" "Tranquility..." the little girl mumbled. The three still-awake people glanced at each other, the name not ringing a bell. 'Who are you, Tranquility? And where are you from?' Rini thought sleepily, the news of her mother's pregnancy and then her advice, along with Helios's as well and that kiss all draining other thoughts from her mind.

"Serena," Darien whispered after he and she had witnessed the 'downfall' of the two children by means of sleep, "you can stay the night"
"Not that there's much of a choice there anyway, Darien..." she sighed with a smile. "If you could carry them into your room, I'll sleep on the couch..." she answered.
"Why-" Darien had almost complained by finishing with a 'me' when he noticed Serena once again was in pain again. Although her hand was not clasped to her chest, it was gripped so tightly to her coat he could see the blood rushing from her knuckles even at the dark, early hour. He didn't need to ask if she was all right, he knew she wasn't. Darien took it silently and picked both girls up then brought them into his room, laying them both on his bed under the blankets. He returned to Serena, who was removing her long coat and scarf, which had covered a silky slip of a nightdress. She'd obviously not wasted a moment getting to his apartment.
"Did you put them to bed"
"Yes"
"Good." Serena sighed, looking more tired than Darien thought possible for a girl of her age. "Why don't you sleep in the bed too? There's plenty of room"
"Not for all four of us!" Serena laughed softly as she climbed onto the couch.
"I'll take the couch"
"It's fine. I'm fine."

Darien could see his future wife wasn't about to budge from her spot. He left her on the couch for a moment, and returned with another thick blanket, which he covered the shivering Serena with. Then, he himself climbed on the opposite couch.
"Darien! You don't have"
"I know I don't. I still will." Serena sat up, grabbing the blanket. Softly, and taking the blanket with her, she walked the distance between the couches and lay beside Darien on his, covering them both with the blanket. "You'll get cold," she said simply, burrowing deeper into the blanket, thin body pressed against Darien's own.
"Serena! I'll be fine. You need a good night's sleep"
"I'll get one"
"You don't have"
"I know. I still will"
The next morning, Rini and Tranquility sat in the back of Darien's bright red sports car. Serena, who was sitting dressed beside Darien, was looking back to check on the children. "Now," she said sweetly and calmly, "I've enrolled you two in Harbor Elementary School. Tranquility, do you have a nickname you are called?" "My Mommy calls me 'Lily,' or my real name. Everyone else calls me Lily." The little girl said. "All right. Then do you want us to call you Lily?" the little girl stared at Serena for a moment, and then nodded. "And do you want your teacher to call you that?" the little girl contemplated, and then again nodded sweetly. "O.K. I'll tell your teacher that then. Her name is Miss Honey, and I think you'll like her." "Ehem." Rini cleared her throat. "Oh, yes. Rini, your teacher is Mrs. Hathaway again. Nothing new there. Sammy's jealous you have her by the way; he really liked her." "Sammy?" Lily queried. "Sammy is my little brother," Serena clarified. "Ohhhh..." "And also," Serena turned back around to face Darien, "Darien, you need to take a break before your evening classes to pick the girls up. I'm going to be at my class when the two get out of school. Don't worry, by the time you're at my apartment, I'll have be home. What is it Darien?" Darien was staring awestruck at Serena, surprised by this change in her. She was taking charge even when she wasn't Eternal Sailor Moon. He loved her even more.

"Nothing, except when did you do all this?" Darien asked.
"This morning when you were still"
"Asleep"
"Yes"
"You know, you'll never get better with you never sleeping"
"Serena, you were sick?" Rini asked from the back.
"No, it's just Darien's overactive imagination. I'm okay." Somehow, Rini highly doubted this. Although, seeing how her father reacted in the future, maybe it was just Darien being overprotective. Still, Rini felt a lurking nag at the back of her mind...

Darien let out a soft sigh. Why did she think he didn't see it? They were supposed to be soul mates, they were getting married, and yet they both held so much from one another...he was definitely not innocent of some deceit. Yet he wished she'd trust him to understand...He looked at Serena longingly, and she looked back.

What was he thinking? She knew it was pointless to lie to him, he'd only figure it out sooner. But how could she allow him to worry?

Maybe they could just skip classes today...

Both blushed, and suddenly Darien was busy yelling at a driver who was going way too slow in front of him (only about 75 mph). Serena was looking out the window. Both Rini and Tranquility, however, had seen the small sense of delight when the two grown ups had looked into one-another's eyes. "Does that happen all the time?" Lily whispered to Rini. "No, but I hope it happens again." They both giggled like they were the same age. "I like you Rini." Lily said happily. "I like you too."

It was about 6:00 that night. Serena, Darien, Rini, and Lily were all sitting down at Serena's kitchen table, eating some lasagna that Serena had learned to make during an extra-curricular cooking class today. "What did you learn today?" she asked Rini. "Nothing!" she exclaimed Serena heard her hall clock chime 6:15. "Shoot! I forgot I had a meeting tonight!" She jumped up from the table, startling everyone around her, then ran to put her shoes on. "Um, Serena? What meeting"
"Oh, the girls just wanted to get together and discuss something today and I totally forgot about it! Darien, would you mind watching the girls for me?" before he could answer, she said, "Thanks! I'll be back about 7:30! Enjoy the meal!" and she left. Darien sat in his seat flabbergasted. She seemed to have forgotten, to Darien's surprise, that he was NOT the babysitting type. Rini was fine, but more than one child was NOT a good mixture!
"O.K., I can do this...it'll be easy," he said to himself. He looked at the girls who were staring innocently back and asked nervously, "So, what do you want to do"

- -

Hehehe, another chapter finished. I'm hoping this story will last for about 8 to 10 chapters, so watch out for the next ones! Later

Moonlight Eternal