Serena sighed as she slowly descended her head against the soft, plush pillow. Today was an unusual day she decided as the memories flashed before her eyes. Turning to rest on her stomach she let out a frustrated moan onto the pillowcase. Why did two men invade her space? Although she wasn't surprised about Darien's teasing, she couldn't help but feel something was different. It was almost as if…as if… Unwilling to let her mind create false hope, she concentrated on the other raven-haired male.

Seiya. Senior class president. The quintessential popular male well sought after by the female population and idolized by the male student body at Juuban High School. His easygoing personality as well as his ability to flirt was eminent. It puzzled Serena to no end why he spent time frightening her and then kindly offered his jacket, which was laying on the chair next to her desk besides Darien's pants. It wouldn't matter Serena thought to herself. By Monday, everything would go back to its normal routine of greeting Seiya whenever she encounters him at school.

Darien still wasn't at home yet Serena remembered, otherwise she would have handed him his pants without washing them first. That would teach him for sending her mixed signals or at least it seemed as if he was doing so intentionally or not. He had some nerve to tease her endlessly in front of their friends.

"I have a feeling that you'll be thoroughly wet by the end of the day."

Closing her eyes, she envisioned his smooth face as he stated the tantalizing line. The face she has known for as long as she could remember. The one she beheld first thing in the morning and at the end of the night. "The curse of living with him," she muttered to herself out loud , her voice in exasperation. "Damn him and his devastatingly good looks." However, deep down Serena knew that wasn't the reason she had a difficult time getting him out of her system. More difficult than removing an oil stain off clothing. Letting out another moan, she rested her back against the mattress. I'm over him she embedded in her overwrought mind. He is…was a mere temporary infatuation.

Upon hearing the front door creak open, she turned her backside to the bedroom door. Light footsteps approached her door. She closed her eyes tightly. The sound of the latch opening and then shutting a few moments later resonated in her ears.

Darien.

Serena felt her heart tug gently and grow warm at his caring personality.


The chill in the morning air made it difficult for the students at Juuban High School to keep still. It was already early March yet the morning weather in the usual mildly chilly, sunny California was at a record breaking low.

Taking a deep breath, a petite blonde blew a buff of air on her freezing hands. Her forgotten pink gloves were left on the wooden dresser in her bedroom as she was rushing out the door once again. Being on time was never her strong point. Darien had long given up waking her after she injured him on several occasions, trying to gain a few more precious minutes of sleep that turned up being more than half an hour. She silently prayed that a rich uncle like Molly's would make his presence known and buy her a car so she could drive herself to school without having to constantly worry about being pressed for time.

"Serena!" Rei, her brunette haired friend admonished her. "How many times have I told you to bring your gloves?" To emphasize her point, she held out her own pair of flaming red gloves in front of Serena's face.

"One too many," Serena mumbled under her breath, pushing the obtrusive hands away. In response, she received a firm slap on the back of her head. "Ow," Serena cried in outburst, rubbing her hand on the inflicted area. Before she could retaliate, Lita placed her friend's hands in hers, warming them. Gradually the numbness left her slender fingers. Serena glared at Rei threateningly before thanking Lita with a smile. "At least I have Lita to help me in my time of need."

"Honestly Serena, how will you make it through college if we end up going to different schools?" Rei added in a sarcastic tone, "As much fun as it is to tease you about your forgetfulness, you have to be more responsible."

"Hey, I resent that! I'm one of the most responsible people I know." She ignored the rolling of eyes at her remark. "As I recall, I wasn't the one who waited until the last minute to mail her college applications." Crossing her arms across her chest defensively, she waited for a counterattack, ignoring the guilty expression on Lita's face.

Rei stuck out her pink tongue at her long-time friend. "Who cares as long as I made the deadline?"

"Because a responsible person like you finished filling out the applications as she stood in line at the second post office she went to when the first one closed half an hour earlier than the latter." Sky blue eyes met lavender eyes, smirking triumphantly.

Turning to her friend, Rei glowered menacingly at the tall Amazon figure. "Lita," she hissed. "I told you not to mention that to anyone, especially Meatball Head. Besides, you were the one who was with me doing the same exact thing."

Although Rei was a sweet person deep down, she had a fiery temper that was difficult to extinguish. Even Lita, the fearless one, knew to leave the issue alone. Placing an indifferent stance, Lita shrugged helplessly while daggers were directed towards her.

"But she's not the one lecturing me on being responsible. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black," Serena couldn't help holding back.

"Why you..." Rei began then remained suddenly silent. A smirk replacing the anger compelled Serena to brace herself for any revenge her fiery friend may eradicate. Not one to stand idly by, Serena threw Rei a threatening glare, a warning to demolish her devious intention. The smirk broadened. "That may be true, but I wasn't the one who forgot my change of clothes in the car."

Grimacing, Serena only listened in horror as she sensed the information that was about to be disclosed. "In fact, our dear friend," she nodded in Serena's direction as her friends listened intently, "failed to mention that she borrowed garments from not one, but two drop dead gorgeous males." Incredulous looks formed on Lita's and Mina's faces. Serena wanted to wipe the smug look on her ex-friend's face. Rei was a worthy sparring component. Serena questioned her sanity for baiting her.

"Whose clothes did she borrow?" Lita clutched Rei's elbows, dying to find out the juicy details of the event she regretted not attending. Her second place trophy didn't seem to compare at the moment to the events that took place at the party.

"Seiya's windbreaker," Rei enunciated slowly, "and Dar-." A pair of hands tightly covered her mouth. Lita released Rei to tenderly, but firmly pry Serena's slender hands away from Rei's gossiping lips. "Darien's pants," Rei finished, reveling at the reactions received. Mina let out a long breath and Lita gasped in surprise.

"Who told you this?" Serena implored, shoulders slumped, cheeks flaming, awaiting the onslaught of endless questions that were about to be thrown her way.

"A reliable source who shall remain nameless." Rei mused, enjoyed Serena's defeat.

Lita wagged her finger accusingly. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"Is there something going on between you and Seiya?" Mina's interest piqued, no doubt considering the possibility of playing matchmaker with new victims.

"So," Ami, Serena's savior, interrupted, making her way towards her friends after helping the school librarian. "Has anyone received correspondence from any universities?" she asked in hopes to stop the impending questions. She would ask the girls later about the conversation, but for now, she came to Serena's rescue, sensing that the topic was something Serena didn't want to share at the moment. Heads swaying from side to side answered her question.

"How about you Ames?" Mina asked, knowing the answer before the question left her lips.

"Just a few." Ami adjusted the strap of the light blue backpack on her shoulder. A faint blush graced her intelligent yet modest face.

Before the interrogation could resume, the first bell rang, signaling the start of a long day of classes, saved Ami from revealing which elite schools already eagerly accepted her and Serena from the new set of questions forming in her friends' inquisitive minds.


Retrieving a book from her locker, she was surprised to find the person she looking for throughout the day. Although the school was relatively small, Seiya was difficult to find. He wasn't sitting at the infamous popular table. Rather then ask one of his friends where he was and being questioned, she decided to wait.

Instead of gathering her history book, she reached for the windbreaker and held it to Seiya. "Thanks again for the windbreaker. I really appreciate your kindness." Serena smiled at him, contemplating his actions once again.

Seiya watched the entire spectacle with some amusement. Of course he knew the reaction of Serena and anyone near them would be when they saw took notice of him and whom he was with. Even though Serena was moderately popular, especially with her eclectic group of friends, Seiya primarily kept company with the popular crowd. But he didn't care about what people were thinking. His only interest was in surprising Serena, though he wasn't sure why he was doing that either. He just did.

Similar to the events this past Saturday, he felt the inexplicable temptation to unravel her. He wondered whether it was her natural beauty, the way she was easily provoked, her witty humor and biting remarks, or all of the above. He encountered, flirted, dated and had been with many people as beautiful as Serena, but the traits she possessed and possibly others he had yet to discover captivated him to her. That fact unnerved him, yet he couldn't force himself to take the jacket and take his leave.

The sound of a throat clearing caused Seiya to jerk his head up and take in the piece of clothing still held before him, which he finally retrieved. The slight irritation in her beautiful cerulean eyes dissolved quickly and was replaced with curiosity. She spun around to retrieve a book and gently closed the locker before shyly returning his gaze.

"Serena," he whispered softly, taking her book in his free hand. He began walking slowly awaiting her pursuit. He smiled as she fell in step next to him.

Feeling nervous due to the silence that fell, Serena asked. "Do you know where my next class is?" She tried to ignore the curious stares directed towards them.

"And what if I say I do?" he responded, taking in a lock of hair that fell across her eye. He refrained from brushing it away with his touch and was saved from doing so when she swept it behind an ear.

"Then I would have to be wary of your stalker tendencies, however surprising it may be to me that you are the possessive type," she stated without thought, before realizing her implication. "I mean…"

Seiya raised an eyebrow, smiling at her brazen comment. "Only when it comes to things I care about," he stated in a low, husky voice as he grazed her arm with his. Her cheeks flushed at the brief contact.

"So why are you walking me to class?" she queried, wondering when her life would go back to the predictable one she had before this past weekend. She crossed her arms, as they continued walking, as if to challenge him. She felt as if she was watching everything from afar rather than living it.

"Isn't it obvious?" he drawled, enjoying the effect he had on her.

Her brow creased in thought. "I'm sorry, Seiya," Serena said with open honesty. "I don't have the slightest idea."

"In that case, I guess I'll have to be more upfront the next time we meet." Winking, he placed her book back in her hand as they reached Serena's destination, before retreating to his next class, leaving his new "friend" in stunned silence.


The following Friday

Serena carefully carried her box of popcorn, soda and sour candy as she and her friends made their way to a seat in the back of the theater along with friends. Moving towards a seat, she placed her drink in the cup holder. Turning to sit down, she let out, "Eek," as she tripped on her own foot, landing on the seat face forward, spilling her popcorn on the seats, floor, and unfortunately her friends seated besides her.

"Serena," Mina and Lita reprimanded after experiencing the unintentional popcorn assault, flicking off the pieces that landed on them.

"I'm so sorry," Serena appeased, her face red with embarrassment as she heard loud laughter echoing in the vicinity. Unable to face the utter humiliation, she decided now was the best time to purchase another box of popcorn. Excusing herself, she resisted the urge to dash to the restroom to seek refuge.

Receiving the change from the cashier, she carried her purchase to the end of the counter to pour a liberal amount of the butter topping. As she headed back to the theater, she stopped abruptly when she saw a couple standing in a dim corner several feet away from. Her jaw dropped and her large eyes widened in disbelief. Although their backs were facing her, she recognized both of them immediately. They were holding hands as they eyes locked, not appearing to care if they were observed by passing strangers. The male tipped the female's chin up and brought his mouth to hers, ravishing the explosive kiss. Taking the opportunity, Serena quickened her step, hoping that she was not noticed. Finding herself in his familiar situation of not wanting to be noticed, she couldn't help but smile sadly at the irony.

Ascending the stairs to the back of the theater, she stopped mid step when she noticed her friends were not seated where she left them. What happened moments ago was forgotten for the time being. Confused, she looked around the theater for them. Unable to locate her friends, she descending the set of steps to continue her search. When she felt her pulse quicken and panic rush through her veins, she heard her name.

"Sere," Mina, Lita, and Rei called, stifling a laugh while waving their arms animatedly in the air. Ami looked on in embarrassment for letting the other girls persuade her into deceiving their good friend.

Serena lowered her form onto the seat next to Ami, away from the others after she reached them. Inwardly seething, she tried to ignore voicing her fury to no avail. "Thanks a lot," Serena growled softly, yet loud enough for her friends to hear. "Some friends you are." She narrowed her eyes, watching to see she got a rise from her so-called friends. They always found endless joy and laughter in teasing or embarrassing her.

Hearing Ami whimper and look shamefully down at her feet, Serena turned to her, patting her forearm gently. "Don't worry Ames. I know you were forced to go along with their mean joke." Ami smiled in appreciation and relief of her friend's forgiveness. The aqua hair girl passed her friend the snacks she left behind earlier. "And since you seem to be the only one on my side, you're the only friend who is still invited to my sleepover tonight."

Unable to respond to the revelation, Mina, Lita, and Rei studied Serena closely. Incapable if holding her anger any longer, Serena let out a hearty laugh followed by her friends. She could never remain angry at them for long. She was sure that if the shoes were in the other foot, she would have found the situation comical earlier. Those around them made shushing sounds, evidently annoyed that the girls were once again causing a scene when the movie was about to start.


Upon entering the apartment, Serena inhaled a breath, praying that her roommate wasn't home. Unfortunately, her prayer wasn't answered. Leaning against the sofa with his arms behind his head and an empty mug on the mahogany coffee table, Darien looked relaxed in a gray t-shirt and black shorts. Staying still until Serena's guests greeted him, he acknowledged them with a tilt of his head. He reached for the remote and turned off the television.

"What are you doing home alone on a Friday night?" Mina asked, voicing the question Serena wanted to ask. Mina and the others dropped their belongings in an empty corner of the room. "I assumed you would be gallivanting around town with Beryl or spend some male bonding time with Andrew and your other male friends." Flipping her hair back, she added dreamily, "Friends you should introduce to us."

Choosing to ignore her last comment, he answered simply, "Enjoying some alone time." Darien smiled. Mina was as persistent as Serena claimed her to be in playing Cupid. However, she resembled a younger version of Aphrodite instead of the cherub Kunzite once told him and Darien agreed.

"What's Beryl doing?" Serena queried, feigning indifference. Her eyes rested intently on his form.

"She's working. A co-worker asked Beryl if she could take over his shift. She agreed since she needed the extra income." Serena suppressed a cough, fighting her own conflicting emotions and muddled thoughts. Standing, he walked into the kitchen with his mug, placing it in the dishwasher. "Enough about me. I'm going to retreat to my room so you can enjoy your slumber party in peace."


After an hour tossing and turning restlessly on the living room floor, Serena threw over the blanket. Watching four figures sleeping peacefully beside her, she ran her hand through her disheveled hair. Sleep evaded her. Her mind and conscience would not let her rest.

Letting out a deep, long breath, she treaded lightly to the hallway. A small stream of light seeped out from underneath Darien's bedroom door. Pressing her ear against the cold surface, she heard soft typing noises. Afraid of waking her friends in the next room, she opened the door slowly to reveal Darien leaned over his laptop. "Darien," she whispered hesitantly, barely audible in her own ears, shutting the door behind her.

Darien looked over his broad shoulder, surprised to see his roommate before him. Glancing at the clock that read 1:23 a.m., he returned his gaze to the interruption. The one wearing pink satin pajamas adorned with white rabbits and matching bunny slippers, making her appear younger than the seventeen year old she was. Her untidy waist length golden locks cascaded around her shoulders, glowing in soft lamplight.

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked, gesturing for her to sit down on his large, comfortable bed. Shaking her head no, she seated herself on the foot of the bed.

Darien's bed.

He swiveled his chair, facing her as he propped his elbows on his knees. "So what do you want to talk to me about?"

Tell him Serena's mind commanded her. "I…well…you see…it's like this." He let out a soft laugh at her flustered speech. Feeling the sliver of courage she mustered evaporate, she said curtly, "Never mind." She stood to leave, but Darien blocked her before taking her hand guiding both of them to sit on the mattress. The close proximity was blurring Serena's thought; the setting too private, too personal.

Darien remained silent. He watched Serena examine his impeccably clean room, first the furniture – including the desk, chair, nightstands, and bookcase – then the calendar displaying images of sleek, powerful convertibles hung on the stark white wall.

Serena had never stayed in his bedroom for more than a minute. His room was his haven. A place where he could drown all his worries away, alone. The way he preferred. He wasn't sure how he felt about her intrusion in his sanctuary.

Darien looked down at her. He gently encouraged, the tint of his eyes beseeching her, "You were saying."

Serena felt a pang. She didn't know if it was trepidation or remorse. As she looked to his intent gaze, her throat suddenly went dry. "I'm not sure how to tell you."

"It can't be that bad." Although his voice was calm, he felt a chill shoot down his spine. For the brief amount of time he saw her earlier, he sensed something was amiss. He didn't want to put her on the spot with her friends surrounding her. What he didn't realize until now was that it had something to do with him. "Go on. You can tell me anything." The warm, encouraging smile he gave her deepened her resolve.

She wished desperately that that was the case, but she knew better. She wouldn't wish what she was about to tell him on anyone. "Today I went to watch a movie with the girls." Serena paused, trying to think of the best way to disclose what she witnessed. "And when I went to purchase popcorn, I saw Beryl there." She watched Darien absorb the information. His face was expressionless. "With Leonardo." She continued, "They were holding hands and seemed to be completely absorbed with one another. Then they shared a kiss." She released a breath she didn't realize she held. She withheld the intensity of the kiss. It would only make the heartbreak excruciatingly more painful. The silence was deafening.

Rising, Darien paced dejectedly across the length of the room. She stared at him for a long moment, knowing that there were a myriad of emotions going through him and knowing he had no intention of talking about any of them. His fists clenched tightly at his sides were the only indication that he was furious.

"Darien?" She looked in his eyes, her eyes brilliant from unshed tears.

"Are you sure about this?" his strong voice questioned, not wanting to believe the betrayal. He inwardly cringed as he saw how his pain had affected Serena. She always wore her heart on her sleeves and cared deeply for others.

A shaky nod brought his world crashing down.

"Thanks… for telling me." He opened and held the door out for the reluctant news bearer. Serena's chest tightened at the look of catastrophic heartbreak flicker in his eyes before disappearing as quickly as it appeared. Sadness gave way to anger. How could Beryl be so cruel? Hurt someone she claimed she loved? A person who would do anything to protect those he loved. She wanted to embrace him and take all the pain away. But this was his pain. His problem. One he had to face alone because he wouldn't let anyone else help him through it.

She blinked, nodded. "I'm sorry."

Serena noticed her mistake. He shook his head, smiled, and yet there was a sheen in his sapphire eyes, a hint of tears he'd never let himself cry. His cheekbones hardened and his full lips were pressed together, forming a thin line. He did not want pity or sympathy. A lump formed in her throat. Placing her hand over his, she squeezed it gently and was gone.