You know what I just realized? I never told you about the setting of the story. I'm sitting here thinking, in my P.J's and I'm saying… if this were after the Starlight season, the whole story would suck. So, dear readers, this is, in a way, an AU fic… or Alternate Universe. It takes place before Serena finds out she is the princess, and Mina/Sailor Venus is already with the scouts. They all found out who the other was, and uhm… yea, I think that clears it up. Darien and Serena got together.. so uh huh… I'm confused a bit, but you guys get it, right? Do you guys see how the plot thickens now? Whooo… no one knows that Serena is the princess—and then you think of the title… ahaaa… I'll let you guys use your imagination. I hope this isn't confusing anyone. Just leave you questions in the reviews, and I'll try to answer them. By the way, here are the ages of the scouts. I changed it, because 14 is just too young for a 19 year old, don't you think? As they get older, its ok. But right now… its just too weird.
Scouts: 16
Darien, Joshua, and Andrew: 19
Disclaimer: Sadly, I USED to own Sailor Moon—but those freaky men tried to take it, so I sent it back to Naoko anyways. Sigh, so Sailor Moon is not mine, I have no money, so don't bother to sue. Joshua, on the other hand is mine—everything from his blue streaked hair to his toes. ^_^
Title: More than You Think
Author: Renegade
Date: February 21, 2002
The couple had walked to New Moon Studios in a companionable silence. Thankfully, Joshua had been considerate and had not mentioned the fight, or any of Serena's friends. They had been mostly silent, but they had joked along the way, and shared a few smiles.
"We're here!" said Serena happily as they walked through the doors.
"So it seems. Finally, but--" said Joshua, looking at his watch. "It seems as if I'm already late. Aiya… come on, my boss is going to annihilate me if I don't show up soon." He took Serena's hand and dragged her into the elevator.
Serena whistled. "You know, I've never been in this building, and boy, its better than I imagined."
Joshua chuckled. "Really now? But don't worry. The building may seem glamorous, but wait until you see Piet, my boss. He's really really-" started Joshua until the elevator stopped at the door. *ding*
"JOSHUA!! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?" screamed a furious man dressed in black. "Come come, into dressing this INSTANT!!!"
Joshua grinned at Sere, and started to finish what he was saying. "See what I mean? He's really… demanding. I'll see you in a bit Sere. Just wait for me…"
"By the food carts!!!" said Serena, already making her way to the catering area.
Joshua laughed, and was about to say something more, until Piet pushed him further.
"No time to waste!! Come come! You have to meet the new co-director as well!!" ordered Piet hastily.
"Co-director?" asked Joshua.
"Yes, her name is Alison, and now, GO!! GET READY!!" ordered Piet, pushing Joshua into the room. Joshua sighed. He really hoped Serena wouldn't be bored and leave. He liked her, and he really hoped he liked her.
*back to Serena*
"Oh! Yum!" said Serena, as the catering company looked at her in surprise. She was eating everything in sight, and it was scary.
"Aren't models supposed to be like, I don't know… not eating anything?" whispered one caterer to another.
"I really don't know, but we're still getting paid so it doesn't matter!" replied the caterer as he stared in amazement. The girl must have been starved, because she was so slim and was eating everything!! He would have died if he knew she always ate like that.
"Thanks guys!" said Serena through a full mouth, as she gave them a V-sign. She turned around, just as she bumped into a woman, and fell to the floor.
Serena cleared her mouth, and looked up. "Oh! I'm so sorry!! I didn't mean to bump into you!" said Serena apologetically.
"That's ok. I'm Alison. Are you a model here?" asked the tall, black haired woman. She had black hair with brown streaks (AN: Think Rinoa from FF8).
"A model?" laughed Sere. "Of course not!!!" She looked at herself, and nearly forgot that she had her hair up in a ponytail, and that she had dressed differently today. Maybe its because I dressed more sophisticate today, thought Serena. Little did she know, that she ALWAYS radiated beauty. Serena was just too modest to see it.
"You're not a model?" asked Alison, genuinely surprised. This girl was radiating beauty—it was amazing. Sure, she wasn't wearing that much makeup. Being an expert, she could only detect lip-gloss and a sweep of eye shadow—but that was it. She was a la natural, and she was beautiful. "Why not? You're absolutely beautiful you know."
Serena blushed. "You think? No, I'm not that pretty. You should see some of my friends." Said Serena modestly.
"Oh! Don't be so modest!" said Alison, with a small gesture. "Have a tryout. I think we have another model in here… Joshua, I think. He's a new model, and you can practice with him for some camera shots. If the camera likes you, you're a model. That is, if its ok with my co-director. Sounds good to you?"
Serena smiled. "Joshua? I know him. But uhm, yea! Sure. I'll try out. What do I have to do?" asked Sere.
"Just go into that room—the people in there will set you up. By the way, what's your name?"
"Serena. My friends call me Sere." Said Serena, making her way into the dressing room.
"Serena. I like that. Short for Serenity. Let's see if your name lives up, now go! Get dressed!" said Alison smiling.
Serena scooted into the dressing room, and was barged by the make-up specialists.
*10 Minutes Later*
Serena walked out of the dressing room in a light pink spaghetti-strap tank top, and a pair of very short denim, white shorts. She sported a pair of white platforms, with light pink straps. Her hair, was down and flowing, and was secured with two pink flower pins. A touch of blush adorned her face, and light pink eye shadow crossed her eyes. An orangish-pinkish gloss coveted her lips, and she looked angelic. The set was designed for summer, and Serena fit right in.
Walking out, she saw Joshua across the set. He was dressed in a simple, loose white tank top, which bared his arms. He had a denim jacket thrown across his shoulder and he was wearing a pair of slightly baggy distressed jeans. Albeit it was a simple outfit, it complimented Joshua perfectly, and made him look drop dead sexy. His silver cross necklace made his almost thuggish outfit look more innocent, but it was sexy. Serena could feel herself blush, and she scolded herself.
"Joshua!" called Serena, from across the room, waving. Looking up, Joshua saw Serena and smiled.
"Serena." replied Joshua as he walked back across the room.
Serena made her way towards the black-headed stud, but tripped on her way. Oops! She had forgotten about her platforms and of the many wires on the floor.
Seeing that she was about to trip, Joshua ran forward and caught her before she fell. "Got you." Joked Joshua, as she used him to steady herself.
"Thank you! My hero!" said Serena, jokingly. They shared a laugh, and looked into each other's eyes.
"So," started Joshua, coughing from the slight tension. "I didn't know you were a model." Said Joshua, looking her up and down.
"I'm not. At least, not yet." Replied Serena, as she explained how she had just met Alison, and how she was trying out.
"Cool. I just met Alison as well. She didn't say anything about you but that's ok. You'll do fine. Oh by the way, this is for Tokyo Smash—cover shots. Its for summer fashion." Informed Joshua, distantly.
"Tokyo Smash?" gulped Serena very nervously. It was a pretty famous magazine, and it had a reputation of making big models. "THE Tokyo Smash?!?"
"Yes, now come on Serena! Don't chicken out on me now! Let's get to the set!" said Joshua, grinning. Serena was adorable when she was nervous, and as he took her hand she snapped out of it. Her hand fit with his. Perfect, thought Joshua.
They made their way to the set, and Piet and Alison checked them over.
"You guys look great!" said Alison, looking them up and down. "They make a cute couple, don't you think Piet?"
"Ya, Ya. Couple. Good. We need to work now! We're behind schedule!" muttered Piet a bit agitated. "To work! EVERYONE! PLACES!!" ordered Piet, hastily.
As Serena made her way to the set, Joshua helped her up. "After you, Princess." Joked Joshua.
"Thank you, my Prince." Replied Serena, pretending to curtsey in her pretend gown. She walked snottily, with her nose in the air, and when she got to the center, she broke out laughing.
The set was set for the summer. It was an outdoor scene, and there was a red BMWz3 convertible parked on the fake grass.
"Guys, its time to work!!!" began Piet. "I want you two to sit together on the hood of the car, just like you're staring at a bird in the sky."
Serena blushed at the thought of being so close to Joshua but obeyed Piet. After all, she really did want to make a good impression. When she got on the hood of the car, she half sat on Joshua's lap, and she rested her head on his shoulder, and looked up at the "bird."
"This is so stupid." Whispered Serena to Joshua, and in a way, happily. Although stupid, she liked being in his lap- it just felt… right, you know?
"I'd have to disagree, Sere. I think this is nice—it's nice having you in my lap." Joked Joshua right back, as the camera flashed a few times.
"Good good!" complimented Piet when they finished with that scene.
"Yea!" started Alison. "You guys have great camera chemistry!!! I knew that would go together! Their personalities seem to clash. Serena looks…so serene! And then Joshua… is like, so intense with his ganster look going there!!"
At that instant, Piet and Alison looked at each other.
"Serenity and Intensity!!!" screamed the two directors, jumping up and down. Joshua and Serena looked at each other and sweatdropped.
"Huh?" asked Serena to the two directors.
"No, no! We just thought up two names for you too… at least, for the cover. Now, come. We need to finish these shots."
They took a few more pictures of them "looking at the bird", until Alison asked them to shift positions.
"Joshua, I want you to put your arms around her waist, and Serena, you can play with his hands while they're there." She waited until the two did so, and then continued. "Joshua, lean your head forward into her shoulder, and go into the crook of her neck. Like- well, you know…"
Joshua did as told, and Serena could feel his slight warm breathing tickling her neck. Once again, it didn't feel awkward—it just felt right. Like all was perfect in the world. She smiled, and giggled as the camera flashed.
Joshua, feeling a bit daring, started to nuzzle her neck. Serena smiled at him, and whispered. "Just what do you think you're doing?"
"What do you think?" he murmured, still playing with her neck. "You smell nice. I can't help it, so its your fault you smell so appetizing."
Serena laughed, and she realized the camera was flashing the whole time.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" she said, through her laughing. "I didn't mean to move and laugh through the whole shot. Do you want us to do it again?" asked Serena.
"Reshoot it?" asked Piet. "Of course not! That was perfect, so natural!!! No wait… let me correct that, Serena, you are a natural!" said Piet enthusiastically.
"Yes!" said Alison. "Serena, you're officially hired! Just come to our office after the shoot, and you'll be finished for the day. We'll talk contract! Now, we need one more shot for the inside pages, and let me see…"
Piet finally came up with an idea. "Serena, I want you on the grass, like you just fell on the ground after a game of tag. Joshua, I want you right above her, looking into her eyes, like you're about to kiss her."
Serena and Joshua glanced at each other uneasily. "Kiss?" asked Joshua and Serena at the same time.
"Almost. You don't have really to…" Said Piet as they got into position.
Serena nodded her consent, and laid on the ground. She put one leg straight flat on the ground, and the other one with her knee up. She spread her golden hair out, so it spread around her like a fan. When Joshua came over, and bent over her, she wrapped her hands around his neck, and Joshua supported himself above her with his arm that was near her head. His other arm, snaked behind Serena's neck, and brought her head closer to him.
"Perfect!" screamed Piet and Alison, as the camera flashed from different points. Serena and Joshua looked at each other, and their breathing deepened. Their eyes clashed—midnight black with ocean blue, and Serena's eyes fluttered close. Both hypnotized, they moved closer to each other. Serena could feel her breath increasing, as did Joshua. And then, when all seemed wonderful in the world, Joshua's head lowered, and their lips met. Serena gently tilted her head, and pulled Joshua closer, as Piet and Alison gasped.
"Take a shot! Shoot the camera! This is perfect!!" said Alison.
"Yes. Wonderful chemistry."
Serena was in the air. In heaven. She felt in place—it felt like when she kissed Darien, only better, like she was wanted. Joshua felt right too. He liked Serena, and now that he was sure she liked him, he was going to ask her out. They broke the kiss as they heard the staff of the company hoot, and they both blushed furiously.
However, before they could say anything, Piet confronted them. "Wonderful, simply wonderful! You guys have better chemistry than anyone I have ever met!! Better than J and D!! You guys must do a duet with them! I'm going to go call them right now!!!" screamed Piet.
Joshua smiled and sneaked a glance at Sere. She smiled, and blushed.
"Serena, we'll let you two talk a bit, but come to my office immediately! We need to talk contract fast!!!" said Alison, understanding the tension between Joshua and Serena. The two directors left, and Serena coughed.
"That was something." Said Serena, nervously.
"Yea, it was." Said Joshua, also uneasily. "Look, Sere. I was wondering, if you're not going out with anyone-"
"YES!" blurted out Serena. "I mean," said Serena, blushing. "Uhm, ok… I'll just let you finish."
Joshua grinned at Sere's eagerness. "Serena, my beautiful princess, I'd be honored if you'd be my girlfriend." He looked up innocently at Serena, and batted his eyes. "What do you say? Will you go out with me?"
Serena smiled, and hugged Joshua. "Of course. Who could live without you after one of those kisses?" joked Serena placing her nose against his.
"You liked them that much?" asked Joshua, grinning wildly. "I guess we'll just have to go for an encore." Said Joshua, as his head lowered, aiming for Serena's lips.
"I think we will…" replied Serena enchanted. All she saw was Joshua. All she tasted was Joshua. All she smelled was Joshua. And it was all about Joshua. Oh, Joshua! Joshua! Joshua! Oh, what a beautiful name! It's a beautiful day, it's a wonderful world, and I'm happy I'm here to spend it with you!
Like it? Hate it? Love it? I've already started writing the next chapter, so read and review!! REVIEW PEOPLE OK!! I didn't put a cliffhanger here, but I know there will be one next time. This chapter was pretty long, but it was pretty boring, I guess.. oh well.
READ AND REVIEW! Thank you. xD