Disclaimer: I own nothing Sailor Moon.

I'll Be Home for Christmas

December 10th

"Word around town is that you and Darien are getting pretty close." A sing-song voice interrupted me as I collected my orders on a tray.

"He's being decent to me again. Besides, yesterday he asked for help with cookies after work. How could I say no to that? I love baking and haven't gotten the chance to do it in forever." I defended against my older sister.

"So this has nothing to do with how extremely attractive Darien is?" Mina questioned, leaning closer to me.

"He's attractive. I won't lie." I shrugged. "It still doesn't mean anything."

I delivered the order and ran back to grab the next one that was just being completed. Business was at one of its peaks. Andrew rushed in, running his fingers through his hair and I picked up the last side dish. "Serena, I really hate to ask you this since you're already working today when you didn't have to, but I just got a call off and was wondering if you'd want to pick up any extra hours?"

"Let me deliver these quick." I responded and headed over to the table they belonged to. One of the younger kids that worked at the arcade had gotten fired midway through the week for another no-call, no-show so I picked up her Saturday in exchange for getting off on Monday. I was supposed to have plans with Darien, but working any extra would cut me short and there was no way I was going to show up at his house dirty from running around at work. Even my beautiful silver-pink eyeshadow (Baby Doll) wouldn't make me feel or look pretty by that time.

"I'm sorry, it's a lot to ask, I know." Andrew sighed, disappointment in his eyes.

"That's fine, Andrew, when do you need me to work until?" I sent him a smile.

"However long is comfortable for you. You'll get a second food break, of course." He ran his hand through his hair again.

"I can pull it until eight." I answered, knowing it was going to be a long day but that the staff from that point should be able to handle everything.

"You're an angel. Mina, do you want to head home or should I? One of us should get some rest so we can come in here and bust out the hours later on." Andrew turned to his wife.

"Hey, we all know you're the early-riser and I'm the night owl. I'll come in later, you stay. I'll see you guys later! Love you!" Mina called out before hugging Andrew and giving him a kiss. "Don't miss me too much!"

Andrew and I smiled at each other, rolling our eyes.

-0-0-0-

"So you're not going to be able to make it tonight?" Darien asked. I saw him the moment he walked in. I had already texted him on my break and let him know that I was stretching my shift out and wouldn't be able to come over.

"No, I'm sorry. I'll come over tomorrow though, if that's okay? And I have off Monday so I can stay later and not have to worry about getting up. They have a lot of job applications, it was just a matter of meeting with everybody and hiring them, so we're in a tight spot tonight. I won't get off until eight and I'll be dead on my feet." I sighed.

I actually was upset that I wouldn't be able to hang out and bake cookies tonight. Darien really was great company when we were busy doing something, and who didn't love baking cookies? Besides, that opened the door for eating cookie dough, which was the best part of the holidays, hands down.

"It's alright, I understand. Just so you know, I talked to the CEO and he said that he'll take you anytime you get interested."

"How did you manage to pull that one off?!" I was stunned.

"I showed him a picture of you." He winked.

"Whatever." I playfully smacked his arm. "So what are you here for anyway?"

"My hot date cancelled so I figured I'd go out and get my mind off of it." He smirked. I was pretty sure I was blushing a little. Okay, a lot.

"Well what can I get for you then?" I asked, avoiding eye contact momentarily.

"A burger and fries with a lemonade please." He responded.

-0-0-0-

"You usually don't work this late." Jed commented.

"Change of plans." I responded.

"I see your other friend is here, too. I mean, you guys are just friends, right?" He egged.

"Definitely. I told you, dating isn't really on my mind at the moment."

It was kind of a lie. I couldn't help but daydream about what it would be like to date Darien. He was so tall and big and manly. So sexy and dominating. So Darien Shields.

"Well would you want to catch a movie sometime this week? I've been dying to see the new Magnificent Seven and it's playing at the discount theater this week. It's the only place playing it anymore, but that's not the point. And they have popcorn and a drink for $5, you really can't beat it but I don't wanna go alone." He smiled up at me.

"Oh sure. I'll text you and let you know later. I'm working late tonight so I won't have anytime to think of what all I'm doing through the week." I offered him a weak smile. "Only four more hours to go though! Well, I'm gonna check in with my other tables. Hope you enjoy the salad."