A/n:

I Do Not Own Sailor Moon.

You guys are the best! Seriously thank you all for the reviews on the last chapter. I rewarded you guys with a much longer chapter this time. Again I can't thank you guys enough for all the faves, alerts, and reviews.

Hope you enjoy,

Haley.

Serena avoided Darien as if he had the bubonic plague. How could she face him? She knew she would end up crying and looking stupid. Darien tried to reach out to her, but her friends made sure she never got the message. Serena was so thankful to have such great friends looking out for her. In all honestly, her friends were the only thing getting her through the days that kept slipping on by. Serena hardly ever frequented the Crown Arcade instead her friends found a new frozen yogurt shop which they now used to hang out after school. Rini was the only person who was trying to make Serena talk to Darien, but Serena was using every excuse in the book to avoid the awkward encounter. If only Rini could understand what was going on between the exes then maybe she wouldn't be pushing Serena so hard to give Darien an another chance.

"Why can't you come to the arcade with me?" Rini asked one Friday afternoon.

"The Scouts and I have an important meeting…" Serena trailed off. She had always been a horrible liar.

"You can have the meeting at the arcade," Rini argued. "And you can also have a triple hot fudge sundae while you discuss your next plan of attack."

'Damn, she is very persistent' Serena thought to herself as she contemplated another excuse to why it couldn't be at the arcade. She racked through her mind, but she had run out solid excuses at this point. "Okay." She said finally agreeing to go to the arcade even if it meant running into a certain ex.

"He probably won't be there," Rini said after Serena gave in. "He is hardly there anymore. I haven't seen him for three weeks now. Do you think he doesn't like me anymore?"

Serena felt her chest tighten when she listened to Rini talking about how Darien hadn't talked to the little girl since the incident. She felt Rini's heartbreak, because she wonder too if Darien even liked her anymore. She didn't want Darien to ignore Rini because of her. Rini loved Darien so much and it hurts Serena thinking about how Darien could avoid Rini like this. It was different with them because they once were a couple, but Rini didn't deserve the cold shoulder.

"He loves you," Serena said trying to sound as optimistic as possible. "If anything he is avoiding you, because of me and I am sorry. If you want I can beat him up for you."

Rini laughed at the silly blonde haired girl before she gave her a tight hug. Things between her and Serena had changed immensely. Rini didn't want to think about when she would have to return home to the future, because she would miss Serena so much. There was something about being in Serena's embrace that reminded her of being home hugging her own mother. Rini would of course never tell Serena this, because she secretly loved getting under the blonde's skin.

"No, I want to beat him up all by myself," Rini said finally as she let go of Serena. "Thank you for cheering me up. You know sometimes you remind me of my mama, but then you have a klutz attack and I know you could never be my mama."

Serena simply smiled as they walked to the crown arcade, and thought to herself 'If only you knew'. Serena almost had a panic attack as they rounded the corner towards the arcade, but Rini calmed her by holding onto her hand. They walked through the automatic set of doors, and both looked straight ahead to find the barstool which a certain raven haired boy usually occupied at this time during the afternoon, empty. It seemed like Serena wasn't the only one avoiding the other. Rini pulled Serena's attention away from the empty seat as they claimed their usual booth in the back. The others hadn't arrived yet so Rini was left sitting with a zoned out Serena.

"Earth to Serena." A hand swiped out in front of her face, directing her attention towards Andrew; who was trying to take her order.

"Sorry," Serena said sheepishly. "I'll have a water."

"Anything else?" Andrew asked bewildered by her order.

"Nope."

"Okay, I'll be right back with a triple hot fudge sundae and a water." Andrew said, but Serena didn't give him a response.

Rini practically jumped out of her seat when the Scouts arrived. Serena had been staring at the empty chair for thirty minutes now; Rini was surprised how long Serena could keep her focus if she actually tried to. The Scouts tried to break Serena out of her trance, but she remained motionless. Rei actually had to climb over Serena, because Serena wouldn't move over. They immediately dived into Scouts business, but they knew their leader was a thousand miles away. Rini soon realized it was a huge mistake coming to the crown arcade. The little girl didn't think the girl who never knew how to be quiet could last an hour without uttering a single word.

"Hey doofus," Rini said snapping her fingers at Serena. "Can I have another sundae?"

"Sure." Serena mumbled, but she still didn't move her eyes away from the chair.

"Rena, you are starting to scare us." Mina said as she watched her best friend intensely.

"Come on Meatball Head, say something." Rei begged.

Serena took a sip of her water, but continued staring at the chair. Secretly hoping yet dreading a raven haired boy would come in and sit down on it. Rini and the Scouts gave up on trying to force Serena to talk to them. Rini kept ordering more sundaes until she had a stomach ache. Serena never tried to stop her. As soon as Serena was about to give up; a raven haired boy came in and sat down at his usual spot.

"Darien!" Rini yelled as she jumped up and ran over to him.

"Whose sundaes are those?" Serena said snapping out of her trance as she looked over to the empty spot next to Lita which had five sundaes all empty sitting on the counter.

"Those were Rini's sundaes." Lita told her.

"You let her have five?" Serena asked mad, because she knew sugar was the devil when it came to kids going to bed at night.

"No, you let her have five," Rei seethed. "Because you were too busy staring at that damn chair."

"What time is it?" Serena asked changing the subject.

"It is almost eight." Ami read the time on her watch.

"I need to get Rini home," Serena stood up from the booth. "Sorry about spacing out during the meeting. I am going through a rough time right now, and I know you want to know why but I am not ready to tell you."

Serena walked over to Rini who had climbed up on the stool next to her ex-boyfriend. 'This is awkward' Serena thought to herself as she stood there not knowing what to say at first. There were so many things she wanted to ask him, but she didn't have the courage to. Instead of looking at her ex-boyfriend, she sat down on the stool next to Rini and made sure to only talk to her directly.

"Hey sundae monster," Serena said as she tapped Rini's shoulder directing the girl's attention to her. "It is almost your bed time which means we have to go home now."

"But this is the first time I have seen Darien in three weeks," Rini pouted. "Can I please go to bed later tonight?"

"Rini, I think you should listen to Serena," Darien said before Serena could fall for the little girl's trap. "You can always see me tomorrow."

"How do I know you won't disappear again? Rini asked him.

"I promise. I won't leave again." It was the truth, he was over hiding.

"Like how you promised to always love Serena?"

Neither Serena or Darien knew how to answer the little girl's question. Serena was still hurt by finding another woman on Darien's couch, and Darien knew no matter what he said Serena wouldn't believe him. He couldn't tell her the truth at least not yet. He especially couldn't tell her here.

"We should get going," Serena said as she picked up the little girl from the stool and placed her on the ground. "See you around Darien."

He didn't try to stop her instead he let her go. He could only hope she would bring Rini to see him tomorrow, and when she did he would tell her the truth about everything. There was so much she needed to know, but it was never the right timing. Until they talked, he would keep watching her from a distance protecting her against those evil forces.

Serena put Rini to bed shortly after they got home, but before she could sleep she was called into duty. Prizma was terrorizing the park once again. She transformed into Sailor Moon before reaching the park; the other scouts were already there dealing with one of Prizma's youmas.

"Look who is finally here," Prizma seethed. "Sailor Moon coming here to save the precious humans. You will never defeat me, and I will get my hands on the child."

"Picking on innocent people who can't protect themselves is low," Serena did her typical speech. "I am Sailor Moon the Champion of Love and Justice, and in the name of the Moon I will punish you."

"You can't beat me," Prizma laughed as her youma kept attacking the other Sailor Scouts. "You are too weak to kill me."

"Moon. Tiara. Magic." Serena screamed as she whipped her tiara towards the ugly monster vanquishing it within seconds.

"Great job, Moon!" The Scouts beamed.

"Why don't you give me a try," Prizma challenged Sailor Moon's ability to destroy the enemy. "I am not so easy to kill."

"I'd love to." Serena said confident in her skills.

Prizma unleashed a couple of black energy balls towards Sailor Moon, but Sailor Moon dodged every single one of them. The Scouts tried to help their leader out, but she persisted on taking Prizma on herself. They watched as their leader danced around Prizma waiting for the best opportunity to attack Prizma. Sailor Moon sensed a good in Prizma, and knew if she could cleanse her soul then Prizma would be set free from the darkness or so she hoped. Prizma was tired of dancing around so she threw a dark energy ball towards an unexpected Sailor Mars. Before it could reach her, a rose whizzed through the air and stopped the ball from hitting Mars.

"Moon. Scepter. Elimination." Sailor Moon shouted as she swung her scepter in the air.

Prizma stood frozen as the attack hit her directly; she had been outdone by Sailor Moon. The blast hit her, and she was now gone forever. Sailor Moon and the Scouts jumped up and down joyous of their victory. Sailor Moon tried to find Tuxedo Mask to thank him, but she couldn't find him. If it wasn't for Prizma's cockiness, Sailor Moon wouldn't have been able to blind her with a sneak attack.

"Can you thank Darien for me?" Mars asked after they finally simmered down from their sweet victory.

"Um, of course I can." Moon found herself agreeing to her request.

"Great job again, Sailor Moon!" The Scouts yelled after her as she ran home to catch up on some sleep.

When Serena woke up the next morning she felt great. Last night was a huge defeat in their eyes. They could worry about one less person trying to kidnap Rini. Serena was feeling so great about her win, she actually woke up before Rini. She quickly dressed herself in a pair of denim shorts, and a dark blue floral tank top. Then she walked downstairs and made breakfast for Rini and herself. The little girl jumped out of bed as soon as she smelled bacon cooking. Rini had thrown on a light blue sundress. They both scarfed down their meals, because they were too eager to get outside and enjoy the nice weather.

"Do you think he will show up?" Rini asked as they walked down the sidewalk.

"Yes, he loves you." Serena reassured the girl, Darien would be at the Crown Arcade waiting for both of them.

Even though they both ate their breakfast super fast; they were still running late. Serena was actually the one ready first, but Rini was having a difficult time picking out the "right" shoes to wear with her dress. 'It must be a Darien trait' Serena thought, because she always slipped on anything comfortable to wear not worrying about matching. Darien on the other hand was articulate when it came to his wardrobe; he always had to look good no matter if he was planning on studying all day long or at the very least he had to match.

Finally they arrived to the Arcade a little past noon. Darien was on his second cup of coffee when they arrived. He was wearing a black polo shirt and a pair of tan khakis with brown leather sandals. Rini immediately jumped up on the stool next to him and ordered a sundae for herself. Serena stayed back a little not knowing what to do or say next.

"Thanks," Serena said awkwardly as she sat next to Rini. Darien looked up at her confused. "Rei told me to tell you thanks for last night." Serena cleared up the confusion.

"Tell her you're welcome," Darien said as he stared into those beautiful cerulean eyes. "But I was only doing my duty."

"Well, Rini it looks like you are okay, "Serena said ignoring Darien. This whole 'It's my duty' thing was starting to really piss her off. "So I am going to take off, but call me if you need anything."

"You aren't staying?" Rini asked disappointed as she pouted.

"No, I am not staying. Didn't you want a day with Darien to yourself?" Serena asked confused about why the little girl wanted her to stay with her.

"I wanted to have fun with both you guys," Rini pouted even more. "But if you don't want to stay then you can go."

"I can stay, if it is okay with Darien?"

"Of course, you can tag along."

"You two are way too easy sometimes." Rini laughed as she took another spoonful of her ice cream.

She may not know what is going on between Serena and Darien,but she did know the two idiots still loved one another. It was obvious to everyone except them. Serena ordered herself a sundae as her plans with Molly were now out of the question. Rini was very manipulative when she wanted to be. Rini talked anxiously to Darien about how excited she was for summer to start, but Serena decided it would be best to not jump into their conversation. Instead she kept herself busy by talking to Andrew; she hadn't talk to him in so long and she missed it.

"What is new with you?" Serena asked the blonde haired man as he picked up her now empty glass cup.

"Working a lot, and dealing with some personal things…" Andrew trailed off not wanting to get into his recent problems.
"I am sure it is not as a bad as you think," Serena encouraged him to talk to her. Mostly because it was hard trying to pretend everything was okay between Darien and herself. "I honestly don't think it can be as bad as spending a day with your ex. Now come on, and tell me."

"Rita is back in town," Andrew sighed giving into Serena. "She wants to get back together, but after everything…I don't think I could be with her ever again."

Serena gasped when Andrew said Rita was back in town. She knew about how they broke up, because Andrew found evidence of her cheating on him with someone else. It wasn't shortly after they spilt up when Rita skipped town and no one heard from her since. 'I was wrong, this is much worse.' Serena thought to herself, because Andrew dated Rita for five years and he was planning on marrying her.

"Okay, I lied. You have it much worse," Serena said. "So how are you handling everything? Does she know how you feel about getting back together?"

"I am doing better now," Andrew told her the truth. At first seeing Rita had been like someone had stabbed a dagger into his heart, but eventually it got easier. "She doesn't believe me when I tell her how I don't want to be together anymore. She lost my trust, but she thinks I will come crawling back to her."

"Will you know, I do have some gorgeous friends who could always pretend to be your new girlfriend," Serena smirked at her devious plan. She wanted Andrew to be happy. He was always such a great friend to her. "Just let me know if you want my help. You deserve better than her."

"Thanks Rena," Andrew said grateful to have Serena as one of his best friends. She always knew what to say to cheer him up. "I might take you up on the offer, but only if you do a favor for me first."

"What kind of favor?"

"Give him a chance." Andrew whispered as he jerked his head towards her ex-boyfriend who was being talked into playing video games by Rini.

"I don't know." Serena said unsure if it was worth it anymore. She wanted to tell Andrew about the girl in Darien's apartment, but she knew he was Darien's best friend and he would tell her it wasn't what she thought it was.

"Give him a chance for me," Andrew pleaded with her. "Because I can tell you with complete honesty I have never seen him so in love with someone before. And I know he is hurting not being with you."

I smiled at Andrew, but didn't say anything more. The arcade became busy with costumers so Andrew couldn't keep trying to sway me into giving Darien another chance. I didn't want to think about trying to talk to Darien after what happened. Rini however had other plans, because she came running up to me begging me to go to the rose gardens with Darien and herself. I of course gave in. I wish I could say 'no' to her, but after finding out she is my daughter I find it extremely difficult turning her down.

We left the arcade and walked to the rose gardens. The roses were in full bloom and the scent of the roses instantly relaxed me. I hadn't realized I had been so tense. I walked a few feet behind Darien who was holding onto Rini's hand. I was perfectly fine walking behind them, but when Rini turned around and saw I was not walking beside them; she forced Darien to wait for to catch up and held out her other hand for me to hold.

"Isn't this nice?" Rini asked a smile beaming from her face.

"Yes, it is." Darien said unexpectedly. I never thought he would think spending time with Rini and myself as a "nice" time.

"Serena, can I sleep over at Darien's tonight?" Rini asked me with a glimmer of hope in her voice.

"Um, sweetie I don't know if Darien would be okay with it." I said softly trying not to disappoint her too much.

"It's okay," Darien said and I forgot he was here for a spilt second. "She is always welcomed at my place."

Rini squealed for joy, and suddenly I found myself heading towards the one place that destroyed any thought I had about true love. I felt my feet as they trudged along the pavement. My breathing was becoming quicker and I thought I was about to have a panic attack, but then I saw the way Rini's eyes light up when we walked into the lobby and I realized I was doing all of this for her. We took the elevator up to his apartment, and I tightened my grip on Rini's hand, because it was dejavu all over again. However this time the betrayer was standing a foot away from me; only one thing separated us and it was Rini.

"Meatball Head, are you spending the night too?" Rini asked when we got into the bare apartment. I honestly didn't see why Rini thought Darien's apartment was so cool, because it was quite lame to me.

"No, I am not." I told her the truth, and she shrugged running off to watch TV.

"Do you want to stay for dinner?" Darien asked startling me. It was the first words he had spoken to me since I bursted in on him with another girl sleeping on his couch.

"Sure." I said, because I could never turn down free food no matter who it was offering.

He nodded his head and walked towards the small kitchen as he started dinner. I joined Rini on the couch and we watched cartoons even though she kept telling me, I was too old to be watching them. I stuck my tongue out her in response which only made her mad. We argued and Darien tried his best to ignore our screaming but I could he was frustrated because he burnt the spaghetti. Finally Darien called us for dinner and we ate in utter silence except for Rini's random outburst of screams. She said it was too silent so she decided to scream. After dinner Rini was tired out from the long day so I carried her to Darien's room and put her to sleep.

"Thanks for the dinner." I said quietly when I walked out from his room.

"Thank you for putting Rini to bed." He said as he now stood in front of me.

"I should get going," I said stepping to the side of him. "Don't want to be here when your new girlfriend comes over to play house."

I couldn't help it when the words slipped out of my mouth like missiles aiming towards his heart. I wanted him to know I was upset, but more than that I wanted him to know I wasn't okay with it. If only he knew about Rini then maybe he would haven't done what he did, but I will never know. The damage is already done.

"She isn't my girlfriend," Darien snapped as he grabbed my arm turning me to face him again. "I don't have to explain to you what happened that night, because last time I checked you said we wouldn't ever get back together again."

"Actually I said I wasn't sure if we could date one another again," I spat at him, the anger surging through my veins. "But now I know I could never date you again. It was killing me not being with you, but now I can clearly see I never meant anything to you."

"You think you didn't mean anything to me?" Darien asked raising his voice. "I was tormented for months by my past self saying if I was with you then you would die. It ate me alive thinking about living my life without you in it. I was only trying to protect you."

"You were protecting me?" I asked him as the tears started to fall from my eyes. "I am sorry I thought breaking my heart wasn't protecting me, but I guess I was wrong. You told me you didn't love me anymore, and you only protected me because it was your duty to."

"Serenity-"

"I am not Serenity," I interrupted him before he could even finish a sentence that started with my past self. "Serenity let her whole entire kingdom down by killing herself, because of her love for Endymion. She was weak. I refuse to be anything like her, and I would never kill myself for you."

"Serena-" Darien interjected.

"I Serena Rose Tsukino herby free you from your duty to protect Sailor Moon and the Moon Princess," I said as the tears poured from my eyes, but I couldn't hold onto him anymore. "Tuxedo Mask can still help fight off the evil forces, but he will not be forced to protect Sailor Moon or the Moon Princess any longer. You are free Darien."

"Serena, please don't do this to me." Darien begged as tears fell from his blue eyes, but it was a little too late for an apology.I walked away from him never once looking back. He finally admitted it, he was in love with Serenity. I don't think he ever loved me for me. It was the answer I never wanted, but it was also the one I needed to move on. I wasn't going to let him weigh me down any longer, I was going to become stronger and prove to him I never needed him. It was over, and I don't think we could ever go back to what we once were. I wasn't going to avoid him anymore instead I was going to live my life being happy and free from his hold. I will not let anyone I care about die, because my love for a boy was stronger than my will to live. I will never be like Serenity.

Intense stuff, huh? Reviews are appreciated:)