That Simple Magic
Chapter Eleven: How to Make a Really Big Entrance (without even trying)
Once upon a time there lived a girl whose name was Serena. Serena was your average girl; she loved to eat and play with her friends. The only thing that wasn't so normal about Serena was the fact that in her private life she was also a crime-fighting heroine named Sailor Moon. Like all teenage girls, she had crushes and her major crush was on her hero, Tuxedo Mask (Tuxie for short.) She also had more enemies than just the criminal ones she fought. Her arch-nemesis was a scummy boy by the name of Darien Shields. Serena grew up and her crime-fighting skills became less in demand so she took a job at a magazine and became decently successful as well as managing to keep the bumping (sometime literally) into the nefarious Darien at a minimum. She thought her life was grand- and that, my friend, is when it all went wrong.
The moon crystal that the good, innocent, and incredibly beautiful Serena had so-depended on in her youth turned out to be a deceitful, manipulative, and altogether NASTY piece of work; it led Serena to become knocked up by her enemy Darien, which consequently made her to decide to move in with said creep, and therefore share a KITCHEN, FOOD, and now-most important of all- A CHEESEBURGER WITH A SIDE ORDER OF FRIES!!
"Get your grubby paws off of my food!" I yelled at Darien as once again, he inched his hand towards my plate. You would think that I, being pregnant and all with not just one but TWO babies, would have been the bottomless pit. Think again, buddy.
"For your information, I am buying this food and that is your third cheeseburger. I don't think that you're about to start wasting away," he replied calmly, shoving a handful of fries into his mouth. Well, maybe it was only a couple of fries... alright ONE. It was ONE measly fry but that doesn't excuse him by a long shot.
"Would you two mind if we stopped at the arcade before dropping me off at my office?" Ami asked with a subtle glance at her watch while I polished off the last bite of my cheeseburger.
"Are you sure he's not too busy?" I said, shooting a sour look at Darien. He remained utterly nonplussed.
"What time is it, about three o'clock? I'd say that that's perfect timing," Mr. Perfect exchanged a glance with Ami while ignoring me. I didn't really care though because already I was fantasizing about a nice, cold, strawberry shake. Maybe with whipped cream even? And a cherry on top? That would be absolutely perfect. Darien finished paying the tab and we walked down the street to where the car was parked.
"Ugh, this car is so stuffy," I complained as I carefully scooted into Darien's vehicle of choice. Leather seats may seem all and good but as soon as the warm weather hits, they're sticky and hot. Once Darien has started the engine, I wasted no time in getting the window down.
"You've always have a problem, don't you Serena," he grumbled. "Don't touch that dial!"
I leaned back, rather sulkily in my seat, having been chastised for attempting to change the radio station. Ami snickered at me from the back seat. I could see her reflection in the side mirror and made a face. She rolled her eyes.
"Serena, you do realize you are going to have to grow up a little bit when you become a parent?"
"Don't worry, Darien can take care of the adult part- can't you pal?" I exclaimed jovially. "After all, he's been mature since he was a toddler."
"Naturally," he agreed, "my intelligence has always far outweighed yours." I frowned and slid him a glance through the corner of my eyes. He had a small smirk twisting his face. Oh, he might think he got the better of me now but just you wait buddy! One day I would absolutely skewer him with a retort. Note to self: Discuss nasty retorts with the Queen of Masterful Put-downs: Rei.
On the average day, Andrew's arcade was a pretty colorful and festive place but today there was definitely more pizzazz than usual. Brightly dyed streamers in all the colors of the rainbow dangled from the ceiling and balloons were taped to corners. The counter that I usually enjoyed sitting at was covered in a fluorescent pink tablecloth and confetti. On top of that was the part that was my favorite: bowls of chips and dip, cookies, and all that delicious stuff! However, there was one thing that was niggling at the back of my mind.
Why was the arcade decorated for a party? Then it clicked: obviously Andrew must have rented out the arcade as he does occasionally for birthday parties. It was all clear to me now! Darien must have made us skip the arcade for breakfast because he knew Andrew had enough work preparing for some little tyke's party. But the party must have been over now because the arcade looked deserted.
"Would you look at all those leftovers," I said. Even if I had just had an enormous lunch, there was still some room left in my stomach. "You don't think anybody would mind if I ate some-"
"SURPRISE!" Oh no, the party goers hadn't left yet and they were angry because I wanted to steal their food! They were hoping to suffocate me with confetti in their mob of rage.
"Ahhh!" I shrieked, whirlwinding into Darien's arms. "Quick Darien, grab the chips and let's make a break for it." When he didn't move but just stood and laughed, I frowned and thought back about what had just happened.
"Oops," I giggled weakly, turning around and smiling at all of my friends and family who had turned up. I could see Rei was having a hard time to keep from laughing herself to death.
"'grab the chips and let's make a break for it'?" she snickered as she came forward from the crowd and gave me a hug. Actually it was more like she collapsed on me before she keeled onto the ground from lack of oxygen. Mom was busy snapping pictures as if her life depended on capturing every moment. "I never realized how dense you were until now."
"It's not that funny," my voice was muffled in her shoulder feeling utterly humiliated. My tender emotions weren't helped by a. raging hormones and b. Darien's barely disguised snickers. My face was beet red as I lifted it up to look around and see who was there.
"Move over, fireface, and let me give the mother-to-be a hug," Lita demanded, neatly elbowing Rei out of the way. "Congratulations gorgeous!"
I sniffled. "You guys are the best... even if you do make fun of me," I added darkly as I saw Ami and Rei standing next to each other wearing identical "cat that got the canary" grins.
"Aw, group hug!" Mina squealed. As I was embraced by my best friends a few more bright flashes went off.
"Clear the way," Andrew ordered. "What, no hug for providing the party place and the occasional free milkshake?"
I flung myself at him and Rita. "Thanks a million!"
"Was it a big surprise?" Rita asked excitedly, her cheeks flushed.
"You betcha," I groped behind me, searching for Darien's hand. I turned around to see him watching us with an odd half-smile on his face. I beckoned fiercely for him to come over. Andrew was his best friend after all.
"It was Darien's idea," Andrew admitted as the tall dark haired man joined us. I looked up adoringly at him and impulsively decided to grab his hand. He looked startled for a moment but then a smug look crept across his face.
"I knew you would love it," he smirked.
"I do," I admitted still looking admiringly at him. I couldn't help it, the man was positively addicting. I traced his jaw line with my eyes before tearing them away. It would be mortifying if he had seen me staring him! Andrew and Rita's knowing looks were bad enough but Darien would tease me forever.
We circulated after that with beaming smiles (I couldn't help the occasional tears in my eyes). Mom and Dad, along with Sammy and his newest girlfriend were there, naturally. Dad seemed to have warmed up a bit towards Darien judging from the good natured ribbing he was getting. Further along was Molly who was grinning so hard that it seemed her face was split in two. She was accompanied by her husband Marvin.
"Thank goodness that terror isn't here," Darien muttered in my ear. I giggled, filled with happiness. The only thing that really marred my cheer was the fact that Luna wasn't there. Seeing as she had disappeared somewhere with Artemis a few days ago meant that she hadn't had a chance to be formally introduced to Darien as my (talking) kitty. Thinking about that prospect made me want to cackle; I could only imagine his reaction.
"Darien," I mumbled as we stood together in front of a pile of presents on the counter. He bent his dark head closer and I caught a whiff of his shampoo. "What do you think of sharing our even BIGGER surprise right now?"
He opened his mouth but was interrupted by another high-pitched squeal from Mina who had noticed a stranger open the arcade door. Like a tornado, she whirled past everyone to leap onto him. He staggered backwards and then recovered. My eyes popped and I moved towards the couple. The stranger was tall and lean, a little on thin side for my tastes, with platinum blonde hair that was nearly white tied back at the nape of his neck.
"So you're her new beau," Darien had attempted to restrain me from my attack on Mina and her friend but with determination like mine, nothing could stop moi! I rubbed my hands together in glee, already wondering how this could translate into sweet revenge. "I'm so happy to meet you; I'm her greatest friend Serena."
"I'm Malcolm Starbright," he introduced himself, looking rather abashed at Mina's exuberant greeting. He really was as tall as Darien (not such a small accomplishment, ok I really shouldn't try to tell jokes) and steady cool grey eyes. I was incredibly relieved to realize the man that had been in Mina's bed couldn't have been more than thirty. He and Darien rather squinted at each other as if they were sizing each other up.
"I'm Darien Shields," Darien said holding out his hand. "To my chagrin, I'm with this one."
"Excuse me?" I demanded giving him a death glare as he and Malcolm shook hands. He ignored me. There must be some defense mechanism built into him that automatically reflects off death glares because he never got the hint to keel over no matter how many times I tried that look on him.
"You know, you look familiar," Darien was saying. It seemed as if I had met Mina's boy before too but then again, that could have been because of my vision. "And I know it's not because I've seen you on a billboard."
"A billboard?" I said.
"Of course, silly," Mina giggled, holding Malcolm's arm close to her chest. "He's one of the top models in the business."
I was an idiot! I should have been able to figure out who Mina was seeing a long time ago even without her help. Malcolm Starbright was incredibly famous, just the sort of man Mina could be trusted to know, especially since they were both in the same business. And how many white haired men were models?
"I'm so glad you're with Mina," I confessed as I pulled the other couple out of the doorway and into the arcade. "I knew you had white hair and I was so afraid that she had got a sugar daddy!" I could tell by the Darien was shaking next to me that he was withholding laughter. Mina's blue eyes narrowed dangerously and she hissed.
"Serena!"
"What?"
Malcolm coughed. "Well, thank you."
"Serena," Darien said, "why don't we go and have some brownies?"
"You don't need to ask me twice! It was very nice meeting you Malcolm!"
As soon as we were away to the snacks, Darien had an absolute meltdown and collapsed helplessly onto a stool.
"I should take advantage of you in this state," I said through a mouthful of brownie, "but seeing as I'm an unnaturally kind person, I won't."
"God, Serena," he gasped for air. "I don't think my lungs can take being around you."
"What's that supposed to mean?" my naughty mind could supply other reasons that would cause his lungs to work hard but I didn't suppose that's what he had in mind. Darien just shook his head.
A little while later, I scanned the room. I could see Jake and Malcolm talking while Mina laughed brightly with Lita. Rei was looking a trifle murderous as she searched for the rest of the orange soda. Mom and Rita were discussing secrets in a corner, throwing furtive glances Andrew's way. I was standing with Darien, Andrew, Ami, and Daddy (who were in a conversation that had gone far beyond the depths of my knowledge.) The happiness was so intense in my heart that I was almost positive it would burst. Then I realized something.
There was a bit of wetness on the loose dress I wore. That's funny- I didn't recall spilling anything on me. Nope, definitely no memory. I frowned although the story that Andrew was relating was supposed to be a silly one: something about me and a butter knife....Abruptly I got the idea of just what might be going on. Oh no. How was I supposed to point out a little wet spot and-
"Ouch!" I hissed, placing a hand over my stomach and bending over. Fudge it all! Darien put an arm around me in concern.
"Meatball Head? Are you okay?" Before our amazed eyes, a ripple cascaded across my stomach. Dad's mouth dropped.
"Okay, don't panic- whatever you do, just don't panic!" Ami announced in a calm and soothing voice. "Darien, go get your car quickly."
"What's going on? Tell me what's happening!" A beautiful vision of Daddy appeared in front of my eyes. "Don't panic Ken, don't panic!" he exclaimed to himself, pressing a hand to his heart.
"Daddy?" I said. "I think the baby is coming."
Daddy fainted.
So much for not panicking. Even I, the pregnant lady, didn't begin to panic until I was wheeled into the hospital corridor after Darien broke all speed laws getting to the hospital.
"I'm not ready to be a parent!" I yelped through the pain. "There's so much responsibility, I'm too selfish!"
"Don't worry sweetheart," Mom called. "You'll be a wonderful mother!"
"We speak the same language but somewhere along the way the meaning gets lost," I groaned to Darien. We arrived at the birthing room and I hung onto his elbow for dear life. "Don't you dare leave me pal."
"I'll be with you the whole time," he promised.
As I gripped Darien's hand hard enough to turn it black and blue, I found time to contemplate ways that he would die for the pain I was experiencing. The room was rather quiet except for my harsh breathing and the sounds of medical instruments.
"Relax Serena," Darien's free hand smoothed over my sweaty forehead. "It will be over soon."
Yea! That's exactly what the creep had been telling me for the last ten hours!
"Darien?" I hissed in a dangerously soft voice.
"Yes?"
"Remind me to KILL YOU when all of this is OVER!!!" After all, I couldn't be too excited, I had to be relaxed. Although how the hell I was supposed to be relaxed when all of this pain just kept... kept....
"Just relax, my Odango."
I like to think that my answering shrieks were suitably furious.
An indeterminate amount of time passed during which I hurled insults at Darien, poor man. He didn't take anything being said seriously which was pretty damn frustrating if you ask me because I totally meant everything I said. I couldn't handle being too angry at him, though, as he stroked my sweaty hair and placed cooling cloths on my forehead.
When the midwife placed the babies in my arms, I was utterly exhausted with my head resting weakly on Darien's arm. In spite of this, I opened my eyes to look at the little rascals who had decided to arrive fashionably late (at least it gave me hope that they would have a style sense.) Two adorably perfect little boys. One yawned, crinkling his red wrinkly face. The other wriggled in my arms and looked like he was ready to begin wailing protests at entering a new world all over again.
"How would you like to see your daddy, precious?" I cooed to the bawling baby. His brother was content ignoring him and staring all around with interest, He was going to be a genius just like Darien, I could tell. Darien, his face awash with love and awe gently lifted our screaming son. Would you believe that tiny Trouble quit screeching to wave his hands excitedly in Darien's face?
"Ten fingers, ten toes," the nurse said, "perfectly healthy little boys. What are their names?" Darien and I exchanged horrified glances.
"Oh no" I groaned, tears gathering in my eyes. "We don't even have names!"
"Now don't worry darling," the nurse hastened to reassure me before I started bawling like a baby myself. "It's not the first time this has happened. Someday you'll look back at this and laugh." For some reason, I didn't feel particularly comforted. But looking into our small son's blueberry eyes, I didn't really care. Having the two with us was all that was important at the moment.
The two days I spent in the hospital seemed to be the longest days of my life, not counting labor. Darien was there most of the time and while we were together we would pour over baby name books, searching for the right one for our sons. The first day, when we were alone, his eyes had gone distant and then a moment later he pulled a rose out of thin air.
"Smooth," I commented as he handed it to me with a flourish. "Maybe you should become a magician."
He grinned. "Well I do have a few more magic tricks up my sleeve...."
I opened my mouth to ask what before realizing that there was a sly look to his eyes. I just said a demure thank you instead and Darien passed me a book. Unfortunately we were both having a hard time coming up with names that belonged to our beautiful sons. Aside from the annoyance I felt at myself for not being able to name our children, I admittedly was having a pretty fun time. Each of us was holding a sleeping baby as we read.
"How about 'Dionysius'?" Darien asked.
"That sounds interesting," I said flipping through my book. "WHAT? You must be kidding! We are NOT naming one of our babies after the god of wine and revelry." I don't know what caused me to suggest the next name because I really wasn't feeling too kindly towards my mate. Did I say mate? For clarification, that completely was meant as a synonym of friend. Did I say friend? Blech.
"What do you think of naming one after you?" I asked.
"Isn't that a little egotistical?" Darien said.
"Why not 'Dorian'?" I said. Darien smiled at me.
"Why not?"
The babies were named Dorian and Evander. Eva was the one that was partial to his father while Dorian was my little gift. Although Evander would probably take on the nickname 'Andy' like our friend, I had the feeling that I would always call him Eva. Daddy and Mom were absolutely enamored of the grandchildren although I keep getting the feeling that Dad also wants a granddaughter.
That wasn't the reason he was acting all buddy-buddy with Darien, was it? I'm going to have to make a point to have a gentle chat with both of them.
Mina and Malcolm showed up with a bouquet of flowers and as she hugged me, Mina mentioned that Artemis and Luna had finally returned although the kitties weren't mentioning where they had disappeared to.
"I'll get it out of her, just you wait," I snickered as Mina and I conferred.
"I've already tried threatening Artemis with no food but he just pops over to the Arcade and Andrew will give him something to eat," Mina sighed. "Softie."
"Watch, Luna would tell me anything if I denied her her favorite soap opera," I explained.
"What are you two whispering about?" Darien asked as he and Malcolm sprawled in rather uncomfortable chairs but both managed to do it elegantly.
"Nothing," Mina and I answered with guilt simultaneously. Mina's look instantly changed to one of adoration as she glanced at Malcolm. I rolled my eyes at Darien. Later, he asked why I never looked at him like I wanted to eat him for dessert and do all sorts of dirty things. I sniffed.
"Some dessert, I bet you would taste horrible."
"Wouldn't you like to know!"
"So," Darien lounged on the couch next to me; the babies had finally fallen asleep but it had been a close call as to who would snooze first, them or us. He was sitting close enough to me that there was the slightest contact whenever one of us moved and his touch still sent tingles down my spine. We were getting on with our master plan of asking one question per night to get to know each other better. This was the trial run.
I cracked a yawn and rested my head on his shoulder. "So?"
"How long have you been attracted to me?" he asked nonchalantly, running his hand through my hair.
"What?!" I exclaimed, jerking back so that I could look him in the face. This ultimately proved to be a bad move considering now he had a perfect view of my vibrant blush. Suddenly I felt like this wasn't a good plan. "Where did you get that idea?"
"Something Lita happened to mention during the reception when you went to use the bathroom," he stretched and put his arm around me, pulling me closer. I had my suspicions that he knew I couldn't think straight when we were that close and that was why he did it. He was rather intoxicating. "Don't deny it, your own friend ratted you out."
That's right, my own friend. What a friend Lita was. Really, you couldn't ask for a better secret keeper.
"Do I have to be honest?" I complained, knowing his eyes would see through any lie I would try to present to him. Darien burst out laughing and I slapped his chest lightly in horror.
"Hush, Darien! You'll wake the terrors up!" He shuddered in an effort to control himself.
"So how long have you found me irresistible," he whispered. I pressed my forehead to his.
"Do you really want to know?"
"Yes."
"Are you positive?"
"Absolutely!"
"Okay, okay, fine!" I grumbled. Damn you Darien Shields. "I've had a crush on you in one form or another since we met."
As calm and collected as he had been looking one minute, he sure managed to do a swift change into shock and amazement. Then a wicked twinkle began to glint in his eye. His hand moved towards my ribs.
"Ahh!" I shrieked. "Darien don't you dare tickle me! I've barely recovered from giving birth." I pulled away, moving defensively to the other end of the couch ready to kick if it proved necessary. Darien lurked above me. I decided that he sure managed to recover from shocking news quickly. I twisted around and grabbed a pillow, waving it threateningly in front of his face. "I'm not afraid to use this buddy!"
"I yield!" he protested bringing his hands up. "All hail Serena."
I rather liked the way that sounded but before I could enforce more groveling, a yawn set my jaw cracking.
"I think it's time for bed," he laughed aloud, pulling my up from the couch one handed.
"I think you're right."
I waited until I heard the water running in the bathroom that confirmed Darien was brushing his teeth. Tiptoeing quietly into the room since the twins were sleeping a bassinet at the foot of the bed, I slyly opened up Darien's dresser. There, waiting for me, was my favorite pair of his pajamas in a deep blue with a smell that I loved. I couldn't help grinning since I knew what Darien's reaction would be: fury and frustration.
He yawned, coming back into the room and absentmindedly taking his shirt off to change in front of me. Despite my pink cheeks and I how I was determined not to watch him, my eyes would drift back of their own accord. Since I had returned home from the hospital, I hadn't slept anywhere else but in his room and he hadn't mentioned it in spite of the fact that we had made the arrangement so he could help me out of bed when I was pregnant. I hoped it was because he liked having me around. I groaned and pulled the covers over my head.
Soon Darien was in bed next to me. He pulled the covers over his head, though the light was still on, and turned onto his side so that we were regarding each other with a duvet over our heads. "Couldn't handle watching my change?" he asked with a wink.
"Of course not," I said. How come whenever I try to lie it never manages to sound like the truth? It's a question for the ages.
Darien radiated contentment that he was right and I saw his eyelids begin to droop a little from exhaustion. They popped open again. "Those are my pajamas!"
"I know," I replied simply.
"You can't just wear my clothes!" Darien exclaimed.
"Why not?" I asked. "And what are you going to do about it anyway?"
He growled without coming up with a suitable comeback. "Would you turn out the light?" I pleaded.
"You didn't brush your teeth," was his retort. "Your breath is terrible."
I pouted. "I'm too tired. Turn out the light."
"Brush your teeth," and before I could respond he had pushed me out from under the covers and into the cold air. Grumbling I did as he said and brushed my teeth. On my return, I switched off the light and then relished discomforting him by crawling over him to get back to my spot in bed. He swatted my automatically.
"That hurt!" he complained. "You've bony knees."
"You made me brush my teeth!" I said. The argument ended to my satisfaction since I got the last word, and we drifted off to sleep.
Author's Note: Oh my god! I cannot believe that it took me so long to update, a whole half a year! It's ridiculous. What eventually spurred me on was the knowledge that I might end up with 500 reviews before I updated and I didn't deserve them! (Not that I'm not cutting it close, last time I checked all of you wonderful people had left 498 often pleading messages.) I'm so sorry. I'm also sorry for those that I said I would e:mail when this chapter came out, I've misplaced the list. If you want me to do that for the next chapter, just mention it in your review and leave an e:mail address. School starts September 1st (which is the earliest I've ever started school, usually we NEVER begin before Labor Day) this year so I'm hoping that maybe during school? I'll be able to get more writing done. I'm such a lazy slacker.
This chapter seemed to be work all the way through until I hit the ending but I hope it was worth the wait. And if it wasn't, feel free to YELL AT ME and tell me EXACTLY what you want in the next chapter. I make no guarantees however, I bet I can work some ideas in if you want me to !
