Hey all!

I hope everyone had happy holidays this season! I hope you all like this chapter, it adds a bit more to the 'Promise of the Rose' sequence, and it gives you all what you've been waiting for most of all! Enjoy!

~Miss Moon Rose~

~Darien's P.O.V.~

I wouldn't let her go.

I refused.

I had come so close to losing her, to losing the love of my life.

I can't let her go.

The entire way home, I made sure I was touching her, looking at her, doing anything I could to be sure I wasn't dreaming and she was still with me.

She had died in my arms.

I will never let her go again.

We landed back in front of the temple, but I still wouldn't let her go. As soon as we landed, I pulled her close and hugged her, running my fingers through her silky golden hair. My hands were still shaking from the impact of losing her minutes before. She looked up at me and brought her cool hand up to my cheek, smiling. Her bright blue eyes shone in the moonlight.

"It's okay now, Darien," she whispered. I couldn't hold myself back any longer; I leaned down and pressed my lips against hers hungrily. The taste and feel of her woke me up from my daze, keeping me sane. Her lips were soft as they moved in sync with mine. I put all of my love into that single kiss, placing both hands on each side of her face.

We pulled away for air and she smiled, leaning into me. I kept one arm around her shoulders, shielding her from the cool winds of night. We watched in silent happiness as our friends reunited with each other. Zoisite rushed to Sailor Mercury, pulling her close as if it was the first time he had seen her in decades. He kept whispering words to her that I couldn't make out.

Mina ran to Kunzite, jumping and wrapping her legs around his waist, forcing him to wrap his arms around her to prevent her from falling. With her arms around his neck she kissed him, running her fingers through his hair. I shook my head and chuckled to myself before turning to Nephrite and Sailor Jupiter, who were...gone?

I looked at Sailor Moon and she shrugged, taking a step forward to talk to Luna and Artemis. I took her hand, still afraid that if I let her go, she would slip away again.

"What happened out there?" Artemis asked. Sailor Moon glanced at me and bit her lip.

"Lots of things, but the important thing is that we are all alive, and Earth is safe," Sailor Moon replied. Luna smiled and leaped up onto my shoulder.

"Are you alright?" she whispered into my ear. I nodded, but gave her a look that told her I would explain later.

Artemis went over to try and convince Mina to let go of Kunzite while Sailor Moon and I approached Sailor Mars and Jadeite, who were standing close together but in an awkward silence.

"Where's Nephrite and Jupiter?" I asked.

"They headed back to Nephrite's place. Said they were tired and needed rest," Mars replied, looking down at the ground. Jadeite just stood there with his hands clasped behind his back, rocking back and forth on his heels. I clapped a hand on his shoulder and he winced.

"You're an idiot, you know that?" I murmured in his ear. He glared at me as I turned to Sailor Mars and bowed slightly.

"Great job today," I said to her. "We couldn't have done anything if it weren't for you guys." Sailor Moon nodded in agreement and hugged her. It was sort of awkward because I wouldn't lose my grip on her hand.

We went around and thanked all of the others before Sailor Moon went into the temple to detransform. I felt cold and empty without her hand in mine.

For some reason, I felt like invisible walls were closing in on me. There isn't any air out here; I can't breathe.

I started wheezing and clutching my chest when a warm hand touched my shoulder. I looked over at Serena's worried face and the walls went away, and I was back to normal.

"Are you alright?" she asked. I nodded and reached down, taking her hand once more. She smiled and we walked together down the temple stairs and onto the sidewalk. She leaned close, shivering slightly in the wind.

"Pinch me," I said.

"What?"

"Just do it."

There was a sharp pain on my arm and I inhaled sharply, closing my eyes briefly. When I opened them, there was still sidewalk in front of me and a full moon above me. I looked down at Serena, who was staring up at me with concern.

"Are you sure you're okay?" she asked.

I sighed. "I'm still wondering if this is real. If you're…" I gulped, "...real." She stopped walking, forcing me to stop as well.

"Darien, it's over. Fiore is...gone, and Earth is safe. We did it, we beat the bad guys. I'm alive, you're alive, the Scouts and Generals are alive, and everything is okay now. We made it through, together. I'm not going anywhere, and neither are you."

I looked down at her, at my beautiful Moon Princess, and I thanked whatever God was up there that she was alive and speaking to me.

In truth, I can't live without her.

I won't live without her.

"Oh, what a beautiful couple."

"It's about time they were married."

"I hope my son grows to marry a woman as beautiful as her."

I was walking down the aisle with Serena on my arm, champagne flying and rose petals sprinkling down on us. I looked down at her, with flowers in her hair and a flowing white gown. She had aged; her eyes were wiser.

"Oh Darien, I am so happy," she said. I opened my mouth to respond when the ground shook beneath me. Before I knew what was happening, my wife was torn from me as the ground split in half. Rocks began flying from the sky, impaling everyone. The last thing I heard was Serena screaming my name.

I shot up out of bed and my mind immediately started going haywire, thinking about Serena and wondering if she was okay. She was all alone in that apartment building filled with who knows how many rapists and drug addicts.

I needed to get to her, to save her.

I threw open my door, not caring that I was only wearing a pair of sweatpants and my hair was tousled, and ran downstairs. I passed the kitchen, where my mother was cooking pancakes and my father was reading a newspaper. I looked down to find Luna circling my heels, looking up at me. I stopped and stared at my parents for a moment before my father acknowledged my presence.

"Son, how nice of you to join us," he said, folding his newspaper and smiling. "Sit, there's something we need to discuss."

I gulped and sat down across the table, smoothing down my hair a bit. My mother placed a plate with pancakes on it in front of me and kissed me on the cheek.

"Your mother and I have cleared our schedules for your first game of the season. We just wanted you to know that we will be there supporting you," he said, taking a bite. I almost choked on the pancake I was chewing on. Serena was going to that game.

My dad didn't know about Serena yet.

I plastered a smile on my face and nodded, shoving another bite into my mouth. I finished before Sammy even arrived at the table and I went back upstairs to quickly change and get ready to head to Serena's. I had a weird feeling, and I felt the need to be with her.

I told my dad I was going to the gym and headed out, shoving my hands in my pockets. I ran into Andrew, who was heading to the arcade to see Molly. The arcade was on the way to Serena's, so I decided to walk with him and get Serena some coffee.

"Where were you yesterday? Molly said you didn't show up at the arcade at all, which we all know is pretty strange for you," Andrew said with a chuckle.

"I was taking care of some uh...studying with Zoisite," I replied nonchalantly. Andrew was silent, but I could tell he wasn't buying my lie. But thankfully, he didn't say anything.

"I kissed Molly."

I looked at him. "What? You did? So soon?" I asked, my eyes wide.

He grinned sheepishly and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, the opportunity came and I took it."

I clapped him on the back. "Nice," I said with a laugh.

"So, are you and Serena like, a thing now?" Andrew asked. I could tell he was nervous about asking.

I grinned. "Yeah, I guess so."

"Really? Wow. I knew something was going on between the two of you with all of the bickering, but I never thought you would come to your senses so soon. I'm happy for you, man."

"Thanks."

We arrived at the arcade and I stopped in, saying hi to a couple friends from school and ordering a coffee for Serena. Andrew waved good-bye as I left and went the rest of the way to Serena's.

I entered the apartment complex and went towards the elevator to find Nephrite and Lita stepping out, holding hands.

"Hey, where were you guys last night?" I asked. Lita looked up at Nephrite, alarm in her eyes. Nephrite's cheeks flushed a bright red as he struggled for a response.

"We uh, were really tired so we decided to head home. Sorry for not telling you, we didn't want to interrupt your moment," Nephrite said. I narrowed my eyes.

"How old are you, Nephrite? Fourteen? Fifteen?" I said smugly.

He was about to respond when the elevator opened, signaling I had to get on. I smirked and shook my head at Lita. "You really shouldn't take advantage of someone younger than you," I said as the doors closed. They watched me with their mouths wide open and I just had to laugh when the doors were completely shut.

I arrived at the penthouse and knocked on the door. There were a few thumps before the door opened, revealing my beautiful girlfriend in a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. "H-hey, what are you doing here?" she asked, opening the door wider for me to come in. I grinned and handed her the coffee before entering her neat apartment.

"I just wanted to come make sure you were doing okay, especially with everything that happened yesterday," I said, taking my shoes off by the door. She smiled and led me into the kitchen, where I sat down on one of the bar stools.

"I'm fine, Darien, really. We saved Earth; I'm happy as can be."

"Even with Fiore gone?"

She froze.

"Thought so."

Serena brushed a piece of hair out of her eyes and set down the coffee I gave her. "He was my friend...but he is gone and there is nothing you or I could do about it. He left on a good note, and he's alive. That's all I could ask for."

"You are so beautiful," I said after a few moments of silence. She looked up at me and blushed, changing her attention to her coffee. She took a sip and her expression changed as she spit it out into the sink.

"What's wrong? Was there not enough sugar?" I asked, standing and leaning over the bar to look at her. She stood up straight and wiped her mouth, putting the coffee down.

"No, no...I only drink black coffee," she said. My mouth dropped open.

"Black?!"

"Yes, why?"

"That's…disgusting! How could you drink something without any sugar in it?!"

"I don't like it with sugar, is that a problem?"

"No, but…black?!"

"Dare, I thought we cleared this up already."

I blinked a few times before deciding to change the subject. "I want to take you out on the lake," I said.

Her head tilted to the side. "Like a date?" she asked.

I nodded. "I heard it's really nice out there. And it's warm out, so I thought it would be a nice chance for us to just relax and not worry about the Negaverse."

She smiled and said, "I'd love to. Let me go get ready."

She went down the hall and into a door at the end of the hallway, disappearing behind it. I went and sat down on her couch, staring at the ceiling fan as it spun around and around and around and around…

"I'm ready."

I looked up at Serena. How long had I been staring at the fan? She was dressed in a short pink dress and a brown jacket, with her hair in it's usual style.

"Let's go, Dumpling-Head."

She scowled at me as I took her hand and led her back out of the apartment complex towards the lake. "Did you sleep well?" I asked her, trying to make small talk.

"I did. And you?"

I faulted. Should I tell her about my dream? No...it would be best not to worry her.

"Yes. It's nice knowing that there aren't any more threats to the world."

Her grip on my hand tightened. "Evil will always exist in the universe, Darien. No matter what, we will always be fighting. Light and darkness are two sides of the same coin; one cannot live without the other. No matter how many times we defeat the Negaverse, it will always come back. I hope you understand that," she said quietly.

I sighed. "I know...but can we forget about that for today? Please? I'm tired of fighting monsters. I almost lost you yesterday...I just want to pretend that none of that happened, and that we are just two regular teenagers going on a date in the middle of summer."

She giggled, and I felt my heart beat faster. "Of course," Serena replied as we approached the canoe rental station. I paid for the two of us and we piled into the small boat. She marveled at the wonders of nature surrounding us while I rowed us out to the middle of the lake.

"Isn't it beautiful, Darien?" she said in awe.

"Of course, but I wouldn't use the word 'beautiful'. Not with you sitting here in comparison," I replied. Her cheeks turned red and I chuckled.

"Do you remember those days on the Moon?" I asked her. "I mean...I don't remember much. It's still coming back to me."

She folded her hands in front of her and looked at the water surrounding us. "I remember what I believe is all of it…but maybe that is because of my mother. What all do you remember?" she asked.

I closed my eyes and leaned back, placing both arms behind my head. "I remember when I first met you, or rather, found you, sneaking around in the royal gardens. I saw your hair reflecting the sunlight, and decided to follow you. You tried to hide, but I was faster, and your dress shimmered so brightly that it was impossible to hide unless it was snowing. You eventually blew your cover squealing over a rabbit. When I stepped in front of you the look in your eyes was pure fear, but I knew as soon as I laid eyes on you that you were the one. From there, all I remember is just little pieces of our time together."

Serena sighed wistfully, her eyes sparkling as she looked back at me. "I would sneak down to Earth just to watch you as you practiced swordfighting with your Generals. The five of you would have such fun together, laughing and joking as you swung your blades. It was natural for you all, but for you, it was like you were dancing as you blocked the strikes of your companions. You mesmerized me, and I would always come down whenever the rest of my kingdom was asleep. I watched for weeks until you realized I was there. At the time I was terrified of being imprisoned in your dungeons, but of course you were too kind to lock such an innocent damsel like myself away," she said with a giggle.

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, because you were so innocent back then," I smirked. She froze, staring at me in shock.

"You remember that?"

"Indeed I do."

She began to twirl her hair around her finger nervously and I laughed.

To break the silence, I decided to mess with her a bit. I let go of the oars (they were attached to the boat) and started leaning left and right, rocking the boat.

She gasped and her hands flew the side of the boat, grasping it for dear life. It took her a moment to realize I was the one rocking the boat. "Darien, stop!" she squealed, fear in her voice.

"Tell me you love me," I yelled above the waves I was creating.

"Darien, come on, this is ridiculous!"

"What was that?"

She scowled. I rocked the boat a little harder and she shrieked. "I love you!"

"I can't hear you, you'll have to be a little louder!" I yelled.

I stopped rocking the boat as soon as she began to scream, "I LOVE YOU!"

Her voice echoed all across the lake and I grinned.

"I love you too," I said. She couldn't keep the smile from her face, even though I had just made her confess she loves me to everyone in the park.

We were silent for a while, her staring at the horizon and me staring at her. I was willing to let it stay that way until my phone rang, interrupting the peace. I growled and pulled it out of my pocket, clenching it in my hand when I saw it was Nephrite.

"What?!" I hissed into the phone, my teeth clenched.

"Woah, sorry to interrupt you. But we've been trying to get a hold of you for awhile. Where are you?" Nephrite said.

"I'm at the lake with Serena, why?"

"Oh gee, I dunno, it's not like we have football practice in an hour or anything."

I groaned and smacked my forehead. "I completely-"

"Forgot, huh? Well, you'd better be here by the time the whistle blows, or Coach will have all of our heads."

The call ended and I shoved my phone back into my pocket. Serena was staring at me with a knowing smile on her face.

"I wondered when you asked me to come here with you if you had practice today," she said. I shrugged and grabbed the oars.

"We might as well head back; how long have we been here?" I asked her. She checked the silver watch she always wears.

"Two hours, Darien."

My mouth dropped open. It didn't feel like two hours; it felt like thirty minutes.

"Well, I enjoyed it. Thank you for taking me out today, I really didn't feel like staying home and studying all day," Serena said with a laugh.

I smiled. I just love her laugh. "No problem," I replied, as I steered the boat back to the docks. I got out first, stepping onto the dock and holding a hand out for Serena to take. She blushed and let me pull her up.

To my surprise, my foot slipped on a puddle of water and I almost fell backwards when Serena yanked me forwards, keeping my balance and pulling us closer together.

"You're such a clutz, Dare," she said in annoyance. I grinned sheepishly and scratched the back of my head.

"Yeah, I know," I replied, "but I've-"

She shushed me by placing a finger on my lips. "But you're my clutz," she whispered. It was then that I noticed our faces were inches apart. No, centimeters. I closed the gap and pressed my lips against hers, causing her to smile into the kiss. She was about to pull away, but something stopped her.

"Darien?" she said, her voice muffled by my lips.

"Mmmm?"

"Have you been eating that sticky caramel bubble gum?"

"Mmhmm, why?"

"Because...I think I might be stuck…"

I laughed, and she laughed with me. Instead of helping her get unstuck, I placed one hand on her chin and kissed her again.

My eyes were closed when I felt something hard hit me on the head. I opened my eyes, searching what I could with Serena's lips pressed against mine. I felt like I should be focusing on the kiss, but something wasn't right. I was just about to deepen the kiss when something heavy fell into my arms, shoving Serena and I backwards. A foreign pair of lips were on mine and I pulled away as my butt came in contact with the ground.

My eyes widened in shock at what had fallen out of the sky and landed on top of me.

"I want the Silver and Golden Crystals, and I want them now! Cough it up mister, I don't have all day."

So there you have it, guys! Thus begins the second section of this story! Let me know what you think, I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to shape some things with the Black Moon Clan. If you have any ideas or requests, please let me know and I would be more than happy to oblige!

I am THREE reviews away from 200! I'm super excited!

Thank you all for reading and I hope you all have a safe rest of the season!

~Miss Moon Rose~