Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon.

A Past Imperfect

Chapter 36

Thanks to all my readers and my wonderful beta reader. Please enjoy this new chapter.

A little while later, Serenity heard a knock. She rose to her feet and went over to open the door. Darien wasn't standing on the other side of it. A knock sounded again, a little louder this time. Serenity looked around in confusion until her gaze settled on the door leading to her balcony. She chuckled to herself, closed the hallway door, and walked over to the sliding door. Tuxedo Mask was standing on the balcony smiling at her as she opened the door.

"What are you doing out here?"

"I haven't leap over buildings late at night for a long time so I thought would have some fun. So, may I come in?"

"Of course." Serenity stepped aside to let Darien in. They settled onto the small sofa and Serenity sighed.

"So what was so urgent that you needed to talk to me about?"

"Well, I needed to talk to someone about everything that has happened today."

"And you chose me?"

"The last time I checked you were my boyfriend. Did something change that fact?" Serenity questioned.

"No, it's just strange for you to want to sit down and have a serious conversation with me after all we have been through."

"I guess we have been through a lot, haven't we?"

"Yes, we have. Now, what is on your mind?" Darien asked.

"This is just so hard to explain because there is so much more to this than you are aware of." Serenity tried to explain.

"Just talk to me, Sere, you might be surprised of how much I understand."

"What do you mean by that?" Serenity eyed Darien more closely. "You too?"

"Yep, me too." Darien chuckled. "Now, tell me what is going on in that head of yours."

"Well, first, you should probably know that I stood up to my father and he kicked me out."

"That explains the hotel. You know you can come stay with me."

"I know and I thought about doing that, but I didn't like the fact that Diamond is hiding out just down the hall, so I decided to come here instead. I figured that when I stood up to Ken that he would probably throw me out. In the end, it was kind of a relief. My mother might actually have a chance to see her grandchildren grow up."

"So I still don't understand what the problem is." Darien commented. "You stood up to your father, have your friends almost back, and have a chance to start over. What seems to be the issue besides dealing with Diamond?" Serenity didn't reply right away as she thought about what he had just said.

"I think you are right. Maybe I was just over thinking things. With all that has happened to me, I think that is just how I am, but this is my chance to start over."

"You are half right." Darien took Serenity's hand in his. "This isn't exactly how I planned to do this, but it seems like the perfect moment." He rose to his feet and pulled her up as well. "Sere, I know we have had our ups and downs and will probably continue to have them forever, but I believe this is our chance to start over and do things right this time." Darien kneeled down on one knee in front of his Princess and pulled out a small box from his pocket. "Serenity, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Tears sprang to Serenity's eyes.

"Yes, Darien, yes, I would love to marry you!" She pulled him close and kissed him hard. Darien chuckled as they pulled apart a few minutes later. They sat back down on the sofa.

"Then you are going to need this." He opened the box that he had been holding to reveal a pink diamond shaped like a rose. Serenity held out her hand so he could slip the ring onto her finger. "I have one other question for you. Do you want to wait until the girls are born or do you want to get married right away?"

"Right away. Our daughters deserve to be born with their parents already married." Serenity answered, smiling widely as he heart filled with joy for the first time in a long time.

"I think that means we are going to have to go shopping for a bigger place very soon because I don't think my small apartment is big enough for four people." Darien commented, returning her smile. "Do you know when you will give birth?"

"December 30th, exactly six months after they were conceived." Serenity replied. "I just wish I didn't have to put their lives at risk to deal with Diamond," Dairen took her hand in his again and looked at her seriously.

"Sere, I know that making peace with the scouts is easier said than done, but I have spoken with Raye and she regrets her actions, so the rest of them probably do as well. Tell them what has been going on. I wouldn't tell them about how you came back to the past and all of that, just about your father. The past thing is probably something that will just have to between us and Amara." Darien said.

"Gee, you think?" Serenity rolled her eyes at him. "Darien, I know I can make peace with the girls. This time around, the trouble was Diamond's doing."

"Just talk to them before you face Diamond. I know they will give us all the strength they can."

"Should I tell them about the babies?" Serenity asked.

"No, because you know they would forbid you going into battle in your condition. To be honest with you, I am not at all comfortable with the idea of you doing what I know you have to do, but I know it's you who has to do it, so I am allowing it this one time." Darien responded. Serenity raised an eyebrow at him.

"You are allowing me to go into battle? How generous you are." She said sarcastically.

"I thought so." Darien smiled at her.

"Darien, let's get one thing straight, you don't own me, no one does. You may advise me on things, but unless it's a life or death situation, don't ever order me around. Understand?" Serenity warned him softly.

"You are sounding like a Queen already. Yes, your highness, I understand perfectly. I'm just trying to protect you and our family." Serenity put her hand gently on Darien's cheek and smiled softly at him.

"I know you are and I love you for it. I'm just finally free and I don't ever want to give that up for anything." Serenity replied.

"I understand, my love. Now, it's late and you probably want to get some sleep, right?" Darien rose from the sofa. Serenity rose to her feet to stand beside him.

"Yes, that would probably be a good idea. It's been a long and trying day." Serenity responded. "You don't have to go, you know. You can stay."

"I know that, but you need your rest. I will come by in the morning and have breakfast with you and we will figure out our next move. Goodnight, my love." He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "I love you." Serenity smiled again.

"I love you too, Endy."

"It's been a long time since you have called me that. It's nice to hear it again. I will bid you goodnight again and take my leave." Darien walked to the door, smiled at her one last time, and left the room. Serenity sighed and looked around her hotel room. Deciding to take a shower and then go to bed, she grabbed her pajamas and headed to the bathroom.

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