AN: Please note that he is letting his mind wander the whole time as he makes his was to church. Song title Winter Love by Parachute
Winter Love
Oh it's one more year of waiting
One more month of all alone
One more day is fading
Just bring me back my winter love
It had been a year since he has seen her. Darien sighed, curling into himself as he made his was down the busy streets of Juban toward the Catholic Azabu Church for Midnight mass. He had no clue why he was even going, what possessed him to think he would find her there, he would never know. Amy had even confirmed earlier that day that her flight had been delayed and she would not be home in time to see everyone, let alone meet them for mass.
In his mind it was such a pointless endeavor, none of them were even catholic but here he was making his way to the place he held some of the best memories ever.
There was something about the Magic, she would say. The way that the cathedral was lit up for Christmas time, the large table of candles in their neat little rows, lit up by those who stopped to light a little prayer. The way the Priest always spoke of hopes and dreams and wishes for the days to come. It also helped that their service was only 20 minutes long.
She even convinced Raye, the High Priestess, to look forward to this every year. Raye who held the Moonstick (unbeknownst to him,) for the past 4 years that Serena was abroad, in Darien's mind, selfishly pursuing her dreams.
He had thought of such an elaborate plan but it had been for naught.
The first time she left was a few weeks after high school graduation, a surprise to many but between Darien's help to push her to do better and his assisting Amy with leading study groups for all of them, Serena had been accepted into a well-known American University. It was bitter sweet when she decided to go and they had all planned a surprise going away party at the Crown for her. Through the years Darien had grown to love the untamable young woman and had wanted to confess his love to her that evening. If things went how he hoped it would, he be going with her to finish his residency at a Local hopsital, he was only waiting for a few things to fall into place before following her there.
So focused was he on assisting Andrew to decorate the arcade for her, he was caught off guard when a shock shot through his body causing him to go rigid with a familiar feeling of fear.
"Darien are you okay?" Andrew asked, when his question went unanswered, realization dawned on the brunette and pushed the other male out the back entrance so he would have privacy to transform into Tuxedo Mask.
Darien's hopes were dashed away as he was injured trying to save Sailor Moon.
It was not until three days later when he finally came to, Andrew filling him in that she had already left. Even worse, the opening for a transfer residency at the Hospital by her had called leaving a message that the slots were back filed and had to cut him from the list.
Time had passed before he stumbled upon a Youma fight and found that Sailor Moon had coincidently vanished without a trace too. But he never put much stock into the chances of them being the same person. In the mist of battle, he could not understand why the woman was so late.
Darien grunted through the pain as he rolled out of the way from another direct hit. A familiar golden disk soared threw the air, his gaze hoped to find the leader of the Sailor Scouts but was disarmed to see that it was a different blonde who wielded its power.
"Where's Sailor Moon?" He shouted at Sailor Venus, confused on what was happening.
"Moon healing Escalation!" Came a familiar shout but again, it wasn't the blonde he was asking for but Sailor Mars wielding its power as the enemy was finally defeated. His eyes widened as he took note of the damage they had endured, much more significantly than if Sailor Moon had been there.
And with a blink of the eye he saw Sailor Mars crumble to the ground, Sailor Jupiter reach her first, trying to slowly elevate he head. He noted how a dark bruise began to form under the green Guardian's right eye and Sailor Mercury was running diagnostics with her palm computer on the fallen solider.
"She'll be fine, she needs time to recover. She does not possess the true power of the moon so it will exhaust her energy but only for a few hours." The computer and shield disappeared as she went to stand.
"What is going on? Where is Sailor Moon?" Darien said, his voice deeper when transformed in his Tuxedo Mask persona.
They all looked at him forlorn, Sailor Venus who had been thrown further away had limped towards Sailor Jupiter in order to assist with carrying Sailor Mars away. Sailor Mercury held back a little, waiting for the others to be out of ear shot before telling him in a hurried whisper.
"She has been called away on another mission."
"How is that possible? She should be here helping you fight and find the crystal, that has been all our objectives."
"Tuxedo Mask we have agreed that because we are after the same thing, we are enemies, but I know you care for her, that is why I will tell you this. We could not allow her to pass up an opportunity in her personal life that would further assist in our mission, it has never been just about the crystal for us."
"That's bullshit. How could she abandon her friends? What other objective is there?"
"She didn't, we needed her to go, it is vital to our mission and we cannot say anymore." With that, the blue haired scout walked away, rushing to catch up to the group.
He was floored. How could someone be so foolish? Do so self-centered? He tried his best to think of the selflessness of her going off on her own, but it did not make sense to him. Would she not need those abilities to help in her endeavors? Would she not need the Moonstick if she were to fall into trouble? Or her Magical Tiara?
Which each new fight, that occurred resentment grew for the Sailor Guardian of the Moon while the ache for Serena's laughter and smile fostered even more.
Spring goes by so slowly,
Summer can't come fast enough
Fall can leave me lonely
Just bring me back my winter love.
When she finally made it home, it had been the first time in a year that anyone had physically seen her, or at least for him. He had overheard a worn-out looking Raye talking to Andrew about it. The two talking while gathered around Lita and Mina as they played the latest Sailor Venus game.
"Raye, I'm sorry to point out but you are looking even more exhausted than usual." Raye gave him a weak smile, punching him in the arm only half heartily. She knew he meant it from a good place. "You need to relax and take it easy. You can't do everything yourself."
Raye sighed with apprehension, "Once Serena comes home, it will be better."
"But when will that be?"
"Next week, just in time for the Christmas Holidays."
"But what does that have to do with taking care of yourself?"
"Come on Andrew, she's the one who brought all of us misfits together. She's our glue, I just can't do it all myself either." He still could not understand what that could possibly mean but shrugged it off before moving to clean another side of the counter.
Darien, who had walked in to catch up with Andrew overheard and walk back out without even letting his presence be known. 'Serena's coming home' He mulled this over. The want and need to see her again after a year, to finally see her and maybe to make up what he had lost the first time was a great excitement that was short lived.
When she was due to arrive, he was called into work, it was as if the universe wanted him to miss his chance as day after day, he was called in for emergency surgery. For the first week of her being there he did not leave the Hospital for a second. When the next week began, he was discouraged even more. By Wednesday he was finally going to get his first day off but before leaving he was called in to consult in the Pediatric surgery ward where Amy worked.
"Darien, have you had a day off? You look so exhausted." She had pulled him to the side after briefing the team on what the best level of outcome would be for the patient.
"Not really, tonight will be the first time."
A sad smile played across her lips. "I guess that is a nice Christmas treat." Darien furrowed his brows.
"Tonight, is Christmas Eve?" She remarked.
Darien's face fell at this. He had been so busy, so worried on how he could make an excuse to try and run into Serena, that he knew now there would be no way. She would be at home with her family or, at this his face turned to curiosity, 'Maybe, just maybe, she might be with her friends tonight.' He thought
"Wow, the time flew so fast. Any plans for yourself tonight?"
"I'm meeting the girls at the Crown in a few hours and then we are heading to the Catholic Azabu Church."
"I didn't know you were religious."
"I'm not, Serena makes us go every year since we were fourteen. Oh, she's not religious either." Amy interjected when she noted his raise eyebrow. "She went once when she was 12 and the Priest there, has always given these beautiful and magical serums that make you feel as if anything was possible. It has very minimum religious contact surprisingly."
"Still, I cannot imagine Bunhead sitting through anything too long, especially not a midnight mass."
Amy Laughed at this, the sound ringing out like silver bells in the air. "Oh no, he does a two-part mass at midnight, the first one is for none congregates of the church, the ones who love and believe in magic and it only last for ten or fifteen minutes tops. You're right, Serena's impatience would never allow her to sit for a full one. What about yourself Darien? Any plans?"
This was his chance to dust off his drama club skills. With a heavy sigh, he made sure to look slightly ashamed and distant. "Nothing, I-I actually don't celebrate any holiday since my parents died. There hasn't been anyone to celebrate it with." Amy's hand flew to cover her mouth, he assumed she was mentally kicking herself for forgetting that fact.
"Darien, why don't you meet us at the Crown at 8 tonight. I would love for you to join us if you're up to it?"
"I would like that. See you then." With that he turned and made his way home. Nothing stopped him from looking in all directions to see if he might glimpse the one who captured his heart for so long ago.
He had dressed in his black turtle neck and a newer version of his signature forest green blazer. His black jeans hugging in all the right places, remember Lita had stated once. He swept the dark strands from his eyes and his heart stopped as he stepped though the sliding doors.
There she was.
Her was back towards, him but from what he could see it was as if nothing had changed. Even the deeply energy deprived Raye looked as if she was almost back to her old self. Her voice sounding like ringing bells that made his heart soar with a surge. He patted his side pocket before walking further in and nodding to those who took note of him.
"I'm so glad you could make it Darien!' Amy smiled and then Serena turned, a soft smile playing on her features, the fresh look of being at one with herself. If there was a Heaven, he hoped that this moment would be captured in a photo, for if he were to die tomorrow this picture would be waiting for him to treasure and look at. Her face lit up the missing part of his soul and he never wanted her to leave again.
But she did.
The next day after Christmas, and he never felt more alone as he watched and waved her off on the plane to her next destination. He could not believe that for 24 hours of seeing her, how the world could change so quickly. They had exchanged numbers, but the gift burned in his inner pocket, too scared to give her the gift he had purchased for her a year ago.
Oh I've slept in every city
Drove through every countryside
Made friends with the shadows
Looking for a place to hide.
They had maintained touch here and there, but he always felt as if it was one sided. She evaded his every question of where she was now and what she was doing. A year had passed but she did not come home, Amy stating that she had something important going on, but his heart felt that she had found someone else.
So as the next two years slowly passed by, he pinned for her and grew more into his shell. He had received a job offer in the north of Japan and he took it. The pay was not any better then what he already had but he just couldn't be reminded of her anymore. His heart ached too much, and he lost the drive to continue his Tuxedo Mask duties. The dreams had even begun to fade as he surrendered the only crystal he had to Sailor Venus.
January had rolled by marking the new year and it felt just like the last. Dark and distant.
February
March
April
May, by May he had gone to China to work in a remote country side, surrounding himself around beautiful scenery but nothing pulled at his heart the way she did.
June
July
August
September saw him in Taiwan and with the knowledge that he could not be anywhere without her. She was his home, even if she did not know it.
October brought him home once more.
November could not go by fast enough.
December left him hopeful once more.
And I've crossed every ocean
And I've climbed every mountaintop
Oh, but nothing seems to hold me
Hold me like my winter love.
"She's back." His heart skipped a beat as he turned to the source of the voice.
"Pardon?"
"She's back. Serena, I just saw her yesterday." Andrew stated nonchalantly as he began wiping down another section of the counter.
"Oh…I hope she has a pleasant stay"
"Hope who has a pleasant stay?" He stiffened. How many times had he daydreamt about this chance encounter? He was too afraid to turn around, fearing that if he did, he would just be waking up from another dream.
"Andrew have the others arrived?"
"Yes, they are waiting in back. Did you want your normal?"
She smiled as she nodded, and he disappeared around back.
Darien had still not responded, nor did he turn around, but the blonde goddess approached standing to the side.
"Hi."
He watched from the corner of his eyes. Refusing to respond, not knowing if he could even keep his voice steady.
"How are you?" Her hopeful eyes staring up at him, but he refused to answer still. He could hear Raye's voice calling her name and as she made her apologies to make her way towards them, his hand shot out to her upper arm, surprising himself at his reflexes.
"We should catch up." He said still not meeting her eyes, but he could see her content smile before she responded. "I would like that very much" He released her arm, finally letting out a breath he didn't even know he was holding in and then he left.
Sighing heavily Serena watched him leave the arcade. This was not what she wanted. Not how she wanted anything to go. Andrew had placed her special on the counter, most likely giving her the space, she didn't want or need, but she took it regardless and placed a happy smile on her face as she made her way to the back. There was so much that needed to be discussed further, but now, she was there to ease the stress, the anxiety for her beloved friends.
Serena told them stories of her adventures while on her mission, enjoying the ease and heart felt conversations with the ones who understood and knew her best. It was as if nothing had changed but she would be a fool to not admit that everything had.
"Was that Darien earlier?" Amy asked in between sips of her evening coffee.
"Yes, it must be nice to have a friendly person at work with you. Less lonely, right Amy?"
Amy nodded. "Yes, it's good to finally have him back. I missed having a work friend that understood the struggles of our duties."
"What do you mean by understand?" Raye bit out. "we understand!"
"Yeah, you never talk to us about work!" Mina jabbed but Amy only chuckled at their expense.
"You understand the struggles of having to decide which incision is more medically found for each child patient who had a bilateral hernia cause by an atmospheric turbulence-See you don't even understand half those words!" Amy groaned half way.
"Finally?" Serena asked, before taking another sip.
"He has been gone just as long as you have. He went to so many different countries to work but he just came back I think a month or two ago. To be honest we are thankful that he is. He is truly gifted." Serena absorbed the information as the rest decided to commence their gathering at the shrine to talk of other business.
"We just have two more crystals to go." She said handing over three of the shards she acquired on her travels. Raye took them bringing them over to Artemis' to store in his sub space pocket.
"Actually, we only have one left." Serena looked up at this. "Tuxedo Mask has given us his." Her voice held a type of sadness she did not quite understand. "After you left, or should I say after Sailor Moon left, he grew angry and aggressive. Even though we reminded him that he was our enemy we could tell that he resented even trying to defeat the enemy, as if he was losing interest with his objective." Mina said gently. "He kept demanding to know where you were and would actually pick fights after with us."
"Sometimes Lita would throw a punch at him just to shut hi-Anyways!" Mina interrupted hating the forlorn look on the petite girl's tired face.
"I should have been here. I should have not gone. You will never know how sorry I am." Silent tears streamed her face as she roughly tied to stop the flow with the palm of her hands.
She was so damn tired.
She wanted to quit her search for the crystals, to finally come home and protect her friends. To have them all walk away from this as easily as Tuxedo Mask apparently did.
"Serena, we are almost there. One more and well will be together again." Amy said, trying to hold back her tears.
"I know, but look at you guys! it's taken its toll on all of you! I can't stand to see you like this anymore. Faking that you are fine every time I come home but knowing it's just a show for my benefit to not lose hope."
They were quiet. They new that they were living through a different kind of hell, barely winning fights and making it by but they also knew that she was in even worse shape. The silence growing thick with her frustration.
"You can remove the glamour now." Came Amy's soft voice.
Serena was resigned at first, but she winced at Mina's gasp when she did. The once robust and sunny young woman was just a shell of her former self. She was so thin and fragile it looked as if it had been months since her last meal. There was an ashen tone to her hair and her skin resembled someone who was ready to give into the fight. Raye shed silent tears as she grabbed her into a tight hug but instantly loosened her grip from fear that her strength my break the girl. And even though Raye and Mina showed signs of exhaustion from handling the given powers that Sailor moon had bequeathed them, it was nothing compared to the petite Sailor Guardian who seemed to be withering away. Artemis whipped his head to his feline friend and Luna could only look on with guilt and sadness.
"Come on Serena, let me make you your favorites." Lita smiled sadly as they followed her into Raye's kitchen. Amy stayed behind to catch up with Luna, getting the information that Serena did not truly divulge about her well being.
"We'll give it one more year. If we cannot locate it…" Luna trailed off, her voice low as to not allow the others to overhear.
"She will not last Luna." Artemis whined.
"We have to call it off. I will not allow this to continue."
"She won't stop Amy. Since she found the ability to extract the stones in a painless way, she will not rest until she has obtained them and find the princess."
"Even if it kills her?"
"Yes Artemis, even if it kills her. She will not listen to reason and I just hope we can find the remaining crystal soon, or I fear we will lose her completely. She is the only one who can do this. You know she is."
A few days later found Serena visiting Amy at the hospital, Her stay was a lot longer than usual this time, she was waiting for a lead from one of her contacts overseas so she tried to spend as much time with everyone as she could.
"How are you liking your job Amy?" Serena asked, admiring pictures that were propped on the shelves of her office book case.
"Its wonderful, I don't think I would have been able to do anything else. What about you, I know it started out as a cover but have you found some enjoyment in any of it?" Serena was about to answer when they heard a rap at the door.
"Come in!"
"Oh Amy, Sorry to interrupt but I was wondering if you might assist with a new patient that just came in. The case is a little puzzling and I wanted your take. Oh, I apologize I did not realize you had company." The brunette noted when she heard a faint giggle. Serena gave a warm smile. The brunette green eyes widen with recognition. "Oh, my lord! You're her! Your Serena Tsukino!" The woman turned her surprised face to the blue haired doctor. "Oh my lord you know Serena Tsukino!" She turned back to the blonde again. Oh my lord, you are Serena Tsukino! I love all your articles in the National Geographic! You are so talented and one of the rarest and youngest journalists to not only have one but three cover pages and nominated for the best Journalist for each one of them." Serena's grinned widen to a beam. "It was such a shame you didn't get them!" In the past Serena would have given a bitter remark but the young woman in the office was far from that girl. She shrugged at the remark, not phasing the award-less journalist on bit.
The girl could not stop talking and Serena was more than happy to pose for the picture, "Oh But Amy I want you to be in the as well. Less people believe I work with one of the Top pediatric surgeons and even less will believe I met Serena Tsukino unless I can prove it!"
The girl disappeared from the room only to reappear within moments dragging the person they all least expected. "Dr. Suma, I must remind you that we are professionals and that you should not-" Darien's irritated words from being manhandled, halted when he saw Serena in the room. It was like the world fell silent around them and he could not shake the silence away until he felt an object being forcefully pushed into his hands. he looked down dumbfounded by Dr. Suma's actions until the younger doctor's high-pitched voice broke through his reserve, "I am so sorry Dr. Shields but its SERENA TSUKINO, I just need to have a picture with her! And I need Amy in it as well! No one will believe me if I don't! They Barely believe I work with Amy. I was just to shy to ask until now!"
"I don't understand…"
"This is Serena Tsukino, one of the greatest Japanese journalist to ever walk the land!" She dragged both girls to pose on either side of her.
Darien snorted at this, "Who Bunhead?" before taking the picture
"How dare you disrespect her hair! You mean think you are so cleaver making fun of women as if you have nothing better to do! She is famous! That is why she is the best, even her hair sets her apart from the rest!" Dr. Suma clonked him on the head before taking the phone away to make sure it was good enough.
"I'll have you know Darien, I am not that basket head of a girl anymore." Serena smirked missing the way it used to be.
Easy.
Simple.
"See! Her name is written here!" Out of no where the girl produced the national geographic copy of Egypt: Quest for Eternity and shoved it in his face. Darien's eyes widened at seeing her name. He just remembered that she had mentioned she traveled a lot for her work but could not believe that she was in fact had finally made her break through. He made a mental note to find all the articles written by her when he was alone later.
"Must have some amazing editor!"
Serena's blue eyes sparkled with mischief. "Something like that." Her thoughts straying to her feline friend. The story was all hers, but Luna just had a knack for proof reading.
After she signed the copy and the two Female doctors left the room, Darien tried to maintain his cool as he watched her from the corner of his eyes.
"If you're free right now, would you like to get a coffee together?"
The left corner of his lips pulled into a half smirk. "She drinks adult drinks as well? My what two years away have done to our bunhead."
Serena rolled her eyes. "I was hoping they had milkshakes in the Café across the street. I didn't say I wanted one you Baka."
The little dance and meetings continued for two weeks. Each day spending an hour longer than the day before. It was as if he were finally living out his fantasy. And when Christmas eve came, he did not hesitate to meet her at the Church with the others
"What's this?" She smiled up at him before following the others into the church. She held a small velvet box in the size of her hand.
"Open it and see." He chuckled. He had found the little black box hidden in the folds of his Tuxedo Mask clothing in the back of his closet a week ago, he promised himself to not let her get away this time.
Serena's meek smile widen and as she cracked it open, she gasped at the silver pendent of a crescent moon and dangling star on a delicate chain. "Darien, I don't know what to say!"
"Don't say anything, just let me put it on you." As he pulled it from the box. She swiped her longer than eve hair up and out of the way as he fastened the secret token of his love. "I love it." And she surprised him with a peak on the lips before disappearing inside.
A few more days passed by but the happy and content world that they made around them crumbled away.
"I have to leave again Darien." His vision began to blur, trying to focus on the espresso cup before him. "You don't have- I would understand if you did not want to wait for me."
His gaze snapped up to catch hers. "I will wait till the end of time." A sad smile played across her lips. "I am not sure how long I will be this time. I may not be able to contact you for some time. I need you to understand that. My miss-my work takes me off the grid for long periods at a time-"
"I will be here waiting" he cut her off.
And the world keeps going
As you kiss me so slowly
As your blue eyes they say goodbye.
It wasn't until summer when he heard anything from her. They had spent days talking and she had plans to try and come home within the month. His hopes dashed away once again as he heard a loud explosion in the background of her phone call and the click sound of being disconnected. For days later he attempted to call her, but it always went straight to voicemail. He had left so many that night that anytime he tried the phone, it would inform him that the voicemail box was full before disconnecting itself.
"Amy, I can't get a hold of her. Have any of you?" Darien was distracted, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of his gut. Amy tried to reassure him, but he could tell that she was hiding something, as if they were all apart of a larger picture than the one he was seeing.
"Before you try to think of another lie, I beg you to reconsider." Amy sighed with defeat. She had known him for 7 years now. He had always been apart of each of their lives that she knew she could not hide this from him any longer.
With a nod, she told him everything.
She told him how Serena was Sailor Moon, how she had tapped into unknown abilities that helped her access the crystals. The reason why she was really gone. How she had bequeathed her powers to each of them in order to aid them in any fight they would have in the future. It was all in the hopes so that it would buy her more time to finally obtain the silver crystal and to defeat the Dark Kingdom once and for all.
She showed him the picture of Serena's glamour down and was shocked when he began to silently weep. As he quietly listened with tears streaming down his face, he waited for his turn to tell his tale.
As summer turned into fall, he could feel a shift in the air, but the Guardians and himself vowed to keep his identity hidden until she returned.
Oh the snow is finally falling
When I walk the streets, I think of her
I can hear the choir singing
As I pause beside the open door
He had gone to bed early, Amy telling him that Serena's flight had been delayed in Washington and would not be making midnight mass. "You can still join the rest of us."
"No, I think I should get some sleep for once." He replied before leaving the Hospital for the day.
That night he was brought out of a dead sleep that had shaken him to the core. So fearful and concerned that he could not bring himself to fall asleep again.
Checking the time, he chuckled to himself. 'Of course.' He thought
Dressing in his warmest clothing, he grabbed his apartment keys and phone, pocketing the items before wrapping a scarf she and sent him from an unknown address a few months before.
The clock on the book shelf read 11:15 pm, December 25th.
And the church bells sound above me
And the people pass me one by one
Oh it's midnight now on Christmas
And I'm here without my winter love
He was different. He could feel the movement of the earth spinning on its axis, he could feel the soul of the wind as it brushed the strands of hair into his eyes. The other Guardians had been waiting for his arrival in their human form and they dipped their heads in a slight bow.
Prince Darien of Earth nodded in greeting as he passed by to the prayer candles off to the side. Lighting one he let his soul reach for her and when her soul returned the caress.
He knew all was well.
Without my winter love
It would not be long.
When the angels come to take you
When your plane takes off from Washington
Oh, I'll be right where you left me
I'll wait for you my winter love
Oh I'll wait for you my winter love
Oh I'll wait for you my winter love
As he turned to leave, his eyes found her waiting in the church doorway. As he drew near, she stood weary of his reaction. Wondering if he even knew who he was yet. But the look he gave her, the one of adoration and determination melted any doubt.
"Next time Serenity, you will not bare this burden alone." Before capturing the lips he had waited so long to finally kiss again.
The End