Author's Notes:

Hey minna...it's the Midnight Dreamer with the first chapter
of Astronomical! Like I said in the prologue, it starts to pick
up a bit ( and hopefully) the plot will start forming.

" "=dialogue
* *=thoughts
** **=thoughts within thought (you'll get it!)



Title: Astronomical- Darien's First Impression
Author: Midnight Dreamer



Last Week

*Finally a moment to relax....* Darien sighed in contentment as he walked around the campus. Glancing at the trees whose leaves were aflame with color, he continued walking and thinking about the good luck that had come his way recently. * I can't believe that I finally got the grant for my research...now I will be able to continue my work on supernovas and now I'm a TA...this is definitely my week!.* As he was walking across the quad, he spotted something or rather someone that caught his attention almost immediately. Long blond hair shone as if it was a source of light. Her face reminded Darien of an angel in a long ago dream. Glasses that were perched prettily on here nose as she read a book, seemed to add to the innate charm that the woman possessed. As he ventured closer, he noticed that there was a slight smile on her face and at that moment he wished he could meet that smile face to face. Out of habit he glanced at his watch and realized that he was late for his meeting with Professor Davis. *Maybe, I'll see her again...I sure hope I do.* Darien concluded as he made his way to the physics building.

Class, same week
"Today class, I would like to make an announcement. Your current TA, Greg has had to resign from the university for personal reasons." A collective gasp went up from the class. "However, this will not stop the amount of homework that you will receive." the professor chuckled, him being the only one to get the joke. After clearing his throat a couple of times, he continued. "We have been fortunate enough to get a replacement on such short notice. Class, may I introduce to you, Darien Centuri, a student from my advanced graduate class. Darien, would you like to say a few words?" The professor proceeded to give Darien the floor. * I guess that's my cue. As Darien stood and turned around, he looked around the classroom. Instant recognition hit when he saw the same girl that he seen a few days ago. *What is she doing in here? **Idiot, she's a student** Oh......well, I guess my luck had to run out sometime. It would not do for a BRAND NEW TA to be attracted to a student. I will just have to build up some defenses then.* After Darien gave his little speech, the professor continued class.

A couple of minutes later, giggles were heard from the middle of the room. Everyone turned to see who was making the noise, Darien included. "Is there a problem, ladies?" the professor asked. "No sir. There seems to be a little dust in the air. We're sorry for interrupting" the girl replied. Darien was gazing at the girl. * How can anyone produce a voice that so angelic......* Suddenly he realized that she was staring back him, so he turned around before she could she the faint blush on his face. Darien was never so happy to see the class dismissed that he almost flew out the door but was detained by some of the students that wanted to introduce themselves. Being polite and cordial he smiled and shook hands.
Just when he thought that he was done with everyone, he heard a voice say, "Hello Darien, I hope that you will be able to help me with my homework in the near future." she smiled. * I can't believe that this angel is talking to me...wait a minute Centuri, you need to get the defenses up, so start building!* "It's Mr. Centuri and I will be sure to assist you in any way that I can. By the way, it would be great if you wouldn't distract the other students from their studies. Some people are actually interested in the material being taught." After that getting a look of irritation and a mumbled "Thanx", she left the class, with Darien's eyes following her exit all the way.


Darien's Office

"Mr. Centuri, I don't understand why I received a B- on
this assignment, when I double checked all the answers and
showed my work. Furthermore....." Serena began to state her case
over the current injustice that she felt was committed against her
by Darien Centuri. As Serena was talking, Darien had seemed to
put up a face of indifference to her ranting. However, this was
only a facade to his thoughts. *Where did she get eyes so blue?
She looks so cute when she doesn't get her way. Her hair is so
shiny...I wonder how many brushstrokes it takes for it to be that way,
and let's not forget that body.....whoa there!! She's your student now,
so you have to stop that train right there!* As he came to this conclusion, he realized that Serena was staring at him.

"I'm sorry Miss Taylor. My mind seemed to be elsewhere. Could you please repeat yourself? Darien asked. Serena looked at him incredulously.* I sit here for five minutes and tell him everything that I could think of to boost my grade and he doesn't even have the common DECENCY to listen to me?!?! Maybe I should try the direct approach.


"What do you have against me , Mr. Centuri? Please tell me
because I don't understand why you pick on me. If it's not during our
lab session, you are tearing my homework to pieces because it is not the way you want it, or in other words, PERFECTION! Just because you were able to enter university at the age of 16 (AN: yeah, he skipped some grades), enrolled in the graduate honors curricula, and known as the resident brain on campus, does NOT give you the right to look down on me and overcriticize my work!" Serena finally gave herself time to take a breath.

*Well, one reason is that you are my student*, but this did not pass Darien's lips. Instead, with one eyebrow raised, Darien inquired, "Are you finished now Miss Taylor? Well, it seems that you have done your research...how did you find out all that information? "Well....umm....it's kinda well known facts around campus, Serena stuttered. "Is that so...news sure does travel fast around here. Well, to answer your question I have absolutely nothing against you, *Liar* but I do know that you aren't careful with your work." Darien told her. "What do you mean?" asked Serena. " You seem to make very simple mistakes in your calculations and that seems to throw everything off." Darien retorted. Serena thought on this, and at once her frown turned into a grin as she asked. "Well, since you are the class TA would you mind helping me with this problem?" *Hell YES!* was the instant decision Darien's mind came to. However, his mouth had other ideas. " Sure, that is the purpose of my job isn't it?" Darien replied sarcastically. " That it is, that it is...I would like to get started as soon as possible. Will tomorrow after class be alright with you?" she asked. * She makes the question sound so simple. I swear I would slap myself in the mouth if I could......me offering her help, knowing it was just an excuse to see here one on one again....Darien you need to stall for time, try to get used to the situation...* , but once again his mouth betrayed him and he heard himself say, "That will be fine." At his agreement, Serena stood up and said, "Good...I guess that I will see you tomorrow. Goodbye, Mr. Centuri", she waved as she walked out the door. Once Darien heard her heels clicking down the hall at a safe distance, he thought to himself, *I think I'm gonna have to build my defenses out of stronger stuff to be able to survive this*. After letting out a long breath, he just looked out the window, hoping that he will be better prepared for the battle tomorrow.



to be continued...