How to Have Fun
Chapter 7
Author: natia_99
E-mail: natia_99@yahoo.com
Rated: PG
Author's Notes: Well, here she be minna. By request since I'm soooo busy with school
and I just lost my entire first shoot's worth of footage....argggghhhh the rage!!!!!! Wretched
shoddy university equipment!!!!!!!! siiiigh. anyhoo, maybe this will sooth my nerves.
Disclaimer: I do not stake claim to Sailormoon. I do however, stake a claim here and now on
any and ALL Darien look alikes fortunate enough to cross my path...mwahahahahaha.
anyhoo, now it's time to answer that age old question....did they or didn't they? *giggles*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darien woke slowly....dimly aware of a warm body pressed comfortably to his own. His eyes drifted
open and the sound of the TV's test tone suddenly came clearly through. He looked over the couch
and saw the coloured lines flashing on the screen.
Serena lay on her side, back to him, snuggled up with his arm about her.
They'd fallen asleep.
He lay back a moment and recapped:
*FLASHBACK*
The kiss in the kitchen had continued for a long, long time. Longer than any of their other
kisses. But they both pulled back from it and she spoke first.
"I....you know I really want to...." She blushed, he was already far too red to blush,
"But I think....I think it's the wrong time to do it....for me, it means a committement
I just don't know if I can give you yet...."
He nodded, "I know, you're right....I just...." He pulled their foreheads together,
"I love you...it overwhelms me...."
She smiled and they managed to keep a hand or an arm together for the rest of the night.
They'd curled up after dinner and cuddled on the couch while the movies played. It can't
be said that they really paid attention to any of them though....
In fact, later on that week when a friend would ask Darien if he saw such-and-such movie
he would blurt yes and then realize he didn't remember any of it....and blush terribly.
He didn't want to blush. It had all been wonderful....too wonderful. Kissing her, holding
her...running his fingers through her hair...finding where she was ticklish....loving her.
But it made him blush....maybe because it was all so real.
*END FLASHBACK*
He looked at her sleeping face and brushed back strands of hair from her cheek. She was
beautiful. She was perfect. She was his.....was she his?
Had he really any claim on her? What about her dream to dance around the world? His stomach
clenched. Had he found the one only to let her go at the end of the year?
He looked down at her again....but hardened his resolve. It was worth it. It was all
worth it. Even if he would be lonely and heartbroken without her. He would take these months of
happiness. So would Rini. Memories were wonderful things...
But it was strange how he hadn't realized he stopped having fun....that he was lonely
and looking for love until she came into his life.
Hmm....he'd better wake her, Rini'd be back soon and if Rei came in and saw this she'd think
they...they....he paled.
He shook Serena gently and at that moment, the knob to the front door began to turn.
Darien panicked....worse than trying to dress on their first date. He lept up, grabbed an
extremely startled Serena into his arms and ran for the bedroom.
"Wha----?" She managed as she was shoved UNDER the bed.
"You have to hide! Rini's home!"
He ran out of the room before she could answer and greeted Rei and Rini at the door
throwing his tall frame to a lean against the wall by the kitchen.
"Have a good time?" He asked, praying he looked casual.
Rini grinned, "Yes!!!! Yaaaaay!" She took off to run through the apartment and left
Rei to survey the mess of dirty dishes and stack of movies by the rumpled couch with
raised eyebrows.
"You didn't even clean up!"
"Uh...no...I....well....I was tired and--where's Rini?" He asked suddenly aware
of the deathly silence.
"Probably in her room." Rei shrugged and headed in.
Darien went the other way, "Rini! Rini! Don't hide! Come on out!"
Rini meanwhile had run through the apartment and found Serena under Darien's bed--why,
what a wonderful game! Serena had giggled, put a finger to her lips and ushered her under.
They waited till Darien, in horror, came into his room and called out, "RINI!!!????" still
looking for her...then darting a glance every which way, he whispered, "...serena...???"
His feet came close to the bed and Serena and Rini both grabbed him, causing him to yell out
in utter terror.
Rei came running in.
Serena and Rini sat on Darien's bedroom floor killing themselves laughing. Darien
took one look at Rei's enraged face concluding the obvious and lept back into action.
He shoved Rei to the door before she could start yelling.
"Darien! You had Serena overnight??? With Rini coming home this morning???"
Darien's eyes narrowed, "Rei....ever heard of calling ahead? Buzzing in perhaps?"
"I never had to before!"
"I was alone before dammit!"
"Don't swear at me!"
"Do you begrudge me my happiness Rei?"
"You know that's not it! You know my beliefs! You have NO
committment in your relationship and Rini--"
Suddenly Darien was enraged. He was about to blurt out the truth when
he stopped himself...coming into his own a bit.
"Rei! This conversation is over! You have NO RIGHT to pass judgement on my
life! Mind your own business! And respect my privacy. In future, call ahead!"
He slammed the door in her haughty face--quite pleased to have won an argument
with his righteously bad-tempered cousin.
So there! He thought with flourish.
He went back inside to make pancakes for his two favorite girls and plot revenge
against them for scaring the wits out of him.
Rini didn't seem perturbed in the slightest by Serena sleeping over. Still so
young. In fact, she asked if the next sleepover, she could stay too so they
could all play games and have fun.
Definitely still young.
Rei however, had NOT finished having her say.
Serena left later and went home and it was then Darien sat Rini down to explain
things.
"Rini, you know Serena is studying to be a dancer right?"
"Yeah! I want to be a dancer too!"
Darien smiled. Rini idolized Serena right now. He grew serious though.
"Yes, but that means she might have the chance to dance all over the world
when she finishes this year."
Rini grew solemn, "So she might go away?"
Darien nodded and could not hide the sadness from his eyes.
Rini climbed into his lap and hugged him, "I'll miss her too!"
Darien held her gently, "I know you will. And we'll be sad without her
but everything will be okay."
Rini smiled, "I'll take care of you while she's gone!"
He laughed, "Oh will you?"
She nodded, "Yes. And we'll write letters won't we?"
Darien raised his eyebrows, "I hope so...."
Rini seemed content with this, "Then I'll grow up and be a dancer
and dance with Serena around the world too!"
She danced off to her room leaving a very very pale Darien contemplating
what exactly he would do if BOTH his girls left him...
Serena meanwhile, had a heavy heart. She had decisions to make and they were
tough ones.
She was glad they hadn't let things go all the way the night before.
They weren't ready. It meant too much. And she was afraid. Afraid if she
gave herself body and soul to him she would never be able to make
her decision with a clear head. The decision would already be made--and that
wasn't the way she wanted to make it.
She was walking across campus that afternoon when Rei stalked over.
Uh oh.
She had just about enough of Rei's guilting. She needed to make this
decision withOUT bad tempers flaring.
Rei's eyes were nearly red. Serena resisted the urge to turn and run.
She'd face this head-on...like a grown-up.
"I don't believe you Serena!" She flared, standing in Serena's path and
obstructing her from continuing on.
"If you don't mind, I have a class now." She went to move but Rei blocked
her.
"No, you listen to me! What are you doing? Staying the night at Darien's
with Rini coming home like that! Not only are you two NOT committed to
each other let alone married, there is a child involved! What if she'd walked
in? What if--"
"Rei, what are you talking about? I fell asleep on the couch with Darien! He
panicked when he heard the door and hid me under the bed....now I know why..."
"You expect me to believe that?" Rei cried in outrage.
Other people could hear her yelling by now and Serena felt her temper
rising.
"Look, I don't know what on earth gives you the right to judge me anyway,
butt out of my life Rei! I don't have to answer to you! I'll make my OWN
decision WITHOUT your righteous lectures!!!"
Her eyes narrowed and she stood at her full height to match Rei,
"And for your information, I DID NOT HAVE SEX WITH DARIEN!!!!!" She hollared,
her temper getting the better of her.
At this inopportune moment however, Darien was making his away across that
very same hall with some classmates and they all heard Serena's venemant proclamation.
And he knew then, that contrary to the haircut mishap of two years before, THIS was
the most embarassing moment of his life...
Rei and Serena stomped off in separate directions and never noticed him. But his
classmates all turned to read his reaction in their wake. Darien prayed to any
and all possibly listening, hopefully benevolant deities to just NOT let him blush,
but alas, to know avail.
Once again the giant 'V' appeared--at least to him--emblazoned across his chest.
"ouch." breathed Chad, a shaggy-haired classmate.
"Harsh man...." Ken shook his head.
"I guess that answers my question about your date." His best-friend
Andrew--the only one aware of the true situation--said sympathetically.
"You didn't deserve that man." Greg said, patting him on the shoulder.
"I agree." Ken nodded.
Chad put a hand on Darien's shoulder, "Yeah dude, cause if ANYONE deserves
to get some....it's you."
That may sound like distasteful guy slang, and it is. But it was spoken
with such sincerity and care by his friends that he was shocked speechless.
It appeared he had a 'Darien-should-get-some" fanclub...
How odd.
He'd have to really read Rei out later though. This was just too much.
Serena meanwhile, stomped to dance class and danced so passionately and--her teacher
noted--near violently, that everyone stopped to stare at her.
"What?" She gasped out angrily as they all gawked, "Can't a girl let off a little STEAM
now and then?"
At the end of class her teacher pulled her aside.
"Serena..."
"Yes?"
"I can't explain it. You're dancing has simply come alive. You were always one of
my best students, but now....you seem to have tapped into the core of whatever it is
that makes you most passionate. It shows in your dancing. Now, Seiya Dumont is in
town and I want you to dance for him. I think you could easily take a place in his
company...perhaps be his next star! What do you say?"
Serena's eyes were as wide as saucers. Seiya Dumont? THE Seiya Dumont? The world's
most powerful make-or-break dance master? He ran the world's top ballet company!!!
This was THE opportunity of a lifetime!!!!
"C-can I think about it?"
Her teacher smiled, "Of course, here's my number. Let me know by this friday."
This friday...that was the end of the week....only a week to decide?
Her teacher left.
Serena walked out slowly after she showered and changed...
She really needed some quiet time to think....this was all so sudden. Her passion?
She'd finally discovered her TRUE passion? Wasn't her true passion dancing? She'd
never thought about something else adding passion to her dancing...
And what about Darien and Rini? Her heart ached just thinking about leaving them.
She decided to go sit by the lake....that would sooth her nerves and give her a clear head.
She started towards the park when a dark-haired figure emerged suddenly from the left.
Rei.
She glared at Serena and held up a sheet of paper violently, "Since neither of you will
listen to me, maybe you'll listen to someone else. Here! She drew this and I thought
YOU should have it!"
She shoved the offending paper into Serena's hands and stormed off.
Serena unfolded it against the wind and her eyes turned shocked then sad.
It was in crayon...Rini drew it....the title across the top in uncertain letters
read "My family..."
And underneath were three figures. One tall and dark haired with blue eyes
and a wide smile...hearts generously around his head. The middle was Rini, small
and with a wide smile as she clutched Darien's hand AND the hand of the figure to
the right. Her....
She was drawn with careful lines, in a ballet costume with a smile and pretty eyes
with big eyelashes. There was a heart drawn on the ballet top and little hearts all around
her.
Underneath their names were written.
'Darien, my brother'
'Me'
'Serena, my favoritest person in the world'
Serena bit her lip.
She traced their figures on the paper....Rini loved her...and she loved
them both...like a family.
Is that what had happened? She'd gained a family...not just a boyfriend?
How could she ever decide between a beautiful family and her dream to dance
around the world? They were the two cherished wishes of her heart!!!
She veered away from the lake as she walked. She needed a lot more than
a lake....she needed....she needed....Mina.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mina waited worriedly at the cafe.
Serena had sounded terrible on the phone.
Just then she entered and threw herself down at the table with a decidedly
despairing thud.
The Waiter came....
"VEGETABLES!" Serena ordered passionately, "Give me ALL the
vegetables you can get your hands on!!!"
She was so intense the Waitor forgot to take Mina's order and hurried
away.
Mina shook her head. Serena only ordered vegetables when she was
really upset.
Some people drank coffee, ate cheesecake (AN: cheesecake for ME, three pieces
this week....heh heh heh), smoked cigerettes (ugh) or drank alcohal. Not
Serena....she ate vegetables.
"What's up?" Mina greeted, trying to smile.
Serena shot her a look, produced the paper and handed it to her.
Mina regarded it in silence. Smiling at all the hearts Rini had
drawn.
"Today my teacher gave me the opportunity to dance for Seiya
Dumont....this friday."
Mina's eyes nearly fell out of her head, "THE Seiya Dumont?
Oh my GOD Serena!!!!!!! That's amazing!!!"
Stars filled Mina's eyes, "Oh, he is SO dreamy...and now you
can dance around the world just like you always wan--"
She stopped herself short and looked down at the picture she
still clutched, "Oh...."
A huge plate of every conceivable kind of vegetable arrived then
with a bowl of dip in the middle.
Serena dug in with venom.
Mina watched her with a sigh.
This was bad.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darien let out a heavy sigh....
He was back from his late class. Serena and Rini were out to a movie
together.
He found Serena--without time to cook--had bought his favorite take-out and left
it in the fridge for him...he smiled.
Munching at it, he sat at the table and tried to collect his
tired thoughts.
Serena...love....family....school....dancing around the world....Rini...
and another delightful bomb....his prof had pulled him aside after
the last test was handed back.
*FLASHBACK*
"Darien....I have to say, this test was above and
beyond. You've really gained focus--and I know your
situation, raising a small child and all. This
is truly remarkable work. I want you to consider
going into pediatrics as a specialty....I know you're
only aiming to be a GP but think about it alright?
There's a great opportunity to open a pedaitrics clinic
in this area--if you're looking to stay here..."
*END FLASHBACK*
Darien sighed and made himself a strong coffee....
His newfound focus was the stress alleived in raising Rini...in living
a lonely life...in having enough fun to counter-balance studying...
in short, Serena.
Serena's love had changed his life. And the life it had changed
to was one he would give just about anything to keep.
And yet....he would not do anything to hold her back from her dream
of dancing....Gods,.....how long ago that moment in the park seemed....
when she'd confessed that dream to him....when he'd thought it foolish
and impossible to dream of love with her.
Now here he was. In love....and anguish.
He shook his head in self-pity--could things GET any worse?
Rei burst in.
He smothered an ironic laugh.
Apparently yes.
She stomped in and sat down, "You wanted to talk to me?"
"Rei, what has gotten into you lately? Why are you being
so bad-tempered? And why are you being so awful to Serena?
She's the best thing to happen to me--"
"IS SHE?" Rei asked pointedly, cutting him off.
Darien frowned, "Yes she is Rei. I may not be
able to keep her forever, but I wouldn't trade one precious
MOMENT I've had with her--and neither would Rini!"
"How can you speak for Rini? She's just a little girl! She
loves Serena!"
Darien grew angry, which he rarely ever was, "Do you think
I don't know how to look after Rini? I'm the one that's RAISED
her Rei! Don't you DARE insinuate my loving Serena makes me a
bad father! I HAVE spoken to Rini about it and explained
things to her! She knows Serena may leave at the end of this
year!"
Rei's face flushed, "That doesn't mean she understands how
things will change Darien!"
"So what do you propose I do Rei?" He roared, "HMMM? What's
YOUR magical solution? We both already love her! We both
already welcomed her into our lives!"
Rei had nothing to say to that.
"We're already involved! The only thing you can do is be
a decent cousin and friend! God, do you have any idea how
hard this all is for me? I don't need YOU making it worse!"
Rei bit her lip guiltily, "That's why I'm so worried. I know
how hard this will all be! I don't want you to go through it!"
"It's my decision Rei. It's my decision to go through it. And I
chose love!"
Rei sighed, "I know. I know you did. And really I'm proud
of you....I thought you might be afraid to love again after
losing your parents."
He smiled, "I thought so to. I thought I might be hiding
behind Rini. But now I know I was just waiting for the
right girl. But I know we're both still young. I know I'm
giving her thirty-year-old problems when all she should be
deciding is what country she wants to dance her way through
first."
"You know, she chose you too. Remember that. She loves
you both. I can tell..."
She hung her head guilitly.
"I think you owe her an apology." He said quietly.
"I know I do." Rei replied.
"Do you dislike her?" Darien asked honestly.
Rei smiled, "Actually, I really like her. I don't know if
I understand her....but I like her. She's....full of life.
I admire that."
Darien smiled, "I've really never met anyone like her. I
wonder why she loves me. Do you think I'm really right
for her Rei? I mean....do you think someone else might
suit her better?"
Rei laughed, "No. You two make a great couple. She's
certainly full of life...but you bring her heart alive.
I can see what you've kindled in her. Don't be fooled
by all the ease and confidence she puts out Darien...."
He seemed to take that in thoughtfully.
Serena came in the door at that moment, with Rini laid over
her shoulder half-asleep.
Darien and Rei turned to look at her. She smiled at Darien
and gave Rei a bit of a startled look before taking Rini to bed.
She emerged a moment later and faced them both awkwardly.
Rei stood, "I'd like to talk to you Serena." She said
meekly, "If you'll let me. I'll wait outside for you."
She left quietly and Serena stared in shocked surprise after her.
"Is she...is she going to apologize to me?"
Darien muffled a laugh and nodded, coming over and putting
his arms around her.
"Wow." She exclaimed, looking towards Rei.
Darien leaned down and caught her mouth in a kiss, "You
know I think you're amazing don't you?" He breathed as
he pulled away.
She blushed and nodded.
"And you know how grateful I am to have had you
these past few months right?"
Another nod.
"Did you know I have no idea why you love
a bum like me?" He joked.
She giggled, "Bums like you just happen to be
my type handsome!" She poked him in the nose and
grinned.
He sighed, "You'd better get going and let
Rei eat her humble pie."
She smiled and then leaned up to kiss him deeply.
"I love you very much Darien." She said softly, earnestly
and he clutched her tightly a moment, savoring it.
"I know....Serena, I will always cherish what you've
given me..." He pulled back and tilted her emotion-filled
face to his, "No matter how faraway you go...."
Her eyes welled up and he felt bad for bringing it up.
She touched his face softly, "Tell me you love me again? I
need to hear it..."
He pulled her tight again, "You know I do....with all
my heart...."
He kissed her again and let her go. She padded softly out of the
apartment and when the door was closed firmly, he finally gave
in and wiped his eyes.
He headed dejectedly to bed...heart full. A few moments later however
Rini appeared in the doorway.
She climbed over and curled up next to him, one sleepy arm
about his side.
He gathered her comfortably into his arms and managed to drift off.
It was like she knew.....
Serena meanwhile, walked silently down the hall to the elevator
with a pale Rei.
When the doors closed, Rei spoke,
"I owe you an apology Serena. I'm sorry for the
way I've acted. I have nothing against you. I'm just...
I'm just worried about my family...."
"I know you are." Serena answered softly, eyes filling
up again, "I am too.....
Rei saw her near-tears and felt terrible, "I know I've only
made things harder. This must be a terrible strain on you."
Serena nodded, "It is Rei. I...I feel like my heart is
being torn in two directions...."
Rei smiled sympathetically, "I guess you have to
just take a good hard listen and see what it's telling
you to do...."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hello?"
"Hello Mrs. Ramorez?"
"Yes?"
"It's Serena...."
"Hello Serena, have you made your decision then?"
"Yes, I'll dance for Mr. Dumont this friday if that's
okay."
"That's fine. Say 4 pm?"
"Sounds great."
"Wonderful! I'm glad you've agreed. You're the only
student I've offered this chance to you know. I just
feel you have that special something--whatever it is,
don't let it go!"
click.
Serena bowed her head and cried.
For she suddenly put things together and realized what the
'special something was'......it was her family.
Her family that she loved. Her family that filled her heart
and made her whole and added the missing passion to her dancing
the same way they added it to her life.
They gave her both the ability to follow her dream...and the reason
to stay without pursuing it....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
perhaps I'll stop here for now. heh heh...I just loved having
Darien tell off Rei....I always thought he should in the anime!
Isn't it nice to have him and Serena finally put her in her place?
sigh. My work here is done. *dodges tomatoes* not on the fic minna!!!!
Chapter 7
Author: natia_99
E-mail: natia_99@yahoo.com
Rated: PG
Author's Notes: Well, here she be minna. By request since I'm soooo busy with school
and I just lost my entire first shoot's worth of footage....argggghhhh the rage!!!!!! Wretched
shoddy university equipment!!!!!!!! siiiigh. anyhoo, maybe this will sooth my nerves.
Disclaimer: I do not stake claim to Sailormoon. I do however, stake a claim here and now on
any and ALL Darien look alikes fortunate enough to cross my path...mwahahahahaha.
anyhoo, now it's time to answer that age old question....did they or didn't they? *giggles*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darien woke slowly....dimly aware of a warm body pressed comfortably to his own. His eyes drifted
open and the sound of the TV's test tone suddenly came clearly through. He looked over the couch
and saw the coloured lines flashing on the screen.
Serena lay on her side, back to him, snuggled up with his arm about her.
They'd fallen asleep.
He lay back a moment and recapped:
*FLASHBACK*
The kiss in the kitchen had continued for a long, long time. Longer than any of their other
kisses. But they both pulled back from it and she spoke first.
"I....you know I really want to...." She blushed, he was already far too red to blush,
"But I think....I think it's the wrong time to do it....for me, it means a committement
I just don't know if I can give you yet...."
He nodded, "I know, you're right....I just...." He pulled their foreheads together,
"I love you...it overwhelms me...."
She smiled and they managed to keep a hand or an arm together for the rest of the night.
They'd curled up after dinner and cuddled on the couch while the movies played. It can't
be said that they really paid attention to any of them though....
In fact, later on that week when a friend would ask Darien if he saw such-and-such movie
he would blurt yes and then realize he didn't remember any of it....and blush terribly.
He didn't want to blush. It had all been wonderful....too wonderful. Kissing her, holding
her...running his fingers through her hair...finding where she was ticklish....loving her.
But it made him blush....maybe because it was all so real.
*END FLASHBACK*
He looked at her sleeping face and brushed back strands of hair from her cheek. She was
beautiful. She was perfect. She was his.....was she his?
Had he really any claim on her? What about her dream to dance around the world? His stomach
clenched. Had he found the one only to let her go at the end of the year?
He looked down at her again....but hardened his resolve. It was worth it. It was all
worth it. Even if he would be lonely and heartbroken without her. He would take these months of
happiness. So would Rini. Memories were wonderful things...
But it was strange how he hadn't realized he stopped having fun....that he was lonely
and looking for love until she came into his life.
Hmm....he'd better wake her, Rini'd be back soon and if Rei came in and saw this she'd think
they...they....he paled.
He shook Serena gently and at that moment, the knob to the front door began to turn.
Darien panicked....worse than trying to dress on their first date. He lept up, grabbed an
extremely startled Serena into his arms and ran for the bedroom.
"Wha----?" She managed as she was shoved UNDER the bed.
"You have to hide! Rini's home!"
He ran out of the room before she could answer and greeted Rei and Rini at the door
throwing his tall frame to a lean against the wall by the kitchen.
"Have a good time?" He asked, praying he looked casual.
Rini grinned, "Yes!!!! Yaaaaay!" She took off to run through the apartment and left
Rei to survey the mess of dirty dishes and stack of movies by the rumpled couch with
raised eyebrows.
"You didn't even clean up!"
"Uh...no...I....well....I was tired and--where's Rini?" He asked suddenly aware
of the deathly silence.
"Probably in her room." Rei shrugged and headed in.
Darien went the other way, "Rini! Rini! Don't hide! Come on out!"
Rini meanwhile had run through the apartment and found Serena under Darien's bed--why,
what a wonderful game! Serena had giggled, put a finger to her lips and ushered her under.
They waited till Darien, in horror, came into his room and called out, "RINI!!!????" still
looking for her...then darting a glance every which way, he whispered, "...serena...???"
His feet came close to the bed and Serena and Rini both grabbed him, causing him to yell out
in utter terror.
Rei came running in.
Serena and Rini sat on Darien's bedroom floor killing themselves laughing. Darien
took one look at Rei's enraged face concluding the obvious and lept back into action.
He shoved Rei to the door before she could start yelling.
"Darien! You had Serena overnight??? With Rini coming home this morning???"
Darien's eyes narrowed, "Rei....ever heard of calling ahead? Buzzing in perhaps?"
"I never had to before!"
"I was alone before dammit!"
"Don't swear at me!"
"Do you begrudge me my happiness Rei?"
"You know that's not it! You know my beliefs! You have NO
committment in your relationship and Rini--"
Suddenly Darien was enraged. He was about to blurt out the truth when
he stopped himself...coming into his own a bit.
"Rei! This conversation is over! You have NO RIGHT to pass judgement on my
life! Mind your own business! And respect my privacy. In future, call ahead!"
He slammed the door in her haughty face--quite pleased to have won an argument
with his righteously bad-tempered cousin.
So there! He thought with flourish.
He went back inside to make pancakes for his two favorite girls and plot revenge
against them for scaring the wits out of him.
Rini didn't seem perturbed in the slightest by Serena sleeping over. Still so
young. In fact, she asked if the next sleepover, she could stay too so they
could all play games and have fun.
Definitely still young.
Rei however, had NOT finished having her say.
Serena left later and went home and it was then Darien sat Rini down to explain
things.
"Rini, you know Serena is studying to be a dancer right?"
"Yeah! I want to be a dancer too!"
Darien smiled. Rini idolized Serena right now. He grew serious though.
"Yes, but that means she might have the chance to dance all over the world
when she finishes this year."
Rini grew solemn, "So she might go away?"
Darien nodded and could not hide the sadness from his eyes.
Rini climbed into his lap and hugged him, "I'll miss her too!"
Darien held her gently, "I know you will. And we'll be sad without her
but everything will be okay."
Rini smiled, "I'll take care of you while she's gone!"
He laughed, "Oh will you?"
She nodded, "Yes. And we'll write letters won't we?"
Darien raised his eyebrows, "I hope so...."
Rini seemed content with this, "Then I'll grow up and be a dancer
and dance with Serena around the world too!"
She danced off to her room leaving a very very pale Darien contemplating
what exactly he would do if BOTH his girls left him...
Serena meanwhile, had a heavy heart. She had decisions to make and they were
tough ones.
She was glad they hadn't let things go all the way the night before.
They weren't ready. It meant too much. And she was afraid. Afraid if she
gave herself body and soul to him she would never be able to make
her decision with a clear head. The decision would already be made--and that
wasn't the way she wanted to make it.
She was walking across campus that afternoon when Rei stalked over.
Uh oh.
She had just about enough of Rei's guilting. She needed to make this
decision withOUT bad tempers flaring.
Rei's eyes were nearly red. Serena resisted the urge to turn and run.
She'd face this head-on...like a grown-up.
"I don't believe you Serena!" She flared, standing in Serena's path and
obstructing her from continuing on.
"If you don't mind, I have a class now." She went to move but Rei blocked
her.
"No, you listen to me! What are you doing? Staying the night at Darien's
with Rini coming home like that! Not only are you two NOT committed to
each other let alone married, there is a child involved! What if she'd walked
in? What if--"
"Rei, what are you talking about? I fell asleep on the couch with Darien! He
panicked when he heard the door and hid me under the bed....now I know why..."
"You expect me to believe that?" Rei cried in outrage.
Other people could hear her yelling by now and Serena felt her temper
rising.
"Look, I don't know what on earth gives you the right to judge me anyway,
butt out of my life Rei! I don't have to answer to you! I'll make my OWN
decision WITHOUT your righteous lectures!!!"
Her eyes narrowed and she stood at her full height to match Rei,
"And for your information, I DID NOT HAVE SEX WITH DARIEN!!!!!" She hollared,
her temper getting the better of her.
At this inopportune moment however, Darien was making his away across that
very same hall with some classmates and they all heard Serena's venemant proclamation.
And he knew then, that contrary to the haircut mishap of two years before, THIS was
the most embarassing moment of his life...
Rei and Serena stomped off in separate directions and never noticed him. But his
classmates all turned to read his reaction in their wake. Darien prayed to any
and all possibly listening, hopefully benevolant deities to just NOT let him blush,
but alas, to know avail.
Once again the giant 'V' appeared--at least to him--emblazoned across his chest.
"ouch." breathed Chad, a shaggy-haired classmate.
"Harsh man...." Ken shook his head.
"I guess that answers my question about your date." His best-friend
Andrew--the only one aware of the true situation--said sympathetically.
"You didn't deserve that man." Greg said, patting him on the shoulder.
"I agree." Ken nodded.
Chad put a hand on Darien's shoulder, "Yeah dude, cause if ANYONE deserves
to get some....it's you."
That may sound like distasteful guy slang, and it is. But it was spoken
with such sincerity and care by his friends that he was shocked speechless.
It appeared he had a 'Darien-should-get-some" fanclub...
How odd.
He'd have to really read Rei out later though. This was just too much.
Serena meanwhile, stomped to dance class and danced so passionately and--her teacher
noted--near violently, that everyone stopped to stare at her.
"What?" She gasped out angrily as they all gawked, "Can't a girl let off a little STEAM
now and then?"
At the end of class her teacher pulled her aside.
"Serena..."
"Yes?"
"I can't explain it. You're dancing has simply come alive. You were always one of
my best students, but now....you seem to have tapped into the core of whatever it is
that makes you most passionate. It shows in your dancing. Now, Seiya Dumont is in
town and I want you to dance for him. I think you could easily take a place in his
company...perhaps be his next star! What do you say?"
Serena's eyes were as wide as saucers. Seiya Dumont? THE Seiya Dumont? The world's
most powerful make-or-break dance master? He ran the world's top ballet company!!!
This was THE opportunity of a lifetime!!!!
"C-can I think about it?"
Her teacher smiled, "Of course, here's my number. Let me know by this friday."
This friday...that was the end of the week....only a week to decide?
Her teacher left.
Serena walked out slowly after she showered and changed...
She really needed some quiet time to think....this was all so sudden. Her passion?
She'd finally discovered her TRUE passion? Wasn't her true passion dancing? She'd
never thought about something else adding passion to her dancing...
And what about Darien and Rini? Her heart ached just thinking about leaving them.
She decided to go sit by the lake....that would sooth her nerves and give her a clear head.
She started towards the park when a dark-haired figure emerged suddenly from the left.
Rei.
She glared at Serena and held up a sheet of paper violently, "Since neither of you will
listen to me, maybe you'll listen to someone else. Here! She drew this and I thought
YOU should have it!"
She shoved the offending paper into Serena's hands and stormed off.
Serena unfolded it against the wind and her eyes turned shocked then sad.
It was in crayon...Rini drew it....the title across the top in uncertain letters
read "My family..."
And underneath were three figures. One tall and dark haired with blue eyes
and a wide smile...hearts generously around his head. The middle was Rini, small
and with a wide smile as she clutched Darien's hand AND the hand of the figure to
the right. Her....
She was drawn with careful lines, in a ballet costume with a smile and pretty eyes
with big eyelashes. There was a heart drawn on the ballet top and little hearts all around
her.
Underneath their names were written.
'Darien, my brother'
'Me'
'Serena, my favoritest person in the world'
Serena bit her lip.
She traced their figures on the paper....Rini loved her...and she loved
them both...like a family.
Is that what had happened? She'd gained a family...not just a boyfriend?
How could she ever decide between a beautiful family and her dream to dance
around the world? They were the two cherished wishes of her heart!!!
She veered away from the lake as she walked. She needed a lot more than
a lake....she needed....she needed....Mina.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mina waited worriedly at the cafe.
Serena had sounded terrible on the phone.
Just then she entered and threw herself down at the table with a decidedly
despairing thud.
The Waiter came....
"VEGETABLES!" Serena ordered passionately, "Give me ALL the
vegetables you can get your hands on!!!"
She was so intense the Waitor forgot to take Mina's order and hurried
away.
Mina shook her head. Serena only ordered vegetables when she was
really upset.
Some people drank coffee, ate cheesecake (AN: cheesecake for ME, three pieces
this week....heh heh heh), smoked cigerettes (ugh) or drank alcohal. Not
Serena....she ate vegetables.
"What's up?" Mina greeted, trying to smile.
Serena shot her a look, produced the paper and handed it to her.
Mina regarded it in silence. Smiling at all the hearts Rini had
drawn.
"Today my teacher gave me the opportunity to dance for Seiya
Dumont....this friday."
Mina's eyes nearly fell out of her head, "THE Seiya Dumont?
Oh my GOD Serena!!!!!!! That's amazing!!!"
Stars filled Mina's eyes, "Oh, he is SO dreamy...and now you
can dance around the world just like you always wan--"
She stopped herself short and looked down at the picture she
still clutched, "Oh...."
A huge plate of every conceivable kind of vegetable arrived then
with a bowl of dip in the middle.
Serena dug in with venom.
Mina watched her with a sigh.
This was bad.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darien let out a heavy sigh....
He was back from his late class. Serena and Rini were out to a movie
together.
He found Serena--without time to cook--had bought his favorite take-out and left
it in the fridge for him...he smiled.
Munching at it, he sat at the table and tried to collect his
tired thoughts.
Serena...love....family....school....dancing around the world....Rini...
and another delightful bomb....his prof had pulled him aside after
the last test was handed back.
*FLASHBACK*
"Darien....I have to say, this test was above and
beyond. You've really gained focus--and I know your
situation, raising a small child and all. This
is truly remarkable work. I want you to consider
going into pediatrics as a specialty....I know you're
only aiming to be a GP but think about it alright?
There's a great opportunity to open a pedaitrics clinic
in this area--if you're looking to stay here..."
*END FLASHBACK*
Darien sighed and made himself a strong coffee....
His newfound focus was the stress alleived in raising Rini...in living
a lonely life...in having enough fun to counter-balance studying...
in short, Serena.
Serena's love had changed his life. And the life it had changed
to was one he would give just about anything to keep.
And yet....he would not do anything to hold her back from her dream
of dancing....Gods,.....how long ago that moment in the park seemed....
when she'd confessed that dream to him....when he'd thought it foolish
and impossible to dream of love with her.
Now here he was. In love....and anguish.
He shook his head in self-pity--could things GET any worse?
Rei burst in.
He smothered an ironic laugh.
Apparently yes.
She stomped in and sat down, "You wanted to talk to me?"
"Rei, what has gotten into you lately? Why are you being
so bad-tempered? And why are you being so awful to Serena?
She's the best thing to happen to me--"
"IS SHE?" Rei asked pointedly, cutting him off.
Darien frowned, "Yes she is Rei. I may not be
able to keep her forever, but I wouldn't trade one precious
MOMENT I've had with her--and neither would Rini!"
"How can you speak for Rini? She's just a little girl! She
loves Serena!"
Darien grew angry, which he rarely ever was, "Do you think
I don't know how to look after Rini? I'm the one that's RAISED
her Rei! Don't you DARE insinuate my loving Serena makes me a
bad father! I HAVE spoken to Rini about it and explained
things to her! She knows Serena may leave at the end of this
year!"
Rei's face flushed, "That doesn't mean she understands how
things will change Darien!"
"So what do you propose I do Rei?" He roared, "HMMM? What's
YOUR magical solution? We both already love her! We both
already welcomed her into our lives!"
Rei had nothing to say to that.
"We're already involved! The only thing you can do is be
a decent cousin and friend! God, do you have any idea how
hard this all is for me? I don't need YOU making it worse!"
Rei bit her lip guiltily, "That's why I'm so worried. I know
how hard this will all be! I don't want you to go through it!"
"It's my decision Rei. It's my decision to go through it. And I
chose love!"
Rei sighed, "I know. I know you did. And really I'm proud
of you....I thought you might be afraid to love again after
losing your parents."
He smiled, "I thought so to. I thought I might be hiding
behind Rini. But now I know I was just waiting for the
right girl. But I know we're both still young. I know I'm
giving her thirty-year-old problems when all she should be
deciding is what country she wants to dance her way through
first."
"You know, she chose you too. Remember that. She loves
you both. I can tell..."
She hung her head guilitly.
"I think you owe her an apology." He said quietly.
"I know I do." Rei replied.
"Do you dislike her?" Darien asked honestly.
Rei smiled, "Actually, I really like her. I don't know if
I understand her....but I like her. She's....full of life.
I admire that."
Darien smiled, "I've really never met anyone like her. I
wonder why she loves me. Do you think I'm really right
for her Rei? I mean....do you think someone else might
suit her better?"
Rei laughed, "No. You two make a great couple. She's
certainly full of life...but you bring her heart alive.
I can see what you've kindled in her. Don't be fooled
by all the ease and confidence she puts out Darien...."
He seemed to take that in thoughtfully.
Serena came in the door at that moment, with Rini laid over
her shoulder half-asleep.
Darien and Rei turned to look at her. She smiled at Darien
and gave Rei a bit of a startled look before taking Rini to bed.
She emerged a moment later and faced them both awkwardly.
Rei stood, "I'd like to talk to you Serena." She said
meekly, "If you'll let me. I'll wait outside for you."
She left quietly and Serena stared in shocked surprise after her.
"Is she...is she going to apologize to me?"
Darien muffled a laugh and nodded, coming over and putting
his arms around her.
"Wow." She exclaimed, looking towards Rei.
Darien leaned down and caught her mouth in a kiss, "You
know I think you're amazing don't you?" He breathed as
he pulled away.
She blushed and nodded.
"And you know how grateful I am to have had you
these past few months right?"
Another nod.
"Did you know I have no idea why you love
a bum like me?" He joked.
She giggled, "Bums like you just happen to be
my type handsome!" She poked him in the nose and
grinned.
He sighed, "You'd better get going and let
Rei eat her humble pie."
She smiled and then leaned up to kiss him deeply.
"I love you very much Darien." She said softly, earnestly
and he clutched her tightly a moment, savoring it.
"I know....Serena, I will always cherish what you've
given me..." He pulled back and tilted her emotion-filled
face to his, "No matter how faraway you go...."
Her eyes welled up and he felt bad for bringing it up.
She touched his face softly, "Tell me you love me again? I
need to hear it..."
He pulled her tight again, "You know I do....with all
my heart...."
He kissed her again and let her go. She padded softly out of the
apartment and when the door was closed firmly, he finally gave
in and wiped his eyes.
He headed dejectedly to bed...heart full. A few moments later however
Rini appeared in the doorway.
She climbed over and curled up next to him, one sleepy arm
about his side.
He gathered her comfortably into his arms and managed to drift off.
It was like she knew.....
Serena meanwhile, walked silently down the hall to the elevator
with a pale Rei.
When the doors closed, Rei spoke,
"I owe you an apology Serena. I'm sorry for the
way I've acted. I have nothing against you. I'm just...
I'm just worried about my family...."
"I know you are." Serena answered softly, eyes filling
up again, "I am too.....
Rei saw her near-tears and felt terrible, "I know I've only
made things harder. This must be a terrible strain on you."
Serena nodded, "It is Rei. I...I feel like my heart is
being torn in two directions...."
Rei smiled sympathetically, "I guess you have to
just take a good hard listen and see what it's telling
you to do...."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hello?"
"Hello Mrs. Ramorez?"
"Yes?"
"It's Serena...."
"Hello Serena, have you made your decision then?"
"Yes, I'll dance for Mr. Dumont this friday if that's
okay."
"That's fine. Say 4 pm?"
"Sounds great."
"Wonderful! I'm glad you've agreed. You're the only
student I've offered this chance to you know. I just
feel you have that special something--whatever it is,
don't let it go!"
click.
Serena bowed her head and cried.
For she suddenly put things together and realized what the
'special something was'......it was her family.
Her family that she loved. Her family that filled her heart
and made her whole and added the missing passion to her dancing
the same way they added it to her life.
They gave her both the ability to follow her dream...and the reason
to stay without pursuing it....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
perhaps I'll stop here for now. heh heh...I just loved having
Darien tell off Rei....I always thought he should in the anime!
Isn't it nice to have him and Serena finally put her in her place?
sigh. My work here is done. *dodges tomatoes* not on the fic minna!!!!
