Standard disclaimers: Sailor Moon doesn't belong to me. Sailor Moon belongs to Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha Comics, Mixx Comics, Toei animation, Pioneer and a bunch of other companies I'm probably forgetting (sorry).





Chapter Five: Daydreams and Nightmares





Diana glanced outside and sighed.

"Diana?"

Her head snapped up at the sound of her mother's voice. Luna carefully observed her daughter. "It's not like you to daydream."

"I'm sorry, Mother. I was just...thinking, that's all."

"You haven't been yourself lately. I know it's hard, with Small Lady going away soon. Perhaps, since you can't seem to concentrate on your studies, I should let you go for the day."

"Really, Mother, I'm fine--"

But Luna wouldn't hear any of it. She interrupted her daughter saying, "Young ladies need to have some time to themselves once in a while. Go on. It's a beautiful day outside."

"Yes, ma'am." Diana reluctantly gathered up her few books and left the room, giving her mother one final glance before she shut the door behind herself. She sighed as she walked down the corridor, headed for her room. She couldn't help but think of Peruru. He seemed to be in her mind a lot lately. In fact, she had been thinking of him when her mother had called her to attention earlier. What is wrong with me? I just can't seem to concentrate on anything. Maybe I should take Mother's advice and spend some time alone. Oh well, at least I finally have some time to work on finishing that book...



***



Diana lay in the garden fast asleep, the book she had been reading lay open next to her on the ground. Her legs were curled up as she lay on her side, her hair spread around her on the soft grass. She looked so peaceful that he didn't want to disturb her. As quietly as he could, Peruru approached her, kneeling next to her back. Carefully he brushed a stray curl from her face. She sighed in her sleep and turned towards him, a small smile forming on her lips.

Peruru had been walking in the gardens when he had come upon her sleeping form. "Diana," he whispered her name softly so as not to startle her.

Diana awoke, her eyes cringing from the afternoon sunlight and then widening in surprise when she recognized Peruru staring down at her. She sat up so suddenly that her head collided with his. "Ow!"

She was suddenly embarrassed by her clumsiness. Diana was a bit disconcerted at not being her usual graceful self, but, she conceded, seeing Peruru upon waking had startled her, especially after she had been dreaming of-

That's right. I was having a dream. Peruru and I were dancing like we did at Small Lady's party. But we weren't in the ballroom, we were here, in the garden. Dancing in the moonlight. And then the music stopped...and...and...he kissed me...

Diana felt the heat of her blush in her cheeks. She glanced up to see Peruru rubbing his forehead and looking at her with worry.

"I'm sorry, Diana. I didn't mean to scare you. Are you alright?"

She heard him, but she couldn't concentrate on the words; they seemed to echo, like so much background noise, inside of her head. Her dream had confused her so, and then to be awoken by him like that...

Peruru watched Diana with growing concern. Her face was flushed and her brow was drawn together with worry.

"Diana," he said softly as he reached out to grasp her arm. He saw a pair of startled red eyes before he was momentarily blinded by a bright flash of light. When he could see again, he recognized a small gray cat darting through the bushes.

Diana? He tried to follow the cat, but could not catch up with her. He stood in the garden, perplexed. Why did she run away from me?



***



Diana ran straight to her room and threw herself onto her bed, transforming back into her human form. She felt as if she wanted to cry, but she didn't know why. She took deep breaths and tried to calm herself down. Within a few minutes, Diana was once again fast asleep.

Hours later, she tossed and turned in the midst of a dream. There were two of her, arguing with each other...most bizarre.

'Please, don't be stupid,' said one Diana to the other. 'If you fall in love with him, you'll only end up worse off than you are now. He can't love you back, he's in love with Small Lady. Besides, after the wedding he'll leave this place, and where will that leave you?'

'But, at least you'll know what it's like,' the other Diana argued '...to fall in love. Isn't that something you've always wanted? Besides, you can't fight it, anyway. You and I both know that. It's too strong. In fact, it's already too late...'

She awoke abruptly. She was covered in sweat and the covers were twisted about her lithe frame. She reached up only to realize her face was covered in tears.







AN: Um...I think this chapter came out sorta strange. It's kinda surreal at times. Please review and let me know what you think. And, I can take criticism as long as it is constructive. Thanks!