Chapter Four

Hopes and Dreams

The festival grounds were alive with activity as the performers went through the final days of rehearsals, preparing their various duties. Venders selling everything from Fantasy Fable's Fruit Pies, to Ye Young Knight's Shop that sold various children's swords and other toys. Acrobats did their routines in the grassy meadows while fencers dueled on the stage going through each movement with practiced precision.

Horses whinnied in anxiety as they stood on the field for the joust as thirty two warriors in full armor prepared their final practice. The winner was predetermined amongst the jousters and they tried to mix it up. So now they were practicing for the first day's contest, less then twenty-four hours away. One tall figure sat in the saddle of the midnight stallion silently, his eyes matching the ebony armor. The shield on his left arm bore a crescent moon that crossed a red rose.

They had been practicing for hours and this was their last one of the day. Indeed, Darien was going to win this one, which he was eternally grateful, since he had taken falls from the stallion's back all day long. But it didn't really bother him as he thought to the news the four conspiring girls had told him. Serena Tsukino loved him?

But now the young collage student didn't know what to do…he wanted to tell her but every time he started to something would stop him. And he was beginning to get scared, maybe he had been wrong. But before he could think anymore on these doubts the master of ceremonies called out for him to prepare his run.

Ironically his opponent for the finals was none other than his best friend. Richard's chestnut stallion pranced across as he lowered his visor. That was one of Darien's characteristics, he never showed his face in the competition, save if he won it. There was a whole ceremony at the end of the contest for the winner. Finally the two armored warriors galloped towards each other, the air filled with the pounding of the strong hoofs and a crash of lance on shield.

Both lances shattered and the knights wheeled around drawing their swords and dismounting the horses. They had decided to make the finale' a bit more exciting by ending it in a hand to hand battle. Grinning underneath the dark helmet, Darien slashed causing Richard to leap back before charging forward. His sword was shoved aside by the shield and Darien's taller form shouldered his friend to the ground. The black armored warrior leveled his blade at Richard's silver armored neck and the older man chuckled raising his hands.

"I surrender," Darien stepped back and removed his helm as Richard rose from the ground his hair matted with perspiration from their exertions. The troupe was dismissed with the warning to arrive bright and early the next morning for the live shows. Replacing their armor the two men walked towards the parking lot with Cathy.

But the two lovers weren't about to let their friend get away without answering their questions and Cathy was the most persistent, "So Darien, I've found that you've been extremely happy all week, care to share the cause of this break from your usual melancholy?"

The three chuckled and Darien sighed with a smile that would cause many hearts to burn with desire, "I found that the woman I love loves me back…"

Richard and Cathy chuckled as they regarded the young man for a moment and it was the older man who spoke, "So who is it Darien and why haven't we met her?"

"Well there is a good reason that you haven't met her…she doesn't know that I love her in return." This prompted Darien to tell how he had gotten the aid of Serena's friends. Who the girl was, how they had met, how they had become friends, and how his love had developed for the girl. By the end of the story Cathy was smiling despite the tears in her eyes and even Richard seemed overjoyed.

"So what do you intend to do now Darien?" his friend of many years asked quietly.

"I am not sure yet….but I have an idea," he smiled, "But I need to call on that favor of yours Richard."

"Hey I told you name it and you got it," he grinned hugging his wife close, "You introduced me to Cathy, how can I NOT help??"

The young collage student smiled and thanked them both, he then began outlining his idea. It was agreed, and they planned the date for it but that was Darien's call to make. With that agreed they made their way to their cars and each thought to their plans with light hearts and hopes.

The park was filled with happy people who walked along the leaf covered paths slowly. By mid day the temperatures had grown warm enough that many removed their light jackets. Five girls walked along happily chatting with each other, only one of them didn't know Darien's plans. The golden haired beauty who unknowingly held his heart had been happy for weeks. And her friends all knew who was the cause.

But whenever asked why she hadn't told him yet, Serena would only say that she wasn't ready. But the truth that she carried in her heart was that she was scared, scared that all of her feelings and closeness to Darien were going to eventually return to their old ways. And she would just be meatball head once more.

Seeing the sadness in her eyes prompted the other blonde to speak softly as they moved to one of the picnic tables, "What are those thoughts that trouble you Serena??"

"Is it that obvious?" with a heavy sigh she sat down resting her cheek in her hand. The others sat close to her ready to give her advice and comfort her. Each would willingly take any pain their friend suffered, for she had brought a joy that none could match.

"Girl your face is as readable as an open book," Rei grinned a bit, "Well a book that's not Ami's"

This brought the desired grin as Serena reveled in the warmth of her friend's presence. So began her opening of the feelings she was feeling. How improbable all of this seemed, but wonderful at the same time. Each of the four listened intently, since learning of their friend's near suicide, the girls had been closer then ever before always visiting with Serena and ready to talk at any time.

Then she looked at the four and asked the question she had secretly been dreading since telling the other girls of her feelings, "What have you found out about Darien?"

They hesitated remembering their promise, and finally Ami spoke softly, "Well he seems favorable to you…"

"In other words you're not sure??" the young woman sighed heavily, but Lita was quick to pick up the opportunity that this had presented by adding her thoughts.

"He did ask that we come to the Renaissance festival…he works there and will get us all free tickets but he said to make sure you especially came," she smiled gently, "So don't give up yet."

They discussed the festival then, it was something they had been planning to do. Each had their reasons for going. Ami was fascinated by the thought of the countless books and sights of history. But her raven haired friend was more interested in the costumes and music. Lita couldn't wait to see the food and the fights. But Mina was just prepared to shop until she dropped. But Serena remained lost in thoughts of Darien, and she knew that in going she was only desiring to see him again.

They agreed to go in one week and secretly her four friends were planning to let her secret love know of their plans. Then they began gossiping and Serena soon lost her melancholy for the time being as she felt the warmth of her friends' closeness. 'They are truly wonderful friends and I love them so much.' Still she was nervous and Lita offered to walk her friend home.

"Alright, but only if we swing by the arcade for a coke okay?" the blonde grinned and Lita nodded.

Letting the others depart the two friends walked through the busy sidewalk and entered the arcade. Serena was a bit saddened to find that Darien wasn't there, but she waved to Andrew who was smiling gently to her. As the pair sat down at the bar stools Andrew handed his friend an envelope that had her name written in a firm script.

"This was left for you a little while ago," the clerk left to get their drinks as Serena caught the faint scent of cinnamon and the stronger aroma of roses from the envelope. Shaky fingers opened the letter and she smiled gently finding the letter with many rose petals at the bottom of it. Those sapphire eyes read each word slowly as Lita watched with amusement.

My Dear Friend~

I'm sorry I wasn't there, but I find myself unable to speak too much when I am near you. I miss you my friend and am so glad we are such good friends. I treasure our time together even if it seems too short and I hope to see you again soon. Keep safe and be well my dear friend.

Sincerely~

Darien

Silence rang in her ears as she sighed with a soft smile and handed the note, begrudgingly, to her friend. The other woman read it and sighed enviously. The young woman wished she had someone who did so much for her. They sat together talking quietly against the constant chirping of the machines behind them. Noting the time Lita suggested they head for home.

Her friend nodded as the sun slowly faded into twilight, setting the autumn sky ablaze with pink and orange hues. Serena and her friend walked out of the arcade with a wave to Andrew. They decided to cut through the school's athletic fields since they were directly on the way to Serena's house. All the while Serena insisted that Lita needn't escort her home.

"No way Sere, I'm going to be keeping a tighter watch on you ," the girl touched her friend's shoulder gently, "I really worry Sere, it's just….if something happened to you I'd lose my best friend…"

Serena smiled gently and hugged the woman, a sister she had always wanted, "Don't worry Lita, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

She grinned then, "Good, now let's get you home."

The walked through the empty football field silently, soon they crossed the street to Serena's house and they both stopped surprised. Sitting on the porch railing was a small teddy bear and resting in it's paws was a single red rose. There was no note attached but Serena didn't have to guess where the bear had come from.

"Wow…he really works at it doesn't he?" Lita smiled, "He's hooked Sere, and I mean bad."

"He could just be a nice guy…." but the argument was weak as the girl's heart fluttered in her chest. No one had ever done what Darien had for her, and she truly hoped he would soon tell her the words she wanted to hear. Meanwhile Lita left smiling to herself, she hadn't seen her best friend so happy, but she didn't want her to be hurt.

That night Serena lay in her bed clutching the bear close to her and whispering softly, "I love you Darien…and soon you'll know."

A few days later the usually cheery Serena lay in bed absolutely miserable as another series of coughs wracked her body and she sighed as they quit. Running through the rain when she had forgotten an umbrella was not helpful and she had woken up with a fever and the flu. Now she lay in bed shivering despite the warmth of her blankets. It was only eleven in the morning and she knew none of her friends were out of school.

So it was surprising when the doorbell rang, the young woman lay in bed debating whether or not to answer it. But when it rang again she sighed wearily and rose teeth chattering and threw her soft wool robe around her. Sneezing once the light footsteps carried her to the door and she opened it slowly. Darien looked at her and shook his head, the golden hair had fallen from it's usual pigtails and was unbrushed now, her eyes were red with dark circles under them and Goosebumps appeared on her arms.

"Hey Serena, I heard you were sick and thought I'd come by to see how you were doing," when she mumbled he sighed, "That good huh? Well I brought you some chicken noodle soup, care for some."

"Sure I…I'd" she sneezed violently and mumbled, "love some, come in."

Entering the living room she gathered three blankets and buried herself in them, the young man removed his brown jacket and revealed a black shirt that accented his dark eyes and hair. Setting a thermos before her he went to the kitchen to retrieve a bowl, spoon and cup. She looked at him her sapphire eyes warm and gentle. Darien sat down and poured the soup into the bowl.

But she was surprised when he didn't hand the bowl to her, instead he scooped a spoonful of the soup and put the spoon to her lips gently. Swallowing the soup she hurriedly took a drink.

"Hot," she grinned, "too hot."

Then he smiled and scooped some more blowing on it softly before putting it to her lips. Slurping the spoon of soup the young woman smiled. This went on for some time, all the while his dark eyes remain fixed on her. Once the soup was finished he smiled gently and blushed as she lay her head against his shoulder gently. She muttered sleepily and soon her breathing became even as she drifted into a peaceful slumber.

Darien smiled and gently moved her head to a pillow and tucking the blankets around her still fevered body. For a moment the young man just watched her then, brushing a strand of gold aside he pressed his lips with all the gentleness of a feather, against her forehead and whispered softly.

"I love you Serena, and hopefully soon I'll tell you when you can hear me," with that he scooped up his coat and left the house silently. The girl smiled gently safe in the knowledge she was loved by the man she loved back. With that thought she drifted to sleep for real her dreams no longer the chaos of the fever, but the warm and safe dreams of her heart where she and her knight drifted in an endless dance of love.