Chapter 5

Joyful Day's Beginning

It had been nearly two days before Serena had even been able to get out of bed. Finally by Friday she had made a full recovery. For the entirety of time she had been sick her four friends had been her constant companions. Ami had dutifully brought her friend's homework each day. Serena missed her daily study sessions with Darien, but she continued to do her work. All the while her thoughts drifted back to the confession of love which she carried in her heart.

Now she and Ami sat together in her bedroom studying, the blue haired woman was still amazed at her friend's drastic change. Her grades had increased and so had her attendance, not a single detention in almost three months. The young genius smiled secretively, Darien had done wonders for Serena's self esteem, for that she would give anything to keep.

As they worked Serena's nose twitched as the tantalizing aromas from downstairs filled the air. The girls had agreed to a sleepover the night before the Renaissance festival and had decided Serena's house would be best. Her parents and brother had left for her grandparents, so the five girls had gotten together for the evening. Lita had quarantined the kitchen and begun cooking with a will, the sound of bubbling liquids and sizzling meats announced the food was nearly ready.

Meanwhile Rei and Mina had taken up different places in the living room, the black haired priestess sat on the couch while her somewhat eccentric friend lounged in the chair. Rei glared in vexation as the young blonde went into another fit of high pitched giggling. They had only been sitting together for about fifteen minutes and already the girl had driven Rei almost to the point of insanity. To stop the noise Mina found a pillow flung from the sofa.

"Sheesh Mina you've taken 'Rena's place as the resident hyena," the priestess had treaded very lightly around her meatball headed companion lately. Unfortunately this made Mina the next target, but the younger girl shrugged it off as easily as water.

"Well at least I laugh once in awhile instead of acting all ice princessish on my friends," Mina retorted her blue eyes moving back to the screen."

But the dark eyes flashed as Rei prepared her next attack, she wasn't about to let it end here, "Well I don't have to go out of my way to get a guy's attention."

"That's so not cool Rei!!"

Soon the tongues went out almost simultaneously as both girls glared evilly at the other. Both were shocked from their actions by a soft giggling from the nearby staircase. They turned and saw Serena and Ami at the foot of the stairs giggling softly. Hastily both girls pulled their tongues back into their mouths.

"Are we interrupting anything?" Serena grinned a bit setting her book bag down by the front door. The blue haired girl just giggled again as the two girls shook their heads in protest. While the priestess was regaining her lost composure, a pillow careened towards her with enough force to knock her back to the couch. The two girls on the staircase blinked in pure surprise not expecting it.

But Rei threw the pillow down and stood rolling the sleeves of her sweatshirt up as Mina darted behind the couch, "That's it blondie, this means war!!"

Before the words, pillows or any other foreign objects could begin flying, they were all saved by a voice from the dining room calling out dinner. The four girls made their way, Mina waiting to be sure it was safe, to the dining room. As they entered Lita was just setting the final plate and she smiled brightly. A steaming plate of spaghetti and meatballs sat at each of the six chairs, with a smaller plate holding garlic bread still warm. A small bowl beside each plate was filled with salad and a glass filled with grape juice so that it resembled wine. Two candles burned in the middle with the rest of the food.

As Serena took her seat she realized the place next to her was unoccupied, but she couldn't understand why. Everyone was there, for a moment she looked at Lita curiously, perhaps she had miscounted when setting the places. Her sapphire eyes glanced up and saw the others smiling when they thought she wasn't looking. 'What could it be?' the young woman pondered as her fork spun strands of noodles around it.

Her questions were soon to be answered, for a few moments went by and their was a knock at the door that shook her from her thoughts. Before the girl could move though, her emerald eyed friend was making her way to the door. There were muffled words from the hallway and soon Lita returned with the guest in tow. The tall college student smiled warmly as he took his seat beside Serena.

The radio was turned on via remote control to the city's romantic music station, both Darien and Serena were surprised. His midnight hued eyes would watch her as she ate, but whenever she looked up he would return his eyes to his food. Finally Lita broke the silence and asked about the festival tomorrow. He answered calmly and thus began a slew of questions, what they should see, where the best stands were, approximate prices for various things. The young man sipped his drink smiling as he answered each question as best he could.

Soon the gentle the woman who held his heart spoke softly, "Darien…forgive me…but you said you were a part of the festival right?" at his nod she continued, "Then what part do you play?"

The other four girls had leaned forward expectantly for this was one thing he had not revealed to any of them. Though there was a lot that hadn't been told, but this was one of the most curious things. He smiled that charming smile, though it was meant mainly for Serena. For her part the girl felt her heart flutter in her chest as he spoke gently.

"My part is that of a lowly stable hand," inwardly Darien smiled, it wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth, for he would take part in helping prepare the horses before the joust. As it was the five girls seemed content with his answer and they went back to eating.

Serena glanced at her secret love, but seeing his eyes on her she looked down blushing furiously. The young man blinked surprised, she had moved her eyes fast, but not before he had glimpsed into her heart through those eyes. In those ocean blue depths had been a swirl of emotions including fear, nervousness, trust and love. Love was the most evident, for the girl had a heart that would love anyone regardless of who they were, but aside from her general love was a glittering spark of the truest love. It was that spark that Darien sought, the spark that would ignite his soul to fly.

The conversation was light for the most part as the table's occupants ate in relative silence. Ami complemented Darien on his tutoring skills and Serena on how she had improved. He couldn't help but notice how pretty she looked with a slight blush to her cheeks. The sapphires were locked on her plate so Darien looked at her and gulped slightly. The pink shirt she was wearing couldn't hide the swell of her breast, and her blue jeans hugged her slender legs.

But when he thought about it, the young man realized that what he found most lovely were her eyes. For in those eyes there was room to love the entire world without hatred, anger, or discrimination. In all reality the woman's heart was without a doubt her best feature. Rei and Mina giggled a bit as Lita nudged Darien causing him to jump a bit in his chair.

Before he could say a word Lita leaned down and whispered, "You spaced out for a minute and stared at her so long your food got cold…I thought you might want to wake up before she noticed and got scared off."

The young woman grinned as Serena and Ami helped clear the table. When Darien offered Lita shook her head sending him into the living room with Rei and Mina. The priestess and her blonde friend smiled slightly and looked knowingly at Darien. The room was so silent they could hear the water running in the kitchen. But the young man took the time to think to himself and closed his eyes.

Rei whispered to her friend, "I don't think I've ever seen him like this before…he must really be hooked."

The blonde nodded somberly speaking softly, "Yea, and I think they'll work together," she glared pointedly at him, "if a certain someone would only tell her."

Before he could respond the other three girls returned to the living room and smiled. They had decided to watch a movie after dinner. But they had no idea what they wanted to watch so they decided to let their guest select the movie. His midnight shaded eyes scanned the titles for a long moment before selecting one. The choice surprised the girls, though really Serena decided it shouldn't have given how much she had learned about him.

The movie, The Princess Bride, began and Darien took a spot on the couch next to the blonde haired woman. And soon Serena moved unconsciously closer to the tall man her head resting lightly on his chest while his arm wrapped around her slender shoulders. The young woman watched mesmerized as the story of Buttercup and Wesley unfolded. But soon the warmth around her and the rhythm of his breathing began to lull her to sleep.

Mina had gone out last night and was fast asleep, the others watched the movie to it's end. By the time the credits began Serena was asleep, the young man brushed her bangs away from her eyes gently with a soft smile. Silently he stood lifting her light form effortlessly as he carried her up the stairs. The other girls smiled and sighed at how romantic it was.

As gentle as a feather, he laid her in her bed and covered her gently with the warm blankets. When he leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead she stirred slightly, "Mmm Darien?"

Her sleepy whisper was still enough to call to his heart, and he knelt beside the bed taking her hand gently, "It's me Serena."

She smiled gently and closed her eyes but still spoke gently, "I was afraid you had left again," the young woman yawned slightly, "I'm glad you didn't yet."

His warm hand caressed her cheek gently as he shook his head, "I wouldn't leave without saying goodbye."

Serena's slender form snuggled into the blankets and the musical voice was barely audible, "Thank you Darien…you've been such a wonderful friend…"

But the young man surprised her by hugging her gently to him and she sighed breathlessly. For a moment the only sound in the room was the rhythmic beating of their hearts. The feather light caress of his lips against her cheek sent goose bumps across her smooth skin.

"It has been my pleasure Serena…"before he could say more he realized she hand fallen asleep against him. The young man chuckled silently and gently laid her down in the bed. Covering her with the blankets once more he reached for something in his coat pocket. A single red rose was placed aside her cheek gently and he closed her door returning to the living room.

The three girls were waiting anxiously for his return as they wakened a very tired Mina. They each smiled sweetly knowing he would tell them a few more things to do before tomorrow. The young college student slid the brown jacket around his shoulders and sighed thinking for a long moment.

"Alright, tomorrow I need you to give this to Serena…" he handed a small locket to Lita, in the shape of a crescent moon, "your entrance to the fair is already paid for, and feel free to do anything you like. But you must go to the dress shop and let me know, without telling Serena, what dress she likes. Then visit me in the stables sometime before the joust…got it?"

They all nodded save Mina who was still grumbling about beauty sleep and everything. Darien smiled gently and thanked each of them for all they had done. With that he turned and left leaving the girls to ponder the reasons behind his instructions.

Lita grinned, "Well he's going to get whatever dress she likes, that's obvious."

Ami nibbled her fingertip thoughtfully and spoke gently, "But why would it have to be before the joust when he's working?"

The other's shrugged and sighed, "Well we aren't going to figure it out tonight and I do need sleep," Mina pushed again and the others laughed deciding to call it a night. Rei and Ami slept in her parents bedroom while Mina took Sammie's bed. But Lita decided to sleep on the floor outside her heart-sister's door. Serena was the best friend she had ever known, and she wasn't going to let anything happen to her.

Outside Darien stared at the window to Serena's bedroom for a long moment, "Tomorrow…tomorrow I'll tell you everything I promise."

With that he drove home not noticing the temperature, or the relatively empty roads. He did notice the stars shimmering in the evening sky. But his thoughts were mainly on tomorrow and hoping he hadn't forget anything. As he slid into bed the young man smiled slightly and closed his eyes. His dreams were filled with sapphire eyes and a serene smile.

The morning sun cast pink and orange lights through the windows bringing a slight warmth to the otherwise chill morning. Birds chirped softly their song carrying through the silence of the morning. Sapphire hued eyes blinked as the young woman stretched with catlike grace and smiled slightly to herself. The clock beside her bed had been set for eight o'clock, but Serena had beaten it by nearly an hour.

The soft aroma of the rose nearby and she noticed the flower on her pillow. Gently she took it in her hands and sighed wordlessly. For a few minutes she closed her eyes and let her thoughts drift while holding the rose to her heart gently. Memories danced through her mind, meeting Darien, strong arms carrying her through the darkness. But mostly she held the words, spoken in the darkness, resting in her heart like a warm blanket.

'He loves me…he said he loves me' she hadn't told the other girls about the confession that night in the darkness. But somehow the knowledge that it hadn't been a dream was too strong for Serena to argue. Darien had said it, and she knew he had meant it. But she wasn't sure how to tell him she loved him in return.

Finally, a bit reluctantly, she emerged from the warmth of the bed. Carefully placing the rose on her nightstand, she went through her dresser searching for the right outfit while musing to herself, "It's been a long time since I was awake to see the sun rise, I should do it more often…" Finally she took a sky blue shirt and a pair of blue jeans. She was sure Darien would like it and her slender form moved to her door.

Curled on the floor with a blanket covering her Serena found Lita still sleeping just outside her door. The young woman smiled gently to her best friend and took a blanket from her bed to cover the brown haired woman gently. Then, careful not to wake her slumbering friends, Serena entered the bathroom to take a shower. The warm water was a blessing as she let it cascade through her hair slowly caressing the long golden locks all the while thinking of the man she loved. Finally emerging from the bathtub the woman dressed and dabbed on perfume as well as a bit of lip gloss. Her hair soon rested in it's familiar pigtails and Serena made her way to the kitchen, glancing at her slumbering friends with a gentle smile.

Soon the sleeping girls awoke to the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked breakfast from the kitchen. They stumbled their way to the dining room and stared in shock at a table set with five plates of still steaming eggs, bacon, French toast and a glass of orange juice. Serena smiled brightly seeing her friends arrive. They sat slowly still moving sluggishly each still garbed in her nightgown.

But soon enough they were chattering happily, the food helping to wake them up. Once the meal was over Serena went to clean the dishes while her friends changed for the trip to the festival. Lita took advantage of the moment to pull her friend aside and give her the locket smiling as the blue eyes widened in shock.

"Darien said to give this to you when you woke up, he really wants you to wear it today," Lita smiled slightly as her best friend slid the ribbon around her neck letting the locket rest just above her breast. Then she smiled broadly as the others came and smiled. Before they could leave though the blonde woman made them straighten the house a bit.

"Oh come ON Serena!! We're going to be late," Mina mumbled irritably still tired after last night, nonetheless she and the others cleaned the house up.

Satisfied now Serena smiled and led them to the bus station, the morning air was still cool and frost covered the green grass. Her friends shivered, but for once the young woman felt warm, the knowledge of her love resting like a warm blanket. Lita stayed close by watching her friend and shaking her head, Serena had the love she had always wanted.

Finally, after nearly twenty minutes of waiting, the bus rolled to a stop and the five girls rushed inside. The leather seats at the back were deserted so Rei and Mina took the window seats already curling up to go back to sleep. Meanwhile the blue haired genius pulled out a book reading to herself. But Lita sat with her friend deciding to talk a bit.

"Lita….do you think it's possible to love someone without realizing you are loving them??" Serena mused as the bus pulled away.

"What do you mean Rena?" the emerald eyed woman blinked perplexedly at the girl.

"Well all the times Darien and I fought, or argued…were we secretly saying I love you?" slender fingers played with the locket as she sighed, "I wish I had realized it sooner, all those times I fought I was secretly glad to see him. I was just happy knowing he was spending some of his time with me."

Lita smiled, "Then I think you've answered your own question Serena Tsukino."

Serena smiled thoughtfully watching the countryside out one of the windows and murmured, "Perhaps I have Lita, perhaps I have."

Soon even Lita slept and Serena sighed closing her eyes and thinking to the man she loved. Each thought was filled with warmth and joy and the woman knew she would never stop loving him…no matter what happened. Her slender fingers closed over the locket and she sighed letting the bus' motions lull her into a light sleep.