Title: Winter Snow
Author: Crystal Saturn
Rated: G-PG 13+
Chapter: 7- The Date

Last time on "Winter Snow"…

~At Darien's~

"You're missing…" Crystal took a single red rose out of the glass vase on the coffee table, trimmed it down to size and placed it in Darien's tuxedo pocket. "This" she ended. Darien smiled, giving his sister a quick hug of appreciation before running out the door to his date.

~At Serena's~

"You're missing something!" Mina frowned

"What? What!" Serena began to panic

"This…" Mina placed a silver bracelet with a little silver moon dangling charm around Serena's wrist.

"Perfect" She smiled, and Serena was off, to her date.


Darien had arrived at the place that Crystal said to wait, only to find that it was empty

"So she's not here yet hmm?" Darien whispered to himself. Earlier, he and Crystal had picked out a stunning silver necklace, with a single silver moon dangling from it. It was simple yet elegant. Darien secretly wondered to himself if Sailor Moon would like it or not. It would've been ironic if she didn't like crescent moons. He noted that the red roses in the garden had a thin layer of frost coating them. This interested him, since he knew that roses were particularly susceptible to frost and didn't grow in winter. He took a step forward to take a closer look. It was then, he heard a soft voice.

"Tuxedo Mask?" The shy little voice was Serena.

"Sailor Moon, you came." Darien said before smoothly turning around. They were both shocked to see each other.

"You!" They both said unbelievingly, in unison.

"You're waiting for Sailor Moon?" Serena broke the awkward silence

"And I suppose you're waiting for Tuxedo Mask?" Darien asked, frowning. Serena nodded, a bashful smile gracing her features. Another awkward silence followed. It was then broken by the pair suddenly speaking at the same time.

"Sailor Moon?"

"Tuxedo Mask?"

They both chuckled nervously.

"So you're Tuxedo Mask" Serena said, looking towards the ground.

"Uh huh" Darien nodded. *She looks so beautiful* Darien thought to himself "You know, you look really beautiful tonight." Darien said out loud before he could stop himself.

"What?!" Serena asked in amazement. *Aww… look at him, he's blushing! How adorable!* Serena mentally grinned "And you look totally adorable when you blush…" She gasped and quickly covered her mouth. "What's going on?" Serena asked confused.

"Beats me, but whatever it is, it's VERY strange" Darien looked up to the sky.

"Tell me about it!" Serena added

"Well we best get inside, our reservation is waiting, and besides, we wouldn't want out 'Champion of Justice' catching a cold now, would we?" Darien extended his arm out to Serena, who willingly took it

"You look handsome tonight." Serena blurted out.

"Excuse me?" Darien smiled, inwardly.

"Oh, um… nothing… just…" Serena looked around "My hands! I said 'Looks like my hands are cold tonight.'" She feebly attempted to cover her embarrassing slip.

"So you think your hands are handsome huh?" Darien grinned.

"Are you mocking me Mr. Chiba?" Serena asked, pouting. A rosy tinge staining her cheeks.

"Maybe. What if I was?" Darien gave a sly side glance.

"Then…then…then I'd kick your little Tuxedo butt to Pluto!" Serena said, proudly.

"Well if you did, then who would save yours from the Negaverse?" Darien whispered into her ear as they stepped inside the Comet Café. Serena shivered at the touch of Darien's warm breath on her neck, and Darien mentally noted this. He was too close for her comfort. Her heart began to pound in her chest as she remembered that this wasn't just any casual play fight at the arcade that they were having. They were both on a date, together. It dawned upon her that Tuxedo Mask, the man she had been swooning over for months now, was also her sworn enemy. She steeled herself and stopped from encouraging him with any more playful comments.

"Listen, if you think that I'm gonna put up with your taunts and teasing tonight then you're wrong ok. I don't want to be here anymore than you do, so don't make it any worse than it already is." Serena said seriously.

"Whoever said I didn't want to be here with you, beautiful?" Darien said, surprising not only Serena, but him too.

"Did you just…?" Serena stuttered.

"Uh… Yeah, well what if I did?" Darien tried to sound cool and composed. Serena just looked at him, shocked. Maybe he did like her after all. They sat down at their table, and looked though the menus.

"I think I know what's going on. Someone has done something to us, so whatever we think, we end up saying out aloud…" Darien was then interrupted.

"You're such a hunkmeister" Serena said dreamily looking into Darien's eyes. Darien sat there… very shocked by what he had just heard.

"I…I beg your pardon?" He stuttered, blushing uncontrollably. Luckily for Serena, The waiter came to take their orders. They ordered their meals quickly and the waiter left, leaving the two alone again.

"Umm… listen, Serena, I need to talk to you about something." Darien looked down at his hands that were resting on the table. Serena gulped hard.

"This can't be good" She whispered so softly that it was barely audible.

"The first time I met you," Darien paused to look up at Serena. "I felt as if I needed to see you again. I was kind of, drawn to you. Ever since, I've had these sudden urges, just to be near you." He paused again, trying to collect his thoughts and order them in a logical manner, over the pounding noise of his heart in his ears.. "I think what I'm trying to say is, that you've been the light in my moments of darkness, my savior, and I… I…" He hesitated, knowing that he was laying it all out on the line and risking his ego and pride by doing so, but he had to say it. He had to tell her. He couldn't just leave it all to fate and live wondering, 'what if?' She had to know.

"I think that I'm in love with you" Darien blurted out. Serena was astounded. Never in a million lifetimes would she ever imagine that Darien or Tuxedo Mask, would ever have feelings for her. She wanted to admit her feelings too, but when she open her mouth to speak, nothing came out. They both sat there, staring into each other's eyes for a few precious moments before Serena was finally able to say something.

"Oh, Darien…" A heartfelt sigh escaped from her lips as she felt the blood rising into her cheeks. It was short, yet sweet. Serena had never heard anything more honest or sincere in her life. She had no idea how to react at first. A part of her told her to be cautious, because she had never had a positive or supportive remark from Darien before. Yet, hear heart soared to hear such a beautiful confession. She knew it had started off as mindless teasing, but over the months, a certain warmth and playfulness mingled within the sarcastic tones and Serena knew she was in denial. Not wanting to believe that she had fallen for her own worst enemy.

They both found themselves gazing deeply into each others' eyes, unintentionally inching closer and closer to one another. Before long, both were leaning across the table. Each was yearning to be closer to the other, to reveal their true feelings, to openly express how they've secretly been feeling for so long. The tip of Serena's nose had lightly grazed the end of Darien's, and yet they seemed to be suspended in this moment, so close, but not quite willing to give in. Darien could feel Serena's shallow, warm breath dance across his lips as he slowly closed his eyes. Serena's eyelids fluttered shut as she held her breath, waiting for the tingle of Darien's lips to brush across hers.

"Excuse me," The waiter coughed, causing the two to jump up in fright. Darien cleared his throat as he and Serena parted and sat back into their seats.

"Your meals are coming." The waiter said arrogantly before he stepped back, bowed, turned around and swiftly walked away. Darien looked at Serena with a look on his face as if they had both been caught kissing in front of Serena's father. Serena giggled slightly.

"What?" Darien asked, puzzled.

"Oh nothing, you just…" Serena smiled, looking away in embarrassment of how up front she was being tonight. "You look adorable like that…"

"Have I told you that you look absolutely stunning?" Darien asked, boldly reaching over to caress Serena's cheek. He lifted her chin and began to move closer to her. Closer and closer and closer. Once again, the tips of their noses touched, and Darien could feel Serena's shallow, warm breath… His lips barely touched.

"Aherm!" Said the same waiter, quite annoyed, standing next to their table. Once again, the couple separated. The waiter placed down their plates in front of them, turned around and briskly walked away.

"I really don't know why he's so pushy! He's the one who interrupted us, TWICE!" Darien said, annoyed. Serena smiled.

"At this rate I really doubt that I'll EVER get that kiss" Serena involuntarily let her thoughts slip from her lips. She began to eat, Darien watched her as she twirled her spaghetti around her fork. He smiled.

"You're incredible…" Darien said as he began to eat.

"Wow, is your meal really that good?" Serena pouted playfully.

"No, I was...Uh… I was referring to…" Darien fumbled. Serena laughed slightly.

"Don't worry about it, I was kidding" Serena smiled as she placed her hand on Darien's, and continued eating. They ate in silence, occasionally looking up at each other.

"Crystal" Serena whispered to herself.

"What about her? What did she do?" Darien asked, getting concerned.

"She did this" Serena said looking up from her almost finished plate.

"Did what?"

"She and Mina brought us together. And I'm sure Crystal planned this, and that's also why we are saying our thoughts out aloud." Serena said, thoughtfully. "She has special abilities, I'm sure you know of that. Her abilities also include, using spells and chants or mantras. In other words, instead of say, my tiara, she could summon up a gust of wind or something, just by reciting a chant and concentrating her energy. So, she also could've…" Serena was interrupted

"Put a spell on us to make us say what we are thinking" Darien completed.

"Exactly" Serena smiled

*Crystal you are so dead!* Darien sent her a mental message. Surprisingly he didn't say it out aloud.

*Hey sorry bro, but you have to admit, I, am a genius, I mean, if it wasn't for me then you wouldn't be with Serena at this very moment!* Crystal mentally replied.

*What, you can hear me from here?* Darien asked again.

*Sure, I'm getting stronger and working on my powers all the time. So wadda ya say… am I the best?* Crystal asked Darien

*All I have to say right now, is that you are in so much trouble when I get home. Stay out of my thoughts!* Darien demanded, feeling Crystal's energy subside, he was certain that the spell had worn off.

Darien paid the bill, and the couple left. Outside, they took a walk in the rose gardens. It was then, that Darien remembered the necklace.

"Oh yeah, before I forget…" Darien took out a red box from behind his back. "This is for you" He smiled as he saw Serena's reaction when he opened the box. Her fingers ran over the cool silver chain, and rolled over the smooth silver moon, that was dangling from the chain.

"It's beautiful!" Serena hugged Darien. When they pulled apart, Darien carefully took the necklace out of its box, and put it around Serena's neck.

"Thank you! Thank you so much…Darien" Serena whispered as gently she kissed Darien's warm, soft cheek

"You're welcome, my princess" Darien replied looking into Serena's eyes. They started walking. Neither of them knew where they were going, but where ever they were going, they were getting there pretty slowly. Darien put his arm around Serena's shoulders and she snuggled in close to his chest, under his over coat, for warmth. It felt surreal. A few hours earlier they were quarrelling, and now, to be in each others' arms, it seemed too fast. At the same time, it felt so comfortable and right. She put her arms around his waist and sighed. Soon they walked past a familiar building and across a familiar street, and a very familiar park. They stopped in front of Darien's apartment. Both stood for a while, looking into each others' eyes.

"Would you like to come up for some hot chocolate, my Meatball Head?" Darien asked, not letting go of Serena

"Sure… my conceited arrogant Jerk…I'd love to" Serena replied, playfully poking out her tongue. Darien smiled at reference to their now, past selves. They took the lift, and were soon standing in front of Darien's apartment door. He opened it to find Crystal asleep on the couch.

"Looks like someone was waiting up for you" Serena smiled. Darien was about to carry Crystal back into her room when she woke up.

"Darien…" Crystal's eyes fluttered open and she had a worried look on her face as she remembered what Darien had told her earlier. She then caught sight of someone else standing beside her

"and SERENA!" Crystal's face lit up. Serena couldn't help but laugh.

"Heya kiddo" Serena sat down beside Crystal as Darien went to make some tea.

"Well you're gonna have to tell me all the juicy details tomorrow…" Crystal whispered to Serena as she saw the look on Darien's face as he was carrying a tray out. It was one of those "3's a crowd, so scram!" type of looks.

"Well, I'm going to bed, goodnight!" Crystal said aloud.

"Goodnight" Both Serena and Darien replied as Crystal got up and headed into her room to sleep. Darien and Serena sat down and began talking. They talked about their lives and their future hopes and dreams. They talked about each other and their alter egos. They talked about the way that fate seemed to always be pushing them together, as well as hobbies and favourites, attempting to get to know each other better. Soon it was 10:30 and time to take Serena home.

" It's getting late. I better get home now." Serena sighed, slightly frowning.

"I'll walk you home."

"Thank you." Serena smiled, glad he offered and not wanting to end the night. They both left and headed to Serena's house. Along the way, Darien noticed that Serena had her arms crossed across her chest and that she was obviously cold, so he took of his jacket and placed it around Serena's shoulders.

"Here, take this" Darien smiled warmly. Serena looked up at the tall man and smiled warmly, wrapping the jacket a bit tighter around her and snuggling up close to Darien. He smiled and placed his arm around her shoulders and brought her closer to him. A few minutes later, they arrived at Serena's house. Darien walked her all the way up to her front door, before finally letting her go.

"You're so beautiful Serena," Darien complemented. Serena blushed and looked deeply into Darien's eyes.

"I… think I… love you, Darien Chiba" She said seriously. Nervousness mingling with the crisp coldness of the air, making her voice quiver. Her gaze fell as she looked away from Darien, unwilling to see his reaction to her confession of her childish feelings.

"I love you too, Serena, I love you." Darien stepped in closer and tilted Serena's chin up so she was looking into his eyes. He caressed her cheek before leaning over. Serena stood up on the tips of her toes and as their lips met, the front door swung open. The pair quickly pulled apart slightly and turned their heads to see who it was. Serena could only gasp.

"Oh no…" She whispered.


Crystal Saturn.