AN: Someone asked how old they were. Serena is 17 now as is the rest of the
girls and I decided not to put much of an age distance between Darien and
Sere, so Darien and Andrew are 21. Kay? On with the fic...........
Chapter 15 A Love Triangle and Daddy Time
Serena looked up from her homework at Mina who let out a squeal. Serena frowned. She looked down at Caleb to make sure she didn't wake him up. He was nestled to the side of her in his favorite blue blanket. He still slept away.
"Mina? What is it?" She asked. Mina's head peeked out from the corner of her bedroom with a huge grin on her face.
"The guys are coming to see us that's what!" She said with an excited grin. Serena stood up.
"Serious?" She asked, feeling her own excitement mount as well. "When?" She demanded.
"Kunz said they'll be leaving tomorrow. I told them they could stay with us. We have enough room." She looked around the living room. "I think. Wait! We have those air mattresses thingies. They can sleep on those." Serena saw Mina begin to plan.
"Wait, wait wait." Serena halted her. "What about the girls? And what about Andrew?" Serena asked. She saw Mina's face pale.
"Oh sh.." Serena gave her a warning look. "Shoot. Oh I totally forgot about them!" She began to pace.
"Well, Andrew told me that Rita was going to come back from Africa for the Cherry blossom festival, so everything is okay with that." Mina looked up at Serena. "You know, Andrew and I are just......uhh.....bed buddies if you will. It's not like were going to get married or something." Mina defended. Serena shrugged.
"Well, it was the same when Darien went all evil on me." She told her with a grin.
"But the girls.....they'll know something is up when they see them. After all, they don't know about the past as much. Even with our memories back, they still don't know about Darien's guards. Man, how are we going to do this? The guys will want to meet the girls." Serena sat down, thinking about what Mina was telling her.
"Well, we could tell them the truth you know.....but not the whole truth." Serena said to her after there was an awkward silence.
"What do you mean?" Mina asked sitting next to her.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena and Mina waited for the guys to show up at the airport. Mina had sent her private plane to pick them up. They saw the plane land in the distance. Luna and Artemis were with them in their cat forms.
After a while the plane landed and the stairs came down. Jadeite was the first to step out.
Mina and Serena ran to meet them. Serena hugged the laughing blonde. Soon, Nephrite, Zoicite and Kunzite stepped off. Mina broke away and jumped on Kunzite.
"Oh I missed you so much!" She told him and they kissed. Serena and the others rolled their eyes.
"Hey little guy! You've grown so big!" Nephrite said and grabbed Caleb from Serena. Caleb looked at each one of them, with a furrow in his little brow, studying them. Jadeite gave Serena a wicked grin and pulled something out of his bag he had slung over his shoulder.
"Ta da!" He said and pulled out a small cap that said 'Hooters' on it. Serena gasped and tried to snatch it from him. But Nephrite moved away from her with Caleb and Jadeite put the cap on him. All the while, Caleb laughed gaily, and clapped his hands.
"Take that off my son! Jadeite!" Serena cried running after them. Poor Zoicite was left dragging the bags.
They went to a small restaurant near the airport. Caleb was asleep in his carrier in the side of her next to the window. The waitresses gave the group of guys flirtatious smiles and free drinks. Of course, being the conceited guys they were, they soaked in every look. Honestly, Serena swore that Darien's conceit and smart ass remarks were inspired by these pretty boys. Serena remembered the time on the Moon Kingdom with her arranged marriage to the cocky Prince of Earth. It was a wonder that they even fell in love. The damn Prince was so annoying, and his guards got on her Scouts' nerves as well. One time, she thought Raye was going to kill Jadeite with one of her fireballs because he kissed her.
"So, we heard about Darien. I'm sorry Sere, I know how much you love him." Zoicite said and gave her hand a little squeeze. Serena smiled.
"I know, but I have to look on the bright side of things." She said with a shrug.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" Asked a voice behind them. Serena and the others turned and looked behind them. Andrew, Rita and Darien were behind them.
"We came to pick up a few friends from the airport." Serena told them. She looked across the table to Mina. She smiled up at Andrew and Rita, not disturbed at all. Andrew was the same way. Serena looked to the side of her to check on Caleb. She saw him still slumbering away. Luna and Artemis were curled up on his top of his little cover thing that was pulled over him. She knew Darien saw the blue carrier, but he didn't ask any questions. Why was that?
"Would you like to join us? We have three empty seats." Nephrite motioned to the empty chairs. They slid into them. Darien sat across form her with a Darien smirk on his face. Serena smirked right back. Every since that night of THE DARE, she had labeled it, they had been playing a game with one another, to see who could break each others resistance first. So far, there had been no winner.
Serena slipped off her shoes and snuck a clever foot up his pants leg. She saw him stiffen, but a small grin broke out on his face and he lifted his own leg. Unfortunately, his legs were longer and his warm sock covered foot rubbed her between her bare thighs, not quite reaching their destination. The wicked Prick, Serena though and stifled a gasp and clamped her legs shut, catching his foot between her knees. He tried to pull out but she held him tight. She gave him another smirk and reached down to tickle his foot. She didn't realize just how ticklish his foot was until he jumped. Andrew and Rita turned to him.
"Is something wrong Darien?" Rita asked. Darien gave her a warning look, and turned to Rita.
"No, not at all." He said. The waitress returned with their food and the newcomers made their order.
"So, Darien, tell us what you do." Kunzite asked him. A little surprised Darien answered. His guards kept asking him question. All the while, Serena continued to torment him. He held up rather well. There were a few times he sent her death glares, but she shook them off like nothing. Ha. They ate in silence after Serena cleaned her hands with a baby wipe. His foot was still caught between her knees and he made no effort to move it.
"Well, be had better go. The festival is tomorrow and we want to get good seats." Andrew stood up and helped Rita up. Serena let Darien's captured foot go free and he stood as well.
"Bye." Serena called out to them. When they were out the door, Serena's cell phone beeped. She jumped. Oh yeah, I forgot I had a cell phone. She pulled it out and read on the screen that there was a new text message. Frowning, she read it. *I'll get you back-- Prick* She giggled. Darien and his threats. How did he get her number?
"Ready to go Serena?" Jadeite asked. Serena nodded and left a tip for the waitresses.
~ ~ ~ ~
Endymion watched from his familiar perch in the trees until Serena and the others got home. First, Mina came in and then a file of men entered. Endy scowled at this. Just who the hell are those people? Serena finally came in with Luna and Artemis following her.
"You guys have to sleep in here." Mina told them and pointed to two the king size air mattresses on the ground.
"Kunzite too?" He heard the guy with short blonde hair ask.
Mina smirked and grabbed Kunzite's arm. "I think there is enough room in my bed." She said and they left the party. Endy sat back. So, his guards were visiting huh? He chuckled, remembering his old friends who fell in love with Serenity's court. Ah, the memories. All the fights and jokes they played on each other. He looked around and jumped from the tree branch down to the front room window. He peered through and saw Serena close her bedroom door. He waited and then knocked lightly on the window. His guards jerked their heads up. Endy pulled his mask down and recognition dawned on their faces. Zoicite opened the window and Endy jumped through.
"Endymion?" Jadeite breathed. Endy stood up and smiled at each one of his guards.
"Long time no see." He finally said.
"What are you doing here?" Zoicite asked him.
"Just checking up on Serenity." He told them and plopped on the couch.
"I thought you would be in bed by now. You left with the other two a while ago." Jadeite said shaking out his pillow.
Endy shook his head. "That was Darien." He told them. All of them looked at him in confusion, so Endymion took a deep breath and told them the whole story. After a while, the room was quiet and all his guards looked at him in wonder.
"Then why are you here?" Nephrite asked him. Endy grinned.
"To pay a visit to my sleeping beauty. If you'll excuse me." He stood up and went to Serena's room. All his guards laughed and shook their heads. Endy slipped into the dark room to find Serena not in her bed. Frowning, he looked around the spacious room. His son was asleep in his crib, but where was Serena? Low music caught his attention and he turned to another door. Light shone from the bottom of the door. He cautiously peeked through and saw that Serena was asleep in a bubble bath. Pink bubbles covered her body and the soft melody echoed though the bathroom.
*...Driven' far apart *
*I make a wish on a shooting star*
*There will come a day, somewhere far away*
*In your arms I'll stay, my only love...*
Slowly, he stripped out of his clothes and tip toed in the bathroom. He stood behind her and slyly slid himself in the lukewarm water. She moaned, but didn't wake up. He settled her comfortably on him. Ah, yes, he could enjoy this. He thought wrapping his arms around her naked shoulders.
"Serenity." He breathed in her ear. She shivered and sunk lower in the water. He put his lips to her ear and sang along with her favorite song.
"You reach the deepest part, all the secrets in my heart, I've known it from the start, my only love........" (AN: Don't ya just love that song?...)
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena felt goosebumps run along her arm as her dream man sang to her. His voice vibrated against her temple. She opened her eyes, and looked up to see Darien smiling down at her. Ah, I just love my dreams, she though sleepily. She turned and then settled back on his lap, face to face. He felt so real. Their bodies felt so slick together....I wonder.......
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on his chin and slid up, taking him in her. His breath caught and Serena flicked her tongue across his lips, enticing him to kiss her. He didn't need much coaching. He grabbed her head and kissed her back. Mmmmm, he tasted so good, she thought fuzzily. She moved against him. Water splashed from the tub onto the ground. His arms wrapped around her waist, and he moved with her. Soft pants escaped her mouth and her hands reached into his thick dark, oh so soft hair. The rhythm increased and more water splashed over the side of the tub. She tightened her inner muscled around him and he groaned in her kiss. She felt her release coming and she slowed, wanting to savor the moment. In her sleepy mind, she let out a small moan and let the orgasm shake her body. Darien broke their kiss and raised her again so he too could find his release. Serena settled in his embrace and felt her sleepy mind take over. She yawned and fell asleep against his heaving chest. Mmmmm......even better than my last dream.
~ ~ ~ ~
She fell asleep AGAIN! His manly ego took a small beating. She always did that.........he let out a tortured moan when she shifted. I better get her to bed before she freezes to death. He stood up with her leaning against him. He picked up her slick body and settled her in his arms. They made their way to her room. He dried her off as best as he could and put her in her bed. He dressed and stumbled out of her room into the front room where his guards kept the window open for him.
"Good night?" He heard Jadeite ask in a sleepy, but cocky voice.
"The best. See you guys later." He said and heard him chuckle as he left.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Serena hummed the whole morning. All these dreams, I think they do me good even if I do wake up from them naked. She giggled and picked Caleb up and took him to his changing table where she pulled his towel off of him and put a diaper on his little butt. Next, his blue pants and white shirt. She wrestled with his feet to put his socks and shoes on. Finally, she brushed his soft baby hair and put Jadeite's 'Hooters' cap on. She chucked, why she was putting it on him, she had no idea. Molly had called and told her that she and Melvin spent the night on the festival grounds and reserved them a great place. Mina and the guys were waiting in the living room for her. She handed Caleb to Nephrite and then they left. Serena, Caleb, Nephrite, Kunzite and Mina in Mina's car, and the other guys with Luna and Artemis took her new car she had yet to drive. She frowned as the silver sports car pulled out with Jadeite behind the wheel.
"I can trust Jed with my car right?" Serena asked the boys suspiciously.
Kunzite and Nephrite laughed. "Sure Sere." Serena didn't like the tone in Kunzites voice when he told her that. Jadeite pulled in front of them and gunned the engine. Serena bolted up from her seat and watched in horror as Jadeite weaved in and out of traffic like a crazy person.
"I'm going to KILL him!" She ranted when she lost sight of them.
Finally, they arrived at the place. Serena saw Luna hurling in the bushes. Artemis was with her and glaring at a sheepish Jadeite. Zoicite, Nephrite and Kunzite just laughed.
"Over here!" Called Molly in her accent. Serena and the others joined them. Molly had a queer look on her face. Serena followed her gaze to see her looking at Nephrite. Oh shit! I forgot about them! She grabbed Mina and Nephrite and took them to the side.
"Oh my gods, I totally forgot about Molly!" Serena hissed at them. They looked at her in confusion. "Remember the story I told you guys back in America? When Molly and the evil Nephrite fell in love?"
It dawned on them and Nephrite looked back to see Molly looking at him in wonder. "What are we going to do?" He asked.
"Well, it was a while ago. And she's with Melvin now." Mina said.
Serena nodded. "But still. We have to tell her your American names okay?" Serena said. The names Nephrite, Kunzite, Jadeite, and Zoicite were their past names, but Serena and Mina still called them by it. They were reborn with different names.
"Alright." Nephrite....er...Nate said.
They turned back to the party. "Molly, I want you to meet our friends from America." Serena had made up a story to explain her whereabouts when she left. Molly still didn't even know about Caleb. "This is Nate, Zach, Josh, and Kris. Guys, meet Molly and her boyfriend Melvin." There were murmured exchanges. Serena still saw the suspicion in her eyes, but Serena knew everything would be okay. That was, until the other scouts showed up.
"Serena!" Called a cheerful voice belonging to Lita. She turned and saw the scouts stop dead in their tracks.
"Uh, hi girls." Serena grabbed Mina's hand and they went to the shocked scouts before they did anything drastic. Jeeze all this explaining.
"What are you doing with the enemy?" Raye hissed looking over to see Jadeite wink at her. Something was familiar about that wink. But, Jadeite was EVIL, wasn't he?
"They're supposed to be dead! What's going on?" Ami demanded. Serena and Mina exchanged glances.
"You two better tell us before we go Scout power on your asses." Lita bit out at them. She folded her arms and looked them square in the eye.
"Well, you see, it's kinda a long story." Serena began not wanting to have Lita's wrath fall upon her.
"Yeah, you'll totally freak when you hear it." Mina chimed in. So they spent a good twenty minutes telling the pissed off scouts who they were.
"They're good?" Raye asked pointing a finger at the group of men who were surrounded by girls. Man, how did those guys draw so much attention to themselves? Serena wondered.
"Uh huh. Mina and I met them when we were in America. Well, Mina met them first. She and Kunzite---er---I mean Kris are dating." Serena said. Mina blushed a little.
"I think you guys will really like them. You have so much in common." Mina said with a smile. Serena resisted rolling her eyes. Always the matchmaker.
"I highly doubt that." Raye said dryly, but Serena saw interest in the scouts' eyes as they looked past Serena and Mina.
"He does seem good with kids." Lita observed looking at Nephrite with Caleb in his arms. Lita had always been the tuff scout. The fiercest fighter. But she was also the most homely. Lita was so good with kids and house things. Serena always thought that Lita would make a good wife and mother one day. Nephrite was the same way.
Serena and Mina turned back to the others and Mina gave the guys a thumbs up. They settled onto a picnic blanket. Serena felt the tension between the scout and the guards. She looked across them to see each one of her scouts chatting with the guards.
"Hello girls." Said a female voice. Serena turned to see Miss H on the arm of some middle aged man. Serena smiled up.
"Hello Miss H. So nice to see you and your..uh...friend." Serena said.
"Do you mind if we sit next to you?" Miss H asked hesitantly.
"Sure Miss H." Mina piped in. Miss H and her friend settled down with a picnic basket of their own. Lita had brought one and so did Nephrite. When it was time to eat, Lita gave Neph a surprised look.
"You cook?" She asked him. Nephrite nodded and he and Lita became engrossed in a discussion about food. Ami and Zoicite were having a debate on some subject in physics. Raye and Jadeite were discussing karate techniques and had set up a sparring date before the guys left to America. Serena leaned against a tree. Ahhh, the beginning of wonderful relationships.
The day went on. At one point Molly and Melvin left them and Miss H went to look for them. There was screaming and Serena and the scouts ran to see what was going on. Serena left Caleb with the guys and Luna and Artemis followed them. They found Miss H, along with Molly and Melvin unconscious in a secluded part of the woods. They rushed them to a nearby clinic where the doctor told them that they were the tenth people that came in unconscious. The girls all looked at one another and left to scout the place.
~ ~ ~ ~
Mina and the scouts wondered through the woods where most of the attacks took place. There was dead silence. She and the others became even more aware. Serena, Luna and Artemis went a different way. A twig snapped and, she and the others twirled around. A young woman with bluish black eyes and long black hair stood before them. Something was wrong with her. Her eyes briefly flashed a red color.
"She's the cardian." Raye told them. The cardian smiled evilly at them. Soon, tree branches for behind them wrapped around them. Mina fought against them, but they were too strong and they began draining them. A scream burbled up in her throat.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena heard them scream, she felt them being drained. "Over there!" Luna yelled and she and her guardians ran to the screams. Wide-eyed she looked at the scouts trapped in branches. She transformed.
"Mina!" She heard an alarmed male voice. Serena turned to see Kunzite and Zoicite behind her. Kunzite ran to Mina who kept screaming. An invisible force knocked him and Zoicite back. Serena turned to the monster. The yomen charged after her. Serena ducked out of the way. She landed on her knees, a little winded.
"Serena, use your tiara!" Luna yelled at her. Serena aimed her attack at the yomen, praying it would work. But like last time, it lost its power and the yomen flicked it aside and charges at her. Serena didn't have enough time to dodge it and the yomen pinned her to the ground.
"Don't look into her eyes!" She heard Raye yell behind her. But her eyes riveted to the evil yomen's and soon, she felt herself loose her own energy.
"Let go of me!" Serena screamed up, but it continued to drain her. She felt so weak now, and soon she heard a shattering sound. She gasped and looked down to see her transformation broach break. Soon, pink ribbons surrounded her body and she was back into her civilian clothes. Artemis jumped on the yomen, trying to free her. What's happening to me? She moaned and tried to stand up, but the ground beneath her became some kind of liquid. Her foot slipped and her leg was emerged into the liquid ground. She sank lower and lower in it. Her weak arms tried to hold onto the edge.
She looked up, feeling her heart break at the weak scouts looking at her helplessly. "You guys, I'm so sorry I can't save you." She told them with tears in her eyes and soon, she couldn't see them. She faintly heard them calling her name, but she was lost.
"Serena!" She was falling, but she looked up and saw Luna falling in with her in her cat form. She caught her. She didn't know how long she fell, but it seemed endless. Soon, her clothes disappeared and she brought her knees up to her chin, cradling Luna in her arms.
"Are we dead Luna?" She murmured burrowing her face in Luna's soft black fur.
"Princess Serenity." Said a soft voice. Serena jerked her head up to see silver light materialize in font of her.
"Mother?" She asked hesitantly. Her mother's dark blue eyes bore into hers and she placed a soft, warm hand on Serena's cheek. Serena closed her eyes, loving the feel of love her mother emanated to her. She opened them, to find that she was on her feet, dressed in her princess garb. Her mother looked up from her. Serena followed her gaze and saw her broken broach.
"How can I save my friends?" She asked her.
"Look." Her mother said and held out a familiar silver jewel.
"The imperium silver crystal." She breathed. The silver jewel floated down and placed it's self in her broach. There was a silver light and soon, her broach was whole again.
"Your determination to save your friends makes the silver crystal strong again. Just say, moon crystal power and you'll be able to transform."
Serena smiled at her mother and hugged her. "I'll make you proud mother." She told her. "Moon Crystal Power!" She called out. She felt her new power on her voice. Soon, she was back in her sailor uniform and she picked up Luna. "Time to go." She said. Using the power of the crystal, she and Luna flew up and back into the real world.
When they got to the surface, she was Artemis, Kunzite and Zoicite fighting the monster.
"Hold it!" She yelled out and the yomen turned to herm just in time to save a weak Artemis.
"I though you two were gonners for sure." Artemis said in a heaving voice.
"Artemis," Luna scolded. "So little faith you have in us." She said. Serena dodged an attack and landed hard against a tree. She shook her head and ducked just when the yomen aimed an attack at her head. It raised its arms again, but a familiar white rose sailed down and stopped the attack. Serena breathed a sigh of relief and scrambled away from the monster.
"Princess Serenity!" Said a soft voice. Serena jerked her attention to the moon, where it flickered and soon something was falling from the sky. She caught it. "Use the moon scepter." The voice whispered to her through the trees. She stood up and saw the guys fighting the monster.
"Moon Scepter Elimination!" She called out and a new attack blasted from the scepter and hit the monster. It screamed, but then turned to a blacken card. Serena sunk to her knees, feeling so drained.
"Princess! Are you alright?" Zoicite asked running to her side. She looked into his worried green eyes, but gave him a soft smile of assurance.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I so beat you!" Serena heard Raye yell at Jadeite.
"You lie! You took a cheap shot at me!" He boomed back.
Serena sighed. It had been like this since they left from the movie. Raye and Jadeite hollering at each other over who was the winner of the spar they had yesterday. They were all in her and Mina's apartment.
"Yeah right! I would never take such an easy target. You're so full of your self. I'm telling you, I beat you!" She hollered at him.
"Whatever! I demand a rematch. You guys have to watch. Video tape it even! So I can prove to this she devil that I WON!" Jadeite turned to the others. Serena drew in a deep breath. This will all go away. She told herself over and over again.
"Dinner is done!" Lita yelled from the kitchen.
"SHE DEVIL?!" Raye screeched and Serena caught Raye's shirt and pulled her down.
"Let's go eat. You can finish your argument later." Serena told her simmering friend.
"Yeah, Raye." Jadeite sneered at her.
"Kiss my ass!" She yelled back to him, her purple eyes bright with anger.
"Bend over!" Jadeite called back to her. Zoicite dragged Jadeite away before Serena lost her hold on Raye's shirt.
They all went onto the small kitchen where Lita and Nephrite had plates waiting for them.
"Spaghetti!" Serena cried out, almost to tears. She loved spaghetti! She strapped Caleb in his high chair. Serena took off his white shirt, knowing that Caleb would stain it. He loved spaghetti also. As soon as his plate was put in front of him, his chubby little hands dug into the warm mess of red sauce and noodles.
Serena and the girls sat around the glass kitchen table and the guys all headed into the living room because some baseball game was on.
"Wow Mina, are you sure you can survive with out Kunzite at your side?" Raye snickered at her. Mina rolled her eyes.
"We were apart most of the day." She defended.
"Yeah, for about three minutes, then you two clung to each other like there was no tomorrow." Ami told her with a wink.
"Well, Lita and Nephrite were all over each other too!" Mina cried. Lita looked taken back.
"We were not!" She exclaimed. Serena saw her blush. "We just cooked together that's all." She muttered twirling some pasta on her fork. (AN: yes, I know that forks are an American thing too, but you try eating spaghetti with chop sticks..he he, I think I have to try that..hummmm...)
"Yeah hun, sure." Raye said.
"So who really won the spar?" Ami asked Raye. She groaned.
"I did." She said stubbornly.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Three days later, Serena and Ami walked downtown to the nursery where Caleb was. Luna had called and said that she would pick him up and to meet her there. Gurgling laughter came from the building. Most of the babies were out side. Serena saw Caleb bouncing up and down, holding his little hands out to Luna.
"Hey Luna." Serena greeted her. Luna turned to them dressed in a yellow skirt and a white shirt. Hey! That's MY shirt! Serena thought. Soon, the sky turned red and Serena and Ami looked up to see a woman floating in the air. Serena felt fear grip her chest. It was a Cardien! She looked frantically back down and saw small strands of ...something... land on the nursery workers and babies.
"Caleb!" She screamed and fumbled with the nursery gate. But it was locked. Serena kicked it, trying to free the latch. Tears burned her eyes. I have to save them! "Caleb." She moaned and looked to see Luna hunching her body over him. She kicked it harder, but the damn iron gate shook and stayed close. Soon, the sky cleared up and the cardian was gone. Everyone on the nursery grounds were still. "Caleb. Luna." Serena whispered and finally, the gate swung open. Serena ran to where Luna had fallen. Caleb crawled out from under her.
"Oh my baby." She whispered and hugged Caleb tightly too her.
"Serena, look at them." Ami whispered to the side of her. Everything was so damn quiet. She touched Luna's shoulder, but Luna didn't respond.
"Call and ambulance!" Serena heard some one yell. She looked up to see Darien looking at the scene with wide-eyes.
Serena rode in an ambulance with Luna. The paramedics had taken Caleb from her and were doing tests on him. Luna had an oxygen mask on her face. She looked so pale and fragile. Serena felt more tears spill over her eyes. They arrived at the hospital a short time later. She, Ami and Darien watched them cart Luna and Caleb away. Serena had tried to tell the medics that Caleb was her son, but they didn't listen to her. So she sat defeated on a chair and waited for the doctor to tell her how they were doing.
"My mom said we can see Luna and Caleb." Ami told her gently. Finally, she had been waiting forever! She ran to the room where Luna was. There was a heavy hand on her shoulder and she glanced up to see Darien by her side.
"What's their status?" Darien asked. Ami looked to Serena and back to Darien. Serena was a spark of something in her eyes.
"Well, the good news is that the babies will be let out in a week. But Luna has to stay a week too. The problem is, Luna's husband is out of town and there is no one to watch Caleb." She said. Serena looked at her friend like she gone mad. What the hell was Ami doing? "And he can't stay here, because of all the other babies." Serena sneaked a look at Darien.
She couldn't very well blurt out that Caleb was here son. She was scared of what he might think of her, knowing she was a mom. She wanted him to get his memory back first. She didn't want him to feel..........obligated. So she kept her mouth shut wondering what Ami was up too.
"Well, I could take him if it's alright." Darien offered. Serena sucked in a breath. What did he say?
Ami looked at Serena. She saw the question in her eyes. Serena looked back to Darien. Well, Darien was Caleb's father after all.
"It going to be hard work Darien, are you sure you can handle it?" Ami asked.
Darien smiled his slow, I'm--the--man--smile. "How hard can it be to take care of a baby?" He asked. That did it for her. Serena gave a slight nod in Ami's direction.
"Alright Darien. If you're really up to the challenge." Ami said. Ah Darien, you'll learn first hand how taking care of a baby is no easy task. Serena thought evilly.
~ ~ ~ ~
Darien stumbled into his apartment with Serena trailing behind him. She held the baby while he packed in all the baby's stuff for his week stay. Caleb. He liked the sound of that name. Of course he knew who the kid was. After all, his mother, Luna, looked like her son. He would always see the kid with Serena sometimes. He looked back to see Caleb playing with one of Serena's long ponytails. She seemed perfectly comfortable with a baby in her arms. A vision of her big with a child of his own had him spinning off into dreamland. He shook the though from his head. She was seventeen for goodness sakes, she won't be having kids anytime soon. He hoped. (AN: Darien is so dense in this chapter, it even makes ME want to scream at him...te he he, but it's all part of the story) He dropped everything on the couch.
"Well, he has enough diapers." He heard Serena say.
"And enough shoes. Why does his mom buy him so much?" He grumbled. He heard Serena chuckle behind him.
"Are you going to set up his crib?" She asked and went to an open spot on the couch and settled down.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena watched in humor as Darien cussed at the crib he was setting up. After about an hour, it was set up. Serena smiled at that. It took her and Mina two days to set it up. He was such a neat freak, she thought as she walked into the kitchen to see new bottles lined up and cleaned in the dish rack. Baby formula was set nicely in the cupboards. Serena shook her head. He was going to have a hard time feeding him with those bottles. Serena had tried to take him off breastfeeding and onto bottles, but Caleb simple refused to give up her boob. She laughed. I wonder if I get to see Darien wrestle with him over a bottle. In Darien's room, Caleb's clothes were folded neatly on a dresser with his various shoes each matched with an outfit. Jeeze, Darien was REALLY a neat freak. Caleb let out a whimper. Serena looked up at the clock. Feeding time.
"Darien, Caleb's hungry." She called out to him. Let the experience of Fatherhood begin. She held Caleb out to him. Darien studied her for a bit before taking Caleb from her. Caleb threw back his head and let out a wail.
"Could you make him a bottle?" He asked her fumbling with the crying baby.
"Sure." Serena said and went into the kitchen.
Caleb wanted to throw a fit. ** I'm hungry! Where is mommy? ** His stomach growled at him. He didn't like that feeling and he had made a mess in his diaper. He let out another wail. He saw his dad's eyes widen in panic.
"What is it?" He asked him. **Duh dad! Change my diaper! I'm hungry too! Hurry hurry hurry**
Serena peeked around the corner and saw Darien pull out a diaper. Okay, so he found out Caleb's 'I--want--my--diaper--changed--cry'. She ducked back into the kitchen and finished making the bottle.
Caleb sniffed up his tears **Okay, now you put the white stuff on.....wha---DAD! The WHITE stuff!** Caleb wished he knew how to roll his eyes because he really wanted to.
"The powder." Said a soft voice. Caleb saw his dad look over his shoulder and he caught a glimpse of his mommy. **FINALLY. What is that you have in your hand mommy? Is that.....is that a bottle?** He saw his mom hand the warm bottle over to his daddy. **There is no way I'm drinking that crap! It's gross!** He moved his head away avoiding the hard false nipple.
"Come on I know you're hungry." Daddy said. **Yeah, hungry for REAL food** He avoided the nipple again and let out a grunt. ** Mommy? Why are you going to let him make me drink this crap?** His dad used maneuvers and stuffed the nipple in his mouth. Caleb wanted to spit it out, but soon the warm liquid trailed down his throat. **MMM, good food**
Serena had pumped some of her breast milk in a small container and used it to make Caleb's bottle. She knew that Caleb disliked the powdered milk. It was a good thing Mina got her that breast pump dilly thing. She shook her head. Darien sighed in relief when Caleb's eyes began to close. That's just that start dear. Serena thought and went to grab her jacket.
"Well, call me if you need any help Darien. I got to go." She said and opened the door. When she was out side in the hallway, she forced herself to go. She couldn't help but feel a little worried. After all, this was the first time Caleb was going to stay away from her in the night. She wanted to turn back around and tell Darien that Caleb had to sleep with her for the night, but she just couldn't. She sighed and went to the elevator. Everything was going to be okay. Besides, she had all of tomorrow to be with him.
~ ~ ~ ~
Late in the night, Serena flipped on the lamp on her dresser and reached for her ringing phone.
"What?" She snapped. She heard a cry in the distance and sat up.
"Serena? Could you come over here? Caleb won't go to sleep and he keeps on crying. I don't know what to do with him." Darien told her.
Serena chuckled. "Alright, I'll be there in a sec." She hung up the phone and grabbed her robe and slippers. She crept silently out her door and tip toed around the snoring guards that were sprawled on her floor.
She reached his door in no time and knocked. Darien swung it open with Caleb crying on his shoulder.
"Finally meatball head." He growled at her. Serena glared at him and stepped into the room, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"What's the problem?" She yawned.
Darien held out the squealing baby to her. "Take him." Caleb looked at her with tears in his eyes. Serena settled him in her arms.
"Shh, mommy is here." She whispered in his ear, so that Darien couldn't hear her. Caleb sniffed back his cries and turned into her chest.
"What's wrong with him?" Darien asked, looking at her with bleary eyes.
"He misses his mommy." Serena said and brushed past him to sit on the couch.
"Well, he stopped. Do you think you can stay the night?" He asked. Serena was too tired to say anything smart ass to him.
"Sure." She said, but looked up at him. "Where am I going to sleep?" She asked suspiciously. Darien smiled a sexy smile and pushed open his door.
"In here with me." He told her. The tone of his voice made her shiver and her heart beat speed. Serena stared at him then brushed past her feelings and stood up.
"Alright. But you better keep your hands to your self." She warned, not really meaning it. But he couldn't know that. Dark shadows fell on his bed and Serena cautiously made her way to it, remembering the time they made love on it. She was so glad it was dark, because her cheeks began to burn. She kicked off her slippers and shrugged off her robe and then fell onto the bed with Caleb in her arms and settled him next to her. Caleb sighed and buried his face in night shirt. She felt the bed shift and Darien sunk next to her.
"Serena?" He asked.
"Hum?"
"Do you always wear that to bed?" He asked, referring to her bikini undies and tank top. Serena laughed softly.
"Yes. Now go to sleep." She said and pulled the covers over her bare legs.
"'Night." She heard Darien say.
"Mmm, 'night." She said before she fell off into dreamland.
~ ~ ~ ~
Mina slipped out of Kunzite's embrace and pulled her clothes on. She quietly made her way to the bathroom.
"Morning sunshine." She turned to Zoicite who was standing in the bathroom, shaving. Mina groaned.
"I need to pee. Out." She ordered. Zoicite smirked, washed his face and then left. After she was done using the restroom, she stretched and went into the kitchen where Nephrite was making breakfast.
"Mmmm, coffee. Jadeite, you're a life savor." Mina said when Jadeite slid a cup of java to her.
"Where did Serena go?" Zoicite asked buttering a piece of toast. Mina shrugged, and then looked sharply back at him.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Well, she's usually up with Caleb by now. So when I went into her room to wake her up, her bed was empty." He explained.
"What?" She asked in alarm.
"Chill out you two. She got a call from Darien last night to help him with Caleb." Jadeite told them stirring sugar in his brew.
"Oh really?" Nephrite asked looking up from his frying pan.
Mina giggled and ran to her room to get dressed. I'm sooooo going to bust in on them. Where the hell are my shoes?
"What are you going?" She heard Kunzite's husky voice. She turned to him and kissed him.
"Serena is at Darien's. I have to see what those two are up too." She said and ran a brush through her hair. "Do you want to come with me?" She turned from the mirror to him. He yawned and stood up. The blankets fell from his naked body and Mina felt a rush of desire. No! No time for that. She turned from him before she lost all control.
"I'll go, give me a minute." He said and Mina left the room. Ten minutes later, she and Kunzite were outside Darien's apartment door. Mina took out one of her pins and jimmied the lock. It clicked open and they slipped in.
"He was always a neat freak." Kunzite whispered to her looking around the pristine room.
"The bedroom." She whispered. The pair silently went to a slightly open door. Mina gasped when she saw the two snuggled up to one another spoon fashion. Darien had a protective arm around Serena's small body. Caleb was cradled by her, his face in Serena's neck.
"Oh damn, I should have brought a camera." Mina said in a moan. They were a family. Mina sighed and leaned against Kunzite's hard body. I wish they could stay like this forever.
"How many kids do you want?" Kunzite murmured in her ear.
"Three." Mina said in a sigh. "How 'bout you?"
"Ten million." He said back and Mina laughed.
"I don't think I can have ten million."
"Well, the practice couldn't hurt." He said back. Mina giggled and covered her mouth when Serena shifted to the sound.
"Let's go eat." She said and pulled Kunzite's hand to the door.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena woke at Caleb's tittering baby talk. She yawned and stretched. She felt something hard at her back and turned her head to see midnight blue eyes looking lazily down at her. Serena smiled and lifted herself up. He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her back down.
"We have to get up Darien." She said.
"No we don't we can stay in bed all day long." He told her in a sleepy voice. Serena rolled over and straddled him with her knees. She was the surprise in his eyes and she leaned down to kiss him. Her hungry lips ravished his mouth and he kissed her back. His arms wrapped snugly around her waist. Forbidden desire swelled out of control and if it wasn't for someone clearing their throat behind them, Serena was sure she and Darien would have made love right then and there. They looked up to see Raye, Lita and Ami in the doorway. Raye had a smirk on her face, Lita raised one of her perfect eyebrows and Ami was beet red.
Darien groaned and dropped his arms back onto the bed. "How did you get in here?" He asked them looking up at the ceiling.
"The door was open that's how." Raye said and bent over to pick Caleb off the floor.
"What? But I locked it last night." He said sitting up. The position had Serena falling on his lap.
"Well, it was open when we came so don't be yelling at us." Lita said. "Coming Serena?" She asked. Serena blushed and scooted off Darien's lap, knowing full well how that would affect him.
"Well, I have to get dressed. Do you want me to come shopping with you for more things?" She asked him, pulling on her robe and slipping on her slippers. Darien stood as well and went over to take Caleb from Raye.
"Sure, I need the help." He said smoothly. Serena smiled, gave Caleb a kiss on the cheek and left with the girls.
"Good luck with his bath!" She called back to him before they left the apartment.
~ ~ ~ ~
Darien dressed the baby after being soaked by his constant splashing. His hair still dripped with sudsy water. It was a bitch to get shoes and socks on him. Now he was dressed and Darien took his turn on the shower, putting Caleb in his play pin. Andrew had come over, thankfully before he went into the shower.
"You better hurry man. I don't want to be long with this kid." Andrew had warned. Darien took as long as he pleased which was about fifteen minutes. He dressed comfortably in a black shirt and faded blue jeans.
"So, how long do you have to baby-sit?" Andrew asked from his place on the couch.
"Just this week, then his mom is out of the hospital." Darien explained.
Andrew resisted the urge to roll his eyes and shake some sense into his friend. Darien was so frekin' dense. He thought. Didn't he see the remarkable resemblance Caleb and he shared? And what about his eyes? They were Serena's eyes. Andrew swore, if his friend didn't get his memory back soon, he was going to blurt everything out to him. When he started his---- er----friendship with Mina, she told him everything. Of course, just looking at Caleb from the very beginning, he knew that he was Darien's son. It was weird to think that Darien had been Tuxedo Mask at one time and Serena, his sweet friend he considered his other little sister, had or rather is the famous Sailor Moon. It explained a lot. But the secret he swore to protect from his clueless friend was beginning to gnaw at his mind. Still, memories gone or not, couldn't Darien SEE the resemblance? (AN: See, even sweet Andrew thinks Darien is dense...hahaha.....)
"What are you going to do today?" He asked.
"I still need a few things for Caleb, so Serena and I are going shopping right after lunch." He said giving Caleb his pacifier.
"Well, I just came to check on you. I have to get back to the arcade. See you around." He said and left. Darien shook his head and took Caleb into the kitchen to feed him so baby cereal. Soon, noon hit and Serena stood outside his doorway with a stroller in hand.
"Where did you get that?" He asked strapping Caleb in it.
"Luna's." She said simply.
All the way down the street, they were stopped and commented on what a good family they made. Serena didn't make any effort to tell them any different, so Darien simply went along, imagining that they were a family.
"Oh, look at the happy family." Cooed a familiar voice. They turned to see Mina, the girls and the men he met with at the airport.
"Shut up Mina. What are you guys doing here?" Serena asked. They shrugged.
"We wanted to go shopping." Raye said.
"Yeah, for my trophy for beating Raye in our spar."
"We have yet to have that rematch." Raye shot back.
"But when we do, you'll be kneeling on front of me, kissing the master's hand." He sneered at her.
"Why you arrogant...." Raye seethed, but Ami put a soothing hand on her shoulder.
"Jadeite." Nephrite said in a warning tone.
"We better go now. See you guys later." Lita said and she and the others left them.
Later, Serena helped Darien stack the various jars of baby food in his kitchen shelves. When they were done, they went into the front room.
"Can you say Darien? D-a-r-i-e-n?" He cooed at Caleb. Serna groaned.
"So far, he only says 'bye-bye'" She said and picked Caleb off the ground. "Although, he should be walking pretty soon." She placed Caleb's feet on the ground and he balanced there for a bit before falling back on his butt.
"I bet he'll start talking before he learns how to walk." Darien challenged. Serena looked up at him and saw a spark of mischief in her eyes. She held out her hand.
"Alright, fifty bucks says he'll walk before he talks." She said. Darien rolled his eyes.
"Deal." He said sealing the bet by shaking her hand.
"Well," She stood up and handed Caleb back to him. "I need to go. The girls are having dinner without me. See you later." She said and exited his apartment.
"Bye-bye." Caleb said and waved his little hand.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena knew she was going to win that bet. Caleb was beginning to walk even before the accident. She shook her head and went back up to her own apartment.
"I'm telling you, I'm going to win." Serena groaned. And the war wages on. She saw Raye and Jadeite face to face, glaring at each other. Serena walked over to Mina and Kunzite and slumped down next to them.
"Are you sure Raye and Jadeite were lovers on the moon kingdom?" She grumbled to them. Mina laughed.
"You remember all the fights they got into." Kunzite said with a chuckle.
Serena smiled wickedly. "Yeah, and all the making up too. Those two were insatiable when it came to their 'make-ups'."
"Maybe that's why they fought all the time." Mina suggested.
"You won't be so cocky when I get done with you." Raye bit back. Everyone watched the two bicker. A small soap opera to them.
"How 'bout we make a bet Mars." Jadeite said and Raye focused all her attention to him.
"Alright, what have you got in mind?" She asked, folding her arms.
"The loser has to do what ever the winner says until we have to leave back to America."
Raye was thoughtful. "Alright. You have yourself a deal." She said with a flip of her hair. She held out her hand and Jadeite took it eagerly. Serena couldn't help but smile at the look in Jadeite's eyes. There was desire behind it, and Serena knew that Raye would lose the match. Jadeite always prevailed when he really wanted something and Raye was a prime prize he took great interest in.
"Tomorrow, we'll do it. Prepare yourself Mars." He said Mars sarcastically.
"Don't worry, I'll be ready." She said and turned away from him. He caught her arm and pulled her back to him.
"Be ready to do EVERYTHING I want little one." He told her huskily and kissed her hard on the mouth before he let her go.
Raye as well as everyone was surprised at his actions. Raye caught his meaning and a faint blush crept up her cheeks. She growled something under her breath and stalked into the kitchen. Serena looked at everyone and shook her head.
"Well, how 'bout dinner?" Lita broke the silence. Everyone laughed and Nephrite helped her up from the couch. Serena saw how he placed a possessive hand on the small of Lita's back. Well, looks like Raye isn't the only one to get laid before the guards' trip was up.
~ ~ ~ ~
"Hey Darien, I heard you were on baby duty so I came by to help you." Darien cursed at the annoying voice at his door. Ann stood there, looking up at him with a grin on her face.
"Hi Ann." He muttered and went into the kitchen to make Caleb a bottle. He poured the milk Serena had made into the glass bottle and ran it under hot water to warm it up. Where was Serena? She was supposed to be here by now. He scowled. Now he was stuck with crazy Ann.
Caleb was happily pulling out tissues from the box when someone rudely interrupted him by picking him up roughly. He looked up and stared in cold, reddish-pink eyes. "Don't do that. You don't want to mess up Darien's nice apartment do you?" She asked in an icy voice. Caleb felt something was wrong with her and he was scared. Tears mounted and he let out a squeal and threw back his head. **Leave me alone! DADDY!**
"Uh, could you change his diaper?" Darien told her from around the corner when he heard Caleb cry.
**NO! Tell her to go away. I want my mommy! Mommy!** He was helpless to do anything.
"Here you go." Darien gave Caleb his bottle and then sucked in his breath when he peed on Ann. Ann let out a startled gasp and looked down at her wet shirt. Darien had to cough to cover his laugh.
"Why you little...." Ann seethed and stepped away from Caleb.
"He didn't mean it Ann. You don't have to get mad about it." Darien defended.
"I don't care! Uhh, that's so disgusting and I just bought this shirt!" She grabbed her purse off the couch and stormed out of his apartment, just as Serena entered. Startled, Serena stepped aside to let her pass. When Ann was out of sight, Serena looked back at him with hurt and anger.
"Did you find someone to replace me?" She asked him folding her arms in front of her.
"NO!" He cried and threw up his hands in frustration. "She just stopped by and let herself in. Then she was changing his diaper and he peed on her." He explained.
Serena's face turned from angry to surprise. "He peed on her?" She asked with a little giggle. Darien had to grin.
"Yeah, he has good aim." She laughed and turned to look down at the baby.
**MOMMY! You're here!** Caleb picked himself up and balanced on his feet, getting the feel of standing on his own. He moved one leg and then another, wanting to see her.
"Caleb!" Serena cried with a wide smile on her face. Darien turned to see Caleb take another step. His eyes widened. Caleb took three more steps before he plopped back down in front of the tissue box.
**Oooh, more floaty thingies!** Caleb thought and began tossing the tissues up again.
"He walked! Did you see him?" Serena asked and threw her arms around his neck for a big hug. Darien caught her and laughed.
"Sure did meatball head." He said. Serena pulled out of his grasp and looked him in the eye.
"You owe me fifty buck mister." She said before she gave him a peck on the mouth and moved away from him.
Caleb looked up to see his mommy smiling brightly at him. "You walked!" He heard her say. He grinned. **I know, I'm the man.** (AN: Yeah, Caleb is going to inherit his cocky nature from Darien.....te he he) She gathered him up and he breathed in her sweet scent.
For a moment, Darien saw how much Caleb looked like him. For a moment, he saw Serena's eyes mirrored in the small child's eyes. For a moment, Darien felt a little cold. No wonder people were commenting on how much they looked good together walking down the street. If he didn't know any better, he could have sworn Caleb was his own son and Serena the mother. Wishful thinking. He thought, but he still couldn't shake the coldness from him. Wishful thinking........... right?
There was a knock at the door and Darien opened it. Ami was standing outside looking nervous and a bit frantic.
"Is Serena in there?" She asked. Darien stepped aside and let her in. Words were exchanged and Serena turned back to him.
"I got to go Darien. I'll stop by later okay?" She said and all he could nod and she was out the door.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena and Ami arrived just in time to see the scouts being knocked unconscious by the yomen. She and Ami transformed, and the yomen sent her little strands of dark energy at them, paralyzing them. They couldn't move, but a white rose sailed down and the yomen lost its hold on them. Serena looked to the side to see Ami's jaw set in grim despise and she glowed blue. Serena knew what that meant. Mina had turned orange the time she saved the little kindergarteners from a yomen attack not to long ago. That meant that Ami was preparing to send a new attack at the monster.
"Mercury ice bubbles.........FREEZE!" She cried out and sent her attack at the yomen. Ice encased the yomen and she fell from the ground. Serena took her chance and moon dusted it.
"Great job Scouts." The Moonlight Knight told them. Serena saw a devilish glint in his eyes and blushed. If only he knew all the dreams she had about them.
~ ~ ~ ~
Luna was let out and Serena and Darien went to the hospital to 'return' Caleb back to his 'mom'. (AN: Can you imagine Dr. Evil doing the finger quote things? Oops sorry, a bit sidetracked)
"Hey, welcome back Luna." Serena greeted her friend. Luna smiled and shook back her hair.
"Well, it's good to be back." She said.
"Yeah, me and Darien took real good care of your son." Serena said, sending a silent message to her friend. Luna looked at her oddly, but Caleb's little laugh grabbed her attention.
"Well, hello to you too." Luna laughed and took Caleb from Darien. Serena felt Luna's love wash over her.
"He was a real good baby." Darien said.
"Well, thank you two for watching him. I really appreciate it." She said and gathered Caleb's thing. They all walked out of the door. "We better go home. Thank you again." She looked back down at Caleb. "Say bye- bye." She said. Caleb looked up.
"Bye-bye Dawein." He said. Serena's mouth dropped open and she looked up at an equally shocked Darien. Luna laughed and started down the road with Caleb's stroller.
"Did I imagine that?" Darien asked. Serena shook her head.
"We taught him how to walk and talk." She squealed and she and Darien high-fived each other.
Later that night, Serena looked out her window, looking at the moon. What a great experience. It was great to share Caleb's first steps and first words with Darien. She sighed and laid on her bed. He has to remember them soon, because she was so lonely with out him. With that, she fell asleep.
~ ~ ~ ~
AN: Yayyyyy!!! Another chapter done! This one was the longest so far. Stay tune for the next one, where Raye and Jadeite have their spar. REVIEWS people, I love the comments. So please, review me. Kisses......*muh*ieoot! What about Darien? uch. Even with our memories back, they still don'herry blossom fesitval,were pretty good seats
Chapter 15 A Love Triangle and Daddy Time
Serena looked up from her homework at Mina who let out a squeal. Serena frowned. She looked down at Caleb to make sure she didn't wake him up. He was nestled to the side of her in his favorite blue blanket. He still slept away.
"Mina? What is it?" She asked. Mina's head peeked out from the corner of her bedroom with a huge grin on her face.
"The guys are coming to see us that's what!" She said with an excited grin. Serena stood up.
"Serious?" She asked, feeling her own excitement mount as well. "When?" She demanded.
"Kunz said they'll be leaving tomorrow. I told them they could stay with us. We have enough room." She looked around the living room. "I think. Wait! We have those air mattresses thingies. They can sleep on those." Serena saw Mina begin to plan.
"Wait, wait wait." Serena halted her. "What about the girls? And what about Andrew?" Serena asked. She saw Mina's face pale.
"Oh sh.." Serena gave her a warning look. "Shoot. Oh I totally forgot about them!" She began to pace.
"Well, Andrew told me that Rita was going to come back from Africa for the Cherry blossom festival, so everything is okay with that." Mina looked up at Serena. "You know, Andrew and I are just......uhh.....bed buddies if you will. It's not like were going to get married or something." Mina defended. Serena shrugged.
"Well, it was the same when Darien went all evil on me." She told her with a grin.
"But the girls.....they'll know something is up when they see them. After all, they don't know about the past as much. Even with our memories back, they still don't know about Darien's guards. Man, how are we going to do this? The guys will want to meet the girls." Serena sat down, thinking about what Mina was telling her.
"Well, we could tell them the truth you know.....but not the whole truth." Serena said to her after there was an awkward silence.
"What do you mean?" Mina asked sitting next to her.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena and Mina waited for the guys to show up at the airport. Mina had sent her private plane to pick them up. They saw the plane land in the distance. Luna and Artemis were with them in their cat forms.
After a while the plane landed and the stairs came down. Jadeite was the first to step out.
Mina and Serena ran to meet them. Serena hugged the laughing blonde. Soon, Nephrite, Zoicite and Kunzite stepped off. Mina broke away and jumped on Kunzite.
"Oh I missed you so much!" She told him and they kissed. Serena and the others rolled their eyes.
"Hey little guy! You've grown so big!" Nephrite said and grabbed Caleb from Serena. Caleb looked at each one of them, with a furrow in his little brow, studying them. Jadeite gave Serena a wicked grin and pulled something out of his bag he had slung over his shoulder.
"Ta da!" He said and pulled out a small cap that said 'Hooters' on it. Serena gasped and tried to snatch it from him. But Nephrite moved away from her with Caleb and Jadeite put the cap on him. All the while, Caleb laughed gaily, and clapped his hands.
"Take that off my son! Jadeite!" Serena cried running after them. Poor Zoicite was left dragging the bags.
They went to a small restaurant near the airport. Caleb was asleep in his carrier in the side of her next to the window. The waitresses gave the group of guys flirtatious smiles and free drinks. Of course, being the conceited guys they were, they soaked in every look. Honestly, Serena swore that Darien's conceit and smart ass remarks were inspired by these pretty boys. Serena remembered the time on the Moon Kingdom with her arranged marriage to the cocky Prince of Earth. It was a wonder that they even fell in love. The damn Prince was so annoying, and his guards got on her Scouts' nerves as well. One time, she thought Raye was going to kill Jadeite with one of her fireballs because he kissed her.
"So, we heard about Darien. I'm sorry Sere, I know how much you love him." Zoicite said and gave her hand a little squeeze. Serena smiled.
"I know, but I have to look on the bright side of things." She said with a shrug.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" Asked a voice behind them. Serena and the others turned and looked behind them. Andrew, Rita and Darien were behind them.
"We came to pick up a few friends from the airport." Serena told them. She looked across the table to Mina. She smiled up at Andrew and Rita, not disturbed at all. Andrew was the same way. Serena looked to the side of her to check on Caleb. She saw him still slumbering away. Luna and Artemis were curled up on his top of his little cover thing that was pulled over him. She knew Darien saw the blue carrier, but he didn't ask any questions. Why was that?
"Would you like to join us? We have three empty seats." Nephrite motioned to the empty chairs. They slid into them. Darien sat across form her with a Darien smirk on his face. Serena smirked right back. Every since that night of THE DARE, she had labeled it, they had been playing a game with one another, to see who could break each others resistance first. So far, there had been no winner.
Serena slipped off her shoes and snuck a clever foot up his pants leg. She saw him stiffen, but a small grin broke out on his face and he lifted his own leg. Unfortunately, his legs were longer and his warm sock covered foot rubbed her between her bare thighs, not quite reaching their destination. The wicked Prick, Serena though and stifled a gasp and clamped her legs shut, catching his foot between her knees. He tried to pull out but she held him tight. She gave him another smirk and reached down to tickle his foot. She didn't realize just how ticklish his foot was until he jumped. Andrew and Rita turned to him.
"Is something wrong Darien?" Rita asked. Darien gave her a warning look, and turned to Rita.
"No, not at all." He said. The waitress returned with their food and the newcomers made their order.
"So, Darien, tell us what you do." Kunzite asked him. A little surprised Darien answered. His guards kept asking him question. All the while, Serena continued to torment him. He held up rather well. There were a few times he sent her death glares, but she shook them off like nothing. Ha. They ate in silence after Serena cleaned her hands with a baby wipe. His foot was still caught between her knees and he made no effort to move it.
"Well, be had better go. The festival is tomorrow and we want to get good seats." Andrew stood up and helped Rita up. Serena let Darien's captured foot go free and he stood as well.
"Bye." Serena called out to them. When they were out the door, Serena's cell phone beeped. She jumped. Oh yeah, I forgot I had a cell phone. She pulled it out and read on the screen that there was a new text message. Frowning, she read it. *I'll get you back-- Prick* She giggled. Darien and his threats. How did he get her number?
"Ready to go Serena?" Jadeite asked. Serena nodded and left a tip for the waitresses.
~ ~ ~ ~
Endymion watched from his familiar perch in the trees until Serena and the others got home. First, Mina came in and then a file of men entered. Endy scowled at this. Just who the hell are those people? Serena finally came in with Luna and Artemis following her.
"You guys have to sleep in here." Mina told them and pointed to two the king size air mattresses on the ground.
"Kunzite too?" He heard the guy with short blonde hair ask.
Mina smirked and grabbed Kunzite's arm. "I think there is enough room in my bed." She said and they left the party. Endy sat back. So, his guards were visiting huh? He chuckled, remembering his old friends who fell in love with Serenity's court. Ah, the memories. All the fights and jokes they played on each other. He looked around and jumped from the tree branch down to the front room window. He peered through and saw Serena close her bedroom door. He waited and then knocked lightly on the window. His guards jerked their heads up. Endy pulled his mask down and recognition dawned on their faces. Zoicite opened the window and Endy jumped through.
"Endymion?" Jadeite breathed. Endy stood up and smiled at each one of his guards.
"Long time no see." He finally said.
"What are you doing here?" Zoicite asked him.
"Just checking up on Serenity." He told them and plopped on the couch.
"I thought you would be in bed by now. You left with the other two a while ago." Jadeite said shaking out his pillow.
Endy shook his head. "That was Darien." He told them. All of them looked at him in confusion, so Endymion took a deep breath and told them the whole story. After a while, the room was quiet and all his guards looked at him in wonder.
"Then why are you here?" Nephrite asked him. Endy grinned.
"To pay a visit to my sleeping beauty. If you'll excuse me." He stood up and went to Serena's room. All his guards laughed and shook their heads. Endy slipped into the dark room to find Serena not in her bed. Frowning, he looked around the spacious room. His son was asleep in his crib, but where was Serena? Low music caught his attention and he turned to another door. Light shone from the bottom of the door. He cautiously peeked through and saw that Serena was asleep in a bubble bath. Pink bubbles covered her body and the soft melody echoed though the bathroom.
*...Driven' far apart *
*I make a wish on a shooting star*
*There will come a day, somewhere far away*
*In your arms I'll stay, my only love...*
Slowly, he stripped out of his clothes and tip toed in the bathroom. He stood behind her and slyly slid himself in the lukewarm water. She moaned, but didn't wake up. He settled her comfortably on him. Ah, yes, he could enjoy this. He thought wrapping his arms around her naked shoulders.
"Serenity." He breathed in her ear. She shivered and sunk lower in the water. He put his lips to her ear and sang along with her favorite song.
"You reach the deepest part, all the secrets in my heart, I've known it from the start, my only love........" (AN: Don't ya just love that song?...)
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena felt goosebumps run along her arm as her dream man sang to her. His voice vibrated against her temple. She opened her eyes, and looked up to see Darien smiling down at her. Ah, I just love my dreams, she though sleepily. She turned and then settled back on his lap, face to face. He felt so real. Their bodies felt so slick together....I wonder.......
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on his chin and slid up, taking him in her. His breath caught and Serena flicked her tongue across his lips, enticing him to kiss her. He didn't need much coaching. He grabbed her head and kissed her back. Mmmmm, he tasted so good, she thought fuzzily. She moved against him. Water splashed from the tub onto the ground. His arms wrapped around her waist, and he moved with her. Soft pants escaped her mouth and her hands reached into his thick dark, oh so soft hair. The rhythm increased and more water splashed over the side of the tub. She tightened her inner muscled around him and he groaned in her kiss. She felt her release coming and she slowed, wanting to savor the moment. In her sleepy mind, she let out a small moan and let the orgasm shake her body. Darien broke their kiss and raised her again so he too could find his release. Serena settled in his embrace and felt her sleepy mind take over. She yawned and fell asleep against his heaving chest. Mmmmm......even better than my last dream.
~ ~ ~ ~
She fell asleep AGAIN! His manly ego took a small beating. She always did that.........he let out a tortured moan when she shifted. I better get her to bed before she freezes to death. He stood up with her leaning against him. He picked up her slick body and settled her in his arms. They made their way to her room. He dried her off as best as he could and put her in her bed. He dressed and stumbled out of her room into the front room where his guards kept the window open for him.
"Good night?" He heard Jadeite ask in a sleepy, but cocky voice.
"The best. See you guys later." He said and heard him chuckle as he left.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Serena hummed the whole morning. All these dreams, I think they do me good even if I do wake up from them naked. She giggled and picked Caleb up and took him to his changing table where she pulled his towel off of him and put a diaper on his little butt. Next, his blue pants and white shirt. She wrestled with his feet to put his socks and shoes on. Finally, she brushed his soft baby hair and put Jadeite's 'Hooters' cap on. She chucked, why she was putting it on him, she had no idea. Molly had called and told her that she and Melvin spent the night on the festival grounds and reserved them a great place. Mina and the guys were waiting in the living room for her. She handed Caleb to Nephrite and then they left. Serena, Caleb, Nephrite, Kunzite and Mina in Mina's car, and the other guys with Luna and Artemis took her new car she had yet to drive. She frowned as the silver sports car pulled out with Jadeite behind the wheel.
"I can trust Jed with my car right?" Serena asked the boys suspiciously.
Kunzite and Nephrite laughed. "Sure Sere." Serena didn't like the tone in Kunzites voice when he told her that. Jadeite pulled in front of them and gunned the engine. Serena bolted up from her seat and watched in horror as Jadeite weaved in and out of traffic like a crazy person.
"I'm going to KILL him!" She ranted when she lost sight of them.
Finally, they arrived at the place. Serena saw Luna hurling in the bushes. Artemis was with her and glaring at a sheepish Jadeite. Zoicite, Nephrite and Kunzite just laughed.
"Over here!" Called Molly in her accent. Serena and the others joined them. Molly had a queer look on her face. Serena followed her gaze to see her looking at Nephrite. Oh shit! I forgot about them! She grabbed Mina and Nephrite and took them to the side.
"Oh my gods, I totally forgot about Molly!" Serena hissed at them. They looked at her in confusion. "Remember the story I told you guys back in America? When Molly and the evil Nephrite fell in love?"
It dawned on them and Nephrite looked back to see Molly looking at him in wonder. "What are we going to do?" He asked.
"Well, it was a while ago. And she's with Melvin now." Mina said.
Serena nodded. "But still. We have to tell her your American names okay?" Serena said. The names Nephrite, Kunzite, Jadeite, and Zoicite were their past names, but Serena and Mina still called them by it. They were reborn with different names.
"Alright." Nephrite....er...Nate said.
They turned back to the party. "Molly, I want you to meet our friends from America." Serena had made up a story to explain her whereabouts when she left. Molly still didn't even know about Caleb. "This is Nate, Zach, Josh, and Kris. Guys, meet Molly and her boyfriend Melvin." There were murmured exchanges. Serena still saw the suspicion in her eyes, but Serena knew everything would be okay. That was, until the other scouts showed up.
"Serena!" Called a cheerful voice belonging to Lita. She turned and saw the scouts stop dead in their tracks.
"Uh, hi girls." Serena grabbed Mina's hand and they went to the shocked scouts before they did anything drastic. Jeeze all this explaining.
"What are you doing with the enemy?" Raye hissed looking over to see Jadeite wink at her. Something was familiar about that wink. But, Jadeite was EVIL, wasn't he?
"They're supposed to be dead! What's going on?" Ami demanded. Serena and Mina exchanged glances.
"You two better tell us before we go Scout power on your asses." Lita bit out at them. She folded her arms and looked them square in the eye.
"Well, you see, it's kinda a long story." Serena began not wanting to have Lita's wrath fall upon her.
"Yeah, you'll totally freak when you hear it." Mina chimed in. So they spent a good twenty minutes telling the pissed off scouts who they were.
"They're good?" Raye asked pointing a finger at the group of men who were surrounded by girls. Man, how did those guys draw so much attention to themselves? Serena wondered.
"Uh huh. Mina and I met them when we were in America. Well, Mina met them first. She and Kunzite---er---I mean Kris are dating." Serena said. Mina blushed a little.
"I think you guys will really like them. You have so much in common." Mina said with a smile. Serena resisted rolling her eyes. Always the matchmaker.
"I highly doubt that." Raye said dryly, but Serena saw interest in the scouts' eyes as they looked past Serena and Mina.
"He does seem good with kids." Lita observed looking at Nephrite with Caleb in his arms. Lita had always been the tuff scout. The fiercest fighter. But she was also the most homely. Lita was so good with kids and house things. Serena always thought that Lita would make a good wife and mother one day. Nephrite was the same way.
Serena and Mina turned back to the others and Mina gave the guys a thumbs up. They settled onto a picnic blanket. Serena felt the tension between the scout and the guards. She looked across them to see each one of her scouts chatting with the guards.
"Hello girls." Said a female voice. Serena turned to see Miss H on the arm of some middle aged man. Serena smiled up.
"Hello Miss H. So nice to see you and your..uh...friend." Serena said.
"Do you mind if we sit next to you?" Miss H asked hesitantly.
"Sure Miss H." Mina piped in. Miss H and her friend settled down with a picnic basket of their own. Lita had brought one and so did Nephrite. When it was time to eat, Lita gave Neph a surprised look.
"You cook?" She asked him. Nephrite nodded and he and Lita became engrossed in a discussion about food. Ami and Zoicite were having a debate on some subject in physics. Raye and Jadeite were discussing karate techniques and had set up a sparring date before the guys left to America. Serena leaned against a tree. Ahhh, the beginning of wonderful relationships.
The day went on. At one point Molly and Melvin left them and Miss H went to look for them. There was screaming and Serena and the scouts ran to see what was going on. Serena left Caleb with the guys and Luna and Artemis followed them. They found Miss H, along with Molly and Melvin unconscious in a secluded part of the woods. They rushed them to a nearby clinic where the doctor told them that they were the tenth people that came in unconscious. The girls all looked at one another and left to scout the place.
~ ~ ~ ~
Mina and the scouts wondered through the woods where most of the attacks took place. There was dead silence. She and the others became even more aware. Serena, Luna and Artemis went a different way. A twig snapped and, she and the others twirled around. A young woman with bluish black eyes and long black hair stood before them. Something was wrong with her. Her eyes briefly flashed a red color.
"She's the cardian." Raye told them. The cardian smiled evilly at them. Soon, tree branches for behind them wrapped around them. Mina fought against them, but they were too strong and they began draining them. A scream burbled up in her throat.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena heard them scream, she felt them being drained. "Over there!" Luna yelled and she and her guardians ran to the screams. Wide-eyed she looked at the scouts trapped in branches. She transformed.
"Mina!" She heard an alarmed male voice. Serena turned to see Kunzite and Zoicite behind her. Kunzite ran to Mina who kept screaming. An invisible force knocked him and Zoicite back. Serena turned to the monster. The yomen charged after her. Serena ducked out of the way. She landed on her knees, a little winded.
"Serena, use your tiara!" Luna yelled at her. Serena aimed her attack at the yomen, praying it would work. But like last time, it lost its power and the yomen flicked it aside and charges at her. Serena didn't have enough time to dodge it and the yomen pinned her to the ground.
"Don't look into her eyes!" She heard Raye yell behind her. But her eyes riveted to the evil yomen's and soon, she felt herself loose her own energy.
"Let go of me!" Serena screamed up, but it continued to drain her. She felt so weak now, and soon she heard a shattering sound. She gasped and looked down to see her transformation broach break. Soon, pink ribbons surrounded her body and she was back into her civilian clothes. Artemis jumped on the yomen, trying to free her. What's happening to me? She moaned and tried to stand up, but the ground beneath her became some kind of liquid. Her foot slipped and her leg was emerged into the liquid ground. She sank lower and lower in it. Her weak arms tried to hold onto the edge.
She looked up, feeling her heart break at the weak scouts looking at her helplessly. "You guys, I'm so sorry I can't save you." She told them with tears in her eyes and soon, she couldn't see them. She faintly heard them calling her name, but she was lost.
"Serena!" She was falling, but she looked up and saw Luna falling in with her in her cat form. She caught her. She didn't know how long she fell, but it seemed endless. Soon, her clothes disappeared and she brought her knees up to her chin, cradling Luna in her arms.
"Are we dead Luna?" She murmured burrowing her face in Luna's soft black fur.
"Princess Serenity." Said a soft voice. Serena jerked her head up to see silver light materialize in font of her.
"Mother?" She asked hesitantly. Her mother's dark blue eyes bore into hers and she placed a soft, warm hand on Serena's cheek. Serena closed her eyes, loving the feel of love her mother emanated to her. She opened them, to find that she was on her feet, dressed in her princess garb. Her mother looked up from her. Serena followed her gaze and saw her broken broach.
"How can I save my friends?" She asked her.
"Look." Her mother said and held out a familiar silver jewel.
"The imperium silver crystal." She breathed. The silver jewel floated down and placed it's self in her broach. There was a silver light and soon, her broach was whole again.
"Your determination to save your friends makes the silver crystal strong again. Just say, moon crystal power and you'll be able to transform."
Serena smiled at her mother and hugged her. "I'll make you proud mother." She told her. "Moon Crystal Power!" She called out. She felt her new power on her voice. Soon, she was back in her sailor uniform and she picked up Luna. "Time to go." She said. Using the power of the crystal, she and Luna flew up and back into the real world.
When they got to the surface, she was Artemis, Kunzite and Zoicite fighting the monster.
"Hold it!" She yelled out and the yomen turned to herm just in time to save a weak Artemis.
"I though you two were gonners for sure." Artemis said in a heaving voice.
"Artemis," Luna scolded. "So little faith you have in us." She said. Serena dodged an attack and landed hard against a tree. She shook her head and ducked just when the yomen aimed an attack at her head. It raised its arms again, but a familiar white rose sailed down and stopped the attack. Serena breathed a sigh of relief and scrambled away from the monster.
"Princess Serenity!" Said a soft voice. Serena jerked her attention to the moon, where it flickered and soon something was falling from the sky. She caught it. "Use the moon scepter." The voice whispered to her through the trees. She stood up and saw the guys fighting the monster.
"Moon Scepter Elimination!" She called out and a new attack blasted from the scepter and hit the monster. It screamed, but then turned to a blacken card. Serena sunk to her knees, feeling so drained.
"Princess! Are you alright?" Zoicite asked running to her side. She looked into his worried green eyes, but gave him a soft smile of assurance.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I so beat you!" Serena heard Raye yell at Jadeite.
"You lie! You took a cheap shot at me!" He boomed back.
Serena sighed. It had been like this since they left from the movie. Raye and Jadeite hollering at each other over who was the winner of the spar they had yesterday. They were all in her and Mina's apartment.
"Yeah right! I would never take such an easy target. You're so full of your self. I'm telling you, I beat you!" She hollered at him.
"Whatever! I demand a rematch. You guys have to watch. Video tape it even! So I can prove to this she devil that I WON!" Jadeite turned to the others. Serena drew in a deep breath. This will all go away. She told herself over and over again.
"Dinner is done!" Lita yelled from the kitchen.
"SHE DEVIL?!" Raye screeched and Serena caught Raye's shirt and pulled her down.
"Let's go eat. You can finish your argument later." Serena told her simmering friend.
"Yeah, Raye." Jadeite sneered at her.
"Kiss my ass!" She yelled back to him, her purple eyes bright with anger.
"Bend over!" Jadeite called back to her. Zoicite dragged Jadeite away before Serena lost her hold on Raye's shirt.
They all went onto the small kitchen where Lita and Nephrite had plates waiting for them.
"Spaghetti!" Serena cried out, almost to tears. She loved spaghetti! She strapped Caleb in his high chair. Serena took off his white shirt, knowing that Caleb would stain it. He loved spaghetti also. As soon as his plate was put in front of him, his chubby little hands dug into the warm mess of red sauce and noodles.
Serena and the girls sat around the glass kitchen table and the guys all headed into the living room because some baseball game was on.
"Wow Mina, are you sure you can survive with out Kunzite at your side?" Raye snickered at her. Mina rolled her eyes.
"We were apart most of the day." She defended.
"Yeah, for about three minutes, then you two clung to each other like there was no tomorrow." Ami told her with a wink.
"Well, Lita and Nephrite were all over each other too!" Mina cried. Lita looked taken back.
"We were not!" She exclaimed. Serena saw her blush. "We just cooked together that's all." She muttered twirling some pasta on her fork. (AN: yes, I know that forks are an American thing too, but you try eating spaghetti with chop sticks..he he, I think I have to try that..hummmm...)
"Yeah hun, sure." Raye said.
"So who really won the spar?" Ami asked Raye. She groaned.
"I did." She said stubbornly.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Three days later, Serena and Ami walked downtown to the nursery where Caleb was. Luna had called and said that she would pick him up and to meet her there. Gurgling laughter came from the building. Most of the babies were out side. Serena saw Caleb bouncing up and down, holding his little hands out to Luna.
"Hey Luna." Serena greeted her. Luna turned to them dressed in a yellow skirt and a white shirt. Hey! That's MY shirt! Serena thought. Soon, the sky turned red and Serena and Ami looked up to see a woman floating in the air. Serena felt fear grip her chest. It was a Cardien! She looked frantically back down and saw small strands of ...something... land on the nursery workers and babies.
"Caleb!" She screamed and fumbled with the nursery gate. But it was locked. Serena kicked it, trying to free the latch. Tears burned her eyes. I have to save them! "Caleb." She moaned and looked to see Luna hunching her body over him. She kicked it harder, but the damn iron gate shook and stayed close. Soon, the sky cleared up and the cardian was gone. Everyone on the nursery grounds were still. "Caleb. Luna." Serena whispered and finally, the gate swung open. Serena ran to where Luna had fallen. Caleb crawled out from under her.
"Oh my baby." She whispered and hugged Caleb tightly too her.
"Serena, look at them." Ami whispered to the side of her. Everything was so damn quiet. She touched Luna's shoulder, but Luna didn't respond.
"Call and ambulance!" Serena heard some one yell. She looked up to see Darien looking at the scene with wide-eyes.
Serena rode in an ambulance with Luna. The paramedics had taken Caleb from her and were doing tests on him. Luna had an oxygen mask on her face. She looked so pale and fragile. Serena felt more tears spill over her eyes. They arrived at the hospital a short time later. She, Ami and Darien watched them cart Luna and Caleb away. Serena had tried to tell the medics that Caleb was her son, but they didn't listen to her. So she sat defeated on a chair and waited for the doctor to tell her how they were doing.
"My mom said we can see Luna and Caleb." Ami told her gently. Finally, she had been waiting forever! She ran to the room where Luna was. There was a heavy hand on her shoulder and she glanced up to see Darien by her side.
"What's their status?" Darien asked. Ami looked to Serena and back to Darien. Serena was a spark of something in her eyes.
"Well, the good news is that the babies will be let out in a week. But Luna has to stay a week too. The problem is, Luna's husband is out of town and there is no one to watch Caleb." She said. Serena looked at her friend like she gone mad. What the hell was Ami doing? "And he can't stay here, because of all the other babies." Serena sneaked a look at Darien.
She couldn't very well blurt out that Caleb was here son. She was scared of what he might think of her, knowing she was a mom. She wanted him to get his memory back first. She didn't want him to feel..........obligated. So she kept her mouth shut wondering what Ami was up too.
"Well, I could take him if it's alright." Darien offered. Serena sucked in a breath. What did he say?
Ami looked at Serena. She saw the question in her eyes. Serena looked back to Darien. Well, Darien was Caleb's father after all.
"It going to be hard work Darien, are you sure you can handle it?" Ami asked.
Darien smiled his slow, I'm--the--man--smile. "How hard can it be to take care of a baby?" He asked. That did it for her. Serena gave a slight nod in Ami's direction.
"Alright Darien. If you're really up to the challenge." Ami said. Ah Darien, you'll learn first hand how taking care of a baby is no easy task. Serena thought evilly.
~ ~ ~ ~
Darien stumbled into his apartment with Serena trailing behind him. She held the baby while he packed in all the baby's stuff for his week stay. Caleb. He liked the sound of that name. Of course he knew who the kid was. After all, his mother, Luna, looked like her son. He would always see the kid with Serena sometimes. He looked back to see Caleb playing with one of Serena's long ponytails. She seemed perfectly comfortable with a baby in her arms. A vision of her big with a child of his own had him spinning off into dreamland. He shook the though from his head. She was seventeen for goodness sakes, she won't be having kids anytime soon. He hoped. (AN: Darien is so dense in this chapter, it even makes ME want to scream at him...te he he, but it's all part of the story) He dropped everything on the couch.
"Well, he has enough diapers." He heard Serena say.
"And enough shoes. Why does his mom buy him so much?" He grumbled. He heard Serena chuckle behind him.
"Are you going to set up his crib?" She asked and went to an open spot on the couch and settled down.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena watched in humor as Darien cussed at the crib he was setting up. After about an hour, it was set up. Serena smiled at that. It took her and Mina two days to set it up. He was such a neat freak, she thought as she walked into the kitchen to see new bottles lined up and cleaned in the dish rack. Baby formula was set nicely in the cupboards. Serena shook her head. He was going to have a hard time feeding him with those bottles. Serena had tried to take him off breastfeeding and onto bottles, but Caleb simple refused to give up her boob. She laughed. I wonder if I get to see Darien wrestle with him over a bottle. In Darien's room, Caleb's clothes were folded neatly on a dresser with his various shoes each matched with an outfit. Jeeze, Darien was REALLY a neat freak. Caleb let out a whimper. Serena looked up at the clock. Feeding time.
"Darien, Caleb's hungry." She called out to him. Let the experience of Fatherhood begin. She held Caleb out to him. Darien studied her for a bit before taking Caleb from her. Caleb threw back his head and let out a wail.
"Could you make him a bottle?" He asked her fumbling with the crying baby.
"Sure." Serena said and went into the kitchen.
Caleb wanted to throw a fit. ** I'm hungry! Where is mommy? ** His stomach growled at him. He didn't like that feeling and he had made a mess in his diaper. He let out another wail. He saw his dad's eyes widen in panic.
"What is it?" He asked him. **Duh dad! Change my diaper! I'm hungry too! Hurry hurry hurry**
Serena peeked around the corner and saw Darien pull out a diaper. Okay, so he found out Caleb's 'I--want--my--diaper--changed--cry'. She ducked back into the kitchen and finished making the bottle.
Caleb sniffed up his tears **Okay, now you put the white stuff on.....wha---DAD! The WHITE stuff!** Caleb wished he knew how to roll his eyes because he really wanted to.
"The powder." Said a soft voice. Caleb saw his dad look over his shoulder and he caught a glimpse of his mommy. **FINALLY. What is that you have in your hand mommy? Is that.....is that a bottle?** He saw his mom hand the warm bottle over to his daddy. **There is no way I'm drinking that crap! It's gross!** He moved his head away avoiding the hard false nipple.
"Come on I know you're hungry." Daddy said. **Yeah, hungry for REAL food** He avoided the nipple again and let out a grunt. ** Mommy? Why are you going to let him make me drink this crap?** His dad used maneuvers and stuffed the nipple in his mouth. Caleb wanted to spit it out, but soon the warm liquid trailed down his throat. **MMM, good food**
Serena had pumped some of her breast milk in a small container and used it to make Caleb's bottle. She knew that Caleb disliked the powdered milk. It was a good thing Mina got her that breast pump dilly thing. She shook her head. Darien sighed in relief when Caleb's eyes began to close. That's just that start dear. Serena thought and went to grab her jacket.
"Well, call me if you need any help Darien. I got to go." She said and opened the door. When she was out side in the hallway, she forced herself to go. She couldn't help but feel a little worried. After all, this was the first time Caleb was going to stay away from her in the night. She wanted to turn back around and tell Darien that Caleb had to sleep with her for the night, but she just couldn't. She sighed and went to the elevator. Everything was going to be okay. Besides, she had all of tomorrow to be with him.
~ ~ ~ ~
Late in the night, Serena flipped on the lamp on her dresser and reached for her ringing phone.
"What?" She snapped. She heard a cry in the distance and sat up.
"Serena? Could you come over here? Caleb won't go to sleep and he keeps on crying. I don't know what to do with him." Darien told her.
Serena chuckled. "Alright, I'll be there in a sec." She hung up the phone and grabbed her robe and slippers. She crept silently out her door and tip toed around the snoring guards that were sprawled on her floor.
She reached his door in no time and knocked. Darien swung it open with Caleb crying on his shoulder.
"Finally meatball head." He growled at her. Serena glared at him and stepped into the room, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"What's the problem?" She yawned.
Darien held out the squealing baby to her. "Take him." Caleb looked at her with tears in his eyes. Serena settled him in her arms.
"Shh, mommy is here." She whispered in his ear, so that Darien couldn't hear her. Caleb sniffed back his cries and turned into her chest.
"What's wrong with him?" Darien asked, looking at her with bleary eyes.
"He misses his mommy." Serena said and brushed past him to sit on the couch.
"Well, he stopped. Do you think you can stay the night?" He asked. Serena was too tired to say anything smart ass to him.
"Sure." She said, but looked up at him. "Where am I going to sleep?" She asked suspiciously. Darien smiled a sexy smile and pushed open his door.
"In here with me." He told her. The tone of his voice made her shiver and her heart beat speed. Serena stared at him then brushed past her feelings and stood up.
"Alright. But you better keep your hands to your self." She warned, not really meaning it. But he couldn't know that. Dark shadows fell on his bed and Serena cautiously made her way to it, remembering the time they made love on it. She was so glad it was dark, because her cheeks began to burn. She kicked off her slippers and shrugged off her robe and then fell onto the bed with Caleb in her arms and settled him next to her. Caleb sighed and buried his face in night shirt. She felt the bed shift and Darien sunk next to her.
"Serena?" He asked.
"Hum?"
"Do you always wear that to bed?" He asked, referring to her bikini undies and tank top. Serena laughed softly.
"Yes. Now go to sleep." She said and pulled the covers over her bare legs.
"'Night." She heard Darien say.
"Mmm, 'night." She said before she fell off into dreamland.
~ ~ ~ ~
Mina slipped out of Kunzite's embrace and pulled her clothes on. She quietly made her way to the bathroom.
"Morning sunshine." She turned to Zoicite who was standing in the bathroom, shaving. Mina groaned.
"I need to pee. Out." She ordered. Zoicite smirked, washed his face and then left. After she was done using the restroom, she stretched and went into the kitchen where Nephrite was making breakfast.
"Mmmm, coffee. Jadeite, you're a life savor." Mina said when Jadeite slid a cup of java to her.
"Where did Serena go?" Zoicite asked buttering a piece of toast. Mina shrugged, and then looked sharply back at him.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Well, she's usually up with Caleb by now. So when I went into her room to wake her up, her bed was empty." He explained.
"What?" She asked in alarm.
"Chill out you two. She got a call from Darien last night to help him with Caleb." Jadeite told them stirring sugar in his brew.
"Oh really?" Nephrite asked looking up from his frying pan.
Mina giggled and ran to her room to get dressed. I'm sooooo going to bust in on them. Where the hell are my shoes?
"What are you going?" She heard Kunzite's husky voice. She turned to him and kissed him.
"Serena is at Darien's. I have to see what those two are up too." She said and ran a brush through her hair. "Do you want to come with me?" She turned from the mirror to him. He yawned and stood up. The blankets fell from his naked body and Mina felt a rush of desire. No! No time for that. She turned from him before she lost all control.
"I'll go, give me a minute." He said and Mina left the room. Ten minutes later, she and Kunzite were outside Darien's apartment door. Mina took out one of her pins and jimmied the lock. It clicked open and they slipped in.
"He was always a neat freak." Kunzite whispered to her looking around the pristine room.
"The bedroom." She whispered. The pair silently went to a slightly open door. Mina gasped when she saw the two snuggled up to one another spoon fashion. Darien had a protective arm around Serena's small body. Caleb was cradled by her, his face in Serena's neck.
"Oh damn, I should have brought a camera." Mina said in a moan. They were a family. Mina sighed and leaned against Kunzite's hard body. I wish they could stay like this forever.
"How many kids do you want?" Kunzite murmured in her ear.
"Three." Mina said in a sigh. "How 'bout you?"
"Ten million." He said back and Mina laughed.
"I don't think I can have ten million."
"Well, the practice couldn't hurt." He said back. Mina giggled and covered her mouth when Serena shifted to the sound.
"Let's go eat." She said and pulled Kunzite's hand to the door.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena woke at Caleb's tittering baby talk. She yawned and stretched. She felt something hard at her back and turned her head to see midnight blue eyes looking lazily down at her. Serena smiled and lifted herself up. He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her back down.
"We have to get up Darien." She said.
"No we don't we can stay in bed all day long." He told her in a sleepy voice. Serena rolled over and straddled him with her knees. She was the surprise in his eyes and she leaned down to kiss him. Her hungry lips ravished his mouth and he kissed her back. His arms wrapped snugly around her waist. Forbidden desire swelled out of control and if it wasn't for someone clearing their throat behind them, Serena was sure she and Darien would have made love right then and there. They looked up to see Raye, Lita and Ami in the doorway. Raye had a smirk on her face, Lita raised one of her perfect eyebrows and Ami was beet red.
Darien groaned and dropped his arms back onto the bed. "How did you get in here?" He asked them looking up at the ceiling.
"The door was open that's how." Raye said and bent over to pick Caleb off the floor.
"What? But I locked it last night." He said sitting up. The position had Serena falling on his lap.
"Well, it was open when we came so don't be yelling at us." Lita said. "Coming Serena?" She asked. Serena blushed and scooted off Darien's lap, knowing full well how that would affect him.
"Well, I have to get dressed. Do you want me to come shopping with you for more things?" She asked him, pulling on her robe and slipping on her slippers. Darien stood as well and went over to take Caleb from Raye.
"Sure, I need the help." He said smoothly. Serena smiled, gave Caleb a kiss on the cheek and left with the girls.
"Good luck with his bath!" She called back to him before they left the apartment.
~ ~ ~ ~
Darien dressed the baby after being soaked by his constant splashing. His hair still dripped with sudsy water. It was a bitch to get shoes and socks on him. Now he was dressed and Darien took his turn on the shower, putting Caleb in his play pin. Andrew had come over, thankfully before he went into the shower.
"You better hurry man. I don't want to be long with this kid." Andrew had warned. Darien took as long as he pleased which was about fifteen minutes. He dressed comfortably in a black shirt and faded blue jeans.
"So, how long do you have to baby-sit?" Andrew asked from his place on the couch.
"Just this week, then his mom is out of the hospital." Darien explained.
Andrew resisted the urge to roll his eyes and shake some sense into his friend. Darien was so frekin' dense. He thought. Didn't he see the remarkable resemblance Caleb and he shared? And what about his eyes? They were Serena's eyes. Andrew swore, if his friend didn't get his memory back soon, he was going to blurt everything out to him. When he started his---- er----friendship with Mina, she told him everything. Of course, just looking at Caleb from the very beginning, he knew that he was Darien's son. It was weird to think that Darien had been Tuxedo Mask at one time and Serena, his sweet friend he considered his other little sister, had or rather is the famous Sailor Moon. It explained a lot. But the secret he swore to protect from his clueless friend was beginning to gnaw at his mind. Still, memories gone or not, couldn't Darien SEE the resemblance? (AN: See, even sweet Andrew thinks Darien is dense...hahaha.....)
"What are you going to do today?" He asked.
"I still need a few things for Caleb, so Serena and I are going shopping right after lunch." He said giving Caleb his pacifier.
"Well, I just came to check on you. I have to get back to the arcade. See you around." He said and left. Darien shook his head and took Caleb into the kitchen to feed him so baby cereal. Soon, noon hit and Serena stood outside his doorway with a stroller in hand.
"Where did you get that?" He asked strapping Caleb in it.
"Luna's." She said simply.
All the way down the street, they were stopped and commented on what a good family they made. Serena didn't make any effort to tell them any different, so Darien simply went along, imagining that they were a family.
"Oh, look at the happy family." Cooed a familiar voice. They turned to see Mina, the girls and the men he met with at the airport.
"Shut up Mina. What are you guys doing here?" Serena asked. They shrugged.
"We wanted to go shopping." Raye said.
"Yeah, for my trophy for beating Raye in our spar."
"We have yet to have that rematch." Raye shot back.
"But when we do, you'll be kneeling on front of me, kissing the master's hand." He sneered at her.
"Why you arrogant...." Raye seethed, but Ami put a soothing hand on her shoulder.
"Jadeite." Nephrite said in a warning tone.
"We better go now. See you guys later." Lita said and she and the others left them.
Later, Serena helped Darien stack the various jars of baby food in his kitchen shelves. When they were done, they went into the front room.
"Can you say Darien? D-a-r-i-e-n?" He cooed at Caleb. Serna groaned.
"So far, he only says 'bye-bye'" She said and picked Caleb off the ground. "Although, he should be walking pretty soon." She placed Caleb's feet on the ground and he balanced there for a bit before falling back on his butt.
"I bet he'll start talking before he learns how to walk." Darien challenged. Serena looked up at him and saw a spark of mischief in her eyes. She held out her hand.
"Alright, fifty bucks says he'll walk before he talks." She said. Darien rolled his eyes.
"Deal." He said sealing the bet by shaking her hand.
"Well," She stood up and handed Caleb back to him. "I need to go. The girls are having dinner without me. See you later." She said and exited his apartment.
"Bye-bye." Caleb said and waved his little hand.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena knew she was going to win that bet. Caleb was beginning to walk even before the accident. She shook her head and went back up to her own apartment.
"I'm telling you, I'm going to win." Serena groaned. And the war wages on. She saw Raye and Jadeite face to face, glaring at each other. Serena walked over to Mina and Kunzite and slumped down next to them.
"Are you sure Raye and Jadeite were lovers on the moon kingdom?" She grumbled to them. Mina laughed.
"You remember all the fights they got into." Kunzite said with a chuckle.
Serena smiled wickedly. "Yeah, and all the making up too. Those two were insatiable when it came to their 'make-ups'."
"Maybe that's why they fought all the time." Mina suggested.
"You won't be so cocky when I get done with you." Raye bit back. Everyone watched the two bicker. A small soap opera to them.
"How 'bout we make a bet Mars." Jadeite said and Raye focused all her attention to him.
"Alright, what have you got in mind?" She asked, folding her arms.
"The loser has to do what ever the winner says until we have to leave back to America."
Raye was thoughtful. "Alright. You have yourself a deal." She said with a flip of her hair. She held out her hand and Jadeite took it eagerly. Serena couldn't help but smile at the look in Jadeite's eyes. There was desire behind it, and Serena knew that Raye would lose the match. Jadeite always prevailed when he really wanted something and Raye was a prime prize he took great interest in.
"Tomorrow, we'll do it. Prepare yourself Mars." He said Mars sarcastically.
"Don't worry, I'll be ready." She said and turned away from him. He caught her arm and pulled her back to him.
"Be ready to do EVERYTHING I want little one." He told her huskily and kissed her hard on the mouth before he let her go.
Raye as well as everyone was surprised at his actions. Raye caught his meaning and a faint blush crept up her cheeks. She growled something under her breath and stalked into the kitchen. Serena looked at everyone and shook her head.
"Well, how 'bout dinner?" Lita broke the silence. Everyone laughed and Nephrite helped her up from the couch. Serena saw how he placed a possessive hand on the small of Lita's back. Well, looks like Raye isn't the only one to get laid before the guards' trip was up.
~ ~ ~ ~
"Hey Darien, I heard you were on baby duty so I came by to help you." Darien cursed at the annoying voice at his door. Ann stood there, looking up at him with a grin on her face.
"Hi Ann." He muttered and went into the kitchen to make Caleb a bottle. He poured the milk Serena had made into the glass bottle and ran it under hot water to warm it up. Where was Serena? She was supposed to be here by now. He scowled. Now he was stuck with crazy Ann.
Caleb was happily pulling out tissues from the box when someone rudely interrupted him by picking him up roughly. He looked up and stared in cold, reddish-pink eyes. "Don't do that. You don't want to mess up Darien's nice apartment do you?" She asked in an icy voice. Caleb felt something was wrong with her and he was scared. Tears mounted and he let out a squeal and threw back his head. **Leave me alone! DADDY!**
"Uh, could you change his diaper?" Darien told her from around the corner when he heard Caleb cry.
**NO! Tell her to go away. I want my mommy! Mommy!** He was helpless to do anything.
"Here you go." Darien gave Caleb his bottle and then sucked in his breath when he peed on Ann. Ann let out a startled gasp and looked down at her wet shirt. Darien had to cough to cover his laugh.
"Why you little...." Ann seethed and stepped away from Caleb.
"He didn't mean it Ann. You don't have to get mad about it." Darien defended.
"I don't care! Uhh, that's so disgusting and I just bought this shirt!" She grabbed her purse off the couch and stormed out of his apartment, just as Serena entered. Startled, Serena stepped aside to let her pass. When Ann was out of sight, Serena looked back at him with hurt and anger.
"Did you find someone to replace me?" She asked him folding her arms in front of her.
"NO!" He cried and threw up his hands in frustration. "She just stopped by and let herself in. Then she was changing his diaper and he peed on her." He explained.
Serena's face turned from angry to surprise. "He peed on her?" She asked with a little giggle. Darien had to grin.
"Yeah, he has good aim." She laughed and turned to look down at the baby.
**MOMMY! You're here!** Caleb picked himself up and balanced on his feet, getting the feel of standing on his own. He moved one leg and then another, wanting to see her.
"Caleb!" Serena cried with a wide smile on her face. Darien turned to see Caleb take another step. His eyes widened. Caleb took three more steps before he plopped back down in front of the tissue box.
**Oooh, more floaty thingies!** Caleb thought and began tossing the tissues up again.
"He walked! Did you see him?" Serena asked and threw her arms around his neck for a big hug. Darien caught her and laughed.
"Sure did meatball head." He said. Serena pulled out of his grasp and looked him in the eye.
"You owe me fifty buck mister." She said before she gave him a peck on the mouth and moved away from him.
Caleb looked up to see his mommy smiling brightly at him. "You walked!" He heard her say. He grinned. **I know, I'm the man.** (AN: Yeah, Caleb is going to inherit his cocky nature from Darien.....te he he) She gathered him up and he breathed in her sweet scent.
For a moment, Darien saw how much Caleb looked like him. For a moment, he saw Serena's eyes mirrored in the small child's eyes. For a moment, Darien felt a little cold. No wonder people were commenting on how much they looked good together walking down the street. If he didn't know any better, he could have sworn Caleb was his own son and Serena the mother. Wishful thinking. He thought, but he still couldn't shake the coldness from him. Wishful thinking........... right?
There was a knock at the door and Darien opened it. Ami was standing outside looking nervous and a bit frantic.
"Is Serena in there?" She asked. Darien stepped aside and let her in. Words were exchanged and Serena turned back to him.
"I got to go Darien. I'll stop by later okay?" She said and all he could nod and she was out the door.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena and Ami arrived just in time to see the scouts being knocked unconscious by the yomen. She and Ami transformed, and the yomen sent her little strands of dark energy at them, paralyzing them. They couldn't move, but a white rose sailed down and the yomen lost its hold on them. Serena looked to the side to see Ami's jaw set in grim despise and she glowed blue. Serena knew what that meant. Mina had turned orange the time she saved the little kindergarteners from a yomen attack not to long ago. That meant that Ami was preparing to send a new attack at the monster.
"Mercury ice bubbles.........FREEZE!" She cried out and sent her attack at the yomen. Ice encased the yomen and she fell from the ground. Serena took her chance and moon dusted it.
"Great job Scouts." The Moonlight Knight told them. Serena saw a devilish glint in his eyes and blushed. If only he knew all the dreams she had about them.
~ ~ ~ ~
Luna was let out and Serena and Darien went to the hospital to 'return' Caleb back to his 'mom'. (AN: Can you imagine Dr. Evil doing the finger quote things? Oops sorry, a bit sidetracked)
"Hey, welcome back Luna." Serena greeted her friend. Luna smiled and shook back her hair.
"Well, it's good to be back." She said.
"Yeah, me and Darien took real good care of your son." Serena said, sending a silent message to her friend. Luna looked at her oddly, but Caleb's little laugh grabbed her attention.
"Well, hello to you too." Luna laughed and took Caleb from Darien. Serena felt Luna's love wash over her.
"He was a real good baby." Darien said.
"Well, thank you two for watching him. I really appreciate it." She said and gathered Caleb's thing. They all walked out of the door. "We better go home. Thank you again." She looked back down at Caleb. "Say bye- bye." She said. Caleb looked up.
"Bye-bye Dawein." He said. Serena's mouth dropped open and she looked up at an equally shocked Darien. Luna laughed and started down the road with Caleb's stroller.
"Did I imagine that?" Darien asked. Serena shook her head.
"We taught him how to walk and talk." She squealed and she and Darien high-fived each other.
Later that night, Serena looked out her window, looking at the moon. What a great experience. It was great to share Caleb's first steps and first words with Darien. She sighed and laid on her bed. He has to remember them soon, because she was so lonely with out him. With that, she fell asleep.
~ ~ ~ ~
AN: Yayyyyy!!! Another chapter done! This one was the longest so far. Stay tune for the next one, where Raye and Jadeite have their spar. REVIEWS people, I love the comments. So please, review me. Kisses......*muh*ieoot! What about Darien? uch. Even with our memories back, they still don'herry blossom fesitval,were pretty good seats