Chapter 16
Jealousy
Serena winced as Raye took a hard blow to the stomach. She, her scouts and the guards were watching Raye and Jadeite spar in mute tension. They sparring two circled each other. Then, Raye swung at him in surprise and caught him off guard. Jadeite landed on his back, looking up at Raye's gloating face. But soon, a long leg shot out and swept her off her feet. She tumbled to the ground with a cry and rolled to her side. Raye glared at him and Jadeite simply smirked at her. The spar waged on, with both sides not wanting to give in. Serena could tell Raye was tiring and Jadeite knew that to. She sat back and soon a pin from Jadeite ended the match. The guards hooted and hollered for him, and the scouts booed him and went down to meet the sweaty couple on the mat. Serena helped Raye off the floor. She looked so defeated and angry.
"Are you okay Raye?" She asked handing her a wet towel that Lita gave her. Raye wiped her flushed face and stalked to the locker rooms.
"He got lucky." Serena heard her mutter. She and the scouts exchanged glances and hurried after her, with Luna behind them holding Caleb's hand while he got use to the mat he was walking on.
In the locker room, metal could be heard slamming and curses on Jadeite's head bounced off the walls. Soon, water ran and Serena knew Raye was taking a shower.
"I knew she would lose. Jadeite wants her so bad." Serena told them with a giggle.
"I wonder how she is going to take being Jadeite's slave." Lita said with a thoughtful finger to her chin.
"Well she's in luck. They guys are leaving in three days anyways." Mina said with a sorrowful sigh.
"Aww, I hope you don't die of depression once Kunzite leaves." Ami said with a mock sympathetic pat on her shoulder.
There was a knock on the door and Serena went to see who it was. Jadeite was sanding before her with a victorious smile on his face.
"Where is my love slave at?" He asked looking over his shoulder to search for Raye. Serena rolled her eyes.
"In the shower. She'll be done in a minute. Listen Jadeite, I know what you have plan for her, but you have to be gentle." She looked past her to see Raye getting dressed. "She's never been with anyone." She sent a silent message to him. Jadeite's smile softened.
"I know Sere. I'll be careful. You know I love her enough never to hurt her." He told her in a low voice filled with emotion. Serena nodded and stepped aside when Raye was dressed.
"Come along slave. We have much to do." Jadeite told her and Raye said something under her breath and stalked past him. Jadeite chucked and shook his blonde head. "I'm going to have fun with her." He said and left.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Do you ever wonder who the Moonlight Knight is?" Lita asked Serena and Ami one day walking to school. Serena's steps faltered. Yes, who is the Moonlight knight? She wondered that every time he came to save them. He reminded her so much of Darien. And her dreams. She blushed a little. They were so real.
"Yes, I wonder who he is all the time. He looks a lot like Tuxedo Mask." Ami told them not glancing up from her book. In the distance they heard the two minute bell ring.
"Oh no!" Serena screeched.
"The bell!" Lita said and they all began to run.
"I'm never going to stay the night over at your apartment again Serena!" Ami told her. Soon, Serena ran smack dab in a familiar chest and staggered back and lost her balance. Strong arms caught her before her butt hit the hard sidewalk.
"Typical Serena." Drawled the lazy, oh-so fine voice of her sweet tormentor.
"Thank you Darien. I got to go. See you later." She hurried past him.
During the whole day, Serena's stomach growled. She couldn't wait for lunch. Unfortunately for her, she left in at home. Lita! She always had food for her! She searched her out and found her among Allen's admirers.
"Please tell me you have something for me to eat!" Serena wailed to her. Lita smiled and shook her head.
"Sorry Serena." She said and looked back to Allen. Serena felt his gaze on her.
"Why are you here?" Serena whispered to her. Lita shrugged.
"He reminds me of Nephrite. Besides, I was going to save him from this crowed of wild girls." She said. Serena shrugged.
"Well, good luck with that." She muttered and saw him coming to them. "Uhh, got to go. See ya Lita!" She said and hurried away before he started making her go all girly for him. She wondered how he did that. She looked around campus and saw Mina and Ami. But their lunches were all eaten and she moaned and collapsed next to them. "I need food!" She groaned.
"Sorry Serena. We just finished." Ami replied sheepishly.
"Hey meatball head." Said a dark voice. Pictures of a huge pile of spaghetti and meatballs assaulted her mind.
"Mmmm, meatballs." She said rather in a daze. (AN: I just had to use Homer Simpson's famous line. Don't own the Simpson's either!)
What's wrong with you?" Said the voice again. Serena shook herself out of her daze and looked up to see Darien looming over her.
"What are you doing here?" She asked him. He grinned.
"Didn't Ami tell you?" He asked and crouched down. Serena looked up to see Ami cough in embarrassment.
"Darien and a few of his colleagues form school are putting on a play in the Little Theater and need volunteers for it." She said.
"A play?!" Screech the annoying voice of Ann the Leech. Serena groaned. She didn't need her right now trying to pick up on her Darien. "What kind of play is it?" She asked.
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." He said. Serena heard the irritated note in his voice.
"Really? I LOVE that story. Who's going to play the lead?"
"I am." Mina stepped in.
"You? But I wanted to do it!" Ami told her.
"Hey, I should play Snow White." The new voice of Lita said. Serena was still lying on the ground and looked up at the faces of her scouts and Ann.
"I have the most acting experience." Mina said.
"So? I have the bigger chest!" Lita said, thrusting her generous breasts out for them all to see. Darien cleared his throat and looked away with pink cheeks.
"Now now children, here." Ann said and held out strings in her hand. "We'll draw strings for all the parts. You have a friend Raye don't you? Good, then one of you can pick for her. There is one white one and one red on and the rest are blue. Who ever gets the red one has to be the wicked witch and who ever gets the white one will be Snow White. If you get a blue one, then you have to be a dwarf." Ann explained and held out her hand. Serena sighed and grabbed a string from her place on the ground.
"RED!" She screeched looking at the sting in distaste.
All the others drew one, Ami, drawing for Raye. All blue.
"So that means I have the white one! I'm going to be Snow White!" Ann yelled in triumph. Serena sat up and heard Darien groan.
"What?" She asked him.
"I took the place of the Prince before I came here." He told her mournfully. Serena felt he heart squeeze. Ann the Leech was going to have to kiss Darien!
"So when do we rehearse?" Ann asked.
"Tomorrow evening." He mumbled and Ann squealed.
"I can't wait!" She said and ran away.
"Yeah, I bet you can't." Serena said quietly to herself, glaring at Ann's disappearing figure. She looked down at her string. Damn it! Her stomach growled again and she moaned and fell back on the ground.
"Forgot you lunch?" Darien asked with a small laugh.
"Shut up." Serena moaned and then gasped when he scooped her up in his arms. "Darien! What are you doing?" She hissed and looked about her to see girls glaring at her more. Great.
"Can you ditch a period?" He asked.
"Why?" She asked, eyeing him.
"We'll go get something to eat." He told her. Serena brightened.
"Yes! Gods, thank you. I was about to die!" She told him and he let her down.
"My motorcycle is that way." He told her with a wave of his hand.
"Since when do you have a motorcycle?" She asked.
"A while, but it was too cold to ride until now. Come on." He told her pulling her hand.
"I'll be back. Don't worry Ames." Serena said to her scowling friend.
"Bring me back something to drink!" Mina and Lita called out in unison. When they reached the student parking lot, Serena saw his motorcycle. Just how rich was he? She asked herself. He threw a helmet to her and she snapped it on her head. She straddled the seat behind her, praying that her skirt wouldn't fly over head and show the passersby her underwear. Not that they were ugly underwear. She thought with a little smirk. He started the bike and she gasped and clamped a death grip in his waist.
"Ready to go?" She heard laughter in his voice. She let out a squeaky yes and he zoomed off. She had to squeeze her eyes shut until they reached their destination.
Finally, there were there. Serena swore Darien took the long way because they arrived at the Crown Arcade in ten minutes when it took ten minutes for her to walk here.
The bell chimed as soon as they entered. The place was rather dead.
"Hey guys." Greeted Andrew in a friendly, but suspicious voice.
Serena's stomach replied with a mind of its own and Andrew laughed and motioned them to the bar counter. "The usual Serena?" Andrew asked going in the back to tell the cook.
"Yeah. Thanks Andrew." She said and began spinning in her chair.
"How old are you again?" Darien asked dryly with a roll of his eyes.
"I don't want to grow up to fast Darien. Childhood is something you can't get back and I'm taking full advantage of it." She said and continued to spin. Yes, her childhood was a mixture of responsibility. She loved Caleb with all her heart, but sometimes she wondered what it would be like to be a normal girl with out an almost one year old son and without the duty of being Sailor Moon. Soon, the delicious aroma of her food had her stopping.
"Oh Andrew, thank you so much!" She gushed and dug into her steaming plate of fries before he sat them down in the counter. The first fry was like a lifesaver to her. The salty, greasy little stick of fatty goodness had her moaning with relief.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It was the day of the rehearsal and Serena and the girls arrived at the Little Theater only to be mobbed by possessed fashion coordinators and make-up artist.
"It's more like we're going to be in a movie rather that a play." Lita said and swatted away persistent hands that were putting on her make- up.
"Why is he going all out?" Raye asked irritated as she was stripped of her clothes.
"How am I to know?" Serena growled when her hair was pulled form the little buns.
"Because he wants to make it the best play ever." Said an annoying voice. Serena turned to see Ann all dressed and ready to begin.
"But it's rehearsal! We need all this stuff now?" Ami asked while a fashion person held up different costumes to her.
"Well, it was my idea to get them in here." Ann replied a little shyly. Serena looked at her and wondered more. Ann was actually shy?
Serena gasped when her shirt was yanked over her head.
"Girls, you're here." Darien came in when they were almost naked. They all covered themselves and dashed behind something to hide their nude bodies. Serena looked around and shrugged. It's not like he never seen me naked before. She thought, oh yeah, but he hasn't got his memories back yet. Damn.
"Uh, Darien could you go out before Raye decides she wants to kill you?" Serena asked. Darien's eyes were riveted on her chest. Serena fought a smile. I do have a nice chest and the bra it pretty too.
"Darien!" Lita hissed.
He snapped out of his lost thoughts and ran a hand through his hair." Uh, right, sorry girls." He said and made a hasty retreat out of the dressing room.
"Put a 'knock please' sign on the door." Ami stammered and she was attacked again by costumes.
~ ~ ~ ~
He tried to concentrate on his lines, but Serena's chest kept invading his head.
"If only I could warm your ice cold lips with my kiss, to wake you from your sleep." He said and fought a grimace. Why did Ann have to be Snow White? He leaned down.
"We've done this scene how many times? I think we got it right." Snapped Raye's annoyed voice. Darien shot up and sent a gratifying look to her.
"But this scene is important!" Ann whined. Darien shook his head. Could she be any more obvious?
"How 'bout we do the wicked witch scene?" Ami offered.
"Alright, let me get Serena." Lita said. Darien watched her pull a hand from the side.
"No, Lita, I look like a slut!" He heard Serena hiss at her.
"Come on Meatball head." Raye called out to her with hands on her hips.
Lita was the stronger party by far and soon, Serena was pulled onto the floor. Darien almost lost it again when he saw what she was wearing. He slender body that haunted his dreams was encased in a skin tight black and red dress with slits going up to her high thigh and her breasts almost spilled out of the bodice. He looked around to see all of the guys in his class stare at her with mouths hanging open. Jealousy flamed inside of him as well as iron possessiveness. There was no way she was going to remain in that dress for the whole city to see he thought angrily.
"Lets get this done and over with." He said in a smooth voice, masking his true feelings.
Serena walked to where her enchanted mirror was. "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?" She cooed.
"You are." Said a voice that further ticked off Darien. Allen was seated in the auditorium looking like he was going to eat her alive. Darien read the lust in the other man's eyes. He griped his script tightly, resisting the urge to throw it at Allen.
"This is a closed rehearsal." He told him tightly. Allen yanked his gaze from Serena to him and smiled.
"I just came by to pick up Ann. When will you be done?" He asked him.
"Now. We're done now." Darien said not wanting Allen to check out Serena anymore.
"Great, come on Ann, we have homework." Allen said, but he was looking as Serena. Allen got up on the stage and walked up to her. Serena stood by and gave him a friendly smile. "And I meant what I said Serena. You're the most beautiful person on the stage." He told her while running a finger across her smooth shoulder.
The action broke the restraint he tried to hold. Rage filled every part of his being and he yanked Serena out of Allen's reach and pulled her to the side. He spun her around and grabbed her face in his hands.
"Don't ever let him touch you again." He growled to her and bent and kissed her mouth hard.
~ ~ ~ ~
Mina watched the whole exchange with mild interest. She saw Darien being pushed over the edge, and wondered how long he would stand by and let Allen touch her. She wasn't disappointed when he finally snapped and dragged Serena off to the side. No doubt, putting his claim on her she thought with a sigh.
"See you tomorrow guys!" Ann called out to them and left to get changed.
"Do you think we should stop them?" Ami asked them pointing where Serena and Darien were in a lip lock match, hands everywhere. Mina nodded when the aurora around them began to pulse red again.
Raye and Lita took it upon themselves to pull the pair apart. Serena was rather in a daze and Darien had a cocky smile on his lips. They dragged Serena away from him.
"Let's go home." Ami said and helped the girls cart Serena off to the dressing room.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Serena walked slowly to the Little Theater. Over the past few weeks they spent every waking hour practicing and getting the 'stage presence' right. She shook her head and headed up the stairs. The guys had left and now the apartment seemed empty. She and Mina tried to weasel details from Raye about her days as Jadeite's 'love slave', but she remained tight lipped telling them to mind their own business. The brat.
"Hey beautiful. Ready to shine tonight?" Darien greeted her by the doors. Serena nodded, and stifled a giggle at the image of Darien in tights and a frilly white shirt. But a chuckle or two escaped and he narrowed his eyes at her.
"Don't start, Andrew gave me an earful before you came." But Serena couldn't help but giggle. Darien advanced on her and she held up her hand and took a step back.
"Alright, alright, I'll stop." She stifled the laugh that began to rise in her.
"Go get ready." He growled at her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Serena made her way past him. Ever since the incident with Allen, Darien had made a silent claim on her. It was a start, she thought, but she wanted him to get all of his memories back before she brought Caleb into the picture. The girls' dressing room was buzzing by the time she got there. Her costume was pulled from the rack, and her hair was pulled from her buns. Soon, she was dressed in her wicked witch ensemble and ready for stage. Her scouts made pretty dwarfs, and Molly and Melvin joined in. Raye was Grumpy and Serena thought that particular dwarf suited her.
"Be ready in five." Called a college director.
"Oh, this is so exciting!" Ann squealed. Serena grudgingly had to admit that Ann looked beautiful in her Snow White costume.
"Good luck Ann." Serena forced a smile that Ann readily took.
"Thank you." She said and soon, there was a buzzing and it was time for them to go onto the stage. They all filed out. The first scene was a breeze, Ann was singing, Darien wooing her, Serena cooing at her mirror. The play progressed slowly until it was almost the end. The kissing scene was coming up, but Serena wasn't sure she could handle it.
They were all huddled behind the curtains when a loud boom had them all ducking.
"Ahhh! A cardian!" Serena heard someone scream. She and her scouts looked at one another and rushed to peek around the curtains. The clown like cardian was draining the audience's energy.
Serena looked around and saw Ann and Darien no where in sight, and Molly and Melvin fainted.
"Let's do this." Lita said and pulled out her transformation pen. They all transformed and made an entrance. The audience was still conscious and soon cheers rose up from them. With a special appearance by the Moonlight Knight and by the power of the scepter, the cardian was toasted. They all de-transformed and left. Darien greeted them.
"Ann is gone." He told them. Serena frowned. Where could she have gone? Did the cardian scare her off?
"What are we going to do?" Raye asked.
"Hey, Serena could play the part. All she does is kiss you and wake up and say a few lines after that." Ami offered. A devilish smile played on Darien's lips.
"How 'bout it? Can you do it?" He asked. Serena straitened her shoulders and lifted her head, taking her Moon Princess stance.
"Of course." She said breezily.
"Well, go change." He told her with a playful smack on the butt and Serena left to change.
"Oh Ami, I don't know how to thank you. You're the best." Serena smiled fondly at her small friend and hugged her.
"Anytime Serena." Ami giggled.
~ ~ ~ ~
Sammy sat in the cushiony chairs and waited for the final scene. Usually, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs wouldn't interest him. It was too girly, but his sister was playing in it, and of course, he had to support her. He didn't know why, but his big sister had changed a lot. He looked to the side of him where Luna and her boyfriend Artemis were sitting with him, holding his nephew Caleb. He turned back to the dark stage and saw Snow White laying in a platform with the dwarfs kneeling before her. Soon, the prince came and bent down.
"If only I could warm your ice cold lips with my kiss, to wake you from your sleep." The prince said. Sammy leaned forward and realized that Snow White was Serena! This piped his interest even further. The dark haired man he remembered from the Virtual Reality game leaned closer and closer and soon, they kissed.
"Yuk." He said and meant to look away, but the man's profile caught his eye. He squinted. There was something familiar about that profile. He looked back to Caleb, watching the scene in great interest. Then the answer stuck him like ice cold water was thrown on him.
That guy, Darien, was Caleb's father! He sat with shock resonating through his body. Jeeze, oh my gods! I know who Caleb's father is!
"Sammy, is something the matter?" Luna asked him gently. Sammy looked into the older woman's eyes and soon, something else struck him. This Luna character had eyes just like Serena's black cat Luna. And they had the same name! He gasped, realization whipping him in the face.
"Oh gods." He choked out, looking back to the stage to see Serena and Darien still kissing. How can this be? How can a cat be human?
"Oh, look, its over. Come along Sammy, let's go give the flowers we bought to Serena." Luna said and they went to the dressing room on the side. He walked stiffly to the door, all his thoughts running rampant through his mind.
"Hey Serena, great show." Luna greeted. Sammy looked up to see his sister looking happy at them.
"How did you like it Sammy?" Serena asked and took Caleb from Luna. He shrugged.
"It was alright." He muttered.
"Can we go now? I'm hungry and I want to get all this gunk off my face." Lita said, wiping her hand across her forehead.
"Sure, uh Sammy, could you go get my bag in the dressing room?" Serena asked him. Sammy went, but without a grumble or two.
He found her bag on a chair and he grabbed it roughly off the chair. Something clattered to the ground and he bent down to pick it up. It was the broach Serena always wore. He studied it. He didn't know why it was so important to her. She took it with her everywhere she went. He opened it and saw a pretty crystal in it. Unconsciously, he touched it, and soon, everything around him blurred. Images passed through his eyes. Image of Serena dressed in a white dress and Darien dressed in some kind armor, tuxedo getup. He saw an older woman that looked like Serena and he saw Luna the cat talking then transforming into a human. He saw the first time Serena changed into Sailor Moon, and the other girls transform into the Sailor Scouts. He saw the night in the Ally. He wanted to close his eyes to THAT image. He saw her giving birth to Caleb and he saw her return. He shook his head, trying to blot out the rapid pictures of his sister's hidden life, but they kept on coming. He saw all the battles she fought and Darien's betrayal and how she got him back. He watched him die in his sister's sobbing arms and he saw the battle with Beryl and he watched as Serena died as well, only to be reborn. He watched in pain as his sister was brought back as Sailor Moon and how Darien lost all his memories. Soon, the images were gone and he was left shaking.
"Sammy? Are you alright?" Serena came to him. Tears mounted in his eyes and he launched himself into her arms.
"Oh Serena! I'm sorry I was mean to you! I didn't know that you had so much pain in your life!" He sobbed.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena looked down at her little brother in confusion. What was wrong with him? Why the water works? She saw her broach lying on the ground and soon the answer dawned at her. He had touched the broach.
"Sammy, what did you see?" She asked pulling away from him. Sammy's eyes were wet and he looked away guiltily.
"Everything. From the beginning." He told her.
"Oh no." Mina breathed. She and the others looked in horror at Sammy and all his knowledge.
"Come on, we need to talk." Serena said and led him away.
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AN: Yeah, stupid cliff hanger. I'm soooooo sorry that it took so long for me to post this chapter. I know, I know, kinda boring too. I have one chapter left and then the epilogue. Please review, I love all the comments. So REVIEW! You all are my inspiration. And I know I told you in my bio, that I was going to post 'One Nighter' but, I'm having trouble with that one and my other story, 'Past Princess's Passions' is almost done too. YAAAAY!
Serena winced as Raye took a hard blow to the stomach. She, her scouts and the guards were watching Raye and Jadeite spar in mute tension. They sparring two circled each other. Then, Raye swung at him in surprise and caught him off guard. Jadeite landed on his back, looking up at Raye's gloating face. But soon, a long leg shot out and swept her off her feet. She tumbled to the ground with a cry and rolled to her side. Raye glared at him and Jadeite simply smirked at her. The spar waged on, with both sides not wanting to give in. Serena could tell Raye was tiring and Jadeite knew that to. She sat back and soon a pin from Jadeite ended the match. The guards hooted and hollered for him, and the scouts booed him and went down to meet the sweaty couple on the mat. Serena helped Raye off the floor. She looked so defeated and angry.
"Are you okay Raye?" She asked handing her a wet towel that Lita gave her. Raye wiped her flushed face and stalked to the locker rooms.
"He got lucky." Serena heard her mutter. She and the scouts exchanged glances and hurried after her, with Luna behind them holding Caleb's hand while he got use to the mat he was walking on.
In the locker room, metal could be heard slamming and curses on Jadeite's head bounced off the walls. Soon, water ran and Serena knew Raye was taking a shower.
"I knew she would lose. Jadeite wants her so bad." Serena told them with a giggle.
"I wonder how she is going to take being Jadeite's slave." Lita said with a thoughtful finger to her chin.
"Well she's in luck. They guys are leaving in three days anyways." Mina said with a sorrowful sigh.
"Aww, I hope you don't die of depression once Kunzite leaves." Ami said with a mock sympathetic pat on her shoulder.
There was a knock on the door and Serena went to see who it was. Jadeite was sanding before her with a victorious smile on his face.
"Where is my love slave at?" He asked looking over his shoulder to search for Raye. Serena rolled her eyes.
"In the shower. She'll be done in a minute. Listen Jadeite, I know what you have plan for her, but you have to be gentle." She looked past her to see Raye getting dressed. "She's never been with anyone." She sent a silent message to him. Jadeite's smile softened.
"I know Sere. I'll be careful. You know I love her enough never to hurt her." He told her in a low voice filled with emotion. Serena nodded and stepped aside when Raye was dressed.
"Come along slave. We have much to do." Jadeite told her and Raye said something under her breath and stalked past him. Jadeite chucked and shook his blonde head. "I'm going to have fun with her." He said and left.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Do you ever wonder who the Moonlight Knight is?" Lita asked Serena and Ami one day walking to school. Serena's steps faltered. Yes, who is the Moonlight knight? She wondered that every time he came to save them. He reminded her so much of Darien. And her dreams. She blushed a little. They were so real.
"Yes, I wonder who he is all the time. He looks a lot like Tuxedo Mask." Ami told them not glancing up from her book. In the distance they heard the two minute bell ring.
"Oh no!" Serena screeched.
"The bell!" Lita said and they all began to run.
"I'm never going to stay the night over at your apartment again Serena!" Ami told her. Soon, Serena ran smack dab in a familiar chest and staggered back and lost her balance. Strong arms caught her before her butt hit the hard sidewalk.
"Typical Serena." Drawled the lazy, oh-so fine voice of her sweet tormentor.
"Thank you Darien. I got to go. See you later." She hurried past him.
During the whole day, Serena's stomach growled. She couldn't wait for lunch. Unfortunately for her, she left in at home. Lita! She always had food for her! She searched her out and found her among Allen's admirers.
"Please tell me you have something for me to eat!" Serena wailed to her. Lita smiled and shook her head.
"Sorry Serena." She said and looked back to Allen. Serena felt his gaze on her.
"Why are you here?" Serena whispered to her. Lita shrugged.
"He reminds me of Nephrite. Besides, I was going to save him from this crowed of wild girls." She said. Serena shrugged.
"Well, good luck with that." She muttered and saw him coming to them. "Uhh, got to go. See ya Lita!" She said and hurried away before he started making her go all girly for him. She wondered how he did that. She looked around campus and saw Mina and Ami. But their lunches were all eaten and she moaned and collapsed next to them. "I need food!" She groaned.
"Sorry Serena. We just finished." Ami replied sheepishly.
"Hey meatball head." Said a dark voice. Pictures of a huge pile of spaghetti and meatballs assaulted her mind.
"Mmmm, meatballs." She said rather in a daze. (AN: I just had to use Homer Simpson's famous line. Don't own the Simpson's either!)
What's wrong with you?" Said the voice again. Serena shook herself out of her daze and looked up to see Darien looming over her.
"What are you doing here?" She asked him. He grinned.
"Didn't Ami tell you?" He asked and crouched down. Serena looked up to see Ami cough in embarrassment.
"Darien and a few of his colleagues form school are putting on a play in the Little Theater and need volunteers for it." She said.
"A play?!" Screech the annoying voice of Ann the Leech. Serena groaned. She didn't need her right now trying to pick up on her Darien. "What kind of play is it?" She asked.
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." He said. Serena heard the irritated note in his voice.
"Really? I LOVE that story. Who's going to play the lead?"
"I am." Mina stepped in.
"You? But I wanted to do it!" Ami told her.
"Hey, I should play Snow White." The new voice of Lita said. Serena was still lying on the ground and looked up at the faces of her scouts and Ann.
"I have the most acting experience." Mina said.
"So? I have the bigger chest!" Lita said, thrusting her generous breasts out for them all to see. Darien cleared his throat and looked away with pink cheeks.
"Now now children, here." Ann said and held out strings in her hand. "We'll draw strings for all the parts. You have a friend Raye don't you? Good, then one of you can pick for her. There is one white one and one red on and the rest are blue. Who ever gets the red one has to be the wicked witch and who ever gets the white one will be Snow White. If you get a blue one, then you have to be a dwarf." Ann explained and held out her hand. Serena sighed and grabbed a string from her place on the ground.
"RED!" She screeched looking at the sting in distaste.
All the others drew one, Ami, drawing for Raye. All blue.
"So that means I have the white one! I'm going to be Snow White!" Ann yelled in triumph. Serena sat up and heard Darien groan.
"What?" She asked him.
"I took the place of the Prince before I came here." He told her mournfully. Serena felt he heart squeeze. Ann the Leech was going to have to kiss Darien!
"So when do we rehearse?" Ann asked.
"Tomorrow evening." He mumbled and Ann squealed.
"I can't wait!" She said and ran away.
"Yeah, I bet you can't." Serena said quietly to herself, glaring at Ann's disappearing figure. She looked down at her string. Damn it! Her stomach growled again and she moaned and fell back on the ground.
"Forgot you lunch?" Darien asked with a small laugh.
"Shut up." Serena moaned and then gasped when he scooped her up in his arms. "Darien! What are you doing?" She hissed and looked about her to see girls glaring at her more. Great.
"Can you ditch a period?" He asked.
"Why?" She asked, eyeing him.
"We'll go get something to eat." He told her. Serena brightened.
"Yes! Gods, thank you. I was about to die!" She told him and he let her down.
"My motorcycle is that way." He told her with a wave of his hand.
"Since when do you have a motorcycle?" She asked.
"A while, but it was too cold to ride until now. Come on." He told her pulling her hand.
"I'll be back. Don't worry Ames." Serena said to her scowling friend.
"Bring me back something to drink!" Mina and Lita called out in unison. When they reached the student parking lot, Serena saw his motorcycle. Just how rich was he? She asked herself. He threw a helmet to her and she snapped it on her head. She straddled the seat behind her, praying that her skirt wouldn't fly over head and show the passersby her underwear. Not that they were ugly underwear. She thought with a little smirk. He started the bike and she gasped and clamped a death grip in his waist.
"Ready to go?" She heard laughter in his voice. She let out a squeaky yes and he zoomed off. She had to squeeze her eyes shut until they reached their destination.
Finally, there were there. Serena swore Darien took the long way because they arrived at the Crown Arcade in ten minutes when it took ten minutes for her to walk here.
The bell chimed as soon as they entered. The place was rather dead.
"Hey guys." Greeted Andrew in a friendly, but suspicious voice.
Serena's stomach replied with a mind of its own and Andrew laughed and motioned them to the bar counter. "The usual Serena?" Andrew asked going in the back to tell the cook.
"Yeah. Thanks Andrew." She said and began spinning in her chair.
"How old are you again?" Darien asked dryly with a roll of his eyes.
"I don't want to grow up to fast Darien. Childhood is something you can't get back and I'm taking full advantage of it." She said and continued to spin. Yes, her childhood was a mixture of responsibility. She loved Caleb with all her heart, but sometimes she wondered what it would be like to be a normal girl with out an almost one year old son and without the duty of being Sailor Moon. Soon, the delicious aroma of her food had her stopping.
"Oh Andrew, thank you so much!" She gushed and dug into her steaming plate of fries before he sat them down in the counter. The first fry was like a lifesaver to her. The salty, greasy little stick of fatty goodness had her moaning with relief.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It was the day of the rehearsal and Serena and the girls arrived at the Little Theater only to be mobbed by possessed fashion coordinators and make-up artist.
"It's more like we're going to be in a movie rather that a play." Lita said and swatted away persistent hands that were putting on her make- up.
"Why is he going all out?" Raye asked irritated as she was stripped of her clothes.
"How am I to know?" Serena growled when her hair was pulled form the little buns.
"Because he wants to make it the best play ever." Said an annoying voice. Serena turned to see Ann all dressed and ready to begin.
"But it's rehearsal! We need all this stuff now?" Ami asked while a fashion person held up different costumes to her.
"Well, it was my idea to get them in here." Ann replied a little shyly. Serena looked at her and wondered more. Ann was actually shy?
Serena gasped when her shirt was yanked over her head.
"Girls, you're here." Darien came in when they were almost naked. They all covered themselves and dashed behind something to hide their nude bodies. Serena looked around and shrugged. It's not like he never seen me naked before. She thought, oh yeah, but he hasn't got his memories back yet. Damn.
"Uh, Darien could you go out before Raye decides she wants to kill you?" Serena asked. Darien's eyes were riveted on her chest. Serena fought a smile. I do have a nice chest and the bra it pretty too.
"Darien!" Lita hissed.
He snapped out of his lost thoughts and ran a hand through his hair." Uh, right, sorry girls." He said and made a hasty retreat out of the dressing room.
"Put a 'knock please' sign on the door." Ami stammered and she was attacked again by costumes.
~ ~ ~ ~
He tried to concentrate on his lines, but Serena's chest kept invading his head.
"If only I could warm your ice cold lips with my kiss, to wake you from your sleep." He said and fought a grimace. Why did Ann have to be Snow White? He leaned down.
"We've done this scene how many times? I think we got it right." Snapped Raye's annoyed voice. Darien shot up and sent a gratifying look to her.
"But this scene is important!" Ann whined. Darien shook his head. Could she be any more obvious?
"How 'bout we do the wicked witch scene?" Ami offered.
"Alright, let me get Serena." Lita said. Darien watched her pull a hand from the side.
"No, Lita, I look like a slut!" He heard Serena hiss at her.
"Come on Meatball head." Raye called out to her with hands on her hips.
Lita was the stronger party by far and soon, Serena was pulled onto the floor. Darien almost lost it again when he saw what she was wearing. He slender body that haunted his dreams was encased in a skin tight black and red dress with slits going up to her high thigh and her breasts almost spilled out of the bodice. He looked around to see all of the guys in his class stare at her with mouths hanging open. Jealousy flamed inside of him as well as iron possessiveness. There was no way she was going to remain in that dress for the whole city to see he thought angrily.
"Lets get this done and over with." He said in a smooth voice, masking his true feelings.
Serena walked to where her enchanted mirror was. "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?" She cooed.
"You are." Said a voice that further ticked off Darien. Allen was seated in the auditorium looking like he was going to eat her alive. Darien read the lust in the other man's eyes. He griped his script tightly, resisting the urge to throw it at Allen.
"This is a closed rehearsal." He told him tightly. Allen yanked his gaze from Serena to him and smiled.
"I just came by to pick up Ann. When will you be done?" He asked him.
"Now. We're done now." Darien said not wanting Allen to check out Serena anymore.
"Great, come on Ann, we have homework." Allen said, but he was looking as Serena. Allen got up on the stage and walked up to her. Serena stood by and gave him a friendly smile. "And I meant what I said Serena. You're the most beautiful person on the stage." He told her while running a finger across her smooth shoulder.
The action broke the restraint he tried to hold. Rage filled every part of his being and he yanked Serena out of Allen's reach and pulled her to the side. He spun her around and grabbed her face in his hands.
"Don't ever let him touch you again." He growled to her and bent and kissed her mouth hard.
~ ~ ~ ~
Mina watched the whole exchange with mild interest. She saw Darien being pushed over the edge, and wondered how long he would stand by and let Allen touch her. She wasn't disappointed when he finally snapped and dragged Serena off to the side. No doubt, putting his claim on her she thought with a sigh.
"See you tomorrow guys!" Ann called out to them and left to get changed.
"Do you think we should stop them?" Ami asked them pointing where Serena and Darien were in a lip lock match, hands everywhere. Mina nodded when the aurora around them began to pulse red again.
Raye and Lita took it upon themselves to pull the pair apart. Serena was rather in a daze and Darien had a cocky smile on his lips. They dragged Serena away from him.
"Let's go home." Ami said and helped the girls cart Serena off to the dressing room.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Serena walked slowly to the Little Theater. Over the past few weeks they spent every waking hour practicing and getting the 'stage presence' right. She shook her head and headed up the stairs. The guys had left and now the apartment seemed empty. She and Mina tried to weasel details from Raye about her days as Jadeite's 'love slave', but she remained tight lipped telling them to mind their own business. The brat.
"Hey beautiful. Ready to shine tonight?" Darien greeted her by the doors. Serena nodded, and stifled a giggle at the image of Darien in tights and a frilly white shirt. But a chuckle or two escaped and he narrowed his eyes at her.
"Don't start, Andrew gave me an earful before you came." But Serena couldn't help but giggle. Darien advanced on her and she held up her hand and took a step back.
"Alright, alright, I'll stop." She stifled the laugh that began to rise in her.
"Go get ready." He growled at her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Serena made her way past him. Ever since the incident with Allen, Darien had made a silent claim on her. It was a start, she thought, but she wanted him to get all of his memories back before she brought Caleb into the picture. The girls' dressing room was buzzing by the time she got there. Her costume was pulled from the rack, and her hair was pulled from her buns. Soon, she was dressed in her wicked witch ensemble and ready for stage. Her scouts made pretty dwarfs, and Molly and Melvin joined in. Raye was Grumpy and Serena thought that particular dwarf suited her.
"Be ready in five." Called a college director.
"Oh, this is so exciting!" Ann squealed. Serena grudgingly had to admit that Ann looked beautiful in her Snow White costume.
"Good luck Ann." Serena forced a smile that Ann readily took.
"Thank you." She said and soon, there was a buzzing and it was time for them to go onto the stage. They all filed out. The first scene was a breeze, Ann was singing, Darien wooing her, Serena cooing at her mirror. The play progressed slowly until it was almost the end. The kissing scene was coming up, but Serena wasn't sure she could handle it.
They were all huddled behind the curtains when a loud boom had them all ducking.
"Ahhh! A cardian!" Serena heard someone scream. She and her scouts looked at one another and rushed to peek around the curtains. The clown like cardian was draining the audience's energy.
Serena looked around and saw Ann and Darien no where in sight, and Molly and Melvin fainted.
"Let's do this." Lita said and pulled out her transformation pen. They all transformed and made an entrance. The audience was still conscious and soon cheers rose up from them. With a special appearance by the Moonlight Knight and by the power of the scepter, the cardian was toasted. They all de-transformed and left. Darien greeted them.
"Ann is gone." He told them. Serena frowned. Where could she have gone? Did the cardian scare her off?
"What are we going to do?" Raye asked.
"Hey, Serena could play the part. All she does is kiss you and wake up and say a few lines after that." Ami offered. A devilish smile played on Darien's lips.
"How 'bout it? Can you do it?" He asked. Serena straitened her shoulders and lifted her head, taking her Moon Princess stance.
"Of course." She said breezily.
"Well, go change." He told her with a playful smack on the butt and Serena left to change.
"Oh Ami, I don't know how to thank you. You're the best." Serena smiled fondly at her small friend and hugged her.
"Anytime Serena." Ami giggled.
~ ~ ~ ~
Sammy sat in the cushiony chairs and waited for the final scene. Usually, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs wouldn't interest him. It was too girly, but his sister was playing in it, and of course, he had to support her. He didn't know why, but his big sister had changed a lot. He looked to the side of him where Luna and her boyfriend Artemis were sitting with him, holding his nephew Caleb. He turned back to the dark stage and saw Snow White laying in a platform with the dwarfs kneeling before her. Soon, the prince came and bent down.
"If only I could warm your ice cold lips with my kiss, to wake you from your sleep." The prince said. Sammy leaned forward and realized that Snow White was Serena! This piped his interest even further. The dark haired man he remembered from the Virtual Reality game leaned closer and closer and soon, they kissed.
"Yuk." He said and meant to look away, but the man's profile caught his eye. He squinted. There was something familiar about that profile. He looked back to Caleb, watching the scene in great interest. Then the answer stuck him like ice cold water was thrown on him.
That guy, Darien, was Caleb's father! He sat with shock resonating through his body. Jeeze, oh my gods! I know who Caleb's father is!
"Sammy, is something the matter?" Luna asked him gently. Sammy looked into the older woman's eyes and soon, something else struck him. This Luna character had eyes just like Serena's black cat Luna. And they had the same name! He gasped, realization whipping him in the face.
"Oh gods." He choked out, looking back to the stage to see Serena and Darien still kissing. How can this be? How can a cat be human?
"Oh, look, its over. Come along Sammy, let's go give the flowers we bought to Serena." Luna said and they went to the dressing room on the side. He walked stiffly to the door, all his thoughts running rampant through his mind.
"Hey Serena, great show." Luna greeted. Sammy looked up to see his sister looking happy at them.
"How did you like it Sammy?" Serena asked and took Caleb from Luna. He shrugged.
"It was alright." He muttered.
"Can we go now? I'm hungry and I want to get all this gunk off my face." Lita said, wiping her hand across her forehead.
"Sure, uh Sammy, could you go get my bag in the dressing room?" Serena asked him. Sammy went, but without a grumble or two.
He found her bag on a chair and he grabbed it roughly off the chair. Something clattered to the ground and he bent down to pick it up. It was the broach Serena always wore. He studied it. He didn't know why it was so important to her. She took it with her everywhere she went. He opened it and saw a pretty crystal in it. Unconsciously, he touched it, and soon, everything around him blurred. Images passed through his eyes. Image of Serena dressed in a white dress and Darien dressed in some kind armor, tuxedo getup. He saw an older woman that looked like Serena and he saw Luna the cat talking then transforming into a human. He saw the first time Serena changed into Sailor Moon, and the other girls transform into the Sailor Scouts. He saw the night in the Ally. He wanted to close his eyes to THAT image. He saw her giving birth to Caleb and he saw her return. He shook his head, trying to blot out the rapid pictures of his sister's hidden life, but they kept on coming. He saw all the battles she fought and Darien's betrayal and how she got him back. He watched him die in his sister's sobbing arms and he saw the battle with Beryl and he watched as Serena died as well, only to be reborn. He watched in pain as his sister was brought back as Sailor Moon and how Darien lost all his memories. Soon, the images were gone and he was left shaking.
"Sammy? Are you alright?" Serena came to him. Tears mounted in his eyes and he launched himself into her arms.
"Oh Serena! I'm sorry I was mean to you! I didn't know that you had so much pain in your life!" He sobbed.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena looked down at her little brother in confusion. What was wrong with him? Why the water works? She saw her broach lying on the ground and soon the answer dawned at her. He had touched the broach.
"Sammy, what did you see?" She asked pulling away from him. Sammy's eyes were wet and he looked away guiltily.
"Everything. From the beginning." He told her.
"Oh no." Mina breathed. She and the others looked in horror at Sammy and all his knowledge.
"Come on, we need to talk." Serena said and led him away.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
AN: Yeah, stupid cliff hanger. I'm soooooo sorry that it took so long for me to post this chapter. I know, I know, kinda boring too. I have one chapter left and then the epilogue. Please review, I love all the comments. So REVIEW! You all are my inspiration. And I know I told you in my bio, that I was going to post 'One Nighter' but, I'm having trouble with that one and my other story, 'Past Princess's Passions' is almost done too. YAAAAY!