Wildfire
Chapter 3
By raq
I Told you I have it!........................
~
Serena did not start work until the following day, so Michiru took the liberty to show Serena around the area while Sammy and Haruka had school.
"Michiru, how come I haven't seen Jen, the one Sammy's usually talking about?" she asked as.
"Jen returned to the U.S. She was only here for a short time.. He misses her though..."
"No wonder.. but I'm surprised he hasn't said anything to me about that," she said.
"Hey want to get some lunch?" asked Michiru
"Sure... where too"
"The crown... it's a café and a bookstore all in one"
Serena and Michiru stepped in the door and as Michiru had expected, all eyes were on Serena. She wore khaki capris and a baby blue wrap around top that tied at the waist. Her hair softly curled at the ends, everything about Serena was all soft and very natural. If Michiru wouldn't of known better, Serena would pass as another freshman in college.
"Hey Michiru," said the man behind the counter as he waved for them to come forward. Serena followed Michiru towards the stools and sat. "Who's your friend?"
"Andrew meet Serena, Serena meet Andrew."
"Nice to meet you," smiling sweetly, Serena shook his hand.
"Pleasure's mine.... Are you new?"
"something like that" spoke Michiru, Andrew nodded and smiled.
"Now what can I get you girls?"
The two ordered and ate somewhat peacefully. It was at times a little bit irritating having a burger in one hand and trying to shake another. The guys seemed braver than normal, thought Serena, but then again these were college guys, not the mere high school dweebs she was used to.
"Well, we should get going. I need to do a few things." Serena and Michiru paid their bill. As they walked away Michiru was ahead of Serena since she had forgotten her purse. Quickly Serena made her way out but wasn't didn't watch where she was going, and roughly she bumped into a stranger.
"Oh pardon me," Serena apologized as she looked up to some heartbreaking eyes. She swayed a bit, losing her balance. Serena began to fall but luckily a pair of strong arms had caught her and back up she went to her steady stance. Upright, she could feel the burning in her cheeks.
"I'm sorry Miss..." he apologized softly as he gazed into her eyes, then later moved to her cheeks, to her nose, then to her lips. Serena wasn't in a position nor where she experienced enough to deal with such moments.
"I'm... sorry..." she whispered, smiling sweetly and very apologetic. He opened his mouth ask for her name but she turned and quickly walked away.
~
Serena was dropped off by Michiru at the dorm rooms. On her way up and still thinking about the handsome man she ran into, she again ran into another being. Knocking everything and anything in her arms.
"I'm sorry..." said Serena to the girl.
"its okay..." the girl knelt down and picked up her belongings. Serena did the same.
"I've been doing this a lot today, I really am sorry" said Serena as she handed the girl the last of her books. "Moving in?" The girl nodded shyly.
"I'm Serena."
"My name is Mika"
"Nice to meet you, Mika. Why don't I give you a hand?" Serena carried a few bags she had in her arms and helped her up to her room.
~ 6:00pm
Darien busily made himself coffee, refraining from thinking of the girl that had gotten his slumping mood to rise. After the chance encounter, his mind always wanted to recap the moment in which they just stood there, mesmerized and transfixed by one another. She was a heart stopper a mere dream. But it wasn't a dream, the girl had a name, Serena. A friend of Michiru... Michiru.. he thought.
Serena was well on her way to making dinner. The aroma of lemon pepper chicken teased one's senses... coming to a splendid golden brown it was nearly cooked to its tenderness. The pot of honeyed yams and other vegetables were simmering to a sweet smell. The last on her list was her favorite as well as Sammy's and Haruka's, crumbled apple pie. She began to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on the topping when there was a light tap on the door. Serena wiped the stray hair from her face and made her way to the door. Opening the door, she held her breath as she met with the very same man who had completely taken her breath away. Still in his denim jeans and navy blue long sleeve shirt he was just... just...Serena couldn't find the words.
Darien had completely expected to come face to face with either his good friends Haru or Sammy. So when the door opened he was surprised, and shocked. "Hi," he exhaled softly.
"Can I help you?" asked Serena. Darien did a side glance at the room number, which Serena caught. "It's okay, this is Sammy and Haruka's dorm." Darien smiled then he thought, 'blond hair, blue eyes, following Sammy...'
"If you're looking for Sammy and Haru they aren't here, but you're welcome to stay and wait for them if you'd like." Serena smiled almost hopeful that he would take the offer.
"Are you sure it's all right with them?"
"Yep... besides I can use the company," she smiled sweetly.
"Sure, why not?" he agreed as she opened the door wider for him to enter. Darien entered and was greeted with the sweet smell of home cook meal, obviously made by the girl before him.
"Make yourself comfortable. Can I get you anything?" she asked.
"Umm... water is fine...."
"Water..." Serena furrowed her brow a bit "I see you as a coffee type of man..." Darien couldn't help but smile, she read him like a book. "I can whip some up for you." He chuckled. "I am a coffee type of man but water will do..."
"Coming right up" Serena got some ice then some water out of the refrigerator and glanced his way before the glass was filled. He was staring at her, she grinned a bit and held back the blush. "Here you go," handing him the glass.
"Thank you Miss...."
My name is Serena." She smiled brightly with one arm extended. "Serena Tsukino."
"Tsukino," he thought... Sammy and Haruka's last name... "Sammy is my big brother and Haruka is my cousin," she smiled. "Sammy is 3 years older." 'Brother... cousin... thank god,' he thought as the light flickered and his soul began to make its way back up.
'How the hell does she do that... read my mind and 3 years ... no...' He extended his hand. "The name is Darien Chiba..... You're visiting for the summer?"
"Nice to meet you Darien. Sammy and Haruka weren't able to come home for summer as planned, so they sort of brought me here instead," she began as she went behind the counter and made herself busy. He inched closer and sat on one of the bar stools across to where she was preparing what seemed like apple pie.
"So what are you making?" he asked as she checked on the chicken.
"Apple pie. It's Sammy's and Haru's favorite. Would you like to stay for dinner?" Serena was more than happy having someone to talk to while she was cooking. It help knowing that he was handsome and smart as well.
"I suppose a college guy like you has a date lined up for the evening," she halfheartedly joked, Darien chuckling in return.
"If Sammy and Haruka don't mind me having dinner with you guys then Ill stay."
"Really!"
"Of course... can't refuse home cook meal cooked by a beautiful girl" he saw the color rise on her cheeks.
"I'm not beautiful," she stammered. "Says who?" he countered.
Time flew and by the time Haruka, Michiru and Sammy came walking in it was turning 7. Just when the conversation took to a pulsating turn the three had to interrupt.
"So Serena... I bet a girl like you has many boyfriends back at home," Darien stated.
"No... I haven't had a boyfriend since the beginning of my sophomore year and that was a disaster," Serena rolled her eyes at her foolishness.
"Didn't turn out so well huh."
"My friends and I caught him with another girl kissing in a photo booth."
"Oh that must have been a slap in the face. That's why you haven't been dating?"
"Yes and no.. I promised myself that I wouldn't allow another guy to give me such heartbreak. I wanted to make sure I was prepared, mind, body and soul for a relationship." Darien said nothing, that was a very mature concept. 'Mind... she has it, soul... filled with compassion... body....' he thought as he watch her bend over to place something in the refrigerator. 'OH YEAH.... She's definitely got that'. His cheeks flaring a bit.
"How about you?... I'm surprised you don't have a date... instead of spending time with a 17 year old girl watching her cook" she joked.
"Age only applies when the person's mind is developed the same way," he said warmly causing her cheeks to fuse "but no, I don't have a girlfriend.." he exhaled painfully.
"OH?..." Serena caught the sigh. "I can't see why...you're very handsome." she smiled and ducked her head a bit, "I'm sorry I don't know where that came from".
"Its all right" Darien grinned like a Cheshire cat. The girl complemented him and it was causing him to want to jump for joy. The door opened roughly and entered Haruka and Sammy with Michiru behind. Darien stared at both the men as they stood there staring at nothing and sniffing the air.
"Do I smell... do I smell...."
"Lemon pepper chicken!" they both gleamed with happiness.
"Sere, you made dinner!" jumped Sammy turned to greet his sister, then noticed Darien sitting comfortably on one of the stools. "Oh hey Dare."
"Hi... I came over borrow your notes for Mr. Kimya's class but you weren't home"
"Oh... yeah..." said Sammy "I forgot about that"
"And I asked him to wait and keep me company," Serena interjected. "I hope its okay with you" Darien said, standing just in case he was intruding. Serena gave Sammy and Haruka a firm stare.
"Darien, you know I don't mind," said Sammy
"I think you're the only one I trust with Sere.." Haruka smacked him on the back.
"I also asked him to stay for dinner but he said that he will only accept if its okay with the both of you," she eyed them sternly.
"See.. that's why I trust the man... he has respect for others unlike those other friends of ours."
"What were they doing now?" asked Darien.
"The Typical" said Michiru.
Michiru and Serena began to set the table when there was another knock on the door. "I got it," Sammy responded. Opening the door, Sammy expected to find several of his friends when he was met by petite woman, wearing a sun dress.
"Hi..." Sammy was actually cotton mouthed.
"Hi... is Serena here?" she asked.
Serena saw her new friend and made her way to meet her. "Hi Mika, I'm glad you decided to come. I was afraid you weren't gonna show." from behind Mika was Sammy giving Mika an inspection that was down right scandalous. "Let me introduce you Mika. The guy over there is my cousin Haruka, his girlfriend Michiru, over there is Darien and that one behind you is my brother Sammy. Mika is new in the dorm, I ran into her," blushed Serena as she looked at Darien. "Just like I ran into Darien today, and I asked her over to dinner."
"That was a great idea," said Sammy, "would you like a drink?" he went to her and took her out of Serena's way. Sammy ushered Mika towards the couch where Michiru and Haruka were now sitting. Darien sat on the barstool, holding back a smile. From behind the counter she heard Darien whisper, "You think he's interested?"
"You think?" she played as they both began to laugh.
"Oh hey, let me help you," he helped her move the chicken from the hot pans to a serving dish.
"Thanks." He took the heavy pan from her grasp and held it steady.
~ After Dinner...
"My goodness Sere.. when did mom teach you how to cook? Every time we try to cook this.. it.. it..."
"Don't even go there," Michiru interrupted, remembering the last time she had this famous Tsukino lemon pepper chicken. She had stomach cramps for two days. "It's not even close to your mom's Sere."
"Yeah... I didn't know you knew how to make lemon pepper chicken like moms"
"Hey, just because I'm a new generation Tsukino doesn't mean I have to follow your cooking manners." Serena, Sammy and Haruka laughed. Every cousin with the exception of Serena could not cook for scrap. "Besides... I'm a growing woman with family values, a woman should know how to cook and take care of her own when it comes time."
"Serena... you've grown up with great values. Some women don't think that way anymore. It's like their careers are their highest priorities," Darien cracked a gentle smile.
"Thanks for dinner Serena... and thanks for inviting me" said Mika looking as if she was about to leave.
"You cant go yet!"
"What's that smell?" Haruka blurted and looked at Sammy. "Is that... apple crumb pie?" both Haruka and Sammy stared off towards Serena. Sometime during clean up, Serena placed the apple pie in the oven to heat up.
"You two are just too good," said Serena "I guess I know how much you've missed Mom's cooking."
"Dessert everyone?" Serena watched their heads bob up and down. "Ill be back..." Darien helped Serena in the kitchen as Mika and Sammy talked. The only ones that really noticed what was happening was Michiru and Haruka, who at the moment were curious about Serena and Darien.
"He likes her," said Haruka quietly.
"How do you know?"
"Cause I've seen that same courtesy with Bel... and I tell you I thought he lost it when Bel left him."
"Yeah that's true, lately I've seen him shy away from the girls at campus who were thrilled to get Bel out of the way."
"Compare this being the day before?" Haruka remembered when he and Michiru went out for a nightly stroll and found Darien sitting at the park by himself, quietly staring off into space.
"Your right... but the age?"
"Sere doesn't exactly look like a 17year old girl nor does she think like one. Yeah, she's a bit naïve when it comes to certain things, but she's a smart girl, and if I know Darien, her age won't matter as long as her mind is mature," he looked on as he watch Darien reach up for some mugs and hand them to Serena.
"And how do you feel about this? Mr. 'YOU will call her SERENA...'"
"Darien's different. He's actually one guy who I don't mind dating Serena," they both hushed as Darien and Serena returned each holding a tray.
"Oh man," Sammy started to drool.
"Serena, you made this?" asked Mika watching Serena blush then nodded.
"Yep and I watched her make it," laughed Darien as he took a sip of his coffee.
The dessert was wonderful and settled well with their evening. Apple crisp pie, and vanilla ice cream brought down by coffee. The conversation was very light and cheery. Mika shared several things about herself, where she came from and what she was majoring in. The conversation then moved to the topic of music.
"So Sere... how's Wildfire?"
"Okay... we still prefer not to perform."
"Wildfire?" asked Darien.
"Oh, Wildfire is a band..."
"and you're in it?"
"Yep and Sere plays the guitar as well" Haruka gave that little info out for more reasons than just what it may seem.
"Really!" Darien turned to Serena. "You play the guitar?"
"Haruka and Sammy taught me when I was very young."
"Darien also plays the guitar and the piano," Haruka mentioned. "Oh that's wonderful.... You're going to have to play for me sometime!" she said giddily.
"If you promise to play for me as well," Darien winked and gave her a full hearted smile, causing her to blush to the roots of her hair.
"Ditto!"
The group talked with one another then later unintentionally broke in pairs. Mika and Sammy, Haruka and Michiru, Darien and Serena. Serena and Darien sat on the floor next to the coffee table taking about many things from their embarrassing childhood experiences to current trails and tribulations in their lives. The clock chimed and Serena stifled a yawn. Darien noticed and couldn't believe how late it was.
"Its getting late, I better go." Darien stood helping Serena as well. He held her hand and for a moment didn't want to let go. Michiru and Haruka noticed and smiled to one another.
"Let me walk you to the door," Serena followed Darien to the door, regretfully she opened the door and waited. Reading her features, he very well knew how she felt, for the regret was mutual.
"Thanks for having me over for dinner, I can't remember having a home cook meal"
"Anytime.." Boldly he caressed her cheek with his index finger, watching her features go from surprise to happy merriment. "Hope to see you around"
"Count on it," giving her the most heart quenching grin she had ever seen. Turning at first then stopping at mid step "Serena... would you like to have lunch with me tomorrow?" he then remembered and looked back towards the living room "if Sammy and Haruka agree of course." Both men nodded and smiled.
"I'd love to."
"I'll see you then?"
"Of course."
"Goodnight Sere."
"Goodnight," she responded as she watched him step into the hall way. Serena closed the door and leaned back to sigh. Hearing nothing she looked back to the others to discover they were watching. "What?" she asked as she returned to the living area plopping herself down the couch next to Haruka.
"I'm going to walk Mika back to her room. I'll be back." He waited for Mika to stand then led her out the door. The door closed and now it was just the three.
"So, you and Darien got along."
"Yes, so?"
"What did you guys talk about?" asked Michiru
"School, sports, friends, everything I guess," She motioned. "Why?"
"We just saw how well you were getting along," Haruka arched his brow. "Perhaps you're feeling something?"
"Oh come off it Haru! He's 21 and I'm 17, he's in college and I'm in high school. It doesn't really add up."
"If you ask me, he didn't seem to mind at all"
"Really?" Serena jumped. "I mean really?"
"Don't sweat it Serena. Just let it pass day by day." Michiru added
"You're right. I'm going to bed now, I start work tomorrow," she remembered.
"And you better be ready by 8:30."
~ End for now!............................
reviews are good for the soul
raq
Chapter 3
By raq
I Told you I have it!........................
~
Serena did not start work until the following day, so Michiru took the liberty to show Serena around the area while Sammy and Haruka had school.
"Michiru, how come I haven't seen Jen, the one Sammy's usually talking about?" she asked as.
"Jen returned to the U.S. She was only here for a short time.. He misses her though..."
"No wonder.. but I'm surprised he hasn't said anything to me about that," she said.
"Hey want to get some lunch?" asked Michiru
"Sure... where too"
"The crown... it's a café and a bookstore all in one"
Serena and Michiru stepped in the door and as Michiru had expected, all eyes were on Serena. She wore khaki capris and a baby blue wrap around top that tied at the waist. Her hair softly curled at the ends, everything about Serena was all soft and very natural. If Michiru wouldn't of known better, Serena would pass as another freshman in college.
"Hey Michiru," said the man behind the counter as he waved for them to come forward. Serena followed Michiru towards the stools and sat. "Who's your friend?"
"Andrew meet Serena, Serena meet Andrew."
"Nice to meet you," smiling sweetly, Serena shook his hand.
"Pleasure's mine.... Are you new?"
"something like that" spoke Michiru, Andrew nodded and smiled.
"Now what can I get you girls?"
The two ordered and ate somewhat peacefully. It was at times a little bit irritating having a burger in one hand and trying to shake another. The guys seemed braver than normal, thought Serena, but then again these were college guys, not the mere high school dweebs she was used to.
"Well, we should get going. I need to do a few things." Serena and Michiru paid their bill. As they walked away Michiru was ahead of Serena since she had forgotten her purse. Quickly Serena made her way out but wasn't didn't watch where she was going, and roughly she bumped into a stranger.
"Oh pardon me," Serena apologized as she looked up to some heartbreaking eyes. She swayed a bit, losing her balance. Serena began to fall but luckily a pair of strong arms had caught her and back up she went to her steady stance. Upright, she could feel the burning in her cheeks.
"I'm sorry Miss..." he apologized softly as he gazed into her eyes, then later moved to her cheeks, to her nose, then to her lips. Serena wasn't in a position nor where she experienced enough to deal with such moments.
"I'm... sorry..." she whispered, smiling sweetly and very apologetic. He opened his mouth ask for her name but she turned and quickly walked away.
~
Serena was dropped off by Michiru at the dorm rooms. On her way up and still thinking about the handsome man she ran into, she again ran into another being. Knocking everything and anything in her arms.
"I'm sorry..." said Serena to the girl.
"its okay..." the girl knelt down and picked up her belongings. Serena did the same.
"I've been doing this a lot today, I really am sorry" said Serena as she handed the girl the last of her books. "Moving in?" The girl nodded shyly.
"I'm Serena."
"My name is Mika"
"Nice to meet you, Mika. Why don't I give you a hand?" Serena carried a few bags she had in her arms and helped her up to her room.
~ 6:00pm
Darien busily made himself coffee, refraining from thinking of the girl that had gotten his slumping mood to rise. After the chance encounter, his mind always wanted to recap the moment in which they just stood there, mesmerized and transfixed by one another. She was a heart stopper a mere dream. But it wasn't a dream, the girl had a name, Serena. A friend of Michiru... Michiru.. he thought.
Serena was well on her way to making dinner. The aroma of lemon pepper chicken teased one's senses... coming to a splendid golden brown it was nearly cooked to its tenderness. The pot of honeyed yams and other vegetables were simmering to a sweet smell. The last on her list was her favorite as well as Sammy's and Haruka's, crumbled apple pie. She began to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on the topping when there was a light tap on the door. Serena wiped the stray hair from her face and made her way to the door. Opening the door, she held her breath as she met with the very same man who had completely taken her breath away. Still in his denim jeans and navy blue long sleeve shirt he was just... just...Serena couldn't find the words.
Darien had completely expected to come face to face with either his good friends Haru or Sammy. So when the door opened he was surprised, and shocked. "Hi," he exhaled softly.
"Can I help you?" asked Serena. Darien did a side glance at the room number, which Serena caught. "It's okay, this is Sammy and Haruka's dorm." Darien smiled then he thought, 'blond hair, blue eyes, following Sammy...'
"If you're looking for Sammy and Haru they aren't here, but you're welcome to stay and wait for them if you'd like." Serena smiled almost hopeful that he would take the offer.
"Are you sure it's all right with them?"
"Yep... besides I can use the company," she smiled sweetly.
"Sure, why not?" he agreed as she opened the door wider for him to enter. Darien entered and was greeted with the sweet smell of home cook meal, obviously made by the girl before him.
"Make yourself comfortable. Can I get you anything?" she asked.
"Umm... water is fine...."
"Water..." Serena furrowed her brow a bit "I see you as a coffee type of man..." Darien couldn't help but smile, she read him like a book. "I can whip some up for you." He chuckled. "I am a coffee type of man but water will do..."
"Coming right up" Serena got some ice then some water out of the refrigerator and glanced his way before the glass was filled. He was staring at her, she grinned a bit and held back the blush. "Here you go," handing him the glass.
"Thank you Miss...."
My name is Serena." She smiled brightly with one arm extended. "Serena Tsukino."
"Tsukino," he thought... Sammy and Haruka's last name... "Sammy is my big brother and Haruka is my cousin," she smiled. "Sammy is 3 years older." 'Brother... cousin... thank god,' he thought as the light flickered and his soul began to make its way back up.
'How the hell does she do that... read my mind and 3 years ... no...' He extended his hand. "The name is Darien Chiba..... You're visiting for the summer?"
"Nice to meet you Darien. Sammy and Haruka weren't able to come home for summer as planned, so they sort of brought me here instead," she began as she went behind the counter and made herself busy. He inched closer and sat on one of the bar stools across to where she was preparing what seemed like apple pie.
"So what are you making?" he asked as she checked on the chicken.
"Apple pie. It's Sammy's and Haru's favorite. Would you like to stay for dinner?" Serena was more than happy having someone to talk to while she was cooking. It help knowing that he was handsome and smart as well.
"I suppose a college guy like you has a date lined up for the evening," she halfheartedly joked, Darien chuckling in return.
"If Sammy and Haruka don't mind me having dinner with you guys then Ill stay."
"Really!"
"Of course... can't refuse home cook meal cooked by a beautiful girl" he saw the color rise on her cheeks.
"I'm not beautiful," she stammered. "Says who?" he countered.
Time flew and by the time Haruka, Michiru and Sammy came walking in it was turning 7. Just when the conversation took to a pulsating turn the three had to interrupt.
"So Serena... I bet a girl like you has many boyfriends back at home," Darien stated.
"No... I haven't had a boyfriend since the beginning of my sophomore year and that was a disaster," Serena rolled her eyes at her foolishness.
"Didn't turn out so well huh."
"My friends and I caught him with another girl kissing in a photo booth."
"Oh that must have been a slap in the face. That's why you haven't been dating?"
"Yes and no.. I promised myself that I wouldn't allow another guy to give me such heartbreak. I wanted to make sure I was prepared, mind, body and soul for a relationship." Darien said nothing, that was a very mature concept. 'Mind... she has it, soul... filled with compassion... body....' he thought as he watch her bend over to place something in the refrigerator. 'OH YEAH.... She's definitely got that'. His cheeks flaring a bit.
"How about you?... I'm surprised you don't have a date... instead of spending time with a 17 year old girl watching her cook" she joked.
"Age only applies when the person's mind is developed the same way," he said warmly causing her cheeks to fuse "but no, I don't have a girlfriend.." he exhaled painfully.
"OH?..." Serena caught the sigh. "I can't see why...you're very handsome." she smiled and ducked her head a bit, "I'm sorry I don't know where that came from".
"Its all right" Darien grinned like a Cheshire cat. The girl complemented him and it was causing him to want to jump for joy. The door opened roughly and entered Haruka and Sammy with Michiru behind. Darien stared at both the men as they stood there staring at nothing and sniffing the air.
"Do I smell... do I smell...."
"Lemon pepper chicken!" they both gleamed with happiness.
"Sere, you made dinner!" jumped Sammy turned to greet his sister, then noticed Darien sitting comfortably on one of the stools. "Oh hey Dare."
"Hi... I came over borrow your notes for Mr. Kimya's class but you weren't home"
"Oh... yeah..." said Sammy "I forgot about that"
"And I asked him to wait and keep me company," Serena interjected. "I hope its okay with you" Darien said, standing just in case he was intruding. Serena gave Sammy and Haruka a firm stare.
"Darien, you know I don't mind," said Sammy
"I think you're the only one I trust with Sere.." Haruka smacked him on the back.
"I also asked him to stay for dinner but he said that he will only accept if its okay with the both of you," she eyed them sternly.
"See.. that's why I trust the man... he has respect for others unlike those other friends of ours."
"What were they doing now?" asked Darien.
"The Typical" said Michiru.
Michiru and Serena began to set the table when there was another knock on the door. "I got it," Sammy responded. Opening the door, Sammy expected to find several of his friends when he was met by petite woman, wearing a sun dress.
"Hi..." Sammy was actually cotton mouthed.
"Hi... is Serena here?" she asked.
Serena saw her new friend and made her way to meet her. "Hi Mika, I'm glad you decided to come. I was afraid you weren't gonna show." from behind Mika was Sammy giving Mika an inspection that was down right scandalous. "Let me introduce you Mika. The guy over there is my cousin Haruka, his girlfriend Michiru, over there is Darien and that one behind you is my brother Sammy. Mika is new in the dorm, I ran into her," blushed Serena as she looked at Darien. "Just like I ran into Darien today, and I asked her over to dinner."
"That was a great idea," said Sammy, "would you like a drink?" he went to her and took her out of Serena's way. Sammy ushered Mika towards the couch where Michiru and Haruka were now sitting. Darien sat on the barstool, holding back a smile. From behind the counter she heard Darien whisper, "You think he's interested?"
"You think?" she played as they both began to laugh.
"Oh hey, let me help you," he helped her move the chicken from the hot pans to a serving dish.
"Thanks." He took the heavy pan from her grasp and held it steady.
~ After Dinner...
"My goodness Sere.. when did mom teach you how to cook? Every time we try to cook this.. it.. it..."
"Don't even go there," Michiru interrupted, remembering the last time she had this famous Tsukino lemon pepper chicken. She had stomach cramps for two days. "It's not even close to your mom's Sere."
"Yeah... I didn't know you knew how to make lemon pepper chicken like moms"
"Hey, just because I'm a new generation Tsukino doesn't mean I have to follow your cooking manners." Serena, Sammy and Haruka laughed. Every cousin with the exception of Serena could not cook for scrap. "Besides... I'm a growing woman with family values, a woman should know how to cook and take care of her own when it comes time."
"Serena... you've grown up with great values. Some women don't think that way anymore. It's like their careers are their highest priorities," Darien cracked a gentle smile.
"Thanks for dinner Serena... and thanks for inviting me" said Mika looking as if she was about to leave.
"You cant go yet!"
"What's that smell?" Haruka blurted and looked at Sammy. "Is that... apple crumb pie?" both Haruka and Sammy stared off towards Serena. Sometime during clean up, Serena placed the apple pie in the oven to heat up.
"You two are just too good," said Serena "I guess I know how much you've missed Mom's cooking."
"Dessert everyone?" Serena watched their heads bob up and down. "Ill be back..." Darien helped Serena in the kitchen as Mika and Sammy talked. The only ones that really noticed what was happening was Michiru and Haruka, who at the moment were curious about Serena and Darien.
"He likes her," said Haruka quietly.
"How do you know?"
"Cause I've seen that same courtesy with Bel... and I tell you I thought he lost it when Bel left him."
"Yeah that's true, lately I've seen him shy away from the girls at campus who were thrilled to get Bel out of the way."
"Compare this being the day before?" Haruka remembered when he and Michiru went out for a nightly stroll and found Darien sitting at the park by himself, quietly staring off into space.
"Your right... but the age?"
"Sere doesn't exactly look like a 17year old girl nor does she think like one. Yeah, she's a bit naïve when it comes to certain things, but she's a smart girl, and if I know Darien, her age won't matter as long as her mind is mature," he looked on as he watch Darien reach up for some mugs and hand them to Serena.
"And how do you feel about this? Mr. 'YOU will call her SERENA...'"
"Darien's different. He's actually one guy who I don't mind dating Serena," they both hushed as Darien and Serena returned each holding a tray.
"Oh man," Sammy started to drool.
"Serena, you made this?" asked Mika watching Serena blush then nodded.
"Yep and I watched her make it," laughed Darien as he took a sip of his coffee.
The dessert was wonderful and settled well with their evening. Apple crisp pie, and vanilla ice cream brought down by coffee. The conversation was very light and cheery. Mika shared several things about herself, where she came from and what she was majoring in. The conversation then moved to the topic of music.
"So Sere... how's Wildfire?"
"Okay... we still prefer not to perform."
"Wildfire?" asked Darien.
"Oh, Wildfire is a band..."
"and you're in it?"
"Yep and Sere plays the guitar as well" Haruka gave that little info out for more reasons than just what it may seem.
"Really!" Darien turned to Serena. "You play the guitar?"
"Haruka and Sammy taught me when I was very young."
"Darien also plays the guitar and the piano," Haruka mentioned. "Oh that's wonderful.... You're going to have to play for me sometime!" she said giddily.
"If you promise to play for me as well," Darien winked and gave her a full hearted smile, causing her to blush to the roots of her hair.
"Ditto!"
The group talked with one another then later unintentionally broke in pairs. Mika and Sammy, Haruka and Michiru, Darien and Serena. Serena and Darien sat on the floor next to the coffee table taking about many things from their embarrassing childhood experiences to current trails and tribulations in their lives. The clock chimed and Serena stifled a yawn. Darien noticed and couldn't believe how late it was.
"Its getting late, I better go." Darien stood helping Serena as well. He held her hand and for a moment didn't want to let go. Michiru and Haruka noticed and smiled to one another.
"Let me walk you to the door," Serena followed Darien to the door, regretfully she opened the door and waited. Reading her features, he very well knew how she felt, for the regret was mutual.
"Thanks for having me over for dinner, I can't remember having a home cook meal"
"Anytime.." Boldly he caressed her cheek with his index finger, watching her features go from surprise to happy merriment. "Hope to see you around"
"Count on it," giving her the most heart quenching grin she had ever seen. Turning at first then stopping at mid step "Serena... would you like to have lunch with me tomorrow?" he then remembered and looked back towards the living room "if Sammy and Haruka agree of course." Both men nodded and smiled.
"I'd love to."
"I'll see you then?"
"Of course."
"Goodnight Sere."
"Goodnight," she responded as she watched him step into the hall way. Serena closed the door and leaned back to sigh. Hearing nothing she looked back to the others to discover they were watching. "What?" she asked as she returned to the living area plopping herself down the couch next to Haruka.
"I'm going to walk Mika back to her room. I'll be back." He waited for Mika to stand then led her out the door. The door closed and now it was just the three.
"So, you and Darien got along."
"Yes, so?"
"What did you guys talk about?" asked Michiru
"School, sports, friends, everything I guess," She motioned. "Why?"
"We just saw how well you were getting along," Haruka arched his brow. "Perhaps you're feeling something?"
"Oh come off it Haru! He's 21 and I'm 17, he's in college and I'm in high school. It doesn't really add up."
"If you ask me, he didn't seem to mind at all"
"Really?" Serena jumped. "I mean really?"
"Don't sweat it Serena. Just let it pass day by day." Michiru added
"You're right. I'm going to bed now, I start work tomorrow," she remembered.
"And you better be ready by 8:30."
~ End for now!............................
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