On the track and off - Chapter 10

Written by: Neo Queen Serenity Chiba

Rating: PG - rating may go up.

Genre: Romance/Drama

Editors: Only me.

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Hey I'm back with another chapter. I HOPE you guys will like this one, this chapter may get funny but there are some tragic parts too that made me cry so I might better not talk now. I better get the show on the road. Here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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(Previously on. On the Track and Off)

"Hey Dare"

"Hey"

"You ready?"

"Yeah you could say that" and hopped on Media Puzzle. Then Yuen lead them to the gathering ring. "How's Serena going?"

"She's getting there, she's trying to hide most of her feelings over a mask face a lot though"

"Don't worry, she doesn't want to let you guys know that what. She is afraid of love Dare, so you have to take care of her a lot if you are thinking about she been your wife!"

"Ok, ok, ok I get the idea. Geesh no need to be strict Yuen. You know me that I would never do that to Sere"

"That's good to hear. Well hear it goes" They left the gathering ring and were going to the gates. Then one of the gatekeepers took Media Puzzle in barrier 5. As Darien placed his goggles over his eye and gripped his whip and rein tighter, then the gates open the he took off.

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As he took off, he increased speed on Media Puzzle for a bit then stayed on the same speed. As he passed the 100m mark he increased more speed until he was between the 1st and 2nd horse. Having a feeling Media Puzzle was slowing down, he increased more speed as he passed the 50m mark. 'Go media puzzle go! I must do this for Sere! Go Media Puzzle go!' thought Darien. Then he came 1st. He was now happy and made Media Puzzle slow down to a trot. Yuen took the lead and lead them to the stand for photos. Seeing Serena, he waved. Serena smiled and waved back. About 5 minutes of photos, Serena and Darien decided to follow Yuen with media puzzle to his stable. They were all talking until media puzzle stopped. "Media puzzle, come on, let's get you refreshen up," Yuen said. But Media Puzzle didn't move. Then red blood came running down for Media Puzzle's nose. "Oh my god! Quick Serena! Get Candy, Michael and Scott here!" Serena took off, while Darien helped Yuen with Media Puzzle's bleeding nose.

"Help! Help! Help!" Shouted Yuen. Then Candy, Michael and Scott came. They saw Media Puzzle collapsed on the grass while Yuen kept on holding pressure. "Oh my god, Yuen! What happen?" said Scott.

"I don't know. Please don't die Media Puzzle. Please don't die" cried Yuen. Now he was in tears including Serena, Candy, Michael, Darien and Scott. Then one last noise came from Media Puzzle then he died. "NO!!!!!!!!!!! Media Puzzle!!!!!" Yuen said, between his sobs. "Its no use Yuen, he died and I'm sure he loves you much as you do," said Scott. Hugging Yuen everyone came and crowded around Yuen, all comforting him.

That night, Yuen went home and decided not to work for a while, then he received a phone call about celebrating Media Puzzle's race victory. He decided to go and got changed and drove off. As he arrived, he was met up by Darien and Michael. "Hey" said Yuen

"Oi, how are you feeling?" said Michael

"Still dead"

"Ha ha funny, come on let's go and see the others," said Darien. Then went inside. Everyone in the private room was talking having a good time but Yuen wasn't having a good time at all, especially his favourite mate just died. "Well isn't it the Mr. that train Media Puzzle so good. What are you doing here? Ain't you suppose to stay at home and cry your heart out," said a man who was a couple years older than Yuen. "Where are you going at Shane?"

"Me...... Oh...... all I'm talking about is shouldn't you be staying home crying your heart out"

"Why you." and went near Shane, while Shane moved back. Darien place his hand on Yuen's shoulder telling him don't. Yuen couldn't stand it any longer and walked out. "Yuen!" said Darien and went after him.

After that little argument, Yuen didn't work for a week. Then he decided to go to the river for some fresh air. He went out and walked to the river, then Darien arrived next to him. "Hey Dare"

"Hey Yuen, how have you been?"

"I'm alright, I decided to go to New Zealand (NZ)"

"Why?"

"Cause that was where Media Puzzle was born, I was hoping I could bury him over there after he was burnt. Then while I'm over there, I would hope I can find a horse"

"That would be great but I'm also sorry"

"Why would you say that?"

"It was my fault to beg Media Puzzle to go faster. I'm sorry"

"Hey it was no ones fault so don't blame on yourself" Darien smiled and hugged his friend.

"You've been a great friend. Just be careful and hope you'll find a beautiful horse"

"Thanks and I hope so too" Darien laughed and Yuen joined in.

"Come one and let meet the other" and both left together to campus.

The next day, everyone went with Yuen to the airport and bid their good- byes. Then everyone decided to go shopping with their partners. So Darien and Serena decided to go together and went window-shopping. They entered in a jewellery shop and went to look at their own direction. Darien was looking at the necklaces while Serena looked at the rings and bracelets. For Darien he spotted a very beautiful necklace with a sliver heart pendant. On the front had a little red ruby on the centre then around it was 'I'm yours forever' then a lady came and asked him if he want anything. "Can I help you sir?" said the lady.

"Uh...... yes...... can I look at that one" Darien said and pointed at the necklace he wanted. The lady unlocked the mini sliding doors and slide open the door to get the necklace that Darien wanted and handed the necklace to Darien. Surely it was very beautiful indeed and thought that it would look great on Serena. Then Serena came over. "Wow, it's beautiful! Whom are you going give it to?" she said

"That's none of your business"

"Can you give to me? I want it?" (AN: She's joking but Darien didn't detect it)

"No"

"Miss is there another one of these?"

"I'm sorry miss there is none"

"Oh damn...... Can you buy it for me?"

"No, I'll take it please" The lady took the necklace to be placed in a pink velvet box. "Here you go sir, that would be $3058 thank you" Darien gave her his credit card then signed it. "Thank you miss"

"See you later" then left with Serena. While they were walking over the bridge from all the traffic Darien stop, "Sere" Serena turned around and looked at him. "Yes Dare?"

"Here this is for you" and handed her the box.

"No, I don't want it" refusing it back. "You said that you wanted it"

"No I don't want it"

"You keep it" Serena placed the box on the rail and went. "Hey" got he box and ran up to her. "I don't want it Dare"

"But you said you want it so you keep it" then Serena accidentally knocked it off of Darien's hands, the necklace on landed on the tree branch while the box landed on the ground. "Oh shit!" said Serena. Darien got over the railing and tried to reach it. "What are you doing?" she said.

"I'm trying to get the necklace"

"Its no use Dare!" Then Darien unbuckled his belt and attached it the railing lines hanging from it but his feet still on the bridge railing; he tried to reach it. "Its no use Dare"

"Yes it is, it's a special gift to you" then he just touched it then it got knocked off the tree branch and landed in the cement path. Darien went back over the railing, attached his belt back on and went downstairs with Serena. Serena found it and picked it up and was about to leave when Darien called her name. "Serena, you can't......"

"Hey I saw it and I picked it up and it's mine" and left. "She's some strange girl" he said mainly to himself and went to catch up with her.

Since that was a day off, Serena and Darien decided to go to her place. They went back to Darien's car the Black Audi. He unlocked it and hopped in the driver's seat while Serena went to the passenger's seat. He turned on the engine and pushed the button to bring down the rooftop. Then they were on their way. While driving, Serena kept on looking at the necklace. Darien smiled. 'I knew she would like it' thought Darien. "Beautiful eh?" he said.

"Yeah I love it" Darien chuckled. He stopped at the red light, then Serena's phone went off. "Hello Sere speaking?"

"Hey Sere, its Becky"

"Oh hey Becky"

"Where are you now?"

"At the harbour, we are on our way back home. Why?"

"Because I want you to meet someone, once you get back ok. You can bring Darien too"

"Ok, I'll see you later. Oh hang on, do you want me to buy anything for mum to cook?"

"Uh...... nah...... but you can buy some red scented candles, the ones that have a rose scent, some rose scent oil, and an oil burner and tea light candles too"

"Ok then see ya"

"Bye" Serena hung up and blew a breath. "Who was that?" Darien said. He pressed on the gas when the lights turned green. "Becky, she wants me to buy some things on our way back to my place"

"Ok where to?"

"Over at 'Moonlite Secrets"

"You go to that shop" and turned left. "Yeah why?"

"Its just that I go there too" and turned red. Serena giggled. "Hey everybody goes there. It's very pretty too. You can also ask them to plan your wedding too and trust me its very beautiful once it gets its final touches"

"I didn't know that" then they entered the underground parking. "Well you do now" then Darien found a spot and parked his car. He pressed the button for the roof to go up and turned off the engine. They hopped out and went in the shopping mall and went in Moonlite Secrets. They got the things that Becky needed and brought a few things of their own. Serena was looking around until she saw a glittering glass bottle from Moon Corporation. She picked it up and sprayed it on her wrist. Shaking it her wrist so it won't go too strong, she smelt it and it was a rose scent. Liking the scent she took one box and went to find Darien.

To Darien, he was looking at men after-shaves, he saw a glittering glass bottle and took a card and sprayed it on the card. Waving the card, he smelt it and it was a rose scent from Moon Corporation. Taking a bottle he went to find Serena. "Dare" Serena shouted

"Hey I was looking for you"

"So was it"

"Ah...... my 2 favourite customers. Hello Serena and Darien" the 2 looked at who it was and found out it was one of their friends, Amelia. "Amelia! (AN: I own her, she's not from the Princess Diaries) how nice to see you! How have you and Robert been?" Serena said as she hugged her friend. "I'm fine thank you and Robert is well too in fact we're expecting a baby soon too"

"Oh how wonderful congratulations, when is the baby due?"

"The baby is due in August 28th this year"

"So you have been pregnant for a while eh?" Darien said.

"Yeah...... hey are you guys a couple or something?"

"Huh...... oh no, we are just friends" they both said.

"Sure, so it that all you going to buy?"

"Uh...... yeah" and handed the items on the counter. "That would be $50 thank you" Serena got her wallet out and paid for her, Becky and Darien's things. "Well say to Robert 'hi' for me and congratulations ok" said Darien. Amelia laughed. "Alright, bye" she said

"Bye" said Serena and left. "God they are the most cutest couple I've ever seen and plus she should go to Miss Hong Kong Pageant too" said Robert. (AN: I own him too) "Robert! You scared me!"

"Did I" she playfully punched him on the shoulder and hugged him. "I love you Robert"

"I love you too Amelia"

To Darien and Serena they placed their things in the back and hopped in the car. Darien turned on the car and pressed the button to open the rooftop. Then drove off. They arrived at the Moon's place 10 minutes later and went up in the lift. Then they opened the door to find Becky with a man. "Uh...... I believe we haven't introduced yet" said Serena. Becky came over and from her position at the sofa (AN: get your minds out of the gutter!) "Oh you're here, you got my things?"

"Here they are. And who is this gentleman?"

"Oh, silly me. Serena and Darien I would like you to meet Jacob Jadeite. Jacob I would like you to meet my youngest sister Serena and her friend Darien Chiba"

"Hi nice to meet you" said Jacob and shook hands with Serena and Darien. "Well let's sit down, I'll go and help mum with the cooking" said Serena and went in the kitchen. "So you and Serena are jockeys eh?" Jacob said.

"Yes and what do you do?"

"I work as a reporter with Becky"

"I see. How long you've been going out now?"

"Oh about 3 weeks"

"Ok cool"

"What about you? It looks like you and Serena are a couple"

"Uh...... no...... we're not, we're just friends but I hope we are though" Darien said almost a whisper. "Don't worry Darien, I know Serena will love you" said Becky. Darien smiled. "Dinner is served" said Serena as she went placing the food in the middle of the round glass top table while Elane set the table. Everyone got up and sat down and all started to eat. Having a great time, it was time for Darien and Jacob to go. "We hope you enjoyed dinner tonight," Elane said.

"We sure did. Well I better go" and kiss Becky and left. "Hey Sere, you coming right?"

"Uh yeah"

"Alright then, I'll see you later"

"Well I'm going to sleep. Oh yeah by the way Elane. You think that keeping a secret about you and Yuen are going out ain't kept that long" said Serena and quickly rushed in her room. "Hey, how did you know?" Elane replied.

"Everyone in the whole campus knows, I was the last one to know, hehehehe," everyone laughed including Elane. "Oh well. Goodnight mum" said Serena as she opened the door and closed it again.

The next day, Darien received a phone call from Yuen that he found a horse name 'Endymion' and he is pretty fast too. Darien was happy and told him all the goss he missed like Becky and Jacob, knowing that he was going out with Elane. "How did you know?" Yuen said.

"Yuen everyone in the campus know that you and Elane were a couple"

"Damn it. Well don't tell anyone nor either Elane. I'm coming back tomorrow with the horse and plus I have a ring for Elane"

"D...... does that m...... mean you are p...... proposing Elane!"

"Yeah that right"

"Well good luck" said Darien while walking to his car and unlocked it and got in. "Thanks, so you won't tell?"

"Nah. No way. Especially for this one but can I tell Sere?" Darien turned on the engine and pushed the button for the rooftop to go down and drove off. "Uh...... alright then you can tell her don't hint Elane ok"

"Ok hey look I got to got. I call you later ok?"

"Alright then. See you tomorrow if you don't call"

"Alright hey what time are you coming?"

"Around 12.30pm"

"Ok bye"

"See ya!" Darien was now happy for Yuen but he wondered if Serena was ready yet. Just then something reminded him. If it was Valentine's Day! So he quickly brought a card, wrote something he wanted to say for a long time, a sliver chain necklace with a bunny hanging down and a bunch of red roses. Then drove off. As he arrived to campus, he saw Serena's car parked by and knew she was at the lake in the park. Darien parked his car next to Serena's and turned off the engine and got his things and went to find Serena. Surely he found her at the park sitting at a bench watching the lake. 'She looks so beautiful and serene' thought Darien and smiled. Walking over, he sat next to her and gave the things he brought to her. "Happy Valentine's Day" he said. Serena looked at them and took them. "Thank you Dare. I'll open them later"

"Why don't you open the card first" Serena nodded and opened the card. It was slivery red and pink with hearts everywhere. She opened the card and the necklace fell out. Serena saw it and picked it up. Looking at it she loved it and thought what Darien was going to do. "Ah I love the present but I really have to go. See ya" she took the presents and ran away. Darien was about to say something but didn't. 'I hope she will take the chance. I know she is ready and I know she is willing to take it' thought Darien.

As for Serena, she ran to her room, locked it and placed the roses in a vase, the necklace on the desk and read the card when she landed on her bed.

'To Serena,

Well, Happy Valentine's Day! Look I want to take this simple and romantic. From the first day, we met; I knew I would fall for you, which I did. But when I see you and Seiya together, I always get heartbroken that's why I never tell my problems because I know you would be angry. Please Sere, after the incident at the court and Seiya, after many days of being by yourself I know you are ready. Don't deny it because you know yourself you are ready to move on. Please Sere can I be with you as you are the only one I love forever. I hope you love the presents I gave you because they remind me of you and you are the one and only one.

Love from Darien.'

After finishing reading the card, Serena started to cry. She knew she was ready but was too afraid to be in love. Serena knew Darien was afraid too but he wanted to do this together. After about ½ hour of crying Serena decided to train Serenity. Going to Serenity's stable, she got her saddle, vest and a helmet. She placed a mat on Serenity's back, then the saddle, bridle and rein. She put on her vest and helmet on and took Serenity on the racetrack to do some training.

On the racetrack Serena did some sprinting and trotting on Serenity and took her to the tree where Darien and Serena normally stop. "You think I'm ready Serenity?" Serenity looked at her. "You think I'm ready to fall in love again?" Serenity wiggled her ears. "How about Darien, you think I can take it?" Serenity nodded and made a noise. "Yeah I think I can take it. Should I make the move or him" Serenity looked at her like crazy. Serena laughed. "I guess I should take the move then eh?" Serenity nodded. "Alright, come on let's get going" and lead her back to the stable. Then she bumped into Josh and Scott. "Hey guys what's up?"

"Oh hey Serena, nothing much" said Josh

"Ok I'm just training Serenity"

"Right, well we have a new horse coming from New Zealand and I would say we have to place him where Media Puzzle use to be" (Scott)

"Oh from New Zealand eh? What's the horse's name?"

"Endymion" (Josh) Serenity made a noise and nodded. Serena giggled and calm the girl down. "I think Serenity got her match even without having a look at the horse" Josh and Scott laughed. "Well I think its going to be a good match eh Serenity? We're giving it to Darien to ride" (Scott)

"Right, well I better take Serenity back. I'll see you guys later"

"See ya" said the 2 men and continued planning. Serena returned Serenity back in her stable and slide the door. Then she went to get herself refreshed up and went for the cafeteria for a light lunch. Then she went to read a book back in her room.

About 1 hour later she went to the toilets to wash her hands. Somehow when she flicked the water out of her hands, the necklace came out and fell into the toilet bowl. 'Oh shit' thought Serena. Then she went to find Darien. Lucky he was in the room reading a book too. "Dare! Can you help me do something?"

"Uh...... sure does this got to do with the bet from the other night?"

Flashback

After Yuen left, they went to a café and had lunch; somehow the conversation went into a bet to Darien and Serena.

"Ok what I'd we say what would you do Serena? If Darien lost?" said Mina.

"Right. I would say if I won, he lost he would have to wash the female toilet for a week" said Serena. Everyone started laughing then Darien thought of a good one. "Ok, ok, ok but what I'd I won and you lost?"

"What would you do Dare?"

"How about you go out with me for a month" Then everyone knew what Darien was doing. "Alright it's a deal!" they both had a race they day before the cup so the bet will start from there.

End of flashback

"Why should I besides that bet haven't started unless you wanna do it tonight with the other guys" said Serena.

"Alright tonight it is, who's racing"

"All the guys and that's it"

"Cool"

"But can you at less do the problem in the restroom please?"

"Alright" and went to the females toilet. "Its in there" said Serena. Darien sighed. "Right"

"Ok I be back see ya" and left. About 10 minutes later Darien came out and saw Serena standing near the window at the end of the corridor. "I got it" Darien said. Serena looked at him. "Did you wash it?"

"Yeah of course I did" and gave the necklace to her. "Thanks"

"Do you need help putting that on?"

"Yes that would be great" Serena gave the necklace to Darien ad he attached it together. "There, it looks great on you"

"Does it? How about if we take out friendship in an upper level?"

"You mean as a boyfriend and girlfriend?" Serena nodded. Darien hugged her and kissed her head. "You never know how much this means to me. For so long I have to wait for this" Darien said.

"Yes I know, thank you for the gifts they were beautiful" then they started to hold hands. "So you wanna go out somewhere tonight or you wanna race?" Darien said.

"How about we go out instead and forget the bet," said Serena

"Oh thank the lord!" Darien said. Serena giggled. They both looked at each other until their lips were a breath away, and then they kissed. "Oh thank god they're together" said Lita

"Yeah who would've though that the Meatball Head was going to be the latest and newest couple" (Raye)

"Oh Raye just because we hook up 2nd last doesn't mean anything right?" (Chad) Raye shrugged. "Beats me"

"So the 2 leaders are together now eh?" (Mina)

"She we celebrate guys" (Andrew)

"Or should we tell the whole campus" (Greg)

"Greg I don't think that is a good thing" (Ami)

"Luna? What do you think?" (Artemis)

"Well how about we do both?" (Luna)

"Yeah!" they said and left the couple.

"Oh god here we go again, hey I heard some good news about Yuen" said Darien while taking Serena's hand and decided to walk to the park bench. "Did you? What did he say?"

"He said he found a new horse, his name is Endymion and he's pretty fast too. He is coming back tomorrow, do you want me to pick you up?"

"Sure"

"Plus he is going to propose Elane too"

"Oh god, you kidding me?"

"Nah but you can't tell anybody ok"

"Ok then" said Serena. They both spend the afternoon together until 1 hour before the race, which was at 7.30. At 6.30 they went to the changing rooms. 10 minutes later, all the girls and boys were all dressed, and then they went to their conference rooms.

In the girls conference room.

"So you guys all ready?" (Serena)

"Yeah!" (Everyone) Ami was wearing a blue and white top; the front had a white 'x' with a blue background and on the sleeves. Raye was wearing a red top with 4 white horse shoes printed on the front, and white sleeves. Lita was a green & black checker top and black sleeves. Mina was a golden and white top. It was golden all around with a white diamond on the middle. Luna was a gold and black. It was plain gold material on the front and black sleeves. As for Serena she wore a sliver and baby pink top. Four squares on the front and checker in sliver and baby pink. "Man I can't believe you guys were the last couple to the matched up" (Lita). Serena smiled. "Well it's good but then be bombarded with questions still about Seiya and then about Darien and me"

"Well that is one but don't worry about it" (Raye)

"Yeah, who cares. Anyway we achieved our goals and we made a big effort for it" (Mina)

"Race 21 for the 1000m, please prepare yourself for the race" said the man in the speakers.

"Ok, we're up" (Luna). Then they all walked out with their caps, whip, gloves and goggles.

As for the boy's conference room, they were all happy that Darien and Serena were together. Everyone kept on laughing at he look at Darien.

"Hey Dare, you're happy now since you and Sere are together?" (Greg)

"Yeah I love her so much it hurts, I'll do anything for Sere, she is my one and only" (Darien) Greg was wearing a white and black checker top. Chad was wearing a white top with blue and red stars on the front. Ken was wearing a purple top with a black stripe on each side of the arms and a lining on the buttons and collar. Andrew wore a navy blue and sky blue stripe top. As for Darien he wore a black and red top, the sleeves were red while the front was black. "But then, Sere and I will be bombarded with questions about Sere and I also Seiya" (Darien)

"Hey don't worry about it man, Seiya's gone and you're with Sere now. You guys are officially a couple now. Nothing to worry about mate" said Chad. Darien smiled.

"Race 21, for the 1000m, please prepare yourself for the race" said the man in the speakers. All the men got up and nodded.

"Here we go" (Artemis) they left wit their caps, whip, gloves and goggles. Then they met the girls.

"Hey!" (Boys)

"Hey! (Girls)

"Well lets go" (Ami. The gang got their saddles and number sheets and went to get their horses. Ami's horse was 'water princess'. Raye was 'firey princess'. Lita was 'Jupiter heir'. Mina was 'Goddess of love'. Luna was 'Moon adviser'. Greg was 'Grand knight'. Chad was 'Jadeite'. Ken was 'Zachary'. Andrew was 'Destiny can be sweet'. Artemis was 'Venus adviser' and Darien's was 'Earth Guardian' for that night. They all got their horses and the grooms lead their horses to the gates. It was only them racing and it was a cool night. They all placed their goggles over their own eyes and gripped their whip and rein tight. Now it was silence and all you can hear was the crowd cheering. Then the bell rang and gates were opened. And they're off...

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Ok there goes another chapter, hope you guys all enjoyed that. Please R+R!!!! Ok g2g c ya.

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2/05/2003 (but revised on 03 May 2004)

Neo Queen Serenity Chiba

serenity4darien@hotmail.com