I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. Are you scared? No, I know you're not!
You keep reading my story. Yay for you, and for me for managing
to keep this story coming.
Thank you to 'The Sailor Moon Hideaway' and its webmaster Philip,
to sailormusic.net/lyrics for the songs and to ASMR for posting all
the wonderful fanfiction for me to read! Thanks also to Mary Ann,
Corie, Skott and Hermie because I always thank them and I would hate
to break the trend now...(just kidding guys, you know I love you!)
And to Jess for providing me with such wonderful antedotes! I love you
too!
Disclaimer: Though I bid on E-bay for the rights, Sailor Moon
continues to belong to Naoko the Creative and Wise.
All the World's A Stage
Chapter 4
Rated PG
Serena knew that she had no reason to be this nervous. It was just
dinner with her friends. And a man she barely knew. And dancing.
With a gorgeous man she barely knew. Dinner and dancing with a
gorgeous, charming, successful, wealthy, SINGLE man she barely knew.
Right. No problem.
*************************************************************
Darien was tired. Work had been tough, Beryl had called four
times, and all he really wanted to do was sleep. Instead, he
forced himself through a shower and went through the motions of
getting dressed. Seiya had said casual, and Darien correctly
interpreted that to mean semi-formal, so Darien put on a
sports jacket and slacks. The phone began to ring as he was headed
out the door. A quick glance at his Caller ID revealed that the
person on the other end of the line was Beryl. He let the phone ring
as he stepped outside his apartment and closed the door.
*************************************************************
Serena's taxi pulled up to Seiya's apartment building at the
same time a red Porsche headed in to the parking garage. Serena
looked at the car admiringly as she paid the taxi driver and headed
into the building. The elevator took a while to arrive in the lobby,
so Serena stood around admiring to gold and cream decor. When the
elevator chimed, she walked in alone and pushed the 12. She was
surprised when the elevator continued to go down, and stood calmly
in the corner of the elevator waiting for the doors to open and her
fellow passenger to step on board. When the doors finally did open,
Serena's mouth dropped open. Darien Chiba, looking mouth
wateringly gorgeous, was standing on the other side of the doors.
"Well, well. Ms. Tsukino. How nice to see you again."
"The pleasure is all mine," Serena murmured, looking down. Darien
stepped into the elevator and smiled at her. Serena was incredibly
glad she had her back to a wall. Otherwise she might have fallen down.
'It should be illegal for a man to look that good. He shouldn't
be allowed to walk down the street! Woman would be too busy looking
at him to concentrate on what they were doing. Stop it, Serena! He is
just a man. Like Seiya and Taiki and Andrew and Michael and Chad.'
'One SLIGHT difference,' her inner voice reminded her. 'Seiya
and the others never made your pulse accelerate to one hundred beats
a second.'
Serena stole a glance at Darien. He was watching her with mute
interest. She blushed and opened her mouth. He stopped her.
"I didn't mean to interrupt. Please, continue with...whatever you
were doing."
"Oh, it's all right. My inner voice wasn't making much sense
anyway. I'll get back to her later."
Darien chuckled, and Serena savored the sound for a few seconds
before she caught herself doing it.
'Oh, no. No no. I REFUSE to become a member of the Women Who
Made Complete Fool's Out Of Themselves Over Darien Chiba Club. I
REFUSE. And that is all there is to it.'
The elevator chimed gently as the doors swung open. Darien
gestured toward the doors and Serena stepped out first. Darien
stepped out beside her and the two of them headed down the hallway
toward Seiya and Mina's apartment. Darien knocked and the door swung
open. Seiya, dressed in a white dress shirt and black pants, smiled
at the two of them broadly.
"If it isn't THE Darien Chiba and my best friend. We thought
you'd changed your mind. Come in, come in. Wine?"
Both Darien and Serena nodded, and recieved full glasses of
Berringer White Zinfandel, chilled. Seiya ushered them into a
large living room, where couples were already clustered.
"Serena, you know everyone. Darien, that's Raye Hino and..."
"Chad. No last name," Chad said, smiling at Darien from the
arm of the couch. Raye was seated next to him, wearing a red jumper
over a white shirt. Chad was wearing a dressy pair of blue jeans and
a black polo shirt. They looked great together, and Serena supressed
a sigh of envy.
Lita and Yaten were curled up on the fireplace, Lita in a short
forest green dress and Yaten in a navy blue button-down and black
jeans. Amy and Taiki were seated on the other end of the sofa,
holding hands, both in black slacks. Amy wore a modest royal blue top
while Taiki wore a dark lavender sweater. Darien and Serena were
greeted with smiles and waves.
"Have a seat, both of you. Dinner should be ready in a few
minutes. Don't worry," he said, interpreting the looks of those around
him, "Mina is NOT cooking. I am."
"I fail to see any improvement," Yaten muttered, earning a glare
from Seiya and and elbow in the side from Lita.
"I am not THAT bad of a cook. And besides, if you continue to
insult my cooking abilities, I shall be revenged in some horrible way."
"Oh, no, I'm scaaaaaaaaaaaared. Lita, save me!" Yaten said,
throwing himself into his girlfriends arms. The room cracked up at
Yaten's antics as Seiya headed back into the kitchen.
"Have a seat, guys," Amy suggested. Serena wasn't sure if Darien
noticed but it seemed to her that Raye and Amy scooted closed together
on the couch. Yaten eliminated the possibility of either of them sitting
on the fireplace by laying down on it, with his head in Lita's lap.
And Taiki hooked the ottoman with his foot, pulling it over to the sofa
to prop his legs on. Serena looked around. The only other place to sit
was the love seat. Serena gulped. Even sitting as far apart as they could,
she and Darien would still be touching. But there was no time to think.
Darien had already begun moving toward the loveseat, and Serena followed.
She sank down onto the love seat, and took a sip of her wine. Darien sat
next to her. Serena could have sworn she saw secret smiles pass between
the others in the room.
The group subsided into pleasent conversation. Eventually Mina
joined them, looking stunning in an orange dress and the conversation
turned toward the concert. Serena jumped right in, answering
questions about the light design, laughed at Chad's stories and told
a few of her own. But she was unable to forget how close she and Darien
were sitting. His body heat was passing through his clothes directly
to her skin. Seiya's voice broke into her reverie. Serena had never
been so glad to hear dinner announced. She started to stand, and found
a hand presented to her. Darien was offering his hand to help her up.
Serena smiled and took it, surprised at its warmth and strength.
"Thank you," she said, looking him in the eye.
"You're welcome," Darien replied, with a sexy smile as he pulled
her to her feet. Serena reminded herself to breathe.
Serena walked into the dining room with Darien. She was
not surprised to see that the only two empty chairs were right
next to each other.
'Subtle, guys, real subtle,' Serena thought. Chad and Raye
were grinning at her, Amy was looking at her with interest, and
Taiki and Yaten were looking at Darien. Darien came up behind her,
statling her by placing his hand on her shoulder.
"Shall we?" he asked.
"Do we have a choice?" Serena responded.
The whole table laughed, and Darien chuckled again. Serena
felt the vibrations of his laugh and shivered. She pulled out of his
grasp and moved toward her seat. Darien beat her to it. He pulled
out her chair, and pushed it back in when Serena sat down. He sat
down himself, and smiled at the table. The conversation picked up right
where it had left off, and Serena listened to the others debate world
politics and the stock market. After a few minutes, Seiya entered the
room laden down with food. Everyone offered their hands and Seiya handed
the bowls and platters over willingly. Eventually the food began to move
in a clockwise direction and Serena reached for the salad bowl to start.
As was her habit, Serena began picking through the salad, being vigalant
about the carrots in the bowl. Darien eyed her questioningly.
"You don't like carrots?"
"Not really, no. I don't think there was a time when I DID like
them."
"You don't like carrots much either, do you, Darien?" Seiya broke
in, a mischevious smile on his face.
Darien looked at Seiya with raised eyebrows. "They aren't my
favorite vegetable, no."
"What is your favorite vegetable?" Seiya asked.
"I've never really thought about it," Darien stated, turning
his attention back to the platter of roast beef he held in his hands.
"How about you Serena?"
"I hate all vegetables. How about YOU, Seiya? Please, inquiring
minds want to know. What is your favorite vegetable?"
"Whoa, Seiya, if looks could kill..." Yaten chimed, having
observed the murderous glare Serena was shooting at Seiya. Seiya just
grinned.
"I'd have to say...next question! What's your favorite food
Darien?"
"Chocolate."
"Do you like chocolate, Serena?"
"Is there anybody in the world who doesn't?"
"Nobody in this room, that's for sure!"
The food was quickly making the rounds. Seiya had prepared an
American style meal, complete with mashed potatoes and stuffing.
Serena helped herself to a little of everything, then drizzled gravy
over her potatoes, stuffing and roast. Raye looked at her in disgust.
"Serena, how can you eat that. It's pure fat!"
Serena scooped up a forkful of potatoes and put them in her
mouth, closing her eyes to savor the taste. When she finally opened
her eyes, the whole table was watching her in fascination.
"What? I happen to like raw grease," she quipped, putting her
fork down and reaching for her wine. Raye shook her head, Taiki and
Yaten laughed aloud, and Darien returned his attention to his meal.
For a while, the only sound was that of forks and knives clinking
on china. Serena started to relax.
'Seiya took my hint. Huzzah. Now I can enjoy the evening; good
food, great wine, fabulous company. Yup, this is shaping up to be
a good time.'
"So, Darien, what's your favorite movie?"
'Spoke to soon.'
Darien thoughtfully sipped his wine, finishing the last of it.
"More wine?"
"No thanks, I have to drive tonight. I'd have to say...
'The Silence of the Lambs'."
"Actor?"
"Anthony Hopkins, obviously."
"Actress?"
"Toss up. Holly Hunter or Beatrice Arthur. Or Juliette Binoche."
"Director?"
"Spielberg."
"Favorite film he's made?"
"'Schindler's List'."
"Serena LOVED that movie. Favorite author?"
"Thomas Harris."
"You've read some of his stuff, haven't you, Serena?
Favorite book?"
"'Hannibal'."
"Boxers or briefs?" This last comment came from Mina.
"Boxers," Darien said, never missing a beat.
"Are you satisfied, Seiya? Lay off the third degree," Mina's
tone was severe.
"Okay, okay. I was just curious. Although I have to say that
my favorite director is Rob Reiner."
Serena was grateful for the debate that ensued. For a moment
she had prayed for the ground to open up under her, or for
lightning to strike. She would have settled for any kind of natural
disaster, preferably one that would have removed Seiya to the farthest
reaches of the Earth. She was going to KILL him.
************************************************************
Darien was trying his damndest not to burst out laughing. He had
seen the way all the seating arangements in the living room had been
altered to force him to sit next to Serena. The same was true in the
dining room. Not that he minded. But it was so obvious that Seiya and
the others were trying to hook him up with Serena. If he wasn't much
mistaken, the rest of the group would mysteriously vanish once they
reached the dance club, and Darien and Serena would be left alone.
Darien was suprised to find that the idea appealed to him. Not only
that, but he was rather looking forward to it. He wondered briefly
if Serena would fit perfectly in his arms. He rather suspected that
she would.
Darien snuck a look at the woman in question. Damn but that
dress looked fabulous. It hugged her curves perfectly, and showed
off her mile-long legs to perfection. It had taken every ounce of
willpower Darien posessed not to gaze at them all through the
cocktail hour in the dining room. He smiled to himself.
It had been a long time since any woman had affected him this way.
He had to be careful. Serena Tsukino, with her long silky hair and
sparkling personality might just get to be a habit. To his surprise,
the idea didn't terrify him one little bit.
Seiya was asking him a question. Darien pulled himself back to
the present with difficulty.
"Darien, settle this debate for us. Who's the best...the Eagles
or the Doors?"
"I'd have to say the Eagles."
Seiya spread his hands. "Thank you Darien. I rest my case."
"Good, cause you haven't got a leg to stand on..."
Darien tuned them out. He was far more interested in the lovely
blond by his side than by which band had the most gold records. He
turned his attention back to Serena. She sure was a looker. And
talented too, if the lights he had seen at the stadium were any
indication.
"Did you know that the Eagles have sold the most copies
of any rock and roll album to date?"
"Didn't one of them have a weird nickname? Which one was it?"
"Speaking of nicknames..." Raye turned an evil smile on Serena.
"Raye, don't." The calm statement came from Serena.
"Don't what? Don't tell the entire table that your nickname
in high school was Meatball Head?"
"You did it. I can't believe it. You actually said it. I
don't believe I shall ever forgive you."
Darien reached for the asparagus, considered acting nonchalant,
then decided he simply had to ask. "Meatball Head?"
"Oh, yeah. She wore her hair in buns and ponytails all through
school. She finally stopped in college. Pity. Now I can't tease her
about it. But she does blush every time I call her that," Raye stated.
Serena was blushing. "I think I'll just sink into the ground and
die now. See you in the hereafter," Serena finished, burying her head
in her hands. Darien decided to compliment her, just to see if
he could make her blush, too.
"I think she'd look great with that hairstyle," he said.
And anything else might choose to wear...okay, that's enough
in that direction, he thought returning his attention to his dinner.
He caught Raye's surprise and following smile, and Seiya's triumphant
grin. But what he savored was the open mouthed shock on Serena's face,
followed by a brilliant smile. Yes, he could defenitly get used to this.
Dinner progressed normally, with no more questions about his
personal life. Darien was grateful for this, because he wasn't sure
he could have answered without cracking up. Far too soon, dessert and
coffee were served. Darien didn't add to the conversation, he just sat
back and admired the way these people fit together. He envied them their
friendship, though he'd never say so. For a moment, Darien felt the
crushing loneliness of his existance, and his heart squeezed. He
pushed thoughts of his unhappy childhood away from him, back into
his subconcious, where things like that belonged.
"All right. Ready to go dancing?" Seiya asked. He was met with
enthusiastic 'yes's' from all around the table. Darien raised his eyes
to Serena, smiling as she looked at him and blushed.
"The Sunset Mirage is just around the corner. We should be able
to walk. Everyone okay with that? Great! Let's boogie!"
Seiya and Mina led the way. Unsurprisingly, Darien and Serena
ended up walking together. Darien smiled in the darkness.
"I'm sorry," Serena murmured.
"For what?" Darien said, genuinely surprised.
"For Seiya. He seems to think that you and I would be perfect for
each other, and he set this whole thing up so that we would meet and
get to know each other, and they're all in on it and...I'm sorry if
they've embarrased you."
"They haven't. I'm having a great time actually," Darien admitted,
smiling at her surprise. "There are worse ways to spend an evening than
walking with a beautiful woman."
Darien watched as Serena blushed again, and his heart skipped a
beat when she smiled at him. She seemed to be blushing a lot, and it
was very becoming.
"Thanks, Mr. Chiba," she whispered.
He stopped and turned toward her, cupping her face and tilting
her head up so that he was looking into her eyes.
"Call me Darien," he murmured. For a breathless moment he
considered kissing her, but he pulled back at the last second. After
all, he wasn't sure she'd welcome the attention. He was a bit
disappointed to see that she didn't seem to notice his near
fall from chivalry. But he didn't look closly enough to see
the flare of disappointment in her beautiful eyes
"Well, if we're moving on to first names, call me Serena.
Everybody does."
Darien felt a surprising rush of happiness. It was just her
NAME for heaven's sake. Damn, but she was gorgeous. And friendly,
and charming and fun loving and...whoa. Better stop those thoughts.
He REALLY had to be careful not to fall in love. Where had THAT
come from? He had known this woman what...24 hours? But it was
true, he realized. He was walking the fine line between freindship
and love. He struggled to suppress a goofy grin.
The group arrived at the dance club in no time at all. Darien
smiled as he produced his ID, and was ushered inside. The brilliant
flashing lights and pulsing beat of the place reminded him of
the movies. Booths and tables were littered around the bar and
hard wooden dance floor. Darien glanced at his watch. 8:45.
He spotted a table in the corner and moved toward it.Though the
entire group followed him toward it, only Serena was at his side when
he reached it. Darien looked at his watch again. 8:46. It had
taken exactly one minute for the others to leave him alone with
Serena. Darien grinned down at her. Serena looked up at him, a
wry smile on her face.
"If I didn't know better, I'd think we were being set up,"
she quipped. Darien's eyes met hers.
"I don't mind. Do you?" Darien asked, realizing how much he
hoped the answer was no. Serena looked back up at him, an odd
gleam in her eyes.
"Not really," she murmured, looking down again. Darien started
to sit down, but a thought occured to him. He straightened and offered
Serena his hand.
"May I have this dance?"
Serena smiled at him again, and Darien felt his heart begin to
melt. She placed a small hand in his and Darien pulled her toward the
dance floor. He felt the pulse of the last song end and listened as the
DJ called out the next tune.
"Here it is, folks! An American classic...'Hungry Eyes'!"
The crowd roared its approval as the song began. Darien reached
for Serena and puled her close to him. As one, they started to dance.
Hungry Eyes (Eric Carmen)
I've been meaning to tell you
I've got this feelin' that won't subside
I look at you and I fantasize
Darlin' tonight
Now I've got you in my sights
With these
Hungry Eyes
One look at you and I can't disguise
I've got hungry eyes
I feel the magic between you and I
Darien heard the lyrics and was surprised to hear the
similarities between the song and his emotions. Looking down
at the woman in his arms, Darien felt a surge of protectivness
that was as alien to him as the strength with which he felt it. There
was another emotion in there as well. Possession. He was already
thinking of Serena as his! Unconciously he pulled her closer.
*************************************************************
Serena stifled a gasp as Darien pulled her closer to him. She
smiled slightly, retuning the favor by tightening her arms around
his neck. Though the song was not slow, and other couples were
dancing wildly, she and Darien seemed to have found their own
rhythm.
I want to hold you so hear me out
I want to show you what love's all about
Darlin' tonight
With these
Hungry Eyes
One look at you and I can't disguise
I've got hungry eyes
I feel the magic between you and I
Serena looked up at Darien, who smiled down at her.
'Oh, god, I hope he can't feel how hard my heart is pounding!
That would be so humiliating.'
Darien's grin widened, and he grabbed one of her hands. He
spun her out into the crowd, and then around a few times before
pulling her back into the circle of his arms. Serena threw her
head back and laughed as she let Darien lead her through the
steps of the dance.
'He is a graceful dancer. I wouldn't have suspected it,
but he is. And he's downright sexy too. You'd think that the tall-
dark-and handsome thing would be cliche, but he pulls it off
nicely.'
Serena smirked as she caught the looks of pure envy shot at
her from other woman. Darien twirled her around the floor,
smiling as he did. Serena was amazed to find that they fit together
like pieces of a puzzle, her head coming to rest right beneath his chin.
'I feel so safe here, with him. Almost like...this was always
meant to be.'
Serena closed her eyes and listened to the music, allowing
Darien to lead her through the dance.
Now I've got you in my sights
With these hungry eyes
Now did I take you by surprise
I need you to see
This love was meant to be
I've got hungry eyes
One look at you and I can't disguise
I've got hungry eyes
I feel the magic between you and I
As the song deteriorated into the chorus again, Darien and Serena
stopped dancing. Both of them had latched on to the one line in the song
'I feel the magic between you and I.' Darien looked at Serena and Serena
looked back. They were standing in the middle of a dance floor with noise
and people all around them, but it seemed to Serena that the world had
narrowed to a pair of sapphire eyes. Darien pulled her a little closer,
his eyes searching her face. Suddenly he smiled, a beautifully perfect
smile, and lowered his head.
'All RIGHT! He's gonna kiss me! The third most eligible bachelor in
the world wants to kiss me! Wait, isn't that a bad thing? Oh, well!'
Serena leaned forward and closed her eyes just as Darien placed
his mouth over hers. Flashing lights and dancing bodies faded away until
there was no one in the world but them. Serena sighed as the kissed,
wrapping her arms tightly around Darien's neck, burying her fingers
in his dark hair. Darien pulled her more closely to him, wrapping
his arms more firmly around her waist.
'I should feel bad about this. I really, really should. Didn't
I read somewhere that he has a girlfriend? I'm sure I read that...but
HE kissed ME. Didn't he? Oh, shut up Serena, you ask too many questions.'
Serena allowed all conscious thought to slide away as she lost
herself in the feel of Darien's lips on hers. His lips were firm but
gentle, and the heat from his kiss was slowly spreading through Serena
leaving her body warm and languid. Serena felt dizzy, and prayed she
wouldn't collapse. Darien's body was causing other sensations, so
tightly pressed against her feminine curves. Serena felt Darien easing
away from her, pulling his lips away.
"No," she murmured, pulling him back. Darien came willingly enough,
easing his lips over hers once more. Neither of them noticed that all
action on the dance floor had stopped, including the music. All the
other people in the club were watching the two people in the center of
the dance floor, lost in each other.
Serena felt the kiss move from gentle and introductory to
intense and shivery, if that was even a word. Quite frankly, Serena
wasn't sure she could remember her name at this point. As she kissed Dr.
Darien Chiba in the middle of a public hardwood dance floor, she managed
to form one last thought.
'Serena Tsukino, if you fall in love with this man, I will never
speak to you again.'
***********************************************************************
There it is, Chapter 4. In a little sidebar, all of Darien's
favorite things (movie, book, author, etc.) are my favorites. The
Eagles are so cool! As are The Doors. I'm sure that Darien would
agree with me. 'Hotel California.' Need I say more?
And since this is my story, and I get to say what I want,
(Bwa ha ha ha ha)I have to agree with Ms. Lilac Summer's assesment
that Darien/Mamoru is a boxer man. I mean, come on folks. Can you
HONESTLY tell me tha you can picture Darien/Mamoru in whitie tidies?
I think not! Anyway, I'll see you guys soon, Chapter 5 in hand!
Mail me, and let me know what you thought! skiangel_sv@lycos.com
You keep reading my story. Yay for you, and for me for managing
to keep this story coming.
Thank you to 'The Sailor Moon Hideaway' and its webmaster Philip,
to sailormusic.net/lyrics for the songs and to ASMR for posting all
the wonderful fanfiction for me to read! Thanks also to Mary Ann,
Corie, Skott and Hermie because I always thank them and I would hate
to break the trend now...(just kidding guys, you know I love you!)
And to Jess for providing me with such wonderful antedotes! I love you
too!
Disclaimer: Though I bid on E-bay for the rights, Sailor Moon
continues to belong to Naoko the Creative and Wise.
All the World's A Stage
Chapter 4
Rated PG
Serena knew that she had no reason to be this nervous. It was just
dinner with her friends. And a man she barely knew. And dancing.
With a gorgeous man she barely knew. Dinner and dancing with a
gorgeous, charming, successful, wealthy, SINGLE man she barely knew.
Right. No problem.
*************************************************************
Darien was tired. Work had been tough, Beryl had called four
times, and all he really wanted to do was sleep. Instead, he
forced himself through a shower and went through the motions of
getting dressed. Seiya had said casual, and Darien correctly
interpreted that to mean semi-formal, so Darien put on a
sports jacket and slacks. The phone began to ring as he was headed
out the door. A quick glance at his Caller ID revealed that the
person on the other end of the line was Beryl. He let the phone ring
as he stepped outside his apartment and closed the door.
*************************************************************
Serena's taxi pulled up to Seiya's apartment building at the
same time a red Porsche headed in to the parking garage. Serena
looked at the car admiringly as she paid the taxi driver and headed
into the building. The elevator took a while to arrive in the lobby,
so Serena stood around admiring to gold and cream decor. When the
elevator chimed, she walked in alone and pushed the 12. She was
surprised when the elevator continued to go down, and stood calmly
in the corner of the elevator waiting for the doors to open and her
fellow passenger to step on board. When the doors finally did open,
Serena's mouth dropped open. Darien Chiba, looking mouth
wateringly gorgeous, was standing on the other side of the doors.
"Well, well. Ms. Tsukino. How nice to see you again."
"The pleasure is all mine," Serena murmured, looking down. Darien
stepped into the elevator and smiled at her. Serena was incredibly
glad she had her back to a wall. Otherwise she might have fallen down.
'It should be illegal for a man to look that good. He shouldn't
be allowed to walk down the street! Woman would be too busy looking
at him to concentrate on what they were doing. Stop it, Serena! He is
just a man. Like Seiya and Taiki and Andrew and Michael and Chad.'
'One SLIGHT difference,' her inner voice reminded her. 'Seiya
and the others never made your pulse accelerate to one hundred beats
a second.'
Serena stole a glance at Darien. He was watching her with mute
interest. She blushed and opened her mouth. He stopped her.
"I didn't mean to interrupt. Please, continue with...whatever you
were doing."
"Oh, it's all right. My inner voice wasn't making much sense
anyway. I'll get back to her later."
Darien chuckled, and Serena savored the sound for a few seconds
before she caught herself doing it.
'Oh, no. No no. I REFUSE to become a member of the Women Who
Made Complete Fool's Out Of Themselves Over Darien Chiba Club. I
REFUSE. And that is all there is to it.'
The elevator chimed gently as the doors swung open. Darien
gestured toward the doors and Serena stepped out first. Darien
stepped out beside her and the two of them headed down the hallway
toward Seiya and Mina's apartment. Darien knocked and the door swung
open. Seiya, dressed in a white dress shirt and black pants, smiled
at the two of them broadly.
"If it isn't THE Darien Chiba and my best friend. We thought
you'd changed your mind. Come in, come in. Wine?"
Both Darien and Serena nodded, and recieved full glasses of
Berringer White Zinfandel, chilled. Seiya ushered them into a
large living room, where couples were already clustered.
"Serena, you know everyone. Darien, that's Raye Hino and..."
"Chad. No last name," Chad said, smiling at Darien from the
arm of the couch. Raye was seated next to him, wearing a red jumper
over a white shirt. Chad was wearing a dressy pair of blue jeans and
a black polo shirt. They looked great together, and Serena supressed
a sigh of envy.
Lita and Yaten were curled up on the fireplace, Lita in a short
forest green dress and Yaten in a navy blue button-down and black
jeans. Amy and Taiki were seated on the other end of the sofa,
holding hands, both in black slacks. Amy wore a modest royal blue top
while Taiki wore a dark lavender sweater. Darien and Serena were
greeted with smiles and waves.
"Have a seat, both of you. Dinner should be ready in a few
minutes. Don't worry," he said, interpreting the looks of those around
him, "Mina is NOT cooking. I am."
"I fail to see any improvement," Yaten muttered, earning a glare
from Seiya and and elbow in the side from Lita.
"I am not THAT bad of a cook. And besides, if you continue to
insult my cooking abilities, I shall be revenged in some horrible way."
"Oh, no, I'm scaaaaaaaaaaaared. Lita, save me!" Yaten said,
throwing himself into his girlfriends arms. The room cracked up at
Yaten's antics as Seiya headed back into the kitchen.
"Have a seat, guys," Amy suggested. Serena wasn't sure if Darien
noticed but it seemed to her that Raye and Amy scooted closed together
on the couch. Yaten eliminated the possibility of either of them sitting
on the fireplace by laying down on it, with his head in Lita's lap.
And Taiki hooked the ottoman with his foot, pulling it over to the sofa
to prop his legs on. Serena looked around. The only other place to sit
was the love seat. Serena gulped. Even sitting as far apart as they could,
she and Darien would still be touching. But there was no time to think.
Darien had already begun moving toward the loveseat, and Serena followed.
She sank down onto the love seat, and took a sip of her wine. Darien sat
next to her. Serena could have sworn she saw secret smiles pass between
the others in the room.
The group subsided into pleasent conversation. Eventually Mina
joined them, looking stunning in an orange dress and the conversation
turned toward the concert. Serena jumped right in, answering
questions about the light design, laughed at Chad's stories and told
a few of her own. But she was unable to forget how close she and Darien
were sitting. His body heat was passing through his clothes directly
to her skin. Seiya's voice broke into her reverie. Serena had never
been so glad to hear dinner announced. She started to stand, and found
a hand presented to her. Darien was offering his hand to help her up.
Serena smiled and took it, surprised at its warmth and strength.
"Thank you," she said, looking him in the eye.
"You're welcome," Darien replied, with a sexy smile as he pulled
her to her feet. Serena reminded herself to breathe.
Serena walked into the dining room with Darien. She was
not surprised to see that the only two empty chairs were right
next to each other.
'Subtle, guys, real subtle,' Serena thought. Chad and Raye
were grinning at her, Amy was looking at her with interest, and
Taiki and Yaten were looking at Darien. Darien came up behind her,
statling her by placing his hand on her shoulder.
"Shall we?" he asked.
"Do we have a choice?" Serena responded.
The whole table laughed, and Darien chuckled again. Serena
felt the vibrations of his laugh and shivered. She pulled out of his
grasp and moved toward her seat. Darien beat her to it. He pulled
out her chair, and pushed it back in when Serena sat down. He sat
down himself, and smiled at the table. The conversation picked up right
where it had left off, and Serena listened to the others debate world
politics and the stock market. After a few minutes, Seiya entered the
room laden down with food. Everyone offered their hands and Seiya handed
the bowls and platters over willingly. Eventually the food began to move
in a clockwise direction and Serena reached for the salad bowl to start.
As was her habit, Serena began picking through the salad, being vigalant
about the carrots in the bowl. Darien eyed her questioningly.
"You don't like carrots?"
"Not really, no. I don't think there was a time when I DID like
them."
"You don't like carrots much either, do you, Darien?" Seiya broke
in, a mischevious smile on his face.
Darien looked at Seiya with raised eyebrows. "They aren't my
favorite vegetable, no."
"What is your favorite vegetable?" Seiya asked.
"I've never really thought about it," Darien stated, turning
his attention back to the platter of roast beef he held in his hands.
"How about you Serena?"
"I hate all vegetables. How about YOU, Seiya? Please, inquiring
minds want to know. What is your favorite vegetable?"
"Whoa, Seiya, if looks could kill..." Yaten chimed, having
observed the murderous glare Serena was shooting at Seiya. Seiya just
grinned.
"I'd have to say...next question! What's your favorite food
Darien?"
"Chocolate."
"Do you like chocolate, Serena?"
"Is there anybody in the world who doesn't?"
"Nobody in this room, that's for sure!"
The food was quickly making the rounds. Seiya had prepared an
American style meal, complete with mashed potatoes and stuffing.
Serena helped herself to a little of everything, then drizzled gravy
over her potatoes, stuffing and roast. Raye looked at her in disgust.
"Serena, how can you eat that. It's pure fat!"
Serena scooped up a forkful of potatoes and put them in her
mouth, closing her eyes to savor the taste. When she finally opened
her eyes, the whole table was watching her in fascination.
"What? I happen to like raw grease," she quipped, putting her
fork down and reaching for her wine. Raye shook her head, Taiki and
Yaten laughed aloud, and Darien returned his attention to his meal.
For a while, the only sound was that of forks and knives clinking
on china. Serena started to relax.
'Seiya took my hint. Huzzah. Now I can enjoy the evening; good
food, great wine, fabulous company. Yup, this is shaping up to be
a good time.'
"So, Darien, what's your favorite movie?"
'Spoke to soon.'
Darien thoughtfully sipped his wine, finishing the last of it.
"More wine?"
"No thanks, I have to drive tonight. I'd have to say...
'The Silence of the Lambs'."
"Actor?"
"Anthony Hopkins, obviously."
"Actress?"
"Toss up. Holly Hunter or Beatrice Arthur. Or Juliette Binoche."
"Director?"
"Spielberg."
"Favorite film he's made?"
"'Schindler's List'."
"Serena LOVED that movie. Favorite author?"
"Thomas Harris."
"You've read some of his stuff, haven't you, Serena?
Favorite book?"
"'Hannibal'."
"Boxers or briefs?" This last comment came from Mina.
"Boxers," Darien said, never missing a beat.
"Are you satisfied, Seiya? Lay off the third degree," Mina's
tone was severe.
"Okay, okay. I was just curious. Although I have to say that
my favorite director is Rob Reiner."
Serena was grateful for the debate that ensued. For a moment
she had prayed for the ground to open up under her, or for
lightning to strike. She would have settled for any kind of natural
disaster, preferably one that would have removed Seiya to the farthest
reaches of the Earth. She was going to KILL him.
************************************************************
Darien was trying his damndest not to burst out laughing. He had
seen the way all the seating arangements in the living room had been
altered to force him to sit next to Serena. The same was true in the
dining room. Not that he minded. But it was so obvious that Seiya and
the others were trying to hook him up with Serena. If he wasn't much
mistaken, the rest of the group would mysteriously vanish once they
reached the dance club, and Darien and Serena would be left alone.
Darien was suprised to find that the idea appealed to him. Not only
that, but he was rather looking forward to it. He wondered briefly
if Serena would fit perfectly in his arms. He rather suspected that
she would.
Darien snuck a look at the woman in question. Damn but that
dress looked fabulous. It hugged her curves perfectly, and showed
off her mile-long legs to perfection. It had taken every ounce of
willpower Darien posessed not to gaze at them all through the
cocktail hour in the dining room. He smiled to himself.
It had been a long time since any woman had affected him this way.
He had to be careful. Serena Tsukino, with her long silky hair and
sparkling personality might just get to be a habit. To his surprise,
the idea didn't terrify him one little bit.
Seiya was asking him a question. Darien pulled himself back to
the present with difficulty.
"Darien, settle this debate for us. Who's the best...the Eagles
or the Doors?"
"I'd have to say the Eagles."
Seiya spread his hands. "Thank you Darien. I rest my case."
"Good, cause you haven't got a leg to stand on..."
Darien tuned them out. He was far more interested in the lovely
blond by his side than by which band had the most gold records. He
turned his attention back to Serena. She sure was a looker. And
talented too, if the lights he had seen at the stadium were any
indication.
"Did you know that the Eagles have sold the most copies
of any rock and roll album to date?"
"Didn't one of them have a weird nickname? Which one was it?"
"Speaking of nicknames..." Raye turned an evil smile on Serena.
"Raye, don't." The calm statement came from Serena.
"Don't what? Don't tell the entire table that your nickname
in high school was Meatball Head?"
"You did it. I can't believe it. You actually said it. I
don't believe I shall ever forgive you."
Darien reached for the asparagus, considered acting nonchalant,
then decided he simply had to ask. "Meatball Head?"
"Oh, yeah. She wore her hair in buns and ponytails all through
school. She finally stopped in college. Pity. Now I can't tease her
about it. But she does blush every time I call her that," Raye stated.
Serena was blushing. "I think I'll just sink into the ground and
die now. See you in the hereafter," Serena finished, burying her head
in her hands. Darien decided to compliment her, just to see if
he could make her blush, too.
"I think she'd look great with that hairstyle," he said.
And anything else might choose to wear...okay, that's enough
in that direction, he thought returning his attention to his dinner.
He caught Raye's surprise and following smile, and Seiya's triumphant
grin. But what he savored was the open mouthed shock on Serena's face,
followed by a brilliant smile. Yes, he could defenitly get used to this.
Dinner progressed normally, with no more questions about his
personal life. Darien was grateful for this, because he wasn't sure
he could have answered without cracking up. Far too soon, dessert and
coffee were served. Darien didn't add to the conversation, he just sat
back and admired the way these people fit together. He envied them their
friendship, though he'd never say so. For a moment, Darien felt the
crushing loneliness of his existance, and his heart squeezed. He
pushed thoughts of his unhappy childhood away from him, back into
his subconcious, where things like that belonged.
"All right. Ready to go dancing?" Seiya asked. He was met with
enthusiastic 'yes's' from all around the table. Darien raised his eyes
to Serena, smiling as she looked at him and blushed.
"The Sunset Mirage is just around the corner. We should be able
to walk. Everyone okay with that? Great! Let's boogie!"
Seiya and Mina led the way. Unsurprisingly, Darien and Serena
ended up walking together. Darien smiled in the darkness.
"I'm sorry," Serena murmured.
"For what?" Darien said, genuinely surprised.
"For Seiya. He seems to think that you and I would be perfect for
each other, and he set this whole thing up so that we would meet and
get to know each other, and they're all in on it and...I'm sorry if
they've embarrased you."
"They haven't. I'm having a great time actually," Darien admitted,
smiling at her surprise. "There are worse ways to spend an evening than
walking with a beautiful woman."
Darien watched as Serena blushed again, and his heart skipped a
beat when she smiled at him. She seemed to be blushing a lot, and it
was very becoming.
"Thanks, Mr. Chiba," she whispered.
He stopped and turned toward her, cupping her face and tilting
her head up so that he was looking into her eyes.
"Call me Darien," he murmured. For a breathless moment he
considered kissing her, but he pulled back at the last second. After
all, he wasn't sure she'd welcome the attention. He was a bit
disappointed to see that she didn't seem to notice his near
fall from chivalry. But he didn't look closly enough to see
the flare of disappointment in her beautiful eyes
"Well, if we're moving on to first names, call me Serena.
Everybody does."
Darien felt a surprising rush of happiness. It was just her
NAME for heaven's sake. Damn, but she was gorgeous. And friendly,
and charming and fun loving and...whoa. Better stop those thoughts.
He REALLY had to be careful not to fall in love. Where had THAT
come from? He had known this woman what...24 hours? But it was
true, he realized. He was walking the fine line between freindship
and love. He struggled to suppress a goofy grin.
The group arrived at the dance club in no time at all. Darien
smiled as he produced his ID, and was ushered inside. The brilliant
flashing lights and pulsing beat of the place reminded him of
the movies. Booths and tables were littered around the bar and
hard wooden dance floor. Darien glanced at his watch. 8:45.
He spotted a table in the corner and moved toward it.Though the
entire group followed him toward it, only Serena was at his side when
he reached it. Darien looked at his watch again. 8:46. It had
taken exactly one minute for the others to leave him alone with
Serena. Darien grinned down at her. Serena looked up at him, a
wry smile on her face.
"If I didn't know better, I'd think we were being set up,"
she quipped. Darien's eyes met hers.
"I don't mind. Do you?" Darien asked, realizing how much he
hoped the answer was no. Serena looked back up at him, an odd
gleam in her eyes.
"Not really," she murmured, looking down again. Darien started
to sit down, but a thought occured to him. He straightened and offered
Serena his hand.
"May I have this dance?"
Serena smiled at him again, and Darien felt his heart begin to
melt. She placed a small hand in his and Darien pulled her toward the
dance floor. He felt the pulse of the last song end and listened as the
DJ called out the next tune.
"Here it is, folks! An American classic...'Hungry Eyes'!"
The crowd roared its approval as the song began. Darien reached
for Serena and puled her close to him. As one, they started to dance.
Hungry Eyes (Eric Carmen)
I've been meaning to tell you
I've got this feelin' that won't subside
I look at you and I fantasize
Darlin' tonight
Now I've got you in my sights
With these
Hungry Eyes
One look at you and I can't disguise
I've got hungry eyes
I feel the magic between you and I
Darien heard the lyrics and was surprised to hear the
similarities between the song and his emotions. Looking down
at the woman in his arms, Darien felt a surge of protectivness
that was as alien to him as the strength with which he felt it. There
was another emotion in there as well. Possession. He was already
thinking of Serena as his! Unconciously he pulled her closer.
*************************************************************
Serena stifled a gasp as Darien pulled her closer to him. She
smiled slightly, retuning the favor by tightening her arms around
his neck. Though the song was not slow, and other couples were
dancing wildly, she and Darien seemed to have found their own
rhythm.
I want to hold you so hear me out
I want to show you what love's all about
Darlin' tonight
With these
Hungry Eyes
One look at you and I can't disguise
I've got hungry eyes
I feel the magic between you and I
Serena looked up at Darien, who smiled down at her.
'Oh, god, I hope he can't feel how hard my heart is pounding!
That would be so humiliating.'
Darien's grin widened, and he grabbed one of her hands. He
spun her out into the crowd, and then around a few times before
pulling her back into the circle of his arms. Serena threw her
head back and laughed as she let Darien lead her through the
steps of the dance.
'He is a graceful dancer. I wouldn't have suspected it,
but he is. And he's downright sexy too. You'd think that the tall-
dark-and handsome thing would be cliche, but he pulls it off
nicely.'
Serena smirked as she caught the looks of pure envy shot at
her from other woman. Darien twirled her around the floor,
smiling as he did. Serena was amazed to find that they fit together
like pieces of a puzzle, her head coming to rest right beneath his chin.
'I feel so safe here, with him. Almost like...this was always
meant to be.'
Serena closed her eyes and listened to the music, allowing
Darien to lead her through the dance.
Now I've got you in my sights
With these hungry eyes
Now did I take you by surprise
I need you to see
This love was meant to be
I've got hungry eyes
One look at you and I can't disguise
I've got hungry eyes
I feel the magic between you and I
As the song deteriorated into the chorus again, Darien and Serena
stopped dancing. Both of them had latched on to the one line in the song
'I feel the magic between you and I.' Darien looked at Serena and Serena
looked back. They were standing in the middle of a dance floor with noise
and people all around them, but it seemed to Serena that the world had
narrowed to a pair of sapphire eyes. Darien pulled her a little closer,
his eyes searching her face. Suddenly he smiled, a beautifully perfect
smile, and lowered his head.
'All RIGHT! He's gonna kiss me! The third most eligible bachelor in
the world wants to kiss me! Wait, isn't that a bad thing? Oh, well!'
Serena leaned forward and closed her eyes just as Darien placed
his mouth over hers. Flashing lights and dancing bodies faded away until
there was no one in the world but them. Serena sighed as the kissed,
wrapping her arms tightly around Darien's neck, burying her fingers
in his dark hair. Darien pulled her more closely to him, wrapping
his arms more firmly around her waist.
'I should feel bad about this. I really, really should. Didn't
I read somewhere that he has a girlfriend? I'm sure I read that...but
HE kissed ME. Didn't he? Oh, shut up Serena, you ask too many questions.'
Serena allowed all conscious thought to slide away as she lost
herself in the feel of Darien's lips on hers. His lips were firm but
gentle, and the heat from his kiss was slowly spreading through Serena
leaving her body warm and languid. Serena felt dizzy, and prayed she
wouldn't collapse. Darien's body was causing other sensations, so
tightly pressed against her feminine curves. Serena felt Darien easing
away from her, pulling his lips away.
"No," she murmured, pulling him back. Darien came willingly enough,
easing his lips over hers once more. Neither of them noticed that all
action on the dance floor had stopped, including the music. All the
other people in the club were watching the two people in the center of
the dance floor, lost in each other.
Serena felt the kiss move from gentle and introductory to
intense and shivery, if that was even a word. Quite frankly, Serena
wasn't sure she could remember her name at this point. As she kissed Dr.
Darien Chiba in the middle of a public hardwood dance floor, she managed
to form one last thought.
'Serena Tsukino, if you fall in love with this man, I will never
speak to you again.'
***********************************************************************
There it is, Chapter 4. In a little sidebar, all of Darien's
favorite things (movie, book, author, etc.) are my favorites. The
Eagles are so cool! As are The Doors. I'm sure that Darien would
agree with me. 'Hotel California.' Need I say more?
And since this is my story, and I get to say what I want,
(Bwa ha ha ha ha)I have to agree with Ms. Lilac Summer's assesment
that Darien/Mamoru is a boxer man. I mean, come on folks. Can you
HONESTLY tell me tha you can picture Darien/Mamoru in whitie tidies?
I think not! Anyway, I'll see you guys soon, Chapter 5 in hand!
Mail me, and let me know what you thought! skiangel_sv@lycos.com