Disclaimer: Nope . . . don't own Sailor Moon . . . and I never will . . .
::tear::
AN: Whoo! I updated! I know, I know . . . FINALLY! Hahaha. ^_^ I probably wouldn't have been able to if it wasn't for all those great reviews! Especially Forever His! Thanks for the suggestion! For those of you who are wondering, I'm not exactly sure how long this fic is going to last. ::sweatdrop:: I mean, I planned on making it not too long, but I don't think it will stop anytime soon. I just keep getting all these ideas, which end up taking a few chapters. That all builds up, so I really don't know how long it will be in the end. Pretty long though, I'm guessing. ^_~
Oh yeah, I know that the whole "fairy tale" thing keeps coming up, and you must be pretty fed up with it by now, I'm guessing. Sorry about that, but I kinda wanted this story to have to do with her growing up, you know, becoming more mature, as well as her falling in love with Darien (and vice versa). So, please bear with me, after all, the title is "Fairy Tales Aren't Real". ^_^ Ooh, lotsa . . . FLUFF . . . I guess it could be termed. Geesh . . . but that's the kind of person I am . . . hopeless romantic! After all, the whole Serena/Darien relationship is pretty much full of that, at least, that's what I've read in other people's fics and stuff. Hope its okay with you!! Teehee . . .
Anyway, I know you are all waiting to see what happens at Yori's house, so I'll just get on with it! I really hope you like it!
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Chapter 17: Awkward Situations
"You have the best food EVER! It's official, I love your house!" Serena exclaimed, giddily, cramming chips into her mouth.
"Figures. Only you would say that, Meatball head." Darien smirked from the couch, focused intently on the gigantic television screen.
"Oops, sorry Yori. I made a mistake. I love everything about your house, BUT there's just that one minor detail that ruins it for you. Don't worry though, I'm sure you can sell him to some factory for manual labor and fetch quite a hefty price." Serena shot back cleverly, speaking more to Darien than his sister.
"Ooh! Clever. Meatball head actually has a brain underneath that skull of hers. SHOCKING!" Darien guffawed, grinning at his own cunning.
"You're definitely the charming one." She spat out sarcastically, glaring daggers at him as she plopped down on the couch next to Yori. "No wonder the girls go crazy over you! Now, is it the cocky demeanor, the incessant yapping, or the teasing that gets them going?"
"I don't know, you tell me. I, personally think it's the dashing good looks. Either way, I only tease you, Meatball head."
"And why exactly is that?"
"I thought it would be quite obvious by now . . ."
"Well, you're clearly mistaken."
"That's highly doubtful."
"Just tell me."
"Why, it's because you make it so easy to tease you, Meatball head!"
Serena shot him a malicious glance and stormed out of the room, huffing all the way up the stairs.
Yori rolled her eyes as Darien burst into laughter.
"Brothers." She mumbled, before following Serena's path up the stairs.
Darien chortled, once again entertained by Serena's fiery gusto.
He loved the way the color rose to her cheeks when she was outwitted or the way she pout her lips when she was upset or the victorious grin on her face when she left him speechless or the twinkle in her eyes every time she laughed.
Her laughter was contagious, taking over one victim after another until they collapsed on the floor from pure exhaustion. He could feel Serena's presence whenever she walked into a room. She seemed to glow, a broad smile spreading across her face, her giggles ringing throughout the room.
Something about her was so magnetic, so intriguing. The more time Darien spent with her, the more curious he got - the more intrigued he became.
There was just something about Serena.
Wait, he thought to himself. How can I be thinking this about Meatball head? I can't be. I must have eaten something bad. Maybe I've been watching too much television. I'm delirious. No! It must be all the stress. Yes, that's the answer. The stress.
Sure, a voice in the back of his mind called out. Keep telling yourself that. In your heart, you know you like her. You're afraid. Afraid of getting close to her - too close to her. You're too scared to take a risk and admit your true feelings. That's rather sad. Pathetic, really. You're falling for her, and you don't even realize it.
He pondered his thoughts for a few moments before decidedly confirming that his newfound view of Serena was simply a result of built up stress.
Darien sighed and scratched the back of his head before walking lazily back into his room, slamming the door with such force that it shook the entire house.
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In a small guest room, just across the hall, Serena sat comfortably on the shaggy rug, her legs folded beneath her. In her lap was a familiar looking book - her favorite fairytale.
Despite what people thought, she took it everywhere and faithfully read her favorite parts over and over again. Childish, immature, foolhardy, they would call her. She knew better. It was the link to her past, to her childhood - and she was determined to keep it that way. Reading it brought back memories of a time when life was simple, pure, uncomplicated. If only the world in her stories existed. If only they were real.
(AN: This is the beginning of the part of the book. I'll try not to make it too boring . . . sorry if I do though. ^_^)
The prince stared deep into her eyes, almost as if he was hypnotizing her with his eyes, which were like deep pools of azure. Tears rolled down her cheeks, dropping to the forest floor. He raised his hands and wiped away the fallen droplets.
"I would never really leave you." He whispered in her ear. He stroked her cheek lovingly and kissed her sweetly. Flashing a dazzling smile, he leaped onto his steed and was gone in a flash, galloping off into the thicket.
(AN: The end of the book, or well, the part that Serena's reading. See! I told you it would be short! ^_^)
Serena looked up and stared out of the window into the night sky.
The handsome prince, he strongly reminded her of someone. She racked her brain, searching for a face with which to match the prince's.
Everything about the prince reminded her of him - this mystery man. His face, his eyes, his demeanor, his cockiness - his sincerity. Everything.
Who was it? She closed her eyes, imagining the face of every person she knew.
While she drifted away in her own little world, a tall figure hovered ominously over her.
It was Darien - a mischievous grin plastered on his face.
In a flash, Darien snatched the book out of her hands. Her eyes shot open and she spun around to see who had disturbed her peace.
"Darien! Thief! Give it back!" she growled, trying to recover her stolen book.
"Just let me see it, Meatball head. Or if you don't want me reading it, why don't you come and get it. If you can, that is." He chuckled, as he held the book high above his head, just out of Serena's reach.
"You jerk! You better not ruin it. Just give it back!" She screamed hysterically, chasing him down the hallway.
They ran into the living room, where Serena pushed him roughly, pinning him down on the ground.
"Come on! Don't be such a butt! Hand it over!" she demanded, grabbing a nearby pillow.
"Ow! Geroff!" Darien cried, his voice muffled by the pillow that Serena had shoved in his face.
"Well, isn't this interesting?" an amused voice stated. "I always knew you two would get along."
Serena released Darien and they both sprang up, looking in the direction of the voice.
Yori was leaning casually in the doorway, one eyebrow raised questioningly.
"Um . . . your brother . . . wouldn't give . . . me . . . my book back." She explained, her face a flushing red, as she attempted to grab the book, which was still in Darien's possession.
"Riiight." Yori replied simply, with a tone of voice that made Serena quite sure that Yori didn't believe her.
"R-really. That's all I want . . . my book . . . back!" she mumbled, as she seized the book from behind Darien's back.
She let out a cry of triumph and shot Darien a smug look.
"Why don't I just leave you two alone in here?" Yori suggested, her eyes twinkling mockingly.
The horror on both Darien and Serena's face was indescribable. Their jaws hung open, their eyes grew wide with disbelief. They both stared at the floor, mumbling crazily, determined not to look at one another.
Serena could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, as well as her ears, which she was sure, were bright red.
*Ding-Dong*
All three heads turned in the direction of the front of the house. They stared back at each other, almost as if to inquire who it was.
*Ding-Dong*
The person outside did not seem to possess any form of patience whatsoever, as the doorbell continued to ring several times without delay. The trio continued to ignore the bell, which had begun to irritate them all.
*Ding-Dong*
Seizing the rare opportunity to escape an awkward position, Serena assured them that she would answer the door and quickened her stride out of the room.
Swinging it open, she smiled sweetly, only to come face to face with the one person she least expected - the one person she least wanted to see.
(AN: Once again, HUGE thanks to Forever His for being soooo awesome and suggesting this. You really got me through my writer's block! Thanks again! ^_^)
"M-M-Mai! W-what are YOU doing here?" she blurted out, though it sounded more like a meek squeak.
"Better yet, what are YOU doing here?" Mai responded sourly.
"M-My parents are out of town, so Yori offered me to stay here, with her."
"I'm sure. You probably just want to spend more time with Darien! I knew you had something to do with why he broke up with me."
"B-but I didn't . . ."
"Well, you know what? I'm going to get him back, and there's nothing you can do to stop me. I'll get him back, mark my words."
Serena opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Darien walked into the entrance room, followed closely by Yori.
"Mai! What are you doing here?" Darien asked mildly, his mouth twisted into a rather uncomfortable forced smile.
Serena rolled her eyes and moved out of the doorway, motioning for Yori to join her in the other room.
"OH! DARIEN! I was just dropping by to say hi. You said I could come over anytime I just wanted to say hi, so I did. I didn't know you had company." Mai swooned, giggling girlishly and forming her scowl into a sweet smile.
"Uh, yeah. I forgot. I just found out that Serena would stay with us for the weekend."
"Oh . . ."
"Well, we were all in the middle of . . . discussing . . . something, so maybe you should leave . . . and come back . . . um . . . some other time."
"Okay! Anything you want. See you later!"
Darien gestured goodbye and closed the door, letting out a deep breath. Finally.
I never knew she would be so . . . clingy, he thought. Even though I'm not her boyfriend anymore. What a hassle. Still, I don't want to hurt her feelings. What's a guy to do?
On the other side of the door, Mai glowered.
She heard a thud, followed by a second of silence and Serena's hyena-like laughter.
(AN: Remember, this is still Mai's perspective, so Serena's laughter isn't ACTUALLY hyena-like. ^_~)
Nosily, she stuck her ear to the door, straining to hear what had happened. She heard Darien's deep voice, followed by a stream of laughter from them both.
Her eyes grew wide and burned green with envy. She snuck over to the open window and peeked through, careful not to be seen.
There he was, lying on the floor, his face broken out into a smile. Crouching down next to him was Serena, laughing jovially as she rose and stretched out her hand to help him up.
She had seen enough.
"I'm afraid Serena's good luck is going to hold out. She'll get the guy, have the respect and admiration of everyone around her, and have a laugh at me, unless" - a smile passed over her lips - "unless I take a hand in things."
And so her plan began.
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"Yori! Seriously! I just wanted my book back." Serena insisted, as they walked into Yori's room.
"Really."
"Yeah, kinda like you'd want . . . this . . . back!" Serena cried out as she grabbed a book off the shelf labeled 'DIARY'.
"Serena! You BETTER give that back!" Yori screamed, advancing menacingly on her.
"Now you know how it feels!" Serena retorted, running out of the room and down the stairs.
Serena ran backwards, placing the book just within Yori's reach before snatching it back again. Unexpectedly, Serena ran backwards - right into a very distraught Darien.
They crashed to the marble floor, unable to maintain their balance.
They all paused, not uttering a single word, before Serena burst out laughing, soon joined by Yori.
"Smooth, Meatball head." Darien joked.
"Haha . . . well . . . I t-thought . . . teehee . . . so!" she replied, amid her giggles.
Darien laughed pleasantly, not a derisive, mocking laugh, not a sarcastic, cynical laugh, just a laugh.
A true, good-willed, honest laugh. Serena looked at him curiously, as she giggled. She'd never seen this side of him.
The way he laughed - really laughed - was so charming, so good-hearted. It made her smile broaden even more.
His cocky sense of humor, his piercing blue eyes, it was almost uncanny. He was just like the prince in the story. The way he looked sincerely at her when he apologized, the way his eyes lit up when he grinned, she was so drawn to his presence.
Drawn? To him? She couldn't be. She wouldn't be. Sure, any girl would swoon at his handsome features, his unparalleled charisma, but not her. She wouldn't.
This isn't happening. It must be the fall, she thought stubbornly. I must have hit my head on the marble. There is NO way I'm actually thinking about Darien. There's NO way.
Why not? He's everything you dreamed of, a voice whispered in her head. You're just too stubborn, too scared. You don't want to get hurt, but love hurts. You're banishing yourself to a life of fear, of emptiness, a life without love. Don't be so stubborn. Take a chance.
No! I can't. You're wrong. I don't like Darien. He's a jerk. Really, he is. Even if he did give me rides to school, lend me his jacket so I wouldn't get sick, and let me stay at his house, despite the fact that he hates me. Argh . . . what have I gotten myself into? I can't be falling for HIM!
Serena quickly shook her head and pushed her thoughts to the back of her mind, determined not to think about it.
She pushed herself up and reached out her hand to help Darien. He gladly took it and rose.
"Thanks." He muttered, as he walked down the hallway.
"No problem." She murmured as she watched him leave.
For the slight moment when they had touched, she felt a strange spark that sent chills down her spine. Shaking it off, she turned to Yori, who stood in front of her, grinning.
"Whaaat?" Serena moaned, smiling.
Yori shook her head, chuckled, and walked into the next room, leaving Serena pondering what exactly had occurred.
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AN: Yah! Reviews! Spiffy . . . THANK YOU!!! Wow . . . that's all I have to say. Weeell, and maybe I'll say how much I adore my reviewers! ^_^ You're all so great!!!
Angel girl 4-ever: Thank you for all your great comments! ^_^ I updated . . . ::counts fingers:: . . . about 9 days later. Too much, I know. I'll try to update sooner. Thanks for the review!
Ngan: Coool! I'm glad my story sorta made your day better! Hope you have a less cruddy day! (is that a word? ::shrugs::) Thank you for reviewing!
Namiko-Daughter of Sekhmet: I'm glad you like it! Thank you sooo much for reviewing!
DarkSun: Thanks! Er . . . I'm not exactly sure what you mean by the study group thing, but they were actually going over to Raye's temple to train. I know that's not actually in Sailor Moon, but I remember something about the scouts training and stuff, so I just put that in, which would also explain where Serena learned how to fight. Even though I'm not having powers in this story, I still want them to be able to fight and such. I hope that clears it up for you! Um . . . feel free to ask if you have any more questions! ^_^ Thank you for reviewing!
Ysienay: HI!!! Teehee . . . I'm sooo glad that you like it! Sorry it took long to update! Thanks for reviewing!!!
Moonlightshadows: Wow. I'm feel so special! Haha . . .aanyway . . . thank you for reviewing!!!
Rosie: You're absolutely right! I'm so sorry I made that mistake! ^___^" Thanks for being so observant. He does have blue eyes, and I guess I just forgot or didn't pay attention to my details! Thank you for reviewing! ^_~
Mae-E: Thanks! Glad ya like it! ^_^ Thanks again for reviewing!
Panda10s: Oh yes. I love you! Hahaha . . . thanks for the review (even though it was quite threatening)! ^_~
Forever His: Actually, I wasn't planning on having that happen, cuz I really wasn't sure what was going to happen! Thank you so much for suggesting it! You really cured me of my writer's block on that chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
Katana-hime: Hehe . . . um . . . I dunno. Does impatient end with an e? ::runs to get dictionary:: Teehee . . . sorry I took so long to update! Glad my story is addicting . . . I think . . . ^_^ Thank you for reviewing my story! I made this chapter a bit longer, about 2400 words (which is more than I usually do) I'll try to make them longer from now on! ^_^
Pinklebabe: Thank you! I'm glad you like it! ^_^ Sorry it took so long to update! Thanks for reviewing!
LiLKiKi15: Well, I guess you found out, now didn't you? ^_~ Thanks for the review!
MOON PRINCESS: Wow! Multiple reviews! I feel so special! ^_^ Teehee. Did you seriously print out my story? That must have taken up a lot of paper! I'm glad you feel its worthy of using up lots of paper to print out on. ^_~ YAH! You're weird too? Niiice! Weird people are cool. Or maybe I'm just saying that because I'm weird. ::thinks:: Hmm . . . Fun! You live in Texas? How's it goin' over there? ^____^" Ooh, too much babbling. If you've taken the time to actually read my mindless jabber, thank you for reviewing!
Crystal jade: Thanks! Sorry it took so long to update! Thank you for reviewing!
ThatsMsDiva2U: Hehehe . . . yes . . . Serena got the answer correct! Hurray for Serena! ^_^ Darien won't get sucked into Mai's trap . . . well, at least not completely. I guess you'll just have to read to figure out what I mean! ^_~ Thanks for reviewing!
DancerSwT: Well, I definitely don't want you to go crazy, so I updated! Thanks for reviewing!
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AN: Hope you liked that chapter! ^_^ I'll try to update as soon as I can, but finals are coming up and I REALLY need to do great. ::sigh:: SO much pressure!!! Well, thanks for reviewing. Please leave me reviews so I'll have something to look forward to when I take a break from the endless studying. ^_~ PLEASE REVIEW!!!
AN: Whoo! I updated! I know, I know . . . FINALLY! Hahaha. ^_^ I probably wouldn't have been able to if it wasn't for all those great reviews! Especially Forever His! Thanks for the suggestion! For those of you who are wondering, I'm not exactly sure how long this fic is going to last. ::sweatdrop:: I mean, I planned on making it not too long, but I don't think it will stop anytime soon. I just keep getting all these ideas, which end up taking a few chapters. That all builds up, so I really don't know how long it will be in the end. Pretty long though, I'm guessing. ^_~
Oh yeah, I know that the whole "fairy tale" thing keeps coming up, and you must be pretty fed up with it by now, I'm guessing. Sorry about that, but I kinda wanted this story to have to do with her growing up, you know, becoming more mature, as well as her falling in love with Darien (and vice versa). So, please bear with me, after all, the title is "Fairy Tales Aren't Real". ^_^ Ooh, lotsa . . . FLUFF . . . I guess it could be termed. Geesh . . . but that's the kind of person I am . . . hopeless romantic! After all, the whole Serena/Darien relationship is pretty much full of that, at least, that's what I've read in other people's fics and stuff. Hope its okay with you!! Teehee . . .
Anyway, I know you are all waiting to see what happens at Yori's house, so I'll just get on with it! I really hope you like it!
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Chapter 17: Awkward Situations
"You have the best food EVER! It's official, I love your house!" Serena exclaimed, giddily, cramming chips into her mouth.
"Figures. Only you would say that, Meatball head." Darien smirked from the couch, focused intently on the gigantic television screen.
"Oops, sorry Yori. I made a mistake. I love everything about your house, BUT there's just that one minor detail that ruins it for you. Don't worry though, I'm sure you can sell him to some factory for manual labor and fetch quite a hefty price." Serena shot back cleverly, speaking more to Darien than his sister.
"Ooh! Clever. Meatball head actually has a brain underneath that skull of hers. SHOCKING!" Darien guffawed, grinning at his own cunning.
"You're definitely the charming one." She spat out sarcastically, glaring daggers at him as she plopped down on the couch next to Yori. "No wonder the girls go crazy over you! Now, is it the cocky demeanor, the incessant yapping, or the teasing that gets them going?"
"I don't know, you tell me. I, personally think it's the dashing good looks. Either way, I only tease you, Meatball head."
"And why exactly is that?"
"I thought it would be quite obvious by now . . ."
"Well, you're clearly mistaken."
"That's highly doubtful."
"Just tell me."
"Why, it's because you make it so easy to tease you, Meatball head!"
Serena shot him a malicious glance and stormed out of the room, huffing all the way up the stairs.
Yori rolled her eyes as Darien burst into laughter.
"Brothers." She mumbled, before following Serena's path up the stairs.
Darien chortled, once again entertained by Serena's fiery gusto.
He loved the way the color rose to her cheeks when she was outwitted or the way she pout her lips when she was upset or the victorious grin on her face when she left him speechless or the twinkle in her eyes every time she laughed.
Her laughter was contagious, taking over one victim after another until they collapsed on the floor from pure exhaustion. He could feel Serena's presence whenever she walked into a room. She seemed to glow, a broad smile spreading across her face, her giggles ringing throughout the room.
Something about her was so magnetic, so intriguing. The more time Darien spent with her, the more curious he got - the more intrigued he became.
There was just something about Serena.
Wait, he thought to himself. How can I be thinking this about Meatball head? I can't be. I must have eaten something bad. Maybe I've been watching too much television. I'm delirious. No! It must be all the stress. Yes, that's the answer. The stress.
Sure, a voice in the back of his mind called out. Keep telling yourself that. In your heart, you know you like her. You're afraid. Afraid of getting close to her - too close to her. You're too scared to take a risk and admit your true feelings. That's rather sad. Pathetic, really. You're falling for her, and you don't even realize it.
He pondered his thoughts for a few moments before decidedly confirming that his newfound view of Serena was simply a result of built up stress.
Darien sighed and scratched the back of his head before walking lazily back into his room, slamming the door with such force that it shook the entire house.
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In a small guest room, just across the hall, Serena sat comfortably on the shaggy rug, her legs folded beneath her. In her lap was a familiar looking book - her favorite fairytale.
Despite what people thought, she took it everywhere and faithfully read her favorite parts over and over again. Childish, immature, foolhardy, they would call her. She knew better. It was the link to her past, to her childhood - and she was determined to keep it that way. Reading it brought back memories of a time when life was simple, pure, uncomplicated. If only the world in her stories existed. If only they were real.
(AN: This is the beginning of the part of the book. I'll try not to make it too boring . . . sorry if I do though. ^_^)
The prince stared deep into her eyes, almost as if he was hypnotizing her with his eyes, which were like deep pools of azure. Tears rolled down her cheeks, dropping to the forest floor. He raised his hands and wiped away the fallen droplets.
"I would never really leave you." He whispered in her ear. He stroked her cheek lovingly and kissed her sweetly. Flashing a dazzling smile, he leaped onto his steed and was gone in a flash, galloping off into the thicket.
(AN: The end of the book, or well, the part that Serena's reading. See! I told you it would be short! ^_^)
Serena looked up and stared out of the window into the night sky.
The handsome prince, he strongly reminded her of someone. She racked her brain, searching for a face with which to match the prince's.
Everything about the prince reminded her of him - this mystery man. His face, his eyes, his demeanor, his cockiness - his sincerity. Everything.
Who was it? She closed her eyes, imagining the face of every person she knew.
While she drifted away in her own little world, a tall figure hovered ominously over her.
It was Darien - a mischievous grin plastered on his face.
In a flash, Darien snatched the book out of her hands. Her eyes shot open and she spun around to see who had disturbed her peace.
"Darien! Thief! Give it back!" she growled, trying to recover her stolen book.
"Just let me see it, Meatball head. Or if you don't want me reading it, why don't you come and get it. If you can, that is." He chuckled, as he held the book high above his head, just out of Serena's reach.
"You jerk! You better not ruin it. Just give it back!" She screamed hysterically, chasing him down the hallway.
They ran into the living room, where Serena pushed him roughly, pinning him down on the ground.
"Come on! Don't be such a butt! Hand it over!" she demanded, grabbing a nearby pillow.
"Ow! Geroff!" Darien cried, his voice muffled by the pillow that Serena had shoved in his face.
"Well, isn't this interesting?" an amused voice stated. "I always knew you two would get along."
Serena released Darien and they both sprang up, looking in the direction of the voice.
Yori was leaning casually in the doorway, one eyebrow raised questioningly.
"Um . . . your brother . . . wouldn't give . . . me . . . my book back." She explained, her face a flushing red, as she attempted to grab the book, which was still in Darien's possession.
"Riiight." Yori replied simply, with a tone of voice that made Serena quite sure that Yori didn't believe her.
"R-really. That's all I want . . . my book . . . back!" she mumbled, as she seized the book from behind Darien's back.
She let out a cry of triumph and shot Darien a smug look.
"Why don't I just leave you two alone in here?" Yori suggested, her eyes twinkling mockingly.
The horror on both Darien and Serena's face was indescribable. Their jaws hung open, their eyes grew wide with disbelief. They both stared at the floor, mumbling crazily, determined not to look at one another.
Serena could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, as well as her ears, which she was sure, were bright red.
*Ding-Dong*
All three heads turned in the direction of the front of the house. They stared back at each other, almost as if to inquire who it was.
*Ding-Dong*
The person outside did not seem to possess any form of patience whatsoever, as the doorbell continued to ring several times without delay. The trio continued to ignore the bell, which had begun to irritate them all.
*Ding-Dong*
Seizing the rare opportunity to escape an awkward position, Serena assured them that she would answer the door and quickened her stride out of the room.
Swinging it open, she smiled sweetly, only to come face to face with the one person she least expected - the one person she least wanted to see.
(AN: Once again, HUGE thanks to Forever His for being soooo awesome and suggesting this. You really got me through my writer's block! Thanks again! ^_^)
"M-M-Mai! W-what are YOU doing here?" she blurted out, though it sounded more like a meek squeak.
"Better yet, what are YOU doing here?" Mai responded sourly.
"M-My parents are out of town, so Yori offered me to stay here, with her."
"I'm sure. You probably just want to spend more time with Darien! I knew you had something to do with why he broke up with me."
"B-but I didn't . . ."
"Well, you know what? I'm going to get him back, and there's nothing you can do to stop me. I'll get him back, mark my words."
Serena opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Darien walked into the entrance room, followed closely by Yori.
"Mai! What are you doing here?" Darien asked mildly, his mouth twisted into a rather uncomfortable forced smile.
Serena rolled her eyes and moved out of the doorway, motioning for Yori to join her in the other room.
"OH! DARIEN! I was just dropping by to say hi. You said I could come over anytime I just wanted to say hi, so I did. I didn't know you had company." Mai swooned, giggling girlishly and forming her scowl into a sweet smile.
"Uh, yeah. I forgot. I just found out that Serena would stay with us for the weekend."
"Oh . . ."
"Well, we were all in the middle of . . . discussing . . . something, so maybe you should leave . . . and come back . . . um . . . some other time."
"Okay! Anything you want. See you later!"
Darien gestured goodbye and closed the door, letting out a deep breath. Finally.
I never knew she would be so . . . clingy, he thought. Even though I'm not her boyfriend anymore. What a hassle. Still, I don't want to hurt her feelings. What's a guy to do?
On the other side of the door, Mai glowered.
She heard a thud, followed by a second of silence and Serena's hyena-like laughter.
(AN: Remember, this is still Mai's perspective, so Serena's laughter isn't ACTUALLY hyena-like. ^_~)
Nosily, she stuck her ear to the door, straining to hear what had happened. She heard Darien's deep voice, followed by a stream of laughter from them both.
Her eyes grew wide and burned green with envy. She snuck over to the open window and peeked through, careful not to be seen.
There he was, lying on the floor, his face broken out into a smile. Crouching down next to him was Serena, laughing jovially as she rose and stretched out her hand to help him up.
She had seen enough.
"I'm afraid Serena's good luck is going to hold out. She'll get the guy, have the respect and admiration of everyone around her, and have a laugh at me, unless" - a smile passed over her lips - "unless I take a hand in things."
And so her plan began.
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"Yori! Seriously! I just wanted my book back." Serena insisted, as they walked into Yori's room.
"Really."
"Yeah, kinda like you'd want . . . this . . . back!" Serena cried out as she grabbed a book off the shelf labeled 'DIARY'.
"Serena! You BETTER give that back!" Yori screamed, advancing menacingly on her.
"Now you know how it feels!" Serena retorted, running out of the room and down the stairs.
Serena ran backwards, placing the book just within Yori's reach before snatching it back again. Unexpectedly, Serena ran backwards - right into a very distraught Darien.
They crashed to the marble floor, unable to maintain their balance.
They all paused, not uttering a single word, before Serena burst out laughing, soon joined by Yori.
"Smooth, Meatball head." Darien joked.
"Haha . . . well . . . I t-thought . . . teehee . . . so!" she replied, amid her giggles.
Darien laughed pleasantly, not a derisive, mocking laugh, not a sarcastic, cynical laugh, just a laugh.
A true, good-willed, honest laugh. Serena looked at him curiously, as she giggled. She'd never seen this side of him.
The way he laughed - really laughed - was so charming, so good-hearted. It made her smile broaden even more.
His cocky sense of humor, his piercing blue eyes, it was almost uncanny. He was just like the prince in the story. The way he looked sincerely at her when he apologized, the way his eyes lit up when he grinned, she was so drawn to his presence.
Drawn? To him? She couldn't be. She wouldn't be. Sure, any girl would swoon at his handsome features, his unparalleled charisma, but not her. She wouldn't.
This isn't happening. It must be the fall, she thought stubbornly. I must have hit my head on the marble. There is NO way I'm actually thinking about Darien. There's NO way.
Why not? He's everything you dreamed of, a voice whispered in her head. You're just too stubborn, too scared. You don't want to get hurt, but love hurts. You're banishing yourself to a life of fear, of emptiness, a life without love. Don't be so stubborn. Take a chance.
No! I can't. You're wrong. I don't like Darien. He's a jerk. Really, he is. Even if he did give me rides to school, lend me his jacket so I wouldn't get sick, and let me stay at his house, despite the fact that he hates me. Argh . . . what have I gotten myself into? I can't be falling for HIM!
Serena quickly shook her head and pushed her thoughts to the back of her mind, determined not to think about it.
She pushed herself up and reached out her hand to help Darien. He gladly took it and rose.
"Thanks." He muttered, as he walked down the hallway.
"No problem." She murmured as she watched him leave.
For the slight moment when they had touched, she felt a strange spark that sent chills down her spine. Shaking it off, she turned to Yori, who stood in front of her, grinning.
"Whaaat?" Serena moaned, smiling.
Yori shook her head, chuckled, and walked into the next room, leaving Serena pondering what exactly had occurred.
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AN: Yah! Reviews! Spiffy . . . THANK YOU!!! Wow . . . that's all I have to say. Weeell, and maybe I'll say how much I adore my reviewers! ^_^ You're all so great!!!
Angel girl 4-ever: Thank you for all your great comments! ^_^ I updated . . . ::counts fingers:: . . . about 9 days later. Too much, I know. I'll try to update sooner. Thanks for the review!
Ngan: Coool! I'm glad my story sorta made your day better! Hope you have a less cruddy day! (is that a word? ::shrugs::) Thank you for reviewing!
Namiko-Daughter of Sekhmet: I'm glad you like it! Thank you sooo much for reviewing!
DarkSun: Thanks! Er . . . I'm not exactly sure what you mean by the study group thing, but they were actually going over to Raye's temple to train. I know that's not actually in Sailor Moon, but I remember something about the scouts training and stuff, so I just put that in, which would also explain where Serena learned how to fight. Even though I'm not having powers in this story, I still want them to be able to fight and such. I hope that clears it up for you! Um . . . feel free to ask if you have any more questions! ^_^ Thank you for reviewing!
Ysienay: HI!!! Teehee . . . I'm sooo glad that you like it! Sorry it took long to update! Thanks for reviewing!!!
Moonlightshadows: Wow. I'm feel so special! Haha . . .aanyway . . . thank you for reviewing!!!
Rosie: You're absolutely right! I'm so sorry I made that mistake! ^___^" Thanks for being so observant. He does have blue eyes, and I guess I just forgot or didn't pay attention to my details! Thank you for reviewing! ^_~
Mae-E: Thanks! Glad ya like it! ^_^ Thanks again for reviewing!
Panda10s: Oh yes. I love you! Hahaha . . . thanks for the review (even though it was quite threatening)! ^_~
Forever His: Actually, I wasn't planning on having that happen, cuz I really wasn't sure what was going to happen! Thank you so much for suggesting it! You really cured me of my writer's block on that chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
Katana-hime: Hehe . . . um . . . I dunno. Does impatient end with an e? ::runs to get dictionary:: Teehee . . . sorry I took so long to update! Glad my story is addicting . . . I think . . . ^_^ Thank you for reviewing my story! I made this chapter a bit longer, about 2400 words (which is more than I usually do) I'll try to make them longer from now on! ^_^
Pinklebabe: Thank you! I'm glad you like it! ^_^ Sorry it took so long to update! Thanks for reviewing!
LiLKiKi15: Well, I guess you found out, now didn't you? ^_~ Thanks for the review!
MOON PRINCESS: Wow! Multiple reviews! I feel so special! ^_^ Teehee. Did you seriously print out my story? That must have taken up a lot of paper! I'm glad you feel its worthy of using up lots of paper to print out on. ^_~ YAH! You're weird too? Niiice! Weird people are cool. Or maybe I'm just saying that because I'm weird. ::thinks:: Hmm . . . Fun! You live in Texas? How's it goin' over there? ^____^" Ooh, too much babbling. If you've taken the time to actually read my mindless jabber, thank you for reviewing!
Crystal jade: Thanks! Sorry it took so long to update! Thank you for reviewing!
ThatsMsDiva2U: Hehehe . . . yes . . . Serena got the answer correct! Hurray for Serena! ^_^ Darien won't get sucked into Mai's trap . . . well, at least not completely. I guess you'll just have to read to figure out what I mean! ^_~ Thanks for reviewing!
DancerSwT: Well, I definitely don't want you to go crazy, so I updated! Thanks for reviewing!
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AN: Hope you liked that chapter! ^_^ I'll try to update as soon as I can, but finals are coming up and I REALLY need to do great. ::sigh:: SO much pressure!!! Well, thanks for reviewing. Please leave me reviews so I'll have something to look forward to when I take a break from the endless studying. ^_~ PLEASE REVIEW!!!