The Perfect Prank
Chapter VIII. Nowhere To Run To
By: Sailor Angie
AN: Do you want to hear excuses as to why I haven't had this out like 3 weeks ago as I had planned. Well first I decided to wait for 100 reviews, which I got, and I love you all for that. However, when I pinched a nerve from typing too much, well that threw a wrench into my plans. Especially when my doctor told me not to type for at least a week. But I'm back now, and I think a lot of people have been looking forward to this chapter. Read, Review, and please, please please, ENJOY!
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"What are you doing here?" She seemed a bit surprised.
"We need to talk." Darien didn't wait for an invitation to enter, but breezed past her.
He searched for the words he had memorized outside her door, but they were lost. So instead he blurted out the only thing on his mind: "Do you want to break up with me?"
Here eyes communicated for her, they were guilty. "Darien, I--"
"You're just using Serena as an excuse!" Darien accused.
"No Darien, let me explain." She tried.
"Explain what? What have I done Raye?!" He approached her, "What have I done?" His hushed voice cracked.
Raye fell to the floor and began sobbing, "You didn't do anything." She kept repeating, "You didn't do anything." Darien had never seen Raye so weak before.
Darien stood in front of her looking down at her on the floor. He had no idea what to do. Time stood still as Raye wept on the floor for her wrong-doings that Darien was oblivious of.
Finally he dared to speak, "What happened to us?" he knelt in front of her.
Raye looked up at him with her puffy eyes and damp face, "It's all my fault, I didn't mean to. I tried to ignore it for the longest time and I just kept telling myself that it could be true because I was with you." She cried.
"Tried to convince yourself that what wasn't true?" Darien's arms grasped Raye's shoulders.
She hesitated for a long while, then finally choked out six barely inaudible words, "I'm in love with someone else."
Darien inhaled sharply, "Who—no I don't want to know."
"I'm so sorry." She wailed and began sobbing again.
Darien held Raye in is arms and rocked back and forth to calm her down. "It's okay Raye." He comforted, "Everything's gonna be okay." Darien shifted his body.
Her eyes followed him, "I didn't know how to tell you." She whispered, "I didn't want to hurt you."
"Are you gonna be okay if I leave? Do you want me to call him so he can be with you?" Darien could believe the words were escaping his mouth.
"No," Raye hiccupped, "I just need to be alone, I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Darien stood up, took one last glance at his now ex- girlfriend, and walked out the door.
Silently he wondered how it had come to this. How had she fallen for someone else, and how had he missed it? Was he really that involved with Serena that he could overlook such an obvious detail?
As the elevator descended, Darien shifted his thoughts to who she was in love with, and how long it had been going on. When he reached his car in the parking lot his questions were answered. Chad's SUV was parked three stall away from his car. Ever since Chad and Raye had begun making the movie, they had seemed closer. But why would he think anything of it? They were all friends, and he was delighted to see them getting along better than before.
He groaned in his car when he realized that Raye and Chad had made the movie more than 5 months ago. Which meant that she may have been cheating on him for more than half of their relationship. Darien let his head fall on his steering wheel. He didn't want to go back to the dorm; he didn't want to go anywhere. He wanted to be alone, and he had no idea how to do that.
Eventually he started his car up. The heat felt good, and he finally opted to go back to the dorms not knowing where else to go.
When he arrived at his room close to midnight, he found Serena asleep outside his door. He shook her slightly, "Serena, what are you doing on the floor?"
Serena rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, "Mina and Andy kicked me out. I just thought I'd wait for you to get back, but I didn't realize how tired I was."
Darien helped her stand up, "When did they kick you out?" he opened his door.
"Only like eleven. I just thought we could watch a movie or something." She followed Darien into his room.
"What movie do you want to watch?" Darien put on a smile as he took off his coat. He didn't want Serena to know about Raye, and he knew if she asked him anything he'd have to tell her.
"I dunno." She looked at his movie collection, "I don't know what kind of movie I'm in the mood for tonight." She looked at Darien and flashed a smile, "What kind of movie are you in the mood for?"
"A tragedy." He muttered under his breath.
"What?" She hadn't heard him, her face softened, "Are you tired? You look tired Darien." She approached him . . . he stepped back.
At his gesture she searched his eyes for some kind of explanation, "Where have you been all night?" She asked innocently.
Darien grimaced, he had no way out now, "I--"
She interrupted him, "I'm sorry. It's really none of my business. If you're tired I'll leave." She turned.
"No." He grabbed her arm.
Serena slowly turned around, "You're not tired?" She questioned.
"I want to watch a movie with you." He let her arm slip out of his grasp.
"Oh." She laughed, "Well we still haven't decided which one to watch yet." She walked back over to his DVD collection, "I could use a good laugh." She handed him a comedy, and sat down on his futon.
Darien put the DVE in and took his seat next to her. They were barely halfway through the movie before Serena and Darien had fallen asleep on each other.
As he drifted off to sleep, Darien couldn't help but think how comforting it had been to come back to Serena. Before he had come back to his room all he had wanted to do was sulk and go to bed, cold and alone. But Serena had changed his mood completely. Darien couldn't remember a time when he'd been so glad to see her bright blonde hair up in her signature buns. She had made his day and helped him forget about him and Raye.
Serena on the other hand could not get enough of the raven haired man who lived down the hall. She was much to her dismay, absolutely enthralled with him. She was so relieved that Mina had taken such an interest in Andrew. Mina spent so much time with him, that she had no time left to notice that Serena's 'Perfect Prank' had gone awry, and that instead of Darien falling for her, she had instead fallen for him. She though that perhaps he returned some of her feelings. Before falling asleep she replayed their kiss in her head.
Although she had made excuses, Darien had never apologized, never once insinuated that he regretted it or that he'd take the kiss back. He'd only said he didn't know why he did it. It truly would have broken her heart if he would have apologized.
Serena was also extremely perceptive, and had noted the pain in Darien's eyes as soon as she got a good look at him. She secretly hoped that he had broken it off with Raye. She knew she'd have to wait before she made any kind of move. Otherwise, being the caring man that he was he would feel guilty and believe he was not only taking advantage of Serena but also using her.
Serena would give anything to let Darien use her. If it meant she'd be close to him, she'd risk it.
Darien's guilt took over as he slept. He remembered thinking how Raye had cheated on him, but hadn't he cheated on her. He realized he must have been in love with Serena for at least two months. He'd have a lot to think about in the morning.
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AN: There, it's done, they're finally broken up, so please get off my back, I always planned on having it happen, but I wanted to wait, I didn't feel like it would align with the integrity of the story. I wanted to paint Darien as a very sensitive guy who would do anything to make a relationship work, even if it meant denying his own feelings. As for Chad, I was trying to be all clever and sly, but obviously I'm not as subversive as I wanted to be. Oh well, I'm just glad that it's finally happened, cuz now there's so much more room for some hot S x D action. And when I say hot, I mean hot. . .
You guys have brought me all the way to 100 reviews, and I just can't get enough! So here's to 100 reviews guys, and to 100 more!
ThatsMsDiva2U, I believe for every author there are one or two reviewers that just make their day. Those reviewers who the writers wait for, draw inspiration from, and really take to heart their ideas. For me, you are one of these reviewers. I love that you analyze my story, that's what I need, someone keeping a watchful eye. Judging from your last review, I can tell that you and other readers are really getting a feel for who I want these characters to be. Yes, Raye is immature, and although she means well, needs to grow up. Darien is too optimistic, but this turn of events will change his outlook. And Serena although conniving is very sensitive and only needs a man like Darien to bring out the soft side she guards so heavily. As far as the kiss goes, I guess I always pictured that she had kissed him back, but I knew I didn't want her to say anything because Darien really trusts her now, and although at this point she's not ready to admit it, she'll do anything to keep his trust, regardless of the prank. Thanks again for your support, I can't wait for your next review, and I know you'll be happy with the way things play out.
LizzieG84, thanks for your response regarding Andrew and Mina. I love them together, I think they can have such great chemistry (at least in most stories) I've kinda based their personalities on a couple I know in real life, but Andy and Mina are much less annoying at least where PDA's are concerned. I haven't had a chance to read your story, but I do have it bookmarked, and it sounds extremely interesting from your little blurb. I'll let you know what I think ASAP!
Leira1, no problem about the grammar errors, I don't mind, the only thing is that I don't know how to update the story on ff.net with out erasing all the reviews (which I cannot live without!) Hope the Raye and Chad outcome is enough for now, we haven't seen the last of them. And Mina and Andrew will make some mischief in future chapters.
The Final Stillness of Saturn, I just want to first say honestly how much of an honor it is that you would read one of my stories, when I'm such a huge fan of yours. *bows* thank you so much. And just as your replied to each of my chapters I will reply to yours! CHAP 1, I knew the story was gonna have enough angst w/o Darien being parentless, plus I am kinda sick of the whole Darien no parent situation, I just wanted him to be a regular college kid w/ regular problems, well Serena's not regular, but whatever. CHAP 2, Glad you like Amy and the movie title, I liked Greg and Amy's innocence so much in the anime and manga that I wanted to have a little in the story. CHAP 3, yes, Darien is clever, but once Serena declares war, he really has met his match. CHAP 4, I like the way that Darien is 'scared' of Serena, I think it gives dimension to his character. CHAP 5, as sensitive as he is, I've found that guys in general don't like thinking too much before giving people a piece of their mind. CHAP 6, the thing w/ Darien just going along w/ Serena's truce is that he's so optimistic, and he wants to believe that he's changed her, he wants desperately to believe in her. CHAP 7, ah ah ah Saturn, Darien didn't technically apologize (that'll come in later), I don't think Andrew is Raye's confidant, but as I advertised in my last fic, love is blind, and I always thought of Raye and Chad as one of those things everyone sees except the person who needs to see it the most. Okay, so definitions: RA= Resident Assistant, I use this terms interchangeably with 'house fellow,' it's what Darien does in the dorms. PR= Public relations, Darien puts out flyers, and sets up their movie events. Regarding the Darien and Raye split, I really believe that it's being handled well, Darien doesn't really know what to think (as stated in this chapter) I don't think he hates Raye, but he doesn't want to be her friend right now. And as far as the 3 Amigos go, they'll be in it more later. Direct anymore questions to me in your review, and thanks again for reading my fic!
Miiaevia, Lita appeared in the 1st chapter, and unfortunately won't be around for a while, but I promise she will show up at least once more before the story comes to a close. Lara1786, you have to stop it with this flattery business *blushes*, I guess I'm just used to all my non-anime friends making fun of me and telling me my stories suck cuz they're about anime characters. I hope you enjoy these new developments!
MoonRose, DarkSun, Twilight Princess, Devil Velociraptor(I love your name, I love dinosaurs!), Krystal-Jade, emmastarz, Hot Cuttie, Ellen, MoonGirl5657, AMI MIZUNO1, serena/darien, samsonite, thank you guys so much for sticking with my story. You really make it worth while, I love hearing from you all, and once again, I'm sorry for the story delay, the next chapter will be out in a timely fashion. Have a wonderful day!
SailorKittyMoon, Moon Princess 13, kirei*snow*tenshi, yes, it's official, Darien and Raye are over, but Raye still has a part in this story, their breakup may affect Darien more than you think. There's something to think about. . .
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Preview --- Chapter VIII. Nowhere To Run To --- Now that Darien and Raye are officially finished, how will he break the news to everyone; how will he tell Serena? And more so, how will they react? All these questions will be answered in the next episode of One Life To – err—I mean The Perfect Prank! (This is what happens when I watch too many soap operas, whoops)
Chapter VIII. Nowhere To Run To
By: Sailor Angie
AN: Do you want to hear excuses as to why I haven't had this out like 3 weeks ago as I had planned. Well first I decided to wait for 100 reviews, which I got, and I love you all for that. However, when I pinched a nerve from typing too much, well that threw a wrench into my plans. Especially when my doctor told me not to type for at least a week. But I'm back now, and I think a lot of people have been looking forward to this chapter. Read, Review, and please, please please, ENJOY!
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"What are you doing here?" She seemed a bit surprised.
"We need to talk." Darien didn't wait for an invitation to enter, but breezed past her.
He searched for the words he had memorized outside her door, but they were lost. So instead he blurted out the only thing on his mind: "Do you want to break up with me?"
Here eyes communicated for her, they were guilty. "Darien, I--"
"You're just using Serena as an excuse!" Darien accused.
"No Darien, let me explain." She tried.
"Explain what? What have I done Raye?!" He approached her, "What have I done?" His hushed voice cracked.
Raye fell to the floor and began sobbing, "You didn't do anything." She kept repeating, "You didn't do anything." Darien had never seen Raye so weak before.
Darien stood in front of her looking down at her on the floor. He had no idea what to do. Time stood still as Raye wept on the floor for her wrong-doings that Darien was oblivious of.
Finally he dared to speak, "What happened to us?" he knelt in front of her.
Raye looked up at him with her puffy eyes and damp face, "It's all my fault, I didn't mean to. I tried to ignore it for the longest time and I just kept telling myself that it could be true because I was with you." She cried.
"Tried to convince yourself that what wasn't true?" Darien's arms grasped Raye's shoulders.
She hesitated for a long while, then finally choked out six barely inaudible words, "I'm in love with someone else."
Darien inhaled sharply, "Who—no I don't want to know."
"I'm so sorry." She wailed and began sobbing again.
Darien held Raye in is arms and rocked back and forth to calm her down. "It's okay Raye." He comforted, "Everything's gonna be okay." Darien shifted his body.
Her eyes followed him, "I didn't know how to tell you." She whispered, "I didn't want to hurt you."
"Are you gonna be okay if I leave? Do you want me to call him so he can be with you?" Darien could believe the words were escaping his mouth.
"No," Raye hiccupped, "I just need to be alone, I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Darien stood up, took one last glance at his now ex- girlfriend, and walked out the door.
Silently he wondered how it had come to this. How had she fallen for someone else, and how had he missed it? Was he really that involved with Serena that he could overlook such an obvious detail?
As the elevator descended, Darien shifted his thoughts to who she was in love with, and how long it had been going on. When he reached his car in the parking lot his questions were answered. Chad's SUV was parked three stall away from his car. Ever since Chad and Raye had begun making the movie, they had seemed closer. But why would he think anything of it? They were all friends, and he was delighted to see them getting along better than before.
He groaned in his car when he realized that Raye and Chad had made the movie more than 5 months ago. Which meant that she may have been cheating on him for more than half of their relationship. Darien let his head fall on his steering wheel. He didn't want to go back to the dorm; he didn't want to go anywhere. He wanted to be alone, and he had no idea how to do that.
Eventually he started his car up. The heat felt good, and he finally opted to go back to the dorms not knowing where else to go.
When he arrived at his room close to midnight, he found Serena asleep outside his door. He shook her slightly, "Serena, what are you doing on the floor?"
Serena rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, "Mina and Andy kicked me out. I just thought I'd wait for you to get back, but I didn't realize how tired I was."
Darien helped her stand up, "When did they kick you out?" he opened his door.
"Only like eleven. I just thought we could watch a movie or something." She followed Darien into his room.
"What movie do you want to watch?" Darien put on a smile as he took off his coat. He didn't want Serena to know about Raye, and he knew if she asked him anything he'd have to tell her.
"I dunno." She looked at his movie collection, "I don't know what kind of movie I'm in the mood for tonight." She looked at Darien and flashed a smile, "What kind of movie are you in the mood for?"
"A tragedy." He muttered under his breath.
"What?" She hadn't heard him, her face softened, "Are you tired? You look tired Darien." She approached him . . . he stepped back.
At his gesture she searched his eyes for some kind of explanation, "Where have you been all night?" She asked innocently.
Darien grimaced, he had no way out now, "I--"
She interrupted him, "I'm sorry. It's really none of my business. If you're tired I'll leave." She turned.
"No." He grabbed her arm.
Serena slowly turned around, "You're not tired?" She questioned.
"I want to watch a movie with you." He let her arm slip out of his grasp.
"Oh." She laughed, "Well we still haven't decided which one to watch yet." She walked back over to his DVD collection, "I could use a good laugh." She handed him a comedy, and sat down on his futon.
Darien put the DVE in and took his seat next to her. They were barely halfway through the movie before Serena and Darien had fallen asleep on each other.
As he drifted off to sleep, Darien couldn't help but think how comforting it had been to come back to Serena. Before he had come back to his room all he had wanted to do was sulk and go to bed, cold and alone. But Serena had changed his mood completely. Darien couldn't remember a time when he'd been so glad to see her bright blonde hair up in her signature buns. She had made his day and helped him forget about him and Raye.
Serena on the other hand could not get enough of the raven haired man who lived down the hall. She was much to her dismay, absolutely enthralled with him. She was so relieved that Mina had taken such an interest in Andrew. Mina spent so much time with him, that she had no time left to notice that Serena's 'Perfect Prank' had gone awry, and that instead of Darien falling for her, she had instead fallen for him. She though that perhaps he returned some of her feelings. Before falling asleep she replayed their kiss in her head.
Although she had made excuses, Darien had never apologized, never once insinuated that he regretted it or that he'd take the kiss back. He'd only said he didn't know why he did it. It truly would have broken her heart if he would have apologized.
Serena was also extremely perceptive, and had noted the pain in Darien's eyes as soon as she got a good look at him. She secretly hoped that he had broken it off with Raye. She knew she'd have to wait before she made any kind of move. Otherwise, being the caring man that he was he would feel guilty and believe he was not only taking advantage of Serena but also using her.
Serena would give anything to let Darien use her. If it meant she'd be close to him, she'd risk it.
Darien's guilt took over as he slept. He remembered thinking how Raye had cheated on him, but hadn't he cheated on her. He realized he must have been in love with Serena for at least two months. He'd have a lot to think about in the morning.
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AN: There, it's done, they're finally broken up, so please get off my back, I always planned on having it happen, but I wanted to wait, I didn't feel like it would align with the integrity of the story. I wanted to paint Darien as a very sensitive guy who would do anything to make a relationship work, even if it meant denying his own feelings. As for Chad, I was trying to be all clever and sly, but obviously I'm not as subversive as I wanted to be. Oh well, I'm just glad that it's finally happened, cuz now there's so much more room for some hot S x D action. And when I say hot, I mean hot. . .
You guys have brought me all the way to 100 reviews, and I just can't get enough! So here's to 100 reviews guys, and to 100 more!
ThatsMsDiva2U, I believe for every author there are one or two reviewers that just make their day. Those reviewers who the writers wait for, draw inspiration from, and really take to heart their ideas. For me, you are one of these reviewers. I love that you analyze my story, that's what I need, someone keeping a watchful eye. Judging from your last review, I can tell that you and other readers are really getting a feel for who I want these characters to be. Yes, Raye is immature, and although she means well, needs to grow up. Darien is too optimistic, but this turn of events will change his outlook. And Serena although conniving is very sensitive and only needs a man like Darien to bring out the soft side she guards so heavily. As far as the kiss goes, I guess I always pictured that she had kissed him back, but I knew I didn't want her to say anything because Darien really trusts her now, and although at this point she's not ready to admit it, she'll do anything to keep his trust, regardless of the prank. Thanks again for your support, I can't wait for your next review, and I know you'll be happy with the way things play out.
LizzieG84, thanks for your response regarding Andrew and Mina. I love them together, I think they can have such great chemistry (at least in most stories) I've kinda based their personalities on a couple I know in real life, but Andy and Mina are much less annoying at least where PDA's are concerned. I haven't had a chance to read your story, but I do have it bookmarked, and it sounds extremely interesting from your little blurb. I'll let you know what I think ASAP!
Leira1, no problem about the grammar errors, I don't mind, the only thing is that I don't know how to update the story on ff.net with out erasing all the reviews (which I cannot live without!) Hope the Raye and Chad outcome is enough for now, we haven't seen the last of them. And Mina and Andrew will make some mischief in future chapters.
The Final Stillness of Saturn, I just want to first say honestly how much of an honor it is that you would read one of my stories, when I'm such a huge fan of yours. *bows* thank you so much. And just as your replied to each of my chapters I will reply to yours! CHAP 1, I knew the story was gonna have enough angst w/o Darien being parentless, plus I am kinda sick of the whole Darien no parent situation, I just wanted him to be a regular college kid w/ regular problems, well Serena's not regular, but whatever. CHAP 2, Glad you like Amy and the movie title, I liked Greg and Amy's innocence so much in the anime and manga that I wanted to have a little in the story. CHAP 3, yes, Darien is clever, but once Serena declares war, he really has met his match. CHAP 4, I like the way that Darien is 'scared' of Serena, I think it gives dimension to his character. CHAP 5, as sensitive as he is, I've found that guys in general don't like thinking too much before giving people a piece of their mind. CHAP 6, the thing w/ Darien just going along w/ Serena's truce is that he's so optimistic, and he wants to believe that he's changed her, he wants desperately to believe in her. CHAP 7, ah ah ah Saturn, Darien didn't technically apologize (that'll come in later), I don't think Andrew is Raye's confidant, but as I advertised in my last fic, love is blind, and I always thought of Raye and Chad as one of those things everyone sees except the person who needs to see it the most. Okay, so definitions: RA= Resident Assistant, I use this terms interchangeably with 'house fellow,' it's what Darien does in the dorms. PR= Public relations, Darien puts out flyers, and sets up their movie events. Regarding the Darien and Raye split, I really believe that it's being handled well, Darien doesn't really know what to think (as stated in this chapter) I don't think he hates Raye, but he doesn't want to be her friend right now. And as far as the 3 Amigos go, they'll be in it more later. Direct anymore questions to me in your review, and thanks again for reading my fic!
Miiaevia, Lita appeared in the 1st chapter, and unfortunately won't be around for a while, but I promise she will show up at least once more before the story comes to a close. Lara1786, you have to stop it with this flattery business *blushes*, I guess I'm just used to all my non-anime friends making fun of me and telling me my stories suck cuz they're about anime characters. I hope you enjoy these new developments!
MoonRose, DarkSun, Twilight Princess, Devil Velociraptor(I love your name, I love dinosaurs!), Krystal-Jade, emmastarz, Hot Cuttie, Ellen, MoonGirl5657, AMI MIZUNO1, serena/darien, samsonite, thank you guys so much for sticking with my story. You really make it worth while, I love hearing from you all, and once again, I'm sorry for the story delay, the next chapter will be out in a timely fashion. Have a wonderful day!
SailorKittyMoon, Moon Princess 13, kirei*snow*tenshi, yes, it's official, Darien and Raye are over, but Raye still has a part in this story, their breakup may affect Darien more than you think. There's something to think about. . .
********
Preview --- Chapter VIII. Nowhere To Run To --- Now that Darien and Raye are officially finished, how will he break the news to everyone; how will he tell Serena? And more so, how will they react? All these questions will be answered in the next episode of One Life To – err—I mean The Perfect Prank! (This is what happens when I watch too many soap operas, whoops)