The Perfect Prank
Chapter IX. Where Do We Go From Here?
By: Sailor Angie
AN: Well, it's official, Raye and Darien are over. Thank god, it's such a relief. The only thing I really wanted to say here was regarding reviews. I have two requests for you wonderful people that talk to me. #1, will someone please review Love Is Blind, I've had 199 reviews forever, and it's been bothering the heck out of me. It's a good story, and if you like this one, you'll like that one, I promise. #2, this is to new readers/reviewers, if you're going to read the story, it is a heck of a lot more beneficial to me if you review for each chapter rather than for the most recent and just say: 'that was good.' This doesn't apply to those of you who have stuck with this whole thing. And yes, I'm a review whore, but part of it is that it really does bother me, it's just kinda annoying. I want reviews because they help me make this better for you all, and I do take to heart what you all say. In fact I even need your help at the end of this chapter. Please don't hate me, cuz I love you all! Read, review, and ENJOY!
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When Darien awoke, Serena was no where to be found. He almost entertained the thought that perhaps last night had been a dream or a figment of his imagination.
Perhaps Andrew had not come over and suggested that Raye wanted to break up with him. Perhaps he had not gone over to Raye's apartment only to discover that she had been cheating on him for the past five months. And perhaps he had not come back to the dorms and been comforted by the blonde down the hall; who at one time may have had a hit out on him. 'Perhaps,' he thought, 'It was crazy enough for me to make up –"
Darien's thoughts were shattered as Serena entered the room with orange juice and muffins. She looked startled to see him awake. Darien was disappointed to a certain extent that he hadn't made the pervious night's events up in his head. But then reasoned that him and Raye splitting up really was for the best, and Serena . . . he didn't know what he was going to do about her. He certainly could sense some kind of feelings for her creeping up on him. But he knew he would have to put them on hold. He had just broken up with Raye and he wasn't emotionally ready to start anything with anyone.
"I didn't mean to wake you up." Serena set the food down on his desk.
"You didn't." He confirmed.
"Oh," Serena shrugged, then smiled, "Well, I brought you breakfast. I just wanted to thank you for letting me stay here last night." She handed him a cup.
"It was no problem Serena; I needed the company after what happened." Darien didn't realize what he'd said until it was too late.
"What did happen last night?" Serena sat down next to him hoping for the worst.
"I'm not really ready to talk about it." Darien confessed.
"Okay." Serena let it slide, "If you wanna talk about it, let me know." She smiled empathetically.
"I will. Thanks for breakfast."
*********
"CHAD!?" Andrew screeched.
"Okay, now that you've broken my ear drum. It's weird, cuz shouldn't I be mad that she cheated on me? It's like I almost feel –"
"Relieved?" Andrew tried.
Darien hesitated, "Yeah . . . am I a bad person?"
Andrew began to laugh, "Of course not."
"I just wish she would have broken up with me sooner. She could have spared us both. I'm not sure what to think about Chad. I just don't get why they waited so long." Darien sighed, "It's okay though. Recently I was having second thoughts about Raye and me. I just didn't feel the same about her anymore."
"Are you gonna be okay?" Andrew sipped some of the coffee Darien had made for him.
"Me? I'm gonna be just fine." He sat down at his desk, "Yup, just fine."
"So what's been going on with you and Serena?" Andrew cocked an eyebrow at his friend, "She's been spending an awful lot of time over here."
"Well, if you'd stop spending the night and kicking her out. She has nowhere else to go. She's been practically living on my futon." Darien shook his head at Andrew.
"Have you told her about Raye?"
"No, I've been waiting for the right moment, and it just hasn't happened."
"What are you gonna do about the premiere?" Andrew questioned.
"What about it?"
"It's next week, after finals get done with. Raye and Chad will be there. Mina already invited Serena to come." Andrew waited for Darien's response.
"Maybe I just won't go." Darien stared blankly out the window.
"You can't just not go. It's been a three weeks since you've seen Raye."
"Yeah, only three weeks. I'm not ready. And I won't be in another week either."
"Just think about it." Andrew got up. "Thanks for the coffee. I better get Mina before we're late for the movie." Andrew strode out the door, not bothering to shut it behind him.
*********
Darien clicked the mouse on the electronic cards as he sat at his desk in his boxers. Solitaire had become his passion as of late. A knock on the door broke his concentration. He looked at his clock; it was almost 2:30 in the morning. There was another knock on the door. Darien got up and answered it. He sighed and ushered a very groggy Serena into his room. "How come you're here so late? Usually they kick you out earlier." He asked.
"Yeah, well they've stopped kicking me out." Serena pulled the futon out.
"So why are you here then?" Darien was confused but retrieved his extra blankets regardless of his doubts.
"Instead they just do stuff while I'm in there." Serena twitched.
Darien snickered, "Well, that's what my futon's for. Maybe we should just move your bed in here. It might be easier." They both laughed.
"Did I wake you up?" Serena tucked the covers under the frame.
"No, I haven't been sleeping much lately."
Serena crawled in bed and peeled the covers off the empty side of the bed, "C'mon, I think it's time you told me what's been going on. I'm concerned about you." Her eyes mimicked her emotion perfectly.
Against his better judgment, Darien slid in next to her and propped himself up on his elbow to face her, "Where do I begin?"
Serena smiled, "How 'bout the beginning."
Darien nodded, "Raye and I broke up."
Serena's eyes widened, and she bombarded him with questions, "Are you okay? Why didn't you tell me? Who broke up with who? When did it happen? What happened?" She paused to take a breath; he cut her short.
"Whoa, slow down Serena." He sighed, and laid on his back staring at the ceiling, "I suppose I broke up with her. She had been acting really jealous and that's not like her. So I confronted her about it and she confessed that she'd been cheating on me with Chad."
Serena covered her mouth with her hands as she gasped, "Oh Darien, are you okay?" Absent-mindedly she began running her fingers through his hair.
"Yeah, I'm fine, we weren't right together, and it was gonna happen eventually, so why not sooner rather than later. There's just this void, I mean we dated for nine months." He shook his head.
"How long had she been cheating on you?"
"Five months." He turned to Serena, she drew her hand away, "Am I a bad person for not caring that we broke up?"
She was surprised at his question, but had to suppress a smile, hoping that she had some part in his lack of remorse, "Who am I to judge you?"
"Your opinion matters to me." He stared her in the eyes.
She held back a blush, "She cheated on you. You have every right to feel no remorse. She obviously didn't care enough about you to break up with you when she even felt remotely attracted to this other guy. And then being jealous when she was the one. Why was she acting jealous anyway?"
Darien chuckled, "She was jealous of you." Serena didn't quite know what to think, "She said I looked at you the way I used to look at her."
"I'm sorry Darien." Serena wasn't that sorry however. Because this meant that Darien was available. She was ready to get him back for everything he'd done to her, especially for the way he made her feel. He would pay.
"Don't be, I'm not." Darien went to get up, but Serena stopped him.
"Stay with me tonight. Your room is so cold."
Darien knew he shouldn't, but he returned to his place next to her and turned off the light. Once again, against his better judgment he allowed Serena to lie close to him, and even wrapped his arms around her. Physical comfort was something he hadn't had in a long time. He knew he was taking advantage of her, but he needed her.
"Good night Darien."
"Thank you for everything you've done; you're the only reason I can get over Raye." Serena snuggled closer to him, "Sleep well Serena," His words, however, were lost. She was already fast asleep.
*********
AN: Well, whatta ya think? Looks like the prank might still be on, but not for much longer as you will see in the next few chapters. Now, are you ready for a challenge?
Angie's question of the week: Can you plagiarize yourself? Okay, so maybe I should explain, I have previously written a story called: A Night Out With A Prince. In a later chapter I want to use some of the same 'ideas' from the story. I would not be cutting and pasting, just using similar themes/events (and maybe some quotes). What do you think? Do you hate it? Let me know in your review, I'd love to know!
ThatsMsDiva2U, as you may have noticed, I don't publish until I hear from you. So if that's any incentive, the faster you review the faster the fic goes up. Is that a lot of pressure? I'm sorry. I just love reading your reviews. Glad you like the Mina/Andrew sleepovers, I like what happened in this chapter with them. At least they're not kicking her out anymore. And just because she is starting to regret the prank doesn't mean that she's ready to call it quits. Glad you're interested in my story, talk to you soon!
SailorKittyMoon, you'll find out next chapter what I meant
Dayfreshie, a new name! yay, and you're right on track, a lot of readers seem to be forgetting that the truth always comes out. But perhaps Darien won't react the way you think he will? Who knows! (Actually I don't, I haven't written the ending yet)
Mikahoshi11, glad you're back Kell-bell! Spring break was good, my hand is fine, and Amanda and Steve are the couple I drew Mina and Andy from, except Mina and Andy are tons less annoying. Talk to you next chapter, tell me what you think should happen.
Kirei*snow*tenshi, I love your reviews, you're so cute!
The Final Stillness of Saturn, I'm glad I make you feel special, but I really do like your fics, I've been meaning to start reading some of your new ones, but I haven't gotten a chance. I was following Don't Stand So Close when the incident happened, and I'm so sorry for you, I would have been so offended. It's only natural that you're bitter. But I've seen it happen before to other writers, and that's why I try so damn hard to come up with original storylines. Which I'm sure you know is not easy in Sailor Moonland. But I think your stories are wonderful and original, and I love them, and I love you. As far as this one goes, I didn't want them to have a messy break-up. It didn't seem befitting of their characters. I'm glad you picture Serena and Darien as content, I just want them to seem happy to be in each other's company for now. And I totally agree with you on the whole movie title thing. I was thinking exactly that when I wrote it. It disrupts the flow completely. It also peeves me when writers describe outfits down every single button. It's like, dude, I don't care what your favorite outfit looks like that you're giving a cameo to. UGH. And I do apologize for the DVE error, I proofread that thing like 3 times and didn't catch it, I'm not too good at reading apparently. Thanks again for your input. Talk to you next chapter.
Lara1786, steamy hot bowl of romance and naughtiness, you're great. Well, I think some of that may begin in Chapter 11, and some of the more recent stuff I've written (In chapter 15 I think, may stretch the PG-13 rating, whoops) Glad you like it, gimme any suggestions you have, I'd love to hear them!
Leira1, AMI MIZUNO1, Krystal-Jade, Steelheartrose, Redroses, Serena79, Pamela, Moonlightusa, Serenity's Angel In Heaven, Usagi Usako Chiba, thanks for all your support, and I'm interested to know what you think about my 'challenge' question!
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Preview --- Chapter X. An Interesting Proposal --- The movie premiere is here, but Darien's not ready to go. Can Serena help him overcome his fears? And what will happen at the movie premiere that no reviewer could possibly predict?! I bet you're freaking out now. Good, that was the point!
Chapter IX. Where Do We Go From Here?
By: Sailor Angie
AN: Well, it's official, Raye and Darien are over. Thank god, it's such a relief. The only thing I really wanted to say here was regarding reviews. I have two requests for you wonderful people that talk to me. #1, will someone please review Love Is Blind, I've had 199 reviews forever, and it's been bothering the heck out of me. It's a good story, and if you like this one, you'll like that one, I promise. #2, this is to new readers/reviewers, if you're going to read the story, it is a heck of a lot more beneficial to me if you review for each chapter rather than for the most recent and just say: 'that was good.' This doesn't apply to those of you who have stuck with this whole thing. And yes, I'm a review whore, but part of it is that it really does bother me, it's just kinda annoying. I want reviews because they help me make this better for you all, and I do take to heart what you all say. In fact I even need your help at the end of this chapter. Please don't hate me, cuz I love you all! Read, review, and ENJOY!
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When Darien awoke, Serena was no where to be found. He almost entertained the thought that perhaps last night had been a dream or a figment of his imagination.
Perhaps Andrew had not come over and suggested that Raye wanted to break up with him. Perhaps he had not gone over to Raye's apartment only to discover that she had been cheating on him for the past five months. And perhaps he had not come back to the dorms and been comforted by the blonde down the hall; who at one time may have had a hit out on him. 'Perhaps,' he thought, 'It was crazy enough for me to make up –"
Darien's thoughts were shattered as Serena entered the room with orange juice and muffins. She looked startled to see him awake. Darien was disappointed to a certain extent that he hadn't made the pervious night's events up in his head. But then reasoned that him and Raye splitting up really was for the best, and Serena . . . he didn't know what he was going to do about her. He certainly could sense some kind of feelings for her creeping up on him. But he knew he would have to put them on hold. He had just broken up with Raye and he wasn't emotionally ready to start anything with anyone.
"I didn't mean to wake you up." Serena set the food down on his desk.
"You didn't." He confirmed.
"Oh," Serena shrugged, then smiled, "Well, I brought you breakfast. I just wanted to thank you for letting me stay here last night." She handed him a cup.
"It was no problem Serena; I needed the company after what happened." Darien didn't realize what he'd said until it was too late.
"What did happen last night?" Serena sat down next to him hoping for the worst.
"I'm not really ready to talk about it." Darien confessed.
"Okay." Serena let it slide, "If you wanna talk about it, let me know." She smiled empathetically.
"I will. Thanks for breakfast."
*********
"CHAD!?" Andrew screeched.
"Okay, now that you've broken my ear drum. It's weird, cuz shouldn't I be mad that she cheated on me? It's like I almost feel –"
"Relieved?" Andrew tried.
Darien hesitated, "Yeah . . . am I a bad person?"
Andrew began to laugh, "Of course not."
"I just wish she would have broken up with me sooner. She could have spared us both. I'm not sure what to think about Chad. I just don't get why they waited so long." Darien sighed, "It's okay though. Recently I was having second thoughts about Raye and me. I just didn't feel the same about her anymore."
"Are you gonna be okay?" Andrew sipped some of the coffee Darien had made for him.
"Me? I'm gonna be just fine." He sat down at his desk, "Yup, just fine."
"So what's been going on with you and Serena?" Andrew cocked an eyebrow at his friend, "She's been spending an awful lot of time over here."
"Well, if you'd stop spending the night and kicking her out. She has nowhere else to go. She's been practically living on my futon." Darien shook his head at Andrew.
"Have you told her about Raye?"
"No, I've been waiting for the right moment, and it just hasn't happened."
"What are you gonna do about the premiere?" Andrew questioned.
"What about it?"
"It's next week, after finals get done with. Raye and Chad will be there. Mina already invited Serena to come." Andrew waited for Darien's response.
"Maybe I just won't go." Darien stared blankly out the window.
"You can't just not go. It's been a three weeks since you've seen Raye."
"Yeah, only three weeks. I'm not ready. And I won't be in another week either."
"Just think about it." Andrew got up. "Thanks for the coffee. I better get Mina before we're late for the movie." Andrew strode out the door, not bothering to shut it behind him.
*********
Darien clicked the mouse on the electronic cards as he sat at his desk in his boxers. Solitaire had become his passion as of late. A knock on the door broke his concentration. He looked at his clock; it was almost 2:30 in the morning. There was another knock on the door. Darien got up and answered it. He sighed and ushered a very groggy Serena into his room. "How come you're here so late? Usually they kick you out earlier." He asked.
"Yeah, well they've stopped kicking me out." Serena pulled the futon out.
"So why are you here then?" Darien was confused but retrieved his extra blankets regardless of his doubts.
"Instead they just do stuff while I'm in there." Serena twitched.
Darien snickered, "Well, that's what my futon's for. Maybe we should just move your bed in here. It might be easier." They both laughed.
"Did I wake you up?" Serena tucked the covers under the frame.
"No, I haven't been sleeping much lately."
Serena crawled in bed and peeled the covers off the empty side of the bed, "C'mon, I think it's time you told me what's been going on. I'm concerned about you." Her eyes mimicked her emotion perfectly.
Against his better judgment, Darien slid in next to her and propped himself up on his elbow to face her, "Where do I begin?"
Serena smiled, "How 'bout the beginning."
Darien nodded, "Raye and I broke up."
Serena's eyes widened, and she bombarded him with questions, "Are you okay? Why didn't you tell me? Who broke up with who? When did it happen? What happened?" She paused to take a breath; he cut her short.
"Whoa, slow down Serena." He sighed, and laid on his back staring at the ceiling, "I suppose I broke up with her. She had been acting really jealous and that's not like her. So I confronted her about it and she confessed that she'd been cheating on me with Chad."
Serena covered her mouth with her hands as she gasped, "Oh Darien, are you okay?" Absent-mindedly she began running her fingers through his hair.
"Yeah, I'm fine, we weren't right together, and it was gonna happen eventually, so why not sooner rather than later. There's just this void, I mean we dated for nine months." He shook his head.
"How long had she been cheating on you?"
"Five months." He turned to Serena, she drew her hand away, "Am I a bad person for not caring that we broke up?"
She was surprised at his question, but had to suppress a smile, hoping that she had some part in his lack of remorse, "Who am I to judge you?"
"Your opinion matters to me." He stared her in the eyes.
She held back a blush, "She cheated on you. You have every right to feel no remorse. She obviously didn't care enough about you to break up with you when she even felt remotely attracted to this other guy. And then being jealous when she was the one. Why was she acting jealous anyway?"
Darien chuckled, "She was jealous of you." Serena didn't quite know what to think, "She said I looked at you the way I used to look at her."
"I'm sorry Darien." Serena wasn't that sorry however. Because this meant that Darien was available. She was ready to get him back for everything he'd done to her, especially for the way he made her feel. He would pay.
"Don't be, I'm not." Darien went to get up, but Serena stopped him.
"Stay with me tonight. Your room is so cold."
Darien knew he shouldn't, but he returned to his place next to her and turned off the light. Once again, against his better judgment he allowed Serena to lie close to him, and even wrapped his arms around her. Physical comfort was something he hadn't had in a long time. He knew he was taking advantage of her, but he needed her.
"Good night Darien."
"Thank you for everything you've done; you're the only reason I can get over Raye." Serena snuggled closer to him, "Sleep well Serena," His words, however, were lost. She was already fast asleep.
*********
AN: Well, whatta ya think? Looks like the prank might still be on, but not for much longer as you will see in the next few chapters. Now, are you ready for a challenge?
Angie's question of the week: Can you plagiarize yourself? Okay, so maybe I should explain, I have previously written a story called: A Night Out With A Prince. In a later chapter I want to use some of the same 'ideas' from the story. I would not be cutting and pasting, just using similar themes/events (and maybe some quotes). What do you think? Do you hate it? Let me know in your review, I'd love to know!
ThatsMsDiva2U, as you may have noticed, I don't publish until I hear from you. So if that's any incentive, the faster you review the faster the fic goes up. Is that a lot of pressure? I'm sorry. I just love reading your reviews. Glad you like the Mina/Andrew sleepovers, I like what happened in this chapter with them. At least they're not kicking her out anymore. And just because she is starting to regret the prank doesn't mean that she's ready to call it quits. Glad you're interested in my story, talk to you soon!
SailorKittyMoon, you'll find out next chapter what I meant
Dayfreshie, a new name! yay, and you're right on track, a lot of readers seem to be forgetting that the truth always comes out. But perhaps Darien won't react the way you think he will? Who knows! (Actually I don't, I haven't written the ending yet)
Mikahoshi11, glad you're back Kell-bell! Spring break was good, my hand is fine, and Amanda and Steve are the couple I drew Mina and Andy from, except Mina and Andy are tons less annoying. Talk to you next chapter, tell me what you think should happen.
Kirei*snow*tenshi, I love your reviews, you're so cute!
The Final Stillness of Saturn, I'm glad I make you feel special, but I really do like your fics, I've been meaning to start reading some of your new ones, but I haven't gotten a chance. I was following Don't Stand So Close when the incident happened, and I'm so sorry for you, I would have been so offended. It's only natural that you're bitter. But I've seen it happen before to other writers, and that's why I try so damn hard to come up with original storylines. Which I'm sure you know is not easy in Sailor Moonland. But I think your stories are wonderful and original, and I love them, and I love you. As far as this one goes, I didn't want them to have a messy break-up. It didn't seem befitting of their characters. I'm glad you picture Serena and Darien as content, I just want them to seem happy to be in each other's company for now. And I totally agree with you on the whole movie title thing. I was thinking exactly that when I wrote it. It disrupts the flow completely. It also peeves me when writers describe outfits down every single button. It's like, dude, I don't care what your favorite outfit looks like that you're giving a cameo to. UGH. And I do apologize for the DVE error, I proofread that thing like 3 times and didn't catch it, I'm not too good at reading apparently. Thanks again for your input. Talk to you next chapter.
Lara1786, steamy hot bowl of romance and naughtiness, you're great. Well, I think some of that may begin in Chapter 11, and some of the more recent stuff I've written (In chapter 15 I think, may stretch the PG-13 rating, whoops) Glad you like it, gimme any suggestions you have, I'd love to hear them!
Leira1, AMI MIZUNO1, Krystal-Jade, Steelheartrose, Redroses, Serena79, Pamela, Moonlightusa, Serenity's Angel In Heaven, Usagi Usako Chiba, thanks for all your support, and I'm interested to know what you think about my 'challenge' question!
*********
Preview --- Chapter X. An Interesting Proposal --- The movie premiere is here, but Darien's not ready to go. Can Serena help him overcome his fears? And what will happen at the movie premiere that no reviewer could possibly predict?! I bet you're freaking out now. Good, that was the point!