Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon and am making no profit off of this
work. I also do not own any of the mythological characters mentioned or
anything else that may strike you as familiar. Any characters, ideas that
you do not recognize do belong to me.
Rated: PG-13.
To my reviewers: Thank you ever so much. I can't tell you how happy I was to get some feedback. I was literally dancing around the room.
Expeliarbum: I'm glad you liked it. Twisted couples huh? I'll certainly give it my best shot. But, sadly enough I've only seen the American version and haven't got a clue who Yaten or Kakuu are.
Suki: Personal experience with Cupid? If he was anything like mine then I'm ever so sorry! Wait till you see the little mess he starts in this chapter.
Chapter 3
Serena followed Darien down the hall to the suite he had booked them. He had been silent during the elevator ride, but she just knew he was just waiting until they were alone to confront her. She wasn't about to oblige him. When he stopped in front of their door Serena grabbed the keycard from his hand and shoved it in the slot. "Ooh, that rain made me feel so gross. I can't wait to take a hot bath." With that she gave the knob a twist rushed inside and quickly glanced around until she spotted the bathroom. She looked over her shoulder at Darien and gave him what she hoped looked like an innocent smile. "You don't mind if I use the bathroom first, do you?" Without waiting for a reply she dashed into the bathroom and locked the door before sagging against it. Operation Get Away From Annoyed Boyfriend was a success.
Rather than worry about what would happen when she eventually had to leave, she studied the bathroom. Her mouth fell open as she stared at the giant heart-shaped Jacuzzi that took up most of the room. Once, it would have brought a wicked glint to her eye as she invited Darien to join her. Now it was like a quick stab in her own heart because she knew that time was past.
Because she didn't want to cry, she walked over to the Jacuzzi and started to fill it up. As soon as the water level was high enough she stripped out of her wet clothes and climbed in. She closed the tap but for a drip so that the water wouldn't cool too quickly. Serena leaned back and closed her eyes - so she wouldn't see how the bathroom had been designed as a place for romance.
Why had Darien chosen such a place? When he first mentioned it there had been a gleam in his eye that had made her wonder. She'd thought, well hoped anyway, that he was finally going to propose. They'd been living together for a year, a fact that irritated her parents to no end. But, they knew the future, knew they were destined to be together and there'd been no point in rushing. But then Molly had married Melvin and it had all been so beautiful, that she had longed for the same. A beautiful gown, attendants, a giant cake, but most of all a promise to the man she loved.
But then she'd overheard something that made her realize what she'd been too oblivious to notice for herself. Darien was in love with Mina. Shocking, to be sure. If she hadn't heard it for her self she'd never have believed it. But, she had heard it and evidence to go with it.
She'd gone to Mina's about a week ago: they were going to shop for new bathing suits for their trip to Greece. She'd been so looking forward to it that she'd been early for a change. Surely, that was fate. She had been at the tree behind Mina's house in time to hear Mina say to someone, "You'd better go. Serena'll be here soon."
And then another voice, more dear than any other followed. "You're right we wouldn't want her to find me here. Then what would we say?" After that there had been a low murmuring and Serena had chanced leaning around the tree and forward only to see Darien and Mina embracing as her one and only love said to one of her best friends, "I don't know what I'd do without you."
As Darien left there had been such joy on his face that it couldn't be missed, even 200 feet away and from behind a tree. She'd told herself it didn't signify. Darien and Mina were friends after all and friends shared secrets, didn't they? But from the people they were supposed to love?
She told herself it meant nothing as she'd gone to meet Mina. What she repeated to herself when she saw the look of tenderness that was still in Mina's eyes. What she tried to convince herself of as Mina asked questions about Darien and her relationship with him all through the shopping trip. But by the end of the trip she couldn't lie to herself any longer. She'd read the articles in Cosmo, watched Jerry Springer, she knew just what was going on: her boyfriend and best friend were having an affair.
That realization gnawed at her every second of every day. She'd tried to distance herself from Darien as much as possible. She knew he was baffled about the way she'd been acting lately but how else was she supposed to act when every moment with him was like a knife in the heart knowing he didn't really love her? This way at least when he dumped her for Mina, which he would do - he was too honest a man to be a cheat, at least she might be able to pretend she didn't care. He might have shredded her heart but she would hold on to her pride - even if she wanted nothing more than to claw out his and Mina's perfidious eyes like an enraged cat (sorry, Luna).
But, he didn't seem to be setting the grounds for a breakup. She'd thought maybe he decided to take her on a pity trip as well as spend time with Mina but their room suggested otherwise. What if he'd decided he had to stay with her because of their future, because of their daughter, Renee? Could she bear to be with him knowing he loved another? Or was it better to be alone and watch him be happy with another? Surely, it could never be better to be alone. But she couldn't be with Darien, knowing his feelings as she did, not even for Renee. She didn't have a clue what to do but one thing was certain, she'd best stay away from Darien until she made up her mind.
Darien glared at the bathroom door. He'd heard the lock click into place after she'd gone in. Was that really necessary? He'd gotten the message. She didn't want to be with him. Well that was too bad for her! She'd gone and made him fall in love with her and now she was bloody well going to be stuck with him.
Although maybe not as stuck as he'd like. He thought ruefully of the diamond and platinum engagement ring sitting in his pocket. He'd agonized over his choice for weeks, before finally breaking down and asking Mina for advice. Mina was Serena's best shopping buddy and sure to know what she liked, but well, Mina was a bit of a blab. He hadn't wanted to tell her because he'd wanted to make sure it was a surprise for Serena, but he'd just been so desperate to get the right one that he decided he could trust Mina to keep quiet after all.
What if that's what Serena's behavior was all about? What if Mina had told Serena what he'd planned and she didn't want to marry him? This could be her way of showing him without saying it outright. Was there someone else? He would know wouldn't her? Surely he'd be able to tell. Well, even if there was someone else there wouldn't be by the time this vacation was over. Darien gave a little nod. Oh, no, he was going to be on her like evil on the Negaverse and be charming and adorable until she was madly in love with him again. It was a brilliant plan. After all, they had so much history together, so much in the future, he just had to remind her. Just as soon as she got out of the bathroom.
Kunzite eyed Serena carefully. He'd been watching her all evening. Something was wrong, he knew it. Okay, so maybe it wasn't his keen sense of detection that had picked up the fact at the start. Mina had told him on the flight over that she thought Serena was avoiding her. He didn't really believe it as he couldn't imagine why Serena would do such a thing but he had promised Mina he would pay attention and tell her what he thought. And so he watched Serena. He watched as she talked to Raye, to Amy as she busied herself with a glass of wine when Mina talked to her, as the slight frown replaced her smile when Darien touched her. Yes, he was quite certain she was avoiding Mina. But, curiously enough she also seemed to be avoiding Darien. Something was going on and he would get to the bottom of it; not only for his girl now, but also for his prince.
So, he watched and he waited. When she excused herself from the dinner table and went outside he followed. Followed as she sat on a little bench and wondered at the wariness that showed on her face, that hadn't been there as she'd sat inside.
"Serena." He knelt in front of her. "What's wrong Princess?" She sighed and looked into his face. He was horrified at the heartbreak he saw in her bright eyes. "Tell me."
"Oh Kunzite," she murmured. "How selfish I've been. I didn't even think of you. Oh, how could she do this to you?"
"Who Princess?"
"Mina."
Ah, now he was getting somewhere. "What about Mina?" he prompted.
"Mina and Darien. They're together."
Together? Mina and Darien? Where did she get such ideas? He would have laughed at the sheer absurdity of it but he could tell her fears were genuine.
"Serena, listen to yourself. That's ridiculous. Darien loves you, he's crazy about you just the way Mina and I are about each other. There's no way they'd be together."
Cupid rolled his eyes. So that was the way of things was it? This Kunzite thought he was in love with Mina. Well, Cupid too had spent the evening watching and what he noticed was that Kunzite spent the whole time mooning over Serena, watching her every little breath. And he thought he was in love with Mina! If that were so then why hadn't he watched her at the dinner table? Why wasn't he with her now for that matter instead of outside with Serena?
And if Darien loved Serena, as Kunzite believed then why wasn't he out here with her? Cupid had thought Darien would be the easy one to fix up. He was so mature, yet easy going. But, surprisingly enough he'd found Serena's perfect mate first. Although Serena seemed to think Darien had something going with Mina. He hadn't noticed any vibes between them but he could always check again. He'd have to find someone for Mina now anyway to make up for taking Kunzite from her.
For now though he'd found Serena's match and it had taken less than a day. His mother, Aphrodite would be proud when he told her. Serena and Kunzite, Kunzite and Serena- either way it had a nice ring to it. He doubted Serena realized it, she thought she was in love with Darien but if Kunzite's behavior was any indication, and of course it was, he knew he was in love with her. Why, he even called her 'princess'. He probably just thought he couldn't have her because she was with Darien and had settled with Mina instead. Cupid shook his head. Well, on the bright side that meant he'd only need to use one arrow. His statue self had only been holding a few and who knew when he would be able to get some more? It's not like he could go pick them up at the supermarket. So, he fired one of his arrows and observed as the invisible shaft lodged itself into Serena's heart. He continued to watch as Serena threw herself into Kunzite's arms. When Kunzite caught her he knew he'd been right. And, so he turned away and left them to their love. Even for mortals some things should be private.
Kunzite was baffled. One minute he'd been talking to Serena and the next she was falling off the bench into his arms. If it had been just that it wouldn't have shocked him. He, like all the others who knew her was well aware that she was a bit of a klutz. Well, more than a bit. He's caught her of course. It was hardly the first time he'd had to catch her as she fell over though granted he didn't do it half as much as Darien. But then he'd felt something wet land upon his face. He'd thought they were tears at first but then he'd realized she was kissing him. Serena was raining kisses on his face and he couldn't get away. Mina was never going to understand this. Not that he'd get a chance to explain it to her. His prince was going to kill him first. He said a little prayer for life but was not foolish enough to think it was answered when he was lifted free from Serena's grip. And he knew it was all over when he heard Serena screech, "Darien, let go of my beloved Kunzite."
Please let me know what you think. All you have to do is click on the little box and I'll wish you some nice English chocolates.
Rated: PG-13.
To my reviewers: Thank you ever so much. I can't tell you how happy I was to get some feedback. I was literally dancing around the room.
Expeliarbum: I'm glad you liked it. Twisted couples huh? I'll certainly give it my best shot. But, sadly enough I've only seen the American version and haven't got a clue who Yaten or Kakuu are.
Suki: Personal experience with Cupid? If he was anything like mine then I'm ever so sorry! Wait till you see the little mess he starts in this chapter.
Chapter 3
Serena followed Darien down the hall to the suite he had booked them. He had been silent during the elevator ride, but she just knew he was just waiting until they were alone to confront her. She wasn't about to oblige him. When he stopped in front of their door Serena grabbed the keycard from his hand and shoved it in the slot. "Ooh, that rain made me feel so gross. I can't wait to take a hot bath." With that she gave the knob a twist rushed inside and quickly glanced around until she spotted the bathroom. She looked over her shoulder at Darien and gave him what she hoped looked like an innocent smile. "You don't mind if I use the bathroom first, do you?" Without waiting for a reply she dashed into the bathroom and locked the door before sagging against it. Operation Get Away From Annoyed Boyfriend was a success.
Rather than worry about what would happen when she eventually had to leave, she studied the bathroom. Her mouth fell open as she stared at the giant heart-shaped Jacuzzi that took up most of the room. Once, it would have brought a wicked glint to her eye as she invited Darien to join her. Now it was like a quick stab in her own heart because she knew that time was past.
Because she didn't want to cry, she walked over to the Jacuzzi and started to fill it up. As soon as the water level was high enough she stripped out of her wet clothes and climbed in. She closed the tap but for a drip so that the water wouldn't cool too quickly. Serena leaned back and closed her eyes - so she wouldn't see how the bathroom had been designed as a place for romance.
Why had Darien chosen such a place? When he first mentioned it there had been a gleam in his eye that had made her wonder. She'd thought, well hoped anyway, that he was finally going to propose. They'd been living together for a year, a fact that irritated her parents to no end. But, they knew the future, knew they were destined to be together and there'd been no point in rushing. But then Molly had married Melvin and it had all been so beautiful, that she had longed for the same. A beautiful gown, attendants, a giant cake, but most of all a promise to the man she loved.
But then she'd overheard something that made her realize what she'd been too oblivious to notice for herself. Darien was in love with Mina. Shocking, to be sure. If she hadn't heard it for her self she'd never have believed it. But, she had heard it and evidence to go with it.
She'd gone to Mina's about a week ago: they were going to shop for new bathing suits for their trip to Greece. She'd been so looking forward to it that she'd been early for a change. Surely, that was fate. She had been at the tree behind Mina's house in time to hear Mina say to someone, "You'd better go. Serena'll be here soon."
And then another voice, more dear than any other followed. "You're right we wouldn't want her to find me here. Then what would we say?" After that there had been a low murmuring and Serena had chanced leaning around the tree and forward only to see Darien and Mina embracing as her one and only love said to one of her best friends, "I don't know what I'd do without you."
As Darien left there had been such joy on his face that it couldn't be missed, even 200 feet away and from behind a tree. She'd told herself it didn't signify. Darien and Mina were friends after all and friends shared secrets, didn't they? But from the people they were supposed to love?
She told herself it meant nothing as she'd gone to meet Mina. What she repeated to herself when she saw the look of tenderness that was still in Mina's eyes. What she tried to convince herself of as Mina asked questions about Darien and her relationship with him all through the shopping trip. But by the end of the trip she couldn't lie to herself any longer. She'd read the articles in Cosmo, watched Jerry Springer, she knew just what was going on: her boyfriend and best friend were having an affair.
That realization gnawed at her every second of every day. She'd tried to distance herself from Darien as much as possible. She knew he was baffled about the way she'd been acting lately but how else was she supposed to act when every moment with him was like a knife in the heart knowing he didn't really love her? This way at least when he dumped her for Mina, which he would do - he was too honest a man to be a cheat, at least she might be able to pretend she didn't care. He might have shredded her heart but she would hold on to her pride - even if she wanted nothing more than to claw out his and Mina's perfidious eyes like an enraged cat (sorry, Luna).
But, he didn't seem to be setting the grounds for a breakup. She'd thought maybe he decided to take her on a pity trip as well as spend time with Mina but their room suggested otherwise. What if he'd decided he had to stay with her because of their future, because of their daughter, Renee? Could she bear to be with him knowing he loved another? Or was it better to be alone and watch him be happy with another? Surely, it could never be better to be alone. But she couldn't be with Darien, knowing his feelings as she did, not even for Renee. She didn't have a clue what to do but one thing was certain, she'd best stay away from Darien until she made up her mind.
Darien glared at the bathroom door. He'd heard the lock click into place after she'd gone in. Was that really necessary? He'd gotten the message. She didn't want to be with him. Well that was too bad for her! She'd gone and made him fall in love with her and now she was bloody well going to be stuck with him.
Although maybe not as stuck as he'd like. He thought ruefully of the diamond and platinum engagement ring sitting in his pocket. He'd agonized over his choice for weeks, before finally breaking down and asking Mina for advice. Mina was Serena's best shopping buddy and sure to know what she liked, but well, Mina was a bit of a blab. He hadn't wanted to tell her because he'd wanted to make sure it was a surprise for Serena, but he'd just been so desperate to get the right one that he decided he could trust Mina to keep quiet after all.
What if that's what Serena's behavior was all about? What if Mina had told Serena what he'd planned and she didn't want to marry him? This could be her way of showing him without saying it outright. Was there someone else? He would know wouldn't her? Surely he'd be able to tell. Well, even if there was someone else there wouldn't be by the time this vacation was over. Darien gave a little nod. Oh, no, he was going to be on her like evil on the Negaverse and be charming and adorable until she was madly in love with him again. It was a brilliant plan. After all, they had so much history together, so much in the future, he just had to remind her. Just as soon as she got out of the bathroom.
Kunzite eyed Serena carefully. He'd been watching her all evening. Something was wrong, he knew it. Okay, so maybe it wasn't his keen sense of detection that had picked up the fact at the start. Mina had told him on the flight over that she thought Serena was avoiding her. He didn't really believe it as he couldn't imagine why Serena would do such a thing but he had promised Mina he would pay attention and tell her what he thought. And so he watched Serena. He watched as she talked to Raye, to Amy as she busied herself with a glass of wine when Mina talked to her, as the slight frown replaced her smile when Darien touched her. Yes, he was quite certain she was avoiding Mina. But, curiously enough she also seemed to be avoiding Darien. Something was going on and he would get to the bottom of it; not only for his girl now, but also for his prince.
So, he watched and he waited. When she excused herself from the dinner table and went outside he followed. Followed as she sat on a little bench and wondered at the wariness that showed on her face, that hadn't been there as she'd sat inside.
"Serena." He knelt in front of her. "What's wrong Princess?" She sighed and looked into his face. He was horrified at the heartbreak he saw in her bright eyes. "Tell me."
"Oh Kunzite," she murmured. "How selfish I've been. I didn't even think of you. Oh, how could she do this to you?"
"Who Princess?"
"Mina."
Ah, now he was getting somewhere. "What about Mina?" he prompted.
"Mina and Darien. They're together."
Together? Mina and Darien? Where did she get such ideas? He would have laughed at the sheer absurdity of it but he could tell her fears were genuine.
"Serena, listen to yourself. That's ridiculous. Darien loves you, he's crazy about you just the way Mina and I are about each other. There's no way they'd be together."
Cupid rolled his eyes. So that was the way of things was it? This Kunzite thought he was in love with Mina. Well, Cupid too had spent the evening watching and what he noticed was that Kunzite spent the whole time mooning over Serena, watching her every little breath. And he thought he was in love with Mina! If that were so then why hadn't he watched her at the dinner table? Why wasn't he with her now for that matter instead of outside with Serena?
And if Darien loved Serena, as Kunzite believed then why wasn't he out here with her? Cupid had thought Darien would be the easy one to fix up. He was so mature, yet easy going. But, surprisingly enough he'd found Serena's perfect mate first. Although Serena seemed to think Darien had something going with Mina. He hadn't noticed any vibes between them but he could always check again. He'd have to find someone for Mina now anyway to make up for taking Kunzite from her.
For now though he'd found Serena's match and it had taken less than a day. His mother, Aphrodite would be proud when he told her. Serena and Kunzite, Kunzite and Serena- either way it had a nice ring to it. He doubted Serena realized it, she thought she was in love with Darien but if Kunzite's behavior was any indication, and of course it was, he knew he was in love with her. Why, he even called her 'princess'. He probably just thought he couldn't have her because she was with Darien and had settled with Mina instead. Cupid shook his head. Well, on the bright side that meant he'd only need to use one arrow. His statue self had only been holding a few and who knew when he would be able to get some more? It's not like he could go pick them up at the supermarket. So, he fired one of his arrows and observed as the invisible shaft lodged itself into Serena's heart. He continued to watch as Serena threw herself into Kunzite's arms. When Kunzite caught her he knew he'd been right. And, so he turned away and left them to their love. Even for mortals some things should be private.
Kunzite was baffled. One minute he'd been talking to Serena and the next she was falling off the bench into his arms. If it had been just that it wouldn't have shocked him. He, like all the others who knew her was well aware that she was a bit of a klutz. Well, more than a bit. He's caught her of course. It was hardly the first time he'd had to catch her as she fell over though granted he didn't do it half as much as Darien. But then he'd felt something wet land upon his face. He'd thought they were tears at first but then he'd realized she was kissing him. Serena was raining kisses on his face and he couldn't get away. Mina was never going to understand this. Not that he'd get a chance to explain it to her. His prince was going to kill him first. He said a little prayer for life but was not foolish enough to think it was answered when he was lifted free from Serena's grip. And he knew it was all over when he heard Serena screech, "Darien, let go of my beloved Kunzite."
Please let me know what you think. All you have to do is click on the little box and I'll wish you some nice English chocolates.