Disclaimer: I don't own Sailormoon or any of its characters. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi.

Author's Notes: Hi, guys! This is an ALTERNATE UNIVERSE. Please read and REVIEW! That's all! Thanks!

Forever

by Maya Kitajima

Complication

Serena gaped at him intently as he concentrated on the movie. It was dark but the lights on the movie illuminated Darien's face.

He's gorgeous… I don't wonder why the girls at our school freak at the sight of him. His face is really so perfect and flawless.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the laughter of the crowd inside the moviehouse. She looked back on the screen and tried to focus on the movie they're watching.

After the movie finished, they ate at a nearby restaurant.

"Are you sure you're going to treat us, Darien?" A guy with long black disheveled hair asked.

"Sure, Chad."

"This guy doesn't seem to run out of money. Does he usually treat you, Serena?" Serena glanced at her raven-haired friend and met her ruby eyes.

"Yeah Raye, he usually does." She answered her. They stopped as their orders were placed on the table. Again, Serena stared at Darien.

He's very lucky…To have a businessman for a father is superb. He's kind too. Sharing your money with others is a different story. Only a few people can do that without minding himself.

"So, Dare, how's your meeting with the principal on the day before our break?" Chad asked.

"Well, he wanted to thank me for organizing a very good Christmas Party."

"I agree with him. The party was really magnificent! It's different from last year's." Raye, who was in second year, exclaimed.

"You're right. If you have seen last year's Christmas Party, Serena, you'd be bored to death. Our president wasn't as good and as brilliant as our Darien." Chad added.

"Don't flatter me, guys." Serena smiled at him.

He's very unusual today. If I had said that another time, he might have drowned me back with contemptuous words. But then again, he's worthy of the flattery he gets…he really is remarkable. If you ask me about the Christmas Party, I'd say it was more than words could describe.

"Chad, the coach called me the other day and said that he had arranged a practice game with American High." Darien started. Chad has been his assistant, being the co-captain of the team.

"A-american High!" Raye exclaimed. "Isn't that where Greg Howell, one of the most excellent basketball player, studies?"

"Yup, but don't worry Raye, WE have Darien here to kick that guy's ass. He's MVP last year and was included in the top 5 outstanding basketball players!"

"Oh, you're right!"

Serena was surprised, though her face didn't show it.

I heard Darien was a good basketball player, but I didn't know he's that good to be a MVP. He was also one of the top 5 players in our city…I can't believe it. Th-this guy is no doubt an achiever!

"The movie was so funny, isn't it Serena?" Darien asked not taking his eyes off the road.

"Mmm." Her answer made Darien look at her.

"You okay?"

"Mmm."

"Hey, what's bothering you?"

"Nothing, Darien. I'm okay." Serena said without any emotion. Darien grew silent. He knew that in times like that, it's best to keep quiet for a while.

They arrived shortly at Darien's apartment. As they entered, Serena went immediately straight for her room, but Darien grabbed her wrist. She turned around expressionlessly.

"What?"

"Uh…would you…would you first have a cup of tea with me?"

"Sorry. I'm tired." She turned towards the door, but he didn't let go of her hand.

"Serena, what's wrong. Please tell me."

"Nothing's wrong, Dare. I told you…I'm just tired."

"There's something bothering you! I know you, Sere. I've known you for all my life." Serena was pissed off. She snatched her arm from him and glared at him.

"You know nothing about me!" She yelled and shut the door in his face, leaving him shocked and confused.

Darien opened his eyes and blinked as the sun hit his eyes. For some reason, he sensed that he wasn't himself today. He felt very depressed and sad. He sighed heavily and brushed his hair back. Suddenly, he remembered the events that happened last night.

I can't understand her. Why did she become so serious and exasperated all of a sudden? Was it something that I said…or did? And what did she meant when she said that I don't know her?

He put on his slippers and stood up.

I better check on her…maybe she's okay now…perhaps she was just really tired yesterday.

He went towards her room…and opened the door without knocking.

What the…!

"What are you doing?" She didn't answer so he went beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "What are you doing, Serena?"

"Can't you see? I'm packing my things. I'm leaving here today." She said coldly without looking at him.

"What? Why?"

"Why? Darien, it's winter break. We have no classes until next week."

"So?"

"The only reason I'm staying here is because you're tutoring me. Now that we don't have classes, I'm going back at my place."

"You don't need to do that. You're welcome here, Sere." His eyes followed her as she went from the closet to the bed, where her suitcase lay.

"But I WANT to go back! I miss my room, Dare."

"You miss it so much that you're acting very angry at me? What's your problem?" Her head snapped abruptly at him.

"Fine! I'll tell you my problem, Dare! I'm sick of everything! I'm sick of this room, this house…I'm sick of you! I'm tired of being around someone who's perfect!"

"Perfect! Who are you talking about? I'm not perfect! You know as well as I do that no one is created perfect!"

"Well, of course you don't see it. I don't want to talk or see you for a while, Darien."

"Seren—"

"My decision is final. I'm going back at my apartment as soon as I finish packing."

"B-but…"

"It's not like I'm not going back. It's just a week.

"But I'm planning to spend the New Year with you."

"Well, I'm sorry. I'm not gonna let you boss me anymore. I'm doing what I want to do. And I'm going where I wanna go on New Year's Day."

"Then, let's go there together."

"Stop it, Dare! I need a break from you…please…" Darien locked his eyes on her gravely.

After a few seconds, he sighed, breaking the silence.

"Okay. Do whatever you want, Serena." He turned around and headed for the door, but before he left he turned around again and slightly smiled at her.

"If you need, just call me, okay?" She gave him a small cold nod for an answer.

He stared at the white ceiling and listened to the deafening silence.

What now?

Serena had left a few hours from then and he didn't know what to do. He had planned to spend the whole day with her, but now, everything is ruined.

Why did she become like that?

Visions of the event that morning flashed in his head.

She's tired of being with me? Am I that boring? No, she said that I was too perfect.

Perfect? Huh? I can't understand her. Never in my life had I considered myself as someone perfect. No one is perfect.

She knows that. But why? I'm so confused with her. She was never like this. And more importantly, she never saw me as someone who's perfect…or did she?

He sighed.

"Damn you, Serena!" He thought loudly.

Darien stayed the whole day pondering inside his room. The next day, however, he decided to get over it so he went out and took a walk.

He watched the people ice skate at the frozen water that served as the public skating rink. He amused himself by the children who were willing to learn how to skate, and by the professional figure skaters that practiced here and there. A sudden idea came over him.

Hey! I know! I'll take Serena here tomorrow.

But his excitement vanished when he remembered that Serena didn't want to see him. Or even talk to him. He sighed.

I wish we would fix this problem soon. It's just a day since she left but I miss our petty arguments already.

He continued to stare at the skating figures and saw a couple skating hand in hand. They were so happy and blithe. Darien sensed the contentment that the two people were feeling that moment. For a moment, this lifted his spirits up.

I know this... The happiness that the lovers have is the same emotion that I feel when I'm around her…

Darien left the rink and walked.

Serena…

The confusion that came over him yesterday returned and started bugging him again.

He wasn't able to get rid of it until he slept and until the next day. At times, he was tempted to call Serena or even text her, but he didn't have the courage to.

Nevertheless, that night, just after sunset, he wasn't able to control himself any longer. Serena was mad and he didn't know why.

I'm going to find out why. I don't care if she doesn't want to see me. I'm stubborn. She knows it, and I bet she's expecting that I would go to her place when I can't take it anymore.

Yes, I'm going to find out now.

He took his car and drove to her place. However, as he parked in front of the building, his nervousness took over him.

Oh shit, why am I so nervous? I need to talk to her!

Very tensed, Darien went up to her room and knocked. He knew she was in there since he could hear the television inside. With shaking hands, he knocked again. This time, he heard the television being turned off and footsteps towards the door. In a second, the door was opened revealing a sickly looking blonde girl.

"Serena!" Darien exclaimed, as he was very surprised. She scowled and began to close the door but Darien stopped her. He forced himself inside.

"Darien, I don't want you right now. Go away!" Serena said. Darien's temper rose so he grabbed her shoulders and confronted her.

"Tell me why you are so angry!"

"I won't!"

"Tell me right now or I'll call your parents and tell them how frail and unhealthy you have become!" Serena's eyes widened.

"No! Please don't call them! Don't tell them anything!" Serena's anger had turned to fright. There were tears in her eyes and Darien saw they threatened to fall any second now.

"Why?"

"Please, they are very happy in Japan. If they found out about me, they'd go back here right away. Please…" Darien softened up a bit. He knew something happened that has something to do with her parents. Serena was crying now.

"Serena, you want them to come back, right?"

"Yes, but…" She couldn't continue anymore because of her tears.

"What happened, Serena?" He asked worriedly. Serena sobbed.

"I miss them so much, Darien. I…" She said, not answering his question. Darien took her to the couch and there, she buried her face in his chest.

Darien looked at the girl in his arms pitifully. His heart shattered at the sight. He knew she truly loved her parents.

"It's okay, Serena. It's okay. Shh…" He stroked her hair. He gave her time to just let her grief out. And after her tears subsided, he pulled back.

"You okay now?" Serena nodded. "Wash your face, honey. Go on…" She did as he told her and came back soon.

"Now tell me. What happened?"

"They-they called—to greet me. But I learned that they were not going to do anything special since they didn't have any money. They wanted me, though, to have the time of my life. But how could I! How could I be happy when I know they're suffering? I miss them so much, Dare. And I was expecting they could visit here this break. I wanted to ask them that…but I realized I was so selfish. I know they wanted to see me too, but they just can't because of money."

"I'm sorry. I know you miss them so much. But you have to move on. You can't make yourself suffer just because they're suffering too. They won't like that, would they?"

"No, I guess not…" They fell silent for a moment.

"Is this—is this why you got angry at me?" Serena's eyes widened.

"N-no. I explained it to you already. I was tired of you being so perfect and all." She avoided his gaze.

"You're tired of seeing my face everyday?"

"Yes, maybe."

"Oh…okay. Then tell me, what look would you want? Do you want me to dye my hair red? Or gold—just like yours?" Darien saw Serena press her lips together, wanting not to laugh at his joke. But then she frowned.

"That's not what I meant. I was sick of seeing you getting everything you want, achieving your dreams and goals…Look at you! First, you're so smart! Being the student council president and one of the top students in your batch. And then, you're also an ace basketball player. Aside from that, you get attention always. You have taken most of the girls' hearts in our school. And you're so rich too. What more could you ask for?" Darien was awestruck.

"So your jealous of me?"

"M-maybe…yes…" Darien sighed and shook his head.

"Serena, being perfect isn't seen in the outside looks of a person. Yes, I may have everything people wanted. But then, I am not perfect at all. If I were, then I wouldn't be so nervous confronting you today. I wouldn't have been so confused and heartbroken when you left me. Did you know why I acted like a model student at school? I was scared to show those people my faults. If I were perfect, then I wouldn't have been afraid. I wouldn't have hidden from them my arrogance and self-centeredness. If I were perfect, Serena, I wouldn't be here begging for my best friend back." Serena stared at her and tears formed again in her eyes.

"Darien…"

"Hey, you just washed your face. Don't cry again. My shirt is already soaked with your tears." Serena choked a laugh back as she wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

"I'm sorry, Darien. Really. I'm sorry I got jealous. You were supposed to be my best friend!"

"That's okay, Serena. At least now everything is alright."

"Thanks, Dare." She gave her a friendly hug and Darien sighed happily.

"We'll be best friends forever…no matter what happens."