Paradise

"Care to dance?"

Serena looked up from her plate where she had been picking and pushing the food as her emotions rose and fell in a silent roller coaster. Rei's anger toward her made her feel angry, sad, and guilty. Majorly guilty. She knew that Rei had always been interested in Darien, they even dated once, but she couldn't help but feel drawn to him. She felt like she needed to be around him, needed to talk to him, needed to hate him, love him. She felt angry with herself for feeling like that and letting her friend down… and at Rei for not understanding. Rei had been sitting next to her, ignoring her as she shoveled the piping hot food into her mouth. She acted like she was unaffected by what Serena was doing. The guilt would set in automatically... after all she was right. Across from Rei sat Amy, Lita, and Mina, all divided over what was happening. Amy felt that Rei was right… but felt sympathy for what Serena was feeling. Mina felt that love conquered all and just maybe, Serena and Darien belonged together. She also felt a twinge or remorse for Rei. Lita felt like things could go either way.

Serena gave a sad look to her friends across from her and glanced at Rei before taking Darien's hand and being ushered off to the dance floor. She knew that the moment she left Rei would start discussing this with Mina, Lita and Amy, trying her hardest to prove her point and show that Serena was wrong. The thought pulled at Serena's heart and almost filled her eyes with tears… almost. She was swirled into Darien's arms and he pulled her close, moving slowly to the beat of the music being pumped out by the orchestra. His hand rested on her waist, her hand in his other hand as he guided her across the dance floor gazing at her face.

He watched as emotions ran rampant through her face, taking away her joy and clumsiness as she danced with him. For some strange reason he began feeling what she was feeling. Feeling all her pain, anger and her heartache. Well, now was as good a time as any to ask her.

"Meatball head?"

"Hm?"

Serena looked up at Darien not even realizing the name he had called her to get her attention. He sighed to himself… there must be something very bad going on.

"What's wrong with you. You're not your normal cheery clumsy failing self…what's up?"

"Nothing…just tired I guess"

"And you expect me to buy that?"

"Yes."

"Well I'm not. Spill it. Did it have something to do with you and Rei? Boy if looks could kill you'd be six feet under by now"

"She's just upset because you asked me to the dance. She feels that I betrayed her by seeing you tonight"

"Ahh, I see, well, I'm sorry for the trouble meatball head, maybe I should let you go."

"No please don't!"

The words slipped out Serena's mouth before she realized what she had been saying. Was she really begging Darien to stay with her, when he was trying to help their friendship? Damn… what was he doing to her!

"No, Darien…please, stay with me. Even if my friends will be mad at me for it, I just want to enjoy myself this night. Heh, I guess I'll get screamed at later."

Darien nodded and twirled her once more, before dipping her and pulling her close against him. God… that long blonde hair, those innocent baby blue eyes, that intoxicating scent. Heh, guess he got in over his head as well.

"Can you believe her! I can't believe she would do that to her best friend, I thought friendship was forever"

"Oh come on Rei, calm down, I don't think she did it on purpose"

"Oh? Then you think she's going out with my ex by accident Amy?"

"Rei listen, I just don't think she meant to hurt ya alright? She was just looking for a bit of fun, a chance to enjoy herself for once. Besides, you always knew she had a thing for Darien."

"Oh come on Lita! She never had a thing for Darien"

"Even I noticed that on Rei"

"We'll I didn't Mina, and I'm her best friend."

"Obviously not Rei. Listen, I think it was wrong of her to go and do something like this without asking you first, but what are ya gonna do? Really? Just let her enjoy herself all right? She doesn't mean to hurt you, she wouldn't hurt a fly! And lastly I could have sworn he was your ex Rei."

"Listen Lita. If she didn't mean to hurt me, she wouldn't be doing this. And you know it's a code of honor to never date anyone's ex. Everyone knows that. You know what… I think I need some air all right you guys? I'll come back before desert is served"

With that Rei stood, her Kimono elegantly shaping her body as she rustled away from the table and out to the left balcony of the ship. All three of her friends looked somberly after her, as they wondered the fate of the two best friends. What are they gonna do? Both of the girls had a point and neither was really wrong. This would be something out of their hands and something to test to real powers of friendship. They just hoped they both passed the test. Glancing up over to the dance floor, they watched as Darien led Serena out onto the Right balcony of the ship. Oh boy…here comes trouble.

"Darien really, I can walk myself to the balcony… I just need a bit of fresh air! Not a doctor!"

"Well, I just need to make sure you don't fall off, we can never be to sure with you"

Serena's face formed a tiny scowl as she walked defiantly over to the balcony. The dance floor was much to hot for her. The large crystal lights shining brightly on the two and the dancing making her overheated and in need of something to cool her down quickly. They both stepped slowly onto the balcony, Serena's shoes clicking away and Darien's suit swishing about. She placed her hands on the rail and embraced the breeze, allowing her shawl and her hair to flow freely about. Darien's eyes wandered over her from his side of the railing. She was small, petite compared to his large body. She looked so delicate, so sweet and tiny. Her beautiful hair framed her face nicely, and those large bright sapphire eyes made her whole face bright and vibrant. Her tiny plump strawberry lips were into a tight smile as she enjoyed the breeze, her dress swaying with it. He let his eyes travel lower, enjoying her graceful peach swan neck, her tiny, yet broad shoulders, and her curvy body that seemed only intensified by the large dress. He noticed the bow that sat below her waist and gently on her butt, outlining the sweet curve of it. Suddenly he shook his head. What the hell was he thinking? This was Serena… the meatball head, the annoying little brat on his block. She couldn't be the graceful beautiful woman he saw before him. She was just a kid… just a young wild kid. Refocusing his eyes, he turned out to the water and gazed at the dark water and lovely moon set in front of the dazzling ship.

Serena had seen him shake his head and turn towards the water. He had been watching her she felt it, and in her mind she hoped he saw her as more than just a girl. He was so handsome in that tux, just grand. She let her eyes sweep over him. His square jaw was clenched tight and his black hair hung sloppily in his face. Making his eyes look amazing. His shoulders were squared off, broad and bold and shifted slowly into his square body. He was more beautiful than she had ever thought. Wait... can beautiful be used for a guy? Well anyway she let her eyes wander to his butt and giggled softly at the small curve that blended into a long pants leg. Everything was nicely packed onto him.

Darien looked up at her, catching her enchanting giggle and wondering just exactly what was going through her mind.

"What's so funny Serena?"

Serena's giggle stopped in mid breath and her face turned a light shade of crimson. Darien couldn't help but allow a laugh to escape his lips and saunter into the air. So she was a perverted one too eh? Serena caught the glint in his eyes and allowed a laugh of her own to join his as they both removed all the tension in the air. It wasn't long before both were grasping for air, and Darien grasping for Serena. She stopped in mid-laugh and looked up at him and he pulled her tightly into a hug. He didn't look down at her, he merely stared out over the sea his jaw still shaking with just a bit of laughter left in him. Gods, he smelt so good, like a juniper musk she smelt in the bath and body works store near her school. She loved that scent, but it was for guys, too bad. Closing her eyes and enjoying the sudden warmth from the freezing breeze, she allowed her head to nestle into his chest. Darien stared down at her, her eyes were closed, and she looked at peace… and yet more beautiful than anything or anyone he had ever seen before. She felt his gaze and looked up catching his eyes with her own. Before she knew what was happening, his lips were pressed softly hers, his eyes closed, and his hands tight around her back. Was he… kissing her? Duh Serena… her mind screamed… that's exactly what he was doing... kiss back! Kiss back! Serena closed her eyes and allowed herself into the kiss, his long tongue parting her lips slowly, and fishing into her mouth for her own. The entire scene would have been perfect had it not been for a growl from the other side of the balcony.

Looking up Serena caught sight of Rei whose hands were clenched her jaw tight, and she looked as if she were ready to pounce and kill. She turned swiftly on her heels, her legs moving as fast as her kimono would allow trying her damnedest to get the hell out of there. Serena choked back a sob and cried out to her friend, and pulling out of Darien's arms to quickly followed her.

How could Serena do this to her! It's one thing to dance with her ex but its another thing to kiss him! Damn her! God damn her! She had the support of her friends, they understood but they still felt sympathy for Serena. She would go to someone who knew what they were talking about, someone who has never led them wrong. She would seek the advice of Luna.

Oh God…she's going to Luna! I just know it! Rei was going to go to Luna, and Luna would side with Rei... because in a way... Rei was right. You don't do that to you're friends! You just don't touch their ex's… it's a rule that she knew when Darien asked her. But her mind went blank…it always had when Darien was around. Why couldn't Rei understand that? That she had a thing for Darien, that Darien was absolutely handsome to her and just wonderful. He was funny, when he wasn't talking about her, kind when he wasn't teasing her, smart when he wasn't ignoring her. He was everything she had ever wanted in a guy, and this just might be her last chance to have someone like him! She wanted him…she almost needed him.

Rei turned the corner sharply, barely missing a handsome waiter carrying the deserts into the ballroom. He gave her an apologetic look but she glared at him and continued on her way. The waiter couldn't help but blush and turned crashing straight into Serena. The chocolate cake he had been carrying got smothered all over her dress and face, making her look like she had been rolling in mud. Normally she would have cried at such a disaster but she lifted her legs and ran across the hall leaving the poor waiter to clean up the mess.

Rei was racing down the steps not more than 20 feet from Serena's room. She heard her friend, or so called friend behind her but she ignored her. This called for a serious chat with Luna and she refused to be interrupted by that meatball headed brat.

Serena dashed after Rei tripping and sliding down a few steps and then tumbling down the next. People jumped out the way, and their friends quickly dodged into plants, and water fountains as Serena unsteadily made her way to her room. Both girls were gaining on the room fast, but Rei of course made it first. She flew into the room, and closed the door behind her, walking quietly over to the cat sleeping soundly on Serena's bed. Shaking the cat lightly she awoke Luna, and began the long story.

Not long after she started. Serena stumbled into her room. Her dress, face and hair a mess, her shoes barely on her feet and her shawl somewhere left behind. Luna stood looking over to Serena with concern. Serena merely shook her head and pointed her fingers at Rei. Luna nodded, and settled down as Rei continued the story.

Lina's face was etched deep in thought by the time Rei had finished and Serena was cleaning up with her bathroom door open, whimpering and pushing tears away from her face as she sat and listened to Rei's voice bellow through the room.

"Serena, is this true?"

Serena wrapped herself in a towel and meekly made her way out of the bathroom and in front of Luna.

"Serena, is this true!"

"Yes Luna… everything that Rei said is true"

Nodding her head she sat and began talking to her dear friend.

"Serena… you know it was wrong of you to over step your boundaries of friendship, and that it will be hard for Rei to place her faith in you again right? You shouldn't be so stubborn with your ideas Serena!'

"Yes Luna… but I-"

"Rei… Serena has been your friend for far too long. You know this."

"Yes"

"But... I believe in this case, Serena is right. Darien is more ideal for her than you."

"L-l-luna! We aren't talking about Ideal here! We are talking about right and wrong"

"Well, then Serena is right. No she shouldn't be going out with you're ex. But after all Rei he is your ex, and you have told us countless times you have no feelings for him."

"But what does that matter!"

"Well, if you do not have feelings for him what is the problem?"

"Luna she's my best friend betraying me"

"Rei, she's looking for love… you should support her and understand, after all she had her eye on Darien before you even noticed him, and she said nothing about you dating him. Neither of you may have noticed that, but I have. If you are truly her best friend, you'll understand that she needs to explore what she did not see before, and she needs to fall in love with the Ear-"

Luna stopped herself before she blurted out those words. Earth Prince. Oh lord! Imagine what trouble she would have caused if she told the girls prematurely what Serena and Darien were!

"The Ear what Luna? Come on tell us"

"Rei, Serena, try your best to get past this alright? I'll be with Artemis if you need me."

With that the black cat stood and jumping off the bed darted out the room, leaving Serena and Rei to work out their differences.

"Rei… I'm sorry, really I-"

"Save it Serena… listen, I need a good nights sleep, we'll talk about this in the morning"

Nodding Serena watched as her friend stalked out of the room to hers. She slid down against the back of the door, as tears made their way softly down her face. Damn it! Why did she have to be so stingy, so self absorbed? She buried her hands in her face and silently cried as the evening turned to night.

Hey you guys! Here is the next chapter, sorry it's a bit rushed but I'm trying my best to update and keep up with everything else that is so busy in my life! Special thanks to Carby6, Megan Consoer and Mandie for their reviews! I'll try to update soon with a better and more improved chapter for my readers cause they deserve it! See ya!