Blah…I don't own Sailor Moon
Talking intently, the two blonds finally made it to Serena's house. "Here it is. It's not much, but we call it home." Serena walked up the walkway, followed by a reluctant Mina.
Opening the door, Serena called out. "Momma? Papa? I'm home."
"Hello, dear." Ikuko walked out, drying her hands off. She hugged her daughter, then turned to Mina. "Hello, I am Ikuko Tsukino, but you can call me mom."
Mina blushed. "Hi, I'm Mina Aino. Thank you for letting me stay here."
"It's fine. Stay as long as you want. Well, I'm making dinner & I'll call when it's ready." She turned to her daughter. "I set up the attic. It's not much, but it'll do for now."
"Thank you, Momma." Serena hugged her. Turning to Mina, she picked up the suitcase again. "Ready?"
Mina nodded & the two girls made their way upstairs. Serena opened the door & walked in, putting the suitcase down.
"It's probably smaller than you're used to, but…" Serena started, but Mina interrupted her, eyes wide.
"No, I love it! I love small rooms. They're cozy." Mina giggled, looking around the small room with the bed covered with a blue cover, a dresser & a desk.
Picking up her suitcases, Mina began to unpack. Serena walked over to help when the phone rang. They continued to unpack when Sammy shouted up. "Meatball head, it's for you!"
"Excuse me." Serena said, walking out. She walked downstairs & smacked Sammy in the back of the head. "Don't be stupid, idiot." She groaned as she put the phone to her ear. "Hello?"
"Jeez, I thought I was the only one allowed to call you meatball head." a familiar voice laughed.
Serena felt her heart lurch. "Darien?" she squeaked out, cringing at the tone of her voice.
"Yeah. I was just wondering if you want to do something tonight?" he asked.
"Sure, but what do you want to do? And how'd you get my number?" she asked, trying to divert the attention to another topic.
"Andrew gave it to me & it's a surprise."
Serena felt all her blood rush to her face. "Um, sure. What time are you picking me up? Or are we meeting somewhere?"
"I can pick you up. 8 fine?" he asked.
Serena nodded, then realized he couldn't see her nod. "That's fine. See you then."
"Bye." he hung up.
"Bye…" she whispered, hanging up.
"Who was that?" Sammy's annoying voice rang out.
"None of your beeswax, brat." Serena shot back as she ran up the stairs to Mina's room. She reached the door, but heard voices. Stopping, Serena leaned in.
"I'm at her house." Pause. "For about a week." Another pause. "OK, I'll come over after dinner. Bye." She hung up as Serena walked in.
Mina, startled, jumped up. "Serena! Who was on the phone?" she asked.
"Darien." Serena simply said, laying on the bed. If she had looked up, she would have seen Mina's reaction, shock turning to rolling her eyes.
"So, who's this Darien?" she asked, sitting down.
"He's a guy I meet a couple days ago. He's the best friend to my other friend, Andrew. He actually works on the arcade." Serena said.
Mina nodded. "Blond hair, blackish-brown eyes?"
Serena nodded. "That's him. Anyways, so Darien gave me a ride to school today. And I guess we're hanging out after dinner."
Mina grinned. "Like a date?"
Serena blushed & sat up. "No, most likely just friends."
"Friends who hang out at night on a school night?" Mina teased the poor blushing girl.
"Yeah." Then she gasped. "Oh no! I am totally ditching you. I am so sorry." Serena bowed, feeling horrible.
Mina waved her hand. "Don't worry. I have to go somewhere at 8 anyways. So it's fine."
"Really?" Serena looked up as Mina nodded.
"Yeah, so you can have fun on your date…" Mina giggled as Serena's face changed to red.
"It's not a date." she murmured. Luckily for Serena, they heard Ikuko yell for them that it was dinner. Standing up quickly, Serena turned to Mina. "Come on, my mom's cooking is great." She began to walk downstairs as Mina laughed quietly at her.
"Serena, you are so easy to read." She stood up & followed the girl.
Reaching the kitchen, they heard Sammy finish something he was telling his dad. "…& it was a boy." He elongated the last word & Serena inwardly cringed.
They walked in & Serena wouldn't make eye contract with her father. She motioned to the chair next to her. "Mina, you can sit here."
Mina nodded & sat down. Serena sat down next to her & Ikuko brought out the dinner; chicken with mashed potatoes.
"Mmmm, momma. This looks good." Serena greeted as she scooped potatoes on her plate.
"Serena Tsukino! Let our guest fill her plate first!" Ikuko scolded her daughter.
Serena put the spoon down & moved it in front of Mina. "Sorry, go ahead."
"It's fine. I don't really mind." Mina started, feeling bad for Serena.
"Don't be silly, dear. You're the guest, so eat." Ikuko pushed.
Serena whispered to her. "You better do it or we'll never eat." She avoided her mother's glare & smiled.
Mina smiled. "Thank you." She began to scoop mashed potatoes on her plate & grabbed two pieces of chicken.
Soon, everyone was served & eating. "So, Mina…" Serena's father started. "Why are you staying with us? Ow!" he exclaimed as Ikuko hit him with a spoon.
Mina smiled. "It's fine. My parents are on vacation for a month, so I've been staying in the house. Serena found out & invited me here. But I'll only be here for a week."
Ikuko beamed at her child. "That's my Serena. She may act dumb, but she has a heart of gold."
"Act isn't the word." Sammy mumbled under his breath.
Serena glared at him & kicked him under that table. "Ow!" he exclaimed, rubbing his shin. He glared at Serena, who went back to eating her chicken.
Mina smiled at the family, then went back to eating. Another silent moment, then Kenji broke it again. "Serena, who was the boy who called you?"
Serena shot Sammy a look of death, but he pretended not to see it. Sighing, Serena started. "Papa, before you say anything, it isn't a date. We're going out as friends."
"OK. When are you going out?" he asked, trying to act nonchalant.
"Tonight." Serena answered, pouring gravy on her potatoes.
"But it's a school night." Kenji protested.
"He said we'll be back before ten." Serena fibbed.
"So, what's his name?"
"Dear! Stop pestering the poor girl!" Ikuko scolded her husband.
"It's fine, Momma. It's just Darien." Serena said, trying to act as nonchalant as possible. But her father didn't see it that way.
"That 18-year old ruffian?" he exclaimed, dropping his fork. "You are not going out with him." he said firmly.
Serena's eyes widened. "Papa, he 's really nice & cool. Please let me." She begged.
"No. He's 18 & that's final." he said, going back to eating. But Serena wasn't going to let it drop.
"Papa! He's not a ruffian. He's really gentleman-like. He took me home when it began to rain that one day." She reminded him.
"It doesn't matter. No daughter of mine is going out with him." Kenji said, not making eye contact.
Serena opened her mouth, but Ikuko shook her head. Pouting, Serena went back to eating. Mina felt bad for her, so she decided to speak up as well.
"Not to be rude or anything, Mr. Tsukino, but Darien is nice. He's never taken advantage of anyone in his life. He would help a bird on the road if it was hurt." Mina tried to butter him up.
"He may be fine for you, but not for my daughter." Kenji said, not looking up.
"Dear, both the girls say he's fine. Just let her go. She'll sneak out if you don't, anyways." Ikuko added.
Groaning, Kenji put down his fork. "Fine, since you're all ganging up on me. You can go, Serena. But I want to talk to him when he gets here."
Serena widened her eyes & jumped up. "Thank you, papa!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.
Both Mina & Ikuko smiled. "Well, you might as well go get ready." Ikuko smiled at her daughter.
"Momma, it's not a date. We're just hanging out" Serena protested, but she saw her mother's face. "Momma…" she started & hugged her.
Serena turned to Mina. "You wanna help?" she asked.
Mina nodded. "Sure. I love makeovers." She got a sparkle in her eye that made Serena back up slowly.
"Um, Mina. Remember, this is only hanging out. Nothing too biiiggg…." She was cut off as Mina pulled her upstairs.
The family watched as Ikuko got up to clear the table. "She's growing up so fast. Next thing we know, boys will be pounding on the door to talk to her."
Kenji's face reddened. "Dear…" he started, voice strained.
Laughing, Ikuko bent down to kiss on the cheek. "Calm down, sweetie. I was just kidding." She walked into the kitchen as Kenji stood up.
"Women…" he started & dodged a towel thrown from the kitchen
Meanwhile, upstairs in Mina's room, Serena is helplessly trying on outfit after outfit. She came out in a skirt & a tank top. "Mina, this is the 10th outfit I've tried on." Serena whined. "Can't I just wear jeans & a t-shirt?"
Mina shook her head furiously. "No way! You want to impress him, but not scare him." She brightened up. "I have the perfect outfit!" She exclaimed, digging through her drawers.
Serena sat on the bed, dodging flying clothes. "Got it!" Mina came out with jeans & a white peasant shirt.
"Wear these with cowboy boots & a cowboy hat, & you'll be ready." She handed Serena the clothes.
"Do I have to wear the hat?" Serena asked, changing.
"Yes, the outfit isn't complete without it." Mina told her as she sat on the bed, waiting.
Serena came out & blushed when Mina whistled. "Don't do that." she said as she walked to look at herself in the mirror.
"I guess it is cute…" Serena murmured, turning around in it.
"Of course it is. Now the hair." Mina grabbed Serena & brought her down on the bed.
"What's wrong with my hair? I like it." Serena tried to stop her as she unraveled her hair.
"Yes, but you need a braid for the cowgirl look." Mina began braiding the long hair as Serena taped her foot.
10 minutes later, Mina stepped back. "Ta da!" She waved her arms in a flurry. Serena looked at herself in the mirror. "It's different all right." she said as she felt the braid go down to her butt.
"Now makeup." Mina said, dragging her to the vanity. Mina looked at the clock. "Oh no! It's 7:45! You have 15 minutes. We have to work fast." She began to work.
5 minutes later, Mina stepped back again. "You are almost ready." She grabbed the hat & the boots. "Here."
Serena put the boots on, then the hat. She looked at herself. "I feel a little silly." she admitted, but Mina shook her head.
"You look great." The doorbell rang & the girls jumped up.
"I gotta go before my papa…" She ran out, but groaned as she saw her father open the door to reveal Darien.
"…answers the door." She finished weakly as Mina walked out. Mina grinned. "Come on, lets go." She grabbed Serena & pulled her downstairs.
"…be home by 10." Kenji was finishing up when the girls walked over to them. Serena blushed when Darien stared at her.
She walked over to her father & kissed him on the cheek. "I'll be home by 10." she promised.
"Sorry, Darien this is Mina. She's staying with us for a while. Mina, this is Darien, my friend." She emphasized the word 'friend.'
Holding in a giggle, Mina stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."
Darien shook it, smiling. "You too."
"Mina, do you need a ride?" Serena asked as Mina shook her head.
"It's fine. It's really close." She smiled at Serena. "I'll see you later. Bye Mr. Tsukino. It was nice meeting you Darien. Don't keep her out too late." She winked & walked out, knowing that Serena was blushing deep red.
Darien turned to Serena. "Shall we go?" he asked.
She nodded. "Bye papa." She waved as she followed Darien out. Kenji watched as Serena got into the red sports car & cringed when the engine started.
They backed out & drove out of sight. Ikuko walked up behind her husband & kissed him on the cheek. "She'll be fine."
"I know, I know. But it's my job to worry." Kenji smiled as he shut the door.
Meanwhile, the couple drove in silence as Serena recalled what she did that morning. Blushing, she turned to look out the window, in an attempt to hide her face.
"So, what's up, meatball head? Though I can't call you that tonight." Darien finally broke the silence.
Still not looking at him, Serena answered. "Oh the hair. It was Mina's idea." She brightened up. "Hey guess what?"
"What?"
"Your friend, Jay, is my new student teacher."
The car swerved & Serena lurched forward as Darien slammed on the brakes. Rubbing the back of her neck, she turned to ask what was wrong, but she stopped seeing his face.
"That bastard…" she heard him murmur in an angry tone. "Playing dirty. He won't get away with this." He slammed the horn, startling Serena.
Taking a deep breath, Serena reached out to cover his hand with hers. "What's wrong, Darien? Do you not like Jay?" Then realizing what she was doing, swiftly took her hand away, blushing like mad.
She heard him sigh. "No, I'm fine. Just a little anger management technique. Don't worry." He started the car again & once again, they drove in silence, but this time Serena was focused on Darien.
'He's a confusing guy. One minute he's happy go lucky, the next he's pist off.' she thought, letting out a sigh, then slapping a hand over her mouth.
"What's up?" he asked, eyes on the road but glancing at the girl. Serena turned to him & sighed again. "It's nothing. Just thinking. And don't you dare even start on me about that!" she stopped him before he opened his mouth.
"Whatever do you mean, meatball head?" he asked in an innocent tone.
"You know exactly what I mean. I don't want to hear this is such a rare occasion or where's my camera when I need it?" Serena mocked him.
"I would never think about doing that." he teased her.
"Idiot." She murmured as she stared out the window again.
They drove for another 10 minutes until Darien pulled into an ice skating rink. Serena's mouth fell open. "Um, I didn't know you ice skated…" she weakly said, getting out.
Darien got out & pushed the lock button. "I haven't been in a while."
Serena nodded & they walked in together. They rented the skates & Serena had hers on. Standing up, she looked behind her & barely held her laughter at what she saw.
Darien seemed to be having trouble tying his skates. Smiling, she walked over & bent down. "It's kind of confusing." she said as she tied them fast.
Darien watched as she tied his skates, wanting to reach out to touch her hair. But she looked up before he could. She stared at him with her blue eyes & smiled her trademark smile. "Ready?" she asked.
Darien nodded, mutely. He tried to stand up, but stumbled. He tried to keep his cool & not let Serena see. But when he felt a hand on his arm, he lost his balance.
The couple fell, Darien landing on top of Serena, both with bright red faces. Serena coughed. "Um, you OK?" she asked weakly.
Darien nodded. "Sorry about that." He got up & helped her up. Standing up, Serena laughed nervously. "Well, you sure you've been ice skating?" she asked.
Darien nodded. "Yeah, but the last time was when I was 8. So I don't remember much. I've always wanted to take lessons, but I've been too busy."
"Then why you'd come here?" Serena asked as she helped Darien to the ice.
"I heard from a reliable source that you love to ice skate." he simply said, smiling as the girl blushed.
"Um, & who's this reliable source?" she asked, voice cracking.
"Andrew."
Serena nodded. "Well, I can teach you the basics." She stepped on the ice & pulled him on.
"OK, first you need to learn how to stand on the ice. Feet apart, but evenly distributed weight." she instructed, demonstrating.
Darien nodded as he copied her. He smiled when she smiled at him. "Good. Now we'll start moving."
Darien must have had a shocked look on his face because Serena giggled. "Don't worry. We'll start slow." She grabbed both of his hands & slowly began to skate backwards, guiding the man.
"Good, pretend that you're kicking the ice." she instructed, nodding as Darien began to get the hang of it.
She smiled. "You're doing great! Now I'm going to let go, OK?" He nodded & Serena slowly let go. "Just keep kicking."
She watched as he kept going & smiled. "Great! You got it!"
He turned to smile, but lost balance & fell onto the ice! Gasping, Serena skated over. "You OK?" she asked, bending down.
"Nothing's hurt except my pride." he murmured, getting up.
Serena smiled as she helped him up. "Hey, even I fall."
"I think I'm going to sit the next one out." Darien skated over to the exit. Serena smiled, watching him go. 'He's really nice.' she thought as she began to skate fast, doing double axles & triple lutzes.
Darien watched her, her hair flying behind her under the hat & smiled. 'She's good…' he thought.
"Damn, look at the girl go! I'd like a taste of that!" a voice whistled next to Darien.
Darien cringed & turned. "I hope you're not referring to the blond braided girl out there."
The guy nodded, grinning a vulgar smile. "Yeah, & she looks good enough to eat." he laughed a vulgar laugh. But stopped when Darien punched him in the nose!
The guy fell backwards, holding his nose. "Shit, dude! What was that!" he exclaimed.
"Keep your eyes away from her, got it?" Darien glared at him, hands curled up in fists.
The dude nodded as he jumped up & ran away. Darien watched him go & relaxed a little. Ignoring the people's looks, he turned back to see Serena do a layback spin.
Serena was having the time of her life. She loved to ice skate & was told she was pretty good. Concentrating, she did a backward crossover. When she finished, she saw something coming at her.
Stopping, her mouth fell open when she realized it was Darien, skating at her, fast, a worried look on his face. "I thought he couldn't skate…!" she exclaimed as Darien pushed her out of the way.
Good thing too, because where Serena was standing, the ice cracked in a perfect circle! Sliding down the ice, Serena's mouth fell open even farther. "What just happened?" she asked, shocked.
Darien stood up & grabbed her hand. "We gotta go!" He began to pull her as he skated fast. Serena could hardly keep up. She couldn't believe he could skate this fast. He couldn't even tie his ice skates a minute ago.
They skated out the exit & Darien pulled her to the ground. Shushing her, he watched as the whole ice rink caved in!
People screamed as they fell into the cold ice, but suddenly they saw five blurs jump in & grab two people each.
Landing outside the rink, the blurs put the people down & turned. Serena gasped. It was the Sailor Soldiers!
"Come out, Jadeite!" Sailor Fire shouted.
A black hole & the same blond man from before appeared, a grimace on his face. "You are getting on my nerves, sailor brats!" he exclaimed.
Sailor Thunder smirked. "That's what we're here for."
"Well, I'll take care of you right now!" He created an energy ball & threw it at the girls. They dodged it, but at the last minute Sailor Ice shouted. "The people!"
The energy ball was flying towards the people. It seemed that there was no way to stop it when a rose flew out of no where & destroyed the ball!
Serena's eyes widened even more when Tuxedo Mask came onto the scene, making one of his corny speeches. "I can't believe it's really them! Darien…" she looked up, but was shocked to see no one was there!
"Darien!" she whispered. "Where'd he go?" she thought out loud. But turned her attention back to the battle.
Jadeite was smirking at the five people & created another energy blast, throwing it at the people. They knew they had to protect the people, so they took the shot!
Serena gasped as she saw the four Sailors fall to their knees, weakened. Her eyes began to tear up as TM began fighting Jadeite, but it seemed futile.
She shut her eyes, tears coming out, feeling their pain as if it was hers also. "I want to help, but what can I do?" she cried, trying to stop the tears.
She clutched onto her jeans, tears falling onto the floor. The tears began to glow, as did Serena. Her hair floated upwards, coming out of its braid. She began to let go of her jeans, feeling oddly calm.
Her glowing tears floated to the fallen girls. As it hit each one, the girls noticed four new transformation wands. Nodding, the girls stood up, glowing.
Jadeite gasped as the girls shouted. "Ice Star Power!" "Fire Star Power!" "Thunder Star Power!" "Love Star Power!"
Serena opened her eyes, her blue eyes holding a type of sadness that can not be explained. She watched, hair still floating, as the girls transformed onto another level.
When they came out, they looked the same, but a certain aura surrounded them all; blue around Ice, red around Fire, green around Thunder & orange around Love.
Jadeite glared at them. "So you gained a little more power! So what? I can still destroy you!" He created an energy ball.
But he wasn't able to throw it because a bright light came flying at him. Barely dodging it, he was caught off guard.
The sailors saw this as a moment to attack. Fire nodded & stepped forward. She held an ofuda & muttered some words. She then spun around & held her fingers together while a ball of fire formed. The ball of fire continued to grow & she sent it out towards Jadeite.
As the fireball headed towards Jadeite it changed into a firebird & attacked. Jadeite wasn't able to dodge this one. It hit head on & smoke covered the rink.
Coughing, the girls squinted to see. Finally, the smoke cleared, but there was no Jadeite in sight.
"Maybe we destroyed him?" Love asked, anxiously.
But Fire shook her head. "He won't be beat that easily."
"She's awakening." Tuxedo Mask said as he walked up to the girls. They stared at him, but Fire nodded.
"Yes, she is. The Dark Kingdom will find out soon. We have to tell her soon." But no one wanted to tell the person the truth.
Turning, Love smirked at TM. "Don't you have somewhere to be?" she teased. The others watched as TM blushed behind his mask.
"Shut up, Love." he mumbled as he jumped up over the rink.
Love giggled. "He's so easy to read." she said, then turned to the girls. "I think we should go before people begin to wake up."
Thunder nodded. "Lets go." The four of them jumped over the rink as well.
Okay, weird stopping point. But I am getting kicked off the computer right now, so I gotta go. Sorry. Please RR