A/N: This used to be called Bedside Manner but then as I kept writing I decided that it didn't fit the rest of the story…I do believe Defying Destiny is a much better title. I hope you enjoy!
Serena walked down the street fumbling to get a paper out of her bag when she bumped into a man walking down the street.
Well I'm only on number 3 today considering it is four o'clock I am not doing half bad she thought to herself.
"Funny running into each other Meatball Head, though considering the amount of people you run into everyday it may not be that big of a coincidence." Serena felt her anger boiling over, she had enough to deal with, without having to fight with Darien.
"Listen Darien, I'm really not in the mood, so why don't we say you win and I can get on with my way." Serena tried to push past him but Darien stopped him.
"Don't be so sensitive Serena. Where are you off to in such a rush anyway?" Darien asked, not letting Serena get through without knowing why she wasn't part-taking in their usual trading of insults.
She sighed, "If you must know I'm going to Tokyo General, I have a friend there." Darien's face turned to one of worry as he saw how upset Serena was getting.
"I'm sorry Serena, I didn't know, would you like some company? I promise I won't tease you, I'll just walk beside you in case you need someone to talk to." Serena looked up at Darien, while he wasn't her first choice for an escort, she would welcome the company. She nodded and Darien turned to walk beside her.
"He's an old friend of mine." Serena said softly. Darien gave a look of momentary surprise at Serena visiting another guy, and he began to wonder just how close she was to him. But then he stopped himself wondering what business was it of his how close she was to him. Still he wanted to prod her for more information but he didn't want to make her any more upset than she already was.
After a few moments thought Darien couldn't help his curiosity and told himself that it would be good for her to talk about the good times with her friend.
"Do you go to school together?" Darien asked. Serena shook her head, then noticing Darien wanted to hear more
"He doesn't come around very often." She said softly. She wanted to tell him more but it was a story he would never believe. Darien was puzzled by the fact that she wouldn't mention his name, perhaps he knew the guy, but then wouldn't he know if one of his friends was in the hospital.
"What happened to him?" Darien asked. Serena's eyes darkened, and Darien almost regretted asking the question.
"You heard about the attack last night right?" Darien nodded there had been reports of someone rampaging near the park.
"I was there, I wasn't paying attention, but he was and he made sure I was safe…but while he was protecting me it attacked him." Darien found himself being very grateful to man he had yet to meet.
"I am glad you are okay, and I am sure he will be fine too." Darien put his arms around Serena's shoulders and she smiled up at him.
"Thank you Darien, it is nice to know you can be good guy when I need you to be." They arrived at the hospital and Serena stopped at the door.
"Do you want me to come in with you?" Darien asked noticing the scared expression on Serena's face. She nodded.
"Hospitals always give me the creeps, and I don't know if I can handle him being hurt…because of me." Darien nodded and took her hand and led her into the hospital.
They approached the front desk and Darien looked toward Serena to ask about her friend. "Alex Tremain." Serena whispered giving the name Malachite had told her to give the night before to the paramedics. She had forced him to go even though he had not wanted to go to an Earth hospital.
"Yes he was admitted last night, second floor, down the hall to the right 3rd door on your left." The pair nodded and headed up the steps.
When the reached the room, Serena paled at seeing all the machines hooked up to Malachite and how pale he looked. She ran to his side and he turned toward her. Darien watched from the wall, not wanting to intrude.
"Hey Serena, are you ok?" Malachite asked weakly. Serena couldn't help but smile
"You're the one strapped to a bed, and you're asking if I'm okay?" She tried to laugh but tears started to fall.
"I'm so sorry Malachite, I should have been paying attention, it's my fault." Malachite tried to sit up but failed and instead handed her a tissue from the bedside table.
"Don't cry Princess, it was not your fault, you cannot protect everyone else all of the time, it was time someone protected you." Darien perked up at this wondering what the man was talking about. Malachite saw Darien move and looked to Serena for an explanation. She leaned in close and whispered in his ear.
"Endymion?" Malachite exclaimed incredulously, looked at Darien. Darien shuffled and looked down the hall, wondering if Serena's friend has lost his mind. But she leaned in again and whispered, and the man nodded. She turned toward Darien to introduce them.
"Darien, meet Alex my savior." Darien walked over and shook hands. As they touched Darien felt déjà vu and wondered once again if he knew this person from somewhere.
"Have the doctor's said anything yet?" Malachite shot Serena a look that clearly said Earth doctors don't know nearly as much as the doctors on the moon.
"I dunno something about a surgery, but he said I should be out in a week or two. You'll have to come visit me otherwise I might go crazy sitting alone in a bed all day." He laughed.
"Of course you saved my life it's the least I can do to come see you everyday." Serena smiled and pulled up a chair next to him. Darien seeing that Serena was obviously doing better quietly left the room and headed for home. Wondering once again what kind of relationship Serena had with this Alex.