* 2021-12-16

My stories are PG18+++ as they deal with mature subjects, graphic violence, coarse language, sexual situations and may cause triggers for reader as the characters deal with past emotional, physical or mental traumas. If you're still reading, guess it's ok.

Late Night Escape

Chapter 4

For the fifth night in a row, Serena found herself tossing and turning in her bed. Feeling hot and bothered. Thanks to what happened Saturday at the club. Explicit, hunting images flashed through her mind as soon as she closed her eyes. And if they weren't bombarding her, memories of his Royal Highness, the Prick of Assholeness himself, Mr. Perfect Darien Shield assaulted her repeatedly. His strong hold, exploratory capable hands, towering height, wide shoulders, rock hard abs, even his ample bulging manhood hunted her body as it recalled vividly every detail.

Exasperated, she released a frustrated growl turned yelp as her covers flew in her dash to the window in the darkness. The refreshing summer breeze was exactly what her body needed to cool down. Knowing sleep wouldn't come easy, Serena sat on the edge of her windowsill, her leg swinging over the edge, the other folded so she could rest her head on her knee.

Ever so slowly, her torment dispersed as the full moon broke through the passing clouds and bathed her body in its glow. It was funny how nothing comforted her as much as being under the moon. Probably because her power was drawn from it. There was nothing quite like its serene stillness and ever-changing faces. If only its beauty could ease her racing heart and still her confused mind.

She didn't want, nor need, and even less welcomed the distraction that Darien was proving to be. Or the uncertainty that arose and stupid old longings she tried to bury…

When she had been younger, all she had wanted was to find the love of her life, get married and become a stay-at-home mom. Like her own mother. It had been such an innocent, naïve dream. But that felt like a century ago, much longer than the four years she had been a Senshi.

Things had certainly changed since then.

If she could have allowed herself the distraction, Darien would have been a welcomed diversion. Honestly, there was no denying the sizzling attraction underlining their squabbles and spats. Mina had teased her enough times about it for her to realize it.

Worst of all was that no matter what others thought, no matter how badly they fought, she could never come to hate the guy. His heart had always been in the right place, even when his words and ego weren't. He was beyond committed to becoming a doctor after what happened to him as a kid. No matter how shitty his day had been or how busy he was, if there was someone in need, he'd be the first to help out. Against her better judgment, her curiosity and unwanted attraction had grown with years.

But not a week had passed without her wondering why she was the only one who felt the brunt of his teasing.

None of that mattered anymore. Darien had suddenly seen her other side; that's why he suddenly wanted her. Even if she had seen his hidden heated looks. After Saturday, it was obvious he was only interested in her body. He just wanted into her pants like all the other jerks from the club. And after getting to know him over the past years, the disappointment cut down deep. Almost felt close to betrayal.

Because it wasn't love… He hadn't fallen for her klutzy bubbly personality when she was younger. And he certainly wasn't in love with her new confident Sailor self. Because he'd only gotten glimpses of her, as it needed to stay a secret.

The truth was, she couldn't let anyone see inside her heart. She couldn't allow anyone to share her burden.

Nobody ever would…

Maybe she was incapable of loving…

After all, her original crush on Andrew had vanished quickly with the appearance of Tuxedo Mask. Serena had mistaken the attention from the clerk for love. Someone who spoiled her while she had to protect the whole world. It turned out it was affection and gratefulness for an 'adoptive' big brother.

When Tuxedo Mask had swooped her up to save her then cradled her against his chest, his arm precariously close to her ass, the other close to her chest, it had been her first taste of physical attraction. To a fucking stranger… But who could blame her? Her rescuer was dashing, mysterious and slightly cocky. Not to mention, supportive and beyond helpful. All any girl could ask for. For fuck's sake, he was Tuxedo Mask. Until she realized he represented a fantasy.

The masked hero had never made a move to form a bond with the real girl behind the glamour. They hadn't interacted much anyways, as the attacks were spaced out sometimes weeks or months apart. As she matured, her crush and admiration for her savior made her feel foolish. Yes, foolish. He was older. He was composed. He had seen her at the very beginning as she'd face planted, wailed, and cried. How could she ever try to capture the heart of a man that had seen her at her worst?

Which was ironic, because it was the same thing with Darien. He had watched, then mocked her clumsiness and childishness. But that is where the comparison would end. Tuxedo Mask was calm, caring, confident. Darien was egocentric, obnoxious and derogative. And yet, both were sexy as sin in their own way.

But… Because there was nothing but buts in her life it seemed. She would take neither as a lover.

'Yes, lover.' Sighing out loud, Serena pulled the other knee closely to her bosom and wrapped her arms comfortingly around them. 'No matter how lonely I feel.'

The loneliness made her long to share her heart with someone. But her role as Sailor Moon turned that longing into an impossibility. If she got attached, if someone got close to her, two things would occur. One, that person could obviously get hurt or killed by her enemies. Two… That person could be used as leverage against her. Either way. She couldn't get attached. Already she had to worry about her family and friends.

She really didn't need the extra complications. Something in her just screamed that she couldn't handle losing the one she loved. Again. As weird as the feeling was, it hunted her until she pushed away all the guys who she might have been attracted to.

Again… That thought, that feeling hunted her.

That's how the whole idea of finding a lover started. Someone to pass the time with, that would form no attachment, that could satisfy her body's, and stupid hormones, growing needs. She wasn't a child anymore. Serena wanted to know what it felt like to be made love to. Ok. That was her naivety trying to surface.

Was it so bad for her to experience sex, the good, blow you mind kind, before something happened to her? Dying a virgin would suck! In epical proportions! Especially if Mina's steamy romances and erotica novels were even remotely close to the truth. She wanted to feel that all consuming physical attraction, feel that breathlessness and aching, then satisfied to the point of not being able to walk. What!? A girl could dream.

Yet her heart was filled with uncertainty. Serena wasn't sure if she was ready to lose her innocence. Only a couple years ago, she had promised to wait to have sex till she was married. But things weren't so black and white anymore. Her future was uncertain… Blue eyes shut tight, teeth grinding, head hung in exasperation on her knee. 'Could I really go trough with it?'

You'd think after four years of life and death situations, the experience would clear the issues in her head. Guess all girls had to go through the indecisions, hesitations and hormone induced humor rollercoaster rides… And to think that was because all women's cycles were influenced by the moon's ever-changing cycle.

'Thanks Goddess Selene, you're a pal,' added Serena with contempt and sarcasm.

Lita yanked Serena back into the changing room as all their classmates headed for the next period.

"Rena, get a hold of yourself!?" Green apprehensive eyes pleaded her blue ones. "If you stop going to the arcade suddenly, we're gonna get caught. And then it's bye bye sweet escape!"

"I know Lita. Fuck." Serena leaned back against the lockers, letting her head slam back hard against the metal. "I just… How am I suppose to face Darien?"

"Like you did with Albert. Like it never happened." Lita rested her hands supportively on her friend's shoulder, trying to boost her lower than usual cheeriness. "Darien promised to keep your secret. If he was going to spill, everyone would know by now."

Lita made sense. Always looking at the practical side of things. The calm in the storm. Well, the fighter could be when it was needed. Lita, herself, well… She had her crazy side. But that's what happened when you had the strength of ten and adrenaline constantly coursing through your veins. Not to mention being hit with lightning continuously? Who'd be sane after that?

Against her will, the memory of her reggae dance with Darien taunted her. For the billion time. Dropping her head, hoping her bangs would hide her beet red blush, the blond pigtailed girl asked Lita what she dreaded most.

"How can I act normal after our dance? Lita! I… We practic… It was almost as if we made out!" After weeks of hanging out at the Devil's Playground, Serena shouldn't have felt nervous or embarrassed. But it had been a first for her; she was far too conscious of the memories and implications. Even dancing wantonly at a club didn't change the fact that she had zero guy experience. Well, except insulting them… Did that count?

Lita bear hugged her as new students came into the changing rooms. "Easy! Remember? It's payback for teasing you. By being indifferent, you're going to destroy his male ego!" she whispered with an evil twinkle in her eye.

Reigniting her fighting spirit, Serena nodded, forming revenge plans as she regained her spirit and bounciness. As the bubbly blond skipped out of the room, Lita didn't bother to hide her knowing grin.

"Final exams on top of waiting for College acceptances! Seriously, how can we focus on the upcoming vacation with all this pressure! It's barbaric I tell you!" Serena was on her typical rant to her four friends.

"Serena, you need to be serious about this. Concentrate on which study groups you need to attend to pass everything!" Amy massaged her temples and shook her head in exasperation.

"Please, as if Meatball ever takes anything seriously?" Rei drawled haughtily with a roll of her eyes.

After a week of high stress, Serena didn't want to listen to her friends. 'Right, friends…' She didn't have the patience for it tonight, even they were right. It was Friday and they were supposed to be relaxing at the Crown Arcade. She just wanted to act as if everything was normal. Even if but for one evening.

Because things would never be quite the same after that summer. 'Is it SO wrong for me to indulge in a little immaturity?'

"Guys, give it a break. Rena is just trying to lighten the mood." Lita growled low at Rei when Serena approached the counter to talk to Andrew.

"I know… I'm just worried about her Lita." Rei's face crumpled, and Amy nodded.

"All of us have basically chosen what to do, but what about Serena?" Amy glanced worriedly back at the bubbly blond. "You're going to culinary school, Rei's going to take over the temple, Mina has her acting-modeling career and I'm heading to med school. But all Serena has ever dreamed of seriously was being a bride."

"Amy, why is that so bad exactly!?" Mina frowned in anger and disbelieve. "We all want to fall in love deep down! Not all women are driven by careers; some are driven by their nurturing natures!"

"Mina, chill! That's not what Amy meant…" Rei's burst out then whispered. "It's just with us being Scouts, Serena is not going to settle and have babies. All of us have found something other to keep us going, to concentrate on other than our mission. Serena doesn't get that break. Luna and Artemis have seen to this."

"It's true, they've been the hardest on her because she is the most caring, kind and unselfish one out of all of us. And they know that she'll do what is expect of her. Even putting aside her own dreams." Lita groaned and let her head fall on the table.

"It's just painful to watch her now. I know she's putting up a brave face." Amy's eyes slid to her leader with hope. "I just want her to find some happiness… I miss her bubbly carefree self."

Apprehension was not a good look on him. He didn't do anxiety. He was his own man. He owned his shit. Had it together. Darien got through being orphaned and amnesiac at 6. Lived through being bumped from home to home. Fought off a bunch of greedy vultures who wanted a chunk of his trust fund. Survived the attempts on his life. No. He had dealt, survived and made something out of his life.

He hadn't crumpled under the discovery he was Tuxedo Mask entrusted with two impossible missions. One, aid and protect Sailor Moon from constant danger, which had forced him real fast to learn how to fight and stay calm in life/death situations. Two, to keep his sanity as he tried to find the jewels to liberating a Princess who had hunted his dreams since that faithful accident.

And if his life wasn't screwed up enough, he continued to work on his dream to become a doctor. Why? Because if it hadn't been for the doctors and specialists who had dedicated months to his recuperation after that fatal car accident, he wouldn't be here today.

So, having the girl he loved and desired blow him off and avoid him like a plague. It should have been small fries.

More importantly, it should have been a big fucking clue! That, hey man, give it up! Move on! Get over it!

And he had, he really did, try. On several occasion. Because, seriously, what respectable, self-made man kept pinning for a kid. At least that's what he told himself at 20. He had so many gorgeous, attractive and intelligent women fan over him. Especially when he got into medical school.

But his attempts to get distracted and move on had been futile. None of them held his interest for long. Simply because when compared to the girl he spent his off hours tormenting, they paled in her light.

No one was like Serena.

Yes, she was klutzy. Yes, she was childish. Yes, she could be quite immature.

But she was everything that he hadn't known in his life since that time in the hospital. Serena was a living, breathing sunshine. Kind, thoughtful, compassionate, selfless, helpful, devoted… Amongst other things. What she felt for others was genuine. She wouldn't have managed to become friends with the most impossible or improbable of people. She wouldn't have forgiven him, time and again, when he took out his frustration on her. Even if she was the last person to deserve it.

How many times had he watched her sooth someone, hug them, comfort them only to resent it. As pathetic and weak as it might make him look, he wanted that for himself. Just for one person to be on his side, to look after him, to support him.

Darien wanted that friendship, that compassion, that affection…Simply because though he could get along with everyone, and charm just about anyone, he kept people at arms length. Never really let them inside. Trust issues abounding. How could he trust anyone with everything he went through? Everything he had going on the side.

And yet, Serena had a way that made you want to let her in. Because you knew she wouldn't judge you. Wouldn't expect you to give more than you were capable of. Would care for you unconditionally and stand by you through the worst of it.

Still, he had tried to focus his attention on someone else. For example, his distraction with Sailor Moon. As he'd met her not long after Serena and as they both had similar failings, he had taken a fondness to her. But where the Moon Senshi was confident, focused and determined, Serena was easy-going, idealistic and whimsical.

The only thing the two had going was their klutz attacks… And their penchant for freaking short skirts that should have come with medical warnings: will cause multiple heart failures, inappropriate situation boners or plain mental undoing! He had lost count the number of times he'd been flashed the heroine's ass. Yea, he might be a gentleman, but he was still a man. Sue him. He had enjoyed the view because what else could he do.

No matter how attractive he had found Sailor Moon, Darien never pursed the heroine because deep down, it had felt wrong. To both Serena and the Scout he fought along side with.

The Princess wasn't an option as he'd realized as a kid. The beautiful manifestation might hunt his dreams and have put him in this whole mess, but there was a chance she wasn't real. Just a figment of his imagination as a result of the trauma from the car accident. He had woken amnesiac, in a foreign country, orphaned. It had taken 12 years for him to uncover the truth on his family. Having a fantasy to ease the pain and loneliness was a coping mechanism according to his psychology classes. But how could that explain his sudden transformation into Tuxedo Mask and fighting the Negaverse?

So no, that diversions hadn't worked. Nor had the school studies or extra work shifts. Even focusing on the mission hadn't made a dent in his obsession with the girl.

Darien knew it wasn't healthy. Knew it wasn't normal. Taken enough psychological classes to figure it out. Nothing in those classes had helped him move on.

Almost four years later, and he was still as driven as that first day they encountered to find her. To see her. To spend time with her. To be near her.

The only consolation in this whole fiasco was that he put her well being first. Never upgraded his behavior to that of stalker. Waited for her to grow up and be ready for a relationship. No matter how the wait had killed him. Not knowing sometimes what was happening to her. Not being able to go help and watch from afar as she got hurt from her klutz attacks. He hadn't trusted himself to touch her. To get close. To become her friends because then the line could have so easily been crossed.

No, he'd waited. It was the only thing he could offer her as retribution for his teasing and taunting. And lack of self-control. Lack of being a better man…

Thus, it was no wonder, that apprehension was now his newest buddy and companion. The thing he was waiting for had happened. Serena had matured into a woman. That innocence she hid behind, that he cherished, had been another reason he had bid his time. He cared too much for her to taint that. There was nothing more Darien wanted then to protect her from the ugliness of the world.

Only to find her in one of the raunchiest, most questionable clubs in the city…

'WHAT THE FUCK!?'

Mind fuck number two thousand who cares or knows. Just when you think you know someone. They pull the rug right under you. Let you fall. Make sure you bang your head and question everything you thought you knew about life.

Just when Darien thought he had things figured out, the impossible happened.

He'd found his sweet obsession dancing provocatively in a golden cage. Then teased him. Handed his ass on a platter. And ditched.

Nothing made sense. How did Serena end up at a club in the first place? What happened to cause a 180-personality flip?

So many questions, unanswered guesses, thousands of theories… And not one answer. Because Meatball Head had ghosted him. Avoided colliding into him. Kept away from the arcade… Showing up at her doorstep was not an option. The girls went everywhere with her.

For five days, his growing anxiety grew from worry and interest to frustration. Frustration that he hadn't ever formed a friendship with her. Frustration that he'd never been close enough to get her phone number so they could talk things through. Frustration that he hadn't shown her all he thought and felt before Saturday's encounter. Frustration at the way things ended at the club. Not that he'd lost. But that he'd been engrossed to the point that he'd failed to think through on how to properly approach the situation.

Resulting in his little bunny avoiding him like he was some big bad wolf. Five days of not seeing her smile. Five days of not hearing her laugh. Five days of not teasing her, watching her snap and become a breathless mess.

Doctor's diagnostic: Darien was an addict. Serena his choice of drug.

Like any hopeless addict, the rush, the relief, the euphoria rushed his veins as the sliding doors opened to the arcade and he got his first hit in almost a week of Serena.

Darien wouldn't, couldn't let her escape this time. Because he was pathetically desperate to finally bridge all that stood between them. What he'd put there. What he'd convinced himself of doing to protect her innocence.

Serena sensed him come in, like a siren that alerted him to her. With great effort, the young blond tried to steady her breath while repeating: 'Payback. Payback! PAYBACK! Payback… Right?' Her mantra was failing her.

How could she not feel nervous? He was the epitome of pure perfect masculinity. His soft ebony hair, the midnight blue eyes, those rippling muscles. Even his arrogant confidence reminded her of exactly what had happened on Saturday. The feel of his arms around her, the trails of his lips, the intensity of his pull.

"Hey Meatball Head!" Darien spoke loudly just behind her. He watched her jump slightly but otherwise ignore him. Deciding to act indifferently, he sat next to her looking at his buddy. "Hey Andrew, how was your day?"

"Make a girl feel comfortable, will you!?" Serena glared in his direction. "You scream in my ear like a caveman without any remorse. What was it you had said last week about common sense of propriety?"

"I could think of several ways to make a girl feel comfortable," Darien murmured playfully into her ear wanting a reaction, any reaction to him.

"Well, the day was great until some frustrated kid spilled a coke on one of the games. It's good the insurance will cover it. Oh, did you get the result on that paper you did with Al?" Andrew answered completely oblivious to what happened.

Serena turned to look at her friends sitting in a back booth, hiding the blush that had appeared on her cheeks. 'Ignore what he said, just ignore Darien!' The girls seemed to be discussing something serious. Completely leaving her out.

She felt sort of betrayed. Disappointed. Would she ever be able to live up to all their expectations and show them she could be a great leader? So tired with all the drama from all sides, her spoon drew patterns in her ice cream as she drowned out the conversations around her. 'Maybe I just need to go on a little vacation this summer? Not too long, because I can't leave Tokyo defenseless… Maybe a weekend getaway? The beach? The mountains?'

"Andrew, can you get me a coffee and a burger please?" Darien had kept up his conversation easily with his friend, but his periphery vision had taken in the sullen look on Serena's face. Was she thinking of Saturday? He needed a minute alone with her to hash things out.

"Sure, I'll be right back." As Andrew turned to the back, Darien scooted over startling the girl beside him.

"I didn't tell anyone. Albert and Andrew both think it's one of your cousins. You'll need to come up with a name and tell Lita too." He spoke low, but his eyes roamed her body with new awareness. "I must say, I never really thought makeup and different clothes could make a girl look that naturally older. Until I saw you Saturday. It was really a shock."

"Darien, the subject is closed. And though I appreciate your silence, it doesn't change anything between us." Serena pushed herself away from the counter ready to leave the arcade. Wanting the insecurity, the apprehension gone. Wanting to go back to how things were. Before she got disappointed in him. But that didn't happen. Darien yanked her swiftly back on her stool and got even closer to her.

"It changes everything, my little bunny!" he practically growled into her face. His midnight eyes held a storm of emotions that froze her on her spot.

"Let go!" Serena snapped back, her anger burning through her veins. "I'm not, nor will I EVER be your little bunny, you pompous Jackass!"

She moved quickly out of his grasp using her Senshi strength and agility without thinking about it. Within seconds, she was in the safety of the evening outside the arcade. Her feet didn't stop moving as she beelined for the safety of her home. 'Payback, right? Trample his ego, right?! … You're hopeless Serena!'

Rough arms grabbed her, yanking her against a building in the entrance of an alley. About to knee the buffoon and take out her frustration on the stupid mugger, she stopped all movement. Darien was holding her, panting lightly, eyes cold and furious.

"Yes, you are! You have a month of freedom left. Then you're all mine."

"A month? Have you gone crazy, you stupid Jerk! What the hell? What makes you think I would want to be with you?"

"Serena, you'll be 18 in a month. And then I'll show you just how much I want you AND how much you want me!"

The girl's mouth flew opened for a couple of seconds, but then complete outrage overtook her. Serena couldn't believe she had almost considered him as a lover. She had hoped that maybe Darien had been different. A guy that would respect her, treat her as an equal, understand that she couldn't get attached but would at least bring some sort of comfort. No; he wanted a booty call on a deadline.

Her knee rose brutally and impacted into his unprepared abdomen. His arms fell from her sides as clutched his abs. Staggering back, he didn't see the fist aimed at his jaw before it impacted, leaving him with the tangy taste of his own blood.

"You asshole! Teasing and bullying me wasn't enough for you!? I never knew you could stoop so low. This is a new low even for you! I wouldn't sleep with you if you were the last man in the world."

With that, she turned on the stunned man, her proud shoulders high, walk confident, hair flowing behind her in the evening breeze.

'That was not how this was suppose to go,' groaned Darien. Why couldn't his mouth follow his brain's commands? Oh yeah, because he forgot how to act like a normal human being around her. Becoming nothing more than a mess of instinct and need. Fuck, fuck again!