Chapter 2: Phone Calls
"Lita, calm down. Amy has a good point. How do we know that what you is real and not a dream?" Raye interjected.
"Okay, well you know I am the goddess of love."
"Duh, and the sky is blue blondie"
"Let me finish Raye. So as I was saying, I am the reincarnation of the goddess of love so for a lack of better explanation I am a love expert. The reason I know that it was not a dream is because of the bonds I can see between people. For example, I can see a bond of sisterhood and friendship between all four of us. But between a couple like Serena and Darien, I can see a soul bond. It is like an unbreakable golden chain that runs from the heart of one person to the heart of another. The closer those two people are the brighter and thicker the chain looks."
"So you are saying you see these bonds all the time between people? How do you walk and not run into stuff?" Amy asked, always inquisitive, our lovely Sailor Mercury.
"Umm, she does run into stuff a lot now that you mention it." Lita murmured.
"Hey, Lita I thought you were on my side! Yes, I run into stuff, I am always in a hurry to get somewhere and forget to watch where I am going." Mina defended.
"In a hurry to get to a sales rack…" Raye rolled her eyes at her shopaholic friend.
"Yes that is true. But back on topic please or we will never finish talking about what I want to tell you. Yes I can see bonds but I can choose not to see them. If I am focusing, they become clear or rather apparent. Otherwise it is like Superman and his x ray vision, I can turn it off. I don't normally look for bonds for any of us because I know that we are all friends and as close as sisters could be. However, when I had my vision, I awoke and instantly saw a bond coming from my heart. It was thick enough to be in Japan and gold so I know it is a soul bond. If two people love each other but are not soul mates then the bond is silver. But I see a soul bond coming from each of us leading all in the same direction and each is gold. The last time I checked for a bond for any of us was before Darien went missing so this is new." Mina was panting after making her speech, trying to finish before she was interrupted again.
The diverse emotions the girls were feeling were clearly reflected in their shocked faces. Lita was also hopeful, but Raye was doubtful, and Amy was just Amy, full of questions. It was apparent that Mina had their attention enthralled upon her once more. She appreciated their focus but was wary of what was sure to follow.
Coming to her senses and reigning in her emotions, Amy shifted back into her normal frame of mind, analyzing each problem using logic. For in Amy's heart she felt nothing could not be solved logically, for if something lacked an answer without logic then it stood to reasoned there was no answer to be had. "If what you say is true then one of a few things must also be true. Either our soul mates just came into existence and we are all vastly over age for our counterparts. Or the bonds have always been there and it had been failed to be discovered until now. I cannot agree with the first for how can Fate give us a soul mate to have that person 17 years younger than ourselves. Therefore logic demands these people have already existed and we have as of yet take notice of these men."
Lita was bewitched by their conversation now and could not help but defend the possibility of a soul mate when she has longed for love for so long. Therefore she came into the conversation quickly to defend Mina. Being tall and a bit of a tomboy has never stopped Lita from being boy crazy. "Well I for one think this is awesome. I look forward to meeting that one special person I am meant to be with. Maybe Mina didn't see these bonds before because we were not ready yet so they only just now made their appearance. It's not like we had a lot of time on our hands with all the battles we have had."
Sighing, Mina resigned herself to disappointing the girls as she explained the soul bonds in greater depth knowing what sort of controversy she was going to unravel. "I agree it is awesome Lita, and I agree there must be a logical explanation Amy, but as of right now I don't have one. I know for a fact that regardless of whether someone is ready or not, I can see their soul bonds and know if a person is with their intended. For example. I knew Serena had a soul mate from the first moment I saw her. I could see it coming from her. But she and Darien were still fighting. Don't tell me you have already
forgotten the daily verbal sparring matches at the Crown? Need I remind you of the many times Andrew kicked them out for stirring up a scene. We have all won and lost many bets on Serena and Darien trying to decide who would win the next day's battle. And no one can forget the infamous day when Serena dumped a milkshake on Darien's head. So how could either of them have been 'ready' for their soul mate?
"Also, I have looked many times for my soul mate since I first became Sailor Venus and realized my super powers. I am the love goddess, where is my boyfriend and his undying affection. But I have not been successful. So whoever, and wherever they are, they did not exist. And no Amy, I have never seen a giant age gap between soul mates. No cradle robbing, thank you very much. I very much expect a drop-dead gorgeous soul mate with eyes that sparkle like diamonds and rock hard muscles. And I wouldn't say no to a cute butt." With a glazed look in her eyes, Mina stopped talking.
"Soooo, they didn't exist and now the do. What do we do about it? Follow the soul bond all over Japan until we find them?" Raye was definitely getting aggravated at this point. It didn't help that the snacks had run out and their meeting had lasted beyond the allotted hour.
"Ugh, we can't do anything. We can't follow the bonds. If they move around a lot, then we may never catch up. There is no telling where we would have to go to find them. Eventually I expect us to meet them. But the timing is not right. Maybe I will have more visions. Why don't you check the sacred fire Raye and then together we might find clues. In the mean time lets focus on Serena and then we can try to breath life into our love lives. I for one could use a distraction from all this school work." Mina finished. No one believed a distraction was all she was looking for. After seeing Serena and Darien
together for so long, the girls were all pining for their own prince charming.
"Well, I have too much going on right now to worry about boys. Between cram school and finals and researching premed programs along with filling out transcripts for several universities, my soul mate will have to wait. I am not ready for something so life changing when I still have my goals I want to accomplish." Amy was certainly the voice of reason as well as the one person sure to remind you of all the homework that was still due before school was out. Saving the world is not enough, teachers still expected their students to demonstrate on paper that they absorbed something through the school year.
How they expected the students to remember everything they studied was beyond Mina, Lita, Raye and
Serena but with Amy around anyone felt dumb. Well, maybe not Darien, he did finish high school 2 years early and was working on post-grad work at UT Tokyo. At Least Amy and Darien both enjoyed the pressures of school.
"Yes, momma Amy." The girls all chimed in response.
Giggling ensued all around their little circle as each girl fondly regarded the other for the sisters they couldn't live without.
Amy knew Raye, Lita, Mina nor Serena would ever endeavor to pursue academics with the same passion or devotion she did, but what was similarly unequaled was the love and loyalty the girls had for one another.
Standing, Mina stuck her hips out and put her hands on her waist giving all the girls her famous wink and flashed her Sailor V. "Well to regain the floor, I propose we conclude that Amy will talk to her mom so that Mrs. Mizuno can call Mrs. Tsukino with the details to ensure that Serena will have to come with us and get her out of that house for a spell. And Amy can focus on school, Lita on making more delicious snacks (with an all around 'yummm' from all the girls) while Raye and I try to follow up on clues for our mystery guys."
"Agreed!" "Definitely!" Sounds good Blondie!" All the girls responded in kind as they stood and gathered the empty trays to take to the kitchen and made ready to go home.
Since coming over every day for the last 7 days, Mr. Tsukino has seen Darien to be an honorable and sometimes rather stoic companion for Serena. Despite her age Kenji Tsukino refused to acknowledge Darien Shields as Serena's boyfriend but that didn't stop Ikuku from celebrating with her daughter on the handsome 'catch' she had made. Mrs. Tsukino could easily overlook the 5 year age gap considering Serena was soon to be a full aged adult soon herself.
Once Mr. and Mrs. Tsukino discovered his ambitions to become a doctor, Ikuku was ready to pick out color swatches and hunt for a decent venue. Serena was finally able to dissuade her mother from all together announcing a wedding when she told her mom that Darien most certainly had not proposed and would not marry till after finishing high school. But this could not keep the smile Ikuku had on her lips every time she let the handsome man into her house.
"Sere" Darien calls while knocking on her door. After given permission to enter the home, Serena's mom had quickly showed Darien up the stairs to Serena's room with the express wish that she should be outside enjoying to nice weather on her Sunday off. Mrs. Tsukino certainly trusted Darien to lift Serena's spirits after she came home from their outing at the park the day before. Although Serena was not quite bubbly, she was still perceptibly happy.
"Come in." Serena was stretched out on her bunny covered blanket laying on her stomach looking a picture of her and the scouts after defeating Wiseman. When she was left to herself, it didn't take long for Serena to think back over all the mistakes and near misses she had with the girls. Even her own daughter from the future shared in their mistakes and victories.
Staring at the captured moment from the battle, Serena held the photo to examine her friends after saving the world one more time. Rini was looking so happy holding onto Serena and Darien while all the girls stood around smiling in their scout uniforms. Despite the rubble and dust on the uniforms, the euphoric atmosphere was evident as everyone celebrated their victory.
"You know Serena if I had been your mom, you would have just given up your identity." He smiled and he sat down next the her. "I'm sure she could not miss her 'niece' standing next to her daughter or her handsome boyfriend in that picture."
Sighing Serena sat up to sit next to Darien, quite possibly the most perfect boyfriend Serena had ever heard of. Taking her eyes off the photo she met Darien's ocean blue eyes and could instantly feel her heart race having him so close in her room. "Well I would be worried if you had not already said you were coming over Dare. And after seeing you in that awful pea green jacket I'm sure my mom thinks you have terrible fashion sense. She would never expect you to wear that dashing tuxedo and run around saving junior high girls." She responded giving him a heart warming smile.
"Ouch, you know how much I love that jacket. I have many fond memories of a certain dumpling head screaming at me in that jacket."
"I know, I always had a huge crush on you but that jacket was terrible. I much preferred your leather jacket you wore when you rode your bike." Serena giggled as she remembered ogling the high schooler on his red sports bike.
"Yes well, you still owe me a dry cleaning bill. Getting that milk shake out of my favorite jacket was awful." Darien poked Serena in the ribs.
"It was worth it after you made fun of my grades, again… How can I make it up to you?" She asked suggestively, hoping for a kiss.
"How about we go for a walk today." Darien stole her thunder, suggesting to leave the house to honor her mother. "The park is close by, and the flowers are blooming. I have it on the best of authority that the roses will be in bloom. And the weather is supposed to turn cold as we have one more freeze before we say goodbye to winter altogether so lets take advantage of the sunshine."
He had already hoped to get her out of the house before Mrs. Tsukino had suggested it. However, now his ambition was resolved seeing the look Ikuku had given him before directing him to Serena. They were both worried about her attitude.
Given that Serena was normally very vivacious and exuberant in her affections. it was very out of character to see her smiles half-hearted and her ambitions so demure. Darien would give anything to take away the burden of savior from her shoulders. But well did he know the cloth from which she was cut, and knew in his heart that no one could replace her tenacious spirit when faced with saving her friends and family from the evils that all too often invaded their peaceful lives.
"Its not too early for roses?"
"Not when I can make them myself for the most beautiful girl in all the universe." With a flick of the wrist he produced a beautifully blooming red rose without the thorns so as to not cut Serena's hands.
Giggling she accepted the gift only to breath in its heavenly scent while brushing the silky soft petals across her cheek.
How I envy that rose for touching her face. "Coming from anyone else Darien Shields, I would say that is a really sappy pick-up line, but when it comes from you I can't help but be happy." Anything to see you smile Serena. Please come back to me my precious princess.
"Then perhaps you would not say no to a kiss for your Prince Charming?" Leaning over to put his face before hers, he took her face in his hands and allowed a small smile to play across his lips just before he descended to his mark, only to be satisfied by hearing Serena sigh as their lips met. He had only intended for a chaste kiss, a light brush across her lips for one taste before he would lead her from her room. Unfortunately, he could not anticipate her response. After sitting and remembering all their victories and close calls, as well as the two times she had seen Darien die, Serena could not help but eagerly respond to his touch. Relishing in their moment she forced her fears and doubts from her
mind and accepted this as a moment that reminded her of the joy of living.
Shifting her weight, she sat on his lap without breaking contact only to wrap her arms around his neck as the forgotten picture fell to the bed. Eagerly she brought her tongue across his lips to gain entrance to his tongue as she danced within his mouth, hearing him moan at the pleasure of having him in her arms. Darien could not help but hold tightly to his princess and he responded in kind to devouring her mouth with his own. Their passion barely restrained as Serena elicited Darien to respond to her touch. All too soon they parted to catch their breath, each noticing the smile left behind on the others lips.
"Sere." Darien called huskily, "your dad is still here. He will kill me if he finds you on my lap." Darien could not help but notice the way her lips had instantly turned red and puffy from their shared passion.
Groaning, she drops her head to his shoulder only to have him chuckle and stand up to put her back on her feet. "Come with me my princess and lets enjoy our time together before school has to start again. Besides I do need to study tonight." He smiled down at Serena standing a full 7 inches shorter than his 6'2''.
Darien thought to himself with a smirk on his face. Turnabout is only fair play. As Serena wrapped her arms around his neck once more, Darien held her close and trailed butterfly kisses down her cheek. Nibbling on her ear, he flicked his tongue down her neck to kiss her shoulder. Serena allowed a moan to escape her throat as she closed her eyes and clung to his neck. Darien was not ready to end his game just yet. He continued to kiss Serena on the other side of her neck making a trail up to her chin and over to her mouth until he lightly kissed one side and then the other. He was proud of himself as he felt her tremble in his arms. Just as he was sure she was under his spell, he attacked her lips with a passion, stealing her breath and making her heart race as he delighted in the taste of her. Just as quickly as he started, he loosed his hold on her waist and stood back to admire her closed eyes and panting chest.
Regaining control over her breathing, Serena opened her eyes and smiled at Darien. "Well, instead of going to the park, I could help you study anatomy. I may not be a doctor but I do a little of the human body." Serena suggested while raising her eyebrows. Darien knew his limits and made for a hasty retreat from her room.
"Serena you will drive me crazy. What happened to my dumpling head who threw test papers at my head and stormed away screaming what a 'jerk' I was. Now you sit here tempting me to my limit in your own house with your parents just below us." Serena was a little proud of herself and dared him with a lift of her eyebrows. Shaking his head, Darien took her hand. "Lets go for a walk before I do something I will regret."
"Fine, but my prince had better not forget his princess's milkshake." Serena pouted as she adjusted the wrinkles on her pink short-sleeve top from Darien's embrace and laying on the bed.
Laughing heartily at her quip, he moved to put his arm around her shoulder to lead her out the door.
Kissing her lightly on the cheek he whispers "I love you Serena" in her hair as she smiles and hugs his side walking down the steps and out of the house into the sunshine.
"Hey Amy, what did your mom say?" Mina answered her phone, her excitement barely contained as she waited for the ice princess to fill her in on 'Project Serena Vacation', as they had so wistfully titled their little plan.
"Well. after looking up the weather it seems it will be kind of chilly out when we are out of school in 2 weeks. So my mom suggested going to the new indoor beach on Kyushu Island. She was won tickets at work in a raffle but can't make it so she offered them to us on the condition we took a chaperone. I called Mrs. Tsukino and she thought it would be great for Serena to get some exercise and see new faces so she quickly agreed and offered to sponsor us as hotel room we could share while we stay for 3 nights."
"W-Wow Amy that is amazing! I was thinking a cabin in the woods to get away and it would have been cheap, but this is perfect. But wait, who will we get to chaperon?" Please not a mom, I so want to go boy hunting, even if I don't find my soul mate. I can't help but shop around while I am otherwise unengaged.
"Actually Mr.s Tsukino suggested Darien and so she called him up. He said he could make it so he is getting a ticket for himself and a hotel room across the hall to honor the arrangement between the moms."
"EEEEEEE! I cant believe it. Beach. Boys. Heated Pools and no moms, all for free! You are amazing Amy!"
"Well I think I need a hearing check now….. thank you Mina, I am glad you like it. Mrs. Tsukino said to take Serena out shopping after school on Friday for swimsuits and to keep her out of the house as long as possible. I think you're right, she sounds just as worried as we do for Serena. It is not like her to be without her bubbly personality. I told the girls to meet us at the Crown Arcade after school at 4 pm so we can go shopping at the mall."
"Sounds perfect. Thanks Amy. This is so wonderful. I can't wait. Now I just have to stay focused so I can pass my tests on Friday. If I fail out of high school right before our trip, my life will be over!" Mina groaned thinking about her upcoming arithmetic and English homework she needed to study and complete before Friday.
"Don't worry Mina, we will study this week at Raye's. Serena needs a bit of help on her arithmetic and English so we can do it together." Amy knew it was best to study in groups. Even though she was always helping the other girls, she considered it extra practice for herself to prepare for her finals.
"Great. Amy that is perfect. See you tomorrow at Raye's after school."
"Bye Mina" Hanging up Mina rolled back over on her bed to pick up the manga she was reading that just happened to be laying on the math book. I will get to you tomorrow but right now I must know what happens in this manga. Raye will be so jealous I read it before her. She snickered to herself.
"Darien the flowers are so beautiful. You didn't happen to use your earth powers did you? The park is practically glowing it is so bright and green and the smells are heavenly." Serena truly seemed to enjoy herself as she walked the cobbled paths snaking through the hotbeds of flowers before finally stopping in front of a singularly perfect rose bush.
"Well Sere, I can't help it if I give a little push considering I had to drag you out of the house. I had to make it worth the effort." Darien smiled to himself watching Serena smell the roses he had created on the way over to her house. Seeing as his apartment complex was on the other side of the park from Serena's house, he didn't mind the exercise in walking the 2 miles to see her instead of using his red sports car.
Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep
"Oh who is calling me? Mom knows where I am so it must be one of the girls." Serena pulled out her pink bedazzled phone from her clutch she carried from the house earlier. "Hello? Mom? I left with Darien about an hour ago. OH really? Wow that does sound interesting. Yes. I will meet them. No, we have a test on Friday so we are meeting at Raye's after school Monday to study. No that is perfect. Darien too? Great. Thanks mom. Love you too."
Darien plucked a rose from his bush and put it behind Serena's ear as she hung up the phone. "My mom just called to say in two weeks we are all going on a vacation with the girls to an indoor beach on Kyushu Island. She even said she was paying for you to go so we could have a chaperon. What do you think?"
Darien had already received a text from both Mina and Amy so he was unsurprised at the plans Serena was sharing but he was glad she seemed eager all the same. Anything to see you happy, and swimsuit Sere. "That sounds like fun. I will have to buy swim trunks seeing as how I haven't needed any in so long, but a break from school sounds perfect. Of course I could always use a bribe to make sure I go." Darien suggested and as he made his last comment he enjoyed the pink hue making its way across Serena's cheeks in reference to his comment.
"Oh well I could always bribe you with good grades." She suggested arching her brows.
"Coming from you dumpling, I would never be going to that beach with you all." He laughed as he watched her anger spread from her scrunched up nose to the pink on her ears.
"OH you, well fine. I was really going to kiss you but not I'm not so sure." She huffed in response.
"Come here princess I was only teasing." Darien purred as he pulled her close to press his lips to hers.
"I will follow you any where, with or without good grades." He teased one last time to see the ire dance in her eyes as he smiled and descended once more to her lips, squeezing her waist against his own.
Its so fluffy I'm gonna die!