8:00am
BRRIINNGG BRRIINNNGG
"Hello?" Darien answered the phone.
"Hey sweetie."
"Sere, what's going on? Is something wrong?" Darien was a little confused. It was Saturday and early. Why was Serena calling him? His girlfriend has never been known for her punctuality or morning perkiness.
"No, Im' sorry for calling so early. I just really needed to talk. I am so worried about the girls. I'm not sure they will be able to handle this." Serena was slightly out of breath rushing through her speech. Unable to sleep, she was up before sunrise pacing her room. Luna had had enough and told her to call Darien so she could get some rest.
"Yeah, I know. I was up late last night thinking about it. I know the guys are eager but the girls are hurting and Raye is just angry."
"I think I should call the girls and have them meet at your place early. I don't want to take over or anything but I feel this could good for them. That way I can feel them out while we get lunch ready. And make sure you have a fire extinguisher on hand."
Darien chuckled knowing full well what Raye was capable when she couldn't control her emotions. Lita was no better.
"Sounds good so long as you're not cooking Serena."
"Darien!" Serena could hear Darien laughing on the other end of the line. It actually took a few minutes before he could collect himself. If there was one thing he know about his princess, she was brave, beautiful, caring and affectionate but her cooking boarded on lethal.
"Tell you what Sere. Come over at 9 am so you and I can have a chance to talk for a bit. Then when the girls show up at 10 am, I'll leave and head to the Crown Arcade. I think it would be good to meet with the guys before hand also, so I can try to keep Nephrite and Jadeite from losing it today."
"Youre the best Darien. You sure you trust us in your apartment?"
"Maybe not you and Raye together, but I trust Lita, Mina and Amy to restrain you too.
"Hey!" Serena could hear Darien laughing again.
"Love you Sere."
"Love you Dare Bear."
9:00 am
Knock Knock
"I'm coming!" Darien was just out of the shower and needed to put on his pants before answering the door. After Serena had called so early it seemed only logical to get up and prepare mentally as much as possible before everyone showed up. It was always nice when Darien was able to to go for a run and clear his head. Several cups of coffee and a hot shower later, he was ready to see his girlfriend in.
"Hey baby." Before she could respond, Darien pulled Serena into his apartment and covered her lips with his own. With one hand around her waist, he used the other to shut the door and then slowly walked her back against it.
Serena was not expecting her boyfriend to be so forward as soon as she saw him. She had so much on her mind that she really wasn't paying attention when Darien answered the door in only a pair of pants and socks.
She was extremely happy when he grabbed her around the waist and crashed his lips over hers. Once she was backed into the door she was more than ready to respond to his touch and very eager to slider her hands across his exposed chiseled chest. Years of fighting youmas as Tuxedo Mask gave him a broad chest with hardened muscles. Pressed between the door and his body, Serena enjoyed every inch of his body as it molded itself to her own. His kisses were insistent and relentless leaving little room for oxygen. She felt his tongue sweep across her lips and gave him entry to explore her mouth. His kisses were devastating and her resolve to focus was wavering.
"Darien"
"mmmhmmm"
Still he does not cease his pursuit of her lips as he enjoys every kiss. "Darien."
"Yes." He is finally able to say.
"We need to talk before you leave."
"I know… I couldn't resist." Pulling his face away from hers, "I feel like anything could happen over the next several hours. So….."
"That is exactly what I want to talk to you about. (standing straighter against the door frame) I feel like you are not really giving these guys a chance."
"I know. I know. And its not like I don't understand, believe me I do. I just can't shake this anger. I feel for them. I know something of what they are going through." The moment of intimacy completely abandoned, Darien takes Serena's hand and pulls her towards the couch and guides her to sit on a cushion. He was unable, himself, to rest so he took to pacing while his thoughts churned. Running his hands through his raven locks, Darien stalled before admitting his own guilty judgment of his brothers.
"I was captured by Beryl. I will never forget it as long as I live. She brainwashed me and used me to try and destroy our love, to destroy you. She wanted power and for some crazed reason she lusted after me."
"Not really a crazy reason. I have always thought you were rather dashing." He just barely blushed as she admired his body before her.
After turning a half hearted grimace at Serena, he continued to wear tracks in the carpet. "I don't hold a grudge against the generals. I am not looking to set myself up on a pedestal. I have made mistakes. I am not holier than thou. I just feel…"
"Responsible?" Abruptly, he stopped his pacing to consider the truth her words rang in his heart.
"...Y-Yes, that is just what I feel. Until you said it I really couldn't put it into words myself." Having reached this conclusion, he sank into the couch with his head in his hands not really knowing where he was going with this train of thought nor what to say next.
Taking her turn to pace the floors and brood over her own rationale, Serena solidifies her resolve and turned to Darien. "I think it is time I talk to you about Chaos. (Darien's head snapped up) I know we have so much to talk about with the generals and the futures of the girls but trust me, this is very relevant."
At the mention of Chaos, Darien jumped up and stood before Serena. He took her wrists in his large hands and led her over to the couch once more to only have her sit on his lap while rubbing her back and gripping her waist. Hoping to intimate how much he loves her, wants to protect her, he rubs circles into her back and stares into her eyes to convey his understanding.
"Serena, we don't' have to if you don't want to. We can figure this out without making you relive that terrible experience. I know that was a terrible and lonely time when you defeated Chaos."
"No, its time. I think if i open up to you about this then maybe,... just maybe it will help you gain some perspective with the generals on why I haven't taken a stronger stance against them. Once I had Trista's word and trust concerning their hearts and motives I felt convinced to welcome them back." I am so grateful to have this man's love. So long as he is by my side I can face 'tomorrow'.
"When I saw you all die, it was so hard for me. Well, lets face it. It wasn't the first time, or the second." Darien and Serena both share a bitter laugh at that declaration.
"But I knew that this time our love had been so short and our time together stolen. I refused to accept that our love would be unrequited in this time. This was not what my mother, Queen Serenity died for so many years ago. So I begged and made a wish on my silver crystal for life, love and happiness. I didn't know what would happen but somehow that magic, power, energy, whatever you want to call it, flowed from the crystal through me and granted us all another chance at life. If the crystal also brought back Nephrite, Jadeite, Zoisite, and Kunzite then I must believe that they too have been given that
chance for life, love and happiness. I'm not looking to trust them 100% now, but someday I hope to see them as a part of our court and in the lives of the scouts."
Sighing, Darien accepted that Serena would finish this until she was satisfied with a plan. "I really think this will be good for all of us. The girls get a second chance at true love. The generals will be able to fulfill their purpose and hopefully court the girls. Finally, I just want the ten of us to be united against evil and grow into a formidable team that will not be easily shaken or disturbed."
His heart clenched to see that silent tears were making tracks down her porcelain skin.
"Darien. I have nightmares. I now Luna has probably told you all. She couldn't keep a secret, especially if she has seen me in pain. I just haven't talked about it. I see you all die over and over and I see myself not being strong enough to save you all. I see the monsters I have killed and the enemies we have destroyed. I never wanted to fight. I never ever thought that killing was the answer. But time and time again it becomes the only way to save the innocents and to assure that we can all have our chance. I really have been avoiding talking about Chaos, not wanting to trigger those feelings of loneliness and helplessness. But its time to face it. I want to get over this. We are not alive so that I can sit and pout
about it."
"Serena, no one blames you for how you feel. We all understand how hard this is for you. Sere, you are basically the most powerful human in the universe. And because of that, you are targeted and forced to fight." Darien brushes her tears away with his thumbs and holds her close so she could regain her composure.
"I know. You are all so understanding. I couldn't make it without your love. That is why I am so resolved to see the girls happy. I agree the generals should be punished for disobeying Trista. They must show us they can be loyal and faithful to follow orders. I will not have someone close to our inner court that we cannot trust. But I know that their disobedience stems from their love for the scouts. So I can understand why they did. I just won't really know what the girls are thinking till they get here. I can guess at some of their emotions but what are they really think about the guys? That I must find out so I can hopefully start playing matchmaker." Serena finished with a giggle.
"Now Serena…. I'm not sure you want to mess with their relationships. What happens if you push them and it forces them apart or worse, they gang up on you."
"Well, it wasn't very fair all the times they tried to meddle with you and me, but look how perfect we are now."
"Yes Serena, just be cautious. I don't know if doctors will be able to help you if they all gang up on you." They were both laughing now. It felt good to get some of this out in the open. He knew she was struggling over the last battle but she had really come a long way. She was smiling and willing to take the lead again not hiding out in her house and avoiding everyone. Darien was really proud.
"Well, it looks like I should be going. I called the guys and we are meeting at the Arcade. I want to go over some things and make sure they understand where I stand before we show up as as group."
"I know." Serena sighed and leaned in for one last kiss.
Knock Knock
"I better answer that and then I will see myself out. See you in a couple of hours Sere."
"Okay. Be nice!" Darien chuckled as he stood and took Serena into his arms. Squeezing here once more around the waist and dipping her back for a kiss.
Knock Knock Knock
"Okay! Okay! I'm coming!" Snickering was heard on the other side of the door.
Stepping back from Serena's warm body, Darien walked over and answered the door to greet the girls.
"Hey, Darien" Mina said.
"Good Morning." Amy added.
"Sheesh I was beginning to wonder what was going on in here." Raye was directly calling Serena out as she rolled her eyes.
"I know, was this the right day because obviously they were not ready for us to be here." Lina chimed in.
"It is 10am right? I thought we were on time." Raye asked.
The girls were all talking and laughing as they were finally allowed in the apartment.
"Ladies, I will let you make yourself at home. Raye don't burn my house down. Serena, I will see you later sweetheart."
Darien called as he shut the door behind himself.
"Alright girls, you caught me." Serena said as she rolled her eyes. Walking over to the girls she hugged each precious friend around the neck and gave them a kiss on the cheek before taking some of the bags from their hands and leading the way to the kitchen.
They all loved Serena and were all equally happy to see her smile when they walked in. Sure, they all had a lot on their mind but nothing more important than the safety and happiness of their princess. Of course, the girls would never miss an opportunity to embarrass her as well.
"So Lita, what is on the menu? Where do we start. You brought enough food to feed an army here." Mina asked.
"We are making honey glazed roasted duck with garlic roasted potatoes, and fresh snapped green beans with an almond crust."
"That sounds amazing Lita! But what about dessert?" Serena pouted.
"Serena…. there will be dessert. I haven't forgot. We are having chocolate mousse with a hazelnut cream."
"Wow LIta, your skills have really been improving." Amy responded.
Lita was running her kitchen like a seasoned head chef. She quickly assigned each girl to a task while she oversaw their actions. As the girls fell into rhythm in the kitchen prepping their ingredients, Raye turned on some tunes to listen to while Amy set about organizing the groceries for their dishes. No one was willing to have Serena cook anything so she was left washing the vegetables and Mina was preparing the glazes. Raye was happy dressing the ducks. The conversation light and unassuming as they enjoyed sharing time together.
Crown Arcade
"Hey Drew, one black coffee if you don't mind." Darien called as he sat on his favorite stool.
"Hey Dare, where's the girls?" Grabbing a cup he filled one with his favorite brew, strong and black, and set it before his
hands.
"At my apartment working something amazing for lunch. Lita is cooking. Serena is not I hope."
"Ahh." Andrew gave Darien a knowing looking, familiar himself with Serena's cooking and its dangerous properties.
"What are they up to?"
"You remember when we told you the story of the Silver Millennium? (nodding at this friend to continue) Well, the generals apparently came back after Sailor Moon defeated Chaos so now they are sort of trying to figure out how to reconcile. They guys are meeting me here in a few and I just needed a pick-me-up before hand."
"Well, I hope this works out for the girls. I may not have powers like my unnamed super hero patrons, but I will hurt them if they hurt the girls." Andrew gave Darien a look that meant 'I mean business, we can throw them in the dumpster out back.'
"Good luck. I'm sure you can handle them since they were sworn to you in the past. But I expect updates." Andrew called over his shoulder as he went to take orders from customers.
Finishing his cup, the doors slid open to allow 4 very handsome, very distinguished and well dressed me walked up to their liege.
"Good morning, sire." Zoisite began.
"Not here, follow me over to a booth where we can talk." Darien responded leading the way to a booth in the corner.
Being so early on a Saturday, there were few people gathered in the arcade and fewer still who would take notice of the older guys.
As they took their seats in the over large circular booth, Andrew came over and took their orders, 5 mugs of black, hot coffee.
"I'm glad you could spare a moment to talk with me before we go over and see the girls. I felt that we could work out an understanding without having everyone listen. And please, do not call me sire in public. These people do not know who we are and I would prefer if it stayed that way. Call me Darien."
"Yes, Darien."
Darien couldn't help but roll his eyes at their show of devotion.
"Yes, well. Look I know you had very strong feelings for the girls."
With a snort, Nephrite responded. "Strong feelings is an interesting way to put it. Lita was my life, my everything."
"Exactly, and if you want to have any hope of a future then you need to see these girls as who they are now not as who there were in the Silver Millennium. They are not the same. Their personalities and dispositions, even talents may be the same. They look exactly as they did 1,000 years ago. But they have different life experiences and the things they have accomplished and struggled though make them different from the girls you all fell in love with. If you will let me I will tell you a story and them maybe you can understand what it is in this life to love someone that your soul was bound to in
another."
"Is it about you and Serena?" Zoisite asked.
"Yes, well a certain jerk and dumpling head." He smiled to himself remembering their early arguments.
"I know Mina isn't the same. She won't even look at me. You may not know this but we are married, were married. I don't know what we are anymore. A week before the fall of the moon, we were married in secret. I had hoped after the war was over that we could announce our marriage and it would have been well received."
"But why didn't you tell me sooner Kunzite?" Darien asked Kunzite, shocked.
"I didn't want you to worry. You had Princess Serenity and my job was to see to your safety and keep love secret. Not to distract you with my own love life." Kunzite responded. "Just to hold her again, to see her smile, I will do whatever I have to. If you found a way to love your princess again, then surely there is hope for me, for all of us."
"Kunzite, I am sorry brother, I didn't know." Nephrite looked shocked to know such a thing about his leader.
"I too was more than close to Amy, we were engaged. I see the pain in her eyes. I wanted to cut my own eyes out rather than see the pain I have caused her." Zoisite added.
"Tell us Darien, how is it that you fell in love in this time?" Jadeite asked.
Laughing at his own memories, Darien began. "It really is an interesting story. Here in this time I am Darien Shields. I am 22 years old and Serena Tsukino is 17 years old. When we met I was in college, having graduated early and I was 19 years old. Serena was 14 and in junior high."
"Wow, she was so young. You were courting Serena when she was 14?" Jadeite began but was interrupted by Darien's laugh.
"No, no listen. We hated each other, with a passion. Maybe not hate, but we vehemently opposed each other in everything we did and said towards each other. The first day I met Serena she was crumpling up a paper and had thrown it over her shoulder. It hit me in the head and I turned around to see this young girl crying, sitting on the side walk. I felt sorry for her. I wanted to console her. When I looked at the paper and saw the 30% I couldn't help but antagonize her a bit. I called her Dumpling head because of her hairstyle and she called me a jerk. From that day forward we spent the better part of 2 years fighting and calling each other names, throwing milkshakes over each others heads and having an all out war against each other."
Darien was really laughing now while the guys were clearly startled to know that the love between their prince and the princess of the moon had not translated easily in to this life. They were all very disappointed.
Andrew came over just then and filled their mugs with more coffee and heard Darien mention 'throwing milkshakes.' "If you can believe, I kicked them out several times for destroying this place with their kindergarten squabbles." Andrew laughed and walked away. The generals were happy to know Andrew knew everything so they would have a safe place to meet.
"It really isn't as bad as you think though. I can tell you for a fact that although the best part of my day was riling up that little cry baby so I could see the fire in her eyes as she lashed out against me. But I never was interested in anyone else unless you count Sailor Moon and our moonlight excursions. Serena on the other hand told me she did have the biggest crush on Tuxedo Mask who happened to be my alter ego as you well know. After we started dating, she also admitted that she had the biggest crush on me as well from the first day I had turned around with her test paper in my hand. I can tell you that we really were entranced with each other from the very beginning. We just had a really hard time showing it."
Although the generals had been told and understood most of what Darien said previous to his discourse, it was still disturbing listening to his life from his own perspective.
"Almost everyday, I was sitting here in the Arcade at that very stool you saw me on drinking my coffee, and everyday Serena would come in. There were bets that were placed as to who would win each day's verbal battle. I will admit now, that I took quite a bit of pride when that little girl would one up me in our bouts. She learned quick and I also have it on good authority that she would come to the arcade just to argue with me. She may have loved her milkshakes but the scouts would tell me later that she would pout if I wasn't there to argue with. We never admitted our feelings for each other. She is 5 years younger than me. There was no way I was going to admit 'liking' a junior high girl. When she got to
high school it became harder and harder to deny my attraction. She had blossomed into a beautiful young woman who actually tried to do her homework."
"If you picked on her, then why did she like you?" Nephrite asked.
"I don't really know. I was a guy who never laughed or had fun before Serena came along and ran into me. I was passive and arrogant. I didn't want anyone or need anyone. But Serena would run into me almost on a daily basis, knocking one or both of us to the ground in her attempt to run to her next destination. Sure sometimes I would purposefully get in her way. I found she was a light that was missing from my life, and once she came crashing into it then I couldn't live without it. He whining and screaming were like music to my ears and a balm to my lonely soul. When I was away from her I
missed her. I took a lot of pleasure making her smile I was just really stupid fighting with her for so long. Until I finally got my head out of my butt and realized what an amazing girl she was, I waited many years only being there from her from afar."
"But we aren't trying to stay away from our girls ,we want to be right next to them, loving them." Zoisite replied.
"Maybe not but I anticipate a lot of fighting." Nephrite supplied.
"Yes, so do I." Answered Jadeite ruefully.
"Exactly why I want to tell you not just how me met and lived for two years but how we saw past our differences and fell in love again. Then there was the other side of our lives. Our alter egos. Through all the battles we had together as Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask, we fought side by side. By day we fought against each other, by night we fought with each other.
But I was captured and brainwashed twice. I was also killed twice in this time. And through it all Serena still loved me and forgave me. We never give up on each other." Darien finished and drained his cup of coffee washing away the bad memories from their battles.
"Thank you for telling us. I'm sorry my prince you had to go through all of this because of our idiocy." Kunzite answered.
"We were all stupid Kunzite. Let me finish. Now where was I?" Countered Darien.
"Loving her from afar?" Offered Zoisite.
"Even so. I remember it quite clearly, the moment jealousy began to play a vital role in my actions towards Serena. It was the spring fling dance at her school and the girls were all worked up talking about dates and dresses. Serena was particularly upset because all of the girls had dates but her. No one had asked her. I would never admit this to her, but everytime a boy would come up to her at the Arcade I made a point of making my presence know so they would back off.
After a week of stressing out about it, the dance was a just a couple of days away. So I went over to the table when she was by herself and sat down next to her.
'What do you want jerk? Come to make fun of me? Little lonely Serena can't get a date?'
'No, dumpling head, actually I came to see if I could help. But since you don't seem happy to see me then maybe I should rethink my offer.'
'What offer?'
'I heard you don't have a date, what if I took you? I have a tuxedo, a car and my schedule is free Saturday night' I offered.
'Why would you help me? You hate me?' She was very close to tears at this point.
'I don't hate you Dumpling.'
'You don't even know my name!'
At this point she did start to cry. I quickly left my side of the bench and sat next to her. I gave her a napkin to dry her eyes on and took her hand. 'Serena, I don't hate you we just fight a lot. I would b e honored if you would let me take you to the dance on Saturday. I will pick you up in style at 6:00pm and take you to supper and then we will go to the dance. I promise I will not make fun of you or call you names.'
Her distrust was obvious and well earned on my part. 'Why?'
'Believe it or not Serena, you are a beautiful young girl and I don't like to see you crying or upset, unless I cause it.'
She laughed at me then and agreed to go to the the evening was done, we were both surprised how well we got along. I was the perfect gentleman and she was the sweetest and happiest I had ever seen her. I vowed then and there to make it a point to make her happy as often as possible. Later that night I took her home. She was tired so as she walked to her door she leaned against me holding my hand. As I said good night she gave me a kiss on the cheek and my heart stopped. Once it started beating again I realized that beautiful angel was still standing there smiling at me telling me she had a great time. I quickly realized my opportunity and leaned in for a kiss. Believe me when I say I was shocked how
excited she was to return my advances. The next day we were a couple and I never looked back."
"That is quite a beautiful story. What about Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask?" Kunzite asked.
"It was a couple of months later and a monster attacked while I was on a date with Serena. We realized we were both backed into a corner with no way to escape and transform without revealing ourselves to the other. We threw caution to the wind and did what we had to to defeat the youma. I was shocked but very very happy to learn my crush and my girl friend were one in the same. She was also. Mina was practically having kittens when she learned about our little love triangle between our real lives and our alter egos. We had to restrain her from hunting down a director and making another Sailor V movie about it."
Everyone shared a laugh as they pictured Mina, the goddess of love, in raptures about the happy double couple.
"So even if you start out with hate you can end in love?" Nephrite asked.
"I probably sound a lot like Mina right about now, but if it is meant to be, and soul mates are, then love will find a way. Stay by her side and love her. Annoy her and then remind her why she can't stop thinking about you. There is no denying attraction. It will make them angry when you are trying to ignore them. Over time, I truly believe that if you have patience and consistency, they will respond. We may never deserve their love but we will also never stop trying to earn it."
All they guys were shaking their heads in affirmation knowing full well the truth he spoke. True they wanted nothing to do with them now. And true they were angry, but the electricity that was between the scouts and the generals was as alive and apparent today as it was 1,000 years ago. They would wait, and they would earn that love back even if it took 100 lifetimes to do so. Considering they would all live in Crystal Tokyo someday, then they would have 100 life times. They just hoped they wouldn't have to wait that long.
"Now that you have heard our story I think it is time to lay down a few ground rules." Now Kunzite was wincing hearing his prince's voice assume that authority in his voice.
"The first thing is that I want to officially address your status and relationship with myself. I know that you are my generals. I hope to never lose you. Each of you have talents and are important to to the kingdom now and in the future when I assume the throne. However I cannot allow you to maintain that status and authority so long as you are under probation. If you pass this test, which I no doubt you will, then you will be reinstated and officially join our cause and come back to my side and resume your duties." Darien said while meeting the gazes of each of his generals.
"We will never stop protecting you!" Jadeite stood and declared.
"Sit down Jed. Darien, I understand your position. We deserve to be court martialed and reprimanded, beheaded really. Your decision is gracious and I know we will earn your trust again." Kunzite replied.
"I don't expect you to stop protecting me Jadeite. You all have always been loyal and you have also listened as I have made mistakes myself. I am sorry for how I treated you that day at the indoor beach dome. I was angry and I felt I needed to protect the scouts."
"We know, we would have done the same thing. I must say my jaw was sore for a few days. You are still as strong as I remember." Zoisite softly replied.
"Suck up." Nephrite scowled.
"Ha Ha. Will you never stop you too." Darien chuckled.
"What about returning our souls and repairing the damage of being fractured? Can it be repaired?" Zoisite said, ignoring Nephrite.
"Serena and I are confident that between the golden and silver crystals we can purify your souls and Amy is sure that the ties between the soul mates can help direct the souls to their rightful places. They will be returned to your bodies as soon as Trista says it is time." Darien answered.
"The last thing I want to say before we go and meet the girls is this. I know I am not the same person, in essence yes, but not in body. However this does not stop me from knowing how great you guys are. You were more than my generals you were my closest and dearest friends. I still want that. I know I have a friend or two in this time but I would be honored if you would be more than just my general following orders."
"Well we're not going to kiss and makeup if that's what you think." Kunzite replied.
"Yeah, don't' get all mushy on us Darien." Nephrite shot at his prince.
"Brother, you are my friend but I will not be holding your hand anytime soon." Zoisite added.
"I have only one love and you are so not it Darien. You are not even remotely my type." Jadeite remarked.
Now everyone was laughing and thus drawing the attention of the quickly filling arcade. The time was getting late but it felt great to bury the past and finally stand on the same ground together.
"Lets go see what my Lita has cooked up for us. I don't know about you guys. I love these cheese burgers and fries but nothing compares to Lita's cooking." Everyone agreed with Nephrite and rose to pay Andrew and head back to the apartment.
Back at Darien's apartment.
"Okay girls we have 2 hours until they get here. Everything is getting close to being ready to start cooking." Lita was quickly evaluating the girls progress as everyone was preparing something for lunch. Serena had finished washing vegetables so she had moved on to preparing the table and rearranging the sparse furniture to accommodate 10 people.
Darien was single and alone for much of his life but due to his extensive studies to become a doctor, he owned a large dining table to accommodate all of his books when they were spread out for studying.
Turning her attention from her completed table, Serena felt the subtle tension rolling of the girls. She could see their fake smiles that didn't reach their eyes. It wasn't hard to notice the way their faces would turn down to their work if they were not addressing each other. When she thought no one was looking, each girl would discreetly wipe away a traitor tear that would roll down their smooth skin. It pained Serena to see her closest friends hurting like this. She knew if only they would listen that they could find happiness like she had with Darien. She knew they could be complete again.
"Ummm, Lita, Mina, Amy, Raye. I know we have a lot to work on for lunch but I was hoping to talk to you all before they guys got here." Instantly, they were on alert and at the mention of the guys the tension in the room increased so much that it was almost choking Serena as she sat at the bar and watched the girls reactions.
"I guess it is unavoidable." Mina softly spoke to her princess.
"It does seem logical to discuss a plan on how to deal with this." Amy supplied.
"Good, because I have my list for Jadeite for the 30 days and I want to make sure you girls can give me extra ideas of punishment." Raye ground out.
"Don't leave me out Raye. I really can't wait to make Nephrite pay for his betrayal." Lita added. Even though she was paying close attention to the conversation, her focus never wavered from her dishes as she stirred and sampled from her pots.
"Look now, I am not trying to rile any one up I simply think it is the right thing to do to talk about this so we can all be prepared." Serena said.
"Hmmph, too late to not be riled up. I feel ready call down a thunderstorm." Lita shot back.
Serena visibly shivered. She hated thunderstorms. "Please don't. Just listen for a few moments. And don't' burn lunch. I'm hungry!" That last remark pulled a giggle from the girls.
Encouraged that her scouts were not too far gone emotionally she continued. "I am just as upset as you all that the generals betrayed you and killed you. It was terrible. It was even worse that you all had to face them again while they were trying to kill you and you had to kill them instead to save innocent lives. Darien was brainwashed twice. But somehow I was able to bring him back. I wish we could have saved the generals but we couldn't. Part of it I know isn't their fault. They didn't ask for their souls to be fractured. They loved you! But they did make mistakes and they disobeyed Tristsa. So whether you agree or not with their guilt and fault, you still have to carry out their punishments." Raye and Lita
shared a devious look between them. Amy looked down trodden as the color from her face drained away and she stared at the potatoes she was supposed to be slicing. Mina looked as if the sun was never to rise again.
Looking up to her princess, knowing she was sharing something no one knew anything about, Mina met Serena's eyes.
"Kunzite and I were married on Earth a week before the fall of the moon kingdom." She whispered.
Everyone gasped after Mina's quiet statement. The girls were all equally alarmed that she had kept such a secret to herself. No one had heard a word. "How is it that we didn't know this before?" Serena asked.
"It was a difficult time, that last week we were alive. Everything was in discord and we were at war. Kunzite and I married in private. He said that if he were to die then he wanted to have me as his wife. He wanted to hold me as his own princess at least one time before the end." All of the girls rushed to her side to hold her as Mina's body shook and tears fell down her face.
Drawing from their strength she continued to explain. "We wanted to tell you all. It would have been a surprise for when Beryl was defeated. Our loyalty was to the crown of the moon and protecting our prince and princess's love. We didn't want to burden anyone and it certainly wasn't time for celebration. So we waited. And then he betrayed me, betrayed us all."
When she finished, not a single eye was dry. Mina opening her heart was the catalyst that allowed all the girls to share in their grief.
Suddenly a pot started to bubble over and Lita rushed over to the stove to stir her dishes and turn down the heat. Peaking in the oven she was happy to see the ducks were looking rather golden and smelling delicious.
Returning to her friend's side, Lita shared. "Nephrite and I were engaged."
"Really? Zoisite and I were also engaged." Amy added quietly.
"Jadeite and I talked about marriage. We wanted to wait until the war was over. I really think he was going to propose just before the final battle. We didn't get a chance since he was called away to Earth. That was where he was captured." Raye whispered.
"Oh Raye! I knew you loved him. I never knew you were ready to be so serious." Amy cried.
"Yes. And then to watch him bear that sword down on me. That look in his eyes as though nothing was there, no love or joy or anything that he had ever felt for me. I was trapped by that lifeless gaze. There was nothing for me to do but accept my fate. But not this time!" Raye finished telling the girls and though she was still crying she was also so very angry.
"Amy are the potatoes done? Good lets get them in the oven." Lita interjected. Lunch still needed to taste good after all.
"Raye, Amy, Lita, Mina this is exactly why I wanted to talk to you. You are all hurting because of their betrayal. But please don't forget whose fault it is. It is not your fault you fell in love with someone you wanted to spend the rest of your life with. It's not their fault they loved you back just as passionately and fiercely. This is Beryl's fault, the same as she took Darien from me not once by killing him but twice when she brainwashed him." Serena was just getting started but she was glad that the legitimacy of her words were not going unnoticed by her girls.
"I was angry at Darien. You are angry at the generals. If we never fell in love, none of this would have happened. We may have even continued living on the moon and the war would have never reached our kingdoms, obliterating life on our planets."
"Technically, the moon is not a planet." Amy softly said.
Serena rolled her eyes at her ever precise friend. "Thank you Amy I am well aware. The point is you could blame me instead of those guys. I fell in love, against the law and the wishes of my people with the very man I was told not to and because of that I brought you into contact with his generals and spurred on a war with an evil hateful witch."
"No!" The girls cried.
"It is not your fault that she was so vicious." Lita defended.
"It is still better to have love than to have lost. I may be hurt and angry with Zoisite but he is the only man who ever made me feel special." Amy still could not bring herself to speak at a normal decibel so she continued to talk in whispers.
Finally, Raye was able to find her voice and respond to Serena's declaration of blame. "Serena, I love you. I would never blame you for our lives or for the loss we all have suffered. I love the fact that you found someone you could not live without. I love how you found each other here in this time and still fell in love again even when you knew nothing of each other. I may have lost Jadeite but I would give up anything to see you happy."
"Oh, Raye!" Now all the girls were surrounding Raye with her ardent love for her princess.
"My food is going to burn if we keep having these mushy moments." Lita grumbled as she once again turned to stir her foods and check the temperature on the birds in the oven.
Everyone appreciated the ice breaker from their sad remembrances. "If you won't blame me, who broke the law and alliance between our systems, then you must understand how hard it is for me to blame your lovers."
"I understand that they are not really to blame. I cannot however absolve my anger at myself and at Nephrite so easily."
Lita called over her shoulder from the stove.
"I accept that Lita. At Least you're being honest with your feelings. Have any of you come up with a list that we can look over together for how you plan on handling these next several days?" Serena looked at the girls hoping said lists would materialize in front of her. From many years of loyalty and faithfulness to their princess, each girl produced the list that would declare their depth of intentions towards their respective counterparts.
Lita was closest so Serena started reading hers out loud first.
Lita's List for Nephrite's Punishment
-must wear frilly pink apron-
Dismantle and clean every inch of my kitchen
Assemble and organize my kitchen
Dust apartment from top to bottom
Clean and wax floors
Must carry all shopping bags
Must accompany to mall and endure marathon shopping trips with Mina, Raye and Amy
Must sample all of Serena's cooking while she is taking lessons (HEY! Lita that's not fair!)
Polish and clean all shoes
Do all laundry and ironing
"Seriously Lita, did you have to mention my cooking skills?!" Serena was amused by her list. It seemed like Nephrite was going to be playing housewife and maid at Lita's apartment. Raye slid her list over to Serena, not wanting to be out done by Lita.
Raye's List for Jadeite's Punishment
Clean Shrine
Maintain sacred fire
Scrub Cobble stones
Trim bushes
Reorganize charm boxes
Clean all priestess rob es
Repair all paper doors
Sweep Rooms
Clean Kitchen
Prune tea garden
Collect dead branches
Clean sidewalk outside Temple
Clean Cherry Hill Temple Signs
Repaint rooms
Clean gutters
Teach Kagura
Preform Sacred Cleaning
Teach Kendo
"Wow Raye, I think you have a whole years worth of chores on this list. Just how long do you want to keep Jadeite around?" Serena was shocked at the number of jobs on the list when she appraised Raye's list.
"No kidding. If any of us run out of jobs for the guys we will send them over to Raye." Lita commented.
"I'm still thinking of new ideas so this list may grow yet. I have no intentions of seeing him sit still while he is under my authority." Raye gloated when she saw how impressed the girls were with her list.
"Okay, Amy lets see yours next." Serena reached for the young girls perfect kanji note.
Amy's List of Duties for Zoisite
Alphabetize and sort books.
Clean house
Clean Kitchen
Clean mom's car
Help on volunteer rotations at hospital
"Amy this is kind of short. Zoisite could do this in a few days." Serena commented.
"I know but I really had a hard time coming up with things for him to do. Maybe he can go over to the temple so I don't have to be around him very much." She shyly responded.
"Don't worry Amy, we won't let him bother you." Mina said, finally speaking up.
"Mina, you have been really quiet. What do you have on your list?" Raye asked.
Mina's List of Chores for Kunzite
Sort Clothes
Press and clean clothes
Carry bags when shopping
Take girls shopping and carry their bags
Clean flat
"Mina, this list is short but doesn't Kunzite need 3 years to go through all the clothes you own and press them." Serena snickered.
"Ha ha. I'm sure it will but that is kind of the point. Misery meet your next victim." Mina was really half heart when she said this. It is hard to imagine seeing your husband, or is he an ex husband? in your house going through your stuff and being near you again.
"Mina, I know this is going to be really hard for you. If you want just send him to me and I will keep him busy for you." Raye offered.
"Thanks Raye, but I really think I need to face this. I kind of want to see him just to see how he feels you know. I know he is my soul mate and if there is a chance I want to get to know him again. Maybe he wants to see me too. Does he regret anything? I don't know but I want the chance to know." Mina wisely said.
"I feel the same way." Amy said.
"I agree, with the regret part that is." Lita said.
"I am curious too if Jadeite feels regret or if he just feels like he deserves my attention. If that is the case then I don't mind coming up with chores that make sure he is in pain every moment of everyday." Raye added ruefully.
Beep Beep Beep
"Well, lunch is ready. Lets start setting out the spread on the table and get ready for the guys to show up." Lita led the way by putting her fare in various dishes they pilfered from Darien's cabinets.
"I'll get the tea." Amy grabbed a tea pot and started making tea for their lunch. Everyone was busy scrambling around getting everything set up before they showed up. It wasn't like they were purposefully making everything nice for the guys but then again why not?
It wasn't too long after the last covered dish was on the table that Darien politely knocked and let himself in followed by his generals. Each man placed his shoes by the door and went to wash up for lunch. Not wanting to set the mood by intimidating they did not glance at the girls until they were walking down the hallway ready to seat themselves around the table.
It looked like a battlefield of the sexes. On one side was the generals and on the other the scouts. At the head was Darien and across from him set Serena.
"Lita thank you for lunch." Darien began. Everyone around the table assented that it looked very delicious. For the next several minutes the only sound that was heard was dishes being served and people eating.
The tension was thick enough to slice and serve on a plate. No one spoke. Darien and Serena shared small smiles sitting across from one another at the end. The generals couldn't help but watch the girls as they attempted to avoid their gaze.
Once the entree and side dishes were properly demolished and plates cleaned, Lita and the scouts went to the kitchen to bring in the mousse and passed them around to everyone at the table. Lita greatly enjoyed when everyone appreciated her meal but her eyes were on Nephrite as he took a bit of his favorite dessert.
Does it hurt him, being reminded of our time together in the past? I know this is his favorite but does he know that I made this for ….
"Lita this is amazing, thank you." Nephrite interrupted her thoughts. Damn. I was hoping he would share in my pain not look so pleased and then tempt me by licking his spoon that way! Argh. I might just go over there and fry his ass for supper!
"Men, if you would be so kind and assist me. Lets take these plates into the kitchen and clean up for the ladies since they have prepared this wonderful meal for us." Darien began by taking plates and cups within reach and starting water in the sink. Following his lead, the guys cleared the table and began sorting the kitchen back to its immaculate order.
Once they were finished Darien once again led the way back to the table so their discussion could begin.
"Thank you gentlemen." Serena initiated conversation with gratitude hoping it would set the way for a more pleasant conversation. Darien and Serena had already agreed that a formal tone was the best way to approach the discussion so as to keep the peace in the small apartment.
There was a bit of nervous shuffling going on now that there was nothing for anyone to do but wait and hear what the official decree would be from the prince and princess.
"Yes, well you all know why we are gathered here today so I will skip a recap. After considering the predicament we are all in Serena and I have agreed that some guidelines should be in place to prevent any future problems." Darien made eye contact with his generals while Serena kept a watch over the scouts.
"And this means that I have a few rules for my scouts to follow as well. First, sunup to 10pm is the longest you can engage their services. We are not running a prison. Second, no task can be intentionally harmful or cause injury. Third, I expect that verbal abuse will be kept to a minimum. You are human and I know that some verbal sparring is to be expected (Darien smiled at this comment) but that does not mean that it will become a common practice. Finally, no public humiliation. I will not have the people in this room making a spectacle of one another in front over everyone in Tokyo." Serena was looking specifically at Raye and Lita when she said this.
"And as for you guys, you will be perfect gentlemen. If you are intentionally riliing these girls then I will call Trista. I expect there to be etiquette and decorum followed at all times. Also, Serena and I have a greed that training sessions will commence to ensure that everyone stays in shape in case of an impending battle." Darien added.
"I have reviewed the lists from the girls and their intentions for the next 30 days. Jadeite I feel a little sorry for you. (Raye grinned in triumph at the look of torture on Jadeite's face) From now on you will report to them and follow their express orders." Serena finished.
"It would be my pleasure to ensure Mina's comfort and happiness so long as I am here to serve." Kunzite bowed his head to Mina as she fixed her eyes upon his person. All through the meal she was avoiding his look but as he addressed her in his speech she was instantly captive to his eyes as they drank in the sight of her. Why does he have to be so sexy when he looks at me like that. Doesn't he know that I can't go back to the way things were. I will enjoy making him suffer a bit before this is all over with. His ego needs to be seriously put in its place.
"I know my fire angel will no doubt be busting my chops," Raye snorted, "But I will do everything I can to gain her approval and affections." Then Raye growled when Jadeite mentioned her 'affections'. I can't wait until I see him sweating running around finished his task. Not even going to think about how amazing his chest looks covered in sweat and no shirt on. Roast him. Roast him. Roast him. Just keep thinking it Raye… Roast him.
"Amy, I do not wish to make you uncomfortable. Your wish is my command and I will await your every order and desire." Zoisite spoke softly to his ice princess. It was like trying to get a wild rabbit to take a carrot. Once you move too quickly or loudly, it runs away. Amy was blushing profusely as she stared into her lap. Just one look and I melt. Where is my resolve?
"Lita, I am yours. Do with me as you will." Nephrite was unusually short in his speech to his lady. Lita was pleased and pissed as his little remark slid past her armor.
"Very well then, I see that we are all being civil. Tomorrow is a new day and so I will expect updates from my generals and I am sure Serena will be kept appraised of the scouts activities." Serena nodded an agreement to Darien's statement.
"Good, then you are all free to go about your business and in two weeks we will come back here for another lunch and check in with everyone."
It was like the last school bell had rung. Not wanting to be caught by any of the guys, the scouts had stood and were headed to the doors for their shoes as soon as Darien had dismissed everyone. Serena quickly hugged her friends and led them to the doors.
"Now that we are here alone, tell me gentlemen how is it that you all modern clothes and money?" Serena asked as she rejoined the table choosing to sit beside her love.
"That is partly my doing. In this time under Beryl, I was Maxfield Stanton and I was a businessman. Trista explained I still had accounts and apparently a lot of money so they guys and I used it to buy ourselves a large flat that we all share with separate rooms. We each have bank accounts with plenty of yen to spend." Nephrite explained.
"Oh yeah, I remember him. He, well you were a hottie and it wasn't hard for me and a friend of mine to have a crush on you when I was 14. Anyways, at least you can take care of yourselves."
"Better than that. We each have sports cars and portfolios. We have all joined together to create a company in the 3 short weeks we have been here to give us something to live on in the future. We are business partners at the company is called Maxfield Stanton, LLP." Jadeite supplied.
"Excellent. It is good to know you are able to fit in so smoothly." Darien smiled at his friends. He could call them friends now that they had forgiven each other and had come to an understanding about the past.
"I suppose we should go. I wouldn't put it past Raye to make sure my life was hell tomorrow." Jadeite groaned.
"I will see you out." As Darien rose so did all the guys to take their leave. Each man coming up to Serena to place a kiss on her hand and bow to their prince as they made their way to exit.
As the door closed, Darien locked the bolts in place and turned to his love. "I don't know about you Dare Bear but that couch looks very inviting. How about a movie and we try to relax. These next several days seem like a lot of work. I will be running all over trying to put out fires." Serena sighed as she sank into the couch, watching Darien pop a movie in the dvd player.
"I don't know Sere. Maybe we just don't give them enough credit. The guys were perfectly civil tonight and the girls, though stressed, seem to have a handle on the situation. I think it will come together. If there was hope for us after 2 years of fighting then I know there will be hope for them as well. You can't deny the number of times each side was glancing at the other." Darien smiled as he pulled Serena across his chest and laid down across the couch.
"mmhmm, I just wonder who will cave first to their charms." Serena was soon asleep as she was wrapped in his arms and finally felt peaceful for the first time since Chaos. Maybe there was a chance everyone could have happily ever after. So long as Raye didn't barbecue them first.