Author: IanBuddy

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Romance

Disclaimer: I do not now nor ever will own Sailormoon, etc etc… This is done for fun not profit, so on and so forth.

Description: Hey one and all, V-chan here with Chapter 3. whew I'm so glad you've enjoyed this story enough to come back. Thank you :) Anyway, re-summarizing again, this is another sappy, but clean, romantic story where Serena is having a horrible time with hiccups, and Darien has come up with a plan to help her get rid of it. How does he do it…hmm…yeah we know how…wink. Lots of love to my friends and readers who keep me writing. Hope you like.

Hiccup Mania

CHAPTER 3:

Serena tumbled and rolled as she fell from the sky, screaming in absolute terror along the way. I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die. Someone help me please…I don't wanna die. she prayed in earnest as her life flashed before her eyes. She thought of her friends and family and how they would miss her. There was so much more in life that she had wanted to do…like have a boyfriend, and her first kiss, which she hoped would have been Darien. But now, because of HIM, her life was ending. Darien, why? Darien…

Then suddenly, as soon as she had given up hope, she saw…Darien! He was fast approaching. He-he's coming to save me. Her fight instinct instantly took over her body. She struggle to straighten herself and reach out to him praying that she could grab onto him and live. A few seconds later, which felt like an eternity to her, their hands touched. Serena tried to grab onto him for dear life, but instead he quickly grabbed her pack then shoved her away sharply. Before she realized what happened her body immediately decelerated as her chute materialized and proceeded to glide her smoothly to the ground. I don't believe it…there was a parachute in there all along. How could I be soooo stupid? Of course he wouldn't push me off the plane without a chute. I am such an idiot…I didn't even call his bluff and pull the cord, instead I freaked out like a baby. How embarrassing. Why is it I always feel embarrassed or am humiliated when Darien's around? Maybe it's because he's the one doing it to me. I trusted him so much that I actually believed he didn't put the chute in my pack. I could have been killed! That MORON! How dare he scare me like that? He really must hate me to be this mean to me. Now I know for a fact that Jason was wrong. Serena's emotions continued to race wildly out of control in her head as she slowly descended to the earth.

She then looked around to see if anyone else in her party was nearby. As she peered down she saw Darien's, or who she thought was Darien's, parachute floating gracefully to the ground. That jerk. I think I've had about enough of him. I can't believe that Jason was so off the mark with this. Here I go being naïve and trusting people again. Only an idiot would believe that Darien was in love with me…please…the jerk tried to kill me. Well I guess I should give him a little credit for saving my life…wait, no…it's because of him my life was in danger in the first place. If he hadn't lied to me I never would have needed saving, I could have had a fun and exciting jump. Ohhhh I am so mad right now. Just wait 'til I get on the ground…I'll definitely let him know exactly how I felt about his little stunt.

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After Darien detached himself from his diving gear he quickly trotted over to the area where Serena had landed.

Serena saw him approaching while she was trying to unclip the last buckle. Once the contraption unhooked she discarded the pack on the ground and set off towards her nemesis.

"Serena, are you alright?" Darien inquired with worry as she came near. "I thought you were…umph," he groaned unable to finish his statement as he stumbled backwards from the force of her fist connecting with his face. "Ow…beep beep beep," he cursed loudly.

"YOU STUPID, WRETCHED, PSYCHOTIC JERK!" she yelled at the top of her lungs.

"What in the world…why did you hit me? You could've broken my jaw," he fussed angrily.

"I should have broken your face you no good piece of cow manure that has been rotting in the sun for days," she bellowed as she continued to throw wild punches into his arms and stomach.

But to her utter surprise Darien burst out into a roar of laughter. She could not believe what she was hearing, here he was the one guy she had thought to be in love with, and he was laughing at her. Words could not describe at that moment the amount of pain and total devastation she felt in her heart. "How could you?" she seethed with tears welling up in her eyes.

Darien saw the heartbroken look in her eyes and he immediately sobered up. "Serena," he started and reached out his hand to her.

She instantly recoiled away from him. "Don't touch me," she cried vehemently.

"Serena, what…what did I do?"

"What did you do? I can't believe you. I knew you didn't like me, obviously since we do fight with each other everyday. But I had no idea that you hated me that much."

"W-what?" he stuttered incredulously.

"Tell me something Darien, what did I ever do to make you hate me so much?" With that question she could not hold back anymore, the flood gates were opened and tears came streaming down her face.

Darien about died seeing his Meatball Head breakdown in front of him. This was not her usual wails and tantrums that occurred on a daily basis. He could tell her pain and tears were from her heart…her broken heart. Swiftly and gracefully, he wrapped his strong arms around her holding her close to him.

Initially she tried to push him away, but all the fight in her had disappeared so instead she just buried her face into his chest and wept. How could he hate me so? Why does he always make me cry…why do I allow myself to cry? I hate him…I do, I hate him. He's a worthless dog, and an uncaring cold-hearted jerk. I can't believe I allowed him into my heart. He almost kills me, and then laughs about it.

"Shh, don't cry Serena," she heard him coax while holding her tightly against his broad chest with one hand rubbing soothingly up and down her back. "I am so sorry Serena honey…I'm so sorry I hurt you."

Serena's sobs slowly died down as his words finally registered in her brain. What in the world…why is he comforting me like this? It's because of him that I'm so upset, but right now…right now I feel so safe and secure in his arms. Have I lost my mind? He tried to kill me…well scare me to death…so what, same difference. But now he's acting as though he cares for me. I am so confused. She slowly raised her head off his chest to stare into his deep blue, worry-filled eyes.

Darien smiled softly then reached up and tenderly wiped away the trail of tears with his thumbs.

"I-I don't understand," she stammered, her befuddled gaze never wandering from his soft gentle eyes.

"What don't you understand?"

"Why are you being so nice to me now?"

"Because I hurt you…I'm not sure how I did…but I did, and I'm so sorry. I never meant to…"

"How can you say that?" she snapped cutting off his apology. Her anger was starting to rise again. She then pushed him off of her and took a few steps back so she would be able to focus her anger without his closeness muddling her senses. "How can you stand here and tell me you have no idea how you hurt me?"

For once in his life, Darien was at a lost for words.

"Let me remind you that you tried to KILL ME!"

"What, no I didn't."

"Oh please, you told me I didn't have a chute then pushed me off the plane, remember."

"You said I could do anything no matter how crazy, 'remember that'," he defended himself.

"I thought I was going to die DARIEN!" she yelled at the top of her lungs.

"I thought you were going to die too," he hollered back just as forcefully.

That comment silenced her for a quick moment. She wasn't expecting him to understand or even show compassion for her. "What?" she questioned in a softer, but confused tone.

"Look I don't know what happened up there," he stated more gently. "I was only trying to scare you. I never thought in a million years you would actually believe that I would toss you off that plane without a chute. Then I was going crazy wondering what was taking you so long to pull your cord."

"Y-you told me I didn't have a chute…so I guess I just freaked out."

"Good grief," he sighed with frustration as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Out of all the times we argue and I make stupid and nasty comments you ignore me and write me off as a mean jerk. But today, as you are falling from the sky, you decide to listen to me, and…sigh…only heaven knows why…believe me."

"I thought you hated me," she argued weakly, and lowered her head in shame.

"Serena honey," his voice purred sweetly as he walked up and gently cupped her face in his hands. "I could never hate you…never."

She raised her eyes to meet his. She was very aware of their close proximity to each other, and the feel of his warm masculine fingers tenderly stroking her skin. She could not help a little blush from forming on her cheeks as those butterflies resumed their previous dance in her stomach. He could never hate me, sigh, how sweet. He has me so confused right now with my feelings. I want so much to hate him, but how can I hate such a gorgeous man who makes my senses go wild with every touch. But wait a minute…he did laugh at me. "If you don't hate me, then why were you laughing?"

Darien chuckled slightly, "Sweetheart I wasn't laughing at you, I was laughing at what you said."

"About breaking your face?"

"No, if I recall correctly, you referred to me as 'a piece of cow manure rotting in the sun for a couple of days'."

Serena giggled slightly, "Well I guess that was kinda funny. But it was meant to be an insult. Every summer my family and I go see my grandparents who live on a farm. I tell you, there is nothing worse than the fresh country scent of rotting cow poop."

"I'm so glad I reminded you of it," he responded with a hearty laugh. Soon they both were laughing joyfully together for the second time that day. "But seriously Serena," he started as the laughter died down. "You have to believe that I would never have done this if I knew your life would be in danger."

After a moment of thought, Serena smiled softly at him, "I believe you."

"You do?" he questioned with a shocked look on his face.

"Yes, I do."

"Thank you," he stated sincerely. "You know, I was actually scared to death up there. When I realized you were in trouble something snapped in my brain and I knew I had to do everything in my power to get to you. I didn't care if I got my chute up in time or not, I would have died trying to save you."

Serena was genuinely shocked by his confession. Did he just say he would die for me? "But…I don't understand…why?"

"Because…" he stopped and started to look everywhere but at her.

She could see the struggle going on within him, so she waited patiently wondering what was going through his head.

"Because I…umm…"he stopped again. Finally he met her eyes straight on, blue clashing with blue, "Because I love you."

Serena's heart practically flew out of her chest to soar through the clouds. Her breath immediately caught in her throat, and she had to remind herself to breath before she passed out. She never thought she would ever hear those three words from his lips, particularly addressed to her. Shock was a mild form of what you would call the state she was in.

Unfortunately, Darien took her prolonged silence as a rejection. "I know you probably despise me because of all the horrible things I've said and done to you. I understand really, I don't deserve you. You probably would like to be with someone like Jason. He is a great guy and he's definitely attracted to you…like every other guy in town," he spoke the last part under his breath. "And you seem to be attracted to him."

Serena still could not move, or make any sounds come out of her mouth.

"I do want you to know that I love you with all my heart and hopefully…hopefully one day you could forgive me. I want to prove my love for you so maybe someday you could possibly love me back," he continued nervously. "You're probably thinking that I've lost my mind, but…"

But before he could finish his sentence Serena suddenly grabbed his shirt collar, pulled his head down to her level, and planted a soft kiss upon his lips.

Darien quickly recovered from his shock and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close which caused the kiss to deepen.

Serena melted like butter in his arms as his powerful lips danced over soft ones in a loving and tender rhythmic motion. As the kiss ended, so they both could catch their breaths, they rested their foreheads together staring deeply into one another's eyes.

I can't believe what has just happened. He loves me…ME out of all people. And I kissed him…am I insane…wow I feel bold. This seems so right though, being held in his arms. It feels like I belong here…with him holding me forever.

"So," Darien whispered as his lips began trailing butterfly kisses from her forehead, across her cheeks, and finally down her neck. "Does this mean you forgive me?"

"Yes," she purred softly closing her eyes and enjoying the feel of his warm silky kisses on her tender skin.

"Really?" he questioned as he continued his assault on her neck.

"Yes, I forgive you."

"Why?"

"Because I love you silly."

At that statement Darien instantly snapped upright pulling Serena out of her blissful trance. "Do you mean that, seriously?" he asked cautiously.

She flashed him a bright smile and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, "Absolutely! I've been in love with you forever, but was afraid to tell you…thinking you hated me."

Suddenly Serena found herself twirling through the air as Darien whooped with joy at her confession. She laughed happily along with him.

"Wow, this is amazing, I can't believe it," he cried boisterously. "All this time we both had the same feelings about each other and instead of saying it outright we acted like idiots and had to end up finding out through this whole hiccup expedition."

Oh my goodness, my hiccups. "Speaking of which, I think your little scheme actually worked," she smiled happily. "I haven't hiccupped once since…you know I think the last time was on the plane. Congrats Darien, your plan was a complete success…you scared the hiccups right outta me."

"And you doubted me?" he questioned arrogantly puffing up his chest with pride.

"Of course I did," she answered slyly with a light-hearted giggle. "So I guess that means you want your reward, huh?"

"But of course mademoiselle, if you would be so kind," he replied in a mock French accent followed with a slight bow.

Serena playfully smacked him in the chest, "I can't believe you want a reward. I wasn't really serious you know. I would've said or agreed to just about anything considering the circumstances."

Darien raised a questioning eyebrow, "I didn't realize you were that kind of girl Meatball Head."

Her mouth dropped open in shock at his insinuation. "Darien! You know I didn't mean…"

"I'm just kiddin', really," he chuckled as he hugged her lovingly.

"You'd better be buster," she threatened playfully.

"But seriously…I still want my prize. A deal's a deal."

"Alright fine you big meany," she pouted and crossed her arms to emphasize her displeasure. "So what did you want? You want me to clean your house, do your homework, cook you dinner?"

"Please no," he teased, then roared with laughter at the 'drop-dead' glare she threw at him. "Sorry sweetheart, I couldn't resist."

Se sighed and rolled her eyes at lame humor. "So if you don't want that then what exactly do you want?"

Instantly an impish grin materialized on his lips. Serena was not quite sure what that expression was suppose to mean, but the dangerous sparkle in his eyes made her feel a bit uneasy and excited at the same time.

Darien smoothly slid his strong arms around her petite waist again, pulled her in close, and dipped his head so he could whisper into her ear. "The best reward you could ever give me is your love and a million kisses," he declared with all the love in his heart.

Serena gasped, that was the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to her. Never had she felt so wanted and so loved. The man of her dreams had made her dreams a reality. Now it was time for her to sport a mischievous grin, "Well you already have my love, so…"

In the next second her senses were set ablaze as his lips captured hers in a passionate and hungry kiss. Serena instantly surrendered herself to his hot demanding lips as the world ceased to exist around them.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

End of Chapter 3

I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I hope I made it sappy enough…smile. Sorry it takes me so long to type these chapters out. Since I do not have a beta I'm revising while I'm typing, plus I only have time to type at night. This was such a fun story to write and I'm so glad everyone stuck it out with me. But…It's NOT over yet, Chapter 4 is on its way. I have to do an epilogue to this story…hee hee. Thank you again to my friends and family who supported me and my crazy writing. Thank you also to all of the fantastic people who read my stories, and thank you for all the kind and wonderful reviews. I really love making people happy, so if you enjoy please let me know and I'll keep writing. Take care and God Bless!!

V-Chan (aka IanBuddy)

January 2008