I don't own z' Sailor Moon. All hail Naoko! (you know…the one that DOES…)
This chapter is for lara1786, without whose review, I'd have neglected this story even longer, which would've been just mean. MEAN, I tell you!
AN: In this crazy fic, it's legal for 17 year olds to drink alcohol. Cuz' I said so. ;P
X-O-X-O
Truth be told, Serena had experienced her share of anomalous situations in her short existence upon the azure Earth, and yet, none to date had managed to leave her feeling so akin to some dumfounded animal in the rays of oncoming headlights.
Despite the merciless breath of late autumn, which seemed to be flowing through her instead of around her impractically clad body, she felt the heat rising within, the sensation succeeding only in causing her further frustration. Sometimes, it just didn't pay to rise in the morning, now did it?
But no, not only the bitter chill was intent on her complete and total devastation, for as she stood on somewhat shaking legs not three steps beyond the shop door behind her, Serena could feel his eyes upon her…the eyes that had haunted both her days and nights since she'd first been crazed enough to take in the stormy ferocity of them only days ago.
They held a quiet amusement now, the man but paces from her as the foul wind continued to whip their hair in all directions, streamers of gold flowing about them both as the crowd traveling the streets paid the couple no mind in the least, save the occasional passing glance.
Growing rapidly unnerved by the silence, Serena drew in a breath, hoping to avoid stumbling over her words as was the usual case whenever she found herself in the presence of the most baffling enigma ever known to man.
"So…if you keep this kind of thing up, I may just get used to it. You can't have that now, can you?" she wondered dryly, vainly pulling her measly knit duster about herself more tightly in response to the assault mother nature was dealing her at the time.
She was surprised to find that the expected smirk did not appear upon his face, his expression remaining unchanged as she awaited a response. Silence.
The blonde nymph swallowed hard, positively baffled by his pronounced lack of expression. She needed something, anything, in order to continue along her rambling, for presenting herself as a fool for naught was not an option.
"My, and I always used to consider myself to be rather articulate. Pardon the hint of sarcasm, but is there any reason in particular that we find ourselves freezing to death out here, or are you simply fond of such things?" she wondered, her booted feet scuffing a tad anxiously across the few loose gravels before her.
It was if the man had heard her speak for the first time, his smoldering sapphire gaze coming suddenly to life, the familiar flame erupting throughout the twin orbs. Serena stepped backward, despite her dreadful body's own implications to fling itself directly into the arms that she had so long to fill since last she'd found herself within the cage of them.
Precious gift still clutched in hand, she studied his face, each contour and line already committed to memory. Truth be told, each time her eyes had closed since their first chance encounter, she had seen his face, which both taunted and intrigued in equal measure.
Any thought that had begun to form was abruptly put to death, a voiceless gasp leaving her as she was pulled into the alleyway just behind, the crowd traveling the sidewalk not paying any heed to the disappearance of the two.
"What are you…?" the startled blond attempted to demand, before her reality was blurred, all reason and worry lost like a shout into the wind.
Silently, the single rose, colored virgin white as freshly fallen snow fell to the pavement below, landing between two pairs of black boots, their owners too occupied to notice.
Inner monologue was quick to spring forth, the sound of her mind seeming to buzz between her ears as her lips trembled, being almost harshly devoured by the dark stranger, who had managed to do to her what no other had before.
'Away! You can't let him…'
Unconsciously, she abruptly put an end to her mind's own urgings, unable to concentrate on anything other than the rapidly intensifying onslaught she was being dealt.
Her hands, which had until then been frozen at her sides, rose up, meeting with the leather clad torso of the man that was before her. The small action only drove him on, her touch like some sweet remedy to the bitterness he'd grown to know so well. Something akin to a growl rumbled deep within his throat, and Serena knew then, his fingers snaking their way to anchor in her long tresses, that any attempted retreat would quickly be thwarted.
Suddenly, she felt the wall at her back, trapping her in the embrace of the stranger she'd only begun to know. Oddly enough, as desperate as her situation should've been, the fear that threatened to erupt was easily kept at bay. His lips, so hot against her own, demanding and needy all at once, were nearly her undoing, her own meeting his with matched desire.
Forbidden. This was a fruit he knew better than to dare to sample. But now, with the girl moaning against his lips, her hips pressing against his own…he couldn't begin to stop himself.
The temptation had always been present, since the moment he'd laid eyes upon her. Though he'd not pinpointed the reason behind the madness she seemed to so easily cause, it mattered not to him. Logic, it appeared, was no friend, not when it concerned this girl. All his troubles faded to black, the feel and scent of her bringing them to total ruin.
This was no day for this. He had work to do that night, in fact, and it was to be no small task. She deserved no part of his world, and he knew it to be true. If only she knew, she'd run. He wouldn't have to concern himself with her opinion of him afterward. The thought displeased him greatly, threatening to ruin the moment he'd managed to create.
Thinking of nothing but her, feeling her small frame shake against the arm he'd wrapped about her waist, he shut everything else out, concentrating on what deserved his attention at the time. His hands, both soft and demanding at once, snaked up her thighs beneath her skirt, her soft skin like heaven against his palms.
Without warning, he pulled back, breath heavy upon her brow. He noticed her eyes, clouded by desire, begging him for what he knew he could not give.
Those eyes, he knew, would be his undoing. The longer he looked into him, the further he fell. She deserved more…so much more. It was that which caused him, much to her shock, to draw her into a last, fervent kiss, his desperation setting her body aflame.
"You're beautiful," he whispered hoarsely against her ear, before turning back to the busy street, leaving her breathless and alone. Moments passed, her mind attempting to keep up with what had just occurred.
Her fingers touched her lips, still warm from his ardent touch. She noticed then that her legs were shaking, forcing her to steady herself a bit against the wall as she gathered her thoughts.
Though still reeling from the feeling of his hands, his gorgeous lips, confusion was soon to commandeer control. She'd heard tales of men sending mixed emotions, but this was a touch ridiculous.
Spying the dropped rose at her feet, she bent down, taking it lightly between her fingers as she brought it to her lips. What game was he playing? Perhaps, she mused, he took joy in causing her grief. How dare he cause such an eruption within her, just to turn and flee like some coward?
Serena shook her head, an ironic smile upon her face: she should've expected this much. It always seemed to happen this way, which was exactly why she'd sworn off all dealings with men. Adjusting her clothes a bit, she made her way back to the sidewalk, glancing both directions just to be sure he'd indeed vanished. To her further disappointment, he had. Nowhere did her eyes spy his tall form, though she'd subconsciously hoped to.
Despite the sick feeling creeping into her stomach, she managed to force herself to walk. Each step she took seemed a mighty burden, her feet heavy as her heart.
"Some fucking conversation we had," she griped aloud, sighing mightily as she continued her journey.
She needed something, but wasn't quite sure what was strong enough to take her mind off the man that seemed totally intent upon her destruction.
Her fingers tightened about the rose in her hand, the urge to toss it into oblivion strong. However, she decided against it, the purity of the proffered flower keeping her from bringing about its destruction, despite the giver.
Approaching the shop, she kept going, not in the mood for neither Lita's incessant questioning, nor the starry eyes she'd surely have set on Andrew. Moments of brooding such as these called for one thing: sleep.
An angry hand brushed at the single tear that had fallen down her cheek, the pain in her chest growing by the moment. Even in sleep, she knew, he would haunt her. His eyes, stormy blue and wanting, would give her no rest.
X-O-X-O
The light of the fading day filling his apartment, Darien paced, drink in hand, mind burdened by so much. More than anything regret plagued him, though he knew that he'd done what he must. She couldn't be exposed to this.
He was in the wrong to have begun anything with her. Though the attraction, both physical and otherwise, was there, he couldn't allow himself to forget his position.
The life he lived was unable to support such a thing as a relationship, especially one with a girl such as Serena. He doubted bitterly, however, that there were any others like her.
Looking at his reflection as he passed the mirror in his living room, he was disgusted by what he saw. The man he'd become was no man…more a monster with no ties to any part of life.
He'd grown so used to having nothing to lose, to the apathy he felt for life, that seeing the emotion swimming in those soft blue eyes had driven him to near lunacy. How had he allowed such a thing to occur? The first time should've ended it, but he'd gone back, unable to resist the temptation that was Serena.
His eyes moved to stare out his window, the bustling city around him unaware of the pain in his heart. Fingers traced along the holster hanging just at his ribs, the cool metal of his gun both a bane and his salvation. He'd chosen this, long before he'd known of her. It simply couldn't be.
She'd move past this. It would be nothing more than a mere blip on her radar of life. Any thought of him would be forgotten, another soon coming in to sweep her off into some dream. One day she would marry, have children, live a normal life. But he…he would do nothing but exist, though the memories of her would remain.
Anger coursed through his veins. There was work to be done, he reminded himself, regret or no. He'd have to make himself forget, for her sake more than his own. He wanted her to live, without fear or being stalked by any of the shadows he'd familiarized. Those eyes, he knew, should never see the horrors of his world.
Adjusting his holsters, he killed his drink before throwing on his duster. Tonight would be a lucrative, though bleak one. His target had evaded hit man after hit man, each slain before their task had been completed.
This one knew what was coming for him, and his people were everywhere. This would be a challenge, though one he was more than prepared to meet head on. It had been so long since something worthy of his skill had surfaced. The last few hits had been nothing short of insults. But, the money was there, prompting him to ignore the mundane reality of the last few jobs.
"And so it begins," he mused aloud, closing his eyes as he allowed himself one last thought of her, her scent still floating around him. The door closing with a click, he made his way towards the elevator, the night's task settling in his mind.
X-O-X-O
As she stepped through the door, Lita took yet another glance at the phone number scrawled across her palm, her lips curving into an immediate smile. Though she'd put it immediately into her cell phone after he'd left the shop, attaining Andrew's number was most definitely the defining moment of the day…perhaps the week, even.
Flinging her loaded bag onto the couch, she paused a moment, the stillness of the apartment disturbing her a bit. Normally, music was practically blaring from one room or the other, but there seemed to be no sign of life at all.
"You cheeky bitch," she muttered, wondering just where Serena and a certain raven-haired suitor had gotten off to.
The girl had been a wreck over him since they'd met. As long as they'd known one another, Lita had never seen her act so infatuated with anyone.
Darien had somehow managed to rewrite Serena's rules of conduct, though she was still clueless as to how he'd done it. Just then, she spied Serena's purse hanging on the hook in the kitchen, her brows furrowing in confusion.
Lita walked curiously to her door, pausing for a moment to consider before knocking. Could it be that she was entertaining behind that door? She was sure Serena would murder her, should she interrupt such an event. However, Lita, never being one to be shy, took her chances, rapping experimentally on the door. After receiving no answer she tried again, a bit more loudly than before.
"Serena? Are you in there, chicky?" she called, a loud groan issuing from behind the door soon afterward.
"Gooooo awaaaaay," came the muffled reply, causing Lita to roll her eyes. The baby needed pampering, apparently.
"Aww, whatsa' matter?" she teased, testing the door and finding it unlocked.
Another groan sounded as she charged inside, pouncing upon the unsuspecting occupant of the bed, who was attempting to hide under her pillow. With a loud "oof" Lita landed, and shortly, a mini-wrestling match ensued, limbs flying everywhere.
"Lita, down!" Serena griped, thwacking her in the back of the head with the nearest pillow she could get her hands on.
"Should've locked your door," the brunette chided, wrenching the pillow out of her hand and tossing it safely out of reach.
"I normally do," Serena retorted loudly, finally sitting up to hear whatever wisdom Lita had come to bestow upon her.
"Now, then. How was your date?" she asked, soon bothered by the frown that graced her friend's lips.
"I don't want to fucking talk about it, Lita," she quipped, surprising her friend so much that she became, for the first time Serena could recall, utterly speechless.
After a long moment, Lita gathered herself. Watching Serena pace the floor like some lithe jungle cat, she knew that something had gone awry with the seemingly dreamlike romance that had begun to bloom between herself and Darien. Noticing how intently she was being watched, the blonde stopped her pacing, finally locking eyes with her scrutinizer.
"That good, was it? I'm sure you realize that you can't just say "I don't want to talk" and leave it at that. We're way past that by now, Sere. Now, what happened?" she prompted, squeezing her hand as she ushered her to sit back down upon the mattress. The emotions gathered behind her blue eyes like the formation of a storm, the hurt prominent amongst them all.
"He's not what I thought," she said tersely, looking away before Lita could spot the tears that had begun to flow against her wishes.
"Meaning?" she asked, trying to remain gentle as she drew forth the answers she was seeking.
"Lita," she began to protest once again, before emerald eyes silenced her.
"Look, hon. I know you really dig this guy. As long as we've known each other, I've never…and I mean never seen you look at anyone in the same way you look at Darien. Each time you're around him, you float. Are you actually sitting there, telling me you're ready to give up on him over something you can't even tell me about?" she asked.
"I suppose I am. I'm not playing this game he's started. By now, I've made it beyond obvious that I want what he's offering me. When he touches me, I nearly throw myself at him, which you know isn't like me at all. I feel like an idiotic little girl, chasing after the hot shit little boy everyone wants and can't have. He's just going to use me, Lita. I mean, who nearly fucks you in an alley, then just walks away without saying a word? He just left me there with nothing. Am I supposed to know how to respond to things like that?" she wondered, wiping her tears away just before more began to fall.
"Maybe he has his reasons," she pointed out, trying her best to keep Serena from walking away, which she was all too used to seeing. Relationships had never been kind to her, no matter the circumstances.
But Darien was a different entity entirely. Confusing, perhaps, but she couldn't let that keep her from finally being happy with someone.
"Sere, listen. Don't' you think it's time you put a little faith in someone? I mean, you've dealt with some sons of bitches, I know…but don't you think he's worth figuring out? Even I can tell the difference. He causes you to react. No one else ever has. You need to think about this before you dismiss it as another mistake," she told her knowingly. Lita could practically see her gears turning as she pondered the idea, her tears having vanished.
"Maybe. I just…we'll see how it goes. I need some time to think of something else. What are you up to tonight?" she wondered, thinking that a bit of fun may aid in easing her mind. Lita shrugged, only then holding up her palm for inspection.
"Andrew said we may get together at The Cellar tonight. I think the girls are going out, too. You should get out of the house," she decided, rubbing her hands together maniacally.
"God, you never stop plotting, do you?" Serena accused, smacking her in the arm playfully.
"Neva'! What would the world be without me?" she wondered with a smirk, happy to see her friend beginning to brighten a bit.
"Sane, most likely," she returned, darting out her door as another pillow sailed in her direction.
X-O-X-O
"Why the hell do I let you talk me into these things?" she wondered dismally, as she looked the crowd over.
"Because you weren't staying home in bed tonight. Stop bitching and loosen up, Sere. Damn, you'd think you were sixty or something," Lita shot right back, dragging her further into the writhing depths of what Serena had determined without doubt to be Hell.
"It's so loud in here," she said, only to have Lita turn back, brows furrowed.
"What?" she asked, leaning closer as she continued making a path through the throngs of people on the floor to the booths towards the back of the night spot.
"I said it's LOUD!" Serena nearly roared in response, as they finally reached their destination.
"Seriously, babe…if you spent half the time having fun that you do bitching, you'd be doing just fine," her friend pointed out, as Serena flopped down beside Raye, who's attention focused on her almost immediately.
"Well, well. Look who crawled out of her cave," she joked, soon receiving the expected hand gesture in return.
"Just for that, you're buying me a drink, you crotchety hag," she informed her, smiling sweetly.
"Fair enough. Anything to get you out in public," Raye grumbled, setting about the task attaining said beverage.
"Pardon me, ladies, but I spy something tasty," Lita cut in, all eyes soon noticing Andrew making his way towards them.
"Here she goes," Mina said, popping her knuckles.
"Work your magic, witchy woman."
"Am I pretty?" Lita wondered playfully, pursing her lips.
"Gorgeous, dahlink. Pounce away," Raye coaxed, a brow rising as Serena nearly down her drink in one gulp.
"Take it easy, princess. We know how you get, don't we?" she reminded her, sipping her own leisurely.
"Stuff it. I thought you wanted me to have fun," she pointed out, finishing it and shoving her glass to the center of their table.
"Next," she said, deftly commandeering the glass in Raye's hand and causing her drink to disappear in much the same fashion.
"Hey, I said a drink," she told her, frowning down into the empty glass.
Sometime later, Serena's head rose, a ridiculous grin upon her face. The music was still loud, though at that point, she wasn't paying heaps of attention.
"Hey, sloshy! Are you feeling ok?" Mina teased, noticing the wobbly movements of her friend.
"Oh, peasshy. You gonna' finish that?" she asked, before stealing the bottle sitting in front of her.
"Sere, cool it. You're gonna' be sick as it is," Amy warned, effectively taking it away from her and hiding it under the table.
"Fine. I'm going to the bathroom," Serena declared a bit loudly, getting to her feet with a bit of effort.
"Here, I'm coming with you," Raye said, before being stopped by a hand to her forehead.
"Chill out, Raye. I'll be right back, ladies," she promised, before turning to make her way through the crowd once again.
On the way, she noticed Lita and Andrew on the dance floor, and she couldn't help smiling. The two looked to be getting cozy indeed, the pang hitting her suddenly. All night she'd managed to keep it mostly at bay, but now, the thought of him was nearly her undoing. Her pace quickened, the nausea almost overwhelming as she moved desperately for the bathroom. To her displeasure, the line was backed out the door, forcing her to head for the safety of the exit.
Once she'd made it, the cool air of the night outside was like heaven compared to the stuffy confines she'd emerged from. She took a deep breath, her nausea fading, until at last she felt able to walk. Noticing how beautiful the night had grown while she'd been inside, she looked back, deciding that a night of drunkenness wasn't the remedy she needed. Even alcohol wasn't able to chase him from her mind. The more she thought of it, the worse the ache in her chest became.
Accepting her defeat, she began walking, to wherever her feet would carry her. She knew her friends would murder her for it, though at the time, it didn't matter. In no mood for crowds, for noise and bogus enjoyment, she began running, until she was sprinting full throttle into the night, the madness of the past several days finally discharging in a firestorm of emotion, tearing through her like shrapnel.
"Fuck you!" she cried into the night, anger and hurt pulsing through her veins like fire.
Of all the things, she'd allowed herself to fall for a man she could never have. He knew what he'd done, those hands lulling her into some sort of lust induced trance, his lips leaving her weak and wanting nothing but more what he'd offered. She knew it would only worsen, should she let it take her over. The best she could do now was forget...forget she ever knew of him.
Only then did she notice how short of breath she'd become, unaware of how far or long she'd run. Without a clue as to her location, Serena at last collapsed, her knees hitting hard and painfully against the ground, breath ragged and rasping. Chest heaving, she remained there, her breathing shattering the formerly still night around her.
Looking around, she noted the darkness, a single street lamp in the distance the only light piercing the shadows. She'd reached the far end of the park located in the center of the city. She could see the pond, reflecting the shards of light in the distance. Trees towered above her, ancient weeping willows and hardwoods of all sorts.
The serenity of her newfound surroundings helped to soothe her a bit, her breathing becoming a bit steadier as she closed her eyes, focusing her attentions on calming herself down before she was nothing more than a heap on the ground.
It was then that the shot rang out, her head shooting up and her heart beginning to race all over again. Eyes wide and searching, her breath caught, the sounds of a brawl soon following.
Forcing herself to her feet, she darted beneath the swaying fronds of a nearby willow, hands clinging to the trunk as footfalls sounded, growing nearer by the moment.
She watched with wide eyes as two figures appeared, one limping and the other his back to her, eyes darting everywhere.
The darkness prevented her from making out any features, save for the fact that both were rather tall and a bit lanky.
They stalked by, not ten feet from her hideout, the latter aiming behind them as if the devil himself were at their heels.
To her horror, a sharp blue light suddenly surrounded her, followed by the obnoxious ringing of her cell phone. Her fingers tried desperately to silence it, but she was already being hauled forcibly out into the open, her phone dropping to the ground behind her.
X-O-X-O
"It's been a while," Amy pointed out, glancing at the clock on the wall.
"She's probably passed out in the bathroom. Do I draw duty tonight?" Raye wondered, the night beginning to catch up with her as well.
"Go for it. I think Lita's busy," Mina grumbled, glancing over at the pair cuddled together in the booth next to her.
"Alright. This should be lovely," she declared wryly, heading off to discover what had happened to their tipsy friend.
Upon finding no sign of her in the bathroom, Raye checked the parking lot, but to no end. There was no sign of her anywhere.
Even Raye, who was usually the last to stress over such matters, began to become concerned. It was late…much too late for a not-quite-sober Serena to be walking around alone. Digging for her phone, she dialed her number, not expecting what was soon to be heard.
"Serena? Hello?" she tried, going numb after she heard her screaming, men's voices shouting before her scream erupted once again.
"Oh, my god. Serena! Serena!" Raye cried, racing back into the building to find someone, anyone that could help her.
X-O-X-O
"Let go of me!" she cried, her panic rising as her assailant's grip became so tight it pained her.
"What are you hiding back there for, huh? What did you see? What did you see?" he shouted, giving her a rough shake as his comrade stopped, eyes frantic as he raised his gun. Unable to speak, she only stood, frozen like some statue carved of marble. Her head snapped back, his hand sounding horribly as it struck her face.
Pain shot through her, blood seeping from her open lip into her mouth. Pushing hard at him, she turned, only to have him snag a handful of hair and drag her backward, screaming the entire while.
"Shut up! Shut the fuck up!" he demanded, forcing her head back painfully until she stilled.
"Look, I didn't see anything, ok?" she tried, only to have fingers grip her about the neck, nearly choking the breath from her.
"Man, we've got to get outta' here! Fuck her, let's go," the second demanded frantically, nearly backing over them both.
"She saw us. We can't leave anyone that knows," his partner hissed, Serena's hands clawing at his in an attempt encourage her release.
Her eyes widened as she saw the gun turn towards her, its mission more than obvious. So she would die here, alone and drunk, in the darkness. They would find her body in the morning, make the necessary phone calls to have it identified…her parents would cry. Her friends would blame themselves for letting her out of their sights. She'd never see him again.
Her last thought, strange as it was, seemed to hurt the most. She wondered if he'd even know of her demise. Perhaps he'd see it flash across the evening news. He probably wouldn't give it a thought, wouldn't even recognize her.
An agonized groan cut the air, followed by a thud as the body hit the ground, knife stuck deep within his back. She could do naught but stare in horror as yet another figure emerged from the shadows, the fingers around her throat disappearing.
The remaining attacker cursed under his breath, backing away as the newcomer continued to advance, the glint of metal catching Serena's eye. Another knife flew by her, landing solidly in the retreating man's thigh. He cursed again before turning away, calling a final warning before fleeing.
"It's not over. You're dead! You're both dead!" he shouted, disappearing like a rat into a hole.
To fight was all she knew, the arms closing about her as she struggled like mad to put space between them. It was his voice that ceased her struggling, head craning back as his face came into view.
"Don't. It's only me, Serena. Be still," he told her gently, his arms the only thing keeping her from collapsing at his feet.
"You…what are you…"
He felt the slight weight of her as she passed out of consciousness, taking a moment to adjust before slinging her over his shoulder. What was she doing here? Cursing all things under the sun, Darien turned, unable to continue the mission he'd begun. For now, it would have to wait.
Foremost, his thoughts were of the enchantress hanging limply over his shoulder, of the nightmares that had come to life before her very eyes. He'd tried his damndest to keep her safe, away from everything he knew. But somehow, the shadows had managed to draw her in, despite his good intentions.
The pain shot suddenly through his shoulder, forcing his mouth into a grimace. He'd never missed a mark. Not only had he failed, but the trouble that followed wouldn't show its face to him alone. He'd seen her face. They would know who she was.
After finally reaching his Jeep, he laid her gently on the passenger seat, his hand smoothing along her cheek gently. Blood pooled at the corner of her mouth, her lip laid open. Anger raced through him, though he fought to quell it.
He wondered if they were tracking him even then. Surely it was done for the night. If not, he'd deal with it accordingly. All that plagued his mind then was getting her to the safe haven his flat offered. There, he could be sure she'd be protected, away from the ones that now sought to destroy them both. No one, he vowed silently, would lay another coarse hand upon her and live.
X-O-X-O
Okee, I think that's enough for now. My wheels are still turning, though. We'll see if anyone wants me to keep goin' with this one. Toodles!