Serena stood in the middle of her shower stall gripping her head between her thighs. "Darien" she whispered, tears in her eyes as an image flashes before her, his blue eyes no longer vibrant cobalt but a muddy blue absent of any color or life. Water poured down her back, turning cold from the excess time spent there her skin becoming prune-like.
Another sleepless night she thought before turning the off the knob. It started right around midnight like clockwork, she's drifting off then she doesn't dream anything yet all of a sudden her dream world becomes gray, gloomy, and gaping. She yells out the same thing in every dream though the dreams are never exactly the same the outcome is.
"I was here all along," she says, the words ringing in her ear as she traces them with her finger on her cold pale forearm. Making her way back to her room she feels hopelessly lost, she didn't consult Raye she was too ashamed to describe how much they are affecting her how much she cares for him. She had mentioned it to Mina after not been able to sleep for two days straight, while the other blonde listened to her she also urged her to talk Raye or even the rest of the girls and that they would try to figure it out.
Not wanting all the attention focused on her she told Mina she would figure it out and for now to keep it between the two of them. Still she asked herself what she should do? What could she do? She thought as she dressed.
Reaching for her black coat she was glad she had used a personal day even if she had requested it months before due to Amy's wedding. The girls and she wanted to have one last sleepover before the big day; doing all the things they had done before teenagers. Also it was the last fitting of her dress and she would be taking it with her for the big day tomorrow. Pushing aside all thoughts of self-fulfilling prophecies and visions she put her hair in a high ponytail before smiling in the mirror though much to her dismay she couldn't even fool herself.
"Ahh shit ,"she groaned before covering the dark circles under her eyes .Making her way back down the stairs of her apartment complex she hailed a cab taking her to the boutique. An angry voice stopped her before reaching the room; standing behind the door she heard another voice.
"What an asshole are you kidding me!" came Raye's angry voice, her fists clenched.
"That's it next time I see him I'm caving his head in with my foot" yelled Lita, followed by Raye who answered," Not without my help I want to wipe that smirk off his face."
"You guys calm down" said Mina standing next to a quiet yet angry Amy
"He has to pay!" said Lita in a calmer voice. More insults and curses were thrown until Amy stood up
"You guys are right," spoke up Amy
"You can't be serious!" answered Mina frustration clear on her face as she stared at the bluenette. "But we have tried time and time, he really has moved on and conspiring against him no matter how wrong he may be acting isn't going to solve anything. We have to be support for Serena the calmness she needs not the storm."
Letting out a sigh Lita stated "You're probably right hell I know you're right, I just can't believe this is how it's ending."
Eyes flickering with fiery emotion Raye walked towards the bathroom, "No matter how much we bicker, she's my sister and you don't mess with family.
Before Amy could take a step forward Mina intervened, "Let her cool down," "Are we going to tell her?" said Amy in an almost whisper. "I don't know" replied Mina before Lita countered, "Of course we are sisters don't lie we haven't lied to each other before why would we start now?"
Holding in tears Serena revealed herself, "Tell me!" she yelled consumed by the emotions in the room. Faces all glanced down Lita and Amy unsure of how to word the situation, Mina afraid she would burst into tears at the sight of Serena's face.
"He's bringing someone to Amy's wedding, apparently he's been happily dating a fellow resident at the hospital," said Raye bitterness in her voice before running a hand through her long raven hair. "We are here for you honestly if I was Amy I wouldn't even want him there," she said.
"No this isn't about us, this is about Amy and Zoicite" said Serena in what she hoped was a strong voice. Four pairs of eyes focused on her all filled with compassion.
"Really you guys all these declarations of loyalty while so nice aren't needed, I was kind of expecting it. And I even prepared," she said the latter faster.
"Like mental preparation, good for you Sere," replied Amy her face showing a small smile. At the same time Serena shook her head not sure of how to phrase it.
Staring at her with a sideways glance Mina said, "No more like arm candy" hitting the nail on the hammer.
"You got some man candy you've been stashing?" said Raye smirking at the small blonde. "Umm no exactly I've known him for a while just recently started…. Seeing each other," answered Serena a small blush on her cheeks, seeing each other wasn't exactly the right term after remembering the night they had spent together.
Eyes widening Mina answered," Ponytail guy?!"
"His name is Seiya, Mina," said Serena rolling her eyes at the golden blonde.
"Whose pony tail guy?" exclaimed Raye while Lita chuckled "I thought we established his name was Seiya,"
"Whatever the point is who's the guy, where did you meet him you know all the dirty details," said Raye her chin perched on the palm of her hands a Cheshire cat grin on her lips.
"He's the guy from the club the day of Amy's bridal shower," said Mina while Serena shot a glare at her thinking, great thanks to her oh so very blonde friend the rest of the girls would already look down on Seiya.
"He was cute!" said Raye not a sign of disappointment on her face. While Lita said, "As long as he's
treating you well that's all that matters ohh and that he's not a pansy nothing is more unsexy than a wimp,"
"He was good looking and seemed quite polite," said Amy trying to focus on the night she met him. Well sort of met him she mused.
"Sexy smile and killer bone structure," continued Raye an admiring tone evident in her voice.
"All right settle down ladies you guys will meet him tomorrow and he will not disappoint," said Serena with a small smile on her lips. Continuing their fitting, the girls were all up to date on the alterations of their ice blue gowns. Though they were all the same color they had chosen different styles to flatter each girl.
"So Serena you're hosting tonight right," asked Raye
"I would but Jadeite insists on joining us no doubt pranking us in some way," said a Raye a humph heard in her voice.
"Yeah that's fine I doubt Luna will give us any trouble," said Serena releasing a chuckle
"Ohh Luna I haven't seen her in ages," replied Amy a glint in her eyes.
"Yeah that's cool just show up at 6 pm, I'll be ready by then," said Serena still feeling hurt by Darien's course of action as well as anticipation for the wedding and a smidge of curiosity. She wondered what his date would look like or was like in general.
In another part of the city Darien was jogging alongside Kunzite a frustrated look on his face while Kunzite said wearily, "Hold on mate, you're killing me here." Looking back at the dark haired man he wiped the sweat of his brows before motioning for him to stop and take a drink of water.
"Something troubling you?" he asked casually. "Don't be ridiculous, I've been slacking off in my regimen. I thought you of any people could understand that," said Darien his eyes almost bloodshot.
"If anything you need a nap, perhaps at a certain blonde's house," said Kunzite teasing his friend.
"I expect that from Jadeite not you Kunzite," a frown on his face before walking down the trail.
"Serena's been having some dreams… strange dreams... That don't let her sleep," stated Kunzite testing a hypothesis he had while Darien froze in his tracks and slowly turned to the silver haired man.
"What do you mean strange dreams?" he whispered
"Darkness, evil laugher, and you dying," replied Kunzite connecting the dots when he noticed Darien's shaky demeanor and sleep deprived state. "And if I had to bet on it I assume you've been having them too"
Darien tensed pacing back and forth in front of the small bench before crouching down hands in his hair. "Why her too why is this happening? I did what was needed."
Putting two and two together Kunzite's eyes widened, "That's why you left her! You bloody twit"
Still in his comatose state Darien showed no sign of standing up or really even functioning. "I have to fix this" Realizing how he had been tricked by some force that was determined to destroy them both he got back up before meeting Kunzite's hard hand. He had been such an idiot he realized, whoever or whatever was doing this didn't want to keep Serena safe in fact it wanted to destroy her along with himself.
"Not now all the girls are together. Wait until after the wedding, once everything is settled," said Kunzite a compassionate look in his eyes.
Nodding his head he said goodbye to his friend and headed back to his apartment hoping to gather his thoughts and prepare what he would say to Serena. While he stood on the balcony of his home he admired the white moon it's pale glow reminding him of Serena's smooth pale skin nonetheless he pushed those thoughts aside and concentrated on what he would say.
He knew Kunzite had recommended he talk to her after the wedding but wasn't sure he could see her and not fall to his knees begging her to forgive him and take him back. He grimaced remembering the intern he had asked to go to the wedding the day before. Brushing a hand through his hair he swore he would make this right he would get her back and they would face the unknown evil together.
The girls all sat on the floor donning their favorite pj's passing around bowls of chips and other goodies.
"You really think we should be eating all this? I mean what if I don't fit in my dress tomorrow?" said an exasperated Raye.
Rolling her eyes at the brunette Lita responded, "Raye you're in the best shape ever stop exaggerating,"
"If anyone is the fittest it's you Lita," replied Raye. "Still you have a cute little figure," countered Lita.
"We're all beautiful," said Serena a silly grin on her face, "Now what movie should we watch first?"
A soft sob turned all the girls attention to the small bluenette, " I'm sorry you guys I'm just so happy, tomorrow is my wedding, I love Zoicite and you guys are the best family I could ask for," said Amy tears trailing down her cheeks.
"So what's the problem, Honey?" said Mina concern evident in her eyes.
"Nothing I guess, I am just so grateful but a part of me is afraid of change," said the teary eyed bluenette.
"Well we're not going anywhere right guys?" said Lita tears threatening to spill over, "We'll never lose each no matter what we will always find each other."
Holding hands in the small circle they had constructed they felt a wave of calmness wash over them. Although Lita's words cemented their friendship, the women knew change was inevitable. Yet they would make time for each other, be patient, and overall always care. The night continued filled with teasing, laughter, and love none of the girls wanting the night to be over but soon they felt the tell-tale signs of sleep overcoming them So they drifted off excited for the new chapter in their friend's life.
Opening her eyes to the sun just crossing over the horizon Serena looked over the room Amy was asleep on the bed a teddy bear in between her legs. Raye was on the floor some drool on the pink blanket she had borrowed from Serena while Mina was curled into a ball next to Amy.
On the floor next to Raye and her was Lita hogging all the blankets a serene expression on her face. Chuckling at their antics last night, Serena had actually had a decent night's rest. Hearing the ringing of Amy's phone, Serena knew the day would be a chaotic mess but in the end everything would work out.
"Wake up you guys we have to shower and get ready for hair and makeup in an hour, everybody five minute showers" yelled Amy excitement in her voice. How anybody could be so peppy at this hour was beyond her but Amy had always been a morning person also it was her wedding day.
Arriving at the church in the nick of time, Serena adjusted her dress in the corridor of the old building. The girls were all ready to go as Canon in D began to play a light harp heard in the background. Lita took a hold of Nephrite's arm as they made their way down, a flustered Darien approached Serena.
Not sure how to greet her or if he should say anything he offered his arm whispering in her ear, " You look beautiful bunny," hooking her arm into his a gasp caught in her breathe as she waited for herself to wake up from this wonderful dream or for him to tear her down.
His fingers stroked her arm and she melted into his touch holding his gaze losing herself in those blue eyes grander than any ocean or sky. Before Darien could open his mouth Amy's father signaled for them to move forward as Mina and Kunzite were almost at the altar. Eyes still focused on each other they made their way down in haze.
The ceremony had been beautiful as expected and the couple headed out for photos while the rest of the girls searched for their partners. Serena saw a beautiful brunette tall, sophisticated and graceful approach Darien embracing him in a tight hug, surely this was the date he had brought. Their eyes met and Serena's face changed to a blank expression while Darien gave her a small smile. Trying to free himself of the brunette and talk to the object of his affection Darien noticed the man from Serena's apartment. A scowl grazed his lips yet the brunette grabbed on to Darien's arm not wanting to let go while he tried to tell her he had to go take pictures as well. Noticing Darien's uncomfortable stance, she released a small chuckle before she saw Seiya approach her from the corner of her eye.
Unbeknownst to her Darien had already been regretting his decision to bring Katarina the moment he learned the truth. Again when he saw just how clingy she was getting and once more when he saw that arrogant boy approach her small pink bouquet in his hands.
"Pink suits you, so I thought you should have some on you" said Seiya looking deeply in Serena's eyes.
"Thank you" softly replied Serena. Hooking her arm into his she walked toward the rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
"Serena come over you haven't been in any yet, the rest of you girls too," said Amy happily. Holding her bouquet, Seiya told her to go and that he would wait here for her. The men went back to where Seiya was standing and introductions began.
"I'm Seiya came with Serena as you saw, it was a great ceremony," he said to Zoicite who shook his hand confused by his presence and worried of his friend's reaction.
Following to shake his hand was Nephrite who gave him firm grip. While Kunzite greeted politely thinking this was going to be one hell of a night. Jadeite was the only one care free who said "You came with Blondie? Good for you" To which Seiya smirked and said "You have no idea," simultaneously turning his glance to Darien.
" You know Darien right?" said Jadeite a teasing smile on his face knowing well enough what had happened at the apartment thanks to Raye.
"Briefly" answered Seiya sizing up the older man with his eyes. Darien returned his gaze scoffing at the younger man's antics. Feeling the need to intervene Kunzite said alright photos are done see you guys at the venue. Gripping Darien's shoulders, "I suggest you escort you date there." The look in his eyes saying hey you brought someone here, so did she let it go for now.
Making his way to Katarina, Darien threw a glare back at Seiya before leaving. While Serena approached Seiya a small hand on his back broke him from the conflict. "We're leaving want to call a cab or did you bring a car?" came her sweet reply.
Leading her to his car Serena muttered "Crap" before turning to Seiya "I left my shawl inside, I'll be right back," "Wait here, I'll go get" replied Seiya a sincere smile on his face
Inside he saw the man who was constantly in his way retrieving the purse of his annoying date. Spotting Serena's date he internally cringed at that but nonetheless approached him.
"I suggest you stay away from her she's in no state to be toyed with," said Darien jaw locked eyes hard.
"Who are you to tell me do anything, a clingy ex?" said Seiya a smirk grazing his handsome features,
"Can't you see she's upgraded?"
"I honestly don't see what she sees in you" said Darien growing angrier by the second.
"You obviously haven't slept with me" replied a smug Seiya casually walking closer to Darien.
"Son of a bitch" yelled Darien inches away from younger man and ready to pounce. The heavy doors creaked as they opened and revealed a young woman.
"Darien?" said a confused brunette who Darien recognized as Katarina.
"This isn't over. Not by a long shot," gritted out Darien before stepping back.
"Anywhere. Anytime. You might fool everyone else but I'm not afraid of you," said a cocky Seiya before retrieving the shawl and giving the other man his back.
Firsts tensed so much his knuckles had turned white, Darien took a moment to settle back down and approach his date. He wasn't sure his self-control could stay in check the rest of the night. If this fool thought he would sit idly by while he moved in on his women he was sadly mistaken. Fixed with a determined mind frame Darien led Katarina back to his while thinking it was time to regain all he had stupidly thrown away.