Okay so first off thanks for the reviews..Second is it's 12 am and I'm to tired to re-read this to make sure it makes sense and check the spelling….so please work with me. Also I just realized I forgot to make a note of the "I don't own sailor moon." So just letting you know I don't. Hope ya like, more to come hopefully sooner rather then later.

-Cheers

That night Mina had decided to spend the remainder of their time sharing room's with Kunzite, leaving Serena to herself.

Before Mina exited the room she placed a seat next to Serena on the bed with concern evident in her features and tone. "Are you sure you don't mind?"

"I'm absolutely sure, I'm fine, and I'm okay." She promised assuredly.

"It's just because if your not…I can stay. You haven't been by yourself since…"

"Mina for the last time GO. Besides if I have any troubles I'll have Darien talk to me, that bore will put me to sleep." The girls softly chuckled together as Mina stood up and kissed her on the cheek taking her absence.

Serena rested on the bed as she gazed upon the now empty room feeling slightly unnerved. Since the day in the woods she had began having reoccurring nightmares about everything that had taken place. She had trouble sleeping and if she was able to fall into a slumber it was always restless and tense.

She kept her insecurities to herself not wanting to be selfish and keep Mina by her side. "I'm fine." She whispered to herself as she fell gently back into her pillows. Her muscles held a tinge of soreness hindering her from moving more freely among the comforter.

Sleep tugged at her eyes calling her to slumber and yet her mind refused reducing her clouded vision to focus on the dark ceiling that lay above her form. Seconds, minutes possibly hours passed by forcing her to kick off the covers out of frustration only to wrap her body moments later from the cool air.

"Uh I can't stand this." She breathed out in a low growl sitting up and began heading towards the den. A small sound escaped from the door opening to her size so she could sneak in without any other noises. Her eyes rested on the small fire that permitted heat around her body securely as she became transfixed amongst the flames.

"Shouldn't you be asleep?" An all too familiar obnoxious voiced asked.

The sudden voice startled her out of the daze automatically bringing her hands to her chest. She glared narrow eyes at him while he sat at the little two seated table against the wall drinking and smoking.

"Stop sneaking up on me!" She responded angrily in a hushed whisper.

"I did nothing of the sort, lest you forget I was here first."

She inhaled a deep breath, exhaling them as she spoke. "Just shut up…why aren't you asleep?"

"I rest when my body needs to be replenished…and you why are you awake, it's late."

Unconsciously she could feel her toes dig into the flooring as she bit the inside of her bottom lip debating on telling him she was somewhat frightened.

Then just as quickly that thought fazed out coming to the conclusion that he'd be worse then he already was. "It's uhh…to cold in my room. So I thought I could warm up for a bit in here."

He watched her through squinted eyes as he took a drink noticing the change in her demeanor and how quickly her heart sped up. Suddenly the chair across from him was pushed out gesturing with his hand for her to sit. She looked from the chair to him and then once again to the chair contemplating on her option of staying in here with him or laying in bed unable to sleep…she took a seat.

Her eyes flickered to the fire as she tiredly sat. "So when you're not resting…is this what you do? Smoke and drink in an empty room?"

He set his cup down with small irritation. "When I choose to be in an empty room alone it's so I know I won't be bothered with any a nuisance."

She knew that was an insult directed at her but she was to tired to care, ignoring what was said as she faced him with hooded eyes.

His eyes drifted over to her slouched figure and then to her face as she let out a covered yawn. It was obvious she was fighting it but he wondered why.

"Here drink this, this will warm you up and help you sleep."

She tilted her head towards him carefully watching as he poured a colored liquid into a glass. "It's not poison is it?" She asked with skepticism.

There was no response other then the tips of his fingers pushing the glass towards her. She briefly inhaled it flaring her nose at such a strong smell.

"Just sip…" Before he could finish telling her to drink it slowly because of the strong after taste she had taken a big gulp. Almost immediately she slammed the glass on the table as she covered her mouth and began coughing profusely.

Her throat and stomach felt as though a small fire lit up inside her. "Are you trying to kill me?" She asked gaining control over her cough.

Amusement lingered on the corner of his eyes and lips. "Don't be ridiculous. I tried telling you to sip it but you drank it to fast."

"What is that stuff?"

"Rum…it's a good muscle relaxer." He stated with self satisfaction as he took a drink.

"Well I'm in some good need of muscle relaxing."

"I could help you out with that."

"What…What?!...that's not what I meant." She responded feeling her cheeks become warm from his insinuation.

He chuckled softly while pouring himself along with her another small glass of Rum. She easily picked it up and carefully tapped it against his saying 'cheers' before she took a swallow. A fit of a couple coughs escaped before she composed herself once again.

She unconsciously watched him bring his cigar to his lips to blow out a puff of smoke in the shape on an O dispersing as it came directly at her. The smell caused her to choke as she fanned her hand in front of her face clearing the air.

Her eyes quickly bore into his with contempt. "That's really rude…You know I have yet to see you have an ounce of manners."

"Well sweet heart, don't hold your breath." He stated simply as he proceeded to blow another O in her face, getting the same reaction. Suddenly she her hand stumbled over the table and pulled the cigar out of his hand. She quickly brought it to her lips and sucked on it and just as she tried blowing it in his face the smoke came out in choked coughs.

"That's disgusting."

A small laugh emitted from his mouth as he released her hand of his cigar. "Nice try though kid."

"Just shut up and don't call me kid!" She stated angrily as she stumbled back into her chair.

He watched as she slightly staggered back into sitting, her eyes still trying to fight for control over sleep. "I wanted to give you my thanks." He stated causing to immediately scrunch up her nose.

"Me...Why?" She asked with confusion and disbelief.

"It's not everyday a human put's themselves in danger to help someone that's a stranger…especially a female."

A few moments passed by before it registered what he meant. "I didn't realize it was you…you look different, I guess bathing helps." She paused momentarily smiling at his glare. "I…your…welcome."

"Don't get me wrong I didn't need it but it was still generous and stupid of you to try to help."

"Hey! If that's what you consider a thank you then you are sourly mistaken." She replied with a clipped angry tone.

He took one last swallow before all evidence of any liquid was gone, completely ignoring her spoken words. "Is that why you have difficulty sleeping?"

That question almost felt as though she received a slap in the face jarring her to waken a bit more. Her body felt the effects of the Rum as she fidgeted and stumbled in her chair looking at him, the floor, the ceiling, him and then behind his head.

She closed her eyes and exhaled brokenly. "Yes." She waited for a belittling response but nothing came, her eyes opened landing upon his as he sat their quietly.

"I've…I've never been through something that scary…that real. I was so scared, but I just knew I couldn't walk away. Even if you say you didn't need my help I couldn't have just walked away…but I see them…I see him." She stopped speaking as she took a breath while instinctively brushing her fingers over her left arm above the material that covered her wound. "Everything happens the same except you and Jade are never in them…One minute I see him holding me up by my throat and I feel the pain and darkness coming and then suddenly he's gone…but I'm alone…always alone." Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears as she looked at him.

He stood up slowly and stepped in front of her placing his hands gently on her upper arms. "Come." Without resistance he guided her with ease to the love seat a few feet away and carefully sat her down. "Lay down."

She looked at him with a furrowed brow. "But…"

"Hush. They exist no more, you are safe. I promise...I'm going to be spending the rest of the night in here so you have nothing to fear."

As he spoke those words she fell asleep with almost complete ease, not knowing if it was the Rum or his words that helped...but she finally had a peaceful sleep.