Strong Destiny, Weak Heart
Chapter 18
Disclaimer: I wish I could take credit for Sailor Moon! Alas, not my creation, only this story is.
Previously on Strong Destiny, Weak Heart:
"Alright Rei. I can see I can be just as stubborn as you when I want to get something done. I know I'm not exactly doing a good job watching over myself. I think I'm getting my priorities a little mixed up lately. I have learned a few things, but taking care of myself has gotten pushed to the back burner."
"I noticed." He turned his head to face her, gave her a weak smile, then collapsed from exhaustion in front of her.
And now the continuation...
Chapter 18
"Darien!" Rei ran to the fallen man's side. She began to shake him, and yell at him to awaken, but to no avail. She was unsure how to proceed, and decided to lay him down in what looked like his bed in the camp, since he looked more drained than anything. Keeping a close watch on him, she decided to gather supplies, berries and the like, to have as a small meal when he awoke. She began to meditate to find a reason why he would have collapsed. She remembered how his emotions controlled his powers, and if she had distracted him from his goal, he was finally able to rest, and not be absorbed by the battle he was training to face.
Darien awoke to Rei heating up a rabbit on a small fire. It was dark and he was trying to remember the last thing he saw, and why Rei was there. "What happened?" He asked as he sat up holding his head with one hand.
"Darien! You're up!" Rei quickly took the rabbit off the fire and used one of the plates Darien had, but apparently didn't use, as supplies for his training expedition. She added some berries and a cup of water from a nearby stream. "Here, please eat, you need the energy." He didn't argue and took a sip of water before speaking again.
"How long was I out?" He asked, as his last memories slowly came back to him.
"a few days. At first I was really worried something was seriously wrong with you, but the longer you were out, the better you looked. Your body began to look healthier and you had less 'wear' on your face. I think that 'nap' was long awaited." She gave him a smile as she took his now empty cup to refill it.
"Yeah, I can't remember the last time I slept. I feel so rejuvenated. The only real problem is..." He paused from eating to look at her. He began to ponder the possibilities of what could have happened while he was 'out'. "What if they would have attacked Rei? What would they have done to you? I don't like that you're here-"
"Well that's just tuff luck then isn't it? You know I'm not going anywhere. If you're so worried about something happening the next time you're having an extended nap, maybe you should just rest more and take care of yourself! Since I know I can't trust you to do it on your own, a little more forceful motivation should be able to do the trick." She smiled as she gave him a gentle shove, pushing him back down into his bed. The serious look on his face, giving way as he felt better than he had in weeks. Obviously the rest was more than doing its job.
"Okay Rei, I get it. It probably won't be so bad having someone here for me. No, not someone, you. Thanks Rei." She began to blush slightly.
"Don't thank me! I haven't done anything!" She stated as she distracted herself by putting another rabbit over the fire.
"You probably saved my life. I'm a better fighter with my training, sure, but what good is it if I can't even stand up?"
"Oh please, your emotions would have taken over and you would have been fine...of course after the fight you may have-" She refused to finish her sentence, she just looked down and tried to hold back her emotions. 'Get a grip Rei! He's right here next to you, he's fine! You won't let him beat himself up anymore, you'll protect him from Alum, Serena, and himself.' Rei's pep talk to herself made her feel better immediately and she smiled at him. "Just remember to take it easy okay?"
"You won't let me do otherwise, remember?" He smiled, and she nodded in agreement. "So, what's been going on back home?" Rei tensed. Now was the time to tell him about the party, and find out how he felt about it.
"Well, everything is basically the same. The only real major thing going on right now is...well, Reagan has decided to throw a party for Serena's seventeenth birthday." She studied his face carefully, trying to read his thoughts. Darien pondered her words carefully, and asked her about the details. "It's going to be held at Himeji Castle. The theme is 'Masquerade Ball', and you're invited." This was the only time his face showed a noticeable change.
"Really? So I'm invited huh? By whom?" He asked with one raised eyebrow.
"Reagan." Rei continued to speak so that Darien had a better idea of why he was invited. "Well, he invited Andrew and told him that since it's Serena's party, ALL her friends should be there. Andrew then asked about you, and he told him you were invited too."
"Well maybe I should head home and check my mailbox. Maybe my invite was conveniently 'lost in the mail'."
"No, Reagan personally asked me to invite you, so that's another reason why I had to find you."
"I see. What time is the party? It sounds like fun."
"It's going to be the Saturday of Serena's birthday. It starts at 1. Should I tell Ami to save a place for you? She's doing the seating chart."
"You know what? Sure, I'll be there. I can't miss the party of one of my closest friends could I? Even if they are an 'ex'." Rei didn't like how he worded it, but while Darien was training, she went to find some more food, and used the communicator to get in touch with Lita, and informed her to tell Ami, Darien would be attending.
After Rei's arrival, Darien fell into a much 'healthier' regimen. Without needing time to hunt, cook, or clean (since Rei volunteered in order to not be a burden and keep herself busy while he trained) he was able to focus on training, while eating healthy and (forcefully) resting regularly. Soon, the party date arrived, which surprised Darien, he believed Alum would attack before the party. He decided Alum was going to try something soon, but waiting to just be attacked seemed foolish.
On the day of the party, Darien drove Rei to her temple to get ready, then he drove home. He picked her up a few hours later, so they could attend hand in hand. He played the part of 'boyfriend' flawlessly. By the time the 'couple' arrived, the party was in full swing. They spotted the girls standing near the buffet, talking among themselves and looking at the full fruit of their efforts. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, and they were pleased to find Darien in good spirits.
"You ladies did a fine job. This place is incredible." Darien said as he took another look around main hall.
"Thanks!" They said in unison.
"Darien, I'm really glad you came, you look great!" Mina said, noticing the Tuxedo he was wearing, without the top hat and mask. Mina wore an orange dress that went down to her knees, and puffed out to her calves with a matching mask. They all had similar designs, with their trademark colors.
"Thanks Mina, it's good to see you all again." Darien said, as he gave them all an approving nod. They all began to blush once more.
"Rei, care to dance?" He asked, as he outstretched his hand to his date.
"Um, sure." Rei said as she accepted. The whole experience felt so surreal, she felt like this is how it would be if things were...different. As they danced Darien admired the castle and the design of the structure itself, while Rei pondered what her elated feelings might mean. She thought about how she just wanted Darien to be happy, and she wondered if that was how Serena felt as well. She began to understand how Serena could be 'okay' with them dating. She suddenly realized they were no longer dancing, she looked around, and realized everyone was standing around looking at the main stage. "What's going on?" She whispered to Darien.
"They just announced that Serena was about to enter the main hall." He whispered back. Rei looked up to the stage and saw Reagan holding a microphone, which made her realize he made the announcement.
"Oh." She replied. She had no idea what to expect. She was hoping Reagan wasn't planning on displaying any type of public display of affection (pda). Serena soon emerged and had on a beautiful ball gown that resembled her princess gown, only with a puffy ball poof from her waist down. Reagan was wearing a suit that resembled a dress suit from the 1700s. She had to admit it suited him, he even had one hand behind his back, like a gentlemen from that era.
Serena slowly approached the stage as her cheeks began to flush and she bowed before her 'court'.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the lady of the evening, I give you Miss Serena Tsukino!" Regan announced as he bowed to her. "I have a special surprise announcement to make for our lovely lady of the hour. Serena looked at him quizzically and said something inaudible to the audience. Rei noticed Darien tense beside her, and saw him turn his back and quickly move to the back of the room. Everyone in the crowd gasped at her beauty and clapped uniformly. Rei followed him and asked him what was wrong.
"I don't know, I just don't feel right." He said as he admired Serena from where he stood in the back. Rei followed his gaze and knew he was trying to figure out what was going on. He was able to see Reagan get down on one knee.
"Serena my dear, will you marry me?" a gasp was heard throughout and Darien and Rei could see that Serena had replied, but whatever she said wasn't audible for anyone but Reagan. Rei could see Darien's eyes gleam with furry and knew that if he let himself believe it was what she really wanted, he would have collapsed then and there. Before she even realized what he was doing, Darien made his way through the crowd and up the stage. He took Serena's hand and spoke to both of them before leading her behind the stage and into an unknown hall. Rei had no idea how to react, she wanted to find Darien and Serena, and make sure everything was okay. At the same time, she wanted them to talk and resolve the issues that she knew plagued Darien's mind.
"Serena, how could you put yourself in that position? He practically forced you to say yes to him!" Darien wasn't shouting, but with the stern tone in his voice, he didn't need to. The hurt was evident in his voice. "Is this really what you want for yourself? Is he who you want to be with now? Am I really only a friend to you now?" He held her arms and looked into her eyes, trying to only see the truth of her emotions. When he grabbed her she was able to feel the pain in his heart. She could also feel that he just wanted her to be happy. Her eyes welled up and feeling the love he had for her in his touch.
"Darien, I...I...I'm sorry." she didn't look away from him.
"I just want you to be happy Serena. Just tell me he makes you more happy than I ever could and I'll let you go." He said, partly already giving up his 'claim' on her.
"No Darien, I don't think he could make me as happy as you do. I don't think anyone ever could. There's only one you Darien, and you are the one my heart belongs to." She said honestly, baring her heart and soul to the man whom she devoted her life to for the millionth time. Darien was in shock, he didn't expect her to comply so quickly and willingly. He was in shock for a moment, and while he gathered his bearing, she continued to speak. "But that's not going to stop me from marrying him." She saw Darien's confusion and blurted out the truth. "He's dying Darien. I can't say I don't love him, and I don't to break his heart. I refuse to let that be the last thing he remembers about me."
"Serena..."
"I know this leaves you in a horrible position Darien, and I'm sorry. I don't expect you to forgive me for marrying another man, but you cannot deny me this request. If you won't wait for me, I'll understand."
"Serena...you want me to stand idly by as you marry another man! How can you possibly be okay with this? How can you not want to be with me? Here and now." He gazed into her eyes again, searching for an answer she couldn't give. She just had tears slowly going down her cheeks at the pain she felt she was inflicting on the man who owned her soul. He couldn't stand it any longer. He leaned in, tilted her head once more. "Forgive me Serena, for stealing a kiss from you once more." He said just before he closed the gap between their lips. This time she responded quickly, kissing back as if her life depended on it. They held each other tightly as they had their feelings were expressed in one passionate kiss. When they finally separated, and realized they were not alone, they didn't know how to react. Especially since all Reagan did was stand there for a few seconds after they realized he was there.
"I...I'm sorry for the intrusion." he said as he quickly excused himself from the room. Darien believed he had gotten what he wanted, but then he realized how horrible he felt, he realized just how mean his actions really were.
To Be Continued...
A/N: Thank you to all reviewers! You guys are awesome!
F.Y.I. Darien trains longer than Rei, therefore, she's not missing out on her training doing chores, she's just trying to keep busy. As well as training in meditation, increasing her powers, and 'shadow' training herself, she still doesn't have Darien's stamina or willpower to train as hard as he does.
Special Thanks/Mention: AimlesslyGera, James Birdsong, xx Twilight Princess xx, Starrlight1812, and LoveInTheBattleField