Strong Destiny, Weak Heart

Chapter 19

Disclaimer: I wish I could take credit for Sailor Moon! Alas, not my creation, only this story is.

A/N: First of all, I'd like to thank princess moonie of the moon for the review. I assure you I will fix the error of how far the castle is when I update the story (as in make corrections again). As for what the castle looks like, they have unrestricted access, so it's more than the tourists get to see. I like to think that it could be a lot better than what is lead to be believed in tours. Course there's no way to know unless you're on the inside (as in have secret access) ;) Anyway, enough of this, on with the story! Enjoy ;)

Previously on Strong Destiny, Weak Heart:

"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 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.

And now the continuation...

Chapter 19

Serena's Side:

Serena had been dating Regan for one full year. She felt she gave Reagan and herself more than just a real chance to be 'in love'. She couldn't help but notice her feelings for Reagan were nowhere near the way she felt for Darien. She thought about how she treated Darien, and how no matter horribly she treated him, he would always be there. It wasn't that Reagan wouldn't be the same way, it was that Darien's feelings for her were not one sided. She loved him just as much, and she could no longer deny it. A week before Reagan and Serena's one year anniversary, Reagan's father contacted Serena and asked her if she could find some time to speak with him privately. He made it clear Reagan didn't know, and he didn't want that to change.

Brian looked at the girl his son had claimed many times was 'the love of his life' with a concerned look. Whatever he wanted to discuss, Serena got the feeling this was a very important conversation. "Hello Ms. Tsukino, please, have a seat." Serena did as she was told, and was very weary of the formalities.

"Hello Mr. O'Brien, how can I help you today?"

"I'll be frank with you. You've been dating my son for quite a while now."

"Yes, almost a year sir."

"Yes, well, my point being, you have been together for a while." The man put his head in his hands, and sadly pondered his next move.

"Look Serena, I don't know how much Reagan has told you about his past, but it's much more complicated than I'm sure he's lead you to believe."

"What do you mean?" Serena's concern with the conversation increased, as the man looked more and more worn.

"Has he told you about his medical condition?"

"Um, kind of. He told me he was in and out of hospitals when he grew up, and throughout his childhood..."

"Yes well he no longer goes to hospitals anymore. Two years ago, the doctors told me there was nothing left they could do...they told me to let him live out his life as he pleases, so that he may live the rest of his life in joy. He's already surpassed the deadline of his life, and my dear I think it's thanks to you he's made it this far." The man was in tears, trying to explain his son's trying life. "You see, he used to have a friend in the hospital when he would 'visit'. He was very much enamored with her, then she sadly passed away. He did not take it well, and I tried to distract him with many different methods, but he had given up on life. His health was quickly deteriorating, then he met you. He told me about this beautiful woman he had seen in the arcade. It was the first time he showed any interest in anything for a long time. I made it my mission to get you to meet him somehow. He said that you had a boyfriend and that you only had eyes for him. I like to think I know women to a certain extent, and I know they can be tempted, as anyone can...given the right circumstances. That was when I decided to open the game store. Apparently my timing couldn't be better, because you broke up with your boyfriend shortly after I finally got the game store open. I felt that fate was on my side, however, I am constantly aware of one's ability to digress. I, I don't know how seriously you feel about my son, but you've been with him this long, you must know how he feels for you. Please, you won't leave my son will you?"

"I...I'm sorry sir. My heart belongs to another, my first love. I don't think we'll last much longer." She turned her head in shame and pity, not wanting to look him in the eye. She became startled when he began shouting.

"How can you say that! How could you be with my son this long, and not have feeling for him! Why would you torture him like this!"

"Sir, it's not my intention to hurt anyone!"

"You expect me to believe that when you've captured the heart of my son? You have no feelings for him at all?"

"I do have feelings for him! I love him, sadly, not in the way he wants, I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize to me. Your apology will not replace my son!"

"But your son is still here! Don't you think you should spend time with him while you can?"

"You don't think I've tried? All he wants to do is spend time with you! You've become his whole world, do you not see that? I've tried to warn him about you, about how you may not feel the same way, but he won't hear of it! I'm telling you now girl, if anything happens to him, I'll blame you."

"I can't control what my heart decides! I've tried to betray my feelings, and change for Reagan! It's just not working out!"

"Can't you see he's in love with you! Do you know what it will do to him if you tell him you don't love him?"

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! But I can't-"

"Get out."

"Please, try to understand-"

"I said get out! I will go on as if this conversation never happened. I suggest you do the same. No reason for him to suffer any more than he already will." She silently left, tears quickly fell from her face as soon as she reached the sidewalk. As Serena thought about what Brian told her, she couldn't help but wonder how much stronger his feelings were for her. The thought of Reagan living on 'borrowed time' caused her heart to ache. She didn't want to cause pain, let alone his health to deteriorate. The more she thought about Brian's words, the more she believed him. She thought that if she ever left him, he wouldn't last longer after. On their one year anniversary, he professed his love for her, she felt she had no choice but to retaliate.

"Why are you crying?" Reagan asked.

"I'm just so happy." She lied. Reagan knew her better than that. He knew something else was wrong. Though it wouldn't be odd for her to be crying because she was in love, her feelings were easy to read. She wasn't her usual cheery self after that day. "Oh Reagan, I love you too."

The more time she spent with Reagan, the more she wanted to tell him the truth. However, her guilt of having someone's life in her hands, and crushing it, was more than she could bare. Reagan was not blind, and so he would constantly question her on her feelings. She always would brush it off by saying, "I just miss my friends." or "I'm just tired from studying." He knew the only friend she didn't see that she would 'miss' was Darien, and it tore him apart. Serena had told Reagan that Darien had moved on without her and had started to see Rei. The more time he spent with her, the more he knew what he had to do. He decided to plan the party and propose to Serena, so that he would react in some kind of emotional outburst, if things went well. If he truly loved Serena, which he believed Darien did, Reagan knew Darien wouldn't let her go through with it. Finally they would be back together and be happy. It wasn't that he didn't love her, it was that her happiness was his priority. He began to think that was his purpose for not dying when he 'should have'. He believed there was a reason for his survival, and he wanted it to be a positive one. Taking the love of Serena's life away from her, was not going to help him.

Reagan was very fond of his idea, and while he disliked Darien, Serena's happiness meant more to him than anything. He came up with Serena's birthday party quite quickly, however he also wasn't sure how he would feel having the man he hated, his love's ex, in the same room with them, but he wasn't sure it would have to work out that way. After he went through with his plan, he would find out the news sooner or later. He didn't think of anyone suggesting that he should go, since the man had made himself so scarce. When Andrew brought it up to him, he begrudgingly obliged.

As her 17th birthday neared, she grew more and more tense. She was worried about the 'big surprise' Reagan had said he planned for her. She was so confused about what to do, and she missed Darien so much. Serena was constantly kept busy between training, Reagan, and studying, her mind was terribly stressed, and she couldn't stop thinking about Darien and Rei. Constantly torn between happy and sad, she tried not to think about their dating situation, especially when they were training. Rei was relieved when the questions stopped, but also worried that Serena's interest in Darien was slowly dwindling down. Rei and Lita even tried to plan some 'interesting' moments where Serena would most likely ask for more information, but they fell through. In reality, she just wanted Darien to be happy, but with herself, and not Rei. Not leaving Reagan was a choice made on her behalf to keep someone alive, and not intended to hurt the man she loved.

As the day of her birthday arrived, she was blindfolded and taken to a hotel the day before, It was a far drive, where she stayed with her parents, complements of the O'Brien's. A beautiful gown was prepared for her, as well as a stylist prepared to arrive the next morning. She couldn't believe the extremities that everyone was going through for her. For the first time in a while she felt like the princess she was, doing something for the good of her people, and making the selfless decision of being with Reagan. The day of her birthday she was blindfolded once more, and taken to the castle where she was finally allowed to open her eyes. "It's beautiful!" she exclaimed.

"I was hoping you'd like it. Even though it's a masquerade ball, your beauty shall not be hidden from the world." She blushed at his kind words, and let him lead her into the castle. There were many twists and turns, and she was guided through several hallways. Finally they reached their destination were she found a stage was set up. "Don't come out until I call for you okay?" She nodded in agreement. He spoke to the crowd, as she peered out at them from the corner of her curtain shield. She spotted her parents, Andrew, Molly, and many others she'd met over the years. She also noticed business type men whom she could only assume knew Reagan or his father. She caught sight of Darien and her heart sank. She saw no one but him, and wished to be the one he was dancing with. She saw everyone stop dancing and look up toward the stage, and notice Darien look at Reagan with contempt. She wished to speak with him, to tell him his feelings were misplaced. It was just a bad situation, and it was her fault he was a victim, but she was caught off guard when she heard Reagan introduce her. She walked to the center where the curtains met and walked out gracefully. "I have a special surprise announcement to make for our lovely lady of the hour!"

Serena looked at him quizzically and said, "Another one!? I don't know how much more my heart can take!" As she blushed and turned shyly to the crowd.

"Serena my dear, will you marry me?" a gasp was heard throughout.

Serena looked at him with sad eyes, not being able to hide her sadness any longer. Her hurt and pity evident she simply replied, "I think you know the answer." Reagan nodded in agreement and before either of them realized, Darien was on stage with them.

He took Serena's hand and said, "What the hell are you guys doing? I have some business to take care of with my 'friend'!" As he lead her behind the stage and into an unknown hall. Reagan felt at peace, but he knew the crowd would be outraged by Darien's actions. He quickly covered for them.

"It seems her closest friend wanted to be the first to congratulate her! I hope you enjoy the party, I'm sure Miss Tsukino will return shortly! Please help yourselves to any and all food and refreshments!" The shine in Reagan's eyes was gone. His heart was broken for the second time in his life, he just tried to hold it together for the sake of the party, and his family. He knew how much his family had gone through caring for him in his youth, and he didn't want to burden them now, after it had been so long. He excused himself after a few minutes and decided to look for the pair and tell them the truth of the events that had unfolded.

He slowly walked past a few doors, taking his time to find them, when he heard Darien speaking loudly through one of the doors. He opened it without thinking about what was being said."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. Forgive me Serena, for stealing a kiss from you once more." Darien 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. Serena ran after him, shocked that Reagan had seen such a moment between them. She didn't have to go far, as she found him clutching his chest and leaning on the wall as support.

"Reagan! What's wrong?! Do you need me to get your father!?" Serena shouted between sobs.

"No! Ahhhhh..." He winced from the pain going through his body. "No. Please." He forced a smile and used all his strength to stand up straight. "Please, just take me somewhere safe, somewhere you don't think anyone would look for me. I need you to do something for me sweetheart. I need you to cover for me and get me out of here without anyone knowing. He forced a smile that was obviously laced with pain.

Darien quickly found him and saw the situation at hand. He quickly tired to heal the man, but his powers wouldn't work.

"Darien, isn't there anything you can do!? Please, help him!" Serena was shouting at him.

"I can't! Whatever is hurting him isn't physical Serena! There's nothing I can do!" Darien said, upset that there was nothing he could do for the obviously suffering man in front of him.

"There's only one place I know that we can take him to that he described! Take him to your place Darien!" She quickly managed to say to him before running back toward where she came from.

"What are you going to do?" Darien asked as he was holding up the now passed out man.

"Cover for us, I'll meet you at your apartment as soon as I can!" It was the last thing she managed to say before she turned a corner and was out of earshot.

To Be Continued...

A/N: Thank you to all reviewers! You guys are awesome! Never forget, these stories are for you, the readers!

Special Thanks/Mention: xx Twilight Princess xx, AimlesslyGera, LoveInThe BattleField,princess moonie of the moon, Ami-chanMercury98, Isis2010, GinnyPotter0183, Guest (chapter 1), Guest (chapter 15), and hopelessromantic2314