Elisabeth James aka Althena
ejames000@ameritech.net
Rating: G-PG
	This is my first fanfic, so be kind.  It's a first season romance about how Darien
and Serena end up together.  I won't say anything else, on with the story!

	"Sailor moon watch out!" Sailor Jupiter called out fervently as the monster they
were battling let loose two swirling metal disks from its hands in her direction.
	Sailor moon leap out of the way at the last second, but still one of the sharp disks
skimmed her upper left arm.  She let out a shriek of pain as she felt her skin tear apart. 
She fought with all of her strength to keep on her feet.  She put her right hand against a
nearby tree to steady herself.  Blood gushed down her arm <Oh Tuxedo Mask where are
you?  Why weren't you here to save me?  You've never failed me before!> but she had to
be strong to take down the monster, she was the only one who could do it.  She yelled out
the words to her attack, while fighting back tears, and the monster disintegrated right in
front of them.  
	Sailor moon fell to her knees and clutched her bleeding arm.  The other scouts
gathered around her.
	"Sailor Moon are you all right?  That cut looks pretty deep!" Sailor Mercury
exclaimed upon further inspection on the injury.
	"I'm fine, it's just a little cut, it will be all healed up in a few days.  I'm tired, I'm
going home to sleep." she got slowly to her feet
	"Don't you think you should let a doctor take a look at that meatball brains, you
look seriously hurt." Sailor Mars butted her way into the conversation.
	"You guys I'm fine, I'll bandage myself up and be good as new tomorrow.  Stop
worrying so much, I can take care of myself you know."  she smiled tiredly at them,
touched by their heartfelt concern, "Let just all go home and get some well needed rest. 
Tomorrow's Saturday, let's get together tomorrow and forget all about battling evil for
once." the other girls slowly nodded.
	"If your sure your arm's okay," Serena nodded, "Well then guys let's go home and
get some rest." Sailor Venus told everyone.
	Everyone split in different directions and walked home silently.  Serena brushed
away the tears, not from the pain, but from the fact that her savior had abandoned her. 
"Who could blame him, I wouldn't always want to be saving some klutz girl from
monsters and such.  He must have just gotten sick of always having to rescue me." she
told herself out loud.  She crept into an alley about a block from her house and
detransformed there.  She walked the rest of the way holding her arm tightly against her
body.  She opened the front door silently and crept up the stairs without a sound.  She
walked into the bathroom and shut the door soundlessly behind her.  
	She dug around in the medicine cabinet until her found some disinfectant and a
large enough bandage to wrap around her still oozing arm.  She cleaned up her wound
and bandaged it up tightly.  She walked quietly from the bathroom back to her room and
changed into her pajamas.  She laid down in bed but couldn't sleep, her thoughts of
Tuxedo Mask kept her mind racing.

**************************************************************************

	Tuxedo Mask watched the very end of the battle from the top of a tree.  He had
been very late and had arrived just in time to see Sailor Moon take down the monster
with her moon wand.  Everything seemed all right so he simply left the scene, like always
after the battle was done.  He didn't see Sailor Moon collapse or her bleeding arm.

**************************************************************************
	
	Serena awoke around 10:00 from a light and fitful sleep.  She did not feel well
rested at all, but she couldn't fall back asleep.  She got up and got dressed quickly,
making sure to put on a sweater to cover up her bandaged arm.  She walked downstairs
and yelled something about taking a walk and left the house.  She walked to the arcade
and found Andrew inside reading a magazine.
	"Good Morning Serena, you're here earlier than usual."
	"Hey Andrew, how have you been?" she winced as she folded her arms forgetting
momentarily about her wound.  She tried hard to smile, but thoughts of Tuxedo Mask
kept her from it.  Tears glistened in her eyes, she looked away trying to hide them.
	"Hey you look down, anything you want to talk about?" he looked at her
concerned.
	<He's so sweet, but I can't tell him anything, he just wouldn't understand.>
"Thanks Andrew, but I'm okay.  Nothing a little video game playing won't cure." she
walked away from him and took her seat at Sailor V game.  She popped in a quarter and
began playing, she didn't even notice when Darien walked into the arcade.
	"Hello Andrew, you certainly look busy." Darien told him eyeing the magazine
spread open in front of him.
	"There's not too much business at 10:30 in the morning, except Serena." he
pointed over to the girl in the corner
	"Meatball head out of bed before noon, what's wrong with her?"
	"I don't know Darien, she seems really down today, maybe you should take it easy
on her." Andrew looked him straight in the eyes as if to emphasize his point.
	Darien nodded, and made his way over to Serena, "Hi ya meatball head." he told
her cheerfully, "Beautiful day huh?"
	<Not today, any day but today, I really don't need this right now.  I feel like I'm
going to start crying any second now as is.> "What's so great about it Darien, and don't
call me meatball head!" she added as strongly as her voice could muster this morning.
	"Gee meatball head what's bugging you today?  You look upset." he looked at her
with curious eyes, he had never seen her like this.
	"Go away Darien, I don't want to talk about it, especially not with you." she felt
the tears coming and she was trying her hardest to blink them back.
	"You would think you got dumped or something meatball head.  What could you
have to be upset about.?"
	That did it, Serena couldn't fight them back anymore, she looked up at Darien
with the coldest gaze she could muster and then buried her face in her folded arms and
started to sob.  Darien looked over at Andrew frantically, not knowing what to do, he had
never made her cry before.  Andrew shook his head, he had warned him and Darien still
didn't listen.  Andrew stood up slowly and walked over to where Serena and Darien were.
	"Meatbal- Serena it's okay, it's just a guy, you'll find someone else." Darien tried
to calm her down but the comment just made her sob harder.
	"Darien, you're not helping here, you're just making her more upset." Andrew told
him, "Just get back and stay out of the way." Darien stepped back and watched as
Andrew took charge of the situation. "Serena don't cry Darien didn't mean anything by his
comments, he's just being his normal self.  He didn't know about you getting dumped and
I'm sure he's really sorry for making you cry like he did." Serena lifted her head out of her
arms and looked up at Andrew's smiling face and then over at Darien's concerned one. 
She wiped the tears from her eyes and sat up straight.
	"I'm sorry Serena I didn't want to make you cry, it was just a joke." he stepped
closer to her.
	"Whatever Darien, that just wasn't very nice to say.  For your information I wasn't
dumped, my guy just didn't show up when I needed him." her thoughts turned back to
Tuxedo Mask. <Was he my guy?  Oh well, Darien will never know the difference.>
	"Who is your guy Serena, I've never seen you with anyone." Andrew asked her
softly, probing gently to keep her from crying again..
	"You guys don't know him, it's not important anyway he let me down and that's all
there is to it."
	Darien smirked, "What meatball head, he didn't have enough money to by all that
food you need to eat?"
	Serena stood up and walked the few feet to get to him, "You just shut up Darien, I
really don't need your smartmouth comments today!  You're even mean when I'm upset
and crying, do you ever quit?" she turned to leave, tears already springing back into her
eyes.
	"Serena wait, don't go, I'm really very sorry." he reached out and grabbed her left
arm, right on her cut.  Her eyes widened as the pain set in once more.  She let out a yelp
of pain and wrenched her arm out of his grip.  She cradled her arm against her body and
backed away from him, "Just stay away from me, you've hurt me enough Darien." she
spat out his name as if it tasted bad.  A hurt look crossed over his face as he turned away
from her
	"What's wrong with your arm Serena, is it hurt?" Andrew stepped forward and
gently took her hand.  She slowly removed the sweater and Andrew saw the large
bandage on her arm, "What happened?"
	"It's nothing really just a cut, a small little cut, it just really hurts right now."
Andrew's touch was soft and gently as he removed the bandage.
	"Serena, this is a lot deeper than it looks, you should go to the doctor and get
stitches for this." the cut was bleeding again and dried blood covered the bandage.
	Darien turned around and walked over to her. <Her arm looks pretty messed up,
no wonder she pulled away like that.> "Serena you have to go to the hospital, this isn't
going to heal on it's own."
	She looked up at him with her cool blue eyes, "You're concerned about me
Darien, I never knew you cared."
	"How did you do this Serena?  This must have been one sharp thing you cut it on
for it to go this deep." Andrew's voice intervened before another fight started.
	"I don't even remember..." she trailed off when she saw the two of them weren't
buying it.
	"The truth Serena, don't lie, did you boyfriend do this to you." Darien asked her
with cold note in his voice just thinking about who would ever hurt a girl with a knife or
any other weapon.
	"I don't have a-," she caught herself just in time, they thought she had a boyfriend
from when she was talking about her guy, "No he didn't do it, he could have prevented it
though if he would have showed up last night." just then Serena's knees started to give
way and she fell into Darien's waiting arms. "Thanks Darien." she told him softly as he
helped her stand back up.
	"Better now?" he smiled at her.
	"Yeah I think so..." she trailed off again as she fainted.  Darien caught her right
before she hit the floor.
	"Andrew call an ambulance, I think she's weak from loss of blood!" Darien
shouted to him as he cradled Serena gently in his arms, "Don't worry Serena we'll get you
to the hospital." he whispered in her ear.
	Andrew picked up the phone and dialed 911.  He gave them all the information
and raced back over to Darien, "We should apply pressure to the wound to help stop the
bleeding.  Oh and one of us should go with her in the ambulance, just in case she comes
to so she has a familiar face.  I can't leave here so I guess you have to go Darien."
	"It's okay Andrew, I'll go.  I'm just not sure if she's going to want to see my face
when she wakes up."
	"Just don't make her cry okay." Andrew smiled slightly at him.
	Darien smiled back, "I won't do anything you wouldn't do.  Man she sure is heavy,
probably from all that junk food she stuffs her face with."
	The ambulance pulled up and Darien rushed outside with Serena.  The
paramedics helped him lower her down on a stretcher and load her into the ambulance.
On the way to the hospital he held her hand, not wanting her to be alone.


	Serena awoke a few hours later in a darkened room <Where am I?  This certainly
isn't my room.> She touched her arm, it was all bandaged up again and pain was
subsiding by the minute.  <I must have fainted in the arcade, Andrew must have called an
ambulance.> She glanced around the room but found that she was the only one the room. 
She sat up and turned on her bedside light.  The light hurt her eyes and she squinted until
her eyes stopped tearing up.
	"I see someone's up and moving." a voice called her from the doorway.
	<No! Why is HE here?  Must he torture me everywhere I go.>  She plastered on a
fake smile and turned toward the doorway, "Hello Darien." she greeted him with the
nicest voice she could muster.
	"You can wipe that stupid smile off your face meatba- Serena, I can see right
though it.  I know you don't want me here." he walked in and sat down on her bed, "I
know I don't want to be here." he mumbled, dropping his voice <That was mean Darien
even for you, you could at least make her feel better.  
	Serena's face fell and she turned her back to him <Couldn't he be even the least
bit nicer, I'm in the hospital for goodness sake!> "Why do you hate me so much Darien, I
never did anything to you, well besides hit you with papers and shoes, but did that really
make you hate me that much?" 
	Darien sat there looking at her for a second <Why am I so mean to her, that
comment I just made was way out of line.  I should at least try to be nice to her, she's in
the hospital after all.> "I don't hate you Serena, really I don't, there's just something about
you that makes me want to tease you."
	<It took a while for him to answer, is that a bad sign?  You know he's actually
kind of cute in a weird sort of way, when he's nice to me at least.> "I'm glad you don't
hate me, I don't want you to hate me either.  Can't we just call a truce or something until I
get out of here, I really could use some support right now." she sincerely smiled at him at
this time and completely caught him off guard.
	Darien's eyes looked at her intensely before deciding whether or not to accept her
offer, finally he smiled back, "Sure Serena, but just when your in the hospital, then it's
back to meatball head.  Oh hey, I forgot your friends are coming over this afternoon in
about half an hour.  They seemed very worried about you."
	"That's nice of them, once they get here, if you want to go Darien, go right on
ahead.  It must be boring just being stuck here with someone you can't even stand." she
looked down at her hands not wanting to see his face just then.
	<She really is kind of pretty, all that hair and those eyes, maybe I should be nice
to her permanently after this.> "I'll stay here Serena, you're not boring at all, it's kind of
interesting to get to know you better, you're not as bad as I thought you were."
	<He wants to stay, this is a good thing!> "You're not that bad either Darien,
thanks for staying with me this long."
	<I still need to find out what happened to her arm, that's a serious cut.> "Hey
Serena before you fainted you were going to tell me and Andrew exactly what happened
to that arm.  You can continue now."
	<Man! Why did he have to go and bring this up for, I don't know if my heart can
take it>"Darien it's not that big of a deal and it's too hard to explain."
	"I'm a smart person, I bet I could follow you Serena just tell me what happened."
he looked her right in the eyes, "No funny business."
	"Well I was in the park last night when one of those giant monster the sailor
scouts always fight showed up.  He released some flying disks at me and while one of
them missed me the other one skimmed my arm.  That's what happened Darien, the truth"
<Well as close as I could tell him anyway>
	<I didn't see her there last night, maybe I missed her, I did get there late after all>
"Then why did you say your 'guy' could have prevented your injury from happening?" he
narrowed his eyes at her.
	"Because if he would have showed up then maybe he could have protected me,
you know.  Instead he blew me off, like all the times he saved me before didn't matter."
tears were coming and Serena really didn't want to cry in front of Darien again.
	"He's saved you before from those monsters?  He must be one brave man to mess
with those things."
	"You have no idea, he always saves me when I'm in trouble, except for last night.
He just never came and that's not like him.  I'm actually kind of worried that he just got
fed up of saving me so he just stopped coming." tears welled up in her eyes, "Stupid
Tuxedo Mask." she whispered softly, barely audible
	Darien recoiled <Did she just say stupid Tuxedo Mask?  How does she know
him?> "What did you say Serena?" he softened just then putting his hand on her shoulder.
	She looked up at him with her watery blue eyes, "It was nothing Darien, just a
comment that doesn't concern you." she sniffled and the tears came pouring out.
	Just then Raye and everyone walked into the room and saw Serena crying.  Lita
rushed over and put her arms around her, "Serena why are you crying?"
	"It's nothing Lita, I'm just a little bit upset."
	Raye sat down next to Serena on the bed, "Well I'll tell you what's not nothing
Serena!  That cut on your arm!  We told you last night that it was really deep and that you
needed to see a doctor but did you listen? No!  Now look at you, sitting here in the
hospital, this could have been prevented!"
	"I'm sorry everyone I really didn't think it was this bad.  Sure it was bleeding
pretty bad when I got home but it didn't look serious." the tears were drying from her
face.  She turned to look at Darien, who was studying something hard, "Darien what are
you thinking about so hard?"
	"Oh by the way we told your parents that you were sleeping over at my house
tonight, just to avoid questions like why your in the hospital and stuff like that." Mina
told her.  Serena nodded it would save on a lot of avoidable moments.  Now if her
parents asked when she got home she could tell them something happened over Mina's
house the night before.
	"Darien?" Serena tried again to break into his thoughts, "What's wrong you look
almost upset about something."
	<Something is definitely up with her, there's something important she's not telling
me and I don't like it.  Why would she say 'stupid Tuxedo Mask',  why would it be my
fault for her getting hurt last night by that monster?> Serena's worried voice cut though
his thoughts, "What Serena?" he looked at her not remembering what the question was.
	"Don't worry about it Darien, it wasn't important." she turned to the rest of the
group, "Would one of you want to go and get me something to drink?"
	"I will Serena, what do you want?" Darien stood up and started walking towards
the door <This will give me some time to think as well.>
	"Just a pop Darien, any kind it doesn't matter." he nodded and left the room.
	Suddenly Serena's communicator went off and she snapped it open, "Luna?"
	"Serena, are you all right I heard you were in the hospital and I was very worried
about you!"
	"I'm fine Luna, I'll be out by tomorrow I hope."
	"Well I need you now, there's a monster attacking a concert downtown and I need
you and the other scouts right away."
	"We're on it Luna, hang on." Serena closed the communicator, "Let's go scouts!"
Serena stood up and pulled out her locket.
	"You're not going anywhere Serena you need to stay here and rest." Mina pushed
in back into her bed.
	"She's right, we can't have you hurt again, you need to stay put." Amy agreed,
"Let's go guys." they all rushed out the door leaving Serena alone.
	"I don't think so guys I'm coming with you, besides if Tuxedo Mask shows up I
have a little question to ask him."  She pulled out her locket, "Moon Prism Power" she
transformed quickly and leapt out her second story window toward the action.

**************************************************************************

	Needless to say the other scout were not too pleased when they found Sailor
Moon rushing after them, but seeing how the monster was their first priority they would
deal with her later.  There were people running around screaming, everyone was a
hysterical mess.  This monster was no bigger than any other one they had fought but
looked a whole lot tougher.  It had large blades sticking out of it's elbows and long sharp
blades for fingers as well.  They started out their attacks.

Mercury Bubbles Splash!
Jupiter Thunder Crash!
Mars Fire Ignite!
Venus Crescent Beam Smash!

The monster was stunned and Sailor Moon stepped forward to do her part of the job
<Still no Tuxedo Mask!  Man, it's going to be a whole lot harder with him not around for
now on.>
	"What are you waiting for Sailor Moon finish him off!" Sailor Mars yelled.
	"I am, hang on!" she yelled back.  She turned back to the monster but she couldn't
see him anywhere.
	"Look out Sailor Moon, he's right behind you!" Sailor Mercury shouted to her.
	A confused Sailor Moon spun around and saw the monster charging right at her. 
She let out a gasp and was frozen in place.  Suddenly a rose shot down from the sky and
Tuxedo Mask swooped down from the roof of a nearby building.  Serena felt her heart
melt, but soon it was forgotten since she remembered their last battle.  She raised her
moon wand and dusted the creature then turned back to Tuxedo Mask, who amazingly
enough was still there.
	"You have to be more careful Sailor Moon, one of these days I'm not going to be
here to save you." <Man she's so beautiful> "You have to learn how to take care of
yourself."
	She walked over to him undaunted, "I took a crash course in that last night, where
were you?  You've never let me down before Tuxedo Mask!" tears of angry and pain
welled up in her eyes <How can he still look at me so cold, he doesn't seem a bit
concerned about me.  Even Darien looked concerned yesterday at the arcade> 
	<Man she's mad, but why, nothing happened last night.> "What are you talking
about?  I was there, I was late, but I was there." <She sounds so much like Serena when
she's mad, it's scary.>
	Sailor Moon gasped, "You didn't see me get hurt?  I could have used your help
then!" she pointed to her arm, "I thought you just didn't save me because you were sick of
me getting into trouble all the time.  I thought you abandoned me." 
	He stared at the bandage <That's at the same place as Serena's wound.  Oh my
God!  You are an idiot Darien!  The hair, the eyes, the voice, they're all the same as her. 
Sailor Moon is Serena!> He realized then that he had let his cold facade fade, he turned
back to Sailor Moon's face and in the steadiest, calmest voice he could muster started to
speak, "I failed you Sailor Moon, I'm sorry, it will not happen again." with that Tuxedo
Mask was gone in a flash of black.
	<Why is he leaving, oh no does that mean he'll never help me again?> "Tuxedo
Mask!  Don't go please!" she felt a soft tap on her shoulder.	
	"Sailor Moon you need to go now, I'm sure someone is worried sick about where
you disappeared to." Sailor Mars looked at her with sympathetic eyes.
	Her eyes widened, <Darien's probably is worried sick about me, well maybe not
sick but at least wondering where I am> "Thanks Mars are you guys coming back to the
hospital with me?"
	"No, Darien would be suspicious if we all disappeared and then returned at the
same time, but we'll see you tomorrow if they send you home.  Then we'll talk about you
disobeying our orders for you to stay put." Mars tried her hardest to be angry at her, but
Serena was upset enough.  Serena nodded slowly and then took off back to the hospital 

	

	She got back into her room without anyone noticing her, and when she found it
empty she detransformed quickly and hoped into bed. <I wonder where Darien is?  I
thought for sure he'd be running around frantic thinking I just disappeared into thin air> 
She picked the newspaper lying on her bedside table and started reading, she didn't even
hear when Darien entered the room.
	"Hey Serena I was just wondering where you had run off to." he couldn't quite
look her in the eye after now knowing that he was partly to blame for her wounded arm.
	She glanced up at him and his words made her face fall <He really wasn't worried
at all, maybe he was happy I was suddenly gone!  Wait what do you care to begin with,
it's Darien, he's never cared about you to begin with> "I just took a walk down the hall,
my legs were all cramped up and I needed to move them around." she tried to smile but
she was just too tired.
	He walked over to her bed and sat down, <I feel just awful, but I imagine she felt
even worse thinking that I had abandoned her like that.  Next battle I have to reassure her
that something like that will never happen again, but right now I have to make it up to
Serena> "Listen Serena I just want to apologize for every little comment I've ever made
that has hurt your feelings.  I never meant to hurt you in anyway, it was just teasing to
me, but maybe stuff I said actually hurt your feelings." he looked her straight in her eye,
"I'm very sorry."
	Serena looked at him and waited for the insult to come but when he said nothing
else she was at a loss for words <He looks sincere and I do want him to keep being nice
to me, I like this Darien way more than the old one>  She took a chance and hugged him.
She felt him stiffen at her touch and then he relaxed, "Thank you Darien, your apology
really means a lot to me, but I should apologize as well.  I said some pretty mean stuff
back to you, and I'm not completely innocent either.  I do want you to like me, I don't like
to think that you hate me, because I don't hate you. <Well not anymore, in fact I think I'm
starting to like him, he is kinda cute>
	He looked into her eyes <She is pretty, even prettier now that I know her secret>
"I do like you Serena, I couldn't never hate you. <Not anymore, not after seeing this
different side of you in the last day> he cleared his throat, "Um Serena, who exactly is
this guy you keep talking about, the one that always saves you when your in trouble?" he
looked at her expectantly <Maybe this will reveal how she feels about me, well at least
Tuxedo Mask.>
	<What a strange question, maybe he likes me, maybe he's jealous of the guy I
keep talking about.  I wish that could be true, but he would never like me.> "Well he's
handsome, strong, a bit cold sometimes, but that's easy to look past, considering all he's
done for me.  He's never let me down before, well except for last night obviously, but
otherwise it never fails.  I'm in trouble, he's there in a flash, my savior, my protector.  I
would lay down my own life for him, to repay him for everything he's done for me." she
got a dreamy look in her eye as she smiled at him.
	<I definitely wasn't expecting to hear all that, she's really got me built up in her
mind.  How disappointed will she be when she finds out it's just me?> "Wow Serena, he
sounds pretty close to perfect, how could a regular guy like me ever compete with that?"
he felt all the blood rush to his cheeks, he turned away hoping that she wouldn't notice.
	"Well a regular guy like you already has an edge over him because technically I
don't think he likes me as much as I like him.  He's the unattainable guy, the one every
girl wants but could never have." the dreamy look was gone but she was still smiling.
	<Just look at her there, she's looks so pretty.  I want to tell her that Tuxedo Mask
is right here and that he feels the same way> "Unattainable huh?  Well Meatball head
there's always a chance he feels the same way about you, don't lose hope, it could happen.
<Yes it most certainly could.> he smiled back at her.
	Her eyes went cold for a second then returned to normal <Well you can't expect
him to be nice all the time, besides maybe that nickname isn't as bad as I thought it was.>
"Did anyone ever tell you that you have a really nice smile, you should use it more often,
you could brighten someone's day with it." she turned a deep cherry red when she
realized what she had just said.<Stupid, stupid, stupid>
	He looked at her questioningly, < Was that a compliment for me that actually
came from her mouth?  I can't believe it> "Thank you maybe I'll take your advice." he
smiled at her again causing her to blush harder.
	"You know now that I know you a little better I'm actually enjoying your company
Darien, you're very nice to be with." she inched closer to him, tempted to put her head on
his shoulder.  They were so close now <I wish he would kiss me right now, I would do
anything to feel his lips against mine.>
	<Wow another one, maybe she likes me!  It might be nice to date someone who's
that beautiful and kind> "You're pretty nice yourself Serena,  your company is very
enjoyable as well."  They were both so close to each other Serena could feel this warm
breath on her cheek <I want to kiss her, but I can't, not yet anyway.>
	Suddenly a little rap the door startled the two from their thoughts of each other,
"Excuse me visiting hours are over now sir, unless you're immediate family, or her
boyfriend." the nurse winked at him.
	He blushed bright red <I'm not that lucky, yet, maybe in a few days after we get to
know each other a little bit better I'll make my move.> "No ma'am just a close friend, I'll
be out of here in a minute just let me say goodbye." the nurse nodded and left the
doorway.
	Serena felt her eyelids getting heavier, "Good night Darien, thank you for
everything.  You've been really great today."
	He hugged her <It's amazing how much better we're getting along now, I think I
really like her> "Good night Serena sleep tight." he let go of her and her laid down in her
bed.  He walked toward the door and was about to leave when he heard her ask him
something softly.  He turned back around, "What did you say Serena?"
	"I just wanted to know if you're coming back tomorrow." she asked him sleepily.
	"Sure, I'll be back tomorrow morning, if you really want me here." <Please say
she wants me here.  I want to be here.>
	"I want you here Darien."
	"All right, I'll see you then.  Bye Serena." he shut the door behind him and walked
down the hall.  He had his own bed to get home to.

**************************************************************************

	The next afternoon Serena was at home watching TV on her couch.  Darien had
driven her home just a little over an hour ago and she was already starting to miss him. 
	<Why do I, it's obvious that he doesn't feel the same way I do.  I need to take a
walk, clear my head a little bit.> she stood up abruptly and walked into the kitchen where
her mom was making dinner.
	"Mom can I go take a walk before dinner?" she watched as her mom slid the
meatloaf into the oven.
	"Sure honey just get back before 6:00, that's when dinner is." her mom brushed
her hands off and watched her daughter take off out the door.
	Serena walked briskly down the street and past the arcade.  It was filled with kids
yelled and shouting, Andrew was at the counter overseeing the commotion.  She stopped
for a second and debated going in there to say hello, Andrew was there for her yesterday
and she needed to thank him for his help.  She walked over to the front counter and
Andrew's eyes lit up at the sight of her.
	"Serena, you're okay!  I was afraid you and Darien killed each other after you guys
got to the hospital.  I haven't seen him all day." he looked at her with a gleam in his eyes,
"You didn't go ballistic and kill him did you?"
	"No Andrew, he was very nice this weekend, he stayed with me all of yesterday
when I woke up to the time visiting hours were over.  I was kind of hoping you had seen
him." her smile dropped a little bit after she realized that he probably was avoiding her,
she was a little bit uncomfortable just thinking about all the stuff she had said to him
about his smile and his company.
	I'll tell him you stopped by looking for him if you want me to Serena."
	"No Andrew that's okay, I'm sure I can find him on my own.  I also wanted to
thank you for your help yesterday, I didn't realize I lost so much blood from that cut."
	"Hey that's what friends are for, by the way you never finished telling me how that
happened."
	"Ask Darien, I already told him, I've got to go and find him.  I'll see you later
Andrew bye." she rushed out of the arcade, in a hurry to avoid having to explain
everything again. She turned the corner and crashed into someone.
	"I'm so sorry I didn't see you there." She looked up and saw Darien standing over
her, "Darien!" 
	"You are such a klutz, do you ever watch where you're going." he shook his head
at her surprised face, "Don't just sit there Meatball head, let me help you up." he extended
a hand and she took it gratefully.
	<Oh his touch sends shivers up my spine, when did this start to happen Serena?>
"Thanks Darien, are you going to the arcade?"
	"Yeah, I'll see you later Meatball head." <That was bad timing I was just thinking
about her.  She must think I hate her again with all same stuff starting up again> he
sighed and walked into the arcade.  
	"Hey Darien, Serena was just looking for you."
	"I know I just ran into her, literally, outside the door.  I swear she can be such a
klutz sometimes."
	"Lay off Darien she's still just a 14 year old girl.  Even after spending all that time
with her you still don't like her?" Andrew looked at him questionably.
	<Do you lie to your best friend and pretend you haven't found the girl that can
make you sublimely happy with just a smile or do you tell him the truth?> "She a little bit
more tolerable Andrew but she still can be a pain.  Honestly if I would have tried to leave
her alone I think she would have had a fit, she's seems really attached to me now and I
don't know if I like it." <Lying it is>
	"Your a really bad liar Darien I can see it in your eyes.  Your ashamed to admit
you like her." Andrew started laughing.
	<I have to make this look convincing, I don't want anyone to know yet.  I want to
see how she feels about me first.> "Shut up I do not have any feelings for her, I still can't
stand her and that will never change!  She annoying and a pain and a klutz, I could never
fall for someone like that!" he heard a soft cry behind him.  He spun around to find
Serena standing behind him, tears streaming down her pale face. "Serena how long have
you been there?" <No this isn't happening right now, I didn't just hurt the girl that means
so much for me right now.>
	"Long enough to hear every word out of your mouth, I'm sorry I burdened you in
the hospital.  I never would have made you stay if I knew that's how you really felt.  I'll
leave you alone now." she ran out the arcade as she started to sob <I'm so stupid, I should
have known that he could never cared for the me the same way I care for him.>
	"Serena wait, don't go!  Just give me time to explain!" he took off after her
leaving Andrew alone and wondering what just happened.

	

	Serena raced toward the park, she didn't want to hear Darien explain anything, she
just wanted to be alone.  She glanced behind and didn't see Darien anywhere. <Great he
didn't even follow me all the way here, he must have figured I'm just not worth the
trouble anymore> Her arm throbbed with pain and her face was still wet with tears, but
she just kept running until she reached her destination.  She stopped when she reached
the empty playground equipment.  She sat down on a swing and buried her face in her
hands, "Why would he say those things, I thought he was at least nice enough not to
announce his hatred for me in front of everyone at the arcade." she was talking to herself,
but somehow it was strangely comforting.
	Darien found her a few minutes later and walked up behind her.  He placed his
hand gently on her shoulder.  She jumped slightly but didn't even bother to look back at
him. "Go away Darien, I have no desire to talk to you right now or ever again.  Do you
have any idea what you did to me."
	He sat down the the swing next to her and took her hand in his.  She jerked it
away and a hurt look crossed his face <Well what did you expect, you hurt her, you made
her cry, did you honestly think that she was going to let you hold her hand.> "Please
Serena let me explain, I never meant to hurt you.  Andrew just made me mad when he
threw out that accusation like that, he doesn't know how much I really care about you."
	"Oh yeah Darien you care about me a lot don't you?  Enough to completely
embarrass me in front of Andrew and everyone else there.  Why would you say such
mean, hurtful things like that about me.  I thought that you were at least my friend." she
looked at him, her blue eyes swollen and red.
	He couldn't look her in the eye, "I do care about you Serena, really I do.  I've
never been very good at expressing my emotions to anyone.  No one has ever gotten as
close to me as you have in the last day or so, it scared me."
	"Me knowing you, scared you Darien, why?  I've wanted to get to know you better
for awhile, but you just kept relentlessly making fun of me.  I thought you liked me back
there in the hospital, I know I liked you." <there I said it, I just hope he doesn't throw it
back at me now.>
	He stared at her intensely, "You like me, after all the mean comments and how I
made you cry at the arcade and everything else?"
	"Yes Darien, is that so hard to believe?  At the hospital you were so nice to me, I
just found myself drawn to you.  I thought you wouldn't return the feelings though so I
hid them.  You didn't answer me Darien, why does me getting to know you scare you so
much?""
	"No one knows me very well Serena, not even Andrew and he's my best friend.  I
just push people away when they get as close as you have, but I want to let you in.  Why
didn't you tell me Serena, I like you too.  You're pretty, kind, a good friend, an all round
nice person to be with."
	"You really mean that Darien?  You think I'm pretty?" she looked at him, probing
his eyes, waiting for his answer.  She started rocking back and forth on her swing.
	<I told her and she felt the same way all the time, why was I so afraid to tell her
before?  She's so understanding.> "You're beautiful Serena and you always have been. 
I've just been to blind to see it before now." he grabbed onto the swing chain and pulled
her closer to him.  She put her hand in his, gathering all of her courage and leaned in
closer to him. <Kiss me, I want him to kiss me right now.> He put his other hand to her
face and wiped away a stray tear with his thumb.  She closed her eyes and he kissed her
gently.  She felt everything around her start to spin as his warm soft lips met hers.  She
slowly pulled away allowing the kiss to linger for as long as possible.  She slowly opened
her eyes and she smiled at him. <Just say it, he was open with you, now you have to be
open with him> "Oh Darien, I love you." she whispered into his ear.
	Her warm breath tickled his ear, he held his breath as she murmured the words he
longed to hear, "I love you too Serena, why I fought it, I don't know." She smiled at him,
she slowly pulled out of his embrace, "I have to get home for dinner before my mom
starts to worry." she told him softly as she stood up.
	"Meet me tomorrow at the arcade after school?" he stood up after her. 
	She nodded slowly and started to walk away, still in a daze.  When she was finally
about halfway home it sunk in <He loves me, Darien loves me.>  She ran the rest of the
way home, a feeling of indescribable happiness rushing though her.  Suddenly her
communicator went off, she stopped in her tracks.  She pulled it out and snapped it open. 
Raye's face filled the screen, "Get your butt over to the mall right now!  We need your
help!"
	"I'm on my way, Raye just hang on a little longer." Serena clicked the
communicator closed and ducked into the nearby alley.  She transformed quickly and
took off toward the mall. <I wonder if Tuxedo Mask will be there to help out this time?>
	The monster wasn't hard to see, it was bigger than anyone they had fought before. 
It was attacking people in the parking lot and the sailor scouts were rushing around trying
to hit it with anything they could.  She ran in just in time to see Sailor Mercury take a hit
from one of the big slimy things he was throwing around.
	"I'm Sailor Moon, champion of love and justice.  In the name of the moon I shall
punish you!" she struck a pose and immediately caught the monster's attention.  Sailor
Mars and Venus tried to get in a back attack while he was distracted.
	"Mars Fire Ignite!"
	"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!" 
	The monster was stunned so Sailor Moon stepped up to do her thing.  In midspin
the monster charged forward. Sailor Moon stopped to see the coming straight for her. 
She looked for a place to take cover when a red rose streaked down from above.
	"Tuxedo Mask!" Sailor Moon felt a wave of relief wash over her.  She started to
spin again and this time dusted him.  She rushed over to Sailor Mercury who was still
down.
	"Sailor Mercury, are you all right?" Sailor Moon looked at her nervously, she
barely noticed when Tuxedo Mask came up behind her.
	"A little slimy but otherwise okay.  Yuck, this stuff is nasty." Sailor Mercury had
a look of deep disgust on her face.  All the sailor scouts started to laugh, they had never
seen Amy so grossed out.
	A strong hand placed itself on Sailor Moon's shoulder, "A word Sailor Moon."
	She sighed deeply, she certainly hoped  he didn't want to lecture her again, "All
right." he led her away from the group a few feet.
	"I just wanted to reassure you that I won't let anything happen to you again Sailor
Moon.  It was all my fault that you got injured." his face was still cold, but emotion
softened his voice.
	<Why is he doing this, I know it was a mistake on both our parts.  He can't protect
me every time.  He's still is so cute, but I couldn't do that to Darien.> "I know Tuxedo
mask, it wasn't just your fault anyway, I'm partly to blame for being so stupid by standing
out in the open." <Come to think of it, he looks an awful lot like Darien.  Pity I can't see
his eyes, that would tell me for sure.>
	"I just wanted to let you know."
	"Thank you." Sailor Jupiter came up behind her, "Sailor Moon, what's this all
about?"
	"Nothing Jupiter, it's fine." she looked around, "Where is everyone else."
	"They all left already, I figured we could walk home together."
	Sailor Moon looked back and saw that Tuxedo Mask had already left again, "Let's
go I'm hungry."

**************************************************************************

	"Serena where have you been, I've been worried sick about you!  It's past 8:00,
you were supposed to be home two hours ago!  What took you so long?" her mother
pounced on her the second she walked in the door.
	"I was just shopping at the mall when suddenly a monster appeared, and it was
attacking everything.  I had to take cover and wait until the sailor scouts arrived to save
everyone.  They managed to take it down but it took them awhile, that's why I'm so late."
Serena put on the terrified look she could muster while her mom analyzed the story.
She automatically switched from you're-in-deep-trouble-now-young-lady mom to oh-my-
poor-sweet-little-baby mom.
	"Oh my poor little girl, you must have been so frightened." she said as she was
hugging Serena.
	"Terrified mom, you have no idea how scared I was!" Serena felt really rotten
lying to her mother, but what other choice did she have?
	"Do you want to eat, I kept a plate of food warm for you."
	<I'm not really hungry anymore.  I just want sleep.> "Thanks mom, but I think I'm
just going to go to bed, I'm still really tired from that sleep over <I lie way too much to
them.  I have to stop.> Good night." Serena walked upstairs slowly.
	"Sleep tight honey." her mother turned and walked into the kitchen.  Serena
walked into her bedroom.  She changed quickly into her flannel pink bunny decorated
PJs and climbed into her bed.  She fell asleep thinking about Darien and how much she
really did love him.

**************************************************************************

	Serena raced over to the arcade, afraid that Darien would have already left.  She
had to stay after because she had been late yet again this morning.  She let out a loud sigh
as she saw him standing at the counter talking to Andrew.  He turned to her as she
walked over to him, panting.  He flashed her a wide grin and put his arm around her
waist.  Andrew looked at them as if they had just grown three heads.
	"Am I missing something here?  I thought you guys hated each other." 
	"We've had a change of heart Andrew, we realize now how stupid it was to fight
our true feelings about each other." Darien looked down at her and kissed her gently on
her cheek.
	"It took you guys long enough, everyone else could see, we were just waiting until
it finally happened." He smiled at the two of them, "I have to say that you two do make a
pretty cute couple."
	"Oh my God!  Darien kissed Serena, when did you two become so friendly." a
voice from behind them called out.
	Serena turned behind around and found all of her friends standing there grinning
at her, "When did you guys get here?" She blushed red, but Darien just pulled her closer,
"You think that was a kiss, watch this." he kissed her again, this time on her lips.  She
melted in his arms but she returned it.  She heard the other gasp but she didn't care. 
Andrew hit Darien in the back, "Hey, take it outside, you're scaring the customers."
Serena started to laugh and had to pull away, "Everyone is staring at us Darien."
	"Let them stare, I could care less." he gazed into her fathomless blue eyes, "You
make me so happy, I just want to tell everyone how I feel."
	"Wow I wish a guy would talk to me like that." Lita said sadly, "Especially one
that-"
	"Looks like your old boyfriend. We know!" they all proclaimed loudly, "Please
spare us." Raye finished.
	"Well excuse me, that's the last I say anything about my old boyfriend." Lita put
her nose up the air.
	"Thank you!" Raye exclaimed throwing her hands up in the air.  Everyone started
to laugh and Serena put her head on Darien's shoulder.
	"Really guys when did this happen?  At the hospital?" Mina stepped forward, still
gaping at them holding each other like that.
	"Yeah tell us when you guys got lovey- dovey!" Lita added.
	"Enough questions, you people need to get a life." Darien said playfully, "Do you
want to go and get some ice cream?" he asked Serena softly.
	She nodded, "Yeah Darien, let's get away from these crazy people." he grabbed
her hand and they took off out the door.
	"That was just too weird, yesterday they got into a fight and now they're making
out in the middle of the arcade." Andrew watched them as the ran down the street.
	"Well who are we to question it?" Mina told them, she turned back to Andrew,
"We had better be going too, I want to track them down and watch them kiss again."
	"Bye Andrew!" they all said goodbye as they walked quickly out the door after the
couple.
	"Bye girls I'll see you tomorrow." Andrew shook his head, "This day just keeps
getting weirder and weirder." he said under his breath.
	
**************************************************************************
	
	The loud beeping noise hit Serena's ears as they neared the ice cream shop,
"Darien wait, my beeper's going off!" Serena let go of his hand and stopped in the middle
of the sidewalk. <Why now?! I wish I could just ignore it, but people could get hurt if I
do.> "You go on ahead and save us a table Darien, I'll be right there." Darien nodded and
continued to walk down the street. She popped open the communicator, "Where is it this
time Luna?"
	"The park, the monster is attacking all the kids!  You have to hurry, I'll contact the
other scouts." Luna's picture faded away.  Serena closed her communicator and glanced
down the street as Darien entered the ice cream parlor, "Damn, these attacks always
come at the worst times." she ducked in a nearby alley and transformed into Sailor Moon. 
She raced off in the direction of the park, hoping that she wasn't too late.
	The other scouts reached the park the same time she did and they started
attacking the large monster.  It was a large rock like beast and was particularly ugly.  It
turned around and launched a counteroffensive against them.  It shot Sailor Venus with
little rock pellets that came out of his hands.  She went down but stood back up and
started attacking again.
	"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!"
	"Mars Fire Ignite!"
	"Jupiter Thunder Crash"
	"Mercury Bubbles Splash!"
	Sailor Moon stepped forward, she flung the wand, it flew like a disk, at the
monster but he ducked, causing it to barely miss.  It stood hardly dazed, and the sailor
scouts had no idea what to do next.
	"What should we do Sailor Moon?  Our attacks don't affect it!" Sailor Jupiter
shouted.
	"Try again, it must have some sort of weakness!"
	"Mars Fire Ignite!"
	"Mercury Bubbles Splash!"
	"Jupiter Thunder Crash!"
	"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!"
	The monster staggered forward, but stopped when a red rose flew into its back as
Tuxedo Mask entered the fray.  
	"Let's try this again, cosmic moon power!"the monster disintegrated on the impact
of her tiara.
	"Sailor Moon nice work!  You took that monster down!" Sailor Venus yelled as
they all rushed over to her.
	"I didn't think you had it in you!" Sailor Mars told her.
	Tuxedo Mask walked over calmly and looked at Sailor Moon <It's time I told her,
she needs to know.> "Good job Sailor Moon, you really took control of the situation."
	"Thank you Tuxedo Mask, that means a lot to me." she blushed <Every time I see
him, he reminds me more and more of Darien, why is that?>
	"Can I speak to you in private." he extended a hand to her the blushing girl in
front of him, "I won't hurt you."
	"I know that, I trust you with my life." she took his hand and with a flash they
disappeared into the dusk.
	"Wow, she's got two guys after her, lucky girl." Mars mumbled.
	"I wonder what he wants, she did a good job today.  I hope he doesn't lecture her
about her fighting skills again." Mercury spoke up.

**************************************************************************

	Tuxedo Mask brought her up to a rooftop a few blocks away from the park.  She
sat down on the ledge, "Why did you bring me here Tuxedo Mask?" she looked at him
nervously, not knowing what he could possible want from her.
	"I just wanted to talk to you alone Sailor Moon, away from everyone else." he
forced himself to pull his eyes away from hers.  She stood up and walked over to him,
"This isn't like you Tuxedo Mask, you've never been willing to let me in before.  Why
now?"
	"Things change, I changed.  After you got hurt-" she cut him off abruptly, "You're
still concerned about that?  Look it's already almost healed because I'm Sailor Moon." she
held up her arm for him to see, "I'm fine, it was a mistake, you're only human."
	"Let me finish Sailor Moon, after you got hurt, I felt so guilty.  I would have
gladly sacrificed myself in order to protect you." she put a gloved hand to his face and
turned his face back to hers.  His cold facade was no longer there and she stepped closer
to him, "You remind me of my boyfriend, your touch, your face.  It's all there." she
whispered, then looked down, embarrassed that she said something like that. 
	He gently cupped her chin in his hands and brought her eyes back to him, "I envy
the man who gets to kiss you Sailor Moon, that has the privilege to hold you and comfort
you." <That was a nice touch, I have to remember that line.> They were so close now and
she could feel his warm breath against her cheek "This is wrong, I love my boyfriend
very much and this wouldn't be right to do to him, even if he doesn't know I'm Sailor
Moon." she pulled away from him and walked to the edge of the building.
	"What if he did know?  What if he already figured it out." he walked after her.
	She spun around, a startled look on her face, "What are you talking about Tuxedo
Mask, no one know who I am except the other sailor scouts.  Darien couldn't know, I'm
not ready to tell him yet, I should but I can't not yet.  I have to be sure of our love is
strong enough to take it."
	"It can take it Sailor Moon, trust me it can." he stepped closer and took her hand,
"I know he loves you very much and would accept anything you tell him."
	"I know he loves me, I can tell in ever touch, every look, every sweet kiss we've
shared." tears welled up in her eyes and she looked down at his hand, "I feel the same
from you Tuxedo Mask."
	He looked at her, trying to lead her to the conclusion that she had almost reached. 
He pulled her closer and without a second thought kissed her.  It was short and sweet, but
a kiss nonetheless.  He pulled away and gazed at her surprised face, "Darien?" she
whispered, tears, now free, flowed down her pale cheeks in rivers.
	He slowly removed the mask and let it flutter to the ground, "Yes Serena, it's me. 
It was me who failed you and let you get hurt.  I couldn't tell you, I didn't want to make
you hate me.  I'm sorry I hid this from you." she threw her arms around his neck and
buried her face in his cape. He put his arms around her waist and held her tightly.
	"I just can't believe it Darien, you've saved me all those times and I never even
considered the thought.  How did you know?" she asked him softly.
	"Your bandage gave it away Serena, that one day in the hospital, I came to help
you and after the battle you yelled at me remember?  I realized it then, but could never
tell you then, you thought I was stupid." he smiled at her suddenly.  She blushed at
remembering the thought, "I'm sorry, I never really thought that-" he put a finger to her
lips and stopped her in mid-sentence, "Don't explain yourself any further, I don't blame
you for thinking that at all."
	"I'm still sorry Darien, I love you so much right now."
	"I love you too Serena, more than anything.  I never meant to hurt you at all." he
kissed her again.  

**************************************************************************

	"They've been gone a long time now, I wonder what's going on." Mars asked out
loud.  The other scouts turned to look at her, they had all been thinking the same thing.
	"Well what do you propose we do, go and look for them?" Mercury asked.
	"That's what I was thinking.  We should track them down and see what's going
on." Venus stared at them mischievously.
	"That won't be necessary Venus.  I'm right here." Sailor Moon's voice broke
though the silence.  They all turned to see her and Tuxedo Mask walking toward them.
	"Took you long enough, that must have been some talk the two of you had."
Jupiter grumbled.
	She turned to look at him and smiled, "It was, but now we all should be getting
home, it's getting late." They all nodded and started walking their separate directions,
leaving Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask alone, "I'll see you tomorrow Darien, after school
at the arcade?"
	"I'll be there, but you make sure not to get a detention this time okay?" he kissed
her cheek and started to walk away.  Sailor Moon powered down in the middle of a dark
grove of trees and raced home.
	She let herself in the front door and walked slowly into the kitchen.  Her family
was just getting ready to sit down to dinner.
	"Well it's about time you got home, I was just wondering what could possibly be
keeping you." her mother looked at her sternly.
	"I'm sorry I was at the arcade with all of my friends.  We were just hanging out."
	"Oh, well come sit down and eat something you must be famished." her father
pointed to her seat.  She sat down and the rest of the dinner was filled with an strange
silence.  After dinner Serena escaped up into her room, exhausted both physically and
mentally.  Luna was curled up at the end of her bed, sleeping soundly until Serena
entered the room.  She sat down and the cat jumped into her lap.
	"Where have you been Serena, that battle ended a while ago." Luna stared at her
blushing face.
	"I was with Tuxedo Mask Luna, don't worry, nothing happened." she smiled
blissfully remembering that kiss that they shared on the rooftop.
	"Serena snap out of it, I don't like you spending time with him.  There's something
strange about him."
	"Luna, there absolutely nothing to worry about, Tuxedo Mask would never let
anything happen to me.  He loves me." < Shoot! I never should have said that, now Luna
will be all over me.>
	"He loves you?  How can you be sure Serena?  He's so cold all the time."
	"Luna just stop it, I just know okay.  I'm tired, I'm going to sleep." she stood up
sending the cat tumbling off of her lap.  She changed and climbed into her bed, Luna still
pestering her about Tuxedo Mask.
	"Luna just leave it alone, he would never hurt me.  Good night!" Serena turned off
her light as a note of finality.

**************************************************************************

	"Sailor Moon, a little help here!" Mars shouted as Sailor Moon entered the fray. 
It was the middle of the night, the call had awoken Serena from a sound sleep.  She raced
as fast as her tired body would allow. <These attacks are coming more and more
frequently, the negaverse must be up to something, but what?>  The monster's menacing
tentacles flared around, grabbing anything that it could get their hands on.  Sailor Venus
jumped out of the as one of them tried to latch onto her leg.  Sailor Mercury stepped
forward and started out the round of attacks.
	"Mercury Bubbles Splash!"
	"Mars Fire Ignite!"
	"Jupiter Thunder Crash!"
	"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!"
	The monster dazed, but still fighting to live reached out to the closest thing
possible.  Which just happened to be Sailor Moon.  It lifted her high into the air and
slammed her down into the pavement.  She let out a cry as her petite body met the hard
ground.  The other scouts let out shouts of terror at the sight of their fallen leader lying
lifeless on the ground.  Tuxedo Mask was already by her side cradling her head in his lap.
	"Sailor Moon, wake up, please be okay!" he touched her face gently and her
eyelids fluttered.  She felt Tuxedo Mask's tears as they hit her face.  She put her hand
though his and she sat up slowly, "Don't move Serena, you're hurt badly." he whispered to
her.
	"I'm fine Tuxedo Mask, I need to kill this guy off before anyone else gets hurt."
with his help she stood and raised her wand.  She shouted out the words quickly killing
the monster, and then collapsed into his arms.  Weakly, she looked at his worried face
and put a hand to his face, "I will be fine, just a little bruised up." he nodded slowly and
hugged her gently, careful not to cause her anymore pain.
	"Is she okay?" they all asked him as they rushed other to them.  He nodded again
and pulled her closer, "Hey don't get too attached Tuxedo Mask, she has a boyfriend."
Venus found her voice and informed him.  He reached a free hand up and removed his
mask.
	"Darien!  This is a shock, does she know?" Mars gaped at him.
	"Of course she knows!" he looked at them, seeing that they still were in shock.
	"Surprised?  I that's how I felt too." Sailor Moon let go of him, suddenly finding
strength from his warm touch.  She walked slowly over to them, "I almost didn't believe
it myself until he kissed me."
	"Serena, you are one evil girl, how could you not tell us?!" Jupiter demanded.
	"I was easy, I just went home and didn't mention it to anyone." she smiled at them
widely, "Now if you would excuse us, you gawking, nosy scouts I want to talk to him 
alone."  they nodded still dazed and walked away slowly.  "This week just keeps getting
weirder and weirder." "How does she do it, she gets two guys to absolutely love her."
"They were the same guy silly, do you think Serena could have done that on her own?"
their comments faded and Serena turned back to Darien.
	"Thank goodness they finally left." she smiled at him mischievously.
	"I guess you don't want to talk huh?" he looked into her glittering clear blue eyes
and smiled back.
	"Not if I can help it Darien." she pulled his face closer and kissed him.  He held
her tightly as if not wanting to let the moment end.  The sun was coming up and light
caught their faces.  She heard the scouts giggling behind her, <I should have know they
would come back.  I know I would have.> She pushed the thought back and continued to
kiss him.  <What a great way to start the day!>


THE END!!!!!!


What did you think?  Write me at ejames000@ameritech.net  I hope everyone liked it, despite 
the corny ending!