Chapter 11 of a million kisses to learn from

Hello! It is I, Sorceress Usagi, once again at large in the fan fiction world. I hope you missed me, cuz I certainly missed all of you! I know I've been terrible about releasing timely updates, so I have about 3 chapters in this one to make up for it. (That's about 13 pages in word, just to let you know.  )

Well, anyways, without further ado I bring you more kisses!

Thank you to all my reviewers and readers, you guys ROCK!

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Serena felt warm tears and egg stream down her cheeks as she ran her fastest out of Darien's apartment building and onto the sidewalk. She knew that she was incurring curious and condescending stares from the people that she passed by, but she ignored them as she continued to blindly run away from that building…away from him and his deception. She could not believe how naïve she had been or how quick she had let herself believe his words. How could she have possibly let her defenses down so low, and so quickly for a man she had believed she hated? Why was it that every time she was in his presence she lost all of her common sense? She didn't know, but she hated herself for it. She just wanted to be home, showered and safe in her room where that man couldn't find her…and couldn't cause her heart anymore pain than it already had.

"Serena, WAIT! -----Let me explain!"

She stopped abruptly to look back in surprise. Not far behind her, Darien was racing to catch up. Already miffed beyond belief, she only turned and ran. In his head he felt his thoughts race with inexplicable panic. She really believed that it had been his idea to do that to her. He couldn't stand it. That was something he would never do and she had to know that. After all the progress they had made together that day, it had all disappeared in less than a second because of some prank aimed at him. He couldn't stand it! He had to tell her the truth. In his mind he could see that desperately crestfallen look on her face as she stood in his doorway, and he felt sick at the image. He couldn't explain why the look had affected him so, and he didn't care why it was so important to him that she not believe he was capable of hurting her such a vile way. But he knew without doubt, she had to know. Somehow, over the span of an afternoon, they had gone from bitter enemies to peaceful companions and he wanted that to last. He wanted to see that smile aimed at him again, he wanted that laughter to be because of him, he wanted her around him, and he just… wanted her friendship. That was all he knew.

"Serena STOP!" Finally he caught up to her and encircled her in his arms. All the while she kicked and shouted her protests. "Serena, listen to me! I didn't mean for this to happen! I swear it!" She didn't believe him for a minute.

"Oh yeah? Then why was it there?"

"Because your friends set it up for me!" She stopped moving.

"What?"

"You heard me, those friends of yours Ami, Mina, Lita, and Rei set that up for me. If you don't believe me come back to my apartment and I'll show you the letter they left for me! I didn't mean for this to happen to you! I would never do this kind of stupid prank to anyone. Even you should know it's not my style." Serena looked at a loss. The tension inside her tore her into two different directions. She couldn't deny that such a childish trick seemed below him, but could she really believe her friends were responsible?

"Why would they do this?" she asked in broken words.

"No doubt because of all the trouble I've caused you. You're friends are quite protective of you, and apparently very vengeful as well." Serena was silent.

"I can't believe it…prove it to me. I want to see that letter." Darien let out a relieved sigh.

"I will, come on. And you can get cleaned up at my place. You shouldn't have to walk home like that because of me." Serena wiped her tears and fell into step behind him as they made their way back the way they came in silence.

Once inside the elevator, he couldn't help the way his eyes took her in. She stood hugging herself loosely as she leaned against the wall, looking somewhat tired and dejected. He shifted uncomfortably in the silence and was surprised when she looked up to meet his gaze. It took only a split second for him to avert his eyes, but it was long enough for Serena to know that he had been watching her. "What?" she asked.

Darien shrugged, "I was just going to say, 'for what it's worth, I am really sorry this happened.' Everything was going so…so well and I feel like it was all screwed up because of this. I hope you know that this was never my intention, but I am sorry." He felt his spirits lift a little when he saw a small smile grace her lips.

"You sound so sincere when you apologize. I don't think you've ever said anything like that to me," she said as she stood up from the wall as the elevator came to a stop.

"It's because I mean it." He responded as they walked towards his door. Serena looked up in surprise.

"You left your door open." She stated dumbly.

"I was in a bit of a rush." Serena gave a short laugh. He couldn't help but smile at her. "It's amazing how fast your moods change." She blushed as she looked up at him.

"Is that a bad thing?" She asked.

"I don't think so."

They entered the apartment careful not to step in the raw egg that covered the tile floor, and made their way into the living room where Darien retrieved the balled up piece of pink paper. He gave it to Serena who read it over and sighed with defeat. "I can't believe them. I guess it's good to have people who care about me so much that they would do this, but they could at least go to the lengths to make sure they get the right person. Then again, what are the odds I'd end up at your doorstep anyway?"

"You mean what were the odds, don't you?" He asked as he put his keys on the counter and walked into the kitchen. "…you are here now, after all."

"I suppose you're right." She mused. When he came from the kitchen his hands were full of paper towels and he made a beeline for the front door where he wiped away all traces of the egg.

"I'll mop it later. Till then, you should take a shower and get that gook out of your hair before it gets to sticky." Serena blushed, to which Darien smiled. "Don't worry, I have a T-shirt and draw string shorts you can wear, and I'll stay in the living room, ok?" Serena nodded. Once again, that nagging little voice in the back of her mind was telling her that common sense would be to go home and shower. But like every time she was around this man…that little voice was just too small to win. She followed him through the hallway to his bathroom where he gave her the clothes and towels before he closed the door.

For a minute he stood outside of it, his mind mulling the fact that there was a fourteen year old girl in his shower bathing. And it wasn't just any fourteen year old girl…it was the meatball head! He rested his forehead against the door with a soft groan. How did something like this happen? How did it go from "Meatball head versus Darien" to "Naked Serena in shower and Darien with complex feelings?"

"Why didn't I just drive her home so she could shower there? Why does my heart get thrown into such confusion when I am around her? Could it be that I am actually developing feelings for meatball head? Or maybe it's just a sign that she really is a clue to the princess?" Darien stared at the ground, completely lost in his thoughts until the sound of her voice reached his ears. He looked up at the door in surprise. She was singing in the shower! He couldn't help the smile that he gave. He began to walk away until the notes of a new song reached his ears. He stopped in his tracks and listened to the melody; then he quickly went to his room where he grabbed the star shaped music box from his dresser. Outside the bathroom door he opened the lid and let the tinkling notes fill the hallway and unite with her voice.

There was no mistaking it, the melodies were one and the same. Unsure of what to do, he closed the lid and returned it to his dresser drawer before he sprawled himself on his bed and closed his eyes. The faint sound of her singing still filled his ears as he lay there; listening to her gentle voice hit every note. Without noticing it, he fell asleep and began to dream.

Like so many times before, Tuxedo Mask stood in front of the dark and mystic castle gazing up into the silhouette of the princess.

"My love…the crystal…please" she pleaded.

"Princess! Who are you? What is the crystal?"

"Please…my love…the mystic silver crystal…" He watched as she began to fade.

"How do I find it? Is Serena the answer! Tell me!"

"Serena...Serena is…"

"What?"

"Wake up…wake up…"

"Darien. Darien, wake up." Darien's eyes fluttered open as a hand went to his forehead as though to steady himself. He looked over to see her standing in his bedroom doorway wearing his smallest blue shirt and grey drawstring shorts, her hair was down and it fell in a damp golden river to her calves. Her face was lightly flushed from the warmth of the shower and her skin glowed from the scrubbing she had given herself to remove the smell of the egg. She looked, in a word, beautiful. He felt a small blush rise as she came to sit on the edge of his bed and put out a hand to push his bangs away from his eyes. "Are you alright? You looked like you were having a bad dream." He just looked at her in silent awe. She looked surprised, "what?" He quickly snapped out of his reverie.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that nobody has ever woken me up before. It's kind of strange having someone there when you wake up when you aren't used to it." She smiled.

"You're alright then?" Darien relaxed into his pillow.

"Yeah I'm fine. It's just a dream you know, there's no need to worry."

"You really think so? I've always thought that bad dreams were always something to worry about, because they are always about something very personal or terrifying. At least that's how they are for me." Darien looked thoughtful for a moment. "By the way," she continued, "you said you were going to wait in the living room. I almost thought you left." Darien nodded.

"You're right. I'm sorry. I just ended up in here. I fell asleep before I realized it."

"It's alright. God knows I have no right to get on people's cases about sleeping." Darien laughed and sat up.

"You still want to watch that movie?" he asked as he looked at her.

"Well of course! Where there is a movie, there will be snacks and drinks. You know I could never say no to that. Let me just call my mom and tell her I will be home late and we can get started." She stood up and walked towards the door. Darien sat for a moment.

"Hey Serena. That song you were singing in the shower, the one without words, where did you hear it from?" Serena blushed.

"You heard that?" he chuckled.

"Only faintly, but yes I heard you." She gazed at the floor.

"I don't really know where I heard it, but I've known it for a while now. It just comes to me at random times. I like it a lot." Darien sighed. "Why do you ask?"

"I liked it too, so I was curious." He responded as he rose and followed her toward the door. "The phone is in the living room. I'll go make some popcorn." Serena nodded.

Within minutes the two were seated next to each other on Darien's couch, munching popcorn, drinking juice, and watching the most awesome movie of all time, "Pirates of the Caribbean." Or at least, they were trying to watch the movie, but every time Captain Jack Sparrow appeared Serena would feign a swoon and declare that Johnny Depp was undoubtedly the hottest man alive. By the time the movie was almost over Darien couldn't help but respond to these claims. "Isn't he a little old for you? Aren't girls your age supposed to go for the other guy? The Will Turner character?" Serena only laughed at him.

"I don't think so buddy. I have this favorite saying, you know, and it says this: 'Love knows no age, and neither does Johnny Depp's face and body.' He is hot." Darien shot her a funny look before boasting.

"I could take him." Serena laughed again.

"The only man who could even come close to Depp's complete and total hotness is Tuxedo Mask, and even then it's so close even I don't know who wins." Now it was Darien's turn to laugh.

"You should tell him that, I'm sure he'd love to hear it. Now I'm dying to know where I fall on the 'complete and total hotness' list?" Serena looked at him and made a "hmmm" sound.

"I'd say you clear the top ten." She said finally. Darien laughed again.

"I didn't think you'd actually tell me." She shrugged in response and laughed along with him as the credits began to roll on the TV. She sat up, stretched her legs out in front of her and with a yawn she stood up. "I'd better get going soon. It's got to be really late by now." Darien yawned too and stood up.

"Yeah. I'll drive you home."

"Thanks."

Together they left his apartment and went to the car garage below the building. Darien led the way to his car and let her in.

"You know, for the most part, I had a good time today." Serena commented. Darien's heart jumped.

"I'm glad you did. I did too." He said with a smile, and before he even thought about what to say next he had already blurted out, "let's do more stuff together once in a while." Serena felt an inexplicable wave of joy pass through her.

"I'd like that." She said as they got into the car and drove away. A few minutes passed in comfortable silence before Darien thought of his next question.

"So what are you going to do about your friends?" Serena nibbled her lip in thought.

"I dunno. I guess I'll see what they say first, and take it from there."

"Guess I won't say anything to them then."

"Sounds good to me…OH!" Darien looked startled at her sudden outburst. "I can't believe I didn't think about this earlier, I wonder if Tuxedo Mask came by tonight." Darien tried his hardest not to seem to sure of himself.

"I'm sure he'd figure out if you're not home, and it's not like he can't come back later." He looked over to see her eyes widen in shock.

"You think he'd come back again on the same night?" Darien shrugged, his insides filled with laughter. It seemed that he still loved to tease her.

"I wouldn't put it past him. He's very dedicated you know."

Serena's eyes gazed out the window and she let out a knowledgeable sigh, "I know."

"So you won't tell me anything about him then?" Darien shook his head.

"Nope."

"Drats. Well, I just thought of this, but if you see him before I do, warn him not to come around if my cat is anywhere near or she'll have his head."

"Oh, why's that?" he asked with a laugh. Serena puffed up her chest and crossed her arms over them, and in a very matter of fact voice said…

"Because it's not really mine, it's Sailor Moon's cat." Darien shot her a look of complete disbelief.

"Ha ha. Very funny."

"I wasn't joking. But if you don't believe me, I'll just have to tell him myself. If Luna finds out that Tuxedo Mask has been coming to my house nightly, we'll both end up cat food. That's no joke for sure." Now Darien was interested.

"Oh, and just how did you end up with Sailor Moon's cat?" Serena smiled deviously at him.

"Probably the same way you ended up with Tuxedo Mask owing you a favor." Darien snorted at the thought.

"I doubt it." He said as they pulled up in front of her house.

"Think what you want." She replied as she let herself out. "I'll see you tomorrow won't I?" she asked slowly. Darien gave a small smile.

"I hope so." Serena waved goodbye and ran into the house. Darien quickly drove home and parked his car in the garage. The minute he reentered his apartment he transformed into Tuxedo Mask, leapt out the window and made a dash for Serena's house. He had been waiting for this moment since he first woke up to the sight of her in his bedroom doorway.

Serena walked slowly up her driveway towards the front door thinking about what she had just said. If the reason that Tuxedo Mask was indebted to Darien really was the same as the reason she had Sailor Moon's cat it would mean that Darien would actually be Tuxedo Mask. The thought sent shivers down her back at the possibility. Her mind raced with the images of passionate kisses and embraces that she had shared with the masked hero. He had been gentle and self assured; he had seemed in control the whole way: a gentleman and mysterious lover type through and through. Though it was true Darien had shown some semblance of passion back at his parent's old house, the feeling was nowhere near the same. His kisses seemed laced with a small amount of uncertainty and carnal desire, the way that the two acted around her were worlds apart. Almost as quickly as the thought arose, she dismissed it. There was no way that Darien could be Tuxedo Mask; there were just too many discrepancies. First of all, what purpose would it serve him to come to her as Tuxedo Mask and teach her to kiss when before today he had never even liked her? Serena shook her head as she opened the front door. Darien couldn't be Tuxedo Mask, she was sure of it. She had no reason to believe otherwise.

She entered the dark house and removed her shoes. It occurred to her that everyone was probably already asleep since it was so late in the evening, so as quietly as she could, she began to climb the stairs. By the time she was midway up she noticed Luna sitting at the top step. She rose to all fours when she noticed Serena.

"I was wondering if you were ever going to come home tonight. Where have you been? Why was Darien here this morning, and why haven't the other girls talked to me at all today? And what's with those clothes?" Serena was taken aback by the bombardment of questions.

"Can't we talk about this tomorrow? I'm crazy tired right now Luna."

"We'll talk about it now, if you please. I have been worried all day about you. How could you just leave with that man today when I told you he might be on the side of the enemy? How could you be so reckless?" Serena sighed in response as she began to walk towards her bedroom

"I didn't exactly have a choice Luna, he just kind of took me. Nothing really happened though, so don't worry. I just borrowed these clothes because mine got messed up. And I told you I don't think he's an enemy." Luna's ears perked at the confidence in her statement.

"And how do you figure that?" she asked curiously.

"I've just spent the whole day with him Luna. Never once did I even wonder if he had ulterior motives. He actually seemed pretty straight forward. I did try to get information on how he was linked to Tuxedo Mask, but he wouldn't give me any information. I don't really think he's evil though. He seems okay, actually." Serena sat on her bed and looked at the nonplussed dark colored cat.

"Well this is different. You almost sound like you like the guy." She said suspiciously. Serena nibbled her lower lip in thought.

"Well, we had a lot of time to talk today and we really cleared the air between us. I know it seems kind of quick for me to say, after only one day and all that's happened, that I think I like him, but that's how it is. Somehow, it feels right that he and I should be friends. Somehow…I know that's how it should be." Luna was unconvinced but didn't see the point in further negating the blonde's beliefs; instead, she only let out a deep sigh.

"Well, if that's how it is." She ceded. "But what about Tuxedo Mask? He could still be on the side of evil." Serena looked thoughtful.

"I really don't think he's evil either." Luna sweat-dropped, which caused Serena to put up her hands in protest. "It's not because I have a crush on him, it's because I...I" Serena paused. She had had no intention of telling Luna about her and Tuxedo Mask's interactions before, but it still remained that she had promised Luna to do her best as a Sailor Scout to make sense of the situation. Even if that meant she had to disclose what had been happening, she knew it was the right thing to do... "Well," she continued, "you know how I told you that Darien said I should meet Tuxedo Mask by the Café a couple days ago? Well, when I didn't go he ended up coming to my room upstairs and..." Luna drew a deep breath…

"WHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTT!"

"Jeezus Luna! Be quiet you'll wake my family!"

"Serena how could you not tell me something like this! Are you crazy! Tuxedo Mask knows where you live! He could know who you are then! This is bad! Oh this is soooo bad! And I can't even tell the scouts because of that dumb "scouts honor" promise I made. Oh noooo…" Luna dropped her head in misery. "This is such a mess."

"Let me finish Luna. When he came to my room, I tried to do what you told me and keep him at a distance. In the end, I asked him if he came because Darien asked him to. He just shrugged and asked me why else he would be here. I'm pretty sure he doesn't know who I am, and that he only came to me because Darien suggested it. I don't think evil minions have time to go around doing the bidding of humans and kissing young girls. That's why I don't think he is evil. He may have different goals than us, but I am certain he is not the enemy." Luna looked about ready to cry.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me." She whined. Serena looked apologetic.

"I probably would have. But things just got so hectic after that night…I've been through so much since then, with both Darien and Tuxedo Mask." Luna looked up at her charge with renewed interest.

"Do tell." She stated. Serena just sighed and put a hand to her forehead.

"Gosh, I don't even know where to begin. It's all been so confusing. First I think I might actually have a crush on Darien, and then I think I hate him, then I did this, then he did that, then the girls intervened, then Darien wants to be friends, and Tuxedo Mask is sprinkled in there a few times…it's just been so confusing. In the end, I think I have feelings for Darien, I still love Tuxedo Mask. And I still don't know much about either of them except that they are exceptional kissers." Serena sighed. "I really don't know what to think of all this." Luna looked away to the window in thought.

"I guess what we have to do is figure out what to do now." She stated thoughtfully. Serena nodded in agreement. "Am I right to assume that Tuxedo Mask has returned to your side again since that first night?" Serena nodded again; Luna bit back her protective speech. "He hasn't done or said anything questionable then?" Serena shook her head. "What about Darien? Where do you two stand now?" Serena licked her lips. "I think we are on the verge of becoming friends. But I…" her hand flew to her heart, "I have always had strange feelings when I am around him. Not bad feelings, just very mixed up ones. Sometimes I feel like I have known him forever and I like him, sometimes I feel like he's the most obnoxious guy in the world. I think I am attracted to him though." Luna nodded. "Well then. You are able to talk to both of them now? And neither of them has tried anything suspicious?" Serena nodded. Luna sighed. "Then as much as I hate to say it, I think you should continue to see both of them." Serena's eyes became saucers. Luna was quick to clarify herself. "I'm not saying you should be buddy-buddy with them or anything. I'm just saying that this could be very advantageous to our investigation if you can keep your head above your immature daydreams of them." Serena's eyes were still huge.

"You actually –approve- of me seeing them? Even Tuxedo Mask?" she gushed.

"Once again, it's only for investigative purposes. I know what you believe, but something is still fishy about the both of them. I want you to find out as much about them as possible and report it to me. We'll figure this all out somehow without the other scouts." Luna looked up as a thought struck her. "Speaking of which, do you know what happened to them? I haven't been able to find any of them all day." Serena shrugged.

"I have no idea. I haven't seen them all day either." She replied. "All I saw was their handiwork." She thought to herself. Luna rolled her eyes.

"We'll find them tomorrow and find out what happened to them." Serena nodded.

"By the way Luna," she began, "you realize that by saying I should see Tuxedo Mask, he will be coming here…that means you have to be elsewhere, like outside the house." Luna looked indignant.

"I most certainly will not leave this house while he is here." She said in a no-nonsense way. Serena shook her head.

"You certainly can't stay in here while he's here. It will bother me." Luna was incredulous.
"You don't really think I care about that do you?" she deadpanned.

"Look, if you want me to get information, I need to be comfortable when he's around me. If you are lurking somewhere in the darkness, it'll creep me out and he will know something is up. You definitely have to go." Luna growled, but knew that there would be no arguing her way out of it.

"Fine." She bit out. "But if anything happens to you, it isn't my fault." Serena smiled.

"Don't worry Luna. I'll be fine." Luna shook her head at Serena's confidence when they suddenly heard a tap at the window. They looked up to find a shadow cast against the floor of Serena's room. It was easy to see exactly whose shadow it was. "I believe that's your cue Luna." Serena said nonchalantly. With a look of uncertainty, Luna jumped down from the bed and walked towards the door, saying that she would be going to the Arcade to contact Central Control for sailor updates. Serena nodded. Luna looked back with a face full of worry.

"In case anything happens, keep your communicator close by, ok?" Serena nodded as Luna disappeared into the hall. The blonde rose to close the door behind her. She then went to the window and looked out onto the grounds below. Her bedroom was on the second floor so she could see much of the yard, but the masked man was nowhere to be found.

"That's odd." She said out loud.

"What's odd?" Came a voice from behind her. Tuxedo Mask watched in amusement as the girl before him jumped about a foot in the air before she turned to find him behind her. He sat leisurely in her computer desk chair, looking for all the world as though he'd been there the whole time. Serena looked back at her closed window in surprise.

"How on earth did you get in here?" His trademark smirk crossed his lips.

"I have my ways." He said simply. "You were gone a long time today." Serena nodded as she crossed the room and lifted herself up to sit on the desk in front of the chair.

"You can thank your pal Darien for that." She replied. His eyes looked her up and down, observing the clothes she still wore.

"I can see that." He said with a smile. He watched as the girl turned beet red.

"Don't get any ideas! I just borrowed these because my clothes got messed up by my friends. Honest! I swear!" her arms flailed around as though he would not believe her if they didn't. But he only laughed in response.

"It's okay. It's okay. I wasn't implying anything bad." She released a tight breath.

"Good." She paused. "Were you waiting for me today or something?" He shook his head in response.

"No. I just got here. I usually come pretty late, remember?"

Before she could think of a reply she heard herself say, "How could I forget?" Another slight blush followed. The man smiled.

"Happy to know I am so memorable." He teased as he rolled the chair directly in front of her and placed his hands at her side. Her azure eyes looked down slightly into his and for a moment she felt her pulse quicken. He was so gorgeous. His body was well built and muscular, but lean, with wide shoulders and long legs. And the tuxedo he wore fit him as though it were tailored with solely his body in mind. He was Adonis in the flesh. His midnight hair fell in a chaotic array below his top hat and his bangs fell slightly over the top of his snow white mask. The masculine face, partially hidden by the mask, was still obviously alluring. If anything, Serena was willing to bet that the mask only detracted from his appearance. However, it did add to his mystery, which she found irresistible. "You didn't tell me you were changing rooms tonight." He informed her. "I had to look for you again. I've come to think of you as something of a kitten. I think I have you and then you still manage to wriggle away from me." She gave a slight laugh.

"Well, where would be the fun in things if I were overly predictable?"

"Touché." He agreed. "Speaking of fun, it's time to go." A shocked looked crossed the girl's face.

"Already? You just got here!" Tuxedo Mask laughed at the urgency in her voice before he picked her up off the desk and held her in his arms. Her face was mere inches above him.

"Don't worry little kitten," he said soothingly "you're coming too." She shivered involuntarily at the intense aura that his nearness brought.

With that he carried her to the window, opened it in seconds and carried her princess style across the rooftops of Japan to an unknown location.

Serena watched as the buildings and streets below flew by; it was amazing how fast and how smooth this man could run. Even as Sailor Moon she had always loved to be in his arms as he flew through the air, saving her from peril at the last second. She looked back at his face and blushed. He was handsome, he was suave, and he was mysterious and gentle. He was everything a man should be. She couldn't help but admire him and that handsome smile he wore.

"It's impolite to stare you know." Serena started and looked away. He gave a short laugh at her modesty.

She changed the subject, "Where are we going?" she asked him.

"A place where I don't have to worry about you family walking in at inopportune times." He said with finality.

"Oh?" she said with curiosity, "and where would this be?" Tuxedo Mask gave one last leap and came to a stop.

"Here." He said simply and began to walk slowly towards his destination. Serena managed to read a sign above her and laughed.

"Ally 402, Café Santa Monica." He smiled when she recognized it.

"Yup." Serena laughed as he took her through a wrought iron fence and into a sectioned off place. Serena took it all in with great interest.

This area had been taken over by Santa Monica Café and reformed into something beautiful for customers to look at through the windows, or even walk through while they drank tea with friends. So the ally, despite its name, was an extravagant place lavish with flowers and beautiful statues, chimes, and other extraneous decorations. Benches were scattered throughout the long narrow space, and everything in it melded together perfectly in a series of eclectic colors that were muted by the shadow of night. Despite the dimness, the place glittered with the reflections of moonlight caught in the chimes and decorations that sent soft rays of light glittering across the niche. The sweet heady incense of flowers filled the air and the faint sound of bubbling water reached her ears from a fountain that she could not see. The only other sources of light in the area were the fireflies that floated softly in the wind from place to place. The perfection of it took her breath away. "It's beautiful," she whispered.

"Yes it is." He said softly as he placed her back on her feet. He kept his arms around her though, to make sure she would not leave his side. "I wanted you to see it; I thought you might appreciate it."

"I do," she said breathlessly, "thank you." She turned towards him and put his arms around him. He couldn't help the heat he felt rise in his face, nor could he explain the feeling of peace that having her there in his arms in such a beautiful place brought him. The only way he could explain it was to say that it felt wonderful. It felt right. He gently placed his hand to her face and tilted it up to look at him. Even now, in that dim place he could see her beauty. Her hair was flowed gently in the breeze, silver in the moonlight, and golden where the fireflies flew near. A slight blush still graced her cheeks, and he found that the sight of it made him feel warm as well. The fact that she was still wearing his clothes seemed a small thing to him now, but the knowledge of it still thrilled him in ways he couldn't explain. She was staring into his eyes, completely relaxed in his embrace. He felt his heart throb in his chest for her, harder than ever. Without a word he pulled her closer, leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. Her hands went up and around his neck, gently falling into place behind his head; she softly pulled him closer. His kiss was warmer than expected. His embrace was firm and comfortable. Her head was swimming from the feeling, her heart ready to burst from the overload of emotion. The way he touched her, the way he held her, the way he kissed her were all to flawless to believe. It felt like he already knew everything she wanted from him, everything she desired him to do…as though they had been lovers for a lifetime. Serena drew back from the kiss slowly, the intensity of the feelings that it brought her left her flushed and breathless. She looked over to a bench that sat between two tall flowering plants.

"Let's sit over there." She said in a hushed voice. He leaned down and kissed her cheek softly.

"As you wish," he replied huskily. They walked together to the wooden rocking bench and Serena waited as he took his seat on the thick cushion that layered the chair. When he was seated, she stepped forward and straddled his waste, sitting directly on his lap. She could tell he was trying to control his surprise…and his breathing.

"It's easier this way." She said with a smile. He seemed about to ask her "what is?" but it was answered before he could say a word when she leaned forward and began to gently kiss his neck. One of her hands worked at his bowtie and removed it, followed deftly by removing the top few buttons of his white shirt. If his heart could beat any faster, he was sure it picked up then. When she had opened as many buttons as she wanted, her hand slid behind him to gently hold his head to the side as the other lay across the back of the seat just behind his shoulder bracing her up. She brushed aside the loose part of his shirt and began at the base of his neck, gently kissing his hot skin over and over trailing up higher until she reached the base of his ear. His hands quickly moved to wrap around her waist. Softly, she nibbled his earlobe and traced the shell of his ear with the tip of her moist tongue as he drew ragged breaths beneath her. Determinedly she rose to repeatedly kiss his face. The hand that held his head now brushed the side of his face and traced the nape of his neck and the top of his chest. Her burning lips seemed to kiss everywhere but his lips and the torture was driving him insane with desire. Never mind the fact that every time she moved in his lap to get a better angle the more the fire in his veins pulsed with longing for her. He knew that this situation was his own doing; rather, he knew it was his alter ego's doing for telling her to do this back at his parent's house. However, he never expected her to do it so right on the first try; he never expected her to be able to drive him so crazy after just a suggestion. One thing was for sure though: she was amazing. After what seemed like ages she finally began to draw closer to his mouth, and he moaned in anticipation. Serena smiled in pleasure. "So you do like this then?" she purred. He felt like he had just been asked if birds had wings.

"Hell yes." He said. Still smiling she leaned in and kissed him deeply.

"What are you going to teach me today?" she asked, very pleased with herself. Tuxedo Mask looked thoughtful.

"We could try a bit of nibbling if you want." the blonde blushed.

"Nibbling?" he smiled.

"Yes. There's only so much you can do with pressing your lips together you know. After a while you have to mix it up. Normal kissing, nibbling, caresses, postures, groping and french kissing are all a part of it. You have to do a little bit of everything to keep it interesting." She didn't say a word. He only smiled. "Would you like me to show you?" Serena looked thoughtful for a moment, but it didn't take to long before she nodded her head. With a swift move the masked hero turned sideways and had the blonde on her back below him on the long bench, situated between her legs.

Serena turned beet red again as she looked up at the grinning man above her. Her left leg was bent at the knee so her foot touched the ground, her right leg was stretched out against the back of the chair; he lay between them grinning down at her, his cape flowing over both of them like a blanket of darkness. Then with great restraint on his part he slowly descended to capture her lips once more. His hands held her gently as hers wrapped around him and gripped his cape tightly as though holding on for dear life. Their bodies were racked with waves of heated desire, and pulsing with the heat of one another's bodies. If Tuxedo Mask hadn't supported most of his own weight with his arms, Serena would have found it impossible to breathe. As it was, it was all she could do to not faint from the explosion of feelings that pushed against the walls of her being. It felt to her like all the best feelings in the world had sublimed into a massive attack on her senses. The feeling was so massive she felt like she might drown in it if it continued for to long. She loved every minute of it. And deep inside her, she knew that he felt the same way. Gently he took her bottom lip into his mouth and gave it a very gentle nip with his teeth. It immediately sent a jolt through her system. And she cried out. He looked at her in surprise.

"Did I hurt you?" He asked anxiously. She shook her head.

"No. No, I was just surprised. I liked it." She assured him. He smiled down at her in relief.

"Just keep in mind if you decide to try that out. You must be very, very gentle. It is unbelievably easy to bite too hard and hurt the one you're kissing, especially if it's the lips or ears." Serena nodded her acknowledgement and drew him nearer.

"Do it again." She whispered. He felt his heart leap into his throat.

"Gladly." He replied as their lips met once again.

"My love!"

"My love!"

Both pulled away at the same time in surprise.

"Prince!"

"Princess!"

They cried out in their minds. Tuxedo Mask and Serena gazed at each other in shock. Both felt their feelings ebb as realization hit. The prince and princess had appeared to them again with each other. Unsure of what else to do, Tuxedo Mask sat up and gently pulled Serena up with him.

"I-I think that's enough for tonight." He stammered, still gasping for breath.

"I think so too." She agreed thoughtfully. Tuxedo Mask picked her up and held her close as his thoughts raced in his mind about the possible meaning of what had happened. He didn't notice that Serena too, seemed lost in thought. Then, as deftly as they came, they left and flew across the tops of the buildings to Serena's home. It was there that he gave her one last kiss on the cheek and disappeared in the blink of an eye over the rooftops. Serena could only collapse on her bed in wonder. It was the second time she had seen the prince outside of her dreams. What did it mean?

"Serena? You're back?" She looked down to see Luna curled up on the desk across from her. "What happened?" Serena looked down at her hands and sighed.

"It's late Luna, and nothing important happened. Let's talk tomorrow. Goodnight." She said as she lay down and pulled the blankets up around her. It was obvious that demanding they talk right then would have been a waste of time. So Luna stretched, then curled up and prepared to fall asleep as well.

That night, Serena, Luna and Darien fell asleep wondering what the next day would bring.

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That's a wrap guys! Till next time. Thanks again for reading! Please review! I looooooove reviews! It's what keeps me coming back! Hope this is long enough to help make up for my absence, by the way.