A/N: This is my latest attempt at fanfiction. It's a Beauty and the Beast inspired story, as the summary explains. I hope everyone likes it!

Disclaimer-I don't own Sailor Moon or Beauty and the Beast. And, the chapter title is The Beginning by Lifehouse. I think I'm going to do this whole story with song titles as chapters. I've always wanted to try that, even if nothing but the song title is actually relevant.

Chapter 1:

"Serena, how many times are you going to read that book?" Ami asked knowingly as the blond haired girl picked a well-worn book of the shelf.

"Who knows?" Serena replied with a shrug and a wink of the eye. Her smile was as bright as the gleaming sun that cold, winter morning, a smile Ami looked forward to seeing almost everyday. The blue-haired girl had traveled with her friend from their hometown to this God forsaken tiny town for college. Neither really enjoyed being so far from home, but the cheer the blond had in abundance went a long way.

"It's so hard to believe you only used to be interested in manga, movies and your stomach before now, Serena," Ami mumbled as she shook her head in disbelief.

"I grew up, Ames, what else did you think would happen? Besides, what I read now isn't such a far cry from manga. As for the rest, I just stopped watching so many movies and gave up the video games. It's not like I have any money to pay for them now. Library books are so much cheaper, especially when I return them on time," Serena admitted, her voice laden with the truths of her life.

"Well, Serena, in honor of you growing up, why don't you keep the book? It'll save you a trip or two, maybe," Ami offered ignoring Serena's negativity.

"Really?" Serena asked hopefully, her blue eyes wide. She knew Ami was proud of her changes, but this was too much! Her friend treated the books in the library like her children and now she was giving on away?

"Yes really," Ami conceded easily. "It's not like many people take this book out anyways. It's only you and a few others that come here to read for entertainment."

"Thank you so much!" Serena squealed, not caring for the reasons as she hurried forward and gave Ami a big hug, eliciting a cheerful laugh from her friend.

"Anything to see that smile," Ami encouraged warmly. It was a compliment, Serena knew that, but she also knew it was given because no one else would ever say such a thing. It was well known she was the town outcast. All the girls in her small university thought she was odd, an outsider, and the townspeople found it strange that such a beautiful girl had her nose buried in a book all the time. Not to mention Diamond, who ruthlessly pursued her. His compliments were always so backwards, they were worse than nothing at all.

"Thank you again, but I must get going. Molly has definitely made a mess of the kitchen in an attempt to make dinner by now," Serena informed. As much as the blond loved her housemate and very best friend, she had to admit that she wasn't the brightest and Ami knew it as well. Molly had followed her two college bound friends when they moved, especially since the redhead's business was a traveling one. Jewelry making could be successful anywhere.

"Wish her luck with her business for me," Ami insisted.

"I will if you send my best to Greg!" Serena called back, mentioning her friend's boyfriend as an afterthought as she waved goodbye before rushing out of the store without waiting for a response.

The markets were busy, just as they always were at that time of day. People were running errands, visiting friends, simply strolling or window-shopping, something Serena used to enjoy doing. That was before Diamond started harassing her. It really was rather difficult for her to enjoy herself when he was chasing her, especially when with Molly, who wasn't as immune to his charms as she was.

"Ah! Serena!" a very familiar voice called pompously, causing Serena to wince. If only his ego would allow him to leave her alone.

"Hello Diamond, Sapphire," Serena greeted cordially as she turned to find the brothers standing side-by-side, as usual. Poor Sapphire, she thought. He was always the lackey.

"Serena, would you accompany on a walk around the lake this evening?" Diamond asked, sounding as polite as ever. If Serena didn't know any better she would fall for the stuck up pig, just as most the girls at her university had. It was ridiculous how one man, a particularly volatile man, had managed to accumulate such a following. These girls even drooled after him all around town and glared at her as she turned down his advances. If only they could understand that he was a spoiled, self-centered, greedy, pompous asshole and not some sort of town hero.

"No, thank you," Serena replied, her voice just as polite as she tried to pass him only to be stopped. She hadn't expected any less.

"Surely you would allow me to take you out, maybe at a later date?" he pressed. Serena had to squash her impatience and rage. He was so infuriating, but upsetting him would do no good. He was still one of the up and coming leaders of the community. He, unlike her, was a born and raised member of this town. She was just a visitor, there to get a degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the region.

"I don't think so," Serena blurted out before biting down on her lower lip to keep everything else she wanted to say inside.

Quickly, before anyone could stop her, Serena ducked around Diamond and Sapphire. She tucked her book under her arms, made sure her backpack was settled properly on her shoulders and then took off at a run, not wanting to give Diamond a chance to chase after her.

"Serena!" Molly called as the blond entered the house, the door slamming behind her.

"Hey Moll, sorry I'm late. I got caught up talking to Ami," Serena gasped as she dropped the book on the front table and stripped out of her winter gear.

"It's okay. I just finished dinner. I think it's edible this time," Molly said in excitement as Serena rubbed her hands against her legging-clad thighs in an attempt to warm them. She couldn't imagine why the university thought a mini skirt was appropriate for the uniform, but there wasn't much she could do even with the help of the skin-tight pants she wore underneath.

"You know I'll eat it regardless, Molly," Serena replied. She might have become a bookworm over time, but she still had her bottomless stomach.

"I don't know why Ami doesn't just move in with us," Molly commented as the pair settled down around the small kitchen table.

"Well, there's not much room here and she loves living above that library she works in. Besides, she's much closer to school and Greg this way," Serena informed, even though this topic had been discussed many a time.

"I know, I know, it's just so silly," Molly mumbled as she dug into her dinner.

"Oh Molly, Ami still loves us. She's just focused. It's better this way. We see her all the time, anyways," Serena pointed out. "And she sends her best."

"She always does," Molly sighed with a small smile. "I should visit her myself."

"Yes, you should, but first you need to finish off your line and get yourself to that fair! What time do you leave tomorrow?" Serena asked curiously.

"Midday should get me there in time for dinner and the first meeting," Molly replied tiredly. Serena knew her friend wasn't looking forward to the hours of work she had to do that night in order to finish everything off for the fair.

"You should sleep in. I'll wake up early, make breakfast and fix you something to eat on the road," Serena informed, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"If you insist, Rena, but only if you let me wash the dishes tonight," Molly replied, grateful for her roommate, as always. Serena smile in return, hearing the thanks her voice.

"Of course, Molly. I did to go to the library today, so I have a book to read," Serena said cheerfully.

"I'm not surprised," Molly snorted. "You always seem to come home with a book these days."

"Well, it's not my fault I have to imagine my prince charming because all of the men in this town are lacking," Serena retorted.

"Diamond isn't that bad." Diamond really was the one thing the girls could never agree on. The fact saddened Serena, but there wasn't much she could do. Neither girl was going to change their stance anytime soon. Their stubborn natures were something they had always had in common.

"Well regardless, you need to keep an eye out for a set of good looking guys for us while you're away. We need fresh prospects!" Serena insisted as she held her breath, praying Molly would forget about Diamond and the fight that would ensue if she didn't.

"You're right, Serena. There's sure to be plenty of cute ones at the fair," Molly nodded, newly determined. Serena let out the breath she had been holding in as he radiant smile look its place. She felt bad manipulating her closest friend, but sometimes she felt she had no other choice.

"Well, you know the ones I like," Serena giggled as the girls began to gossip over dinner, their time together light and cheerful once more, just as it always was when Diamond was not being discussed. If only he wasn't around to ruin things, the blond girl cursed as her companion detailed her perfect man for the millionth and most likely not the last time in their friendship.

A/N: Okay, I'm sure the story line's been done before, but I was watching Beauty and the Beast last night and I had to. Please forgive me.

So please review and let me know what you think!

Love and Luck,

Gaby