TITLE: To Choose A Wife. 2c
AUTHOR: Leni
DISCLAIMER: Not mine. I can't even do the 'one episode (update) every weekend' part.
DISTRIBUTION: Take. Just tell me, please.
SUMMARY: Mmmm, Amy and her plan B. Serena and Darien being very stubborn. And an original character being stuck in the crossfire.
RATING: I'm sure this is PG-13
FEEDBACK: Many have said that writing and wait for feedback isn't artistic. Personally, I do not think that's right. But if it is, then I'm not artistic. I write this for you, guys! and I'd really like you writing *something* back. [email protected] , [email protected]
Okay, okay, I knew I should have posted this MONTHS ago but there were computer problems, and then e-cafés problems... not to forget the muse- and the mother-problems...
*sighs*
At least it wasn't a year of silence... poor excuse I know but, I'm trying.
PLEASE let me know what you think.
"" represents speech.
// represents flashback.
represents thoughts.
represents 'annoying little voice'. I.e. Conscience.
***
"Raye?" Amy called.
"Over here, in the garden!" Raye glanced at her watch. 2:30. Strange, she thought, wonder why would Amy come so early.
Amy finally discovered her friend kneeling at the rosebushes. "Time for pruning already?" she asked conversationally as Raye came within normal earshot.
"Yeah," the brunette answered, trimming the unnecessary leaves carefully. "Did something happen? The meeting is not until three."
"Actually..." Amy began uncomfortably. She really didn't want to do this, but for the Mercurian strategist it was an unspoken law that for every Plan A there had to be a Plan B. And Raye was her best chance at a successful Plan B. "I wanted to talk with you." She eyed the sharp scissors in Raye's hand and shifted nervously. "And could we go somewhere else?"
Raye stared at her quizzically and nodded. "I'll make us tea, if you want."
Her friend nodded and followed her into the house.
***
This time, when Serena saw her less favourite green blazer, she slowed her already slow pace. It felt good to be able to do so, and not have to hurry through the streets like mad. She couldn't help but think how lucky she was that her detention-filled days were long past. Sure, thanks to her 'daydream' and Mrs. Yakamoto free time would be a dream this week but with Ms. Haruna it would have been worse. No detention meant none of Raye's lectures today and that was good, not deserving of the huge History assignment but good anyway.
She smiled, it had been ages since Raye had grounds to rightly lecture her. She giggled remembering that the last time had been for eating all of Lita's chocolate cookies. And she hadn't even been fully guilty! Darien had eaten at least as much as her! Damn, must it always come back to him? She sighed.
If she searched for it - and she subconsciously did - she could still see the green garment advancing calmly half a block ahead.
"Why is he going so slowly?" she fumed silently. She was trying to give him the advantage, for Christ's sake! Couldn't he simply follow the script and lose himself from her sight?! Damnit, were she to walk any slower she should as well sit down at a restaurant and order a coffee!
You should just run ahead and launch yourself into him... maybe make him fall... Serves him well for being so annoying! a mischievous little voice told her.
Serena grinned. Not a bad idea.
But then, maybe you'll get to stay in his arms like this morning... it continued.
*That* was a bad idea. No thought of Darien's arms were allowed, no sir. Enough was to know they felt warm and... right. She certainly didn't need to plot a way to bring those strong arms around herself.
But you always barrel right into him... he would *never* guess you were plotting! the voice insisted. To be just a part of her own psyche, Serena decided, it could be a little annoying. But it was right too: she had tried literally everything imaginable to avoid Darien but apparently Fate had decided that bumping into him should be a recurring experience in her life, the minimum was twice a week...
And don't we feel rather lonely those weeks? Isn't it much better when we...ehem... find him everyday?
Shut up!
You know you love him... one more reason to go and bu--
And act as if I haven't noticed him, Serena thought resolutely.
Bet he knows you are following him... it taunted.
Serena stopped on her tracks. What if that was why he was going so slowly? What if he was waiting for her to catch up with him? Would that mean that he *wanted* them to meet...?
As if!
He doesn't. And I'm not following him. We just happen to choose the same route towards Raye's temple.
He always knows when Sailor Moon is near...
True, in his two forms he seemed to perceive when the heroine was around and/or in danger... but then, he never showed signs of knowing where plain Serena Tsukino was... I'm not Sailor Moon right now, now am I? she retorted hastily and shook her head. Talking hastily to herself? Surely Freud said something about this, some hidden child trauma maybe? But trauma or not, the voice continued in its quest.
You are *always* Sailor Moon. She IS you and you ARE her.
The Darien only feels my presence when I'm transf--- EeeeK!!!
And with that, she fell noisily to the ground.
***
Darien knew she was behind him
He had felt her long ago and, as he slowed his pace, so had she. Just to make sure she doesn't get entertained and arrives late to the meeting, was his excuse to maintain a fairly short distance between them so that if he happened to look back - and he did it several times - he could still distinguish her blonde hair in-between the multitude of other people.
As it was though, he was surprised when he heard her shriek and immediately turned around upon the scene.
Serena was sprawled on the pavement, her school bag wide open beside her and books and papers strewn around. Some persons had stopped and were aiding to pick her things up while a kind woman was tentatively touching her ankle... He could almost *feel* Serena's eyes watering in a classic prelude of her infamous tantrums.
Uh oh, He unconsciously reached for his walk-in's headphones in his satchel... Serena's mouth opened in what he knew would be a high-pitched wail... Too late, he thought dramatically and closed his eyes...
Silence.
Silence? Either that or it had been so loud that he had gone deaf. He opened his eyes tentatively, everyone seemed to go on normally... except for those who were staring curiously at him... He glanced back at Serena and saw her trying to rise with the woman's help to no avail. He grinned unknowingly, for all her apparent fragility Serena was very well-built and therefore weighted more than the good Samaritan could have suspected.
Quit staring and Go Help Her, you big idiot!
Someone is already at it, he answered the infuriating voice.
Big help that she is! Serena is *hurt* and you're standing here like a *big idiot*.
Oh shut up! He turned around to follow his way, now that he was sure that Serena was safe and sound there was no need to stay.
Ooooooh, a whistle sounded in his head, she's getting help alright!
In spite of himself Darien turned his head out of curiosity... just to see an unknown guy reach for Serena and try unsuccessfully to steady her on her own feet.
You are right, she's okay, let's just go... the voice tugged at him.
Darien stayed firm in his place.
Come on, Darien, there's nothing you could do now that he is helping her, is there?
His eyes squinted dangerously as he saw the stranger put an arm around Serena. That is not helping, that's *manhandling*!
He took a first step in his years long enemy's direction.
The guy took Serena's body closer to his. Darien saw red. That nobody is *touching* her... he growled mentally and stepped rapidly forward. "What the hell does she think she's doing?" he hissed as he watched the blonde girl smile up at the stranger and put her hand on his arm for support.
Being assisted by a nice guy who apparently doesn't think before helping.
"For all she knows he could be a mugger! or an enemy spy!"
Now you are being paranoid. It paused. Worst case, he'll ask her on a date.
Darien didn't say or think one word.
He just snarled.
***
Artemis had noticed Mina worrying her lips between her teeth since he picked her up from school. He began worrying in earnest when she began crackling her knuckles unconsciously but now that she was biting her oh so sacred nails he knew something *very* serious was going on. "What's up, Mina?"
She didn't answer for a long time, occupied instead staring at her destroyed nails. Finally she sighed... "Uh... Darien, what do you think about Darien and Serena?"
If Artemis was surprised - and he was, a lot - he didn't show it. "That Fate was feeling cranky when she made those two week, and she was PMSing when she decided that they'd work together."
In spite of her thoughts Mina couldn't stop a small giggle. "That bad?"
"And worse," he pronounced.
After a few seconds Artemis noticed that she had begun biting her lips again. She sighed dejectedly. "What is it about Serena and Darien that has you so preoccupied?" he asked curiously
"Nothing," she lied.
He just cocked an eyebrow.
"Okay, okay... it's just that we... *I*, I mean *I* have been thinking and, would they make a cute couple?"
Artemis snorted. "As if! trading nicknames everyday, darts and roses thrown at each other's pictures, somehow I don't see a happily ever after in that scenario." The cat stopped just to see his ward now chewing thoughtfully on her hair. "Oh my, you're serious!"
"Of course I am!" she huffed. "I told you last night, Setsuna wants Darien married. With one of us! The Outers are out of question..." Artemis nodded heartily. "and we Inners don't want to marry him."
"Why Serena?"
Mina looked at him and considered confessing about the 'link' she had witnessed, the Love Goddess within her couldn't be wrong but... what if Artemis told Luna? Then Luna would tell Serena and it'd be a total fiasco! "Because she wasn't there?"
He sweatdropped. "Let me see if I got it, you are pairing one of your best friends with a guy she doesn't even like just because she was too sick to take part in your meeting?"
Oh well, if he thinks I'm already ditzy this can't make it worse. "Yup," she chirped and nodded.
"Why not Raye?" As long as he'd known the girls the brunette priestess had a crush on the masked hero...
"She is... hmmm... otherwise busy," she evasively answered, not wanting to unveil her friend's secret even further.
Meaning: she got herself a boyfriend. Probably that Chad from the temple, they've been smiling too much... "I'm sure Lita, Amy or even you would build a better relationship with Darien."
"No way. We like him too much as a friend," she sentenced.
They 'like' him and yet they want him to marry the only Scout who considers him a sworn enemy... somehow I'm failing to see the logic, the cat thought desperately. "And Serena...?" he prompted, trying to reach a more sensible conclusion.
"At least she doesn't like him as a friend," was the airy response.
Artemis rolled his eyes. "Mina, listen to me. I'm serious. If there's something between them it's pure hostility. I've watched her when she looks at him and there's blind fury in her eyes. And he thinks she's a cry-baby undeserving of her title... and you think they'd make a *cute* coup---"
A tourist looked curiously at the bickering cat. "Meow!" The confused man shook his head and continued his way. He silently swore to quit the sedative pills, his wife was right, they were making him see crazy things...
After snickering Mina deigned to answer her annoying tutor's doubts. "That's only appearances, trust me."
"For god's sake!" he reprimanded, in a low voice so no stranger would hear him. "They'd kill each other AFTER strangling you if they knew you suggested such a thing!"
The blonde dismissed his cautious words with a wave of her hand. "There's always hope, you incredulous cat, you yourself taught me that. At least as long as hate isn't involved... and it isn't." Then she added, "Sure, she is furious at him for shattering her dream of a perfect Tuxedo Mask; likewise for Darien, he held very high expectations for the Princess, but I, as the Senshi of Love..." Artemis groaned at that and Mina suddenly remembered her decision of NOT telling him that little titbit. "Okay, it's the same, even a normal girl such as plain Mina Aino would know that there's something going on with them, and it's *not* hostility," she said pointedly, "why else would Darien have bought that beautiful necklace for Sere's birthday?"
"And he asked Luna to give it to Serena as if it was *her* gift," he retorted.
Mina glared murderously at the irritating cat. "Weeeeell, and what about Serena? She *always* asks not to leave him alone when he's hurt!"
"And she doesn't even send a Get-Well card herself."
"You are being too pessimistic, Artemis," Mina responded with a frown.
Artemis glanced up at his ward and held her gaze, letting her know how serious he was. "In this case I'd rather call it 'being realistic'."
The blonde huffed in annoyance. "So you dare to question the Senshi of Love on matters of the heart?"
"Mina," he drawled, finally fed up with her constant ramble about being the Goddess of Love, "you only are a teenager. You don't, can't and probably *won't* know everything about your infamous matters of the heart."
She only glared at him. "You don't believe me..."
"Remember you were the one to ask about my opinion," he reminded her, just a little bit on the defensive... you never knew when Mina's temper would explode in your face. "Don't blame me just because I disagree."
A deep claming breath answered him. "I just wanted your support, Art," she murmured under her breath. He was about to apologise for his harsh behaviour when she suddenly perked up. "It doesn't matter. I'll be proved right and you'll have to swallow your words."
Artemis laughed softly, glad that his friend wasn't annoyed with him as it often happened when he contradicted her.
Mina took his laugh as a sign of his incredulity. "You'll see, oh wise cat, they are only in denial..."
Artemis cocked an eyebrow.
"Heavy, heavy denial..." she sighed.
"Hey Mina!"
The blonde turned around to see Lita's running frame coming closer down the street. She waved back and grinned when her friend reached them few seconds afterwards. They began walking leisurely towards Raye's temple.
"Is the plan going okay?" Mina asked curiously. She hadn't really talked with Amy in the morning, the poor girl had been about to dose off at a second's notice and Mina hadn't wanted to bother her friend.
Artemis eyes widened in surprise, so far she hadn't told him anything about a plan...
"Yeah, Amy should be talking with Raye right now."
Artemis narrowed his brow in confusion.
Unknowingly, Mina mimicked him. "Raye?"
Lita shrugged. "You know Amy, she developed a contingency plan and it involves Raye."
"Oh," was Mina's only response.
Artemis shook his head. If nobody resulted murdered by the end of the meeting then it should prove to be a very interesting one...
"And tell me Lita, you seen Ken lately?"
Mina snickered as she saw steel-hard Lita blushing slightly...
***
"You want me to do WHAT?" Raye exclaimed, not quite believing it had been meek Amy the one to come up with this... *crazy* proposal.
"You heard me Raye," the petite girl answered calmly. "But only if our main plan fails, or doesn't fully work," she reassured the shocked priestess. Truth be told, 'calm' wasn't exactly what Amy was feeling now, but she had known Raye for years already and she knew that a levelled head and softly voiced arguments were the best weapons to reason with the hot-tempered girl.
"And if I don't want to?"
Now Amy grinned evilly. She had been taught that blackmail was wrong and she *really* didn't want to do it... didn't meant she wouldn't *enjoy* it. Lack of sleep does weird things to one's behaviour... a little voice with Lita's nagging voice snickered. Amy ignored it. "The girls know about you and Chad," she began.
Raye's eyes opened like plates. Not that it'd have stayed a secret for much longer, but she still would have wanted to delight in some peaceful Chad-moments. She glared at Amy, why would her friend tell the girls when she had clarified that she did NOT want them to know until she was ready! Her glare took a murderous tone and Amy squirmed slightly under it.
"They made me!" she defended, "They wouldn't understand that you won't accept to be Darien's fiancé without an explanation!"
Raye sighed. "Okay, so the girls know. I'm assuming Serena still doesn't, other wise your Plan B wouldn't work."
"She doesn't," Amy confirmed.
Raye sighed again. She never had expected Amy to crumble under pressure but then, she knew that Amy would have never told Lita and Mina were it not necessary. However, Raye realised, her blue-haired friend had still not answered the question. "I repeat, what if I don't follow your plan?"
Amy breathed deeply and an involuntary smile tugged at her lips. "I told the girls you and Chad were an item. But I haven't told them *how* I came upon that knowledge." She made a slight pause for effect.
The brunette smiled remembering that afternoon two weeks ago... she and Chad had been making out in the kitchen rather... heatedly, with her sitting on the table and him hovering over her... and Amy had walked in on *that* scene, it was impossible not to tell her and nearly so to make her promise not to tell the others.
"Yet," came Amy's final word.
Raye's smile faltered when it dawned on her had implicitly said... She would never live it down if Amy told the girls that Chad's hands were under her blouse, and that she had been too busy leaving a hickey on his neck to care... She looked hard at her friend. Just where had the mousy computer-girl gone? "And I guess the girls could 'somehow' come upon that little bit of information if I don't help you in this?"
Amy nodded. "It isn't even certain if you'll have to do anything, first we have to watch how everything progresses at the meeting."
"Amy," the priestess tried to reason, "this could be a big problem between Chad and me."
"I don't see how," was the amiable response.
"Maybe because girlfriends aren't supposed to 'supposedly pine' after ex-crushes behind their boyfriend's back?" Raye asked sardonically.
Amy sighed. Luckily she came prepared to answer that argument. "Then tell him."
"What?" Raye blinked in confusion. "Tell Chad that the Senshi of Time ordered Darien, who by the way is the reincarnated Prince of Earth *and* Tuxedo Mask, to marry one of US, and that my crazy fellow Scouts decided to include me in a mad plan to marry off Serena, who can't stand Darien and vice versa, with said guy? Oh, and Chad, did you know I look really good in a red miniskirt?" She breathed sharply for much needed air.
Amy was gaping. "Wow Raye, did you actually say all that in one go?" Raye's face glowered red and Amy wisely decided that the quip had not calmed her at all. "Of course not, Raye. Chad won't be told until or IF you deem the timing correct but... couldn't you just tell him that we are playing at matchmaking because we are tired of their constant fights?"
At that Raye couldn't do more than sigh and nod in defeat.
***
"Are you okay Meatball?"
"Darien?" See? I told you he knew you were following him! "Did you know I was here?"
He nodded and then forced a smile before looking at the stranger who still held Serena's schoolbag and whose body was still acting as some sort of human cane. Darien's grin became dangerously wider. "Thanks for the help, mate. I'll take her from now on," and he extended his hand to receive the bag.
Serena let her mouth open. Did he just say what I think he did?
Yup, a happy little voice answered.
Serena was sure that someone was dancing to a victory tune in her head... she scowled. And just *who* does he *think* he is to order my life around like *that*! she fumed angrily at Darien's apparent offence.
Wait! Don't do anythin---
"No, you won't."
...harsh, Serena felt her inner voice sighing in defeat but she ignored it. "Thank you Darien," she sweet coated her voice, "but Baltazar here has already offered to help me to the Temple." She smiled pleasantly at the mentioned guy and he nodded eagerly in response.
Darien's teeth gritted at the *brat's* behaviour. Here he went out of his way to help *her* and she *refused*? "I must insist. We are already on the hour and I'm sure Baltazar has better things to do than help scatterbrained girl up hundreds steps to Raye's house."
Ugh, Serena raved silently, insult were okay but NOT in front of strangers. "Go Darien," she ordered in a cold tone, "and tell the girl that I'll arrive a little late. Don't worry, Baltazar and I will be right behind you." She paused and smirked knowingly, "Besides, you don't want to make Raye wait, do you?"
"Serena..." Darien warned her firing a hard glare in her direction, "come with me." And not with that nobody who doesn't stop looking at your--- since when does the Meatball have curves? He heard a snicker which wasn't his.
Of course, Serena was unaware of the turn Darien's thoughts had taken. And neither the commanding nor the furious eyes were enough to make Serena Tsukino, Moon Princess and Warrior, waver.
Regrettably, the same couldn't be said from Baltazar. He had found the blonde on his way home and to help her to the Cherry Hill temple had seemed a good way as any to get into her good graces, who knows maybe even talk her into a date? When the dark-haired guy appeared Baltazar had witnessed the cute, easy-going blonde turn into a cold fury... That has been a warning but, sure that Serena didn't want anything to do with the newcomer he had decided not to let her ex boyfriend - or whoever this guy was - to impede his plans... However, now that 'Daniel' pointed his dark gaze directly to him, Baltazar couldn't help but be intimidated... Badly so.
He cleared his throat loudly. Sure, the girl was nice and sweet; but he had never intended to fall right into the middle of a lovers' quarrel...
Serena, sensing her new friend's intention - and not wanting to let Darien win this round - attacked with her best weapon: the 'damsel in distress' glare.
Baltazar gulped. Those oh so sparkling, wide blue eyes... "Errrr..." Nevertheless, the spell was broken in an instant.
"Were you saying?" came 'Daniel's severe voice, accompanied by such a look that Baltazar forced himself to ignore the bewitching innocence in the blonde's eyes. "Errr, yes. Uh, I'm sorry Serena I have to go. I'd feel better if you left with your friend here." He could practically feel the guy's approving glare...
"Why?"
"I should be at home already. I wouldn't want to worry my parents with my lateness," he nearly mumbled the last part as he passed the bag to the man in the funny jacket. Baltazar slowly withdrew from Serena, giving Darien the space to circle her frame and support her.
"Nice to meet you both," Baltazar lied when he was finally free. Watching them standing together he confirmed his 'exes' theory, that is if they were a couple who just had a spat, they looked too comfortable to be anything but.
Oblivious to Baltazar's thoughts Serena and Darien looked at his retreating figure.
"Coward," he murmured, but not so lightly that Serena couldn't hear him.
"And you wonder why?" Chuckle. "Did you have to use your Prince persona on the poor guy?" she accused.
"It worked, didn't it?" was his smug answer.
She looked searchingly at him. Darien felt her scrutiny and gave her a roguish grin in response. She sighed. "Careful, Dar or someone will think you were actually helping me. Now the truth, what's the hidden agenda?"
Darien looked down at her, the smile stayed - a poorly forced one - but his eyes were hard. He shrugged. "What happened Meatball?" he asked instead, knowing that her nickname's use would shut her questions up.
"Some running guy bumped into me, made me fall to the ground and didn't even stop to see if I was okay!" She glowered in rage as Darien actually smirked at her antics. "Something funny Rosey Boy?" The grin faltered as she knew it would. Really, we are getting pretty predictable around each other... Maybe it's time to add something *new* into the mix? the little voice suggested. Serena didn't have the chance to properly shut it off as Darien began talking.
"Can't you stop with the nicknames already?"
Silence. Serene just threw him an accusatory glance. Darien sighed, he hadn't really expected an answer, much less and affirmative one. Besides, she was right, he was as guilty as she... "If you must know," he began trying to restore the conversation, "I was thinking Karma finally got you."
She just stared at him with a confused expression. Karmel what?"
"Karma: what goes around comes around, you get what you give, balancing good and evil..." he explained.
"Oh," she said trying to see what this Karma had to do with their situation. Finally it dawned on her. "It wasn't funny," she told him angrily, taking advantage of his closeness to slap his arm as hard as she could.
"Yes it was," he smirked ignoring completely the physical aggression, knowing it would infuriate her even further that he didn't consider her threats seriously. "...Moonie."
She stuck her tongue out at him.
After a moment's quietness she asked snidely, "are you feeling up to help me up those biiiiiiiiiig stairs?"
Darien winked at her. "Yup."
"It'll take hours if I must use you as my personal cane," she commented, clearly referring to the very slow pace they had to take so not to hurt her ankle.
His lips went up in a devious smirk. "The I guess I'll have to pick you up, don't you think?" Darien laughed when he saw her blush prettily.
On her part, Serena tried to scowl but she was too busy trying to contain her inner voice's loud cheers from going past her lips.
***
Amy and Raye were sipping quietly at the warm tea the brunette had just prepared.
"You would really tell the girls about the... episode... in the kitchen, wouldn't you Ames?"
Silence. Amy just grinned at her over her cup.
Raye nodded in acknowledgement and renewed respect for her friend. "I didn't you had it in you, girlfriend." She smirked. "Who would have suspected that shy Amy could be such a good blackmailer?"
Amy breathed calmer knowing that the priestess wasn't really mad at her. "Life is full of surprises, I guess."
Suddenly Raye tugged at her arm and pointed at her boyfriend. "Come on, Ames, you got the idea. Now you help me tell Chad about it."
"Errr... too late," she said eyeing the two figures climbing up the final steps. "The girls just arrived."
Raye checked the wall clock. It marked exactly three o'clock "Oh yes, it's already time for the meeting." She glanced out the window... She could already make out Lita's and Mina's features. By chance the priestess' gaze went lower... and she gaped. "Oh god," she muttered in wonderment attracting Amy's attention, "are those Darien and Serena coming *together*?"
Amy squinted her eyes even though she knew they were, it was just so... improbable. "Yup, they are." Then she noticed something that made her eyebrows go up nearly into her hairline. For a second she thought she was having a vision, those couldn't be Darien and Serena because... "He is supporting her," she said in clear amazement .
"And they aren't even squabbling..." agreed Raye's surprised voice.
Suddenly Serena shrieked. Darien had made a complicated manoeuvre in a flash he had the blonde's slight body in his arms while Serena's arms went tight around his neck. They began ascending together up the stairs...
Amy grinned.
Raye followed suit. "Maybe you won't need me after all. It seems they are getting along good enough for your Plan A to work for itself."
"I hope so."
***
Please send feedback, my Sailor Moon muse has been hard to contact these last months.
AUTHOR: Leni
DISCLAIMER: Not mine. I can't even do the 'one episode (update) every weekend' part.
DISTRIBUTION: Take. Just tell me, please.
SUMMARY: Mmmm, Amy and her plan B. Serena and Darien being very stubborn. And an original character being stuck in the crossfire.
RATING: I'm sure this is PG-13
FEEDBACK: Many have said that writing and wait for feedback isn't artistic. Personally, I do not think that's right. But if it is, then I'm not artistic. I write this for you, guys! and I'd really like you writing *something* back. [email protected] , [email protected]
Okay, okay, I knew I should have posted this MONTHS ago but there were computer problems, and then e-cafés problems... not to forget the muse- and the mother-problems...
*sighs*
At least it wasn't a year of silence... poor excuse I know but, I'm trying.
PLEASE let me know what you think.
"" represents speech.
// represents flashback.
represents thoughts.
represents 'annoying little voice'. I.e. Conscience.
***
"Raye?" Amy called.
"Over here, in the garden!" Raye glanced at her watch. 2:30. Strange, she thought, wonder why would Amy come so early.
Amy finally discovered her friend kneeling at the rosebushes. "Time for pruning already?" she asked conversationally as Raye came within normal earshot.
"Yeah," the brunette answered, trimming the unnecessary leaves carefully. "Did something happen? The meeting is not until three."
"Actually..." Amy began uncomfortably. She really didn't want to do this, but for the Mercurian strategist it was an unspoken law that for every Plan A there had to be a Plan B. And Raye was her best chance at a successful Plan B. "I wanted to talk with you." She eyed the sharp scissors in Raye's hand and shifted nervously. "And could we go somewhere else?"
Raye stared at her quizzically and nodded. "I'll make us tea, if you want."
Her friend nodded and followed her into the house.
***
This time, when Serena saw her less favourite green blazer, she slowed her already slow pace. It felt good to be able to do so, and not have to hurry through the streets like mad. She couldn't help but think how lucky she was that her detention-filled days were long past. Sure, thanks to her 'daydream' and Mrs. Yakamoto free time would be a dream this week but with Ms. Haruna it would have been worse. No detention meant none of Raye's lectures today and that was good, not deserving of the huge History assignment but good anyway.
She smiled, it had been ages since Raye had grounds to rightly lecture her. She giggled remembering that the last time had been for eating all of Lita's chocolate cookies. And she hadn't even been fully guilty! Darien had eaten at least as much as her! Damn, must it always come back to him? She sighed.
If she searched for it - and she subconsciously did - she could still see the green garment advancing calmly half a block ahead.
"Why is he going so slowly?" she fumed silently. She was trying to give him the advantage, for Christ's sake! Couldn't he simply follow the script and lose himself from her sight?! Damnit, were she to walk any slower she should as well sit down at a restaurant and order a coffee!
You should just run ahead and launch yourself into him... maybe make him fall... Serves him well for being so annoying! a mischievous little voice told her.
Serena grinned. Not a bad idea.
But then, maybe you'll get to stay in his arms like this morning... it continued.
*That* was a bad idea. No thought of Darien's arms were allowed, no sir. Enough was to know they felt warm and... right. She certainly didn't need to plot a way to bring those strong arms around herself.
But you always barrel right into him... he would *never* guess you were plotting! the voice insisted. To be just a part of her own psyche, Serena decided, it could be a little annoying. But it was right too: she had tried literally everything imaginable to avoid Darien but apparently Fate had decided that bumping into him should be a recurring experience in her life, the minimum was twice a week...
And don't we feel rather lonely those weeks? Isn't it much better when we...ehem... find him everyday?
Shut up!
You know you love him... one more reason to go and bu--
And act as if I haven't noticed him, Serena thought resolutely.
Bet he knows you are following him... it taunted.
Serena stopped on her tracks. What if that was why he was going so slowly? What if he was waiting for her to catch up with him? Would that mean that he *wanted* them to meet...?
As if!
He doesn't. And I'm not following him. We just happen to choose the same route towards Raye's temple.
He always knows when Sailor Moon is near...
True, in his two forms he seemed to perceive when the heroine was around and/or in danger... but then, he never showed signs of knowing where plain Serena Tsukino was... I'm not Sailor Moon right now, now am I? she retorted hastily and shook her head. Talking hastily to herself? Surely Freud said something about this, some hidden child trauma maybe? But trauma or not, the voice continued in its quest.
You are *always* Sailor Moon. She IS you and you ARE her.
The Darien only feels my presence when I'm transf--- EeeeK!!!
And with that, she fell noisily to the ground.
***
Darien knew she was behind him
He had felt her long ago and, as he slowed his pace, so had she. Just to make sure she doesn't get entertained and arrives late to the meeting, was his excuse to maintain a fairly short distance between them so that if he happened to look back - and he did it several times - he could still distinguish her blonde hair in-between the multitude of other people.
As it was though, he was surprised when he heard her shriek and immediately turned around upon the scene.
Serena was sprawled on the pavement, her school bag wide open beside her and books and papers strewn around. Some persons had stopped and were aiding to pick her things up while a kind woman was tentatively touching her ankle... He could almost *feel* Serena's eyes watering in a classic prelude of her infamous tantrums.
Uh oh, He unconsciously reached for his walk-in's headphones in his satchel... Serena's mouth opened in what he knew would be a high-pitched wail... Too late, he thought dramatically and closed his eyes...
Silence.
Silence? Either that or it had been so loud that he had gone deaf. He opened his eyes tentatively, everyone seemed to go on normally... except for those who were staring curiously at him... He glanced back at Serena and saw her trying to rise with the woman's help to no avail. He grinned unknowingly, for all her apparent fragility Serena was very well-built and therefore weighted more than the good Samaritan could have suspected.
Quit staring and Go Help Her, you big idiot!
Someone is already at it, he answered the infuriating voice.
Big help that she is! Serena is *hurt* and you're standing here like a *big idiot*.
Oh shut up! He turned around to follow his way, now that he was sure that Serena was safe and sound there was no need to stay.
Ooooooh, a whistle sounded in his head, she's getting help alright!
In spite of himself Darien turned his head out of curiosity... just to see an unknown guy reach for Serena and try unsuccessfully to steady her on her own feet.
You are right, she's okay, let's just go... the voice tugged at him.
Darien stayed firm in his place.
Come on, Darien, there's nothing you could do now that he is helping her, is there?
His eyes squinted dangerously as he saw the stranger put an arm around Serena. That is not helping, that's *manhandling*!
He took a first step in his years long enemy's direction.
The guy took Serena's body closer to his. Darien saw red. That nobody is *touching* her... he growled mentally and stepped rapidly forward. "What the hell does she think she's doing?" he hissed as he watched the blonde girl smile up at the stranger and put her hand on his arm for support.
Being assisted by a nice guy who apparently doesn't think before helping.
"For all she knows he could be a mugger! or an enemy spy!"
Now you are being paranoid. It paused. Worst case, he'll ask her on a date.
Darien didn't say or think one word.
He just snarled.
***
Artemis had noticed Mina worrying her lips between her teeth since he picked her up from school. He began worrying in earnest when she began crackling her knuckles unconsciously but now that she was biting her oh so sacred nails he knew something *very* serious was going on. "What's up, Mina?"
She didn't answer for a long time, occupied instead staring at her destroyed nails. Finally she sighed... "Uh... Darien, what do you think about Darien and Serena?"
If Artemis was surprised - and he was, a lot - he didn't show it. "That Fate was feeling cranky when she made those two week, and she was PMSing when she decided that they'd work together."
In spite of her thoughts Mina couldn't stop a small giggle. "That bad?"
"And worse," he pronounced.
After a few seconds Artemis noticed that she had begun biting her lips again. She sighed dejectedly. "What is it about Serena and Darien that has you so preoccupied?" he asked curiously
"Nothing," she lied.
He just cocked an eyebrow.
"Okay, okay... it's just that we... *I*, I mean *I* have been thinking and, would they make a cute couple?"
Artemis snorted. "As if! trading nicknames everyday, darts and roses thrown at each other's pictures, somehow I don't see a happily ever after in that scenario." The cat stopped just to see his ward now chewing thoughtfully on her hair. "Oh my, you're serious!"
"Of course I am!" she huffed. "I told you last night, Setsuna wants Darien married. With one of us! The Outers are out of question..." Artemis nodded heartily. "and we Inners don't want to marry him."
"Why Serena?"
Mina looked at him and considered confessing about the 'link' she had witnessed, the Love Goddess within her couldn't be wrong but... what if Artemis told Luna? Then Luna would tell Serena and it'd be a total fiasco! "Because she wasn't there?"
He sweatdropped. "Let me see if I got it, you are pairing one of your best friends with a guy she doesn't even like just because she was too sick to take part in your meeting?"
Oh well, if he thinks I'm already ditzy this can't make it worse. "Yup," she chirped and nodded.
"Why not Raye?" As long as he'd known the girls the brunette priestess had a crush on the masked hero...
"She is... hmmm... otherwise busy," she evasively answered, not wanting to unveil her friend's secret even further.
Meaning: she got herself a boyfriend. Probably that Chad from the temple, they've been smiling too much... "I'm sure Lita, Amy or even you would build a better relationship with Darien."
"No way. We like him too much as a friend," she sentenced.
They 'like' him and yet they want him to marry the only Scout who considers him a sworn enemy... somehow I'm failing to see the logic, the cat thought desperately. "And Serena...?" he prompted, trying to reach a more sensible conclusion.
"At least she doesn't like him as a friend," was the airy response.
Artemis rolled his eyes. "Mina, listen to me. I'm serious. If there's something between them it's pure hostility. I've watched her when she looks at him and there's blind fury in her eyes. And he thinks she's a cry-baby undeserving of her title... and you think they'd make a *cute* coup---"
A tourist looked curiously at the bickering cat. "Meow!" The confused man shook his head and continued his way. He silently swore to quit the sedative pills, his wife was right, they were making him see crazy things...
After snickering Mina deigned to answer her annoying tutor's doubts. "That's only appearances, trust me."
"For god's sake!" he reprimanded, in a low voice so no stranger would hear him. "They'd kill each other AFTER strangling you if they knew you suggested such a thing!"
The blonde dismissed his cautious words with a wave of her hand. "There's always hope, you incredulous cat, you yourself taught me that. At least as long as hate isn't involved... and it isn't." Then she added, "Sure, she is furious at him for shattering her dream of a perfect Tuxedo Mask; likewise for Darien, he held very high expectations for the Princess, but I, as the Senshi of Love..." Artemis groaned at that and Mina suddenly remembered her decision of NOT telling him that little titbit. "Okay, it's the same, even a normal girl such as plain Mina Aino would know that there's something going on with them, and it's *not* hostility," she said pointedly, "why else would Darien have bought that beautiful necklace for Sere's birthday?"
"And he asked Luna to give it to Serena as if it was *her* gift," he retorted.
Mina glared murderously at the irritating cat. "Weeeeell, and what about Serena? She *always* asks not to leave him alone when he's hurt!"
"And she doesn't even send a Get-Well card herself."
"You are being too pessimistic, Artemis," Mina responded with a frown.
Artemis glanced up at his ward and held her gaze, letting her know how serious he was. "In this case I'd rather call it 'being realistic'."
The blonde huffed in annoyance. "So you dare to question the Senshi of Love on matters of the heart?"
"Mina," he drawled, finally fed up with her constant ramble about being the Goddess of Love, "you only are a teenager. You don't, can't and probably *won't* know everything about your infamous matters of the heart."
She only glared at him. "You don't believe me..."
"Remember you were the one to ask about my opinion," he reminded her, just a little bit on the defensive... you never knew when Mina's temper would explode in your face. "Don't blame me just because I disagree."
A deep claming breath answered him. "I just wanted your support, Art," she murmured under her breath. He was about to apologise for his harsh behaviour when she suddenly perked up. "It doesn't matter. I'll be proved right and you'll have to swallow your words."
Artemis laughed softly, glad that his friend wasn't annoyed with him as it often happened when he contradicted her.
Mina took his laugh as a sign of his incredulity. "You'll see, oh wise cat, they are only in denial..."
Artemis cocked an eyebrow.
"Heavy, heavy denial..." she sighed.
"Hey Mina!"
The blonde turned around to see Lita's running frame coming closer down the street. She waved back and grinned when her friend reached them few seconds afterwards. They began walking leisurely towards Raye's temple.
"Is the plan going okay?" Mina asked curiously. She hadn't really talked with Amy in the morning, the poor girl had been about to dose off at a second's notice and Mina hadn't wanted to bother her friend.
Artemis eyes widened in surprise, so far she hadn't told him anything about a plan...
"Yeah, Amy should be talking with Raye right now."
Artemis narrowed his brow in confusion.
Unknowingly, Mina mimicked him. "Raye?"
Lita shrugged. "You know Amy, she developed a contingency plan and it involves Raye."
"Oh," was Mina's only response.
Artemis shook his head. If nobody resulted murdered by the end of the meeting then it should prove to be a very interesting one...
"And tell me Lita, you seen Ken lately?"
Mina snickered as she saw steel-hard Lita blushing slightly...
***
"You want me to do WHAT?" Raye exclaimed, not quite believing it had been meek Amy the one to come up with this... *crazy* proposal.
"You heard me Raye," the petite girl answered calmly. "But only if our main plan fails, or doesn't fully work," she reassured the shocked priestess. Truth be told, 'calm' wasn't exactly what Amy was feeling now, but she had known Raye for years already and she knew that a levelled head and softly voiced arguments were the best weapons to reason with the hot-tempered girl.
"And if I don't want to?"
Now Amy grinned evilly. She had been taught that blackmail was wrong and she *really* didn't want to do it... didn't meant she wouldn't *enjoy* it. Lack of sleep does weird things to one's behaviour... a little voice with Lita's nagging voice snickered. Amy ignored it. "The girls know about you and Chad," she began.
Raye's eyes opened like plates. Not that it'd have stayed a secret for much longer, but she still would have wanted to delight in some peaceful Chad-moments. She glared at Amy, why would her friend tell the girls when she had clarified that she did NOT want them to know until she was ready! Her glare took a murderous tone and Amy squirmed slightly under it.
"They made me!" she defended, "They wouldn't understand that you won't accept to be Darien's fiancé without an explanation!"
Raye sighed. "Okay, so the girls know. I'm assuming Serena still doesn't, other wise your Plan B wouldn't work."
"She doesn't," Amy confirmed.
Raye sighed again. She never had expected Amy to crumble under pressure but then, she knew that Amy would have never told Lita and Mina were it not necessary. However, Raye realised, her blue-haired friend had still not answered the question. "I repeat, what if I don't follow your plan?"
Amy breathed deeply and an involuntary smile tugged at her lips. "I told the girls you and Chad were an item. But I haven't told them *how* I came upon that knowledge." She made a slight pause for effect.
The brunette smiled remembering that afternoon two weeks ago... she and Chad had been making out in the kitchen rather... heatedly, with her sitting on the table and him hovering over her... and Amy had walked in on *that* scene, it was impossible not to tell her and nearly so to make her promise not to tell the others.
"Yet," came Amy's final word.
Raye's smile faltered when it dawned on her had implicitly said... She would never live it down if Amy told the girls that Chad's hands were under her blouse, and that she had been too busy leaving a hickey on his neck to care... She looked hard at her friend. Just where had the mousy computer-girl gone? "And I guess the girls could 'somehow' come upon that little bit of information if I don't help you in this?"
Amy nodded. "It isn't even certain if you'll have to do anything, first we have to watch how everything progresses at the meeting."
"Amy," the priestess tried to reason, "this could be a big problem between Chad and me."
"I don't see how," was the amiable response.
"Maybe because girlfriends aren't supposed to 'supposedly pine' after ex-crushes behind their boyfriend's back?" Raye asked sardonically.
Amy sighed. Luckily she came prepared to answer that argument. "Then tell him."
"What?" Raye blinked in confusion. "Tell Chad that the Senshi of Time ordered Darien, who by the way is the reincarnated Prince of Earth *and* Tuxedo Mask, to marry one of US, and that my crazy fellow Scouts decided to include me in a mad plan to marry off Serena, who can't stand Darien and vice versa, with said guy? Oh, and Chad, did you know I look really good in a red miniskirt?" She breathed sharply for much needed air.
Amy was gaping. "Wow Raye, did you actually say all that in one go?" Raye's face glowered red and Amy wisely decided that the quip had not calmed her at all. "Of course not, Raye. Chad won't be told until or IF you deem the timing correct but... couldn't you just tell him that we are playing at matchmaking because we are tired of their constant fights?"
At that Raye couldn't do more than sigh and nod in defeat.
***
"Are you okay Meatball?"
"Darien?" See? I told you he knew you were following him! "Did you know I was here?"
He nodded and then forced a smile before looking at the stranger who still held Serena's schoolbag and whose body was still acting as some sort of human cane. Darien's grin became dangerously wider. "Thanks for the help, mate. I'll take her from now on," and he extended his hand to receive the bag.
Serena let her mouth open. Did he just say what I think he did?
Yup, a happy little voice answered.
Serena was sure that someone was dancing to a victory tune in her head... she scowled. And just *who* does he *think* he is to order my life around like *that*! she fumed angrily at Darien's apparent offence.
Wait! Don't do anythin---
"No, you won't."
...harsh, Serena felt her inner voice sighing in defeat but she ignored it. "Thank you Darien," she sweet coated her voice, "but Baltazar here has already offered to help me to the Temple." She smiled pleasantly at the mentioned guy and he nodded eagerly in response.
Darien's teeth gritted at the *brat's* behaviour. Here he went out of his way to help *her* and she *refused*? "I must insist. We are already on the hour and I'm sure Baltazar has better things to do than help scatterbrained girl up hundreds steps to Raye's house."
Ugh, Serena raved silently, insult were okay but NOT in front of strangers. "Go Darien," she ordered in a cold tone, "and tell the girl that I'll arrive a little late. Don't worry, Baltazar and I will be right behind you." She paused and smirked knowingly, "Besides, you don't want to make Raye wait, do you?"
"Serena..." Darien warned her firing a hard glare in her direction, "come with me." And not with that nobody who doesn't stop looking at your--- since when does the Meatball have curves? He heard a snicker which wasn't his.
Of course, Serena was unaware of the turn Darien's thoughts had taken. And neither the commanding nor the furious eyes were enough to make Serena Tsukino, Moon Princess and Warrior, waver.
Regrettably, the same couldn't be said from Baltazar. He had found the blonde on his way home and to help her to the Cherry Hill temple had seemed a good way as any to get into her good graces, who knows maybe even talk her into a date? When the dark-haired guy appeared Baltazar had witnessed the cute, easy-going blonde turn into a cold fury... That has been a warning but, sure that Serena didn't want anything to do with the newcomer he had decided not to let her ex boyfriend - or whoever this guy was - to impede his plans... However, now that 'Daniel' pointed his dark gaze directly to him, Baltazar couldn't help but be intimidated... Badly so.
He cleared his throat loudly. Sure, the girl was nice and sweet; but he had never intended to fall right into the middle of a lovers' quarrel...
Serena, sensing her new friend's intention - and not wanting to let Darien win this round - attacked with her best weapon: the 'damsel in distress' glare.
Baltazar gulped. Those oh so sparkling, wide blue eyes... "Errrr..." Nevertheless, the spell was broken in an instant.
"Were you saying?" came 'Daniel's severe voice, accompanied by such a look that Baltazar forced himself to ignore the bewitching innocence in the blonde's eyes. "Errr, yes. Uh, I'm sorry Serena I have to go. I'd feel better if you left with your friend here." He could practically feel the guy's approving glare...
"Why?"
"I should be at home already. I wouldn't want to worry my parents with my lateness," he nearly mumbled the last part as he passed the bag to the man in the funny jacket. Baltazar slowly withdrew from Serena, giving Darien the space to circle her frame and support her.
"Nice to meet you both," Baltazar lied when he was finally free. Watching them standing together he confirmed his 'exes' theory, that is if they were a couple who just had a spat, they looked too comfortable to be anything but.
Oblivious to Baltazar's thoughts Serena and Darien looked at his retreating figure.
"Coward," he murmured, but not so lightly that Serena couldn't hear him.
"And you wonder why?" Chuckle. "Did you have to use your Prince persona on the poor guy?" she accused.
"It worked, didn't it?" was his smug answer.
She looked searchingly at him. Darien felt her scrutiny and gave her a roguish grin in response. She sighed. "Careful, Dar or someone will think you were actually helping me. Now the truth, what's the hidden agenda?"
Darien looked down at her, the smile stayed - a poorly forced one - but his eyes were hard. He shrugged. "What happened Meatball?" he asked instead, knowing that her nickname's use would shut her questions up.
"Some running guy bumped into me, made me fall to the ground and didn't even stop to see if I was okay!" She glowered in rage as Darien actually smirked at her antics. "Something funny Rosey Boy?" The grin faltered as she knew it would. Really, we are getting pretty predictable around each other... Maybe it's time to add something *new* into the mix? the little voice suggested. Serena didn't have the chance to properly shut it off as Darien began talking.
"Can't you stop with the nicknames already?"
Silence. Serene just threw him an accusatory glance. Darien sighed, he hadn't really expected an answer, much less and affirmative one. Besides, she was right, he was as guilty as she... "If you must know," he began trying to restore the conversation, "I was thinking Karma finally got you."
She just stared at him with a confused expression. Karmel what?"
"Karma: what goes around comes around, you get what you give, balancing good and evil..." he explained.
"Oh," she said trying to see what this Karma had to do with their situation. Finally it dawned on her. "It wasn't funny," she told him angrily, taking advantage of his closeness to slap his arm as hard as she could.
"Yes it was," he smirked ignoring completely the physical aggression, knowing it would infuriate her even further that he didn't consider her threats seriously. "...Moonie."
She stuck her tongue out at him.
After a moment's quietness she asked snidely, "are you feeling up to help me up those biiiiiiiiiig stairs?"
Darien winked at her. "Yup."
"It'll take hours if I must use you as my personal cane," she commented, clearly referring to the very slow pace they had to take so not to hurt her ankle.
His lips went up in a devious smirk. "The I guess I'll have to pick you up, don't you think?" Darien laughed when he saw her blush prettily.
On her part, Serena tried to scowl but she was too busy trying to contain her inner voice's loud cheers from going past her lips.
***
Amy and Raye were sipping quietly at the warm tea the brunette had just prepared.
"You would really tell the girls about the... episode... in the kitchen, wouldn't you Ames?"
Silence. Amy just grinned at her over her cup.
Raye nodded in acknowledgement and renewed respect for her friend. "I didn't you had it in you, girlfriend." She smirked. "Who would have suspected that shy Amy could be such a good blackmailer?"
Amy breathed calmer knowing that the priestess wasn't really mad at her. "Life is full of surprises, I guess."
Suddenly Raye tugged at her arm and pointed at her boyfriend. "Come on, Ames, you got the idea. Now you help me tell Chad about it."
"Errr... too late," she said eyeing the two figures climbing up the final steps. "The girls just arrived."
Raye checked the wall clock. It marked exactly three o'clock "Oh yes, it's already time for the meeting." She glanced out the window... She could already make out Lita's and Mina's features. By chance the priestess' gaze went lower... and she gaped. "Oh god," she muttered in wonderment attracting Amy's attention, "are those Darien and Serena coming *together*?"
Amy squinted her eyes even though she knew they were, it was just so... improbable. "Yup, they are." Then she noticed something that made her eyebrows go up nearly into her hairline. For a second she thought she was having a vision, those couldn't be Darien and Serena because... "He is supporting her," she said in clear amazement .
"And they aren't even squabbling..." agreed Raye's surprised voice.
Suddenly Serena shrieked. Darien had made a complicated manoeuvre in a flash he had the blonde's slight body in his arms while Serena's arms went tight around his neck. They began ascending together up the stairs...
Amy grinned.
Raye followed suit. "Maybe you won't need me after all. It seems they are getting along good enough for your Plan A to work for itself."
"I hope so."
***
Please send feedback, my Sailor Moon muse has been hard to contact these last months.