Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ A Trusting Heart ❯ The Gift of a Lifetime ( Chapter 10 )

[ A - All Readers ]

Serina has a surprise for her new daughter, a gift she'd planned to
bestow long before she confirmed Rini was so special to her own future.
However, this gift of life may well be the last she will ever give...
Now that the future is being revealed as something wonderful and
dangerous, the Scouts must plan on their course of action- with the
brothers gone, the Nega-Moon will be sending a new enemy to the past,
one that is the very embodiment of the phrase, "Hell has no wrath like a woman scorned." And jealousy comes in all shades of emerald green.
But they must also worry about the future where a young queen fights
for her life in a crystal coffin and a young king and Sailor Scouts fight a losing war.
But for now, it is June 30th, the day the spirit of a millennium-old princess was reborn and the same day her own little Neo-princess was given life. Two gifts shall be presented this day, one the gift of life from a mother and the other the gift of a lifetime from a father. Each will test true love and bravery, faith in friends and the trust of three little hearts. In Chapter Ten, "The Gift of a Lifetime."

Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Drama / Romance / Sci-fi / Suspense | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 06.12.2006 | Pages: 6 | Words: 9.7K | Visits: 266 | Status: Completed

Chapter 10

The Gift of a Lifetime

Several hours had past since Rini and Serina returned home. Darien didn't dare come in for fear of Serina's father's wrath and the girls had just dropped them off and gone to take care of their own business. They had each smiled and winked secretively to Rini behind Serina's back as they left. Rini had giggled incessantly at this and that led to Serina's irritated reprimand for not knowing what was going on.

Now, in the mid-afternoon of a beautiful, cloudless summer Saturday, Serina and Rini were getting ready of their early family supper. Rini did her best distracting Serina most of the day by keeping her up in her room, picking out and modeling especially elegant dresses to wear for their birthdays. It was a special day and they felt they needed to look special, even if her parents and Sammy were the only ones to see their royal splendor.

Serina and her daughter had finally decided on a pretty little pale aqua-green, cotton sundress for Rini. A silky white sash tied in an overly large bow in the back, fluffed to perfection by her mother, completed the skirt. Two thin ribbons in matching twinkling white bows, graced her pink rabbit ears, a ring of tiny, pink-edged daisies encircled each bun. The mix of complimenting green, pink, and white of the flowers made Serina's young daughter look more like a princess of ancient sylvan glades than the crystal palaces of the future.

Serina, having gone through every dress she owned, several of her mother's, and even considering her moon princess gown, finally chose a new dress she'd as yet never worn. It wasn't new actually; she'd gotten last year for her fourteenth birthday but it had been too big. It was so beautiful and the very last one at the store that Serina couldn't bear to trade it in and had kept it in hopes that it'd fit one day. Today, it did.

The dress was a deep sapphire blue silk, fading to a clear azure towards the bottom edge. The dark sleeves were thin straps that fell into translucent white silk that gently cloaked her shoulders. The only pattern on the fabric was the iridescent shimmer of sunlight on the material. Serina's twin meatball buns were twined with two budding white roses each and delicate sprays of forget-me-nots.

The only jewelry she wore was the Silver Crystal, magically transformed into a silver and sapphire locket, shaped into a crescent moon and a heart with the sapphire cut into the shape of a tiny blue rose. Serina's ears twinkled with diamond studs and her outfit was complete.

Later, Serina had heard her mother call that supper was ready and Rini had to drag Serina out the door as she was still making sure she looked okay. Though she was hungry, Serina was nervous about Sammy laughing at her for dressing up, or her parents thinking she was trying to grow up too fast. This dress made her look good, like the young woman she'd hoped to someday be, though not yet. She was still only fifteen!

Sure, she had a daughter and was the protector of the world, and had lived a thousand years ago on the moon betrothed to her handsome prince. And she had fought to the death with the evil Queen Beryl and the ultimate mistress of darkness Metallia. She had watched her friends die, watched her soul mate die, and had died herself twice all ready. She had even braved Ann and Alan and their Doom Tree, and even fought this new Dark Moon threat on numerous occasions all alone, but- FIFTEEN! She still wanted to be a kid; play games, read comics and pig out and crush, and klutz out and fail tests! Well, maybe not so much the last four but the point was made. She didn't want to grow up yet!

It seemed she would any way.

Rini still dragged, whining that she was hungry and wanted to see her presents. Reluctantly, Serina followed, out the door and down the stairs and into darkness.

"SURPRISE! Happy Birthday, Serina! Happy Birthday, Rini!" The cry rang out, totally surprising Serina. She was so shocked by the loud assemblage that her slippered foot slid on the stair and she landed with a faint thud on her butt. She was so stunned and so happy she didn't even notice, just smiled shyly in dazed appreciation and modesty that so many people had cared to come to her party. Well, her and Rini's party. She didn't realize she knew this many people let alone they knew when her birthday was.

Beside her, Rini grinned and giggled, still tightly holding her hand. She had also planned this surprise party for Serina and it felt ticklingly good to see Serina's reaction. Her mother's reaction!

Everyone had gathered for this event, it seemed like a hundred people were stuffed in the Tsukino's small living room. The room was still dim: the lights were out so Serina's mother could carry out a double-layered chocolate cake from the kitchen, half lit by fifteen white candles and the other half lit by six more pink ones.

Still in a stupor, Serina scanned the crowd below her, now singing "Happy Birthday", and found them all familiar faces. The most important were the girls; Mina, Rei, Ami, and Lita. Luna hung around Ami's neck and Artemis stood nonchalantly at Mina's feet. Standing beside their respective friends were Andrew, Chad, Greg, and Ken. 'How did Ami get Greg here? And why did Rei drag Chad along?' Even Rei's grandpa had shown up. Darien was with them, trying (unsuccessfully) to hide a bouquet of white and red roses behind his back. Alongside him were the four Sisters and two brothers of the former Dark Moon. Molly and Melvin stood nearby along with Lizzy, Andrew's little sister. Even people she really didn't know too well, and had gotten acquainted with after they had been victims of nega-verse attacks, were there. Molly's priest friend, 'Game Machine' Joe, and the famous artist Peggy Jones.

'How can this be any more perfect? All my friends are here, they care about me so much, I- I never even thought-'

"Come on, Meatball head, get up and blow out your candles before all the wax melts into the cake!" Rei called when the song ended and Serina still hadn't moved. Several people chuckled at the nickname, Darien and the other girls glared at her. Serina frowned and slowly stood, afraid of slipping again in her hurry. Instead, she let Rini go, and the little girl raced down the stairs ahead of her, and Serina calmly, gracefully followed. This was her birthday, her day in the spotlight and she was gonna act like the princess she was- or used to be- or was going to be- or whatever.

She knew every eye was on her as she stepped down the stairs, positively beaming with the knowledge that Darien's eyes in particular were studying her. She loved the way he could make her feel beautiful with just a glance and a thoughtful smile. He mouthed something as she stared lost in his eyes, and she warmly smiled back. 'I love you too, my prince . . .' She sent back. He waited for her at the base of the stair and took her arm in a chivalrous move and presented the rose bouquet with a flourishing bow. Her gaze never left his as he led her through the crowd to her waiting mother and Rini, both lovers smiling as if the rest of the world didn't exist. In the dim light, everyone else faded in the darkness, and it truly seemed they were the only ones left in the room.

Mr. Tsukino cleared his throat in an angry growl, snapping both back to reality, and blushing furiously. Serina's eyes alighted on the delectable cake and Rini's wide eyes pleading for her parents to knock off the lovey-dovey stuff so they could blow out the candles.

Serina smiled again, with an unusual restraint and patience that was beginning to scare her parents. Finally, Serina's reserve cracked and she let out an infectious squeal of delight and a silver peal of laughter. She and Rini joined hands, Serina's arm still tightly encircling Darien's, as they both counted to three and blew out the candles. Twenty-one wisps of smoke rose from the chocolate cake and the lights were thrown on, the people cheering and clapping and they could FINALLY get on with the rest of the party.

Serina and Rini were soon separated, Rini hauled off to get some ice cream, and Serina was led to the table to cut the cake. She cut an extra large slice for her and Darien to split, one small enough for her little daughter, and the rest equally sized for everyone else. She laughed happily, her energy and enthusiasm radiating throughout the gathered friends and they remembered why they liked this girl so much. She was the sunshine and hope of everyone's day.

Ice cream was scooped, a neutral flavor of Neapolitan, and then an extra bucket of double hot fudge marshmallow brownie for the two girls to share themselves. Everyone somehow managed to get fed, whether just with ice cream or the various cookies and brownies Lita had contributed. The milling crowds laughed and mingled, each making their way to the two girls to offer their best wishes. Graciously, both princesses accepted, giggling and grinning. Soon it was time for the best part of the party: The presents!

Serina's family went first, sitting the girls on the couch, Mina merrily covering Serina's eyes and Lita blindfolding Rini's (causing a mysterious smudge of chocolate icing to appear on the poor, unsuspecting child's nose). As Serina's parents set the gifts down before them, three for each girl, Mina and Lita removed their hands. Serina and Rini both squealed, something Rini never would have normally done, at the sight of the colorfully wrapped presents. The similarities between the two were never more apparent than now.

Serina attacked hers with a passion, ripping off the paper and revealing a new dress from her mother, a beautiful white gold locket from her father, and the latest Sailor V game from Sammy. Rini had also gotten new clothes, a tiny heart-link gold bracelet, and a little white fluffy bear. Smiling gratefully, the birthday girls hugged the parents, Sammy wisely escaping before they could accidentally get him too.

The next presents came from the Scouts, Serina was nearly brought to tears with each succeeding one; the bunny pair that seemed to click with an uncanny destiny for Rini and her. The breath-taking necklace from Rei that said everything she couldn't. Lita's cookbooks brought chuckles from the crowd, Ami's study guide brought uneasy and exasperated sighs from everyone, mostly Serina. But it was Ami's second gift that finally sent joyful tears streaming down Serina's cheeks. No one else could understand the meaning behind the intricately designed jewelry box. Even when Serina opened it and the melody began, this time for everyone to hear and not just the two lovers, no one understood how the simple, if incredibly heavenly, song could cause so much emotion. Even Darien and the other Scouts were moved to reflective silence. The gift that two days ago would have brought tears of anguish now filled the bonded group with love and memories of good times from so very long ago.

Serina stood, sniffling and smiling, and hugged each one of her dear friends, tearfully thanking them. Her gratefulness showed in her eyes as she could barely get the words out around her overflowing felicity. 'They're the best in the world!' She thought.

By now she expected to receive Darien's gift but no such gesture was made. Her roses had been taken by her mother and put in a vase of water in the kitchen along with Rini's little pink rose bud, but that was it. Darien just kept smiling secretively, with all the mystery and sly charm of her Tuxedo Mask. Serina pouted but didn't let the fact bother her just yet. She still had the rest of her party to enjoy.

The four Sisters gift was sweet and simple, a couple of gift certificates to Serina's favorite stores and their own make-up shop. The two brothers' was more surprising, having barely understood the concept of friendships and loyalty before discovering "birthdays", their gift was a mix of their powers, crystalline statuettes of pale silvery ruby and softly carved garnet. A tiny princess for Rini and a larger statue of the moon princess holding both hands with her prince before a nearly clear crystal moon. Every detail was perfect right down to the delicate garnet rose in the princess's hand, the ruffles in her dress, and pearly tiara in her meatballed hair. Even the sword beside the prince's hand was perfect. They must have memorized every detail from the brief visit of the moon princess in the past two days to create it.

For their gift, both young men received a kiss on the cheek, making both inexplicably blush and back away from the grinning crowd. Darien didn't try to hide his disapproving frown as he reached for her again and kept her close from then on. Even Rini shook her head and stuck her tongue out at her mother's gesture of appreciation- then she remembered how she had impulsively pecked Sammy on the cheek for her gift.

Other gifts from guests included comics, books, jewelry, stuffed bunnies, Lizzy had brought her a free lunch certificate from the cafe she worked at. Rei's grandpa had good luck, life, wealth, and happiness charms, Peggy, of course, gave her the original print of the painting she and Darien had posed for so many months ago. Even the priest had brought her a small golden cross on a thin gold chain. Serina was overwhelmed and overjoyed, thanking each person with flashing glittering blue eyes and brilliant white smiles.

How could she ever tell them how much this all meant to her? Serina vowed right there, amidst her family and friends, to do her best to not only save the planet as Sailor Moon but to cheer up everyone in the world everyday as best Serina Tsukino could. With smiles, kind words, companionship, and just listening to anyone who had problems. She'd be there for everyone! Always and forever, a friend.

At some point during the party, Rini pulled Serina aside to the stairs, smiling shyly. "Serina, I got you something too. Auntie Ilene helped me some. She's Grandmother, right?" Rini asked grinning, her chocolate-maroon eyes glittering with happiness.

"Don't let her hear you say that, sweetheart, she'll have a heart attack for sure!" Serina giggled nervously. What if Mom really did find out about her future daughter? She could never explain it without revealing the Scouts and her royal past and that was just too much for her simple family- in the very best scenario they'd treat her different. Serina's attention was instantly returned to her young daughter as she pulled something from behind her. "You know you didn't have to get me anything, little one. I don't need anything from you to know you love me."

"Mama, you say that every year and it never works. I still lov- well, um . . . here." Rini shoved a large pink envelope into Serina's hands, her head hanging modestly. She'd almost said she loved Serina. The fifteen-year-old who would be her mother someday but wasn't yet. It was weird, one minute she's the girl she despises, the one she playfully fought, then she's her savior and friend, and her- her mother. She was her mother, but she didn't want Meatball head to tease her if she said she loved her.

__________________________

With her pointed pink rabbit-buns directed at Serina, Rini didn't notice the hurt look that crossed Serina's face.

Rini wouldn't say I love you.

Serina felt like she'd been punched in the heart, almost betrayed by the little girl before her, her own daughter, her child- And she wouldn't tell her that she loved her . . . Maybe she really didn't, maybe her REAL mother wasn't nice to her, maybe she didn't even like her mother much- Serina shook her head imperceptibly at that thought. Rini had come here, faced dangers untold and hardships unnumbered to save her mother. She loved her mother, maybe it was just Serina she didn't like.

Serina's lips trembled and her eyes began to sting as tears welled in them. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Darien studying her with concern and she nodded her head again in reassurance, blinking back warm tears. She took the envelope from Rini's tiny hand with her own shaking fingers and carefully opened the letter. Rini instantly fell back into the shadows and sat shyly on the stair beside Serina's feet.

Inside the pink, bunny-stamped envelope was a sheet of white paper, uncreased and beautifully decorated. On it, so carefully created with all the colors of the rainbow, were three hand-drawn figures. A lady with wise blue eyes and crown of gold and crimson stood in a long silver gown, clear fairy wings arcing from her back. Twin yellow buns dripped long ponytails like honey far past her ankles. An unmistakable crescent moon blazed on her forehead. To her right stood a young woman, dressed in the red, white, and blue Sailor outfit of Sailor Moon. Her hair stretching to her booted knees, her tiara, meatballs, and brooch glittered with white specks of magic. Her kind blue eyes were almost hidden by her hand in her traditional pose as she held her moon scepter high above her head.

The third was a normal, small girl to the queen's left. She looked so plain in comparison to the two angels on the same piece of paper. Serina recognized her instantly. Her meatball buns hung to the end of her ordinary blue school skirt, curling slightly at the ends. Her blue eyes smiled brilliantly as she hid her hands behind her, her magic brooch still visible on her simple uniform bow. It was her.

Carefully scripted above these colorful, incredibly wondrous drawings were a few simple words, a declaration that could never be taken back. Serina's aching, blurry eyes blinked several times, clearing the tears from the blue irises as she weakly smiled. "The three most important people in my life and they are all the one person I love the most in the world." Serina inhaled shakily, her smile widening as she reread the words once more, her fears banished and she had reason to celebrate once again.

Rini looked up when she heard Serina sigh softly; her mother was smiling softly. She liked it, she liked her gift! "Mama?" Rini whispered, her fear echoing her mother's in that she might not accept the 'spore' as her daughter. She probably didn't want a whiny, stubborn quarrelsome brat for a daughter . . .

"Oh, Rini, thank you! I love it . . ." She fell to her knees on the stairs beside her little girl, loving her more than she could ever have believed possible. Rini really did love her! She caught Rini in a huge hug, holding her close and stroking her soft pink hair as she squeezed the breath from the kid. "And I love you, my beautiful, beautiful daughter." She whispered as she realized the strong apprehension she felt wasn't all her own but her child's as well. They had had the same concerns. Serina almost laughed as she kissed Rini's forehead, her crescent moon insignia responding lightly.

"I love you too, Mama." Rini whispered and returned the hug as fiercely as her short little arms would allow her. After a moment, and a couple glances from Darien, Serina and Rini stood, hand in hand and smiling like they'd just discover heaven in the presence of each other. Darien quickly caught up with them, kissing both and grinning to see the most important women in his life so cheerful and content.

Hours later, after games, food, and chatting, most of the guests had left with their best wishes to two birthday girls, the last guest leaving around eleven that night. Serina and Rini, tired out from all the excitement, had both fallen asleep on the downstairs couch, curled up next to each other while watching a new movie. Mr. Tsukino managed to carry Serina up to bed with his wife following with the little pink-haired girl in her arms.

"Happy birthday, princess." He whispered as he kissed her forehead good night. He hadn't called her that since she was really little. One more year and she couldn't be his little princess anymore, she'd be a young woman of sweet sixteen, too old for such childish pet names. 'No, my Serina will never grow up, no matter how many birthdays she has or how old she looks, she'll always be my little princess.'

Ken watched as his wife laid Rini beside his daughter, careful of the black cat lying at the end of the blue covers, and she kissed both girls good night. "They're so sweet." Ilene whispered as she leaned into her husband in the doorway.

"Look at them, just like sisters." He replied as he watched his niece snuggle up to Serina and his daughter throw an arm gently over her in her sleep. Both began softly snoring in unison. Ken shook his head in amusement, and his wife giggled.

"She's growing up so fast, Ken. What will we do when she goes to her prom or brings home her fiancé from college?" Ilene really wasn't worried, more wistful as she gazed from her fifteen-year-old angel of a daughter to her husband. His face twisted in protective fatherly anger, beet red at the very thought of any man touching his daughter in ANY way. It had been all he could do to keep from ripping that older college kid off his little girl's arm tonight.

"It's not going to happen. Serina's not getting married, she's not going to have any boyfriends or go out on dates until I'm long gone and buried." He growled. Ilene wasn't sure if she should laugh or slap her husband for saying such a thing.

"Nonsense, dear. I want her to be as happy as we are, and I want to see my grandkids. I actually think that Darien boy is rather cute and very polite. I hope she can hang on to him this time." Her husband huffed at that, barely containing a roar of animosity. He turned away and headed to their room. Ilene followed, giggling though in her mind she remembered the weeks that Serina had spent crying in her room after her first break up, her first fight with the one she loved. She prayed it would never happen again but she also understood that all relationships had to be tested so, it could only strengthen their love. 'You'll see you will love each other more, my dear moon princess, and much better and longer and sweeter.'

__________________________

"You're in my heart."

The moon shone through the open window, still nearly full and bright in the midnight sky. Rini lay snugly under Serina's arm, her new white teddy bear tucked carefully in her tiny fingers. The black cat at their feet was outlined in moon-glow, purring deeply. A soft breeze rustled the leaves outside but nothing but warmth reached inside the room.

Serina flinched in her sleep, her hands clenching reflexively, her eyes squeezing shut as if to block images she couldn't stop. Thin tears slipped from her closed eyes, unnoticed by herself or the other occupants of the bed. Her sleep was light, her dreams coming close to waking her as she moaned and tossed her head, wishing the nightmares would end. Darien was leaving her again but not really leaving, he stayed as a 'friend' but not as a boyfriend. Half awake, she fought the dream, knowing these subconscious doubts weren't real. Her eternal love was back to stay, they could never be just friends, it wasn't physically possible! Her spirit knew that, why couldn't her mind accept it as truth?

'Because you've lost your faith. He did it once to keep you safe, what will keep him from leaving you again?' Her mind answered her silent question. Serina snapped awake, her eyes flashing open, blinking at the drying tears on her face and the brightness of the moonlight. She carefully wiped away strangles of blonde hair with her free hand, unconsciously rubbing Rini's back with the other to keep the child from waking.

Throughout the party, Darien had stayed by her side, not really saying much but a smile on his lips every time she looked at him. A month ago she would have been content with his companionship, his strength and silent reassurance would have been enough for her, but- not now.

For some reason, as much as she wanted to and knew her feelings were ridiculous, she couldn't put her guard down, she wasn't sure it was safe yet. She didn't trust him; she was DOUBTING HER ONLY LOVE! 'What are you talking about, Meatball head? This is DARIEN, you're DESTINED to be together! He's Tuxedo Mask, your protector, savior, guardian! He'd give his life for me . . . ' Serina defended but another part of her mind still rebelled, remembering the times before either of them knew about each other's true identities. 'But this is also Darien Shields, the one who called me Meatball head and made fun of me constantly. The seventeen-year-old, sophisticated college student, the lonely orphan. One who is so much better than me and . . . and does he still want me? Does he only love me because of our past? Only his princess and not me, Serina Tsukino?'

Serina knew she loved Darien with all her heart, no matter who he was, what he used to be, and knew she should be able to forgive him anything and trust that he loved her. But . . . But if he left her once to keep her safe, could she trust him to believe in their relationship, to have faith in their love enough to keep him from doing it again? To try and 'protect' her by leaving again? She knew they could face anything together; their love was that great, but did he know that? Was he willing trust in them?

Not to mention his attitude at the party hadn't helped quell these doubts and fears. He'd left early, even before the Scouts, before she could announce to her parents that they were back together. (As if it weren't obvious by the roses, the escort, the looks they gave each other, the kisses . . .) She wondered if he'd been afraid of her father blowing up at the idea. That was possible, her dad was quite a formidable man when it came to his 'little princess'. But she was still upset, and more than a little disturbed. What if he really didn't think they could start where they'd left off, what if he was uncomfortable with her or still didn't want to get too close? Maybe the weeks spent apart had made him realize- What if he really didn't love her anymore? Serina mentally shook her head. That was impossible- wasn't it?

Tears filled her eyes once more and she shuddered with her silent effort to keep them hidden. Luna would be concerned and Rini would be hurt to see her mother so distraught, it would likely frighten the poor child. And all because she worried too much, thought too much- but what if it was true! Two tears spilled from the corners of her eyes and coolly slipped down her cheeks, blooming silver where they hit her pillow. Serina drew a shaky breath as she tried to calm sobs buried deep in her soul.

A glinting movement by the window caught her slitted eyes and the room was suddenly doused in darkness. She turned her head minutely to study the intruder. Was it a Dark Moon attack? Had they all ready replaced Rubeus and Garnyt? How'd they find her?! There was no way in heaven and earth they were going to take Rini!

Cloaked blackness knelt silhouetted in her window, his outline edged in the pure white light of the moon. Serina sighed as she instantly recognized the top hat and white domino mask that seemed to glow in the dark. She smiled, her doubts and nightmares fading from her mind before they'd even registered. Her love had come for her.

She gently sat up, carefully removing her arm from Rini's shoulders and moving slowly enough not to disturb the child or the cat as she slid from her bed. Luckily she'd fallen asleep in her dress; it was a little wrinkled from the couple hours of sleep but better than being embarrassed and caught in her pj's. Serina padded quietly to the window where Tuxedo Mask reached a hand for her. His enigmatic smile was met by a stunned look of her own, a soft grin blooming on her lips. She accepted his offered hand without a second thought and he swept her off her feet, holding her lightly in his arms as they leapt off into the night.

Serina held her breath, wondering dazedly if she were dreaming. She could feel his soft, warm breath on the top of her head, his heartbeat was slightly quicker with excitement and- nervousness? Is that what she sensed from him? But he seemed so relaxed and in control.

Serina sighed and wrapped an arm around his neck. If this was a dream she didn't ever want to wake up. She sighed again in perfect contentment and lay her head against his smooth, velvet shoulder. She closed her eyes, letting his warmth protect her from the breeze ruffling her hair and caressing her face like her love's fingers. She smiled and snuggled a little deeper in his embrace, she could feel his strong arms tighten a little more in response.

After what seemed like a lifetime of soaring through the cool moonlight and twinkling stars, Tuxedo Mask agilely landed, his red and black cape billowing around them like a colorful, silky mist. He set her gently down, covering her in his cape and taking her hand in his. Reluctantly she slid her arm from around his neck to hang on to his elbow. After a few minutes of just happily staring, she tore her eyes from his gorgeous expressive blue eyes to see where they were.

The lake spread before them, ripples of diamond white leading a path to the moon, cool, tender green grass carpeted the area under her bare feet, night-black trees sheltered them from the rest of the city. A stone bench nearby was partially hidden by mazes of red, white, pink, and yellow rose bushes. The park. He'd taken her to the park, to the same bench they'd spent so many afternoons together on.

Serina glanced back at her protector, her sparkling eyes catching again and falling into his, her smile asking a million silent questions. While she wasn't watching, Tuxedo Mask had returned to her loving Darien, his soft face grinning at the mix of delight and confusion on her face.

__________________________

'She's so beautiful, how could I ever have stayed away so long? I was stupid to even think I could give her up, stupid to think I wouldn't go insane with jealousy if I ever saw this sweet angel with another man. From now on, she will be mine, if she'll have me. I'll never lose her again, and nothing can ever separate us or end our love for each other.' Darien couldn't imagine anything more wonderful than standing in this peaceful night with his love in his arms. It was the most elating and humbling experience he could imagine.

He'd spent most of his life alone, looking out for only himself and getting by via whatever means possible. Back then his life-long goal had been to graduate college and become a doctor to help other people like himself and have the wealth to provide himself with everything he lacked in his childhood. But now, that had been utterly changed. All that he ever wanted from life from now on, the most blessed thing that had ever come into his dismal gray world, stood before him. A slight, golden-haired figure in blue, the dress that clung to her exquisite form like water and matched the matchless depths of her sapphire eyes.

Like a ray of pure sunlight, the tinkling, joyful peal of a bell, a sprinkling of fresh spring rain and the rainbow that followed, she had entered his life and stolen his senses. His heart was hers, to tear apart and heal again with a single glance from this goddess in his arms. How could he tell her all that, how could he show her how limitless his love was?

That was why he had brought her out here. To make sure she knew he would be there for her for the rest of her life . . .

He was so nervous! His doubts, not doubts of their love or of her, but of himself, began to cloud his mind. What if he was rushing, what if she wasn't ready, what if she wasn't sure she wanted him back just yet? He'd hurt her so badly . . . Darien glanced away, studying the play of the moonlight on the shattered pane of water. He knew this was what he wanted but could he be sure she wanted it too?

Only one way to find out. He turned back to his princess.

__________________________

She and Darien had stood in silence for an endless time, she didn't even notice how long she had just stared, lost within the turbulent, passionate emotions that swirled in his eyes until he turned from her. She watched his profile in the moonlight as he studied the gently murmuring lake at their feet. He seemed to be fighting with himself, uncertain and doubtful. Whatever could bring her strong, ever-valiant prince to doubt and fear? Had he been afraid of the same things she had not so long ago as she slept in bed? Or was it the exact opposite? Was he trying to find some way to break it to her that his feelings really weren't the same after so many weeks apart? Did the thought of destiny truly disturb him? Knowing his future was out of his hands? That they would marry and have a sweet, beautiful daughter and rule Crystal Tokyo? Did he not want that life?

The thought brought tears creeping to her eyes. She didn't think she could survive it if he dumped her again, she wouldn't WANT to after just getting him back!

Just then Darien's gaze whipped back to face hers, he noticed the tears glittering in her fearful eyes and she could see he was surprised and worried. He raised a hand to wipe away a single tear that had managed to trail down her cheek. She reached for his hand and held it against her cheek, his warm palm against her skin gave her the reassurance to look again into his eyes, ready to face whatever he wanted to say, live or die. Her knees were weak and her breath shuddered with anticipation and the butterflies in her stomach twisted with dread. It'd be easy enough to faint dead away if it were bad news, she was likely to do so anyway with him just standing so close.

For a moment longer they gazed at each other, drinking in and memorizing every feeling of the night, every sound, every movement, every breath, every emotion. The evening imbued their memories and imprinted the image in their minds forever. No night could be more perfect than this.

"Serina, I want you to know how much I love you, how I care for you more than anything on this earth. You know I will never leave you again, I will never doubt our ability to face anything together and I know we can defeat any threat with the power of our love."

Serina listened raptly, almost impatiently. 'That's what I've been trying to tell you this entire time! Now what's the bad part?' Her eyes revealed nothing but adoration as she gazed up into his honest eyes. She knew he was trying his best to reassure her, and maybe, himself. He never was very good at this sort of thing but he was so cute when he was this nervous! And his love was so obvious her heart wanted to burst! "I know, Darien."

"I don't want you to ever doubt again that I love you, that you're a part of my heart and soul and I could never live without you. This time of separation, and all those times I almost lost you- it's shown me that you're the only thing I can't live without. You're the closest thing to heaven on earth, and I don't ever want to lose that again. I'll fight to the death for you and protect you every second of my life. You are my most cherished treasure; the only thing that makes me happy, that makes me whole."

'Yeah, and . . . You're going to make me cry, Darien, get to the point! I'll drown with all this emotion tearing through me now! Please, just shut up and kiss me . . .'

__________________________

Darien could see the endearing impatience and the raging emotions his angel tried to keep in check. He knew what she wanted and he wanted to kiss her so badly it hurt but it would be so much sweeter if he could get out what he wanted to say! He wasn't good with words- he should have known better than even try. Actions speak louder than words.

He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the birthday present he'd gotten her so long ago. He couldn't give it to her at home but here, alone in the night with his moonlight maiden, he could. He'd been so nervous, he knew he worried her but it was kind of cute seeing her concerned and squirming.

Darien dropped to one knee before his princess. He held the gift in front of him and saw her delighted eyes widened.

"Serina Usagi Tsukino, will you be mine forever? Will you let me finish what we started a thousand years ago, something I've wanted to do ever since I first saw you a year ago, and marry me?" Serina's smile lit the night more brightly than if the sun had risen right then.

Then she fainted.

Darien caught her as her legs gave out, wasting a second wondering if he should worry or laugh. 'How princess-like!' "Serina?"

"Hmm? Oh . . . Oh! Darien, did you- Am I dreaming- Oh! Oh, Darien, YES! Yes, yes, yes, and a thousand times yes!" Darien lifted the squirming girl in his arms, both beaming with all the ecstasy of the stars. He spun her around, their laughter ringing through out the park.

"YES! Thank you, Serina, my princess, my love, you've just made me the happiest man between here and the moon!"

"You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment, Darien!" She squeezed her arms around his neck, hugging as tightly as she could lest this turn out to be another dream.

Darien stopped and smiled slyly. He raised an eyebrow; she didn't know this answer was the same for him. "A thousand years?"

"Longer!" She squealed. Serina paused a moment, remembering her fears from before. Her brows creased in a frown as her gaze fell from his, studying her now empty hands. "Are you sure, Darien? It's not because of Rini or obligation to our past, is it? You don't have to-"

"Serina, my love, I fell in love with you long before I knew about Princess Serenity or met Serina Tsukino. I saw you- one look and I knew you were meant for me. My soul mate, my one true, eternal love. I swore I'd find a way to make you fall in love with me. I bought this ring the same day I first heard you laugh, saw you smile, your wonderful voice speaking to me. But then Andrew- and the Meatball head thing-"

"You kinda blew it with that, didn't ya?" Serina smiled up mischievously. She'd heard this tale from Andrew, how the great immovable Darien fallen for a girl he could only describe as heavenly, ethereal and divine were his exact words. Andrew had eventually wheedled a confession from Darien after Serina had walked into the arcade one day a long time ago. They'd unknowingly been doing the same thing, having fallen in love, spying and crushing on each other without ever knowing the other had any such romantic feelings. It was so funny, almost tragic though.

Darien smiled, he knew she knew everything. All was okay now, their histories, presently and in the moon kingdom, didn't matter. Darien Shields and Serina Tsukino loved each other for no other reason than that, love.

Darien set Serina down on the stone bench, their bench, and he knelt before her. He pulled out the gold and silver ring from it's midnight blue velvet box and slid it on her waiting finger. "Happy birthday, my love." She gasped and sighed as she spent a mere single moment studying it before launching herself back into his arms, knocking them both over and into the grass.

They laughed and kissed and lay for hours, their snuggling saying all they needed to. Everything was settled and two lovers had finally found each other in the care of the midnight moon and the stars. All was right in the world.

__________________________

When Darien finally returned Serina to her bedroom, she was nearly asleep and it was nearly dawn. The moon had long since set and the warm brilliant orange and rose sun painted the eastern sky. They kissed a last time as he laid her gently down in her bed, taking care not to disturb Luna or their daughter. Serina was asleep before he'd even left the room.

Luna woke several hours later, unaware of the events that had transpired to steal her mistress away for most of the night. When she looked at the young blonde, peacefully in her bed, breathing softly, a serene smile playing on her lips, she noticed a little something different.

A glinting flash caught the cat's eye as the golden sun danced over the sleeping girl. She padded gently up to Serina's hand, her cat's curiosity piqued, and noticed a ring that had not been there when she'd fallen asleep last night but was now encircling Serina's left ring finger. It was beautiful, two bands, one as gold as the sunrise and the other as silver as the moonlight, braided together into one ring, engraved with etchings of roses, with a single white diamond and two tiny buds of rose-red rubies beside it embraced within a crescent moon of tiny diamond chips. It was absolutely breathtaking. Luna gasped at the sight of it; she knew no one had given it to Serina yesterday at her party, almost no one there could actually afford it! So where did she get it?

Luna stared at the ring, then at her mistress, the moon princess, Sailor Moon, the young, fifteen-year-old Serina Tsukino, now lost in such wonderful dreams that her conscience wouldn't let her wake her up yet. 'But once that sleepy head blinks, I've got some questions she's not going to leave this bed without answering!' Had something happened to her young charge? Had the long-awaited moment finally occurred and the princess's guardian wasn't there! 'Queen Serenity would be so proud! Oh, Serina, you should have told me immediately!'

The ruffled cat scrunched her face in delight and dismay as she kneaded the blanket preparing for sleep once more. Luna huffed once more. Serina should have told her when this happened.

Serina just kept smiling, lost in her dreams that only repeated every moment of last night.