Oh Boy... By Bunny Standard disclaimers apply! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- My name is Darien Chiba. I'm 18 years old and I lead one hell of a life. Whew! Now, you'd think that being a college freshman isn't that tough, right? Well, you're right. That's a breeze. No, I'm talk- ing about much bigger things...*much* bigger things... It was a gorgeous day. Of course, everyday was gorgeous, but today seemed brighter than usual. No, nothing special happened, I just happen to feel...feel...happy. Hey! That's not funny! Hell has *NOT* frozen over!!! I just feel good for once. Like the world isn't such a dark and dreary place. I was on my way down to crown arcade smiling. Yes, I was actually smiling. It felt great having the sun beating down my back, and the birds chirping in the background. It was just past six in the morning, and I was on my way to see my best friend, and to grab a cup of coffee before I happen to "accidently" run into a little meat-balled friend of mine. I walked into the arcade beaming. Andrew was behind the counter reading the paper. He glanced over the top of it to look at me. He smiled back at me, and looked puzzled at my bright expression. "Good morning Dare! What's with you today? You look like you just won the lottery." Andrew kidded with me. "Nothing, Andrew. I'm just in a good mood. That's all. Nothing wrong with that, right? Can you grab me my usual please?" "I suppose you're right. It's just so not-like you. That's all. Hang on, I'll be right back with your coffee." I nodded, and grabbed the folded-over paper he was reading to see what was going on in the world. Hm...nothing new. Stocks, theft, trade, world treaty meetings, political peace agreements. The usual. I was glancing at the paper when Andrew returned, setting a cup of black coffee in front of me. I nodded my thanks. "Hey, stealing my paper is the thanks I get for bringing you coffee?" Andrew asked, faking hurt. "Oops, sorry bud, I didn't mean to swipe your paper. I just haven't had a chance to glance at it yet. Looks like the same-ole same-ole." I said, handing back his paper. "Yah, pretty much," He responded, "there was another youma attack last night, but the scouts and Tuxedo Mask took care of it." He said, making conversation. Without another thought I responded, "Yah, I know. It was an ugly one." Hehe...oops...um...not that I would know or anything.... Andrew looked up from his paper confused. "How did you know that? I thought you said you haven't looked at the paper yet." *Sweatdrops* "I um didn't. I heard it on the news this morning when I turned my radio on." Good one, Chiba. You sounded like a real fool there. Well, at least it satisfied him, because he nodded and turned back to the paper. "Yah, it looks like Sailor Moon got some action last night." He noted slyly. "Um, what do you mean? Doesn't she always when there's a youma attack?" I asked, puzzled. What is he getting at? Andrew folded the paper around so that the front page was visible. My mouth fell open in pure shock. I grabbed the paper out of his hand and gapped at it. There on the front cover, locked in a heated embrace, was me...er...Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon. Damn! When did that camera man get there! I thought we were alone! I started freaking out. "Woah! Bud! Take it easy there!" Andrew said, trying to calm me down. He was kind of scared by my reaction to the front page. "It's not like she's your girl anyways. She's a super hero." Andrew said, patting my back. "Andrew, that's not it. I'm just...surprised. that's all. I didn't expect such hentai behavior from our city's behavior. And right out in public too!" Oh boy oh boy oh boy. I don't quite know what to make of this situation. "What do you mean? I think it's great. They're obviously totally stuck on each other. I mean look at them," Andrew said motioning to the picture of me and Sailor Moon fighting a tongue war, "How many people do you see kiss like that if they aren't in love. They must have some sort of superhero relationship! Oh wow! That is soooo cool! I wonder who they are!" Andrew started babbling on about those two...me and her...them... ARGH!!! I need to get out of here. I need a breath of fresh air. I snagged the paper that Andrew had reclaimed and ran out the door. Before I was totally out, I shouted back at him, "Sorry Andrew, gotta run! I promise to bring you another paper!" I waved back at him, while he just sat in total awe about my actions. I bolded from crown arcade at lightning speeds. Man! I'm starting to act like Serena! Where am I even going? Here I am, running like a bat out of hell, with no where to go. I wasn't really watching where I was going because I had my eyes plastered to that *thing*. That picture. That... that...*sigh*. My mind was a jumble of emotions. I didn't know what to think, to do, or anything. I just kept on running...until... *CRASH* With a force as strong as Zeus, I was thrown back onto the sidewalk. Somewhere in the distance I heard the sound of laughter, but let me tell you, I wasn't hearing much except the birds flying around my head. I tried to grasp onto the reality that was slowly slipping away, but couldn't fight the darkness that ensued me. I'm not too sure what happened. All I know is that the dreaded darkness started fading away and exotic warmth washed over me. I wasn't sure how long I was out, but I know darn well it must have been a while because when I started waking up, I could feel my stomach growling. I was afraid to open my eyes for fear that the intense warmth wrapped around me would go away. I wasn't sure what it was, but I liked it, and somehow, in the corner of my mind, it felt familiar. Nah, I'm just delusional from whatever happened to me. Hey, what did happen to me anyway? *sigh* I suppose the only way I'll ever find out is if I open my eyes. Reluctantly, my eyes fluttered open. I was having trouble adjusting to the light at first, but soon came to. My hand flew to my forehead in reaction to the pain resounding in my head. I groaned a bit, as if I was waking up in the morning...however this was far from morning. I still couldn't see clearly, but I could hear worried voices talking in the back- ground. I gave up, and let sleep take over my weary body. "Hey! I think he's coming to!" That sounded like Andrew...but why would Andrew be here. Wait...I don't even know where 'here' is. "I hope he'll be alright. I'm so worried." That sounded like a female voice. It was eerily familiar...like Sailor Moon's soft velvety voice. Ah. Her scent is still fresh in my mind. Along with her voice, her touch, her taste. A smile spread across my lips. "Sailor Moon? Is that you?" What a sweet dream I'm having. "Darien? What are you talking about?" The sweet voice questioned. "Huh?" I asked drearily, in my dream state. "How did you know I was Tuxedo Mask?" My sweet angel. She's a smart one that Sailor Moon! I'm not surprised she figured it out. I'm afraid to wake up. What a nice dream I'm having. "You're Tuxedo Mask, Darien?" Andrew asked shocked. Huh? How did Andrew get into my dream? "Of course silly! It's my duty to protect the beautiful sailor suited soldier Sailor Moon." I could feel myself grinning. "Ah...*dreamy sigh* Sailor moon, what a fox. What I wouldn't give for another chance like last night. She's a fabulous kisser." Yes, the sweet memory of holding her in my arms and our tongues dancing. *SMACK* What the hell was that? I woke up with a jump. My eyes whipped open to take in my surroundings. I was in the back room of crown arcade with Serena and Andrew. "Huh? How did I get here?" I asked groggily. Man! Such a sweet dream to be so rudely awakened! "What hit me?" My face darted from Serena to Andrew, and from Andrew to Serena. Serena just sat there with an innocent smile on her face while Andrew looked completely shocked. "Well?" I repeated. "Is someone going to answer me?" "You must have been running pretty hard to have knocked yourself out like that." "You ran into a lamp post. I happened to be near by, saw what happened, and ran to get Andrew to carry you to the arcade." Serena nswered quietly. "Yah, you must have hit it pretty hard, you've been out like a light for four hours. Serena and I have been worried sick. Are you okay now?" Andrew asked with concern. I struggled to sit up, and found where I was sitting. I was wrapped in Serena's arms, laying across her lap. Bingo. Watson my friend, I believe I have found the sight of the warmth. She recoiled her arms when she noticed me trying to sit up. I looked up at her face and saw it redden slightly. Well, I suppose it's not every day your in the arms of your supposed arch enemy. Still, she really is beautiful. She reminds me of someone I once saw in a dream. I couldn't help but smile when I looked into her eyes. She looked at me in curiosity, as if she just realized something, but of what I'm not sure of. We gazed into each other's eyes until I felt a pang of pain in my back and grimaced, breaking our intense gaze. "You don't seem to be hurt too bad, but I'd take it easy for a few days. How on earth did you run into a lamppost anyway? That is so unlike you." Andrew questioned. Well, I was so distracted by the thought of Sailor Moon and I making out, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. "I was distracted, and didn't see it in front of me." Well, not a total lie, just not the whole story. Andrew nodded. Serena just sat. Sat and stared. "Serena? What's wrong?" I asked her. She shook her head as if snapping out of her thoughts and looked at me. "Huh?" she asked. "Are you ok? You seem distracted." I looked at her with concern. Andrew kneeled down next to her and placed his hand on her forehead. She brushed it off. "No, I'm fine. I've just got a lot on my mind." Serena smiled weakly. She's got something bothering her. I know it. I wish she could tell me what it was, but then again, I suppose this is what I get for being so mean to her. It's strange really. Here I've been so mean to her, and she risked getting in trouble at school to help me. Why did she do that? "Thank you Serena. For everything. It means a lot to me. I hope you know that. I really appreciate it." I smiled at her and she returned the gesture. "So did you two skip school for me?" The two nodded. "Then why don't I treat you to lunch as a thank you. It must be getting close to that time, I'm starving." I offered. "You don't have to do that, Dare, really. It was nothing." Andrew protested. "No, I insist. Where do you want to go? Serena? Is it ok with you?" Hm...something is definitely wrong with that girl. She didn't even perk up at the mention of food. Yet once again, she looked up at us deep in thought. "Huh? Oh, yah, it's fine. Whatever you two want." She said softly. Andrew and I exchanged glances, but let her be. If she wanted to tell us what was bothering her, she would. "I don't know about you two, but pizza and ice cream are sounding mighty good to me!" Andrew piped. Nothing. nada. Not even a little smile from her. She just stood there, staring off into her own little world. "You know what? Maybe lunch isn't the best idea. I think I'd better go home and lay down. Andrew? Can you take Serena home?" Andrew caught onto my thinking, and nodded. I figured whatever was bothering her, she'd tell Andrew, because she sure as hell wasn't going to tell me. It kinda hurt that she couldn't trust me with her problems, but like I said earlier, I did it to myself. Oh well. Andrew can make her feel better. I turned to walk out, and Andrew made a 'call me' signal with his hand up to his ear. I nodded and walked out into the hot sun, rethinking everything that had happened within the last twenty four hours. Recap It was about 11pm in the evening, and I was lying in my bed thinking about the usual. You know, the princess, Serena, Sailor Moon, the crystal, you know. Anywho, I felt an amazing heat pulsating throughout my body, and I knew Sailor Moon needed me. I quickly transformed and lept of my balcony into the great unknown, letting my heart guide me to where she was. I soon found her at the bay, with her friends fighting a youma. Nothing new. Each of the scouts throw their attacks...yadda yadda yadda...Sailor moon klutzed out...yadda yadda yadda...I jump in throwing a few roses and Sailor Moon dusts the creature. Nothing new. Well, not quite. For some reason, Sailor Moon didn't go home with her friends. She lingered behind, standing at the edge of the dock gazing out upon the quiet ocean. I was curious as to why she didn't go home right away, but once I saw the beauty of the moonlight dancing on top of the waves, I knew she was entranced by it all. Me? I was enthralled by her. I watched her from on top of a nearby building. The way the moon shimmered in her hair made my breath catch. I knew I had to have her. I leapt from my perch and jumped down next to her. She didn't move. She wasn't even surprised. Um...why wasn't she surprised? Heck, I would have been if a stranger jumped next to me all of a sudden in the middle of the night. "Tuxedo Mask." Was all she said. She didn't turn her head, but continued to gaze out upon the ocean. "Were you expecting me?" I asked. The breeze picked up and she shivered slightly. Noticing this, and being the perfect gentleman I am, I slipped of my cape and placed it on her petite shoulders. Instinct took over, as I wrapped my arms around her small frame. "I could feel you watching me. I just knew you were there. Kinda like you always know where I am, I know where you are too." I was puzzled by her words. This was not the normal Sailor Moon I was used to. No, she seemed wise beyond her years, and at peace with the world around us. Her voice was soft and silky when she spoke. I inhaled her scent. It was haunting my nose, sending tingles down my spine. "So tell me, is there a reason you are here?" She asked. For the first time, she broke her gaze from the ocean and turned around to look at me. I gazed into her eyes deeply. I could tell she was trying to see through the mask. Oh how I wish I could take it off, but now isn't the right time. She was waiting for an answer, when I realized that I wasn't even thinking of one. I was too busy watching her. "You are." I said simply, and leaned down to kiss her. Yep. I lost it. There was some major tonsil hockey going on. My mind flooded, as I let my body take over. She responded equally as much, and mumbled something. I couldn't pick up what she said, but let's just say that I wasn't listening too much. We got lost in each other, and finally reluctantly stopped so we could breathe again. We just stood there looking at each other in each other's embrace. "You know this isn't right." She said softly. She has the clearest blue eyes I've ever seen. Yes, she's right, but I don't care right now. "Yes, but I have what I want. What I've always wanted. Until we meet again, my fair princess." I pulled away from her slowly, and walked away. It was hard to do it. In fact, I don't think I've ever had to do anything harder than leave the most beautiful woman alone on the dock, but I couldn't stay. I was afraid that if I did, I would lose control completely. Right now I had to focus on the situation at hand, and regain my senses. I stayed a moment longer, just enough to see that she left safely. When she did, I raced home, looking forward to the comfort of my bed so I could rationalize what had just happened between us. That night in bed I replayed what had happened in my mind a million times over. Her kisses were like chocolate...ne taste isn't enough. I knew that I would have to have her again. I needed to feel her next to me. She completed me. Now, I suppose I should be thinking about the other two women in my life right now, but I wasn't capable of thinking of much else. Thoughts of Sailor Moon plagued my mind. The next day I woke up in a great moon. Heck! Who wouldn't? But when I saw the front page of the newspaper...I...I...I didn't know what to do. Would she see this? What would she think? What about the other scouts? Oh boy. What have I gotten myself into? All I knew was that I needed some air. Poor Andrew, I probably freaked him out taking off like that, but he wouldn't believe me even if I told him. I started to run, feeling drawn to a certain location. I wasn't really looking where I was going, so that must have been when I hit the lamppost. Um...let's just say that that wasn't one of my brighter moves. It was downright embarrassing, but what could I say? I was just thankful Serena found me and saved me. Ah. Serena. What an angel. I wish I knew what was troubling her today. That's why I left her with Andrew. I knew she'd tell him, and he'd make it better. I know I should be nicer to her, but I just don't know how. I'm not even too sure what I think of her. She's a nice girl, but it would never work. And it would with Sailor Moon? My mind argued. No, well, I don't know. All I know is that Serena just thinks I'm some college jerk with no life. She's only partly true. If she only knew my secrets. It'd blow her mind. Interlude "Oh my god Andrew!! I just don't know what to do!" Serena cried after Darien walked out of the door. Ok. What's going on here. First my best friend says he's Tuxedo Mask in a dream, and now my little sister is wigging out and not excited over food. Something is seriously wrong here. I pick her up off the floor where she is sitting and lift her onto the counter. Serena lifted her head slowly and looked at me. Tears streaked her face. My heart practically broke when I saw her. "I'll tell you what. Why don't I fix you a chocolate shake, and you can tell me all about it. Does that sound ok with you?" "Yes, but I'm not sure if I can tell you my problem." "Huh? Why? You know you can trust me!" I'm kinda hurt here! Why can't she tell me? Is someone preventing her from doing so? It must involve Darien. It has to. "It has to do with Darien, doesn't it." I said as more of a statement then a question. She nodded her head. "Does it have to do with a certain something he said while talking in his sleep??" She nodded again. Well, at least we're getting somewhere here. *sigh* "You don't think he was serious, do you? I mean, come on! Darien? Tuxedo Mask? You've gotta be kidding me!" I faked a laugh. Somehow I knew that he *was*, but wasn't entirely too sure. Maybe she's disappointed that her archenemy is her dream guy. Yah! That's probably it! "And if he is Tuxedo Mask, you're not disappointed that it's Darien, are you?" She gave me one of those 'If you only knew' looks. Ok. Now I'm frustrated. I turned back to focusing on the shake I was making. Serena heaved a deep sigh and started to talk. He voice was shaky, and she chose her words carefully. I have the feeling I'm not going to like what I'm about to hear. "Andrew, you know how you said Darien came in all giddy this morning?" I nodded. "And how he freaked out when he saw the front page of the paper... the one of SM and Tux boy...well...you know." I nodded again. "Then doesn't it make sense that he was giddy? The great Darien Chiba giddy. There's no other reason." "Ok, then what if he is Tuxedo Mask. I still don't understand how you're affected in all this. Is it because you liked Tuxxie, and you hate him?" I don't get this here! Forgive me if it's because I'm a man, but I truly don't see what's going on here. Serena seemed to be getting impatient. Well, that makes two of us honey. Serena started mumbling something to herself. I decided not to turn around. Suddenly she began to speak. Her words were as soft as velvet. I could hear the fear in her voice. "I don't know what to think because I know who Darien was making out with last night. I know who Sailor Moon is." I whipped my head around. My mouth dropped in awe, as I stood there gaping at her. "W...w...wh...who is Sailor Moon? How do you know that?" Oh boy. Why do I have the gut feeling like I know what's coming? "Because *I'm* Sailor Moon." She whispered. Ok. That did it. *CRASH* Thunk. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To be continued in Oh Boy part 2!