Here I go with another story! Hope you like it as much as the first one. I'm making Serena and the others 17 years old, Darien is 18, almost 19. They all go to the same high school. It just works better that way in this story. Thank you so much Jen Wand and Jade for your feedback! You don't know how much I appreciated hearing from two people that I consider to be among the best of the fanfic writers out there! THANK YOU! Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and all its characters are owned by Naoko Takeuchi, and copyrighted by Toei, Bandai and DiC. Did I forget anyone? :) I'd like to thank the Program Exchange for bringing back Sailor Moon. Now, who wants to help me convince my dad to get a satellite dish? *grin* note: single quote marks ('') usually mean thoughts. Resolutions by Sailor Elysia New Year's Eve Raye's temple "Well, what do you guys want to do now?" asked Raye as she carried out more food. "There's still an hour until midnight. And don't say eat, Serena. You've nearly cleaned me out." "Raye, you're so mean!" whined Serena. "Actually, I wasn't even thinking about food until you brought it up." "Okay, Miss Thoughtful, what's so much more important than your stomach?" Raye retorted. "Well, if you must know, I was trying to decide what my New Year's resolution should be. Everyone in my family makes one." "That sounds like a good idea, Serena," Mina said. "I think I'll resolve to meet a cute guy." "Mina, you do that on a weekly basis," Lita said, throwing a pillow at her. "I'm going to resolve to study more," Amy said thoughtfully. Everyone groaned. "Amy, you're already at the top of the class. What more can you do?" Mina asked. "You guys are nuts. Resolutions never work," Raye said disgustedly. "Think what you like, Raye, but don't ruin it for everyone else," Serena shot back. She wasn't about to tell anyone her resolutions, because she knew everyone would laugh at her. She decided she needed to become more responsible in school, and to try not to be such a crybaby anymore. Raye waved her hand in front of Serena's face. "Earth to Meatball Brain! Serena, they're starting the countdown. C'mon!" Serena joined the rest of the girls in front of the television, and they counted down in unison. "5. . . 4. . . 3. . . 2. . . 1. . . Happy New Year!" New Year's Day Serena slammed her hand down in frustration as the screen flashed 'GAME OVER'. She fished in her pocket for more tokens, but grabbed a small piece of paper instead. She unfolded it, read it over, and realized it was her list of resolutions. "Well, I guess if I really want to change, I'd better put this in a place where it can remind me." Serena sighed, and slung her bag onto her shoulder. Amazingly enough, Serena managed not to run into anyone or trip over anything on her way to the bus stop. She was watching for her bus when she realized there was someone else standing near her, apparently waiting for the same bus. 'I don't need this today! Why does he, of all people, have to be here the same time as me?' "Hey Meatball Head. So, are you going to throw anything at me today?" Darien said sarcastically. 'I hate it when he calls me that!' Serena gave Darien one of her best fake smiles as they climbed on the bus. "I hadn't planned on it, Darien. I'm going home so I can get my homework done." She sat down and he took the seat next to her. "Did I hear what I think I just heard? Meatball Head concerned with schoolwork? Now there's a laugh," he said. Something snapped in Serena. "I'm sorry if you don't think I'm capable of doing anything more than tripping over my feet," she spat out. "But I refuse to sit here any take any more of this!" Serena stood up and got off the bus, not caring where she was. She started to walk in the direction she thought her house was, but was stopped by a sudden hand on her shoulder. "Whoa, Meatball Head, slow down." Serena whirled around angrily, knocking Darien's hand away in the process. "And another thing, Darien, I'm sick of being called Meatball Head. Has it ever occurred to you that I might have a name?" Darien fell back a step, startled by her explosion of anger. "I-I'm sorry, Serena. I didn't know you hated it so much." "Well, I do." She started to walk off again. "Hey, Mea- I mean Serena, can I walk with you?" Serena turned around slowly, not sure what had made Darien change his attitude so quickly. This really surprised her. "I guess so, if you really want to." This time she gave him a genuine smile. Darien quickly caught up with her. "I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to." They continued walking towards Serena's neighborhood. When they got to her house, Serena stopped and turned to face Darien. "Thanks for walking me home. It was nice to have someone to talk to." Darien smiled. "No problem Serena. I had fun too. Maybe I can walk with you again tomorrow?" he asked hopefully. Serena nodded. He waved to her as she went inside. "That was the most interesting day I've ever had," she thought out loud. "Serena, dear, is that you? I didn't expect you home so early," her mother said, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "I have some homework I wanted to get done before dinner. I'll be in my room, okay?" Serena ran up the stairs and held her laughter in until she had shut her door. "Serena, what's so funny?" Luna yawned. "Oh, sorry, Luna. Mom had the most peculiar look on her face when I told her I was going to do my homework." Luna nearly fell off the bed. "You're going to do what?" "Not you too, Luna," Serena moaned. "It's one of my New Year's resolutions. I'm going to be more responsible when it comes to school." "What about the Sailor Scouts, Serena?" Luna asked. "What about them?" Serena replied while pulling books out of her bag. "Are you going to start taking more responsibility as the leader as well?" "One thing at a time, Luna. I'll work on it." "I'm pleased with your change in attitude, Serena," Luna yawned as she dozed off again. "I don't know how Amy does it," Serena muttered. "It takes me five hours just to do homework in one subject." She yawned, changed into her pajamas, and crawled into bed. She made sure her alarm was set before she closed her eyes. "What's the purpose of doing homework if I don't get to class to hand it in?" she said drowsily, and quickly dropped off in to a deep sleep. Friday, a few weeks later Serena ran to the large oak tree where she met Darien every day after school. He sat beneath it, having finished his classes earlier. "Darien, guess what? I got a 83 on my test!" she squealed in delight. Darien stood, and gave her a high-five. "I knew you could do it, Serena. Why don't we go celebrate your victory with a hot fudge sundae?" He laughed as her eyes got wide at the mention of food. "I'll take that as a yes." "Serena, let me see your paper," Darien said as the waitress set a large hot fudge sundae on the table. Serena pulled the paper out of her bag and handed it to him. He let out a low whistle. "Wow, and English is your hardest subject, too. Looks like all your hard work paid off." Darien paused for a moment. "Serena, can I ask you a question?" She smiled. "You just did." Darien pulled a face. "That's not what I meant." "Ask away," she said between bites of ice cream. He cleared his throat. "Up until a few weeks ago, you were a klutzy, whiny girl who hated school. Now, you're holding your head up high, and acing your hardest subjects. What's with the sudden change?" Serena thought for a moment. "I made myself a resolution to start being more responsible and acting like a 17-year-old should." "I see. Can I ask you another question? It's a little more personal." "That's your third question, Darien," Serena teased. He rolled his eyes. "But go ahead, ask your personal question." Darien started fiddling with the sugar packets on the table. Serena placed her hand on his to get his attention, and didn't notice that he blushed a little. "Darien? What's your question? You know you can ask me anything." "Well, I, um, Serena, I was, um, wondering. . . ," he stuttered. Serena grabbed the sugar packets out of his hands. "Patience never was one of my better virtues. Are you going to ask your question or not?" "Sorry," he apologized. Darien looked up into Serena's smiling face. "I wanted to know if you'd like to go to the movies sometime with me." "That's it? That's your personal question?" Serena laughed. "Darien, I'd love to go to the movies with you. When?" Darien smiled slightly. "Whenever you're free to go." Serena grinned. "How about tonight?" He gulped. "Well. . . all right." "Why don't you pick me up at my house. That way you can meet my parents. I know they want to meet you," she said. "Just make sure your father doesn't have his shotgun out," he joked. "Does 6:30 sound okay?" Serena nodded. "I'll be ready." Tsukino home, Friday, 6:30 p.m. Serena was putting the finishing touches on her outfit. After nearly pulling everything from her closet and dresser, she finally decided on a white blouse and her favorite dark pink skirt. The doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Serena yelled. She bounded down the stairs and opened the front door. "Hi, Darien," she said, as she let him in. "Hi, Serena. You look really nice," Darien replied. She blushed. "Thanks." Serena turned to her parents who were standing in the kitchen doorway. "Mom, Dad, this is Darien Chiba, a friend of mine from school. Darien, these are my parents." Darien stuck out his hand. "It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Tsukino, Mr. Tsukino." Serena's mother shook his hand immediately. Her father, however, eyed Darien momentarily, then finally shook his hand. "Just what do you plan to do with my daughter tonight, young man?" "Dad, we're just going to the movies," Serena hissed. Mr. Tsukino grunted. "All right, just be home at a reasonable hour." "Thanks Dad! Bye Mom!" Serena yelled as she dragged Darien out the door. "Sorry about that. My dad is what you might call, 'overprotective.'" Darien glanced back at the house. "You mean, he's always like that?" Serena nodded. "So what movie are we going to see?" "Well, I didn't get a chance to look in the paper before I came. Is there anything you especially want to see?" he asked. She smiled shyly. "Do you think we could go see 'Ever After'? It's one of my favorites." He grinned. "Do you know where it's playing?" "At the theater near the arcade." Darien playfully offered his arm. "Shall we, m'lady?" A million thoughts ran through Serena's mind as they walked to the theater. 'I never thought Darien could or would be this nice to me. I wonder what brought on the change. . . ' Darien paid for the tickets, and they went inside. He stopped at the snack counter and looked down at Serena. "I have a hunch you want something to eat." Serena shrugged. "I think we should just get a large popcorn to share. Is that all right with you?" "That's fine with me, but are you sure it will be enough?" he teased. She pretended to be hurt. "I *can* control my appetite, you know." Darien squeezed her shoulder and gave her a knowing smile. He paid for the popcorn, then they went and found two seats in the theater. Serena leaned over for some popcorn during the previews. "There's nothing better than the classic taste of movie popcorn, don't you think?" Darien smiled. "I wouldn't know, usually it's gone by the time I want some." She slapped him playfully on the shoulder. Serena was enthralled by the movie, even though she had seen it numerous times. Darien couldn't help but watch her, smiling to himself when she leaned closer to him, and even blushing when she clutched his arm during the scary part. They walked slowly back to Serena's house. Occasionally Darien's hand would brush hers. Serena was confused. 'What do I do? Should I take his hand, or would that seem too forward? I know we're pretty good friends, but what if. . .?' "Darien, I had a great time tonight," Serena said when they got to her house. "Maybe we can do this again sometime." He nodded. "Good night," she whispered. She turned to go into her house, but Darien grabbed her wrist before she could. With his other hand, he tilted her chin up, bent down slowly, and gently kissed her on the lips. The kiss was sweeter than anything Serena had even known. Darien slowly broke away and looked deeply into her eyes. "Good night," he whispered softly, smiled again and walked down the sidewalk. Serena was still in a daze as she went inside. She could only nod when her mother asked if she had had a fun night. 'Fun doesn't even *begin* to describe this night.' She barely missed smothering Luna as she flopped onto her bed. Serena continued to stare dreamily into space until she could no longer keep her eyes open. Saturday morning Serena found herself at the park, feeding the ducks around the lake. The memory of last night was still fresh in her mind, and she couldn't get over the fact that Darien had kissed her. She sighed happily, and threw the last of the bread to the ducks. 'I think a walk around the park would do me some good. I need the exercise.' Serena stood, turned around, and found Darien standing there, with a small smile on his face. "Darien. . . hi. I didn't expect to see you here." 'Serena, you dolt! You make it sound like a bad thing to see him!' His smile turned to a look of concern. "I didn't plan to run into you here, if that's what you mean." He motioned to a nearby bench. "But I'm glad I did. I need to talk to you." They both sat down on the bench. "Um, about last night, Serena. . . I didn't mean to act like that," Darien started. Serena blushed. "I know. I liked it, though." "I'm sor-- you what?" Darien stammered. "I didn't expect it, that's for sure, but I enjoyed it." Darien gently took her hands in his, and she didn't pull away. "Darien, I'd like to ask you a personal question now." He nodded. "Anything." "I've noticed a big change in you as well. For as long as I've known you, you've always been cold and distant. But now? I don't know how to describe it, but I like it. What gives?" Darien had a huge grin on his face. "That's an easy one. I made a resolution to become friends with you. I wanted to get to know you better. Did I do a good job?" Serena gave him a smile that nearly melted his heart. "I'd say so." She leaned forward, and kissed him tenderly. She slowly leaned back and saw her feelings mirrored in his eyes. "I think we ought to make resolutions more often, don't you?" she teased. Darien laughed, and pulled her close again. "Maybe it's not the resolutions," he said. "Maybe we just need to learn to listen to our heart's desire." "It aint the mind that calls the shots 'round here, when stronger powers pull two bodies near Nothing on earth can interfere when love is. . . what the heart wants." This story copyright March 1998 Sailor Moon and all its characters are the rightful property of Naoko Takeuchi, Toei Animation, Kodansha Ltd., Bandai. English adaptation is copyright 1995 DiC Corporations.