Konnichiwa minna-san!!! Gomen I couldn’t have ‘A Morning Coincidence’ out again!! It’s kind of been put to the back temporarily until I feel the inspiration to write again. I wasn’t all too happy with the last chapter of it so I’m not going to ruin the rest of my story....anyhoo. Arigato’s go out to my (get this) FOUR imouto’s! ::gigglez:: Usako3000, Neo Queen Serenity, Eternal Angel, Daine.....and my Twin Sister Melissa!! I have missed you!!!!!!!!! *HUGZ* ::cough:: also to Jadet-chan, Alicia Blade, Tif, Julia KluelessVT and many more! (gomen if I left you out) Suki da yo to all you guys and my all too fab editor and nii-chan DW....hehe....HHmmm...I’m forgetting something aren’t I??? oh yea..that. Sailor Moon doesn’t belong to me ::sigh:: now that that’s over with, enjoy the story!! Oh wait!! I almost for got two things....this takes place during the nightmares and Rini plays a small roll....and last but not least this story is DEDICATED to TWO people....My Twin Sister Violet Ice and Scutter!! (They both write awesome fics minna so check them out....) wow...I think this is the longest AN’s I’ve ever done! lol....oh, on to the story. Brighter Tomorrow...New beginnings By: Twilight Edited by: DW Serena ran home hastily through the pouring rain screaming each time she heard the thunder or saw the lightning overhead. Slamming her front door shut she fell to the ground exhausted and relieved to be out of the horrible weather. Taking off her soggy shoes she trudged up stairs to change into more comfortable and dry clothes before she ended up getting sick. Sliding on a pair of snug jeans and a light pink sweater she gently undid her meatballs and let it fall gracefully down her back to the floor. Picking up a brush from her vanity she quietly brushed through her long silky hair while sitting in front of her small mirror. “Serena! Why are you still here?” Luna suddenly remarked breaking the silence. “What are you talking about Luna?” Pulling her hair into a tight bun Serena calmly stood and walked out of her room, “We didn’t have a scout meeting today.” She stated matter of factly walking down the stairs. Quickly running after her charge Luna stopped on one of the steps in front of her, surprising and annoying Serena. “Rini’s not home yet from her swimming class and you need to get her!” “What? Can’t mom do it? Besides I HATE storms Luna.” Stepping past the bothersome cat she walked idly into the kitchen, “Mom! Are you here?” Sighing frustrated Luna marched angrily behind her , “Serena!!” she yelled exasperated, “your mom said she would be home late because she went to visit a friend. Now hurry up! I don’t like the idea of Rini being alone.” Brining her hand up to her ears she walked back upstairs to her room, “Okay okay Luna!! Just quit nagging me!” She hated to admit it but she didn’t like the idea of Rini being by herself either. Suddenly thunder roared loudly all around her making her jump in freight. Groaning she grabbed her umbrella and Rini’s small rain coat and angrily stalked out the door mumbling some choice words under her breath. Once again she was running through the rain, but this time she at least had an umbrella. Each time she saw lighting flash she would cower in fear as her heart rate sped up. “I just want to be at home snuggled in my warm be--AHHH” Not paying attention to where she was going she failed to notice the small puddle in front of her and fell to the hard pavement, “ooohhhh.. that hurt!!” She whined to herself slowly standing, rubbing her soon to be bruised butt. The tiny rain drops continued to fall haphazardly to the ground uncaring. Angrily she searched around for her umbrella wanting to have ‘something’ to protect her from the storm. Moaning distraughtly she realized as soon as she let go of it the wind carried it away, far away from her. ‘This is just not my day!’. Whimpering again from the crackling lightning she treaded through the rain, still holding Rini’s coat. The chilly wind blew across her body lifting her thick bangs and chilling her already cold body. The gray clouds seemed to continue forever and the thunder didn’t appear to let up anytime soon. Wanting desperately to get out of the freezing rain she rain blindly in the direction of Rini’s school. Tiny sobs escaping from her throat as hot tears ran down her face mingling with the drizzling rain. Taking a corner too fast she slammed into someone and fell back to the wet ground. Squeezing her eyes shut she placed a hand over her mouth trying to surpress the sob threatening to come. ‘I want to go home!!’ She mentally screamed. Finally the person she had bumped into spoke up. “Serena?” Lifting her swollen eyes she looked upon the familiar figure of her Darien. So happy to see him she almost launched herself into his arms letting her emotions take over but instead remained on the wet ground. They weren’t together anymore, they were through......so he kept reminding her and she didn’t want to be brushed off now when she really needed him. Breathing in deeply she let out a shaky breath trying to calm down. ‘It would be luck I run into him now’ she thought a little bitterly. She wanted so much to run into his arms and bury herself in his comforting warmth and forget about this horrible storm. “Serena?” Darien asked again. This time more persistent. Serena remained sitting on the ground unmoving. She didn’t pay any heed to the rain still falling upon her as it continued to soak her already wet form. She wanted desperately to get up and run away from the one man who could ever cause her pain, but she couldn’t. She was too afraid. She continued to stare at him, surprised he hadn’t said anything to her yet. He just stood there, staring back. The loud roaring of thunder made her yelp in surprise as she looked to the ground. Jumping startled from the crackling thunder he looked back down to the young girl before him. He knew he should have already left, but how could he leave when she looked like that? So afraid, alone, wet and cold. Almost on cue his dream/nightmare flashed briefly in his head. Her blue eyes staring sorrowfully at his as she cried out to him again and again before the ground exploded beneath her, engulfing her. The sound of her whimpered cries brought him back from his trance as he shook his head. ‘I can’t leave her. Forget that stupid dream. I can’t stand hurting her anymore.’ Darien silently concluded walking towards her. Placing her huddled form under his umbrella he knelt in front of her taking off his jacket. Taking notice she was no longer being drenched by the droplets of rain she looked up curiously. Darien was knelt before her wrapping her trembling form with his large green coat. Warming her he gently started to rub her arms while balancing the umbrella between his shoulder and arm. His eyes were bright with concern and worry as he smiled thoughtfully at her, making her blush. “You okay Serena” Darien quietly asked leaning closer to her. Feeling she had not the voice to speak she numbly nodded her head looking at him shocked. She had almost forgotten how caring and sweet he could be. All those weeks of him being cold towards here were beginning to take it’s toll, but now....... “Good. Let me help you up.” Taking hold of her small frozen hands in his warm ones he easily lifted her with little difficulty. Surprisingly he didn’t release both her hands but instead entwined their fingers tightly together before bringing it up to his mouth to gently kiss the back of her hand. Looking down embarrassed, she blushed as he smiled charmingly at her. Placing a firm finger under her chin he tilted her face back up to him and kissed her forehead tenderly. Darien was determined to make up for all the weeks of pain he had caused her. “Dar....Darien?” Serena tentivly whispered. She didn’t exactly know what she was asking but apparently he did. “Later,” he replied warmly, “Where were you headed to Serena? Your house is in the other direction.” He stated wrapping an arm around her small waist and pulling her close. Instinctively she wrapped her free arm around his waist enjoying his closeness and warmth. “I have to pick up Rini from her swimming class at school.” Serena answered a little lazily, the storm temporarily forgotten. Together, the two walked wordlessly down the deserted streets relishing in the others company, happy to be together. Leaning a bit more heavily on him she suddenly realized how tired she was. Burying herself deeper into his embrace she inhaled his familiar scent. Kind of like rose and.....she couldn’t describe it but, ‘him’. Darien looked down to Serena and smiled happily at her. Seeing she was weary he quickly swooped down in one fluid motion and cradled her in his arms. Shocked she snapped her eyes open and looked up to him blushing. Taking the umbrella from his hand she gracefully slide her arms around his neck and hugged him close. “I missed you.” Serena softly whispered, staring lovingly into his ocean blue eyes. Leaning down, Darien lightly brushed her lips against his, tenderly kissing her, “I missed you too.” he responded after pulling back. Man, he REALLY missed her. Smiling brightly Serena quickly kissed him one last time before settling more comfortably in his strong arms. ‘It’s funny,’ she pondered, ‘...how he can always make everything better.’ Closing her eyes she rested her head against the crook of his neck loving every moment they were together. He was the only one who could make her melt like puddy just from one look and he was the one who would ever truly have her heart. Darien smiled as he felt Serena snuggle deeper into his embrace. Bringing his head down he buried his face in her silky blond hair, inhaling deeply. The smell of her flowered shampoo was crazily tantalizing his senses. The storm continued to growl with fury as if trying to break the couple from their entranced state, only to fail. With Serena so near to him, Darien felt like he was walking through a warm spring day and not such harsh weather. Seeing Rini’s school coming into view he gently nudged her sleeping form. “Serena....hey baby you gotta get up. Where’s almost there.” He gently cooed whispering in her ear. Serena mearly moaned and buried herself more deeply into his arms, like she couldn’t get enough. Smiling lovingly he gently kissed her fully on the lips hoping it would wake her. Darien nearly chuckled as he felt her respond almost instantly. Her small, soft hand tenderly caressed his face making shivers run up and down his spine. After a few moments of drowning himself in her he pulled away, looking at her glazed expression staring up at him. She looked so adorable like that. Carefully he set her down but kept his arm wrapped around her waist, not wanting to lose any connection with her just yet. As her feet touched the ground lighting flashed brilliantly overhead followed by another loud crash of thunder making Serena scream. “OH!!! I HATE STORMS!!” She whined to herself but all her wailing stopped when she heard the faint cry of a little girl. Looking up she could see Rini sitting at the front of her school building holding her Luna ball close as she wepped. “Mommy....daddy....” Her muffled voice cried out over the rain. Serena’s eyes watered for the little girl who missed her parents so much. Stepping out of Darien’s arms she slowly began to walk towards her holding up a fisted hand in front of her chest in sympathy. She didn’t care about the rain anymore as it once again started to beat on her. Her thoughts were concerned with the little pink haired girl crying sadly out for her parents. “Hey Rini.....it’s alright,” Serena whispered placing a gently hand on her shoulder. “Would you like to go home now?” her voice rich with sincerity. Rini snapped her head up to look at Serena defiantly trying to cover up her blush of embarrassment. She hated to show her emotions to anyone, but with Serena it wasn’t so bad. Although she would never admit it to anyone. Not feeling she had the strength to argue she launched herself into Serena’s arms wanting to forget about her worries. Surprised at first Serena stood there but then lightly wrapped her arms around the sobbing child trying to console her. Rocking her back and forth she whispered comforting words into her pink hair. Darien stood back watching in fascination. It was like a mother and daughter moment. He suddenly felt very proud as he continued to stare, a feeling he didn’t quite understand. Together the trio made their way to Darien’s apartment since it was closer then Serena’s house. Holding Rini up with one arm as she snoozed on his shoulder (hhmm....if it’s not one, it’s the other :P) he loosely held onto to Serena’s hand with the other while she held the umbrella. The storm continued to fiercely clamor but in didn’t affect her like it usually does. Turning to look up at Darien she smiled, ‘It’s because he’s here with me.’ Quietly Darien unlocked his apartment door holding it open for Serena. Switching on some lights he padded over to his bedroom and gently lay the sleeping Rini down, covering her frail body with the sheets. Kissing her forehead lightly he silently turned around and closed the door half way, letting light poor into the room from the hallway. Darien walked back out to his den to see the lights turned off. Looking around the darkness he searched for Serena worriedly, afraid she might have left. Then, lightning blazed across the sky making the night seem to light up like day before it dwindled back to darkness. With the brief flash of lightning he found Serena standing by his balcony doors, staring out into the sleeping city. Rain fell hard against the clear glass making small rivers as the flowed smoothly down to the ground. She had let her hair loose allowing it to cascade down her slim body in a golden waterfall. She had one arm stretched out to the sliding glass doors letting it rest firmly against the smooth surface and her other arm laying flat at her side, dangling. She appeared to be in deep thought as she stared unfocused into the night. “Serena?” Darien whispered from across the room. Turning around slightly she let her arm fall from the door as she smiled warmly at him. Compared to the bellowing storm, she was the most serene, innocent and beautiful thing he had ever seen. Slowly he walked towards her his blue eyes shining happily. Smoothly he slid his arms around her waist from behind and pulled her back so she was leaning against him. Bringing her arms up she placed them on top of his, entwining their fingers by her stomach. Sighing happily she continued to stare out to the storm as Darien lay his head on top of hears lightly. For what seemed like hours they stood there as the lightning shimmered illuminating their bodies ethereally. Suddenly Serena started to lightly shiver for she was still clamped in her cold soaked clothes. Darien kissed her cheek tenderly before quickly removing his arms and retreating into the bedroom, emerging with a sweater and boxers. Smiling gratefully she padded over to him and quietly took the clothes from his stretched hands. Turning to walk down the hall she stopped short when she felt Darien reach out for her hand. Looking back confused, she giggled when all he wanted was another kiss. Walking away she held on to his hand for as long as she could before gracefully dropping it to her side and entering the restroom. Darien smiled to himself as he watched his love quietly click the door shut. Strolling back to the still dark den he seated himself on the couch and watched the storm, amazed at it’s strength. Serena stood looking at herself in the mirror smiling shyly. She was clothed in a large snug blue sweater and flannel boxers. Bringing her arms up she hugged herself inhaling deeply the scent of Darien. ‘I feel like his arms are wrapped around me!’ She chided smiling to herself. But she was confused about his sudden change of behavior, not that she didn’t love the way he was now. But she couldn’t help wondering why he was so cold to her for so many weeks. Bringing a hand to turn the door knob she looked at it as if thinking, ‘Should I ask him why now?’ Feeling she had the right to know she quietly turned the knob and walked back out to the den. Darien waited patiently for Serena to return. Glancing at a clock he saw it was only 5:00, still early. Stiffening a little as he heard the opening of the door he tried to relax. He knew she would want an explanation for his change or heart. Smiling when he saw her he motioned for her to have a seat next to him, softly patting the spot beside him. Easily sliding to the couch they wrapped their arms around one another molding their bodies. Resting her head on his shoulder he lay his atop hers closing their eyes as they listened to the gentle pitter patter of rain. Darien opened his eyes a short while later (well, so he thought) and glanced to the clock again. ‘8:30!! Her parents are going to be worried sick about her!’ Glancing down he realized they were now laying comfortably together instead of sitting Shrugging his shoulders he kissed the top of her head before gently removing his arms from around her and carefully got up. Walking over to the phone he made a brief phone call to Raye asking for her to call Serena’s parents saying she would be staying the night there. Agreeing, but wanting an explanation later they hung up before continuing what they were doing. Turning around to walk to his room he went to check on Rini. Opening the door slightly he peaked in to see her still sleeping peacefully, a smile forming on her little lips. ‘She must be having a happy dream.’ Quietly he entered grabbing him some clothes to change into before stepping back out into the hallway closing the door but leaving it cracked open in case something happened. Smiling to himself he headed for the restroom to change. Serena slowly opened her eyes and realized Darien wasn’t beside her anymore. Sitting up slowly she looked around the room for him but then saw the restroom light click on. When she first woke she thought she had been dreaming the whole thing, but to her utter happiness she wasn’t. She was really with him again! The soft rumble of thunder rolled across the sky somehow relaxing her and reminding her it was still raining. It didn’t ease up at all, it still continued to poor. Pulling herself from the soft sofa she humbly made her way to Darien’s room wanting to check on Rini. Slipping through the cracked door she noiselessly tip toed to the bed and sat beside her. Stroking her soft pink hair with her fingers she easily undid the ‘meatballs’ (would I still call them that?) and let it fall around her. Leaning down to kiss her forehead delicately she smiled and watched her slumber for a moment before standing. Turning towards the door she was surprised to see Darien standing there. Arms crossed in front of him as he leaned against the wall. “Hey.....” He whispered, smiling. “Hey....” Blushing she walked over to him as he grabbed her hand in his. Walking back into the den they sat back down on the couch, Serena in his lap. Wrapping an arm around her waist he continued to hold her other hand as she rested comfortably against him. “I guess your wondering why I was so cold to you before ne?” Darien started a little awkwardly. “Yea....that would be nice.” Smiling a little shyly he nodded his head and took a deep breath. “Well....where to begin? Okay, the reason why I avoided you for all those weeks and treated you badly was because of a dream. Wait, don’t interrupt me. Let me finish.” Kissing her surprised lips he continued a bit more easily, “At first I tried to ignore them, but they kept telling me if I didn’t stay away from you, you would die. I thought it was silly at first, but they just kept repeating over and over again always warning me to stay away........Then one night after waking up from it I picked up a picture of us....and the glass cracked. What else was I to do? I love you so much I would risk anything to keep you safe. It was always so hard on me, having to act like I didn’t love you when all I wanted to do was hold you in my arms forever. To feel your sweet body pressed against mine. But then tonight, when we bumped into each other, the walls broke. I couldn’t take it anymore. I wanted to be with you so much it hurt and so here I am......with you, like it should be.” Breaking his eyes from his reverie he looked down to Serena timorous. Serena didn’t know what to say? She never expected for him to say something like this. And to think, all this time she thought it was because he no longer loved her. But how wrong she was, and she was glad. Everything was finally going the way it was suppose to be. Him and her together, forever. Her sapphire eyes started to fill with tears of understanding and hope as she briefly nodded “Oh Darien!! I love you so much!” Throwing her arms around his neck she cried happily holding him tightly. “I love you too Serena. Always” He answered, wrapping his arms around her petite body, never wanting to let go. “Serena? Darien?” Releasing each other the two looked to the hallway to see Rini standing there rubbing her sleepy ruby eyes. “What are you guys doing?” “Oh nothing. Would you like to watch a movie with us?” Darien suggested standing and walking over to the television. He laughed as she nodded her head vigorously and skipped to the couch to sit beside Serena. “How are you feeling now Rini?” Serena asked thoughtfully, smiling down at the little girl. Surprisingly Rini was actually being NICE and not the spoiled brat she usually was! (hehe) “I’m feeling much better!” She happily chirped, smiling brightly. Walking back over to the couch Darien seated himself beside Serena wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Rini moved from her spot beside Serena and sat on her lap, making herself cozy. Flipping through the channels he stopped on something that looked pretty decent and set the remote down. He never really paid attention to what was going on in the movie because he was too caught up in the girls beside him. Being with them made him feel like he actually had a family. His heart wanted to burst with the thought, ‘Someday....someday we’ll have a family’ Pulling Serena towards him he lovingly kissed the side of her head surprising her. Looking to him she smiled shyly drowning in his ocean blue eyes. Rini felt Serena move slightly beneath her and subtlety turned her head to see why. She watched as Darien tenderly kissed her head making her blush. For some reason seeing them happy and together made her feel like the happiest person alive. Whenever she was with them she always felt so warm and safe unlike anyone else she knew. ‘They remind me of mommy and daddy’ She thought a little sadly. She missed them terribly. But just being around Darien and Serena made her feel better, almost as if she were really with her parents. Turning to watch the movie she soon felt herself drifting off again. Closing her eyes she leaned heavily against Serena and fell asleep, snoring lightly. Looking down at the little girl nestled in her lap Serena smiled kissing her head. Gently standing she carefully picked Rini up and carried her into Darien’s room cautious not to wake her. Setting her down on the soft bed she gingerly covered her after making sure she was comfy. Leaning down she kissed her forehead again before retreating back into the den. Slowly she pulled the door shut, still leaving it somewhat open. Walking back over to the couch her and Darien lay down and continued to watch the movie. His arms wrapped possessively around her waist, making her feel all warm inside. Soon they too fell asleep, snoozing contentedly in each others arms. The rain never let up and the thunder continued to rumble but it could not break the love radiating from them.................. Serena groggily opened her eyes shielding them from the bright sun. Looking above her she watched as Darien slept turning around to face him. He looked so handsome. Brining a hand up she delicately traced the contours of his face feeling his soft skin beneath her small fingers. Leaning forward she quickly kissed him on the lips waking him from his slumber. Fluttering his eyes he smiled down at her and stretched. The birds chirped loudly singing their approval of the beautiful as the sun glimmered high above. The sound of children could already be heard from the outside as they screamed and played games. Still staring at her love she smiled beautifully to him. It was a new beginning for both of them...... The End!!! So....what do you guys think? Pretty sappy huh? Gomen.....email me and tell me your comments PLEASE!!!! SmTwilight@aol.com.....oh, and check out my fic site at http://ficmaze.cjb.net and Neo Queen Serenity’s http://crystaltokyo.cjb.net she writes great!!! Arigato to everyone who took the time to read it, I hope you enjoyed some.....