Title: Learning How to Love Author: BluCrescent Email: BluCrescent@hotmail.com Rated: PG 6/24/99 Disclaimer: I don't own Sailormoon. Author's Note: Ok, so here it is. Part 2 of Learning How to Love. I want to thanks all the people that wrote to me in the past few days. I have gotten the most response from this story than from any others of my works so frankly I'm very happy with it. Well, enjoy the story. Write to me with your comments, suggestions, and flames. Enjoy...... Part 2 Darien has been racking his brain out the whole night, trying to figure out a way to explain to the Serena who Liz is. But that's not the problem the problem is getting Serena to believe. I wouldn't believe myself too if I were Serena. I mean I was holding Lizzie waist and everything but that was only to get the other guys to know that she's off limit. Oh damn it! Why does life have to been so confusing? "Hello may I speak to Mina?" "May I ask who this is and do you have an appointment?" "Just tell her it's Darien and no I don't have an appointment," just please be there Mina. Darien begged silently in his head. "Hold on please let me go tell her," Mina's secretary said nonchalantly. "Sup! Darien what's going on?" Mina asks cheerfully the exact opposite of her secretary. "Hi Mina. I need you to do me a big favor." "Well, that depends, what is it?" Mina asked curiously, especially since Darien hardly ever ask any favor of her or anyone else for that matter. "Well.... well.... I...was hoping that maybe you could help me.... um....I'm trying to....well, what I meant was that I'm trying to explain to this girl who Liz is and I need you to help me out." Darien finally stuttered out. Mina was speechless. Here is Darien asking her to help him straighten things out with a girl. Darien the guy who doesn't date and when he does leave them, complaining they make him bore. The same guy, who doesn't discuss his private life with anyone else, not even his best friend and here he was asking her for advice. Now that was really something. She was definitely honor and further more curious as to whom this girl could be that have Darien hook and ready to reel in. "Ok.... um...Do you mind telling me who the girl is? Maybe I know her and what actually is the problem?" "Mina, I'm trusting you here. So you can't tell anyone else about this ok?" "Fine, fine now tell me who she is!" Mina said impatiently wanting to know who can make Darien act so much unlike his normal self. She's not complaining though. It's nice to see Darien interested in someone for a change from his cold exterior that he present to everyone else. "Her name is Serena Tsukino. You know the co-owner of The Crescent Palace." "Serena! You like Serena? Or should I say love Serena?" Mina said teasingly. "Mina....." Darien growls in a low warning sound, " So are you going to help me or leave me out in the rain?" "Well, maybe I don't know yet. How about we meet for lunch then we'll discuss this, k?" "Mina.... You owe me remember....Andrew?" "Yeah, yeah I know. But like I said meet me for lunch then we'll talk." "But..." "Bye Darien" and those were the last word Darien heard before she hang up on him. Darien shook his head as he hangs up the phone. He was hoping that Mina would be able to help him but all she did was made him more of a wreck then before. I don't get it. Darien thought to himself. She's just a girl. Why do I feel like I have to explain myself to her anyhow. It not like I'm in love with her or anything like that. I just met her a few days ago. Strange how one person could make me think of her all day and night. Not that he didn't enjoy the image of Serena's lip on his but the daydreaming part was getting to far from reality. For all he know she might not ever want to see him again. He knew if he keep on thinking those thoughts about Serena, he was sitting himself up for a fall if she didn't feel the same way. And what feeling are those exactly that you want her to return Darien. He asks himself. I don't know. Even then he didn't know what his feelings for Serena are. Just the compelling feeling of wanting to see her again. But there he goes again thinking about her, forgetting all about the paperwork in front of him. "Dr. Chiba needed in the emergency room. Dr. Chiba needed in the emergency room" the intercom blare out. Darien shook his head to get rid of Serena on his mind and head down the bleak hallway to where he was needed now. "Crescent Palace, how may I help you?" "Serena? Serena is that you?" "Yes, it's me who may I ask is speaking on the other line?" "Oh it's me Mina. We met at the opening of your restaurant? Remember?" "Oh Mina how could I not remember you. So how are you doing?" "Fine actually thank you. Listen I'm throwing together a little barbecue this weekend can you and Lita come?" "Oh we can't Mina. You know how restaurants schedule are. We open on the weekend. I'm sorry." "Hey that's ok. When are y'all free? Because I'm only having this so I can introduce you to some of my friends I just know you guys and them will hit it off." "Well, let me check, k. we're close every Wednesday. How about that?" "Ok. Cool. So I'll just reschedule it till Wednesday. Can you and Lita come then." Mina asks enthusiastically. Serena couldn't refuse. How could she when Mina just tailor the barbecue to Lita's and her free time. "Ok, I can give you my word and I'll ask Lita about it k." "Great! I'll see you then. Bye Serena." "Bye Mina." I wonder who's going to be there. Well, since Mina's a star she'll probably have some movie star there but then again that doesn't sound much like Mina. Probably some of her close friends she already said that. I wonder? Maybe she knows him. Oh my gosh he might be there she realize and her heart seem to speed up somewhat. I'm running ahead of myself again what are the chances of Mina knowing Darien. Oh Serena now is not the time to think of him. He's taken remember. She tried to remind herself even though that wasn't very much help. "My god I have a highly attraction to a taken man!" she mutter to herself in the mist of her own world. "What was that you said Serena?" Lita asked her best friend whom at the moment seem completely daze. "Huh? Oh it's you Lita never mind. Do you remember Mina Aino the girl we met at the opening?" "Yeah! What about her?" "Well, she called and invited us to a barbecue at her place in Wednesday. You want to go?" "Why not! It sounds fun. I'll go if you go." "Then it's settle I guess. We'll go to Mina's house on Wednesday." "Cool. I could use a break from all these," Lita gesture around to the restaurant. "Yep, but for the moment I guess we should get back to work." "Oh Serena. Give it a break. I'm tire and the assistance cooks are doing just fine." "Kay, how about we grab something to eat. I'm hungry." "You read my thoughts exactly. Race ya to the kitchen." Lita said and speed off to the kitchen laughing and leaving Serena staring behind at her. "Hey that's not fair!" Serena yelled running after Lita when realizing that Lita just trick her. A dark hair, young man sat stirring his drink gently. He's in the mist of a small street side diner, very much like the ones lining the streets of Paris. Only this isn't in Paris but Tokyo. Iron grapevines and leaves are fashion into the chairs and table. The diner seem out of place sitting beside all the stores with Japanese written all over them but this is one of Darien's favorite place to get a cup of coffee. They serve the best coffee in Tokyo and Darien made his tracks there everyday for a cup. Right now however the coffee is forgotten in his hand. His mind is occupied with much more important matters right now. For example what is Serena doing right now and exactly when is Mina going to show up for lunch? She said to meet her at noon, well, now it's pass noon and she's not here. In fact it's 12:01 and she's still not here. "Hi ya Darien," Mina said flopping down to chair next to Darien. "Well, it's about time. I've been waiting for you a long time now." "What are you talking about? I said to meet me here at noon didn't I?" "Yeah but now it's 12," Darien look at his watch to check the time, " 12:02. Yep it's 12:02" Realizing the stupidity of his words Darien turn bright red and a sweat drop appear on his head. "Oh.... I'm sorry Mina. Got carried away a little bit there." Darien said apologetically. "Uh huh. It's no problem Darien. I mean it's just funny to see you act that way because of a girl. I never thought I'll actually get to see the cool and confidant Darien so work up." "Mina....please," Darien said with embarrassment clearly shown on his face. "Ok, ok sorry. I really am," Mina said chuckling. "So, are you going to help me out with Serena?" ask Darien with a pleading look on his face. "Yeah, don't worry about it. Just leave everything to me. I having a get together soon and I want you to bring Liz, k. We'll..."Mina trail off explaining to Darien all the steps of operation trying to get Serena to realize the misunderstanding between her and Darien. "Lita, Serena I'm so glad you two can make," Mina said walking up to the two girls with her arms open ready to envelop the duo in her arms. "We're glad to be here too," Lita said right back to the girl while receiving her in a hug. "Come on, there are some people that I want you to meet," she said dragging the girls into the property curving around the building to a spacious backyard. Flat marble stones laid on top of a pond led to the backyard. Floating on top of the pond are lotus blossoms. The backyard is about two acres of land. Lining the border of yard are cherry blossom trees in their full glory. Their blossoms open to review its fruitful fragrance and pink snow continuously scatter across the heaven. To the right corner of the yard is a very impressive grill with someone already taking it under his skillful hand. Along the left side are stones set in a cascade like foundation and water tinkle down the steps. Sitting beside the cascade are bonsai with different nature scenes sat in them. One has a crane about to set off into the sky and another of an old style countryside house. In the middle of the yard is a huge pool with a mosaic of Aphrodite in the tiles. To the right corner is a white gazebo complete with rose vines growing up around the poles. The rose buds are of a pinkish-orange color and mingle deliciously with the fragrance of the cherry blossoms. In the gazebo sat a group of girls whom happily chattering away and oblivious to the outer world. "Girls, I would like you to meet Serena and Lita," Mina said interrupting their talkings. "Hi," they all said in unison. "This is Ray Hino, Amy Mizuno, and Liz Chiba." Mina said pointing to each individual girl. Ray ask them to sit down and pretty soon they started talking and it seem like they have known each for much longer then just the few minutes that they have met ago. Ray is in her mid twenties. She has large violet eyes and a head of black gold that flows gracefully down her back. She's tall almost as tall as Lita but not quite. She's around 5'9 and is very skinny but even with the lean figure she has a very healthy glow in her eyes. In facts people who have look in Ray's eyes long enough swear they see fire lively dancing in them. She's strong minded and very stubborn, Lita and Serena learned that from the first few second of knowing Ray. But they also notice how she's passionate about everything she does and care deeply for her friends. At first glance you can tell that Amy is a very intelligent girl. S he's a petite girl with blue hair, which just happens to be it's natural color. She wears oval glasses that accent her cheekbones and have sparkle deep ocean blue eyes. Hearing the first sentence out of Amy's mouth you can tell she's oozing with intellectual understanding. She has a very compassionate air about her and seems like the type that you can go to with your problems. Liz is a very nice girl with curly dirty blond hair. She's tall, and have a feminine body. She's a very hyper person and has a lot of energy for whatever she sits her mind on. She's warm and friendly and is at ease with person. The girl is rather blunt and open about her feelings. She's very confident and that attracts people to her so it's no wonder that Serena and Lita like the girl very much. During all this even though Serena was enjoying the company of her new friends and getting to know them, Mina's words kept ringing in her ears. Liz Chiba, so does this mean that girl is Darien's wife? Realization hit her likes a ton of brick when she realize Darien is married. No wonder he had his hand wrapped so protectively around her waist the other night. Oh god what a fool I've been to go to dinner with a married man. Even though Serena didn't know it but something in her wither just a bit and the light in her heart seem to grew a little bit dimmer then usual. Darien's a married man her mind kept repeating it over and over again driving her to almost the point of tears. Oh what a fool I've been to think of a married man in such manners. What a fool I have been! She cried out silently in her head and what's worse is the fact that she can't stop thinking about his bewitching eyes or those smiles. Lita senses Serena's discomfort and was about to address it when 5 handsome men made their loud entrance known to the ladies. Mina excused herself and went up to Darien. They exchange a few words and went to join the group at the gazebo with the guys. Mina walk up to them and Serena could tell something was going to happen because she just had this little smile and Serena had seen it so many times on Lita's when they were about to do something daring. "Lita, Serena, I would like you to meet Greg, Michael, Chad, Ken, and," "Darien..." Serena mutter to herself. "Yes, Darien. Have y'all meet?" Mina asked innocently. Quite the little actress she was but then again she does act for a living. "Yeah, we've met." Darien said extending his hand out to Serena. She was speechless for a moment as to how of all the people in the world Mina had to be friends with, it's Darien she choose. Before s he realized it Darien was dangling his hand in front of her face. She blushed a faint pink and reaches her hand out to his. What happened next was not something that Serena had expected from Darien with his wife there. He took her hand gingerly and placed a butterfly kiss in her palm. Needless to say it left Serena's heart pacing and the other girls with glazed eyes at such a simple but romantic gesture. "Now Andrew, why can't you be like that when we were dating?" Mina asked the blond man standing next to her that had just came up just in time to see his best friend perform the little kiss. Silently inside his head he was saying, "You go boy," for Mina had filled him in on the plan. "Well, I don't know. Would you have wanted me to kiss Serena's hand while we were dating?" he countered back teasingly. Mina tried hard not to show her surfacing laughter and playfully slap Andrew's arm. Which he blocked, pulled her into his arm, and locked her there in his embrace. "Ah...aren't the little couple cute!" all five girls said pointing to Mina and Andrew. "Oops, sorry guys. Lita, Serena this is my husband Andrew." "Wow, he's a major hunk!" Lita said rather bluntly then had the grace to blush. "Why, thank you." Andrew said to Lita. All Lita could do was nod her head and felt her face turning a shade lighter then a ripe tomato. "Thanks a lot for stealing the spotlight away from me," Darien said to Andrew with sparkle it his eyes. "Hey, anytime buddy," flashing Darien and the girls one of smiles. "Anyone want to see my new grill," said Andrew rather anxious to show off his new pride and joy. Everyone was talking among themselves so Darien decided to go check the grill out with Andrew beside it'll give him a chance to go over the plan with Andrew since only Mina, Andrew, and him knew of the plan. Every one had paired off except for Mina and Serena. Ray is in Chad arms by the cascade. The two had escape during Darien and Andrew conversation to found some time to themselves. With Chad being a businessman and Ray running a temple they didn't have that much time together. But here and now in their little sanctuary all that matter is that she love him and he love her. They had found true love after all those times of bickering with each other on the streets. Chad with his brown hair and green eyes had captivated Ray from the beginning but being the stubborn girl she was she refused to accept her feelings for him. Until that is one day when Chad had enough with the fighting and decided to teach Ray a lesson in love. The two still bicker sometimes but now there is love behind the bickering and the couple actually enjoys it. They claim their life wouldn't be the same without it. Amy and Greg are sitting beneath the cheery blossom trees. They had sneak off when they saw Chad and Ray's example. Even though they went to the same high school, the two had no idea who each others were except for the fact that they try to top each other on quiz and tests. The young couple had met over open books and late night cramming sessions in college. They soon became best friends. Each wanted more from the other but was afraid to show their feelings. Till one day Amy was in a car accident and Greg review his feelings to her in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. The doctors had said they have never seen anyone heal so fast before. Maybe love was the medicine that made Amy heal so quickly but then again. Ken and Lita are hitting it off by the pool. The two used to be best friends but then Lita move away and now they have found each other again. Stories after stories were told to catch each other up on the others life. But none of the story would be more precious them then the day they met each other. Lita was racing down the street on her bike when she fell right outside Ken's lawn. He had taken her into the house, wash and bandage her cuts and scraps with careful hands. From then on the two were inseparable and Ken was always the guy of Lita's dream. His brown hair and warm brown eyes could have easily done that but it's was Ken's brotherly love that sent Lita over the edge even when she was of a young age. Liz is talking with Michael or rather flirting with him. Serena can't believe her eyes. Liz was being so free with her obvious admiration toward Michael and Darien was just around the corner. They are married aren't they so why does Liz act like she could care less and Darien seem clueless about it? Serena couldn't blame Liz though. Michael's a total beefcake. He had sandy blond hair bleach by countless days in the sun. The depths of his eyes are shocking with blue and green swirl in them but nothing like Darien Serena noted. Serena shock her head to get rid of her thoughts. That couple was just too weird. They're married and they don't seem to realize it. The wife is flirting with someone else and all the husband does is nonchalantly glance at them and turn away without a care in the world. "Well, it seem like everyone else has someone except for us huh? Well, it really just me because you have Andrew." Serena said absent-mindedly to Mina. "You want to know the story behind each couple" Mina asked ready to gossip away. "Yeah, why not." "First there's Ray and Chad. They have been together for 5 years and I think Chad's going to ask for her hand in marriage soon. Amy and Greg are the genius of this group. When they meet it was electrifying. They were talking and none of us could understand a word they were saying. It's cute the way they have found each other though. They used to compete with each other and not even know who the other one was. T hen there's Liz and..." "Mina Andrew need you to help him out with something," Darien came up behind them to inform Mina. " Oh, ok I gotta go Serena, be right back," she said apologetically and left Serena and Darien in an awkward position. Serena look at Mina as she walked away. She's happy that Mina found the love of her life. Andrew is a tall man. He has broad shoulders, blond hair with blue eyes. Let's just say he's the All-American boy even though he's living in Japan. She has originally thought Andrew was Mina's boyfriend but husband? That is still sinking in for her. People her age is actually getting marry and that depresses Serena. She knows that she should find someone to spend her life with but all the good ones are taken. Well, the one I want anyhow. She thought to herself. Everyone has got someone except me. Even Lita have someone. I know she just met Ken but I can see the sparks flying there. Serena look around the backyard at its occupants. There was Ray and Chad, Amy and Greg, Mina and Andrew, Liz and Michael, and.... Darien. Her gaze finally came to rest on him. He's standing tall in a pair of khaki pants and a white polo shirt. He's hair is slightly messy and falls into his face. "He should get that trim," she said in her head. Darien is leaning on the pole of the gazebo and he seems to be concentrated on something very important. She doubted that Darien could see anything in front of his face at the moment. To him she was probably invisible. The thought saddens Serena. Anything is better then the fact that he doesn't know that she's alive. Serena sigh and turn her eyes to Darien only to found his eyes on her. Darien turned his head away from Serena as her gaze finally rest on him. He had been looking at her the whole time as she looked around the place. Serena is wearing an ankle length jumper with a sleeveless white hooded shirt. She looks incredibly innocent in that outfit. "Like a little schoolgirl," his mind said. Yeah exactly like a schoolgirl. He could feel her eyes wondering somewhere else and for a moment was jealous of what took Serena thought from him. Darien turned around to see Serena staring at nothingness. She apparently is in a deep state of mind. There was something so wrong with her. That frown on her face, it didn't belong there. Even though he had only known her a little while he was sure Serena deserve to smile not frown at whatever life decided to hand her. Her eyes were glazed over and Darien could feel the sorrow deep inside of her. He wanted to go up and comfort her but that was out of the question. The scene of Serena pushing him away the other night was still fresh in his mind. Beside what would she think of me if I go up and try to comfort her? Especially, when she that Liz is my wife? All too soon he could feel Serena's eyes on him again. But this time it was too late to pretend that was looking at something else then her beauty. "Say something you idiot!" his mind yell. But Darien was at lost for words. All he could do was look into her eyes. He saw so many things there but most of all warmth. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of warmth from looking on her eyes. But he couldn't look away from her eyes nor did he want too. "So are you enjoying yourself?" Darien asks stiffly trying to break the silence between them. "Yeah, I'm..." try as she much as she could Serena could not for the life of her took her eyes off of Liz and Michael. They were openly kissing and no one was saying anything. After a few second of Serena's silence Darien followed her gaze to fall in Liz kissing Michael. A smile appeared at his lip showing how happy he is for his sister. But that only confused Serena even more. How could he greet the site of his wife kissing another with a smile playing on his lips? "Your wife is kissing another and you're smiling?" Serena ask rising her eyebrow for effects. Darien almost chock at the word wife. There it is again the word wife referring to his sister. Now if it was referring to Serena that was something entirely different. Whoa where did that come from? He shook his head and proceeded to explain to Serena once and for all who Liz is. "Screw the plan!" he thought. "Serena, Liz is my sister." Darien said matter of factly. "Sister?" she gasped with shock written clearly on her face. The sight of Serena in that matter was so cute to Darien that he couldn't help but tease her just a little bit. "Yeah, she's my sister. You can close your mouth now," he said lifting her chin up with his fingertip. "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..." she is once again lose for words. Strange how it always happens when Darien is near. But in her mind it was a different matter. Thoughts were flying across her head in the speed of light. "Darien...not...marry.....he's....free.. ..oh my god....I'm a fool...." To Serena hearing Liz was Darien's sister was like having a huge boulder lift from her shoulder. She had been agonizing over this Darien issue for so long and now to know that he's free was very enlightening. "So, Serena I was wondering if you'll take me up on my offer of another night out on the town?" he ask not even bothering to hide his eagerness. "I...I...." "Lunch is ready everyone gather around the table quick," Andrew holler from the picnic table. "Come on, don't want them to hog all the food now do we?" Serena said grabbing Darien hand and walk across the lawn to the table. To be continue.....