Authors Note:   Warning this story does contain some bad language.
	It may not be overly offensive but  for  the younger readers 
	out there this is a fair warning.

Apology: I know this took a long time for me to get out and I apologise
	to all of you out there that have been waiting for this.  Thank
	you for being patient with me.

E-Mail: k340029@yahoo.com

Plug: Come to Sailor Scribbles Sailor Moon Page. All of my stories,
	as well as some of Scribbles work can be found here.
	www.geocities.com/k340029/index.html

Dislcaimer: As always it is my sad duty to remind everyone, including
	myself that I do NOT own Sailor Moon or anything that goes
	with her.  I'm just borrowing the characters for a bit.

Rating: PG-13 (for language)

Date: 4/27/00

	*		*		*
		      A Merging of Hearts
		A historical fiction fan-fiction
			by Ceila
	*		*		*

April 4th, 1860 Seven Gables

	The small office seemed entirely too small at the moment.  
Serenity stood across the desk from a red faced and scowling Kenji.  
Had the desk not been between the two any bystander would have 
feared for the life of the young woman.
	"You wanted to see me papa?" asked Serenity as she 
stood patiently awaiting her father's words.
	"Sit down Serenity," he bit out at her.  "It's about time I had 
a talk with you about proper behavior."
	"Ok papa," said Serenity as she took her seat in the black 
leather chair and smiled innocently at the older man.  "Talk away."
	"Don't start that with me young lady.  A cheery disposition 
is not going to save you from wearing a dress anymore than that 
tantrum yesterday."
	"Papa I was only acting in self defense.  Rei attacked me 
from behind, I didn't know it was her."
	"Like hell you didn't Serenity.  You knew damn well who 
was in that room with you and you threw that fit on purpose."
	"Ok so maybe I knew it was her, but I was still spooked."
	"Your sister worked long and hard on altering your mothers 
dress in hopes that she would see you in it and what do you do?  
Throw the underwear out the window and then try to shatter her 
eardrums.  She's still deaf from your screaming you know," said Kenji 
his face holding his convictions even as his voice softened at the last 
statement.
	"I told her I was sorry," said Serenity as she absently 
picked dust off of her hat.
	"Yes and then you had to tell her again and again and 
again because she couldn't hear you the first time."
	"Could I help it if my voice was tired from earlier?"
	"You could have not thrown the tantrum and kept that 
banshee scream to yourself."
	"I said I was sorry papa it won't happen again."
	"That's right it won't because here's the deal.  You want to 
know who it is your gonna marry right?"
	"Of course."
	"Well I might consider telling you if you can shape up and 
start acting like a lady.  Rei and Mina have graciously offered to tutor 
you in all the aspects of being feminine."
	"What happens if I refuse and stick to the way I am?"
	"I send you to the finishing school in Davenport and for the 
next three weeks Miss Haruna will drill you on anything and everything 
feminine.  You will get no books to read, no horses to ride, no pants to 
wear, and no boys.  You'll come back a well behaved bride and walk 
straight from the train to the altar," said Kenji as he looked his daughter 
straight in the eye.
	"That's blackmail," said Serenity as she flopped her hat 
over her bun.  "You're not playing fair papa."
	"That's life Serenity, you learn to roll with the punches.  Now 
what do you choose."
	"Do I even need to say it?"
	*		*		*
	"Come on Hime I won't bite," said Motoki as he tried to 
approach the skittish mare.  She was new and yet to be broken and 
most importantly she didn't like Motoki.  "See I don't have that nasty 
rope now, nothing up my sleeves."
	Motoki approached her inch by inch holding up his empty 
hands for her to see.  The mare's eyes darted wildly as she looked 
around for a way to escape but Motoki had backed her into a corner 
of the corral.  He just had to gain her trust, which was half the battle.  
Motoki was about three feet away when Hime reared showing him the 
bottoms of her powerful feet as she pawed the sky and aimed for 
Motoki's head as she came down.  He rolled away just as her hooves 
left their mark on the spot he was just in.
	"Having fun playing the rodeo clown?" asked Serenity as 
she climbed the fence and walked over to Motoki.
	"Very funny," said Motoki as he stood up and dusted off his 
pants.  The mare had now retreated to the other side of the corral once 
again.  "When did you get out here?"
	"Few minutes ago.  I had to have a talk with the boss about 
a few things."
	"Oh you mean the little fit you threw yesterday?"
	"Yeah that and a few other things."
	"Makoto said you were fit to be tied, literally."
	"Very funny.  You want help with her or not?" asked Serenity 
as she pointed to the wary horse.
	"Good luck with that one but your welcomed to try.  She's still 
too wild.  Probably another month or so before she trusts anyone 
here."
	"Just watch the master."
	*		*		*
	"Mamoru?  Are you in here?" asked Mina as she peeked 
into the sitting room to find her cousin absorbed in the morning paper.
	"Yes, what is it Mina?" he asked as he lifted his eyes briefly 
from the paper to look at his cousin.  She was dressed in a pale yellow 
dress with long sleeves and a lacy neck.  White gloves covered her 
hands and a white bonnet hid her hair from view.  "You look nice going 
somewhere?"
	"Thank you Mamoru, but I was just on my way out to the 
stables and was wondering if you would care to join me."
	"Why don't you go with Rei?"
	"Well she's still getting dressed.  She slept in a bit this 
morning because she couldn't hear Ami knocking to wake her."
	"She's still having hearing trouble?  All right I'll go with you," 
said Mamoru as he folded his paper and rose from the chair.  He was 
dressed in black boots and gray pants with a black dress shirt.  He 
picked up the green jacket that finished his outfit and offered his arm 
to his cousin.  "Shall we?"
	"Please," giggled Mina as she accepted his arm and they 
left the house headed for the stables.
	They walked in silence as they approached the stables, 
each lost in their own thoughts.  Mina was silently praying that Serenity 
would still be out in the barn as Makoto had told her earlier.  She had to 
get Serenity and Mamoru to spend some time together and having 
them "accidentally" meet was going to work.
	Mamoru was also thinking about a certain blonde but for 
entirely different reasons.  She seemed to bring out the worst in him 
every time he met her.  Granted they had only talked once but every 
time they shared a glance he felt something that scared him.  He was 
silently hoping she would not be out here this morning.
	When the pair arrived at the stables they found it empty save 
the few horses that were staying in for the day.  Mina was about to give 
up when she heard noises from behind the barn.  Dragging Mamoru by 
the arm they reached the back door and swung it open just in time.
	*		*		*
	"Just watch the master," said Serenity as she handed her 
hat to Motoki and started towards the mare.
	"Be careful Serenity she's got about as much spirit as Beryl 
on a bad day," said Motoki as he climbed back over the corral fence.
	"Don't worry I'm a pro remember."
	Motoki just shook his head and leaned against the fence to 
watch the show.  It would be a battle of wills and there was no doubt in 
his mind that Serenity would win.  She was as stubborn as any horse 
he knew.
	Serenity surveyed the situation carefully.  The mare was 
along the back fence but not yet in a corner.  Hime was eyeing her 
every move as she sniffed the ground with feigned interest.  Serenity 
moved in a bit closer but Hime did not lift her head.  She moved 
another couple feet and then Hime looked up and stared her down, 
challenging her to make a move.  Serenity stopped and returned the 
gaze with as much intensity.  
	They stood there unmoving for a good two minutes and 
then Hime made the first move.  She lifted one hoof off the ground and 
then another approaching the silent stranger with caution.  Serenity 
never moved her gaze and Motoki wondered how she could remain 
still for so long.  Hime continued to move slowly and with each step she 
brought her hooves down forcefully filling the air with dust.  When she 
was close enough Hime reared and punched the air directly in front of 
Serenity but she remained steady, her gaze locked with the horse.
	Motoki on the other hand, was ready to jump the fence and 
shove her out of the way.  What was she doing!  Hime was getting 
ready to bash her skull in and she just stood there?  Motoki was so 
intently set on watching the scene in front of him that he didn't notice 
the added spectators that arrived and stood next to him.  What 
happened next amazed all three people.  Hime dropped her hooves 
and circled Serenity, who followed the horse to keep eye contact.  
When Hime stopped Serenity slowly raised one arm and the horse 
nudged it with her nose.
	Taking this as a sign Serenity moved in closer and with 
speed that only practice can bring mounted the mare and directed her 
to the crowd by the gate.  Serenity smiled at the amazed looks on their 
faces.  She directed a look to Motoki and saluted.  He shook his head 
as Serenity and Hime trotted over.
	"Who's the master?" asked Serenity as she halted the mare 
in front of Motoki and retrieved her hat.
	"You are Serenity," he said in an amazed voice.
	"Morning Mina, Mr. Chiba," said Serenity as she nodded to 
each in turn.
	"That was amazing," said Mina in awe.
	"That was just plain stupid," said Mamoru.  "You could have 
been killed."
	"And what would you know city boy?"
	"I know enough to run the other way when a horse rears in 
my face."
	"Really, is that so," said Serenity as she nudged Hime 
closer to the fence.  Then she dug in her heals and Hime reared right 
in front of Mamoru and Mina.  Motoki grabbed Mina protectively as 
Mamoru backed off.
	"What are you doing?" shouted Mamoru as he straightened 
his green jacket.
	"I just wanted to see if you'd run all the way back to where 
you came from."
	"Very funny."
	"Motoki could you get me a drink of water?  Being out in this 
sun is making me thirsty," said Mina as she turned to face him.
	"Of course come with me I have a canteen in the tack room," 
said Motoki as he led Mina back into the barn.  He didn't even notice 
the smile on her face as she glanced back at the arguing couple.
	*		*		*
	"You could have killed us!" shouted Mamoru as he 
approached Serenity and Hime.
	"The fence was between you and me, there was no danger," 
said Serenity as she looked down at the annoyingly handsome man in 
front of her.  "Well no danger unless you count that ugly green jacket.  
It's enough to spook any horse or human for that matter."
	"There's nothing wrong with this jacket.  It's one of my 
favorites actually."
	"I don't see why."
	"Well what do you know about fashion anyway.  I've never 
seen you in anything but jeans and a blue shirt."
	"I know enough about fashion to know that that jacket should 
be taken out and burned," said Serenity as she patted Hime before 
moving her to turn away from Mamoru.
	"Well miss fashion expert that hat's one step from the grave," 
said Mamoru with distaste.
	"What do you know about hats pretty boy?"
	"Oh so I'm pretty now?"
	"That's not what I meant!" shouted Serenity as a blush crept 
across her dirt covered cheeks.
	"Pity because I certainly think you are Miss Serenity," said 
Mamoru as he looked over her figure with approval.  "Very pretty."
	"Why you, you, how dare you look at me in such a way!  And 
then calling me pretty when you have made it perfectly obvious that you 
are interested in my sister!"  Serenity turned her back and Hime's to 
Mamoru and folded both arms across her chest.  "I demand that you 
apologize to me Mr. Chiba."
	*		*		*
	"Wait right here Mina and I'll get you a canteen," said Motoki 
as he walked back to the tack room.
	"I'll be right here," said Mina as she waved to his retreating 
form.  "I'll sit right here and watch the fun."
	She had a good seat from the barn door as she watched her 
cousin and Serenity argued over something or other.  She couldn't hear 
the conversation but from her guess Mamoru must have turned on the 
charm because he leaned Up against the fence and, was that a blush 
on Serenity's cheeks?  Oh this was good they might get together yet! 
But just when Mina was sure that the two were destined to fall in love 
Serenity turned away from her now confused cousin taking a defensive
position on her horse.
	"Oh great he's gonna blow it," mumbled Mina as she began 
to nibble nervously on one of her gloves.
	"Here's your water Mina," said Motoki as he walked out of 
the tack room.  He was so intent on getting to Mina that he didn't see 
the white cat lounging on the barn floor.
	"Motoki look out!"
	"Huh?"
	"MEOW!" howled Artemis as Motoki's boot came down on 
his tail.  The cat streaked out of the barn and into the corral straight 
toward Serenity and Hime.  Mina and Motoki could only watch as Hime 
reared throwing an off guard Serenity into the air and towards the 
ground.
	*		*		*
	"What'd I say wrong?" asked a now confused Mamoru as he 
straightened up and looked at the confusing woman in front of him.
	"If you don't know I'm not going to tell you," said Serenity as 
she sat up even straighter.
	"I'll never understand female logic.  What am I apologizing 
for?"
	"If you don't know don't bother trying Mr. Chiba."
	"Well I'm sorry about one thing.  I'm sorry I tried to 
compliment you.  I don't even really know why I did."  Mamoru mentally 
bit his tong as the words left his mouth.  He did like Serenity and well it 
was just cruel fate that had him engaged to her sister and not her.  So 
he stood there staring at her back watching her in silence.
	Serenity had wanted an apology and she had gotten one, 
sort of.  He had taken back his compliment but why did it feel so 
wrong?  For a brief moment before she had remembered his feelings 
for her sister her heart had stopped.  "He likes you Serenity," a little 
voice shouted only to be squashed with her reasoning of "He likes your 
sister too."  Why did men have to be so confusing?
	Serenity and Mamoru were both too busy trying to figure the 
other out that neither heard the feline howl that started everything, but 
Hime did.  The horse also saw the white animal that ran straight for her.  
Hime reared and since Serenity had not been holding onto anything 
she was quickly unseated and thrown into the air.
	"This is gonna hurt," thought Serenity as she flew over the 
fence and closer to the ground.  But the expected impact never came.  
Instead Serenity felt herself land in a pair of strong arms and settle 
against a very muscular male body.
	Time stopped for an instant as they stood there, together in 
each other's arms.  They locked eyes and suddenly Serenity found it 
hard to breathe as she stared into his eyes.  The force of the impact 
had knocked some air out of her lungs but not enough to cause the 
trouble she was having.  "He's just a man Serenity get it together," she 
thought as she fought for control of her body.  
	Mamoru too was feeling the effect of holding her in his arms.  
His whole body seemed to come alive the moment she landed there.  
He had acted on impulse when he saw her falling.  It seemed natural to 
catch her, to hold her in his arms.  "If anything happened to her I could 
never forgive myself," he thought.  Mamoru reluctantly came back to 
reality and broke the moment, "Are you alright Serenity?"
	"Yes," she managed to whisper as she fought to tear her 
eyes away from his.  "This feels so right," she thought as she 
unconsciously snuggled closer to his chest.
	"Would you like me to put you down now?" asked Mamoru.  
"Don't say that dimwit!  This is right she belongs in your arms," he 
thought as he felt her snuggle closer to his body.
	"Hmm?"  Serenity didn't really seem to be listening to him.
	"Are you ok?  Do you think you can walk?"
	"What oh um yeah I'm fine."
	"You certainly don't sound it.  Maybe I should carry you back 
to the house."
	"What do you mean I don't sound fine?" asked Serenity as 
she realized just who was holding her.  
	"Well you were breathing funny and I figured," said Mamoru 
as he tried to defend himself. 
	"Breathing funny?  Since when did you become a doctor Mr. 
Chiba?  Put me down this instant!"
	"No I think I'll carry you to the house, you're still shaking a 
bit."  He started walking.
	"I am not shaking put me down right now!"
	"There's no need to shout."
	"I'm not shouting, I'm asking politely.  Put me down now."
	"Oh yes that's very polite.  Besides we're almost at the house 
just enjoy the ride," said Mamoru as he continued walking.
	"Hmph," mumbled Serenity as she resigned herself to being 
trapped in his arms.  Oddly enough she didn't really mind.
	*		*		*
	From a shaded second story balcony two figures watched 
the couple walk up to the house.  The first smiled and handed the 
spyglass to the second who also smiled upon seeing the couple.
	"I thought she said she was better than cupid," said the 
second shadow.
	"They're together aren't they?" replied the first.
	"Yes but I don't think she did all that much work.  If anything 
the cat deserves the credit."
	The first shadow laughed and with a final look to the 
advancing couple left the balcony leaving the second shadow alone.  
The second shadow took one last look below and with a final sigh, 
exited the balcony after the first.
	*		*		*
	Mina and Motoki exchanged smiles as they watched 
Mamoru carry Serenity back to the house.  Mina leaned into Motoki's 
arms and sighed contentedly.  She was so happy to have her 
matchmaking skills working that she momentarily forgot about her 
precious cat that had caused the whole incident.
	"They look so perfect together," said Mina as she squeezed 
Motoki's hand.
	"Too bad they fight like cats and dogs most of the time," 
said Motoki as he leaned in to place a butterfly kiss on Mina's cheek.
	"Yeah they do don't they.  Oh no, Artemis!"
	Across the corral and up a Maple tree a white cat sat 
watching the world below him as he cleaned his face and nursed his 
bruised tail.  When he heard his name from down below his ears 
folded back against his head and his eyes went wide in fear as he 
climbed even higher into the tree.
	*		*		*
April 5th, 1860 Seven Gables

	The storm clouds that covered the sky gave a gloomy look to 
an almost perfect day as Serenity rested quietly in the hayloft.  She had 
managed to escape the house and avoid any and all people so she had 
been able to spend some time thinking, and she had a lot of thinking to 
do.  The more time she spent thinking about her arranged marriage the 
more she hated the idea.
	"I'll end up married to some old man who needs a nurse more 
than a wife," mumbled Serenity as she twirled a piece of hay between 
her fingers.  "If it wasn't for papa I'd just run off right now."
	"If you did that who'd I get to tame the horses that hate my 
guts?" 
	Serenity jumped up at the sound of the male voice but 
relaxed as soon as she saw who it was.  "I suppose you'd just have to 
learn how to do your job Motoki."
	"Very funny, but seriously you wouldn't run off would you?"
	"No of course not.  Papa gave his word that I would marry 
his partner so therefore I'm bound by that promise no matter how much 
I disagree with it."
	"You want to come in and see your father off?"
	"No I'm sure he won't miss me.  Besides if I go back to the 
house I have to start my lessons and I'm not looking forward to those.  
I'll stay here for a bit longer."
	"Fine but be sure to come in for supper at least cause I'm not 
gonna be your waiter," said Motoki as he started back down the ladder.
	"Shut up and go look after Mina," countered Serenity as she 
nudged a lump of hay over the edge of the ladder.  There was a soft 
thud as the hay made contact with Motoki's head.
	"Hey!"
	"Oops, sorry."
	"Yeah sure you are."
	*		*		*
	In the sitting room Rei and Mina sat on either side of a single 
lamp working on their embroidery.  Rei was working on a lovely design 
of red roses and Mina was stitching yellow hearts into her cloth.  They 
sat in companionable silence, stopping once in a while to chat about 
the poor weather.
	"I hate this time of year it's always so cloudy," said Mina as 
she cut a new piece of yellow thread.
	"Yes I know but at least in this weather you can use less 
powder on your face and still have a beautiful complexion," said Rei as 
she tied off her last stitch.
	Mina rolled her eyes and was trying to thread her needle 
when Kenji entered the room.  He was dressed in a gray suit and 
matching top hat.  His hair was combed precisely into place and his 
shoes looked freshly polished.
	"Oh papa you look wonderful.  Are you going to a party?" 
asked Rei as she examined her father.
	"You do look good Kenji," said Mina as she once again tried 
to thread her needle.
	"No I'm not going to a party I'm going on a business trip.  I'm 
headed up to Davenport to tie up some loose ends from the merger.  I 
should be back in about a week," said Kenji as he straightened his tie.
	"Hurry home papa we'll miss you," said Rei as she got up 
and gave her father a goodbye hug.
	"I will but remember when I come home you know what I 
expect to see."
	"You really think she'll cooperate?"
	"If she doesn't just get Makoto to hold her down for you.  Well 
I really must be going so I'll bid you fine ladies farewell and good luck."
	"Have a safe trip Kenji," said Mina as she looked up from 
her work.
	"Yes safe trip Papa and hurry home," said Rei as she gave 
him one last hug goodbye.
	Kenji tipped his hat and went out the door and into the 
waiting carriage.  Rei, who had followed him out, watched the carriage 
roll off into the distance and then frowned as she noticed a flash of 
lightning.  "I better tell Ami to close all the windows cause it looks like 
we're in for a storm."
	*		*		*
	Makoto stepped out the back door and wiped her hands on 
her flour-covered apron.  She grabbed the dinner bell and rang it loud 
and clear.  "Serenity better get in for supper," thought Makoto as she 
felt the first drops of rain hit her skin.  "Well I'm not waiting for her I'm 
going in."  So Makoto hung up the dinner bell and walked back into the
kitchen just as the heavens opened up.
	The rain started coming down, and down.  It fell like sheets of 
silver over everything the eye could see.  Makoto watched in wonder 
as the downpour attacked Seven Gables.  "Ami come look at this.  
Have you ever seen it rain like this before?"
	The blue clad girl looked up from setting the table and joined 
Makoto at the window.  "Oh my I hope no one is stuck out in this 
weather."
	"Well most everyone's accounted for except for Serenity and 
Mamoru."
	"Oh dear I best get a change of clothes ready for each of 
them then."
	"Knock knock," said Mina as she stepped into the kitchen.  
"My it smells good in here."
	"I'm glad you approve Mina but you know the rules, no 
snacks till after dinner," said Makoto as she tried to usher Mina out of 
the kitchen.
	"I'm not looking for a snack I'm looking for my cousin.  Have 
either of you seen him?"
	"I believe that Mr. Chiba went out for a ride earlier and has 
yet to return," said Ami as she started setting out plates for dinner.
	"I hope he's not caught in this rain," said Mina as she started 
to leave the kitchen.  "Oh and where's Serenity I have the cutest bonnet 
that I wanted to show her?"
	"She's still out there too," said Makoto.  "Now out before I 
carry you out."
	"Yes mama," said Mina as she practically skipped out of 
the kitchen.	
	*		*		*
	Mamoru cursed to the sky as once again he nearly fell from 
the now very slippery saddle.  After their spat in the corral Mamoru had 
wanted to brush up on his riding skills to show Serenity that he was not 
the city slicker she thought he was.  Right now however he was sure 
feeling like one.  He was wet, cold, hungry, and just wanted to get 
home.  For the past five minutes he had been trudging along at a snails 
pace because the rain had decreased visibility.
	"Can't you go any faster?" Mamoru grumbled to the horse 
that's only reply was to shake her head to remove some of the rain.  
Then the sky lit up and the earth shook as a clap of thunder sounded.  
Mamoru cringed but his horse had a different response, it whinnied 
and reared unseating Mamoru. He tried to hold on but the saddle was 
slick from rain and he ended up in the middle of a puddle and covered 
in mud.  Mamoru watched as the scared animal ran off leaving him to 
walk the rest of the way home.
	"Great what else is gonna go wrong today?"
	*		*		*
	Serenity wiggled deeper into the hay as the rain continued 
to come down in sheets.  When the bell had rung for supper she had 
thought about going in but the rain had changed her mind.  "I'll just wait 
out the storm."  That was 15 minutes ago and it was still pouring.  From 
her spot in the loft Serenity could see most of the back corral and the 
house of course, but the rain made it all very blurry.  "It looks like one of 
Mama's watercolors," she thought as she allowed herself to remember 
her mother.
	Silent tears fell along with the rain as Serenity remembered 
her mother.  She remembered the drawing lessons and lessons about 
colors.  Her mother had been so proud that she had inherited the gift.  
At age 5 Serenity had been able to draw anything that was still for more 
than five minutes.  Her mother had praised her work and offered to 
paint them, but Serenity had declined saying that her mother's were 
still the best pictures.  Serenity smiled as she once again saw her 
mother's face smiling at her.
	Serenity was so engrossed in her memories that she didn't 
see the lightning cut across the sky.  The thunder that followed did 
shock her from her thoughts and cause her to jump from her cozy nest.  
"Ugh I hate thunder storms," mumbled Serenity as she wrapped her 
arms tight around herself.  "Can't we just have the rain and no thunder?"  
In response thunder rumbled again shaking the barn itself.  Serenity 
moved to the open loft window and was about to shut it when she saw 
a saddled horse running through the rain.  Sure that it was one of theirs 
Serenity left the loft and headed out to round up the loose horse.
	*		*		*
	"I will never again go riding on a cloudy day," vowed Mamoru 
as he made his way back to the main house.  He had been walking for 
a good five minutes and he was almost certain that he could see it.
	"Come on let's get out of the rain."
	"Great now I'm hearing things," thought Mamoru as he kept 
on walking.
	"See the barn's right over here.  It's nice and dry and warm."
	"I have to have a fever, I'm hallucinating," said Mamoru as 
he listened to the slightly muffled female voice.  She sounded so 
friendly and the barn she talked about sounded so inviting.
	"That's a good horse.  Just a little further."
	"Yes just a little bit further.  Wait a minute Serenity?" called 
Mamoru as he squinted through the rain.
	"Mr. Chiba what are you doing out here?" asked Serenity as 
she looked up at the approaching figure.
	"I was out riding and I decided it would be nice to walk 
instead."
	"Uh huh sure you did.  Come on the barn's this way."
	They walked together the last few feet to the barn, Serenity 
leading the scared horse and Mamoru following her like a lost dog.  
Once inside Serenity removed her now soaked hat and motioned for 
Mamoru to take a seat.  "Just rest a bit unless you want to try walking 
up to the house."
	"No that's ok I think I'll wait it out," said Mamoru as he sat 
down on a bale of hay.
	"So are you going to tell me what you were really doing out 
there Mr. Chiba?"
	Mamoru was about to answer her question but he made the 
mistake of looking at her first.  He noticed that she was soaked to the 
bone just like he was.  Her clothes were plastered to her body 
displaying all of her curves.  "God she's gorgeous," he thought, as he 
looked her over from top to bottom.  Her jeans were molded to her legs 
like a second skin, hugging her well-defined muscles.  Her shirt was 
loose but in it's wet state it was anything but descent.  Even her hair 
that had been under the hat was soaked to a dark gold.  She looked 
like a goddess.
	"Hello anyone home?" asked Serenity as she put down the 
brush she had been using and walked over to Mamoru.  "I asked you 
a question Mr. Chiba."
	She was coming closer to him.  Her movements were fluid 
and confident as she walked right up to him.  "Get it together Chiba 
this is Serenity.  She's cocky, stubborn, and engaged."  Damn his mind 
for reminding him of that small fact, she was taken.  The thought of 
some other man holding his Serenity made his blood boil.  "Wait a 
minute when did she become your Serenity Chiba?"  The question 
brought him back to reality, he loved her but he couldn't have her.
	"Mr. Chiba?  Mamoru?" asked Serenity in a softer voice.
	"Huh oh I'm sorry, what did you ask me?" asked Mamoru as 
he looked up into her soft blue eyes.
	Serenity sucked in her breath when his midnight eyes met 
hers.  "Um I just, um why were you out in the rain?"  Suddenly it was 
getting a tad bit too hot for her in the barn.  As she tore her eyes from 
his she took in his outfit.  Sensible boots, black pants covered in mud 
that clung to his legs, a loose white shirt that was nearly transparent 
from the rain, and that green jacket.  The shirt caught her attention
because through it she could clearly make out a very well defined 
chest.  Just for a moment she let herself imagine what it would feel like 
to touch that skin, she shivered.
	"I was just out for a little ride."
	"Oh."
	"I got caught out in the rain.  Thunder scared the horse and I 
fell."
	"Are you ok?" the thought of him being injured twisted 
something in her heart.
	"Yeah I'm fine just my pride was injured.  I haven't fallen off a 
horse since I was very young," said Mamoru as he removed his jacket 
and placed it over her shoulders.
	"What's this for?"
	"You were shivering I thought you were cold."
	"Oh thank you."
	Mamoru watched the woman in front of him with curiosity.  
She had always been so confident and strong before and now she 
seemed almost timid.  Maybe she was as interested in him as he was 
in her.  "No she couldn't possibly like me I'm just an arrogant city 
slicker," but deep down he wished he could be more.
	Serenity was caught off guard by the gesture.  The jacket 
was wet and that sickly green color but it was warm and smelled faintly 
like roses and musk.  She inhaled the scent and her stomach was 
suddenly filled with butterflies.  "I am not falling for him, I'm not," but as 
much as she ignored the feelings they just fought harder to be noticed.
	"Do you want me to help you get the horse cleaned up?" 
asked Mamoru.
	"Sure you can take the saddle and dry it off and I'll start 
brushing," said Serenity glad for a chance to break the uncomfortable 
silence.
	They both set to work.  Mamoru removed the saddle and 
began to dry it thoroughly and Serenity started brushing the mare.  
They worked in silence until there was nothing left to do but close the 
door behind the horse.  Now here they were again, together as the 
rain continued to fall.
	"I wonder if they'll keep supper for us?" asked Mamoru as 
he took a seat on the bale of hay again.  "Care to join me?"  Mamoru 
patted the hay next to him and Serenity reluctantly sat down.
	"Makoto will keep something hot for us I'm sure," said 
Serenity as she stared out into the rain and pulled the jacket tighter 
over her shoulders.
	"So what were you doing out here?"
	"Why do you want to know?"
	"You asked me so it's only fair."
	"I was hiding from Rei and Mina."
	"Hiding?  The ever brave Serenity hiding from two girls?" 
laughed Mamoru in disbelief.
	"You'd hide too if you knew what was waiting for you," said 
Serenity as she lightly punched his arm.
	"Oh and what's so bad that you have to hide from it?"
	"I'm not telling you cause you'll laugh again."
	"No I won't I promise."
	"Yes you will."
	"Please tell me.  I won't make fun of you.  In fact if you tell me 
I'll tell you something I'm hiding from," said Mamoru as he offered he his 
outstretched hand.  "Deal?"
	"Deal," said Serenity as she shook his hand.  Electricity 
trickled up her arm at his touch and sent her butterflies into over drive.
	"Well?"
	"They, that is Rei and Mina, are supposed to get me into a 
dress and teach me how to act like a lady before daddy gets home."
	Mamoru was silent as he pictured Serenity in a dress.  If she 
looked this good in jeans and a shirt he'd bet she'd be even prettier in 
a dress.  He let his imagination wander as he put her into several 
different types of dresses and finally stopped on a wedding dress.  
Then he added himself into the picture and he smiled at the thought of 
being her husband.
	Serenity waited for the laughter but true to his word Mamoru 
was silent.  In fact he looked deep in thought at the moment.  He looked 
so handsome, his dark hair wet and disheveled, falling over his eyes.  
The look of concentration only accented his chiseled features.  "Wonder 
what he'd look like in a tux?" she thought but then quickly dismissed it 
as just the thought stirred up her butterflies again.
	Before she could ask him what he feared lightning flashed 
across the sky and a loud crack of thunder shook the earth beneath 
them.  Serenity jumped and landed in Mamoru's arms wrapping both 
of her arms around him and burying her face in his chest.  She felt safe 
here, she belonged here and it was at that moment that Serenity 
realized that her heart belonged to him as well.
	He was stunned to say the least.  One minute he was 
dreaming about holding her in his arms and the next there she was.  
She was trembling slightly and holding onto him as if her life depended 
on it.  Slowly Mamoru brought his arms around her and started 
whispering softly to her.  He bent his head down and rested it on top of 
her head and inhaled the clean scent of her hair.  This felt so right.
	Outside the rain was starting to let up and the sun began to 
fight its way through the clouds.  Mamoru silently begged the rain to 
come back so he could stay with her just a bit longer but it was obvious 
that the storm was over.
	"The rain is stopping," he said as he gently pulled her away 
from him even as his heart screamed to hold onto her.
	"Is it?" asked Serenity in a breathy dazed voice.  She had 
enjoyed being in his embrace entirely too much and shook herself 
mentally.  "Guess we should head back then."
	Neither moved.  Both of them were too lost in the other's 
eyes to care about dinner or the rain.  Slowly, as if drawn by invisible 
threads, their faces drew closer and closer together.  Mamoru 
tightened his grip around her waste and pulled her closer yet.  Serenity 
closed her eyes sure of what was to come.  Mamoru took one last look 
at his golden beauty and then he too closed his eyes and let his heart 
take over.
	"Serenity you out here?" was the faint call heard in the 
background.  "Serenity?"
	The moment was shattered and both their eyes flew open 
and Serenity immediately jumped out of his reach.  What had she been 
about to do?  She was not just about to kiss Mamoru.  The butterflies 
in her stomach fluttered rapidly and her breathing was erratic as she 
gave him one last look and took off towards the house.
	Mamoru wanted to pull her back and finish what they had 
started but he knew it was too late.  Whatever magic they had created 
together had disappeared with the storm.  "I'm gonna murder whoever 
it was that called her," he thought as he stood up and kicked the hay he 
had been sitting on.  "Next time Serenity you won't get away."
	*		*		*
Authors Note:

	Well was it worth the wait?  (ducks to avoid flying objects)  
Again I want to send out a huge apology to everyone who has waited
so long.  Also a big thank you to Little Sister for not giving up on me 
and sending me notes to keep me writing.  Another thank you to my 
own little sister Scribbles who kept me sane during the last month.  
Nothing really historical in this piece but I hope you all enjoyed it 
anyway.
	Finally if you want me to keep writing let me know.  I love 
mail so please let me know what you think.  Again please visit
Scribbles site and let her know what you think of it.  Let me know too
of course.  E-Mail is always welcomed so again thanks bunches
everybody.

E-Mail: k340029@yahoo.com
Web Address: www.geocities.com/k340029/index.html