lyrasoze@hotmail.com I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. Are you scared? No, I know you're not! You keep reading my story. Yay for you, and for me for managing to keep this story coming. Thank you to 'The Sailor Moon Hideaway' and its webmaster Philip, to sailormusic.net/lyrics for the songs and to ASMR for posting all the wonderful fanfiction for me to read! Thanks also to Mary Ann, Corie, Skott and Hermie because I always thank them and I would hate to break the trend now...(just kidding guys, you know I love you!) And to Jess for providing me with such wonderful antedotes! I love you too! Disclaimer: Though I bid on E-bay for the rights, Sailor Moon continues to belong to Naoko the Creative and Wise. All the World's A Stage Chapter 4 Rated PG Serena knew that she had no reason to be this nervous. It was just dinner with her friends. And a man she barely knew. And dancing. With a gorgeous man she barely knew. Dinner and dancing with a gorgeous, charming, successful, wealthy, SINGLE man she barely knew. Right. No problem. ************************************************************* Darien was tired. Work had been tough, Beryl had called four times, and all he really wanted to do was sleep. Instead, he forced himself through a shower and went through the motions of getting dressed. Seiya had said casual, and Darien correctly interpreted that to mean semi-formal, so Darien put on a sports jacket and slacks. The phone began to ring as he was headed out the door. A quick glance at his Caller ID revealed that the person on the other end of the line was Beryl. He let the phone ring as he stepped outside his apartment and closed the door. ************************************************************* Serena's taxi pulled up to Seiya's apartment building at the same time a red Porsche headed in to the parking garage. Serena looked at the car admiringly as she paid the taxi driver and headed into the building. The elevator took a while to arrive in the lobby, so Serena stood around admiring to gold and cream decor. When the elevator chimed, she walked in alone and pushed the 12. She was surprised when the elevator continued to go down, and stood calmly in the corner of the elevator waiting for the doors to open and her fellow passenger to step on board. When the doors finally did open, Serena's mouth dropped open. Darien Chiba, looking mouth wateringly gorgeous, was standing on the other side of the doors. "Well, well. Ms. Tsukino. How nice to see you again." "The pleasure is all mine," Serena murmured, looking down. Darien stepped into the elevator and smiled at her. Serena was incredibly glad she had her back to a wall. Otherwise she might have fallen down. 'It should be illegal for a man to look that good. He shouldn't be allowed to walk down the street! Woman would be too busy looking at him to concentrate on what they were doing. Stop it, Serena! He is just a man. Like Seiya and Taiki and Andrew and Michael and Chad.' 'One SLIGHT difference,' her inner voice reminded her. 'Seiya and the others never made your pulse accelerate to one hundred beats a second.' Serena stole a glance at Darien. He was watching her with mute interest. She blushed and opened her mouth. He stopped her. "I didn't mean to interrupt. Please, continue with...whatever you were doing." "Oh, it's all right. My inner voice wasn't making much sense anyway. I'll get back to her later." Darien chuckled, and Serena savored the sound for a few seconds before she caught herself doing it. 'Oh, no. No no. I REFUSE to become a member of the Women Who Made Complete Fool's Out Of Themselves Over Darien Chiba Club. I REFUSE. And that is all there is to it.' The elevator chimed gently as the doors swung open. Darien gestured toward the doors and Serena stepped out first. Darien stepped out beside her and the two of them headed down the hallway toward Seiya and Mina's apartment. Darien knocked and the door swung open. Seiya, dressed in a white dress shirt and black pants, smiled at the two of them broadly. "If it isn't THE Darien Chiba and my best friend. We thought you'd changed your mind. Come in, come in. Wine?" Both Darien and Serena nodded, and recieved full glasses of Berringer White Zinfandel, chilled. Seiya ushered them into a large living room, where couples were already clustered. "Serena, you know everyone. Darien, that's Raye Hino and..." "Chad. No last name," Chad said, smiling at Darien from the arm of the couch. Raye was seated next to him, wearing a red jumper over a white shirt. Chad was wearing a dressy pair of blue jeans and a black polo shirt. They looked great together, and Serena supressed a sigh of envy. Lita and Yaten were curled up on the fireplace, Lita in a short forest green dress and Yaten in a navy blue button-down and black jeans. Amy and Taiki were seated on the other end of the sofa, holding hands, both in black slacks. Amy wore a modest royal blue top while Taiki wore a dark lavender sweater. Darien and Serena were greeted with smiles and waves. "Have a seat, both of you. Dinner should be ready in a few minutes. Don't worry," he said, interpreting the looks of those around him, "Mina is NOT cooking. I am." "I fail to see any improvement," Yaten muttered, earning a glare from Seiya and and elbow in the side from Lita. "I am not THAT bad of a cook. And besides, if you continue to insult my cooking abilities, I shall be revenged in some horrible way." "Oh, no, I'm scaaaaaaaaaaaared. Lita, save me!" Yaten said, throwing himself into his girlfriends arms. The room cracked up at Yaten's antics as Seiya headed back into the kitchen. "Have a seat, guys," Amy suggested. Serena wasn't sure if Darien noticed but it seemed to her that Raye and Amy scooted closed together on the couch. Yaten eliminated the possibility of either of them sitting on the fireplace by laying down on it, with his head in Lita's lap. And Taiki hooked the ottoman with his foot, pulling it over to the sofa to prop his legs on. Serena looked around. The only other place to sit was the love seat. Serena gulped. Even sitting as far apart as they could, she and Darien would still be touching. But there was no time to think. Darien had already begun moving toward the loveseat, and Serena followed. She sank down onto the love seat, and took a sip of her wine. Darien sat next to her. Serena could have sworn she saw secret smiles pass between the others in the room. The group subsided into pleasent conversation. Eventually Mina joined them, looking stunning in an orange dress and the conversation turned toward the concert. Serena jumped right in, answering questions about the light design, laughed at Chad's stories and told a few of her own. But she was unable to forget how close she and Darien were sitting. His body heat was passing through his clothes directly to her skin. Seiya's voice broke into her reverie. Serena had never been so glad to hear dinner announced. She started to stand, and found a hand presented to her. Darien was offering his hand to help her up. Serena smiled and took it, surprised at its warmth and strength. "Thank you," she said, looking him in the eye. "You're welcome," Darien replied, with a sexy smile as he pulled her to her feet. Serena reminded herself to breathe. Serena walked into the dining room with Darien. She was not surprised to see that the only two empty chairs were right next to each other. 'Subtle, guys, real subtle,' Serena thought. Chad and Raye were grinning at her, Amy was looking at her with interest, and Taiki and Yaten were looking at Darien. Darien came up behind her, statling her by placing his hand on her shoulder. "Shall we?" he asked. "Do we have a choice?" Serena responded. The whole table laughed, and Darien chuckled again. Serena felt the vibrations of his laugh and shivered. She pulled out of his grasp and moved toward her seat. Darien beat her to it. He pulled out her chair, and pushed it back in when Serena sat down. He sat down himself, and smiled at the table. The conversation picked up right where it had left off, and Serena listened to the others debate world politics and the stock market. After a few minutes, Seiya entered the room laden down with food. Everyone offered their hands and Seiya handed the bowls and platters over willingly. Eventually the food began to move in a clockwise direction and Serena reached for the salad bowl to start. As was her habit, Serena began picking through the salad, being vigalant about the carrots in the bowl. Darien eyed her questioningly. "You don't like carrots?" "Not really, no. I don't think there was a time when I DID like them." "You don't like carrots much either, do you, Darien?" Seiya broke in, a mischevious smile on his face. Darien looked at Seiya with raised eyebrows. "They aren't my favorite vegetable, no." "What is your favorite vegetable?" Seiya asked. "I've never really thought about it," Darien stated, turning his attention back to the platter of roast beef he held in his hands. "How about you Serena?" "I hate all vegetables. How about YOU, Seiya? Please, inquiring minds want to know. What is your favorite vegetable?" "Whoa, Seiya, if looks could kill..." Yaten chimed, having observed the murderous glare Serena was shooting at Seiya. Seiya just grinned. "I'd have to say...next question! What's your favorite food Darien?" "Chocolate." "Do you like chocolate, Serena?" "Is there anybody in the world who doesn't?" "Nobody in this room, that's for sure!" The food was quickly making the rounds. Seiya had prepared an American style meal, complete with mashed potatoes and stuffing. Serena helped herself to a little of everything, then drizzled gravy over her potatoes, stuffing and roast. Raye looked at her in disgust. "Serena, how can you eat that. It's pure fat!" Serena scooped up a forkful of potatoes and put them in her mouth, closing her eyes to savor the taste. When she finally opened her eyes, the whole table was watching her in fascination. "What? I happen to like raw grease," she quipped, putting her fork down and reaching for her wine. Raye shook her head, Taiki and Yaten laughed aloud, and Darien returned his attention to his meal. For a while, the only sound was that of forks and knives clinking on china. Serena started to relax. 'Seiya took my hint. Huzzah. Now I can enjoy the evening; good food, great wine, fabulous company. Yup, this is shaping up to be a good time.' "So, Darien, what's your favorite movie?" 'Spoke to soon.' Darien thoughtfully sipped his wine, finishing the last of it. "More wine?" "No thanks, I have to drive tonight. I'd have to say... 'The Silence of the Lambs'." "Actor?" "Anthony Hopkins, obviously." "Actress?" "Toss up. Holly Hunter or Beatrice Arthur. Or Juliette Binoche." "Director?" "Spielberg." "Favorite film he's made?" "'Schindler's List'." "Serena LOVED that movie. Favorite author?" "Thomas Harris." "You've read some of his stuff, haven't you, Serena? Favorite book?" "'Hannibal'." "Boxers or briefs?" This last comment came from Mina. "Boxers," Darien said, never missing a beat. "Are you satisfied, Seiya? Lay off the third degree," Mina's tone was severe. "Okay, okay. I was just curious. Although I have to say that my favorite director is Rob Reiner." Serena was grateful for the debate that ensued. For a moment she had prayed for the ground to open up under her, or for lightning to strike. She would have settled for any kind of natural disaster, preferably one that would have removed Seiya to the farthest reaches of the Earth. She was going to KILL him. ************************************************************ Darien was trying his damndest not to burst out laughing. He had seen the way all the seating arangements in the living room had been altered to force him to sit next to Serena. The same was true in the dining room. Not that he minded. But it was so obvious that Seiya and the others were trying to hook him up with Serena. If he wasn't much mistaken, the rest of the group would mysteriously vanish once they reached the dance club, and Darien and Serena would be left alone. Darien was suprised to find that the idea appealed to him. Not only that, but he was rather looking forward to it. He wondered briefly if Serena would fit perfectly in his arms. He rather suspected that she would. Darien snuck a look at the woman in question. Damn but that dress looked fabulous. It hugged her curves perfectly, and showed off her mile-long legs to perfection. It had taken every ounce of willpower Darien posessed not to gaze at them all through the cocktail hour in the dining room. He smiled to himself. It had been a long time since any woman had affected him this way. He had to be careful. Serena Tsukino, with her long silky hair and sparkling personality might just get to be a habit. To his surprise, the idea didn't terrify him one little bit. Seiya was asking him a question. Darien pulled himself back to the present with difficulty. "Darien, settle this debate for us. Who's the best...the Eagles or the Doors?" "I'd have to say the Eagles." Seiya spread his hands. "Thank you Darien. I rest my case." "Good, cause you haven't got a leg to stand on..." Darien tuned them out. He was far more interested in the lovely blond by his side than by which band had the most gold records. He turned his attention back to Serena. She sure was a looker. And talented too, if the lights he had seen at the stadium were any indication. "Did you know that the Eagles have sold the most copies of any rock and roll album to date?" "Didn't one of them have a weird nickname? Which one was it?" "Speaking of nicknames..." Raye turned an evil smile on Serena. "Raye, don't." The calm statement came from Serena. "Don't what? Don't tell the entire table that your nickname in high school was Meatball Head?" "You did it. I can't believe it. You actually said it. I don't believe I shall ever forgive you." Darien reached for the asparagus, considered acting nonchalant, then decided he simply had to ask. "Meatball Head?" "Oh, yeah. She wore her hair in buns and ponytails all through school. She finally stopped in college. Pity. Now I can't tease her about it. But she does blush every time I call her that," Raye stated. Serena was blushing. "I think I'll just sink into the ground and die now. See you in the hereafter," Serena finished, burying her head in her hands. Darien decided to compliment her, just to see if he could make her blush, too. "I think she'd look great with that hairstyle," he said. And anything else might choose to wear...okay, that's enough in that direction, he thought returning his attention to his dinner. He caught Raye's surprise and following smile, and Seiya's triumphant grin. But what he savored was the open mouthed shock on Serena's face, followed by a brilliant smile. Yes, he could defenitly get used to this. Dinner progressed normally, with no more questions about his personal life. Darien was grateful for this, because he wasn't sure he could have answered without cracking up. Far too soon, dessert and coffee were served. Darien didn't add to the conversation, he just sat back and admired the way these people fit together. He envied them their friendship, though he'd never say so. For a moment, Darien felt the crushing loneliness of his existance, and his heart squeezed. He pushed thoughts of his unhappy childhood away from him, back into his subconcious, where things like that belonged. "All right. Ready to go dancing?" Seiya asked. He was met with enthusiastic 'yes's' from all around the table. Darien raised his eyes to Serena, smiling as she looked at him and blushed. "The Sunset Mirage is just around the corner. We should be able to walk. Everyone okay with that? Great! Let's boogie!" Seiya and Mina led the way. Unsurprisingly, Darien and Serena ended up walking together. Darien smiled in the darkness. "I'm sorry," Serena murmured. "For what?" Darien said, genuinely surprised. "For Seiya. He seems to think that you and I would be perfect for each other, and he set this whole thing up so that we would meet and get to know each other, and they're all in on it and...I'm sorry if they've embarrased you." "They haven't. I'm having a great time actually," Darien admitted, smiling at her surprise. "There are worse ways to spend an evening than walking with a beautiful woman." Darien watched as Serena blushed again, and his heart skipped a beat when she smiled at him. She seemed to be blushing a lot, and it was very becoming. "Thanks, Mr. Chiba," she whispered. He stopped and turned toward her, cupping her face and tilting her head up so that he was looking into her eyes. "Call me Darien," he murmured. For a breathless moment he considered kissing her, but he pulled back at the last second. After all, he wasn't sure she'd welcome the attention. He was a bit disappointed to see that she didn't seem to notice his near fall from chivalry. But he didn't look closly enough to see the flare of disappointment in her beautiful eyes "Well, if we're moving on to first names, call me Serena. Everybody does." Darien felt a surprising rush of happiness. It was just her NAME for heaven's sake. Damn, but she was gorgeous. And friendly, and charming and fun loving and...whoa. Better stop those thoughts. He REALLY had to be careful not to fall in love. Where had THAT come from? He had known this woman what...24 hours? But it was true, he realized. He was walking the fine line between freindship and love. He struggled to suppress a goofy grin. The group arrived at the dance club in no time at all. Darien smiled as he produced his ID, and was ushered inside. The brilliant flashing lights and pulsing beat of the place reminded him of the movies. Booths and tables were littered around the bar and hard wooden dance floor. Darien glanced at his watch. 8:45. He spotted a table in the corner and moved toward it.Though the entire group followed him toward it, only Serena was at his side when he reached it. Darien looked at his watch again. 8:46. It had taken exactly one minute for the others to leave him alone with Serena. Darien grinned down at her. Serena looked up at him, a wry smile on her face. "If I didn't know better, I'd think we were being set up," she quipped. Darien's eyes met hers. "I don't mind. Do you?" Darien asked, realizing how much he hoped the answer was no. Serena looked back up at him, an odd gleam in her eyes. "Not really," she murmured, looking down again. Darien started to sit down, but a thought occured to him. He straightened and offered Serena his hand. "May I have this dance?" Serena smiled at him again, and Darien felt his heart begin to melt. She placed a small hand in his and Darien pulled her toward the dance floor. He felt the pulse of the last song end and listened as the DJ called out the next tune. "Here it is, folks! An American classic...'Hungry Eyes'!" The crowd roared its approval as the song began. Darien reached for Serena and puled her close to him. As one, they started to dance. Hungry Eyes (Eric Carmen) I've been meaning to tell you I've got this feelin' that won't subside I look at you and I fantasize Darlin' tonight Now I've got you in my sights With these Hungry Eyes One look at you and I can't disguise I've got hungry eyes I feel the magic between you and I Darien heard the lyrics and was surprised to hear the similarities between the song and his emotions. Looking down at the woman in his arms, Darien felt a surge of protectivness that was as alien to him as the strength with which he felt it. There was another emotion in there as well. Possession. He was already thinking of Serena as his! Unconciously he pulled her closer. ************************************************************* Serena stifled a gasp as Darien pulled her closer to him. She smiled slightly, retuning the favor by tightening her arms around his neck. Though the song was not slow, and other couples were dancing wildly, she and Darien seemed to have found their own rhythm. I want to hold you so hear me out I want to show you what love's all about Darlin' tonight With these Hungry Eyes One look at you and I can't disguise I've got hungry eyes I feel the magic between you and I Serena looked up at Darien, who smiled down at her. 'Oh, god, I hope he can't feel how hard my heart is pounding! That would be so humiliating.' Darien's grin widened, and he grabbed one of her hands. He spun her out into the crowd, and then around a few times before pulling her back into the circle of his arms. Serena threw her head back and laughed as she let Darien lead her through the steps of the dance. 'He is a graceful dancer. I wouldn't have suspected it, but he is. And he's downright sexy too. You'd think that the tall- dark-and handsome thing would be cliche, but he pulls it off nicely.' Serena smirked as she caught the looks of pure envy shot at her from other woman. Darien twirled her around the floor, smiling as he did. Serena was amazed to find that they fit together like pieces of a puzzle, her head coming to rest right beneath his chin. 'I feel so safe here, with him. Almost like...this was always meant to be.' Serena closed her eyes and listened to the music, allowing Darien to lead her through the dance. Now I've got you in my sights With these hungry eyes Now did I take you by surprise I need you to see This love was meant to be I've got hungry eyes One look at you and I can't disguise I've got hungry eyes I feel the magic between you and I As the song deteriorated into the chorus again, Darien and Serena stopped dancing. Both of them had latched on to the one line in the song 'I feel the magic between you and I.' Darien looked at Serena and Serena looked back. They were standing in the middle of a dance floor with noise and people all around them, but it seemed to Serena that the world had narrowed to a pair of sapphire eyes. Darien pulled her a little closer, his eyes searching her face. Suddenly he smiled, a beautifully perfect smile, and lowered his head. 'All RIGHT! He's gonna kiss me! The third most eligible bachelor in the world wants to kiss me! Wait, isn't that a bad thing? Oh, well!' Serena leaned forward and closed her eyes just as Darien placed his mouth over hers. Flashing lights and dancing bodies faded away until there was no one in the world but them. Serena sighed as the kissed, wrapping her arms tightly around Darien's neck, burying her fingers in his dark hair. Darien pulled her more closely to him, wrapping his arms more firmly around her waist. 'I should feel bad about this. I really, really should. Didn't I read somewhere that he has a girlfriend? I'm sure I read that...but HE kissed ME. Didn't he? Oh, shut up Serena, you ask too many questions.' Serena allowed all conscious thought to slide away as she lost herself in the feel of Darien's lips on hers. His lips were firm but gentle, and the heat from his kiss was slowly spreading through Serena leaving her body warm and languid. Serena felt dizzy, and prayed she wouldn't collapse. Darien's body was causing other sensations, so tightly pressed against her feminine curves. Serena felt Darien easing away from her, pulling his lips away. "No," she murmured, pulling him back. Darien came willingly enough, easing his lips over hers once more. Neither of them noticed that all action on the dance floor had stopped, including the music. All the other people in the club were watching the two people in the center of the dance floor, lost in each other. Serena felt the kiss move from gentle and introductory to intense and shivery, if that was even a word. Quite frankly, Serena wasn't sure she could remember her name at this point. As she kissed Dr. Darien Chiba in the middle of a public hardwood dance floor, she managed to form one last thought. 'Serena Tsukino, if you fall in love with this man, I will never speak to you again.' *********************************************************************** There it is, Chapter 4. In a little sidebar, all of Darien's favorite things (movie, book, author, etc.) are my favorites. The Eagles are so cool! As are The Doors. I'm sure that Darien would agree with me. 'Hotel California.' Need I say more? And since this is my story, and I get to say what I want, (Bwa ha ha ha ha)I have to agree with Ms. Lilac Summer's assesment that Darien/Mamoru is a boxer man. I mean, come on folks. Can you HONESTLY tell me tha you can picture Darien/Mamoru in whitie tidies? I think not! Anyway, I'll see you guys soon, Chapter 5 in hand! Mail me, and let me know what you thought! lyrasoze@hotmail.com