            Okay, I don't own Sailor Moon.  I did, however, write the song 
contained in this fiction, so please don't steal it without permission 
(you didn't really think I'd write an entire fiction about a music band 
and not subject you to one of my horrid songs, did you? J).  Thanks a 
million to everyone who reviewed, I'm sorry for not responding, but 
I've had major computer problems, which also explains why this 
chapter took me so long.  It does not mean I don't care!  Enjoy!
 
Serena was working the opening shift at the arcade when the other 
members of her band, lead by Raye, ambushed her.  
            " Serena!" Raye said loudly.  Fortunately it was still early and 
there weren't many patrons in the arcade at that time.  
            " Hey guys", Serena said meekly.  She wisely stood behind the 
counter, while Raye slapped down a few of the morning's newspapers 
in front of her.  
            " Have you seen the headlines yet?" Raye asked impatiently.  
Without waiting for a reply the woman explained.  " After your little 
stunt yesterday, your face and ours are plastered all over the papers.  
Look at this ' Angel saves streets from Riots', ' Muse of Music 
Serenades the Savage Crowds', 'Lunatics live up to Name', or my 
favourite ' All Mighty Band puts fans before the All Mighty Dollar'.  
Do you realize what you've done?"
            Serena nervously hopped from foot to foot.  Even now, she had 
no idea what had possessed her to stand up and sing in front of all those 
people.  Especially when you considered how terrified she usually was 
in front of strangers.  " I'm sorry Raye I didn't mean to"
            " Oh, I see.  You're sorry.  You hear that guys?  She's sorry", 
Raye said, turning to their three friends.  Mina, Lita, and Amy tried to 
look nonplussed.  Raye decided she had teased Serena enough, " She's 
sorry for giving us the best promotion we have ever had!" Raye 
finished excitedly.  The three other women burst into grins.
            " I've had so many calls this morning from agents and 
companies that you would think we were the hottest band in the 
country", Raye said happily.
            " We are the hottest band in the country.  Heck, in the world", 
Mina chimed in.
            " True, but now everyone knows it.  Or at the very least they 
know our name.  Although I don't think Beryl is very happy with us, 
she seems to think we stole her spotlight", Amy said.
            Serena finally had the presence of mind to respond, " That's 
such a lie.  I mean she deserted her fans!"
            " Indeed she did, but that's music industry politics for you", 
Setsuna said, coming into the arcade with Darien in tow.  Serena tried 
to pretend like she didn't notice how Darien and Setsuna seemed much 
more at ease with each other this morning.  " In fact, it is my sad news 
to report that you have been dropped by Nemesis Music Company, they 
feel it is important that they appease their big star, Beryl, rather then 
your band."
            Everyone in the arcade went quiet.  Serena felt horrible; she 
hadn't thought her actions would result in anything that could harm 
their band.  
            " Serena, Serena, Serena", Raye said, sadly shaking her head.
            " Nemesis also dropped me, or rather I quit when I heard that 
they were going to penalize you for doing what was right.  Fortunately, 
Rainbow Productions, a small company that was also in the crowd 
yesterday to experience your little production, hired me again on the 
spot".
            " Don't tell me I offended them too?" Serena asked fearfully.
            " Well, you all certainly caused a stir", Setsuna said slowly.  " 
They told me that any band that put themselves on the line for their 
fans, is the kind-of band they want to represent.  They not only want to 
sign you for your very own record deal, but they also want to finance a 
big promotional campaign and take you guys on tour.  Congratulations, 
everyone", Setsuna finished, a smile on her face for once.
Serena took a moment to digest the news, before glancing up at her 
friends.  They were all wearing similar looks of wonderment on their 
faces, before finally erupting into screams.  Serena practically vaulted 
over the arcade's counter so that she could hug her friends.  The few 
people in the arcade wondered why the group was so excited, but were 
smiling anyway at their enthusiasm.
" We're going to be a real band!"
" We're going to make a real record!"
" We're going to go on tour!"
Serena is hugging me!  Darien said just as happily in his head.  Indeed 
Serena had thrown herself at every member of the band, seemingly 
unaware of the effect her innocent hug had on Darien.
Rainbow productions wasted no time getting their new clients the 
'Lunatics' into the recording studio.  Setsuna, because the company 
knew of her existing rapport with the band, had been assigned the 
responsibility of overseeing all the 'Lunatics' actions.  She became 
their agent, their manager, and their confidant almost overnight.  Two 
weeks after signing a contract with Rainbow studios, they were all 
sitting in a restaurant, discussing the final touches to their first official 
album, entitled 'Madness' after their headlining song.  
" I know we've discussed this, and I know you're all still uncertain, but 
I really think having Darien as one of the vocals would give your band 
a lot more range and variety", Setsuna said.
" And we agreed.  That's why I have a mike now", Darien said, still not 
overly sure that he was happy with the idea.
" Yes, but you're still barely a back-up singer.  I was thinking of one 
big song, where you took centre stage", Setsuna said.
" What if" Raye began, still sipping her diet coke thoughtfully, " 
what if me and Darien shared that new song of ours, 'Who do you think 
you are'". (AN: stolen from the Sailor Moon: Luna Rock CD put out by 
Dic.  Just so you know).
" Share it, how?" Lita asked.
" Like, it could be almost a fight between us.  You know, I could sing ' 
though I'm on time, you show up late', and then Darien could sing the 
next line", Raye said, breaking in to song briefly.
" 'Without a word, you break our date'", Darien sang accordingly.  " I 
guess I could handle that".
" That will be perfect", Setsuna said happily.  
" Okay, Darien and I can go over the lyrics later today and work out 
who says what, and to make sure the song still makes sense.  We can be 
ready for the recording studio as early as tomorrow morning", Raye 
said.
Serena gave a little sigh as she watched Darien leave with Raye and 
Setsuna.  Was there still something between Setsuna and Darien?  They 
seemed to share a lot of long talks over coffee, and were often together 
and slightly apart from the group when the band was all there.  And 
now there was this connection with Raye.  Not that she believed there 
was anything between Darien and Raye save the music  Raye was 
happy with Chad anyway, but it meant that they had an excuse to be 
alone together.  Serena remembered with fondness those days when 
she'd had him all to herself while teaching him the band's songs.
" Serena?  You still with us?" Lita asked, noticing how her friend was 
still staring at the door Darien had departed from nearly twenty minutes 
ago.
" Yeah, sorry.  What were you saying?"
" We thought we'd go do a little shopping.  You know; get a few things 
for when we go on tour?  We've got a little money now to spend", 
Mina said.  " Come on, we deserve a break."
" We sure do!  I want some nail polish, dark green preferably.  
Hopefully that will detract attention from my calloused palms', Lita 
said, holding her rough hands out for all to see.
" Nail polish, I could use some of that too.  Though my nails are so 
short, I don't know if it's worth it", Serena said laughing.  She had to 
keep her nails short since she preferred to use a guitar pick, and didn't 
want to accidentally snag a cord on her guitar.
" You girls are thinking too small!  We're going to be rich and famous, 
I can just feel it.  I want a completely new outfit.  Something to drive 
Andrew wild", Mina said, a devilish gleam in her eyes.
" Hell, you could drive that boy wild dressed in army fatigues", Lita 
said laughing.
" What can I say?  He's smitten, and so am I.  I think this one is a 
keeper.  What do you think Raye would say if I asked Andrew to come 
work for us as a sound technician?  He's out of University for the 
summer and we already know he can do the work".
" You just want to be able to take him with you when we go on tour", 
Serena said.
" True, but it doesn't mean he wouldn't do a good job", Mina said.
" I think it's a great idea, and when you ask Raye, I'll come too.  I want 
to ask her if we can hire Ken as our resident roadie", Lita said.
" Want to keep him close too?" Mina asked slyly.
" No", Lita said blushing.  " You know it's not like that between us".
The three other women looked at each other and Mina winked.  " Of 
course it isn't, Ken isn't interested."
" Not true, I could make him interested if I wanted to", Lita said, 
defending herself before realizing that was what her friends had wanted 
her to do.  " Point taken.  Now let's go shopping!  Coming Amy?"
" Absolutely.  I want an outfit to drive Greg crazy as well", Amy said, 
winking at Mina.
" Maybe we should start off in the lingerie department?" Mina 
suggested, looping her arms through Amy's.  Lita and Serena walked 
behind Amy and Mina, and shared a glance.
" What do you say we ditch them when we get to the mall, and load up 
on chocolate while they load up on flashy underwear?"
" Serena, you read my mind", Lita said, laughing quietly.  " Men, bah, 
who needs them?"
" Not us, especially when chocolate is such a ready substitute", Serena 
agreed.  
                                    ***
Raye and Darien's song was the final touch to their album, which was 
then rush released to the public.  Serena almost had a car accident when 
she was flipping through the radio stations, and suddenly their song 
came on the airwaves.  It was terribly exciting to be getting payment 
and recognition, for all their hard work (AN: on an unrelated topic, feel 
free to e-mail me and monetary contributions are always acceptable 
Get Back!  Author has slipped into mercenary mode, run, run for the 
hills!  Before it's too late! J). ' Who do you think you are' and 
'Madness' were what were known as 'instant successes'.  It always 
made the band laugh when they were described as overnight sensations, 
since for them it had been years of hard work for little reward to get 
where they were.
" Now, the company has decided on a theme for your tour.  It's to be 
called the 'Rainbow Crystal Tour'", Setsuna said from behind her desk 
in her cramped office.  The assembled band members looked at each 
other with similar expressions of chagrin.
" Rainbow Crystal Tour?  Doesn't that sound a little girly?" Lita 
said, wrinkling her nose.
" Makes us sound like a bunch of hippies.  Far out man, groovy", Mina 
joked.
" I know its not the best of names, but the 'Rainbow' part comes from 
the company name, obviously, and as for the Crystal part, it's the 
owner's daughter's name, so I wouldn't go shooting your mouth off 
about how silly it sounds", Setsuna said coolly.
" Actually, when you put it like that, I think it's a fantastic name", 
Serena said loudly and conspicuously.  The other's caught on and 
began praising their benefactor's good sense.  A little shameless flattery 
can go a long way, it was decided.
" If you're all done sucking up to the company that gives you your pay-
checks, I'll continue with the tour plans.  We have you booked in 
venues clear across the country and you can expect to be gone for a 
minimum of three months.  I'm going to be coming with you and acting 
as your manager, so to speak.  Now, in keeping with the crystal theme, 
I thought it might be a nice idea if you all picked a favourite colour and 
then we'll use those colours in the stage design and in your costumes.  
That way people will get a more personalized and special experience 
when they come to your shows", Setsuna said, pen poised over a pad of 
paper to take down their choices.
" I get it.  Like, I choose Red, and we'll have a Ruby Crystal show 
where everything is in shades of red", Raye said, liking the idea.
" Actually, you'll all get four shows where the colour you choose will 
dominate.  Now, what crystal colours do the rest of you choose?"
" I want sapphire.  A really deep blue, you know?" Amy said, after a 
brief pause.
" Green.  Definitely green for me", Lita said.  Mina stuck her tongue 
out at her friend, 
" You know I look terrible in green!  Oh well, I want, um, orange or 
yellow or gold.  Something like that".
" Okay, yellow will probably show up best.  Darien?" Setsuna asked, 
scribbling away.
" Oh, I don't care.  Someone pick something for me", he said.  
Everyone looked at him and tried to imagine what his signature colour 
should be.  He was wearing his customary black jeans and black T-
shirt, so the choice on everyone's lips was black, but that really wasn't 
an option, since most things would be black anyways and because 
black wouldn't catch the lights. 
While they were thinking, the door to Setsuna's office opened and a 
small girl of about seven years of age entered calmly.  She seemed 
unfazed by the amount of people in the office and approached Setsuna.  
Standing next to Setsuna, the resemblance between the two was 
remarkable.  The little girl had silky black hair, cut cleanly to shoulder 
length and a business like expression in her black eyes.
" Darien?" The little girl asked, her eyes widening slightly with 
happiness.
" Hey kid, what are you doing here?" Darien said gently, crouching 
down and giving the shy girl a hug.
" Babysitter is away for this week, so she's been an angel coming with 
mommy to work everyday and behaving", Setsuna said.  " Come here, 
my big girl.  These are some friends of mine, you remember that new 
band I was telling you about?"  The girl nodded, and climbed into 
Setsuna's lap while Setsuna introduced everyone by name.  " This is 
my daughter Hotaru, she'll be coming with us when we go on tour."
" That'll be fun.  We're trying to come up with a colour for Darien.  
Any thoughts, Hotaru?" Amy asked.
Hotaru considered the question for some time before stating, " Purple".
" Purple, huh?  Fine by me, thanks Hotaru", Darien said.  Setsuna wrote 
down the colour on her pad, and then said, 
" That just leaves you Serena, what colour do you want?"
" Umm, I don't know.  How about silver?"
" Silver?  Who has ever heard of a Silver Crystal?" Raye asked 
sceptically.
" Oh, who asked you?" Serena said, rolling her eyes at her friend.
" Actually, silver will look really good on stage.  Good that's done.  
Now I have a few more arrangements to make", Setsuna said.  Hotaru 
whispered in her ear and Setsuna sighed.  " We'll be done in a bit, 
darling, can you wait until then?"
" Wow, you must be so bored sitting in an office all day", Serena said 
cheerfully, noticing Hotaru's glum expression.
" No, it's okay.  I have lots of homework to do," Hotaru said seriously.  
Serena pretended to gag.
" Homework?  Have you even seen what the weather is like outside?  
Setsuna, would it be okay if I took her outside for ice cream?"
" I'm not sure, Hotaru do you want to go?"  Setsuna asked, secretly 
glad for Serena's offer.  Hotaru nodded to her mother.  Serena grinned 
and waited for Hotaru to slip off her mother's lap and come to her.  
Hand in hand they left the office.
" That's surprising, I've never known Hotaru to go with anyone she 
doesn't know", Setsuna said.
" Yeah, I remember how long it took her to get use to me", Darien said, 
recalling the weeks and months he had spent getting to know Setsuna's 
daughter.  " But that's Serena for you, everyone's friend."
The details of the tour were worked out and soon the day arrived when 
they would be leaving their hometown for the great unknown.  Facing 
fate and destiny from the seat of a Winnebago  Perhaps a motor 
home was not the most poetic of choices for transportation, but it sure 
was comfortable.  Andrew and Ken had indeed been hired to help out 
the band; Andrew was an assistant sound technician and Ken was 
responsible for the instruments and their wiring.  Chad would be 
staying behind, since he had to manage the store, and Greg was taking 
summer classes at the University so that he could finish school a little 
earlier.  Needless to say, Lita and Mina were ecstatic about the 
arrangements, while Amy and Raye were a little sad to be so long 
without their significant others.  Serena just felt nervous about being in 
such close quarters with Darien for an extended period.  Fortunately, or 
unfortunately, depending upon her mood, Darien spent much of his 
time with Setsuna and Hotaru.  Hotaru was taking school by 
correspondence and Darien was happy to help her out with some of the 
more difficult material.
Road travel was actually quite fun.  They ate junk food, stopped at 
cheesy tourist traps like the world's largest Beer Bottle, and played tons 
of music.  The concerts had started off in small locales with even 
smaller audiences, but their songs were becoming more and more 
requested on the radio, and gradually their popularity grew.  They 
started to get fan mail and record sales were taking off.  After a month 
of touring, they began playing in large concert style venues to sold-out 
crowds.  None of them would ever forget what it was like to arrive in a 
city where tickets to their show were the hottest thing going.  
After playing for three nights in a row, to three sold-out crowds, the 
band was given a two-day rest.  Instruments were left out on the stage 
that Rainbow studios had hired, so that the band could practice without 
worrying about setting up constantly.  Of course, because of their busy 
schedule, nobody felt much like practicing.
Lita wandered off the stage and headed towards their hotel building.  In 
the lobby she passed by Raye and Mina who were signing autographs 
for a group of guys.  Andrew sat nearby clenching his jaw every time 
Mina giggled  which was every two seconds or so.  Lita sighed since 
not one of the good-looking guys asked for her autograph.
" Nobody ever notices the drummer", Lita complained, as she 
approached Ken who was sitting at the hotel bar.  
" I notice her", Ken kidded, and ordered Lita a beer.  " I definitely 
notice the drummer, because your instrument is such a pain in the ass to 
carry".
" Not quite what I meant, but thanks, I guess", Lita said, accepting the 
beer and taking a long sip.  Ken and Lita spotted a table near the back 
of the room and moved over to it.  The table was quiet and they ordered 
another round of drinks.  Lita thought about how comfortable she felt 
with Ken.  Just being able to sit and share a drink with him was 
something she treasured.  Eventually the mood and the alcohol 
mellowed Lita out to the point where she started to talk.
" Ken, can I ask you a question?"
" Of course.  But I probably won't answer it, I really don't like you all 
that much", he teased.  His smile was all she needed to know he was 
kidding.
" I'm trying to be serious here!  Do you think"
" Occasionally", Ken said, interrupting.
" Shut up, geek!" Lita said laughing.  " I just wanted to know, if you 
thought I was  Well, our male fans are always approaching Raye and 
Mina, and they have boyfriends.  Amy is engaged, and well Serena 
is"
" Serena is Darien's obsession, as if that's not totally obvious", Ken 
said.
" Yeah, so I'm just sort-of wondering, why not me?  I mean, am I 
horribly disfigured in some way that I'm not aware of?"
" Well, you're kind-of tall and gangly.  And I shudder to think of your 
long legs, and toned body", Ken replied.
" Do you think, maybe, I'm not feminine enough?"
Ken took a sip from his mug and looked hard at Lita.  He had only been 
kidding before but it was obvious what Lita needed was a serious 
answer.
" Lita, I think you're worrying for nothing.  If guys don't approach you, 
it's probably because there a little awed by you.  You're a very capable 
and independent woman; we males know your looking for the right 
guy, not just a guy.  It can be a little daunting.  As for being feminine", 
Ken looked her up and down critically.  " You want an honest opinion 
on that, too?"
" Sure, I think I'm probably drunk enough for a little criticism", Lita 
said.
" You have an athlete's body which is definitely appealing, I like that 
you're so tall, you have killer eyes, you look better in pants then skirts 
because of your ass, and no guy would ever consider you at all 
masculine thanks to your rather impressive rack", Ken said bluntly.  
Lita's face was flaming and she let her head fall to the table with a 
thunk.
" I lied, I'm not drunk enough for the truth", Lita said, voice muffled.
" Too late.  I also think you have a great sense of humour, a loyal and 
true personality, and you cook like a dream.  Any guy who doesn't 
notice that doesn't deserve you", Ken said, patting her head.
" Thanks Ken.  But so far you're the only guy to ever notice all that 
about me", Lita said sadly.
" I know.  I wonder if that means I'm getting close to deserving you?" 
Ken said gently.  Lita lifted her head and stared at him with a stupefied 
expression.  " Don't look so surprised, I've had a crush on you for 
years."
" What?!" Lita practically screamed.
" Hey, relax.  I know that you don't feel the same way about me, and 
I'd rather be your friend then nothing at all.  I'm exhausted Lita, I think 
I'll go to bed.  Night", he said calmly, like nothing at all had happened.  
He gave Lita a kiss on the cheek and sauntered out of the bar.  Lita 
signalled the bar tender to pour her another drink; suddenly her world 
had turned itself upside-down.  Ken liked her?  He had had a crush on 
her for years?  Sweet, lovable, 'made her feel small in comparison', 
Ken, had romantic feelings for her?  It was so ludicrous, and 
ridiculous and, and, fantastic, wonderful, perfect!  Lita slammed her 
mug down with an exclamation of satisfaction.  She left the bar with an 
earth-shattering smile on her face that had nothing at all to do with 
alcohol.
Serena had been sitting in her hotel room that she was sharing with 
Amy, Lita, and Raye, bored out of her mind, when she decided to try 
and find her friends.  Knowing they were somewhere in the hotel, she 
wandered around, and finally found Raye and Mina talking with a 
group of young men who she recognized as coming from that days 
audience.  It really didn't appeal to Serena to make small talk with a 
group of strangers so she left Mina and Raye alone.  She spotted Lita 
and Ken in the bar, but seeing their intense faces made her decide to 
leave them alone also.  Amy was sitting in a deep armchair in the lobby 
talking on Setsuna's cell phone.  Her tone of voice and bittersweet 
expression made it clear that she was talking to Greg, so Serena left her 
alone and wandered back up to her room.  On the way she passed 
Setsuna's room.  The door was partially open, and Serena could see 
that Setsuna was going over some paperwork at the small table, while 
Darien was reading Hotaru a bedtime story.  It was a scene of domestic 
bliss that almost made Serena's heart break.
Everyday she wrestled with the idea of simply blurting out to Darien 
that she was head over heels in love with him, but in the end she always 
held back, fearing rejection.  Imagine if he didn't return her feelings, 
and then they had to continue working together for the remaining part 
of the tour?  It would be so humiliating.  And if there were something 
between Setsuna and him, well, she would feel even more 
embarrassed.  Sighing, Serena made a quick stop at her room to pick up 
her classical guitar before heading outdoors and across the street to the 
stage where they had been playing.  The guard recognized her and let 
her inside.  She flipped on the main spotlight so that it hit the centre of 
the stage before sitting herself down in that halo of light, her feet 
swinging gently off the edge of the stage, her arms wrapped around her 
guitar.
She breathed deeply and let her thoughts wander.  It was always so 
peaceful in a theatre when there was nobody else around.  The smell of 
the old fashioned wooden floor boards and the warming overhead lights 
was so familiar and comforting to her that she often came down to sit 
on the stage and just think - as long as she could be sure there was 
nobody around to intrude on her privacy.  Sometimes she thought of 
her father and how he had taught her to play.  She wondered what he 
thought of her now, if he was proud of her success.  In her mind's eye 
she imagined the theatre packed with adoring fans, calling out for 
encores, while her father and mother sat in the front row clapping 
wildly.  Eventually, her thoughts turned to more current matters, 
namely Darien.  She sighed again and closed her eyes, letting her 
thoughts come out through her fingertips and onto the guitar strings.
Knowing she was alone, she let herself start to sing, playing along 
gently with her guitar and feeling the healing balm that always came 
when she expressed herself musically.
I wake up and face the morning
And my thoughts turn straight to you
Curl down deeper into my bed
Oh how I wish my dream were true
But then I guess I'd have to tell you
That I long for your embrace
And though I ask, it's only in my dreams
When you don't laugh back in my face
Darien finished reading to Hotaru, who had the dazed, sleepy 
expression on her face that meant sleep was only minutes away, and 
stood up slowly.
" Thanks for reading to her.  She really missed you, when we broke-
up", Setsuna whispered.
" I missed her too, she's a great kid.  And I suppose it's only fair that I 
say, I missed you too Setsuna", he said.
" Darien, you know" Setsuna said, already defensive.
" No, I don't mean romantically.  It took me awhile but I began to see 
what you meant about us.  We weren't ever in love, were we?"
" We loved each other, and probably still do, but we weren't 'in' love, 
no.  I'm glad we get to see each other now though.  You're right; I did 
miss you.  I missed having someone level headed to talk to, and I 
missed how you really listened to me.  I missed having someone so 
dependable always within reach, and I missed having someone help me 
with Hotaru.  I'm always afraid that I don't have enough to give her, 
you know?"
" Of course I understand.  What do you say we make a deal right now 
to always keep in touch, as friends?"
" I'd like that", Setsuna said.  Darien held out his hand and they shook 
on it, laughing softly.  " Now, as your friend, I'm telling you to get out 
of here.  Take a break, okay?"
" Yes ma'am", Darien said.  He cast a last look at Hotaru and gave 
Setsuna a small wave before heading downstairs to find some 
company.  He spotted Andrew giving a bunch of men the evil eye and 
approached him.
" Hey Andrew, what's up?"
" Nothing much.  Just coming to terms with the fact that my girlfriend 
likes to be the centre of attention", Andrew said tightly.
" Oh, have you seen Serena around?"
" She passed by here with her guitar.  I think she was headed over to 
the theatre for some practice.  Raye says she does that sometimes when 
things are quiet", Andrew replied, eyes never straying from Mina's 
laughing face.  Darien decided to head over to the theatre and see if 
Serena wanted to grab something to eat.  Serena was always up for 
food.
Darien nodded to the security guard who let him inside.
" Is my friend here?  Long blonde-hair, blue eyes, carrying a guitar?"
" Yeah, she's here.  Just started serenading me with a song.  Nice voice 
she's got, quiet though", the guard said.  He went and sat back down in 
his chair by the theatre door.  Darien skirted around to the back of the 
stage, not wanting to interrupt Serena from singing.  He entered 
through a door that led to the foot of the stage and stopped dead in his 
tracks when he saw Serena.  He felt a little like Romeo, since he could 
have sworn he had never seen true beauty until this night.
Her hair shone like golden sunlight under the lights, her skin was like 
polished ivory.  Her eyes were closed and her lips parted as she sang.  
Her voice was nowhere near as powerful as Raye's, or as clear and 
strong as Mina's.  It was a soft, lilting, almost wistful voice that faded 
out into velvet notes as she caressed every word with love and 
meaning.  Darien watched entranced as she continued to sing her song; 
a song he had never heard before but which seemed to speak to him as 
though every word was meant for him.
There will come a time
Sometime
When you will turn and see
I will count the seconds
And I will count the days
Until you fall in love with me
We will be together in time
Days, months, years, whatever
Sometime
 
Just a day like all the others
Everything is going fine
Casually we talk of weather
What if I never cross this line?
And what we have is just so easy
I feel I shouldn't even try
But when you leave there's something missing
There must be a reason why I cry
 
There will be a place
Somewhere
At this point you'll turn and see
I will travel many miles
And I will travel down all roads
Until you fall in love with me
We will be together in this world
Land, sea, air, whatever
Somewhere
 
I don't mean that I'm unhappy
I don't need you for life to start
It's just I look at you and wonder
Are you what's missing in my heart?
While I know you've never hinted
That things between us could ever change
I don't think I can keep pretending
As it is I'm acting strange
 
There will be a way
Somehow
When you can finally see
I will figure out the puzzles
And I will figure out the troubles
Until you fall in love with me
We will be together I believe
Thought, hope, trust, whatever
Somehow
 
Got to the bus stop, same time as usual
All the same I was too late
Maybe its some kind-of omen
You could move on while I debate
Arriving home I feel so tired
Didn't know that thoughts held weight
I suppose the answer is to tell you
Too bad today was not that day
 
I am going to find you
Someone
I will turn and there you'll be
I will not give up in looking
And I will not give up for longing
Until you fall in love with me
We will be together, you and I
Friend, love, soul, whatever
Someone
 
Sometime is when we'll be together
Somewhere is the place we'll meet
Somehow this will all work out
Someone won't admit defeat
Sometime may be coming soon
Somewhere we will always be
Somehow we will find each other
                                    Cause you're the someone that I see 
            The last words of the song were sung a little stronger, with a 
hint of something akin to desperation woven in.  Darien blinked and 
approached the stage not really knowing why, but unable to turn away.
            " Darien!  How long have you been there?" Serena asked 
startled.  
            " Long enough to hear most of the song.  It's really beautiful, 
who wrote it?"
            Serena flushed; embarrassed that someone had caught her at her 
utmost vulnerable.  " I did.  It's nothing really".
            " You're wrong, it's something.  Did you ever consider letting 
us play it as a band?"
            " It's not really our style.  No, this song is just for me.  And I 
guess for you now too."
            " We have our song then.  I like that.  Something beautiful just 
for us", Darien said, voice deep and almost husky.  Serena was 
drowning in his gaze, unable to break free and unwilling to care why.  
Darien could still feel the plaintive quality of the song and her voice, 
pulling him closer, daring him to take that chance.  Sitting on the stage 
edge as she was, Serena was at eye-level with Darien.  Inch by inch, 
centimetre by centimetre, they drew closer, as though the music was a 
net drawing them inexorably together.  Darien's hand reached out to 
stroke her face, his musician's hands impossibly light, while Serena's 
eyes drifted to a close.  They both leaned in, and finally their lips met in 
a kiss that had been waiting to happen since the day they had first met.  
A kiss that meant more then even they could possibly imagine.
 
Happily ever after?  With at least two chapters to go?  I think not.  Still 
a few surprises left!  Song is still mine, it's called 'Sometime, 
Somewhere, Somehow, Someone'.  Please review!  Still looking for 
people to make rude comments about my laziness so that I'm motivated 
to get to work on the further chapters (it actually works!)
 

