Something Unexpected : Chapter 4 by: Blue Ice << qysm@hotmail.com >> Hi everyone!! It's me Blue Ice. Well, if you've read this far, I'm glad you like my story. I kept the first three chapters in suspense. There will be one more chapter after this one. And both parts are going to mainly focus on Darien and Serena. I might add in some parts about Andrew and Mina. I can't believe I'm almost done with this fanfic. I've really enjoyed writing stories like this. My next story is going to be about the Silver Millennium. I can't wait. Well, I'll leave you now, and on with the story. (Sailor Moon most definitely does not belong to me) Serena raised her head as darkness surrounded her. The only lights visible are from the candles. All of a sudden the room was lit up, the brilliance of the lights casting a soft golden glow on everything it touched. And there they stood, every single person in the room clapping vigorously, her friends jumping up and down shouting her name. 'This is too good to be true! They're all clapping for me! And Dar....Darien, he's clapping too!' Serena's mind screamed. 'I'm dreaming. Oh what a wonderful dream!' It seemed like it's been forever since everyone's been applauding. As Serena looked out to the audience, she realized with utterly happiness that this in fact had been real. She had just gave the best performance of her life, without falling on her face or messing up the song. They liked it! No they loved it! She gracefully curtsied to the still clapping audience. Amy absentmindedly wiped away a tear that was stinging her eye. The girls gave each other high f ives as the mission had been successfully completed. Now it's all up to Darien to accept the fact that Serena is far more than the eye could see. She has strong characters, love and loyalty to her friends. She's caring and gentle, and the best friend anyone would yearn for. Why can't he see that? Or is it because he doesn't want to see it? Darien couldn't take his eyes off of her during the whole entire song. He had been so touched by her simply because she was so beautiful. And the emotions she put into her song was forever embedded in his heart. 'She is absolutely incredible.' he thought to himself. He had been staring so intently at Serena, that he didn't realize Melissa waving a hand in front of him for several seconds now. She turned to look at Serena still on stage, feeling jealousy boil up to her neck. 'Oh no, she's not going to get Darien. That little twit.'Finally Darien snapped out of his world and looked down to Melissa. An Unreadable expression on his face. It was one of astonishment, gentleness, and......love? Melissa did not like where this is going at all, as she thought of the perfect excuse for Darien to stay with her. Mina noticed Melissa's grin and immediately became protective of Serena. 'Just what is she thinking about?' She turned and motioned Rei to look at Melissa and she also caught that sly look. 'Could she actually be afraid that Darien is going to fall for Serena?' Rei thought intently. 'This was only to prove Darien wrong. Isn't it?' She looked at Darien again. There was a certain softness on his features that was unlike him at all. 'Maybe just maybe that Darien is actually falling for Serena. Oh the possibility of that was only one in a hundred. But still Rei felt that tiny bit of hope rise as she looked back and forth between Darien and Serena. While Darien couldn't take his eyes off of her. Serena on the other hand wouldn't meet his gaze. She was supposed to be proud of herself and sticking her tongue out at Darien by now. But for some reason, she held herself. Finally the clapping ceased to silently talking as Amy's mother came out again. She hugged Serena and congratulated her on her song. "Well, I just have one thing to say." she said. "You were absolutely, positively wonderful!" Serena looked down as a blush was noticeable on her already redden cheeks, and quietly said a soft "thank you." The audience laughed at her naivetes. She was definitely one of a kind. Serena quickly walked off the stage and found her own seat. By now the Three Lights were performing one of their hit songs and already, people started dancing to the up beat music. The girls came around Serena and group hugged as they praised her singing. Their dates couldn't help themselves as they put their arms around the perky girls. Darien watched with a longing to do the same thing when all of a sudden Serena's dress brushed passed his tuxedo and his senses were assaulted by her perfume that smelled like daisies. He sat there numb for a moment. 'What is it about her that's drawing me close to insanity?' He asked himself wonderingly. Melissa gave him a stern look as he pretended nothing had just happened. "Serena you were so awesome!! I mean did you see Darien's face?" Mina asked jumping in excitement. "Really, you should consider music as something you might be interested later on, maybe even as a career. You would definitely be financially well off." Amy said, always being the practical one. "Y....yes, what Amy just said." Lita said somewhat a little confused. "Thank you guys so much for being my best friends. I don't know how to repay you ever!" Serena said a little teary eyed. "We did this because we all love you like a sister. And we don't expect anything else more than just your friendship." Mina said a little teary eyed herself. "Well hurry up and change so we can go kick Darien's butt!" Lita laughed as she kicked the air. "I'll be right out." Serena came out minutes later wearing her first gown. "I heard that there's going to be games in a moment. Let's go already!" Rei said as she dragged Serena out to the ballroom. 'Where is she?' Darien wondered. ".....so you see Darien, it would really benefit both of our companies. Don't you think?" "huh...what was that?.....Um, I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that." Darien turned his attention back to an older man in a white tuxedo. "Really Darien, you haven't heard a word I said. You seem to be distracted tonight." "I'm sorry Mr. Saruko. I'm afraid I'm not myself right now. Something is definitely distracting me." Darien replied as he gave up momentarily looking for a certain blonde. "Well come on, let's go get some wine, shall we? Maybe it will clear you mind a little." Mr. Saruko offered. "Yes ,that might be a good idea." Serena walked into the ballroom with her friends, their faces glowing with excitement. She saw Darien talking to an older gentleman, shaking his head in defeat. He looked tired and distracted. Serena felt her heart melt at the sight. He really looked handsome tonight. He was wearing a black tuxedo with exquisite patterns on the collard. The bow tie was also black. Her eyes followed down his black pants all the way to his shiny black shoes. Darien was tall, that much was obvious. He stood there at least 6 foot tall. A pair of thin wired reading glasses were in his hand. She continued to watch him unnoticed until they walked to the bar situated against the back wall. Rei tapped Serena on the shoulder. "Are you alright?" smiling, Serena turned to face her worried friend. "Ya, I'm fine. I was just thinking." "About what?" Serena hesitated for a moment, not knowing where to start. "Can we go outside and talk?" "Sure." Rei said. "Let's get our coats so we don't freeze." Outside on the balcony, the two girls sat down on a stone bench. People were scattered around enjoying the beautiful winter night. "So what's on your mind?" Rei asked. "Well, you know sometimes you don't want to feel a certain way, but you just can't help it. And...and then when you realize it after all this time, you're too late..." "I'm not following you Serena." Rei said unsure of Serena's point. " What are you trying to say. You know you can tell me anything right?" "Ya, I know but, it's so hard for me to explain." Serena let out a deep breath. "I....I'm starting to feel something for Darien. And honestly I think it's crazy. He is already madly in love with another woman. And now I realized why I had been so mad when I saw them together. I was jealous Rei, of something I can never have." Serena said, tears starting to form in her crystal blue eyes. Rei didn't interrupt, letting her finish. "It's just impossible. He...he can never return my feelings. I.....I'm nothing like Melissa. How can I even compare? He barely tolerates me as some stupid teenager not worthy of anyone's love, especially his." Rei quietly listened as Serena poured out her feelings. "Serena, don't let anyone look down at you. Did you see Darien's face tonight while you were singing?" Serena shook her head. "He was stunned. Melissa was trying to get his attention, and he didn't even budge. I'm not an expert on things like this, but I wouldn't be surprised if he thought of you more than just some girl." Rei said reassuringly. Serena was silent for a moment contemplating what Rei had just told her. "Oh no Rei. I can't....I can't do this to Melissa. It's just wrong! I can't believe I had even considered such a thing! She is his girlfriend, and I'm not going to get between them." 'How can she have the heart to think of someone else at a time like this? She is truly a caring person, willing to sacrifice her needs to not ruin another's. Then again this is Serena.' Rei thought silently. "Do you really think you can avoid your feelings? Maybe just maybe for once you should think of yourself first. Do you honestly think Darien is happy with Melissa?'' Serena raised her head to look at Rei intently. "I......I can't, I just can't Rei....I'm so confused." Not being able to contain herself any longer, Serena burst into tears." Rei gently rocked her back and forth until she was only sobbing quietly. "The way I see it, she doesn't deserve someone like Darien. I know he seems like a c old hearted person. But I'm sure if you can warm his soul and reach out to his heart, then another part of him would slowly make it's way out of the darkness. I've seen the light in his eyes Serena. It was gentle and soft. If I were you, I'd want to see him happy. And the only way that he'll ever be truly happy, is if you'd give him a chance and show him your love. I guarantee you, that there's a bond between you two that can never be broken." Rei touched Serena's arm gently. Serena had stopped crying and new hope dawned her. She hugged Rei furiously, silently thanking God for such a compassionate friend. Rei looked into Serena's puffy eyes. "Come on, lets get you cleaned up. The party has only begun." For the first time after their talk, Serena smiled as they made their way to the ladies room. Serena looked at her reflection and felt a sense of warmth. She knew she can never avoid her feelings for Darien. Why didn't she realize this sooner? After washing her tear stained face and reapplying her make up, the two girls walked back to the ballroom. They found the rest of the girls and their dates standing around talking while the Three Lights put on some music by other artists. This party needed different styles. "Hi guys, what are you talking about?" "Serena, Rei, where have you been?" Mina asked. "We were just talking. I'll tell you guys later at the sleep over." Serena replied. "Is everything alright?" Amy asked starting to get worried. "It is now. Lets go get a drink, I'm thirsty." Serena smiled and headed for the bar to get a soda. The rest of the group followed and told jokes as they sat at the counter. Darien thought he saw Serena as someone walked by, but couldn't get closer because Melissa wanted to dance. He turned them around and looked pass all the couples to see Serena and her friends laughing their heads off about something. He couldn't tell what she was wearing, but it was sparkling with her movements. He sighed as he reverted his attention back to the woman in his arms. She looked up to him seductively and laid her head on his chest. 'Oh brother..' he thought. The clock chimed 9 o'clock as Amy's mother came back up the stage. Everyone went back to their seats. "I hope everyone's enjoying this ball. By popular demand of some men" she stopped to look at a group of rich men sitting with drinks in their hands. "we're going to have a contest, a um....beauty contest. We will choose 10 ladies from the audience, and you will vote for the most beautiful gown. The winner will receive a $500 shopping spree anywhere she desires. And we have to thank Mr. Sakuro for his generous donation of $20, 000." The audience clapped as he stood up and took a bow. "Now do I have some volunteers?" Four tall women walked up stage and stood in a line for everyone to view their gowns. They had probably cost more than $1,000 each. "Come on guys lets go!" Lita whispered. "No way, I'll be too embarrassed!" Amy said a little nervous. "Hey guys, this is just a stupid contest. It's not like there's only one loser. We're all in this together." Rei said getting up at the same time and pulling Serena to her feet. "Maybe you guys should go without me.." Serena sat back down. "Oh no you don't. We have to show off our gowns since we spent so much money on them." Mina dragged Serena up again. Serena had no choice but to go up. They stood beside the other ladies. "Ok, um I need one more. Anybody want to win $500, you might as well." Melissa stood up. "I'll be happy to." she said in a low voice. She turned to kiss Darien on the cheek and walked gracefully to the stage. Her figure swaying purposely. Now everyone was lined up in order. This was the first time Darien has ever seen Serena's gown clearly. He had almost dropped the champagne glass as his eyes fell on Serena's lovely appearance. For the first time, Serena's eyes met Darien's dark blue ones for a fraction of a second. Then the nervousness took over and she lowered her head blushing madly. Darien chuckled. 'That's strange, I had actually made her blush.' he thought, somewhat happy about it. He turned his gaze away from Serena and looked at all the contestants. They were all very beautiful. This was going to be a tough choice. The first four women all had black dresses. The first one was a one piece strapless with a slit in the back. She had sandy blonde hair that stopped at the base of her neck. And a thin silver choker finished off her look. The second one wore a spaghetti strapped two piece dress. The top coming to a point at midriff and was connected to the long skirt the same way by a silver medal ring. She was very tall and elegant. The third one wore a off black, dark grayish one piece with thick straps that turns into thin ones and made a criss cross pattern in the back. All in all she was quiet stunning. The fourth one wore a revealing dress that came down to her ankles. The center of her chest was exposed by a v-shaped collard, showing almost half of her bosom. The pointed v ended right below her belly button, and the rest of the dress flowed around her tall legs. Amy's mother went to the four ladies and asked them each to model their dress by walking all the way to the back of the ballroom and back. Amy had been the shiest one of all. She stood their not making eye contact, but fidgeting with her gown. She didn't notice all the attention she was getting from some single males. Her dress was a simple ice blue. It was strapless and came above her ankles. A darker shade of light blue flower patterns was sewn along the edges. She only wore a thin silver necklace with a heart shaped locket and a pair of heart shaped studs. Her short blue hair swayed around her face as she walked down the stairs. On the other hand, Mina was flashing her gorgeous smiles to the audience, making Andrew a bit jealous. She wore an elegant muted gold one piece dress that glittered in the light. Two thin straps draped over each arm right below the shoulders. The only jewelry that Mina wore was a pair of topaz studs embedded in gold. Her hair was slightly curled and let all the way down to her hips. She winked at Andrew as she walked passed him in confidence. Next up was Lita. She had a dark green velvet two piece that stopped right above her ankles in the front, and dragged a couple of inches on the floor in the back. Two thin spaghetti straps came up and tied around her neck. The top stopped right below her midriff, and two more thin straps on each side of her waist held the skirt right over her hips. Her hair was up in a French twist, and couple of strands of hair fell loosely on either side of her head. Lita only wore a pair of round emerald earrings. She also walked down the stairs smiling. Rei winked at some men as they cheered her on in the audience. She had a red silk Chinese dress that had very exquisite flower patterns that came in different colors that can only be seen if you look really close. There were two slits on both sides that went all the way up to her thighs and exposed her long legs. The top wasn't as revealing. One side of the dress was wrapped over her bosom and held by two buttons right below her left shoulder. A thin piece of red silk ribbon was braided into her hair on either side of her face. The rest of her shiny black hair flowed around her body. In her hand was a fancy fan made of a fine thin material. Two dark purple gloves covered her arms right above her elbows. Rei walked down the isle and posed like a professional model. Melissa smirked as she looked at each of the other girls' dresses. 'Ha no way any of them can beat me since my dress had cost 10 times as much as their.' she thought. 'And besides, I'm much more mature and beautiful too.' Serena stepped up a little hesitant. She felt her face burning as she saw some men probing her body. Darien had been looking at Serena during the whole contest. She looked so lovely in a off white one piece gown that sparkled and glittered a silverish color along with her movements. Tiny clear silver beads were sewn in patterns along the rims of the dress. Two thin straps also covered with the same kind of beads came together in the back of her neck. Her soft creamy back was exposed all the way above her hips. Like Lita' s, Serena's gown came down above her ankles in the front showing her white high heals that had a strap around the ankles. And the back dragging inches on the floor. There was a long slit all the way to her thighs on one side. At the top of the slit was another set of patterns created by the same clear silver beads. She had been wearing a silver necklace that was thin in the back. The front of it came to an exquisite design. At the center of the design was a simple emerald cut diamond. Her earrings had the same kind of design, but much smaller that hung like a tear drop from a diamond stud. Serena had decided to wear her hair up in her traditional 'meatballs'. She stringed some silver beads into the buns in alternating rows that made her look like she was royalty. A strand of hair with the same kind of silver beads flowed down like the rest of the two pony tails. The gown had cost Serena a little over $200, but it was definitely worth it. All of a sudden Darien felt jealous as all the men's eyes were glued to Serena as she walked down the stairs. Darien sat there motionless not being able to think c oherently. She had been so stunning beyond compare. 'why didn't I notice her before?' he asked himself in wonder. He had to dance with her tonight. It was an opportunity that cannot be missed. If anyone who's never seen Serena before, they would have thought that she was an angel. An angel that melted Darien's heart. He wished that this contest would be over soon so that he can sweep her off her feet and make her fall in love with him. 'Ya right Darien, this is Serena. She can't even stand to be around you.' he thought a little depressed. The last competitor was Melissa. As always, she stood there with pride, and a smirk on her face. She had been wearing a two piece black gown. The top was very revealing that showed half of her chest. It was strapless clung tight to her curves. There was a thin strap that held the top in place in the back. Her entire midriff was uncovered, and she wore a 24k gold hip bracelet that made her figure look extremely nice. The rest of the skirt flowed down her legs like a waterfall. There was a slit on the back that had been wide enough to expose both of her legs up to her thighs when she walked. Her hair bad been curled and a white lily was tucked behind her left ear. Melissa had a pair of earring especially made for this occasion. It was a tear drop peal that hung from a marquise cut solid diamond stud. The pearl was wrapped by thin silver designs that made it sparkle as it dangled from her earlobes. She in everyone's mind looked like a goddess no doubt as she swayed her body in sync of her movements. She turned to Darien and blew him a kiss making everyone focus on the beautiful couple. She walked back gracefully and slowly, making sure everyone got an eyeful of her voluptuous body. Now as the all the ladies stood on stage in a single line. Little strips of paper were being passed out to put the name of the girl whoever he/she thought looked the most beautiful. Amy's mother went around and picked up all the votes. After counting them and putting into each pile she announced a little surprised. "It seems like we have a tied between Lita and Melissa. Is there anyone who has not voted yet?" She ask. Darien stood up slowly. "Mr. Chiba! Would you do the honor so we can put this crown on someone?" she asked as she took out a lovely crown made of silver. Melissa knew she would win for sure. Darien will have to vote for her. She winked at him persuading him to put down her name. Darien smiled and gave the strip of paper to Amy's mother. "I am proud to announce that the winner goes to Lita Kino!!!! Congratulations honey!" She smiled as she put the crown on Lita' s head. Lita couldn't believe it. He had chosen her over his own girlfriend. This was so amazing. Never in Lita' s life has she ever won an award for her beauty. It was always in sports or other things. She had the biggest smile ever as all of her friend hugged her and squealed in excitement. Now Melissa was mad. 'How dare Darien not choose her.' She stomped to ladies room to let out her anger. Little did she know that it was Serena who had persuaded Darien to choose Lita. Serena had been extremely happy that Lita could have the chance win the contest. She thought of Lita' s mother who had died when she was only 5. Raising up by a man was no easy task. Instead of learning to be a polite little girl, Lita has been a tomboy all her life. She had always been in fights in school and had even gotten kicked out a couple of times. That's how Serena first met Lita. She had been transferred to Juuban because of beating up some guy at her old school. She had wanted to cry thinking of how Lita had felt. She meet Darien's eyes and didn't pull away. Instead her teary eyes burned into Darien's and he immediately understood her request. How can he deny her wishes when she had been so determined and compassionate. Even though Serena hadn't been picked as the most beautiful, she did not seem unhappy or disappointed at all. Darien was touched by her display of concern and love toward her friend. He knew exactly what to do. 'Please let him understand.' Serena silently prayed. When Lita was announced as the winner, Serena couldn't help but cry in utter happiness. She turned and looked at Darien. She smiled and thanked him silently. He did this for her. Could that mean something? Darien smiled back and she felt her legs tremble. Never has he ever looked at her that way, like they were in love. Her heart jumped a beat as they just stared at each other not wanting to break that connection. But finally Serena looked away as a blush made its way on her face and she turned to hug Lita. No matter how she tried to avoid or deny it, she has fallen deeply and hopelessly in love with him. So here it is. The end of Chapter 4. Stay tuned, and remember to e-mail me!!!! Sayonara!!!