Disclaimer: Blah, blah, blah... I don't get paid for these stories; I just like to write them.

Serena looked around and skirted behind a nearby bush. She was determined to find out what was going on between Darien and Rei. She had never considered Rei her best friend but they were friends, nonetheless. But ever since Darien started helping her with an advanced physics class she was taking, he'd been acting strangely.

They hardly went out anymore and he was forever at the damn temple. She'd had enough after he broke their last date. It was the straw that broke the camel's back. It was about time she found out what was really going on at these 'study sessions'.

She was dressed in all black. She had hidden her blonde locks, tied up in a bun, under a black beret. She scooted slowly across the edge of the building looking side to side for any signs of a person. When she heard low voices she elevated to the sill of the window and looked in. They were both sitting Indian style on the floor in Rei's bedroom. Books surrounded them and Darien was reading something to her from a textbook he held in his hand. Serena felt stupid for even doubting him.

?I think we should just come clean,? Darien said to Rei, ?it was nothing.?

?I know Serena,? Rei said, ?and she'll make it something. Don't forget about that time I kissed you when I was drunk.'

?So she has a bit of a jealous streak,? Darien said defending his girlfriend, ?It's not as if she doesn't have a good reason to.?

?That means she doesn't trust you, Darien.?

?She does NOT trust me, here, alone with you after breaking our dates.?

?And I'm grateful, but I'm quiet happy with what I have.?

?And does Chad know we kissed??

?No.?

?If it was nothing, why are you keeping it a secret??

They became silent. Darien's declaration caused Serena to lose her concentration and she fell flat on her butt onto the soft earth.

?Oww,? she said rubbing her butt. It didn't really hurt but what did was her heart. She couldn't believe that Darien would keep this from her after everything they had gone through. So she had a jealous streak. It comes from dating the hottest guy within three continents. She started to feel the tears stinging her eyes. It wouldn't hurt so much if he were at least honest with her. She ran home nonstop. At home she ran up to her room and locked her door behind her.

?Is everything all right Serena??

?Peachy. Can I have some privacy please??

?Something is wrong and you should talk about it. Considering the increase in your powers it may not be a good idea for you to harbor a grudge.?

?Luna, get lost.?

?Alright,? the guardian cat said jumping onto the windowsill and stepping out. ?You are awful crabby tonight.? By this time, Serena had stopped crying. She realized that she was getting mad. Mad because he was keeping secrets from her and that as usual, Rei?s loyalties lied with herself.

?Damn that Pyro,? she said throwing the closest thing to her across the room. And then for the first time ever, Serena began to plot, deviously, of a way to get them both to come clean on their dirty little secret. She did however; think of one thing that would make her feel better right now. Serena got out of bed and looked out the window. She saw the beautiful night stars and slam. She shut and locked the window, leaving a prying cat stranded to sleep at Mina's.

During her mulling, Serena decided not to let them or anyone else know what she knew. Instead, she continued as of she knew nothing, which was hard when all she wanted to do was slap them both for not telling the truth. She tripped on her way out the following morning.

?Son of a??

?That wouldn't have happened if you would read that book instead of using it as a doorstop, Serena.?

She looked up to see Rei holding the assailant of her victimized toe.

?Hi.?

?You into psychology??

?No,? Serena said taking the book away from her, ?Luna said I need to read it. And we all know how well I follow Luna's orders.?

?Can I borrow it??

?Unfortunately, this was not a request. It was a demand.?

?Oh.?

?Besides, it's time I've matured. I'm in high school now dating a premed college student. And if I'm going to be a good leader of the free world I need to learn how to do a thing or two that I'm told now won't I. There's a first time for everything.?

?Wow,? Rei said impressed. ?You've really given this some thought.?

?Not really. I would say it came to me suddenly. Here's to new changes,? Serena said placing the book on the nightstand. She really would have to take a look at that thing later. She had a funny feeling that it would come in handy a lot sooner than Luna thought. She had glanced at the first few pages last night as she couldn't sleep and a few words were already ringing true. People did actually believe you when you told them what they wanted to hear. This had the potential to get extremely interesting.

She continued to tell Rei exactly what she wanted to hear. When they went into battle she was Ms. Efficiency. The monsters were dusted in minutes, often times without the help of the other scouts. About two weeks after finding out their little secret it came out into the open at a scout meeting.

Serena, taking her rightful place as leader, was talking about their last fight.

?You girls were great. We minimized civilian casualties and the normal amount of destruction. We're really doing a better job of working like a team. And I have something here from all of us to Rei for doing such a great job at reducing media exposure. Your hard work is noticed and appreciated.?

The girls all clapped at Serena's well articulated speech and had Ami present their gift to her. It was an Egyptian fire emblem that Serena, had crafted for her personally. It drew tears to her eyes when she saw it. It was beautiful. It was the most precious thing she would ever own and she knew it. Her tears began to fall as she looked at the emblem. She turned to Serena.

?Serena, I have something I have to tell you.?

?Let's finish the meeting then we can discuss it later.?

?I have to tell you this now,? Rei insisted.

?Fine, what is it??

?I kissed Darien.?

She feigned slight shock and continued. ?Mina, we need more tactical. Lita, we need to increase workout. Ami...?

?Serena, did you hear what I just said. I kissed Darien.?

?Yes, I heard you.?

?You're awful calm about this.?

Serena turned to Rei. She could almost see fear in her eyes. She moved extremely close to her fellow senshi and looked her dead in her eyes and spoke.

?What would you prefer I do? Yell, cry, or better yet how about I quit again.?

?None of those things.?

?Then tell me what you want so we can get on with Sailor business at this SAILOR MEETING.?

?I want you to acknowledge what I said,? Rei stated plainly.

?I did. I suppose you missed my whole look of shock. Would you prefer a parade??

?That won't be necessary,? Rei said walking out the door and out on the scout meeting. She walked across the yard and down the temple stairs. She needed to think. This new Serena was getting hard to swallow. She didn't even seem like the same person anymore. Within weeks things were twice as better than they were and Serena had already made some significant improvements. She was like Serena from an alternate universe. Nothing in this world would have prepared her for this total 180, especially when it came to Darien.

?Boo!?

?Jesus,? Rei turned around, ?Darien, you scared me.?

?What's up??

?Have you noticed anything different about Serena??

?No, why??

?I think she's a fake. I think the NegaVerse kidnapped the real Serena.?

?Rei, you're being ridiculous.?

?Really,? she said re-examining her thoughts. ?We had a battle today. Or really I should say she had a battle today. She toasted him before we even got there. She comes to study sessions every day. More on time than usual, I may add. Her last grade, B+. But today was the icing on the cake. I told her about the kiss and nothing. She pretty much patted me on the head and sent me on my way.?

?Isn't this what you always wanted, for her to mature?? Darien said unimpressed. It was true that things for Serena had changed but it was for the better and she tried so hard. He was so proud of her. And he let her know the few times he would see her.

?You aren't the least bit interested in the fact that your girlfriend may have been kidnapped by the bad guys.?

?No. Go back to your meeting and tell Serena that I'll see her tonight.?

?What about studying??

?Sorry Rei, but I've neglected my girlfriend long enough. See ya.?

?But Darien...?

?Ciao.?

Serena devoted her evenings to reading and studying the book Luna had told her to read. It had now been a week and a half since Rei's declaration. She had convinced Darien to cancel their date and help Rei. She wasn't too sure if he knew that Rei had told her, if he did though he had never let on. As a matter of fact, he never said a word about it. She was reading the chapter on psychic bonds when something occurred to her.

?Hey Luna.?

?Yes Serena.?

?How do I always know when there's trouble??

?Give me a minute,? her guardian said, ?I know this one. Because you are destined to rule Crystal Tokyo and are sworn to protect the Earth you have a psychic bond to it.?

?Why didn't it work when I was younger??

?Because you powers weren't fully developed.?

?Do I have a bond to the other girls??

?Serena, where are all these questions coming from??

?This book.?

?What book??

?The one you told me to read, Luna.?

?Oh that book.?

'Stupid cat,' Serena thought to herself. ?Well Luna??

?I don't really know. I suppose you would if they can give you their power in battle.?

?Thanks Luna.?

Serena continued the chapter on psychic bonds. She could see now why Luna thought it was important that she read it. It was interesting too. According to the book, every person in the world has a psychic connection. People who become friends and so forth strengthen their bond. The strongest bond is formed by soul mates. She thought about it and figured it made great sense. When Darien and Rei dated it had strengthened their bond. That also meant that in theory, the kiss they shared had strengthened that bond. She flipped to the back of the book to the index.

?Bonds, Bonds...AHA page 352.?

She turned to the page and began reading. She read to the end of the chapter. With what she had learned over the past week and today's insight she was hatching a delightfully wicked plan to be sure this would work in her behalf. She knew one thing for sure Rei would never see her coming.

*At Rei's*

?I can't believe it happened again,? Darien said standing up and running a hand through his hair. ?I have to go. I'm sorry Rei, I can't tutor you anymore.?

?But Darien...?

?I'm sorry,? Darien said turning away from her.

?Maybe this is happening for a reason. Maybe we weren't old enough to appreciate a relationship until now.?

?Relationship? Rei, I love Serena.?

?And I love Chad but a part of me will always love you.?

?But I never loved you Rei,? Darien said still looking away and then he turned to face her, ?I think you're great and all but I love her in here,? he said pointing to his gut. ?Something here keeps bringing her back to me and me back to her and I thank God for it. A friend of mine from the University is great at this stuff. I'll give her your number and she'll finish tutoring you.? And then he ran out.

?Darien wait,? Rei said getting up to run after him. ?Damn him.?

She watched him run down the stairs and away from her. Damn him and his damn morals. She returned her attention to her physics.

*Serena's*

She yawned and looked up at the clock. Nine thirty. Darien would be calling in about a half hour and she would begin to set her plan into motion. She was ready to...

?Ring.?

?Hello.?

?Hi Serena.?

?Darien, is that you??

?Yes.?

?Aren't you supposed to be at Rei's??

?I quit tutoring her. Serena, I have to come clean with you. I kissed her the first time.?

?First time??

?Yes. And I kissed her again tonight.?

There was silence. He had said it and now there was nothing he could do about it. She would hate him.

?Serena, are you still there??

?Yes.?

?I'm sorry.?

?I know you are.?

?You're not mad at me??

?Should I be??

?I kissed your best friend, twice. I almost went to second base with her.?

?First of all, she is not my best friend. Second, you told me the truth. That's all that matters. I love you.?

?You are so good to me.?

?You better believe it.?

?So what can I do to make it up to you,? Darien said relieved.

?Let me stay with you this weekend.?

?I don't think that's a good idea.?

?At least I tried.?

?It's not that I don't want you here.?

?Is Rei gonna be there??

?NO?

?Anybody else??

?NO,? he repeated.

?Then why can't I stay,? she wailed in her old way.

?Oh alright, you can stay.?

?Thank you muffin,? she said in a singsong voice. They continued a brief conversation and hung up from each other about twenty minutes later.

Serena shopped for her weekend stay with Darien and continued reading the book in the evenings once she had finished her homework. She was really getting into the bonds considering that was what her plan revolved around. She also found that physical contact bonded people. No matter what kind of touch it was, it created a memory. These memories caused the person to become somewhat entranced and therefore strengthening the bond. The more intimate the touch, the stronger the bond. This was a lot more than she ever expected to know or could even dream about. This book was telling her everything she needed to know to be a good leader, friend, and girlfriend to Darien. She was set once her plan went into motion.

She knew this wasn't only about strengthening the bond that she had with Darien; it was also about this ridiculous obsession Rei had with him and wanting to be leader of the scouts. She needed to handle all of this at once. Her plan for Darien was all set but she still needed to work out a feasible way to also get Rei full into her own life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The day she was to leave for her weekend with Darien, she began to formulate a devious little plan after talking to Molly.

?You know Serena, this dating thing is too much sometimes.?

?What is it this time Mol??

?Well don't sound so concerned,? Molly said feigning a hurt expression.

?Mol!?

?Okay. Nephlyte promised me that I could go with him to where he lives and then he changed his mind.?

?Well Mol, it can't be that easy for him. He's not exactly alive so I imagine there are complications there. Plus the whole thing about him loving you plays in there too. Be patient Mol. Just be glad you don't have Rei problems.?

?Which one this week??

?She kissed Darien and he kissed her back.?

?Wow. I wouldn't blame Darien though.?

?Why not?? Serena asked turning to Molly.

?Because he's still flattered by her attention. He's a man.?

?And what do I do about her??

?She needs to fall in love with her boyfriend.?

?That is a great idea Mol.? Serena hugged her friend. ?I gotta go but I'll call you Sunday.?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An hour later Serena arrived at Darien's apartment. She had her bag in her hand and was opening the door with her key when the door flew open and she was embraced in the most heavenly arms possible.

?I thought you would never get here.?

?Hello to you too, Mr. Extremely Happy Guy.? She hugged him and he took her bag.

?Dinner is all ready.?

?I wanted to cook for you,? Serena said with pouted lips.

?Breakfast is all yours.?

?Good.?

Darien began kissing her neck and Serena backed away.

?Not yet. Dinnertime now. We can do that later. I'll be here all night.?

?I know but I wanted to give you a proper welcome.?

?Go ahead then, welcome me,? Serena said smiling as Darien continued kissing on her neck. Serena walked into Darien's bedroom where he had stashed her overnight bag when she came in. She got the nightgown out that she had bought especially for this night as well as her toiletry bag and headed for the bathroom.

?Darien, I'm going to shower.?

?Ok, sweetpea. I'm gonna just finish cleaning this kitchen. Darien was standing at the sink doing the dishes when he heard the shower begin running. Instantly, it was like his mind was elsewhere. He was envisioning her in the shower with the water running down her face to her neck and down her bodice to those never-ending shapeliness she called legs. He could only imagine what her naked body must look like covered in soap suds.

?Get a grip Darien,? he said to himself out loud. He tried to focus his attention on the dishes in the sink but he couldn't. His mind kept returning to the vision of Serena in the shower. It was after a few moments that he noticed the shower was off. Now his mind was playing worse tricks on him. He was seeing her as she dried every inch of herself off with towels he had once used. He could see her bending over to wrap her hair in the towel. His entire body began to tighten. This was not going well. How was he going to spend the entire night with her in his apartment with these kinds of thoughts running through his mind? At this rate, there would be no sleep tonight. He did the best he could to shake himself out of it and finish the dishes in the sink.

Moments later he was wiping off the counters when she put her arms around him from behind.

?All done??

?Yup.?

?You smell good,? he said squeezing out the rag and hanging it over the facet.

?Turn around,? she whispered.

When he did, Darien received one hell of a shock to his system. His sweet Serena was gone. In her place was this seductress. Her cute buns were gone and replaced by flowing tresses of gold. He innocent pink lips and pink clothing were substituted by this long, black silk nightgown with a lace top and spaghetti straps. It left barely anything to the imagination. He was entranced by her beauty. She was the goddess Venus down from Olympus. He looked into her eyes. Gone was the shyness of the 20-year-old girl he had been dating. He saw confidence and control. He also saw a hint of vulnerability.

?I need to shower,? he said breaking their gaze.

?Not yet,? she said putting her hand on his chest. She ran it down lightly until she reached the waist of his pants. ?Let's talk.?

?How about tomorrow, sweetpea. I'm really beat.? He backed away from her touch. His skin was beginning to feel like it was on fire. He could feel his blood coursing through his veins like lava. Every muscle responded to her touch.

?How do you like my nightgown, Darien??

?It's very nice.?

?You're not even looking at me, muffin.?

?I...?

She waited a moment for him to say something and when he didn't, she moved closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She looked up into his face.

?You what??

?I...? he started again. He had no choice but to look down into her face. He didn't quite know what to say to her and he didn't have time to think about it. She moved her arms from his waist to his neck, pulled him down to her and kissed him. He resisted at first, trying to pull back but she pressed into him and he could feel her breast against his chest.

He melted into her. God, she really did smell good. She smelled like apples and champagne. His vision was becoming hazy as was his thinking. 'This shouldn't be happening,' he thought in some conscious part of his brain, 'We may go to far.' But his hands weren't listening. They began rubbing her back and his fingers went to her straps. He began to slide them off. She stopped kissing him. She pulled back from him for a moment and turned around in front of him.

?Darien, how do I look??

?More beautiful than I can say.?

Darien was in awe. She was so beautiful. She was everything he always knew she would be when the time was right. He looked away. He couldn't stand it. This was too much right now.

?Maybe we should retreat for the night.?

?Okay,? Serena said agreeing with him. She grabbed his hand and led him into the bedroom. She dragged him in and closed the door behind them.

?I meant to separate rooms.?

?I didn't,? she said looking him directly in the eyes. ?I didn?t ask to stay for the weekend so I could spend the night in this extremely large bed by myself. I could have stayed at home for that, Darien.?

He looked at her face and noticed the not so innocent look it wore. She looked so much like the Serena he loved and so much like someone else. She looked like a girl in the face but nowhere else. The nightgown was sexy and seductive; it was so unlike Serena but so like this person standing in front of him.

?Serena??

?Yes, Darien.?

?Why tonight? I thought we decided...?

?We never decided Darien. You spoke and I listened. I love you so much I was willing to do anything you wanted. I still love you and I want you to trust me this time, do what I ask you to do.?

?And what's that??

?Make love to me, tonight.?

?Why tonight??

?Why not tonight Darien? Don't you think I'm sexy??

?That goes without saying,? he said giving her a once over, ?but this needs to be controlled. You don't know what happens when a man and a woman well...?

?I do know. I know that for a woman it hurts a little. I know that for a man it?s a release, it feels good. I know that it forms a bond between two people. I know some stuff.?

?But there are other things, Serena, things you don't know.?

?Then teach me.?

?Not now.?

?Why not??

?Serena!?

She took advantage of the moment and kissed him. She wrapped one arm around his neck and played with the hair that covered it. She could feel him pulling away from her and she deepened the kiss. She pulled him closer to her and moved closer and closer to the bed until she fell right back onto it still holding onto to him. He crushed her a little but she didn't mind. There was only one thing on her mind, and Darien was it. She melted into him as his resolve gave way.

The next thing she remembered happening was Darien peeling away her nightgown and laying her onto the bed. He was whispering into her ear how beautiful she was and how much he loved her. She whispered the words she read in the book. She touched him in all the right places and said all the right words.

Before they fell asleep, Serena could hear him mumbling.

?Yes Darien.?

?Hmm.?

?You were saying something, honey.?

?I love you, that's all Serena.? Darien said tiredly.

?Anything else?? she inquired nosily.

?I just love you.?

?What about Rei??

?What about her, Serena?? He put his arms around her and pulled her close to him. ?I only love you. Rei was a one time thing. I don't know why you still think about that all the time.?

?Because of what you told me.?

?Serena, she's a girl. I girl who finds me interesting. She thinks I'm the man of her dreams regardless of what we already know. We are destined to be together.?

Serena turned around in his arms to look at him. His eyes were closed. This was unacceptable, he was not going to sleep after that little outburst. She poked him in the chest.

?Wake up!?

?Serena! What!?

?What did you mean by that!?

?By what, sweetpea??

?By, 'We are destined to be together'. Are you only with me because you think you have to be??

?Serena, after what happened tonight, how can you ask me that??

?Because of your little statement. It sounds like something you're just resigned to because you know the future.?

? 'Resigned to? I've never heard you say anything like that. Maybe Rei was right, maybe you have been body snatched.?

?I have not been body snatched and you know it. Darien, open your eyes and talk to me.?

'She's not going to let this go', he thought to himself.

?Serena, I love you, more than I can stand. When I'm not with you, I'm thinking about you. When I'm with you, I think of all the things I want to do with you right then. Right now, I want to go to sleep with you in my arms and I want to dream about what we just did. I want to be well rested so we can do it again in the morning.?

That made her blush. She didn't realize he felt this way. It worked. They were truly bonded.

?I'm sorry. I guess I'm still a little insecure when it comes to her.?

?Don't be, the only girl for me is you but after tonight I should call you a woman, the way you seduced me.?

?I did no such thing.?

?You did, but I don't mind.? He pulled her close again and kissed her neck, ?now go to sleep.? Darien did as promised. When he awoke, he woke her with butterfly kisses on her neck. It was absolutely sensual. They made love again and fell back asleep for a few hours. When Serena woke up the second time, she woke up before Darien. She slipped out from in his arms and put on his pajama shirt. She walked out into the sitting room and sat on the couch. She put the phone in her lap.

She thought about what Darien said. He really did love her and only her. She knew that deep inside now. She could feel him deep inside her. She knew he was safe and asleep, she felt it strongly since they were so close to each other right now. This felt good. It felt right. She felt like she was at peace. She wanted Rei to really be happy now. It was no longer about her plan, Rei would never be happy with Chad as long as she was harboring feelings for Darien. She knew what she had to do.

She picked up the receiver and started to put the second part of her plan together. This wasn't just about her anymore, there was more at stake now. And she knew she was doing this for all the right reasons. She hung up the phone from her one conversation and thought for a minute. She wasn't sure which one she'd call first but she knew that this had to be done. She called Chad first.

?Hello,? he said answering the phone.

?Hi Chad.?

?Oh, hi Serena. You looking for Rei, hold on.?

?No wait. I wanted to talk to you.?

?Sure, what's up??

?This is gonna sound weird but how do you really feel about Rei??

?I love Rei, Serena, you know that.?

?Do you really love her or is it just infatuation??

?Serena, let's both be honest. If it was just infatuation, I'd be over it by now. Half the time she treats me like garbage. We both know that.?

?I know I just wanted to hear it. I want you to meet me at the Hotel Downtown around 6 tonight. I'm gonna have a surprise for you.?

?You're not trying to set me up again are you Serena??

?No Chad, you'll like this surprise, I promise.?

?Ok Serena, I'm holding you to this, Downtown Hotel at 6.?

She hung up the phone with Chad. She thought for a minute. What exactly would she say to her? Chad was one thing but Rei was quite another. That temper of hers could sometimes be so unbearable. But she wasn't afraid. She would do this and it will work, no matter how much Rei tries to defy her.

She picked up the receiver and called Rei's personal line.

?Hello.?

?Hello Rei??

?Oh hey Serena, what's up??

?Oh nothing. I just wanted to talk.?

?Talk about what?? Rei asked suspiciously.

?About what you said before. I think we need to talk about the way you feel about Darien. I think we need to lay this on the table.?

?Now this is the Serena I know. Let's just get it over with.?

?Not now. I'm talking with Darien about it too,? Serena lied.

?Well I guess you need to do that. When do you want to talk??

?How about you meet me at the Downtown Hotel at 5:30 tonight.?

?Why a hotel??

?Because Darien and I are staying there this weekend.?

?Really??

?Yeah, just for some time away to talk about where our relationship is going.?

?Oh,? Rei said. ?I guess I should go now. I'll meet you at 5:30.?

?Thanks Rei.?

She hung up and put the phone back on the base. She knew she was deceiving them but she had to. It was for their own good. She felt a kiss on the back of her neck. Then arms came around her.

?Hey.?

?Hey sexy,? he said back, moving to the couch. He sat next to her. ?Whatcha doing out here? I was lonely when I woke up without you.?

?I'm sorry honey,? she said turning to him. She put her hands on his face and brought his lips to her. She kissed him with all the fire inside her. She pulled away after a few moments and looked him in the eye.

?I love you, Darien.?

?I love you too, Serena.?

?So I need to ask you to do me a really big favor.?

?Anything, love.?

?Could you call the Downtown Hotel and pay for the room I reserved.?

?I could if you tell me why you reserved a room at the Downtown Hotel.?

?Well, see muffin, that's the other part of the favor, I can't tell you so could you do it without an answer??

?Why? Serena, what are you up to??

?Nothing.?

?Serena!?

?Please muffin.?

?Alright, I'll do it. For how long??

?Well I just need it for tonight but if you want...?

?No, I don't want.? He took the phone from her and did it immediately. ?Happy now.?

?Yes, thank you.?

?Are you going to tell me what's going on??

?I promise I will, muffin. But I have some preparations to make so we'll talk about later, 'kay??

?Okay,? he said kissing her.

Serena went shopping for the things that she needed to finish her plan. She knew things could get a little screwy but she was prepared. She already had a back up plan, one that cost her a lot of time to prepare. She'd been working on her powers for the last three weeks. She'd been building her mental powers as well as her physical strength. She knew she'd never be as strong as Rei or Lita but she knew that as their leader she needed to be able to stand on her own. She knew that she needed to be able to fight in hand to hand combat if necessary so she went to her old helper Andrew, under the conditions that he didn't breathe a word to anyone, especially Darien.

~~~~FLASHBACK

?Serena I hate lying to him, he's my best friend.?

?He won't ask, just don't volunteer any information.?

?That's just as bad as lying.?

?Andrew,? Serena said putting her hands on her hips, ?I distinctly remember someone who followed me around a party with every intention of getting me to date him instead of said friend because as he put it, 'Some people don't know a good thing when they see it'.?

?Now why you bringin' up old shit.?

?Because you made me go there. Please Andrew, I'm asking you as a friend.?

?Fine, I will but under one condition.?

?What??

?Only for two weeks.?

?Done.?

~~~~~~~~END FLASHBACK

Now she was here. It was D-Day and she was more than ready. She was walking in the direction of the hotel since she now had all that she needed to prepare this event. She knew it really wasn't all that much of an event but she knew that it was going to something else. She walked into the hotel and up to the front desk. The Clerk gave her keys and a note.

?What's this??

?The gentleman who called and paid for the room told me to give this to you,? he answered.

?Thank you.?

?Would you like some help, miss??

?No thank you.?

Serena walked away and up to the second floor using the stairs. She didn't really need to use the elevator; the room was on the second floor. When she entered the room moments later she was ecstatic. They had done the room exactly to her specifications. She took a look at her cell. It was 4:30. She had an hour before Rei showed up, well, more like forty-five minutes because Rei always liked to be early. She began taking her items out the bags and quickly finishing the preparations.

Minutes later Serena was standing by the door looking around the room. It was perfect and she was ready. Not even a moment later she heard a knock at the door. She looked at her cell for the time, 5:20 just like Rei. She took a deep breath and opened the door.

?Hi Rei.?

?Hi Serena.?

?Come in, come in,? Serena said motioning and closing the door behind her and locking it.

Rei looked around the room in awe.

?Serena this is beautiful. Did you have them do this for you and Darien??

?Sort of. Have a seat Rei.?

She sat in the small couch that was provided to the room as per Serena's request.

?What is that scent?? Rei asked closing her eyes and breathing it in. ?It's wonderful. It smells like heaven.?

?That's what it's called, Heaven. I picked it up in this store Ami told me about; it's supposed to inspire a mood.?

?Well it's working.?

?Thanks.?

?Well,? Rei said looking at her, ?I guess we should get started.?

?You're right. So, Rei is there a reason you keep hitting on my boyfriend??

?Well that was direct.?

?I'm taking my cue from you Rei. You always say I'm too much of a pacifist. I'm taking a stand.?

?Serena, don't go all crazy on me now. I'm sorry. We're both sorry about it. It was just a kiss, nothing more.?

?My question is why are you still after him? Why aren't you happy??

?I am happy Serena. Could you put those candles out. The scent seems to be making me a little woozy.?

?You're imagining things Rei. Anyway, about you and Darien.?

?Like I said to you before, I'm sorry.?

?Yeah,? Serena said standing up, ?you are. You are a sorry excuse for a friend and an even sorrier excuse for a girlfriend. Do you know how much Chad loves you??

?My relationship with Chad is not your concern!? Rei said standing up as well. ?Maybe you should worry about your own. I don't see my boyfriend going around kissing other girls.?

Serena hung her head with a sarcastic laugh.

?You've got me there but hey we'll never know cause I'll never tell.?

?Exactly what do you mean by that, Se-re-na.? They heard a knock.

Serena knew who to expect so she threw the door open and threw herself into Chad's arms and onto his lips.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chad wasn't too sure what to think. Here he was lip to lip with Serena and...was that Rei? This was not happening. He wanted to pull away from Serena but something was holding them together, something strong. He breathed in deeply, hoping to gather enough strength to push her away and instead he was overcome with a feeling of light-headedness. He closed his eyes and could feel himself just melting into her kiss. He put an arm around her and moved them into the room kicking the door closed behind them.

?Chad!?

He could hear his name being called but it sounded so far away. He just kept letting himself fall deeper and deeper into this kiss.

?Chad!?

Rei stepped over to the twosome and pulled Serena away.

?What the hell are you doing??

?The same thing you do, I'm kissing your boyfriend.?

?I can't believe you Serena. I thought we were friends. I thought we were over this.?

?So did I until you told me, then Darien told me. But guess what, I already knew. I saw you two.?

?I...I...? Rei said breathing in the scented air.

?That's right Rei breathe deep.?

?What's going on? I feel extremely light-headed and...?

She was stopped mid sentence by lips on hers but it wasn't the ones she expected at all.

Serena kissed Rei the same way she kissed Chad. She poured a part of herself into her. Rei resisted as much as she could but her eyelids kept getting heavy. She was kissing a girl; she was kissing Serena. There was no way this was really happening. She fought to keep her eyes open. She couldn't seem to stop any of this from happening.

?It's a spell.?

?Close your eyes Rei,? Serena said pulling away from her.

?No.?

?Then I'll have to do this the hard way.?

?How did you do it? Why couldn't I sense the spell??

?Because it's cloaked, Rei. I'm a lot smarter than you think. Now close your eyes because trust me, you won't like the hard way.?

Rei did close her eyes but not for the reason Serena thought. She was trying to see a way through the spell but once her eyes closed she couldn't think. Her mind was blank.

?Come here Chad,? Serena said calling Chad over to them. Like a zombie he came over to them. He stood there with his eyes still closed.

?Rei, tell Chad how you feel.?

?I love you Chad.?

?What else?? she pried.

?I know you love me too but I worry sometimes that I'm not the right girl for you. That I don't love you enough.?

Serena watched them both. She knew they were both under the spell. She hadn't lied to Rei, Ami really did tell her about the store that she had gotten the scented oil from, she just didn't tell Ami what she wanted the oil for.

She had spoken to Catsy about her little problem with Rei and she had suggested, jokingly, that Serena put a spell on her to make her behave. She had laughed but had slyly asked her how she would do that if she wanted to. Catsy had given her a book of spells and incantations. She happened upon the book when she began to think of her little revenge. So it wasn't your conventional revenge plot but oh well.

Everything was working out so far. She just had to finish the spell and leave them to themselves. She didn't want to be around for the fall out. She did not want to see these two 'finish' the spells work. She took both their hands in her own and clasped them together and repeated the words that she had memorized from the books.

?Let this spell be cast. Let this room be the bonding force and let this bond never be broken. Let man love and live and forget circumstances. Let him, I mean her, sorry Chad. Let her know love and honor. Let him remember to cherish. Let this spell be bound until the heart shows no love.? She closed her eyes and let the magic of the Silver Crystal flow through her to them. A moment passed and she felt the energy die down. She opened her eyes to see them still standing there in front of each other in their zombie like state.

She moved from between them and gathered her things. She moved to the door and opened it slightly.

?Let it be that these two will show their love and remember only that. Upon satisfaction, eww, let the spell be done. Chad, kiss her.?

She closed the door almost immediately. She knew the effects of the spell. She remembered her time with Darien and it sent a shiver through her. She had someplace to be any way. And better things to do. As she was walking down the stairs, she remembered the note that the Clerk had given her. She pulled it from her purse and opened it.

?Hey sweetpea,? she read, ?I know your up to something and I'm not going to ask but I wanted you to know that the apartment feels empty without you, even for a few hours. I can't wait for you to come home. Your Muffin.?

Serena laughed as she read the note and put it back in her purse. She wanted to save this for the moment he would tell everyone that he wasn't sappy. She had good blackmail evidence now. She practically skipped all the way back to Darien's apartment. She took the stairs instead of the elevator and jumped into his arms and a kiss when he opened the door for her.

?I guess you got my note,? he said when they finally pulled away.

?Yes, and I'm keeping it for evidence. You better always be good to me or everyone will know how sappy you can be.?

?Am I supposed to be scared??

?No, just in love.? Serena walked to school Monday morning absolutely giddy. She and Darien had the best weekend ever. She woke up every morning in his arms and they made love several times a day. When they weren't they watched movies and ate and talked about a lot of things that they hadn't had time to talk about because of all his tutoring sessions with Rei. She remembered exactly what he had said when she insisted it was okay.

?It's not okay. When I don't get to spend time with you because I'm with someone else it's not okay.?

?But Darien.?

?But nothing woman, you deserve all of me before anyone else, remember that.?

?Yes Darien.?

?Now give me a kiss.?

2 days later

She ran into Rei around lunchtime. They were all eating and waiting for her.

?So how was your weekend with Darien?? Lita asked her.

?Even more important is what was Rei and Chad doing at the Downtown Hotel,? Serena said slyly.

?Rei!? everybody said in unison looking at her. Rei was turning beet red and glared at Serena.

?How did you know??

?You don't remember us bumping into each other??

?No.?

?Well what do you remember?? Serena asked.

Rei turned a deeper red than she already was as all eyes were on her.

?Stop looking at me you guys.?

?Well, Rei spill,? Mina said giving her a light shove.

?It's private, I can't say.?

?They were having sex,? Mina said laughing.

Rei put her head down in embarrassment.

?They were having off the wall sex,? Lita said joining Mina.

Ami looked at Rei from across the table.

?Rei, is that true??

?Ami please,? Rei said with her head down.

?Well I at least hope you were safe.?

Rei lifted her head high and looked at her friends.

?If that was sex, we were doing it wrong before.?

Everybody just looked at her jaws slacked, everyone but Serena who smiled.

?Really?? she asked her.

?It was incredible.?

?And how are things between you two,? Serena pried.

?Never better.?