Author's notes:

I don't know if this classifies as a first season *romance*, per se, but it *is* a spin on Serena and Darien's early relationship. (What can I say, I've never been really good at writing *real* romance.) This is set before they know each other's identities, so Venus/Mina, hasn't shown up yet (hey, I'm shooting for some semblance of continuity here, hehehe). Unfortunately, continuity or not, I can never get an accurate account of exactly how old Darien's supposed to be -- so I'm going by the manga Mamoru and making him 18. And yes, I used the NA names, simply because I LIKE them. (so there :p)

As usual, I don't own Sailor Moon, so don't sue me, you wouldn't get much except the clothes off my back -- and I look really rotten in burlap sacks, let me tell you ^_^

~Andromeda

Darien stirred the coffee in front of him absently and stared through one of the windows of the Crown Arcade. A stray lock of jet black hair fell into his sapphire eyes, which were clouded in thought.

Today was his birthday -- he was eighteen. No one knew except for Andrew, and Darien preferred to keep it that way. The last thing he needed was a bunch of people acting all cheerful and fake around him just because it was his birthday.

He sighed. Still, it might be nice to have someone genuinely wish him a happy birthday Darien shook his head sharply, refusing to slip into another fit of silent depression. He gulped down the last of his coffee and stood, calling out a quick goodbye to Andrew as he headed toward the door.

The automatic door whisked open a split second before he reached it, and he just managed to step to one side as a small blonde figure whizzed past him, pigtails flying.

"Jeez, Meatball Head, don't you ever look where you're going?" Darien called out, not managing to mask his annoyance.

Serena skidded to a halt and whirled to face him, her face stormy. "Give it a rest, Darien, I'm in a hurry today."

Darien smirked. "They're not gonna run out of ice cream, y'know, you don't have to tear in here like there's no tomorrow."

The petite blonde put her hands on her hips, glaring up at him. "For your information, I just stopped by to ask Andrew a question. My dad's birthday is in a few weeks, and I wanted his advice for what to get him."

Darien felt his heart constrict a bit. No one ever wondered what to get him for his birthday He suddenly pictured Serena smiling up at him and wishing him a cheerful 'happy birthday,' and ruthlessly crushed the thought.

The challenge in Serena's blue eyes dared him to argue with her, but he just couldn't formulate a scathing reply to that.

Instead, he turned back to the door without a word and trudged out, leaving Serena standing there open mouthed and in shock.

Once Serena managed to gather her wits again, she walked slowly over to the counter and numbly sat down on a stool.

*What was THAT all about?* she thought to herself. *It's not like Darien to pass up a perfectly good opportunity to torment me...* She caught her train of thought and chuckled wryly. *I never thought I'd see the day when I actually MISSED Darien teasing me.*

Andrew popped up behind the counter at that moment, and called Serena's name twice before she heard him.

"Wha-- oh, Andrew gomen, I wasn't paying attention."

"Obviously," he replied with a good-natured grin. "What's got you so spaced out today? Something worrying you?"

"Not exactly. I just had a really weird run-in with Darien..." She quickly explained the encounter and was surprised when Andrew's expression turned to one of dismay.

"Oh, no... Serena, what day is it?"

"Ummm... August 3rd -- Thursday. Why?"

"Baka!" Andrew cried, smacking a hand to his forehead. "I canNOT believe I forgot Darien's birthday!"

"His-- his birthday?"

"Today's Darien's eighteenth birthday -- and I totally forgot! Oh, Lord, Serena, I'm the only person that ever wishes him a happy birthday, and I FORGOT!"

Serena looked bewildered. "The only person? What about his other friends? And his family?"

Andrew had buried his head in his hands, and his voice was muffled as he answered her. "Hasn't got any. He lost his parents in a car accident years ago, and I'm probably the only real friend he's got."

Serena stared at Andrew in disbelief. "No family? Or friends? That's awful! Not even Darien deserves that!"

Andrew lifted his head and sighed. "He doesn't remember anything before the accident, so he doesn't talk about it much. That's probably why he's so mean to you, too -- he doesn't like letting people get close to him. It took forever for the two of us to become friends. He used to pick on me just as badly as he does you."

A derisive chuckle escaped Serena's lips. "You're kidding, right? Darien can't STAND me. You guys are best friends."

"Oh no, he tried to push me away too," Andrew assured her. "I was just too stubborn to let him. He used to call me the most awful nicknames..." He lifted an eyebrow conspiratorially. "And I don't think Darien actually dislikes you, Serena -- I think he probably envies you."

"Me!? Where do you get that from?"

Andrew shrugged. "Just a hunch, I guess. You have so many friends, and everyone loves you, and he's all by himself. Maybe he resents that, and takes it out on you."

Serena chewed on her lip thoughtfully. "I never thought of it that way."

With a grin, Andrew pulled his apron off and hung it on a hook beside the counter. "I wouldn't doubt it. Darien's funny like that sometimes." He dusted off his hands and looked around self-consciously. "Anyway, I've gotta go catch him and apologize -- I feel terrible."

"Wait a second!" Serena surprised herself by grabbing Andrew's sleeve. The older boy looked at her quizzically.

"You said he's eighteen today, right?" Andrew nodded, still bewildered. "Well, you should throw him a birthday party. Eighteen's a pretty important birthday."

Andrew's eyes lit up, but he sobered instantly and shook his head. "Darien hates stuff like that. He'd never go for a huge party."

"Well, what about a really tiny one? I bet I can get the girls to come, if I tell them it's important... I know Raye will wanna come," Serena giggled at the thought of Raye's expression upon being told it was Darien's birthday.

"I dunno, Serena," Andrew shifted uneasily. "Darien's gonna blow his top if he finds out I told you he's really a terribly private person..."

"Tell him it was my idea, then -- I forced it out of you. That way he'll get mad at me instead." She shrugged. "Won't be the first time."

Andrew grinned. "Okay, deal. But how are we gonna get all this stuff organized in time? It's already after noon."

Serena winked secretively. "Leave that to me. Now here's what we'll do..."

Serena furrowed her brow thoughtfully. *Why am I doing this?* she thought. *Darien's never nice to me so why do I suddenly want to make sure he has a nice birthday?*

*Because you're innately cheerful,* her subconscious answered. *And because you can't stand to see anyone upset -- not even HIM.*

Still lost in thought, Serena swiftly climbed the stairs to Lita Kino's apartment. The tall brunette lived alone, having lost her own parents in a plane crash a few years ago. Serena chuckled quietly at the irony. Andrew had sworn her to secrecy about Darien's parents, but Serena knew Lita would sympathize with him if she were to tell her.

*Maybe she and Darien would hit it off...* Serena mused, and instantly discarded the thought. *Not a chance. Darien's so cold and emotionless -- he's nothing like Lita. Besides, he doesn't look anything like her old boyfriend...*

She knocked softly on Lita's door, and grinned as she heard the taller girl bounding to answer her knock. Lita's breathless face appeared from behind the door, and she lit up at the sight of Serena.

"Hey, what's up, girl? Here to borrow a cup of sugar?"

Serena giggled. "No, actually, I've got a favor to ask of you"...

After leaving Lita's place, Serena hurried over to Amy Mizuno's house. Amy lived with her mother, a doctor at the local hospital. The blue haired girl was a certified genius, and Serena stood in awe of her sometimes.

*Sorta like Darien, I guess. Andrew once told me that he's trying to get into med school. Maybe he and Amy...* Once again she rejected the idea. *Amy's not nearly as cocky about her intelligence as Darien is. He's so arrogant! He never fails to rub my face in every test I fail -- Amy would never do that.*

Again, Serena asked herself why she was going to so much effort for a guy that got on her nerves so badly. And again, she defended her actions.

*It's not so much that I'm doing this for Darien -- I'm doing this for someone who's never had a real birthday. EVERYONE deserves to have one really great birthday -- even someone like Darien.*

She reached Amy's house and rang the doorbell. There was no sudden thunder of footsteps as someone raced to open the door, as there had been at Lita's, but Amy answered the door calmly and with a smile.

"Hi, Serena. Come to study for that test we have in biology next Friday?"

Serena groaned. "Oh, Amy, not again. I'll never pass that test, and you know it." She dimpled suddenly. "I've got a much better idea, Ames -- how 'bout you help me brighten up someone's day?"

Raye Hino's temple swung into view as Serena raced up the path. She was running out of time before she had agreed to meet Andrew back at the arcade, and still had some more errands to run.

*Raye's probably gonna be livid when I try to drag her away from her fire,* Serena thought. *But she'll get over it when she hears it's for Darien.*

Serena chuckled. *Now those two deserve each other. Both of them are total brats and would drive each other absolutely insane.*

She stopped suddenly, a disturbing thought striking her. *But I don't want Raye to have to deal with Darien's coldness. Come to think of it, I don't want Darien to have to put up with Raye's tantrums.* Serena wrinkled her nose thoughtfully. *They're not even that much alike, now that I think about it -- Raye's all fire and quick temper, and Darien's icy cold and arrogant.*

With a start, Serena realized what was going on. *I keep finding excuses for him -- reasons why he shouldn't go out with my friends. I couldn't be actually liking the guy -- could I?*

Serena sighed. She didn't know what to think anymore. Two hours ago she would have been perfectly content to write Darien off as a hopeless case. Now, suddenly, she seemed to understand him a bit better, and she wanted to help him.

Lost in thought, she finally reached the shrine and called out for Raye.

The dark haired priestess poked her head out of the temple irritably.

"Whaddaya want, Meatball Head? I'm TRYING to do a fire reading!"

Serena pouted. "Fine, then, I guess you don't wanna help me with Darien's birthday party after all"

Raye lit up. "It's Darien's birthday? I had no idea! How did you find out?"

"Andrew told me. He's eighteen today, and since he doesn't have that many friends, I figured we should do something nice for him."

"You're telling me -- hey, how come you're doing all this for Darien? I thought you hated him."

Serena turned scarlet. "I don't hate him! He just gets on my nerves sometimes, that's all." The pout creeped back onto her lips. "Jeez, can't a girl try to do something nice without getting totally attacked for it?"

"Okay, okay, I get it." Raye's dark eyes sparkled with mischief. "You're not falling for him -- are you, Serena?"

Serena's eyes widened. "Wha-- what!? Raye Hino, you take that back!"

Raye giggled innocently. "Never mind, Serena. Now what was it you wanted me to do?"

The small group assembled in the arcade a few hours later. Lita carried a gorgeous three-layer chocolate cake, decorated beautifully with candy roses. Amy was scribbling in a small notebook, taking stock of the various supplies she had assembled at the last minute -- candles, wrapping paper, and a large assortment of snack foods.

Raye and Serena had gone shopping. Even now they were furiously trying to wrap some of the little trinkets they had bought to give to Darien, none of them very large, but just things to make him smile. Each of the members of the little expedition had suggested one thing to get him, and Raye and Serena had sought them out.

There was a small booklet for recipes from Lita, with the instructions for making the three-layer chocolate cake on the first page; Amy had suggested a new pen, a nice one with his initials engraved on the side. Raye had chosen a couple of her favorite mangas to give him, each of them carefully selected to make Darien laugh. Andrew had already gotten Darien's present a couple of weeks earlier; it was a silver picture frame with no picture. Andrew couldn't explain the significance of his gift -- he just thought it was fitting for some reason. His girlfriend, Rita, had helped choose the frame, and had assured him that Darien would find a picture to go in it someday.

Serena's gift was buried at the bottom of the pile. She had looked through countless stores before distastefully entering the bookstore and wandering through the aisles. She had no clue what he might like -- and it was becoming more and more urgent that he actually LIKE what she gave him. Maybe she did have a crush on him but that didn't mean he had to know.

She had finally chosen a beautiful little book with blank pages. It was leather bound and had a peculiar little clasp holding it shut -- not a lock, exactly, more like another strip of leather to keep the pages from flying open. The pages were all blank except for the faint outline of a rose on each page, barely noticeable and very pretty. She wasn't sure what it was about the book that drew her, but Serena was positive that he would like it. She had nervously written a short note on the first page, reassuring herself that he could always tear it out it he wanted to.

Andrew brought her attention back to the task at hand. "Okay, we're all here, aren't we?" The girls giggled and swatted at him, urging him to get on with it.

"C'mon, guys, it'll be dark soon. We need to get over to Darien's place before he takes off on his own." Andrew smiled at the girls. "I really appreciate this, girls. Darien's gonna be so surprised."

Darien hunched over his calculus book, trying to concentrate on the problem he was working. After a few fruitless attempts, he slammed the book shut and collapsed onto the couch.

"So much for homework," he muttered darkly, stuffing a pillow behind his head.

Darien sighed. "I don't know why I'm surprised. Andrew was bound to forget sooner or later. He's had so much on his mind lately what with Rita getting that job at the university and his sister starting work at the café. I'm not the only friend he's got, after all..."

That brought a lump to his throat. Andrew had so many friends. Not just his classmates, either, but a whole group of younger kids that frequented the arcade. Darien used to resent him for that, but he couldn't begrudge Andrew his followers. In fact, Darien truly believed that Andrew deserved to have so many friends. He was a great guy, and a great friend.

Serena, on the other hand--

Darien threw the pillow across the room, frustrated. *WHY can't I come up with an excuse not to like Serena? She's immature, klutzy, a crybaby and probably the sweetest person I'll ever meet. She doesn't hate anyone -- except me. And Lord knows I've given her enough reason to.*

Darien couldn't help but admire Serena for her persistent optimism. She was ALWAYS cheerful, always so full of light. *I really shouldn't tease her so much...*

*Fat chance of that,* he thought with a wry grin. Teasing her was the only chance he got to soak in some of that light she seemed to radiate so easily. He chuckled softly as he pictured her stamping a tiny foot and glowering at him, crystal blue eyes flashing indignantly. *She's so ALIVE, even when she's angry.*

There was a knock on his door, and he groaned.

"Nobody's home!" he shouted, reluctant to get up and answer the door.

"Bah, humbug!" came Andrew's cheerful voice. "Open the door, Darien, or you don't get your birthday present!"

Darien was on his feet in an instant, startled.

"Andrew?" he called as he strode toward his front door and pulled it open. "What are you--?"

Darien's jaw dropped at the sight that greeted him.

Serena tittered nervously at the shocked expression on Darien's face. "Close your mouth, Darien, it's not polite to stare."

Darien shot her a reproachful look, then turned to Andrew, his face clouded.

"What's going on?"

Andrew chuckled. "Now, really, Darien, is that any way to act? Usually, when confronted with a gaggle of pretty young girls bearing food and gifts, it's customary to invite them inside."

Darien continued to stare at Andrew challengingly, but there was amusement in his dark blue eyes as well. "You're not a girl, Andrew. And I'm not letting anyone in until I know what's going on."

Serena made an exasperated noise. "Y'know, the rest of us ARE here, like it or not, Darien. Stop talking to just Andrew and quit blocking the door." She elbowed her way past him and into his apartment, ignoring the look of surprise he shot her and leading the other girls like a drill sergeant.

"Lita, the cake goes over there on the table. Amy, I guess the food can go over there, too. Hmm, I supposed the gifts should be in here, that way we all have someplace to sit..."

Darien glared at his best friend. "You TOLD them?"

Andrew scratched his head in embarrassment. "Well, no -- I told Serena. You took off so quickly that she asked me what was wrong, and when I told her it was your birthday well, she got a little carried away."

"Serena did all this?" Darien's voice was incredulous.

"Yup. She takes all the credit -- or the blame, whichever's closer at hand. Her idea, her organization, and her motivation."

Darien swallowed with some difficulty, trying to comprehend what was happening. "Why-- why would she do this? Serena hates me."

Andrew shook his head vigorously. "Serena doesn't hate anyone, Darien, and you know it. She's got the biggest heart in the world, and she just wanted you to have a nice birthday -- even if you do pick on her mercilessly."

At that moment, Lita and Raye seized the two guys by the arms and dragged them over to the couch, forcing Darien to sit in the middle, much to his embarrassment. He looked at each of the girls in turn, his head swimming.

"Why did you do this?" he asked quietly.

There was a long silence before Lita finally spoke. "Because Serena asked us to. She does have very good ideas sometimes, and we happened to agree with her on this one."

Raye shrugged. "She said you weren't acting like your usual annoying self today, so she wanted to cheer you up."

Amy smiled softly. "There's more to it than that. If Serena thinks you're worth all this trouble, then we believe her. She's a very good judge of character, you know."

An awkward silence followed these confessions before Serena herself began to laugh nervously. "Honestly, you guys, you make me sound like some sort of saint." She turned to Darien matter-of-factly. "It's all a conspiracy, you know. I shower you with kindness and maybe -- just maybe -- you'll quit calling me Meatball Head. I really hate that, you know."

Darien laughed. "Don't count on it -- Meatball Head."

Serena sighed and shrugged. "Well, it was worth a shot. You can't blame me for trying."

The girls broke open the snack foods and passed around slices of cake, fully intent on stuffing themselves silly, until Andrew reminded them of the presents still littering Darien's coffee table.

"Ooh, presents -- I almost forgot!" Serena giggled gleefully. She scrambled over a protesting Raye to reach the low table, somehow managing to hold on to all of her food with one hand.

With the other, she selected a gift at random and tossed it to Darien. "Here, catch."

He caught the small package reflexively and looked up in surprise. "Presents? You didn't..."

"We DID," Serena informed him emphatically. "It's not a birthday party without presents, that's what I always say. Open it -- that one's from Amy."

Darien went through the presents one by one, smiling gently at each one. He thanked each of the girls softly, and grinned broadly when he opened Andrew's picture frame.

"Lemme guess -- Rita, right?"

"Right," Andrew answered with a laugh. "She thought you'd like it."

"And I bet she mentioned something about finding a picture to put in it, didn't she?"

"Weeeelllll... she DID say that you could do that yourself..."

"I'm so glad she has confidence in my taste," Darien replied sarcastically.

Andrew laughed. "She really does wish you would find a nice girl, Darien. And she knows you hate it when she tries to set you up. You'll find someone eventually, I know it." His glance slid almost imperceptibly to Serena before he caught himself, and neither Darien or Serena seemed to notice.

Serena's gift was last, and Darien took his time removing the wrapping paper. Serena herself was practically itching to grab it away and rip into it, just to save herself the agony of watching him take his own sweet time opening it.

The colorful paper fell away to reveal a small cloth wrapped bundle, and Darien looked up at her questioningly.

Serena groaned. "DARien, just OPEN it!"

With a chuckle, Darien pulled the cloth away and gasped at the sight of the book.

"Wow did you have to drag yourself into an actual bookstore to find this, Meatball Head?"

Serena looked offended. "The blank books are at the front of the store, Darien. I didn't have to go into the reference section, if that's what you mean."

Darien laughed and undid the leather clasp. He turned to the front page of the book and noticed that Serena had written something, her round, swirly handwriting complementing the rose in the background of the paper.

~

Darien--

Yeah, okay, I know we've never been really nice to each other before, but everyone deserves a good eighteenth birthday -- even you. I accept cash donations in small bills only, if you're feeling particularly grateful. Hope it turned out to be a good one. If you ever need someone to talk to and Andrew's working, I'll listen. I may talk a lot, but I am capable of listening, you know.

Happy Birthday, y' big jerk --

Serena

~

Darien swallowed quickly as a lump formed in his throat. "Domo arigato, Serena," he murmured softly. "Thank you very much -- for everything."

The little party broke up soon after that, as the girls found reasons to leave. Andrew had to pick up his sister Lizzie from work, and Lita hitched a ride home with him, much to her delight. Amy insisted that she had to study for a psychology quiz the next day, and Raye muttered something about her grandfather burning the temple down as she left.

Serena was the last to go. She was reluctant to leave, for some reason. She helped Darien gather up all the wrapping paper and put away the left over cake before standing awkwardly near his front door.

"Umm, Darien -- Andrew told me about your parents. He didn't mean to, I sorta forced it out of him. But I didn't tell the others -- Andrew swore me to secrecy."

Darien smiled. Serena was beginning to like that quirky smile of his -- it transformed his face and lit up his deep blue eyes. "That's okay, Serena. It's not really any big secret. But thanks for not telling anyone anyway."

Serena took a deep breath, not sure what to do now. "I meant what I said in that book, y'know. If you need someone to talk to, I'll listen."

Darien ducked his head, chuckling. "Arigato, Meatball Head. I'll keep that in mind."

In mock annoyance, Serena swatted a hand at him. "Stoppit, d'you hear me? My name is NOT Meatball Head!"

He grinned impishly. "All right then -- little rabbit."

"Little rabbit?" Serena's eyes widened, then narrowed suspiciously. "Where did you get that one from?"

Darien laughed and tugged on one of her pigtails. "Where do you think?" Before she could start spluttering indignantly, he enveloped her in a giant hug.

"I just can't believe you did all this, Serena," he mumbled into her hair. "Thank you -- it means the world to me."

Serena's expression softened. "My pleasure, dork. I'm glad it made you happy."

"You have no idea," he chuckled as he released her.

Serena rubbed the back of her neck nervously. "Well I guess I'll run into you tomorrow -- literally."

"Probably. See ya, little rabbit."

Serena made a face, then impulsively stood on her toes to kiss him briefly on the cheek. She flushed, and immediately turned and ran down the hall, hoping he didn't see her face turn pink.

Darien smiled at the retreating figure.

"My little rabbit..."