Hello everyone! It's been a long time since I've written in the Sailor Moon universe, but it honestly has never left my mind. Some of you might remember that Countdown was initially a rewritten form of the fic I published in 1997 (A New Year's Romance). I never got around to writing more than the first chapter for Countdown, and having it sit in my account in a form that I just wasn't happy with, eventually drew me into a rage.

This is the brand new Countdown and is about 90% Unrelated to the original story. New Year's will feature in this story, but later on – as you will see the COUNTDOWN now refers to something completely different.

This is Sailor Moon fanfiction for the new millennium and for the generation who grew from Sailor Moon to How I Met Your Mother.

Countdown

Prologue

By Usako3000

"So, tell me, are you married yet?" Mr. Williams questioned, peering up at Serena through the dark glasses that covered his eyes.

"Mr. Williams," Serena sighed, lifting the cavitron cleaner from the man's lips so he wouldn't cut himself. "You musn't talk while I'm cleaning, I could really hurt you."

"Now, dear-" The elderly patient smiled, lifting the suction from his lips, "You already finished my fillings and al, no? So there's no rush."

"It's not rush – but the scaler could cut you-" Serena sighed exasperatedly, before settling back in her chair, "And no I'm not, still a bit young for that-" She laughed, giving her usual statement.

But then, that wasn't quite true was it? Despite still looking as if she was a teenager lost at Dental School, instead of a student there, she was 25 years old, almost a doctor of dental surgery, and according to her life plan: THREE years behind when she had wanted to get married at age 22.

"Well, you must remember to be picky. You need to find a man who is worthy of you-" He reminded, before settling himself into his seat once more.

Serena forced a smile, "Thanks Mr. Williams, I will try."

But…hadn't she been trying already? It was getting tiresome.

"Now, let's get those teeth sparkling, so you can impress the girl that was lucky enough to marry you!"

"As far as I know, they're still together." Serena spoke nonchalantly as their drinks arrived at the table. Amaretto sours for the both of them.

"Well," Rei stated, flicking her hair over her shoulder, "Pigs of a feather do flock together."

The they in question involved Serena's commitment phobic ex boyfriend, Dimante and his new girlfriend, Serena's former 'friend' who -…..well…it's a long story, and honestly, Serena was too exhausted about the entire thing to even go through it being narrated.

The two men at the table beside them kept glancing over, trying to catch their eyes. Serena shot Rei a look and the two turned slightly, their backs toward the pouting fratters.

Clinking her nails against the sturdy weight of her glass, Serena sipped at the drink. "I just hate this Rei, I hate being like this. But I feel like since I was a little kid I've been daydreaming, counting down for true love. For something epic, something honest, and it hasn't come yet!"

"It will," Rei nodded, "Trust me, Serena, it will."

To be Continued….

Please Review, I would love analysis, requests, anything. I have been known to take into consideration things my readers would like to see. I deeply appreciate reviews and if you take the time to review, I will certainly take the time to respond.