Title: Royal Flush - Day 3 Author: Alicia Blade E-mail: Kammi22@sprintmail.com !Hola Minna-chan! Thank you all SO much for the sweet comments and incredible support! You're all so nice! See, anime is healthy for people!! I'm glad you all like the story so far but I have kinda, almost bad news. After this, I don't know how often I'll be able to post. I'll try really hard though!! And I have a really tacky story that I'll post between chapters to buy time, but I will TRY as hard as I can to keep getting 'Days' out quickly. Thanx for your patience and PLEASE keep sending e-mails! If you have any ideas for this, please tell me and I'd be happy to incorporate them in, IF I can find a place. I love hearing your ideas!!! Gracias! Okay, a HUGE part of this chapter came from JOANNE ALEXANDRA'S 'THE ROLE OF LOVE TO PLAY' which I think is just an absolutely adorable fanfic and has some of the coolest scenes in it!! Not to mention it's been a huge inspiration. Go read it, you won't be disappointed! Thanx, girl, for letting me steal your idea! IMPORTANT: Also, I had no clue the idea of being won in a game could be so controversial with some people! Thanx for all you who were kind enough to tell me why slavery wasn't the best basis for a story and give me ideas on how to fix it, NO THANX to all you who simply yelled at me. Oh yeah, YOU'RE being part of the solution. I in no way intended to say that slavery is a good thing, and I AM sorry if I offended anyone, but I am NOT going to apologize for being creative in my story ideas. If you'd like to see anything change, tell me your ideas and I'd be happy to make this more... politically correct. As always, thanx to Athena, Edeet, Lady Starra, and Julcie. I love you all so much and totally appreciate your constant ideas and suggestions. Everyone, go read their stuff!!! Oh, and hey! Rebe-chan is posting fanfics on her page now! Go visit it and if you're an author, definitely SEND STUFF IN!!! http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Bridge/8224/ "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:37,38 I GET BAPTIZED TODAY!! I'M SO HAPPY!!!!!! (Sunday, May 10, 1999) Serena sipped at the tall chocolate milkshake as Andrew busied himself cleaning the counter. He looked at her, freezing from the tired work. Her blue eyes were glazed over, staring at some distant, nonexistent point beyond him. Raising an eyebrow, he swished a hand in front of her stare. She snapped back to the arcade, looking up at him confused. "You okay?" She stared at him a moment, silent and motionless. Finally, she allowed a smile to play across her lips as she stared up at him. "Yeah, I'm fine, why?" He only shook his head, unconvinced. "You've been off in la-la land the past ten minutes. Something happen at school today?" Serena looked down at her drink, twirling the straw around in the thick ice cream. "No, nothing happened at school..." "Then what's on your mind? Maybe I can help..." Serena looked up at him from the corner of her eye. "It's nothing, really. I'm just... thinking, that's all..." Andrew laughed. "Ha! You, thinking? Dear diary, guess what!" She glared up at him. "Not you too! You're becoming as bad as Darien!" Andrew chuckled lightly. "I'm sorry, Serena, I didn't mean it. Speaking of Darien though... how's the indenture coming? Is he working you too hard?" "No, it's not as bad as I thought it would be. After the first day, which didn't end up too well..." "Care to elaborate?" Serena giggled. "Not really." Andrew frowned slightly. "Well, if it's not Darien that's getting to you, what's got you down all the sudden?" Serena sighed. Looking up, she stared at the honest caring behind Andrew's brown eyes. "Well, it's just that..." "Yes?" "Andrew, do you think I'm..." Serena paused for a minute, looking down at the counter again. "...crush-worthy?" Andrew stepped back a little, startled at the question. Catching his breath, he managed to laugh a little. "Aw, sure Serena! In fact, I know tons of guys who are crazy about you!" 'And one that swears he's in love with you...' he added secretly. Serena looked up at him hopefully. "Really?!" "Sure! Heck, every time you walk in the door, nearly every guy's head turns to watch! You're pretty, fun, loving... you're any guy's dream!" Serena's eyes lit up, once again becoming full of life and laughter. "You really think so, Andrew?" "I know so. Now... what brought this up, anyway? Why are you so concerned about that all the sudden?" Serena looked down again, a blush staining her pale cheeks. "Well, you see... yesterday, when I was with Darien..." 'Ah, so it IS something about Darien.' "He sorta... kinda..." She looked up at him nervously. "...kissed me." Andrew's breath caught. 'Woah! Darien actually took that huge step already!? Gotta give the guy snaps... Honestly didn't think he'd move that fast, but I guess...' "Kissed you?" Serena nodded. "Not on the... the..." she raised two fingertips to her lips and Andrew nodded in understanding. "But... he kissed me on the cheek, and then my hand..." Serena decided she could leave out the part about him foraging her neck... She was already blushing at the remembrance of THAT event... Andrew nodded. "So then... you were just wondering if it could have meant something." Serena nodded. Breathing a sigh, she looked up at him almost desperately. "Oh Andrew, that man is so confusing! One minute he's teasing me and making me SO mad, and the next he's making me feel like a princess... and then he sends all these totally weird feelings through me and I can't make sense of any of them! It's like... like my entire body is freezing and burning at the same time and... and... I just don't understand him at ALL!" Andrew chuckled in understanding. "Serena, listen to me..." He took a deep breath, trying to work out how to tell her this without betraying Darien and actually TELLING her that he's crazy about her. "Darien... has a very hard time displaying emotions..." he watched Serena closely, determining if she understood. She nodded slowly. "I mean, I've been his best friend for 6 years, and I still can't read all his signs and codes..." 'It took me two months to figure out he liked YOU!' "But, Serena, when he wants something, he goes for it... and maybe, his mixed signals, are just his way of showing you he does care about you. I mean, he never liked getting close to people, so that could explain his teasing you, because he wants to keep you at arm's distance, ya know? But then... these signs of affection he's giving you, could be to tell you he's actually more... interested in you than it may seem." Serena looked down at her milkshake, drinking in this new information. Slowly, uncertainly, she nodded, telling Andrew he'd made his point. He smiled. 'Maybe there's hope for the poor guy, after all.' "So, Serena... do you think that... YOU could feel anything... special for Darien?" Serena looked up at him, silent for a moment, before bursting out in laughter, taking Andrew by surprise. "Ha! Don't be silly, Andrew! I can't stand the guy, never could!" Still giggling, she stood and walked out of the arcade, leaving a half- finished milkshake and a stunned Andrew. He shook his head. "Your signals are just as hard to read as his!" With a quirky, lopsided grin, he added, "You'd be perfect for each other!" Serena walked nervously into the large lobby. Her small shoes clicked on the marble floor, her eyes glittered brightly in awe of the crystal windows and statues. She walked slowly around the large cupid water fountain in the center. Men and women in suits and skirts bustled all around her, checking their watch or digging through brief cases on their way to important meetings. No one seemed to pay any attention to her at all. Sighing deeply, she made her way to the other end of the large foyer where a set of high marble desks stood. Cautiously, she walked over to a lady behind one of the desks. She appeared fairly young, maybe her late twenties, with oak brown hair and dark, glittering brown eyes hidden behind a pair of soft spectacles. She looked up and smiled as the out of place schoolgirl walked up to her nervously. "Hello, how can I help you?" Serena smiled. The lady had a nice, charming voice. Clearing her throat, she said, "Hi, um... I'm looking for someone who works here." The lady smiled wider. "Many people work here. Do you know which enterprise they're with?" Serena looked off deep in thought. "Um... Operator... Systems... something or other..." "Remote Operating System Enterprises?" "Yeah, that one!" Serena squealed with delight. The lady grinned back. "Alright then, I'll tell you what to do. Take the elevator up to the 8th floor. Their main receptionist is located right inside there, you won't miss him. Just tell him the name of the person you're looking for, and he'll tell you how to find them, okay?" Serena smiled wider. "Thank you so much!" "No problem. Have a nice day!" Waving good bye, Serena skipped off to the elevators. Soon, she found herself cramped in a cherry-wood paneled room with 5 tall men in gray and tan suits, with briefcases, blank ties, and not a smile amongst them. Taking a deep breath, she pressed the button labeled 8, and stood silently in the midst of them, every moment feeling more like she didn't belong. Two of the men got off at the 5th floor and then Serena finally stepped out of the small space herself. She walked into a large corridor with mint green walls and tall green houseplants. Her feet stepped lightly on a pale blue and green Oriental rug. Slowly, she made her way to a white desk in the center of the large room, taking notice of the many hallways and branches dividing from this center room. This time, a middle aged man sat behind the dark wood desk, talking quietly on a phone. He smiled and held up a couple fingers to her as she approached, signaling he would be with her in a moment. She nodded, standing still as he finished his conversation. The man had nice, slicked back blonde hair and bright, cheerful green eyes. He wore a white dress shirt and a blue tie with yellow and white daisies. Serena imagined his wife had picked it out for him. She snapped from her thoughts at the soft click of a phone. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. Welcome to Remote Operating System Enterprises, how may I help you?" Serena knew he had said that speech millions of times and smiled slightly towards his friendly grin. "Hello, um... I'm looking for someone who works here..." Immediately, the man swiveled in his chair to begin typing on his offside computer. Opening a file, he clicked the arrow on another set of documents. "And what is the name?" "Um... Darien Chiba." The man typed it in. "Ah, yes, Mr. Chiba... alright, he is located on the tenth floor. Would you like me to page him or call up to see if he's in his office?" "Oh, no thank you, I think I'll just go find him myself." "Alright then, he is in office 1034. What you would like to do is take the elevator up, go right immediately and you'll pass by a whole bunch of cubicles. At the end you'll see a row of windows. Take a left until you come to a long hallway, it should be the 10th or 11th door on the left. If you're not sure, there will be a secretary inside each of those doors. Just ask if you have the right office, and if not, they'll guide you. Got that?" Serena took a deep breath, going over the instructions in her mind's eye, trying to imagine what everything would look like to be surer of herself. "I can write it down if you like," the man said after she said nothing. With a smile, she looked down at him. "No thanks, I think I got that." "Alright, good luck. Have a nice day." "You too!" Still going over the directions in her mind, she bounced off happily to the elevator. "Eight... nine... ten." Serena looked at the wooden door before her. The hallway was very long, with huge gaps between each door and she wondered how big these offices were... and why Darien of all people had an office, AND a secretary! Other than being long, the corridor was also well lit and colorful, with large windows on the right and faux paintings in between the doors. With a deep breath, Serena raised her hand to knock on the door, but decided against it. Placing her hand on the knob, she let herself in, first peaking in her head, to see another young lady busy putting files into a cabinet. At the sound of the door, she turned to look at Serena. "Hello, can I help you?" "Um... yes... is this... Darien Chiba's office?" "Yes it is, do you have a meet..." the lady looked over Serena's school outfit and smiled. "On second thought, I doubt your from one of our clients?" she asked, more than told, raising an eyebrow. Serena giggled, walking fully into the room. She was surprised to see that it was more like another hallway, stretching to her right and left, with twice the width of the one she had just deserted. However the sections between the separate 'rooms' had architectural molding dividers about a foot from the walls and ceiling. "No, actually, I'm..." 'What? His slave? His enemy?' "A friend." "Alright, what's your name?" "Serena..." "One moment Serena, I'll see if he's busy." The lady pressed a few buttons on the phone on her desk. Soon, Serena heard Darien's voice. "Yes?" "Excuse the interruption, Mr. Chiba, but you have a visitor." "Is it important, Kate? I'm in the middle of those applications that were sent in this morning." Serena bit her lip to refrain from giggling. He sounded so professional! "Um... well, it seems that she might have come quite a ways to get here. I'm guessing the Juuban district?" Kate had guessed Serena's school judging from the familiar school outfit. Darien's voice faltered. "Ju... Juuban?" "Yes. She says her name is Serena." Darien cleared his throat nervously and Kate looked up at the new girl with mute interest. "Uh... send her right in..." "Yes sir." Kate smiled and held out her hand, signaling to Serena to go inside the door to her right. "Go ahead." Taking a deep breath, Serena walked into the adjoining office. 'So that's the girl that's had Mr. Chiba in such a daze lately!' Kate mused silently as the door shut behind her. Darien stiffened as the door to his office opened and a beautiful blonde walked in. She closed the door behind her before turning to smile at him shyly. "What a pleasant surprise..." Darien said with amusement. She said nothing, but looked around the fairly large office in awe. "What did you do to get an office like THIS?!" Darien laughed. "I work hard." "Yeah, I guess..." Serena took note of the nearly clear desk, with all the pens and pencils in their own designated holders, and a small bookshelf with the books in... alphabetical order?! "So, how is it that you live in a pigsty and work in an office without a pencil out of place?" Darien laughed. "We have... janitors. Anyway, why don't you sit down? Make yourself comfortable." Serena did as he asked, taking one of the two matching black leather chairs in front of his desk. "Hey, isn't that Lonny Lanai?!" she asked enthusiastically, pointing to a large painting that hung on the pale blue wall behind Darien. He smiled. "Yes. I'm a big fan of her work..." "Me too! I wonder what she's like in person..." Darien smiled at her from the corner of his eye as he began to type something up on his computer, finishing what he had been working on before. Serena smiled dazedly at the painting. A work of soft pastels behind the bolder subjects... the thin white outline of a man in a mask holding a golden-haired goddess, the wind blowing two streaks of her hair around them, surrounding them in a whirlwind of sunshine. "She reminds me of you." Serena snapped from her attention to look at Darien. He was turned slightly in his chair, gazing up at the painting. "Why?" Darien inhaled sharply, turning to smile back at her. "She just does. The same hair, same... height, posture... beauty..." Serena cheeks stained a rosy pink as Darien smiled and returned to his work. She watched him closely, his blue eyes staring at the scene with almost a commanding stare. Hard working and thoughtful... He was dressed nicely, in a white dress shirt and dark blue tie. A black blazer hung on the back of his chair. Serena thought back to what Andrew had told her. These signs of affection... could he really be interested in her... in that way? He was so mature and smart and... She was young, a daydreamer, klutzy and terrible in school... But still, just the thought of him caring for her, as more than a slave and more than a friend, made chills of delight tear up her spine. She shook her head. She couldn't start thinking about him as anything more than the man she couldn't stand. She'd worked too hard to build up all this anger toward him, it wasn't going to crack and fall the second he begins acting like a gentleman. "What brings you here?" asked Darien, taking note of her quietness. She looked up to him surprised for a moment, almost as if she didn't hear him. Then she giggled lightly. "Oh, I was just thinking that... I mean, as your slave and all... I didn't think it would be quite fair for me to miss TWO days out of our arrangement, so I thought I'd come and see if you needed help with anything here..." Darien smiled slightly. "Well I'm sure we can find you something to do... It won't be anything really important, just menial little tasks." "That's okay. You're the boss!" Darien chuckled, hitting a button on the telephone by his side. "Kate?" "Yes, Mr. Chiba?" "Have you gotten around to those stacks of paper I handed to you this morning?" "Not yet, sir, though if you need them I can get on that right away." "No, actually, I think I'll have Miss Tsukino help me with those. Could you bring them in, please?" "Of course." A minute later, the secretary came into the office, carrying a large stack of papers. "Thank you, Kate. Do you think you could show Serena what to do, just to get her started?" "Of course." Kate smiled at Serena, who smiled back, and led her to the couch. "Thank you," said Darien as he began typing at the keyboard again. Kate showed Serena to simply take a paper from each of the many sets paper clipped together and staple them in a nice stack in the same order. With her instructions understood, she smiled and left the room. After a minute of silence other than the clacking of the keyboard and snapping of the stapler, Darien dared to look up at the girl. She had her stuff spread out over the floor, the papers in order all around her. She counted silently as she picked a paper from each of the small stacks and dropped the sides lightly on the floor, straightening the edges before stapling them together. Her expression was the same as when she played video games, with her eyes set in determination, and her tongue sticking out playfully from the side of her mouth. Darien smiled at the sight. His eyes lingered on her as she ignored him unintentionally. She was so beautiful... He had half a mind to walk over to her and sweep her into his arms, kiss the daylights from her... Sighing, he checked his watch. It was 5:30 already. Turning to his file, he once again began typing away. It was almost finished. Soon, he saved the file, creating an e-mail message and attaching it. Pressing the button on the phone again, he said, "Kate, I'm sending you the applications." "Okay, I'll take care of them." "Thank you." With a click of the send button, he turned back to Serena. She was almost done, he noted. "I have a dinner meeting with a client at 6:30. I should get going in about half an hour." Serena looked up from her work briefly to look at him, before turning back to her assignment. "Oh?" Darien nodded. "Would... you like to come?" Serena looked up again, taken a bit by surprise. "Really? You'd let me?" "Sure. You'll have to be pretty quiet, though. No wailing!" She glared at him briefly, part of her earlier excitement fading. She returned back to her work. "I'd love to come, if you're sure it's okay, Master." Darien held back a laugh. "Oh yeah, it'll be fine! If anything, you'll probably help me sell the idea better." She looked at him curiously from the corner of her eye. "How could I do that if I can't say anything?" He smiled mysteriously. "Serena... how often do you fail a test?" Her breath caught a little and she turned to stare at him, her eyes burning. "That's none of your business, Darien!" He laughed lightly. "Woah, retract the claws! I'm only trying to make a point. Let's say about... one a week or so?" Serena huffed her shoulders, turning her back to him and finishing up the last set of papers. He grinned down on her, standing from his chair and walking over to the other side of his desk, leaning against it calmly, never removing his eyes from the girl. "Now, for most people, if they failed a test every week, their parents would come down pretty hard on them. Not the case with you, now is it? Not because your parents are too lenient, I'm guessing, but probably more likely due to your... manipulating capabilities." Serena turned around instantly. "What?! I do not manipulate my parents! I don't manipulate anyone!" Darien chuckled. "Serena, calm down, I'm not insulting you! It's actually a good skill. I mean... it is unintentional, what you do to people, but it works pretty darn well, I'd say." Serena folded her arms over her chest, turning away again. "I don't know WHAT you're talking about!" Darien inhaled sharply. With agonizingly slow steps, he made his way over to the girl in the center of the room. Pushing some of the paper out of the way. "You... have this power to drive people absolutely insane. With... friendship, caring... love... And it's virtually impossible for anyone who so much as looks at you to not get caught up in the web..." Serena raised her eyebrow, turning to look at him slightly from the corner of her eye. He was nearer to her now, maybe not even a foot away. With a meaningful look in his eyes, he bent down to her level, his voice carrying a hint of something deeper... almost longing. "You radiate joy and laughter... and no one with any sense can possibly NOT want that... and in turn, everyone wants to make you happy. Therefore, without even realizing what you're doing, you can make just about anyone put everything on the line, just to make sure you get what you want. That's why your parents probably don't punish you too much with bad grades. And why you could be an important asset at this dinner meeting." Serena looked at him in shock. Did she really do that? Did anyone really feel that way about her? He was beginning to trace his fingers down her cheek, across her lips, gently, tenderly... "But Darien... I don't do that to everyone, if at all. I mean... I don't make YOU feel that way..." she paused for a moment, his deep sapphire gaze burning truthfully into hers. "Do I?" Darien inhaled deeply, looking down on her pale blue eyes, staring so wonderingly up at him. He licked his lips, glancing down at her soft, worried frown. Placing his fingers beneath her chin, he turned her small face up to his, before inching toward her. She closed her eyes, gasping at the sensation of his breath tickling her lips, as it had her neck the morning before. So unbelievably close... "Mr. Chiba, you have Mr. Kusai on line four calling to confirm your dinner reservations." Serena thought she heard Darien growl something beneath his breath, before pushing himself away from her and walking over to the phone. Taking a deep sigh, he answered it, but their conversation was but a blur to Serena. Shaking her head, she breathed in deeply, doing her best to ignore the tingling of her lips. If only that blasted man hadn't called! She coughed, pushing that thought out of her head. 'Don't be silly, Serena! It's a darn good thing he called! You do NOT want Darien to kiss you!!' 'Since when? You've wanted him to kiss you since the arcade yesterday.' 'I did not! I DO not! I can't stand the guy! Maybe, just MAYBE, he has feelings for me, but if so, there is NO way I am ever going to share them! It's his own fault for being so mean to me in the first place!' She finished stapling the last set of papers, doing her best to clear her mind of the thoughts. Hanging up the phone, Darien walked around the desk and turned off his computer, before throwing on his black blazer. Serena scooped up the papers and stood up carefully, following Darien out of the room. "Kate, if Ms. Suimata calls, I've already left to the meeting." "Yes sir, I'll give her that message." "Thank you." "Oh, and also, I had those forms from the 22nd mailed out this morning. They should be received in a week or two. Plus, I ordered the Satako account to be opened the following Monday. Here is your list of daily stocks... we're moving up again." Darien smiled as he took the paper from his secretary. He grinned up at her kindly. The look almost, ALMOST made Serena's blood boil with envy, but she kept the emotions in check. "You're too good, Ms. Rydell." "I'll be expecting a nice Secretary's Day gift, Mr. Chiba." Darien laughed. "I'm sure I'll come up with something. Have a nice evening." "You too. It was nice meeting you, Ms. Tsukino." "Likewise." "I hope you come back sometime." Darien smiled down at her. "I hope she does too. Come on Serena, let's go." Placing his arm around her shoulder, Darien led Serena into the hallway and through the maze of cubicles. Serena stared at the numbers on the elevator, slowly moving down... and thought about the conversation she had just had with Darien and Kate. He was so nice to her... a total flirt, too. She wondered if... he was interested in her? She shook her head as jealousy filled her thoughts once again. 'He's a flirt. I can't believe it... If only he'd flirt with ME!' 'What exactly do you think he's been doing the last couple days?! The arm around your shoulder, the soft voice, calling you beautiful, kissing you...' 'Stop this right now, Serena! You're talking like all these things mean something! Which they don't! He's a complete jerk! All he ever does is insult you and humiliate you and confuse you... He can't start meaning something to you now... no matter how sweet he is, it's only a game, anyway. The man has a heart of ice.' 'If only I could melt it...' Serena unconsciously moved closer into Darien, his arms tightening around her shoulder. He looked down on her. She seemed deep in thought, staring at the top of the elevator door. "Penny for your thoughts?" She looked up at him slightly and shook her head. "I'm just thinking about... stuff..." "Can you tell me? Maybe I can help..." She giggled. "First Andrew starts to sound like you, now you start to sound like Andrew!" "Huh?" She grinned wider. "Never mind... it's not important. So... where's this dinner?" Glasses clinked throughout the restaurant as waiters and hostesses bustled back and forth. Serena looked on in awe of the spectacular place, with crystal chandeliers and marble floors. She began to wonder if everything in Darien's life was so rich and splendid. First the office building, now this... 'So why on Earth does he spend so much time at an arcade of all places?!' "Reservations for Chiba." "Just a moment, sir. Ah yes, a table for 3." "I'd like to change that to a table for 4 please. We have unexpected company joining us." The man with the deep voice and black tuxedo checked through the leather bound book, before smiling and nodding. "It won't be a problem, sir. Would you like to be seated now?" "Yes, please, and could you lead the rest of our group to us when they show?" "Of course, right this way." They were lead to a corner of the restaurant, past a small dancing floor that had been hidden by curtains from the lobby. Serena watched in awe and giggled as the people on the floor spun and danced to the small symphonic band on a stage. Darien smiled down at the girl in his arm, making a mental note to get her on the dance floor before the evening was through. As they came to a candlelit table, the host pulled out Serena's chair for her to sit, as Darien jealously took his own seat. He HAD been planning to do that himself... 'Maybe another time when we're in a not-so-fancy place.' "I'll have someone bring you your water in a moment." "Thank you." "Have a nice evening and enjoy your meal." The man left, leaving a somewhat awkwardly silent table behind. "So..." began Serena. Darien looked up at her expectantly. "Do you always come to eat at such fancy places?" He gave her a quirky smile. "No, but this is a very important client. They deserve the best." "And they sent YOU on the job? Aren't they afraid you'll insult them?" Darien laughed slightly. "Actually, YOU'RE the only person I tease, Meatball Head." She glared at him angrily. "Don't I feel special," she mumbled sarcastically. He only smiled back as a young busboy came and filled their glasses with water. "Thank you!" said Serena to the boy, her frown gone. He smiled back shyly before turning away. 'Not often we get someone in a school outfit in here.' Turning back, he thought, 'She is cute though...' "So how was your day?" asked Darien, trying to build up a conversation. Serena looked up to the ceiling in thought. "Pretty good... not much happened, I guess. I was late to school again and Miss Haruna gave me 10 minutes of detention, which isn't too bad really. I think she had a date tonight or something." 'Other than that, I thought about you all day,' she added silently. Darien laughed. "Fail any tests?" He stopped laughing and cursed his stupidity inside. 'Baka! Baka! Baka! Stop insulting the girl, she hates you enough already!!' Serena glared as Darien lowered his head. "For your information, I don't ALWAYS fail my tests! I DO try hard, Darien, and it's not my fault when I simply don't understand the stuff! And ya know, I really wish you could stop pointing out my flaws! I get enough from everyone else in my life telling me I'm a failure, I DON'T need it from YOU too!" Darien bit his lip, not daring to look up at her, knowing full well that she was glaring in hatred at him, and just the thought made his heart bleed in pain. "Mr. Chiba! How nice to see you again!" Darien looked up at as stocky man made his way toward him. Gulping, he forced a smile and stood to shake the man's hand. "Mr. Kusai, I'm so glad you could make it! Please, have a seat." Serena could still feel tears from their argument burning like pinpricks at the back of her eyes. Plastering on a smile, she turned to see Darien shake the man's hand. Already, he had recovered from their fight and was smiling friendly. She glared at him unnoticeably, thinking in her mind over and over just how much she hated him. Sighing, she turned her face to the new comer. He was kind of chubby, with a round face, but jolly smile. With thinning gray hair and naturally red cheeks, he almost reminded her of Santa Clause, without the beard and mustache. "Mr. Kusai, this is my guest, Serena Tsukino." For the first time, the man took notice of the young girl at the table. He smiled the same all over cheery smile and reached out to take her hand. She smiled back. "I'm charmed," said the man, kissing her hand. She giggled slightly, before retracting her hand beneath the table. "I was informed before accepting the invitation to this meeting that I was to say nothing, though I don't think a greeting much falls into that category, otherwise it would be quite rude of me I should think, and so it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Mr. Kusai." Darien held back a laugh and smiled with pride at the girl, who was simply too adorable for words, before taking his seat next to her. Serena moved her chair further away from him the instant he sat down. Seeing that Mr. Kusai was already deeply involved in the menu, he reached out a hand, attaching it to one of the legs of her chair before slyly pulling her closer to him. She gasped, turning to him and glaring. Just as she prepared herself to move over again, he wrapped an arm around her waist and whispered quietly to her, "Now behave, servant." She gritted her teeth, yelling inside for allowing herself to be tangled up with this sorry excuse for a man and not running as far away from him as she could when she had the chance. Glaring at him coolly, she folded her hands tightly around her napkin in her lap, squeezing the knuckles together in attempt to keep herself from hauling back and knocking him a good one right in the chin. Something she had wanted to do many, many times in the past. After looking calmly through the menu, Darien looked down at the girl beside him. Her eyes were glaring at her ice glass, seeing nothing, while her hands unconsciously tortured a red cloth napkin. "You know, the napkin's innocent," he whispered. She looked up at him with abhorrence burning in her gaze. "I realize that, but I don't think this is the right environment to strangle YOU." And with that statement, she resumed staring at her water angrily. Darien chuckled through the pain tearing at his heart. "Mr. Chiba! Mr. Kusai! Oh, I'm so glad you both could make it!" Serena looked up to see another guest coming, this one a young lady. She was tall with long legs barely hidden by the dress suit she wore. Shining auburn hair was pulled up in a pile of curls upon her head and emerald eyes sparkled in the dim lighting. Darien and Mr. Kusai each stood to greet her. Serena only followed suit when Darien frowned down on her and tugged on her shirt a little. Immediately, Darien reached for the young ladies hand, kissing it tenderly how Mr. Kusai had kissed hers. 'It's a business thing! Doesn't mean he likes her or anything...' 'I don't care either way! Wouldn't bother me in the slightest if he DID like her!' 'He is being a gentleman...' her mind drifted as Darien pulled out a seat for the lady as Mr. Kusai kissed the back of her hand as well. "Ms. Suimata, you already know Nick Kusai* and this is Serena Tsukino. Serena, meet Elaine Suimata." Serena couldn't help but to smile back when the lady turned her friendly, caring gaze on her. "It's a pleasure to meet you!" They shook hands politely, and Serena already knew she liked this woman. Sitting down once more, the small group ordered their dinner and business commenced. 'He's sitting too close to her.' 'He's sitting closer to you.' 'But look how he smiled at her...' 'Like a co-worker? Like a friend?' 'No! Like a... an admirer! I think he likes her.' 'You're paranoid. Besides, why do you care?' 'I don't care! I'm only pointing out the obvious.' 'Which is?' 'He likes her!!' 'So he smiles at her and LIKES her, and then tries to kiss you... and he DOESN'T like you?' 'Shut up!' 'Crazy...' 'I am NOT crazy! Or paranoid for that matter!' 'Then why are you having an argument with yourself?' Darien looked over at Serena. She was picking at her food, blushing madly, and staring at her plate. "Well, Mr. Chiba, you make a good argument, but I'm just not sure my company can take that leap yet. I like to know just who I'm dealing business with. Now, you seem like a nice enough guy, but I'd like to see how personable the rest of the team is, do you understand?" Darien looked up at Mr. Kusai and smiled. "Of course I understand. Take your time! There's no rush at all. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!" "Oh, I won't. I must thank you for a most delightful meal!" "It was my pleasure. It's a shame it had to be spent on business talk!" "The night's still young..." Darien looked down at Serena and smiled. "Yes... it is." With gentle hands, he took her fork from her, setting it down carefully on her plate. She looked up at him, first surprised, before she remembered she was angry with him and her eyes iced over again. He noticed the change and felt his heart crack slightly. 'Have to heal this. Have to make things better...' "Care to dance, mi'lady?" "No, thank you." And with her voice quiet and emotionless, she turned to take a drink of her water. He only smiled. Leaning down close, he whispered into her ear, "I command you." He took the glass from her hand and set it down on the table, smiling evilly at the frown she sent in his direction. Submitting, Serena stood from her chair, her hand instantly taken into his firm but caressing grip, and she found herself being led to the dance floor. Darien wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to his body. She resisted, as he thought she would, but he was also much stronger than she was. With his empty hand, he turned her face up to look at him. "Be a good girl." She only glared hatefully, holding his gaze with a stone cold gaze. He took her other hand into his and began turning around the crowded floor. Serena didn't pay much to the dancing, nor to her partner or her environment. All she could think about was getting home. Getting away from this self-absorbed creep. "I'm sorry." She gasped, looking up at Darien. He was staring down on her with honesty behind his voice and eyes. "Wh... wha...?" "I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I... was only joking. I don't think you're a failure or... I don't think that at all. I'm sorry..." Serena stared up at him in shock. Darien... the great, powerful, almighty Darien was... APOLOGIZING?! And what's more... to HER! She could say and do nothing but stare back at his sapphire gaze. It was burning into her, something pulling at her heart to forgive him. To... to let him know... Nothing. She shook her head. Darien looked down on her in fear a little. For a brief, tiny, fraction of an instant, he thought he could see something more in those incredible eyes of hers. But it was gone and again, she was staring at him coolly. "That's it?! You're sorry?! Darien, don't you get it? No one ever believes in me, and enough people tell me that! Do you think I LIKE bringing home failing grades and detention slips?! Or having everyone who's important to me constantly tell me that I need to try harder when I just can't! No one seems to understand that, and I know perfectly well that I'm letting my family and friends down, and I do NOT need it coming from you, too! A guy with a perfect job and a perfect, though messy apartment, and a PERFECT life!" Darien held onto her tight, though every word stung him more than the last. She was on the brink of tears now, her eyes closed, her face turned as far away from him as she could. They had stopped dancing and now his arms unconsciously wrapped themselves around her, pulling her closer. She struggled only briefly before letting her head fall onto his chest. She held the tears in check, forcing them back despite the pounding headache they wrapped around. Darien placed a hand on her head, holding her close to him while the other stroked tenderly down her back. "Serena... why do you think that? You... never let anyone down. You're too wonderful, too perfect for that... I'm sorry Serena, I'm so, so sorry... I didn't think... that it hurt you like that... and... Oh Serena, please forgive me. Please, please forgive me." Serena shook her head below him. "No. I can forgive my family, and I can forgive all my friends because I know they only want me to be better for myself. But I can never forgive you, Darien. All you've ever done is hurt me..." she whimpered, her body going limp. Darien froze. His heart, body, any thoughts... simply froze. 'Never forgive me? Never...? How... how can that be, when everything I do is for you, when anymore I live my days around running into you, seeing your smile, hearing your voice? Never forgive me? But I love you... Haven't you seen that yet? My dear Serena...' He closed his eyes, resting his head on top of hers. She held still, shaking only slightly from the anger built up inside of her. 'He's so still. Did he even hear me? Was I too mean... No! I meant everything I said... every... word...' "Forgive me, please, Serena?" his voice was shaking, choked with tears, barely above a whisper. She remained silent. 'He sounded so sad... so hurt...' Darien pulled away just enough to lift her chin up with his fingers so that she stared up at him. Her eyes were brimming with tears also, for he knew he was on the brink of falling to his knees and crying. 'Or begging forgiveness...' Serena looked on stunned as he stared down at her so solemnly, his dark eyes had a look of urgency, of desperateness, of loss. Then a light seemed to filter through and she turned away. 'Not again. Those dreadful eyes... It's almost like I can't turn away when looking into them. I can't think... They're too blue, too mysterious, too tempting to get lost in...' "Serena, forgive me?" His voice had changed, it now had a touch of hope, almost begging, almost knowing. She sighed. "Darien, I..." she then turned to him to find... he wasn't there?! Looking down, her eyes opened wide to see Darien down on his knees, both hands clinging to one of hers, his eyes larger, begging, pleading... "Please forgive me?" His voice was lighter, carrying only a hint of comedy, though no doubt sincerity. 'I'll get you to forgive me, or die trying, Meatball Head! There's no way I'm going to go through my life knowing full well that I made one mistake and lost you on it.' After finally recovering from her initial shock, Serena stepped towards him with urgency. "Darien, get up!" she whispered loudly, looking around as people on the dance floor stopped to stare at them. "Not until I'm forgiven." "Darien, this isn't funny! Get off the floor!" "I care for you Serena, and I never meant to hurt you by what I said! I'm sorry! I'll say it a million times. I'm sorry, Serena. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry..." "Darien, people are looking at us!" "Let them look. Right now, all I care about is hearing three little words." "Darien, I'll leave you here." "Just say you forgive me, Serena, please? Forgive me?" Serena stopped looking around nervously and attempting to struggle out of his grasp. Obviously, it wasn't working anyway. She looked down on him, annoyance and disapproval written on her features. But then... something happened. Her eyes began to lighten with an emotion not unlike amusement. Darien watched the change, his eyes glowing. Gently, he pulled her closer to him with little resistance, before craning his neck and kissing her hand tenderly, never letting his eyes wander from hers. Slowly, he kissed each of her small, soft fingertips, and watched as her eyes began to smile. He lowered his head more, looking up at her through thin eyelashes. Her lips tilted up. Wetting his lips, he stuck out his lower lip sadly. The walls of stubbornness fell to rubble. Serena chuckled lightly, but soon the giggling turned to cheerful laughter and she turned away slightly, covering her face with her free hand. Darien grinned widely. "You're forgiven!" she said between breaths. "You're forgiven!" she yelled again, turning to him fully. He smiled up at her, before pulling her toward him and burying his head in the material covering her small stomach, his arms wrapped around her legs. She blushed, her cheeks tinting bright red, before patting his head lightly, running her hands through his thick black hair. Still smiling, he turned his eyes to face her. "Thank you." She returned the grin, before patting his head like a dog. "Good boy, I needed to teach you to beg." He laughed, finally dragging himself to his feet. "I thought I was YOUR master!" With his arm wrapped around her again, and smiles lingering on both faces, he dragged her off the dance floor as people happy for the young couple resumed dancing. "Well, did you have fun out there?" asked Mr. Kusai, raising an eyebrow as Darien and Serena sat down at the table once more. Serena blushed while Darien looked at him quizzically. "I hadn't seen that dance step before... the one where you get on your knees like that..." Darien burst out laughing, running a hand through his hair. "Well... it wasn't exactly a dance..." he looked over to Serena, who was trying to hide her face from the others. "We had something we needed to clear up." 'Jeez, I hope he doesn't see their company as immature or something now... oh, I would feel awful if Darien loses this deal because of me... Not that he had to go begging forgiveness in the middle of the floor, but still...' "Mr. Chiba, I've been thinking a little about this... deal you'd like us to sign for, and I've ran into a problem." Darien and Serena both looked up at the man nervously. "And... what would that problem be?" "I can't find a pen!" Ms. Suimata giggled slightly as Darien stared in silence for a minute. "E...excuse me?" "You've sold me, Darien. After seeing that little performance out there, I feel you are somebody my employees and clients could really connect with, and I have no doubts that the rest of your company will add up to those same qualities. Congratulations, Darien, you've managed to sell it to me!" Darien smiled widely, laughing a little. "Oh? Well... um... great then! Here's the form and a pen for ya..." Darien found the papers in a stack Ms. Suimata had brought with her and let them be signed before shaking hands with Nick. "It's been a pleasure dealing business with you." "Likewise. I'll have my secretary give you a call tomorrow afternoon to set up a group meeting." Mr. Kusai stood up, bowing to everyone at the table. "Now I must be going. Good evening." "Good bye, and thank you!" "Good night!" Ms. Suimata scooped the papers into her briefcase. "I suppose that's my cue to leave you two alone. Have a nice night." "Bye, Elaine!" called Serena. She waved before pausing suddenly and looking from the two back and forth. "I'm sure you get this a lot, but you really are a cute couple." She left, leaving a smiling Darien and blushing slave. Yes, Kate Rydell graduated from high school and became Darien's secretary. Tee hee. (She's my cuz. Love ya girl!) Told ya it would get longer! Hope ya enjoyed! E-MAIL ME!!! * for all the BSB fans who know I like to incorporate the boys' names in my fics, in this case, I am NOT downing on Nick, I was going with more St. Nicholas... ya know, Santa Clause? So don't flame me, I don't think Nick is fat or anything (yeah right!) Although Kevin is better. Luv ya and God bless! <3 Alicia