Check out my other stories too, under my profile: My Best Friend's Date , My Last, and Changing Everything( the last chaper will be out soon ;-) )

AN: I don't own Sailor Moon, and… enjoy!

Warning: Cuss words are in here, if you don't like stories that include them I suggest you not to read mine.

Flare

Part 1:

" Congratulations Serena, another award winning article making the last page." I sarcastically commented to myself after glimpsing through the morning paper while drinking my coffee.

I've worked at the New York Times for 3 long stinking years and all my articles still remain on the back page. When will my hardworking journalist ass get a break? Never! Why? It is because I actually write sensible, important news that "no one cares to read," as my boss has repeatedly told me. No, all everyone wants to read about is Darien Shields, the most eligible bachelor in New York! Well, whopp-de-doo! Who gives a rats-ass if he is indeed rich, "drop dead gorgeous", a woman charmer, and the fact that he practically owns the whole city!

I mean really, compared to him who cares about everything else that goes on in the world? He might as well be at the center of it, right? Ha! Well one thing is for sure, he will never be at the center of my own world. Speaking of my world...don't I have a dead line tonight for a story I haven't even started?

I slammed down my coffee mug on the table and rushed out of my apartment. Reaching the elevator I jabbed the down button. Then I jabbed it again just to see if it could go any faster. And again, and again, and again, and again. About 37 times later I finally realized it wasn't helping. Ding! As soon as the doors began to break apart, I barged in the elevator and pushed yet another button with the same urgency. To my displeasure, in my company was a pubescent boy. I happen to notice with no shame the boy's eyes were fixated on me. Not appreciating his staring I asked him, "What are you staring at kid?" His eyes didn't even leave my body when he mumbled, "You're in your under wear."

"WHAT?!?" I screamed horrified. I slowly tilted my head down. Gulp! He was right. I was still wearing my purple, lacy, Victoria's Secretmatching set of a thong and bra. The littlest amount of hope I had in quickly exiting to change was killed once i noticed the elevator was already going descending down.

While focusing on passing oxygen in and out of my lungs, I developed a new plan. All I would need to do was quickly push my floor button when we were at the bottom and then I could get back to my room as soon as possible with no one else seeing my goods. I paled regretting that I chose a top floor for "privacy". Floor 19 to be exact.

Ding! We were finally reached the first floor, and oh what a humiliating ride it had been with that boy still gazing at me the whole time. I quickly scooted the boy out, eyes and all as soon as the doors were open. Then I made a mad dash for the buttons, pushing 19. Then beneath it I held the close door button so that perverted 17 year old would be the only one to get a "view."

I was ecstatic when the doors were mere centimeters from closing. I cursed my luck when a hand intruded between my closing doors of escape. A man stepped in. SHIT!

I started to take notice this was not just any man stepping into the elevator. It was the man. Darien Shields to be exact. Why? Why must life torture me?

When I made eye contact with his face, I immediately regretted it. With his messy ebony hair falling over his ocean blue eyes, I felt like I was in heaven. Bad Serena! Do not think like that! Be strong! Remember, looks are deceiving! With the influence of my pep-talk and the current smirk on his face, all previous thoughts of him being sexy vanished.

I returned his gaze with glowering eyes, as if I could shoot daggers out of them. If I could, I really would. I think. No, I would. Right? I remembered to praise the Lord for finally moving the elevator up.

" I didn't know they were sending a welcoming party, but I gladly welcome you." He said cheekily, then winked at me. I felt my face grow hot. I was down right furious.

"Now look here -"

"-Don't worry I like what I see!" He interrupted. That BASTARD interrupted me!

"ARGH! You know you're a pig headed excuse for a man, and if whoever did send you a welcoming party, I would have to be the last person on Earth to welcome you! No, I wouldn't even do it then." I shouted infuriated. And all he did was chuckle, like I was fucking amusing.

From there I turned my back to him, facing the wall. As soon as I did I heard him whistle. WHAT THE HELL? Why did he just whistle? HEy Serena, Reality check! You have just a bra on with a thong, and you know thongs do show your ass! Someone please shoot me now before I die of embarrassment.

"Are you sure you don't want to be my welcoming party?" He asked. I turned around to see him grinning like a fool.

DING! I made it! Floor 19 here I come. Right before stepping out I remember his last comment. I decided to give him what he deserved, it's not like I was going to ever see him again.

I quickly ran up to him and slid my hand up his Armani suit, feeling his nice muscular chest. I then wrapped both of my hands around his neck and gave him light butterfly kisses up his neck. I could tell he was enjoying this when I felt his manhood push up against me. I giggled at the thought of turning him on. Once I made it up to his ear I whispered, "Once again, not if you were even the last man on earth." Then I slapped him and walked out. HA HA! I've never felt so good in my life. I quickly turned around while half way to my room, to see the elevator doors closing on Darien's stunned face.

When I returned to my room I quickly changed into a work outfit. Just to make sure, before I left my room once again I looked down at my body. Clothes? Check. All seemed to go right on the elevator when it was just me, and no one else. This morning started out horribly but I would like to think it ended on a good note.

Outside my apartment complex, I called a cab and was off to work. Once there and resting in my office chair trying to think of a front-page story, Chief called me in to his office.

When I walked in he asked, "Tuskino, how long have you been working here?"

"Too long!" I muttered under my breath.

"Sorry I can't hear you, what did you say?"

"3 years." I sighed.

"Well I think that's long enough. How would you like to have a front page article?" He asked.

"Really?" The skepticism in my voice was strong.

"Yes…" He reassured.

"Wait, what's the catch?" I knew it was just too good to be true.

"Well, Harmon's sick. So he didn't get the interview from Mr. Shields. And you're a good writer so I thought you would want to take it." Oh my god! NO! My first front-page article, and it has to be with him. Suddenly I remembered this morning's incident. Now I can't even do it if I wanted to. WAH! I hate myself.

" Look, I understand how reluctant you are with Mr. Shields. But you're are next best reporter and I really need you." He said thinking I was going to refuse the offer. "If you do this, I guarantee no more of your articles will be on the last page. And heck, I'll even through in a raise!" I could tell he was really getting desperate, but couldn't take the offer. On the other hand though, his offer was pretty darn good deal. While debating whether to accept or reject, a brilliant idea popped into my head. I was going to take him up on his offer after all.

"You got yourself the right reporter Chief!"

"You would be darn right crazy to refuse Tuskino." He said smugly. I just laughed humbly to keep him happy. But I would be, wouldn't I? "The interview is set in less then six hours from now." He said before dismissing me. Wow,I thought I would of had more time to prepare then that! I will just have to hurry up then. Just before leaving my office floor, I heard Chief shouting at me. "It's at the Light House!" Of course we were going to meet at the most fanciest restaurant in town. "Bring lots of cash!" I turned around to glare at Chief and I believe I imagined in the distance I could see him winking at me. Another catch? Awesome.

I quickly left to get to my cousin Mina's hair salon. I was in need of her help. Before my date...I mean appointment with Darien I will change my whole appearance so he won't recognize me as the girl he met this morning. And then, I promise we will never see each other again.

No longer will I be the blue eyed, pretty blond everyone loves. For this special night I will become an ugly, gray eyed brunette. He he he.

5 hours later…

Thanks to Mina's help my transformation was a success. I had gray contacts in, brown hair that would wash out after 6 washes, and big round framed glasses on. The glasses were the type of fake ones where the lenses weren't prescription. When I got home, I put on the most plain, boring thing I owned. To tell the truth, it was extremely hard to find something like that in my fabulous wardrobe.

Arriving at the restaurant, I realized how totally undressed I was. Oh well. I waltzed through the doors oozing with self-confidence even with my dull matching gray woman's blazer and knee length skirt on and with a gray bag to match. Was I color coordinated or what? I walked straight up to the hostess and said, "I'm here to meet with Mr. Shields." I could have sworn I heard her snicker.

"Name?" She asked rather rudely in my own opinion.

"Serena Tuskino." I smiled brightly just to see if it would bug her.

"Oh yes... I see." She drawled. "But, you can not go in." Then she gave me a very smug smile, oh, how I wish I could kick the shit out of her right here and now.

"Excuse me?" I barked at her. Yup, she pushed my tolerance limit of evil conniving bitches for the day, and she was not going to like what she was about to see.

"Well the dress code is formal…" She whispered, her voice wavering. I suspected she was starting to fear my anger now, ans it was just the beginning.

"I'll take care of it." Some person just randomly butted in our conversation. I was turning around just about to give him a piece of my mind when it was none other then Darien Shields.

To my dissatisfaction he gave me a very handsome smile. "You must be the lovely reporter, Mrs. Tuskino." I took the hand he was offering to shake, thinking he can't be that bad after all until, "Your boss said you had a bit of a bite, but I think he underestimates you." Then he chuckled. He dared to laugh in my face. I knew first impressions were always the best.

" Come, I got some dresses in the back seat of my limo."

"Well there's something to put in my article." I had some evil thoughts tolling in my head.

"What?" He asked confused and curious.

This time it was my turn to smile smugly, "Mr. Shield's is a cross dresser."

"Uh, no. More like an undress-er." Then he winked at me. Was hitting on me? Weirdo, I'm ugly right now.

He let me into his limo, and gave me the option of any dress. There was…6! Whoa! Weren't the other girls the least bit suspicious. But that was probably the last thing on their mind when they were having hot and steamy sex…again, WHOA! Did I just think that? Bad thoughts, bad thoughts, bad thoughts! I tried chanting that a couple times over to get the point across. I think it worked…for the time being.

Unfortunately when I browsed through the tags of all the dresses, the prettiest one was in my size. The rest were too big. It was a silver halter-top dress, crystallized. And of course, the shoes to match were left behind too. I got out of the car feeling trampy, yet sexy. Which was bad, very bad. I didn't want him to see my body and recognize it. Because after you see a body like mine you'll never forget it. Ha ha ha ha. I crack myself up. But still being serious, all I need to do is focus on business and we'll be done.

I stepped out from the limo doors, and was surprised by Darien's reaction. He seemed to be in a bit of shock. He probably didn't think I had anything to show off underneath that oversized business suite. I watched as he tried to clear his throat, I think he was attempting to talk actually.

"Are you ready to go back in?" He whispered hoarsely.

I nodded my head. Darien just gave the slightest glance at the hostess and she immediately responded, "Right this was Mr. Shields." I noticed her act of trying to be seductive. "-and Mrs. Tuskino." She sounded out my name as if I was the devil himself.

At the table she seated us at someone quickly brought us their best wine, on the house they said. All I could think was suck ups. We then ordered and waited for our food. I felt this was the prefect time to start the interview, but before I could say anything about it he was the frist to speak up.

"Why do you wear glasses?" He askedme, sounding bewildered.

"Because I like them." I quickly responded. I heard him chuckle in his sexy voice.

"Can I see them?"

"Why?" I asked stubbornly.

"I just want to see them." He sounded like an innocent child, so I caved in to his wishes. However once I handed them over to him, I knew he wasn't so innocent. He told me he was going to keep them for the rest of the night. Also he added, my eyes were too pretty to hide. He spoke as if he knew they were fake.

"But I won't be able to see," I protested. I felt bad for lying. I've actually never worn glasses in my entire life. I've always had 20/20 vision.

"Then let me be your eyes." He softly whispered as he took my hands in his. I wanted to melt right then.

Focus girl, focus. Too distract myself I took my tape recorder out of my purse and set it on the table. "Are you ready to begin?" I asked channeling into my reporter mode.

"If we must." He said, sounding a little disappointed.

The whole interview was a bore, until we hid his dating relations. Then everything spiced up. "Are you single right now Mr. Shields?"

"I am…but I don't want to be." He smiled, but it was a sad smile.

"Then don't you consider yourself lucky? I mean all the girls in New York would do anything, and I do mean anything to be your girlfriend."

"Actually, I can tell you that is not true." He spoke distantly.

"Do you care to explain?" I asked interested. Mr. Hot-shot finally can't get a girl. The world must of come to an end.

"Can we do it off the record?" I nodded in agreement. I reached for the recorder and switched on the off button.

"Well I met a girl today that caught my eye. You see, she didn't like me because of who I am, she actually seemed to hate me for it. Ha ha." Why did this sound so familiar? "Even when I was clearly hitting on her. Any other girl would have jump at the chance to be with me, but no, not her. And boy, was she gorgeous. Even more beautiful then a model, she looked like an angel. But I ruined it all when I hit on her. And before she left on her floor from the elevator we shared, she made me eat my own words before she went off and slapped me. I am crazy about her, but the thing is I have no idea who she is." Oh my gosh! He is talking about me. I am right in front of you. It's me!

"Oh." I pursed my lips together concealing my excitement. "What are you going to do about it?"

"I'm going to knock on every door on floor 19, until I find her. Even though I'll risk being slapped again most likely. I'll do whatever it takes to get her to go out on one date with me, just one." All I could think was, you already are silly…Ewwww! Did I just think that? I can't like him, even though no one other male species would do that much to find me I'm sure.

"You know, I think you sort of remind me of her." He said before he took a sip of his wine.

"How so?" I asked nervously. What if he knew? Oh god, oh god, oh god…

"Your flare."

"My flare?"

"Well you see-" The sound of his cell phone ringing cut him off. He put up a finger gesturing for me to wait, and I did. I noticed through out the conversation Darien was getting more and more irritated, not a good sign.

Finally he hung up his cell phone. "I'm sorry. One of my workers just screwed up some very important documents and it needs to be fixed right away. So sadly, I must take my leave. Here's some money to pay for our meals. Maybe we should continue this another time?"

"Maybe…"I whispered when he left. I looked at the money he left. FIVE ONE HUNDREDS! I bet this was just pocket change to him. The rest of the evening I ate alone, refused 8 guys, and came up with a fabulous idea for my article.

As soon as was back into my apartment I called Chief. "Chief? It's Tuskino here, I got a great article on Darien Shields that will be a big seller but…"

"But what Tuskino?" He asked angrily, probably because I gave him good news with a catch. Ha, a taste of his own medicine.

"I need more time."

"How much?" He sighed.

" One week?" I asked meekly.

"No!" He spat sharply.

"Five days then!" I screamed back irritated.

"Three!" I couldn't believe he refused another request.

"Five!"

"Four!"

"Four it is then. Thanks Chief, I'll have it hot ready for the press by then. Talk to you later." I could just see him smirking on his end of the phone, thinking he was a good negotiator. Actually, I just needed four days. Thanks to my past experiences in the situation of time management, I've learned from bad experiences.

…………………………….

AN: Yes another story, but only a two part-er. Don't worry "Changing Everything" fans, I'm finishing that up. Well if you liked this, you know the drill. REVIEW!

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