Hiya readers. Hope you guys are enjoying the story. I'll probably be trying to update fast with this story. So I hope you guys tune in.
The usual disclaimer applies, none of this stuff is mine, mostly Naoko Takeuchi's.


Going Under

Chapter 2

Mamoru paced the large hotel room that he had purchased for the next few nights, physically and mentally unable to keep still. He looked over to the plasma screen to see a blonde-haired, light green-eyed man squatting in front of it, hooking wires to it hurriedly. Another man, this one blonde-silver haired and grey-eyed, was lounging on the couch, holding a laptop and muttering under his breath as he typed away.

On the desk in front of Mamoru, another man held files in his hands, sifting through them like a maniac, while he checked something on a large laptop.

The door burst open and Jason walked into the room, "They got the photographer just now"

"Serena Tyler?" Mamoru asked him, stopping his pacing.

"Yeah"

"Not Serena Tyler," the man with the files said, he pushed back his long brown hair off his face as he shifted through the files and finally pulled out a rather small one, "Serena Tyler is a false name. According to the death certificate, Serena Tyler died 5 years ago in a car crash, but somehow came alive again one month back"

"So, who is she?"

"Usagi Tsukino, aged 26. Daughter of Kenji and Ikuko Tsukino, sister to Shingo Tsukino and last I heard, girlfriend of Diamond Chambers"

"Diamond's girlfriend?" the man from the couch piped in, "Man, that girl was hot"

"Shut up, Kevin" both Jason and the man hooking in the tv said.

Mamoru gave Kevin a withering look as he looked back at Nick, "And what would Diamond's girlfriend be doing with an alias three thousand miles away from her boyfriend?"

He shrugged, "I don't know. I only have her stats in here. Not her feelings"

"What else?" Zach said, looking up from the wires, "Bitch was abusing her and she made a run for it"

"You don't know that" Jason pointed out

"Why else would a girl run across the country and create a false identity? I highly doubt it was a game the couple played. And didn't you talk to her, Mamoru?"

"Huh?" Mamoru asked, looking up in confusion, "Oh. Yeah. She said she didn't want the job, not even over her dead body"

"Well, that doesn't sound right. What sane girl wouldn't want to spend time with Chambers? The dude has money pouring out of his ass" Nick voiced lewdly, disliking that what he was saying was the complete truth

"Maybe the one who knows who he really is" Mamoru whispered, looking out the window, not even seeing the setting sun.

Zach sat back with a huff from the TV, "I've gotten the cameras and bugs hooked up, we should be broadcasting whenever Kevin manages to get it online"

"Which is just about," Kevin said, pausing for a slight second as he made a final click on his laptop, "now"

The plasma screen went from bright blue to the inside of a luxurious looking hotel room that left the room they were sitting in look like a small and abandoned shack by the highway.

Jason wolf whistled, "I want to live in there"

"In your dreams, Jase," Kevin said as he clicked something on his laptop again and the TV showed the front inside of a limo, "We managed to get the driver to carry a bug into the limo, but it wasn't possible for the actual inside. We'll need more time for that"

A shrill shout from the TV made the five men jump, Mamoru especially.

"Was that Chambers?" Nick whispered from the table, leaning forward.

"It sounded like him" Kevin said as he clicked quickly a few dozen times on the laptop and the picture on the TV froze and rewound. It played again and in extremely slow sound, they heard the shout again, obviously male and very loud.

"Bitch!"

"He sounds pissed" Jason observed as the picture forwarded back to where it had been. Short yells burst through the TV, sounding ominously like lewd curses.

"Believe me now?" Zach murmured

**

Serena winced as Diamond's curses burst through her ears. He seized her arm as he slammed her against the door, "You bitch" he roared, leaning in with enraged eyes, "Do you know how much that hurt?"

"I think I can imagine," Serena said slowly, her vision swimming after her head had collided with the window.

"Oh. You'll imagine it alright," he hissed, "Once we get to our room. You'll imagine it"

"No. I think I already can. Your filthy hands-"

He slammed her against the door again, harder this time and she saw stars burst from her eyes.

"What did I tell you about complaining? And fighting back?" he hissed quietly, leaning closer to her ear

"What the fuck is your problem, Diamond?" Serena spat, pushing him away from her half sagging body. He went flying backwards, not expecting that strong of a push. He sat up, glaring at her. She glared back.

"Why can't you just leave me alone?"

His glare melted away, leaving only a glimmer of it in his cold eyes, "Because I love you, of course"

She snorted as she righted herself, "Yeah. Love. Ever heard of 'if you love them, let them go'?"

"No"

"How about if you keep your hands off of me, I'll let you keep your balls?" Serena said, narrowing her eyes at Diamond

Diamond chuckled, "We'll see how long you can keep the upper hand, love. But remember, I won't stand for it forever. The sooner you make me happy, the faster it'll get easy for you"

"Yeah, sure. I'd rather not go back to getting my body pulverized every time I do something to piss you off"

"You don't know how close you are at the moment, Usagi"

"I'm not your punching bag, Diamond. Go take out your anger on a wall- leave me out of it"

"I'd that much rather be in you," he said lewdly and she nearly gagged, "So, how about some fun?" He moved closer, ready to jump her.

She immediately jumped to the other side, evading him easily.

"You say that, but if I remember correctly, I'm your date to this ball thing. Bring me in bruised and you're getting arrested" she said coldly

"You know better than that, love," Diamond said to her condescendingly, "People wouldn't bat an eye if that happened, I'm that powerful"

"You're that rich"

"Same thing"

"How did you find me?" Serena finally asked after he continued to stare at her hungrily. She needed to change the topic before he did actually jump her.

He waved the question away, "I have my ways"

"I told you how I did it. It's your turn"

She twisted in the seat to glare at him. She could feel the anger coming off of him in waves and regretted pissing him off- slightly. She had enjoyed the feeling of finally paying him back for hurting her so much, even if it was as fleeting as kneeing him in his most sensitive spot.

"You can thank the girls for that. They mentioned that the one place you've always wanted to go to is New York City, Ami also accidentally let slip that she had taught you how to create a false identity"

"Let slip?" Serena gulped, not believing at all that the smart and beautiful Ami would accidentally let slip the one thing that would put her best friend in danger.

His eyes met hers, twinkling mischievously, "Let slip, forced out, same thing really"

"You bastard. What did you do to her?" she hissed at him, her body freezing in horror.

"You'd have to ask Rubeus, he was in charge of finding out all he could from your friends" Diamond said, shrugging as if it had nothing to do with him.

"If I find out that you hurt a hair on any of their heads, I will-"

"What will you do?" Diamond asked her, sneering, "What can you do to hurt me, other than knee me in the groin, which I'm already over"

Serena looked away, hating how his words cut through her like a knife. What could she do? She was about as powerful as an ant to his elephant. She would be- correction- was crushed.

"…what are you going to do with me?" she whispered, feeling all fight just go out of her

Not looking at her, Diamond spoke confidently, "We'll spend some time here, I haven't been to New York in such a long time and I might as well take care of some business while we're here. Then it's back home for us"

"And if I refuse?"

"You won't."

"I hate you," she whispered, barely loud enough for him to hear, but he heard.

"And I love you"

**

Mamoru lingered by the bar, Kevin, Nick and Zach backing him, staying near him to make sure he didn't blow up in anticipation. Mamoru's mind wandered to a point where he wondered if he was once again 14 and hearing a man speak to him sadly.

"There was a car crash"

His eyes scoped out the members of Diamond's trusted inner circle. There was Rubeus, the red-haired mongrel who handled all of Diamond's lower assets, including most of his contacts in the underworld. His eyes were on the woman beside him, lust-filled and cold, his face was set in a permanent cold look, making him seem like a horrible person. On his arm hung the scantily dressed Esmeraude, her eyes already scanning the room for potential hookups. As her eyes drew to Mamoru's, she smiled in a way that could never be taken as innocent. He could understand why she was one of Diamond's most trusted and manipulative lackeys. Her body would get her into any bed that she desired, not to mention her training as a spy was par with Zach and Kevin's. His eyes slid from her long yellow-green hair and down her body, which was barely covered by a super tight black dress that showed every single curve and was catching the eyes of every single male in the room. She laughed loudly at something Rubeus said to her, waving a small fan in her face, causing her breasts to jiggle. All the males within Mamoru's vicinity gaped.

He rolled his eyes, and quickly pinched Kevin's arm, who jumped as if he'd been doused by cold water, "What?"

"Status report"

"ETA five minutes. Sheesh, Mamoru, calm down. He'll be here for a while," Nick said to him, his eyes also on Esmeraude.

The door of the ballroom opened and a black haired, violet eyed man walked in, walking straight to Esmeraude and Rubeus who he whispered a few words to and the three of them frowned and continued to talk to each other.

"Wonder what that's about," he muttered to the others

"That's Sapphire," Nick breathed, "I recognize him from his file. Diamond's younger brother, top in everything he ever did. Almost par with Mamoru in his qualifications"

"Looks a lot like him too" Zach said, eyes narrowed on the three figures that continued to talk, unsure of whether he was speaking about Sapphire and Diamond or Sapphire and Mamoru.

"Sapphire Chambers, Diamond's most trusted advisor in everything that is everything. He's the one we should be scared of. The man'll figure out right away if something's up" Mamoru said to the other three men, looking away from them.

"We'll have to watch out for him then," Jason said, approaching them, "I just came from the back. Saw the limo pull up. And there they are" he said, indicating the opening ballroom door.

Mamoru's eyes turned automatically to the door. His breathing hitched and venom ran through his veins as he saw the familiar smirk of Diamond Chambers. The man was wearing a black suit, looking ever much the playboy with his long silver-blonde hair pulled back to frame his face, his sharp violet eyes were scanning the room with amazing speed.

As Mamoru's eyes continued down from Diamond's arms, his breath caught in his throat. He had never seen a more beautiful woman. She was small and petite with white, creamy and flawless skin, naturally red lips and a figure that put shame on all other women in the room, Esmeraude included, but what caught his eyes were her dark blue eyes. They were as deep as the ocean and sparkled with depth and emotion. Right now they were filled with sorrow, clearly she was upset about something.

"Mouth closed," Zach whispered to Mamoru, nudging his shoulder, "You're going to attract attention"

Except he couldn't have been more wrong. Nearly every male in the room was drooling as the young woman continued into the room, obviously very uncomfortable with all the eyes on her. Diamond seemed right at home, even more so than usual with his hand curled possessively around the woman's waist, telling every single male that he would kill whoever dared approach.

Mamoru dared.

Stepping from his corner, he stepped adamantly towards the couple before his friends had even noticed his movement.

Serena gulped as she felt every single person watch her enter the room. She had always been happy to stay in the background and she had always hated that Diamond dragged her out to the front, eager to show off her beauty to any around him. Her eyes flicked from one person to another, hoping to see a friendly face. All these people were the most rich and famous, but she had no desire to meet them. She had had enough of the powerful, as she had one of the most powerful hands digging around her waist, making her feel almost attached to his side.

Trying to appear normal, she fidgeted in his grasp, enough so that it was loose enough for her to breathe freely. But the second someone approached them, the grasp was tighter, showing his possessiveness, "Diamond-" she sighed

"Good Evening, Mr. Chambers, and guest" said a deep voice and she finally looked up at the man who was talking.

She felt all thought drain from her as she looked at the most handsome man she had ever seen in her life. His thick raven black hair fell over his deep, dark blue eyes that she felt lost within, his form looked well-built and muscular, without looking too bulky. He was very attractive.

Screw that, he was drop-dead gorgeous!

"I am Chiba Mamoru," the man spoke, his eyes on Serena's, unable to look away, she stared back, he offered his hand to Diamond as if in afterthought.

"Diamond Chambers, as you know," Diamond said disgruntedly, noting how the man was watching Serena, his hand tightened even more over her waist, "And my girlfriend" he took the hand and shook it, surprised at how strong the man's grasp was as they shook. Mamoru finally looked away from Serena and looked at Diamond, who was slightly shorter than Mamoru, both eyes burning in dislike.

Dropping the handshake quite quickly, Mamoru took Serena's hand within his, kissing it, "Enchanted, Miss. I seem to have the envy of every male in the room"

Serena blushed, finally recovering her power over her vocal cords, "Serena," she whispered, "My name is Serena Tyler"

"It's wonderful to meet you, Serena," Mamoru said, smiling at her, his eyes burning within hers, almost causing her to melt.

"It was nice to meet you, Chiba," Diamond said, "We'll catch up later," he walked around Mamoru, dragging Serena away with him.
Serena looked back over her shoulder at the brooding young man that had caught her attention so completely. He stared after her, his hands aching to have hers within his again, his eyes mirroring his confusion.

Serena righted herself in Diamond's hands as they walked through the crowd, which had returned to their conversations, with a few still staring after the couple, "Diamond, that was rude" she murmured up to him, "You barely talked to him"

"You seemed to be doing enough talking for the two of us," Diamond spat under his breath

"I said three words! Stop acting so jealous," she hissed back at him, "People will think you're obsessed. Though they'd only be hitting it right on target"

Diamond chuckled, turning his attention away from her, he led the two of them towards three figures standing quite alone.

"Ah, Rubeus, Esmeraude, how nice to see you," Diamond said, smiling at his two top generals

"Likewise, Diamond," Rubeus spoke in his chilling deep voice; he shook Diamond's hand strongly.

Diamond turned to Esmeraude, smiling at her secretively as she wiggled her eyebrows at him entreatingly, "It's nice to see you so soon, Diamond" she spoke in her high, discomforting voice.

Her eyes slid to the girl who was currently claimed by Diamond's hands, her lip twitching in distaste, "Usagi" she acknowledged

"Esmeraude" Serena acknowledged back, she looked up at Rubeus, her eyes narrowing in dislike, "Rubeus"

"Serena/Usagi Tsukino/Tyler, how nice to see you" he said, smiling evilly at her

"Diamond, a word, please" Sapphire said to his brother quietly and Diamond let Serena go as he stepped away with his brother.

Serena resumed glaring at the two people standing before her, not bothering to voice her distaste.

"How is it, to be back so soon?" Rubeus spoke lightly, a smile on his lips

"Frustrating," Serena said, not rising to the bait, "But it was a very nice, long vacation. I was thinking I'd never be found"

"Hah" Esmeraude laughed loudly again, "Like that would ever happen. They barely took any time to trap- I'm sorry, track you down"

"I think a month is pretty long. Thirty different men for you, Esmeraude, that's a big number-even for you"

Esmeraude's eyes widened in hate at the little girl before her, and her nails dug into Rubeus's arm, "Just one, dear Usagi for all the time you were gone"

"Doesn't seem like the one man's anywhere to be found," Serena said, a smirk on her lips

Esmeraude stepped forward threateningly, Rubeus patted her comfortingly, "Down, tiger"

"What about you, Rubeus? Get any while I was gone, Oh wait. The one you wanted was all wrapped over another, wasn't she?" Serena's eyes traveled to the hand resting lightly on Esmeraude's arm.

Rubeus's nostrils flared in anger, "You'd like to know, wouldn't you? I would like to say a certain blue haired minx was quite good"

Serena's heart stopped at the words, "You son of a bitch, you better not have touched her," she hissed threateningly, stepping closer to the two of them, drawing up to her full height, Rubeus and Esmeraude couldn't help but pull back from the righteous anger that was emanating from the small girl.

"You'll find out soon enough, won't you?" Esmeraude spat, "From what we hear, you'll be back home in no time"

"See here, Esmeraude-" Serena started angrily but then a loud voice interrupted, "Koneko-chan!"

Serena whirled around, her blush growing at the kiddy name that only one dared to call her, "Haruka!" she cried happily as the dirty-blonde haired tomboy approached her, dressed stylishly in a suit, a beautiful sea-green haired figure followed behind, accenting her boyish beauty.

Serena, not being able to resist, threw herself into the woman's hands, loving how her hands held her safely. She felt like crying into them, but managed to eventually pull herself upright without embarrassing herself further.

"How have you been, Koneko-chan?" Haruka asked, looking down at the breathtaking beauty before her, "We've barely seen you in the past week"

"Haruka missed you," the sea-green haired woman said, laughing slightly

"I missed you both! Michiru, Haruka!" Serena cried, happy beyond belief at finding the only two famous people who cared for her.

"Who are your friends?" a voice asked from behind her as she felt a tug pull her back into taut arms, near crushing her.

"Tenoh Haruka and Kaioh Michiru" Haruka said, looking at Diamond confusedly as his hand once again draped around Serena's waist possessively, "And you are?"

"Diamond Chambers," Diamond said, through almost clenched lips, as he watched the man regard his Usagi as a piece of meat.

"Serena was my photographer when she first came to New York" Michiru explained, trying to figure out why Diamond looked like he was about to kill someone, "Haruka and I just love Serena. She's an amazing girl, not to mention an amazing photographer"

"Can I ask what you and your husband do?" Diamond asked, attempting to turn the conversation towards why this man was so into Serena, his eyes were set in a glare, directed straight at Haruka.

Haruka snorted, her laughing drawing attention from around them, "Husband? Wow, I've never been called that before"

"If you would wear a dress no one would make that mistake" Serena giggled, "Haruka's a woman," she said slowly to Diamond, wanting to see his face when he realized his mistake

Diamond reddened, "I apologize. I did not know" his eyes immediately simmered down into coldness- something Serena noticed immediately. Of course he'd been jealous over the supposed man she had just hugged tightly- he was jealous of anything male that approached her.

Michiru waved it away, "No worries. I am a violinist and Haruka here is a driver"

"I wish you wouldn't say it like that, love," Haruka said lightly to Michiru, "I'm a racer, best in the country"

"And an ego to prove it," Michiru retorted, smiling up at her partner

"I didn't know Koneko-chan traveled in such…" Haruka's eyes skimmed over Diamond, Esmeraude and Rubeus, "…affluent packs"

"Serena here has been my girlfriend for quite a while" Diamond said, "And you'd be surprised at how much you didn't know about her"

"Diamond…" Serena whispered threateningly, she turned back to Haruka, "It isn't such a big thing. I came out here to travel and explore. It's amazing here"

"We should catch up soon," Michiru said to Serena, "We really have missed you" her eyes rested worriedly on the grip Diamond had around Usagi. Who was this man and why was Serena so scared of him? But there was something telling her that this was not her fight- that this was something Serena must handle by herself.

"And I missed you both," Serena said, smiling sadly at the two women, "I hope we can meet up soon" her eyes were trying to convey her apologies. She knew she wouldn't be able to see them again and her heart broke at this realization.

"Till then, Koneko-chan," Haruka said, beaming at the sorrowful girl, "We'd better go before Michiru's fans find us"

"Half of them are yours," Michiru laughed as Haruka led her away. Serena's eyes followed them till they were covered up by the other people.

"Koneko?" Diamond asked coldly, his eyebrow raised

"Haruka says I act like a kitten," Serena sighed, thinking of old happy times.

"A kitten?" Rubeus interrupted, "How about a squirrel? Running away like that"

Esmeraude's laugh broke through the room once again and Serena winced at its high tones, "I guess that makes Esmeraude a banshee?" Serena retorted coldly

Diamond chuckled, "There's my Usagi," he said warmly

Serena, Esmeraude and Rubeus looked at him like he was crazy, Esmeraude holding a highly hurt look in her eyes, "But Diamond-"

"Sapphire needs your assistance in something, Esmeraude," Diamond interrupted her, not caring at all for what she had to say.

Esmeraude smile twitched in its place as it always did when she was insulted, "Yes, Diamond" she said as she retreated away from the place, dragging Rubeus along with her.

Diamond dragged Serena along with him as he met with his fellow elites, many of whom he had not seen in a long time. Serena nearly fell asleep in boredom as Diamond and whoever discussed the rising hotel use and their golf games. Managing to hide her yawn, she looked around the large room, watching as couples danced happily on the floor and other couples ate, talking loudly and laughing uproariously. She sighed, unable to block away the depression that was taking over her. Had she not been here, she'd probably be buried in a comfortable blanket, watching the same television show that her and her friends consistently watched together. Instead, she was being dragged around like some trophy and then thrust back into a life that she had to live day by day, not daring to put her toe out of line in fear of her and her friends' lives.

Her eyes met the beautiful eyes across the room and in no time, he was approaching her.

"May I have this dance?"

Diamond looked up from his talk to see Chiba's hand stretched out towards Usagi's. His lips pulled into a scowl as the two of them stared deep into each other's eyes. The FBI- as Sapphire had told him of the presence of at least 4 FBI agents at the party- was apparently interested in his Usagi. With half of a mind to say no, his grip around Serena's waist tightened, but she wriggled out of it, "You don't mind, do you, Diamond?" she asked, barely looking back at him. She didn't wait for his answer as she accepted Mamoru's hand and walked to the dance floor with him.

"He didn't look very happy," Mamoru observed as he placed his hands around her waist and she placed hers around his neck, "He can kiss my ass for all I care" Serena muttered under her breath.

Mamoru chuckled, "You're not what I expected from Diamond's company"

"You'd be surprised," Serena said, frowning slightly, "at what people wouldn't expect"

"Take for instance, traveling across the country on the run and making a false identity?" he murmured, leaning his body closer to hers.

Serena froze, her mind unable to process what Mamoru had said.

She pulled away from him, her body shaking slightly, "I don't know what you're talking about, so if you'll excuse-"

"It's alright," he said, "I have nothing against it. It's actually really admirable, what you did. Not many could run from Chambers"

"How did you know?"

"I'm FBI, Serena. I know a lot of things," he said quietly, "But there's one thing I don't know"

"And what's that?" she whispered, not sure if she wanted to hear the answer

"Why a girl like you is Diamond's"

"I'm not his," she hissed, she glanced back at where Diamond stood conversing with someone quietly, his glaring eyes directly focused on Serena and Mamoru.

"Doesn't look like it from where I'm standing," Mamoru observed lightly, twirling her as the music dipped low.

"So, you're the one who called then?" she asked quietly, suddenly placing the voice that had sounded slightly familiar the first time she had heard it.
"I was. The FBI is currently investigating dozens of felonies that include stock market breaks, fraud, perjury, bribery, and counterfeiting…and others," Mamoru said darkly, a grimace twitching at his lips.

"Wow," Serena breathed, her mind running a mile a minute to keep up with what Mamoru had just told her, "And you think Diamond's behind it all?"

"I don't think, I know," he kept his eyes on the small figure in his arms, drinking in how her eyes widened at the realizations.

"Then how come he hasn't been arrested?" Serena asked, her heart leaping in excitement. His words were bringing life to her and she couldn't help but widen her eyes as Mamoru took his time answering the question as they danced in place.

"Because we need proof," Mamoru said with a black look, "Sapphire Chambers is amazing in his speed of covering for his brother's faults and although we've been on them for months, nothing's changed"

Serena frowned, "Sounds like Sapphire. Him, Esmeraude and Rubeus are basically Diamond's company. Without them, it falls like hail"

"Unfortunately, all three of them are as clean as whistles. However, without Diamond, they fall, so Diamond is our top priority"

"Is it me or do you just have something against Diamond?" Serena asked quietly, observing how Mamoru's face twitched at every mention of the man's name.

"I have everything against the man. As do you. So I hope we can join together and bring him down," Mamoru responded softly, "We wouldn't involve you, but-"

"You need someone on the inside. Someone who can get Diamond to talk"

"Precisely"

Serena drew in a large gust of breath, her eyes unfocused on the broad chest in front of her eyes, "If he's in jail, he can't get to me,"

"Yes"

There was a slight pause as Serena looked at Diamond once again, who was currently chatting it up with a scantily clad woman who was hanging off of every word he said, he kept glancing at her and Mamoru, as if hoping to make her jealous.

She looked back to Mamoru, "What do you need? I'll do anything"

Serena shivered as she said these words, wondering if she had just signed over another death warrant. But to get out of the one she was currently in…

"We'll start it off simple. Is it possible for you to carry a bug?" Mamoru asked, victory in his eyes

"Not really, no. There's no making sure he won't find it" Serena said disgruntedly, knowing with Diamond there was no knowing what would happen.

"Well, you can just pay attention now. Slight spying, we'd love to know what Sapphire is up to," Mamoru said as they continued to sway, almost completely ignoring the music.

They both looked up as Zach approached Mamoru, "Mamoru, we have a problem"

"What is it?"

Zach glanced at Serena, "It's about that project…"

"It's fine. She's helping us," Mamoru said, nodding at Zach to continue

"They found some of our bugs"

"What?" Mamoru hissed, his hands tightening around Serena's waist slightly

"Sapphire," Zach said simply, shrugging, "I guess he told Diamond and the others. They've been in the room for the past half hour, trying to look as if nothing's wrong but it's obvious they're looking for them"

"They don't know we're investigating them," Mamoru said quietly, "So they can't link it to us…" he gazed off into Serena's hair, seeming lost within the spun gold.

"I'm Zach, by the way" Zach said, smiling at Serena kindly

"Serena Tyler," Serena responded, "Though I would assume you all know about…"

"Brains and beauty, how the hell did someone like Diamond land someone you?" Zach said despondently,

Serena blushed, "You should meet my friend Ami, she's so much smarter and very much your type," Serena said smiling, noting Zach's slightly bookish look

"I'd love to," Zach said, beaming at the small girl in front of him, liking her immediately, "Uh oh," he said looking up, "I'd better go. Enemy approaching. Nice meeting you, Serena" he nodded at her as he slipped away in the crowd of people passing by them. Mamoru stepped a few inches away from Serena, making the dance seem innocent as ever and just in time as Diamond appeared next to Serena.

"May I cut in?"

"Of course," Mamoru said smoothly, stepping away from Serena slowly, his eyes dug into hers, "It was nice meeting you, Serena and send my regards to your brother, Shingo; he sounds hilarious from your stories"

"I will, Mamoru," Serena said, willing to run off after him. In his hands, she had felt safer than she had ever felt before.

Now, cold hands replaced the warm ones, causing her to shiver. She looked up at Diamond finally. He was gazing off after Mamoru, his eyes narrowed in hatred.

"I'm happy we're never going to see him again"

Serena smiled secretly away from Diamond. She wouldn't be so sure of that.