A/N: Hiya, here's the newest installment of Game Changer. Hope you like it! BTW am always open to suggestions or ideas :) Cheers lovies - Loie.

Disclaimer: Naoko's.

Chapter Two

"I don't know what I'm going to do, Mina. " Serena moaned.

It was the second week after Serena had had the 'big' idea. AKA she'd had her first week being officially unemployed. So far, nothing had come of the idea. Mina had taken her into her apartment while she looked for a cheaper apartment. Things really weren't looking up at the moment.

"I approached Belle's columnist the other day and she didn't give me a second glance after I pitched my idea. Just said 'You can go now'."

Mina smiled from where she was in a twisted yoga pose. "You just need to keep pushing Serena, something will come of it." Pausing, she winced at the deep stretch. "I know this sounds cheesy but you really need to believe you can make it happen."

"I know. . . I have to keep trying. Gotta try and stay positive."

Ring!

Not bothering to look at the caller ID, Serena morosely flipped open the phone. "Hello?"

"Serena." A throaty deep voice echoed from the receiver.

Her eyes widened. Diamond, she mouthed to Mina. Mina fell out of her pose and let out a loud peal of laughter, blonde hair all over the place. Grinning, Serena returned her focus to the phone. To Diamond.

"Hey Diamond. How are you?"

"I'm good. I wanted to see if you were free for dinner this evening. I understand if it's too short notice."

Serena smile widened as she played with a loose tendril of hair. Did she have any exciting plans for that evening? No way. Her day was looking up already. Maybe she'd get some inspiration from the date.

"No, that's perfect. Where should I meet you?"

"How would you like to try out Galantis with me? Try 7 pm?"

"Perfect!" She trilled. Noir! They were going to Galantis?! "See you there."

"Bye."

Turning to Mina she let out a squeal, her insides warm and her arms prickled with goose bumps.

"That was Diamond! He's taking me to Galantis! Maybe this is a sign! This could be my first column - perfect first date in a gorgeous restaurant!"

Mina clapped her hands together. "Noir is THE new hot spot! Everyone's raving about it right now. See, maybe it is a sign! Come, I'll let you borrow my strappy heels."

"As a good luck charm?"

"They could be." Mina quipped cheekily. "I got my first photography job with these on."

Following her through the messy living room they stopped inside Mina's 'office' which was decorated with pages from fashion magazines, large posters of famous models, and row after row of expensive artsy designer shoes.

Grabbing the pair of simple violet stilettos with fine leather straps for around the ankle she passed them to Serena. And then held them back for one moment, her eyebrows raised. "These are really special."

"I won't destroy them!"

Mina nodded. "Okay. Now you have to go to at least one more magazine editor and pitch them your idea." Dramatically posing in the room, hands over her head, she simpered in a mysterious voice, "I have a good feeling about today."

"New age Mina?" Serena chortled. "But I think you're right, positivity is the way! Or at least pretending its going to really happen."

"Rei would club our heads together if she heard our self-help drivel."

"She'll be won over by the end of this. I'll prove it to her."

"I cannot believe this." Serena straightened her baby blue blazer. "Mina was so right! Positive thinking really does wonders."

The last part she said loudly. A man dressed in a flashy wool business suit raised an eyebrow at her.

"There's nothing wrong with talking to yourself!" She pointed out. "Some people need to relax."

The man looked affronted but he continued onwards down the crowded street. Her attention shifted to the more important factor at hand - to the overbearing, oppressive skyline building that contained the office of New York City's hottest magazine, LoCo.

Out of a stroke of universe magic, she'd found an ad online regarding a temporary position as a columnist at LoCo. Open interviews were occurring that day. Serena bit her bottom lip, rubbing away the minimal peach lip gloss she'd put on.

She would be fine. They would like her idea. No, love it and subsequently would hire her. Yes, that's the way.

With that thought in mind, she strode up the steep steps into one of the most famous editorial magazines . . . and felt her confidence falter when she saw the many people bustling about. All looking important and gorgeously dressed. Her eyes flickered down to her baby blue blazer and violet stilettos.

"What was I thinking?" Serena muttered. "Real winner here."

A soft voice in her head said, Stay positive! Go in there and show them what you got!

Eyes darting around once again she grinned. Whatever. They probably all were a bit loco as well.

Grinning widely she strode a bit more confidently and with a little step to her walk. As she stopped at the elevators she felt a hand tap her arm.

"Serena?"

Looking up to the source of the voice, she shrieked.

"Seiya!" Launching herself at him, she hugged him tightly, ignoring the curious stares and affronted looks from the flashy LoCo workers.

Inhaling, she immediately recognized the cucumber cologne that Diamond had sported. Must be popular, she thought as she stared up at Seiya. They both attended the same university and taken psychology modules together. She'd always felt something for him but never acted on it. For some reason she knew they wouldn't ever work like that . . .

"Serena. It's been too long!" Dimples deepened in his cheeks. "What are you doing here?"

Disentangling herself, she meekly smiled. "Well, you know - trying to get a job."

"Really?"

Blinking, she nodded, her blonde tresses flying. "Yes. Well I was working at Ansa and was released. The business went under. So now I'm here to propose a project. I notice they had some open positions for columnists."

"You're right, they do. Here, why don't I escort you to the office. Can help to know someone." Seiya nodded at her to follow him.

"That would be amazing! Thank you!"

Life could be fair sometimes, she thought to herself as they walked up the stairs.

"So what's your big idea?"

Serena grinned. Now was the time to win him over. "Well, I had this idea of how women and men have a terrible time in the dating scheme. I want to inspire people all over NYC to not settle for anything less. I am going to experiment and sort of guinea pig my way through new exciting and fresh dating ideas and reflect on how that affects the relationship."

Seiya grinned wolfishly. "Well, if you ever run out of options for men, I'm always free."

Blushing lightly, she socked him on the arm. "Of course, Seiya. Although I don't think that will ever be an issue."

"Well, like I said, if it ever IS an issue, I'll be around."

The two of them sailed up in the elevator up to the twentieth floor. Serena stepped around uneasily - she wasn't a fan of elevators, what if one broke down and they went sailing down to the bottom floor?

Breathing a sigh of relief when they stepped out of the elevator, Seiya gestured to the room at the end of the floor.

Serena's eyes widened at the various covers of supermodels, fitness women, and famous actresses on past editions of LoCo. Part of her couldn't believe she was actually about to meet an editor of LoCo and have a chance to pitch her idea. It seemed quite surreal.

"Ready?" Seiya's eyes flipped down at her outfit - black pants and a white blouse - appropriate for the situation she thought. Except for the baby blue blazer and violet stilettos but hey, one needed to be unique.

"You look great. I'll introduce you then leave you with her. Don't call her Mrs. Makes her feel old. Her name is Anastasia."

Covering a smile, she nodded and followed him in. Her future boss sounded interesting at least.

Tap tap. Seiya poked his head into the doorway and then winked at Serena. "Come on."

Following him inside, she had to mask her face smooth to not give away what she was thinking - this lady was a nut! All on the walls were photos of her with famous celebrities, photos of when she was a model, and a wall of plaques. Sure, showcasing is nice, but in the office where you receive all your clientele?

"Hello Ana. This is Serena Tsukino here and she has an idea for the columnist position that she would like to pitch. I've known Serena since our days in university and she is a hard worker and full of enthusiasm. She would be a great addition to the team."

Serena didn't miss the look of longing in Ana's brown eyes. Of course. Seiya was a looker and full of charm. Their boss had a crush on him and if she had any shred of womanly intuition then she might guess that Seiya was interested in Serena. Great.

Trying not to feel deflated, she stepped in front of Anastasia. "Hello." Brightly smiling, she outstretched her hand. "Nice to meet you."

Ana took her hand and shook, stretching her gaze now to Serena. The lady wore next to no makeup but had impeccable skin for someone in her forties. Her ebony hair was in a pixie cut and she wore a stylish turquoise tam and a purple knit dress.

"Charmed." She simpered, and waved a hand at two seats across her meticulously arranged desk.

"Seiya, would you like to sit through this? Have a pot of tea?"

Seiya shook his head. "I have to go help Serge with the shoot but another time, Anna. Good luck, Sere!"

With Seiya gone, Serena felt the air cool and she looked up to see Anna who now was strictly business, hands folded together tightly.

"So you have a proposition?" Tapping her glasses on her straightened in her chair and regarded Serena. "You have five minutes. Go."

Inwardly, Serena blanched. This lady was so serious. But not with Seiya. What a basket case. Well here goes nothing, she thought.

Five minutes later - where Serena was talking about the different dates she would go on, Anna drew a hand over her throat signaling Serena to stop. Feeling red-faced and sick to her stomach, she waited for the verdict.

Anna rearranged her turquoise tam, her eyes intent on Serena's. "You've got it."

"What? I mean, erm, thank you so much!"

"I want to see a piece once a week. And I expect to see growth. I don't want you using people you know. Seiya is out of the question." Anna looked at her with a pen at her mouth. "Send it to me in an attachment. With photos as proof."

Feeling a prickle of foreboding go through her, Serena nodded obediently. She wouldn't question this crazy lady's jealous predilections. She needed the job and this would be a first step into the career she'd always wanted - to be a freelance writer.

"Thank you, Anastasia." Serena paused before getting up. "I really appreciate it."

"Get going then."

What a dismissal, Serena mused. But nothing could quell the happiness zigzagging through her system. Leaving the office with butterflies fluttering around wildly in her stomach, Serena flipped open her old Samsung phone and sent a bunch of texts to her friends.

You won't believe it! I got it!

Heart soaring, she skipped her way out of the building and checked her watch. She had time to get ready for her date with Diamond!

"Time to go."

Serena eyed the fancy building from the outside - encrusted with gorgeous tea lights and wispy trees hanging in the front area. She couldn't believe she was about to dine at THE Galantis restaurant in NYC.

The restaurant was squeezed in between one of the city's major hospitals and a large Macy's but with the trees and lights she felt like she was transported to someplace magical. Not that NYC wasn't magical. But this felt like an overgrown tea garden lit with lights and prepared for two. A portal into another world.

"Serena." A low husky voice said from behind her and she whirled around to see Diamond, dressed in a black suit, hair smooth and eyes shining mysteriously. A dimple creased his cheeks when he smiled and she felt her stomach warm.

"It's so nice to see you, Diamond." Serena felt herself inhale tightly. "This place is beautiful. I've always dreamt of coming."

Diamond chuckled, his eyes illuminated by the soft light from Galantis. "It's a special spot."

Pausing she felt childish almost next to Diamond. Shaking the thought away, she stepped next to him.

"Shall we?"

Serena nodded mutely and followed him into the restaurant, slipping her arm into his extended one. He smelt amazing, like fresh cucumber and sandalwood. High cheekbones and smooth pale skin caught her eyes as she gave him a sideways glance.

He looked like a model from a Burberry catalogue. Grinning to herself, she tried to stifle the fluttery excitement in her stomach at being at Galantis. I am so lucky, Rei is going to be so jealous when I tell her, she thought.

"Diamond. Pleased to have you back again." A waiter dressed in all black bowed to them. Again?, Serena thought to herself.

"Thank you Dina. Can we sit outside?" Diamond quipped, his face breaking into a smile.

Dina nodded, her cheeks stained red. Clearly she has a crush on him, Serena thought. What was with all the men in her life these days having ladies after them and then resenting her for it? It wasn't her fault!

"Did I tell you you look gorgeous? That dress is stunning." His hand came lightly touch her at the middle of her back. Serena smiled at him weakly and thought of all the ways she would thank Mina for letting her borrow the dress.

"Thank you."

The waitress seated them - not before glaring at Serena timely and sending Diamond an adoring glance. Serena sat down gingerly on the dress and winced when the sequins began to dig and scratch into her upper thighs where the hem ended. Gorgeous dress but required patience to wear.

Serena sent Diamond a simpering smile. Since they had entered the restaurant she felt a dip in her interest in him. Somehow, they didn't seem to fit right. There was a tension she couldn't dispel between them and she didn't know why.

"So where do you work, Serena?" Diamond asked politely. Serena eyed the large black agate ring on his finger. Loaded. Blinking, she looked back at him and caught a sardonic expression in his eyes.

"I began a position at LoCo. I'm a columnist." Serena paused and blanched when she realized he was going to ask her what she wrote. And well - this was going to be included.

Breaking across his open mouth, she coyly asked, "May I take a picture of us together? This place is just so magical. I would love to have a photograph."

"Of course." Diamond smirked. "It is a special spot. I love coming here on a regular basis."

On a regular basis?!

In her head, she wondered if he was alone or with other ladies. What a winner he was. Her interest was quickly dissipating but the experience was worth it, or at least for the time being.

Standing up, Serena slipped next to him where he stretched a hand behind her and squeezed her on the hip. Yeuch, she thought. Snapping the photo quickly - perhaps because of the flash - an idea imprinted into her mind. A terrible, dramatic idea, but an idea nonetheless.

Clutching her stomach, she moaned, "Oh, I'm not feeling well. I'll be right back."

Concern pressed across his face. Concern for her or concern for his own self, she couldn't be sure, she thought snarkily. "Here, let me -"

Shaking her head, "No it's alright. I'll be right back."

Hunching down, she zipped her way into the bathroom and looked around appreciatively at the surroundings. Spacious - painted beige and brown - the scent of coconut burned in the air. Candles were lit and held in by lattice ceiling lanterns. An air of bohemia.

Serena checked her phone. 9:23 pm. This would be absolutely ridiculous if she did this. She should at least stay and wait out the date, maybe it would get better?

Would it?

Looking at her incredulous expression in the mirror she realized it wouldn't. Or at least she didn't have the patience to find out. That was her. Half way in one thing and half way out another thing. Mina would be so mad.

An itching sensation burned in the middle of her hand and she went to scratch her hand on her sequined dress. But her hand met something wet and sticky. A bright pink swab of gum was stuck in between the sparkling turquoise emerald sequins and meshed in deep.

"Noooo. How does this stuff happen?"

Her mind flashed to where she'd been to earlier that evening. She'd taken the transit - Mina lived all the way in Brooklyn, cheaper rent and closer to an office she liked to work at - she must have sat in gum on the subway.

Serena bit her lower lip and then glanced at her reflection; cerulean eyes were bright and shining.

"I need to clean this before Mina gets home." Serena felt a wobble enter her voice. "She's going to kill me!"

"Miss?"

The waitress, Dina poked her head inside the bathroom. "Diamond is wondering if you're okay?"

Serena grinned - momentarily distracted. Perfect. Dina could help her out. "Please tell Diamond I've contracted some sort of flu, and that I've taken a cab home. Please apologize for him. Since its not busy maybe you could keep him company?"

With that she flounced out the restaurant, leaving in her wake a gleeful Dina in the bathroom.

When Serena had made herself hidden from the restaurant, she heaved a sigh, pausing outside the bustling metropolitan hospital. An ambulance was whirling its signal and came hurtling down the road, whirling to a screeching halt at the entrance.

Leaning against a sturdy oak tree, she closed her eyes and breathed in silently. What am I going to do? Mina could get in serious trouble because they don't even know she borrowed it. Inhaling sharply, she bit her lower lip, and just when things were starting to look up too.

"Tsukino?" A familiar voice broke across her reverie. Not now.

Not now!

Serena opened one eye tentatively to see her occasional arch-nemesis, Darien Shields, loping towards her, a perplexed expression. Adorned in his green scrubs and glasses pushed up on the bridge of his nose - she had to admit, to the small voice in her head, that he was looking surprisingly yummy that evening.

Straightening up, she hoped it would be one of those rare days where they did get along.

"Hi Shields . . . " How was she going to put this? Did it matter? She rushed on, "I know we're not on the best of terms right now - well when have we ever been - but can you give me a lift home?"

His gaze extended bottom to top, taking in the stunning emerald dress and strappy violet shoes that wrapped around her ankle. "Where were you?"

"A date." Serena blew a wisp of hair from her eyes. "And it went horribly. But on the bright side I got a job. Come on, can we go?"

Darien shook his head, his lips pressed into a smile. "You'll never change."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Serena glared at him and tried to pick at the glob of gum. Unsuccessfully. "Oh why me?"

"You still whine." Darien pointed out. "You're always asking me favors even if we are fighting. And you still are the most optimistic person I have ever met."

Her eyes cast up to Darien's. "Shields, for a moment it sounds like you actually like me." An impish smile played at her pert lips. "I don't find that unbelievable."

A familiar silver-haired man was walking down the street, a phone in his hand. Serena's eyes widened.

"Let's get going." She hissed, and swung her arm through his.

Darien's eyes followed her gaze. "Is that who you just went on a date with? The guy from the club who looks like he's had a bad dye job?"

"Give me your sweater." Serena hissed. Darien complied with a shake of his head, now openly laughing. Swinging her arms through it she topped her head with the hood.

"Good. I don't think I can handle him right now. I sort of walked out on him suggesting I had a case of diarrhea."

Darien's face blanched. "You didn't."

"I did." Serena smiled proudly. "He made me feel childish and silly. I wasn't feeling the situation. But gives me lots of fodder for my first column."

"Column?"

Serena's eyes snapped up to capture his. "Yes, hem, well I'm writing a sort of inspirational column weekly for women who don't date."

"What about guys?" Darien's voice was quiet and unreadable but she could sense something shift.

"Ah. Darien, how long has it been since you've last been on a date?"

Silence.

"Oh boy." Serena slapped him on the back gleefully. Her hood fell off and she let out a squeak, swinging it back on her head. "You need to get back in the game, hm?"

Darien's voice bristled. "I do NOT need to get back into the game. It's just - eh, been awhile."

"You mean never." Serena chortled and coughed at Darien's glare.

"You just need to relax. You're actually a pretty funny guy, Darien. Girls LOVE funny guys. And you have the whole sexy mysterious vibe down." At the last few words Serena felt her cheeks warm. Had she really just said that?

"Sexy and mysterious?" His voice was full of heat and Serena hid from his gaze by hoisting the hoodie farther over her head.

"Are we there yet?"

Darien nodded. Serena stopped and felt her mouth drop as her eyes took in the glistening, death trap he had stopped at. A motorcycle?

"I'd forgotten you drove this. I guess we'll have to get all close and personal." Serena smiled at his uncomfortable expression.

"Don't worry, I don't bite."

"Are you sure?" Darien drawled before handing her a helmet. "You have to wear one. I don't care if it messes up your hair."

"Oh relax, I'm not a peach."

"A peach?"

"Never mind. I'm tired."

Darien chuckled huskily. "I guess you are."

The lights were dim and the clock in the road churned warning them it was ten pm. Swinging on the bike behind him, she settled the helmet on her head and hooked her arms around his tight waist. Feeling sleepiness override her thoughts or instincts, she felt her head come down and lay on his back.

And darkness began to seep in. And silence.

"Serena?" Darien's voice called. "Wake up. We're here."

"Guys all want the same thing."

Poking her in the side, he persisted. "Serena."

"Sh-leave me alone. Pig."

Chortling, Darien leaned down and whisper-yelled in her ear, "Wake UP!"

Blinking sleepily, the sensation of lids heavy with salt, Serena looked up at the old condo where Darien was - on the other side of town where Mina was. Opps . . . had she really forgotten to tell him?

"I don't live here anymore. I'm with Mina." Serena mumbled sleepily, her arms still tight around his waist. "Just take me to your place."

"What?" His tone was sharp. "I don't think so. Where is Mina's?"

"Brooklyn."

Silence met her ears and she smiled happily, nudging her head into his back.

"See. S'told you it was far." Warmth met her cheeks. "Just take me home to your place. I'll sleep on the couch. I've had a long day, Shields. Time for some proper zzz's."

Hesitation. She could sense it. "I won't bite, you know."

"Alright."

The sound of the motorbike flying by alongside the beeping horns of NYC taxis and cars filled Serena's ears and for a moment she lifted her head to catch the late night NYC life. It was a Monday evening and the city that never slept was bustling and churning as if it were midday.

This is the life, she thought to herself as they passed Times Square. Somehow she'd gotten extremely lucky . . .

The bike slowed and then Darien stopped to a chugging stop. Serena looked up but couldn't see a condo in sight. Just a Fruit and Vegetable convenience store with signs scribbled in Chinese characters.

"We're here."

Serena followed dutifully, eying up the patrons of people lingering outside a dingy looking bar. Many were dressed in leather, tattooed and smoking. One had a tattered old blazer on with sneakers. It smelt of urine.

Serena tugged his arm. "Darien? Where do you live?"

He nodded to the building as they circled around after he'd parked it in the alleyway. "Right up there."

Her eyes travelled to his pointed hand. On top of the Fruit store?

Too tired to fathom anything more, Serena followed Darien past the alleyway and they caught sight of the rough people again.

"Oh. Darien. She's a looker. Give her a good time tonight, won't you?" An older man leered at Serena and she instinctively stepped closer to Darien. He glanced down at her, his sapphire eyes glittering in the dim light, then back to the man.

"Good night, Glen."

Unlocking the door swiftly, Serena followed in before he could utter another word. "He's kind of scary looking."

Darien shook his head and picked up a few of the bills in an overfilled. "He's harmless. Had a bad turn in life. Now he lives on the streets."

Gazing at him, she realized then and there that she did not know Darien, not really. This little facet of information intrigued her. And surprised her.

"Right, well you better listen to him." Serena continued at his confused expression. "Show me a good time."

At his affronted look Serena giggled triumphantly. "I mean, you better have some sweets and hot chocolate ready after I shower." She snagged the keys from his hand and waltzed up the stairs, tossing him the sweater.

"Why did I agree to this?" He muttered sarcastically, shaking his head at the shining emerald girl.

The flat was simple. One bedroom apartment and was clean. Many apartments in the city were rumored to be either filled with bed bugs or haunted. This one seemed like the shining diamond in the rough.

Darien's personality shone through - meticulous, organized, and clean. The bathroom was spotless, amazing for a boy really. Relaxing at the hot water, she felt herself humming and thinking about the day's events. She couldn't quite believe she'd snagged the job, seen Seiya, had a crazy boss and had a strange date with Diamond. To top it all off, she was now sleeping over at Darien's and getting a rare glance into his private life.

She slid out of the shower and found herself looking in the mirror of streaky makeup. The bathroom was painted a light green, a refreshing color, really.

"Darien?" She poked her head out of the bathroom and steam escaped the damp room. "I need some pajamas. I'm not getting back into that sequined trap."

"Tsukino, you're so needy tonight. Drive you here. Let me sleep here. I need pajamas." Darien mimicked with a crooked grin.

He threw her a pair of slacks and a t-shirt. "Enjoy. This will be your one and only chance to sleep in my clothes."

Glaring at him, she snapped the door shut and shimmied into the sweatpants and shirt. Unconsciously, she found herself inhaling the t-shirt. Clean but not poisoned with sandalwood. Her mind jumped to the date with Diamond and she grimaced. Better not think too much on that.

"Thanks." She exited the bathroom and sat down on the opposite end of the couch. "I really appreciate you helping me out. Didn't expect all this really."

"So the date didn't turn out like you'd anticipated?" Darien looked at her curiously, and she resisted the urge to flick him in the nose.

"Nope. Wasn't my type. Any guy who makes you feel bad about yourself isn't typically a good sign." Serena paused. "Oh my goodness. I bumped into Seiya on my way to work and turns out my new boss has a huge crush on him. I think she partly dislikes me because of Seiya but hired me because she didn't want to disappoint him?"

Darien laughed gruffly. "Thinking too much Odango? Your head might explode."

"Anyways, thanks to you, I don't have to."

"What?"

"I don't need to think too much." She pointed to the television. "Are you going to turn that on or what?"

"God, I've forgotten how bossy you are."

"Can we watch The 100?"

"No. Definitely not."

"Pleeeeeease?"

"No Tsukino. I want to catch up on How to Get Away with Murder."

Serena rolled her eyes and snatched the remote from his hand. "Puh-lease. That show is lame. And anyways, I need Bellamy in my life right now after that horribly disappointing date."

"You shouldn't have gone out with bad dye job anyways."

She grinned, and shook her head slowly. "Oh Shields. I've missed you."

A/N: LOL. These two ;)

Revew pleeeeease! I'll love you forever 3