Okay, a little dark and hopefully I didn't foreshadow this too much. Enjoy and

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3

Not So Bad After All

The group of men sat at the table staring at Darien with open mouths. "What the fuck was that? Are you out of your mind Darien?" Andrew growled at his friend and frowned when Darien simply shrugged.

"Relax, I know what I'm doing." The dark haired Adonis smiled at his friends and sipped his black coffee. He'd let Jed play the sweet and nice card, because it would be that much better when he fell. He knew his Meatball head. She would adore Jed, faun over him, then, when Jed made a move that was a little out of her ideal of him. Bam! That was all she wrote.

"You do know you attract more flies with honey than with vinegar right?" Zoicite spoke for the first time that morning. His green eyes fixed on Darien with unease.

"I know, but Serena, in case you haven't noticed, isn't a fly. I don't think she likes to be chased. She wants what is always out of reach." Darien smirked at his friends then looked over at the girls' table. They seemed to be watching him. "Besides, she's playing a game."

"You're nuts." Andrew sighed and shook his head. Darien ignored him, the look on her friends' faces told him she was up to something. Andrew and the other guys may have been immune but he wasn't. He knew better.


I spent the entire day with Jed. We swam in the pool, surfed on the surf simulator thing, and he'd even taken me to dinner. Forget the plan, spending time with him was way better than making Darien jealous! Jed was a gentleman, and, he didn't mind that I liked to eat. He'd even challenged me to a competition, which he lost by the way.

Of course, the contrast between him and Darien made me wonder. Why, would such a great guy like him, be friends with such an ass like Darien? My curiosity got the best of me. "Jed, how can you be friends with a creep like Darien?"

Jed seemed to freeze then sighed. "Well, he's not a creep. You're the only person I've ever seen him act like that towards. He's a nice guy really. What did you do to make him hate you so much?" Jed asked kindly and focused his eyes on mine. That was a good question. One I didn't have an answer for.

"I don't know." I shook my head and sighed. I couldn't help but feel sad about this new fact. I was the only one he hated? Wow. "Look, I um, I need to get back to my room. Amy's missing me by now and…" Jed pushed his index finger to my lips and stepped in front of me. A smile played upon his lips as he shook his head from side to side.

"You don't really want to go do you?" He whispered and moved his fingers to grasp my chin. Suddenly I became aware of how close he was, when had he invaded my personal space? "Amy won't miss you if you're only gone one night right?"

"I, really need to go." I swallowed the lump in my throat and backed away. "I'll see you tomorrow maybe." I smiled and turned away from him. I had to get away, despite the fact that he was so sweet he'd just gotten way too close for my comfort.

As I walked back to my room I remembered Darien's words. He had been warning me about Jed! Had he been mean to me this morning to push me away? To try and make me retreat? Whoa, I was definitely confusing myself now. Darien wasn't capable of such a manipulative move… what was I thinking, of course he was! Darien Shields was a class A genius, and just as easy as it was for Amy to make up a plan, he could do it too!

I felt sick now. I was being played! Jed, what could I believe about him, was he sweet, was he mean? What was he? He's a guy who wants to get in your pants Serena. I shook a little. This was far too complicated for me.

"You don't look too good Meatball head." Darien's voice interrupted my thoughts. I was getting sick of it too. "Are you okay?" I looked at him with shock on my face. God! He was doing that more and more! I suppose what shocked me was his soft tone. He seemed to notice my unease and took a few slow steps towards me, his deep blue eyes examining me closely. "What's wrong?"

Something in me was drawn to him. I wanted to tell him all about my internal struggle but then again, why? Darien Shields was a jackass of the worst sort. "Nothing's wrong." I defended myself and continued to walk. Even as I trudged down the hall I heard him behind me, his long legs no match for my short stride. "What do you want? Embarrass me a little more maybe?" I shot and for once, I saw a slight reaction from him. He was shocked.

He shook his head and sighed. "No, I'm just making sure you're okay. I apologize for the way I acted this morning. I was grumpy and simply couldn't help myself. You know I tend to have my back up around you." It was a sorry excuse for an explanation, much less and apology.

"What the hell did I ever do to you Darien? Why do you hate me so much?" I growled at him. He didn't respond, he simply remained quiet, standing in the hallway with a blank façade. "Fine, don't answer me." I turned from him and continued to walk away. Of course, me being who I am, I stopped and looked back at him only to notice that he had his head turned to the side and seemed to be listening to something carefully.

"What are you doing?" I asked rudely. He held up his hand as if to silence me and turned around. "Jerk face?" I called after him as he turned the corner in the hall, whatever he was doing it wasn't my business and so I carried on to my room.


In the morning I groggily sat up and looked at Amy's bed. She wasn't there, odd, two mornings in a row. Rising up I left the room and went next store to Raye and Lita's room where I soon found my roommate, Lita, and Mina huddled around Raye.

"Wh… what's going on?" I asked now worried about my dear friend. It looked as if Raye had been crying for quite some time and to see her like this Seriously concerned me. "Ames?"

"I couldn't even…" Raye cried then silenced as there was light knock on the door. Turning around I opened the door and glared at the man on the other side. What was Jerk face doing here? I went to open my mouth but he simply stepped beside me and walked to Raye and knelt down.

"Hey, how are you doing today?" He smiled winningly and gently rubbed her shoulder. "Well, I've got some aspirin for you, and a large bottle of water. I'll bring you some soup or something later." I simply stood there staring at him dumbly, what the hell was going on here? What was wrong with Raye and why was Darien acting like some… soft hearted boyfriend.

"She's just been crying all morning." Lita informed him and received a nod from him. "I mean… what's going to happen now?" Lita asked the dark haired man who simply looked at her with troubled eyes.

"Well, I'm sure the crew members found him right where I left him." He almost sneered. The anger and disgust in his voice was by far the most profound I had ever heard. "But our fiery friend here will be just fine. A little shaken, a headache, but overall, intact. Right Raye?"

Raye nodded through her tears and smiled slightly at him. "Thank you." She whispered and closed her eyes to rest. I still didn't understand what was going on but I had to find out. When Darien stood and nodded at the girls, I followed him out into the hallway. I didn't even care that I was wearing my short silken robe or that my hair was down. I needed to know what he knew.

"Last night, when I was following you I heard something. I went to go investigate and found some asshole had drugged her and was about to force himself on her." He explained before I could open my mouth. "I'm glad you went to your room because it was a sickening sight and I'm sure, I was far less, gentile than I normally am." He almost smiled at me as he said that. "Like I said, she's okay, he didn't get away with it, and I managed to get this." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pill bottle. He turned the label to me.

"Rohypnol? What is that?" I raised my eyes to his and saw alarm in them. "What is it?"

"Rohypnol is more commonly known as a Ruffy?" He raised his eyebrows. "The date rape drug?" He sighed and put the bottle back into his pocket. He obviously had plans for your friend there." I turned back to the door, the severity of what I had just learned hit me.

"What did you do to him?" I growled angrily. Whoever he was, I wanted him to suffer and something told me, that Jerkface was the one who had delivered judgment.

"Oh, I let him know how wrong I thought he was." He held up his hand, his knuckles had been broken open from some type of blunt force trauma. "I don't think he'll ever do it again." He assured me and smiled. "It could have been you." He said simply and turned away.

I wasn't sure if I should resent him saying that or take it as something different. What was he saying? Was he happy that it wasn't me? Or sad? I wasn't sure but I had a feeling that I didn't want to know. I was just glad that Raye was okay and the guy had been brought to terms with his sin.


Jed sat across the table from his long time friend with a smile on his face. Darien hadn't said a word. Jed decided that it was because he was winning the bet so far. "So, Serena and I spent all day together yesterday." Jed smiled wickedly and took a sip of his water. "He's got this hot little pink bikini and I just love the way she looks in it."

"I'm sure we would all appreciate such a thing." Malachite grinned. "I spotted a nice blonde yesterday, actually, she looks a lot like Serena. Except she's taller and wears her hair half up and half down." Andrew almost chocked on his coffee as he looked at Malachite.

"Th… that's Mina! She's one of Serena's best friends." He recited easily as Malachite smiled. "She's available but a little bit of a pant chaser."

"Yeah yeah, so, Serena and I were swimming in the pool. She went to the diving board and jumped in. When she surfaced though, well, let's just say that top wasn't tied as well as it should have been and…"

"Shut up Jed." Darien snapped. "You're such a liar it's ridiculous." Every male at the table turned to look at Darien with shock. "If that had happened I would have heard her squeals all the way from the other side of the ship. Trust me on this one."

"Whatever, you're just angry that you're losing. She hesitated a little yesterday when I asked her back to my room, I'm betting I'll have her in bed by the end of the week." Jed smirked and winked at his opponent who glared at him angrily. "What?"

"What if she says no?" Darien challenged. The run in with the asshole and Raye last night had put a serious kink in his attitude on this bet. He didn't' want to trick Serena into doing anything with him, and he certainly didn't want Jed to do a Jedite mind trick to get her into bed either. (A/N- Sorry all, noticed my crafty little trick there with the Jedite thing. Haha! Love it!)

"If she says no then I'll just keep on trying till she gives in." Jed smiled and raised his eyebrows rapidly. "In the end, I will win." Jed winked at Malachite who placed his chin in his hand. He knew Jed was going to go at this with his all but everyone knew Darien harbored some very strong feelings towards Serena. Feelings even he himself had yet to realize.

"This isn't a fucking game!" Darien snapped and slammed his hand down onto the table. "I agreed to this so you wouldn't take away her innocence like the unceremonious bastard you are Jed. You play the good guy but you're the snake in the grass."

"Whoa, whoa, Darien, don't be so vicious." Jed laughed. "You bet on her as well, it's a game to you and you know it." Jed glanced at Malachite then Nephrite. He had originally entered into this contest to get Darien all worked up, then, somewhere on the dance floor, he committed to the bet. He wanted Serena now. "The only way I'm going to stop, is if you beat me to her." He offered and smiled. "Which, it doesn't look like you're going to do anytime soon. "I mean, she hates your guts, it's so very obvious."

Darien simply regarded Jed then looked at Andrew with sadness in his eyes. "I have to go. I'm going to my room. See you all later, maybe at the dance tonight." He smiled and walked away from his friends. He had to figure out a plan. How was he going to win this? Andrew was right, Serena wouldn't respond well to the truth, and he wasn't comfortable with really winning this. "What am I going to do?" He shook his head and quickly made it back to his suite. Now angry, he pulled his jacket off and threw it across the living room and threw himself onto the couch. Jed was right, Serena hated him and unless he somehow managed a miracle, Jed was going to "win: the bet.

Lifting his head a little his eyes fixed on the object laying next to his coat. As if it were automatic, his heart stopped. An idea was born and suddenly, he knew how he would win. He could do it, and no one would ever know.


I was surprised by how quickly Raye regained herself. Darien had a few words with her later on in the evening and she was feeling better. She said that he'd put it in perspective, that his work in the hospital had allowed him to see some terrible cases and she was lucky. She just needed to be more careful. In a way, I was glad, but hesitant nonetheless.

Jerk face had been the one to save her, he'd been the one to make her feel better. What had I done to help? Nothing! Then again, now that we were out of our rooms and going to the dancing hall again we'd all be fine. A night of group dancing and light drinking couldn't hurt, especially if we all stuck together.

Jed let me know that he and the guys would be there, Jerk face included. At least they'd look out for us, that was nice. I was wearing something a little better tonight than the other night. This evening I was wearing a tight black dress that wasn't too revealing. I still looked smoking hot though. Of course, tonight's focus was the girls and not any hot guys. Amy had finally decided that she would take a chance and experience the club scene.

After a few dances I broke off briefly and walked to the bar close to where Jed was. Ordering a Cosmopolitan I smiled at Jed suggestively. "So, how are you this evening." I could almost hear Darien snort his distaste behind me. "Do you have an issue jerk face?" I growled.

"No, not at all meatball head." He replied and shook his head. "Raye seems better." He said softly. I'm glad she's okay." I nodded and grabbed my drink. Jed seemed to be challenging Darien with his eyes. "I'll be seeing you later, kay meatball head?" Darien smiled and chucked my chin with his knuckles. He then walked away leaving me with a healthy blush. What in the world were these men doing to me?

I wish Darien would look at me once as if I was something, maybe, even for a moment. If I could just feel like he might see me as something other than the meatball headed klutz. "Well, maybe he doesn't hate you." Jed smiled wickedly. "Looks like I have competition."

"What? Darien? No, no way." I shook my head and watched his retreating figure. "No… I mean…" Amy's words rang in my head as I admired Darien's backside. She was right. I was interested.

"You know, Serena, if you do like him. You should act like it sometimes." Jed rolled his eyes at his own words. "I mean, you know, if you like the good looking, rich, doctor types." I jerked my face towards Jed's with shock. Rich? What did he mean rich? "I'm nicer though." Jed winked.

With a little bit of courage I took a large drink from my cosmo and walked over to Darien. I wasn't sure what I was going to say to him but I'd figure something out. I was a marketing major for heaven's sake. "Darien, hey, look I um…"

"Would you like to dance with me?" He interrupted me with a knee weakening smile. "Just one?" I just stared at him wide-eyed. This I hadn't expected!

"Sure!" I exclaimed perhaps a little too quickly and downed my drink. Setting the glass on the table I grinned at him. "I hope you can keep up with me jerk face. I'm an animal on the dance floor."

"I noticed." He laughed and took my hand firmly. Tingles traveled up my arm and down my spine in a way I didn't quite know how to comprehend. Just how attracted to this man was I? Moreover, how had I not noticed before this trip?

A fast beat song came on and as we began to dance with one another I felt myself become all sorts of turned on! For one, his hands on me, well, it was like they elicited fire from my every pore. Even his scent did things to my mind that made me weak with desire. Oh, no question ladies, if he asked me to his room at this very moment I would have jumped him.

We moved together so perfectly I could hardly believe I was dancing with my long time enemy. I mean, this was Darien for Christ's sake! Here I was though, grinding it up with jerk face, and enjoying every moment of it. One dance turned into two and then… my head started to hurt.

Noticing my immediate change in movement he stopped and looked at me with concern. "Meatball head? What's wrong, you look sick." He immediately latched his hand onto my forehead and shook his head. "Let's get you back to your room." It was a simple statement and I nodded with a silent thank you. First he saved Raye, and now he was helping me. My dislike for him had completely left my body.

After announcing to the girls that he was going to take me back we left the hall together and walked slowly down the hallway. "Thank you so very much Dare…" I held my head and shut my eyes tightly. In a moment I felt myself being scooped into his arms and he was carrying me bride style. Whatever sort of headache this was, it sucked!