Disclaimer: Same as always…

Author's note: Hey people! It's me again! Thanks once again for all the reviews, I seriously appreciate it. Well it's summer vacation and it is a time to escape the country and find new surroundings, which I'm gonna do. Don't fret though people! I'll keep posting up chapters when I come back. In the meantime… enjoy this part of the story!

Chapter 4

"Guess that's the end of that…" Darien said to himself sadly. Serena lived right next door, but he couldn't help thinking that it was as if she lived a thousand miles away. 'How am I supposed to get under her shell? She's built some kind of wall around herself. Every time she tries to let loose, she just keeps adding concrete to the wall. Why? What's she afraid of?' he thought.

DRING! DRING!

Before he could continue his stream of thoughts, his cell phone began to ring. Darien looked at the caller ID and saw the words El estupido. He opened up his silver cellular. "What do you want, Andrew?" he barked.

"Whoa! Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed! Or in some certain girl's bed…" he said with a small chuckle.

"Oh shut up, Drew! For your information, I did not, and I repeat, did not sleep with her," he told him irritated.

"Aha! So you DID fuck her!" Andrew said with a big smile.

"Drew, I told you she was different and I wasn't gonna take advantage of her, alright?"

"Okay, okay. Geez, man, I was just joking around. You forget that I am your best friend and that I know you like the back of my hand. For instance, I know the size of your -"

"Drew, why'd ya call me?" Darien said with a smile, cutting his best friend off before he could mention his member, not that it was small or anything… His best friend was a total joker. He had a great sense of humor and Darien had to forgive him for this mental illness.

"First, I wanted to ask you about your night. Secondly, I wanted to talk to you about our financial standing. We're going from multi-billionaires to full-time bums!"

"Damn, Drew! Why'd you have to go and remind me of that?"

"Sorry, man… but it is my duty as your friend to remind you of horrible things, not to mention annoy you," he said with a smirk.

"You're doing a great job at it, so far," Darien said. "How 'bout we discuss it tonight at dinner? At some restaurant or something?"

"We can't go to another restaurant, Dare! Remember what happened last time we wanted to have a quiet dinner to talk about Shields INC.? A ton of reporters invaded the place!" said Andrew hysterically.

"You're right. You wouldn't wanna be on the first page with the headline 'Multi-billionaires to full-time bums' above our heads." There was a slight pause. "Okay then, my place at 7." Andrew wasn't answering on the other line. Darien, knowing what this silence meant, added. "I won't be cooking, Drew."

"Thank God…" Andrew had somehow got his voice back. "Alright then. See ya tonight."

"Later." Darien closed his cell phone.

--

Serena stared at her fluffy plush carpet and was startled to see Blaze trotting towards her with his adorable puppy dog eyes. "Oh I'm sorry boy. You must be hungry. C'mon." She walked into her kitchen, with Blaze at her trail, and filled up his dog bowl with IAMS dog food. Knowing he'd be thirsty, she filled another one with fresh clean water. "Bon appétit!"

RRRRING! RRINGG!

Serena patted her dog on the head and went to pick up the phone. "Hello?"

"How long have you been up, Missy? I told you to call me first thing in the morning! I was worried sick about you!"

Serena rolled her eyes. "Good morning to you too, Mins."

"Oh don't give me that tone, Sere."

"You sound like my mother," Serena replied with a small smile.

"Ugh, just tell me what happened!"

Serena began her story and told her what had happened when she woke up. She didn't forget to put lots of detail into her descriptions or tell her what she was feeling at specific moments.

"Holy shit, Sere! Do you know how incredibly lucky you are?! I mean, how many girls get to sleep with Darien? And sleep, in its original sense," said Mina excitedly.

"Why are you so surprised about this Mina? He just brought me home, being the nice guy that he is, and stayed by my side just to see if I would be okay. It's nothing big, it's -"

"Sere, are you listening to yourself?"

"What?"

"Are you listening to yourself? Before you met Darien, you used to think he was some spoiled-ass rich asshole who fucked girls as a sport! Look at you now! You're describing him like he's Prince William!"

"I am not! I still think that he has this arrogant -"

"Get real, Sere! Admit it; you've got something for Darien Shields!" Mina exclaimed ecstatically.

"How can you say that Mins?! I mean, I've only met him once or twice and that isn't much time to get to know the guy!"

"Sere, the way you described your morning to me was enough to know that you have a little thing for him. You didn't leave out any details! You told me everything from beginning to end as if it was your favorite book!"

Mina's words were sinking into her. 'But that's impossible!' thought Serena. 'I would know, right?' she shrugged her thoughts away. "Mina, you're overreacting."

"I am not! I'm telling you this is fate's doing!" said Mina with sparkling eyes.

"Oh please! Don't start that again! You know I don't believe in that!" replied Serena, irritated.

"Look at the facts Sere! You've never fallen into your pool before, but fate decided that that night, when you eavesdropped on Darien's convo-"

"I did not eavesdrop!"

Mina ignored her protest and continued. "When you eavesdropped on Darien's convo, you had to klutz out."

"Get real, Mina!"

"Let me finish. Then, last night, out of all the clubs in this city, he just had to be in the one we were in. And, out of all the guys that were there, he was the one that saved you from that Diamond creep! I mean, even the bartender could've helped you out. I'm telling you Serena, this is all fate's doing. I just know it," Mina finished, fists clenched.

"Okay, Mins… For one, I do not like Darien and for two, I do not believe in fate! This is all just some weird coincidence!"

"Sere! Open your eyes! Look around you!"

Serena did just that. "What now?"

"Ugh, you don't even know cupid's arrow hit your firm butt!" said Mina with a hint of sadness.

"Oh God Mina! Will you stop it with all this superstition?! Today was just a one time thing! It's not like he's gonna become my best friend!"

"He better not be!" Mina said indignantly.

"My point is that this was a one time thing and we're all gonna go back to our normal lives now: he'll go back to his luxury and I'll go back to my mediocre life."

"But Serena!"

"Mina just let it go. He's probably forgotten all about me now," said Serena with a hint of sadness.

"Fine, but I ain't happy about it," replied Mina with a frown.

"I know exactly what can cheer you up though," Serena said coyly. Mina immediately knew what she was about to utter and they both exclaimed. "SHOPPING!!"

--

Hours later…

"God I love shopping!" Mina exclaimed as both girls walked back towards the car, both hands filled with shopping bags from the most luxurious stores.

"I know! It's a total picker-upper!" exclaimed Serena. "I even forgot about Darien! I'm getting kinda hungry. Let's go grab a bite at that Chinese place over there."

"Uh… Serena…?" said an uneasy Mina.

"What?" replied the other blond beauty while shoving all their bags into the trunk of her car.

"I don't think you're gonna forget Darien for long," Mina said, pointing at one of the windows of the restaurant.

Serena then turned around and looked at what her best friend was pointing at. 'Just my luck,' she thought. 'Right when I finally get my mind off of him, there he is looking like the Adonis of my dreams, handsome, strong… What am I thinking?! Is it possible that I- No, Serena! It's impossible! It's impossible because all your life you've hated his guts and 24 hours can't possibly change anything!'

Mina watched Serena's eyes glimmer at the sight of Darien, but then quickly change as she internally convinced herself of something that isn't true. Mina took this as the perfect opportunity to use her matchmaking skills. "Sere? I think I see Andrew in there! Let's go say hi!"

"Are you kidding Mina?! The whole point of us going out was to AVOID Darien, not to socialize with him!"

"Fine, you can stay here, like an idiot, suffering from the digestion of your own stomach, or you can come with me, eat a wonderful meal which might be paid by yours truly," said Mina with a goofy knowing smile.

Serena looked at her with a look that meant 'I think you know the answer' and replied. "I think I'll stay in the car, thanks."

"Serena, you can be so stubborn sometimes! But suit yourself! I'm gonna eat that Tao on my own!" Mina said while walking away.

Serena watched her walk towards the two bachelors. 'Ugh… fine,' she thought as she rolled her eyes and started walking to what might be a very awkward moment.

--

"I still can't believe you almost burned down my whole kitchen! You're supposed to be the better cook!" said a mocking Darien.

"Shut up! I just left it there two seconds alright! I had a lot of things on my mind."

"I wonder what or should I say who?" he said knowingly. "Well what do ya know…"

"Hello gentlemen!" exclaimed Mina as she stood beside their table near the window.

"Mina! What are you doing here?" asked an ecstatic, yet surprised Andrew.

"Oh, I was doing some shopping and I saw you guys from where we were parked and-"

"We?" asked Darien.

"Yeah. Serena and I," replied Mina, raising her eyebrows with a hopeful look.

At that second, Serena walked into the restaurant and towards them. 'She's as pretty as ever…' Darien thought. 'She doesn't see me the same way though… Why am I telling myself all these things? I never used to be so careful. I'm Darien Shields! I can have any woman I want. But why her?' As she neared to a stop at their table, their eyes locked for a split second only to be ended by her turning to Andrew. "Hello, Andrew. Darien," she said in an executive tone.

"Nice to see you again, Serena!" replied Andrew.

"Likewise," Serena said. 'My heart is beating so fast! Why? There's nothing to be nervous about. I'm just having dinner with Darien. Dinner with Darien… That sounds nice… Oh for Christ's sake, Serena! You're not alone with him or anything! Get a grip! It's just a normal get together at a restaurant.'

"You girls must be starving! Have a seat," said Andrew while the waiter brought another table to annex to theirs and two other chairs for the ladies.

"Um, no that'll be okay. I'm sure we were interrupting something important," Serena said, as she tried to find an excuse to move to another table. Mina gave her an angry look.

"Oh, no, no. Please, join us. The waiter already brought the table and everything. We aren't that repulsive, are we? I'll even offer to pay for whatever you guys order," said Andrew, smiling.

"Alright!" exclaimed Mina, quickly sitting beside Andrew. She couldn't resist a free meal.

"Mina!" whispered Serena through clenched teeth. After standing there for what felt like an eternity, she sat beside Darien.

"May I take your order?" asked a tall and skinny Asian man to the new arrivals.

"I'll have the half general Tao and half rice plate. Thank you," said a starved Mina.

"I'll have the same, except with two dumplings on the side without the sauce, wonton soup and a side-dish of steamed vegetables," replied Serena.

"You have quite the appetite, Miss Lawrence," said Darien with a coy smile.

"All the shopping made me hungry! Besides you guys offered to pay and I'm one to take advantage of such a gesture," said Serena with an equally coy smile.

"Correction. Andrew offered, not me."

"Sorry Andrew."

"Don't worry, Serena. In a couple of days, I'm just going to be poor as church and you're making me pay for this expensive meal. It's all good," replied Andrew sarcastically.

"Shut up!" said Serena laughing.

--

About two hours later…

"If you think that's funny, it gets worse! After she ran over the life-size cardboard old lady, she ran over the 14 cones on the left of the course and landed on the school's fire hydrant. You won't believe it but water came out, bursting and splashing all over the place! Serena turned on her windshield wipers and that was the only right thing she did at that driving lesson!" exclaimed a laughing Mina.

"Do you remember everybody's face? It was HILARIOUS when you think about it now. I think I was the worst driver there since the school was built!" said a happy reminiscing Serena.

"And now you have a Ferrari. What happened?!" said Darien, laughing at Serena's awful beginner's luck behind the wheel.

"After I was completely humiliated in front of what I think was the entire school, I vowed to be the best driver out there. Kinda weird for a dream, but I made it. My dad was a big car fan and he's the one who taught me all about them and the way they should be ridden. From old vintage cars to the car I have now, I learned to conquer the road and anyone who opposed me," she said beaming, quite proud of her achievement.

"But, you haven't met someone like me yet," Darien replied smugly.

"I bet I can beat you anytime and anywhere… with my eyes closed," she challenged righteously.

"I'll keep that in mind, for our next meeting then."

"Okay, guys enough fooling around. We still have to talk business, if that's alright with you girls?" asked Andrew, staring at Mina.

"Of course, we have to be going anyways. Right, Sere?"

Serena didn't want to leave, she wanted to sit there and talk with them all night. Her day was just filled with fun and happiness. It felt very relaxing to her and surprisingly pleasant, despite the type of company she had. She looked at Darien and it was almost as if he knew she wanted to stay.

"C'mon, Drew! The night's still young! Besides, maybe we could use an outsider's ideas," said Darien, looking at Serena.

"Alright. You ARE the boss, you know. I'm just here to make your company look pretty."

Serena suddenly felt relieved. She hoped that someone would say something to make her stay. 'But why would Darien even say something?' The girls remained seated.

"So, what's the big problem?" asked Serena.

"You must know already. It's all over the news," answered Darien.

"Yeah, of course I know! But I mean what are the details of this devastating change in the flow of the current?" asked an interested Serena.

"Basically, Blake Corporation has figured out a way to exceed our talent in investing. You see, what Shields Inc. does is buy any existing business, whether they are small or big, and try to negotiate with their present owners a better salary while we get most of the profits."

"Isn't that sort of like stealing? I mean, wouldn't they be making the money you're taking from them?" said a slightly outraged Serena.

"Well… we like to think of it as sharing. It doesn't make their situations worse, it actually makes it better. You see, once they are under my corporation, the managers of said companies will get paid by us. This money is found with our various products on the market."

"Which is practically everything…" said Serena softly.

"Ha-ha… But yes, we do have a very extensive source of useful products, our most successful being the plane. We made them. We figured out how to make better planes at a time where flight was new. (AN: Do not take this fact seriously, it is simply a fact for the fanfic.) We were technology back then. From planes that flew over the oceans, to jets for the military, to the two story plane we made a few years ago. We were what the 'Times' called technology at its finest. We were the Microsoft of the plane industry. Flight companies bought our products because they knew that we were the best out there and now we aren't. But that's how my grandfather's company became what it is today. With the billions he made from the flight companies, he decided to start a different kind of business, as a side job, which was what I mentioned before, "sharing with other businesses". Our family has made a lot of profit, alongside your family as well. All this wealth, until now."

"But, you said that you guys have billions. So you can live until you die with this money, can't you?"

"Not really. Despite our money-making abilities, most of it funds our progress in the aviation industry. And here lies the problem, Serena. For quite a while now, we have made NO progress whatsoever. All our money is going down the drain because we haven't found anything new. It's almost as if planes don't need anything anymore. I almost wish we would've gone slower. We've done everything in one shot. You can find almost anything on a plane, almost like a cruise ship, only with less activities, because you can't make a plane too big or it will fall from the sky. And this is where we have to lay off a couple of employees here and there to keep us from getting bankrupt. However, that wasn't enough. Now, we have to lay off companies and no one can fund them anymore. They can start again on their own but it's going to be hard to find the money to pay their employees without the salary we gave them. Everything is going wrong and we don't know what to do," he concluded.

"What about the money from the other products?"

"Have you not been listening?! I HAVE TO LAY COMPANIES OFF BECAUSE WE CAN'T FUND THEM ANYMORE," he said frustrated.

"Can you people keep it down??" said a sleepy Mina.

"Alright guys, I think I'm gonna get this sleepy maiden to her quarters. We'll talk tomorrow Dare. Goodnight Serena," said Andrew, picking up Mina in his arms.

"Night Andrew. Night Mina," said Serena, still shaken from Darien's sudden outburst.

"Later guys," said Darien, feeling better now.

Once they were left alone, Serena was pondering Darien's situation. 'It must be so hard for him. Everyone is counting on him for jobs, but he keeps letting people go. I wonder what his family thinks of him… It must be awful to be alone on this with Andrew.'

"Serena, I just don't know what to do anymore. I just feel like quitting, you know. I just feel like telling everyone that this is just a bad dream, that tomorrow it'll all be all right. But I know that isn't gonna happen. The money we made was incredible, Serena. It was dreamlike. What am I going to do after this? Find a job like everyone else? That's not right, it's not what I live to do."

"Isn't your family as rich as mine? Don't they have money in a stock market or something?" asked Serena cautiously.

"They 'were' as rich as yours. Their money was in the Shields Inc. stock market. Unlike your father, who has money in several markets, we have almost nothing left compared to what we had."

"What exactly are you competing against?"

"Blake Corporation invented the electric car. It could either be a hybrid type which is a car that runs both with electrical power and gas or just an electrical car which is charged before you go out. The first is basically a battery inside the car which is charged when gas is being used. Let's say between 1 to 60 mph, battery is supposed to be used and, after that limit, gas is used but it is also charging the battery." (AN: Just a fact for the fic people.

"I can see why it sells. All the car companies in the world would love to have something that is environment-friendly, which is the main concern of our century, and almost everyone owns one. If it makes you feel better, I won't buy a car containing it," she told him with a sympathetic smile.

"Thanks, but that isn't going to make my company any wealthier is it?" he replied with a sad smile. "I need a product that would be just as revolutionary as theirs."

"I've got it!" exclaimed Serena. "What you need to do is use a similar idea but for planes!"

"Serena? Don't you think I've thought about that before? There's no way I can fund my technicians or their needs in order to do this. Besides it would be like stealing their idea."

"What about instead of using water power, using solar power?"

"I told you. I don't have the money to do any experiment whatsoever."

"Right." Serena sat there, brainstorming, watching Darien think of his misery. "What if you convince other people to fund in you?" Serena said smugly.

"What do you mean?" asked Darien.

"I mean, why don't you ask other companies to give you the money and in return, you do some "sharing"," Serena said smiling.

"I get what you mean, but what exactly are we going to do? We can't use Blake's idea…"

"Who said anything about using their idea?"

"What do you have in mind?" asked Darien, feeling the businessman that he is coming back to life.

"Use solar power. It would be the next big thing. Electricity is not unknown: we use it everyday and putting it into cars, is just updating them. It's like adding a new feature, like the air-conditioning system or the CD player. But, solar power is relatively new and not many places use it due to the fickle weather. But, what if we found a way to keep solar energy, like in a box or on plaques? Just like electricity is kept in capacitors and is generated from batteries. What if your technicians invented a solar battery? They would be put into YOUR planes, which would mean companies buying it, giving you your profits again!"

"Okay, it sounds like a plausible idea, but who's going to give us the money?" said Darien, thinking he found a flaw in her theory.

"The other companies."

"But they're the ones who are buying it."

"Who said we'll ask all of them?" said a smug Serena, beaming with inspiration. "We just ask a few companies to sponsor our idea, after we've elaborated a good and thorough explanation about it, which will be supplied but your technicians, we'll tell them that they will have a certain number of these new planes for free. We'll make an offer they can't refuse. They'll be the first to actually use solar energy in other domains other than power for houses! They can't possibly refuse this, it's good for publicity and companies love a good rep. What do you say Darien?"

"My God, Serena. I think you just saved Shields Inc.!" Darien said ecstatically.

Serena smiled radiantly at him. She was glad she found something that could save his company. Her family did work for him once; it was the least she could do to repay the Shields. "It was just on the spur of the moment and you wanted my help. Who am I to refuse a friend in need?"

"God Serena, I could kiss you right now!" said Darien, who didn't think twice about what he had just said. Serena looked at him, startled. Her eyes burned with a longing, a longing to have someone to care for her. She wanted him to do what he just said, but she knew it would never work out. Once the company would be back on its feet, Darien would have his billions and become the most eligible bachelor again. He would once again be loved by women of all types and he would gladly take them to his bedroom. Serena saddened at the thought of this.

"Serena? Is everything alright?" asked Darien softly. 'Damn it Dare! Look what you did, you scared her off. But there's something in her eyes… I can't get a hold of it. What is it Serena? Tell me.'

"Oh, yeah. Sorry. I'm just tired that's all," she said as she tried to smile.

'Something's bothering you Serena. Why don't you tell me?' thought Darien. "Serena, it's getting late and I think we should head home, but I've got a business proposition for you."

Serena perked up at the tone of his voice. 'Business proposition? I hope he's not gonna want anything sexual or something like that… Argh! I knew the womanizing Darien was still in there!' She prepared herself mentally for Darien's sexual proposition, giving him a look that could kill.

"Well… Serena…" started Darien, feeling quite uneasy under her glare. "I'd like to hire you."

"Wh- What?" she said surprised as her eyes opened wider.

"That's right. I'd like to offer you a position as our company's head of public relations."

"Are you kidding?!" she said with much surprise. "I'm not the right person for this kind of thing! I mean I don't have experience in the field, I've never liked talking in front of people, I-"

"Serena, calm down. A few minutes ago, you told me this idea that just popped into your head without any true facts or scientific explanation and you still convinced me to go through with it. You've got talent and you don't even know it. I told you, you have potential."

Serena was flattered by what he was saying, but could she really go through with it? It was a crazy idea and now Darien Shields wants her to convince everyone else that it wasn't some bullshit. "I guess… it wouldn't hurt to try…" she said uneasy.

"Excellent! You'll have to understand that your pay would have to be slightly late due to obvious reasons, but I assure you your salary will eventually reach your hands, given that everything works out as planned."

"Of course, of course," she said. "It's not like I'm in desperate need of money..." 'What did I get myself into??'

"Excuse me? We're going to close soon…" said the same tall Asian man as before.

"Wow! That late! 11 o'clock! Time sure flies!" Darien said while looking at his Rolex.

"Really? We should get going…" said Serena, still dazed from getting a position at Shields Inc.

"Damn it… Andrew didn't even pay for the meal. He can really be forgetful sometimes. I guess I'm gonna have to pay for it."

"Do you believe in karma?" said Serena playfully.

"Ha-ha. Let's get outta here."

--

"So… where are you parked?" asked Serena.

"Well I was parked right here in front of the restaurant, but Andrew was driving and he probably took it back to Mina's place. Damn him. Guess I'm stuck with you," said Darien with a smirk.

Little did Serena know that Darien was actually quite happy staying with her, at her side, the whole ride home. He didn't really mean to damn his best friend, he should in fact be thanking him for such an opportunity. It lead to him being alone with Serena, something he's been longing to do for a long time.

"Oh great. At least I'm sober now. C'mon," she said as she walked towards the Ferrari. Darien quickly followed her light footsteps. "Hop in," she told him.

"I get to see if your skills really have improved since your high school years. Should I be afraid of being in here with you?" said Darien, making fun of her.

"Shut up! You should be afraid. You know why? 'Cause I'm an amazing driver! So amazing, that you'll be too scared to try and show me what YOU can do behind the wheel," she said smugly replying to his comment.

'Oh yes Serena. You are amazing… Cut it out Darien! She's too good for you… Why do I have to be such a scaredy cat? Why can't I just pull one of my legendary Darien lines? I guess 'cause… she's so different. She's changing me…'

At that second, Serena started her car and sped off, the motor rumbling in their ears. "You're scared now aren't you, Darien?" she said laughing and turning on the music to full volume.

"I think I kinda am!" he said screaming over the music. "I think I'm afraid for my life!"

"Prepare for one hell of a ride Darien!!" she screamed.

--

The way home was filled with fun and laughter. For once, the streets of New York didn't have as much traffic as it usually does and Serena was free to drive as she pleased. They spent their time bobbing their heads to the music, while pedestrians looked at them like they were hooligans. Little did they know, that Serena was in a car with the richest man in the city, or at least, he used to be.

As Serena finally pulled to a stop in front of their luxurious home, the valet jumped backwards due to the quickness of her appearing there. Serena was almost glad he almost toppled over. She didn't like this scrawny little guy. He always looked at her funny, like those high school guys who want some time with her 'cause they've never had a girl in their entire life. Except, he was a little weird… He still got the job done and that was all Serena needed to know. "Here ya go. Park it in its usual place Stewart," she said while Darien got out of the car.

"Of c-c-course! Miss Lawrence," he said, fidgeting with her keys.

Serena walked into the apartment building with Darien. Daniel, the host of the building, saw them enter. They were laughing like a newlywed couple, about Stewart apparently, but the most shocking thing was that he actually saw Darien smiling and having fun. 'Zis is most bizarre… 'e always looked so serious. Zis girl must be very special,' he thought to himself.

"Bonsoir, Daniel! Belle nuit vous ne trouvez pas?"

"Évidemment," he replied, smiling at Serena. "'ow are you, Miss Lawrence? In good company I 'ope?"

"Oh yes…" said a smiling Serena. "I didn't know you spoke French," she continued, gently nudging Darien in the ribs.

"It's one of my many talents. There's a lot of things you don't know about me, Serena," said Darien chuckling. "Anyways, anything new for me?" he said turning to Daniel.

"No, Sir. Just ze usual. Money matters…"

"Well then, thank you Daniel, and goodnight," he said, walking away towards the elevators which opened right away at the touch of the up button.

The elevator man stood there and observed them. Even he found that their situation quickly changed in just a couple of days. A few days ago, they were strangers to each other, not knowing that they actually lived two steps away from themselves. And now, it was as if they knew each other since kindergarten. It almost seemed magical.

They walked into the elevator smiling and blushing at each other like giddy little kids. Thirty seconds later, a small shout came from the elevator man. "Pent house!" he said.

"Thank you… Mr.…?" asked Darien.

"Call me, James," he replied quickly.

"Alright. Thanks again, James." The couple walked out the elevator silently, towards Serena's apartment. 'He really has changed. Out of the whole time he's lived here, he never bothered to ask me my name. Ever. I hope he keeps this one,' thought the elevator man to himself.

"What is up with everyone tonight?!" asked an incredulous Darien.

"You felt that too? I felt like everyone was looking at me funny! Even Daniel had a weird look!"

"Maybe there was something in my teeth or on my shirt?" said Darien gesturing for Serena to look at his teeth by shoving his face in front of hers.

"Stop it!" she shrieked, as she pushed his face with one of her hands. "Actually, I think there's something on your shirt!"

"Really? Where?" said a wondering Darien.

"Right there," she said as she pointed to a spot on his shirt only to tap his chin, when he turned to look down at his clothes. "Ha! You fell for the oldest trick in the book!"

"Maybe! But at least I'm not ticklish!" he said trying to tickle her sides. Serena couldn't cover herself up enough and she was being tortured to death by Darien. She was the most ticklish person on earth and somehow Darien knew it.

She was laughing hysterically, until she couldn't take it anymore and just fell to the floor alongside a tired Darien who took a seat beside her in front of her doorstep. "Today was fun Serena. I haven't had fun like that since… since… I can't even remember the last time I had fun."

Serena looked at him with a sympathetic smile. She knew how he felt. She's obviously had her moments with Mina and Amy, but those were different. They usually went shopping and things like that, the typical girlfriend hangouts. Today, was different for her as well.

"Same here, Darien. Same here," she said softly, as she slowly turned to look at his face. 'He's so… perfect.' she thought.

'She's so beautiful, even with her tousled hair and her tired eyes,' he said to himself, trying to keep a mental picture of the woman sitting in front of him. "Serena?…" he said gently.

"Yeah?" she replied, trying not to sound too anxious or hopeful. She ached to hear him say that he was actually starting to like her, or perhaps even love her. But she knew that it was impossible even if some part of her was urging her to try. 'Try what?' she asked herself. 'Love him? That's crazy… Right?' She snapped out of her thoughts when she realized that Darien's gaze was intensely fixated onto her blue eyes, almost as if he could read her soul. He slowly came closer, without breaking the deep eye contact they were sharing at that moment. His fingers brushed hers like the wings of a butterfly sweeping across one's cheek. Before he knew what he was doing or feeling, his hand started to move up her arm, sending chills to her spine and goosebumps to the rest of her body. He caressed the soft skin with the tips of his fingers and he knew that she was the woman that could complete him, his other half. Inches turned to centimeters, centimeters into millimeters, until their faces were so close, that he could smell the soft scent of her perfume. It engulfed him like a spell. 'Could I be in love?' he thought. She was wrapped up in all these confused emotions and feelings, yet everything felt right: his touch, his eyes, his breath… he was the one for her. Was he?

"Darien…" Serena whispered.

"Don't Serena… you'll ruin it…" he said in a sultry tone.

"OMG!! DARIEN!! I thought it was you!" said a voice from Darien's doorstep.

The couple turned around and Darien realized that his worst nightmare was not even close to what was about to happen.

--

Author's notes: Omg! Who is this mystery person? What's going to happen between Darien and Serena? Could this be the end of her career when it hasn't even started? I promise the next chapter will be really interesting!! I hope I'll finish it soon!! Review plz!! Always love those…