Since our last chapter Serena had decided that she needed to take up the offer that was given to her in order for her to be far away from Darien.

Mean while Darien is trying to continue living his life all the while stuck on Serena and trying desperately to put her out of his mind

This chapter picks up One week after their meeting in the park

Chapter seven:

Darien was overlooking his paperwork when his lawyer and close friend kunzite walked in.

"Hey there! Looks like your busy this morning?"

Darien looked up to his close ally… "Just catching up on some final details about the merger before I hand over my life".. he chuckled out

Kunzite sat at the chair that was in front of Darien's desk and set down a cup of coffee for his friend and opened a newspaper and started to read it

Darien looked up with wide eyes to see the front cover. He leaped up over his desk and grabbed it out of his friend's hand… "Let me see that!"…

Kunzite looked confused and then saw the page that Darien was looking at and saw the whole demeanor of Darien change. He was calm and inquisitive…

"What's with you and this girl that has everyone talking?"

Darien looked at his friend.. "What are you talking about?"

"apparently Setsuna's been up in arms to her receptionist about some girl and about your latest behavior changes."

Darien sat in his chair and looked at the front page… "Setsuna is busy planning her wedding"

"… "HER" wedding HUH?".. Kunzite smirked out

Darien only eyed him and then went back to reading the front cover, it explained that Serena had recently been signed.. 'guess she took their offer', Darien mentally noted but starred at the cover in distaste, It was of Serena arm and arm with Seiya at a charity event ; Darien secretly cursing the man on her arm… knowing his character…

"She's just an old friend Kunzite. I don't know why everyone can't understand that."… it was Darien's only defense and a weak on at that

Kunzite only smiled... "I'm sure."

Darien rolled his eyes at his lawyer and placed down the paper he so desperately grabbed from kunzite… "Well in any case I know that whatever was will never be and what I have to worry about now is the stability of the company. "

Kunzite felt a little remorse for Darien's statement. The man practically worked day and night in America and since he had returned to Japan, Darien's staff noticed that there was a man that lived inside of his skin, not a machine that was incapable of emotions

"Well if she's responsible for the recent change in your personality I don't think people are going to murder her for it."…

Darien looked at him… "What is it with everyone and saying that I've "changed"…?"

Kunzite only laughed.. "Really Darien?"… When he saw the Darien was really clueless he leaned forward a bit… "With all due respect but someone removed the stick that was lodged in your…"

Before Kunzite could finish his statement the door to Darien's office swung open and both men looked toward the door at their unexpected visitor

Darien stood.. "Good Morning Umnio."

Umino straightened his jacket and his glasses on his face… "I'm sorry Darien for the intrusion but I thought that Setsuna would be in here. When you see her can you please inform her that I am looking for her and that it is very important."

Darien was worried. Umino was usually calm and together but he had barged into the office in a wreck and looked highly upset.

"I will let her know if I see her today."

With that comment Umino walked out of the office and Dairen only shrugged his shoulders at his friend… "I don't know what that was about but as far as you last statement."… Darien looked at Kunzite with piercing eyes… "PLEASE DON'T FINISH"

Kunzite only laughed… "Well I think you get my point anyways but please call me when you finish overlooking those documents and get them to me so I can finalize any last minute details.".. Kunzite went to turn to leave but turned back around…"I almost forgot..."

He handed Darien and envelope… "We're invited to a charity event at the hospital tonight. These are the tickets and it's a black tie affair…SOOO Dress nice…. And bring your check book."

Darien nodded and he watched as his friend left his office and then went back to work but the paper with her face on it starred at him.

He looked at her every detail and wondered if she had ever thought about him like he had been thinking about her. He let out a loud sigh and threw the paper to the other side of the desk and laid his head down on the hard surface... 'Darien what are you thinking, you're getting married soon'

Darien looked at the tickets that were in the envelope and decided that it would be good for him to go and try to put his mind on other things other than Serena

On the other side of town:

Serena was diligently getting ready at her place with Mina and Lita

"Seriously I'm not taking no for answer little one".. Mina yelled out to Serena who was in the bathroom

"WHY CAN"T I WEAR WHAT I WANT!".. Serena yelled back at her twin

"BECAUSE…".. Mina snickered… "A date with Serena the new and upcoming talent should rack in some good dough for the benefit tonight but not if your wearing jeans and a tee- shirt!"… Mina purred out

Serena finally emerged from her bathroom wearing a short fitted black satin dress

"Mina this leaves nothing to the imagination. I'm not trying to give the wrong impression; this is for a benefit for goodness sake"

Mina strolled over to her friend and swiftly untied Serena's hair that fell down around her like golden spun yarn….

"REALLY MINA IM NOT YOUR BARBIE"… Serena crossed her arms while Mina examined her outfit

"Looks good! The only thing left is makeup and shoes but that's covered so Me and Lita will go get ready !"…

Serena shrugged her arms and rolled her eyes… "Fine.. I just hope this night goes by quick and I don't end up on a date with an 80 year old man."… Serena muttered out

Mina was snickering silently because in her head she was scheming and she knew that there was a certain someone that was going to be there. A certain man that she just knew Serena was in love with and they just needed the perfect situation for them to be put in for their love to blossom… 'Watch out Darien shields because tonight the Goddess of love is on your side'… she mentally thought

oooOOOooo

Darien sat silently in the Limo with Kunzite who was smirking at Darien as he watched Darien sit next to Setsuna. Kunzite eyed Darien's posture and pose with Setsuna, it was like they were playing a role for one another…

"I hope that you don't mind Setsuna that this is a fundraising benefit, I hear that the hospital came up with a very unique theme."... Kunzite asked the tense women

Setsuna only smiled... "I hope so. I don't want to be bored all night."

At that comment they arrived at the hospital and were shocked to see a crowd and cameras. It looked like the entrance of a Hollywood premiere… "I take this is the unique theme kunzite?".. Setsuna smirked at Kunzite

"We'll see."…Kunzite smirked back but he knew the real theme

At that the trio exited there limo and were escorted down a red carpet with flashing lights and people yelling and Darien secretly thought about if this was how Serena would always be greeted… 'she deserves this'.. Darien smiled and relaxed his shoulders

Kunzite saw the new beam that Darien was letting out and kunzite nudged him… "Your thinking about her.. ", he whispered to his friend

Darien looked at him with big eyes and straightened his stance.. "I was thinking that this is a nice change.."… Darien bantered out and walked faster towards the door

Once inside Darien was greeted and the trio mingled and socialized with the people then a man came on stage to announce the night's engagement

ON stage in the back stood a nervous Serena… "I can't believe I let you talk me into this Mina."

Mina only giggled… "It's for Reika too!"

Serena looked back.. "I can't believe she talked all of you into this too.".. Serena eyeballed all her friends who stood there… "Who's working today at the lounge anyways if you're all here?"

Raye came and put her hands on her friend's shoulders "Calm down Andrew closed for the night"

Serena's eyes went big.. "WHAT?"

Serena was about to walk away when she heard a loud applause and saw a parade of women start to walk out onto the stage…

"Serena we're starting…. just except that you're doing this weather you want to or not."… Mina shoved Serena to walk forward

Serena just huffed and decided that if this was where she was going to be then fine… "FINE MINA… but just remember that when I kick your ass later you asked for it!"

Serena took her place in line, hand on her hip, and walked out, each women receiving a number so that their perspective dates would know who to bid on… she felt cheap but determined… 'its charity Serena', she mentally comforted herself

Outside Darien was arm and arm with Setsuna when he saw a familiar trio walk into the benefit….

Before Darien could even utter a word of annoyance the one man he was starting to hate the most was in front of him with his hand stretched out

"AH! Darien Shields… Waiter by day, Millionaire by night… it's nice to see you again."

Darien shook the man's hand… "Good to see you again too Seyia."… Darien muttered between gritted teeth, even when he shook the man's hand, Darien could have sworn that his skin was touched by fire

" Setsuna the lovely bride to be I hear from Serena.".. Seiya purred out while taking her hand and kissing it

Darien suddenly felt his skin grow pale at the mention of Serena's name coming out of Seiya's mouth… 'She talks to him ?'… Darien thought

At the sudden sound of loud applause the two dueling males brought their attention to the front of the stage and Seiya rubbed his hands together

"This should be interesting."… was the comment out of Seiya's mouth

"This is a charity benefit Seiya…" Darien retorted

Seiya turned to Darien with a smirk glimmer in his eyes… "Ah, but I am the one who will benefit once I win a date with Serena."

Darien's face grew dark and Seiya saw the jealous and confused look in Darien's eyes…

"Darien didn't Serena tell you?... Probably not… but she's going to be auctioned off to the highest bidder for a one night date and I plan on being that person."

'An auction? What kind of charity event would auction off people?"… Darien so bitterly thought

At that the room went dark and the stage was illuminated and the curtains were opened to reveal a line of lovely women and Darien's eyes roamed till he saw her there.. 'Sere…'… Darien's body incoherently taking over, stepping forward slightly but was gently held back by kunzite

"I'll take care of this.".. Kunzite whispered to Darien with Authority and charm

Darien eyed his friend and slightly nodded. Darien turned to Setusna.. "Were leaving."

Setsuna looked at him suspiciously and then to the stage where she noticed Serena… "Why is that when she's in a room with you… your whole life has to change direction?"… Setsuna bitterly barked out

Darien eyed her again.. "Were leaving and that's final."

With that the couple exited the event with Seiya left in a cunningly wicked smile and Kunzite eyeing the man and eyeing the women that it seemed had captured the heart of his most trusted friend

Darien escorted Setsuna to the Limo and placed her inside and asked the driver to take her home

"Setsuna get in the car"

She looked at him… "Aren't you coming?"… her statement covered in sarcasm

"I have to go and make sure that jerk stays away from Serena."

Setsuna only smiled.. "Serves her right. Only a woman with no morals would volunteer to be any mans play toy", She barked out bitterly

Darien already furious was now at his breaking point.. "Serena won't be any mans anything. NOW get in the car." But all the while Darien hadn't noticed the jealous possessiveness of his voice

"And why would that be Darien Shield? You are an engaged man who shouldn't concern himself with the affairs of another women. I would be careful Darien Shield because remember nothing is finalized until were married."

At that comment Setsuna entered into the waiting car and the driver drove away

Darien was left standing there amazed at her audacity to hold his future over his head like that but also flustered at himself for letting his emotions get so possessive of Serena in front of Setsuna

One thing was for sure and that was that Darien still wouldn't let Seiya have Serena. The thought made Darien furious again at Serena 'why would she put herself in such a situation, with so many perverts out there. Who Know who could try something.." Darien was madly thinking while rushing back into the benefit

"Well ladies and gentlemen seems our night has almost come to a close but we have one more lovely lady. Her name is Serena and she was recently signed to Starlight Records. She is hoping that there is a generous fellow out there who would lay out his wallet for a charitable cause and receive the prize of a one night date with her."

Serena walked on stage and the women went into quite chatter. She was beautiful and all the men and women in the room could tell

The announcer came back on to get the attention of the room

"We will start the bid at 20,000"

5 bids went up and Darien eyed Kunzite

"25,000", kunzite bellowed

Seiya looked at the man who raised the amount and eyed his completion up and down.. "35,000".. Seiya countered

The man onstage asking anyone else… "Going ONCE… GOING TWICE"

Kunzite eyes Darien to see if he should go higher and Darien nodded

" 45,000" Kunzite countered again

Serena was getting nervous ' who are these two guys?.. the lights on stage were too bright to see anyone on the floor

Then "50,000" was furious shouted by Seiya and the crowd clapped and cheered. It was the highest bid all night

The man on stage was ready to close the offer but Darien couldn't bear the thought and before Kunzite could utter a word to counter the bid Darien shouted… "80,000"

Now both Kunzite and Seiya stared at Darien. Kunzite shocked at his ultra conservative friend lose his cool and Seiya finally getting to see his threat on Serena really affected Darien and it only made Seiya bid higher… "90,000"

The crowd was speechless looking at the two men , who now resembled high school boys fighting

Darien only stared at Seiya and could tell that Seiya was up to his last dollar. Darien who did this for a living in out bidding people smirked… he had Seiya… " One Million for a Date with the Lovely Serena."

Seiya knew he could go no higher and walked away and the crowd clapped and the lights flew on and Serena nervously scanned the room only to see it was Darien who had won her.

She feverously walked off stage with the crowd shaking Darien's hand. Kunzite eyes Darien, who singled him to go after Serena

Serena stormed off back stage 'who does he think he is? MR BIG SHOT MILLIONARE….URG! The man just crawls under my skin…

While Serena was busy bashing Darien in her head she never saw Kunzite waiting for her at the end of the hall way

He gripped her shoulder to get her attention before letting go and she nearly jumped up and screamed but bite back… "WHAT THE HELL MAN. You can't go around grabbing people. Who are you and what are you doing back stage?"

Kunzite smiled… she was a spitfire in all of her rage

"HEY!"… Serena waived her hand in his face… "I'm talking to you."… When Serena saw that he only smiled at her she grew nervous… "Hey, I'll scream if you try anything. So I think It would be best if you leave."

Seeing that he had made her nervous Kunzite bowed… "Please accept my apology but I am here to make sure that you arrive safely to an awaiting limo."

Serena eyed him… "Whose limo?"

"Mr. Shields had requested to have your date tonight. He is waiting for you."

The sound of his name so formalized made Serena livid… "DARIEN SENT YOU?"… Serena Shrieked out with her hands tightly held to her sides in fist… "Well tell "MR. SHILEDS" that he can have his money back because he nothing but a…"… Serena searched for the word… "BUT A BAKA!" and she stormed passed Kunzite toward the exit and kunzite was quite amused

"I've never heard anyone put it so gracefully perfect.", Kunzite remarked to her back and Serena paused and turned back and looked at the man sent to "retrieve" her

"what's you name anyways?"… She demanded

"Kunzite."

"Listen Kunzite tell Darien that he can't buy back friendship."

Kunzite smiled… "I'll leave you to tell him that."

Serena was confused but only because she never saw Darien enter the exit door and Darien heard her comment and it hurt him to think that was her opinion

Kunzite bowed and left and Serena was about to call to him but was met with a light tap on the shoulder, only this time she yelled and when she turned on impulse she slapped Darien

The sound echoed and Kunzite smiled widely knowing exactly what happened

"What the HELL SERENA!"… Darien held his face in his hand

Serena only covered her mouth in shock at her reaction. But then she remembered that she HATED HIM right now 'he deserved worse!' she mentally noted

"You're lucky I didn't knee you where is hurts. You know YOU HAVE SOME NERVE."

Darien smiled a little, he loved it when she was mad, her face in a furious pink and her eyes in a passionate heat…. "I was only protecting you Serena. What the hell do you think you were doing up there. Prancing around in this outfit."

Serena was shocked… "PRANCING?PROTECTING?... That's the lamest excuse if I've ever heard one. How dare you even bid on me when your"… Serena chocked back the word with tears ready to spill forth… "When you're engaged to be married…".. she finally said in a weakened voice of defeat while hitting Darien in the chest with her fist.

Her tears now fully falling Darien only pulled her into a hug… "Serena please stop "… he whispered out through wincing pains

Serena did stop… being in his arms only made her tears fall more… "Why are you doing this to me?", she managed to slightly sob out

Darien gently took her shoulders and pulled her back to look into her eyes … "I was only trying to protect you…"

Serena stared at him and knew that his statement was true… "From who Darien? This is a benefit. These people came out for Charity."

Darien placed his hand behind his head nervously seeking a counter argument… "I don't like that Seiya guy Serena… He's no Good… Please Serena listen."

Serena suddenly broke out in a chuckle and Darien grew concerned her had pushed her to far

" Don't tell me Darien…"…She paused to catch her breath from laughing holding her stomach … " Seiya was the other bidder?"… She asked but before Darien could answer she replied… "NO don't answer that question because I already know the answer…"

Serena's laughter left her and she sternly looked into Darien's eyes… "You don't even know Seiya to judge him. He is doing everything he can to get my songs recorded. But you Darien"… her face became amused in anger and tears silently falling from her eyes… " Your doing everything you can to just break my heart again."

Darien's heart shattered in her tears and his stomach felt sick at her comment. Her eyes bore a pain that he couldn't bare to see… "Sere…"

"NO Darien stop Already!... You've been back for only a few weeks and you've managed to turn my world upside down again. You can't just come back and play protector. I'm not fourteen anymore…" she paused and closed her eyes … "You have a fiancé to protect now."

At that Serena walked passed Darien out the exit and Darien heard her start to sob before she exited. The heartbreak in her eyes was too much for him to bare and to know that it was him that put it there… 'I'm sorry sere…."… he felt the tear fall from his eye and hit his hand… 'I am a baka'

To be continued…..

I LOVE REVIEWS YES I DO… I LOVE REVIEWS ECSPECIALLY FROM YOU! You know you want to… SO LEAVE IT… LEAVE IT…. Till next chapter