CHAPTER 7

Serena woke up at the normal time the next day, and went to work. Serena yawned when she walked into her office. "Good morning Serena!" Molly greeted her as Serena walked past her. "Morning, do I have any calls or messages?" Serena asked. "No you don't, have you had breakfast? Would you like me to buy you something?" Molly asked. Serena gave her a small smile. "I've have some toast this morning, thanks anyway, please tell Ronald to come into my office, thanks," Serena said politely with a small smile as she walked into her room.

KNOCK! KNOCK! "Come in!" Serena said. Ronald opened the door and smiled at Serena. "Good morning Serena!" Ronald greeted her. Serena gave Ronald a small smile. "Good morning, how are you feeling?" Serena asked. Ronald gave Serena a small smile. "I'm a bit nervous, since I've never dealt with such a large client before." Serena smiled. "Don't worry, I know you must be nervous but I have confidence in you, why don't you go and get your things ready and meet me at my car in 10 minutes". Ronald smiled and then nodded.

Serena and Ronald drove to D&D and got there on time. They walked into D&D and walked directly to Darien's office. Susan saw them and said, "Hey you're here again, oh and you've brought a friend of yours. Come with me, Darien is in the meeting room waiting for you, hmmm…I don't think he expected your little friend but that's okay" Serena was starting to feel a little annoyed with the attitude to Sandy had. "Thanks." Serena said politely. Ronald just followed the two into a large meeting room.

Sandy led them into the meeting room, where Darien was sitting on a large leather chair. As soon as they walked in Darien looked up at Serena and gave her a big smile. He was so relieved that she was willing to come, but that was when he realized Ronald was with her. "Good morning, Mr. Shields I'm sorry if we made you wait." Serena said politely. Darien was a little shocked and didn't know how to react for a few minutes. "That's fine…" That was all he could say. Serena turned around to Ronald and introduced him. "This is Ronald Hermes he one of our marketing managers." Ronald smiled at Darien and offered his hand. Darien shook Ronald's hand and gave him a very tight smile. "It's very nice to meet you Mr. Shields." Darien just nodded and replied "Likewise, Sandy why don't you go and get us some coffee." Sandy smiled. "Sure thing! What would you guys like?" Serena chose straight black coffee, while Ronald chose a Latte.

"Well, why don't to get into business as I'm sure Mr. Shield you must be very busy." Serena said professionally placing herself a few seats away from Darien. While Ronald placed himself between Darien and Serena. Darien didn't know how to react he was hoping, he'll be able to talk to Serena one on one. "Sure well, as we talked last…" Serena clapped her hands and gave Darien a fake smile. "Oh before we get into that, I've nearly forgotten, from today onwards, I will be with drawing from your proposal and Ronald here will be taking over." Serena said smiling at Ronald. Ronald smiled back shyly. "It's a pleasure to be able to work with you. I'm quite new to this so I hope I'll be able to help you, Mr. Shields, if there's anything you like to say please don't hesitate to contact me anytime." Ronald said.

Darien could feel his mouth drop open. 'She's withdrawing from this just because of what happened yesterday! OMG!' Serena kept that fake smile on her face, waiting for Darien to say something. "So Ser…Ms. Tsukino you will be withdrawing from this and Ronald will be taking over." Darien asked. Serena nodded. "Yes, unfortunately, I haven't been feeling very well lately so I have decided to withdraw, but don't worry I'm sure Ronald would be able to help with all your needs. I hope you don't mind." Serena said professionally. Darien was starting to feel anger building up inside him. He hated it when she used that professional tone towards him, and the fact that Serena wants to withdraw from working with him just because of what happened yesterday and she wouldn't even give him the chance to explain himself. 'I can't believe it!' Darien thought to himself. He thought for a few seconds and just before he was going to say something, Sandy opened the door and walked in with 2 cups of coffee. Darien took advantage of this and said "Sandy, Ronald will be taking over Serena from now on, why don't you take him outside and show him the information he'll need." Darien said giving Sandy a smile. Sandy rolled her eyes, knowing exactly what he wanted. "Sure, Ronald was it? Come with me." Sandy said turning around. Ronald didn't know what to do, but just stood up and followed Sandy.

As soon as the two were outside, an awkward silence fell upon Serena and Darien. 'Bloody hell, what does he want now!' Serena thought angrily to herself as she crossed her legs. "Can we talk about it?" Darien suddenly said looking at Serena directly in the eye. Serena looked up and stared into Darien's dark blue eyes. She had to blink a few times before she was able to get herself out of her trance. "I'm sorry Mr. Shields what is there to talk about? Because if it is about your marketing proposal, I'm afraid…" Serena began to say before Darien cut her off. "FREAKING HELL SERENA! Would you stop using that fake professional tone with me!" Darien yelled a little louder than he intended to. Serena kept her smile and didn't say anything even though she was about to explode. "I don't get it! So okay something happened between 'us' yesterday, but you don't have to freaking withdraw from working on this project do you!" Darien exclaimed frustrated. Serena took a deep breath. "I'm sorry to have given you the wrong impression Mr. Shields, the reason for my withdrawal has nothing to do with what happened between us yesterday, and we are talking about business right now, I like to keep my private matters…" Darien cut Serena off again. "FUCKING HELL! You make yourself sound so freaking professional but look at what your doing now, you don't want to work with me just cause we made out yesterday, oh yeah that is just so mature and PROFESSIONAL of you!" Darien screamed.

That is it! Serena had had enough of this stupid tantrum Darien was throwing at her just because she didn't want to work with him anymore. 'I can't believe he is so freaking immature, bloody hell!' Serena thought to herself. She abruptly stood up and glared at Darien. "Before you start accusing ME of being unprofessional! I think you should think about what you have done! You freaking pushed yourself on me yesterday! And you called me a fucking COLD BITCH! And then you leave me messages acting as if its all good just cause you said 'sorry' Oh my bloody god! Things don't just happen like that!" Serena yelled on the top of her lungs, leaving herself a little out of breath after yelling at Darien. Darien looked down knowing what Serena was saying was right. "Okay! Now I want to be MORE professional by withdrawing from this project you come again accusing me of more freaking things I haven't done! BLOODY HELL! Grow up! Just because I don't throw myself at you like all those other cheap sluts around you doesn't mean you have the right to throw a bloody tantrum!" Serena continued to yell.

This time it was Darien's turn to stand up. "So what! Running away from problems is your way of being mature! And what the fuck do you see me as? So what it may be true there are heaps of chicks who throw themselves on me, but that doesn't mean I'm that cheap to sleep with them!" Darien screamed back. Serena was getting so annoyed. "I don't freaking care if you sleep with them or not! All I know is you were the one who did the wrong thing, and now just because I don't want to work with you, you're throwing a tantrum like a little 5 year old!" Serena exclaimed crossing her arms across her chest. Darien took a deep breath. "I don't get why you wont even let me explain myself, and you constantly say I accuse you of all these different things, what about you! You make assumptions of me!" Darien retorted glaring at Serena. The two of them continued to stare at each other, neither of them saying anything.

A minute or so went past. "Look! Can we stop being so immature and let's just talk about it…and could I please as you to just listen to what I have to say." Darien said gently walking over to Serena, and placed himself in front of Serena and leaned against the large marble table. Serena sighed before slowly looking at Darien's straight in the eye. "Just say it" she whispered.

"Look…I…I...didn't mean to push myself on you and force you to make out with me…I was just too pissed because we had a really good night before and we chatted and stuff, then the net day you totally change back to that 'bitch' you can be…"

When he said the word Darien, Serena glared at him but said nothing.

"I was just really upset, because I find you really attractive and I wanted to ask you out on a date so we could get to know each other more…but then you turn such a cold shoulder on me…I got so pissed that I kissed you…" Darien sighed after finishing.

Serena felt a blush rising to her cheek as Darien continued speaking.

She let out a little gasp once he was done, and placed her left hand over her mouth, she didn't know how to react she wasn't good with these situations.

"Um…I…um…I-" Before Serena could get anything out; Darien had covered her mouth with his and kissed her.

This kiss was different than the one they shared yesterday, the kiss today wasn't full of passion or lust or anger, this kiss was full of sweetness and even love…Serena's eyes were wide open, but slowly she closed her eyes and responded to the kiss. The kiss soon ended, leaving them both slightly out of breathe.
Darien leaned his head on Serena's forehead, and gave her a lop-sided grin. Serena blushed.

"What…Why…" Serena started to say but Darien stopped her.

"Because I like you," Darien said looking Serena in the eye.

Serena stared straight into Darien's eyes and was lost for words.

"You what?" Serena asked in disbelief, she could feel her heart beating so fast.
Darien chuckled.

"Well…that's the most unromantic and touched answer I've ever gotten from a chick."
Serena blinked for a few times, then everything that just happened began to register in her mind.
Serena immediately pushed Darien off her, stood up and grabbed her things to leave.

'I can't believe it! I just let that wanker kiss me again! And then he thinks he can sweet talk me by telling me he likes me what the hell, he's probably told a million girls the same thing before!' Serena thought angrily to herself.

It took Darien a few moments to get everything into place, a few seconds ago Serena was next to him, then a few minutes later, she pushes him off and is about to go.

Darien rushed up to Serena and grabbed her arm and turned her around roughly.

"What the hell? Why are you leaving?" Darien asked irritated.

Serena lifted her hand to slap Darien but refrained herself, as they were in his office and she didn't want to make a big deal out of it.

Serena glared at Darien with icy eyes.

"What does it freaking look like to you? You freaking kissed me again then tell me you like me, then two seconds later you pretty much tell me you've told half a million girls the same thing before! DARIEN SHIELDS! I am not one of your whores! I don't sleep around! I don't do casual things and I personally don't think I need a man so quit treating me like one of your bitches, cause sweet talking wont work!!!" Serena hissed turning around to walk away.

Darien places his arms firmly around Serena's waist and prevented her from walking away.

Serena opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it slowly as she stared into Darien's midnight blue eyes.
Darien stared back at Serena's eyes and sighed.

"Serena…You've got it all wrong…"
Serena rolled her eyes and let out a fake laugh.

"Got it all wrong? What the hell? What have I got wro…" Darien cut her off.

"Serena, it's true I wont and can't deny the fact that I am a player, I have one night stands, I sometimes…play with women's feelings…but your different…I feel different towards you…I don't want to just get you into bed and then leave the next day and never see you again…your special towards me…I want to get to know you…" Darien said looking at Serena's face and touched her cheeks with his thumb gently.

Serena blinked a few times to let everything he said to her sink in, everything was just happening way too fast, first the fight, the kiss and now this so kind of make up, what the!
"Quit it! It's part of the plan isn't it? Cause I'm not as easy as the other chicks you decide to play all nice and think you'll be able to make me want to be with you!" Serena said looking away.

"Serena…" Darien said gently. "Look at me…"
Serena refused and kept staring at the carpet and trying to occupy herself by figuring out if the colour of the carpet was sea blue or turquoise.

Darien moved his other arm from Serena's waist and cupped her face, gently turning her to face and look at him.

Serena's breathe shortened. 'He's so hot!' She thought to herself.

"I'm serious Serena…I know you don't believe me and I'm not going to make you, but I'm serious I've never been this serious about anyone. I know every things been happening to fast and your confused and don't know what you want to do and stuff like that. I get it. Look even I'm a little confused and stuff, but no matter what…I want you to know…I am SERIOUS and I want to get to know you better and I don't just want you in bed…" Darien said never taking his hands or eyes off Serena.

Serena didn't know how to react, a part of her constantly told her to get away form him as soon as possible because he was just toying with her feelings, but then the other part of her tells her to believe him.

A few moments past, Darien's hands and eyes were still on Serena.

"Could you at least give me the chance to get to know you? And maybe you could get to know me as well?" Darien whispered.
Serena wanted to tear her eyes away from Darien's intoxicating eyes, but she couldn't she didn't know why even though her inner thoughts were contradicting each other. Some how deep down, in her heart she felt like she could trust him and what he was saying to her was true.

Serena sighed then whispered "I don't want to be hurt…I…"
Darien cut her off again. "You wont be hurt…I promise I will never do anything to hurt you…why don't we just take things slow, we'll go on a date and we'll get to know each other."
Serena took a deep breath and then sighed.

"I…I…Don…"
"Please…one date…" Darien pleaded.

Serena wanted to refuse but she couldn't, she just couldn't, she couldn't even possible explain her feelings and why she couldn't, but she just couldn't say no to him. He had the affect of making her irrational.

"Okay…" Serena whispered nearly inaudibly but Darien heard it nonetheless.

Darien was so overjoyed her wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off her feet then twisted her around in the air.
Serena gasped, she didn't expect him to react like that. Darien acted like a little child who got the Christmas present they had wanted for a long time.

Knock...Knock…

Darien and Serena were immediately startled; he gently placed Serena back on her feet and then smiled sheepishly at her. Darien then leaned his head on her Serena's forehead again and then breathed. Serena got feel his breathe on her lips, which made her want to kiss him, but of course she stopped herself.
"Sorry bout that…so we're good on a date?" Darien asked a little worried that she'll take back what she said.
Serena thought about it for a moment then nodded.

"GREAT! So how does Friday night sound? I'll come pick you up at 7?" Darien exclaimed grinning.

Serena couldn't suppress a smile. 'He's so excited' she thought to herself.

"I guess it's okay…" Serena replied glancing at the door and then slowly moved away from Darien and slowly walked to open the door.

Sandy and Ronald were standing in front of them, while Ronald had a few large files under his arms.

"What took so long?!?" Sandy asked annoyed.

Serena immediately blushed, while Darien walked over to them.
"Nothing Serena and I were talking about how she's gonna continue working on our project along with Ronald right Serena?" Darien asked not being able to wipe off that grin on his face.

Serena groaned 'why did he have to say that!?!'

"Yeah I guess, as long as it's okay with Ronald as I said I was going to let him handle this project alone." Serena said with her fake professional smile.

Ronald let out a large breath he didn't know he was holding. "Of course that's okay! I'm so relieved now! Since this would be the first project that I have to be in charge of so many things, it'll be great if Serena you'll be there to help me." Ronald said with a big smile.
Serena suppressed a groan and gave everyone in the room a large professional smile and then said "well I guess that's all set, Ronald and I should probably get back to our office, sorry to have taken so long and thanks for seeing us Darien, Sandy." Serena said sticking out her hand at Darien.

"Oh yes! Thank you so much! Mr. Shields and Sandy!" Ronald said quickly.

Darien took Serena's hand and gave it a small squeeze before letting go, couldn't help but chuckled, he loved the fact that Serena could flick a switch and be back into her 'professional' and 'cold' self.
"The pleasures all mine, Serena." Darien said grinning.

Serena ignored the fact that he was grinning and began to walk out.

"Oh don't forget about Friday!!!" Darien yelled out as Serena began disappearing around the corner.

Serena immediately turned beetroot and just pretended as if she did not hear that.

Ronald turned his head to the side a little confused to what Darien just said.

"Serena…what's on Friday? Is it another meeting we're having? What do I need to do to prepare for it?" Ronald asked getting nervous.

Serena looked at Ronald then sighed.

"Oh no…just some party I was going to and he was going to be there as well…" Serena tried to lie but miserably failed. Ronald immediately knew Serena was lying but decided to leave it.

"You know Serena…I think Mr. Shields and you would make a great couple." Ronald said flashing his pearl white teeth at Serena in a big grin.

Serena could feel her cheeks redden again.

"I definitely don't think so! Now Ronald we've really gotta get a move on with this project along with the other ones we have understood?" Serena said trying to change the subject.
Ronald chuckled before shaking his head and then said, "Yes ma'am"

Once Serena and Ronald were out, Sandy immediately crossed her arms in front of her chest and glared at Darien. "Spill! What happened? What's going on Friday?" Sandy asked both excitedly and slightly annoyed, since she had just bee spending more than 20 minutes with Ronald and listening to him explaining why he was so nervous and how he's close to having a mental break down over this project.
Darien didn't say anything as he couldn't he was she was saying, he was too busy staring at the door with a big goofy grin on his face.
"Geez" Sandy mumbled as she waved her right hand in front of his face trying to get his attention.

"What did you say?" Darien asked a little confused.
Sandy rolled her eyes.

"I said what's going on with you and miss Blondie Serena Tsukino and what's going on Friday?"

Darien chuckled. "Oh that…" he began to say with a grin forming on his lips again.

Sandy sighed.

"Geez you've got it bad you seem to really like her… Dare…"

Darien nodded. "I think I do too… I asked her out on a date on Friday and she said yes…so let's hope it all goes according to plan." Darien still grinning, he's been grinning since Serena agreed to go on a date with him.

Sandy laughed.

"Finally Cuz! It's taking you forever! Well done! That's my boy!" Sandy exclaimed patting Darien on the shoulder.

Darien kept grinning and nodded his head.

"But bro if your serious about her, then you've gotta think hard how to impress her, the usual flowers and chocolate wont work on her, since she knows your type and she wont buy it so easily." Sandy said looking at her freshly manicured fingernails.

Darien immediately turned to face Sandy and glared at her. "What do you mean my type!"

Sandy rolled her eyes. "dude come on don't play dumb, you know what I mean, you're a player face it, regardless of if you want to stop being a playboy now it doesn't matter, the fact that you were a player is stuck in her mind, and she will think everything you to is an act. So if you really like her and want to be with her, then you've really gotta think of some special places and things to say to her and preferably something that you've never done or said before would be the best.
Darien sighed, he was really interested about going out on a date with Serena, but now he was worried… where was he going to take her? What kind of things does she likes?
Sandy rolled her eyes again, when she saw her cousin become all worried. "Look cuz don't worry I'm sure you'll find someone and as long as your serious about her and it's not a fling then I'm sure she'll see that some day….or maybe she already knows, so not to worry it's all good." Sandy said trying to comfort Darien but that only seemed to make things worse as he frowned still trying to find places in which he could take her.
"I was going to take her to that restaurant that I went with Rachael last week but I think that's too common and normal…what should I do Sandy?!?!" Darien asked getting more and more worried each second.

Sandy placed her hand on Darien's shoulder and gave it a little squeeze.

"Don't worry, just think of a place that you've never been before and you would love to go with her." Sandy smiled.

Darien groaned "That's easier said than done…"
Sandy sighed. "Anyways, cuz take it easy, I've got dinner with Daniel now so buh-bye!!!" Sandy said turning around swiftly and walked out his room.

"Sandy!!! Sandy!!!" Darien yelled but Sandy had walked away and wasn't going to come back.