Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is owned by Naoko Taekuchi.


"Serena, you gotta eat something." Mina said to her friend as she handed her a cup of tea.

"Maybe later." Serena was still wearing her work clothes in her haste to get away from her apartment. Fortunately, she kept an overnight bag in her car. A habit that she and her friends had formed since their college days for impromptu sleepovers or slumber parties.

Mina sighed. "Okay. I'll make sure that you do. Remember, you're eating for two now. Under normal circumstances that thought should've cheered you up."

Serena smiled. "Is Jamie asleep?"

"I don't think so. Andrew's still in there with him." Mina gestured with her head towards the baby room in the hall.

"Mina," Serena put the cup on the coffee table. "I'm really sorry for the trouble. I kinda just panicked."

"Don't be silly. Who in their right mind wouldn't have freaked out if that happened to them? In your condition no less."

"I—"

A sharp rap on the door cut off her reply. Mina held up her finger and got up to answer the door.

"Where is she?"

Serena whipped her head from where she sat on the couch at the Roberts home and saw Darien at the door. She placed the cup of tea on the coffee table and stood up to face him.

"What are you doing here?"

"Are you okay?" Before she knew it his hands were on her shoulders, his eyes full of concern looking at down at her.

"Uh… yeah." She sat down slowly, breaking the physical contact between them.

"I came here as fast as I could." He said to her, sitting on the coffee table so that he was still facing her.

"You didn't have to. I'm fine." He reached for her cup just as she was leaning towards it, and passed it to her. She felt as if electricity passed between them when their fingers brushed and she kept her eyes on her tea.

"You guys," said Mina. "I'll go check on Jamie and tell Andrew you're here."

"You don't look fine."

Serena felt his eyes going over her, making her even more nervous. "I'm still just a bit shaken up." She took a sip of her tea hoping the supposed effect of calming her down would work sooner.

"Have you called the cops?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"It's not that serious. I just panicked and overreacted."

"Are you freakin' kidding me?" Darien's voice rose.

"The citizens of this city don't always appreciate what we do. Sometimes they get a little… overzealous over it."

"Oh. Then those overzealous citizens throwing rocks at your window on the fourth floor is a regular occurrence? Your landlord must adore you."

She frowned, but fought to keep her cool. "That was a first. I'm sure they'll get tired since it's a lost cause anyway."

"What are you waiting for," Darien stood up. "Spray-painted graffiti on your living room walls?"

"Hey," Andrew came up to them, his voice low. "Sorry, but can you keep it down?"

"Sorry, Andrew." Darien let out a sigh and sat down on the couch beside Serena, running his hands through his hair. She then had the impulse to run her hands through his hair that seemed so soft to touch, as it looked like he had just recently showered. The smell of his cologne overwhelming her senses. She also noticed that the two top buttons of his plaid shirt were undone revealing a smooth and muscular chest. She berated herself inwardly for the train her thoughts were going that she took a big sip of her tea, burning her tongue in the process.

"Look," Darien began again, his voice softer. "We've go to do something. It was a sensible thing you did coming over here right away. You can call your landlord and tell him you're not coming back—"

"What?" She turned to face him. "No. I need to go back there—"

"Don't be stupid." He hissed. "They're probably watching your every move now."

She scowled. "So what difference does it make if I stay here or there?"

"At least here you'll have company."

"And have them scaring Mina and her family too? No. I'd rather go back home and face what—whoever they are."

"Do you hear yourself? This isn't just about you. It also concerns the safety of the baby."

She swallowed and her hands crept over to her belly. "I can't stay here. I don't want them involved in this too."

"Then you can stay with me."

"Wha—No way!"

"Why not?"

She tried to shake off the images of the night they spent together from her mind. Inwardly she cursed over and over again the hormones she was sure were triggering such thoughts and sensations she was now feeling.

"Well?" He prodded. "It's perfect. Our building has security and is much nearer to your office."

Her mind ran through all the people she could possibly bunk with, and she was sure that they'd be more than willing to take her in: her friends, her family. However, just like Mina and her family, she didn't want them involved in whatever situation she was in now.

"I'll think about it."

"Serena…"

"I said," she cut him off. "I'll think about it. Now, if you don't mind, I'm tired. I have an early meeting tomorrow."


Not wanting to miss the appointment Serena had set with Greg despite the previous night's episode, Serena went to meet them as planned. But instead of Uncle Ben's, they met for brunch at the Crown Arcade. Between Darien and Andrew, and Mina included, they were not about to let Serena out of their sight after what just happened. At the moment, Andrew was doing bodyguard duty as he manned the counter while Mina was with Jamie upstairs.

"Serena Chambers, meet Nicholas Carvey." Greg gestured to the man standing beside him.

"Please, call me Nick."

Serena took the offered hand. "Nice to meet you, Nick. And thanks for coming."

"My pleasure."

Greg hadn't told her where this man had flown in from, but she assumed that it must have been somewhere warm and sunny, like Hawaii or Bora Bora because of his tanned complexion. He was wearing a light colored loose button up shirt and beige linen pants. On his feet were worn topsiders, and he wore a necklace made of beads and leather that looked like it had been made by an ethnic tribe.

Both men took their seats opposite Serena, as she and Greg took out the plans that they were to go over for the restoration of Rayvern Park.


Saturday afternoon. After arguing with Mina, and then later on with Darien over the phone, Serena drove back to her apartment with Andrew following her on his own car. It was the only arrangement that all of her friends including Raye, Amy, and Lita agreed on. That someone had to accompany her home, and she agreed for Andrew to do it before Darien could offer. She wanted to keep as much distance between them as possible.

"Give me the keys," Andrew held out his hand to her when they reached her door.

"Seriously?" She deadpanned but handed him the keys.

"I don't want to do anything that's less than expected of me," he told her as he opened the door. "Not when I have to face Da…" He turned back to her not moving from the doorway.

"What?"

"Did you call for a weekend paint job?"

She frowned and pushed him aside to let herself in. Her jaw dropped when she saw the words, "bitch!", "noser", "hypocrite", "get out of our town" among others spray painted in different colors on her walls.

"Shall I call Darien to ready your room?"


Darien got to her apartment in half the time that was considered the allowed speed limit. Without much resistance on her part, the two men started to load her stuff into boxes that Darien brought with him and carrying them off to Darien and Serena's cars. She then arranged with the landlord to pay for the damages done to her unit. She felt nostalgic as she carried the bag down, the only thing that the guys allowed her to carry because of her condition. She was leaving her first apartment of four years. Her first home after independence.

"I'm really sorry to see you go, Serena." Serena's 67 year-old balding landlord told her. "If there's anything I can do…"

She smiled and shook her head. "It's okay, Mr. Mecinski. I feel bad about the damage done to the property."

The older man waved a hand. "That's nothing compared to the headaches the other tenants have given me over the years. I wish all of them were like you."

The two exchanged hugs before Serena walked over to her car. Beside it was Darien's Volvo. Andrew was inside his and talking to someone on his cellphone, probably Mina."

"Ready to go?" Darien asked, standing by the open driver's door.

She sighed and looked up at her broken windows. "No."

"It'll be alright. Sometimes change is better."

She looked at him for a moment, and then quietly went inside her car.


"I haven't prepared the other room yet." Darien said as he placed the last box in the foyer of his apartment. He told Andrew to go on home and that he could manage to bring Serena's stuff in his place with the help of the maintenance people in the building. "So it's good that you brought in your sheets. We can get new ones tomorrow."

"Don't worry about it. This is just a temporary arrangement after all. I'll move out as soon as I find a new place." She felt a little out of place as she observed the spacious and elegant interior of Darien's condo unit. Truth be told, she really couldn't remember much about the time she was last here. That time, they had headed straight for his bedroom and it was dark. And in her haste to go out while he was still asleep, she didn't really took much notice on anything else except for where the front door was.

"You do know why we're doing this, right?"

She picked up one of the boxes and carried it to the room she was to stay in.

"It's not about finding a new place." Darien followed her, carrying one of the heavier boxes. "It's about being in a secure place."

She signed exasperatedly. "Fine. As soon as this whole mess gets settled then."

"By the way," Serena said as she picked through her Chinese takeout box with her chopsticks. "You haven't told me how much it's gonna cost me to stay here."

They were seated on the bar stools in the kitchen counter where there were several opened takeout boxes. It had taken Serena almost three hours settling into her new room.

"Because it's not," Darien replied.

"I insist. I don't want you bringing it up when we fight."

He raised an eyebrow quizzically at her and put down his box.

"Let's face it," she went on. "We fight. And sometimes it gets ugly. I don't want you bringing this up, telling me that I'm taking advantage of our situation or something like that.

He sighed and reached for a canned soda drink nearby. "No matter what I do, you'll always think of me as the lowest form of human being."

She swallowed and averted her eyes. "I… I didn't mean it like that."

"How else could you have meant it." He let out a breath and picked up the discarded box. "Anyway, even if you insist, I can't charge you rent. It wouldn't be fair since I don't pay rent for this place."

Her eyebrows furrowed. "As in you own the place?"

"Nope. This is a perk, provided for by Crane—including my car and petrol allowance."

"You don't pay for anything at all?" Her eyes widened.

He shook his head, smiling lightly at her.

"Must be nice."

He shrugged. "It's just a job. I don't have the passion for it like you do with yours."

"Then why are you still at it?"

"You mean aside from the great pay, slick pad, and awesome ride?"

She rolled her eyes. Darien chuckled.

"I don't know. I guess I haven't found my calling yet."

"Well, tick tock. You're what 35?"

"I'm only 31, Meatball Head."

"Huh. Here I thought you were just acting immature all those years."

"Unlike you, right?"

She stuck out her tongue at him playfully.

"By the way," he went on. "I know it's kinda late asking you this after you've settled into your new room. But, do you want to exchange rooms? The master's bedroom has its own bathroom."

"Nah, I'm good."


Darien moved his eyes away from the bowl of oatmeal in front of him to the direction of the retching sounds coming from common bathroom near the kitchen. Serena had been there for nearly 5 minutes. He was dressed for work, having his second cup of coffee with the morning paper laid out in front of him, but he was having a hard time to concentrate on either paper or breakfast. When she finally came out to join him on the breakfast table, her face was pale and her hair in a loose ponytail was partly disheveled. But before he had a chance to say something she got up again to to get her coffee mug from the cupboard.

"Are you sure you don't want to change rooms?" He asked as he watched her pour herself a cup of coffee. "It might be more… convenient for you. And I really don't mind."

"I'm fine." She sat down again and took the discarded section of the morning paper.

"I could do all the moving. It'll be no trouble at all."

She turned to him. "Is there a problem? I told you, I'm fine with my room. If you don't want me here, just say so."

"No. Just… offering." He spread the paper he held in front of him so she couldn't see or hear his exasperated breath. It was too early for this. "There's eggs and bacon in the oven. You can toast some bread if you want."

Serena cast a glance at the face covered by the newspaper. "Thanks. You didn't have to."

"No problem." Darien folded the paper, and then set it down. "By the way, I forgot that I only have one set of keys. I'll order a copy for you. So for tonight, let's just meet at Andrew's place so we can go home together."

"Okay. What time do you get off from work?"

"What time do you get off?"

She sighed. "Lately kinda late. I have twice the amount of wo—Shoot!" She stood up suddenly.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm supposed to meet Greg and Nick for a breakfast meeting at 8:30."

Darien looked up at the wall clock in the kitchen. "It's almost 8 o'clock."

Serena got off her chair and ran to her room. Darien sighed and shook his head. He got up and picked up the coat that hung on his chair. "See you tonight."


When Serena got off the elevator and into Darien's pad she caught a whiff of something tangy and mixed spices.

"Kitchen." Darien called out.

She followed the scent discarding her bag and coat on the couch.

"Hey." Darien turned to her when she entered the kitchen, stopping by the door frame.

"You're cooking." She crossed her arms, taking in his appearance. He wore a black and white stripped apron over his dark blue t-shirt and khaki shorts.

"Yup. And you're just in time." He made his way to the oven where there were two large pots. He picked up a wooden spoon coated with red sauce on a plate nearby. "Dinner's almost ready."

"Wow. I was gonna ask 'what's for takeout?' Darien Shields can cook! Will wonders ever cease?" She leaned on the counter, smirking at him.

He turned to face her. "I'll have you know my culinary abilities have attracted women more than my natural sex appeal." He let out a smug smile.

"Ugh. Okay, don't go there or you'll make my lose my appetite. I'm starving."

"When are you not?" He turned his attention back to the pot he was stirring. "This is done. Dinner will be ready on the table after you've changed."

She pushed herself off the counter. "Yes, mom. You know," she turned to him before leaving the kitchen. "There's a reason I wrote item three on that list I gave you."

He turned to face her and cleared his throat. "Would you like to go change while I set the table?" He asked with a plastered smile.

"Thank you." She nodded at him.

"And afterwards, would you like to do the dishes too?"

"Sure." She said as she walked out.

Darien looked up from the table when he heard Serena come into the dining area. He had just finished laying out the last piece of silverware on the table. Her long blond hair that almost reached her waist was tied in a simple ponytail behind her back. And even though she had removed her makeup, her eyes were still as bright, her lips pink. She was wearing a loose gray t-shirt and cropped pants tied with a string at the waist. It was only now that Darien noticed that just as her younger brother had noticed, Serena did seem to have gained weight. But not in any way that lessened her beauty, he thought. Even though they had their differences, he could not deny that she was attractive and only someone totally blind or stupid would find her to be anything less.

"What?" she said looking at him.

"Umm... your hair." He felt warmth creeping at the back of his neck and he turned back to the table, rearranging the fork he had just put down before she came into the dining room. "It's different."

She continued her trek to the dining table and sat down. "You didn't actually think I slept in those buns, did you?"

He sat down on the chair across her. "I don't remember." He smiled playfully at her.

She let out a little laugh and put her elbows on the table, leaning forward a little. "Then I guess you'll never know."

He copied her position. "Never ever?"

"Not even when I'm dead drunk and have no idea what I'm doing."

He chuckled. "Yup. We all know how that ended up."

"So what happens if someone from your workplace finds out that I'm here?" said Serena as she twirled the pasta with her fork.

"I don't know," Darien shrugged and shoved a forkful of pasta into his mouth.

"Do you think they'll tell your boss?"

"Maybe."

"And what happens then?"

"I don't know."

"Will you please stop saying 'I don't know?'"

Darien looked at her. Alarm signals went up in his head when he saw the look on her face, somewhere between annoyed and anxious.

"How could you not think of these things before you asked me to come here?"

"I… didn't…"

"That's right, you didn't think." Tears pooled in her eyes. "And now, if your company finds out I'll end up on the streets!"

"Serena, will you calm down? You're overreacting."

"Overreacting?!" She stood up. "Well then I guess that's better because I think about the possible scenarios, whereas you don't think about anything!"

And with that, she turned and stormed to her room leaving her unfinished plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Darien's mouth hung open for about five seconds as he stared in the direction she had gone.

"What the hell was that all about?" He said aloud throwing his napkin on the table. "Now who's gonna do the dishes?" He sighed staring distastefully at the plates on the table. She was right, he thought. He had not thought things through. He had gone with the first impulse in his head to keep her and the baby safe when he had offered the security and safety of his home. Crane saw Serena Chambers as a thorn in their hide. Multi-million dollar projects had not come through because of her and her firm. Trying to hide the enemy on enemy camp was going to be tricky indeed. Shaking his head he got up and started cleaning up.

An hour later, after he had finished washing the dishes and cleaned the kitchen, Serena still had not come out of her room. He walked over to the living room and reached for the phone.

"Hello?" Andrew's voice came on from the other line.

"It's me."

"Trouble in paradise?" There was no tone of mockery on his best friend's voice, for which he was grateful. He went on to tell Andrew what had happened at dinner.

"Hmm... I thought that you would've done a little research on this," said Andrew.

"Research? About what?"

"Mood swings of pregnant women."

"Like PMS?"

"PMS on steroids. Mood swings are the toughest to deal with. It was the only time I ever saw Mina depressed for long periods. I can't imagine how much more harder it must be for Serena. I mean, her parents don't know about it, she's staying with you because her safety is at risk because of her work, and you work for the other camp…"

"Right. So what do I do? She and I aren't exactly like you and your wife."

"Darien, would it hurt for you tell her how you feel? About keeping her and the child she is carrying, safe?"

He sighed.

"Just talk to her man. She just needs reassurance and it needs to be from you."

"Serena," he knocked softly on the door. "can we talk?"

He knocked again when he didn't hear a reply "Serena, can I come in?"

"It's open."

Slowly, he opened the door. She was sitting cross legged on the bed leaning on the headrest, a large pillow in her arms. Her red eyes showed that she had been crying and the guilt he felt doubled. He sat on the edge of the bed, but her eyes refused to meet his.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"About what?" she asked, still not looking at him. "You were right, I overreacted."

"I'm sorry for not being more understanding. I didn't get how this situation must be scary for you, and me not really giving you any form of assurance."

She sniffed and roughly wiped a tear that fell on her cheek.

"I want you to know, that even though I really have no idea what will happen to me, to my job, when they find out about this, I will never abandon you. What you're carrying is the most precious thing in my life right now, I will not let any harm come to it, or you."

Her eyes shifted to meet his.

"But there is one thing I ask," he went on, his gaze steady on hers. "I want—I need you to trust me on this. Can you do that?"

She nodded her head slowly.

He ached to hold her hand right at that very moment, but held back unsure at how she would react at such gesture.

"Would you like to have your dessert now?" he said instead.

She smiled. "You never mentioned dessert."

"Well," he stood up. "you left in a hurry. Actually, you shouldn't be getting any because you didn't finish dinner. But I'm feeling pretty generous today." He smiled and held out his hand to her. "Shall we?"

Her smile grew wider and got up to take the offered hand.