Title: Revenge is Sweet

Chapter: Nine

Author: Silent Figure

Disclaimer: I do not or ever will own the characters of this story but I assure you that the story is mine.

Authors Note: Sorry guys to give this to you after a long time of waiting, what can I say? I've been busy and hit a few writer's blocks. As for updates on my other works, I'm currently working on a chapter of "For the Good of a Kingdom" which should be released in the next week or two. I'm afraid I'm not much ahead on this story or my other one so it may be a bit before another update but I hope to keep it coming. And sooner then a year. I do have an end in mind for all my works.

So on another note is anyone else as excited as I am at the mention of the Senshi x Shitennou pairings finally making it into the new Crystal series? Yes, I get the disappointment in the way they just dumped information without really any back story or character development, but I'm glad that they are finally working on the story that Naoko Takeuchi mentioned in her art books. Also, while I have nothing against homosexuality showing up in cartoons, I never liked Kunzite and Zoisite and felt it unnecessary (given that we already had Neptune and Uranus). Plus I'm a huge Kunzite and Venus fan. That ship has sailed, and I'm glad for it. Also, apparently these Shitennou and Senshi pairings has sparked a fierce debate over feminism and somehow, somewhere, someone once made the assumption that the Senshi were supposed to be lesbians and that it is anti-feminist that they aren't? What? Since when did being a feminist = being a lesbian? Since when did Naoko Takeuchi say that the Senshi were even lesbians? I get that she had some suggestive art in the manga. Even that one short story where Mina kisses Raye but I believe someone evil also possessed her. And there are hints about Usagi being bi sexual due to her attraction to Seiya and even Haraku. But nowhere did it ever hint that Mars and Venus are lesbian lovers (as are all the other Senshi). This is showing up all over tumblr as a discussion, so look it up and feel free to email me on your thoughts. I'd like some explaining or hear some thoughts on it. Because I'm utterly baffled by people's assumptions and I am curious what everyone else thinks. ANYWAY, I owe you all a chapter. So here it is.

Serena tapped her fingers to the beat of the radio on her desk, as she tried to focus on her work, but once more she found that she couldn't focus on anything, not even the ironic lyrics of the song "Nowhere to Run". Serena rubbed her tired eyes and looked around her surroundings trying to find something to distract her from this feeling. Once again her mind began to space out and focus on nothing in particular, or at least that is what she tried to tell herself. Serena shook her head, snapping out of the dreamy haze that threatened to take her to thoughts to something she would not like, pictures and thoughts that were incredibly foreign and mildly concerning, most notably of a certain male coworker. Serena's head dropped on the desk in frustration. Why couldn't she get him out of her head? She'd had a dream, a very unlike herself dream about someone she loathed. I mean he'd made appearances in her dream world before, those dreams typically ended with him beat up somehow, or her beating him in court, maybe a flashback or two. Nope, not this latest dream, which was a continuation of a brief thought that had flashed through her mind while they were in the dressing room on Sunday. Only this dream had far more details, racy details. Details that still made her blush. "This is stupid", Serena muttered to herself. So they had almost kissed, hell they had even kind of addressed it out loud. It was obviously a mistake, still it didn't mean that her subconscious had to go ahead and fill in some gaps about what might have happened if they had actually followed through with that ridiculous action.

"What are you doing Serena", Darien apparently couldn't help but interrupt her train of thoughts as if he subconsciously sensed that she had been thinking about him, catching her slightly off guard.

It took her a second to regain her mental footing, to note that he was ready to pounce on her for daydreaming and dear lord was she not going to let on that it had been about him. Inside she cringed as she realized that she had just openly admitted that to herself. Her ability to be in denial over her growing attraction was waning. "Oh nothing just privately plotting your murder", she answered as dispassionately as she could deciding she'd use that comeback, she'd been holding onto it for a while.

"Well you probably shouldn't tell your victim you're planning on doing it", Darien replied all too annoyingly.

Looking back up at the towering, very male, very masculine obnoxiously handsome form of her boss Serena replied sweetly, "Well don't you know? That's half the fun, now you know it's going to happen. You just don't know when. Haven't you ever watched a thriller?"

Darien smirked a little and shoved his hands in his pant pockets, leaning back on his heels a bit. "I seriously worry about your extracurricular activities. What would your father say if he knew that you were threatening death upon his star lawyer", he wondered out loud.

"He wouldn't believe you for a second. I'm his angel. You're his bitch. Family trumps work", Serena countered haughtily.

Darien's eyes narrowed immediately and his smirk dropped. He was just about to counter when Serena interrupted him, "I'm sorry as much fun as insulting you is, is there a point to you standing over my desk? Or were you just here to harass me? I'm sure my dad would love to hear about that extracurricular activity of yours." She open mouthed smiled at him triumphantly, before turning to look back at the paperwork in front of her.

That made him angry, she could feel the rage coming off of him in waves directed at her, but instead of insulting her like she'd expect he replied through gritted teeth, "We are meeting with Reika and her father tomorrow. Both parties will be at this meeting, so that means Andrew too. We're going to try to keep this out of court as much as possible. So do your research tonight."

"Well that was fast", Serena stated somewhat shocked that Mr. Blake had made up his mind about Darien within the same week he met him.

"Mr. Blake is an impatient, very powerful man. He gets what he wants", Darien said with a shrug, turning to leave.

He, of course, stopped as he heard Serena grumble angrily to herself, "So I finally get to see Andrew's lying, scumbag, douchey face. I cannot believe he tried to keep this shit a secret from me. Like anyone has ever gotten away with a secret marriage before."

"Glad to see you handled that news maturely", he couldn't help but turn around and comment.

Serena immediately shot a glare at him, "No seriously was there anything else you wanted or is your new role in life now to just stand there and commentate on everything I say and do?"

"Serena I know you wish that a man would pay that much attention to you. Hell I wish a man would flatter you that way, it would probably making dealing with you somewhat tolerable", he began until she interrupted him. "Pretty sure you have used that one before. Running out of material", she questioned with a smirk.

His eyes narrowed, and for a split second it seemed like he was going to walk away until he said out of the corner of his mouth, "My point of that comment is you need to handle yourself professionally tomorrow. Any sign of inappropriate emotion in that situation and I will not hesitate to throw you off this case. Understood?"

"Whatever you say Kemosabe", Serena replied with a shake of her head and shooting him a look of frustration, knowing that he wouldn't appreciate her sarcasm.

"Serena I am serious", Darien stated his expression and in particular his eyes indicating that his words were true. It was all Serena could do to keep from rolling her eyes, of course she knew to be professional. It didn't mean that she couldn't privately fume about the situation.

"Fine", Serena enunciated as slowly as possible to him. It looked like he was about to say something further, but thankfully Serena was saved by the bell. Or rather her tall beautiful model like friend Mina who approached them dressed beautifully, professionally and in slightly inappropriately tall heels.

"Oooh looks like I am interrupting yet another one of your ridiculous arguments", Mina opened with. Darien's mouth shut immediately after he realized he no longer was free to take shots at Serena.

"There is no argument here Mina. Just a friendly conversation right Serena", Darien tried to cover with one of his genuinely fake smiles as he turned to look at Serena, eyebrows rising expectantly.

Apparently he was trying to look good in front of Mina. "You do realize that we loathe one another and if you ever give me an opportunity to make you look good, aside from professional circumstances that would also benefit me, I would not take it. So yes Mina we were arguing", Serena countered briefly glancing at her friend before turning a triumphant smile on Darien.

Darien's fake happy face immediately fell and morphed back into one of genuine annoyance. Mina just stood back smiling. "Real mature Serena", Darien grumbled before he finally turned to the pretty blonde in the pearl pantsuit.

"Yeah, well, you two have never been the model for maturity when around one other."

"What brings you around Mina", Darien finally got around to asking, knowing that if there wasn't a subject change then Serena and himself would just revert back to pettily insulting each other.

"Oh handsome as much as I wish I was here for you, I'm actually here for the lady", Mina replied gently cupping his face with one of her hands, in a somewhat over dramatized way before turning to her best friend.

Darien smiled and couldn't help but reply facing Serena, "Can I watch", his eyebrows shooting up as he asked.

Serena immediately deadpanned on him, while Mina only giggled. "Is there ever an instance in your life where you aren't mayor of pervtown?"

Darien opened his mouth but Mina stepped in, her arms up in a referee position between the two. "Ok, ok. No fighting children. Darien, I totally walked into that one", she said briefly high fiving him earning a disapproving shake of the head from Serena, "And Serena let's go. Lunchtime. I'm buying."

Serena's annoyance immediately fell as she heard mention of free lunch. "Alrighty free food. I'm there." She was all too quick to grab her things.

"Mina have a good lunch. Serena be back on time. No five minute grace periods", Darien said pointedly turning and leaving the two to themselves. Serena took a step forward about to chase after him so that she could give him a piece of her mind for that little cheap shot, but her friend quickly yanked her by the arm, turned her around, managed to loop arms with her, and get her to start walking towards the elevators as if nothing had happened in a shockingly quick and efficient manner. "Nope. You are going to learn not to rise to his bait".

"You should learn to not encourage him. Why the hell would you high five him for being a pervert?"

"It was kind of funny. And Darien and I don't argue about everything, which is all you two seem to do. I get that he's joking though somehow that seems to be lost on you", Mina answered her with a shrug. Serena shook her head. As the two stepped into the elevators together, the doors closing behind them Serena couldn't keep herself from turning and asking, "You seriously find him funny?" Mina just waved her off.

After a quick ride in Mina's car the two of them found themselves at their favorite local Chinese joint, at their table with menus in hand.

"So what's the deal", Serena finally asked after their drink orders were taken and they were in private.

"What do you mean what's the deal? Can't a friend randomly show up at her friend's work and take her on a spontaneous lady lunch date?"

"No, not with you Mina. Your spontaneous lunch dates generally come with strings attached", Serena replied setting down her menu, with a stern look on her face.

Mina opened her mouth to respond, but her voice died in her throat as her eyes caught sight of something behind Serena. Serena quickly turned around, searching for the reason behind Mina's shock. Walking through the front door and headed their way was none other then Kaden. He spotted them almost immediately after Serena turned around and for a minute it looked like he had the intention of pretending as if he had not seen them, though as he came closer it became apparent he was going to stop by and greet them. Serena heard Mina grumble, "Seriously?" As he came to stand before them, Serena briefly glanced out of the corner of her eye, across from her and took note of Mina sinking slightly further into her seat.

"Hello Kaden how are you", Serena greeted quickly, realizing Mina wasn't going to do it. Mina looked as if she wanted to disappear.

"I'm good, Serena thanks for asking. Hello Mina. How are you ladies doing this afternoon", he questioned good naturedly, stuffing his hands in his pockets, a bit of a smile on his lips.

"Just fine", Mina replied with a light huff and a forced smile on her face. "Good", Serena responded, "are you here by yourself? If so, feel free to join us. There is plenty of room."

Not a moment later Serena felt Mina kick her in the shins from under the table, sending Serena slightly forward, though Serena recovered quickly. Mina was practically glowering at her for giving him such an invitation and Serena could almost hear Mina demanding that she rescind it through her glare. "I'm afraid I can't today ladies. I'm here for a business luncheon in the back room. Perhaps another time", he declined politely, clearly appreciative of Serena's kind gesture, ignoring Mina's more then obvious rudeness.

"Well enjoy your lunch Kaden", Serena said with a nod of her head, giving him permission to leave.

"You too Serena", Kaden returned before turning to the other girl with a tip of his head and a much colder voice, "Mina".

"Stone wall", Mina replied with a grimace. Serena couldn't help but gape at Mina's rudeness. She had never witnessed her cousin behave that way in her life, she was always polite and good-natured.

"Was that really necessary", Serena turned and asked after Kaden was out of earshot. Serena couldn't help but be grateful that Kaden pretended to not have heard Mina insult him. That situation could have been awkward had he wanted to reply to that.

"Ugh yes, yes it was. I dislike him greatly. My dislike for him is infinite. And you know this. So honestly, what was that? Punishment for me taking the back seat the other day?"

Serena stared at her a little smugly. It seemed Mina was getting a taste of her own medicine. "Honestly I found it hysterical", Serena said crossing her arms, "I'm starting to understand why you guys enjoy putting me into those kinds of situations with Darien. Entertaining to watch really."

It was Mina's turn to roll her eyes. "Hardy har har Serena. You're funny."

Serena just shrugged with a smile and spoke her mind, "Look, Mina he's hot. Like I would volunteer to lick whip cream off his chest, kind of hot. And he's incredibly polite. Clearly successful. You should be trying to climb that like a tree, not hating on him."

"Yeah, Serena", Mina huffed, "after I don't know how many times I have said nearly the exact same thing to you about Darien, you have absolutely no room to talk. Like ever".

Serena's face scrunched up in disbelief. "There is a significant difference between my dislike for Darien and yours for Kaden."

Mina looked up from her menu, her face set in a deadly manner. It almost made Serena regret ever having uttered those words. Almost. "You want to get into this", she questioned daringly, setting down her menu slowly, "You really want to compare my immaturity against yours? Fine. The dislike between Kaden and I is an actual conflict of personalities, you know, something somewhat adult. I'm all sunshine and rainbows, he's ice and emptiness. Yours and Darien's is left over sexual tension from High School and like a massive amount of pride and denial. Seriously I should just loan you Darien for a good romp, then maybe you two could behave like adults. And you, you can finally get laid, you have got to be growing cob webs down there."

Serena couldn't quite figure out just how insulted she was by all that Mina had just said. Mina catching on to this just shrugged, "What? You haven't had a guy in your life in forever." As if those words would somehow make what she said any nicer.

"How the hell would you know", Serena asked suddenly deciding she was indeed quite offended, and incredibly defensive.

Mina's face immediately deadpanned on her. "Well for one, you tell me everything. You have never been able to keep stuff like that to yourself. And oh yeah, even if you could, I live in the apartment across from you. I would notice a guy coming and going. Anyway this is not the point –"

"There really isn't much of a point to this conversation because most of what you said is complete and utter nonsense", Serena interrupted, earning herself perhaps the 100th glare of the day.

Before Mina could come back at her, their waitress returned and took their food orders, once left alone again Mina couldn't help herself, "Imagine a world where you weren't a difficult person", just as Serena opened her mouth to reply Mina held up her hand and continued, "ANYWAY I actually brought you here because I have a plan".

That surprised Serena a little, definitely halted her from arguing further with her best friend. "Ok…well what kind of plan", she couldn't help but be cautious. Mina's plans usually were incredibly amazing things, or frightening and just plain wrong.

"Oh don't worry I'm not trying to set you up again", Mina waved her off of one of the more frightening schemes Mina had attempted.

"Thank god", Serena breathed with a sigh of relief.

Mina, however, completely ignored Serena's comment and replied somewhat off handedly, "Though there is this one guy at work who –"

"Mina get to the point", Serena growled right as their food arrived. Needless to say the waitress left rather quickly after depositing the ordered items on the table.

"Fine", Mina drawled exasperated, "this plan of mine is for Raye's wedding. Specifically the rehearsal dinner. I have this whole skit lined up."

"With music", Serena asked with a slow blink. Usually any performance-minded thing Mina got involved in always included a musical number.

"You have no idea what I was going to say", Mina pretended to be offended.

"Ugh huh", Serena allowed. It was becoming clear Mina was excited about this pet project, so she wasn't going to rain on her parade just yet.

"It's with music", she conceded. Real shocker. "Lip syncing specifically for you guys, but it's going to be funny. I've picked out some songs. 3 songs and I need 3 couples to play the roles of Raye and Jed for each song. Everyone is already involved. What I'm trying to say is I need you."

Serena's eyes narrowed immediately. If everyone was involved, that also included Darien. "If this request ends in and Darien is going to be your partner so help me Mina", Serena warned.

"He's already agreed to it", Mina tried to make it sound uplifting, her excitement completely void of the fact that she was aware such a request was a huge deal.

Serena couldn't help but slam her hands on the table, she had had it, "Why?! What is wrong with you? You pair with him! You're the one sleeping with him and dating him."

"Whoa! It's been like one date, I am not that easy", Mina replied suddenly offended, completely ignoring all else that Serena had mentioned.

Serena couldn't help but shake her head in disbelief causing Mina's mouth to drop. "Serena I resent that. And I would honestly pair with him but I'm actually singing the 3rd and final song myself. I need two people to act out Raye and Jed behind me."

"So have me pair with Nathan or really anyone else", Serena suggested flabbergasted that Mina even so much as thought her idea was viable.

"First of all, the chemistry is all wrong there, putting you two together would not work. Besides Nathan and Lita, Ami and Zach are already working on their routines for their assigned songs. We both know I don't talk to Kaden, not like he would have the emotional capabilities necessary to perform anyway. So Darien it is as your partner."

"So you are seriously asking me to spend more time, then I already do, which is way too much by the way, with Darien", Serena asked her eyebrows as high as her hairline, her lunch long forgotten.

"Well I'll be there", Mina countered with a hopeful and reassuring smile and a shrug.

"Mina", Serena growled again, unable to keep herself from wringing her napkin, certain that she'd prefer it be her cousins neck.

"Look Raye asked me to sing for the rehearsal dinner. I really want to give her a good show, you know? And have it be something that she doesn't expect. So I decided on a lip singing skit that tells the story of how they met, comedically of course. And finish with an uplifting song sung by yours truly. As for the cast, I don't really know anyone else at the wedding besides the damn bridal party anyway for the girl part. Darien has already agreed to do it. We've met Raye's dad and his family all of once. And Raye's priestess friends are creepy. Jed's sister is a man hating lesbian", Mina explained further, hoping she'd convince her friend to be somewhat agreeable.

Serena couldn't help but dish out another slow blink, "Ugh, why am I friends with you people", she wondered out loud once more.

"He is not that ba-", Mina began to say yet again only to be shut up by Serena's finger pointing in the direction of Kaden.

"Fine I'll never say it again. But I'm asking you because you are my best friend, and you know you have been gone for a really long time", Mina trailed off her eyes looking to the side of her, officially deploying the guilt trip maneuver.

"Really? You are resorting to a guilt trip? I have been home for months now Mina."

"Serena just say yes or free food is off the table", Mina growled, her hand tightening around her fork, her lips pursing. Now her cousin really was frustrating her.

"Mina more should be on the table", Serena replied crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair challengingly, she had the upper hand after all.

Mina's face went blank, but the stubborn pout of her lips was her tell. She would give in. Apparently she really wanted this show to happen. "Like what", Mina asked out of the corner of her mouth, her own arms crossing.

"No more set ups from you, ever", Serena demanded in all seriousness. Her self-proclaimed goddess of love cousin, was anything but. Since she'd been home she'd gone on two dates with guys who were "perfect for her" according to Mina and with an open mind. Both had been disasters.

Mina's mouth immediately fell open in protest and surprise, "The last guy I set you up with was really nice and you know it."

"He straight up grabbed my boob during the movie on the first date and squeezed Mina. He. Squeezed. It wasn't an accidental boob graze. There was intent behind it", Serena said her leaning forward towards her cousin, exaggerating her story.

"I have no idea why you are upset about that, that's like the most action you've seen in years", Mina shrugged taking a quick sip of water, her eyes never leaving Serena's.

Serena didn't even hesitate to throw a crumpled up cocktail napkin at her cousin, her eyes narrowed in fury as her cousin just laughed out an, "Ok fine."

"Thank you", Serena grumbled trying to hide the small smile from gracing her face, but she couldn't keep her cheeks from rising up.

A silence befell them and they finally touched their food, after a moment of eating and small talk something finally dawned on Serena, "And what the hell did you mean by chemistry?"

"I said it was going to be comical. Nathan and you as partners is not nearly as funny as you and Darien."

Serena rolled her eyes again, "I just give up on you people." Mina laughed out loud at that. "About damn time", Mina said with a bit of a wiggle of her head.

…..

The alarm clock went off with a vengeance and all Serena wanted to do was take the damn thing and throw it against the wall. The ringing sound was too annoying. She needed to find a new alarm clock. But alas she had to get up and today, despite her traditional grogginess, she was actually somewhat eager to get to work. Serena was quick to take a shower, get dressed, and be on her merry way. Though as she walked into the building, she realized that she was actually kind of apprehensive. She smiled politely at the security guard as she passed by and then stopped dead as she caught sight of a familiar blonde. She thought about calling to him, but her voice died in her throat. The elevator door closed, blocking him from view. It seemed she wouldn't get a private moment to talk with him until after their meeting was over. "Are you going to be able to handle this", asked a smug voice from behind her.

Serena whirled around to face Darien, her eyes narrowed, and her jaw set. "Of course I'm a professional remember", she said lifting her chin up before walking towards the elevators. She knew he'd follow and she ignored his chuckle as he replied, "We shall see."

The two stood quiet in the elevator as it slowly made its way up to their floor. The soft chime of the bell rung declaring that the two had reached their destination, the doors opened to reveal the floor and Serena stepped forward to get off the elevator ignoring the chuckle behind her as they came face to face with Reika, her father, and Reika's fiancée. Reika's father face went from slightly annoyed to smiling as he caught sight of them both, stepping forward and reaching for a handshake. "Glad to see you both. Andrew and his lawyer are already inside the conference room", Mr. Blake was saying as Serena's eyes were drawn from his, looking to Reika. Reika stood beside her fiancée, stiff, too stiff for someone who had her fiancé's arm wrapped around her possessively, her long hair down and partially covering her face as if embarrassed.

She didn't even so much as make eye contact with either Serena or Darien as her father gestured to her and her fiancé. Serena was torn from her scrutiny as Mr. Blake announced that they were heading in the room. Serena couldn't help but hesitate, she knew that this was going to be incredibly awkward. She heard yet another chuckle from Darien and turned her head slightly to look at him out of the corner of her eye. He caught it and smiled even when she glared and turned back to the door before stepping up to it and pushing it open. How could the man be teasing her about something that wasn't just weird for her, but him as well? She stepped forward into the boardroom, her eyes immediately finding Andrew who had just turned to her. Andrew's eyes widened in recognition and fear as he caught sight of her. The cruel smile on Mr. Blake's face gave Serena the idea that he had actually planned having her and Darien as her lawyers to get back at Andrew some how. Serena came to sit by Darien her eyes never leaving Andrew who now refused to even look at her or Darien who sat next to Mr. Blake. "Mr. Furuhuata may I introduce my lawyers, Darien Shields and his assistant Serena Tsukino", Mr. Blake said with a proud smirk.

Serena noticed that Andrew's face darkened considerably once Mr. Blake spoke and his eyes narrowed in fury as Diamond entered the room behind Reika, his arm touching Reika's hip lightly. They sat down beside Serena, Reika next to her and Diamond next to Reika. Hearing a throat clear, Serena then turned to check out Andrew's lawyer who came across as one of those old stiff's who really didn't like to be bothered with small issues, though he definitely looked smart and experienced, someone who looked like he knew everything about the business he was in …unlike her. But this lawyer didn't even spare her a glance, his focus lay solely on Darien. In fact, his obvious dislike almost matched the intensity of Andrew's for Mr. Blake and Diamond. Had Darien really earned himself such a reputation? She couldn't help but be curious about this man's instant disdain for Darien. Serena was broken from her thoughts as the negotiations began. It wasn't long before Serena found herself bored as they began to debate over the pent house that Andrew seemed to want to hold onto. In fact, of all their residences that was the only one he wanted to keep. Her wondering thoughts were brought to focus as Andrew's lawyer, whose name she hadn't really committed to memory, grew furious, "Mr. Shields I am quite aware of your reputation but I assure you, you will lose this case. My client's demands are not unreasonable. In fact, they are small given the vastness of Mrs. Furuhata's fortune. Need I remind you that there was no pre-nuptial agreement, not to mention I intend to prove your client's infidelity."

Darien didn't even flinch, though Serena caught the uncomfortable squirming of Reika at the mention of her 'infidelity'. "Well honestly I highly doubt you'll be able to muster up any tangible proof of said infidelity. In fact, I'm certain you have no basis for such an accusation. Now, I believe this meeting is over for now. It doesn't seem to be going anywhere and we are charging our clients hourly. Perhaps another time, though I am getting the feeling this will end up in court", Darien explained nonchalantly as he stood up. Andrew's lawyer immediately snarled, "We aren't finished yet."

Darien shrugged his shoulders, patted his tie, and picked up his suitcase. "Yes we are," he stated before he turned to his clients. The rest on Darien's side stood up simultaneously, including Serena. Andrew who she could tell had taken a verbal hit as well looked panicked and stood up too, the words he was about to speak dying on his lips as Reika shook her head at him. Neither Darien, Diamond, or Mr. Blake seemed to notice that brief exchange. Darien extended his arm and they all filed out of the room, leaving Andrew and his lawyer behind. Darien pulled Mr. Blake to the side, "I'm sorry to end the meeting so suddenly, but I'm sure you could agree we were just going around in circles as first rounds usually do. We'll save the longer sessions for much later."

"No need to apologize. I believe I am beginning to understand why you are undefeated already. Your tactics are not so different from mine when taking over other companies", Mr. Blake waved him off. It wasn't much longer into their conversation, which Serena felt was entirely about their egos, that it ended with a handshake and Mr. Blake led his obviously miserable daughter and her leery fiancé away. Just as they left, the door to the conference room opened and for a brief instance, Serena caught a glimpse of Andrew, still sitting at the table. His head was bowed and resting in both of his hands, a pose of utter dismay. The door slammed shut and she was left facing Andrew's lawyer.

"I noticed you were rather quiet", the lawyer commented with a grim expression, his lips pressed together tightly.

"I'm afraid Mr. Nakano that at the moment, my protégé here is more of an observer", Darien intervened before Serena could reply.

The older gentlemen did not so much as look at Darien who stood behind Serena, instead he gave Serena a brief appraisal, "Yes I can see that. Wouldn't have guessed you for Kenji Tsukino's daughter."

Immediately Serena's mouth fell open, she was by far and away insulted. Though she did recognize that she'd been quite absent minded throughout the whole of their meeting, still though the man was unnecessarily rude to her upon this first meeting. Before Serena could give him a piece of her mind, she felt Darien's hand upon her shoulder, staying her. "She is the most talented associate we have at the firm. And her abilities do not stem from her name I'm afraid. Though I suppose you old school lawyers would assume that must be a qualification to be a good lawyer. It's why you all so often lose these days. And like myself she isn't really a divorce lawyer. Can't blame her for her for taking an observers position today and really I don't blame her if she were a bit bored with these proceedings, let alone having to listen to you", Darien explained with a bit of pride before turning to her, "Ms. Tsukino would you mind setting up my next brief for me. I'll be with you shortly."

For once in her life, she had no idea how to respond. Did Darien just defend her? Let alone compliment her? It took her a moment to steady herself mentally before she realized he'd given her an out of this rather hostile and passive aggressive conversation. "Mr. Nakano, it seems it will be a pleasure getting to know you and learn your business. If you'll excuse me", she said as neutrally as she could with a bow, her face still revealing her lack of balance towards Darien's behavior, though really it was only Darien who understood her confusion. As she walked away she chanced a glance behind her and saw Mr. Nakano step forward, his face red with anger and him probably insult Darien for his gall, Darien's own insult, and whatever else the older man held against Darien Shields.

Truth be told she was quite curious as to why the older man despised Darien so much. What their history was, they obviously knew one another and from her study of the case Mr. Nakano was a divorce specialist. She wondered how they'd come across one another. Though she had to admit judging from Darien's arrogance in the conference room, and how quickly Darien was willing to insult the older gentlemen Serena could see why Mr. Nakano had little taste for him despite whatever their history was. After all, Serena disliked Darien for those very same characteristics. Speaking of insult, she was a bit surprised Darien had even deigned to intervene in her little confrontation with Mr. Nakano, or so much as boast about her as his apprentice. In all her life, she couldn't really remember Darien ever complimenting her let alone defending her. Though she typically wasn't the type to need defending. Shock was the least she was feeling in reaction to the aforementioned actions. He had to have a good reason behind such bizarre behavior, he couldn't really mean what he said. He probably wanted Mr. Nakano to see them as a united front, a proud legendary teacher with a star pupil, a formidable pair to come up against in court. Even if it was something as simple as a divorce.

Serena had reached her desk finally and she immediately plopped down into her chair, her mind still reeling some what, her eyes focused on nothing in particular as she stared straight ahead of her, chin resting in the palm of her hand. She wasn't given much more time to herself as she heard her intercom beep at her, someone was trying to reach her. "Hello", she asked as she pressed the button.

"Hello Ms. Tsukino, you and Mr. Shields have a visitor. Would you like me to send him back to you guys?"

Serena thought on it for a moment before saying quickly, "Yes go ahead." Who would want to see both her and Darien? And then she realized. Of course he would. Though she was a bit surprised that he would want a confrontation so early in these proceedings.

Serena sighed and waited patiently for their visitor. It seemed he was going to take his time, she couldn't help but peer around the corner and watch to see if he had made his way back to their offices, she spotted the familiar blonde almost immediately. He finally came to stand in front of her and Serena found that she actually didn't really want to talk to him. She was still pissed, about everything. "So… I take it you want to kill me now", Andrew asked sheepishly.

"That's the least of what I want to do to you Andrew Furuhata. What in god's name were you thinking", Serena fumed. Andrew shrinked a little but maintained his ground.

Andrew shook his head, his lips making a thin line as he looked back up into her eyes after he had composed his response. "What do you want me to say? I'm sorry for falling in love with a different woman and making a mistake."

"You shouldn't be apologizing to me Andrew for that and you damn well know that. You didn't break my heart, you broke hers and you should tell her why it was you did that. No what you owe me is entirely different", Serena replied crossing her arms expectantly.

"Oh for Christ's sake Serena I couldn't do anything about it, I was in America while Mina was in Japan it would be four years before I saw her again plus the time it would take for her to go through college. We were young, it was in high school", he explained with exasperation.

Serena shook her head and looked up at Andrew who was now leaning over her desk. "Andrew, again, I'm not the one who you should be explaining this portion to. Not really. Look…I'm not going to hate you for falling in love with someone else. That's stupid, and honestly how could you think we would hate you for that? Now, how you went about dumping Mina, which technically you didn't, you just stopped talking to her like a douche is another thing", Serena lectured. Andrew went to open his mouth but she raised her hand up silencing him, "Nope. Not finished. You also didn't invite us to the single most important event of your life, or what should've been anyway. We've been emailing on and off for years. What? You just didn't feel like mentioning it? Even if it was some small affair, I think you could've let us know". Her eyes never left Andrew's face that physically winced when she finished.

He stood up straight with a sigh and ran a hand over his face. "No really Andrew I'm curious what excuses you have", Serena couldn't help but comment challengingly.

Andrew sent her a bit of a glare, but that reception was returned with one of her own and some raised eyebrows. He was in the wrong here, he knew it. And she wasn't going to let him get away scotch free without at least an explanation. "Fine you want me to say it", he asked.

"Yep", she dared, her arms still crossed, her look pointed and her eyes looking straight into his.

"I really truly thought you all would hate me if you knew the whole truth. I mean I thought you guys hated me until we reconnected through high school friend finder a few years after Mina and I had been done. But you guys didn't really question why we broke up, you'd even mentioned once she seemed pretty over it. As for at the time , Mina and I, we were great together. I knew that, even then. At one point I thought we were going to get married. And then Reika happened. Suddenly. I had no idea how to break it to Mina. I was scared to. At the time I was so egotistical as to think it would utterly destroy her if she knew I left her for another woman. But I never once thought I could tell you guys about the marriage without severe repercussions, and even after it happened I couldn't bring myself to tell you. I felt like I couldn't explain the marriage without explaining how we met."

Serena sighed and shook her head, in fact, she had to physically stop herself from rolling her eyes. "You're an idiot you know that right?"

Andrew closed his eyes a brief moment, his head hanging and then he looked up with a smile. "Thank you Serena", he said sincerely. Those words revealed a lot to him. That she'd always be his friend, despite his mistakes and transgressions against her. And he was an idiot for ever having doubted that it would be otherwise. It was a concession.

"Whatever. You are telling the others yourself. Mina included. I'll back you, though with as much doubt as you've placed in us I don't know why you'd deserve it", Serena stated her arms still firmly crossed, her want to look serious still very much in place. Andrew smiled brightly before he leaned over, grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed her cheeks, "You are a wonderful person." If he could get Serena's forgiveness then he could the others, when the time came for him to reveal his secret. Serena couldn't control her ability to return his smile. She waved him off bashfully in response, "Yeah, yeah. Well Darien isn't in his office right now Andrew, I'm pretty sure he's still off insulting your lawyer. He should be back soon."

Andrew nodded his head and replied with a curt nod, "Ah…well then tell him I was here and to call me later please. Those two have a nasty history it may be awhile."

"You chose him to spite Darien didn't you", Serena asked suddenly seeing some things clearly, and easily understanding why Andrew chose Mr. Nakano.

"Damn right. He's representing my ex wife in our divorce. You bet your ass he's going to have to pay for that somehow", Andrew answered her honestly with a chuckle.

Serena couldn't help but give him an incredulous look. "How are you friends", she questioned truly surprised by his lack of anger towards the situation.

"It's complicated Serena", was his only explanation. After that he said his goodbyes and departed. Serena sighed and placed her head in her hands all the while trying to fathom how it was she was actually going to keep this to herself, sure she had said he'd have to tell her, but she had never been able to keep these kinds of things to herself, especially when such matters concerned her cousin. Not to mention, Mina would undoubtedly be mad at her for not at least giving her a forewarning when the news did finally come to Mina. "You know you really should be working Serena, not slacking off and being a lazy oaf", an all too familiar voice interrupted.

Serena's head popped up to look up at Darien who now stood in front of her desk with a what would be charming smile if it had not been for the comment he had said only a few moments ago. "So says the guy who has his secretary do his work for him", Serena shot back.

"Oh you wound me Serena with such harsh words", he replied with a chuckle before continuing on a more serious note, "Now do I have any messages?"

Serena groaned and grabbed some near by post it's that Niko had laid out for her while they had been in their meeting, looking through them quickly to see if any notes revealed messages for Darien. "Nope none for you I'm sorry", she said a polite smile on her face that mocked Darien.

He rolled his eyes and turned to walk to his office only to be stopped half way through the door with, "But you and I did have a visitor. Andrew wants you to call him", she continued her eyes 'reading' some lines from the paper in her hand, a smile never leaving her lips.

"Do you enjoy annoying me Serena", asked Darien as he leaned up against the frame of his door to watch his secretary.

Serena still didn't look up at him but continued smiling before saying, "Yes greatly."

"Good to know you are mature", He stated as he turned to enter his office once more.

"Darien", Serena said in all seriousness, halting him in his actions to enter his room. He turned back to her expectantly with a slow blink, obviously thinking she was about to dish out an insult. To his surprise she asked rather demurely, "Did you mean it?"

It took him a few moments to respond, as at first he didn't understand what exactly she was talking about, and then he replied just as serious as she had been a moment before, "I wouldn't have said it otherwise." She was a bit surprised by his candor especially because of their history. She never once thought he could think of her in a good way, at least not in a non-physically good way. Truth be told, she wasn't really certain she'd ever credited him to thinking of much beyond the physical when it came to women. Her looks of confusion and shock must've been apparent as her self reflection was interrupted when she heard Darien say over his shoulder, "Don't let it go to your head Serena. You are already hard enough to deal with as is." She looked up and saw only his back as he shut the door to his office behind him. Serena couldn't help but smile and chuckle a bit. Nothing had changed. Not really, he just happened to have some mild respect for her.