Author's Notes:
Whew....now that I am done with Wishful Thinking (if you haven't read it yet...please do), I can concentrate on this story!! *wild applause*. For those of you that are asking why Darien broke up with Serena and what was the surprise the Serena had for him....I can't tell you that yet...you just have to read the story! =^_^=
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon...enuff said
" "=dialogue
* *=thought
** **=conscience
Now on with the feature presentation........
Title: Reasonable Doubts
Author: Midnight Dreamer
Rating: PG-13 (just to be on the safe side)
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
Ritz Hotel-South Beach
As Serena sipped her morning hot chocolate (she never could stand coffee, except in extreme situations), she picked up the complimentary newspaper on the table. Sitting down, she leisurely browsed through until a particular picture caught her eye. There on the front page of of the society section was none other that Darien, with a strikingly beautiful redhead on his arm. Interested she read the caption underneath......
~Darien Walters, most eligble bachelor of Miami, accompanies Heather Green, local socialite, to last night's charity gala in Downtown Miami.~
*Well...it seems that we have moved up in the world haven't we....,* Serena thought as she continued to look at the full color picture of Darien. After a couple of minutes, she rose up from the table, and walked to the balcony, leaving the paper behind. As soon as she stepped outside, she felt the ocean breeze caress her face. Taking a deep breathe, she closed her eyes, and let her mind drift back to a time when she was truly happy....
Flashback
Serena was sitting at her window seat in her room, trying not to think about what today was...Serena and Darien's six-month anniversary. The problem with that was they were in different states. Darien was in still in Florida going to summer session, while Serena went back home to Atlanta. Since then, they had talked everyday or at least sent several emails to each other, but today, Serena hadn't received a thing...not even a card. She had even watched the mailman come and go, and still not a thing. So, she had holed up in her room since then, thinking was wrong, until she heard the doorbell. Sighing, she got up and went to answer the door, because her parents had were out for the evening. *I really don't feel like company right now....*, Serena thought as she heard the doorbell ring again. "Coming....", she called out trying to put a smile on her face.
As soon as she opened the door, her smile became very genuine. "Darien! What a surprise...", she cried, throwing herself into his arms. Pulling back after a moment, she asked him, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I would have at least picked you up from the airport...", she continued, letting him into the house. "Well....I wanted to surprise you and I couldn't do that if you knew about it.", Darien replied as he set his bags on the floor. As soon as he turned around, Serena ran into his arms once again and held him close, and he returned the the embrace. After a couple of minute she looked up at him and said, "I thought you had forgotten about today, she sighed. "I'm sorry about that, but don't worry about that now, cause I'm here.", Darien replied, pulling her close once again.
End Flashback
Opening her eyes once again to the waves crashing on shore, Serena made a resolution. She would not fall for Darien Walters, and unlike the ones she made on New Years Eve, she planned to keep to this one. Glancing at her watch, she noticed that it was about time for Bryan to pick her up for work. With one more backwards glance at the peaceful beach, she went into her hotel room, to prepare for her daily dose of Darien and the upcoming negotiations.
Matthews Inc.-Downtown Miami
With the morning paper laying on his desk, Darien was looking out of his window in the proverbial corner office. Below and above him, steel and glass structures reflected the sunlight, giving the area an eerie glow. *It's amazing...everytime I look at this view, but I wonder was the sacrifice worth it...*, Darien thought as he continued to stare out window. Letting his mind drift, he began to think back to times when he was truly happy...
Flashback
It was one o'clock in the morning, and the computer program that he designed for class still wasn't working. In frustration, he stood up and stretched. Darien had been working for two straight days, and no where close to being finished. He even had to break a date with Serena, which he still felt bad about. When he called her and told her that he had to cancel, she said it was alright, but she could still hear a note of sadness in her voice, plus it was Valentine's Day. Groaning at the direction his thoughts had taken, he decided that a quick nap was in order. As he laid down on the bed, he closed his eyes, and let his mind go delightfully blank. He was on the edge of dreamland, when he heard a small knock on the door. *Maybe they'll go way...*, Darien thought as he turned over to get more comfortable. However that was not the case when the person continued to knock repeatedly. Sighing in defeat, he got up and went to answer the door. THe sight that greeted him dissipated any anger that he had until then.
"Serena....it's one o'clock in the morning....what are you doing here?", he whispered as he escorted into his dorm room. "Well I figured since you couldn't come to dinner with me, I would bring dinner to you...and don't even say you've eaten because I know you forgot..." she said, as she smiled up at him. Putting the bags she was carrying on the desk, she turned around and gave him a quick kiss. "Happy Valentine's Day sweetie." WAlking back over to the desk, she pulled out numerous containers, whose contents produced an aroma that tickled Darien's nose. After she laid this out, she took out some matches and lit the candle she brought as well. "I know we're not supposed to have candles in the room, but this is a special occasion. Dinner is served.", she with a flourish.
About an hour later, with stomachs filled, Serena and Darien were now dancing slowly from the music playing on the radio. Each was content to just hold each for the moment, not wanting to interrupt the mood. When Serena suddenly stopped, Darien was confused, until he felt his head being pulled down by her. The kiss they shared was nothing short than phenomenal. Pulling back Serena said the words that Darien been wanting to say, but was afraid to. "I love you", Serena said softly, as she trustingly rested her head on his shoulder
End Flashback
Turning back around, he went to sit back at his desk. Rubbing his temples, he started thinking about the upcoming negotiations. Ever since Ben had told him about the merger, he had harbored a sense of uneasiness. No matter how much everything checked out on paper, he still wasn't sure if this was the right thing to do, but he would have to just wait and see.
Conference Room
Darien fears were confirmed when he found himself trying to intimidate his colleague from Sharpe. From software development to efficiency techniques, they didn't agree on anything, except that this merger was a big mistake. As he continued to listen to the incessant drone of the man across from him, he looked down the table to see Serena, drumming her fingers on the table, a clear indication that she was becoming more pissed by the second. *She still looks adorable when she's get upset*, Darien thought, taking in her appearance. Even though she was becoming upset, she still tried to keep a smile on her face. *She's still the same...God, I wonder what would have happened between us if I would have told her the real reason why we had to end our relationship so suddenly. Would I be happier than I am now? I mean, should I tell her now....... *, Darien continued to think as he tried to hide his boredom from the babbling man.
Meanwhile, across the room, things were no better. Serena had had it up to there. She was about to pull her hair out. The two executives boards were fighting over every little detail. She looked down the table at her counterpart from Sharpe Enterprises, and knew that the expression on his face mirrored her own. It was now 8 pm, and they had been in negotiations straight since 9 am, with only a half-hour break for lunch.
Rubbing her temples, she had finally had enough. Trying to disguise her annoyance, Serena stood and said in a firm voice, "Ladies and Gentlemen...please...can I have your attention for a minute..." She waited until everyone had quieted down and focused their attention on her. *Now, that's better...", Serena thought, as she looked at all the people gathered in the room. "I think that we are all a little tired and these talks are suffering because of it. We should just call it a day and reconvene tomorrow. I, as well as my counterpart, will look over the various proposals, and advise our clients on the proper course of action within two days. Does this suit you Mr. Matthews...Mr Sharpe?", Serena asked, looking at the two heads of the companies. After receiving a nod from each, Serera declared, "Great...it's settled. We will meet back here in two days. Meeting adjourned." At once, the sound of chairs pushing back, and paper rustling filled the room. Sitting back down, Serena leaned her head back into the leather covered seat, closing her eyes. Five minutes passed, when, she felt something, or rather someone, standing above her. Opening her eyes, she was not surprised to see ebony bangs falling into midnight blue eyes .
"Can I help you Mr. Walters?", Serena asked tiredly. "It's after office hours, Serena. You don't have to call me that you know...anyways I was wondering how you would feel about getting some dinner...my treat.", Darien said, grinning down at her. "Wouldn't Heather be upset at you taking out other women?", Serena asked sarcastically. *OUCH...that hurt*, Darien thought, his charm taking a hit. "That was just a one shot thing...I'm not in a relationship, but what about you? Are you seeing anyone?", Darien countered, hoping to get a peek into her personal life. By now Serena was about to explode. *How dare he ask me something like that?!? It's because of him that I haven't been able to trust anyone else....*, she fumed. " I believe that is none of your business, Mr. Walters. Now if that is it, I'll see you tomorrow.", Serena bit out, as she rose from her seat, grabbed her things, and walked quickly out of the room. Darien could do nothing but look at her retreating form and think, "I guess this means that I'm having dinner by myself again...*
to be continued.............
I'm gonna stop here for now cause I think this is a good place for it. Well, it seems that Darien is ready to reveal his reasons, but is Serena willing to hear him out? What about the merger and is there something else going on at Sharpe Enterprises that we don't know about? Stay tuned minna!!!!
ja ne
~o~Midnight Dreamer~o~
Whew....now that I am done with Wishful Thinking (if you haven't read it yet...please do), I can concentrate on this story!! *wild applause*. For those of you that are asking why Darien broke up with Serena and what was the surprise the Serena had for him....I can't tell you that yet...you just have to read the story! =^_^=
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon...enuff said
" "=dialogue
* *=thought
** **=conscience
Now on with the feature presentation........
Title: Reasonable Doubts
Author: Midnight Dreamer
Rating: PG-13 (just to be on the safe side)
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
Ritz Hotel-South Beach
As Serena sipped her morning hot chocolate (she never could stand coffee, except in extreme situations), she picked up the complimentary newspaper on the table. Sitting down, she leisurely browsed through until a particular picture caught her eye. There on the front page of of the society section was none other that Darien, with a strikingly beautiful redhead on his arm. Interested she read the caption underneath......
~Darien Walters, most eligble bachelor of Miami, accompanies Heather Green, local socialite, to last night's charity gala in Downtown Miami.~
*Well...it seems that we have moved up in the world haven't we....,* Serena thought as she continued to look at the full color picture of Darien. After a couple of minutes, she rose up from the table, and walked to the balcony, leaving the paper behind. As soon as she stepped outside, she felt the ocean breeze caress her face. Taking a deep breathe, she closed her eyes, and let her mind drift back to a time when she was truly happy....
Flashback
Serena was sitting at her window seat in her room, trying not to think about what today was...Serena and Darien's six-month anniversary. The problem with that was they were in different states. Darien was in still in Florida going to summer session, while Serena went back home to Atlanta. Since then, they had talked everyday or at least sent several emails to each other, but today, Serena hadn't received a thing...not even a card. She had even watched the mailman come and go, and still not a thing. So, she had holed up in her room since then, thinking was wrong, until she heard the doorbell. Sighing, she got up and went to answer the door, because her parents had were out for the evening. *I really don't feel like company right now....*, Serena thought as she heard the doorbell ring again. "Coming....", she called out trying to put a smile on her face.
As soon as she opened the door, her smile became very genuine. "Darien! What a surprise...", she cried, throwing herself into his arms. Pulling back after a moment, she asked him, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I would have at least picked you up from the airport...", she continued, letting him into the house. "Well....I wanted to surprise you and I couldn't do that if you knew about it.", Darien replied as he set his bags on the floor. As soon as he turned around, Serena ran into his arms once again and held him close, and he returned the the embrace. After a couple of minute she looked up at him and said, "I thought you had forgotten about today, she sighed. "I'm sorry about that, but don't worry about that now, cause I'm here.", Darien replied, pulling her close once again.
End Flashback
Opening her eyes once again to the waves crashing on shore, Serena made a resolution. She would not fall for Darien Walters, and unlike the ones she made on New Years Eve, she planned to keep to this one. Glancing at her watch, she noticed that it was about time for Bryan to pick her up for work. With one more backwards glance at the peaceful beach, she went into her hotel room, to prepare for her daily dose of Darien and the upcoming negotiations.
Matthews Inc.-Downtown Miami
With the morning paper laying on his desk, Darien was looking out of his window in the proverbial corner office. Below and above him, steel and glass structures reflected the sunlight, giving the area an eerie glow. *It's amazing...everytime I look at this view, but I wonder was the sacrifice worth it...*, Darien thought as he continued to stare out window. Letting his mind drift, he began to think back to times when he was truly happy...
Flashback
It was one o'clock in the morning, and the computer program that he designed for class still wasn't working. In frustration, he stood up and stretched. Darien had been working for two straight days, and no where close to being finished. He even had to break a date with Serena, which he still felt bad about. When he called her and told her that he had to cancel, she said it was alright, but she could still hear a note of sadness in her voice, plus it was Valentine's Day. Groaning at the direction his thoughts had taken, he decided that a quick nap was in order. As he laid down on the bed, he closed his eyes, and let his mind go delightfully blank. He was on the edge of dreamland, when he heard a small knock on the door. *Maybe they'll go way...*, Darien thought as he turned over to get more comfortable. However that was not the case when the person continued to knock repeatedly. Sighing in defeat, he got up and went to answer the door. THe sight that greeted him dissipated any anger that he had until then.
"Serena....it's one o'clock in the morning....what are you doing here?", he whispered as he escorted into his dorm room. "Well I figured since you couldn't come to dinner with me, I would bring dinner to you...and don't even say you've eaten because I know you forgot..." she said, as she smiled up at him. Putting the bags she was carrying on the desk, she turned around and gave him a quick kiss. "Happy Valentine's Day sweetie." WAlking back over to the desk, she pulled out numerous containers, whose contents produced an aroma that tickled Darien's nose. After she laid this out, she took out some matches and lit the candle she brought as well. "I know we're not supposed to have candles in the room, but this is a special occasion. Dinner is served.", she with a flourish.
About an hour later, with stomachs filled, Serena and Darien were now dancing slowly from the music playing on the radio. Each was content to just hold each for the moment, not wanting to interrupt the mood. When Serena suddenly stopped, Darien was confused, until he felt his head being pulled down by her. The kiss they shared was nothing short than phenomenal. Pulling back Serena said the words that Darien been wanting to say, but was afraid to. "I love you", Serena said softly, as she trustingly rested her head on his shoulder
End Flashback
Turning back around, he went to sit back at his desk. Rubbing his temples, he started thinking about the upcoming negotiations. Ever since Ben had told him about the merger, he had harbored a sense of uneasiness. No matter how much everything checked out on paper, he still wasn't sure if this was the right thing to do, but he would have to just wait and see.
Conference Room
Darien fears were confirmed when he found himself trying to intimidate his colleague from Sharpe. From software development to efficiency techniques, they didn't agree on anything, except that this merger was a big mistake. As he continued to listen to the incessant drone of the man across from him, he looked down the table to see Serena, drumming her fingers on the table, a clear indication that she was becoming more pissed by the second. *She still looks adorable when she's get upset*, Darien thought, taking in her appearance. Even though she was becoming upset, she still tried to keep a smile on her face. *She's still the same...God, I wonder what would have happened between us if I would have told her the real reason why we had to end our relationship so suddenly. Would I be happier than I am now? I mean, should I tell her now....... *, Darien continued to think as he tried to hide his boredom from the babbling man.
Meanwhile, across the room, things were no better. Serena had had it up to there. She was about to pull her hair out. The two executives boards were fighting over every little detail. She looked down the table at her counterpart from Sharpe Enterprises, and knew that the expression on his face mirrored her own. It was now 8 pm, and they had been in negotiations straight since 9 am, with only a half-hour break for lunch.
Rubbing her temples, she had finally had enough. Trying to disguise her annoyance, Serena stood and said in a firm voice, "Ladies and Gentlemen...please...can I have your attention for a minute..." She waited until everyone had quieted down and focused their attention on her. *Now, that's better...", Serena thought, as she looked at all the people gathered in the room. "I think that we are all a little tired and these talks are suffering because of it. We should just call it a day and reconvene tomorrow. I, as well as my counterpart, will look over the various proposals, and advise our clients on the proper course of action within two days. Does this suit you Mr. Matthews...Mr Sharpe?", Serena asked, looking at the two heads of the companies. After receiving a nod from each, Serera declared, "Great...it's settled. We will meet back here in two days. Meeting adjourned." At once, the sound of chairs pushing back, and paper rustling filled the room. Sitting back down, Serena leaned her head back into the leather covered seat, closing her eyes. Five minutes passed, when, she felt something, or rather someone, standing above her. Opening her eyes, she was not surprised to see ebony bangs falling into midnight blue eyes .
"Can I help you Mr. Walters?", Serena asked tiredly. "It's after office hours, Serena. You don't have to call me that you know...anyways I was wondering how you would feel about getting some dinner...my treat.", Darien said, grinning down at her. "Wouldn't Heather be upset at you taking out other women?", Serena asked sarcastically. *OUCH...that hurt*, Darien thought, his charm taking a hit. "That was just a one shot thing...I'm not in a relationship, but what about you? Are you seeing anyone?", Darien countered, hoping to get a peek into her personal life. By now Serena was about to explode. *How dare he ask me something like that?!? It's because of him that I haven't been able to trust anyone else....*, she fumed. " I believe that is none of your business, Mr. Walters. Now if that is it, I'll see you tomorrow.", Serena bit out, as she rose from her seat, grabbed her things, and walked quickly out of the room. Darien could do nothing but look at her retreating form and think, "I guess this means that I'm having dinner by myself again...*
to be continued.............
I'm gonna stop here for now cause I think this is a good place for it. Well, it seems that Darien is ready to reveal his reasons, but is Serena willing to hear him out? What about the merger and is there something else going on at Sharpe Enterprises that we don't know about? Stay tuned minna!!!!
ja ne
~o~Midnight Dreamer~o~