Author's Notes:
Ohayo minna-chan!!! I see that there are some people that actually like this story. I must say that I am touched by the response that I'm getting for this, and I hope that it continues. Now I would like to take this time to say thanx to Moon-chan, Nye-chan, and Sailor Light for agreeing to become pre-readers for me!!!! Now this will delay posting time, but you will get a better fic because of it!!! BTW, I want to apologize in advance to all you Ally McBeal fans (You'll see why when you read this chapter!) Alright enough of my rambling...you may continue. =^_^=
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon isn't my creation and if someone asks me one more time *shaking fist*.....you're gonna feel it like this lawyer on the floor. *crossing arms*
" "=dialogue
* *=thought
** **=conscience
Title: Reasonable Doubt
Author: Midnight Dreamer
Rating: PG-13 (slight swearing)
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
Darien's Condo-Coconut Grove
*It seems that this is going to be another sleepless night...I swear I haven't had a decent night's sleep since she came back*, Darien thought as he paced about in his bedroom. It was 4 am in the morning and he still was at a lost about what happened tonight at the club. He had decided to pull her to the side, and tell her what really happened long ago, but instead, he asked her to dance, which was a big mistake. All reason flew from his mind as soon as their bodies touched. Then he had made an even bigger mistake...he kissed her.
Darien could still feel the slight tingle from their heated encounter. *Gods...she still feels the same...for a minute it was seemed that we never were apart. I wonder will I ever be able to tell her why I had to make her go...why I had to save both of us*, he sighed, trying to repress the emotions that were building inside. Then he remembered the treatment he received from his friends afterwards, a frown forming on his face.
Flashback
Darien was still standing where Serena left him, when he felt a light slap on the back. Turning around, he saw Mal looking at him with amusement twinkling in his eyes. "Don't even start with me...I'm not in the mood right now", Darien grumbled as he made his way back to the restaurant. Sitting down, he started to pick at the now cold food on his plate. He was so deep in thought that he didn't notice his friends sitting at the table with him. "Um....Dare, you there? Hello...Earth to Darien!", Mal yelled, snapping his fingers in front of his face. Darien jumped slightly from the sound, and looked at his friends.
"Man, you have it bad...she hasn't even been back that long and you're already in la la land.", Nate said jokingly. Darien just glared at him. Sighing, he pushed the plate away and leaned back in his chair. "We need to change the topic quickly before someone gets hurt.", Darien muttered uttered under his breath. "Alright, how about this? Jayson called today and said that he's finally coming home.", Mal said, taking mercy on his friend. Darien brightened up a little at this news. If there was one person who could make him laugh, it was Jayson, and right about now he needed all the laughs he could get. "When?", Darien asked. "In about a month or so. He still has to talk to his sponsors and stuff like that.", Mal replied.
"How about we throw him a 'welcome back' party? Seeing how he loves a good party, it's only the proper thing to do. Hey Darien, we can use your yacht, and make it into a weekend trip thing. It would be fantastic! What do you say?", Nate asked, proud that he came up with such a great idea. After thinking it over for a minute, Darien replied, "Sure why not? One of you call Zach and tell him about it and I'll tell Raye. I'm sure that she will organize everything from there."
End Flashback
Looking at the horizon, he began to see the sun starting to lighten up the night sky. Turning back inside, he went to his living room to pour his first of many cups of coffee for the day. Walking into the living room, he went to his briefcase that was laying on the table and retrieved the files that he took from the office about the Sharpe Merger. Sitting down on the couch, he started looking more closely at the their fiscal reports for the past five years, he began to get that same feeling of uneasiness in his gut. Scrutinizing the reports more closely, he became convinced that entering into this merger was a mistake. *Why are their profits so high? Just last year, one of their projects took a major hit in the marketplace, but they still came out on in the black. It just doesn't make sense. I'll talk to Ben about this on Monday.*, Darien told himself, determined to convince the older man to pull out of the deal.
Ritz Hotel-South Beach
Serena thanked the gods above that it was the weekend, because after the night she spent tossing and turning, she wouldn't be good for anyone today. It seemed that each time she closed her eyes, Darien's face would appear, and the kiss they shared would replay in her mind. *How dare he kiss me? Didn't he know that he lost that privilege years ago?*, Serena thought again for the hundredth time, until her reverie was suddenly interrupted.
**Don't act like you didn't want it**, a voice mocked her.
*What?!?! Who are you?*
**I really don't have a name, but I guess you can say I'm your inner voice.**
*Am I dreaming or am I having an Ally McBeal episode?*
**No it's not, but I think that it is time you started listening to me*
*What are you talking about?*
**About the feelings that you still have for Darien....**
*So what if I do? What are you going to do about it?*
**You need to let go of the past and demand an explanation from him!**
*NO!! I'm not going to force the issue...he is the one that made it this way....*
**STOP IT! Even if he did offer to tell you, would you listen?**
*I...I..I don't know*
**That is the reason you have to be the bigger person here....**
"Oh will you just shut up and GO AWAY", Serena shouted hoping that would drown out the sound of the voice.
**I will, but remember...I will be back**, and the insistent voice
ceased.
Groaning, Serena made her way back to bed, got in, and closed her eyes, hoping to stop the headache that she created by her little 'discussion'. She just hoped that negotiations would end soon, because she didn't know how much more she could take.
Matthews Inc.-Monday
It was only eight o'clock in the morning, but Darien was already frustrated. He had come in early to talk to Ben about his suspicions about Sharpe, and was not surprised at the reaction he got. "I understand your concern Darien, but I think that this will be a benefit for us. Think about it we are the smaller company here. We will be able to reach more users and take advantage of their expanded infrastructure." " I understand all that, but I still feel that all their financial records have not been disclosed. I was reviewing the fiscal reports and it seems that there is a surplus of money even though their products took a hit last year. Where is the extra money coming from? I would like to investigate further...I swear I will be discreet as possible...", Darien said ,trying to persuade Ben to see his side. "Well, I could see where your suspicions are stemming from...I guess it wouldn't hurt to do a VERY discreet inquiry into the situation, as long as this little discussion stays between us, understand?" "Most certainly, Ben. I will start it right away." Darien said as he walked back to his own office.
Conference Room-Same Day
"Welcome back ladies and gentlemen. I hope that everyone enjoyed his or her weekend, because we have a long day ahead of us. Now my colleague and I have come to terms that should make everyone happy." Serena said, passing out copies of the proposed agreement. That was when chaos ensued. Everyone was shouting objections left and right, with Serena and the other attorney in the middle. Serena looked over at her counterpart and could already tell that this was going to be a long week.
One month later
Pretty soon, one week turned into two and two turned into four. Already it seemed that time was passing much too quickly and by the time that anyone knew, two weeks had already flew by, and both sides were still in a stalemate. During the ensuing talks, Serena had kept her promise to her employer and tried to find a quick way to resolve things, but it seemed that was becoming more and more of a distant reality.
However, there was one bright spot in all this mess, and that was the budding friendships that she had formed with Raye and Amy. Amy was so great to talk to when she needed a logical point of view, but Serena loved to loosen her up a bit. Raye was like the sister she never had, due to the bickering they did back in forth. Serena had even given her a secret nickname, Pyro, due to her fiery temper, which she had seen on many occasions. Lately she had to admit that Raye has been mellower, ever since she found out her boyfriend was coming back home from being overseas. She even invited Serena to a party that she was throwing him.
Now the situation with Darien was altogether different. She had to admit that he hadn't been such the pain in the ass as she thought. Darien had kept a professional distance and had made no mention of the kiss they had shared, which Serena had mixed feelings about. In a way she was glad that he made the same decision she did about the kiss...just to forget it, but that was the problem. She couldn't forget it, and she was mildly upset that he seemed to be above it all. She had to act like that it didn't matter to her either. She had to concentrate on the matter at hand. Which was finding a way to salvage these negotiations.
Which brought her back to the present. Sitting in her office, she took a break and took her silver wire frame glasses off and rubbed the bridge of her nose. As she was doing this, someone knocked on her door. "Come in", she called out and they walked in. When Serena heard the door shut, she looked up and was quite surprised to see Darien standing there. "Serena I was wondering if I could have a word with you", Darien said, as he sat down across from her.
*This sounds serious* "Alright...what's on your mind?" Serena said turning her attention to him. "Well I wanted to ask your opinion about the merger. Do you think that it will actually happen?" "Seriously, I think that we are running in circles here. I was thinking of asking Mr. Sharpe and Mr. Matthews to suspend talks for the time being and let all of us have time to really think if this merger is possible." " Sounds like a good course of action...if you want I'm willing to recommend to Mr. Matthews.", Darien offered. "Thank you....", Serena said, flattered. After Darien left her office she couldn't help but think, *I wonder if I'll ever be able to forgive and forget.....*
Sharpe Estate-Fisher Island
Swirling a snifter of brandy, a man sat at a dark oak table in a backroom of a huge mansion. Looking at his partner, he began to speak, "I was told by my contact at Matthews that the merger looks like it's about to fall through, and that Darien Walters is starting to advocate to cut off negotiations altogether, but that won't stop us...we have other ways and we will use them. Now listen carefully and follow these direction to the letter."
Fifteen minutes later, the men finished discussing the plan. As the other man rose to leave, the man at the desk stopped him and said, "Keep it nice and simple and remember don't leave a trace...Walters has to be stopped before he causes anymore damage, got it?" At the other man's nod, the mysterious figure at the desk leaned back in the leather-cushioned chair and just sat back and relaxed. Everything would work just the way it should, then no one could stand in his way.
to be continued.........
Is it getting better? Did you enjoy the humor in this one? I hope so cause the next few chapters are gonna be sad !!!! Dum Da Da Dum!!! Goodness, I have a lot of loose ends to take care of don't I? PLOT TWISTS coming!!! By the way, emails and reviews are food to fanfic authors. No food....no write...got it? GOOD!!!
Ohayo minna-chan!!! I see that there are some people that actually like this story. I must say that I am touched by the response that I'm getting for this, and I hope that it continues. Now I would like to take this time to say thanx to Moon-chan, Nye-chan, and Sailor Light for agreeing to become pre-readers for me!!!! Now this will delay posting time, but you will get a better fic because of it!!! BTW, I want to apologize in advance to all you Ally McBeal fans (You'll see why when you read this chapter!) Alright enough of my rambling...you may continue. =^_^=
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon isn't my creation and if someone asks me one more time *shaking fist*.....you're gonna feel it like this lawyer on the floor. *crossing arms*
" "=dialogue
* *=thought
** **=conscience
Title: Reasonable Doubt
Author: Midnight Dreamer
Rating: PG-13 (slight swearing)
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
Darien's Condo-Coconut Grove
*It seems that this is going to be another sleepless night...I swear I haven't had a decent night's sleep since she came back*, Darien thought as he paced about in his bedroom. It was 4 am in the morning and he still was at a lost about what happened tonight at the club. He had decided to pull her to the side, and tell her what really happened long ago, but instead, he asked her to dance, which was a big mistake. All reason flew from his mind as soon as their bodies touched. Then he had made an even bigger mistake...he kissed her.
Darien could still feel the slight tingle from their heated encounter. *Gods...she still feels the same...for a minute it was seemed that we never were apart. I wonder will I ever be able to tell her why I had to make her go...why I had to save both of us*, he sighed, trying to repress the emotions that were building inside. Then he remembered the treatment he received from his friends afterwards, a frown forming on his face.
Flashback
Darien was still standing where Serena left him, when he felt a light slap on the back. Turning around, he saw Mal looking at him with amusement twinkling in his eyes. "Don't even start with me...I'm not in the mood right now", Darien grumbled as he made his way back to the restaurant. Sitting down, he started to pick at the now cold food on his plate. He was so deep in thought that he didn't notice his friends sitting at the table with him. "Um....Dare, you there? Hello...Earth to Darien!", Mal yelled, snapping his fingers in front of his face. Darien jumped slightly from the sound, and looked at his friends.
"Man, you have it bad...she hasn't even been back that long and you're already in la la land.", Nate said jokingly. Darien just glared at him. Sighing, he pushed the plate away and leaned back in his chair. "We need to change the topic quickly before someone gets hurt.", Darien muttered uttered under his breath. "Alright, how about this? Jayson called today and said that he's finally coming home.", Mal said, taking mercy on his friend. Darien brightened up a little at this news. If there was one person who could make him laugh, it was Jayson, and right about now he needed all the laughs he could get. "When?", Darien asked. "In about a month or so. He still has to talk to his sponsors and stuff like that.", Mal replied.
"How about we throw him a 'welcome back' party? Seeing how he loves a good party, it's only the proper thing to do. Hey Darien, we can use your yacht, and make it into a weekend trip thing. It would be fantastic! What do you say?", Nate asked, proud that he came up with such a great idea. After thinking it over for a minute, Darien replied, "Sure why not? One of you call Zach and tell him about it and I'll tell Raye. I'm sure that she will organize everything from there."
End Flashback
Looking at the horizon, he began to see the sun starting to lighten up the night sky. Turning back inside, he went to his living room to pour his first of many cups of coffee for the day. Walking into the living room, he went to his briefcase that was laying on the table and retrieved the files that he took from the office about the Sharpe Merger. Sitting down on the couch, he started looking more closely at the their fiscal reports for the past five years, he began to get that same feeling of uneasiness in his gut. Scrutinizing the reports more closely, he became convinced that entering into this merger was a mistake. *Why are their profits so high? Just last year, one of their projects took a major hit in the marketplace, but they still came out on in the black. It just doesn't make sense. I'll talk to Ben about this on Monday.*, Darien told himself, determined to convince the older man to pull out of the deal.
Ritz Hotel-South Beach
Serena thanked the gods above that it was the weekend, because after the night she spent tossing and turning, she wouldn't be good for anyone today. It seemed that each time she closed her eyes, Darien's face would appear, and the kiss they shared would replay in her mind. *How dare he kiss me? Didn't he know that he lost that privilege years ago?*, Serena thought again for the hundredth time, until her reverie was suddenly interrupted.
**Don't act like you didn't want it**, a voice mocked her.
*What?!?! Who are you?*
**I really don't have a name, but I guess you can say I'm your inner voice.**
*Am I dreaming or am I having an Ally McBeal episode?*
**No it's not, but I think that it is time you started listening to me*
*What are you talking about?*
**About the feelings that you still have for Darien....**
*So what if I do? What are you going to do about it?*
**You need to let go of the past and demand an explanation from him!**
*NO!! I'm not going to force the issue...he is the one that made it this way....*
**STOP IT! Even if he did offer to tell you, would you listen?**
*I...I..I don't know*
**That is the reason you have to be the bigger person here....**
"Oh will you just shut up and GO AWAY", Serena shouted hoping that would drown out the sound of the voice.
**I will, but remember...I will be back**, and the insistent voice
ceased.
Groaning, Serena made her way back to bed, got in, and closed her eyes, hoping to stop the headache that she created by her little 'discussion'. She just hoped that negotiations would end soon, because she didn't know how much more she could take.
Matthews Inc.-Monday
It was only eight o'clock in the morning, but Darien was already frustrated. He had come in early to talk to Ben about his suspicions about Sharpe, and was not surprised at the reaction he got. "I understand your concern Darien, but I think that this will be a benefit for us. Think about it we are the smaller company here. We will be able to reach more users and take advantage of their expanded infrastructure." " I understand all that, but I still feel that all their financial records have not been disclosed. I was reviewing the fiscal reports and it seems that there is a surplus of money even though their products took a hit last year. Where is the extra money coming from? I would like to investigate further...I swear I will be discreet as possible...", Darien said ,trying to persuade Ben to see his side. "Well, I could see where your suspicions are stemming from...I guess it wouldn't hurt to do a VERY discreet inquiry into the situation, as long as this little discussion stays between us, understand?" "Most certainly, Ben. I will start it right away." Darien said as he walked back to his own office.
Conference Room-Same Day
"Welcome back ladies and gentlemen. I hope that everyone enjoyed his or her weekend, because we have a long day ahead of us. Now my colleague and I have come to terms that should make everyone happy." Serena said, passing out copies of the proposed agreement. That was when chaos ensued. Everyone was shouting objections left and right, with Serena and the other attorney in the middle. Serena looked over at her counterpart and could already tell that this was going to be a long week.
One month later
Pretty soon, one week turned into two and two turned into four. Already it seemed that time was passing much too quickly and by the time that anyone knew, two weeks had already flew by, and both sides were still in a stalemate. During the ensuing talks, Serena had kept her promise to her employer and tried to find a quick way to resolve things, but it seemed that was becoming more and more of a distant reality.
However, there was one bright spot in all this mess, and that was the budding friendships that she had formed with Raye and Amy. Amy was so great to talk to when she needed a logical point of view, but Serena loved to loosen her up a bit. Raye was like the sister she never had, due to the bickering they did back in forth. Serena had even given her a secret nickname, Pyro, due to her fiery temper, which she had seen on many occasions. Lately she had to admit that Raye has been mellower, ever since she found out her boyfriend was coming back home from being overseas. She even invited Serena to a party that she was throwing him.
Now the situation with Darien was altogether different. She had to admit that he hadn't been such the pain in the ass as she thought. Darien had kept a professional distance and had made no mention of the kiss they had shared, which Serena had mixed feelings about. In a way she was glad that he made the same decision she did about the kiss...just to forget it, but that was the problem. She couldn't forget it, and she was mildly upset that he seemed to be above it all. She had to act like that it didn't matter to her either. She had to concentrate on the matter at hand. Which was finding a way to salvage these negotiations.
Which brought her back to the present. Sitting in her office, she took a break and took her silver wire frame glasses off and rubbed the bridge of her nose. As she was doing this, someone knocked on her door. "Come in", she called out and they walked in. When Serena heard the door shut, she looked up and was quite surprised to see Darien standing there. "Serena I was wondering if I could have a word with you", Darien said, as he sat down across from her.
*This sounds serious* "Alright...what's on your mind?" Serena said turning her attention to him. "Well I wanted to ask your opinion about the merger. Do you think that it will actually happen?" "Seriously, I think that we are running in circles here. I was thinking of asking Mr. Sharpe and Mr. Matthews to suspend talks for the time being and let all of us have time to really think if this merger is possible." " Sounds like a good course of action...if you want I'm willing to recommend to Mr. Matthews.", Darien offered. "Thank you....", Serena said, flattered. After Darien left her office she couldn't help but think, *I wonder if I'll ever be able to forgive and forget.....*
Sharpe Estate-Fisher Island
Swirling a snifter of brandy, a man sat at a dark oak table in a backroom of a huge mansion. Looking at his partner, he began to speak, "I was told by my contact at Matthews that the merger looks like it's about to fall through, and that Darien Walters is starting to advocate to cut off negotiations altogether, but that won't stop us...we have other ways and we will use them. Now listen carefully and follow these direction to the letter."
Fifteen minutes later, the men finished discussing the plan. As the other man rose to leave, the man at the desk stopped him and said, "Keep it nice and simple and remember don't leave a trace...Walters has to be stopped before he causes anymore damage, got it?" At the other man's nod, the mysterious figure at the desk leaned back in the leather-cushioned chair and just sat back and relaxed. Everything would work just the way it should, then no one could stand in his way.
to be continued.........
Is it getting better? Did you enjoy the humor in this one? I hope so cause the next few chapters are gonna be sad !!!! Dum Da Da Dum!!! Goodness, I have a lot of loose ends to take care of don't I? PLOT TWISTS coming!!! By the way, emails and reviews are food to fanfic authors. No food....no write...got it? GOOD!!!