Author Notes:
I can't believe that I'm still writing this story (and let me tell you something folks...it is no where near DONE). The plot just seems to get thicker and thicker. There are a couple of things that I have to say, so here they are. First, I have to tip my hat off to the ladies of the SMRFF list for the wackiness that is called WAFF v. TAFF day. For a newbie, I had a great time and the fics were sensational. To my pre-readers, arigato as always. Second...it might seem that this fic is going slow, but it will GET BETTER! Anyway, I would like to say hello to one of my greatest fans, ~*~Dreamer~*~. Thanx for all the encouragement. This chapter is for you!!!
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is not mine, nor will it ever be....*sigh* If this story in anyway reflect a story of yours or seems similar, please tell me so I can give credit where it is due.
" "= dialogue
* *= thought
** **= conscience
CAPS= emphasis
Title: Reasonable Doubt
Author: Midnight Dreamer
Rating: PG-13 (just in case)
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
Matthews Inc.-Late Evening
Serena had put in another long day at Matthews and was dead tired. Placing her silver wire frame glasses on her desk, she rubbed her eyes trying to relieve some of the stress that had built up behind them. She should really be on her way home, but she didn't feel like going back to the probably empty apartment. Since Mina and Lita had come down to visit her, she realized how much she missed them. Sure they lived in New York, but they were usually so busy that they didn't see each other as much as they wanted to. Now that they were in Miami, all three friends were making up for lost time. With the addition of Raye and Amy to the group it seemed that everything was falling into place.
The only thing that bothered Serena was her love life, or lack thereof. One thing that all her other friends had in common was that each of them had a special someone. Mina had immediately connected with Mal, going out with him practically every night. Lita and Nate seemed to be swapping more than recipes now, since they seemed to spend every waking moment in each other's company. Amy was beginning to spend more time with Zach, and starting to warm up to the flirtatious antics of the usually reserved doctor. To top things off, Raye had a steady relationship with Jayson, albeit one with a dangerous edge.
Serena was genuinely happy for them, but she couldn't help but feel a little envious. When she saw how happy they were, it brought back memories of how she felt when she was with Darien. Serena was still trying to get over the reasons that Darien told her of why they broke up and the passionate kiss that they shared. Ever since then it seemed that he had been avoiding her. The only time that she had seen him outside the office, was that time at Surreal when he said that he had to ask her something, but he never did. When she had caught him and Zach talking, she was sure that it was something very important, if his shocked face was anything to go by, but she figured that he would ask her when he was ready.
Thinking about Darien's confession made Serena angry all over again. How could he have given up so easily...and to think that she was willing to stay in Miami for him. He didn't even give her and himself a chance. Which made her wonder, *Did he ever really love me?* Getting up, she walked over to the corner window and looked at the bright lights of Miami. Looking at the futuristic skyscrapers and the monorail whizzing by in the distance, Serena let her mind drift down a path that had become well traveled in the past few days.
*I've only been back a couple of months and I already forgot about New York...maybe I should talk to William about setting up a branch office down here...*
**Is that the only reason that you want to stay?**
*Oh....it's you again.....what do you want?*
**Just want you to admit that you want to stay because of Darien...**
*Here you go again...*
**I have to because you keep denying what we both want...Darien...he told you why he broke up with you didn't he?**
*We're you paying attention?!??! He didn't believe enough in us to tell me the problem before he broke my heart.*
**But at least he told you...will you ever forgive him what he's done?**
*I don't know......*
Turning away from the scenic view in front of her, she returned to her desk and sat down, resting her head in her hands. "I was doing so good too...I should have listened to my instincts and never came back here..." she muttered sadly. Hearing someone knock on the door, she opened her eyes, brushing away the single tear that had rolled down her face.
"Come In" she called out, gathering up the papers that were scattered across the desk, trying to appear cool and collected.
The door opened bringing a spicy scent that she knew like the back of her hand. "Hello Serena...I saw the light still on and thought I would stop in to say hi. Are you feeling alright?"
"Yes, I am. What are you still doing here Darien?" she said looking up at him, hoping that he didn't notice the sadness in her eyes.
"Same as you I guess...trying to do some work with out so many distractions, but it seems that you are putting in some extra hard hours."
"Well, I want to finish everything up before I go back to New York."
Darien raised an eyebrow at this statement. "Oh.....so, you are going back soon?"
Ignoring the surprised look on his face she said, "Well, with the merger being put on hold indefinitely, I was thinking that my services were no longer needed here and that I should go back to my firm in New York."
Darien couldn't believe it. He thought that he would have more time, but now it seemed that he had to accelerate his plans. "Uh..Serena...I was wondering if we could talk about that?"
"About what?"
"You going back to New York..." Darien clarified.
"What's wrong with that?"
"I just thought that it might be a good idea if you could stay in Miami" *With me* he added silently to himself.
Seeing that Serena was about to object, Darien jumped in quickly hoping to make her see his way of things
"Before you shoot the idea down, let me take you out to dinner" Darein asked hopefully.
"I don't know...I really have to get this work done" Serena said, thinking that she came up with a good excuse.
"Look take it from a workaholic....take a break. We both need to eat, so why don't we do it together?" he said cajolingly.
*Because I remember what happened last time we were alone* Serena thought feeling a slight blush spread across her cheeks.
Darien looked at her curiously wondering what could be making her blush. *Hmmm, I'll have to ask her about that later* he said to himself committing it to memory.
"So...what do you say? I promise not to do or say anything controversial...just an evening out with friends?" he pressed, giving her the 'wide-eye' routine.
Seeing the wide eyes, Serena admitted defeat and said, "Fine...are we going to Surreal?"
"No.....I was thinking something different. Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah....let me just grab my things" she replied, getting her briefcase and purse.
Once she was ready, Darien opened the door, and said, "After you....."
Coco Beach-Same Night
After a wonderful dinner at a trendy bistro in South Beach, Darien drove Serena home, but suggested that they take a walk on the beach to get to know each other better seeing how they were now 'friends'.
Taking off shoes, they both walked along the shoreline, letting the tide wash over their bare feet. They walked in companionable silence, neither one really wanting to destroy the moment. However, Darien needed to know some things that he wouldn't find out be being silent.
"So Serena...tell me how New York is treating you?" Darien said trying to get the conversation started.
Serena was a little put out by his choice in topic, but held her annoyance in check.
"Well, there really isn't that much to tell. I transferred to NYU and completed my internship, graduated, went through Columbia law school on an accelerated program, graduated with honors, started work at Jacobson, Taylor and Clark, worked night and day, and became the youngest partner ever. That's basically it."
"What about your social life? Isn't New York known as 'the city that never sleeps'?"
"Yeah, but if you been to one club, you been to them all. Now Mina and Lita are the social butterflies, but since I was concentrating so much on my career I really didn't care that much."
"You mean to tell me that there wasn't no one special in your life?" Darien asked, not really wanting to know the answer.
Serena instantly saw red. "What business is that of yours?" she snapped.
*Dammit...way to go Walters, you and your big mouth.....* Darien groaned silently.
*How dare he ask me something like that.....since it is HIS fault that I haven't been able to let anyone close enough after what he did to me* Serena fumed, walking a little away from him, turning her face to the breeze coming off the water.
Running a hand through is already dishelved hair, Darien said, "I'm sorry Serena. I shouldn't have asked that. I had no right to pry."
"Damn right you didn't!" she yelled back, the heat practically coming off her body.
Coming up behind her, he placed a hand on her shoulder, which was immediately shrugged off.
With anger still running rampant, Serena let him have it. "Look...just because you brought me dinner does not make everything right and dandy between us. You've been avoiding me ever since...well you know." she stopped, feeling a blush coming on at the memory of the kiss they shared. Taking a deep breath, she asked him something that had been bothering her all night.
"Why are you approaching me now?" she said hotly, still looking out to sea.
Taking another step towards her, Darien tried to explain. "Serena...I know that I've acted like an idiot...to tell you the truth I didn't know you wanted to talk about it. I thought that you would want to forget the whole thing."
A smirk appeared on Serena's face when she heard this. "Well, you know what they say about people that 'assume' things..."
"Enlighten me." he said, humoring her.
"It makes an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'" she replied tartly. (AN: How many times have we heard this one? ^_^)
*She still has that 'strange' sense of humor...* Darien thought as he continued to gaze at Serena's back.
"You're right, and I am truly sorry about the way I've behaved lately, but I think that I might have something that could make up for what I done..."
"Is that so?" she replied dryly, trying to disguise her interest.
"Yes....I have a proposition for you, but I need to know some information..."
*I knew there was a catch somewhere* She turned around and faced him. "Alright then, what do you want to know?" curiosity shining in her eyes.
"First, who is William?" he asked blandly.
"Why are you asking me about him?" she said, her confusion showing clearly.
"Because it is very important to what I have to ask you..." Darien said in earnest.
"Well, I guess you could say that William was sort of like a mentor to me when I began my legal career in New York. He showed me the ropes and introduced me to people that I needed to know."
"How close are you two?" he asked calmly, afraid of the answer she would give him.
"Very close. He's like a second father to me. His wife, Dianne is a great cook." she ended with a smile.
*And all this time I was jealous* Darien chuckled to himself, taking a sigh of relief. *Now we can move on to other things...*
"Second, how would you like to move back to Miami and become the head attorney for the legal department here at Matthews?"
Serena was astounded! She couldn't believe that Darien would even suggest this, especially with the history they had. Before she could answer, Darien said, "By the look on your face, I know that you're about to shoot this idea down but think for a minute. You'll be closer to your family and I know that you love being back here. The warm sunshine instead of the freezing snow. Plus, you'll be in charge without having to run every decision pass your partners. Now what do you say?"
Serena could only stare at Darien like another head had grown out of his neck.
"You don't have to give me an answer right away...just think about it and get back to me, okay?"
"Alright....I'm not going to make any promises, but I will give it consideration. Now, is there anything else you have to ask me?"
Darien seeing that he was almost home-free took a deep breath and hoped that what he would say next would make the difference.
"Now that we have that out of the way, there is only one more question that I have to ask you. Serena, I want you to that this is something that I've thought about for a while and I hope that you seriously consider it before you answer..." Darien stopped, looking Serena directly in the eyes, anxiety written across his taut features.
"What is it Darien? You can ask me...." she reassured him, trying to diffuse some of the tension that was in the air.
"Serena....the real reason that I don't want you to go back to New York is that....I would miss you too much and I don't want to make the same mistake again."
"What are you talking about?" she asked, giving him a perplexed look.
"Serena....I'm asking for another chance. I know that there are some things that we still need to work out, but I am willing if you are. Having you here these past few months have been torture. Not being close to you or able to hold you has been hell for me. I know that I should give you sometime, but I can't wait any longer."
"Darien....I don't know what to say..." Serena whispered before he silenced her by placing a finger on her lips.
"Please don't say anything just yet...just think about it. Promise?"
Hearing the sincerity in his voice and looking into his pleading eyes, Serena could feel one of the barriers that surrounded her heart start to crumble. Looking into eyes that reflected her own, she whispered, "I promise."
As Darien and Serena were trying to create something new, someone was watching and hearing everything that went on between them...and was determined to stop it cold.
"Well well well...it seems that Walters has already chosen someone to fulfill his obligation to the old man." the lady watching the couple said to herself. Raising her binoculars, she focused on Serena. Shaking her head, she tsked and said to herself, "She seems like such a nice girl..too bad I'm going to have to destroy her. My client should be happy with this." After taking a couple more pictures, she packed up her equipment and stealthily made her way to the sand dunes at the end of the beach, disappearing from sight.
to be continued.....
I think that this a good place to stop...*ducking rotten vegetables and hard objects* Okay minna, I know that some of ya'll will probably send a death threat *looks nervously at Kel-chan* but please bear with me. Well, it seems that are favorite couple is making progress, but will it all be for nothing? Stay tuned and find out!!!!
EMAIL is a writer's BEST muse....^.^
I can't believe that I'm still writing this story (and let me tell you something folks...it is no where near DONE). The plot just seems to get thicker and thicker. There are a couple of things that I have to say, so here they are. First, I have to tip my hat off to the ladies of the SMRFF list for the wackiness that is called WAFF v. TAFF day. For a newbie, I had a great time and the fics were sensational. To my pre-readers, arigato as always. Second...it might seem that this fic is going slow, but it will GET BETTER! Anyway, I would like to say hello to one of my greatest fans, ~*~Dreamer~*~. Thanx for all the encouragement. This chapter is for you!!!
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is not mine, nor will it ever be....*sigh* If this story in anyway reflect a story of yours or seems similar, please tell me so I can give credit where it is due.
" "= dialogue
* *= thought
** **= conscience
CAPS= emphasis
Title: Reasonable Doubt
Author: Midnight Dreamer
Rating: PG-13 (just in case)
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
Matthews Inc.-Late Evening
Serena had put in another long day at Matthews and was dead tired. Placing her silver wire frame glasses on her desk, she rubbed her eyes trying to relieve some of the stress that had built up behind them. She should really be on her way home, but she didn't feel like going back to the probably empty apartment. Since Mina and Lita had come down to visit her, she realized how much she missed them. Sure they lived in New York, but they were usually so busy that they didn't see each other as much as they wanted to. Now that they were in Miami, all three friends were making up for lost time. With the addition of Raye and Amy to the group it seemed that everything was falling into place.
The only thing that bothered Serena was her love life, or lack thereof. One thing that all her other friends had in common was that each of them had a special someone. Mina had immediately connected with Mal, going out with him practically every night. Lita and Nate seemed to be swapping more than recipes now, since they seemed to spend every waking moment in each other's company. Amy was beginning to spend more time with Zach, and starting to warm up to the flirtatious antics of the usually reserved doctor. To top things off, Raye had a steady relationship with Jayson, albeit one with a dangerous edge.
Serena was genuinely happy for them, but she couldn't help but feel a little envious. When she saw how happy they were, it brought back memories of how she felt when she was with Darien. Serena was still trying to get over the reasons that Darien told her of why they broke up and the passionate kiss that they shared. Ever since then it seemed that he had been avoiding her. The only time that she had seen him outside the office, was that time at Surreal when he said that he had to ask her something, but he never did. When she had caught him and Zach talking, she was sure that it was something very important, if his shocked face was anything to go by, but she figured that he would ask her when he was ready.
Thinking about Darien's confession made Serena angry all over again. How could he have given up so easily...and to think that she was willing to stay in Miami for him. He didn't even give her and himself a chance. Which made her wonder, *Did he ever really love me?* Getting up, she walked over to the corner window and looked at the bright lights of Miami. Looking at the futuristic skyscrapers and the monorail whizzing by in the distance, Serena let her mind drift down a path that had become well traveled in the past few days.
*I've only been back a couple of months and I already forgot about New York...maybe I should talk to William about setting up a branch office down here...*
**Is that the only reason that you want to stay?**
*Oh....it's you again.....what do you want?*
**Just want you to admit that you want to stay because of Darien...**
*Here you go again...*
**I have to because you keep denying what we both want...Darien...he told you why he broke up with you didn't he?**
*We're you paying attention?!??! He didn't believe enough in us to tell me the problem before he broke my heart.*
**But at least he told you...will you ever forgive him what he's done?**
*I don't know......*
Turning away from the scenic view in front of her, she returned to her desk and sat down, resting her head in her hands. "I was doing so good too...I should have listened to my instincts and never came back here..." she muttered sadly. Hearing someone knock on the door, she opened her eyes, brushing away the single tear that had rolled down her face.
"Come In" she called out, gathering up the papers that were scattered across the desk, trying to appear cool and collected.
The door opened bringing a spicy scent that she knew like the back of her hand. "Hello Serena...I saw the light still on and thought I would stop in to say hi. Are you feeling alright?"
"Yes, I am. What are you still doing here Darien?" she said looking up at him, hoping that he didn't notice the sadness in her eyes.
"Same as you I guess...trying to do some work with out so many distractions, but it seems that you are putting in some extra hard hours."
"Well, I want to finish everything up before I go back to New York."
Darien raised an eyebrow at this statement. "Oh.....so, you are going back soon?"
Ignoring the surprised look on his face she said, "Well, with the merger being put on hold indefinitely, I was thinking that my services were no longer needed here and that I should go back to my firm in New York."
Darien couldn't believe it. He thought that he would have more time, but now it seemed that he had to accelerate his plans. "Uh..Serena...I was wondering if we could talk about that?"
"About what?"
"You going back to New York..." Darien clarified.
"What's wrong with that?"
"I just thought that it might be a good idea if you could stay in Miami" *With me* he added silently to himself.
Seeing that Serena was about to object, Darien jumped in quickly hoping to make her see his way of things
"Before you shoot the idea down, let me take you out to dinner" Darein asked hopefully.
"I don't know...I really have to get this work done" Serena said, thinking that she came up with a good excuse.
"Look take it from a workaholic....take a break. We both need to eat, so why don't we do it together?" he said cajolingly.
*Because I remember what happened last time we were alone* Serena thought feeling a slight blush spread across her cheeks.
Darien looked at her curiously wondering what could be making her blush. *Hmmm, I'll have to ask her about that later* he said to himself committing it to memory.
"So...what do you say? I promise not to do or say anything controversial...just an evening out with friends?" he pressed, giving her the 'wide-eye' routine.
Seeing the wide eyes, Serena admitted defeat and said, "Fine...are we going to Surreal?"
"No.....I was thinking something different. Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah....let me just grab my things" she replied, getting her briefcase and purse.
Once she was ready, Darien opened the door, and said, "After you....."
Coco Beach-Same Night
After a wonderful dinner at a trendy bistro in South Beach, Darien drove Serena home, but suggested that they take a walk on the beach to get to know each other better seeing how they were now 'friends'.
Taking off shoes, they both walked along the shoreline, letting the tide wash over their bare feet. They walked in companionable silence, neither one really wanting to destroy the moment. However, Darien needed to know some things that he wouldn't find out be being silent.
"So Serena...tell me how New York is treating you?" Darien said trying to get the conversation started.
Serena was a little put out by his choice in topic, but held her annoyance in check.
"Well, there really isn't that much to tell. I transferred to NYU and completed my internship, graduated, went through Columbia law school on an accelerated program, graduated with honors, started work at Jacobson, Taylor and Clark, worked night and day, and became the youngest partner ever. That's basically it."
"What about your social life? Isn't New York known as 'the city that never sleeps'?"
"Yeah, but if you been to one club, you been to them all. Now Mina and Lita are the social butterflies, but since I was concentrating so much on my career I really didn't care that much."
"You mean to tell me that there wasn't no one special in your life?" Darien asked, not really wanting to know the answer.
Serena instantly saw red. "What business is that of yours?" she snapped.
*Dammit...way to go Walters, you and your big mouth.....* Darien groaned silently.
*How dare he ask me something like that.....since it is HIS fault that I haven't been able to let anyone close enough after what he did to me* Serena fumed, walking a little away from him, turning her face to the breeze coming off the water.
Running a hand through is already dishelved hair, Darien said, "I'm sorry Serena. I shouldn't have asked that. I had no right to pry."
"Damn right you didn't!" she yelled back, the heat practically coming off her body.
Coming up behind her, he placed a hand on her shoulder, which was immediately shrugged off.
With anger still running rampant, Serena let him have it. "Look...just because you brought me dinner does not make everything right and dandy between us. You've been avoiding me ever since...well you know." she stopped, feeling a blush coming on at the memory of the kiss they shared. Taking a deep breath, she asked him something that had been bothering her all night.
"Why are you approaching me now?" she said hotly, still looking out to sea.
Taking another step towards her, Darien tried to explain. "Serena...I know that I've acted like an idiot...to tell you the truth I didn't know you wanted to talk about it. I thought that you would want to forget the whole thing."
A smirk appeared on Serena's face when she heard this. "Well, you know what they say about people that 'assume' things..."
"Enlighten me." he said, humoring her.
"It makes an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'" she replied tartly. (AN: How many times have we heard this one? ^_^)
*She still has that 'strange' sense of humor...* Darien thought as he continued to gaze at Serena's back.
"You're right, and I am truly sorry about the way I've behaved lately, but I think that I might have something that could make up for what I done..."
"Is that so?" she replied dryly, trying to disguise her interest.
"Yes....I have a proposition for you, but I need to know some information..."
*I knew there was a catch somewhere* She turned around and faced him. "Alright then, what do you want to know?" curiosity shining in her eyes.
"First, who is William?" he asked blandly.
"Why are you asking me about him?" she said, her confusion showing clearly.
"Because it is very important to what I have to ask you..." Darien said in earnest.
"Well, I guess you could say that William was sort of like a mentor to me when I began my legal career in New York. He showed me the ropes and introduced me to people that I needed to know."
"How close are you two?" he asked calmly, afraid of the answer she would give him.
"Very close. He's like a second father to me. His wife, Dianne is a great cook." she ended with a smile.
*And all this time I was jealous* Darien chuckled to himself, taking a sigh of relief. *Now we can move on to other things...*
"Second, how would you like to move back to Miami and become the head attorney for the legal department here at Matthews?"
Serena was astounded! She couldn't believe that Darien would even suggest this, especially with the history they had. Before she could answer, Darien said, "By the look on your face, I know that you're about to shoot this idea down but think for a minute. You'll be closer to your family and I know that you love being back here. The warm sunshine instead of the freezing snow. Plus, you'll be in charge without having to run every decision pass your partners. Now what do you say?"
Serena could only stare at Darien like another head had grown out of his neck.
"You don't have to give me an answer right away...just think about it and get back to me, okay?"
"Alright....I'm not going to make any promises, but I will give it consideration. Now, is there anything else you have to ask me?"
Darien seeing that he was almost home-free took a deep breath and hoped that what he would say next would make the difference.
"Now that we have that out of the way, there is only one more question that I have to ask you. Serena, I want you to that this is something that I've thought about for a while and I hope that you seriously consider it before you answer..." Darien stopped, looking Serena directly in the eyes, anxiety written across his taut features.
"What is it Darien? You can ask me...." she reassured him, trying to diffuse some of the tension that was in the air.
"Serena....the real reason that I don't want you to go back to New York is that....I would miss you too much and I don't want to make the same mistake again."
"What are you talking about?" she asked, giving him a perplexed look.
"Serena....I'm asking for another chance. I know that there are some things that we still need to work out, but I am willing if you are. Having you here these past few months have been torture. Not being close to you or able to hold you has been hell for me. I know that I should give you sometime, but I can't wait any longer."
"Darien....I don't know what to say..." Serena whispered before he silenced her by placing a finger on her lips.
"Please don't say anything just yet...just think about it. Promise?"
Hearing the sincerity in his voice and looking into his pleading eyes, Serena could feel one of the barriers that surrounded her heart start to crumble. Looking into eyes that reflected her own, she whispered, "I promise."
As Darien and Serena were trying to create something new, someone was watching and hearing everything that went on between them...and was determined to stop it cold.
"Well well well...it seems that Walters has already chosen someone to fulfill his obligation to the old man." the lady watching the couple said to herself. Raising her binoculars, she focused on Serena. Shaking her head, she tsked and said to herself, "She seems like such a nice girl..too bad I'm going to have to destroy her. My client should be happy with this." After taking a couple more pictures, she packed up her equipment and stealthily made her way to the sand dunes at the end of the beach, disappearing from sight.
to be continued.....
I think that this a good place to stop...*ducking rotten vegetables and hard objects* Okay minna, I know that some of ya'll will probably send a death threat *looks nervously at Kel-chan* but please bear with me. Well, it seems that are favorite couple is making progress, but will it all be for nothing? Stay tuned and find out!!!!
EMAIL is a writer's BEST muse....^.^