Changed Perspectives

By Chick-a-tee-in-ur-face

Disclaimer: SM is not mine

Chapter Five: We Meet Again!!!

Mina sat by her computer trying to finish her column so she could spend the rest of the weekend in peace without the weight of getting her article completed before the deadline. She smiled to herself remembering Serena's encounter with Greg yesterday afternoon.

* Flash Back *

The five girls rushed into the building breathing heavily from the run they just had. Serena was held by both Lita and Rei while Amy and Mina held the doors open. There cheeks were pink and the scent of perspiration filled their noses. They looked around searching for someone and when that person did not appear they began to relax.

"Made it," Rei sighed relieved.

"Where have you been?" A voice boomed at them from behind. "You're all 29 seconds late."

All the girls turned around to see the person they were looking for a minute ago standing behind them. His arms crossed across his chest, a look of poor disgust in his blue eyes.

"Spoke too soon." Lita murmured.

Amy flushed embarrassed for being caught late for the first time. She was always punctual. "Greg hi." She said wringing her hands together nervously.

"We can explain..." Mina interrupted quickly. "You see, we were out to lunch and..."

"And I kept them all back. It's my fault Greg and I take full responsibility."

Everyone gasped. Four pairs of eyes stared dumbfounded at Serena as she strolled casually forward, taking the blame which technically was hers but all the same, everyone was astounded.

Greg looked down his nose at Serena, who was still pale and snorted. "And what's your excuse this time?"

"I-I wasn't feeling well." This in fact was the truth. "They were worried about me that's why they are all late." She said with warmth as she looked at all her friends smiling who smiled back at her in return. "I was food poisoned from some shrimps. There has been some cases like this the past week you know." She continued her face placid.

Greg's brow lifted, "Really?" He feigned surprised. "From which restaurant?"

Serena just frowned at having to explain herself to him. "At that little Seafood Restaurant at the corner of main street. The one near Central station, Tokyo."

"I see." Greg said, and then his frown deepened. "Isn't that ironic, I had shrimp for lunch too at the exact same place and I feel quite fine. In fact, I don't recall you five ladies entering the restaurant, you better think of another excuse soon Miss Tsukino or you'll find yourself without a job."

Everyone gasped shocked. He turned his attention to them. "You're all still here; get to you desks and do some work. What do you think I pay you for? For standing around doing nothing. Now, we have a deadline in four days. Move it." He growled.

Everyone hesitated not sure whether to stick by they're friend or go back to their desks. Serena just nodded her head to them and they all scattered giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Serena just glared at her supervisor.

"Unless you value your position here Miss Tsukino I suggest you be punctual next time and..."

"For crying out loud Greg, we were late 29 freaking seconds." Serena burst out.

Greg continued ignoring her little outburst, "And I want your report on my desk by 5pm.....tonight."

Serena stood quite still. Greg took this in nodded his head at her then moved to his office which was located at the far right side of the building overlooking the West of Tokyo. As he brushed her he stopped thinking a minute. Turning his head he whispered in her ears so just she could hear him, "You can make this easier for yourself Serena," he purred, "Just say yes."

Serena paled, and then her face turned pink. She said nothing which brought a smirk on Greg's features.

* End of Flash Back *

Shaking her head Mina let out a soft sigh. She had been behind the door and had overheard their little exchange. Serena still hadn't mentioned it. Throwing her head back, she took in a deep breath, and then slowly in a circular motion she moved her head feeling the strain of sitting in one position too long. Ouch! She grabbed a handful of her blonde locks twisting it up into a bun then massaged her exposed neck feeling the tension flow out. She was so engrossed in the relaxing feel of her muscle being massaged she barely heard the doorbell ring. 'Who could that be?' She mused, as she got up from her seat and made a beeline for the door. Opening the door, Mina's jaw would have dropped if her self will was not stronger. Her blue eyes sparkled as she studied the man in front of her.

"Hi." She said smiling.

* * *

Serena cuddled up onto the sofa drinking her mug of strong coffee slowly. She had woken up to the sweet aroma of coffee and found that Darien had just left leaving a freshly brewed pot for her. She smiled at his sensitivity and cringed in pain as her head started hurting. Damn headache. she cursed under her breath. She walked slowly to the kitchen holding onto the bench for support her legs weak at the knees and groped at the medicine cupboard looking for a painkiller. After taking a couple she collapsed onto the sofa, the pain lapsing slightly. The doorbell rang hurting her head a little bit more. She glanced at the door and decided whoever it is will probably think no one was home and leave but to her disappointment the bell rang again. Groaning inwardly Serena got off the couch thinking Darien had forgotten his keys and was coming back to get it.

He pressed the doorbell again waiting, tapping his shoes on the floor impatiently. The door flew open and he heard her say, "If you ever do this again I..." Her sweet voice trailed off. He smiled down at her face. She had slightly matured but there was no denying the youth in her. Her crystal blue eyes still had that sparkle, her blonde hair, a bit dishevelled still fell down to her mid-calf.  He smiled, his green eyes wrinkled at the side. His blonde hair hung loosely down to his ears. "Hello Serena. We meet again."

The colour in her face drained as soon as she heard his deep voice. She looked up at him, blinking a few times hoping against hope.....when she opened her eyes he was still standing there, smiling at her. Her insides fluttered involuntarily. Serena clutched the door, but weariness claimed her and feeling light headed, she fainted right into his arms.

* * *

Darien rubbed his eyes tiredly looking at the floor they had just passed 19...20...21... 'One more floor' he thought. 22... The elevator doors opened and he walked out, stifling a yawn, one hand unconsciously slipped into his jacket pocket fishing out the apartment keys. He let the key slip in the hole and turned it. Opened the door, and with his other hand he groped the wall searching for the light switch. "Serena, I..." He stopped as the lights were turned on and he saw her sitting on the couch with someone. Her face looked pale; she was biting her lower lip and wringing her hands together nervously.

"Darien hi." Serena said after a while finding her voice. At the corner of her eyes she saw him stand, "Darien this is....this is an old friend of mine. Jason."

Darien's brow lifted. Jason. He had never heard her talk about him before. Jason was tall, well built, and blonde with green eyes. Almost identical to Andrew except for the small cleft in his chin. He extended his hand out with was accepted. "Hi."

Jason on the other hand was looking from Serena to Darien. Darien was his height, apparently works out, and had dark raven hair and the bluest eyes he had ever seen. He frowned which went by unnoticed by the two. He had just found a small glitch in his plan. Serena was looking at Darien almost as if...no...it can't be. Accepting Darien's extended hand he plastered a sincere smile on his face. "Hi." Then looking at his watch he made a show of being late to an appointment. "I'd like to stay and catch up on old times, but I really must go." Stooping he kissed Serena softly on the lips which lasted only a second but to Darien it lasted an eternity. His heart sank as he watched Jason caress her cheek. "We'll talk some time later ok." Serena cast her eyes down; nodded and not looking at Darien she let Jason go at the door. "Bye."

"Nice meeting you." Darien added as he left. The room was silent. Darien watched Serena a thousand questions on his mind. Serena watched the door, emotions hidden deep within her surfacing. She started to tremble, her eyes misty with tears. She felt two strong hands reach out to her, embracing her. She felt the warmth of his body against hers. "Darien," she whispered.

Darien looked down at her sad blue pools wishing he could help her, not knowing how. "Darien, that was... That was..."

"I know." He whispered back. "Jason."

"I don't know what I'm going to do." She choked out, "I almost...almost..."

"Shh, Shh." Darien hugged her closer feeling the warmth of her body; he could smell the scent of her shampoo which was driving his senses crazy. "Shh."

They staid that way, Darien repeating soothing words in her ear to calm her down, Serena always finding more excuses to go hysterical. Finally she fell asleep, listening to his heartbeat. The slow steady rhythm seemed to calm her down, reassure almost. Lifting her up, Darien carried her to her room, laid her down then kissed her softly on the cheek. "Good night."

AN: Soz 4 upd8ing soooo l8…Review plz. Thanx…