I seem to be writing longer and longer... that's a good thing right? Hope you like it!

Usual disclaimer apply

CHAPTER SEVEN

"What am I going to wear? What am I going to wear?" Serena moaned to herself searching hurriedly for a suitable dress.

"Need help?" Darien offered, sitting on the big armchair looking comfortably at Serena's distress.

"No, no. Besides, what do men know about clothes?"

"Hey, I dress myself every morning."

"And I just drool all over you at your taste of clothes." She retorted sarcastically.

"No need to be spiteful just because your 'wonderful' date isn't beginning that well."

"It's going fine." She strode in the bathroom and shut the door with a bang.

"Touchy, touchy." Shaking his head, Darien focused his attention on the TV again. Or at least tried to. His head was a whirl. It didn't feel right that Serena was going out with James. James who was a successful businessman and a womanizer. His head reasoned with him that Serena was a big girl but his heart told him there was something wrong at the prospect of those two dating. But hey, wasn't his head that was always right?

An hour later, Serena came out, in a tiny black mini-dress that was downright sexy, hugging her body curvaceously. Her innocent angel face needed few touches of make-up and was a contrast to the image the dress created. Perhaps that was why so many men fell for her.

Darien swallowed something painful down his throat when he saw Serena. He hadn't really noticed Serena like that before. It was startling to say the least. He was going to compliment her, but –

"Isn't that a bit short?" was what came out of his mouth.

"It's fine, Dar." Serena glared at him.

"Sorry, sorry." But it was too short. For James anyway.

A brisk knock.

"Let's hope some other people appreciate what I look like." Serena snapped.

Darien could only watch as she opened the door. His nerves were still a tangle at her sight. Damn, the woman could dress herself real good.

"For you, Serena." James held out a dozen of red roses to her.

"Ohhh, that's so sweet James." Serena positively melted at the sight of the gorgeous flowers and charismatic man.

"You look wonderful Serena. Shall we go?" James asked.

"Just a second. Let me put these roses in a vase."

"I'll do it." Darien stood up and took the flowers from Serena.

"Thanks Dar."

James features tightened a little at the sight of him.

"Have we met?" James asked politely.

"James! Surely you haven't forgotten Darien already?" Serena's tone was playful and a bit confused.

"Oh, of course. Darien Shields."

Darien only nodded. He kissed Serena on the cheek and said, "Have fun darling." And resumed back to watching television, but not before a mild glance at James.

"Bye Dar!" She waved and closed the door.

Serena felt oddly self-conscious in her black mini-dress in the charming little Greek restaurant. But the thought soon dismissed as the waiter came and they ordered.

James asked in what he hoped a conservational tone and leant towards Serena, "How do you know Darien?"

"Oh, we go way back." Serena laughed, remembering their first encounter. "I was never a good student, and one day when I was walking home, I scrunched my exam paper and chucked it away in an angry fit. Just lucky for me, Darien came by and got hit in the head. Being all arrogant, he just had to pick it up and say, 'You got a 30? Are you stupid or incredibly lazy, Meatball Head?' I was so mad! Who was he, insulting my grades and hair?"

"Your hair?" he asked curiously.

"Well, back then, I tied my blond hair in two pigtails, and it kind of looks like meatballs, you see. Anyway, we just seem to bump into each other more and more. We teased each other mercilessly and I had the biggest crush on him. I mean, he was a couple of years older than me, dark, tall and handsome. What girl wouldn't be flattered at his attention? Even if it was teasing. But gradually, we formed this bond. I don't know, just a deep connection." Serena fell silent at this point, remembering...

The times Darien had supported her and let her lean on him when she cried. Whether it was a broken heart or a failed test, Darien was always there. Sometimes, he just knew. Knew what she was thinking and when she was in danger.

Like the time when there was a fierce thunderstorm and she was all isolated at the bus stop. He came with an umbrella and a comforting smile, and rescued her from her shrieking terror.

There were fights, god knows how many. But they always stuck through. It was kind of the same bond she shared with Raye and Amy, but it was deeper. The strands between them were much stronger. And in her heart, Serena knew they would never break. Never.

James let her fall silent, and let her eyes grew wistful, remembering the old times. The light struck on her then, creating a halo on Serena. In that moment, she was breathtaking. Any man could see that. Her pure innocence allured men and kept them at bay. Would it be him that broke the barrier?

Serena shook her head of memories and looked apologetic at James, "Sorry I'm drifting off, it must be pretty boring."

"Oh no. Not at all." By then, the food was finished and he glanced at her. "Dessert?"

"I'm much too full," Serena laughed. "It was delicious, but I prefer a walk."

"Of course."

In a few minutes, they were out the door. The night was cool, unlike the evening where she strolled with Darien, warm and balmy. She shivered as a breeze blew by. James took his jacket off and hung it on her shoulders.

"Thanks."

He took her hand and they ambled quietly along. Clouds blocked the stars and the moon was wispy behind the dark sky. Glittering lights surrounded the city and the noise descended as they neared the hotel.

A crow, squawking, ruined their silence.

"You know, crows were always thought to be evil back in medieval times."

"Really? I never knew. Anyway," They neared her hotel door, "Thanks for a great night. The food was great."

"Should we try it again?" His grin was crookedly handsome and Serena's heart beat a little faster.

"Sure," She hoped her tone was casual.

"Next Saturday?"

"Perfect. Where?"

"Hmmm, where do you want to go?"

"Clubbing."

"I know the perfect place. I'll see you then." James leaned in, ready to kiss those chastely cherry lips when a booming voice behind them said, "Hey, is that you Sere?"

Darien! Serena thought annoyed. She sighed. Another time I guess.

"Yep, it's me."

"Well, good night Serena." James sent a rueful smile at her.

"Night." She waited until he was out of sight and shouted to Darien, who was lying contentedly on his bed, "What the hell did you think you were doing?"

"What was I doing?" He calmly sat up on his bed.

"Argh, you devil! I was going to kiss him!" She looked the perfect image of a sexy little sprite that was very, very angry.

"Better luck next time." His grin was mocking and shrugged.

"Argh!" She stomped her foot and hazardously threw her shoe at him.

"Ow!" was all she heard as she stormed out. I guess we're even. She smiled evilly.

AN: How did you like it? I thought it was a bit off...but please tell me
what you think!