(Normal POV)

Serena bustled about her closet trying to find semblance of an outfit for tonight. Clothes were thrown all over the floor, on the bed...everywhere. Shirts, skirts, dresses, pants...if one could wear it, then it was thrown on the ground.

She was really starting to get frustrated considering the fact that Darien was going to be there in less then a half hour. Her hair wasn't done but her make-up was applied. After all, as long a girl has her 'face' on then she's good to go no matter what she's wearing, right?

She was thrown off of her quest for an outfit when her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hi babe."

She cringed. She was still fuming at Seiya...with good reason of course.

"I don't want to talk to you."

"Serena, I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. You know I love you."

"Whatever Seiya. This is the second time that you've lost your temper and taken it out on me. That's two times too many."

"I want to make it up to you. I'm leaving work early tonight. I'll be there in an hour."

"I won't be here." She stated flatly.

"Where are you going?"

"That would be none of your business."

"I was just curious. If you want to go out, go out. Have a good time."

"Since when did I need your permission?!"

"Serena I understand you're still mad at me but damn it STOP! I told you I was sorry and I am. You don't need my permission."

"I have to go. I'll talk to you whenever."

With that she hung up the phone satisfied with her choice of attitude for the conversation. She was going out with Darien and she was going to have a good time and he was not going to ruin it for her!

Now...with that thought she went back into her closet bearing her black bra and underwear on a venture to find an ensemble.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

She had just finished curling her hair when the doorbell rang. After spending a total of an hour to find an hour, she was ready. Burgundy silk skirt, black silk halter, black strappy shoes, curly hair...she was definitely going to impress Dr. Hall.

Despite the fact that her bruise was showing on her bare arm, Serena wasn't even going to think about Seiya or the fact that she was engaged.

For tonight, she was going to have fun and worry about the consequences later.

'Why are you trying to impress him if you're engaged?! Besides, don't you think he's an ass? Of course I do but there's something about him that I'm drawn too...'

Running to the door she nearly fell over at the sexy, suave look of her co-worker. Black pinstripe pants and matching sport coat, red shirt, messy hair...just the sight of him was better then having an orgasm with Seiya...of course having two minute sessions did not deserve to be compared to such a vision.

"You look beautiful..." He complimented.

It was so obvious that he was just as pleased with the sight in front him.

"Come in." Serena finally found the words to say, her voice cracking from the nervousness that was coursing through her.

'Why do I feel so nervous? I wasn't even this bad on prom night!' She thought.

Little did she know her date was thinking the same thing.

"So where are we going?"

"You'll see. Out of curiosity, do you like music?"

"Absolutely."

"What kind?"

"All kinds. I'm not huge on jazz or country. But I think classical is my favorite. It has no words to express its message, the notes do it."

'Perfect...' he thought.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Isn't this the War Memorial?"

"Indeed it is."

"What are we doing here?"

"During the weekends in the summer, they set up a banquet outside in the rose garden and they have musicians from different orchestras come play. I come her quite often during the season."

"It sounds like it'd be beautiful. Having the moonlight and roses with the music playing. Must be a romantic atmosphere."

"Exactly."

Now it dawned on her. He was still trying to trick her into falling for him. Well she wasn't going to fall for it...or was it too late for that?

"It's so beautiful here." She admired looking at the rose garden, the fountains and bright full moon sharing the night sky with the stars.

"Not as beautiful as you." He whispered as he put his arm around her waist.

She knew she should protest and explain yet again, that she was taken but she didn't want to. She liked this false illusion of happiness that he gave her.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Those were the best crab legs I've ever had." She said.

"The steak was good too."

"I'm sufficiently sofoncified."

"How do you like the music?"

"I love it. This really was sweet of you to take me here."

"Well you're the one who asked me to go out. I was just making the evening a little more memorable."

'Although I remember every moment I'm with you and I miss every moment I'm not...' he thought.

"When I asked you out I was thinking of hamburgers, fries and a coke. This is too much."

"This is only the beginning of what I have planned."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It was well past midnight when Darien finally dropped her off at her apartment. The two had enjoyed each other's company immensely, though neither one realized how compatible they were.

"I had a good time tonight." She started.

"Me too."

"Darien, I wanted to tell you I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For being so harsh to you since the first day we met. Though the first time you did deserve it."

"No need to apologize. I like a woman who speaks her mind. Makes her challenging."

"And do you find me a challenge?" She whispered almost seductively, though she didn't mean for it to come out like that.

"Yes I do."

Their eyes met. Slowly they started to lean in closer to each other, their faces only inches apart now...so close to their first kiss until suddenly...Serena's cell phone went off shattering the moment.

"It's Seiya."

Darien shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"I should go. I'll see you tomorrow at work. Night."

Serena leaned over the center console and kissed his cheek lightly. Her lips now burned from the touch of his skin. His skin burned from the light brush of her lips.

"Good night Serena."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Dr. Clark had called an emergency staff meeting that morning. How Darien was really starting to hate them. The man went on and on and on...

"I have good news for everyone. As I'm sure you're aware, Wal-Mart pharmacy is a senior citizen haven. Hundreds of different patients there have loved ones staying here at our home.

Well, Wal-Mart and Shady Lanes have teamed up and we're going to have an auction. For one night, the staff here will be auctioned off for an evening. The money from the event will be used to better our programs here.

We'll have better cafeteria options for them; better recreational facilities and the staff members who participate will get a bonus. This is strictly volunteer. The auction will take place tonight at NYU's auditorium.

Everyone who wants to be involved meet backstage no later then 6 pm. Remember, we want to raise money for this place so look your best."

"Are you going to do it?" Darien whispered to Serena.

"I have to. My father is making me."

"That sucks."

"I know. I don't want to be put up on display and have some sex-craved man bid on me. It's degrading. I'm praying Seiya will be there and have enough money to buy me for the night. Are you going to do it?"

"Hell no!"

"I hate you." She joked.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Hi Grams. How do you feel today?"

Serena walked into her grandmother's room sporting a tight, black evening gown with spaghetti straps, her hair wavy and down, her make-up dark and seductive.

"I feel like I always do. My, my aren't we dressed to the nines. What's the occasion? Have a date with the doctor?"

"Actually that was last night. He and I went to dinner at the War Memorial and we watched some musicians play. It was nice. Tonight I'm being auctioned off to Wal-Mart-ians."

"See dear? You want him as bad as he wants you. No use in denying it. Ditch that yutz you have right now and follow your heart."

"Gram, I'm not even going to get into this with you. Darien is playing with me. He's trying to make me fall to his level and I won't do it."

"You know, sweetie, for someone as smart as you are you sure can be pretty damn stupid!"

"Gramma!"

"Well it's true! I see how much he likes you...the look in his eyes whenever you're around or the way how he stares at you when you're not looking. Pull your head out of your ass Serena and you'll see what I see...a man who's seriously got a fling for you."

"Grandmother, you are certainly something unique. I'm going now. I'll talk to you later. I wanted to see you before I left for the day."

"You have fun tonight. Remember never sleep together on the first or second date and always use protection!"

"I love you too." Serena replied sarcastically as she walked out into the hallway.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Alright Gentleman, here's a real treat for you. The head nurse of Shady Lanes, Miss Serena Clark."

Serena walked out onto the stage completely ignoring the hooting and hollering from the animalistic men in the audience.

"The bidding will begin at $500. Do I hear $500?"

'Please Seiya...I need you right now...' she thought nervously while trying to keep her smile.

"$500!"

Serena looked into the audience to see Seiya bidding on her.

'Thank God...'

"Alright I hear $500. Do I hear $600?"

"$600!"

Serena started to get butterflies in her stomach as someone else placed a bid on her.

"$1,000."

'Who is that?' she thought trying to see past the bright stage lights.

"$1200!" Seiya yelled.

"$1500." The mystery man said calmly.

"$2000!" Seiya battled back. He was fuming. Someone else was going after his fiancée!

"$10,000."

'Damn it! Looks like I get to be degraded tonight as a woman with some crazy guy.' She thought.

"$10,000. Do I hear anything higher?"

The room went silent. Serena knew that Seiya couldn't afford to bid that much.

"$10,000 going once, going twice...SOLD! Miss Clark sold for $10,000. Sir please come up here and claim your prize."

Slowly the shadowy figure walked down the aisles toward the stage. Serena stood there frozen. She didn't want to go. That is, until she saw who her escort was.

Slowly she started to descend from the stairs and met Darien half way.

"What are you doing?" She whispered as they walked out the front doors of the auditorium, not once acknowledging Seiya on her journey out.

"I'm saving you."

"For $10,000?!"

"Pocket change." Darien said smugly.

"Excuse me; I forgot not all of us were wealthy doctors."

"Well, if you prefer I could place you back into lion's den. I'm sure someone else wouldn't mind having you for the evening."

"NO! That's ok."

"So are you really going to make me be your slave for the evening?" Serena asked pleadingly, showing her big puppy dog eyes, pouting slightly.

"I just paid $10,000 for you. What do you think?"

"That you love me enough to let me go home and get out of these clothes?"

'Woah...did I just say love?' she thought.

'Did she just say love?'

"Alright, I'll take you home and you can change."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Serena wiped off the makeup save for some mascara and put on a pair of hip huggers and a black fitted tee.

"Much better." She commented to Darien was sitting on the couch in her living room.

"Well, let's see. What shall we do first?" he said to himself.

"I don't know. You bought me."

"I know. We'll go to the park."

"To the park? Aren't we a little old for that?"

"Never. Besides, you don't get a say in the matter."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The park was absolutely quiet. No one was around. The soft rushing of the fountain could be heard in the nearby distance and the wind was blowing gently.

It was a beautiful summer's night. Serena and Darien walked down the dirt path towards the children's section where the swings and slides were.

Serena, lost in her thoughts, sat down on the swing and rocked gently back and forth. She felt a sudden push and noticed Darien standing behind her. Her loud giggles filled the ear as she flew higher and higher.

Slowly she came to a gentle swing, Darien sitting next on the swing next to her.

"I haven't done that in years." She exclaimed.

"Been on a swing?"

"No...laughed like that."

"You should do it more often."

"Why?"

"Because you're so beautiful when you do."

Instinctively his hand went out to touch her cheek, gently stroking the soft skin. She closed her eyes and smiled shyly. Darien could feel the warmth from her cheeks as a blush crept in.

'God Serena doesn't her touch you?' he wanted to say but he already knew the answer to that.

After realizing the chemistry that was flying between them, Serena pulled away and stood up from the swing walking towards the fountain. Darien followed closely behind her.

"Is something wrong?" He asked gently as she sat down on the bench directly in front of the watery statue.

"No."

"Then why do you look so sad?" He sat next to her.

"I'm not sad...I'm just...pondering."

"Mind if I ask about what?"

"You know, it's not very polite to be nosey."

"Hmmm...well considering you're my slave for a few more hours I command you to tell me."

"No."

"You dare tell your master no?"

"Yes." She stuck out her tongue.

"Oh you're going down!" He jumped at her.

Quickly she sprung up and ran away from him, laughing her heart out. He chased her around the fountain, back to the swings and around a tree where he finally caught her. He grabbed her from behind pressing her against him, both out of breath from laughing and running. He picked her up and started to carry her towards the fountain.

"Put me down!" She convulsed.

"No. Not until you apologize to your master and tell me what you were thinking about."

"Never!"

"Then I'll be forced to torture you."

"What are you doing?"

"Punishing you."

"Darien put me down!" She squealed as he neared the pond around the fountain.

"Will you tell me?" He stopped right at the water, hold her over.

"No!"

"Then I'm sorry to have to do this but...actually on second thought I'm not sorry..." He said as he dropped her in, the water drenching her.

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!!!!" She shrieked as the icy water clung to her.

"I'd like to see you try." He snorted at her wet figure.

"Oh you insufferable, arrogant, smug, pompous ass whore bitch penis!" She yelled standing up, the water trickling down.

"You look like a drowned rat."

"Gee I wonder why...ass."

"Oh come on. It wasn't that bad. I'm sure you feel quite refreshed."

She walked out of the water and stood next to Darien, slopping water everywhere with each step.

"You're right Darien, I do feel refreshed. In fact I want to share the feeling."

Suddenly she flung herself at him, both falling onto the grass with a thud. Darien white shirt was soaked all the way through, his muscles quite visible. Darien placed his arm around her back and flipped her over on her back, him on top.

Their eyes met. Serena's butterflies came back from hibernation causing her heart to flutter. Slowly Darien's mouth leaned closer to hers. His breath tickling her face. She couldn't do anything but close her eyes and await the glorious impact.

It came gently at first, soft and delicate. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he grabbed her waist, pulling her closer to him. Their bodies molded so well together. He could feel her curves through her thin, wet shirt. She could feel his chest and stomach through his.

Feeling courageous he began to gentle nibble on her bottom lip causing her to moan softly. He didn't think there was a better sound than that of Serena's pleasure...caused by him. Soon his nibbling ceased and his tongue dragged across her mouth begging for entrance. It didn't have to beg long.

Darien loved the moist interior and sweet taste that she was giving his taste buds. He drug his hand across her hip, past her stomach, up her torso, curving around her breast where it finally came to cup her cheek and neck.

Everywhere he touched, her skin was on fire. It felt tingly and warm. She intertwined her fingers to play in thick, ebony hair.

Pulling away, though he didn't want to, he looked down at her peaceful look; her eyes still closed, her mouth parted slightly. He felt the rise and fall of her chest against his as she tried to catch her breath.

Neither one could speak a word. Both were too wrapped up in the moment to say anything. Darien only smiled down at Serena whose eyes gently fluttered open.

"This was a mistake." She finally said, the worry present across her face.

"What?" Darien asked sitting up.

"This was a mistake. I'm sorry Darien, we never should've done that. I'm getting married."

"To a man you don't love." Darien started to argue.

"How would you know what I feel?!"

"Serena tell me right now and be honest...do you love Seiya?"

"I don't have to answer that."

"No you won't answer it because you know I'm right. You feel something for me just like I do for you."

"You're wrong. I'm sorry you got that impression Darien but you're only a friend and coworker."

"Who are you trying to convince?! Me or yourself?!"

"Will you take me home now, please?" She asked quietly.

"Not until you answer me."

"I don't have to answer! It's none of your business about my relationship."

"Fine then. Throw your life away to some loser who is having a mid-life crisis. Let him hit you again. If that's what you want Serena then so be it." Darien threw his hands in the air and started towards his car, leaving Serena following behind him, tears ready to fall from her eyes.

'It's not what I want...I want you...' she thought to herself though she dare not say it...