I know, I Know! (ducks behind her desk to avoid the screams of fustration.) So it was a little late..hehe. Seriously, I've had a lot on my plate recently so as much as I'd like to say it won't happan again-who are we kidding, I don't have the time I used to to write fanfiction-the updates are going to take a lot longer than usual. I'm sorry. I want to dedicate this story to Deadly Diva: I've neglected you sadly this month at least my dear friend and I apologise profusely, you are still my guiding star.

Reviews on sailor lunakitty, koldy, firegoddess372, KeikoKasaiTora, hit60, Mika-chan, Silent-Serinity-Girl14, Jasmine Deliria, princess-nav : first thankyou for the wonderful reviews, I truly appreciate them, and yes I appologise for how long it took for me to update I will attempt to update sooner in the future.

Nikki Black: I'm sorry, at least its up now! Do tell me what you think of the chapter. Thanks again for the review.

Foxibabz21: there's a bit of rei and jed but not much, I'll add in more of them in the next chap just for you.

immelt: You'll find out if she agrees very soon! Thanks for the review.

GreyPenInk: Thankyou so much for your review, it really did make my day, but I warn you there is still many a twist to come. Do tell me what you think of this chapter, I'd love to hear from you.

Yellow: Ahh happy endings, well theyre not exactly my strong point but I'll try. As for Diamond, I can promise that he won't get a happy ending!

Secret Heart: Will try and keep the smoking to a minimum..i was just thinking that all my stories promote smoking and drinking hmmmm…do tell me what you think about this chapter and thanks for the review.

Mitsukino Tennyo: Don't worry its me, how long will the men really stay in control? As for Darien and Serena, well you shall have to wait and see-and Mina she's still innocent although a little more wordly now. Hehe, thankyou so much for the review, I always look forward to reading yours.

Silver Wolf: Your not the worst person in the world. Far from it. I'm glad your still reading my work, it makes me smile, and I hope to still hear from you-even if it might be only occasionally.

iluvboys: Sorry about how late this took to update, but thankyou for your review, they do give me the inspiration to actually update.

Reviews on Arias:

To babyblues, after I read your comments about my work on the forums page it gave the kick I needed to update. Thanks so much for your kind words they mean the world to me.

To thypari, starryice18, Isy: Thankyou all for you very kind reviews, I'm sorry I've kept you waiting so long-hopefully the chapter and the end to the cliff hanger makes up for it.

To usagimamoru4ever: Will she accept? Well you're going have to wait just a bit longer to find out. He he , thanks for the review.

To lacyloss: well I can't be responsible for the death of anyone, hehe, sorry for the wait, tell me what you think of the story.l

To ladydee1au: perhaps men will never change at all. Hmmm, well I hope you still enjoy the story!

To xMoonPrincessx: you know you don't hate me, in fact I dare say you love me know that I've updated.

To Darrien4Serena: hehe, I'm evil, well I'm giving you warning that your going to be annoyed at the end of this chappy as well (although maybe not as much) do tell me what you think though. Thanks for the review.

To twine: sadly my days of updating stories in less than a month are well and truly over, I have twice as much work to do these days, and I have two stories to work on as opposed to one. (sigh) but hey I'll try and get them out more regularly.

Alright, now after the long wait, here is the next instalment of Champaigne and Caviar.

WWWWWWWWWWWW

"Simple, you will marry me."

The words rang through her head over and over again. At first she scoffed and turned her head away in complete dismissal of such an absurd idea. She studied him analytically – the way one does when stalking prey. A hot rush of anger swept through her being. Damn it all, he could yell what he knew to everyone and she would not care. It would be better than the alternative, of that there was no doubt.

"Is the idea so distasteful to you?" His tone was not one of hurt pride, quite the opposite in fact. He sounded amused and that irritated Serena to no end. She scoffed at him and turned away. However, the cold hand of common sense slowly came over her. She turned to him slowly with narrowed eyes. He was handsome, if only a very little. Even more important, he was rich and in these times that was ever so important. He didn't love her and nor did he care for her. After they married she would be free to do as she wished. Society would be more at ease with her as a married woman as well and it would add a whole other illicit dimension to her affairs. However, his arrogance still concerned her – the satisfaction he would gain from her saying yes.

"No." It was a response of spite and very little else.

"You don't mean it." He said the words as he leaned forward, smirking. She got up and moved away towards the window. Then turned around hurriedly, eyes narrowed, lips pressed together in anger.

"Don't presume to tell me what I do. You have no right!" The words were hissed through clenched teeth. He merely laughed at her.

"As your future husband I have every right." He was daft, she was sure of it. Damn it she had just rejected him – point blank at that. She closed her eyes and pressed down the anger. She didn't need this. Not tonight, not when she had just heard from Diamond. An ache grew in her heart and she almost chocked out a sob. However, the pain did not subside. She could sense his gaze on her and for a moment she could have sworn concern flickered through his eyes. She almost sneered at the thought. Darien Shields had no feelings for her and that would not change.

"I've had a strenuous day and require rest. If you wouldn't mind –" She stated calmly nodding towards the direction of the door.

"Oh but I do mind, I mind very much."

Serena glared at him, a flush staining her cheeks as a result of her inner turmoil.

"Is every aspect of etiquette completely lost on you?"

"You miss the point my dear. The simple fact of the matter is that I need you to improve my own situation and that you are required to help me in order to maintain yours." The words drawled from his lips in a manner that truly implied he believed it was quite a simple matter. Serena threw her hands up in the air in exasperation.

"You are playing with fire sir." She replied, her tone unnaturally calm. Darien's expression indicated that he noticed this shift at once.

"Am I now?" He replied, maintaining his mocking demeanour. Serena tilted her head up, and allowed a smug smile to play across her lips.

"Have you considered that if I by some miracle I consented to such a monstrosity that I would not waste a single moment in getting my revenge."

His glare was unnerving, especially considering that he began moving towards her half way through her little speech.

"Is that so?" For the first time he sounded completely serious. Serena strengthened her resolve and looked at him straight in the eyes.

"You can count on it." Serena replied, not liking the glint that appeared in his eyes at her response. He stopped abruptly and smirked.

"Then you won't have any problems proving it."

For a moment everything in her froze and then her mind started reeling. She hated him! She hated him with such a passion that it scared her.

"You are the most uncouth, improper-"

"Arrogant bastard in your acquaintance. I know." She almost screamed in frustration at his remark. "If you'll excuse me, I have matters to discuss with you father." Before she had a moment to respond he took her hand and brushed his lips against her knuckles. "Till next time, my darling fiancé."

He left with Serena staring after him absolutely speechless. What the hell had she gotten herself into?

WWWWWWWWWWWW

"You're up." Malachite stated as he spotted Jadeite on his drawing room lounge. Jadeite smiled in return, however his eyes were still bloodshot and heavy bags were under his eyes.

"You sound surprised." Jadeite replied, raising an eyebrow.

"I left at noon and you had not awoken. Considering the state you were in last night, it would not have surprised me if you had slept the day out." Malachite replied sitting opposite his friend.

"Thank you." Jadeite replied after he had broken eye contact. Malachite frowned and placed a hand on Jadeite's shoulder. He waited until Jadeite looked up before nodding slowly.

"What happened?" The moment the words left Malachite's mouth he knew he had said the wrong thing.

"Nothing of import." Jadeite replied detachedly. Malachite frowned thoughtfully. It was unlike Jadeite to be so cold; that was his repertoire. Jadeite usually howled at the smallest inconvenience. However, Malachite did not push the subject. He knew his friend was hurting deeply, but he also knew that Jadeite's pride would not appreciate his intrusions.

"Would you care to spend the night here again?" Malachite stated calmly. Jadeite shook his head firmly before smiling at his friend.

"No, I have trespassed on your hospitality long enough. It would not be good for business for me to remain here any longer."

"I disagree, but it is your decision."

Jadeite placed a hand on Malachite's shoulder in a gesture of thanks. With that, Jadeite saw himself out.

Even though the night had worn away, numbness still resonated within his being. A deep sigh rumbled from his lips as he narrowed his eyes glancing at the distant horizon. It was a miracle one could see it with all the pollution clustered in the air. The thought caused a spontaneous cough to burst from his throat and Jadeite could not help but shake his head in wry amusement of his own actions. A wave of nostalgia enveloped him suddenly. It was time he went home; he had been away for far too long. Seeing his old home, his family would no doubt be good for him. After all it had always replenished his strength in the past.

The thought alone bought a soft sincere smile to his face and any passer by would have commented on the warmth the gesture bought to his features. His hands deep in his pockets, Jadeite strolled through London to his home, whistling softly as he allowed his mind to focus entirely on the soft breeze dancing with his hair.

The very idea of home had etched the image of Rei out of his mind.

WWWWWWWWWWWW

"Is it nice where you are?" Rei cringed at the question and turned to Chaderin apologetically. Nothing had been the same since that night. Pushing the memories out of her mind rapidly, she turned to Chad and smiled sheepishly.

"I'm sorry darling, I must be overextending myself."

Chaderin frowned disapprovingly and got off the bed buttoning his shirt. It was clear now that the brief moment of passion they had shared only minutes ago would go no further.

"Its not just today Rei, you know that. Something has changed even though you deny it."

Rei rolled her eyes and threw herself back on the bed. Annoyance was sprawled on her features.

"What could have possibly happened to change me Chad? God knows nothing remotely interesting happens in this god forsaken country." She had bitten out the words flippantly, without so much as a thought and had used her nickname for him as an afterthought to soften the blow. She was thus surprised to see even more hurt and anger in Chaderin's eyes.

He threw the shirt he was holding back down on the bed and stormed to the other side of the room. Rei was too shocked to say a thing. She had never seen Chaderin react –never. He closed his eyes in an obvious bid to calm down. A sigh escaped his lips as he turned back to her shaking his head.

"That's just the thing Rei, I mean nothing to you. How many times have I talked about introducing you to my family, about us letting our relationship become known? You'll have none of it Rei. I'm nothing but a toy for you."

"Please, toys are far less frustrating then you are being at present." She replied, her arms crossed loosely about her chest, her eyes staring at him detachedly.

"If you'll excuse me madam. I would not want to intrude on your next rendezvous." With that he began pulling on his clothes.

"You're being absurd."

"Am I? Can you really tell me that you haven't taken another lover, that the thought has never crossed your mind?"

"I'm human, being with you does not make me blind." Rei stated a matter of factly.

"I'm human too Rei, but I would never betray you." The sincerity in his words matched the raw emotion in his eyes. Rei stared at him, too shocked to reply. He gave her no time to recover. He left the room and clicked the door behind him in the instant Rei realised he was right.

WWWWWWWWWWWW

"I know I asked you to take mother's attention off me, but I didn't mean for you to get engaged. Mother will have a stroke when she finds you are getting married to a woman who you have not even bothered to introduce to her." Sapphire said, pacing, his worry was evident in his every utterance. Darien merely rolled his eyes.

"Mother shall adjust to the situation."

"Yes, after she takes away your inheritance I'm sure she will be very well adjusted indeed." Sapphire returned, his tone more serious than jest.

"You've always had a streak for the dramatic." Darien replied calmly.

"I'm not the one that has just entered into a secret engagement."

"You have a very queer understanding of the term secret. If my engagement was truly so secret why would I have informed you of it?"

"You know what I mean Darien!" Darien merely shook his head amusedly in reply.

"Why would you risk everything over some girl I'll wager you don't even know?" Sapphire replied, his eyes brimming with frustration and worry.

"For reasons you wouldn't understand little brother."

"You can't possibly be in love."

Darien chuckled at his brother's naivety.

"Of course not. That's your style -- reckless and childish." Sapphire glared at him but knew better then to retaliate. After all Darien always had a way of getting the better of him.

"When do you intend to tell mother?"

"Tell me what?" Both men practically jumped as Desdemona wandered in the room. Seeing the reaction her entrance had provoked, she raised an eyebrow and placed her hands on her hips in the ever so famous motherly pose. "Well?"

"Excuse me I have matters I need to attend to." Sapphire declared, glancing at his brother before leaving the room.

Darien slowly walked towards a side desk and poured a glass of brandy. He then returned to his mother and placed the glass in her hands, all the time not saying a word.

"I need to sit down for this, don't I?" Desdemona whispered slowly, her eyes narrowed, studying her son accusingly.

"It would be wise."

Desdemona sat herself on the nearest chair, her expression not flinching in the least.

"Well, there's no need for suspense Darien. Tell me what has happened." Desdemona said, although they both knew that it was a veiled command.

"It is not entirely bad. I am to be married mother." Darien whispered glancing at his mother before turning away. Desdemona took a deep breath and straightened in her chair. She let out a chuckle before shaking her head.

"Do I have the honour of knowing my future daughter in law's name?" She whispered, but the sarcasm in her voice cracked as sharply as a whip.

"It's Bruce's daughter, Serena."

Desdemona nodded quietly.

"Well, please accept my congratulations on your betrothal and I would also like to thank you for allowing me to forever boast of not having read about my son's engagement in the paper!"

"Mother." Darien sighed as he attempted to play the sympathy card. Desdemona was far from being touched.

"I'm sure you've already thought of the consequences of such a marriage, a life without love, a union without fidelity. Who am I to offer advice when you are so clearly determined to flaunt your independence? No, you need not offer any apologies Darien. I shan't stand in your way. Do as you please, but don't expect me to come to your aid." With that Desdemona walked out of the room, leaving a gaping ache in Darien's chest. His mother always had a talent for bringing his conscience to life. He fell back into his chair and clasped his head in his hands.

What the hell was he doing?

WWWWWWWWWWWW

"Jedi!"

The sound was like music to his ears. A smile enveloped his features and was the first true smile to grace his lips for what seemed like a lifetime. He let his bags fall from his hands and wrapped his arms around the girl that was running towards him.

"Meg." He whispered her name so quietly that it was barely audible. It was almost like he was afraid that if he said her name out loud she would disappear.

"I mwissed you." Jadeite felt his heart jump at that and gently brushed one of the girl's golden pigtails away from her face.

"I missed you too kid."

She frowned at his words and tilted her head back, narrowing her eyes in concentration.

"I'm not a kid. I'll be five soon." She put up her fingers for emphasis. Jadeite chuckled softly as he nodded his consent.

"You're right. You've turned into quite a little lady." Her face literally lit up at his comment and she gave him a dazzling smile. Jadeite gave her a big hug and pulled her up into his arms.

"What's the city like?" They reached the top of a small hill as the little girl asked the question. Jadeite's breath caught as he glimpsed at the countryside. The earth was alive with vibrant green grass as far as the eye could see. The lake twinkled under the warm rays of the sun, revelling from the attention it was receiving. The musky smell of rain still clung to the air with the echoing promise of rejuvenation. Dew still clung to the leaves of trees, making them shine with a quality that would put many a newly polished emerald to shame. Birds chirped harmoniously, and even the trickling of the water could be heard faintly. Jadeite closed his eyes and breathed in. God, to compare this to the city was like comparing earth to heaven.

"The city is –" His eyes fell on those of Meg's and his heart gave way to save her feelings. After all how could he resist those blue eyes when they were staring up at him with such blissful innocence?

"The city is exciting, filled with lots and lots of people." He replied, looking far away into the distant horizon. He did not want to see the sparkle in her eyes, nor did he care to see her obvious desire to see the city. He wanted to grab her shoulders and to tell her that the city was dirty, dangerous and corrupt, that he wanted her to stay here forever. He sighed and turned to her once more, taking her small hand in his own.

"Come on baby, let's go home."

WWWWWWWWWWWW

What?

That was the reaction she kept receiving. It didn't matter how well the person knew her, or Darien for that matter. The response was always one of shock. And, not good shock either. It was more the sort of shock that implied she had lost her sanity. Why did everyone insist on treating her like an ill mannered child who had no idea of the consequences of her actions. Well, almost everyone.

Serena stopped pacing and slowly sat down on the antique Edwardian oak chair adjacent to her bed. Everyone had been stunned to silence. Everyone except her father. He had merely smiled, said something about getting to the 'boy' and gave her all the best. Serena had been aware that her father had a soft spot for Darien, but for him to except him so easily as a son-in-law was indeed strange. Unless Darien's actions were not as spontaneous as she had first supposed. She shook her head and almost slapped herself for that wave of naivety. Why else would Darien Shields have proposed but to get back at her for the bet?

The thought caused a shiver to run up her spine. How was she going to tell Andrew? The very thought made her skin crawl with dread. She wanted to mend ties with him, to make sure that he knew how much she appreciated him staying with her. Telling him that she was marrying Darien would no doubt be a slap in the face. She sighed, closing her eyes and trying to block all thoughts of the wedding from her mind.

Oh God, the wedding!

There was the invitations, the food, the dress. She hadn't even begun to think of the logistics involved for the actual event. The excitement began to subside as quickly as it came. She, like almost every other girl, had spent many hours daydreaming about her wedding, about her husband. Unfortunately, Darien was by no means the man she had dreamed of. He was handsome enough, but she didn't love him. No, she wanted someone who would sweep her off her feet, who would make her feel like she was the only thing that mattered. She wanted…

She bit her lip and shoved the thought to the remotest part of her mind.

She would not think of him. It just didn't make any sense. She hated him for what he had done, for deceiving her the way he had. She let her head fall into her hands and sighed deeply. It was so ironic that Diamond had been the only man to treat her like he really was in love with her. Snap out of it, her mind shouted at her. Diamond had been nothing more than an exceptionally good actor, and he had probably had a very good laugh every time he thought about how well he had managed to fool her. Beyond frustration she called one of the house maids and demanded that the maid call on Darien.

She wanted to make sure he spent a small fortune on her engagement ring.

WWWWWWWWWWWW

"The Shields' mansion." Malachite instructed his driver as he casually climbed in his car. He knew it was in infamously bad taste to hire a driver in such times, but honestly he enjoyed spending his travelling time reading as opposed to driving. Besides, wasn't he helping by hiring more people? He payed them very generous wages for he knew that by improving individual's lives he was also playing a role in helping the economy.

Malachite sighed. He wasn't in the frame of mind to read. No, he still couldn't believe just how low he was stooping to gain the attentions of a woman. He had always assumed that he would snap his fingers and get any girl he wanted, after all that had been how all his other relationships had worked. He cringed to think of how she had behaved during their previous meeting, acting as if he had a contagious disease. Still, he would not beg. He was by no means the infatuated lover that would set camp outside her door and serenade her at all hours of the night. No, he would lay back and arrange matters to make sure that she came to him. The thought cause a smirk to cross his face. Perhaps this would be fun after all.

The carriage came to a halt outside the Shields' mansion and he stepped out quietly. After hesitating, he rang the door and requested to see Mrs. Shields. The butler nodded and took him to Desdemona's study without a word. Every time he entered Desdemona's study Malachite smiled. It was hard not to. The similarities between her and Darien were simply absurd! They were both stubborn, far too charismatic for their own good and quite a force to be reckoned with once their minds were made up. Desdemona's study was cluttered with books and decorated with soft ornately engraved oak furniture. Everything in the room screamed luxury, but somehow it wasn't vulgar. It was as if Desdemona's personal elegance had given everything in the room a more subdued feel.

"This is unexpected. How are you?" Malachite turned at Desdemona's voice and smiled at her with all sincerity.

"I'm quite well and yourself?"

Desdemona sighed softly and shook her head gently.

"I've seen better days." She replied calmly, though her eyes showed that something was very much on her mind.

"What's happened?" Malachite asked, immediately concerned.

"Have you heard of Darien's engagement?" The look on Malachite's face clearly expressed that he had not. "He's going to marry Bruce's daughter Serena."

"Normally I'd congratulate you, but in the circumstances I'm not quite sure."

"You know what he's like and Serena is such a lovely girl. Bruce and I have been old friends and I just would not be able to stand watching him marry the poor girl and then destroying her with affairs. He'd kill her and eventually tear his own soul to pieces. Ever since his father's death..." Malachite reached into his pocket and gave Desdemona his handkerchief. He was well aware of what had happened after Damien's death. It was how his friendship with Desdemona had formed. After Damien died, Darien had fallen into a deep depression and had secluded himself completely from the world. Together they decided it would be best for Darien to go back to France, to go back to his roots for a while. The pretence they created was what formed the business he and Darien ran today.

The strange thing was that Desdemona and Damien had not had a perfect but certainly a loving relationship. Damien admired Desdemona's mind and soul as she did his. They were alike in many respects and had a calm and very deep loving connection. Instead of emulating his father, Darien seemed to, and continued to, take every precaution to do just the opposite. If he did enter into a relationship, it was usually short, more often then not he avoided serious commitments altogether. Neither Desdemona nor Malachite understood the motivation behind his actions.

"Don't worry I'll talk to him." .

"Well enough about me. Tell me what you've been up to." Desdemona smiled at him warmly.

"I'm well, nothing too new, but I have to admit that I had an ulterior motive in coming here today."

"Most young men do." Desdemona replied her eyes sparkling.

"There's a young lady whom I'm quite concerned about —"

"Concerned about?" Desdemona replied raising an eyebrow, causing Malachite to blush slightly.

"Yes, you see I am privy to the information that she is quite lonely. I was wondering if you could help her to find a suitable partner."

Desdemona smiled and shook her head amusedly.

"You would have been the last person I would ever have thought would come here and ask me to introduce you to a girl."

"Oh, but I didn't mean me."

"Then, if you are interested in the girl?"

"I have a plan."