AN : Sorry for the late update guys (well, late compared to the rate I was uploading the chapters last week). Enjoy and thanks for the reviews!
iluvboys : I'm really glad you liked it. This chapter's not that funny but meh ;P
sailorSerena141 : Thanks for reviewing! Good to hear you love it
Kiminoke : Lmao! I didn't realize how funny the chapter was lol. There's more Darien in this chapter but not too much but he'll be making much more frequent appearances soon.
serenity287 : Sorry I updated so late :X enjoy
Kiweee : You're back! Lol. Hope this chapter is just as good.
Silver Moon Goddess1 : Why thank you ;)
anonymous : I write to please, hope this one's just as good.
Chibi Strawberry Neko : Haha, thanks for the review and enjoy
DaOnleeSam : Haha sexy? That's a new one. Oh goodness what will happen in the lemony parts :XX?
Iced-over-angel ; Yeah, I liked the idea of Seiya and Serena being really good friends. Thanks.
PRiNcEsS oF mY oWn wOrLd : Haha, here you go! Enjoy!
Love on the Catwalk : Chapter 05
dizziified
Reason to Change #5 : Sometimes you just gotta live a little.
"Bye," I called softly as the group split.
Darien gave a small wave over his shoulder without turning back while Andrew spun around to give us an exaggerated salute before jogging to catch up to his friend.
Darien Shields aka Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome. He had started modeling a year ago and was in the same agency as Andrew. They'd known each other back in high school and had ended up becoming roommates after getting reacquainted.
"Well, how was it?" Seiya asked as we began our trek home—it was but a few blocks away.
"How was what?" I asked as I looked down at my feet. They were really starting to hurt.
"Everything," he answered, pulling me back as I was about to stumble.
"It was nice," I answered curtly. "The show was fantastic and the afterparty was pretty nice—you ditched me for your designer god and I was left talking to strangers—but it was okay."
"And Andrew?"
"Oh God," I blushed, thinking back to the kiss. "I won't be able to look him in the face ever again."
"HA HA!" Seiya slapped my back, almost sending me reeling forward. "I'm pretty sure you'll be seeing him around."
"Just my luck."
Scheming devil.
"That Darien Shields seemed nice," he commented.
"You're already involved in a relationship!" I reminded. There's nothing I hate more than infidelity… not that I'm a dating expert or anything.
"Doesn't mean I can't look, honey," Seiya reminded.
"Pervert."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Ah Seiya Kou, what am I going to do with you?
scene
"Where are we going?" I asked.
It was morning and I picked out my first outfit in days (simple t-shirt and jeans).
"To cut the rest of you hair off," Seiya answered smoothly, as if he were saying 'to go to the market' or 'to buy some books'.
"What!" I shouted incredulously. "But I already cut my hair!"
"You look beautiful with long hair," Seiya soothed. "But it won't really work for you—it's just too long."
"It's not!" I insisted and grabbed my ponytail.
Seiya gave me the eyebrows. "Usa, you're just about one of the only girl I know who would give Rapunzel competition."
"But—."
"No buts," Seiya cut in. "I already set up an appointment. We can pick up your glasses afterwards."
"Mina Aino has long hair," I grumbled and stubbornly stopped walking.
"And you don't want to be another Mina Aino," Seiya retorted. "I never realized how similar you girls look—we don't need people thinking you're some other version of that girl. You're going to be Serenity Tsukino—ten times better than Mina Aino with versatile shorter hair.
I stood there for a while. "Are you taking revenge on my revenge!"
"Revenge on your—Usagi, just cut your damn hair. It's only going to go get cut to your chest-ish area."
I looked down. That was a lot of hair.
"Do you want to be a model or not?" Damn, the ultimatum.
"… Fine."
scene
Seiya's friend had only been too glad to get a new wig and I was forced to mournfully part with my hair.
Goodbye hair, I shall never see you again.
After picking up my glasses, we went back to the studio and got me into "decent" clothing for our first interview. Seiya insisted that I wasn't ready to dress myself yet and proceeded to throw things my way. End result: blue silk cami with random yellow splats, khaki knee-length capris, black weaved belt, long assorted brown beaded necklace, deep brown sandals and bag, and huge brown sunglasses.
"We have to pretend to have something going for us," Seiya informed.
"Why?" I will ask it again—why?
"Good publicity," Seiya shrugged. "Okay, you don't have to say anything. I'll just pretend to be hopelessly in love with you and you can just sit there all pretty."
"I don't know…." I had a feeling it would come back to bite me in the butt.
"I'll just drop some hints then," Seiya bargained. "The whole 'Mystery Woman' thing will flop if there isn't some ambiguous attraction between us."
"Ambiguous attraction?" I gave him the eyebrows.
"You know—," Seiya stalled. "Like what we have going right now with the 'Mystery Woman' setup. They think that I like you but they're not 100 sure."
"Eh…."
"Oh come on." Seiya rolled his eyes. "Just trust me on this one."
"…If you're sure…." I can only hope that it won't come back to haunt me.
"Okay," Laura said as she pulled out a tape recorder. We were sitting in a sitting room—big comfy couches and a white table between us. "I'm just going to be asking you guys some questions and it's all going to be recorded onto this."
"Okay." That sounded easy enough.
She clicked the red button and held the machine to her mouth. "May 14, 2006 interview with Seiya Kou and 'Mystery Woman' start." She then placed the recorder down on the table before turning to us.
"Well first thing's first," she started. "Is there a name to this infamous 'Mystery Woman'?"
"Serenity Tsukino," I answered meekly. I still haven't taken a liking to talking to strangers. "But most people call me Serena."
"Well Serena, you've certainly been causing a stir lately, haven't you?"
I laughed awkwardly. "I guess you can say that."
"Are the rumors true? Is Seiya Kou officially off the market?"
"Uh—." I peered over at Seiya.
"Not yet," he interjected.
"Oh—not yet? Is there a possible relationship in the making?"
"I wish," he smiled. "Usa's a beautiful girl—inside and out."
"What is Usa? I've been meaning to ask you…."
"It's my nickname for Serena. Usagi means rabbit in Japanese—she's half and I'm full. She used to have these ridiculously high pigtails when we were younger and the name just stuck."
"Ah, I see."
scene
"My God that interview went on forever," I whined and slumped against Seiya's lean frame.
"Are you drained?" He teased. "Because we've got three more to go."
"Oh God," I sighed.
"But hey." Seiya turned to me. "You did pretty well towards the end. No more troubles talking to strangers?"
"Of course there're still troubles," I replied. "Just a bit less… personally, I think it's the clothes."
"HA HA!" Seiya laughed. "Nice one. Well, is this new Usagi ready to nab some lunch?"
Ah, lunch—one of my favorite things to look forward to in a day. "She most certainly is."
scene
The week passed as pretty much of a big blur. The interviews were down pat and there was even a photo shoot for one of them. Bit by bit I grew more and more confident in myself and now I can speak more openly to strangers and good-looking people alike. It's quite an incredible transformation if you ask me.
The public now knows me as Serena Tsukino, Seiya Kou's childhood friend and probable love interest. The old me is but a shell and I've emerged as the gorgeous, sweetheart of a model that everyone has come to know me to be.
I like the change in me—I haven't felt this good in years; but truthfully, it scares me. My life was turned upside down and I still have trouble believing that the woman I see in the mirror every morning is me—it just seems way too good to be true. I can only hope that this dream won't come crashing down on me the second I let my guard down.
Well, Seiya's busy with commissions and his new line so he doesn't really have time to play with me; but it's okay—I like staying at home and bumming around with Luna.
I closed the drawer on my vanity—I'd just finished organizing all the stuff Seiya had given to me (he gave me tons!). I looked up to see the blazer from the rich guy still hanging on my closet door. I hadn't thought about him in a long while… I wonder who he is.
But just as I started sinking into fantasia, my phone's shrill ring pierced the air.
Bee-lee-lee bee-lee-lee.
I walked out into the living room and picked up the phone.
"Hello?" Now who could it be?
"Hello? Serena?" His voice was a bit hesitant.
"Ah—Andrew?" My voice faltered. How the heck did he get my number!
"Yeah, hey."
"Um … hi. How'd you…?" I left the question hanging.
"Oh! Seiya gave it to me last time—don't worry, I'm not some stalker or anything like that," he explained.
That—that scheming menace!
"Oh … um … what's up?" I tried my best to keep my voice steady.
'I'm talking to Andrew Bradshaw! He has my number!' I inwardly screamed.
"Oh, right," he laughed. "Listen—I was wondering if you're free for a coffee or something anytime soon."
"…." Was he asking me out on a date!
"We can go as friends," he rushed, sensing my mental question. "Anyway, you don't have to go if you don't—."
"I'd love to," I cut in. "I'm free right now actually."
"Really?" His voice perked and filled me with a happy, bubbly feeling. "How about we meet at the Starbucks near The Crown in … 30 minutes sound good?"
"Perfect," I replied.
"Alright, I'll see you then."
"Bye." I put the phone back in its cradle and stood there for a second.
Oh my God, I have a coffee date with Andrew Bradshaw!
"I have to get ready."
I ran into my room and opened up my closet—it was jam packed with the clothes Seiya had dropped off during the week. Thus began my maniac sliding of hangers in search of the perfect outfit.
scene
"Cute," Andrew commented upon seeing what I was wearing. "Nice haircut."
"Thanks," I replied through my blush. "Not so bad yourself."
I had gone for the casual look with a long blue scarf, white racerback tanktop, jeans, and the cutest black flats (okay, okay, I hadn't really picked it out since Seiya had labeled all my clothes with occasions and recommended articles to combine with).
Andrew was looking especially delectable in a striped blue collared shirt (wifebeater peeking through) and jeans. He had on the necklace he seemed to wear everywhere—a black leather chord with a silver rectangular block in the middle.
"Where'd you get the necklace?" I asked. What? I'm curious.
"An ex," he answered curtly. Well, that's the end of that conversation. "Come on."
He took me by the arm and guided me to a two-seater in the back corner upstairs—he held the cake while I held the drinks. After settling in, we took our respective drinks and took long sips.
"Hope you're not all freaked out about me asking you to come here," he commented with a smile.
"You didn't freak me out." I shook my head. "Plus, I had nothing to do all day anyway."
"That's good." He took another sip. "But I honestly don't do this very often—you're the first girl I've called out without really getting to know."
"Oh really?" I'd have to say I was a bit surprised.
He nodded. "Well, yeah. Call me a sap but I don't know, there was this instant … feeling."
"I see …." I nodded. Was that before or after I changed? Probably after—but whatever.
"So um … I read some interviews on you lately and … is there anything going on between you and Seiya?"
I nearly splurt out my drink.
"No!" I chocked out. "No no no, it's all just for publicity. We're best buds; that's all."
He looked relieved. "Oh good. I was a bit worried there."
I came to a realization. "Did you think that I came here while I had something going on with Seiya?"
"Well," he started. "Technically we're here as friends so…."
I giggled. "But of course. Well, let's get better acquainted. What do you want to know?"
"No specific questions," he replied. "And you can eat the cake, Miss Piggy; I know you want it."
I blushed. "Why thank you." I picked up a fork and cut off a chunk before savoring the flavor in my mouth.
"Mmm," I closed my eyes for a bit and smiled. "This is some good stuff. You should really have some."
Andrew stared for a bit and I started to feel a bit unsettled.
"Do I have some cake on my face?" I asked.
Then he reached over and cupped behind my ear, pulling me a bit forward as he leaned over and smacked me one right on the lips. He sat back down, licking the cream off his lips.
Did he just kiss me! Do people even do that?—randomly kiss people?
"Whoa." He looked like he just came to. "I'm sorry—I don't know what got into me."
"Um… no," I said in a daze.
My sixteenth kiss, just snatched away from me like nothing. Well, I guess turnabout is fair play; I did snatch a kiss off of Andrew… but still.
"You're a pretty dangerous girl to be around," Andrew grinned. "Maybe I should get away from you before I make more of a fool out of myself."
"We should at least finish our food," I insisted. Why waste good food?
And so, we stabbed at the cake in silence and sipped out drinks until all that was left was the ice. Afterwards, Andrew walked me to my apartment and now we're standing awkwardly by the entrance.
"Um… bye," I muttered, holding his gaze.
"Bye," he replied and started off. A few steps later he doubled back, scratching his head as he approached me.
I cocked my head to the side and furrowed my eyebrows as if to ask: "What is it?"
"Um… me and a bunch of other people from the agency are hanging out tomorrow night, do you want to come?"
Sunday night? Why not?
"Sure," I smiled. "What time?"
He flashed a boyish grin. "I'll pick you up at 9 tomorrow. Do you have a cellphone?"
"Yeah."
After we exchanged phones and put in our numbers, I went upstairs to my room, all giddy and flustered.
scene
"How do I look, Luna?" I asked and gave a little twirl. I was looking pretty killer in a slinky silver-blue halter (I thought it was risqué to the max but compared to all the other "party" tops, it was totally tame), black skirt, and strappy heels.
Luna mewed before going back to her food.
"Have it your way," I laughed and walked over to the mirror above my shoe cabinet.
Dee lee lee lee lee
I looked at my cellphone screen and saw Andrew's name prancing about.
"Hello?"
"Hey Serena, you ready?" My stomach felt tingly from excitement.
"Yeah," I replied, fixing my hair. I had fluffily clipped my bangs back and made my hair slightly wavy (Seiya had sat me down and become my hair/makeup guru over the week).
"Come on down," he instructed. "I'm here with Darien, is that okay?"
"Sure. See you in a few." I hung up and slipped my cell into a white clutch before locking my door and springing into the elevator.
When I got outside, Andrew was leaning against a silver sports car. Upon seeing me, he whistled in appreciation and opened the back sear door.
I raised an eyebrow. "Nice car."
"Thanks."
Startled, I looked up to see Darien in the driver's seat. He glanced at me through the rear view mirror and gave a wolfish grin.
"Hey there."
I blushed. "Hi." Why are models so darn good-looking?
"My car's in the shop," Andrew explained as he got into the passenger seat.
"I see." Interesting—pick up a girl… as a passenger in your friend's car. Would you look at that? Now I've seen everything.
"Where are we going?" I asked as I settled into the black leather seat. Hmm, comfy.
"Sit tight little girl," Darien smirked. "We're not in Kansas no more."
And with that, we went roaring off into the New York City streets.
scene
"Oh my God!" I laughed. "Do you guys do this all the time?"
Andrew shrugged. "From time to time."
I was having a blast. Everyone had gathered over at one of the guys' houses and was playing board games like Cranium and Apples to Apples. There was some casual drinking of soda and beer and of course, gobbling down of fattening junk food and boxes of Chinese takeout.
"Sometimes we just get together and let loose. The junk we eat on board game nights totals a week's worth of calories for some of the people here—but we all eat it anyway since we might as well commit the sin together," he went on to explain.
"Why the games?" I asked. "I thought that we were going to go to a club or something."
He laughed. "We're all kids at heart—and these games are surprisingly addicting; you'll be surprised how late we go on to play 'em. Most of us end up sleeping over."
"But it's not like we don't go to clubs," he assured. "Just … not tonight."
"Interesting," I commented, taking a sip of Diet Coke (it's addicting I tell you!).
"So what'd you think?" he asked, peering over his can of beer.
"It's great," I answered truthfully. "I never knew board games could be so fun. And everyone's so nice—thanks for inviting me."
"No problem," Andrew waved off. "You should come to our poker nights; now that's fun."
"Can't wait." I beamed.
"We're playing another round," a random girl called over. "Hurry up you guys!"
"Alright, alright," Andrew replied and took my hand, leading me over to the living room for some board game action.
"Lookie here," one of the guys said as he wiggled his eyebrows and nudged Darien (Chad was it?). Darien peered over and smirked.
"Hurry up and start the game," Andrew said as he sat us down on some open floor space.
"I'm not on Andrew's team this time!" Zoicite shouted.
"What?" said person huffed. "Why not?"
Darien quirked an eyebrow. "Andrew, you suck at Cranium."
Andrew huffed. "Whatever. Well, at least I know Serena wants to be on my team right Serena?" He turned to me with hopeful eyes.
"Ah, sorry, Andrew," I apologized sheepishly. "I kind of want to win."
Everyone burst out in laughter.
"Come sit with a real winner, Serena," Nephrite said as he pulled at my hand.
"Watch it," Andrew warned and drew me back with an arm around my shoulders; practically plastering me against him.
I blushed—the proximity and the situation were just too much. Just the thought that guys—let alone gorgeous ones—are even remotely interested me is just too unreal. Suddenly I'm getting bombarded by foreign thoughts and emotions—does he like me? Do I like him?
Bottom line, I'm really flattered and for the first time ever I feel… special. I'm all smiles and everything's just lovely.
"Andrew's got it bad," Molly cooed.
"Shut up," he retorted, grinning all the while. "Start the damn game."
"Alright," Darien started as he leaned forward. "Four groups of three. I'll do you guys all a favor and volunteer myself to be in Andrew's group."
"Then it's a team," Andrew said and pushed some stuff away to make room for Darien. "Don't worry guys, we'll win."
"If only," I sighed and shared a look with Darien before we cracked up.
And so, we partied on—laughing at poor imitations and getting frustrated over red Data Head cards. I felt like a kid again—it was great. We went into frenzies with Apples to Apples and busted out with old-school Jenga.
We went through so many games that I literally lost count—and amidst all the chaotic fun, I fell asleep, a small smile on my lips and warm arms wrapped around my slumbering form.
end Love on the Catwalk : Chapter 05
AN : Whoo! That was a pretty long chapter. Hope you guys liked it. Got some Andrew/Serena development and some fake Seiya/Serena and she got to get to know Darien a little. All in a day's work. REVIEW PLEASE! THANK YOU!