Summary: Serena's and Darien's professional careers cross paths. The more they work together, the closer they become. Will they give in to their desires or remain stubborn and distant? Modern day, no senshi, SD love story.

Disclaimer: Naoko Takeuchi owns Sailor Moon. I claim no ownership of it! Only of this story, which is all mine! This is my first attempt at fanfiction! Enjoy!

Author's Note: This is mainly about Serena and a little background information on her. This story will have some drama, so think of it like a mini soap opera! I promise there will be more Darien & Serena chapters coming up! Please be patient with me!

As always, thank you to all the fans of this story who are following, have reviewed, sent messages, and made a favorite! I really appreciate it all and look forward to many, many more chapters for this story!

Enjoy! =)

Loveology

Chapter 3: The Past

Ormond Beach, especially by the sea, was beautiful. It was a quiet, family-friendly city with lots of daily activities anyone could partake in. It was a small town, but not so small as to not have a Super Wal-Mart. Those went up wherever there was money. And Ormond By the Sea was a wealthy city, more so in certain, private areas, one in which Serena resided in. Serena had loved growing up there. She went to safe, high-grade schools, was very studious and therefore excelled in her academics, and had boundless amounts of friendships. Overall, she had a fun and loving childhood and in her free time, she practically lived at the beach.

On the beach too– her house was located right on the sand dunes. It was a flowery landscaped, neo-eclectic style home with five bedrooms and four and a half baths. A chalky, foliage porch encircled the entire house. There was a large and spacious balcony herb and vegetable garden on the second story. With a retractable pergola canopy, it was the perfect spot for a waterfront outdoor dinning experience and where many times Serena and her family had enjoyed their meals.

To the right side of the house was a grand Japanese-inspired botanical garden. In the center was a waterfall, cascading through Japanese maple trees and moss into a tranquil koi fish pond. It was surrounded with well trimmed bushes and manicured shrubs with beautiful and in full bloom, exotic flowers. It was a visual of colors galore.

At the left side of the house started the beginning of a massive rock star styled pool with a centered rock island, flowing with waterfalls, that was encased by a high, long, and curvy slide. The bottom of the pool was decorated with nautical themed decals and gave a unique oceanic scene. It was ended at the back of the house and was all connected with veranda decking that lead a straight path to the beach.

It was days like today, rainy ones, where Serena would sit on her window seat at the large bay windows that overlooked the ocean and just stare out into the waves and wonder, fascinated by the power of the water and by ways to harness it. She tried too, by surfing, boating, fishing, etc. She loved being near the water or more so, in the water. There was absolutely no way she could ever live far away from the beach.

She was a tomboy at heart, but everyone's first visual examination of her attractiveness thought her to be a highly pampered and spoiled brat. When they were given their first impression of her charisma and disposition, they were pleasantly surprised by their original judgment and immediately fancied her. Girls wanted to hate her for her grace and glamour, but she gave them no reason. They couldn't do anything but love her. Guys loved how she was educated with outdoor activities and sports, all the while being aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

"Is this the last box? I'm exhausted!" An almost twin to Serena whined.

She was a golden blonde with honey highlights who had similar features of facial structure, height, and physique. Other than hair and eye color, which was more of a forget-me-not blue, they were nearly identical.

Serena gave her an annoyed look. "Yes, Mina, it's the last one. I'm not sure why you're complaining. You've only carried in two boxes – two boxes that weren't even heavy!" She gritted through her teeth. Serena had carried in six to her two.

'Why was it I had so many boxes anyway?' Serena thought.

Serena had left this house about a year ago to travel with their parents, leaving Mina, her sister, the house to herself. Their parents were concierge physicians, flying anywhere a patient requested, but staying no where in particular. This is what caused Serena to have so many boxes of personal items. She experimented with the "boutique medicine," but found out that it wasn't really her calling. She announced to Florida Hospital Ormond, where she had been currently contracted, that she would be returning home, but as soon as she announced her return, Ami had contacted her about a relocation to Florida Hospital Orlando as per Mrs. Castalla Shields. Serena couldn't refuse the offer.

"But I ran further than you did earlier and my feet hurt from walking up those stairs!" Mina pouted.

She had a point. Earlier they went jogging in their neighborhood, hence the outfits they were wearing. Mina was wearing a lime green, Victoria's Secret Showtime sports bra with black correlating Showtime crops. Serena was matching to Mina, but with a hot pink sports bra. Both had their hair done up in high buns that sat on top of their heads.

They ran a good three miles before Serena's phone started vibrating like crazy, indicating that she was receiving alerts and notifications in various forms of texts, e-mails, messages, etc. She had the need to respond, so she slowed her paced and eventually stopped, leaving Mina to continue. Mina then came back around to Serena, nudging her to cease her "working" and continue jogging. It was a short time later when it started to downpour.

"Typical Florida weather." Mina stated with frustration. "How is it that there could be no clouds in the sky, bright and sunny, and then all of a sudden, torrential rain for only five minutes? I just don't understand."

"Just be thankful there's no thunder or lightening! I think I see a rainbow though!" Serena amused.

"Two of them! See, one over there too!" Mina added with gleam, pointing in the direction of the second one.

It was after the rain when Serena thought it was time to unload and unpack her things.

"Hey, I'm hungry. Why don't we go out and get something to eat? We can go to your favorite place – Mai Tai's!" Mina hinted, clapping her hands.

"That's your favorite place." Serena countered, wiping her forehead of the sweat from her fit with her boxes.

"You like it too!" Mina counteracted. "Besides, I think David is working tonight and you know what that means...!"

"It's Wednesday, so I'm sure he is working. Aww, Mina, why do you have to tease the guy by leading him on? You know he would do anything you ask in a heartbeat. You shouldn't take advantage of the poor guy." Serena advised with little effort.

"Oh, please! He knows exactly where I stand on the matter. I can't help it if the man thrives at my presence and hangs on my every word!" Mina explained with poise.

With a sigh, "Oh, alright. But not like this." Serena said as she indicated her apparel.

"Of course not! I'm going to get in the shower." Mina announced as she walked towards her room, undoing her hair bun.

Serena's attention immediately went right back to her phone. She wanted to finish putting events into her calendar and check to see if she had replies from her messages. One was from Mrs. Shields, asking her to be prompt in the morning at the hospital to check in on Mr. Shields. She was afraid his condition was worsening. Serena felt compassion towards this man she hardly knew. She wanted to make sure she did everything she could to aide in his current medical condition. Her thoughts then turned to a distinct, obsidian-haired, magnificent and gorgeous individual who showed his tenderheartedness towards his father and how her heart ached at his expressions. How could a man she only met a day ago pique her interest so much? It was as if she knew him her whole life, she was absolutely comfortable with him. She shook her thoughts away from the hold he had on her senses and wondered about this compelling enigma.

It was seven o'clock by the time they finally made it to the restaurant/bar. The hostess greeted them immediately by name, knowing them pretty well as they were considered "regulars" there.

"Your usual table?" The cute and petite, ebony-skinned hostess asked as she lead them to the vicinity of their expected table.

"Yes, please." Serena answered sheepishly. She felt a little awkward or embarrassed, she wondered which, by how much they frequented the place.

It was early enough still that the "good seats" were still available. An hour later and this placed would be packed with people for the "Rumble," a contest for the local, hottest bands competing for a cash prize.

"Would you like me to leave the menus, just in case?" Anne, as it read on her name tag, the hostess asked politely as a courtesy, rather than insinuate more of their habitual habits.

"Yes, actually. I need to break out of my routine and order something new, different, unexpected." Serena vowed with boldness.

"Feeling frisky, are we?" Mina let out with a tease and sly smile. Serena only returned with a smile and lifting of her golden eyebrows for dramatic effect.

"Alright, your server, Nicolette, I believe, will be taking care of you and should be here shortly. Enjoy!" With a smile, the hostess turned on her heels and headed back to her podium at the front of the restaurant.

Mina and Serena ordered one alcoholic drink each and as Serena so tenaciously stated, ordered an unexpected meal of chicken satay skewers instead of her usual chicken Caesar wrap. It wasn't a stretch, but it was different. Once their meal arrived, Mina finally located David. He was busy directing the different bands on where to set up and hang out until it was their turn to play. It was pretty crowded for a Wednesday night, undoubtedly due to the contest.

The seats they were seated at were weather-resistant plush cushions on dark wicker benches. They were fenced by a short concrete wall that allowed them to look over to the bandshell, where concerts and events were held throughout the year. Past the bandshell, was the beach. They would only need to walk across the courtyard of the bandshell, walk down the steps and be on the beach. They could also see the beach from where they were sitting, but at this time in the night, it was pitch black over the beach and all that could be heard were the waves of the ocean. There was no moon tonight to light up the oceanic view.

Just as they were finishing dinner and Nicolette had taken their plates away, David came up and sat down next to Mina.

"Hey, ladies! How are y'all this evening?" He asked, looking Mina up and down, as much as he could. Mina allowed it and gave him a seductive smile. Serena only shook her head.

"Hello, David. WE are doing just fine. How are you?" Serena emphasized, trying to get David to stop undressing Mina with his eyes and for Mina to stop teasing the poor man.

"Oh, you know, the usual. Same shit, different day." David responded casually, finally directing his gaze towards Serena.

"How are the bands today?" Mina asked with actual interest.

"Not too bad. We have a pretty good line-up today, but the best bands play later this evening." He smiled earnestly, proud of the choices he and his service manager selected for the contest. "One of the bands is starting to hit it big. They've been asked to play for a couple big cities, but agreed to play here tonight as somewhat of a tribute to their home town and for the fans who helped in their success. They will be the last band to play. Y'all should definitely stick around for them!"

"Oooh, sounds exciting! What do you think, Serena? Are you game?" Mina was pleading with her eyes.

Serena was thinking about how she had to be in Orlando bright and early. She wasn't planning on making this a long and late night. Of course Mina was a big girl and could stay out late and do as she pleased, but they each looked out for one another and preferred to be either out together or home together.

"We will see how the night goes." Serena answered honestly. She sounded like their mother, being authoritative. She hated that. 'What an old lady I am turning out to be...' Serena thought dryly.

"Good enough for me!" Mina beamed, looking back to David.

He smiled. "Hey, did y'all want something more to drink?" Observing the low liquid volume in their glasses, he pointed to each one, waiting for their answers.

"Sure!" Mina quickly answered.

Again, Serena was thinking about the long drive in the morning and the hour she would need to wake in order to dress and ready herself for work. 'Screw it, I don't want to be an old woman!' She talked herself into having another drink.

"Yes, I will have another one! Thank you for asking!"

"Alrighty then, I will get Nicolette on that for ya." He was looking for her in the sea of heads.

As if she heard him, she was promptly at their table. "Another round?" Nicolette asked with a smile.

"Hmm, I would like a shark attack this time." Serena supplied.

"What's that?" Mina inquired.

"It's our version of a bloody mary. It's really good and comes with a delicious garnish for a wonderful visual appeal and superb flavor." Nicolette sold the the idea to Mina as well.

"I'll have the same."

"I will be right back with your drinks!"

"The name is interesting! I see why you would call it a 'shark attack' with the hint from the name 'bloody mary!'" Mina was easily entertained.

"I like the name, too." Serena agreed.

David gave a small laugh. "I need to check in with the bands about to play, but I will try to come back around and see y'all." He smiled at Serena and then at Mina. His flirting with her was relentless.

"Okay, we will be here." Mina chirped.

"Thanks again, David, for the drinks!" Serena said with gratitude.

"Yes, thank you!" Mina added. David waved a hand in their direction and he walked away.

Serena followed David with her gaze and stopped when her eyes landed on a figure who passed by David. She hadn't seen him in years!

"Oh my god, Mina, I think I see Bryson!"

"Get the hell out!? Bryson Adessi!? Where, where?" They only knew of one 'Bryson.' Mina leaned in closer to Serena rather than turn her head and start to look so they weren't caught gawking.

"He is heading this way!" Serena saw him walking in their direction, but they hadn't made eye contact. Their table was at the end of the isle, there would be no way that he wouldn't see them.

"Oh my god, oh my god! What are you going to do?" Mina probed with extreme interest.

"Not avoid him – he would see me for sure if I were to jump up and hide somewhere!" Serena almost said with a panic. It wasn't that she didn't want to see him, she was thrilled to see him! It had just been so long that she didn't quite know how to act. Would he see her and pretend that he didn't even know her? Would he recognize her? Would he just say 'Hi' and keep walking? She didn't want to be the one to initiate anything. Luckily they hadn't made eye contact yet so she would pretend to be in a deep conversation with Mina and if he made a gesture, she would go from there. Either way, she just thought every scenario that played in her head was an awkward one.

Nicolette had made it back to them with their drinks and was semi-blocking his view of them. They thanked her for their drinks, but was still enamored with Bryson to pay her much attention. She was familiar with it and didn't mind and headed to her next table. He had been stopped by a couple of guys standing a few tables in front of them. This gave Mina the perfect time to check and see if she thought it was him.

"Yep, that looks like Bryson. Only he is much cuter. Look at those muscles! He got bigger, Serena!"

Serena couldn't help but look at him. Mina was right, he was a sight! Not that he hadn't been before, but apparently he had been working out more and it was showing in his well-defined and chiseled musculature physique. He was gloriously fit and in great shape. That smile... Serena remembered that.

"Wow..." Was all that Serena could say. She had missed him. The kind of miss you have for someone you haven't seen in a very long time and when you do, it's a pleasant surprise. It's a miss that has been so long that you almost forget why or if you are even mad at the person.

Their parting was a little uneasy and a little hurtful. They were high school sweethearts and thought they were madly in love with each other back then. Thirteen years ago when she was sixteen, she lost her virginity to him. He was nine months older than her. She would always say how she thought she was conceived the day he was born – that they were made for each other. 'How silly of me to ever think such a thought.' She teased herself as she reminisced.

Their relationship turned into a long distance one when he turned eighteen. Not only did he move to another state for his mother so that she could be closer to her new boyfriend, but he also joined the Army and was sent to basic training in another state entirely. It was a double whammy to her. At first she thought it so sweet that he would just pick up and leave everything for his mother, but then she thought it as competition between her and another woman. He was such a momma's boy, she grew sick of it. When he went into the Army, it was almost heroic and she was proud of him. Realization didn't set in until he was actually deployed. He joined the Army right after the war with Afghanistan started so as soon as basic training was done, he was sent overseas to the forefront because he was an Army Ranger. She never cried so hard in all her life. She felt as though she lost him before he even left. All she ever did was watch Fox News in case anything was ever said of his platoon. It was an amazement that she didn't fail any of her college classes at that time with how distracted she was.

When he finally returned home, he didn't seem the same. She totally understood – he was at war after all! Who would come home the same? It wasn't due to post-traumatic stress disorder or any other post war syndrome. He was full of life and appreciated all the small things. It was rather impressive. It only made Serena feel more like she was on his back-burner as he played the field and only came back to her if his first choices fell through. She grew tired and hurt by it that the only thing she felt she could do was let him go. It seemed hard on him, but she believed it to be because he no longer had a back-up plan. Maybe that wasn't his case, but she didn't believe him.

They had mutual friends so every now and then she would hear about him, but she hadn't personally communicated with him. When myspace was popular, she found him on there and friend requested him. He accepted, but he was never on. Before he terminated his account, he wrote a message to her saying that it was nothing personal to her, but that he never went on there nor had the time for it so he was deleting his page. He was just someone who would always have a place in her heart for being her first love.

"He is with Nolan." Serena informed. Nolan was someone Mina used to date about the time Serena dated Bryson. They were best buddies so it was only logical that Bryson was in town and wanted to hang out with old friends. 'Why did it have to be this place, at this time?' Serena questioned to herself.

"He is?" Mina was shocked. It had been sometime since she last saw him as well. He was a favorite of her past boyfriends. He ended up leaving to tour the world because he was a professional surfer.

"This must be some sort of reunion or something." Mina guessed.

They both suddenly became aware of their appearances, as if wanting to impress these men. Both were happy that they decided to dress up a bit. Mina doing so to flirt with David and Serena just doing so because Mina did. She didn't want to seem like the odd one dressed down standing next to Mina's beautiful figure. Each made sure to check the other sister out for any loose hair or make-up smear.

Unfortunately for them, this movement of theirs grabbed Nolan's attention. He noticed who they were and gave Bryson a backhand to the arm to draw Bryson's attention to what he was staring at. Bryson's eyes grew wide and his smile turned devilish. They both nodded at each other, excused themselves from their gathering and headed towards the lovely blondes.

Just as Serena and Mina were finishing their approvals of each other and themselves, Bryson and Nolan stopped at their table.

"Hello, ladies! What a wonderful surprise to find the two of you here!" Nolan said with a cocky grin.

"Hey, Nolan! Wow, it's been a long time! How have you been?" Mina said with as much surprise as she could muster. She stood up so she could give him a hug.

"Hi, Serena. I'm happy to have the chance to see you while I am down." Bryson said into her hair as he embraced her.

"Bryson. I'm utterly stunned! I can't believe you're actually here! It's great to see you!" Serena replied back, still hugging him and now almost swaying back and forth.

All were able to physically size one another up. All were each impressed with one another and with a few alcoholic drinks in their systems, a little turned on.

"Please, sit so we can catch up!" Mina suggested as she slid back into her seat, sliding as far back as she could to give Nolan room to sit.

'Guess she's done with David for the night...' Serena thought as she did the same for Bryson.

Each couple was almost in their own little worlds, catching up as if only a week went by for them. Nicolette had appeared again and this time brought another round for everyone. 'So much for not having a hangover in the morning...' Serena thought as she started on her third cocktail of the evening. As the night progressed and alcoholic drinks consumed, the couples found themselves acting like real couples. Mina and Nolan were making out at this point and Bryson was kissing Serena's neck and earlobes.

Serena knew this didn't feel all that right, but in the heat of the moment, she didn't care.

"Why don't we finish this at my place?" Mina asked Nolan as she bit her bottom lip.

"Shall we take yours or my car?" Nolan growled.

"How about you drive Mina's car with her, and I take Serena in my car, back to their place?" Bryson propositioned, overhearing the conversation.

"Sounds good to me." Serena concurred. The guys were better with holding their liquor and seemed in a better position to drive than the women did. Besides, they only lived three blocks away.

On the way to the car, Mina and Nolan couldn't keep their hands off one another. Even inside the car, they continued their make-out sessions. Nolan sped off and out the parking garage and onto the street while Bryson and Serena were just coming to his car, holding hands. As they reached the car, Bryson pulled Serena into him, wrapping his arms around her waist and her hands encircling his neck.

"I've missed you – missed this – holding you. You're so beautiful, Serena." He affectionately stated.

"You still know how to give me goosebumps." Serena replied in a daze.

With a smile, he kissed her and pulled away, leading her to the passenger door. Inside the car, he pulled her close again for another long and heated kiss. After putting the car in gear, he put his left hand on the steering wheel and his right hand on Serena's left thigh. She stared at him with a seductive smile, running her fingers over his typical military hair styled cut of a shaved head.

Once home, Serena and Bryson made their way to the double pool deck chair loungers. It was roomy enough for them to cuddle and fondle each other a little. Mina and Nolan were probably in Mina's bedroom already tangled in the sheets. Serena and Bryson didn't do too much talking. Their time spent together was mainly kissing or moaning.

It was a while later when Serena woke up. It was still pitch black outside, so it couldn't have been morning yet. Thank goodness. Serena would never hear the end of it from Mrs. Shields or ever forgive herself for missing an important consultation with a patient in need or even face Darien again. Darien! Somehow she just felt anguish and guilt. 'What for?' She wondered. It was then that she felt an arm around her waist and remembered what happened prior to her falling asleep. She must have been drunk if she were falling asleep outside! Her clothes were still on. 'That's a good sign.' She guessed. Her neck felt stiff. Probably from her sleeping position that she must have been in for quite some time. She found her phone under the lounger they were laying on. It digitally read '3:15 AM.' It was a little after midnight when they arrived home. They must have been sleeping for at least an hour. Her alarm wasn't set to go off until five thirty AM. She had to wake Bryson up. He could leave or sleep on the couch, but she needed to get some comfortable sleep. She doubted he would let her sleep much if she woke him up and let him in her bed. Her movement from getting up stirred Bryson from his sleep.

"Serena?" Bryson groggily asked.

"Yes. Bryson, let's go inside. It's chilly out here." That must have been what woke her up. The ocean breeze was sending chills down her body.

"What time is it? I should probably go. I have breakfast planned with some friends."

"It's three in the morning. I have to get up in two hours for work. If you do leave, don't worry about Nolan. Mina can give him a ride when they wake up." She assured him.

He nodded his head. "Sorry that I feel asleep on you. I must have drank more than I thought."

"No worries! I did too." Serena gave him a sweet smile.

"Let me make it up to you and take you to dinner tonight." He said as he stood up to stretch.

Serena could see his toned muscles when he did that. 'Why does he have to look so good?' She puzzled.

"Let me get back to you because I may need to stay longer at the hospital."

"Okay, let me know when you find out." He hugged her and kissed her on the forehead. "I'll see you later, okay?" He said as he let her go and walked towards the gate that led to the driveway.

"I will. Good night." 'Good night? It's early morning!' Serena corrected herself silently. She walked inside and straight to her room. She fully undressed to her panties and snuggled under the covers, falling fast asleep.