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: I want to thank Lady M. Harris for inspiration on this story and any more I write in the future. Her Moonlight Midnight Glory story was the first ever UM fanfic I ever read and am forever in love with it! She gave me the courage to write my stories, so thank her by reading her stories! =)
Loveology
Chapter 1: The Meeting
The hospital intercom system was reporting a Code Blue over the speakers. This made Darien wonder if he was going to have to stay later than he planned tonight or if it was going to be an early morning for him tomorrow. With the final sentence from his report about his last patient for the day typed, Darien logged off the computer terminal he was using at the nurse's station and stretched his arms and legs before he stood up. It had been a long day for him already and this day wasn't over yet. He still had a physician's meeting to attend in twenty minutes. When he stood up, all the nurses in the vicinity began to either pout or show forms of sadness. These manners displayed by the nurses were not uncommon and he found himself impartial to these acts.
Darien was the most gorgeous doctor at Florida Hospital in Orlando. The hottest doctor period, if the nurses were concerned. They even nicknamed him, Dr. McCreamy, if you get the gist... – vowing he was even more magnificent and desirable than Dr. McDreamy and Dr. McSteamy combined, from the TV show, Grey's Anatomy. When Darien first heard this, he couldn't help himself but put truth to the title bestowed upon him. At least, in some fashion. He swooned all the ladies with his seductive smile, bedroom eyes, alluring compliments, and tempting touches - which were just mere placements of his hands on a shoulder or arm.
Mr. Perfect was no Saint, mind you. He had his pick of the greater Orlando area and picking he did. For the most part, these lucky ladies were capturing in the bed, and the bed alone. A few would have the pleasure of being his arm candy for a charity gala or awards banquet, but none could ever steal his heart. His ideal choices were the daughters of some rich diplomat or entrepreneur. They didn't seem to make fusses of his short, occasional visits. It's what they preferred in fact. They wanted to play the field as much as he did. The nurses were never his choice – not that they didn't merit attention, but he couldn't bring himself to jeopardize his or the chosen nurse's occupation. Business and pleasure were two separate affairs.
Not to say Darien's employment was ever up for discussion. Not only was he gorgeous in the visual aspect, but he was expertly skilled in the operating room. He was masterly with his hands, but more so when a scalpel was involved. Darien ranked in the top three of the world, and ranked at the very top in the nation. Everyone wanted this ravishing and proficient neurosurgeon. Never would Florida Hospital give him up. Especially since his own mother was the CEO of all the Orlando divisions.
"Ahh, must you leave so soon?" a short, frizzy, red-headed nurse asked as she noticed Darien standing and collecting his charts to put back on the patient chart roto caddy.
"That, I am afraid so." Darien responded with a pouted lip to indicate he was as well saddened to be leaving his best nurses for the day. Which was true, these nurses were amazing and helped him tremendously with the patients in his absence. This particular group was his favorite. They always seemed to work together and never really complained about anything.
"How could you complain when Dr. Shields was your boss-of-sorts?" one nurse mentioned a while back when asked by Darien himself if the nurses had any complaints. He gave a smile and light side hug to the nurse who had said this back then.
Even though Darien was sad to leave them, he was glad his shift was nearing to an end for the day. Darien loved his job, but he needed the rest. His job had been very demanding lately and he was thinking it was time to put in for vacation. Whether he would go anywhere or just stay home and relax during his vacation was a separate issue. One he would decide on when the time came.
"Don't forget to bring chocolate donuts in tomorrow for Kasha's birthday!" reminded a tall African American nurse.
"Yeah, you promised you would!" a nurse by the name of Kristen replied.
The nurses all agreed in either a head shake or "Yeah!" remark.
"I won't forget. Thanks for the reminder, Jade. Good night, ladies. See you in the morning!"
"Good night, Dr. Shields!" the nurses all replied in a dreamy unison.
Darien gave a nod to the EVS guy that was passing him in the hallway on his way to the elevator. His pocket on his crisp and bright white doctor coat began to vibrate. His cell phone just received a text:
"Guys night – Scarlett's at 11:30! =D"
It was from his best friend, Malachite. He was around Darien's age of 32, had medium-length platinum blonde hair, slate blue eyes, tanned-skin, and a body that resembled Brad Pitt's in the movie, Troy. When these two were together, men stared in awe and jealousy and women stared in longing and lustfulness. Together, these two always had a memorable, what-happens-here-stays-here kind of time. They brought out the best and worst in each other and they used it to their advantage every time.
Darien had just hit the elevator button that had an arrow directing 'up' when the elevator doors opened. He was putting his phone away, smiling, thinking of the night to come when he took a step to enter the elevator, not noticing at first who was standing in the elevator already. He had to stop himself so as not to bump into the ladies occupying the comfortable amount of space that an elevator typically didn't have.
One he knew, a munsell-blue hair-colored woman who elegantly stood with specs adorning her nose, a white coat indicating her position, and a polite smile for him. The other woman he had never seen before, but wished he had. She was stunning in her peach cashmere sweater with a modest v-neck that somehow disappointed Darien. Her heather grey pencil skirt was fitting and bashfully just covering her knees. She wore nude heels that probably gave her only an inch to her height, suggesting to him that she was only 5'7". Her appearance gave him the impression that she was luxurious in wealth and style, but displayed it in a simple and reserved way. The white coat's embroidered name and position was blocked by a patient's chart that her delicate fingers were holding.
His overlook of this glauccous blue-eyed, sun-kissed skin, blonde-haired beauty was unnoticed by her as she was studying the patient's chart, but the other woman couldn't help but notice how Darien's eyes looked over her friend with what appeared to be possessive eyes. She knew very well of Darien's reputation and his code of keeping business and pleasure separate, but somehow, she knew even Darien himself would have such adversity to not pursue her friend.
"Dr. Shields! We were just coming up to find you!" The munsell-haired woman declared.
"Ami, how are you?" Darien responded with a smile as he gave a quick glance in her direction and then turning his gaze back to her friend. The blonde had discontinued reading as she heard Ami greet someone. When she found oxford blue eyes looking into hers, she blushed slightly, smiled delightful, but maintained her gaze on him.
Ami knew Darien was more interested in her friend than anything she had to say, so she acted on her manners and introduced the two.
"Darien, this is Dr. Serena Lunarea. Serena, Dr. Darien Shields." Ami said with a mischievous smile, if that was even possible for her.
"Pleasure to meet you, Dr. Lunarea. Please, call me Darien." Darien said, almost as if purring as he graciously shook her hand.
"Yes, it certainly is an honor to finally meet you! I've heard all about you!" Serena readily replied once she knew this was the man she heard so much about. She couldn't contain her excitement for finally getting the chance to meet him. She had studied all of his journal articles and his clinic cases. Granted, she started following these after she found out she would be sharing the same hospital with him and after seeing his handsome face on a photo of him shown under his doctor ratings on the internet.
Darien gave a look of uncertainty as what she meant by the comment. Ami could only smile, knowing Serena only meant his professional achievements.
Noticing that the hand shake was lasting longer than was necessary, Ami indicated to Darien that he needed to fully step inside the elevator so that she could hit the button for the 12th floor.
Darien complied while asking Serena, "Serena, may I? What brings you to Florida Hospital?"
"Yes, please call me Serena! And, a patient, really..." Serena answered the last part with a soft expression, holding the chart up.
"That's what we came to find you for and talk to you about, Darien." Ami quickly added. She wasn't sure how this conversation was going to go. She was discussing with Serena on their way up to him how he might react, so she told Serena to be careful with what she said regarding the issue.
"Who is it?" Darien wondered with an inquisitive look. Most of his patients didn't require the expertise of another doctor and if they did, it was mainly from a psychologist or maybe an osteologist. None of his current patients required services from any of them.
Before answering, Serena gave a look to Ami, almost as if asking for permission to answer. Ami nodded. This did not go unnoticed to Darien. His tired face was starting to appear more like a bothered look.
"Dastian Shields." Serena practically whispered. Darien heard her soft voice mention his father's name. He swallowed hard and leaned his head back against the elevator walls, closing his eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Darien." Ami spoke sympathetically. Serena was watching him with such sorrow, even though she had never even met Darien or his father before today. The elevator chimed quietly indicating that it reached their destination and the doors opened. Darien pushed off the wall and extended his arm out, activating the sensor to hold the elevator door open so the women could get out. Once they were out, Darien followed.
"When did his condition turn?" he asked as he continued to walk down the hallway towards the conference room, staring only straight ahead.
"Yesterday. Your mother informed me and asked me to see if Serena was ready to transfer here."
"Wait, so how long has she known?" Darien demanded, stopping to face Ami. Ami knew by she, Darien meant his mother.
"A few weeks." Is what was answered by Serena instead. Darien shot a look her way, observing her angelic look, even if it was a downcast one.
He continued to walk again. He was angry. Angry at his mother for not telling him, but angry at himself more than anything. If only he had taken a break from work to check in on his dad. No news was good news he thought. Last time he saw his dad, probably two and half weeks ago, his condition was better, he was looking healthier, his spirits were up. Surely someone would have told him if his condition was otherwise. Surely! Apparently not.
"Darien, I'm sure she had her intentions for not telling you; and I know she would have if his condition were dire." Ami informed. He listened to her words and thought about them for a minute. He would give his mother the benefit of the doubt, but he would be having a conversation with her nonetheless.
They reached the door to the conference room. They were a little early, so they all grabbed seats next to each other. Ami sat down towards the end of the oval table, Serena next to her, and then Darien. Serena was unsure what to say on their current conversation. Luckily, Darien broke the ice.
"Tell me what his situation is." He asked Serena, his eyes almost pleading with her. Serena wasn't sure if she should at this time. She wasn't even sure she wanted to ask if he was sure. Darien then placed his tanned hand on her small one that held the chart on the table, signifying that he was ready and wanted her to begin. She topped his hand with her other hand, smiled sympathetically at him, and moved her hands and his to open his father's chart.
"I'm sure you know about his cardiomyopathy diagnosis."
Darien nodded. Serena continued.
"Well, because of the heart tremors and double-beats of the heart, anxiety and oppression have taken place, giving great mental irritation. We are now also diagnosing him with neurocarditis. That's where we need you to come in."
Serena paused for a minute to gauge his reaction before carrying on. Darien was just nodding in understanding. He now knew Serena was a Cardiologist or some type of cardiac surgeon. From the sounds of it, she had to be pretty damn good in her profession for his mother to call her in to treat or operate on her husband, his father.
"We are considering conservative treatment for now until we can deal with the neuro aspect." Serena said this as she indicated Darien with her hands.
"There is a need to address his first diagnosis with a pacemaker, defibrillator, LVAD, or ablation. We will know more after you see him." Serena finished.
"Okay." Was all Darien could say for now.
Doctors started walking in then so their conversation died. Serena shut the chart and turned the spine towards her so that no one else could read the patient's name. Darien thanked her with a smile.
After the meeting, Ami mentioned something about food. Darien was focusing his thoughts on his father, too engrossed to fully pay attention to what she was saying. There had been food at the meeting. The Dietary Department offered chicken cutlets with sides of rice, mashed potatoes, and fresh baked bread. None of them seemed too interested, however. When Serena spoke up, Darien seemed to hear her.
"Would you like to join us? You should eat something." Serena insisted. She didn't even know Darien, but her authoritative tone alleged otherwise.
"Hmm? Yeah, you're right. I probably should."
"Wonderful! Okay, follow me. I just heard about this new place that just opened up!" Ami cheered as she turned and began a fast-paced walk.
Serena was giddy again, following close to Ami, but kept glancing back to make sure Darien was following. Darien didn't want to act so glum, but he was disturbed with the news of his father and weary from his long day. He couldn't help but admit how vivacious Serena was and how her emotions were advanced upon him. It wasn't long before Darien found himself animated again. He would try to enjoy tonight as selfish as it seemed and deal with his father's condition in the morning. He knew as quiet as his mother had been with him, she was indeed at her husband's side at this time of night. His father was in good hands. She would absolutely notify him if something drastic happened to his father.
At the restaurant, Darien and Serena sat near each other and Ami sat on Serena's other side. Funny how Darien thought he should be in the middle between the two lovely ladies, or Ami in the middle because of her mutual affiliation to both, but Darien certainly wasn't complaining. He enjoyed the time he spent with them. He was glad he decided to join them. It was only eight o'clock. He still had enough time to join Malachite later for much needed drinks.
"Ami, how is Zoi doing?" Darien pried as he munched on some chips and salsa.
"He is doing great! Thank you so much for the offer! He loves it there!" Ami piped. Zoisite was working at Shields Financial Enterprises, Inc. thanks to Darien, who got him a job as a financial advisor.
"Don't mention it. I knew Zoi had the potential. I'm just happy I could help him fulfill it." Darien praised. Zoisite was a good fit at his family's company and they were lucky to have him. His first week alone, he gained at least fifty new clients and the number was still increasing. Word of mouth is an impressive marketing tool.
"That's great that you got him a job at your company, Darien!" Serena was impressed. "I didn't know that was your company! Putting the names together, it makes sense now."
"It's a family business. My father was running the company, but due to his current condition, my sister, Rei, has stepped up to fill in the position. She has me going over there a lot lately to help out." Darien was beginning to clam up again. Talk of his father had his mind going back to what he could've, should've, would've done. Ami and Serena saw this and tried to change the subject.
"So, Darien, did you get Nephrite and Lita's wedding invitation? Are you going to go?" Ami questioned.
Darien thanked the change of conversation, noting that he needed to return the favor somehow to these two sharing his company. They really knew how and when to cheer him up.
"Yes, I did. I plan on going. I'm not sure who I'm going to bring with me yet. Lita insists that I bring a guest." Darien remembered.
"It's months away. I'm sure you will find someone by then." Ami suggested. She had a feeling that Serena would be the one he would ask.
Ami observed Serena gaping at Darien, listening closely to see if he would indicate a date, significant other, or girlfriend. Ami was no matchmaker but she needed to pair these two together. So she got an idea.
"Hey, you know what, I just remembered that I have two tickets to the Buccaneers vs. Cowboys game this Sunday. Zoisite and I aren't big sports fans–
"How did you get tickets?" Darien wondered knowing full well that neither of those two even paid attention to sports.
"What?! No way!" Serena gasped at the same time as Darien. She loved American football.
"I won them as a prize in a raffle drawing we had for the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk we participated in."
"I will buy them off of you!" Serena offered Ami. Darien looked at her perplexed.
"You like football?" Darien dumbfounded, asked Serena.
"Yes! Especially when the Cowboys are playing!" Serena proclaimed.
"You're a Cowboys fan?" Darien chuckled.
"Yes, as a matter of fact! I am! What's wrong with that?" She interrogated.
"Nothing. It's cute that you like football. I'm a Tampa Bay fan." Darien stated with a grin, watching Serena as his comment set in.
"Really? Well, you would make a deserving guest of mine at this game." Serena implied as if she had the tickets already and insinuating that he would take her up on her offer.
"No, you would be my deserving guest because Ami is selling the tickets to me and it's at my home stadium." Darien smirked.
They both looked at Ami. Ami couldn't help but smile inside and out at what was transpiring. Her little idea worked perfectly.
"I'm not selling them to either of you..." Ami clarified with a grin. "I'm giving each of you one ticket."
"No, seriously, I will pay you for them." Darien declared. He could still purchase his own tickets and would have already, had he not been so focused on his work. More ammunition for him to take a vacation.
"Yeah, Ami, I will buy my ticket from you." Serena agreed.
"Stop it! I don't want your money. Just have a good time! That's all I ask!" Ami said cheerfully.
Buzz Buzz Buzz Buzz
Ami's cellphone began to vibrate. The caller ID revealed that it was Zoisite.
"Excuse me, it's Zoisite. I'm going to take this outside." Ami stood up.
Serena lipped a 'thank you' to Ami before she walked away.
"Ami is such a sweetheart." Darien exclaimed with a smile.
"Yes, she is." Serena agreed. "Tell me, how do you know her?" She asked as she leaned forward towards Darien on her elbows, her chin in her hands.
Darien detected Serena's closeness and slid his chair closer to her before he answered. Serena blushed at his actions.
"Ami and I grew up together. We attended elementary through high school with each other. We were perfect together in all that we did - and always competing for the top spot. I guess you could say my parents used to think - or should I say hope - we would marry each other." Darien caught her reaction to his words.
Serena felt her heart ache at his statement. Her wide smile turned more into a half smile as he said that.
"But they knew we were just close friends and nothing more. She is more like a sister than anything. The deal was sealed when she married Zoisite five years ago." Darien ended with a wink.
Serena had just met Ami after she married Zoisite. They met at a physician's convention. They were both keynote speakers in their respective fields.
"Tell me about your sister." Serena was so inquisitive when it came to this charming man. Darien was thinking of how to start when Ami appeared again.
"Sorry about that. Zoisite is on his way home now, so I guess I'm going to head out." Ami didn't want to break the attraction these two pulled from one another, but she didn't want to be a third wheel either. She would hopefully say her goodbyes and let the two of them continue.
Serena snapped out of her daze once she heard Ami speaking. Darien pulled his eyes away from Serena so he could direct his attention to Ami.
"Thank you for dragging me to dinner, Ami. I had a good time. Thank you for the tickets as well." Darien thanked her as he stood to give Ami a hug. Serena followed in hug for Ami.
"Thank you. It was very sweet of you." Serena chimed in.
"It's nothing! Thank you both for coming! We should do this again." Ami suggested as she pulled money out of her wallet.
"Oh, no you don't! Dinner is on me tonight!" Darien demanded and made her put her money back in her wallet.
"But I invited you–" Ami remarked.
"App, bapp, bapp!" Darien muttered. "Nonsense. Ami, should I walk you out?"
"No, that isn't necessary. Thank you though, for offering and for dinner. Have a good night you two!" Ami waved as she walked out.
Serena was still standing, waving after her. "I should probably go too." Serena said reluctantly with a frown, grabbing her purse. Darien frowned as well but simply nodded in understanding.
"Here, I can help with dinner." Serena offered with her money.
Darien shook his head. "No. I got it. Really. Thanks though." Darien threw the total amount of the bill down plus a 20% tip. He took a final sip of his drink and motioned for Serena to head out the door.
"Thank you. I appreciate it." Serena thanked him as they walked outside.
"It was my pleasure. Hey, I'm sorry about how I acted earlier in regards to my father. It's taking a toll on my family."
Serena couldn't help but be bold and embrace him to provide some sort of comfort. He seemed so depressed earlier when they were discussing his father. They must be close, she gathered.
"Darien, I understand. Please don't apologize for anything. You're doing your best. Don't put yourself down. Everything is going to be alright, I promise." She whispered in his ear. Darien held her tight, appreciating her support and found himself convinced on her words about his father.
"Thank you." He whispered in her ear. Her scent was wild Spring flowers in full bloom. He pulled his head away from her ear, tempted to place a kiss on her cheek, but thought otherwise. He stared at her for a good minute before he asked, "Will I see you tomorrow at work?"
"No, not tomorrow. I have to finish unpacking and settling in."
"Where are you staying?" The question just popped out of his mouth. He didn't mean to sound as if he would stalk her. Serena didn't seem to think that anyway.
"In Ormond Beach."
"You're staying an hour away?"
"Yes, I have a house there. Though, I will probably have to find a place to rent out here. I need something that's closer to this hospital."
"I would suggest that. Trust me, that drive after a long day or long night and early again in the morning is not a fun one. I will help you find something. Remind me when I see you next to give you my realtor's card."
"I'd appreciate that. Thanks. If you need anything, just call me." Serena indicated the needing anything was pertaining to his father. She produced her business card. On the back of the card she wrote down her personal cellphone number. She held it up for him to grab from her. He gladly accepted it with a cocky grin. Serena smiled brightly back at him as she turned and waved, heading towards her truck.
"Thanks again. Be careful driving home!" He hollered after her, watching her get into a newer model Tahoe and drive off.
Darien let out a deep sigh. He hoped Serena was a turning point in his life. Not necessarily personally, per se, though he wouldn't mind dating her, but professionally. Maybe she will be the one to make him take a break from his fast-paced lifestyle and focus on what really matters - family and friends.