Hey guyyyys. I'm really sorry about the lag in getting this chapter out. Between illnesses and more illnesses, my life has been ridiculously hectic over the last two weeks.

I think I'm pushing the 'T' rating in this chapter... but, I did my best to not let it get to rated M. So, disclaimer: not some raunch, but there's definitely something happening in here. So, yay!

Thank you again for your reviews. I love hearing from all of you!

Love,

MU

Serena,

I'm not sure if this email works, or if I'm blocked, but I wanted to at least attempt to contact you in some fashion. If you actually do still use this email and you are seeing this message, then fate must be on my side.

How have you been? I can't believe it's been 5 years si-

*delete*

Serena rolled her eyes to the faux content she just read, letting the digital age go ahead and relocate it from her inbox to her trash bin. Part of her missed the days of print, where ripping up said letter and then physically throwing it in the trash and lighting it on fire was more cathartic, but all the same, she didn't need to see it again. For security purposes, she permanently deleted all items in her trash bin, assuring she would never, ever read whatever declaration he was spewing to her now.

That girl who would fall for those lousy love letters was long gone.

Clicking out of her email, she opened Facebook up to quickly distract her. It had worked effectively; the first post on her newsfeed was of Raye. More specifically, a selfie of her and Chad at a concert. She smiled at the notion, knowing Raye hardly ever posted anything on Facebook, so to see this meant that Chad was starting to become special. On another note though, it brought back the predicament of Raye still being upset with her, as well as her words of agreeance with Darien about her immaturity. She felt wounded; not only did her love life completely implode, but her friend was pissed at her. At first she was really upset, texting Raye constantly despite zero responses, but then she began to get mad. What friend lets their friend get a tongue-lashing like that without standing up for them? So for a few more days she was furious, mentally badmouthing Raye as a bad friend and only looking out for herself. Once her anger moved on, the next step was for her to lick her wounds and try to mend the situation. Only thing is, she was too nervous now to try. She hardly ever got into a fight with her friends

At least, not anymore.

Funny how it all circles back to him.

Shaking her head, she refused to let him creep into her mind further. Slamming the laptop shut, she stuffed it into her bag, gobbled the last of her crumb cake up, and stood up from the steel chair in great haste. She wasn't going to sit back and be timid, she was going to fix this. Breezing out of bakery, she made her way into the busy streets, northbound towards Raye's flat. It was a 15-minute walk, but with the sun on her arms and an extra gust in her strides, it hardly felt like any time. Opening the glass door, she marched up the three flights of stairs and to Raye's door, but her hand fell short when it came to knock.

What if she was mad at just showing up?

What if she turned her away?

She swallowed timidly, but proceeded to rasp on the wooden panel.

The door opened, Raye and Serena facing one another for the first time since that night out. Raye's expression quickly softened, opening the door wider for Serena to come in. Relieved, Serena entered, kicking off her shoes before following Raye to her kitchen island, who appeared to be previously reading the paper with a cup of coffee. Taking the stool adjacent, Serena plopped her bag on top of the counter with a large thud.

"Thank you for not closing the door in my face," Serena said kindly, to which Raye laughed, clearly signaling the truce had officially begun. Serena smiled as Raye picked up her mug.

"So, you guys went to a concert last night?"

Raye took in a lengthy sip before answering. "Yup. He surprised me with tickets to see ONE OK ROCK. I couldn't believe it, I've been dying to see them for years," she said dreamily into the steam of her mug. "It was such a good concert, I'm still reeling from it."

"I can't believe you got to see Taka before I did!" Serena whimpered. "What I would let that man do to me."

"He was in fine form last night, let me tell you," Raye followed.

"I'm so jealous," Serena sighed enviously. "That's amazing he took you. How sweet of him!"

"It really was," Raye agreed as she cupped her mug, smiling into the glass. "It's only been a week and it just feels so, so amazing."

"Raye, that's wonderful!" Serena replied happily.

"Yeah, but, I don't know. I feel bad feeling happy, you know?" Raye said a little sadly, tugging at Serena's heartstrings.

"Raye, you know he wants you happy," Serena said softly.

"I know. But, what if my love fades for him, Serena? What if I fall for Chad and then Wren's memory is just on the backburner? I can't do that to him," Raye suddenly panicked. Serena slipped off of her stool and immediately embraced Raye, watching the cool, tough façade fade away into a lover still in mourning.

"Raye," she began softly, "your love for Wren will never, ever disappear, do you hear me? If anything, his love will continue to mean more to you, even if you find love somewhere else." She could feel Raye holding back the tears, doing her best to be strong. "He will never leave you."

And with that, the dam broke, and Raye wept into her best friend's arms, all the fears and heartache dampen her friend's shoulder. Serena held her tightly, rubbing her back as she let her friend cry out her struggles. They remained that way for a few moments, Raye not letting herself completely break down for longer than she deemed appropriate. Pulling away, she dabbed at her eyes, taking a quick sniffle.

"Thanks, Serena, I needed that," she said sincerely.

"I'm here for you anytime Raye," Serena responded, their fight officially and completely concluded.

"So," Raye started, looking to change the subject, "what's new with you?"

"I got an email today from him," she replied, knowing that Raye would know exactly who she was talking about with the utter distain dripping from her voice. "Like he seriously thinks I would answer him."

"Jesus. What's it been, two, three years since he last tried to contact you?" Raye asked as she straightened up, clearly interested.

"Two I think, maybe three? Not sure why on Earth he keeps bothering me," Serena said with annoyance. "He made his bed."

"Who is he on to now I wonder?" Raye said, reaching for her phone.

"Who knows," Serena said. "It's like anytime he decides he's bored he tries coming back to me. You're a father. Have some responsibility."

"Says here he's in a relationship with some girl who looks like she's on… something." Raye glanced up at Serena from her screen.

"Nut uh, I'm not even looking. He's blocked for a reason, so I'm not even tempted."

"I don't even see pictures of his kid. Some proud Dad he must be."

"Seriously? Nothing? What the hell is wrong with him? God, I'm so glad it wasn't me."

"I wonder what his custody arrangement is," Raye pondered.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he's not even in his kid's life. I mean, she was the side-chick," Serena said with unreserved distain.

"Well, Dia-"

"Do not speak that name!"

"—nd was never that bright."

"No shit. I have no clue what I ever saw in him."

"You were 18," Raye reasoned.

"He was a douchebag."

"You were 18," she said again, as if it explained everything away.

"And I wasted 3 years on a narcissistic, arrogant, chauvinistic pig who decided that getting high and sleeping with other women for the last year of our relationship was more important. Ugh. Raye, stop firing me up about him."

Raye threw up her hands in defense. "Hey, he emailed you, not me." A few moments of silence passed between the girls before Raye suddenly had an 'ah-ha' type of look come across her face.

"That's it!"

"What?" Serena asked, eyebrow raised.

"That's why you're such a hothead around Darien, isn't it? He's that arrogant, egotistical kind of personality, just wrapped in different tones and a way hotter body."

"What?!" Serena shrieked, surprised by the sudden conversation switch to Darien and the sense in Raye's correlation.

"Serena, I've known you forever. You may have a temper, but I've hardly ever seen it get the best of you. The only time you've ever been publicly furious has been with, you know, and with Darien."

Serena pursed her lips, finding logic in Raye's point. The moment Darien dismissed her, it lit a fire deep within her that caused her to act out immaturely with name calling. Other people have rejected, dismissed, and closed doors, but she had reacted professionally each time. But when Darien did it, the words rolled off her tongue as if she was introducing herself. Despite the revelation, Serena knew that wasn't the reason for the misdirected words of anger she was shooting off like gunfire.

"Raye, I gotta fess up," Serena began. Raye smiled coyly.

"You guys were hookin' up, weren't you?"

"Shit, you could tell?" Serena asked, eyes wide.

"It was painfully obvious the way he was looking at you. He confirmed it when he called you jealous, and you solidified it the moment you denied it. Please, Serena, I know your voice when you've got the hots for someone. And damn, you two can really exchange some gorgeous, downright mean insults. It was pretty impressive."

"Yeah, he clearly wants nothing to do with me anymore," Serena sighed, running her fingers through her bangs. "I definitely blew that chance."

Raye shrugged. "Maybe he's not right for you. Like I said earlier, he is kind of similar to Di—"

"NAME!" Serena shrilled.

Raye shook her head. "Come on, let's go get some real coffee, and by real coffee, I mean those damn mocha Frappuccino's I am absolutely addicted to."

"Coffee? Don't have to tell me twice!" Serena said with a hop off the barstool, extremely glad for the change in scenery and conversation.

"Maybe Chad can hook me up with one of his friends," Serena said while grabbing her bags. "Like that guy who was originally supposed to come."

Raye laughed. "I'll see what I can do."

Serena smiled, but it didn't reach her soul.

They say time heals all wounds, but it does not completely fade the scars.

#

Serena stood in front of the mahogany door, staring at the elegantly scripted numerical "561" that was just above the small peephole. In her hands she clutched a 10 by 13 envelope, containing her heart and soul that she believed described his investment articulately. It had been at least fifteen minutes, but the nerves rattling in her arms refused her muscles to move more than an inch. She had come close once, but she heard a shuffle of feet behind the door, and she scurried off to the side, out of the peephole's view.

Get a grip, girl, and knock on the fucking door already!

Serena let out such a controlled breath – one Lita would be beyond pleased by – before finally making a fist. Mechanically, she slowly lifted her arm up and rasped against the luxurious door, taking in yet another slow, deep breath as she waited for a response. The shuffle of footsteps was present once more, much shorter in distance than she imagined. The door opened, presenting the tall, exotic man she had become quite acquainted with, looking at her with a hard, unreadable expression. Swallowing, she reached her arms out to him.

"As promised," she said softly, the manila envelope invading the distance between them. He looked at the envelope, then back at her again, before taking it from her. She watched as his long, tantalizing fingers reached into the unsealed envelope, pulling out the freshly printed copy of inTokyo. Never had she been so nervous to watch someone's expression when they looked at the cover before, but she found herself holding her breath as he studied it, his brilliantly deep eyes scanning the printed photograph. Mina had done an exceptional job, a candid shot of brother and sister standing over the lovely risotto, emphasized in color by the art department whilst brother and sister remained in grayscale. Amy's eyes were downcast, a loving and accomplish look on her face as she wiped down the edge of the plate, while Darien was animated, as if he was in deep discussion of the features of the dish. In a beautiful chalkboard calligraphy, "Breaking Down Barriers" was emphasized, along with the subtitle "Indulge in the divinity of superb quality dishes that Tokyo's newest restaurant has to offer."

Much to Serena's surprise, Darien continued to stand in the doorway. He flipped through the pages, landing in the centerfold where the review was printed. On the left boasted a close up of the risotto, the grains of Arborio and the bold, rich colors of the truffle standing out, making even the dusted parmesan shine on its own.

Minato, Tokyo – Have you ever found yourself wanting to dine in the presence of Tokyo tower illuminating in the background? Or the desire to eat a meal so rich in flavor, so honest in its ingredients, that you thought you would melt after your took the first bite?

That, dear readers, is exactly what Zwei Towers has to offer.

Located on the 20th floor of the Miwa Complex, Zwei Towers offers patrons a unique experience that most up-and-coming restaurants seem to lack: quality food in an upscale setting. Metallic décor stands out against various hues of black, which if you have never witnessed before, I highly recommend, because co-owners Darien Shields and Ami Mizuno Shields (cover, top-left) have managed to find every single shade of noir known to the artist's palette.

Darien looked up. "I thought you hated 'trendy and overdone,'" he flatly stated.

She shrugged. "Just because it's not my preference does not mean I cannot appreciate it."

The food at Zwei Towers is exquisite. Meals start with a variety of sliced breads, ranging from a hearty rye bread to crisp, in-house made parmesan crackers, which offer a nice touch for those who wish to stray away from dense, filling breads.

The lemon-artichoke soup was as simple as it was outstanding. The presence of freshly chopped artichoke hearts, garlic, and seasonings stand out within the smooth, pureed soup. The addition of hand-squeezed lemon juice and half-and-half enhance the decadent flavors, delivering a creamy soup rich in flavor without a single artificial ingredient.

Have you ever seen the word 'truffle' and think you are truly getting a real, shaved truffle in your dinner? Odds are you probably have not, because once you have tasted a dish that has true, shaved truffles in it; you will never be able to enjoy the faux again. A dish so rich and robust in flavor, it is worth every savory calorie. Roasted shiitake mushrooms are laced throughout the creamy grains of Arborio, which offer a robust flavor that pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine.

If dessert is your fancy, just wait until you check out the dessert selection, ranging from in-house made sorbet to decadent cakes and sweets that can make your toes curl. I enjoyed a scoop of the mango sorbet, the tart and fresh flavors of the fruit melting on my tongue.

"Amy is one hell of a cook," Darien said quietly, yet proudly, as he continued to read her words.

She watched as he skimmed further, reading the paragraphs about their bar area, the presentation, the building and the service in silence. His eyes shifted back up to her, then back down to the page, and it appear he re-read her closing comments.

It is said that the selection and service can make or break a restaurant, but in my years of writing and reviewing, I have found that it is the demeanor and quality of the establishments that encourage your returned patronage are the ones that continue to succeed. Zwei Towers offers that very distinction amongst restaurants in the surrounding area. Looking past the drinks, the food, and the service-staff, the very establishment offers something that you cannot find in the Minato district: a welcoming and inviting environment to all parties. While a dress code is enforced, the prices of the meals are a respectable amount that both families and business folk can mutually agree are reasonably set. On the whole, this restaurant offers everything and more to a patron looking for a quality meal in a trendy, upscale environment without the fears of overpaying. I give this restaurant five stars and my highest regard.

Darien closed the magazine and placed it back into the envelope, the unreadable expression still on his face. "It's a well-written article. Thank you," Darien said transactionally, no trace of emotion behind his voice. Serena shuffled her foot, hoping that maybe there would have been something more.

She continued to stand there, and as he continued to neutrally watch her, she felt her heart pounding.

Maybe, just maybe, she could apologize again and all would be okay.

Maybe, she wouldn't lose him.

"I'm really sorry again, Darien, for what I said to you last week," Serena apologized again. "Sometimes when I find myself getting too close to people, I have a bad habit of pushing them away. My mouth really gets the best of me sometimes. I know I ruined whatever chance we had with my overreaction, but I wanted to at least put it out there one more time how bad I feel."

Darien crossed his arms and proceeded to look at her, but she had to tear away her eyes from his; they were truly hypnotic. The admittance not only of pushing people away, but that she was finding herself getting too close to him, was a hard thing for herself to admit out loud. But, man, was it true. Usually her relationships lasted two or three weeks, where physical intimacy peaked but emotional barriers never cracked. For the first time in five years, she found herself wanting that connection.

It terrified her. It was evident in his silence that she had lost the first person that made her feel since him.

"Thank you for answering your door. I wanted to make good upon my promise to you. Thank you for your time, Darien. I won't bother you any longer." She turned to leave, making her decent down the lavish hallway to the elevator, when she heard the door click shut. Her heart squeezed in agony; literally and figuratively, the door shut on their time together. Standing in front of the metal panel, she slowly pressed the down button for the elevator, her head handing in sadness. She could feel the sting of tears at her eyelids, but she quickly squeezed her eyes shut, refusing to let any tears fall. Her motto, her mantra, never let a man get you down, had always worked before when she repeated it furiously.

So why wasn't it now?

The door sprung open, the small, lonely space beckoning her to come in. With a heavy heart, she stepped into the elevator, her eyes downcast, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

The doors began to close, the sleek metal sheets about to clasp as one, when a hand thrust its way in, springing the doors back open with a startle. Much to her surprise, there he was, and within an instant, those long fingers she had been watching turn the pages thrusted their way into her hair as he bent down to kiss her, a kiss so intense, so passionate, so hungry, she joyfully reciprocated. Stretching her toes out as far as she could, she wrapped her arms around his shoulder, running her own fingers greedily through the hair on the back of his head as they explored each other's mouths. Using his leg, he assisted in hoisting her up onto the back railing before invading the space between her legs, to which she responded by wrapping the one around him, pulling him in even closer. He moaned in reply, and she squeezed tighter, a hunger and a passion building intensely inside of her.

A subtle ding startled the two of them, followed by an overdramatic ah-hem. They looked at each other before shifting their focus to the opened doorway, a hue of reds quickly creeping on their faces.

"For God's sake, kids, why did you bother leaving your place if all you're gonna do is make out in the elevator? No one needs to see that!" an elderly woman scolded them, her narrowed eyes filled with judgment. Serena slightly cowered, pursing her lips in an attempt to hold back laughter, while Darien turned beat red. The woman stepped on to the elevator, shaking her head in disgust, and it was at that moment Serena realized they had descended 30 floors.

A few stops later and a handful more riders, the elevator made its way to the main lobby. As the elevator emptied, Serena began to walk out, only to have Darien pull her back into his arms.

"Come back upstairs with me," he whispered into her ear before nibbling at her ear lobe.

She moaned in response, the door closing once again, only this time they pressed the button to send them back up to the floor.

As the elevator shot up the building, Darien continued his assault on her ear and neck, much to Serena's pleasure as she tiled it back further. A combination between the speed of the elevator and the skills of his lips, her body was tingling all over. Each touch emitted an overpowering response from her, a desire so intense she thought she'd keel over if he didn't stop.

Nor did she want him to.

When the door sprung open, it was she who practically pulled him out of the elevator. It was she who clasped onto his hand firmly as they made their way over to his door, and it was she who practically knocked him over onto the waiting couch in his apartment, climbing on top of him, attacking his mouth with her own in hunger.

He responded most desirably, grasping her body with his expert touch, causing her to moan into him as his fingers trailed in the most sensitive of areas. When he began to unzip the back of her dress, she leaned her shoulders back to allow the fabric to tumble around her.

Just a few minutes ago, she was so sure she was going to lose him, never see him again.

Yet, here she was, in the cradle of his arms, her clothes barely hanging on, planting kisses on his neck as he walked in great strides to the room down the adjacent hallway, with one thing on both of their minds.

#

The sun had set when she stirred, her nude form beneath the silk sheets sore from the intensity of their previous activities. She stretched her limbs out generously before swinging her legs around the bed, sitting at the edge of the bed with her hand still clinging on to the sheet.

What they had just done together was completely mind-blowing. Nothing had ever compared in any past relationship. The way he looked at her, the ways he moved around her, inside of her… she shivered in delight at the recall.

She looked back over to him, the sheet resting against his delicious hips, his well-carved chest muscles illuminating in the moonlight. Her eyes greedily roamed his body, taking in and mentally photographing every inch of him: his inky, silky jet black hair, his firm jawline, his slim, yet inviting lips, his broad shoulders. Her eyes traveled south, down to the curly patch of hair below his navel that led to her most recently acquainted appendage, which she had to admit was currently her favorite. Basking in a girlish smile, she started to stand up, only to feel an arm grab her and pull her back down. She tumbled back into the pillow, now facing an awaken Darien, who from the look on his face, had been watching her give him a thorough eye-fucking.

"See something you like?" he asked huskily. She took in a deep breath, as if his words were an aromatic, before running her fingertips down his chest.

"Oh yes," she responded, her fingers daringly sliding further and further down his body until they reached the hem of the silk sheet. "And unfortunately, something else I've really come to like, is currently out of my view," she slyly added before she pulled she sheets away.

Darien groaned in response, and Serena slithered up next to him, more than eager for a repeat of earlier that evening. Rolling over and grasping her, he claimed her lips once more, both of them losing themselves in each other again.

As the evening turned into night, both bodies spent from their repeated actions, sleep began to claim her. Serena was briefly, and only for a fleeting moment, aware of Darien pulling her body into his grasp. Yet, sleep claimed her just as she heard him start to whisper:

"Don't—"

Not really a cliffhanger... but, don't what?

Until next time!