Sweet-Usako: Hey everyone! It's ok…calm down…I'm not dead yet. Heehz..j/kz j/kz! It's finally March break eh? Finally got the time to update!! I'm sorry it took me so long to update! I sort of had an author's block, and busy with school work and all that. But anyways! I'm back now! Anyways, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Sailormoon! But…I do own the plot line! ^.^

Chapter Seven: The Secret Friendship.

It was dead silent; no words were exchanged between them. Everything around them seemed to have melted away, everything except for them. They were both going through memory lain. Mina closed her eyes painfully at the memories. Not everyone's fortunate enough to have sweet memories from their childhood, and Rei was probably the only one who understood her.

"Rei…what are you doing working here?" Mina asked disbelievingly. She thought she was dreaming when she saw her best friend on that stage. 'At least she hadn't stripped entirely!' Mina thought.

Rei said nothing. Her bangs fell down to cover her now shimmering eyes. She never thought she would see Mina ever again. She couldn't imagine what Mina thought of her when she saw on that stage. But, she had no other choice. She never chooses to do it, such a disgusting job. But hey, life isn't perfect. 'It was when mother was still alive…' she thought bitterly.

"Rei, what happened?" Mina asked again. 'Something big must have happened for her to work in a place like this.' Mina thought. She didn't care if her friend is working as a stripper. She would always be Rei to her.

"My sorry excuse for a father…" Rei practically spitted out the work 'father'. Mina's eyes widened. She has never seen Rei in such rage before, except that time with Adrian.

"What did he do?"

Rei said nothing for a moment. "Oh god Mina…it was horrible…" Rei finally broke down. Tears streamed down her face. She couldn't believe this. She hated to cry and she never allowed herself to. Crying was a weakness, and she wanted to be strong. "When we moved away after my mom's death, he started drinking. That's when everything went downhill. At first, it was just the yelling but then, it turned to violence. He started beating me…using me to take out his anger. One day, he brought his drunken friends over and…" Rei was shaking. Her entire body was trembling at the horrible memories.

"No…they didn't…please tell me they didn't…" Mina sobbed. She never thought Rei had been through so much. It was like a nightmare. Just hearing about it scared her. Mina couldn't get over the fact that her best friend was going through hell and she wasn't even there for her.

Rei took a deep breath to calm herself. "No..." she said shakily. "I got away before they could…they were so close…" She brought her hands to her face and sobbed in them.

"Oh Rei…I'm so sorry. I…I never knew. I wish I could've been there for you. You've helped me so much…always there for me. But, I wasn't when you need me the most. I'm sorry…" Mina felt so guilty. 'What kind of a friend am I? I don't deserve a friend like you Rei…I deserve to be alone.'

"Those sick bastards…" Both heads turned towards the angry growl, and gasped when they saw who it was. His fists are clinched so tightly together that his knuckles started to turn white. His eyes, almost match the color red.

"W-What are you doing here?" Rei asked confused. She couldn't believe her 'boss', heard everything and saw her cry like a big baby.

He ignored her question. "Mina, I think you should go back. Kunzite is looking for you." He said without any emotions, his eyes never leaving Rei. Mina looked between them and gave them nervous glances and hesitantly waked out. Rei, who is trying hard to stay calm but failed miserably. She didn't know what to do. Well, in situations like this, there's only one thing to do: RUN!

"Well, I better get going…" Rei said icily, and got up trying to avoid looking in his eyes. Jadeite growled and grabbed her wrist and pushed her to the wall, trapping her so she couldn't go anywhere. He was going to get this woman to open up to him no matter what.

"Let me go you creep!" Rei screamed, hitting his chest hoping he would move. But, no such luck.

"No, not until you tell me everything." He challenged.

"Why should I tell you? It's none of your damn business!" Rei spat out angrily. 'Who does he think he is? Ordering me around like that! Well, I don't care! He can go to hell! I rather kill myself than tell him about my miserable life! Yeah…I'm sure he'll want to hear about my father's attempt to rape his own daughter. A guy like him, only wants sex and nothing else. He's just trying to be nice to me so he can get what he wants. Well, he can go fuck himself for all I care!' Rei thought angrily.

"Darn it woman! I'm trying to help! Stop being so damn difficult!" His patience was growing thinner by the minute. Why won't she just open up to him? 'Damnit…why do I care? Why do I care about her so much? Why did I get so angry when she confessed to Mina about her past? Why can't I stop thinking about her…?' Thousand of questions were going through Jadeite's mind.

"NO!" She said firmly. Both his eyebrows went up.

He took deep breaths. 'Ok…stay calm…breathe…' He told himself. "I'm your boss. I could fire you." He said calmly, threatening her. Rei's eyes darkened.

"Well then, I quit!" Rei said. 'Shit! What am I going to do? How will I pay for my rent now?' She started to panic inside.

Jadeite was speechless. He never thought he would push her into quitting her job! He got to come up with something…and fast! Or else…who knows where she'll disappear to if he let her go this time. 'But…why am I so afraid of losing her? Why…could I possibly care for her more than I should have?' Jadeite thought.

'Is this what Kunzite feels when he's with Mina? Or how Darien feels when he sees Serena? Could I possibly be…in love…with her?' He looked into those flaming eyes of her.

Rei shivered at the look Jadeite was giving her. Why is he staring at her like this? Why are his eyes so captivating? It almost makes her want to spill out everything and forget about his perverted ways. Key word: ALMOST!

He sighed. "I just want to help you. I want to get to know you a little better." He said exasperatedly. His eyes softened.

Rei eyes him suspiciously and sighed heavily. She looked up at him and looking into his eyes. He looked so…sincere.

He brought a hand to her face. "Do you always have to be this strong?" She heard him ask her softly. "If you want to cry, then cry." Rei's eyes went large.

She couldn't cold it in anymore. She had just told Mina everything and the memories are still fresh in her mind. He just had to come in acting like a knight in shinning armor when she's most vulnerable. 'Damn him…' She thought as her tears fell down her cheeks.

Jadeite stepped closer to her and brought her into his embrace, stroking her dark, raven hair lightly. "You need me…why won't you admit that…" He murmured into her hair.

^_______________^

Serena sat on her couch, still trying let everything that happened today sink in. She just couldn't bring herself to face the fact.

Flashback

Serena walked into the auditorium. She had a rehearsal today. The drama department of her university decided to do a play for the sick children at the hospital.

"Serena! Hurry up; you're going to be late!" Naru hurried. Serena smiled at her friend and quickened her steps to the dressing room. Naru helped Serena into her dress and fixed her hair.

Serena giggled. "Naru, calm down. It doesn't have to be perfect you know. It's only a rehearsal!" Naru just laughed.

"I guess, it's just…you know me. Everything has to be perfect." Naru said, blushing.

"So, how was your date with Melvin last night?" Serena asked curiously. Naru squealed happily. Serena's smile grew larger. 'I guess it turned out well by the sound of that.'

"It was the best ever! Melvin is such a gentleman! He took me to this really fancy restaurant and…everything was just so perfect." Naru sighed dreamily.

"Well, if he passed with the perfectionist, then I guess he's really something. No one can ever please you Naru. I guess this one's worth the keep, eh Naru?" Serena winked.

Naru blushed harder. "Oh stop teasing me Serena! Oh yea…I heard there's a new guy taking Davis's place. You're going to have to work with a new prince from now on." She said, finishing her final touches to Serena's hair. "Ok, there you go Rapunzel! You're ready to let your hair down!" Naru teased.

Serena pouted. "You're so mean!" she said and went off to the stage.

**

"Ahh…good to see you're on time Serena." Mr. Zippo smiled. "Well, I'm sure Naru has already told you about Davis. He's not going to be working with us any longer I'm afraid." He said seriously.

"Oh…but why?" Serena asked, sounding concerned.

"Because he's in the hospital with a broken arm and a broken leg." Serena's eyes widened at the sound of that voice. 'Oh god…please tell me this is just a nightmare…' Serena thought. 'It can't be him…It just can't be…' She turned around finding Darien standing behind her with his infamous smirk on. She inwardly groaned.

'Someone up there hates me…' Serena thought.

"Oh, how nice of you to finally join us Mr. Shields." Mr. Zippo exclaimed. "Great, now we can get started. Serena, Darien here will take the place of Davis. So, you're going to be working with him from now on."

Serena silently cursed. 'That's what I'm afraid of…'

Darien stepped closer to her and whispered. "Aren't you glad to see me Serena?" Darien teased and his grin grew wider when he felt Serena shiver. "Why, are you cold my princess?" He put an arm around her.

Serena made a disgusted face and tried to shrug his arm off her, but her attempt failed. She glared at him. "I bet you had something to do with Davis's injuries, didn't you?" She accused.

Darien just smiled. "Aren't you the smart one, princess?"

"You're sick…" came her reply.

"This is just to show, I would do anything to get you…my princess." He whisper huskily, and kissed her ear.

Serena yelped and moved away from him. 'Oh god…' Serena panicked. How can she stand working with that…heartless beast!

"Mr. Zippo! C-Can I please have a different role?" Serena asked, hoping the director would say yes. Darien's eyes narrowed at her suggestion.

"Oh, I'd be willing to trade with you Serena!" Emerald said with her high-pitched voice. Darien's expression darkened more. There's no way he'll allow that to happen. He stalked slowly towards Emerald. She just gave him a seductive smile, licking her lips.

'Slut…' Darien thought and closed his arms around her, bringing her body to his. She moaned at the sudden closeness between their bodies. "If you take Serena's place, I'll personally make sure you'll live the rest of your life in hell…" Darien said in a low voice while kissing her neck and pushed her away disgustingly afterwards.

Emerald's entire body shook in fear. Sure the great Darien Shields got hot looks, but he can also be very frightening. "O-On a second thought…I think I'll just stick to being the witch…" Darien smirked.

"Serena…this is no time to be joking around! We only have a few rehearsals left! Everyone to their places and let's start with the tower scene between Rapunzel and the Prince!" Mr. Zippo yelled.

'Trying to escape from me, huh Serena? Well, try harder next time…' Darien thought, looking at Serena.

"Ok, action!" Mr. Zippo yelled.

"Who are you?" asked Rapunzel. The prince stepped closer to her, putting an arm around her waist.

'Oh god help me…please let this be over soon.' Serena thought, looking straight into Darien's deep ocean- blue eyes.

"I'm the prince and you will come with me." Darien said and captured Serena's mouth. Serena's eyes went wide and pushed him away.

"NO! NO! NO! That wasn't in the script, and you're not supposed to kiss her!" Mr. Zippo yelled angrily while some of the people around them laughed.

Darien's blood boiled. NO one talks to him like that, ever! "I will fucking kiss her whenever the hell I like Zippo! I don't care about the god damned script!"

Mr. Zippo sighed. "Ok, let's take that from the top again! Mr. Shields, please co-operate this time!" Darien just sends him death glares.

That went on for about another two hours before everyone finishes for the day. Serena was walking home slowly when a car pulled up beside her. The window opened revealing a very grumpy Darien. "Get in." He 'commended'.

He looked like he was in a bad mood, and Serena didn't want him getting worst so she got in the car. Besides, she was too tired to argue with him right now. Two hours of putting up with him was enough for one day.

Before she knew it, they were in front of her apartment. Serena turned towards Darien sharply. "Wait, how did you…" but she was cut off before she can finish asking her question.

"I have my ways…" Darien said, not explaining himself.

Serena shook her head and sighed. "I don't even want to know…you're so freaky sometimes…" she said.

Darien broke into an amused grin. "Freaky?" he asked, with one of his eyebrows up.

"Yes, thanks for the ride you conceited jerk…" She said and was about to get out when he stopped her. "What are you- " he kissed her again, drawing her closer to him. Serena couldn't help but give up her struggling and kissed him back.

She broke the kiss and panted lightly. Neither of them said anything. "please…just stop it! Don't bother me anymore! I'm not some toy you can play around with!" Serena said and got out of the car, walking towards her apartment.

Darien got out of the car after her. "Stop right there Serena!" He yelled and she stopped dead in her tracks.

"I don't care if this is a game or not, but either way I've already chosen my winning prize. And get this, I don't intend on losing."

End of Flashback

Serena didn't know what to do, his words are all she can think of ever since she came back home. 'What does he want from me? How can he just, waltz into my life and turn it upside down! He seems so confident when he spoke those words and my heart beats so fast whenever he's around. Why does he do this to me? Why does he like torturing me like this?' Serena thought, and drifted to sleep on the couch thinking about what he had said.

^_______________^

Darien sat in his office, his desk piled up with paper works. 'Damn it! How come I have to do all the friggin paper work around here? I get stuck with the boring job, while the others 'patrol' the club! Patrol my ass, more like just sitting around drinking wine!' Darien cussed in his head.

Darien sighed. He couldn't even concentrate on the paper works. All he can think about is Serena. He knows he's probably putting a lot of stress and pressure on Serena with his snobbish ways. But, he can't help it. He didn't know any other ways to express his feelings for her. Besides, he's used to getting what he wants. He just hopes that, one day she might return those feelings.

^_______________^

Kunzite looked at Mina. She's deep in thought again. He cupped her face and turned her around to face him. Mina jumped a little at the sudden touch from her savior. "What's wrong?" He asked quietly, face inches away from her.

She gave him a weak smile. "No, it's nothing…"

Kunzite just looked at her, saying nothing for a moment. "You're still worried about Rei aren't you?" Mina's eyes went wide. "Don't worry, she's fine with Jadeite. He'll take good care of her."

Mina just nodded. "Kunzite? She asked. He gave her a 'ask your question' look. "I was wondering…do you own this club?" Mina's been wondering about it ever since…forever.

"Sort of…we opened this club together." He replied, meaning the rest of the gang.

"But…aren't you guys still in university?" she asked again.

"Yes, but we go there for fun." Kunzite said, allowing a smile on his face.

Mina saw his smile and blushed. She looked away and replied with a 'oh'. Kunzite smiled at her shyness and moved closer to her. Mina, taking his hint and leaned her head on his shoulder. She gave a small sigh and closed her eyes. She wouldn't mind staying like this with him forever.

^_______________^

The sound of her phone ringing woke Serena up with a start. She groaned. 'Who the hell would be phoning at this hour? If it's Andrew and one of his pranks again, I swear I'll kill him tomorrow.' Serena thought, feeling frustrated and made her way to the phone.

"Hello…?" Serena asked, still sleepy. There was no answer. She hung up, eyeing the phone strangely. 'Probably just wrong number…'

She was about to make her way to her room when the sound of her phone ringing again. Ok…now she was freaked out. She took a deep breath to stay calm and picked up the phone with shaking hands.

"…hello?" She answered.

No reply again. She was about to hang up when the caller laughed. "My dear Serena, you'll be mine…You'll taste wonderful…I can't wait to get my hands on you…"

Serena hung up quickly. She almost started crying. 'It's just a prank call…nothing to it…'

^_______________^

Sweet-Usako: Ok, that's all everyone! I hope it wasn't too bad! Next chapter should be the one you all have been waiting for. The one Serena makes the deal with Darien. Look forward to it! Oh yea…please review?!?!? ^.^ aww…how can u resist that cute face?!

Review Responses:

cjrogue: thanks so much for reviewing! I really hope you continue reading my story!! ^^ hehehz…and I'm so glad that you're enjoying reading my fic! I'm sorry I had to update so late. Wells..dat'z all! *muah*

serena79: hey hey!! Oh my gosh…I'm so sorry for taking so long with this new chapter! I really wasn't planning on updating so late. But, I just didn't know how to continue where I left off. LOLZ. I'm so weird, I start a fic and it was easy at the beginning, but then at some point, I just didn't know how to continue it. But anyways, I've overcame it! Thanks for being so supportive and styff. And guess wut's cool, your s/n name is da same as ma fwend's email address. Well…close, except for the numbers part. Well, dat'z all for now!! *muah*

magiabruxa: hey! Lolz. thanks for reviewing! I thought that part was funny too, the part where Serena found him standing behind her. Tsk tsk tsk. Poor Serena eh? LOLZ. wellz, I hope you keep reading!! *muah*

lilli-lil: *cryz* wahhh..i'm so sorry 4 making you wait so long! I know it's supper not nice to let pplz wait. Sigh…I get so crazy when I'm waiting for a chapter to come out from a fic. Hehehz…sollie..but I can't help it. Plzzz 4give me!! LOLZ…anyways, guess who the psycho caller is? Hahah…wellz…I'm outz!! *muah*

BeckyJoe3689: thanks!! I lub ya!! Hehehehz…I hope you didn't think I'm dead, since I haven't been updating 4 so long! Well…I'm bac!! Muhahahhaha!! Ok…I dun wanna freak you away. Hehehz…wellz…I hope you liked this chapter!! *muah*

kirarie: LOLZ. woah. That's oneeeeeeeeeeeee longgggggggg review you made dere!! Wahhhhhhhh..i lub you so much!! Hehhez…ok…I'm officially going crazy. I'm lyk…scaring off everyone. Sigh…don't mind me. High on sugah. Hehehz..altho I find it kind of hard…since it'z like…3:15 am in the morning. LOLZ. how can I have so much energy eh!? Hehehz..anyways! I hope you didn't think I've abandoned this fic, since I haven't been updating for so long. Lolz..i'm sorry. I would never ever just abandon this fic! Don't worry! Hehehz…awww…you give such good advices. Hehehz…*happy tears* yes…I'll never stop reaching for the stars!! Hehehz…thanks so much!! And trust me…you're not nutz…I am. Hahah…ask my fwends and you'll know! Well…anyways…until da next chappie!! *muah*

Britney: hey! Lolz..thanks for reviewing!! I'm so happie you liked my fic! *tears of joy* hehehz…oh…and I dun think it'll ever be rated R. It's just rated for 'some' swear words and…*cough* anyways!! Hehehz…sorry for taking so long with this chapter! Hope you liked it!! *mauh*

Tokyo Queen Go-Go: hahahha…nope. Never rape! Hehehz…I hate writing rape styff. *shivers* no…I won't do that to serena!! Hehehz…I know..i love darien too!

Lady of Enchantment: awwww…dat's so sweet! I'm glad you liked the last chapter!! I hope you continue reading. Hehehz…next chapter is going to be da best!! Yupz yupz!!

ThatsMsDiva2U: hehehz…nah…Darien and the guyz are just scary around others. But…they're really B I G softies. Hehehz…*SHHHH* don't tell anyone!!

AmayaSaria: hehehz..awww…*hugz* thx so much!! But…I sux. Hehhehehz…seriously…ma grammar is so bad. Hehehz…but I'm trying to improve!!

Moonlightshadows: Seiya? Evil? Humm…maybe!! Hehehz…but I'm not going to give it away!!

SilverMo: lolz..omg..i feel horrible. Hehehz..i'm making everyone wait so long. SO sorry!!! Sigh…I'll try to update sooner next time. I promise. Just hit the writer's block on this chapter. But…I know exactly what to write on the next. So…yupz yupz!!

Iced Faerie: hahaha…omg…I know I'm in for it now. Hehehz…I took like…super long with this chapter! I'm so sorry. But can't help it! What about you?!?!? *poutz* I want the next chapter of your story out!! Can't wait to see what happens next in 'Finding A Wife'!!

happygolucky111: The summary will be up next chapter. Sorry I had to take so long for it. Hehehz…n I'm sorry I didn't have lita in this chapter. But…she'll be in the next one. Yupz!! Hehehz…so…please…don't give up on my story! I know I take extra long to update..*blush*

Amy: thanks! I'm so glad you liked my story!! Hehehz…and I hope you liked the new chapter! ^^

Arkangelgirl: hehehz…thx soooooooooo much 4 your advice on ma friend problem. Hehehehz…yupz yupz…it really helped. Hehehz…and we're ok now. Hehehz. I'm happie dat you liked the couples in the story. Some people…don't really like that. I know It's suppose to be a Serena and Darien fic…but hehhehehz…I can't help but put the others in. hehehz…maybe next time…I won't put so many characters…*smilez*

Sakura: hehehehz…I watched Meteor Garden too! Hehehz…but…does it realie sound lyk meteor garden?!?!? O.o hehehz..i duno. Cuz…I fink it'z pretty different. Ypz yupz! Thanx 4 reviewing!!! Yay. Hehehz..hope you continue reading!!!

chibi_yumi: hehehehz…of course they'll become friends!! Hehehz…they'll become ONE BIG FAMILY. Hehez..ok..i'm going too far. Hehehz..^^

Evelyn: hehehz…sollie 4 making your wait soo long! I noe how much I hate when I hafto wait. Hehehz..i'm not da patient type. Hehehz..anywayz!! I can't go w/o a god fic too!! ^^

Crystal jade2: they all goes to University. Hehehez…and Dar and gang owns a club. Yupz yupz. Sollie if it'z confusing…it'z ma fault. I didn't exactly explained well. But..anyways..hope this chapter clears everything up!! ^^

kalinda: fanx sooo much! I hope you liked this chapter!

Dina: LOLZ. omg…u're making me blush!! LOLZ. I'm drowning in your sea of compliments. Hehehz…but seriously, I don't think I'm that gd. Hehehz…i've read some awesome ones…compared w/mine…mine is lyk..nufin. hehehz..but anywaiz!! I'm so glad you liked it. Hehehz..hope you continue reading!! Heheehz…I've been taking so long w/dis one cuz I was trying to get Memories of the Past done. Yupz yupz. It's done! My first completed fic on ff.net!^^

Imperial Saturn: thx 4 reviewingggg!!! Hehehehz…sollie I took so long w/dis chapter! But…I hope it waz worth the wait. ^^

Jesse: wahh…I'm trying ta update!! Hehehz..as fast as I can!! Hehez…

Irk: fanx!! I hope you continue reading the next!!

Bunnie: I'm sorry if I've disappointed you. LOLZ. I'm trying to fix that habit of mine. Hehehz…but don't worrie, there's going to be more Serena/Darien F L U F F in the future…yupz yupz!!

Ally: I noe…ma grammar sux. Hehehz…trying to improve…

inuyashafan65: hehehz..inuyashafan? hehehz…guess u're a big fan of inuyasha?! I love watchin inuyasha too!! Hehehz..inu/kag all da way. Hehehz…or kag/sess. Lolz..w/e!! I can't make up ma mind. Newaiz…thx 4 reviewing!!

Hot Cuttie: sollie I took so long w/this chapter!! Hehehz…hope you haven't given up on it!!!!

Spyderangel04: thx so much 4 reviewing!!! Yay!! Hehehhz…I'm happie. Sollie I took so long to update!! *smack maself* next one will be sooner!! ^^

Katie: hehehehz…thx!! I'll try harder to update sooner.

Trcey: T.T I'm trying!! Hehez…but I'm a lazy ass! Hehehz…*winkz*

Anonoymus: I will!! ^^

Graceful Lady: I'm glad you liked it!! Plz keep reading!!!

Scepteroflight: hehehz…aww!!! Hhehehz…you don't hafto wait no more! Cuz…here's the new chapter!!!!