Authors Note:

I will definitely not be able to update tomorrow because I'm busy all day but I might be able to get something done day after that. For now, hope you enjoy Chapter 8! And just so you guys know- I was weirded out by Darien's reaction in chapter 7 too but for some reason it seemed to fit and I think it works out. Agree? Disagree? As always, comments are appreciated! :) Have fun!

Futureprincess09

PS I was actually thinking of adding this one thing at the end of this chapter about Serena being annoyed (secretly jealous) about Darien having "evening plans" Saturday but I decided that it would be too soon for that. I want their relationship to evolve before anything like that happens...

You Again?

Chapter 8

I had no idea what to say for many reasons.

First and foremost was that Darien's reaction was definitely not one I had expected. Had Darien become some sort of masochist since graduating? Or had he always been a masochist?

No, no. That didn't seem in the least bit probable.

Maybe he's just weird. Now that I can believe. I'm pretty sure I always knew he was weird.

But then I noticed that his smile wasn't really one of joy. It was sort of an incredulous smile- like he was still in shock over what happened but also slightly amused. But why smile at all? I personally don't get it.

"What? Why are you laughing? I just slapped you!" I hate that my voice rose an octave in indignation. I wonder if Brad can here us from out there. Would gossip spread?

Oh, who am I kidding? Brad doesn't gossip- he barely even talks.

Darien once again cut into my wandering thoughts.

"Sorry," He said still smiling wryly, "I just always knew it would happen someday but I wasn't expecting it today. In your office of all places. Tell me. Do you bitch slap all your clients or am I just special?" His smirk was now teasing.

I rolled my eyes at him.

"Oh you're special alright but definitely not in the way you think." I muttered.

I was a little miffed. It appeared that my attack had done nothing to him. He didn't even rub his cheek or anything like they always do in the movies. The only sign of my assault was the already fading pinkish hue to his cheek.

"I shoulda punched him." I couldn't help but mumble to myself.

Darien laughed a little at that- apparently I wasn't quite as quiet as I'd thought.

"Sorry I didn't get hurt, Meatballs." Darien said with a small smile, "Put more weight into it next time." The teasing spark was bright in his azure eyes. "Would you like me to sit still for a little while longer while you inflict some more damage? Maybe practice a little?"

He sat up in his chair as still as those bricks they give in karate chopping classes. But although his body was as frozen as a statue his face was alive with repressed mirth.

I have to admit it was a tempting offer… but I'm more mature than that. I really am. Really.

"I'm curious," I said as I headed back to my chair to curb the temptation to take him up on his very alluring offer. "If you knew I'd eventually crack and assault you, why did you continue to tease me? Do you have any secret masochistic tendencies I should be aware of?" I smirked back at him- claiming my usual claim and cool demeanor that had just moments before been completely lost.

Darien had the grace to look sheepish- and I must admit that the expression on his face is adorable. It reminds me of the look little boys get when they get caught with their hands in the forbidden cookie jar. Just for that fleeting moment I forgot that this was Darien my nemesis- he looked so sweet. So innocent.

But then of course he had to ruin it by talking.

Talk about digging holes.

"You just always gave- and apparently still give- me so many opportunities- it's almost too easy, Meatballs. Too much to pass up. A waste... And your reactions are always highly amusing." He concluded with his infamous shrug and I leveled him with my worst glare.

"I'm going to rewind this conversation and remind you about rule number one." I told him in my best indifferent monotone voice- that was the closest I could get to sounding professional around Darien.

"I don't think I broke your little rules." Darien said trying to look as innocent as possible. Then he added wryly, "Actually I think we should add a rule number three- no slapping, punching, kicking, or any other form of physical altercation shall be henceforth allowed."

"I'll agree to that rule if you follow mine- which you haven't. You've broken both of them actually and they've just barely been instated."

"I did not break any rules." Darien repeated crossing his arms defensively. He actually seemed serious. I eyed him warily.

"Darien," I began and I noticed a hint of a smile ghosted his features at my use of his name (instead of Shields I'm presuming), "you continue to call me by that dreaded nickname and you brought up probably the worst, most embarrassing memory of my entire life."

Darien didn't seem fazed by this. His defensive position didn't change.

"I did not call you 'Meatballhead' and I didn't tell anyone your secrets- I was talking to you—a person who is already familiar with the event." He seemed pleased with his conclusions.

"You have too called me 'Meatballhead'!" I exclaimed in frustration. "And I said you can't mention my embarrassing moments to anyone- myself included."

He didn't seem at all swayed by my argument.

"Firstly, I did not call you 'Meatballhead'. I called you 'Meatballs'. That is completely different." He held up a hand to signal my patience when I was going to interrupt. "And that second thing is just stupid. I won't talk to anyone else about your little moments but I can talk to you about them all I want. You experienced them. As did I- just from the sidelines."

I rolled my eyes at his logic.

"Okay I'll be more clear about the rules then. You cannot call me anything even remotely related to "Meatballhead". Nothing with the word "meat", "ball", or "head" can be uttered when talking to or about me. Just to be on the safe side- don't even mention spaghetti."

Darien smiled.

"But what if we're at a restaurant and I'm trying to ask your opinion about what kind of meat to get and whether I should get spaghetti or not." I rolled my eyes but he continued with his teasing smile in place, "And then when we're done eating there is a psychic with a crystal ball and a really weird head that I'm trying to show you? What happens then? Do you know what a catastrophe that would be?"

I laughed despite myself.

"If we find ourselves in that preposterous situation you are allowed to use those words- but only in a context that does not in any way relate to me." I concluded with a smile.

"These rules are really rather complicated aren't they?" Darien said with a laugh. "Maybe we should add them in my contract."

"A verbal agreement is just as binding and legal in this state." I told him- that was actually true.

Darien smiled.

"What if I slip?" He asked. "I'm pretty sure it's bound to happen."

I eyed him. He was still smiling. I wasn't sure if he was teasing or what so I just said the first thing that came to mind.

"We'll follow the rules of baseball. Three strikes and you're out."

"As in you break my legal contract?" Darien asked.

He was right. That would be illegal. He knew this all really meant nothing in the end but I would try my damnedest to make sure he followed my rules. He wouldn't step all over me like back in high school.

"Darien, I'll be completely honest with you." I said. This was a professional meeting after all. We should probably eventually get down to the real business at hand. "Not that you need another ego boost but I'll admit it anyway. You're book is fantastic. One of the best I've seen in a long time. It has great potential. I can tell." Darien was serious now. He was sitting up with an unfathomable look in his eyes. I couldn't be sure but I detected a hint of pride in his eyes. This didn't make me think he was self absorbed like I usually would have thought in other circumstances. It was good he was proud of his work. It meant that this was really important to him. I smiled sincerely at him then. "You've created a believable and lovable protagonist. You're antagonists are complex and intriguing but you didn't go over the top like so many authors do. There is a balance in the characters that just feels real even in the fantastic circumstances in which the characters are presented. As I said there is great potential." He smiled back at me as I continued my spiel. "But it has a few flaws of course. Like any other book." When I said this I watched his face carefully, trying to detect a hint of defensiveness or animosity towards me for insulting his story but I found no such thing. He was nodding in agreement and his eyes were sincerely curious. He actually seemed to care about my opinion in the matter. I continued on, "I can help you tweak the story. Make it a classic. It's already well on its way towards that path. I can just be a catalyst to reaching that goal."

I stopped to gauge his reaction. He was intent and serious and completely unlike the Darien Shields I knew. I had a feeling that for all the years I'd known him I knew very little about Darien. I also had a feeling that by the time this was over- whenever that was- I would know a lot more than I'd ever dreamed to know. This was just the first new glimpse at the real Darien Shields- the one who'd been hidden from me behind a teasing façade for so long.

"I agree Serena." Darien replied after only a moment's pause. "Not about the whole 'it's fantastic' bit because I think it could use a lot of work still but about its potential and your role in getting it somewhere better. That's why I came here, to you specially after all. I've heard great things about you Serena."

That was twice he'd used my name in less than a minute. I like it a lot better than the 'Meatballhead' jibs.

I smiled at him- after all he was being good (for the moment anyway)- and then leveled him with a serious look again.

"Then hopefully you also agree that in order for us to work well together- to get this book where we both know it could and should be- we should actually get along and for that to happen I think rules are in order." I concluded my speech by straightening further in my seat and staring at Darien for a reaction.

He was smiling.

"I think either way we'd survive." He said, "But if you feel these rules are important to you I promise to do my best. I can't promise anymore than that."

I eyed him warily for a second then shrugged and gave a smile. I really couldn't expect more than that. He'd try. I think he actually meant that. That was good enough… for now anyway. I stood up and reached my hand out to take his. He extended his own and we shook.

"Now for the legal stuff." I said. We both sat down and I handed him a stack of papers that he had to read, sign, etc.

He wasn't paying attention to the paperwork though. He was looking at me with an odd sort of expression. It was a very penetrating look- like he was trying to read my thoughts or something or figure me out. He was still smiling though.

"How about lunch Saturday? I'm busy all of tomorrow and I have evening plans Saturday but I'm free noonish."

I didn't understand what he was saying. I looked at him questioningly, not answering his question.

"It can be a sort of diplomatic meeting I suppose. A détente where both parties put down their missiles." Darien explained, still smiling. "We'll see if I can go for one evening without my little jibs and if you can go without assaulting me. If it works out I sign this paperwork and we get to work. End our Cold War if we're lucky."

I eyed him suspiciously for a moment and eventually nodded. It wasn't a bad idea. This way I could see if it was possible to get along with or maybe even like (Not likely) Darien Shields.