Disclaimer: All rights to Sailor Moon reserved to Naoko Takeuchi.
Serena trudged up the stairs with heavy feet. The halls of the university were unusually quiet; her light footsteps whispered silently down the staircase on which she traveled. The light that streamed through the window on the landing cast shadows of the layers of steps leading up towards the rooftop. Faint voices of students down below zoomed in and out from her hearing as they passed. Trailing her fingertips softly upon the rough texture of the pristine white walls —as if caressing—Serena slowly continued to her destination.

The rooftop had become her place of solace. It was a place where no eyes could follow her, where no fingers would point in her direction, and where her presence would not arouse whispers; for no one was there. And as she reached the door barring her from the outside world, she placed her delicate hands upon it and pushed. The door let out a bizarre crack before it lurched open.

Serena squinted as the brilliant sunlight and gusty wind entered the university. Quickly she stepped out onto the rooftop and let the door slowly close behind her. Cursing slightly as she waited for her eyes to adjust, Serena leaned against the door and laid her head back. She blinked several times before she could see clearly.

Pushing off from the door, Serena walked towards the railing that enclosed the roof. It was already Friday; the mid-afternoon breeze levitated her silky blonde strands of hair like a whirlpool—or tornado—of silver and gold. She was dressed in a puffy baby blue sweater and jeans that would've fallen an inch or two off her waist if it wasn't for the belt she wore that held them up. The autumn weather was cool and breezy that day; she hugged herself to gain heat as the chilling wind nibbled upon the tip her feminine nose and chilled her with a coldness that penetrated through her warm attire.

Pale from the stiff and cold air, Serena grasped the railing with her shivering hands. She tipped her head upward toward the intense blue sky and inhaled the dense dewy scent of the air; the usual scent that came after the rain. Far beyond her sight she could barely make out a dark patch of cloud that hovered just above a mountain range to the west. Regardless of all this though, her mood was still dark.

Never had she felt so confused before. Serena was feeling constantly off balance. The predictable pattern of her daily routines were now long gone; the utter shock of her family's financial problems have also passed; even her initial irritation in being forced to attend Akita paled in comparison to her present problems. And that was Darien.

What totally confused her was her increasing response to the man. When he was near, her thoughts seemed to drift upon his drugging kiss. She had said she wanted nothing else from him but his friendship; that she completely understood why he rejected her after that kiss. Yet now, after spending so much time with him she didn't know what she wanted from him anymore. She was slightly depressed when they weren't together and she was furious with herself over it. What happened to her control, her independence?

Serena let out a defeated sigh. She noticed that she had been doing a lot of that lately. The complication of her friendship with Darien was really starting to corrupt her life. How was it that she could find him more compelling each time they met?

Who was Darien Chiba anyway? He was not at all what everyone would think him to be. On the outside, he appeared to be cold, unapproachable, hard and powerful; yet there was so much more to him than his callous exterior. She found herself thinking of ways to get him to open up almost regularly, but found that he only seemed to withdraw even more.

However, she couldn't blame him. She wouldn't like it either if he were to pry into her life, into her childhood. It was something she would rather keep to herself. Unlike most people, her childhood consisted of dark and shady figures with voices that made her blood curl. And at night, they'd come back to haunt her. The vague images always seemed to be clouded, and for some strange reason, she could never fully remember what had happened to frighten her so; to frighten her so much that she would wake up in the middle of the night sweating and heart pumping. Oh the chilling voices she heard….

"Yen for your thoughts?"

Serena jumped at the warm and husky voice that came from behind her; the voice that she came to know so well. It was him. His presence was a warm welcome, and Serena smiled softly as the breezed picked up again.

"How do you do that?" She asked; turning around with vibrant eyes.

Darien stood looming above her; his strong lean figure like a towering wall. He wore a black turtleneck shirt that slightly clung to his sculpted chest and arms; and his powerfully built legs were clad in blue jeans. She noticed a silver chain from his pocket that was attached to the side of his pants. His ocean blue eyes were penetrating as he stared down at her. In the breeze his hair seemed to have come to life; his dark ebony locks were unruly and gave him a roguish appearance. He was devilishly handsome, was what Serena concluded.

"Do what?" He questioned with slanted eyebrows.

Serena chuckled, "How do you always sneak up on my like that?"

Darien smiled now; her childish question lightened his mood. "I've told you, didn't I?" He said mischievously.

Darien watched as the angelic girl before him shook her head vigorously.

"Well then," he said playfully; his eyes taking on a predatory look, "Come closer."

At his beckoning call, Serena could feel something build up in her throat, and flashes of their kiss entered her mind. She stood frozen; he wouldn't kiss her would he? Slowly she stood on the tip of her toes, and leaned forward so that she could feel his warm breath caress her cheeks. Her heart pumped faster and faster; her limbs shook vehemently with panic and anticipation.

Darien cupped a hand around her ear and leaned forward, "It's my secret," he whispered softly.

Serena—almost violently—pulled her body away from his. "What?" She shrieked. Her heart still raced and the tight knot in her throat throbbed. Why was her body reacting like this?

Darien smiled, "I said, it's my secret," he repeated.

"That's it," Serena nearly shouted, "that's all you were gonna say? Why do you have to be so—so—"

"Smart?" Darien cut in, "I don't know; I'm genius like that."

Serena turned red, "There is a fine—oh and I mean very, very, very fine—line between genius and insanity!

To her surprise, Darien threw his head back and laughed. The deep booming that emitted from his throat and danced upon his lips soothed her anger. His genuine laughter always seemed to put her out; always seemed to enthrall her. And she resented that.

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Darien stated.

"I believe Albert Einstein said that," Serena remarked.

Darien nodded, "Give or take a few words."

"I am not insane," Serena pouted as she crossed her hands defensively over her chest. "Hey, I'm not the one who is quoting Albert Einstein," she gave him a derisive look.

A smile formed on Darien's lips as he stared down at her. She looked cute like that, he noted. Her hair was a tangling mess, cascading locks of silver and gold hair flowing down her backside. With flashing eyes so full of life and an adorable pout that contorted her lush pink lips, Serena reminded him of an angel. Garbed in her enormous sweater and baggy jeans, she still seemed to appeal to him.

"I'm not so sure about that…" he said teasingly.

Serena frowned at him, "You're not serious are you?"

"Then you should stop asking me the same question," he retorted with a broad smile.

Her answer was to stick out her tongue and say, "Well what if you decided to tell me your secret one day?"

Darien chuckled, "I will never tell you," he proclaimed; shaking his dark head.

"You sound sure…" Serena stated.

Darien gave her a funny look and poked at her forehead with his index finger. "That's because I am sure," he said.

"Well, you never know…" Serena laughed rubbing her palm over the area he marked on her head.

"Well let me tell you that in the future, my secrets will forever remain my secrets."

"You can predict the future?" Serena joked, raising an eyebrow at him.

Darien nodded, "Yep; and I see that you will be acquiring a husband in the future too." Darien said this with a smile; he knew perfectly well that a husband was the last thing Serena would ever think about. She had said so herself, 'I'm single 'cause I choose to be single, and it's gonna stay that way for a long time,' she had admitted that to him a few days back. He didn't understand why he had been so befuddled by her statement; but he was. And that was one more added to the list of things that bothered him about her.

"Oh really? And is this in the near future, or far, far, far future?"

"Oh it's in the near future," Darien laughed.

"How near? A year; maybe ten?"

"That's not near!" Darien stated, giving her a crazed look.

"I know," Serena replied smugly.

"Two," Darien said.

"Two years?" Serena laughed.

Darien shook his head, "No, two months."

"That soon, huh? Who's the victim—I mean lucky man?"

"Hmm…It's not quite clear yet…"Darien placed his forefingers on his temples and pretended to channel through his mind.

"I bet!" Serena said, "Well, what else do you see in my future?"

"I see…"Darien stared at her with laughing eyes, "laughter."

"Laughter?" Serena said as she wrinkled her nose.

"A lot of laughter," Darien nodded.

Right at that moment Darien reached out and grabbed her. His hands attacked her sides as he started to tickle her. He could feel her body shiver as she tried to pull away; bucking like a cow about to be brandished. Her laughter was musical; the beauty of it washed over him as he continued with his assault.

"Darie—Stop!" Serena shouted through her fits of laughter, "I ca—can't—can't breathe!" She rived against him, "I'm gonna kill you!"

She fought with all her might to overcome him, but in the end it was no use. Her struggling stopped, and instead she fell against him and shrieked with laughter. Oh yes, she was definitely gonna kill him after this.

"Le—let me g-go!"

Darien gave her an arrogant smile before he said, "Only if you say 'pretty, pretty please; with an ice cream soda and cherry on top'."

Serena laughed even harder at his silly tone. "F-fine," she managed to say, "Pretty, pretty, please; with an ice cream soda and cherry on top!" Serena gushed out; her voice was shrill.

Darien released her; he had a superior look in his eyes. He continued to stare at her as she grasped the railing; her body still leaned over her legs. Her breathing was raspy as she heaved for air. She felt drained, weak, and useless. After a moment she recovered just enough to glare at the man before her.

"You asshole!"

Darien smiled, "I am?"

"Yes, I mean no. No, I mean yes. Yes you are. Why are you asking me this?" Serena stood straight.

"Which is it, 'yes' or 'no'?"

Serena let her frustration show, "Will you stop answering my question with a question?"

"I believe I'm the one who asked the question," Darien gave her a sarcastic look.

"Shut up," Serena said and raised her chin haughtily as she turned away from him and focused on the scenery down below.

Darien stepped to the side of her and placed his arm upon the railing; leaning his weight upon them for support as he peered over the edge. Like ants, cars pulled in and out of the vast parking lot; scrambling through rows and unending rows of vehicles. A line formed as drivers fought for entry onto the main road that twisted and curved down the vista the school sat upon. And from that road branched smaller streets that lead to neighborhoods and shopping districts to the east; a highway that lead pass cities and villages into the countryside; and to the sea that went on for 1000's and 1000's of miles more, to the coasts of Asia and beyond.

"What were you doing up here?" Darien asked her after a moment.

"I'm not telling you," Serena answered stubbornly.

"Don't be like that,' Darien's voice hardened. His good mood seemed to be deteriorating.

"Don't be like what?" Serena continued with her fake cruel façade.

"What the hell is your problem?" Darien now was no longer patient.

"Problem? What problem?" She turned toward him as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Don't play dumb," Darien said curtly.

"Dumb? I don't know what you mean."

Regret coursed through her as she looked upon Darien's face. His eyes were steely as he looked upon her and his posture was stiff and erect; no longer relaxed. Serena couldn't believe his sudden change in character. Was she being too spiteful?

"You're angry, aren't you?"

"I—I think so…"

"What do you mean, 'I think so…'?"

"I mean that whenever you're near, I just don't know what to think anymore."

Darien sounded so confused…so not his usual confident self, that a gentle smile touched her lips. She was certain Darien had never felt like this before; the expression on his face was so peculiar, she doubted anyone had managed to put him in this state. And Serena felt a sort of pride in how she could affect him so.

He saw the smile that slowly made its way onto her lips, and frowned. He knew by that simple reaction she felt rather proud of herself for it; but he was not at all amused. His mood was still getting darker by the moment.

"And I don't like it," He said to her stiffly; her smile slowly fading.

For some reason, he felt compelled to break her illusion of him; to break the image she had painted in her mind of how Chiba Mamoru was like; for he was not kind and gentle; no, instead he was cold and unrelenting; driven to succeed only for himself. She didn't know him, and she never will.

He watched as a pink tint slowly made its way to her cheeks as she stared at him. Her lush lips were slightly open, and they trembled; waiting for him to say something. She looked so innocent, he thought to himself; trying to fight the wild urge to caress her face and touch his lips with hers'. Large sapphire blue eyes stared into his; such beautiful eyes filled with confusion and curiosity.

Slowly her mouth moved, "Oh," she said, hesitantly.

"In fact, I think we'd better reach some sort of clear understanding about what we want to go on between us." Darien knew in the back of his mind, that what he was doing was completely harsh and unfeeling, but the emotions that Serena had been releasing from deep within him the last week, had finally pushed him to a point where he could no longer care if she was hurt or not. He felt off balance and out of control by the way she seemed to have such a hold on him. He didn't like it, not one bit.

"Well, do you agree?"

Serena could only manage to nod dumbly.

"Good," he said after she nodded, "If you and I are to be friends I do not appreciate your bitchy attitude. You can be like that with anyone else but with me, is that clear?"

He paused for her to nod once more. "Despite how I seem to treat you, you can not judge that I will be as kind as I have been. You are not some child and neither am I; you cannot act out of anger such as you have. We're adults, and to get this friendship up and running we need to cooperate."

"Also, when I ask for the truth, I want the truth. When I'm serious I do not want to hear any sarcastic remarks or dumb jokes, do you understand?"

Serena mumbled, "Yes," but Darien could still see the rebellious look in her sparkling eyes. "Does that mean I have to be subordinate to you then?"

"If that is how you see it," Darien said curtly.

"Now is there anything you may want to confront me with?"

Serena shook her head 'no' but fumed.

"If that is all, I'm going to take my leave," coldly he turned away from her and headed towards the single door that led into the university.

"Darien, wait!" Serena shouted as he reached for the door knob.

Slowly he turned around to place his piercing eyes on her.

"I don't appreciate how you treat me like a doll." she said.

He raised an eyebrow at her.

"You can't just drag me from one place to another; and force me into clothing that is not mine."

"I force you into clothes?"

"Shut up," Serena said, "You know what I mean."

"Look, before you just take me, I'd appreciate it if you asked me if I had plans first. That's all I ask," Serena said softly; her eyes pleading.

Darien just nodded his consent. And with that, he turned around and opened the door and swiftly stepped into the building as the door closed behind him.

Serena sighed; there were many things she needed to learn about him.

Walking towards his car, Malcom thought about the way Serena and Darien seemed to be spending so much time with one another. He noted how every time he was going to class he saw both of them together; always chatting amiably together as they went to their classes. He knew Darien didn't have any classes with Serena, and so he concluded Darien must walk her to her classes. This confused him. What exactly was their relationship with one another?

He came to a stop by a car—its color was of unbroken white—and opened up the trunk. Throwing his bag into it he slammed the trunk door shut. Jingling his keys; he walked over to the driver side of the sports car and placed the key into the keyhole—he paused. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw pale blonde hair.

"Mina?" He asked the lady leaned upon the hood of his car. Her back was to him so he could not tell who she was. However, there was something vaguely familiar about her. Her hair was yellow in the sunlight, and with her head tilted upward like that, her creamy neck was exposed to his view.

Turning around at the sound of Malcom's voice, Mina smiled, "Well it's about time," she feigned a tone of impatience.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, slightly taken aback.

"Surprised?" She asked cheerfully as she walked around the front of the car towards him. When finally she stood before him she slid her hands up his chest and around his shoulders to give him a long hug.

He roughly pushed her away, "What are you doing here?" Malcom asked again. For the longest time he had always liked Mina. He was surprised six years ago to learn that Mina and Darien were going out. And even though she and Darien had broken up he wasn't so cruel as to go out with her when he knew that, deep down, Darien still cared for Mina.

"You don't have to be so rough, damn it," Mina whined as she looked up at him.

"Mina, this is the last time I'm asking you: What are you doing here?" Malcom asked more forcefully this time.

Exasperated Mina answered, "I was just hoping you'd give me a ride home; but since you're acting like you've got a stick up your ass I've decided to wait for Darien instead."

Mina turned around and walked away, but was asked to stop when she was making her way around the front of his car.

"I'll give you a ride," Malcom said, "Just tell me what you're doing here."

"Alright, I'll let you take me home as long as you promise to be nice," Mina said as she walked back to him.

Malcom gave her a funny look, "You asked for a ride, I didn't offer to take you home."

"Shut up," Mina said as she stuck out her tongue, "Do you wanna know or what?"
"Mina…." Malcom said warningly.

"Fine, fine," she grumbled, "Holy shit!"

"Mina!" Malcom barked impatiently.

"Are you fucking kidding me? Serena didn't tell you guys?"

"Tell us what?" Malcom asked curiously.

"Over the whole week she didn't tell you?"

"Apparently over the week you didn't tell us either," Malcom drawled sarcastically.

Mina stuck out her tongue again, "Har, har, har, very funny."

"I attend Akita now."

"That's funny Mina," Malcom smiled, "Really, what are you doing here?"

"I really attend Akita," Mina answered slightly irritated at his doubtful expression.

"And what about Paris? What about becoming a pediatrician?" Malcom asked in a disbelieving tone of voice; crossing his arms over his chest.

"I'm giving up on that…"Mina said barely audibly as her gaze shifted to the ground, " Look," She said after a few silent seconds; her voice once again strong and confident, "I'll explain everything in the car if you'll just drive me home okay?"

Malcom only nodded before they both got into the car. He knew of her dreams, he knew how much she wanted to become a pediatrician; he couldn't believe that she would give it up. She didn't know that he had always been her number one supporter; he had agreed with her plan and wished her luck on achieving her dreams while her own boyfriend, Darien, had raged and sulked about her leaving. But he couldn't tell her this, and he couldn't say such things about Darien. Darien was just being a jealous boyfriend at the time. Silently he got into the car.

"Look," Mina pointed towards the roof of Building A.

Malcom turned his head to look as he started the car. There stood Serena. She was all alone looking down at the parking lot.

Mina saw the curious look that came in his eyes and said, "Darien was with her; I was just watching them before you came."

"They were together again?"

"Yeah, why?" Mina asked.

"It's not important," Malcom answered flippantly as he pulled out the parking space.

Mina shrugged it aside as well and decided to only concentrate on pleasant things.

"Where the hell have you been lady," Lita berated Serena.

"I've just been so busy Lita," Serena answered, "Urgh…I'm really starting to hate Akita."

"Gee Serena you're so mean to me, "Lita feigned a hurt expression.

"I am not!" Serena defended as she tied her pink apron around her waist.

They were in the back room of Sweet Dreams Bakery. Serena had arrived at three to find a testy Lita already working behind the counter. Lita had glared at her as she came in; her unsettling gaze made Serena blanch. But all this did not worry Serena. She had known Lita for most of her life and assumed that her icy attitude was probably caused by some guy she had been stalking…er, she meant eyeing.

Serena inwardly smiled. Ever since they were little, she had known Lita to always be on the look out for guys. Throughout high school she probably went out with every guy who glanced her way. Oh, Serena wasn't implying Lita was a slut or anything; in fact Lita (like Serena) had never been kissed either (….eh hem…that was until Darien gave her that kiss of course).

"You haven't called me in a week Serena!" Lita shouted; an annoyed look upon her face.

Serena rolled her eyes as she walked out of the tiny room filled with boxes of supplies with Lita close at her heels. "Well you haven't called me either," Serena reminded her as she grabbed a wet cloth and made her way around the pink counters to scrub down the round white tables.

"Yes I have!" Lita raised her voice, "I called you three times: on Friday night your mom said you weren't home, on Saturday afternoon, I called again, and your mom said you had just left to deliver a present or something, and on Sunday I attempted to call you again, but your mom said you didn't want to take any calls because of some project," Lita huffed, "And I've been waiting all week to hear from you, but still you have not even bothered to return my calls. Now I'm gonna ask you what have you been doing? You're not in some type of gang are you? You're not sleeping around, right?" Lita asked worriedly.

Serena paused in wiping down the table to let out an exasperated sigh and glared at her friend, "Of course I'm not in a gang! Nor am I sleeping around as you so bluntly put it!"

"Well why have you been so busy?"

Serena threw down the wet towel and ran a shaky hand through her bangs of gold hair, "Oh gosh Lita," she said frustratingly, "I—I just haven't been myself lately…ever since Darien and I have became friends and—"

"What? Who's Darien?" Lita interrupted.

Realization finally dawned on Serena; her eyes widened as she stuttered, "I f-forgot t-to tell y-you?"

She was answered with a blank stare. Lita blinked several times before shaking her head of brunette hair.

"Damn it," Serena said in a barely audible whisper; she brought her thumb to her mouth to bite on; a peculiar habit that seemed to be an unconscious action.

"Excuse me?" Lita gave her a look that recommended that she appeared to be loosing her mind.

"Urgh…"Serena growled, "Just shut up and let me think okay?"

"Gees, what's been eating you lately?"

That innocent remark evoked images of Darien nibbling on her lips; kissing them and licking them. She could remember his hungry possession, and skillful takeover of her mouth and mind. All the passion and desire she had came to life in that one kiss, consuming her. Such images made her knees go weak and her breath quicken; how he had this effect on her, she did not know. But what she did know was that she did not like it; not one bit. It confused her.

"Nothing!" she shouted in defense; trying to clear her mind of such visions.

"Will you stop attacking me?" Lita shouted; an alarm expression on her face.

"Urgh…I am not attacking anyone," Serena hissed at her.

"Fine, you're not attacking anyone; happy?" Lita amended.

Serena placed her head in her hands and groaned, "I'm sorry Lita; I've just been so stressed out lately."

"Yeah…I bet, if I didn't know you, I'd think you were on crack…."Lita said with the least bit of sympathy.

"Well thanks Lita. That really made me feel better," Serena said dryly raising her head to glare at Lita.

"Hey, anytime," Lita smiled.

Serena just groaned again before hitting her head against the pink counter once, twice; four times more.

"Look, maybe if I knew what your problem was I could help," Lita tried to appease Serena.

Serena's head stopped in mid fall; she stood up straight to give Lita another evil glare, "You know what?"

Lita just shook her head.

"That's what I've been trying to do!" Serena shouted those very words at the top of her lungs; her voice so very shrill and so very loud.

"Ouch," Lita rubbed her ears, "Sheesh, are you trying to make me death or what?"

"Lita!"

"Will you just get on with it Serena?" Lita asked irritated.

"I-I just can't put it so bluntly okay?" Serena told her; a perplexed look on her face.

"Why? Is it so hard to say?" Lita's face was now serious.

Serena only turned her gaze away and nodded.

"Why, Serena? Why is it so hard to just tell it to me like it is?" Lita asked in a soothing voice.

"It's just so complicated and—"

"That's only an excuse, and you know it," Lita said.

"And so what if it is?" Serena shouted angrily.

"Then I'll have to just slap you, that's what," Lita joked lightly.

Serena didn't make a reply. She just continued to stare out of the bakery window; a dazed expression on her face.

After a moment of silence she answered, "Do you know Chiba Darien?"

Lita raised a suspicious eyebrow, "Yeah…?" she answered; crossing her arms over her chest.

"Y-you see…" Serena started to say. Her voice shook uncertainly.

"Excuse me Miss?"

Serena let out a sigh and turned around. A short middle-aged man stood before her, "Yes sir? How may I help you?" Serena forced a shaky smile.

"Um yes," he said, walking down to the other end of the glass display of sweets, "I would like to get that cake right there," he pointed down at a round pink frosted cake. "You see," he said, looking up at her, "it's my daughter's birthday tomorrow. Can you perhaps write on the cake 'Happy 7th Birthday Relena'?"

Serena nodded as she brought out the cake, "Yes sir, indeed I can do that for you! Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"No," the man answered before taking a seat at a white round table.

"Okay, this'll only take a few minutes sir," Serena replied.

Lita stood behind the counter at the cash register, "You can pay here sir," she called to him.

She had been slightly irritated by this man's interruption, but quickly set it aside. Business came first, she told herself. However, why did Serena want to know if she knew who Chiba Darien was? First off, who didn't know who Chiba Mamoru Darien was? He's on the cover of every issue of every teen magazine there is in Tokyo. His achievements in school have been reported in small articles in newspapers. He is every girl's dream man; tall, dark, handsome, and plus, he was smart and rich!

"Thank you sir, and have a nice day! Oh, and I hope your daughter enjoys the cake sir!"

Serena's cheery voice broke her train of thought. In her hands she held the man's money. 2000 yen, she counted. She needed to stop dazing off, a robber could come and steal all the money in the bakery and even take all the sweets from behind the glass display cases and she still wouldn't notice. Lita sighed and placed the money into the cash register.

"So…" she said to Serena, who was busying herself with cleaning the tiled floor now, "What about Chiba Darien?"

"W-well," she said as she stood from her crouched position with mop in hand, "h-he and I-I are now…"

"Yes, yes," Lita said impatiently, "Get on with it you dork!"

"I don't think you'll believe me," Serena said as she started to mop the floor once more.

"Urgh, don't make me hurt you girlfriend!" Lita growled, "Why don't you let me be the judge of that?"

Serena sighed, "Fine, fine, you win," Serena kept her head down as she vigorously mopped the clean floors. "Darien and I are friends," she mumbled.

Lita just blinked, what did she say? "Excuse me?"

"See I told you, you wouldn't believe me!" Serena shouted, snapping up from her previous position.

Lita sighed, "Shut up Serena. Don't even start with the dramatics; I couldn't even hear you!"

Serena blushed, "Oh."

Lita glared at her. She was starting to get very annoyed, "Yeah, oh."

Serena too was getting irritated. She knew that if she withheld the truth any longer it would not save her from Lita's outrageous questions. Why not just face reality head on?

"Look Lita," Serena said in a firm voice, "I was with Darien Friday night."

A confused expression crossed Lita's face, "Uh huh," she said, "And what did he want?"

Serena gave her an expectant look, "Nothing; he just wanted to hang out."

Lita burst out laughing then, "And he wanted to hang out with you because…?"

Feeling a bit hurt by Lita's reaction Serena frowned at her, "He wanted to hang out with me because—"

"Oh! Was it because you decided to apply as a maid at the Chiba's estate?"

"Lita, will you stop being a bitch and listen?" Serena shouted; getting quite angry at her friend.

"What did I do?"

"Will you shut up?" Serena shouted. Lita did just that, "Now," Serena said, giving her a stern look, "I don't know exactly why he wanted to me to hang out with him, but I do know that we both had fun."

"Oh no…" Lita grumbled, "Don't tell me you're in love!"

"I am not in love!" Serena shouted. "Do you think just because every female wants him I want him?" Serena knew that despite what she was saying, deep down she knew it was true. She did want him.

"Sorry," Lita said sincerely.

Serena only nodded, and continued to tell her of how Darien and she had come to be friends.

"Oh Lita," Serena sighed after recounting every detail from last Friday until just hours ago on the rooftop, "I don't know what to do anymore. Darien is a great friend. I really like them all (referring to the guys)! But is it the best choice; what do I do?"

From the moment Lita had met Serena, Serena had always been a careful person. Everything she did, every risk she took was calculated cautiously so that she would never fail. And now that an unknown variable was thrown in her balanced life she no longer was sure the solution to the equation would be just one simple integer.

Lita smiled, she knew this may be good for Serena; a new challenge that she could overcome. Serena was a tough girl and had encountered many difficult situations in the past. She wouldn't be surprised if Serena overcame this new problem either. But she felt this nagging sensation that this relationship between her and Darien was much more than what Serena was leading her to believe.

"Well, Serena," Lita said slowly, "If you were to ask me…."

"Lita, I am asking you!" Serena said angrily.

"Don't interrupt me, gees," Lita said giving her a disapproving look, "Let me finish at least."

Serena only glared at her in return.

"I say that…you do absolutely nothing."

"That doesn't make sense," Serena said; covering her face with her hands.

"Yes it does," Lita said with an emphatic nod.

Her blonde haired friend only groaned in answer.

Lita sighed, "Look Serena," she said soothingly as she touched Serena's shoulder, "You need to stop asking yourself what you should do, and just let things take its course."

"If people had let things take its course, Lita, the human race would probably still be living in dingy caves with only the knowledge of how to build a fire," Serena said persistently.

"Hey, you're the one who asked for my advice, remember?" Lita said. "Why don't you just do what I say for once?"

"Because everything you say always turns out wrong," Serena replied.

"Ouch!" Lita's hand came into contact with the back of Serena's head. Serena rubbed her injury, "That hurt, you idiot!"

"Good, 'cause it was suppose to," Lita said coldly.

Serena sighed, "This is getting me absolutely no where."

"If you would just stop arguing with—"

"How about lunch?" Serena interrupted.

Lita gave her an annoyed look, "What about lunch?"

"Well I did say that I wanted you to meet Mina," Serena reminded her.

"Oh! Oh yeah, I remember now," Lita said, chuckling softly.

"Good, how about Saturday at one? When is Saturday?" Serena added as an after thought. "We could all meet at the café across the street from TK mall," Serena suggested.

"Serena tomorrow is Saturday," Lita said, casting her a funny look.

"Oh right! Yeah, I knew that," Serena said abruptly; a pink tint creeping across her creamy cheeks.

"Uh…sure you did."

"Whatever, can we just get to the topic at hand here?"

"Yeah, fine whatever," Lita said in a ho-hum tone.

"Alright, can you make it then?" Serena asked hopefully.

"Well," Lita said with a serious expression, "I did have a few appointments scheduled in…you know…a little nap here, a little cleaning there….but I guess I could make it."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Serena said, hugging her excitedly.

Lita looked down at her friend and smiled. Things were definitely changing for her, she thought. Had it only been a week ago that she had been telling her how much she hated the bachelor six? And today she just couldn't wait to have her meet Aino Minako, Chiba Darien's ex-girlfriend, none the less. But, you know what they say; Lita said to herself, you can't judge a book by its cover….eh…in this case six covers.

"You're welcome," Lita said, feeling very happy for Serena; before giving her a hard look, "Now you better hurry up and get the hell out of here before you miss your last class."

Serena gasped, "Fuck! What time is it?" She looked around for a clock. It was already seven, and her math class began at seven thirty (in the evening). Oh shit, she thought, before zooming to the back room of the bakery to get her stuff and leave.

"Thanks for reminding me Lita!" Serena said sarcastically as she rushed to get her apron off, but found the task quite difficult with her trembling hands.

"No problem-o," Lita called from the front of the store with equal gravity.

Serena sighed with relief as the class was dismissed. There was no homework tonight, which was quite fortunate for her since she needed to finish writing up her lab for Professor Dodo, her biology teacher, and finish another report Professor Shimbo assigned on the medulla oblongata and how it operates. Clutching the straps of her backpack Serena turned the corner; paying little attention to anything or anyone as she did so.

Immediately she collided into someone else. The sound of scattering books upon the floor stopped many who were by passing. Finding herself on the floor Serena snapped back into reality. She blinked several times, before reacting.

"I am so terribly sorry miss," Serena heard a frail soft voice say before she, herself, could mumble those words.

Whispers of disdain, traveled down the hall at the apology (for a rich women had just apologized to one of low class). Serena looked to the lady in which she had bumped into and found that a head of familiar blue hair was crouched down beside her as she grabbed for her books. It was Mizuno Amy.

"Oh, don't be sorry Amy! It was my fault anyway; I wasn't watching where I was going," Serena said; as she reached out to help her with her books.

Amy looked up at the sound of Serena's gentle voice. Shock flashed on her face but she quickly hid it with a genuine smile that reached her bright cerulean eyes. "I haven't seen you in a while," Amy said.

"Yeah, I've been pretty busy catching up with school work," Serena said; handing her two of her text books, "How many classes are you taking?" She asked, eyeing the six books in her hand.

"I—I'm taking eight classes total," Amy replied meekly.

Serena's mouth opened at the notion, "Eight classes? Damn girl, I'm only taking five, and I'm already having enough trouble keeping up!"

Amy blushed.

Then a sudden idea struck her, "Hey Amy?" Serena asked.

Amy smiled weakly, "Yes?"

"Well, a couple of my friends and I are going out for lunch tomorrow, and I was wondering if you would like to go too?" Serena asked hopefully.

Amy's smile disappeared, and a long silenced fell between them, "I—I don't want to impose," she answered.

"Oh, you wouldn't be imposing! I am inviting you aren't I?"

"Well, I don't want to be in the way—"

"Nonsense! They've never met anyway! The more the merrier!" Serena chirped.

A confused expression crossed Amy's face, "Excuse me?" She asked.

Serena laughed, "Long story; just promise you'll come?"

"Well…"Amy said with a hesitant look on her face.

"Please," Serena pouted.

After a long pause Amy finally answered, "When?"

"You're swinging the sword incorrectly," Darien said with a smug smile on his face. He had been sparring with Malcom for half an hour now, quickly dodging his harsh blows and countering his messy attack styles with his own.

"Fuck you," Malcom replied; charging toward Darien once more, only to once again be thrown back by the powerful force of Darien's katana against his own. What he lacked in, Darien exceeded in ten times more. Malcom's awful attacks were executed with untidy grace; where Darien moved with such flawless speed and strength that the sword seemed to be entwined with him.

Darien just laughed, "Don't tell me you're already tired," he taunted, as Malcom placed his sword back into his sheath and knelt over his legs. Both men stood shirtless; their bodies only clad in loose fitting slacks as perspiration was released from their bodies.

"Fuck that; you knew I wouldn't win!" Malcom raised his head to smile at him.

"I could still beat your ass if both my hands were tied behind my back," Darien said with his usual air of greatness. He too slid his sword back into its sheath and walked to the small refrigerator in the far corner of the white room.

"Cocky asshole, you wanna bet?" Malcom said good-naturedly.

"No way," Darien said, waving a finger at him, "Remember, that was how we got here in the first place," he opened the fridge and took out two water bottles, "And see how it turned out, you got your ass kicked."

Handing him a water bottle, Darien sat down beside him. In silence they studied the tempo of their breaths as it slowed, and the beating of their hearts as it mellowed. Taking a swig of his water Darien savored every drop as it slowly replenished his weary body.

"Who the hell trains like you, Darien?" Malcom asked him in a skeptical tone. "Shit, if I'm gonna get my ass whoped by you, I'm gonna need to start practicing more," he said as he took another gulp of water.

"I train four hours a day everyday," Darien boasted, "Fuck it, if you could ever beat me.

Malcom sprayed the polished wooden floor before them with water, "You fucking shitting me?"

Darien just smiled, "Why should I? You better get that damn rag over there and wipe the damn floor, Malcom, before I hurt you even more," Darien said; pointing towards a dirty grey towel a few ways from them.

"Is that how you treat guests?" Malcom joked as he walked over to pick up the rag.

"No," Darien replied moodily, "That's how we treat men with white hair."

Malcom tossed his head back and laughed, "What's up with you?"

"Nothing," Darien said curtly.

"Fine," Malcom averted, "What's up with you and Serena?"

Darien had been expecting anything but that; he turned his head towards Malcom and gave him a derisive glance, "What about me and Serena?"

"Don't play stupid, dickhead," Malcom said.

"Fine," Darien said, "I won't."

Life had been very pleasant with Serena around, Darien thought. She somehow seemed to absorb all the gloom from his life, and turned it into something positive. And he felt happy. When had life ever been as carefree for him as it was now? Along with this however, laid the problem. How Serena had gotten him so enthralled with herself, he had no clue; and this frustrated the hell out of him.

Heck, now that he thought about it, from the very beginning everything about her appealed to him. In the time that he had come to know her, she had amused him, infuriated him, and sexually excite him. She had a gift of bringing him laughter; she was witty, sensual and defiance all in one. When he saw her smiling face, it made him happy. And when she would listen and talk with him, he felt as though she understood him completely. There was just something different about her that made her stand out from the rest of the women he had none, from the deceiving and materialistic females.

But one question lingered on his mind: like all of her race, how could she, one of billions more, be any different? Oh, he knew of the female treachery. Their lying, scheming, and deceitful ways that they used only to obtain what they wanted. Tsukino Serena was probably indeed no different. Undeniably she may appear to be different; feminine, intelligent, and witty, but her center and core? They were of the same perfidy. Yes, for she was female.

He had to take into consideration the events that merely happened ours ago on the rooftop, into mind though. She showed great courage after he had finished squashing her illusion of him. He could see the fire burning in her eyes when she told him to "stop treating her like a doll". Hell, the clip in her voice sure did show her dissatisfaction for his behavior to her. Not many women could stand up to him the way she did; and he admired that trait. He would give her that, but nothing more.

However there is an exception to the female race though (in Darien's mind) and it was neither Mina nor Serena. This female was strong, courageous, and fiery; and this lady was none other than his sister, Rei. In Darien's world, there were only two types of females: the good ones and the bad ones. To him it was only black and white; not a single shade of grey laid between. And in his system, he had only met one woman so far, great enough to be categorized as good. He would not let Serena get any closer than she already was.

"Stop the car!" Rei shouted at the taxi driver. She had arrived just an hour ago at the Tokyo airport and was anxious to get back to the mansion to see Darien. It had felt like decades since she had last been home; and now after four years she was actually driving down the same streets and avenues of her favorite shops and restaurants…except they weren't the exactly same. Time had changed many things, and she was eager to learn them all once again.

And now, settled in the back of a small taxi, a familiar female figure caught her eye from a shop at the corner of the street. This woman had pale blonde hair that fell to her back; and Rei reacted on impulse. How could Mina be here, she asked herself? Who else could it have been? For she knew those eyes, and the healthy mane of blonde hair; it could only be her.

"I'm sorry, miss," the cab driver said, "but I can't do that."

Slightly irritated by the man's refusal, Rei barked, "And why not? I am paying you aren't I?"

"Yes, ma'am, you are, however you're asking me to stop in the middle of the road and I cannot hold up the traffic," came the man's calm reply.

"Fine," Rei shouted, "then pull the fucking car to the side of street!"

Wordlessly, the man complied; slowly coming to a stop along the sidewalk. Rei kept her eyes fixed upon the women as she entered a store, Fashion by Mishima. She opened the car door as quick as she could; stepping carefully, to avoid the disgusting gunk upon the sidewalk, out of the car.

"Hold up Lady," the taxi driver called to her, "you've gotta pay me."

Aggravated, Rei turned around to glare at him, "Can't you wait here for me?"

"Heck no! I've got business!" The man exclaimed.

"Look," Rei said with an appalled expression on her face, "this will just take a minute sir."

"Lady, I'm not waiting, just give me the money."

Now livid with the man's insistence upon leaving, Rei relented. Stalking furiously over to the cab drivers window, she opened up her purse to take out her wallet. "How much sir," she hissed, "do I need to pay for your poverty; 5,000 yen, 100,000 yen perhaps?" Rei said flashing her bills in his face. "Take my damn luggage up to the Chiba's mansion and make sure it gets inside," Rei said, tucking the bills into the man's hand.

The man gave her a dark look, as though to make a remark, but he started up the car and was gone in the next minute. The money was too great to refuse. Rei smiled inwardly to herself; men like those disgusted her.

"No way, is that you Rei?" Rei turned at the sound of Mina's voice and smiled.

Mina had just gone into Fashion by Mishima, when she spotted a forming crowd outside of the window. When she saw the raven haired girl, she was compelled to look. And what a shock it had been for her to see that it was Rei! Mina knew of Rei's hot temper; she was one who you did not want to get angry because she could really be a hell cat. Coming out of the store she could hear Rei's angry words, and she laughed. Rei sure didn't change was all Mina could say. But, why was she here? Didn't she have school?

"No, it's Santa Clause," Rei replied cheekily, "Who the fuck do I look like?"

"Tis, tis, tis," Mina said elatedly; wagging a finger at her, "Such language."

"That's bull," Rei said, walking towards her, "don't act like you don't say them."

Mina laughed, "I'm not denying it…it's just that it wouldn't look good if a reporter saw what you just did and decided to write a story on you. I mean you are from the richest family in Japan, don't you think you should be a little more…uh, diplomatic?"

"Shut up already, will you?" Rei said, giving her a mean glare. "I just came back from the States and this is how you welcome me?"

"Awww…Did I hurt Rei's feelings," Mina said with mock sincerity. "Let Mina give you a hug…muah, muah, muah!" Mina pulled an unwilling Rei into a tight embrace as she coated her friend's face with kisses. "There," she said, as she released Rei, "all better?"

Rei gave her a disgusted look, "You're lucky I don't call the cops on you for sexual harassment!"

Mina feigned an outraged gasp "Is that how you treat friends who welcome you with hugs and kisses?"

"Mina," Rei said, shaking her head with disapproval, "You're such a dork."

The pretty blonde just laughed as she stared at her raven haired friend, "I know," she said with warmth in her eyes, "but you love me anyways."

"Yes, I love you; now can we move away from the middle of the sidewalk?" Rei asked, looking around at the crowd that had formed all around them, "I think they're looking for their cell phones to take pictures next," Rei whispered; causing Mina to laugh out loud.

The two friends walked side-by-side back into the clothing store; oblivious to the crowd's hopeful glances. It had been a long time since they had spoken to one another. Of course they could've always talked to each other through cell phones and emails, but it was not the same as when they were face to face. Nothing compared to it; and to the two friends who have known each other for most of their lives, it was a blessing to be able to be together once more.

"What are you doing here?" Rei asked as they stopped at a far corner of the shop. She thumbed through the clothing on the rack before them; pausing momentarily on articles of clothing that caught her eye.

Mina did the same; she smiled pleasantly at her friend's question, "I could ask the same of you."

"Yeah, but I asked first, so spill before I hurt you," Rei said, flashing Mina an insidious grin.

Mina shook her head, "You don't change at all, do you?"

"Oh shut up already."

"You are so mean!"

"Ha, that's tough. You just gotta have to deal," Rei's voice held no remorse.

"Gees, compared to how Serena treats me, you're a demon!" Mina chuckled.

Rei hesitated at the sound of Serena's name; her hand slowly pulling away from the rack. "Who's Serena?"

"Oh," Mina said slyly, "Did I not tell you who she was?"

"Damn it Mina," Rei hissed, "what the fuck are you doing here? Can you at least answer my first question?" An irritated expression marred her pale face.

"Tis, tis, such language," Mina laughed at Rei's angry glare, "No, really, you should really watch your language in the public Rei," Mina said thoughtfully, "You never know who might hear you." The blonde paused before continuing, "And to answer your first question: I've quit school in Paris."

Rei gaped at her; her mouth slightly ajar as her eyes widened with shock and confusion, "Wha—?" Was all she managed to say in her state of surprise.

Mina let out another laugh, as she coolly ran a hand through her hair, "Why is it that no one seems to believe me?"

"Mina, what about becoming a pediatrician; you said it was your dream! You said that you'd have to go abroad for sufficient education; and that it was the only thing that would ever separate you from Darien," Rei said in a breathless voice.

A bitter smile crept onto Mina's lips, "I—I'm giving that up."

"But you said it was your dream!" Rei protested.

"Hmm…" Mina said humbly, "That's what I thought too. But things change; you know that don't you, Rei?"

"Of course—but—but you—you said that—that—" Rei stuttered hopelessly trying to piece her thoughts together.

"It's not hard to understand Rei; you just got to accept it," Mina said with a small smile.

Mina knew it was time for her to tell Rei about her relationship with Darien. She had stalled long enough. It was going to be hard for Rei to admit that they were no longer together. During the time that it lasted; it was Rei who was their greatest support. She was the mediator and the matchmaker; and Mina was positive it would be a really harsh blow for her because of all the effort she had put in to keep her brother happy.

"Rei?" Mina asked; her voice gentle and soothing.

"What now Mina, are you gonna tell me that you're pregnant too?"

"Me and Darien broke up."

Rei's movements halted; her hand stopped in mid air as she reached for a pair of jeans, her breathing seemed to have ceased, and her face showed no expression at all.

After a moment a smirk formed on her face, "Well it's about time," she drawled.

Mina blanched; she most definitely was not expecting that! "Excuse me?"

"I said: It's about time!" Rei laughed.

"You mean to say, that I was all stressed out that you'd be devastated about the break up, for no fucking reason?"

"Tis, tis, tis," Rei chuckled, "watch your language; you don't know who might ever over hear you!"

"Shut up," Mina barked.

"And why would I be devastated? I'm not the one who was going out with my brother, why should I cry my eyes out?" Rei said distastefully.

"But—but you aren't surprised? Not even a little bit angry at me?" Mina asked; a stunned expression on her face.

Rei just laughed, "I knew it would end sooner or later."

"What! At the time I thought he and I were going to marry!" Mina shouted outraged.

"Yeah, well, there wasn't that special connection between the two of you."

"Excuse me, and how would you know?"

"Look, I really wanted Darien to be happy with you Mina," Rei said sincerely, "but I knew that, by looking at the two of you, you weren't really all gone over him."

"I was too, gone over him! I thought I loved him!" Mina tried to defend.

"Oh hush girlfriend," Rei said, "I saw you looking at Malcom from time to time."

Mina blushed; a baffled expression on her face, "What are you talking about?" She chuckled shamelessly.

"Don't deny it; you've got the hots for him, and I know it."

Mina sighed; a distressed look in her eyes, "Was I that obvious?"

Rei smiled, "Only to me." She wrapped her hands around Mina and gave her a reassuring hug, "It's okay babe; I still love you like a sister."

Mina pushed her arms away, a grave look upon her face, "No really, Rei," she said with a hint of panic in her voice, "I wasn't that obvious, was I? And I can't believe you! You knew, and you didn't even say anything to me? Do you know how much time I spent stressing, trying to think of how I would most easily break it to you? God I feel like I could kill someone right now!" She fumed.

Rei only laughed at her friend's frustration, "Really, Mina, no one else knows except me! And sorry, I didn't think you'd really care if I knew!"

"Yeah, well, I just thought you would tell me when you realized something as important as that!"

"Oh get over it; it's not that big of a deal."

In silence Mina fumed quietly to herself as she continued to pick out clothes.

"So," Rei drawled once again; testing if it was okay for conversation for a second time, "Who's this Serena person?"

At the sound of Serena's name, Mina's whole disposition seemed to brighten. Like a light switch; at the simple touch of a hand her mood went from dark and moody, to cheery and giddy. This made Rei, much more curious of the girl.

"Oh, you'd love her too!" Mina exclaimed.

"Can I get a name maybe? Some status, on her too, would do well," Rei clipped.

"Oh, her name is Tsukino Serena, and she has no status in society really. She works two jobs to support her family, lives in a crummy apartment with her parents, but over all she's a wonderful person!" Mina exclaimed.

"Huh? When did you start mingling with people of low class?" Rei gave her a disgruntled look.

"You can't judge her like that Rei! She's so nice! You should meet her! Oh, oh, oh, oh! And your brother!" Mina shouted with delight.

"What about my bro?" Rei asked.

"Darien likes her too! He introduced us!"

"He—he likes her too?" Rei asked in a shaky voice. "She isn't sleeping with him is she?"

"Who, Serena? Never!" Mina laughed.

"Then, what's she to him?" Rei was immensely curious.

When she had been living back home she had knew her brother to be a person to never be friendly to girls unless he wanted to sleep with them. This was a sudden roundabout turn for him. He had told her himself that he didn't believe women capable of being mans companion. Did this Serena change him?

"Oh, she's just a friend," Mina said, "but if you ask me, there's definitely some chemistry between them!"

"How—how old is she?"

"She's only eighteen!" Rei's eyes widened, "I know," Mina commented, "That was my reaction too, she's really young."

"Wow," Rei managed to say.

"You can meet her!" Mina added. "I'm meeting her for lunch tomorrow!"

"I—I wouldn't be in the way would I?" Rei asked uncertainly.

"No way! Serena would love to meet you!"

"Okay, then," Rei asked with a smile on her face, "Where?"

Malcom and Darien both laid exhausted and energy spent upon their backs in the gym on the second floor of the Chiba's mansion. Their labored breathing was the only sound audible as they both gasped for air; their bodies past the point of exertion. A healthy sum of perspiration covered them, as though one had doused them with a bucket of water.

After sparring with swords, Malcom, in retaliation to Darien's refusal to discuss the matter of Serena, challenged him to a spar with fists instead. And, still, he lost, and still, he could not seem to penetrate through Darien's walls that shielded his thoughts. It was hopeless, he thought.

And then the large double doors opened with a swift swoosh and a loud bang that made both men jump to their feet's in reaction.

Standing in the middle of the open doorway stood Rei; a wry grin on her face. Her raven locks were tucked neatly behind her ears, and her deep lavender eyes shined with mischief and glee. She wore a simple pair of form fitting jeans and a black crop top.

Darien's eyes widened, and in place of his warrior-like scowl, a smile softened his features. "Well look whose home, after four years. Don't tell me you're home sick," he joked.

Malcom smiled, as Rei strode forward to give her brother a hung, and then punch him in the gut.

"You're soaked! Ew, gross!" Rei shrieked.

Darien just laughed as he pulled her in for another embrace.

"Let me go, you smell like sweat!"

"Aw come on," Darien teased, "You don't mind when James hugs you after he works out."

Rei blushed, "Darien!" She shouted, casting a nervous glance toward Malcom. "You didn't hear anything, okay?" She commanded, more than requested, as her eyes bore holes into Malcom.

"Hey, whatever you say," Malcom laughed, his composure totally lost now.

"Heh, heh—what's so funny?" her voice shook dangerously.

"Leave the poor man alone Rei."

Darien glanced back at the entrance to see Mina standing there; her hands grasping her round hips. He notice the way her eyes twinkled as she stared at Malcom, and a twinge of jealousy began to burn, sizzling deep in his gut; he refrained from growling.

She looked as beautiful as ever in a cream colored sleeveless dress that came to mid thigh. Her pale blonde hair was in its usual style: half-up half-down, and matching heels covered her feet. He could lightly make out the curve of her breasts the way the tantalizing cloth of her dress fitted her body and hugged her waist and expanded to slip over her hips; a man's instinctual habit.

Rei laughed out loud at Mina's command.

Malcom frowned at her.

Mina walked towards the group with her head held high. "Hello, Darien; Malcom." She greeted with a smile.

Rei turned towards Darien once again and grasped his hands in hers, "Did you miss me?" She inquired playfully.

"That depends," he answered, with a gleam in his eyes, "How much do I miss being bullied around by my younger sister?"

"Not much," Malcom quipped.

"There's your answer," Darien laughed.

Rei fumed; she turned her gaze toward Malcom and gave him a look that suggested she would hurt him.

"Well, I've missed you too," Rei spat dryly; shoving Darien away from her.

Darien chuckled, "So," he asked, "what brings you back to little ol' Japan?"

"I realized I had some…unfinished business to attend to," Rei said slyly.

Darien raised an eyebrow at her, "Have I ever told you how psychotic you are?"

Mina and Malcom laughed at that, while Rei glowered, "No," she said, "Have I ever told you how cold and cynical you are?"

"No, but when you do, I'll be sure to tell you how abusive and merciless and—"

"Will you two shut up?" Mina shouted.

Malcom nodded his agreement. "No wonder why they're siblings," Malcom commented.

Mina laughed, "You're right!"

"He is, isn't he?" Rei mocked a tone of surprise as she glared Mina and Malcom into silence.

"Has anyone ever told you how scary you can be?" Darien remarked.

This time, instead of making another insult, Rei smiled, "Yeah," she said with a swift nod of her head, "In fact, I've been told that a lot of times."

"I guess that trait runs in the family," Mina sighed; shaking her head as Malcom nodded his head.

Darien and Rei both turned on their two companions and growled.

"So who's this Serena, I've been hearing a lot about lately?" Rei asked, as Mina, Malcom, and Darien all sat around a table in the second receiving room on the top floor of the Chiba's mansion.

"What do you mean by 'hearing a lot about lately'?" Darien asked, "You just arrived."

"Hey, that doesn't mean, I haven't been filled in on the happenings," Rei protested; opening her can of coke.

Darien glanced at Mina.

She let out a nervous laugh, "Oops?"

"Oh, stop harassing her and just answer my question!" Rei shouted.

"Well, how much has she already told you?" Darien asked dryly. "I'm pretty sure she already told you everything you need to know."

"Yeah," Rei said with a nod of her head, "Mina probably did tell me everything I needed to know, however you need to tell me everything I want to know."

Malcom shook his head, "You let her talk like that to you?"

"No but—"

"Yes he does," Rei said, turning to glare at Malcom, "do you have a problem with me talking to my brother like this?"

"You can stop with being a bitch, okay Rei?" Malcom replied; he no longer felt like cowering to the damn woman.

He had known her for most of her life, and at times, he even considered her very much his own sister as she was Darien's. And from the time she was born to the present where she sat across the table from him; she had been good and spoiled. Though Darien was only a good year older than his sister, he had done everything in his power to keep her world an illusion.

You'd think, Malcom thought to himself, Darien, being the eldest, would have been the one to have been pampered, but instead he grew up most of the time without his parents. He grew up not knowing his mother's embrace or his father's voice, and it was all very shattering for him. And so he worked very hard in school to gain his parent's attention; with the passing years he worked harder and harder and harder until….he was the way that he was now. Withdrawn, cold, and cynical, yes, his parents shaped him this way.

And, all the while Darien was always there for Rei. Giving her his support, being her role model, tutor, mentor, he was very much like her guardian. He did his best to shield her from the public eye and to keep her world simple and pleasant. He gave her everything she wanted, allowed her to do many things that would have been deemed inappropriate for people of such high class, and most of all, he gave her his love.

"Oh my gosh, you did not just call me a bitch," Rei said haughtily; sniffing at the air.

"You're a brat too," Darien said with a small smile. He raised his can of coke to toast Malcom's.

"Will you guys get serious, here?" Rei exclaimed with an exasperated look on her face. "All I'm asking is for some dibs on a damn woman named Serena, and none of you seems inclined to inform me."

"Look," Darien said, a hard look in his brilliant ocean blue eyes, "She's just a friend; I believe Mina probably told you that already."

"Y-yeah but—"

"That's all you're gonna get out of him Rei," Malcom said sternly, "Just drop it."

Rei was speechless. Darien hardly denied her of anything she wanted; this was a most unusual occurrence. She had a feeling Serena was of great importance when Mina had told her that Darien liked her too, but now, her suspicions were confirmed. Her anticipation to meet the woman waxed ever more with each passing moment, and a hundred more questions came to her head, but she dared not say them aloud, knowing Darien was already in a bad mood.

"I'll just have to wait then," she said in a whisper.

Mina smiled at her, a coy and sly smile that made her eyes twinkle with mischief.

Alone in a corner booth in the Crown Café, a pretty brunette slurped her chocolate milkshake loudly. Her patience was wearing thin. She looked at her wrist watch once more to check the time. It was five minutes pass one, and still there was no sign of her blonde haired companion.

The Crown Café was a popular teen hang out. Besides the delicious pearl drinks they served, the café had great atmosphere. Its cream colored wall paper was not loud or obnoxious, and their wooden tables and chairs were arranged neatly about the room giving a spacious feeling instead of cluttered. In the center of the café there was a wide strip of wood for a dance floor, enclosed by navy blue carpeting; at night they had karaoke and dancing, and this attracted many young people.

Sighing to herself, Lita looked around at the people sitting around the café; their expressions happy and carefree. She remembered the days when Serena and she were very much in the same mood; but those times had passed long ago. Now their cheery days were packed with work and school; there was little time for the old happy days, for the light-hearted banter over the phone, the long walks through the park, the many hours in the arcade boy-scoping, and the many times they spent with each other in detention in middle school.

Those were the days, Lita thought with a small smile stretching her lips, always such good ol' days.

"Um excuse me miss, would you mind moving?"

Lita's train of thought was quickly interrupted by a female voice. She sat up from her slouched position, her head in the palm of her hands, to sit up alert and erect. Turning her head to the side to stare at the unwanted intruder, Lita gained her composure.

Two females stood before her. Both looked quite wealthy in their Mishima dresses; however they looked as different as night and day. The one who had spoken had long blonde hair that feel just above her waist in a wavy mass; pale blue eyes that were framed with thick black eyelashes, and skin as light and fair as snow itself. The second woman that stood to the side of the blonde lady had straight-cut hair, her tendrils of silky hair was the color of raven. She had striking lavender eyes that were very beautiful in contrast to her dark locks that framed her slim tanned face.

"Yes, I would mind," Lita answered politely.

"Well, ma'am can you do us this one favor and find another seat?" The blonde persisted with a brilliant smile that hid her impatience.

"I've already answered you; I will not move," Lita replied firmly, with her own small smile.

The two looked at one another; their eyes lowering sinisterly to glare at the opposing female.

Mina didn't understand why this girl could not just move. She was alone anyways, how much trouble could it be for her to get up and walk to another seat, she reasoned. This was the booth Serena had specifically instructed to sit at, and so she would do as she was requested to. However, why was this girl so stubborn?

"I will ask you one last time: can you please move?" Mina's voice was ominous, and frighteningly low.

"Look," Lita said exasperated, "Why don't you find a different table? I was here first." She studied the two females' appearance, "Just because you're rich, doesn't mean you will get everything you want," she snapped.

Rei could no longer stay quiet, "We happen to be waiting for someone miss, please, just move."

"What the hell don't you understand? I said 'no'!" Lita shouted, just as outraged.

Unperturbed, Rei flipped her hair over her shoulder and crossed her arms over her chest, "Don't you fucking raise your voice to me. Just because you may be poor, it doesn't give you the right to be a bitch. Now, my friend has asked you nicely to move, since you are by yourself, why don't you just move and don't cause us any more trouble?"

Lita stood up so fast she nearly fell over, a menacing look on her face. "How the fuck would you know if I were by myself?" She shouted.

Rei was not scared, she stood her ground and took a step closer to the brunette, "I don't see anyone else here but you. We're meeting a friend, so can you please move?"

"Do I look like I fucking care if you're meeting a friend?" Lita fumed, "Go find another place to sit!"

But the remaining seats in the café were now taken.

Rei slapped down 10,000 yen, "Move," she hissed.

Lita saw red. She could not believe these two infuriating women; they were rich, spoiled brats that surely needed the shit knocked out of them! They actually thought to persuade her with money! Her limbs shook with uncontrollable rage until finally her hands shot out to grab the collar of the raven haired woman's dress.

"I don't want your money! And I also don't—"

"Lita!"

Heads snapped around like lightning at Serena's stunned and outraged voice.

Lita let go of Rei's dress.

Mina gave Serena a blank stare, "Uh…you know her?" She pointed at Lita.

Serena nodded, "What the hell was that all about?"

She turned her gaze toward the women who Lita had just grabbed, "Excuse me," she asked politely, "Who are you?"

"Are you with her?" Rei spat, indicating towards Lita.

"Yes," Serena nodded.

Mina gasped, "Oh my gosh…" her hand flew up to cover her mouth. She turned toward Lita and grasped her hand, "I am so sorry." She said sincerely.

Lita flinched at the contact of her hand clasping hers, "Eh?" She turned to look at Serena, a confused expression on her face. 'Was this lady crazy or what?' Lita thought.

"Lita," Serena said disappointedly, "this is Mina."

Serena's quiet statement hit her like an electric wave of shock. "Oh no," Lita said in a bare whisper, turning her head to stare at Mina, "Please tell me she's lying."

Mina shook her head, "She isn't."

"I am so sorry!" She shouted.

"Uh…I'm lost…can someone please tell me what's happening here?" Rei asked, a bit helpless and speechless at the sudden turn of events.

Mina let out a groan, and turned slowly to Serena, "Serena," she said, "I would like you to meet Rei. She's Darien's sister."

Serena blinked, "S-sister?" she said in a breathless voice, "But I thought she was in the states studying?"

"Yeah," Rei replied, "I was…I just got back yesterday."

"Eh-hem," a meek voice interrupted them.

Serena turned around abruptly to stare at Amy, "Oops," she said. She grabbed Amy's hand and brought her forward, "I also brought my friend Amy along. I didn't think you guys would have minded."

"Oh this is great," Rei said sarcastically, "Is there anyone else I should meet?"

"I-I I'm sorry," Serena mumbled, a bit hurt. She could feel her eyes begin to water. How did things get so out of hand? She had decided to walk to Amy's to pick her up so they could walk together to the café since she had never been there, and arriving fifteen minutes late she had found quite a compromising scene between her friend and Darien's sister.

"Rei!" Mina shouted, "Stop being a bitch!" She walked over to Serena to put an arm around her shoulders in a comforting manner, "She was only kidding Serena."

Serena nodded, "I know, it's just that-that I feel responsible for not telling you guys what I had planned. I wanted to surprise you guys."

"Yeah, well we were surprised," Rei drawled.

Mina slapped her arm. Rei jumped, and then glared at her friend. "Alright, I'm sorry," she said forcedly as she turned towards Serena. "But, you shouldn't be such a cry baby."

Serena looked up at her comment, "Did you just call me a cry baby?"

Rei nodded, "So what if I did?"

"I am not a cry baby okay," Serena said with fire in her eyes.

"Yeah, sure, whatever," Rei remarked nonchalantly.

"Well, excuse me, 'Miss High-and-Mighty', but it seems I must refresh your memory that it was you who made me want to cry!" Serena shouted.

"Please," Amy said, "Will you just drop it!"

Mina and Lita laughed and the expressions on Serena and Rei's face.

"Say," Rei said, pointing a finger at Amy, "Aren't you the heiress to the Mizuno estates and companies?"

Amy blushed and nodded her head.

"Oh great," Rei said, "Now she acts all shy."

"Yeah, I know," Serena said.

"Stop picking on the poor girl," Lita said.

And for some strange reason, they all bursted into fits of laughter at Lita's remark.

"I'm so sorry about what happened," Serena said for the last time as they finished their lunch.

"It's okay," Mina chuckled.

"Yeah, right," Rei said with distaste.

"Oh shut up Rei," Lita said with a smile, "If it wasn't for her, I would have kicked your ass."

Rei spat out the food that she had just placed in her mouth, "Sure, girly," she mocked, "I think it's the other way around!"

"Stop being so childish, please," Amy said with an appalled expression on her face.

"Amy," Serena said, lightly tugging on the hem of her blue haired friend's shirt sleeve, "didn't Rei say you were the heiress to the Mizuno estates and companies; as in plural?"

Amy nodded, "Yes." She had never felt comfortable talking about her financial status before; it made her feel uneasy. When she was young, she learned that people treated her differently because of her wealth, and she never liked it. The façade and the many lies her friends told her just to make her happy never made her feel at ease. She knew that they didn't like her; it was the money they all loved and cherished. They didn't care if she were to die the next day; she was nothing to them, but a pawn in their hands.

"But you told me that your family owned a little company, that was merely booming at the moment," Serena said a bit hurt that Amy lied to her.

Amy blushed, "I'm sorry," she said, "I just—just…Is it really relevant as to how many and how big my parents' companies are?"

Serena flinched at Amy's angry tone of voice. The outrage look on her face told all. Amy was definitely sensitive when it came to her social rank. But why, Serena asked herself.

"Of course not!" Mina shouted.

"Yeah, Amy," Rei commented, "Serena was only curious. She probably feels like a ditz for being played by you."

Serena turned to frown at Rei, "Thanks," she said flatly.

"No problem," Rei smiled, before lifting her cup of lemonade to her mouth.

"All right," Amy sighed, "Maybe I'm overreacting just a lil' bit."

"That's an understatement," Lita replied.

"Oh stop it!" Mina shouted, "I've got something very important to tell you guys."

"This gotta be good," Rei muttered under her breath.

Mina scowled at her.

"I just wanted to tell you guys that my twenty-second birthday is coming up," she paused, giving the girls and expectant look, "you know what this means right?"

Only Rei nodded.

"I'm gonna be throwing a large party! It's a welcome home party and a birthday party; that means there will only be reporters and lots and lots of rich and famous people!"

Both Serena and Lita glared at her.

"You're all invited!" Mina continued on chirping happily.

"Wait—what did she say?" Lita asked with a bit in her voice.

"She said we're all invited," Serena said in the same tone.

"Oh, but I thought she said that there would only be lots of rich and famous people!" Lita feigned a shock tone.

"Yeah," Serena followed suit, placing a delicate finger on her chin, "Hmm..."

Mina and Rei rolled their eyes, "Will you two grow up? You guys know what I mean," Mina said sincerely, "I want you guys to be there."

Amy was the first to reply, "I'll be there. It's a 'must' that I be there; especially so the public will see."

Serena was a bit hesitant, "I—well—I won't fit in."

"I gotta agree with her," Lita said.

"Huh?" Mina raised an eyebrow at them.

"Let me ask you this, Mina," Serena said, "What is the dress code for the party?"

Mina blinked several times. Was it really important what the dress code was? "Um…black tie…" she answered hesitantly.

"Exactly," Serena exclaimed, "Formal wear. Do you think I have anything formal to wear?"

"If you don't," Mina compromised, "just go out and buy something."

Serena could feel heat rising up her cheeks; the anger she had withheld was on the verge of explosion. She could feel her resolved shattering, her composure slipping away to oblivion, and her grasp of the situation loosening.

"Call it a poor persons pride, I don't care," Serena said in a deadly voice, "But, I don't appreciate the way you're handling the situation. Do you honestly think I would not go to your party if I could just simply buy something nice to wear? It's not easy for me to cough up big bucks to get a nice dress for this one occasion; I can't ask Mommy and Daddy for the money, so I'm sorry. I don't think I could possibly go."

Serena stood up; her heart was pulsating radically in her chest. Her breath came in a long-short pattern, and her throat felt excruciatingly dry, as though she had just run up a steep hill. She turned to give a final look at Mina before she excused herself from the table and quickly strode from the table. She was too angry to speak rationally; she needed time to think, to collect her thoughts, and space away from the many people in her life. She felt as thought they were all closing in on her; all wanting a piece of her that she could no longer give away any more of herself. And it was cutting the circulation of air she needed.

Lita turned to stare at the three females who looked on at the retreating back of Serena. She gave them an apologetic look, "I'm sorry," she whispered, "But, you know, she's right. We aren't rich like you guys. Maybe I could afford to buy something nice to go to your party, because I support no one else buy myself, but Serena can't. She has to pay for the rent, pay for her parent's food, clothes; heck, she takes care of her whole family's lifestyle! I don't know how she manages it, but she does; and it's amazing. You gotta understand where she's coming from," Lita said with a bow of her head.

Amy nodded, "It is not only the rich who have such enormous prides, but in the poor too," she said to Mina and Rei, "And it seems that Serena has quite an amount."

Back at the Chiba's mansion, through the deep halls and dark passages, Mina and Rei sprawled themselves over lounge chair and bed in Rei's bedroom. It was now dusk and the fading sunlight outside of the large structure stole into the room through the large windows, sending obscure shadows onto the blood red walls of Rei's room.

"So what do you think of Serena?" Mina asked as she laid herself over the silky comforter on the bed, relishing the feel of the contrast of it against her skin.

Rei was silent for a while, turning every now and then in her position on her velvet red couch that faced the bed. "She reminds me of someone…I just don't know who" she answered a bit flustered after a moment.

For some reason, despite her rude exit at the café, Rei found Serena quite a refreshing person to be with. She was polite and quiet, and at the same time she was warm and outspoken. Serena had this air of confidence about her that seemed to capture her attention. The blonde also had a lot of pride; and from the way she presented herself, Rei could tell that she was definitely an intellect and a fun person.

"Yeah…" Mina said, "But what do you think about her?"

"She's—"Rei paused, trying to think of the correct way to describe Serena, "I see why my brother wanted to be friends with her," she said sincerely.

Mina smiled, "She's just so different. She makes me feel bad about the way I've always thought of the poor; and I feel even worse for upsetting her."

Rei laughed, "Oh she told you."

"Shut up," Mina snapped.

"You know," Rei drawled, "the way Lita spoke about her, makes me wonder what it would be like to be in her shoes. How does she manage it all?"

"How does who manage it all?"

The girls turned to frown at Darien, who stood in the doorway; his body taking up the whole entry way.

"We're talking about Serena," Rei informed him.

"Oh really?"

"Uh huh," Mina nodded.

"Is there anything you ladies want to tell me?"

"About what?" Rei asked.

Darien rolled his eyes, "About Serena."

"No, why?" Mina replied.

Darien strode into the room and sat down in the arm chair that faced the window. He had heard some of their conversation and was now quite curious about what had happened at the luncheon.

"All right," he said; giving them an accusing look, "What happened?"

"Why Darien," Mina said innocently, "What do you possibly mean?"

Darien's eyes turned hard as he looked at her, "I'm not asking again."

"Serena walked out on us at lunch," Rei abruptly answered.

Mina frowned at her, "Nice job on standing your ground," Mina said bitingly.

"Hey," Rei defended, "When my brother looks as scary as he does now, it's not good to deny him!"

Even more interested by Rei's remark Darien leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees that were covered in black dress slacks. "Why did she walk out on you?"

"Mina kind of…um...offended her?" Rei answered; then let out a nervous chuckle.

"What did you do this time?" Darien asked in a low and gruff voice.

Mina sweat-dropped, "I—I—Stop staring at me like that! You're putting me on the spot!" She shouted at Darien, whose eyes were scrutinizing and analyzing every aspect on her face.

His face only turned expressionless in answer.

"She wanted to know what the dress code for my birthday party was; I told her it was black tie. Them she said she couldn't go because she didn't have anything formal to wear; I told her she could always buy something; and then she just exploded!" An incredulous expression appeared on the blondes face as she told the story to Darien.

Darien already knew why Serena had reacted so explosively to Mina's comment. The damn girl had spirit and a bit too much pride. He knew, by her sensitive nature, she had taken quick offense to Mina's suggestion. But who could blame her? He thought. She spent most of her time working two jobs and trying to fit in her education just to support herself and her parents. The girl was too damn noble, and he resented that. It boosted her even higher on his chart of respect.

"That was stupid of you to suggest," Darien replied coolly.

"You think?" Mina replied, "Before I knew it, she was all on me about how she couldn't just get money from her parents to buy her something suitable to wear and how it wasn't easy for her to just make the money," Mina frowned to herself, recalling Serena's angry words.

Darien smiled, "You deserved it."

And with that last statement he got up from his chair and walked out of the room.

Rei continued to look at her brother's retreating back. And then it hit her! How she didn't come up with it before, she did not know, but it certainly made sense!

"Remember how I was just saying Serena reminded me of someone?" She asked with a grin in her voice.

"Yeah?" Mina acknowledged.

"That person is Darien," Rei said, "She reminds me of Darien."

Serena's days fell into an unorganized mess with each passing day. She met with Darien nearly once every day as August rolled into September. Within the short hours that she spent with him were the highlights of her weeks. She could feel herself getting drawn closer to him with each passing hour, and she felt trapped. Most of the time, she felt as though she was in a whole new world. The feelings he invoked in her were crazy— like the erotic images that just so happened to pop into her mind—which was absolutely zany! Really, she reasoned with herself, she had never felt this way for a man before, and seeing such images made her…hot…She was a novice to this type of friendship Darien and she had, and she expected Darien to know exactly what to do. He was indeed the experience one, wasn't he?

The meetings between her, Rei, Mina, Lita, and Amy were now a regular practice. On Mondays they went out for lunch at the Crown Café, on Wednesdays they went to the mall, on Thursdays they had study sessions after their last classes, and on Saturdays were their annual relax day, where they just went to Mina's and hung out.

Her life had become the farthest thing from dull and predictable. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions, where she did not know if her mood would drop or increase with each corner she turned; she was as unstable as stocks which fluctuated from second to second.

She had been floating on top of the world in a daze.

That was until the inevitable happened.

Streaks of pink, red, orange, and purple zipped through the sky as the sun slowly faded into the ever going west. The four structures of Akita University glowed yellow in the faint light of the day, casting long shadows that devoured the light behind them. It was Thursday, and Serena had just finished her last class. Her spirits were not exactly high, but she was indeed glad she would be receiving her paychecks today.

She walked wearily to her bicycle, the long hours of the day taking its toll on her. She couldn't wait to get to Amy's; that was where their usual study sessions took place. After their first encounter at the Crown Café, Serena made it her first priority to get closer to the girls. Having that in mind, she quickly learned that Amy was quite the genius.

Amy was so very polite and sweet; Serena had a hard time keeping a straight face whenever she was with her. The blue haired woman had a good-natured personality that was quite different from most women of the modern day. Her blue cerulean eyes glowed with such warmth that it seeped through Serena like a cleansing serum; making her feel like a little girl. Her patience, too, surprised Serena. Goodness, Serena thought to herself, Amy would even have the patience to wait out in the front of a raging storm, and still have the gentlest disposition all the while.

Rei was a very complex person to understand though; unlike Amy, she seemed sour, and very materialistic. The dark haired woman was everything but patient; she had no stomach for attitude, but yet she seemed to be the queen of it. She was sassy and down right rude at times, too, Serena thought, huffing to herself as she walked on down the steps of building A, remembering Rei's taunting voice.

Serena quickly saw through this façade of Rei's though. All of this was how Rei wanted the world to perceive her; as a young heiress who should not be messed with. Rei was indeed no different from Mina, herself— and even Amy—at all! She was considerate; she knew when to draw the line on her crude jokes and insults; she cared very deeply about those who are close to her, such as Darien, who, she admitted, she always thought of as a father.

Sighing to herself, Serena unlocked her bicycle from the bike rack, placed the chain into her backpack, and clasped the handles, which where covered with a rubbery black grip, to stroll it along. In just a month, she had met the most amazing people in her life. All were very different, while some very much the same, but over all, they were honest and good people.

Walking down the road aligned with magnolia trees, Serena hummed merrily to herself, oblivious of the passing cars. Life was near heaven for her, and at the moment, she just didn't feel like waking up to reality. The growing animosity towards her from her classmates was the last thing she wanted to think about. After the initial shock of her relationship with Darien had been conquered, they openly showed their hate for her. Some were even so mean, as to lock her in a bathroom stall. But, no matter what happened to her, she decided she would not tell a word to Darien. He mustn't worry over her.

Coming to a halt at the crossroads at the bottom of the slope, Serena steadied her bike, throwing her leg over the seat before fully parking herself on top of the bike and pedaling. As soon as Serena started moving she noticed something wasn't quite right. The gait of the bike was a bit strange. Was she just worn out, or was her bike a bit shaky? Serena frowned as she contemplated the rocky movements of the bicycle. Why couldn't she steady herself?

Serena ceased her pedaling; both her feet firmly planted themselves on either side of the bike. She swung her leg over once more, but kept her hands on the handles to steady the bike. She kicked down the small metal leg to hold the bike up in place so she could study it with free hands.

Serena's body froze as she identified the problem. Her tires were flat. But the air didn't just simply come out due to an over use of the tires. No, there were large holes in them. Someone had tampered with her wheels.

"Bike problems?"

Serena's body jerked up at the sound of the female voice. Beside her, a black car pulled over, the windows rolled down. Inside Aiko Reizei stared at her through dark sunglasses, a sly smile pulling her red lips wide. She reached up with one hand to pull her sunglasses back into her artificial red hair to show her green eyes, which lacked of depth and filled with narcissism.

Serena smiled to hide her irritation, "Yeah, just some…minor problems."

Reizei's smile broadened, "Anything I can help you with?" She offered coyly.

Standing to her full height, Serena placed her hands upon her hips and continued her charade, "No thank you," she said pleasantly, "It's nothing I can't handle."

The red head immediately turned sour, "You stay away from Darien!" She pointed a finger, three inch red nails and all, at Serena.

Serena was quite taken aback by her outburst; but she now had her answer as to who had slashed her tires. A rage burned in her, but she did her best to keep it under control. "Oh?" She said, feigning a startle tone, "And what if I don't?"

"I'll ruin you!" Reizei shouted, "I'll make sure you're life is hell!"

Serena only laughed to infuriate her more, "You don't have to, my life already is."

"Don't be a smart ass," the woman said from within the car, "…but then again…I bet it is, you know, being poor and all."

Then she drove away, laughing madly. Serena felt as though she would explode, her body shaking with rage. Damn Darien, she though bitterly to herself, how come he had to have such crazy and obsess women running after him?

"That bitch did not!" Rei shouted with outrage on Serena's behalf.

After that incident at the end of Akita Avenue, Serena had rolled her bike all the way to Amy's, puffing and huffing the whole way there. It had taken her nearly one hour and a half, and she was definitely not in a happy mood when she arrived at the large French styled estate.

The Mizuno's estate was very beautiful. The house consisted of three main structures, all attached to one another. On the exterior of the buildings, the house had beige stucco. There were twenty windows all around, all framed in white wood. Long green vines climbed the walls, twisting and turning, with pretty white roses blooming along the vine.

The girls were quite worried when Serena had not arrived around the usual time. When Serena marched into the room and swung her backpack at them, they knew something had to be wrong. Their friend's face was red, and she appeared to be breathing very hard. Serena looked down right scary as she seethed with anger.

Immediately, the girls tried to placate her anger, for she looked ready to kill. As Serena walked to the Mizuno's, her anger had continued to wax, until she felt like a volcano, on the verge of exploding, but at the same time couldn't. The girls swore they could see steam rising from her head, and soon began nagging her for a full account of what had happened to her.

"Damn right!" Serena remarked after Rei's outburst.

"Why didn't you just slap her?" Rei shouted.

"She was in her fucking car!" Serena hollered.

"So what? Pull her out of the damn thing and kick the crap out of her!"

Serena grunted her approval.

Amy shook her head in dismay, "You know, you shouldn't be so hostile. Why would she do such a thing to you?"

Serena scowled at her, "I told you. She said she wanted me to stay away from Darien."

"That's strange…" Mina said, with a thoughtful frown on her face.

"Heck yeah, it is!" Serena shouted. "What difference would it make if I were to stay away from him or not?"

"Maybe…" Lita suggested, "Maybe she thinks you two have something going on?"

"Me and Darien? I don't think so…" Serena said in a flustered voice.

"That makes plenty of sense to me," Amy agreed with a nod.

"Yeah! They're always together. Anyone can get the wrong idea." Mina clapped her hands together.

"But—but—we aren't even going out with one another!" Serena exclaimed.

"Calm down," Lita said, placing a hand on Serena's shoulder, "We aren't saying you two are an item. We know you two aren't, but other people don't, and they might get the wrong idea."

"Well, I still say that is one psychotic way of doing things. I mean come on," Rei said exasperatedly, "What kind of sane person would slash someone's tires, it's a bit crazy."

"I agree with Rei!" Serena shouted

"Well it's great that you two actually are agreeing with each other," Amy commented with a soft smile, "But I really do think you guys are overreacting."

"Hey!" Serena and Rei both shouted.

"We get along just fine," Serena insisted, "Don't we, Rei?"

"Yeah," Rei nodded, "I really don't know what you're talking about Amy."

"Oh will you two stop it?" Mina shot them an annoyed look. "Look," she said, changing the topic, "My party's this Saturday, and I got to jet to get some preparations done." She got up from the Amy's bed and grabbed her backpack from off the floor. She slowly repacked as the girls watched her, zipping up her bag before staring up at them. "I want you all to be there, do you understand?"

The girls watched her reach for the door knob, but Mina's hand stopped in mid air. She turned around to direct a smile at Serena, "You'd better be there, Serena," she said firmly, "I don't care if you come in a potato sack or a wedding dress, as long as you are there. Do you here me?"

Serena's eyes twinkled. She had already planned to go; there was nothing that could stop her from going to her friend's birthday party. It would be selfish too, if she did attend. She had let her pride get in the way at the café, but now, she knew that the right thing to do was be happy for Mina, and if Mina wanted her to go, then that's exactly what she was going to do.

"Yes," Serena answered, "You can count on me to be there."

Mina smiled before walking out the door. Yes, her party would be so much fun now that Serena was coming.

The weather was cold and gloomy Friday afternoon. Dark rain clouds hovered just above the tallest skyscraper in downtown Tokyo. Eeriness in the way the wind seemed to be blowing, so chilling that it numbed, gave an unsettling air for the day. The thick and dense atmosphere was indeed foreshadowing rain. It was not the clouds that foretold of rain, no, it was the air; the air that carried a moisture so very tangible that in itself it felt as if it were raining.

This certainly was not her lucky day, that much Serena knew, as she came out of Building C of Akita. She had not brought an umbrella, and all the more worst, she did not even have a jacket. The thick fog that rolled in was a bit creepy; everything became vague in her view. She had no bike to get her to the library, and now, she was sure Reizei might try to run her over in her car.

The hairs on her arm rose as she stepped into the freezing wind, goose bumps rising up her bare arms in reaction to the cold. Nothing could be worse, she thought. Her skin glowed white due to the icy temperature, and despite the many times she rubbed her arms she could not feel the warmth. Every now and then she saw figures through the fog, becoming clearer as they came forth and fading once more as they retreated into the embrace of the semi-transparent atmosphere.

She hated fog. Yes, Serena nodded to herself; fog was now her most hated enemy. It was a most peculiar thing. No light particle can break through it, and the way the ghostly white air particles seemed to reach out for you, drawing you in into its depths was indeed unnerving for Serena. She clasped her hands together and brought them forth, to her mouth to breathe upon. It was no use.

Her hot breath, coming into contact with the air only turned into water vapor, to join the already large amount collecting in the sky. She trembled, as she turned to look around at her class mates as they all passed her, giving her funny looks. She needed to get to the library fast.

Gathering her wits, Serena stepped out onto the sidewalk at the bottom of the stairs leading into the University. She looked to her right, and then quickly looked to her left. No car was coming. Or, she thought darkly to herself, the fog just didn't let the headlights of the cars get through so she could get ran over.

Smiling inwardly, Serena made it to the other side of the street with no injury. Now, all she needed to do was walk pass building B, building A, and the parking structure to the right of building A to get to the library. She had some text books she wanted to check out, and she most certainly had no time to stop and wait for the fog to disperse. But all appeared to be good at the moment, and so she decided not to worry.

And in the matter of time in which it takes for one to make a decision to begin their journey to the library, it rained. Water droplets came down fast and furious. Some people walking began screaming as they ran towards Akita for shelter or opening their umbrellas. Serena, however, only stood where she was at, letting the water beat upon her head, like the pounding of drums. Her body shook with such cold, and now that the rain fell, her teeth chattered. Like ice her teeth clanked upon each other in a way that looked as though they would shatter into millions of shards.

Was she being punished? Serena thought; finally finding her senses to run under a large tree in a park across from Akita. Underneath the tree, she sat upon the cement bench, hugging herself from the cold and rain. The leaves of the trees danced on the ends of their twigs in which they clung to, as the rain also warred with them, trying to penetrate through the barrier it made.

She waited for three minutes for the rain to lighten, but it did not appear to relent upon its heavy downfall. Sighing with defeat, Serena looked at the figures through the fog, running like scattering ants. She smiled as she saw a man run down the paved pathway that ran through the park. He stopped just yards away from the tree, turned to look around him, as though trying to find shelter through the fog, and then he ran towards her.

Serena smiled, happy to know that she was not the only victim of the rain who did not carry an umbrella. She watched him getting closer. He had unruly dark hair that was matted down by the rain. Strange…Serena thought, he looked familiar. Then she let out a small chuckle, if she didn't know better, she'd say he was Darien! Darien had a car, and was probably as dry and warm as ever, Serena added to herself. She would be insane to think it was Darien!

The man finally made it under the branches of the tree. He looked up at her for the briefest of moments, and then looked up again to give her on quick conscious glance. Shit, Serena cursed, it was Darien. She knew those eyes; those ocean blue eyes that just seemed to fascinate her to no end. She knew that face; that face that was so terribly handsome her heart seemed to stop every time she looked upon it.

She turned away from him, hoping he didn't notice it was her, at the same time a million questions popped into her head. Why was he in the rain, where was his car, didn't he have an umbrella, how in the world did they both end up under the same tree? Her body shook, though not from the cold any more, but from the presence of Darien.

Darien knew it was Serena, when he had come under the tree; for how could he not know that beautiful face of hers? And now he felt like bursting into laughter as she tried to hide from him. He watched her fidget, her movements shaky. She had no jacket, and no umbrella, and he was getting angrier by the moment as noted this. Was she so irresponsible, as to not protect herself from such weather? She could get sick, he thought to himself, frowning.

"Serena?" Darien beckoned toward her. His sounded gruff to his ears.

Serena thought he sounded furious.

She jumped at his voice, and slowly turned around, wincing, "Darien!" She mocked a shocked expression, "What are you doing here?"

Darien raised an eyebrow at her, "Trying to get out of the rain." His voice was dripping with laughter.

Serena blushed, "Oh, uh, right, me too."

Darien's eyes lowered hungrily as he looked at her. Her rain dampened clothes clung to her every curve; he could practically see her swelling breast through her white T-shirt. He noticed the way her baggy jeans hugged her long and shapely legs; feeling himself harden at the sight of her. Damn it, Darien thought. His slacks were wet, and he sure as hell did not want to get an arousal now.

He forced a smile, "I guess we're stuck on the same boat," he drawled.

Serena smiled softly and nodded, "Except, you have a coat," she said, pointing at his black jacket.

At her comment, Darien took his coat off and held it towards her, "Com here," he commanded.

Serena shook her head. "I can't accept that; then you're gonna be cold," she said.

"Yes you can," Darien replied, his voice unwavering, "And you will."

"But—" Serena didn't finish her sentence, she already was running away from under the tree.

Darien gave up and walked quickly towards her, his purposeful steps showed his irritation, the way his pants clung to his own strong and powerful legs. Serena stepped away from him, and Darien frowned at her, before grabbing her wrist and pulling her closer towards him.

Serena flinched at Darien's warm hands clasping around her wrist, and she pondered the contradiction between Darien's drenched body and his body's temperature. She had little time to think it over though, because before she knew it Darien had pulled her into an embrace.

She went rigid in his arms at the first contact, but she couldn't help it when her body relaxed in his arms. There was just something about being in his arms that made her feel safe. It was a feeling she hardly felt, even when in the confines of her own bedroom. She liked the way he held her so close, his heat warming her, and when she laid her head upon his chest, it was inevitable, he just felt too damn good. No longer did she care about how improper this was for him to do, especially in public when there were crazy women like Reizei running around who could just see them.

"Where were you going?" Darien asked in a husky voice; he no longer liked this position. He was getting a little too hard, for comfort. Serena's breasts were pressed up against his, and he could not help but note the fact that her nipples were hard. Damn the woman, he thought, she was too provocative.

"I'm—I mean to say I was going to the library until—"

"I'll take you," Darien said, roughly pulling away from her, and swung his coat over his head.

Serena only watched incredulously, "But you can't go out into the rain," she said in a near gasp.

Darien turned to smile at her, "Oh, but we can."

He let go of one side of his coat to draw Serena under his arm, and then lifted his jacket over the both of them. "You have to come closer," Darien told her.

Serena's breath was caught in her throat. She had missed the warmth of his embrace when he pulled away, and now that he was telling her to come closer to him she was unwilling. She was a walking contradiction, she told herself, feeling a bit disgruntled by the admission. Wordlessly she came in closer to him. She could feel the warmth emitting from his body, smell the husky male scent of his, and his body pressing in closer to her as they edged closer to the perimeter of the tree. He was fogging up her mind.

"You'd have gotten soaked if you were gonna go to the library," Darien said, frowning down at her.

Serena nodded, "But I was planning to stop under each building along the way there, so I wouldn't get as wet," she told him meekly.

Darien smiled, "You'd still get soaked right down to the last clothing. But we'll try it. On my count, okay?"

She nodded, feeling a little overcome by his warm body, so close behind her, "One," Darien looked down at her with bright eyes, "Two," he turned his gaze onto the pouring rain, "Three," and off they sprinted.

They both laughed as the rain pounded against them. Serena drew closer to Darien with each step she took, laughing hysterically as she nearly slipped upon the set sidewalk. Shivers of excitement ran through her like electric shocks until it exploded in her brain, creating a cloud of euphoria.

Her incredible laughter was so contagious Darien could not help but smile. He had never had so much fun running to a library before, in the pouring rain too. And this giddy feeling that overcame him was just so strange, it made him feel like laughing and…and it made him feel like kissing her. He didn't know how Serena could make him feel this way. He felt happy. And in that short moment, he new that Serena was not at all like other women. She was different, and he liked that. And he sure as hell hoped that the man she marries, realizes the treasure he has, because she maybe the only one left. Next to his sister though, she was the only good woman left.

"We're here," Darien whispered.

Serena could feel his hot breath caress her neck. Damn, she thought, as he stepped back from her and slung his coat over one arm. He flashed her genuine grin, and then winked at her, "I told you we'd still get soaked," he teased.

Her eyes roamed his soaked white collar shirt; underneath, she could make out a tank-top. Every article of clothing he wore clung to his strong lean figure and Serena could help but notice how strong he was. She could feel her pale cheeks heating as she continued to stare at him. Darien just gave her a knowing smile.

"I guess, I should go," Darien said as he stared into her eyes. "Here," he said, handing her his coat, "you take this."

Serena nodded, not letting the connection break, "Thank you," she breathed.

Darien nodded, and with one final glance at her, he turned away, and ran back into the hold of the fog and the shower.

Why did the library have to be so close, Serena thought to herself. She hit her forehead with the palm of her hand; she shouldn't really be thinking such things. Darien was handsome, yes, she admitted to herself, but that didn't mean he was a good person. But, then again, he did walk her to the library and gave her his coat, and he was always really nice to her. She had never met any other man like him before.

"Shit!" Serena shouted.

People turned to stare at her as they came out of the library, but Serena really didn't care at the moment. The reason why she was so enthralled by him, the reason why he made her feel safe, the reason why she enjoyed his company, the reason why he was able to make her feel so light headed all the time…wasn't because he was simply handsome and fun to be with…No, that was not the reason at tall.

The reason was that…she was in love….

She was in love with Chiba Mamoru Darien.