Love is such a Strange and Funny thing

by Gaosheng

Lies and deciet always seem to find it's way to the surface just when everyone thought they were dead and burried. It seems the only truth Serena Tsukino and Darien Chiba can rely on is the one they fear most: love is a very strange and funny thing.

11. Chapter 11

Disclaimer: All rights to Sailor Moon reserved to Naoko Takeuchi.

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Jack looked around at the many eager faces that stood in the mob outside of the Ainos' mansion. The crowd consisted of civilians who were loud and overly excited to get a glimpse of their favorite stars. It was just his luck that he and Mitch got stuck right in the center of the rowdy herd. The boss wouldn't be happy to see that their photos were all messed up as unknown limbs would undoubtedly appear at the corner of each picture.

This was the biggest night of the month, and his one ticket to a promotion, yet he found that fate must not have been on his side. Jack ran a hand through his dark locks and let his gaze travel to the grand staircase that led to the front of the mansion. All of the big-time magazines and reporters had already lined up on the sides of the steps early in the morning; it was his fault he didn't think to do the same.

He was new in Japan; therefore he couldn't be blamed for his mistake. How would he know that functions thrown by the Ainos' meant the Oscars in the U.S? Upon arriving a week ago, his new boss, Jin, had assigned him the duty of covering the party. He didn't think or ponder upon the reason why so many of his co-workers had given him envious looks.

Now he knew.

Since the beginning of the hour, eight o'clock, stars from all over Asia were arriving in luxurious cars and limousines; they came in all different colors. They walked up the staircase, parading themselves, glittering in diamonds, emeralds and rubies, garbed in silks, and stopped occasionally to flash their bright smiles at the cameras.

And the crowd went wild. Screaming and shouting, hooting and hollering, as each of Japan's ultrarich arrived upon the scene. He couldn't blame the fans; the event was very extravagant, and though he was an outsider, he was astounded by the bright lights and glamorous air that surrounded them.

"Hey Jack," Mitch tapped his colleague upon his shoulder, "Look at that."

Mitch also came from the states, and so he knew little about these affairs. But he did know one thing; the beaten yellow taxi that pulled up in front of the stairway was not the common vehicle that one would ride to a luxurious party as this. The crowd had gone suddenly quiet. The soft moaning from the engine of the car was the only audible sound.

"What the—" Jack had finally spotted the taxi. "Dumb teenagers these days," Mitch heard him say, "Always pulling pranks. They should know that no one is admitted without an invitation."

Mitch shook his blond head, "At least this will make the write up more interesting." He raised his camera to take a couple of shots of the taxi.

Jack laughed, "You're right; these rendezvous are such a drag. Just wait until we see who gets out of the car."

Mitch didn't reply. Silence only answered Jack.

Turning, Jack aimed to make a joke about Mitch's lack of concentration.

His mouth fell open instead.

She thought she'd be sick. She hoped she would, because then she wouldn't have to attend Mina's party. In the car ride there, Serena had been wringing her hands with fright. Her rapid heartbeat didn't help matters; it only made her sweat.

The blur of passing buildings flew by the taxi window, and she tried to distract herself with them, but couldn't seem to pry her thoughts away from the oncoming night. In the mirror at home she felt like laughing at herself. She looked just like one of them; one of the super-rich. For the night, she was a dressed up doll.

But now as the taxi pulled up in front of mansion, she knew facing the flashing cameras and gaping stares of onlookers were inevitable. She fixed herself into a mess. Now all she could do was draw up her courage to get her through the night; at least for a couple of hours.

"Are you sure this is the place?"

Serena pulled out of her thoughts. She took a deep breath before smiling at the cab driver.

"Yes," She replied; forcing serenity upon her face. Her calm composure seemed to soothe the man's frown.

"You'll be eaten alive out there, I say," He warned her.

"It's a risk I'll have to take."

"Will you need assistance, ma'am?" He queried; his tone friendly.

"I would, thank you," she replied meekly.

Nodding, the man stepped out of the car and began walking around the vehicle.

Serena braced herself, for the gawking crowd. This wasn't going to be pretty, but she would have to do it for Mina.

As her car door opened wide for her to exit, Serena was surprised by the silence that spilled into the car. She blushed with embarrassment; knowing that it had been her that caused the sudden stillness in the crowd. They all were waiting for her, she knew.

Slowly stepping into the bright lights that illuminated the stairs up to the mansion, immediate whispers filled the air; something that Serena was accustomed to already. Akita had prepared her well for this. She had become everyone's favorite TV show. As she walked down the hallways of the school, she heard classmates speak of her every action with Darien and Mina. She didn't know what kind of pleasure one would be able to derive by watching her that made everyone tune in to her life and her affairs. And she was downright furious too.

By the end of the week, Serena had been itching for a fight; for some kind of confrontation from Reizei, so she could have an excuse to swing her fist at someone. It had been years since Serena had used her fist to get her ways. And that was when she was still practically living on the streets in high school, working the worst jobs just to help her parents keep a roof over their heads. After she ended up in the hospital from a severe injury to her head during one of her street fights, she decided to reserve her hands for better use.

Her fists couldn't help her now, however. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she registered the sound of the car doors closing before it started up again and zoomed off of the Ainos' property, but she didn't move.

All eyes were on her.

She suspected they were ready for her to start laughing and admit that her arrival in a taxi was just a joke, by the expectant looks they gave her. She was sorry that they wouldn't be getting their way; for her presence here was no joke at all.

Gathering her wits, Serena walked up the stairs. Heat rose to her cheeks when she nearly toppled over. Settling herself, Serena turned to glare at the train of her ivory gown. Without faltering, Serena reached down to pick up her train before smiling at the, now bewildered, crowd.

Cameras immediately began flashing like lightning, however, the lights that blinked at her struck more often than the natural lightning. She felt like a deer caught in headlights.

She hid her fear well though. To the audience, she gave the appearance of a beautiful and refined young woman. Serena exuded elegance and sensuality and captivated the whole crowd.

She thought they looked ready to laugh at her.

"Do you think she was invited?" Mitch asked Jack, a thoughtful frown upon his face.

Jack was bewitched by the girl. He shrugged at his friend's question, "I'm not sure."

"I think she is," Mitch said, "Look at her dress," he pointed, "It looks to be over ten thousand dollars."

Gulping, Jack regained his composure, "Do you know who she is?"

Mitch shook his head, "We can ask around." He turned to converse with the civilians beside him. Mitch was of Japanese decent, though he was born an American. His parents, both immigrants, had brought him up traditionally, but the American culture had the stronger effect on him. Regardless, he knew the Japanese language well enough to initiate polite conversation.

After a moment he turned back to Jack, "She's unknown, Jack."

"She's beautiful."

Laughing, Mitch shook his head, "You sound infatuated."

"I think I am," Jack replied with a smile.

Serena blanched at the whispers that began to overcome the audience, but showed no outward distraught. She had heard what one of the reporters had said. They said her gown looked to be over ten thousand dollars—in American currency that is. She felt like laughing at that number. Lita wouldn't spend over a thousand on her own dress, let alone ten thousand on Serena's dress. If anything, Serena thought, Lita was the best bargain shopper there was.

"Excuse me, ma'am," A voice stopped her in her tracks.

Pivoting to stare at the man who lightly grasped her shoulder, Serena did her best to suppress her sudden urge to start barking.

"Yes, can I help you, sir," she said in a calm voice; one that she practiced many times before, and could be called cold and sometimes indifferent.

The tall blond man only smiled at her trite tone, "Can I get a picture?"

Taken aback by his question, Serena nodded dumbly, before smiling brightly, "Yes; thank you for asking."

The foreigner chuckled at her emphasis on "asking", "You looked like a deer caught in headlights when you got out of the car."

Serena laughed, her eyes glowing, "That is exactly how I felt," she confessed.

"Ma'am," he queried, after he was done taking his photos, "Can I get a name?"

The pleasing smile on Serena's lips faded, "My name?"

Letting his camera fall onto his chest, the cameraman nodded, "You do have one, don't you?" He teased.

Terrified, Serena bolted from her spot and continued up the stairs.

Baffled by her spontaneous action, Mitch called after her, "Ma'am!" He began stalking her, "Ma'am!" He tried to follow her through the doors, but he was stopped by the guards. "What's your name?"

"Did you get her name?" Jack enquired as he saw Mitch's yellow head draw nearer. The American was a good head taller than most of the people in the crowd.

Mitch shook his head, still slightly bemused by the lady's action, "I couldn't."

"What do you mean?" Jack asked; his brows drew together in confusion.

"She wouldn't answer me." Mitch simply replied; the most dumbfounded expression on his face.

Jack sighed, "We'll find it out. By the end of the night we'll know her name," he promised with a gleam in his eyes.

Darien smiled charmingly at the ladies that gathered around him. They all batted their eyelashes, as they vied for his attention. If he found their attempts to get him to dance disgusting, he did not show it. His voice was warm and seductive as he spoke to each of them, bewitching them with his charisma.

He was elegantly dressed. His tuxedo well tailored to fit his tall and muscular form. The sleeves of his snowy white collared shirt were cuffed with diamond studs. Darien was suave and refined, yet aloof and mysterious. Young ladies stared longingly at the man from across the room, and even on the arms of their male escorts.

After he had excused himself from the pack of eager girls, he immediately was surrounded by a group of men who were trying to persuade him to provide the funds for a company they hoped to start; in return he would gain twenty-five percent of their stocks, and a seat on the board of directors.

His back was to the house, but he knew the exact moment Serena stepped onto the courtyard, because the men in his group stopped talking and started to stare intently at something from behind him. So did many of the other people around them. Darien turned his head slightly to the side to the look at the envious glares the females directed towards the "unknown" person.

"That can't be real," one of the men breathed with a lopsided smile on his face.

Slowly turning, Darien braced himself for the sight that had everyone captivated, and he nearly stopped breathing when his gaze fell upon the goddess standing beneath the white, rose covered, arc. He had no clue the dress he had bought for her could look like that on her. His reaction was even more violent than it was to Mina; it took all his strength to keep his feet rooted to the ground instead of bounding towards her.

Serena was dressed in an ivory gown that fitted her form like a second layer of skin, clinging to all the right places. The daring plunge of the neckline and hem of the skirt was embroidered with intricate lace. Her smooth and creamy back was bear—though not immodestly; dainty feet in stilettos peeked just beneath the gown. Yet all the while, she looked completely clueless to the stir she caused.

Serena looked very much like a fallen angel, standing all by her self at the bottom of the stairs. Her eyes were wide with a look of bewilderment imbedded within them, as she took in the elaborate party. She appeared to be untouchable, so lovely and fair; Darien couldn't help himself but to go to her.

She tried to avoid him. Upon stepping out onto the courtyard, her eyes immediately flew onto Darien. She couldn't help but admit that he was devilishly handsome tonight in his tuxedo, and that if she were to survive for a couple of hours, she'd better avoid any contact with him.

Kami wasn't on her side tonight, however.

Before she could even take a breath after she appreciatively gave Darien a once over, he turned to face her, and then started in her direction. She could not decipher his expression. Once again he looked calm, collected, and ever so sophisticated. What was he thinking? She wondered.

Serena started walking forward, however not towards Darien, but in the other direction. Somewhat amused by her action, Darien smiled, but did not let up his long purposeful stride towards her. He never thought she could look as stunning as she did tonight; hell, she probably was the sexiest thing on heels he'd seen in his life, surpassing even Mina.

Darien frowned as she became engulfed in a sea of men. Of course there were others who found her attractive, Darien berated himself. And surely, tonight, they'll all fall for her candid charm, just as he was captivated when he first met her. He couldn't blame them; she was intelligent, honest, and vivacious. The contrast between her and the many other women he'd known in his life were unending. She was the real thing, or so she appeared to be.

Take a deep breath, just take a deep breath, she tried to calm herself. Darien sure didn't know how to take a hint, Serena thought with a frown, quickening her pace.

And then she stopped in her tracks—totally ignoring the men who eagerly asked for introductions.

She was being cowardly; the truth hit her like a bullet. Darien was her friend, and yet she was afraid to confront him. The blonde shook her head, she couldn't avoid him. For the night, she had to put her feelings aside. Causing a scene by playing hide and seek with Darien was not what Mina needed. It was a time to celebrate and relax; have some fun and get a little buzzed.

Sighing with defeat, Serena slowly turned around to face the man who she could never have, her friend, Darien.

Cocking an eyebrow at the beaten expression on her face, Darien stopped. He was slightly surprised by her sudden action, but hid his shock well with a sardonic grin. "So you don't want to play your little game. That's good; you're starting to act like an adult."

Her eyes blazed at him, and Darien laughed, "I'm not playing any games."

Knocking the arrogant smug off his face with her fist was an appealing idea to Serena, but she had to think of the scandal it would cause. Damn, why did he have to be so handsome?

"Don't deny it, you were trying to ignore me again, remember how I ended it last time?" He said in an exaggerated drawl.

The reminder made Serena blush. Indeed, she did remember, who wouldn't? She had been in the cafeteria minding her own business when he had sauntered up behind her and casually told the whole school they slept together. Which was a lie, a major lie; Serena thought to add.

"You wouldn't dare," she said through clenched teethes.

Once again, a slow sexy smile stretched across his lips, his eyes twinkled with mischief, "Want to find out?" He teased, crossing a leg over other, his arms folded across his chest.

"No," She bit back.

His face hardened becoming serious, "Good, now let me have this dance—"

"Excuse me miss," a short, rather stout man tapped Serena on her back, "May I have this dance?"

Serena turned to face Darien to analyze the look upon his face. He had none—well except for the lazy, bored expression he had already been wearing. She turned back to the other man and smiled, "Yes, sir, you may." She gave Darien another quick glance, letting him see her glee.

The man looked to be middle-aged, and probably already had a wife and family, Serena thought with disgust. However, he was polite and she was surprised that all he tried to do was wrestle out some information about her.

"What school do you attend, my dear?" He asked.

"Akita University, sir," she replied with a smile.

The man beamed approvingly, "And how do you like it there?"

"Oh, I love it," Serena lied through her teeth. What she really wanted to tell him was that the University was run by incompetent and cowardly men and women, with students who were conceited, selfish and downright rude and stupid.

"What is your name?"

"Tsukino Usagi, sir, but everyone calls me Serena." She winced as he clumsily stepped onto her feet.

"That's an English name, is it not?" He didn't bother to apologize, and Serena tried her best not to sound rude when she answered.

She nodded, "Yes, sir, it is."

"Interesting," he commented.

For a few more minutes, Serena let him twirl her about the dance floor, asking her personal questions about her mother and father. But what really surprised Serena, was that he never bothered to ask her about how much money her family was worth. And she was relieved by that. If he were to ask, she didn't know how she would answer.

She wasn't ashamed. It wasn't that it at all. The spectacle he would cause at the knowledge would probably draw too much attention on to her, and she didn't want that. By the end of the night, she hoped to accomplish two things. One: to make Mina happy; and two: to not be noticed.

From off the dance floor Darien watched. Damn it, the old man was holding her too close. He knew Tanaka's intentions. The man was looked up to by the top of society; and Darien knew for a fact that as he danced with Serena, he was analyzing her. If Tanaka liked her, then his stamp of approval would certainly bring Serena's status to a peak. But, still, Darien protested, he was holding her too close.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?" Malcolm had maneuvered his way from across the courtyard to stand beside his scowling friend. A small smile played on his lips as he studied Darien's expression. "Tanaka seems to be charmed by her."

Ever since Darien had arrived, he had been surrounded by drooling females and eager business men. Malcolm had not even greeted him yet; until now. He had carefully observed Darien for an hour; watching as his friend kept glancing every once in a while in Mina's direction. And though Darien always kept his emotions in check, Malcolm knew exactly how he felt.

All of that changed when Serena walked out onto the courtyard, though. She was always gorgeous, Malcolm confessed, but tonight she was absolutely stunning. If he wasn't head-over-heels for Mina, Malcolm probably would pursue Serena himself. As soon as she arrived on the scene, Darien's full attention was captivated by her. The tell-tale frown on his face was evidence enough as his dark gaze roved over Tanaka and Serena. And it took all of his discipline to stop himself from laughing at the dark-haired man beside him.

"I don't like him," was Darien's dry reply; his gaze never left the dance floor.

Taking a sip from his glass of champagne, Malcolm answered, "You don't like any of your father's friends."

A bitter smile contorted Darien's lips, "Damn right."

"And you have good reason."

"Damn right," he replied sharply again.

"And you think Serena's hot," Malcolm's eyes twinkled.

"Damn ri—"

Darien caught himself in mid-thought. He turned slowly to Malcolm, and glared. "What the fuck are you laughing about?"

"You don't have to be so uptight," his friend replied, as his laughter subsided.

"You're not funny, you know that?" he tried to make his friend squirm with his fierce look.

"Just admit it, man," Malcolm's amused expression irritated Darien, "You think she's hot, don't you?"

Shaking his head, Darien gave in. He turned his gaze back onto Serena, and watched her smile. "She's breathtaking."

At his admission, Malcolm became serious. "You bought her that dress didn't you? There's no way in hell she could afford that dress. Why'd you do it?"

"It's not what you think," Darien began, but was immediately cut off.

"Serena's a good girl and all, but Darien, maybe she's using you—"

The murderous look in Darien's eyes, as he whipped his head around, hushed Malcolm.

"She doesn't know I bought it."

Unconvinced, Malcolm rolled his eyes, "And who else would she think bought her that two million yen dress?"

"She thinks one of her friends bought it for her," from Darien's tone, Malcolm knew it would not be wise to push the subject, but he did it anyway. Just to annoy him.

"Right, and her friend happens to also be rich?"

"Not quite."

Malcolm raised a brow, "Oh, so, she'd accept—"

"She doesn't know the dress is one from Gonroku's collection, so shut up Malcolm. Serena isn't a gold-digger."

Stunned, Malcolm stuttered, "G-Gonroku? His stuff's a damn fortune! You probably paid more than two million!"

His friend was infatuated. That much Malcolm already knew. But when a man buys a woman a dress from Gonroku, it meant he really must be insane about her; which made Malcolm worry for Darien. Could he really like Serena that way, more than a friend?

"I know Serena's not a gold-digger," Malcolm said as he came out of his stupor, "I'm not stupid. I was just messing with you."

"You just love to piss me off, don't you?" Darien remarked sarcastically.

"But why'd you do it?" His persistency was really starting to irritate Darien.

In honest truth, he didn't know either. When Rei and Mina had told him Serena's reaction to Mina's black-tie party, he felt a strange urge to—to be her savior? No, Darien rejected, that wasn't it. He felt sorry for her. Yeah, that was it. He wasn't convinced. He gave the idea a long moments thought and then he finally found a resolution. To put it simply, he wanted to please her, save her the trouble of finding a dress, and shield her from the hard world of the super-rich.

Malcolm watched as Darien carelessly shrugged.

"Where is your mother and father, Usagi?" Mr. Tanaka asked.

Serena was going to have blisters and bruises by the end of the night. The clumsy man had no idea just how bad he was at dancing, and Serena sure as hell was going to scream if he stepped on her foot one more time. Forcing the ache from out of her throat, she replied in what she hoped to be a pleasant voice, "They're at home."

He raised his bushy graying eyebrows in response, "What are they doing at home, when they could be here dancing?" He exclaimed.

Holding back the urge to roll her eyes, Serena smiled, "My parents were too tired to come, Mr. Tanaka."

The man didn't bother to hide his disapproval as he made a clucking noise with his tongue, "That's no excuse."

"My father's sick, sir," Serena quickly thought up a lie.

Mr. Tanaka opened his mouth, hesitated, and then closed it. After a moments pause, he nodded, "I see."

"Yes, my mother is devoted to my father, sir. She dotes on him, and waits on his hands and foot."

The shrewd man beamed and smiled at her, "The way a wife should be."

Disgusted at the thought, Serena shook her head, "In old day's, maybe."

Astonished at her opposition, Mr. Tanaka replied, "It doesn't matter what time period, dear. A wife should always tend to her husband's needs."

"Yes, but a husband should learn to do things for himself, rather than expect his wife to do everything for him." She said lightly. Serena almost cried with joy when the music began to slow down.

"Yes, I suppose," Mr. Tanaka allowed after mulling the idea for a while. "You can't have your woman running your business for you, now can you?"

Exasperated, Serena sighed, "Women are just as capable as men. If you ask me, men are the incapable ones."

Serena chuckled at Mr. Tanaka's dubious expression, "And why do you think that?"

"Men depend upon women too much. They can't do anything by themselves. Women are expected to raise the children, to clean the house, to stock the household with food, and to serve their husbands. But what are men suppose to do? Go to work and bring back money? Women can also go to work and bring back money and take care of the house and children. Men? They'd be hopeless."

Mr. Tanaka genuinely liked the girl. She had passion and spirit, and he liked that. But he sure was not use to it. Not many girls would speak to him so, and he felt a bit awkward.

"I never thought of it like that before," he laughed, after evaluating her speech.

Serena laughed with him as well, "Then I guess I've given you something to chew on, now haven't I?"

Mr. Tanaka nodded, and kindly let her go when the music stopped. "Save me another dance later on, do you hear?"

She nodded just to please him, but she balked at the thought. My precious feet, Serena whimpered, and then slowly retreated from him.

There were two large chocolate fountains across the lawn, and Serena couldn't help herself but stop to admire them. She had never seen such a contraption before, but she felt childishly giddy as she raced to grab a strawberry off a fruit tray to dip it into the chocolaty depths of the fountain. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she examined the chocolate-covered strawberry.

"Serena!"

She dropped her strawberry when she jumped.

"Oh my gosh, you look beautiful!" Mina's shrill exclamation was ear-splitting.

Frowning at her fallen strawberry, Serena turned to glower at Mina, "You made me drop my strawberry!"

Mina laughed at her friend, and shook her head before scurrying to grab Serena another strawberry, "Here," she teased, "It's on the house."

"Thanks," Serena rolled her eyes.

Mina hugged her, "How'd you get one of Gonroku's dresses?"

Dipping her strawberry into the chocolate once more, Serena paid little attention to Mina's question, "This is so cool, Mina," she gushed as she popped the fruit into her mouth.

Happy that she pleased her friend Mina beamed, "Thanks, I knew you'd like it. You're such a chocolate freak, but don't worry, Darien's one too."

At the mention of Darien's name, Serena stiffened. She had almost forgotten about him. Almost. She pretended to be amused with Mina's comment, "Oh really?"

Nodding, Mina grabbed Serena's wrist and began to drag her across the lawn. "There's so many people I want you to meet," she seemed to have forgotten all about Serena's dress.

"Slow down, horsy—whoa, is that your face?" Serena shouted, pointing towards the ice sculpture in the center of the courtyard.

Mina laughed again at Serena's incredulous expression, "I posed for that yesterday. It took the guy nearly twelve hours to get it done. You like it?"

Speechless, Serena only nodded as they zoomed right pass the finely cut block of ice.

As Mina strategically directed them through the large crowd of party-goers, they were intercepted by several elderly ladies, who Serena concluded were important on the social ladder, and eager young men begging for an acquaintance with Serena. Mina gloried in playing hostess, introducing Serena to everyone she knew. And Serena played the dummy.

She felt self-conscious as Mina showed her off like a new diamond necklace, but didn't protest because she did not want to ruin her friend's fun. Serena was afraid that the big fake smile on her face would get stuck; her cheeks were getting numb.

"Here we are," Mina suddenly stopped, and then giggled, "I told you I'd be able to find her!"

Three lovely ladies smiled at her.

"Rei, Amy, Lita!" Serena nearly cried when she saw them, "You guys don't know how good it is to see you all!"

"Is that Gonroku?" Rei stepped back after she embraced her friend, "You look gorgeous, Serena."

She gave a nervous chuckle in response, "No, Rei, you look gorgeous, not me! And who's Gonroku?"

"Are you serious? You don't know who he is?" Lita's look of disbelief brought a smile onto Serena's face; a true smile that reached her eyes.

"Wait, why am I asking? Of course you don't know; you have no fashion sense." Serena's smile didn't falter at Lita's saucy tone.

"I'm serious, who is Gonroku?"

Amy came to her rescue, grabbing hold of her hands, "He's a world renowned fashion designer," and then, after giving her a good once over, added, "And it looks to me as though you're wearing one of his pieces."

Mina's mouth dropped open as she began circling her, "Oh my…" she stopped and began shaking her head in incredulity, "Oh my gosh, it is! I saw this piece in France!"

All four ladies were astonished when Serena threw back her head and laughed, "You guys, this is not a Gonroku masterpiece. Come on, where would I get the money to buy this?"

Lita began to squirm. Uh oh, Lita thought. She should have asked for compensation, when Darien asked her to lie for him.

"Anyways, this is Lita's."

Don't crack down Lita, she told herself, as she raised her gaze onto four pairs of eyes, don't crack down. Remember, you gave your word to Darien. She smiled, at her friends and then shrugged, trying to appear indifferent.

"I found it at a bargain store."

Mina looked disappointed at her answer, "I could've sworn that piece came from Gonroku—oh well, you still look enchanting, Serena."

When the group all nodded agreement, Serena blushed, "What's with all this flattery, I said I would come. Didn't you guys believe me?"

"Of course we believed you," Amy said.

"Well then you better stop complimenting me, all of you," she glared at them menacingly. "Besides," she added, "You all look so glamorous and sexy, I pale in comparison."

"You got that right, honey," Rei winked at her.

Serena groaned, "Of course when I said that, I meant Mina, Lita and Amy. Not you Rei, you look plain and boring."

Rei laughed at that. Dressed in a lovely strapless red gown with strappy red heels, Rei was a seductress. Her raven-black hair flowed freely down her back. And her pouty red lips beckoned to be kissed. Serena knew her comment was most absurd; one could easily see how beautiful Rei was.

"She is such a fucking slut," Tatsumi hissed angrily, eyeing Mina as she dragged the blonde girl that had stolen her date's attention into the crowd.

"Now, now, Tatsumi," Reizei said soothingly to her friend, "Minako isn't all that bad."

Tatsumi flipped her dark hair over her shoulder as she turned to stare at Reizei, "Look at her dress, might as well not wear anything at all. The silk is practically see-through."

Her friend's observation was true, Reizei agreed mentally; watching the way Mina seemed to glory in the attention the men were giving her. The thin orange silk of Mina's dress barely concealed her breasts as the neckline plummeted all the way down to her navel. Reizei couldn't complain though, she would have worn that dress too if it were hers.

It was Mina's little friend that had her worried, not Mina. She was not blind to the way the majority of the males reacted to Serena as she came down the stairs. And she was not at all happy with that. No, siree. The little bitch, looking so refined and elegant, was going to learn a lesson tonight. A lesson she'd never forget.

Reizei snickered.

Nothing could describe Reizei's outrage when she saw the petite blonde gracefully descend from the stairs in one of Gonroku's famous pieces. She could not believe that a dirty little street-girl could possibly get into one of the Aino's affairs, nonetheless own a dress so fine. Rage burned deep within her. Darien had bought her the dress, she concluded. Yes, that explained it. She wondered what the little slut had to do to get Darien to buy it for her.

"Isn't she that one—" Tatsumi began, lifting finger to point at Serena.

"Yes, she is," Tatsumi's eyes widened at her companion's surly tone.

"You think so?" She queried, her expression quizzical, "But I thought she's suppose to be poor—"

"She is a beggar," Reizei nearly barked, her hands clenched at her sides.

"But her dress—"

"I'm guessing she probably slept around to get something like that—she's probably good at it too."

Tatsumi shivered at the sinister look in Reizei's eyes, and then after a moment, she smiled, "Are you going to do what I think you're going to do?"

The menacing smile that tugged at the corner of Reizei's blood-red lips was answer enough, as they shared a conspiratorial look.

"I'm going to ruin that bitch, and then I'm going to get Darien all to myself," Reizei laughed.

"How are you going to do that?" Tatsumi's tone was mocking. She moved closer to Reizei, "You're not going to cause a scene are you?"

The red head laughed, "Yeah right, and ruin my image? You've got to be kidding."

"Then how are you going to do it?" Tatsumi eagerly questioned.

She watched as Reizei turned to look over the people in the courtyard. A long second passed, and when Reizei finally turned back to her, Tatsumi persisted, "Well?"

"We all know that Mina and Darien were couples, right?"

Nodding, Tatsumi leaned in closer, holding her goblet up against her chest, "Yeah, so?"

"Serena doesn't know that," Reizei cast a meaningful glance back to Serena and Mina.

"But Darien and Mina aren't together anymore."

"But we all know that he still has feelings for her."

Tatsumi's brows drew together in confusion, "He does?"

"That's what I'm going to tell, Serena," Reizei explained.

"What will that do?"

"Oh, you're so clueless, Tatsumi," Reizei cooed, "Serena likes Darien, but she's best friends with his ex, which he still has feelings for. Think how she will react when I tell her that little lie, she'd be devastated!"

Their malicious laughter turned heads in their direction.

A puzzled expression marred Zachary's forehead as he stopped in front of the bar. Where the hell was the bartender? He wondered. Thinking that he was probably using the restroom or somewhere conversing with guests, he craned his neck to the right and then to the left looking for the man.

He sighed, giving up when he could not find him. That was no problem, he said to himself, he'd just get behind the bar and grab the drinks for the guys and him. Running a hand along the smooth-black marble countertop, Zachary made his way, around the bar. A trace of a smile lingered on his lips at the conversation he and the guys had just shared.

Shouting was the first thought that came to mind when he tripped over a leg, but he held it in as he recognized the sleeping bartender on the floor. He frowned; he damn well could have sprained an ankle. Shaking his head with dismay, he crouched down to wake up the man.

"Hey," He prodded the man's shoulders. "Get up, and do your job. The Aino's aren't paying you to sleep." His tone was not at all gentle.

The bartender rolled his head towards Zachary and yawned. Zachary recoiled at the stench of the man's breath. So you've been drinking, Zach noted, no wonder why you're knocked out. He tried one more futile attempt at waking the man before he got on his knees and wrapped his arms around the bartender's shoulders, and pulled. Propping him up against the back wall, Zachary moved away to examine his handy work.

Remembering his initial goal to get drinks, he turned around to stare at the shelves beneath the counter, still in his crouched position, to find some scotch. He ran a hand over the wine bottles, looking for the harder liquor, and was just about to give up when he found a stash beneath the sink. He smiled, "Here we are," he said jovially.

"Can I get a water bottle?"

Zachary jumped at the question, surprised beyond belief, and struck his head under the counter.

"Shit," he shouted, rubbing a hand over his scalp. He stood, looking up at the person who had disturbed him.

He froze, momentarily taken aback. And then he gave the woman one of his charming grins.

"Oh, my," the blue-haired girl breathed, "I'm terribly sorry, sir, did I give you a fright?"

Zachary winced just for show, "Yes you did, ma'am." He set the scotch atop the counter as he leaned forward on his elbows toward the beauty that looked at him with big aquamarine eyes. His smile broadened as she blushed.

"Let me see," she said in a barely audible voice. She crooked a finger at him, beckoning him to com closer.

Laughing, Zach, shook his head, "That's okay," he said, "I have a hard head."

He watched, slightly surprised, slightly amused when the girl reached over the counter and grabbed him by the head to bring him closer. "Plan to be a doctor someday?" He joked.

"Yes," she replied, which surprised him even more. He had only been teasing, thinking that she probably was only trying to flirt with him.

After a minute, he decided he liked her gentle ministrations. Her fingers slowly glided over the top of his head, her touch almost feather-like, sending shivers down his spine. The moment was ruined, however, when her fingers brushed against the bump on his head.

He jerked his head back, and was amazed to see her hand over her mouth, with her shoulders shaking with mirth.

"Some doctor you will be," he said dryly, "You're not supposed to laugh at a patient."

The girl shook her head, "Oh no," she choked, trying to calm her laughter, "Examining your bump just reminded me of a friend."

Zachary cocked an eyebrow at her, "How many skulls have you examined?"

He decided he liked her smile too, she was really pretty, "You mean in real life, or in pictures?"

"In real life," he replied.

She pulled his head back towards her, and Zachary made no movement to stop her.

"Just one before you," she answered, her voice brimming with laughter, "I was waiting at a restaurant for my friend to join me for lunch. She was late you see," the girl babbled, running a hand against his bump, "But when she bounded into the building, her hands were all bandaged and a visible bump on the back of her head made her hair unruly."

Zachary tried to conjure the image, "What happened to her?" He asked.

She chuckled, "She told me she burned her hands grabbing a cookie."

The thought was so unbelievable, Zachary couldn't contain his laughter. He watched as her eyes lit up with delight as she too joined him in his amusement. When their breaths grew short, they finally stopped.

"How did that happen?" Zachary prodded for the whole story, and when she finished telling it, he was back to shaking with hilarity once again.

"I feel sorry for your friend," he said, taking her hands in his. For some reason, there was just something about this girl that he liked. She blushed again, and he could tell that she was becoming uncomfortable with him being so intimate. He didn't let go; he didn't care.

"You shouldn't feel sorry for her," an impish gleam sparkled in her eyes at her words.

Unable to resist, Zachary asked, bending his head closer to hers, "Why not?"

"She'd come hunt you down and shoot you."

Her outrageous remark sent Zachary into silence for a moment, and then his lips quirked up in a wayward smile, "Why's that?"

"Because she doesn't like other people sympathizing for her."

Confused by her remark, he just shook his head, "You have one strange friend."

"I admire her," she gave him a hesitant smile.

"Then you're strange too," Zachary frowned at himself, he was making a mockery of words. Her eyes were bewitching him; yes, he thought, her eyes were making him loose his mind.

"Thank you," her smile widened. Lightly she squeezed his hand.

They shared a glance, but she quickly looked away. Zachary decided he liked the way she was easily embarrassed, it was refreshing. Throughout their conversation he had been subtly giving her figure a quick once-over, and decided she was quite attractive. She had a lovely white complexion, with wonderful aquamarine eyes framed in russet eyelashes, and though she did not have the wide curves of the many women he previously entertained himself with, he was attracted to her.

He leaned in towards her, his intention, well understood. He would kiss her, taste her sweet lips that he'd been staring at for the past fifteen minutes. Zachary stared into her eyes—both opened wide with curiosity—making him wonder what her game was. She didn't have to pretend to be so innocent. To hell with the virginal image women carried about, he thought, they slept around just as men do.

As he inched nearer, he could see a flash of fear in her eyes. "You best put ice on that bump," she whispered, withdrawing from him.

Zachary snapped upright, his eyes lowered, as he stared at her warily, "You aren't serious, are you?" He was thinking about how she had made such a stupid remark just before he was about to put them both out of their misery and kiss her.

"Yes, I'm quite serious," she replied, nodding emphatically, "I'm training to become a doctor, and so I know a bad bruise when I see one; you'd best do as I say."

His normal reaction would have been to groan, but the serious look in her eyes told him she was not teasing him He watched her for a minute, as her gaze nervously darted from one champagne bottle to another on the shelves along the back wall. "Here you go," he said in a monotone, reaching down into the cooler to pull out a water bottle for her, "This is what you wanted right?"

She visibly cringed at his cold attitude, and then nodded, "Yes, thank you," she said meekly.

"You're welcome."

Zachary watched as she gave him an apologetic look before turning and walking back into the crowd. "Wait," he shouted, though he did not know why. He had already decided that playing with some girl who had a secret agenda wasn't good at all, but there was something compelling about the blue-haired soon-to-be doctor that drew him to her. "What's your name?" He asked as she slowly turned to face him.

"Amy," she replied, "My friends call me Amy." And without another word, she walked away.

"What the hell took you so long, Zach?" Nathan asked, as his friend finally reappeared, "I was getting dehydrated."

Zachary cocked an eyebrow at him, "Then maybe next time you should go get yourself a drink. The damn bartender got drunk and fell asleep behind the counter."

"No shit," Andrew smiled.

"Yeah," Zach said absently, his mind still on Amy.

"I should go tell Mina," Darien grimaced, anticipating Mina's reaction.

"You go do that," Andrew laughed. They all knew that Mina would blow up. She wanted everything to be perfect. When she learned that her bartender was drunk and that there was no one at the bar to take his place, she was going to go ballistics.

The five men stood from across the courtyard, watching Darien as he moved purposefully towards a group of girls where Mina stood.

"Whoa," Nathan smiled, "Never seen that hottie before." His gaze lingered on a green-eyed brunette girl who wore an old fashion emerald velvet gown.

"Hands off, buddy," Malcolm laughed, "She's one of Serena's friends; don't touch her if you don't plan to initiate a long term relationship."

From the gleam in Nathan's eyes, Malcolm knew he probably thought the idea had merit. Staring at his friend, Malcolm shook his head, "Don't even think about it. We know the types of relationships you like."

Nathan gave Malcolm a sheepish grin, "And what types of relationships do I like, huh?" He challenged, raising an arrogant eyebrow.

In unison, his four friends answered, "One night stands."

Each, Zachary, Malcolm, Andrew, and James, wore smug smiles on their face as Nathan glowered at them.

"A man can dream, can't he?" Nathan bit out dryly. They all knew what he was implying.

James lightly punched him in the arm, "Yeah sure; that's if you want Serena to come and kill you."

The expression on Nathan's face faltered, "You got a point."

Andrew gave Serena an appreciative glance, but then he stiffened. "Is that Gonroku she's wearing?"

Malcolm nodded, a lopsided grin on his face, "Yep," he drawled.

"Did she buy that herself?" Andrew's tone was almost hostile.

"Nope," Malcolm's smile spread from ear to ear.

"Who bought her the damn dress, Mal?" Andrew demanded.

"Darien did," relishing the look on Andrew's face when he finally absorbed the full meaning of his words, Malcolm chuckled.

"Don't look so distraught," Zachary patted his friend on the back, "Darien isn't interested in her; well not in a sexual way anyway."

"He bought her a piece from Gonroku's collection," Andrew said threw gritted teeth, "Darien has to have some kind of feeling for her—"

"He loves her," Malcolm stated calmly, "He loves her like a sister."

"Yeah," James added, "She doesn't have the best. We all know that, he probably just wanted to give her something special."

"Maybe I should stake my claim," Andrew said quietly; more to himself than to his friends.

"If Serena heard you talking like that about her," Zachary elbowed him, "She'd kick your ass."

"What do you mean?"

"You know Serena," Zachary took a sip of his scotch. "She's so obstinate and independent. If she hears you talking about her like she's some kind of property you can stake a claim on, she'd never speak to you again."

Andrew gave that a thought and smiled; Zachary was right. Serena had a temper, and he didn't know how he was going to handle her. All he knew was that he couldn't let her go.

"She looks beautiful tonight," Andrew tilted his head in Serena's direction, noticing the way the lights hung above the courtyard seemed to sparkle off her shimmering tresses of golden hair that was pulled up in a high bun.

"You're starting to sound like a love-sick puppy," James said with disgust.

"I think I like being a love-sick puppy," Andrew replied, almost dreamily.

"You're sick, you know that," Nathan laughed.

"Love-sick," Andrew amended with a goofy grin.

"No," Malcolm shook his head, "Mentally sick."

The all burst out laughing.

"Mina," Serena turned around at the sound of Darien's gentle voice.

A seductive grin was plastered on their hostess' lips. "I was wondering how long it would take you to come say hi." Mina laughed playfully.

Darien was unperturbed; his eyes bore into Serena's for a long second, before he turned his attention back onto Mina. "Isn't it your duty to come say hi to me?"

"Can't you see I'm busy?" She purposefully tilted her head towards Amy, Lita and Rei.

"Yeah well, your bartender's pretty busy too." Serena noticed the sly look in Darien's eyes. Curious, she cast her gaze towards the bar across the courtyard. Seeing that no one was there, Serena frowned at Darien and said, "What do you mean?"

"There's no one there, Darien." Mina set her glass of champagne down on a round table beside them to set on her hips.

Serena watched as a slow sensual grin took shape on his lips. Whatever he was not telling Mina, she knew was not good. Folding her arms across her chest, Serena stepped back to contemplate Darien's expression.

"Darien, where's my bartender?" The whimper from Mina seemed to enhance the mischievous gleam in the sexy man's eyes standing before them.

He smirked, and Serena wanted so much to deflate his ego. "Don't look so smug, Darien."

"I'm still waiting for my dance," his tone was firm, the devilish gleam no longer in his eyes. Scorching midnight blue eyes branded her, and Serena shivered. Thank Kami he didn't know his affect on her.

Her eyes trailed to his lips, remembering the way they felt when they had been pressed against hers, gently molding her lips to his, and then demanding her to open up wide for the entrance of his probing tongue. She flushed and then looked away, embarrassed by her thoughts. Oh how she wanted to be kissed like that by him again.

She didn't realize she had been holding her breath until she opened her mouth to reply and she began to pant for breath. Darien's brows rose in amusement, "You okay?"

"I'm fine," Serena quickly answered, "Are you asking me to dance?"

"I already asked you to dance," he sounded exasperated.

"Where's my bartender?" Mina nearly screeched, grabbing onto Darien's shoulders. "Darien you better tell me now before I wring your neck!"

Prying her fingers from his arms, Darien tried to put some space between them. He had a guilty look on his face, which Serena assumed was from his forgetfulness at the topic at hand.

"He's behind the bar," he simply stated, cautiously analyzing the murderous glint in the orange-garbed beauty.

"No he isn't!" Her tone was almost pleasant, but neither Serena nor Darien was fooled. Serena gave him a sympathetic smile, and expected it to be returned with a look of irritation, but instead he winked at her.

"Yes, he is," His eyes never left Serena's laughing ones as he replied. "He's sleeping."

"What!" Mina wailed, causing several guests standing nearby to turn and watch them suspiciously.

And with that, Darien and Serena burst into gales of mirth as they watched their hostess nearly sprint through the crowded dance floor to the bar.

Darien gave Serena a sidewise glance, noticing the way the light seemed to hit her eyes just the right way so they glimmered like sapphires. Her expression was almost childlike as she continued to stare in the direction of Mina, a smile on her lips. Ever so slowly his gaze slid down the tip of her nose onto her full pink lips, looking so welcoming and soft. His eyes darkened, remembering the feel of them against his own. And then he was admiring her long creamy neck, and the gentle swell of her breasts pressed against the fabric of her dress.

She was exquisite, he decided, and then frowned. He cleared his thoughts. Serena was his friend; that was it. There was nothing more to their relationship than that. But damn did she have the most heavenly figure and bewitching pair of eyes he'd ever seen.

Serena noticed he'd stopped laughing, and she looked up at him suspiciously. As soon as he began frowning at her, she became rigid again. A thousand barbs came into mind to ease the harsh set in his jaw, but Serena stumbled on her words and stupidly asked, "Why are you frowning?"

He was not the least bit disconcerted. Lifting a hand to caress her cheek, Darien whispered huskily, "Do you know you have the most expressive face I've ever seen?"

Her entire body seemed to lean into his touch, wanting more, enjoying the feel of his tender stroking. She was turning into putty, and she was not at all happy with that admission. When his hand fell back against his side did she finally answer. Her voice sounded like that of a frog, rough and strained, "Then I'll have to work on hiding my feelings."

Silently she watched as his eyes narrowed, scrutinizing her face, "Why?" She strained to hear his question, due to the softness of his tone.

"Because you said—"

His laughter surprised her into silence before he swept her into his arms to give her a fierce hug. Lightly he rubbed his chin against the top of her hair. Slightly amazed by his spontaneous act, Serena stiffened.

"I meant that as a compliment." Serena could feel his breath brush across her forehead, and she trembled at the intimacy. Sensing her unease, Darien gently coaxed, "Relax, I won't bite."

Serena swallowed, and gave him a smile, "You won't, but I will." She said somewhat honestly.

He brought her closer to him as he let out a bark of laughter. As the orchestra struck up a new tune, Serena drew back, and smiled up at him, a look of warm appraisal in his eyes. "I believe I owe you a dance."

Her jaunty smile was captivating, and he couldn't help but capture her lips with his. It was a chaste kiss; nothing like the one they had shared out in the moonlight on his family's estate—and most unsatisfying. He was tempted to deepen the short encounter, when he felt her bottom lip quiver against his. The feather-light contact was not at all fulfilling, but he didn't dare continue, didn't dare trust his control.

Nevertheless, he smirked when he saw her wide-eyed expression. Her angelic face was tilted towards his ever so invitingly. She had fingers as cold as ice, but he paid little attention to it as he drew her onto the dance floor to join the numerous swaying bodies.

The lilting notes of the melody swirled around her as she followed Darien towards the dance floor. Serena felt as though she were in a trance, as thought this were all a dream, and when she woke up Darien wouldn't be looking at her with such tenderness. His arms opened wide for her, and she merely stared and gulped.

"Dance with me." He said huskily.

Without hesitating, she stepped into his arms, and reveled in the feel of him holding her.

"This is a waltz." She could hear the laughter in his voice and she blushed. She hastily stepped away from him and withdrew her arms from around his shoulders.

"Oh." Her gaze was to the floor, but he did not miss the tell-tale hue in her cheeks.

Darien deliberately let one arm trail against her midriff until finally it firmly gripped her about the waist. His other hand clasped her hand in his, drawing her against the solid strength of his lithe body. Suddenly they began to whirl around and around, and Serena couldn't help but become increasingly aware of the man who lead her with the relax grace of one who had danced the waltz a thousand times before.

"Have you been enjoying yourself tonight?" Darien asked.

"It's barely been a half hour," she retorted.

Darien returned dryly, "I think you've been enjoying yourself immensely. You've got every boy in here panting after you."

Unsure whether or not she should be angered or pleased with his remark, Serena decided it was best not to answer.

He let it alone for a minute, concentrating on the music, but then he pried, "Well?"

It was easy to see the confusion in her eyes when she lifted them to stare up into his, and so he explained, "What do you have to say about all those boys watching you?"

Torn between laughter and shock at his surly tone, Serena replied with a playful smile, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Darien studied her expression for a good long moment and then chuckled, "The hell you don't." He gave her butt a gentle slap, and she jumped at the touch.

Serena should have known she was dancing with a rogue. "I hardly believe that when the Europeans created this dance, they intended for the men to grab their partners' ass."

He choked back a laugh and coughed to hide his amusement, "You think so?" He queried, his hand slipping ever lower down her waist, "I think that only the timid men held their partners by the waist…" he let his sentence trail meaningfully, as he cupped her rear. "The real men are a little bit more…bold," he gave her a satisfied smirk when he heard her gasp, "If you know what I mean." Leisurely he brought his hand back up to her waist.

Shocked at hearing the distinctly sexual meaning of his remark, Serena burst into peals of laughter. No longer self-conscious, she lifted her gaze to Darien's. "And what about you?" Serena teased lightly, trying not to notice how his legs felt against hers, or how solid his arm was beneath her hand, or how much his deep voice affected her.

"I'm talking about all your admirers," she explained when he did not reply.

"What admirers?" Serena didn't fall for his act of innocence.

"You've got to be blind if you don't see how your fan club is glaring at me right now." Darien laughed out loud as she tilted her head almost haphazardly in the direction of a group of girls.

"All I see is you," he murmured, not even bothering to look in the direction she indicated. Serena's heart nearly stopped; she could feel herself being pulled into the warm glow of his eyes. And for the first time in a long time, she was scared.

She was scared of the inexplicable attraction between herself and the dynamic man that held her so intimately. For once in her life, she couldn't control her actions, her words, or her thoughts. They all seemed to dissipate whenever he was near.

Serena sought desperate refuge in humor. "Yeah, well, right now your fan club is probably seeing me in my grave."

His lips quirked into a half-smile. "Jealous?"

"Hardly," She scoffed.

Darien's eyes darkened, "Well I was certainly jealous."

Startled, Serena's eyes flew to his. "Don't look so stunned, princess," he teased, a lazy white smile transforming his features, and softening the mocking tone in his voice. "You're gorgeous."

Reminding herself that she was to set aside all of her jumbled emotions for the night; Serena didn't think a little flirting would hurt. In what she hoped to be a seductive smile, Serena quickly replied, "You're not so bad yourself, handsome."

He didn't know whether or not she was aware of the havoc her smile caused on his nerves. Was she conscious at all of her appeal to men? She couldn't possibly be that innocent, Darien thought darkly. It was either she knew and didn't care, or she simply was oblivious to all the lustful gazes she evoked; and Darien would rather believe that she just didn't give a damn.

"Say," Serena attempted at light banter, "How'd you learn to dance so well, Darien?"

Looking down at her radiant face, Darien replied, "I could ask the same of you."

"Really," Serena said earnestly, "How'd you learn to dance so well?"

"I can't avoid answering, huh?"

"Nope," laughter lit Serena's beguiling eyes.

Sighing Darien answered, "It's something you just can't learn moving around in this social circle. As a child, attending these dreary affairs week after week, I've danced with one and all."

"But waltzes are so…" Serena struggled to find the right word, "old fashion?"

Darien cocked a sardonic eyebrow at her words. "Nice," he grinned.

"Aw whatever," she raised her chin defiantly. "I didn't know that waltzes were still…danced—hey, hey, hey! Stop looking at me as though I'm stupid!"

His shoulder's shook with hilarity at her upturned, outraged face. Damn she was beautiful. "We dance the waltz, because it's tradition."

"Oh, so then how come you guys just don't make new traditions?" A thoughtful frown stretched across her forehead.

"Because that would break the old traditions," he replied matter-of-factly.

It was Serena's turn to laugh. He sounded so serious, so uptight, and so…elitist. She sobered at the thought. That was the problem. Darien was an elitist. Born to a kingdom of companies and servants at his beck and call; he was a privileged man.

"What about you?"

"Huh?" Serena blinked.

"How'd you learn to dance the waltz?" Darien's hand was gently caressed her hips, which was slowly driving Serena to distraction.

"To honestly tell you the truth," her bemused expression made Darien chuckle, "I don't know."

"It's just natural, is it? Is that your excuse? You were born with the talent; dancing the waltz is as innate to you as walking?"

Serena nodded, which only amused Darien more. "It's strange really. Now that I think about it, I've never danced the waltz in my life until this moment."

"You're kidding," Darien said a little too dramatically; making Serena think his remark was more on a sarcastic note than incredulous.

She shrugged, "You don't have to believe me."

Watching the indifferent look on her face, Darien mulled over the thought, and then nodded. "I believe you."

His unconditional trust made Serena's heart flutter. Was this man real or what? She couldn't pull her gaze away from him. His charcoal black suit fit his tall, splendid frame to perfection, hugging his broad shoulders and narrow hips and outlining his long legs. It was becoming harder to ignore his wandering hand as it slowly drifted over the bare skin of her back; his touch sent shivers up her spine. And she was exhilarated, standing on tenterhooks, waiting for him to touch her somewhere else, to be bolder. But Serena knew he couldn't possibly be aware of his actions; she'd settle for anything just so long as he held her in his arms.

Darien knew exactly what he was doing, and he was already thinking of doing so much more. He watched the way the faint light above the dance floor changed her eyes into iridescent sapphires, and the way her hair shimmered like molten gold. Full lips were parted towards him, practically beseeching him to kiss them. And it didn't help that her skin was so silky under his fingertips.

When the music stopped, he reluctantly let go. "Until later," he said abruptly, managing to conceal his displeasure, before turning on his heels and marching away.

With blank eyes and arched brows, Serena watched him go. He looked so unperturbed by the strange 'connection' they'd share during their dance. "How kind of you to leave me alone on the dance floor," Serena sighed; her hand flying to the base of her throat. After a moment she saw several men heading towards her, and then fled towards Lita, Amy, and Rei.

Amy, Lita, and Rei watched in stunned disbelief at the sight Darien and Serena made. If one didn't know any better, they'd think the two were couples. Looking deep into her partner's eyes, a faint smile curved Serena's lips. Darien held her close against his lean form, which was not at all proper for a waltz.

Knowing looks were shared among the girls, before they broke into giggles. It was easy to tell that their two friends were becoming increasingly attracted to one another. And they were pleased by the fact.

Wiping the tears that came to her eyes, Rei chortled, "Is his hand on her—"

"Yes, it is," Lita immediately replied, still shaking with amusement.

"Oh boy," Amy said haggardly, "If he keeps his hand there any longer—"

"She'll be mistaken as his lover."

Three female heads whirled around in alarm at the casual voice.

James flashed them a roguish grin, "Hello ladies."

Rei beamed. "His lover?" She arched a skeptical eyebrow at him.

Shaking his head, James quietly told her he wasn't going to collaborate, "Darien would kill me."

"Why's that?" Amy smiled.

"He doesn't like people trying to analyze his actions," Rei answered wryly.

Chuckling, Lita tilt her head to the side, "I'm guessing he doesn't like psychiatrists then?"

"Nope." Rei combed a hand through her silky bangs.

"Don't tell me you've been spying on your brother all this time, Rei," James drawled playfully. He leant down and brushed his lips against her cheek.

"Yep," rolling her eyes, Rei pushed his head away. "Where are the rest of the guys?"

Pretending to look hurt, James pulled his bottom lip over his top in a pout. "Fine, fine," he mumbled dejectedly, "I know when I'm not wanted."

Laughingly, Rei took his hand in hers. James watched her fascinatingly as she dipped her head to lightly kiss the knuckles of his hand. When she heard his sharp intake of breath, she smirked.

James growled, "Minx." Feeling his dark gaze rove over the contours of her face, Rei let go of his hand.

Glancing at him through her long eyelashes, she whispered, "I'm your minx."

In a roundabout change of disposition, a harsh glint lit James eyes. "No," he said in a lethal, low tone, "You are not."

The raven-haired beauty was not at all put off, she simply became more unrelenting. "Why can't you just accept that—"

"Rei, don't you understand?" Throwing up his hands to show his frustration, James glowered at her. "We can't be together!"

"Why not?" She shot back. No longer was she trying to be sweet; she was just as loud and just as irritated as he.

"Because," He yelled.

"Because of Darien?" Rei accused, "Because your best friend is my brother, is that it?"

"No, it's not," He sighed.

"The hell it isn't!" Rei objected, crossing her hands over her chest defensively.

"Excuse me," Lita interrupted, "You guys are causing a scene."

"So what!" Rei and James turned to shout at her simultaneously.

Recoiling from the blast of their set down, Lita stood back with Amy to watch the two argue. It was easy to see that both of them were crazy for each other. It seemed that Rei was hell bent upon snaring the man, while James was hell bent upon keeping their relationship platonic. Lita couldn't help but wonder why.

Amy knew exactly what was going on. James' family was greatly in debt to Darien's. If she had her story down correctly, it was common knowledge that the Hikawa family had mortgaged everything they owned just to sustain their way of life. The business was crashing, their investments failing, and their money was falling quickly through their pockets. Fortunately for them, Chiba Minoru, Darien's father, stepped in and gave them financial aid, and helped to re-build their industries and make new investments in the stock market.

James couldn't have been older than five at the time. But by the scene that she was witnessing now, Amy knew that he would never forget the good deed the Chiba family had performed for his father. He thought he was unworthy of Rei, and would never think to upset Mr. Chiba. Amy was sure she had guessed his emotions.

"Rei, you don't understand," James said calmly, clasping her shoulders, "You're like a sister to me."

"Don't you dare say that!" Rei raged, trying to shake off his hold, "You know it's not true! James, who gives a fuck about what Darien would think?"

The blond breathed a heavy sigh, "You are so damned stubborn, you know that?"

Terribly ashamed by his rejection, Rei did the only thing she could think of at the moment to make him see just how much she loved him.

She kissed him.

The force of her body flung against his, nearly sent James tumbling back, but he caught her about the waist to settle them. He tried prying her hands from around his neck, but after a moment, he lost himself completely in the kiss. Where the hell did she learn to kiss like this? He thought to himself just before he succumbed completely to his desire.

"They sure are lucky they aren't allowing the press in until Mina gives her birthday speech," Amy said with dismay at Rei and James.

"Why?" Lita asked, taking a sip from her glass of champagne.

"For one thing," Amy turned to reply, "If pictures of this are leaked out into the papers in the morning. A scandal is unpreventable."

Feeling slightly embarrassed by her ineptitude at drawing such a simple conclusion, Lita gave Amy a thankful smile. "Oh," she said lamely.

"Don't tell me that you didn't like that," Rei said gruffly as she resurfaced from the kiss.

James grabbed hold of her shoulders once more and shook her, "Of course I liked it!" He shouted in vexation, "If a random girl walked up to me on the street and kissed me like how you just did, I would have found it just as arousing!"

Rei glared at him, "Fine, if that's the way you want it then—then fine!" She stammered on her words as she pushed passed him and disappeared into the crowd.

"You shouldn't have said that," Amy stated softly.

As though he had forgotten their presence, James whipped around and stared at Amy and Lita wildly. "I'm sorry you ladies had to see that," He said politely when he had gotten over his surprised. He stood up to his full height and squared his shoulders and prepared to leave them when he saw Serena walking towards him.

"Hey," Serena smiled. She raised her hand in a wave, her cheery disposition was infectious. James couldn't help but return her bright greeting, "You're looking lovely tonight, Serena."

"You absolutely won't believe how many people have told me that tonight, James. Can't you be a little more…original?" James laughed at her expression; one twitching eyebrow arched high onto her forehead.

"Actually," he replied, "I'd believe it."

"Thank you," she replied, standing before him. "You look breath-taking tonight."

"You're out to steal all of our hearts aren't you?" James groaned; but the light in his eyes contradicted his 'terrified' outburst.

"Oh no," Serena tried to sound horrified, "Just the Bachelor Six's. I'm going to rip out their hearts', and then stomp on them."

Her laughing reply wrung a smile on James lips, "You're beautiful, you know that?" He said seriously. "Inside and out."

Genuinely touched by his words Serena inclined her head, "You flatter me."

"No," he shook his head somberly, "I'm not even close to flattering you."

Uncertain of what to say, Serena hugged him instead. Wrapping her arms around him, she laid her head against his firm chest. She stifled laughter as she felt his arm hesitantly caress her back.

"Uh, Serena," he sounded a bit harassed, "You should get off me now."

Questioning eyes lifted up to his, "What?"

"Darien looks ready to kill me—no, don't turn your head," he told her as she tried to spot the man under discussion.

"Oh don't be ridiculous, James." Stepping out of his embraced, Serena placed her hands on her hips. "Darien and I—we—he—it—"

James chucked her under the chin; chuckling at her plight. "You've given me all the nouns and pronouns, do you mind giving me some adjectives to work with?"

Serena's shoulders shook with mirth, "Never mind."

"Oh, but I'm interested," He smiled, "Darien and you…?" He raised an inquisitive brow.

"We're just friends," she sighed.

From the look he gave her, she knew he didn't believe her, but he nodded brusquely before excusing himself and wandered into the crowd to find Rei.

"You two looked hot out there," was Lita's greeting as she spotted Serena.

"Me and James?" Serena sounded baffled at the thought.

"No silly," Lita smoothed a hand down her emerald dress, and then looked back up at Serena. "You and Darien."

"Oh, please," Serena said tiredly, "Drop the subject."

"Why?" Amy questioned.

"Because I've already discussed this with James and I'm in no mood to discuss it with you two." Her haughty tone was received with glares from her two friends.

"We're serious, Serena," Lita smiled, "You two have chemistry."

"We also have a friendship." Serena added.

"Yeah," Lita agreed quickly, "But you know what they say about friendships between guys and girls—"

"I know, I know," Serena interrupted, remembering James' vulgar phrase, "They can only be friends with benefits."

Lita and Amy laughed outright at Serena's forlorn tone. "That wasn't what I was going to say at all!" Lita managed to say between spasms of hilarity.

"Don't look so horrified, Serena," Amy soothed, fiddling with the spaghetti strap of her lovely ice-blue cocktail dress, "Lita was simply implying that friendships between males and females don't usually last for very long."

"Then I guess I'll just have to enjoy whatever it is that he and I share—if it is not friendship that we share—until we decide to part." Serena was huffing and it was apparent that she did not appreciate their prying.

"Oh Serena don't get all offensive now," Amy sighed, nervously wringing her hands. "We mean no harm, really."

"I know," Serena said in a weary voice, "I'm just tired and sick—sick of all the drama in my life. So, sorry, if I'm being a little…moody right now."

"Oh please," Lita rolled her eyes, "Moody is being a little too modest; you're being more of an ass."

Serena took no offense, Lita's tone was teasing, and she knew her friend meant well. "I need to use the restroom, guys," she said slowly dismissing herself.

"Go on ahead, unless, that is, you want us to come with you," Amy nodded.

Grateful Serena smiled, "No, that's okay, I'll be fine."

"Stupid bartender…I can't believe I'm actually paying that guy…this is awful…what am I gonna do?" Mina seethed. "Err…I should have hired at least two more guys to help."

"Oh Mina, do stop talking to yourself," her mother warned, coming up behind her.

Startled Mina stopped her mumbling before turning around to embrace Aino Takzuru. "Mom, thank you," she whispered against her mother's hair, "Thank you for this party!"

"You deserved it, darling," Takzuru cooed, patting her daughter's back. "Though you should have informed me upon the dress you were choosing to wear—that gown is entirely too—too revealing!"

Mina's head drooped at her mother's appalled tone. "You don't think I look decent in it?"

"No, I'm sorry, darling," her mother pushed her arms length to look upon her face, "I didn't mean to say that you looked indecent. In fact you look rather ravishing—I can tell by the way the young men look at you—but the gown is what I'm worried about. It's not…conservative."

Realizing that she had not entirely disappointed her mother, Mina returned to her cheerfulness, "Oh, Mom, this is all the rage in Paris."

"I sent you to Paris, Mina, to study, not to shop."

Crushed once again by her mother's cool set down, Mina sighed, "Yes, mother."

"Oh look there's Darien, doesn't he look just handsome tonight?" Mrs. Aino smiled as her gaze fell upon the young man.

"It's been a while since I've spoken to him. Come on, Mina, don't just stand there; reacquaint us."

"You already know him, Mom." Mina reminded with a shake of her head.

"Yes but it is a bit awkward after all this time, so you must come and break the ice. Hurry," her mother ordered as she began walking towards Darien.

"I am so telling Daddy that you have a thing for Darien," Mina teased as she caught up with her mother.

"Oh brother, do go ahead. It's what your father needs," Mrs. Aino laughed, "He has a big inflated ego and I fear that it is all my doing, you know, allowing him to believe he's so superior."

"You and Father," Mina said with another shake of her head, "Act like little kids. Must you two always try to spite one another?"

"Oh it's just a bit of teasing, darling," her mother raised her hand and flung her wrist back as if to dismiss their conversation. "I think he's spotted us." She said, referring to the dynamic young man standing just a few ways ahead of them.

"Darien, it's been a long time!" Mrs. Aino exclaimed, extending an elegant hand for him to take.

"Indeed, it has," Darien replied politely, taking the proffered hand and kissing it.

Takzuru beamed at his gesture, "How gentlemanly! I really need to see you a lot more, dear. How have you been? Oh and where are your parents' tonight?" She was absolutely thrilled at the sight of his charming smile.

"I'm doing quite well, thank you for asking, Takzuru," Darien replied courteously, as how he would answer any of the elder's here tonight. "And my parents', I'm afraid, left this morning on an urgent business trip. I am to give you their regard and relay their apologies."

A let-down expression marred Mrs. Aino's face for a moment, "That really is too bad. They've been so busy lately; maybe sometime when they are free you, Rei and both your parents can come over and have dinner with us."

"I'll look forward to that," Darien replied.

"As I told you, Mother," Mina said in a sing-song voice, "You did not need me here to 'break the ice'; you've already got him to accept a dinner invitation in less than two minutes."

"Do hush up, Mina," her mother gave her a warning look.

Darien watched with amusement at Takzuru's embarrassed tone. He always liked Mina's mother. There was a time—a long, long time ago, probably when he was a boy—when he had harbored the dream that his mother would someday treat him as Takzuru treated Mina; with love and affection, not just polite cordiality. But that thought had been squashed a long time ago too. His parent's were incapable of love.

Realizing that he was frowning with distaste at his thoughts, Darien composed himself once more. "And how are you doing?" He asked warmly to Mrs. Aino, who was still squabbling with Mina.

"Oh, I'm just fine, dear. As fine as any aging lady would be. You know, as I looked into the mirror just a few hours ago, before the guests had arrived, I almost couldn't recognize myself. I am becoming excruciatingly old!"

Darien chuckled lightly at the dire note in her voice, "Surely not! You look just as beautiful as Mina."

Takzuru smiled at him; her whole face glowing. "If you think to flatter me, well…it's working young man!"

"He's only being polite," Mina rudely remarked.

"Beauty definitely runs in the family," Darien contradicted.

"You're too charming, you know that?" Mrs. Aino sighed. "There's your father, Mina," she said as she spotted her husband waving to her. "It appears as though he wants me to go over there—darn it, I dislike Tanaka."

She waited a while, continuing to watch as her husband, Hiroshi, fiercely beckoned her to come join him. "You two dance," she prodded, taking her gaze away from Hiroshi, "I'll watch for a while before I join Hiroshi."

"May I have this dance?" Darien asked formally, complying with Takzuru's wishes.

Mina laughed at him, "You sound haughty."

"Is that a yes or a no?" He questioned.

She extended her hand; her eyes gleaming with delight. "That is most definitely a yes."

"As I thought," Darien replied, with a devilish smile, taking her hands in his.

"Have fun out there," Mrs. Aino called after them.

Serena knew exactly where the restroom was. She had been inside the Aino's mansion countless times before, however, tonight she found herself blundering down the wrong hallways and passing through the wrong rooms. Her mind seemed to be somewhere else…and on a particular someone. It was sheer luck that she actually managed to find it, and find it vacant too.

When she emerged from the room, the hallway, which had been brightly lit, was cast in shadows. Surprised, Serena walked cautiously in the dim lighting, supporting herself against the cold wall. An eerie sensation raised the hairs at the back of her neck, a warning for her to be on her guard.

Growing up on the streets taught Serena knew a few things or two about survival, if it did not teach her a thing about etiquette and propriety. And right now, one of her survival instincts was definitely flashing. Her stomach twisted as she tried to peer through the darkness. There was nothing unexpected waiting for her, yet her gut feeling told her otherwise.

Serena came to an abrupt stop as she heard a door from behind her slowly open; the hinges creaked loud enough to wake a sleeping man. Her body tensed, waiting to hear who was behind her.

"Oh, it's you," a sultry female voice called to her. "I've been waiting to speak with you all night, Serena."

With clenched fists, and a strained smile on her face, Serena turned to face the woman. How odd that she just happened to find Serena in an abandoned, darkened hallway. It was funny though that the lady knew her well enough to use Serena's first name, yet Serena could not match her voice to a face.

"Oh really?" She only replied amusedly as she tried to make out the face of the woman standing in the doorway.

"Yes," Serena noticed the way the woman raised her hand to perch on her hips. The voice was now edgy, as though she were trying to suppress her real emotions.

"Can I speak to you in private, please?" Her hand clenched convulsively on her hip, Serena noticed, and found that action a contradiction to her inviting tone.

"Uh, sure," Serena answered awkwardly.

She was utterly confused by her request. That much, Reizei knew. The golden 'princess' was watching her with wary eyes and with a stiff back. Reizei smiled as sweetly as she could manage. What she really felt like doing was to gloat to the innocent female looking curiously at her. In a few minutes, she'd have the silly girl come falling back to cold harsh reality, and she'd be able to force her to do anything she wanted.

"In here," Reizei beckoned, backing into the doorway.

The library was located in the center of the second floor. Four high-backed chairs were angled in front of a long mahogany desk. Serena sat down in one, with her hands clasped together in her lap, trying to look composed as she waited for the lady to turn on the lights. She flashed a serene smile at the figure standing in front of the now closed door.

When the lights flickered on, Serena sprang to her feet in outrage. Reizei stood tall with a sinister grin on her face, her hands plastered behind her against the door, blocking Serena's escape. Registering the harsh glint in the red-head's eyes, Serena knew she was up to no good.

"Sit down; this'll only take a minute." Serena flinched at how unusually pleasant Reizei sounded.

"What do you want?" Taking up her previous disposition, Serena tried to look unaffected. She expected her captor to sit down, but when she didn't, Serena gave her an expectant look.

"You didn't listen to me, Serena," Reizei cooed.

"About what?"

"Don't act like you don't know!"

"Why don't you fill me in?" Serena smiled, enjoying the other female's frustration. If she didn't think Reizei was psychotic before, well now she did.

"I warned you to stay away from Darien," she hissed her answer. "But you didn't listen to me. No siree; you ignored me." A derisive laugh escaped the red-head's lips as she stumbled forward away from the door. "You should have left him alone; he's mine."

"I'm sorry," Serena replied, her smile widening. She truly was amused with this eccentric woman. "Are you two married?"

"No," Reizei quickly snapped, "Don't look so innocent; you know we aren't!" She paused to catch her breath. Her chest was heaving after her outburst, more from outrage rather than exertion. When she recovered, her same sly smile twisted her thin red lips, "But we will be."

When Serena showed no reaction, she continued, "We've slept together. He used to come to my bed almost every week. Do you get my meaning?"

Serena paled at that, and she became mad at herself when she saw Reizei's satisfied smirk. Stupid, stupid, stupid, Serena berated herself. What was she to care? Darien was a man. And all men, she gulped, enjoyed exploring their sexual desires with numerous women. But still, she argued to herself, why did it have to be Reizei?

With concealed hate, Serena lifted her sapphire eyes to gaze coldly into amber almonds. Serena couldn't possibly despise a woman more than she did now. And she knew it was all because a spoiled, immoral rich girl such as Reizei was able to attract Darien while she, Serena, was simply his friend. She was the girl who he simply liked to talk with, she added bitterly. For once in her life, she just wanted him to notice that she was also a female. Was he so blind to beauty?

She knew exactly what appealed to Darien about Reizei. Luxuriant red curls tumbled down from a head with nice high cheek bones with an elegantly angled jaw. Stormy amber eyes were framed in long dark lashes, which added to the allure of her pretty face. But it just wasn't that, Serena knew. The female who stood before her, was tall and slender, sophisticated and older; which in translation really meant: she was an uptown girl. Chic, sexy, and rich.

Serena felt as though she had hit rock bottom. She knew she wasn't sexy, well, not in the way Reizei was. And she wasn't at all sophisticated. Knowing all this, she couldn't help but feel bitter.

"Oh yes," Serena answered, "You're his whore."

Reizei gasped. She folded her hands over her chest and glared down at her prey. "I'm going to marry him."

"No," Serena answered calmly, "I don't think you are. Is that all you wanted to say to me? Because if it is, you're wasting my time."

"You still don't understand, do you? You're either stupid or a real bitch! I'm warning you! If you get in my way, I'm going to ruin you!"

At that announcement, Serena cocked a brow, "And how are you going to ruin me? Are you going to steal the tires off my back now, rather than slash them?"

Serena looked to be totally unaffected by the discussion. She actually smiled up at Reizei welcomingly, waiting for an answer.

One look at the blonde bitch, and Reizei was incensed! She could not believe Serena was actually looking at her with laughing eyes, deliberately taunting her. Oh yes, she would really enjoy shattering her world now. Flipping her hair over her shoulder, Reizei fought the urge to start laughing.

It was time to bring her back to reality.

"That's an idea," Reizei sarcastically bit out. "But probably not as affective as what I've already got in mind."

"Elaborate, please," Serena crossed her legs and leant back in her chair.

An evil smile twisted Reizei's lips at Serena's body language. She was impatient, the red-head noticed. If only she knew what she was going to find out, Reizei thought gaily. Her blood raced at the wait; anticipating the attack was so much fun…so very exhilarating. Her quarry was sitting unaware, completely self-assured that anything she had to say to her would be no big deal. How very naive.

And then, Reizei did laugh. She was such a genius, she amazed herself!

Serena cringed at the sound of her high-pitched laughter. It reminded her very much of the wicked queen's cackle in the American Disney movie "Snow White".

"How does it feel, Serena?" The way Reizei drawled out her name, sent shivers down her spine. She couldn't explain that strange reaction; she was not at all frightened of her foe.

"How does what feel?" Serena's tone was clipped with irritation. Propping her chin on one palm, Serena imitated Darien's infamous expression, looking lazy, and almost bored.

"How does it feel to be in love?"

That one simple question sent Serena into rigid alertness. "What did you say?" She asked in almost a shout. Her eyes were lowered menacingly as she scrutinized Reizei's face.

A stiff laugh emitted from her captor's lips, "Finally," she strode passed Serena to stand beside the hearth at the end of the room. The floorboards creaked under her feet, increasing the tension that was building between the two females. "I've got your attention."

Her nerves were acting up again, Serena grimaced inwardly. She did not need this, she told herself. Reizei had moved from the door, she could easily escape, her mind screamed at her. But at the same time, she knew she had to stay here to find out what Reizei knew. She couldn't possibly know. Serena shook her head; no one knew that she had fallen in love with Darien; no one.

"You've not yet answered my question."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Serena replied defiantly, her gaze never leaving the other woman.

One side of Reizei's lips twisted upward in a sardonic grin. "Do you really insist upon playing the innocent?" When silenced only answered her, she continued, "Oh fine, if you insist."

Serena watched the purple silk of Reizei's dress sway as she moved towards a wide window besides the hearth. With fingertips gliding over the glass, another smile, a satisfied, arrogant smile this time, contorted Reizei's face as she watched the party down below.

"I know you're in love with Darien."

"I am not." That quick reply received a knowing look from Reizei. The glance was only fleeting as she switched her gaze back towards the guests down below.

"You can deny it all you want, but I know you do."

"If you plan to tell lies—" Serena began but was immediately interrupted.

"Don't be stupid," Reizei flung her head back and snarled amusedly at a joke that was only known to her. "I have bigger and better plans than that!"

Serena stood now. She decided she really didn't need to stay here and be made to look a fool. Reizei was only trying to bluff, yes, that was it. The ambitious whore really didn't know anything about how she felt about Darien. With those final thoughts, Serena strode to the door. But just as her hands clasped around the knob, Reizei said something she least expected.

"Did you know that Darien and Mina was once a couple?"

Pivoting around, with hair flying, cheeks aflame, and eyes ablaze Serena answered, "Yes, I did know!"

"And yet you've still fallen in love with your best friends ex?"

"So what!" As soon as the words left her mouth, Serena immediately regretted saying them. Reizei was looking at her with new found enthusiasm.

"So you admit it," She laughed. "Don't you turn that door knob!"

"I can do anything I want!" Serena shot back, flinging the door open wide.

"Wait—" Reizei's eyes were wide with fear. Her plans were about to be ruined. "At least come here. Come look at this."

"Why should I?" Serena glared, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Because I think you'll find this interesting."

Wanting to prove to Reizei that there was nothing that she could possibly find interesting looking out over the party, Serena strode forward towards her. "What?" She spat.

Reizei pointed down at a couple. "Right there," she directed, "Right in the middle of the dance floor."

Serena almost smiled at the striking couple the dance partners made. They looked like they belonged in each other's arms the way they were gazing into each other's eyes. "Yeah, so?" She demanded, after watching the blonde woman and the dark-haired man for a while.

"Take a good look," Reizei coaxed.

She turned to watch the pair again. This time, taking considerable notice of the beauty of the blonde, with her golden curls flowing down her back, and noticing the strong build of the man. He was dangerously good-looking, she noted quietly to herself. The two looked very happy to be in each other's company, and for a minute, Serena just watched them with a silly grin.

Then the man shifted sides, and Serena gasped. Darien's intense blue eyes did not go unregistered by her, and her heart constricted. The striking couple was, she realized, none other than Mina and Darien.

"Ah, now you get it," Reizei chided from beside her. "Don't you see? Darien and Mina are still very much in love."

"That is no concern of mine," Serena stuttered, her complexion turning white.

Reizei cackled, "The hell it doesn't."

In silence, Serena stared dumbfounded at the scene before her. Everything she was witnessing confirmed Reizei's statement. Darien and Mina were in love. She felt like crying at that knowledge.

"What kind of a friend are you, Serena; trying to steal your friend's boyfriend?"

"No!" Serena shouted, turning to look Reizei in the eyes. "That's not it!"

"Stupid, girl," she smiled, "what would you call it, then? Oh, wait—" Reizei's eyes gleamed with glee, "He isn't her boyfriend anymore, now is he? What was your plan, Serena? To befriend Mina so you can snatch up her love?"

"Shut up," Serena shook her head vehemently, and backed away from the window, "You don't know anything."

"Don't I?" Reizei watched the blonde tremble. "That's what it looks like to me."

"I don't have to listen to this!"

"You better stay away from Darien, Serena," Reizei mocked, stalking her towards the door. "If not to let me have him, then do it for Mina. You're her friend, aren't you?"

Reizei never got her answer.

Tears streamed down Serena's pale cheeks; and as she awkwardly ran down the dark corridors, she furiously swiped them away. She should have known better. She should have known not to ever get involved with Darien. If she had never befriended him, she would have not fallen so hopelessly in love. And the worst part of it all was that it was her own damn fault.

Her mind flashed images of them at his family's beach months ago, when they had become friends. Serena let out a choked sob as she recalled Darien's smiling face as he had proposed his 'truce', and the way he had laughed so joyously with her as they ran around the sandy shoreline kicking up water at one another.

That night, as they had sat before a roaring fire in the beach house, he had quite coldly stated, "Love is like a fire." She thought of the way she had replied, rejecting his idea, but now she knew better. Love really did burn. At the time she had been intrigued with his philosophy. It had made her curious to find out more about him, to learn about what made him such a cynic. She had been drawn to him like a moth to a light; foolishly deciding that she wanted to be the one to draw him out of his many masks and to expose him for the great man that he was. However, in the end, after all of her prying and prodding, she was the only one who found herself in love.

When she saw light at the end of the hall, Serena stopped her running. Taking calm breaths, as she had coached herself to do for most of the night, she tried to regain some semblance of her earlier light-hearted attitude. Coming to the doors leading out onto the stairs leading down into the courtyard, Serena looked out at the merry guests, talking, laughing, and having a blast, and she knew that she could not bear being here for another moment.

The poignant memory of Darien's hands clasping over hers as they 'agreed' to be friends, startled a hiccup from Serena. Stumbling forward, she drew her delicate fingers to close over her mouth as she gripped the railing with the other. Though it was nothing but a handshake, her mind had captured that moment as though it was a door opening to a new beginning; the beginning of something special and beautiful.

Shakily, she let a hand fall to her side to grab hold of the long train of her dress as she descended down the stairs. She desperately hoped the tell-tale signs that she had been crying, the red nose and cheeks and puffy, swollen eyes, were not visible. Smoothing her other hand down the front of the silky material, she released a sigh of part agony and part despair.

The truth really did hit her hard. But she was thankful for Reizei. Yes, though the red-head had wanted her to feel shattered, Serena was actually relieved that someone had finally brought her back to reality; all right, even unintentionally. Walking on cloud nine had been fun, she had her drinks, had her laughs, and now, it was time to say good-bye. She couldn't, and wouldn't, handle anymore of this rollercoaster ride she had been forced to ride on. Her sanity was at stake.

Several men tried to waylay her, one from a boy-band by the name of Ninja, and the other, she recognize, a renowned actor in Japan, but she dodged them by cutting through the dance floor, where dozens of teenagers had gathered to bump-and-grind to more modern numbers rather than a waltz. As the crowd thinned, she headed straight towards Lita, Amy and Rei, who were standing exactly where she had left them.

Amy's eyes widened when she saw Serena approaching, "Where have you been, Serena? You've been gone for over an hour!" Concern was written all over Amy's face as she rushed forward to greet her friend.

"Uh…I needed to take a shit?" Serena felt awful to lie to her. It was apparent that the blue-haired socialite had been beside herself with worry.

"That explains a lot," Rei laughed, coming up behind Amy. Yep, works every time, Serena noted to herself.

"Oh dear," Amy touched the back of her hand onto Serena's forehead, "You are a trifle warm, Serena. You must have gotten a bit of food poisoning."

"I though food poisoning upsets the stomach?" Lita queried, touching her hand onto Serena's forehead after Amy pulled hers away.

"An increase in temperature can also be a side-affect," Amy stated matter-of-factly, shaking her head with dismay, "And this caterer is highly acclaimed for their superb—"

"Oh Amy," Serena broke in. Her voice trembled: she couldn't tell them that the reason why her face was heated was because she had just been crying. "I haven't had a single bite of their food; I doubt its food poisoning. I'm probably just coming down with something," she lied. "I was running in the rain a few days ago, and so I might have caught a cold."

Amy clucked her tongue with disapproval. "You should take better care of yourself."

"Yeah, Serena," Rei added lightly, "next time you should ride your bike in the rain."

"Hey, that's not funny," Lita slapped Rei over the head gently, "She could get seriously ill, you know?"

"Can't anyone take a joke?" Rei sighed in exasperation.

Unable to feel self-pity any longer, Serena's shoulders shook with mirth at the hilarity of the situation. "I can take a joke, Rei," She answered with a sparkle in her eyes.

"Well that's one out of three," Rei said wryly.

"Hey, you guys?" Serena asked after a moment of silence.

"Yeah?"

"I think I'm gonna go home; I don't feel so good."

"But you just got here two hours ago," Rei protested.

"Rei," Amy scolded, "Can't you seek she's sick? Look, her cheeks are all red and her eyes are all swollen. She needs her rest."

Serena blushed at Amy's observations. Oh no, she inwardly cringed in humiliation. All this time she had thought she looked collected, and wholesomely, when in truth she looked like a sick puppy.

"Yeah, she's right Rei," Lita added.

"Whatever," Rei rolled her eyes, but Serena knew that that action only hid her disappointment. Rei was like that. She liked to show the opposite of how she really felt. If she was feeling vulnerable, she'll act moody. And if she was feeling sad or depressed, she'd hide her true feelings by acting tough or cheerful or sarcastic. Rei always bore some kind of emotion on her face, even if they weren't her true feelings…unlike her brother, who always managed to look aloof and distant.

"Have you guys seen Mina? I'm going to tell her I'm leaving," Serena asked.

"The last time I saw her…" Rei began, "…I think I saw her dragging Malcolm into the garden."

"Oh," Serena smiled. She was somewhat relieved that Mina was not with Darien, though it wasn't because she was jealous or anything. It wasn't that at all; in fact she couldn't be happier for the two of them. She was relieved because she wouldn't have to confront Darien again, and have to say bye to him. "Thanks, I'll go look for her."

"We'll go with you," Lita quickly volunteered.

"No," Serena said abruptly, turning her back on the three girls, "I'll go alone, but thanks."

"If that's what you want," Lita replied skeptically; watching her blonde friend with curious eyes.

"Yeah, it is," Serena affirmed, "I'll see you guys later then."

"What is it that you wanted to say to me?" Malcolm glanced down at the perky birthday girl who skipped alongside him.

Mina looked up with sparkling eyes; eyes, Malcolm thought, filled with mischief. "I've wanted to talk to you for a long time," she started slowly, her gaze never wavering.

"What are you talking about?" Malcolm asked in an exasperated tone, "We've been talking to each other ever since you came back."

Rolling her honey-colored eyes, Mina replied, "That's not what I meant, dummy, and you know it."

A silence fell over them as they continued to walk, following the path that the three feet hedges of the miniature maze, carved out for them. All around them, beautiful flowers were in bloom. Pink ones, red ones, white, ones swayed on their branches as a gentle breezed teased them. The party was taking place about a hundred meters away from them, and so they were pretty much in seclusion, though still in plain sight.

Looking up at the starless black sky, Mina sighed. She didn't know how to get through to this man. The setting was perfect; quiet and romantic. The brick path was lit by torch light, adding to the magical feel of the moment with the soft glow of fire and elegant shadows. And yet Malcolm seemed completely oblivious to her efforts to make him see how much she liked him.

"We've reached the center," the gruffness of his voice jarred Mina from her thoughts. Indeed, he was right. They were standing before an extravagant white gazebo with sheer white cloth draped over the sides and cream colored roses weaved through the wood.

"Come sit," She invited, feeling uneasy now.

Malcolm did as she suggested and cocked an eyebrow at her when she continued to stand outside of the gazebo with her head bent down as in deep concentration. She was beautiful tonight, like she always was. He was not blind enough not to have noticed. With the gentle breeze playing with her soft curls and skirts, she looked vulnerable.

He liked her. He had known that for quite some time now, but he knew he couldn't have her. Well, at least not yet. Darien was his best friend, and it was apparent to him that the man still harbored some sort of affection for his ex, and so, he decided he wouldn't interfere until Darien was ready to let go entirely.

It was hard trying to ignore all of Mina's advances over the several months as well. She was damned persistent trying to get her way, and he almost gave in to temptation, but he too knew how to persevere, and that was the only reason why he had not caved in to her charms yet.

"Malcolm." He liked the way she whispered his name.

"Yes?"

"I've been trying to tell this to you for weeks, but—" she hesitated, and frowned, and then she glared at him, "But you're such a stupid, arrogant, self-centered, man—"

"I think you've been hanging around Serena too much," Malcolm smiled. "You're starting to sound like her—"

"Malcolm, please," she said with frustration. "Don't tease me right now."

"Why not?" He asked.

"Because I'm not in the mood," she snapped.

Malcolm flinched at the fire in her eyes, "No need to get your panties in a bunch."

"Malcolm!"

"Okay, okay, I got it. No teasing," Malcolm was quick to appease. His hands were drawn up in a conciliatory gesture."

Mina sighed, "You've got me sounding like a cranky old lady."

A couple of barbs came to mind, but Malcolm refrained and managed to stay quiet.

"Okay," she began again, "What I've been trying to tell you is that—"

"You like me."

"Excuse me?" Mina's eyes were wide.

Malcolm shook his head, "You heard me."

"You knew?" She asked breathlessly, bounding up the steps into the gazebo.

"Yeah," He shrugged indifferently, "I knew."

"And you let me make a fool of myself trying to get your attention all these weeks?" Her voice was shrill.

If looks could kill, Malcolm thought some what amused, he was sure he'd be flat on his back right now as cold as ice.

"I didn't make you look like anything," he said what he thought was reasonable, "You made yourself look like a fool."

"Oh I can't believe you!" She raged. Mina began pacing the floor before him, and Malcolm only watched with a silly grin.

"What can't you believe me?"

Mina stopped in her tracks to give him an icy stare, "What do you have to say for yourself?" She demanded.

"What?" Malcolm was confused.

"Do you like me too?" She bluntly shouted.

"Yeah."

Mina's heart skipped a beat. Did she really hear what she thought she heard? "Huh?"

Malcolm let her see his exasperation, "I said, yeah, I do like you."

"You're serious, right?" Mina hurriedly made to sit next to him. "You're not yanking my chain or anything?"

"Did you not just hear what I said?" Malcolm groaned.

"I knew it!" She shouted with glee, throwing her hands around his neck. Malcolm nearly chocked at the gesture.

"Mina, let go," he managed in between quick breaths.

A pinkish hue rose in her cheeks as she let go of him. "Sorry," she apologized looking sheepish.

Laying a hand on his thigh, Mina moved in closer, "I knew you liked me too," she said seductively, her lips moving to his ear, but he pulled away before she could follow through with her plan to kiss him there.

"Mina we can't be together," he stood up. "Well at least not yet," he added awkwardly, massaging the side of his neck.

"What?" Mina asked dumbfounded.

"Think about it, Mina," Malcolm rationalized, "If we get together, just a few months after you broke up with Darien, everyone will think you jilted him for me—I know, I know," he interrupted her as she opened her mouth to protest, "It's not like that at all, but if we're seen together in public, that's what the stories in the magazines are going to say."

"I don't give a damn about what anybody thinks of us," Mina pouted obstinately.

"Yeah, well think about how Darien may feel!" Malcolm shot back.

Mina blinked, "What do you mean? What about Darien?"

Malcolm blanched. Uh oh, he said to himself, big mistake. Mina would not understand. She'd blow up if she found out the actual reason why he was delaying their relationship.

"Nothing," he tried to evade her eyes, "I just meant that Darien will be publicly humiliated by the gossip."

Mina's eyes slanted dangerously, "Darien doesn't care about gossip…and neither do you."

"Just drop it, Mina," Malcolm turned his back to her and pulled back the sides of his jacket to rest his hands on his hips.

"Malcolm, you better tell me right now or I'll…I'll…" She frowned at him when he chuckled at her, "I'll make a statement to the press. Better yet," she smiled maliciously, "I'll announce our relationship in my birthday speech!"

"You wouldn't dare," Malcolm turned around to face her again, his voice full of venom.

"I would," Mina answered him with a smirk. "Unless of course, you tell me what you were saying about Darien."

"This is beneath even you, Mina," Malcolm's shoulders slumped in defeat.

He stood there, watching her for a long time, thinking about the best way to break the truth to her.

"I'm waiting," she drew her legs up beneath her on the bench and looked up at him with expectant eyes.

"Darien still has…feelings for you—"

"That's funny, Malcolm," Mina was getting impatient, "You can stop teasing."

Malcolm looked into her eyes. She gulped. The intensity in their grey depths told her he was not playing around. "That's impossible," Mina persisted, "He told me himself that—that—"

"That he agreed that you both should separate?" Malcolm threw back his head and barked with laughter, "He only did that for your benefit, Mina."

Startled, Malcolm watched as Mina jumped to her feet and headed through the maze at a fast pace. "Where are you going?" He asked, bounding after her.

"Darien wouldn't lie to me!" She cried. "He wouldn't!"

"Yes, he would," Malcolm nodded emphatically, grabbing her wrist, "He would do anything to protect you."

"Stop it," Mina shouted, her eyes watering, "He wouldn't let me go on thinking that he was perfectly fine with our break up. He talks to me, damn it! He wouldn't be so cruel, so cruel to let me go on like this, unknowingly tormenting him!" She swung her arm out of his grasp.

"Where are you going?" Malcolm demanded, following close behind her.

"I'm going to talk to Darien!"

At her answer, Malcolm attempted to grab her again. "No, Mina," he said harshly, "Don't do that."

"And why not?" She evaded his grasp.

"Because Darien will only be more embarrassed!"

"I don't believe anything you said!" Mina picked up her skirts and ran.

Malcolm stopped and watched her go. "Fine," he yelled to her, "Don't believe me. You're only going to end up hurting him more!"

Darien was easy to spot. A head taller and a good deal handsomer than any man in the courtyard, Mina was able to pin point his exact location instantly. She was convinced everything Malcolm said were all lies. They couldn't be true. Darien and she had a mutual agreement! And she would not accept any chivalry on Darien's behalf.

Serena spotted Mina running from the gardens and sighed with relief. At least she didn't have to spend all night trying to locate the hostess. She quickened her pace, heading towards the Mina, who seemed to be running towards a crowd of men.

As she neared, Serena went over how she was going to persuade Mina to let her go home early, in her head. When she was satisfied with her plan, she placed her gaze upon Mina, who was now dragging a rather hassled looking man, away from a group of middle-aged men. A smile curved Serena's lips as she thought what offense the man had done to Mina to make her look as riled as she did now.

The man had his head bent and tilted to the side, and so Serena couldn't tell who he was, but he was facing her direction. She didn't really pay attention to him though; she had her gaze fixed on the blonde with her back turned towards her. Serena took wide strides, forcing a serene look upon her face as she came nearer to the two…and then, she tripped.

It really just wasn't her night. Her heel had caught onto the bumpy surface of the stone paved courtyard and had sent her catapulting forward with her arms stretched high above her head. She caught herself before she managed a full-on scream. Several men saw her and made hasty and ineffective attempts to catch her, but they only ended up hurting her more. With her fingers crunched between a shiny pair of black dress shoes and the hard cold floor, Serena flinched at the force in which she fell. The wind was completely knocked out of her.

"Are you okay?" The man, whom had been stepping on her hand, knelt down to pick her up off the floor."

"I'm…fine…" Serena gasped out in between sharp breaths of air. Pushing away from him, she continued to limp towards Mina. Completely mortified, she kept her eyes directed onto the ground as a trail of silence followed her.

"Is it true?" She heard Mina say. Serena kept her gaze focused anywhere but on her friend and stood a little ways behind her, not wanting to intrude upon her conversation. "Do you still love me?"

Calmness settled over the guests following Mina's question, but she was oblivious to them all except the dark man standing before her, looking bored.

Serena's head jerked up at Mina's question, and found herself looking into the mysterious eyes of Darien. She gulped at the light that twinkled in them, telling her he had witnessed her little accident. She stared back at him for a while, feeling heat rise up her neck, and then the full meaning of Mina's question dawned on her, and the growing tension in the crowd suddenly created a strained atmosphere in the once lively party. Serena broke eye contact and rapidly looked away once again.

"Mina," the sound of Malcolm's chilling voice could be heard from behind Darien.

"Shut up, Malcolm," Mina shouted, "I want to hear Darien's answer."

The guests moved in closer, all trying to hear the conversation.

Serena wanted to run. She didn't want to hear Darien's answer; she already knew Darien's answer. Bracing herself for Darien's words, Serena clenched her eyes shut. Oh Darien, she felt like crying, I love you. And her heart ached at the pain he must be feeling now, and the embarrassment of Mina's careless public scene. She longed to comfort him, to wrap her arms around him and lose herself in his kiss, and to tell him that everything would be all right.

"I love…" Darien began, his voice steady, "I love Serena."

Serena's eyes fluttered open at his announcement, barely registering what was happening before she found herself pressed against Darien's hard body. In an instant his mouth crushed hers in a fierce devouring kiss, and all she felt was the inexplicable heaven that settled in her mind. With gentle prodding he worked to coax her mouth open for the invasion of his tongue. She forgot herself in that one kiss.

Something in the back of Serena's mind snapped, and she became suddenly aware of her surroundings. Serena squirmed silently against him, trying to break his hold and to drag her mouth away from the fierce possession of his lips. An audible gasp filled the crowd before they started clapping at what seemed to be a passionate kiss between a very attractive lady and a very handsome man who had just professed his love.

Before anyone knew it, cameras began flashing as reporters filed out onto the courtyard for Mina's birthday speech. Mina wasn't at all ready to give her speech yet, she was still dreamily watching her two best friends French kiss one another, with a goofy smile on her lips. Amy and Lita and Rei had pushed their way through the crowd and were now standing with opened mouths at the heated scene before them.

The press was going to have a field day tomorrow, and surely every magazine cover will have a picture of Darien and Serena's hot embrace.

Slowly Darien's hands loosened his grip, and he lifted his head to stare down at wide bemused sapphire eyes. "Serena and I will be getting married." His statement did not go unnoticed by their audience.

Serena came crashing back to earth at Darien's statement. All around her she saw smiling faces, laughing, and cheering. Though the cameras had stopped flashing, reporters now had their notebooks out taking notes and jotting down quotations. Taking in all of this, Serena was ready to explode.

She slapped Darien instead.

And then she ran.

The headlights of cars blared and honked at her as she riskily darted across the street. The dam that she had built behind her eyes had taken its last blow, they have fallen, and now the tears that she had been trying to hold back, ran down her face like endless waterfalls. She was sobbing too; she could hear her cry out spasmodically and hiccupping violently and shame swept over her.

How could she let him kiss her like that, and in front of so many people? She could not believe his cruelty; he had used her! He had merely used her to save face, and now, it was going to be her reputation that would have to pay the consequences. How could she possibly have thought she could change a cold and cynical man like him?

Swiping at her tears, Serena ran blindly down the sidewalk, not even caring at the spectacle she caused…or the spectacle the dark-haired man running after her caused.

"Serena," Darien called. "I'm sorry!"

She was halfway across the intersection when she heard his voice. To his surprise, she immediately stopped, and turned around to face him. When he saw her tears, he was ready to kill himself. With angry and hurt eyes she glared at him. Serena looked as shattered as the terrible sobs she had been releasing all the way here indicated. This was all his fault, Darien knew, and he ached to make her feel better, and to make her understand his rash action.

"Stay away from me," she shouted to him. Her voice ragged with raw emotion.

"Serena, just let me explain—"

"No!" She shook her head violently, and swayed back and forth on her feet as though she were drunk. "I believed you!" She raised an accusatory finger at him, "I trusted you and—and how did you repay me? You kissed me; you lied and said you loved me!"

One would have to be blind if they did not see the agony that transformed Serena's lovely face, or the sorrow in her tortured blue eyes. Darien's heart constricted; a muscle moved spasmodically at the base of his throat as he tried to find his voice.

"Serena, just let me explain!"

It was too late; the blonde had already turned her back to him and had begun walking across the crosswalk again.

"Serena!" Darien yelled furiously, running after her.

"Serena—" A loud blast penetrated Darien's ears, making his head twist in its direction.

His heart nearly stopped. A cold sweat broke across his forehead, as his eyes widened in fear. "Serena, get out of the way!"

A large semi-truck was coming down the road headed straight for Serena, and did not appear at all to be slowing down. Darien's life flashed before his eyes as he watched Serena slowly turn to look at the truck.

He ran liked wind.

"Serena!"

"Will Dr. Tsuneyoshi please come to the front desk. Paging Dr. Tsuneyoshi…" The voice of the head nurse over the intercom wrung through the silent halls of the hospital, bouncing off walls in an echo. Darien's gaze darted towards the speaker up on the ceiling and wished he could rip it out so he could wallow in sorrow in silence.

For the last two hours he'd been sitting in the hall waiting for news on Serena's condition. He was beside himself with worry, and had taken up the action of pacing up and down the hall to pass time by. It was little help; his mind reeled at the thought of loosing her. He clenched his fists, feeling completely hopeless.

When they had arrived in the ambulance, he almost contemplated doing bodily damage onto one of the female nurses when she had informed him that Serena may have to wait a few hours or so until they could call the 'right' surgeon to work on her. Of course he should have been outraged, Serena was bleeding like no tomorrow, and they wanted to have her wait a few more hours! After a lot of intimidation and a lot of money, Darien was finally able to reason with them and have Serena carefully attended to.

And now, after two hours of waiting outside the surgery room, Darien's mind was going to snap.

"Are you the young man who brought Ms. Tsukino in?" Darien's head jerked up at the doctor's voice.

He grimly nodded, and then forced himself to sit up properly.

At Darien's confirmation, the man shook his head somberly at him, "I'm sorry," he whispered. His eyes had dark shadows around them, and he lifted his free dumb and index finger to massage the area between his eyes and nose. When his gaze came back to Darien's, he looked thoroughly exhausted.

"We've done all we could do for her. I give her a few hours maybe, but she won't last long."

---

End Notes: Some of you may think I'm evil right now...but even if you do, please review and tell me what you think!

And for those of you who may recognize that kissing scene...it's from Full House (The Korean Drama). In a way, it's completely different though.