Marriage of the Will

By Eternity Rose

E-mail: [email protected]

Rated: PG-13

Author's Notes: Thank you soooo much to all of those who had e-mailed me about my story. Like I said before, it means a lot to me that I'm really happy that you all gave your comments on my story. I would like to thank Nutty Mona, Catzzygurl, MrTurtle11486, Zelda20202, Ldy Bensai, and MoMsLitLeAngelBR for all of their great comments and encouraging advice. I just hope I didn't spell anyone's name wrong! Yikes...!

Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon.

Chapter 7

Serena tapped away at the keyboard as her mind flew with thoughts about this particular paper. She paused for a moment as she referred to some notes, then her fingers were off again.

"Mrs. Knight, here are the papers that you wanted," Susan Mickely said as she poked her head into Serena's office.

"Thanks, Susan, just dump them over there." Serena gestured vaguely at her desk, not looking up from her computer screen as she worked diligently.

She was half done with the paper when Darien came walking in with an envelope in his hand. He sat down on the edge of her desk and threw over to her. She smiled up at him but continued typing.

They had been working together for weeks now and made good business partners. All their ideas had went through the roof and Blackwood and Knight was making more money and investments than they had in years. It was a new and refreshing improvement for everyone and they all liked Serena Blackwood Knight. She was a nice young woman that didn't snap at anyone and was very patient.

Darien admired Serena's perseverance with intolerable workers but it was still hard for him to keep his temper when he had to deal with them. Serena would always be the one to save someone's hide and that sometimes annoyed Darien but only for a moment. Serena was a very good business partner anyways and he didn't want any bad relations with her. Even if she was his "wife".

"So, what's the envelope for?" Serena asked as she saved her work and turned her attention to a patiently waiting Darien.

"Open it and check it out," Darien suggested.

Serena looked at him for a moment before picking up the envelope and opening it up. She took out a card and read it.

"Looks like we're invited to a business function by the Walters Corporation," Serena said as she slid the card back inside. "Isn't that nice."

"Yes, and if we play it right we can have another business deal made," Darien said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I know what you mean. This is the golden opportunity," Serena agreed, smiling slyly. "But there's only one problem."

"What's that?"

"What do I wear?"

~*~

"So, you guys won't be back till late?" Raye asked as she stuffed a cookie into her mouth. She was helping Serena pick out the right dress and making a mess with her snacking.

"Yes, now can you stop throwing crumbs all over my carpet?" Serena asked as she pulled out a simple black evening gown and pressed it against her body in front of the full length mirror.

"I'll get the maid in here later," Raye promised as she munched noisily on another cookie.

"Do that. Does this look good on me?" Serena asked.

"I think your too attached to black. Wear this one." Raye picked out a dark wine colored dress that stopped mid-thigh and sparkled every time the person moves. A long burgundy scarf came with it.

"That looks nice," Serena agreed. She hung up the black dress and took the burgundy. She disappeared into the bathroom and changed into the burgundy dress. She came back out and sat down on the edge of her bed. She picked up some rolled up nylons and slipped them on, muttering the whole time about how she hated nylons and how they easily ripped. She then sat down in front of the vanity table and let loosed her odangos.

Raye stepped up behind her and began to tie the long locks of hair up into a fancy bun and weaved some lilies into her hair. Then they worked on Serena's make up. Light pink lipstick, some blush, some pink eye shadow and black mascara.

"There, you look wonderful. A real change from the first time I saw you," Raye remarked as she capped the mascara.

"I know. I looked like a pale poor girl," Serena laughed as she slid her small feet into a pair of wine colored heels and slipped the wine colored scarf around her bare snow white shoulders.

"Wonderful. Darien's going to be knocked down by your beauty. I haven't seen you so dressed up since your wedding day," Raye remarked.

"Come on, Raye. Darien doesn't care how I look," Serena sighed, exasperated. "You've got to realize that by now. We're only friends."

Raye snorted in amusement. Serena was so dense. Darien really liked her a lot but she was just too dense to see it. Think that they were only "business partners". It was quiet obvious half of the time Darien wanted just a little bit more.

But Raye wasn't going to push it until she found it totally necessary. Right now Darien only desired Serena, once he starts falling for her...now that was a different story.

Raye had learned to accept, then liked, then loved Serena as a sister over the weeks she spent with her. Serena had some strange innocence and light about her that was very appealing and no one could really resist loving.

"Look, I bet Darien is starting to get impatient down there. I'll see ya later." Serena then grabbed her small evening purse and left the room.

Raye shook her head and munched on another cookie. "Serena, when are you and Darien going to realize that you like each other?" She swallowed and sighed.

~*~

"You look wonderful," Darien said, smiling as they drove to the other side of town where the Walters Mansion was.

"Thanks. I'm pretty nervous about this dinner party," Serena said, looking over to Darien who was looking very handsome tonight. "You look good too."

"I try," Darien said with a arrogant smile.

Serena sighed and rolled her eyes. "I'm never going to get used to that arrogant air you carry around yourself."

"You've only known me for a few weeks, Serena. Give me some credit," Darien said, smiling quirkily.

"Sure," Serena said dryly.

"So, how are those business papers with Alon?" Darien asked, getting back to business.

"Doing good. I only have a few more pages to go and we can get it all settled by Thursday," Serena said.

"That's pretty good."

"How are you doing with the stocks?"

"Okay. We picked out some pretty good ones and the money is coming in."

"Perfect. Once time comes we can sell them for as much as we can."

"And the games begin over again."

"Business is exciting, really."

"It is. That's why I got into it in the first place."

Serena smiled and nodded. "I wanted to be business woman once. But then I started volunteering at a hospital and I found that I liked that much better."

"You didn't want to become a doctor?"

"You aim high, Darien," Serena said teasingly.

"Why not?" Darien asked cockily.

Serena rolled her eyes. "I didn't go for becoming a doctor because I don't get to have the fun of talking with people and getting to know them. Your only their doctor and you always bear bad news. I don't want that kind of responsibility. I only wanted to make people happy and comfortable."

"That's nice of you," Darien said as he made a turn.

"I guess. My father always said I had too big of a heart."

"I think he was right."

Serena shrugged. "The only drawback is that how can I be a mean son of--well, you know--and make as much money for the business as possible?"

"That's why you have me."

"Oh, my knight in shining armor," Serena drawled sarcastically.

"That's me."

"Ooh, your soo arrogant it makes my head hurt," Serena muttered.

Darien just chuckled and continued to drive.

They reached the mansion five minutes later. They drove up to the front door where a valet was waiting patiently as other guests began to file into the white mansion.

Darien got out, walked around the car and opened the door for Serena. She laughed lightly and placed her hand on his arm. He helped her out of the car and they headed for the entrance. Darien threw the keys over to the valet before they reached the steps.

"This place is nice," Serena murmured as they walked up the steps.

"He has a little bit of money," Darien sniffed.

"Please, Darien," Serena drawled. "Don't be like that just because someone has more square feet to their property."

"I'm not being anything," Darien denied.

Serena just smiled wryly and followed him in to the ballroom where the party was being held. There were many people there, standing around the dance floor, talking, some were eating. They all seemed to know each other very well and Serena suddenly felt very uncomfortable. She didn't know anyone since this was her first business party.

"I'll introduce you to some people," Darien offered.

"That would be nice," Serena agreed.

Darien smiled and led them over to two men who were having a cheery conversation between themselves. Serena put on a smile.

"Serena, this is Seiya Louren and Yaten Louren," Darien introduced. "Seiya, Yaten, this is my wife, Serena Blackwood Knight."

Seiya smiled at the beauty before him and shook her small hand which was as soft as silk.

"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Knight," Seiya said, smiling.

"Oh! Serena would be fine," she said, smiling as well.

Yaten wanted to gag, looking at the exchange between his brother and Serena. Seiya had no modesty at all, smiling flirtatiously in front of the woman's husband!

"Aren't you both Taiki's brother?" Serena asked.

"Yes," Yaten said, nodding.

"He's a very nice man," Serena said.

"He reads too much though," Yaten said dryly.

Serena laughed lightly.

Darien smiled at Serena who looked beautiful while she laughed.

"Come, Serena. There are other guests much more polite than these two men."

"Of course. We are a bad influence," Yaten agreed.

Seiya just smiled and bowed slightly.

Serena nodded at them and followed Darien as they approached another group of people.

This went on for a while until dinner was announced. They move on to the long dinner table and took their arranged seats which were next to Mr. Walters and his wife. Darien helped Serena into her seat and smiled at her. She looked very pretty tonight, there was even a bit of color in her white cheeks.

"You look very nice," Darien said as he sat down beside her.

"You already told me that," Serena said, smiling crookedly.

"It's the truth," Darien said, grinning.

"Well, thank you," Serena said as the food was being served.

For most of the dinner they spoke with the people around them and ate to their fullest content. All of them enjoying each other's company.

Darien was speaking with Mr. Walters about business while they ate and Serena listened attentively. He was a very witty man but also very intelligent. He and Darien spoke business in a very elegant and professional way. Serena hoped to be like that someday once she got used to business and how it all worked.

When dessert was over Seiya walked over to Serena, despite the protests of Yaten who was watching out for his foolish older brother, and asked for a dance as the music started up.

"I would be delighted!" Serena said, smiling. She took Seiya's hand and followed him over the dance floor. The music began to play an old classical and they danced easily to it.

"You a wonderful dancer, Serena," Seiya said as they whirled around.

"Thank you. Your not so bad yourself, Mr. Louren," Serena said, smiling.

"Please. Call me Seiya. If I can call you Serena I believe I should return the favor," Seiya said smoothly.

Serena smiled and nodded. And they continued to dance.

Darien felt a bit of jealousy as he watched Seiya dance with Serena in his arms. Darien started. Why was he jealous? Serena wasn't really his wife, he shouldn't be jealous at all. They were only friends. But despite his chaste thoughts of Serena being only his friend Darien felt that he wanted just a bit more. Serena was so beautiful and had a wonderful personality, she was almost perfect. Any man would want her.

Frowning a bit, Darien felt the jealous grow as Serena smiled a radiant smile up at Seiya. What did Seiya do to deserve such a beautiful smile from Serena anyways?

Snap out of it, Knight! Your nuts! She's not really your wife and I don't think she loves you. Just let it go! By the end of the next year you two will divorce. Don't do anything stupid and get anyone hurt. Let it go, Knight. It's the smartest thing to do.

But Darien couldn't let it go. He just wasn't comfortable with Serena dancing with Seiya, who was also far too handsome for his own good.

Standing up, Darien steadily walked over to Serena and Seiya and tapped on Seiya's shoulder.

"May I cut in?" He asked politely although he had a sudden, unreasonable, urge to hit Seiya just for holding Serena and making her smile.

"Of course," Seiya said a bit reluctantly. He released Serena and Darien quickly gained possession of the beautiful young woman.

"How romantic, Darien. I never knew people actually did that," Serena said, amusement dancing in her lively blue eyes. "I always thought it happened only in the movies."

"Please, Serena. Spare me," Darien said, smiling broadly. Seeing Serena happy with him made his heart beat just a little faster and his head a little lighter. A strange feeling he never really had before. And he had to admit he liked it.

"Your so silly, Darien," Serena giggled as they danced.

Her silvery giggle caused every part of his body to react. It was so beautiful and light and full of happiness. He felt his chest tighten in desire for her. But he quickly pushed it away as he knew Serena was only a friend and will always stay a friend. It was far too dangerous if they fell for each other. Right?

Darien cleared his thoughts, he wasn't going to torture himself with them.

Serena looked up at Darien and saw he was a bit distracted. His dark eyes were a bit distant but he still held her tight. She liked the feeling of being in his arms, even if they are only dancing as friends. She had a little feeling inside of her that just wished for a little more than friends, as would any woman who danced in Darien Knight's arms.

Darien was so romantic and easy to be around. There was no pressure coming from him. No towering menace that would frighten her. He made her happy and light. He was full of jokes. And his arrogance kept her on her toes. She would be thinking of how much she missed her father and how much pain she was in if it wasn't for him. He kept her busy and full of laughter. Why?

Because he's being nice, you dimwit! Darien Knight would never fall for a plain girl like me. Sure Raye says my hair is golden and my eyes are nice and I know she's not one to lie but what does Darien see? Probably the pale, wane girl he had met that day of the funeral. She just wasn't the sort of beautiful, enchanting siren that Darien Knight would be attracted to.

To save herself, Serena banished any thoughts or inklings about Darien Knight falling for her and continued to dance in Darien's companion arms.

At the same time both of them looked at each other and caught each other's gaze. For one moment something was felt between the two. They felt something so deep and warm and full of understanding and....love, that they just wanted to fall into it and drown in forever.

But common sense jerked them back out and they looked away. Nervousness and embarrassment flooded them for what they thought they felt. The both thought it was simply impossible and outrageous if they fell for each other. They were only friends.

The dance ended and they quickly released each other.

Serena looked up shyly and smiled. "That was a nice dance."

"It was," Darien agreed. I need some cool air. Water would be better but air will just have to do for now. "Excuse me. I need some air."

"I'll come with you," Serena offered. Ooh, why do I have a strange feeling of wanting to be around him all the time? I hope I don't seem like a tag-along. He probably wants a private moment. Damn. Stupid girl, you shouldn't have offered to go with him. "I mean, if you want my company," Serena added weakly.

Darien was silent for a moment but then he nodded and they headed for the balcony. They stepped through the parted velvet drapes and breathed in the wonderful cool night air.

Serena leaned gently against the railing and looked up at the full moon. It looked very nice. She loved the Moon. It was so much more beautiful and peaceful and serene than anything else. She liked calm things. It helped when she was in amidst of something totally crazy, a whirlwind of troubles that she has a difficult time to deal with.

Like right now where she stood so very close to Darien in a comfortable silence. She discreetly looked over at him and drunk in his beautiful profile. His dark hair fell slightly into his deep midnight blue eyes, his chiseled face showed a calm and relaxed feeling. But what really caught Serena's attention was his eyes. They were so beautiful and so responsive to things. If she were to wonder what he was thinking and caught him off guard at the right moment she could read his eyes like a book. He was so very expressive even if he tried to hide it through invisible walls.

Shyly, she wondered what his beautiful eyes would show if he looked at her with love. What kind of emotion would there be to fill her mind, body and soul and make her weak all over? She wondered and wished to know.

Darien glanced over at the beautiful creature beside him. She was beautiful. Plain and simple. It was the only word in existence which would explain her beauty. If there was only another word which could describe what he really saw. A beautiful goddess which golden hair which glowed to a silvery white under the gentle moonlight. He wanted to take her soft body into his arms and just hold her if not kiss her.

But he knew that it wouldn't be right. She wasn't his and would never be. They were only friends. Something he would have to continue reminding himself every time he looked at her or even be in the same room with her.

He almost believed himself insane at the strange feelings he had around Serena. She just set something off in him and the next thing you know he wanted her so badly that it pained him. Never has a woman done that to him. He was always the one who gave them that feeling. Never the other way around.

Groaning inwardly, Darien willed his thoughts away. He was 27. He should have more control over his emotions. He was well past his teenage years and should be developing a tight rein over anything emotions he didn't want known. But it was very difficult with Serena. In the beginning he thought he had control over everything he felt. Then he met Serena, learned of her beauty and innocence. That had done him in and he no longer had any control.

Damn her! Damn her and her beauty.

Darien sighed inwardly. He couldn't damn her. She was far too precious.

"Darien?" Serena said in a soft whisper that caused Darien to start. The voice made him tingly all over and he felt his desire for her grow. Quickly, he pushed it away and turned his attention over to Serena.

"Yes?" He struggled to keep his thoughts chaste as he looked at her.

"Isn't the moon beautiful?" Serena asked dreamily.

Your beautiful. "Yes," Darien agreed, nodding.

"I think a princess lives on it. A long time ago," Serena said in a dreamy and wistful voice. "She was the most beautiful girl of all the galaxy and she fell in love with a prince who loved her as much as she loved him. And they lived happily ever after." She looked over to Darien and blushed slightly. Bringing a beautiful color to her cheeks. "You must think I'm really silly. Thinking that there's actually life on the moon."

"No, it's a nice fantasy."

"Oh no, it's not a fantasy. I think it's true," Serena said a bit firmly.

Darien looked up at the moon, then down at Serena. Again he was stunned by her beauty and innocence. It was so wonderful and refreshing for him. Far different from the experienced and knowing woman he used to date.

They stood there for a few minutes until Serena began to shiver a bit. "Are you cold?" Darien asked, ready to take off his jacket.

Serena smiled guiltily. "Just a bit."

Darien took off his jacket and slipped it around her thin shoulders. "There. Better?"

Serena nodded. "Thank you."

"That's all right. It was my pleasure," Darien replied with a twinkle in his dark blue eyes. "Do you want to go home?"

"It is getting late," Serena agreed slowly. She was a bit of a daze as she inhaled the wonderful rose scent of Darien's cologne which clung to his jacket. It filled her and made her feel light all over. Maybe he shouldn't have given her the jacket. She might not be able to walk after inhaling such a seductive drug as Darien Knight.

But, Darien with all his arrogance and politeness, took her elbow and held her as they walked back to Mr. Walters to announce their departure.

"It was good to talk to you, Darien. We'll do business on Monday for sure," Mr. Walters said, nodding as he shook Darien's hand. He turned to Serena and smiled. "You have a beautiful wife, Darien. Make sure you keep her."

Serena breathed shortly and blushed as she looked down a bit. Darien just smiled and nodded. They bid their farewells to Seiya and Yaten as well before they left the party.

~*~

Later that night Raye had slipped into Serena's room while she was brushing her impossibly long hair.

"So, how was it?" She asked as she took the brush and brushed Serena's hair for her.

"It was nice. The food was good, the music was good and the people were friendly. I danced with Taiki's brother, Seiya. Him and Yaten were there," Serena said as she looked at Raye's reflection in the mirror.

"Seiya and Yaten? They're okay but I like Taiki better. He's intelligent and nicer even though he is a bit cold and distant. But once you get to know him he's really nice. Seiya and Yaten are the more annoying and obnoxious of those three," Raye snorted as she brushed out some tangles. "Seiya is just too arrogant and Yaten is conceited without much care for anyone's feelings."

"If you can't deal with Seiya how can you deal with Darien," Serena joked.

"Come on, my brother isn't that bad. At least he's funny," Raye insisted.

Serena smiled and nodded in agreement. "That's true. Your brother is more bearable than Seiya."

Raye smiled a bit mysteriously as she continued to brush Serena's hair. The smile made Serena a bit uncomfortable. It was like she knew something that everyone knew but her. She didn't like it.

"What is it?" Serena asked nervously.

"Nothing," Raye said mysteriously. She placed the brush down and smiled. "Go do bed." Then she turned and left the room.

Serena sighed and went to bed.

~*~

I'm sorry if this seemed a bit too long. I guess I really wanted to detail on Serena and Darien's feelings. I hope you all like it. E-mail is nice. I love it.

Eternity Rose