The Center of my World - Part Two Usagi-chan minako_usagi@hotmail.com http://hop.to/minako_usagi I don't own Sailormoon or anything pertaining to E-mail me! Serena hoped up the same stairs she had only the night before. As she reached the door, Serena glanced down at the clothes she had on. Wearing a black skirt with a fitted white blouse and black heels over black knee socks, Serena knew she looked more like a school girl than a school teacher. Shrugging, she reached up and rang the doorbell. "May I help you?" A deep voice asked, as the door swung open. Serena smiled at the formally dressed butler whom had answered the door. "Yes, I'm here to see Mina." Serena told him. "Mrs. Furuhata is rather busy entertaining at the moment." He replied. Before Serena could say anything in response, the butler started to close the door. "Who is it Jerry?" Serena could hear Mina call from what sounded like the stairs. "I'm expecting a young lady..." "Hi Mina." Serena smiled past the butler up at the young woman who was indeed walking down the main stairs. "I'm so glad you could make it Serena!" Mina exclaimed, rushing forward to greet Serena. "I'm terribly sorry about Jerry's behaviour..." "Don't worry about it, Mina." Serena smiled. "You insisted that I come, so here I am!" "Lets go out back then. Rosemary, my cook, has laid out a wonderful selection of food." Mina led Serena through a series of rooms out to the back of the house. They sat at a large white table next to an olympic sized pool. "You have a very lovely house, Mina." Serena said as she sat down. "Thank you." Mina sat at the end of the table. "Please, help yourself. Andrew is going to try to join us later, but he has some work. A teleconference or something." Mina shrugged her indifference and began eating some of the green grapes. "You throw such marvelous parties." Serena commented as she picked up a croissant. "Hmm.. They are always interesting. Darien seemed to take a liking to you last night though." Mina smiled knowingly at Serena. "What do you mean by that?" Serena asked, genuinely curious. "Well, Darien has never willingly asked a woman to dance before. He hates all those gold diggers." Mina explained, then giggled. "And none of them are any fun! He dated one for a brief time, and took her sailing. The poor woman fell in and nearly drowned! I couldn't stop laughing, seeing her flailing in the water." "You like sailing?" Serena wasn't really surprised by that. The sport seemed to suit the perky blond. "Oh yes! The three of us go all the time! You should join us the next time we go. It'll be so much fun." "I've never sailed before though." Serena replied. "I would probably just get in the way." "Oh no! Not at all. Besides, Darien will teach you." Mina replied slyly. "Teach who what?" Mina and Serena looked up to see Andrew and Darien coming out of the French doors that led from the house to the patio. Serena took in a sharp breath as her gaze fell on Darien. Dressed in a pair of stone coloured khakis, a royal blue shirt and a leather jacket, he was positively gorgeous. 'Not that he wasn't in the tuxedo last night...' Serena thought. "Darien, you'll teach Serena to sail, right? So she can come with us?" Mina asked. "Of course, if she wants to learn." Darien flashed her a smile before claiming the chair across from her. Andrew sat down next to his wife. "So you finally found someone else to come with us, hmm?" Andrew asked, taking his wife's hand. "How did the meeting go?" Mina asked, ignoring his question. "Fine, fine. Rather boring though." Andrew commented. "Rather boring?" Darien asked, raising an eyebrow at his friend. "You nearly fell asleep." "Not again!" Mina laughed. "Well, what do you expect with all those old guys talking?" Andrew asked, blushing slightly. Darien turned his attention to Serena as Mina continued to tease Andrew. "Its a pleasure seeing you again so soon Serena." "You as well." She murmured with a slight smile. She reached over and sipped one of the glasses of water that had been set out on the table. Darien continued to study her, and Serena averted her eyes. She gazed at the rose bushes that lined the house. "Those are lovely flowers Mina." She commented, looking up at her blond friend. "You think so?" Mina asked, pulling her attention from Andrew. "Darien convinced us to put them there. Oh Serena! The girls and I are going shopping later today, 'cause Katerina just got back from Germany. Do you want to come? I know they'd love to meet you!" Serena laughed at Mina's enthusiasm. She was about to agree when she remembered that David was planning on meeting her at Crown Game Center. "I'm really sorry Mina. I've got plans for this afternoon." "Oh..." The blond looked crestfallen. "Maybe she can come to the concert tonight instead?" Andrew suggested, hoping to make his wife happier. "Oh yeah! My goddaughter is having a concert at her school tonight. Can you come to that?" Mina asked. "Yeah, I'll be able to do that." Serena promised. "Great! It's at seven tonight. We can swing by and pick you up, if you want." Mina offered. "Or I can pick her up on the way and meet you two at the school." Darien interjected. "I am here, you realize..." Serena reminded them. "And I do drive... Which school is it?" "What's the point in taking three cars for four people?" Andrew asked. He realized that if Darien was offering to take Serena, Darien must really like Serena. "I guess..." Serena relented. "So I'll pick you up around 6:30?" Darien asked. "Sure." She dug into her purse for a pen and wrote her address down on one of the napkins. "Here's my address. You can just buzz up, okay?" "Sure, great." Darien took the napkin and folded it carefully. He stuck it in the breast pocket of his shirt. Serena sat back in her chair with a bunch of green grapes, listening to the mindless chatter between Andrew, Mina and Darien. Your general polite, small talk. Bored with their conversation, she allowed her mind to wonder. "You like Lonnie Lanai, Serena?" Mina asked in astonishment, pulling Serena from her reverie. "Hmm?" Serena asked, looking at Mina. "Yeah, I do." "That's Darien's favourite painter, too." Andrew commented, reaching across the table for a slice of toast. Serena decided not to comment on Andrew's statement, and instead, turned her attention back to the food on the table. She picked up one of the chocolate dipped strawberries and bit into it, completely unaware of Darien's eyes on her, watching her. Serena glanced at her watch, and was surprised to see that it was nearly two o'clock, and she had agreed to meet David at two. She stood up and stretched. "I really must get going." She told the three who had remained seated. "I have an appointment at two." "No stay." Mina insisted. "I'm sure you can reschedule, and we're having such a marvelous time!" "I am too, but I can't get out of this. I'm terribly sorry Mina." "I'll walk you to the door." Darien offered standing as well. "That really isn't necessary." Serena smiled at him and picked up the small bag that had been at her feet. "I know." He replied before following her into the house. "He seems to be quite taken with her." Andrew commented as soon as Darien and Serena were out of hearing range. "I know, and I believe she with him. Did you see her face when he stepped through the door?" "No.. Hmm.. Serena seems exactly like the type of girl Darien needs..." Andrew smiled at the thought, hoping that his best friend find happiness with the pretty blond. Serena stepped into the arcade after having said good bye to Darien. She was still shaking from the way he had looked at her, and said her name. It was almost too much for her. Darien was so unlike David. Pausing to scan the arcade booths, Serena found David, and took the opportunity to study him. David and Darien were complete opposites, in every way. David had blond hair, Darien's was raven black. David had light blue eyes, Darien's were midnight blue. David was a gentle, compassionate man while Darien was a fierce, passionate man... "Hi David." Serena slipped into the booth across from her fiancé. "Hi Serena." David smiled at her and for the first time, Serena noticed that it didn't do anything to her. "How is everything going?" "Quite well, actually. I've made friends with Mina Furuhata." Serena replied. "Darien's best friend's wife?" David asked, and Serena nodded. "Good work." "Thanks." Serena kept her bright smile plastered on, for David' sake. "Have you found a wedding dress yet?" David asked. Serena shook her head. "I haven't had time for any shopping yet." She told him. "The wedding is getting closer..." He reminded her. For some reason, this completely infuriated Serena. "I know that!" She snapped at him. David looked taken aback at her outburst, and Serena regretted it instantly. "I'm sorry, David. I'm just really stressed..." Serena sighed. "I know you are..." David reached across the table and squeezed her hand affectionately. The gesture caused Serena to remember the way Darien's lips had brushed hr hand the night before, and the tingling sensations the kiss had caused. Serena pulled her hand away, and brushed her hair aside. "Look David, I can't be long. I have to go out tonight, and I need to buy something to wear." Serena told him, lying through her teeth. She had planned the outfit she was going to wear while she had driven to the arcade. "Okay, I understand." David smiled at her. "I'll call you later, okay?" "Sure." Serena smiled in relief as she got out of the booth. "I'll talk to you tonight." With that, she turned to leave the arcade. "Serena! Wait!" David called, but she continued to walk away, pretending she hadn't heard him. Serena was ready and waiting when Darien buzzed her apartment that night. Dressed casually in a pair of khakis and a pink fitted shirt, Serena knew she looked good. Pink always looked good on her. She picked up the phone and answered it cheerfully, pretending she had no clue who it was, though she had seen Darien walking up to the building from her balcony. "Hello?" "Hello Serena." Again, the way he said her name made her knees tremble. "I'll be right down." No waiting for him to ask if she was ready, or even say who it was. She would just be there. "Alright." Serena waited for the elevator, tapping her foot impatiently. Once it finally reached her floor, she stepped through the metal doors before they even fully opened,and was pushing the door close button. She pushed the button for the main floor, then froze. This was Darien Shields she was so anxious to see. Not David, not her fiancé. Serena sighed as she remembered exactly what her goal was. 'Its not to fall in love, Serena. You are already in love.' She told herself, but was she? Serena thought back to her meeting with David earlier that day. She would have preferred to stay with Mina, and therefore Darien, but she had already committed to David. Could she break that kind of commitment? The elevator doors opened with a ding, and Serena found herself standing face to face with Darien. She smiled and stepped out of the elevator. "Serena..." He caressed her name as he said it and Serena had to use her iron will not to swoon. "Hi Darien." She smiled at him. "We'd better get going, or we'll be late." He told her. Serena nodded and the two headed out of the apartment complex, and to his car which was parked in the visitor parking lot. Despite the fact that she knew he was rich, Serena was still impressed with his car. The small red sports car was stunning and sleek. Darien opened the door for Serena and she stepped inside, feeling the cool leather interior beneath the palm of her hand. She leaned back in the seat and sighed. Darien climbed in the other side and reached for his seatbelt. Serena followed his example, and soon they were headed towards the school. Neither spoke as Darien drove, but Serena could tell his eyes kept shifting from the road to her, even in the dark car. She tried to keep her eyes focused ahead of her, but kept watching Darien out of the corner of her eye. He was a positively gorgeous man, dressed in a black suit with a starched white shirt underneath it. His tie was black with a deep blue strip. Before long, they had pulled up in a school parking lot. Darien parked his car near the brightly lit school and the two got out. Serena and Darien walked towards the school, still not talking. "Mina and Andrew will be waiting." Darien told her. Serena nodded. "Okay." She smiled at all of the little children running around, and clinging to their parents hands. "Serena! Darien!" Mina called. Serena smiled at the blond, who was dressed in a smart, baby blue suit. Andrew was dressed in a suit similar to Mamoru's, but in gray. "Hi Mina." Serena smiled at her friend. "Andrew." "It's great to see you two." Andrew smiled and Mina hugged Serena. "Maybe we should take our seats?" Darien suggested. He was uncomfortable with all the stares he was getting. "Yes, of course..." Mina agreed, knowing full well why Darien wanted to leave the crowded foyer. As they headed towards the gymnasium, someone called out Mina's name, and she and Andrew stopped to talk to another couple. Darien glanced around and saw a group of women watching him quite closely. As soon as one of them broke away from the pack and headed in his direction, Darien quickly turned away. He wrapped one arm around Serena, and pulled her close to him. "Sorry..." He murmured in her ear. Serena blushed slightly and nodded, implying that it was okay. "Excuse me, Mina, Andrew? We'll see you inside." With that said, Darien led Serena towards the entrance of the gymnasium. They headed to the front and found a section of four seats. Darien sat down and pulled Serena with him. She sat on the cold metal seat, Darien's arm still around her. "Excuse me." Serena looked up to see a tall, dark haired woman looking at Darien. "I was wondering if you would be available..." "Sorry," Darien interrupted her. "Despite what the magazines and newspapers say, I'm happily married. This is my wife, Serena Shields." "Wife?" The woman asked. "Yes." Serena replied. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss...?" "Never mind." The dark haired woman turned and walked away, obviously upset at the rejection. Serena turned to Darien. "When was the wedding? I obviously missed it..." She asked quietly. "Spectacular event, the loveliest bride anyone ever saw." Darien grinned at her as he spoke softly. Serena blushed and looked away. "There you two are!" Mina exclaimed, plunking down in the seat next to Serena. "I was talking to... Serena? What's wrong?" "Nothing." Serena replied, smiling at her friend. "Nothing at all..." Author Notes: Okay, a bit shorter than before, but oh well... Thanks to everyone on SMRFF or replying to the first part. I love you all!! Thanks a million to Minako-chan who is a constant source of encouragement and support. ^_^