
      Complicated - SR 2


      Author: aria


      Rated: R



      Chapter 1
      Darien sat at his desk and looked out of the window at the world outside. 
      He could see people walking in the streets and cars zipping around, 
      everyone looking so alive and full of energy. While here he was, stuck in 
      his office only able to witness life through a window.
      He tossed the file folder hed been contemplating reading. This was 
      sickening. He longed to be out on the rooftops again with her, with 
      Serena. His dark blue eyes caught the sunlight glinting off of his keys 
      and he picked them up.
      But that wasnt going to be happening again.
      He looked at the jumbled mass of metal and then at the lonely key hanging 
      on its own ring. The key to his and Serenas home.
      Darien stared at it for a moment as if it were his greatest enemy then 
      sighed and jammed them into his coat pocket. Hed throw out the key 
      tomorrow. At least thats what he told himself everyday around this time. 
      But he knew he would end up doing the same thing. Hed see the key, think 
      of her and then jam the keys back into his jacket and say he was going to 
      throw it out, only to go through the whole routine again the next day.
      Darien leaned back in his seat, opened up the offending folder and 
      contemplated doing some work, when there was a knock at the door.
      "Come." Darien shut the file and nodded as his boss walked into the room. 
      "Well, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
      Rafe Stuart dropped a bulging file folder down in front of him. "It seems 
      your girlfriend is at it again."
      Darien closed his deep blue eyes at his attempt at a light-hearted 
      reference. With a tight voice, he replied, "Shes not my girlfriend." Rafe 
      obviously had no clue how close he was when he said that.
      "Well whatever she is to you, shes stolen some stuff." Everyone knew that 
      Serena Hayes was Dariens domain. If anyone knew her and what she was 
      capable of, it was he. Rafe flipped open the folder and turned it around 
      so Darien could take a look. "See for yourself."
      Wearily, Darien looked it over. Robbery, woman with blonde hair, blue 
      eyes, took minidisk and necklace. Now what would Serena want with a 
      minidisk? He scanned over the rest of the page on how she did the robbery. 
      Sighing, he shook his head. "Its not her style."
      "We have eyewitnesses that say it was her."
      Darien shook his head. If he learned anything from his time with Serena, 
      it was that nothing was ever how it seemed. "Yeah, but was it? You have no 
      idea what these people can do when it comes to disguises."
      "Yes, but you do."
      Darien groaned. He knew where this was going. "Im not getting into it. 
      Send Smith or something hes been tailing her for months now."
      "Yeah, but has he even seen her? No. Youre the only one who can do it."
      "Forget it." Darien wasnt about to get involved with her again. The last 
      time was hard enough.
      "How does time in a cell sound?"
      "For what?" He bit out.
      "Aiding and abetting a criminal. Well get you and her and you can do time 
      together. How does that catch you? Youre the best man Ive got but dont 
      think for a second that I wont send you to jail."
      Darien put up his hand, "Alright, alright. But I cant make any promises." 
      The last time he saw her they werent exactly on the best of terms.
      "I thought you would see it my way." Rafe turned and walked to the door. 
      "Im sorry it has to be this way, Darien. But I have no other choice."
      Darien just snorted as he tried to think of a way to contact Serena.
      Left alone in the room again, Darien sighed, running his hands through his 
      short black hair. How on earth was he going to find her? And when he did, 
      how was he going to convince her to work with him?
      ----
      Bangkok, Thailand a few days later.
      A shadow climbed out of the ventilation shaft and out onto the side of the 
      enormous building. Quietly the figure replaced the grill over the passage 
      and repelled down the side. The silhouette unhooked itself from the line 
      and ran, disappearing into the night.
      Serena Hayes peeled off the mask and slung it into a dumpster. The black 
      coveralls were next, followed by her ropes and the rest of her equipment. 
      She took a deep breath and smiled to herself. That went well. Quick and 
      easy, just how she liked it. Now to get it back to Luna and collect her 
      fee.
      Still smiling to herself, she stepped out from behind the dumpster fully 
      prepared to enjoy the rest of the night.
      Suddenly, Serena backed into a hard unyielding body. Dammit! Shed thought 
      she gotten away clean.
      Slowly Serena turned around all ready with her Im innocent smile. When 
      she saw who it was it completely faded away and was replaced by wide-eyed 
      surprise.
      "Darien." She looked around. "What are you doing here?"
      "Serena." He dragged her over to the side of the dark alley. "I need your 
      help."
      Serena backed away from him. "With what?" She needed to get as much space 
      as possible between them and kept backing up until she hit the wall.
      Darien saw how uncomfortable she was and he couldnt say he was feeling 
      any better. It was best just to get to business, and thats what he did. 
      "Theres been a robbery. And we need you to help track down the thief."
      "You dont need me. Id only get in the way. You know that." She looked 
      him straight in the eye and when her knees went weak she had to break 
      contact.
      "I need you to help prove that it wasnt you who did it."
      "What are you talking about?"
      "Here." He handed her the report and a penlight. "See for yourself."
      Serena jammed the light in her mouth, flipped through the pages and ran 
      her eyes over them. "She looks like me?"
      "According to everyone there."
      "You know what you see isnt always what you get." Serena handed it back 
      to him and started walking down the alley. "Sorry. It wasnt me. Its not 
      my style."
      "I know. But my boss thinks it was." He sighed and jammed his hands into 
      his pockets. "I promise thisll be really quick and painless, provided you 
      help."
      Serena turned and looked at him. How could she say no? "Ok. Ill see what 
      I can do." She walked over to his side. "How did you find me?"
      Dariens sensuous lips curved into his sweet crooked smile. "How do I 
      always?"
      Serena stifled the giggles that always seemed to attack her whenever she 
      was around him and followed his large shadow out. "Call me tomorrow 
      morning and Ill see what I can do."
      "Fine." Darien blinked at her as if he couldnt really believe he was 
      seeing her again. "Its nice to see you again, Sere."
      "Same here." She allowed herself to take his hand and squeeze it. "See you 
      later."
      Darien nodded and watched as the slender silhouette disappeared into the 
      darkness. "Stay out of trouble."
      ----
      Serena walked out of the alley feeling a little numb. Working together was 
      a bad idea. It was just plain ridiculous. This wasnt going to pan out. 
      Wasnt work the reason they broke up in the first place? Shaking her head, 
      Serena hailed a cab. A few minutes later a little car with Meter Taxi 
      blazing on its roof pulled to the curb.
      She gave him the address and off they went careening through the traffic. 
      Serena stared as car after car flashed past. It was 4am and still the 
      roads were packed. It gave her some time to think of the situation she was 
      getting herself into. Working together wasnt the problem, she reminded 
      herself. Living together and working together was. Was it possible for two 
      people two love each other too much? Musing the question, she felt the car 
      slow.
      They stopped at a hotel. She paid, got out and stared up at the building. 
      What was she going to do?
      She headed up to her suite and slammed the door shut behind her.
      Strong arms immediately closed around her waist, sending alarm bells 
      peeling in her head.
      Serena reacted without thinking. She lashed out, breaking his grip then 
      flipping him, sending her attacker flying into a couch.
      The figure easily twisted in mid air and landed comfortably on the couch. 
      A chuckle came from him. "Is that anyway to greet me, querida?"
      Serena sighed in relief. She smiled at the handsome man with snow-white 
      hair. "Demando. What are you doing here?" she sat down next to him on the 
      couch and let him put his arm around her shoulder. "I was actually just 
      thinking of you."
      He looked down at her and grinned. "Good things I hope."
      Smiling up at him she nodded. "Of course. Ive got an assignment. You want 
      in?"
      "Of course. Whats involved?"
      "Im not sure yet. Im getting all the details soon, though." She leaned 
      back and stared at the ceiling. "I need to get a team together though. But 
      thats impossible until I know what were going to be doing."
      Demando nodded. "This isnt anything for Luna then?"
      Serena shook her head, sending her golden hair cascading over a shoulder. 
      "No. Its seems that Im working with the police again."
      He cringed then, marring his perfect features with a frown. "Are you sure 
      you want to do this?"
      Her shoulders sagged a little. "Ive been given an offer I cant refuse."
      Demando let her lean against him. "You can always disappear. No one does 
      it better than you do."
      Serena thought about it for a moment. It did sound tempting. But the 
      thought of working with Darien again was also mouth watering. "Lets see 
      what its about first, then Ill decide whether its worth it or not."
      "Until then, how about we hit the town huh?" He grabbed her hand and 
      pulled her off the couch.
      Laughing, Serena let him drag her out for a night on the town.
      ----
      It was another blistering day and Serena had spent the morning out on the 
      shaded balcony staring at the city. It was amazing how traditional and 
      modern mixed in the city. Her eyes were drawn to the glittering Wat not 
      too far from the hotel. Its beauty held her spellbound.
      She wandered back in when she heard her phone trilling. Serena picked it 
      up and pressed the button. "Hayes."
      "Serena."
      Serena recognized Dariens voice and sat down on the couch. "Hello 
Darien."
      "Ive got some info for you. Is there somewhere we can meet?"
      "Why dont you come here?" there was a knock at the door. "Just a sec, 
      someones at the door." She opened it for Demando and let him in.
      "Buenos dias, querida." He pecked her on the cheek and walked into the 
      room.
      "Morning Demando." She held up her finger for him to be quiet while she 
      finished her conversation with Darien.
      Darien heard the masculine voice on the other end and the way that he 
      greeted Serena. Jealousy raged through his veins. "Whos that?"
      "A friend. So where did you want to meet?"
      "Your hotel is fine." He wanted to see this guy who seemed a little too 
      close to Serena. "Ill be there in a bit."
      "I havent told you where I am yet." Serena was just about to tell him 
      when he stopped her.
      "I already know." He paused for a second then continued. "Like I said. 
      Ill be there in a little while."
      "Bye." Serena hung up and looked at the man who had just walked in. "So 
      whats up?"
      Demando shook his head. "Cant a man come and see a beautiful woman?"
      Serena laughed. "Whatever you say."
      Demando joined in. "I just wondered whether or not you had any more info 
      on the job yet."
      "Nope, but that was my contact. Hell be here soon." Serena scowled then.
      "Whats the matter?"
      Serena wasnt sure what she was feeling. "Nothing. Just anxious to find 
      out what were up against. Thats all."
      Demando rubbed at her shoulders. "Nothing that we cant handle."
      Serena smiled. There wasnt anything that they, as a group couldnt 
      handle. She leaned back and looked up at him. "So how are Raye and Jadeite 
      doing? You visited them while you were in Seville didnt you?"
      "Theyre doing great. Their little one is adorable." He chuckled. "You 
      wouldnt even recognize them."
      "I can imagine. The last time I talked to them they were in a frenzy over 
      what wipes they should use or something"
      "That sounds about right." Demando laughed and leaned back on the couch.
      They sat around and talked for a while before there was a knock at the 
      door.
      Serena got up and opened it. Darien stood on the other side looking as 
      miserable as ever.
      She nodded hello and let him in.
      Darien walked wordlessly into the room and stopped in front of the couch 
      where Demando was sitting.
      Demando stood up, eyed him for a moment then extended a hand. "Demando 
      Rodriguez."
      Darien reciprocated, "Darien Spencer."
      Demandos eyes widened a moment as he turned to Serena.
      "Yes, hes that Darien." Serena said flatly. She sat down separate of the 
      men and looked at them both. Talk about being on opposite spheres.
      Darien sat down. Obviously shed spoken about him to this guy. Shoving 
      aside the intense flare of jealously, he cleared his throat.
      "Well like I said Ive got some info for you. Have you gotten a team 
      together?"
      Serena shook her head. "Not as yet. I wanted to know what was involved. 
      Then I could get the best people together."
      Always thinking. Thats Serena. Darien stifled a sigh. "That makes sense." 
      He reached into his coat and pulled out a manila envelope. He dropped onto 
      the table in front of Serena and pushed it over. "Take a look."
      Serena pulled the contents out and spread it out over the table. According 
      to them whoever this woman was stole some very important encryption 
      software. Serena laughed then handed the paper over to Demando.
      He read it over and chuckled. "Another encryption program? When will they 
      learn?" he chucked the sheet back onto the table.
      Darien looked at them both. "Whats the matter?"
      Serena smiled at his clueless expression. "When is the government going to 
      realize that whatever they can come up with, someone else can break it?"
      "Well according to the guy who made it, its unbreakable."
      Serena simply nodded. "Well see."
      "So any ideas on how were going to get it back?"
      "Maybe. First Ive got to make some calls." Serena got up and walked over 
      to the phone. Leaving the two men to talk.
      ----
      Darien glowered at the other man sullenly. "So how do you know Serena?"
      Demando smiled and slung his arm over the back of the couch. "Weve done a 
      few jobs together." He eyed Darien for a moment. "So youre the man insane 
      enough to walk out on her."
      "It was a bit more complicated than that."
      "But thats what you did, essentially."
      Darien wasnt going to listen to him anymore. He got up and prowled around 
      the room. Where the hell was she?
      Serena walked out moments later with a sheet of paper. "Ok Ive got a 
      list." She looked over the page at Demando. "Tell me what you think."
      Demando nodded. "Alright."
      "Esmeraude, Setsuna, Haruka, and we can probably get Taiki, Yaten and 
      Akemi if we need them."
      Demando nodded. "And with us two-"
      "Three." Corrected Darien."
      A snowy blonde eyebrow lifted at Serena.
      She nodded in response. "Yeah hes got to come with us."
      Demando shook his head. "We cant take him in. you know what theyre like 
      with cops. Especially Haruka."
      "We have to. Besides Akemi and the brothers already know him."
      "I dont think the girls will like this."
      "Well just have to see."
      ----
      Serena, Darien and Demando walked into the nightclub. She smiled as she 
      looked around the room. It was as crowded as usual and pulsating with 
      energy. Serena let her cool azure eyes wander over to the dance floor and 
      all the people moving to the music being played with energetic fervour by 
      the band on stage. Two women caught her eye. She smiled.
      She tugged on the mens arms and nodded in their direction, leading the 
      way through the crowd.
      Serena slid into the seat nearest her and tapped the woman on the 
shoulder.
      Brilliant green eyes turned to her then widened in delight.
      "Serena!" she threw her arms around her shoulder and yelled at the other 
      woman.
      Blood red nails tipped a pair of dark sunglasses down a perfect nose to 
      reveal red cats eye contact lenses peering back at her.
      "Sere!" another pair of arms closed around her.
      "Sets, Esme! How are you?" Serena hugged them back. "Its been so long!"
      Demando joined in the hugging while Darien hung back to appraise the women 
      Serena wanted working with them.
      One had long, and what he could tell in the dim light, dark green hair 
      that was pinned up in a bun at the base of her neck with a couple of pens. 
      The other had short acid green hair that was cropped short and stuck out 
      wildly in all directions. Both wore the wildest clothes hed ever seen. 
      Lots of lycra, lots of vinyl and lots of flesh. He smiled weakly at them 
      when they looked his way.
      Serena waved at him to come closer. "Darien meet Setsuna and Esmeraude. 
      Ladies this is Darien Spencer."
      Setsuna and Esmeraude smiled coolly though neither offered to shake hands.
      Demando gave Serena an I told you so look and then nodded into the 
      crowd. "Look whos here."
      Darien looked over and saw a tall blond wearing a large blazer and jeans 
      approach them.
      He leaned over to Serena, when the new figure didnt say a word to anyone. 
      "Whos that guy?"
      Serena shook her head vehemently. "Shes not a guy! Thats Haruka." She 
      looked over her shoulder at the other woman to see if she heard any of 
      this. Luckily for Darien she didnt. "Shes an amazing driver."
      Darien knew he heard that name somewhere before. "Haruka Tenou? Thats 
      Haruka Tenou?"
      "Yeah. Youve heard about her?"
      Only about a million stories about an unstoppable driver. "Yeah. Ive 
      heard of her." He also heard about how shes wanted in almost every 
      country imaginable.
      ----
      Darien sat back and watched everyone get reacquainted. He couldnt think 
      of another time where he was in a more crowded place and felt more alone. 
      Sullenly he walked over to the bar and ordered himself a drink and pulled 
      out a cigarette. He thankfully took the drink and guzzled half of it.
      He took a drag and looked around the room. Everyone looked so happy. He 
      didnt want to say that it made him sick, but really it did. Darien 
      accidentally caught eyes with a smiling girl and quickly turned away. The 
      last thing he needed right now was to be asked to dance. He looked over 
      again at Serena and the group as they laughed and joked.
      He took another swig of his drink. This wasnt a good idea. He could tell 
      from the look on her face, Serena really didnt want to be working with 
      him. And he couldnt say that he blamed her. His mind started to wander 
      back a few months. Things had been going ok.
      Darien snorted. Yeah right. He couldnt lie to himself. Things werent 
      going so great. Whenever they went out on a job hed practically worry 
      himself to death over the risks. Whenever she climbed the side of a 
      building or jumped off a bridge, he thought he was going to have a 
      coronary. And finally, they just couldnt take it anymore.
      He couldnt handle her risking her life and she couldnt stand him 
      smothering her anymore. And so they went their separate ways.
      He watched her through the smoky multicoloured haze. God, she was 
      beautiful. Even though he could barely see her he could tell that she was 
      still as beautiful as ever, if not more. He sighed and took another drag 
      of his cigarette. Darien knew that he was still in love with her. Probably 
      always would be. But he couldnt change the fact that as long as she kept 
      doing what she was doing, they would never go anywhere as a couple.
      He turned away when he saw that blonde freak put his arm around her 
      shoulders. Demando, or whatever his name was, grated on his nerves. Hed 
      give his right arm to work with Jadeite again. Now that he could handle. 
      But this guy, what a jerk!
      He sat and drowned his sorrows in another drink. It was quite some time 
      later when an arm snaked around his shoulders.
      Darien looked over expecting to see Serena, but was greeted by a pair of 
      unblinking red contacts.
      "Is it true that you and Serena were an item?" Setsuna sat down on the 
      stool next to him.
      Darien nodded and turned back to his drink. "Yup."
      "Its too bad that you had to break up."
      Darien didnt answer and continued to drink.
      "Not much for conversation huh? I thought a cop would love to talk."
      Darien turned to her again. "Just because I have to work with you doesnt 
      mean I have to talk to you. Ok?"
      Setsuna smiled now. So there was fire somewhere in that lifeless exterior. 
      "I seem to have struck a nerve."
      He rolled his eyes and turned around, leaning against the bar. "Why do you 
      care if I went out with Serena?"
      "Just curious." She smiled at him and somehow made him feel like he was on 
      display at the same time.
      Darien nearly sighed with relief when Serena tapped him on the shoulder.
      "Come on. Were heading back to my place to figure some things out." 
      Serena couldnt help but notice that Darien was having trouble walking in 
      a straight line. "Here let me help you." Shed never seen him drunk 
      before. It was so strange.
      Darien shook her off. "I can make it." The last thing he needed was Serena 
      touching him. Not that he didnt want her to. Man did he ever. But that 
      was the problem. He wanted her too much still. It was best to keep his 
      distance. It was better that he didnt tempt fate while he was in this 
      condition.
      Angry with himself for getting into this condition in the first place, 
      Darien battled his way to the car, ignoring the looks from Demando and the 
      rest. He stubbed out his cigarette and got into the car. He couldnt let 
      them get to him.
      So why did he want to punch out Demando just for looking at her? Grumbling 
      inarticulately to himself, Darien slouched in the back seat and tolerated 
      the ride to the hotel.
      By the time they got there, he was feeling a bit better and was able to 
      walk without dragging his feet. Encouraged by this, he followed the group 
      up to the room.
      He took the first seat he saw and listened to the others as they discussed 
      the plan.
      ----
      Serena passed the folder on to Setsuna. "So we have to get this software 
      back. Now how are we going to do it?"
      Esmeraude laughed. "Its pointless, by the time we get it back someone 
      else will have made a better one and a hacker will already have found a 
      backdoor."
      Darien shook his head. Did they all think the same? "Just think of it as 
      an exercise in your skills." Then he realized he had no clue what their 
      skills were apart from Haruka, who he was still edgy about approaching. 
      "What the hell do you do?"
      Esmeraude started laughing, a truly horrible sound in Dariens opinion. 
      "Were what youd call hackers. All except for Serena, Haruka and Demando 
      over there."
      Darien turned to him then. "So Demando what do you do?"
      He answered coolly. "A bit of everything, eh Serena?"
      She nodded. "Hes like me. Dabbles in everything."
      Demando leaned forward. "And what do you do, Darien?"
      "Oh a little of this, a little of that."
      "Im sure you can elaborate."
      Serena could see Dariens temper flare. She could still read him like a 
      book. Smiling she put a hand on Demandos shoulder. "Darien always manages 
      to come up with some brilliant ideas."
      Darien barely heard what she said. Just the idea of her putting her hand 
      on someone else put him in a murderous rage. And here she was right in 
      front of him doing that very thing. He fought his anger down and nodded 
      coolly. "Yup."
      His head was beginning to pound now. "Serena, a word?" he tugged her over 
      to the side. "I dont think this is going to work. They already hate me 
      and I cant say that I like them."
      "Well what do you suggest?" Was that relief or pain in her chest?
      "What if I get another agent in? One who can actually be of some help? You 
      know hacking isnt my thing."
      "Well if it means anything, I trust you. I dont think that I could work 
      with another agent. Besides we know how each other thinks. Thats a major 
      advantage." Why was she pushing the point so hard? But she kept going. 
      "And besides. Theyve already met you and because I have worked with you 
      before it scores major points with them. You really think they are going 
      to hang around if another cop steps into the picture?"
      "I know. But..." he looked over at Demandos smug expression. "Ok. Fine. 
      But keep that guy away from me. He gets on my nerves. What is between you 
      two anyways?"
      Was that jealousy? Serena shook her head. "Nothing. Hes just a friend."
      "Just a friend like I was?"
      "Nothing like that." No one could ever be like Darien. "Now sit down and 
      relax."
      "I think I need to lie down." His temples were throbbing terribly.
      "Sure, the beds just in there. Ill let you know if we come up with 
      anything." Serena stared at him longingly. She wanted to comfort him and 
      nurse him like she used to do. But she clenched her fists and held her 
      ground. That wasnt her place anymore.
      Ignoring her impulse, she walked back into the room and continued with the 
      conversation.
      ----
      Darien woke up the next morning alone in bed. It was still strange. He 
      hated waking up alone. Especially now when she was so near he could smell 
      her perfume.
      Darien dragged himself out of the bad and wandered into the living room, 
      rubbing his eyes.
      "Buenos dias, Darien."
      Darien rolled his eyes, why was this guy always around? "Hey." He looked 
      around. "Wheres Serena?"
      "In the shower."
      Darien couldnt cope with this guy, not this early and without caffeine. 
      He turned and walked into the kitchen to make a coffee. He looked around 
      then in the cupboards. No coffee. He really was in hell.
      He ransacked the fridge and was able to find a few of cans of diet Pepsi. 
      He contemplated drinking them all in an attempt to get a suitable surge of 
      caffeine, but settled on one and a cigarette. Darien walked out onto the 
      balcony, knowing how much Serena hated it when he smoked.
      He watched all the people bustling below and shook his head. Already the 
      traffic was unbearable. He heard a familiar voice.
      "Morning, Darien. Want some breakfast?"
      Darien held up his can of Pepsi and cigarette.
      Serena shook her head. "Youre all set then?"
      "Oh yeah."
      He was infuriating. Serena turned and walked back inside to make a proper 
      breakfast. If anything, she was going to make him eat healthily while he 
      was with her.
      A few minutes later she came back with the one thing she knew he would 
      eat, a bowl of cereal.
      "Here, eat this." She thrust the bowl at him and stared at him steadily 
      until he accepted it.
      "Thanks." Grudgingly he put down the Pepsi and with the cigarette still in 
      his mouth he tipped the bowl and took a slurp of the milk, fully intending 
      to aggravate her.
      Serena rolled her eyes and watched as he continued to appal her with his 
      lack of decorum. She lot her eyes wander over his rumpled appearance and 
      couldnt help the fuzzy feeling that came over her. His eyes were bleary 
      and his ebony hair stuck out in every direction. She rubbed off a smile 
      with a heavy hand. He was still very cute no matter how primitive his 
      eating technique.
      "Feeling ok?" she walked over to join him at the railing and leaned over 
      to take a look at the lively city below.
      "Much better." Darien put the bowl on the railing and took a sip from the 
      can. He glanced over at her and then turned away again when he saw her 
      watching him. "How have you been?"
      Serena turned away. "Ok." That had to be the overstatement of the year. 
      Serena let herself look at him again. "And you?"
      "Not too bad." He flicked the cigarette away and turned to her, his 
      dazzling blue eyes peering straight into hers.
      "So youre back with Interpol again?"
      "Yeah they let me back in. Apparently they had no clue what I had been up 
      to the entire time I was away."
      "Lucky you." She ran a hand through her hair. "So you keep up with the 
      training?"
      Darien chuckled. Luna had Serena try and teach him everything she knew. It 
      was somewhat successful. He learnt as much as a person could in a few 
      months. "A little."
      "Thats great."
      There was a pause that was as awkward as the stilted conversation. Luckily 
      another voice broke through.
      "Come on you two. Esmes on the phone." Demando stuck his head out the 
      door and motioned them inside.
      ----
      Serena and Darien followed him into the quickly warming apartment. They 
      all crowded around the laptop.
      "Hola, amigos!" Esmes flaming green hair filled whatever space her face 
      didnt. "I might have some news. I heard of some guys out there working 
      out of a multinational company. Its a front and everyone knows it. They 
      specialize in taking software and changing it to make it their own. I 
      heard that they had just recently acquired some new software that they are 
      very excited about."
      Serena nodded, "Sounds plausible that it could be the program were 
      looking for. Keep an eye out and an ear open and well do the same over 
      here."
      "Right." Esme nodded. "Setsuna also heard of something in Stockholm. It 
      might be a good idea to get in touch with her."
      "Ok. Well talk to you later."
      "Yup." The screen went blank. Serena sat back and looked and the two men 
      beside her.
      Darien looked at her. "Well? What do we do now?"
      "Get in touch with Setsuna, I would imagine, right Serena?" Demando 
      smirked triumphantly at Darien as he sat down.
      "Right, Demando."
      Darien was really beginning to hate the guy. Talk about a kiss a-
      "Darien have you heard anything from Interpol yet?" Serenas voice cut 
      through his thoughts.
      "Not yet but I should get in contact with them." He pulled out his phone 
      then stopped just as he was about to dial.
      Serena was thinking the same thing. "Maybe I should take a look before you 
      do anything."
      "Way ahead of you." Darien had his tiny tool kit out and already had the 
      back of the phone off.
      Serena watched very impressed as he quickly dismantled the phone and 
      checked it over for wires and transmitters.
      Darien couldnt see anything so he put it back together again. All this 
      took less than a minute. He looked up and grinned at her when he saw the 
      mixture of admiration and amazement on her beautiful face. "I told you I 
      picked up a few things."
      Serena laughed and turned back to the laptop while Darien called 
      headquarters.
      "Hey, Rafe. Any news yet?" Darien stepped out onto the balcony.
      "Darien. I was wondering when you would check in. No, I havent heard 
      anything yet. Have you made contact with Ms. Hayes yet?"
      "Yeah, last night."
      "Dont get into any details or anything." The voice laughed at him through 
      the phone.
      Darien felt his temper rise once again. "You know what these guys are like 
      when it comes to secrecy. Ill let you know more when we figure things 
      out."
      "Right, Ill do the same."
      "Bye." Darien hung up and walked back in.
      "So anything on their end?" Serena was sitting on the couch now looking as 
      though she was trying to figure something out in her head.
      Darien walked in and sat down, making sure there was at least one cushion 
      width between them. "Nothing yet. How about Setsuna? Did she come up with 
      anything?"
      "She seems to think that what were looking for is in Stockholm. She got 
      talking to a rather mouthy hacker online last night that was bragging 
      about having new encryption software in his possession. Pretty stupid if 
      you ask me. But he could be the one were looking for."
      "Great. So which lead do we go with first?" Demando leaned back and slung 
      his arm over the back of the chair.
      ----
      It was dark by the time they arrived in Stockholm. Darien looked around 
      and noticed Setsuna immediately. Of course who couldnt spot a green 
      haired woman when the majority of the rest of the building was swarming 
      with tall blondes?
      The three of them grabbed their bags and headed over to her.
      "Hi everyone." Setsunas crimson gaze held Dariens as her painted lips 
      curved into a smile. "The cars over here."
      Darien looked away from her. He admitted to himself that being looked at 
      like a piece of meat by anyone other than Serena made him uncomfortable. 
      He looked over at Serena, who was laughing at something Demando said and 
      gritted his teeth. But it didnt look like she was going to be looking at 
      him anytime soon.
      Darien turned back to Setsuna and tried to smile as warmly as he could.
      She must have taken it as a positive sign because she walked over and 
      personally led him to the car, leaving the other two to trail behind.
      "Hi Darien. How are you doing?"
      "Not too bad." He hefted his bag and slung it into the trunk. "How about 
      you?"
      "Absolutely wonderful." Setsuna purred as she accidentally rubbed up 
      against him while putting another bag into the trunk.
      Darien tried to hide his physical disgust at how obvious she was. He stood 
      back and waited while everyone else loaded up and tried to stay out of 
      Setsunas reach.
      They were about to leave when they heard a voice shouting for them.
      "Amigos!" Esme was running through the building and over to them. "Wait 
      up!"
      Darien saw Demando roll his eyes at the other womans approach. Did he 
      sense some tension here?
      Intrigued, he decided to keep an eye on more then just the job.
      They arrived at the hotel after a harrowing experience of Harukas driving 
      skills. As if defying death in a tiny car werent enough, Darien found out 
      who his new roommate would be for the duration of their stay in Stockholm.
      Unbelievable. Darien rubbed at his throbbing head and wandered out of the 
      tiny room he and his roomie would be sharing. He headed down the hall to 
      where the women were sharing a suite.
      He knocked at the door and wasnt the least bit surprised when Setsuna 
      opened the door.
      "Darien!" she smiled as she purred her greeting. "Out for a little 
stroll?"
      "You can say that." He walked in and looked at the other women who were 
      gathered around a laptop. "Whats going on?"
      Serena waved him over without looking up from the machine. "I think weve 
      got him." She typed away madly for a moment before switching seats with 
      Setsuna.
      She kept him busy chatting while Esmeraude hooked up her laptop and 
      started a trace. Within moments, she leapt up with a smile. "Hes in the 
      centre of town at a cybercaf called Aswellas."
      "Great!" Darien pulled his gun out of his shoulder holster and checked the 
      clip. The sooner they got this done the sooner he could go home and be 
      miserable on his own. "Lets get him."
      Serena grabbed her coat. "Im coming with you."
      "No. This is police business." He looked at her and softened his voice, 
      "Besides, what if hes a wacko? You might get hurt."
      Her golden brows arched in amusement, "Um, Darien? Remember to whom youre 
      speaking. I think I can handle myself."
      He sighed. She was right and even if he insisted there really was no way 
      to stop her from coming aside from tying her to a chair. His lips twisted 
      wryly at the thought. "Come on then."
      "Just a sec." Serena quickly grabbed an earpiece and put it on. "Check, 
      check." She nodded when Haruka gave her the thumbs up.
      "Youre live on talk radio." She put a similar device in her ear. "Well 
      let you know as soon as we narrow down what station hes at."
      "Right." She followed Darien out the door.
      They walked to the car in silence. They didnt even look at each other not 
      until they both reached for the door on the drivers side.
      Serena laughed. "I think I should drive."
      "Whys that?" Darien cocked his head to one side questioningly. They had 
      had this conversation quite a bit while they were together.
      "Because I have the earpiece and Haruka can direct me to it." Serena 
      reasoned back.
      "You could always tell me as she tells you." He teased back. Darien 
      couldnt believe how at ease he felt now that they were alone.
      Serena smiled. "Now how practical would that be?" she shoved him away from 
      the door. "Now get out of the way and let me drive."
      "Fine. Always have to be in charge dont you?" Darien grumbled 
      good-naturedly as he made his way to the other side.
      Serena slid into the seat and started the engine. "I dont remember you 
      ever having a problem with me in charge, darling."
      Darien didnt miss the sexual connotation and smiled back. "I dont 
      remember you ever complaining when I took the drivers seat either, 
      sweetie."
      "Will you two knock it off?" Harukas voice blared in Serenas ear. "You 
      can continue the foreplay later. Weve got a guy to catch remember? And 
      give him the other earpiece."
      Serena gave him a withering glance and tossed him the other earpiece she 
      had in her pocket, and then turned her attention to driving.
      "You were holding back on me huh?" he quickly put it on and grinned. "I 
      drive on the way back." He stuck his hand out to shake.
      Serena looked over and nodded, extending her hand at the same time. 
      "Agreed."
      "Now that you two are playing nice," Haruka laughed, "Take the next 
right."
      Serena did as she was told and before long they were at Aswellas.
      They walked in and surveyed the lightly coloured room. As was expected of 
      a cyber caf, there were computers everywhere all neatly lined on modern 
      pine tables.
      "Now what?" Darien breathed into the microphone.
      "Head to the back of the room."
      Serena walked to the back of the room with Darien close behind. Listening 
      to Harukas instructions they made their way to the few terminals at the 
      very back of the caf.
      Darien was puzzled. There were three people occupying the computers. One 
      was an oldish lady who, from what he could see was talking to her 
      grandchild in a chat room. Another was a man who was typing feverishly and 
      kept checking his watch. Darien peeked over his shoulder. A student on a 
      very tight deadline from the looks of it.
      He shook his head and walked on. The last person looked like a twelve year 
      old boy.
      Darien looked over at Serena and shook his head. "This cant be right."
      Serena looked just as puzzled. She took a look over his shoulder and 
      blinked. He was talking to Setsuna all right. "Its him."
      Darien sighed and pulled out his gun and badge. He put his hand on the 
      boys shoulder. "Youre under arrest."
      Just as he expected, the boy bolted out of his grasp.
      Darien chased him through the room and caught up with him just as he 
      reached the door.
      He dragged him outside and into an alleyway.
      "I didnt do anything!"
      "Then why are you running?" Darien pushed him against the wall and held 
      him there while he checked him over for any concealed weapons. He found a 
      butterfly knife and some mace. He handed them to Serena while he read the 
      boy his rights.
      Darien looked over his shoulder at Serena and they shared a look. They 
      both knew that now the job was done, they would go their separate ways 
      once more.
      ----
      Darien paced around the stark room. "What do you mean its not him?" he 
      stalked over to the table and leaned on his fists.
      He brought the boy over to the Interpol office there and they quickly took 
      him off his hands for interrogation.
      The slightly balding man shook his head. "Im sorry but its not him. 
      Weve been through his house." He patted the shell of what use to be a 
      computer tower, "And through all of his files. Its not him. He never even 
      had access to the Internet from home. From what we gather hes a talker. 
      Just made up stories to entertain himself and others."
      Darien swore under his breath and walked over to the pane of one-way glass 
      that separated him from the boy. "So hes a spook."
      "Pardon me?"
      He waved his hand. "Nothing. So now what?" Darien wasnt happy at having 
      been deceived by some little boy. He knew that if he went back to the 
      hotel the rest of the group would be gone, including Serena, his link to 
      all of them. Dammit!
      "Back to square one I suppose." He clapped a large hand on Dariens 
      shoulder. "You should get some sleep. You look like hell. Well finish up 
      here."
      "Yeah, well all in a days work right?" he could only smile weakly as the 
      other man laughed jovially. "Keep me posted. Ill be at the hotel."
      Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed his coat and walked out.
      ----
      He arrived at the hotel feeling less than human. All he wanted to do was 
      get a good nights sleep, get the creep who stole the program and clear 
      Serenas name of the crime.
      Darien shoved at the door to the room and noticed almost gleefully that 
      Demandos stuff was gone. He was right. They had left.
      Not exactly caring at this point, Darien flopped onto the bed and was 
      determined to get a good nights sleep.
      "I had a feeling it wasnt him."
      Opening up one stormy blue eye, Darien looked over at the silhouette 
      sitting on the chair in front of the window. "Hi Serena. Can you just let 
      me sleep for a bit?" he dropped his head back onto the pillow.
      "Sure." The willowy shadow stood up and drifted past the bed. "I just 
      thought that you would like to know that Ive found who actually has the 
      disc."
      Will wonders never cease. He sat up now. "You have my attention."
      She sat down on the edge of the bed, so now he could see her in the 
      moonlight. "A businessman by the name of Johan Falkenberg seems to have 
      acquired it and is planning to make it his own." She leaned closer to him 
      and smiled. "As luck would have it, his building is in the city. You feel 
      up for a little fun?"
      Because the question was provoking more than his pride, Darien got up and 
      nodded. "Yes maam." He delicately dusted off his clothes and spread his 
      arms for her perusal. "Do I look good enough to be in your company?"
      Cocking her head to one side, she studied him mockingly for a moment. 
      "Nope. You need a little something."
      ----
      An hour later they were on the rooftop of Falkenberg Enterprises.
      Serena looked over at him and noted how Darien had lost the scowl that had 
      been etched on his face since she saw him again. Now he actually looked 
      happy.
      Darien looked over and caught her gaze. "What?" He knew shed seen the 
      change in him. There was no hiding the sense of freedom he felt up there. 
      Darien cracked a smile. "Come on. Lets get to work." He couldnt believe 
      that he was actually excited about the prospect of breaking into a 
      building.
      Serena grinned her sunny little smile and pulled out the floor plans to 
      the building. "Ok, its best if we get in through the ventilation. This 
      guy really likes his security." She pulled out alternate blueprints that 
      showed the exact location of the each and every device.
      Darien marvelled over them for a moment. "I wont even ask how you got 
      these." He couldnt even begin to count how many security measures were 
      installed in the place. He scanned them and agreed with Serena. The 
      ventilation was the best option. It was still guarded heavily, but not as 
      much as anywhere else. Plus it was the easiest access point. "Lets get to 
      it then."
      They walked over to the main vent and Serena knelt down and opened up her 
      pack. "See if you can bypass the motion sensors Ill set up the crane and 
      harnesses."
      Darien went to work without another thought. Reaching into his pack he 
      pulled out a pair of infrared goggles and took a look at what he had to 
      deal with.
      He whistled through his teeth. The eerily glowing beams crisscrossed the 
      whole way down and if that wasnt bad enough, there were so many beams 
      that he could barely see a space between them.
      "Do you think hed give us the disc and a full confession if we ask him 
      really nice?" Knowing what the answer to the inane question would be, 
      Darien dropped onto his back and looked to see what he had to work with 
      under the ledge of the vent.
      Serena pulled a hunk of machinery out of the pack and was busy setting up 
      when she answered him. "And I suppose you want me to go in there and ask?"
      "The thought had crossed my mind." Darien smiled up at her. "What else do 
      you know about this?"
      "Well its on a feedback loop. If the main box doesnt get feedback from 
      these lasers then the alarms go off."
      "How much time?" Darien pulled out a little box grinned.
      "Twenty-five seconds."
      "How far do we have to go?"
      "Im assuming his office in on the top floor like other big headed men. 
      So, Id have to say about thirty feet.
      He set the timer for twenty seconds. "Now youre not holding out on me are 
      you?" he teased. He knew shed never guess. If she said a figure, it was 
      only because she knew that for a fact.
      A sweet smile answered him. "Would I lie to you?" She walked over and 
      handed him a harness.
      Darien put it on and looked down at the shaft and then back at Serena. 
      "There isnt enough time. We wont make it going one at a time."
      "I know." She hooked herself to him and then to the lead from the crane. 
      "Thats why were going down at the same time." She set the brakes to stop 
      at thirty feet and nodded at him.
      He wrapped his arms around her and couldnt help but smell the delicate 
      fragrance of her hair. Just like old times.
      "If I didnt know better, Id think you were enjoying this." I know I am. 
      Serena tucked herself under his chin. She always loved the way that they 
      fit together so well. "Ready?"
      "Oh yeah."
      He pressed the button to the timer and they dove headfirst into the duct. 
      They fell headlong for a few seconds before the line grew taut and slowed 
      them down until they were at a complete stop in front of another vent.
      Darien straightened them up and tried to bow gracefully. "After you."
      Shaking her head Serena unhooked herself from him, a little reluctantly, 
      and climbed into the other duct. "Youre enjoying this way too much, 
      Darien."
      He turned his head in time to see the line retreating. An instant later 
      the lasers returned. "Why shouldnt I? Its been a while since Ive had 
      any fun." He slid in behind her and followed.
      "Shh." Serena stopped and motioned him to do the same.
      Darien listened to the hollow sounds filtering down the metal tunnel. It 
      was faint but he could hear some voices. He checked his watch. It was 3 
      am. Who in their right mind would be at work at this time of night?
      Quietly he followed her to the vent where the voices were coming from.
      Serena took a peek through the vent and motioned him to come over. She 
      whispered in his ear the moment he was close enough. "Looks like 
      Falkenberg is working late."
      He turned his head and took a look for himself. A podgy looking man with 
      greying hair and a very bad comb over and a woman about half his age were 
      laying very naked on a expensive looking desk.
      He turned and gave Serena a disgusted look as if to say Did you have to 
      show me?.
      Shrugging, Serena leaned on her arms and relaxed. It looked like they were 
      going to be there for a while.
      Darien must have fallen asleep because one moment he was watching Serenas 
      peaceful features and the next he was jerking awake from the sound of a 
      door slam. He knew it would wake Serena so he checked his watch.
      7am.
      They only had an hour at the most before people would be arriving for 
      work. Yawning, he handed her a screwdriver while he tackled a few screws 
      of his own. Within seconds they were in the office.
      They went through his things thoroughly and looked for anything 
      incriminating, taking what they needed. Then they started looking for the 
      disc.
      Serena looked around the walls searching for a wall safe. She found one 
      within minutes. "Darien, help me look for a switch."
      Darien was at the desk and picked up something interesting. "Uh, Sere?"
      "Darien, just find the switch." The exasperated voice came from behind the 
      bookshelf.
      Rolling his eyes, he walked over and tapped her on the shoulder. "Serena."
      "What?" Her eyes widened when she noticed the gleaming CD Darien was 
      holding in her face. "You dont really think thats it do you?"
      "Only one way to find out." He slipped it into the machine and loaded it. 
      He scanned though the material and nodded. "Thats it all right. He must 
      have been so busy with...ahem...work, that he forgot to put it away."
      "Sloppy." Serena shooed Darien and busied herself with hiding their 
tracks.
      Darien headed over to the wall safe and opened it up. Inside he found 
      several copies as well as notes on how he was going to improve it for 
      his use.
      He pocketed them and shut the door to the safe. Alarms peeled almost 
      instantly. "Shit! Weve got to get out of here!"
      Serena was already ahead of him. She grabbed the disc from the drive and 
      was already heading to the door. "Come on!"
      They ran through the halls no longer hindered by the necessity to hide 
      their presence.
      Some people had already arrived for work and stared at them curiously as 
      they ran past.
      "Back up to the roof!"
      Darien followed her up the stairs and out into the morning light. He 
      strapped on his pack and leapt off the building the same instant she did.
      He enjoyed a moment of freefalling before he pulled the ripcord to his 
      parachute and floated lightly to the ground. Cutting the chute loose, 
      Darien shoved on his helmet and climbed onto the back of the motorbike 
      waiting in the alley.
      Serena climbed on behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Go!"
      A few minutes of slipping in and out of traffic and they were out of the 
      city.
      "Mind if I open her up a bit?" Dariens voice came through the speaker in 
      the helmet.
      "Go right ahead!" Serena was having too much fun hanging on to mind.
      "Alrighty then!" In a surge of speed that brought the front tire up, they 
      roared down the street in a blur. "Yahoo!"
      Serena was squealing right along with him and clutched on tighter the 
      faster they went.
      Not too long later they arrived at the harbour. They parked the bike in an 
      inconspicuous corner and ditched the black clothing in a dumpster. They 
      re-emerged in immaculate clothing and smiling like they didnt have a care 
      in the world.
      Darien smiled into the sun and then turned to the beauty on his arm. "So 
      now what?"
      "Herr och Fru Sigridsson?" a feminine voice asked.
      Serena and Darien exchanged a quick look before Serena nodded and smiled, 
      "Ja?" obviously she mistook them for another couple.
      "Vlkommen." She handed them what looked like brochures then bustled them 
      up the ramp and lead them to a cabin chattering all the while.
      Serena answered her questions while Darien quietly followed. He wasnt 
      about to make a fool of himself. There was only one phrase he could say in 
      Swedish.
      The woman looked at him and smiled, obviously waiting for him to say 
      something.
      Darien smiled sheepishly. "Var r toaletten?"
      She smiled and showed him the bathroom, happy that he had nothing to 
      complain about. With that done, she wished them a happy trip and left.
      Closing his stormy eyes in relief, Darien fell onto the bed and lay there 
      for a moment, just letting his muscles relax. "What was that all about?"
      "She confused us with another couple that were supposed to take this room. 
      Apparently they were just about to leave when she saw us. Apparently the 
      other two had the same description." She shrugged off her coat and fell 
      onto the bed as well closing her eyes at the feel of the soft bed beneath 
      her. "I just snapped the opportunity."
      "I thought I was going to die when she wanted me to say something."
      Laughing Serena answered. "You did very well. When did you learn Swedish?"
      Darien turned on his side and realized that he shouldnt have done that. 
      His movement closed the space between them so that they were a breath 
      apart. "I didnt. Thats all I can say with a proper accent." His smile 
      softened. This was so familiar...so...so what he wanted. What he needed.
      Laughing Serena rolled to her side as well, and found herself pressed 
      against the man she was trying so hard to get over. The man who haunted 
      her nights and days. The only person she could see herself happy with.
      Darien.
      Her wide eyes met his smouldering ones and she was lost.
      Maybe it was the adrenaline of the job, maybe he was just trying to find 
      something to blame other than his obvious feelings for her, but Darien 
      found himself kissing her as feverishly and thoroughly as if he would 
      perish without it. He dragged her against him and rolled her on top of 
      him, running his hands through the silken strands of her hair.
      God he missed her. He missed this. He missed everything about this woman.
      There was no way Serena could fight back, even if she wanted to. The truth 
      was she needed this as much as he did. Entwining her legs with his, she 
      kissed him back taking as much as she was giving.
      Darien felt her hands go into his shirt, caressing his skin lightly, 
      tormenting and enticing all at the same time. He knew there was no 
      stopping now. He wrenched at her dress, tugging it off over her head.
      Her hair tumbled over Darien engulfing him with the delicate scent of 
      roses. Winding his wrists in her the golden tendrils, Darien dragged her 
      lips back to his, not giving her the chance to deny him.
      Serena yanked his shirt out of his waistband and tore at the buttons 
      needing to feel his warm skin against hers once more. But it was more than 
      that. She needed to know that Darien still cared about her. Still needed 
      her like she needed him. She gave herself up to his honeyed kisses and 
      prayed that she would have some shred of dignity left when it was over.
      He could feel the intensity he felt mirrored in her and it was driving him 
      insane. He knew with every touch, every kiss, every sigh that there was 
      still something there. Something very real. And hope began to rear its 
      timid head and mingled with the rest of the emotions as they gave way to 
      the passion that was threatening to engulf them both.
      ----
      In the dim light of the morning, Darien stretched awake feeling 
      wonderfully alive and whole again. He knew whom he could thank for that. 
      Darien smiled to himself before he rolled to his side fully intending to 
      tell the love of his life that he still loved her and was willing to do 
      anything to get her back.
      Unfortunately that was when he became aware of the cold air against his 
      bare chest, awakening him to the reality of the situation. Slowly opening 
      one guarded eye, he saw that the window was opened a little just how 
      Serena liked it but, as he feared, she was nowhere in sight.
      Darien looked around again, his stomach sinking faster than a rock in a 
      pond. Surely she would have walked out on them. "Serena?"
      There was no answer.
      Serena was gone.