This is for ASMR Title: Romancing in NY Name: Lelu E-mail: ETLCHSIEH@AOL.com Chapter: 4 Rating: PG Subject line: Romancing in NY Chapter 4 (PG) by Lelu Thanks again, Lisa Hello, everyone! I'm back again for Chpt. 4! Thank you to all the people who have e-mailed me! More AN's at the bottom, for those of you who will actually read them! Disclaimer: Copyright 1992 Naoko Takeuchi/Kodansha/TOEI Animation. Sailor Moon, the Sailor Moon characters and their respective names and likenesses are a trademark of TOEI Animation. (Unfortunately, that means Darien, too!) << denotes thought>> Chpt. 4- The Call (Thursday afternoon, around 11:55am) Serena nervously tapped her fingers on the desk. ::tap, tap, tap, tap:: People around her were starting to get agitated, but one look at her clouded face washed all ideas of telling her to shut up out of their mind. One man, however, could stand it no longer. "Please, stop doing that! It's driving me nuts!" (AN: Yeah, Aaron. Stop tapping your pens! Lol) Serena had the grace to blush and looked down, apologizing profusely. "I'm sorry. It's just that I'm expecting an-" "Important phone call from the 'womanizer.' We know, we know," everyone chorused. Serena's big baby blue eyes started to water after she had realized what term that had been used to describe him. "Womanizer," she asked, softly. "Womanizer," she asked again, with more force into her voice. "How DARE you call him that! You didn't go out with him last night. You didn't have the time of your life with him. Don't you dare," she said, almost screaming at the top of her lungs, "call him that in my presence ever again, even if we do breakup! You hear-" Her tirade was cut off short by the shrill ringing of the telephone. The office, which had become deathly silent when Serena, who was mild-mannered, began to yell, strained to hear the conversation. Serena, her voice shaking, calmly said, "Hello. You have reached the President of Broadway's Secretary. I'm Serena, how may I help you?" "Serena," questioned a masculine voice. "This is Darien. I was hoping that I could have a word with you. By the way, how did you like the flowers?" Serena, keeping her voice cool, calm, and business like, replied, "They are just lovely. Thank you." Darien, noticing the difference in her voice, asked, "Serena? Is there something I should know? Did I do something wrong? Why are you being so...business-like? I thought we had fun last night. I know I did." "Oh, yes, Darien. *We* did have fun." Her tone of voice was sarcastic. "Do you plan on us going out again on Friday? Or how about the 5th date? Do you actually see us going out on a 5th date?" Her voice was nearly hysterical. "Do you, Darien?" His voice nearly slapped her in the face. "Serena, " he said, using a deathly silent type of voice, "I'll call you in 5 minutes. See if you can get a hold of yourself by then, and then maybe we can speak about the problem you're having. Goodbye." Serena heard the quiet clicking of the phone. Dumb-founded, she stared at the phone. <> Her train of thought, however, was broken when she heard Mr. Yammati's voice on the line. "Serena?" "Yes, sir?" "I was just looking at the clock, and I noticed that it was 12:03. Has *he* called yet?" "Yes, sir. You just missed him. I...I...sortagotmadathimandhehunguponmetellingmethathewo uldcallmebackinfiveminutes," she blurted out quickly. "Uh...," Mr. Yammati was dumbfounded. "Could you please repeat that again?" Serena sighed. "Me mad. He hung up. Will call again in 5 minutes." "Oh. Well, then, I guess I had better get off the line. Tell me what happens, okay?" Serena gave an exasperated sigh. "Sometimes you are just too nosy for your own good." "I know, but you still love me all the same," he retorted. "Don't I know it." It was more of a statement than a question. "And yet, I still wonder why I put up with you." "Because you love me and you know it. Plus, the salary doesn't hurt." Before she could say anything, he had abruptly hung up, knowing that if he had stayed on the line, that he would have received an earful from the already angered girl. Serena let out a breath of air. <> The phone's shrill ring brought her out of her reverie. Everyone in the office had the courtesy to actually *pretend* that they were doing their own work. Serena sighed and answered the phone call. "Hello. You have reached the President of Broadway's Secretary. I'm Serena, how may I help you?" "Serena, I hope that you've calmed down now. Maybe we can now have a discussion? A calm one, even? " The sarcasm was evident in his voice. "Actually, Darien, I was hoping that I could call you back in a couple of minutes. *Some* people around here, "she gave her co-workers a look of mock contempt, "just seem like they can't mind their own business. Actually, cross out the some. All." The tension had been broken. "Sure, Serena. I don't think you have my number though. It's 637-3168." (AN: That's actually a phone number of 3 people I know, combined!) "637-3168," Serena repeated, just in case she had heard it incorrectly. "That's right," he drawled over the line. "I'll be waiting." And yet again she heard the tiny click of the phone hanging up. <> Serena reached into her purse and pulled out her cell phone. "I knew that this would come in handy," she muttered. She walked into the elevator and pushed a whole bunch of different floor numbers. <> She flipped the speaking part of the cell phone back and began to press the numbers. <> She dialed in the numbers and pressed the 'send' button on the phone. She could hear the phone ring... While Serena was in the office, walking into the elevator, Darien quickly strode out of his office and into the waiting room. "Rachael," he commanded, "if anyone is to call in the next 5 minutes, I don't want you to answer. Just connect it straight to me, okay?" "Yes, Mr. Shields. Any particular reason why?" "Yes, but I really don't want to go through with it. It's...a personal matter." Rachael, who was quite miffed, thought <> She plastered a cheery smile on her face. "Yes, sir", she responded sarcastically. "I live to serve you." A smile broke out on Darien's handsome face. "That was a good one, Miss Bay. I think that that little statement will own up to it's words one day." "I'll be waiting," she sarcastically replied. He walked back into his office and sat down at his desk, staring into space. The sudden ringing of the phone shook him out of his daydream. "Hello?" "Hi, Darien," a sullen voice replied. "Serena?" "Yes?" "Are you ready to talk now? Calmly and rationally (AN: The 'Parent Trap!') like the adults that we are?" "Yes." "Good. Now, perhaps you'd like to tell me what got you so...angry all of a sudden?" "W-w-well, uh, ::clears throat::, you see, Darien,I...uh...Iheardarumoraboutyouandyourreputation," she breathed out into one sentence. "Suprisingly enough, I could understand that. Perhaps you'd like to tell me what kind of rumor this is?" "Um...I...uh...." She gathered up her courage and steadied her voice. "Darien, I was talking to a girl on another floor about the date we had last night. She heard your name and told me something..." Darien was now growing impatient. "Maybe you'd like to tell me what that was," he said sarcastically. Serena, who was still in the elevator ride, looked at the floors. She pressed a few more buttons. This was going to take a while. "She told me that...that..." She burst into fresh tears. Darien, who was still on the line, could hear her sobbing. "Serena," he said gently, "Maybe you'd like to talk to me about this in person?" She was greatly relieved. "Yes," she said shakily. "I think that that would be easier for me." "Okay, when do you want to meet?" "How about my house in half an hour?" "That'd be good for me. <> " "Okay, I'll meet you there. Bye now." This time, it was Darien who heard the annoying *beep , beep, beep* sound, the sound that you hear when a person hangs up abruptly. "Rachael," he called as he stormed out, "Cancel all appointments that I had today. I have to go have a talk with someone." Rachael's eyes were clear with understanding. <> "Yes, sir. And sir?" "What?" Her brown eyes shone. "I hope you get her. If you're putting this much effort in, she must be a nice girl." With that, she turned around and started to file papers. He smiled at her unknowing back and left. *Serena's Apartment* <> She looked down at herself and checked her appearance in her full-length mirror. Black heels adorned her feet, and her 2-piece suit was a dark forest green that was 2 and a *1/2* inches (AN: DETENTION FOR HER! Lol.) above her knee. Her hair was pulled up into a professional French twist, and was held back with 2 faux emerald clips. Luckily, Mr. Yammati had understood when she had asked for the rest of the day off. 'Go get him,' were the exact words he had spoken before she had shut the door. <> As she started to be sucked into a world of her own, the doorbell rang...and rang...and rang. On the third ring, the person who was actually ringing the doorbell became impatient. "Serena? Hello? Are you in there?" Serena shook her head to clear out her mind. "Yes, coming." She opened the door and there stood Darien. He was the picture of male perfection (AN: RR, MM, stop laughing!) His hair was tousled by the wind and his black 3-piece suit nearly matched the color of his ebony hair. "Hello, Serena. Can I come in?" Serena, after drinking in his appearance, and then reminding herself that she was mad at him, said nonchalantly, "Sure." She stepped out of the way so he could enter and shut the door after he had walked in. "So Serena," he said, making himself comfortable on the couch, "exactly what were you going to tell me?" <> Serena thought sarcastically. <> "Actually, Darien, if you don't mind, since it is lunchtime, I was going to make a sandwich. Would you like one?" "Sure. What do you have?" "I'm not sure. Why don't you come into the kitchen with me and you can pick whatever you want." "Okay." He stood up from the couch and walked with Serena into the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator and peered inside. Luckily, she had just gone shopping 2 nights before. "Why don't you come look inside and tell me what you want. I'll get some plates and bread." As Serena ventured to the other side of the kitchen to get the plates, Darien stuck his head into the refrigerator. "Serena, do you think that you could take the time to make a BLT? I haven't had lunch, either, and really hadn't had time to eat breakfast." "Sure," Serena replied. "I was just thinking about eating that, too." As Darien handed her the bacon, their hands brushed each other's, it was a very light touch, but they both felt a small bolt of electricity (AN: I know, I know. It's cliché, but...) that ran through their fingertips. Serena quickly spun around and took out a pan as Darien ran a hand through his hair. <> they both thought.. "Darien," Serena called, trying to break the uncomfortable silence, "Would you mind cutting the tomatoes for me?" "Okay. Just hand me a knife and the board." Darien, who was already standing next to the sink, had to move when Serena knelt down beside him to pull out the board. She then went to a drawer that held the utensils and handed a knife to Darien. "Be careful," she warned. "The blades are really sharp. Don't cut yourself!" She then turned around and focused on the bacon again. She heard Darien chopping the tomatoes and smiled. <> Suddenly, she heard the knife clatter to the floor, and Darien say a...not so choice word. "Shit! I cut myself." Serena hurried over to where Darien was standing. "I'll get a band aid. Hold on." She turned and walked towards the bathroom, which was through the rec. room, into the hallway, and then into the master bedroom, where she kept a first aid kit. Grabbing it, she ran back into the kitchen, where Darien had already cleaned the cut and had started to dry it. "Okay, this might sting a bit. I know that you're grown up, but sometimes I find that it helps to warn the person injured that the disinfectant will sting. So, you might want to brace yourself." She took the alcohol and put a bit of it onto a cotton swab. She then took Darien's hand, and held it firmly onto the wound. She heard Darien suck in his breath. "Oh, that stung," he muttered to no one in particular. "I told you so," was the remark that was thrown towards him. He narrowed his eyes and looked straight at Serena. "Serena, dearest," he said sarcastically, "I am in pain, although it might be a little bit, so I really would appreciate it if you wouldn't be so bitter about it." Serena faltered a bit but held her ground. Reaching once more into the kit, she removed a band-aid. Before tearing the paper off, she removed the cotton from Darien's finger and began to blow on it. She never took her eyes off his as she did so. Slowly, they inched forward, closer...closer...closer...::BEEP!BEEP!BEEP!BEEP!:: Startled, they both pulled back, wondering what that hideous sound was. As they located the source, their eyes grew wide in horror. The long forgotten bacon had now gone up in flames, and was giving off quite a bit off smoke. Serena silently swore. She stood up and ran to the other side of the kitchen, forgetting that she was wearing a short skirt and that she had company, although the company had enjoyed what he had seen! Serena took the pan and threw it into the sink and rinsed it out with cold water. <> She then turned around and blushed. Darien was sitting there, holding his injured finger in one hand, with his eyes and mouth gaping, like a fish.. She walked towards him and sat down. "What?" She whispered. "Never seen a woman run before?" "Yes, but usually, they're wearing pants." Now it was her turn to blush. They glanced at each other and started laughing. Serena, her laughter like tiny bells chiming in the wind, and Darien's, his like a deep rumbling. "Why don't we go out to eat," Darien said. " By doing so, we can probably prevent this whole building from burning down." Serena was just about to agree when she remembered to whole reason why Darien was here. Wiping all laughter from her face, she smoothly stated, "Actually, Darien, I'd like to have that conversation now." Darien quickly glanced at her and saw the seriousness that her face and eyes held. "Well, let's go into the rec. room. At least we'll have a more...comfortable atmosphere." She nodded her head in silent agreement. They both stood up at the same time and walked into the rec. room. Darien sat on the couch while Serena sat on the chair. "Now, Serena. Tell me. Exactly what did you hear?" She took a deep breath before answering. And another. And another. Finally, she was ready. "As I said before, I was talking to a girl, Mandy, on the third floor. I mentioned your name, because I had said that I went out on a date with you last night-" "Which I hope you had fun on..." He let his voice trail off, hoping to hear her immediately agree. She did not. "Anyway, before I was so rudely interrupted," she threw a glare towards Darien, " when she heard your name...She sorta...paled a bit." "Paled? What for?" "She told me something about you. Something that might actually end this relationship, unless, of course, you give me the right answer toward the question I am about to ask you." She let her voice trail off so Darien could fully absorb the words she had just spoken. "Alright. Before you ask me the question, tell me what she said," he said, seriously.. Serena laughed. "Jeez, Darien. Lighten up. It's only a question." Yet, as she said this, she said a silent prayer to whoever might be listening 'up there'.<> "Okay, Darien. This is what she said. She said, and I quote this, 'Darien sorta has a reputation. He has been out with a whole bunch of different girls, and I've even heard that he's dated two or three at the same time.' So, would you like to tell me if that's true, sir?" His handsome features grew stony and hard. He panicked. <> Serena watched, amused, as she saw a million emotions fly by on his face. Fear, of losing her, anger, that someone would actually say that, confusion, of how to explain it, and love- <> "Anyway, Darien, before I ask you my question, is there anything else that you're holding back from me?" Darien thought for a moment. <> He cleared his throat nervously. "No, Serena. Nothing." She looked at him, disbelieveingly. <> "Okay, Darien, if you're sure...Now, here's my question. Actually, now that I think about it, I have two. Think carefully, Darien, and answer them honestly, okay?" "Yes." <> "Number one, why do you go out with all these girls?" At the thought of this, she unconsciously began to form tears. "What's your purpose of doing this?" "Oh, Serena," he said, affectionately. "Don't cry. It makes me wonder...are all girls as emotional as you," he questioned, in a more teasing voice. She wiped back her tears.<> "Ha ha. Now, answer the question. Why?" He cleared his throat again, trying to think of a good way to state his answer. In his heart, he already knew why, but how would he explain it to her? End Chpt. 4. Don't ya people (who are reading this!) hate me for doing this? I, myself, don't like cliffhangers, but...hey! What can ya do? Thanks goes to Eternal Angel and Mandy, my editor! Chpt. 5 should be out next week ,sometime, but don't expect too much. Homework is *really* getting to me, and my birthday is coming up soon. So, if today is the 6th, my b-day is in...16 more days! Woohoo! I have to plan my party, so...it might take a while to get the next chpt. out.Thank you to all the people who have been e-mailing me. Your support is really means a lot to me, and I really appreciate you people to take the time to e-mail me. As usual, feedback is always welcome. Unless, of course, it's a flame. Those are nasty. I received my first (and last, I hope!) the other day...whoo-boy! Can we say M-E-A-N? ANYWAY ::looks around, eyes rolled heavenward:: until next time, I remain...Lelu! E-mail me at: ETLCHSIEH@AOL.com