Title: Infatuation
Chapter 8
By Mitchy Spex

Hi, do not hate me. I was thinking everyday—what the heck should I do with this story. And, here it is. With this chapter, I actually have ideas for the next chapter. It has a different mood than the other chapters. It is lighter, and sets the story up to move along.

I do not own Sailormoon.

"You do realize he is bullying you. He is already controlling every aspect of your life! He told you to quit your job!"

Serena sighed and stopped what she was doing before she turned to face her friend, who was seriously on the verge of going crazy (in her opinion at least—if you were to ask him—she would be the crazy one).

"Don't be ridiculous, Seiya. He is not controlling me. He has no control over me. I agreed to this," she explained calmly. It was the hundredth time she proclaimed the fact since Seiya came over to "put some sense into her." She thought he was being ridiculous.

"You earned your reputation in this industry, and you're just throwing it all away! All because of that callous insensitive prick," he was frustrated. He grabbed the blouse that she was folding and threw it on the pile that was still adorning her bed.

Glaring at him she picked it up again and folded it neatly, tucked it into the large trunk that was placed near the bed. She had been in the middle of packing her clothes when Seiya had decided to show up unannounced (he did so as soon as she had explained to him that she would have to resign as his band's manager). It didn't matter to him that he had to fly back from Las Vegas and then back the very same day for a concert (hence why she thought the ridiculousness of the situation).

"Will you stop packing for a minute and talk?" he placed his hands on either side of her and turned her to face him again.

With a groan and eyes rolling, Serena looked at him seriously, "Okay, you want the truth. Yes, he is a prick. Yes, I did work hard—everything I have now I friggin' worked for! Everything. I know that, Seiya. Boy, don't I know it!"

"Sere…" he could see she was about to freak out.

"No, don't. Don't talk. You want me to talk? The truth is, no, I don't want to resign. But you know what? I made a mistake. I should have told the stupid prick about Rini, but I didn't. As much of an asshole he is, I should have tried. Not only did I rob him of his daughters first years—I also robbed my daughter of her father," she was close to tears now. The last couple of days had been an emotional rollercoaster, and everything built up slowly.

"Sere…" he stepped forward and instinctually wrapped his arms around her.

"I am just trying to do what is right, Seiya. I just think that they serve a chance to get to know each other and… They've been getting along so well the last couple of days. It just breaks my heart knowing the years they spent without each other. I just want her safe and happy and…"

"Shhh… It's okay, Serena. Don't blame yourself. Everything will be alright," he murmured into her ear.

They stood like that for maybe a couple of more minutes until a voice caused them to snap apart.

"How very touching…" it was said so soft it sounded almost lethal.

Serena looked toward her doorway to find Darien leaning on the doorframe eyes furiously staring them down.

"Darien… I…" she looked at him and then back at Seiya. She took steps toward his direction.

He ignored her and addressed the man who was glaring at him as if HE were the one who was just groping another man's wife.

"You know, I thought I made myself clear over the phone. But, I guess that did sink into your little brain," Darien started out harshly. "Serena is MY wife. And, now, it would be in everyone's best intrest—especially yours," he continued pointedly. "if you would keep your hands of MY wife."

"Funny, you didn't seem to care about her the last few years," he replied coldly as he made his way out of the room—at caring if he bumped into Darien as he did so—in fact he made sure the impact made an impression. "You don't even lo…" he stopped short.

He looked at Serena, "I will show myself out. You know how to reach me if you ever need anything, Sere. I will always be there for you. I have to go."

Darien continued to eye his retreating figure until he was out of sight and only turned his attention to Serena when he heard the front door.

And, he kissed her hard.

Surprise over took Serena, however as soon as she regained her senses from his lips overtaking hers— it had been about two days since he last touched her and kissed her, she almost forgot how it felt. She pushed herself off him glaring. "What was that about?"

"I was kissing you hello, my wife," he said with a grin.

"I meant with Seiya! Why do you always have to be so rude?" she exclaimed.

Instantly his grinning face turned hard and serious. "You were lucky I sought to over look what just happened in here. I do not ever want to see you so close to another man again, my lovely wife. Now I want to leave it at that," he finished in such a way that screamed 'let it go or else."

"Why are you here?" she changed the subject really wondering why he chose to stop by so early—Rini was still in school, and she knew he should have been at work anyway.

"I have something to discuss with you," he smiled and led her into her own kitchen as if they were in his house, he the owner, and she the guest.

"Oh god, what is it now… I thought we ironed out all the details already the other day? What more do you want from me, Darien? How much more do you want me to give up? What-"

And he kissed her silent.

"If you would just shut your pretty lips, I could tell you that you may be very pleased with my news," he said with satisfaction. "But first may I request—something to drink? I am parched."

She blinked. "Oh how rude of me, how about some lemonade? Water?" she walked toward the fridge and opened it up examining its contents. "Woops, I guess it would just have to be either water, iced tea, or…"

"Water is fine, mi amour."

She took two glasses out of a cabinet, placed them on the counter and poured them both something to drink. Darien took his as she drank hers realizing that she had been very thirsty.

"How about I fix us up something to eat?" she offered.

"That is sweet, my dear, but I was hoping we could pick Rini up early today and all go out to lunch?"

She eyed him carefully, "What are you playing at, Darien?"

"I have some good news that I am hoping will make you and Rini happy."

"Oh?" she asked dryly.

"Yes. I have made it so I can stay in the area for the remainder of Rini's school year. We will not have to move all of us to Italy until next summer," he explained to her.

Serena's eyes widened unable to believe his words—she hugged him. "Oh Darien, that is wonderful! Thank you! Rini will be thrilled," she was about to detangle herself from him, but he held her closer.

"Yes, I know. I was talking to her yesterday when I took her out for dinner. She expressed her desire to finish out her school year here. She told me she was upset when we told her we would all be moving to Italy by next week. I just knew I had to make it happen," he replied.

Serena swallowed trying to fight back tears. "Thank you," was all she whispered as she let him hold her some more.

"I love her, Serena, I love her. I just want you to know that," he told her solemnly letting her go.

She only nodded in response not really knowing what to say. "So, I guess we should pick her up and tell her the good news!"

She was thrilled. It was the happiest she had been since the day she set her eyes on Darien. It had been three days since that altercation at his place, and her reluctant agreement. However, now, she had the slightest hope that everything was going to be alright. She grabbing her purse from the kitchen counter, she followed him with a slight smile toward his car.

"The only catch is that we are going to spend all of your breaks out there, so you can meet the rest of your family," Darien informed them.

They had picked Rini up from school and took her to one of her favorite Italian restaurants for lunch. Serena let Darien break the good news to their daughter.

"This is really cool! I am so glad I can finish the school year. It would really suck butt—" she started.

"RINI! Language!" Serena interrupted.

With a sheepish smile Rini corrected herself, "I mean it would really be total suckage if I had to leave my friends when it's almost the middle of the school year."

"What is this term 'suck-age?'" Darien asked.

Serena just rolled her eyes.

"Oh my gosh, you are so old—Dad…" Rini exclaimed.

It was the first time Rini had ever addressed him as that. She always avoided addressing him the past three days. The thought of actually hearing her say it—made him feel—like the luckiest man on Earth.

They smiled each other for a moment, as Serena looked on with tears forming in her eyes. It was a moment that she always dreamed of, but never thought would happen.

"Would you all care for desert?" the waitress interrupted the exchange.

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