Femme Fatale – Chapter 3
By. R. Umali
December 4, 2000


Serena arrived in Seattle safely, she was a little anxious to be out 
and about for she had never been to Seattle before.  Calmly departing 
the plane with her carry on luggage, she was quickly approached by a 
woman dressed casually in jeans.  She wore her brunette hair up in a 
braid with wisks of hair falling down agitating her eyes. 
"hi you must be Serena" said this woman surprising Serena a bit.  
Serena's guards immediately swelled towards the stranger, scanning the 
area tightly before resuming the conversation with this woman.
"Do I know you?" she asked quietly preparing to defend herself for any 
confrontation.
"I'm here to take you to your first destination, My name is Jill" said 
the woman.
"Jill, I'm sorry but I'm not going anywhere with someone I don't know" 
said Serena
"ayyyyeee… I forgot" said the woman hitting her head "I was sent by 
Setsuna"
"Setsuna huh" said a skeptic Serena "and I suppose she told you what to 
say to me to make you legitimate"
"Oh yeah…. Umm…ahem…DON'T UNDERESTIMATE A WOMAN, HER BITE COULD BE 
DEADLY" Jill recited calmly.  Jill held her breath a little bit for 
Serena didn't look too amused.  Serena's eyes narrowed staring at the 
girl.  Jill exhaled as Serena's gaze became lighter then all together a 
smile.
"Setsuna said you were going to be hard" said Jill
"Well they should of informed me that you were to pick me up"
"I know huh"
"So where are we headed to the house or has my iteneary changed" asked 
Serena
"Oh, well actually it did changed a little. I'm taking you to get your 
transportation and then you will be going to your final destination 
where you can rest"
"Sounds good, what will I be driving" asked Serena.

Serena smiled widely to her vehicle, indeed her superiors knew her 
well.  They provided for her a nice cherry red Lincoln Navigator.  Tan 
interior, nice leather seats, featuring all the amenities of a luxury 
car.  Her cherry on her sundae was the moon roof, Serena always had a 
flare having a moon roof and it was exceptionally larger than the 
average moon roof.
"Like it?" asked Jill
"I think liking it is an understatement" smiled Serena "Haruka always 
knew what I need to get my job done".  Inspecting her vehicle properly 
she took note of the homing device that was installed next to her 
engine.  "Figures" laughed Serena.
"What?'
"Nothing, so where do I go from here?"
"Oh, Setsuna asked me to give this to you" she said handing her a large 
envelope "She said for your to follow the instructions on your map.  
Then you will know where to go from there"
"Thanks for your help" 
"No problem"
"I take it this wont be the last time Ill see you?" said Serena as she 
stepped inside her Navigator.
"Not likely" smiled Jill as she returned to her car.  Smiling brightly 
she bid her last farewell 
as Jill moved on.  Inside Serena opened the envelope carefully.  Inside 
was a map with a note scribbled on top.  The second item was of a CD 
with a note instructing to read and follow the map first.  Following 
the instructions carefully she drove her way to town.  Making herself 
aware of her surroundings she ventured through town and made mental 
notes of many things. Grocery Stores and Banks were one she had to 
remember.  Finally her destination came clear when she turned entering 
the parking lot of a huge building. 'Gayson Science of Techonology' she 
read at the large sign.  A guard stood at front at the gate as she 
pulled up.
"May I help you"
"Yea, I'm Serena Tsukino I just was hired here and am making myself 
known to the building" She smiled greatly to the gentlemen outside.
"May I see your drivers license?" he asked.  Serena casually gave him 
her license and watched as the guard took it to his booth.  After a few 
moments time he returned with a smile.
"Miss. Tsukino its nice to meet you, we were not expected of your 
presence till but your building is over there" he stated.
"Thank you".  Serena casually drove in and followed the directions of 
the guard.  As instructed she parked and inserted the CD to the player.  
Setsuna's voice rang as she listened intently of her assignment.

CD –
"Serena, hope that all is well on your trip.  I understand that if your 
listening to this you did not attack Jill.  I apologize for the sudden 
change." 

Serena laughed at the comment.

"But few things have changed since our last meeting.  One you will not 
be staying with the Carson's tonight nor the week.  The changed has 
been due to the need of your presence around our subject immediately.  
There had been several attempts again to kidnap him and those attempts 
have been too close.  We are at the most worried that they might 
actually succeed with their abduction.  We need you to establish 
yourself and adapt to his environment quickly.  Surely we can count on 
you to keep him safe and monitor his movements at any time.  Inside the 
glove compartment are a few things you will need.

Serena opened the glove compartment and within the compartment was 
another large envelope.

"Inside this envelope are your badge and identification cards.  Your 
name is quite the same with the exception of a different social 
security number.

"Currently there are two soldiers patrolling his home carefully and a 
few keeping an eye on him while he is at work.  Although they keep 
their distance they still have trouble locating him at times.  He is a 
hard one to keep track of."

Serena noticed some binoculars and casually looked at it, perfect 
timing!

"Currently your subject should be inside his office.  Take the 
binoculars that has been provided and move five windows up from the 
left hand corner of the building."

Serena focused her binoculars and counted five windows up.  Upon the 
count of five a man came to view.  "BINGO" said Serena loudly as she 
fixed her stare up to the man drinking his coffee.  Recognizing him 
immediately she focused even more.

"That window is very much bullet proof.  We had that installed for 
further precautions.  Now inside the brief cases behind the passenger 
seat are your special belongings.  I suggest that you take a look at 
them when you are in the confines of your room.  They are what Haruka 
thought you might need and as usual we trust her instincts."

Serena listened quietly and surveyed her area attentively, taking note 
of all areas of exits and areas of where she felt were a perfect place 
to hide, amongst the trees and bushed that covered the surrounding 
area. She registered faces that came in and out of the busy entrance 
and strickly memorizing those to her that seem a little out of place.  
Serena stayed for some time just sitting in her truck, keeping an eye 
on the subject when he is able to be seen.

Once the sun began to dim, she had to proceed to her next area, his 
home.  It was still quite bright outside when she stopped her vehicle 
on the top of the hills.  Stepping outside she deeply welcomed the 
fresh air, smelling the rough but yet sweet pungent smell of pine trees 
and wildflowers.  The area was beautiful and breathtakingly handsome.  
The two-story country style house surrounded itself amidst the trees 
making it almost hidden.    Sounds of rustling water made contact with 
her senses, giving her all the while a relaxing feeling.  The area was 
almost perfect to her.  Being well trained in the jungle and knowing 
much about survival instincts, all four of her sense are at her best at 
these types of environments.  This environment was the best place for 
her to keep an eye on her subject.  Being the thorough surveyor she 
mentally mapped her way for areas that best can be of use to her. 

The sound of a vehicle sparked the curiousity of Serena and brought her 
binoculars out to gain visibility of the owner. Having very strong 
vision with the binoculars, a jeep Cherokee made it's way towards the 
home.  Serena turned and twist the knobs clockwise to have a better 
view.  Once the owner of the vehicle had stepped out to Serena's full 
view, It was clear to see that the owner or visitor has brown hair and 
is quite tall. 'brown hair, 5'10, sounds like his roommate' she thought 
loudly. As she watched him more curiously, a light cracking of twigs 
came to her heightened sense.  She stopped and looked around for a 
moment.  Sensing the direction it came from she moved the opposite 
direction. 

A stalky young man walked quietly towards the parked vehicle. Slowly he 
looked inside the vehicle to view the contents or persons about.  As he 
walked towards the front he prepared himself for any confrontation by 
holding his gun in front of him.

Serena waited for the unknown person to make him or her known, sitting 
back blending in within the trees she had a glimpse of the man that 
broke her silence. Noticing the gun he held in his hand, she walked 
ever so silently to the back of the truck.  The unknown stranger made 
his way towards the front.  Serena as quiet as a panther finding its 
prey, snuck up from behind.

The not so smart man looked around carefully in front of him.  And as 
he was to turn around, quick hands grabbed the gun and kicked him to 
the ground.

Serena snuck up behind the man and as he turned, she instinctively 
swiped the gun away from his hands then with a powerfully kicked the 
startled man fell to the ground.  Falling a few yards away, he fell 
flatly on his back.  Serena pointed the gun to the stranger.
"WHO are you?" she demanded.  The man surprised and scared at the same 
time stuttered.
"I'm……..I'm…… Jos…hua" he said silently as he watch the gun being 
pointed directly at him.  Serena came close and to her knowledge this 
man before her was very much frightened and inexperienced.
"What are you doing here?"  Serena waited for his response and was 
getting quite impatient.   The man just stared at her in fright.  
"don't make me have to ask you again" she stared as she cocked the gun.  
The man gulped as he heard the clicking sound.
"I'm guarding the house over there".  Serena looked to where he pointed 
and became aware who the stranger was. 'No wonder the abductors have 
been getting close, they've been sending babies to baby sit' she 
thought quietly.  Serena held fast but softened her features as she 
sensed that this man was scared enough..
"Always look behind you as well as infront of you" said Serena as she 
cocked the gun again releasing the tension from the bullet loaded in 
its barrel.  Serena walked over to the man, exteneding her hand 
offering it to Joshua.   Joshua stared at her.  "Its okay".  Though 
hesitantly, Joshua took Serena's hand carefully and helped himself up.
"Here" said Serena handing him the gun. "Just don't get any ideas".  
Joshua stared skeptical for a moment.  His thoughts rang to how this 
woman in front of him knew how to carry herself well.  Accepting the 
gun, he returned it to his holster.
"May I ask who you are Miss"
"My name is Serena Tsukino" she greeted extending her arm for a hand 
shake. "I am to relieve you of your duties here".
"Oh you're his body guard" said Joshua surprised that they sent a 
woman.
"Yeah you can say that.  Where is your partner?" she asked curiously.
"He's out patrolling the other side."
"Have you gotten any disturbance around here lately?"
"Not really, just mainly kids that venture out to the lake."
"I see.  Well Joshua go ahead and look for your partner and let him 
know that I arrived.  I think you are to report to your officers to get 
further instructions" she ordered.
"Yes ma'am" he answered not wanting to argue with the woman.  Joshua 
walked away slowly, a few times looking back.  Serena moved her head 
from left to right thinking of how frighten this soldier was.

After the incident Serena returned to her truck and drove her way down 
to the home.  Upon coming out of the truck she couldn't help notice how 
placid the lake was.  So calm so serene, Serena took another glance 
around and sighed to how astoundingly picturesque this place was.  
Taking her purse she found her way to the door step and rapt firmly at 
the door.  Several times and no answer, but the jeep was still present.  
She knocked harder making the sound more defined.
"I'm coming…. Hold you horses" said the man, who Serena can hear 
walking.  Serena stepped back a little and waited.  Opening the door, 
Serena chuckled to seeing the man.  The same brown haired man that she 
watched a few minutes ago, had seem to have just gotten out of the 
shower.
"Hel..llo" said the man as he fumbled to hold his towel around his 
waist.  Serena smiled a bit to the mans flushed feature. "Can I help 
you?".
"Yes, my name is Serena.  I was sent by Unnix housing center."
"OH!…" he said a little dumb founded "I'm sorry Serena, I didn't know 
they were sending a female" he laughed. "Come in please" he said 
holding the door open wide.
"Thank you".  Serena entered the house and taking a look around to the 
well decorated and very roomy home.
"Umm.. Excuse me for a moment, please, make yourself comfortable" he 
said as he disappeared through the top of the stairs.  Serena walked 
around the living room.  It was quite large and beautifully 
breathtaking as well.  The furniture's were of tan color and everything 
seemed to be so soft and subtle.  Creams, tans, browns and blacks were 
the few that mainly dressed the room.  The couches and furniture 
ensemble were of cream color.  The floor was of shined solid wood 
making the taps of her boots thug.  Besides the country look of all 
wood and soft earth tones, everything was embellished with dark horizon 
colors.  Purples, browns and a touch of burnished orange adorned the 
couches and other areas.  The side tables were decorated quaintly with 
knick-knacks of all sorts.  Serena sat down on the large couch as she 
waited for the return of her soon to be room-mate.  The coffee table in 
front of her was decorated with many pictures frames.  She picked one 
up where five figures huddled together for the pose.  The only people 
she recognize where of the raven and dark brown haired man, whom were 
quite young back then.  She smiled as he picked up what seems like a 
family photo.  A young man holding on to a woman's hand, she assumes 
that she was the mother and the man that stood next to them was the 
father.  She picked up many photos admiring and taking a small part of 
the men's history in her mind.  She had already known many things about 
them but in a sense didn't.  The man that had greeted her earlier with 
just a towel that held his bare necessities now came down fully 
clothed.  Serena stood as he reached the bottom.
"Oh don't mind me, Please.. have a seat" he said. "By the way I'm 
Andrew" he said extending his arm for a friendly handshake.  Serena 
took his hand politely and shook it lightly.  "I'm sorry about your 
welcoming, I didn't know I was to expect a woman".  Andrew took the 
seat across from Serena.
"That's okay" said Serena she smiled "But will me being a woman be a 
problem?"
"I don't see why it should, I for one certainly don't mind"
"But what of your other room mate"
"Oh him… don't worry about him, he won't mind either.  It would be 
better than our previous room mate." he said waving his hand in the air 
as a nonesence gesture
"I'm sure that the housing has clued you in on the rent and the rules?"
"yes and that wont be a problem but as for the rules.  They didn't 
mention any"
"Well they're very simple.  No smoking, no drugs, no illegal use of 
anything."
"Well that wont be a problem for I don't use any" 
"Okay then, I know you had signed all your paper work so let me show 
you to your room"
"That would be great"

Serena followed Andrew casually up the stairs.  Upon full view, she was 
surprised how comfortable this place was.  Up the stairs was a large 
family room.

"this is the family room" said Andrew "We usually watch TV or relax 
here"

Serena walked over towards the large windows and smiled at the view.

"this place is beautiful"
"I know what you mean.  I love this place.."
"But I have to admit.. I didn't think this place would be so clean.."
"OH!"
"No offense, but two guys.  I've had my fair share of room mates guys 
and girls".  Serena and Andrew laughed.
"Well, Darien is kinda like a neat freak.. He likes things simple and 
clean"
"Darien?" played Serena
"Oh yeah, he'll be your other room mate and he's actually the owner."
"I see" 
"can you believe he designed this place?"
"HE DID?"
"Yeah… so don't be surprised if there's a trap door or something in 
here" he chuckled.
"WHY?"
"Oh, you don't know Darien.  He's the great scientist/inventor"
"Really"
"Yeah, but I'm sure he can tell you all about that himself, let me show 
you to your room" .  He gestured towards the hall. 
"This ma lady is your room" he joked as he opened the door.  The room 
was beautiful, it was almost as if it was a room at a prestigous bed 
and breakfast or a historical inn.  A large bed centralized it self in 
the middle of the room.  White imported laces and floral designs 
adorned the tapestry and bedsides.  
"This design is beautiful, it is my favorite" she said while touching 
the rose designed fabric.  Serena strolled over towards the windows and 
touched the softness of the overlay.  Sheer fabric cascaded from the 
tops of the windows pooling down on the wooded flooring.
"Oh MY!" she whispered as she came to look through the window.  The 
window was quite large, It took almost all the left side of the room 
stretching for one area to another.  The view was a breathtaking sight.
"Beautiful isn't it?" asked Andrew as he stood beside Serena.
"Yes it is"
"You should see this place during the winter"
"Oh I bet it's even more beautiful"
"It is"
"This place is gorgeous" Serena turned around walking and taking a 
liking to her would be room.  She entered the bathroom and fell in-
love.  The tub on one side was antique, it stood on its four and 
refurbished to its natural shine.  The shower stall on the other side 
was surrounded by glass blocks, forming an in-closure and within the 
middle of every so rows of blocks were red and green stained glass 
forming a rose.  Gold fixtures graced the pedestal sink and everything 
else that combined with the large bathroom.
"Are all the bathrooms like this… or should I ask are all the rooms 
like this?" she asked coming out from the bathroom.  "I mean this is 
just simple elegant".
"All the rooms are actually the same if not a little larger.  But this 
room has recently been remodeled"
"OH? How come?"
"Well, the old room mate sort of trashed the place"
"What?"
"Yeah, The wall paper was torn, the curtins were too.  Then there were 
holes on the walls and other things.  He was always partying and having 
people over and since Darien always was away he didn't know and I 
didn't really see the guy much to say anything.  I left notes and 
things on his door." 
"What did he do in here?"
"I don't know but when Darien came back from a long business conference 
and passed by his room.  Unlucky for the guy he left the door wide 
open.  Darien saw the room and was pissed.  He walked out and told him 
to look for another place."
"What did he say?"
"What could he say, he vandalized Darien's property"
"Did he take his security deposit for the repairs?"
"Yeah, but he spent more on this renovation than what the security 
deposit was.  Darien repainted everything and patched everything up 
himself.  Then once he was done he bought new furnitures and curtins.  
Actually I was surprised when he came home with floral designs.  I was 
thinking to myself that the next room mate has to either be gay or live 
in torment." Serena and him both chuckled. "I asked him about it and he 
said that when he saw it he liked it and couldn't get himself to look 
at another design.  Now It seems faith has brought you into this room, 
as if he knew you were coming and simple decorated it to your 
preference" said Andrew chuckling.
"Yeah right… Does Darien have E.S.P. too?" she asked jokingly.  Serena 
did have to admit how close to this was to her room.. The designs, the 
furniture everything about this place has something that whispered her 
name.
"Come let me show you the rest of the house" he motioned to follow his 
lead.  Serena followed intently taking each room with the same surprise 
as the rest of the rooms.  The house was indeed marvelous from inside 
and out.  The other rooms were if not as large, larger than the others.  
He showed her the kitchen and the many appliances that embelished 
itself within the walls or the counters.  He proceeded to show her the 
formal and casual dinning area then to the basement.  The basement's 
motif was like a log cabin or rather masculin.  It was wall to wall 
wood, it held a rock mantle surrounding the fireplace, games were set 
aside. Pool table, pinball machine and a wet bar were present.  The 
design was simple brilliant.  She was so amazed how Darien, her other 
room mate had such a liking for decorating.  Then it dawned on her.  
She curiously asked as they went back up the stairs.
"Andrew can I ask you something?"
"Yeah sure"
"Is Darien by any chance…" she said kinda low "gay"
"Darien Chiba, gay…."  He laughed.
"I'm sorry" she said quite embarrassed.
"No…No…. I'm sorry for laughing"
"It's just that he decorates so well and I just assumed"
"that's okay Serena, I know what you mean.  Everyone gets the same 
feeling when they first enter this house and find out that Darien 
designed everything from the neck down.  But the truth is, Darien's 
mother was an interior designer so he has always been surrounded by 
beautiful designs."
"OHHHHHH… I see"
"His mother always brought him everywhere with her when picking fabrics 
and furniture.  Seeing that Darien had great taste, his mother always 
asked him for his opinion."
"Figures".  She thought at how his mother being a designer wasn't in 
her file.  All it said was that she was a home maker.
"Do you have a lot of stuff to bring up?"
"Oh no, I sold all my furniture when I moved so all I have are my 
luggage and maybe a few boxes."
"Okay, let me help you".  

Serena and Andrew got along quite well.  They made their way down to 
her truck.  Andrew's eyes opened widely, seeing the navigator.  
Following Serena to the truck they began to reach in for her 
belongings.  Andrew reached over for two silver brief cases.
"What do you have in here" asked Andrew towards Serena.
"Ill take those" said Serena taking them from him.
"Are you sure it's quite heavy"
"No I'm fine" she said taking the two cases.  Serena took the cases to 
her room and put them in the closet.  She will get to them later.  
While bringing up the rest of her stuff, they talked about each other 
letting each know a few bits and pieces about them.  Serena of course 
made some story up as she went along that sort of similar to her own 
life. Andrew asked about her new job and things that she did for fun or 
hobbies.  They found that they were all quite similar.  It was a little 
after five when they were done.  Their stomachs grummled with hunger.  
Andrew tried to take the reins in thinking of something to make.  He 
brought out several left-overs from the precvious nights and cringed at 
having them again.
"I don't know what to make" he said loudly.
"What do you have?" asked Serena
"We have left overs"
"What kind?"
"We've got turkey, ham, roast beef, ummm"
"I guess you guys are meat eaters" she laughed as she walked towards 
the refridgirator.
"Here let me help you said Serena as she looked inside the 
rerfidgirator".  Noticing a few items particluarly the turkey.. Serena 
had an idea.
"Andrew do you have any cream of mushroom soup?"
"Yep, that's my favorite, we can never run out"
"How about some brocholli?"
"Yep"
"Mozzerela Cheese and linguini noodles?"
"Yep…yep" he said rummaging through the pantry.
"Okay leave it up to me" she said as she lifted her sleeves and washed 
her hands..
"Are you sure?"
"Yes……"
"But can I help"
"Sure, you can cut the brocholli's into small trees"
"Small trees????"
"Yeah its what my mom calls it… You now little stalks" said Serena 
laughing at his puzzelled look.
"Got cha" he said as he began to separate the brocholli pieces.  They 
work together, Andrew helping when needed…he  watched her as she mixed 
her ingredients together.  Onions and garlic was sauteed with olive 
oil.  The turkey pieces were and brocholli was combined with the rest.  
Once turkey was lightly browned and the brocholli stalks were tender. 
the cream of mushroom soup was added.  The noodles were done and Andrew 
helpingly strained them.
"The noodles are done"
"thanks, now go make the garlic bread?" she instructed.  She watched 
him take out the butter and powdered garlic seasoning.  Serena stopped 
him.
"Let me show you how to make real garlic bread instead of that powdery 
stuff." she laughed at his fake hurt features.  Serena took three large 
cloves of garlic and minced them properly.  Andrew was amazed of how 
well she performed in the kitchen.  Serena mixed 1 cup of butter and a 
teaspoon of olive oil, together she blended in the garlic.  She went to 
the spice rack and added other seasoning.  Coming up the mixture she 
then gave it to Andrew.
"have you tasted garlic cheese bread before?"
"Nope, but Ill try anythin?"
"spread some of this to the bread, sprinkle some cheese on top and put 
it in the oven for 10 minutes unitll crisp" she tended back to the dish 
and mixed the finally ingredients together.
"DONE, now what can I do to help?"
"Well I'm done, but do you have any salad ingredients?" 
"Yeah we do" he said opening the refridgirator. "We have this.."
"red leaf lettuce"
"and this" he said showing them to her.
"Endive"
"and this" lifting up some what it looks like small spinach.
"baby greens.  Take them all out" she said as she prepared to cut each 
one.  "Do you have any anchovy paste?"
"Anchovy paste????? I don't know about that one" he said as he began to 
rummage again through the pantry.  Serena began to cut several pieces 
of the red leaf lettuce, endive and baby greens.  She could of sworn 
she saw tomatos and curiously looked inside the refrigirator.  Finding 
what she needed she washed and diced them.
"I don't believe it" said Andrew loudly as he held a can of anchovy 
paste.  Serena laughed.
"for what ever reason that was in there" he said "But what are you 
going to do with that?"
"Ceasar dressing" she smiled.
"OHHHHHH"
"I'm almost done here why don't you set up the table" she said as she 
mixed the salad and dressing together.

Andrew was having fun, this new room mate of his was nice, funny, can 
cook and he paused as he looked over to Serena adding the last touches, 
beautiful.  'this if going to be nice having a girl…' he though 
silently as he layed forks and knives out.  Just then front door opened 
and casual thunks on the wooden floor made it known that Darien was 
home.  "Darien in here" said Andrew as he put the last plate down. 
'Dinner for three' he laughed.  

Darien entered the home tired and hungry as usual.  His dark ebony hair 
rustled wildly and his sapphire eyes dark and mysterious.  His tall 
features hovered the living room as he loosened his tie pulling it to 
throw on top of his blazer. He had not eaten anything since his mishaps 
this morning with his experiments.  He walked over laying his brief 
case down.  He heard Andrews voice and casually walking in the kitchen 
to see what his room mate was up too and to ask who's Navigator that 
was parked outside.
"Andrew" he said as he unbuttoned the top of his shirt "Do you know 
who's Navigator that…..is.." he end seeing a woman in the kitchen.

"Hi Darien" said Andrew "How's it going?" he asked as he padded his 
back.  Darien still stared at the woman in the kitchen.  It was 
something so different to him, he has not had a women in this home for 
quite sometime.  Actually since his unhappy brake up with Mae-lyn.  
Andrew smiled at his friends bewildered features.  'what is this' he 
thought.  

Serena noticed Darien staring at her and looked up to see him.  His 
photo didn't do him justice to how handsome her subject look.  Causally 
bringing the bowl of salad to the table she smiled largely at him and 
said her hello.

"Hi" she said sweetly as she placed the bowl down "I'm Serena" she said 
holding out her hand for a handshake.  Darien smiled largely at the 
woman before him… 'Blond, blue eyes….. enchanting' he thought as he 
held his gaze.
"Darien" said Andrew "Darien….".
"huh…. Oh I'm sorry" said Darien hiding his flushed features.
"As you can see, we don't have many female visitors" said Andrew.
"Drew" said Darien
"Ah…don't worry man, you should of seen how we met.  Darien this is 
Serena Tsukino, she is our new room mate".  Darien smiled at Serena 
then heard the words room mate and quickly glanced at Andrew.
"Room mate?" he said catching Serena a bit.
"Yeah, the Unnix housing company sent her" said Andrew.
"They did" said Darien a little surprised, he could of sworn he put 
only 'male' in the preference box.  He didn't want to deal with women 
and their constant fights with their boyfriends.  He surely didn't want 
to be in the middle of it.
"I'm sorry" said Serena a little dissappointed.  She has taken a liking 
to the place and is really sorry if he wouldn't let her stay. "I'll 
call the Unnix company, Ill just stay in a hotel tonight" said Serena 
as she began to walk away.  Andrew looked at Darien with a frown and 
hit him on the shoulder.
"Oh no, please… stay" said Darien.  Serena turned around as he asked 
her to stay. "Please don't think that your not welcome… I was just 
surprised, I'm sorry for the mis-understanding, your welcome to stay 
here." He said as he watched her smile.
"are you sure it wont be a problem" she asked sweetly to him with 
almost pleading eyes.  Darien staired contently at her and comprehended 
how beautiful this woman was.  'Those eyes…' he thought 'how can I say 
no'.
"No problem at all" he assured her.
"Good or I wouldn't of let you have any dinner." said Andrew hitting 
Darien again. "Serena prepared it or us".  Darien glanced at the table 
below and surely it was set for a dinner for three.  The sound of 
hungry stomachs echoed.
"My stomach is talking" said Andrew "Can we eat now" he whined.  Both 
Serena and Darien laughed at his display and all nodded in agreement.  
Serena sat across from Andrew and so she had the reins of sitting 
besides Darien.

The three sat hungrily, passing each other plates of food and as soon 
as they were settled the questions began.
"So Serena, where are you from?" asked Darien
"I'm from Massachusettes"
"Wow, that's a long ways from here" said Andrew "What are you doing 
here?"
"I was relocated to another position here" she said as she took 
spoonfuls of pasta.
"Mmm..This is good" said Darien liking the taste.
"Yeah, Serena this is good" said Andrew as he dove in for more "Where 
did you learn how to cook?"
"My mom, my mom had her own catering service when I was young.  I would 
help cook and prepare food along side of her"
"What do you call this?" asked Darien
"I usually call it chicken alfredo, but since its turkey we can say its 
turkey alfredo"
"Delicious" said Andrew "Will you be cooking more often?".  Darien 
stared at his friend, almost asking him what the hell he was thinking.
"Well.. as long as you let me." She said smilingly at Darien.
"As long as you don't mind doing it" said Darien kindly " Just as long 
as you know that where not forcing you too"
"Oh I wont, I don't mind it.  I love to cook" she said as she bit into 
her bread.

During the course of the meal, the three had gotten to know each other 
a little more.  Serena and Andrew recollected on their first encounter 
and laughed when Andrew mentioned when Serena asked if he was gay.  
Darien sat interestingly content on getting to know this beautiful 
girl.  He smiled to when she laughed and heart pounded when she would 
take quick glances at him.  It was very difficult for him to not look 
and stare at her, for she was so pleasing to the eye.  He was indeed 
lost for words every time she would asked questions or directed 
something to him.

"You like that?" asked Andrew
"Yeah, I think its fun. WHY?"
"I have never known a girl…"
"A woman" interrupted Serena as Darien laughed.
"Excuse me a 'WOMAN' to like playing paintball"
"What do you like about it?" asked Darien.
"I like the challenge and the tactics of it all.  My girlfriends and I 
play as a team against Navy Seals" 
"Oh come now…..Really…how does it end" asked Andrew
"Well, at first the guys think they need to go easy on us.  But once 
they realize how well we do they cower at their loss" she smiled "Then 
they ask for a rematch"
"Your friends and yourself like to play against men" asked Darien
"Only because, like you said Not many women play it and in one instance 
we did play against other women and they sucked."  Darien and Andrew 
laughed at her comment and features. 
"Really how?" asked Darien curious.
"Well first off, when they arrive at the place, their all done up as if 
they were going to a dance.  They worry about their make-up and stuff."
"and you don't?" asked Andrew
"No…why would I when we're rolling around on the ground and hiding 
behind bushes filled with spiders."
"True."
"and what they wear.."
"What do they wear?"
"They dress in shorts and tanks… I mean come on… your suppose to play a 
soldier not a damsel in distress.  Then… when they get hit, they 
whimper that it hurts or they're going to get a bruise" the guys 
laughed.
"How about you, don't you cry when it hurts?"
"Eh, it only stings a little.  But that's a price you pay playing 
besides, pain is something more than a bruise." Said Serena as she 
thought of the countless times when she's been injured by bullets or 
being stabbed. 
"You seem to be very athletic" said Darien staring at Serena and almost 
wanting to ask a question that he didn't know if it would offend her or 
not.  Serena watched his features as he spoke and kinda knew what he 
was thinking.
"NO I'm not" she said laughingly.  Darien smiled… she picked up what he 
was trying to silently ask.
"I'm not gay" she said towards Darien "tou…che".  The trio laughed and 
really enjoyed each others company.  It was so pleasant to have a woman 
in the house, especially Serena.  She was very open minded and her 
character was absolutely perfect.

"So, should I expect many girls to be visiting you handsome guys" said 
Serena to the two men.  The two men flushed at her words.  She giggled 
at their looks and laughed even harder when they were speechless.
"I just don't want any of them to think anything if they see me in 
here".
"I don't think you need to worry about that" said Darien.
"Like we said, we don't have many women who visit us." Said Andrew
"We are always too busy to have a relationship."
"How about you?" asked Andrew.  Darien sat quietly as he listened.
"Me… a boyfriend…" asked Serena "fat chance"
"Why do you say that?
"Well it usually don't work too well"
"How come?"
"Let me guess" said Andrew "they cant stand the competition"
"Yeah, they cant stand me always beating them at things" said Serena
"I didn't mean it that way, I meant that they couldn't stand the 
competition from other men"
"Nooooo…. Your so silly.." laughed Serena
"Then" asked Darien "Why is it so hard for you to work together?"
"Well.." said Serena as she thought about her answer. "Its just not 
that simple.  Im always on the go and things never work out at the end.  
Relationships are too complicated and I tend to shy away from them for 
that reason"
"I buy that" said Andrew "But I still think it shouldn't be that hard 
for you" he said standing to take his plate to the kitchen.
"Yes, me too".  Serena kept her silence as she watch then two men in 
the kitchen.  She was in a sense speechless and a little surprised to 
the subject.  It was hard, out of all the training she's had she's 
really not had to expose her personal life and even if someone asked it 
was always as simple as no I don't have a boyfriend and it was as 
simple as that, no other questions asked.  Apparently her answer to 
these men weren't enough but at lease good enough to pacify them.  
Serena stood to take her plate to the kitchen when she was stopped by 
Darien.
"Serena, Ill take that" he said taking the plate from her grasp.
"Oh no Its okay"
"Serena, you've just come from a tiring trip and you cooked dinner.  I 
would assume your tired and you still have boxes and luggage to unpack.  
Andrew and I can handle this.  Right Andrew" he winked cutely, how can 
she defend herself to that.
"Darn Skippy"
"thanks guys." she said as he smiled brightly taking her plate to the 
kitchen for Andrew to wash.


End of Chapter 3 ……………… Stay Tune for chapter 4

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