RIVALS – C17PG
By: raq-UMALI
umalific@hotmail.com
3/01

hope you like ? 


*****

Darien and Serena inched closer as they stood in the midst of the 
elevators that had them trapped within its hold.  They had spent a good 
ten to fifteen minutes talking and in a way flirting with one another.  
Now truth be told as they close the gap between them.  Darien still 
held on Serena's chin as he nudged her closer to his lips.

Serena thoughts were clouded and murky as she stared within the eyes of 
her rival.  His eyes as mesmerized as hers and as clouded and murky as 
if they both were possessed by unknown force inching them together.  
Slowly Serena closed her eyes waiting for the stolen kiss that would 
definitely haunt her everytime she was inside an elevator.

Darien too closed his eyes as he felt the trickle of her breathing.  He 
himself had stopped breathing and held his own sense of serene feeling 
being near and so close to Serena.  She was indeed a heart stopper for 
Darien's heart seemed to not be beating at all.

Playing by instinct his lips hovered closely, still hesitant he held 
himself back slightly.  'What am I doing?' he questioned himself as he 
opened his eyes to peer at the woman he held.  She too was aching for 
this moment it seemed for her lips just became more lusterous and 
deliciously sweet.  'just once' he thought as gave in to the temptation 
of having her near.  As his decision was made he moved closer to lock 
lips and finally feed the hunger that had been waiting. Her lips for 
the longest time have mocked him, teasing him with sheer taunt.  He had 
many times admentlly been dreamily drawn to the folds of her sweet 
lips, wondering how they would taste.  If for sweet chocolate or 
strawberries as it was with her lip gloss, it neednt matter… he wanted 
to taste them for himself and knew that he will not be disappointed.  
Closing his eyes again, he moved forward and in a milla seconds time 
his day dreams of tasting her would happily come true…..

'DAM'…… he thought 'too slow'.  A disappointing jolt disturbed both of 
their moment and were taken back to what seemed like fait trying to 
intervene.  Darien glanced at a flushing Serena as she held a few steps 
back from the sudden move that had brought them both to their senses.  
The elevator moved its way down and still it had a few ways to go.  The 
silence and of what had just occurred was nerving them both as they 
stayed on either side trying to keep a few feet of distance rather than 
the 12 inches of little space that they experienced.

'Oh my gods… I almost kissed Darien' thought Serena flushingly.  'What 
was I thinking' she frowned.  Gaining the attention of Darien who still 
kept his eyes on the mirror image of Serena.  His mind registered that 
he did something wrong and that he shouldn't of made a move like that… 
and 'out of all places… an elevator'.  Darien rolled his eyes and spoke 
of an apology.

"Serena….".  Serena turned a bit and was quite surprised that Darien 
still had the proud face of a person that never was able to be 
embarrassed or blushed.   "Im sorry..I  shouldn't of..".  Surprised 
again, she found it hard to believe that Darien was apologizing.  This 
was the same man that had called her many things at the moment of 
truths at Retirement Party, the very same man that only mocked her with 
challenges every time she was near.  Not once till now did he ever 
apologize. 'I could get used to this'

"Its okay Darien… I didn't exactly refuse" flushed Serena as she 
slightly pinkened as Darien smiled larger than his apologetic grin to 
her honest words.  The doors opened and right away Darien regretted the 
outside world.  Open and not moving both waited for each others 
movement to exit.

"Serena… would you still like to have that coco with me?" asking a bit 
hesistantly Darien turned towards the still flushed Serena and gave her 
the most flattering smile.  Serena's knees almost gave way as she 
glanced his way.    How can she turn him down, this was something new 
when it regarded Darien, perhaps even friendship will loomed itself to 
this ackward Rivalship.

"Ild liked that" smiled Serena as handsome as Darien's.  His eyes 
glittered at her acceptance and in the same thought Darien felt that 
perhaps this was a start to stop their on going rivalry.

"Shall we" he motioned "ladies first".

"Why thank you" smiling curtiously she walked out of the elevator with 
the grace she had always held. Darien following and side by side next 
to the gracing beauty.

Eyes were fixed on them as many recognized the two as Serena Tuskino, 
Chief Executive Officer of Tsukino Financial and Darien Chiba, Owner 
and Chief Executive Officer of Chiba Bank Corporation.  In awe many 
have dumbly stared at the two's glittering smile and light chatter as 
they walked on by many passers.  Many in Tokyo were fully aware of the 
rivalry between the two companies and have heard and experience the 
bickering and the challenges that the two had brought.  Never went a 
day before now that the two were able to be near and not challenge one 
another to another dueling match.  So in a great surprise, many were 
unexpected at the scene of Darien and Serena chatting kindly with one 
another and even the eye bulging sight of now taking a seat and having 
coffee with one another.

Darien led Serena through the throngs of people around, headed for his 
morning ritual of bitter coffee and light chatter with his assistants, 
though this morning was to be different, he was to engage in a full 
conversation with Serena Tsukino.  He noticed a few eyes bulging at him 
and Serena, obviously at the sight of them two together not dueling.

Darien motioned for a particular table and Serena agreed.  Right away a 
young man approached them.

"The usual Mr. Chiba?"  Serena was not surprised.

"Yes. and hot coco for Miss. Tsukino please" 

"Right away Sir" scurried the young man as he quickly prepared their 
orders.

"I assume this is your morning ritual"

"It's a way to prepare my day before I to loose my sanity infront of 
abundance piles of paperwork"

"I do know what you mean" smirked Serena "all work…. once you enter the 
office.  I have found to do that myself"

"I believe it" smiled Darien as the young man returned with their 
orders.  Darien paid the young man generously before returning to their 
conversation.

"So Serena, how did you ever find your way to our parts of woods?" he 
asked while sipping his coffee.

"You mean how did I get myself into running Tsukino Financial in 
Tokyo?" she rephrased as it was meant.  Darien grinned, she was indeed 
sharp.

"Well….  If you put it that way, yes"

"You know to tell you the truth…… I don't know!" chuckled Serena as 
Darien joined her at her expression of bewilderment.

"What do you mean you don't know?"

"Well…. It all happened so fast." She thought briefly and setting her 
cup of coco down 

"one minute I was in a meeting with a client Mr. Simon the next I was 
packing my bags."

"It was that unmemorable to be offered a position here neh?" he 
grinned.

"No….. it was… I was greatfull that I was chosen.  But I think I was 
just to overwhelmed at the notion that I would be running it all on my 
own." She paused a bit  "Then the thought of being reunited with my 
friends was another thing… though I didn't think that Rei would still 
be calling me meatball head" cringed Serena.  Both laughed heartily at 
the comment and immediately Darien couldn't help but tease her.

"You know… now that you've mentioned it…" he grinned than cocked an 
brow at Serena while she was drinking.  Eyes going wide she wiped her 
mouth and spoke.

"Don't you dare!" she pointed at him accusingly.

"All right I wont…"
"Good"

"Odango" he curled his lips to his most devious smile.

"OHHHHHH… You!" rasping as she threw a wad of napkin towards him.  
"BAKA!" Minutes passed and as it was to everyone, Darien and Serena was 
getting along quite well.  With laughter dying down, she noticed that 
eyes were on them.  "Is it me or are we being marveled at?" asked 
Serena with a sarcastic grin.

"No… your right… we are being stared at…"

"By chance what could they be staring at?" she asked notably.

"Probably the wonderment on how you two can be talking so calmly with 
one another" came a voice.  Darien turned and Serena smiled at the man 
in a gray suit.

"Good morning Michael" smiled Serena.

"Good morning Serena….. Darien" he mockingly looked at Darien.

"Care to join us?" she asked then caught Darien's eyes and remembered 
what he had said in the elevator and cracked a smile.

"Sure I would love too?" he gestured pulling a seat next to them coffee 
in hand.

"So… Serena how are you feeling?"

The conversation with the three of them was short but none the less 
interesting.  Serena spoke of her friends and what they did when they 
were very young.  Antics of pulling practical jokes on one another and 
even their embarassing moments in junior high.  Darien and Michael sat 
their completely taken by her stories of past memories.  Laughing with 
her as she made face, mimic-ing the reaction they had done in the past.  
It was definitely a great morning.

"I'm sorry gentleman but I have to get going" Serena heaved as she 
settled her laughing stomach.

"Oh so soon?" said Michael "I was just starting to get good ammo 
against Mina".

"Hey…Don't tell her I told you" laughed Serena "Besides don't you two 
have any work to be done?" she stood clutching her brief case.

"Us.. no… we just sit here all day" smiled Darien waving his arm, 
motioning to nothing.

"I bet and this is where you plan to rule the world" Serena returned 
the large smile "But I have much to do… Thanks for the Coco Darien, 
hope we can do it again sometime".

"You're very welcome and of course we'll have to do it again sometime" 
paused Darien "But will skip the elevator incident".  

Michael eyed the two as they thanked each other for their company.  His 
eyes became of quirk and interest as Serena's face grew a pinkish red 
to Darien's last statement.  Looking from Darien to Serena over again.  
He noticed the smiles that were plastered on their faces. 'hmmm… 
something happened'

"yes.. definetly skip the elevator incident.  I have to get going… bye 
you two"  waved Serena as she began to walk away.  Leaving Darien to 
watch her stride off towards the entrance.

"Serena"

"Hmmm."  Serena turned as she heard her name.

"Your paying next time".  Serena laughed and rolled her eyes.

"and I thought you were a gentleman"

"I just thought you are a woman with 90's virtues but if I was wrong I 
would be happy to pay…"

"well if that's the way you put it then I wouldn't mind paying" said 
Serena as she touched the handles of the glass door, stopping to think 

"Darien………" Serena held on "it wouldn't of been so bad.. would it?" she 
asked.

"What.. what wouldn't of been so bad?" he asked a little confused.

"the elevator incident?" she grinned before catching Darien's 
mischivous smile and exiting before he could ask anymore.

"WHAT.. WHAT incident????" asked Michael as he watch Darien

"Nothing" Darien drank the last drops of his coffee and stood.

"COME ON… I want to know… what incident"

"You and I my friend, have work to do." Darien stood and began to walk 
away.

"OH come on… Darien…" he called out to his friend.  Darien did not 
turn, he kept walking with a smitten smile that will indeed brighten 
his day.

*****

"Morning Andrea"

"Welcome back Serena"

"Thank you, Andrew please hold all calls till 10:00. I want to get 
settled in and get udated on a few things.."

"yes ma'am"

Serena went to her office with the same smug smile that was written all 
over Darien's face.  It was definitely going to be different around 
him.  Hanging her blazer she slowly strolled over to her desk.  Sighing 
as she sat to the comforts of her large executive chair.  Staring at 
the many files that litter her desk, it wasn't her passion for work 
that was on her mind but the sorcerer of a man that hypnotized her to 
inch closer to him.  Turning her chair around, her eyes was greeted 
with the many sky rise buildings that littered the downtown district.  
As always her eyes averted to the large building that's name she was 
beginning to like. 'Chiba'.

Serena couldn't determine what made her say such thing. 'it wouldn't be 
so bad would it?'.  Serena rolled her eyes at the thought.. 'why you 
little witch, you were flirting' she thought and laughed heartily.  
'but…… would it'.  Her heart raced for the answer, the words, 
delicious, wonderful, sweet and beautiful came to mind.  "It wouldn't 
of been so bad!" muttering the words some what loudly.

Her mind drifted to the moment of contemplation in the seemingly 
crowded space they occupied.  'To kiss or not to kiss' which 'was' the 
question.  Serena's mind focused and remembered Darien's subtle touch 
as he held her chin, all gentle and very attracting.  His eyes were the 
bluest depths of the rainbow.  It was 'hypnotic', 'Gawd… and I was 
pulled to him, I wanted the kiss' her mind screamed.  "To Kiss… TO 
Kiss…" muttering her words slightly louder than before.

"ummm… am I inttterrupting?" asked a voice behind her.  Serena heard 
the voice and whipped her chair around to find Jayson looking very at 
her with worries.  Turning the most pinkish hue Serena smiled a little 
shyly.

"Umm.. Jayson… ah… um… didn't anyone every tell you to knock" she half 
joked as she picked up her pen.

"I was going too but Andrea said that I should just enter that you 
weren't doing anything at the moment.  I can come back later?" Jayson 
asked with worried eyes.  "Serena are you okay?"

"Yes I'm fine… I was just a little occupied that's all.  But enough 
about that.. what is it that you needed?" she questioned, getting over 
the embarrassing outburst.  She would not know how to explain it or 
would she care to.

***

Darien also strolled into his floor light headed and occupied with the 
mornings event. He greeted everyone with more than a large smile, a 
smile that was different, a smile that spoke more than just happy.  

Everyone noticed when Darien Chiba entered the work force with a smile 
rather than a burning attitude of ruling the industry.  He was cheery 
and perhaps even giddy.

"Good morning everyone" he smiled as stopped in front of his 
secretary's desk followed by Michael.  Saying nothing Michael's was a 
little more than curious to what had happened with him and Serena.  His 
eyes never leaving the man as he rummaged through the many messages 
handed to him by his secretary. Obvious to him that his mood was 
triggered by Serena.

"It's a great day isn't it?" asked Darien to no one in particular.  
Mrs. Bishop looked at him a little dumbfounded then to Michael who just 
shrugged his shoulder and said nothing.

"Yes it is Mr. Chiba" she muttered watching his feature smile.

"Mrs. Bishop, you look rather nice today" he said lastly before 
entering his office.

"Why…why… thank you sir" she responded watching him retreat to his 
office.  Michael followed behind and said nothing as Mrs. Bishop looked 
at him with puzzlement.

"He had a good breakfast!" he joked as he followed Darien.

Michael entered Darien's office and watched him with more interest.  
His eyes were cloudy and not at all himself.  Fiddling with is 
paperwork, he might look focus but that was the least he was.

"Darien…"

"Yeah?"

"Are you going to tell me what happened?" asked Michael as he plopped 
himself on the couch.  Darien's acidic smile was almost menacing.

"NO!"

"Aww… come on Darien… I'll be your best friend".  Darien laughed at his 
childish games.

"No. and that's final. Now if you can let me be I've got work to do"

"FINE!". Michael stood and headed for the door.  "Remind me not to say 
anything to you when it regards Mina" 

"Michael, I never ask, you always share!" grinned Darien.

"Arg.. you are impossible!" breathed Michael as he left without another 
word.


Stay tune for chapter 18

Umalific@hotmail.com