Author : UsagiSmores
Rating : PG-13
Stalk Me? : « Email Addy » AznBabee86@hotmail.com, «AOL aim » Mz Sexchie Pinay
Summary : Serena Tsukino is a daughter of a wealthy man. But when he forces her to marry...she refuses and runs away. 6 years later, she's one of the most well-known pick-pocket thief in New York known as Usagi. But when she picks wealthy Darien Shields', her plan of picking his pocket didn't exactly turn out as she had planned as he blackmails her into pretending to be his wife just for a day. But what is supposed to be a day, turns out to be longer than they both expected as Mamoru's boss changes their little agreement. But what could a few more days of pretending hurt? Sure...argues here in there...but there is definitely no love in the air...right?
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"No father...I will NOT marry! Absolutely not! For one thing, I hardly know the man! You expect me to marry a money-seeking bimbo?! And another thing, I want to marry someone I love and not someone that I'm being FORCED to marry..."
"Stop right there young lady. This man is no money-seeker. He's richer than us and probably a couple of my business friends combined! You should be thrilled to have the honor to catch the eye of the most sought after man in France! If not that, then at least be thankful for the fact that you are marrying someone with such good fortune! As for the love part...well...in due time you will come to love and have RESPECT for him." Rubbing his temples and sitting down on his brown leather chair, 56-year-old Kenji Tsukino sighed with annoyance. Raising a teenage daughter was difficult. But he on the other hand, had to raise her alone. Ever since his wife died of breast cancer, he had been overly protective of his daughter. He wanted her to have a good life and a set future. Finding her a rich soon-to-be husband wasn't all that hard, seeing as to the fact that his daughter was indeed VERY beautiful. Oh to hell with it! His daughter could shame all of the female models in France! Oddly enough, she looked nothing like him nor her mother. But in a way...it was a good thing.
Diamond Franscé put the $ in money..he was literally swimming in them! And Kenji Tsukino certainly wasn't going to pass out on a good deal for a set future for his beloved daughter. He knew that his daughter wouldn't take this little piece of news lightly...seeing as along with her brilliant charm and dazzling looks, a hot-tempered, stubborn, hard-headed...well...woman came along with it. Woman. She was no longer his little child. And with that thought in mind, he jumped back to the present.
Clasping his hands together and leaning back in his chair, he studied his daughter. She was ready to wed alright. In his mind...she was born ready. But unfortunately for him, she didn't quite agree.
"Father...if you don't delay this soon-to-be wedding that I was so generously informed about..." Serena Tsukino said sarcastically, "..I'll..er...um..well...I'll...run away! That's it!" she finished with a nod of her head to add to her dramatic display. "I am for once setting my foot down on something I believe in, father. I WILL run away! Yup.." she grinned. 'Oh Serena! You're a genius! Father will most definitely have to cancel the wedding now!' she thought.
Mr. Tsukino merely smiled. Serena sweat dropped and chuckled nervously.
"You are now dismissed daughter. We will continue this little conversation on the morrow."
It wasn't a suggestion...it was a command. He was still set on marrying her to a little dimwit who's head was far too deep into his...well...behind. Why..he even had a ridiculous name! Diamond! Pft! What a laugh.
Plans were dancing through her head at a profound speed..ESCAPE plans to be more specific. She was never the one to go down on her word...and she wasn't about to start now. If her father wouldn't listen to reason...then nor would she. She had some connections around the fair city of Paris...and the first thing she was going to do was get a one-way ticket to the U.S.! Grinning, she merely nodded her head in consent to her father as she smiled coyly at him and left the study.
Arching a brow, Mr. Tsukino turned his seat around to face a huge paneled window, which had a remarkable view of the estate's garden. He knew his daughter far too well. She was never the one to get discouraged so easily, and her leaving his study so calmly was just too suspicious. "Oh, what does that girl have up her sleeves now.." he wondered aloud. But the only thing that answered him was the deadly silence of the study.
Later on that night, Serena gathered a few of her most precious belongings and stuffed her airline ticket into her pocket. Looking towards her night stand, the neon red numbers seemed to taunt her. It was 10:30, and at precisely 11:15 she would be boarding a plane to America. Heading towards the door, doubts flooded her head as she frowned and sighed with frustration. Turning around, she took one last look at her room and the many memories it had to offer. One, however, caught her eyes as she walked back to her night stand, a picture in a pure gold frame seemingly haunting her every move. It was a picture of her and her mother, hand in hand in a field of sunflowers, a look of pure joy etched on their faces.
Taking the picture out of the frame, she folded it neatly and stuffed it into her cap. She was going to miss France...especially her father. But her mind was set...she would NOT marry. And with that, she walked out of the mansion into a waiting cab outside. Getting into the cab, she told the driver her destination. Sitting down placidly, her hands folded on her lap she promised herself that she would not look back. She couldn't look back. She looked back. "Goodbye..." she whispered.
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6 years later...
"Ah Usagi! What do you have here?" asked a toothless red-haired man, otherwise known as Rubeus as he looked on bug-eyed at the treasures that Usagi had stolen." Usagi merely grinned. "Oh nothing special. Just a little ruby necklace here and perhaps 3 or 4 wallets there." But what she didn't name was the big sack of garbage bag that held many more jewelry and valuables that she had "shopped" for throughout the bustling city of New York that day. 24-year-old Usagi was an excellent pick-pocket in all of New York. She was the best of the best and probably more so. She had the tendency to leave a red rose in her unfortunate victim's pocket...having the world know that the worldwide famous Usagi had gotten away with another stolen valuable.
Although she had a not-so-great reputation, she was also kind-hearted. The valuables she took usually found its way in beggar's tin cans, foster homes, and even the prostitutes that lined the streets of New York City. One of the prostitutes that she had helped, Mina Aino, was now the famous Mina Aino that covered Broadway posters and had a very promising career in the acting business.
Rubeus, on the other hand, was very greedy and spent every cent he stole for himself. He spat at the poor, crippled children and didn't quite agree with Usagi's chivalrous nature. The only reason why he didn't kill her long ago, was because she could bring in more stolen valuables then the rest of the gang. As a matter of fact, now that he thought about it, she was the ONLY one who could bring in stolen valuables. Everyone had either quit the group, got caught and taken to jail, or..well...was dead. She stuck by his side through thick and thin...and over the years, he started to consider her as a little sister.
Funny as how he first started off wanting to kill her and now ending up wanting protecting her...even with his life. She had that kind of power over anyone who dared cross her path; the power to melt their hearts.
"Hello?!? Earth to Rubeus! Didn't you hear a word I said?" said the 24-year-old goddess towering over him ((AN: he was sitting down =Þ)), her hands resting on her hips and a look of irritation fixed onto her beautiful, young features.
"Eh...what? Sorry Usagi, I didn't hear a word you just said." Rubeus smirked.
Rolling her eyes and sighing with great annoyance, she fought off the urge to thwap the living daylights out of him. "I SAID..." she began slowly, as if telling a 5-year-old child not to play with fire, "to look over at that dark-haired bimbo over there. The one in that suit...he looks like he's filthy rich to me." she said, a slender finger pointing towards a tall man who was ready to cross the street. He had a far-away look on his face. Rubeus smirked. "How do you know he's rich? He looks like all those other guys standing around him...what makes you think he's any different? And besides, Usagi, we already have a lot of stuff here and we can finally buy you a pretty girly-dress instead of that honest-to-God awful-lookin' um...thing." he said, grimacing as he looked her up and down. Her everyday street clothes made his seem like it was just fresh from the rack, and her smudged face made her look nothing like a woman that she was.
Usagi rolled her eyes again. Ever since she had joined the group, the first thing a guy named Chad Welsh had called her was Usagi. Coming from Japan, he had said that it meant Bunny...and that she looked like a beautiful Bunny from the moon. How anyone could think of her as a bunny was beyond her...and if truth be told, she was at first quite insulted! Her...the heiress to the biggest company in France where she basked in a gold tub...being compared to a bunny! But that was six years ago..and the nickname kind of stuck.
She had missed her father over the years, but she had been able to see him sometimes when he was on television explaining of all the riches and comfort his cruise ships could offer. He looked older and more worn down, and Serena knew that it was because of her sudden disappearance. She had thought many times to go back...to apologize over and over again...but the marriage she was promised to scared her to death. Her...Serena Tsukino...afraid of marriage. If news broke out that the famous Usagi actually was afraid of something..she'd be a laughing stock!
"Hey..give me some credit Rubeus.." she finally said...breaking out of her stupor. "I have a good eye...I know when I see a rich person..and this man is definitely a jackpot. And besides..." she grinned slyly. "He was on the cover of this morning's newspaper. He's the infamous Darien Shields."
Rubeus' chin practically dropped to the ground at the mention of that name. THE Darien Shields. Why..he was only the richest man in the United States!! He owned so many banks that even a mathematician wouldn't be able to count! He owned his own island off the coast of the Caribbean and even owned many of the famous companies in the U.S.! If the world knew that his Usagi had been able to steal from the famous Shields himself..their future would be set. They would finally get respect from all of the pick-pocketers in New York!
"That's it...you talked me into it! Get his wallet and that briefcase next to his feet if you can! We'll be rich!" Rubeus' eyes seemed to get glazed over, money signs flashing in his eyes. Usagi giggled, and did a saluted stance. "Yes sir.." and with that..she disappeared into the growing crowd of New York. Her destination? Darien Shields.
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Darien sighed. He couldn't believe it! Why him of all people? Today's luncheon with his boss didn't go the way he planned. He had thought that his boss would allow him to buy a cruise company somewhere in France...but she had to pull the big one on him.
**Flashback**
"Darien, my boy, I have a proposal for you.." said 36-year-old Lunarian Winter...otherwise known as Luna. Taking a sip of coffee and munching happily on a huge ham sandwich, Luna leaned forward and grinned. "I know all about you and your interest in that cruise ship company, SmoothWater Inc."
Darien perked a brow and crossed his arms to his chest. "Yes, I'm a very big fan of the way that company works..and I plan to buy it and try to invest it."
Luna solely nodded and popped some grapes into her mouth. "Yes, yes, yes. I know. And I know that you want me to support you...am I right?"
Darien merely gaped. 'How did she know that?!?'
Luna chuckled. "I suppose you want to know how I knew that?"
Darien nodded, dumbfounded.
"New's travels fast..and I just so happen to have had heard about your little plan. Not to mention the fact that your nice ol' secretary has a big mouth." Luna smirked.
Darien nodded his understanding. But mentally..he was making a "To-Do List" and the first thing on that list was to fire that sexy, hot, secretary of his.
"Well...I'll support you..but only under ONE condition..." Luna said...tapping slender digits on the restaurant table.
"Uh huh....and that condition would be...?" Darien was almost afraid to ask as he took a sip of the red wine a passing waiter had given him.
Luna grinned, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, "..well...your sister told me that you have a wife now! And all I want to hear from you is that it's true and the company and my full support is all yours!"
Darien went bug-eyed as he spat out his drink. "SHE SAID WHAT?!?!!?"
Luna smiled. "Oh..I know how Raye can have a big mouth...but she told me everything! I'm so happy for you Darien! I never knew you had it in you! And here I go thinking that you'd remain a bachelor for all your life. So...it's true then!? Darien Shields...has a...wife! I'll be expecting to meet her tomorrow! I'm so excited!"
"Buh-buh-buh-buh-buh.." was all Darien could get out as he suddenly didn't feel all that well. Him?? Married??!! He was only one of the top 10 bachelors in New York! Even the word "marriage" frightened him! What did that little she-devil sister of his do now?!?!
"No Luna...you have it all wrong...you see.." Darien began with a sweatdrop.
"..What do you mean? Darien...if you're not married then you can kiss my offer of supporting AND providing financial backup for this new company that you have your eye on goodbye." said Luna as she leaned back in her chair and examined the young boy whom she had known ever since he was in diapers.
"Er...what I meant to say is that er...you have it all wrong. Sunday won't do. But me and my WIFE can stop by on Monday! heh heh!"
Luna beamed as she stood up. "Great! Looking forward to it Shields!" and with that said, she walked out of the restaurant.
Laying his head onto the table, he sighed. What had he gotten himself into now? 'Scratch firing that secretary of mine! Kill Raye first..THEN fire the secretary...' he thought.
"Check please.."
**End of Flashback**
"Man...where am I going to find a wife before Monday?!?!" Darien asked himself aloud. He only had two days since today was Saturday...and two days just wasn't going to cut it.
He was snapped out of his little reverie, as he felt something rummaging in his pocket. Turning around..he grabbed a..wrist? Looking down, he was surprised to see a little pocket-thief. He heard he/she gasp as they bolted through the crowd. Darien merely shrugged and decided to let it go, since this person obviously didn't get a chance to steal anything. Finally, the sign flashed symboling that they could walk now. Bending down to pick up his suitcase, he was somewhat shocked to find that it wasn't there, and instead, there laid a single, red rose. "The thief..." was all that escaped his mouth as he rocketed through the crowd to where he last saw the thief run.
Trying to catch his breath, he stopped before a dark alleyway and leaned against the brick wall of a building. It was evident that he would have no such luck in finding that little tyrant. Funny as though the thief would actually think that he would put money in his briefcase. But it did contain some important files within it...and with that thought in mind, he pounded a fist against the building in annoyance.
He saw a little shadow move out of the corner of his eyes, as he finally moved his attention to the alleyway. Dirty blonde tresses were the only thing that could be seen, as the "it" turned a corner. Dashing after the running figure, he came to a halt as he saw it bending down and trying to open his suitcase.
He leaned against the wall in amusement...watching the little girl/boy putting the suitcase next to their ear and, whilst sticking their tongue out, tried in vain to crack the combination.
He was astonished to see that the little tyrant had actually been able to open his case! Opening it..he saw the figure's shoulders slump down in disappointment seeing to there was no money in the case.
"Hey you! Give me back my suitcase!" Darien finally said, as he pushed himself away from the wall and walked calmly towards the surprised pocket-thief.
The thief stood up slowly, her/his back still facing towards him, and Darien could of sworn that time seemed to have slowed down..or altogether just stopped. Finally, the figure did a back-flip and tackled him to the ground. Darien landed on the hard, concrete with a loud thud..not because he was weak...but because of the mere thought of being pounced on so suddenly.
Lifting the thief up, he held the wrestling form in his arms as he sat him, presuming that it was a boy, down on a discarded wooden chair.
By now, the "boy" was completely still, "his" arms drawn towards "his" chest as "he" hung "his" head down in defeat.
Stooping down to pick up his suitcase, Darien made sure that all of his files were indeed still in it before shutting it. Walking towards the pick-pocket who had just made him late for his conference, he lifted "his" chin up and had the surprise of his life...well second surprise due to the fact that he had to find a wife in a mere two days.
The pocket-thief was a woman! And not just any woman..but Usagi. He should of known with that little clue she had left behind, which consisted of the rose. Ever since he had read about this extraordinary Usagi from the New York Times newspaper, he had become infatuated in doing background research on the famous New York thief.
You could only imagine the astonishment he had received after he had discovered that Usagi was commonly known as Serena Tsukino who had a very rich father who owned a very big company in France. What company her father owned, he did not know. But after finding that the well-known Usagi was Serena Tsukino and that she was reported missing..he stopped his research.
Why...if he returned her back to France...not only would he get reward money...but.......his face brightened suddenly. He could blackmail her into pretending to be his wife! From what he knew so far about her...she would do anything to keep from going back to France for whatever reason she had run away to begin with.
Of course, he would return her after his problems were solved...and get a little bit richer then he already was! He was too smart for his own good...but what he didn't know was that the little nymph was more than he had bargained for.
"Aren't you Usagi?" he asked calmly...deciding to spill the news that he knew her real identity after he played a little with her.
At the sound of her name, she beamed, pearly white teeth contrasting with her black, smudged face of what seemed to be dirt, dust, and oil. "The one and only. I'm surprised that the famous Darien Shields has heard of me. I'm disgustingly honored." she smirked.
Darien mocked her with his very own charming smirk. "Ah...and I'm surprised that you have heard of me. But yet again...no I'm not.."
Serena scowled. 'Just great. Another selfish, arrogant, stupid, conceited man I have to encounter today.'
Rolling her eyes, she spat in his face and grinned. 'Ah..better.' She thought.
Bewildered, the annoying smirk left his face as he wiped her little gift off of his face. He glowered, as he leaned in closer to her face, until their noses were barely touching. "Alright...enough games. I know who you are Usagi. Or should I say Serena Tsukino..." this brought a gasp on her part. He continued, "..I have a little proposal for you. I have this problem in which I need a wife in two days so that I can get this company that I've had my eye on for some time now. And you..my little pick-pocket thief..are going to help me."
Serena just sat there blinking...surprise growing into confusion. After what seemed like forever of deathly silence, she broke out into hoots of laughter. "You...*laugh*...want ME...*laugh*...to be your...*snicker*...wife???!" All she received from him was a nod. If it was possible, she laughed harder, tears streaming out of her eyes as she doubled over in laughter. "HAH! What makes you think that I'd do a foolish thing like that???" she asked, calming down a little, wiping the tears away with her sleeves.
He grinned. "Well..along with your name..I have also found out that you ran away and I can easily ship your little behind back to France."
Serena frowned, her eyes piercing into his deep blue ones, as she pushed him away from her. "In other words...you're blackmailing me??"
"Yup," Darien's grin grew bigger.
"Why you little..." Serena started as got ready to pounce him again.
"Nah uh uh.." Darien seemed to mock her. "Do we have a deal? If not..I'll ship your little behind back to France, collect my reward money for returning you, and come back home. If we do...then you can come with me to my apartment, and I'll have you ready on Monday for this dinner that I'm going to be having with my boss to "prove" that I do indeed have a wife. After Monday..you're free to go along with your life and do whatever it is you do. Not to mention, you leave with some extra money in your pocket."
Serena sighed. What choice did she have? And where was her blasted conscience and why didn't it stop her from wanting to pick the devil himself's pocket??!
"So...it's only for one day, right?" she asked under her breath, her fists clenched at her sides as she suppressed the urge to beat the daylights out of this handsome, stupid, arrogant...handsome?? Where did the handsome part come from??
"Only for one day.." Darien said.
Serena merely nodded. "I'll do it you little conniving, scheming, jerk."
Darien nodded. "Great!"
With that, he pulled her out of the alley and hailed a cab.
'Hm..this was easier than I thought. I'm going to pull this off..and that company is mine!' Darien thought with a smile.
'Ironic as I run away to escape a marriage..and here I am being blackmailed into pretending to be a wife to some jerk.' Serena thought.
They both sighed simultaneously, each having different thoughts. One thinking that his mission was complete..and another thinking up ways on how to kill the conceited, intriguing man next to her. Both smiled contentedly at their train of thoughts.
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