Author's Note: ok, sorry I haven't added much lately but I've been very busy with school and work. Anyway, I hope you enjoy what I do have and e-mail complaints or suggestions, whichever!!

Chapter 3........

     "That man!"Serena seethed to her best friend Lita, pacing back and forth in her apartment."Completely insulted me! He treated me like I was a child!"
     "Compared to him and all his years of being the head of his company, you are a child."Lita cringed when Serena turned her fierce glare on her."Then again, he was a jerk."
     "Exactly! I went there prepared to do business and he-he-"
     "Serena,"Lita said calmly,"I think you should calm down. I've never see you like this. Not even Vegita's gotten you this mad."
     "Thats because Vegita is sweet and he loves me. He-"
     Lita's laugh cut her off."Only you would think my cousin is sweet. All his past girlfriends complained about how insensitive he was."
     Serena stared at her, then collapsed on her friends living room sofa."He insulted me Lita and it hurt. He looked down his nose at me and pegged me for being 'Little Miss Prom Queen' before he even knew me."
     "You were prom queen."Lita sighed at her glare."Ok, ok. I can see why you would be angry, but hurt? No one can ever get to you Serena."
     She avoided Lita's eyes as her mind drifted back to Seiya McCloud. He was a very handsome man and he had obviously been interested in her. What had worried her was that she had been equally interested in him.
     "I can't explain that. I'm not-"she stopped when Lita burst out laughing at her, laughing so hard she held her stomache."Whats so funny?!"
     "You! Oh, I'm sorry Serena. The look on your face."she stopped and swallowed her laughter, but continued to grin at her."You had this dreamy, love-sick expression on your face."
     "What?! No, I didn't!"she sniffed.
     "Look, were best friends Serena. We have been since we were both six and you don't have to hide things from me. Even if Vegita is my cousin."she leaned forward in her seat toward her."I see more then anger for Seiya in her eyes."
     "I have no idea what your talking about. I-"
     "Oh come on! Don't deny it, your attracted to him! Come on, admit it already."Lita frowned when Serena's expression turned worried."Whats wrong?"
     "Me. And him. Oh God, he was ao annoying, but so fascinating Lita. And I barely even spoke to him."she pressed her hands together, felt a strange sensation linger in her stomache."And I can't stop thinking about him."
     "Hhhmmm. What are you going to do?"
     "Nothing! Absolutely nothing! I'm with Vegita, I'm happy with him and I don't want to ruin that."she stood, began to pace."Seiya McCloud is just a concieted man and he means nothing. We got out business done and thats how its going to remain, simple as that. There's no way he and I-"she cut off in mid-sentence and looked at her friend."Oh God, I'm rambling."
     "That you are. Listen Serena, just sit and calm down. Your totally wired and I don't think you want Vegita to see you like that."
     She waved her hand in dismissal."He won't be back until tomorrow afternoon. Business hold up. I wasn't supposed to have returned until tomorrow either, but that jerk-"
     "You need to relax. And I mean really relax. And forget about Seiya McCloud for a second. How about we go out tonight, have a few drinks?"Lita stood, grabbed both her jacket and Serena's."Lets go. Come on!"
     She stood and took her jacket from her friend."Sure, why not?"
     The next morning she was cursing both Seiya McCloud and the effects of alcohol as she took two tylonel pills, her head pounding so hard it felt like it was ready to explode. A few drinks had turned into to many and Lita had had to practically carry her home. Once home she had reassured Lita she would have some coffee before she went to sleep, but as soon as she was gone she had thrown herself on her bed and promptly fallen asleep.
     She rubbed her eyes hard, served herself her third cup of coffee already. A knock at the door had her checking the time, but it was only ten and Vegita wasn't due back for hours. Drinking her coffee, she opened the door.
     Seiya stood there, wearing jeans and a polo shirt, looking fresh and completely gorgeous. And she was all too aware how disgusting she must have appeared.
     "What do you want?"she gulped the rest of her coffee, then turned and headed for the kitchen for more.
     He followed her inside, observing her large home."Let me guess: hangover?"
     "I'm not in the mood right now. And yes, I have a hangover."she said in a nasty tone, heading to the bathroom and beginning to wash her face.
     He chuckled, following her and enjoying her anger."Do you usually allow strange men into your home?"
     "Do you usually go where your not wanted?"she shot back, drying her face and rubbing cream on.
     "Of course. Now, if your done, I was wondering if you'd like to have lunch with me."he watched as her mouth opened and closed in anger, then finally snapped shut, her lips in a tight line.
     "Me, a child like me, have lunch with you? Are you sure I won't ruin your precious reputation?"she sneered.
     "I'm hoping no one recognizes me actually."he laughed at her withering look."Lets call a truce Serena. And let me apologize for how rude I was, but as a business man, one must develope an outer hardness that-"
     "Bull. Now if your done, I'm going to go change so that we can leave."with that she breezed past him and to her bedroom, slamming the doorshut.
     She hadn't meant for her anger to show, but when no one had a hangover, crankiness was hard to hide. She put a tang top on and jeans, then slid into sandals. She pulled her hair back into a pony tail, put just a touch of makeup on, then joined him where he was waiting in the living room.
     He looked her up and down, his eyes lighting up with admiration."You know, for being a child, you sure caught my eye."
     "Watch it."she warned, then couldn't help laughing."Your annoying, you know that?"
     "I can say your the first woman who's ever told me that."they stepped out of her home and he waited while she locked her door."You didn't even ask how I knew where you lived."
     "I'm sure you had your spies find out."they walked across the lawn, her eyes locking on the convertible corvette parked before them."Yours?"she asked.
     "Of course."he opened the door for her and she frowned, realizing this was too much like a date."When your as rich as we are, you get only the best."he told her after he'd closed the door and climbed in on his side.
     She cleared her throat and spoke, her voice firm."Seiya, I think you should know that I'm already seeing someone and that I-"
     He leaned over and kissed her, shutting her up."Ok honey, whatever you say."he turned the car on, checked his side, and drove out into traffic.
     They went to eat at a Chinese restaurant, placing there orders, then sitting back, Seiya studying Serena as she drank from her soda. When she noticed she stopped, giving him a questioning look.
     "What?"
     "Your just as pretty as you were six years ago. Much older now, but still beautiful."he commented.
     She frowned."How do you know what I looked like six years ago?"
     "Your father and I did some business together....just before they passed away. Your father was a good man."he took a moment, then cocked his head to the side, a little smile on his face."You were fifteen then. I was at your home discussing business with your father when you got home with one of your friends. A tall girl with bright green eyes, but you put her to shame. I was twenty-four years old and checking out a little highschool student."
     She couldn't help it. She was fascinated."Really?"
     "Yea, but you didn't even notice me. You and your friend, wearing tiny shirts and even tinier shorts, ran past us, all tanned and golden, looking like gorgeous dreams. Your father laughed at me when all I could do was sit there with my mouth hanging open."
     "My Dad never mentioned that. But then, he never spoke of work with me. He always liked to sit and listen to me talk about my day."she mused aloud.
     "Your father adored you. He spoke of you often when I would speak to him."he was quiet a moment, then reached out and covered her hand with his."Serena, I really am sorry about how I treated you."
     She looked at his hand over hers, then his eyes, so blue and soft."Its ok."and to her surprise, it was."Who knew you'd be eating lunch with me six years later huh?"
     "Yea, no kidding. I guess I'm just a lucky guy."he said with a grin. And inside, he did feel like one.
     After lunch, they went to see a movie, Seiya casually draping his arm across the back of her seat in what she recognized as one of the oldest tricks in the book. With a smile, she leaned into him, his hand resting on her shoulder now.
     As they left the theatre after the movie, Serena was checking her watch. 5:30. Vegita would be arriving soon to there home. She should go home and prepare dinner, with some candlelight, a bottle of shampagne. She should be there to greet him, she should-
     "How about a walk through the park? Its beautiful when the sun's setting."Seiya's suggestion cut into her thoughts, his hand smoothly covering hers, there fingers entwining.
     His hand felt so warm in hers, so right. Of course she would have to refuse. She had to go home to Vegita and still go over tons of paperwork. She was already behind. She would be up till at least midnight now."Yes, I'd like that."
     She pushed her thoughts aside as they walked through the park."Won't your girlfriend disapprove of you being here with me?"
     "Haven't saddled myself with one of those in a while. Too much of a hassle."he studied her, watched the way she seemed to be trying to keep troubling thoughts aside."I could ask you the same thing."
     She looked at him sharply, then away, laughing nervously."No, I don't think he'd be too happy."
     He stopped and faced her, his hand touching her cheek gently."Then why are you here?"
     Her eyes slowly met his, her hands suddenly damp."I-I'm not sure."
     His hand moved over her sleek, golden mane."Having trouble thinking?"
     "Yes.....no......a little."
     "Always a good sign. Let me make it easier."he leaned down and touched his lips to hers, felt hers soften beneathe his."Better?"
     She sighed against him."Yes.....oh God, what am I doing?"
     "Don't think about it."he kissed her again, longer this time, until he had to pull away to catch his own breath."Well...interesting."he sighed when she pulled back and they began to walk again."Tell me about that friend of yours with the green eyes."
     "Lita. My best friend Lita. I've known her since I was six. She's like my sister. Without her I never could have gotten through what happened to my parents."she smiled as she remembered, there hopes, there dreams. Everything they had shared together.
     "Sounds like me and my cousin. Been close our whole lives."Seiya said."Its good to have someone like that."
     "Yes. Yes it is."the sun was gone now. 7:00. Vegita would be home now. Guilt slashed through her, had her taking a safe step back from him."I have to go now. Its late."
     "Not that late."he felt disappointed by her sudden withdrawal."But I guess your right. I've had you the whole day. Time to return you."
     "Seiya-"
     He held up a hand."Don't. You warned me this morning. I guess I just chose to hope......my mistake."
     He drove her back to her home in silence, both sitting without saying a word."Take care of yourself Seiya."she then walked away from him.
     She entered her home, hearing the television on in the living room. She had barely closed the door when Vegita was there, taking her in his arms, kissing her long and hard. He pulled back to cup her face in his big hands, gaze down at her with his dark eyes.
     "I missed you."he whispered.
     Her eyes drifted from his, her hands touching his own on hers."You just saw me three days ago. I mean, come on."she pulled back, walked to the kitchen, served herself a cup of coffee.
     He followed her, a frown on his handsome face."Is something wrong?"
     She laughed, a short, nervous laugh."No, of course not. I just had a long day."she thought of Seiya, how much fun she had with him, how hard it had been to walk away from him."I'm glad your home Vegita."


     It was dark in the room. Darkness had always hid him, had always been his escape. It was something he embraced and hoped could always shield him. And the hatred brewing through him was an emotion he needed cover for.
     Hatred was a strong word. Filled with loathing and anger, with resentment and bitterness. It fueled a person's emotions, it had a control that was hard to fight.
     And he hated the McClouds. So much raw hate, so much fury boiling beneathe the surface. But he had always kept it in check. Yes, he'd never let it get a hold of him. If it did, he would shatter and he couldn't afford that.
     But the time was coming. The time for his revenge, the time he would finally complete himself. And when he did, he would be at peace.


     Seiya cursed himself ten times over, pacing back and forth in his office. It had been three days since he had seen Serena and he missed her like crazy.
     That day he had spent with her had been one of the most fun days he'd ever had in his life. She was so different from any other woman he'd been with. She was what he'd been looking for his entire life.
     It was amazing how in one day you could relax and fall in love with a person. With the person you least expected. And have that person belong to another.
     He was sitting at his desk, brooding, when Raye entered."Here's the reports you wanted Mr. McCloud. And here are the messages left for you while you were on your lunch."she put everything neatly on his desk, frowning when he didn't even look at them."Are you all right, Mr. McCloud?"
     "What? Oh yea, I'm fine. Just thinking."he picked up the reports, but stared sightlessly throught them."Raye, how do you get a woman to love you?"
     The question threw her off balance, taking her a moment to respond."Well.....you could send her flowers. Spend time with her, flatter her, make her laugh. Let her feel comfortable with you."
     "And what if she's already with someone?"he asked, his voice miserable.
     Raye had to bite back a smile. She'd never thought to see Seiya like this over a woman."Hhhhmmm, thats tough. If she loves him, there's no chance. If she doesn't....well, I'm not sure. I suppose you hope that she feels the same way you do."
     Before he could answer, there was a brief knock at the door, then his cousin Dimando entered, a bright smile on his handsome face."Hey Seiya, got a minute?"
     Seiya grinned."Probably need a lot more for you. Thanks a lot Raye."when she was gone, he came around the desk, gace his cousin a feirce hug."Been awhile Dimando. Got wrapped up in Europe?"
     "Yea, longer then I thought." Its good to be home."he sat down just as Seiya did."So how have you been?"
     "Working, keeping everything under wraps. Its always the same old around here."he thought wistfully of Serena.
     "Don't give me that bull, I know you. Somethings different."he studied his cousin." Women, huh? Or is it just one this time?"
     Seiya shot to his feet, walked to the window to look out over the city."I could never fool you worth a damn. Yea, its a woman. The woman Dimando."
     Dimando's blue eyes widened."The woman? Really? Wow.......well, wow."
     Seiya's laugh was bitter."Yea, wow. Its too bad she belongs to someone else."
     Dimando was silent, considering this. He and Seiya had been best friends there whole lives. Since they hit the age of fifteen, Dimando had watched Seiya go after every women he wanted. And he had always gotten them. Nothing ever held him back, not even other men. He imagened this was like a kick in the gut to him.
     Intrigued, he studied him."So I guess she turned you down flat then."
     Seiya thought for a moment, hesitated."Well.....yes.....and no."
     "Ah, I see now. Makes perfect sense."
     "At least it makes sense to you, it makes absolutely no sense to me. I want her, she wants me, but she stays with him."
     "Your an idiot. But besides that, why don't you send her flowers? Women love that."
     "Its not that easy. Not with her. God, this is tearin me up. I can't stop thinking about her."he slammed his fist into the wall, frustrated with her, with him, with everything.
     "Ok, come on. Lets go discuss this over some drinks."he swung an around Seiya's drooped shoulders as they walked out of his office, grinned at his cousins sad face."And I got an even greater idea. We'll call Yaten and have him come too. He can pay."he ruffled his dark hair, pushed him away and laughed at his scowl."Hows that sound?"
     "Better then it just being you and me."


     Serena picked at her dinner in that same moment across town, her chin in her hand, a deep sigh escaping past her lips.
     Lita watched her with curiousity."Hows work?"
     "Fine. Very busy."she replied, her voice dull.
     "And hows Vegita?"
     "He's fine."
     Lita cut a piece of her steak, chewed it thoughtfully."How are the two of you doing?"
     "Were fine."
     "And you can't stop thinking about Seiya."
     Her response was as automatic and hopeless as the others."Not for one moment."she caught herself immediately, sat up completely straight."Well......um.....I mean-"
     "Don't hide it from me. Were best friends, we tell each other everything. So your falling in love with him."she tapped her fingers against her lips, smiled when Serena began to sputter."Did I say something wrong?"
     "I'm not in love with him! No, of course not, I'm in love with Vegita, your cousin."she desperately emphasized this, needing to convince both Lita and herself.
     Lita lost her smile, folded her hands together neatly on the table before her."Yes, Vegita is my cousin, but that doesn't mean I want you denying yourself happiness because of that guilt."
     Her eyes were pleading with her friends."He doesn't deserve this. He's always loved me and been good to me."
     "Of course he doesn't deserve it, no one does. But sometimes it just happens. And you can't help that."her voice turned firm, strong."So stop beating yourself over this."
     "I....well.....what should I do?"
     She cocked her head to the side, her vibrant green eyes studying, calculating."I think you know."


     "And her eyes are so blue.....as blue as the sea, as blue as the sky! And her hair, oohh her hair. Its as gold as a sunset and as soft as silk."Seiya slurred this to his cousin over a bar downtown, his eyes dreamy as he thought of her.
     "Is that so?"Dimando let out a deep sigh, eyeing Seiya over his beer with disgust. They'd been sitting at that bar for over two hours and for over an hour of that time he'd been listening to Seiya ramble on and on about Serena O'Neil.
     "And her skin is so soft and sweet. She's totally and completely perfect and you know what? I love her!"he lifted his beer in a mock toast, laughing at Dimando's shocked look."Yes sir, I love her!"
     After he got over his initial shock, curiousity and amusement took over."Really? You really love her?"
     "Yup, I do."
     Deciding now was a great time to get revenge on Seiya for all the tricks he'd played on him, he quickly formed a plan."Well then, I think you should tell her. Let that lucky lady know just how you feel for her."
     "Yea, I should! I should-"Seiya's excitement faded as quickly as it had come."But she's already with someone."
     "To hell with him! Come on Seiya, you can do it."Dimando had to bite back a laugh when Seiya jumped to his feet.
     "I'll tell her and then she'll have to love me!"he turned and began bulldozing his way out of the bar.
     Dimando followed him and Yaten joined them as he came back from the restroom."Whats gotten into him?"
     "You drive and he'll explain."Dimando replied with a grin.
     It took them nearly an hour to find Serena's home, as Seiya was very drunk and taking his time remembering. When they did Seiya ran to the front door and began pounding on it, shouting her name at the top of his lungs.
     Dimando sat back in the car and watched, Yaten also watching him and shaking his head."He's going to wake the neighborhood."
     "If the cops come, we'll split."both men laughed at this.
     The light on the porche turned on, then the front door opened, a large dark man with a hard body wearing only boxers emerging. A deep scowl was set across his dangerously handsome features as he asessed Seiya with suspicion.
     "What do you want?"the man barked, his voice deep and impatient.
     Serena came behind, yawning hugely as she knotted the robe she had pulled on on the way out."Who is it?"she peeked around Vegita, spotting Seiya standing there leaning heavily against the house. She took a step back as shock and panic set in.
     "You know, I'm glad I bailed on my date. This is way better."Yaten said with a grin.
    "Holy shit, thats her?"Dimando stared hard, his mouth slightly open."Well.....well, maybe Seiya's not such an idiot after all."
     "Serena-"Seiya began, reaching for her, but Vegita gripped his arm, his eyes narrowing.
     "Hands off unless you want me to call the cops."Vegita pushed him back a bit, made sure to angle his body so Seiya couldn't touch her."Now, what do you want?"
     "Vegita,"she touched his arm softly,"this is Seiya McCloud. Were business associates."
     Vegita raised an eyebrow, but kept his eyes locked on Seiya."And since when are business calls made at 4a.m. in the morning?"
     "This is not a business call."Seiya said loudly, glaring at Vegita."This is personal. I want to talk to Serena alone."
     "Tough luck pal. Now I'm giving you ten seconds to get off my property before I go call the cops then come back to pound on you."
     The alcohol was fading and instead being replaced by fury and jealousy that this was the man Serena preferred over him."Go ahead and try, we'll see who ends up on the floor."
     Both men stepped forward just as Dimando and Yaten leaped out of the car, Serena placing her body between them.
     "Stop it. Both of you."she snapped, her eyes angry now."Vegita, your not calling the cops and Seiya, I think you should go home. It is late and if this is important, you can call me."
     "No, he can't call you."Vegita had noticed the way Seiya gazed at her. A late night call, liqour on his breath, and those looks helped him put two and two together."I don't want you going near her."
     "Lets see you keep me away."
     Both men were raising there fists when Dimando grabbed Seiya, holding him back."Were sorry about the late night call, and we'll be going now."gripping Seiya hard, he dragged him away.
     Yaten gave Serena a sheepish grin."Sorry about this, my fault. It was good seeing you again Serena."
     "It was good seeing you too Yaten. Come visit me again one day at a decent hour."she took a step forward to hug him, but Vegita gripped her arms, holding her back.
     Yaten nodded, then turned and left them, getting into his car and turning it on. Her eyes locked with Seiya's and she yearned to go to him, to tell him she had missed him, could possible love him, but Vegita held her in place. She watched them drive away.
     They went back inside and Vegita wasted no time lashing out at her."What the hell was that all about?"
     "Vegita, I'm tired. I'm going to bed."she went into there room and he followed.
     "Whats going on? What aren't you telling me? Are you seeing him Serena?"he shouted at her."If you are, I swear to God I'll-"
     "No, I'm not seeing him!"she shouted back suddenly."There's nothing going on between us! Nothing! And I don't know why he showed up here tonight."but she did know. She had seen it in his eyes.
     "Don't give me that bullshit, I saw the way he was looking at you! Wait a minute.....McCloud...."he stared at her and she could almost see him piece it together. "You went to his house that weekend....thats when this all-"
     "Stop. Just stop."she was furious that he would think that, that he would doubt her."How dare you even think of accusing me of that! We are business associates, nothing more!"but she wanted more and her heart was reaching the breaking point.
     He stared at her, then seemed to deflate, the anger leaving him to be replaced by guilt. He rubbed a hand over his face and new that it was going to take a lot more then a simple apology to get out of this one.
     "Serena-"he began, his voice steady now, calm.
     "Oh no you don't! Don't think that you can throw insults at me one minute and beg forgiveness the next!"she turned her back on him."I think you'd be more comfortable on the couch tonight Vegita."
     He groaned. Never ever in there relationship had she banished him to the couch."But honey-"
     "Go."she went to the bed and picked up a pillow, tossing it to him."Good night."
     Angry at himself and even more angry that he wasn't going to drift into sleep with her cuddled in his arms as he'd gotten used to the last two years, he left the room and went to the couch.
     Once he was gone, she closed the door to there room, then went and sat on the bed, burying her face in her hands. She wept there alone, for Seiya and the love she felt for him that she had no control over.


Ok, thats the end of Chapter 3, sheesh! Long huh? Anyway, I wanted to explain real quick that yes, I brought in Vegita, mr. bad guy from DBZ. Since I took out my crossover fanfics, I thought I might put a few bonus' in here for those who complain non-stop about my removing them. Stay tuned for Chapter 4!