Author's Note: I hope most of you have forgiven me by now, if not, here's a little something to bribe you. :P I hope you like the rewrite! Please read and review if you enjoy! :)

Chapter 2: The Proposal and the Bandana

Summer passed quickly and school started. Atem and Bakura had joined the seniors in their classes. On the first day of school, Kaiba walked up the steps to Domino High only to come face to face with the geek squad. He didn't make a sound as he caught the familiar eye of a rival that was supposed to be long dead. A million thoughts hurdled through his mind as he got his bearings. The others waited, wondering what the CEO would say.

"Welcome back from the dead." Kaiba said as Atem smirked.
"Good to see you too Kaiba." Kaiba didn't comment on the Domino High uniform or the white haired crazy that was clutching onto his identical, less crazy, counterpart. He walked past them, throwing Wheeler an annoyed look as he remembered his encounter with the mutt's sister in the park over the summer. Kaiba continued to class, ignoring Joey's rants.

Meanwhile, Serenity was happy amongst her sophomore friends. She was talking with a few of her classmates as a familiar boy walked into her class.

Mokuba Kaiba looked at everyone nervously and walked to the empty seat next to Serenity. He looked over at her, recognizing her and gave her a small smile.

Little by little, every day they had a class together, Mokuba and Serenity grew more comfortable with each other. They often sat together at lunch or hung out after school at the park. Although this caught Kaiba's eye and he was surprised, he didn't interfere. He just watched his brother from afar, making sure he was alright.

And so it continued. Soon, Serenity integrated Mokuba into her group of friends, and although her brother and Mokuba freaked out a bit, they seemed to get along just fine.

The first month of school was over quickly. One afternoon, Serenity waited for the raven haired boy as he finished putting away the washed petri dishes and tongs used in their lab class.

"Done?" She said as she grabbed her bag.

"Yep! Let's go." Mokuba grabbed his bag off the floor too and together, the two walked out of their classroom and outside. Class was over for the day and the weather outside, although crisp with autumn, was nice and sunny.

"Let's go to the park, I'll race you! First one there has to do one thing the winner says!" Before Serenity could stop Mokuba, the teen was gone. Serenity held her bag and started running, laughing after Mokuba as they passed other people. How could a kid so short be so fast? Or was it her? Serenity did have long legs for a sixteen year old but she was clumsy…

She pushed the thoughts aside as she noticed she was falling behind. She picked up the pace, welcoming the cool air brushing her face and making her auburn hair fly behind her. "Mokuba! Wait!" Serenity called to the teen as he turned his head around and beamed at her.

"You're too slow, Serenity!"
"I am not!" Serenity yelled back as they turned the corner into the park. The summer scenery was gone as red and orange leaves billowing in the wind greeted her. She slowed down a little to admire the beauty as Mokuba ran on.

In the end, she lost.

"Okay, what do I have to do?" She was about to take a seat on the bench when she noticed the small KC logo plate screwed into the bench. Her thoughts filled with Seto Kaiba and for a second, she frowned, remembering her encounter with him in the park.

"What is it, Serenity?" Mokuba asked her, seeing her face change suddenly. He looked from her to the KC logo and then back to her.

"Nothing. So tell me, what do I have to do?" Serenity pushed Kaiba's leering face out of her mind and took a seat. Mokuba didn't push it and smiled as he took one next to her. They looked out at the superb view before them, watching as the fallen leaves of the trees swam with the geese in the lake.

"Serenity, we've been friends for a while now, right?" Mokuba asked. Serenity looked over at him surprised by his question.

"Yes…" Serenity said, thinking over the last month.

"Well, based on that I'd like to ask you a very important question." Mokuba got up and walked in front of her, getting on his knee. Her eyes grew wide as she realized what he was about to do. "Will you do the honor of being…my…my tutor?" He finished.

She stared at him as her heart pounded in her chest. The words sank in slowly and Mokuba began to laugh.

"Mokuba… I… what the hell?" Serenity didn't know if she should laugh or cry or both.

"Admit it, I got you big time!" Mokuba couldn't contain his laughter and he swung his head, his unmanageable raven colored hair swinging around everywhere. Serenity laughed along with him until they finally settled down and wiped the stray tears from their eyes. Mokuba cleared his throat and looked at her, his violet eyes meeting her brown ones. "Seriously though, I need you to be my tutor."

"But why?" Serenity asked, looking confused. Her face was still flushed warm from the laughter fit.

"Because, I haven't been doing the best I can in class, and I think with a little tutoring and some motivation, I can. Who better than to help me with both than my best friend?" He said, smiling adorably. Serenity looked at him surprised.

Realizing what he said, Mokua blushed slightly and looked away from her. Serenity, happy at having been called Mokuba's best friend, eased the tension."Mokuba, I'd love to, but are you sure I'm the right person to do this… why don't you ask your brother?" Somehow though, she knew the answer. Mokuba didn't talk about his older brother much but she picked up on the little he did share about his family.

"He's too busy with Kaiba Corp. work. Besides, of course you're the right person, you're one of the top five in the whole sophomore class. Why not you?" Mokuba insisted.

Serenity still looked unsure and Mokuba said, "I'll pay you, don't worry. I am the VP of Kaiba Corp., you know, I have money." Mokuba said a big smugly but then he smiled.

"It's not the money…" An uneasy feeling settled into Serenity's stomach…

"Aww, come on!" Mokuba said, then he broke out the puppy dog eyes.

"I bet that's how you get Kaiba to listen to you, don't you?" Serenity said, laughing at his adorable face. When he continued to do it, she gave in. "Alright! Alright! I'll do it."

"Great!" Mokuba and Serenity continued to discuss the details when she realized it was getting late. Her phone buzzed several times and she took it out and frowned.

"What is it?" Mokuba asked.

"I think it's your brother…" She looked at the text once again. It was angry and demanding and marked S. Kaiba. "Yeah, I'm sure it's your brother." She handed the phone to Mokuba and watched as his face paled.

"Oh crap. I'm sorry Serenity, I have to go." Mokuba picked up his bag and ran away, leaving a confused Serenity looking down at the phone he'd placed on the bench before bailing. It began ringing and she picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Where is my brother?" The familiar gruff voice said.

"He just left." Serenity frowned as she replied. Would it kill Kaiba to be a little polite?

"Fine." He hung up and Serenity stared at the phone in her hand, wondering if she should call back and give him a piece of her mind. Deciding against it, Serenity tucked her phone away, picked up her schoolbag, and headed home.

The next day, Serenity met Mokuba in their usual spot outside her homeroom. Mokuba apologized for bailing on her the day before. Apparently he had forgotten his phone and he was supposed to attend a very important meeting. Unable to reach him on his phone, Kaiba had to call Serenity instead.

"Sorry about that, but hey, can you come over to my place today so that we can start on my lessons? I have a math test next week I need to pass…" Serenity was unsure about going to Mokuba's house but in the end, he persuaded her.

When school ended, she told Joey to go home alone and hopped into Mokuba's waiting car. Serenity expected something huge and elegant but what waited for her as they drove past the security gates caught her by surprise.

The mansion itself was huge, surrounded by a lot of land that was divided into several types of gardens. She watched as the car rolled up to a large entrance and a butler stepped out to welcome them.

If the outside wasn't elaborate enough, the inside was even grand. A large chandelier hung down from a high ceiling, illuminating the foyer as Serenity was instructed to take off her shoes and hand her coat to the waiting maid. Mokuba watched silently, amused as Serenity gawked at the beautiful art lining the walls of the foyer.

"This way." Serenity seemed to break out of her trance and followed Mokuba down a hallway that opened up to the living room. Serenity admired the beautiful ornaments that lay on the tables and inside showcases as her feet padded across the large, oriental rug. Overall, although extravagant, the mansion seemed to emanate a homey feel that she liked. It was warm and the faint smell of pumpkin spice and oak wood reached her senses.

"The art in here is beautiful." She admired another expensive looking painting as she spoke.

"Seto is a big fan of art. Believe it or not, Pegasus was actually the man to introduce him to it." Serenity looked at the boy, surprised, as she imagined Pegasus and Kaiba admiring art together. She laughed to herself.
"What is it?" Mokuba said, seeing the amused expression on Serenity's face.

"Nothing. I was just imagining those two admiring a piece of art together…it just seems so unlikely." She stopped herself, realizing how unlikely this situation may have seemed, and yet, it was still happening. She was in the Kaiba mansion, admiring Seto Kaiba's art collection. If only Joey knew…

"Yeah, I get what you mean. Anyways, let's head to the dining room. We can have some snacks and study there." Serenity nodded and followed Mokuba to the dining room. A large dining table sat in the center as yet another chandelier lit up the beautiful room.

"Alright then, let's start." The evening went by quickly as the two studied together, occasionally taking a snack break. Serenity began to relax a little, losing track of time as the two stopped studying altogether and took another break. They were munching on pretzels and laughing about something from the Battle City Tournament when they heard his voice call.

"Mokuba!" They stopped laughing, their eyes meeting for a second as Serenity looked in the general direction of the entrance. "Mokuba?" Kaiba called again, this time his voice closer.

"In here, Seto." Mokuba said as he threw a nervous look at Serenity. Knowing she was uncomfortable around Seto, Mokuba grew a bit concerned about what Seto would say.

Kaiba walked into the dining room, in the process of loosening his tie when he noticed Serenity sitting at his dining room table. Books were splayed across the top and so were little plates of food.

"I see you have company. Do you realize the time?" Kaiba directed the question more towards Serenity than his little brother. He watched as Mokuba inched towards her, carefully and he rose a brow.

"She was helping me study. Sorry Seto, we lost track of time." Mokuba looked between his brother and Serenity, noticing the tension. He didn't understand why though, if anything, Seto and Joey hated each other's guts, what did it have to do with Serenity?

"Yes, sorry. I'll be leaving now." Serenity turned away from Kaiba's gaze and smiled at her nervous friend. "I'll see you tomorrow at school, Mokuba." She picked up her bag and fluffed her hair out, feeling violet and azure eyes following her every move.

"I'll walk you to the bus stop." Mokuba offered as Kaiba looked at him annoyed.

"No need, it's late and assuming you live anywhere near the school, it'll be a good hour before you get home. Since my brother is responsible for keeping you here this late, it is my responsibility as the adult to ensure you get home safe." Mokuba and Serenity looked at Kaiba surprised as he turned and started walking back towards the entrance.

""Really, that isn't necessary. I'll be fine, thank you for the offer though." Kaiba ignored Serenity as the two followed him to the foyer. He proceeded to put on his coat as he spoke to their butler.

"I've already sent Roland home so I'll drop Serenity home and be back in a bit. Have Ikiru have our dinner ready." Kaiba pulled on his boots as Serenity silently watched unsure of what to do. "Mokuba, have your homework done by the time I return."

Mokuba looked at his brother and nodded silently as Kaiba stepped outside and got into the car.

Serenity looked over at Mokuba, reluctant. She did not want to get into a car with Seto Kaiba. "Mokuba, really, explain to your brother it's okay…"

"Serenity, just go with him. You'll get home faster and it's much safer than the buses at night. Sorry for keeping you so long, I'll see you tomorrow at school. Thanks for all the help." Mokuba smiled genuinely at Serenity. Giving up, Serenity smiled back at her friend and wished him a goodnight before putting her coat and shoes on and walking to the waiting car.

Kaiba threw Serenity an annoyed look, wondering why she was taking so long. Serenity opened the car door and saw his frowning face and wondered if she really should just take the bus.
Seeing her hesitate, Kaiba said, "Get in! You're making me late." Serenity scowled at Kaiba but took a seat and in seconds, Kaiba had pulled out of his driveway and was already on the road taking Serenity home.

They remained silent throughout the entire ride, at least until Kaiba realized he had no idea where she lived.
"Where do you live?" Kaiba asked, startling Serenity out of her thoughts.

"Oh um, take a right here." Turn after turn, Serenity guided Kaiba. She looked over at him as she told him to make another turn and smoothly he turned the car onto another road. Headlights suddenly blinded them and Kaiba swerved the car and despite having her seatbelt on, Serenity lurched hard to her right as the car hit something hard.

"HEY!" She yelled as she tried to steady herself and looked over at Kaiba to see him doing the same. She looked at him dazed, wondering what happened as he let go of the steering wheel and looked at her. The windshield of his car was cracked and she noticed that they'd driven right into a tree. The car was smoking outside and Kaiba looked out the windshield, cursing.

"What happened?" Serenity asked finally finding her voice.
"That idiot was on the wrong side of the road. I had to swerve…shit, my fucking car!" Kaiba smacked the steering wheel hard, his hand balled into a fist. Serenity, not knowing what to say, remained silent as she rubbed her arm where it hit against the passenger door.

"Are you alright?" Kaiba asked, noticing her rubbing her arm.

"Huh? Oh yeah, don't worry I'm fine. Are you?" Serenity asked looking at Kaiba. Her brown eyes focused on something trailing down the far side of Kaiba's face, squinting as she tried to get a better view in the dark.

"I'm fine." Kaiba said, despite the pain on the left side of his forehead. He reached for the aching part, his fingers touching something sticky. He brought his fingers in front of him, illuminated by a streetlight as the redness of the liquid shone bright.

"Kaiba! You're bleeding!" Serenity scooted over in her seat, leaning over before realizing the seatbelt she wore was still restraining her. She took it off, leaning over once again and turned Kaiba's face towards her.

Kaiba, more stunned at her actions that at the discovery of his wound from hitting the steering wheel when he'd swerved the car, sat motionless. Serenity was close enough so that he could feel her warm breath on his face as she observed the wound.

"It doesn't look too deep but still…you should see a doctor." The sound of her voice brought him back as he reached up and grabbed the hand touching his face. Serenity was in midsentence when she froze and looked into his blue eyes.

Realizing how close they were, Serenity blushed and immediately retracted her hand and sat back in her seat, turning her face away.

"It's nothing. I'm fine. Come on. I'll call a cab and take you home first." Kaiba said, trying to sound completely unfazed and Serenity looked over at him wide eyed, forgetting the awkwardness for a moment.

"But-" Serenity started but Kaiba had already grabbed his wallet and was out of the smoking car and on his phone calling for a cab.

Serenity fumbled on the floor for her bag and grabbed it before stepping out of the car. She walked over to Kaiba, who stood a few feet away, ignoring her as he talked to the car service for a cab.

" A car will be here in five minutes. I'll drop you and then have it take me home." Serenity looked at Kaiba, more concerned about his head then getting home.

"Kaiba…you really should have that wound looked at…" She tried once again and Kaiba threw her an exasperated look but said nothing.

Giving up, Serenity did the next best thing she could do. She reached into her hair, pulling out the bandana holding it back and straightened it out before holding it out to Kaiba. Kaiba looked down at the yellow and white polka dotted thing and then back up at her.

"What is this?"
"Use it to stop the bleeding at least." Serenity said looking up at the taller boy.

"I just told you I'm fine. It's nothing, I-"
"Just do it." Serenity pushed it into his hand. Kaiba stared at the girl crossly.

"Take it back." He held out the bandana to Serenity but she refused to take it back as she looked down the lonely road, waiting for signs of the cab.

"Throw it out if you don't want it." Kaiba's outstretched hand grew into a fist and he was about to start arguing with her as he noticed the approaching headlights of a yellow cab.
"Ordered a cab sir?" The driver called out and Kaiba said yes as he held the door open and Serenity climbed in.

"Where to, sir?" The man asked Kaiba once he climbed in too.

Serenity spoke her address and then settled back, absently rubbing her arm and watched as the cab slowly pulled away from Kaiba's wrecked car. Somehow, she felt responsible for the crash and she hoped both Kaiba and the car would be okay.

"Sorry." Kaiba heard Serenity apologize but remained silent, looking at her only when she was looking out the window in the other direction.

Serenity didn't expect him to say anything. When the cab pulled up to her house, Serenity thanked the driver and got out of the car. Before shutting the door, she looked back at Kaiba who was busy tapping away at his phone. His hand still held the bandana she'd given him and it annoyed her that he would rather bleed out then use it. But at least he hadn't thrown it out.
"Thank you for the ride home. Please, have that wound looked at."

"Go. You're making me late." Serenity frowned at the boy but closed the door gently and stepped back. She turned and started walking towards the door to her house. She looked back though before entering, half expecting the car to be gone but there it stood, the back window rolled down as a pair of blue eyes watched her. She didn't quite understand it but she stared back for a moment before finally stepping inside and closing the door.

"Serenity! You're home!" Joey called out as he heard the door close. From the open window, he saw a cab drive off and he looked from it to Serenity. "You took a cab home? Why?"

"Nothing Joey, is dinner ready?" Serenity said, too tired to answer any questions.

"Yeah, I cooked!" Joey said excitedly, conveniently distracted.

Serenity looked at her brother, her appetite suddenly dying as she smelled the horrid smell coming from the kitchen.
"Joey…" Joey excitedly grabbed his little sister's hand, dragging her off to her doom.

Meanwhile, in the cab Kaiba had stopped checking his emails and was now staring at the bandana in his hand. Yellow with white polka dots. "How…" He searched for the right word as he toyed with the thing. "Girly."

He looked at the time on his phone. Almost 11. Mokuba was probably getting worried. He told the driver to hurry and in time, he reached home. Mokuba fussed over his head wound, oddly reminding him of Serenity's insistency. Kaiba retired to his bedroom and took a look at the wound, using alcohol pads and a bandage to wrap himself up. Just as he'd expected, it was just a scratch. He closed his eyes for a second, surprised as a pair of worried brown eyes floated in his vision.

"Stupid girl." He opened his eyes and frowned at his reflection as he walked back to his bed where he'd placed his coat. Inside the pocket was the yellow and white bandana. He took it out and placed it on his bedside, looking at it one more time before joining Mokuba for a late dinner.

Author's Note: I know, I know, what a corny title right?