Epilogue

"Meet me in front of the school, at 4:00," he instructed.

He meant A.M.

"There's one last thing I want to do before I go."

Those were the only details that he gave her.

Serenity Wheeler felt a rush of adrenaline as she slipped out of her apartment that early morning. Sneaking out at such an hour was quite possibly the most adventurous thing that she had ever done. Moreover, she did not even know what she was getting herself into. Seto Kaiba's request was utterly bizarre, given that the nine days had passed and he was supposed to depart that morning. What on earth was he planning?

When Serenity reached the school, she saw him standing there, under one of the lampposts. He was looking impatiently as his watch.

"Seto," she whispered his name.

Kaiba looked up with a stern face. "You're seven minutes late."

"Come on, ease up a bit," the girl said lightheartedly. "I made it here safely, didn't I?"

"Yes, but I was starting to worry about you."

Serenity giggled, "You worry too much."

His face was ever-serious. "I worry because I love you."

Serenity responded by giving him a brief hug and a light peck on the lips. Then, pulling away with a clever grin, she said, "So, what is this? You're supposed to leave later today, but instead of getting a good night's sleep, you insist that we meet here at 4:00 A.M.? I don't get it."

The teen took a flashlight from his pocket. "Behind the school, there's a path," he began simply, clicking on the beam of light.

"Oh, yes, I've seen it," Serenity recalled. "I've always been curious as to where it leads, but I've never explored it. It's kind of suspicious-looking."

"It's actually a very simple trail," Kaiba assured her. "It leads through a small forest and ends at an empty field. That's where we're going."

She watched him there, standing in the lamplight with an arrogant smirk playing at his lips. He was so sure of himself; she felt no need to question him.

"Come on," he ordered, reaching forward to take her hand.

The confident businessman led the way, and the trees around them thickened as Seto and Serenity followed the path into the forest. It was incredibly dark there, save for the small beam from Seto's flashlight, and it was exceedingly quiet. Serenity's dainty hand began to tremble in fright, but Seto tightened his grip protectively and possessively.

The firm grasp quelled Serenity's fears, and she smiled to herself, knowing that, once again, Seto was looking after her. He led her bravely through the forest, and with the trees soon behind them, they stepped onto an open field.

There was nothing notable about the area itself, but the black sky above them was perfectly clear, revealing stars that twinkled with heavenly light. Serenity's mouth hung open in awe as she gazed upward. "This is a wonderful spot for stargazing," she marveled. "Is that why we're here?"

"We're here for a couple of reasons," Seto stated matter-of-factly. "The first is that I intend to take off from here." He shined the flashlight on a large, dark mass in the distance. "That's my helicopter over there. By taking off from this field, I should be able to leave with privacy. I refuse to let the media make a big deal out of my departure, because I want to spend my last moments with you."

Butterflies danced in her stomach after she heard those words. Love struck, she leaned against him and laid her head on his chest.

"Of course, there is a reason that I brought you here 4:00 A.M., instead of some other time," he continued calmly. "Someone once told me that watching the sun rise is equivalent to witnessing the creation of an artistic masterpiece. That's something that I want to experience before I go, but I may need your help to see it."

The butterflies flitted even more excitedly then. Much to Serenity's surprise, her words had not fallen on deaf ears. The cold CEO who had once claimed that the stars were "just stars" was finally ready to look at the world in a different way. He wanted to watch the sunrise with her and see its beauty for the first time. How romantic...

She sighed dreamily, "I love you, Seto."

Kaiba chuckled softly. The girl could be so childish sometimes, but it was a part of what made her so innocently sweet, and he would not have her any other way. "I love you too."

Serenity turned around to face him, then stood on her tip toes and threw her arms about his neck. She kissed him tenderly—a gesture that he welcomed and returned.

After they broke apart, Kaiba reasoned, "We're going to be here for a while, so we might as well make ourselves comfortable."

Serenity nodded and seated herself on the grass.

Kaiba sat beside her. Then, feeling a cool breeze brush by, he removed his coat and laid it about her shoulders. "You really should have worn a sweater," he criticized.

Serenity pulled the coat tightly around her and smiled. Despite the sharp words, she understood that Seto was simply showing that he loved her. "Seto," she spoke softly.

"Hmm?"

With a hint of bashfulness, she wondered, "When did you know that you loved me?"

Kaiba brought a hand to his face and contemplated the matter for a moment. At last he answered, "I recognized that I had feelings for you after I rescued you from Ryuu, Takeshi, and Rodger, but I can't truly say that that was when I knew that I loved you, because things quickly went downhill after that. Given the circumstances, I renounced my feelings and defined them as unreal, spurred on by immaturity, and in no way serious. I became convinced that the person who cared for you was not me. It was a constant struggle... I honestly don't think I knew that I loved you until the moment that I said it to you."

Serenity happily remarked, "I'm so glad that you were finally able to overcome your struggle."

"What about you?" Kaiba returned. "When did you know?"

She looked up at the shining stars. "Let's see... hmm... I think it may have been the day that I spoke at the trial. I looked out at your eyes and your face, and I felt brave, watching you. You were the one who gave me the strength to tell my story, and I realized for the first time just how safe I feel when you're around."

Kaiba let out a discomforted grunt.

"What is it, Seto?" Serenity asked.

"I planned to leave in order to protect you from myself, my enemies, and the media, yet you say that you feel safe in my presence," he sullenly replied. "It's ironic, really."

"If you don't want to go, then—"

Kaiba strongly interrupted, "No, I want to go. It's my dream."

Serenity looked to him in interest. Seto had become suddenly passionate and personal—characteristics that seemed new and foreign to her, given his normal demeanor.

"Kaiba Corporation hasn't always been the way that it is today," the billionaire explained. "It was a shameful company, and I didn't agree with its area of business. I went through hell to change it, because I wanted to shape it into something better. I wanted to use it for something that I believed in. What I always wanted to do, more than anything..." His voice trailed off as his eyes glazed over, staring into the incalculable distance.

Serenity placed a hand on his knee and patted it affectionately so as to encourage him to continue.

"Kaiba Land is a place for orphans and underprivileged children," he clarified. "It's not about money, or publicity, or having the most innovative, exciting rides. It's about kids like me and Mokuba—kids whose parents have died or abandoned them, and who don't have anyone or anywhere else to turn to. My dream is to provide them with a place where they can escape their troubles, if even for just a day. I'm going to build Kaiba Lands all over the world... for the children..."

Serenity stared at him in awe. "Seto, I had no idea."

Kaiba sighed deeply, as if he had just removed a great burden from his chest. He then looked to the girl beside him and faintly smiled at her. As she smiled back, he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers with more passion than he had ever before expressed. He kissed her repeatedly, in fact, and with each kiss, he leaned in farther, such that Serenity fell slowly backward and he lay on top of her.

The teens breathed heavily amidst such kisses, and the fiery moment lingered for some time. Eventually, though, Seto pulled away and glanced at the sky. The stars had faded into hazy gray, with dim streaks of red shining through.

"I guess it's time for the show," he grinned, rolling over and sitting up. He then pulled Serenity close to him, cuddling with her as he watched the sun rise. When the golden sphere was fully visible and the sky was lit with pink, orange, and pale blue hues, he turned to her with a look of fresh enthusiasm.

"You were right," he confirmed. "It is beautiful."

Something was different about him as he looked back at her. Those eyes... The once dull and empty sapphires suddenly glowed with sparkling intensity, like the gems that they were meant to be. The sight of the polished jewels caused Serenity's feelings to swell with pride. Was this really the same boy who had been so bitter before?

Serenity placed a loving kiss on his lips, so proud that he could finally see the beauty of the world.

...And then a voice intruded on the moment: "Hey, big brother!"

Kaiba turned toward the sound. He should have known: it was just like Mokuba to show up a bit early in order to catch a mischievous glimpse of the goings-on. He shook his head and called back, "Hey, Mokuba."

The little brother jogged out to the field, tugging a large suitcase behind him. "Did you have fun watching the sunrise?"

"Yes, I've never seen anything quite like it," Kaiba responded as he stood. He then took Serenity's hand and helped her to her feet.

Mokuba grinned. He, too, could see a new glint in Seto's eyes. Turning to Serenity, he gave a covert wink to acknowledge that a great feat had been accomplished.

"Go on to the helicopter, Mokuba," Kaiba ordered. "Serenity and I aren't quite finished."

Mokuba nodded in understanding and ran off toward the helicopter.

"Listen, Serenity," Kaiba spoke with a low, sad-sounding voice, "there's another reason why I brought you here."

Serenity cocked her head in confusion as Seto's face became very serious again.

"I wanted you to show you this place—where it is and how to get here—because, when I come home, this is where I'll land. I want you to be here when I arrive. I want you to be the first person that I see. I want you to wait for me."

Her eyes filled with tears as the wave of reality washed over her.

Kaiba wrapped his arms around her in a hug. "I'll try to come home for a visit some weekend," he whispered, "but, to be honest, I don't know when that will be. This project is going to be very demanding. I'm not sure if I'll have much time to communicate with you at all. I'm sorry, Serenity. Please just be patient for me."

"I'll wait for you, Seto," Serenity blubbered as the tears poured down her cheeks. "I promise. I'll wait right here."

He chuckled again at her childlike response, but he truly was grateful for her strong devotion. "Thank you," he murmured, squeezing her tightly.

"I'll miss you..."

"I'll miss you too." He kissed her softly, tasting the salty tears on her lips, and then he pulled away. "Goodbye, Serenity," he said reluctantly.

"Goodbye, Seto..."

"I love you," he repeated one last time.

Serenity could no longer find the strength to speak. The tears were raining down so hard that her voice could not produce sound, but she did manage to silently mouth "I love you" in return. She then waved goodbye and watched as Seto walked away and boarded the helicopter. With a loud noise, the machine climbed gradually into the air and flew slowly off into the pale sky, taking with it a love that had already been forbidden in so many ways...

But she would wait.

. . .

. . .

Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to read Forbidden Love. I don't think that I ever would've finished the story without the handful of devoted readers who supported me-truly, you played a large role in my motivation to continue working. Please take some time now to review Chapter 20 and the epilogue, as well as the story as a whole. Also, as the author, I am curious to know which quotes, scenes, or overall chapters were your favorites, so feel free to mention those as well.

Until next time,

~Anncatz