Chapter Twenty: The Ties That Bind

"Serenity…" She stood with baited breath, mentally urging Kaiba to hurry up and put her out of her misery.

For Kaiba, this was a situation he couldn't get away from fast enough. He was aware that that wasn't an option, but he still liked to have hope. Facing up to things wasn't exactly Kaiba's forte and he knew it. She was still standing there, her eyes riveted on him and it made him feel sick to the stomach. He couldn't understand how a person could invest so much in another, let alone a half-man like himself. At least that's how he viewed himself; never allowing himself to be quite whole. For to hold on to those emotions he'd been holding back for so many years was to allow his company fall into ruin, in his mind, and to become something else, something weaker.

'This is love' she told him, and her heart had wrenched. She couldn't escape Seto Kaiba no matter how hard she had tried. But after a while, had she really tried? His clutches had appeared more inviting as each day had passed. It was his entire fault, she concluded. If he hadn't teased her, rejected her, then accepted and had just made his damn mind up, they wouldn't have been here.

Kaiba couldn't seem to find the words, so Serenity decided to change the subject. She lifted her hand with the ring.

"Why did you put this on me?"

"Because I knew you'd keep it safe."

He was willing to entrust her with something so sentimental, a family heirloom. It touched her more than she could say. She gently slipped it off her finger and held it out.

"Well, you should have it back. It's probably safer here than where I live."

He shook his head.

"Keep it."

Her eyes went wide.

"What? But I couldn't possibly…"

"It's not a problem. Keep it."

There was definitely something more behind his words, but Serenity hadn't the energy to try and fathom it. So she just nodded.

He cleared his throat and her gaze immediately went to him.

"Serenity. You're… special," he muttered, eyes downcast.

Serenity gave a wan smile and took hold of his hands.

"I understand, Kaiba. You don't need to say anything else. As long as I can feel it, that's all I need," she whispered and he met her eyes. He sighed heavily, but then managed a genuine smile that touched Serenity's heart.

"Good," he said and dipped his head to kiss her.

She smiled as they kissed, now just feeling his emotions poured into each caress without hiding behind pretense. She wanted to giggle but didn't want to spook Kaiba. She realised he really needed baby steps when it came to this stuff. And she was okay with that; she was no Casanova herself.

Eventually they just held each other. Serenity had never felt so safe in his arms. It was a weird revelation to have given how much conflict they'd had. But if he was willing to relent and get to know her more, she was willing to do the same.

"What should we do now?" Serenity whispered against his chest and Kaiba chuckled.

"I think I might have a heart attack if we don't just call it a night," he murmured and Serenity felt her face go hot.

"Uh, um yeah," she babbled and Kaiba laughed heartily; she could feel the vibrations through his chest. She couldn't help but laugh with him as the tension between them completely broke and Serenity could relax completely.

Before they could say anything else, Serenity phone rang. They jumped apart at the sound and Serenity quickly ran to her bag and grabbed her phone. Mai's face peered up at her and she hit the answer button.

"Mai? Are you okay?"

"It's over. We caught Bakura. He's with the police now."

"No way! That's fantastic news! But wait, you caught Bakura? Are you okay?!"

She could practically hear Mai's smile.

"I'm fine. A group of us decided enough was enough. But for the love of everything don't tell Joey the details. He'll go beserk."

Serenity bit her lip.

"O-okay. But please tell him soon. I don't want to lie to him."

Mai sighed.

"Yeah, I will. Promise. I just... need to phrase it right."

"I understand. Please message me when you're home safe."

"It might be a while. I think the police want to talk to us about what happened. So don't stay up for me."

Serenity pouted a little.

"I'll try but I can't promise anything."

"Alright. Stay safe, Serenity."

"You too, Mai. Bye."

"Bye."

Serenity put the phone down and looked over to find Kaiba watching her curiously.

"Mai and the others caught Bakura. He's with the police now," she explained and his eyebrows rose.

"Good. He's caused more than enough trouble."

Serenity nodded, but her feelings were all over the place given everything that had happened in the last few hours.

"I think I should go home. I'm so tired. Today feels like a hundred days," she said with a long languid stretch.

"Tell me about it. I'll drive you home," he said, grabbing his jacket.

Serenity blinked.

"Oh! O-okay," she said with a warm smile. Kaiba flashed her a smile and headed out. She quickly followed.

He led her to his familiar dark green Jaguar. She hopped in, lost in thought of her trips in this car since she and Kaiba had been thrown together. She gave a little chuckle to herself and Kaiba glanced over as he pulled out of the grounds and out onto the road.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I was just thinking about the first time I got in this car," she explained and Kaiba sighed deeply.

"That feels like a lifetime ago."

Serenity chuckled.

"Yeah. I remember thinking at least you're a safe driver compared to Mokuba."

"He really needs to slow down. I refuse to go anywhere with him behind the wheel."

"I think that's a good policy to have," Serenity giggled.

She felt calm and happy. With a cheeky smile, she lightly brushed her hand over Kaiba's when he changed gears and he blinked, quickly looking over at her. She just beamed in return and he hastily returned his gaze to the road. The tinge of red on his cheek was adorable.

He pulled up outside her house, got out and walked her to her door.

"Thank you," she said as he stood awkwardly.

"You're... welcome."

Serenity opened her door and paused for a moment before going to hug Kaiba. He held her back pressing a kiss to the top of her head and she smiled to herself.

She lifted her head and pecked him on the lips before drawing away.

"Goodnight. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Of course. Goodnight, Serenity."

She gave him a little wave as she closed the door.

'What a strange day.'


Serenity awoke to Joey shouting which, to be fair, was a common occurance. She blearily pulled on her dressing gown and wandered out her room to find Joey on the phone in the living room.

"Mai what were you thinkin'?! You coulda been hurt or worse!"

Serenity immediately realised what was going on and went to make breakfast for them both. Filling Joey's stomach was generally a good way of calming him down.

She idly listened to him ranting until he finally seemed to give up.

"We'll talk later about this. You coulda included me, ya know?" he finished and hung up.

Serenity moved in with fry up breakfast and a cup of coffee and Joey grinned.

"Aw, thanks sis. This looks great!"

He sat at their tiny table and began wolfing the food down. Serenity joined him with her tea and toast.

"Is everything okay?" she asked.

Joey stuffed a sausage in his mouth a chewed violently.

"Mai and the rest went off and captured Bakura! But they put themselves in danger and didn't even bother telling me! Said I'd freak out!"

Serenity raised and eyebrow and Joey scowled.

"Yeah, yeah, you don't need ta say nothin'. They're right. But it doesn't make it hurt less."

Serenity nodded in understanding. The less she said, the better.

"I'm just glad they're okay. I mean, I'm happy Bakura's with the police, but the way they did it was dumb. If something had happened to any of them... I can't even," he continued, stopping to munch on some toast.

Serenity finished her breakfast and went to wash up, leaving Joey to his food and thoughts.

By the time she'd got washed and dressed, ready to head to college, Joey had calmed down significantly.

"How are you feeling, Joey?" she asked, shouldering her bag ready to head out.

Joey looked over from the sofa with a grin.

"Ah, I'm over it! What's done is done, right? I'm just glad no suffered anything serious. Even Bakura. Sounds like he's messed up in the head. You off ta college?"

Serenity nodded and Joey hopped up and grabbed his coat.

"I'll walk ya. I'm still a little on edge, with everything."

Serenity grinned.

"Thanks, Joey. I was a little nervous going out by myself, to be honest."

They walked together in the sun and it felt so nice, like the old times. They chatted idly, about anything and everything. With all the drama they hadn't had much time to just hang out as siblings. Serenity felt like she'd had the busiest few months of her life. It was nice to stop and smell the roses.

Joey left her at the library.

"I'll be at the cafeteria if ya need me," he said and she waved as he left.

She settled in a nice nook in the library, pulled out her Business books and began to read. She'd fallen a little behind, but luckily had been ahead before being hospitalised. It was the first time in a while she could sit peacefully and study. She didn't have anything on her mind for once.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed before her phone buzzed. Her eyebrows rose when she saw it was a message from Kaiba.

Are you at college?

He smiled to herself.

I'm in the library catching up on my missed work.

He replied within seconds.

Be there soon.

She marvelled at how concise he was. With a shrug she put her phone away and went back to her book. Not having a sense of dread when seeing a message or the phone ring as Kaiba was refreshing.

She heard the library door open ten minutes later and smiled as Kaiba strode over. He looked rather dishevelled, as if he'd just rolled out of bed or hadn't gone to bed at all.

"Morning," she greeted him with a beatific smile which he briefly returned.

"Morning. Here." He placed a memory stick down.

Serenity's eyebrows drew together in confusion.

"What's this?"

Kaiba gave an airy wave.

"Take a look."

Serenity gave him one slightly annoyed look before headed over and plugging the memory stick into the library computer and opening it up. Her mouth fell open.

"... You're joking..."

She opened the file and a smile spread across her face.

He'd finished their presentation. It was polished to a typical Seto Kaiba level of professionalism. She glanced back at him again. Now she was properly looking, the signs of exhaustion were evident on his face. They really had put all their facts and figures together well. For all Kaiba's other issues, he wasn't stupid when it came to someone approaching him with good business sense. All of her and Kaiba's good ideas were in here as she flicked through each slide.

"Seto... thank you. This is amazing."

"Well we were nearly done anyway until you were hospitalised. And then after last night... I just wanted to end it," he raised his hands when Serenity opened her mouth, "Because I want to move on with our lives outside of our Business class. I... would like to go out with you sometime. Just as... us."

Serenity beamed. She wanted to hug him, but feared in this public environment he'd freak out. She settled for giving his hand a squeeze, which he briefly returned.

"Me too. Let's hand it in together."

Kaiba nodded.

Serenity packed her books up, slung them into her bag and they headed for Mr. Bamako's office together.


Mr Bamako practically cried tears of joy when they handed their presentation in, Kaiba placing the memory stick on his desk.

"It's really finished? You both did this together?" he asked in awe, looking from Serenity to Kaiba.

Kaiba curtly nodded.

"Yes, please take it," he agitatedly replied.

"Of course! I look forward to going through it. Perhaps you could both present it next week as well?"

Kaiba waved a hand.

"If we must."

"If that's what you want, Mr Bamako," Serenity chimed in.

Mr Bamako nodded.

"I think it would be valuable both to yourselves and your fellow students to present this. It will inspire others. I'm glad you were both able to overcome your differences. From what I've seen so far from this presentation, it clearly has both of you in it. I was worried one of you," he glanced at Kaiba, "would simply take over and do it by themselves. I'm glad that didn't happen and the presentation is better for it. You should both be proud. I look forward to formally marking it and giving you both feedback."

Serenity grinned.

"Thank you, Mr Bamako. We both appreciate it."

Kaiba just nodded and turned on his heel. Serenity gave a short bow and left with Kaiba. Another huge weight was off her shoulders. She felt like she should be floating near the ceiling she was so light and happy.

"We did it!" she cheered and Kaiba shrugged.

"Guess so." The smile in his eyes made Serenity beam. She tentatively held out her hand and Kaiba paused for a second before taking it. They walked together in the thankfully empty corridor, hand in hand.

"Well, we just have one more hurdle to overcome," Serenity said as they walked out the Business department and Kaiba frowned.

"Like what?"

Serenity gave a tight smile.

"We've got to tell Joey about us."

Kaiba rolled his eyes.

"Really? Does it matter that much to you?" he asked, watching her with mild annoyance.

Serenity let go of Kaiba's hand and folded her arms as she faced him.

"He's my brother and I love him. I want to share my happiness with him. If I'm happy, he should be happy."

"I doubt him knowing about us is going to make him happy," Kaiba pointed out and Serenity huffed, putting her hands on her hips.

"Well he's going to have to get with the program because I have no intention of this ending anytime soon!" she forcefully replied and Kaiba blinked, a mild blush suffusing his cheeks.

Serenity admired his blush, which only made him blush more and begin to wave his hand to block her.

"Stop," he groused and Serenity came closer.

"No. I... like it when you're like this," she said boldly, moving his hand out of her way and holding it. He stood in shock and she went onto her tiptoes and kissed him. He held her close, indulging in her affection. He couldn't deny he ate up every little bit of her attention.

Eventually Serenity stepped back and Kaiba caught his breath.

"Fine. Let's make it quick," he relented and Serenity led him to the cafeteria.


"WHAT?!" Joey choked, his eyes bulging as Serenity held her ground.

Their conversation had started in the cafeteria, but as soon as Serenity had uttered the fateful words, Joey had leapt up and began pacing around which led to Serenity making the decision they needed to move to a quieter part of college grounds outside.

"You and Mai get to go out… well, so do Seto and I! And – and that's all there is to it, Joey!" she said, keeping her foot firmly on the ground and Kaiba decided to be sensible and think of someone else other than himself and Mokuba for once and kept his mouth shut and face blank. His hand did hold on tightly to Serenity's, if only to try and make her feel better, though he thought perhaps his grip was becoming a little too supportive, verging on painful.

Joey still gawped.

"Well, I… aw, Serenity! Why'd ya have to go and say a thing like that? It's not fair! Why'd you have ta pick him?!" he countered and Serenity bowed her head.

"You can't choose who you fall in love with. You've had time to get used to the idea of Kaiba being in my life, its just now we won't be working on a project, or trying to endure Bakura. It'll work out in the end, I'm sure Joey!" Serenity tried to sound bright and happy, but that tinge of uncertainty and fear was still present in her voice.

Joey caved.

"Sis… if you're happy, then… its alright," he conceded and Serenity let go of Kaiba's hand in order to bodily throw herself into Joey in a tight embrace.

"Thank you, Joey! I'll never forget this!" she said, her voice filled with joy, and Joey indulged a smile. It did make him feel better knowing that because of this tentative acceptance, she was happy. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.

"So we're in agreement?" Kaiba questioned and Serenity let go of Joey and rolled her eyes.

"Why do you have to be so robotic, Kaiba?" she rounded on him, still taking his hand as they proceeded to argue. She gave Joey an absentminded wave as they departed, already launching into a full blown bicker. Joey watched on in amusement.

"Whatever, Wheeler, I was just saying…" The argument faded from Joey's hearing as the two turned a corner.

'Yep,' Joey thought with a smile, 'They're a couple all right.'

THE END

AN: I can't believe I actually finished this. If anyone knew how many times I went back to this story over the years and couldn't finish it... jeez it's crazy. It only took a pandemic to make me sit down and actually finish this thing. For anyone who is still reading this, bless you from your heart to your cotton socks. I'm a completely different person since I started this (due to you know it being over ten years). I'm so happy it's over!