Hey, I'd like to thank those who reviewed my story so far. I really appreciate you taking the time to actually read through it. I changed my story a little. Hopefully this is easier to read and less stressful to figure out where each paragraph begins and ends. I did however, leave the original dialogue alone, in fear of messing the lines up. So paragraphs are spaced out as best that I could. If it does not show up, than please bare with me. Let me know if it is still difficult to read. I also enclosed all thoughts into marks so you can tell when they are thinking easier.

Also, just so you all know, this part of the story fast forwards a couple weeks. I did this for two reasons. One, I wanted to get on with the plot line so the story does not become too long, and two, I wanted to show the after effects of Sydney and Kaiba spending time together. I know this leaves alot of potential encounters between the two in his mansion out, but I just can't spend all of my time on the two. I want to take the plot line further and get to the part where things start to change. I hope you all enjoy this chapter anyway.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh! even though I wish I did.

Enjoy!
Chapter Three: Of All Birthdays...

"Hiya Sidney!"

Sydney heard the voice echoing down the hall and turned slightly to see a blonde boy jogging to catch up with her. She smiled and lifted a hand to wave hello.

"Hey Joey, how are you?"

"Good," Joey responded,"I heard from Tea that you babysit Mokuba now. That must be hard ta be in the same place wit Kaiba!"

Sydney laughed slightly,"Actually, he's been pretty nice to me. It's not as bad as you would think. I hardly see him. He usually works really late so I only see him when he's waking me up to go home."

Joey nodded,"Mokuba's a nice kid."

Sydney smiled wide,"He's such a sweet little boy. "

"Sid."

The two haulted when the familar voice interrupted their conversation. Joey glared angrily at the figure while Sydney smiled and stepped forward. She brushed her hair behind her shoulders and leaned forward to press a kiss to the figure's cheek. He stood and excepted it, looking at her with an expressionless face.

"Hi Seto."

Joey's mouth hung open,"Syndey! You....you...just...Kaiba....kiss..."

Kaiba raised his brow slightly,"What's wrong puppy dog, loss for words?"

Joey's angry glare returned,"Stop callin' me dat!"

"Now stop it both of you," Sydney instructed as the two exchanged glares,"What's up, Seto?"

Kaiba turned to her,"I need a favor."

Joey snorted,"The great Seto Kaiba... did ya run out of servants to run yer errands?"

"Joey!" Sydney replied angrily,"Have some respect!"

Kaiba chuckled,"So the dog's got some bite..."

Joey's eyes narrowed and he growled angrily at the CEO. Kaiba just stood and smirked, satisfied with himself for easily being able to set him off. He was just too easy.

Sydney sighed and placed a hand on her hip,"If you two can't stand to be around eachother for atleast two minutes, than I'm going. I'm not going to stand and listen to this."

Kaiba was too busy with his staring contest to hear her. She began to walk away and he suddenly reached out and took her arm.

"Wait, Sid."

Joey crossed his arms,"What's wit the 'Sid' thing?"

"It's short for her name you moron."

Joey growled but before he could respond, Sydney grabbed Kaiba's coat and pulled him away a couple feet away. Once she reached the opposite side of the hallway, she released his coat and ran a hand through her hair.

She turned to look back at Joey,"Now behave youself, Joey. This will only take a minute."

Kaiba continued to hold his glare with him as she turned back to him. Sydney followed his glare to find Joey returning it and placed a hand on her hip again. When would this childish behavior end? Sure, these two couldn't get along but the way they acted drove her crazy.

'These two are impossible.'

She grabbed Kaiba's chin and forced him to look at her,"What did you want?"

Kaiba looked at her and removed her hand from his chin,"I need you to come with me after school today."

Sydney tilted her head slightly,"Why?"

"This Thurday is Mokuba's birthday."

She broke into a large smile,"Awwwwwww.... Seto, that's sooooo cute."

Kaiba rolled his eyes and shook his head slightly,"Save it for after school, okay?"

Sydney laughed slightly,"Don't be embarassed! Your brother is such a sweet kid!"

Kaiba was becoming impatient and hardened his expression,"Will you come with me? I need to buy him a gift and I called off of work today to do this."

She shrugged,"I don't know what you could possibly get him but I'll come along if you want."

"Hey! I'm still standin' here!"

The two looked back at Joey who still stood watching the two as they talked. His foot was tapping against the floor impatiently as his arms remain crossed. His eyes narrowed at Kaiba as he slowly walked to stand beside Sydney, his face falling into a deep smirk. Kaiba snorted and raised a hand to let it run through his hair. He knew Sydney would become annoyed but he couldn't help the comment that was rising from his throat.

"Is the puppy dog becoming lonely?"

"I'm warnin' ya Kaiba!"

Sydney frowned as she gazed between the two as they held a glare again,"You two are absolutely hopeless."

She walked away, leaving them to argue in hallway, clutching her books closer to her chest. Kaiba and Joey continued to throw insults, a crowd soon began to form around them as Joey challenged him to a Duel, which, even she knew, was going to be an easy feat for Kaiba. She let a hand wander down to her pocket and slowly pulled the picture Kaiba gave her out. She raised it to gaze at it and a smile appeared on herself. She could never stay mad with Kaiba, he was just too handsome and strong to stay mad at. Maybe it was a little shallow but she loved the contours of his face and she loved when he snapped his harsh comments. It always threw even his worst rivals off and showed he had confidence in himself even if the situation looked hopeless. And nothing appeared more attractive to her than a man that could stand his ground.

"Sydney, wait up!"

She turned to see Joey again and frowned,"You two done already?"

Joey rubbed the back of his head and grinned sheepishly,"Nahhhhh... we both got other stuff ta do, ya know? We decided to continue it tomorrow."

'They reschedule their fighting? Oh please, this is worse than I hoped to imagine.'

Sydney shook her head hopelessly and quickly returned the picture to her pocket before Joey realized what it was. She ran a hand through her wild mane and turned to him with a smile.

"So, Joey, tell me. Why do you despise Seto so much?"

Joey cringed,"Why do you call him that?!"

Sydney let her mouth curve into a frown,"Why wouldn't I call him that? It's his name."

Joey let out a deep sigh,"Kaiba has been known ta do alot of things."

She tilted her head slightly as they approached the lunch room,"Like what?"

He looked at her in shock,"Well, fer one he likes ta pick on those weaka than him."

"Like you?" Sydney joked.

Joey's eyes narrowed and he nudged her slightly,"Don't get me started on that jerk and him callin' me puppy dog!"

Sydney laughed and patted his arm,"Awwww come on, it's a cute nickname. It suits you well, you're very cute, like a puppy."

Joey fought the blush that was growing on his cheeks,"Ya think so?"

"I know so!" She replied with a smirk,"Maybe Seto's just jealous of your good looks!"

"He wishes."

The two turned slightly as they approached the lunch line to see that Kaiba was following them. His face remained expressionless regardless of the fact of her last comment. He didn't seem to be affected but Sydney knew better. They slowly each took a tray and Sydney smiled at Kaiba, giving him a wink.

"If it makes you feel better, Seto," She told him,"You're just as cute as Joey."

Kaiba snorted,"I'm flattered."

"Hey!!!" Joey growled,"I'm right here ya know!"

"How can I not notice you with the strong stench in the air?"

Sydney sighed as Kaiba initiated the arguing again. Joey's face turned crimson as he raised a fist in the air and wagged it in anger toward the brunette. Sydney continued to walk on down the line with Kaiba following her with a smirk on his face.

"Get back here, Kaiba!!"

Kaiba ignore him and followed Sydney to check out. She shook her head at him with a slight smile as she could hear Joey continue to rant on without him. The two reached for the food items and exchanged a couple smiles as they continued on. Their fingers brushed ever so often, since the two were very close together in line. Kaiba reached for the last piece of cherry cake just as she did, ramming hands.

"You have it."

Sydney shrugged,"We'll share."

"Share?"

"Not in your vocabulary?" She asked him with a smirk.

"Funny."

"I thought it was," She replied with a slight shrug.

"Don't flatter yourself."

Sydney could still hear Joey fuming behind them, being held back by not only Yugi but Tristan as well. She glanced back at Joey than looked to Kiaba, trying to hold her laugh in but failing in doing so.

She lightly nodded at Kaiba and laughed, "You sure know how to pick a fight."

"It's not a good fight without a worthy opponent," Kaiba responded,"And Wheeler's far from being worthy."

She bit her lip slightly,"He's nice to me."

Kaiba snorted,"Only cause he finds you attractive."

"Did he tell you that?"

"He doesn't have to," Kaiba replied as they walked to a table together,"I can see right through Wheeler."

"Do you find me attractive?"

Kaiba's brow raised as they seated themselves across from eachother at the table he usually sat at in the back of the lunch room,"Why are you so curious about that?"

Sydney shrugged,"Because I have low self esteem and I need a boost."

Kaiba laughed slightly,"I find you repulsive."

"Thanks."

"No problem."

"I was being serious," She frowned.

"So was I," He laughed as her frown deepened and she balled her fists.

He liked seeing her become angry, her eyes really stood out than as her face scrunched slightly in her change of mood. He leaned backward slightly, stretching himself out and smirked at her. She had her arms crossed and glared at him angrily. He figured if he didn't say something, she'd be mad for the length of the lunch period.

"I think you're pretty," Kaiba said leaning forward slightly,"That make you feel better?"

"Liar."

'Am I getting soft?' He suddenly asked himself,'Why am I sitting here talking with her as though we were .....friends?'

He couldn't help but laugh at her expression, trying to distract himself from the nagging question in the back of his mind. It was too much for him to bare to see her so angry at just a single comment. He was glad they could talk like this, even though it was against his better judgement. She had been working for him for some time now and the fact that she actually got him to loosen up around her really made him realize how good of a person she was - and how perservering her attitude was. She was the only one who dared to challenge him without fear of what he might do. He knew that others would see it as him becoming soft but that wasn't the case, was it? He continued to grin as she glared at him, aware that she was likely to act out at him violently if he didn't apologize soon.

"Look," He finally said,"I wasn't lying. I think you're very beautiful."

He watched her features begin to soften and he smirked at her.

"Too bad you're nose is so big though," He added with a laugh.

Sydney couldn't take it anymore,"You're horrible! I wouldn't be talking like that or you'll be out of a babysitter!"

Kaiba laughing ceased and he leaned forward toward her,"I'm kidding. You know I think you're beautiful. Half the time we're together, I'm just standing there staring at you."

Sydney's brow raised,"Do you mean it, Seto?

'What am I doing?!!!'

He saw she was beginning to blush and realized that this new side of him was really dragging his reputation down. He suddenly crossed his arms, narrowed his eyes and frowned at her. She couldn't help but smile when he did that, knowing that he was only doing it to hide his true feelings.

"I didn't mean a word of it," He said coldly.

Sydney couldn't help but to lean forward and kiss his cheek,"You're sweet."

Kaiba snorted and pulled back with a scowl,"You obviously don't know me very well."

She let her finger go forward and tap his nose affectionately,"You're so silly sometimes..."

He rolled his eyes,"The only silly one here is you."

Sydney shrugged,"I can live with that."

Kaiba let a smile creep upon his mouth.

'So can I.'

*******************************

"Ugh...look at them. How can she sit so close to that creep?!"

Tristan eyed Joey suspiciously,"Sounds like you have a thing for Sydney, there Joey!"

Joey blinked,"Wha??!!"

The table watched as Joey's face blushed a bright crimson. Tristan smirked evily as he nudged Joey, and brought an arm up to pull him into a head lock.

"I knew you were doing more than just showing her to class!"

"Lay off, Tristan!"

Yugi sweatdropped as the two began to wrestle at the table. Tea just continued to look at Sydney and Kaiba as they laughed and talked together at his table at the other end of the lunch room.

She curiously lifted her brow,"They do seem close, don't they?"

Tristan and Joey paused their wrestling to catch a look at the two again.

"See," Joey told the rest at the table,"I thought I was hullucinating but its like Sydney and Kaiba are friends or somethin'."

"Whoa.....Kaiba and friends in the same sentence...." Tristan pondered as he continued to watch the chatting couple at the table,"Do you think she's dating him?"

"No way!" Joey suddenly yelled.

Yugi looked at him confused,"Calm down, Joey."

"She would never date a creep like him!"

Tea raised a finger to her chin,"Well, she is babysitting Mokuba, so maybe that's the only reason they get along. I mean, Mokuba is Kaiba's brother."

"Tea's right, guys," Yugi told them all,"Don't worry, Joey. They're probably just friends."

"Yeah, man," Tristan said with a deep smirk,"You still got a chance!"

He pulled Joey into another headlock, causing Joey to growl angrily and buck against his hold.

"Tristan!"
***************************

"People are staring at us."

Kaiba raised his eyes to catch them before they looked away. They were walking around the mall together, without his usual body guards and had proceeded to get attention from others. He growled at himself for thinking her coming along was a good idea. Now, he would be stuck with questions about his personal life.

"Seto?"

"What."

Sydney's face fell into a frown,"What's with you? We've been walking around for an hour and you haven't said a word to me."

Kaiba placed his hands in his pockets and walked with her into an arcade,"I don't feel like talking. You have a problem with that?"

Sydney didn't like this side to him. She knew how he could get, especially when he felt threatened, but this was ridiculous. He was the one who asked her along so he shouldn't be giving her such a hard time. She suddenly grabbed his arm once they were inside the arcade and made him look at her.

"Seto, if you can't be nice, I'm leaving."

"Fine, walk home. I don't care."

"What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing," He snapped,"Can't you ever mind your own business?"

Sydney's lips began to quiver and her eyes started to water. His ego was definitely to blame for his attitude but she just didn't understand. This was who he was, nothing else to it. Kaiba let out an annoyed sigh as he noticed her saddened reaction and leaned into her slightly.

"I'm in a bad mood."

"Like I didn't see that!" Sydney said infuriated,"But that's no reason to lash out at me!"

"Let's just find something for Mokuba and go home."

"Forget it," She replied angrily,"I'm leaving."

Kaiba turned to walk farther into the arcade when she replied and looked back at her to notice that she was indeed, proceeding toward the entrance of the mall. He turned to watch her head outside and realized that she wouldn't hesitate to walk home on her own. Without her, he'd have no idea what to get Mokuba, with her, he'd have to fight rumors of romance. Either way, he was screwed. He found himself following her as he headed toward the entrance to the mall and looked down the length of the sidewalk. He realized it had begun to rain since they had arrived and found himself already beginning to become soaked. He found her sitting down on the curb on the other side of the mall, hugging her knees as the rain drenched her dark hair and sagged her clothing. He realized she had chosen the spot because no one was around there and placed his hands in his pockets again.

He approached her, removing his coat and letting it drop down onto her shoulders. She didn't respond and he knew it'd take more than a nice gesture to sooth her anger.

"Sydney."

He suddenly heard her sniffle and sat beside her on the curb to find that she was crying. The rain had hid her emotions but when he leaned in, he found that her eyes provided the streams of water that proceeded down her cheeks. He sat in silence, not knowing how to handle the situation. He had never made anyone cry before, atleast not by accident.

"Sydney?" He repeated her name louder.

"Just....leave me alone."

Kaiba just stared at her, not knowing how to reply to that. Luckily for him, he didn't have to.

"You know," She told him, pausing a moment to sniff again,"I really thought you were a nice guy."

Kaiba pushed his drenched bangs from his eyes and let his hands rest upon his legs which were stretched out in front of him.

"Why do you have to be so mean?" She suddenly asked him.

"I....I..." Kaiba didn't know how to explain,"I don't know."

'She wouldn't understand.' He told himself, 'No one will understand.'

She continued to cry and now he could actually hear her as her chest heaved and released gasps of air. He studied her features and slowly raised his arm, wrapping it around her waist and pulling her against him. Her head gently found its way to his chest and settled there.

'What am I doing? This is crazy. Why does this girl get to me? Is it because she's so pretty? That can't be it. She smells so good.....like flowers...... Stop it Seto! Calm down, calm down. What is it about this girl that's got you acting so strange?'

He felt her body continue to shake, but not because of her crying. She was shivering from the wet and cold air. He looked down at her and let his chin rest on the top of her head slightly.

"Come on, let me take you home."

She didn't bother to reply but nodded slowly instead. He slowly began to rise and helped her up as he led her to where he had parked his car. Once they were inside, she removed his coat and layed it across her lap, still sniffing and now rubbing at the wetness under her eyes. Seeing her like that, wiping the tears from her eyes and drying her face, made Kaiba's mind wander. Ever since he met this girl, he had found interest in her. Perhaps it was the fact that she wasn't like everyone else at Domino High or maybe the way she challenged him when he reacted at her angrily. Or maybe it was the way she made him feel. He felt comfortable around her, like he could actually be himself. The only other person who allowed him to feel that way was Mokuba.

Kaiba studied her for a moment and suddenly reached out to catch a stray stream of water that had trailed down her cheek. She looked at him confused and surprised, trying not to show her emotion through her face. She was startled by his sudden act of touching her and he smiled at her. He pushed her hair behind her ear and suddenly began to lean forward towards her. Sydney remained immobile as he brought his lips closer to hers. Was he really trying to kiss her? And if he was, why? Did he really feel they were that close that he could actually feel comfortable to do that?

She wanted it to happen but couldn't help but to respond,"What are you doing?"

Kaiba froze in his pursuit, hesitating in replying,"I want to kiss you."

Sydney's face turned back into one of surprise,"Why?"

"I don't know, but if you don't want me to, you better stop me or else I'll do it right now."

Sydney looked into his eyes and realized they were pleading her not to stop him. She remained still as his lips continued to move forward. She felt her eyes fluttering closed and waited for him to suddenly pull away, realizing that this whole thing was a mistake. She felt his warmth breath than the hot pressure of his mouth against hers as he suddenly raised himself from his seat to wrap an arm around her thin waist. Her body was suddenly jolted with such a strong white heat that she could feel herself tingling from his contact. She moved her hands to rest upon his shoulders and allowed herself to be kissed, letting his mouth mold into hers and move in rythmn with her own.

He pulled back, breathing hard and studying her reaction. She just gazed at him confused, happy and breathless. She had never been kissed so strongly like that before. Kaiba may not know how to express feelings but Sydney felt as though she had just experienced them all in just one kiss.

"I've wanted to do that since the first day I met you," Kaiba confessed once his breath was back.

"You have?"

"Yes."

Sydney wanted to change the awkward subject,"Mokuba is probably worried."

"I guess your right," He replied as he moved to his side of the car again and placed his hands upon the wheel,"We better get going."