Author's Notes: Thanks for the reviews! Well, here's the second last chapter! Enjoy!
Chapter 14:
Serenity's Surprise
Ryou watched as Bakura descended the stairs of Ryou's house and entered the kitchen. He looked like he hadn't slept at all. "Is something on your mind?" Ryou asked with concern.
Bakura huffed and ignored him.
Ryou sighed, shaking his head. "I know … it's probably wrong to ask … but what happened yesterday?"
Bakura's eyes glanced over to Ryou and he frowned. "Ryou, nothing happened. It's obvious that girl still has mixed feelings and I'm not about to interfere."
"That's bull!" Ryou shouted. "You know she cares about you. What exactly did Yami do to upset you so much anyways?"
"You mean, besides trying to win, Téa?"
Ryou closed his mouth and just stared in shock.
"Yes, that's right. Even after it was obvious he had turned her down, the minute he saw us growing closer, he moved right in and confused her all over again!" Bakura stood up and slammed his fists down on the table.
"I didn't … know." Ryou whispered.
"Look, nothing is wrong, alright? I told that damn Pharaoh to butt out. Now if you don't mind, I would like to just relax today. After all of that utter nonsense yesterday I don't want to see a crowed for a very long time!"
Ryou gulped. "But what about Joey's party?"
Bakura frowned. "Oh, great. I forgot about that. Well, just forget it! I am NOT going!"
"You must!" Ryou started to panic. "You can't leave Téa alone with Yami, can you?"
Bakura's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Do you always have to find a way to convince me to do something I don't want to do?"
"Just doing my job!" Ryou winked.
***
"Wow! I can't believe Joey's little sister will be going to our school next year!" Téa exclaimed as she, Mai, Ishizu and Tristan headed off to Joey's house.
"She's quite an amazing girl." Ishizu commented. "Even in the roughest situation, she held her ground. I think she's growing up beautifully!"
Mai smiled. "She is. I just hope she's ready for the world."
Tristan remained silent. He looked up from being lost in his thoughts and saw Yami, Yugi and Solomon and Duke heading their way. "Hey, guys!"
The guys smiled and joined up with the others.
"So, do you think Bakura will be there?" Mai whispered to Téa.
Téa blushed. "Yes. Ryou told me he was able to convince him." She grinned. "Looks like we'll be going through with this plan after all."
Mai nodded her head. "Just remember, only after I've cut in, alright? This will give you enough time to finally talk to him and in such a romantic atmosphere too!" She squealed.
Téa bowed her head. "Mai, not so loud …" She moaned.
***
Joey's house was pretty crowded by now. People were laughing and having a good time though, which is what really mattered. Serenity was seated on the couch, chatting with Marik. Joey was busy opening the doors for the guests and their mother was developing a huge headache. Despite the split up, their mother agreed to come and supervise the party, seeing as Joey's dad was too drunk as usual to even get out of bed.
Yugi smiled as he approached Serenity. "Hey, Serenity." He greeted.
Serenity looked up and smiled. "Yugi! I'm so glad all of you could make it! This is such a wonderful party!" She giggled like a little girl.
Joey heard the doorbell ring once again. "Huh, but I could have sworn everyone was already here." He opened the door slowly. "KAIBA! MOKUBA!" He gasped.
Kaiba remained cold-faced. "Mokuba wanted to give Serenity a gift." He spoke in a monotone voice.
"Well … eh, by all means, come on in!" Joey opened the door wide and pointed to his little sister on the couch. "She's just over there."
Kaiba and Mokuba approached the small couch in the corner of the room.
Serenity was oblivious to the brothers coming closer as she reached for her drink and lifted it up to her lips.
"Hey, Serenity." Mokuba chimed.
Serenity looked up and dropped her glass when she saw Kaiba standing above Mokuba. "Ah! Mokuba, Kaiba. What a pleasant surprise!" She blushed as she fumbled with her drink, trying to prevent it from spilling all over her brother's rug. "I didn't know that – She stopped when she saw a small white package in front of her face. She took it in her hands and looked up at Mokuba. "For me?" She asked in a slightly quivering tone.
Mokuba grinned. "Yeah, you can even wear it at your new school next year if you'd like."
Serenity smiled. "Can I open it now?"
"Sure!" Mokuba nodded.
Serenity giggled and ripped the package open. Her jaw dropped. "Oh, Mokuba …"
"It's from my brother and I, actually." Mokuba pointed to Kaiba.
"Oh, thank you …" She whispered, holding up the gift for everyone to see. It was a small necklace with her name engraved on it. 'Serenity Wheeler' it was shaped like a duel monster card, but it was solid gold. "Such a thoughtful gift. I understand why from you, Mokuba. We are like the best of friends! But, your big brother?"
"He's really a softy at heart." Mokuba whispered, making Serenity giggle.
Serenity pulled Mokuba into a hug. "Thanks, little bro."
After Battle City, Mokuba and Serenity grew to know each other over time. She would come to their house to look after him when Kaiba was away. Soon they grew closer and started to call each other bro and sis. Serenity never really got to know Kaiba, but she knew that this was also a thank you for everything she had done for him.
She released Mokuba and walked over to Kaiba. "Um, thanks, Kaiba." She said shyly. She leaned in and gave him a small hug.
Kaiba patted her back. "You're welcome."
She giggled and kissed him on the cheek. She suddenly jumped back in horror when she heard Tristan and Duke screaming at the top of their lungs.
"HOW COULD YOU CHOOSE HIM?"
Serenity covered her eyes in embarrassment. "Uh …"
Tristan ran over and knelt down on one knee. "Serenity, I love you! Please don't end up with the good for nothing CEO! Marry me!"
Serenity felt herself turn a funny shade of green. "M … Marriage? I'm only fifteen."
Joey pushed Tristan out of the way. "Enough! Let the girl breathe!!!"
"Tristan, I didn't choose Kaiba. I was thanking him and Mokuba for this gift." She showed him the necklace. She leaned down and grinned. "You said you loved me?" She asked in a sweet tone.
Tristan went red. 'Uh …"
Serenity giggled and leaned in, kissing him gently on the lips. She pulled away and put the new necklace on. "I love you too." She smiled as she got up and went back to greeting the guests.
Everyone heard a loud thump.
"DUKE!" Serenity cried.
Duke had fainted. He was in a total state of shock. His mouth and eyes were wide open.
"Uh, he's alright. He just needs, uh, rest!" Yugi laughed. "Ryou! Tristan! Give me a hand here!"
The boys carried Duke up to Joey's room and let him rest on the bed.
Téa played around with her punch while watching the crazy events unfold. "Boy, that's one messed up triangle."
"Hey, Téa?" Came a voice from behind.
Téa turned around and smiled at Yami. "Yami! What's up?"
"I wanted to talk to you about something. Remember yesterday?"
Téa frowned. "How could I forget?"
Yami sighed. "Téa, please forgive me. I want you to forget about everything I said. I didn't want you to be with Bakura for selfish reasons. But I know deep in your heart, you love him. I don't want you to make the wrong mistake. I do love you, but I lost my chance. I want you to be happy. Please, go to Bakura. Just, I hope we can still be friends after all of this?"
Téa blinked several times before finally letting everything sink in. "Of course." She spoke in a slight daze. She threw her arms around him in a tight hug. "Of course we can be friends! Yami, you never lost me! Friends fight all the time! And thank you for being honest with me! Thanks for letting me be happy. I'm sure someone will eventually make you happy, too!" She kissed him on the cheek.
"Getting a bit cozy, aren't you?" Came a raspy voice from behind them.
"Bakura!" Téa cried as she pulled herself out of Yami's arms. "Look, don't get the wrong idea! We were just talking. We're just friends, alright?"
Bakura huffed. "Whatever …"
"Oh, don't you give me that tone!" She teased as she approached him. She looked over at Mai and gave her the signal.
Mai winked. "Oh, Bakura! I need your help! Could you come here for a minute?"
Téa took this chance to sneak into the guest room while Mai approached the grumbling Bakura.
Bakura grumbled and walked over to Mai. "What is it?"
"THIS!" She shouted as she threw him into the guest room.
"WHAT THE HELL?" He shouted as he fell onto the bed and heard a click from behind him. He ran to the door and tried to open it. "Let me out!" He began to pound loudly on the door.
"Don't do that. You'll give everything away!"
Bakura froze and turned to face an evilly smiling Téa. He gulped. "Why are you smiling like that?" He noticed her coming closer and closer to him.
"I think we need to have a little talk, Bakura." She purred as she reached him and placed her hand on his chest. "It seems we've had a slight misunderstanding."
Bakura was pushed right up against the door now. "Téa, what's going on?" He asked nervously.
"We never finished our conversation, Bakura! You were supposed to answer me when I asked if we were together or not? As in, not allowed to see other people?" She leaned in, her lips brushing over his. "Don't you want me?"
A small groaning emitted from his throat as she pressed into him. "M … More … Th … Then anything …" He stuttered.
"Then tell me how you really feel about me." She leaned her head against his chest.
Bakura sighed heavily. He reached over and placed his hands on her shoulders, pushing her gently off of him. "Look at me." He whispered. She lifted her head up. He brushed the back of his hand across her warm cheek. They flushed red at his touch. "You are so beautiful, Téa. Inside and out. Even though we didn't start off on the best of terms, you kind of grew on me. I still don't know what I was thinking when I kissed you, but it felt right." He wrapped his other arm around her waist. "I've never been able to be close to people after my mother's death. Even now, it would be really rare for you to see me like this at all. So when you asked if I was yours and you were mine, I was afraid to answer. I don't know if you'll be able to handle me."
Téa smiled. "Bakura, is that what you were worried about? You were afraid I wouldn't be able to tolerate you?" She started to laugh. "Haven't I tolerated you enough already?" She began laughing harder. "You are such a idiot!" She was laughing so hard now; she was holding her sides.
Bakura frowned. "Such understanding, Téa."
Téa composed herself. "Oh, Bakura. Did you think I didn't know what I was getting into? I've known you since Duellist Kingdom! I'm pretty sure I was prepared. Oh, don't worry about such things." She caressed his cheek. She smiled when she saw him close his eyes and part his lips in a small sigh. "Trust me?" She asked gently.
Bakura opened his eyes and placed his other arm around her waist. "I … it'll take time, Téa."
"I understand, completely. I'll wait for you. And I won't leave you either. I understand your pain. But, Bakura?"
Bakura nodded.
"Do you … love me?" Her voice cracked slightly as she asked him.
Bakura chuckled. I'm pretty sure after that incident last night, the whole world knows that answer."
Téa shook her head. "No. I didn't hear you. Now tell me, do you love me?"
Bakura sighed. "Of course I do. I love you, Téa. More then anything …" He brought his forehead against hers', nuzzling it gently.
"I love you, too, Bakura."
***
"Ok, guys! It's time for the real fun now!" Mai giggled, as she had eavesdropped. She unlocked the door opened it.
Bakura and Téa had been leaning against the door. They fell out, Téa on top of Bakura. They yelled as they hit the ground. They looked up and saw everyone staring at them.
Téa was on her hands and knees, lying on top of Bakura. "Uh … "
Joey's jaw was dropped. Yugi and Yami had wide eyes. Ishizu and Marik were laughing. Tristan was grinning smugly. Serenity was covering her mouth. Kaiba was smirking and Mokuba couldn't see anything. Kaiba was covering his eyes. Ryou was smiling brightly. Joey's mother was chuckling at the 'cuteness' as she called it and Mai rushed over to the stereo.
"PARTY TIME EVERYONE!!!" She whooped as she cranked the volume to the max.
Bakura and Téa were turning as red as lobsters as the struggled to untangle themselves and stand up. "MAI!!!"
To be continued …
