And here it is…the final "chapter" of Learning to Trust. Which…will be followed by a brief note. So enjoy.

Epilogue – Embrace the Future

It had been three years since the second Battle City. Three years since Jared had been destroyed and Blood of Darkness had ended. Three years since Kaiba had told Serena he loved her. Three years to add to their lives, bringing Serena to nineteen years.

The finals of the fourth Battle City had arrived, Serena and Kaiba both finalists. She smirked, remembering the time when she had defeated him, only to lose to Yugi. But surprisingly, he never grew angry over his defeat. It was as if his priorities had straightened out.

"Shouldn't we be heading to the arena now?" she asked, breaking from her thoughts and glancing over her shoulder as Kaiba, typing rapidly into his laptop.

"Hmm…when I'm finished with what I have to do," he replied, his voice monotone.

"What about the duel and the finals?" Serena asked quietly, looking out the window of Kaiba's bedroom.

"The duel can wait," Kaiba said softly, rising from his chair and walking over to Serena. He nuzzled his head against her as he placed soft kisses on her neck and wrapped his arms tightly around her stomach.

Serena smiled and turned around, facing the love of her life. She gave in to his demanding kisses and allowed him to lift her in his strong arms, twirling around the room. "What are you doing?" she laughed, enjoying the feeling within her.

Kaiba smiled and kissed her forehead, gently placing her on the bed. "I love you," he whispered gently, sitting beside her.

"I love you," Serena whispered back, leaning up against his chest and laying her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and sighed softly, feeling a small box being placed in her hands. "What's this?" she asked, her eyes snapping open as she felt the texture...velvet.

"It's my promise to you," Kaiba said quietly, taking her hands in his and sliding off the bed, propping himself on one knee. "My promise that I will be forever yours, if you accept. Open it."

Serena slowly opened the box and gasped at the beautiful diamond ring within it. "Seto," she breathed, her eyes growing wide.

"It would give me great honor if you became...my wife," he said quietly, taking the ring out of the box and holding it up to her finger.

"I would think of nothing else," she murmured, tears filling her eyes as she felt the ring slip on her finger. Quickly, she wrapped her arms around his neck as he stood and cried into his chest.

Kaiba lifted her chin in his hand and stopped her tears with his kiss of passion. "You shouldn't cry, it won't help your duel," he teased, smirking.

"You really know how to kill a moment!" she chastised, pushing him playfully.

"Do I?" he asked, raising his brow in suspicion.

"Yes, you do. You're always changing th—"

She was cut off when Kaiba's lips met hers in a hungry display of love and passion and emotion. Closing her eyes, she lost herself in the moment that would pass all too quickly.

"I'm still learning to trust," he whispered, breaking the kiss and pulling her close to him. "But if you teach me..." his voice trailed off as another kiss hit his lips full force. No, he definitely did not mind learning how to trust if she was going to be his teacher. Especially if all lessons were as good as this.

The End~

Note: *sniffles* Well…I liked it! ^_^ Short…but sweet. How it should be. So…this brings the story to an end. I hope you all enjoyed this last chapter of Learning to Trust and that you enjoyed the entire story. I enjoyed writing it, even amidst my busyness. I hope you all will read my new stories The Arrangement and Pursuit (tentative title)…whichever comes first. By the way, on my bio. page, there is about two paragraphs to Pursuit. *wink wink*

Thanks to all reviewers who helped make this story possible. Thanks to my computer who put up with me constantly typing into it. And for the times when I got so angry, I'd hit it ^_^ I'd also like to thank my imagination for being such a wonderful thing…But mostly, to the wonderful reviewers! I love you guys!!!!!! *tears up* I'm looking forward to your input on my next story ^_~

And I'd like to give a special thanks to three different people.

First, I'd like to thank those people who added me to their list of favorite authors…made me feel special.

Second, I'd like to thank Yugi-Redwall-Fan for the many, and I do mean many, reviews. (Here's your award ^_-)

And last but not least, I'd like to thank kikoken for saying this "this story is easily the best Yu-Gi-Oh fanfic I have ever read." That meant a lot to me!!!!! ^_^

Well, that's it. I appreciate all the reviews…and goh, can you believe it? My first completed story. *Sigh* Which would my lovely reviews like to see first? A romance fic…(all I write is romance)…with Joey or another Kaiba or would you rather see a Yami one? I have three stories started…well, two really, the other one is just a plot line. Anyways, why don't you all email me at SaphireSunlight@hotmail.com (yes, I know sapphire should have two "p's" and it's not the email I use for fanfic.net, but this email doesn't get much) And let me know if you'd like Joey, Yami, or Kaiba and I'll try to post the first chapter by November 9. (Oh, so you know, the titles I've mentioned are the Joey and Kaiba titles, not sure of the Yami title yet.)

Ok, enough of my rambling, email me. Love you guys!!!!

~ Pixie (Angel Hidden in the Shadows)