- = Chapter 5: New Beginnings = -
"Pleasssseee! Can Serenity come with us?" whined Mokuba the next morning, using his traditional "puppy-dog eyes" technique to try and win him over. "I really want her to be there for my birthday!"
"Tsch. Why do you want her to come?" Seto asked obnoxiously, although he was a bit curious.
"She's soooo nice, and she plays with me ALL the time! Please, Seto? She probably has a big birthday present for me, too!" he said, jumping up and down on his poor brother's shoulder.
"Alright, she can come," he said, giving in. Seto wanted to apologize, anyway, so this would be his chance. 'Bah, I actually want to apologize? What's gotten into me?' he thought to himself. Nothing much made sense to him anyway, especially not what happened the day before.. why did he grab her throat like that? But most of all, why did he even care? Kaiba sighed, not understanding much anymore. After getting Mokuba to bed, he sat in his own bed and stared at the constellations. Scorpio, Gemini.. he could name them all, thanks to Serenity.
"Who am I?" he said almost in a whisper, as he drifted slowly off to sleep.
--
Serenity Wheeler hadn't slept very well last night. Her dreams were filled of Seto, and he was running away from her. She ran and ran, but she could never catch him. It was horrible, because she desired so desperately to comfort him. She sighed, not understanding these feelings or thoughts developing inside her. She grabbed her bookbag as she walked out the door, and was surprised to see a shiny black Mercedes parked on her small but quaint driveway, with a very familiar person at the wheel.
"Need a ride?" Seto called to her, as she slowly walked over to the luxurious car, even more confused then she had just been.
"Get in," he said commandingly, and Serenity thought it wise to obey him. She blushed slightly, noticing there was no backseat, as she took a seat next to Kaiba. He started the car quickly, and as soon as they got on the rode, he spoke.
"I've been very mixed up lately.. confused.. I don't know who I am, or where I belong.." he said sadly, obviously mentally distraught at the time.
"You are Seto Kaiba, and you belong in Domino City, Japan," she said simply, not realizing Seto had asked a rhetorical question. Nevertheless, Kaiba chuckled slightly.
"If only it were that simple.." he trailed off, and Serenity decided it best to get off the subject.
"I was wondering.. Mokuba seemed very persistent in him wanting you come to his birthday celebration tonight.."
"I'd love to go," she said, making it simple for him. Kaiba breathed a sigh of relief, glad to have gotten that over with, as they pulled into Domino High's parking lot. He got out and opened the door for Serenity (such is the manners of a gentleman) and stood there, looking nervous for a second.
"I guess.. I'll see you in History.." he said, rushing off into the building. Serenity went in the opposite direction to her locker, wondering why he had picked her up this morning..
--
Serenity arrived at History class uneventfully to see a startling sight- Seto Kaiba was actually talking to the teacher on his own. Serenity stared oddly at the sight, as she sat down at her table. Seto finished speaking with the teacher and took a seat next to Serenity near the back.
"I spoke with the teacher, and told her yesterday was my fault. She said she would give you an A, and my grade depended on the quality of my report.." he said, his voice rough around the edges.
"Thank you," Serenity said gently.
"No need for thanks," he said coldly, and was silent the rest of the class.
--
[Lunch Period]
Serenity sat with Yugi and the gang at lunch (no, I didn't forget about them!), trying to make sense of this strange man named Seto Kaiba. One minute he was warm and friendly, and the next he was a cold-hearted dragon. Serenity thought of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and compared its similarities to Seto. Intelligence, grace, strength.. she realized why he loved this duel monster so much- it was just like him. Joey was currently chucking his French fries angrily at anybody who happened to pass by, still furious about her sister's job.
"That Kaiba.." he mumbled angrily under his breath. He then noticed Serenity was zoning out, and passed his hand in front of his sister's face.
"Yo, ya there sis? Earth ta Serenity!" Serenity giggled and put his hand down playfully, and soon found herself staring at Seto, who was sitting by himself in the back. How lonely he seemed, distancing himself from all others around him. Mai and Tea noticed this stare, and with a quick nod to each other, pulled her aside into a dark corner.
"Girl, we gotta talk," said Mai, with a mischievous smirk on her face.
"We haven't heard anything from you in awhile, Serenity. You've been so obsessed with your job lately.." said Tea worriedly.
"I am NOT obsessed with my job, Tea!"
"Denial," said Mai and Tea in unison.
"Denial of what?" she said, trying to sound like an innocent angel (she pulled this off quite well, but it didn't fool them).
"You're falling for him, Serenity.." said Mai, worry also crossing her face briefly.
"How could I fall in love with a mental psycho like Seto Kaiba?" she blurted out, a little too loudly. They were beginning to attract some very unwanted attention..
"Look," said Serenity more quietly this time, "I'm only doing my job, which said to take care of him.. do you know how hard it is dealing with a nut like him? Not only that, he is cold and cruel, and it's all I can stand to be kind to him.."
"Um, Serenity.." said Tea, pointing up nervously behind her, and Mai had a look of terror spread all over her face. Serenity merely continued, not noticing the tall, menacing figure glowering at them from behind.
"He reminds me a lot of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, actually.. cold.. unforgiving.. yet strong.." she said, trailing off.
"Hey, what are you guys pointing at?" she said, then gulped as she saw Seto Kaiba standing over them.
"Excuse me, could I talk to Mrs. Wheeler alone?" he said calmly, leaning against the wall.
"Uhm.. sure.." they said shakily, and on the way out, they whispered into Serenity's ear, "Good luck."
"You remind me of a Blue-Eyes?" he said when they had left, raising his brow skeptically.
"In many ways, yes.. cruel and mean at times, yet intelligent and.. strong.." she said nervously, the end of her sentence quieting down to a whisper.
"And yet, I'm also a nut?" he said, and surprisingly not a tinge of anger was in his voice.
Serenity blushed, and stared at the ground, not wanting to answer him.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Kaiba.. maybe..I-I.." she stuttered, not finishing her sentence in fear.
"Maybe you what?" Seto asked, his curiosity growing his tone. Serenity was too frightened to reply, shaking nervously while looking down. He placed his hand on her chin and raised it up to his height, so she was staring directly into his eyes. She looked deeply into them, almost hypnotized by how handsome they were. She didn't see the cold, calculating eyes she normally saw; instead she noticed warmth and caring in them, for the first time. Serenity sighed, knowing he expected an answer, otherwise he would probably get angry.
"I'm not even sure myself, Mr. Kaiba.. I've been feeling awful weird lately, like you. I'm also confused, and not exactly sure who I am, or where I belong in this world," she said, expecting him to laugh cruelly at her, but instead he only smiled, to which she was very suprised.
"Call me Seto," he said as an order, removing his hand from her face, and walked away from her. Serenity felt like melting into a puddle right then and there, then suddenly realized then they had been close to Joey's table. She turned her head slowly to his table, only to meet his furious glare, watching him snap his metal fork in two.
"Wonderful," she said, slowly returning to her table.
--
[After School]
The rest of Kaiba's class had been dismissed, yet Seto and Serenity still remained in their seats. Even the teacher had left, yet something was stopping the two from moving from their stiff seats.
'Maybe I really am a nut..' Kaiba thought to himself, staring at Serenity.
'Maybe he really doesn't hate me..' Serenity pondered, looking at Seto with curious eyes.
"We should get going," Seto finally said, getting up from his seat.
"Yes, Mr. Ka- err.. I mean.. Seto," she said, feeling weird calling him by his first name. She followed him out the door, and stifled back a laugh as he bumped his head on the ceiling from being so tall.
"Damn door," he mumbled slightly, pulling the keys to his car from his pocket as they approached his car. When they were both in the vehicle, he started it without a word, and acted in the same silent manner while they en route to the mansion. Serenity knew she had to apologize, but was having trouble finding the words to tell him. She finally figured out what to say, and spoke in a somewhat nervous tone.
"It was wrong for me to call you a nut, Seto.. I'm sorry.." she said, looking straight at him. When they reached a stoplight, he turned his head to meet her apologetic eyes, and the glare on his face softened considerably.
"There is no need to apologize for what is true.." he said, sighing heavily as they continued down the road.
"No, it's not true, Seto. Something tells me you're hiding something.." she said suspiciously. A slightly stunned look found its way on Seto's face, not knowing what to say as they pulled into the driveway. He almost tripped as he got out of the car, her words causing a stinging pain to spread rapidly throughout his body.
"Seto.." Serenity said softly, her tone worried and scared as they approached the doors of the mansion. Kaiba's head was pointed towards the ground, his eyes closed in pain of the memories that were crawling their way back into his mind. Serenity took the hand of the tired, battered man and aided him in finding his way to his room and shutting the door quietly.
"You can tell me.. or maybe you wish to continue to keep it a secret from me? It won't go away, Seto. It will haunt you to your grave."
Kaiba looked out the window with tears in his eyes, watching the sunset and finally replied in the saddest tone Serenity had ever heard in her entire life.
"My stepfather beat me," he said plainly.
"Why did you not tell me sooner, Seto? It does no good to hide these things.." she said, placing her hand on his shoulder. Kaiba was in pain, and Serenity could tell. When silence followed her answer, she sighed, knowing he would never answer that question.
"Listen, we have to get ready for Mokuba's birthday. He'll be home soon," she said, changing the subject in hopes of him being in a brighter mood. He nodded, walking over to the closet which held all his presents, wrapped in fancy paper and tied with ribbons. She helped him carry them downstairs, and took out something from her pocket.
"Seto.." she said softly, watching him turn his head to look at her. She handed a card fastened to a necklace to him, much to the shock of Seto Kaiba.
"This..this is a Blue-Eyes White Dragon?! But I own the only three in the world.." he said, not understanding.
"Before my mother died a while ago, she gave me this card, telling me hold it close to me. Even I didn't know where she came across it, and before I could ask, she passed away.. I think you should have it, Seto.. after all, it does fit you perfectly," She hung around it his neck, and smiled warmly at him. He placed her hand on his cheek, and dropped it slowly, feeling how smooth and silky her skin was. She blushed slightly, as she slowly backed away from him and finished putting up the rest of the decorations. The sound of a slamming door coming from downstairs perked both of their ears, as they both rushed downstairs to greet Mokuba.
"Big brother!" Mokuba exclaimed happily, as he hugged Seto tightly around his waist. Kaiba warmly returned his hug, looking into his eyes, seeing the excitement that danced merrily throughout them.
"Don't you have presents to open?" he said with a smile, taking his hand and leading him upstairs, following by Serenity. Mokuba's eyes widened at the vast collection of gifts of various shapes and sizes, and grinned at his brother. Serenity and Seto both smiled at him, watching him open his presents with happiness. After he had finished opening all of them, Serenity kneeled down to Mokuba and handed him a small wrapped gift. He shook it, and anxiously opened it, and the biggest smile he could muster appeared on his face. Inside the wrapping was locket, with a picture of Seto in it.
"Now, wherever you go, your big brother will always be with you," she said kindly.
"Wait, I have to add something to it!" Mokuba dove under his bed, watched curiously by Serenity and Seto, as he pulled out a somewhat dusty picture. He brushed off the dust with his hand to reveal it was a picture of Serenity. Mokuba stuck it in the extra space left next to Kaiba's picture, and smiled triumphantly.
"There! Now both of you will be with me!" he said, giving Serenity a big hug, and she responded by blushing a light pink, and she could've sworn she saw Seto's face turn a shade of deep red.
"Come on, let's go to the arcade, Mokuba," he said, and all of them climbed into the limousine, which sped hastily towards its destination.
--
"Here's some money, Mokuba. Have fun," Kaiba said, handing some bills to Mokuba and watching him scamper off into the jungle of video game machines. Serenity watched as he made his way towards the balcony, which overlooked the dark city, alight with the sounds and noises of the nightlife. Serenity strode up beside him, also enjoying the view.
"Seto, is something on your mind?" she asked quietly, noticing the peculiar look in his eyes. Kaiba softly closed his eyes, knowing he couldn't deny it anymore. He was slowly falling for her, and he still didn't know why.
"Why have you been so kind to me?" he asked, opening his eyes once more to look into hers.
"I..I'm not quite sure, Seto. Every time I'm around you.. I feel weird.."
"Really?"
"Really," she said softly, as they watched the city together.
--
Several months passed by after that day. Serenity continued to work at the mansion; fall soon turned to winter, and Christmas time drew near. Serenity grew closer to Kaiba, but he would not surrender his heart.
Kaiba knew there was something missing in his life. He had fame, fortune.. but it wasn't enough. There was something he needed, an empty space that needed to be filled. He didn't know it was, and the mental torture was beginning to take a toll on him.
He began to realize that whatever he was missing would make the horrible images in his head go away. It would purge him of his stepfather's shadow forever, and he would return to normal, but until then he would be subjected to this brutality forever.
What was it that he needed? He pondered this question everyday, and grew frustrated when he couldn't find the answer. Although he maintained his dragon-like personality at work, he was developing a soft spot for Serenity, but he was too ignorant to realize it.
Who knows? Maybe this Christmas won't be a lonely one for Seto Kaiba.. maybe some feelings will finally be revealed, and maybe love will blossom.. and maybe, just maybe.. Seto Kaiba will find out what he is missing.
Shadow: Heh ^^ The next chapter is going to be good, I'll tell you that much. Kaiba: -sniffle- It's so romantic.. -blows nose loudly into tissue- Shadow: o_o.. No chapter preview, sorry ^^; It would reveal too much, and well.. just read the last paragraph! Chapter 6: Dragonheart will be coming either Tuesday or Wednesday, so sit tight!
- = End Chapter 5 = -
"Pleasssseee! Can Serenity come with us?" whined Mokuba the next morning, using his traditional "puppy-dog eyes" technique to try and win him over. "I really want her to be there for my birthday!"
"Tsch. Why do you want her to come?" Seto asked obnoxiously, although he was a bit curious.
"She's soooo nice, and she plays with me ALL the time! Please, Seto? She probably has a big birthday present for me, too!" he said, jumping up and down on his poor brother's shoulder.
"Alright, she can come," he said, giving in. Seto wanted to apologize, anyway, so this would be his chance. 'Bah, I actually want to apologize? What's gotten into me?' he thought to himself. Nothing much made sense to him anyway, especially not what happened the day before.. why did he grab her throat like that? But most of all, why did he even care? Kaiba sighed, not understanding much anymore. After getting Mokuba to bed, he sat in his own bed and stared at the constellations. Scorpio, Gemini.. he could name them all, thanks to Serenity.
"Who am I?" he said almost in a whisper, as he drifted slowly off to sleep.
--
Serenity Wheeler hadn't slept very well last night. Her dreams were filled of Seto, and he was running away from her. She ran and ran, but she could never catch him. It was horrible, because she desired so desperately to comfort him. She sighed, not understanding these feelings or thoughts developing inside her. She grabbed her bookbag as she walked out the door, and was surprised to see a shiny black Mercedes parked on her small but quaint driveway, with a very familiar person at the wheel.
"Need a ride?" Seto called to her, as she slowly walked over to the luxurious car, even more confused then she had just been.
"Get in," he said commandingly, and Serenity thought it wise to obey him. She blushed slightly, noticing there was no backseat, as she took a seat next to Kaiba. He started the car quickly, and as soon as they got on the rode, he spoke.
"I've been very mixed up lately.. confused.. I don't know who I am, or where I belong.." he said sadly, obviously mentally distraught at the time.
"You are Seto Kaiba, and you belong in Domino City, Japan," she said simply, not realizing Seto had asked a rhetorical question. Nevertheless, Kaiba chuckled slightly.
"If only it were that simple.." he trailed off, and Serenity decided it best to get off the subject.
"I was wondering.. Mokuba seemed very persistent in him wanting you come to his birthday celebration tonight.."
"I'd love to go," she said, making it simple for him. Kaiba breathed a sigh of relief, glad to have gotten that over with, as they pulled into Domino High's parking lot. He got out and opened the door for Serenity (such is the manners of a gentleman) and stood there, looking nervous for a second.
"I guess.. I'll see you in History.." he said, rushing off into the building. Serenity went in the opposite direction to her locker, wondering why he had picked her up this morning..
--
Serenity arrived at History class uneventfully to see a startling sight- Seto Kaiba was actually talking to the teacher on his own. Serenity stared oddly at the sight, as she sat down at her table. Seto finished speaking with the teacher and took a seat next to Serenity near the back.
"I spoke with the teacher, and told her yesterday was my fault. She said she would give you an A, and my grade depended on the quality of my report.." he said, his voice rough around the edges.
"Thank you," Serenity said gently.
"No need for thanks," he said coldly, and was silent the rest of the class.
--
[Lunch Period]
Serenity sat with Yugi and the gang at lunch (no, I didn't forget about them!), trying to make sense of this strange man named Seto Kaiba. One minute he was warm and friendly, and the next he was a cold-hearted dragon. Serenity thought of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and compared its similarities to Seto. Intelligence, grace, strength.. she realized why he loved this duel monster so much- it was just like him. Joey was currently chucking his French fries angrily at anybody who happened to pass by, still furious about her sister's job.
"That Kaiba.." he mumbled angrily under his breath. He then noticed Serenity was zoning out, and passed his hand in front of his sister's face.
"Yo, ya there sis? Earth ta Serenity!" Serenity giggled and put his hand down playfully, and soon found herself staring at Seto, who was sitting by himself in the back. How lonely he seemed, distancing himself from all others around him. Mai and Tea noticed this stare, and with a quick nod to each other, pulled her aside into a dark corner.
"Girl, we gotta talk," said Mai, with a mischievous smirk on her face.
"We haven't heard anything from you in awhile, Serenity. You've been so obsessed with your job lately.." said Tea worriedly.
"I am NOT obsessed with my job, Tea!"
"Denial," said Mai and Tea in unison.
"Denial of what?" she said, trying to sound like an innocent angel (she pulled this off quite well, but it didn't fool them).
"You're falling for him, Serenity.." said Mai, worry also crossing her face briefly.
"How could I fall in love with a mental psycho like Seto Kaiba?" she blurted out, a little too loudly. They were beginning to attract some very unwanted attention..
"Look," said Serenity more quietly this time, "I'm only doing my job, which said to take care of him.. do you know how hard it is dealing with a nut like him? Not only that, he is cold and cruel, and it's all I can stand to be kind to him.."
"Um, Serenity.." said Tea, pointing up nervously behind her, and Mai had a look of terror spread all over her face. Serenity merely continued, not noticing the tall, menacing figure glowering at them from behind.
"He reminds me a lot of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, actually.. cold.. unforgiving.. yet strong.." she said, trailing off.
"Hey, what are you guys pointing at?" she said, then gulped as she saw Seto Kaiba standing over them.
"Excuse me, could I talk to Mrs. Wheeler alone?" he said calmly, leaning against the wall.
"Uhm.. sure.." they said shakily, and on the way out, they whispered into Serenity's ear, "Good luck."
"You remind me of a Blue-Eyes?" he said when they had left, raising his brow skeptically.
"In many ways, yes.. cruel and mean at times, yet intelligent and.. strong.." she said nervously, the end of her sentence quieting down to a whisper.
"And yet, I'm also a nut?" he said, and surprisingly not a tinge of anger was in his voice.
Serenity blushed, and stared at the ground, not wanting to answer him.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Kaiba.. maybe..I-I.." she stuttered, not finishing her sentence in fear.
"Maybe you what?" Seto asked, his curiosity growing his tone. Serenity was too frightened to reply, shaking nervously while looking down. He placed his hand on her chin and raised it up to his height, so she was staring directly into his eyes. She looked deeply into them, almost hypnotized by how handsome they were. She didn't see the cold, calculating eyes she normally saw; instead she noticed warmth and caring in them, for the first time. Serenity sighed, knowing he expected an answer, otherwise he would probably get angry.
"I'm not even sure myself, Mr. Kaiba.. I've been feeling awful weird lately, like you. I'm also confused, and not exactly sure who I am, or where I belong in this world," she said, expecting him to laugh cruelly at her, but instead he only smiled, to which she was very suprised.
"Call me Seto," he said as an order, removing his hand from her face, and walked away from her. Serenity felt like melting into a puddle right then and there, then suddenly realized then they had been close to Joey's table. She turned her head slowly to his table, only to meet his furious glare, watching him snap his metal fork in two.
"Wonderful," she said, slowly returning to her table.
--
[After School]
The rest of Kaiba's class had been dismissed, yet Seto and Serenity still remained in their seats. Even the teacher had left, yet something was stopping the two from moving from their stiff seats.
'Maybe I really am a nut..' Kaiba thought to himself, staring at Serenity.
'Maybe he really doesn't hate me..' Serenity pondered, looking at Seto with curious eyes.
"We should get going," Seto finally said, getting up from his seat.
"Yes, Mr. Ka- err.. I mean.. Seto," she said, feeling weird calling him by his first name. She followed him out the door, and stifled back a laugh as he bumped his head on the ceiling from being so tall.
"Damn door," he mumbled slightly, pulling the keys to his car from his pocket as they approached his car. When they were both in the vehicle, he started it without a word, and acted in the same silent manner while they en route to the mansion. Serenity knew she had to apologize, but was having trouble finding the words to tell him. She finally figured out what to say, and spoke in a somewhat nervous tone.
"It was wrong for me to call you a nut, Seto.. I'm sorry.." she said, looking straight at him. When they reached a stoplight, he turned his head to meet her apologetic eyes, and the glare on his face softened considerably.
"There is no need to apologize for what is true.." he said, sighing heavily as they continued down the road.
"No, it's not true, Seto. Something tells me you're hiding something.." she said suspiciously. A slightly stunned look found its way on Seto's face, not knowing what to say as they pulled into the driveway. He almost tripped as he got out of the car, her words causing a stinging pain to spread rapidly throughout his body.
"Seto.." Serenity said softly, her tone worried and scared as they approached the doors of the mansion. Kaiba's head was pointed towards the ground, his eyes closed in pain of the memories that were crawling their way back into his mind. Serenity took the hand of the tired, battered man and aided him in finding his way to his room and shutting the door quietly.
"You can tell me.. or maybe you wish to continue to keep it a secret from me? It won't go away, Seto. It will haunt you to your grave."
Kaiba looked out the window with tears in his eyes, watching the sunset and finally replied in the saddest tone Serenity had ever heard in her entire life.
"My stepfather beat me," he said plainly.
"Why did you not tell me sooner, Seto? It does no good to hide these things.." she said, placing her hand on his shoulder. Kaiba was in pain, and Serenity could tell. When silence followed her answer, she sighed, knowing he would never answer that question.
"Listen, we have to get ready for Mokuba's birthday. He'll be home soon," she said, changing the subject in hopes of him being in a brighter mood. He nodded, walking over to the closet which held all his presents, wrapped in fancy paper and tied with ribbons. She helped him carry them downstairs, and took out something from her pocket.
"Seto.." she said softly, watching him turn his head to look at her. She handed a card fastened to a necklace to him, much to the shock of Seto Kaiba.
"This..this is a Blue-Eyes White Dragon?! But I own the only three in the world.." he said, not understanding.
"Before my mother died a while ago, she gave me this card, telling me hold it close to me. Even I didn't know where she came across it, and before I could ask, she passed away.. I think you should have it, Seto.. after all, it does fit you perfectly," She hung around it his neck, and smiled warmly at him. He placed her hand on his cheek, and dropped it slowly, feeling how smooth and silky her skin was. She blushed slightly, as she slowly backed away from him and finished putting up the rest of the decorations. The sound of a slamming door coming from downstairs perked both of their ears, as they both rushed downstairs to greet Mokuba.
"Big brother!" Mokuba exclaimed happily, as he hugged Seto tightly around his waist. Kaiba warmly returned his hug, looking into his eyes, seeing the excitement that danced merrily throughout them.
"Don't you have presents to open?" he said with a smile, taking his hand and leading him upstairs, following by Serenity. Mokuba's eyes widened at the vast collection of gifts of various shapes and sizes, and grinned at his brother. Serenity and Seto both smiled at him, watching him open his presents with happiness. After he had finished opening all of them, Serenity kneeled down to Mokuba and handed him a small wrapped gift. He shook it, and anxiously opened it, and the biggest smile he could muster appeared on his face. Inside the wrapping was locket, with a picture of Seto in it.
"Now, wherever you go, your big brother will always be with you," she said kindly.
"Wait, I have to add something to it!" Mokuba dove under his bed, watched curiously by Serenity and Seto, as he pulled out a somewhat dusty picture. He brushed off the dust with his hand to reveal it was a picture of Serenity. Mokuba stuck it in the extra space left next to Kaiba's picture, and smiled triumphantly.
"There! Now both of you will be with me!" he said, giving Serenity a big hug, and she responded by blushing a light pink, and she could've sworn she saw Seto's face turn a shade of deep red.
"Come on, let's go to the arcade, Mokuba," he said, and all of them climbed into the limousine, which sped hastily towards its destination.
--
"Here's some money, Mokuba. Have fun," Kaiba said, handing some bills to Mokuba and watching him scamper off into the jungle of video game machines. Serenity watched as he made his way towards the balcony, which overlooked the dark city, alight with the sounds and noises of the nightlife. Serenity strode up beside him, also enjoying the view.
"Seto, is something on your mind?" she asked quietly, noticing the peculiar look in his eyes. Kaiba softly closed his eyes, knowing he couldn't deny it anymore. He was slowly falling for her, and he still didn't know why.
"Why have you been so kind to me?" he asked, opening his eyes once more to look into hers.
"I..I'm not quite sure, Seto. Every time I'm around you.. I feel weird.."
"Really?"
"Really," she said softly, as they watched the city together.
--
Several months passed by after that day. Serenity continued to work at the mansion; fall soon turned to winter, and Christmas time drew near. Serenity grew closer to Kaiba, but he would not surrender his heart.
Kaiba knew there was something missing in his life. He had fame, fortune.. but it wasn't enough. There was something he needed, an empty space that needed to be filled. He didn't know it was, and the mental torture was beginning to take a toll on him.
He began to realize that whatever he was missing would make the horrible images in his head go away. It would purge him of his stepfather's shadow forever, and he would return to normal, but until then he would be subjected to this brutality forever.
What was it that he needed? He pondered this question everyday, and grew frustrated when he couldn't find the answer. Although he maintained his dragon-like personality at work, he was developing a soft spot for Serenity, but he was too ignorant to realize it.
Who knows? Maybe this Christmas won't be a lonely one for Seto Kaiba.. maybe some feelings will finally be revealed, and maybe love will blossom.. and maybe, just maybe.. Seto Kaiba will find out what he is missing.
Shadow: Heh ^^ The next chapter is going to be good, I'll tell you that much. Kaiba: -sniffle- It's so romantic.. -blows nose loudly into tissue- Shadow: o_o.. No chapter preview, sorry ^^; It would reveal too much, and well.. just read the last paragraph! Chapter 6: Dragonheart will be coming either Tuesday or Wednesday, so sit tight!
- = End Chapter 5 = -