Chapter Two-Duke

We all watched Tristan go, then I returned my gaze to Serenity. She was the most beautiful creature I had ever laid eyes on. I replaced Tristan's empty chair, and smiled at her. "So, when did all this come about? "

"All what?" She replied vaguely. She seemed to be trying to help Joey with something difficult.

"This move in with Joey." I told her. I was trying desperately to make conversation with her. I envied the way it came so easily for Tristan when it came to talking to her. Of course, he's known her longer. All I had to do was get to know her better.

"Well, about a week ago, I decided it was time I moved out of the house. The only problem was, I'd need a place to stay. I knew my brother had a place of his own. So I asked him if I could stay with him."

"The rest is history, as they say." Joey added. "I think I got it, Sis." He grinned proudly at his work, and I just shook my head. I never could understand Joey. He could be so slow sometimes, but always at the right moment, he knew what to do.

"That's great, Serenity." I said then, ignoring Joey's input. "Hey…. Serenity…do you think maybe you'd like to…."

"Look at the time, Sis! We're supposed to be meeting Tristan for dinner, remember?" Joey cut in suddenly. It was as if he'd guessed what I'd been about to ask her.

"Oh..okay, Joey. I'm sorry, Duke. Maybe we can talk later? " Serenity smiled her sweetest smile yet at me.

"I'd like that." I replied kindly. "See you soon."

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Later that night, I was typing away at my computer, making supply lists when the phone rang. I answered it quickly, thinking it would be one of the suppliers. "Duke Devlin speaking."

"Listen, Duke. I don't know what's goin' on with you, but you better stay away from Serenity." It was Tristan.

"Oh yeah? And why's that, Tristan? Can't take a little competition?" I replied cooly. "Look, just get used to the fact that she likes me."

"Yeah? Then why is she going to a movie with me tomorrow night?"

"Say what?!" That sneaky little……I gritted my teeth. "That doesn't mean anything special! You're still in the friend zone, remember?"

"Keep on thinkin' that Dice boy. Serenity really digs me. And you wanna know why?"

"Not especially." I replied coldly.

"Because I'm not an arrogant jerk."

My eyes narrowed at that. I didn't think I'd been so bad since Battle City ended. Even Joey'd said as much. "Is that right? Well, we'll just see about that, Tristan!" I hung up on him then, truly annoyed. Who was he to talk about arrogance? He was making assumptions about Serenity's feelings! I happened to know she still only thought of him as a friend. The smile she'd given him suggested as much. The one she'd given me.well, very different. There was hope for me yet.

I spent the greater part of the rest of the night trying to put Serenity out of my mind. I had so much work to do for the next day's expansion release. Yet, I try as I might, I was unable to let Serenity's sweet picture leave my mind. I'd sit down to type, and nothing would come to mind except the fact Serenity had said she'd like to talk to me again. Hah! So much for you, Tristan. She does like me. More so even.

Around ten o'clock, I gave up working, and headed home to bed. The store looked fine to me, and besides, there was no point in staying if I wasn't going to work. When I walked into my apartment, the first thing I did was remember the story Serenity had told me about her move to Joey's. I did have to give Wheeler his props for looking out for his little sister. That was great. However, he really needed to let go of this protective barrier he had around her. No one, not even Tristan, would be able to get close to her that way. He needed to show a little faith that his sister would be able to make her own choices.

With that thought, I turned off the lights in the living room and kitchen, before heading to my room for a well-deserved slumber. Tomorrow, I will take a step in taking Serenity right out from under Tristan's nose.