Chapter Five-Duke

Serenity and I arrived at the library for her regular study session with her brother a few minutes late. I suppose she hadn't told the others we were going out yet,because the look on their faces was pure shock. Especially Tristan's. His was priceless! Anyway,I sat down between Serenity and Tristan, and began going over the figures for my shop, but not before smiling in satisfaction at Tristan.

"You're gonna pay for this,Devlin." Tristan hissed in an undertone, as he dug into his backpack for a pen.

"Really?" I replied cooly, as I put an arm around Serenity. She looked up from helping Joey, and smiled.

"What is it, Duke?"

"Oh…Nothing. Nothing at all…." I replied. See, Tristan? We're perfect for each other! Sorry to declare you the loser. Devlin always gets his girl.

"You know what, guys? I just remembered I gotta go by the cycle shop and get a part for my bike. I'll see you guys later." Tristan got up abruptly, and walked out of the library. Joey soon followed, appearently worried about his friend.

"What's with Tristan lately?" Yugi asked.

"Who knows. He's been like that since the beginning of the year." Tea pointed out.

"Yeah,but it's so unlike him. " Yugi replied.

"I hope he's okay…." Serenity put in now, looking up from her work.

"He'll be fine." I assured her calmly. "Tristan's a tough guy. He can handle himself."

"I hope you're right, Duke. I hate to see him so frazzled." She answered softly.

Hmm…She sees Tristan as an older brother,just like Joey. Maybe I need to have a talk with Tristan,guy to guy.

"Duke, are you working late tonight?" Serenity's voice brought me out of my thoughts.

"Not that I know of. Why?"

"I want you to come over dinner." Serenity told me. "I'm making my special spaghetti sauce."

"Sure. I'll be there." I replied, as I got my stuff together. "I should head over to the shop right now though."

"Oh. Okay." Serenity stood up, and I gave her gentle kiss.

"I'll see you tonight, okay?"

"Yeah. It'll be great." She replied.

I smiled at her ,then saying goodbye to everyone, I headed out as well.

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The rest of the afternoon at the game shop seemed to drag by. I helped custormer after customer, then left the rest to my college employees, while I worked on the inventory sheet.

"Hey, Duke. When does the new expansion come out?" I looked up from my last piece of paperwork, to Sally,my newest employee.

"Next month sometime."

"Oh okay. Thanks." She left, closing the door behind her.

I looked at the clock as she left, and gasped. It was nearly six thirty, and I still had to go home and get ready! I set the final sheet aside, and left the shop.

Once at home, I showered quickly, and got dressed. Then I called Serenity to let her know I was running a little late. She said it was okay, and just to get there as soon as I could. I had to smile when I hung up the phone. Serenity was the sweetest girl out there, and she was mine.

After stopping at the florist for flowers, I arrived at Joey's. My eyes narrowed, when I saw Tristan's bike there, but I shrugged it off for Serenity's sake, and rang the doorbell.

"Hey, Duke! Glad you could get away from the shop." Joey greeted me. "Serenity's in the kitchen."

"Thanks." I headed for the kitchen to give her the flowers. I stopped dead in my tracks at the sight I saw. Tristan and Serenity were hugging, and it didn't look like a friendship hug either!