(Hello everyone!!! Well I didn't take as long this time so I hope you are all happy! I on the other hand am rather upset. I just found out that someone has been copying my story!!!! And the worst part is it is one of my readers!!!! I am glad you like my story but please stop copying it!!! Anyways lets move on…I hope you enjoy this chapter so R&R PLEASE!!!)
Thank You list:
Mew Inu: WELCOME TO MY THANK YOU LIST!!!! Here is yet another chapter for your enjoyment with a blooper at the end. Enjoy!!!
Leslie-Ente: WELCOME TO MY THANK YOU LIST!!!! Is this the end? NOT A CHANCE!!!! I am not done having fun with the story just yet. Don't worry there is more to come.
Innozent: WELCOME TO MY THANK YOU LIST!!!!! I am glad you like the plot it has been a lot of fun coming up with!!! The other song I used in the last chapter was 'Beautiful Soul' by Jesse McCartey.
Mystic-Fae: WELCOME TO MY THANK YOU LIST!!!! Thank you for the cool review!!! I had to have them take a while to admit that they liked each other b/c of Seto's pride and Serenity battle with the thought of betraying her brother, but hey they are together now!
SetoxSerenity-4ever: Here is the update you requested!
Black-Lightniing: I love the unarmed combat in his office b/c Serenity finally just lost it, it was so funny!! I love having Mokuba do the cute and funny parts b/c it is so him plus it bugs Seto! Oh and not they were not making out for 15 minutes!! The time included the fight. Casey just happens to be a heavy sleeper. Anyways thanks for the great review!
Concertmistress09: WELCOME TO MY THANK YOU LIST!!! Yeah I know my grammar and spelling were way off in the last chapter, but I was so busy when I was writing those two that I didn't really go back and check. Hopefully this chapter is better. But just to let you know I suck at spell and stuff like that, but I am working on it. Anyways thank you for the review! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Serenityanime18: WELCOME TO MY THANK YOU LIST!!!! YES I AM CONTIUING!!! I couldn't just leave off with the last chapter!!! I still have more stuff up my sleeve.
Zoey: Hope you like this chapter!!
PsyGirl07: I am glad you like how I portrayed you in both chapter 7 and 8 I hope you like your character in this chapter as well. You know me I just love Disney mainly 'The Little Mermaid'. Well here is another chapter for you to enjoy! See you at school!
Nkitty29: I am happy you like my original character Casey. adds another name to the Casey fan club LOL!! I think there will be at least one more chapter before Joey finds out so there will be plenty of SxS moments.
Yamiko Yakou: I loved the bet it was so much fun to write. In fact I had a hard time writing it without laughing.
Darkhope: There is more Casey and Duke in this chapter!
Alannastar: Thank you for understanding why it took me so long to update!!!
Kikoken: OH HOW CUTE!!! HE SLEEPS WITH A BEWD PLUSHIE!!! (Seto): Would you stop talking about that! (Alexia): No b/c it is so cute and I took a picture gives picture to Kikoken and other fangirls Enjoy! (Seto): I am ruined (Alexia): Oh stop whining! I am working on those typos so hopefully this chapter is better!
Coffee-time: WELCOME TO MY THANK YOU LIST!!!! Casey is psycho, but she would never betray a friend. adds another name to the Casey fan club list Sorry that I missed your name on my list! But thank you!!!
Sorceress Vanessa: I knew everyone would be happy about the kiss or should I say kisses. It is kind of weird writing a romance story when you are not much of a romantic. That is why you watch chick flicks so you can get ideas!! lol!!! Anyways I hope you enjoy the chapter and the blooper!!
StarWolf4: Oh all hell will break loose once Joey finds out, but that isn't going to happen just yet! Enjoy!!!
Dice-Girl: Duh!! She is you!!! Anyways I hope you like this chapter!! See you later!!
Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN YU-GI-OH!!!! I just wish I did!
Chapter Nine: Can you keep a Secret?
Serenity spent the whole weekend trying not to appear too happy, but that proved to be a challenge. She felt like singing and she simply could not stop smiling. Serenity knew that Grandma Taka had suspected something since Friday night, but had said nothing on the subject. Mostly, however, she worried that Casey might spill the beans leading to all hell breaking loose. Thankfully that never happened.
Serenity couldn't tell anyone about her new boyfriend like most girls would. It was not like she couldn't trust her friends, but they were always around the guys. Tea and Yugi were hardly ever apart and the same applied for Mai. Lately it seemed like wherever Mai was Joey was there and vice versa. The only person besides Casey that she could talk to was Mika, but Mika was away for the weekend.
Serenity had tried to talk to Mika on Friday, but was never able to get a moment alone with her. It seemed everybody wanted to talk to either Mika or herself or there was something that needed to be done. Why on earth did it have to be one crazy thing or another!
Friday at work hadn't been any better. Serenity had been hoping to talk to Seto, but that never happened. Seto had been in meetings all day then a conference call to Australia with a company who wanted to use the dueling disk for a tournament they were throwing. So no luck there she would just have to wait till Monday.
(Monday afternoon: Lunch)
"Come on Casey!" Serenity yelled as she raced out of the gym locker-room. She wanted to catch up with Mika before she got dragged away by the gang.
"Hey! Wait for me!" Casey came running out of the locker-room
"Mika!" Serenity yelled running out of the gym
"What!?!" Mika stopped just before she got to the edge of the track.
"I need to talk to you." Serenity said catching up with her
"About what?"
"What we talked about Thursday."
"Okay. But what about her?" Mika said pointing to Casey who was running towards them
"Don't worry, she knows."
"Knows what?" Casey asked trying to catch her breath
Serenity raised one eyebrow
"Oh that. Yeah I know."
"Well Joey and the others can't hear this so where do you want to eat?"
"How about Sakura Court?"
"Serenity it is almost march! It is freezing!"
"Put a coat on but it is a guarantee no one will hear us." Serenity said with her hands on her hips and an I'm-not-kidding-look on her face
"Fine. I will meet you out there in ten."
"Okay. Come on Casey. Let's go."
(Ten minutes later: Sakura Court)
"Okay Serenity what is it that is so important that we had to eat out in the freezing cold?" Mika asked as she sat down on the bench.
"Okay so I was working late again and Seto called me into his office and…"
Serenity spent the next ten minutes explaining to Mika what happened on friend all the way up to when Casey came in.
"So basically what you are saying is that you caved in because he kissed you."
"I didn't say that and no I…"
"You caved in!"
"It is not as simple as that." Serenity said looking off into the distance "It is just not that simple."
"Well the only thing we can do now is make sure Joey doesn't find out."
"No kidding."
"That means you can't open your mouth Casey." Mika looked straight at Casey who was watching so birds flying overhead
"Huh? What did you say?"
"Casey!" Serenity was frustrated; she was in no mood for Casey's aloft ness
"Sorry!"
"No telling Joey!" There was no hint of joking in Serenity voice and the look on her face freaked Casey out. It was a look of sadness, frustration and confusion all mixed in to one; it was not Serenity
"Okay, okay I won't tell him!"
"Good. Now can we please go inside Serenity?" Mika looked like she was going to freeze to death
"Sure." Serenity grabbed her bag and walked slowly to back towards the school building. She didn't have her normal confidence as she walked anyone could tell something was troubling her.
Serenity, Mika and Casey went inside and joined the gang and the usual lunch table in the cafeteria. Mika and Serenity sat down with Tea and Mai while Casey went and sat with Duke. Casey and Duke had been spending a lot of time together since they met at the arcade.
Tea and Mai noticed that Serenity seemed to be deep in thought about something, but did pry into what it was. Smart choice.
(Business and Economics class)
Serenity and Seto did their best to act as they normally had done in class, but it was hard. The two hadn't spoken since Thursday. Seto could not call Serenity at home and he didn't dare try her cell phone in case someone else picked it up and Serenity wouldn't risk trying to call him.
Seto sat in the very back of the classroom responding to an e-mail from the head of the testing department at Kaiba Corp about the new dueling arenas when Serenity walked in. As usual she was with Mika, Duke and Casey. As Serenity made her way to her desk she spotted Seto at the back of the classroom and gave him a quick smile before sitting down.
'Damn I hate this!' Seto thought as class started.
(Advanced Computer Graphic and Web Design class)
Over the past couple of weeks the class had been working on putting the finishing touches on their web pages. Serenity had been on of the first to finish her web page and had some free time so she decided to check her e-mail.
There were over fifty new e-mails in her inbox, which she hadn't checked in almost two weeks. The most recent one was from Seto and had just been sent two minutes before she logged on.
In the e-mail Seto asked her to bring a nice change of clothing along with her to the office because he was going to be taking her to one of his favorite restaurants for dinner that night.
Serenity quickly replied to the e-mail saying she couldn't wait to see where he would be taking her. Then closed the e-mail and deleted it so no one who might be passing by would see it.
Serenity smiled to herself, this would be their first official date.
(Serenity's room: Mid afternoon)
Serenity was standing in her walk-in closet looking through the unreal number of dresses she owned. Grandmas Taka had insisted that, like shoes, one could never own to many nice dresses. Serenity begged to differ.
Finally she came across a dress that she liked. The dress was a spaghetti strap dress that was a beautiful shade of silverish blue that went passed her knees and stopped just before mid-calf. Serenity took the dress off the hanger and carefully folded it placing it in the small bag on her dresser. To go with the dress she chose a pair of silver heels and a light blue trench coat. Serenity put some make-up in a small make up bag along with a hairbrush and a hair tire and placed them in the bag.
Serenity set the bag on the table by her door then went back into her closet to change for work.
"Serenity! Are you in here?"
"I am in the closet Casey!"
Casey came to the door of the closet.
"You know I am surprised that I haven't gotten lost in my closet yet."
"Me too."
"Shut up!" Casey tried to look offended, it didn't work. "Anyways what it with the bag by the door?"
"Just some things I am taking with me to work."
"Oh." Casey went back over to the table and opened the bag "My this is a nice dress. Why are you taking it to work?"
"Because Seto is taking me to dinner tonight."
"Where?"
"I don't know. I am assuming it is a nice place because he told me to bring something nice to change into at work."
"Cool!" Casey folded the dress and placed it back in the bag.
"Well I better get going." Serenity came out of her closet wearing a dark blue three-quarter-length v-neck shirt, a black skirt and her black boots. "I will see you later tonight. Oh and try not to annoy Joey. Grandma Taka says she doesn't want to have to rescue anyone from the closet again."
"He started it!"
"Casey."
"Fine." Casey stuck her tongue out
"Lovely. See you later."
(Kaiba Corp)
Serenity sat finishing up the files for the company in Australia. She had to make sure the contracts were all signed, the papers were in the right order and several other important but boring details. Seto was on the phone, once again, with the company in Australia. He had been on the phone with them for over two hours.
Serenity put the files in a neat pile that were to go Seto when he was finished with his phone conference. Serenity glanced at the clock on her desk it read 6:00pm.
'I wonder when he'll be done. I was really looking forward to our first date.'
Serenity sighed then went back to work.
Beep…beep…beep
"Yes."
"I should be off the phone in about ten minutes. This idiot doesn't seem to understand a thing about business. How he has managed to run a company this long is still a mystery to me. Anyways you can go ahead and get ready I should be out there in a little bit."
"Alright." Serenity added "And here I thought you would be asking me for some more files."
"Funny."
Serenity pressed the disconnect button, grabbed her bag and went into the bathroom.
Fifteen minutes later Serenity came back out to see Seto sitting in her chair waiting for her.
"Did I keep you waiting?"
Seto turned around and his mouth dropped "You look beautiful"
Serenity had her hair pulled back into a half ponytail with a few stands of hair framing her face. She had put on some lip-gloss and some glitter on her eyes, but the most stunning part was her dress. It was so simple yet so beautiful and it fit her perfectly.
"Are you going to sit there and stare or are we going to go to dinner." Serenity smirked
Seto stood up and walked over to her. Serenity noticed he hadn't really changed his cloths, just his trench coat. Since he wore black all the time simply switching from his normal white trench coat to an all black one made him look dressed up.
"You know it is not fair."
"What?" Seto looked puzzled
"I had to change my whole outfit and all you had to do was switch coats."
Seto just laughed
"So where are we going?" Serenity asked as they walked into the elevator
"It's a surprise."
(20 minutes later)
Seto's limo pulled up behind a large building.
"Here we are."
"And where is here?" Serenity couldn't figure out if he was joking or serious
"You will see."
Seto led Serenity to what seemed to be the back door of the building and knocked on the door. An elderly man wearing a traditional Japanese garment opened the door.
"Good evening and welcome Mr. Kaiba." The man gave them a friendly smile and bowed them in. Seto and Serenity walked into the receiving area of the restaurant, which was decorated like a high-class restaurant from the old days of Japan, it was beautiful. "You normal dinning room is ready."
Seto simply nodded and they followed the elderly man down a hall with several doors. The elderly man lead them to the very end of the hall then opened a sliding door. He bowed Seto and Serenity into the room.
"Your usual order will be ready shortly Mr. Kaiba. Shall I bring you some tea and miso soup while you wait."
"Yes."
The elderly man bowed as he exited the room.
The room was decorated in the fashion as the rest of the restaurant. There was even a small water fountain in far corner of the room. There was a table in the center of the room with mats to sit on.
"I hope you don't mind, but I went ahead and ordered ahead of time."
"Not at all. It saves us the time, which we don't have much of." Serenity gave him a little smile
Seto helped Serenity with her coat hanging both her coat and his on the coat hangers buy the door. Then they both removed their shoes and placed them by the door before sitting down. Serenity continued to admire the room, but Seto looked like he had no idea what to say or do next.
"I hope you liked what I ordered. Mokuba and I have it all the time when we came here."
"What is this place anyways?"
"It is called The Sushi House. It is a very nice restaurant. Out front is the main restaurant, but back here are the privet dinning rooms. I use them when I have business meetings or when Mokuba and I don't want to be bothered."
"It is very pretty. I can't wait to try the food!" Serenity smiled
The elderly man came in again with their miso soup and tea then left.
Seto gave no reply and it was all Serenity could do to keep from laughing at him. It was obvious that the 'Great Seto Kaiba' didn't go on dates or at least that many. Seto was very quite and looked nervous.
"So how long have you been the CEO of Kaiba Corp?" Serenity decided to break the silence buy talking about Kaiba Corp. It wasn't the best topic for a date, but hey it was a start.
"Going on four years now."
"Wow! So you started when you were about 15 then."
"Pretty much. Gozaburo, that was my stepfather, um…died and there was no one else so I just took over. It may seem soon considering that I was only 15, but I was going to take it over anyways soon."
"I got into computes only threes years ago. I didn't realize I was that good with them until my computer teacher suggested that I intern at Graphic Industries. Well you know the rest of the story."
Seto laughed, "Yeah I won you." Serenity gave him a-you-wish-look then laughed "So how come you went to New York after Battle City?"
"Joey and my parents divorced when I was about three years old. My mother got me and our father kept Joey. After Battle City my mother got a job offer in New York and she took it. I had no choice but to go with her. I am happy I went, but I missed everybody."
Once again silence
"So…um…I heard you and Mokuba were in the Orphanage before you went to live with Gozaburo?" Serenity didn't exactly meet his eyes as she asked the question
"You heard right." Seto took a sip of his tea, "Mokuba and I were there for about two years before we went to live with Gozaburo Kaiba."
Seto said nothing more on the subject and Serenity decided that it would be best not to press the subject. She realized that although Seto may have admitted his feelings for her, which in itself to a lot to do, he would not open up to her that quickly about his personal life.
The elderly man and a younger woman in a beautiful kimono brought their food then left without saying a word.
Serenity and Seto ate most of their meal in silence. Seto didn't know what to say and Serenity was out of ideas for starting conversations that would be easy for Seto to answer besides business questions.
Finally Seto broke the silence, "How are your dueling skills?"
"Excuse me?" Serenity hadn't heard the question
"How are your dueling skills?" Seto repeated
"Pretty good I guess. I learned the basics while I was in New York. It was surprisingly popular in the States. And on occasions I have been taking lessons from Yugi and his Grandfather. I've dueled Yugi twice and I came close to beating him each time, but I highly doubt I ever will." Serenity gave a slight shrug, "Why do you ask?"
"I am planning to host another Dueling Tournament. Battle City Two: Return to Battle City."
"I see, but what does that have to do with me besides more paper work?"
"I want you to participate in it." Seto stated then added quickly "If that is all right with you."
"I don't know if I am good enough, but why not."
They finished the rest of their meal in silence.
Seto paid the bill then they put their shoes and coats back on and left the room.
"Thank you for coming Mr. Kaiba. Both of you have a lovely evening." The elderly man bowed them out the door.
The limo was waiting for them; Seto opened the door for Serenity then got in after her. The ride home was just as quite as the meal. Serenity laughed to herself it was just so funny that for once Seto was lost for words. All it took was a date.
They entered Kaiba Corp through the side entrance passing by the business main entrance then took the only elevator that lead up to Seto's office. Very few people had access to the elevator, Serenity being one of them.
Serenity leaned against the rail as she watched the numbers for the floors change. It was going to take a lot to get Seto to open up to her, but the question was how to do it.
"We are almost there." Seto stated out of nowhere
"Yep. Unless the numbers are wrong." Serenity laughed
"Well if I am not mistaken dates end with a kiss at the door." A smile played on his lips
Serenity straightened up, crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, "Well this isn't exactly my house otherwise you would be correct."
"Yes, but I am Seto Kaiba and I make to rules." Seto wrapped one arm around Serenity waist pulling her closer to him and kissing her gently on the lips. Serenity wrapped her arms around Seto's neck as the bell on the elevator chimed indicating that it had reached Seto's office, neither of them took any notice.
The elevator door slowly slide open for some one on the other side to get on, that some one being Jake. Jake was re-reading some files he had been getting ready from Mr. Thomson to give to Kaiba. But when he had go to Kaiba' office no one was there so he left.
The chime from the altered Jake that it was there, but he still did not look up until the doors opened. When they did he got such a shock that he dropped the files and they went everywhere. Jake knew that Serenity liked Kaiba, but that didn't stop him from liking her and hoping that the whole thing with Kaiba was just a bad dream.
The sound of several files hitting to floor caused Seto and Serenity to pull away from each other. Seto glared at Jake, however, Jake didn't notice he was looking at Serenity. Serenity did not meet Jake's eyes. She stood there with her head slightly bowed biting her lip.
"Sorry." Jake mumbled
Seto, seeing how uncomfortable Serenity was, took Serenity's hand, looked Jake straight in the eyes and said "Move."
Jake stepped aside and watched as Serenity and Seto walked into the office then bent down to pick up the files.
Once in the office Serenity grabbed her bag and headed towards the bathroom.
"I'm sorry our date couldn't last longer." She heard Seto say
"That is alright. I had fun and besides we have to keep a low profile." Nothing more was said.
(Friday Night: 5:30)
Serenity sat at her desk finishing her homework for the weekend so she would be able to go out with the girls on Saturday and have a free day Sunday. Seto had let her off early because he had to go to a meeting at City Hall so there would be nothing for her to do.
At the moment she was working on her calculus homework. She hated the class, it wasn't that it was hard but it was boring and math was not her favorite subject.
'Why on earth did I take this subject? Oh yeah so I don't have to worry about it for college. Still…'
"SEE YOU LATER SERENITY!!!!" Casey bellowed from the hall
"Huh?" Serenity got up from her desk 'I didn't know Casey was going anywhere.' Serenity opened her bedroom door and stuck her head out into the hall "Where are you going Casey!?!"
"I have a date!" Casey yelled back from half way down the hall
"With who?" Serenity asked with a teasing voice as she stepped out into the hall
"Duke." Casey turned red
"Figures." Serenity smirked "It would explain why you are 'dressed up'. Casey was wearing a pair of black fitted pants instead of her loose-fitting ones, black boots, a black shirt with a little cat made of fake jewels on it and a baby blue puffy vest. She had done her make-up and was wearing shimmering blue eye shadow and lip-gloss
Ding…dong…ding…dong…
"I better get going." Casey walked down the stairs and Serenity followed behind her. Casey opened the front door and Duke stood there smiling.
"See you later Seren!"
"Bye! Have fun!" Serenity closed the door laughing, "I wonder if he can handle her?"
"Hey where did Casey go?" Joey asked coming out of the kitchen
"Out on a date." Serenity continued up the stairs
"With Duke."
"Well at least she'll be out of my hair for a few hours."
"You know you love her like another sister." Serenity smiled then headed up the stairs
"Hey Seren?"
"Yeah. You wanna go get some pizza and just hang out together? We really haven't gotten to just hang out since you got your 'job'."
"I would love to. Let me just go grab my coat."
(Domino Pizza Parlor)
Serenity waited at the table while Joey went and placed the order for their pizza. She was so happy that she was finally getting to spend some alone time with her brother. Ever since she had been forced into working for Seto she had not been able to spend anytime with her brother, she was lucky that she was even keeping up in school.
The one thing she wasn't letting on, though, was that she was no longer doing her schoolwork to her normal standards. Serenity knew that her teachers had noticed and was thankful that they had not said anything. Serenity was also worried about her health she had not been feeling good lately, but she didn't want to say anything.
'I let my stupid pride get in the way of everything! I never used to have this problem at least not until I moved to New York. I shouldn't work so hard, but I don't want to let anybody down.'
"Serenity?" Joey interrupted her thoughts
"Hm?"
"Are you okay? You've got this weird look on your face."
"Yeah I'm fine. Just a little tired. Long week at work."
"That jerk should a least know better then to make you work so long. Then again it is Kaiba and h is heart less." Joey had a look of pure hatred on his face
"Yeah I know." Serenity sighed 'If he ever finds out about Seto and I it is going to kill him. But I can't keep it hidden forever. The truth has a nasty way of coming out.'
"I don't think I have ever met someone so arrogant, so full of himself. And they way he thinks that the whole world should bow down to him and be at his beckon call is disgusting!"
"Joey I know! I see the guy everyday! Could we talk about something else please?"
"Sorry sis."
"It's okay. Now tell me about this new job you got. Where is it?"
"Actually it is right here!" Joey said with a big grin
"You work here?"
"Yeah. I'm the new bus boy, but I am also taking lessons from the chef on making pizza. What more could I ask for? The guy is the best in whole city." This was true. The Domino Pizza Parlor's chef was known through out the city as the best pizza chef.
"That is great! But how did you manage to get lessons?"
"I was here late one night with the guys and Tristan was asking me if I could have any job what would I want to do. I said make pizza considering I am the foremost authority on pizza…"
"Yeah considering how much you eat." Laughed Serenity
"Hey who's telling the story here?"
"Sorry! Please continue."
"Thank you. So anyways the chef was still hear and heard our conversation. He came over to me and asked, 'So I hear you are the foremost authority on pizza, huh? How would you like to try your hand at making a pizza?' Of course I accepted not questions asked. When I was done he said that my pizza tasted great, but I still had a thing or two left to learn. So he hired me as the new busboy and gives me lessons after work."
"Joey that is great!"
"Yeah I figure once I am out of high school I will go to a Culinary Arts school and continue to prefect my cooking skills. I mean I love food so what better career for me the a world class chef!"
"That is great Joey!" Serenity was so happy that Joey was finally starting to take life after high school serious
Serenity and Joey ate their pizza while Joey continued to explain his plans for the future. Serenity wondered what had brought on this sudden interest in planning a future. Thinking back she remembered that Joey and Mai had been together basically throughout high school and it didn't look like they were going to break up anytime soon, which would explain why Joey was actually planning for the future.
(Serenity's House: 9:30)
"Yeah he told me about the job at the Pizza Parlor and I think it is great." Serenity said into her phone
"Well all I can say is it is a defiantly an improvement." Mai answered back
"You know it is all your fault to. He wants to impress you."
Mai laughed, "Duh I know that!"
"In all seriousness I think that Joey just might ask you to marry him in after college if you two are still together."
"Well I should hope so! Anyways enough about me, have you decided who you would rather date? Duke or Tristan?"
"Neither, but Duke is taken."
"Excuse me? By who?"
"Casey. They went on their first date tonight."
"Wow. Do you really think Duke can handle her? I mean she is a ball of fire and not like you I mean a crazy one."
"I think he will be just fine."
"HEY SERENITY COME HERE QUICK!!!" Joey yelled at the top of his lungs as he burst through her bedroom doors
"Joey! Can't you see I am on the phone!?!"
"You can call whoever that is back! Duke and Casey just got back and they are swapping spit on the front porch! I am going to get my video camera!"
"Uh Seren? What is going on?"
"Duke and Casey just got back from their date and are kissing on the front porch. I have to go. I owe Casey for something and this is the perfect time to get back at her!"
"What did she do?"
"I'll tell you some other time. Bye."
"Wait…" Serenity hung up and ran to Joey's room which over looked the front of the house.
"Joey be quiet or they will here you." Serenity whispered as she walked in
Serenity quietly walked over to the window and looked down and sure enough Casey and Duke were standing on the front porch completely lost in their kiss. Duke had his arms wrapped around Casey's waist and Casey had her arms around his neck. Serenity smiles one of her rare mischievous smiles.
"OOOOOooooOOOO!!!! Go Casey!" Casey and Duke pulled apart
Casey and Duke looked up to see Serenity looking down from the window with a smug look on her face. Joey was leaning out the window behind her.
"GET A ROOM!!" He yelled at Duke
Casey smirked "Well mine is just upstairs."
"NO!!! EW!!! THAT IS RIGHT NEXT TO MINE!!!
"Okay sure." Duke said with a smile
"Wait a minute it is the first date! YOU DIDN'T THINK I WAS SERIOUS DID YOU!" Casey gave a sarcastic laugh, "I was joking! I'm not that easy! I'm FAR from it!"
"Nooo I…I knew you were joking." Looks a little embarrassed
"Yeah sure." Casey gave him a your-cute-when-your-embarrassed-smile
"Anyways I don't get why you would want to date her Duke." Joey yelled still holding his camera
"Now if you don't mind I have a certain dog to mutilate." Casey said this in her best sweet and innocent voice but Duke could her the venom in it.
"Have fun." Duke kissed Casey on the cheek
Casey looked up at the window and locked eyes with Joey "YOU ARE SO DEAD MUTT!!"
Casey ran into the house and Duke walked away laughing.
"Serenity go back to your room." Joey said while practically shoving Serenity out the door.
"Why?"
"Because I am barricading this room and if you don't get out you will be in here for awhile." Joey started pulling his desk over to his door
"Fine, but I will warn you right now, Casey will get in here one way or another."
"FINE!!! JUST HURRY UP AND GET OUT!!!!! I CAN HEAR HER COMING UP THE STAIRS!!!!"
"YOU ARE SO DEAD JOEY!!!" Casey was at least half way there
Serenity walked back to her room laughing as she heard the lock click on Joey's bedroom door. Hadn't he learned by now that no place was safe from Casey when she was out to get someone?
Serenity turned her music up so that she could not hear all the noise Casey was making well trying to and breaking into Joey's room. The occasional 'I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!!!' broke through the music but that was about it.
An hour later, when things appeared to have quieted down, Serenity went out into the hallway to assess the damage. There was no sign of damage in the hall, but Joey's room was a different story. Serenity made her way into his room climbing over the, now debris of the storm, that he had tried to use to blockade his door.
There was no sign of Joey in the room, but a faint noise was coming from his closet. Serenity walked over to his closet door. She turned on the light as she opened the door, peering inside she could see no sign of anyone, but now the noise was coming from behind her.
Serenity turned around to see Joey hanging on the back of his closet door with a hanger through his shirt. His mouth taped shut and his hands were taped together. Serenity couldn't help but laugh as she helped Joey down.
"Now this is going to hurt." Serenity pulled the tape off Joey's mouth
"OOOOUUUCCCCHHH!!!!!"
"Hey I warned you."
"WHY DID SHE HAVE TO DO THAT!?!?"
"Because what you said rubbed her the wrong way. And that is why I didn't stop her, because you should not have said that." There was no pity in her voice
"Whatever." Joey finished taking the tape off his hands
Serenity just shook her head and left.
(Wednesday Evening: Kaiba Corp)
Serenity had been at her wits-end all day. The phone calls would not stop and the paper work was almost to the ceiling. Then there were the people coming in and out of the office all day seeing to details about Battle City 2. She hadn't even had a break the whole afternoon or evening. Mokuba had been kind enough go get both Serenity and Seto dinner so they at least wouldn't starve to death.
Serenity glanced at her desk clock, which read ten o'clock, and sighed. She was finally half way through the enormous stack of paper in front of her.
"Serenity?"
"Yeah." Seto came out of his office
"Are you finished with the city permit papers?"
"Almost, but they ask the stupidest questions know to man. I should be done with them before midnight hopefully." Serenity let another sigh escape from her lips
"Serenity why don't you go home. You have been working hard all this week and staying well past one every night. Go home and get some sleep I will finish the permit papers."
"Are you done with compiling the date for all the Duelist you want to invite to be in Battle City 2?"
"Not even close."
"Then it is settled. I will finish what I need to of the permit paper and you are going to get back into that office and finish researching Duelist rankings or whatever it is you are looking for."
"Fine." Seto shook his head and went back into his office
(One hour later)
Seto came back out of his office to check on Serenity's progress with the permit, but he didn't see her anywhere. First he thought she had gone home but when he got closer to her desk he saw that she had just fallen asleep.
Serenity had fallen asleep on top of the files. Her head was resting on her left arm that was stretched out in front of her. Her right arm was still in its writing position her fingers still clasping the pen she had been using. Several strands of her auburn hair that had fallen into her face were gently rising and falling as she breathed.
Seto smirked' "She should have gone home when I told her to." Now the question was what to do with her
Seto considered waking her up he knew that when it was to late for her to make the half an hour drive home that she went to Mika's apartment. However, he decided against it. If she was tired enough to fall asleep at office she would never make it to Mika's. His mind was made up.
Gently Seto lifted Serenity off her chair. He placed one hand behind her back and the other under her knees letting her head rest against his chest. Then he proceeded to carry her bridal style into his office.
Seto walked slowly back into his office then to the couch at the far end of his office. Carefully he laid Serenity on the couch hoping not to wake her up. Then again he was good at this considering the number of times he had placed a sleeping Mokuba on the very same couch. Lastly, as he had always done with Mokuba, he removed his trench coat gently draping it over Serenity's sleeping form.
Seto watched for a moment as Serenity shifted in her sleep and mumbled something that he could not make out. Seto walked over to the wall flipping the light switch off leaving only the glow from his desk lamp to light the room.
Seto sat down at his desk and began the tedious task of separating the real Duelist from the wannabes. Within an hour he was asleep.
(Next Morning)
Serenity woke up the next morning to warm sunlight on her face. Rising her hand over her eyes, so the sunlight would not hurt them, she let her eyes flutter open. She turned her head to the side letting her eyes adjust to the lighting of the room.
Once her she was able to see clearly she slowly sat up. As she did Serenity felt something fall off her and onto the floor. Reaching down she picked the white marital up off the floor. Unfolding it Serenity realized that it was Seto's trench coat. Bewildered she looked around to see where she was. With a slight shock she realized that she had been sleeping on the couch in Seto's office, but how did she get there?
Looking around the room once more Serenity spotted Seto sleeping soundly on his desk. For once he actually looked peaceful and at rest. Serenity spotted the digital clock on Seto's desk it read 5:59am. Serenity figured she had better wake him, but there was no need.
RRRRRIIIIINNNNNGGGG!!!!!!!
The clock had changed to 6:00am and the alarm sounded. Seto jumped about a foot off his chair then reached for the alarm clock. Sleepy eyed he completely missed the alarm clock and fell out of his chair. Trying to stop himself from falling Seto tried to grab the desk, but instead got a hand full of files and ended up taking them with him.
"Damn." Seto said while rubbing his temples
"Morning sleepy head." Serenity couldn't help but laugh
Seto glared at her then laughed himself; Serenity though he looked so cute with his hair all messed up.
"So did you sleep well?" Seto asked standing up and gathering his files
"Yeah considering I slept on a couch."
"Well I wasn't about to wake you up so what else could I do. Besides I told you to go home."
"Yeah well I better call Mika and see if it is okay for me to come over and change. I keep a spare uniform at her apartment." Serenity walked out of Seto's office to get her cell phone out of her purse.
"Is she even up this early?" Seto asked leaning against the door
"I don't think she does." Serenity said placing her phone back in her purse
"Why don't we get some breakfast then you can call her. I'll call down to the cafeteria and have something sent up."
"The cafeteria?"
"You forget Serenity my cafeteria is as good as a five star restaurant. I only accept the best!"
"Good point."
Seto went back into this office and phone the cafeteria with his order. Well Seto was ordering Serenity grabbed her brush out of her purse and went to the bathroom. Serenity quickly brushed her hair then went back to the office.
Seto was sitting at his desk trying to get the work done that he didn't finish last night.
"Why don't you take a break?"
"Because I have work to do."
Serenity walked over to Seto's desk, grabbed his laptop, hit the save button, then closed it.
"What do you think you are doing?"
"Making you take a brake."
"Fine."
A few moments later their food arrived. Seto had ordered pancakes, bacon, eggs, coffee and orange juice. There was enough for at least four people. They ate their meal in silence simply enjoying a relaxing breakfast, especially Seto.
Once they had finished eating it was almost 6:30. Serenity got her cell phone out of her purse and called Mika.
"Hello?" Came a very tired voice
"Did I wake you up?"
"No, but what do you want?"
"I was wondering if I could come over and talk a shower and get my extra uniform?"
"Why?"
"I fell asleep at the office."
"YOU WHAT!?!"
"Don't shout! I can hear you just fine. Anyways I was working on some files and just fell asleep."
"Yeah sure. So what really happened?" Mika's voice was extremely sarcastic
"MIKA MIYAGAWA GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE GUTTER!!!!!"
"Whoa take a chill pill I was kidding!" Mika was doing her best not to laugh
"So is it okay if I come over or not?"
"Yes."
"Good. I will be there in ten minutes. And no more smart remarks."
"Fine. Bye."
Serenity put her phone back in her purse and grabbed her things.
"Hey Seto." Serenity said walking to the office door, "I am going to head to Mika's place so I don't cut it too close with time. So see you at school."
"Okay then." Seto was back to work on his computer. Serenity just shrugged and walked out the door.
(That Afternoon: After Gym Class)
"Hey Serenity!" Mai yelled from the door of locker room
"Yeah!"
"The girls and I are going to had to lunch! Are you coming!?!"
"I will catch up with you guys!"
"Okay!"
Serenity finished drying and brushing her hair and placed it in a bun. Lastly she reapplied her make-up, gathered her things and left the locker room.
It was weird how quiet it was when no one was in the gym and the only noise came from the fans. Serenity sighed leaning against the wall. Mai, Casey and Tea had been happily chattering away about their boyfriends and how much fun they had on their last dates. Serenity had wished she could have joined in on the fun.
It had been a two weeks since Seto and her had finally admitted that they liked each other, but it was hard to keep it a secret. Only the thought of how Joey would react and all the press hounding her 24/7 kept her mouth shut.
A swishing noise brought Serenity back to reality. Serenity looked around to see who was there, but no one was insight. The only thing that was moving was the door to the boy's locker room swinging back and forth. Serenity just shrugged her shoulders as she started down the hall.
"And where do you think you're going?" Came a sly and sarcastic voice
"Oh no! I have a stocker! I Guess I should be afraid!" Serenity in a sarcastic, scared, ditzy voice
"You should be."
"Yeah right." Serenity started walking down the hall again
"Oh no you don't!"
There was a quick swish of a coat and in a split second Serenity found herself up against the wall staring into Seto's smirking face.
"I should have known." Said sarcastically
"Yeah you should have." Seto leaned down and kissed Serenity
(Outside: At the same time Serenity came out of the locker room)
Mika, Casey, Mai and Tea walked across the football field towards the high school.
"Hey have you guys noticed that Serenity has been acting odd lately?" Tea asked the girls
"How so?" Asked Mika
"While she always seems happy. And she is always smiling. I mean more then normal."
"Maybe she has a crush or a boyfriend." Exclaimed Mai
"I wouldn't say that in front of Joey he would flip." Interjected Mika
"Yeah, but is would be so funny." Said Casey
"Anyways, Mai you are joining us tonight?" Asked Tea
"For what?"
"To study for the math test." Said Mika
"Oh yeah! I just have to call my boss and tell him I won't be there." Mai went to get her phone out of her purse "Damn! Uh I left my purse in the locker room. I'll meet you guys in the lunchroom."
Mai walked quickly back to the gym and was surprised to find that no one was there. Surely Serenity was still here; maybe she was in the locker room still.
As Mai turned the corner into the hall she had to quickly stop and cover her mouth to keep her gasp from being heard. There were two people making out in the hall. Quietly Mai backed around the corner and poked her head out. She recognized the two people the guy was Seto Kaiba and the girl was Serenity Wheeler.
'This has to be a mistake.' Thought Mai 'She would never…not with Kaiba…but there is no mistake that is Serenity.'
Serenity placed her hands on Seto's chest and gently pushed him away.
"I have to go now or they will come back looking for me."
"Alright. I will see you later then."
Seto gave Serenity one last kiss on the cheek before turning to go. Mai quickly ran back to the entrance acting as if she had just walked in just as Kaiba came around the corner. Kaiba passed right by her without saying a word or any indications that she was even there.
"Mai? What are you doing here? I though you were at lunch." Serenity asked slightly confused
"I left my purse in the locker room. If you'll wait a moment I'll go get it and we can walk back together."
"Okay."
Serenity waited by the entrance for Mai to get back. After a few minutes Mai came back out and they headed back to the school. They walked silence until Mai decided to figures out what was going on.
"Serenity?"
"Yeah?"
"What are you hiding?"
"What do you mean what am I hiding? I'm not hiding anything." Serenity started to get nerves 'Did she see us?'
"Why were you still in the gym?"
"I couldn't find my necklace. I looked all over the locker room for it and off all the stupid things it turned out to be in my purse." Serenity gave a slight laugh
"That's a lie and you know it." Mai said grabbing Serenity's arm "Now what were you really doing?"
"I was looking for my necklace. What else would I be doing?" Serenity freed her arm from Mai's grip
"Making out with Kaiba." Serenity stopped dead, "Don't try to lie to me. I saw you two in the hall you had your arms around his neck."
"Mai you can't tell anyone about this! Especially Joey he would kill me!" Serenity was pleading with Mai
"Serenity I would never do that. I may like to gossip a little, but I would never betray a friend. Does any one else know?"
"Just Casey and Mika."
"That figures I am just surprised that Casey has not spilled the beans."
"She would never do that."
"So how long have you two been together?"
"Officially about a little more then two weeks."
Mai just laughed and the two girls walked back to the high school in silence. Serenity just prayed that Mai would keep her word and not tell anybody.
(There you go!!! Chapter Nine is finished!!! So do you guys think that Mai will be able to keep Serenity's 'little' secret or will she tell Joey? You will just have to wait to find out! Don't forget to review PLEASE!!!!)
(Blooper)
(Director): Okay lets take it from 'If I am not mistaken…'
(Helper 1): Act 9, Scene 8, Take 60
(Director): AND ACTION!!!!
"Well if I am not mistaken dates end with a kiss at the door." A smile played on his lips
Serenity straightened up, crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, "Well this isn't exactly my house otherwise you would be correct."
"Yes, but I am Seto Kaiba and I make to rules." Seto wrapped one arm around Serenity waist pulling her closer to him and kissing her gently on the lips. Serenity wrapped her arms around Seto's neck as the bell on the elevator chimed indicating that it had reached Seto's office, neither of them took any notice.
The elevator door slowly slide open for some one on the other side to get on, that some one being Jake. Jake was re-reading some files he had been getting ready from Mr. Thomson to give to Kaiba. But when he had go to Kaiba' office no one was there so he left.
The chime from the altered Jake that it was there, but he still did not look up until the doors opened. When they did he got such a shock that he dropped the files and they went everywhere. Jake knew that Serenity liked Kaiba, but that didn't stop him from liking her and hoping that the whole thing with Kaiba was just a bad dream.
The sound of several files hitting to floor caused Seto and Serenity to pull away from each other.
/Serenity and Seto turned around to face Jake like the script said but instead…./
(Jake all of the GI employees): SURPRISE!!!!!! /Pulls out cans and began to spray Serenity and Seto/
(Serenity): AHHHHH!!! WHAT IS THIS STUFF!!! /Was covered from head to toe in silly string/ OH NO!!! THIS STUFF IS A PAIN TO GET OUT OF HAIR!!!! /Serenity tried to pull some out of her hair, but it wouldn't come/ JAKE YOU ARE SO DEAD!!!! /Serenity chases Jake from the building/
(Jake): I'M SORRY!!!! I'M SORRY!!!!!!! /Came Jake's voice through the doorway/
(Director): CUT!!! CUT!!!! /Trying not to laugh at the fact Jake was screaming like a little girl/
(Helper 2): Um Director sir? Shouldn't we got make sure she doesn't kill him?
(Director): Nope I needed some entertainment today. /Just starts laughing/
(Helper 2): /Shrugs and goes back to work/
