(Okay, okay! I know you all want to kill me but I am soooo sorry! I have a list three miles long of why I haven't updated but I will give you the three biggest reasons. (1) Homework and lots of it (2) Arm injury that keep me from writing for week (3) and the biggest reason of all this was a very critical chapter and I wanted to get everything just right or at least close to it. Anyways I hope you guys like this chapter. R & R PLEASE!)
My little Thank you list (well it is not that little):
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Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or the song 'Overprotected' so you can't sue me:P
(Spoken:) I need time, time (Love)
Joy (Joy) I need space (Love)
No, I need me (Action)
Say hello to the girl that I am
You're gonna have to see through my perspective
I need to make mistakes just to learn who I am
And I don't wanna be so damn protected
There must be another way
'Cause I believe in Taking chances
But who am I to say
What a girl is to do? God I need some answers
What am I to do with my life?
(You will find it out don't worry)
How am I supposed to know what's right?
(You gotta do it your way)
I can't help the way I feel but my life has been so overprotected
I tell 'em what I like what I want
And what I don't
But every time I do I stand corrected
Things that I've been told
I can't believe what I hear about the world
I realize I'm overprotected
There must be another way
'Cause I believe in takin chances
But who am I to say what a girl is to do
God I need some answers
What am I to do with my life?
(You will find it out don't worry)
How am I supposed to know what's right?
(You gotta do it your way)
I can't help the way I feel
But my life has been so overprotected
I need time, Love
I need space (this is it)
I don't need nobody telling me
Just what I wanna what I want what, what
I'm gonna (I need) do about my destiny
I say no, no, nobody's just tellin me
Just what I wanna (do, do)
I'm so fed up with people
Telling me to be someone else but me (action)
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
What am I to do with my life?
(You will find it out don't worry)
How am I supposed to know what's right?
(You gotta do it your way)
I can't help the way I feel
But my life has been so overprotected
I don't need nobody telling me
Just what I wanna what I want, what, what
I'm gonna do about my destiny
I say no nobody's just tellin me
Just what I wanna (do, do)
I'm so fed up with people
Telling me to be someone else but me (action)
What am I to do with my life?
(You will find it out don't worry)
How am I supposed to know what's right?
(You gotta do it your way)
I can't help the way I feel
But my life has been so overprotected
Britney Spears 'Overprotected'
Chapter 10: Don't Hate Me Brother
Serenity sat at her desk typing up a report for school. Seto hadn't been at the office when she got there, nor had he left any instructions for her and since she finished all of last nights work she didn't know what to do. Casey sat on the very end of Serenity's desk flipping her switchblade open and closed, board out of her mind.
"Serenity there is absolutely nothing to do!"
"I told you not to come today, but you insisted. Why don't you just work on your homework?"
"Because homework is boring and evil."
"You think everything is evil."
"Yeah well homework is evil."
"Casey for crying out loud either find something to do or…" The doors to Seto's lobby opened and several men in military uniforms walked in.
"Mr. Kaiba I am very interested to see what your design plans are for the virtual training."
A tall graying man wearing an America military suit walked in followed by an English general, Japanese general, and several other military men. Seto brought put the rear. The American man noticed Casey sitting on the desk and gave her an odd look.
"That can't be little Casey Davenport!" Casey's head shot up
"Uncle Matthews?" Casey's father and General or Uncle Matthews had been best friends since they were little boys. In fact they were more like brothers so General Matthews insisted that Casey call him Uncle.
"It is little Casey!"
Seto stood in utter shock as General Matthews gave Casey a big bear hug.
"Casey Davenport what are you doing in Domino Japan, not to mention Mr. Kaiba's office."
"I am here as an exchange student. I am staying with Serenity Wheeler. You remember her, right?"
"You mean shy Serenity?"
"Yep that would be her." Casey nodded her head back at Serenity who came around the desk.
"Hello General Matthews." Serenity shook his hand
"I see you aren't so shy anymore."
"No sir. Living in New York cured that fast."
Casey butted in "Yeah and with a little bit of training on my part."
General Matthews chuckled, "Well what are you doing here?"
"I work as Mr. Kaiba's secretary."
"Mr. Kaiba how on earth did you end up with such a sweet girl for a secretary?"
"Well you see Uncle Matthews," Casey piped in "Mr. Kaiba dueled Seren…" Serenity hand shot up over Casey's mouth so fast that she almost knocked Casey over.
"Actually, sir, I have been wanting to get into the computer graphics business for awhile now. My Grandfather, Hiroshi Ichigawa, offered me a job at his company, but I wanted to work my way up the latter not have the job handed to me. So I interviewed with Mr. Kaiba and he agreed to take me on as his secretary for the time being to see how efficient my work is. That is how I ended up here."
"Well all I can say is you are one lucky CEO Mr. Kaiba."
"Yes she keeps things running smoothly." Seto said off handedly "Now, gentlemen, if you will just follow Miss Wheeler into the boardroom I will be in shortly."
Serenity smiled and motioned for the men to follow her while Seto went into the file room. Serenity came back out of the room to find Seto and Casey fighting.
"How dare you try to ruin my business deal!"
"Like they would have believed me! Besides I was taught always to tell the truth!"
"You were deliberately trying to humiliate me!"
"And your point is?"
"Why you little…."
"That is enough!" Seto and Casey turned to see Serenity standing In front of them with her hands on her hips, "If you don't stop it they will hear you and then you will be in trouble."
Seto gave Casey one of his evil glares then walked over to Serenity
"Thanks for saving me back there." He gently kissed her on the lips then headed towards the boardroom
"Kaiba!" Casey yelled after him
"What!"
"Lipstick" Casey handed him a tissue. Seto quickly wiped the lipstick off his lips.
"Kaiba!"
"WHAT!"
"Files." Casey held out his files looking like she could cry. Seto snatched the files out of Casey's hands "What am I the plague?"
"Do you really want me to answer that?" Casey gave him a look as if she we about to start balling, but he ignored her and walked into the boardroom
"That wasn't nice."
"At least he didn't answer your question."
"Yeah sure side with your boyfriend."
Serenity laughed and went off to get the tea and coffee for the generals.
(Later that week before school)
"SERENITY! SERENITY! I HAVE A BRILLANTE BEYOND BRILLENT IDEA!" Casey came bursting through Serenity's bedroom door just as Serenity was coming out of the bathroom from getting dressed.
"Casey? What are you doing in here?"
"LIKE I SAID I HAVE BRILLANT BEYOND BRILLANT IDEA!"
"Okay, okay just don't yell so loud." Serenity said rubbing her ears "So what is this brilliant beyond brilliant idea?"
"You know how you, Mai, and myself have boyfriends?"
"Yeah so?"
"Well Mika doesn't. So I am going to set her up on a blind date today at lunch."
"With who?" Serenity ask skeptically
"Tristan Taylor! Who else."
"WHAT! You have to be joking! Mika doesn't like Tristan! In fact she can barely tolerate him!"
"So you couldn't stand Kaiba at first and now you two make-out every chance you get!"
"Shhhh! Not so loud! You want Joey to hear you?" Serenity hissed, "Besides we don't make-out all the time. And Mika and Tristan are totally different." Exclaimed Serenity
"How so?" Casey asked putting her hands on her hips
"Well…um…first off…then there's…" Serenity was lost for words
"As I thought. I am going through with my plan."
"Fine, but I refuse to help you. Although I will be happy to make all the arrangements for you funeral."
"We will see." With that Casey walked out of the room
"She is in way over her head this time." Serenity shook her head and went back to getting ready for school.
Serenity had too much on her mind to worry about Casey's plan for to long; today was her and Seto's one-month anniversary. It was hard for Serenity to believe that just a month ago she had become Seto's girlfriend and managed to keep the general population, including her brother, from finding out.
After their first date Seto had done his best to loosen up when it came to talking about himself. Still Serenity had not found out much beyond Seto and Mokuba's life at the orphanage and his future plans for Kaiba Corp. Serenity didn't mind though, she was simply happy that Seto was making an effort to open up to her.
(Domino High: Just before School starts)
"MIKA! HEY MIKA OVER HERE!" Casey waved frantically as Mika came walking in from the parking lot
"What the emergency?"
"No emergency just some good news."
"And what would that be?" Mika asked not trusting that it was anything good
"There is someone who would like to have lunch with you. They think you are a very nice and cute girl." Serenity could have whacked Casey with a mallet right then and there.
"Yeah sure Casey, nice try."
"No I am serious." Mika just gave her a yeah-sure-whatever-you-say-look, "Fine then, just be under the main tree in Sakura Court at the beginning of lunch and we will see who is right."
(Later that morning)
Seto had his first three classes with Serenity and had been trying all morning to talk to her without catching anyone's attention. He was hoping to have been able to talk to her that morning, but by the time he had arrived at school her friends were already surrounding her. Before class didn't work either because she was either with Duke and Casey or Duke, Casey, Mika and Tea.
It was getting rather annoying. All he wanted to do was talk to her about his plans for that evening. Tonight was their one-month anniversary; normally he would not be worried about such things, but seeing as it was Serenity he would make an exception and he was making a big one. Seto was planning to take her out dancing at Club Platinum and Seto was not the dancing type.
Finally between second and third period he chance appeared. He overheard Serenity tell Mika and Tea that she was going to make a quick stop by her locker before heading to the gym and not to wait for her. Seto waited for a few minutes before following Serenity to her locker insuring that Tea would not be there.
"Serenity."
"Huh?" Serenity looked behind her to see Seto, "So you're not going to try and scare me this time?" she asked with flirtatious sarcasm
"No. Do you have a minute?"
"Yeah, what's up?"
"Iwanttotakeyououtdancingtonight." Seto said it in such an undertone that Serenity could not make out a word he said
"Is it my mistake or are you nervous about something?" Serenity was trying hard not to laugh
"No."
"Uh huh. Now say it again and slower this time."
Seto took a deep breath not liking how nervous she could make him feel "I want to take you out dancing tonight."
"Really!" Serenity's eyes lit up
"Yes."
"I would love to! Oh I just got this new outfit that is perfect!" She laughed then calmed down "Sorry about that. I will see you later." She walked off
Seto rubbed his temples he still could not get used to the nervous feeling that he still got when he was around her. Walking off in the opposite direction of Serenity, Seto walked towards the library to get some work done.
(Lunch)
Mika stood under the main tree in Sakura Court not quite understanding why she was there. She had no reason to mistrust Casey about this secret admirer, but then again Casey loved to play games. Could this possibly be one and if so then why didn't Serenity stop her? Then again maybe Serenity didn't know about it. Mika figure all she could do was wait and see what would happen.
Tristan walked down the hall towards Sakura Court re-reading the note he had found that morning on his desk. It read:
Dear Tristan Taylor,
I have been wanting to tell you for sometime now that I like you but I didn't know how. Would you meet me under the main tree in Sakura Court at lunch?
Your Secret Admirer
Tristan knew it was too much to hope that it was Serenity. She had shown no interest in him even during the dance. In fact she seemed more annoyed with him then anything and seemed to tolerate his presence for Joey's sake. Still he held on to that small measure of hope that this secret admirer would be Serenity.
Tristan and Mika both noticed each other at the same exact time. A look of shock appeared on both of their faces, but Mika's quickly turned to a look of disgust.
"You sent me this note?" Tristan asked skeptically
"What note?"
Tristan handed Mika the note he had received that morning. Mika quickly read it then laughed.
"Why would I send you a note like this?"
"Why else would you be here?"
"Because Casey…Now I get it Casey tried to set us up. What on earth possessed her to think that it would work out?" Mika laughed to herself.
"Well would you like to go out to lunch with me?" Tristan asked quietly
"Ah no." Mika said matter-of-factly "Now if you don't mind I have a friend to fry." Mika walked off leaving Tristan under the tree
Mika found Casey in the cafeteria and the minute Casey saw her she ran for her life. Mika simply raised an eyebrow and sat down next to Serenity laughing.
"Aren't you gonna go after her?" Asked Serenity
"Nope."
Serenity just shrugged and went back to eating her lunch.
After school Serenity made a quick stop at the house before heading to Kaiba Corp. She didn't have to worry about anybody wondering what she was doing home because her Grandparents were both at work and the gang went to the arcade after school. Serenity grabbed the outfit she wanted out of her closet then head for the office.
(Club Platinum)
Seto pulled around to the back entrance of the club, he had already informed the owner that they would be entering that way and to make sure no one came back there that wasn't suppose to. Seto parked the car and he and Serenity got out.
Just before they entered the club Seto took one more good look at Serenity. He still couldn't believe how amazing she looked, she was well there was no other way to put it she looked hott. She was wearing a shimmering, dark green tank top that showed just a little bit of her stomach with low-rise black pants and black shoes. She wore a simple black chocker around her neck, alternating dark green and black bracelets around both her wrist, and hoop earrings. A dusting of glittering green eye shadow highlighted her eyes.
"What are you staring?" Serenity asked raising an eyebrow
"Nothing."
"Riiight."
Seto and Serenity slipped in quietly through the back door proceeding to find an empty booth in one of the more secluded corners. Serenity could tell being in this type of setting made Seto more uncomfortable then he would like, but he hide it well. The DJ was currently playing a slow song, not wanting to make Seto even more uncomfortable then he already was Serenity pretended not to be interested and instead went to get both of them something to drink.
Seto sighed as he watched Serenity walk up to the drink counter. He never in his life imagined that he would ever like a girl enough to take her dancing. Then again for the last month she had let him teach her the finer points of dueling, which she proved to be extremely good at; Serenity had gone to the zoo with him and Mokuba after Mokuba bugged them for two whole days about wanting to go. After all that Seto felt he should take her out to something he knew she would truly enjoy and this was it.
Serenity came back with two glasses of soda pop and sat down next to Seto surveying the crowd. Seto sipped his drink while watching Serenity as she subconsciously swayed slightly with the music. Without thinking Seto set his glass on the, pulled Serenity closer to him and kissed her liking the sweet taste of cherry syrup from her Shirley Temple on her lips. Serenity pushed him away with a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"Not now. We are here to have fun."
"Ouch!"
"Get over yourself."
Seto was about to say something in return when the Usher's "Yeah" began to play.
"I love this song. Come on!" Serenity tried to pull Seto out to the booth, but it didn't work.
"You insulted my kissing so I refuse to dance with you." Seto sat smugly back in his seat folding his arms cross his chest.
"Fine have it your way." Serenity smirked and walked off. Quickly she spun around looking Seto straight in the eye and with the line She's saying come get me Serenity made a come here motion with her finger then with a playful smile ran into the crowd.
"Fine. I'll play her little game." Seto slid out of the booth and walked into the crowd.
Serenity had not gone that far into the crowd so she saw Seto looking for her. She let him spot her once more before she disappeared deeper into the crowd. Seto smirked as he went the other way towards where Serenity was heading. Seto saw her stop and turn around to look for him. Slowly he walked up behind her wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Did you really think I wouldn't catch you?" He whispered into her ear
"Not really, but I thought I would try."
Serenity got herself out of Seto's arms and began to dance with the music. Seto just stood there watching Serenity dance with the beat, her movements perfectly in tune with the music as always. Serenity gave Seto a quizzical look
"Come on. I know you know how to dance."
"Ballroom dancing is different."
"No its not! Now move your body to the music!"
Seto let his body relax feeling the music and slowly his body began to move with the music. Serenity watched in amusement as he began to dance thinking that she might have misjudged his dancing skills. But after a few moments Seto proved her wrong once again.
After a couple of fast songs the DJ seemed to find it a necessity to play as slow song. As the song began to play Seto looked around to see what they other couples on the dance floor were doing because in truth he had never slow danced except ballroom. After getting the gist of what to do, and thinking it wouldn't be that bad, he asked Serenity to dance.
Seto placed his hands on Serenity's waist as she wrapped her arms around his neck leaving a gap between the two of them. Seto wasn't sure if Serenity would want to dance as close as the other couples were, though he himself had no objection to it.
Serenity would have like to dance as close as the other couples were, but she wasn't sure how comfortable Seto was with this type of slow dancing. Instead of asking him and making him feel embarrassed, Serenity slowly moved closer to Seto seeing how close he would let her get. By the middle of the song Seto's arms were wrapped around her waist and Serenity's head was resting on his chest.
The slow song came to an end and the couples on the dance floor continued their normal dancing. As Seto and Serenity continued to dance Seto noticed a sudden change in Serenity's dancing. Her movements no longer matched that of the music, she was breathing harder, and her face had become pale. Then without warning Serenity began coughing.
Serenity ran off the dance floor to the drink counter asking the waiter for a glass of water in between coughs. Seto followed her back to their booth. It took Serenity several minutes and several drinks of water before her cough subsided.
"Are you alright Serenity?" Seto didn't try to hide the concern in his voice
"Yeah I am fine. I just had a tickle in my throat."
"That sounded like more then 'just a tickle' to me."
"Seto I am fine. Now lets go back out on the dance floor."
"Fine, but if you start coughing like that again I am taking you straight home."
Serenity and Seto hadn't even been on the dance floor a whole song when Serenity spotted the gang entering the club. Serenity, without giving Seto any warning, shoved him towards the exit.
"What are you doing!"
"My brother's here! We need to go now!"
"HEY SERENITY!" Joey yelled as the gang entered the crowd
"Go now! I will meet you at the car! Call me acting like you just found out I snuck out of the office!"
"Why!"
"Just do as I say! Now go!"
"Hey sis!" Joey came up behind Serenity just as Seto got out of the crowd
"Hi Joey!"
"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to work?"
"Kaiba was in a meeting so I snuck out for some fun."
"So were you dancing with?" Asked Mai
"Yeah was it your lover?" Casey asked teasingly
"WHAT!" Exclaimed Joey
"Chill Joey I was just joking!"
"Anyways it was just some guy from school." Serenity said shrugging, "Hold on a sec someone is calling me." Serenity took her phone off her belt clip, "Hello…sorry sir…yes I know, but I had nothing to do…yes sorry…okay I will be right there…yes…" Serenity hung up her phone, "Sorry guys I have to run. Later!"
Serenity walked off slowly giving the appearance that she wanted to take her time getting back. Once she was out of the sight of the gang she ran out of the club and to the car.
"Sorry about that." Seto just grunted in response
The first few minutes of the car ride were quiet until Serenity decided to break the silence.
"Seto I am sorry that my bother ruined our date. I was having a lot of fun."
"You know for all your talk about being independent. You sure let your brother control your life."
"Excuse me?" Serenity couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"You heard me. You still want your brothers approval on what you do in your life. And dating me is something that he will never approve of. You are still afraid that your brother will look down on you if or should I say when he finds out."
"Oh so you just want me to come out and tell Joey that I am dating you!"
"Yes!"
"You would just love that wouldn't you! That would bring him to his knees! It would tear him apart and you know it!"
Seto slammed on the breaks and pulled over to the side of the road.
"Is that what you think I want out of this? To bring your brother to his knees!"
"You tell me! Can you honestly say that you wouldn't enjoy seeing it! That a part of you does want that to happen when he finally finds out!" Seto said nothing in response "That is what I thought! I'm walking home from here!" Before Seto could say anything Serenity flung the passenger door and got out.
"Serenity get back here! You're gonna get soaked!" It had started to rain when they left the club and now it was pouring.
When Serenity didn't come back in the car Seto got out and went after her.
"Serenity! Come on! Get back in the car!"
"No! If you think you can use me then you are dead wrong! I won't let you! I would die first!"
"Don't you trust me!"
"I…" Before Serenity could answer her coughing fit starting again. Seto ran to help her, but before he could get to her clutched her chest and without warning she passed out on the wet pavement.
"Serenity!"
Seto ran to where Serenity lay face down on the ground. She was shivering like crazy, but her face was flushed. Seto gently picked her up carrying her back to the car. Placing her back in the passenger Seto reached behind the front seats and grabbed his trench coat and her coat as well. He wrapped Serenity soaked form tightly then laid her coat on top.
Before he closed the passenger side door he lightly brushed several strands of wet hair out of her face as he did so his hand brushed against her forehead.
"She's burning up!"
Seto quickly closed the car door and got into the driver's seat. Quickly starting the car he turned the heat up as high as he could possibly handle it and still be able to drive. He had to get her dry and fast. Seto mind raced as he tried to think of what to do. He couldn't take her to the hospital that would just bring about unwanted attention. Taking her home was not an option and none of her friends that he could trust were at home. The only option was to take her to his house.
"I guess I have no choice."
Seto drove up his driveway extremely ready to get out of the car, which now felt like a sauna. Seto lifted Serenity out of the car and took her up to one of his many guest rooms. He laid Serenity down on the bed removing the coats he had wrapped around her only to find that they were still wet. What was he going to do now?
"Okay I can't leave her in these wet cloths, but I can't exactly take them off either." Seto stood there for several minutes before he remember that he had a live in nanny to take care of Mokuba, "Why didn't I think of that before?" Seto walked over to the intercom on the wall by the door. There was an intercom in every room including the employee's wing. "Clara! Clara wake up!"
"Yes Mr. Kaiba?" The women sounded tired
"I need you up in the first guest room right now! It is an emergency!"
"Right away Mr. Kaiba."
While Seto waited for Clara to reach the guest room he quickly ran back to his room grabbing a pair of sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt for Serenity. He knew fully well that they would be way to big for her, but there was nothing else for her to wear. By the time Seto got back to the guest room Clara was already there waiting for him.
"Mr. Kaiba what is the emergency? And who is that girl?"
" 'That girl' is my girlfriend Serenity Wheeler and the emergency is that she is very sick and stuck in wet clothing."
Clara tried not to laugh, "I see. I'm guessing you two got caught out in the rain judging by the state of your clothes."
"Yes. He are some of my things you can put her in. Just get her out of those wet cloths. I am going to go call Dr. Jonas. I think she has a very high fever."
Clara sighed as she watched Seto walk off. Quickly she got Serenity out of her wet cloths and into the dry ones Seto had given her then dried her hair. Serenity woke up briefly while Clara was drying her hair, but because of her fever she was hallucinating. Clara gave her some medicine for her fever then tucked her into bed placing an extra down comforter on the bed to keep her warm.
"Dr. Jonas will be here at eight tomorrow morning. That is the soonest he can get here." Seto announced walking into the room.
"Shhhhhhh! She just went back to sleep." Clara scolded
"How is she doing?" Seto asked walking over to the side of the bed and looking down at Serenity
"Her fever has gone down a little. I gave her some medicine, but we will have to wait and see what the doctor says. In the meantime sir, you should go to bed."
"No I am going to stay here."
"Mr. Kaiba I must insist."
"I said no!"
"Alright then." Clara let the room closing the door behind her
Seto pulled a chair over by the side of the bed and within a few minutes he was asleep.
(Next Morning: Saturday)
"SETO! WAKE UP SETO!"
Seto was roused from his sleep by Mokuba's yelling. Seto sat up rubbing his temples as Mokuba came running into the room.
"Seto Dr. Jonas is here!"
"Quiet Mokuba. Serenity is asleep."
"Oh sorry. Do you want me to show Dr. Jonas up here?"
"Yes."
Seto got up out of his chair as Mokuba ran out of the room. He walked into the bathroom grabbing one of the glasses and filling it with water. After finishing the glass of water Seto walked back over to Serenity placing a hand on her forehead. Her head was still very hot, but it seemed the fever had gone down slightly.
"Good morning Mr. Kaiba."
"Morning."
"Now explain to me exactly how Mr. Ichigawa's granddaughter ended up here with, what was it Mokuba's nanny said? Oh yes a 101 temperature."
"None of your business."
"Well it is nice to know that you have finally found some one."
"Excuse me?" Seto was not in the mood for the old man's jokes
"Oh nothing. Now if you don't mind I have a patient to tend to." Dr. Jonas walked over to Serenity
"By the way, how do you know Serenity?"
"I was her doctor before she left for the states. Not for her eyes, but as her general doctor. Very sweet girl."
Seto said nothing as he left the room. Not wanting to stand around doing not Seto went back to his room. Quickly he changed his cloths decided to forgo his normal black attire for a pair of worn jeans and a long sleeve blue shirt.
Seto had barely turned on his laptop to do some much-needed paper work when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in!" Dr. Jonas walked into his study, "What is your diagnosis?"
"Serenity has a case of the flu along with physical exhaustion. My suggestion is a weeks rest in bed. I have also written a prescription for her flu. Don't be surprised if she sleeps for a few days. Considering how physically exhausted she is it would be no surprise if she slept for three days. That should take care of everything." Dr. Jonas went to leave, but stopped "Oh I suggest you get some rest to Seto. I would hate to see you become ill." With that he left
After Dr. Jonas left Seto called Mika knowing that she would be a good cover story for Serenity. Seto and Mika talked for about thirty minutes coming up with the perfect plan. Seto would bring Serenity over to Mika's house in his limo then go over to Kaiba Corp and bring her car back to Mika's place. After that Mika would call Serenity's grandparents explaining that Serenity had come over to her apartment late the night before.
Mika would say that she had noticed that Serenity was sleeping past the normal time she got up and went to check in on her. When she did she found that Serenity had put extra blankets on the bed, but she was still shivering. Mika had tried to wake Serenity up but it did work and she was running a high fever, so Mika called Dr. Jonas who happened to be Serenity's doctor as well.
A few hours after their phone conversation Seto wrapped the still sleeping Serenity in a blanket and took her to Mika's apartment. Seto didn't put Serenity down until he placed her in her bed in Mika's apartment.
Grandpa Hiroshi and Joey had gone to Mika's house to pick Serenity up, never questioning the story Mika gave them. Serenity ended up sleeping for two whole days finally waking up very disoriented. She spent the next school week sick in bed with Mika and Tea, occasionally Mai, coming over to help her with her homework so she didn't fall behind.
Mr. Thomson called Serenity to let her know that for the time being he would not be giving her any more projects to work on. Seto even called her house himself to inform her grandmother that he did not want Serenity back at work until she was back to full health and to inform her that she would have an enormous amount of work to do. Serenity grandmother was in a very bad mood after that phone call.
The next Monday Serenity was well enough to go to school, but Dr. Jonas refused to let her go back to work just yet saying he would personally talk to Seto if he had any objections. He had said that merely for Serenity's grandparent's sake, as he knew the whole thing was an act.
(Monday Evening Serenity house)
Beep…Beep…Beep…
"Yes Grandma?" Serenity asked pushing the answer button the intercom
"Would you please come down to the dinning room and bring Casey with you?"
"Sure. We will be right down."
Serenity went to Casey's room and knocked on her door.
"Yeah what do you want?"
"Grandma wants to talk to us in the dinning room. So come on."
Serenity and Casey met Joey downstairs and went into the dinning room together.
"What ever it is Casey did it!" Joey said upon entering the room
Casey glared at him.
"Nothing happened. Now please sit down." They all sat down and Grandma Taka continued, "We have just received an invitation from Governor Makoto inviting us to attend dinner at his house this Saturday night."
"But I have plans with the guys that night!" Whined Joey
"Well you will just have to cancel them. And no buts."
"Fine."
"Well that was all I have to say except I expect all of you to be on your best behavior." Grandma Taka mainly looked at Joey and Casey, "Now you may go. Oh except you Serenity I would like a word with you in the next room."
Serenity followed Grandma Taka into the next room.
"Yes?"
"In the letter your Grandfather and I received from Governor Makoto he said that Jinto asked specifically if you could come as well. He said that you made quite the impression on Jinto. Serenity if you play your cards right you might just land yourself a exceptional husband with a powerful job title." Before Serenity could say anything Grandma Taka added, "Just think about it sweetie." With that she left
"Well this is one thing Seto is not going to hear about." Serenity shook her head then went back to her room
(Wednesday Evening: Kaiba Corp)
Dr. Jonas had finally given Serenity permission to go back to work. Serenity liked being back, but she could have gone without all the work. Seto had done his best to make sure she wouldn't have a tone of work to do when she got back, but with planning Battle City 2 there was still a lot of work left to do.
Serenity finally got through the large stack of city permits that Seto had asked her to make sure were in order. As she finished filing the last of the permits when she glanced at the clock.
"CRAP!" The digital clock read 10:30 "I am like 5 hours late for meeting Joey at the Domino Pizza Parlor!"
Serenity gathered the permits that did need to be looked over and ran into Seto's office.
"Seto! Here are the permits that need to be looked over! I am sorry, but I have to go! I am so late!"
"Wooh, wooh. What is going on?" Seto came around the desk putting his hands on Serenity's shoulders
"I was suppose to meet Joey for dinner at 6! It is now 10:30!"
"Fine. But before you go…" Seto leaned down a kissed Serenity gently on the lips
"Don't." Serenity said softly pushing him back
"Don't do what?" Seto asked before kissing her again this time deepening slightly
"That."
"Why not? You're already late." Seto caught her lips with his, deepening the kiss once more. Serenity didn't push him away or try to take control of the kiss like she had done on so many other occasions. This time she simply relaxed in Seto's arms and let him control the kiss. Like he said she was already late.
(45 Minutes before: Serenity and Joey's House)
"I have looked all over town for her and there is no sign of her. She isn't even answering her cell phone!" Joey exclaimed falling back on to the sofa of the rec room. "Have any of you heard from Serenity since I called."
"Sorry man she hasn't called." Said Tristan looking at the caller id screen on the phone for the billionth time.
"Joey it is probably nothing. More then likely Kaiba is keeping her at the office late tonight because of all the work he missed." Said Tea trying to keep Joey calm, every one could her the agitation building in his voice.
"It's either that or they are out on a da…" Before Mai could get the word 'date' out of her mouth Casey started coughing like crazy.
"Casey are you okay!" Duke asked patting her on the back
"Fine…(more coughing)…just swallowed wrong…(Coughing)…Mai would you come with me to the kitchen to get some water?"
"Sure hun." Mai got up and followed Casey into the kitchen with Mika close behind
Once in the kitchen Mika closed the door after making sure no one had followed them.
"What the hell were you thinking out there Mai! That is if you can even think period! You almost spilled Serenity secret out there!" Casey yelled, although not loud enough for the others to hear
"Serenity trusted you with that secret! And to think we thought it would be possible for you to keep that gossipy mouth of yours shut for once in you life!" Mika was just a furious as Casey
"I'm sorry okay! I didn't mean for it to slip out!"
"Do you ever Mai?" Mai just looked at her shoes "We better get back out there before someone comes in." Casey took a deep breath and walked out of the kitchen, but the second she stepped out the door she wished she hadn't.
Joey was trying to pull on his bike jacket well searching for his keys at the same time. Normally this would have been an amusing site if not for the fact that he was more then likely going after Serenity.
"Joey she should be home in a little while." Reassured Tea
"I'm going after her. End of conversation."
Joey ran out the door, hoped on his motorcycle and speed out of the driveway.
"I think we should warn Serenity." Suggested Casey
"Way ahead of you Casey and she's not answering." Replied Mika
"Guys is something going on here that we don't know about?" Asked Duke
"Umm…" Mika was extremely uncomfortable
"You might want to sit down for this one." Casey said taking a deep breath
(45 minutes later: Kaiba Corp)
The guard let Joey into the building after he showed the guard his ID proving he was Serenity's brother. Once passed the guard Joey bypassed the elevators and ran straight up the stairs. By the time he reached the top where Kaiba's office is, Joey had to stop momentarily to catch his breath before bursting into Kaiba's lobby.
"SERENITY!"
(Inside Seto's office)
"What was that?" Serenity broke kiss looking towards the door hearing Joey's muffled yell
"Did you leave the radio on?"
"I must of. But I could have sworn someone yelled my name."
"I highly doubt that." Seto kissed Serenity's neck this time causing Serenity to giggle a little
"Seto you can't do that." Seto looked at her with a confused look on his face. "It's not that I don't like it, but Joey is bound to notice if there is a mark on my neck. Surprisingly he is not that oblivious especially when it comes to his baby sister."
"Fine." Serenity shook her head and caught Seto off guard by kissing him
(Back in the lobby)
Joey knew Serenity was still at the office because her things were sitting on the desk. It looked as if she had been ready leave Joey wondered why she hadn't. He looked in all the rooms and she wasn't in any of them. That left only one place he hadn't checked: Kaiba's office. Fuming Joey made his why from the conference room to Kaiba's office.
Flinging open the doors Joey stormed into Kaiba's office "WHERE IS MY SISTER!"
Serenity broke the kiss at the sound of Joey's voice freezing with horror as she realized that he worst fear had become a reality.
"I'll get rid of him." Whispered Seto
Slowly Seto turned around making sure he blocked Joey's view of Serenity. "What do you want mutt?"
"WHERE THE HELL IS MY SISTER!"
"I don't know you tell me?"
"DON'T PLAY GAMES WITH ME! I KNOW SHE IS HERE! HER STUFF IS STILL ON HER DESK! NOW WHERE IS SHE!"
Quietly Serenity pulled herself up onto the desk as to hide her feet from Joey's view. 'Thank god Seto wears trench-coats' she thought. As she looked down to make sure he feet were fully out of view she had to slap her hand over her mouth to keep from gasping. On the floor next to Seto's feet was her coat. It had been draped around her arm when she came in. It must have fallen off her arm and there was no way Serenity could reach down and grab it with out Joey noticing.
"I don't keep tabs on your sister mutt go find her yourself." Seto crossed his arms over his chest
Joey had enough he ran at Seto grabbing his trench-coat "WHERE IS SHE!" Joey pushed Seto back causing him to knock into Serenity. Serenity tried to stop herself from falling, but failed miserably. Serenity fell off the side of Seto's desk taking his clock, pencil holder, and a few files with her.
Joey and Seto stood stunned as Serenity closed her eyes breathing in deeply trying not to panic. Seto brushed the stunned Joey aside and went to help Serenity up. As Joey stepped back slightly he noticed Serenity's coat on the floor where Kaiba had been standing. Joey didn't know what to make of this first Serenity falls off Kaiba's desk and then there was her coat on the floor, his brain jumped to the wrong conclusion.
"GET AWAY FROM HER YOU BASTARD!" Joey grabbed Seto by the shoulders throwing him away from Serenity "HOW DARE YOU TOUCH HER!" Joey advanced on Seto punching him in the face
"JOEY NO! IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!" Serenity ran to her brother trying to pull him of Seto
"I WON'T LET HIM GET AWAY WITH TOUCHING YOU!" Joey pushed Serenity to the side knocking her to the ground charging at Seto once again.
This time Seto caught Joey fist gripping it as he got to his feet. Seto twisted Joey's arm then threw him to the ground. With a look of disgust at Joey he walked over to Serenity helping to her feet. Seto lifted up her chin checking to make sure she was unharmed.
"You're not hurt are you?"
"No I'm fine."
"Let…go…of…her…" Joey was gasping for breath as he got up off the floor
"Joey this is not what you think. Seto was not trying to take advantage of me. We have been dating for over a mouth now."
"Let me guess Kaiba threaten you if you didn't say that? Why else would you say something so stupid."
"Because it is true." Hissed Seto
"YOU ASSHOLE!" Joey ran at Seto again. Seto shielded Serenity and grabbed Joey by the neck. Picking him up off the ground Seto walked over to the door and threw Joey into the lobby
"Now get out before I call security."
Joey scrambled to his feet, "Come on Serenity we are leaving." Joey made his way to the door, "Now." Then he left
"I will see you later okay."
"Don't let him get to you."
"I won't." Seto leaned down and kissed her gently "Bye."
Serenity grabbed her stuff off the desk and left the office.
(Later: Joey and Serenity's house)
Joey burst through the doors and began to pace waiting for Serenity to get home. The rest of the gang watched either from the doorway to the downstairs room or from the stairs going upstairs. Joey paced like mad men.
Finally Serenity was home. She came walking in with her head down and a sad look in her eyes. She walked right passed Joey who tried to block her way and headed up stairs.
"YOU OWE ME AN EXPLONATION SERENITY!"
"No I don't!"
"I WANT TO KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON BACK THERE AND WHY THE HELL YOU WERE PROTECTING KAIBA!"
"I told you already we are dating. I am Seto Kaiba's girlfriend."
"HE IS USING YOU SERENITY!"
"No he isn't! He agreed to keeping it a secret when he could have used it to destroy you!"
"THAT IS NOT TRUE!"
"Yes it is!" Piped in Casey "They have been dating and I have helped them keep it a secret."
"HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN?"
"The whole time."
"Me too." Added Mika
"MAI? TEA?"
"No." said Tea
"Yes." Said Mai meekly
"MY OWN GIRLFRINED KNEW AND DIDN'T TELL ME!"
"Because they knew you would do this Joey!" Serenity yelled from the stairs "We all knew you would blow it out of proportion."
"THAT IS BECAUSE MY LITTLE SISTER, WHO I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO PROTECT, WENT AND MADE THE DUMBEST DISION OF HER LIFE!"
"What dating Seto? And who would you have me date? Duke? Oh no you don't trust him enough and besides he is Casey's boyfriend. Oh I know! You would have me date Tristan because he is safe! Well guess what I chose Seto Kaiba and nothing you can say is going to change my mind!"
"SERENITY WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU THINKING? I TOLD YOU NOT TO GO NEAR HIM! HE IS DERANGED, DANGEROUS, AND HE USES PEOPLE. YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A TOOL TO HIM TO GET TO ME! HE DOESN'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT YOU! HE IS JUST LETTING YOU THINK HE DOES SO HE CAN GAIN YOUR TRUST!" Joey took a breath, "I AM JUST TRYING TO PROTECT YOU!"
Slowly over the course of the fight the sadness in Serenity eyes had been replaced with anger and pain and now she let it loose, "WELL GUESS WHAT JOEY? I AM NOT A LITTLE GIRL ANYMORE AND I DON'T NEED ANY PROTECTION! ESPESALLY FROM AN OVER BEARING OLDER BROTHER LIKE YOU WHO THINKS NOTHING OF OTHERS, BUT THINKS THE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND HIM! SO DO ME A BIG FAVOR AND STOP TRYING TO RUN MY LIFE! BECAUSE IT IS JUST THAT: MY LIFE!"
With that last comment Serenity ran up to her room and slammed the door.
(Well the cat is out of the bag now and Joey is way beyond pissed off. Mai almost spilled the beans, but thankfully Casey started coughing before she could. Anyways I hoped you all enjoyed this chapter and once again I am sorry for it being so late, but I am afraid my next one might be just as late. It is the last months of my senior year and I need to keep my grades up so my computer time will be limited. Don't worry because come summer I should be able to post basically every month. REVIEW PLEASE!)
(And now for the well loved blooper)
(Director): Okay let's start from where Tristan is walking towards Sakura Court.
(Helper 1): Act 10, Scene 5, take 78
(Director): AND ACTION!
Tristan walked down the hall towards Sakura Court re-reading the note he had found that morning on his desk. It read:
Dear Tristan Taylor,
I have been wanting to tell you for sometime now that I like you but I didn't know how. Would you meet me under the main tree in Sakura Court at lunch?
Your Secret Admirer
Tristan knew it was too much to hope that it was Serenity. She had shown no interest in him even during the dance. In fact she seemed more annoyed with him then anything and seemed to tolerate his presence for Joey's sake. Still he held on to that small measure of hope that this secret admirer would be Serenity.
Tristan and Mika both noticed each other at the same exact time. A look of shock appeared on both of their faces, but Mika's quickly turned to a look of disgust.
/Tristan just kept walking ignoring the look on Mika's face and the tree root sticking up out of the ground/
"You sent me thi…" /Tristan never finished what he was say because he tripped over the tree root in front of him landing right on top of Mika. And if you have ever heard the expression what did your lips break his fall, well lets just say this time they literally did/
(Director): …
(Helper 1)/Whispers to Helper 2/ umm he isn't stopping.
(Helper 2): I bet you 100 she'll kill him for it too.
/The two Helpers and the Director watched as Mika flipped Tristan over/
(Mika): How dare you/Punches Tristan in the face then walks off/
(Helper 2)/looks at Helper 1/ Pay up.
