A/N: Thank you to everyone who reviewed! I am a young writer and I appreciate the constructive criticism and the encouragement. I have not had the chance to improve over the past year because my school didn't offer grammar. Gomen to all the more intelligent readers who are expecting something more. I am just a simple girl who seriously needs to take a writing class. I also focus on a lot of humor and gushy romance and I am rarely serious so if you are looking for a serious story Gomen but this isn't it! Thank you (to whomever I haven't scared off) for reading. Oh, and there are some spoilers and speculations for the whole Dartz arc of Yu-Gi-Oh, and watch out for the major Joey/Mai fluff I just had to put in here. I hope you enjoy the next chapter.
A/N2: Serenity is sixteen and Seto is eighteen
Chapter Two: Drizzle
Serenity woke to the early morning sun shining down on her, gently warming her skin. She stretched and groaned, moving from her comfortable position to glance at the clock on her night stand. 7:30 A.M. glared back at her in bright red. She was just about to roll over and snuggle up again when a delicious smell reached her nose. She flopped out of bed and headed down the hallway. Once she reached the parlor she was surprised to see none other than Mai stretched out on the couch, sound asleep, a blissful expression on her face. Serenity smiled and headed to the kitchen hoping to locate that delicious smell. Serenity giggled at the sight before her. There was Joey flipping a pancake, 'Kiss the cook' apron around his waist, and humming a happy tune. Joey heard her giggle and turned to face her.
"Mornin' Ren," Greeted Joey. He had the biggest smile Serenity had ever seen plastered on his face.
"Good morning Joey. Somebody seems happy, and by the way, when did Mai get here?" Serenity asked.
"In fact I am very happy, and she got here last night," Said Joey trying but failing to keep his grin from getting any bigger.
"Oh, I see," Said Serenity winking and taking a seat at the kitchen table. Joey just went back to making breakfast. A few minutes later Mai walked in with a smile rivaling Joey's on her face.
"Hey Mai," Greeted Serenity.
"Hey Serenity," Mai greeted back taking a seat next to Serenity.
"Mornin' Mai, did you sleep okay?" Joey asked putting the last of the food on the table and sitting next to Mai. They gave each other a quick morning kiss and Serenity couldn't help but wish she had that.
"Especially if it was with a very handsome CEO," She thought before berating herself by whacking her forehead with her hand, earning strange looks from Joey and Mai. Serenity smiled reassuring them she hadn't gone completely insane before digging into her breakfast.
After they all ate and cleaned up Joey went to take a shower leave Mai and Serenity some girl time.
"So Mai, now that Joey's gone I want all the juicy details," Said Serenity eagerly. Mai smiled at the girls enthusiasm before nodding her head and beginning her tale.
"Okay let's see, I guess I need to explain a little before I tell you about last night. Well…ever since the Dartz thing when I lost my good side and finally got it back after forever I realized how much Joey means to me. To be honest I knew I was in love with him way before then, but I never realized how deep my feelings actually went. When I realized all the things he had done for me even though I was all evil, I was determined to tell him how I feel, even if he didn't feel the same way. So I came here," Said Mai.
"And…what happened?" Asked Serenity anxiously.
"Well you see, once I came to your door…"
Flashback
"Should I go in? What if he doesn't feel the same way? Maybe he thinks I am too much of a snob. I really want him to know though. I am so nervous! I need to just go in there and tell him! But if I tell him…" Mai debated with herself until the door in front of her opened to reveal a confused but not unhappy Joey.
"Umm…hey Mai. Whatcha doin' here?" Asked Joey curiously as he leaned on his doorpost. Mai's face blanched.
"Umm…I was just passing through and I thought I would pay you a visit, since I haven't seen you and Serenity in a while," Explained Mai trying desperately to keep her nerves in check.
"Okay, come on in. Serenity is sleeping though so I hope you don't mind just my company," Said Joey with a soft smile that made Mai weak in the knees. Joey seemed to notice and took Mai's arm gently and pulled her inside. "You must be tired. Here, come sit down," Joey said sitting her on the couch and sitting next to her. He was close enough to her that Mai could feel his body heat.
"Thanks Joey," Mai said giving him a small smile.
"No problem Mai. So how ya been? Are you feeling okay? Ever since that whole incident with that idiot Dartz I've been worried about you," Said Joey, genuine concern shining in his eyes. Mai was touched by his concern.
"I'm fine Joey. You were really worried about me?" She asked quietly.
"Umm…yeah of course Mai. You are my friend after all, and well…you see…" Joey stuttered nervously a light blush coloring his cheeks.
"Aw Joey, you're so sweet!" Said Mai impulsively throwing her arms around Joey's neck and hugging him. Joey's blush darkened but he put his arms around Mai's waist. They stayed like that for a few moments neither wanting to let go. Finally, Joey pulled back but only enough so their eyes could meet.
"Hey Mai?" Asked Joey softly.
"Yeah Joey?" Asked Mai, a curious smile on her face.
"I want to tell you something that I have been wanting to tell you for a long time now," Said Joey seriously.
"What is it Joey?" Asked Mai. Her heartbeat sped up in anticipation and terror of what he might say next.
"Mai…well this is really hard for me to say…but well you see…I am in love with you. I understand if you don't feel the same way, but I just wanted you to know," Joey said. Once he had it all out he let out a deep breath and looked into Mai's eyes trying to gauge her reaction. Mai was shacked to say the least.
"Did he just say what I thought he said?" Mai thought for a moment before realization dawned on her "He's in love with me!"
"Umm…Mai, please don't leave me hangin'," Joey asked with a nervous chuckle. A smile made its way onto Mai's face.
"Oh Joey you idiot, I love you too!" Mai yelled before kissing him with all she had. Joey responded with equal fervor.
End flashback
"So we fell asleep on the couch a little while after that," Finished Mai shrugging but keeping an insanely happy smile on her face. Serenity smile and gave Mai a big hug.
"I am so glad you two are finally together! It only took you like forever!" Serenity said. Mai laughed.
"You're telling me," She said. Serenity noticed the time and gasped.
"I only have an hour before he gets here!" She yelled springing up from the couch.
"Who?" Asked Mai surprised at Serenity's sudden movement.
"Seto wants to meet with me to talk to me about something," Serenity said somewhat guiltily.
"Oh so now you're calling him Seto," Said Mai with a knowing smile.
"I did?" Serenity asked trying to sound innocent, but Mai could see right through her.
"Go, have fun, don't worry about Joey. I'll take care of him," Said Mai gently pushing Serenity down the hall towards her room.
"Are you sure?" Serenity asked.
"Yeah, now go get dressed," Mai said giving Serenity a wink.
"Thanks Mai," Serenity said entering her room and closing the door behind her.
"She'll be good for him," Mai said to herself before walking off to find Joey.
50 minutes later
Serenity poked her head out her bedroom door to see if the coast was clear. Seeing it was she quickly tiptoed out the door and made her way outside. To her surprise, leaning on his black limousine, patiently waiting was none other than Seto Kaiba himself.
"You're early," She greeted with a small smile.
"So are you," He greeted back, surprising her by giving her a small smile back. She suddenly felt like the temperature had risen ten degrees.
"It can't be because of his smile," She told herself. "Although his eyes do light up when he smiles even slightly." Serenity shook herself internally and focused on the present.
"So, what did you want to discuss?" Serenity asked.
"Not here, get in," Seto Kaiba ordered as he opened the limo door.
"Why?" She asked not intending to make this easy for Kaiba in any way.
"Can you please just get in," Kaiba sighed exasperated.
"Fine," Serenity said sliding in the limo. Seto slipped in next to her.
"So, where are we going?" Serenity asked. Quite frankly she was extremely curious.
"To the park where we can talk in relative peace," Said Seto meeting her gaze. Serenity didn't back down. There was no way she was going to let him intimidate her. They held each other's gazes until the limo parked signifying they had arrived. The driver came around and opened the door for them. Seto got out first and offered his hand to Serenity. She took it. Seto marveled at how soft her skin was. He shook those thoughts away as she got out and immediately let go of her hand.
"Can you tell me now? The suspense is killing me," Said Serenity. Seto laughed lightly, a real laugh devoid of scornfulness or taunting. Serenity found she loved the sound of his laugh. It was so soft and gentle.
"Alright I'll tell you," Said Seto sitting down on a bench. Serenity sat next to him and waited for him to explain. "There is this annual ball for the CEOs of leading companies in the world and since I am eighteen I have to attend now, and well you see there is this requirement that all attendees have to bring a date," Said Seto actually looking nervous.
"And why are you telling me this?" Asked Serenity once again making it as difficult as possible for Seto. She wanted to get a just a little, tiny bit of revenge for all the times Seto made fun of Joey. Seto shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"I was wondering if you would accompany me seeing as no one else will?" Seto grinded his teeth. This was dealing a huge blow to his ego, but he was desperate. Ishizu had refused and he was not going with one of those money hungry hussies. Serenity was his final choice. Not to mention there was a certain fire in Serenity that Seto admired. She might actually keep him awake during this no doubt boring occasion he was forced to attend.
Serenity was shocked. THE Seto Kaiba was asking HER to attend a BALL with him! This would prove to be a very interesting occasion. Joey was gunna kill her though. Serenity smiled.
"Sure Kaiba, I'll go with you," Said Serenity, "But I don't have anything to wear."
"Don't worry about that. It will be taken care of," Said Seto giving an internal sigh of relief that he finally had a date.
"So, when is this ball anyways?" Asked Serenity.
"It's tomorrow night," Said Seto.
"Wow, someone's waiting till the last minute," Serenity teased.
"Ha ha, I'll pick you up at five thirty," Said Seto getting up and starting to walk back to the limo. Serenity followed and they both got in. They spent the ride back to her apartment in companionable silence. When he dropped her off she quietly snuck back into the house. When she walked past Joey's room she heard quiet sounds that made her smile as she went to her room and closed the door behind her. Tomorrow would prove to be a most interesting day.
To Be Continued…
A/N: I am so sorry this took me so long to update. School is ending and I have to get the last issue of the school newspaper out and I have so many things my family is making me do! I am so sorry! hopefully the third chapter won't take so long. Please review!
