A/N: I so do not own Yu-Gi-Oh...

Thank you Megs for playing beta this chapter...

Nothing much to say, just, before you all get too upset remember this is romance...ok? If you still hate me in the end-fire at will (just know that if you kill me I cannot continue).

Chapter 30

Silence Speaks as Loud as War

"Where is my sister?" Joey came in fully enraged. Even though Mokuba had said she was fine, Joey wouldn't believe it until he saw it with his own eyes. Kaiba was walking down the stairs; he had just left Serenity, his heart aching to soothe her wounds.

"What have you done with her?" Joey growled as his eyes locked with Kaiba's.

"She's comfortable." Kaiba bit out, he honestly didn't want to share her, not even with her own brother. Where had this fierceness come from? He wasn't sure.

"Where Money Bags?" Joey wouldn't play games—he needed to see his sister, he was sure she needed him.

"She's in my bedroom." Kaiba scowled. Not even thinking how that would sound to Serenity's brother. He didn't expect the left hook Joey threw. Kaiba nearly fell, but simply stumbled and regained himself.

"What the hell do you mean your bedroom?"! Joey snapped, ready to hit the object of his hatred again. Mai quickly jumped on Joey, grabbing his arm and turning him towards her.

"Calm down!" She yelled. "What are you crazy? After what we've all been through? You come in here swinging first?" Joey's eyes began to clear as Mai's words got through to him. "I'm sure there is a perfectly good explanation for why she's in his bedroom." Mai closed her eyes. She prayed this wasn't the way Joey would learn of the budding love affair—between his sister and the enemy.

"The two safest rooms in this place are mine and Mokuba's bedrooms." Kaiba explained, with a growl. "I wanted to ensure her safety."

"Just stay the hell away from my sister, she repaid you in full. You may have saved her, but she saved you more." Joey spoke through clenched teeth.

Kaiba quickly spat directions to his room. Joey, Mai, and Tea quickly raced up the stairs. Kaiba started to walk, but he wasn't sure where to go.

"Kaiba," Yugi called out. Kaiba stopped, not turning around. "She saved you in more than one way-didn't she…" Kaiba grunted and left. Yugi smiled, the small bit of darkness that still lingered around Seto had dissipated. Something had changed. Yugi looked up the long flight and smiled. There was a different air about Kaiba. Yugi was curious, but wouldn't say anything--not just yet.

The door slammed open to find Serenity curled on the couch sipping a cup of tea. The first thing Joey noticed was she was alive, the second was the bruise, and the third was Kaiba's deep blue shirt. He quickly ran to her and scooped her in his arms, holding her there on the couch. Serenity was trying to breathe, struggling against her brother's intense hold. She kept tapping his shoulder, trying to get him to release her. Her teacup sat, emptying on the floor.

"Joey!" Mai finally snapped. "Let the girl breathe for heaven's sake!" Mai and Tea finally approached the couch as Yugi walked in. Mai quickly dropped a linen napkin on the wet stain to blot it up.

Serenity was released and she sat back, panting a little.

"Did Kaiba hurt you?" Joey asked as his eyes narrowed, "just give me the order and I'll…" It was then he noticed the look in his little sister's eyes. It confirmed his suspicions, she was…and he now knew it… When had she fallen in love with Kaiba? More curious than that—why? He wanted to ask her, maybe he could shake them out of her. When had she developed feelings for his worst enemy? How could he make her see that Kaiba was all wrong for her? Then again, Joey was beginning to doubt his own judgments of people. Tristan was a great case in point. Not that he ever deemed Tristan worthy of his sister, but at least he thought Tristan would be a great friend. Maybe he wasn't one who should judge. Not now at least.

Joey sat back and listened as Serenity softly explained what had happened. She didn't go into too many gory details, scared that she would get a bunch of condescending speeches. She had saved Kaiba, and even if her worth to him was gone now, her heart still loved him.

After awhile, Serenity explained she wanted to go to sleep. She asked everyone for a bit of peace so she could rest.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" Joey asked, his eyes full of concern.

"Stay…until I fall asleep…" She smiled sadly at him. He gladly climbed on the bed with her and stroked her hair until her breathing became even and deep.

Finally, and with great reluctance, he let her go. He looked down at her for a few moments. She wasn't a child anymore. Going through hell aged a person, he just hoped it wouldn't destroy the girl in her.

Everyone else wandered down to the living room and then the dining room. Mokuba made sure they all had plenty of food and the best rooms in the mansion. Mokuba would see to their comfort, while Kaiba locked himself in his office. Why hadn't she called for him, Kaiba wondered as he paced? It was hours ago he had left her and yet, still—nothing. His heart, a heart she had helped him discover, was aching.

Day turned into night, and suddenly the mansion was quiet and still. Kaiba wandered the halls, each time coming closer to her door, his door, but he didn't dare enter it. He recalled a time by the lake when he held her in his bed, how she cuddled in his arms, how perfect it all was. He softly shook his head. Could it all be over? Was she so disappointed in him? He thought and rethought those last few moments at Taylor's home. There really was nothing he could have done differently. His wrists were aching—the gashes were deep. In the battle of flesh and bone versus metal—metal would always come out the victor.

"What are you waiting for?" A familiar voice asked his back. Kaiba turned, his displeasure apparent in menacing glacial eyes. Mai was leaning against the wall, watching him with renewed interest.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" He snapped at her.

Mai wasn't impressed with his anger. "You should be in there with her. She needs you, I can see it in her eyes." Mai watched his expression change and go soft, if only for an instant. "The whole time we were in there, with her, she kept looking towards the door. She was waiting for you."

"She has her brother," Kaiba's eyes wandered as if looking for an escape route. Could Valentine's words be true? Was Serenity waiting for him? If she had simply called him, he would have ran to her. What if Mai was wrong? If Serenity wanted his absence and he intruded she would hate him. He sighed heavily, deep in thought—and feeling lost. He never gambled; he always knew the opponent and had back up plans. How does one back them self up when it comes to matters of this magnitude?

"She'll always have her brother, but she needs you now." Mai's eyes flashed anger. "She risked a helluva lot for you, don't leave her with thoughts of inadequacy. She doesn't deserve that."

"I'll do what I have to do." He grunted as he turned and started to leave.

"For a so-called genius, you're pretty stupid." Mai tossed at him before she went back into her room. Mai leaned against the door. He was an idiot, plain and simple. Arrogance would be his downfall, what a joke. Poor Serenity would suffer because that man's ego was bigger than most could imagine.

Mai watched Joey sleeping soundly, the moonlight shining in and playing on his features. A smile crept across her lips. Thankfully, she knew where she belonged. She was sure those two would figure it all out as well, hopefully sooner—not later.

Kaiba wandered for a bit longer. Suddenly, he found himself inside the room, with her. He couldn't recall opening the door, but there he was. She was settled in the center of his bed, covers down around her waist, one of his shirts clinging on her form, fiery hair splayed across his pillows. Angelic, perfect, amazing—she encompassed all things for him. How long he stayed there he didn't know, just watching—not daring to move. Fearing the slightest movement or sound would destroy the tranquility.

She shifted at one point and he moved towards her warmth—like a moth to a flame. So close, and yet a world away. Shaky, dexterous, fingers lifted a lock of hair. Sitting on the bed he leaned in; she was within his reach now. She had touched him earlier, why didn't she ask him to hold her? Why? He felt so inferior and unwanted. Softly and slowly he traced the bruise on her face. War wounds caused by him, indirectly, but still… Would she ever forgive him; could he ever forgive himself?

Her eyes opened slowly, blinking back sleep, trying to focus on the figure leaning above. Kaiba pulled back, when her eyes started to settle on him. Turning on her side, she regarded him with tired eyes.

"How are you feeling?" He whispered, stroking the hair away from her face.

"Better," she closed her eyes, loving how gentle he was being. Begging him, without words, not to stop.

"Is there anything that I can do for you?" He asked, feeling completely…helpless. When had he ever felt like this before? He frowned. She snickered.

"What do you find so amusing?" He asked in a hushed tone. A bit annoyed that he was trying to be serious and she was acting like a child.

She rolled onto her back again and stared up at the ceiling. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. How could a wall have gone up between them? When had it happened? He didn't understand.

"This…us…" She turned her head in his direction. "We're acting like…well, like we hardly know each other. It makes no sense." Her eyes captured his.

"Would it be better if I did this…" He leaned down and captured her mouth with his, gently and slowly. No possession, no claiming, just a soft sweetness he had never shown before. When he broke the kiss he lingered, just above her sweet lips.

"Stay and hold me…Seto…please." She turned away from him as he slipped off his shoes. Gently he spooned her, holding her against him, trying to erase the events of the day. Ever being mindful of the bruises and cuts, of the hurts and the aches.

She sighed gently, "I'm glad you're free." It felt too wonderful to feel this wanted, this protected. She smiled into the darkness; her heart skipping beats as his fingers stroked her softly. He was soothing her, gentling her. Did he even realize it? She slipped back to sleep, there, in the dark, cuddled in his arms.

He wanted to understand, but he began to blur with the stars. Tomorrow he would make everything better; he would heal her. Tonight, he just needed to assure himself that she was safe. Time would heal her and rid her mind of the ordeal she was forced through, and he would…be there. Simply be there—he finally understood.

"Serenity, I love you," he whispered against her neck, right before he drifted off to join her.

The morning came fast and furious. The cold, hard, harsh light of day replaced the cool and calming moon and celestial bodies. Serenity rolled over, feeling sheets that had been abandoned before her eyes had opened. Had it been a dream? No, he had been there, holding her. She was sure of it. She could still feel him on her skin. His familiar cologne, his signature scent, lingered like a prayer. It was better now. She sat up and rubbed her arm lightly, it hurt worse this morning.

She showered and dressed—as quickly as her sore body would allow. Maybe she could catch Seto before the others came down. A smile quickly replaced the solemn expression on her face. Suddenly nothing felt bad anymore, even the hell she had been put through—it was all worth it now. She left the room, wearing some of Seto's clothes again. It seemed as if this was a growing routine with him. She shrugged, it was almost as if he was right there with her, gently hugging her.

Unfortunately everyone was up, she noticed, and seated around the dining room table. So much for enjoying a private moment, she shrugged as she took a seat. The obligatory 'good mornings' were exchanged, as were the gasps at her black eye.

"It's too bad Money Bags left so early—he should see what price you paid to help him." Joey mumbled as he filled his plate with pancakes.

"He left?" Serenity asked, feeling her heart sink. She thought maybe he would stay home with her today, but apparently work called louder. As her smile faded, a maid came in with several envelopes. She handed one to each member of the table; everyone received one except Tea.

"What is this?" Joey asked the envelope.

"Open it and find out." Mai said sarcastically, adding that the paper wouldn't answer his question.

There was a collective gasp as each pulled out a slip of paper.

"What is this?" Mai looked shocked, as she held and stared at a cashier's check for a half million dollars. Joey's expression was just as perplexed as Yugi's.

"Mr. Kaiba instructed to give you this, as well." She handed a letter to Mai.

"It simply says 'for services rendered.' I don't get it." Mai shrugged.

Serenity's heart broke in that instant. She was being paid 'for services rendered'?

Mokuba came in all full of cheer, but halted when he saw the confused looks.

"Did I miss something?" He asked no one in particular.

Mai reached across the table and handed him the brief note. He stood as his eyes glided over the simple line.

Mokuba frowned, "what the hell is this suppose to mean?" He looked immediately at Serenity; her hands were beginning to shake as she held the check. Tears, that she could hold no longer, trickled down her cheeks.

She fled the room, excusing herself and leaving the check on her plate. She really had nowhere to run. No room to flee to, no privacy that could be her own, and no plan she had come up with before she left.

Her friends and brother were still sitting there, probably shocked. She was shattered. She had rendered a service? Was almost sleeping with him a service as well? Or was it almost being raped, to save him, considered a service? What defined 'service' in the Kaiba dictionary? She suddenly felt sick, knowing she would be 'rendering' her breakfast to a toilet—she ran to the nearest one—in Kaiba's room.

Mokuba was mad as hell at his big brother. How could he do this? Serenity had sacrificed so much, almost more than any one person could handle, and this was how he repaid her? He pushed away from the table and quickly left the mansion, he was off to find Seto and pound some sense into him. He was sure his big brother could kick the crap out of him, not that he ever would, but Mokuba was determined to get in a few good hits before he went down.

He drove quickly, too quickly, and arrived at Kaiba Corp. with vengeance in his heart and eyes. This was the final straw. His brother had been allowed to get along with these insults and aggravations for too long. Now it was time that Seto Kaiba grew the hell up.

Mokuba stormed into Kaiba's office like a demon ready to make final judgment. "What the hell did you do?"

Kaiba excused himself from the phone and gently placed it back in the cradle. "What is the problem kiddo?" Blue eyes were wide in shock, at the tone Mokuba used.

"You…you gave them checks?" Mokuba managed. "For services rendered?" The boy was hardly holding onto his anger. "Have you lost your mind Seto!"?

Kaiba blinked a few times in confusion. "Did you think I should have given them more? I could easily…"

Mokuba stormed over to the large desk and slammed his fists on it. "You don't get it do you?" He yelled into Kaiba's deadpan face. "You…you…" Mokuba couldn't finish before there was a knock at the door. Kaiba held his hand up to silence Mokuba while he stood up and got the door. He quickly signed for a package and feverishly opened it. Mokuba watched his brother with interest. His anger not ebbing, but momentarily halted.

A smile threatened to spread across Kaiba's face, a true smile. Mokuba's mouth fell open. It had been years since he had seen Seto smiled that way, would he now? What was in the package?

"It's perfect," Kaiba whispered, still ogling the contents of the box. It was as if Mokuba had disappeared, as if he were alone with his treasure. Mokuba, his curiosity getting the better of him, approached.

"What is it?" Mokuba asked, softly.

Kaiba turned the box for Mokuba to see. Nestled in the deep blue box was a ring—a perfect engagement ring. Now poor Mokuba was more confused than ever.

"I called in a favor this morning." Kaiba explained. "I wanted this as soon as possible." He cradled the box in his hand and made his way back to his chair. Placing the box before him, on the desk, he sat back in his chair and stared at it. "Do you think she'll like it?" He asked, another smile almost graced his lips.

Mokuba's mouth opened and closed, making him look more like a fish than a human.

"I figured a blue diamond would be perfect for her. I have a business associate at Harrods whom I called a favor into, he helped me locate and purchase this." He turned the box to show Mokuba again. "It's the blue empress diamond. I wanted something very unique for her, hell; she deserves more after what she's been through. I only hope she likes it."

"You want to-to…I-I don't understand." Mokuba was struggling now.

"I want to marry her," Kaiba helped. "Do you think it's too much? She is so dainty, but," he pulled the ring out of the box and held it to the light, marveling at it. "I want her to think of me when she sees it."

"If…but then why…" Mokuba still looked confused, and his inability to form complete sentences was aggravating Kaiba.

"What is the problem? If you say she deserves better, I would agree, but I'll do my best to make her happy. By the way, could you stay around for a few days before you dash off again? I'd like to take her somewhere special to propose." He thought of the lake, she had wanted to take a boat ride. Well, he would take her on a boat ride she would never forget. "I figured you could hold things down here."

"Why did you give her a check for rendering services to you?" Mokuba spit it out, finally!

"Excuse me?" Kaiba blinked a few times. "I wrote out checks to cash and had them given to her little 'crew'. She didn't get one." Kaiba shrugged as he placed the ring safely in the box, he then flipped it closed and placed it in his chest pocket.

"Serenity received one Seto." Mokuba whispered as his eyes fell. Did he dare tell his brother how devastated she was?

Kaiba's eyes widened in realization, this was bad. The ramifications could be cataclysmic.

Mai ran into Kaiba's room and found Serenity curled near the toilet. She slid down to the floor and stroked Serenity's back. Thankfully, she had convinced the others that Serenity needed some girl talk. Tea looked hurt, but Mai and Serenity were nearly related now, it made sense Serenity would want Mai.

"I thought he loved me Mai," Serenity gasped between sobs. It was the most heart-wrenching sound Mai had ever heard. Seto Kaiba had betrayed her, hell, Tristan actually looked attractive after this maneuver.

"Come on," Mai helped her up and then led Serenity to the couch.

They sat there, Serenity softly crying on Mai's shoulder as she slowly rocked the girl and petted her hair.

"Men suck." Mai soothed. "I just wish you had learned that the…not so hard way."

"Oh Mai," Serenity sat back and wiped her tears with her palms. "He came in here last night and held me all night long. I don't understand. Why? Why do that if you plan on this?" Helplessness washed over her, as a sob escaped.

Mai continued to stroke her hair, attempting to soothe her. "I wish I knew. Kaiba always was…different." Mai didn't get it, but then again, did anyone get the eccentric billionaire? "Do you want us to rip up the checks?" Mai asked seriously.

"No!" Serenity gasped, "cash them all. Hell, if he wants to pay off some debt he feels he owes—let him." She was angry now. "All I ask is for you and Joey to bring me to the airport after you do. I want to get the hell away from here and him as soon as possible."

"What about Tristan? He's some where out there…maybe you should stay and wait until it's safe." Mai suggested.

"Tristan won't even think to look for me in New York. I can't stay here Mai, surely you see that, Kaiba sees me as some kind of…" Serenity swallowed hard. "Whore or prostitute…or something." Serenity looked confused. She stood up and began doing a nervous pace. "You know, for years I had dreams that lingered in me. I spun wonderful fairy tales of princes and white horses…things every normal girl does. Right?"

Mai shook her head, sadly. Joey was her knight, the man who always rescued her and was always there. A man who she gave her hand to, and he presented her with his heart. Everyone should be so lucky. Even as she tried to push him away, he persisted, but never smothered. Now they were together and more in love than ever. She would be his wife soon, and it calmed her. At one point, she was sure it would have terrified, but now it was like a favorite sweater or a warm blanket. It was perfect. Poor Serenity, Mai had hoped it wouldn't end like a train wreck, but here it was—and Serenity was the only causality.

"I thought he was sweet, a bit bitter, coarse and callus, but he always seemed like a lost boy." She bit her lip. "I guess I made him into my prince. Hell, he looks like a prince—doesn't he?" Serenity shook her head. "God! I'm so mad at myself for being sucked in! How could I fall for a pretty face and some pretty words?" Her heart took her back in time to him carrying her in the rain, the motel, the shower, their first kiss; despite her best efforts her tears started again. "If what I felt for Kaiba was real love…remind me of it—if I ever claim to feel it again." She folded her arms across her chest and sighed heavily. "Next time I want to reserve the right to protect myself. Storybook love may be cold, but it doesn't break you. I'll never do this again. Next time I'd rather dream."

The gang left the mansion, despite Kaiba's guards' efforts to keep them there.

"We'll go back to the house and help you pack Sis," Joey offered.

"I'm not going to pack much," she sighed, "you can ship the rest of my things to me once I'm settled. The faster I get thousands of miles in between that asshole and me the better I'll feel." She hated that she wore his expensive shirt. She thought about leaving every memento of him behind, but a part of her needed this reminder of him. Maybe it would help her stay cold and focused.

Joey refused to acknowledge her mistake. He swore he wouldn't say 'I told you so'. Not one foul word left his lips, nothing derogatory was said about Seto Kaiba, he thought it—but never uttered it.

Seto Kaiba left Kaiba Corp. as Serenity zipped her bag shut.

He arrived at his home as she purchased her ticket at the airport.

A/N: Don't get too upset...I love the chase.