A/n: Aloha! Thankie so muchly for da nice reviews! nn I know that last time we left off, Mai was gonna talk to Seto in da last chapter, but I think that'll be for later. Right now, it's best to leave him alone, 'cause he's gonna be an unsupportive jerk later so he's hasta learn a lesson! Yay! I like stories like dat! Stories with a moral. But for now, we'll leave him alone.

Hmmm, thank you very muchly for the name suggestions; it's weird, but I thought of 'Mia' before I read the reviews! I'm glad we're on the same page, at least; no pun intended. I'm still iffy on the 'boy or girl' thing. I keep going back and forth, saying Which? (swirl eyes) Maybe I should give 'em twins, one boy and one girl. But I think that's already been done. I don't want any flamers saying I copied or whatnot. Some reviewers flamed this poor girl, and y'all should've seen da Defense Brigade to da rescue! They flamed the flamers right back. But isn't it true, in essence, they're just doing what was done wrong in the first place? I mean, as an authoress, I put up my work on the internet for criticism knowingly, and yeah, it sucks when people flame my work, but I'm not gonna go kill myself for it! People should count to ten, calm down, and take a relaxing bath before spreading even more hate around in such a public place like the internet! And spread more love instead!

(bows and blushes) Thank you very much. I had to say that. I could rant about it for days, but I won't. Enjoy my chappie.

Disclaimer: I dun own anything I'm not s'posed to. Cleared!

"talking"

thoughts, emphasis

# scene change #

Chapter Seventeen: Who Knows? Everyone Knows!

"Hey, Serenity, its 12:00. Do you want to go get lunch at the Student Union Building?"

Said auburn-haired girl looked up at the pair of identical Chinese twins calling to her from the doorway of the classroom. Actually, it wasn't exactly a classroom per se, more like a musical recording studio at Domino City University. Putting down her pencil, Serenity got up and called, "Yeah, sure, I guess . . . " what a longing glance at her work.

"What're you working on so diligently?" Keli, the more playful of the twins, said teasingly. "I mean, even more so than usual. Honestly, Seren, you're such a workaholic sometimes!"

"Don't pick on her, Keli," said Sheli, the more serious one. "Just because you don't share a dedication to music like us." The three friends began passing other students on their way to the cafeteria, talking and chitchatting. "But anyway, what are you working on?"

Serenity smiled somewhat secretly and mischievously at her friend and her sister. "Well, my friend and brother are getting married" the twins gasped"and I'm assigned to work on the music for the wedding! I'm thinking," she sketched on arm up in the air, " that the theme should be called . . . " she paused, " 'New Beginnings.' " Her words hung for a while in mid-air. "Or something like that. What do you two think?"

"Ohhh, so her brother's getting married," ribbed Keli to her twin smirkingly. "You better hurry up and make your move then!"

"Oh, shut up, Keli," grumbled Sheli, taking a swipe with her paperback folder full of sheet music. "So, Serenity, have you written anything yet? That's a good theme idea."

"A few." I guess I could write lyrics as well and sing, Serenity thought as they got in the food line and she picked out a dill-and-onion flavored yogurt and a slice of pizza with anchovies as they continued to chatter behind her and went to pay the cashier.

Keli said, "There's something different about you Seren, I can't place it…" Quick as a flash, she changed the subjectmuch to Serenity's relief. "So, any stars lately visiting your place?" The blue-black haired girl said eagerly.

"You know it's not my place, Keli," Serenity said sternly with a sidelong glance. "Maybe it's a surprise to you, but I don't own a mansion. I wish, though."

" 'Kaiba Mansion', whatever," Keli said flippantly, with a wave of her bangled hand. "So, is Brons coming again? He's like 50 something but still so hot!"

"No . . . " Often, famous stars and starlets would come visit to give their thanks for making such great games for their children. "Besides, isn't he married?" Serenity handed over a crumpled up five-dollar bill. "Sorry . . . it was squished up, under my wallet."

"O-o-oh n-n-no p-problem," said the young man, taking it from her like it was pure gold. She spoke to me! Blissfully, he pocketed the money and added another five for his pocket to the register instead.

"You know, I think he liked you," Serenity said to Keli about the young man as they walked to the long, crowded lunch tables in the quad.

"Puh lease. He's new here, so he doesn't know about your boyfriend. You were the one getting checked out!"

New, huh? Serenity dared a glance back; the young man waved slightly and hopefully. Quickly she looked away while the twins giggled like crazy at her. Often, boys would come to challenge Kaiba to a duel, and consequently, they would never be heard of from again. She didn't want to think about it; and didn't understand why so many guys wanted her now. Before they started to date, she had been virtually invisible to boys. Guess lots of people have grudges against him, I suppose.

"Dukie-boy hasn't been around lately," Sheli said with a fiendish grin. "Good thing; there's no trees to hide in."

"Oh, not you too!" Serenity groaned with a shudder and changed the subject again. "Keli, actually," she whispered, "the band Evanescence is coming in a few weeks, but keep it quiet"

"What! Really!" the pretty girl squealed loudly. "I L-O-V-E them!"

Serenity smacked her forehead as a crowd, overhearing, gathered around rapidly.

"Who's coming? Is it true?"

"Yeah, so can we come over too?" A bunch of blonde sorority girls, who would never even consider speaking to her, eyed Serenity hopefully. They had been bitter and acidic towards her, saying how she'd sunk her "claws" in one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. I guess they found out about the pregnancy. I have to tell him before someone else does, but how can I when he's out of town! Now their own French-tipped nails tapped at the top of her notebook.

Despite herself, she began to enjoy the sudden popularity. For a moment, she imagined everybody cheering her on, shouting her name over and over in a crowd, 'Serenity! Serenity!' . . . right after a singing performance, and she was on a stage . . .

She was pulled out of her daydream, literally, since Sheli had grabbed her arm and pulled. "Let's get out of here." She pulled her towards the school arcade to escape the crowd, something Serenity thought was pointless, since it was crowded as well and the other crowd followed anyway.

Sheli stopped short as the young man from earlier was on the DDR platform, shyly asking Serenity if she wanted to play with him. "Uh oh," said the twin as Serenity eyed the platform with interest. She knew her best friend liked playing DDR a lot. They both liked anything that dealt with music. Serenity had, in fact, with Seto's help, even wrote some of the songs.

As she stepped on to the platform, Tea's voice cut rapidly through, filled with horror. "Serenity! What are you thinking! You can't be dancing when you're pregnant!"

It was like she'd dropped a bombshell, or maybe pulled a pin of a grenade, and simply walked away. Instant silence. She was sure even the video games all stopped with a screeching halt. Then hushed whispers all around her. She preferred the silence.

Clenching her fists, Serenity turned towards Tea, who looked stricken. "I-I'm sorry, Serenity."

"Miss Wheeler?" The dean's voice sounded awfully loud and cast a ringing in her ears, making her jump. "Come with me." She said sternly, curling a finger, her rimless glasses glinting.

# Meanwhile #

"And, and, I don't know what I should do . . . " Yugi chattered on to Joey, who was rifling through his desk drawer at their dormitory room they shared. "I mean . . . Grandpa was there and . . . he told me to . . .. But I just don't know . . . "

"A-huh. Dat's nice, Yuge," he answered absently, finding his key at last and heading out the door, Yugi following. "Sounded like a nice dream."

"No! It wasn't!" Yugi looked disapprovingly at his best friend. "You're not even listening to me!"

"Course I am. Mr. Motou tolja to move on witcher life, right? An' he tol' ya to make yer move on Tea. So? Whatta ya waiting for?" He moved towards the line of mailboxes down the hall as he spoke.

"Well, I can't . . . I'm not ready . . . I don't know . . . " he sputtered, as Joey took up his mail and leaned against the mailboxes, paging through them. "What if she has a boyfriend already?"

"So?" A jingling sound rang in the quiet hallway. "Hold up a sec, Yuge . . . 'Lo?" He said on his phone.

"Hi, honey. I'm glad to see you're up, at last."

"I'm always up at dis time, Mai." Turning around, Joey missed Yugi's angry face as he continued to talk. "What are you up to now?"

"Eh . . . making plans . . . you know, catering, flowers . . . for a certain wedding." She said with a smile in her voice. At his end he smiled as well.

"Just don't spend too much . . . you know . . . . being in debt isn't a good way to start a marriage."

"I know, but don't worry anything about money. I told you, I have a nest egg hidden somewhere in my bank accounts, and that'll be plenty enough."

"But what about for afta?" He said, worried. He didn't have a permanent job yet, and weddings were expensive. Plus, they had to pay for the honeymoon trip, and find a house to live in as well. "I'm still just a student . . . with an undeclared major at that . . . "

" I told you, don't w-o-r-r-y." She sounded sure of herself. "We'll find a way. And you'll find a job soon. Okay?"

" . . . ok." Man how he wished he was born into money! For the millionth time.

"Now, let me tell you about the patterns I'm picking out, oh they're so adorable . . . "

As she went on and on about flowers and ducks, he looked down at the mail, stuffing one on his mouth as he read. Bills, bills, bills, junk mail . . .. wait what was this? ' You have been accepted to . . . ' "What the?"

"I know! That's what I said to the coordinator! I was like"

"No, no." He ripped open the envelope, saying, "I got a letter from the police . . . force, sayin' somethin' . . . Hey, Yuge, didja sign me up fer this?" he said, turning around, but Yugi wasn't there.

# Meanwhile #

"What did she say, Serenity?" Tea said, following the petite brunette out of the dean's office.

Trying to visibly control her temper, Serenity said calmly, " They said they had to consider whether to kick me out of school or not."

"Oh, my . . . " Tea felt terrible, and angry. "They can't! You've worked so hard to graduate from high school early. I-I going to go speak with them!" She whirled around, started to, and Serenity grabbed her arm.

"NO. You've said enough, thank you."

"But-but" Tea was shocked by the angry expression on Serenity's face. "Don't look at me like that, look on the bright side. At least, now it's out, there's no more secrets!"

"Tea . . . " Serenity was shaking very hard now, "I think you should leave before I " Just then, the twins rushed over, both looking dazed and stunned.

"Is it true, Seren?" Sheli gasped.

"And you didn't tell us?" Keli said with a tear in her eye. "We thought we were your friends!"

"Guys . . . " Serenity began, and then Tea cut her off.

"She needs to be alone right now, so if you don't mind . . . " The twins nodded, and walked off, Keli saying, "I knew there was something!"

"TeA . . . " Serenity growled, for a tense second thinking she might knock her out. Then, exhaling, she felt her old, forgiving nature kick in. She wasn't the type to hold grudges against her friends anyway. Besides, Tea hadn't meant any harm. Why are my friends such blabbermouths? First Mai, then Tea . . .

Tea stood, watching warily, not having missed the look of murder passed through the young girl's eyes. As they walked out the Student Union Building I, she realized she was very deeply afraid for Serenity's safety. Why do I think this won't turn out well? Then again, I have been telling her that, ever since back when she and Kaiba started to date . . .I told her not to ask him out, but Mai said go ahead . . .

Still, she decided to keep it to herself. For once. With an effort, though. They passed the dormitories, where Yugi came out just then.

"Hey, Yugi," Tea called out, mustering cheerfulness. She was glad for his distraction, Serenity still looked lethal. Just then, Joey came out after him.

"Hey, Yuge, where'd ya go?"

Yugi said nothing. It appeared he'd fallen into one of his moods again.

Serenity brightened up at the sight of her brother. "Hey, Joey!"

"Er, hi Serenity," he said, avoiding her eyes. Tea was still looking puzzedly at Yugi, who seemed to be avoiding her eyes. An awkward pause ensued. "Me an' Yuge . . . we were just gonna go pick up Ryou and Tris at the airport . . . you can come if ya like . . . " he went on to his sister looking awkwardly somewhere at the vicinity of the center of her forehead. She kept waving her head all around, trying to catch his eye, but was unsuccessful. Finally, he looked down at his shoes.

"Would I!" she said brightly, forgetting all her worries. Forgetting that Mai had scheduled a doctor's appointment for her to take Lamaze courses. "Sure! Let me grab my jacket." She rushed away.

After she was gone, Joey nudged Yugi, cocking his head over at Tea, who caught the gesture.

"What's going on?" she said sharply, not in the mood for any games.

"Go ahead. Yugi has something to ask ya." Joey moved away to a discreet distance, making shooing motions and then tightening his short blue jacket against the cold.

"Um, ok. Tea, you remember . . . when Kaiba came into the Game Shop and challenged me to a duel?"

"How can I not forget?" she said with a roll of her eyes.

"Well . . . I've decided to . . . take his challenge, after all." He met her eyes briefly.

"Really? Well, that's great! You shouldn't mind what he says, Yugi, which is what I always say, except for this time. You should duel him and kick his you-know-what."

He smiled just a bit. "I just . . . . didn't think I could do it . . . without Yami, I mean. He's the one who'd dueled against him in the past always."

Tea was silent. "I know . . . what you mean."

"But I'm going to try. My hardest I mean. And when I do," he said slowly, to keep the tremor out of his voice, "if I do, will you . . . will you . . . . have dinner at Mendy's . . . with me?" He held his breath then, not daring to make a sound, hearing his own heart beat loudly.

Tea was very shocked. She just stood there, gaping for a while before catching herself. "But what about . . . Rebecca? I thought you two were together."

He bit his lip. "No, we're just friends. Really." Another pause, and he gathered up his courage one last time. "So, what do you think?"

"I" Just then, Serenity came out to join them again, breathless from running.

"Come on, let's go!"

# At the airport #

As they all arrived at Domino Terminal Airport, again, since the last time they'd been there was to pick up Mai and Tea, there was a heavy silence in the air. Everybody seemed to be preoccupied with his or her own worries. Finally, Joey said, his hands on his hips, "Welp. Their flights don't arrive for a while yet, so . . . "

"Are they arriving on the same plane, big brother?" Serenity asked him, as they all made themselves comfortable on the seats of the lobby.

"No. Tristan is comin' first, then Ryou, since he's got a long way ta travel."

Both flights were late, and delayed, so they had to wait a long while in silence. Two other little kids started bickering next to Yugi about a card, when one took the other's away. "Watch," Yugi said to the bullying one, "hold out your fists." Puzzled, the kid do so, glaring. "I put the card in one of your fists, right? If you can guess which one, you keep it."

The kid snorted. "Easy-scheezy. I c'n feel it in my left!" He opened said hand, but there was nothing there.

"What the?" The other opened as well, but there was nothing. "Hey!"

"Ha ha, it's mine!" squealed the other one in delight, opening his fists and there was the card.

"You didn't guess right."

"Hey, that's no fair, come on, do it again . . . " The kid grumbled, holding out his hands. Tea watched nearby as the kid finally guessed right, on the fifth try.

"That's a good magic trick, Yugi," she said softly. "I didn't know you knew tricks."

Yugi blushed. "It's just a hobby," he mumbled.

"You're really good. Isn't he guys?" His other friends murmured assent. "Have you ever considered being like a street magician, like David Blaine?"

"Kind of." He said shortly and curt.

"Well, you should consider it. And about earlier . . . I would've said yes," she said, speaking very low so the others wouldn't hear. "You don't have to defeat him . . . but . . . I know it's important to you to. So . . . yes."

# Meanwhile #

"I'm going to walk around you guys, all right?" Serenity said to the others. Only Joey heard, and he nodded while on the phone, not offering to escort her for once. Tea and Yugi were in deep conversation, so she got up and walked through the stores, full of magazines and peanuts. No pickles, she thought ruefully. Damn.

I like airports. People rushing by, lives full of meaning, it's so significant. Maybe I'll write a song about traveling, not necessarily by air, but across time . . .

"It makes your worries disappear," she said aloud to herself. "Just makes you focus on your task: to get from one point to another . . . "

"But you're worried, aren't you child, that you won't get across time, safe and sound?" A husky voice said from nearby.

Serenity jumped slightly. Embarrassed to be caught talking to herself, she asked, frowning, "Who said that!"

A cloaked figure approached. The face was hooded and partly covered, so she couldn't see who it was. Still, struck by a strange sense of familiarity, Serenity said, "Why did you say what you said? I-I'm not . . . worried . . . about anything . . . "

"Your tone is as unconvincing as your words." The figure drew closer still. Serenity backed up hurriedly, nearly tripping to get away. A low chuckle erupted from the figure. "Ah, so quickly we forget. Truly the carrier of Seto's child." With that, the figure reached upSerenity flinched in instinct; she couldn't help itand pulled off his cloak.

Or rather, 'her' cloak. "Ishizu!" Serenity exclaimed with surprised delight at her old friend. "Don't scare me like that! I swear, you almost gave me a heart attack."

"Did I? My apologies." Ishizu chuckled at Serenity's embrace. "How fare you, child?"

"Other than my heart attack, I'm fine." Looking her over, Serenity saw the Egyptian hadn't changed much. Her long black hair was even longer sheet, though; it made her wish that she hadn't cut her hair. Dressed in a long ivory white flowing dress, she was one of her favorite people in the world. Even a young woman, Ishizu exuded an air of calm and wisdom Serenity could only hope to achieve. She seemed so utterly sure of her place in the world, and didn't care what others thought. Those were very admirable qualities.

Serenity went back over Ishizu's words. "H-how did you know . . . ?" She patted her stomach with questioning eyes. First Mai, then Ishizu?

"It's obvious," Ishizu replied calmly. "I can tell. I can tell about these things. But, if I'm not mistaken, Seto doesn't know yet?" She smiled a bit. "You don't have to answer me, Serenity."

"Because you already know?"

"No, because I would've heard the explosion all the way from Egypt."

Letting out a halfhearted chuckle, Serenity looked down at the her hand covering her belly. "I'm guessing his reaction will be bad."

"May I?" Ishizu asked after a moment of studying her in silence. She extended her long, graceful arm and placed it on the younger girl's belly, then let out a series of thoughtful "hmmm"s.

"What? What?" It was like being at the doctor's. Well at least this counts!

"This child . . . " Ishizu said finally, a mysterious expression coming over her countenance, "Oh, yes, he will do some very great things . . . in the future, that is." She removed her hand, and no one else was watching the two. "How very interesting, very interesting. At least that means he will come out safe and sound . . ."

"Wait! 'He'!"

"Why, yes. It will be a boy, young Serenity. Didn't you know?"

"But-but" Serenity couldn't speak.

"What's wrong?" Ishizu inquired, her gaze turning sharp. "Don't say anymore. It's because of Seto, isn't it." It was a statement rather than a question.

"Yes . . . I'm sorry, Ishizu, but I have to believe it'll be girl. No offense."

"None taken." Picking up her cloak, the Egyptian checked her watch and sighed. "But you know about the past, Serenity, and what I told you?"

"Yes . . ." When Ishizu had had the Millenium Necklace, she'd shown her the ancient past.

"Well, you must know, then, that you and Kaiba had an ancient past together," Ishizu leaned forward, "and this . . . baby had had settled a feud in the past, and will again in the present."

"What? A . . . feud? What do you mean?"

"It'll be your choice. One straight from your heart." Ishizu straightened up again and drew her ugly brown cloak over her tan shoulders that seemed even tanner than before. She laughed at Serenity's worried expression. "Fear not, child. Everything will turn out all right in the end. I've learned that it always does."

"W-wait!" Serenity called, running after her as she turned away. "Are you here . . . for the wedding?" she blurted, unsure.

"Why, yes. Mai, was it? She has asked me to be a bridesmaid. Didn't you know?" It seemed to be one of Ishizu's favorite sayings. "I think that Ryou-san will be a groomsman, and" Ishizu allowed a smile to grace her face, "we'll be 'cutting a rug' at the wedding."

Serenity giggled at the thought of two such reserved people 'cutting' anything. "Thanks . . . for the talk."

"No problem. Come to me anytime to chit-chat, even if he doesn't let you . . . " They both knew that Kaiba thought Ishizu's theories were total lunacy, but still stayed good friends even throughout his opinions.

# Later #

"Flight 34 from Tokyo is arriving. Flight 557 from England, Europe is arriving." The mechanical voice said on the PA. Joey stood up, eagerly waiting for his longtime friends, as did Tea and Yugi, who were both smiling now.

Tristan came down first, carrying only a small duffel bag. "Hey, Yugi! Hey, Tea!" he called with a big smile, as he hugged her and slapped Yugi on the back. "You've gotten nearly as tall as me. Not quite, though!" he joked as he turned to his childhood friend.

There was a short silence. Then Joey spoke first, frowning. "You don't wash yer face to come to da airport? It looks like ya got some motor oil on it from working on all those cars down in Tokyo." There wasn't any actual oil, he was talking about the new goatee. Tea and Yugi exchanged looks and rolled their eyes, smiling at the two.

"Jealous, my man," Tristan said smoothly, running his hand over his chin. At nineteen, he looked much the same, except for that and the sideburns. "You're just jealous because you can't grow your own, so you had to grow it back there, eh?" He shoved at his shoulder, gesturing to the back of Joey's head, where his long blond hair had grown nearly down to his waist. "What are you, Rapunzel!"

After a few seconds, a swift smile grew on the blonde's face, knowing he'd been beat at their little verbal debate. "Hey . . . how are ya, man? How wuz yer flight?" he said with a sling of his arm around his shoulders, returining the smile while clapping him on the back. They started to walk, talking, while the others followed.

"Bad, man. Sucked." Just then, Serenity, followed by Ishizu at a distance, arrived to greet him. They were good friends despite the fact that Kaiba jealously guarded her. But he didn't know that he'd arrived.

"Tristan!" she said, feeling much better between Ishizu's talk and the sight of him and giving him a quick hug. "Hi! It's so good to see you!"

"Oh, the way I've waited to hear those words," he said goofily, as Tea thought, Oh, please. Then he paused. "Oh ho, so we have a new addition, have we?"

Nothing could have shocked her, even through everything that had happened this morning. First Mai, then Ishizu, now Tristan She thought. Meanwhile Tristan, thinking he'd made a mistake, started to apologize profusely.

"Oh my God . . . I'm sorry, I thought . . . never mind, I didn't mean . . . " he blurted as Tea shook her head at him, and pointed to Joey, who was on the floor in a crouch, sobbing hysterically. Tristan said, after they all sweatdropped for a while, "You know . . . I've seen him get his hand stuck in a car door, eat 550 jalepeno peppers at once on a dare, and he didn't cry once during those times. Now he's crying because of this?" He paused, only briefly before giving a short nod. " . . . Makes sense."

Do I have a sign on my back or something? Serenity thought, twisting around to see.

Just then, there was a figure approaching, and everyone looked up. It was Ryou Bakura, carrying a black suitcase. "Hullo," he said with a shy smile. He also looked much the same. Except his amazingly white hair, which was cut shorter at the back, so it didn't flow over his shoulders anymore, giving him a much neater appearance. He was also taller, taller than even Tristan, and was wearing a long black raincoat that had a belt at the waist, which was hanging loose now. But he still had the same soft brown eyes, like two coals against his pale skin. They were smiling at his old friends now.

"Hey . . . " they said, stunned by his appearance, while Ishizu went up.

To Be Continued!

A/n: But she didn't get to hug him 'cause he was suddenly swept away by a tide of all his fangirls! J/k! I once drew Ryou like this, with shorter hair, in a raincoat, looking softly in the distance. Boy was he cute! My second favorite bishie! (huggles)

Anyhoo, Yay, Tea said yeah to Yugi. Finally! I was gonna do somethin' else, but figure it was best to push them together soon. And it looks like Joey isn't quite over his shock . . . lol. Silly. Silly Serenity, checking to see if she has a sign, lol. She might as well! Well, I've updated fast 'cause I wanna get this story out as soon as possible 'cause I'm overflowing w/ideas! (explosion of brain) Well, see ya next chappie and hope ya enjoyed. Toodles. R&R!