A/N: I don't own Yu-gi-oh or any of the characters…though I do believe there is a bidding war for Seto on EBAY…let's see how that goes.

Thank you so much Iris! I can't believe you can edit so beautifully and be under all the stresses you are. It is so appreciated, you are so amazing-know that!

Chapter 18

A Rock and A Hard Place

The snow stopped falling as they turned out of the driveway. Serenity could hardly believe the night; it had started off magically and would end in Paris with Seto Kaiba. She sighed as she curled up closer to him in the back of the limo. Thankfully, the chauffer had warmed up the car so it wasn't frigid. Shorts and a t-shirt were hardly appropriate for the weather, and strappy heels were ridiculous to wear in the snow. Looking down at her bare feet, she wondered if she should put her footwear back on. Then again, if she did, Seto might not carry her... and being held by the man was becoming an addiction.

The same streets looked brighter, the trees more magical, and she was falling for the most impractical man on earth. Sighing gently, she shifted—pulling away from Seto and sliding closer to the window. It took him only seconds to miss her warmth, and, with speed, he tugged her back against him—his arm wrapping around her waist. Sitting sideways on the seat, she pulled her knees up and leaned back against him.

"You know this is insane, right?" she whispered.

"Why?" he asked seriously.

"Because it's so close to Christmas. I have a million things to do, and flying off to Paris is not one of them."

"Mokuba is your friend, right?" He smirked.

She narrowed her eyes as she turned to look up at him. "Your point?"

"You'll be hanging out with your friend. I'm just providing a location change." He shrugged as he watched her turn that idea over in her mind.

"So, why do we need you there?" She giggled.

"Tour guide," he mumbled. "Mokuba hardly knows the best restaurants or where to have the best views in the city. He doesn't know to walk the Champs-Elysees to see the Christmas lights, or to go to the Hotel de Ville skating rink, and he wouldn't know to take you on the giant Ferris wheel at the Place de la Concorde." His French accent made her heart flutter.

She smiled, trying to envision all the lights and sounds. Being in the city of romance with him would be amazing.

"What about the Eiffel Tower?" She closed her eyes.

"Where do you think I'm taking you to eat? We'll be dining in the Jules Verne restaurant. I know the chef personally."

"Is there anyone you don't know or have pull with? Seriously..." She cuddled closer to him and smiled.

"I don't know you well enough yet, but I'm remedying that."

The privacy barrier slid down and the chauffer informed them that they were at her apartment. Feeling a little disappointed, Serenity pulled out of his arms. She liked how he spoke of Paris. Even if they simply went to the Eiffel Tower, she would be thrilled.

Who was she kidding? Going anywhere with him would be entertaining and... desired.

"Can I have a cup of hot chocolate while Serenity packs?" Mokuba asked.

"I'm out of hot chocolate, Mokuba. I haven't had much time to go shopping, thanks to someone keeping me a bit occupied." Serenity giggled.

"Take my brother somewhere to get a hot chocolate," Kaiba explained to the driver before exiting the limo. Quickly, he pulled her up into his arms and made his way to her door. "You should talk to building maintenance and have them do a better job shoveling. I feel like I have to jump these hurdles every time I carry you in."

"Well, you wouldn't have to carry me if you would warn me of impending soakings, and restaurants that have people taking their shoes off." She countered as her fingers slipped into his hair.

"I could drop you in a snow bank if you don't start showing more gratitude," he growled. A slight release and quick catch made her gasp and cling tighter to him—pressing herself against him in order to save herself from yet another dousing in cold, wet snow.

"See," he chuckled. "Gratitude."

"You're horrible, Kaiba," she chastised as she slipped her key in the door.

As soon as her feet hit the ground she padded off towards her bedroom. She needed to pack and change. The blinking of her answering machine caught her attention, and she pressed play. There were three messages from Duke, two from Tristan, one each from Tea and Mai, and several from Joey. The only one that she really caught was the last one—the one where he sounded very concerned.

"Where the heck are you, Serenity? I've called you for the last three days, and you haven't picked up or called me back. Are you mad at me, or have Duke or Tristan kidnapped you? I swear, they have both told me they haven't seen you, and that you've been ignoring them too, but I think they're lying. It's late, but I bet you're home... you better be... where else would you go? I'm coming over..."

Her heart caught in her throat when the time of the call was announced. The clock on the wall confirmed her fears: he would be there any minute. Panic overwhelmed her as her eyes fell on Seto Kaiba standing in the doorway of her bedroom. A stain of pink tinged her cheeks. Why did it matter if he saw her bedroom? She had seen his. Then again, a girl's room was her sanctuary.

"So, the Chihuahua is coming? Oh, goody... we can have a reunion before we run off to Paris." He walked into the room even as her cheeks burned with embarrassment.

Scanning the room, she noticed a pile of clean, folded clothes she hadn't put away yet. There, on top, were undergarments. She quickly crossed the room and picked the pile up—hugging it to her chest. Biting her lower lip, she tried to think of where to hide them.

"So, you do wear pink," he mused as he sat on her bed. He bounced on it slightly, as if testing it.

"Mortified" was too weak a word. She wordlessly opened her drawer and stuffed the articles in it. He chuckled as he watched her struggle. She wanted to hit him so badly. Thank God her bed was made... how awful would it have been if it wasn't? Lying back, propped up on his elbows, he watched her pace the room.

"You have to leave. Joey is coming, and if he finds you here..." She shook her head. "He can't find you here. He'd go ballistic! You have to get out... now."

"You forgot one small fact: Mokuba and the driver went out to get hot chocolate. I have no car, and, if you think I'm going to walk through snow and ice to some convenience store, you need your pretty head examined." He grabbed a pillow and propped his head up with it.

"Then, what do you suggest I do? My brother can't find you here!" She started biting on her nail and Kaiba gained his feet, slowly approaching her and grabbing her shoulders.

"I'll call my limo and they'll come back and get me. But, I hope you realize that soon you will have to explain to him that we are a couple." He kissed her lips quickly.

She smiled, nodded, and then turned towards the window. Headlights shone in the room. Looking through the blinds, she realized that Joey had arrived.

"Tell them not to come back! He's here... if he sees the limo..."

Kaiba quickly told the driver to take Mokuba home and wait there for further instructions.

"What do you suggest we do? Tell him?" Kaiba asked with a small chuckle.

"You'd love that, wouldn't you? Give him a stroke right before Christmas. Get under the bed... no, wait... the closet..." She shoved him towards the closet and he reluctantly obeyed her wishes.

"Are you sure there isn't anything in here I shouldn't see?" His evil smile made her frown.

"Just shut up and be quiet. I'll get rid of him as soon as I can."

"You forgot something." He smiled. Impetuously, she leaned forward and caught his mouth with hers.

"Too short for my taste... but not exactly what I had in mind..."

"Kaiba! I have no time for a make-out session..."

"Your shirt. Or, should I say, my shirt?" His eyes sparkled when she looked down and realized that she was wearing his t-shirt with the 'KC' logo on it...

"Damn it!" she let slip, and then placed her fingers over her mouth—turning red again.

"You better change quickly," he challenged.

She slammed the closet door shut and tried to think of where her pj's were. Under her pillow! She scampered on her bed—pulling the blankets down, and making a mess in an attempt to make it seem as if she had been sleeping. She slipped out of her t-shirt and yanked on her nightgown and robe as the doorbell rang. This was really insane, she knew it, but the deranged game had to be played out. If Joey found out that Seto was lurking in her bedroom closet... She didn't even want to go there.

"He'll find out sooner or later, Serenity," Kaiba challenged once more from within the closet. The door opened slightly as he poked his head out. "I don't intend on staying in here all night..."

"Please, Kaiba," she whispered—fear evident in her eyes. This looked so bad... so guilty... and she knew it. How would Joey feel if he caught Kaiba in her bedroom closet? World War III would erupt.

Racing out of the room, she paused as her hand slid onto the knob. Taking a deep breath, then releasing it, she pulled it open.

Joey was standing there with an 'I'm not happy' expression on his face. Serenity mumbled hello as he walked in.

"Where have you been the last few days?" he asked as he walked past her and down the hall towards the living room. "Where did you get all this stuff?"

His eyes wandered around the room, noting so many things that he had never seen before. "Did you hit the lottery since the last time we spoke, or did you get a major raise?" As he kept looking and finding new things, his frown deepened. He turned towards her and placed his hands on his hips. "Spill it, Serenity—what has been going on?"

She stammered and stuttered a bit, and then casually explained how she had been going to craft sales with several of her teacher friends. Lame, very lame, so completely lame... that it seemed to work. Someone was smiling on her at that moment.

"Where have you been? You never answer phone messages, which isn't like you, and you never seem to be home. I know all of your friends and none of them have seen you at all. Are you okay?" He approached her and placed his hands on her shoulders—ever the concerned brother. "Are you in some kind of trouble?"

Shaking her head no, she smiled brilliantly. Yeah, she was in trouble—she was falling for the wrong guy, but she had it sufficiently handled. He was waiting in her bedroom even then.

"I've just been busy decorating." She swept her hand out in an effort to show the fruits of her labor. "I also went shopping for Christmas, and I have a ton of paperwork from my job. I'm so sorry I've been so neglectful. You know it isn't like me at all."

Joey was looking around the apartment with suspicious eyes. "What aren't you telling me, Serenity? I know you, and this disappearing act isn't like you at all. Are Tristan and Duke annoying you?" She watched as his hands balled into fists and the small vein in his temple pulsed. "They keep saying you've been ignoring them too, but I suppose they could be lying..."

Shaking her head no, she pulled him over to the couch. "Honestly, I've just been too busy for my own good." She thought of magical Paris with Seto, and how desperately she wanted to be nestled on that plane with him, racing off to that amazing city. It was all beginning to seem highly unlikely to happen...

"I thought I would get to see you a little during your break, but I've seen you less and less since you moved out. I knew this would happen." He ran a hand through his hair.

"Joey... having my own place has been a bit daunting, and Christmas is always busy. You know I would love to spend time with you and everyone, but life has been a bit insane." She shifted her weight and tried to imagine what Kaiba was doing alone in her bedroom. So much for privacy. "I promise to start returning calls, and I will make time for you..." After I return from Paris with Seto Kaiba...

He sat down on the couch with a large sigh. "Glad to hear it. You can start by going to lunch with all of us tomorrow! We have Christmas plans to work out, and then you have that stupid contest thing going. I mean, really... I thought you were smarter than to offer yourself up in a bet!" He laughed out loud. "Then again, I know you. Is this your way of getting rid of both of them?"

Itching to tell him about the third contestant, but knowing better, she explained that all the attention they showered on her was too much. She honestly wanted a boyfriend, but not one who haunted her constantly. Choosing her words wisely was key, because a certain contestant was listening.

"Well, as long as you're happy, I guess." He shrugged. "I know I would be lost without Mai, so if one of them is the right guy for you... I won't be an ass on Christmas Eve." She laughed out loud after that comment.

"You will so be an ass. Whenever I even look at a guy, you want to kill him. You're way too protective, and a bit insane when it comes to me. Honestly, Joey, I'm old enough to take care of myself. I think it will be fun to decide who I want as my boyfriend." She plopped down beside him on the couch.

"As long as you make a good choice, I'll be fine with it." He was smiling at her and she couldn't help but giggle.

"You'd force me into a convent if you could..." Her laughter grew.

"Could I?" he asked seriously as another bout of laughter tore through her.

"I want to be in love, Joey... not living a life swearing off of men forever. Don't you want a niece or nephew someday?" She was catching her breath as she snickered.

"Not if you have to, um, well, you know... I really don't want to think about this." He was blushing as he stood up.

"How about this: I won't talk to you about your sex life if you don't pry into mine."

Joey stared at her, unblinking. "Is there something I should know?" he asked just before he heard a thud in her bedroom.

"Stay here," he growled as he walked towards the hall.

"Wait, Joey!" she cried out, grabbing his arm. She couldn't let him go in there; she couldn't let him find Seto. Heaven help her! "I'm sure it was nothing."

He turned to look at her—his eyes looked suspicious and angry. Normally warm brown eyes turned cold and narrowed on her. "What if someone's breaking in? You think I'll leave without making sure you're safe? Stay here and get ready to call 911."

Instead, she followed him to her door. "I can't let you go in there alone, Joey!" She yelled at him.

"Shhhh!" Joey turned to her. "I don't want any intruders to know I'm gonna burst in..." he whispered.

"Oh!" She said in a very loud, exaggerated whisper. "Are you going to burst into my room to try and find an intruder?"

He looked at her strangely. "Been getting into some eggnog lately?"

"I just want to make sure I understand the plan!" she said louder. "You are going to go into my room and see if someone is in there?" Could Seto hear her? She sure as hell hoped so.

"Geez, Serenity... are you trying to wake the dead?" Joey whispered and gave his sister a small snarl.

The door was pushed open and the room was searched with his eyes. Nothing seemed to be out of place. Joey walked towards the window, while Serenity walked to the closet. Was Seto still inside? Opening the door would be insanity.

"The windows are locked and nothing is broken. You didn't leave your windows open, did you?" Joey asked seriously.

"It's winter time—of course not. They've been locked ever since I moved in. I hardly want to flood the apartment with frigid air and then pay to have to heat it back up again." Serenity realized that, if the windows were locked, Seto was still in the room... he had to be.

She plopped down on the bed and heard an 'oomph.' She began coughing erratically to cover Seto's small outcry. He was under the bed!

"You okay, Serenity?" Joey turned and looked at her with concern.

"Swallowed wrong..." She gave a few more small coughs to cover another lie, and then calmed down. Joey approached the closet.

"I just want to make sure..."

She felt fingers stroke her foot, and she let out a small gasp.

Once again, Joey jumped and spun to look at her. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Cramp!" She cried out and fell to her knees on the floor. Joey raced to assist her. "NO!" She cried out and snapped up—smacking Joey in the chin as he bent and she tried to straighten.

"Why the hell are you so damn jumpy?" Joey asked.

"It's late and you did wake me, Joey... I'm not really awake."

Frowning, he approached the closet and pulled the door open. "It's clear; no one in there. Maybe I should check under the bed..."

Serenity quickly bent and pulled up the dust ruffle of her bed. He was right there, smirking at her. She shook her head and Kaiba winked. "Nothing under here but some big dust bunnies. I should grab the vacuum and be rid of them once and for all." She dropped the ruffle and stood. "No need for my brother to see what a bad housekeeper I am..." She noticed the shirt and shorts on the floor and quickly kicked them under the bed. "I really need to, um, get back to sleep. Especially if you want me to have lunch with you guys tomorrow."

Joey frowned. "You'll definitely be there? We're meeting at the diner at one o'clock... If you don't show, so help me... I will kidnap you from your stuff and shopping and keep you at my place until Christmas, Serenity..." It was a warning, and she knew it.

"I'm not a child, Joey. I'll be there, I promise. I'll see you out." Serenity took Joey's wrist and led him to the door. "I promise to be better about calling and all. It's just been a bit crazy lately."

Kissing her forehead gently, Joey said his good-night and left. Serenity watched him trudge through the snow to his car. Shivering, she pulled her robe tighter around her neck and closed the door after offering her brother one last wave.

It had been a very interesting night with many turns and twists. Serenity slid the locks in place and made her way back to her room. Seto was sitting on her bed. He didn't look very pleased.

"I guess you have to count me out for the Paris trip..." Her voice didn't hide the sadness at her admission. Honestly, with the way he described France, she was more than eager to go. "Are you going to go without me?" The thought assaulted her just as the words left her lips. Paris was the city of romance... what if a pretty French girl came upon him and he fell in love with someone other than herself? Sucking her lower lip into her mouth, she lightly bit it.

Kaiba stood and walked over to her—softly stroking his fingers down her jaw-line. Seeing her cheeks so pink and flustered, her nervous habit of lip biting, and the imploring look in her eyes made him restrain from teasing her.

"I should go without you, but what fun would the Eiffel Tower be without having you to torment?" His words were raspy. Joey's idea of kidnapping did surface in his mind. It would be quite easy to steal this beautiful wisp of a girl away to Paris—keeping her there until way after the holiday had passed. Sharing her was a bother, one that he hated.

"Are you mad at me?" she asked, gently tilting her head.

"I would prefer you in my own plans, but I understand family obligations—even though he is a mutt."

"He's my brother, Kaiba." Her eyes narrowed a bit. "He always took care of me and he loves me. He treats me like you treat Mokuba. Surely, he can't be that bad in your eyes—not when he takes his family responsibilities so seriously."

"Hmmm." Kaiba narrowed his eyes. "He's still a third-rate duelist."

Sighing, Serenity tugged Kaiba's hand and pulled him into the living room.

"Hopefully... eventually... the two of you will accept one another." She pulled him down onto the couch beside her. "I mean, if you want to continue seeing me..." Trailing off, she blushed deeply at her own words. What if he really didn't want to continue? Was it all a game? No, she didn't think so. He wouldn't allow Mokuba to be involved if it was all a scheme.

"You need to make that choice. I chose to pursue you when I entered this stupid contest. I would rather you simply call it off and run off with me, actually." Kaiba shrugged as he pulled her onto his lap.

"You know I can't do that." A soft gasp escaped her lips as his mouth moved closer to her ear and neck. His warm breath tickled her skin. "It would hurt... um..."

He chuckled. "Devlin?" he offered.

"Um, yeah..." she mumbled as her fingers slid into his hair. "Oh, and Tristan."

He nodded. "You wouldn't want to have two guys mad at you."

She mumbled something unintelligible. He had her exactly where he wanted her.

"It wouldn't be lady-like, and you must think of your manners." Kaiba's teeth scraped along the chord of her neck. "We must consider etiquette above all else."

She nodded as one of his hands started stroking the small of her back. The other was tangling in her hair. The boy knew how to drive her slowly out of her mind. Kaiba continued kissing her neck and throat, and then he whispered sweet things against her ear.

"When will you shut up and kiss me?" she finally growled as she turned on his lap to face him.

"I thought I was kissing you," he answered slyly, shrugging.

"Kaiba..." It was a whine—a demand she couldn't make.

"Seto," he whispered, a breath away from her lips. Her eyes widened. She still didn't call him by his first name. It would be a big step. No one called him 'Seto' except Mokuba.

"Please." She smiled and closed her eyes. When she felt herself being lifted, she panicked a moment—thinking he was carrying her towards her bedroom. Instead, he simply deposited her on the couch. "Kaiba?" Now she was confused. He was walking towards the door.

"You've decided not to call me by my name, and I've decided not to kiss you until you do." The corners of his mouth twitched.

"You're impossible," she seethed as she chased after him. "You know I have my reasons."

Tilting her chin up he whispered, "And I have mine."

Licking her lips, she pressed herself against him. "Not even a goodnight kiss?"

"Choose a spot other than your lips, and I will." It was a lustful comment, and she didn't appreciate it.

A horn honked. "Kaiba?"

"My limo is here, and I must be on my way. Unless you wanted me to spend the night, that is. I've already been under your bed..." He let the question hang. He was tempting her, but he knew she would never allow it, and neither would he. This wasn't something he wanted to rush—not with her.

"Go home," she muttered and turned from him. "I won't even miss you, and I certainly don't need to be kissed goodnight by you."

Grabbing her upper arm, he tugged her against his body. She whimpered as he kissed the tip of her nose.

Her eyes fluttered open; she had expected him to give in. "Fine! I can call Tristan or... um..."

"Devlin?" he offered again.

"Yes. One of them will kiss me—no doubt."

Her bottom received a playful tap. "I'll annihilate anyone who touches you," he growled.

Her eyes widened as she pulled back. A wink from him assured her that it was a jest.

"Good night, Serenity. I'll see you tomorrow."

She tried to explain she couldn't see him tomorrow, but knew that would be fruitless. Kaiba did exactly what Kaiba wanted to do. She giggled as she locked the door and headed to bed.

A/N: I soooo know this is not what was expected, but I figured it was about time I had whole group interaction. Duke and Tristan need to show their faces and so does Joey. Next chapter should be very interesting. I won't say a word—because it is worked out in my head and I refuse to spoil it for you all. I have let the fluff run with me, so next chapter I will give you a time table of how many days til Christmas. Heck…it should be soon. I hope you all enjoyed it.

Please review…I would appreciate it greatly!

Responses to your reviews are posted on my profile page, replacing those for chapter 16. I did answer everyone… just go to my profile page and view them there…