A/N: I do not own Yu-gi-oh…sue me if you'd like…all of nothing is still nothing…

This chapter was not beta read. It took so long to write it I just wanted to put it out. I didn't want to put undo pressure on my awesome beta, Iris Omega, who is swamped with school, work and a myriad of other tasks. If there is anything horrendously wrong please inform me…I would appreciate it. I had a friend read it and she said it seemed good to go.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter. I rewrote it several times and I think I'm satisfied now, still not sure though. It is two days before Christmas Eve. So, the end is coming and so are the gifts.

Chapter 19

Appearances are Deceiving

It was a very cold and blustery morning. The air temperature dropped to frigid levels, keeping the world a frozen palace and placing a beautiful icy sheen on the mounds of snow. Thankfully the roads were clean and driving conditions were safe—for the most part. Serenity smiled as she looked around Domino taking in all the snow and decorations. It was a winter wonderland, and it was going to be a white Christmas. Everything was right with the world. It would be the perfect morning.

The restaurant was no more crowded or empty than it normally was. She pulled into the parking lot and looked for a spot. Yugi and Joey's cars were already there. Scanning the lot she didn't see Tristan or Duke's vehicles. Maybe they weren't coming. That was a blessing and a curse. It would have made it easy for her to call this a pseudo-date, but she really had her heart set on someone else entirely. Then again, if she laughed at Kaiba's gift would she be beholden to him?

Her head was beginning to ache from all the implications she had imposed on herself. Resting her head on the steering wheel she let out a sigh, and then a scream as the door opened. Blinking, and trying to calm her racing heart, she watched as Seto Kaiba kneeled down to get a better look at her.

"What's gotten into you?" He asked, with all the gentleness of a moose.

Serenity released a deep sigh of relief; he had scared the heart out of her. It could have been a thief or murderer who opened her door—instead it was Seto Kaiba. Suddenly, her eyes opened wide, SETO KAIBA?

"What are you doing here?" She shrieked. "Are you crazy? Anyone could see us! You can't be here! Kaiba this is insane, what are you thinking?" She couldn't distinguish the urges she had. One wanted to kill him and the other longed to grab him. Maybe the murderer would have been better.

"I'm here for breakfast." He stated it simply with a slight shrug.

It took her a few moments to connect the dots.

"You can't eat here! You know darn well I'm supposed to meet with everyone at this precise place! Please just go, don't start trouble…please." She was nearly desperate as she scanned the lot for signs of Duke or Tristan. She had no time left for arguing with this man.

"I like this establishment for breakfast, now before you waste anymore time maybe you should kiss me and then go meet your little squad." He smirked.

"Kiss you?" She seethed, "I would so much rather kick you at the moment. Besides, you said no kissing until I call you by your name… The name I wish to call you at the moment would hardly appeal to your ego…" Her teeth were now clenched. How could he do this to her?

Beautiful ocean blue eyes regarded her with such mischief. She was adorable when she was flustered—and she was flustered. Maybe angry was a better term? He just couldn't stop thinking of her at the restaurant with the two runts near. Maybe he was being anal, heaven knew he had the ability to behave that way, but he needed to keep her to himself.

She grabbed her purse, "Go home Kaiba or go the office." She turned and noticed he was still crouched down next to her and still staring. Why did her heart ache in her chest whenever she looked at him? It really wasn't fair of her emotions to do this to her. It was a slow torture. She bit her lower lip.

"This will be so much more fun," he tilted her chin up. "Besides, I need you to help me buy Mokuba a Christmas gift when we leave here." He would use his trump card—his brother. Serenity could never resist that.

Frowning, she considered his wants. "You can buy Mokuba anything he wants, you know his tastes in games and toys more than I ever could. Just shop from your laptop—I'm sure you're good at that. Now go Kaiba. It might be fun for you, but it will be hell for me. I don't want to have to sit there and listen to you berate my brother and make fun of my friends."

"What if I promised to be on my best behavior?" Seto Kaiba was a businessman and loved making bargains. He would trap her and, ultimately, get exactly what he wanted. "I sit there, insulting no one and then you belong to me for the rest of the day." He averted his eyes; afraid she would see the gleam in them. She had to accept the offer.

"How about you go away—before you get me in trouble with Joey and all my friends, and I allow you to attend the Christmas Eve party I want to have at my apartment?" She tilted her nose up. Clearly, she was annoyed. He didn't budge from his kneeling position, which was blocking her exit from the car. Obviously, that was not going to be the last word.

"Here is the counter offer," he began to explain in his most business-like voice. "I attend breakfast in the same restaurant as you. I will walk in after you—making sure no one gets the idea we arrived together. Then, you will have a leisurely breakfast with your companions, while I read my paper. I personally think I'll have a more intelligent encounter, but that's just me. Afterwards, we leave separately and meet up in the parking lot at the mall and you help me shop for Mokuba." He basically gift wrapped his idea and placed it in her lap. He could hardly understand the frown.

Slowly she shook her head. He had such audacity. "Do you have any idea what the mall is going to be like two days before Christmas Eve?" Looking at him she found it hard to breathe, he was so amazing to take in. "I have gifts to wrap and cookies to bake and so much to do…"

"I'll bring over what we get for Mokuba and we'll wrap gifts together." He reached out and stroked two fingers down her cheek, pulling a sigh from her lips.

She smiled deviously, "if I say yes, I attach a condition."

"Very well," he had her and she would be all his in a matter of an hour or two. Nothing she said could deter him.

"If you argue, even once, with my brother—or if you say anything hurtful to any of my friends the deal is off. We go our separate ways today and you're shopping on your own." She was as safe as a kitten. There was no way the boy could resist making a derogatory statement or snapping at someone. There would be too many people he looked down on with her.

"You drive a hard bargain," he smirked, "but you just made yourself a date."

"We'll see," she smiled.

"I attach a condition of my own…" he leaned in closer, his scent started to obscure her train of thought. "If I succeed in your challenge—you start calling me by my name."

Serenity giggled softly, "I accept your challenge. However it seems moot because I do call you by your name—I just choose to call you by your last name." She tapped his nose with her gloved fingertip. "Next time you attach a condition be more specific."

The CEO, who normally was as cold as the ice around them, would have obliterated any other person on the spot. However, he seemed to enjoy her teasing. Slowly he shook his head, Serenity watched as the sunlight danced along his silken hair strands.

She had expected a kiss from him, but was disappointed.

Kaiba stood, and she stepped out of the car. Smiling, she walked around him—heading towards the door.

Holding her breath, she entered the small diner. Hopefully, he would stay back for a minute or two and she would be nicely settled before she had to confront him. Turmoil was the word she could use for her insides. The logical part of her brain wanted him to be awful and insulting—so she could win. Though her heart silently prayed he would be amazing—so she could be with him for the rest of the day.

"Serenity!" Joey called out, stood, and motioned her over to the table they were at.

Smiling, she gave a sweet wave and rushed over to them. Hugs were shared, as well as hellos and 'where have you beens'. After a few moments Serenity sat next to Mai, who was next to Joey. Her back was to the wall and facing the door, which she found herself staring at intently. Would they see it on her face? When Seto Kaiba walked through the door and her eyes became glued to him, would they see it and understand her dilemma?

"Earth to Serenity…" Tea smiled as she waved a hand in front of the girl's face. "You are a million miles away," the brunette continued, as Serenity blinked and gave her friend some attention.

"I'm sorry Tea, I just…" her thought was never finished. There he was, in the doorway, looking intimidating and so amazing. Heaven help her, because the desire to launch into his arms was almost overwhelming. He turned to the hostess and the cute blonde smiled, blushed and coughed softly. Kaiba hardly paid her any attention, but the girl was devouring him in her mind—Serenity just knew it. Damn him for doing all of these horrible, delicious, things to her. Could she possibly be jealous? Did he notice this other girl? Was he looking at her, even in the slightest? Serenity was torn between smacking her and gouging her eyes out.

The horrible little blonde wench grabbed a menu and walked Kaiba over to a table not far from theirs. This was further proof—Serenity wanted him with no one , but herself. Was this how he felt about Duke and Tristan? A thrill raced through her, for some reason him being jealous of her attention incited a riot in her. Falling for this man was a definite journey.

"Hey! Moneybags!" Joey called out, and received a deadly glare from his nemesis.

Serenity anxiously awaited the dog comment…possibly: I didn't realize that canines were welcomed here. Or: Isn't it a health code violation to let non-service dogs in a restaurant? Funny, Kaiba merely turned his attentions to his menu.

"What's a matter? Are you too good to say hello?" Joey continued, despite Kaiba's immediate refusal to engage.

"Joey," Yugi chastised. "It is Christmas time and Kaiba is all alone…you should show him what it means to have the spirit of Christmas."

Joey looked down at his friend and smiled. "What do you want me to do? Invite him to have breakfast with us?"

"Why not?" Mai quipped, "he never accepts invitations and it would prove that you're better than him…extending yourself speaks volumes about a person's character."

Yugi nodded in agreement, a smile plastered on his face.

"Fine," Joey snickered. "I'll ask, but I want something extra under the tree for all the insults I'll be forced to endure." He turned to Mai. "I think things from you will be the most liked."

Mai dismissed him with the wave of her hand. "You'll appreciate what I give you, I guarantee it."

Joey moved away from the table. Serenity's mouth went dry, as her brother approached Seto Kaiba.

"Hey Moneybags," Joey started, as he neared the table where Kaiba sat alone. "Being it is that time of the year. Maybe you want to put our arguments aside and join us for breakfast?" He stood there anticipating the harsh retort, the mean comebacks and the annoyingly bored drawl with which Kaiba usually delivered insults.

Kaiba sat there for a moment, wondering how he could possibly hold his tongue. His mind wandered to the Mutt's sister—just a few feet away from him. If he had any chance of enjoying her, he needed to play it very conservative. Then again, sitting at a table with them could be complete genius. He could occupy the spot next to her—blocking the competition (he loosely considered it competition), and take some advantage of her predicament.

Kaiba stood, without saying a word. "Accepted," he announced as he strode over to the table. Serenity's eyes widened as she watched him take the chair next to her. It actually made sense. He would never dream of sitting next to Tea, he and the 'cheerleader' never got along, and sitting alone at the end of the table seemed more than rude. His thigh immediately pressed against Serenity's—alerting her of his presence. Giving him a casual glance, she smiled at him and then turned back to the conversation at hand.

Yugi was thrilled that Kaiba had finally accepted an invitation. Maybe the holiday season was getting to the billionaire loner after all. Joey was thrilled for alternative reasons—Kaiba, though the biggest annoyance in his life, was sitting in the seat Tristan and Duke would have fought over. His little sister wouldn't have to endure any unnecessary attention by his overzealous friends. Kaiba actually was being useful, for once.

Serenity shifted a few times in her chair, but no matter how far she moved from him—he would find a way to make sure they were in contact. At one point, Serenity bumped into Mai, who gave her a sharp look.

"You're being very rude Serenity, he's never joined in anything and when he does you treat him like he has the plague?" Mai whispered into Serenity's ear. The flush that lit her cheeks was awful. She looked back over at Kaiba, who continued to study his menu—innocently. He was being unbearable—and very quiet. Was that his game? To avoid confrontation he would be stoic and silent?

Yugi and Joey were discussing something about the game shop, while Tea and Mai argued over clothing choices. Serenity really fit in neither conversation. It was the same old thing—she was becoming invisible. Funny, when she was alone with Seto Kaiba they were never quiet. He treated her conversations with respect and she never felt like this—insignificant. She threw Kaiba a cautious glance and he gave her a well-played wink. He knew he couldn't act on what he wanted to do. If he struck up a conversation with her, everyone would know. Unfortunately, she wasn't ready for that yet—he understood that even though he didn't agree. He could hardly believe his own wants. Yes, he wanted a girlfriend—he wanted Serenity.

He watched in silence as the girl, who haunted his waking and sleeping realms, was ignored, spoken over, and dismissed. For a brother who claimed to love her so much and friends who, outwardly, claimed loyalty—she wasn't being treated nicely. To the outside observer, they treated her like a child. Quipping how she couldn't understand, or how she didn't have to worry about 'real' life. Yes, he did want to insult this group of idiots—but for once it would have been in defense of one of their own. Everyone was being given respect but her. She was the little sister in their eyes. Slowly, he slid his hand under the table and took her hand, which was in her lap, and squeezed it. Surprisingly she squeezed back. The contact broke when the door open and in walked Duke and Tristan. Kaiba frowned and Serenity sighed heavily. Unfortunately, these were the only two who did consider her all grown up…

Everyone rose from the table, except Kaiba, who just surveyed the greetings among the friends. He cringed inwardly as Tristan hugged Serenity and kissed her forehead, it was a tender thing—one he longed to wipe away with his napkin. Duke wasn't as gentle, grabbing the petite, auburn beauty into a fierce hug and possessively kissing her mouth. Kaiba clenched at the tablecloth, nearly yanking it off the table. Serenity's eyes were wide as saucers as she pressed her hands against Duke's shoulders. Finally he relented as Mai, Tea and Yugi fought back Tristan and Joey.

"That was a cheap grab!" Tristan growled.

"So help me if you try it again I'll hurt you!" Joey fought against Yugi's stranglehold.

Duke simply shrugged and grabbed Serenity's hand, kissing the palm lightly, and used it to pull her towards the table.

"Actually," Serenity refused the chair he pulled out. "I was sitting between Mai and Kaiba." She gently motioned to her original seat.

Both Duke and Tristan blinked and looked a bit confused. Their eyes settled on the familiar figure, but neither knew what to make of the unfolding situation.

"Yeah," Joey smirked. "Moneybags decided to join us for breakfast. He's sitting next to my sister—you two can fight over who sits next to him." He chuckled as he held out Mai's chair. She sat gracefully and smiled at Joey.

Serenity knew Kaiba would have done the same thing for her, if she simply explained their relationship. It felt so much safer to be next to him, as opposed to being in the water with the circling shark. Tristan was a gentleman; Duke was another story.

"C'mon…" Duke growled at Kaiba. "Just swap seats with me…what do you care?"

Kaiba glared at him, not even offering a come back.

Serenity settled in nicely next to him. Softly she shifted so she could rub her leg against his. Glancing at him, she noticed the small look her offered her. She wanted to whisper a 'thanks' to him, but knew it would look odd. Everyone ordered and conversations continued. The only one not speaking was Seto Kaiba; he figured the easiest way to avoid saying something insulting was to say nothing at all.

Serenity had her own problems as questions were tossed to her from everyone about her recent where abouts. She tried to explain it away as shopping, work and Christmas details. No one was buying the excuses, and no one noticed the glint in a dragon's eyes as he listened to her stutter and mumble and provide excuse after excuse. It would be so much easier if she simply explained the situation. He was ready for the fall-out, but apparently she wasn't. Would she be on Christmas Eve he wondered.

"So, Kaiba," Yugi started. "How is Mokuba doing?" It was obvious Yugi really was excited that the invitation to breakfast had been accepted by Kaiba.

"Mokuba is staying with a friend for the night. He's enjoying his break from school." His urge to growl and challenge the one obstacle in the dueling realm was quashed when Serenity offered a small cough. It seemed as if she was prepared for him to lose this battle.

"Is he enjoying school?" Yugi asked—knowing Kaiba would talk about Mokuba. It was safe ground to explore. Besides, he didn't want Kaiba to be invited to this small gathering and then be ignored.

"Aside from one teacher, he enjoys school."

Serenity looked up at Kaiba. It was the first time she actually, specifically met his eyes during the meal. She felt a longing well inside her and a shudder race through her body. It was hard to believe he could ignite her senses with a look. She had to say something or else she was afraid someone would figure out the attraction. The look the two were sharing could melt the snow…

"Mokuba goes to my school. What's the problem? Maybe I can help?" She asked, feigning a shy assistance.

"It seems a teacher at the school isn't paying enough attention to him. He struggles to be in her good graces, and yet she tries to find excuses to deny him the extra help he needs." Kaiba lifted his glass and took a long swallow. Serenity licked her lips at the action. Yugi watched the two interact as Tea, Mai and Joey argued about Mai's spending and Duke and Tristan debated some unrelated topic.

"Does Mokuba need extra help?" Yugi asked, honestly.

"He's struggling in a few areas and this teacher could help him easily." Kaiba explained, "However she is more interested in playing games than taking a real initiative."

Serenity could hardly hide her smile. She knew what he was doing.

"Some of the best teaching techniques involve game playing. If you make learning fun a student tends to crave more—a teacher likes her students to be interested."

"Mokuba is very interested, in fact he's enthralled. The teacher just seems to be unwilling to advance him to the next level." Blue eyes locked with honey colored ones.

"Advancement requires time and effort." She explained.

"He is willing to put in the time and effort, he even told her that. I think she's afraid because Mokuba is quite…hungry…for knowledge." Blue eyes widened as he spoke the word hungry. She knew that look—her tummy preformed a flip-flop.

"Teachers appreciate hungry students…" Serenity ran her foot up along Kaiba's leg. It was amusing how they were twisting words and meanings. If anyone suspected, no one was letting on.

"How do you think I should handle this particular teacher?" Kaiba asked her, the urge to touch her was making his fingertips itch.

"Be patient. I'm sure she realizes Mokuba's plight and I bet she's simply dealing with the preliminaries. If Mokuba earns the advancement—I bet she'll be thrilled to encourage him." Serenity moved closer to him, without even realizing it. Yugi's eyes widened. They were flirting! Right here, in front of everyone! No one was noticing, but they were…no one but him.

"I hope Mokuba works out the problem," Yugi smiled and blushed a bit. He sat there and wondered how and when and where. How did they come together, they sure as heck hadn't bonded over the breakfast. When did they meet? Surely they hadn't been seeing one another since Battle City. Then there was the where… Where had Serenity been? His bets were on sharing space with his rival. How fun! Seto Kaiba, a man seemingly obsessed with Kaiba Corp. and dueling was now smitten with a girl. He almost blurted out his happiness when he realized a dangerous reality. Serenity was Joey's sister. Joey hated that his friends fought over her, how would he feel when his archenemy claimed her?

Yugi's eyes widened as the two continued their banter, disguising it as Mokuba talk. Would she be the one who humanized Seto Kaiba? Looking back over the course of the breakfast he realized that Kaiba hadn't said one bad thing. A few glances had been scathing, but there were no hurled insults—implied or spoken.

Kaiba was almost completely at ease with the girl, who had seemed so young at the start of the meal. Now she seemed confident, self-assured and…happy. It made sense. Kaiba's strongest points involved his attitude, his ego and his self-assurance. Serenity lacked in those areas. However, her gentleness, sincerity and softness were just what he lacked. Yugi smiled, he would have to pay her a visit. He needed to know if this was something tangible. He had a feeling it was.

"I have to excuse myself," Kaiba spoke only to her now. Serenity felt her heart lurch in her chest. She couldn't imagine this table without him. Duke would move over to paw her, and Tristan would be his normal sweet self—awarding her with his unending adoration. "I have some shopping to do at the mall." She felt his hand squeeze her upper thigh. It was a slight gesture. He could hardly say or do anything at the moment that was noticeable.

"I have an appointment I have to get to," she mumbled, not able to take her eyes off his mouth.

"You're leaving so soon?" Yugi quipped, knowing they had every intention of meeting up somewhere outside of here.

"Breakfast is over Yugi," he shot back, a little gruffly, but not insultingly.

Yugi smiled brightly, "I'm glad you joined us Kaiba…it was…enlightening…"

Kaiba grunted. "Mokuba is having a Christmas Eve party at the Kaiba mansion. I'm sure he would want you all there. Seven sharp." He walked over to the counter without another word being spoken. He glanced back over and captured Serenity's eyes with his. Unspoken words of a promise lingered.

She would gladly meet with him, he had passed yet another test. Hell, could he be the man for her? She looked over at Yugi and noticed his big smile. She couldn't contain her own. Slowly, Kaiba exited the small restaurant and made his way through the parking lot towards his limo. Her heart skipped beats…he wouldn't forget that they were meeting—would he?

She jumped up at the same moment as Duke slid over into Kaiba's vacated seat.

"I have an appointment!" Serenity shouted a little loud. Everyone looked up at her. Silently, she cursed her nerves.

Joey smiled at her. "I'm glad you came."

"Are you going with us to Kaiba's on Christmas Eve?" Yugi asked her.

She appeared quite flustered. "Yes, if you all go I will too." Her dialogue was rushed as her eyes kept darting back to the window.

"You expect me to go to Moneybag's house for Christmas Eve?" Joey laughed.

"I don't know. He did seem rather subdued this morning. Maybe the holiday is turning him human. It might be fun to see how Mokuba and Kaiba celebrate the holidays." Yugi offered.

Joey frowned; he called for the check—only to be told that Seto Kaiba had covered it all, and left a very impressive tip. "Fine," Joey muttered. "We'll go."

Everyone said his or her good-byes and Serenity managed to escape with just hugs and kisses on her cheeks. She was no longer even in the restaurant in her mind. She was a million miles away in the arms of a man who continued to awe and surprise her.

She rushed into the parking lot and quickly got into her car. The mall was only minutes away.

Kaiba sat in the back of the limo waiting for Serenity to pull into the lot. He was in the area he had helped her out of the puddle. His gamble was that she parked in the same area each time. Hopefully, she was a creature of habit.

As if on cue, he watched her car pull into the spot next to the limo. She tried to contain herself as she exited the vehicle. He opened the door to her and smiled.

"Get in," he ordered as he slid over in the seat. Serenity didn't hesitate. The chauffer closed the door and then sat back behind the wheel.

"Where to Sir?"

Kaiba couldn't tear his eyes off the girl next to him. "Know of any good places to shop for Mokuba?"

"I told you," she smirked, as her eyes remained glued to the window. She refused to meet the intensity of his gaze. "Online…"

"Very well, back to the house." He ordered.

Serenity sat there in silence as the privacy barrier closed. They were no longer in the restaurant where it was safe—they were all alone now. Her heart was racing as she swallowed the lump in her throat. She could feel his eyes on her and slowly his hand moved onto hers, meshing their fingers together.

"I can't believe you were so…" She tried to find a word.

"Amicable? Peaceful?"

She smiled. "You were perfect. But why?" Slowly she turned her head and looked at him. His eyes wandered over her face.

"I want your laughter on Christmas Eve, Serenity…I want to earn my advancement." He was moving in quite close to her now.

"I think I told you that patience was the key to it…" her lashes fluttered against her cheeks.

"I also told you I have no intentions of kissing you until I hear my name…" He growled—a mere whisper away. She could feel it on her lips.

"Please…" She whispered, trying to lean closer.

"Please…who?" He prompted, praying silently that she would relent.

"Please Seto…kiss me…"

His lips claimed her softly, gently, thoroughly. She gave up every secret to him willingly.

Slowly he pulled away and searched her eyes.

"I like how you changed it around on me." She moved closer.

"What did I do?" He nipped at her lower lip.

"Christmas Eve at the mansion?" She kissed his lips gently and then pulled back slowly.

"It's a good idea to stack the playing field in one's favor…" He mumbled as he tugged her onto his lap and began kissing her neck.

"Is that a pearl of wisdom from Seto?" She giggled as he began tickling her.

He smirked. "I have a feeling you'll insist on playing this game to the dire end. Do I, at least, have an edge?"

Serenity shivered as she felt warm kisses trail to her ear. Biting her lower lip she nodded.

"Yes Seto…the edge is all yours…" Her fingers buried themselves in his hair as the two tangled in another heated kiss.

A/N: My longest chapter yet. The responses to your reviews will be here until they appear on my profile page