A/N: I fully intend to have the Christmas Eve gift giving up on Christmas Eve...if all goes well in this less than perfect world. Between college finals studying, being sick and life in general (Christmas is always busy) I haven't had much time to write... Hopefully that will change soon.

Chapter 20

Simple Fate

Serenity smiled as Kaiba dragged her down the hall by her hand. It felt so strange to be so carefree and normal with a man who most feared, or at least avoided. Part of her wondered where they were going. The other wasn't concerned—as long as she was with him. It seemed impossible to fall this quickly for a man she hardly knew. Yet, so many of her thoughts revolved around him lately. How could something, which started as a joke on her brother and friends, evolve into this?

Tugging her into a room, off the main hall, he waited for her to realize where they were. A small giggle let him know she had figured it out.

"So, is this where all of your brilliant ideas evolve?" She asked as he released her slim wrist. Circling around the antique mahogany furniture, she looked at the books surrounding them on all sides. She didn't know very much about them, but she had an idea that many of the ones he owned were first editions. "Do you read a lot or are these for bragging rights and show purposes?" Her fingers glided over a few spines as he took a seat on the small leather couch facing a roaring fire.

A maid entered the room, causing Serenity to jump. The woman walked in slowly with a silver tray. Setting it down on the coffee table before Kaiba, she poured two cups of steaming liquid into the mugs. A heavenly aroma wafted to her nose and Serenity couldn't suppress a small moan of satisfaction. Hot apple cider and some type of chocolate soufflé in cups awaited her. She watched as the maid used a spoon and cut holes in the center of each cake, and then poured a creamy white liquid in the middle of each.

When her task was complete she smiled at Serenity and left the room, closing the door behind her.

"You're spoiling me Kai…Seto…" She blushed. It would be hard to switch to his given name. It also felt much more intimate, almost as if she had a small sliver of existence in a life not open to just any stranger. "It looks very decadent."

Serenity continued to circle the room, not daring to approach the couch he was seated on. Her hands itched to bury themselves in his hair, and she could still taste him on her lips. The slip into liking him had been easy compared to this—the falling in love part. It would help if she were guaranteed that the future with him would be easy. However, there were so many pitfalls ahead. Living in the moment would probably be her best bet. If she thought too much about tomorrow or the day after, her nerve might wane and falter.

"It's my favorite dessert," he admitted while watching her like a hawk—trying to gauge her feelings. "I figured I could lure you in with something tempting…"

Didn't he know how tempting he was on his own? She shivered. No confection could compare to the dizzying effects of his kiss or touch.

"You have a favorite dessert? You always chastise Mokuba for eating sugary things, I thought you might avoid anything that would make you a hypocrite." Slowly she began making her way towards the back of the couch. It was funny to have him sitting there with her standing above him. It gave her a small sense of power as she contemplated her situation.

"It's a chocolate truffle soufflé served with white amaretto sauce."

"With the hot apple cider being sugary and the dessert being so sweet, wouldn't the tastes compete?" Against her better judgment—she took a few steps closer to him. Curiosity was getting the better of her. Why was he being quiet? It wasn't like him not to banter or steer the conversation. Why was he being introspective?

"Why don't you sit down, try it, and see for yourself?" It seemed to take forever to make the move around the couch and assume the seat next to him. Their thighs brushed and she glanced up at him. He moved in close and picked up one of the cups. Taking the spoon, he scooped up some cake and held it to her lips. Tentatively she opened her mouth and was delighted. It was perfect, sweet and intoxicating, yet oh so rich and smooth. Her eyes closed as she swallowed.

Before a word could be spoken, there was a knock on the door.

"I said I didn't want to be disturbed…" Kaiba stood and stormed over to the door. Flinging it open he saw a familiar face, which chilled him to the bone. "Yugi."

"Kaiba," Yugi responded in greeting and skirted around the billionaire. Yugi's face broke into a huge smile as Serenity's eyes widened in shock. She began to shake her head 'no' as she swallowed her taste of the cake.

Springing to her feet, she nearly knocked over her mug of cider. Her mind raced. She was about to say it wasn't what it looked like. However, she knew if she did Kaiba could be hurt. If she kept denying her desire for him would he eventually deny her as well?

Placing a hand over her mouth she tried to chew quickly.

"It's not what it looks like," Kaiba suddenly said, surprising both her and Yugi.

Yugi wore a puzzled expression as he watched Serenity's face pale.

"Seto, it's okay," swallowing the last of the dessert, she smiled at him softly and then turned to Yugi. "Yes, Yugi it's exactly what it looks like." Shrugging, she moved over to her brother's best friend. "We reacquainted at the Christmas party. I guess you can say we've been spending some time together." Looking up into a pair of deep azure eyes, she knew she had made the right choice. Yugi probably couldn't see the smile hiding behind the façade but she could.

"What does this mean for Tristan and Duke?" Yugi asked as a smile tugged at his lips. He knew both boys were insane for her, but neither needed her—they only wanted her. Seto Kaiba had a need for a girl who could lighten him. Serenity was so perfect for the chore (and he was sure it would be a chore), fate must have intervened and brought the polar opposites together.

"I don't want to hurt them." She looked away—back towards the fire. At least Yugi was sensible, what would Joey say when she explained Kaiba to him? "It was never my intention to cause pain to anyone. Unfortunately, I think I made a whole big mess of things." She had a distraught look on her face as a lump rose in her throat.

"Do you want some practical advice?" Yugi smiled at her.

Honey eyes looked at him with hope. Maybe he would have all the answers to all of her questions. How could she navigate her way through this situation and leave as few casualties as possible. Having gone over her dilemma several hundred times, she still had no grand scheme. In fact, truth be told, she was even worse off than ever. A simple nod caused Yugi to go on.

"Don't cancel your contest. Go on with it and see who is taking it all seriously. You wanted to laugh—let them make you laugh." He shrugged. If Seto Kaiba were serious about Serenity, something Yugi was fairly positive of, he would come out on top. If Kaiba was one thing—it was competitive. He also had an edge; Serenity had opened to him unlike Tristan or Duke. The other two constantly complained how she regularly shut them down.

Taking in her slight form, relaxed, barefooted, blushed cheeks, and smiling eyes—she was holding nothing back from Kaiba. Funny how it took someone as cold and aloof as Kaiba to unlock a warm, sweet, caring girl like Serenity—it was like a key slipping into a lock.

"I've never known you to back down from a challenge Kaiba. The stakes seem fairly high this time, but I know you and I have a feeling you already have this all wrapped up." Yugi smiled. "I just hope you both figure out how to tell Joey when the time comes. Somehow I don't think he's going to be thrilled."

"Yugi?" Serenity whispered. When he turned to her she smiled. "He will listen to reason right? …Eventually? Maybe?"

Yugi gave her one of his famous smiles. "He's coming here for Christmas Eve, so I guess that means he isn't totally shut down to the idea of a truce." Glancing at Kaiba he raised an eyebrow. "However, it takes cooperation for peace to happen. I think you should figure out what's important. Petty rivalries from childhood or a future of…dare I say co-existence and happiness? If you decide that the fighting and barbs are done, then possibly it will be a Happy New Year."

Kaiba stood there in the doorway, not having moved from the spot he had taken when he opened the door. A dark scowl on his face. He honestly hated being spoken down to. Yugi might always claim utter and perfect friendship and no harm intended, but damn if he didn't feel like a two year old every time Yugi gave a speech. He was about to say something when Serenity beat him to it.

"You seem to think that Seto and Joey could get along. I've seen them over the years and when they get together it's never a good thing." Serenity looked at Kaiba sheepishly.

"There were no fights at breakfast this morning." Yugi explained. "I think they will both put what's important above their own petty, trivial problems."

Yugi glanced at Seto and noticed how his blue eyes were focused clearly on Serenity, and Serenity alone. It was a fascination, and yet there was so much more there. Here, in his home Kaiba could let some defenses down. In the restaurant he had been guarded. Yugi's eyes flickered from one to the other. Serenity didn't notice how completely Seto Kaiba had fallen for her. He almost let out a small chuckle—did Kaiba?

"Joey is going to have a fit." Suddenly she looked so down trodden.

It was then Yugi saw the expression change on Kaiba's face, just a moment—just a tiny flicker.

"We'll deal with your brother when the time comes." It was a statement, not filled with any emotion.

"You'll have to do better than that Kaiba." Yugi warned. "You and Joey have always had such animosity for one another. When he sees you near his little sister he will likely blow a gasket or two. Be prepared for some heavy objections to this."

Kaiba's eyes narrowed, the mutt had better not cause this to come to an unnatural end. He had every intention to keep Serenity in his life and he would be damned before he allowed someone as insignificant as Wheeler take her from him.

"What are you suggesting Yugi? Not that I'm in any sort of mood to follow your bad advice…" Folding his arms across his chest, he took his familiar stance of indifference.

Yugi smiled at the man he did consider a friend.

"I suggest a mutual apology and putting everything behind the two of you. It won't be easy, but if you're willing to compete in Serenity's contest I think you could see your way to sharing a truce. You simply need to consider what's most important. Would you rather insult Joey? Or would you rather have Serenity in your life?"

Kaiba quirked an eyebrow at Yugi's words.

"There is no way I'm bowing down to…him." Kaiba ground out. Instantly he noticed Serenity's sad expression.

"I never said bow down. I was thinking of a gentle truce so you could date Serenity, and Joey wouldn't have an aneurism. If you want to have a future with Serenity you better learn to compromise. This is a new challenge for you Kaiba—what's more important your pride or Serenity?" Yugi glared at him.

"It's okay Yugi," Serenity gave a small smile. "I know what I'm getting myself into. I knew that first night. Unfortunately gravity is taking over and I don't have much of a choice than to see this all through."

"You better not hurt her Kaiba," Yugi warned.

"I have no intention of harming her. Don't question my feelings Yugi—your doubts aren't appreciated." It was almost a growl.

Yugi smiled, Kaiba had quite the dilemma and it was very refreshing to see. He would have to change; to adapt to the way his heart was feeling. Christmas Eve should be very interesting

With a small wave and short 'good-byes,' Yugi left the two in the silence of the room. Serenity felt her cheeks blush. It was the first time she had admitted to wanting more from Seto Kaiba than just a few stolen moments. He had given her the perfect out by saying that it wasn't what it looked like and she could have easily come up with an excuse. Yugi might have bought it, or he might not. Point was, she allowed it to be known for the first time.

"What is it?" Kaiba asked as he approached her. She looked like a mass tangle of nerves. A warm hand rested on her shoulder and gave it a tentative squeeze. Serenity looked up at him and smiled. "Yugi didn't spoil your mood?" He said it in a sarcastic tone, but she couldn't help but detect a softer undertone.

"I admitted that we were…" What had she admitted to? That they were spending time together? Oh, major revelation. She rolled her eyes, what would she admit to next that his eyes were blue? She shook her head and tried to rid herself of her own stupidity.

"What are we Serenity?" It was a rough question in a gentle tone. He needed some sort of reassurance. Hell, Yugi just received some justification—why wouldn't she award him with the same courtesy?

Turning back to face him, she lifted her eyes to gaze into his. Her fingertips itched to stroke his cheek and she longed to kiss him. "Ask me on Christmas Eve Seto, please don't make me answer before."

Without warning her hand slid up to his shoulder and then to the back of his neck. He could feel her fingers lace into his hair as she began tugging him down to her. Serenity Wheeler kissed the self-satisfied smirk on his face. Melting into the kiss, she found herself quickly crushed against his chest. Her breath caught as his tongue swept into her mouth, tasting the delights of her and the chocolate soufflé. She moaned against his lips and suddenly found herself on the couch. When had they moved?

His mouth moved from her lips and down her jaw to her neck. Moving her head to the side she gave him perfect access to her. She giggled softly when he found a particularly sensitive spot and he stopped his explorations.

"What next Serenity?" He asked, pulling back so he could look down at her. "Will you tell your brother and the rest of them?"

Her fingers traced his strong jaw line down to his chin. She could hardly believe this was happening, let alone how fast it was occurring. Could it be like Yugi said—simple fate? She had never seen Seto Kaiba treat anyone with warmth, except for Mokuba. Was he just misunderstood?

"I told Yugi today Seto. I'm going to make it very clear to everyone, if you win." She smirked at his wide eyes and quirked eyebrow. "I told Yugi and I'm telling you now, I intend to see this through to the end. I hope you can prove how much you want this. Will you make me laugh Seto Kaiba?"

Blue eyes, which so many competitors and enemies had feared, narrowed on Serenity. "So you still don't think I'm worthy of claiming your heart?"

A gentle fingertip glided over his lower lip, her eyes transfixed on his mouth. "You are entirely worthy, or else I wouldn't have let you stay in the contest." She blushed as he kissed the fingertip. "My only concern is your time. You keep concentrating on me—what about the gift?" Sliding the finger down his chin, she moved her hand along his neck and stroked it into his hair, smiling at the way his eyes closed. Could a dragon purr?

"The gift is already bought and I'm totally prepared to meet with your challenge. But I do have one small reservation. If you don't laugh at any of the gifts…" The words hung in the air. His eyes surveyed her features, she was serene and yet troubled at his observance. "You must realize I won't give up on you if you decide to play the game where you guard yourself behind a simple rule. I intend to call you my own on Christmas Eve. Surely you know by now that I'm not deterred easily. I think you had other plans when you invited me into this little contest."

Her heart pounded at his insight. How could he possibly know that originally she intended to laugh at no one? Could he read her that well already? Then again, she never did let anyone in the group inside. It was a fault, a minor defect of hers. After being ripped apart from Joey at such a young age—there was a fear of being abandoned again. It wasn't Joey's fault, not at all, and she didn't blame him. However, if you never let someone in—you could never be hurt, not deeply in your core.

Seto Kaiba knew about hurting. She could see that in his eyes, she remembered how destitute he looked that day when he lost to Yugi at the battle tower. But now, in those same blue eyes, something looked different. Yes, he was still cold, and his defenses had been up around Yugi and in the restaurant. But here on the couch, in front of a fire, holding her in his arms—there were no barriers.

"If you fail to make me laugh on Christmas Eve, I'll have to teach you all about the art of laughter between then and New Year's. And maybe, just maybe Seto Kaiba…I'll teach you how to make me laugh." With deliberate movements she rested herself against his frame, marveling at how petite she felt against him. Then, softly, she pressed her lips to his and was rewarded with a gentleness she hadn't experienced from him before. Usually his kisses were hungry and aggressive. This time, in this moment, he was soft and reserved—as if he had the rest of his life to learn her.

A/N: I will respond to all your comments on my profile page later today...I just really wanted to post something before you all forgot about me...sniff... Please make my day and review? I would thank you whole-heartedly...promise!