Ah, it feels so good that finals are over…more time for what I want to do! So, as you see, I've finished another chapter of fanfiction. This update didn't take me as long as usual…I think…so I hope you're all happy.

And I've just realized that I put in the first chapter that I would put the pairings in somewhere…it's time to introduce at least one, no? Lots of it will be coming soon!

Anyway, that should be adequate enough to tell you a bit of what the next chapter will contain, much less this one. So, other than saying I don't own Yugioh…without further ado, here is Chapter XVIII!

Serenity peeked between the books before her, sneaking a look to see if the man was on the other side of the shelf. Ever since she had come in, he had followed her. No matter what section she was in—the shelf of new books, fantasy, classical literature, even romance—the man had somehow followed her. She would think herself rid of him, and suddenly, he would be there. Just as he was now, pretending to be interested in whatever book he was looking through.

She knew that he occasionally sneaked glances at her, too. She would pretend to be looking through the books on the other side of the aisle, and would feel someone's gaze on her. His, nonetheless. She hated it, and wanted to get rid of it badly.

She had several options. She could go to one of the librarians, and report it to them. However, they probably wouldn't believe her, or else the man would do something in return later that she definitely didn't want on her head. Of course, she could get out of the library and hitch the next bus back home. But there was always a chance that the other two men were outside, and it was safer among people than outside, alone, where people wouldn't hear.

Switching to the next aisle, she cursed her doubts. If only it weren't for them, she'd be out of this mess. But even that thought couldn't make her go anywhere. She was stuck inside, until something or the other happened. She dreaded to find out what that would be.

Well, on the positive side, at least nothing was happening now. She was probably panicking too much right now; maybe enjoying this visit among the books would be better right now. Of course, she would still keep her wits about her.

Serenity continued to wander about the shelves, but this time, she actually looked at what was before her.

As soon as Kaiba walked into the library, he felt at a loss for what to do. He never visited the library; he was always busy doing work to read. Reading was finally opening a book he had bought almost a year ago. He had enough to read as it was, he didn't need to come here to find something.

But where was Serenity? He didn't know this place at all. Not that it really mattered. Even if he did, he wouldn't know where to start searching. He had no idea at all what she read.

There was really no choice left to him, though. It was better to at least look than stand around and have other people looking at him. It wasn't everyday you saw some CEO of a gaming company just standing in a library.

The signs hanging from the ceiling were a bit of help. She probably wouldn't be in the nonfiction section, especially to get some book to read in her spare time. He would check there later. Maybe she would be looking around in the fantasy and science fiction books—a girl like her with her head in the clouds would probably read something like that.

He walked briskly in that direction, and peered down the rows. Knowing that people would find that odd, he acted as if he was looking for something to read. Actually, he didn't pick up any books. Looking was enough. He mentally chided himself for not leaving his trenchcoat in his car. He was still suspicious looking in it.

As that section of the library was small, he got through it quickly. Where else? Mystery, maybe? Romance? Horror? He highly doubted the last one. But he checked all of them anyway. Nothing.

He was just about to check the non-fiction section when he spotted a familiar person waiting in line to check out a book. His eyes flickered back once more. He couldn't have mistaken the bright hair…yes, it was her. She was clutching the book to her and digging through her bag with her other hand.

Kaiba sighed inwardly with relief. At least he knew where she was now. And that had saved him the time of looking in the nonfiction section that was composed of over half the library. But where was the man? He was still in here, he knew it.

With a bit more looking, he picked up the figure of someone looking at a shelf that was in plain view of those at the checkout. He was still wearing the dark suit, though his sunglasses were off like he had observed before. It was him, waiting for her.

Moving unobtrusively, he made his way back out to wait for one of them to appear once more. Spotting a bench, he chose to sit down. What difference would it make? At least his legs would be happier.

Serenity stood waiting anxiously in line. There had been no use staying there any longer, so she decided to go check out her book. As of now, the man was checking books on a different shelf, his back to her. Or at least, he was pretending to. Maybe he would stay there a second too long, and then she would be able to run away before he knew it, and just maybe, she'd be able to catch a bus before he could…

Her desperate dreaming was cut short by a kind voice. "Excuse me? Miss, you can check out your books here."

An embarrassed flush spread over her cheeks. She quickly walked over and placed the book on the counter, digging through her bag for her library card. She presented it in a knot of nerves.

The woman acted as if she didn't notice as she checked her record, but Serenity saw the corner of her mouth quirk up a bit. It only made her feel even worse, even though she knew that the lady was only trying to be friendly.

"The book is due in three weeks, on February the third," she said, offering the book, with the library card and a receipt on top, back to her.

"Thank you," Serenity mumbled, taking them and stuffing them in her bag. With a quick glance, she saw the man just picking up another book. There was still a chance…

But as she walked out and looked behind her, she saw him following. No, he couldn't catch her, she wouldn't let him. She blindly turned around and ran towards the parking lot.

Which was why she didn't see anyone in front of her until she ran into him.

The wind was knocked out of Kaiba's lungs for just a second. He had seen her walk out of the building, and had intended to go over and ask her if she was alright; maybe even give her a ride back home. Oddly enough, though, she had not seen his lonely figure coming towards her before she turned around, and had crashed into him.

Seeing that she was about to panic even more, he gently but firmly took a hold of her shoulders. "Serenity. It's okay. It's just me. Seto."

He saw a bewildered and wild look in her eyes, and couldn't help but laugh a little inside. Even for all of her innocent ways, there was something charming about her. It was odd to see so much of his younger brother's personality reflected there…

However, that all changed in a matter of seconds. The man was striding towards them with purpose, not hesitant anymore to make himself known for who he was.

Kaiba immediately stood in front of Serenity and pushed her behind him. His eyes hardened, and his mouth became a grim line, but he said nothing. He simply waited for him to approach and say what it was he wanted.

"Greetings, Seto Kaiba. I never thought to find you at a public library. A very awkward place to find the likes of you." His face twisted into a mask of a cruel smile.

"What the hell do you want?" Kaiba asked levelly. "Say what you want, and be gone. I don't have time to waste on the likes of you."

"Oh, I just want an answer. One that Mr.—um, my employer wants. None of us want to take desperate measures, not unless we have to." An evil glint went through Serenity, and she quickly hid behind Kaiba.

"What difference does an answer make? All that you and your employers seek to do is take desperate measures. Filth like you aren't worth answering."

"So you'll leave Mokuba to his fate? Well, well, that will be an easy answer—"

"No!" Kaiba growled dangerously, hearing the girl behind him gasp in fright. "Never will I do such a thing!" Eyes flashing daggers of blue fire, he threw the other man into the wall by his throat. "Never!"

The man was quickly turning pale, clawing at the hand that was slowly strangling the air from his lungs. "Let—let—" His voice was strained as he tried to beg for mercy, and he gurgled out uncomprehensible words.

"No! Seto, don't!" a voice cried from behind him. It made him freeze just for a second, and he turned around, loosening his grip just a bit. But that was enough to let the man escape. With a curse, he lunged after the man, intending to catch him by the collar, but he missed by less than an inch. He watched furiously as the man fled.

He turned around sharply to look down at her. "Why did you do that?" His voice dropped in anger. "I almost got him!"

Her eyes darted in fright. "No, you almost killed him! Did you see what you were doing?"

"Yes, I did. Of course I did! We could have turned him over to the police and had him interrogated!"

Serenity opened her mouth to answer, but no words would come out. Oh, how foolish she was! She really was just a hindrance to him, after all.

He must have seen the embarrassment and shame that overcame her, because him expression immediately softened. "Well, there's no use getting riled over it now. He's gone, and there's nothing we can do about it." He gazed over her head at nothing, then felt in his sleeve for something.

It was a piece of paper, folded over several times. The man probably put it in his sleeve when he was being strangled, trying to explain when no words would come out, but she didn't ask. She didn't inquire what was on the slip, either. In a few seconds, it made its way to a pocket.

"Do you want a ride home?" he asked.

"Um…okay," she mumbled. Her eyes flickered up to his for a moment, then looked away once more.

He did not move away for awhile, and she felt his gaze lingering on her head. It seemed like forever until he finally turned on his heel and started towards the parking lot.

However, she did not follow him. She stayed where she was, still clutching her bag to her. "Serenity, are you coming?" he asked from where he had turned around.

She didn't appear to hear him. "Wait!" she called out suddenly, facing him. He did not move. "Can—can you drop me off at the park first? I…I don't…I don't want to go home yet," she said softly.

He did nothing but nod, and headed towards his car once more. She slowly dragged herself after him.

The park was relatively empty by the time they arrived, late in the afternoon. Most of the crowd had gone back home to prepare for the evening. Many people were rushing around the park, eager to join their families at home. None of them ventured in.

Serenity let the feeling of the sun's dying light warm her face, and the gentle breeze blowing through taking away her troubling thoughts as she sat on a bench. Seto was sitting next to her, lost in his own world; for some reason, he had volunteered to stay instead of heading back home.

She looked at him, brushing the stray strands of hair from her face. His friendship was something that still surprised her, every once in awhile. From far off, he had seemed indifferent to everything around him and incapable of letting in emotion. With her brother's and friend's added notes, he seemed even more so, no better of a person to be around than a stone wall. But there really was much more in him than what everyone said. He had accepted her for who she was instead of shunning her innocent and shy ways. And after that, even though she had done so little for him, he had done so much to help her. Even now, after ruining his whole chance of being with his brother again, he didn't make her go away. Instead, he had let her stay and had even chosen to stay around her awhile longer. She didn't know anyone else who would do that without an angry word turned towards her. Even her brother did that sometimes.

As a stronger gust of wind blew through the park, his hair blew away from his forehead, showing the slight lines of tension that rested there. His expression was troubled and distant. He didn't even seem to realize her studying him. When the wind died down, his hair settled oddly before his eyes, but he didn't bother to brush it back to normal. He was too absorbed in his thoughts, tense.

Her heart softened, and she let her hand rest on his arm. "Seto, you shouldn't blame it on yourself. It's not your fault. You couldn't have known, or prevented it."

He did not answer at first, but simply gazed out at the darkening sky. Finally, he answered, his voice low and soft. "Is it?" He didn't agree with her, she could tell, but he did not voice it out loud.

Serenity looked down at her feet, trying to find the right words. "Well, how could you have done anything about it? I mean, you must feel really bad that you couldn't do anything before, but…It's just like you said earlier. It's done, and there's nothing we can do about the past." She looked back up at him.

A ghost of a smile passed over his face briefly. "I know. But I can't just forget it and go on. Not something like this."

It was getting chilly. She should have worn a thicker jacket…Shifting a bit, she put her hand under her thigh to keep it from getting any colder, and huddled deeper into her clothing. "Why…why do you hold it against yourself so strongly?" she dared to ask.

She saw the turmoil that immediately went through him at the sight of his eyes, and regretted it. "I'm sorry—I didn't mean to—"

He shook his head. "No, it's okay. I guess I should tell this to someone before I can't hold it back any longer. Before I spill it out to someone I can't be sure I can trust."

As the full meaning of the words dawned on her, she was stunned. Did he really trust her? Her, the girl that had barely done anything…?

But before she could think more about it, he started to speak once more. "I'm not sure I know how to explain it. I mean, it's just a turmoil of feelings inside of me; I can't really put it into words. Mokuba's always depended on me, I guess, and now I wonder if he still will, and if he does, if he really should. I've let him down so many times now, that it seems that I'm not the right person to raise him. I probably never was. But even though I know that, some part of me feels like…I don't know, that I'll loose him. If I let someone else do it, then he won't think of me as the big brother that cared for him. If he wants to stay with me, though, will I let him down again? I've already let him down too many times. Someday, he won't trust me anymore, won't he?

"I'm the only one he's trusted his life with for so long, I've taken it for granted. I never thought that I could loose him so easily. It's like…I don't know. Like the air around us. We know it's there, and we don't think that much of it. It'll always be there, right? But what if, one day, it's suddenly taken from us? We'll know it's there, just in our reach, but we'll be unable to reach it. And it won't be the fault of the air, or whatever took it from us. Because whatever took it was probably caused by the one who suffers the loss.

"I wonder if I'll ever be able to tell Mokuba how much he means to me, before I loose that chance. He's right there before me, but…I can't just give up everything, right? If I do, what use would it be? We wouldn't be able to get through life with no money to sustain us. So my choice is to leave him there, I guess, yet does that mean leaving him? I don't want leave him without telling him all of it, yet…it might be too late now. If only I could turn back time, if only there was a way to make everything right. Life would be so much easier, wouldn't it?"

He fell silent, staring out once more into a place unknown to all but him. Serenity dropped her hand to cover his, her heart heavy. How could he hold so much of it inside him for so long? She hadn't even begun to guess how vast his worries were.

Yet, the whole time, he hadn't really been explaining that. He had been explaining himself, she realized. He had been trying to unravel all that was tied up and hidden inside of him, trying to sort it all out. Had he even said it for her to hear, or to find himself? Did that matter?

She leaned her head on his shoulder. "You don't have to bear all of it yourself, Seto. That's what friends are for."

She felt his gaze on the top of her head. "Thanks for listening," he said softly.

Serenity watched as the wind blew through the bare branches of the trees, bending down to brush the grass lightly, and coming back up to dance through the emptiness before the sun's dying light. She closed her eyes and heard it whispering softly around them, making its carefree journey. Someday, not too far away, it would bring the spring with all of its full beauty and splendor, the colors and the life that came with it. It would continue in an endless cycle, changing from spring to summer, summer to autumn, autumn to winter, and winter to spring once more. Would anyone appreciate it for what it was, though, with all of its changes and individuality? He was right. Everyone was taking too much for granted in this little world, where everything was one thing or the other. Black, or white. "No, I should be thanking you. For all you've told me…I never realized."

She looked up when she heard him laugh. "Most of it, I've just realized myself. So I guess we're even, huh?"

"I guess." She let her head rest on his shoulder once more, closing her eyes once more to cherish this one moment. And as she did, she felt an arm come around her shoulders and pull her close, keeping her warm against the winter's late cold.

So, how do you like it? I hope the second half is cute enough…

Hopefully, I'll get the next chapter up before Valentine's Day. All I need is a bit of encouragement, I think…that's a hint.

Review, please!