Nine Years

Chapter Twenty-Four: Regret, envy, and hope

Radiant lights, calm music and wonderfully blended colors greeted their eyes as the Kaiba party entered the gathering. In an instance, applause and shouts of approbation greeted their ears as Kaiba became the center of attention immediately. After all it was for him.

In response, he shook hands with people he considered worthy. To his liking, no reporters or camera's were around, just as he had requested. The owner came by and shook his hand vigorously, guiding him and his party to their reserved table.

Well dressed waiters and waitresses marched into the room with platters of food with them moments later, setting them in front of all the participants. After all the food and drinks had arrived at Kaiba's table, Joey had declared, "Let's dig in!"

Soon after they had finished their meal, the owner of the orphanage clicked his wine glass, gathering everyone's attention.

"Thank you all for attending here tonight in order to thank Mr. Kaiba for his generosity in building the Yamanashi Orphanage for Children and Teens" he announced proudly as applause ripped across the room. "Please, lets raise our toast in honor to Mr. Kaiba" he boomed proudly.

Simultaneously, everyone's glasses were raised, even the children from the orphanage raised their milk glasses and cries were created. "TO KAIBA!" Joey was the only one who didn't raise his glass up proudly, but raising it to the height of his lips instead as he mumbled something unintelligible.

In that instance silence clouded the room as everyone drank from their glasses. Chatter had resumed again soon afterwards.

Suddenly, trumpets blared and symbols from a drum set joined in as well as other band instruments as lively Jazz slowly greeted them; dancing had begun. The Kaiba table was immediately empty; Kari and Matt dancing with children from the orphanage, Mai and Joey swinging and twirling, Shaila being swooped away by another man, Mokuba and Rebbecca hitting it off on the dance floor.

Guess whom were at the table alone sipping their drinks?

"Interesting choice of music. One party that finally knows how to have fun" Serenity commented, remembering the times Kaiba had dragged her to party's that were composed for business people and their success and upcoming contribution to the business world and so on, not for sociality. Sociality was just a cover to get people to come. This was one where she was comfortable with. The atmosphere was lively and rich with sociality and chatter.

"Yeah...your favorite right?" Kaiba replied.

"What?" Serenity questioned.

"Jazz, it's your favorite type of music" he elaborated.

Serenity looked at him, surprise clearly shown on her face. "Y-Yeah...I'm surprised you still remember." She smiled awkwardly before remembering a moment of where Kaiba had announced to her that he had taken dancing lessons that went along with Jazz music, just for her because she had protested to him to take her out dancing, in which he had always refused. She giggled softly.

Mokuba looked at the two, seeing Serenity smile and Kaiba smiling as well, as if remembering simultaneously a moment in their lives together. He smirked, thinking it was the perfect time to intercede with them.

"Becca"

"Hmm?"

"Let's get them on the dance floor" Mokuba motioned to the couple sitting alone, sipping their drinks.

"Mmm...what's your plan?"

"I get Serenity, you get Kaiba, dance with them for awhile and then we crash themselves onto each other" he replied, using dramatic words.

"Not so sure Kaiba would come with me" Rebbecca replied nervously. She was scared of the consequences as they popped up in her head. First him scolding her then dumping her on the floor to be speculated by with humiliation.

"Don't worry, he won't do anything. Promise" Mokuba reassured. She nodded uneasily and off they went.

"Care to dance Serenity?" Mokuba questioned. Serenity opened her mouth to reply but was instead swept of her feet when Mokuba hastily grabbed her without question and instead guided her to the dance floor. Kaiba was about to speak as well but was swept off his feet as well by the daring Rebbecca. She pulled on his hand and had no choice but to oblige because if he didn't, he would be on the ground on his butt without another thought, suffering pain and humiliation.

Dancing had begun. Kaiba looked at Rebbecca incredulously, Rebbecca fighting back thoughts of running away. Gulping, she managed to cry out in all the noise "Come on Kaiba. Let's dance"

"I...Why? Shouldn't you be dancing with your fiance?" he bit out, almost growling. Rebbecca instead smiled widely, her mind recoiling instead.

"Well...just thought I should get to know my brother in law!" she perked up as she swung him around, leaving Kaiba dizzy for a moment. He hadn't done anything so lively and vigorous since...since...since he was with Serenity.

Serenity looked at the two. She hadn't seen Kaiba fumble under a lady's touch in a long while. Mai and Joey were thinking the same as they plastered wide grins amongst themselves snickering quietly. Kari giggled. Mokuba smirked as Serenity looked only at the two the whole time they were dancing. Mokuba looked into her eyes, seeing great want to reminisce good old times with Kaiba. Serenity looked away finally and stared at Mokuba, smiling.

"Thanks for getting me off my butt Mokuba" She ruffled his hair.

"No problem" he said. He looked beyond Serenity to Rebbecca and nodded briefly to which she caught quickly. Both drew closer to each other and finally released their partners onto each other, Serenity's head clashing onto Kaiba's firm chest. Mokuba and Rebbecca fled the scene as they resumed dancing. It was now up to them.

Everyone was now in their own little world, dancing and twirling, enjoying their time with their partners. Serenity and Kaiba stood about each other, just staring, not knowing what to do. It was Serenity who broke eye contact as she sighed inwardly, turning around and heading back. Kaiba grabbed her shoulder immediately, she stopped.

Clearing his throat, he opened his mouth, "Would you like to dance?"

Serenity smiled softly, unknown to him. Turning around, she replied shrugging, "I have nothing else to do"

He smirked as she put her hands in his hands and danced to the classical number that suddenly went on, lights dimming as well. Liveliness was replaced with a slow calm dance. Everyone around them grew close to each other, wrapping arms around each other. Kids were outside playing, tired of the party they considered dull.

Serenity blushed while Kaiba's smirk widened as he took advantage of the opportunity and pulled her close that they were touching. Her blush illuminated tenfold. This was nothing like the business party dance of where she was forced to dance with him and was resenting him greatly the whole dance. She could feel a hidden delight wash over her suddenly as she felt his touch burn like fire on her as it did nine years ago. Overwhelmed, she sighed and let herself sink into his aura. She forgot about the hatred on him or the hurt he induced onto her, she just wanted to savor the moment. She felt...good. Something she hadn't felt in a long while.

The dance ended. Lights went back on. Clapping was heard, directed to the orchestra. The couple released themselves and joined the applause, acting as if nothing had happened, well Serenity for the most part. They walked back to their table without a word.

It was almost the end of the party. People who were still lingering around was in for the sociality or matters of their own. Kaiba was in it because he had no other choice. Everyone else that came in with him were scattered across the room, with the exception of Serenity sitting next to him quietly. There was no tension or awkwardness between them, it was replaced with boredom.

"I'm going to get some fresh air, it's stuffy in here" Serenity announced as she stood up and left. In less then a minute she was back.

"That was quick. Miss me?" he asked, smirking like a cat.

Serenity's eyes gleamed with annoyance. "It's cold" she replied curtly.

"But its stuffy in here" he pointed out.

"Well it's freezing out there!" she replied crudely.

"I'm bored" he stated blatantly.

She looked at him warily. He was being annoying on purpose, for what reason she did not know. "Well entertain yourself and stop bugging me!"

"I am" he replied with the same cat smirk on him again. She huffed while he chuckled at her now fractious self. "It's cute seeing you pissed"

Her faced flushed while he continued laughing softly. "Even cuter when you're embarrassed and pissed"

That was the line! Standing up, she marched out to the terrace once again. Kaiba followed her this time, unbeknownst to her. She needed to escape from his sudden annoying antics or else she would have made herself a target for his amusement.

She sighed and closed her eyes when outside, breathing in the air, not caring how cold it was. Her body rebelled against her mind as it formed goosebumps across her skin and shivering had occurred. Warmth brushed her shoulders as she felt something drop on them heavily. Her eyes snapped open and she whipped around, facing Kaiba and his nonchalant posture as he was leaning against the brick wall, arms crossed and staring at her. She looked at her shoulders and spotted his jacket on her.

"Um...thanks" she murmured as she turned around again quickly, hiding the blush that zipped across cheek to cheek.

"No problem"

When she was sure her face was normal again, she turned around hugging the jacket against her tightly. "Aren't you cold?"

"No, I'm dressed warmly" he replied, referring to his full length white shirt, black vest, and full length slacks.

"Oh right" she replied sheepishly. She sighed and leaned against the wall next to him, exhausted, firmly because her heels were killing her.

Now what? Silence took over again and for some reason, she didn't want it to be that way. It was rather comfortable and amusing to talk to him. The man she loathed and detested since she had come to Japan was now next to her, keeping her company in a way. She realized with living with him this summer had broken down her wall of hatred for him, not completely but enough that she would talk to him with ease, deprived of tension and curse words. It was a matter of time before they became...friends? She didn't know if it was going to come to that point so suddenly, especially in one summer or if she wanted it either.

"Serenity"

She looked at him, thoughts cleared. "What is it?"

Without looking at him he replied, "I'm glad you came tonight"

She looked at him for awhile, feeling her heart jump slightly with appreciation. Reality crashed onto her quickly as she realized what she was feeling. Clearing her throat, she fought to redeem her inward dignity as she replied coolly, "Well... just for the record Kaiba, I came only because of Kari" She kept her gaze downward.

"Either way, you're here"

Her gaze lifted towards him again, eyebrows crinkled. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why are you glad?"

"I...just am" he replied with ease turning his back towards her. He looked at the window beside him that showed a view of the room inside. "I think it's over. Let's head back" he said suddenly while she looked at him dumbfounded.

Without replying she followed him back inside.

"There you are 'Ren!" Joey greeted with relief. "Where were you!?"

"Out back" she jerked her thumb back. Joey looked at the jacket sporting her and looked at Kaiba who was jacket-less.

"What'cha doing with moneybags jacket?" he asked warily.

"Huh? Oh this..." she trailed off as she saw everyone who came with them look her way, Mokuba and Rebbeeca smiling widely, Mai and Shaila arching their eyebrows while muffling their snickers, Matt and Kari looking her way with an innocent gaze, and Joey just about ready to shoot someone.

"I lent it to her outside. She was cold"

"And what were you doing with her outside?" Joey hissed, reading to shoot Kaiba with his venomous glare. The crowd dispersed, not wanting to get in battle with Joey. They would watch from afar but not at this range.

Serenity frowned, smacking him upside his head. "It was nothing like that!" Serenity replied equally in tone with him, face flushed for Joey even suggesting or implying something like that.

"'Den what WERE you doing?" he questioned hauntingly.

"To put it simply so you can even comprehend mutt-" Joey growled at this while Kaiba continued anyway, ignoring him. "I was keeping her company. She was very lonely after her so called big brother deserted her and left her sulking at the table-"

"Hey! I wasn't lonely or sulking!" she corrected Kaiba.

Kaiba continued. "-while you entertained your wife and I just happened to be there to keep her company"

Joey's glare relaxed as he looked at Serenity apologetically, groaning soon afterwards. He hated to admit it but Kaiba was right. He had deserted his sister. Sighing, he faced her, "Is dat true 'Ren, cause... I'm sorry"

Serenity looked at him, smiling faintly afterwards. The image in front of her distinctly reminded her of a dog who was whining forgiveness to his owner for committing a bad deed. Shaking her head, she refused to let such insulting thoughts of her brother overcome her. She growled inwardly; Kaiba was getting to her.

"Forget about it Joey, lets just go" she replied as she took off Kaiba's jacket. "Who knew a jacket could cause a fuss" she mused aloud as she handed it to Kaiba.

"Keep it. You'll need it for when we outside again waiting for the limo"

Shrugging, she put it on and followed the others going out the door. Joey crossed his arms and followed suit, Kaiba doing the same.

"I don't know what you're up to Kaiba but I'll be damned if I let anything happen between you and Serenity. I'm not gonna make the same mistake twice" he warned.

"Then damned you shall be" Kaiba replied monotonously, smiling softly afterwards.

Ride home...

Serenity looked around her, seeing almost everyone fighting with themselves to deprive themselves of sleep. It wasn't working, well for Kari anyway; she was sound asleep on Serenity's lap. Moments later, she saw Rebbecca and Mokuba struggling to keep awake but instead fell asleep on each other. She smiled at the cute scene in front of her; Mokuba's arm protectively around Rebbecca's slim waist, her head drowned in Mokuba's broad shoulder and Mokuba's head on top of her soft blond locks, acting exactly like a pillow.

"It would be a shame to wake her up, am I right Serenity?" Kaiba spoke softly as soon as the limo came to a halt. Serenity looked outside her window and saw they were in front of Rebbecca's doorstep.

She nodded. "Keep on driving Roland" Kaiba commanded from the small intercom. They were moving again.

"Why did you do that?" Serenity questioned, unable from refraining her curious thoughts. The Kaiba she knew would throw her out, literally.

He sighed instead. "As much as I hate to admit it, she's going to become my little sister soon" he bit out, frowning. "The little brat" he mumbled, wearily, yawning afterwards. He smirked afterwards.

"You should be happy for Mokuba" Serenity replied.

"I am" He looked at her, serious.

"Then why do you act like it's a curse?" Serenity questioned.

He grunted and closed his eyes. Serenity decided not to push it further and relaxed herself, closing her eyes.

Kaiba let out a deep sigh. He didn't hate Mokuba or the brat, but just seeing them reminded him of Serenity and him. He looked at Mokuba and he was bombarded with images of what would happen if he did the same with Serenity. He looked at Rebbecca and he was reminded of Serenity's beauty and intellect. He was reminded of the damn mistake he made. Now his brother was going to live a life he wanted.

Regret...

When he looked at the two he felt a tinge of the green eyed monster's powers boil up inside of him. Why, he did not know. He hated the feeling, it was new to him and disgusting. The feeling reminded him of the life he could have had.

Envy...

Looking at the couple also inspired him to give another shot, make a second chance. Serenity was wooed with their little couple tactics calling it cute. He could do the same, of course, but he was in a different scene then the lovey-dovey couple. For one thing, Serenity and Kaiba weren't in love, but he was willing to make it happen. The feelings he felt now were just feelings of wanting to start over with her again, a crush on her if you will, a...desire? After the break up, he learned a hard lesson; saying the three little words 'I love you' were one thing, but feeling the the three little words were another.

This time he would take it slow, let their moments be savored by the two and NOT let one big rush zoom by them like last time. That was what created their downfall, speed. Speed tore apart the chances of being actually in love, he concluded. This time, he would make sure they would be on the slow track and not the fast track.

and Hope...

He sighed, disregarding his minds feuding emotions. That was that. He had hope to rely on, not regret, and certainly not envy. Regret and envy were useless emotions, in Kaiba's mind. Regret was something of the past, something to worry about. It's useless to consider the past when you couldn't do shit for it. The present and future are what you rely on. Envy was a disgusting and dirty emotion, something Kaiba had never felt before until now. These were emotions all humans were embedded with and he couldn't get rid of them. Even Kaiba would admit that.

"Mr. Kaiba, we've arrived"

He opened his eyes and looked around, everyone was asleep. He felt something soft yet heavy on his shoulder; Serenity. He smiled faintly, shifting his weight until she was light as a feather against him. How he wanted to last in this moment forever but he knew that it couldn't be achieved, not now anyway. Looking over at Mokuba, he lightly kicked his foot, getting a snort in response and mumblings. Grunting, he kicked him again, firm this time.

"What?" he jumped up, rubbing his eyes. "Hmm...we're here" he mumbled aloud as he stretched himself. He saw his fiancée shift around a bit before settling down again.

"Let's go Mokuba" Kaiba enjoined.

"Right" he replied as he yawned profoundly.

"Are we here?" Kari whimpered as she sat up and stretched her little arms.

"Yes" Kaiba replied. "Come on let's go"

The men and the little girl stepped out first, then carried the sleeping beauty's afterwards. Serenity wrapped her arms around Kaiba wordlessly while shifting her head so she was comfortable around him, unconscious.

"I want to be carried too..." Kari mumbled as she rubbed her eyes continuously, not being able to wake up fully.

Kaiba bent down and offered her a piggy back ride on which she humbly accepted, unaware that he was already carrying Serenity like a bride. Immediately, she fell asleep on his free shoulder.

"Are you going to be able to make it?"

"What are you saying Mokuba, I'm weak?" Kaiba replied while smirking. They walked up to the elevator.

"No, I'm just saying...don't drop them" Mokuba smirked.

"There you are!" Joey mumbled, in his pajamas. "Were were you? You came later than us!" he practically yelled.

"Knock it off Joey!" Mokuba mumbled almost growling. "You'll wake them up!" he hissed, referring to the females they carried.

Joey kept quiet as he sighed dejectedly. "Sorry" He looked at Kaiba and went over to his back, prying Kari off of him. "I'll put her in bed" He mumbled as he carried the child whose arms and legs were wrapped around him now. Without another fuss, the blond left the hallway.

"Strange...I would have thought he would become a sudden prick because you're carrying Serenity" Mokuba commented.

"He's probably too tired to complain. After all, dogs do need their sleep" Kaiba concluded.

"Goodnight then" Mokuba said while Kaiba grunted in return. They walked off in separate directions and into bedrooms.

Mokuba set Rebbecca down gently, taking the time to admire her cute, angelic sleeping face. It wouldn't be long until he was sleeping next her, seeing the angelic face every night... and doing among other things. He blushed profoundly. Sighing, he rid his intruding thoughts and instead took of her heels, jewelry and among other things on her (except her dress), tucking her in afterwards. He kissed her forehead lightly and went to his room afterwards.

Kaiba growled as he struggled to open the door knob that led to Serenity's room. Finally after sometime, he grasped it firmly and gave it a sharp turn, opening the damn door. Just like Mokuba had done, he laid her down gently and took of her heels, jewelry and his coat, tucking her in afterwards. He sighed and looked at her face; her nose flared a little, her goddess like hair fanned out beneath her, some stray strands coating her face, and her lips were moist with lipstick and open slightly. His faced flushed when seeing her lips like that, vulnerable.

Even though he told himself he would take it slow, he wanted to kiss her lips severely. Red lips were taunting him to do so. He bent down until he was breathing on her face softly, hesitating. Quickly he kissed her softly and soon found himself nipping on her lower lip. Before he knew it, he felt a response from her as she moaned quietly, almost inaudible and nipped on his lips. Overwhelmed, he shoved his tongue inside her mouth and tasted it. He moaned inside of her afterwards, savoring the feeling that he hadn't felt in nine years. Pulling away quickly, he started breathing visibly and studied her; her eyes were closed, her nose was flaring a little and this time, her cheeks were flushed. She curled herself into a ball and sighed contently, turning over to her side while hugging a pillow.

Kaiba let out a shaky chuckle as he stood up and left her room, closing the door. He entered his own room and undressed himself until he was in his pajamas. After brushing his teeth, he plopped down on his king sized bed and pulled the covers up.

He closed his eyes and smiled awkwardly. "I thought she was awake" he mumbled to no one. He sighed heavily, smirking afterwards. 'She's a good kisser, sleeping or not. I wonder...was she dreaming about me when she did that?'

A/n: Was Serenity dreaming about Kaiba when she was asleep? Hmm...tune in for the next chapter to find out! Hoped you liked it!

Thanks everyone for still reading and forgiving me for my late updates. I thought I should at least update another chapter of a story before school begins tomorrow. Hope you guys had a good break and (insert sarcasm here) have fun in school! I know I will, with joyous finals greeting me this week! (Insert sarcastic grin)