Chapter 13-- Surprise!

Lily had a great afternoon with Valon. He said nothing about Alister, so she didn't mention it either. Valon seemed sort of distant. It was like he was in deep thought. Truth be told, he was. Although Lily didn't think he was paying much attention to her, she was what he was thinking about. Plus what Alister had said. That's impossible. I can't be attracted to Lily. She's 13, for heaven's sake! There's no way. I mean, there's nothing wrong with her. She's cute and funny and sweet. I happen to like the way she looks at me. Her eyes sparkle with happiness. But that's it. Other than that, I don't like her. Oh God. I do like her. I gotta get out of here. "Hey Lily," Valon said suddenly. "Can we cut this short? I need to talk to someone. " Lily was a little confused. "Um sure. I wont tell Mai." Valon flashed her a smile. "Great. Thanks," he said grabbing his stuff. Then he left. Now what am I supposed to do?

Serenity was glad art was her last class. She was excited about the interview. Not even paying attention to what she was doing, she ended up coloring the leaves on a tree brown. Oh crap! She fumed silently. How am I supposed to fix this? What good is a brown tree gonna do me? Suddenly an idea popped into her head. I'll use the brown color pastel and smear it all over the picture. It reminded her of a big chocolate bar. The waterfall and river were brown too. The grass was chocolate and a bunny was nestled in it. Nestled. Nestle chocolate! It was a chocolate world. Only fifteen minutes until school's over! It's gonna take me ten minutes to get home, five to be changed and ten to get there. Man, I wish Joey didn't have the car! I'll have to hurry.

Valon was driving his motorcycle around. Where is Alister? And why I'm looking for him would be a better question. Maybe I should go home. I think Lily knew I was a little out of it. I just have so much on my mind. Alister was the one I came to when I had problems. He's normally the one with a solution to my problems. He often knows it before I even know there is a problem! Valon parked his motorcycle in an alley, hoping that Alister would just appear there. He zoned off into space. Deep in his thoughts, he faintly heard a motorcycle pass by. I have no clue what to do. I can't keep running from my thoughts or emotions! I can't decide how I feel about Lily! "Arrrgh! This is so frustrating!" he yelled aloud. "Hmmm, let me guess, Lily?" Valon whipped around. "Alister!" Alister looked surprised. "Wow. You're happy to see me. That's odd." Valon threw him a dirty look and muttered, "I wouldn't exactly say "happy," but I need your advice." Alister's mouth curved up into a smirk. "Valon needs my words of wisdom. My special advice." Valon rolled his eyes. "Just don't give me fashion advice." Alister glowered at him and then resided.

Serenity was half-way home. Ms. Hirikotsu had made her stay after school to admire her chocolate fantasy. Although Serenity was flattered, she was slightly irritated that she got out seven minutes later than she expected. Serenity glanced at her watch. 3:17. That was definitely not enough time to get home, change, and get to the orphanage. It was worth a try. Serenity ran home. Bursting through the door, she threw down her keys on the table, and ran down the hall. Changing as she ran to her room, Serenity pulled out a long navy blue skirt and a light blue blouse. She hurriedly put them on, grabbed her purse and brush, and bolted out the door again. Glancing at her watch, she took off running down the street brushing her hair.

After applying some more deodorant, Serenity managed to get there five minutes later. Veronica pointed out an elevator down the hall. "Not a good start Serenity," she called as Serenity walked rapidly down the hall. She turned around. "Huh?" Veronica stood up. "Mr. Kaiba does not like lateness." Serenity was mortified. "WHAT? KAIBA?" Veronica nodded. "Yes, Mr. Seto Kaiba. I didn't tell you? I'm sorry. Mr. Kaiba is the head of the orphanage. You must hurry." Serenity didn't need telling twice. All sorts of thoughts ran through her mind as she turned a corner. SMACK! "Ow!" she cried out, looking up. It was Seto. Embarrassed and starting to blush, she apologized. "Sorry." He glanced down at her. "Excuse me. Let me guess, you must be Serenity Wheeler." It was more of a statement than a question. She nodded, a little scared. He started walking towards the elevator, little Serenity following behind. He is so tall! Serenity thought as the elevator doors closed. They were both silent. The doors opened. Seto motioned for her to follow. "You're late," he stated, opening his office door. "I know. My teacher made me stay…" He cut her off. "Lateness is unacceptable. You are responsible for where you are at all times. If I, miraculously, decide you are eligible for the job, you will not be late. Understood?" Seto's eyes pierced through Serenity like a knife. Even though he was only two years ahead of her, she still felt like a child. Well, she was short enough. At least, compared to him. Serenity took a seat in front of his desk and patiently waited for him to speak. This was a surprise…

"Valon, you look so depressed," Alister said. "Yeah, well, I've had better days."

"Could it be because of that cute little girl?" Alister taunted.

"She's not little! She's only six years younger than me." Valon continued rattling on. "And it's because of you. You had to go out and say that I liked Lily. That got me all confused and now I don't know if I do. Then you stated the obvious and said it's wrong. So now what am I going to do?" Alister looked at Valon like hew wanted to laugh, but didn't. He patted Valon on the back. "Valon, I didn't say it was wrong to like Lily, just inappropriate. Besides, it's not like we haven't done worst things before. I mean, you know, if you were planning to rape her, then I'd have to put my foot down. You aren't going to---right?" If looks could kill, it would have been the look Valon gave him. "All right, all right. Well, my advice is that you get to know the girl in the next few weeks. Pay a lot more attention to her than usual. Lily already likes you, so she'll be excited to spend more time with you." Valon frowned. "Just one problem. Mai." Alister laughed. "Mai will be pretty occupied these next few weeks. "Huh?" Alister rolled his eyes. "Uh hello? Earth to Valon. Were we not at the same club Saturday?" Valon racked his brain. Hmm. I came in when Mai and Joey were talking to Yugi and them. "Oh that's right. Valon you came later." Valon nodded. "About a half-hour or so." That's why I didn't see anything. "Yeah well anyways, they were dancing together. From the looks of it, sparks are flying and soon to be a fire." Valon snickered. "Sparks and flames? Why, Alister, I never knew you had such a poetic soul," he quipped. "Whatever. All I'm saying is to start to flirt with Lily and when Mai's around, appears oblivious. You need Mai to trust you more. Cuz I'm sure a month or two ago, that was the last thing on her mind. She did not like you. Even after you risked your life when you jumped off the balcony to stop her from getting her soul taken. Then you broke your arm. You also disobeyed Dartz, which was not a good decision." Valon looked at him, irritated. "Yeah, yeah. I remember," he muttered darkly. Alister smirked. "Well let me know how it goes. Here's my cell number. C ya!" With that said, Alister drove away, leaving Valon alone in the alley.

Serenity was busy filling out paperwork while Seto observed her. She doesn't look much like Wheeler. Surprisingly, he remembered her from Battle City. Anyway, Seto thought as he researched Serenity's records (KC has access to everyone in Domino). He quickly scanned her file. Father deceased. Living with brother in a two-bedroom apartment. Loves children. Wishes to study music and art at Tokyo University. Straight As so far through high school. Seto's eyes flickered to the girl sitting before him. There wasn't much to her. Her outfit wasn't expensive, he could tell, but it was definitely more than her dog of a brother would wear. He probably didn't own anything nice. Seto almost snickered aloud at the picture of Joey in a skirt and blouse. "Well," he said, "Are you finished yet?" Serenity looked up and smiled. "Almost. I just need to---there. Done." She handed the packet to him, accidentally knocking a pen to the ground. On instinct, they both reached down to get it. Serenity, however, got it first. "Sorry," she said shyly as she handed it to him. As Seto reached for it, his fingers brushed against hers. Serenity felt a tingly surge go through her body. Seto felt a mysterious sensation in his fingertips. He cleared his throat. "Serenity," he said looking past her, "you seem fit for the job. Your file tells me a lot about you. It also tells me that you're responsible…" he paused. Where is this going? Serenity wondered. "Which means," he continued, "that you shouldn't have any objective working from 3:30- 6:00 every weekday. Saturdays 2:00 - 4:00. Sundays off." He looked straight into her eyes, daring her to object. "That's fine," she said simply. "Okay?" he asked, concealing his surprise. I'd expected her to try to compromise with me. Maybe she has better workmanship than I expected. "Then I should see you tomorrow," Seto said to her getting up. Using his hand, he curtly gestured to the door. You'd think he'd have the decency to show a girl to the door, Serenity thought ruefully as she pulled it open. "Serenity." She looked behind her. "Don't be late." Was it her imagination, or did she see the corners of his mouth turn up ever so slightly? Serenity smiled and silently shut the door.

When she walked out the doors of the orphanage, she threw up her arms and let out a whoop of joy. Serenity ignored the people's eyes that stared at her from across the street. Nor the pair of eyes that watched her from the building which she had just left. The tall brunette rolled his eyes and went back to work.

All right. How many of you saw that coming? Kinda obvious, yeah? Oh well. Let's see how things progress between Seto and Serenity. Sorry the pen thing was kinda dumb. UP to come: Valon takes Alister's advice.

Doozo yoroshiku (Pleased to meet you.)

Disclaimer: I don't own the restaurant Lyons