Thanks for all the great feed back guys! It was great!
A lot of you said that the length is good, which is great because I really feel like longer chapters accomplish more. .
Here's the next chapter, I'd still love to hear what you all think.
Also, to the Wonderful author of 'Stay With Me' who I hope is reading this still: I tried to answer your message unfortunately it said messages were disabled for you. But I would LOVE to keep reading the story, it was such a great plot, and you wrote it beautifully. I'll of course keep reviewing it for you as well. ^.^ And for the rest of you, I suggest reading the story as well. It was amazing.
Day One: Of Christmas Trees and Pregnancy Tests.
"Why did I say yes to this again…?" Kaiba muttered to himself as he adjusted in the seat of one of his cars. Serenity was driving and shot him a look. He didn't take back what he said, however, and just shrugged a little. He crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. "Maybe if while we're there-" He suggested with a smirk, this time as Serenity looked at him, he did stop, and glanced back at Mokuba in the back seat, he was asleep though.
"You love me don't you?" Serenity asked him, looking at the road carefully. The sun was still rising, casting an orange glow on her skin, giving her a beautiful glow. Kaiba looked at her and felt himself relax a little.
"Of course." He said, not liking that she seemed to always make him bend when she reminded him of how he felt for her, which was something they both knew but he had never said . "You shouldn't have to ask." He muttered, running a hand through his chestnut hair. Though he knew that wasn't why she asked, she was being sarcastic, he found his comment as a good way to get even. "But if you love me you shouldn't make me come." He muttered, not wanting to see her family at all. Now that he had received what he wanted he wanted to back out.
"Honestly Seto…" Serenity muttered, annoyed. "Do you want to start going back on your promises?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. She made a turn, slowing the car a little. Kaiba just sighed and shook his head. "You're acting like a baby." She said to him as she drove down a rural road, country on both sides, houses scattered here and there.
Kaiba sighed and relented. She was right, he was being somewhat childish. And he had given his word. A Kaiba never went back on their word, nowadays that is. "Fine…" He said and looked at a house. He'd never been to Serenity's mother's house before, but he had a strong feeling that that small building was it. Oh dear God…He thought as Serenity pulled onto the property. There were already several cars littering the lawn and Serenity pulled into a spot for them.
"Be nice." She said as she turned off the car and got out calling to Mokuba, who jerked awake and looked out.
"Holy crap…this place is tiny…" He muttered as he got out of the car and rubbed his eyes a bit.
Serenity glanced down nervously. She had gotten used to the mansion herself, so looking at this place seemed miniscule to her as well. "Well it's my home..." She said, frowning gently. Kaiba looked at her, he could sense how she was feeling.
You're home is back in Domino with us. Kaiba thought, but said nothing. The three walked to the front door and Kaiba took a supportive hold of Serenity's hand. But he may have had an ulterior motive. He knew the gesture would spark something in her brother.
"If she says anything about you and me living together I make no promises about being nice. And you know how your brother and I just love to be nice to each other." He whispered before Serenity put her free hand on the handle to open the door, it was her old home, so she didn't feel the need to knock. She looked up at him with sad eyes so he sighed. "But I'll try…" He relented, kissing the top of her forehead a bit, Mokuba just gagged and crossed his arms over his chest.
Serenity smiled gently and opened the door, she paused, hearing kids screaming, but then finished pushing it open and broadened her smile. "Hey guys!" She said brightly, stepping into the living room and letting go of Kaiba's hand, the two boys followed after them and tried to go unnoticed.
"Sis!" Joey called out and immediately hugged her close. She giggled and hugged him back.
"Hey Joey." She said kindly and let go as three little kids came running up to her. She greeted them happily as Joey and Kaiba looked at each other. They just nodded and Joey shook Mokuba's hand. Serenity's mother then walked up and Kaiba stiffened a little. Serenity glanced at them as she picked up one of her nephew's and then gave Kaiba a careful look. She was then dragged away to give them attention, leaving the Kaiba's alone with her mother.
Mokuba, however, slipped away and went towards Mai and Joey, whom he got along with great. Kaiba looked at the woman and nodded a little. "Mrs. Wheeler…" He spoke with as much respect as he could muster. But with all the distraught the woman's brought to Serenity, and thus to him, it was hard for him. He hesitated but stuck his hand out for her to shake it.
"Seto…." She responded shaking his hand slowly though not willing to give him, a younger man, the respect of using his last name. It irked him even more seeing as it was his last name that held all of his power. Still he didn't say anything. "And it's Montgomery now." She added, motioning over to man sitting on a couch across from Serenity and the kids. Kaiba just nodded and then slipped his hands deep into the pockets of his trench coat.
They were both silent for a moment, but neither walked away. "So Serenity is still living with you…" She said, deciding to get it out of the way. Kaiba glanced over at his girlfriend, happily playing a game of war with Joey's three young children, and balancing a conversation with Mai. He nodded, and looked back to her.
"Yes. Almost two years now." He said, sounding proud of the fact. And he was. He enjoyed having Serenity around all the time. No one knew it but him, but he was expecting to propose to her soon. He already had the ring, but was waiting for the right time. And so far, one hasn't come up. And though he brought the ring here he didn't expect the opportunity to come up while they visited her family.
Kammi (That's what I'm naming Serenity's mother from now on) sighed a little and shook her head. "You have to understand how I feel about this." She said, crossing her arms. "She's my little girl. I don't think it's a good idea for two unmarried people of your age to be living together. Something could…come along the way." She said, eyeing Kaiba. The man was surprised she'd talk about such a thing in front of every one.
Kaiba glanced at the group, who were clearly trying to ignore the twos conversation, but it was hard. He looked back at Kammi and sighed. "We'll continue this later." He said, giving a very fake smile. He then walked into the living room and bent by Serenity to whisper something in her ear. She nodded a little and then he glanced at Mai, giving her a nod of respect. He stood and motioned for Mokuba, they stood and walked out to collect their things from the car.
Serenity watched them go out the door and then turned back to the game she was playing. She then looked over at her mother. "I hope you and Seto are getting along." She said carefully. Kammi looked at her and gave a small smile.
"Of course…" She said, and then sat down next to Chuck, and the man wrapped his arm around the woman. The two looked at each other just as Mai and Serenity gave each other a long look. They remained quiet for a moment and then the boys came back in, carrying their things. Serenity stood and went to help them. She and Kaiba shared one bag, it was large but he held it easily. Mokuba also had only packed one bag, and Serenity led them to their room.
Surprisingly to the three, Kammi had put one aside for all three of them. She may be against Kaiba and Serenity living together, but she was going to let them sleep in the same bed while visiting. She probably knew we would share a bed one way or another…or that she'd run out of space if she didn't. Kaiba thought triumphantly, wondering how Serenity had managed to live in this cramped house for most of her life.
"Mokuba there's a mattress on the floor for you. Seto we'll have to share a bed…" She hesitated. It wasn't that sleeping together was odd, but they shared a King sized one back in the mansion. It was huge and allowed both of them plenty of room to do with what they want. This was a twin. They'd be squished together the whole night. She didn't mind, she loved sleeping in his arms, but she worried he'd feel too cramped. He just shrugged, assuming that size would be a problem in this house.
She opened the door and let them both walk in front of her. The room was small. With barely any walking space with the mattress lying on the floor. There was a chair next to a large bookshelf on one side, a closet on another, and the two beds taking up the rest of the space. One was elevated and up against the wall. That was where Kaiba put his and Serenity's bag, for now. Mokuba put his on the chair and then sighed a little. The three looked at each other and then heaved a heavy sigh in unison.
Kaiba just scooted towards Serenity and wrapped his arms around her middle. "You owe me…" He whispered in her ear. Serenity frowned a little and turned around so she was facing him. If it weren't Serenity asking him to do this he wouldn't…but she had such pull over him…
"Well if you two are gonna keep snugglin' like that I'll just go." Mokuba muttered, starting out of the room. Serenity giggled a little and pulled free from Kaiba's arm, receiving a frown in response from the man. She just smirked a little and walked out of the room with Mokuba, to be greeted by Mai.
"Hey we're going for the tree. You guys coming?" She asked, looking at all three of them. Serenity nodded quickly and then reached for Kaiba's hand. He held hers lightly and the three walked out of the room, back down the hallway and into the living room where the rest where waiting. One of Serenity's nephews ran up and grabbed her, tugging her away from Kaiba.
"Auntie Ren! Come with us!" He pleaded, swinging her arms energetically. He was definitely Joey's son.
"I can't David." She said, bending and putting her hands on the boys shoulders. "Your car is full. But I'll see you there alright?" She asked, the boy pouted a little but nodded. Serenity stood up and took Kaiba's hand. The group all walked out to their cars and slipped inside, but Serenity handed Kaiba the keys and made him drive.
"I don't even know where we're going." He muttered, but took them from him anyways.
"Just follow Joey." She said, motioning to her brother who was helping Mai wrangle their three children into their van. Kaiba sighed, but nodded and slipped into the driver's seat. "Also after we go get it I need to stop in town for something." She said, nonchalantly. Kaiba looked confused and turned to her.
"For what? Couldn't you have brought it from home?" He asked her, Serenity hesitated a moment, and then glanced at Mokuba.
"Girl stuff…" She whispered, and the college boy just chuckled a little.
"Tampons?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. Serenity blushed and looked forward. It was a lie, she didn't need them. But she couldn't tell them what she really needed. She had to be sure of her suspicion before she told them what she thought.
"Yeah. Tampons." She said, running her hands through her hair. Kaiba just rolled his eyes at the sensitivity of the subject, though didn't exactly like talking about it himself. So he just pulled back and began following Joey as the three cars pulled out of the lot of land and went down the rural streets. The ride was mostly quiet, but suddenly Mokuba burst out laughing.
"Tampons." He muttered, chuckling a little. Kaiba rolled his eyes, as did Serenity.
"Could you please be a bit more mature?" Kaiba asked him, glancing at him through the rearview mirror. He then looked forward and tapped on the breaks quickly, Joey had come to a stop. "What the hell?" He muttered, annoyed. Serenity reached her hand over to him and gently rubbed his hand, trying to calm him a little. He glanced at her, but didn't say anything. They started up again soon enough and then finished getting to the tree farm.
They pulled in all beside each other and quickly got out of the cars. Joey's kids swarmed Serenity yet again (They seemed to think she was the greatest thing on the planet), and they went off in search of the perfect tree. "She's good with them." Mai said to Kaiba, looking up at him with a little smile. He just looked at her, not really sure why she had decided to speak. "She'd be a good mom." She continued, hinting a little.
"Too bad." Kaiba said, making it clear that he had no intention of making Serenity a mother, though he knew she would make a great one. He didn't want to be a father. It wasn't that he didn't want children. But he didn't want to be a father. He knew he would be a terrible one. Children needed love, care, and affection. Things Serenity was great at. He on the other hand…he couldn't do any of those things. And with the experience he'd had in the past with fathers…
"I see…" Mai said, eyeing him a little, she had her own suspicions of what was wrong with Serenity. But she didn't say anything. She turned, took Joey's hand and the two went into the farm as well. Kaiba glanced at Mokuba and then they both walked in as well.
"We'll find the best tree bro." He said smiling a little. Christmas was Mokuba's favorite season. Kaiba knew this, so nodded and smiled at the boy. They wandered around and Kaiba occasionally glanced at Serenity with the three little kids. She did look happy with them. And he knew she wanted kids. Maybe not right now, but someday. He had overheard her talking about it with Mai once. But he just…hated the thought of being a father. It sickened him. A husband on the other hand…he tapped his pocket where the ring rested. He almost always had it on his body…waiting…
"Oh this one!" He heard Serenity call out. He and Mokuba migrated over to her and looked at the tree. It stood seven feet tall, only a little taller then the Kaiba brothers. It was full and had a brilliant dark green color. Kaiba nodded with agreement, and Mokuba smiled as well. Joey and Mai approached and looked at it, smiling. It was rather perfect. Finally Kammi and her husband approached and gave their approval as well.
Serenity looked down at the three kids around her. "Told you we'd find the perfect one guys." She said, and they cheered, thinking they had won some kind of competition. Joey walked off to get an attendant so they could buy the tree. And Serenity looked at Kaiba, he knew why. She wanted him to pay for it. He sighed and nodded, then reached into his pocket. He understood why. Her family was poor, the 200 dollar tree would be hard for them. He wouldn't even notice the money missing. He walked after Joey and stopped him.
"I'll take care of it." He said, Joey looked at him surprised, but then nodded with a bit of respect.
"Thanks Kaiba." He said, quietly, hoping the man wouldn't hear. Kaiba did, but didn't say anything. He just approached the attendant and told them which tree they were getting. Kaiba then withdrew a card from his wallet and passed it over to the man. He took it, glanced at the name, and then at Kaiba. He hesitated a moment, making Kaiba smirk lightly. The man quickly got the card swiped and had Kaiba sign a slip of paper as it printed out. He handed back the card and with one fluid motion Kaiba returned it to his wallet and slipped it back in his pocket. The man then nodded and they both walked back to the group.
It was tied up and carried to Kammi and Chuck's jeep. It was strapped to their car efficiently, probably because Kaiba was present, as many other families had been waiting to get their tree to their car for some time. Serenity was playing tag with Mai and the kids while it got to the top of the car. Kaiba watched her again. Mokuba suddenly nudged him though and smirked. "You're looking at her like a stalker Seto." He muttered. Kaiba quickly turned away from her and back to the tree.
They stopped playing when it seemed like everything was set. Serenity walked back to Kaiba, panting a little. "Ready?" She asked curiously, slipping her hand into his. Kaiba nodded, wanting to mention that he was only there because of her. But he kept his mouth shut. He held onto her hand securely and then allowed Mokuba to walk in front of them to the car. "We'll see you back home. We have to stop at the store." Serenity called to Joey, who just nodded.
The three slipped into the car and buckled up, Kaiba once again in the driver's seat and willing to take directions from Serenity. The drive back to the town was a good half hour, which they spent in relative silence. Serenity directed them to a super store and grabbed her purse and then darted inside as Kaiba and Mokuba stayed in the car. Suddenly Mokuba began chuckling again. "Tampons…" He said laughing some more.
Kaiba rolled his eyes and spun around. "Are you serious?" He asked angrily. Mokuba didn't seem to pay any attention as he kept laughing.
Inside the store Serenity timidly walked towards the female department. She walked down the rows and grabbed the tampons she had made the boys believe she was getting. She then walked back up the row a bit and glance this way and that. She then looked at the pregnancy tests and bit her bottom lip.
"Serenity Wheeler?" Someone suddenly asked. Serenity spun and looked at a young girl, about 20, who was gawking at her.
"Do I know you?" Serenity asked confused.
"No, but you're dating Seto Kaiba right?" The girl asked, and inwardly Serenity sighed. She gave a polite nod and smiled brightly. "That's so cool. Kaiba is like…so hot! And rich!" She said, and Serenity shrugged a little.
"Yeah I guess." She said, hoping the girl wouldn't notice what it was she had been looking at. Luckily the girl just gave her a wave and left. Serenity sighed relieved and turned back to the tests. She reached out for one and lifted it, with a little shrug. "How am I supposed to know which one to get…" She muttered to herself. She sighed, deciding to just go with luck and then went to check out. She took out her cash to pay for it, knowing that if she used a card there might be some trace of what she had bought.
She smiled as the items were put in a bag, and then she went to leave, but stopped short before the door. She took out all of the pregnancy tests and the instructions and stuck them in her purse. She then threw the small box away and just kept the tampons in the shopping bag. With a sure nod she walked out of the store and walked to the still parked car. She slipped inside and smiled to the two of them.
"Thanks. Let's go back." She said brightly.
"Can I see them?" Mokuba asked, leaning forward and peering over the seat.
Kaiba and Serenity spun around and glared at him. "No!" They shouted in unison. Mokuba rolled his eyes and leaned back slowly.
"Fine…" He muttered as he crossed his arms over his chest.
So here's chapter 2. ^.^ The next one might be a bit longer to get out, I already had this one written before I posted the first chapter. But please review, let me know how its going and all that. ^.^