Wow another super long chapter? You guys are getting spoiled :P That or I didn't want to drag it out over two chapters lol. This chapter begins the same evening as the previous chapter. Also, this chapter was unbeta'd so here's hoping I caught everything.

I got home that night and shared a few of the cookies with Mokuba while we watched the news. As predicted he ate a third of the tin on his own, but we both could agree that they tasted good.

I went to my study and found a message already waiting for me. I frowned, wondering what might be troubling her. We had a routine, she rarely messaged me early.

Seth,

I was wondering if I could ask you for relationship advice. You see, I think I'm falling for someone, but I already have someone I'm sort of dating and I don't know if this new guy likes me and I don't know if I should stay with who I have cause I know he likes me or if I should break up with him. Please, I really need you for this one.

Kisa

I leaned back in my chair and wondered what I should do. I would offer advice on occasion, but I preferred to encourage her to make her own choices and problem solve. It taught her independence and would be better in the long run. I glanced at the time, it was still early, but she clearly needed me on this one. With a sigh I replied as best as I could.

Kisa,

Well, I don't really have much experience when it comes to relationships so I can't say how good my advice will be, but I suppose it isn't really fair to the person you're with if you have feelings for someone else. You'll only end up hurting them later. I'd say end it with them and be honest instead of harbouring feelings for someone else and making two or more people unhappy in the end. Make sense? I hope everything works out for you. So tell me, how was your day today?

Seth

I hit send and rubbed my eyes tiredly. I felt annoyed, I assumed it was because she was asking for relationship advice. She'd never done that before, I didn't even know she was involved with anyone. Kaiya certainly never mentioned it.

For the remainder of our talk I felt a twinge of unease. Perhaps I was worried she'd want to talk about Leonardo Dicaprio or whoever it was girls found attractive these days. However, true to our unspoken understanding she didn't mention any boy again and instead we spoke of her plans for New Year.

On New Year's day I was woken well before dawn by a sudden weight.

"Come on Seto, it's four! You need to get ready." I groaned and shoved my brother off of me.

"You've out grown these wake up calls Mokuba," I muttered, sitting up and rubbing my eyes. "Being jumped on was never pleasant, but at least before you hadn't hit triple digits in weight yet."

"I wouldn't have to wake you up if you got up on your own. Now hurry up, the coffee is probably ready and I've got the thermos waiting."

I watched my brother leave before heaving myself out of bed and got dressed. I wore the black corduroy pants I saved for cold winter days and donned my favourite turtleneck. By the time I had finished getting dressed Mokuba was already waiting at the door with a thermos in each hand and a back pack slung over his shoulder.

"About time," he grumbled as I shrugged on my black, wool coat. With a yawn we left the mansion and made our way to the garage.

"Can I drive?" he asked as we strolled over to the dark blue porsche.

"No."

"But Seto!"

"When it's your car you can drive." I slid into the comfortable leather seats, I loved the feeling of being behind the wheel. People assumed because of my money I took a limo everywhere. Not only was that tacky and an overly extravagant display of wealth it was inconvenient. I would have to have a full time driver waiting for my every beck and call on the off chance I felt like going out.

When I was younger a limo was easier because I couldn't drive, but now I only used it when I was going somewhere especially formal and I'd just arrange to have Watanuki, the head butler, do the driving.

"Can I drive on the way home?" Mokuba pestered, fiddling with the radio. I sighed, it was going to be a long trip.

"You're not cold, are you?"

"Nah, I'm fine." I nodded and sipped my coffee as we watched the clouds turn pink with the approach of dawn. I knew Kisa, no Serenity, was probably just waking up.

"We should bring people next year," Mokuba said suddenly, breaking the silence.

"Why would we do that?" It had always been just us on New Year, we did the same thing every year as we had since we were adopted.

"Look at it Seto," Mokuba nodded out to the horizon. "We're on the highest building in all of Domino, first to see the sun rise and we aren't sharing this beauty with anyone." He had a point, Kaiba Corp's roof had an amazing view.

"If you want to bring someone next year, feel free," I told him while I dug through the back pack for the rice balls he had made.

"I want us both to bring someone," Mokuba pressed taking one of the rice balls as well.

"Why is this so important to you?"

"Because, I want you to be happy." I wrapped an arm around my brother's shoulders, it still felt odd having him only be a few inches shorter than me.

"I am happy." Mokuba shook his head and looked up at me with an expression I couldn't name.

"Trust me Seto; you're not." We were quiet after that, and for the remainder of the day I found myself wondering what he meant.

Talking with Kisa that night was different as well. As I had feared, she wanted to learn more about 'Seth', and that was something I couldn't do. I knew she would hate me if she knew who I really was, though I hoped I had begun to make up for it.

Kisa: What do you look like?

Seth: Why do you want to know that?

Kisa: because I wonder sometimes. I mean I could pass you in the street and not know it was you.

I let out a short laugh, she had no idea how right she was about that.

Kisa: I'd like to see you.

Seth: You will in April.

Kisa: not before?

Seth: No, I'm afraid not.

I hoped she'd understand that we needed to keep our distance. I couldn't have her find out who I was and refuse to speak to me when I needed this credit.

Kisa: okay, I understand. Could you describe how you look?

I tapped my fingers on my desk, describing how I look would be alright. There was no way she'd figure out who I was based on that, I didn't exactly have stand out feature like Yugi and his crazy hair.

Seth: I'm tall; 6'1" and I have brown hair and blue eyes.

I nodded, that was fine. Completely vague and impossible to pinpoint, but still the truth.

Kisa: but that's so vague!

Seth: What can I say, I'm pretty average looking.

I was certainly not going to go on about my 'steely blue eyes and chiseled jaw' as I had been described in more than one magazine. What people didn't realize is when I wore my comfortable clothes and my glasses they passed me on the street without a second glance. If they noticed anything it was my height, but I'll admit I was guilty of slouching when not trying to look imposing.

January passed quickly and soon it was February, one of the slow months at Kaiba Corp. Talking with Kisa, or Serenity rather, was back to normal with no request to meet or talk of boys.

I thought things would stay like that, I was content with how things were. Serenity, it seemed, had other ideas.

Another email was waiting for me when I got home in early February. I sighed and prayed she didn't want more romantic advice.

Seth,

So, I was wondering if you could do me a favour. I have to go to your school tomorrow and the directions I got to the department I need to go to aren't that helpful. I was wondering if you could draw me a map or something? I'm sorry, it's just I know I'll get lost.

Kisa

I leaned back in my chair feeling slightly relieved, I didn't have to talk boys but she did need my help. I pondered for a while wondering the best way to help her, she said the directions didn't help so I doubted a map and described landmarks wouldn't work, it was easy to get lost on the campus grounds.

The best way would be to show her and physically be able to prevent her from making the wrong turns, however that wasn't an option. I groaned as I typed a reply, short of sending someone to guide her this was the best I could do.

Kisa,

I thought about it and I decided that I can't draw you a map, it wouldn't be very helpful to you. So I propose a better solution. Here's my cell phone number (03)3436-6661. Phone me when you arrive at the campus and I'll try to guide to from there.

Seth

I hit send and hoped she wouldn't recognize the number. I barely had time to reach into my briefcase to retrieve my work when my instant messenger beeped at me.

Why am I not surprised? I thought, turning back to the computer screen.

Kisa: So does that mean you're meeting me there?

Seth: No, I finish class at 1:30 on Fridays; I'll already be at work. I'll try to guide you over the phone as best as I can, that way I'll know where you're going and if you're following the directions.

Kisa: At work? Won't you get in trouble for being on the phone?

I smirked, who would get mad at me for being on the phone? Even if I was in a meeting if I thought it was important I'd answer it.

Seth: No it should be fine, I'll make something up.

Kisa: Oh, ok. My number is (05)4263-5755 so you'll know it's me who's calling

I took my iphone from my pocket and added her as a contact, marking her name as Serenity so I would get used to calling her that in my head.

Kisa: Seth, do you have a mailbox at the University?

Seth: Of course, we all do. Why?

Kisa: What's your mailbox number?

Seth: I'd have to look, I don't use it often. Again; why?

I frowned, wondering what she was up to. She obviously wasn't going to send me letters through it when we emailed everyday and I couldn't imagine what other use she'd have for it.

Kisa: I have something I want to give you, but I don't have any way of giving it to you. I thought this would be the best way.

I was quiet for a moment, it seemed harmless enough. We'd been speaking every day for five months, she wasn't a crazy stalker. Finally, I consented and dug out my wallet to find my student ID.

Seth: You have to use my student number, they don't use names there. It gets too complicated. My number is 96268. Give them that number and they'll put it in my slot. May I ask what it is you have?

Kisa: Nothing special really, just a charm I had bought at the shrine I went to on New Years. I know you're not really superstitious but I thought it wouldn't hurt to have.

I smiled in spite of myself, sometimes she surprised me with how well she knew me. I wasn't superstitious at all, but it was a nice gesture and completely harmless. I gave her my thanks and sent her to bed.

While I worked, however, I couldn't help but idly wonder what charm she had bought.

The next day was filled with interviews, meetings and in other words, the part of my job I hated.

I was in the middle of listening to the head of R and D list the pros and cons of various companies we could purchase materials for lighter duel discs as well as the materials themselves, when my phone rang.

"Hello?"I answered, assuming it was Kaiya to tell me about yet another meeting.

[Seth?] A soft voice replied, she sounded different on the phone. I pressed the phone to my shoulder.

"We'll finish later. You can leave." I waited until the door had closed behind him before speaking again.

"Kisa, hello." I felt my voice shift into the tone I used with Mokuba, I suppose it had become a reflex to treat her as I did him. "So tell me, where are you and where do you need to go?"

[I'm at the front gate, the blue one. I need to get to the theatre in the Daidouji building.]

I had only been to the theatre a few times, but I was familiar with the building. I guided her as best as I could, pleased with her ability to listen.

[Thank you so much!]

"It was no trouble," I told her with a small laugh; it had been a long time since someone had been so enthusiastic by something I had done. "Have fun with your friend, I'll talk to you later. Good bye."

[Bye!]

I hung up the phone and glanced up at the drawing she had given me for Christmas, it looked nice on the wall; filled up the empty space.

I paged the head of R and D and while I waited for him to return I couldn't help but wonder what would happen when the program ended. I had been spending the past few months believing that come April we would meet, say our good byes and move on. I wasn't so sure it was be that easy anymore.

I should have expected something like this to happen, but I didn't and so when I saw Serenity was phoning me that night I was surprised.

I took the call in my study, I was concerned that it was be different and it was, but not in a bad way.

We talked the same as we normally did and I bid her good night as usual. It became our new ritual and I discovered I didn't mind. I was able to do more work on the phone that I was having to type every couple minutes.

A week or so after I had given her my number I was no longer surprised to see her on the caller ID. I didn't have to go to my study to take the call as Mokuba was out with friends so I stayed on the couch partially watching the news.

"Hello?" I answered, I always took her calls and never let them go to voice mail, it would be disastrous if she found out it was me.

[Hi Seth!] She said cheerfully. [What're you up to?]

"Not much, I just got home from work. You?"

[Making my Valentine chocolates, I'm just about done. How was work? Busy?] I heard the clatter of dishes in the background, it appeared she liked to work while we spoke as well.

"Fairly busy, though I have had busier days. Do you make chocolates for everyone? I thought the tradition was to make chocolate for your boyfriend or the person you wanted to be your boyfriend." My experience with Valentines was limited, but no one I knew gave chocolates to everyone.

[Yup, I make chocolates for everyone. It's more personal than just store bought chocolates, besides I don't have a boyfriend and my friends look forward to my chocolates every year. So, do you have plans on Valentines day?]

"It's this Sunday, right? I'll be home in all likelihood. I have some studying to do for school."

[Do you get a lot of chocolates and stuff?]

"Why do you think I plan on staying home?" I asked with a small laugh. "For reasons I cannot even begin to fathom girls seem to want me. Not that I've ever shown an iota of interest. I don't eat much of the chocolate I'm given. I give some to my brother and give the rest to a local orphanage. The kids appreciate the treat more than I do." I got mountains of the stuff, Kaiya made the arrangements to donate it after it had been thoroughly checked to make sure it was safe.

[Why don't you eat any of it?]

"I always get milk chocolate, which is fine in small amounts but I prefer white chocolate," I explained, letting her in on my secret sweet tooth.

[Oh, okay. Yeah I guess if you don't really like it to begin with, then getting a lot is no fun. Too bad you're not a girl.] She gave a short laugh, and I realized I hadn't really heard her laugh before. Happy, cheerful and excited, yes, but never laugh. I wondered if she didn't laugh often or if I just hadn't heard her. [On White Day girls get white chocolate and other stuff that's white.]

"I've honestly never paid much attention to either holiday before," I admitted. " You'll have to teach me. Regardless, it's getting late. We've both got school tomorrow." I got to my feet and made my way back to the hall, getting ready to go pick up Mokuba.

[Are you going to be at school on Friday?]

"Not Friday," I said, slipping into my coat. "But for a few hours on Saturday afternoon I will be."

[Check your locker, okay?]

"Alright, I will."

[Promise?] Her urgent tone reminded me of how Mokuba would get when he wanted me to promise him something.

"I promise, will you go to sleep now?"

[Yes.] She laughed then; a real, genuine laugh. [Sweet dreams, Seth.]

"Sweet dreams, Kisa," I returned with a smile she couldn't see; I liked making her laugh.

As promised on Saturday I went to the school and made my way to the post office. As I walked I saw Serenity pass and I quickly ducked behind a pillar. After a moment I peered around and saw her bright auburn hair getting further away. I breathed a sigh of relief and continued on my way.

Once I reached the post office I handed the bored looking student my ID card and waited while he returned with two items; a charm and a blue box.

I waited until I was back in my car before taking a closer look. I smiled when I saw she had given me a Shobaihanjo, a charm supposed to bring success in business and money matters. I hung it from my rearview mirror and opened the blue box. Looking up at me were twenty four dragons made of white chocolate.

"Hey Seto!" Mokuba said when I got home. "Where'd you go?"

"I just went to pick something up." I made my way to the kitchen and retrieved the necessary ingredients to make spaghetti; I was in the mood for something simple.

"Wow, where'd you get the chocolates?" Mokuba asked, I sighed sensing where he was going.

"You may have one, and they were a Valentines gift."

"But you never accept any valentines from girls."

"This one was from a friend," I admitted, unused to the term. I didn't have friends, but I had come to realize Serenity was just that. She remembered all these months later that I loved dragons, even though it had been something small I had told her in passing.

"That's great! So what're you going to do for White Day?"

"White Day?"

"It's when you pay the girl back for giving you something. Usually you give them something white, ergo the name, and it has to be more expensive than what she gave you." I thought about it while we ate, I knew she loved art, perhaps I could find her something art related.

After we had cleared up dinner I made my way to my room.

"Don't stay up too late," I told my brother who only nodded and knowingly smiled at the phone in my hand. Once I was safely behind the closed door I called her for the first time.

[Hi Seth!]

"Just when I think you can't amaze me..." I marveled, hoping she could hear my gratitude. We talked a long time that night, we shared pieces of ourselves that we hadn't before and just talked about anything that crossed our minds.

I didn't send her to bed, but around two I could only hear the sound of her breathing softly and I knew she had fallen asleep, unused to late nights as I was.

"I love you," I said before I froze and caught myself. I quickly hung up the phone and stood up, shaking my head. What was I thinking? What the Hell was going through my fucking mind? I heard a knock on my door and gathered my senses before answering it.

"I'm heading to bed now," Mokuba yawned. "You going to be home tomorrow?"

"Yes, all day."

"'Kay, I'll make waffles in the morning. Night Seto, love you."

"I love you too, Mokuba." I closed the door and a thought struck me, I had just told Serenity I loved her out of habit. It had become a reflex to treat her as I did Mokuba and I had a momentary lapse.

I breathed a sigh of relief as I changed into my pajama pants, it was just a slip; it meant nothing.

Tried to keep it as unrepetitive as possible, but there you have it. Seto finally considers Serenity a friend, his first friend, and you now know he reasoning on why he said he loved her back in Three Guys.