Chapter 1- Everything's Fine
It felt like only months since Kaiba's return from the spirit world. From all anyone could tell, his life couldn't have been going any better. Duel Disk sales are through the roof since his apocalypse-inducing battle with Yugi and Diva, Mokuba was taking on more and more responsibilities at Kaiba Corp. U.S., and Joey Wheeler won the most current regional tournament….
Wait...What? That can't be right. Not that deadbeat...
Kaiba blinked at his monitor not believing his own eyes. He didn't make it a habit to browse his socials at work, but when he did it was mainly to see if Kaiba Corp was trending.
No. His eyes were correct. In full color on his silver laptop, was a picture of Joey holding his 1st place trophy with a big dopey grin. Next to him, stood Yugi looking…..grown up. His clothes looked like they weren't purchased at store for tween goths, his hair looked purposefully styled and his face….
"Atem…" Kaiba thought as he scanned Yugi's features over and over. No, it was definitely Yugi...But who would have thought he'd start to look so much like...him.
Kaiba was snapped out of his thoughts by a soft knock on his office door followed by the door slowly creaking open. Only one person can enter his office that way…
"Come in, Mokuba." Kaiba said, making sure to close out of his socials and pull up his current project.
"Seto! I'm glad we caught you!" Mokuba said, barrelling through the lavishly furnished office to close the gap between them.
"Mokuba, please calm yourself, you know what my sched- We?" Kaiba took a firm look at his brother and suddenly noticed he left the office door open. And, peeking in on the other side of the door was a young woman who looked very nervous.
Oh. Right. "Girlfriend" Judgement Day.
"Seto, you didn't forget you were meeting her today?!" Mokuba sighed, frustrated.
"No, no. Of course not. Please, come in." Kaiba lied, trying to be as polite as possible.
Mokuba has made quite a name for himself in the way he goes through partners. The tabloids even go so far as to label him a heartbreaker. Charming, handsome and smart like his brother, no one could withstand the wiles of Mokuba Kaiba.
Kaiba never would have thought of his brother being such a lady killer, but if he had actively dated when he was sixteen he might have had the same title. Shit. If he dated at all.
"Seto?" Mokuba asked snapping Kaiba out of his thoughts. Kaiba brought his attention back to his surroundings. The young woman was now patiently sitting in one of the two white chairs that sat directly across from his sleek grey desk.
"Pardon me. I've had a long day." Kaiba lied again, getting out of his chair. He buttoned his blue jacket and extended his hand to the young woman. She graciously shook his hand and smiled, revealing perfectly straightened teeth that have been inhumanly whitened.
"Nice to finally meet you!" She said in a high pitched sticky sweet voice.
Ugh...Another one of these..
Mokuba smiled at his older brother and took the other white chair across from Kaiba's desk. Kaiba crossed in front of his desk and leaned against it, centering himself between Mokuba and his…"Girlfriend", trying to remain as non threatening as possible.
"So, miss..?"
"Oh! I'm so sorry! I assumed you already knew my name! How silly of me!" She flipped her long dark hair from her shoulder and blinked her up heavily made up lashes at Mokuba.
"No that's my fault! Sorry, Kitten!" Mokuba said taking one of her hands in his. She blushed at the sudden display of affection.
Ew.
Kitten? Are you fucking serious?
The conversation continued as awkwardly as it started, and Kaiba forgot her name as quick as he learned it. He watched closely as his younger brother turned on his charm with her and then quickly put on the puppy eyes to get answers out of him.
"This is just like him. Taking one of his prey to me to see if she's worth the trouble or the press." Kaiba thought, his patience wearing thin.
Kaiba watched as Mokuba escorted her to the elevator and push the button for her. He kept the door from closing by blocking it with his body while he pulled her in his arms and planted a short but passionate kiss on her lips.
Since. When?
Since when has Mokuba started….kissing...Oh my god...He's definitely done more than that.
Kaiba shook the thoughts from his head as Mokuba shut his office door behind him. "You okay, bro?" Mokuba asked as he plopped on the long grey tufted couch on the outer wall of Kaiba's office.
"Watch it with the PDA." Kaiba stated, resuming his previous work before he took the aforementioned Facebook break.
"Seto, I understand your concern, but I'm eighteen, I can kiss my girlfriend goodbye if I want to." Mokuba said casually.
Girlfriend. A term here to be used loosely.
Kaiba opened his mouth to speak but then quickly resumed his work. "Definitely not worth the fight. His promiscuity knows no bounds. I would have never gone through women the way he does when I was eighteen." Kaiba thought.
Eighteen...Seto Kaiba's adorable little brother...is eighteen…
Yes. It had felt like only months since Kaiba's return from the spirit world…
"Where does the time go…" Kaiba stated not really asking his brother for an answer. Mokuba sighed and walked over to the polished desk.
"Did you see Joey got another victory? It's only a matter of time before he gets sponsored." Mokuba said, leaning against Kaiba's desk.
"Yeah. I saw."
"Do you regret it?"
"No." Kaiba replied, his keystrokes coming to an abrupt halt.
"How do you know what I'm referring to?" Mokuba turned to face his older brother, looking for anything in Kaiba's eyes.
"I don't regret anything, Mokuba. That includes retiring from dueling." Kaiba's typing slowly resumes and there's a shift in energy in the room.
"You have no regrets? None?"
"None whatsoever." Kaiba lied, his typing getting slightly more violent due to his annoyance and the headache forming in his temples.
"Seto….I wasn't going to press the matter but….some of the board members are starting to talk…"
"They do nothing but talk, Mokuba. Just ignore them." Kaiba said exasperated. Mokuba's visits were always welcome but consistently tiring.
"I can't ignore them when they're saying things like your "impotent" or "gay". If you actually were either of those things, I'd of course support you. But, what's going to happen when I take over Kaiba Corp. U.S., huh? You can't keep saying you'll be alone for my sake anymore." Mokuba said as he walked towards the floor to ceiling windows behind Kaiba's chair. Kaiba kept his eyes on his laptop, his typing slowing down significantly.
Kaiba sighed and interlaced his fingers, laying his chin on top. He'd never really thought about anyone in that kind of way since...well, closest he got was Atem and even then…..it was one sided.
"I'm not impotent and as for being homosexual, I don't really have much experience to know that. " Kaiba felt as if he was lying to part of himself. He knew his feeling for Atem went far beyond friendship and rivalry, but he knew he still found most women appealing if not attractive.
"I'm just saying, Seto. A date won't kill you, hey, even if you don't get married you may make a friend. "
"What's the point of having a female friend?"
"Women are for more than just sex, Seto. And, I didn't say they had to be female, Seto."
"That's funny coming from you of all people, and I guess you didn't."
Mokuba glared his brother and took a deep breath to keep from losing his temper. He waited for what felt like an eternity before saying, "Isono keeps putting those marriage portfolios on your desk, maybe it wouldn't hurt you to reach out to at least one of them."
"What? Why?" Kaiba asked, shocked that his brother would even think he'd want an arranged marriage.
"What?"
"Why now? When you were younger, you would have never suggested I do such a thing. Why the sudden change?" Kaiba was confused, hurt, and verging on angry.
Mokuba sighed loudly and walked over to take a seat in front of his brother. He leaned in and looked Kaiba in the eyes, vibrant purple-grey eyes met with dull blue ones. This lasted what felt like an eternity before Mokuba finally broke the silence, "I've seen what you do when you think have nothing and no one to lose. I'm worried about what will happen when I take over and move overseas, Seto. I'm worried about your health, mainly your mental health…" Mokuba trailed off, searching for his next words, unsure on how to continue.
"There's going to be a time when I won't be able to be everything you need anymore...We're getting closer with each year. Seto, when I was younger, I didn't understand what romantic love felt like, and it's opened me up in ways that I can't exactly explain. I didn't understand that realistically, it can't just be you and me until the end. You raised me and we'll always be together in some way but, Seto, you need to understand that I want to be married and have kids of my own and I-I want you to live long enough to see that! You can't be as reckless as you used to!"
Kaiba's face contorted in shock and confusion. Did Mokuba really think Kaiba wouldn't live long enough to see his younger brother's future?
"Mokuba...I… Where is this coming from?" As far as Kaiba could remember things had always been fine between him and Mokuba. Even when Mokuba moved out of the Kaiba Mansion, things remained fine between them. Maybe he was the only one who thought things were...fine..
"Seto, when you left….it was hard...and I was so happy when you came back but….I was upset..and angry at you for so long...but then I realized you didn't know...you couldn't know...how I felt. I thought you had died, Seto-"
"Mokuba, I was fine-"
"There wasn't a way for me, your BROTHER, to know that, Seto!" Mokuba was fuming and Kaiba had long since forgotten how to deal with his brothers temper. Mokuba stood up out of the leather chair and stomped towards the door.
Kaiba got up and went to his brother in almost a sprint, "Mokuba, wait..." he started. He looked into the eyes of his baby brother, they were now the same height. Weird. Funny how that happens without you noticing.
"I'll try…." Kaiba finally said exasperated.
Mokuba turned towards his brother. "You'll try what? Exactly?" Mokuba asked with a frustrated sigh.
Kaiba was searching for his words, which, would normally be for appeasement, but in this case….
"I'll try...?" Kaiba was more asking than telling at this point. He had no idea what to look for. He never thought he'd have to.
"I'm not asking you to rush into something….All I'm saying is a worthwhile connection is something everyone needs...If you are going to seriously try and find someone, make sure they can keep you in check, Seto...You know...Someone...Someone like-"
"Like the Pharaoh…" Kaiba added. Mokuba gave his brother his best glare.
Whoa. Right. Going to see the Pharaoh is what landed him in this situation.
Now he had try and find human connection.
Gross.
No,not gross….Awful.
Everything about romantic, or even platonic love isn't what Kaiba had in mind for his adult life. Kaiba brought his attention back to Mokuba, realizing, in his silence, that Mokuba is asking this out of love.
"I know, I know, Mokuba. He's gone and not coming back. He never wanted to come back.." Kaiba said taking a step back to give his brother room to leave.
Mokuba sighed as he opened the door and walked out to the open foyer. Kaiba followed his brother out and pushed the elevator button for him. The wait for the doors to open was dead silent until the familiar ping sounded. Mokuba stepped inside and took one last look at his brother before saying,
"Don't be an Icarus, Seto." Kaiba watched as the elevator doors shut on his brother mature features.
"An Icarus?"
Weeks had gone by since that...fight? Argument? Argument with Mokuba and Kaiba was growing weary. He had taken his brothers advice and started looking though the marriage portfolios Isono would leave passively on his home desk...Only now, since Kaiba has started showing interest, Isono would bring him marriage portfolios...daily…
Yes, it was strange when he was seventeen being the most sought after bachelor in Japan, but now being at the ripe age of twenty three, he was fair game. Kaiba thought that maybe his popularity would have died down with Mokuba being on the market, but it's only made things worse. The tabloids are marketing the Kaiba Brothers as two of the youngest, sexiest men in Japan, Seto Kaiba "the cool and aloof", while Mokuba….Mokuba... has a new nickname every couple months. Something usually along the lines of "Casanova" or "Heartbreaker".
In any case, the mission to at least get a date for himself was proving to be a tough one. Kaiba wasn't ready to just settle for anyone just because his brother is "scared for his mental health". Kaiba knew that if he was going to have this woman...man...person...around him constantly, it had to be someone he could at least stomach…
Kaiba knew he didn't specifically have to find a female companion or lover...but he knew in the long run..with the way his stockholders and board members ask him when he's going to settle down and have kids...it would be best to not ruffle any feathers with a public gay relationship.
At least not yet.
"Do I want a relationship at all...no matter the gender?" Kaiba thought to himself. He knew deep down that gender wasn't what makes him push people away...it's the possibility of connection and vulnerability...and that's...terrifying.
He sighed and rubbed his eyelids, feeling a headache coming on.
Nothing. He'd looked through every portfolio, every packet, and no one is catching his eye. These self important women are definitely not after the stress reducing effects of real human connection...Money..That's all they care about..And not their own money, Kaiba's money.
Ugh. Enough.
"ISONO" Kaiba yelled over the intercom of his bedroom desk.
"...Yes, Sir."
"Is this it? These air headed women are truly all you could come up with?!"
"It's not that at all, sir! It's just that these women have connections that will ultimately help the company and-"
"Disgusting. These women can't help anyone but themselves…"
"Sir, please...This is the best Japan has to offer! You'll find many smart and business savvy women-"
"Why are you limiting me to only Japan?"
"I'm sorry, Sir?"
"Why aren't we looking globally? I've never liked these heiresses and their hopes of tying me down with children that are "for the integrity of the company". It can't be hard to find someone who's smart, which isn't setting the bar high compared to these women-"
"Sir-"
"I swear to fucking God, Isono. Look globally, and someone my age? You have over thirty and under twenty in here, good God. Do you not know how old I am?"
"Of course I do, Sir. I just thought-"
"Well, think harder." Kaiba hung up with a frustrated sigh. He threw the current portfolios in the trash and plopped down on his king sized bed. He turned over on his side and slid his arm underneath his pillow.
This sucks.
This would all be easier if Atem were here...at least then…Kaiba closed his eyes trying to nurse the dull throb in his temples, slowly drifting off into a deep sleep…
Kaiba was walking through long hallways filled with dark violet drapery. Giant pillars carved out of alabaster stone. His steps echoed through the seemingly empty halls until he reached large double doors will hieroglyphs on them. He pushed the doors open with a grunt, revealing a large room...with a man sitting on a golden throne. His crown flowed seamlessly with his golden locks and his dark cape matched his dark purple spikes.
"I've finally found you..." Kaiba said, his voice feeling as if it were not a part of his body.
Kaiba looked at his target with hopeful eyes, eager for what was to come. The man stood up, his caramel colored skin glowed in the sunlight streaming in through the large windows.
"It's good to see you…Kaiba." The man's voice echoed through the large room and in to Kaiba's chest. Kaiba composed himself, more determined than before.
"Atem! You will face me! Spare me your small talk and duel me!" Kaiba yelled, readying his new duel disk.
Atem gave a hearty chuckle before descending from his throne, his long cape billowing behind him graciously.
"The shadow game is gone, Kaiba. With what am I supposed to duel you?" Atem asked slowly approaching Kaiba.
Kaiba stilled...Atem kept walking towards Kaiba but never reaching him, seeming to get further and further away.
"You would cause destruction in order to bring yourself peace, but that peace is boring is it not? So you cause more chaos in order to fuel your need. What made you think I would want to come back after becoming Ra himself? Have you no shame, Kaiba?"
"Wait no...this isn't-"
"Isn't what, Kaiba?" Atem's figure slowly disappears and morphs into a Blue Eyes White Dragon, it is slow moving, wrapping itself around Kaiba, almost seductively.
It speaks as Atem but there's something else, a feminine voice behind it,
"Did you think you would leave everything behind and cause so much destruction...to come to me...and you think..I'd be proud of you…? "
A deep demonic chuckle from the dragon shakes Kaiba to his core, the dragon's tail caresses Kaiba's cheek which is now wet with tears.
"Crying...my...my...I didn't think you..felt.. anything….." The dragon chuckled. Kaiba's breathing was uneven, heavy, and for the first time in his life….he was….small.
"Please! How do I fix this! I miss you Atem! Please….I-I Lov-"
Kaiba jolted from his sleep, chest heaving. He sat up wiping the sweat from his forehead and padded around for his phone, checking the time. Great...The day is gone, the afternoon sun has now set and his room is dark. His breathing slowed as he tried to process what he'd just dreamt..
"Strange...I haven't thought about that day in years and now..but it was different...this time..." he thought out loud as he turned on the his bedroom lights.
Could it be from all of this talk of trying to find someone...No. Dreams are just that. Dreams.
"I'm just stressed from the pressure and the sooner I find out if someone out there is compatible with me the better. " Kaiba chanted and as he took a look at his messages.
An email?
From Mokuba!
Mokuba hasn't contacted Kaiba since the other day at his office. Hopefully things have died down since then, Kaiba can only hope as he opens the email.
Mokuba Kaiba mkaiba
to:Seto Kaiba skaiba
Subject: Global, Huh?
Hey Big Bro,
I got a couple of worried and terrifying texts from Isono. I get you want someone…..like you..But not everyone has the capabilities to run a company at sixteen. A lot of those women are just starting out.
He told me you wanted to look globally? What does that mean exactly? A lot of women in our age rage aren't doing the things we are, and that doesn't really change with what continent you go to. Unless they're born into power which, I have feeling you wouldn't have a problem with….as long as they use their resources in a...smart way?
With that gigantic assumption I think I've found someone for you to at least...try and talk to..She has an impressive resume to say the least. It looks like she was rich from a young age and is obsessed with multiverse theory. She has tons of research on it, but some of the info isn't public record (interesting right?).
Anyway, it looks like she's American with dual citizenship in Morocco. Is that global enough for you? She's the daughter of a wealthy politician but funded all of her projects with her own investments ( it doesn't say what those are but guessing from how rich she is, it has to drugs...kidding..but not really..)
I have link to her socials below, I only found her because it looks like she's visiting Domino for "research" whatever that means, and it's a huge deal because she's YOUR AGE and has so much pull in every industry.
My guess is if you slide in those DMs, she'll at least know who you are and may want to speak with you.
Honestly if you don't talk to this woman you might as well build a robot because the person you want doesn't exist,
Mokuba Kaiba
Vice President of Kaiba Corp. (JP)
Kaiba chuckled to himself as he finished responding to Mokuba's email. He walked over to his desk and opened his laptop. Was he really just going to...what..Message this woman on her socials and hope she doesn't think he's some sort of creep?
He followed Mokuba's link to her Facebook page and...Oh..oh..He clicked on her profile picture...there's no way that a woman who looks like that…..well she's rich I'm sure she can spend any amount of money on her appearance. Let's click on photos...oh my...god...Kaiba landed on a picture of the woman in what looked a Moroccan style dress, dark green and beaded, her caramel colored skin rivaled...Atem's...Her hair was a dark brown and an almost...it's a curl but tight...but poofy? It flowed down to her mid back and looks so soft...and her lips were obviously made up with lipstick but the shade accentuated the natural pout of her sensual, pillowy lips. Her almond shaped eyes were perfectly lined to a cat eye and her big brown eyes were...bright? But not, there's something...off.
There's no way a woman who...looks like this..as young as she is...Her profession is listed…
Moroccan Ambassador to the U.S. and Entrepreneur
What? This makes no sense.
"Who are you?" Kaiba said to himself as he looked through old posts, finding nothing particularly odd.
What was he even looking for...her relationship status...he clicked back to her profile...single...how...Well, Kaiba himself has always been single and it was for good reason... even though...with all his flaws, he would be an amazing catch for anyone. He looked at her name one more time to commit it to memory "Salem Wolf….." What? Is that an alias? If so a poor one.
"I'm not getting anything from her profile and her twitter is just political nonsense..." Kaiba thought as his clicked on 'send message'.
The blank window popped up and he stared at it, emotionless and unsure...but curious nonetheless...For Mokuba...He began typing a message in English, he was as polite as he could be, asking to speak with Salem, as a fellow creator, when she's in town. He clicked send and let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "For Mokuba….for..me" He said shutting his laptop and deciding to turn in early for the night.
The morning proved to be just as trying as Kaiba awoke to the blistering sound of his alarm. He groaned and fumbled around for his phone. Shit. Where is his phone? Kaiba shot out of bed in attempt to locate the source of his alarm, his eyes still adjusting to the sunlight streaming in from his private balcony. The alarm still blaring, Kaiba finally made his way over to his desk and shut off the alert with a sigh.
That was quite a show. What a way for a full grown man to get out of bed. He never leaves his phone at his desk. In fact, when did he even decide to go to bed? Oh that's right it was after...after...SHIT.
Kaiba threw open his laptop and hastily entered his credentials. He opened his socials and looked for any sign of life. Okay. Okay. Everything is normal on all accounts and….no response….from...her.
Wait.
He looked closer at his message and saw the change from delivered to read. So she saw it...And didn't answer.
Wow.
He guessed that just sending a message informally on social media wasn't the best way of contact, but he's….Kaiba...He's Seto Kaiba...Surely Seto Kaiba reaching out to you on social media warrants some type of reaction but no. This woman remains unphased...no...if there's one thing Kaiba knows he always been capable of, it's being at least somewhat interesting and appealing to women.
Right?
He is still attractive and appealing to women...right? He works out every day, actually has a meal from time to time, and keeps up on his appearance.
Maybe she's just not interested.
No. The message has to at least spark some curiosity, she would definitely want to know what I meant by "connect as a fellow creator".
Kaiba angrily tabbed over to his email and started replying to dozens of unread messages. He was half way through composing a new message when an unknown email popped up in his inbox.
What the hell? He saved his draft and clicked on the message.
Oh shit.
Sala Wahab salemw
to: Seto Kaiba skaiba
Subject: Hello, "Fellow Creator"
Mr. Kaiba,
I saw your Facebook message and was wondering what prompted your need for this meeting? None of my "creations" are public record and the only projects that are known are a collaborative effort between me and many different people...You know...How business and networking works?
I can only assume that you're maybe interested in one of my many businesses or philanthropies. Unfortunately, I am not looking for current investors and I doubt that a gaming mogul is interested in any of my scientific research. And, I happen to know for a fact that you have no interest in politics.
If you wouldn't mind shedding some light on the real reason for your message, I would be more than happy to "connect" with you, as you put it.
Also, you didn't need to Facebook message me, if you really are one of the smartest men in Japan you should have been able to find something a simple as an email address.
Standing by for your response,
Salem Wolf
Wolf Enterprises- C.E.O and Founder
Moroccan Ambassador to the U.S.
Kaiba read the email several times and then several more times after that. Something is off on the tone of this email. It's incredibly direct but….playful? No it's….mocking..She's calling his bullshit and is demanding a legitimate reason.
Fair. But he can't just say, "You're not terrible to look at, have power in business and politics, and you remind me of my dead friend…"
Does she...The tone is eerily familiar to how Atem would mock him during their duels...It's thinly veiled formality over what? Sarcasm?
And what was the deal with her name?
"Sala Wahab must be her real name but why have a blatant alias next to your born name?" Kaiba thought out loud. He typed her name into his search engine and found...nothing. Nothing under her born name? None of her projects or businesses are done with her legal name? There are a couple results on the political spectrum...all of the articles are in arabic. This doesn't help.
He did another search this time typing, Salem Wolf.
Results. LOT'S of results. All of the her businesses, make up, hair extensions, MARIJUANA? That's random. There's more. Investments in tech, a lot of tech...patents for new technology...and here it is...Her research on the multiverse theory.
What? Kaiba clicked on the link to her research but only the first page is available for preview.
"Please obtain password from author...are you fucking kidding me?" Kaiba hissed tabbing back over to his email. He was frustrated. How is there so much information about her but so little at the same time?
There's only one way to find out more...
Kaiba clicked the reply button and stared at the blank white box. Fuck. This is...exciting...no, not exciting...just a needed change of pace from the creeping boredom of success. He carefully began crafting a response…
Seto Kaiba skaiba
to: Sala Wahab salemw
Subject: RE: Hello "Fellow Creator"
Ms. Wahab/Wolf (it seems you have two different names),
I, of course, could have found your email address but as a successful businesswoman, you must get plenty of mail concerning your many businesses and philanthropies.
I'd hate to clog your inbox with a simple request to meet with you.
I would simply like to speak with you. Your planned visit to Japan is all over the media, and as I can only imagine, you must be getting flooded with offers from an array of Japanese businessmen and politicians.
Your research alludes me, as I can only read the first page. I'd be interested to learn more about what you found, but simply out of curiosity.
Not a lot of people our age are a part of the business world, at least not successfully. Not to mention that you're most likely one of the youngest diplomats in the world.
I'm reaching out to you, "networking", as you mentioned in your last email.
Regards,
Seto Kaiba
Kaiba Corp. President/C.E.O (Japan and U.S.)
Kaiba begrudgingly sent the email and shut his laptop to get ready for work. He stepped into his too-large-for-just-him shower and absentmindedly ran the water.
Ugh. "Regards"? Was that the best he could come up with? He let the water wash over him, not really cleaning himself. It has been a while, his bluffing, taunting, and banter is a bit rusty. He'll have to brush up..but how..no one could go back and forth with him...Not in an intelligent way...not like…
"Have you no shame, Kaiba?"
Atem's disembodied voice echoed the Kaiba's mind. A violent shiver ripped through his entire body and landed him on his knees.
Kaiba slowly brought himself back to standing and put his hand against the cold slate wall for balance. His breathing was heavy and his head was throbbing.
He stared at the wall to focus his vision, which was blurring violently.
What the fuck...Is happening. Kaiba blinked several times to readjust his vision and the drumming in his head came to an abrupt stop. "Shall I take care of you?" Atem's voice echoed in his head again this time more sultry and almost a purr.
Kaiba imagined Atem, naked, vulnerable, in the shower on his knees in front of him.
"Shall I take care of you." Atem's low voice repeated.
Kaiba imagined Atem's crimson eyes bearing into his soul as he began to take Kaiba fully in his mouth. He hummed around Kaiba's now pulsating shaft, eliciting a soft moan from Kaiba. Atem hollowed his cheeks and was relentless in his tongue ministrations, not pausing to give Kaiba maximum pleasure let out a long deep moan as he released, breathing heavily as Atem sucked him through his orgasm.
Kaiba blinked and sighed as he washed his own ejaculate from his hand, knowing full well there's only so much his imagination could do for him. He finished his shower feeling the guilt set in.
How could he do that? Was that disrespectful to Atem? Could….Atem see him from the afterlife? Oh shit..Atem might be able to see everything from the afterlife. With this thought Kaiba stepped out the shower and hurriedly got ready for his day.
He finally arrived at his office and was able to get started on his work. Ugh. Reports. Signatures. Deadlines. It was becoming more and more tedious. He hadn't created something new since his solid vision which was a major development in the industry but that just it. He did it. And now it's done. He could host another tournament...But a Kaiba Corp sponsored tournament isn't feasible right now..He could already hear the board talking stocks and numbers and how financially there's no need but Kaiba needed something besides...paperwork.
Kaiba was halfway through an email when an alert sounded on his laptop. An email.
An email from her.
Oh gods.
Oh GODS.
OH GODS A PHONE NUMBER.
There, in the black and white text in Salem's reply was a phone number. It looks to be a personal cell phone number. She didn't bother with a greeting or even putting her signature. Frank. This woman is frank. That's good. That means there will hopefully be less bullshit and if Mokuba asks Kaiba can at least say he tried when things inevitably fall through.
Kaiba reached into his white suit pocket and pulled out his phone, nervously thumbing the number in his contacts and saving her information. He tapped on new message and the screen pulled up a blank box. Okay. A phone number. Things are in Kaiba's favor now. He holds the power. Or does he?
She was able to find his work email with little to no effort is seems like, and from what Kaiba knew, she could already have his cell phone number.
No.
There's no way anyone but him would have the genius to-
Kaiba's phone buzzed alerting him that he's just received a text message. A text message from her. What?
No.
Absolutely fucking not.
How?
This is ridiculous, no one can just get someone's personal phone number. He could if he really wanted but never would! But even if someone could find that information, there's no way they could find his information...right?
Kaiba's opened the message with a shaking hand, seeing as since he's just saved her number, her name pops up. He reads her message with disbelief. A gray message in perfect English just like in her emails.
Sala/Salem: This is easier, mish kida?
Mish kida? That's not in any language Kaiba knew. It was obviously written out phonetically but he couldn't figure out what language it was. Shit. Where was she from again? Fuck.
Kaiba realized he'd been staring blankly at his phone and typed a response.
"Mish kida?" He typed and sent hoping he didn't sound like a dullard. What a great fucking start. First he masterbates to his dead rival in the shower and now he's going to completely offend most likely the smartest woman he's...met? They haven't met. Yet.
Kaiba was pulled out of this thought when his phone buzzed again. He glanced at his messages nervously and was immediately relieved to see a text from Mokuba, asking about his progress on the "wifey hunt" as he put it.
His phone buzzed again, this time with a message from Salem.
Sala/Salem: Ah, yes. I apologize, I forgot you don't do business with Arab countries. I for some reason assumed you knew Arabic. Mish kida= "Am I correct?".
That's right. Morocco with a dual citizenship in the United States. What the fuck does that mean? "You don't do business with arab countries"? Is she implying that Kaiba Corp is Xenophobic?!
Kaiba was fuming, she gave him a backhanded apology all the while implying he was a bigot and a xenophobe, and also mocked his intelligence.
It was like he wrote that message himself.
Kaiba let out a frustrated sigh and took a screenshot of the conversation and sent it to Mokuba. Although it's embarrassing, Mokuba has more dating experience and could offer some way for Kaiba to lighten the conversation.
No response.
Fuck.
Kaiba decided he'll try his best to lighten the mood. Even though that's never been something he's been known for. Should he just apologize? No. For what? He didn't know what the phrase meant, so he asked. What's so wrong about that? Kaiba carefully composed his reply and hit send feeling strangely nervous.
Seto Kaiba: Do you know many Japanese businesspeople who speak Arabic fluently? I would assume since you have so many businesses and investments, you would know.
A reply pinged in almost immediately.
Sala/Salem: No.
Sala/Salem: And I think you knew that already.
Sala/Salem: I don't know you, but it feels as if you're choosing your words carefully.
Sala/Salem: Cut the shit.
Sala/Salem: What do you want from me, Seto Kaiba?
Oh shit.
He pissed her off.
That's good.
She wants to get to the point. He smirked to himself and stared at her messages. He'll mess with her a little more. Maybe she can say something that he can use. For what, he didn't know. But this is a better day than he could have bargained for.
Seto Kaiba: You're the one who gave me your phone number.
Seto Kaiba: Why don't you tell me?
Seto Kaiba: Since you're able to find my work email, get passed the spam filter, and also somehow get your hands on my personal cell phone number.
Kaiba was pulled from his phone when his intercom buzzed. He stuffed his phone in his pocket and answered, clearly frustrated.
"What?"
"Mr. Kaiba, your brother is here to see you."
"He doesn't have to wait, why are you-"
Kaiba's voice caught in his throat when he heard a familiar obnoxious laugh. Oh. Ugh. He then heard another familiar voice that was soft but confident. Oh fuck. Kaiba pulled up his calendar and realized his meeting with Yugi was today. Shit. That wasn't supposed to be until 11:30am, he's hours early.
Kaiba took a look at his watch and realized he'd spend the better part of his day, texting a woman he barely knew. And, because of that, he's grossly unprepared for his meeting with Yugi. Yugi had recently won a tournament in germany for his new game.
Kaiba contacted Yugi immediately saying he'd wanted to invest. They set this meeting months ago.
And now here is the great Seto Kaiba, unprepared for his meeting with a future employee and game creator for Kaiba Corp, because he was texting a girl.
Great.
Fucking fantastic. Why wouldn't this happen?
"Mr. Kaiba are you there?"
"Yes, send Yugi and Mokuba in...and leave the dog outside."
He clicked off the intercom but not before hearing Mokuba laugh at the old nickname and Jou yell about not being a mutt. Within a couple of minutes Mokuba and Yugi were walking in his office. And of course, Kaiba's phone buzzed. He realized with horror that in his haste, he forgot to silence it.
Yugi walked forward confidently and gave Kaiba a warm smile. "Hello, Kaiba-kun, it's been a while." He said approaching one of the white chairs and gracefully perching on its soft fabric.
Mokuba followed closely behind and sat in the other chair.
What a sight. His supposed rival, his brother, and him, in one room. Kaiba was silent for too long and realized he lost his time to reply. At this Mokuba said, "So, we were looking at when we could beta test Yugi's game in the space station. I think using our tech would be the best platform for this game, of course, but we should also think about how we can make the game portable for-"
Kaiba's phone buzzed. He pretended not to hear it. Yugi looked towards Kaiba with a calm expression. Too clam. His phone buzzed again. Another message. Shit. Mokuba is now looking at Kaiba with a challenging expression. "Would you like to answer that, Seto?" Mokuba said trying to contain his frustration. Yugi smiled and said, "I don't mind coming back later if now is a bad time, Kaiba-kun."
"That won't be necessary." Kaiba said discreetly silencing his phone. "We start off with a stationary game and see how it goes on its first release. If all goes well, we can upgrade the stationary game and then release a portable version. Maybe in the form of an app, or a portable console." Kaiba adds, making sure to show he was paying attention.
Mokuba nodded and looked at Yugi with a serious expression, "Is there any reason why you wouldn't be able to fulfill your contractual obligations with Kaiba Corp? Say in the next year or so?"
Yugi's eyes wandered out towards the floor to ceiling windows as he thought seriously. "Well….there is one thing...But it wouldn't make it so I couldn't do my job...I don't think..." Yugi said trailing off slightly.
"And what would that be?" Kaiba said getting frustrated with Yugi's pussyfooting. Yugi sighed and smiled at both Kaiba brothers.
"I'm asking Anzu to marry me at the end of this month." Yugi said all in one breath.
Mokuba gasped and then jumped out of his seat with a very loud, "Congratulations, Yugi!"
Kaiba was startled at the sudden change in atmosphere as Yugi got out of his chair to hug Mokuba.
"Thank you!" Yugi laughed as he was hugged by the much taller male. Kaiba was shocked.
Married?
Him and the friendship girl? I guess that...makes sense...
This is...good?
Mokuba and Yugi are gushing and speaking loudly as Kaiba tried to process this news. Yugi takes out his phone and shows Mokuba pictures of the ring, nothing too fancy, something tasteful, and exquisitely beautiful.
"It took me forever to save up for it but I know she'll love it. I kept seeing her eyeing it whenever we were out shopping." Yugi said proudly. Him and Anzu had been together for almost two years now and Yugi knew he didn't need any longer to decide what he wanted. He knew Anzu had been hinting at marriage and kids, but he never thought he'd be able to make it this far and be able to finally give her all of those things.
"That's amazing, Yugi! Well this is cause for celebration! Seto and I will treat you to lunch!" Mokuba said clapping his hands.
No.
What? This isn't how Kaiba wanted this day to go at all.
"We're doing what now?" Kaiba asked hoping he had a bout of temporary insanity.
"Yeah, Seto! Let's take Joey and Yugi to lunch! I almost forgot he was still waiting in the lobby." Mokuba said, remembering the fit Joey threw when Kaiba said the word dog over the intercom. He was forced to wait in the first floor lobby where security could make sure he wouldn't cause any more trouble.
Kaiba knew Mokuba's request was more of a demand, and also knew that he was in trouble with his brother for not silencing his phone for the meeting.
His phone. Oh shit! He'd completely forgotten that he was still texting Salem before the meeting. Kaiba immediately took out his phone turning it back on vibrate. He looked up at Yugi and Mokuba before saying, "Alright, let's go."
"Wait, really?" Mokuba asked, surprised his brother would go along so willingly. Especially when Joey was involved in this plans.
"You two really don't have to do this! It's a surprise! No one knows yet. Not even Joey. I love him to death but he can't keep a secret." Yugi said pleadingly. Any meal with the Kaiba brothers would definitely draw unwanted attention.
"Then we'll say it's to celebrate our partnership." Kaiba added, he knew this lunch would be the only time he could text Salem back and maybe be able to schedule a meeting with her.
"Well...if you're okay with Joey joining us Kaiba-kun, then I'd love to have lunch with both of you." Yugi said finally giving in to Mokuba's pleas.
"Perfect! We can take my car!" Mokuba said excitedly, he face almost ripping apart from how wide he was smiling. Yugi nodded and smiled at Mokuba nervously. Mokuba thought he was a really great driver, Kaiba had other thoughts on the matter. There was no use in arguing at this point though, Kaiba drove his two seater to work today, Mokuba's car is a four seater. There's no escape.
"You both wait in the lobby with deadbeat-" Kaiba was interrupted by Mokuba immediately.
"Seto, come on. You and I both saw his dueling stats. He's far from the underdog now and he's definitely not a deadbeat. Can you TRY to be civil?" Mokuba scolded.
Kaiba sighed and rubbed his temples. This day is ruined. A lunch with his brother, Yugi, and the dog? It's not even 1pm.
"We'll wait in the lobby with JOU." Mokuba said, leading Yugi out of the office. Kaiba waited until both of them were in the elevator and it had gone down a few floors before slipping out his phone and immediately going to his messages.
Two. Two messages.
From her.
Sala/Salem: I know you aren't looking to connect as "fellow creators".
Sala/Salem: And your information is easy to obtain for someone like me, don't think about it too hard. You might hurt yourself, tanin.
Kaiba smirked and hovered his thumbs over his keyboard. "Someone like her, huh?" She could have people working for her to get this information. But even still. She's called Kaiba out and is waiting for a response.
Tanin? What the fuck does that mean?
Kaiba went to his translation app and typed in the letters and translated it to Japanese. A shiver of...arousal went down his spine and landed in the pit of his stomach.
Dragon.
Tanin means dragon in arabic.
Why was he reacting this way? He should be furious that she's just given him a pet name. Although any google search would show him pictured with his Blue Eyes White Dragons. Kaiba Corp's mascot was a blue eyes, hell, the dragons even had hard hats on where there's a Kaiba Corp construction site.
He tapped reply with a shaky finger and typed a message. Frank and to the point.
Seto Kaiba: I would like to meet you. In person. No bullshit. No business. Think of it as date.
Well Fuck.
There it is. He typed it and now it's real.
A date. That was what Kaiba was trying to get out of this woman...A date.
He slipped his phone into his pocket and sighed. It's either a yes or a no at this point. Kaiba knew the playful yet mocking banter was a good sign that they were at least able to match wits, but the thought of meeting this woman in the flesh...is nerve wracking.
Kaiba soon met with Yugi, Mokuba, and Jounouchi in the first floor lobby. Of course, Jounouchi was the first to speak up.
"Hey Moneybags! We thought you'd never show up!" He said looking Kaiba up and down, blatantly admiring his physique.
Kaiba rolled his eyes and didn't answer. Mokuba's manic energy was tiring enough, he didn't know if he could survive a lunch with Jounouchi's hyperactivity, Yugi optimism, and Mokuba's mood swings.
Without saying another word, the group piled into Mokuba's jet black Rolls Royce and headed towards the restaurant strip. Kaiba was in the front passenger seat, and Jounouchi and Yugi were stuffed in the back. Kaiba looked at his phone apprehensively, disheartened when there was no reply from Salem.
He'd fucked things up.
He probably sounded like a horny businessman just trying to get his rocks off.
Fuck.
Kaiba's bad mood set in as Mokuba and Yugi were talking about the restaurant they had previously picked. He knew when Mokuba said "let's" treat Yugi to lunch, it means that Kaiba's footing the bill. Kaiba's always been fine with it since technically it's all his money but...something about Mokuba dragging him along on this absurd….what is this even...He's not friends with these people but he's known them for years...outing. That's all this is. An absurd outing that he's forced to participate in as "punishment" for not respecting Mokuba's time during a meeting. That was a boundary Mokuba set early on when he started to take on more responsibilities, and it's their one rule. Respect each others time.
Jounouchi was unusually quiet, Kaiba definitely appreciated the dog not barking at the top of it's lungs for once. Kaiba had a headache that was hell bent on making him lose his appetite. As they found parking, Jounouchi finally piped up.
"Is this place super fancy? I'm not dressed for fancy." Joey said adjusting his plane blue t shirt. He was also wearing a pair of light wash jeans that looked surprisingly new and a pair of white adidas. He was shockingly put together. Kaiba guessed the mutt had grown up, even if it was just a little.
"You look fine, Joey. It's a casual place anyway. And it's lunch time. It's most likely going to be people on their lunches." Mokuba explained getting out of the car and locking it as everyone followed suit.
Kaiba sighed as he saw Mokuba and Yugi start walking toward what looked like a small Tuscan restaurant.
"He's grown a lot. You did a good job, Moneybags."
Kaiba rolled his eyes as Joey's steps started to fall in time with his own as they followed behind Mokuba.
"I don't need your praise, Mutt."
Joey scoffed and smiled. "You haven't changed a bit."
"And you're as annoying as ever."
"I'm glad, Kaiba."
"What?"
"That you're still you."
"Could you two stop bickering for five fucking seconds. They're about to seat us. " Mokuba interrupted in a hushed tone.
What. The fuck.
Joey was...glad? Of course Kaiba was still Kaiba. What was that supposed to mean? He groaned internally as Mokuba flirted with the waitress that was leading them to their table. Yugi and Jounouchi turning visibly red from Mokuba's forwardness, and all eyes being on "Seto Kaiba's party of four".
They were all sat at a rather large booth in a more private section of the restaurant. Surrounded on all sides by other tables, but all were empty.
Thank the Gods.
Privacy.
As if the lunch...or at this point early dinner, wasn't enough, having a table in front of all those prying eyes would have thrown Kaiba over the deep end. Mokuba was seated at the far end of the booth with Yugi next to him on the inside, followed by Joey, and Kaiba seated opposite Mokuba.
Great.
Now he can't even subtly talk to Mokuba about his current text battle with Salem. He was stuck sitting next to the mutt, and Mokuba's presence keeping him from calling a car and running for dear life.
Everyone was quiet. Joey stopped trying to converse with Kaiba after Mokuba hushed them for bickering, Yugi was such a bad liar he didn't even know how to explain why The Kaiba's were treating them to lunch, and Mokuba was sitting back watching everyone shift uncomfortably and and nervously. He let out a chuckle.
"Jeez it's like someone just died. Lighten up, guys! Yugi is a part of the Kaiba Corp family! As soon as he signs his contact, of course."
"Way to go, Yug! You told me this meeting was important, but I didn't know things were set in stone!" Jounouchi said slapping Yugi on the back. Yugi turned a bright shade of red and managed a smile. He knew it wasn't exactly lying but, he felt weird keeping secrets from his best friend.
"Thanks, Joey...And, thank you, Kaiba-kun. Without you I don't think my game would ever be released commercially."
"Nonsense. Your game has passed several trials and won in Germany."
"Seto, come on. What he means Yugi, is that your game is GOOD. And we'd be idiots not to invest and help you launch it." Mokuba was getting fed up with his brother's robotic behavior. These were familiar people and they were in a semi private setting.
Kaiba noticed Mokuba starting to become frustrated. Great. He and Mokuba just got passed their last argument, and Kaiba wasn't getting ready to deal with another talking to from his baby brother. He let out a huff of air and glared at his menu.
Of course Mokuba would talk Yugi into Italian cuisine for lunch. At this point, with how long the waitress was taking, and how the sun was slowly setting, it was basically dinner time.
Kaiba felt his phone buzz in his pocket and he froze. Suddenly feeling like his arms were weighted with lead, he put his menu down and took out his phone, already knowing who the message was from.
Mokuba took this opportunity to check his phone as well, "Excuse me." He said getting up from the table walking further back into the restaurant.
Kaiba was left with Joey and Yugi all sitting in extremely awkward silence. Kaiba opened his messages as Yugi started small talk….for everyone's benefit.
"Wow, they must be very busy. There must be another celebrity coming, there's a bunch of press outside. Or maybe they're just waiting for you and Mokuba, Kaiba-kun."
"Mn."
"Earth to Moneybags. Yugi's talking to you."
"Joey, please. I bet it's stressful. Never really having privacy.."
"I bet having money doesn't hurt though…"
Kaiba rolled his eyes and tapped on his newest message...from her.
Sala/Salem: I like your suit. It goes with your whole aesthetic.
What...What? That's not...Oh shit…"Can she see me?" Kaiba thought, wondering if maybe she hacked the restaurants cameras. Mokuba reappeared and took his spot opposite of Kaiba, noticing that his brother was ignoring their dinner guests. He was about to call his brother out when the waitress appeared with a tray of four waters, trying to hide her obvious stress.
"I'm so so sorry for the wait! I can take your-I guess, dinner orders now. I'm so sorry."
"No, no, please don't worry. Thank you for seating us so quickly. You all obviously have your hands full." Mokuba said charmingly. Yugi and Jounouchi gaped as Mokuba gave the waitress a handsome smile. She blushed and took all of their respective orders, and lingered near the table.
"Um..I'm so sorry. I'm supposed to ask..We have another VIP coming to dine, and their party is waiting at the front..with all the press..I know you prefer your privacy...I'm sorry...but...May I seat them in this area?"
She was shifting her weight back and forth from each foot nervously and kept her gaze lowered.
Another VIP? At this small restaurant? Kaiba frantically typed a response while Mokuba smiled in the waitress' direction.
"Of course, you can seat them. We're away from the fangirls and photographers. Another VIP isn't a problem...Right, Seto?"
Kaiba hit send on his message and looked up, realizing the entire table including the waitress were waiting for him to respond.
"Right. Of course."
Shit.
It can't be her...could it? Kaiba read back over his response as the waitress left their area. What the fuck. His phone buzzed in his hand.
Fuck.
Seto Kaiba: I'm always in a suit, so whatever game you're playing that's not going to work.
Seto Kaiba: Unless you can tell me what color it is.
Sala/Salem: No game. I'm just telling you what I see. It's white.
Sala/Salem: And as for that date. Ask me in person.
"KAIBA-BOOOOOOYYYYYYYYY"
Kaiba was snapped out of his haze by Maximillion Pegasus himself screaming his name at the top of his lungs.
And, there's the migraine.
"Oh shit." Mokuba, Yugi and Joey all muttered in unison, as Kaiba stood up ready to issue a scathing retort. But then, out from behind Pegasus, in a skin tight white dress and matching blazer, was Salem. Her curly mane was tamed in an elegant updo with different tresses cascading down, framing her face beautifully. She ignored the pitiful scene of grown men fighting in a public place in front of her, and let the waitress lead her to her table. Pegasus immediately tore his attention away from Kaiba and dutifully pulled out her chair, allowing her sit gracefully in her seat.
"OH shit." Mokuba said louder than necessary. He had ignored his older brothers messages earlier in the day, and then was hell bent on cussing his brother out for not silencing his phone during the meeting, but now he understood. A large grin spread it's way across Mokuba's face as he watched his brother process the scene before them...The woman he's been trying so hard to meet in person, is already in Japan, and having dinner with none other than Maximillion Pegasus.
Kaiba slowly took his seat and kept his eyes glued on Pegasus, who, with a shit eating grin walked to the chair opposite Salem, and sat down.
This makes no sense...Why is she here...with him..
Pegasus only comes to Japan when there's Kaiba Corp sponsored events or if he has a meeting with Kaiba. None of those things are happening so...why...is..Oh. That's right. Salem is a diplomat first and entrepreneur second, having political power and cache' makes her a dangerous if not powerful ally. "It makes sense why she was so guarded. I would have responded the same way...If at all. Pegasus most likely flew to Japan for a chance to finally catch her. If she's here on a hiatus, it would make sense why she suddenly has time to take a meeting." Kaiba thought to himself as he watched Pegasus order a bottle of the restaurants most expensive wine, in fluent Italian. The waitress gave Pegasus a confused look, and turned to look at Salem. She flashed a row a perfectly straightened white teeth, and ordered the wine in fluent Japanese. The waitress smiled and took the drink order and disappeared into the main eating area.
Ha! Fuck you Pegasus. We aren't in Italy, there's no fucking reason to order in Italian. Salem turned her gaze towards Kaiba and their eyes locked.
Oh shit.
Oh no.
Kaiba felt his mouth go dry and the restaurant around them disappear. He kept looking into Salem's eyes and for the first time in a long time….he was intimidated. He's mouthed off to government officials, and has even blatantly mocked the American government's idiocy. Why suddenly, is he so intimidated by this...girl?
Mokuba cleared his throat and Kaiba brought his attention back to his table. Yugi and Joey were looking at each other nervously and were very ready to leave, when another server came to their table with their food.
"Saved by food!" Joey said as he hastily dug into his large bowl of pasta. Yugi sighed, happy there was at least another distraction at this very awkward lunch turned dinner. Mokuba kept his eyes on his brother, waiting for him to blow a fuse. When that didn't happen, he stood up and sauntered over to Pegasus and Salem.
Yugi, Joey, and Kaiba all froze. What the fuck does Mokuba think he's doing. Kaiba watched in horror as Mokuba introduced himself to Salem, and invite her and Pegasus to join them at their large booth.
NO.
No no no no no.
Kaiba stood up mechanically as Salem approached the table followed by Pegasus and Mokuba.
"Fuck what do I do? Do I pretend I don't know this woman since technically this is our first meeting? Shit this is bad." Kaiba thought to himself in mild panic.
Luckily Pegasus chimed in, "Madame Ambassador, this is Seto Kaiba, President of Kaiba Corporation and other brother of Mokuba Kaiba, current Vice Presi-"
Salem held up a firm hand in Pegasus' direction to abruptly silence him. An elegant ring-adorned hand stretched out, waiting. Her hands were covered in intricate henna spanning from the tips of her fingers all the way up her forearm stopping at her elbow.
"Nice to finally meet you in person, tanin-san."
Her voice was like the finest velvet and her Japanese had no accent. Her eyes locked with Kaiba's again, challenging him to make the next move.
Tanin-san.
.
Kaiba realized she's mixing Arabic with her Japanese on purpose. He needed to step up his language game...somehow. Shit. Kaiba took her hand in his, shocked at how soft her skin was.
The handshake was firm and short. Too short.
"Marhabaan, Your Excellency. " Kaiba said, hoping his arabic wasn't thick with an accent. Salem smiled and nodded as Mokuba introduced Joey and Yugi.
As dinner awkwardly continued, Kaiba felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He looked up at everyone at the table, they were all having pleasant conversation. He saw that only one of Salem's hands was visible.
Ah. Right.
Kaiba stole another look at his phone and read the message discreetly.
Sala/Salem: I'm waiting.
Waiting? For what?
Kaiba looked back over their previous messages making sure to look like he was paying the least bit attention to the conversation the group was having.
He looked at her last message...Shit. That's right...The date….
"Ambassador Wolf, wouldn't you say there are many ways that solid vision can be implemented into everyday life?"
Pegasus' question snapped Kaiba back to the conversation. That's exactly what Kaiba didn't want. Solid vision having "other" uses can make it very dangerous. The board of directors at Kaiba Corp pleaded that they sell the technology to other companies. The extra money would have made extra projects easily funded and would have made it so Kaiba Corp would have more pull throughout different industries.
"Well...I feel as though it's safely being implemented currently, but expanding it could cause issues. As an ambassador, I've seen many amazing things but also many horrible things. War, genocide just to start." Salem began.
Pegasus chuckled, "I don't mean to be disrespectful, Madame Ambassador, but you're so young. A woman of only twenty three surely hasn't experienced those things in her lifetime."
Salem smirked at Pegasus and looked at the table. All people around her age, except for Pegasus.
"An American man in his mid thirties should have enough world experience to know that in the Middle East, acts of terror happen every day. The Israeli-Palestine conflict is still a huge issue, I was in Cairo during the uprising in Egypt and saw the conflicts in Iran escalate while I was only a little girl. I was born in America yes, but I am not like these little girls here who's worldview is shaped by their favorite celebrity." She retorted.
The table fell silent. Mokuba's jaw dropped and Kaiba smirked.
"To answer your question about solid vision in particular, yes, it could expand the technology into a variety of different industries….One of those industries being the military, solid vision could be used as a "humane" form of torture. It's not "real"and those using it, remain physically safe but severe mental damage can occur. What, you, Mr. Pegasus, and the older generation doesn't seem to understand is that, there is no humane form of harm. Expanding the technology may help the world become more efficient, but Kaiba Corp might as well be the arms manufacturer it one was, as they would be benefiting, off of war and the harm of others."
Kaiba knew his next move. Finally, he knew.
"So what would you say is the best course of action for expansion without that result?" Kaiba finally contributed to the conversation.
Salem thought for a moment and sighed. "Really there isn't a way to keep it out of the hands of the government if you expand publicly. You would have to develop private connections and contracts with other companies or even expanding to a single partner would keep it safer but that doesn't necessarily mean the end result wouldn't be any better."
"Interesting, I'd like speak more with you on this topic, Madame Ambassador." Kaiba said hoping his thinly veiled attempt at asking Salem out wasn't clunky and overtly obvious.
Salem gave a mischevious smile and took a card out of her white leather clutch along with a grey fountain pen. She scribbled something on the card and slid it over to Kaiba.
"I've had a nice time with you all but I'm afraid the jet lag is kicking in. Mr. Pegasus, I'm afraid that I'll have to deny your previous offer, as it seems you were untruthful in your links to the development of solid vision, and have plans to use it in ways that the original creator doesn't agree with."
Salem gracefully stood up from the table and smoothed out her dress. You could see the outline of her toned stomach through her dress, all of the men visibly swallowed the lump in their throats.
"It was nice meeting you three, and, see you soon tanin-san." She turned giving Kaiba a wink with her long eyelashes and strode out of the restaurant.
"Well, this turned out to be quite the evening." Mokuba said finally. Everyone had finished their dinner and Pegasus got the waitresses attention to take care of the bill.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. The young woman in the white paid for your table's dinner already." The waitress said exiting quickly.
Ha. She's good. Leaving early and then paying for the dinner is something Kaiba has done many times as a power move.
"There's one problem." Pegasus stated, finishing off his wine.
"And what would that be?" Kaiba asked, exasperated.
"She was my ride."
Author's Notes
All Arabic is written phonetically, and is purposely a neutral dialect.
This is my first fanfiction in thirteen, count 'em thirteen years.
This chapter was edited by the BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, SASSY UGLIFISH!
I stumbled upon her work in July and I read ALL OF IT and was sooooooo inspired.