A/Ns:

Update 5-13-16

Hello my dear fans and new readers!

About the Seto fanfic you are about to read (or have read and are returning for updates), I need to tell y'all some serious stuff and get it out of the way before we begin the fun stuff. Bolded, capitalized, and (sometimes)underlined stuff is what is emphasized and is key information to keep in mind. The rest is just regular information about the story.

Anyways, here goes:

THIS IS SLIGHTLY AU AND TAKES PLACE YEARS AFTER THE MAIN ARCS. THIS MEANS SETO AND MOKUBA ARE OLDER AND DEALING WITH REGULAR LIFE AT THIS POINT. THERE MAY BE SOME OOC-NESS, (But then again, I'm not the only one with OOC stuff, am I?)
 BUT IT IS THE RESULT OF CHANGING OVER TIME AND OTHER FACTORS THAT ARE INTRODUCED WITHIN THIS STORY.

This will focus primarily on the evolution of Seto and my OC's (Misty Robinson) relationship and the drama that comes with it, along with Mokuba and his girlfriend's relationship (which will be revealed in a later chapter.)

There is a method to my madness, and I don't put anything down without reason.

There WILL be sex scenes in later chapters, and they will be pretty detailed and written using anatomical and clinical terminology. I will mark when the section featuring the sex scene will begin and end in the event y'all are so engrossed with the story but don't want to read that part for whatever reason. I will also give warning about violence.

As the story progresses, it will have a mix of sweet scenes, sexy scenes, tear-jerker scenes, and shockers that will hit you like a bolt of lightning, and you aren't going to want to miss them.

NO NEW CHAPTERS WILL BE POSTED UNLESS I GET FRESH, NEW REVIEWS (MINIMUM OF ONE) FOR THE LATEST CHAPTER THAT HAS BEEN POSTED (as well as previous chapters). THE RELEASE OF NEW CHAPTERS DEPENDS ON YOU.

TROLL/BULLY REVIEWS DO NOT COUNT TOWARDS THE RELEASE OF NEW CHAPTERS. If you leave a troll/bully review, it WILL be removed. I have ZERO tolerance for trolls/bullies.
(A troll/bully review is when there is nothing but negativity and insults.)

CRITICISMS ARE ACCEPTED. (a CRITICISM is when you say "You can improve x, y, z , etc. by specifically doing x, y, z , etc." AND you balance it with something positive. THAT is infinitely more helpful than pure insults.)

To see which chapters are embargoed (on hold), please see my profile and scroll to the bottom.

In the meantime, if you understand and accept these terms, PLEASE ENJOY!

On one brisk, early January morning...

Seto Kaiba was up and bustling about his opulent mansion as he prepared to take Mokuba to school and head to Kaiba Corp. to work for a while. He wasn't looking forward to the day ahead…another day of fruitless interviews for his assistant. He hated waking himself and Mokuba up at 5 a.m. to get ready for all this crap. The work just seemed to turn into mountains on his desk and in his office. He seriously needed someone to help him scale through the work mountain, before he was forever buried under its avalanche. True, he had Mokuba to help him, but there was only so much he and Mokuba could do, and he was already doing so much for an 18 year-old. He took a shower and tried to relax and calm his heavily frayed nerves, but it was no use. He got out of the shower and dressed in a blue shirt, black slacks, black shoes, and his long purple trench coat. He dried and combed his hair and sighed at his haggard reflection in the mirror. There was no way he could keep this up much longer.

"Please, Please, PLEASE at least give me ONE good candidate! I can't keep this up anymore!" Seto begged and hoped "God" was listening. He then sighed and realized that was a foolish thought, but he was desperate. He felt a snarling, painful lurch in his stomach to the point he let out an audible gasp and braced himself against his bathroom counter. He tried to take some aspirin to help the pain as he continued to get ready. He gave an amused smile as Mokuba sat at the breakfast nook dressed, but still half asleep.

"Mornin' Seto," Mokuba mumbled between bites of his breakfast of cold cereal.

"Good morning, Mokuba," Seto greeted and got himself a bowl of cereal. It was light, and he hoped that it would help his stomach.

"Are you okay?" Mokuba asked as he picked up the fact that Seto looked like he was hiding a bit of pain. His grey eyes looked over his brother worriedly. Seto couldn't afford to get sick or be hurt.

"I'm fine Mokuba, just a stomach ache… it'll pass," Seto assured him. Though, he didn't understand why he was hurting so much.

"Maybe you can reschedule the interviews you have today and rest?" Mokuba suggested.

"No, I'll be fine," Seto insisted stubbornly as he ate. Though, Mokuba did have a good idea. He really wished he could tell the bimbos coming in today he needed to reschedule, but there was too much to be done, and there was no way he could deal with double the interviews he normally had if he rescheduled them.

"Seto, you need a break…" Mokuba insisted. "You're going to get sick…" he said with a tinge of fear lacing his voice.

"I'll be fine Mokuba. Don't worry about me," Seto commanded. Mokuba sighed. They finished their cereal and quietly gathered their things. The pain had not subsided, but Seto kept going. Edward, their chauffer had dropped Mokuba off at school.

"Sir? Are you alright?" Edward asked.

"I'm FINE!" Seto snapped.

"…if you say so…" Edward replied tentatively. "Just say the word and I'll take you to your doctor," he offered.

"WHAT PART OF I'M FINE DIDN'T YOU GET?!" Seto snapped and winced.

"…Alright sir…" Edward sighed and parked in front of the building. Why did his boss have to be so stubborn? Seto marched up to his office and got settled in and started to read his emails while gripping his desk. Why was this pain not going away?!

"Stay calm Seto… you can get through this day…" he told himself.

"…if you're lucky…" his inner self countered.

"What is that supposed to mean?!" he snarled at his inner self.

"You're obviously unwell… something bad is happening and you're keeled over in pain. Please go to a doctor and have your secretary tell the bimbos to reschedule! You will deeply regret it if you don't go! You might even collapse during an interview if you're not careful!" his inner self begged.

"I'LL BE FINE!" Seto screamed at his inner self.

"Have it your way then…" his inner self sighed.

Meanwhile…

"BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!" Misty Robinson's alarm clock screeched at 6:00 a.m.

"Okay, I'm up!" Misty yelled at her alarm clock and shut it off with a groan. She was definitely NOT a morning person… but she had to drag her curvy, pear-shaped body out of bed in order to prepare for her interview today. She sighed as she got up and zombie-walked to her bathroom to use the restroom and get showered and cleaned up. She peeled off her pajamas and turned on the water, waiting for the perfect temperature before climbing in with a contented sigh. As she let the water rain down on her and lathered up, she was mentally going through the notes she had taken about Kaiba Corp., about its CEO, Seto Kaiba, whom she would be interviewing with, and about the answers to his questions. She was nervous. She needed this job, any job, now. This job however, was paying more than any other job she interviewed for, and it would cover everything she needed and then some. It would be a huge blessing if she got this job.

"Lord, I praise You, magnify You, and glorify You. Lord, I bless this opportunity You have bestowed upon me, and I pray that I please get this job. You know very well that I need this job, and I pray You give me the right things to say. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen," she prayed. She finished her shower and smelled so fresh and clean. She dried off, cleansed her face, and then got dressed in a tasteful interview outfit and some of her favorite pieces of jewelry, including a "lucky" blue and white dragon pendant holding a crystal. She was satisfied with her reflection. The turquoise peasant top flowed just right over her curvy torso, and the black slacks and black blazer gave a slimmer look, especially over her ample hips and bottom. The dragon added just a little bit of character flair, and she figured he might appreciate it since she read that he loved the Blue Eyes White Dragon…whatever that was… She put on some socks and comfortable, dressy black boots, and then went to get her things together. She put her folder with resumes and a dressy purse by the door so she could grab it and go. She also made sure she put her "lucky" Wingweaver card in the purse, along with everything else she needed. She made herself a quick breakfast of instant oatmeal, and then returned to the bathroom. She brushed her teeth and put her hair in a soft half-pony before starting on her makeup.

A few minutes later, she was satisfied when her makeup and gasped when she saw the time on her watch; she had to leave NOW, or she would miss her bus; she hated being late, and she could not afford to start off with a bad impression. She grabbed her purse, folder, and everything else, locked up her apartment, and hurried to the bus stop, with just a couple minutes to spare. She was relieved. She also noticed it was pretty overcast and hoped it wouldn't rain while she was out, especially since she didn't have her umbrella; she couldn't believe she forgot that. The bus approached her stop and she boarded, flashed her monthly pass, and settled into a seat near the front of the bus and continued to mentally rehearse and prepare for the interview.

A little while later, Misty then heard the automated voice on the bus loudspeaker announce that they were approaching the stop nearest to Kaiba Corp. Misty pulled the cord and gathered her things neatly and stood, waiting for the bus to stop. When they got to her stop, she walked to the exit.

"Thank you," she told the bus driver as she stepped off and straightened up before walking through the glass doors at Kaiba Corp's grand entrance, adorned by 2 Alabaster dragon statues on either side of the doors. The sky had darkened a little, and there was a flash of lightning in the distance, and there was a rumble of thunder. Misty sighed a little heavily, but she didn't let it get to her. She approached the front desk with what was known as a Texan walk, which was a walk characterized by the strong, straight posture that alluded confidence and friendliness. Misty waited for the receptionist to get off the phone and signed in on the visitor log. Once the receptionist was off the phone, Misty gave her a warm, friendly smile. Misty noticed her name was Mary, and she was a brunette woman in her 30s.

"How can I help you?" Mary asked warmly and with a friendly smile.

"Hi, Mary, I'm Misty Robinson and I'm here for an interview with Mr. Kaiba," Misty greeted.

"Ah yes. Welcome and good luck. He's on the top floor, at the end of the hall, behind the mahogany doors that are carved with Blue Eyes White Dragons," she directed.

"Thank you ma'am," Misty replied with another friendly smile and walked into the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor and hummed along with the elevator music. She was starting to have strong, surging feelings, like something HUGE was about to happen. She shuddered involuntarily; it was one of those big shudders that rocked her body completely.

"Whoa…" Misty whispered to herself and tried to steady herself. "Easy, Misty," she told herself to try and help herself relax. That was so weird. She felt her protective instincts set up. "What the heck is going on?" she asked herself.

"Your guess is as good as mine…" her inner self replied.

She got to the top floor and saw the big Mahogany doors with the dragons she assumed were Blue Eyes White Dragons. She saw a blonde woman with her hair in a headache-inducing, tight and slick bun and a black business suit and briefcase. She had cold grey eyes and didn't acknowledge Misty. Misty also saw a resume in her hands.

"Hello, I'm Misty," Misty introduced herself with a friendly smile and a friendly handshake. The woman reluctantly shook her hand and had a firm handshake that was rough. Misty had a firm, but friendly handshake in comparison.

"I'm Lilly," the woman replied in a curt, cold tone.

"Nice to meet you," Misty replied warmly, but it was a bit of a lie.

"Mhm…" Lilly nodded. There was an awkward silence and Misty sat down. Lilly scooted down a little more, trying to avoid her.

"Good lord! She's a frigid bitch!" Misty's inner self exclaimed.

"Yeah, she is," Misty agreed. A man with slicked black hair and a navy suit, an ear piece, sunglasses, and a mustache came to the door.

"Ms. Woods?" Mr. Kaiba is ready for you," the man announced and led her inside and shut the door behind her.

While Misty waited, she readied her resume and listened to the thunder crashing outside. She also picked her Wingweaver card out of her purse and caressed it fondly as she closed her eyes, reminiscing about when her annoying but sweet brother had given it to her, as a good luck charm, because Wingweaver reminded him of her. She treasured Wingweaver, and hoped she would bring luck. She felt the protective instinct surge through her once again as she stroked it. She felt overwhelmed by the feeling and put Wingweaver back in her purse. She gripped her seat to steady herself.

Seto was trying to focus on the interview with this Lilly Woods, but it was difficult, especially since she brought about a frigid aura in with her the moment she walked in. Yes, he was glad SOMEONE was FINALLY dressed professionally for once, but her personality grated on him. She was colder than he was, and he was pretty damn cold. He didn't think he could stand to be in the office with her if he hired her. True, she was qualified, in fact maybe OVER-qualified, but he couldn't deal with her.

"I'm sorry Ms. Woods, but you're not a good fit for this position," Seto announced after he had enough of dealing with her frigidity.

"…Why not?" she asked surprised. That was the first time he had seen ANY emotion from her the entire interview.

"You're seriously uptight and you're more frigid than the arctic. I do not want to walk into an office that is frozen cold by your frigid personality," Seto answered bluntly.

"Excuse me?!" Lilly replied aghast.

"Were you not listening?! You're too frigid to be my assistant! Go work for the government! Get out!" Seto snarled. Lilly snatched up her things roughly and stormed out.

Misty was surprised by the sudden and hasty exit of Lilly.

"Roland, please send in Misty Robinson," Seto requested and looked pained again.

"Are you sure, Mr. Kaiba?" Roland asked, noticing his pain.

"Yes!" Seto hissed. Roland nodded and poked his head outside again and saw Misty sitting there.

"Ms. Robinson? Mr. Kaiba is ready for you." Misty nodded and got her things together and got up and went inside. "Thank you," Misty told Roland politely as she entered the office. When she looked at Mr. Kaiba, she couldn't help but gasp just a little in surprise. She was expecting someone older, not the tall, handsome brunet man with blue eyes in front of her, and he looked about her age too. She also noticed that he looked haggard and sick. He was sweating like he had a fever and he looked like he was in pain. She felt her protective instincts scream at her. So…he was the one responsible for sending her instincts into overdrive. He looked surprised when he looked at her too, because of her surprised reaction, and the fact that she was stylish and professional, and had a warm air about her. He was starting to hallucinate a little. He swore he could see an ethereal glow emanating off of her. He shook his head to clear his head.

"Hello… I'm Seto Kaiba," Seto introduced himself.

"Hi, I'm Misty Robinson," Misty introduced himself and gave him a firm, but friendly handshake. They both felt an electric surge the moment their hands made contact, which seemed to be amplified by his sweaty palms. Seto was aware of the moisture and was a little embarrassed.

"Sorry…" he apologized awkwardly.

"It's fine… are you alright, Mr. Kaiba?" Misty asked concerned.

"I'm fine!" Seto insisted.

"Are you sure?" Misty pressed.

"I'm fine!" Seto snapped.

"…if you say so sir." She felt her protective instincts surge violently.

"Let's get started," Seto prompted. Misty handed him a resume and he looked it over, but it was blurry.

"So, where are you from? I don't recall seeing you around town before, and you have a different air about you compared to everyone else in town," Seto asked curiously. He was sure he had interviewed just about every woman in Domino City with as many bimbos that had come over the last few months.

"I'm from San Antonio, TX," Misty answered.

"I see. So, what interested you…in…my company?" Seto asked slowly as he tried to stay calm.

"Well, I simply figured I could be of assistance with your administrative assistant position. I responded to the urgency in your ad, and what you were offering aligned with what I was looking for, and I figured I could be of great assistance to you. I had also worked in my dad's office and helped to dramatically cut his workload down. I have a focused, efficient style to get as much done as I can without expending too much energy," Misty explained. Seto nodded as he understood. He was trying to think of the next question but his mind felt hazy and blank. There was an awkward silence.

"Mr. Kaiba?" Misty asked concerned after the uncomfortable silence got too unbearable. Seto felt an internal burst in his stomach.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Seto screamed loudly, startling Misty, and he fell out of his chair onto the floor and clutched his stomach and had tears streaming down his face in agony. Misty was totally freaked out and was ejected out of her chair thanks to the protective instinct that had been coiled like a rattlesnake lying in wait to attack. She rushed to his side and Seto was clutching at his stomach.

"Mr. Kaiba! I'm here!" Misty reassured him. Seto was terrified and was starting to see the world turn red and hot around him. He was beyond terrified. The only thing comforting to him was hearing Misty tell him she was there. She was bright white against the redness. The thunder rumbled outside and gave an effect of the world breaking away and sinister demons coming up, intent to take him away. Seto was screaming and clutched onto Misty's hands tightly, desperate not to go. Misty held his hand tightly, reassuring him that she was still here.

"HELP! PLEASE HELP!" Misty called out desperately. Roland came running in the instant she called for help. He had heard Seto screaming and had started running from the break room.

"What's going on?!" Roland demanded as he saw Seto clutching onto Misty's hand and was in agony and sheer terror.

"I think his appendix burst or something! Call an ambulance and help me get him downstairs!" Misty exclaimed frantically.

"Hang on Mr. Kaiba!" she begged. Seto held her hand harder. "OW!" Misty exclaimed but let him hold on while Roland frantically called an ambulance to rush there. He was assured they were on the way and he helped pick Seto up in a fire-person's carry. Seto would not let Misty go.

"DON'T LET THEM TAKE ME!" Seto screamed.

"Who?!" Misty demanded.

"Demons!" Seto yelled and screamed in agony.

"Shit!" Misty exclaimed shocked. He was dying in front of her and the demons were trying to drag him to hell. "Mr. Kaiba! Please hang on! Help is on the way! Don't die on me!" She was forced to run at Roland's flank because Seto refused to let her go. Roland brought them into Mr. Kaiba's personal elevator and they went down to the lobby quickly to wait for the paramedics. Seto's screaming and frantic agony was drawing a crowd. Misty kept reassuring him that she was still there and kept begging him to hang on. The paramedics got there and rushed him and Misty into the ambulance. Misty winced as he gripped harder on her, frightened as the paramedics worked on him and they were rushing to the hospital. The clock was ticking. Misty was starting to get scared but didn't want him to get more frightened than he already was, so she kept whispering reassurances to him, which kept him somewhat calm. The paramedics confirmed that he had appendicitis.

It wasn't long before they got to the hospital and rushed him into the operating room, the paramedics quickly telling the doctors that he had appendicitis and was suffering septic shock. Since Seto refused to let her go, the nurses covered her clothes with a long smock, shoe covers, a hat, and a mask. They had to cut one sleeve on the smock so they could put it on her arm, on which she couldn't free. The nurses also put an anesthesia mask on him and had to cut his clothes off. Misty was shocked; she couldn't believe she was seeing what might've been her potential boss naked and about to be cut open. She was given a chair because the surgery was going to be a while and he wasn't letting go. She continued to whisper to him, reassuring him. The doctors covered him with the blue surgical tarp, put iodine on the patch of skin on his stomach where they were about to cut, and quickly made the incision. Misty continued talking to him and holding his hand as she watched the urgent surgery.

"Please be okay, please be okay," she begged him.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed ch. 1!

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