For chocolatah

The Allurement of Greed

Summary: Seto is falling for Serenity at an unforeseen rate, but Serenity it much too preoccupied with Duke to realize his feelings, let alone share them.

Disclaimer: Yu-Gi-Oh belongs to Kazuki Takahashi. Nothing else recognizable belongs to me. Nothing that I ever may mention in this story.

Seto could always tell when a scandal was on the rise. When things were peaceful, the dinner parties his position of CEO required him to attend and host were loud, the people were pleasantly tipsy, and for the most part, the group stayed together as one, laughing and chatting amongst themselves. That night, however, it was easy to tell something was washing onto the shore of Domino's beau monde beach. People, mostly women, gathered in small groups to the side or in the corner of the rooms, whispering together behind their hands. If it was a secret that they were gossiping, it was poorly kept.

The brunette did what he could to hide his disgust. He considered himself above their petty ways, their secrets and controversies. He was there for business reasons only, nothing more. "You would think someone had been murdered by the way they're talking," Seto sneered to Roland. The man was a godsend, and Seto wasn't above admitting it. The blue-eyed boy didn't know how he would survive the night without someone who saw through the nonsense. Mokuba was always present at these events, but the boy was a hot commodity, and it was rare for him to have time to sit in the corner with his sulky brother when everyone was constantly pulling him over to have the typical Just One Drink he was forever being offered.

"Yes, well, from what I've gathered, they're over. As if that's anything to talk of. The two have been rocky for months," Roland said with a sigh, taking a sip from his champagne flute. There was no need to ask who "they" were. Seto had learned that every generation had an "it" couple. Though they could be separate, it was always one boy and one girl (usually they would end up together at some point or another) the heads of their social circle, and the constant topic of discussion. Duke Devlin and Serenity Wheeler were currently holding this title. Duke, well, this was no surprise. He was the typical candidate, good looking, rich, and had a craving for the spotlight. No, it was Serenity that was the mystique. One day no one had heard of her. She was just an average girl, not at all the kind of person anyone in Seto's society would bother to think twice about. And then, one day, she had arrived, and since that day, it seemed no one could talk of anything else. She never failed to capture the attention of a room. She was a mystery, through and through. Whether her rise to power had been planned, or was sheer luck, had yet to be determined. "I should go find Mokuba," Seto said, standing up, "I'm supposed to make sure he's not trapped in a corner with Helen Bart."

"Of course," Roland nodded, "Do go save the poor boy."

Seto however, did not, and had no intention to, go after Mokuba. He could take care of himself. There was someone else he needed to find, just to see, to make sure…

Seto didn't want Serenity. No, he couldn't. For one thing, she was in a relationship (though if Roland said was true, that may not be the case for long), and besides, he was a CEO, he didn't have time for women. There was also the fact that, no matter how popular and sought-after she become, she was still, and would always be, Serenity Wheeler, sister of the dog. And not to mention, she wasn't even really that attractive.

Seto paused where he was. The room was packed, mostly with people, like Seto, in their early twenties. None of them tried to usher the CEO over to one of their small groups, they all knew by now Seto would have no interest in whatever drama they were discussing.

The boy had nearly given up. What would this do for him anyways? Seto shook his head. He must have had too much to drink. Why else would he be trying to follow this not-even-that-attractive girl around like a lost puppy? Seto turned around, silently cursing himself. He was pathetic. But, right at that moment, something caught his eye. Through the sliding glass door of the balcony, Seto could see a pair of long legs dangling over the side, a pair of black, patent-leather heels adoring their feet. And it wasn't that this person was making herself so at home on his balcony that Seto noticed. Even from where he was standing, all the way across the room, Seto could see a pair of large, smoky brown eyes watching him. Seto paused. It was Serenity herself meeting his gaze, and then, slowly, she motioned for him to come. Without even thinking, Seto found himself moving around the clumps of people, ignoring when someone would occasionally call out his name, all he could think about was getting there, to where the girl with the gaze he couldn't help find so intoxicating sat.

But by the time he'd slip the glass door open, her attention was turned elsewhere. Seto stood hesitantly at the doorway, not sure if he should turn around and leave or stay.

"There's another chair," Serenity said suddenly, as if Seto couldn't see the black iron chair in front on him. Her head turned to face him, and Seto found he had to look away as her large eyes surveyed him. Finally, Seto sat down next to Serenity, though he still couldn't bring himself to look at her.

"I'm sorry for that," she said, her eyes fixed on a thin diamond bracelet on her wrist. "Duke is painfully immature, seems like he causes a scene everywhere we go nowadays."

Seto had no idea what she was talking about, but he nodded anyway.

"You know," Serenity continued with her eyes still on her wrist, "this really sums up our entire relationship. Look at this," the girl held out her hand to Seto, "completely unattached. Sure, it's expensive and flashy, but take away all the diamonds and it's completely plain. Nothing fun or special… There's no thought to it. None at all."

Seto paused. "But there are diamonds."

Serenity looked at him, and for a brief moment surprise flashed in her eyes, but then she smiled wryly. "Yes, I think that's the problem. You see, Mr. Kaiba, I really do love diamonds."

Seto wasn't sure how to respond. He quickly took a drink of champagne.

Serenity sat up a little straighter. She pulled her feet off the railing and tucked them under her chair. "If you were to buy me jewelry," she asked as she shifted towards Seto, "what would you get?"

Seto choked slightly on his champagne.

"Too absurd?" the girl asked, tipping her head to the side slightly.

Seto shook his head. "I- I just wasn't ready for it." He paused, and then, using all of his will, scanned Serenity up and down. "Pearls," he finally concluded, "anything with pearls."

"Why?"

Seto shrugged. "They'd go nicely with your complexion." He took another quick sip of his drink and looked away. From the corner of his eye, Seto could see Serenity smirk slightly and lean back in her seat. "What?" Seto snapped. He hated being smirked at.

"Nothing," Serenity replied easily. "I just wish Duke was a little more like you is all."

Before Seto could even start to think of a reply, the door slid open. "Help me!" Mokuba whined, his green eyes wide and helpless. Seto nodded and stood up, half of him disappointed and half of him relieved. He couldn't decide which he hated more.

"Seto," Serenity called before he could leave. He turned back around to see her standing behind him. She placed her hands over his shoulder and leaned in. "Thank you," she whispered, kissed his cheek, and then sauntered off.

Seto met eyes with Mokuba, who was staring at him in shock. "What have you two been doing?" he asked. Seto watched as Serenity wrapped her arms around Duke from the other side of the room. The CEO shook his head. "I have no idea."

Mokuba narrowed his eyes accusingly, "If you just had balcony sex with Serenity Wheeler-"

"Don't be ridiculous," Seto snapped, "that glass is obviously translucent."

He continued to watch Serenity, who was now laughing softly at something Duke had said. He didn't understand. She'd just said she wished Duke was more like him. So why was she hanging all over the emerald-eyed boy as if he were the only one in the room? Not that it mattered to him, no, not at all. What was Serenity Wheeler to him? Nothing.

Mokuba nudged Seto with his elbow. Helen Bart, a small stick of a girl with mousy brown hair and light green eyes, was walking towards them, her thin lips stretched into a confidant smile. Mokuba groaned so only Seto could hear.

"None of this would happen if you'd just let me invite Rebecca," Mokuba informed him with a scowl.

"I thought you two weren't dating," Seto replied stiffly, tearing his gaze away from Serenity to give his bother a stern look.

"We're not," Mokuba insisted, "but it'd be nice to have someone to hang out with during these things."

"I don't like Rebecca." Seto frowned. Mokuba rolled his eyes. It was true. He'd hated the obnoxious blonde since the first time he'd met her. Mokuba could claim they were "best friends" all he wanted. If they weren't dating by now then Rebecca Hawkins was definitely leading him on. Mokuba was completely in love with her, and the more he denied it the more obvious it became. Seto's eyes flicked to his brother, who was tugging nervously at his cuff links. She'd be lucky to have him.

"Can we get out of here please?" Mokuba muttered. Seto nodded and the two quickly exited to the other room. Mokuba glanced over his shoulder, and then sighed in relief. "I thought she-"

"Mokuba!" The boy spun around, a look of surprise on his face, and then horror.

"Rebecca," Seto said, stepping in front of his younger brother, "we were just talking about you."

Seto watched, half with satisfaction half and half anger, as the blonde's face paled. She glanced to Mokuba for help, but Seto made sure her view was blocked.

She definitely stood out like a sore thumb. While everyone was dressed in cocktail attire, Rebecca Hawkins stood in a plaid flannel shirt that went almost to her knees, a belt randomly placed around her waist, a ratty scarf, oxfords, and with a case of cheap liquor and generic-brand soda under her arm. "Um," her eyes traveled to the alcohol under her arm. Seto heard Mokuba groan, "Great party!" Rebecca beamed, and held out the bottle to Seto.

"Allow me," Roland said, coming from behind Seto. With a stern look for both of the under-twenties, he grabbed the container of bourbon, looking disgusted. "What did I tell you?" he demanded. Seto frowned. Was he missing something?

"I'm sorry," Rebecca whined, "I was going to but then I saw this scarf, and you know I have priority problems!" Roland shook his head in disappointment. Seto turned to him with an eyebrow raised, demanding an explanation.

"Well, if you were going to catch him drinking wouldn't you rather it be something respectable rather than- than this," Roland held up the bottle, shaking his head. Seto stared at him, not sure of how to reply.

"I don't want him drinking at all. You're not twenty, Mokuba, and until then-"

"I know," Mokuba interrupted, "I can only have one, two at the most, glasses of champagne at these parties, and only if you're here." Rebecca smirked at this. Seto glared at her. She quickly stopped.

"Technically," Rebecca started, "Mokuba still is at this, uh, party thing, so-"

"Don't," Mokuba said quickly as he watched Seto's expression, "please don't."

There was a long pause. "Should I leave?" Rebecca asked. Seto couldn't tell if she was amused or uncomfortable.

"Why are you here?" Seto turned to Mokuba. "Why is she here?"

Rebecca pulled a phone out of her dress pocket, and showed the screen to Seto.

Mokuba Kaiba: Any time after 10 is fine

The raven-haired teen struggled to see the screen, and then groaned. "Twelve," he moaned, "That was supposed to say twelve!"

"You really need to work on that," Rebecca muttered, shoving her phone back in her pocket. "I'm sorry for crashing your little shindig here. There's no way in hell I would have come if I had known it was still going on."

"Not helping." Mokuba told her. The blonde shrugged.

"Did you know she was brining alcohol?" Seto demanded. Mokuba shifted nervously. He was a bad liar.

"Yes," He finally said, his eyes on the ground.

"In that case, Mokuba, I'm afraid it's completely necessary that- "

"No he didn't," Rebecca said quickly. "He's trying to keep me out of trouble. This happens a lot. It's my fault. We've pretty much already covered that I'm a bad influence. Yeah, he told me about that, but no hard feelings. That's one of the reasons none of my friends are female. Mothers hate me."

"Mokuba?" Seto asked. He raised an eyebrow as Mokuba's gaze shifted to the floor. Seto wasn't stupid. Obviously he'd been apart of this. "Rebecca, I think it's time for you to go home."

"Yeah… I figured." The blonde gave Mokuba a solemn wave and trudged out the door.

"Well," Mokuba said, "at least she didn't ask for her booze back…. This time, anyways."

"Upstairs. Now." Mokuba nodded. Without another words he turned on his heel and walked up the winding marble staircase, his head down.

Seto took a breath. He was getting tired of the constantly having to enforce rules upon Mokuba. Curfew was constantly broken, his grades were not as high as they could be, obviously there was an underage drinking problem, and-

"You are a filthy hypocrite." Roland informed him, handing him a fresh glass of champagne.

"Me? I am twenty-four, it is perfectly legal-"

Roland laughed. "Do you not recall that incident when you were seventeen? I distinctly remember dragging you out of Glenn Hayes' foyer and holding a bucket under your head for the rest of the night." Seto winced.

"Of course I remember. My dignity was left in that foyer and it took me months to reclaim it. That's the exact reason Mokuba isn't allowed to drink. I won't allow him to make a fool of himself."

Roland chuckled and clasped Seto's shoulder. "I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Kaiba."

Seto frowned at the slightly tipsy man hobbled off. Now both of his only acquaintances for the night were gone.

"There you are," Vivian Wong said, "I've been looking for you."

"Oh?" Serenity asked. Her eyes were still scanning the crowd.

"Yes, you wouldn't believe what people are saying!" Serenity didn't have to ask what was being said, immediately Vivian continued, "Iris told Sam that she heard you and Duke broke up and that you and Seto Kaiba have secretly been meeting for the past few months!"

Serenity took a sip of her drink. "What if it's true?" She was only saying this to entertain herself, of course. And it had the desired effect; Vivian's eyes widened and her jaw dropped a fraction. "Well, it's not."" Serenity continued, "I was just curious."

The dark haired girl rolled her eyes, "Don't do that to me! Do you even know how much time I've spent protracting your reputation tonight?"

Serenity shrugged. She didn't really give a damn about her reputation. All she knew was that she'd hardly had time to get she properly drunk, and Duke was already hammered.

"You should be more careful, you know," Vivian warned.

Serenity frowned. "What do you mean? Duke? He's a big boy, but I know he wont lay a hand on me." Serenity didn't know what else she could be talking of. Serenity wasn't even slightly worried about Duke leaving her. It would never happen.

Again, Vivian rolled her eyes. "You can't just go off with boys like that! Especially not after a fight with your boyfriend!"

"Oh, that. Please. He looked lost and I wanted company." Serenity explained, being completely honest. As much as Serenity knew she would never have to worry about Duke leaving her, the brunette also knew he could feel the same with her. She loved Duke. Simple as that, and she wasn't going anywhere.

"So you two aren't breaking up?" Vivian pressed.

"No," Serenity replied, "of course not."

Vivian was one of those people who Serenity could never really figure out. Part of her knew how cold hearted and manipulative she was, but Vi was also her best friend. For some reason there was always an air of resentment when she would compliment her, or if when Serenity would tell her something about her and Duke. For months she'd secretly hated her, sure that Vivian was after Duke, but nothing had happened. And when she finally confronted Duke about it, he'd only laughed. "She's my best friend. I would never date her and she'd never date me." Serenity had been skeptical, but over time, had calmed down and started to accept Vivian, bitchy attitude and all.

"Oh, I didn't tell you! Guess who had the nerve to show up tonight!"

Serenity shrugged. "Who?"

"Rebecca Hawkins!"

Serenity paused. "I'm supposed to know this name."

"Yes," Vivian sighed, "you're supposed to know her name. I hate her Serenity. I hate her so much! And you should have seen what she was wearing! I wouldn't surprise if her parents have cut her off. She totally went wild after she finished college when she was, like, fourteen. Didn't get a job or anything, just bums around the city. How pathetic, right? Apparently, she's hanging around Mokuba. I bet you anything she's just using him to get to Seto."

"I don't know, isn't she a little young for him?" Serenity wanted to support her friend, of course, but it was hard to keep up with whom she hated that week and whom she didn't. Besides, Serenity's glass was empty and the party was turning out to be a bore. She looked around the room for Duke but didn't see him.

When her gaze came back to Vivian, she was scowling. "You know, I actually had something important to tell you, but since you're obviously so bored with our friendship, I think I'll take it elsewhere."

"God, Vi, don't-" but the girl was already stomping away from. Serenity shook her head. Drama queen. She sighed and leaned against the wall. Yes, she was definitely ready to go home. She watched as Theodore Walsh staggered through the room, chased by an obviously annoyed Amy Ram. Serenity watched their little episode, her eyes following them until they passed the corner where Seto Kaiba stood, alone. For the second time that night, the girl found herself watching him. She'd meant what she'd said to Vivian of course. She loved Duke, and if anyone really had been saying such things about her and Seto it was a complete lie, but for some reason, Serenity was oddly fond of the CEO. Not that the two ever talked, but Serenity wouldn't mind being friends with him. Duke was best friends with Vivian, couldn't she be best friends with Seto if she wanted? Yes, the brunette decided, yes she could. Serenity sighed. She'd start on that project when she'd had more to drink, but she definitely would start.

"There you are! God, where have you been?" Vivian Wong was happy. Really, she was. How could she not be? She was the most gorgeous girl in Domino, who lived in the most gorgeous penthouse in the most gorgeous building. She'd spent her high school years ruling as the undisputed social queen, and was now happily living off the enormous trust fund her parents had given her, that somehow seemed only to grow as the years went on. The bitchy attitude was just for her entertainment, honest.

Vivian grasped Duke's arm and pulled him away from the group he'd been talking to. "Did you hear about Rebecca Hawkins?" Serenity may have not understood the magnitude of the blonde's random appearance, but Duke, her true best friend, would.

Duke sighed and led her to the other room. "Of course. Just about everyone has by now."

"Well?" The girl snapped, empting his drink into her cup.

"I don't see why it would matter," Duke continued, "I mean, you two were at a truce when she left weren't you?"

"It's not that simple." And it wasn't. True, Vivian had decided long ago that she was over Yugi (that was just an embarrassing dark spot on her otherwise perfect record), but still. The last thing she needed was a brat like Rebecca running around her city.

"Look, she's like sixteen-"

"Seventeen."

"Fine. Seventeen. Vi, she's a high school aged. If it comes down to it-"

"I'll crush her."

"Exactly." Duke nodded. "You should call her up, you know, take her out for drinks. See what she's like. Know your competition better than you know yourself and all that jazz."

"Yeah," Vivian mused, "Maybe. I definitely don't want to take any chances."

"I have to ask Vi," Duke started, a smirk forming on his lips as he stared at the dark-haired girl, "who is it this time? I swear every time someone has a life that needs ruining, it's always about some guy or another. I thought you hit it off with that Dutch model."

Vivian shrugged. "He's cute." She said vaguely, sitting down on the chaise lounge beside her.

Duke frowned. "The model or the boy?"

"Both," the girl smiled, tousling her hair in the hand mirror she'd found on the table next to her. "But the model was so stupid, I swear he'd be time traveling if he went any slower. I want someone smart. Really smart, that I could actually hold a conversation with."

"Okay," Duke said, frowning slightly, "And-"

"And attractive. No, God, more than that. Gorgeous."

"So you want someone more like yourself." Duke smirked. He knew exactly which button to press when it came to Vivian. Sure enough, the girl beamed.

"Exactly. And he can't be just anybody." Vivian noticed the slightly nervous look on Duke's face and rolled her brown eyes, "Well, it's not you if that's what you're worried about."

"No, I know that. But I think I can sense where this is going…" Duke muttered, rubbing his temples in anticipation.

"Good," Vivian said sharply, "Then you know how important this is. Think about it, D, we go to the same parties, know the same people, shop at the same stores, both hold an interest in a certain card game-" Here Duke let out a groan.

"No, V, come on. Anybody but-"

"Seto Kaiba, Duke. He has to be mine." An unsettling silence followed the girl's words, but she stared determinedly at her best friend, daring him to disagree.

Duke rested his elbows on his knees and dropped his head into his hands. "Vivian-," He started, but was cut off.

"Look, Duke, I need support in this. So if you're going to sit here and tell me he's out of my league-"

"What- No! God, you know I don't mean that. All I'm saying is the guy's not exactly social, is he? Do you really want to waste your time chasing that- that fop?"

Vivian turned and looked him in the eye. "Yes."

Duke sighed. "Okay, fine. I'll keep my eyes on Hawkins. Make sure she's not trying to take him for herself or whatever. Not that I can see why she'd want to." He finished with an eye roll.

"Perfect." Vivian smirked. "I'll call her tonight," She decided.

"Well," Duke sighed, standing up from his spot, "You have fun with that. Call me when you need the bloodstains washed off you hands." Vivian rolled her eyes. And they called her overdramatic. But just then, an idea formed in the girl's head. "You know," she called after him, "this may be in your best interest too."

Duke stopped. "And why is that?" he asked, turning back towards her.

"Well, it's probably nothing," Vivian started with a small smile, "but I just finished talking to Serenity."

"And?" Duke demanded. Vivian found it pathetic how in love with Serenity the boy was, but she was nowhere near above using it for her own advantage.

"Well, she sure did have an awful lot to say about Mr. Kaiba," Vivian lied. She watched with satisfaction as Duke quickly sat down beside her, his eyes narrowed. "Like what?"

Vivian shrugged. "She's not leaving you, of course, but you know how she is. You're the only boy that's lasted with her for over a month."

Duke scowled at this. "Is she into him?"

"Well, I wouldn't know, if she is it's probably just a phase. A phase she'll grow out of once she sees that there's someone else, someone much better suited, in his life."

Duke crinkled his brow in confusion. Vivian raised an eyebrow. "Oh!" the emerald-eyed boy exclaimed, and then broke into a smile. "I forget how smart you really are, dear. I'd be happy to help."

Vivian smiled her first genuine smile of the night. "Wonderful."

And there we have it. First chapter's a go. Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed the read, and I'd love a review from you!