My first ever Yu-gi-oh! fanfiction! Even though my romantic side deeply prefers Polarshipping, i am a big big fan of Arrogantshipping, there's something between Mai and Seto that just clicks for me...Anyways, the following story is set five years after we last see our heroes. Hope you enjoy it, and let me know what you think with your reviews!
Another day, another meeting.
As Seto Kaiba tried with all his will not to snap in front of everybody (again), he wondered how was that he actually paid these people to say every stupid idea he was hearing. The task was simple, really, really, simple. Kaiba Corp was targeting the grown-up side of their demographics, trying to lure older duelists from every part of the world to get into the game once again; after much discussion, he decided a Duel Monsters focused retreat would be a good enough investment in the long run.
So, the company bought an Island, built a hotel and several other amenities as well as three cruisers that would increase the profit since they were the only way to get to the Island, everything was up and ready to run by now, but the matter in hand was publicity. He hated to do publicity. He was not a friendly person, in fact, the only human being he really liked being around was his brother, Mokuba. And there they were, trying to settle on a marketing approach…he had heard several options, stupid, stupid options, but, for Mokuba's sake, he kept quiet and listened to every suggestion they sent his way.
-So, what do you think, Mr Kaiba?-
He snapped out of his boredom and cleared his throat.
-I don't agree- he stood up- is your sole focus trying to show how expensive and luxurious everything in the island is?
Not one of his employees answered.
-We are trying to sell the experience, not the island itself-
-Maybe a spokesperson, a familiar and inviting face would work for the TV spots- suggested Mokuba
-Yes, i think the same- said he- Focus on a slogan for now. Short. Catchy.
-What about the spokesperson?- asked a publicist
Seto sighed.
-Solve the slogan thing first, we are done here- he got out of the office, eager to work in some new software
-Brother!- said Mokuba behind him- I have an idea for the spokesperson!
-Walk with me- he said, as they walked towards Seto's office
-I think since we are trying to make it an inviting place for the former duelists, maybe one of our old friends would be a great option as a spokesperson
-What old friends?- he opened the door and let Mokuba in first-
-Well, you know, maybe Yugi and his…
-No- he said, sternly- we are not involving the Geek Squad in this
-But they're still the most recognizable faces in this business, aside from us- Mokuba said- and we ARE trying to get the older duelists back at the game, aren't we?
-I suppose- Seto poured himself a glass of water- But i refuse to get them involved in this, Mokie, when i said i didn't want to see them again i meant it.
-Fine, all i am saying is, maybe get in touch with someone from Duelist Kingdom or Battle City…- Mokuba walked towards the exit.
-I'll think about it- he pressed a button on his office telephone- Andrea
-Yes, Mr Kaiba?
-Send a memo to the marketing and publicity departments, i want the slogan ready tomorrow 8 am sharp.
-Of course, Mr. Kaiba-
Those idiots better come up with something good.
The following morning, he entered the conference room, where the marketing team was, looking at each other nervously.
-Well?- he said, as he sat down- Do you have something?
-Yes Mr. Kaiba, we have taken your suggestions and change our approach…
-Stop babbling and get on it already, i have a teleconference en 15 minutes.
A young secretary stepped forward and showed him the first cardboard.
-"Dueling life is the best kind of life"- said the secretary, with pomp and ceremony- We were trying to…
-No- she looked baffled for a moment, before she pulled another cardboard-
-"KC Island, a place for business and pleasure"- she said, remarking the word and
-No
The woman sighed, looking nervously at her peers, she hesitated before pulling of another sample…
-"KC Island. Duel a little, live a little."
Live a little.
-I like that one- he heard the team exhale loudly in relief- Build around that and e-mail me your progress- he stood up to leave the room
-What about the spokesperson, Mr Kaiba?
-I'll handle that-
Live a little.
That phrase alone was enough to send him down to memory lane, specifically, to his latest trip to California six months ago…
Mokuba decided he wanted to stay in a luxury resort, with indoor pools and a private beach, and, since he was incapable of denying him any wish he could have, they stayed at the most exclusive hotel he could find. After a long day of meetings and contracts for Kaiba Land California, Mokuba ditched him to go out clubbing... a bit upset, he went to the private pool to swim a few laps before going to sleep.
He entered the dim lit room, the ceiling reflecting every movement of the water and a soft breeze entering from the exit to the beach. Seto took off his robe and walked towards the pool, where he saw someone swimming already and promptly grabbed his robe once again to leave the pool.
-Afraid of a little company, Kaiba?- said a feminine voice behind him- Or just not very fond of sharing?
He turned around to see Mai Valentine shoulders deep in the pool, the black straps of his swimsuit visible above the waterline, her hair damped and falling in a blond cascade down to the nape of her neck.
-Not very fond of sharing space with nosey company, Valentine- he replied, without much thought
-Oh my, we are feisty today, aren't we?- she said
-Just tired- he adjusted his robe
-Come on, don't leave just because i'm here- she smiled- We can swim without being on each other's nerves
-I don't think so, Valentine, have a good night- he nodded and walked to the exit
-Are you afraid of me?- he heard the distinct sound of moving water and turned around to see her walking to the edge of the pool, only to get out of it in a sensuous way. She looked like a mermaid, a temptress…
-Of course not- he scoffed- I told you already, i don't feel like sharing today…
-Oh come on, Kaiba- she offered her hand and smiled at him- Live a little
Seto leaned back on his chair and closed his eyes, he remembered that night to the detail...the cool water against his skin, the sweet sound of her laughter, her touch…
Without even bothering to open his eyes, he pressed Andrea's number on the phone.
-Yes, sir?
-Arrange a meeting with Mai Valentine as soon as she is available
-Right away, sir. Should i tell her what the meeting is about?
-Just say i have a business proposal for her
-Very well, i'll let you know the date and time
-Thank you, Andrea
Seto smiled. That was certainly a meeting he was looking forward to.
