Title: My Funny Valentine
Fandom: Yu-Gi-Oh
Genre: Romance
Pairing: Seto/Mai
Written for: MOG's Challenge
Author's Notes:
Another challenge, as you can see. My first attempt at Seto/Mai... er... sorta. I've decided to post some of the challenges I have been working on for everyone. So enjoy.
The smell of freshly ground coffee beans hung in the air, mixing with the chorus of chattering voices. Everything in the coffee shop was so . . . cheerful. She hated it. Everyone was enjoying themselves as they spent the day with their lovers. Valentine's Day. The words played in her mouth like the bitter coffee in front of her. Mai Valentine. She cursed her luck for having a name that shared sentiments with a day such as this. She, of all people, shouldn't be alone on this day. Yet she was, year after year.
Maybe her standards were too high? She poured some creamer into her cup, swirling it around in a creamy whirlpool. "Well, let's see . . . I want a guy who's noticeable, knows what he wants, has a lot of cash . . . and being gorgeous wouldn't hurt either." She set down the spoon she was using and let out a long, wistful sigh. "But all guys in that category are total jerks . . . "
A bell chimed, and Seto Kaiba, a usual, entered the coffee shop. Noticing only one available seat, he sat himself down in the seat across from Mai. He answered her surprised look with a gruff, "It's the only seat left," and, after the waiter appeared, ordered a cup of the house's strongest, most expensive coffee.
"Are you sure?" The waiter asked, somewhat perplexed. He was new, and apparently blind to the world if he didn't know who Seto Kaiba was.
"I know what I want," Seto snapped in response. He was more aggravated that usual, if that was possible. The silly, Hallmark holiday annoyed him fully. All these chocolates and gifts were just a waste of money. The waiter left after a quick apology, muttering something about proper etiquette as he went to retrieve the order.
"So, Kaiba," Mai started, trying to make conversation, "what's a guy like you doing alone on a day like this? Don't you have some sweetheart you should be with? I mean, there are some girls who go for the Prince of Ice type." She examined the 'prince' as she spoke. His hair matched the rich Café Latte that had just been placed in front of him, and his eyes, his gorgeous sapphire eyes were staring straight at her . . .
"Valentine's Day is nothing but a cheap holiday." His voice brought her back from her daze. After letting the words sink in, she nodded bitterly.
"You're right about that," she agreed, looking down scornfully at the table. Her smile became bittersweet as she let her mind drift aloud. "But you have to admit, it would be nice to share the day with someone special . . . "
Seto sipped at his coffee, keeping his face carefully blank as he listened. Why was she telling him this? He was sure that she knew he didn't care - so why? He let the last drips of coffee roll down his throat and set the cup down. The 'stupid waiter' returned, exchanging his cup with a piece of paper.
"You know what?" Mai looked up at Seto for the first time since she started. "One valentine, that's all I ask. Even if it's some stupid children's card, I still want one, just one." She let her eyes fall back to the table. "Hmph, I'm so pathetic."
Seto stood up, straightening his coat, and reached for a pen that he kept inside his pocket. He bent down, scribbling something on the paper, and handed it to Mai. He bade her farewell and walked out of the shop. The bells on the door chimed just as she opened the slip of paper. As she read it, her cheeks reddened. It was the bill - he left her his bill!
'Happy Valentine's Day'