Chapter one:

Smile like you mean it

(We all have our good days)

A/N: This story doesn't take place during any time in the series. This is something I branched off from while watching Seto's first duel in the doom saga. I will explain exactly how Seto died in my story, but there is an actual reason why I am not explaining it in the first chapter. Okay, now read up!

A tall, lanky boy with short, spiky black hair rolled off a chair in a small, downtown apartment building. His name is Mokuba, and he has recently celebrated his eighteenth birthday. When he opened his refrigerator, the only items in there were an empty orange juice container, and a slice of his chocolate birthday cake. He moaned and grabbed the hard cake, eating it down quickly, trying to avoid tasting the stale flavor.

Seto had been dead for almost one whole year, and the small inheritance he'd left behind was almost totally gone. Mokuba himself was actually surprised that 1500 dollars lasted for so long, anyway. He still remembered the moment he found out his older brother had died, coming home on the bus from visiting is fiancé, Katsuya Jonouchi. The moment he stepped off that bus, he got hit with a bullet in the chest, killing him instantly. Mokuba shook his head furiously. No need to go back to that place. At least not today.

Today he had to go out job-searching, because trying to find a job later on, when he'd be out of money would give him nothing to fall back on. He looked around downtown, filling out all the applications for jobs he was interested in. Finally, he ended up taking a short break in a coffee shop. There was a really hot girl working the register. Her name tag read "Lena C." She gave him a gentle smile. "Hello. How may I help you today?" Her voice was kind, but her face said "please rescue me!" It took him a minute to realize he didn't have any money on him, and didn't want to sound like a total dork, so he said, "by getting me a really cool job so I can actually buy something!" He laughed a little, hoping she would laugh too, and she did. "You're funny, dude. I don't know about you, but I think the book shop next door is a cool place, and they're taking applications…" She smiled and pointed out the door. "To your left…"

Turns out that Lena was right; they were taking applications, and so he filled one out. He was asked to come tomorrow for an interview, the only place that asked for one, so he got the feeling that he'd get accepted to work here.

The next day, he got out his best, most formal looking clothing, and even ironed it! He put on a little bit of Seto's old cologne, and stepped out for his big day. Before going in for his interview, he stopped by the café, but this time he had money. However he didn't have any intentions of buying anything, he just wanted to see Lena. Something about her, there was something about her that he was attracted to. He couldn't really explain it, but he knew he'd like working next door to this girl very much. And who knows? Maybe he'll summon the courage to ask her to a movie or something one day.

As he walked in, she smiled and motioned for him to come sit next to her. "Hey there." She said softly as he pulled up a chair. "I see your looking very…professional. Yesterday, I didn't even tell you my name. I was so rude! Hi, my name is Lena. What's your name?" She held out her hand, for a handshake. He stared at it for a moment before actually taking it. "My name is Mokuba. Lena is a very pretty name. Nice to meet you, too."

He broke free from the handshake. "Thank you," She said. A tall man with a baseball cap and an apron walked in. "Oh, that's my boss. See you later, and good luck with your interview!" She scuttled behind the counter, but not before greeting her boss. He sat for a few more minutes before getting up and going for his interview.

Mokuba walked out of the book shop with a big smile on his face. He got the job! He turned the corner, looking as calm and content as he possibly could. The moment he rounded that corner, he jumped up in the air for joy, causing the suspicious looks of a few middle-aged women passing by, and fueling the erratic laughter of a few grade-school children passing by.

It was Saturday, and he started work on Monday, so he had today, tonight and tomorrow to do very little of anything. What should he do? Flirting with Lena while she's working might get her in trouble, so that's out of the question. Going home seems boring….I know! I'll go see Katsuya! He headed for the bus stop, and went to visit who would've been his brother in law, if it hadn't been for….

"Katsuya! You're favorite brother in law is here to see you!" Mokuba slammed the door opened, startling him. "Hey there, Moki! Haven't seen you in a while. How long before the police arrive?" He inquired, raising an eyebrow. Mokuba pouted. "Do you really think I only come when I'm in trouble?" He made his infamous puppy dog eyes. Katsuya wasn't falling for it.

"I'm serious, Mokuba." He straightened himself up, pulling back his blonde locks. "Katsuya, I seriously didn't do anything, this time. I came to tell you I got a job!" When Katsuya heard this, his eyes bulged. "Are you serious! Mokuba, king of slobs, got a job? Is this some kind a joke?" Katsuya laughed. "Hey, I'm not THAT much of a slob! I can get a job you know. They interviewed me and everything! The manager lady said she liked me, and that she'd give me a job starting on Monday! If you don't believe me, then go ask her yourself!" Mokuba folded his arms around his chest, angry. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." I know you are perfectly capable of finding and performing a normal job like a normal-class citizen. But that's the thing; you are no normal citizen. Well enough of that, come and sit; I just made some tea."

A/N: Well, that is all for now. Apologies if it takes me a while to put in a new chapter, because I have a lot of homework, and a cute boy to pursue! I barely even get on the computer, but when I do, I'll make sure I make typing the next three chapters I already have written a priority, but only if you promise to make a comment!

Until next time,

Realmy.