Mother Figure

by Aoi Rakuen

YGO AU FIC. What if you're paid to be the mother of a billionaire's son? But what if you're a MAN? Yami goes through this lifechanging situation when he strikes a deal with CEO Seto Kaiba. Read and Review! XD CHAP 12 UP!

7. Too Much Everything

Mother Figure by Aoi Rakuen

A/N: Thanks for the 100 plus reviews:celebrates:group hug: Hehe, I personally never thought I would elicit this much from you, since I played around a crazy concept (Yami being thought of as a woman, least of all, a mother IS A CRAZY notion in itself XD)! But I'm very glad you received it well! My fic would never be the same without you guys:tears of joy: For making it happen, thanks a lot!

There are some reviews that asked me questions, and also those who gave me their opinions and I feel very dutiful to answer them, so as not to leave them wondering in the dark. XD Though I couldn't possibly reply to them all (it would take up too much space ;P), I will try my best to accommodate you as I can! XD Further questions and suggestions are very much appreciated, so you could tell me that through a review or you could email me (aoi underscore rakuen at yahoo dot com)

:nod: Overwhelming responses from last chap's question! I quote Cor-chan: "It's the legs! The LEGS!" Hai, everyone's got to take a load of Yami's legs in the manga and the series…:drool: Hakudoshi-chan makes perfect sense too: If Kaiba noticed the crooked breasts, he's definitely going to notice those lovely legs as well! XD wooot! Desidera, however, went for both choices:laughs:

I extend my amusement to Shy, a consistent reviewer with an equally consistent voice! Woot! Her review is not complete without that hesitant and shy tone! I love it! Thanks:D

So when will Seto and Yami have to act as a couple? This is one roller coaster ride; and I want you to be there when that happens! SO RIDE WITH ME! XD

Is it just me, or something's wrong with fanfiction dot net:looks around: My transition symbols were entirely obliterated by the freaking Document Manager, and whatever remedy I try to do, IT JUST WON'T WORK! Arrgh! Help me:sweatdrop:

.o0o.

This is my first fanfic here; so do tell me what you think of it!

Yu-Gi-Oh is a legal property of Kazuki Takahashi, and other big names. It's not mine. Don't sue me.

Some words of caution, though: If you're a yaoi-hater and not so keen on Prideshipping, this story isn't for you. I am a S/Y fan all the way, and personally, they're a pairing that makes a whole lot of sense when you read anything on the series and manga, despite the latter's lack of feeling and depth. Pfft, what the hell. :D

SUMMARY: YGO AU FIC. What if you're paid to be the mother of a billionaire's son? But what if you're a MAN? Yami goes through this life-changing situation when he strikes a deal with CEO Seto Kaiba. Read and Review! XD

"…" – spoken dialogue

'…' – thoughts; sometimes come italicized.

.o0o.

Chapter Seven: Too Much Everything

"To your right is the drawing room; straight ahead is the second foyer; and then not far away is the tea room and the balcony. All floors have one, by the way…"

My brain is suffering from information overload. I tried to absorb the new bout of data being mercilessly force-fed into me. I haven't even gotten around to memorize the layout of the first floor when I was dragged by the energetic Mokuba to the next floor, and the next…

In my most honest opinion, a house isn't supposed to be like this. There are just… too many rooms, too many servants, too many pricey stuff, too many furniture. TOO MANY EVERYTHING. Argh. What in the world is a drawing room? Is it really vital to the survival and perpetration of the Kaiba family line? And to think what I really wanted in a house is a living room, a kitchen, and a bedroom. But a drawing room! Pff, ridiculous. Kaiba's just wasting a lot of money.

Plus, my shoes AREN'T HELPING in my plight. Two-inch high heels used to tour THE WHOLE OF KAIBA MANSION! You HAVE GOT to BE KIDDING ME! I don't care how expensive this shit is; I'll throw it when I get the chance.

And then there was the little Kaiba. I've never seen him this lively, not even in his tenth birthday party. I guess he was that happy to see me…

Correction. His mother.

"This place is so big, Mokuba, I think I won't be able to remember all the rooms," I said in my most pleasant voice, ignoring my blistering toes, even adding a demure laugh to make it sound very natural. Argh, this is not me, dammit.

Mokuba stopped to look at me curiously. "But you memorized them already, Mommy. We used to play hide-and-seek, remember?"

Oops.

"Oh, how silly of me!" I hastily tried to cover up my obvious mistake. How in the name of Hell was I supposed to know that? Kaiba seemed keen to avoid the whole business about Mokuba's mother; he didn't even give me pertinent information about her – how she talks, how she walks, how she eats, how she beats him up (I was really hoping to know that) – but he gave nothing. Nada. I'm not meaning I'm going to follow it to the letter, but at least I'd have some sort of basis… "It's because I've been away for a long time that I forgot how this place looks like." I stared at Mokuba, hoping against all odds that he'd buy it.

He smiled. "That's okay!"

Whew. Safe.

"I got an idea, mommy! Why don't we play hide-and-seek to refresh your memory?"

…

.o0o.

Playing hide-and-seek in this house is a waking nightmare. Believe me when I say it. A hundred million rooms, give or take a few thousand. I haven't even counted what was outside the mansion – the ranch, the gardens, the Hell-knows-what. Okay, I'm already exaggerating, but you get the idea. I obviously doubted Mokuba's mother (whoever and wherever she is) on how she managed to memorize the whole layout of this monstrosity.

Mommy Kaiba was always "it" in this game, now I realized. Got to find Mokuba after counting to thirty.

Mokuba found me lying, spent and wasted somewhere in the second floor.

"Mommy, are you all right?" Mokuba's face swam in and out of focus as I gingerly opened my eyes. I rolled to my side; I didn't bother answering. I don't think I could bring myself to utter a syllable. I'm just so tired.

There was a long moment of silence. I was about to fall asleep when I heard short sniffles behind me. I hastily sat up to face Mokuba, who was – oh Holy God - crying.

Time to panic.

"Mo..Mokuba!" I stuttered. I glanced left and right warily, hoping not one of Kaiba's "thirty full-time maids, four butlers, five round-the-clock chefs, ten landscape gardeners, three ranch-keepers, seven auto-mechanics, and twenty specially-appointed guards" (or Kaiba himself, least of all) was around to see this. Thankfully, there was none.

"Wh-what's wrong?" Believe me, Yugi gets sudden bursts of temper tantrums and abrupt crying spree, but I can handle him just fine. Mokuba is a different case to deal with.

"M-m-mommy…doesn't…want…to-to…play…with…me anymore…" Mokuba stammered, lips quivering, eyes watering. Then I watch in horror as his soft cries escalated to a low mournful dirge, and then going full-throttle to a high-pitch wail.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" we cried in unison.

.o0o.

After a long series of warm hugs, comforting words, and melodramatic apologies,(again, this is so NOT me) Mokuba finally calmed down considerably, and was now in a better fix. This gave me ample time to make a good diversion – anything to make him forget the hide-and-seek – by offering him to take a break. It was almost time for dinner.

"But we'll play after dinner, won't we?" he asked.

"Uhm, Mokuba dear, I don't think we would be able to," I started. Seeing Mokuba's crestfallen face, I quickly added, "Remember? Mommy's tired from the long journey, and I would like to get a good night's rest to look after you the next day.

"Plus, you still have school tomorrow. You shouldn't be tiring yourself too much." Oh PLEASE buy that lame-ass alibi…

Mokuba seemed to consider for a moment. "Okay," he said, and then he smiled at me. "Anything for you, Mommy!"

I couldn't help but smile as well. "How 'bout that dinner?"

.o0o.

The dining HALL – not ROOM, mind you – was perhaps one of the more lavish places here in the Kaiba Mansion. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, throwing light on the more expensive paintings, sculptures, and other clutter. A meticulous crocheted cloth emphasized the long table that sat in the middle of the big room. Already, there were a couple of servants that waited upon our arrival, all bearing trays and trolleys, alert and rapt with attention. I almost let out a low whistle. What an efficient staff Kaiba's got.

"Good evening, Madame," they said in chorus as they bowed. My right eye twitched unconsciously. That "Madame" part gave me the creeps. They greeted Mokuba next, bowing all the same, addressing him, "young master". Again, creepy.

Actually remembering that I wasn't properly fed by that faggot Pegasus, I walked eagerly towards the table, not really caring about my aching feet, keen to get started eating. I motioned towards the chair to sit, but a pair of hands seized it for me, inching it backwards to make room for me. Dumbstruck at first, I quickly caught on and sat down, and muttered "thanks" to the butler. He bowed down and resumed to his post. Weird, really, if you ask me.

As I sat, I barely recognized what was in front of me. Sure, I saw a plate and a glass, but there are so many other strange items laden on the table. To the right of my plate were at least four different types of spoon; to my left, forks in a variety of prongs and whatnot. And then there was more: knives upon other species of knives (were that possible, I just don't know), bowls faring the same… What the hell is a hammer doing here? (1) This is just one of those prime examples of TOO MUCH EVERYTHING I was talking about. I couldn't even begin thinking where or what or WHO was I to use these utensils on. Maybe gouge Kaiba's eyeballs out or something.

And speaking of Kaiba…

"Where's Kai – uh – Seto?" I asked. Eurgh. Seto? The name sounded foreign to my palate.

"Mister Kaiba will be coming home late, well after dinner, Madame," said the butler while he bowed.

"I see…" I scolded myself. Why see it only now? I think it was pretty obvious he's got work. Not my business looking for him after all.

"Daddy rarely gets home early," Mokuba said. "When he does, he goes straight to his office upstairs and works some more." I gazed at Mokuba, and saw a flicker of emotion – sad pale blue eyes – and I couldn't help but feel pity for the kid.

But the sadness in his eyes quickly disappeared; Mokuba now looked much eager to start. He cleared his throat. "Let's pray, Mommy!"

I watched with interest as he held his hand together and closed his eyes. "Lord, thank you for bringing Mommy back to us. I am very happy she is here, and I hope Daddy is too. Thank you for this first nice dinner in a long while. I hope Daddy will join us some time. Amen!"

Mokuba smiled at me, and I returned him the same. Whoa, that was a pretty loaded prayer that kid has. "I hope Daddy is too" sounded like a juicy scandal that may have transpired some time ago. A big marital fall-out, perhaps? "First nice dinner in a long while" meant the kid had been eating alone in this large table for years or so. Poor child.

I blinked back tears; Yugi was probably eating alone too back in our house.

"Are you crying, Mommy?"

I shrugged. "It's okay, Mokuba. I'm just happy to see you again." I picked up my spoon and fork (the most basic ones in the set), and clacked them with gusto. "Shall we?"

As if on cue, there was a flurry of movement, and the servants started swarming on us, setting down some plates and more plates. By the time it had subsided, a steaming bowl of hot soup was waiting on top of my plate.

"Appetizer, Madame. Bird's Nest Soup." The butler provided me the answer that I was looking for, clearly reading my mind.

"Bird's…Nest…?" I asked apprehensively. What kind of sick chef cooks birds' nests?

"One of the most expensive gourmet delicacies in the world, Madame," replied the old man. "Found in one of the more exotic islands in Asia, from an equally-rare bird. One serving costs more than five thousand dollars." (2)

I almost spit out the soup. WHAT! FIVE GRAND PER SERVING! Does that god-forsaken bird shit gold or something to be this freaking expensive?

"If you don't like it Madame, we could have the chef cook another and throw this one…"

"No, no, that's hardly necessary," I muttered hurriedly. Five grand down the drain? No thanks. I resumed to finishing the soup.

Next was the main course. This time, I was given a menu to choose from four different meals. Apart from the fact that it was a waste of money (think of all that pricey ingredients to make just one), it was highly impractical – why make four meals when only one was to be selected? This is still a house, not some fine dining restaurant.

Still the hungry man that I am, I almost forgot my place when I took the first bite of my chosen meal (it was in French; I couldn't pronounce it). Adjectives failed me here; it was that delicious. I ran out of rice; I made a move to reach it, but a hand got it for me, scooped some onto my plate, and bowed before stalking off. All in a matter of seconds.

A few minutes later, I realized that I needed some pepper to spice up the dish. I looked around a little, and found it a few inches away from Mokuba. "Mokuba, could you pass me the pepper?"

Without even waiting for him to retrieve the pepper, another servant approached and handed me the small canister, bowed down, and disappeared at the back.

Even as I turned to my drinks, I was hindered by another maid, asking me what sort of drink I would like. It was a mistake to ask what drinks were available. My head was already spinning from all the drinks she was citing – tropical punch, strawberry, seven subspecies of mango, pineapple, guava…

"Just water, thank you," I said wearily.

By the time desert was served, I was growing tired, exasperated, and pissed at the servants. Rather than making my life easy, they're turning it into a living hell. What's worse – if that were possible – is that they don't seem to be getting the hint that I don't need any help. They kept on bowing endlessly; they kept on calling me "Madame"; they kept on butting in…

You wouldn't believe what kind of self-restraint I put up just to survive the otherwise-relaxing dinner.

All in all, the dinner process was a sequence of orders, fast service (albeit annoying), and more exasperating bows. To me, it was all a waste of time, and a screaming proof how lazy that Kaiba git is – imagine having someone to get you seated on a chair, get your rice, serve your food, put drinks in your glass – tasks, which I think (the same goes to all of you out there reading) any human being can do just fine and without aid from others. This led me to think that there must be someone in this house committed to wipe Kaiba's ass.

Though I won't deny that the food was most scrumptious at best.

.o0o.

We emerged out of the dining hall quite fulfilled and satiated. Mokuba seemed to be feeling happier than ever as he held my hand. I didn't complain; right now, I feel sleepy from all that food.

"Where to now, Mokuba?" I asked.

"You used to call me Mokie, Mommy," he said.

Mokie? What kind of nickname is that? Sounds like some weird organism to me. "Okay…Mokie, I think it's time that I tuck you to bed."

"Aww, so soon?" he pouted. Argh, he even pouts like Yugi in some way. I pinched him lovingly.

"School tomorrow, remember?" Besides, I'm tired out of my wits. I want a nice shower. I want bed rest.

It took us some time to reach Mokuba's room, mainly because he gave me another bout of informative tour of the Kaiba house. Though I think he was doing this to stall time, but I'm all for it, so no harm done.

This made me think of my sleeping quarters.

"So where will I be sleeping?" I mused, staring at all the vacant rooms the mansion has to offer. That soothing bath… that soft bed and pillow…

"Beside Daddy, where else?" Mokuba said, bemused, clearly not expecting my question.

I couldn't blame the kid; I think I was giving off the most bewildered stare in all my years of existence.

TBC

.o0o.

Footnotes: (1) Correct me if I'm wrong; I think there is a hammer (a mallet, actually) used to crack open shells of crabs, etc. included in some of the dining table set-ups. I'm not that certain, 'cause what we only have in our place was a plate, spoon and fork, and a glass… XD

(2) Bird's Nest – yes, one of the most expensive foods in the face of the planet. I'm not sure where in Asia does this bird lives, so I leave it up to your imagination. Not sure about the price per serving…it could be a lot more pricey, but five grand is still expensive for a lame-ass soup. XD

Author's Notes: Bedroom blues, and more Kaiba Mansion misadventures await our hero/ine Yami! How will he cope with the maids? How will he survive every night with Seto? How will he manage his "son" Mokuba? Where is the kitchen? XD

Tell me your sentiments, comments, violent reactions, and others through a REVIEW! I will love you for it:blows kisses:

I hope you liked what I did in this chapter. The reason it was made into a new chapter altogether was it consisted of Yami's opinions, something I deemed important. Since he was experiencing all of this first-hand (and first time, no less XD), it would be better if I used first person POV all the way. I hope Yami's character was okay here … :crosses fingers and awaits your opinions: XD

Succeeding chapters will revert to the mixed POV…and perhaps include SETO… afufufufu :evil laugh: I wonder what's Kaiba have to say in this situation? XD

A NEW QUESTION! If you were in that dining hall, what would you feel? XD :imagines all those servants:shudders: XD Tell me through a REVIEW! XD

Thanks for reading!

Aoi Rakuen