Plans for New Year's
Chapter Seven
Yami rolled over on the soft white sheets. It was the first day of the so-called vacation and Yami hadn't slept well that night. He was still thinking about what Seto had done to Akina to make her run. Akina was awake as usual, feeling very energized from the two days of sleep that she got. She skipped to Yami's room and knocked on the door lightly, trying to make sure that he was awake before barging inside. He had sensed her Millennium items and was already opening the door by the second knock. She stopped in mid knock and smiled at him. He gave a small smirk, realizing that she was wearing the same black and gold robe as the other night, when he was first asking questions. Mokuba was wide awake and had noticed the two. He ran over and hugged Akina's legs almost causing her to falter onto Yami. But, to Yami's disliking, she caught herself on the door frame. Iva had seen the entire scene and had gave a small sigh when she saw that Akina didn't fall. Mokuba still wanted Akina to like his brother, but Iva had found a new suitor. And that suitor was five times better than Seto in her opinion, maybe in Akina's belief too.
"I'm hungry," Mokuba groaned, causing Iva to slap herself in the forehead.
He had ruined the moment, but Mokuba was a boy. And boys don't really think everything through. Iva had continued down the hall looking out of the windows that showed the beach. She would have to convince the teen to get out into the sun. While Iva was creating another of her little plans, not forgetting about the holiday party and how all of her strategies had been evaded, Akina had started a conversation with the pharaoh and the small Kaiba.
"I was just coming to ask you if you were hungry," she smiled at the fully awake teen that was smiling at her motherly skills.
Akina hadn't noticed that she was doing it, but she had taken Mokuba's hand in hers and was rubbing his back with the other. Once you've been doing these things for a year, they actually become a habit. But not a bad habit in any way. Her hands raised up and waved in front of his face, he had been gazing at Mokuba and the hands that were praising him for a few minutes, and that was starting to make Akina worry. His eyes shot to hers and was automatically pulled into yet another one of her features. The red eyes had seemed different that morning. Almost peaceful as opposed to a small hint of fear that stayed almost completely hidden in the depths of the crimson orbs, but it was easily seen by him. A simple nod caused Akina to giggle slightly at his reactions. It was nice to get silent compliments from him even if she didn't really think that she deserved them at all. She had been holding back information in the past, but now everything was out; well as far as he knew anyway. This thought made her eyes move down to the hungry boy that was still by her side. She knew that if Yami saw what she was thinking that he would never let it go and charge at her with questions.
"Let's go find something," she replied to the young Kaiba.
He was dragging her down the hall by the end of her sentence, followed by Yami, who indeed did see the small hint of guilt in her eyes. She had pulled away from his gaze fairly quickly, giving him a reason to suspect something. He walked behind the two, gazing out the same windows that the small, diabolical, Iva had once walked by. But she thought that there was glass creating a barricade between her and the ocean. Little did she know, there was none. Yami had felt a small breeze of the morning and had felt the warm air that came soon after. Akina was silent as usual, pondering how to evade his questions that she thought were over. But she thought that there was still a chance that he didn't notice her reaction. Mokuba had distracted her for a few moments, talking about how he liked the beach and how hungry he was. Which wasn't a shock to Akina, boys his age are usually always hungry, but it seemed that Joey and Tristan had never gotten over that hunger. She glanced back only once on their way to the kitchen, making sure that Yami had followed. He did, but she noticed that his mind seemed to be somewhere else. She was tugged through the kitchen over to the cupboards, where she decided that cereal would be for breakfast considering that that was all that was there. Some milk was in the refrigerator; not spoiled thankfully. But Akina knew that she would have to go shopping later today, probably by herself. Even if she did want Yami to come, it was a precaution. Being drilled with questions and trying to decide what kind of bread she wanted didn't sound like a great combination.
"I'm going to go out. Can you watch the kids?" she asked, turning her gaze from the bare cabinets to Yami.
He gazed at her, either knowing that that probably wasn't the best idea or she was going to get away from his questions. Akina had gently closed the cupboard and turned toward him, wondering why he didn't reply. She saw his questioned look and motioned him to join her in the hall. He followed noticing that Mokuba was too absorbed in his cereal to see them leaving. When he looked back towards her, Yami saw her lean against the wall crossing her arms over her chest. At first he thought that something was wrong, but then he saw the soft smile on her lips as usual and knew that it was alright. She opened her mouth to speak but was stopped by the clanging of Mokuba's spoon against the bowl.
"I know what you're thinking. But it's only for an hour, and you can take them outside on the beach for a while," she said glancing around the doorframe.
Mokuba had finished his breakfast and was placing the bowl in the sink for Akina to wash later. He looked around the room seeing that he was alone again. Yami had just agreed to watch him and Iva as he ran out of the kitchen to see where everyone had gone. Iva had come down the hallway and stopped in between them, looking up to see them gazing at each other. After a moment of silent staring, Iva's small hand poked Akina in the arm and distracted her for a moment. She, unwillingly, removed her eyes from Yami's and turned her attention to the short girl.
"I'm going out for a while and Yami will keep you company," she smiled as she bent down to her hikari.
Iva and Mokuba smiled evilly unnoticed by the two teens. Akina had stood up from her leaning position and was walking down the hall without a word. She quickly got changed into a pair of blue jeans and a tangerine tank top. When she got to the door she felt someone standing behind her. He held up her cell phone and waved it in front of her face. She reached up and grabbed it with a smirk. He rested his head on her shoulders.
"I'll call every half hour," she laughed turning the handle.
He smiled at her response and turned so that she could leave. If he watched her he would instantly want to follow her. It was easier but not really what he wanted. He always watched her leave and little did he know she did the same; watching each other's every movement until the other was gone. As he heard the door shut he wondered if Seto had done the same with Akina. Someone else watching her every move, probably making her feel uncomfortable. She didn't hate Seto but she didn't like him either. But it was apparent that Yami would kill the man if he had gotten the chance. As a smirk crept upon his face, Mokuba and Iva had run around the corner in shorts and t-shirts. They had begged him to go outside with them which of course he didn't refuse. He opened the back door letting the two children run out onto the sand. He sat down on the sand watching as Mokuba was trying to avoid the water. Iva had plopped down beside him and watched him for a moment. He felt her staring and decided to return the gaze.
"What are you waiting for?" she asked, breaking the silence that Mokuba hadn't even detected.
"What are you talking about?" he asked in return.
"Never mind… Men," she sighed as she stood to rejoin Mokuba.
She was going to tell him to ask Akina on a date, not knowing that they had already had one. Yami had watched the two children play in the wet sand for a moment when he heard the phone ring from inside the house. He ran into the house, not really expecting his reaction to the call. He knew that it would be Akina because no one had known that they were staying there except for Mizuki. When the phone reached his ear, he was relieved when she heard her sarcastic but still pleasant tone.
"Is anyone dead yet?" she asked placing a loaf of bread into her basket.
"I thought that you trusted me?" he chuckled.
She smiled through the phone, hearing his laugh travel to her ears. She cleared her throat, realizing that she had stayed silent for a little too long.
"What are you guys doing?" she asked, trying to keep the conversation going.
His voice soothed her. The fear of Seto and some of his body guards coming up from behind and taking her rushed through her mind, but seemed to recede when he spoke to her. He placed his hand behind his head and leaned over to watch the two children through the glassless window.
"I'm watching them play on the beach."
"That sounds fun. I think I'll join them when I come back, if they're not too tired," she laughed knowing that Mokuba liked to play until he was passed out.
He smiled a little. Feeling pleased that she was so calm considering the situation. But he heard the usual sigh that-even after knowing her for a week-he knew quite well. She was nervous.
"That does sound fun," he said trying to relax her.
It did, but only because everything he said or did made her relax into a different world. She noticed that she was standing still in the aisle with people asking if she could move so that they could gather their things. Her eyes shot open and she shook her head slightly. She wasn't very surprised that he had this effect on her but she did have other things to buy. She gripped her basket, embarrassed that she had held up a small line of people. She walked away with the phone pressed to her ear not really wanting to end the conversation.
"I'll call back in half an hour. Just like I promised."
"Alright. Hurry back."
She was a little taken aback by his goodbye. He really didn't like having her out on her own, but she was fully capable of protecting herself. But a little unsuccessful with Seto at the office. She closed her phone after giving a small goodbye, and started to roam the store. She seemed to rush through her list that she had created mentally and was actually shocked that she didn't forget anything. Once she paid for the groceries she called Yami. He picked up after the first ring which of course was expected since she was supposed to call three minutes ago. She apologized for her slight lateness and continued down the streets with the three bags in her hand. She spoke to him until she reached the door. Iva and Mokuba came in through the back door and helped her with her bags. She could feel a hand around her waist and smiled at the feeling. She saw out of the corner of her eye that Yami was smiling at the two. After a minute of yelling at each other Iva finally got a bag and Mokuba had two. Akina rolled her eyes but with a tiny smile on her face. Yami had closed the door behind her and led her into the kitchen. Iva and Mokuba were placing things into cabinets and had finished as soon as the two came in the doorway. Mokuba rushed over to the two teens sides and grabbed their hands in his. He pulled to the direction of the beach. Akina laughed as the small boy tugged harder and harder with Iva behind them, pushing, making them go faster.
"At least let me change into shorts," Akina pleaded.
They let her go but Yami stayed since he didn't ask to change. She ran onto the beach, seeing that Yami was sitting on the sand watching the waves crash and letting the breeze rustle his hair. She smiled as she took a seat beside him. He changed his glance when he saw a pair of black shorts sit in the sand. She was staring at the scenery like Yami had been with a smirk on her face. He reached up and placed his hand on her shoulder checking her reaction. She smiled not removing her gaze from her surroundings and placed her hand on top of his. Her eyes looked empty, instead of her happiness when she saw the two children play. She had let her mind wander, not minding the fact that he was worried. Akina hadn't thought about the future in a while. She had always imagined herself alone and living in the country… but worst of all alone. Akina had become quite accustomed to the city life and didn't want to live in the country. Mokuba was cheerful and Iva was kind of spunky, reminding her of herself in the past. Yami had been slightly serious and distant in ancient Egypt, while she was loud and happy all the time. After they met, it was vice versa. She had seen a lot of things she didn't want to and she rubbed off on Yami after a few days. She snapped out of it after Mokuba had sat down in her lap. Her hand retracted from Yami's and onto the little Kaiba's hair. Her soft smile returned and made him sigh inwardly.
"Are you alright, Akina?" Mokuba asked seeing her previous gaze.
"Yes. Just a little distracted, that's all."
That was very true. But she made it seem like it was hardly anything. Even Yami knew that it was far worse than she made it look. Iva came up behind them and sat in between the teens. Akina went back to her thoughts and watched the clouds roll by. An hour passed, when they heard the soft roll of thunder engulf the silence. Mokuba shot up and started towards the house shortly followed by Iva who had a bigger fear of the storm warnings than the small boy. Yami had sat there calmly watching Akina's expression that hadn't even changed when Mokuba left her lap. She was still thinking of a plan to get her life back to normal, before this entire Seto incident started. A soft feeling on her lips shocked her out of her thoughts. The brightness of the sun had disappeared and was replaced with a dull gray. The wind had picked up slightly but nothing seemed to distract her from the gentle lips that had found hers. Yami had grabbed her face to turn towards him and eventually spoke seeing the stress in her eyes.
"There is something more?" he asked rather than stated.
She nodded her head slightly, still flustered from the kiss. It had started to drizzle softly causing the sand around them to become wet. Mokuba had called out to them but Akina showed no signs of leaving on her own. She had brought her legs closer to her chest after Mokuba left, placing her chin on her knees. Yami knelt down and picked her up. Whether she wanted to or not, she was coming with him. He brought her to the couch after Mokuba and Iva had shut the door behind them. He sat down beside her arms still wrapped around her waist. She moved to sit on the side of the Ivory sofa but was stopped by his arms pulling her into his lap. Her eyes bulged at his actions but he simply gave her a glazed look with a smile. She didn't want to show it but she was enjoying this as much as he was. The rain pounded of the roof which thankfully covered the glassless windows. It didn't rain much at the beach but that didn't stop the contractors from taking precautions which Akina was happy for since she didn't have to mop up the water later. Akina saw the two children come in from the corner of her eye and slipped off of him. They sat down across from them, staring at Akina to see what was wrong. Yami was mostly pissed because she had moved away from him. Akina saw that and smiled softly at the two.
"Go wash up for dinner," she told them.
Iva had another one of her sly grins plastered on her face and Mokuba was just happy that she was smiling again. They ran up the stairs, tugging and pulling at each other to see who would finish first. As soon as they were out of sight she turned to Yami. He had leaned against the arm rest with his hands to his temples rubbing in a circular motion. She laughed lightly and decided to return to his lap willingly. He grinned as he placed his arms around her waist for the second time that day.
"Something just doesn't feel right. Like someone's waiting for me around every corner," she confessed her earlier concern.
"That could be me," he laughed as he nuzzled his face in the crook of her neck.
"I'm serious. I don't think he's going to give up all because we've left for a month," she laughed but then turned serious again.
And she was right. Seto Kaiba, was staring out of his windows in his office. He had missed seeing her sit at her desk, pushing a pen to a piece of paper every time he looked up. He missed the sound of her voice when she greeted another person on a phone call, but mostly the affect she had on him. He really meant what he said on the staircase the day before. He did have feelings for her, she was the only one who saw that besides his brother. Mizuki had refused to give any information to him as to where she had gone, she simply said that she was visiting some friends and relatives. But he did some research and found that she had no recorded relatives and, to his knowledge, she didn't have any friends outside Domino City. He gazed out into the snow remembering the first time it snowed in the office and she saw it. It was the first time he saw her smile and he loved it ever since. He hadn't shown it until the party but he did like to be around her. He really couldn't stand the fact that at parties they had gone to, that all of the men would come and tell him how sexy she looked and some would say that they would leave with her that night. But he was happy that every time a man did talk to her, she would come back to his side for a while until the man who had made her uncomfortable left her sights. He smiled at the memories and sat down in his chair. His laptop had been untouched since she had left. She always pestered him to take breaks and days off but he always told her to mind her own business. His phone rang and he paused for a moment to pick it up.
"Mr. Kaiba, there is a call for you on line one. It's your little brother," she said almost hesitantly.
"Track this call immediately," he ordered, his eyes widening in shock.
He held the phone as closed to his ear as physically possible, waiting for his brother's voice to break the silence.
"Seto? I'm sorry I didn't call earlier," he apologized.
"It's not your fault. Where are you right now?"
"We're at a beach house. I had so much fun today Seto! But Akina did rub my hair and I don't always like it when she does that…" he trailed on.
"Wait, Mokuba. Can I speak with Akina?"
"She's making dinner with Yugi," he said, still not knowing that it was actually Yugi's Millennium Puzzle's spirit.
"She's with who?!"
"Yes. Yugi is with us. He's going to stay with us for the entire month! Akina seems really happy!"
Seto was in shock and didn't return anything to his brother. He tried to speak almost succeeding once, but was cut off by Mokuba again.
"I've got to go Seto. Akina's calling me for dinner. I'll see you later," he said just before he hung up.
Seto dialed for the front desk again. Shortly, being answered by the unsure secretary in the lobby.
"Do you have a location?"
"Y-Yes, The computer said that it's on the beach a few hours away by helicopter. Would you like me to-?" she began to ask but was cut off by him.
"No, I'll be arriving by car," he smirked, hanging up the phone.
Mokuba had no clue as to what he had contributed to, so he took his seat beside Akina at the small table, grabbing the small fork beside him. Seto had started to walk down the hall, his limo waiting for him outside. He refused to take his helicopter because they would probably hear it from a few miles away, which would give her a reasonable time to run. And he didn't want her to get away from him again. The snow had started to subside and so was the rain outside of Akina's temporary home. She had set a plate of food in front of Mokuba and Iva but Yami said that he wasn't hungry just like Akina. As soon as the two were done eating Akina took them both upstairs to go to bed. It was about ten and the two had spent all day playing on the beach before the rain started. As soon as Mokuba's door shut, Yami embraced her and waited for her to speak. Which was rather hard giving their position. She pulled away and smiled as she walked down the hall with his hand in hers.
"I feel like he's going to come and grab me any second," she worried aloud.
Yami stopped and forced the girl back so that her back was to his chest. She felt his arms go around her stomach and his face was once again buried into her neck. He was rather strong for a 5,000 year old pharaoh so she couldn't really do anything at this point besides let him hold her. She couldn't help but smile though. The last time he had held her with this much determination was when she said yes to his proposal back at the palace. At that moment, Seto had climbed into his limo and told his driver the destination. He would reach her by tomorrow at exactly midnight. New Years. He was more than determined to reach her by then. Seto was also positive that he would receive his New Years kiss from his business partner, or to him, soon to be lover. But he didn't know that she already had someone to receive her New Year's kiss, and that he would do anything to protect her.
