Can I
By: Xhibit B
Chapter Six - The Invitation
.i do not own yu-gi-oh!.
Hikari glanced over at her father as he drove, the Bluetooth in his ear flashing a brilliant blue colour. She wasn't listening to anything that he was saying, per se, she was plotting. Plotting to get her father on a date with the Twins' mother. They'd attended their Christmas party a few months ago, and she'd noticed that her father would gravitate towards the hostess of the party in an attempt to ask her out, but he would never let the words slip from his mouth, easily becoming flustered and shying away. Either that, or someone else would call her attention away and she would make her way over to them to see what they needed from her. He definitely had one hell of a crush on the former duelist.
She smiled as she pulled her cellphone from her pocket, opening the messaging app on the iPhone 4s she held. She'd, thankfully, gotten both Hiyori and Yuki's phone numbers before they'd left the Mutou home the night of the Christmas party, promising to keep in touch with the two of them. Despite the age difference, Hikari had grown close to the two high schoolers in no time.
Her text message was sent before she tucked the phone away in her pocket again, smiling up at her father when he turned to glance at her. He didn't like that overly innocent look that she was giving him, he knew the girl. She was very devious and always up to something, especially when she looked at him like that. The light turned red and he stopped to look at her fully, "Kar?"
"Yes Daddy," Hikari asked, giving the most innocent look she could muster.
"What are you up to," Yami asked, irking a brow. "And don't lie to me, I know you, you're definitely up to something you shouldn't be."
"I don't know what you mean, Daddy," Hikari said, the look of complete innocence remaining on her face. "I didn't do anything, I promise."
"Uh huh," Yami said with a nod, his eyes turning back to the road when the light turned green again. "Don't let me find out that you're up to something you have no business meddling in."
"Scouts honour, I'm not doing anything," Hikari promised, though she knew it was a lie. She couldn't exactly tell her father that she was working on a plan with the twins to set him up on a date with their mother. Her fingers were crossed behind her back. She grinned at him when he pulled to a stop in front of her school, leaning over to kiss his cheek as she unclipped her seat belt. "I'll see you after school, Daddy! Have a good day at work!"
And then she was out the door and running towards her school. He watched her go, smiling when she stopped only for Kisara to appear at her side. He glanced over, catching his cousin's gaze before offering a nod. He followed the elder man out of the parking lot of the school and to the building. They'd parked side by side, both stepping out at the same time before making their way towards the elevator that led from the motor lobby to their floor.
"You look like you're suspicious of something," Seto pointed out as he pressed the button for the 37th floor. "Is Hikari up to something we should be concerned about? You only make that face when she's doing something she has no business doing."
"I don't know," Yami answered truthfully, his arms coming to rest across his chest. "I saw her pull out her phone and send a text message. And she had this look on her face, like she was planning something. What the hell she's planning, I'll never know. But somehow I feel like I'm in the centre of it and so is Yūgi. She's gotten awful close to the twins over the last few months. When I checked her phone yesterday, I noticed that she had both Yuki and Hiyori's phone numbers and spoke to them quite frequently. Especially Hiyori. And I'm pretty sure they have something to do with whatever Hikari is up to as well."
"And you think it's a bad thing," Seto asked, irking a brow.
"I know how Hikari is," Yami grumbled. "She sticks her nose into something and it turns out really bad."
"Or, it could be really good seeing as how you're too scared to ask the woman out yourself and she is talking to her children, the two people that would know Yūgi best," Seto pointed out, leaning against the rail of the elevator shaft. "You had ample opportunity to ask her out a few months ago at her Christmas party they invited everyone to, but every time she was alone, and you had the chance to ask her, you didn't take it. Hell, even Joey offered to ask her out for you like we were in high school all over again."
"I'm not scared," Yami grumbled, offended.
"Like hell you're not," Seto refuted smugly.
"I'm trying to figure out, since when have you been on my daughter's side of this," Yami asked, quizzically. His brow rose as his arms tightened across his chest. "Because I'm pretty sure I was the adult and father here and she was the child."
"All I'm saying is, Hikari wants to see you happy, and obviously, being with Yūgi would make you happy," Seto said as the elevator dinged and the doors slid opened. Both men stepped off the car and headed for their private offices, which were side by side. "And she feels like you're not taking the steps to ensure your happiness so she's going to do it for you. It's not like she's really done anything wrong, she's just being her overly helpful and brash self. You should be glad she cares."
And with that, the elder cousin walked into his office, shutting the door behind him. Yami thought about what the brown hair had said as he did the same. His briefcase was placed on the edge of the mahogany desk before he sat down in the over-sized leather office chair. His fingers intertwined with one another, chin resting on his knuckles as he thought over everything Seto had said.
Maybe he had been slightly afraid to approach the woman, he'd always thought her to be out of his league since the day he met her over twenty years ago. And even though he had many a chance to ask her out, he didn't take them for fear of rejection. It's very well possible that she wasn't interested whatsoever, and then he'd feel like a jackass for putting himself out there the way that he had, only to have his hopes crushed under her boot.
His computer was turned on, several emails that needed his immediate attention glaring at him once the Outlook application opened. He'd contemplate things with Yūgi later.
.cani.
Yūgi sighed, running nimble fingers through waves of thick, tri-coloured hair as she stared tirelessly at the artifact that had been brought to her. The Egyptian Embassy had requested that she be the one to verify that this particular artifact was, in fact, authentic, given she was the best in the field. Amethyst eyes shifted to the binder that had come along with it, giving her all the information on what the artifact was supposed to be. Being the head of the authentication division at the Domino City Museum of Art and History definitely had its perks and downfalls. The long hours she'd work at times were the downfall. The reward for finding something that was authentic was the perk that she most enjoyed.
Her finger traced one of the markings engraved on the side of the vase, studying it closely. This piece was supposed to go on display in the museum for the Pharaoh Atem exhibit that would be opening in a few weeks, one she and her family would be attending. Given the aging on the artifact, she wasn't hard pressed to say that it had come from the era in which the great Pharaoh had ruled. But she wanted to be one-hundred percent positive before she gave it her stamp of approval. Which is why she'd been studying this particular piece since just after the Winter Tournament that Hiyori and Hiba had participated in. The photo of them all sat catty corner to her computer on her desk, large smiles on the faces of everyone that had attended the event to watch the girls as Hiyori and Hiba stood in the centre, holding their trophies.
She was startled by a knock at her office door, jumping slightly before her shock was quelled and she glanced over at her assistant who held her hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh. There was a smile that pulled at the edge of her red painted lips, curls of black and violet hair pushed out of her face. "Sorry Rika, you startled me. What can I do for you?"
"Well, I came to let you know that you have another shipment of artifacts coming in later this week that the Europeans want you to go over and authenticate," Rika answered as she moved further into the office. She placed a file on the desk along with several invitations to the gala that they would be holding for the Pharaoh Atem Exhibit opening in a few weeks. "I also wanted to let you know that the official invitations for the exhibit opening have been mailed in. Those are for you and your family. We're mailing the rest out later in the week."
Yūgi picked up the beautifully crafted invitation, manicured fingers gliding over the front. She had less than three weeks left to give this artifact her stamp of approval, which meant that she wouldn't be going home until late in the evening tonight and for the rest of the week possibly until her authentication was completed. Not that she really minded the work, but she would miss her children terribly.
"They have the VIP guest list already planned out for the most part, the Kaiba's, of course, will be invited," Rika rambled off. "So, will the Akeifa's, Shen's and Ishtar's."
"I see," Yūgi murmured, her eyes adverting to the artifact again. "Are they planning on adding more people to the guest list or something? You said it was planned out for the most part."
"We have until the end of the week to update the VIP list. The museum is holding out on naming an official VIP list until the end of the week just in case they come across someone else that would attract attention to the exhibit thanks to their attendance," Rika answered, raising an inquisitive eyebrow at her boss. "Why do you ask?"
"Just wondering," Yūgi answered.
"Alright, well, do you need anything at all," Rika asked, irking a brow. "I'm going to be heading to lunch soon, in case you're hungry."
"No, thank you Rika," Yūgi said glancing up at the younger woman with a smile. "I brought lunch anyways. I'll go eat soon, I've got a lot of work to do with this artifact. You go enjoy your lunch."
"Is that the one you've been working on since December?" Rika inquired as she leaned forward to peek at it. "It's very pretty. This is supposed to be part of the Pharaoh Atem exhibit, right?"
"That's right and yes this is the same one I've been working on since December," Yūgi answered. "I'm almost done. It'll probably be another day or two before I determine it to be authentic or not."
"Well, good luck," Rika said smiling before she turned and left the office.
Yūgi chuckled to herself as the door closed behind the younger girl as she reached into her desk. Her iPhone 4s was pulled from the drawer and unlocked before the messaging app was opened. She shot a quick text to both of the twins before locking it again and putting the phone back in her drawer. She'd get as much as she could done today and leave by seven, which was closing time for the museum. That way she could at least have dinner with the twins and tell them about the exhibit.
They'd probably go shopping for dresses and a suit that weekend, so they could attend the event. She'd also grab one for her grandfather, she couldn't imagine the old man missing out on an exhibit that was held so close to his heart. He was, after all, part of the original team that found the Pharaoh's name to begin with. It was only right that he also be in attendance.
.cani.
The twins and Hiba walked into the Mutou family home, welcomed by silence. They'd received a text that afternoon that their mother would be working late. Hiyori had confirmed with Yūgi that it was okay to invite Hiba over so that they could do homework together. The three did have a pretty big project that they were working on together that was due later in the week that they really needed to crack down and get it done. Their mother would be home around seven-thirty, make dinner then take Hiba home as she'd promised. Hiba had already contacted her parents and let them know that she would be home by nine-thirty that evening at the latest.
They'd gathered their school bags and made their way to the large dining room, each taking a seat at the oval shaped table around each other as they pulled their books from their bags and set to work on their homework. At some point, Hiyori had excused herself to grab her laptop she'd gotten for Christmas from Seto and Joey (much to Yūgi's disdain, they'd gotten Yuki one as well. Yūgi decided to let it be) before returning and placing it in the centre of them. And that's how they remained until Yūgi walked into the home around seven-thirty that evening.
She smiled when she saw them all hard at work on their homework assignment, leaving her shoes at the genkan before she moved to the adjoining kitchen. "You kids working hard, or hardly working?"
Three heads popped up at her teasing quip, smiles adorning their faces when they saw the short woman who had begun to prepare dinner. Hiyori was the first to speak, "Welcome home, Mom. How was work?"
"Work was work but it was fine, I'm very close to being finished with that artifact I've been working on since December," Yūgi answered as she expertly chopped the green onions on the chopping board with precise movement. "It'll be just in time for the Pharaoh Atem exhibit opening in a few weeks. Speaking of, twins we'll need to go and get proper attire for that event. We are, after all, honorary guests."
"An exhibit for Pharaoh Atem," Hiba asked, seemingly interested. "My father was named after him! We're direct descendants of Pharaoh Set."
Yūgi smiled at the girl over her shoulder, "I know, your Uncle told me about it at the tournament. But yes, we're going to be opening up an exhibit of ancient artifacts that we are certain belonged to Pharaoh Atem during his life. It's set to open in less than three weeks. It's an open event, the public is free to attend if you're interested in going. Or, I can arrange for yourself and your family to be placed on the VIP list so that you have first dibs pretty much on seeing everything."
"That would be wonderful," Hiba exclaimed. She shot a suggestive look at Hiyori and Yuki that Yūgi missed since she'd turned away again. The same idea ran through all three of their heads. They'd set Yami and Yūgi up at the event. "I think Papa and Uncle Yami especially will enjoy it. Uncle Yami is a big fan of ancient Egypt, even though he doesn't like making it publicly known."
Yūgi's brow shot upward. He hadn't mentioned that to her, not that she recalled at least. "I can arrange to have all of you placed on the VIP list. Kaiba and Joey will be there, as will Bakura, Ryo, Malik, Marik, the children, Mahad, Ishizu and Isis. It wouldn't be too much trouble to pull a few strings and have you all added to that list. Having a prestigious family such as the Sennen's in attendance as well will draw great publicity to the exhibit, celebrity visitors definitely help generate foot traffic. You all being direct descendants of the Pharaoh's cousin helps as well."
"I'll tell Dad about it, I think he'd be happy to know more about his namesake," Hiba gushed. "Ooh, do you think I'd be able to invite my grandparents too?"
"I don't see why not," Yūgi answered. "The more the merrier. Besides, I'm sure that they will absolutely enjoy it. We have some astonishingly beautiful artifacts to display."
"I can't wait then," Hiba hummed. "I'll tell my family about it when I get home tonight and see what they say! I'm sure they're going to want to go and will enjoy it too."
"Sounds good, now, who's hungry for homemade ramen and gyoza?" Yūgi said as she turned to look at all three teenagers again. Three hands shot up, wide grins on their faces, "Wonderful."
.cani.
Friday, That Week
Yami glanced up from his laptop when an envelope was dropped in front of him. His brow irked as he looked up at his cousin, who held a similar envelope in his own hand. "That came for you in the mail. Yūgi's museum is holding an exhibit opening in a couple weeks and we were invited. Celebrity visitors help generate an interest and get the foot traffic going. Joey and I will be going. So will your brother, your parents and everyone else. Yūgi will also be in attendance since she is the one that authenticated all the pieces that will be added to the display, giving a history lesson on them all. Care to join us?"
Yami opened the envelope, pulling the intricately designed invitation from inside. It was addressed to himself and his daughter, giving a time and the address for the museum as well as a number to call to RSVP. If Yūgi was also going to be there, he was definitely interested in going. It would, once again, give him the opportunity to be within her presence and afford him the chance to ask her out, finally. He slipped the invitation back into the envelop before looking at his cousin, "Hikari and I will be there."
"Good, because I already had your secretary RSVP for you two," Seto said as he turned to leave the office. The brown-haired male didn't miss the glower his cousin shot at him, "You're welcome, Yami."
The office door closed behind the elder male, leaving the tri-colour haired CFO on his own. One of these days, Seto was going to pay for meddling in his affairs. Not only did he have to worry about his daughter being up to something, he had to worry about his cousin going behind his back and doing something that would completely embarrass the younger male in front of the one woman he didn't want to look like a complete fool in front of.
His hand ran through the length of his hair, Yami blowing out a sigh of frustration. Well, so long as he kept everyone away from Yūgi at this exhibit opening, he would be fine. He'd eventually get around to asking her out. He didn't need everyone else butting in and trying to help him. Though he appreciated his family wanted to see him happy, he had to do this on his own otherwise things would spiral out of control and he couldn't have that.
He waved the thought off absently, glancing down at the watch on his wrist. Hikari would be out of school soon and he had to go pick her up. He'd also promised his brother that he would pick his niece up from the high school and bring her home, apparently they had somewhere to be directly after Atem got home and Hiba needed to be ready to go by the time he walked through the door.
He replied to several more emails before shutting down his computer and standing from his seat. His blazer was pulled over his shoulders followed by his outer coat. He'd grabbed his briefcase and car keys before leaving the office; locking the door behind him. He waved to his secretary as he passed and headed for the elevator, pushing the button for the motor lobby. The elevator ride was silent, save for the music that played from the intercom as he read over several text messages that had been sent to his phone before he reached his destination.
Yami exited the elevator before making his way over to his car, unlocking the doors as he walked. He slid into the driver's seat easily, starting the car a moment later before backing out of his parking spot and shooting off in the direction of his daughter's school. He would pick Hikari up first before going on to pick up his niece from Domino High.
When he arrived, Hikari quickly climbed into the back seat, strapping herself in before he drove off again. She'd asked where they were heading, Yami letting her know that they had to pick up her cousin and drop her off first before heading home. When they arrived at Domino High, they were met by Hiba, Hiyori and Yuki standing out in front of the school. Yami honked the horn, catching their attention. Hiba quickly bid her friends farewell before climbing into the front seat. Hiyori and Yuki waved after them as they drove past before starting their journey to their Grandfather's home. They were going to be spending the weekend with him, leaving their mother alone until Sunday.
"How was school," Yami asked as he drove, glancing back at his daughter through the rear view mirror.
"School was great," Hikari chimed happily. "We're having parent's day soon! Daddy, do you think you can come and tell everyone about your job? Everyone else's parents are going to be there, except Uncle Seto. Aunt Joey is going for Kisara instead."
"I'll try to fit it into my schedule," Yami chuckled before he turned to his niece. "How about you, Hiba?"
"Hiyori, Yuki and I finished our project and presented today," Hiba chimed happily. "We got an A on it. Miss Yūgi helped a lot. We had to do a project on an ancient Pharaoh and we just so happened to get Pharaoh Atem. Since she's pretty much the leading expert on him, she gave us information that no one else knew yet. It was pretty cool getting to tell people about things no one else knew."
"Interesting," Yami said nodding his head. "Has your father told you about the Pharaoh Atem exhibit that's opening at Domino City Museum of Art and History in a few weeks?"
"I actually told him about it," Hiba answered with a smile. "Did you get your invitation? Miss Yūgi said she could arrange for you guys to be put on the VIP list for the opening. She even had invitations sent out to Grandpa and Grandma, too."
So, Hiba was the reason he got that invitation. And Yūgi had gone out of her way to make sure that one got delivered to him. Yami couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his grasp, "Seto brought it to me just before I left to pick you girls up. Hikari and I will be there. I'll have to buy Hikari a dress for the event though. And probably find a new suit for me."
Hiba grinned widely. Everything was going according to plan. "Awesome, I can't wait to go! I've always been fascinated by the Pharaoh my dad is named after. Did you know Miss Yūgi's grandpa was the one that discovered his name?"
Yami nodded, "I was aware. She told me about it during the tournament a few months ago. I'm actually looking forward to the exhibit myself. It's nice to be able to witness a piece of our history."
Hiba laughed, "I couldn't agree more Uncle Yami."
Yami was certain he detected a different meaning behind that sentence, but he chose to ignore it. He was reading too far into everything these days. There was no way these children were up to anything, could they have been?
Yami dropped Hiba off, making sure she made it into the house before he drove off to head home. Hikari quickly went inside and headed for her room to do her homework, leaving Yami to himself. He'd start dinner soon enough, but for now, he had a few things that he needed to take care for the company.
.cani.
Yūgi returned home that evening, leaving her shoes at the genkan before heading to the kitchen. The twins would be spending the weekend with her grandfather, leaving the mother of two to herself for the next few days. Her coat was hung on the back of one of the chairs that surrounded the island before she moved to the refrigerator. She pulled an apple from the bag before going to rinse it off and took a bite. She wasn't in the mood to cook and since Yuki and Hiyori weren't home, there was no need to.
Munching on her apple as she left the kitchen, she felt her phone begin to buzz in the pocket of her blazer she still wore. Pulling the device out with her free hand, she looked to see that it was Joey that was calling. She slid the answer button before placing the phone to her ear. "Hey Joey, what's up?"
"Hey Yūg, are you up for some shopping this weekend," Joey asked, her voice chipper. "I know the new Pharaoh Atem exhibit is going to be opening soon and we just got the invite in the mail today and I need a new dress and I know that you do too."
Yūgi laughed, biting into her apple and swallowing it before she spoke. "I wasn't going to go shopping until next weekend. The twins are with Grandpa until Sunday night. But… since you're inviting me to go, I guess I can get my dress this weekend and worry about what the twins will wear later."
"That's the spirit," Joey chimed, Yūgi could hear the smile in her voice as well as something else that she wasn't quite able to figure out. "I'll stop by your house tomorrow around two and we'll go then, alright?"
"Sounds good, I'll see you tomorrow Joey," Yūgi hummed before the line disconnected.
Yūgi honestly had no idea what it was that she was going to be walking into come the weekend of the exhibit opening. But both her children and her best friend were scheming, and the plan was going to be put into full effect soon.
