Chapter 9: Conflicting Schedules
After work one evening a few days before Christmas, Seto walked Luna to the front door and paused to kiss her. "What are you doing for Christmas?"
"Well, I promised my aunt and uncle and Grandpa that I would go to their houses for the event so if you're going to invite me to your house, I'm going to scream." Luna looked a little anxious.
Seto chuckled. "Not unless you wanted to be with me for Christmas."
Luna groaned. "If only there was a way that all of us could have one Christmas together, that would solve all of our problems. But you, and the guys don't get along."
Seto sighed. "Would it be considered a Christmas gift if I invited them over here on Christmas Day and made it easier on you?"
Luna snorted. "The only way that would make it easier is if all of you could get along for one day."
"I will keep the comments to a minimum if the m-Wheeler keeps them to himself as well." Seto replied.
"I can't guarantee anything, but I'll pass along the message." Luna smiled. "Thanks. I'll try and arrange something."
"I hope to see you on Christmas Day." Seto kissed her and watched her leave.
Luna arranged for Seto to host Christmas dinner and they were to meet at four o'clock. The doorbell rang at the mansion and a maid answered the door. "Ah, you must be the Reynolds family." She greeted warmly, smiling at them.
"Thanks, Merry Christmas." Luna led the way into the house. "I wonder what Seto is wearing today. I usually see him in dress clothes."
"I don't know. I've never been in here." Hailey looked around, amazed. "This place is great."
"Luna!" Mokuba cried, running down the stairs. He threw himself at Luna into a hug.
"Hey, Mokuba. Merry Christmas." Luna greeted, returning the hug. "Where's your brother?"
"He's in the kitchen, making sure dinner is on schedule." Mokuba pulled Luna by the hand. "Come see our tree!"
"Sit anywhere, I'll be back." Luna called over her shoulder as the doorbell rang again.
David and the others sat on the couches as the maid answered the door. "The Mutou family, welcome!" she greeted with a smile.
"Thank you. Merry Christmas." Grandpa smiled as he entered the house with Joey, Josiah, Yugi and Atem.
"Hali, Merry Christmas." Atem smiled, going over to the couch where Hali was sitting. He leaned over and gave her a kiss.
"Ah, I see you have arrived, welcome to my home." A voice greeted from the stairs and they looked up. Seto headed downstairs, dressed in a deep red dress shirt and black slacks.
Joey bit back the retort that was on the tip of his tongue. "Thanks for inviting us, Kaiba."
"Thank Luna. She asked for me to invite you to dinner here." Seto responded. "We just have to get along for this evening."
"I know, she told me." Joey shot Luna a look.
"Can you two get along for one day?" Luna returned the look tenfold.
"I guess I can if he can keep the dog comments to himself." Joey shot a look at Seto.
"I can." Seto nodded. "You didn't bring presents to exchange, did you?"
"We already exchanged presents last night." Luna explained. "I just haven't given you yours. Can I see you in your bedroom."
"Oh this is just too easy." Joey grinned.
"Can it, Wheeler." Seto growled, as he led Luna upstairs. He shut the door behind him as Luna walked away from him, pacing the room. "What is my gift?"
Luna turned to him and reached into her jacket pocket. She held out a small black box. "I bought these with my paycheck."
"I'm sure they're lovely." Seto smiled, taking the box from her. He lifted the lid and his eyes widened as he took in the silver Blue-Eyes White Dragon cufflinks with tiny sapphire eyes. "Wow…"
"You like?" Luna asked anxiously.
Seto closed the distance in two strides and kissed her deeply. Luna pulled back slightly. "You didn't answer my question." She smiled.
"I love it." He murmured.
"Let's go downstairs and have dinner." Luna suggested.
Seto led Luna downstairs and went to check dinner. "Dinner is served, follow me into the dining room." He advised.
The group followed him into the dining room and sat at the long table. They said grace and began to eat.
"What did Santa bring you for Christmas?" Grandpa asked Mokuba between bites.
"I haven't believed in Santa since I was seven. My big brother says he's a figure corporations made up."
"Actually he's based on someone who really existed." Luna piped up, taking a sip of her drink. "St. Nicholas really did exist."
"Oh cool. Did he really bring presents to children all in one night?" Mokuba asked, eyes big.
"Not exactly. I'll find the story and bring it to you sometime." Luna suggested.
"Oh cool!" Mokuba repeated.
As Luna was about to leave, Seto took her aside to talk. "Why do you get to spend a lot of money on me?" Seto asked, frowning.
"Because I bought those because I knew you would love them. You buy something that meaningful for me, and I would be more happy about it, okay?" Luna told him. She kissed him. "Enjoy the cufflinks."
"I will." Seto watched his guests leave.
