So finally we're at Seto's birthday. It starts getting interesting now :D Hope you all enjoy and as always please review... I love reading them!
Friday started early for Anika. It was still dark when she got to the office. Kaiba had left at the same time she had but since his office was closer to the mansion, she knew he would already be working. Anika fired up her computer; she had much to do and not much time to do it in.
She quickly wrote out a memo to Mieko in her neat, sharp handwriting.
"Mieko
Call an urgent meeting with Hanari and Morita at 10. My office.
Anika"
Anika often left little messages like these for Mieko when she got in early and could not immediately instruct her. She left the memo on Mieko's keyboard and returned to work. It was six thirty when she completed her first task of the day and she decided to give Kaiba a quick call. She thought it best to call him up early so that he could arrange his day accordingly. He quickly answered his phone.
"Hello."
"Hey babe. Just wanted to give you a heads up about tonight."
"I thought you might. How much time do I have?" Kaiba asked grudgingly.
"Plenty actually." Anika said brightly. "You just have to be back at the mansion by five forty."
"Fine." He settled.
"If you're not, I will fetch you myself Mr Kaiba." She threatened.
"I will be there."
"Great. And Seto, one more thing."
"What is it?" He asked.
"Happy birthday." She said tenderly. Anika could almost see the small smile on Kaiba's face.
"See you later Anika." He said softly. Kaiba hung up and Anika got back to work.
Time was never her friend, especially when she lots to do. Before she knew it, it was ten and she had Mieko announcing Hanari and Morita for their meeting.
"Miss Facet, Mr Hanari and Mr Morita are here for your ten o' clock."
"Thanks Mieko. Please send them in."
"Yes, ma'am."
They walked into Anika's office and sat themselves at her table, in the two modern black leather and chrome chairs.
"Good morning." Anika greeted them pleasantly. "I'll try to keep this as short as possible."
"Okay." Hanari replied. "Has this come about from your trip to the States?"
"Yes and no." She said. "No because I have been toying with the idea for a while now and do want to expand and yes because my experience there these past two weeks made my mind up."
"So what part do we play?" Morita asked.
"That's what I'm getting to. Hanari PR has been doing an amazing job and it's due to your expertise and good management. I saw this first hand when in San Francisco and I decided to feel out the market a bit while I was there. People do know of us and there is major interest in working with us. The only obstacle is the fact that we are based ten hours away. That got me thinking; I would like to open up a satellite office in the states. However, this only becomes a viable option if we have many clients, that's where sales comes in Morita. Of the various potential clients I met with, four are very interested. I would say if we had an office tomorrow, we could immediately sign them on."
"At the same time we can't open up another office with just a promise." Morita filled in.
"Exactly. So I need you to arrange for a team of your best sales people to go through to the states and turn some clients making it clear that we have every intention to have a branch closer to them."
"Where in the states are we looking?" Morita asked.
"For the moment, wherever we have the largest number of clients. I have a feeling it will either be New York or San Francisco purely because our largest client is based there and companies already know of us."
"And do we take existing employees there?" Hanari asked. It was obvious that would be a concern for him.
"Some. We would need to take a few of our existing employees over but also employ locals. Our current employees will have to be leaders and we want to keep the culture of our company."
"How soon do we proceed?" Morita enquired.
"Well, I am awaiting some sums to come back and then I would say, next month. If we can push forward with this soon, we could open up the new office at the beginning of the new financial year. We have to strike while the iron is hot."
"Understood." Morita said.
"Do you have any questions Hanari?" Anika asked. He was fairly quiet which was not like him.
"Not really. It's a good idea for sure, I think Morita and I need to discuss our packages and the like. Don't you agree Morita?"
"Yes, definitely. We cannot have mistakes over there, it's best if we bring my team up to speed." Morita replied.
"Okay good. I will be in touch but I am counting on you two." Anika said as they stood up.
"We understand Anika." Hanari said trustily.
They left her office talking to each other, leaving within her a sense of confidence but still she hoped everything would work out. This was a big step after all.
By some miracle she managed to get her allotted work for the day done, made a quick stop by her apartment to pick up the outfit she would wear to the restaurant and drove to the mansion. The staff let her in and she hurriedly showered and changed into her dark blue bootleg jeans, a silver-grey sequin tank top with a black sheer waterfall bolero over, slipped on her black leather stiletto pumps and did her makeup. She spotted the white gift box with navy blue ribbon sitting on the bed.
Anika, for what seemed like the tenth time, opened the box to make sure the gift was still in one piece and that there were no stray tags anywhere in or around the box. She closed the box and carefully carried it using two hands, due to its size and fragility to Mokuba's car. He had only just arrived and it was probably the safest place to keep it for the moment so Kaiba would not see it. She placed it in a very big hand bag that she rarely used but knew no one would question it. She felt her pocket one more time to make sure the little suede box was still there. She was ready and was now waiting for Kaiba to come home and Mokuba to get done.
He was a sight to behold as he descended the staircase. She could definitely see the Kaiba resemblance right now. He was fixing the cuffs of his white button down shirt that he wore with the top button undone and a black blazer over, with dark blue jeans and a black leather belt around his hips giving just a hint at his physique.
"You look great Anika." He smiled.
"You don't look too bad yourself Mokie. Thank goodness we have a private dining room otherwise we'd have to pry the girls off you." She teased.
"It's not too late to change the booking." He winked. "Seto not here yet?"
"Nope. I told him that he has until five forty so I suppose he has three more minutes."
"Well, all we can do right now is wait. Anika please sit, you're making me dizzy with all that pacing."
"Sorry Mokuba." She apologized shyly as she sat on one of the couches.
"You know, you're not very patient." Mokuba laughed.
"I know." She giggled.
"Finally!" Mokuba said as they heard the limo pull up to the mansion.
Kaiba walked in and immediately spotted Anika and Mokuba sitting together and knew they had plotted something, but they were the only two people in the world he would never disappoint so he would go along with anything they put together.
Kaiba sighed. "What's the dress code?" He asked.
"Semi formal." Mokuba said brightly.
"Fine. I'll be five minutes."
Kaiba was soon back down in black jeans and a white shirt.
"Great. You're done. I'm driving." Mokuba announced.
"Why? The limo is right here." Kaiba stated matter-of-factly.
"Because I said so."
Mokuba decided to take out one his less flashy cars so that they wouldn't attract too much attention. Kaiba and Anika climbed in and off they went. Mokuba drove like the wind, taking all the shortcuts he knew to the restaurant. They made it just as it hit six o' clock and Mokuba tossed the keys to the valet.
"Careful, that's my baby." He said with a wink.
Anika slung her bag over her shoulder, which contained both Mokuba's and her gifts, and intertwined her arm in Kaiba's as the three of them walked into the restaurant.
It was not yet full which was why Mokuba had made the reservation so early. Kaiba was not a man for public adoration nor was he one that actively sought the social pages. Mokuba walked up to the maître d' and announced the reservation.
"Reservation for Kaiba."
"Yes sir. The private dining room. Right this way. One of your guests has already arrived sir." He said as he opened the door.
Alex stood as everyone entered the dining room, and what a beautiful room it was. Bathed in soft light, everything had a dark wood finish, including the edges of the frosted glass door. In the centre of the room stood a single round table for the four of them and wood and cream padded chairs that looked ultra comfortable. On the one side of the dining room, were three rectangular windows that looked out over the city with a mahogany half wall below it. Three pewter vases were placed at each window reflecting the twinkling lights.
"Hey Lex." Anika beamed, Alex winked at her in reply.
The maître d' helped Anika into her chair as she sat between Alex and Kaiba, while Mokuba took his seat on Kaiba's right.
"Your waiter will be with you shortly." The maître d' stated courteously.
"Thank you." Mokuba replied.
"So, you three have been conspiring." Kaiba said in his low rumble.
"I wouldn't say conspiring." Mokuba said innocently. "More like planning a celebration."
"Right." Kaiba said flatly. He often said that when Anika, Mokuba and Alex were together, he could always expect mischief. They took it as a compliment. Being so close to Anika and then befriending Mokuba, Alex had become an honorary member of the Kaiba family. Even though Kaiba himself would never say it, he was very glad that both Anika and Mokuba had someone like Alex in their lives.
A waiter soon entered with bread sticks and a silver ice bucket on a stand with two bottles of Kaiba's favourite grape nectar. He had really come to enjoy it since meeting Anika. Kaiba never really had a taste for wine and found it incredibly pretentious whenever Pegasus called with a glass of red in his hand. The thought nauseated him. The waiter handed a menu to the four of them and promptly left the room.
Mokuba caught Anika's eye and gave a small nod towards Kaiba. She nodded back at him, a small movement so they would not give themselves away.
"Seto." She called for his attention. Kaiba instantly looked at her with his beautiful blue eyes, which looked even more intense under the soft light.
"I got you a little something." She finished. Anika pulled out the large white box and handed it to Kaiba.
"Happy birthday Seto."
"Anika." Kaiba said huskily.
"Just open it." She said. His gaze lingered on her a little longer before he pulled on one end of the dark blue chiffon bow. The ribbon fell away and he pulled off the lid. Only Anika noticed, Kaiba's breath hitch when he saw it. His eyes danced as he pulled out the crystal figurine. It was a blue eyes white dragon made out of blue and white Swarovski crystal; but that was not what made it so special. It was what it symbolized which did not go unnoticed by Kaiba. The dragon was magnificent with its wings outstretched and the claws on its feet protectively clutching the silver ornament it was perched on. The ornament was identical to Anika's pendant Kaiba had given her.
It was such a thoughtful gift. He did not think he could love this woman any more than he already did but the light she brought to his world shone so brightly right now, it was almost blinding. He carefully placed the figurine on the table and hugged her.
"Thank you Anika." He whispered.
"I love you Seto." She whispered back.
He looked at it again, lightly touching the very accurately detailed head.
"When did you have it made?" He asked.
"Before my trip but it was ready before we got back so Mokuba fetched it for me." Anika replied.
"And since you mentioned my name..." Mokuba enthusiastically said, "...here's mine. Happy birthday big brother." While Anika had given Kaiba her gift, Mokuba had quickly plucked out his little box without Kaiba seeing. He handed it over with a big goofy grin plastered on his face.
"What is it?" Kaiba indulged Mokuba, even shaking it a little before opening it. It was some electronic gadget that he did not yet have. "Thank you Mokuba." He said still looking at the box.
"Here you go." Alex said walking over to hand Kaiba a small, burgundy leather gift box. "Happy birthday big guy." He smiled.
Kaiba opened it to reveal a pair of square white gold cufflinks with a little "SK" engraved in the top right corner.
"Thank you Alex. This birthday has been... different."
"You're welcome." Alex said cheekily.
Kaiba had not expected this. He knew that Mokuba and Anika would at least take him out to dinner seeing as how they were both more excited about his birthday than he was, but he never once thought they do all that they had.
The waiter returned to take their orders and soon they were happily chatting and feasting on the delectable food. Soon the starters were gone and their main courses devoured. Just as everything had been this evening, it was all Kaiba's favourites. Mokuba had done really well with the planning since Anika had been out of town and she really did appreciate it.
Mokuba had a quiet word with the waiter and twenty minutes later they brought in a tray of steaming, aromatic dark roast coffee. It was a heavenly scent. Behind the waiter carrying the coffee, followed a food trolley with a gorgeous dark chocolate cake. The waiter placed the cake upon the table along with an intricately patterned cake knife.
The cake was covered in a dark chocolate ganache with white chocolate piping along the sides highlighted by strategic brushings of edible gold dust. The beautiful, curly handwriting on the top of the cake read "Happy Birthday Seto".
"May we serve the cake?" The waiter asked.
"Yes please do." Anika replied. It was a good birthday so far, she did not want to turn Kaiba murderous by singing to him. They plated the rich brown wedges of cake and wheeled the trolley away.
"We will have it boxed for you." The waiter said as he closed the door once more.
Anika could tell Kaiba was thinking deeply and thought it was best to pull him out of his reverie.
"I hope you like." She said.
"I do." He laced his fingers in hers under the table and gave her a gentle squeeze. Anika looked around the table realizing that this was the best family she could ever hope for and if there was even the slightest chance of it, she would want them all to be a part of her life forever. Especially Kaiba. Alex watched Anika, noticing the small smile on her face and wondered what was going on in that mind of hers. He pulled her from her thoughts as Mokuba chatted away with his brother.
"Penny for your thoughts Red."
"Hmm? Oh it's nothing. I was just thinking." She replied quickly.
"Spill." Alex demanded.
"Just a realization that's all."
"Of?"
"That my family is all seated at one table." She smiled shyly.
"Minus one."
"Minus one she agreed." And as if he had some divine knowledge, Eli had sent Anika a message at that moment.
"Hey Sis
Wish the b-day boy a happy one from me. Luv u."
"Seto, Eli wishes you a happy birthday from him." Anika passed the message on.
"I thank him." Kaiba said dismissively. Whatever he was talking to Mokuba about, seemed very interesting.
Anika typed back her reply and stowed away her phone. The longing evident on her face.
"He says thanks. I do too. Miss you Tiny."
"One more year Red, then you can see him whenever you want." Alex tried to reassure her.
"Not even then Lex. Eli and I just have to face facts. Our sibling relationship is frowned upon by our own parents. But let's talk about this another time. I actually think we need to eat this cake. The brothers have demolished theirs already." She laughed.
It was the best cake she had tasted in a very long time. It was soft and velvety; the bitterness from the dark chocolate very evident and the ganache was smooth with a hint of sweetness.
"This cake is so good. Oh my God."
"I know." Alex replied. "You know where we are getting our cake from now on."
"Absolutely." She replied. "So should we get the bill?"
"I don't know. Let's ask these two. Hey, you two." He said loudly and Anika covered her eyes. Alex was so very discreet. "What do you guys want to do? Should we call for the bill?"
"Up to Seto." Mokuba said offhandedly.
"Get the bill."
Kaiba reached into his pants pocket but Anika stopped him.
"Are you insane? My treat." She shook her head. He was so ridiculous sometimes. She paid the waiter, leaving a pretty large tip and the four of them rose to leave.
"I will have someone carry your cake to the car." The waiter stated and disappeared.
As they exited they saw a young man in a waiter's uniform with a large white cake box. The valet brought the car around and the waiter carefully placed the box into the boot.
"Hey Alex, are you coming back with us?" Mokuba asked.
"Nah, I thought I'd get home." He replied.
"C'mon man. We could always go out again later." Mokuba tried to convince Alex.
"Okay." Alex sighed. "I'll be right behind you."
They climbed into their cars and drove off. It was already fairly late but the streets of Domino never really quietened down over a weekend, so there was still plenty of traffic. The drive was a lot calmer and soon they were back home.
"Well, you kids enjoy." Mokuba winked at Kaiba and Anika.
"Mokuba." Kaiba rolled his eyes. Mokuba smirked as he headed for the kitchen but Kaiba called him back. "Mokuba?"
"Yeah Seto?"
"Thank you." Kaiba said as he embraced his little brother in a hug. Mokuba was taken aback by this out of character gesture but he was moved beyond words. Kaiba broke away and walked upstairs. Anika could have sworn she saw a little tear in Mokuba's eye.
"I'll be right up Seto." Anika called as she headed to the kitchen. "Mokie, are you okay?"
"I'm great." He replied.
"It's just I thought I saw..."
Mokuba turned around beaming. He grasped Anika's hands with all the sincerity in the world. "Thank you Anika. You don't know how long I've waited to see my brother happy."
"I love you both Mokie. You guys mean everything to me." She hugged him.
"I will be forever grateful to you. I know the Seto I knew as a little boy is gone for good. Gozaburo made sure of that but the change I've seen in him..." Mokuba turned away
"Mokuba, I accepted him for who he is. I've never wanted to change him at all."
"Exactly. That is precisely what he needed. You chose to see beyond the walls. You chose to see Seto." Mokuba finished, just then Alex walked in.
"Hey guys." Alex said uncertainly.
"Go to him Anika." Mokuba smiled. Anika placed a little kiss on his cheek and walked out giving Alex a little squeeze on his arm as she left.
Kaiba was undoing the buttons on his shirt when Anika stepped into the bedroom. She closed the door behind her and pulled Kaiba to the bed, facing each other as they sat.
"I have one more thing for you." Anika said pulling out the black suede box from her pocket. "I think it's time you had this." She smiled handing him the box. Kaiba looked at her quizzically as he took it from her. He slowly lifted the lid with a feint click, realization dawning on his face.
"Anika..." He started. Kaiba pulled out the gold key from the box that had Anika's apartment number engraved on the tab.
"Wha-" Anika did not get to finish her sentence as Kaiba fiercely kissed her, his fingers in her hair, pushing her down to the bed with his open shirt lightly caressing her sides. Anika kissed him back, tenderly touching his neck. Everything about Kaiba right now was need. Anika would give him everything he needed from her and more. She knew he was the man she could not see herself without.
He broke away from her, touching his forehead to hers, cradling her neck in his powerful hands.
"I love you Anika." She melted whenever he said her name; it was as if it was safe when he said it. She knew this had been a very happy but emotional night for him. She also knew her embrace was his safe space.
"I love you too Seto."
They spent the rest of the night in bed, his covers tossed over their bare hips, with Anika in his arms. They lay facing each other, Kaiba fiddling with and stroking her raven hair. She absently ran her fingers over his sculpted chest, a smile adorning her lovely face.
"I'm glad you enjoyed tonight."
"You and Mokuba went to a bit trouble." He replied softly. His index finger lightly caressing the naked skin of her waist.
"It was no trouble. We just wanted you to have a special one." She smiled.
Kaiba stroked her cheek as he leaned in lightly brushing his lips against hers. Her heart pounded as she pulled herself closer to him, tenderly sucking on his lip. They both felt the spark in the depths of their core. She moaned with want as his tongue caressed hers. Slowly they pulled apart; she smiled as she touched the tip of her nose to his. A euphoric happiness consumed her.
They were not sure at what point they fell asleep but soon enough it was time for Kaiba to go to work. Anika wished he did not have to, but she herself was guilty of working weekends.
She was still laying in bed, Kaiba insisted that she do not get up as he readied himself for work. He kissed her on the forehead and headed off. She noticed after he had left that the blue eyes white dragon figurine was no longer on his bedside table. He had in fact taken it with him to his office.
Kaiba placed the crystal figurine next to his picture of Mokuba on his desk. He never thought he would ever feel this way about anyone before, nor did he think that he did anything to deserve her. His gaze would continuously be diverted to the staring dragon as he completed his tasks. His day passed by with a small, but genuine, smile gracing his features.
Back at the mansion, Anika had made up her mind. She thought about how wonderful last night had been and how much she loved these people in her life. The thought that there was someone out there willing to endanger them filled her with rage. She got out her phone, searched her contacts and dialled the number. The answer was quite prompt.
"Detective Nashimoto."
"Hi Mike, it's Anika."
"Hey there. How are you doing?" He asked.
"Good and you?"
"Good thanks. What can I do you for?"
"Remember when you asked me to help bring in Erizawa?" Anika asked resolutely.
"Yeah, you said you didn't really want to get involved in something like that." He replied.
"I've changed my mind."