Chapter 25 Getting Closer

Author's Note: The historical reference about Cleopatra that is made, HAS been theorized, so if there is new development on this I will change the story slightly.

The next morning as Yugi woke up and got ready for school he started to notice that Isisa was more distant. He knew that she was dreading on going to school because that meant that she was seeing Kaiba. Both he and the Pharaoh saw the fight they were having, and he did wonder on what Isisa meant when she said that she didn't want to call someone her 'master'. He tried asking the Pharaoh but he just changed the subject and didn't answer the question.

Flash Back

Yugi walked into the backyard and sat down on the swing, and asked the Pharaoh

"What did Isisa say to you that night after the fight between Joey and Kaiba? She must've said something" said Yugi

"Yugi, don't you think that this is a wonderful night" said the Pharaoh trying to change the subject

"Come on, don't go now changing the subject, you know why don't you. Why won't you tell me? I won't say anything" begged Yugi

"I think that that the moon and stars might come out tonight. It sure is clear enough," continued the Pharaoh still ignoring Yugi's pleas

"Okay I take it you aren't going to tell me, wow you sure are trying to be a Big brother after all aren't you?"

"Actually, Isisa is older then me, but yes I am trying to be a big brother" interjected the Pharaoh

"So the Pharaoh speaks, didn't know that you can talk" said Yugi rolling his eyes

"Yugi," said the Pharaoh as he took a deep breath

"I am not at liberty to discuss Isisa's problem or well the situation that caused her to think like she does. Yes she is my sister and you are my partner, but she is hurting and this is sometime Kaiba needs to learn. Even though he is a cold-hearted bastard, he needs to learn that in a marriage both husband and wife must be equal not just one holding all the power. Do you understand" explained the Pharaoh

"Yes…I think so," said Yugi as he looked at the ground

"Trust me pal, this is not easy, being a younger brother whose older sister is already married and well struggling to find her place. In ancient times it was different the men where ALWALSY and I mean always in control, the women were more or less property. But there were the odd women who didn't think they were property; they thought they were really people. They took the role of Pharaoh's some times, but I won't count Cleopatra as one of them," said the Pharaoh

"She was a great ruler and she did care for her people, but she was also in my opinion a psychopath with a husband fetish if you catch my drift" said the Pharaoh looking directly at Yugi

"Okay what ever you say, partner," said the sixteen year old

End of Flash Back

Just as Yugi was about to walk down the stairs, he heard talking in the dinning room area. Wondering whom it was, he walked down and headed right into the kitchen, where he saw Mrs. Gardner talking to his mom.

"They are a lovely bunch of roses," exclaimed Clara pointing at the 24 roses in the vase across from her

"I know, I can't believe that his heart is melting," replied Mrs. Gardner

"Yes, well I think Isisa sure did a number on him, I mean the last time I saw him, he was bringing her home…bridle style" giggled Mrs. Moto

"Well, its like they say, 'The beauty always melts the beast's heart' and Isisa sure told Seto Kaiba that she isn't giving up on him," said Mrs. Gardner

"Well, you know what…I think there is more then meets the eye. I mean I have noticed it with Isisa, she is after all a woman now, and it won't be soon that her step-father will realized that his little baby bird will fly from the nest" said Clara gazing at the roses surrounded with baby's breath.

"Yes I agree with you on that…oh Good Morning Yugi, I didn't notice you there" said Mrs. Gardner looking at Yugi who was hiding by the staircase.

"Oh, Hello, Mrs. Gardner," said Yugi waving shyly

"Well, I think I better be going, you tell Isisa about the flowers will you…and make sure she reads the note and tell her that he CAME, not ordered over the phone, but came to store and ordered the roses okay. Its hard to come by a man who has a busy schedule like Seto Kaiba does and find the time to come and pick out roses…not to mention write a note" said Mrs. Gardner while walking to the door

"Don't worry, I will make sure okay and have a good day, and I won't forget to come to the street BBQ okay…"

"Okay, see you later Clara"

"You too, Denia" said Clara as she closed the door

Yugi sat down and started to eat. He grabbed a bowl from across the table and poured in some cereal, and then he added milk and some sugar. When he stared eating his breakfast, Isisa came down the stairs, she was trying not to hurry, but at the same time, she was hurrying. She came towards the table and saw the roses in a vase in the center of the table. Her walk was slower then ever, when she did make it to the table she sat down and looked at the flowers. Yugi then said,

"They are for you"

"Really" said Isisa after a long time

"Yea, Mrs. Gardner brought them, said something about Kaiba coming into the store and picking them out himself. There is a note too" said Yugi as he looked at Isisa and while eating

Isisa saw the note that Yugi mentioned and picked it up. On the front of the little card, was a single rose with faded pink edges. She opened the card, and read the note.

Dear, Isisa

I am sorry for yesterday; I didn't mean to be such an asshole. I guess the both of us were having a bad day to begin with. I guess I am not used to the idea of being married. What I am really trying to say is…can you give me another chance, we are after all married, and to be honest I do not think Mokuba and Maria will like it too much if we decided to go our own ways. Will see you later at school, have a business meeting to go to…

Seto

Isisa closed the note and looked back to the roses, they were beautiful that was for sure. She picked up the vase and took a deep breath of their lovely fragrance. [Seto is right, Mokuba and Maria won't like it if both me and Seto decide to go our own ways, and besides it was a bad day and I do think he does deserve more then one chance. They are beautiful after all. I guess it was sweet of him to send me flowers] thought Isisa as she placed the vase down.

When Isisa reached the high school, she had just made it after the last warning bell had ringed. She got out of her car and walked to the computer lab, where Lord of D had set up command post. He was trying to get the Rebecca and Charles system up and running with no luck. The back up system that he mentioned was in place and already searching for the two horses that went missing. Isisa almost had a heart attack when she found out that it was Blue Eyes and Dark Magician Girl that wet missing. Lord of D did however managed with out any injures to himself, to calm Isisa down.

When lunch rolled around Isisa walked to the cafeteria and grabbed a quick lunch, and then looked outside and thought that it looked like it was going to rain. So, she sat down in the far corner of the cafeteria. She was about to eat her salad when she felt a shadow behind her and then her eyes were covered.

"Guess who" said a husky whisper

"Do I really have to guess?" said Isisa as she snuggled into the speakers embrace

"Yes, you do," said the voice again

"I don't think I need to…Seto" as Isisa snuggled deeper into his embrace

Seto sat down beside Isisa and the two embraced for a long time just sitting there in the back of the noisy cafeteria. It was a while before they either of them spoke, but Seto broke the lover's silence.

"Your not mad at me"

"Why would I be mad at you, I was just in a pissy mood yesterday, and besides it was not a good day any ways"

"Well, that's good. Did you get my note?"

"And the flowers, they were wonderful…thank you" said Isisa

"Maybe we should finish our lunches before we get to absorbed in each other," whispered Seto in Isisa's ear

Isisa giggled, and then agreed to finish lunch.

The two of them spent the whole lunch our getting to know each other better, when the bell rang they both went to class, but as they were leaving the cafeteria they didn't notice the people watching them; especially Seto's fan girls. They were glaring daggers at Isisa's back.

Isisa however didn't notice so it didn't matter to her, but the leader of the fan girls, Hannah Manhunter was burning with rage for she had made it her mission to be Seto Kaiba's girl for years. She knew almost EVERYTHING there was to know about Seto Kaiba; from what Duel Tournaments he participated in, to what companies that he turned around and sold to the highest bidder.

She had also made it her mission to be as many classes as Seto Kaiba as possible. The more chances she has to be with him; the more chances that she was going to be his girlfriend.

Because she wasn't about to let some Egyptian Desert Sand Digging Miss I Know Everything There Is To Know About Egypt Bitch come and steal away her 'future' hubby. She stormed out of the cafeteria, [this means war] she thought furiously as she went to her sewing class.

When the bell rang for the end of class, Hannah went to her locker then into the girl's bathroom. When she got in there Isisa was washing her hands and Hannah took this time to 'get to know' Isisa more. She walked up to Isisa and said,

"Stay away from Seto. He's MY man, you don't' belong her you Egyptian whore"

Isisa turned, smiled, crossed her arms, and then said,

"Now, what makes you think that Seto's YOUR man"?

"You know what I mean. Just stay away from him or your going to get hurt," she said while pointing at Isisa's chest

"Stop poking me" Isisa warned

"Like I was saying just stay away from him. He's mine and that's that…you got a problem with that," said Hannah still poking her finger at Isisa's chest

"I said, stop poking me," repeated Isisa more tensely

"JUST STAY AWAY FROM HIM. YOU HEAR ME" shouted Hannah not heeding Isisa's warning

"I said," said Isisa grabbing Hannah's hand and twirling her around, then pushing into a headlock.

"I said don't poke me, but what did you do…you continued, now I am going to tell you something sweetheart that you are going to learn the hard way. Seto can decide whether he wants you or me. And as far as I know, he wants me, so guess what girly brat. GET OVER YOUR SELF" shouted Isisa sternly as she released the girl and walked out of the bathroom.

When Isisa had gone, Hannah was left shaking. [I had better think of a better plan, if I want to get Seto Kaiba. This wasn't the best way that was for sure] thought the shaking Hannah as she went to the bathroom.

When school was over Isisa walked to the parking lot to where CC was parked. As she was nearing the car, Seto ran up to her and grabbed her from behind and said,

"Running away without saying good-bye" he teased

"Seto let me go, we are in public," laughed Isisa

"I know, I don't care," he said nibbling her ear

"Come on you get in," gestured Isisa to the passenger side

"Not on your life" said Seto swiping the keys from her back pocket

"Oooohhhhh noooooooo you don't mister. You are going to have to fight me if you want to drive" said Isisa trying to get the keys from Seto

"Try and get them. Last time I checked you were short" teased Seto still holding Isisa with his one arm and holding the car keys high with the other.

"Fine" said Isisa after a while and got into the passenger side.

She put away the picture that she had on the dashboard and put it in the glove compartment, while Seto got into the drivers side. He placed his school bag in the back and adjusted the seat.

They drove out of the school parking lot, and headed in the direction of the nearest grocery store and bought some hot deli food and drinks. They had also phoned Mokuba so that they could meet him at the park.

When Seto and Isisa arrived at Meadow Field Park, Mokuba was already there waiting for them. He was waiting for them on the cement blocks in the parking lot when they arrived. They grabbed a blanket that was lying inside Isisa's car and walked into the park.

Mokuba decided that they should eat by the big old walnut tree, close to the waters edge. They placed the blanket on the ground near the tree and started to bring out the food.

They enjoyed the warm meal, even though it was chicken strips and wedges, cold salads and soda pop. The conversation rolled around interests of all three people, likes, dislikes and so on. To a normal person who did not know anyone it would look like a happy family just out for a nice evening picnic.

When they were done eating, Mokuba when down to the water to dip his feet in the cool water, Seto took off his school jacket and placed it beside him. Isisa nestled into Seto's arms and closed her eyes. Seto placed his arms around Isisa and closed off any escape she might have in mind. They were close to each other for a long time before Isisa spoke,

"Seto"

"Humm" murmured Seto in Isisa's hair

"I have something to tell you, about yesterday," said Isisa in a deep breath

"Isisa, lets just leave it in the past. Okay we do not need to go over it. It was obvious that you were having a bad day. I mean I was having one too, so it's even," said Seto

"No Seto I mean I NEED to talk to you, well about why I was in a bad mood"

"Well, if you put it that way, I need to talk to you to about our marriage sh-. I mean our marriage," said Seto as he caught him self on the shame word

"Okay then, you go first," said Isisa now sitting up

"No, you go first," said Seto pulling her closer to him

"You first"

"No, ladies first" exclaimed Seto

"No, Businessmen first" teased Isisa

"HOW ABOUT YOU PICK A NUMBER BETWEEN 0 AND 10" shouted Mokuba from the pond

"7" shouted Isisa

"5" shouted Seto

"Well, guess what Isisa looks like you are the odd one out. You go first," said Mokuba as he tuned out the two lovebirds

"Fine" said Isisa play pouting

"I told you," said Seto holding Isisa closer

"Well, I don't know how to explain this. I never really talked about it," she said taking a deep breath

"Just take your time" encouraged Seto

"Well, just to get this off my chest. Seto you know how I said I didn't want to have a 'master' so to speak. Well, when I was six years old, I was living with my stepfather in Egypt. I was…well I was kidnapped."

There was a silence for it seemed the birds them selves stopped singing their nighttime songs. Seto took a deep breath and then said,

"Were you hurt in any other way…like…" he didn't want to finish his sentence

"Oh, no not like that, but I was branded over my birth mark. You see I had a reddish birthmark and then when I was branded they made it even darker. I was called names, and I didn't have much time to my self and they treated me more like a slave then family. They always kept telling me that I would make someone a very good wife and that I had to obey my husband's word and my fathers to a T, for if I didn't I would killed. That scared the crap right out of me, so I obeyed and did what I was told. I finally managed to get out to some friendlier Tomb keepers and they brought me back to where I belong. My stepfather on the other hand wasn't his…how should I say. His normal self again, but as of late he has been more open and more willing to listen then he was back then" finished Isisa

Seto didn't speak until he was sure he had processed all the information.

"So, that was why you were in a 'bitchy mood' yesterday," said Seto after awhile

"Yes…wow if feels rather good to get this off my chest" exclaimed Isisa

"Yea, I know how that feels" lied Seto; he really didn't know that feeling, which Isisa was feeling right now.

"So, now it's your turn," said Isisa grasping a plastic cup filled with cream soda

"I guess, well as you know mine is about our marriage," said Seto shifting from his position. He stretched his back and then leaned against the tree.

"Well, I was talking with one of my many lawyers and he said there were some…rules" paused Seto

"What kind of rules?" asked Isisa

"Well, there are about six rules, but the important ones are: 1. We have to live with each other for about six months or longer our choice. 2. We have to consummate our marriage" again another pause

"And there are some rules that if there is a child of a result and other sexual activities then we have to stay together until the child is born. That kind of thing, if you know what I mean" said Seto

Isisa was very quiet, still absorbing this information.

"Okay, so when does them come to effect from" asked Seto

"Well, I think it's right after we are introduced and well… yea you know what I am getting at" said Seto

"We are going to have to take this one step at a time. Like the having sex part is going to have to wait"

"I agree with that," said Seto quickly

This conversation was already getting more awkward by minute.

"You know what, why don't you move in right after school on Friday, Isisa. I do have more then one spare bedroom; you could have your choice of room. Like it doesn't say that we HAVE to at this exact moment, that we have to have sex," said Seto later as they were packing up everything they had brought.

"I agree with that. I don't have much, so that would work. Besides, I think the six months living together thing might work. Just to see how it feels just to be 'married' and we can get to know each other better," said Isisa

"Yea, and if you don't mind watching Mokuba sometimes I guess it could work"

"I don't mind, it's just that Maria will be hanging around more," teased Isisa

"I don't mind," said Seto

They gathered everything and headed out of the park.