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I don't own yugioh
I stretched as I exited the pod, moving to stand but stopping as a wave a nausea ran over. A wince crossed my face as I rubbed my stomach. "You okay Milo?" Asked Mokuba. "Feel like I'm going to be sick. That trip back just isn't a friend to me." I muttered. "Take it slow. Nausea is normal." Commented Seto as he crawled out of his own pod, bypassing the others as he made his way over to where I sat. I shut my eyes and rested my head on the side of the chamber, trying to focus on the cool metal. "Anyone else sick?" Asked Mokuba as the group slowly started gathering themselves together. Several shook their heads and I felt my lover's soft touch brush my hair back. "Just have to be difficult." "Duh." I took a deep breath and felt a familiar jolt in my stomach. "I'm gonna be sick." I said, drawing the younger Kaiba to pass over a can just in time for me to heave into it. Lifting myself to lean over the side, I groaned as I rested a moment. "You can go." Said Kaiba to the hesitant group. "Will she be okay?" Asked Yugi, wide eyes filled with concern. "She's fine." "Her body's not been exposed to the VR as much as you all have." Said Mokuba, trying to reassure the group. "She'll be okay once she acclimates." Unsure, but with no reason to question the younger Kaiba, they turned to leave, Malik looking to Ryou. "I haven't been either and I'm okay..." "Maybe it's just depends on the person." Replied the light, heading out with the rest. Taking a seat at the end of my pod, the blue eyed man brushed my hair back once more, running his fingers through the dark locks. Keeping my eyes shut, I let the feeling of the pod and the man beside me slowly stop the spins.
It would take a few weeks of human tests before Seto and Noa both felt confident in it's release. "I scheduled a press conference for the 20th of January." Said Seto, looking around the table at the different department heads. "Do we have a release ad?" Asked Mechin, head of distribution. "We do." Said Seto, looking to the head of Advertising who waved at the door. In came a large cardboard standee, it's form instantly familiar. Several turned to look my way and I only glared at the CEO. Palistine stood in full armor, hand out in offering. 'Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?' Over her shoulder with the KC logo and 'Dungeons of Duel Monsters' in elaborate font. "Palistine is the character that will walk new players through their tutorial, along with being a key plot figure. We thought it best to put her as the face of the game." Explained the advertising head patiently. "Who decided that?" I asked quietly, stacking my sheets of notes. "I did." Said Seto. "Shocker..." I muttered. "Anyone have a problem with the ad?" Asked the CEO. No one spoke up, which wasn't surprising to me. "Then we'll go ahead with the launch. Report to me should anything arise." Said Seto, dismissing the group. I waited until they filed out before giving a disapproving look his way. "Why did you do that? My face is going to be everywhere." "It's based of your paintings, it should be." "You didn't even ask." "I thought you'd like it." I sighed and leaned back in the chair. "I just don't want anyone to portray this as favoritism. You know they were all thinking it." "So? You helped create the game dear, you deserve it." Said the executive, placing all his sheets into a folder. "I did not." "You did, whether you want to admit it or not, this wasn't just my idea." "My my, famous Kaiba Seto sharing the credit..." I teased. "I'll give credit where it's due." He said with a quiet chuckle, looking my way as I rubbed my stomach with a wince, the heartburn back once more. "You feeling any better?" I shook my head and gave a clear face of distaste. "It's getting worse, but I've got an appointment set for tomorrow." "You going to have him look at your wrist too?" "No." He gave me a stern look and I rolled my eyes. "I'm just giving you a hard time. I'll bring it up." "Good."
"I think it's an ulcer. I've had them before." I explained to the doctor as he took my vitals. "Have you been under a lot of stress?" "Yea. There's been a project at work that's been pretty demanding." "Really. Well it's certainly possible. I'll bring in an ultrasound and have a look. Let's get some blood too while we're at it, we'll check your Ph balance. Sometimes that can cause some problems too." He scribbled a few things down on my file. "Anything else that's been bothering you?" "I'm supposed to tell you about my carpal tunnel." I muttered, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "Supposed too, huh?" Said the doctor, a smile on his lips as he took a hold of my wrist. "My boyfriend is pretty adamant about it." "Well, numbness, tingling?" I nodded. "Sometimes I can't feel it at all. Usually when I've been doing a lot of drawing though." "That would do it." He ran his fingers over my wrist before finding a small nub at the base of my hand, drawing a hiss as he pressed down on it. "Do you wear a brace?" "I'm supposed too..." He gave me a scolding look and I nodded. "I'll try and do better about it." "Alright. Aside from that though there's not a lot I can do. Surgery, but there's no promise it won't come back." I nodded. "Do you need anything for the pain?" I shook my head. "It's not painful, more annoying." "It can do that. I'll make a note of it and write you a new prescription for a brace, you need to use it. That will help it get into remission." "Yes sir." I replied. He smiled a bit. "I'll also give you one for an antacid to help with that heartburn. Once a day for a month, then we'll see where we go from there." "Alright." "Great. The tech will be in to draw some blood and we'll do the ultrasound just to make sure there's no big bleeders." I nodded and he stepped out.
The ultrasound would come back clean, and the lab results would be back in a week to confirm that everything was alright, except one thing. One teeny tiny, very big thing that explained everything. With the game release looming, I found myself reluctant to say anything to anyone. Damian would notice though. "What's wrong with you?" Asked the teen, flopping next to me on the couch, Deezer snuggled in on my lap. "Nothing D, just nervous with the game release." I said, trying to dismiss the boy. "That's crap. Wanna try again?" I rolled my eyes, leaning my head on my hand as I slouched back into the couch. "No." "Come on, you sick or something?" I looked over and he frowned. "Are you?" "In a sense..." "Fuck me, you're pregnant." My dark glare had his hands up to his mouth. "Fuck, you are." "D, for god sakes watch your mouth." I muttered, looking back to the TV. "You have to tell him." "What good is it going to do right now? There's plenty of time to tell him after the release." "You can't keep this from him!" "I can. Honestly I didn't even want you to know..." "What?" His tone was clearly hurt and I sighed. "Look D, might be hard to believe, but this isn't my first time, it's happened before." His brows pinned in confusion and I tucked my gaze to where Deezer lay snoozing. "Once when I was 15... another time when I was 19." "What happened to them?" "I lost them. It happens." "Is that normal? What-" "Can we just drop it?" I asked, drawing his silence. We stayed that way a long minute before he spoke, tone almost silent. "Was it mom?" I ran a hand over my chin, unsure if I should answer. "One was... I lost the other a week after I found out, so I'm not sure about that one." "You should still tell him." "I will D." "Good. Because he's not mom." My brows pinned and he met my gaze. "He's not going to be mad at you for this." "I didn't think he would be." "Yea you did. You're scared to tell him because you're scared he's going to get mad like she did." God I hated this kid sometimes. "Nut up and tell him, you can't hide it forever." "Alright... Alright, I'll tell him after the press release... I just... don't want to worry him." Accepting of my answer, the boy nodded, turning back towards the television.
"Good lord where did you get that..." Murmured Seto as I joined him in the lobby of the KC tower. I wore a black dress, it's form clinging to my curves. The top was off my shoulders, but gave a small sleeve down to my elbows. The hem was raised in the front but long in the back, giving just the right about of leg to make it look like they went for days. A matching set of heels were just the right height to ensure I wasn't stumbling all over myself. My hair was pinned into a messy bun, a set of ebony sticks keeping them in place, a bit of bling on their ends standing out and matching the teardrop earrings and bangles I wore. With Seto's gift standing out around my neck. "Your tailor was more then happy to help me find something." I smirked. "Did I pick well?" "Very well." His satisfied smirk had pride growing inside. I hung onto it. I knew I'd need it. "I do have something to talk to you about. After." I motioned to the doors where the reporters were eagerly waiting for us to open the door. "Are you alright?" His brows pinned as he gave me a calculated look. "I'm just fine. Really." I gave him a smile and he settled quickly. "Wow! Milo you look amazing!" I smiled at Mokuba as he came over, still in his jeans and vest. "And over dressed by the looks of it." "Nah, I never dress up for these things." "Even if I've asked him too." Muttered his brother with a small sigh. "Eh. They'll be okay." I had to smile at the younger brother's laid back nature. For every trait the brother's shared there was almost always one that set them apart. "Sir? Are you ready? We're about to open the doors." Spoke Roland. Seto nodded and looked to us. "Let's go." He indicated the large platform set up before the large statue of Blue Eyes. Several of the posters designed by my department, along with the standee were waiting. Large screens were set up on either side with a camera set up pointed at the podium. It was there I found a very special someone. "Noa." I embraced the teen, who gave me a wide smile. "You look great Milo." He said kindly. "Me? Look at you!" I lowered my voice. "You look human." "With my new image, Seto was able to give me a robotic body. Everything else is cosmetic." He flexed his hand and I heard an almost silent whirring coming from it. "How does it feel?" "It will take some getting used too, but I've been practicing with Mokuba." I looked to the younger sibling who grinned. "We wanted him to have the chance to be here, so you and him can talk about the game's build." Said Mokuba. "What? Talk? No. Nobody said anything about that." I grunted, giving a clear look of panic. "You may not, don't worry." Assured the younger brother. "Please be seated." Said Roland as he ushered by, fixing last minute details as the press streamed in. Sitting alongside the three Kaiba's, I calmed the growing nervousness inside. 20% posture 80% attitude. You can do this. I pressed my hands into my lap to stop my fidgeting, and sat straight in my chair as I looked over the crowd. Many were unremarkable, blending with the next, but one in the back caught my attention. He looked familiar, but I couldn't place where on earth I'd met him at. He was bald, with a scar on his chin. He didn't look any different then the rest of the crowd, a press badge around his neck and a recorder in his pocket. Where did I know him from? I was drawn away from my conundrum by my lover standing from his spot beside his brother and heading towards the podium. "Thank you, I want to welcome you all to Kaiba Corp's very first virtual reality release. Magnificent strides were taken to not only make this game a reality, but to make it available to the public." I'd never seen Seto this way. I'd seen him cold, and cocky, but now he was almost diplomatic. He was poised, calm, but with a confidence and pride in what he was saying. He believed in what he was releasing, and knew it would be successful. "Long hours were put in by not only our Virtual Reality department, but our art department to ensure every game is flawless. This game isn't just an adventure, it is an experience. From character creation to quests, every last bit of you is involved." He stacked his note cards on the podium and placed them back inside his suit. "This game combines the action of a duel with the hands on approach of Dungeons and Dragons, giving you the ultimate gaming experience. It's with great pleasure I show you Dungeons of Duel Monsters." The lights dimmed and Seto sat down for a moment as the trailer loaded onto the large screens. Action filled footage captured from the beta trials filled the screens, all in first person. 'Create your own character'. Images from the class and background selection appeared. 'Choose your weapon.' Several different dice appeared, next to a color dial. 'Gain allies.' A familiar image appeared, her oil-slick armor shining as she drew her sword to protect the player against what appeared to be a Silver Fang duel monster. "Need a bit of help?" She asked, shoving the wolf back and giving a smile. It wasn't my voice, but it was close. Close enough to know whomever Seto had picked to voice her was picked because of the similarity. "I'm Palistine! I'm here to show you everything you need to know about getting by in this world." Said the woman, offering a hand to the prone player. 'Play online as a group or finish the story to unlock endless customization options.' It showed Joey's character, his sword aflame as he let out a sweep of fire breath from his dragon-like mouth. 'Collect your favorite monsters, and battle side by side.' It showed Yami side by side with Dark Magician Girl, and Mai with a flock of Harpy Ladies. "This turned out great..." Said Noa, looking towards me. "I agree." 'Reserve your time in a KC Pod today!' Flashed across the screen and my lover took to his microphone as the lights returned. "Does anyone have any questions?" Several people raised their hands and Seto pointed to one and they stood. "You said you want to take this game to the public. How are you planning on doing that?" "Kaiba Corp has plans to install five pods in gaming centers in Domino, with hopes to stretch into Tokyo within a year." The reporter sat down and another was chosen. "How will allotted time in a pod work?" "Players can pay for up to an hour. One hour in a pod is roughly about 24 hours in VR time." Responded the CEO. "Next?" One stood towards the back. "Where did the idea for Palistine come from?" "Palistine was a creation made by our head of the art department, Milo Newman, and animated as a character to help aid new players through game play." "Yes, but where did she come from." Seto raised a brow before turning to look towards me. Noa gave me a soft elbow to my ribs. "Dammit." I grumbled, raising to stand beside my lover at the podium. "I created Palistine as a D and D character many years ago, and would eventually paint her. I thought it would be a nice addition to the game." "So she isn't based off you?" "10 years ago she was. I made her as a Cleric, a healer. Something that's very useful to a new player." I replied, pointedly avoiding the insinuation the reporter was trying to bait me with. "Miss Newman!" Was called all through the crowd as people raised their hands with questions. God dammit. I indicated one in the front and she stood. "Miss Newman, what do you say to the allegations that you were given your position because of your relationship with Mister Kaiba?" I heard a sigh from my lover, but answered anyway. "I'm sorry, but you're obviously confused. This a game release. If you do not have a question about the game, I kindly ask you keep it to yourself. That's not why we're here." I looked over the crowd. "Does anyone have a question regarding the art of Dungeons of Duel Monsters." All of a sudden, my name wasn't such a commodity. For a long moment nobody spoke. Then, from the center of the group stood a small, mousy woman with large glasses. "What kind of process was used to take your drawings and make them a part of the game?" "Monsters, characters, and scenery, would be drawn up in my department and sent the the VR team where they worked to turn that into virtual reality." "Was there any certain way that was done?" It was the same woman. I shook my head. "Each artist in my department has a specialty, and that was critical for our success. I have one who is incredible at drawing animals, which would prove crucial when it came to drawing up the monsters for the game." "Miss Newman, what did you specialize in?" This was another reporter in the second row. "I spent most of my time working one on one with the head of the VR department to ensure the key plot characters where taken care of. You have to understand, this game wasn't just the work of one department, it was essential that the VR and us work hand in hand, and I have to say I am truly impressed with the way it came out." The crowd quieted and I spoke once more. "Any more questions for me?" Nobody spoke and I thanked the group before returning to my seat. Piece of cake.
After the conference was over, I received a pointed stare from the CEO before he started for the lift. As I scrambled to catch up, I was uncertain. Had I said something wrong? As we boarded the elevator, he didn't say anything, and I looked to him questioningly. Disinclined to answer, he breezed through the lobby on the top floor, passed what used to be my desk and Kiko, who was trying to get his attention. "Kaiba-Sama you have a call on 3, and an appointment-" "Hold it." He grunted, pulling open the door to his office. No sooner had the latch caught shut were my lips taken in a fierce and powerful kiss, back pressed firmly against the smooth wood of his door. A large hand ran down my side and pulled a leg up his hip. Pulling back to desperately catch my breath, I blinked at his passion. "Did I do alright then?" I asked with a breathless chuckle as he suckled on the junction between my neck and shoulder. "You did wonderful. Took everything I had not to take you right then." I rocked my head back, a smile on my face. "That'd be a press conference." A deep rumble left him as his hand slipped under my skirt to grab a handful of my backside, groaning when he found nothing beneath. "Good lord woman you're going to kill me." I could feel his excitement against me and smirked. "I thought you might like the dress." "Know where it'd look better?" "Hmm?" "On the floor." I flashed a grin before the door beside us was thrown open. "Seto, when are you wanting to leave-" A hard blush burned over my face as the younger brother intruded into the office. Shock covered his face as he spotted us. "In the office?" He asked, disgust clear as he turned away. "He started it." I grunted, straightening myself and my dress. "Get your hand out of there." I muttered, pushing the CEO's hand out from under my skirt. He grumbled something about it being fine a minute before, but did as I asked. "I wanna go home Seto." Reiterated Mokuba as his brother seated himself at his desk with a bit of a wince. "I've still got a few things to do here. I can't leave just yet." "We shouldn't leave Damian alone with Seth too much longer anyway. I haven't gotten a call yet, but best not push our luck." I went around and lifted the purse I had stashed under his desk before the press release had began. "Give me a kiss." I demanded as I put the strap over my shoulder. Catching my chin he gave a lasting press to my lips. "We'll finish this when I get home." He murmured. "I hope so." I gave a smile as I started for the door. "I'll see you at home." "Wait." I paused as went to open his door. "What did you want to talk to me about?" "Oh... I'll just tell you when you get home." His brow lifted but let it go. "I'll see you later, love you." It was habit more then anything, years of telling Damian the same thing, I wasn't even really expecting an answer. The one I got kind of made me wish I hadn't. "You too."