Chapter 40

New Beginnings

Author's note: just to not get in trouble, I should remind everyone that I don't own anything YuGiOh. I just own my characters and Dark Mage of the Sea owns hers.

When a sentence is ~like this~, it's phoenix speech.

Thank you, Dark Mage of the Sea, my coauthor and best friend.

About a year later, Tiki was on the phone with her wedding planner Melinda, discussing last minute adjustments Melinda heard from the florist. "Oh, so gentians are out of the question now?"

"My apologies, Ms. Mutou. The weather where they grow has been unusually hot so they are unavailable."

Taking a deep breath to be calm, Tiki had to remind herself, 'Don't be a bridezilla…don't be a bridezilla…' Out loud, she said, "Well…"

Just then, she heard a squeal. Looking over, she smiled. One year old Noa was hugging his Blue Eyes White Dragon beanie plush, a present Kaiba gave him to (unbeknownst to Noa) apologize for his doubts. Seeing her son made her feel better so she went over and picked him up. Noa squealed happily as she asked, "We're still having the white roses, correct?"

"Yes, I was told we had some come in."

Getting an idea, Tiki put her phone on speaker and opened the internet on it. "Maybe there's another type of flower that works with white roses…as long as they're blue. That's the most important part."

"Too bad there's no such thing as blue roses."

Tiki chuckled at her joke. As she scrolled through some pictures, Noa suddenly made a happy noise and smacked her phone. She giggled and pulled the phone out of his reach as Melinda asked, "Is that Noa?"

Tiki chirped, "Yep." She then noticed the picture that opened when Noa smacked the phone. It was a picture of a bouquet with white roses and blue hydrangea. "Hey…I think Noa has found the solution. Does our florist have blue hydrangea?"

"I'll have to call her and ask but that's a good idea. I'll keep you informed."

When she hung up, Tiki smiled and started to kiss her son's cheek, making him squeal. "You are the most precious little angel God has given us. That's the second time you've helped Mommy and Daddy's wedding."

A few months into wedding planning, Tiki was looking through a wedding dress catalog. After flipping through, she sighed, catching Rose's attention. "Something on your mind, Tiki?"

Tiki looked up at her sister, who had flown over from England to meet Noa. She took a moment to look at her three month old, who was being held by Rose. "Hi, sweetie."

Rose smiled and looked at the baby. "He is so cute." She then looked back at Tiki. "But that didn't answer my question."

Tiki held up the catalog. "There are so many choices. I'm going shopping for my wedding dress tomorrow and I don't know what I want." Putting the catalog on the table, she put her hand on her forehead in a dramatic fashion. "Dresses…my one weaknesses!"

Rose raised her eyebrow. "Have you always been this much of a drama queen?"

Tiki gave a silly grin. "Hence, my performing arts major."

Rose came over and sat next to her. "Speaking of that, when are you going back to college?"

Tiki reached over and took Noa's hand, feeling him grab her finger. "Next fall. I want to spend Noa's first year with him and not be distracted by school."

Rose smiled as Noa started to make happy noises. "You are one great mother, Tiki."

Tiki smiled. She then thought of something. "By the way…you're not upset that you're not maid of honor, are you?"

Rose shook her head. "Not at all. I understand that Tima has been more of a sister to you these last few years. At least you were smart enough to make me a bridesmaid."

Tiki giggled and, getting an idea, opened the catalog in front of Noa. "You want to help Mommy?"

Rose could not help but snicker. "Tiki…he's a baby. I doubt he'll pick out—"

Just then, Noa slapped a picture a couple of times. Tiki grinned. "You forget Noa has his father's intelligence. Now let's see what he picked."

Tiki looked at the picture and her eyes sparkled. It was a strapless princess-style dress with decorative flowers on one side. It came with a tiara and veil with flowers along its edges. "It's perfect!"

The next day, she went with her wedding party and got the dress Noa "picked out."

Lowering Noa down, Tiki helped him walk to one of his rubber balls. She giggled with delight. "You are so lively, little one. I can't wait for you to start walking on your own."

Helping him sit, she gave him one of his balls. Taking it, he started to gum the ball with his four upper teeth. Moving in front of him, she started to look at bridal programs, keeping one eye on him. She found herself talking to herself about the programs, a habit she had developed as a way for Noa to hear more words. "Let's see…we have two options: a single page or folded. I don't think we need a folded one. Well, that narrows it, right, Noa? We shouldn't do the ones with just fancy text. I think we should stick with the white-and-blue theme. Maybe this elegant sky or celestial union design…"

She paused when she heard grunting. Looking up, she saw Noa had pulled himself up to a standing position with his toy box. She smiled, remembering the first time he did so two months ago. Just before she went back to the programs, she saw Noa turn on his feet and looked like he was about to take his first, unassisted steps. Her eyes sparkling, she called out, "Seto!"

Seconds later, Kaiba appeared in the doorway. "What is it, Tiki?"

Mokuba and Itami were right behind him as they noticed Noa try to take a step but fell. Looking both distraught and hurt, tears started to form, making Tiki pick him up. "It's all right, sweetie. Mommy's got you."

Noa settled down in her arms. Kaiba came over and rubbed their son's back. "Was that the first time he tried that?" Off Tiki's nod, he smirked. "Maybe he'll be able to walk down our aisle as the ring bearer."

Tiki giggled. Looking up at Kaiba, Noa started to lean towards him. Recognizing his cue, Kaiba took the toddler in his arms. Tiki smiled with sparkles in her eyes. "He really loves you."

Kaiba smirked. "Of course. Who doesn't love me?" He then turned to Itami. "Keep your beak shut."

Itami looked around, as if wondering what he was implying. ~I didn't say anything.~

Noa looked at Itami with curious eyes. Noticing, Itami went to Kaiba's shoulder and nuzzled Noa's cheek with her beak. ~Hello, little one.~

Noa made a happy squeal, being tickled by her feathers. Tiki smiled as Mokuba asked, "So what did you call Nii-sama for?"

"Noa tried to walk on his own."

Kaiba looked down at Noa. "He is of that age."

Tiki nodded and kissed Noa's head. "Feel better?"

Noa made a babble, making her smile. Satisfied as well, Kaiba lowered the toddler in front of his dragon. Looking at his toy, Noa pointed at it and said, "Doo…"

The three paused. Kaiba asked, "Has he ever said that before?"

Tiki shook her head. "No. He babbles a lot but…I think this is his first word." She sat next to Noa and said, "Can you say that again, Noa?"

Noa looked at Tiki and kept pointing at his toy. "Doo. Doo."

Tiki blinked in confusion. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kaiba nod to the door and the brothers started to leave. Her confusion continued when she suddenly realized what Noa was trying to say. "Hold it, you two!" Bringing the dragon to Noa's grasp, she asked, "Have you two been showing Noa your duels?"

Kaiba did not answer; Mokuba blushed. "I…have no idea what you're talking about."

Tiki gave him a look. "Mokuba…Noa is trying to say 'Duel.' Now where do you think he learned that word?"

Mokuba squirmed a little. Kaiba cleared his throat and explained, "In all fairness…it was Mokuba who pulled out my dueling videos."

Mokuba gave his brother a look. "Way to throw me under the bus, Nii-sama!" He then grinned. "But, while we're on the subject, it was you who showed Noa your deck whenever Tiki asked you to watch him!"

Neither confirming nor denying, Kaiba gave Mokuba a warning look. Itami's eyes sparkled. ~You're both guilty of showing Noa everything Duel Monsters related. I witnessed it with my own two eyes.~

The Kaiba brothers said at the same time, "You're not helping!"

Looking between the three, Tiki started to laugh. The three males and phoenix stared at her until Tiki managed to breath and speak. "You two! You know just how to make a girl laugh." Stroking her son's head, she continued, "And I'm not surprised at all. It makes sense that Noa would become interested in Duel Monsters, having a famous duelist as a father."

Kaiba smirked with pride as Noa rolled over and crawled over to Mokuba. The teenager smiled. "Hey, squirt."

Noah grabbed Mokuba's pant leg and stood up, hugging his leg. The teenager smiled and picked up the toddler, making Noa squeal happily. Kaiba smirked. "You know you're spoiling him, Mokuba."

Mokuba grinned. "Well, I am the cool, fun uncle; you're just the dull, boring dad, Nii-sama."

Kaiba rolled his eyes, knowing Mokuba was teasing. Going back to the wedding programs, Tiki asked Mokuba, "Would you mind watching him for a while? I still have a few things to do."

Mokuba's grin widened. "Of course."

Kaiba smirked in amusement. "I thought you were helping me with work."

Mokuba shrugged nonchalantly. "Sorry, Nii-sama. Noa comes first."

Kaiba looked annoyed but felt the same way. Leaning in, he kissed the toddler's head, making Noa smile. "Be good." He told Tiki, "I'll be in my office if you need me for anything."

Tiki nodded. "Don't overwork yourself."

Kaiba waved it off. "I won't. You know me."

Itami gave Kaiba a look. ~We know you too well, Seto. Don't worry, Tiki. I'll make sure this idiot doesn't work himself to the bone.~

Annoyed, Kaiba went to push Itami off his shoulder. Having anticipated this, the phoenix flew back and perched on Kaiba's other shoulder. As Kaiba and Itami left, Mokuba sat down on the floor with Noa. "So how's the planning going, Tiki?"

Tiki flipped through the program options. "It's going well. Melinda has taken my theme and ideas and is creating a masterpiece of a wedding."

Mokuba started to play with Noa and his Blue Eyes White Dragon. "I can't wait to be a part of it."

Tiki smiled, knowing Kaiba had appointed Mokuba as best man. "By the way, have you convinced Seto to have a bachelor party?"

Mokuba laughed, making Noa giggle in response. "Are you kidding? Nii-sama…having a party?"

Tiki giggled as well. "Good point."

A month came and went. Finally, it was wedding day. Sitting in her room, Tiki looked at herself in the mirror. Dressed in her wedding dress and tiara, she took a deep breathes as Tima came up to her, dressed in the wedding party's cloud-blue strapless dress. "How are you feeling?"

Tiki smiled softly. "A little nervous."

Tima smiled back. "You shouldn't be, Tiki. This is the most magical day for you."

Tiki turned and looked at her wedding party (Tima, Merina, and Rose). "I know…but I can't help myself! Seto and I have been together for years and now…here we are…finally getting married."

Merina smiled, working on her hair pin. "The day you finally become Kaiba Tiki."

Tiki nodded. Taking a deep breath, she turned back towards the mirror. "Okay, I got my Four Something." She touched an angel necklace. "Something old: the necklace Yugi gave me after being his sister for a year." She stood up and did a little twirl. "Something new: my beautiful wedding dress, chosen by my son."

Merina stated, "He does have good taste."

Sitting back down, Tiki smiled and touched her pearl earrings. "Something borrowed: Rose's pearl earrings."

Rose teased, "Just make sure I get them back. They're my good luck charms for my recitals."

Tiki giggled and turned to the vanity. "And something blue—where is my favorite blue handkerchief?"

The three bridesmaids shrugged and started to look. Tiki stayed seated but looked around the vanity. She suddenly realized, "It's back at the mansion!"

Looking up, Tima could hear the worry in Tiki's voice. "Tima, calm down! It's not hopeless!"

Merina pointed out, "We'll find something else that's blue! That'll be easy; your wedding is blue and white! Hang on, I'll go find something."

She ran out the room. Tiki stayed quiet, though she was stressing out. Minutes later, however, Merina came back with Torru, followed by Kiko and Nayru. The blonde had a big grin on her face. "Problem solved!"

Everyone looked up. Tiki wanted to protest but saw what Kiko was holding and her eyes widened. The blonde was holding a bouquet with silver lace, white roses, and blue hydrangea. "Kiko…"

Kiko smile with pride. "Did I neglect to tell you your wedding planner hired my family?"

Remembering that Kiko's family ran a flower shop, Tiki immediately felt much better. Taking the bouquet, she hugged Kiko. "Thank you so much."

Merina looked at the clock. "And just in time. It's time."

Taking a deep breath, Tiki looked at her bridesmaids and smiled. "Well…let's do this."

Tima, Merina, and Rose nodded and left to get in position outside the door. Tiki stayed for a moment and said a silent prayer. Just as she was finishing, there was a knock at the door and Solomon came in. His eyes sparkled with pride. "Look at you…my beautiful granddaughter, the princess!"

Tiki smiled from ear to ear. "Thank you, Grandpa." She hugged him gently. "I'm so glad you're giving me away."

Solomon smiled back. "Of course, anything for my favorite granddaughter." His smile slightly faltered. "It's too bad your father couldn't make it. He told me he feels terrible for missing your wedding."

Tiki was not too upset, as she knew it was a last minute work emergency that kept her father away. "It's all right. He works hard for all of us."

Solomon agreed. Not wanting to get her down on her wedding day, Solomon took her hands. "I am very proud of you."

Tiki smiled and walked out with him. Once they were close to the door, they heard that the ceremony had begun and Kaiba had already entered. The bridal party went in: best man Mokuba and maid of honor Tima walked in first, followed by Merina and Yugi and then Rose and Atem. Noa the ring bearer and Rebecca the flower girl were the last of the bridal party to enter. While Rebecca was older than a traditional flower girl, Mokuba had insisted, having had his eye on her; she also doubled as taking Noa down the aisle in a special carrier. Now alone, Solomon looked at Tiki. "You ready?"

Tiki just nodded. The doors opened and Tiki and Solomon started to head down the aisle. Looking ahead, her eyes sparkled seeing Kaiba, dressed in his best white tux with a hint of blue. 'Oh Seto…you look so handsome.'

Kaiba was taken aback by how beautiful Tiki looked in her wedding dress. Noa squealed happily seeing his mother and Itami, in the rafters with the other phoenixes, teared up, sensing her guardian's happiness. Kaiba continued to stare at her as she and Solomon arrived at the end of the aisle. Solomon gave her a hug before sitting. The pastor started to talk but Kaiba tuned him back. He was too enthralled by how she looked and by the fact that he was marrying her. 'I can't believe this is happening. After everything I've been through…and everything I've done…'

He could see Noa out of the corner of his eye. 'She is so forgiving…I don't deserve her but I am glad I have her and I never let her go.'

He came back to the present when he heard the pastor say, "The couple has asked to express their own vows."

Kaiba turned to Tiki and took her hands. He had a small flashback as he thought of the vows.

As Yugi and Atem were dressing and Mokuba was keeping Noa entertained, Kaiba was writing his vows down. Itami flew over and looked at the paper. ~What are you doing?~

Kaiba did not look up. "Writing my vows. What do you think?"

Itami gave him a look. ~Are you kidding me? You're actually writing it?~

Kaiba glared at her. "Yes. You have a problem with that?"

Itami's eyes sparkled with a naughty gleam before snatching the paper from him and ripping it to shreds. Kaiba barked, "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

Noa laughed as Itami sent the paper shreds flying. ~Your vows should come from the heart. Just say what comes to your heart at the moment.~ Kaiba continued to glare, making her add, ~Think of it as a challenge.~

While still mad, he decided to take Itami up on her challenge.

Taking a breath, Kaiba started to talk. "Tiki…to think that you and I are here after many years…I never thought my life would come to this. For years, I wandered in darkness, content with not finding the light…the light that you are." He could feel himself being vulnerable, like the night he revealed his childhood abuse, but felt more at ease with continuing. "For that, I am truly grateful. You have shown me love, a thing I never thought I would have. I can proudly say that I love you and will do anything to protect you and our son for all eternity."

Tiki's eyes watered with happy tears. "Oh, Seto…I had never thought my life would end here: marrying you in front of our friends and family. The moment I met you in high school, my heart was taken by you and I wanted to get to know everything by you. With everything I learned, I fell more in love. I love you with every fiber of my being. You are my rock and I will always be by your side."

Shocking everyone, Kaiba smiled softly. They exchanged the rings. After hearing the pastor asking if anyone had an objection, Kaiba thought he heard someone clearing their throat but no one else reacted so the pastor declared them husband and wife. Kaiba's smile became his trademark smirk and kissed her as their friends applauded. As they headed down the aisle, Kaiba looked at Tiki. "I am happy to have you in my life…my wife."

Tiki smiled back at him. "And I'm happy to have you as my husband, Seto."

As they left the building, Itami flew down and twirled around their heads. Tiki laughed and Kaiba gave her an amused glare. "Control yourself, Itami."

Itami chirped happily. ~I can't help it! I'm so happy for both of you!~

Kaiba smirked as they got in the limousine to go to the cherry blossoms for the wedding pictures.

About an hour later, the reception was underway and the newly married couple was having their first dance. Listening to the song she chose, Kaiba smirked. "Good choice for a song."

Tiki slightly blushed. "Really?"

Kaiba nodded. "It's like us: was not expected but works beautifully. You have changed me so much…and I am forever for that."

Tiki smiled, her eyes brimming again, as she kissed him deeply. As the song ended, everyone clapped for them. Since they would not have parental dances, they headed for their table to eat. Looking around, Tiki noticed something and stated, "Oh, I see they came."

As the DJ started to play music and everyone started to get their food, Kaiba looked at her. "Who?"

"Hallo, Herr-Kaiba."

Tensing up, Kaiba gave Tiki a not-pleased look. "…No."

Tiki gave him a look back. Holding his head up high, he begrudgingly turned around and looked at Siegfried and Leon. Resisting the urge to sneer, he reached out to Itami. ~Itami, if this fruit does something, sic the bonkotsu on him.~

Up in the chandelier, Itami gave him a squeak of disapproval. Even though she did not hear him, Tiki sensed what Kaiba did; hearing Joey sneeze confirmed her suspicions. Leon smiled at the couple. "Herzliche Glückwünsche, Tiki, Kaiba!" Seeing Tiki's blank stare, he translated, "Congratulations."

Tiki smiled. "Thank you, Leon. I'm glad you and Siegfried were able to come. I was a little worried that you wouldn't get the invitation since we wanted this as private as possible."

Kaiba's eyebrow twitched as he gave his new wife a little side-eye. "You invited them and didn't tell me?"

Tiki tried to give him an innocent look. "Did I forget to tell you that?"

Kaiba knew what she was doing. He remembered how much Siegfried flirted with Tiki during the Grand Prix but knew he did not want to make a scene at his wedding. Siegfried smirked at Kaiba. "It has been quite a while since we last met, Kaiba."

Kaiba muttered, "Not long enough." Feeling Tiki pinch his arm, he said a little louder, "What I mean to say is…" he locked eyes with his German rival, "…what actually brings you here? Trying to ruin something else important to me?"

Tiki covered her eyes, embarrassed. She was about to apologize when Siegfried smirked. "Actually…I'm here to bury the hatchet, Kaiba."

The couple looked at Siegfried in surprise. Tiki broke the silence by saying, "Say what, now?"

Siegfried laughed. "You heard me. I think it's about time we let go of past grudges."

Kaiba did not lower his guard and demanded, "Why?"

Kaiba then held back a little grunt when Tiki elbowed him in the stomach. "Be nice, Seto."

Siegfried looked at her with a chuckle. "I see the little porcelain doll hasn't changed at all."

Kaiba tensed up, remembering the nickname. "Watch it."

Tiki tried to elbow him again but he caught her elbow this time. Wanting to break the tension and give them space, Leon asked, "Can I meet your son, Tiki?"

Knowing what he was doing, Tiki nodded and led Leon to Noa, who was currently being held by Crystal. Seeing his mother, he squealed and reached for her. Tiki giggled and took him in her arms. "Hi, sweetie."

Leon's eyes sparkled. "He is so cute!"

Turning to introduce the toddler to the teenager, Tiki saw Kaiba and Siegfried talking. She was getting a little worried about their conversation. Following her eyes, the teenager said, "They'll be fine." He turned back to Noa. "Hello, little one."

Tiki looked at Noa. "Noa, this is Leon. Leon, Noa."

Noa looked at Leon with wide, curious eyes. He soon broke into a smile, making Leon smile back. "Nice to meet you, Noa."

Tiki smiled with pride and kissed her son's head. Across the room, Kaiba looked over to check on his family and smirked at Noa's smile. His attention went back to Siegfried when he said, "Your son looks just like you, Kaiba…as expected."

Kaiba mentally tensed up. For a second, he wondered if Siegfried had found out about the paternity test. "Thanks." Mentally relaxing, he turned back and crossed his arms. "Anyway, what are you really doing here? How do I know you're not trying to trick me like before?"

Siegfried chuckled and flipped his hair. "A cautious man, Kaiba…though I do not blame you. After what we have been through and our family's histories, I too would be cautious if I were in your position. As you know, our companies are now profiting as they are. Not only that, Kaiba…" he smirked, "…I must admit with all my pride that…you are indeed the better man."

Kaiba smirked. "Well, of course."

Itami flew down to his shoulder. ~Be nice, Seto. Your ego is already big enough.~

Kaiba glared at Itami. Siegfried chuckled. "I remember her."

Kaiba scoffed, "Still a pain in the ass."

Itami gave him a look as Siegfried continued, "Anyway, I want to make a proposal to you."

Kaiba and Itami looked at Siegfried. He asked, "What proposal?"

"Our companies working together."

Kaiba went quiet. 'That is…slightly appealing. But this is not where I want to discuss business."

Siegfried continued, "Call it a peace offering between us, Kaiba." He held out his hand. "What do you say?"

Kaiba did not immediately respond. 'On one hand, it would finally end this feud…and we would be able to profit even more than before. But…' He verbally asked, "Did Tiki ask you to do this?"

Siegfried chuckled. "No, she didn't. I was surprised that she took the time to invite me and my brother. No, this is something I thought of because I figured it was time for the Kaiba/Von Schroeder feud to end."

Kaiba looked at him for a moment, thinking. He then took Siegfried's hand and shook it. "I am intrigued…and, despite what people believe, can set aside personal feelings to conduct business. But we will have to talk when I come back. I promised my wife I would not work on our honeymoon."

Siegfried nodded, understanding. "I understand. You are a family man now, after all."

Kaiba nodded. He then smirked. "But don't think I'm not the same ruthless business man you've always known."

Siegfried smirked back. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

With that, the men separated. Siegfried headed to the bar and Kaiba went back to his family. Leon was currently holding Noa under Tiki's watchful eye. Seeing Kaiba, she asked, "How did it go?"

Kaiba nodded and kissed her head. "We're going to talk about partnering up when we get back from our honeymoon."

Tiki looked pleasantly surprised. "Really?"

Leon smiled. "Good. Bruder has been wanting to partner with KaibaCorp for a while now, especially since partnering with Industrial Illusions."

Kaiba looked at Noa, who was reaching for Leon's hair. Raising his eyebrow, he asked, "Tiki…does Noa normally play with hair?"

Tiki blinked. "What?" Looking over, her eyes widened. "Ah! Noa, no!"

She spoke too soon: Noa playfully but roughly tugged on Leon's hair. The teenager yelped as Tiki pried Noa's fingers out of Leon's hair and took the toddler in her arms. "Leon, I am so sorry!" She looked at Noa. "Noa, that was mean! No hair tugging!"

Noa blinked innocently, not understanding what he did. "Ma…"

Rubbing his head, Leon waved it off. "It's all right, Tiki. Noa is still a baby."

Kaiba smirked. "At least he knows who his enemy is."

Tiki gave him a look, unable to elbow him with her hands full. Itami, however, did give him a peck. Leon sighed in annoyance but knew it was Kaiba's brand of humor. Deciding to change the subject, Tiki stated, "I think we should get some dinner."

Leon agreed and went to Siegfried. Heading to the table with Kaiba, Tiki nuzzled Noa. "You are my sweetheart, even if you pull hair."

Noa continued to look innocent, making Kaiba chuckle. "That's my boy: take on your enemies and then look innocent."

Tiki and Itami gave him a look as they sat at the head of the table. Kaiba looked at her. "Regardless of the surprise guests, I am happy to finally be married to you."

Tiki's eyes sparkled. "As am I."

Kaiba gave her a private smile and kissed her gently. The kiss was delightfully interrupted by Noa's happy squeals.

The reception was fun for everyone with music, dancing, and food. When it winded down, the Kaibas went back to the mansion to prepare for their honeymoon in Paris. Getting off the phone with his pilot, Kaiba noticed how nervous Tiki looked. "Are you all right, my star?"

Tiki looked at her new husband. "I guess. I mean…this is going to be the first time we'll be away from Noa. So…I'm a little nervous."

Kaiba went over and stroked her back. "I know. But he'll be taken care of by your family." He smirked. "Especially your brother."

Tiki smiled. "Oh, he's going to spoil Noa rotten with games. I wouldn't be surprised if we came back to a gamer." Though feeling better, she wanted to verify: "And you promise no work?"

Kaiba smirked. "I promise. Mokuba will take care of KaibaCorp while I'm away." His smirk widened. "He even has the authority as Vice President to fire whoever dares to call me with work to fire them on the spot."

Tiki giggled a little. "You are harsh."

"I have to be. I am serious about spending my honeymoon with my wife."

Tiki smiled and hugged his waist. Turning back to finish packing, she thought of something else. "Is Itami joining us?"

Kaiba opened his mouth but closed it. Seeing Tiki looking at him, he continued. "No. It's just going to be us."

Tiki was surprised at that. She looked over at Itami on her tree-stand and wanted to say something when she heard Noa fussing over the baby monitor. She went to check on him, letting Itami flew over to the bed. Kaiba asked, "Are you all right with being away from us for a week?"

Itami looked away. ~Well…this will be the first time I'll be away from you. I can't help but be nervous. I know you and Tiki want to be alone on your honeymoon; I do respect your privacy. But you still have enemies out there. What if something happens to you?~

Kaiba turned serious. "That is why I want you to stay behind. If something happens to me, I will be able to handle it. But Noa won't be able to defend himself. That will be your job: watching over my son."

Itami looked up, eyes sparkling. Feeling better, she nodded as Tiki came back with Noa. "You are a fussy one, Noa."

Noa giggled. Seeing Kaiba, he squealed and leaned towards him. "Da!"

Kaiba smiled and took the toddler in his arm. Looking around, Noa noticed Itami, who was leaning her beak towards him. Curious, he reached out and touched Itami's beak. Feeling her feathers made her giggle. ~You are so adorable, little Noa. It will be my honor to watch over you over the week.~

Early the next morning, Kaiba and Tiki were up and getting ready to go. Tiki picked up Noa, who was fussy from being woken up so early. "I know, sweetie. But we're going to a fun place, I promise."

Just then, Kaiba stuck his head in. "Time to go."

Tiki nodded and followed him downstairs with Noa and his car seat. As soon as the seat was hooked up and he was set, the toddler fell asleep again. Sitting next to him, Tiki commented, "I hope he can handle this week."

Kaiba sat on the other side. As the limo started to drive, he stated, "He will be fine. If I wasn't sure about your brother, I would not leave our son in his care."

Tiki smiled. "You are a protective father."

Kaiba smirked. "Perhaps. But you also have your moments where you become what I've been told is a Mother Bear."

Tiki's smile became a grin. "Mother Bears will do anything to protect their cubs."

Once at the Game Shop, they found Yugi, Tarra, Mrs. Mutou, and Solomon waiting in front. Gently taking a sleeping Noa out of the car seat, Tiki gently got out. "Thanks again for taking care of Noa."

Solomon smiled as Yugi said, "Of course. Who better to take care of him than family?"

Tiki nodded and was about to hand Noa to her mother when the toddler suddenly woke up and clung to Tiki, fussing. Tiki grimaced a little, having been worried about this. "Noa, it's okay. You're just going to spend time with uncle Yugi." Noa continued to whine so she looked at Yugi. "A little help here?"

Yugi nodded and started to undo the baby's grip. Once the grip was loose enough, he gently took the toddler. Noa started to tear up. Tiki started to feel a little guilty. "Sweetie, don't cry. It'll be okay."

Kaiba reached over and stroked the toddler's head. "We will be back soon, son. You'll be fine here."

Noa continued to tear up. Itami then got an idea: she started to sing a slow, lullaby-style version of the Song of the Phoenix. Tarra caught on and started to sing in the same style. Noa got distracted by the songs, making Tiki smile. "Thank you."

The two continued to sing until Noa fell back asleep. Confident Noa was in good hands, Kaiba got back in the limo. Tiki started to climb into the limo but looked back at her family. "Thanks again."

Mrs. Mutou smiled. "Of course. Now go have fun."

Solomon started to rub Noa's back, making the sleeping toddler coo. When Tiki got into the limo, Kaiba got a last message from Itami. ~Be careful, you two. I love both of you and I pray that nothing happens to you.~

Kaiba smirked. 'You can trust me.'

He felt a feeling of satisfaction as they headed for the airport. Tiki sighed and leaned against him. "I hope Noa will be all right."

Kaiba put his arm around her. "He will be, Tiki."

12 hours later, they landed in Paris, France. Rubbing her eyes from jet-lag, Tiki looked around. "Wow…"

Kaiba smirked at Tiki. "If you're impressed by the airport, I can't wait to see you react to the city."

Tiki blushed a little. As they went to check in, she thought of something. 'Wait…I don't speak French. How are we going to get around?'

At the desk, an airport worker smiled at them. "Bienvenue en France. Comment puis-je vous aider? (Welcome to France. How may I help you?)"

Tiki hesitated a little. But she was then taken aback when Kaiba answered, "Nous venons du Japon pour une lune de miel d'une semaine. (We are here from Japan for a week long honeymoon.)"

Tiki was stunned to silence as Kaiba took care of their passports and got directions towards their luggage. He was about to leave when he saw the look on Tiki's face. "What?"

Blinking awake, Tiki started to follow him. "I didn't know you could speak French."

Kaiba stated in a nonchalant voice, "One of the many languages I was forced to learn."

Tiki almost tripped in surprise. "One of the languages…?"

Kaiba nodded. "Besides Japanese and English, I know French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin. It is important to know how to speak dominant languages when running a multi-billion company."

Tiki shook her head, feeling overwhelmed. "Is there anything you can't do?"

Kaiba smirked. "That's for you to find out, my star."

Tiki giggled.

Once they got their luggage and found their limo, they headed towards the hotel. Tiki wanted to look at the sights but the windows were blacked out. She was annoyed by this, especially since Kaiba told her to keep the windows up. She found out why when they arrived: they were staying at Paris' most famous luxury hotel. "Oh…my…"

Kaiba smirked. "Only the best for my wife." Tiki quickly turned around and tackle-hugged him with a big kiss. Stabilizing his footing, he told her, "Easy, Tiki."

Tiki giggled. "I can't help it! This is wonderful, Seto!"

Proud of himself, Kaiba took them inside. She stood in the lobby and gawked at how beautiful it looked. With its chandeliers, gold-colored beams and walls, checkered floor, and gorgeous furniture, Tiki started to wonder if this was dreaming. Just then, fingers snapped in front of her face, waking her up. "I have the keys."

Tiki grinned with giddiness. "I can't wait."

Kaiba smirked and took her to the top floor. Once they got there, he told her, "Close your eyes."

Tiki rolled her eyes but did. Feeling his hands on hers, she giggled. "Who are you and what have you done with my Seto?"

Kaiba smirked and made an amused noise. "Be quiet."

He led her in. Once her eyes were opened, she looked at the suite and gasped. From the elegant living room with nicely painted walls, red curtains, and red and gold furniture, the balcony that revealed an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower, and the bedroom with adorned curtains and the king-sized bed with the gold bedspread and red and gold pillows, the room looked like a palace. "Oh Seto…this is beautiful…"

Kaiba smiled and hugged her from behind. "Anything from my wife…"

Turning in the hug, Tiki smiled lovingly up at him. "You really know how to make me feel special…like a princess. I don't…I don't know what to say. I'm touched…"

Touched by her humbleness, he went down and kissed her gently. His arms gently picked her up and took her to the bedroom, wanting to start their honeymoon on a pleasurable note…

Their week in Paris was memorable. Kaiba took the opportunity to spoil her: they ate at the best restaurants, visited every place they could visit, and got a few souvenirs to remember their trip. What made him love Tiki even more was that she remained humble and did not act entitled. They did check in on Noa every afternoon (night in Japan) and were always happy to see that Noa was happy. As much fun as they had during their honeymoon, Kaiba and Tiki were happy to eventually go home to their son and continue their lives as a married couple.