Misty watched the doctors open up the bloody skin flap where they had made the incision and pinned it to a smoother patch of skin. She continued whispering reassurances to Seto as she watched the surgery. Even though her talking to him kept him relatively calm, there was still a look of terror on his sleeping face.
"Just hang on, you're doing well. Hang on," Misty begged. She wouldn't know what to do if he died holding her hand. Oh this was going to be an interview she NEVER would forget about.
The doctors quickly located where his appendix had been and readied a tray to collect the treacherously septic debris. They carefully but swiftly removed each piece they had found and put it in the tray. Misty had to admit to herself that watching this surgery this close was fascinating. It wasn't disgusting to her because she had been conditioned to seeing internal body parts when she would watch her father gut, skin, and butcher the animals they hunted.
The surgery had taken about 2 hours to finish. The doctors did one last check to make sure they had gotten all of his toxic appendix debris, and that there was nothing they left inside during the surgery.
They ensured that the area in which they had operated was infection free and then unpinned his skin flap, stitched him up, sealed it with an antibiotic surgical caulk to speed healing, and put a bandage on the stitches.
"You're going to be okay, Mr. Kaiba," Misty whispered in his ear. She noticed how he was infinitely much more relaxed. She was relieved and sighed heavily. She watched the doctors congratulate each other over the successful operation and they started to clean up their mess. She tried to see if he would release his grip on her hand, but he kept holding her hand firmly, even as she stood up and the nurses moved him to his hospital bed. She walked alongside the bed as they moved him to a posh, private room to recover.
"Wow! Swanky! I've never seen a hospital room like this!" she remarked in her head.
"I'm sure they reserve these rooms for the elite and VIPs," her inner self inferred.
"You're probably right… hence why I've never seen a room like that," Misty agreed. It was actually pretty sad to her; these VIPs and elite people got better rooms than normal people, and likely better care. "Well, I might as well enjoy seeing one now since he won't let go," Misty thought.
"Yeah. I think he REALLY likes you," her inner self pointed out.
"Ya think?" Misty retorted sarcastically and laughed internally and sighed. "It looks like I'm going to be here all night... or at least until he wakes up and lets go," Misty observed.
"Likely. You might need to have the nurses help you get him to let go of your hand if you have to go to the bathroom," her inner self pointed out.
"That's true… I hope he wakes up soon," Misty replied. She watched his sleeping face and admired how handsome he looked as he slept. She turned on the TV quietly and watched it for a while.
Meanwhile, in Seto's head…
That was the scariest experience he had ever had in his entire life; it was scarier than the time his soul was trapped in other realms during some failures of battles he cared not to remember. This time, he was in actual danger of being gone for eternity. The demons were horrifying as they kept trying to drag him to hell. That was the only way he could describe the fiery redness that had engulfed everything around him earlier. He heard horrible screams in the crevices the demons were trying to drag him into. The demons were the ugliest creatures he had EVER seen, and they were vicious. They kept trying to rip him away from the white light he clung to so desperately. The white light was reassuring and warm, and he could hear Misty Robinson's voice telling him that she was still there and she begged him to hang on. He was only too happy to oblige to that request. She was his lifeline. If he let go, the demons would've dragged him to the point of no return. The demons threw immortal ropes on him and yanked and pulled roughly, trying to drag him into the darkness. As he was being dragged, his mind was flooded with terrible memories of his life. He also numbly felt himself be stripped naked by the monstrous demons, and his belly split open by them. They started removing his insides. He continued hanging on to Misty the white angel's hand and felt comforted knowing that she was still there reassuring him the entire time. Not long after, his belly had been closed and the hellish surroundings and demons were gone, and everything was at peace, especially when Misty had told him that he was going to be ok. He kept hanging on to her hand because she brought an extra air of peace, and there was an electric connection in their hands that felt so right. He was scared to let go. He wanted out of this oblivion.
"Come on Seto! Wake up!" he tried to command himself, but his body didn't seem to want to. It seemed like it wanted to sleep for a while. Well, he had to admit, he hadn't slept in a while, so he might as well enjoy it, especially if she was still holding his hand. He did hear white background noise, but kept sleeping.
Misty continued watching him sleep and shifted her attention back to the TV every so often. Then, she had to go to the bathroom and she was incredibly hungry. She thought about going to the cafeteria to get something to eat, but then she realized she left her purse in the office. She sighed as her stomach grumbled. At least she could see if the nurses could help her get him to let go so she could use the restroom. She pressed the button and a nurse came in.
"What can I do for you?" she asked.
"I have to go to the bathroom…" Misty replied.
"The bathroom's right here, ma'am," the nurse answered with an "are you serious?" tone.
"Rude bitch!" Misty thought.
"I'd like to go to the bathroom, but he won't let go of my hand…" Misty retorted. "Can you please help me get him to let go?"
"Oh," the nurse replied sheepishly and got another nurse to help. They pried his fingers off her hand and he resisted.
"Come back!" he called out in his sleep and resisted against the nurses in his sleep.
Misty took a deep breath, relieved and used the restroom in his hospital room. That felt so much better! She washed her hands and came back to see he was still resisting the nurses. She sat down in the chair again and let his frantic hand find hers and grab it and hold on. He immediately relaxed again.
Misty thought it was strange that she had THAT much of an effect on him, but whatever.
"Don't go anywhere again, please," he whispered, still asleep.
"Alright," Misty agreed. The nurses left the room again and she resumed her back and forth glancing and watching TV, at least until the man who helped her earlier, Roland, she thought his name was, came in carrying her things. A young man with long black hair, grey eyes, a blue school uniform, and a panicked expression came in right behind him.
"Seto!" he exclaimed worriedly and went to the bedside and hugged him. There were tears in his eyes.
"Here you go, Ms. Robinson," Roland said as he handed her purse and folder over to her.
"Thank you so much! Roland, is it?" Misty thanked him profusely.
"Yes ma'am, that's correct," Roland confirmed with a smile.
"This is such a relief! I don't know what I would've done without my purse and everything in it," she replied.
"My pleasure. So, is he going to be ok?" Roland asked softly.
"Yes. We got him here just in time. He wouldn't let me go, at all. I was there in the operating room with him. By the way, he's going to need some fresh clothes… the nurses had to cut them off so they could do the surgery quickly, and he's going to have to stay until tomorrow," Misty explained.
"Got it. I'll get him some fresh clothes in a little while. Thank you so much for staying with him," Roland thanked her.
"You're welcome," Misty nodded.
"Mokuba, come here please," Roland requested. The black haired young man reluctantly left Seto's side and went to Roland and Misty.
"Please tell me he's going to be ok! I …I can't lose him! He's all I have!" Mokuba begged Misty frantically.
"He's going to be just fine. We got him here just in time. He was very lucky," Misty reassured him. Mokuba sobbed relieved and hugged her tight. "Thank you so much for being there for him!" he exclaimed sobbing into her shoulder. She hugged him back a little awkwardly at first, but relaxed into the hug.
"You're welcome. It was nothing… I just happened to be there at the right time. I did what any decent human would do," Misty answered modestly.
"No! Not many people would step up like you did!" Mokuba protested.
"…What?" Misty asked confused.
"My brother…doesn't have many fans… aside from some 'bimbo fangirls…'" Mokuba explained awkwardly. "I'm sure there would be a number of people who wouldn't have helped him, but you did! And I'm so thankful you were there and are still here for him!" he told her.
"Yeah. He was REALLY attached to me. He held my hand so desperately, there was no way I could've gone anywhere," Misty replied.
"Would you have stayed with him even if he didn't hold your hand so desperately?" Mokuba asked his grey eyes so puffy and watery.
"Yes," Misty answered. She genuinely would have. Her protective instincts wouldn't have let her go, nor could she anyway; her bus pass was in her wallet, which she didn't have. Plus, she was genuinely worried if he would make it.
"Thank you!" Mokuba exclaimed and continued hugging her tight. "I'll make sure you're rewarded somehow!"
"Well…if possible, I would like a second chance at an interview…" Misty replied modestly.
"Well, I can interview you! I know just as much as Seto does about the company and what he's looking for," Mokuba assured her.
"Okay then," Misty agreed. Mokuba pulled up another chair and sat across from her.
"Let's start with the formal introductions. I'm Mokuba Kaiba, Seto's brother, and Vice President of Kaiba Corp.," Mokuba introduced himself.
"I'm Misty Robinson," Misty introduced herself and shook his hand with her free hand.
"So, Where are you from?" Mokuba asked curiously with a smile.
"I'm from San Antonio, Texas, in the U.S." Misty answered.
"Ah, that explains why we haven't seen you around town before," Mokuba remarked. Misty pursed her lips and nodded. "Well, welcome to Domino City. So, what brought you here?"
"Thank you. Well, I came to Japan mostly for the culture, and I found I adored Domino City. The people were pretty friendly, and I decided to roost here," Misty explained. Mokuba nodded.
"Yeah Domino's nice. So, what interested you in Kaiba Corp.?"
"I do have office experience from the time when I was assisting my dad in the office he managed for an internal medicine specialist, and I was impressed with the high technology Kaiba Corp utilizes. I figured I could apply my experience and be as much help as I can," Misty answered. Mokuba nodded.
"We need help with the paperwork the most, that way we can focus more on innovations and improvements in our technology," Mokuba told her.
"I can do that," Misty assured him.
"What kind of work did you do in your dad's office?" Mokuba asked.
"I would do data-entry, update databases, prepare statements to be mailed, scanning, filing, make copies, and disposal of old documents," Misty answered. "I cut down dad's paperwork about 60% more or less.
"Good, good. So, what happened with working with your dad at the office?"
"The office closed down. The doctor decided to retire," Misty answered.
"Ah I see. What did you do after that?"
"After that, I worked at SeaWorld as a photographer, then I worked in the Fabrics and Crafts department at Walmart, and then I came here."
"You worked at a theme park?" Mokuba asked and smiled.
"I certainly did, in fact I worked at both of San Antonio's main theme parks, SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, both parks as a photographer, but when I first started at SeaWorld so many years ago, I worked in the culinary department doing catered events. I was also a monster there during Halloween season at least a couple times," Misty recanted with a fond smile. They were some fun times.
"Seto and I also have our own theme park too," Mokuba beamed proudly. Misty smiled too.
"That's very cool," Misty replied.
"It's one of our crown jewels. We had always wanted to build it since we were kids and we just got it going a few years ago," Mokuba gushed proudly.
"I'll have to check it out sometime," she promised.
"Oh as our assistant, you will DEFINITELY get to see it and become intimately familiar with it. Some of the paperwork you'll be handling is about our park. And we'd love to know about your experiences with the parks sometime," Mokuba told her.
"Certainly," Misty responded and told him about what it was like working at the theme parks. Mokuba smiled widely.
"That is awesome! I think you'll be very helpful with our theme park stuff too. But, back to more about the assistant position. We deal a LOT with duel monster technology. How skilled are you at dueling?" Mokuba asked.
"I've never dueled before… "Misty admitted awkwardly. "I don't really know about what duel monsters are… I do have ONE card, but that's it… I keep it only for sentimental reasons. My brother gave me the card as a good luck charm because he said she reminded him of me," Misty answered and showed him her Wingweaver card. Mokuba smiled.
"It's fitting. I see why he gave you Wingweaver. She's a strong, powerful angel. So, he has a deck. Does he duel?" Mokuba asked as he handed Wingweaver back.
"No, he never learned how to duel. He just collects the cards. He said he wanted to learn, but moved onto something else," she explained.
"Oh. I see. Well I suppose Seto and I can help you get a deck going and teach you," Mokuba offered.
"Sure, if it helps me be a better assistant," Misty agreed. Mokuba smiled and told her the specifics about the job, the schedule, the perks, the pay, and everything else she needed to know.
"You can come by in a couple days and we can get the paperwork going to bring you on, and you can start Monday," Mokuba offered.
"Wow really?" Misty asked incredulously. Mokuba smiled and nodded.
"Welcome aboard. We look forward to working with you," Mokuba announced and shook her hand.
"I'll make you proud!" Misty promised and Mokuba chuckled.
"Good. I'm so glad you came to us. You're a lifesaver!" Mokuba complimented her.
"Thank you. Um, Mokuba, I'm a bit curious…" Misty began.
"What are you curious about?" Mokuba implored.
"Well, you mentioned that he was all you had… what does that mean? And I don't understand why nobody would help him," Misty answered.
"Well, it's a long story… but I'll give you the shortest version possible. Seto and I were orphaned when Seto was 8 and I was 2. Our family squandered our money from our inheritance and dumped us at the orphanage. Seto made sure we stayed together and protected me at the orphanage. He also made sure that Gozaburo Kaiba, the previous CEO of Kaiba Corp. and a chess champion, adopted us. Gozaburo was cruel, and taught him everything about running the company. Seto proved he was smarter than him, and with my help, we had the majority of the shares of the company and took over and changed everything to the gaming corporation it is today, but it wasn't easy. And Seto had to be ruthless and cold to stay on top. He made enemies or rivals instead of friends, but he still had time for me. He strove to be the best duelist in Domino and eventually the world, along with us dodging danger and building our theme park. And then the work started to build up faster than we could manage, and then it grew out of control. Seto didn't want to ask for help, but then eventually had no choice. We spent the last few MONTHS looking for help, but always came up empty. Nobody seriously wanted to help us, except for some of his bimbo fangirls who only wanted to be his assistant with the chance to hook up with him. The other companies were content to let us sink and fail. We were starting to think we'd never get out of the hole we were in. And when he almost died today, I was terrified… I wouldn't have known what to do by myself… but then here you are. You came just in time to save us from drowning, and we will always be grateful. Don't feel bad if Seto doesn't express that...he can be a bit cold and sharp, but he was molded that way, to keep us thriving and surviving. He does have a warm heart under that icy exterior he built. He just needs to trust you and warm up to you before he allows you to see it. I will make sure he's kind to you," Mokuba explained.
"Wow," Misty remarked a little surprised and stunned. "Thank you for telling me that," she told him.
"You're welcome."
"Say is there anything else I can do to help warm him up to me?" Misty asked.
"Well, he respects boldness, innovation, ideas, and people who are strong, assertive, will take initiative, and are quick learners. He also loves coffee to help keep him going and going, but I want him to relax a little, for his health. He can't relax if he feels he HAS to do everything and can't get away from work. I want you to assure him that you can handle the work and help him learn to walk away from work at a decent hour so he can come home and relax and just be himself without having to worry about any work business until he goes back to the office the next day. He also needs someone who can calmly handle a crisis. He also tends to not eat or sleep much. If you can help him with all that, I can assure you he will be happy," Mokuba offered.
"Challenge accepted. I'm your woman for the job," Misty replied and Mokuba smiled.
"Thank you!" Mokuba exclaimed and sighed elated. "Here, I'll get Seto to let you go and I'll have Roland get you some dinner and take you home."
"Thank you, Mokuba," Misty told him and nodded slightly in gratitude. Her stomach rumbled after he offered to have Roland get her dinner and take her home. Misty and Mokuba chuckled. Mokuba then went to Seto's bedside and started to wake his brother.
"Seto… wake up…" Mokuba said softly in his ear. Seto groaned and stirred, stretching his limbs.
"Let me sleep Mokuba…" he mumbled.
"You have all night and day tomorrow to sleep. You need to let Misty go. She has to go home," Mokuba countered. Seto slowly woke up and saw his brother.
"Hey Mokuba…" he greeted and then realized he was in a hospital room and wearing nothing but a hospital gown and gasped.
"Why am I in a hospital room?" he asked.
"You had appendicitis. Misty saved your life and she's been here the whole time. You wouldn't let her go," Mokuba explained and lightly punched his brother's shoulder.
"Ow! Mokuba! What was that for?!" Seto exclaimed annoyed.
"That was for scaring me nearly to death! I told you that you had to rest, but you wouldn't listen, and you almost died because of it! You are so lucky Misty was there and saved you! What would I do without you?!" he snapped at him and started crying. Seto then realized what had happened and recalled the demons and the fact that he was desperately holding onto Misty's hand, the white light, and the comforting warmth. He hugged his brother.
"I'm sorry…" he sheepishly apologized and held him for a few minutes. He escaped death… thanks to Misty. He then turned to her and realized how lovely she was. He only vaguely saw how she was earlier thanks to the fact that he was sick earlier.
"Thank you… for saving me… and staying…" he told her sheepishly. He was obviously uncomfortable with giving thanks, particularly because he hated owing people more than anything.
"You're welcome," Misty replied with a warm smile.
"Oh by the way, I hired her to be our assistant," Mokuba announced.
"What?" Seto asked surprised.
"Well, we need an assistant NOW, she was willing to be that, and she saved your life. She was the perfect fit. And you better be nice to her and be willing to listen to her!" Mokuba commanded. Seto was surprised by the assertiveness Mokuba exhibited.
"Alright, alright," Seto agreed flippantly.
"No! I demand it! You will treat her well and take her seriously!" Mokuba commanded.
"Mokuba, I said I would do it…" Seto protested.
"Good!" Mokuba exclaimed. "She is starting Monday, and will be by to do her paperwork in a couple days. That gives you time to rest. After she does her paperwork, I expect you to take a few days off until Monday and rest!" Mokuba commanded.
"…Alright…" Seto agreed, but was uncomfortable by the thought of the buildup. Misty felt a little awkward watching the exchange, but said nothing.
"Roland, how about we go now?" Misty piped up.
"Good idea," Roland agreed and led her to the limo. Misty held her purse close and saw the chauffer open the door for them.
"Thank you," Misty told the chauffer with a smile as she got in.
"Thank you Edward," Roland said after her.
"You're welcome. Where to?" Edward asked. Roland looked at Misty.
"Well, Mokuba said I could get dinner and get a ride home. I was wondering if we could pick up some teriyaki beef and fried rice," Misty requested and wrote her address down on a spare piece of paper. "And this is the address at which I live," she added.
"Yes ma'am," Edward nodded with a kind smile and closed the door and got in the driver's seat and drove her to a restaurant to get the food she requested in the drive thru, courtesy of the corporate card Roland used.
"Thank you Roland," Misty told Roland.
"You're welcome Misty," Roland replied. About 10 minutes later, they were parked near the base of the stairs leading up to her apartment. She gathered the bag of food, her purse, and her folder and Edward opened the door for her.
"Thank you again," Misty bade before getting her keys out of her purse and ascended the stairs. She unlocked her door and waved down to them before going inside. She locked the door and sighed heavily. She put her things on the table near the door, and brought her food and drink to the dining table. She went and changed into something comfortable, and then relaxed as she turned on the TV and sat down to eat. She couldn't believe everything that happened today; she saved her boss's life, saw him naked, and watched him undergo urgent surgery, and then sat with him holding his hand feeling an electric connection, until Mokuba and Roland came, and then on top of that, she was hired. She was definitely NOT going to forget this, ever… Right now the most important thing was that she saved his life, and she had a job as his assistant. She smiled as she ate and wondered how she would get him to relax like Mokuba wanted her to.
A/N: Thank you for reading ch. 2. I hope you enjoyed it! Just a friendly reminder to leave a review. Reviews= New chapters.
