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Littlebowpeep

Yusuke Kurosaki

To also the many readers who have come across my story, thank you! I'm surprised at how well this story has taken off and I hope you guys are enjoying it as much as I am writing it. Please do leave feedback if you wish. I'm hoping that the original characters are being descriptor accurately enough.

Now for Chapter 7, with Seto and Skye still navigating an awkward weekend of sharing a hotel room.

After returning from dinner with Seto and changing into her nightwear, Skye stared at the hotel bed in mute panic for a few minutes. She had never shared a bed with anyone for sleeping. She hadn't remained a virgin during University and hopping into bed with any of the college boys was never much of an issue, until it came to sleeping in the same bed together. The action suggested a certain level of intimacy that terrified her. Added to that, there was the stress of keeping this arrangement entirely secret, because if anyone, anyone, discovered this had happened - who knew what rumours would spring from it. And then she would possibly lose her job, lose her reputation…

And the thoughts continued to spiral until Skye realised she was about to potentially induce a panic attack. She needed to get a grip. After all, it wasn't like she or Seto were involved in any sort of way, so why should a couple of nights set her off course?

Seto for his part seemed completely unaware of her concerns as he typed away on his laptop. He had multiple reports sent through from his PA and he wanted to waste any time getting them done. Sympathising with the workload he had to deal with, for her own lesson plans had also been difficult and then there was marking still to do, Skye quietly went to where the kettle sat on a counter and filled it with water.

Incompetent fools, Setons snarled to himself, cursing his employees back at home for screwing up the blueprints for the new duel disk he had designed. Now he would have to start all over again, and there were a few things he hated more than having to redo a job. Suddenly Skye was by his side and he was about to give her an earful; then he spotted two steaming mugs in her hands. He raised an eyebrow.

"I hope for your sake that's coffee." He grumbled.

Skye merely smiled and placed one of the mugs down next to his hand. "Black, no sugar?"

"You have a good memory."

"You have never changed habits."

The two looked at each other awkwardly for a moment, before Seto finally took a sip from the mug. He was pleasantly surprised to find that Skye, even after all their time apart, could still make a good coffee. Seeing no complaint in her beverage making, Skye bowed her head a little and turned away to sort out getting settled in for the night. Unfortunately, there wasn't any furniture that would be suitable. There were, however, cushions and a bed throw. An idea came to her head: the floor couldn't possibly be too uncomfortable, could it?

She started to take some cushions from the bed and laid them on the floor. Seto turned around when he heard the business and stared at her in disbelief.

"What are you doing?" He demanded.

"I thought that maybe if I slept on the floor, that might be a resolution to this…peculiar arrangement." Skye answered simply, as though it were no bother, though her thundering pulse said otherwise. "The cushions and bed throw should suffice."

"Really."

Despite Seto's sarcasm and her not quite believing it herself, Skye remained firm. "It is for a couple of nights. I'll manage."

"Suit yourself then."

Relieved at not being pressed further, Skye continued to set up a makeshift sleeping bag, for lack of a better description. When she was ready and laying among the cushions, she quietly said, "Good night, Seto."

Seto made no response and she only shrugged a little. Then she laid down properly. It wasn't the comfiest in the world and there was something digging very awkwardly in her back or hips, wherever she lay, but it would do. It wasn't much unlike her University days if she and her roommates went out late. If she drank more than she should have done, which wasn't unlikely either in those days, it wasn't uncommon for her to wake up to those girls or boys, hooting with laughter because of the strange places she found to curl up to sleep in. One time she ended on a stair bannister! The thought made her both blush and smile. She tended to miss those days. It was a nice in-between from being trapped in childhood, and the annoying responsibilities adulthood brought.

After a while, Seto finally retired for the evening. He took one last sip of Skye's coffee that she made for him, savouring the taste. It was perhaps the best cup he had drank from in a long while. Thinking at Skye may have fallen asleep by now, he padded over quietly to the bed and got in. The very soft pillows were a big welcome after a long day and as he laid his head down on them, Seto started to settle down. But something wasn't quite right, he felt.

He rolled over to the edge where he would spot Skye and saw her curled up underneath the bed throw. Although the sound was very faint, he could hear her teeth rattle with cold and the unsteadiness of her breathing, as though she were half asleep and trying to find the right point to fall into deep sleep.

Usually and only if it was one of the geek squad, he wouldn't pay much mind to them being in discomfort, especially that Wheeler, who never seemed much grateful for anything Seto did. But Skye was different. At least for this evening she was a welome change in company, when he wasn't getting irritated with the memories she reminded him of. And it still wasn't her fault that they were in this predicament either. Perhaps now was the time, when no one would see it and perceive the action as any kind of weakness, Seto decided he would do what was right.

Heaving himself out of the bed, Seto bent down and whispered to Skye, "Are you asleep?"

Skye moaned out in a little voice, "Hmm?"

Taking that as an affirmation of her being not quite asleep yet, Seto picked her up as best as he could without disturbing her too greatly. Even though Skye was beginning to drift off, she was conscious enough to be surprised at how gently he held her, and was even more surprised to feel her back come into contact with a much softer mattress.

"What are you doing?" She mumbled out, feeling the bed shift as an extra weight laid down upon it.

"Your chattering teeth do not make for a goodnight lullaby." Seto grunted out.

"Oh. Sorry."

"And not a word of this to anyone. You got it? I'm not going to make a habit of looking out for your wellbeing."

"Of course." Skye couldn't help smiling in the darkness. "Thank you, Seto."

Huffing a little at the thanks, Seto turned over on his side and muttered, "Good night."

A faint 'Good night' reached his ears, followed by the sounds of even breathing and the occasional snore. Soon the night overtook Seto and he fell into a fitless, dreamless sleep.

Seto's eyes shot open when he felt he was clinging onto something or someone warm. Lo and behold, his worst fear about sleeping the same bed with an employee had come true: he had unwittingly rolled over, put an arm over Skye, and slept against her back until the next morning.

Fuck, fuck, fuck, He thought, wondering how on earth he could remove himself away from Skye without waking her. It wasn't like he had casually put an arm over that could be easily be lifted. Oh no. He had gone full house on the act; he was close enough that his groin was almost digging against her buttocks. Thank the Lord that morning wood wasn't an issue for the moment. How would he explain that one to her?

And that wasn't even the worst thought he had. He was enjoying being close to her, her slender body pressed up against him. He could smell her hair and body, a sort of citrus and floral scent that he liked - hibiscus, maybe? - as opposed to the heavily perfumed escorts he had hired before.

Fuck, fuck, fuck, indeed.

And damn bloody sleep for making him do things he would never have done whilst awake.

Carefully, Seto pulled his arms away from her slender body and all but scurried out of the bed, straightening his pyjamas with embarrassment. Get a fucking grip, he snarled to himself. It wasn't like he had never shared a bed with a woman before. Luckily for him, Skye remained undisturbed despite his movements and he could breathe a sigh of relief. That was until his phone started ringing.

Almost leaping to get it from the bedstead, not wanting to be caught by Skye and being asked why he was flustered, Seto almost ran away to the living room in the suite, and answered the phone with a harsh, "Yes?"

"Chill out, Seto, it's only me." Mokuba laughed at the other end, of the phone. "How's the trip so far? Sorry I didn't call yesterday, I was having a study day with Rebecca."

"Who?"

"You know, Rebecca? Professor Hawkin's daughter? She's visiting Domino for the next year and enrolled at my school. She's pretty cool."

"Oh. That annoying little runt."

"She's only annoying because she's almost as smart as you are."

"Whatever." Seto grunted, rubbing his eyes. "The PA fucked up. I'm sharing a room with Skye because only one was booked."

"Seriously?" Mokuba exclaimed, sounding almost excited. "At least you can get rid of the PA now, I never liked her much. And look on the bright side! At least it's only Skye."

"Except she's my employee and anybody who finds out about this would spin it otherwise."

"Oh, like…"

"Yes, like that." Seto ground out, getting more irritated by the minute. He loved his little brother, truly. But that didn't mean he couldn't be dense enough sometimes to miss the point. 'He's just a kid' wasn't much of an excuse in Seto's eyes nowadays, especially as he was expected to grow up fast.

There was a pause before Mokuba said, "You know Skye wouldn't say anything, right, Seto?"

"You always have to stick up for the damn girl, don't you?" Seto snarled suddenly. "Isn't she capable of sticking up for herself occasionally?"

"Not when you're slamming her behind her back, she isn't." Mokuba snapped back, beginning to sound equally pissed off for having his head bitten off for no real reason. Then he calmed himself down when he realised what the problem might be. It wasn't the fact that Seto had to share a bed with a woman. It was the woman he had to share it with.

"If you've got hots her Seto, don't take your frustration out on me. I feel ya. You have to spend two nights a very pretty woman in your bed."

"It's not that all."

The thought Well, maybe not entirely entered Seto's mind before he could squash it.

"Sure it is, Seto. You're used to having some slut who's happy to bang you and swan around in a dress you've bought them before taking your money for their time. This bashing around people who you actually get along with gets really old, you know."

"You're a teenager, you don't know a thing."

"I may be a teen, Seto, but I'm not stupid and I've known you every day of my life. Just think of it this way: once this gala's done, you don't have to speak to Skye or see her if you don't want to, though that would be pretty stupid if you ask me. I mean, you probably took her to dinner last night, right? If you did, don't tell me you didn't enjoy it. She's good people, good company."

Seto was caught then. Last night's memories gave him a pleasant feeling rather than one of distaste, like the times before when he would use escorts. He knew he was being unfair to Skye, especially as her company last night was a rare treat. But he had to defend his reputation. She understood that.

"Yeah, I guess she was decent company." Seto admitted grudgingly. "But I'll still tell you that you're too trustful of her."

"I get it, Seto. I'm not saying you guys have to be best buddies, but you did give her a job, and you trusted her enough to take her with you to this shindig, so seriously, you need to start treating her a little better. She's a good egg and you know it. Just try to relax, ok? I worry about you."

Despite the context of the conversation giving him more food for thought, Seto smiled. His brother was always telling him to do that, relax, even though it was almost futile saying so. But he appreciated the sentiment anyhow.

"I better get back to work, little bro. Remember to keep up those grades, even if it is a girl who's schooling you." Seto teased.

"It's just study, Seto." Mokuba protested, now sounding like the one being put on the spot for hanging out alone with the opposite sex. "Anyway, I hope the gala goes great. You'll call me before you leave tomorrow?"

"I'll try to remember."

"Alright then. Bye Seto!"

"Bye."

A click followed by the dial tone signified the end of the conversation. Bumping the phone against his head, Seto breathed heavily through his nose. He didn't know what he was going to do with Skye. He couldn't help it - treating her with contempt like he did with the geek squad was habit, a defence mechanism. Yet last night was the first time after spending so small a time with an almost acquaintance that he had relaxed a little, even if it was the alcohol that contributed to that.

Maybe tonight's gala would be similar. Maybe, like most other aspects of his life, he was giving too much thought and dimension to.

Before he could think anymore on the subject, he heard Skye turn and yawn. He made his way back to the bedroom and watched as she sat up and stretched, opening her eyes blearily. Then she realised where she had slept last night and nearly went bright red when Seto came into her view.

"Oh, um, morning." She muttered, scampering out of bed like someone had just tossed some bugs into it and wrapped her arms around herself.

"You slept well, I presume?" Seto asked as pleasantly as he could manage for a morning greeting, deciding that maybe Mokuba had a point after all.

"Yes, thank you. It was kind of you to let me use the bed." Skye's blush deepened a little

"You could have done from the start, you know."

"Yes, of course, I…just didn't want to make things more awkward, I suppose. I can't imagine you are used to sharing a bed with an employee."

"Not often." Seto admitted with a slight bit of humour in his eyes, which seemed to make Skye relax a little. He then checked his watch. "Would you like to join me for breakfast?"

"Sure." Skye smiled slightly.

"I'll order some to the suite."

While Seto dialled down to reception, Skye quickly made for the bathroom and locked the door behind her. A quick splash of cold water should help snap her out of her daze, she reckoned. She couldn't quite believe it: Seto Kaiba, her employer no less, had carried her to bed and slept through the night with her in it. A dream come true for most other girls, she was sure of. Of course, she was grateful to have a much softer place to have slept in, but still…with Seto Kaiba!

And Skye could have sworn also that she felt a very warm presence wrapped around her while she slept, a very firm and powerful arm keeping her there. She splashed another handful of water on her face. Don't be ridiculous! She thought.

Once she had completed brushing her teeth and brushing her hair, Skye returned to find that breakfast had already been delivered to the suite. Her mouth watered at the sight: a full English breakfast, a continental breakfast, fruit, yoghurt, the works. At least she could say this for Seto - he knew how to dine!

"The breakfast won't eat itself, you know." Seto said gruffly, already taking his full plate to the living room.

Not needing to be told twice, Skye selected a mixture of the English breakfast and the continental, keen to try as many things that the hotel could offer. She took a sneaky bite of a grape and savoured the slight tang of sour followed by sweetness. Then she followed Seto into the living room and found him sat at the table, newspaper in hand already. She had to bite her lip from grinning, for the scene reminded her of the old men she used to see in hotels with their breakfast and morning papers to read. Seto really was an old man in some ways before his time.

Seating herself opposite the table, Skye quietly tucked into her breakfast, her eyes occasionally wandering to the windows and looking out New York, beautiful and dusky in the autumn sunrise.

Daydreaming again? Seto looked at the young woman across from him and nearly shook his head in amusement himself. It was any wonder she wanted to become a teacher. How did she manage to summon the focus when she needed, if otherwise she was off in her own world?

"I presume you already have this in order, but I must ask: have you appropriate attire for this evening?" He asked after a few more moments of silence.

Breaking out of her thoughts with surprise at how - politely he had addressed her, Skye looked at him and replied, "Yes, I do, thank you."

"Good."

Another silence.

"I'm assuming you have some work to complete today?" Skye asked, aware that she might be in receipt of a sarcastic response. The price you pay for making small talk, if you will.

"Always."

"Hm." Skye pondered a little more. "If I am not required until later, I was going to visit the Guggenheim. I hear they have a new exhibition."

"A little standard for New York."

"Then I suppose you have a better idea for a New York experience?"

"Have you been to Bathesda Terrace?"

Skye searched her memories for a moment and then shook her head. "No."

"I suggest that then." Seto then folded his paper and slapped it on the table.

"Any reason why Bathesda Terrace?"

"It's peaceful and a good place for you to read a book."

Skye smiled a little and finished her breakfast. As she went to go and get ready, Seto asked, "Where are you going?"

Without turning back so as to hide her smile, Skye said, "Bathesda Terrace, with a copy of Pride and Prejudice."

When she left to occupy the bathroom, Seto finished his own breakfast in silence. He couldn't help feeling a little envious that he couldn't join her. Reading a classic like Jane Austen or anything of that sort, on a bright autumn morning with only a quiet woman for company, sounded like a far more interesting spend of a day than paperwork.

Seto and Skye went about their business as normal that day, or if anything, in a strange kind of harmony. Later that afternoon, when Skye returned from a wonderful morning of reading and lunch at Central Park, she did her paperwork for the pupils on the floor, while he sat on the bed typing furiously fast on his laptop. Both enjoyed each other's silence.

But soon enough it was time for the two to get ready for the official opening of the orphanage. Seto looked over to where Skye was fumbling through her belongings, occasionally pulling at her hair and clothes in mild stress.

"I will use the bathroom first, as you clearly need more time to decide what to wear out of little belongings you have brought." He grunted, taking his toiletries from the bedside. Skye continued her business as though she had not heard him. He shrugged and continued.

As he showered, Seto ran through the plans to showcase the orphanage. Naturally, he was required to give a speech, though he hated addressing the public. The lot of them were sheep and only served to soak up some hyperbole before writing sponsorship cheques. It was a rotten truth that the rich had to be persuaded to part with their money using a sob story, but if anyone could rinse them as much as he could, it was Seto Kaiba.

The shampoo bottle slipped from his grasp when he wondered if he could as Skye to write his speech. She was undoubtedly eloquent, an English teacher to boot, so why not? He thought about taking a step further and getting her to make the speech, but he sensed that her nerves would get the better of her. Was it worth a botched job, just because he was feeling a little lazy?

The choice wasn't a difficult one. He would have to suffer the public speaking, because he would not sacrifice the image of the company by hoping that Skye could do a good job. Seto switched off the water and grabbed his towel. Once he was dry, he wrapped his towel around his hips. Now to the next stage of getting ready.

He opened the door of the bathroom, but then halted in surprise. Skye stood patiently in nothing but a dressing gown. This was worse than the night before for Seto. He spent the evening trying to avoid looking at her in a way that was undressing her. Now here she stood, in much less and with the front of her dressing gown slightly gaping. If anymore space was made, he would have a good view of her breasts, which if it came to it, he would not find an unpleasant sight, he was sure.

"So you've finally gotten yourself organised." Seto finally spoke, smirking to cover up the fact that her lack of dress was having an effect.

Skye met his gaze irritably. "If the bathroom is now free, thank you." She ground out, snarky and furious with his comment before. Then she pushed past Seto and shut the door firmly behind her. Seto chuckled and dropped his towel on the bed.

Half an hour went. Seto stood in front of the mirror with his bowtie in hand, pleased with his final appearance. He wasn't really interested in what everyone thought of him, except when he wanted to inspire certain feelings to remember him by. He also took pride in how he presented himself at the very least as well. Attractive? Yes. Powerful? Undoubtedly. Intimidating? Always. And that was what he wanted people to see when they clapped eyes on him.

Seto heard the bathroom door creak and he turned to make yet another teasing comment at Skye. He had quite enjoyed seeing her eyes flash with annoyance. It set those green forests alight. But when he saw her, he quite forgot what he wanted to say.

No, Skye had not transformed herself as most women managed to do when the occasion called. She had simply taken whatever she had to her being and brought it to the surface in a way that made her glow. Her dark hair sat in a bun, with a few scattered curls about her shoulders, making her heart shaped face look dainty. The dress she wore was chiffon and floor length, accentuated at her trim waist, sleeveless, and a lush shade of Irish green.

"I wouldn't have taken you to be so proud of your roots, Miss McLaughlin."

Skye smiled slightly.

"I wasn't aware that my attire nailed my affinities so clearly to the mast." She walked over to where Seto stood and took his bowtie from his hand.

"And what are you doing?" Seto narrowed his eyes, surprised and disarmed by the simple action.

"Bowties don't suit you." Skye stated simply, taking a spare red tie from his supplies. "A sharp tie is the maker of any man."

"Is it now?" Seto raised an amused eyebrow, consenting hesitantly to her gently pulling up his collar and fastening the tie to his neck.

"Absolutely, especially if one is interested in catching a lady. Properly suited men are a common weakness."

"Then what about you, Miss McLaughlin? Are you not a puddle before me?" Said Seto, a smirk on his lips as he allowed his flirtatious side to come into play. He couldn't help it. He liked women he could engage with in witty conversation.

Skye did not falter and looked at him frankly. "I prefer suited men without ties."

Seto was surprised "Without?"

"I like to see a hint of what I'm buying." Skye pulled done his shirt collar, lightly dusting his shoulders as she did so. "All done."

It was an effort for Seto not to smile. Just as he thought he had managed to probe her for a weakness, it had in fact turned into another moment of flirting with each other. And Skye for her part looked like she was enjoying it was well, the enjoyment more evident than last night.

"Well, Miss McLaughlin. I can't say I disagree." Seto bent his face close to hers, breathing in her hibiscus scent while his hand went reaching around the back of her head to release her hair from the bun she had set it in. "I too like to take a look at what I'm buying before I make my investment."

In an instant, Skye's dark hair was a stunning mass of waves past her shoulders, the fashion of it slightly messy but no less beautiful. She refused to blush at the attention Seto was giving her, as flattering and pleasant as it was.

"Shall we?" Skye said, cringing slightly when her voice came out a little breathless. Seto continued to smirk, and out of habit he offered her his arm. She took it gently, careful not to come too close into contact with him. The two left the room together without another word, both hesitant to continue such a playful exchange, mindful that were still employer and employee about to represent Kaiba Corp. to hundreds of potential sponsors and charities, and then there was trepidation also. Would tonight be a plain sailing one?

Then Seto remembered the pinnacle of the evening. He whispered in Skye's ear, "I need you to write my speech."

It was a good thing that Seto was her employer and that she was required to look calm and controlled, because otherwise, Skye wanted to run for the hills. How the fucking hell did he expect her to write a decent speech with only half an hour to go before the event he required it for?!

This chapter was a little trickier to manoeuvre around, I must admit. Finding the balance between two adults being somewhat attracted to one another, and then not having Seto come too out of character is a careful business. I hope he seemed realistic enough in this exchange. Having said that, I always remember watching him the TV series and he was always just that little softer with the female characters than he was with the male ones, so it made sense that he's (for lack of a better word) kinder to Skye and the other girls, who will come into play at some stage soon.

Now for the gala itself next chapter, a function that no doubt will leave memories for Seto and Skye. Stay tuned.

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