This is it. The moment you've all been waiting for. The last chapter, where
we'll finally see whether Kaiba finds true love or totally blows it like a
complete fool. Isn't it exciting? I think so. Anyway, I have a little more
to say after this chapter, so although it looks like the story continues
for another chappie, it's just me blathering on. You can skip it if you
like, but I'd prefer you all to take a peek. Okay?
The reviewers, for the last time. . .
Ieyre: You know, I never considered doing a sequel. Although now that I think about it, it might be amusing. If I ever find the time. Kaiba's a gem, isn't he? And so is Pegasus. They're all so fun to write!
Angelhokaku: *puts on bulletproof vest* Don't worry, this update's pretty quick for me! And do I really want to associate with pink fuzzy elephants and almonds? Don't go around talking about Seto being so hot--Ishizu will murder you! ^_^ *reads end of review* Yahh! Not the puppy eyes!
Sekhmet: Thanks! I usually find it difficult to keep people in character, but oddly enough, not this fic. Which description of Pegasus' eye did you like? I kinda forget. . .
Yggdrasil's 3rd Root/Amber: I had a feeling you'd like this chapter! I think Pegasus is a more complex character than people give him credit, and writing people with many sides to their character is always fun. Plus I've been reading the posts you lot put at YSRMB, as well as Kabuki, SW, and your fics, which has greatly influenced my thinking.
You know, now that you mention it, I remember putting a little side note about Marik in the epilogue. If I write a sequel to this, the scenes between Kaiba and Marik will be ~SO~ much fun to write. And I'm-a going, I'm-a going!
Aya Mikage: Well, Kaiba can be a bit of a spoiled brat, don't you think? What with his single-minded (read: thick) obsession with the Egyptian God Cards and behaving like a whiny child when he doesn't get them. . .
But I was looking forward to this vacation! And as for my plans, check out the next "chapter."
Mirellianth: Wow, I single-handedly managed to convince someone that Kaiba and Ishizu made a good pair? I'm glad you like this!
Setine: Thank you. That's the most succinct review I've gotten for a long time--not that it's a bad thing, mind you.
Claire: Look everyone! Somebody here is actually patient and not threatening me with bodily harm! But I was planning on putting this chapter up before I left anyway.
FireBishoujo: You might want to tone down your checking a little--I typically go for three to five days between updates, and since I'm going on vacation, it'll be a little longer. But to hear you say all this is extremely flattering! A great ego trip, if I do say so myself!
Midnight Raven*Soaring Angel: Aw, c'mon! Can't you see Pegasus being a matchmaker as a sneaky way to annoy Kaiba-boy? I can! And I have a twisted sense of humour too. I just can't see myself laughing at the gooey bits, that's all. *shrugs* Whatever floats yer boat.
Chasity31: . . .You ~do~ know there's one chapter left, don't you? I didn't want to drive my readers batty waiting three weeks for the last part. As for my other stories, check the next "chapter" to see what's in the works.
DarkLight: Exactly! Except I found the time to squeak in one last chapter, so that'll make everyone happy. I had it pre-written, but I needed to take time away from vacation preparations (hey, that rhymed) to post it.
ChildofMidnight: *blushes* But you. . .want. . .to get flamed. . .? Why? I can give you a very lovely flame if you want. And I don't care if you say the same thing over and over. I love hearing from people (unlike our stubborn hero)!
LiLianJieGurl (x2): I hadn't thought about a sequel until several people (like you) suggested it, actually. Now, as the idea bounces around my skull, I'm warming up to it. Don't expect one for several months, though, as I've got seven or so fics currently on the go. And I don't know about the Japanese pronunciation. In the subtitled version, it's Isis, I know that. I'd have to see the katakana to be sure.
I'd love it if "they" made this fic into an episode of Yu-Gi-Oh (or several eppies)! Only I'd have to be very sure they did things the way ~I~ wanted!
Well, that's all. I'm very pleased to have known all of you (however briefly). Now, here's the last chapter of my fic. Enjoy!
~ * * * ~
As the chauffeur drove me over to Ishizu's house, I tried very hard not to think at all about what I was going to do. I honestly didn't want to-- otherwise, I might just prove Pegasus right and order the car to be turned around on the spot.
Somehow, I made it to her house with what little sanity I had left intact. I stepped out of the limo and gestured for the driver to leave. I slowly walked up to the door--as if I was facing my own imminent death--and then hesitantly knocked.
Ishizu answered rather quickly. She was wearing a cream dress that I had never seen before. I thought it looked lovely on her, which somewhat shocked me; I had never noticed clothing before.
Ishizu didn't seem very surprised to see me. "Kaiba, come in," was all she said. She turned and led me to a comfortable living room where she made a motion with her hands to indicate that I was to seat myself.
I did so, rather uncomfortably. I stared around her house for a bit until Ishizu broke the silence.
"Kaiba, whatever it is you came to say, spit it out. I'm sure you didn't get driven here just to admire the décor."
I scowled, then, remembering I was supposed to be declaring my undying love, tried to paste a smile on my face. I failed spectacularly. Opting for a neutral look instead, I began to look at her. "Ishizu. . ."
Then I met her eyes and halted completely. It hit me: all this time, I've been doing everything for the wrong reasons. The first time I kissed her, it was for Obelisk the Tormentor. Now I'm here to tell her I love her so I won't look like a chicken to Pegasus. I covered my face with my hands. How could she love me back if I've been such a moron?
"Kaiba, are you all right?" Ishizu inquired with concern.
I barely heard her. I don't deserve a woman like her, I thought despairingly. I'm surprised she's tolerated me as long as she has. She ought to have somebody better, anybody but me. I let out a soft groan at the idea of Ishizu with another man.
"Kaiba-Seto. . ." Ishizu sounded worried. She laid a hand on my shoulder, carefully and tenderly.
That one simple action made me think that perhaps. . . . I removed my hands and looked Ishizu right in the face.
"Ishizu, I came here today because of a dare. But that's not why I've stayed. This has been weighing on my mind for a long time, although I've never admitted it to myself until very recently. I love you, Ishizu Ishtar."
An expression of wonder flitted across Ishizu's face. She smiled radiantly. "I'm very glad to hear you say that, Seto, because. . .I love you, as well."
Our lips closed the small gap between us in a remarkably short period of time. This kiss was even better than the last--and first--time. Before, I had that God Card on my mind. Now, I could allow myself to concentrate on the beautiful sensations that the movement of our lips and tongues caused.
After a brief period of time, I ceased the kiss only to stand and scoop Ishizu into my arms. I had no idea where the bedroom was, but I was planning on finding it.
Ishizu easily guessed my intent as I paused outside several rooms, discontinuing the line of kisses I was industriously planting on her neck only to peer inside in search of something bed-like.
"Seto. . . ." She pushed my head away with a sigh. "This is too soon. We really haven't had time to get to know each other properly."
"That's okay; we can fix that in your bedroom," I answered.
"Seto!" She grinned. "You're such a randy teenager! But I also have been practicing the concept of abstinence until marriage, although" --she gave me a sideways glance through her long-lashed eyes-- "I might be persuaded otherwise, given the right amount of time. . ."
"Well, in that case I had better get started on that persuasion." Once again, his mouth descended onto mine.
* * *
There's really not much else to tell. Seto and I have been "going steady," as they say, for several months now. Both of us have agreed to be discreet with our relationship. Since Seto *does* happen to be the CEO of a major company, the gossip columns would love to report about him and I. They'd enjoy picking apart the difference between our ages even more. It's very rare that a fifteen-year-old male and a woman in her twenties date, and while I wouldn't recommend it to everybody, for Seto and I, it's working out just fine.
We haven't talked about our plans for the future, deciding to take things one day at a time. I don't know whether marriage is a possibility, but when I think of it, I'm not completely terrified, which is a good sign. The concept actually pleases me quite a bit, so you never know.
Seto and I have shared our two halves of the story and had a good chuckle over them. I especially found his "research" amusing, and am now appreciating the results of his studies every time we see each other.
Mokuba isn't at all resentful of the slight decline in attention he's been receiving from his big brother. Actually, I believe he's very happy for Seto. I also suspect that Seto has been staying up much too late to make up for KaibaCorp work that gets left undone because of the way he's been spending extra time with real people instead of computers, something I will have to modify in the future. . .
I don't know what my own little brother is going to think of this, considering his ideas about Seto Kaiba and his God Card. However, what he doesn't know won't hurt him, so I'm planning on putting off this particular bombshell until absolutely necessary.
And finally, Seto and I sent all the Funny Bunny comic books we could track down to Pegasus as a thank you gift for helping us destroy the walls of stubbornness we had constructed. Seto rather grumpily remarked that he probably owned a copy of every single manga ever printed, but I figured he wouldn't mind duplicates. I also drag Seto to visit him once in a while, and though at first he was barely civil, he's slowly--very slowly--warming to the man. I have hope that one day he'll begin to view Pegasus as an acquaintance, and maybe, if we're lucky, a friend.
~Fin.
~*~*~*~*~*
And that's it! For those of you who are interested, I've included a special note at the end, with thank yous, future plans, etc. Those who reviewed often might be interested. . .
The reviewers, for the last time. . .
Ieyre: You know, I never considered doing a sequel. Although now that I think about it, it might be amusing. If I ever find the time. Kaiba's a gem, isn't he? And so is Pegasus. They're all so fun to write!
Angelhokaku: *puts on bulletproof vest* Don't worry, this update's pretty quick for me! And do I really want to associate with pink fuzzy elephants and almonds? Don't go around talking about Seto being so hot--Ishizu will murder you! ^_^ *reads end of review* Yahh! Not the puppy eyes!
Sekhmet: Thanks! I usually find it difficult to keep people in character, but oddly enough, not this fic. Which description of Pegasus' eye did you like? I kinda forget. . .
Yggdrasil's 3rd Root/Amber: I had a feeling you'd like this chapter! I think Pegasus is a more complex character than people give him credit, and writing people with many sides to their character is always fun. Plus I've been reading the posts you lot put at YSRMB, as well as Kabuki, SW, and your fics, which has greatly influenced my thinking.
You know, now that you mention it, I remember putting a little side note about Marik in the epilogue. If I write a sequel to this, the scenes between Kaiba and Marik will be ~SO~ much fun to write. And I'm-a going, I'm-a going!
Aya Mikage: Well, Kaiba can be a bit of a spoiled brat, don't you think? What with his single-minded (read: thick) obsession with the Egyptian God Cards and behaving like a whiny child when he doesn't get them. . .
But I was looking forward to this vacation! And as for my plans, check out the next "chapter."
Mirellianth: Wow, I single-handedly managed to convince someone that Kaiba and Ishizu made a good pair? I'm glad you like this!
Setine: Thank you. That's the most succinct review I've gotten for a long time--not that it's a bad thing, mind you.
Claire: Look everyone! Somebody here is actually patient and not threatening me with bodily harm! But I was planning on putting this chapter up before I left anyway.
FireBishoujo: You might want to tone down your checking a little--I typically go for three to five days between updates, and since I'm going on vacation, it'll be a little longer. But to hear you say all this is extremely flattering! A great ego trip, if I do say so myself!
Midnight Raven*Soaring Angel: Aw, c'mon! Can't you see Pegasus being a matchmaker as a sneaky way to annoy Kaiba-boy? I can! And I have a twisted sense of humour too. I just can't see myself laughing at the gooey bits, that's all. *shrugs* Whatever floats yer boat.
Chasity31: . . .You ~do~ know there's one chapter left, don't you? I didn't want to drive my readers batty waiting three weeks for the last part. As for my other stories, check the next "chapter" to see what's in the works.
DarkLight: Exactly! Except I found the time to squeak in one last chapter, so that'll make everyone happy. I had it pre-written, but I needed to take time away from vacation preparations (hey, that rhymed) to post it.
ChildofMidnight: *blushes* But you. . .want. . .to get flamed. . .? Why? I can give you a very lovely flame if you want. And I don't care if you say the same thing over and over. I love hearing from people (unlike our stubborn hero)!
LiLianJieGurl (x2): I hadn't thought about a sequel until several people (like you) suggested it, actually. Now, as the idea bounces around my skull, I'm warming up to it. Don't expect one for several months, though, as I've got seven or so fics currently on the go. And I don't know about the Japanese pronunciation. In the subtitled version, it's Isis, I know that. I'd have to see the katakana to be sure.
I'd love it if "they" made this fic into an episode of Yu-Gi-Oh (or several eppies)! Only I'd have to be very sure they did things the way ~I~ wanted!
Well, that's all. I'm very pleased to have known all of you (however briefly). Now, here's the last chapter of my fic. Enjoy!
~ * * * ~
As the chauffeur drove me over to Ishizu's house, I tried very hard not to think at all about what I was going to do. I honestly didn't want to-- otherwise, I might just prove Pegasus right and order the car to be turned around on the spot.
Somehow, I made it to her house with what little sanity I had left intact. I stepped out of the limo and gestured for the driver to leave. I slowly walked up to the door--as if I was facing my own imminent death--and then hesitantly knocked.
Ishizu answered rather quickly. She was wearing a cream dress that I had never seen before. I thought it looked lovely on her, which somewhat shocked me; I had never noticed clothing before.
Ishizu didn't seem very surprised to see me. "Kaiba, come in," was all she said. She turned and led me to a comfortable living room where she made a motion with her hands to indicate that I was to seat myself.
I did so, rather uncomfortably. I stared around her house for a bit until Ishizu broke the silence.
"Kaiba, whatever it is you came to say, spit it out. I'm sure you didn't get driven here just to admire the décor."
I scowled, then, remembering I was supposed to be declaring my undying love, tried to paste a smile on my face. I failed spectacularly. Opting for a neutral look instead, I began to look at her. "Ishizu. . ."
Then I met her eyes and halted completely. It hit me: all this time, I've been doing everything for the wrong reasons. The first time I kissed her, it was for Obelisk the Tormentor. Now I'm here to tell her I love her so I won't look like a chicken to Pegasus. I covered my face with my hands. How could she love me back if I've been such a moron?
"Kaiba, are you all right?" Ishizu inquired with concern.
I barely heard her. I don't deserve a woman like her, I thought despairingly. I'm surprised she's tolerated me as long as she has. She ought to have somebody better, anybody but me. I let out a soft groan at the idea of Ishizu with another man.
"Kaiba-Seto. . ." Ishizu sounded worried. She laid a hand on my shoulder, carefully and tenderly.
That one simple action made me think that perhaps. . . . I removed my hands and looked Ishizu right in the face.
"Ishizu, I came here today because of a dare. But that's not why I've stayed. This has been weighing on my mind for a long time, although I've never admitted it to myself until very recently. I love you, Ishizu Ishtar."
An expression of wonder flitted across Ishizu's face. She smiled radiantly. "I'm very glad to hear you say that, Seto, because. . .I love you, as well."
Our lips closed the small gap between us in a remarkably short period of time. This kiss was even better than the last--and first--time. Before, I had that God Card on my mind. Now, I could allow myself to concentrate on the beautiful sensations that the movement of our lips and tongues caused.
After a brief period of time, I ceased the kiss only to stand and scoop Ishizu into my arms. I had no idea where the bedroom was, but I was planning on finding it.
Ishizu easily guessed my intent as I paused outside several rooms, discontinuing the line of kisses I was industriously planting on her neck only to peer inside in search of something bed-like.
"Seto. . . ." She pushed my head away with a sigh. "This is too soon. We really haven't had time to get to know each other properly."
"That's okay; we can fix that in your bedroom," I answered.
"Seto!" She grinned. "You're such a randy teenager! But I also have been practicing the concept of abstinence until marriage, although" --she gave me a sideways glance through her long-lashed eyes-- "I might be persuaded otherwise, given the right amount of time. . ."
"Well, in that case I had better get started on that persuasion." Once again, his mouth descended onto mine.
* * *
There's really not much else to tell. Seto and I have been "going steady," as they say, for several months now. Both of us have agreed to be discreet with our relationship. Since Seto *does* happen to be the CEO of a major company, the gossip columns would love to report about him and I. They'd enjoy picking apart the difference between our ages even more. It's very rare that a fifteen-year-old male and a woman in her twenties date, and while I wouldn't recommend it to everybody, for Seto and I, it's working out just fine.
We haven't talked about our plans for the future, deciding to take things one day at a time. I don't know whether marriage is a possibility, but when I think of it, I'm not completely terrified, which is a good sign. The concept actually pleases me quite a bit, so you never know.
Seto and I have shared our two halves of the story and had a good chuckle over them. I especially found his "research" amusing, and am now appreciating the results of his studies every time we see each other.
Mokuba isn't at all resentful of the slight decline in attention he's been receiving from his big brother. Actually, I believe he's very happy for Seto. I also suspect that Seto has been staying up much too late to make up for KaibaCorp work that gets left undone because of the way he's been spending extra time with real people instead of computers, something I will have to modify in the future. . .
I don't know what my own little brother is going to think of this, considering his ideas about Seto Kaiba and his God Card. However, what he doesn't know won't hurt him, so I'm planning on putting off this particular bombshell until absolutely necessary.
And finally, Seto and I sent all the Funny Bunny comic books we could track down to Pegasus as a thank you gift for helping us destroy the walls of stubbornness we had constructed. Seto rather grumpily remarked that he probably owned a copy of every single manga ever printed, but I figured he wouldn't mind duplicates. I also drag Seto to visit him once in a while, and though at first he was barely civil, he's slowly--very slowly--warming to the man. I have hope that one day he'll begin to view Pegasus as an acquaintance, and maybe, if we're lucky, a friend.
~Fin.
~*~*~*~*~*
And that's it! For those of you who are interested, I've included a special note at the end, with thank yous, future plans, etc. Those who reviewed often might be interested. . .
