Disclaimer- I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh.
Lust, Love and VengeanceSeto Kaiba- 25 Takara Kaiba- 25 Serena, Yugi etc- 24 Mokuba & Rebecca- 20
A big thanks to everyone who reviewed or even read my previous chapter, love you all!!
Freakster- Come on, I really can't write THAT much, I really do try to make the chapters as long as I can, but then it sounds like I'm just dragging on cause when they're long I seem to lose my readers and my writing touch. You just keeping thinking Serena, because my lips are sealed.
Blue Dragon99- I'm not trying to trick you, it's just my storyline, it's everything I have planned for the future. This chappie it dedicated on behalf of you. You just keep thinking Takara…lolz.
Josie- It was sad about Bakura and how Serena left him, hopefully him and Serena will be able to put aside the past and continue on with friendship.
Onto the new chapter, hopefully it's to everyone's liking! (Don't mind my French, it's not my strong point)
Chapter 8: Gradual Insights
---
From: Kisho Tsunami
Sent: May 10th, 2004 5:39:58 AM
To: Unknown
Subject: RE: Reprisal
Message: There is only one more password to acquire and just selected individuals who are very close to the CEO to bribe, everyone else is against my good for nothing swine of a nephew. Bribing employees with large sums of money to tell us passwords of the different sections of the main computer was brilliance love, simply marvellous. Meet me today, at Café Bleu De Feu at lunch hour; I pine for you till then.
-
She stared at the e-mail stunned at what was written before her. Today…for lunch…in public? How? It was just purely out of the question, if anyone she knew were to pass by and see them their entire plan would be ruined- something they had both worked over for so long, was he drunk or was the oh so adjacent aroma of triumph getting to him. Well someone had to adjust him to the right mind. She placed her slender fingers over the keyboard and began to type a reply; her new ring shimmered at the small amount of light that came from the dimmed table lamp, her lips curved up into an evil smirk. Maybe just maybe she could get herself there with just a bit help from the enemy…
---
Lazily, Serena toiled over the new contracts that had been sent by companies all over the world wanting to unite with Kaiba Corp. She read over them idly trying to consider which ones Kaiba would assume are worth glancing at.
'Kaiba. Always thinking how much better he is than everyone else, Mr. High and Almighty. This just makes me sick, has he ever treated anyone working for him as an equal? Sure he talks to me like a regular human being but he can't but help throw in that insult that just spoils your complete day.'
Hostility would be a main sense of thinking that had misted Serena's mind for the past few days; bitterness towards her haughty friend/ boss would seem to cloud her thoughts. She wasn't the hard working, passionate person she had once been, now she was deep in thought, trying to find answer for questions that had plagued the greatest minds and philosophers, she would venture off and wouldn't be able to keep her mind on her work. Something about that night had changed her. Realizations were made.
'Maybe I'm just reacting to the regret of Bakura's proposal, but it should be something I'm proud of, I saved myself from having to live with deceit and Bakura as well. But why the resentment?'
"Deep in thought, are we yet again pondering life's unanswered questions?" Akeno's voice brought her back from her intense contemplation.
She smiled at him sweetly and turned away. "Well you know me, dazing out a bit."
"You really surprised me with your phone call a few nights ago," he leaned in close to her so his breath would stimulate her senses. "I anticipate your sensual body till our next meeting tomorrow." His impatient lips lay upon her soft skin; scorching fire touched the cool ice causing it to melt and become unprotected against the sultry wanting of passion.
His skilled tongue trailed across the velvety skin of her neck; small moans of pleasure escaped her mouth, which impelled him to further her bliss. His lips moved as if he had practised abilities of a fully qualified seducer. He stopped and appreciated the intoxicated look in her eyes, which soon turned to more wanting.
"Just a small preview of the big things I plan on introducing you to," his voice was warm and serious with a touch of seduction. Serena sat upon the soft leather of her chair with the cool air flickering in through her window; upon her lips played a smile and a light-headed expression in her eyes. "I'll see you soon," Akeno smirked sexily and sauntered out of her office.
Serena sat still for a moment before she gradually turned her head around to the clock that hung upon her wall. 11:52 am. Slowly the ticking noise became louder and louder, the minutes seemed to go backwards she watched the second hand linger upon the watch. Her break was at 12:30 pm she couldn't wait that long. Her work was undone and her once so arranged area had become as messy as the hair on a specific CEO when had worked for 24-hours straight.
"I need coffee," she murmured to herself, she gathered up a few documents and made her way to the lounging café. She took a table all to herself and relished the taste of her mocha. "Oh god what am I going to do?" She asked herself helplessly, so many things on her mind, time drew nearer although she wanted to wait it out there was nothing she could do to avoid the inevitable.
Serena slowly sipped her coffee as her gaze began to wander around the room; a group of employees caught her stare. They were so closely huddled together, but that wasn't it, their faces so suspicious and grim; something had been haunting them or something had just made their lives. She had noticed many other radical alterations in the corporation's employees, they were so restrained, their faces so blank but not all were. Some held malicious grins upon their faces, as if a significant scheme had just been completed.
How far were these bribes going?
She looked down at her watch and gasped 12:29pm. Freedom! She hastily grabbed her things and rushed away, not taking heed to the man before her.
"Watch where you go," Kaiba's deep voice sneered as Serena's papers fell to the ground. Serena sent him an icy glare and bent down to pick up her loose papers.
"You're such a kind gentleman but no, I don't need your help," Serena said in mock rejection.
Kaiba mumbled a few curses before bowing downwards and helping her; his hand slowly extended out towards the diagram that possessed the latest stocks and sales. She gasped as in lingered in the direction of her dismissal, her hand speedily raced to the article and seized it just as his hand missed it.
"Well thank you for you um…assistance," Serena said straining the final word. Kaiba stared fiercely at her before swiftly turning away and leaving. The light in Serena's mind quickly flickered on. "Kaiba," she called after him, he stopped but refused to turn around.
"I don't need anymore of your ridiculing attitude Ishtar, I could fire you on the spot but why not prolong my fun?" He began to walk away again.
"Um…sir could I ask a favour?" Serena unsurely asked. Kaiba stopped as his superior stance switched on, he turned around and smirked so conceitedly it made Serena's blood boil and rethink her question, but it was too late.
"What could you possibly want from me?" He leered; Serena shuddered while she continued.
"I need a ride."
"To…?"
"Café Bleu De Feu," Serena uttered uncertain if it was correct to ask him of all people.
"Fine."
Serena's jaw line almost touched the ground; he agreed.
"Only because I am suppose to take Takara there," he stated, he twisted around and treaded towards the garage.
'So it wasn't an act of kindness and more of a 'I'm going so I'll take you' kind of thing but at least I'm getting there some how and he's slowly, very slowly changing his way of behaving.'
Serena thought as she scurried to get closer to him but then stopped. 'Kaiba… is… going… to…be…at…Café Bleu De Feu…Oh shit.' She thought attempting to keep the smile genuine upon her apprehensive face.
---
Serena lengthily drank her cool ice tea she finally calmed down; the sun's stifling heat could still be felt underneath the roof of the outdoor patio. She patiently sat in the heat alone, waiting.
Café Bleu De Feu was a very popular gathering area among older teenagers and adults. Inside the walls were painted with extravagant blue flames (living up to its name), it gave a burning fire appeal with the relaxing, coolness of ice. Outside in the front was a large wooden patio with stylistic white tables and chairs plus large yellow sun umbrella and in the middle was each table rested a single golden daffodil.
'He should be here by now; I know he has work to do but still, how long does he really think I'll wait? For awhile, I can't believe our first official date, no more on the sly meetings, just out in the open enjoying ourselves.'
'Although I'm still not sure about this.' Serena turned her head side to side, trying to catch a glance of anyone she might know.
Two hands suddenly clasped her shoulders, making Serena nearly suffocate on the gulp of her beverage she just happened to take; she slowly curved her head around to come face to face with the sapphire eyes she wished weren't there.
"Oh, don't be so shocked by my presence, no one's here to comment on the fact you're having lunch with me, so relax." Kisho said as he sat down in front of her, for some odd reason her body tension decreased and she easily became casual once again. Kisho's gaze drifted around at Serena who was apparently was trying very hard to keep her eyes off him; he then noticed the ring upon her finger and smirked. "Engaged are we?" Kisho alleged.
"Us? No not us, I mean how could we…us?" Serena stammered not quite understanding what Kisho meant.
"Are you engaged?" Kisho asked again so the agitated lady could comprehend.
"Me? No, my boyfriend proposed and I broke up with him but he told me to keep the ring." Serena stared at the precious gemstone upon her finger- it glimmered brilliantly in the bright sunshine.
Serena snuck brief glimpses at the gateway entrance rather than staring at her company; her cell phone rang abruptly just as Kaiba and Takara entered the Café.
"Seto it's so beautiful here," Takara exclaimed; she wore a sunshine yellow transparent top with a long russet skirt.
"Serena introduced me to this place," Kaiba explained looking for a table.
"Oh look it's Serena and Kisho," Takara said as she made her way to their table.
"What is she doing here with him?" Kaiba sneered while he followed his wife.
"Hello," Serena greeted, trying to keep her voice low and her head down.
"Hello Beautiful."
"Akeno?" Her head shot up just as Kisho started to listen in.
"Sorry I can't make it baby, I have some reports to finish," Akeno explained.
"You make me wait this long and you think to call now?" Serena heatedly asked.
"I'll make it up darling don't worry." He disconnected.
"The nerve," Serena muttered as she put her phone away.
"Boyfriend?" Kisho asked.
"Well-"
"How strange to see you two here," Takara interrupted while she took a sit.
"Very," Kaiba murmured, glaring at Serena.
"Well Kisho…um…decided to be my…um company," Serena explained stuttering a bit.
"Well I think we should order, how about drinks on me. Garcon!" Kisho called to the waiter.
"I'll have a Martini," Kisho started. "And…" he gestured towards Serena.
"It's alright-"
"I insist," Kisho persisted.
"Why not you are together," Kaiba mumbled leeringly.
"I'll have a Shirley Temple," Serena said glancing briefly at the wine selection, and then sent dagger eyes at Kaiba.
"A Virgin Mary for me," Takara directed.
"And my son?" Kisho asked with a smile.
"A Wine Spritzer," Kaiba dully instructed, shuddering slightly at the 'son' comment.
The meal was had with a small amount of chatter, the patter of the utensils hitting the plates was the predominant sound. Kaiba glared at Serena throughout the whole meal, sending chills up her spine, but she returned the icy stares back. After all it really wasn't her fault he was here, she was supposed to be here with Akeno, which probably would have the same results.
"Excuse me, I just need to go freshen up," Kisho politely requested as he walked away into the restaurant.
"Oh god," Takara whispered as a piece of pasta fell upon her skirt. "I'll be right back," she uttered while running into the restaurant.
'No, no, don't leave me here with him.' Serena mentally kicked herself for ever coming.
"Now that we have a chance to talk," Kaiba's business voice kicked in as he rested his head upon his hands. "What are you doing here with him?"
"He…I…he just sat down here," Serena clarified.
"A likely story," Kaiba smirked.
"But I intended to be here with someone else!" Serena yelled, becoming relatively frustrated with the CEO.
"Oh really? Who?" Kaiba said not fazed at the least.
'Oh crap what have I gotten myself into now.'
"If you must know, Akeno and I were going to discuss some things," Serena replied in the utmost business manner possible for her.
"Whatever," Kaiba responded giving into her story. "Just be sure to be at the mansion by 6."
"When are you taking Takara out?"
"5:30-ish," he answered.
"Alright."
---
"Joey hurry up with those balloons," Serena commanded as she ran around with a bunch of streamers.
"I can't believe Kaiba actually thought of giving Takara a surprise party, I mean it's Kaiba!" Tea exclaimed.
"Looks like mean ole' Kaiba is really a big softie at heart," Duke joked, putting up the blown up balloons.
"Riiiiiiiiiiiight, Kaiba? Sure," Joey said all out of breath.
"Well did anyone besides me have a hard time finding Takara a present?" Mai asked putting the candles on the cake.
"What do you get a woman who has everything?" Bakura added.
"Well at least she's not like Kaiba who'll rag about our presents," Duke said.
"He'll do that after we leave as courtesy to Takara," Yugi teased.
"Bawoons!" Aaron shouted as the fifteenth balloon popped.
Aiko screamed while she ran into Tea's arms, Aaron laughed hysterically at the scared little girl.
"Aaron it's not nice to scar people," Mai told her little son.
"Girls have cooties," Aaron frowned.
"Bwoys are icky and smell funny," Akio retorted.
Serena smiled at the children's youthfulness, no worries, nothing in life could bring you down and everyday was an adventure; what she would give to be like them again. She silently stole fleeting looks at Bakura and he did the same, both knew what they were doing but neither commented on it. Everyone was aware of their break-up but not a soul remarked on it.
"Um…Bakura could you please pass me that roll of tape?" Serena requested.
"Sure…" he replied reaching over to it. His hand suddenly grazed alongside her leg; she breathed in deeply not wanting any unwanted feelings to become apparent.
"You guys, Seto's back!" Mokuba exclaimed, turning off all the lights while the midnight blue convertible drove in.
"Scway," Aiko said grasping her daddy.
"Ssshhh, they're coming."
"You think Kaiba's gonna get laid cause of our work?"
"Shut up Duke!"
"Ow Joey, that's my foot."
"My bad."
"Ssshhh!"
"Seto that was so beautiful; those wild flowers and waterfalls. I never knew you could be so romantic," Takara slyly said pulling Kaiba's tie closer to her.
Duke, Joey and Mokuba sniggered softly while everyone else struggled to choke back their laughter. Kaiba glared into the dark sensing the people there.
"Well…" Kaiba flicked on the light.
"SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Everyone yelled in unison, even Kaiba joined in.
"Seto…everyone…I…oh my god!" Takara said running to the middle of the room so everyone could wish her well and embrace her.
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you…" Mai and Tea started as they wheeled in a superbly decorated cake. "Happy Birthday dear Takara, Happy Birthday to you…"
She blew out the brightly lit candles upon her exquisite cake, just doing so peculiarly every light in the entire Kaiba Mansion vanished.
"What the hell…?" Joey said looking around bizarrely. "Moneybags, what's wrong with ya electricity?"
"Shut it Wheeler," Kaiba angrily stated.
"Let's go down to the basement to see what's wrong with the fuse box," Yugi sensibly suggested.
"Is that smart in the dark?" Duke asked not wanting to ruin his movie star good looks.
"We have no other option," Bakura said as they all began to walk towards the basement.
"You women stay here, and scream if something pops out," Mokuba playfully said while following the others.
"Mokuba Kaiba I would hit you if I knew which one you were," Rebecca threatened.
"Mommy I'm scawed," Aaron stated clutching Mai.
"Now who's the baby?" Aiko mocked.
Suddenly something was knocked over, a person cursed and stumbled upon something else; shudders were shared between people as a gasp went up.
"Maybe it was one of them crashing into something," Serena said referring to their husbands.
"I'll go see," Serena proposed as she moved forth.
"Auntie Swena be careful," Aiko cautioned.
"Don't worry honey I'll be right back," Serena soothed.
Serena wandered quietly in the darkened Mansion, everything seemed much different in the estate then she was so used to. Abruptly, in mid-motion she stopped, Serena felt the cool breath of a man tickle her neck, he wrapped his arms around her waist and cradled her.
"I'm sorry we didn't get to spend as much time together as you wanted to today love," the man whispered into her ear. "But don't worry after it's over we'll have all the time in the world."
She felt him lay his lips upon her neck and kissed it gently, his tongue made circles around her neck; Serena-scared out of her wits tried to find her voice to call for help but nothing surfaced. So caught up in ardour he did not sense her anxiousness.
"Happy Birthday love…"