Disclaimer: Uh, I'm not feeling all too creative so… I don't own YuGiOh.

Mokuba's Scheme

Chapter 6

Seto Kaiba was in a foul mood, more so than usual, and even Mokuba was tempted to steer clear…until he discovered the reason behind his big brother's irritability; the annual gaming conference.

"You have to go, Seto," Mokuba said. "The biggest names in the industry will be there and it's your chance to scout the competition's progress."

"I despise parties," Seto growled as he pounded on his laptop.

Mokuba picked up the fancy invitation scribed to Mr. Kaiba and guest. A wicked thought crossed the youth's mind. Putting on his best innocent expression, he gazed up at his brother.

"You should take Ari."

Seto's fingers halted and he looked up startled. "What?"

"She may have been working with fiber-optics before, but she knows more about the gaming community then she lets on. Being in that environment might open her up," and she might learn to like you. At least he hoped.

Seto mulled the idea in his head. Being around some of her former colleagues may upset her defenses. The public eye will see she works for me now… and Joko Omaka will be there. That will make for an interesting evening if nothing else.

He depressed the intercom button thoughtfully. "Marie. Come in here and bring a notepad."

He looks way too pleased with himself.

"What are you up to," Ari asked warily of the grinning boy entering her office.

"Come on. We're going shopping."

"Shopping?" she asked .

Mokuba took her hand and pulled her up. "That's right. For the conference!"

"What conference," she demanded as he dragged her into the elevator.

"You're going to the annual gaming dinner conference on Saturday with Seto."

"Whoa!" She pulled her hand out of his grasp and put it on her hip. "This stinks of a set up."

Mokuba's blue-violet eyes were big and innocent. "He thinks you'll enjoy it!"

Ari's laughter came out more like a snort. "You can't fool me with that puppy dog act, Mokuba Kaiba! Be straight with me!"

He sighed helplessly. "I convinced him you would be a good choice to take because you know a lot of the people. They might tell you things they would never mention to him."

She regarded him with affectionate amusement. "And why did you do that?"

"Because I think you deserve a night out, a break from the routine. You've been so unhappy working at Kaiba Corp." He dropped his head and her heart nearly shattered.

"Oh, Moki, please don't do that. I'll go, if that's what you want. You're just too sweet sometimes I can't help being suspicious."

"Great!" he exclaimed. Grabbing her hand again, he pulled her out of the elevator. His swift change in mood left her speechlessly obedient.

"Why do we have to go shopping? I have clothes for a conference."

Mokuba pushed her into the limo and gave his orders to the driver. A mini Seto Kaiba, she thought wryly. Just taking charge of my life.

"It's not just any conference, Ari," he said. "This is a grand affair, a chance for the big wigs to flaunt their success. Seto really hates it."

"Something we agree on," she muttered.

Mokuba grinned. "Seto said to make sure you're prepared, so we'll get you something really nice."

"Yeesh. He didn't even ask me if I wanted to do this." He just assumed I would, that I have to…and I do, don't I?

"Call it employee obligation. It comes with the job," Mokuba offered as if he knew what she was thinking.

I'm pretty sure this wasn't in the contract, she thought sullenly.

"Here we are!" Mokuba jumped out before the driver could get out and open the door.

"Oh, Mokuba, this place is way too expensive," she whispered. I didn't shop here even when I had the money.

"It's all on Kaiba Corp, for work, remember?" he said, dragging her towards the door.

Ari was uncomfortable with the attention she received the minute she stepped in the door, constantly berating herself with the reminder that it was for work and that "devil Kaiba."

"Something in blue," Mokuba suggested. "To match your eyes."

People scattered like bees and returned with every shade of blue in her size the store owned. Ignoring the price tags best she could, she tried every dress on at Mokuba's insistence until one left him speechless.

The pale blue silk gown was modestly cut with the short ruffled sleeves just barely draping over the round of her shoulders. The hem flared and danced softly about her ankles as she moved.

"Well, say something. You're making me nervous!"

Mokuba grinned. "You look like moonlight."

Ari frowned skeptically and turned towards her reflection. Her expression froze as she stared at herself. Even the slightest movement sent ripples of silver blue through the length of the material, like moonlight on water. This is going to draw way too much attention.

"Do you have something less conspicuous," she asked the saleswoman who stared at her like she was a blathering idiot.

Mokuba's eyes got big. "You have to get this one, Ari. It's perfect!"

"Oh, don't look at me like that," she warned.

"We'll take it," he told the saleswoman. "Sign it to Kaiba Corp's account.

"Yes, Mr. Kaiba."

Ari sighed. These Kaiba brothers are too much for one girl to handle.

"Your brother has an account here?" she asked suddenly.

"Well, these things usually require him to bring a guest. Hurry up and change. I'm starved."

Why is that disturbing? Kaiba does what he wants with who he wants. For a moment I allowed myself to be flattered that he would spend this kind of money on me…this gorgeous dress… Ari, you are a stupid fool. The brothers are night and day. Don't ever forget that!

There was an hour of silent warring before she came to a firm decision. The beautiful dress hanging on the closet door seemed to taunt her as she sat on her bed and stared at it. Ari wagered with the possibility of bagging the conference. It had dawned on her that there were going to be a whole lot of people who knew her at this affair. Kaska had taken her to many conferences but now she would be attending on the arm of Kaiba, which made her sensitive stomach unusually jumpy.

Mokuba's intentions are sweet, but Kaiba wouldn't have agreed to this unless there was something in it for him. What does he have up his sleeve? More domineering humiliation no doubt, parading me around like a trophy. She grimaced at the thought. It would have to be severely worthwhile, to force him into the spotlight.

But if I don't go, I will have to face him with an explanation later. She cringed at the vision of possibility. I suppose there are worse things than spending an evening in public with Seto Kaiba…though I can't think of any right now.

Even as she argued with herself, she dressed. It's a woman's unconscious prerogative to turn heads in public. Ari knew she was plain and simple, but the fine feathers always turned a duck into a swan. The finished product impressed even her. Only on rare occasions did she wear the length of her hair down, and this was one of them.

Clipping only a few pieces away from her face with a blue jeweled clip, her golden brown hair fell in soft curling waves over and below her shoulders. It had the satisfying effect of removing the childish air that usually favored her.

I wonder if Kaiba ever gets unnerved by a pretty girl. He seems too distant to be affected, and I can't exactly say I'm pretty. But I just may draw as many looks as he does tonight.

She took a deep breath and steadied her nerves even as a polite rapping sounded on her door.

"Let's get this over with," she muttered. She grabbed her small purse and reached for the door.

Thanks to all my phenomenal, spectacular, wonderful, fabulous, marvelous, (and at times) kooky reviewers!