Magnetisms

Disclaimer: Please...like I'll ever own anything like Yugioh.

Chapter 2

::Hopeful::

"W-what?" Serenity and Mokuba shouted in unison. I can't believe it. He's ... he's not falling for it?

Finally, after a long, waste of his time, he opened his laptop and entered passwords here and there— security purpose, of course.

"Honestly Mokuba, do you know that I am not to be fooled with?"

Serenity, pretending to be fused with anger, slammed her notepad at his desk and shouted back- supporting her trembling legs and beating heart.

"Kaiba! This is for extra-credit!" Her eyes began to shine all of a sudden. Don't tell me she's going to cry her heart out. "My English grade is a 97 and I would do anything for a perfect score! Anything . . ."

At the same time he scanned his new project, scrutinizing every angle and button of the new system. I have no time to help this girl! I don't care if she would get the perfect score award! So what? You get a 97! So be it! Cry me a river, cry me the Nile, cry all you want- you moronic pedophile!

There is nothing to gain from her stupid questioning. I will not allow myself to be sidetracked by some wannabe reporter.

"Big brother?" inquired Mokuba.

Looking strait at his brother, as well as ignoring the 'wannabe reporter', he slowly shook his head with a very disappointed smirk.

"I understand you want to raise that 'talk' again, but do you go as far as to ask for Wheeler's help?"

"Mister Kaiba—"

"Let me speak Wheeler." He shifted his cold eyes at her. "Regardless you've just set foot in my house, be aware you weren't supposed to in the first place."

Ouch, did he have to hit it to me that hard? Serenity could feel tears wanting to escape, but with all due respect, she will not be tempted to sound weak- especially not in front of Seto Kaiba.

She was right in front of him. The laptop was the only thing that set her and Kaiba apart. In the beginning, Mokuba was as cheery as a peach pie but now, he began to feel infuriated more and more by Serenity's lethal comments. One thing's for sure, Kaiba was winning this 'talk'. Serenity couldn't even provide proof! Whatever the case, he was hopeful. I mean, he always was and always will be— no matter if he lost a fight (considering this 'talk' is close to one)! Just like his big brother and dueling, he would keep his head high and try his best!

"Seto Kaiba," she began, ruthlessly not giving up at all. Act or not, she came here for a reason.

"Wheeler," he replied, almost spitting out the icky name. His eyes remained on the computer, but his mind was opened enough to hear whatever nonsense.

"You ruthless, inhumane, tyrant," she smoothed out. Anger seemed to boil her nerves, pulsating emotions hard to describe, however, she voiced out calmly but prominently.

"Is this what I write about you-- Harsh, self-absorbed, and cold? The man who sticks only for his all-time famous company, not sparing any time for himself or others for that matter! Behind the scenes, at home, his little brother begs him to live a little and smile more but he never listens! Maybe I should write: he bathes himself in moneybags and paperwork. Is that what you want, huh?" she paused, not wanting to make her anger comparable to Joey's.

"Nationwide, you are any idol among many. Your company, your duel disks, your every single work is placated with gold. Nationwide, you're the number one speculation to us girls. Magazines and books, you're everywhere! Nationwide, you can easily buy your way to things and/or propositions. People would do anything to read and learn about you! However, most unfortunate of all, nationwide, no one has ever known you. Magazines can make up any rumor in the book and make it so believable. Books can create stories so close to yours that anyone would crawl into their pockets and drug themselves with disloyal tales.

Truthfully, behind the real scenes, you never wanted anyone to know you. Mokuba is the only exception. Without him, you wouldn't be where you are today. Without him, you wouldn't have sacrificed so much. Without him, you wouldn't have turned so much of a monster." She paused again, working her words through his cold, hearted demeanor.

Baffled, that's it; the only word self-explainable for Kaiba (actually add that for the younger one too). No one, and I mean it, no one has ever talked to him this way! True, in the past he has been reminded of his cold ways but this girl . . . Wheeler, is the only one who, for the first time ever, came here determined and talked her way determined. In one way or another, it reminded him a little of himself. One famous example is his duels with Yugi Mutou, no matter how tough the fight is, he would never give up! Not like other girls, they would weep pathetically and ask for mercy (jobs, of course). Serenity Wheeler, -- the relation of the poor mutt, bearing no such resemblance to deformity, the one girl Mokuba had to find for assistance— could only be the first girl who actually . . . challenged him? It may not be a regular duel, but within a matter of minutes she poured out the very report I hoped she would write. What she said was in fact, true, truer in solemn swear! 'Interesting girl' rang through my head. Minutes ago I thought she would cry me a river! Now she's surfing waves! What a very interesting Wheeler I have.

Mokuba remained speechless. Eyes nearly popping out of their sockets, he mentally had confetti and cake to celebrate such a wonderful act! If this was a show, he would throw a dozen roses to his heroine. Oh, just thinking about this made him want to cry so badly!

Wow, did I just say that? My golly, I never knew I feel so . . . so passionate about this. It sounded as if I was in Mokuba's shoes for a minute. I don't even know Mister Kaiba and I'm persuading all the true facts . . . the true facts only his little brother would know. How could I effortlessly act so passionate? How? How? How?

Wait; did I just say 'passionate'? Serenity! Put your head together, girl! Passionate is 'act'. Act is 'passionate'. See? Like two and two makes one! Duh! For a minute there, you'd be tricking yourself to even think about . . .

Kaiba folded his arms, lies back on his chair, and eyes glaring the thoughtful Serenity. He remained expressionless though- not hinting one bit of his so-called 'interest'.

"When's this report due?"

Hastily, she answered, "Friday!"

"Hmm," he said, checking his watch. It was close to nine but other than that, it was Saturday. "You mean this week?"

She nodded, not pleading anymore, but acting very true to his words.

"This will not concern the m— brother?" he asked.

As much as rivalry goes between us, I do take notice the twerp's got a highly protective brother . . . a dueling amateur, I might add. He could, at this instant, imagine the dweeb with paws and a doggy bone rattling how such a great duelist Joey Wheeler is. Apparently, last time I checked all dog's can do is bark. Ruff!

She shuffled her feet, a hue of pink coloring her peachy skin.

"Joey and his friends will be going to Hawaii Monday, and won't be back until two weeks from now. He wouldn't know at the meantime."

Kaiba raised an eyebrow, much surprised for: 1) affording such a trip, 2) having the decency to invite the poor mutt, and 3) the sheer luck on making this little secretive report.

"So big brother, can she stay?" asked Mokuba excitedly.

"Pardon?" he asked. Did he just hear right? 'Can she stay?' Was that part even mentioned for her report? To stay in the chosen person's house!?! What the . . .

"Mokuba," she said, cooling down her embarrassment and shock. "I— I don't think that's necessary."

Is Mokuba crazy? No, this request is far from the 'act' already! First, I consented to Mokuba's so-called 'act'. Second, I made some 'passionate' (I said 'passionate' again- what's wrong with me?) lecture to Kaiba. And thirdly, I am asked to STAY?!? Come on, I'm far too kind to even do this! Hey, a Wheeler's got her limits and I got to stop here kid!

"Yeah," jumped the energized, big haired (who probably never cut his hair), Mokuba. In between the two shocked teens, he tried to explain clearly, however, was blurting crazy things.

"She's a guest and will take a bunch of her time off coming back and forth over here! Why not let her stay?"

"Wheeler has school, does she not?"

As a matter of fact, her school ended a week ago. Mokuba has gone to two paces forward but didn't round the gun right. Bummer . . .

"Oh, I forgot to mention Mister Kaiba." Serenity butted in. "Our school ended last week. Mister Takashi, my English teacher, sort of posted this extra-credit last minute before they'll send out the final grades."

Falling deeper into her words, he inquired, trying to confirm something. "Your teacher does extra-credit in the summer?"

Covering her face beneath the darkness of the room, except his desk light, she tried to hide her shameful task with a nod. "Yes Mister Kaiba." I know I'm going to regret this. I know I am. Oh, if hell can open its doors please beg me mercy. I meant to do this for Mokuba.

With a wave of his head, he beckoned her to leave. Just as she shifted her heel, he spoke one last time.

"Wheeler," he spoke, lessening the disgust in a more controlled manner. "Tomorrow evening, be expected."

"Huh?"

He sighed, almost forgetting dogs need translations. "Tomorrow evening, around 6 or so, you will expect an answer from me. Got it?"

Returning to the Wheeler's residence by limo was a little awkward, especially with a certain Kaiba sitting beside her.

"Thanks Serenity!"

"This doesn't feel right."

He groaned. Not this again! "Do you want my brother to turn to a monster?"

"No," she replied, ruffling his hair. "I want your brother not to hate me in the end."

"Don't worry. If something goes wrong, I'll handle things."

Can he be this confident? How far can this 'act' really go? Kaiba isn't a fool to begin with! But then again, he was fooled . . . to believe her.

Where has she gone? Argh! Should I call her?

No. I don't want her to think her brother worries too much.

The clock continued ticking, annoying Joey Wheeler by every second. It was now eleven o' clock and he was pretty darn god sure libraries are closed by now. What's taking her so long?

Okay, okay, calm down. There's nothing to worry about. Why not get mah' self somethin' to eat?

Running to the kitchen, accidentally skidding across the floor, he bumped his sliding body into the kitchen counter. Gazing up, after seeing half-naked fairies flying around, and his vision clearing, he noticed a huge knife about to fall off and . . .

"AHHHHH!!!!!" he yelled frantically.

Thank god. He just prevented a likely castration. The knife was right in between his legs. Just an inch close, he'll probably die from not having his instrument of masculinity.

"Stupid knife," he muttered, throwing it in the sink. Who put it there anyway?

Reminiscing, he started making three sandwiches.

-Flashback-

Right after Serenity left to go to the library, the gang hung in Joey's place. Well, Joey's and Serenity's to be correct. It has been a year after Battle City and everyone started to return to everyday business— school. Catching up to the environment, Serenity was doing pretty well. Being at the top of her grades, excelling far better than all her friends, she was a tough girl to beat. And of course, Joey couldn't be any prouder. Sure, there were times when he was jealous, but that's only when Duke and Tristen made fun of his 'intelligence' ("...if he ever had one," was what Tristen said. "Then, at least there's ONE worthy to use it," added Duke). The Wheeler's were smarter than Einstein – 'the famous piano-guy', Newton – 'the founder of DNA', and Thomas Edison – 'the guy who created peanut butter.' Duh! Joey Wheeler was born just as smart as his sib! And nobody messes with my 'intelligence'. They're just jealous. . .

"Hey Joey," said Mai, walking towards the kitchen. "Want me to make a snack?"

"Yeah!" cried Joey, Tristen, and Duke.

"Boys," muttered Tea, only allowing Yugi to hear.

"Aw, they're just hungry," said Yugi, innocent like a child.

She grunted. "We just came back from lunch!"

Yami tuned in, switching places. "Isn't it occasional that we eat? Without it, our souls perish."

Tea merely rolled her eyes and followed Mai to the kitchen. Speak of some Pharoah's understanding...

Yugi butted in, remaining in the puzzle. "Yami, that's not what she meant."

"Then what did she mean— that hungry males annoy her?"

Yugi scratched his head. "Uh- yeah, something like that."

In the kitchen, Joey was nearly drooling all over the half prepared sandwich. The fact that Mai knew his favorite stuffing was even better – cheese, lettuce, mayo, bologna, tomatoes, pickles, and an olive on top— was even better!

"Watch it Joey or I end up cutting your tongue instead," Mai teased, waving the huge knife.

Damn, was I close to cutting myself! He smiled innocently, just thinking about Mai's joke, and gulped down his last (and third) sandwich. Ah . . . Mai Valentine. Her threats, her jokes, her everything makes me wanna. . . .

Scream.

That girl controls me. Whatever comes out of her mouth, whatever she does, is so. . . . .for me. All her negative talk. . . for me; all the care . . . for me; all her bossiness . . .for me. Oh, just thinkin' bout' her makes me wanna scream for mercy. God, I know this sounds pathetic coming outta a Wheeler but hey, what can you do? I'm . . . err. . . (what's the word?) But I can't help it. Mai Valentine's the only girl (other than Seren') who makes me feel so weak inside.

Beep-beep!

Was that a car? Joey looked out the window to find Serenity coming out of a . . . a limo?

And so he pondered, "The only person I can think; the only person who can afford em' fancy limos; the only person willin' to win my sistah's heart . . . . . AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" No, not him! Anyone but HIM! Oh god! Please let it be Dice boy! Please, please, please...!

As Serenity came out, Joey noticed her hugging someone . . . . . someone pretty short. Has Kaiba got midget-sized? Or am I imagin' things?!?

"Mokuba," thank god. It was just Mokuba Kaiba. Mokuba's fine and he's a good friend to us. Hanging with Mokuba is all cool with me. But if . . . ugh. . . . I don't even wanna think about it.

He opened the door just before Serenity would open it. Mokuba, very cheery, waved constantly, constantly enough to break his hand.

"Hi Joey!" greeted the little boy. "Sorry she was late. I saw her in the library and I invited her to eat!"

"In yah' house?" asked a half infuriated Joey.

"Of course not!" replied a blushed Serenity. "We went Sammy's place! I treated him for a little dinner!"

He exhaled happily. Just the perfect answer he needed.

"Well then, I'll see you later guys! Thanks again Serenity!" Mokuba gleefully wished his goodbye and hopped ecstatically back to the limo.

This doesn't make sense. Why would a Wheeler want to help me? If she knew any better she'd watch her mouth! How dare she talk to me like that! Moreover, humiliate me in front little brother! I, Seto Kaiba, will not be treated as some weakling! Who does she think she is? Curse her . . . wretched Wheeler girl.

Wheeler girl doesn't know me. My 'monstrous' profile is what I chose. Whether she likes it or not is not to my concern. She can complain, rant, and pour her devout satanic tears for all I care! Hell with it, sue me for not being some perfect 'nationwide' model. I'm not asking you to, am I?! I never asked people to bow down to their knees and support my company. They had their choice. Everyone has a choice. Even I, have a choice.

And my choice was to practically work all the way to my success! I devoted most of my childhood life to that horrible man of a stepfather. The vicious tyrant who pushed me far beyond my limits! I weak then . . .very weak. I was merely a child— my head not to developed as well as his.

I have never attended school since I was an orphan but he provided me enough to learn more than an average home schooled student. Entirely much more . . . . . more than I can ever handle. I was restricted from so much and I obediently allowed him to.

Now, years later, I am in a position he never would have thought! I proved myself far greater than that man! I learnt more than an average person! I accomplished so much at this age, that interrogating my personal profile, will never sidetrack my success . . . my power . . . and my company.

Serenity Wheeler, the so-called reporter hoping to attain 3 more points to a perfect score, doesn't know me.

She'll never will.

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bundles-'o-joy: Thank you for the sweet and heartwarming comment! Yes, Seto and Phantom does sound alike in many ways. I hope you enjoyed this!

Sorceress Vanessa: lol I'm known for nasty cliffhangers! Get used to it :-P lol

darkfarie14: Tea and Kaiba? Hmm....a lil' wierd but an interesting scenario :)

All my thanks to Freak09, meheeners, Dragon Empress, and Princess Seren! Please keep the reviews coming!

And as for everyone else, please DO review! It gives me all the reason to continue...

InnoscenTorn