Disclaimer: I don't own or earn from this. I own merely the plot, and a notepad of ideas.

Dedicated to MysticMyra. Forever an enchanting and lovely individual, she is an example to us all. With love, my friend.

Chapter Five: Gold Digger

Seto and Mokuba fidgeted as Pegasus led them into the room. It was some big to-do, with a great many important and influential men there, and Pegasus had to appear, as did his children. Gouzaburo Kaiba had invited all those with wealth and connections into his mansion, perhaps to prove he was the most powerful man in Domino, or to pull off some deal.

A few weeks had passed since the room trashing incident, and things seemed at least stable. Pegasus did not interfere with Seto, and Seto did likewise for the older man. Manners and courtesies were exchanged. As were conversations when they had the chance. Pegasus and Mokuba were getting closer, but Seto was not disheartened; it was he who Mokuba came and told if he was scared, and it was he who Mokuba choose to climb into bed with when he had a bad dream.

It was an arrangement Seto could live with. Nothing unpleasant had happened, and everything was going smoothly. His new school had insisted he skip a few grades, and so he was now doing the work of a 15 year old, preparing for his entrance exams. The Domino Academy was wonderful. Except for one flaw.

And this flaw was currently standing opposite them. Pegasus was currently speaking with Gouzaburo Kaiba, whose son, Noa, was standing before a crowd of people, violin in hand, playing an incredibly complicated piece with remarkable skill. When he finished, he placed the violin down, and bowed, more applause following.

"This is my son, Noa, Crawford. He's still top of his class in the Academy. Taking the entrance exams for high school this year, are you not?" He signalled for Noa to come over to him.

"Yes Father." Noa came and stood beside Kaiba, wearing a sneer similar to that which graced the lips of his Father. "And then I'm going abroad to study."

"And what of your two? Have they managed to settle into school yet?" He looked nastily at the two small ones either side of Pegasus. "I have heard dreadful things about those inner-city children. Are you sure you haven't bitten off more than you can chew?"

"Not at all. This is Mokuba. He's average for his age, and the teachers are pleased with the transition." Mokuba reached up and tugged on Pegasus' sleeve.

"Dad, could I learn to play like that? Please? I want to be like that when I'm older, too!" Mokuba pleaded with wide eyes. Noa's playing was really so superb, all he wanted was something to be good at. And it looked so easy...

"What? You learn to play like that? Noa has a lesson each night, and practises everyday for two hours, as well as continuing the rest of his studies." Gouzaburo scoffed, looking down at the ragger muffin haired child. "You could never be that good, not matter how long you spend!"

Mokuba looked up at the taller man, his lip trembling. No, he was right. He wasn't good at anything. So why should he be good at this? It was silly anyway, so he may as well give it.

"If it's what you want, Mokuba, I'm sure we can think of something, okay? Now, they've just started cutting the cake, why don't you go and get yourself and Seto some?" Pegasus said. He did not wish to upset Mokuba, but he would not let this lecherous man ruin his son's hopes. "And this is Seto. He's in Noa's class, though only for a while, and he's enjoying it a lot."

"Oh really? I'm surprised that they would have put someone who had been there for so little an amount of time into that class. Nevertheless, I doubt he can measure up to the straight A's of Noa's last test?"

Gouzaburo and Seto looked each other straight in the eye; both unblinking, both determined.

"Hmm, well then, Mr. Kaiba, I'm sure I'll find you son a worthy challenge." Seto spoke certainly, and without fear. Gouzaburo's eyes narrowed at the challenge, and Noa glared hatefully at his classmate. Pegasus had choked slightly into his glass as Seto had spoken so rudely, but tapped his son on the back.

"Well, I suppose we'd better find out where Mokuba's gone off to. Good evening, Mr. Kaiba."

Mai walked around the room, slightly bored by it ll. The guy who'd bought her in had been distracted by a group of guests, and had asked if she was alright alone. She had been annoyed with the jerk anyway. All statement and no style. At least she looked respectable. Clad in a purple cocktail dress, she tossed her hair casually over her shoulder as she felt several eyes burn into her back.

She'd come her with a dual purpose; to accompany the one she'd been hired to escort, and to check out another prospective.

Yes, he was here. At 21, he was widower and single, with more money in the bank than hairs on her head. And he was cute to boot, which made him a lot better than her present lover.

Those who had been around him had gone, and so she took this opportunity to make her move. Draining her glass in a lady-like way she made her way over to him, hips swaying hypnotically as they always did as she walked.

"Hi there. It's Pegasus Crawford, isn't it?" She slid into his field of vision, eyelashes fluttering. She watched as he blushed slightly, and offered her hand to him. He took it and kissed it. "I'm Mai Valentine. I see we're both alone, and the last dance is playing. Care to join me?"

"Well, Miss Valentine, that can't do at all. A pretty girl like you all alone? I'd be pleased to."

She took his hand and led him onto the dance floor, leading him through the steps like a master to a student. He really did have such lovely eyes...well, at least the one she could see. She supposed she could learn to love a gentleman like this.

The music ended, and people left the dance floor. Mai let go of Pegasus, and handed him a card, her hand sliding down and quickly squeezing.

"Call me, if you need anything, or if you get lonely."

She vanished as quickly as she came, and Pegasus smiled inwardly. Hook,line and sinker.

Seto watched from his seat. Mokuba had gotten tired, and so he'd settled him down onto a chair. Pegasus had been chatting to someone, and so he hadn't been aware of their absence yet. But he watched his father dance with the beautiful woman in the swirling dress, and wondered if he would ever consider remarrying. And then what would become of him and Mokuba?

Phew! Me write too muchness. Anyways I hope you like! Don't forget to review!