Title: Not Enough
Author: Waxie
Rating: PG13 may go up
Pairing: S/YY
Spoilers: none
Warnings: angsty m-pregnancy, Yaoi!
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-gi-oh.
Summary: Fatherhood can be a rather shocking ordeal. More so if it's unplanned. Seto will have to understand that there's more to fatherhood beyond the wallet and simultaneously keep a shaky marriage from sinking right from under him.
Status: 3?
Author's Notes: Woo, for once I have something to say. Yeah, talk about strange. Hmm, well, what can I say about this chappie? It was difficult to write. nods Maybe not necessarily for its contents, but more because I was in a slump? shrugs Dunno. This chappie is serious and then it turns out a little humorous. -;; Don't know how that happened. This chappie does however remind me of a really good line from Nights at the Circus by Angela Carter. The line goes like this: "What is marriage but prostitution to one man instead of many?" Yeah. Now you've got a hint as to what this chappie could possibly be about. Hehe, ok, now I'll address a question that's been driving me slightly up the wall. "How did Yami get pregnant?" Well, boys and girls, when two people partake in "adult" activities… I'm just kidding. Because it's in my nature to be secretive and a big tease, I'll tell you this…reader leans forward You'll see.
Now that I've got that out of the way, I've got a few more things to address. Todo, hopefully you'll grow to love me again after this chapter, but when I get to later chapters…I'll be running for the hills. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who's reviewed so far, reviewers and non-reviewers alike. Special thanks to Lindi and Todo for helping me come up with names and such. And a very extra special 'thank you' to Seers who in her very sweet way has hounded me to update. Seers baby, you have no idea how much you've helped me. blows seers a kiss and winks
Now enough with my rambling! Onwards! BATTLE CRY (Yeah, I'm hyped up. Why do you ask?)
Chapter 3 of Taking the Initiative and the "Mokie Response"
I've already sworn to myself that I'd be responsible about this.
There's no room for hesitation, a moment to catch my breath, or a second to take a step back. I know what needs to be done; now all I need is the initiative to do it.
The next step should be obvious. The next step is obvious. Regardless of how my child came to existence, and how ludicrous this whole situation still seems, I've already decided to meet this challenge head on. And Seto Kaiba does not run with his tail between his legs.
He does however lie in bed talking to himself.
"This is ridiculous." I'm going to do this. I'm going to do this. I'm going to--
The problem is I don't want to regret anything. I've had too many regrets in my life, too many moments I feverishly wish I could change. I don't want another point in my life where I know I've made a poor choice. I'm a businessman. Businessmen don't make poor choices. I can't afford to--
But I also know what it's like to grow up without a proper father figure. This I know too well. Having been an orphan and having had Gozaburo as a stepfather…I'm not going to continue that cycle. Not today, not ever.
The room is too hot. I glance over to the window. It's closed…again.
"Why does he always close it?" I mutter to myself as I get up from my bed and cross the room to throw open the window. The rays of the morning sun hit my face making my eyes squint. Rubbing the remnants of sleep from my eyes and taking in a deep breath of fresh morning air, I find it.
Initiative.
Tall glass double doors opened as a couple exited the building. A young man, probably around 24, had his arm draped around a young woman who was giggling and talking in an excited fashion; both were young, happy, and as far as one could tell, very much in love. Behind them, the large glass double doors closed in a slow inviting manner, almost as if offering me entrance.
The Blue Diamond.
I was standing before not just any old jewelry store; but the best of the best. Its name was highly recognized and respected everywhere. Its diamonds and other gems were among the best in their class. Of course, not like I would ever go for anything but the best.
I take a step towards the large doors; inside lays the one object that is going to absolutely change my life. For better or for worse has yet to be determined.
I don't have to marry him. Not to say I'm scared. Far from it. It's just a little extreme, you know? He's just going to have my child…nothing big.
Ugh, who am I kidding? I need to do this. I'm not going to repeat what happened this morning. Lying in bed for a whole hour fighting with myself over what course of actions I should take…ridiculous.
Regaining my composure – as if I had ever even lost it – I take proud, decisive steps into the building ignoring the strange feeling in my stomach.
"Like anything you see?"
"Perhaps." How long have I been in here? Two minutes? I like instantaneous attention. I'm a customer, not some window shopper! She probably doesn't know what's she's doing. Maybe it's not worth it.
Maybe I should leave.
"Looking for something in specific? An engagement ring? An anniversary ring? Just a ring?"
"I'm looking for an engagement ring."
"Ah! Well, congratulations! The engagement ring is the most important ring. It's not just about what it is, if it's gold, if it has diamonds, if it's plain, if it's intricate; it's something much more meaningful than that. It's about what it's about."
What it's about?
"The engagement is a statement. A promise, if you will. In words only audible to the two lovers, it says 'This is my promise of eternal love to you, a part of me I'm trusting you'll love and cherish forever.' And when the receiver accepts it, it's as if responding, 'I gladly take what you are offering me, and in return, I offer you myself. I'm trusting in you to take care of me with the same devotion I will show you.'" She let out a deep sigh. "It's romantic, isn't it?"
"When you put it like that, yes."
She smiled. "Well, Mr…I'm sorry, what's your name sir?"
"Kaiba."
"Oh! Mr. Kaiba! My name is Sophie and it's an honor to assist you in one of the most important phases of you life." She leaned in over the counter. "Do you mind if I ask what she's like?"
"She?"
"You know, the girl who's won the heart of the sexiest bachelor alive, of course! Who else? What's she like?"
Yami's like a woman…I guess. I mean, what kind of man gets pregnant? Which reminds me, I should ask him about that…
"She's pregnant."
"Uh, well, that's nice, but that's not what I meant at all. Come one, what's she like? Does she make you laugh? Does she make you miserable sometimes? Do you love her beyond her faults?"
Does Yami make me laugh? It's not much of a laugh as it is a moan.
Does he make me miserable sometimes? Of course. We spend a night partaking in strenuous activities and he has the gall to close the window!
Do I love him? Dumb question, of course I don't.
"Mr. Kaiba? Mr. Kaiba?"
"He always closes the window."
"Excuse me?"
I just said something stupid, didn't I? "I said she always closes the window." I just said it again, didn't I?
Sophie laughed. "I assume that grates on your nerves, huh? Well, you're still here so I'm assuming you can look past that. So let's get started shall we? I'm assuming a budget will be of no concern to you, but maybe to start things off; it's common belief that the engagement ring should cost about two months salary, maybe we should start there, Mr. Kaiba?"
I nod in agreement.
"Here, let's go sit at my desk, we'll go over the 4 C's and you can tell me more about your future fiancé."
"The four C's?"
"Yes. Cut, clarity, color, and carat."
Ok, so maybe she did know what she was doing.
Upon exiting the Blue Diamond, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I had been holding. I'll admit I feel odd. I never thought I'd ever buy an engagement ring, for Yami no less. But at least that's out of the way. The only thing I've yet to do is—
Ring ring.
Mokuba.
I take out my cell phone from my coat pocket and answer it.
"Hey Mokuba."
"Big Brother! You're out right now, right?"
"Yes, do you need something?"
"Well, I was hoping you could pick up a few new school shirts for me? I put them in your dresser over vacation. Since school's starting soon, I went to go retrieve them, but they're completely gone."
Yami. "Yeah, I'll go get you some. I just left Blue Diamond; the mall isn't far from here."
"Big brother?"
"Yeah?"
"What were you doing at a jewelry store?"
…It's going to have come out sooner or later.
"I'll explain when I get home."
"So let me get this straight. You're seeing Yami and now he's pregnant?" I ask slowly, trying to understand. My big brother is sitting on the couch, exasperatedly rubbing his face with his hands. I think he's tired of the fact that I haven't grasped the situation. But you have to admit…It's a bit…odd.
"Yes."
"You're seeing Yami and now he's…pregnant?" I'm positive we've been through this before, but I'm still in disbelief. I have so many questions, but it seems this is the only one I can articulate.
"Yes."
"You're SEEING Yami and now he's—"
"Yes!"
"Does that mean you've…" Done it?
"Yes."
"And you're not even…" Married?
"Yeah."
"And you're planning to…?" Get married?
"I guess."
"Does this mean you…?" Love him?
"No."
I shake my head and my bangs settle over my face again. "Wait, I'm confused. Let's start over."
