Chapter 2
Mokuba walked into the lab. "Niki," He said, "Seto says you can have the rest of the day off." Niki looked up from her work, "but…if I do then we'll be behind schedule for the unveiling." Mokuba looked up at his brother as he walked in. "It's fine. One day behind won't hurt anyone. You've been working hard all week," Seto said.
Niki sighed in defeat and started to pack her things. "Wait for us outside, Mokuba," Seto said. Mokuba nodded and ran out. Niki picked up her bag and looked at Seto, "thank you for letting me off, Mr. Kaiba-" "Call me Seto. That is my name after all," Seto said. Niki blushed, "right…S-Seto…" Seto smiled at her, "how about lunch? My treat."
Niki smiled back, "I-I'd love to." Seto grabbed her hand and kissed it like a gentleman, "and…how about dinner tomorrow evening?" Niki's face grew even redder, "y-yes! Of course! I mean…I'd love to but…" "but what?" he asked. "I promised my friends that I'd help with remodeling the game center…and afterwards we'd all crash at my place…" she said.
Seto lifted her chin with his finger, "then Friday?" Niki smiled, "Friday it is." Seto kissed her cheek and escorted her out the door.
Later
Yugi, Joey, Tristen, and Bakura watched the scene at the Sushi Bar. Niki sat in a private booth with Seto Kaiba. Joey looked in disgust, "I can't believe this! Seto Kaiba and Niki Walker? It's not right!"
"Well they seem to really like each other," Yugi stated. "No, Yugi. Seto Kaiba is unable to have feelings," Tristen joked, "and this is Niki we're talking about! Our friend!" "Who happens to work at Kaiba Corp.!" Yugi pointed out. "Yugi's right," Bakura said. Joey and Tristen glared daggers at Bakura, "WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON?"
Niki took another sip of her tea, "thank you for bringing me here, Seto…" Seto gave her a small smile, "it's the least I could do. You've helped me in most of my projects." Niki blushed, "it's just what I love to do…I live for mechanics…" "But for dueling? Not many people have those two interests in the same category. Especially women," Seto said.
That only made her blush harder. "I guess it was because my father really loved Duel Monsters…" she said. Seto placed his hand on hers, "even still…you have qualities that most don't find in others." Niki smiled at him, "thank you…but I really want to know more about you, Seto. Is what Mokuba said true?"
Seto released her hand and sighed as he sat back into his seat, "it is…" Niki's smile faded, "you really grew up in an orphanage? I'm sorry…" "Don't be. It only brought me and my brother closer. I wouldn't let anyone take him unless I went along and vice versa," Seto said.
Niki gave him a small smile, "I really don't care where you grew up or what your background was, Seto. I like the person you are now. I know you must have had some hard times…" Seto looked at her, "don't make it sound as if you haven't. I've seen your family history. You don't even know who your real parents are."
A tear fell as the painful memories returned to her. Seto reached for her hand and rubbed it gently, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. just remember that the past is the past." Niki gave him a fake smile, "you're right. It's best to move on."
They stood up and Seto kissed her cheek. Yugi, Joey, Tristen, and Bakura's jaws dropped. Seto took Niki's hand and they walked out of the restaurant to see the four boys. Yugi lost his balance and fell toppling the other three.
Seto arched an eyebrow, "hello Yugi." Yugi laughed nervously, "h-hey K-Kaiba…" Niki smiled at them, "Hello Yugi, Joey, Tristen, Bakura." Joey stood up, "ok Kaiba! Leave her alone! She doesn't want to be one of your minions!" Niki and the other three boys sweatdropped while Seto just chuckled. "you talk nonsense," Seto laughed.
Joey sweatdropped in embarrassment, "well…why are you hanging around her then?" Yugi stood up, "that is a good question." Seto glared at them, "I can have lunch with one of my employees can't I?" "Not when that employee's a woman!" Joey shouted. Tristen punched him in the head, "forgive my friend."
Niki giggled at the scene. Seto noticed this and smiled inwardly. "let's go. I'll take you home," Seto said as they walked off. Yugi watched as they left and sighed. Bakura noticed this, "Yugi you ok?" Yugi blinked then nodded, "I'm fine."
Walker Estate
Seto walked Niki to the door. "thanks, Seto. I had a good time," Niki said, "I'm glad I got to know you more." Seto gave a small smile, "glad you enjoyed it. Don't be late for work tomorrow, ok?" Niki nodded, "I'll be on time."
Seto turned to leave when Niki hugged him from behind. "thank you, Seto…for being my friend…" Niki whispered to where only he could hear. Seto felt hurt but flattered at the words, "I just want you to know you can always turn to me, Niki…" He turned and kissed her cheek and left to his limo.
Niki smiled and ran inside up to her room. She landed on her bed and lay there watching the ceiling. Seto's so sweet…I always thought he was stern and demanding of his employees… she thought. She sat up and looked at he vanity. Her usual outfit lay across the chair. A dark blue skirt, white shirt and dark blue jacket with her Kaiba Corp badge on top. She smiled and got up to take a shower then went to bed.
