Disclaimer: Check for it in chapter 1.
Sorry for taking so long to update. By the time I've finally been able to return to my computer, I suffered writers block, and had to wait for it to pass in order to start the next chapter.
A Kaiba Christmas wish
Chapter 6
New Year's Eve
[Kaiba Corporation: December 31]
It was now New Years Eve, which meant that few workers were at work today, which meant more work for Seto to finish. After the event at Yugi's house, he had decided to seal the deal with Bellona, and sell the distribution rights of his new product to her. He had also decided to make it difficult for her by demanding the money to be in cash, forcing Bellona to rush to the nearest bank to make a withdrawal. She wasn't too happy about this gesture, and shown it through muttering and cursing, which slightly amused Seto.
Unfortunately, now he had to baby-sit her younger sister while he worked. Mokuba was over at Yugi's house, and none of the employees were around to pass the buck. Still, he remedied the situation by having her sit on a chair while he continued his computer work. This was fine, until she decided to make conversation.
"Mr. Seto?" she asked.
"What?" he replied, still keeping his eyes focused on his work.
"Why did you have my sister rush to the bank? She had a checkbook with her."
"I did it because it was inconvenient for her, which made it all the more amusing."
Melanie giggled at his response, which caused Seto to stop typing, and look in her direction.
"You actually found that amusing?"
"Yeah. Sis does the same thing. It was funny that she was actually on the receiving end of it for once."
Seto chuckled. "I'm glad to hear that." Then he resumed working.
"Mr. Seto?"
"What?"
"What do you think of sis?"
"I think she's a spoiled brat and a pain in the neck."
Melanie smiled. Not because of his answer, but because he answered it with a grin.
"Oh. You like her, right?"
"What do you think?"
"I think you do."
"Don't get ahead of yourself, kid."
She knew that he was still hiding it, especially since she read his diary again. That, and he had invited her to the City square to witness the Japanese New Year. He said that Mokuba insisted, but when she asked Mokuba, he said that it was his first time hearing of it.
After a few more minutes of silent working, Seto looked at the clock on the wall.
"Your sister is going to be late."
"Well, I'm sure the banks have long lines."
"Yeah, probably. Still, I don't like to be kept waiting."
However, instead of making some kind of threat if she didn't arrive on time, he just continued to work.
"(Still, I wonder what's taking her so long)?"
[Meanwhile: Domino City Bank]
Bellona had been waiting in line at the bank for quite some time now. She tried to bribe people to let her through, but they didn't accept. She then threatened them, but the security made her stop. So, after a long time of waiting, it was finally her turn. She quickly approached the window.
"I'd like to withdraw this amount of money." She handed the teller a note that had the amount written on it. She didn't want people hearing how much she was withdrawing.
The teller looked at it, his eyes wide with surprise.
"You know, this is the reason they made checks."
"Look, I don't recall asking for your opinion. Just give me that amount."
The teller frowned at this. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but we aren't allowed to withdraw money this high. You'll have to ask one of the tellers at the front desk. You'll have to sign the waiting list first, of course."
Bellona growled. "Then why didn't you have a sign or something saying that?! Do you have any idea how much of my time you wasted?!"
"Sorry, ma'am, but rules are rules."
"Low-class bum!" She shouted before storming off to the waiting list. She saw that numerous names were ahead of hers. Grinning wickedly, she looked at her nails. She was glad that she decided to paint them white. Looking around to see if anybody was watching, she reached into her purse, and secretly applied an extra coating on one of her nails. She then rubbed it across the first name until it was no longer visible. Then, she took out a pen, and wrote her name across it. She was glad that it was quick drying polish. Finally, she went to take a seat.
Several minutes later, her name was finally called by one of the female tellers. She approached the teller's desk, and sat down. She groaned in frustration the minute she realized who the teller was.
"This is just what I need." Bellona said sarcastically.
"I'm not so glad to see you as well." Tea responded bitterly.
"Let's just get this over with." Then she handed her the paper with the amount written on it. "Just give me this amount in cash."
Tea looked at the amount in surprise. "You know, it would've been easier to just have this in check form."
Bellona glared darkly. "You know this whole ordeal would go faster if you would just shut up and do as I say."
Tea frowned. She then typed in a few numbers on the computer. "Fine, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to fine you."
"For what?!"
"Because harassing the employees is against policies, that's why!"
"Harassing would be if I threatened to bash your face in, which doesn't sound like a bad idea at this moment!"
Tea typed in a few more numbers. "We could do this all day, you know."
"Just give me my money so I can leave, and never see your discount fashion designer clothes ever again!"
Gritting her teeth, she typed in a few more numbers. Bellona grinned. She knew that she was going to regret this later, but at the moment, she felt that it was worth it. After typing in the needed information, she printed out a copy.
"There. All we need to do is wait for the computer to process the information."
After what seemed like hours, it was finally processed. Another teller handed her the money in a briefcase, which she promptly counted. When she was finished, she glared at Tea.
"What is the meaning of this?! There are a few thousand yen missing!"
"Oh, you mean the fine for the insults? I decided to deduct it from your withdrawal."
"Then why didn't you just deduct it from the rest of my money in my account?!"
"Sorry, but that's against our policies. (At least for you, that is)."
"Grr! You low class people are such idiots! Give me the missing amount, and then deduct it from my account!"
Grinning, she typed in some numbers. "There. It's processed. However, you'll have to wait for the withdrawal."
"What?! For only a few thousand measly yen?!"
"Sorry, but rules are rules."
So after waiting yet 'another' long time, she finally received her money, and stormed out of the bank. Tea, on the other hand, felt a certain satisfaction for having some power over such a spoiled brat.
[Later: Kaiba corporation]
It was now evening, and Seto was now finished with his work. He had expected Bellona to be late, especially with her lack of cordialness. Melanie also knew that trips to the bank usually took her long, seeing as how she could never resist insulting the employees. In fact, whenever they went out to eat, 'she' ordered the food in fear of a chance that the employees might do something to the food. She really wished that she wouldn't be so mean to people.
"Mr. Seto?" she asked.
"What?"
"Are you ever cordial to other employees?"
"Yes. I have enough enemies as it is. Besides, I have my own employees and dueling opponents to harass. Why do you ask?"
"Well, my sister is mean to all employees. Is there any way I can get her to be nicer to them?"
"Yes. Let her learn the hard way."
"But won't that cause her to get hurt?"
"And your point is?"
"Isn't there any other way?"
Before he could answer, Bellona quickly swung open the door, panting and trying to catch her breath.
"Took you long enough." Kaiba said. "And because of that, I've decided increase my price by ΒΌ."
Bellona threw the suitcase at him, which he quickly caught. "What?! I went through all that trouble just to appease your demands, and this is how you thank me?!"
"I gave you more than enough time. Even long lines shouldn't have made you 'this' late. What were you doing this whole time?"
"For your information, Tea was the teller I had to speak to! She purposely took hours to process my money! And to top it off, I had to wait even longer for the fines I received to be processed!"
Melanie shook her head. "Sis. Please don't tell me that you insulted Tea."
"So? It's not like I haven't insulted her before. Besides, she was getting on my nerves."
Kaiba then turned towards Melanie. "Consider the extra fee as a hard learned lesson." Then he turned to Bellona. "This is why it doesn't pay to be a spoiled brat. That is, unless it's your own employee, enemy, or rival."
"Like you're one to talk!" Bellona shot back.
Kaiba grinned at this. "Actually, I can. I know when it's alright to insult someone, and when it isn't. For example; I can insult you right now, and there's nothing you can do about it. That is, unless you want to lose a great investment."
Bellona growled at this. "You are one arrogant bastard, you know that!"
"Heh. Perhaps, but one that is in control of the situation." Then he looked at the clock on the wall. "You still have time to go to an ATM machine. That is, unless it's too inconvenient for you."
She glared at this statement. Kaiba was definitely being sarcastic, and enjoying every moment of it. Instead, she approached him until she was close to him, face-to-face.
"And if I refuse?" She asked, grinning. "You already signed the contract."
Kaiba grinned back. "So you remember. You're not as scatterbrained as I thought."
Bellonas eyes flared for a moment, but then they subsided. For some reason, she actually didn't mind his arrogance as much as she originally did. In fact, she found it challenging that someone was able to stand up to her without losing their temper.
"Hmm." Was all she said as she noticed his eyes. They seemed to resonate with slight darkness, but there was also a calm look to them. She half smiled at him, not knowing that she did so.
Seto looked at her, slightly bewildered as to why she hasn't made some type of comeback. He wondered why she was looking at him like that, but then his attention was focused on her dark, sultry eyes. When she wasn't shooting her mouth off, her beauty seemed to be more noticeable. Hardly noticing it himself, he brought his hand to her cheek, brushing away some of her hair that was in the way, still having his gaze fixed on hers.
From Melanie's point of view, she could see that the two were mere inches away from each other. She watched in anticipation as their heads got closer to each other. Then, it happened. Bellona's lips were pressed firmly against Seto's. Their eyes were now closed, and the kiss drew deeper.
Seconds passed, and the two finally broke the kiss.
"Sorry." Kaiba finally said. "I don't know what came over me."
"No, it's my fault." Bellona quickly said. "I didn't know what I was thinking. I'm not even sure if I 'was' thinking."
Kaiba wasn't sure what to say next. He wasn't sure how it happened, but he was actually finding this woman less irritating than when he first met her. In fact, he was actually starting to like her. Unfortunately, he still wasn't sure of it, which confused him somewhat more.
Bellona wasn't sure of things herself. She naturally found Kaiba to be an arrogant jerk that wouldn't let her have her way, but for some reason, she didn't mind.
"Hm, not bad." She finally said. "I figured someone like you could've kissed better than that, though."
"Oh really." Seto said. "Last I checked, you couldn't have seemed to keep your eyes off me."
Bellona slightly blushed. "Well, it's not like there are a lot of attractive looking people around here." She then mentally scolded herself for saying that part out loud.
Kaiba grinned at her words. "That's what I thought. Still, you're not that bad looking yourself." For some reason, he held back on the rest of what was going to say. He figured that he'll just save his taunting for the next time he sees Joey, which should be at the town square. He then looked at the clock again.
"We better get going." He finally said. "Mokuba is probably wondering what's taking me so long."
"Yeah." Bellona said, and then turned to face Melanie. Her eyes widened in realization of her presence. "Damn! I forgot that you were still here!"
"It's okay, sis." Melanie said. "I'm happy for you."
Blushing, she quickly left the room, rushing downstairs. Kaiba laughed for a bit, and then also left. Melanie followed suit.
[Later: Town square]
When Seto's limousine arrived, passers-by made a path to let him through. When he, Bellona, and Melanie exited, slight murmurs could be heard about Seto actually having company with him. A small horde of reporters quickly surrounded him, continually asking questions.
"Mr. Kaiba." One of them started. "What brings an important man such as yourself to an event such as this, considering that you've never attended them before?"
"Mr. Kaiba." Another one started. "Is it true that you've been dating an American business woman?"
Seto continued to ignore them until he reached a booth that was made for him to witness the event. After seating himself, he turned to face the reporters.
"I am here to witness the coming of the New Year. I was also hoping to enjoy it without the constant badgering of annoying reporters!"
The reporters ignored his statement and continued to ask questions. Seconds later, security guards from his company escorted the reporters to a distant area away from their boss. After they left, Seto sighed in relief.
"I hate the media. It's because of them that I have to keep up my image."
"I know how you feel." Bellona said. "Back home, everyone is always asking if I'll live up to the standards of my brother. It can get so annoying!"
"Not that it matters, but how did you deal with it?"
"Well, Melanie always answers them for me. I guess it's because I tend to lose my temper on people."
"Heh. I see." Then he looked around. "Where's Mokuba?"
"Right here, big brother." Mokuba answered as he entered the booth with his friends, Yugi, Tea, Joey, Tristan, Mai, and Serenity. "Sorry I'm late. I wanted to invite my friends as well. I hope that's alright with you."
Kaiba became irritated by the sudden intrusion of the people he didn't like, but since it was Mokuba that invited them, he couldn't really object to it.
"I don't mind, Mokuba. As long as you're happy, although I'd prefer that you put a leash on the mutt next time."
Joey growled at the statement. He took his seat as far away from Kaiba as possible, which wasn't very far. Bellona glared as Tea and Yugi sat down.
"Thanks for inviting us, Mokuba." Yugi said. "You too, Kaiba."
"Whatever." Was Kaiba's response. He actually didn't mind their company, especially after having to deal with the media.
Bellona, on the other hand, was not too happy. Her hands kept fidgeting, due to resisting her temptation at yelling and insulting the bank teller that annoyed her earlier.
Meanwhile, Mokuba and Melanie were having a conversation with Yugi and Joey.
"So how are they coming along?" Yugi asked.
"Kind of slow, but it's getting there." Mokuba answered. "That day after the Christmas eve duel, they had a pretty nice conversation about duel monsters, business tactics, and a debate over who was more annoying."
Yugi sweat dropped. "Well...... it's a start."
"So who were they talking about?" Joey asked.
"Do you really want him to answer that?" Mai asked, her eyes narrowing.
Joey's eyes narrowed as well. "I know they were talking about me, Mai. I was just wonderin' who the other guy was!"
"Now that you mention it, I wonder who that was anyways?" then she looked at Mokuba, who was looking at Tea nervously. Fortunately, she didn't notice.
"Never mind." Mai finally said. "I think I already know who."
Joey gave a bewildered look. Mai then pointed at Tea. He grinned.
"You mean Tea?"
Mai slapped her forehead, and then crossed her arms. Joey looked behind him to see an agitated Tea. She was holding back her anger. Yugi noticed this and calmed her down. While this was happening, Melanie motioned for Mokuba and Mai to look over in Kaiba and Bellona's direction. Almost unknowingly, they were watching the countdown while holding hands. Mai grinned, Mokuba and Melanie smiled, and Joey's eyes widened in surprise.
"Am I imagining things or somethin'?" Joey whispered. "Is what Serenity said actually coming true?"
"Looks like it." Mai answered.
"I hope it does." Melanie added.
Mokuba turned around to see Tristan and Serenity in the back row, talking. He wasn't sure what they were saying, but Tristan was making hand gestures, and Serenity was giggling. Joey heard this, and turned around. His eyes narrowed, and he stood up to approach them. However, Mai pulled him back down.
"Not now. The countdown's up to ten."
So everyone watched the rest of the New Years countdown in peace and tranquility.
End of chapter 6.
Well, that' the end of this chapter. There should be about 2 or 3 more chapters left, depending on how this fares out. As I said before, I'm sorry for taking so long to update.
Sorry for taking so long to update. By the time I've finally been able to return to my computer, I suffered writers block, and had to wait for it to pass in order to start the next chapter.
A Kaiba Christmas wish
Chapter 6
New Year's Eve
[Kaiba Corporation: December 31]
It was now New Years Eve, which meant that few workers were at work today, which meant more work for Seto to finish. After the event at Yugi's house, he had decided to seal the deal with Bellona, and sell the distribution rights of his new product to her. He had also decided to make it difficult for her by demanding the money to be in cash, forcing Bellona to rush to the nearest bank to make a withdrawal. She wasn't too happy about this gesture, and shown it through muttering and cursing, which slightly amused Seto.
Unfortunately, now he had to baby-sit her younger sister while he worked. Mokuba was over at Yugi's house, and none of the employees were around to pass the buck. Still, he remedied the situation by having her sit on a chair while he continued his computer work. This was fine, until she decided to make conversation.
"Mr. Seto?" she asked.
"What?" he replied, still keeping his eyes focused on his work.
"Why did you have my sister rush to the bank? She had a checkbook with her."
"I did it because it was inconvenient for her, which made it all the more amusing."
Melanie giggled at his response, which caused Seto to stop typing, and look in her direction.
"You actually found that amusing?"
"Yeah. Sis does the same thing. It was funny that she was actually on the receiving end of it for once."
Seto chuckled. "I'm glad to hear that." Then he resumed working.
"Mr. Seto?"
"What?"
"What do you think of sis?"
"I think she's a spoiled brat and a pain in the neck."
Melanie smiled. Not because of his answer, but because he answered it with a grin.
"Oh. You like her, right?"
"What do you think?"
"I think you do."
"Don't get ahead of yourself, kid."
She knew that he was still hiding it, especially since she read his diary again. That, and he had invited her to the City square to witness the Japanese New Year. He said that Mokuba insisted, but when she asked Mokuba, he said that it was his first time hearing of it.
After a few more minutes of silent working, Seto looked at the clock on the wall.
"Your sister is going to be late."
"Well, I'm sure the banks have long lines."
"Yeah, probably. Still, I don't like to be kept waiting."
However, instead of making some kind of threat if she didn't arrive on time, he just continued to work.
"(Still, I wonder what's taking her so long)?"
[Meanwhile: Domino City Bank]
Bellona had been waiting in line at the bank for quite some time now. She tried to bribe people to let her through, but they didn't accept. She then threatened them, but the security made her stop. So, after a long time of waiting, it was finally her turn. She quickly approached the window.
"I'd like to withdraw this amount of money." She handed the teller a note that had the amount written on it. She didn't want people hearing how much she was withdrawing.
The teller looked at it, his eyes wide with surprise.
"You know, this is the reason they made checks."
"Look, I don't recall asking for your opinion. Just give me that amount."
The teller frowned at this. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but we aren't allowed to withdraw money this high. You'll have to ask one of the tellers at the front desk. You'll have to sign the waiting list first, of course."
Bellona growled. "Then why didn't you have a sign or something saying that?! Do you have any idea how much of my time you wasted?!"
"Sorry, ma'am, but rules are rules."
"Low-class bum!" She shouted before storming off to the waiting list. She saw that numerous names were ahead of hers. Grinning wickedly, she looked at her nails. She was glad that she decided to paint them white. Looking around to see if anybody was watching, she reached into her purse, and secretly applied an extra coating on one of her nails. She then rubbed it across the first name until it was no longer visible. Then, she took out a pen, and wrote her name across it. She was glad that it was quick drying polish. Finally, she went to take a seat.
Several minutes later, her name was finally called by one of the female tellers. She approached the teller's desk, and sat down. She groaned in frustration the minute she realized who the teller was.
"This is just what I need." Bellona said sarcastically.
"I'm not so glad to see you as well." Tea responded bitterly.
"Let's just get this over with." Then she handed her the paper with the amount written on it. "Just give me this amount in cash."
Tea looked at the amount in surprise. "You know, it would've been easier to just have this in check form."
Bellona glared darkly. "You know this whole ordeal would go faster if you would just shut up and do as I say."
Tea frowned. She then typed in a few numbers on the computer. "Fine, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to fine you."
"For what?!"
"Because harassing the employees is against policies, that's why!"
"Harassing would be if I threatened to bash your face in, which doesn't sound like a bad idea at this moment!"
Tea typed in a few more numbers. "We could do this all day, you know."
"Just give me my money so I can leave, and never see your discount fashion designer clothes ever again!"
Gritting her teeth, she typed in a few more numbers. Bellona grinned. She knew that she was going to regret this later, but at the moment, she felt that it was worth it. After typing in the needed information, she printed out a copy.
"There. All we need to do is wait for the computer to process the information."
After what seemed like hours, it was finally processed. Another teller handed her the money in a briefcase, which she promptly counted. When she was finished, she glared at Tea.
"What is the meaning of this?! There are a few thousand yen missing!"
"Oh, you mean the fine for the insults? I decided to deduct it from your withdrawal."
"Then why didn't you just deduct it from the rest of my money in my account?!"
"Sorry, but that's against our policies. (At least for you, that is)."
"Grr! You low class people are such idiots! Give me the missing amount, and then deduct it from my account!"
Grinning, she typed in some numbers. "There. It's processed. However, you'll have to wait for the withdrawal."
"What?! For only a few thousand measly yen?!"
"Sorry, but rules are rules."
So after waiting yet 'another' long time, she finally received her money, and stormed out of the bank. Tea, on the other hand, felt a certain satisfaction for having some power over such a spoiled brat.
[Later: Kaiba corporation]
It was now evening, and Seto was now finished with his work. He had expected Bellona to be late, especially with her lack of cordialness. Melanie also knew that trips to the bank usually took her long, seeing as how she could never resist insulting the employees. In fact, whenever they went out to eat, 'she' ordered the food in fear of a chance that the employees might do something to the food. She really wished that she wouldn't be so mean to people.
"Mr. Seto?" she asked.
"What?"
"Are you ever cordial to other employees?"
"Yes. I have enough enemies as it is. Besides, I have my own employees and dueling opponents to harass. Why do you ask?"
"Well, my sister is mean to all employees. Is there any way I can get her to be nicer to them?"
"Yes. Let her learn the hard way."
"But won't that cause her to get hurt?"
"And your point is?"
"Isn't there any other way?"
Before he could answer, Bellona quickly swung open the door, panting and trying to catch her breath.
"Took you long enough." Kaiba said. "And because of that, I've decided increase my price by ΒΌ."
Bellona threw the suitcase at him, which he quickly caught. "What?! I went through all that trouble just to appease your demands, and this is how you thank me?!"
"I gave you more than enough time. Even long lines shouldn't have made you 'this' late. What were you doing this whole time?"
"For your information, Tea was the teller I had to speak to! She purposely took hours to process my money! And to top it off, I had to wait even longer for the fines I received to be processed!"
Melanie shook her head. "Sis. Please don't tell me that you insulted Tea."
"So? It's not like I haven't insulted her before. Besides, she was getting on my nerves."
Kaiba then turned towards Melanie. "Consider the extra fee as a hard learned lesson." Then he turned to Bellona. "This is why it doesn't pay to be a spoiled brat. That is, unless it's your own employee, enemy, or rival."
"Like you're one to talk!" Bellona shot back.
Kaiba grinned at this. "Actually, I can. I know when it's alright to insult someone, and when it isn't. For example; I can insult you right now, and there's nothing you can do about it. That is, unless you want to lose a great investment."
Bellona growled at this. "You are one arrogant bastard, you know that!"
"Heh. Perhaps, but one that is in control of the situation." Then he looked at the clock on the wall. "You still have time to go to an ATM machine. That is, unless it's too inconvenient for you."
She glared at this statement. Kaiba was definitely being sarcastic, and enjoying every moment of it. Instead, she approached him until she was close to him, face-to-face.
"And if I refuse?" She asked, grinning. "You already signed the contract."
Kaiba grinned back. "So you remember. You're not as scatterbrained as I thought."
Bellonas eyes flared for a moment, but then they subsided. For some reason, she actually didn't mind his arrogance as much as she originally did. In fact, she found it challenging that someone was able to stand up to her without losing their temper.
"Hmm." Was all she said as she noticed his eyes. They seemed to resonate with slight darkness, but there was also a calm look to them. She half smiled at him, not knowing that she did so.
Seto looked at her, slightly bewildered as to why she hasn't made some type of comeback. He wondered why she was looking at him like that, but then his attention was focused on her dark, sultry eyes. When she wasn't shooting her mouth off, her beauty seemed to be more noticeable. Hardly noticing it himself, he brought his hand to her cheek, brushing away some of her hair that was in the way, still having his gaze fixed on hers.
From Melanie's point of view, she could see that the two were mere inches away from each other. She watched in anticipation as their heads got closer to each other. Then, it happened. Bellona's lips were pressed firmly against Seto's. Their eyes were now closed, and the kiss drew deeper.
Seconds passed, and the two finally broke the kiss.
"Sorry." Kaiba finally said. "I don't know what came over me."
"No, it's my fault." Bellona quickly said. "I didn't know what I was thinking. I'm not even sure if I 'was' thinking."
Kaiba wasn't sure what to say next. He wasn't sure how it happened, but he was actually finding this woman less irritating than when he first met her. In fact, he was actually starting to like her. Unfortunately, he still wasn't sure of it, which confused him somewhat more.
Bellona wasn't sure of things herself. She naturally found Kaiba to be an arrogant jerk that wouldn't let her have her way, but for some reason, she didn't mind.
"Hm, not bad." She finally said. "I figured someone like you could've kissed better than that, though."
"Oh really." Seto said. "Last I checked, you couldn't have seemed to keep your eyes off me."
Bellona slightly blushed. "Well, it's not like there are a lot of attractive looking people around here." She then mentally scolded herself for saying that part out loud.
Kaiba grinned at her words. "That's what I thought. Still, you're not that bad looking yourself." For some reason, he held back on the rest of what was going to say. He figured that he'll just save his taunting for the next time he sees Joey, which should be at the town square. He then looked at the clock again.
"We better get going." He finally said. "Mokuba is probably wondering what's taking me so long."
"Yeah." Bellona said, and then turned to face Melanie. Her eyes widened in realization of her presence. "Damn! I forgot that you were still here!"
"It's okay, sis." Melanie said. "I'm happy for you."
Blushing, she quickly left the room, rushing downstairs. Kaiba laughed for a bit, and then also left. Melanie followed suit.
[Later: Town square]
When Seto's limousine arrived, passers-by made a path to let him through. When he, Bellona, and Melanie exited, slight murmurs could be heard about Seto actually having company with him. A small horde of reporters quickly surrounded him, continually asking questions.
"Mr. Kaiba." One of them started. "What brings an important man such as yourself to an event such as this, considering that you've never attended them before?"
"Mr. Kaiba." Another one started. "Is it true that you've been dating an American business woman?"
Seto continued to ignore them until he reached a booth that was made for him to witness the event. After seating himself, he turned to face the reporters.
"I am here to witness the coming of the New Year. I was also hoping to enjoy it without the constant badgering of annoying reporters!"
The reporters ignored his statement and continued to ask questions. Seconds later, security guards from his company escorted the reporters to a distant area away from their boss. After they left, Seto sighed in relief.
"I hate the media. It's because of them that I have to keep up my image."
"I know how you feel." Bellona said. "Back home, everyone is always asking if I'll live up to the standards of my brother. It can get so annoying!"
"Not that it matters, but how did you deal with it?"
"Well, Melanie always answers them for me. I guess it's because I tend to lose my temper on people."
"Heh. I see." Then he looked around. "Where's Mokuba?"
"Right here, big brother." Mokuba answered as he entered the booth with his friends, Yugi, Tea, Joey, Tristan, Mai, and Serenity. "Sorry I'm late. I wanted to invite my friends as well. I hope that's alright with you."
Kaiba became irritated by the sudden intrusion of the people he didn't like, but since it was Mokuba that invited them, he couldn't really object to it.
"I don't mind, Mokuba. As long as you're happy, although I'd prefer that you put a leash on the mutt next time."
Joey growled at the statement. He took his seat as far away from Kaiba as possible, which wasn't very far. Bellona glared as Tea and Yugi sat down.
"Thanks for inviting us, Mokuba." Yugi said. "You too, Kaiba."
"Whatever." Was Kaiba's response. He actually didn't mind their company, especially after having to deal with the media.
Bellona, on the other hand, was not too happy. Her hands kept fidgeting, due to resisting her temptation at yelling and insulting the bank teller that annoyed her earlier.
Meanwhile, Mokuba and Melanie were having a conversation with Yugi and Joey.
"So how are they coming along?" Yugi asked.
"Kind of slow, but it's getting there." Mokuba answered. "That day after the Christmas eve duel, they had a pretty nice conversation about duel monsters, business tactics, and a debate over who was more annoying."
Yugi sweat dropped. "Well...... it's a start."
"So who were they talking about?" Joey asked.
"Do you really want him to answer that?" Mai asked, her eyes narrowing.
Joey's eyes narrowed as well. "I know they were talking about me, Mai. I was just wonderin' who the other guy was!"
"Now that you mention it, I wonder who that was anyways?" then she looked at Mokuba, who was looking at Tea nervously. Fortunately, she didn't notice.
"Never mind." Mai finally said. "I think I already know who."
Joey gave a bewildered look. Mai then pointed at Tea. He grinned.
"You mean Tea?"
Mai slapped her forehead, and then crossed her arms. Joey looked behind him to see an agitated Tea. She was holding back her anger. Yugi noticed this and calmed her down. While this was happening, Melanie motioned for Mokuba and Mai to look over in Kaiba and Bellona's direction. Almost unknowingly, they were watching the countdown while holding hands. Mai grinned, Mokuba and Melanie smiled, and Joey's eyes widened in surprise.
"Am I imagining things or somethin'?" Joey whispered. "Is what Serenity said actually coming true?"
"Looks like it." Mai answered.
"I hope it does." Melanie added.
Mokuba turned around to see Tristan and Serenity in the back row, talking. He wasn't sure what they were saying, but Tristan was making hand gestures, and Serenity was giggling. Joey heard this, and turned around. His eyes narrowed, and he stood up to approach them. However, Mai pulled him back down.
"Not now. The countdown's up to ten."
So everyone watched the rest of the New Years countdown in peace and tranquility.
End of chapter 6.
Well, that' the end of this chapter. There should be about 2 or 3 more chapters left, depending on how this fares out. As I said before, I'm sorry for taking so long to update.