A/N: I own my tired eyes and cramped finger but never claimed to own Yu-gi-oh or any of its characters…I did warp an idea given to me by one of my wonderful reviewers in this chapter…you said you would recognize it when you see it…did you see it Lilith? Thank you for the inspiration…

Chapter 8

Fool for the Chase

"Thank you I think I'll pass," Serenity murmured as she lifted her mug of cocoa to her lips. Kissing him was the last thing she had in mind. What a jerk. Did he think she would swoon and just allow the kiss? The first time it had been to entice him. He no longer needed enticement or encouragement. She adjusted herself so that instead of her knees leaning into his she was sitting with her knees forward. She crossed her legs away from him as well. Hopefully Kaiba knew the subtle art of body language. She had read somewhere that these signs meant 'not interested'.

"I really must insist," he leaned back against the cushions and regarded her posture. She was trying so hard to convince herself of her distaste for him she failed to notice that her eyes kept darting his way. Could she get anymore appealing? Was it possible? She licked her lips after sipping the warm chocolate drink. He wondered how she would taste topped with the sweet concoction.

"Do you mind?" She snapped, not turning, but chastising him never the less. "I'm tired of you staring at me. You have the most unnerving eyes Kaiba."

"Unnerving? I've heard intense, maniacal, scary and sometimes…intriguing, but unnerving?" He smirked as he leaned in closer, abandoning the cushions. "Do I unnerve you?"

She could feel his breath against her cheek, if she turned her head she would be in a lip lock. "You are invading my personal space Mr. Kaiba." She lowered her voice and with venom, through gritted teeth spat, "back off."

He leaned back, not deterred but captivated. In the sleigh ride she liked the hand holding, he was sure of it, but now she acted like he had the plague. Why the switch? As far as he could tell she was melting, but then she would get so angry. Why didn't women come with manuals like computers? Why did they have to be so damn complicated?

"Would you rather be with Duke Devlin? Or perhaps that third rate duelist? Maybe someone safer that you can handle?" He quirked an eyebrow at her, she was ignoring him. He liked the chase. Women so easily fell for him, it was an odd occasion one scorned him and he was enjoying the barbs.

"I wish to be alone Seto Kaiba." She stood up so she could look down at him. Sitting next to that man was too much to take. She turned and noticed how he was relaxing back against the cushions, arm around where she had been seated, his left hand fisted with his chin leaning against it. Comfortable…that's how he looked, and smooth. How many women had he romanced?

"I never tried to gain attention from either of them, they forced it on me. Neither took 'here's a map-go to hell' for an answer. Now here you are pawing me all night I just want you to know it isn't appreciated nor wanted. In fact, if it weren't for Mokuba's feelings I would have slapped you several times tonight."

"Would you? Honestly? I mean, you really didn't seem to mind when I held your hand." He was starting to get aggravated.

"When you…" She began then stopped, thinking about his warm hand wrapped around her cold one. "How dare you! I tried to pull it away and I believe I even asked for it back." He stood and tried to look down at her. Her eyes burned with a fire he didn't realize she possessed.

"You asked if I was finished with your hand in the sleigh well…I wasn't," he countered. Folding his arms across his chest, he looked down at her meager height and attempted to try submission through intimidation.

"You know very well that I didn't want my hand held you…imbecile!" Her hands were balled into fists and his height seemed to melt under her glare. "Look, we both know that this would be a colossal mistake…hell Kaiba you couldn't make me laugh even if you honestly tried. Bow out with dignity!"

"You little snit," he countered. "You are a devious little red-headed wench aren't you? You're playing vixen, enticing men into the false security that you will choose one as your own." He was approaching and at first she stood her ground, but now small steps failed to disguise her retreat. "You never had any intention of choosing a man on Christmas Eve did you?" She stared up at him with wide eyes, wide innocent eyes. "Don't even…" He began with a growl.

She did a mind scramble, this couldn't be happening. He could not see through her veil, she wouldn't allow it. "I have every intention…"

"Liar," he cut her off.

"I really do want to…"

"Fabricator…" again her mouth was stilled by his accusation.

"If you would just let me…"

"Continue to deceive me? I think not." He had cornered her against the glass door that led out onto an elaborate balcony. She wondered if it was open. If it was perhaps she could race out into the night then throw herself over the ledge. Where the hell was Mokuba?

"I was going to say…"

"That your motives are pure? That your intention is to give your heart away to that special someone? Save it." His eyes were flickering with unspent anger.

"H-how wo-would you know wh-what I mean to d-do?" She gulped and tried to still her heart. Never mess with Seto Kaiba. It was a lose-lose situation. How does one recover when their secrets are out of the bag? Confess and face the consequences? Ignore it and pretend like it didn't happen? Feign innocence and try to continue the game? This would be so much easier if he would just quit the contest, what was he trying to prove? It made no sense what so ever. Eyes that were once the golden shade of honey and held warmth now raged with fury and practically glowed red. He was impossible!

"Maybe we should kiss again and prove our intentions." He offered with a growl. His lips were barely an inch away.

Serenity pressed back further against the glass door, the cold outside pressed against her through the slight barrier. A shiver raced down her spine. He had her trapped, his arms pinned her in place. First show no fear.

"Maybe I should just steal a kiss," he threatened, "see how you respond."

"Don't try it Seto Kaiba. It may work on the trash you usually keep company with but it won't work on me." She was seething with an anger she had never felt before.

"You're just mad because you know you'll enjoy it." He leered at her, his eyes wandering over her lips. Hers were on his, the realization of it made her gasp, audibly. Now she was scared, her cards had been tipped.

"No I won't, you kiss horribly. I honestly don't think you've had enough practice. Then again how could you when all you do is hang out on computers and play with duel disks and cards…" Why was it so hard to breathe? Why did he look so damn good? Why was her heart racing? Where in the name of all that was holy was Mokuba?

"Care to teach me? I mean, if I'm so bad you can train me to your liking." It was a lewd suggestion and she was having none of it.

"There is no hope for you." Why was he still so close and why were her knees weak?

"There will be on Christmas Eve Serenity. When you laugh for me…"

"I won't laugh for any of you. I think I'll leave and go away that night. It will null the contest and finally I'll be rid of all of you." Her breathing was still rapid. He didn't fail to notice how her lips were slightly parted, moist from the hot chocolate and her eyes were wide and glassy.

"I don't quit, especially when I'm intrigued." Leaning in hovering just short of her lips. She could feel his breath against her skin. "You intrigue me."

"You disgust me." It was supposed to sound threatening, nasty, but instead fell off of her lips in a soft whisper. It was hardly convincing, even she wasn't convinced.

"I'm going to kiss you now," he drawled.

"Then I'll bite you," she mumbled.

Their eyes locked, for the first time. She had been trying to avoid his stare, knowing it would undo her. Why did he have such appealing eyes? If they were brown, green or hazel would he be as amazing to gawk at? Would she still find herself drowing in him? She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. It wasn't by force or by coercion it was of her own volition.

Catching him off guard was her reward. He stood there, stoic, not moving, not responding. She was tasting him. Seeing if he would do something despicable…he didn't, he was like a statue.

Pulling back, eyes wide, not believing the action that had just occurred. She slapped him. How dare he make her kiss him! A smile slid across his freshly kissed lips. Confusion was shining clearly in her brown eyes. She leaned in and kissed him again, this time grabbing onto his shoulders and leaning into him. He remained still, no response. She pulled back and gasped, pressing her fingers over her lips.

She was about to slap him again when he caught her hand. "I think I've had quite enough." He smirked at her as he held her wrist and pulled her away from the door.

"I won't back out of this contest and you will hold true to your side of the bargain. If I can make you laugh on Christmas Eve you're mine." He smiled as he led her to the couch and forced her to sit. Staring dumbly at her hands in her lap she shook her head no.

"I won't laugh Kaiba. You can't make me. You aren't funny." Her voice was lowering as the words left her lips. "You have no sense of humor, or timing, how can someone who never laughs cause someone else to?" She looked up at him.

He sat beside her again. "Are you intimidated by me?" He tugged her chin towards him so she was forced to look into his eyes…again.

"No, because if you tried something I didn't like I know I would have the ability to counter." She shrugged and turned from him. "You aren't a monster especially with a precocious kid brother around."

"How would you counter?" Curiosity caused his eyes to gleem, she was unlike any other woman. She was quite and shy, seemingly meek, then in the next breath she was hell-fire and talons. He liked layers, women who bowed to him because of his name bored him and if they wanted his money or prestige they were labeled gold diggers. She wanted his absence, after having tricked him into her 'test' she wanted him out. Could it be she was afraid? Of laughing or of him?

"Let's just say you would be talking an octave higher after my counter." Brown eyes filled with mischief, cheeks blushed, and teeth bit into a lower lip…it was enticing. Quickly she lifted her mug from the table and drank a calming sip. Distractions were good, they were magnificent. Hot chocolate was a delicious distraction, Kaiba's lips were more delectable but she was putting her foot down...no more kissing...

Moments passed. No longer able to hold on to his resistance, he leaned in to kiss her. The sudden movement on his part caused her to accidently tip her hot chocolate, spilling it into his awaiting lap. The warm, yet wet liquid splashed up covering his lap. Shooting up to his feet he tried riding himself of the stains with his hands, too bad all the wiping in the world wouldn't take the mess away. The wonderful expletives that flew from his mouth were not meant for her ears. Slapping a hand over her mouth, her shoulders began to quake. Mokuba rushed into the room, fearful that Seto had finally unleashed the beast within on poor Serenity. The sight amazed him.

There was Seto, covered in a wet stain across his lap and dear, sweet Serenity was laughing hysterically.

He walked further into the room. The poor girl looked like she couldn't catch her breath, from behind it almost looked as if she was crying, burying her face in her hands, shoulders shaking as peels of laughter left her through the hand that was slapped over her lips.

Seto was fuming, he had wanted to kiss her and instead was wearing her drink. Worse even was the way he had reacted, using words he was sure her ears had never dreamed of. Now the embarassing part…it looked as if he had wet his pants…great, women loved that! Would he ever be able to make her forget that mental image? He excused himself, quickly passing Mokuba, a tinge of pink covering his cheeks. Kaiba was blushing! Mokuba would never have believed it happened if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes.

"Oh my God!" Serenity finally gasped out. Throwing herself back into the cushions, her lungs pulling in air as more giggles left her wracked body. She finally started to come down from the high.

The room had quieted, the snow continued to fall and a small boy realized that laughter had been revisited.

"Um Serenity?" Mokuba inched his way over to the couch. Serenity leaned forward, grabbing some napkins to sop up the brown liquid that was staining the couch and rug. It was amaizing how quickly it flowed over white surfaces. The napkins would do no good, that sad realization brought about a soft sigh. What now?

"I'm afraid a steam cleaner would be in order for this mess." She wiped her hands clean and then looked at the smaller Kaiba. Her snicker followed a chuckle. "I'm sorry for the mess, it was an accident."

"Don't worry Serenity, one of the maids will get it. I'm such a klutz they're constantly picking up after me. I wish I was more like Seto, he never spills or drops anything." Mokuba's eyes darted to the stains. How exactly did it happen? Had she spilt it on him? Seto wasn't clumsy.

"Oh my gosh," Serenity jumped up. "We have to start on the cupcakes if I hope to get them done tonight, besides I want to get home soon anyway."

"I was coming in to tell you that the kitchen is all ready for us!" Mokuba grabbed her hand and started leading her through the intricate mansion. Several halls and a few doors later he pushed his way into the kitchen. It was huge. No other words could describe it. Her apartment could fit into it and there would still be room left over. There were 3 refigerators…the professional kind, 2 dishwashers akin to what a restaurant would have, there were prep tables and pots and pans hanging from the ceiling. Every gadget or gizmo available was in here. She spun around taking in everything, but still missing so much more. Now this was a kitchen!

"You really are rich aren't you?" She asked as she walked around the large room. Fine china sat in huge showcases. There were more drawers and cabinets than any normal person would have use for. State of the art blenders, mixers, and things that she had no idea what to do with lined the counters. The ovens were numerous and the stainless steel look of everything made it seem sterile and efficient. She was way out of her league in this space. She longed for her tiny kitchen, lack of counter space and her menial tools. Getting through this without breaking anything was a lofty goal.

"So," Mokuba chirped, "will this do?"

"I'm not a chef Mokuba, I honestly have no idea how to work half of these things. Maybe we can just use bowls and some cup cake tins. I don't think I want to play around. I'm an amateur cook, with unlofty goals. I just want to make a few cupcakes and maybe some cookies."

"We can do that!" Mokuba quickly started gathering up the bowls they would need, utensils to stir, measuring cups and spoons, cupcake tins and some baking trays. Serenity opened a cookbook and started looking up a simple recipe. She wished they had stopped at a store to buy a box of mix. This was insane, but then again, Mokuba was an immense help. He was adorable, her heart melted every time she looked at his eager little face. She could almost forgive him for all the tight spots he had landed her in. Almost.

The recipe she selected was the easiest available, with the least amount of ingredients. Easy would be best. Hopefully it would be completed soon and this night could end. A warm, small comfortable apartment would be a welcomed treat. Mokuba helped measure the flour, the baking soda and the vanilla. She smiled at his eagerness as he dumped everything into the mixer.

"This should be easy to finish and then I can be on my way. I'm sure you guys will be happy to finally get rid of me." Serenity smiled as she told Mokuba to add a cup of sugar and 3 eggs. Thinking better of it the eggs went in under her own energy. Crunchy cupcakes weren't yummy.

"Now turn the mixer on low." She looked up when nothing happened, quirking an eyebrow at Mokuba who kept flicking the switch. She walked over to the device and looked at the switch herself. She pushed it forward and back…high to low to high to low. Nothing. Sure, professional devices were the least reliable. Mokuba flicked another switch, then another. She pressed a button herself and yet, it was still dead.

"Ridiculous." She fumed. "How are you supposed to use this thing? I swear I'll take my little hand mixer over this 'making life easier' device." They continued to press buttons and flick switches, not realizing Seto had entered the room. He stood back watching the two fumble and fume as time and time again they were denied access to its mixing abilities.

"It might help if it was plugged in." Seto Kaiba sneered as he shoved the plug into the wall. He ignored the hastened…"no wait" from Serenity.

Suddenly the machine came to life in all of its glory. Flour flew out as the ingredients were splattered all over the place, especially on Mokuba and Serenity. They were bathed in sticky eggs, milk, flour, sugar and all the other ingredients. Kaiba laughed his evil laugh and watched the two get coated as they grappled and poked at the machine in vain. Too many buttons had been pushed, to many things had been switched. Unfortunately the designers didn't put a huge 'on/off' device on it.

"Pull the plug," Mokuba cried out as he tried to rid his face of the gunk.

"With pleasure," Kaiba pulled out the cord and the possessed contraption whirled to a stop. A smug look of satisfaction crossed his handsome features, having been untouched by the slop. He was the only happy one.

"Big brother…why did you do that?" Mokuba whined.

"You both looked perplexed, I was just lending a hand. When trying to solve a problem Kiddo you should get to the root of it. Without power, the buttons and switches are useless." He folded his arms across his chest. He had proved his point.

Serenity looked at him, gone was the white trench coat and the black clothes. He now looked, dare she say it…relaxed? He was wearing a pair of worn out jeans, and a dark blue t-shirt, that fit him snugly, showing off his finely muscled chest and arms. She bit her lip, reminding herself not to go there. Going there led to problems, and kissing, and kissing Kaiba was a problem. Well, it wasn't a problem, that was the problem, he was very kissable. Well, not kissable persay, but…

"Did the cake ingredients cause you to go deaf?" She was pulled from her thoughts by a hand being waved in front of her face. "I asked if you were all right." Kaiba stood before her, smirking. He knew she was staring at him, it wasn't unpleasant, but he needed to snap her back into reality.

"I'm fine, but I think my clothes are ruined. Thanks Kaiba." Groaning, she rubbed at the stains. Unfortunately, the napkins failed to make a dent in the many stains splattered over her. It was usless. "Well, Mr. Brilliant CEO, now what do I do? I'm a mess"

"You're quite an attractive mess. You should have been wearing an apron." He slid a bit of egg yoke off her shoulder with his finger. It plopped on the floor, adding to the muck scattered around them. She shook her head.

"Ya think?" Her sarcasm hit him and he smirked.

"Mokuba go get changed." Kaiba told the flour covered boy, but didn't take his eyes off of Serenity.

"What about Serenity?" Mokuba asked as he backed up towards the door.

"I'll clean her up." He searched her face as he wiped at the flour on her nose.

Mokuba smiled brightly as he raced out of the room. When he was out of ear shot he whooped a loud 'yes' to no one in particular.

A/N: I hope you all liked it. As you have probably guessed I love having them bait and torment each other. I think some of the best romance comes from intense tension, misunderstandings, failed communication and underlying passion. Have I captured any of that in this? It's my own little formula idea. Remember this is a fluffy story, not a mystery or angst, my other stories cover those ideas. This is pure fun for me to write. Please let me know if I am doing it well…thank you all for the wonderful input. I look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions-couldn't do this without you guys!