A/N: Don't own it (Yu-gi-oh)…but I do have a spare can of whipped cream if any of you feel inspired at the end of this chapter. I will say no more…
Thanks to my beta Iris Omega-awesome job, especially the 'changes' to certain parts.
I want to thank WishList for nominating this fic in the Seto/Serenity contest (the link is on my profile-if any of you care to vote for this meek lil story, or nominate worthy stories you come across). In so doing, I would like to dedicate this chapter to her-it happens to be a favorite of mine. I hope she enjoys it as my tribute of 'thank you' to her…
Chapter 12
I'll Rouse You
Serenity could hardly believe how wonderful it felt to be in Kaiba's arms. He carried her as if she weighed next to nothing. How odd, seeing as though she was constantly complaining about her weight. It had to be a "girl thing." But there was no straining or huffing; he acted like it was completely natural for him. He slid her into the limo—her feet never touching the cold, snowy ground. She moved over quickly, almost eager for him to join her. A girl could get used to this type of treatment. She smiled softly as Mokuba scampered in; followed by a pair of blue eyes she now longed to stare into.
She moved her boots and felt his warmth settle next to her. Unfortunately, she knew that this was the ride home. How depressing—the night had been so wonderful. It was not what she had expected and certainly not what she had wanted. What exactly was it that she wanted anyway? He was confusing the hell out of her. Yet, she didn't want the night to end because the magic would end with it; or would it?
The scenes outside the windows began changing as they passed the park and the stores. There were still last-minute shoppers and onlookers hustling about. The snow just added to the immense pleasure of the scene. It was such a magical time of year. Christmas trees were lit, storefronts were decorated in their finest, and people seemed to be purely happy. Could this be why Seto Kaiba's face wasn't settling into its usual scowl? His countenance was almost pleasant without the drawn lips and maniacal look in his eyes. She liked how his eyes looked tonight. She sighed, and he heard it.
He could hardly believe his luck. Tonight couldn't have worked out better if he had planned the events himself. His brother, who was falling asleep quickly, orchestrated things quite well. At first, he had been a bit annoyed that she would be joining them on this night—a night that he held very close to his chest. Not too many people knew about his "charitable side." It was better that way. In the business world, it was better to seem mean and aggressive than soft. Being soft provided openings and struggles. He had to be ruthless.
As they pulled up in front of her apartment, she noticed her car in its spot. She smiled; it was so funny that Kaiba's help had made the evening possible.
"When did Mokuba fall asleep?" she whispered as the limo came to a halt. Was she so completely lost in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed? Wow, her mind was really working overtime and then some.
"He had a busy day in school, and out." Kaiba smirked and spoke in a hushed tone—one she imagined he would use in intimate situations as well. A soft flush crept up her cheeks. Why did he always pull her thoughts in that direction? He slid out of the car and she slid across the seat towards him, pulling her house-key from her purse.
He moved, as if to lift her, but she stopped him.
"Honestly, I think I can manage." She tried to smile, wanting to be in his arms, but needing to resist it.
"I believe I told you that I am a gentleman; being one requires that I assist you. Now, do I have to drape you over my shoulder again, or will you cooperate?" His eyes left no room for questions. She reluctantly agreed and he scooped her up again. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck as their eyes met. The chauffer closed the door to the car, took the key from her, and opened the door to her apartment. Once the door was open, Kaiba stepped inside with her in his arms.
Serenity's eyes grew wide at the scene that assaulted her senses. What had he done? It seemed that, in the time they were shopping, wrapping, fighting (kissing... she didn't forget that), and eating, he had "his people" decorate her apartment. He carried her down the short hall, which was draped in holly and pinecones. Rose poinsettias in colors of every kind were in each corner of the room. A real tree had replaced her sad, small, plastic one, while fairy lights in soft white adorned the windows in cascading tendrils. She gasped as she beheld the sight. It was amazing. The smell from the pine and holly was unlike anything she had ever imagined. On her counter sat a wonderful tray of gingerbread cookies and other assorted treats. Fake snow sat under figurines of angels and Santas. It was... incredible.
She finally turned to look at his face. "What have you done?" She bit her lower lip, barely able to contain the smile. He softly released her legs and her feet made contact with the floor. "I've never seen anything like this before—ever." She wandered around, noting the red velvets draped across her couches and cream colored throws depicting wintry scenes. He had gone above and beyond. Turning to look at him, a sparkle from her ceiling caught her eye. Looking up, she noticed the crystals hanging.
"Swaroski." He shrugged. They were shaped into snowflakes and reflected the gentle lights from the candles glowing in the room; the candles that were so beautiful and, dare she think, romantic.
"I don't understand..." She stammered.
"I'm not typical, Serenity." He stared over at the now very pathetic roses on the counter. She was shocked he hadn't had them thrown out.
Her eyes regarded him with a gentleness he had never seen before. "I hope you like the plants. Somehow, I think they are more appropriate for the season. As for most of the other things, the crystals withstanding, that was done by my personal decorators."
"I just don't know what to say..." She meandered around the room, her eyes constantly finding something new to dwell on. How long did it take to put all of this together? How amazing was he—really? What had she gotten herself into? If this was what he did to try to gain her attention, what would he do to keep it? It truly was a scary thought.
"Thank you, Seto Kaiba?" He suggested, with a smug sarcasm that made her giggle.
She wasn't turned to see his expression, but she could close her eyes and see the smirk on his face. It actually made her smile.
Slowly, with deliberation, she moved so that she faced him.
"Thank you, Seto Kaiba. I've never had anyone do anything this special for me before." She bit her bottom lip and lowered her eyes to the floor; she could feel herself blushing under his stare.
He grunted, which she took as a "thank you." He was, completely typically, being "him." His arms were folded across his chest, eyes narrowed, and that quirk was on his lips—so kissable. How could he always seem so kissable?
"I would stay and invite you for cookies and tea, but with Mokuba sleeping..." Did that really come out of her mouth? She could scarcely believe she said that.
The door flew open, as if on cue...
"Does she like it?" Mokuba came bounding down the hall—eyes wide as he tried to drink it all in. "This looks amazing, big brother!"
Serenity frowned. "Did Mokuba plan this, or did you, Kaiba?" Her tone was less than amicable.
"Once again assuming the worst of me; and I'm back to 'Kaiba' again, I guess..." He turned away from her—this was getting frustrating. How does a man prove he isn't a cold-hearted bastard when he is obviously labeled as such? How does one break a stereotype cast upon him by strangers?
"This was all Seto's idea. I told him about the stinky flowers Duke gave you." Mokuba's nose crinkled at the memory. "He told me he had a surprise for you, he just couldn't figure out how to keep you out long enough to have flowers delivered." Mokuba looked at Kaiba. "This is way more than flowers, big brother—it looks like a Christmas village!"
Serenity looked between the two. Could this be the truth? For some odd reason, she just kept feeling like she was constantly being baited. Bait... that damn word again.
Mokuba flopped on the couch, making himself right at home. Serenity sighed heavily. How does one fight off the Kaiba brothers? This was insane; the base that was this child eased the vinegar in Seto. The sugar that was Mokuba counteracted the salt of Seto. They were a perfect one-two punch. How could a girl expect to maintain her sense of self around those two? She was going to go down in flames, and she knew it.
"How about that tea? Or am I too evil to have for dessert?" he asked, clearly loading the question. The corner of his mouth turned up when he asked if she wanted him for dessert.
"I'll have a hot chocolate!" Mokuba called out as he searched for the remote. Serenity giggled as she recalled the last time they had hot chocolate.
"And would you, Kaiba," she began, exerting her sense of self, "like a cup of hot chocolate?"
He snarled a bit as he walked into the kitchen behind her. Sure, he would have some—just as long as he didn't have to wear it this time. She busied herself with boiling the water and getting out the packets of cocoa. He stood there, leaning against the counter, watching every move she made. He wanted her so badly he could just about taste her.
She opened the fridge door and pulled out the whipped cream, smiling to herself. She stood and squirted a bit on her fingertip. "Whipped cream, Kaiba?" She smirked at him as she slid her finger in her mouth. If he wanted to play with her mind, she would simply return the favor. If they were going to impose on her, she would simply flirt and tease—all to drive him out of his beautifully manipulative mind.
First frosting and now whipped cream... why did the man seem to want so badly to be food these days?
"Depends..." He narrowed his eyes on her as he approached. "Can I choose where to taste it from?" She swallowed hard; teasing him may not be the smartest thing to do. In fact, it could be the stupidest, most insane thing she ever undertook.
She shrugged, handing him the can. "How good is your imagination, Kaiba?"
"Have you seen me duel? Have you seen the innovations I've made, or the amusement parks I've built?" There was a wicked look in his eyes. "My imagination will amaze you, Serenity." Swallowing hard, she waited. She tried to think of comebacks, but nothing was stirring in her mind. Oh, things were stirring elsewhere, but not in her brain...
"One might confuse your wit with an ego trip. I couldn't have that, Mr. Kaiba." She gulped as she retreated. Oh please... powers that be... help...
He shook the can and sprayed a bit on his finger, then proceeded to swipe it across her lower lip. It wasn't much, just enough for a taste. Was it her whose breathing was so rushed and rugged? He leaned slowly in...
She pulled back and licked it away. "You said I get to give you the next kiss, if you can recall." She smiled at him; she won this round.
"Touché." He smirked as he pulled back—away from her lips, but not her person.
"So be it. I'll set aside my intention of kissing you." He circled her then leaned in again, his chest against her back, this time close to her ear, his warm breath tickling her neck.
"I don't understand," she whispered weakly, her eyes briefly shutting.
She felt his fingers gently move the hair away from her skin, then a cool squirt of whipped cream on her neck. She shivered, but remained still—biting her bottom lip.
His mouth settled on her neck, quickly covering the sweet cream. If his arm hadn't been wrapped around her, she was sure she would have fallen to the floor. He pulled away after his mouth had preformed a delicious dance against her skin. Oh, to grab that can from him and play that song again...
"Hardly a kiss," he whispered, sending tingles down her spine, which then raced back up.
She mustered up her strength. If he knew how he had affected her, she was doomed. She had to obliterate him with the next move. She slowly turned, making sure to press herself against him as obviously as possible.
"Here I thought you were imaginative, Kaiba. All that talk and so little creativity." She shrugged and smirked at him, placing her hands on her hips.
He was scowling at her. He had felt her shiver... was he wrong? Then again, with her, anything was possible. Women were mysterious creatures and this one was the worst. She could turn on the edge of a knife. Serenity was soft and so intoxicating in one moment, and then snarling with claws flashing in the next.
He looked at her through lowered lids, standing to his full height, handing her the whipped cream.
"If you find my work so thoroughly lacking finesse, show me how it's done." His voice was low and, if she didn't know better, dangerous.
"Are you daring me, Kaiba?" She liked using that name now—his eyes flashed blue sparks when she enunciated it, pronouncing both syllables with a purr in her voice. He wanted her to call him Seto, but this was far more fun. The annoyance on his face was priceless.
"I'm calling your bluff," he stated simply, his voice level.
"No, I know a dare when I hear one." She snickered. "Where would you like me to put this, Kaiba?" She moved closer, feeling more comfortable, seeing as though he had no intention to move—or pounce. She ran a finger down his chest. "Maybe here..." she offered with a soft shrug.
"Then again..." Her finger softly skimmed his cheek. "I do like a clean shave on a man, and here would be nice." She circled him like a shark circling prey. He wanted so much to bring up the image his mind conjured, but he held his tongue.
Damn, he had a fine backside, she noted as she slid a hand through his hair. It felt like silk falling through her fingers. "I would never want to mess up your hair, so that would be a bad place," she muttered.
She stopped before him, rubbing her lower lip with her finger. "It seems that my whimsy lacks inspiration." She titled her head slightly, noting the slight tick in his jaw. "I'm not sure if I could laugh for a man who doesn't 'inspire' me." She blew a small puff of air up to rearrange her bangs on her forehead.
"You want me to inspire you, Serenity?" he growled. He was so ready to grab her, but, then, that would prove he had no self-control when it came to her—so to hell with that idea.
"Maybe if you gave me a hint..." She snickered, slowly squeezing out some cream on her finger and moving close to him. With a crook of her finger, she called him down to her. He moved closer, expecting one thing, but what he received was something totally different. She slathered the whipped cream on his nose and then erupted into peals of laughter. He didn't laugh; instead, he grabbed her before she made it to the kitchen door and turned her into him, wiping the cream off into her hair in the process.
She was in full hysterics now as she aimed the can, as best she could under his grip, at him. She let it loose in his general direction and felt him release her. She tore out the door and ran into the living room where Mokuba was enthralled in a show.
When he heard her high pitched squeal, he looked up to see his brother gain on her, clearing off white stuff as he chased her down. What the hell had he missed? Serenity turned and aimed a can in Kaiba's direction.
"Don't make me," she warned with a big smile on her face. "I will, you know!" She was giggling, but still tried to remain a threat.
"Hand it over, Serenity, and I may not hurt you..." It wasn't a scary threat—it was almost playful.
"Will you turn your Blue-Eyes on me?" She smiled, still aiming the can.
"No, but I will toss you over my shoulder again." It was a low-growled threat.
"You'd have to catch me first Kaiba..." She squirted the can at him again, staining his shirt. She gasped as it flew out, and then slapped a hand over her mouth.
"Oops—my bad." She smiled sweetly at him. Who knew this man? Most believed he walked around with a broomstick up his... well, could he really have a sense of humor? Maybe he did.
"It is your bad, and it is about to be your worse." He lunged for her. She jumped up onto the couch—being grateful for wearing socks—jumped over Mokuba, and raced back to the kitchen. He was fast, but she was more agile. She managed to close the door and lean against it. He pounded on it a second later.
"Open up now and things will go a lot better for you, Serenity." He was huffing and quite a bit annoyed, but he was determined to get to her.
"Never!" she challenged, laughing at his antics. She had a feeling he was a bit more serious than she was, but she was loving this side of him.
"I'm terrified of you... and your white lightning attack..." She smirked.
"Open the door," he commanded, annoyed that he was getting nowhere with the object of his complete attention.
"Only if you swear not to retaliate." She smiled at that, proud at herself for being so clever. "Are you a man of your word, Kaiba? Can I trust you to do me no harm if I open the door? Are you a man of honor?"
"If you open the door, you'll find out," he stated simply.
"I'll make you a deal, Kaiba," she responded, still holding the door closed with her body. "You're a business man and I will try to be fair." She suppressed a giggle. Here she was, bargaining with a man worth billions over some whipped cream. Was this irony and insanity or what?
"Make your request," he said in a tone that reeked of stuffy business sense.
"I'll let you in, but there is to be no more whipped cream—except in the hot chocolate," she explained.
"This sounds terribly one-sided. You come out the victor and, I, the victim. I refuse this arrangement. Try again..." He was being shrewd.
"How about this; no more whipped cream, and I will make it up to you... in my own way that involves no harm to your clothing." She shrugged as she looked around the kitchen. How would she? Honestly?
"There is only one thing that will clinch your deal, Serenity." He smirked—it was time to take the upper hand. "No more whipped cream, and you kiss me—freely."
Her breath caught in her throat. She could barely think. Kiss him... kiss him... oh boy, kiss him. She would have to take the lead, and she had never done that before with any man. True, Kaiba was not the first man she had kissed, but she had never initiated a kiss before. He was pushing her into uncharted areas. She wanted to kiss him, though... quite badly.
"Fine, but under my terms," she called through the door.
"Your terms, but it happens tonight; this is not open-ended to where you can hold it off indefinitely," he countered. Bargaining with a girl over a kiss... he could hardly believe he was doing this. She was toying with him much like he toyed with opponents in duel monsters or in business.
"Agreed," she whispered. Yet another verbal agreement he would hold her to. What the hell was she thinking? She was slipping up all over the darn place. As it stood, she might have to hand him her heart on Christmas Eve, providing he made her laugh—which she now believed could be possible. But, for now, all she had to worry about was a kiss...
Slowly, she moved away from the door and opened it. He was standing there, glowering down at her. She had been pretty accurate with the whipped cream. Quickly, she grabbed a towel and began wiping it off of his shirt while nervous giggles filled the air around them.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
"You should be—this is an expensive shirt," he complained.
"Oh no, not about your shirt—about my giggles. I mean it's kind of rude of me... Then again, I have the Seto Kaiba in my kitchen, wearing whipped cream—which I squirted all over him—and it's amusing as all heck." She smiled up at his blue eyes with such glee it was hard for him not to smile back. But he didn't.
"Do you do this often?" he asked, wondering if she was this carefree with her other suitors.
"Do what?" she asked innocently as she removed a glob from his hair. This would be a sticky mess and he would really need a shower. Then her mind wandered into more uncharted areas... was she ever going to learn? Quick, she needed a lobotomy to rid her of these ideas he was invoking.
"Am I the first man to receive a whipped cream bath?" He pulled the towel from her hand. He was annoyed already—he hated the idea of any man near her. Her touching someone else would drive him insane—of that he was sure.
"Yes, you are officially my first, Kaiba." She leaned back and smiled smugly at him.
He finally finished and then looked up at her.
"You know I let you off quite easy. I must be losing my touch," he complained.
"No, I think it's improving." She moved closer. "I highly doubt I would enjoy myself this much with the Kaiba from the other night—he was too stuffy." She rolled her eyes mockingly.
"I'll be waiting in the limo," Mokuba called out. It was late, and they all knew it, but just didn't want to admit it. It had been an eventful evening, but a good one.
Once she heard the door shut, she turned her attention back to Kaiba.
Slowly, fearlessly, she took his hand and led him into the living room. She turned the main light and the television off. The soft glow from the tree and fairy lights bathed them in a Christmas glow. She hit the play button on her CD-player and a Christmas song came on. A few nights ago she had imagined this scene; funny how it was playing out with the most unexpected man.
She turned to him. "I'm a woman of my word, Seto Kaiba," she whispered as she moved closer and slid her hand onto his cheek.
Serenity barely noticed the building storm in Kaiba's deep blue eyes. They were blazing, consuming her. There was no doubt she held his complete attention at that moment. Forgotten were the cold calculations and the games they had been playing.
He leaned towards her as she pulled him down with the soft hand that was caressing the nape of his neck. Her lips settled on his possessively, thinking it would be a better to take off than to linger. She sighed as his lips parted, and her tongue swirled within his mouth—tasting him again. It took every ounce of his strength to hold back, to just allow her the lead. She pressed closer, twining her fingers of one hand into his hair, while the other gripped his shoulder. His arms circled his waist, pulling her feet up off the floor, her full weight in his arms—her body intimately against his own.
Their lips savored each sensation as they explored, retreated, then delved again. She felt his body shudder as her toes met with the ground. He couldn't let this continue for long, as much as he wanted to. Mokuba was in the car and the effect she was having on him was tangible now.
Her fingers touched her own lips after the kiss broke; clearly it had the same consuming burn on her.
"I want to see you again," he whispered hoarsely, then cleared his throat.
Her arm was still linked around his neck; she couldn't seem to want to let go. She nodded her head.
"Lunch tomorrow?" he asked. He would have said dinner, but that would mean waiting too many hours in-between visits.
She almost said yes, but then remembered Duke. A confused, unsettled, and then a comprehending expression crossed her face.
"I'm busy," she whispered, not able to meet his eyes.
"Well..." He shrugged. "Become not busy."
"I can't... um, I already agreed to have lunch with someone else." She bit her bottom lip; a subconscious move on her part that showed her nervousness. He was beginning to read her.
"Who?" He asked, not really caring. Anyone else could be put off—she could just shuffle her schedule to accommodate him.
"Duke Devlin," she barely whispered. "He came to see me today... gave me flowers and all, and I agreed to go on a lunch date with him."
"So, tomorrow you'll spend the day with Devlin?" Kaiba asked her, pretending not to care. Meanwhile, his mind was reeling. His girl, the girl who invaded almost every thought he had, was going to be in the company of another man. Seto Kaiba didn't share well. Actually, he didn't share at all.
"Well," she hedged gently, "Just lunch." She could hardly believe he wasn't irate. After the kissing, and them becoming so much closer (or so it seemed), one would have thought he would flip. He didn't; instead, he looked at her levelly, with no show of emotion.
Did Devlin make her laugh? Did she share her smile with him? Would she hold his hand or snicker at one of his jokes? Did the man even joke with her? Did she enjoy Devlin's company—even more than his? Remain calm, that's what he had to do. If he showed his true emotions, he could drive her the other way.
He tugged her hand towards her door. She followed behind him, noticing the way his muscles moved under his shirt. She hated when they were covered from her view by his coat.
"Have a good lunch," he whispered against the top of her head, deeply breathing in her scent before laying a chaste kiss on her forehead. "Maybe I'll see you tomorrow night."
"I'd like that," she mumbled, not understanding. She thought he would be in a jealous rage. Was this all just a game then? Was he playing her? Why didn't he react? Didn't he care?
Impulsively, she tugged him down by the back of his neck and kissed his mouth—lingering. He didn't pull away, yet didn't respond with the passion he usually exhibited.
Slowly, she broke the contact, "Are you angry with me?" she whispered softly against his lips.
"Would you like me to be?" he returned, furious with Devlin and her acceptance, but not willing to let it all show--not just yet.
She shrugged. "I guess not."
"Have a good night, Serenity." He smirked as he left. She watched him walk through the snow to his limo and then he slid in. The car disappeared.
He left her wondering if she meant anything to him. Was she just a challenge in his eyes? Leaning against the door, a million thoughts raced through her head. Oh, how she needed so many questions answered. For some reason, however, the direct approach with the man didn't seem like the way to go about things. Sighing, she trudged off to bed. Lunch with Seto seemed way more appealing than lunch with Duke. Slowly blowing out the candles, she argued with her heart—a heart that was betraying her mind... a heart that was falling for a certain blue-eyed CEO.
"She's still going to lunch with Duke Devlin, Seto?" Mokuba asked. Even though Serenity seemed less than interested, the small boy was still concerned.
"She is," Kaiba growled. A jealous rage would be a stupid thing to exhibit in front of her. When he was away from her, though, he could glower all he wanted.
"I know where they'll be and what time they'll be there..." Mokuba offered innocently.
Kaiba quirked an eyebrow. He looked into the eyes of his little brother, already scheming a 'Murphy's Law' lunch.
Mokuba offered the time and place, and Kaiba was already calculating how long it would take for the date to end, and for Serenity to be back in his arms. An evil grin slid across freshly kissed lips. Tomorrow, Duke would be history in Serenity's eyes—compliments of Seto Kaiba.