A/N: I don't own Yu-gi-oh or any of the characters…I own this storyline and that is about it.
I know this was very late in coming, but I was on vacation and then sick. My beta also apologizes for the time it took her to edit, but she was busy and understandably so. I thank her for the great job… I also promise to get the next chapter out much sooner…I will have more time to concentrate on writing now that I have a real schedule in college. Summer makes me lazy…seriously lazy…
Chapter 17
I Win…
Mokuba settled down on the floor behind the coffee table and turned the television on. A large smile spread across his face as he started flipping through channels. Normally, his bedtime would have been a while ago, but thanks to Christmas break and a ridiculous party, he was up beyond his allotted hours. A slice of pizza sat before him and he watched as his big brother and Serenity began eating their own slices.
"So, what were you two doing in here?" Mokuba asked while his mouth was running over with food.
"Chew with your mouth closed, kiddo." Kaiba shook his head at the unexpected treat.
Mokuba frowned. "I bet you would rather have seafood, Seto..."
"Don't you dare," Kaiba growled as his brother opened his mouth and exposed the chewed food within.
"SEE food...!" The raven-haired boy giggled.
"What class," Kaiba scoffed and glanced in Serenity's direction. A fragile hand was over her mouth—hiding a growing smile—as her shoulders shook. How could she find Mokuba's antics amusing? His behavior was tasteless and crude.
"Don't think I won't send you to bed despite it being Christmas break," Kaiba growled.
"Oh, leave him be." The comment was said with light-hearted amusement as Serenity giggled out loud. "I mean, seriously, this is hardly a formal dinner party. Besides, it was funny."
Kaiba looked at her. Obviously, she would find that sort of thing amusing; she was related to a dog. He still couldn't figure out how that was even possible. "So, you enjoy watching him chew with his mouth open?" It was asked as a challenge.
She shook her head no, and then settled her eyes on him. "No, I enjoy your expression when he does it. You seriously need to loosen up, Kaiba. Do you ever laugh?"
Scowling, he placed his slice of pizza back on the plate. "I don't laugh unless something is funny... and I don't find this particularly funny. He should be learning manners even when they aren't necessary." He sat back into the couch, annoyed that the two seemed to be against him.
Serenity shrugged and took another bite of her pizza. If he wanted to brood, he was more than welcome to.
"Do you like seafood, Mokuba?" she asked when she had finished chewing and swallowing. A twist of Mokuba's face and the most amusing expression made Serenity laugh out loud.
"It smells really bad and it all looks like bugs; who would eat it? I just don't understand. I mean," he took a bite of his pizza and continued to chew as he spoke. "People say once you put butter on it, it tastes better, but I'd rather have melted butter on popcorn, not yucky spider-like things." Another bite of pizza and Mokuba turned to look at Seto and opened his mouth. The child was enticing his brother into a fight and Serenity giggled again.
"Do it again, kiddo, and you will be going to bed, I assure you." Kaiba folded his arms over his chest. Mokuba shrugged and continued to eat happily. Blue eyes rolled heavenward.
"So, what now?" Serenity asked as she finished her second slice of pizza—leaving the crusts on her plate and dabbing at her lips with a napkin.
"I want to play in the snow!" Mokuba jumped up and ran towards the window, throwing open the heavy drapes and looking down to the garden below. "It's starting to snow again! This is going to be the whitest Christmas ever." His big eyes looked even larger as he took in the sight below him. "Can we, Seto? Please...?"
Serenity looked between the two of them. The child and the man... Seto seemed to fight constantly to keep Mokuba in a childhood— he gave the boy everything he had lacked. Could Seto Kaiba have fun? She had watched him duel and didn't really know if he took any 'fun pleasure' in it. It seemed as if it was content to master and not to entertain.
"Oh! Come on, Serenity... he'll say yes if you do!" Mokuba moved closer to the girl. "Just promise to kiss him and he'll say yes... I know he will..."
Seto coughed as Serenity blushed. "Mokuba, I'm in an evening gown and heels. I have nothing to change into and I certainly can't romp in the snow while wearing this."
She heard the soft chuckle. "If you care to 'romp,' I can see to your clothing needs." He looked at her shape—hating that it would soon be covered up with bulky clothing. He rubbed his chin, introspectively, and smirked at her.
Running around in the cold was hardly what she had in mind, but now both brothers were challenging. Could she refuse?
"Fine; if you can suitably dress me, I'll play."
Seto stood up and held his hand down to her. She took it and he pulled her to her feet. "We'll be back, kiddo."
Slowly, the two walked down the corridors of the mansion. She took in some of the artwork and furnishings. It was an amazing place—so vast and magical compared to her small apartment. She felt his hand tighten around hers. It was at that moment she realized he was still holding her hand. Strange... he didn't seem like the hand-holder type. He usually walked so purposefully—hands swinging, almost in anger, at his sides. They stopped at the doors of his bedroom and her heart skipped a few beats. She had been there before, but it was still making her nervous.
He led her in and smirked as he turned to her. "Do you like romping?"
"I love romping in the snow... I don't romp anywhere else, so get your mind out of the gutter." There was a smile playing on her lips.
He leaned in and pushed the hair away from her ear. "Will you romp in Paris, as well?" He placed a chaste kiss on her lips before breaking the contact and making his way to the closet.
"If I ever go to Paris... sometime in the far, far, far off future... I'll let you know." She wandered around the room, noting how perfect it was. Did the man ever make a mess? Hell, Joey was a slob and almost the same age. Tristan and Duke were no better. Kaiba disappeared into the closet and she tried to decide what to do while waiting for him, besides trying to ignore the thrill of wearing his clothes. How did she get herself so hooked? So intoxicated...?
She placed her shoes on the floor next to a chair near the entrance of the bathroom; it was as good a place as any. There was a warm fire glowing in the fireplace and—instead of standing—she decided to sit in his chair behind the desk. It was the least romantic spot in the room. The bed was off limits and the small love seat by the fireplace seemed too dangerous. So, plopping down, she decided to see if she could find any clues about his persona on the desk. It was basically cleared of all debris; a picture of Mokuba and a picture of the two together were the only items that were personal. No knick-knacks or clutter so much as touched the desk. Even his paperweight was a crystal block with the 'KC' logo on it. Rolling her eyes, she twirled in his chair—like a child would. He would, more than likely, deem this as improper behavior. When she came back around, he was standing before the desk, watching her.
Her 'amazement factor' was intense. Red hair tumbled around her shoulders—ending a short distance after her curves. The red dress was hugging her quite nicely and was slowly driving him insane. He promised himself that, if she had been sprawled on his bed, he would have barred the door and kept her in his room permanently. Instead, there she was—spinning in his chair and laughing.
Her cheeks were now flushed and she smiled brightly at him. "Did you find me something? It should be interesting to see how many times I have to roll up your pants to make them fit me." She blinked a few times and then realized he was being too quiet. "Earth to Kaiba..." He shook his head and then focused on her voice.
"Here," he said gruffly, holding out the articles of clothing.
She frowned and stood up, circling the desk to stand before him. She noticed his eyes never broke away from her.
"Are you okay?" she asked as she took the clothes.
"Fine. They're sweat pants with elastic bands around the ankles; no need to roll them up, but they will be baggy."
"Thank you," she whispered, not sure why they suddenly felt awkward. Shrugging, she headed towards the bathroom. He watched the door—glued to the spot.
When she finally emerged, she smiled at him. "Do you have anything without a Kaiba Corp. logo on it? I'm beginning to think I should check Mokuba... see if it isn't emblazoned on him somewhere." She shuddered as she looked down at the sweatshirt—which was several sizes too big—bearing the company's name. The drawstrings on the pants were cinched tightly as she moved to stand before him.
"You look strange with all that make-up." His fingers traced across her cheekbone. What once looked elegant now looked foolish with her dressed-down look. "But I like your hair down."
She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes a bit. "Are you planning to play in the snow in a tux?" she asked, trying to be serious.
He rolled his eyes, as if he naturally wasn't. He disappeared into his closet again and she placed her gown over the chair. She sat in the chair and pulled on the pair of socks he gave her—having to remove the tag, since they were brand new. She smiled; they bore no logo. Did his boxers bear the logo, as well? That was a question better left for another day...
She washed the make-up off her face as he changed.
The two finally made their way through the mansion to the living room. Mokuba was already waiting with his clothes changed—jacket, scarf, hat and gloves on. Serenity smiled. "I have no shoes to go in the snow..."
Mokuba beamed. "I borrowed a pair from one of the girls on staff. You're all set!" She slipped into the boots and tugged on a jacket of Kaiba's. It had the scent of his cologne on it, and she breathed it in deeply. He certainly made her life interesting.
"Snowball fight!" Mokuba called out as he pushed the doors to the backyard gardens open. "Serenity is on my team—I declare her!" He grabbed her now-gloved hand and tugged her out into the snow. She tried to keep up without tripping and falling flat on her face.
"We get a head start, Seto!" Mokuba called out as they dashed off into the fluttering snow and dark night. Kaiba switched on the lights in the gardens—not wanting Serenity to kill herself. Mokuba already knew his way around. Poor kid, didn't he know all one had to do was follow the footprints in the snow? He chuckled; the game would be a cakewalk, but he would give them a few minutes so that it wouldn't seem completely effortless on his part.
He used the time to call up his hangar and prepare his jet for the breakfast jaunt to Paris. Normally, the flight would take twelve or so hours, but with Kaiba Corp. owning a supersonic jet, it would take a mere six. Everything was prepared. Soon, he would fulfill his end of the bet, and she would be with him in Paris.
Despite the snow, the night air was simply crisp and not cold. It was amazing how fragile snow was—if it dropped a mere degree, or went up the result would be hail or rain.
Serenity tried to keep up with Mokuba, but stumbled a few times, which allowed snow to sneak into the tops of the borrowed boots. This was so not fun—being dragged by a child through snow, with tufts of condensed breath reminding her about just how cold it really was.
"Just where are we going?" she finally asked with her heart hammering against her ribs. "I mean, I feel like we're going in circles, Mokuba..."
"We are... I have to throw him off our trail, and the only way to do that is to confuse all the footprints!" He smiled gleefully at his own plan and continued to drag her around. "We're almost to the place where we'll start building snowballs... it's a place where we'll be able to see him from every direction, and he won't be able to see us."
She nodded as she looked around. Thankfully, there were lights, and they were still in view of the mansion. She was a bit panicked about wandering through the darkness in the nothingness of the estate.
"We're here!" Mokuba announced as he scooted under a snow-covered canopy and raced up a few steps. "Come on—hurry up! We have to get started; he'll be after us soon."
For some reason, the thought of Seto Kaiba being 'after us' was a very unnerving train of thought. The man was ruthless and very clever. He would find them quickly, and, even though snowballs would be his only ammunition, there was a definite thrill of terror coursing through her. If Mokuba ran away and left her at his mercy, what would he do to her? She shivered for reasons other than the cold.
"See, you can look down at the grounds from here... look at all the tracks we made! Seto will be wandering around in circles for a while before he figures out what we did... We have to start making snowballs now." Mokuba scooped up a handful of the stuff and started packing it. Serenity shrugged and began helping, until she looked up and noticed him coming through the doors of the living room and onto the terrace. Her heart skipped several beats as her stomach tumbled. She tried to keep her hands moving, but she wanted to stare at him.
"He's out! Some scout you are! Work faster!" Mokuba was anxious now.
"We have about ten already. Do you want to hit him, or bury him?" she asked as she continued to scoop up snow in her frozen hands. This was insane; she couldn't believe she was going to pummel him after she had just kissed him. Then again, he was an annoying person and so it all could be justified. They continued to stock their reserves—frantically.
Mokuba suddenly unleashed a snowball and Serenity realized that Kaiba was in their midst. A sharp, shrill scream and a dousing of snow left Serenity speechless and shivering. It seemed that the ingenious CEO had filled a large storage container with snow and had unceremoniously dumped it on their heads.
"I do believe I win..." he drawled as he discarded the container and surveyed them smugly. Placing his hands on his hips, he let out an evil chuckle.
Mokuba looked intensely angry—his hands balled into fists through his gloves, which were wet from his snowball-making effort.
"That was so not fair!" Mokuba whined. "You knew where we were all along! How?"
Serenity was sitting in the snow, feeling the wetness starting to permeate the material of her (no, Kaiba's) sweatpants. She shivered as she looked up at him. Had he always been that tall? Small flakes drifted down the neck of the jacket and into the heavy sweatshirt. It all melted on contact and pulled a small gasp from her. Unfortunately, when snow was this cold, it almost felt like it was burning. She tried to regain her feet, but slipped and plopped right back down on her backside. Both Kaibas turned to look down at her.
"Are you okay, Serenity?" Mokuba asked, concerned.
"Only hurt my pride," she groaned.
"See, Seto! Look what you made happen to Serenity! Now she's all wet and she fell, and it's all your fault!" Mokuba growled at his older, but not always wiser, sibling.
"Are you two done with this snow stuff? I think we should all get back inside. We have a plane to catch in an hour or so..." Kaiba explained.
"Where are you going?" Serenity asked with wide eyes. Her heart sank at the thought of being without him. He was leaving so close to Christmas? For some odd reason, her heart did a flip-flop as she realized that he might abandon her before she told him... Told him what? How she felt, what she wanted, what he did to her senses? It was all happening too fast and she didn't want to rush or push, but his leaving was wrong.
"I mean... this close to the holiday... why would you want to leave?" Was that desperation in her voice? Like that of a child trying to persuade a parent to buy them a delightful gift that was out of the question? She was being whiny... that was a bad sign.
A small quirk pulled at the corner of his lips. "Would you miss me if I left?" he asked, honestly.
"I just think it would be foolish to go away this close to Christmas. You have Mokuba to think about... he probably wants to see his friends and be able to unwrap his gifts under his own tree... and... and..." I want you to stay here with me... not run off...
"So, you're very concerned about Mokuba?" Kaiba asked.
"Of course." It was the truth, she was, but she was concerned for Kaiba too—she wanted Seto to stay.
Mokuba smiled as he raced off towards the house to change out of his wet clothes and get ready for the trip. Kaiba watched him disappear and then offered a hand to Serenity. Slowly, he pulled the now shivering girl to her feet.
"It wasn't necessary to douse us with a snow bath." Wet gloves attempted to rid the snow from her jacket. It was a hopeless cause, one she quickly she gave up. Frowning at the wetness that had penetrated the layers, she dreaded slipping back into the evening gown.
"I won." He shrugged and started to walk in the direction Mokuba had taken off in.
"Is it all about the game?" she asked, afraid that her heart wasn't a factor... only his prowess. She was already putting her heart on the line; would he break it simply because he could?
"Eventually, it stops being about the game," he responded with his back to her. He looked back over his shoulder. "At some point there is the plunder of one's victory." He looked up at the mansion, not wanting her to see the smirk.
"Am I a plunder?" Serenity gasped in an indignant voice.
"You are always a plunder... do you even know what the word means?" He folded his arms across his chest—waiting for her to challenge him.
"I'm a school teacher."
"Some unintelligent people teach... why do you think our youth is so uninformed today?"
"Are you calling me unintelligent?" She wanted to smack him. Now, she wished he would go away—far away.
"I wouldn't waste my time if I found you unintelligent. Now, would you like to stand here and argue or get inside and be warm?" He noticed that her teeth were starting to chatter a bit.
"You have an odd way of complimenting others." She stood glued to the spot. She might have been cold, but she hadn't determined whether or not she had been insulted.
"I'll let you know when I compliment you." It sounded like a weird promise. "Now, would you like to warm up in the house, or should I try to share body heat and warm you here?"
Her eyes widened and she quickly picked up a fast pace towards the house. He shook his head slowly, a bit disappointed that she didn't take him up on his offer.
"I suppose I will have to offer you more clothing," he scoffed.
"I'd rather wear anything but that gown."
"You look, well... curved in it... that was a compliment," he mused.
She snickered. "Kaiba, you do have a sense of humor. And, here, I thought you were just a pompous wind bag... oh, by the way, that was a compliment as well."
He gave a dry chuckle in response to her stab at insulting him.
About an hour later, they were all dressed and Serenity found herself padding around in a Kaiba Corp. t-shirt and shorts. It was all he had left that would fit her, but borrowing clothes from his employees felt weird.
"Are you ready to go?" Kaiba asked as she walked down the stairs. There he stood, with Mokuba at his side. "We have to get to the airport." He could barely keep a thought in his head; her legs looked so amazing, long, and curved. Somehow, seeing her in his clothing made his mind turn to mush.
Her heart fluttered. He was leaving already? Mokuba smiled and raced out to the awaiting limo. "I call shotgun!"
She approached him, and his scowl frightened her. Was he done? Maybe she no longer interested him.
"I'll miss you," she whispered and looked away.
"You'll miss me? When?" He looked a bit wide-eyed and confused.
"When you're off on this business trip, of course. Will you be back by Christmas?" She wanted to ask if he forgot about Christmas Eve, but held her tongue—not wanting to seem desperate.
"Will I get a good-bye kiss?" he asked as he leaned down in order to read her eyes.
She nodded, trying to swallow the lump in her throat.
Slowly, his hand cupped her cheek as he tilted her face up. She sighed and closed her eyes when his lips slid over hers. He knew this was unwarranted since she was coming with him, but he wasn't stupid enough not to take divine advantage. He pressed forward and she parted her lips gently, allowing him the access he desired. She whimpered slightly as he drew her up along the length of his body—his mouth dancing against hers. A warmth spread through her. He created a weakness that made her legs tremble beneath her. This kiss was one that promised something more... something hinted.
She was slowly setting fire to him; the soft whimper, the gentleness of her fingers threading through his hair. This kiss could be worth the slap he was sure to receive when he explained that she was going to Paris with him. It was her idea, after all, but he doubted she believed he would actually go through with it.
His eyes opened slightly when she tugged him a bit closer—kissing him more fiercely. She said she would miss him... was she falling for him? He knew he was already half-way there, possibly more so, and the thought of her following him was delicious. His fingers traced the line of her jaw then slowly snaked into her hair—still damp from the warm shower she had taken. She pressed herself closer to him and found his kiss was suddenly far more demanding. Again and again, over and over, and, still, neither seemed to be satisfied. Finally, they broke apart—both sounding as if they had run a marathon.
"I should go away more often," he whispered. She nuzzled against him and shook her head no.
"I hate that you have to go away now." Her voice was honest and a bit catchy.
"Then don't miss me..." He tilted her chin up with his index finger. A small kiss touched her lips, causing her to sigh gently.
"How could I escape missing you?" She was giving every feeling away; every clue was being presented to him right then.
"Come with me to Paris... then there will be no reason to miss me."
Suddenly, she felt drunk and weak. "Paris?" There was a small pause as she digested the implications. "You've been scheming this all night, Kaiba!" She was suddenly angry, annoyed, and intrigued.
His mouth slid over hers—stifling the protests she was insisting upon. Serenity went from being angry to being compliant, accepting his calming kisses and offering herself up for more. He wanted to take her to Paris. He also was kissing her with a need that was slowly driving her out of her mind. For being a man devoted to his work and always in the company of computers, he sure knew how to kiss a girl senseless...
A million thoughts raced through her mind; Christmas, her brother, her friends, and all the things she needed to do and arrange. She was supposed to go shopping with Tea and Mai, to see Joey at some point—and, yet, all of her time had suddenly been devoted to this man who annoyed and yet enticed her to the point of complete distraction. Did she want to go to Paris and be romanced by Seto Kaiba? Well, it wasn't the logical thing to do, it was impetuous and irresponsible, yet so tempting...
"I only have a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, impractical shoes, and an evening gown... how can I go to Paris?" she mumbled as he feasted on her neck—his warm breath caressing her ear.
"Paris affords many shops and is the perfect place for wardrobe choices. It will all be my treat, since you are my guest, of course." He softly took her earlobe between his teeth, pulling a gasp from her.
It would either be lonely without him there, or a wonderful adventure in Paris, France. "Kaiba? What do they wear in Paris at this time of the year?"
The decision was made. He wrapped a trench coat around her small frame and carried her to the limo before she came to her senses.
"It's impractical for you to carry me everywhere, Kaiba." She giggled. "And I should stop at home to pack a bag..."
"And risk you changing your mind?" He lowered her into the limo and moved in right after her. "Not a chance."
"Do you honestly think that I would miss Paris with you? A quick stop at home and a fast change is all I'm asking... I need shoes." She smiled, and he finally nodded.
A/N: Thanks to all of you who read the last chapters and thanks for all the wonderful reviews! I hope my shadow readers enjoyed it as well… I hope you all enjoyed this installment. The next chapter will come along a lot faster than this. No more vacation…sniff… Oh, I am posting the reviews here, but when they disappear it will be because I have transferred them to my profile page. If they aren't here—they are there…