A/N: Yes very after Christmas Eve…this I know. Blame the holidays, the glitches and life. Also blame the desire to make this perfect, and I so did want it perfect. I know you all don't see me on AOL much at all. I hopefully will amend that soon. Just lots of curves being thrown at me at the moment. Hopefully the world will stop spinning out of control and I can get back on now. College starts again Tuesday…lucky me. My classes are easier this semester (I hope) and so I intend to catch up on all my stories. I do miss them so much! Hopefully I'm not forgotten, and this is enjoyed. I will follow it up with an epilogue…
To all the authors I have been neglecting to read and review…sorry. I haven't read anything in so long! I seriously need to devote time to just sit and read. I also have to get to all of my reviews. You guys are all the greatest, and I miss answering your reviews! I will do it…I swear. Please let me know if this is a success or a failure…thank you in advance…
I do not own Yu-gi-oh
Christmas Eve
The gown she had decided on was a deep indigo color. Originally she had chosen a much plainer, simpler gown of black. Something in her stirred though, and now, here she was before her full-length mirror staring at a woman whom she had never noticed before. It was because of him. He made her feel like a grown up. Sure, she went through college and was now a teacher, but her brother and friends, though they all loved her, they also treated her like a child.
Smoothing her hands down the gown, she noted her curves, and smiled wickedly. Seto would notice them as well. The neckline plunged a bit, showing off some cleavage and she bit her lip when she realized Joey would have a fit.
No necklace, nor adornments of any kind, just simple diamond studs in her ears—a gift from her mother—and nothing else to distract. The lines were amazing, yet simple and elegant, flowing and yet… She turned and noted how the gown plunged in the back. Was she insane? Wearing something that looked like it should be on the red carpet at an awards show.
It was time, she heard the knock at the door—it had to be Joey.
Quickly, she pulled on her coat, covering the gown. If he saw her in it before they left, well, he might insist she change and she could not have that. Taking one last glance in the mirror, she smiled. Even her hair had come out perfect. Pulled up in a beautiful twist, with curled tendrils framing her face and neck. She shook her head. She was either being completely right, or totally deranged. Tonight she would see if the man, who possessed her thoughts, took her seriously enough to claim her heart.
The next sets of knocks were frantic, akin to Joey. She shrugged, now or never time. She picked up the two bags of wrapped gifts and made her way to the door. This night would decide if she would be ringing in the New Year alone and unkissed, or in the arms of a man…
"Seto!" Mokuba growled at his older sibling. "You can't be serious!"
Seto smiled down at his raven-haired little brother. "I'm as serious as a heart attack Mokuba. You had promised to help in any way possible, and… This is the way I need help." Kaiba tried to look as stern and unapologetic as possible. Mokuba had started this fiasco, and Kaiba now refused to lose. However, it was no longer a simple game. He wanted Serenity's laughter—followed by her heart.
"I'll do anything else—anything! Why this? How could you ask me to do this! They're my friends and if I do this, I'll be humiliated!" Mokuba shrieked.
Kaiba patted the much shorter boy's head. "You'll get over it. Just like I got over being tricked by you. Consider this…paid in full…" He left his brother to ponder his fate as he stopped by a mirror to adjust his tie for the umpteenth time.
Mokuba stomped out of the room a little while later and scowled at his big brother, who was, at the moment, over seeing the last minute preparations. How could he do this to his only brother, his little brother? Mokuba made his way into the lavishly decorated great room. Well, at least he would get to have fun before his ultimate humiliation took place. He sighed, resigned to his fate.
"So," Mai asked, turning slightly to see Serenity who was in the back seat. "Are you ready to have fun?"
Serenity smirked, keeping her head turned from her future sister-in-law. "More than you can imagine. Tonight will be quite interesting. I just hope everyone keeps their tempers in check…Joey." She mumbled her brother's name purposely.
Mai smiled and looked at Joey. "You do know tonight will see the end to the contest right?"
Joey mumbled something under his breath and concentrated on the road, it was snowing again. He tried to recall if there had ever been a more snow-filled December.
"He better not be awful Mai, I hope he knows to be on his best behavior." Serenity stated. All she needed was a fight to break out when Seto declared his intentions. Suddenly a knot formed in her tummy. They hadn't discussed how they would act before the contest. Would Seto let on what his thoughts and feelings were? Hopefully she could get Seto alone quickly.
"I can't believe you would let yourself be won in a contest Serenity. What were you thinking? You aren't seriously going through with this—are you?" Joey asked as he tried to fathom what she had been drinking the night she dreamt this whole thing up. He could see choosing one of the boys—they had been pursuing her forever—but to let a contest decide her future? It hardly sounded like something his, normally intelligent, sister would do.
"Joey," Serenity sighed, "I have to go through with this. I promised I would base my decision on tonight's gifts and I will."
"But it seems so ridiculous, to choose a guy because of the gift he buys you?" Joey so did not understand this at all. How could she think this was a good idea?
"You're missing the point," Serenity explained calmly. "It has nothing to do with the gift, but the thought they give to me. I told them to make me laugh. In order to make me laugh—they would have to consider my thoughts and my personality. They would have to know who I am and how to stir me. Sure, they both claim to want me, but do they know me? I think this is the perfect way to decide that."
Mai frowned, "But think about it Serenity, you could have asked for the best gift or the most amazing things…"
Serenity shook her head. "It has nothing to do with expensive things and if they spend above and beyond…they don't know me at all." Serenity felt a twinge of anxiousness at her statement. Seto was very rich and quite powerful. He could honestly hand her the world—and not flinch. Silently, she prayed he wouldn't go to the extreme…if he did…she would be forced to sit stone faced.
"I think you went about this all wrong, but that's just me." Mai smiled, "then again, I chose your brother…but it did cost him his soul…" Serenity and Mai both giggled.
"Ha Ha…very funny you two," Joey grimaced at the memory. He had saved her by sacrificing himself, but he loved her long before then. Probably since the moment she handed him her card in duelist kingdom. Honestly, they had saved one another quite a few times, and now…here she was—his.
"I just want to get this night over with, even if Yugi does think Moneybags has turned over a new leaf—I have my doubts. I mean seriously, being invited to the mansion by him? I could understand if Mokuba did it, but Kaiba? What a joke. I wonder if it's all just to get Yugi there to challenge him to a duel." Joey frowned.
"Oh just hush," Mai reprimanded. "He wasn't awful at the diner the other morning, and if Yugi is willing to give him another try you should too."
Serenity let out the breath she had been holding. Now she had two on her side, sort of. Yugi was okay with Seto, Mai seemed to be a little warming, possibly Tea would be persuaded by Yugi. The only ones to watch for were Joey, Tristan and Duke. Her eyes closed, heaven help her because this would be one interesting evening.
Kaiba waited in his study. He didn't want to seem over anxious to see them, though inside he was twisting a bit. He tried to wish the world away and plotted to steal Serenity off to some distant place where it could be just the two of them… Paradise. Tonight, if she did laugh, they would have to come clean and he was more than a bit aggravated with that nonsense. Hopefully she would tell them all and it would be accepted. How come he didn't think it would go without major whining? And all the whining would come from the mutt.
A soft knock on the door brought his attention back to the present.
"Enter," he called out as he exited from Kaiba Corp. on his laptop.
His butler opened the door, "Your guests have arrived Sir. They are all in the great room and being served drinks and appetizers. When will you be joining them Sir?"
Kaiba frowned. All there? Was she there too? Why did she make it impossible for him to think? No matter, in a few hours she could help teach him to be a little less contemplative and a bit more…
"I must say Sir," the butler interrupted his thought, "Miss. Serenity looks quite amazing."
This comment brought Kaiba up short, 'quite amazing'? He blinked. She always looked amazing to him. Fiery hair, honey colored eyes, reddened cheeks from the cold, that mouth that begged to be kissed and yet pouted just as often…and her smile…
"When may I say you will be present?" The man chimed in again.
"I'll be right down." Kaiba stood and watched as he was left alone.
Why should he be nervous?
Serenity walked around the room, a room she was quite familiar with. It looked different tonight, magical somehow. The tree was just as beautiful as it was yesterday and the decorations were just as they were, and yet something was different. Glancing around, she finally figured it out. Joey and her friends were here, almost like the missing link. This was no longer forbidden and secretive. They all brought joy to her life, and now they were here in a home where he lived.
It was almost a rite of passage. Her family and friends viewed her as a child—Seto knew she was a woman. Everything was coming together and she felt giddy over it all. She looked under the tree where the staff were setting up the presents they had all brought. Was the gift Seto was giving her under the tree already? The sudden desire to crawl under the massive pine was almost overwhelming. She smiled like a little girl.
She started to approach it when she heard a throat clear behind her. Turning, she bit her lower lip. There he was, almost as if he had read her mind.
Kaiba stood there, almost in awe of her. From behind the gown had looked amazing, the way it dipped low and showed off her back—especially with her hair up. Now that she had turned, he realized just how beautiful she really was. How the hell could she be related to Wheeler? He knew about biology and genetics and it didn't add up.
He leaned in close, so only she could hear. "If you're looking for your gift, it isn't under there." He smiled at her blush. "And if we were alone right now—you would be kissed senseless…"
Serenity's eyes opened wide, she wanted to be shocked. Strangely, she found herself disappointed that they weren't alone. Telling him he looked handsome was mundane and led her thoughts to places she would venture later.
"Merry Christmas Mr. Kaiba." She tilted her head and licked her lips.
He frowned at her, but a smirked played along his lips. "Merry Christmas Wheeler's sister."
"Where is Mokuba?" Serenity asked as she looked around the room. She fully expected to see him diving into the many desserts, but he was nowhere in sight.
"Probably saying hello to the—" Kaiba stopped himself from insulting her friends. This was going to be difficult. "To our guests."
Serenity smiled, she knew this was an arduous task for the man she loved—getting along with a group of people he insulted regularly—but he was making a grand effort.
"If we were alone right now, I think you would be the senseless one." Serenity promised, smiled, and then walked away. Spending too much time in his presence might make her slip. And she did so desperately want to be in his arms.
Serenity made her way into the great room and noticed how everyone was doing typical things. Joey was eating, while Mai rolled her eyes, Tea and Yugi were talking quietly and there was Mokuba, trying to get his two cents in as well. Duke hadn't arrived yet. She also wondered where Tristan was. This was odd. Tristan usually would arrive with Yugi, but Duke would make a grand entrance—so, no big surprise there. She sighed.
"You look a little lost," Seto's warm breath caressed her shoulder. "Funny, everyone else is blending right in. The only one familiar with my home is the one who looks uncomfortable." He was breathing in her scent even as he felt the warmth of her body—so close to his.
"For some odd reason, it feels foreign to have everyone here. It was our world a few hours ago." She whispered, ever mindful of the people decorating a once private paradise.
"When they leave it could be ours once again," He stroked a finger down her spine, sending a mind-shattering shiver through her.
His touch always sent such a riot through her. This was so easy to explain. She was in love with him. How simple, and yet it was so complex. Inside she was warring with this situation. Tristan and Duke would arrive with gifts to turn her head and here was Seto, the only man she really wanted to give herself to. He never made demands on her life, tried to turn her into what he thought she should be, hell, he was probably one of the most controlling men in the world. However, in her life, he let her spread her wings.
"If I don't laugh for you…" She let the comment stand.
"If you don't I'll find another way to win your attentions. You did promise to teach me how to have a sense of humor by New Year's Eve." He explained in a husky voice near her ear.
She smiled. Duke would pitch an ego fit and Tristan would pout, but Seto would try again. Though she couldn't see his face she had it memorized in her mind, and more importantly, on her heart.
To the people, gathered around the room in front of her, she and Kaiba probably didn't even look like they were talking. He was standing behind her and her back was to him. She hadn't even turned to acknowledge his presence when he began speaking to her.
"You wouldn't give up on me?" She asked, in an almost worried tone.
Kaiba recognized the hitch in her voice, it sounded like the doubt she had on the elevator the night of Kaiba Corp.'s Christmas party—not too long ago. She had thought he took her in the back way because he was embarrassed of her status in life. The fact was, he wanted to protect her—and some time with her away from the throngs of people was too appealing for its own good. He could still taste her mouth on his, and he recalled being handed a handkerchief by one of his men to wipe off her lip-gloss. She was more intoxicating than the finest Cognac.
"I might be a lot of things, but you know me enough to realize I never quit. I want you Serenity. If you choose to withhold your laughter, I'll just try harder." Again his finger slipped up and down her exposed back. It was a fiercely possessing touch and yet was delicate and gentle.
Her eyes closed and she fought, with every fiber of her being, not to throw herself into his arms. Her brother looked up suddenly and frowned.
Serenity blushed deeply. Joey's eyes narrowed and he quickly walked over.
"Is he bothering you?" Joey asked, in utter annoyance.
Kaiba quirked an eyebrow and folded his arms across his chest. "I wasn't even speaking to her."
Serenity sighed, "Joey, really… This is his home and he was kind enough to have us all here for Christmas Eve. You could be a little nicer to him."
Mai walked over and tugged on Joey's sleeve, "She's right you know. If you stopped scowling at him, you could stand to wish him a Merry Christmas. You could also thank him for the hospitality and the nice party."
Joey's eyes narrowed as his eyes went from Serenity to Kaiba. He didn't trust Kaiba as far as he could throw him. "Fine, Merry Christmas and thanks for everything." He grabbed Serenity's wrist and tugged her down the few steps and over to the buffet table. "Stay near me Serenity, understand? He loves getting under my skin and you would so be a wonderful way of doing that." Joey began to stuff his face once again, even as Mai rolled her eyes. Patterns of habit were a wonderful thing.
Serenity looked back up at Seto with longing. She knew she wasn't a pawn. Seto did have feelings for her. His blue eyes were on her and she felt a thousand different emotions playing through her mind and across her skin.
"Joey I have something to tell you…" Serenity couldn't tear her eyes off Seto. "I'm afraid I've been keeping something from you and now I have to explain everything…"
Joey looked at her and smiled, "What could you have to tell me Serenity? I mean, I know about your little contest and about your school—I know you realize that a relationship ruins our plans for you to continue your education. So, it's decided you won't laugh for either Duke or Tristan." Joey shrugged, as if it meant nothing. He turned from her and began eating again, dismissing her.
A spark of anger grew in the pit of her stomach. Now more than ever she realized that her brother and friends thought of her as a child. Yes, they did love her—she never doubted that for a moment… How would Seto feel about her future? She glanced at him. He was standing by himself, looking out a window over the gardens below. Gardens she had played in with him and Mokuba in the snow. The night he wanted to jet her off to Paris.
"Excuse me please," she whispered and left the room, so much for telling him about Seto. She was heading down to Kaiba's study, hoping Seto would know where to find her. A small voice inside of her assured her he would follow. Joey and Mai thought nothing of her disappearance—figuring she had left to use the bathroom. Yugi smiled after her, and then his smile grew wider as he watched Seto turn and leave as well.
A few moments after closing herself in the study she heard a gentle knock. She walked to the door and cracked it open. Seto was standing there, looking as concerned as he could.
"May I come in?" He asked. It was weird to ask permission to enter a room in his home.
She nodded and opened the door wider. After he came in she shut it. He smirked. She had grown as tired of her brother as he had.
"What would you say if I told you I wanted to return to college and get my Master's degree?" She asked quickly.
He frowned at her, "Why?"
She shook her head, "answer the question."
He shrugged and folded his arms across his chest. "If it's what you wish to do, I would support you in any way you needed."
She narrowed her eyes, "and if I said I never wanted to get my Master's?"
He never dropped her gaze. "I would support you on that decision as well." He didn't understand why she was so worked up over this, especially on Christmas Eve. Why was she so agitated?
"And if I decided that I needed to go to a university far away from here?" She asked with irritation.
"I would visit you as often as possible, Serenity I don't understand—"
The wind finally left her sails. She stood there simply looking at him. "You trust me to make my own decisions." She stated.
He nodded, "of course, only you know what's best for you. You seem to have done very well for yourself—successful teacher, apt student, semi-girlfriend." He said the last with a gleam in his eyes and a slight smile on his lips.
"What do you think I should do?" She asked.
He walked around her and looked her up and down as he did it. She swallowed hard at his inspection and a tinge of pink painted her cheeks. He could intimidate so easily.
"You look as if you can dress yourself quite well, your apartment is in impeccable condition, and the children you teach are all learning. I think your life decisions are your own to make." He stopped when he was standing in front of her. Gently, he slipped a finger under her chin and tilted her face up to look at him. "If I wanted a mindless robot, I would have invented one…" Gently he pressed his lips to hers.
Tristan was shown into the room with a huge box. He placed it on the floor and smiled. It was as if he thought he had it all tied up. Mokuba watched with big eyes as the box wiggled and moved on its own. What could be in it? It had to be something alive…a kitten? He frowned. Serenity would no doubt love a cute cuddly fuzzy creature. He sighed, Seto hadn't thought of something like that. What if Serenity liked it so much that she laughed and then hated what Seto planned?
"Is Serenity around?" Tristan frowned as he quickly searched the room with his eyes. She was nowhere to be seen. "I don't think my gift has long to wait before it needs to be opened." He explained. Smiling, oh so proud of himself, he looked around at all of his friends and then Mokuba.
"I'll go see if I can find her," Mokuba looked a little pale. "You guys would get lost in this place and I'm sure she just went off in search of a bathroom." They smiled at Mokuba and continued to talk and laugh amongst themselves. It seemed as if none of them took into consideration that she and Seto had vanished. He smirked—a Kaiba patented one, because he knew where they would be and what they would be doing.
He sprinted down one hall and then another. Coming to the study door he stopped and put his ear to it. He couldn't hear any voices, which could only mean one thing… Quickly he threw the door open and caught the two in a tender lip lock. He let his giggles go and was thanked by two scowling people, one with blushed cheeks and the other looking quite deadly.
"I knew you two would be off somewhere kissing." Mokuba laughed as he started kissing his hand and mocking them. "Oh Serenity—you kiss so well…" He laughed as he mimicked his brother. Then he looked at Serenity. "No Seto…never as good as you…" He giggled in a high-pitched voice to mimic Serenity.
Serenity couldn't help but laugh at the small boy. A few days ago she fought Seto at every angle as Mokuba carefully manipulated each situation. It was almost ironic; the maestro was now hysterical with his own creation.
"You are very close to being punished," Seto warned.
Serenity gave Seto's arm a playful slap. "You should praise him, if it weren't for him I wouldn't even be here," Serenity explained as she bit her lower lip. She could still taste him on her mouth, damn the man could kiss her brainless, never mind senseless.
"To what do we owe your intrusion?" Seto asked, his anger forgotten due to Serenity turning in his arms and pressing her back against his chest. He slipped his hands onto her waist as she folded her arms across her chest. He so desperately wanted a few more moments alone with her, her neck looked so appetizing. Hell, he wished everyone would go away and he could have her all to himself for several long, uninterrupted hours.
"Tristan arrived with your gift Serenity," Mokuba looked so down trodden.
Seto felt a knot instantly twist inside. What if she laughed for Tristan or Duke? It was possible. His hands clenched on her waist a bit tighter, she felt it and knew he was nervous. He would never show it—Seto Kaiba never did. But he felt it. She wanted to calm his fears, but she wasn't sure how.
"You have to kinda open it now. It won't wait." Mokuba explained, not sounding happy at all. How could a girl resist a cute furry thing? Maybe he bought her a snake or a rat or something she would shriek from… But even Tristan wasn't that stupid.
"I'll be there in a minute," she promised. "Can I have a moment?" She asked Mokuba.
The small boy nodded and walked towards the door. Was this the last time she would be with him and Seto like this? He didn't even want to think that way. She was a part of their lives now, especially Seto's. His brother actually acted happy around her, he hated to think of how losing her would devastate him.
Serenity watched the door close and then turned in Seto's arms. He didn't give her any time to form a thought or say a word. Instead he kissed her deeply and possessively. She moaned softly against his lips and slipped her fingers into his hair. Her heart skipped several beats as she thought of laughing for the other boys. She prayed Seto had come up with something that would blow her away. He had to…
A loud slam and bang alerted everyone to Duke's arrival.
"Move it over here, near the Christmas tree," he ordered the man pushing the hand truck with the large box strapped to it. He ordered and manipulated until it was in exactly the right place to suit him. The men then pried the box open and removed the wood from the crate. What was left behind was a large box, about six feet high and three feet wide, as well as three feet deep. It was gift wrapped and had a large bow, that one of the men placed on the front, as well as a card that read Serenity's name.
"Well Duke, it looks like you out did yourself." Mai scowled, not liking that he would use his money to try to turn Serenity's head.
"You might as well pack it in and go home Tristan, I would hate to see you humiliate yourself. There is no way she can resist what I bought her…" Duke's voice sounded as if it were so proud and so full of his own prowess.
Tristan looked down at the wiggling box and was rewarded with a few shrill sounds. He couldn't imagine Serenity falling for something outrageously expensive. She wasn't that type of girl. Still, it was entirely possible that she would be swayed. They wouldn't know until Serenity appeared.
A gasp alerted them to Serenity's presence. "Duke! I thought I said funny. This is huge!" She walked down the few steps and then circled the large box, which towered over her. "What have you done?" She stopped and looked at him.
"I had to ensure you would laugh and so, I did my very best to make it possible." He explained. He placed his hands on his hips and stuck his chest out, puffing himself up. He knew she would laugh at his gift, he simply knew it.
"Serenity," Tristan pulled her attention back to him. "My gift isn't as—um—elaborate, but it does need to be opened. I mean—it needs to be opened now."
Serenity looked to Tristan and then to the box he was pointing at. It was then she noticed it moving and making strange noises. Her eyes widened. What the heck could this be? She looked at Tristan. "Please tell me that it isn't something scary, I don't like scary…and it won't make me laugh—it will make me scream though."
He walked over to her and smiled, "I would never hurt or scare you. I promise it isn't something awful. But it is something that urgently needs attention."
Slowly, Serenity turned from him and walked to the box. It jumped again as she knelt beside it. Her heart thundered in her ears as all eyes, including a very interested set of blue ones, fell on her. With trepidation she lifted the lid and gasped as a tiny poof ball of a puppy looked up at her. A yip, a small whine, and quickly the tiny thing was lifted into her arms. It couldn't have weighed more than five pounds and most of that would be fluff.
"Oh my God! Tristan!" She squealed and hugged the tiny creature to her. "I love him, he's beautiful!" Holding him away from her she noted the light brown and dark hair covering him, soft brown eyes and a tiny muzzle. "He has such a tiny tail!" She hugged him again and smiled at Tristan. "He's perfect!"
A smirk broke across Kaiba's lips, she might love it, but she didn't laugh or giggle. She just cooed and hugged. Not the reaction Tristan wanted, but it was perfect for his purposes. As long as she didn't laugh.
Serenity placed the puppy on the floor and watched him waddle around. It was an adorable sight to see. He would plop and stand, try to run and trip over his tiny paws… He was irresistible.
"Oh Tristan! I don't even know what to say!" She gushed and threw herself into his arms. Mokuba quickly looked up at Seto and saw his brother's jaw clench tightly. It was obvious Seto hated anyone touching the girl who he desired more than air.
"You like him?" Tristan asked, as he smiled.
"I love him!" She watched the puppy's clumsy gait as he approached Duke. Everyone was watching the puppy and making comments on how cute he was. Serenity was already thinking of names for the tiny thing. And then it happened…
The puppy approached Duke, even though he ignored the puppy's presence—instead he stood there staring over at a smiling, happy Serenity. The puppy slowly squatted and relieved himself on Duke's foot. The room erupted in peels of laughter as everyone watched Duke curse and make his way to the napkins on one of the tables. Kaiba smirked. It was fitting that the puppy would chose Duke as a spot to…
A soft giggle caught Kaiba's attention. Serenity was giggling, a fact that didn't escape Tristan, Duke, Joey or anyone else in the room. Kaiba blinked several times, she was giggling for Tristan…
Duke growled, this wasn't supposed to happen…not at all.
Mokuba made his way over to Kaiba. "I should go get ready shouldn't I?" He asked in a low voice. Kaiba nodded and watched his brother race off. He only hoped that his surprise and gift were enough to charm Serenity into insane laughter. He shook his head. He couldn't imagine her leaving his life. Not after the times they spent together. He needed more experiences and, and she looked up at him then and smiled. It was almost as if she had sensed his turmoil—and was trying to soothe him.
"That's great Tristan, you got her a little useless animal that only knows how to make messes. Did you wonder if she could even keep a dog in her apartment? It's so not a practical gift. And though you did get her to giggle, my gift will get her to laugh." Duke walked over to Serenity and took the girl by the wrist. He pulled her over to the large box and smiled at her. "I tried so very hard to think of what I could do to make you laugh. And I knew that as much as I could get you to laugh once, I would much rather do it on a constant basis. That's what inspired this gift." He moved out of the way. "Open your present and prepare to be overwhelmed with laughter."
Serenity looked up at Seto, a bit worried. He gave her a small nod, which no one noticed. The box was huge, obnoxiously monstrous. What the heck kind of a gift came in a box like this? She couldn't imagine as she circled the thing. Slowly her fingers tugged the bow off and then began to rip at the paper. Whatever it was she would never laugh—never… As the paper came undone she looked at how she could open the, now cardboard, box staring at her.
"The opening is over here," Yugi pointed out.
Serenity walked around the box and looked at the arrows indicating where the opening was. She hazarded a glance at Duke, who looked so sure and so proud of himself. She turned from him and rolled her eyes. She wondered if it was a giant pink lily bush, and then he could cause her apartment to have hat awful stench constantly. How she could bear that? The answer was, she just couldn't.
Slipping her fingers under the tabs she pulled it apart slowly.
Everyone in the room gasped when the contents were exposed. It was a life-size model of Duke. From his clothes, to his hair to every feature and nuance that was uniquely his. Serenity stood there and blinked dumbly up at the thing. First of all, what was she supposed to do with this…this…thing? She had no room in her apartment to keep it, and quite honestly, a life-sized version of Duke was the last thing she wanted.
"It gets even better," Duke smiled as he walked over to the thing. "You have to just press this button." He demonstrated, pressing a button on the belt. "And, you will be rewarded with any number of surprisingly intelligent and wonderful quips from yours truly."
The doll sprang to life, like a robot from Disney World, and started spouting things about dungeon dice and how wonderful he was. Serenity's eyes widened even more as she slapped a hand over her mouth. This was awful! Simply awful!
"So," Tristan snickered, "You made a robot to sing your praises—because no one else would?"
It was then the room busted with laughter, everyone took turns pressing the button and getting rewarded with some wonderful quote of Duke's, or some strange bad joke. Serenity stood there, almost in shock. She couldn't stop staring at the hideous thing. Had he honestly thought he would win this contest by gifting her with this constant reminder of how much he adored himself? If she didn't know he was an egomaniac before—she sure as heck knew now.
"Serenity, you look beautiful—almost as beautiful as me…" the robot explained as its lips curled into a sick smile.
If it didn't terrify her so much…
"It appears you lost this one…" Yugi smiled at Serenity, who appeared to be more afraid than amused. Duke frowned. This was not the outcome he had expected.
"I thought you would love it. He tells jokes and can make you laugh when you're feeling down, and he looks just like me. This way I can be constantly on your mind." Duke tried to convince Serenity, but she was still standing there in a state of disbelief. There was no laugh, or giggle—not even a nervous one.
"I guess that's it then," Tristan slapped Duke on the back and smiled at Serenity. "What should we name the puppy who won me your heart?"
Serenity looked up at Seto, a nervous look on her face. When was his gift coming? When was he going to say…'wait just one more'? She wasn't sure. Her honey eyes locked with his.
Kaiba cleared his throat, now was as good a time as any. Devlin hadn't achieved a laugh, and Tristan had only gotten a small giggle—only after the puppy relieved himself on Devlin's shoes. He threw a glance at one of his maids cleaning up the mess on the rug. This was why Mokuba didn't have a pet. He watched as all eyes turned to look at him. He just hoped Serenity didn't lose her nerve.
"You didn't win anything yet," Kaiba announced to astonished eyes.
"Kaiba, what the hell are you talking about?" Joey asked, sounding more surprised than outraged. "Tristan and Duke both gave their gifts and Serenity laughed at Tristan's. That game is over." Joey smiled at his friend and slapped Tristan on the back. "I guess sometimes the chips just fall where they may." Joey smiled, clearly happy with the outcome.
"I'll repeat myself, for those of you who don't understand too easily." Kaiba explained with a smirk. "The game isn't over yet—Serenity has one more present. If she laughs at it more than she did with him," he looked down at the tiny puppy. "Then she isn't Tristan's."
Joey frowned and then glared at Kaiba.
"Two guys—two gifts—one laugh. 'Nuff said." Joey grinned in a holier than thou way. This time he would tell Seto Kaiba what for.
"Joey," Serenity chimed in. "You're wrong. There is one more contestant. He joined the night of the Christmas party."
Joey looked more than puzzled, as did everyone except Serenity, Seto and Yugi.
"What are you talking about? Who else?" Joey demanded, a little more than aggravated now.
Tristan and Duke both frowned and looked at Serenity, "Yeah, who else?" They asked in unison.
Serenity blushed, and then bit her lower lip. This was bad. No, correction—a plague was bad, telling her brother she invited his nemesis to compete for her heart was…insanity. Still, she had to reveal the truth. She had probably waited too long as it was. Maybe if she told them all immediately it would have been better. She sighed, no, that would have prevented her from having learned how wonderful Seto really was. Sure he was quiet, brooding, egotistical, controlling and annoying most times, but, he was also intelligent, cunning, funny in a sarcastic way, and he could kiss her and make her feel as if she were on a cloud. Looking over at him, she realized, he was the only person in this room, with the exception of Yugi and possibly Mai, who thought of her as a grown, mature person. He respected her and she respected him. No, it wouldn't be easy, but she wanted him.
"I asked Seto Kaiba to join the contest," she felt awful that the words sounded so weak. "He agreed and so, if he still wants to give me his gift…" She looked at him, questioningly. His eyes searched her face, and he nodded.
Thankfully the room fell silent. She was so scared she would hear rants and complaints and rages. Kaiba crossed the room and left. For a moment she was terrified he wouldn't come back. She had no worries about being with Duke anymore, but the puppy had made her giggle. She supposed, on a technicality, she could say a giggle wasn't a laugh. Shaking her head, she watched the door.
"Hey," Joey put his hands on her shoulders. "Don't worry. Moneybags doesn't own a sense of humor. Maybe he should have bought one—then he might have had a chance at least."
Serenity turned around and looked at Joey. "If he does manage to make me laugh, you do realize I have an agreement—right?" She knew she was baiting her brother, but she couldn't help it.
Tristan laughed out loud, "It might actually be cruel to make him try to be funny. Maybe too cruel even to someone like him." The boy tried to put his arm around Serenity, but she shrugged it off. She was so not happy with him or Joey at the moment. Hell, if Seto gave her a can of soda she would laugh her heart out.
"Promise me Joey, you'll behave if he wins." Serenity had a demanding edge to her voice. He scowled at her, quickly she countered, "he doesn't have much of a chance anyway—right?" She blinked up at her brother, trying to see if he would buy the scam she was trying to feed him. She sighed when the glare was replaced with a grin.
"Sure I'll promise you, but you have to promise me that I can make fun of him when he fails and he falls on his over inflated ego." Joey stood there, before Serenity. He wouldn't budge if she didn't.
Slowly she held out her hand. "Agreed…" Everyone witnessed the handshake. Serenity almost jumped up and down like a psyched child. Joey had just agreed to be okay with this when she laughed for Seto—if she did. What if this was a lame gift? A ridiculous thing…something no girl could possibly laugh at? A smile crept across her lips in a subtle way. If it was something lame and awful—she could laugh at it for that reason. Either way, she would be Seto's.
The main doors to the room were opened by two of the servants in the mansion. There, in the center of where the two doors would have been joined—had they been closed—stood an elf. A little green outfit, red shoes with toes that curled and each curl had a bell, red and white striped tights, make-up so over done. And then a collective gasp.
"MOKUBA?" Serenity slapped a hand over her mouth. He looked like a disgruntled elf, kicked from the North Pole by a Santa who wasn't pleased by his less than cheery attitude. She looked at the boy she knew so well, and she was shocked as everyone's eyes opened.
"Greeting from the North Pole…" Mokuba muttered, mostly under his breath. He ground out the words as if under extreme duress.
"More cheerful…" Seto whispered from the shadows.
Seto Kaiba was a cheer coach? Serenity walked closer, a smile growing on her lips. She could now see the costume in its full glory, right down to the pointed ears.
"If they make fun of me I swear Seto, I will kick you in both shins!" It was a whispered threat through clenched teeth.
"Elves are cheerful…be cheerful…" Again Kaiba commanded.
"Fine!" Mokuba growled, "Greetings from the North Pole!" His voice was dripping in sarcastic glee now. Serenity giggled. "I bring you Christmas…" Mokuba turned, walked back a few steps, and asked in a loud voice, "I forgot my lines…"
"Christmas greetings, I bring you Christmas greetings from Santa himself." It was Kaiba in a low deep whisper.
"Oh." Mokuba whispered loudly. "Okay!" He scampered forward, nearly tripping on the shoes and cleared his throat. "Greetings! Christmas Greetings from Santa himself!"
Quite a few giggles spread between Mai and Tea. Yugi had a hand over his mouth and was chuckling, as was Duke. Serenity had almost giggled as much as she had at the puppy. Tristan sensed he was losing, but couldn't stop smiling. This was definitely different—a Mokuba/Seto comedy team. Joey stood there scowling at Serenity and the unfolding scene. He shook his head, why did he have the feeling he was being duped?
"Give her the gift," Kaiba growled from the shadow behind the door.
Mokuba leaned back, attempting to see Seto. "What?" Mokuba whispered in a loud hush.
You could hear the aggravation in Kaiba's voice all too clear now. "Give her the gift," Kaiba repeated louder.
"The gift?" Mokuba asked, turning towards everyone and giving a nervous smile. He turned back to the shadow where Kaiba was. "I forgot the gift…" he explained, holding a hand near his mouth—an attempt to hide the words from the audience.
They all heard the unhappy mutterings from Seto Kaiba. Serenity was now chuckling. Mokuba looked so perplexed and she was sure Seto was glaring and trying his hardest to look deadly. The next moment shattered Serenity's reserve. Mokuba was grabbed by the back of his costume and yanked into the shadow behind the door. There were mumblings and some very loud garbled whispers and hushes.
"Well, if you wanted it done right," Mokuba chastised, "You should have done it yourself!" With that, the boy was unceremoniously dumped back into the doorway. His pointy green elf hat was askew and a gift box was in his hands. He certainly, by no means, was a happy little elf ling. In fact, he seemed so pleased that he would gladly stomp on Santa's, or Seto's, toes if he was given one more task.
Carefully, so as not to trip on his curled slippers, he descended the few steps into the room and walked over to Serenity. The box wasn't huge, though a life size replica of Seto would be interesting, and it wasn't wiggling—so not another animal. Mokuba held it in his hands, and grumbled the whole way over to her.
"Straight from Seto! I mean…Santa…" He blushed under the circles of red on his cheeks.
The box was decorated in luminous light blue paper with snowflakes in a glittery pattern. A single large white bow adorned the top.
Serenity took the box and smiled at Mokuba. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. He took a few steps back and smiled eagerly at her.
Quickly he turned, "I'm changing out of this stupid outfit!"
Yugi smiled devilishly, "don't forget your cookies."
Mokuba stopped and turned to look at Yugi, a confused look on his face. "My cookies?" Mokuba asked in a questioning voice.
"Isn't that an elf's off season job? You work at the North Pole in the winter months—until Christmas, and then in Keebler's magic tree making cookies during the down time?" Yugi tried to say it with a straight face but failed. The whole room erupted in laughter, even Joey. Serenity had to sit down, or else fall down, from her merriment. She laughed so hard tears rushed down her cheeks. Mai actually snorted, and Tea was finding it hard to breathe.
Mokuba stood there glaring, tapping one of his feet and jingling the bell at the end of the curled tip. This only served to incite them to more howls.
"Seto I don't care anymore, I've had enough!" Mokuba yanked the pointy hat off his head, tugging an ear practically off. Everyone watched in stunned disbelief as it dangled there, pointy and elf-like…and then plopped down into the dip.
The roar of laughter pulled Kaiba from his shadow. He walked into the room with a satisfied smirk on his face. Yes, it had been cruel to do that to Mokuba, but he had been tricked as well. Mokuba knew who she was the night of the party—but instead of warning him that it was the Mutt's sister, he watched it happen.
True, it had all worked out to be very appealing. He would never deny that—and Mokuba would make out like an absolute fiend this Christmas.
So, yes he had put his little brother into a very compromising position, but it was all in fun and Serenity had laughed at the delivery of his gift. She was his. Nothing else mattered at that moment.
Serenity stared at the box on her knees. She kept looking at it with wonder. She couldn't even think of what he would put in it, what could make her laugh? The elf thing was perfect—it had brought everyone to tears. Trying to imagine what he had come up with was mind racking. Her fingers slid over the bow and gently released it. It only took a moment to pull the top off the box. She looked inside and saw the blue ribbon. She quirked an eyebrow as she continued to stare at the contents. What did this mean?
With some apprehension she took the ribbon from the box. It was very pretty and so full, with intricate loops and some silver threading in the material. It was a satin material and yet, she still didn't understand at all. Her eyes looked up from the bow and met equally blue eyes.
"I don't get it," she shrugged.
He walked over to her and put a hand out. She took it and felt a tug as he helped her to her feet.
"It's your bow," he whispered so only she could hear.
Serenity frowned and continued to gaze at the bow that was larger than her hand. "Obviously it's mine. You gave it to me." She looked from the bow to him again. "I just don't see how it was suppose to make me laugh. I mean, I know Mokuba did make me laugh and."
"And so I won," he explained with an evil smirk.
She frowned at his arrogance. Heck—she loved even his arrogance. Heaven help her.
"Yes, you won." She stated. With her words she heard Tristan groan and Joey gripe. She also heard Mai and Yugi calm and quiet him, throwing his own words back at him. He had promised to be good. He never thought Moneybags was capable of making anyone laugh though….
Serenity's mouth slowly dropped, and another giggle escaped her, followed by laughter. She clutched the bow and her cheeks turned red as her eyes brightened. Shaking her head, she was now exploding with laughter.
Everyone was looking at her in astonishment. What was the joke?
"So," she finally started to calm down enough to form words. "Your gift is your ego?"
His smirk slid into a half smile. He would never reward her with more around the present company. Serenity understood his gift and was laughing about it. He had been slightly nervous, but never would have admitted it. He knew Mokuba had softened the way—but a part of him wondered if she would have laughed without Mokuba playing elf.
Serenity looked back into the box, and wasn't surprised to see a hair clip in it. She bit her lip and laughed again. "You can't seriously expect me to wear this on my head!"
Kaiba's blue eyes danced, only for her.
"I'm satisfied with this outcome," he explained shrugging.
Joey approached the two. He hated this, how could Serenity have laughed? He nearly growled, but then remembered his promise.
"You better take damn good care of her. If you don't, so help me Money bags I will beat the…"
Mokuba came charging back into the room. "Did I miss anything!" He called out making his presence well known.
"You didn't miss anything," Serenity assured Mokuba. "Seto won the contest, though I think you knew that before you left." She watched a smile light up his face.