A/N: Don't own Yu-gi-oh…never have and never will…darn my luck…

Chapter 7

The Christmas Party

Kaiba scanned the room. Iolite was no longer in bed and suddenly he felt anxious as to where she had gone off. He placed the tray on the coffee table and walked over to his desk. He was always neat his wife, however, was another story. There were scattered papers on the desk, receipts from various employees for tonight's festivities and some pictures of the Scooby gang. He sighed heavily. He couldn't understand her fascination with them.

"Good morning Seto." She smiled as she came out of the bathroom. She was dressed in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, barefoot, as she towel dried her hair. It was a normal day to her, even after what happened last night. She smiled as she noticed the ring on his finger. She had wondered if he would keep it on or simply discard it, thinking it to be some mundane gesture on her behalf.

"You slept in," were about the only words he could muster. He wondered if she knew how his breath caught at the sight of her.

"Yes, but, unfortunately I have a lot to do and it wasn't a luxury I afforded myself." She walked over to the desk and began to sort through the paperwork as if he wasn't there. "I should have set an alarm, but then again, I never sleep in so I didn't think it would be a problem."

He stilled her hands and forced her to turn and look at him. They stood there face to face, him holding her hands against his chest. A soft blush began to light her cheeks.

"I still haven't given you your first gift yet." He looked down at her. His eyes giving away nothing of the emotions he felt.

"You could wait until tonight or Christmas Day," she offered.

"Come on," he tugged her gently over to the love seat and gestured for her to sit. Clearly he wasn't prepared to wait. She smiled when she noticed the tray.

"I'm glad you didn't hold back, breakfast would have been cold by tonight." She picked up a piece of toast and started munching on it.

"That's not your gift." He felt a twinge of guilt. Did she really believe that he would consider a ministration as small as that a gift? Then again, had he ever given her anything? Ever? He walked over to his drawer and withdrew a large velvet box. He walked back over to the couch and sat beside her. She put down her toast and wiped her hands clean with a napkin.

He sat beside her and opened the box. "I've never given a girl a gift before." He mumbled. He turned the box around to show her the necklace inside.

She looked at the beautiful blue jewel on the platinum omega chain and her breath caught. "It matches the color of your eyes." She whispered.

"No," he removed the necklace from the box and held it up to the light. A beautiful purple tone underlined the deep blue. Swirls of amethyst twisted and competed with the sapphire as the light danced behind the stone. "This matches your eyes."

"An Iolite? Seto how did you know…" She looked up at him with tears in her eyes.

"I never knew about the stone, not until the day in the jewelry store. When I saw it there I knew your secret." He held it up and she turned around, allowing him to decorate her neck with it. He softly kissed her shoulder as he adjusted the clasp.

She turned and looked at him, the stone resting against her skin, seeming to draw light from her. He leaned in to kiss her when the door burst open.

"Did she like it!" Mokuba came tearing into the room with enthusiasm.

He raced over to the two on the couch and smiled as he spied the gem resting around Iolite's neck. "It's perfect Seto!"

"Thank you," Iolite whispered to Kaiba. He nodded his head and stood.

"I have to go talk with Raine about final preparations for tonight." He left the two in the room. Mokuba began munching on her bacon as she fingered the stone on her neck. This was very unexpected. She had thought it would be something impersonal, maybe something his secretary would have picked up. Could it be he actually thought about her? Maybe things were changing. She smiled as she thought of him picking it out for her. She was completely in love with him…how the heck did that happen?

Mokuba quietly ate Iolite's breakfast after flipping on the TV.

Iolite sat behind the desk flipping through her paper work while she finished up last minute details. Her mind kept wandering back to Seto. He was a mystery to her. One minute he was completely aloof and the next he was buying her something that meant so much. He could be angry and immobile in one breath and the next he was off shopping with her and Yugi. She shook her head. She had too much to do to figure out the enigma that was Seto Kaiba.

"Well Mokuba," she smiled as she stood up. "Everything is set for tonight."

"What do we do now?" He asked, turning off the TV and standing up.

The day wore on. It seemed to trudge by for Iolite and Mokuba because they were so excited, but not for Kaiba he dreaded the whole party. Security had to be super tight, he hated the idea of strangers in his home and the moron gang was something he abhorred, but she was thrilled and because of that he had to put up with it. He just hoped this stupid thing went off without a glitch.

It was almost time to go down stairs and wait for the guests to arrive. Iolite checked her reflection in the mirror once more. The gown she wore was a deep royal blue. She adjusted the front, liking how it fell off her shoulders but plunged a bit, showing off a slight amount of cleavage. The slit up the side to her knees would make dancing easy, and Kaiba couldn't complain that she was over exposed. He had been incensed about the red dress she originally intended to wear, claiming it was too revealing. She decided she liked his jealous streak, even though it was followed by a, "No wife of a Kaiba will allow that much of a show…" He had blushed when he said it and that made him even more endearing. She knew he meant, 'you're for my eyes only,' and that made her sigh and smile.

A knock on the door caused her to loose her train of thought.

"Yes," she called out.

"Are you just about ready?" She heard Raine's familiar voice call in through the door.

She walked over and opened the barrier. His eyes searched her up and down.

"You look magnificent Princess." He smiled at her with such warmth she could have cried.

"Do you think so?" She whispered, still unnerved by his look.

"You look just like your Mother. She would have been so proud at the way you've turned out. Sometimes I see her in you, the way you walk, the way you smile, the stubborn streak you have, your tenacity. Alexandra would have loved to have had the privilege I have had-watching you grow into the woman you are." His eyes dropped from hers, afraid he had revealed too much.

"I wish I could have known her," Iolite smiled at her bodyguard.

"Just always know that you were her joy. You were her pride and joy. You were her ultimate achievement. She loved your brothers, God knows if she had lived they would have been different, but you were her prize, born of love." She looked at him with a question in her eyes, but before she could ask Kaiba walked in.

"Are you ready?" He asked, not really seeing Iolite, but Raine's back. When Raine moved Kaiba's gaze faltered. He knew she was pretty, but tonight she looked magnificent. Gone were the jeans and t-shirts, here was a Princess. She was his Princess, who was wearing his necklace, his gift to her.

She noticed his change in expression; she walked over to him and took his arm.

"I'm ready Seto," she whispered as she led him towards the door. She hoped he didn't see her blush. His appearance had done nothing to calm her nerves, the butterflies were moving with vengeance tonight. His trench coat made her weak, but this tux was devastating her.

Kaiba played the host part very well, grunting as introductions were made, a smile never forming on his lips. Iolite rolled her eyes more than once as Kaiba insulted guest after guest. He wouldn't do it openly, choosing instead to make sarcastic little quips in their presence and then whispering nasty remarks in her ear.

"I think I'm going to go say hello to Tea and Mai," she tried to pull away from him, but he jerked her back. Kissing her forehead before he allowed her to leave. She left him standing there with a scowl on his face. She sighed deeply, his eyes had froze over as a sneered touched his lips…3…2…1…yep, arms folded across his chest. That was her husband.

Yugi stopped her before she reached Tea.

"I'm ready…" He stammered. His hand was in his pocket, she was sure he was clutching the small box.

"Take her to the garden Yugi, it's decorated perfectly for you both." She smiled warmly at him. His hand was still in his pocket, still clutching the box. "Why don't you go out there and I'll send her out to join you?"

"Thank you." Yugi smiled at her. She watched him leave the ballroom and smiled, he was so sweetly in love it was intoxicating.

She quickly found Tea, who was trying to convince Joey and Tristan not to have a 'who can handle drinking the hottest sauce' contest. "Come on guys…grow up all ready." She argued.

"Tea," Iolite touched her shoulder. Tea turned around, she was still annoyed because of Joey and Tristan and instead of smiling like typical Tea she was scowling. "Yugi needs to talk to you. I think he's upset about something. He walked out to the gardens."

"Oh great." Tea sighed. "Maybe you could get these two to behave like men, not little boys?" She pushed past Tristan and Joey and headed for the door.

"Can we find something more constructive for you two to do?" Mai asked sarcastically. "Like…how about dance?" She grabbed Joey's arm and tugged him out onto the floor. Iolite looked at Tristan. They shrugged as they watched Joey and Mai walk onto the dance floor.

Iolite excused herself and then left the ballroom. She walked towards Seto's office, knowing it was wrong, but wanting to watch the proposal. She couldn't resist romance and that couple was the perfect illustration of true love. She moved into the room, not bothering to turn on the light or else they might figure out she was spying. She sighed heavily as she leaned against the window frame, parting the gauzy curtain.

The gardens were glowing with soft fairy lights, while rich red bows adorned trees, archways and the gazebo. A rich coating of snow had fallen and covered the ground and trees, making it look like the picture perfect winter wonderland. Yugi was sitting on a marble bench, inside the gazebo,staring down at his hands. The time was almost perfect. Soon she would be here and he would ask the question that would change their lives. He looked around the gardens trying to memorize every snowflake and each twinkling light. He wanted to remember how quiet it was, how softly the moon glowed, how silent the stars were. Suddenly she was there, before him.

Her hair was in a beautiful upsweep, the cream colored gown she wore made her look like an angel. Her smile was as radiant as it had ever been. If possible, it was enhanced by the sacredness of the night. He stood. She stopped before him and shivered slightly. He quickly removed his jacket and wrapped it around her bare shoulders.

"I should have grabbed my jacket before I came out." She apologized.

"Please sit down," Yugi motioned towards the bench.

She sat down and he hesitated, wanting to kneel before her but wanting to talk to her first. He sat as close as he could get to her, brushing his fingers down her jaw, his thumb stroking her lower lip. He loved her, completely.

"Is everything all right Yugi?" She asked softly.

"Everything is almost perfect." He whispered as he leaned in and kissed her lips gently.

"Almost?" She asked, a worried look marred her features. "Is something wrong?"

"Not wrong Tea, just not completely right." He smiled at her frown, and then kissed her forehead. "You know how much I love you right? I mean from the first time we met there was always something there. It grew stronger with time. Every time I needed you, you were there. Through every trial and tribulation you never left my side and I can't ever begin to thank you for your faith in me and your compassion." He smiled at her warmly.

Despite the cold crisp chill in the air Tea suddenly felt her cheeks grow warm with his words. "You've been there for me too Yugi. How many times have you saved me? I can't even begin counting…" His finger on her lips stilled her words.

"You saved me Tea." He whispered. Softly he left her on the bench to kneel in the snow before her. "Even though I don't think I deserve you. Honestly, I don't think any man deserves someone like you. It would make me the happiest man if you would honor me with your hand in marriage." He slipped the box out of his pocket and opened it before her.

Tears stung her eyes as she fought to hold back sobs that threatened to rip from her throat. She looked at the ring nestled in the small red velvet box. It was a perfect diamond with a sapphire on either side. She couldn't think…

"Tea?" Yugi asked, some what concerned.

"Oh yes Yugi…yes." She held out her left hand, which was shaking. He slipped the ring onto her finger, and then kissed her hand.

"I guess I pronounce us officially engaged…" He stammered.

She flung her arms around his neck and tackled him into the snow.

Iolite allowed the curtain to conceal the sight. She smiled, Tea had accepted. Was there ever a doubt? Even for a heartbeat? That was true love. Something that girls dream about forever, but seldom achieve.

"Are you all right?" The warm comforting voice startled her and she jumped.

"I'm fine Seto." She smiled at him.

"Why are you standing here in the dark?" He asked. The only light in the room was that from the fireplace. "Are you hiding from your guests?"

"No," she shrugged, "I was just spying on some."

He walked over to her.

"Spying?" He asked as he raised his eyebrow. "I never took you for a spy."

"Yugi just proposed to Tea…" She offered as she searched his features.

"Did she say yes? Maybe they can spawn and create more 'happy friendship creatures'?" He growled sarcastically.

Her angry glare made him realize how offended she was.

"Why do you hate them all so much? All they've ever offered you is friendship, they never asked for anything in return. How can you be so…cold?" She asked as she rubbed her own arms for warmth.

"I don't need friends." He stated simply with a shrug of his shoulders. "I have Mokuba and you. Personally I think that's more than enough." He had just complimented her in his own mind.

"Does that mean that I'm a handful?" She asked, clearly insulted.

"You are a handful, but that wasn't what I meant." He walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She shrugged them off and turned away from him. Now she was angry.

"I'm going out to the party to dance. Whatever man wants me, and doesn't regard me as a 'handful' can have me." She snarled at him as she pushed passed him. He grabbed her arm before she reached the door.

"You will not flaunt yourself to those people out there. You are my wife." His eyes flashed a dangerous anger that was threatening to spill over.

"Let go of me Kaiba!" She tried to rip her arm away from him. His strong-handed tactics did not work on her.

"I didn't want this stupid party nor did I want this argument, but seeing as I'm forced to accept both I will tell you that I will not see you in the arms of another man. If you insist on doing that I will toss you over my shoulder and carry you off to our room where you will stay locked up until morning!" He was fuming.

"Neanderthal!" She yelled back. "How dare you threaten me? Day in and day out you constantly berate my friends, my business skills, and my judgments. Is there anything about me that you do like or at least agree with!" She was breathless in her anger.

His blue eyes darkened as they narrowed on her. "You keep testing me Highness and I'm growing tired of it. I've allowed your raids, let your friends in my home, and put up with your cursed stubborn streak. I'm getting tired of being disobeyed and taunted." He was menacing when he was angry.

"Should I be meek? Bow down to the great Seto Kaiba? Is that what you want?" Her blue eyes were turning that hazy amethyst color and he found himself staring openly at her. He would hate it if she no longer challenged him. That was the best part of her, her strong personality. He didn't need an ego boost with a cowering simpleton of a girl who gushed over him. Women like that were bought and sold and hardly posed interest. She was fire and the chase alone made her more interesting than anyone he had ever met.

"I want you Iolite," he growled as he caught her mouth in a kiss. She pushed him away, causing him to look at her quizzically.

"You seem to think you can get me angry then simply kiss me and make it all better. Well, tonight your kisses won't work, try a grand gesture Kaiba or the couch." She turned from him and left the room, slamming the door behind her.

She made her way back to the party where the gang was congratulating Tea and Yugi. She joined in and smiled as they replayed the scene she had just witnessed. She sat and listened as the two giggled and reminisced about their romance. She laughed when Yugi asked Joey about when he was going to make a commitment. Mai elicited further laughter when she announced Joey needed to be committed first.

A tap on her shoulder caused Iolite to turn. It was Seto.

"Could I have this dance?" He asked as he held out his hand.

She smiled her yes and he pulled her chair out. Slowly they walked onto the dance floor and he pulled her into his arms as a slow song started.

"This is a grand gesture," she whispered as her eyes locked with his.

"No," he corrected her. "This is the grand gesture…" He kissed her gently as white confetti fell over the dance floor.

A/N: Yeah…I finished the Christmas party! Now I just have to get passed Christmas Day and I'll be caught up with my timing. I thought of unveiling her gift in this chapter, but decided I had written enough here and didn't want to keep you waiting any longer. What did you all think? Hope I did good…