Chapter 24

Lindsey POV

Time had passed since the realization that Lindsey had about Seto. She had finally turned 16, and much to her dismay, Mai had thrown her a party that just about landed the entire gang in jail. Though Lindsey didn't want a party, she's grateful for the memories made that night. Lili had flown home to stay with her aunt, who Lindsey had the displeasure of interacting with at the memorial service. The entire gang had flown to New York for her mother's funeral. It was a good idea, until Lindsey experienced her first shit show funeral. The last two months of her life had been a shit show, and even though she was on break, she never got a break.

It was winter vacation now and the gang had an entire month off from school. Only it wasn't the winter break of a lifetime. Joey and Serenity had gone to stay with their mother, Duke had gone to California again to discuss more about Dungeon Dice Monsters, Bakura had gone to London to spend Christmas with some relatives, and Tristan was back home in Tokyo. As for Tea and Yugi, their families had arranged a joint trip to Rome, irritating Lindsey beyond measure, but Yami still called everyday. Mai had stuck around for a little while but ended up going home to her family, taking Lyris with her after her persistent nagging. This left Lindsey with Seto. You could count Zane, but it bothered Lindsey trying to figure that kid out.

Not wanting her to be alone, Mokuba insisted Lindsey spend Christmas with him and Seto. Heck, not just Christmas, most of the break. She had taken residence in the guest bedroom she used to live in. The all to familiar room felt foreign to her, like she didn't belong, but what choice did she have with a kid like Mokuba constantly bugging her?

She lay awake in her bed. It was nearly time for the regularly scheduled breakfast. Mokuba would be in soon to alert her. She decided to get dressed. She walked into the marble bathroom and began to undress for a shower. The hot water on her skin was total bliss, and it felt good to be that relaxed. She got out and dressed in a white top that hung off her shoulder and a pair of jean shorts. She then walked into the kitchen to join the Kaiba brothers for breakfast.

Mokuba, as usual, was the first to speak. "Morning Lindsey!" He got out his chair and ran to hug her. He was still in his pajamas.

"Morning Moki." She smiled and hugged him back. She scanned the kitchen. She and Mokuba were the only one's there. "Where's Seto?" She questioned.

"He was here, but he got an early business call. He's in his home office." Mokuba looked apologetic. Lindsey sighed.

She cupped Mokuba's face with her hands. "Why don't you save me and Seto a seat and I'll go get him." She widely smiled at him. He beamed with delight and went back to sit at the table. Lindsey made way to Seto's home office.

She found him standing with his back turned to her, talking angrily into the phone. "That should have been taken care of weeks ago!" Lindsey held her breath as he spoke but examined his body. He was wearing nothing except a pair of pajama bottoms that very loosely hung off his hips revealing the beautiful v that entranced Lindsey. She imagined running her hand along his perfectly sculpted back. "YOU DO AS I SAY! NOT ANOTHER!" Seto's rage snapped Lindsey out of her trance.

What the fuck Lindsey? You're with Yami. Snap the fuck out of it!

"Get it done! Now!" Seto snapped before hanging up. Lindsey cleared her thought to get Seto's attention. He turned to face her. "What do you want?" He questioned.

"Good morning to you too." She fired back. "Mokuba is waiting for us to eat breakfast with him."

"It's going to have to wait. I have work to do." He sat at his desk and fired up his laptop.

Lindsey grew angry. "Seto really? It's the day before Christmas. Odds are you're probably not even going to be around tomorrow so this is the least you could do for him. Did you even get him a present?" She crossed her arms across her chest.

"Several, and Mokuba is fully aware that my company doesn't take a day off." He continued to work from his laptop.

Lindsey grew agitated. She walked up to his desk and shut his laptop, nearly clipping his fingers. She bent over his desk to look him in the eye, revealing slight cleavage that distracted Seto. Lindsey narrowed her eyes. "You will be there tomorrow. How do you think Mokuba feels being without the one person he wants to be with on Christmas?" They held each other's gaze until Lindsey spoke, her tone softer. "Look, I don't want to fight, I just want Mokuba to be happy."

"Something tells me it's more than that." Lindsey immediately dropped her face. Seto stood up from his chair and slowly started to walk towards her. She slowly brought her eyes to his, and they stayed locked. "Why did you come into my office this morning Lindsey?" His voice was rough but had a sexy huskiness to it that would hypnotize any woman. Lindsey swallowed as Seto inched towards her.

"I told you." She tried to keep her voice from shaking. "Mokuba want's us to join him for breakfast." Seto's face was now inches from hers. He caressed her cheek with his hand and she sunk into it.

Seto smirked. "Good morning Lindsey." He leaned in to kiss her. She closed her eyes and waited for his lips to touch hers, only they never did. She opened her eyes to see Seto smirking at her. Lindsey looked at him in confusion.

"I always win." Seto said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lindsey whispered.

Seto just smirked in response. "Come. Mokuba is waiting for us."

"LINDSEY, LINDSEY WAKE UP!" A screaming Mokuba had ran into Lindsey's room early morning. Lindsey barely opened her eye to see the time.

She groaned. "Mokuba," She said groggily. "Its 6AM. Go back to bed." She rolled over the other way.

"But Santa came!" He exclaimed excitedly.

Oh! That's right!

24 hours had passed and it was finally Christmas morning. Mokuba was a little overly excited, but what kid isn't on Christmas? Knowing he wouldn't leave; Lindsey drug herself out of bed. She was wearing a tight black tank top and plaid pajama shorts, but Mokuba didn't give her the chance to change into normal clothes. He immediately drug her to the living room to reveal the giant present stuffed Christmas tree.

Lindsey looked in awe. Under the tree must have been a thousand presents. It was an endless sea of metallic wrapping, bows, and boxes. Mokuba was beaming with delight and looked ready to dive in at any given moment.

"Go get Seto, Lindsey! I can't wait!" He was jumping up and down and for whatever reason this put Lindsey in a really good mood.

"Office or bedroom?" Lindsey asked.

"I would check his bedroom first but if not, definitely his office! Hurry!" Mokuba nudged her and Lindsey laughed.

"Okay! I'm going!" She quickly made her way to Seto's room, just a couple doors down from hers. She lightly tapped on the door, but there was so answer. "Seto?" She heard stirring. She decided to open the door. Through a slight crack she saw him half asleep in his bed.

Lindsey sighed, and walked to his bed. She sat on the edge, next to him. "What time did you go to bed last night?"

"About 45 minutes ago. Get out." He rolled over and yanked his bed sheet hard so that it forced Lindsey to roll off the bed onto the ground. Her hip hit with a loud thud and soon she was boiling.

"Are you fucking kidding me Seto!?" She scrambled to her feet and rubbed her hip. Angrily, she stopped over to the other side of the bed. When she saw his face, she noticed the slight smile on his lips. "You think this is funny?" His smile grew. "I'll show you funny!" She quickly walked up to him to slap him but he reacted even quicker. He grabbed her wrists and threw her onto the other side of the bed. He then rolled on top of her, pinning her down, his face inches from hers. She was breathless, yet his smirk remained.

"Merry Christmas Lindsey." He murmured.

"Same to you." She whispered.

"Are you ready for your present?" He grabbed both her arms and pinned them above her head. Her heartbeat intensified and her breathing grew irregular. She slowly nodded, and Seto kept smirking in response. He rolled off of her and walked into his walk in closet.

What? Where are you going? Wait? Why do I care? If Yami knew what I was thinking, I don't think he'd ever forgive me. But I can't resist him anymore. My body craves the mere presence of Seto, but it also craves Yami. Love is one fucked up emotion.

Seto returned with a small box in hand. He took a seat next to her on the bed. She sat up and he handed her the box. Lindsey just stared at the perfect gold wrapping with a sparkly red bow.

"Well open it." He said irritably. She obeyed and carefully unraveled the package. It was obviously some piece of jewelry but Lindsey had no idea what. Once the packaging was off, a small black box was revealed. She slowly opened it to reveal a necklace. It was a beautifully handcrafted L on a silver chain. The L was made up of crystals intertwined with the silver. It sparkled magnificently and reflected rainbows in the light. Lindsey was in awe.

"A reminder of who you are." She gave a small smile in response.

"It's beautiful. Thank you." She pulled her hair up on top of her head and handed the necklace to Seto. "Put it on." She said as she turned her head and they made eye contact. He took the necklace from her and began to put it on her. Lindsey shuddered as his fingertips lightly brushed her skin. The necklace had been clasped and now the beautiful L took place on her chest.

Lindsey shifted her body so she could face Seto, purposely placing her lips very close to his. "I love it." She whispered. Her eyes were locked with his, and the sexual tension was thick enough to cut with a knife.

"Lindsey," Seto began a he lightly pushed her away. She looked him in confusion. "I know I've won, but I'm still honorable. As long as you're with Yugi, I will not touch you."

"At all?" Lindsey questioned.

"No. Not even Yugi deserves that." Lindsey's face dropped. "By wearing that necklace I think it's clear what you want. Do something about it." He got up from the bed and changed into day clothes. "Come out when you're ready, but make it quick. Mokuba is waiting." Seto exited from the room leaving Lindsey alone.

Mai? Lyris? I need you in my life!

"I Know Lyris! I can't have two people at the same time! Give me some different advice." Lindsey was agitated. Mokuba had finished opening his million presents, and now they were all getting ready for Christmas Dinner. Lindsey took this opportunity to video chat Mai and Lyris and discuss her "issues."

"Okay Linds," Lyris started. "Here's what you need to do." She paused. Lindsey motioned for her to keep talking. "Stay away from Seto." Lindsey gave an irritated sigh. "I mean you want him that's clear. You love him, and that's even clearer, but, you left him because every part of you said that you should be with Yami. I don't really believe that you have a future with…."

"Kaiba because he's a scumbag." Mai interrupted. "He's intelligent and beautiful but, he's heartless and has the personality of a board. Right Lyris?" Lyris' face twisted into an uncomfortable look.

"Ly?" Lindsey questioned.

"I was gonna say, I don't believe you have a future… with either of them."

"What!?" Mai exclaimed. Lindsey's jaw dropped. "What on earth makes you say that?"

"Think about it. Yami is a 5,000-year-old pharaoh. He can't just stick around forever." Lyris explained.

"You're the same age and here you are!" Lindsey snapped.

"I go where Yami goes." Lyris shrugged.

"What the fuck does that even mean? You know, I'm getting really tired of all these damn riddles you speak in!"

"Lindsey honey calm down." Mai urged.

"No! Yami would never just flat out leave me."

"You're planning to leave him!" Lyris shot back.

"No I'm not! I'm not planning anything!"

"Well, considering you're cheating on him, you probably should think about it!" Mai's eyes widened at Lyris' remark.

Rage began to build up inside Lindsey. "I haven't touched Seto. I've thought about it but I haven't done it! Why don't you get your shit together before you falsely accuse someone!"

Lyris let out a small laugh. "Well, if you're thinking about it, then it's only a matter of time. And then…"

"What?" Lindsey interrupted. "Then you and Yami will get together? You'll get the happily ever after you never got to have? News flash honey. If Yami wanted to be with you, he would be. You've been around for weeks, and he's still with me."

"You're the reincarnation of me you dumbass!"

"Yet we're still two very different people." Lindsey said calmly. "We're done here." Lindsey switched off her computer, ending the conversation. She let out a long irritated sigh. She sat in silence for a moment before she pulled out her phone and dialed his number. There was an answer on the third ring.

"What do you want bitch?"

"Tea? What the fuck are you doing with Yami's phone?"

"Oh we were just out to dinner together, and he stepped away to use the restroom. He left his phone on the table, so when you called, I answered." She had a snarky tone to her phone and acted proud.

"Did you make him leave his phone on the table so he'd be forced to come back?" Lindsey snickered.

Tea half growled. "Well, while you're laughing, Yugi and I are going for a romantic walk around the coliseum. I mean, it only makes sense he'd take me out again after what happened last night." You could hear the smirk in her voice.

Lindsey raised a brow but was still half smiling. "Oh and what happened last night?"

Tea snickered. "Let's just say I'm a little less innocent." Lindsey's face fell as Tea said the last word and she was shocked speechless.

Tea POV

"Judging by the silence, I'd say this conversation is over. I'll tell Yug you called." Tea hung up on Lindsey. She put Yugi's phone back over on his side before he could see she had it. He returned a minute later. "Welcome back." She smiled. "So, we should definitely do something tonight. I was thinking a walk around the coliseum?"

"That sounds fun and all but Grandpa and I were gonna go to a Christmas festival so maybe some other time." Yugi looked apologetic.

"Oh! That's perfectly fine. I just thought after the fun we had last night we'd hang out again!"

"Sorry! Last night was fun! It was my first time tasting alcohol from Rome!"

"Mine to! It feels great to be less innocent!" Yugi gave her a weird look.

"Tea you've drank before?"

"Yea but it sounds so much more…. Intriguing this way." A wide smile spread across her face.

Lindsey POV

Lindsey screamed as loud as she could as she threw her phone at the nearest wall. It shattered into several pieces. She was so overcome with rage, she couldn't even find the tears. But she didn't want to cry. Crying meant Tea had won, Lindsey refused to show that kind of weakness.

The door burst open and Seto stood in the doorway. There was slight panic in his eyes as he scanned the room. He noticed the destroyed phone.

"What the hell happened in here?" He questioned.

"My phone broke. It fell into the wall at record speed." Her voice was monotone and her face lifeless and she talked to Seto.

Seto took a deep breath in. "What did he do?"

"He fucked Tea last night. In Rome. The most exotic place we ever screwed was…" Seto cleared his throat loudly. Lindsey rolled her eyes. "Sorry." Lindsey walked over to her dresser, began taking her clothes out, and packed them in a suitcase. Seto was watching skeptically.

"Are you going to Rome?" Seto teased. Lindsey stopped packing to look at him.

"You think this is funny? That little bitch cheated on me! With Tea! I mean if it was with some girl native to Rome, I would have been pissed but a little impressed at the same time! And no I'm not going to Rome. I'm going to my apartment. I just want time alone." She began to pack her things again. "You can tell Mokuba I'll be back for New Years." She dug through more drawers in the dresser and quickly packed everything. Within minutes she was ready to go. Seto Just watched her.

"Before I forget," Lindsey starting walking over to the bedside table and opened the single drawer. She pulled out a small box with a big white bow. "Merry Christmas." She handed it to Seto. He opened to reveal a crystal Blue Eyes White Dragon figurine with sapphires for eyes. "It's not much, but I thought you would like it." She gathered all her bags and started to head out the door. She stopped when she got to Seto. She looked him in the eye. "See you in a couple days." Seto merely nodded.

"Delete. Delete. Delete…..Delete." After finally getting a new phone, Lindsey was now deleting every photo she had taken with Yami. Not the best way of coping, but it was Lindsey's way. It made her feel damn good, but that might just be the bottles of wine she was chugging down. She had been at this for 3 hours, and she was starting to feel a little drained.

It was New Years eve and she was supposed to be at Seto's, but really all she wanted to do was drink her wine and listen to sappy love songs that make you depressed. Lindsey knew that wasn't the case. Seto would show up at her doorstep if she didn't show up. She decided to just text him and send for a limo.

The limo had shown up about an hour later, just enough time for Lindsey to finish off two bottles of wine. Roland had come up to get Lindsey. She opened the door to let him in. "Sup fucker?" Lindsey saw Roland's eyebrows shoot up form behind his sunglasses. She began to giggle.

"Ms. Walsh?" Roland questioned.

"Oh-Em-Geeee! That is so formal! My name is…um… Lindsey!" She smiled at him.

"Mr. Kaiba has instructed me to bring you to over immediately." Roland was trying really hard to keep his composure.

"Immediately? Ohhhhh. I get it." She snickered. "He wants me so bad!" She slapped her knee. "Okay let me grab something and well go." She trotted into the kitchen to grab two more bottles of wine. "One for the party, one for me! HA!" She skipped out of the apartment and towards the elevator.

Roland grabbed his collar and spoke into it. "We have a problem Mr. Kaiba."

Lindsey arrived at the Kaiba mansion only to see a not so happy looking Seto standing on the porch. She got out, with her wine bottles and ran up to him.

"Hey Seto! I brought you some wine!" She handed the half empty bottle to him. "Sorry I drank some of it." She was smiling really big and snickering.

"What about the full bottle in your other hand?" Seto questioned.

"Pshh! This one is mine dumbass!"

"Lindsey?" A shrill voice said. Mokuba had opened the front door and peered out. Meanwhile Seto had taken both bottles of wine and handed them to Mokuba.

"Take these in the house now." Mokuba obeyed and walked off with the wine.

"Mokuba give that back!" Lindsey called. "Stop being a little bitch!"

"Lindsey!" Seto said furiously. "Don't you ever speak like that in front of Mokuba. I'm putting you to bed." He picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. Seto proceeded to carry her to his bedroom. Once there he threw her in bed.

"But we have to count down!" Lindsey exclaimed.

"54321 Happy New Year." Seto said with an edge. Lindsey cheered with happiness. It was only 11:30 but a very inebriated Lindsey had no idea.

Seto began to walk away to go be with Mokuba when Lindsey called out. "Seto?"

"What?" He snapped. He was agitated.

"Stay with me?"

"No."

"Why not?" She was pouting.

"Because you are shit faced Lindsey! Just get some sleep." Seto eyes were blazing with annoyance, but Lindsey thought it was hilarious.

She huffed loudly. "Fine!" She curled up in the covers and rolled away from Seto. He just shook his head and exited the room.

A wave of nausea woke Lindsey up around 2 AM. She slowly opened her eyes to realize she was in Seto's bed, and he lay, lightly snoring, next to her. She sat up but immediately regretted it, as she was sprinting to the bathroom. She flipped the lid up on the toilet seat and began to vomit. It burned her throat and tears began to leak from her eyes because of it.

Her head was resting on the edge of the bowl and her eyes were almost completely closed. She regretted every decision she made. All she wanted was to go back to bed but she literally couldn't find the strength to get up.

Light fingers traced her skin as they pulled her hair back. She knew it was Seto without looking. "Get me mouthwash" she mumbled. Seto helped her to her feet as he got her what she needed. She took the mouthwash and swigged it in her mouth, immediately taking the bad taste out of her mouth. Seto had also forced her to drink a glass of water, which made her feel better almost instantly.

"So, what happened?" Lindsey asked as Seto carried her back to her bed.

"Take a wild guess." He said in his monotone voice. He set her back on the bed. He jumped over her body and landed on his side of the bed.

"Was it that bad?" She said guiltily.

"You called Mokuba a little bitch."

Lindsey gasped in horror. "I did not!" She was shocked. Seto grunted in response. "I'm so sorry." She whispered.

"Just get some rest." He snapped. Seto and Lindsey both settled under the sheets and the room grew silent.

Lindsey looked at Seto to see him lying on his back, eyes closed. "Seto." She whispered.

"What?" He said irritably.

Lindsey scooted closer to Seto and propped herself up on one elbow. In the same motion, she placed he hand on his chest and lightly kissed him. Her lips lingered a second before she pulled away.

"Happy new year." She whispered. She rested her head next to her hand on his chest.

"Lindsey." Seto began. "I can't."

"Yugi is dead to me." She said with force. "I deserve better." She could feel Seto's chest rise as he inhaled. "I choose you." She whispered.

Seto exhaled loudly. "Fuck it." He mumbled. In one swift motion he rolled on top of her and pinned her arms down above her head. He fiercely claimed her lips and she nipped his lower lip in response. He rolled again to place her on top and her legs straddled both sides of him. She grabbed the bottom of her shirt to begin taking it off.

"No!" Seto said forcefully. Lindsey froze and looked him.

"What?" She questioned. "Why?"

"You're still technically not single." He smirked.

"But you said 'Fuck It!'" She exclaimed.

"Yes Fuck IT, not I wanted to fuck you." He was still smirking.

"Do you want to?" She asked skeptically.

"Yes, but not now."

She groaned in response. "Haven't you teased me long enough?"

"Not as long as you've teased me." His smirk only grew.

Lindsey began to pout. "You play dirty." He gave a short laugh.

"Happy new year Lindsey."