Hello again! Just a note: Yes! I finally saw the Yu-gi-oh movie! It was amazing, so good! Took ages to find it listed here, but it was worth it, Kaiba looked like such a stud! They ran out of cards, but oh well. Anyway, my brother had the sphinx cards, which is pretty cool. I'm just glad I got a chance to see the film! Also had to head for the fuss of school prize giving. Oh well, my parents were ecstatic on the achievements, so I can't complain. Was nervous, I mean the guest was an archbishop! Blaspheming could cause serious redemption.
School is so busy, but I am keeping my word to continue writing. Darting between three stories isn't easy, but I'll manage, you just have to wait, as I have to do one story one week and the other the next week. Confusing? Yes it is, but it's the best I can do. On September weekend expect more updates, as I'll have tons of time to spare! Now for the replies!
The Six of Hearts: Indeed, total chaos with another meeting, and it is understandable with Kitty freaking out. Thanks for the support.
Secluded Sapphire: I know, I like school but the work cuts into my time in writing! Thanks for the comments good luck in school. Hope you like Kaiba's reaction, and I loved your chapters by the way.
Hikashi Suzuki: Yes, it is normal to freak when you know nothing an ancient Egyptian spirit and meet him so suddenly. Thanks a lot, and Joey's return will cause sparks to fly of the CEO.
the1koolkitty: Glad you liked it, and hope you still approve of me working on your relationship. I just hope I didn't cause conflict there, as trust, Kitty's heart is Yugi's alone. She didn't mean it, and I think you will like the cuteness in the chapter, especially certain moments. Also, I know you put yourself, as somewhat of a Goth in description, so make sure my clothing choices are okay for you. Also, are you actually a Goth in real life? Just wondering.
Una1: Yes, I thought it would make sense for her to notice, I mean was sure they couldn't go through everything without her noticing something weird. You are right though Kaiba will let all Hell break loose!
Pamster: Great to have you back and love your updates. Glad you like it and I understand the problems were on the site a while ago. Thanks for the compliments and hope you like the rest of the story.
Elizabeth: Thanks, I'm glad you are enjoying it, and hope to continue to. I promise to update as often as I can.
Curtis Zidane Ziraa: Thanks a lot, and hope you find it funny!
Now here is the next chapter. I tried to make it fluffy and funny, so tell me if I was successful. Love SGCred xxx R&R!
Chapter 7: Conflict and Cute Calamities
"Kitty, have you seen the inventory checklist? I thought I put it on the counter, but it's not here." Yugi called from the store to Kitty upstairs. Mondays were always the busiest due to expecting new shipments and trying to sort out the newest stock into storage or shelving. At least they had managed to prepare an extra bed for Joey; ready for him to stay when he would arrive tomorrow.
"Hold on! It's up here, I took it to look over the supplies, I'll bring it down with me." she replied dashing down the steps, clipboard in one hand and balancing two cups of cappuccino on a tray in the other. Luckily she somehow managed to make it downstairs without stumbling, or spilling a drop of the beverages, as she placed the tray on the counter, offering a cup to the young man.
"Sorry about that," she apologised, handing the list and sipping her drink. "Had to check for the new software on the order survey, but I noticed you didn't note it down."
"That's because we had an extra box hidden on the high shelf. I'll just get and sort it into the displays"
"It's okay, I'll do it. You need to check the sales rates." she reassured, grabbing the step ladder from the side closet and climbing up to find the small package of gaming technology. Meanwhile, she managed to chat from above to her companion.
"I take it you're really excited about Joey coming to visit, I mean you haven't seen him for years and he was one of your best friends."
"He still is, and yeah, I'm looking forward to him arriving tomorrow, get a chance to catch up on stuff! You'll like him Kitty, he's a natural comedian, mainly he's not even aware of it."
"He seems to be a great guy, not to mention a top duellist from what you tell me. Also, sounds like he could make anyone laugh"
"Anyone except Kaiba," Yami pointed out appearing in transparent form. It was indeed easier for all three of them now Kitty was aware of the pharaoh's existence. They all got along well; not to mention could talk for hours, like oldest and dearest friends. "The only time that man would laugh is when he was able to torment Joey, calling him a dog, then smirk on Tristan and Duke trying to restrain him before he attacked. Personally, I thought it would have been funny to see that"
"You would, but Joey could have been hurt, you know Kaiba is no push over, mentally or physically, remember he nearly broke Joey's wrist at Duellist Kingdom by twisting it so hard?" Yugi commented.
"Still, I cannot wait to see what the great champions reaction will be when he sees the vein of his existence has returned." the spirit smugly chuckled.
"Let's just hope the store will still be standing by the end of their first encounter." Kitty remarked, still rummaging through the shelves.
"You kids just finish up, I'm going back into the chambers of the puzzle to rest. I'll need the energy for laughing at Kaiba tomorrow. After all, there's not need to penetrate his thoughts when someone else will torture him for me." the darker half suppressed hysterics as he disappeared again, leaving the older teens on their own.
"Is he always like this Yugi? I mean don't get me wrong! Yami is so friendly and courteous, but he seems to take a lot of pleasure in seeing Kaiba tormented."
"Not to worry, I know what you mean. It's just after I took over here and we no longer competed in tournaments, Yami no longer had the chance of duelling competitively, and he misses the thrill, so to speak. He especially enjoyed the challenge of battling Kaiba, and now that he can't show him up in duel monsters, it's a treat to see our famous rival being rattled up. Like I told you, he used to mess around in Kaiba's head for fun." he explained, sighing on how the all-powerful ruler of Egypt could be so childish at times. He was supposed to be the younger and more juvenile of them after all!
"I guess he's pretty competitive, and likes to have fun with his opponents, and since he once rule the world, he's used to being able to get away with it." Kitty giggled, as her friend nodded in agreement.
"Still, he's willing to help Kaiba if necessary, though its not always acknowledged. And is someone I have constantly been able to depend on." the lighter boy reminisced.
"Sounds great, I'm positive things will all work out through and through though...Hey, where is that box? I can't see it anywhere." she proclaimed, unsuccessful in finding the software components.
"It should be up there, it couldn't be anywhere else," he replied, turning to her as she scrambled around at the top of the ladder looking in a frenzy. Hard as he tried, Yugi couldn't hold back a smirk and snort at his girlfriends fumbling.
"What's so funny down there? Are you laughing at me?" she protested heartily.
"Sorry, but you looked like you were about to take a fit cause you couldn't find those parts."
"Hey, I'm only doing my job here" she muttered, turning around to look at him briefly, cocking her head pursing her lips in a cute fashion. "Now what are you sniggering at?" she questioned, noticing him mumbling suppressing splutters.
"You look so adorable when you pout like that." he smiled as Kitty turned pink.
"Sure, you're being so sincere." she mumbled mockingly, seeing right through the kidding tone.
"Well, you do look so sweet when you do that. Then again, the outfit you have on helps a lot." he grinned, seeing her being expressive in her clothing choice today.
She certainly wasn't afraid to show her gothic attitude, black leather knee-length skirt with chain wrapped around her waist and black ankle boots. She had a navy crop top on with several slashes through it revealing an indigo covering underneath, a biker jacket with the sleeves cut off, and finger-less gloves that reached her elbows. Of course, she had all her spiked wristbands and collar to accessorise with, as well as her dewdrop earrings and necklace and a blue bandanna tied around her auburn waves. That was definitely one of the many things Yugi admired about Kitty; her freedom in expressing herself and not caring what other thought of her. She was just simply herself.
"Thanks," she whispered tinting red on her cheeks. "I thought I would give some of your leather look a try."
"It suits you." he replied.
"Maybe a bit, I like it, but I still think...it's better on you." she flushed embarrassed. Yugi was of course in his own leather attire in dark blue trousers and black shirt with leather jacket and studded boots. She couldn't help herself at times, whenever she saw him in such suitable clothes, the word's handsomely sexy came to mind, but she bit her tongue. No way in Hell could she let Yugi know that!
"I still say you look so adorable, plus the blush intensifies that." he teased.
"Oh, will you quit it and help me look for...woah!" Kitty hollered.
Misplacing her feet, she had slipped off the run on the ladder and began tumbling backwards. Being so high up, her body gave into gravity, so the girl squeezed her eye's shut waiting for the impact with the floor. However it never came, as the other youth noticed her imbalance, deciding to position himself below. Instead of hitting the ground, Kitty fell into her boyfriend's arms comfortably, him holding her bridal style, soothing her that she could open her eyes. Blinking, Kitty wriggled slightly in the grasp, slinging her arms around his neck to steady herself.
"Wow, nice catch." she commented as she huddled closer, both for feeling secure, and the need to be close to Yugi. It was hard to explain, but the attraction was there to explain itself, a strange magnetism seemed to draw them closer, no matter what the hustle and bustle of daily life brought.
"No problem, not like I would let you break your neck...I'd be losing an assistant"
"Hey!"
"...And I couldn't take it if you were hurt, or be without you everyday." he finished, seeing her face light up once more. Giving her a soft kiss, Yugi wanted to continue, until...
"Well, this certainly is unexpected." a voice chuckled from the doorway making them both jump a little. Turning his head, the youth could see a tall figure staring at them, wearing blue jeans, loose green and blue T-shirt, sneakers and a denim jacket. He wasn't sure at first, but on closer inspection, there was no mistaking much messier blonde hair than before, honey eyes and an all around cheeky grin.
"Joey! What are you...I mean...what are you doing here?!" Yugi stuttered.
"What do you mean?! Aren't you pleased to see me Yug, this isn't the welcome I was expecting." the teen joked, giving a trademark goofy smile.
"No, it's just, you weren't supposed to arrive until tomorrow"
"Yeah I know, but the time for my flight changed so I had to leave a day early. I didn't call ahead cause I though it would be a great surprise! Then again...I'm the one surprised at the moment. I mean I knew things would have changed after a few years, but this is something I would never have guessed!"
Yugi blinked, not sure what he meant, until he realised he still held Kitty in his arms intimately. Turning scarlet, he set her down gently before turning to his old friend.
"Wow Yug, you little devil! I leave you for a couple of years, and when I come back you've got girls in your grasp, you sly dog!" Joey thumped him on the back playfully, before giving the boy a hug. At least this wasn't as crushing as the hugs he used to get; then again he had grown and was now only an inch or so shorter than his blonde companion.
"It's great to see you Joey! I can't believe it, we have so much to catch up on!"
"You bet, you've changed a lot, done some serious growing up Yugi. By the way, who's you cute friend? You been pulling chicks since we all left Casanova?"
"Quit it would you Joey," the younger boy blushed slightly, as did the young girl standing behind them. "Well, this is Kitty, my new assistant"
"Just your assistant?" Joey mocked.
"And...my girlfriend." he admitted, tugging on the hazel eyed woman's hand to stand next to him, slipping hand on her waist, not that she minded.
"I knew it! You lucky thing, she gorgeous!" he proclaimed. "Pleasure to meet you Kitty. Might I just say, you made a good choice, my man Yugi is the bets choice for a boyfriend, he would never do anything to hurt you, you're real lucky, as I'm sure Yug is too."
"Well, thanks a lot Joey, nice to meet you." she mumbled, shaking his hand politely. Yugi was right, he was very outgoing, loud and cheeky, but still had a charm and a very friendly persona.
"We have a spare bed all set up for you, so you can stay with us." Yugi put in.
"Thanks, I appreciate it...hold it, I take it gramps is still away from what you told me in your last letter, so are you saying Kitty is living with you?"
"Yeah, she's earning and saving till she can buy a place of her own."
"Pretty hard work, but you got spunk Kitty, I admire that!"
"Thanks...I think." she muttered, still, it was hard to hate Joey, he was simply too friendly to concern with in that way.
"If you want we can get you settled it now." Yugi offered.
"Sounds good, cause I can't wait to look around town and see some familiar places and people again, especially..." he smirked, just as the shop bell on the door jingled, as anther person walked it. Joey may have had his back to the door, but he could tell whom it was, grinning in triumph to himself. Sadly, the person couldn't tell who he was from behind, but they wouldn't be pleased to know anyway.
"Yugi, do you have my new Dragon boosters I requested?" the firm voice of Seto Kaiba asked, giving a curt nod to acknowledge Kitty. They didn't speak often, just a hello or good day usually, still, it was merely his nature; he held nothing against the girl.
Brushing off his trench coat as the clerk searched for the order, the CEO glanced at the back of the other person. He couldn't see their face, but he had the funniest feeling...Where had he seen that sloppy posture or scruffy appearance before? When Yugi finally found the package, Kaiba went forward to take it from the counter, colliding slightly with the other as their elbows slammed together.
"Watch it! Don't you have any common sense you idiot" he insulted, as he was about to walk out of the store.
"Nice to see you haven't changed that much over the years moneybags." a voice replied making the CEO freeze in his tracks. Gazing back, his mind reeled, it all coming back to him. No...it couldn't be
"What's wrong rich boy? Surely you haven't forgotten me already?" Joey questioned sarcastically, looking him straight in the eye. Truthfully, he was smirking greatly. Who could blame him? The look on Seto's face was too priceless for words!
"What the Hell...Wheeler! You..."
"Man Kaiba, I'm flattered you remembered me! It's been a while, but I can see some things will never change. I have to admit, things weren't the same since I left, I missed theses rare chances to piss you off, we really need to make up for lost time." he sniggered, patting the man on the shoulder, who was at the moment to stunned to say anything. Snapping out of it, his anger seethed and glared icily at the blonde.
"Remove your hand mutt, or you won't live long enough to understand the meaning of absolute torment is." Seto snarled, making Joey jump back a little, taking his hand away, though still feeling smug knowing he had pushed the right buttons to annoy the other.
"What the bloody Hell are you doing back here?! I thought I would finally get some peace and quiet for the rest of my life Wheeler, and now you turn up out of the blue! Please, don't say you're moving back here again!"
Maybe, maybe not, you'll have to figure it out for yourself," the man smirked knowingly. Though he wasn't planning to stay too long, it was great to fluster the powerful company owner, one of the things he missed doing ever since he left. "With all the questions popping up here, I have a couple for you Kaiba."
"I've got nothing to say to you snivelling pup, I don't need to tell you anything."
"Come on, we're all more mature now, besides we are all on equal terms here, everyone in this room is in a relationship after all..."
"Joey, you have a girlfriend?" Yugi asked surprised, then smiled. "Let me guess, its Mai isn't it?"
"Correct Yug! We just ran into each other while I was visiting Serenity. We talked, went to dinner, then I finally asked he rout and she said yes! It's been great, we have a blast together."
"You're forgetting mongrel, you have no right to assume I have anyone so to speak. It's obvious for those two behind you, and you explained how your love life finally took off, but what makes you think I would waste my time in a frivolous skirmish?" the blue eyed man retorted.
"Well, I think you better rethink your answer smart ass, because this says otherwise." Joey gave a cocky grin before pulling a newspaper out of his duffel bag he had been carrying. "I got the early edition due to the time difference, but by tomorrow this should be hitting every news stand in Japan."
"What are you talking about mutt?"
"Simple, an article right here, let me read it so we can all hear it." he explained clearing his throat before reading the column of the newspaper, which read as follows.
Has Billionaire met a Match not in Money, but Matrimony?
Exclusive coverage of the soon to be global news on the lips of the entire population, especially grieving gold-diggers. Rumours have now spread across the planet that the most valuable bachelor on Earth may have his heart set on a one and only. Is it true? Mere gossip against the business tycoon? Substantial evidence says it all.
The worlds wealthiest youth Seto Kaiba, president of Kaiba Corp, inventor of gaming technology, renowned duellist and Japan's most attractive billionaire, is finally said to be taken after many years of seemingly never willing to settle down for anything. However, flying stories over the continents and some interesting proof show that the relentless businessman with a heart of ice has traded in his laptop for love.
A month or so back, it was discovered by board members that the famous teen had been ducking out of several meeting and conferences to make big time deals with no detail whatsoever. Suspicious, some of the executives decided to ask security for the company to tail him to discover what he had been doing in his spare time. Reporters also caught wind of it, and joined the hunt. After a few days of difficult tracking, due to the shiftiness of the young CEO, they finally found him to be hanging around a secluded area of downtown Domino, were no one ever bothered to venture. It seemed he was simply doing nothing, but just as the teams were about to give up, they noticed someone else coming towards the businessman. He had been waiting for something, more pacifically, someone.
Photographic evidence not yet in print as well as eye witness accounts claim to have spotted him with a young woman on a number of occasion's, now showing the heartless billionaire has been sneaking out to meet some secret sweetheart. Descriptions of the girl are not yet confirmed, but she has been seen on many accounts around the large Kaiba estate and the main company headquarters. More will be brought out soon once clarification proves the authenticity of the claims.
So, to all Kaiba fan girls, and guys, you may be out of luck unfortunately, as Mr Kaiba seems incredibly taken with his mystery lover. They are even some tales that photos show the couple embracing, holding hands, even kissing full on away from prying eyes. No one yet is sure of what the outcome of the whirlwind romance, but if these strange stories are true and things are this serious between the unsociable businessman and the new found love of his life, don't be surprised if they disappear to chime their private wedding bells. After all, I doubt they want a stampede of angry fanatics of the CEO trying to break through the church doors!
Once Joey finished reading, the three of them turned to stare at the startled executive. He was trying to look unfazed, however the slightly glowing red tint in his cheeks said otherwise. They all noticed how Kaiba was avoiding their gaze, a clear give away of on rich boy! Spill! Who's this girl you've been seeing? She must be something special if you avoided company business just to meet her!"
"Wheeler, it's all silly rumours, someone merely made it up. They...well...don't even have any real proof! They probably made up the fact there are photos in hope of selling more papers. This isn't the first time they've made up scandals about me you know."
"Come on! We won't tell anyone, it can't be made up if they've already got it bouncing all over the world. It wouldn't be printed in papers in other countries if they didn't have justification."
"Kaiba, you can tell us if something's going on. We wouldn't go blabbing to the papers." Yugi reassured.
"Your concern isn't valid, I already told you. It's Not True! Give me that tabloid! I'll have to sort this out. And Wheeler, if you're planning on hanging around a while, stay out of my way, particularly if it's to do with this trash they've written about me!" he hissed as he stormed out, brooding over what to do. Intentionally, his thought wandered not on this affect on him, or his reputation, but of an innocent angel who could be scandalised for being involved. That's why it had been a secret in the first place. He had to protect her, his soul mate.
"Well, that was an interesting way to spend the afternoon." Kitty voiced. "Now, why don't we head upstairs and get Joey's stuff sorted."
"Sure, we'll be up in a minute, okay." Yugi answered kissing her lightly before she went up stairs.
"Yug, you think all those rumours about Kaiba are true?"
"I'm not sure Joey, it'll come out sometime. But for now, all I know is my relationship is real, and that's what I care about."
"I get you, I feel that way about Mai." the blonde agreed. "You're lucky pal, she's something, just don't lose her, cause I think there is promise for you two in the future, as in maybe Kaiba isn't the only one hearing wedding bells..."
"Oh shut up!" Yugi kidded as they headed upstairs, ready to talk of old times and the ones to come.