Illusions

Disclaimer : I don't own yugioh

Thank you all for your motivation, it's truly helpful. I have just to point out at that the scene in Serenity flat. As you may have guessed, Serenity has faked her tears to push Kaiba out of her life, but he didn't buy it at all...do I make sense?

Following an extensive two hours of shopping, Mai style, which was signed and suggested by the already-mentioned blonde, Serenity entered another shop. She knew that it was just a cover. An old way to fish for details and explanations, which made her wonder to which extent some people have that anchored belief that she was still fourteen. Or may be five?

"You're angry with me aren't you? Seriously, it's been a tough couple of days, Mai."

"Of course, I am!" cried out Mai, almost indignantly as she looked at her companion as if she was insane. "Thank to God that your brother cannot keep half a secret. But let me warn you, I am more perceptive than him; seriously he saw nothing but fire."

Mai released a mock laugh and nodded her head absentmindedly, all the way admiring a night-blue evening gown. Grabbing it, she examined it thoughtfully while kneading the soft fabric. She was quite a woman, easily distracted, but not the least stubborn-headed when it came to subjects she held some sort of remote interest for.

"I might have helped you out," Mai reiterated as she raised her left hand in a form of protest, a ring gleamed on her finger, reminding her of a much beautiful one. Shaking her head to rid of stupid thoughts, Serenity gave her an incredulous look.

"Let's face it, your feelings are one-sided, and he will probably use you to serve one of his ingenious plans." She continued "To put it simply, sweetie, you cannot handle him. I might have bigger chances but I'm already taken by a dumb one." She smirked as amused by the thought.

Serenity sighed; utterly defeated. It was no use to talk to her sister in law who was known for eventually bringing whatever unrelated theme to herself.

Uncertain about how to react, she partially followed her frivolous companion to the brightly lit dressing room. Usually she was unfazed by Mai's crude humour which almost always was at her big brother's expense, but she couldn't help feeling sad this time. Nevertheless, she kept her emotional strain between herself and God, silently asking him for salvation. No one can actually understand and heal his creatures' turmoil but him. It was better that way.

"So when are we going to discuss your deep-seated attraction to you know who?" asked Mai, suddenly acknowledging Serenity lack of words.

Serenity had abruptly stopped in her tracks, bumping into Mai in the process, and nearly knocking both of them down.

"Hold on there just a second" a very flushed Serenity said, after recovering sufficiently to speak. "I hate to disappoint you, but there's no story here. Nothing happened."

'And nothing will probably happen.' She thought almost sadly. Almost; because she recently decided that she didn't fancy him that much. I mean seriously, without the looks and prestige, what was left to fancy about. An illusion; She convinced herself. But illusions are always tempting; too beautiful!

"Mai, I'm sure that colour will look great on you! Hurry, I want see you in that gorgeous dress." She nearly squealed, gathering some curious and disapproving stares.

Dropping the subject, at least for now, Mai played along.

Most men, let alone women would have backed down in his unwavering presence. Unless they were haunted like Ishizu or seriously deranged like Tea. Confusing and intriguing at the same time, coming from what he has always deemed as fragile, gullible and insignificant.

It was ironic, really; the one woman he had ever truly wanted for some twisted reasons, that couldn't by any means be called romantic, had foolishly rejected him. And right now, she made herself off limits, how clever! He actually never saw himself associating with people of her species to begin with. Honestly, it was the last thing he wanted. If she only knew the truth, would her delusional eyes look at him the same way she did. Hardly.

Granted, that was a change and a challenge. He was simply captivated.

As he contemplated how wrong he might have been about her, Mokuba was still rambling, not aggravated a bit by his older brother half disinterested: 'Aha' or 'Hmm'. In fact he seemed more encouraged and excited than usual which would have caught the CEO attention if the latter wasn't daydreaming about vengeful retaliations.

"So you agreed; I can engage the appropriate procedures to set this project into motion." It seemed that Mokuba has reached some kind of closure, much to his older brother's relief.

"I take this as yes?" Mokuba insisted after catching what could be labelled- from past experience- an approving, annoyed grunt. Actually, it surprised him that Seto had seemed to survive those very long detailed descriptions about something he usually loathed with such a passion.

Another 'Aha'.

Mokuba wasted no time as he quickly made his way out of the office, his footsteps echoed, then the sound of a door closed shut.

Upon hearing that, Kaiba fingers moved swiftly over the keyboard as he became once again submerged by his work. His brother's babbling won over his concentration that has drifted away for five minutes or so. Seriously, Mokuba's one-sided chit-chat was the only time he has to think about something else.

However, it always turned out that those little moments of distraction were costly enough. He shook his head at the somehow frightening thought; he was just worrying too much.