Because this is a short little Christmas story I thought I would add to this series of one shots. It was a fun to write and is hot off the press and had not been subjected to procrastination, or editing, so hope it's okay.
Usual disclaimers apply and I still don't own Yugioh.
Seto Kaiba is a Grinch at Christmas.
All Mokuba had ever wanted was to have a fun packed Christmas at home with his brother, but…..
Seto Kaiba did not believe in Christmas. He thought it a waste of his time; yet another imported tradition from America that, in his opinion, held no place in Japan.
"It's not just in America, Seto! They have it in lots of countries, to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Why can't we have it here too?!"
"Because we're not from those countries, Mokuba. Besides, to the majority of them it is nothing more than a materialistic opportunity to force people to spend money they don't have on rubbish they don't need, in order for companies to make more money."
Mokuba nearly spat out his ramen. "What?! I would have thought you of all people would love people parting with their hard earned cash on rubbish they don't need."
Seto snorted. "Kaiba Corp. products are not rubbish." He went back to reading the financial report on the profitability of the latest visually immersive duel platform recently installed at Kaiba Land, and smirked with satisfaction at the increased number of paying visitors it had brought in during the usually quiet winter months.
"Hypocrite," Mokuba muttered, rolling his eyes.
Seto looked up, "Excuse me?"
"I said you're a hypocrite. You worship money, and you crave power over consumers," he said, pulling off his napkin, slamming it on the table and standing up. He made to storm out, but was stopped by his brother's harsh tone.
"Where are you going? You haven't finished eating."
"I've lost my appetite."
"Sit down," ordered Seto. "I haven't finished eating, so you are not yet excused."
Scowling, Mokuba sat back down, but made a point of looking bored and drumming his fingers on the table to irritate his brother.
An awkward tension ensued.
Seto could not take it and broke first. "Why would you think I worship money and power over consumers?"
"Seto!" Mokuba exclaimed incredulously. "You're the richest man in Japan! Maybe even the whole world! Do you seriously not see yourself how others see you?"
Seto could not help but smirk, Mokuba was right, no one was wealthier than him, but it had nothing to do with wanting money (or so he told himself). "My motives were never driven by greed. I am a man who had everything taken from him as a child, but who retained enough dignity to fight his way out of the gutter, so that I could ensure my younger brother would never have to grovel to others in the same way I had to. I also employ thousands of people, who, without the money I supposedly worship, would be out of work and destitute."
Mokuba had heard enough. "And I'm grateful for everything, Seto, I really am. But this is about Christmas! All I want is a Christmas tree in the grand hall, and for us to wish each other a Happy Christmas and exchange gifts. Who knows! Maybe you could spend some time with me, instead of working all day and then skulking off to your study at night. Maybe we could even have friends round!" Seto did not take the bait, and chose to ignore the suggestion they might have friends round –Seto did not have friends.
"Who put such stupid nonsense in you head, Mokuba? Was it Yugi and his bunch of losers?"
Mokuba's cheeks flushed. "It has nothing to do with them."
"Ha! I knew it! They put you up to it, didn't they? I bet it was the Mazaki girl; she spent the last two years studying in New York, so it has to be her."
Mokuba held his hands up. "Okay! I saw Anzu and Yugi...and the others. Anzu asked me what we were planning for Christmas Day. I had to say we weren't doing anything because you're the Grinch and you hate Christmas."
Seto's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. "You think I'm the Grinch?"
"You're worse than the Grinch."
"Fine. I don't want to hear any more of this nonsense. You're dismissed."
Sighing, Mokuba got up and trudged from the dining room and upstairs to his bedroom.
Sitting down on the bed, he gazed around his room. It was huge, with large windows that looked out over the immaculately kept gardens and the ornamental fountain at the end of a walkway lined with shrubs. He had his own private bathroom, walk-in wardrobe with dressing room. He had cleaners who came in every day to make his bed and clean his room. He also had the most expensive gaming tech and musical equipment money could buy. The latest sports high end sports shoes, hand made suits and shirts. He had private access to the mansion's swimming pool and a gym whenever he wanted. To say he was a spoilt rich kid was an understatement.
But what use was all this wealth if he could not spend time having fun with his brother and what few friends the did have.
There was no love in his life. No one ever cuddled him and told him how much they loved him –his birth mother probably did, but he had no memories of her so that did not count.
Loveless and lonely with the Grinch for a brother, that was him.
::::::::::::
"So! What'd he say, Mokuba?" Jonouchi asked excitedly. All Mokuba could do was scowl.
"I didn't even get to ask. He hates Christmas and has no intention of celebrating it."
"Miserable bastard deserves a KFC Bargain Bucket up his….OW!" Jonouchi rubbed his cheek where a well aimed backhand from Anzu had just landed. "What was that for?!"
"Don't be so gross!" she scolded.
Honda snickered. "I doubt a whole bucket would fit."
"Mehehe… We could try," said Jonouchi.
When Anzu shot them both an admonishing look, Yugi had to put his hand over his mouth to stop himself from giggling. It did not work.
"Honestly Yugi! I thought you were better than those two! Have they rubbed off on you that badly while I've been away?" He grinned at her sheepishly.
"Sorry. Would you like me to make it up to you later?" he said in feigned innocence. The insinuation made her blush.
Composing herself, she cleared her throat. "We're supposed to be helping Mokuba persuade his brother to celebrate Christmas, not discussing how we can waste a bucket of fried chicken," she said matter of fact, and making the boys smirk.
"Why don't we all just go with Mokuba and ask him?" suggested Ryou. "If he says 'no' then fine, we'll hold the party at my flat instead."
"You're flat's too small though," said Honda.
"And the neighbours will complain about the noise," said Shizuka, clinging to Honda's arm.
Yugi had an idea. "Leave it with me. I'm at Kaiba Corp. tomorrow, to test the latest duel disk system due out in the New Year. I'll ask him," he said with resolve and determination. Admired by many, feared by some, no one could defend against his resolve and determination.
And that was how Seto Kaiba ended up hosting a Christmas party at the Kaiba Mansion.
Hope you had a lovely Christmas and I wish you a wonderful New Year, with no war and no hatred - we can but wish.