Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ The Arrangement ❯ Chapter Ten ( Chapter 10 )

The Arrangement

Chapter Ten

Selina slowly opened her eyes, bright flashes of light all around her. She didn't realize they were slowly making their way towards the double doors, until she tuned in to the questions coming from all directions.

"What's your name?" one voice in the crowd asked.

"How are you and Mr. Kaiba acquainted?" came another.

"How long has Mr. Kaiba been seeing you?" another questioned.

"Selina," Kaiba whispered quietly, his lips barely moving as he pulled her closer to his side. "Don't let their questions overwhelm you. Nothing will be answered until later this evening."

Selina smiled weakly, thankful Kaiba was there with her. Had she had to face this alone, who knows what she would have done. A genuine smile found its way to her face the moment they entered the building.

"And here we are," Kaiba said, his voice filled with mundane boredom.

"It's gorgeous in here," Selina said in awe, her eyes taking in the flower arrangements and the royal feel of the air. "Thank you for bringing me Seto," she said softly.

Kaiba smirked, slipping his arm around her slim waist and leading her into the grand ballroom where the actual event was being held. You may regret that later this evening, he thought, his heart feeling a touch of compassion for the young, naïve woman at his side.

~*~*~*~

"How are you enjoying yourself so far?" Kaiba questioned as he returned to the table he had left Selina at not but ten minutes earlier.

She grinned like a child receiving a new toy as she turned to him in excitement. "Everything is so amazing! The flowers are gorgeous, the music is lovely, and the singer is perfect. And to think that business people have more to talk about than just business…" she trailed off, a slight teasing gleam in her eyes.

Kaiba shook his head as he took his seat beside his wife, wondering what it was she saw in the things around her. It was just another party for the VIPs of business. All these people cared about were their stocks and bonds and how badly other businesses were doing, so long as theirs was number one. Then again, part of him was like that.

"As long as you're enjoying yourself," he mumbled, taking a sip of his wine.

"Seto Kaiba," a voice from across the table stated, commanding Kaiba's full attention.

"Alexander Henderson," Kaiba nodded, rising to shake hands with the young gentleman.

"I noticed you in association with this lovely young woman and I must admit, I was interested," he said, his eyes focusing on Selina.

"What about it?" Kaiba asked impassively.

"I was hoping I might be able to steal her away for the evening," he grinned.

Kaiba glanced at Selina, smirking at the questioning look in her eyes. "What do you think Selina?" he asked calmly.

"Yes, how about it?" Alexander asked hopefully, a large grin spread across his face.

"I'm sorry Mr. Henderson," she replied, the words easily flowing from her lips. "But this evening is promised to Mr. Kaiba." As are many others.

"Well, it was worth a try," he answered, a slight disappointed look crossing his face. "If you'll excuse me, I see my business partner has arrived."

Kaiba nodded, watching the young man walk away before turning to look at his wife. "And by promising the evening to me, you mean what?" he asked, his brow rising in a different suggestion.

"Don't push it," she warned, narrowing her eyes. "You know I'm not-"

"Selina!" Duke greeted, interrupting her and Kaiba.

"Devlin," Kaiba greeted. "Miss…Wheeler," he nodded, cringing at her last name.

"Duke, Serenity!" Selina grinned, rising to hug her cousin and her friend. "You're joining us?"

"But of course. I am, after all, Seto Kaiba's business partner," Duke beamed, pulling Serenity's chair out for her.

"I hope we didn't interrupt anything," Serenity said softly as the two businessmen engaged in a conversation on the new technology they planned to produce early the next year.

Selina smiled at her young friend before assuring her that nothing important was being discussed when they showed up. After all…it's nothing he doesn't know. Honestly! Men and their hormones…

~*~*~*~

"May I have your attention please?" a young woman in her late thirties requested, not but two hours into the event. "Mr. Seto Kaiba would like a word."

The room immediately quieted as all eyes turned towards the twenty-two year old CEO walking towards the platform. As he glanced through the crowd of people with his icy navy eyes, he found his gaze locking in on the young woman he had married only two months earlier.

"Ladies and gentlemen; honored guests," he began. "I would like to welcome each and every one of you to this year's annual Kaiba Corporations banquet. As Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for us, it has been decided this event would be held before the Christmas rush began, so as not to interfere with business.

"I see many faces aspired with the desire of building a strong empire; and for you, I hold a word of advice. Business is never personal, so never fear who you are dealing with. For those of us who have been in business for years, and have a strong empire, I congratulate you. You have learned the art of balancing life and work.

"For many of us, our business is our life. Our everyday choices are made in the manner of what is best for the business. In my seven years of being CEO of Kaiba Corporations, I have lived by that very standard. But recently, I have accepted a new position in life. As my younger brother pointed out, and finally caused me to understand, I will not always be able to run Kaiba Corporations. For many of you today, that is a problem.

"And that gives us a choice. Do we live in the benefits of our labor and keep it to ourselves, allowing the business to fall into other hands when we can no longer run it, or do we balance our lives? As many of you know, and have joked about, I have been single. But today, I want to correct your thoughts." Kaiba stopped, his speech and motioned his hand towards his wife, causing every eye to turn to her.

"The press has told stories of my being seen with a young woman. And it is true, for she is with me tonight. I wish to introduce to you my wife, Selina Kaiba."

Silence filled the mass of people, until hands began to clap. It was most definitely a turn of events in Kaiba Corp. The business had not suffered any damage by Kaiba's marriage, but instead, had increased in profits. This was a relieving thought to the new businessmen who were young, and in love. If Seto Kaiba were able to manage business and marriage, then anyone could. After all, Seto Kaiba was the most cold hearted business man in the world.

~*~*~*~

"It was a wonderful speech," Selina smiled softly as she and Kaiba slowly walked to a room set aside for the press.

Kaiba was silently contemplating this, wishing he had allowed Ichigo to write the speech instead. "I suppose," he mumbled, entering into a medium sized room, filled with press.

"Mr. Kaiba," Ichigo introduced, stepping aside as Kaiba stepped up to the microphone, Selina beside him.

Questions began spilling from the reporters the moment Selina glanced at the cameras. Questions she wasn't sure she would be able to answer.

The room suddenly quieted as Kaiba pointed to one reporter, asking for them to repeat the question.

"How did you and Mr. Kaiba come into association?" the reporter asked, directing his question towards Selina.

Kaiba stepped aside, allowing Selina access to the microphone. Slowly, she opened her mouth, trying to calm her nerves.

"Through my cousin," she said softly, "Kaiba's business partner."

"How long have you known each other?" another reporter yelled out.

"We met two years ago," Selina answered truthfully, her heart rate slowly retreating to normal.

"How long have you been married?"

"Two months," she replied, smiling softly.

"What's Mr. Kaiba like at home?"

Selina grinned, but ignored the question as another one caught her ear.

"Was this a marriage of love or convenience?"

Kaiba stepped to the microphone, slipping his arm casually around Selina's waist. In truth, he wasn't sure their marriage fell under either of those categories, but if he showed some display of affection, perhaps they wouldn't pursue the question.

"How has this affected business?"

Thankful the question had been passed up, Kaiba inwardly sighed in relief. He stood on the platform, his arm around Selina, as he answered a few more questions about their relationship and business before he told them no more questions would be accepted as they needed to return to the party.

As they left the room, Kaiba's mind was still on the question of the nature of their marriage. No, it wasn't one of love, that was certain. Convenience? Most definitely not; it would have been more convenient to stay single. Business deal? Obviously not; Duke had been his business partner for a few years. But, if not those three, then what was it? Desire? Need?

Growling in frustration, Kaiba pushed the thought from his mind as he and Selina made their way back to the grand ballroom. Midnight was slowly approaching, and the real party had only just begun.

~*~*~*~

"Where's Kaiba?" Duke asked quietly, seating himself casually beside his cousin.

Selina shrugged as her eyes watched the ballroom floor where couples swayed gently to the soft music coming from the stage.

"I should be asking you the same about Serenity," she smiled, finally turning to her cousin after enduring a couple minutes of silence.

"Serenity had to call her brother and tell him she wouldn't be home until late, or early for that matter. You know how Joey is about her," Duke laughed quietly.

"Duke, do you know an Alexander Henderson?" she asked curiously, her eyes growing in wonder.

"We've done a business deal with his company before. Why?"

"Oh, he wanted to steal me away for the evening," Selina said nonchalantly.

"Beginning to regret staying with Kaiba?" Duke teased, a smile gracing his lips as he noticed his date reentering the ballroom.

Selina made no comment as her eyes drifted back to the ballroom. She barely heard Duke tell her he and Serenity were going to dance, or notice them leave. Her thoughts had strayed away, back to a question brought up in the press room; the same question that had bothered Kaiba so much.

Why did I marry him again? All I had to do was move in with Duke; he even offered to pay for my own apartment. But I was too stubborn. And when this came along, I didn't even want to consider it. But those images of the hospital; his younger brother. And his eyes. Selina sighed, closing her eyes as a soft smile appeared on her thoughtful face.

Those eyes are so cold and full of malice. And yet, they are soft and warm; comforting. And now, I'm afraid I may be falling in love with a man who keeps true emotions at arms length. I know we've only known each other for two months, but I still feel like I've known him longer. But that isn't my problem. The problem is that I'm afraid to love; especially if it will be to love alone.

How does one learn to love another whose emotions are hidden except at the strangest of times. Who holds them at arms length, yet still wants to be close. How am I to love Seto Kaiba, when I'm so afraid? Selina inwardly asked herself this, before a light tapping on her shoulder broke her from her thoughts. Her eyes traveled up, only to gaze into the cool, navy eyes of Seto Kaiba.

"I'm sorry I was gone so long," he apologized softly, holding his hand out for Selina to take. "But I hope I can make it up to you by offering you this dance?"

Selina smiled, gently rising from her chair as she took his hand. "It would be an honor."

Kaiba grinned, his hands encircling her waist the moment the two had reached the dance floor. "I do believe the last time we were in this position was at your friends' wedding."

"What did you and Yugi talk about?" Selina asked suddenly, her eyes fixated on Kaiba's.

"What do you mean?"

"I know you two were talking about something. I'm curious as to what. Besides, Tristan and Joey came by and said you wanted to talk to Yugi, which is why they had come to our dressing room."

"Yugi said he was reopening his grandfather's gaming shop. He wanted some tips on business," Kaiba answered, pulling Selina in closer to him.

"Is that all?"

"Perhaps. Does it really matter?" Kaiba smirked, lightly kissing her forehead.

For the moment, it was as if they were the only two people around; like no one else was in the room with them. And even though a few hundred people were scattered around the ballroom, Kaiba paid them no thought.

He was not going to spoil Selina's evening because he was the cold-hearted, ruthless CEO of Kaiba Corp. Tonight was hers, and had he owned it, he would have given her the moon and stars. Not even the cameras from the permitted press could cause him to be distant; not when she was so close to him.

Kaiba sighed softly as Selina lay her head against his chest, and closed his eyes. Strange things were happening inside his heart; inside his soul. He wasn't sure if he was ready to feel it, or if he even wanted those feelings, but he did know one thing. He knew that the woman in his arms had taken a permanent residence in his heart.

"But Kaiba, don't try to love before learning to truly care," Yugi's words echoed in his mind as the song came to an end. I think it's possible I'm beginning to care. How can I not when she's so…intoxicating?

~*~*~*~

"Did you enjoy yourself?" Kaiba asked quietly as he and Selina slowly walked to the awaiting limo.

"I did. Thank you for bringing me," she replied softly, her voice lingering in the air like the smell of a sweet perfume.

Kaiba nodded, not sure how to respond to this. It was the second time she had said it that evening, and he was beginning to wonder why. Who else was he going to bring? The maid, Ginger?

Kaiba shook his head, a silent chuckle escaping his lips. He watched his wife enter the vehicle in slow movements. The party was far from over, but Kaiba was certain his assumptions were correct when he watched Selina eagerly slip off her heels.

His theory was proven accurate when she lay her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes, quickly falling into a peaceful sleep. Kaiba, on the other hand, was very awake, as his thoughts once again consumed him.

~*~*~*~

"Selina, we're home," Kaiba whispered softly, gently pulling away from her.

The warmth of his missing body caused Selina to awaken. "Where are we?" she asked tiredly, her eyes still closed.

"We're home," Kaiba answered. "Go back to sleep."

"Hmm?" Selina murmured, feeling her body being lifted from the ground by a pair of strong arms. "Okay," she whispered, snuggling against Kaiba as he carried her into the mansion.

Kaiba's face had a hint of a smile as he walked up the stairs with the sleeping beauty in his arms, her shoes dangling from one of his hands.

"You may want to change before you fall completely asleep," he whispered, gently placing her on her bed the moment he reached her room.

"Okay," she answered, rising from the bed and making it to her closet in very slow movements.

"I'll be in my room if you need me." Kaiba walked away, his bowtie and coat already off and hanging limply across his arm.

Selina yawned, rubbing her eyes for the what seemed to be the hundredth time. She was tired, yes, but part of her was still very much awake. As she left her closet and glanced at her bed, a strange yearning awoke inside of her.

Smiling mischievously, she walked quickly to the door to Kaiba's room. In a quiet effort, she dulled her eyes and slowly entered through the door.

Kaiba heard a gentle rustling sound and glanced up from his laptop, surprised to see his wife slowly walking towards him. He slipped off his reading glasses and lowered the screen, his eyes watching her intently.

"What are you doing?" he asked, raising his brow as he watched her slide under the covers of his bed.

"Going to sleep," she whispered tiredly, hiding her smirk from his view.

"Are you taking permanent residence in my room?" he questioned further, placing his laptop beneath the nightstand and turning off the light.

His question was answered with the soft and quiet breathing of a sleeping Selina. Tell me Selina; are you arousing my senses, only to damage me more, or is this real?

Kaiba furrowed his brow, frowning at that thought. From everything he had ever heard of her, and everything he had seen himself, this was real for her. The next thought to enter his mind brought him into the quiet waters of peaceful sleep.

~*~*~*~

Selina awoke with a start, her body jolting into a sitting position. Her eyes took no notice of her surroundings as her heart beat at an incessant speed. Her forehead was sweaty and her palms were clammy as she clutched tightly to the sheets of the bed.

"Selina?" Kaiba asked groggily, slowly opening his eyes to stare up at the young woman. "What's wrong?"

"Seto?" Selina asked quietly, as if she feared speaking too loudly would prove him to be her imagination.

"What is it?" he asked tiredly, sitting up beside her, his hair a disgruntled mess.

Selina swallowed, not sure the man beside her was real. In a slow motion, she ran her fingers delicately through his hair before sighing in anguish. Shaking, she found herself wrapped in the strong arms of her husband.

"I'm here," he whispered gently, slowly laying back down. "What's wrong Selina?" he asked her for the third time, hoping to receive an answer.

"I-I don't know," she replied, clutching tightly to him and paying no heed to the bareness of his chest. "I just…I don't know."

Kaiba sighed as he gently rubbed his hand in circular motions against her back. "Everything's alright," he assured her, gently kissing her brow.

"No, no it's not," she responded persistently. "I just…I have this feeling that something's wrong. Is Mokuba okay?" she asked suddenly, her heart rate speeding.

"Mokuba's fine," Kaiba answered, closing his eyes. "Just go back to sleep. You just had a bad dream."

"No Kaiba," she said firmly, causing his eyes to snap open. "Something is wrong!"

"Okay, fine. I'll go check on Mokuba," he resigned, rising from the bed and grabbing his robe.

"Thank you," Selina whispered, pulling the sheets tighter around her as a slight chill ran up her spine. Something's not right.

~*~*~*~

"Mokuba's fine," Kaiba assured his startled wife as he slowly walked back into the room.

"Are you certain?"

"Selina, I'm certain. What's really wrong?"

"I…" Selina trailed off, unsure of the answer to his question. "All I know is I woke up, and…I just feel like something's wrong."

"Everything is fine. Mokuba's sleeping soundly, the security features are all working properly-"

"Duke! What about Duke!" Selina abruptly exclaimed.

"We can't check on your cousin this early in the morning. It's three in the morning Selina," Kaiba reasoned, falling down onto the softness of the bed and pulling her once more into his arms. "Everything is alright; I promise you."

Selina didn't answered, but slowly calmed the racing of her heart as she snuggled into her husband's comforting arms.

"Just go to sleep," he whispered. "Everything will be fine in the morning. It was just a bad dream."

Just a bad dream, she mentally told herself, falling into a deep, yet dreamless, slumber, the feeling of unsettledness still edged within her heart.

~*~*~*~

Not too far, deep within the city of Domino, a cloaked figure stood, hidden within the shadows of the darkness. He watched his prey, a grin full of decaying teeth appearing on his dirty face.

A young man parked his vehicle and secured the doors before heading up the walk to his small, yet luxurious apartment. It was early in the morning, and he hadn't meant to spend so much time at the party he had come from, but the woman he had been with was so captivating, he didn't want to leave.

But, here he was, three in the morning, tired, and ready to crash at any moment. As he made his way to the door, he didn't see the other figure hiding behind a large tree.

In a quick moment, the cloaked figure lunged at the younger man, punching him square in the jaw. He had been watching this wealthy young man, and now was time to steal his cash.

A painful moan erupted from the gentleman's throat as blood slowly dripped down his chin. He grunted as he tried to collect himself, only to be punched in the stomach, and knocked to the ground.

The moment he stood back up, his arms clutched around his abdomen in pain. Quickly, a strong arm grabbed him from behind and held a sheath of metal up to his throat. The metal pierced his skin slightly, allowing a few droplets of blood to garnish the rusted knife in crimson.

The moon was bright in the early morning sky, a tinge of red haze surrounding it. The stars captured this hue and scattered it amongst the heavens, creating a mystical and apprehensive feel to the sinful deeds of the morning.