Title: Stranger things have happened

Author: Sakura Takanouchi

Summary: "It's not acting- I really do hate you," she spat. "We have to follow the script," Seto reminded her. "Eventually, your character falls in love with me." He smirked at her shocked expression. "I wonder, will you be acting then?" Setoxwho?

A/N: Okay, so this is the long-anticipated movie chapter! Except for the very last scene, everything in this chapter is scenes from the movie, so don't be confused by the use of their movie-character names! Now go forth and read!

Disclaimer: All I own is the plot of this increasingly ridiculous RomCom… do people even use that phrase anymore?

Chapter Eleven: Seto wears shorts in this chapter.

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"You're stuck here?" She queried, distaste already seeping into her tone. "Kaiba, you signed up for this little field trip, and everyone expects you to give it your all! Don't you dare disappoint Mokuba!" The book was waved in his face for an instant as Serenity departed, on a mad dash for the pool. She needed to get away from that pessimistic man.

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The trunk of the sedan slammed closed, providing a crisp sound in the still of the morning. It seemed like not even the birds were awake yet. Shizuka Kawai smiled at the tranquility all around her. Ishizu and Ryuuji had already entered the lobby of the hotel, Ryuuji carrying most of their luggage. She picked up the handle of her rolling suitcase and followed them inside.

They had already gotten their keys, and a bellhop was waiting to show them to their room. He opened the door for them; revealing a small but sumptuously appointed space, with two double beds and a small easy chair by the window. Everything was covered in a dark blue fabric or stained dark mahogany. He left them to show Ryuuji his room, one floor higher. Once the door closed, Shizuka and Ishizu began giggling and jumping around the space.

"What's our hotel soap situation?" Shizuka asked. "Hey, pool view, not bad."

"This stuff looks amazing," was the call from the bathroom, "but we're going to need more lotion when you inevitably get sunburned. "

"Hey!" Shizuka picked up a pillow and tossed it at her friend as she exited the room.

"Might I suggest we go explore the hotel before we destroy our room?" Ishizu asked, smiling as the pillow missed her completely and sailed through the door into the bathroom.

"Let's do it!" They grabbed room keys and locked their door behind them.

"Shizuka, didn't you find it strange how Yugi didn't want to ride with us? He said all of his stuff wouldn't fit in our car, but I am not buying what he's selling."

"He texted me this morning to say that he was going to meet us at lunchtime on the main veranda," she answered as they made their way down the corridor. Even this space had plush carpeting and pictures of palm trees hung on the walls.

"Does that mean he's already here?"

"Beats me. Hey, let's check out the gym!"

After several hours, the girls had seen nearly every public space in the rather large hotel. After exploring more of the grounds, they climbed the steep flight of stairs up to the blindingly white tiled veranda. "Hey, isn't that Yugi over there?"

"Yeah, but who's that with him?"

As they moved to the veranda, Shizuka could plainly see Yugi standing near the railing overlooking the beach. He was talking with someone standing near him… upon seeing the second man, towering over Yugi, she knew exactly who he was.

"Shizuka, Ishizu!" Yugi greeted them cheerfully as they approached. "Let me introduce my cousin, Seto. This is Ishizu Ishtar; you already met Shizuka Kawai… He's staying with me all summer before his work starts up in the fall. I figured, what better time to meet some other people besides me?" Introductions were made, with Seto barely saying a word, instead preferring to watch the waves come in at the beach below.

"Too bad Ryuuji isn't here, he's the only one of us actually staying in Domino," Shizuka pointed out. "Where is he anyways?"

"Probably napping on the beach," Ishizu laughed. "Why don't we all walk down there? That's the only place we haven't been yet." After quick agreements they made their way down the winding path to the beach below. The hotel was literally built into the hill, with the beach below. They could make out surfers in the water, as well as people lounging on brightly colored beach towels.

"Hey, Yugi, can I ask you something?" Shizuka asked, purposefully slowing her pace as they walked. Ishizu didn't seem like she minded walking with Seto at all. "What is he really doing here? I thought this was our vacation?"

"I know you've met him before, and from your experience, does he honestly look like the sort of person to ever take a vacation?" She frowned a little at his words; she figured his mood would probably cause it to rain and ruin their good time. "He may need this more than we do… just give him a chance, ok?"

Shizuka groaned. "Alright, but I still fail to see how the two of you can be related. Come on, they're almost at the water already!" She raced ahead to the water, her shrieks of joy turning into surprise as the cold water washed over her feet. Yugi laughed at her, catching up to them. Leaving their shoes in a pile on the sand, they began to walk down the sandy beach. The hotel was built along a nice stretch of beach; rocks were visible in the distance, jutting far out into the ocean. The sun was shining brightly but it wasn't uncomfortably warm; a breeze continuously ruffled clothing and hair, cooling them down further. As they walked, with Shizuka nearly skipping through the water and with Seto's long strides, they soon pulled ahead of Yugi and Ishizu, who just seemed content to amble slowly along the sand, even searching for shells.

"So you're working? …once summer's over, that is?"

"Yes."

Stupid question! Yugi already just said that! She saw him roll his eyes at her lame attempt at conversation, "I'm going to graduate school."

"Really."

"Well, it really all depends on my portfolio, but it's practically a done deal." Her foot kicked against the water, making it splash up in front of her.

He frowned. "OK…"

She frowned to match his. "You could try, you know." He looked at her, confused. "It sounds like I'm talking to myself; you can do better than monosyllabic responses."

"I don't know you."

Argh, he was so annoying! He made her want to stamp her foot in frustration. She turned to him, annoyed. "That's why I'm trying here!" Her cheeks flushed with the effort. The wind blew Shizuka's hair in her face, causing her to angrily brush it away from her vision. Once it died down, she took in the view of the ocean, it causing her to instantly smile. "I just love the ocean; I always have." Even talking about it made her swing her arms a little as she walked. "I haven't been to the ocean since I was pretty young." She splashed her foot through the water, some accidentally falling on Seto's legs as he walked beside her.

"Don't do that."

Shizuka's eyes gleamed. "Don't do… what?" Her next foot, being closer to him, went through the water and splashed the bottom of his shorts. She laughed as he protested, disbelieving how someone could care so much. It was just water, it didn't stain or anything. "Is this what it takes to get you to talk?"

"Quit it Kawai, or you'll be sorry you started this," he warned.

She couldn't help it anymore—her laughs were coming out in gasps now, as she doubled over, clutching her stomach. "That's…what I'm talking…about…"

If she could see how he looked, she wouldn't be laughing. Seto was fuming. How dare she laugh! He was no object of ridicule. People were starting to stare at them. This was all that stupid girl's fault. He stopped as she did, studying the waves as she bent over again to catch her breath. As they came in, two built together, forming a bigger wave that splashed around her legs. For the first time not caring if he got wet, Seto turned his food sideways and moved it harshly to the right. The water, colliding against that barrier, rebounded upwards and backwards, splashing all over Shizuka's left side. Some even got in her hair. Satisfied, Seto turned around and left, tired of walking on the beach. Already sand was all over his now soaked leg.

Shizuka suddenly pulled upwards. One second, she was laughing, the next she was drenched! And that water was cold! And where did Seto go? "Sheesh… why did he get so offended, I was just trying to help…" He was so rude! Just leaving like that, without saying anything! She couldn't even begin to understand the way the gears in his mind worked. Not like she even wanted to. I'm doing this for Yugi… even if he is the proudest man! He won't even allow himself to have any fun!

Arms crossed, she continued to stare out at the beach in front of her, willing herself back to the cheerful person they all knew. That she knew…she just wasn't one to hold a grudge like that. Bending down, she let her hands run through the incoming wave. Her fingers grasped against something small. She held up the shell to the light, in awe of how it nearly sparkled in the sunlight. It was even one of those shells which had a small hole eroded away in its corner. "How on Earth do they do that…?" She wondered.

"Heads Up!" The shout was directed at her. The volleyball hit the water near her left foot. She looked up to see Ryuuji running towards her. "Hey, Shizuka, you wanna play?" With the shell tucked into her pocket, she picked up the volleyball and ran after him to the net where a small group of people had assembled. It seemed Ryuuji already knew most of them. It made her laugh.

Unbeknownst to both of them, a spectator stood in his original perch up on the terrace. He could clearly make out the faces of his companions, either playing volleyball or simply walking along the beach or watching like he was. He still didn't know why he was here. He didn't need anything from any of them! He checked his watch; the sun was high overhead. What he did need was something to drink.

The sun had sunk and rose and was sinking again when the group assembled in the formal dining room for a shared meal. They had definitely relaxed during their stay so far—Ishizu had told them all about her shopping excursions, and Ryuuji's nose was red, a clear indication he had spent a lot of time on the beach. Shizuka found herself looking at Seto during most of the meal. What had he done for the past two days? She wondered because she had gone looking for him. She had pretended she was exploring, but really she was curious. And she had taken Yugi's suggestion to heart. She kept trying to bring him into the conversation, but he barely said a word except to give his order to their waiter. Hopeless. At least the others would laugh at her jokes.

At first glance Seto thought that some of his soup had gotten onto his shirt, or that there was something in his teeth when he had spoken to answer her question. But when the glance became much more than a lingering stare he could not fathom why her attention was so decidedly settled on him. Still, she talked and smiled at everyone, including their waiter—he noticed that she thanked him where Otogi practically threw his menu at the man—and he was almost willing to launch into the conversation just to rile her up a little.

The meal was delicious, and as it was charged to their rooms the gratification more complete. "I've got an idea," Yugi said as they all stood from the table, "Let's go to the bar next door and we can watch the sun set from over the ocean."

It seemed like a good idea to nearly everyone present; Seto was about to leave when he felt rather than saw Shizuka come to his side. "Come on," she urged. "Be social. It's good for you." Wordlessly he followed her and her group into the bar, a wooden paneled and chrome accented affair where a decent band was set up in the corner, playing live jazz music to serenade the drinkers and dancers. He couldn't help his annoyance at how easily she had gotten him to participate in the evening's festivities. She seemed to have that effect on everyone, and no one seemed to realize it.

"Is there anything you aren't good at?" Damn. The words slipped out; he hadn't meant to say them.

She appeared just as surprised as he was. "You'll have to discover that on your own. It's no fun giving everything away." She appeared triumphant, and he figured that she had been goading him to conversation the entire evening. He saw her watching the dance floor and could almost see the gears turning in her mind. "Do you want to dance?"

Wasn't it enough that he was here? "I don't think so."

"Why?"

"It's a little too soon for you to figure out what I'm not good at." He smirked at her to let her know that he wasn't serious before turning away from her; whether he was headed to the bar or to the exit hardly mattered anymore. His ego was stifling her! He thought he was so good at everything, too good to be around the rest of them. She contented herself with staring out the porthole-styled window, watching the sun as Yugi had suggested.

"I'm sorry you keep having to deal with him." Yugi frowned sympathetically. The band started a new song, and both of them perked up. "Come on."

Yugi was a good dancer, even though he couldn't lead very well. It didn't matter. They were having fun. "You shouldn't let him get to you."

"I know. I can't help it." He twirled her out, and then back in to a closed position.

"You're too caring sometimes. You should focus on yourself instead of always trying to make everyone else happy. We're your friends, Shizuka. Seeing you happy makes us happy."

She smiled and told him she'd consider it as the band finished their song and people clapped for them.

Shizuka wasn't sure why she was up so early, but she couldn't bring herself to go back to sleep after seeing how beautiful the weather was. She decided to go for a walk instead.

She expected birds and the occasional bunny rabbit to be her only companions, but upon emerging onto the veranda, she nearly walked into the table of a very familiar acquaintance. He had a cup of coffee and a newspaper in front of him and a tray of pastries in the center of the table.

"You."

Seto looked at her over his periodical. "How eloquent. I didn't imagine you to be an early riser."

Just to annoy him, she dropped into the other chair at the table and helped herself to a pastry. "Today is an exception. Why didn't you ask anyone else for company? Nobody likes eating alone." The croissant was exquisite.

The look he gave her was withering, questioning her sanity if she honestly thought him the type to ever ask anyone else for their company. "Despite the obvious reasons, I didn't think it fitting to share the room Yugi and Ryuuji booked without compensation. I purchased my own room. Besides, I don't think they'd appreciate my waking up this early and I abhor company." A pointed look was directed to her at the end of his monologue, though it was wasted on his companion who was blissfully munching on her breakfast.

She stopped. "That was nice of you, but I'm sure you didn't have to buy your own room."

"I could afford it, and it resulted in everyone's happiness." What was he doing? She was still here, at his table, eating his breakfast, and he hadn't done anything about it yet. They were even talking! He hated that for once he didn't mind her questions—she talked less if properly fed, he noted—and was beginning to think that he might actually be enjoying himself.

"I see." If she was in his position, she probably would've done something similar. He would probably be lonely in a room by himself, though. That was probably why he hadn't sent her away from the table. But just as they were on different sides of the table, she could tell that they were from two completely different walks of life. Sure, they had some things in common, but it was as if a line had been drawn down the middle of the table. They were two separate people, too different to really connect beyond a simple breakfast. She reached across the center of the table to snag another croissant.

The entire group had met later by the pool. That is to say, the group found Seto reading a book and decided to take over the neighboring chaises. Ryuuji then challenged Yugi to swimming laps, while Ishizu and Shizuka soaked up sunshine on their own chaises. "With all the new clothing you've bought, there's got to be somewhere we can go to show them off!"

"You're right!" Ishizu exclaimed, adjusting her sunglasses. "In fact, I read something in the hotel guidebook that the hotel hosts a party on the veranda and pool bar every Saturday night. We all should go; it sounds like a lot of fun."

"Yeah! That's a great idea!"

"Isn't it? In fact, I think we should book salon appointments for the same day! This hotel is supposed to have one of the best salons in the area, it'd be a shame to stay here and not visit!" They relaxed for a minute more, Ryuuji swimming up and slapping the tiled wall edging the pool. Yugi followed a moment later, finishing his last lap.

"Sorry Yugi, Ryuuji got the five before you," Shizuka teased. "But just barely." She turned to the man next to her to ask him what he thought about the hotel's party to find that Seto was asleep. She smiled at him, doubting that he was actually asleep. He probably just didn't want to talk to any of them. Her gaze lingered on him just a moment longer than necessary before she turned back to Ishizu.

It was Saturday morning and Seto was in his room. It wasn't like he had expected to see any of them until later on; he had been informed multiple times about everyone's spa and salon bookings. Seto had already decided to attend the party that night just to show them all that he could look better without the ridiculous salon makeover packages. It had nothing to do with the fact that she asked him to. She just wouldn't take a hint; he was suspecting that a Yugi intervention had been made at the beginning of their vacation. She seemed to be the sort of person that would do anything for a friend. Did she think of him as a friend? He banished those thoughts as he stared at the blinking dash on his web-enabled phone. He was going to be able to start his job as soon as he got back to Domino. That meant he could move into his house sooner. He probably wouldn't see any of them again. So why couldn't he stop staring at the white screen and blinking cursor?

A clock appeared on the phone's screen, informing him that it was five. It reminded him that he wasn't going anywhere for awhile…but he still had to get ready for the party. He had lied to himself earlier, though. It might take a little work on his part, but in the end, he'd still look the best.

Mokuba pressed the power button on the remote, turning off the TV he had been watching all morning. He and Kako had been watching playbacks of the scenes they had filmed in the first week of shooting on location. "This isn't that bad; Serenity can work a little harder, and Seto can look a little less serious."

"Are you kidding? Asking Seto to not look serious is like asking the sun not to rise in the East!" Kako crossed her arms.

"Still, I want to talk to you about the big party scene," he pressed. "I want it to look as natural as possible."

"We've got plenty of extras, and an entire night to shoot the scene. Next you're going to tell me that the problem is with the script." He didn't say anything, instead taking a sip from a can of soda at his side. It was really hot, even inside. She glowered at him. "Are you kidding me? My work is art!" Mokuba gulped down the rest of his soda. He may have been the one in charge, but he didn't want to cross Kako. Besides, having Seto Kaiba as a brother, Mokuba knew how to pick his battles.

"Come on, Kako," he stood and motioned for her to follow him out of the room. "We're scheduled for some behind-the-scenes time for the special features on the DVD."

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A/N: My deepest apologies for the insane wait on this chapter. Real Life got in the way, as it does sometimes, but it's all better now. Reason why? My birthday is today!!! Whooo!! I try to do updates around my birthday, and this year is a double-up with Synergy. Since the next chapter is going to be about the coolest thing ever (you guys know I work parties into my stories whenever I can :) as well as a combo of movie scenes and the cast's reactions to them I'm going to try to get it up by the beginning of September.

I'm floored by the fantabulousness of the reviewers of the last chapter. Major 'props' goes to yunsi, ScarletVampire93, UnlessAbsolutelyNecessary, Kako, virgofairy17, Jessica Lynne Greenleaf, DIS, Tie4, Harimad, Storm 38, FireFairy032003, Pharaoh's Jewel, Blueshadows2010, midnight blue08, blacksheep21, Prudy, and Death101-Fox Version. You guys are what make this story so much fun to write! To DIS: I am madly in love with semicolons. That's very much a me thing, and I try to cut back but I can't help adding them! And no, I can differentiate between concrit and flames, and I thank you for the concrit!

Jessica Lynne Greenleaf reminded me of something which I felt I hadn't really addressed like I should have: if a character shows up in "reel life" or the movie portion of this, then nobody knows who they are in "real life;" for example, Seto and Yami wouldn't know each other before filming, and the character of Yugi doesn't really exist beyond the character in the movie. There isn't any magic/Items/etc in this story, and so the rivalry between Joey and Seto is purely school or personality-clash based, not having anything to do with dueling. If its still confusing let me know and I'll try to explain it better!

Lastly, I hope everyone enjoyed reading this chapter, and please leave a review before you go!

Sakura Takanouchi