I am soooo sorry it took so long to update.

My beta has abandoned me so it took awhile. I am in the market for a new beta if anyone is up to the challenge!

Again, no beta, so if there is any errors, I don't want to hear about it. Mostly because I don't have time! I have mid-terms to worry about.

So no Flames! I mean it!

Enjoy!

Chapter 4

"…And then right as the words light up, we set off the firework!" Tony Stark declared. "Of course we have to deal with the press, not that it's a big problem. We'll have to do a photo shot, but those are minor details. Okay, after the fireworks…"

Seto leaned back against his chair. This was torture. Honestly, the man just loved making a big show out of everything. He knew the same could be said for him, but at least he knew when enough was enough.

"Mr. Stark," Peppers voice cut in. "We have a budget this year, we can't afford to go too extravagant. Yes, you can make you grand entrance in the Iron Man suit, but that's it. Everything else is going towards the creation of the Arc Reactor for the Kaiba Tower. Also this is an evening event, let's not turn it into a three ring circus, almost all of the shareholders will be there." Pepper Potts said, clearly annoyed. "We need to make a good impression."

"And that's what fireworks will do!"

Seto rolled his eyes. 'Fireworks? Really Stark? That's one way of making the shareholders regret this decision.'

Ms. Potts seemed to clench her jaw for a second, before grabbing Stark's shoulder and whispering something into his ear. Stark went very quiet, piping Seto's curiosity as to what was being said. But before he could even considering trying to hear, she pulled away.

Stark shifted slightly. "Yes, um, there will not be fireworks."

Seto had to resist staring at the woman in wonder. How did she do that? Then again, it was now common knowledge that Ms. Potts and Stark were dating exclusively. That would certainly give her more control. And she could be cunning without that angle, as she was Stark Industries acting CEO.

"Now then," Ms. Potts addressed the rest of the board of directors. "I believe everything has been settled for tonight. I thank you all for your time and we will see you all tonight. For those of you who would like it, there is a complementary lunch in the other room." She smiled, graciously.

Seto rubbed his temples, watching as the others left the room. His head was pounding after this ridiculous meeting. It had been mostly about the presentation tonight. Luckily his entrance was merely walking into the stage next to Stark. Stark had actually had the nerve to suggest that he make his entrance in a helicopter and be lowered on the stage by a rope. Seto had made his thoughts very clear on what he thought of that idea.

And it hadn't help that he had been distracted the whole meeting. His mind just kept drifting back to his encounter last night at the coffee shop, meeting Steve. Since last night he was all Seto could think about, no matter how hard he tried to stop. Why did he have to look exactly like Captain America? It had almost been unnerving.

And then walking back to the hotel with the man, it had just been so nice to have a decent conversation. He had listened to him, was actually interested in what he had to say, and wanted to keep talking to him. It didn't feel awkward or strange. Just… right.

It made him feel weird. Like there was this odd fluttering in his chest. What was this? It wasn't something he'd ever felt before. Just the thought of Steve made his heart almost throb. And he didn't like that. It made him feel out of control, almost shaky. How could the thought of one man make him feel this way? Even all the Captain America commercials didn't do this to him. But then again, there was a difference between a man in a film who was dead and someone who was alive, and right down the street from his hotel.

But, was he only interested in Steve because he looked like Captain America? Or was it because of his personality or a combination of both? Argh! This was making his head hurt thinking about this. He's never been this interested in someone before, and he had no idea how to proceed.

"Mr. Kaiba?"

Seto looked up to see Ms. Potts standing by the door. He immediately stood, trying to push all thoughts of Steve from his mind.

"Tony and I are having lunch with a few of our friends upstairs. We were hoping you would join us." She smiled.

Seto blinked. Being forced to voluntarily have lunch with Tony Stark?

No. Absolutely not. That was never going to happen!

"My apologies Ms. Potts, but it's already one O'clock and I have an appointment with a realtor, along with final preparations for tonight." He said, keeping a calm, emotionless face on.

Ms. Potts nodded. "Of course, I will see you tonight." She walked out of the room. She paused, and then turned back to him. "I apologize about Tony. I know he can be a handful. He gets easier to deal with over time."

Seto rolled his eyes. Stark would never get easier. "Thank you. But I will believe that when see it."

Ms. Potts nodded, understanding, then started to walk from the room, but stopped. She turned back to him. "Mr. Kaiba, I know that Tony has already offered you this, but if I may, there's no need to go to a realtor…"

"Ms. Potts let me stop you right there. We have already been through this before. I will not be moving into Stark Towers, no matter how tempting–" Seto interrupted.

"It's not in Stark Towers!" Ms. Potts quickly cut him off.

Seto blinked, staring at her.

A small blush appeared on her face and she quickly straightened up. "Forgive me, but I'm not offering you residence in Stark Towers. That would be a futile."

The brunet raised a fine eyebrow. "Then what are you offering?"

"A mansion." She smiled.

Seto blinked again, then again. Had he heard that right? She was offering him a mansion?

"Mr. Kaiba," Ms. Potts started again. "If sure you're aware of the mansion Tony had in Malibu, before it was… destroyed."

Who wasn't aware? The destruction of the mansion by the Mandarin had been the main event on International News for weeks. Seto himself had been watching when it first happened. Though he would forever deny, he had felt a cold chill of horror run down his spine at the sight. Oh yes, he remembered that day all too well. And the days that followed when the world thought that Tony Stark was dead.

"Yes, I'm aware." He replied, wondering where this was going.

"Well, what people don't know is that Tony actually made two mansions, the same style, but this one is here in New York." Ms. Potts continued. "It's actually an hour from here. And Tony has decided to put it up for sale."

Seto felt shocked. One by the fact that Stark had two copies of the same mansion, and that the man was actually putting up one of his prized houses for sale? Stark wouldn't even let someone else sit in his seat or else he would throw a little hissy fit, and yet the man was suddenly willing to sell is mansion? This had to be some kind of joke, or had a catch.

"It's no trick." Pepper quickly assured him, as if reading his mind. "Tony and I are moving into Stark Towers, permanently. So the house is up for sale. I convinced him that it would be a good idea."

"And the catch?" Seto asked, crossing his arms.

"Catch?" Pepper asked, trying to look innocent.

"Ms. Potts, do you honestly expect me to believe that Stark would voluntarily sell me his mansion? The man won't even allow anyone within a hundred feet of his tin suit unless he is in it." Seto glared.

"Well, there is one condition, but it's for me." Ms. Potts sighed.

Seto didn't even want to consider what that 'one condition' could possibly be. Still, buy Stark's mansion? Stark did have a perchance for high quality, and if he remembered correctly, the place had been designed by Stark himself. It was a very tempting offer.

"I will consider it. But right now I have an appointment." Seto responded, hoping it would be enough to deter her from continuing her pursuit.

"I understand. I will see you tonight." She nodded. "Oh, please remember that you will be arriving in a different limo than your brother and his guests. Your limo will pull you around back."

Seto smirked. One last surprise. They had decided that Seto would not come in through the front way, but rather they would sneak him in around back so no one would see him. This way the big unveiling would be an even greater surprise. "Yes, I remember, thank you. I will see you tonight." He politely nodded to her, then left the conference room.

He was almost to his limo when his laptop beeped. Settling into the limo, he pulled it out to find he had a new email.

It was a link to a virtual tour of the mansion, courtesy of Ms. Potts. It gave a full walk through and detailed information on all features and amenities, followed by a message at the very bottom explaining that he could visit whenever he deeded fit. Seto pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to ward off a headache. That woman was not going to give up without a decent fight. But even through his frustrations he couldn't stop the smirk that formed on his face. She was good.

"RIIIING!"

Seto jolted as he was drawn out of his thoughts by his phone. Darn thing. He really needed to change the ring tone. Checking the caller ID, he saw it was just Mokuba.

"Did you say yes?" Mokuba demanded before he could even say hello.

Seto was confused. "Yes to what?"

"To the mansion that Stark's offering us. He sent me a link this morning to a virtual tour of the place. Seto, you gotta check this place out. It's awesome! Didn't Ms. Potts send you the same thing? Can we get it, please?" Mokuba begged in practically one breath.

Seto's mind went blank for a moment, then he had to fight back a growl. This was so typical of Stark! He couldn't believe the man had the gall to use his brother against him. In a sense, it was genius, but still, he had no right!

"Seto?"

"I'm here." He assured his brother, trying to force down his anger. That manipulating bastard.

"Seriously, just check it out. Especially the private workshop."

Private workshop? Seto glanced at the website, then noticed a room labeled, workshop. He felt his curiosity peek, much to his annoyance, but he clicked it anyway.

'Oh my God,' that was the only thing that was going through his mind.

It was nothing like his workshop back at KaibaCorp. Nothing. It was huge, with technology already in there. Holograph tables, screens, latest computer systems, display cases for what most likely used to hold the Ironman suits, laboratory equipment, and what appeared to be Al-enabled robotic assistants. And it had some more personal touch, such as wine and beverage coolers, cabinets, and even a couple of couches to lounge on. Seto briefly wondered why the workshop wasn't empty, until he noticed the comment at the bottom from Ms. Potts.

'Mr. Stark already has moved all wanted furniture and technology out of the mansion. The rest is a gift from us. And I would like to say that I personally did the interior decorating for the house. I hope you enjoy it, but if not, I have the number of a professional if you wish to contact her.'

Seto was silent for a minute, regardless of Mokuba prattling on and on in his ear. He had planned on just looking for a penthouse in New York, but this… This was more than what they had been looking for.

'I want it.' Seto found himself thinking, as he looked through room after room. It was perfect. It had everything. An outdoor and indoor infinity pool, eight bedrooms and baths, game room, main dining room, a breakfast nook, fully equipped, state of the art kitchen, personal gym, indoor and outdoor pools, it just when on and on. It even had a defense system in case of any kind of attack or severe weather. And according to another note, Jarvis was still hooked up, but this branch of the AI had been programmed to him and not Stark so he would have full control.

"So, can we get it Seto? Can we?" Mokuba finally asked.

Seto bit his lip, running a pro and con list in his head. The cons were very high. He would have to rewire the entire system to ensure that Stark couldn't pull anything. But with all his newly acquired free time, he could do it within a week. But he still had a suspicion that Stark had something up his sleeve, but he could worry about that later.

"Alright, alright. We can get, just let me do a quick walkthrough that make sure it's as good as it looks on the screen. If it is… it's ours." Seto smiled.

Mokuba let out a cheer of happiness.

"The geek squad can't hear you right?" Seto almost panicked. The last thing he needed was this to get out before tonight. If they knew he was moving to New York they would want to know why.

"No, I slipped outside with Roland. They're inside this boutique getting clothes for tonight. Tea's going a little nuts."

'I bet she is.' Seto couldn't help but think. She was a girl that had a lot of spending money and a big party to go to tonight. He pitied the salesgirls.

"So when are you going to see the mansion?" Mokuba asked.

Seto checked his watch. If he left now, he would have about two solid hours to look around before he had to get back. That would mean missing his appointment. But if this place was it…

"Tell Roland to cancel my appointment with the realtor. If I leave now, I can be back in time to get ready, and I can sign the papers tonight," he decided.

"Can I come? I wanna see it!" Seto could almost hear his brother bouncing in place.

"Not this time. But if I decide to buy it you can see it tomorrow, will that work?" Seto said, fighting down a laugh. He loved how his brother was so easily excited.

"Okay Seto! See you tonight."

"See you tonight." Seto closed the phone and turned to the driver, giving him the address. If this didn't work out, he could always just go back to the realtor.

'But first…'

He pulled out his phone again and dialed Pepper's number.

"Tony!"

Steve looked up as Pepper came off the elevator. She looked furious. Steve bit the inside of his mouth to keep from laughing. What had Stark done now? He just shook his head. With Stark it was one thing after another. He glanced at the others, who were watching the scene in interest. Besides him, Bruce, Natasha, Clint, and even Coulson had shown up for lunch.

Tony had invited them over for a lunch party. He found that ironic as the real party was tonight. Tony said that he was finally going to introduce him to his new partner. But considering that Pepper was alone, he had a feeling that it might not happen.

"Hey Pep," Tony asked, grinning. "Where's our new little Chairman of the Board?"

"He had an appointment he couldn't miss. But perhaps you care explain to me why he just called to complain about you sending a link about the mansion to his younger brother?" Pepper hissed.

Tony just shrugged, taking another sip. "I thought it would help. I mean, he always listens to the kid. I really don't see what the harm was. And besides, now he'll buy it. The kid was going crazy with excitement."

"That's not the point Tony. You know he can't say no to his little brother. I could've gotten him to buy the mansion if you had just given me time." Pepper snapped, yanking the glass out of his hand. Tony gave her a scandalized look. "You are already pushing his buttons, and that is dangerous." She continued.

Steve briefly recalled the gray areas that Natasha had referred to. Just what exactly did 'gray areas' refer too?

"Like I'm scared about what a nineteen year old is going to do to me." Tony laughed. "He's younger and still has teenage outbursts. Everyone seems to forget that. I'm a full grown adult."

'Sometimes I wonder,' Steve thought. While Stark could act serious in battle, off the field he acted like an oversize child, what with the whining, complaining, and always wanting his own way.

"Honey," Pepper started, "I love you, but keep this up, and he will end you. We have to make this work and we can't do that if you keep this up. Just leave him alone."

"But that's no fun." Tony whined (point made).

"Just leave him alone until the company is well underway. Then you can torture him. But right now, we are on pins and needles with the merge being announced, and the stockholders. We can't afford any screw ups." Pepper sighed, handing him the glass back. "Just please, please! Don't bother him until we're out of the woods."

"Alright, fine." Tony pouted. "But for the record, I don't torture, I playfully tease."

Steve couldn't hold back the snort this time.

Tony glared at him. "Shut up Spangles."

"So do we finally get to know who your mystery partner is?" Bruce asked, trying to defuse the situation.

"Nope." Tony declared. "If he's not here, you'll just have to wait until tonight."

Steve rolled his eyes. Stark just loved his secrets. He turned his attention to Natasha, who already knew who it was, and judging by the looks she was sharing with Clint and Coulson, they knew too.

"Anything you guys want to add?" He asked, dropping his voice down to a whisper, so Stark wouldn't hear.

Natasha merely continued to eat her salad, not paying any mind to the conversation. The message was clear. She wasn't telling. And she wouldn't be attending the party as April Star. She had arrived at lunch and informed him that her target had been apprehended and there was no need for her to be under cover anymore.

Steve glanced at Barton and Coulson but they just smiled. "Sorry Cap. Lips are seals." Clint said.

"I probably wouldn't even know him." Steve argued. Well, it was true. Being frozen for over seventy years had that affect.

"That is true." Coulson muttered.

"Don't even think about it Agent!" Stark called. "I let you know because Fury was getting his eyepatch in a twist because I wasn't telling him. But everyone else has to wait. That means the big guy and Spangles."

Bruce just laughed. "Hey it's fine. I'm just shocked that someone actually agreed to a merger with you."

"Why does everyone keep saying that?" Tony asked, rolling his eyes. "Is it that hard to believe that someone would voluntarily want to work with me?"

Yes.

Pepper bit her lip, "He's not doing it voluntarily. He either works with you, or you two will destroy each other over territory of your own products."

Steve blinked, hiding his smile behind his hand. Of course Stark hadn't mentioned anything about that. He leaned back and continued to watch Pepper and Tony bicker. It was always amusing, mostly because Pepper always won in some way.

Glancing down at his watch he noticed that he was due at the gym. He'd been trying to keep to his schedule, and that meant spending two hours at the gym a day. While he was enjoying lunch with his friends, he was starting to feel a little crowded. He never was one for a party, even if it was just lunch.

"I have to get going. I'll see you all tonight."

"Aw, come on Spangles! Stick aro – Ow!" Tony winced as Pepper elbowed him sharply in the ribs. "We'll see you tonight Steven." She smiled. "The limo will pick you up around 6pm."

Steve nodded, then headed for the elevator. As the doors closed he sighed, leaning against the wall. He really did like spending time with his new friends, but it just felt so overwhelming sometimes. They would say something or make a reference that he didn't understand, and then they would try to explain it to him, but that just ruined it for him or he wouldn't get it.

Tony had taken it upon himself to 'educate' him on everything of the twenty-first century, but he had a feeling that he just liked confusing him further. He had finally seen his new suite, and JARVIS had informed him that Pepper had been the one to design it. They looked like a mix between the 1940's and the present. There had been familiar items that he grew up with, and of course, modern conveniences. Pepper clearly had taken a lot of time in planning this. He had a whole floor to himself, which included a kitchen, dining room, bedroom and master bath, guest room, living room, a library, balcony with a hot tub, and a personal gym with a pool.

He had been speechless for a few moments. Never in his life had he imagined that he would ever have such luxuries, and yet here he was.

Reaching the garage, he climbed onto his motorcycle and revved it up. He had just enough time to get to the gym, and still have plenty of time to get ready for the party tonight, although, he was only staying until after that stupid speech, then he was going to home to have a late night dinner. He considered blowing the whole thing off and spending the evening in the coffee shop, drawing. But Stark was already expecting him and would just use it as an excuse to be mad and snarky at him.

But then again, if he went to the coffee shop, he might run into Seto again. He had been nice to talk with last night, and he found himself wanting to know more about the man. He didn't understand why he had been thinking about him. Maybe it was because he was just so fascinating. Steve couldn't deny that. Besides being intelligent, he was just nice to have a real conversation.

But he probably wouldn't be at the coffee shop again tonight. He was most likely in some kind of business meeting. But perhaps tomorrow.

He sped down the street, loving the wind rushing around him. Hopefully the party wouldn't be too bad, as long as Stark didn't try to use him for any publicity stunts.

'Come on Steve, all you have to do is show up. That's all.' Steve assured himself. 'One night won't change your whole life.'

Seto was completely speechless. It was huge. He just stood, gazing around at the workshop. It was even bigger than depicted in the virtual tour.

This place was definitely not what he had expected. It was even better. All the furniture was in place, and all the technology, but there was a different between seeing something on a screen and seeing it in real life. It was breathtaking. Now that he saw it, he really, really, wanted it.

Walking back upstairs from the workshop and into the living room, Seto plopped down on the dark brown, overstuffed couch and stared up at the crystal chandelier. The mansion he'd had in Domino was nothing compared to this. Gozaburo's Victorian age design was just plain tacky against this upscale modern mansion. This was more than he could ever hope for.

There was no way he could ever find another place to live. It just wasn't possible. Not to mention that Mokuba would kill him if he didn't agree to this place. He got up and walked over to the window, looking out over the grounds. Like the mansion that Stark had in Malibu, this one was also on a cliff, only this one was more buried in the cliff and was away from the edge.

The ocean was sparkling in the afternoon light. He even had a private beach in case he or Mokuba wished to spend a day there.

He allowed himself a rare smile. It was perfect.

"Would you like a personal tour Sir?" Jarvis's electronic voice asked.

Seto smirked. Jarvis would take some getting used to though. Still, having a personal AI would a positive. He had already found the mainframe and it could easily be rewired and had one strong firewall.

"No thank you Jarvis, however, could you give me directions to the Master bedroom?" He hadn't really taken time to look at it; his attention had been on the workshop.

"Of course Sir. You just go up the stairs, down the hall until you come to two double doors."

Seto smiled and headed in the direction that Jarvis gave him. Reaching the doors, he saw that they were painted white with bronze door knobs. Opening it, he was greeted with a wide open space. The carpet was a soft white and the walls were a light cream color. The bed was a large king size bed with plush bedding and pillows. There was a large flat-screen TV hanging on the wall, a work desk, large oak dresser and nightstands, and in the corner was chaise longue next to an empty bookcase, ready to be filled with books. There was also a spa-quality bathroom and a large walk-in closet.

One wall was entirely made up of floor length mirrors and on the other, French doors led to a balcony over-looking the terrace, the pools, and the ocean. Opening them, he walked out onto the balcony, and leaned against the railing.

Seto breathed in the salty air of the sea, then stopped. There was also a soft fragrance of… flowers? Turned his head, he saw that there were roses growing up the side of the wall. They were still budding and judging by the number of buds, there was going to be a lot of them. And as it was the start of June, they would soon be in full bloom.

Glancing at his watch, he saw that he would have more than enough time to get ready… and maybe stop for a cup of coffee. Seto felt himself turn crimson. He was thinking about Steve again. Great. He just couldn't help it, which frustrated him to no end. But he didn't have time to think about Steve right now. He had to get back to the hotel and get ready. Tonight would be enough of a whirl wind, he didn't want to have to worry about his heart throbbing or his head being lost in the clouds. He could think about him later.

'Yeah right.' A voice inside his head laughed.

Seto walked back inside. "Jarvis?"

"Yes sir?"

"Please contact Ms. Potts and have her bring the papers to the party tonight. I'll have them signed, processed, and the money will be transferred by morning."

"Of course sir. Do you require anything else?"

"No, just have the driver start up the car." Seto said, walking out of the bedroom and closing the doors behind him.

"Yes sir."

As he walked down the stairs, he felt the smirk on his face widen. By tomorrow, this place would be all his.

I hope you liked my first un-beta piece.

Please review!