Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! However, I am claiming OCs I might have. I only accept constructive criticism.

Metempiricism

Chapter 3

Would You Walk With Me?

"Who else would like to share?" Dr. Kada surveyed his students and took in the young faces. They all sat in a smaller classroom with roughly thirty students creating a U-shape with the table layout. He was smack dab in the middle on a rolling stool and he pushed himself from each face, taking in the expressions. "Surely one of you would like to share?" He was met with more silence; people looking away and even a few frowns. "Perhaps I shall pick someone?" Immediately everyone tensed up and he chuckled. "This is a judgment free environment; surely one of you felt inspired with the assignment."

Very slowly a copper colored hand rose and everyone in the room focused in on the striking male. "Perhaps I shall read?" The deep tone spoke with slight uncertainty and before he could back out, the teacher nodded and motioned him forward. Yami walked past his fellow students in a confident stride. The teacher rose from his stool and rolled it over to the Egyptian. Gently he took hold of the revolving chair and carefully took a seat. He cleared his throat and allowed his resonant tones to wash over the room.

To be the very sheets of her bed

Encasing her zaftig splendor in a ribbon of insuperable comfort

Wrapping every inch of her skin in utmost heat

Searing the very fibers that connect us

Caressing her thighs with heated pleats

Trailing the dip of her spine with parching corners

To soundly cloak her form in docile comprehension

Cushioning her mind against my own interpretations

To be the sturdy frame she rests her weary soul upon

To be all that she desires is my one true fascination

A collective pause came over the room. The teacher stood where he was, hand resting on his chin while his head nodded to an inaudible question. "What is the name of your piece, Yami?"

"I did not name it Dr. Kada." Yami lamented his lack of titling and hoped it wouldn't count against his grade.

The professor brought his hands together in a clapping motion and repeated it until the classroom followed. "Wonderful job Yami," Dr. Kada praised over the small applause. He watched the pupil return to his seat. "There's always something so bittersweet about your poetry that makes it memorable." The man returned to his stool and rolled back to the center, "Though your Ode was a little unorthodox, I still found the worship and dedication present, that solid Odes are born from. Your need and desire to cater to this woman; even going as far as desiring to be her bed was splendid. Excellent job Yami."

"Thank you Dr. Kada," Yami returned in an appreciative tone.

"Now, as usual, does anyone have any thoughts, comments or even concerns in regards to the piece?" Yami answered what he could to his fellow classmates and agreed with what he couldn't. But when one particular student raised their hand, he swallowed deeply. This particular girl was known for asking 'go-there' questions and he felt today would be no different. "Tamiko, you will be our last comment."

The young girl nodded and focused her attentions on the budding poet, "Yes Dr. Kada. Yami, I was simply wondering who exactly is the inspiration behind your writing?"

The question was basic with always an underlining air of digging. A few people in the class were bold enough to look directly at him while others, casted glances that showed they were interested to know as well. Rather than give the specific answer she was looking for, Yami opted for variety. "There are numerous things that inspire me; to pick just one would do the others an injustice, for they all equally spark my muse." Though his tone spoke of indifference, his mind showed the vision of striking blue eyes; blinking in a haze of affection.

Tamiko appeared as if she wanted to pursue a follow up question but Dr. Kada cut in before she could; much to Yami's pleasure. The class went by as it often did; a pace hastened by speed reading and lack of interaction. Though the class was shy, Yami enjoyed it all the same. The few comments that were given as well as Dr. Kada's organic take on his teaching, made the experience all worthwhile. It was moments like these Yami loved the fields he had chosen. His mind was stimulated by International Studies while his heart leapt for Creative Writing. Because things were going so well with the Creative Writing courses, he intended to speak with his advisor and take on a double major. He intended to do so after class even. But what if the workload was too much?

Up until now he had felt mildly challenged by the load more so than the content; there was much to do and he had managed his time wisely to get it done. However, with bringing in two majors that would demand more, he questioned if he was truly ready. Yami had meditated over this decision for a few weeks and after seeing Isis that faithful night, he knew now was the time to execute his thoughts. Not only would graduating with two degrees rather than one be rewarding, but he wouldn't have time to bother Isis. It was a win-win. However a part of him could not deny he felt like he was running. In-fact the majority of the time he felt like he was running. Even in class, he had run from Tamiko's inquiry to his inspiration. Why were his figurative feet so quick to sprint? Yet again he released a sigh causing the people sitting around him to glance once more.

Time later Dr. Kada excused the body of students and Yami made sure to leave before Tamiko could corner him in the hall, as he had seen her do to other people of their class. He maneuvered through the labyrinth of complicated halls and offices of the department. His mind continued to battle between whether it was a good idea or not. Plenty of people double majored but was his attention span able to keep up? Before he could beat himself down any more, he finally arrived at the needed stop. He approached the door and rapped against it; his rings ticking against the thick privacy glass.

"Atem, na'am! WaSal, waSal," an older gentleman called from the other side.

Yami opened the door and gave a small bow to the man standing behind the thick wooden desk. Said man appeared to be around his sixties and in good health. He was fairly tall, copper skinned with kind almost golden eyes. His smile was infectious and instinctively Yami returned his own curve of the lip. "Misa' il khayr, Dr. Kazmi," the student returned warmly. He gently closed the office door back and took a seat across from the desk. He watched the older man once more take his seat and click out of something on his computer.

"Ahlan wa sahlan Atem. Izayyak?" The advisor greeted in a warm tone.

Kwayyis, al hamdulillah. Wa inta?

"Ra'eA." Dr. Kazmi smiled yet again and shifted through the papers along his desk, "I received your e-mail and I more than approve of your desire to double major. The work will be hard and plentiful but I have faith in your abilities Atem. You're a very bright young man; you'll just need to stay focused." He unlocked a drawer down by his leg and pulled a folder out, "How is your focus Atem?" The question was asked in a low tone; a voice that knew a bit behind Yami's unsettling mind.

"Worse Dr. Kazmi." He took a moment to take in the wrinkles around the man's eyes, "I have been achieving high marks in terms of my assignments, but studying can be a bit difficult."

"Oh Atem, the passion's of a young man's heart can always be distracting."

Yami had never told his advisor about his 'situation'. But it seemed the older man either knew how to read people, or perhaps he was so obvious it was hard to ignore. Either way, the young man stiffened in his seat. "Truly so."

Dr. Kazmi stared at the boy for a moment before shifting through the file he received. "I've already taken the liberty of sending the needed and signed paperwork off to the student records office. You should see a change in your academic information by tomorrow morning, at the latest."

"Oh." The Egyptian was a little surprised that the man had already done everything but it showed how much faith Dr. Kazmi had in him. That lifted his spirits. But it also showed that the man knew how much he tended to toil over things. He brushed a bang behind his ear, "Shukran gazeelan."

"Khaleena 'ala ittisal Atem."

"I will. Thank you again Dr. Kazmi." Rising from the chair he nodded to the man and turned to leave.

"And Atem?"

Pausing, he turned around, "Yes?"

"Don't worry too much."

"I'll try." Once more his back faced the man and he exited the office, closing the door gently. He stood in the hallway for a moment, before he pulled his cell-phone out checking the time. It was almost one. Steadying himself he headed to the parking lot and quickly climbed astride his street-bike. He paused straddling there as he held his helmet in hand. He had a break between now and his next class and he intended to get something to eat. Not too sure on where, he decided to stop wherever his stomach told him to pull over. Nodding at the notion, he placed the helmet fully on and took off out of the student parking lot.

Domino was buzzing by in the afternoon sunshine as usual during lunchtime. Many bistros, cafes and restaurants wafted under his helmet demanding he take in their product. However, a particularly 'mom and pop' establishment had him pulling into an alleyway that led to a back parking lot. Securing his bike amongst other fellow riders he rested his helmet under his arm and entered into the side entrance. Passing bathrooms and employee only rooms, he came to the front and saw a handful of people in the small space. However he didn't make much time to analyze the surroundings when he took in the strong spices and cooking meats rolling in from the kitchen.

'The Smiling Ram' was the only place in Domino— in Yami's opinion —that one could get good authentic Egyptian cuisine. Well, besides Isis' home. His mouth pulled into a thin line; he didn't want to think about Isis today. Too bad that had already happened quite a few times. But it was hard not to. The way she—he was shook from his ideas when his cell-phone buzzed heavy in his pocket. Frowning at the mail-folder icon he found it to be mocking him. What happened to the days of hand written letters and messengers for particularly important pieces of information? The digital age truly cheapened word-of-mouth as well as personal inflection.

Pressing the green button as he had been instructed so many times, he read the digital message from Yugi. His Aibou wished to have lunch with him if he wasn't too busy with school. Yami had instructed him to contact him if he desired any type of interaction the day before, so it didn't feel right denying him just because he wanted to sulk. Taking his time and concentrating, he responded to the message with where he would be and that he'd have food ready. Yugi responded with lighting speed with obvious excitement thanks to his cute emoticon. He chuckled as the face reminded him of Yugi in all ways.

Yami perused the side of the menu written in Arabic and let out a comforting sigh. It always felt good to go back to what he knew. He ordered quite a bit of food for the two of them before grabbing two sodas from the fridge sitting on the counter. Shortly after he paid his food was ready. This time he exited the front door and went across the street to the park. He took a familiar picnic table and sat down. The smell wafting from the bag tantalized his nose in a heavy game of seduction and by the time he spotted Yugi making his way over, his hand was already in the bag.

"Smells great Yami!" Yugi called as he ran the rest of the way. He hopped up on the bench, kneeling on the seat and grabbed the Coke he already knew was for him. "I haven't had 'The Smiling Ram' in a while."

"As have I." He removed the Styrofoam containers in gentle haste; not wanting to come off overzealous. After they both had gotten their containers and plastic-wear, they dug in. After a few comfortable moments of gluttonous indulgence, Yugi commented, "I didn't think you'd be available in the afternoon with all of the classes you had. But I decided to try anyway! Glad I did." His smile reached ear to ear before he took a swig from his soda.

Yami nodded in response before he inquired Yugi. "What are you doing on this side of town Aibou?"

Yugi's fork moved his chickpeas around as his other unoccupied hand thrummed against the wood of the table. "Oh...I uh...well..." His round cheeps hued pink and his lips curled into the smallest of smiles. Something only an infant's mouth could produce. "I was trying to find a gift for you know..."

"Tea?" The smaller one nodded. "What kind of gift?"

"That's the problem Yami!" His shoulders relaxed and his hands flew up, "I have no idea what to get. I looked at books, dresses, jewelry and even stuffed animals. Nothing seems just quite right for Tea." He shrunk down in embarrassment before confessing," I want—it has to be perfect...if I'm going to...you know..."

Yami's smile was so warm he could feel his insides radiating with affection. "It will come to you soon Aibou. When you see it, you'll know."

"You're right Yami!" He waved his hand as if to shoo flies away, "Things will work out." The two returned to a neutral zone of conversation as they finished their food before deciding to take a stroll around the park—it being Yugi's idea. After throwing away their items in the correct receptacles, they meandered through the lush park and took in the moment of being young and carefree. "You know Yami, days like these give me hope in my future. I don't worry as much as I usually do."

Yami nodded in agreement. "Truly so Aibou. It makes me recount the days of our travels and duels."

"Don't forget saving the world," the boy added in a high spirited voice as if they hadn't risked their lives.

The way he was able to put such a positive twist on the most melancholy of circumstances lightened Yami's heart considerably. It was these rare moments he wished to once more share a body with Yugi—to be so close to that very source of light. A ray of golden light that tinged his skin in sincere complacency and normalcy; he longed for these moments extended. He wanted to place them in his pocket and tangibly pull them from the cloth compartment to glow during his darkest of moments. Yet his magic had long since left him in his new found humanity so the daft idea of being able to actual do this feat, was lost forever in a sea of deep waves. He smoothed a bang behind his ear and fiddled with the industrial piercing; twisting it as his mind continued to twister out of control. Just that quick he had neglected Yugi's presence. He turned his face to be greeted with a less than upset pout.

"Yami."

"Yes Aibou?"

"You're starting to worry again. You have to stop doing that." His large purple eyes looked all over their current area and pointed, "Perfect! Come on Yami; you treated me to lunch, so I'll get you dessert."

"Dessert?" Yami's tone raised an octave and he followed after Yugi to an awaiting ice-cream vendor. "Ice-cream." Quickly he moved amongst the others gathered and immediately spotted one of his favorite flavors: Neapolitan. Before he could even make a request Yugi was shoving two perfectly stacked orbs of Neapolitan ice-cream, sitting in a cone dipped in chocolate into his awaiting hand. His eyes widened and lit up much like the five year old standing near him. "Thank you so much Aibou." He took it almost in reverence and gently took a small lick. He couldn't help but smile.

"You look so silly when you eat ice-cream Yami," Yugi said around his own mint chocolate scoop. "If only other duelists would have known just how much you love ice-cream, they could have really gotten you during those tournaments."

Yami lightly blushed at the declaration and laughed along with the boy at just how true the statement was. "I suppose that is true Aibou."

"Remember the first time you ever tried it? How excited you got? I didn't even know you were capable of a sugar rush." The duelist carried on about the group gathering that happened what felt like so long ago, while Yami recanted the story actually being the second time he had ice-cream. The first time had been when he had found Isis—no, the party was the first time. Well, today, this instant, it would be. He rejoined the telling of the party which of course led to other humorous happenings at the event. Between the ice-cream and his good company, the ex-pharaoh was more than pleased with this outing. His mind was finally slowing down as well as his antsy muscles. For once calm was in Yami's future and he gladly welcomed it.

"Hey look!" Yugi paused in his footsteps before waving his arms, his hand flat against the sunlight, "Isis! Kaiba! Hey!"

Instantly Yami's jaw dropped from the grin and was replaced with a tight-lipped ode to stone. The cone in his hand suddenly felt more fragile and the last bit of remaining ice-cream didn't seem as appealing. His stomach twisted into knots and he was suddenly very aware of the warm day. Was he sweating? His ears felt hot. He watched in a haze of heat as Isis spotted Yugi and waved back, heading straight for them with Kaiba right on her heels. Bitterness tinged the back of his tongue with words he wanted to spew forth like bile. He placed more ice-cream in his mouth as to cool him and sweeten his speech, but it only turned the strawberries unripe, the vanilla overly aged and the chocolate astringent. He wanted to spit it out on the dirt, right next to Kaiba's expensive dress shoes that he now found extremely close to his person.

"What a pleasant surprise," Isis began in her all too kind tone. "I haven't seen you in sometime Yugi."

"Yeah, it's really weird you two would be here at the same time we are." His smile was for both persons and he only glanced at Yami when he felt his darker-half stiffen.

"Hmph. Yami." Kaiba eyed him coolly as if he were a mere fly on his windshield. "Yugi." His tone and features noticeably lightened at the mention of Yugi. None of this was new. Since Yami had been granted a second life and thus a second body, the very obvious view of two corporeal people who favored one another, had put to rest anyone who still doubted his existence. Kaiba had been in that pool. It was from there Kaiba had non-verbally deemed Yugi as harmless and Yami as his true rival. Thus the CEO exercised his superiority complex as often as he could whenever Yami was present. This interaction would attest to that.

"Kaiba," Yami swallowed the words that bubbled up, "what are you doing here?" What was he doing here? The CEO never went outside unless it involved work or dueling. Since he couldn't spot the tell-tale briefcase or deck he knew both were ruled out. Was this for Isis? Was he actually trying to not be selfish and do something for Isis? Why did the idea make Yami want to throw-up?

As if the brunet caught the underlining implication his smirk widened, "Isis asked if I'd go walking with her after we had lunch."

"I was surprised he agreed to it," Isis added thinking she could cut the boiling tension. Things were always tense whenever the CEO and number one duelist shared the same air.

Naturally her tones caused Yami's shoulders to slacken in their defensive nature but Kaiba's arms came up to cross in retaliation. "I'm surprised as well," Yami added in a slightly mocking way.

"Why is that Yami?" Kaiba inquired even cocking his head as if they were old friends enjoying the clean day.

"I didn't take you as an enjoyer of the outdoors much how Isis is." The brown brow that shot up showed Yami had gotten under his skin a little. So rather than take his small win he caused that perfectly placed scarab to dig deeper. "The many times Isis and I have walked together, she never once brought up the two of you strolling through Domino."

"Well," Isis interjected spotting Kaiba's eyes glinting with a challenge, "I didn't have a particular story to tell."

"I guess you finally do now," Yugi added nodding, taking a bite of his ice-cream. "How—"

"Perhaps Isis and I will do many other things you don't expect us to Yami," Kaiba cut-off Yugi not allowing the subject to be changed so easily. "Maybe next I'll take her to the zoo and we'll purchase matching couple animal hats." Yugi chuckled at the idea of Kaiba in such a get up as Isis joined him in his good humor.

Yami nearly hissed at the sarcastic tone but was able to school his features into amusement. "Truly she'd enjoy that. Watching you parade around with the head of an ass."

Yugi nearly choked on his ice-cream from the ludicrous statement but was lucky enough to swallow when he did. "Yami...there are no a—donkeys at the zoo. Remember?" Isis frowned at the innocent boy and kept her face neutral to what was occurring.

The high ranked duelist feigned ignorance; even going as far as to incline his head in mock misunderstanding, "My mistake."

By this point Kaiba had his hands in tight fists; his knuckles pulled taut from behind his sleeves. Just as Yami thought he had the CEO where he wanted him, he shifted his weight and uncrossed his arms. A glint that reminisced that of a knife's shine in low light, captured the navy blue eyes and his chuckle sent chills through the circle. "We often make mistakes Yami."

"Some more than others," Yami returned shifting his feet for a more steady pose. He was staring down a Hell hound and he wasn't sure how he'd fare. Something was brewing in Kaiba's mind. "It's all a part of being human." His head inclined a tad more in confidence. Yami was glad that he wasn't as short as he had once been. After separating from Yugi, his body had hit a small stage of puberty Isis had assured him would occur. With it his voice deepened slightly; considering it was already baritone the change wasn't a big deal. However his height was. He achieved just a few inches that made him just shy of five seven. Even though most of his friends were still taller than him, he was still pleased with his new found length. It was yet another difference from Yugi thus making it all his own.

In that moment it was as if Kaiba had noticed the height change and his expression was only smugger. "Well for those of us who has been practicing humanity longer than others, we make fewer mistakes or none at all."

Yugi and Isis visibly tensed at such a harsh comment while Yami blinked soundly in his growing fury. "Seto..." Isis' calm voice reached out in hopes of surrounding his future words in kindness. However, kindness from Seto Kaiba was asking for too much. "Please..." Her voice was slightly chilled and Yami wondered if it also had a tinge of exhaustion. He had a feeling this was a natural occurrence for Isis; always trying to control her boyfriend's tongue in front of people she viewed as important. Rather than acknowledge Isis' hard plea Kaiba shifted his weight and narrowed his eyes at Yami in further challenge.

The hand holding Yami's ice-cream tightened but was still aware of the fragile cone against his palm. He swallowed down the harsh words that wanted to spew forth and tamed his temper. "I suppose," he lazily replied almost drunk off the harsh rage surging through his core. The CEO had pinpointed a weakness by chance—at least that's what Yami told himself, at the smug look of victory Kaiba was now giving him. How dare he use his adjustment to this progressive century's idea of humanity? His jaw held hard and his toes even balled up in his boots. That look alone was causing his spiritual block against his fury to melt at an alarming rate. Who knew someone could have such power over him?

"Yami your ice-cream!" The three watched as the cone crunched and crumbled in the strong copper palm. It obliterated; literally crumbling to the walkway below followed by ice-cream, creating quite the mess along his hand.

"It's fine Yugi." His hand was dripping in a weird color mixture the colors created and he casually shook the remainder of the mess away. "I think we've taken up enough of their time." Isis' face showed exactly what he didn't want to see: sympathy. She even had the nerve to reach into her purse and produce a hankie. He didn't want to take it but his dignity was no longer to be had, so shamefully he accepted it and began wiping his hand. "Isis. Kaiba." With that he made no more eye-contact and hurriedly moved away from the only arena he had nearly lost against Kaiba. Sure the brunet had gotten under his skin but if he would have allowed his temper to flare before not only him and Yugi but his Isis—Isis, he would have shamed himself. He needed to get as far away from Kaiba and Isis as he could while he still held some semblance of control.

"Ya—" The name died on Isis' lips as she watched her friend rush away. She knew Kaiba and Yami naturally challenged one another but this particular battle had perplexed her, even Yugi had shared a few glances her way not understanding what was occurring. Speaking of the boy he was now running after the fast walking man, throwing a sincere apology and farewell as well. She hoped all was well as they vanished from her sight. Isis shifted away from the offender, "Why must you say such things to Atem, Seto?"

The CEO snorted at the accusation and re-crossed his arms, "What makes you believe I did anything?"

"For Atem is not one for such displays."

"How do you know that?" His eyes cut to her and they demanded an answer.

Isis suddenly felt attacked and flinched back from the imploring gaze, "Atem is a very good friend; I'd hate if my best-friend and significant other did not to get along." She hadn't answered the question and they both realized this.

"Best-friend?" He sounded slighted. Was it because she was able to properly label Yami in a personable title while Kaiba's was left legalistic and vague? If not, why was her mind analyzing as such? "When did he become your 'best-friend'?"

"I don't know." The three words fell out before she could stop them. His eyes widened and she wondered if he was really about to lose his temper as well with the way his arms uncrossed. They hung by his side with the need for action. But rather than show any ounce of emotion, he resolved his inner fires and settled back into a straight stance. "I suppose our friendship has strengthened with time; how many relationships often do." To emphasize this she brushed his hand with hers. His own hand shifted away from the touch and he turned, walking back from where they came. Lamely she followed; she was always following. When they arrived back outside her building she stood before him in the parking lot appearing lost. Her gaze was settling on his hard face while his own wondered past her, as if he was looking through her.

"Should I even come by tonight?"

Isis opened her mouth, "I—"

"I won't."

"But—"

"Call me tomorrow." Finally his eyes landed on hers and they were hard as stone. She shrunk slightly under the firm eye-contact. He turned to unlock his car but Isis didn't want things to end there.

"Seto." His shoulders tensed. "What is it?" Gently she placed a hand to his shoulder and for once he didn't move from the caress. He even dared to relax under the gentle pressure until he whipped around in a show of frustration.

"I hate Yami; it's that simple Isis. Why are you being so analytical?"

"I just...I just have a hard time believing that's all."

"Well believe it."

The woman frowned at the words knowing they were an excuse to what was really bothering him. "I believe you two's rivalry ended after High School. We are well beyond those days."

He blinked as computer lights flash when taking in numerous amounts of information. They finally paused and he titled his head, leveling with her. "It hasn't always been about dueling Isis." His tone was annoyed as if he was explaining something so simple yet at the same time, it was very cautious and experimental; as a vocalist would add an inquiry to the end of an improperly executed scale.

Isis licked her lips at the confession and clawed at the walls of her mind for a retort. Was he actually giving her a chance to have a peek into his mind? The moment was so delicate she felt as a bull in a crystal shop; her words wanted to buck about and shatter things to dust. Swallowing back the erratic words she simply spoke, "Then what is it?"

Once more his eyes batted away words and he rolled his eyes and returned to unlocking his car. "Call me tomorrow," he repeated as he slid into the sleek vehicle.

Isis didn't even wait to watch him go but hurriedly entered back into her building. After the elevator doors closed she allowed her mask to crumble into discontent. What had just happened? One moment she was working comfortably and efficiently when Kaiba had arrived, claiming he wanted to go somewhere with her—anywhere of her choosing at that. She had been somewhat surprised that she could remember staring at him for a while, before his surly attitude crept back up. After a nice lunch at a local cafe, the two had arrived at the park to walk off the good food upon her request. The walk had been a content hush; sweet in the few moments her hand had brushed his. He had even initiated the brief conversations and Isis knew it was his own way of apologizing for what had occurred the day before.

After his tantrums, he always chose tangible acts as amends for his bouts. But it was never what she desired. She wanted a verbal apology; some sort of sincere mumble of words that showed how he really felt about her heartaches, caused by his lack of sympathy. A lump wanted to choke her throat. She was worthy of apologies, right? Then why was it so hard to pry it from Kaiba? She had long since realized he wasn't the emotional type nor verbal but it still hurt her when he couldn't even look her in the eye and work through the problems of their relationship. What occurred at the park couldn't have possibly been all about Yami. It was something deeper. Was he jealous of her and Yami's friendship?

The CEO never played foolish to being the territorial type but it had never affected her friendships as far as she was concerned. Then again what friends did she really have? There were very few people she still kept in contact with in Egypt outside of her brothers. She had a few co-workers she was cordial with and at one point, she and Mai Valentine had gone for drinks a few times. But since her marriage to Joey Wheeler it was hard to keep in touch. Yami was her one and only true friend. If something arose she knew she couldn't speak with Kaiba about, her immediate reaction was to contact Yami. His communication was something so strong and warm that it rivaled the sun. No matter how unorganized and miscalculated her presentations were, he would nod all the while and offer wise council. She had seen Kaiba do this a few times with his workers and brother, but never her. She envied them at times. At times she felt that his secretary and middle management received more attention and words than she ever did.

She sat heavy in her desk chair looking over the documents in need of her linguistic skills and ignored it for now. Instead she buried her face in her hands and agonized over her relationship. Why didn't she just do something about it? Something within her suddenly came alive and she quickly scribbled a note for Mrs. Akita and whisked her items away as she headed for the parking lot. The little eco-friendly car whizzed through the streets just a little over the speed limit. She arrived at the Kaiba Corporation building and used the ID card Kaiba had made for her to access the back car garage. She drove to the top and luckily found a parking spot. She moved quickly through the office building and arrived outside of the large office doors. She knew he was inside just sitting there, looking over documents no doubt. Isis hesitated in knocking before grabbing the handle and pulling the door open.

"I said I—" Kaiba looked up to find Isis closing the door back with a look of utter determination. "What?"

The tone was blended with discontent, surprise but the underlining hint of disgust had her feet halting where she was. She was such a fool. Her mouth went dry and she hated herself for even rushing over to his office as some lunatic girlfriend. "Nothing." With that, Isis fled the scene with Kaiba not even lifting a finger to stop her.

PLEASE READ:

This chapter was a true joy to write. I like that we're now getting to the meat of the issue and things will progress at more of a canter from here on out. Be prepared for more Yami/Kaiba confrontations and Isis heartache. Also, who caught the Naruto catchphrase? I chuckled when I wrote it in. ALSO! If you're wondering, in the future I will write a bit from Kaiba's POV. But in light of current plot development, he needs to be a mystery a bit longer.

Arabic Words:

Na'am – Yes (Formal)

WaSal – Come

Misa' il khayr – Good afternoon/evening

Ahlan wa sahlan – Hello/Welcome

Izayyak – How are you?

Kwayyis al hamdulillah. Wa inta? – Fine and you?

Ra'eA – Wonderful

Shukran gazeelan – Thank you very much

Khaleena 'ala ittisal – Keep in touch

This was posted especially for:

Mangaanime: SCCCOOOOORE! A better flow is what I was hoping and praying for. But I'm so glad you see the dynamics I'm creating in terms of the relationships. It was key and I was afraid I wouldn't convey it well. So glad you're 'revved up'! LOL.

Lace Kyoko: Yay! I'm glad you're reading it now since you're one of my top 'go to' reviewers on how my stories are. So excited you like it and you can feel the angst! I'll always view Kaiba as a petulant child no matter the fic. Hahaha. But writing the 'dark side' of Trustshipping has been entertaining since I literally feel like I'm going in reverse of what I usually focus on. Yes, another taker for the new style. Woot woot! Ha. But we all know Tea fucking knows. He needs to get it in gear.

Scooby82101: I totally agree at the slow story thing. I always aim for chapter 3 and 4; can't keep the people waiting that long or they fall off. Yay for the thesaurus! Hahaha. But seriously, I have my thesaurus handy just in case I run into a particularly tough section and need to describe it perfectly. I'm glad it's making a difference enough for you to make a comment about it. Writing a less matured Kaiba is a little difficult because of the lack of dialogue but the challenge has been entertaining. I LOVE making Yami human. I hate fics that just make him into this hero that's so confidant; everyone has insecurities. And I plan to develop Isis more on her lack of strength on certain topics. Damn those missing words to hell. (Goes to edit) Hahaha.

Egyptiancatgoddess: Thank you SO MUCH for the phonetic translation! You WILL be seeing this in the story since it works so well with my future plans. I hope I continue to impress you. Thanks for the review.

Tru Mel Meiko Mei Ling: You KNOW I stalk your version of Yami. I'm outside his window right now taking notes. Hahaha. But I like your version because he's so human but I intend to sprinkle in bits of how he was in the Anime. I almost had Isis and Kaiba pull over but it interfered with the phone call idea which I thought was way better. But their coupling is something I decided to go with since the idea of a triangle appeals to my fingers. LOL. Damn homophones. I'll keep an eye out four those. LOL.

Zoelle: Glad you liked my grid-thingy. It sort of came to me so I ran with it. I'm also glad you like the slow unraveling. I was worried it would turn some people off.

Still Stands: If I don't get one measly review, no new chapter, however if I do get one measly review, new chapter.

REVIEW!

Well I'm Out.