Author's Note: Yes, I'm alive after the last chapter! Which was a month or two ago haha. Even though I have a general outline, I keep putting in new ideas that really need fully develop later on, ack! Really looking forward to writing future chapters!

On my usage of Reo and Hamada interchangeably, I want to denote the differences between Kaiba's third person POV and Kisara's POV.


"Mr. Kaiba, it's time for your lunch break," Lily Wong's voice rang from the intercom.

Kaiba winced as he heard his secretary announce his inevitable lunch meeting with Hamada and Kisara. All motion of his stopped sharply, from the tapping of his laptop keyboard to his sharp breath. He closed his eyes and simultaneously set his laptop screen down. Once his eyes flickered open, he promptly stood up, gathered his briefcase, and walked towards his office door.

A second before his hand touched the door knob, his head rotated to the right, viewing the full-body mirror plastered onto his office wall. He cleared his throat and straightened his silver tie. He dressed himself in a stately navy blue suit with a black dress shirt underneath. Although he dressed nicely everyday to fit his role as a businessman, he somewhat dressed better than usual. His eyes squinted at his reflection in the mirror, feeling a bit more irritated by his ghastly dark circles. He faced the door once again and left.


Kisara repeatedly analyzed her reflection in the mirror of the bathroom inside Esquisse - a French restaurant located in the heart of Domino's food district. It was a little bit too fancy for her liking or (her income's liking), but Seto Kaiba's tastes aligned with it, or so Hamada had insisted. The man that she would be meeting today had agreed to pay her bill, so she felt the need to dress up. She had on a classic black mini dress with spaghetti straps and a full face of makeup. She had even opted to put on a pair of heels, despite them being torture devices.

She was accustomed to making herself look pretty for others.

She stepped out the bathroom and returned to her reserved seat. She played around with the impressive diversity of silverware displayed in front of her, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number. One fork had to be for salad, one for steak, or maybe something else? God, what was the point? While she was busy being preoccupied with silverware, someone had situated himself into the chair next to hers.

"Kisara, how are you?"

Kisara's eyes lifted toward the warm, dark eyes of Reo Hamada, KaibaCorp's greatest public relations manager.

"Reo! I've been doing well since. I told you about what happened with him on Saturday, right? I'm not really feeling comfortable seeing him again," Kisara spoke softer as her sentences finished. Her eyes expressed concern.

"Ah, yes," Reo cleared his throat, "That might be a minor setback, but I believe that he will definitely shoot you down if you show any sign of weakness. I suggest that…"

Kisara was listening intently to Reo's words, but her eyes couldn't as they wandered off towards the entrance. A slim, tall figure had approached the entrance with an aura that could be detected from half a mile. It was none other than Seto Kaiba. He entered with the most perfect of postures, a contradiction to the hours he spent bent over his technology. If his personality weren't so wretched, Kisara's heart could have skipped a beat at how well-polished the businessman appeared to be. He looked more different, more attractive in a sense, but only if one looked at the outside. There was no doubt that Kaiba was one of the most handsome bachelors in all of Domino, if not Japan, but there was also no doubt that his ruthlessness and pettiness often, if not always, overshadowed his good looks.

Kisara's mind was sent into turmoil with thoughts of Saturday, when he had insulted her without real premise. It sickened her to be disrespected and judged based off her occupation. He truly did crush anybody "lower" than him in the labor force, and that was a repulsive habit of his in her eyes.

"...I'll be here. Right next to you. So don't worry, Kisara," Reo's last words were the only ones left that processed through Kisara's mind. She warmly smiled at him, embarrassed that he had put so much effort to comfort her, yet her mind could only be preoccupied by man that marginalized the both of them.

"Thank you, Reo. I feel better."

As soon as she gave thanks, Seto Kaiba had appeared by their dining table. Reo Hamada automatically stood up and stretched out his right hand in greeting.

"Glad you could make it, Mr. Kaiba. We're really grateful for this chance to converse with you."

Kaiba glared for a second at Reo's outstretched hand before offering his own hand.

"This better not be a waste of my time," he sharply responded, "because it may as well be a waste of your job."

Reo blinked a couple times as he retracted his hand. It seemed very much impossible to appease his boss, even with the most polite of attitudes.

"It won't be a waste," a firm, yet kind voice emerged from Kisara as she too stood up to offer her hand, "if you're open to listening."

Kaiba was taken slightly aback by her rigid tone, but he met her hand regardless.

Kisara was surprised by how warm his hand felt. For someone so cold-blooded, she half-expected him to generate icicles to pierce anybody he held hands with. At this instance, however, he felt almost homely, felt like the warmth of a fire stoked in the heart of a home. If anything, this feeling was the same one that generated through her body when she was carried by him. She wasn't awake at the time, but she had dreams of rolling sands and cozy sun…

She sat back down, careful to stop her thoughts short. The men sat down as well, Kaiba parallel to her.

"If you two are ready, I already know what I'm ordering," Kaiba announced, not even glancing at the menu in front of him.

"Likewise. What about you, Kisara?" Reo answered curtly and focused his attention on the female of the table.

"Um," Kisara bit her lip, just realizing that she had not thought about what she wanted. Rather, she wasn't used to dining French cuisine and had no clue about what was good, not to mention the ridiculous costs that she didn't want to befall on her benefactor. She opened her menu and scanned for what seemed for the hundredth time until a voice spoke up.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen, and of course to the beautiful lady," a server had approached the table and laid out wine glasses. He opened what appeared to be an expensive wine bottle and poured its contents into each glass while adding, "Compliments to Seto Kaiba by Esquisse. Is everyone ready to order?"

"Thank you and yes, we're ready," Kaiba spoke before a worried Reo could cut in.

Reo's eyes flicked toward Kisara, whose eyes met back. Kisara wanted to sink into her seat, as she was still completely clueless on what to order.

"I'll have the filet mignon. The usual," Kaiba picked up his menu and handed it to the server before continuing, "And so will the lady."

Kisara's eyes widened while Reo ordered his chicken basquaise. She folded up her menu and handed it towards the server. As soon as the server had poured all the wine and left, Kaiba uttered, "I don't want you to waste my time by agonizing over a mere menu, now what is this proposal that I need to hear about?"

Kisara was slightly amused as she saw Kaiba reach out for his wine glass. How adorable. It appeared as if he didn't think the conversation was worth experiencing with a completely sober mind.

Reo cleared his throat before stating, "I want to instill Kisara Amano as the host for the 7th annual Battle City."

"Is this a joke? She's a nobody," Kaiba scoffed at the proposition as he set his wine glass down, "Are you implying my brother has done a defective job as host all these years?"

"No, of course not. Mokuba Kaiba is undoubtedly charismatic, and his good looks have amassed a good bit of interest from females in the crowd. I'm not suggesting a removal of his occupation, but rather an addition of Kisara."

"And what about her is so special? Does she have any credentials? The last I checked, she's not exactly the most educated of people, neither in academics nor in Duel Monsters."

"Sir-" Reo was cut off.

"Hamada, if I may pause you," Kisara interjected as she brushed her hair behind one ear and stared directly into Kaiba's eyes, "Thank you for arguing in place of me, but I think it's best I speak for myself now."

Reo gave Kisara a tight smile and readjusted the buttons on his suit jacket cuffs out of anxiousness. As much as he respected Kisara over the time her knew her, he was worried that she wouldn't be able to get through Seto Kaiba's mind, especially with the little respect he seemed to harbor for the blue-eyed beauty.

"...I think it's best I speak for myself now."

Kaiba's eyes shifted from Reo onto Kisara after she spoke, zeroing in on the growingly audacious woman. She looked...nice. More than nice and more than he would ever dare to admit. Although he wasn't very fond of makeup, whatever she had chose to draw on her face emphasized her above average features, from her fluttering lashes to her soft, ample red lips.

Fuck.

"So the doll speaks," Kaiba commented sarcastically, "Let's hope she knows how to intelligently."

A polite smile drew upon her face, an obvious attempt to mask over any feelings of contempt she had for his insults.

"Yes, you're correct in that I haven't had the most respectable of degrees. I barely managed to pass public high school, and I never pursued any form of higher education. However, you hired your brother when he was merely 12, therefore the job doesn't really require a high degree, does it?"

"He is my brother and exception to the rule. I've had numerous celebrities offer to host, and I've turned them all down. What makes you think you, as a nobody, is perfect for the job?"

"Because…" A blush crept onto her face. A smirk emerged on Kaiba's face as he took note of her flustered face.

"If I may interrupt again," Hamada spoke up at once, "I believe Ms. Amano is a bit too shy to explain her reasons, or she feels out of place. Mokuba Kaiba has played both host and commissioner for Battle City. I've observed that it's been rather taxing on him to be in these two positions recently. Now, I daresay you wouldn't trust anybody else with position of commissioner, therefore I suggest hiring someone else as host."

Kaiba was quick to remark, "Theoretically speaking, if I do choose to split Mokuba's job, would it not be better to hire someone who is actually well-known? I would think a famous duelist would be a good match as well. I could list five off the top of my head."

"I believe the risk of hiring Ms. Amano will be worth it. I'm unsure if you're aware, Mr. Kaiba, but public opinion concerning her is more than exceptional."

"What on earth are you talking about?" Kaiba's voice raised a little, confused on what Hamada was trying to argue, "I have never seen her name on any news outlet."

"Because I wanted to remain anonymous," Kisara chimed into the conversation before she could let Hamada continue arguing in her place, "There was an incident at the KaibaLand in Osaka a month ago, that I am sure you are aware of."

Kaiba's eyes glazed over Kisara's eyes. He slightly squinted as his mind tried to identify whatever had happened in one of his many theme parks. As soon as his memory clicked, his eyebrows furrowed.

"You can't be…"

"But I was…."


ANONYMOUS WOMAN SAVES LIVES IN KAIBALAND OSAKA

"What is this?!"

It was May, and Seto Kaiba's temper erupted faster than the heat of summer. His palm slammed against his podium as his other hand pointed fingers at the projection behind him. The CEO had called upon representatives of Kaibaland management to confront the recent incident that had occurred.

"I would really like to know how a simple citizen was able to identify a constructive fault in one of our thrill rides. How was the fault even possible? What is the point of this company hiring the brightest engineers and construction workers out there if none of them can do their damn job?! We have no tolerance for human error! It's as if all of you are begging for me to replace everyone with robots!"


"...the woman who recognized there was something wrong in the cables of the Blue-Eyes Jet Coaster. Also, whoever was operator was rather apathetic. I tried arguing with him, but he wouldn't budge or bothered to check. I forcibly stopped the next round of rides myself by sneaking past him to get to the control center and ushering everyone to get out of their seats. I happened to make a big commotion about it and demanded closer inspection. If a few more rides continued, there would have been fatal accidents," Kisara finished her story. Although her act was heroic, she didn't voice a prideful tone. Her voice was rather concerning and soft in explanation.

"I'm curious," Kaiba crossed his arms as he interrogated her, "How were you able to recognize such a specific component of a large machine?"

"That would require me to delve into some details of my life that I'm sure you're uninterested in. Bottom line, I'm experienced with construction, and my knowledge saved people."

Kaiba didn't know how to respond. He scrutinized the lady in front him and found himself slightly disappointed that she didn't care to share her life story. He would never admit his curiosity. It would mean she was worth learning about.

"Ms. Amano's bravery attracted much attention from the public, and if I may add," Hamada continued off of Kisara's explanation, "when photos of her were published into the media, there was quite a demand in identifying who she was. Not only was she courageous, but her beauty also attracted many curious figures."

"Reo-er, I mean, Mr. Hamada," Kisara's cheeks flushed redder than they ever did as her tongue slipped on Hamada's name. Kaiba noticed this especially, and his heart beat at a faster pace. She addressed Hamada by his first name. Why? Had she grown closer to him? For some unknown reason, he felt his hands start to sweat as Kisara continued, "Please, my appearance wasn't a factor."

"But it was, Ms. Amano," Hamada gave Kisara a warm smile as his eyes focused entirely on her, "You are beautiful, and it's an advantage. In fact, a lot of people connected you to the Maiden with Eyes of Blue card since you were discovered in KaibaLand. The idea of hiring a new host was already in the works, but I reached out to you because I believed that your image, not only your act, would fit perfectly as a host. Gorgeous blue eyes and pale hair such as yours harmonize with Mr. Kaiba's favorite monster. Don't you agree Mr. Kaiba? Would her looks not fit in with your company's image?"

Kaiba let out a huge sigh as his right hand went up to his forehead to massage his temples. He couldn't help his huge headache as he tried composing his thoughts. He chose to ignore Hamada's question and instead stared directly at Kisara despite addressing Hamada. There was somewhat of a valid reason to accept her as host. Employment could be a fitting thanks for her prevention of what could have been an utter disaster for his park's reputation.

"I will consult with Mokuba concerning his job. If it is absolutely true that he cannot handle both positions, I will consider hiring someone as host with Ms. Amano in mind. Although she has attracted some attention, I want to ensure that she will remain popular enough in the public's eye by the time Battle City rolls around. Perhaps, if Mokuba's decision aligns with your plans, Hamada, you could find some way to promote her underneath the company's name before officially declaring her as host. Call it a test if you may. Is my conclusion satisfactory to your ambition?"

Hamada graciously replied, "That is wonderful to hear. Thank you for your consideration, Mr. Kaiba."

"Your food is here," the same server came back to the three's table and elegantly placed each platter on the table.

The three dined and ended up conversing about food for the rest of Kaiba's lunch break. Kisara made sure to give regards to Kaiba's choice of food.


Kaiba had left the restaurant sooner than Reo and Kisara.

The remaining two approached the front desk of the restaurant, in which Reo inquired, "May I ask for the bill for our two meals? I don't think we received the bill at the table."

The lady at the desk glanced up and answered, "Your table's bill has been paid for by Seto Kaiba."

"Are you sure? That can't be right," Reo nervously chuckled, "He never pays for others."

"I'm quite sure, sir."

"Ah...alright, have a good day," Reo waved his farewell as Kisara trailed behind him outside.

What was once a clear sky had transformed grey and dreary. Pelts of rain were falling rapidly and the individual sounds of each drop conglomerated into a booming effect upon the restaurant awning that protected Reo and Kisara.

"I'm quite disappointed that I couldn't pay for you, Kisara," a bemused Reo turned towards Kisara as he continued, "I suppose Seto Kaiba is dating the both of us since he paid our bills."

Kisara laughed at Reo's observation of Kaiba's choice before replying, "No worries, Reo. It just means you owe me another date." She winked at him playfully before asking, "Is it true that he never does this? Why is it so that he chose to pay for the both of us today?"

"Maybe he felt bad about putting you down the other day and wanted to pay for your bill. Since the great Seto Kaiba wouldn't dare to appear apologetic towards a person, he decided to pay for me as well to cover his good heart. It's really just extra spare change compared to his bank account, so I suppose it wouldn't count as much. Have you got any theories?"

Kisara stretched out her arms and a huge smile drew on her face, "Nope! I guess the world will never know the motives behind Seto Kaiba's acts of kindness!"

As soon as she had finished her last sentence, she felt Reo's arms wrap around her waist. His warmth radiated through her body as she felt her heart accelerate. Her arms settled around his neck as his lips met hers. It was a tender kiss that gave hints of passion from either party, yet its duration was stopped short as Reo was the first to pull back.

"Let's continue this after I get off of work today," he suggested.

"You read my mind," Kisara grinned and looked out into the rest of the world, "I'm guessing neither of us read the forecast today?"

"Nope, but we can easily make a run to my car," Reo remarked. He pulled off his suit jacket and draped it around Kisara's shoulders. Kisara accepted his suit jacket and pulled the article over her head as the two speedily rushed out.


Kaiba relieved a sigh as his head relaxed against the seat of his car. He needed a moment of silence to recollect his thoughts. He replayed the entire conversation at the restaurant in his head and landed on the moment Hamada mentioned Kisara's resemblance to the Maiden with Eyes of Blue card. His stomach twisted into knots as he recalled the origin of the card.

A year following the Pharaoh's return to the afterlife, Pegasus had chucked an opportunity at Kaiba to create his own card. Call it a birthday gift of sorts. At the time, he only wanted to something that could only strengthen his blue eyes white dragon-centered deck. He had based the card's negating ability from the story of the priest and his dragon, on how the girl who embodied the spirit of the dragon had protected the priest. He remembered initially wanting to name the card "Kisara" but felt that it was too personal in a sense. Never did he imagine that he would meet the replica, yet he didn't want to acknowledge her resemblance.

Fuck. Seto, get a grip on yourself.

In an attempt to rid his thoughts of her, he started his car and pulled out the parking lot. The way to KaibaCorp required him to pass by the front of the restaurant. He had to stop close to the front as a red light appeared. As he glanced out the window, he felt his heart immediately sink to the pits of his stomach as soon as he registered what had transpired.

There she stood, embraced, arms returning the favor around another man's neck and lips touching base with that man's lips. Kaiba's body grew numb as his eyes froze on the couple, hands gripping the steering wheel with a force greater than he had ever applied. He watched the other man shroud her in his suit jacket and assist her with one arm as they both fled, and he felt his head and heart crash into mayhem.

All sound was deafening as the storm's thunder clashed with his own mental tempest. It took an embarrassingly long time for him to notice the blaring honks of the vehicles behind his as the stop light turned green. He closed his eyes, took in deep breaths, and went on his way back to work.

I don't care. I don't care. I don't care.

"I don't care," he mumbled underneath his breath once he pulled into the front of KaibaCorp. He got out his car and tossed his keys to a valet, along with his last ounce of care.

Or so he most longingly hoped.