I'd never seen blood drain from a person's face, but both Joey and Tea became salt-pale at my admission. It was silent for a moment, then Joey positively screamed, "WHAT?"

Yugi, Duke, and Tristan were all stunned into silence. Tea was the only one who seemed to be maintaining a level of calm. "But you said you knew Kaiba from his partnership with your father's company!"

"That's how it started out. But we started seeing a lot of each other, and…"

Joey looked furious. "So you dated that snobby, stuck-up jerk?"

"He wasn't always like that, you know! He could be kind when he wanted to be." As I continued telling the story, I thought back to the way it used to be, when the world's most sought-after bachelor was mine.

"Like I said, we met through KaibaCorp's partnership with Industrial Illusions. It was obvious, now that I think about it, but my father was trying to set us up together. We'd get together for a dinner meeting and he'd be suddenly 'called away on business,' leaving me and Kaiba together on an apparent date. Or he'd invite Kaiba over to look at some new proposals and then 'forget' that he had meetings with investors all day and would ask me to take care of it for him.

"After a while, Kaiba and I just got used to each other, and one day, when he asked me out, it just felt like the next logical step. We began to see each other outside of doing business, and I'll admit, it wasn't easy getting along with him.

"But every once in a while, that wall he built around himself would crack, and I'd see the lonely, vulnerable person he really was. Then, it would make all the aggravation seem worthwhile.

"We dated for about a year, keeping our relationship a complete secret. This, I might add, is extraordinarily difficult to accomplish when your father and your boyfriend are the world's two most powerful businessmen. One evening, we were having a quiet night in at Kaiba's mansion," at this, Joey uttered a derisive snort, "and he…popped the question."

I remembered it vividly; the way he presented the incredibly expensive engagement ring with a flourish; the fact that he didn't get down on one knee, as was traditional. Even when proposing, Seto Kaiba refused to kneel to anyone.

"I accepted his proposal, but only because I couldn't think of any reasons not to at the time. Of course, my father was thrilled when he found out. We were engaged for two weeks, and on the night before we planned to announce the engagement to the public, I asked Kaiba if he really truly wanted to marry me." At this, my cheeks turned red and my eyes began to burn. I clenched my hands into fists and continued, determined not to become emotional over this.

"He told me that the reason he had even asked me out in the first place was that my father hinted that there might be benefits in the arrangement for him if we became close. He even let slip that whoever married me would also inherit Industrial Illusions. Kaiba saw this as a smart business deal, as an acquisition, so he agreed to try and win me over." I chewed on my tongue, hoping the pain would distract me from the tears that threatened to build up and spill over.

"Kaiba admitted that he wasn't in love with me, and when he told me that, I admitted to us both that, while I cared for him deeply, I wasn't in love with him either." I sighed. There. It was all out in the open now. It was silent in the car, except for the hum of rubber tires against asphalt. When Yugi spoke, his voice was soft and shy.

"So, why does he owe you a favor?"

I gave a half-hearted little smile. "I let him out of the engagement with no conditions or concessions on his part. The two of us had a very long talk that night, and we decided that although business-wise, the marriage was a good thing, it wouldn't last and would just lead to ugly feelings and financial losses. Besides, we were both too young, only sixteen."

Duke piped up. "I'll say! Isn't it illegal to get married before you're eighteen?"

"If you have your parent or guardian's permission, you can get married whenever you want. Of course my father would've given us his blessing; it was his idea to begin with. And Kaiba has no legal guardian; he can do pretty much whatever he wants." I sighed. "But still, sixteen is way too young to get married." I realized I was sitting hunched over, looking down at my feet and avoiding any sort of eye contact with anyone. I sat up straight and looked everybody in the eye. "So that's why Kaiba owes me a favor. Any more questions?"

Tristan said, "Yeah, what's this favor you're cashing in? It seems pretty important."

I brushed my damp hair back from my face. "There's an object I need to do some tests on, and he's the only one with the technology and equipment that can do it."

"What about your father? Can't he help?"

I tried to keep my voice steady. "I'd rather not ask him right now. I still haven't quite forgiven him for what he did at Duelist Kingdom. When I have, I can face him again, but not now."

The rest of the ride was silent. I could only hope that it was because they were simply processing all the new information, and that they weren't upset with me. It was very obvious that Yugi's group of friends didn't get along so well with Kaiba, especially Joey. Although, if I remembered correctly, it sounded as though Kaiba owed Yugi his very soul, as well as the soul of his younger brother.

I smiled; this was the only upside to going to KaibaCorp. I'd get to see Mokuba again. He was a sweet little kid, although he was steadily inheriting his brother's egotistical mannerisms and fierce stubbornness. I hadn't seen him in about a year, although he sent me an email occasionally, and truth be told, I kind of missed him.

We pulled up to the intimidating office building that towered over the entire city. Typical Kaiba, I thought dryly as we all climbed out of the car. The guards, who must've known we were coming, let us by without a word. Kaiba's right-hand man, Roland, was waiting by the elevator. "Mr. Kaiba's waiting for you in his office, Miss Naomi. Go on up."

"Thank you, Roland." I turned to the others. "I appreciate you guys coming with me, but I think I should do this alone."

Tea looked a little hurt. "Naomi, I really don't think that's a good idea."

"Trust me. The less people in there, the better."

Yugi stepped up, and I was surprised to hear that deep voice that was becoming so familiar. "I'm going with you. You shouldn't go anywhere alone."

I was about to answer, but decided that he was probably right. I didn't like being looked after, but in this case, it seemed wise. I nodded that it was alright for him to accompany me.

Just before we got into the elevator, Joey grabbed my arm. "Hey, did you and Kaiba…you didn't kiss him, didja?" He looked nauseated at the very thought.

I blushed. "Well, we were dating for a year, Joey. Of course we kissed."

Joey's head looked like it was about to explode.

We climbed onto the elevator, and I noticed that Yugi, incredibly, looked a little miffed, although why he should be concerned about my relationship with Kaiba confused me. It wasn't like we were still together. Kaiba and I were on friendly terms (well, as friendly as one could ever get where Seto Kaiba was concerned), but I didn't harbor any romantic feelings for him. I sighed; the media was always spewing drivel about what complicated creatures women are, but when it came to men, they could be just as enigmatic.

We finally got the top of the tower, and the elevator doors opened directly into Kaiba's office, which was as spacious and severe as I'd expect. He sat at his desk, back ramrod straight, with his elbows resting on the edge of the wood and his fingers laced together, looking down his nose at us in a very condescending manner. I almost laughed at the way he was still trying to intimidate me, even though he knew I was way past that. I strode up to him confidently and crossed my arms over my chest.

"You know, it's considered good manners to stand when a lady enters the room." I cocked an eyebrow, waiting.

He gave me one quick, burning look, then rose to his feet and extended one long hand for me to grasp.

"Naomi."

"Kaiba."

He looked over my shoulder and nodded curtly in acknowledgement Yugi's presence, then led us over to a small sitting space just off of the main office. The chairs and couches were designer, covered in rich, solid fabrics and plush padding. I sank into a wing-backed chair and primly crossed my legs at the ankle. Kaiba, sitting in a chair across from mine, looked me over pointedly. I realized that I was still in my bathing suit and shorts. My two-piece bathing suit that, at the moment, was affording everyone a clear look at my midriff and chest. I blushed but refused to look away. I wouldn't explain myself to him. I sat back a little and let him speak first.

"So. Where is it?"

I held out my hand. "Right here, where it's always been." He knew of my ring, knew of its origins. After all, at one time, we were rather close. His cold blue eyes widened a bit when he saw it, but then they became mocking, incredulous.

"You're telling me that your ring has untapped energy within in? Naomi, if I'd known you were coming to me with a wild goose chase, I wouldn't have bothered to make time for you. I thought your father's company had discovered some new power source but didn't know how to test it."

I opened my mouth to speak, but Yugi cut me off. "Kaiba, you should know well enough that there are objects that hold extreme power. I highly doubt that Naomi would've come to you if she wasn't absolutely sure."

I squirmed when I realized that Yugi was referring to when my father had captured Kaiba's soul using the power of his Millennium Eye. This was why Kaiba was acting so coldly professional; he was angry at my father. I cleared my throat, leaned forward, and held the hand with the ring on it out to him.

"Will you just look at it? Maybe you can discover something about it that I can't."

He sighed and rolled his eyes, but reached for my hand. The instant after my skin made contact with his, the ring began to glow with a soft golden light. It grew gently warm on my finger, like it had the moment when Yugi had first transformed into the confident version of his shyer self. It was the same, yet it was different. Whereas that warmth had felt like the reclaiming of a lost love, this felt like the greeting of an old family member that once was very close. I knew Kaiba could feel something, too, because his eyes were wide and disbelieving.

I withdrew my hand. This made no sense! Before, my ring had only reacted like this when another Millennium Item had been near. I knew that Kaiba didn't possess such an item, he had no need for collecting ancient trinkets. I had come here seeking answers, but only found myself asking more questions. What in the world was going on?

Yugi spoke again. "Kaiba, I know you felt something. I can see it in your eyes. Can you really keep denying the fact that these items are filled with magic?"

Kaiba regained the little composure that had slipped. "Grow up, Yugi. Aren't you little old to believe in magic?" He spoke the word as if it were poisonous, not letting it linger on his tongue. "However, it's nice to know that you were right about something, Naomi. There is power in this ring. I'll do some tests on it and get back to you with the results."

"You won't have to…to hurt in any way, will you?"

"No. You'll get it back unaltered. Although," he added, a cold smile curling on his thin mouth, "if I can find a way to extract and utilize that power, I will."

I leaned forward. "Kaiba," I replied earnestly, "if you can get the energy out of the ring, you can keep it. I make no claim on it. You can take all the credit."

"You're too kind." He was silent for a moment, looking me over again, his eyes traveling slowly and methodically up, down, and back up again. "May I ask what the reason is behind your, ah, outfit?"

"We went the beach today, Kaiba. I'd think, with your supposedly superior intellect, you'd be able to figure that out on your own." His eyes narrowed, but I simply cocked an eyebrow.

Just then, the door to Kaiba's office burst open. To my relief and delight, Mokuba came through the door. When he saw me, his face broke into a huge smile. "Naomi!"

He ran to me, and I stood so he could wrap his arms enthusiastically around me. "It's good to see you, Mokuba!"

"You too!" I hugged him tightly, then held him at arm's length, looking him over.

"You've grown, little guy!" I grabbed handfuls of his hair. "And so has your hair! Good Lord, it looks like a big black bush!"

He laughed. "Thanks! So what brings you here?"

I tousled his hair. "Your brother's just helping me out by running some tests on a possible energy source." I let him go and stepped back. "I wish we could talk more, but I think we should be going." I reluctantly pulled the ring from my finger and dropped it in Kaiba's outstretched hand. "Thank you, Kaiba, and please let me know as soon as you find something."

He nodded, and stood to walk us to the door. I afforded myself another look at Mokuba, and was disheartened to see that he looked upset. I wished I could stay longer, I really did, but just these few minutes had been very taxing. It wasn't that being around Kaiba caused me to ache over the past we'd shared, it was just that the constant coldness and hostility he exhibited toward anyone he considered beneath him (which was everybody but his brother) was draining on my patience.

The elevator doors dinged open, and as I took a step to enter, I felt a long hand on my shoulder.

"Naomi."

I turned back and saw that a little of the ice in Kaiba's arctic eyes had melted. They were a little softer, and I was reminded of the times when, just for a moment, he let his guard slip a little. He allowed himself a small but genuine smile.

"It was good to see you again."

I was a little taken aback, but I managed to smile back. "You too, Seto."

When I addressed him by his first name, his eyes hardened again and he removed his hand from my shoulder. Yugi and I stepped into the elevator, and I sighed heavily. Oh well. I hadn't been able to change him when he was mine, and I supposed I never would. I hoped to whoever was listening that he would find someone who could tear his guard down someday. He deserved that, at least.


Aww, no cliffhanger this time :( Oh well, hope you enjoyed. And I'm sorry about the "fluffiness" of the last chapter. It was inspired by a trip to the lake with friends (because I live in the Midwest US and that's the closest we have to a beach). Again, sorry. Reviews are greatly appreciated, I LOVE hearing from you guys! Cheers!