About a year after she started working for Kiaba Corp, her grandmother fell down the steps of her apartment complex. They were very lucky that Ari went over to check on her and found her only a few hours after she fell. Arianna spent every night for three weeks at the hospital with the elderly woman. She showered there, went to work and then came right back. As her grandmother slept and recovered from her surgery that repaired her broken hip and shattered right clavicle, Ari either was on her laptop working or sleeping with her head resting on the bed and butt in the chair. The entire hospital stay, Seto had no idea what was going on. She hid her lack of sleep well and was on top of her job as she was every normal day. And as time slipped on, she supported the doctor's advice on sending her grandmother to a nursing facility to have in house rehab. There was no way that Ari could work for her boss and care for her grandmother at the same time. Joy was not happy at all with the decision. However, she reluctantly gave up on arguing and went.

Koi Gardens was a combination of a rehabilitation and long term nursing facility. It laid in the heart of the Domino Suburbia. Lush green gardens were fenced in between the two long term halls. It had a cobblestone patio, with a stone pond filled with the facilities namesake fish tangled inside with the lily pads. The residents could enjoy feeding them, basking in the sun or perching under the gazebo for activities during the summer. With the days easing into spring, those activities would begin again. Joy Burns loved to play balloon volleyball and scattegories with the residents who were more mentally with it. That is, on her good days.

The rooms were spacious, as they should be with two occupants to a room. The walls had cream paint, and each room had a different shade on the trim to match whichever floral border was up. Her grandmother got one of the iris rooms. The trim was a sweet shade of purple, and swirls of the flower border were up at the walls. The bed was a full twin size with standard white sheets. Ari found this overly mundane and had brought her grandmother her quilt and some pictures to the blank walls. There was a television on each wall and a curtain to separate them. It was quaint. There was a homey component to it by the time she was done. Not to mention the staff was very pleasant in both the nursing and rehab departments.

It was about a month into her stay did the staff realize there was something not quiet right. Ari only visited on Sunday's, which meant that she never really caught on. Joy Burns was forgetting a lot. Who she was; where she was; and even what year it was. Ari always had induced that it was an elderly moment. She didn't know the severity of it until one afternoon she came in and found her grandmother in a confused rage and fighting with staff. It was then that the doctor diagnosed her with Alzheimer's disease. As the doctor explained it to her, a little more of her heart broke with each word. It was such a horrid disease that slowly eats away at the brain until death. First it is memory, short then long term. And in the end it turns out that the nerves in the brain get so degraded that the brain forgets to send signals to the heart to keep pumping. That diagnosis was made four years ago. Now the elder was setting into the loss of long term. It never seemed to move very fast. On that aspect, they were lucky.

As routine, Ari was driving towards Koi Gardens on the brisk Sunday afternoon for her weekly visit. The sleek ruby red two seat convertible eased down the roads, passing the suburbs with ease. There were some perks about being the CEO of Kiaba Corps' girlfriend. Not that she was a materialistic woman. She wasn't. Ari loved Seto for all his personality quirks. However, the car was a Christmas presence that she would not complain about. She was wearing not only a bright smile, but khaki shorts and a stylish purple tank top. Her hair was back in a tight French braid. Sunglasses protected her eyes from the sun and loose strands that wiped around from the wind. Ari pressed her foot down, accelerating forward through a green light. "How much further?" He asked. He sounded exacerbated almost; like a child on a long trip. It was funny. Yes, today she was not visiting alone. Seto was sitting in the passenger seat, head faced forward with his arms crossed over his broad chest. It took a little bribing, and groping on her part to convince him to come with her. He still wasn't happy with it. Just with the tournament around the corner he had a preference to work. Ari was certain that Seto did not mind her convincing so much.

"About five minutes." She said. Chuckling, she glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes. She couldn't see his eyes through his own shades, but the usual scowl pulled down on the corners of his mouth. He was so serious! That is how the world always saw him. Seto Kiaba; CEO and one of the business worlds calmest and level headed moguls. She didn't bother to add cold hearted. That was a lie the tabloids labeled him as. The world didn't see the side of him that she saw. Seto is a loving brother, devoted boyfriend. She even is able to get him to smile occasionally. Then there was the lust side of him. That particular side of him loved pinning her between him and an inanimate object so he could devour her lips with his own. Her thighs shook a little, feeling a heat pool between her thighs at the thought. "Patience is a virtue." She chimed.

Seto chuckled. Well, it was actually a mix of a scoff and a laugh. It was rare he ever fully whole heartily laughed. 'So is purity." There was a pause as Seto reached over and placed a palm against her thigh. "But you and I both know you are a very naughty girl." Ari jumped a little, her cheeks bright red. His thumb traced back and forth against her bare flesh. It was an electric sensation that his fingers caused. Goosebumps roused from her skin, betraying that his touch was having an effect on her. She attempted so hard to keep a straight face. It wasn't working. Her lips parted in a heavy sigh as he continued the simple but mind numbing movements.

Damn! It was so hard to think about anything else. His hands were warm. His fingers were tender to the touch. They trailed a little further upward until they traced the inseam of her shorts. Ari shivered and accidently let out a moan. Damn, that was the wrong thing to do. Seto's smirk only broadened. Damn it. She knew that smirk. She knew it all too well. His fingers pressed a bit harder against her shorts. She guessed that he had a marvelous sense of direction because that particular spot he pressed against was one of her more sensitive areas between her thighs.

She moaned a little louder, thankful the wind covered the noise. That would be the worst thing for strangers in traffic to hear and notice. "Naughty." He whispered in her ear. What the hell? When did he lean over right by her ear? His voice, as deep and smooth as it was, sent a shiver down her spine. Oh Jesus…not now…this is not the time to even think about getting aroused. It was to late. She could feel the heat and moisture settled in her black undies. The familiar need filled inside her. She needed him. A woman could only go so long on only foreplay. But neither of them really had the time to spend with extracurricular activities. Not with their work schedule.

That familiar sign with the two orange Koi fish dancing around one another had never been a more welcomed sight. 'Oh look we are here!" she chirped. All signs of arousal were gone from her features, even though she still felt it. And oh, she felt it. It was a continuing burning need that close to consuming her. It was amazing that she was able to contain herself at the moment. Seto, since they started dating, woke a new fire inside of her. His touch. His kiss. It was taking a lot of her control not to jump him in that convertible right there in the nursing home parking lot. That would be one hell of a story to tell authorities. Arianna perched her sunglasses on top of her head and turned the car off. The sun danced down, kissing her cheeks and warming them to the touch. She stepped out, grabbing her purse from behind her seat while Seto took a hold of the navy blue canvas bag filled with goodies for Grandma Burns. It wasn't much, just some snacks, a few shirts and elastic bracelets. Ari looked over at him and smiled.

How did she get so lucky?

Seto had to be one of the most handsome men; in casual clothing as much as his tuxedo. He wore dark jeans, with a white button up long sleeve that were rolled up to his elbow with the first two buttons undone. His brunette hair shagged down into his bright blue eyes. So handsome. So very handsome. She offered him a bright smile and walked around the car to him. One arm wrapped around his waist as she came face to face with him. He peered down at her, his lips a tad curled upwards in a half smile. His eyes bore into her honey brown ones, and then danced over her features. His arm came around her body as he pulled her close to him. She laughed, shaking her head once. That look in his eyes, it was like he was staring at his precious blue eyes card. Now she felt very special.

There was a sparkle in his blue eyes that seemed to subtly light up her face. "What?" she questioned.

He simply shrugged. "Nothing." He stated. "You are just so beautiful." Another blush flourished against the apples of her cheeks. That was the sweet Seto she was coming to know and love. It wasn't to often that he came out in public. But she lived it when he did. She smiled and welcomed the kiss to her forehead.

"Aren't you so sweet." She teased. He chuckled once and shook his head. They unraveled their arms from around one another. She took his hand and began walking to the automatic front doors with him in tow. This was probably the best time to warn him. "Okay Seto, there are a few things you need to know." She started. Each of their steps were in stride with one another. "First of all, these residents have a variety of conditions. Some are lucid and some aren't. Just be prepared. Second, these people are huggers. Especially the old women when they see you coming." She said.

"Me?" he questioned.

"Yes. There isn't much eye candy around here. And lets fact it baby, you are like cake to a fat kid." She explained. That got a good laugh out of him. It was amazing that he finally managed to get her flourished comparisons and find them funny. It took her weeks to get him understand it. He shook his head and then peered down at her. They shared a quick kiss before coming right up to the doors. "Oh, you might want to prepare yourself for Grandma. She is a…well….she is Grandma Burns." There really was no way to describe her grandmother's quirks.

"Dare I ask what that means?" he asked. The only thing she could offer him was a smile. The automatic doors opened to welcome them into the facility. Walking into the reception area, Ari recognized the girl behind the desk. She was a high school student, working part time to save for college. She wanted to get a degree in Biology. Arianna stopped and talked to her a few times. She was a sweet girl.

"Good afternoon Yumi." Ari greeted. The dark straight haired girl smiled brightly.

"Good after noon Miss Bur…" she trailed off. She must have caught sight of Seto. A handsome famous man walking into the Kai Gardens must not be a normal thing. The girl was speechless. Arianna chuckled as she lead him around the corner to the first wing. Let the stare fest begin. And that it did. People were staring left and right at the couple. Most of them were women of all the staffing departments. A few recognized Ari and greeted her. Other were a bit pre-occupied with the eye candy on her arm. How could she blame them? She had a hunk of a man.

"It smells like piss in here." He groaned unpleasantly in her ear.

"These people have no control over their bladder. They pee all over themselves." She whispered back to him. 'What do you expect?" He just shrugged and continued to walk beside her.

"Flowers and Clorox?" he suggested. Ari bit her lip to keep herself from laughing. She figured that she owed him big for this.

They continued down their path until they come to the next to the last room on the back hall of the first wing. The door was open, revealing a light skinned, long midnight black haired woman dressed in a pink dress with green and yellow flowers on it. She was alone in the room, which meant her roommate was more than likely out at activities. Joy Burns was a tiny frail woman. She was small in general, but lately she was a bit more gaunt than usual. She wasn't in the best of moods. Not eating as much as she usually did, and continuously sitting in the rocking chair and watching the birds out of the window.

"Hi Ari!" the young woman turned from her spot in the doorway to see a busty older woman in light green scrubs coming towards her. Mary-Lynn had been Grandma's nurse aide since the elder was admitted there. She was a very good with her grandmother, and Ari trusted the woman with her life to care for Grandma Burns. "I guess it is Sunday already." The woman paused and looked at Seto. "Who is this?" Arianna chuckled. This woman was so happy all of the time. She always had a smile. And frankly, that smile was infectious.

"Mary-Lynn, this is my boyfriend Seto. Seto, this is Grandma's nurse aide." The woman was all laughs as she reached out and shook his hand vigorously. He didn't have much of a reaction to her. He just nodded respectfully. However, Ari could see him flex his hand as it retracted to his side. She must have had one hell of a grip. "So how is she doing?" Ari asked.

"She hasn't been too bad today. Are all her breakfast and lunch. Around 12:30 she went to brain teasers in Oortori hall." She said. Both women looked into the room. "She knew it was Sunday." Mary-Lynn quietly added. "Because she said her grandbaby was coming today. Even during lunch time we could not get her to put her brush down to eat." Arianna started to laugh. Every visit, Ari would brush the woman's hair while Joy sang to her. Lately, Ari had to sing because Joy was forgetting the words. It was the same song that was sun in her youth. It was the perfect end to their visits together. "She will be happy to see you both."

Arianna chuckled and walked into the room. Two steps in and she announced her presence in the room. "Hey Grandma!" she chimed with a pleasant smile. The woman didn't turn her head. Instead she chuckled.

"Ari baby." Her drawl was sweet and slow. Her voice stead and showed signed of her age. "There are birds out here." Ari walked forward and sat on the edge of the bed. She looked out the window at the bird feeders she set up the previous summer. A red elegant bird perched on one of the feeders and pecked at the seeds within the clear cylinder. "Spring is so pretty."

"Yes mame it is." She said in return. Joy turned her slightly clouded gaze to the younger Burns woman. Arianna smiled and took the hand she outstretched to her.

"I swear you aged overnight. What happened to that little girl I use to know? You have gotten so big and pretty." She exclaimed. A sense of relief washed over her. She remembered her. Thank god! Every week she came to visit, a deep fear pitted in her stomach. She feared that her own grandmother would forget her. She was blessed that part of her memory had left. Not yet. Ari smiled as her grandmother cupped both her cheeks and kissed various points on her cheeks, nose and forehead. One walking by would think it's been weeks since they saw each other. And in Joy Burn's mind it had been. The woman's mind, because of the disease, had lost all tracks of time and short-term memory. Even though Ari had been there only a week prior, Joy did not remember.

"Arianna, where should I put this?" she turned, looking at her boyfriend.

"On the bed please." He nodded and obeyed. Joy always was excited when gifts were brought for her, especially when it was food. The elder woman had one hell of a sweet tooth. Instead o looking at the bag, her eyes were trained onto Seto. He looked back and slowly raised his eyebrow. It was an awkward silence as Jay seemed to be glaring at Seto and subtly studying him at the same time. The word awkward would almost be describing the situation. She was certain there was another word. She just couldn't think it. Ari was just sitting there in a confused state at her grandmother's actions. She had brought Claire and Mokuba with her before and Joy never acted with malicious suspicion. Seto, however weird this all was, remained his calm CEO self. "Good after noon Miss Burns, my name is Seto. I have the pleasure of dating your granddaughter."

That was smooth.

"For now you are." She spat.

"Grandma!" Arianna exclaimed. Joy held a finger to her lips and indicated the girl to be quiet. She had learned as a child not to argue with Grandma Burns.

"Tell me sir, what kind of job do you hold?" She questioned. Ari inwardly grimaced. It was about to be the Spanish Inquisition here in the Koi Gardens. Burns vs. Kiaba.

"I am a CEO of a company, mame." He answered.

"Do you drink?"

"Only on special occasions." Was the reply.

"Do you smoke?"

"No."

The questions continued on for a good five to ten minutes. She asked about his habits, work, home and family. Seto's answers were truthful in every aspect. And with her grandmother's accusing tone, Seto replied with the calm at home tone that he used specially with her and Mokuba. It was incredible. She had been on the other end of that questioning before and would admit Grandma Burns scared the mess outta her. It made CEO's look like saints. But Seto was taking each question with graceful stride. It was impressive to say the least. He was keeping his cool, and even managed to hold back a grin when she asked him if he had a STD. That question itself made Ari blush like mad with embarrassment. She couldn't believe that she had just asked that. Thank god her grandmother's eyesight was bad enough not to see her blush.

"So you are tell me, young man, that you are able to take care of my granddaughter in any way and through any situation that life may bring between you both? She asked her final question.

Seto looked over at Ari. Their eyes met. A warmth spread through her. That look in his eyes was one she never seen him give her before. He looked at her with oozing affection, devotion and warmth. That look took her breath away. She smiled and reached out to him. He took her hand and came over to stand beside her. "I can promise you, mame, as long as I am with her I will give her the world." Arianna smiled and tilted her head up to welcome the sweet momentary kiss he pressed against her lips.

There was a long moment of pause. One second. Two. Three. It was slightly nerve racking. Joy Burns just sat there watching him. There was another moment of fright. Please don't let this be a blank out. Please don't let her be having a memory relapse. Then she spoke and put Arianna completely at ease. "Then welcome to the family boy." She laughed Seto sparred a smile for her. She attempted to get up, but that wasn't going to happen. Arthritis in the knees does that to a person. "Excuse me! Old age." She attempted to laugh it off, but Arianna knew better. Joy was afraid of needing a wheelchair. They had this discussion the other Sunday, so PT was helping with her range of motion exercises three times a week.

"Don't worry mame." He said, sitting down beside Arianna on the end of the bed. "You stay comfortable."

Joy chuckled and reached over to pat his knee. A sign of endearment. That was good! Her grandmother's approval was one of the things that she wanted most. And it looked like she was going to get it. Arianna leaned over and kissed her boyfriend's cheek. "Thank you." She whispered in his ear. His response was a gentle squeeze of her hand. It was a silent 'you are welcome'. The rest of the visit went off without a hitch. Sometimes they sat in silence and watched the birds. Grandma Joy sat in her chair and Ari was content leaning into Seto's arms. Other times they talked, reminiscing on her life and Arianna's childhood. Some of those stories were ones she rather Seto not know about. He didn't say anything. He just smirked. Fuck. She was certain that she was going to get an earful at home.

Around five o'clock something rather odd happened. Grandma Joy had begun to space out, and Arianna knew that the night was going to get rough. Sun downing is what her aide explained was a sudden change in her behavior. They didn't know why it happened, but she did know that she didn't enjoy being around it. Seto was sitting on the bed still, watching as Arianna stood behind her grandmother's chair and brushed her hair. His cell phone ran, causing Ari to scowl lightly at him. They had agreed ne cell phones. He offered her a slightly apologetic look. "I am going to toss that out the window." She threatened with a tease.

Seto just smirked at her, answered the phone and stepped out into the hall. "Kiaba." He answered. That is all she heard. Ari turned back to focus what she was doing. The brush pulled effortlessly through her hair. Three. Four. She mentally counted the strokes of the brush while humming the lullaby. It was keeping both women rather calm.

"Ari, sweetie." She said. Ari paused and looked at the top of the elder woman's head. "You didn't tell me that you were a princess." Ari laughed and went back to brushing her hair.

"Who told you that Grandma?" she asked. The answer she got was one that would make her stomach drop and her skin pale.

"The bright blond haired man did." She said. Arianna quickly moved around the chair and knelt in front of her. She looked at her gulping once.

"What man?" she questioned.

Joy just looked out the window, a blank glaze over her eyes. NO! Not now! Don't let her space out now! It wasn't even fully dusk yet! She opened her mouth, "It was a man that said he was a guardian and you were his princess." The woman smiled at her. "He came to see me and asked about you." There was another pause as she turned her head back to the window. "To think, my grand baby is a princess."

Ari felt like she wanted to vomit. Her stomach twisted violently into a knot. That creepy guy from the arcade was following her. He came to her grandmother. What was the probability that he knew where she lived as well? Not that it wasn't overly obvious. Anyone with Google could look her up, see who she was dating and then look up their house. It was easy. And Ari figured that a few fan-girls had already done that. But at least they were not as bad as this guy. This guy was hitting a new degree of creepy stalker, and he kept calling her princess. What was up with that? She would never want Seto calling her that in any setting. That feeling bubbled in her stomach. It was the feeling of dread.

Lifting her weight up off her knees, she looked at her grandmother. 'What was his name? Grandma, what was his name?" She was almost desperate for an answer.

Joy turned and looked at her. Confusion etched over all her features. 'who honey?" DAMN IT! Damn it all! Not now! Arianna sat back on the floor in frustration. Out of all times for her grandmother to forget something it had to be now; and to forget this of all things. She placed her two pointer fingers on her temple. The sick feeling continued bubbling inside her.

"Ari, you okay?" she turned and looked up at Seto. He was standing in the doorway. His eyebrow raised slightly. Ari just nodded and exhaled. There was no true way to tell him of her suspicion. Until she had more evidence she would bring it up.

"I am fine." She said.

"Lie hell," There was a pause as he came further into the room. Concern glinted faintly in his eyes. "Baby, you look like you are about to cry." Seto said. Ari blinked. She never noticed the tears welling on the outer corner of her eyes. After blinking rapidly, she felt the tear drop down her face. She was crying in frustration. She was irritated to top it off. How was she supposed to figure out who this bastard was when her only witness forgot just about every damn thing that happened to her? She didn't even notice that this was the first time he called her baby.

"I am fine." She repeated.

He shook his head and walked over to pick her purse from the bed. "Ms. Joy, Arianna isn't feeling well. I am going to take her home and make sure she is well taken care of." He reached his hand down, taking Ari's hand and helped her to her feet. She swayed once and then quickly regained her balance. Joy looked at them both, some concern in her dulling eyes.

"Oh! Oh my baby! You go home and get some rest Sienna." She said. Ari felt a clench in her chest. The prospect of tears glistening again in her eyes. Sienna was her mother. It happened every so often. Grandma Joy would mistake them both. And how could she blame her? She looked just like her mother. It didn't stop the hurt Ari was feeling. With ever slip of her memory was another day closer to Joy forgetting Ari completely.

"Yes mame, I will." Arianna managed to say. Joy smiled, kissed them both on the cheek and proceeded to watch the birds out the window again. Ari paused at the door and felt a wave of sadness fall over her. She wanted to break down and cry until all of the hurt and pain left her. What she wanted most of all was her grandmother back in fully glory. Her heart constricted in her chest and a pain filled her. Her breath caught in her lungs. It almost felt as if she couldn't breathe. Seto wrapped his arm around her shoulders. 'Seto," she muttered in a hoarse whisper.

He leaned in and kissed her temple. 'Come on Ari." She barely nodded and followed his lead out of the building. She normally never had this reaction. Ever! She had optimism about her grandmother's prognosis. That was until she not only couldn't reveal anything on her partial stalker, but also how she forgot her own granddaughter's name. All of that in one visit was enough to push her on the brink of tears. Memory loss was a part of the prognosis. Ari didn't expect it to hit so hard and in such a short amount of time. 'Do you want me to drive?" he asked.

She just nodded. She couldn't drive. Not in the stat that she was currently in. her lower lip felt lightly swollen from how hard she bit her lip to keep from crying. Her dark eyes had a glossed look from the pooling tears. She even found herself not being about to breathe…again. She inhaled shakily; sliding into the passenger seat after Seto opened the door for her. He shut it, quickly strode over to the driver's side and got in. He didn't start the car yet. He simply reached over and brushed a tear off of her cheek. She turned and looked at him. The vision of his handsome face was blurred by the tears. There was hurt reflecting directly at him. She was hurting on so many different levels.

"Come here." He said. Ari did not hesitate. She moved over and leaned across the middle consul right into his arms. Tears stinging her eyes and down her cheeks. Her shoulders shook with silent sobs. She wasn't ever a loud crier; especially in public. Ari just stained her boyfriend's shirt as he gently rubbed a hand over her back. It was odd, to a degree. He was a tentative boyfriend; always had been. But their relationship was more business, but there was flirting and romance in there as well. They cared for each other, but never in a public manner. Seto was very affectionate today. Almost out of character affectionate. To a degree it worried her. Normally when guys got to cuddly, it was a sign of either him cheating or an impending breakup. Seto was not the kind of guy to cheat. He certainly was not the type to think twice about her feelings in order to break up with her. It had to be something else. Maybe after all their months together he was finally starting to open up more to her.

"Everything is going to be alright Ari. She will be well taken care of. I swear." He promised. His whispers in her ear, no matter how innocent the words are, sent shivers of pleasure through her spinal cord. His voice was heavenly. She nodded against his shirt before picking her head up and sniffing. Gross. She hated it when her nose got clogged from crying. Ari wiped her nose and then swallowed.

"I know…I know." She muttered. Seto turned the car on after she got settled back into her seat. He watched her a moment as she put her seat belt on. She could feel his eyes tracing over her clothing and over her flash.

"Want to go for ice cream champ?" he mimicked in a rather parental voice. She actually laughed before reaching over an giving him a shove.

"Shut up." She mumbled. She wiped her nose with the back of her hand. He was just being mean. Ari knew how to get pay back. As the car pulled from the Koi Garden's lot, Arianna pouted her lower lip out. She was in a little bit of a better mood, even with what just happened pulled at her heart and threatened to tear it out her stomach. "You are so mean to me." She playfully accused.

Seto chuckled and still managed to keep composure in his ever cool demeanor. Damn, how did he do that? "Did I hurt your feelings?" He asked in return. She could hear the tease in his tone.

"And what if you did?" she questioned. She crossed her arms over her chest as Seto glanced over at her. His eyes lingered on the supple tops of her breast.

"Then I will kiss it better later." He said while tearing his attention on desperately back to the road. Arianna smiled. It was worth the pain and suffering. She continued to playfully pout.

"And that ice cream." She stated. Seto went through a few green lights before turning on his left blinker. He got into the appropriate lane.

"Whatever you want baby." He said. It warmed her heart to hear that. Whatever she wanted. That wasn't a long list. However, every one of those items included him. Arianna leaned her head back and smiled as the wind caught in her hair and against her skin. For a moment, she pondered. How could a girl like her get so lucky?