Just A Little Closer

by Nur Misurr

Something more interesting than duel disks is planting in Kaiba's mind—a certain someone. Kaiba. OC. Read & Review please.ON HOLD.

10. The Cherry Blossom Festival

~ Previously: Euneya touched the bouncing spot on her chest, her heart. "What are you trying to tell me?" She asked her heart. There was a leaking ache spilling through her body, enervating her. Euneya inhaled loudly and stared dizzily at the sky.

Just A Little Closer

-

-

"Big Bro...." Mokuba approached him. "Give me your hand."

Casual and trustful, Kaiba obliged. What could Mokuba possibly do with his hand? He wasn't curious and didn't care. Instead, steeled his eyes on caput at the desk.

With the twisting of his upper back, and shoulders, Kaiba found himself sprawled on the floor the next moment. Groaning at the surfacing pain, he glared at his young brother. "What the hell, Mokuba?"

Proudly, he folded his arms and remarked. "Didn't think I could do that?"

Kaiba lunged up, straightening his crisp white shirt and brushed his pants. He wasn't unnerved. Curiosity peaked, he questioned. "Who taught you that?"

"Nee-san."

His eyes narrowed at the revelation.

---

Euneya stared at the text message.

You aren't at the orphanage, where are you? - Joey

Could she continue lying to him? Did he know the pain he was causing her? She sighed and put the phone on the table, folding her hands on her chin, she stared bitterly at the item in the dark. Joey had to understand that she needed time to herself, right? He had to know that it wasn't easy to forget about their past. She wasn't as strong and durable as he, who could put aside their relationship merely for the sake of his current betrothed. Who, inexplicably, deserved him for she was sweet and caring. Mai loved him even more than he could imagine.

"Can't be helped..." She whispered in the enclosed room. There were tears falling on her wrists. Euneya didn't notice.

She wondered how he did it. How he changed in a matter of months. They were together for years... "Maybe he fell out of love." She suspected aloud.

Maybe... "Maybe..."

---

6 AM Mokuba sharply knocked on her door. Euneya rolled out of the bed, knowing it was him, and peeked in the chilly hall.

He was dressed warm with a beanie enshrouding his dark long hair. "Ohayo!" Mokuba pushed through her door. "Are you ready?" He asked.

Hair on her face, Euneya yawned. "For what?"

"We taking the bus to Kiyomizudera Temple!" Mokuba rubbed his hands eagerly. "Big Brother doesn't want to take the bus, but you can convince him, ne? Nee-san?"

"Convince Hitler?" She frowned. Stretching her arms leisurely, she brushed her teeth and returned to Mokuba, more awake. "I'll try."

The "I'll try" was more like dragging Kaiba toward the station. He flinched, hissed, cursed at the dreadful thing when it first appeared.

Kaiba folded his arms. "Hell no."

Mokuba pouted. "But Big Bro!... It's more fun!"

Euneya began, "Kaiba,"

He glared at her, knowing well she would take Mokuba's side. "I don't want to hear it." He shot down and whirled around. His coat blaring widely like a turnado at his heels.

"Haven't you ever wondered what it's like riding a bus?" She trailed after him.

Mokuba watched her with wide hope, he grinned at Jin. The bus stopped in front of the stand. Mokuba headed inside with Jin at his heels.

"Even once?" Incredulously, she stared at his impassive expression.

"No."

"Not once?"

"No."

"Everyone has to ride a bus once in their lifetime. If you're always stuck in a car, how can you ever say you've lived life, dirt and grime, and felt what it's like to be norm-"

Kaiba steered around. "Kaiba-sama never stoops to a commoner's level." He was being self-centered with the 'sama' part.

"And he speaks in 3rd person."

"Whatever." Kaiba growled.

"Why are you in a bad mood?" She frowned at his grouchy behavior.

He clenched his teeth. "None of your business."

"Kaiba," Euneya intervened his path. "Take a ride, try it once, if you don't like it, you won't have to ride another bus again!" She encouraged.

He snarled at her. "No." Knocking her shoulder, Kaiba quickened his pace to his vehicle.

"Fine, I'll race you."

"I'm rich not ridiculous." He hissed at her, annoyed.

Euneya sighed in defeat. "Fine, be a stubborn ass for all I care!" She yelled.

He kept walking to his car. Euneya kept her back turned, not wanting to look at him. "You arrogant jerk, pain in the ass, kids are more tolerable than your stuck up ass." She muttered.

Kaiba opened his car door. Ceasing, he stared at Euneya.

Euneya tapped her foot. "It's just a bus ride! You're not gonna die!" She mumbled to herself. "What is he so afraid of? The paparazzi will notice? Hey, it's free publicity for the public transportation," Euneya kicked a pebble on the street.

She noticed the bus stand was devoid of Mokuba and Jin. Sighing defeatedly, she went and sat down on the bench. They had gone ahead of her. She'd have to go alone now.

Euneya checked the time. The next bus would be another twenty minutes. Which would take 15 minutes of reach the temple. She regarded the busy traffic glumly. The breeze brushed her hair over her shoulder, shielding her face from the passerby. Mokuba had more faith in her than she did herself. If only, Kaiba could understand and stretch his mind. She sighed with a shake of her head. He was impossible. Too stubborn! And Impossible. Too pompous. Impossible.

How can I get through to him if he doesn't take a simple bus ride...? I need a slinger to sling him across the ocean and into Africa to live with an indigenous tribe. How about that for your nick-knack and your squeaky wifi technology! He might become more human.

A human Kaiba....

Her hand instinctively reached up to the sudden flutter in her chest. She pressed her palm on her heart. There it was again.

The bench space beside her was taken.

Euneya stared worriedly at the road. Why was she feeling this way? Her heart ached for an unknown reason.

She glanced assuredly at her phone, and opened the contact list. Should she call Joey and tell him the truth? He had wanted to see her for a day now. He might be worried as well. She clicked on his name in the contact list, her heart wailing about in her chest, shrieking in the humming silence of her hopeless thoughts.

Joey.....

' You're not at the orphanage, where are you?'

' I was just thinking about you.'

Joey, I'm thinking about you too. If you understand how I feel, you'd know this by now. You'd also understand how hard it is for me to turn a love into friendship, than vice-versa. I'm sorry Joey, it's too hard. I can't seem to let go....

Tears linked from the corner of her eye.

But I have to try. Like Mokuba said. I have to move one now. I have to live my life happily.

Euneya pressed 'talk' on his name. The number began dialing and she brought the phone to her ear. She turned her head to the side.

Kaiba was glaring crudely at the traffic.

Euneya shut her phone and swung it away. "Kaiba!" She gasped.

He stared remotely ahead, silent.

She smiled at him. "I'm glad you changed your mind. You'll like it."

"Whatever." Kaiba averted, intently eyeing the building.

Euneya giggled to herself, leashing his attention toward her. She stretched her arms arms and leaned back on the bench. "Kyoto is refreshing!" She sighed and breathed deeply.

"If refreshing is more like inhaling toxic and fog, your commoner lungs are in the right track." Kaiba snapped.

She flinched. "Who asked you for your opnion."

He glared at her acidly. "Take your own advice."

"Do you practice your facial expressions?" Euneya shook her head. "Isn't it exhausting..?"

Kaiba glanced at her.

She turned away and faced the traffic. "Barricading a cold persona, shunning everyone half of your life, and pretending to not care with over 10 Billion households who depend on your company for income. Don't you have fear. Don't you have hope. Not a desire? Not a grasp of passion? Are you crude and unpreditcably insufferable to emotions that you'd rather spend your last breath, bitter in a death bed, weeping alone while the rest of the world, stands laughing in their high heels, saying the great cold bustard is finished. There, you die with no one by your side." Her olive eyes sat on him.

He was transfixed.

"I knew it." Euneya solemnly whispered, regarding his expression. "You get tired too."

"I don't get tired."

"Not once?" She whispered.

Eyes planted on her firmly, he breathed. "Never."

"You're not like the rest of us then." Euneya murmured, eyes distant. "We get tired. We get broken. We get hurt. We feel treasured. Or we don't."

Kaiba stared back at the road.

Euneya blinked at the cars.

His voice swung at her like an axe. "If you're broken, why do you still wear that ring?"

She stiffened, staring at her hand, and folded it from view. How did he know?

"He dumped you. Move on." Kaiba added firmly. "It's the least you can on your pathetic time."

"Who told you?" She demanded, eyes flashing.

"You're typical." Kaiba murmured. "Typical, old-fashion, heart-broken and longing. What else is new?"

"Typical." Euneya gritted her teeth. "When you're heart is broken, is it just typical?" She demanded.

Kaiba looked at her emotionlessly. "Move on."

Her eyes watered. "Easier said than done."

"Move on." He repeated firmly.

"You've never loved anyone. You wouldn't know the pain."

Kaiba stilled.

"Perhaps you had loved someone, and she returned your feelings for so long. You-"

"I don't dwadle with worthless women." He spat, glaring. "I don't dwadle if it's mine."

Euneya stared his lips. He stared at hers. How had their faces moved so close? She shifted back and he did the same, averting.

"It's a relief," She murmured, "You are too frigid to understand the fear of loosing hope. You wouldn't understand what it's like to have your spirit crushed. But then again..." Euneya paused under the spell of his eyes. "You wouldn't be the same if Mokuba wasn't in your life either. That's what it's like, Kaiba. I'm glad you weren't a victim to such pain. You wouldn't be cold as you are today." She stood up.

Was that a slap to his face? Kaiba stared up at her.

"Kaiba," Euneya whispered.

His entire body hung eagerly at his name on her lips.

"When it happens to you. You'll lose yourself." She whispered. "Forever."

The bus glided at the sidewalk. Euneya sniffed, and brushed the tingling tears on the rims of her eye. She stepped up inside the bus and stopped.

Kaiba was staring blankly at the sidewalk, immobile.

"Kaiba!" Euneya beckoned.

He looked up, with new found eyes. She had never looked so beautiful.

His legs moved of their own will, he didn't linger on the road and found himself stepping inside, in her trail. The quiet thump of his heart echoing for her. Kaiba stared at her.

She spoke to the driver and paid him. Euneya looked about the bus and paled.

Kaiba woke up from his spell to face a crowded bus.

Euneya frowned up at him, guiltily. "Gomen..." She whispered.

He despised crowds. He despised a crowded bus even more.

The seats were filled, and the aisle was clustered with people latching onto the pole. Euneya clasped a pole and stood. He sighed and followed her example.

The bus shoved everyone to the back, he staggered forward by the force and ran into her. Euneya held her ground to avoid toppling on the man behind her. The bus steadied, allowing him to straighten and he tightened his hold on the steel pole. Euneya was not having fun either. She turned her head, to notice the view of the city outside. Kaiba grunted when the bus stumbled to another stop. The clogging traffic budged. He towered her, gripping the pole firmly. Euneya fell against him as the man behind her slipped back.

She ducked her head in his chest. Kaiba stiffened at the pressure of her breathing face on his coat.

Euneya breathed in his cologne.

The faint rhythm of his breathing melted her insides.

The bus riveted again, jolting them from their position. Kaiba observed her flushed face. She tugged her hair behind her ear and pushed away from him. Euneya leaned on the pole, and looked up at to his glowing eyes.

Another quaking stop threw her on the side. She gasped aloud, pulling herself away from the kid who was in the seat. "Gomen!" She squeaked.

"Hmph." Kaiba grunted.

Euneya glanced up at him. He couldn't hold in another insult it appeared. "What's with you?"

"Are your legs made out of--"

The lurching stop shoved everyone at once. Euneya was dumped on his chest, face forward. The bus jostled in another stop in the bumping traffic.

His eyes widened into hers.

Forget breathing, she didn't know the world existed from then on.

Kaiba stared at her trembling lips. She had a lock of hair stuck on her bottom lip. He frowned at the string of hair. Gently, before he knew it, his hand lifted to pluck the hair aside. An audible gulp emitted from Euneya.

She stiffened as his eyes moved on her face, gasping slightly as his eyes paused on her lips. What do I do? Why is he staring at me... like.... like...

I wonder what they taste like? Kaiba eyed the shape of her mouth.

I think.. I like it. Euneya blushed. I like his eyes there. She couldn't deposit the fact that their mouths were bare inches apart. How could she not be nervous?

She's looking at my lips. She's looking at my lips. Kaiba clenched his teeth, keeping a straight face. He could smell her more thoroughly than ever. Cotton candy. She smelled like cotton candy. A part of him shivered and delighted at the scent. It resembled her in more ways than one. Soft and dissipating at first, leaving the tongue watery for more. He felt his mouth water. Her eyes widened ever so slightly at him. Their noses brushed.... when suddenly, the bus lurched forward. This time...

Landing him on top of her. Euneya stumbled back at the force, his arm swept around her, holding her in place from hitting the man behind.

Their faces closer than ever. Cheeks gliding each other's, his forehead pressed hers lightly.

She sighed softly. Her lips parted.

Dragging his eyes at the movement. The hot breath glided his chin and lips.

She shivered against him, her eyes momentarily rolling shut from the sensation. Euneya stared wide at him. Sensing his arm, she stiffened.

Kaiba withdrew his hand and stepped back -- in vain. The bus creaked to a stop. Undoing his footwork that he stumbled forward on her, rendering him in an compromising situation. Euneya was leaning back. She turned her head and put it on his shoulder. To ease his humiliation, and discomfort.

Kaiba felt his breathing calm even for a second. He couldn't bear feeling so vulnerable near her. Embarrassing or not, neither had ever come physically close. She nestled her head on the curve of his shoulder. Instilling his nose deeper in her hair. Kaiba inhaled the fragrance, letting his eyes shut in relish.

My head is on his shoulder. Euneya rubbed her cheek on the material of his black coat. The material was soft and nice against the skin. Somehow, this feels right.... She relaxed and leaned into him.

His eyes opened. Is she... liking this? Doesn't matter, I'll give her an earful of complaints and insults after this bus ride is over. Prepare yourself.

Meanwhile, he regarded the brown coloring of her hair. There were subtle curls at the bottom of the locks. She is naturally wavy. He thought it suited her.

Again the bus took off in the jumble of the traffic. Kaiba glared out at the window.

Neither aware of a pair of glaring eyes spectating the scene.

Damn traffic. Damn bus. Damn crowded buses. Damn pedestrians. Damn seats. Damn pole. He inhaled the scent of her hair again. Cotton candy. Mmm. His thoughts eased to pleasant regions.

Nice day, it would be nicer without the twist and turn of traffic. Grr ... traffic. Thanks to Mokuba, we're both stuck in this ...this.... -- not so bad-- predicament. I'll make him pay for this. No video games. Hah. Mmm cotton candy. I never knew I liked it this much.

Kaiba's eyes situated on the glaring man behind Euneya. His eyes traced her back and down to her rear.

He clenched his teeth.

The man elbowed his friend and smirked. He leaned over to get a better glimpse of her.

Tongue on cheek, Kaiba straightened, glare planted on them. Euneya pulled away and stared in confusion at him.

He glanced at her. Aware of the two muttering lucidly about her.

Kaiba stared at her, the bus made a wide turn, and she stumbled back. He swept his arm around her, jerking her against him. Euneya stood limp in his grasp.

"Come in front of me." He murmured.

"Why?"

"Do as I say." He gritted darky.

Euneya blinked, unruly, she frowned. "Tell me why first." She demanded.

His hissed under his breath. Kaiba enclosed her ever so tighter, if he limited her breathing, he didn't care at the moment. Anger flushed his veins as he glared inhumanely at the men eyeing Euneya. He clenched his fists.

Forcibly, he yanked her against him. She gasped aloud. The bus screeched to a stop.

She stared in disbelief as he lifted her with one arm and turned around, his back now facing the men, with Euneya in front of him securely. Kaiba set her firmly on her feet. She grabbed the pole, steadying herself.

"What'd you do that for?" She asked.

He didn't need to give her an answer. Instead, Kaiba blocked her from their view and stared ahead at the road through the window.

Euneya tightened her grip on the pole, staring at him questionably. He avoided her gaze. Something's up. She glanced over his shoulder and behind him.

Two men caught her eye, they waved and quirked their brows suggestively. Euneya grimaced in return.

They hollered at her. One blew her a kiss. The other asked for her number. "Wanna have some fun tonight?"

"C'mon bebe!"

"Oh yea, I'd luv ta tap dat.."

"Bebe, let's make it offical and c'mon over... you know you'll like it."

"Damn I'd bite dat ass..."

"She'd make a good fuck."

Euneya hid in the shelter of Kaiba's shoulder, pressing her forehead down on his coat. Their comments made her feel cheap. A coldness centered down her core.

"Ignore them." He uttered as calmly as he could muster. Kaiba's arms wrapped forcibly around her, swallowing her whole against him.

This time, she didn't question, and let him. Euneya nodded silently. She closed her eyes and blocked out their yelling howls.

Kaiba's grip was solid around her. She found comfort in his grasp, the softness of his coat, and the warmth emitting from him. The bold and hard arm tugging her earnestly into his open chest. She felt safe.

"Aw! Bebe! You know you want some!"

Euneya loosened her grip on the pole. Make them stop...

"Oh yea, virgin a'right. Still tight eh?"

Her fingers slackened on the pole. Euneya lowered her hands at her sides.

Kaiba noticed her sudden stillness.

"She'd squeal my name non stop! Ay papi!" The jerk wolf-whistled.

Her hands raced up and latched onto his collar.

Kaiba jerked down at the strength of the tug.

Please...... Her fingers clenched on his collar, face buried deep in his chest. I can't take it ... Please... He stared at the road in stone silence. She shuddered with a pitch cry in her throat.

"Lips so wet and tight, c'mon bebe! Ai ai ai!"

Make them stop.... God, please.... Make them stop.... Euneya chanted to herself.

The bus stopped and the crowd lessened. A seat emptied.

Kaiba nudged her delicately. "Sit down." He gestured at the empty place.

"You sit down." She replied.

"There is only 1 seat."

"Take it, I don't mind." She declined softly.

Kaiba pointed at the seat. "Go."

"No. I can stand." Her fist on his collar never loosened.

He stared down at her fearful olive eyes. "Why aren't you sitting down?" He was irritated and not in the mood for a nonsense quarrel.

"I don't want to." Euneya stubbornly said.

"You want to stand like an idiot when there's an empty seat, waiting to be filled." He growled.

"Why don't you sit if you like that seat so much."

"I have long legs." Kaiba snapped.

"Standing on long legs hurts more!"

"No," He was aggravated. "There isn't room to stretch my legs, baka."

"You think I like to sit while you're standing up the rest of the ride?" Euneya demanded.

"When there's a seat you don't-" He stopped short, blinking. "What did you say?"

"You heard me." Euneya mumbled. "I don't like it if you're standing alone. I'd rather stand if you're not sitting down." She put her foot down.

Kaiba nudged her. "Why are you acting like this?"

"Like what?" She blinked.

He suddenly had the blankest look ever.

"Like what?"

Kaiba turned to the window. "Never mind." He muttered.

"Hitler, when you say something, don't end it with a 'never mind'. It makes it hard to forget!"

"Whatever."

Euneya sighed in exasperation. "Why do I bother?" She whispered.

She lowered her head back on his coat, rubbing her check unconsciously. Kaiba smirked.

The seat was soon taken by an elder female.

The twirling ride came to an end fifteen minutes later. They stepped out at Kiyomizu-michi. Euneya threw her hands up and smiled. "We made it!"

Kaiba ignored her and began vigorously brushing his coat as if he fell on manure.

Euneya murmured monotonously. "You're fine."

"Insufferable bus ride of my life." He glowered at Euneya. "Why the hell did you drag me in there?"

She solemnly sighed. "I wanted you to see what it's like..."

"I've seen enough."

"With the luxury you have traveling from home to work, the rest of us are cramped in the public transits. A day of hard work and still, there isn't a guarantee of sitting the bus ride home."

"You're trying to make a statement. I misjudged you." He spat sarcastically.

"Kaiba," Euneya approached him, she smiled gently, "Thank you for giving it a try."

Kaiba growled and swatted his coat. "Thanks to you I smell like ass."

Euneya patted his arm. "Lighten up, it was your first time."

"And my last." He hissed.

She smiled at him and turned toward the street.

He said a second later. "I thought you meant to torture me."

"See, you did like the bus ride!"

Kaiba glared, "Are you deaf? When did I ever say that?"

"You can't stop talking about it."

He folded his arms, grinding his teeth. "Baka, don't ever take me in there again!" He brushed his pants.

The two jerks also made their way out of the bus. He halted and glared at them, walking in the opposite direction.

Euneya stopped to notice he wasn't walking with her. "Kaiba?"

Fists clenched, he rigidly turned at the call of his name.

"We're headed here." She pointed at the avenue.

"Keep going, I have to make a call." Without another word, he turned and vanished in the crowd.

Euneya frowned but didn't say anything. She merged with the pedestrians and trailed up the steep path. She hoped Mokuba and Jin made it safely. The walk was stifling and she had to open a few buttons of her jacket to relief herself with fresh air. Her cheeks heated and she stopped again, to review the area and find traces of Kaiba. He wasn't around. She shook her head and continued up the busy street. The bazaar riveted with activity in the morning. She bumped, and wiggled through the crowd, and stopped by a bench. There was a souvenir shop across. Euneya sighed and searched for him.

She waited for him.

10 minutes later...

Euneya sighed tiredly under the burning sun. She wiped the perspiration from her forehead. Reaching for her cell, she checked the time, and decided to give Mokuba a call.

"Mokuba?"

"Euneya-sama?"

"Jin? Hi, where are you?"

"We are waiting at the Rikiya ryokan."

"We'll be there soon."

"Hai, Euneya-sama."

She hung up and stood. Euneya moved further up the steep Higashiyama district. She stopped and turned.

Kaiba was briskly making his way toward her, eyes flared and coat bellowing at his ankles. There was a chaste grittiness about him as he approached her. Euneya grabbed his sleeve and stopped him.

"What is it?" She read his dark expression.

Kaiba retreated. "Nothing." He hissed breathlessly.

Euneya eyed him intently. "No, it is something." She suspected. Her eyes rode him critically. She stopped at his hands.

They were covered in blood.

She grabbed his hand. "What happened?" Brushing the blood with her fingers.

Kaiba snatched his hand away. "Nothing."

Euneya stopped him again. He growled in frustration. "Are we going to stand around here all day?"

"You are, if you don't tell what happened to your hand!" She couldn't stop staring at the bloody knuckles and his face. Kaiba gritted his teeth.

Her eyes widened. "You... didn't."

He averted.

Euneya gasped, and darted past him.

He seized her arm, lunging her back. "Don't waste your time." He growled. "Obviously they didn't have sense to stop when they should've."

Euneya stared at the dripping blood. Her head shot up at him, "You didn't-"

"It was a warning." He murmured, calmer now. Loosening her arm, he walked ahead.

Euneya stepped behind him and followed without a word.

"Doesn't it hurt?" She treaded.

"No."

"Are you lying?"

"No."

"Not even a little?" Euneya frowned.

"No." He stonily replied.

"Kaiba!" Euneya yelled.

He glared.

"It's ok to tell the truth sometimes!"

"Stop yelling."

"I don't care!" Euneya huffed, determinedly continuing. "Let me finish! If you keep your feelings to yourself, you only harm yourself!"

"Hmph."

"Kaiba!"

He snarled impatiently.

"What're you gonna get from keeping feelings to yourself?" She demanded.

"Privacy."

"Privacy is overrated for blue bloods, you can do better! Darn it!"

Kaiba gritted his teeth, peeved. She was berating him like a 10 year old.

"I told you-"

"You can stop now." Kaiba clenched her fragile wrist, keeping her in place.

Euneya winced in pain. She glared up at him, his eyes remote as ever. "I told you..." Euneya murmured breathlessly. "I told you I won't let you stay like this."

He flung her hand away. "There's absolutely nothing you can do."

"Wanna see me try?" The tell-tale stubborn fire returned to her eyes. She disregarded the throbbing pain in her wrist.

"I dare you..." His voice dropped darkly. "To fail."

"My my, look at the young lovers." A commentator passed by.

"A lovers quarrel eh?"

"Hahahaha, I remember those days."

"You can tell how much passion they have for each other."

Another voice dripped in, "They can't look away."

Euneya and Kaiba snapped their head in the direction at the train of thought.

She panicked, "We're not-!"

"Hmph." Kaiba stalked off with his coat slapping her across the face.

Euneya glared at his back.

The commentators smiled at her. "What are you doing? Follow him!"

"And whatever you do, don't let him win!"

"A real man admits in the end."

Euneya bowed at the ladies. "Thank you, I'll.... get .... going!" She waved and jogged after him. She had no idea what made them think they were a couple. Strange women.

Composed, Kaiba moved briskly up the steep district. Beside him, a scowling and ruminating Euneya stared at the ground. His hand stretched out, tugging her from the road. The bicycle zoomed by. Euneya bumped into his chest. Emptily, Kaiba stared at the moving people. He spotted the ryokan Jin had informed him of earlier. Releasing her, he headed toward the entrance. Euneya brushed her jacket and followed steadily.

The entrance of the traditional ryokan -- also went by the name of, Rikiya, there was a sense of privacy through the alter from footing away from the vociferous district, and merging into a calmer and sedated atmosphere. The stoned path leading upward toward the main house was narrow and filtered with green trees and leaves. Kaiba turned to eye her over his shoulder. Euneya slowly came to his side and both moved up the stones silently. A passageway appeared and Kaiba stepped through the dark hall. Euneya followed close and went up the stoney stairs. Arriving outside of the passageway there was an immediate appearance of the what would be the lobby in modern hotels. A group of guards prominently stood outside, and bowed at the them.

The black door opened, and a woman stepped out with a man, dressed in yukata's, with a dark cat.

"We have been expecting you." The hosts greeted.

"Please, come inside." Gestured the man.

Kaiba glanced at Euenya silently. She bowed at the man and nodded. "Thank you." She stared back at Kaiba, whispering candidly. "Was I elected to be the pleasant guest?"

"Anything in the form of pleasant I have nothing to do with." Kaiba blurted.

Euneya blinked at him. "Really..." Suspecting a lie.

"It's not a lie. Hurry and bow again. They're watching."

Euneya turned back to the hosts and bowed. She formally introduced Kaiba and herself, and gave her utmost appreciation of their hard work for letting them stay. She also commented on the dark cat, it was cute.

Kaiba raised a brow. Since he did not desire to put himself at a subjective level, and bow to them by any means, he had her do with the 'thank you's' and chatter pleasantries. The hosts seemed like an nice old-fashion couple. They bowed and led them inside the agari-kamachi.

Euneya slipped off her shoes. Kaiba stepped inside grudgingly. She grabbed his arm. "What are you doing?" She whispered widely.

"What's it look like, going inside." He muttered coldly, yanking his arm away.

She stared pointedly at his boots. "This is a place of respect. Take them off!" She hissed.

The hosts stopped and turned to them. "Is there a problem?"

Euneya smiled gregariously. "No! No... We... we're admiring your stairway, very beautiful." She laughed softly.

"Hmph." Kaiba folded his arms stubbornly.

She nudged him. "Take them off."

"Ah, the stairs were handcrafted when the ryokan was build by a Stock Owner in 1970s." The female host smiled.

Euneya slipped into a greta and glared at Kaiba. He hesitantly took off his boots and placed them neatly on the side, away from everyone else's of course. He slipped on the wooden clogs and stared expectedly at her, she smiled at him softly before heading inside. The hosts guided them through the shoji screen and proceeded into a bright hall, the large windows paved way for sunlight and green trees to peer from the windows. The hosts turned into a hall and slid the shoji screen, gesturing them inside of the new room.

Euneya stepped inside first, Kaiba followed. The tatamis were placed readily for them to use. Mokuba and Jin were sitting on the floor.

"Hi Big Bro!" Mokuba jumped up. "Nee-san!" He grinned. "I knew you'd convince him."

Euneya stopped uncertainly. "Convince?... Er.... Ye..." She nodded. More like insulting until he caved in. She guiltily sighed, I could've skipped that part. Why am I so harsh on him?

Kaiba slipped off his greta and stepped on the tatami beside Euneya. The hosts seated themselves on the zabuton and smiled.

The female hostess eyed Euneya and Kaiba intently. Her eyes dripped to Euneya's hand and she smiled, acknowledging. "You must be tried from the walk in the district. The morning is the busiest. If you prefer to take a walk, I recommend in the late after noon. Please, enjoy your time here."

"We definitely will!" Mokuba cheered.

The male host bowed. "We are honored to serve the Kaiba family. As you requested, the ryokan will take no guests to secure your privacy. We believe and respect the urgent privacy of our guests. Our household maintain little contact with the guests therefore you may feel relaxed and have time to yourself quietly."

"Hai," The female hostess nodded, "If there is anything Kaiba-sama needs, you may let us know at the front desk, or, inform the members of our household. We will try everything to provide what you will find comfort during your stay."

She was extremely formal as was her husband. Kaiba denoted Euneya a stare. She stared back with her brows in confusion. He titled his head at the hosts.

"De..." Euneya nodded, "Thank you for everything. We will surely let you know if there's anything we -- uh, Kaiba-sama -- needs." She glared at Kaiba. Is that all?

His passive expression turned even more remote. She rolled her eyes and averted. Kaiba nudged her with his elbow.

"Will it be alright if we bring some appliances?"

"Appliances?"

Euneya fumbled, "Laptops? Phone charger?"

The male host ponderously stroked his chin. "Hmm, we don't have power outlets, however, we will find a way to help you."

"Thank you." Euneya smiled.

"If you don't mind my asking, why do you need the 'appliances'?" Asked the female hostess.

Euneya glanced quickly at Kaiba. "For work." She quipped.

"Ah, work can carry weight. At your stay in the ryokan you must pay great attention to your health and spend less time working and remember to relax." She said.

Euneya nodded. "I will try my best."

"If you need to relieve stress, I will stir Ginseng for you all." She rose to her feet and bowed. The shoji screen slid shut behind her and her spouse said.

"Cherry blossoms are blooming; Pink, sweet and fragrant; They grow high around the temple wall." He pointed in the direction of the Kiyomizudera Temple, Clear Water Temple with a sudden chuckle.

Mokuba asked quietly. "Cherry blossoms?"

"Hai, at the temple you will find the blossoms at their peak. The festival tradition dates back to the Heian Period, first it was popular in the imperial court. Hanami, flower viewing, spread with the aristocracy, artists, poets, and musicians and soon became a national hobby. There is an old saying 'Never leave a young man and woman in the field of blossoms, there is a stir of the hearts and the sweet scent brings them to love.' " He chuckled nostalgically. "I'm a victim of the nature, I admit."

"You mean... you and...." Mokuba pointed at the shoji.

"Hai." He nodded. "Remember to pay close attention to the stage performances. There are Princesses and Skits especially for young ones like you," He smiled at Mokuba. "Couples marry there and share their first moments of marriage life with us, there is drinking and dancing. Ah, at night, you'll find the lighting of blossoms a spectacular view from our ryokan."

Mokuba was in awe. "Princess? Real life Princesses?"

"These Princesses represent the significance of our national blossoms. Hard labor have been put to have our blossoms bloom today."

He rose to his feet and smiled. "It's time the maids aid you to your room." He gestured toward the screen as it rolled open.

A pair of young women bowed, dressed in the softest looking silks ever seen, with hair pinned and lips crimson. One of the woman approached Euneya and bowed.

"Please, allow me to show you to your room." She murmured softly. Her grace as sweet as her voice. Her dark eyes shined up and ran into Kaiba, she bowed down. Euneya rose as she led her out of the room and through the corridor.

She opened the shoji to a bright, intact room. The tokoma against the wall was draped with a light veil and a vase of blossoms. The vanilla colored walls of the room lit up with the luminous sunlight. She bowed graciously at the maid.

"As part of our custom, we will have to change your clothes." She bowed at Euneya.

Euneya put a protective hand on her chest. "Clothes?" She was fine dressed in her dark jacket and jeans.

The maid smiled at her lack of knowledge. "Meanwhile your stay, it is custom that you evolve with the grace of a woman as meant to be. Contemporary clothes do not necessarily agree with defining a woman's beautiful shape. The embodiment of a woman can only be shared with the formal traits of our history. You may choose to change your clothes alone or shall I aid you?"

"Aid?" Euneya nervously retreated. "I .... Can I pass?"

"I was afraid you would say so." The maid gently continued, "I humbly request that you reconsider. To experience the truest form of our ryokan, please, try it." She couldn't resist smiling.

"Is it...." Euneya hesitantly murmured, "Is it hard?"

"Absolutely not," The maid replied, "I will guide you."

"Is it hard to breathe?" She gestured at her kimono.

The maid smiled. "I'm glad you understand. I will work hard for you," She bowed before approaching her.

Euneya stiffened, "I've never had anyone--"

"Relax." She soothed.

"Uh," She twitched as the maid glided her hand through her brown hair. "Please follow me into the private bathroom. I will steam your hair."

"Steam?"

"Hai." The maid turned and moved toward the screen door further in the room. "If you'd like, I can prepare your bath."

Euneya nodded, "Thank you."

"Hai." She removed the bamboo cover from the tub and set it against the wall. Kneeling on the stoned floor, she dipped her hand in the steaming hot water. Turning to the bucket behind the tub, she filled the hot water inside. Euneya peered closely. The maid stood up and retrieved a white yukata.

"Undress and put this on." She offered.

Euneya clutched the yukata and nodded. "Thank you." She warily eyed the transparent material. Although she wasn't one to complain but the yukata was too thin for her favor. Euneya watched the maid fill the water in a smaller tub. She helped Euneya remove the jacket and folded it neatly inside a basket. Euneya unbuttoned her shirt. The maid poured a gallon of water and waited for Euneya, she turned her back to permit her privacy as she undressed. Euneya removed her clothes and slipped into the light yukata. The maid turned and gestured her to step into the bath. The warm water engulfed her feet and she sank into its warmth, the level reached to her throat.

"Lean back." The maid eased her back on the cushion wall of the tub. She slid her hair over her shoulders, and brought it out of the tub. She soaked her hair to begin steaming with a black object.

Euneya closed her eyes and relaxed in the sweet water.

When she was done, the maid asked Euneya to step out of the bath. Euneya obliged and was given a small towel to dry herself.

"I will be waiting in the room." She bowed and closed the shoju screen of the bathroom to give her privacy.

Quickly, Euneya dried herself. Her hair slid down her slender back. She returned to the room where the maid was setting a small stool. She was unwrapping a white material and looked up with a smile.

"I will need you to put this on first." She murmured at the white bands. As she rose, she gracefully swept the room. She gave Euneya the white undergarments. The maid wrapped the white material around her rib cage and stopped under her bust. Euneya froze as she clipped open her bra and removed it. She shielded her behind the screen and helped her with the garments. Once the garment was on, Euneya turned. The maid gestured her toward the small stool in front of the floor vanity.

Euneya sat down and eyed the small contents on top.

The maid revealed a brush and swapped into an intoxicating water. She brushed Euneya's hands and toned legs that made her fingers smell sweet and made her pores soften.

"Please, stand."

Euneya watched intently as she draped another layer of silk onto her juban.

"Please put on the socks." The maid gestured. "It's difficult to wear socks after you've worn the kimono." She explained.

There had never an occasion risen for her to wear a kimono before. Her parent's rarely performed rituals and she wasn't the kind to attend festivals. Euneya, who had never, worn a Kimono before, listened carefully. She slipped on the tabi socks to find the big toe separated from the rest of the toes. It was to fasciltate wearing a sandal. The maid combed through her silky hair. She helped Euneya put the Kimono on, with the back seam centered. First, she pulled the right part over, and the left side soon overlapped the right. The material covered her feet and fell on the floor. Euneya stared worriedly at the length. The maid followed her gaze and smiled.

"I'll have to tie the obi and you can pull it up to your ankles." She said.

The pattern chosen for her Kimono was a floral vermillion. The long sleeves reached past her wrists and created a flowing illusion down her curves. The maid pulled up the kimono to her ankles and adjusted the koshi-himo belt below the excess material. She crossed the belt and tied to her front. Her quick hands smoothed the sides and pulled the excess material of the kimono over to cover the belt. She covered the koshi-himo belt with the date-jime belt and tied to the front. Now, the long excess material of the kimono was at the bottom, hanging slightly. The maid brought a 4 meter Obi and wrapped it twice around her waist, she tied it at her back. She took a crimson obi-jime, a braided cord, and draped it on top of the Obi.

The maid glided smooth fragrance in her hair and rolled it up in a small knot. She inserted a comb to prevent from falling open. The maid brushed a light scent behind the lobe of her ears. She smoothed her forehead and dabbed light powder on her chin and nose. Her cheeks were flavored with a warm hue of blush. She applied a light color to her full lips. Carefully turning her around, the maid readjusted the sleeves and smoothed the hem of the kimono. She brushed her toes tenderly and stood back up. Her careful hands tucked the Obi securely and she met Euneya's eyes charmingly.

"You are ready." Stepping back, she bowed.

---

"Big Brother, look here." Mokuba zoomed the camera on Kaiba's bored face.

"Put that away." Kaiba voiced with an edge of impatience.

Mokuba sighed. "Big Brother, did you forget? You have to relax. So no more bad moods!" He reminded.

Kaiba glared into the lenses. "Does it seem to be working?"

Mokuba drew away from the camera. "No." He flatly stated.

The opening of the shoji screen dragged their attention to the maids. Two entered with a tray of tea. They placed small cups and poured the warm liquid.

Mokuba grimaced at the tea. He didn't like drinking any.

Dressed in the formal yukata, Kaiba glared outside the window of the engawa. He leaned in the zabuton and closed his eyes to sedate himself.

The movement of soft feet tucked behind the shoji screen.

Another voice intervened, he wasn't disturbed.

"As our guests," Began the hostess. "We like to educate our guests with tradition and help them experience them in the truest nature."

Mokuba flickered the camera on the lady. Kaiba kept his eyes shut and face averted. He had no interest in what she had to say.

"Allow me to introduce you to one of our truest forms of tradition." She stepped aside and let a train of maids enter the engawa.

Mokuba eyed them enthusiastically. The maids bowed at them with a smile.

"Here is your sister." The hostess bowed and stepped sideways.

The maids turned to look at the female at the center.

Mokuba dropped the camera.

The maids hustled out of the room.

"Ne...nee-san!" Mokuba shrieked, jumping up.

Euneya silently made her way into the room. The glistening of her kimono accentuated the ecru of her skin. She stopped and caught a reflection of herself on the glass.

Kaiba's eyes opened. She was staring... at him.

Is that... disappointment?

She glided closer, making it impossibly close for him to reach out and caress the glass. Her beaming reflection abruptly vanished like a fog. He blinked wide to search for her again.

She knelt and sat down beside Mokuba.

"You-you-... You-You!" Mokuba stuttered. "You-you!"

"Enough Mokuba." Kaiba rigidly infused, averted. Her soft olive eyes roamed him.

"But but but..." Mokuba turned to his brother. "Nee-san... nee-saann!" He gaped. "Is that really you?"

Euneya lowered her eyes from Kaiba and nodded.

He felt a ticking at the edge of his spine, making him stir and sit up. Kaiba loosened his arms.

Euneya reached for the tea and sampled the warm liquid.

"Is it good?" Mokuba doubted it was.

"Bitter." She forced herself to gulp it down.

Mokuba chuckled, he grabbed his camera and steadied it back on Euneya and moved it to his brother. Who was transfixed on something at the window.

"Big Bro! Over here!"

"No." Kaiba gruffly declined.

"Aww..." Mokuba pouted.

"Ne, Mokuba?" Euneya turned to him. "Wanna walk around the district? We can go to the stores and find souvenirs." She placed her cup on the table.

"Yea!" Mokuba turned the camera off and leapt up.

The shoji screen drew back and Jin stepped inside, bowing. He too was dressed in a yukata. "We shall leave as soon as you want." He murmured.

"Now!" Mokuba slipped on his greta and sauntered toward the screen. He pushed past Jin excitedly. "I wanna check out the sweets! Then we can look at the souvenirs. Let's get some things to take back home. Charms and stuff." The shoji screen ultimately rammed shut.

Euneya blinked back at her tea cup. Did he just....?

Kaiba was contemplating the same thing. His fingers twitched and he moved his eyes slowly at the wall across.

Mokuba has a talent for leaving us alone. Euneya realized. Her unsteady hands picked up the cup and she sipped it dutifully, as there was nothing else to do.

Kaiba kept his eyes on the wall. He had no interest in her. He had no interest in what she was wearing, or looked like, or thought, or said, or -- anything. She was not interesting. Period. If she's not interesting, why am I having this conversation with my self? A sly snicker cackled at the back of his mind.

Shut up. He snapped at his thoughts. I don't want to think about it. Whatever. She is irrelevant.

If she is irrelevant why do I need to convince myself --- grr --- don't go there! He clenched his teeth and swallowed, eyes unblinking on the wall.

Now what? Euneya was blank. I think I want to strike a conversation with him... Her eyes widened at the revelation. I do? But... why?

Here goes nothing. Remind me why I'm putting an effort. Gritting, he slurred passively. "What happened to your clothes?"

Euneya stiffened at his voice. She went on auto-pilot. "What happened to yours?"

"Some idiot excuse of a maid stole them. She threw them in a shell basket. Baka. I'll sue her for touching them."

"You can't bad mouth someone while you're in their house."

He stared at her. "Why are you defending her?" Eyes stunned at what he found.

"Because!" Euneya frowned, eyeing the warm tea. "Just-- Don't bad mouth someone behind their back."

Kaiba's eyes restlessly moved up to her hair, her soft neck. "And you don't." His eyes narrowed.

She glared at him with meaning. "I certainly don't. If I have something to say, I say it to their face."

"Hmph." Kaiba smirked.

"Don't sue her, she was doing her job."

"I call it when I see it, and that baka better had not done what I know baka's do with my clothes."

Ugh. Arrogant. Why did I want to talk to him again? She cringed. Though she cleared her throat to ask, "What do you think she did with your clothes?"

"Rolled around in it, sold it. You have no idea how many of my personal belongings end up on the internet." He added.

Euneya reached over and gave him his tea. "Try some." She changed the subject.

He raised a brow.

She groaned, "Don't get head of yourself. Just take the tea."

Kaiba took the offered tea. "Hmm, I may hire you."

She knew he said that to annoy her. Euneya slammed her hand on the floor. "I'm not a maid, I'm merely trying to be nice."

"I'm curious." Kaiba sampled the tea.

Euneya calmed herself to listen to what he had to say. "Curious."

"Why women like you act the victim, in fact, he might have done what's best for him."

"I don't... follow ..."

Leisurely he sipped the tea, eyes cast on the window. "His intentions were visible yet you were dense to trust him irrevocably."

"What makes you think I didn't know?"

Kaiba eyed her sharply. "He left you. You can't overcome it."

The simple statement infuriated her. "He didn't tell me." A volt of anger forced through her. "I waited, and waited, and he didn't tell me. A. Thing." Euneya folded her hands tightly, they were shaking with rage. "We made a promise and it was a promise I would've given everything in my power to keep." Her seething eyes lifted to him. "But what does it matter to you if I can't get over it?"

He said it flatly, like he was expecting her to question him. "If there is one thing I can't stand is a woman in denial." Kaiba inertly smirked. "Appears I have one before me."

"It's not denial." Her heart ached. "Its not!"

"If it's not, why are you getting so worked up? Hmm?" He was amused.

Euneya pressed her hand to her throbbing heart. "I ...... He ripped away my hope. The future of us together. The future I believed in." She choked tearfully. "I thought only you can deny yourself a dream, but I was wrong."

Kaiba glared out the window, mouth bitter. "Now you can start over again." He murmured silently. "The period of recovery is more relevant than beginning the new life."

His words sedated her for once, lulling the scorching anger imbedded in her to a calming numbness.

They sat in silence from the moment on. Kaiba regarded outside and the swaying trees and the morning sky. Euneya slowly shaking off the residue of pain in her heart, with a conscious hope that it would leave her alone soon. It was after a while, when the sun took shelter behind the clouds and the room shadowed, she heard him move.

Euneya raised her face. He was looking down at her. His eyes glowing in the dark.

Kaiba turned and went through the shoji screen. His self-conscious biting at his ankles.

Euneya sat riveted in the spot. She couldn't dismiss the probity of his words. It is what it is...

"Baka! If I have to--"

She stared at the shoji.

"Don't you dare try--!"

Her eyes widened. Euneya shot up and slipped on her greta. She darted out of the room and passed through the corridor. At the end, she noticed the scene.

"If I find anything missing I'll have you--"

"Kaiba!" Euneya brushed in between him and the maid. He was scowling mercilessly. Euneya bit her lip, she bowed at the maid. "Please, you may go."

Fearful, she shakily nodded and scuttled away, crying with a screech.

"What the hell did you do that for?" When he was in a bad mood, he needed to unleash it on someone.

Euneya glared at him over her shoulder. She grabbed his sleeve and yanked him through the shoji screen of the agari-kamachi. Euneya didn't stop there, she dragged him outside and past the passageway, there she dropped his sleeve and whirled around.

"What are you doing?"

Kaiba formidably towered her. "You're the one who said not to bad mouth. I said it to her face."

Euneya stomped her foot. "Don't you have consideration over other's feeling? She's a young girl! Be nice to her!"

"I could care less what she is. My property better not be in shambles or I'll ruin her."

"She is just doing her job!"

"Her job is not stealing my clothes."

For the love of... "Kaiba, she wasn't stealing your clothes!"

"I think I know when my .... personal.... garments are missing." He averted.

Euneya flushed. Garments.... Could it be? He's talking about --- Those garments?

Before they knew it, an awkward silence lurched over them.

Well this is...... Kaiba was at loss of words.

Kaiba's undergarments ..... Euneya blinked, her lip twitched.

Bizarre. Kaiba saw her zoning out, he raised a brow.

Euneya shook her head, gah! "Doesn't matter, I don't think she took your things. You can make sure later."

"I have every right to take her to court, get her fired, and make it hard for her to live in this country." He hissed back at the house.

"You're badmouthing."

He growled. "I'll say what I want."

"Shut it you hypocrite." Euneya left him and walked out in the district. She was breathing hard from anger due to the altercation. She walked briskly toward a vendor with umbrellas and picked up a red one. The umbrella complimented her floral kimono. She twirled the umbrella and turned sideways.

An indomitable figure appeared next to her. Euneya titled her umbrella and glanced up. He had a cold look on his face. Euneya returned the umbrella back to the vendor, she turned.

"Gomen."

He looked at her.

"For calling you a hypocrite." She mumbled. "I can be harsh sometimes and I should consider your feelings too. Regardless of how cold your ass is!"

"What kind of apology is that?" Kaiba criticised. "If you're sorry, say sorry and keep it at that, baka."

Euneya clipped her mouth. "Stop calling me baka and I'll apologize nicely."

Kaiba observed her. Her eyes were flashing bright and cheeks flushed. "Why are you so worked up?" He raised a brow.

"Huh?" Euneya retreated, "Me? I'm not worked up." She denied, shrugging elusively.

A carrier passed by them. Kaiba regarded the empty seat and the man tugging the wheels across the road. Euneya sighed longingly.

"Don't faint."

She broke away from her thoughts. "I never faint." Euneya went toward the pottery shed. There were various bowls and tea kettles that had been crushed, burned in order to be sculpted and enhance durability. Euneya examined a flower cup and placed it back decidedly on its place.

"Can we go now?"

Exasperated, she sighed. "I'm still looking!"

Kaiba grumbly folded his arms and glared at the tid-bits in distaste. "What's that?" He pointed at a colorful piece.

Euneya lifted the piece and examined it. "A vase."

"Hmph." He took it from her hand. "Looks fragile. But may be sturdy."

They continued hiking up the steep road as the swift scent of food, sweat, and Sakura engulfed them. Mokuba and Jin appeared in the carrier and waved.

"Hi Big Bro!" Mokuba jumped down from the seat. "Nee-san!" He chirped.

"Where have you been?" Kaiba demanded.

"Around." Mokuba smiled wide. "Where have you two been?" He grinned at Euneya.

She frowned. "Around."

"Is it a secret?" Mokuba eyed them inquisitively.

Kaiba narrowed his eyes. "Hmmmmph."

"If we tell you, will you tell us what you're up to?" Euneya demanded. He hadn't been around all day.

Mokuba smirked, arms folded. "Euneya nee-san, did you forget whom you're talking to?" He tilted his chin. "Your otouto is related to onii-chan."

Euneya eyed Kaiba. "And?" She turned to Mokuba.

"I'm a scheming mastermind, Euneya nee-san. Gehehehe." He grinned devilishly. "Be warned." Mokuba whirled around and scrambled up the wooden stairs to the Tea Pot lane with Euneya gaping after him.

"That kid..." She frowned. Never has she seen this side of him. "I haven't spent one hour with him and he goes off running carelessly." Pouting, she raced up the stairs.

Jin regarded Kaiba, he stood watching her glide up the stairs. Jin approached him, "Kaiba-sama..." He cleared his throat gently.

"Keep an eye on Mokuba. Prevent him from the pastries." He informed.

"Hai, Kaiba-sama." Jin nodded, carefully, he gestured to the stairs.

Smoothly, Kaiba ascended the stairs. Euneya reviewed the vacant Ninnen zaka walk. Mokuba was running toward the Omiyage shops. Euneya followed him as Jin joined her. She stopped and glanced over her shoulder at Kaiba who was eyeing some of the crafts in the stand.

Mokuba approached her with something in hand. "Nee-san, look at this." He handed her the divine sculpture of the lion.

"What a beauty." Euneya examined the sculpture, "Mokuba, how about you and I go in to the temple for a while?" She glanced at him.

He wasn't there.

Euneya frowned and saw him darting into the sweet shop. Hands on hips, she sighed. Mokuba dragged Jin to the stand and made him sit down. He excitedly recorded the vendor making the sweets. Euneya sauntered toward the crafts shed and returned the sculpture.

"Why is it like this?" She mumbled sullenly and went to Mokuba and Jin. "Who can I go with?"

Jin overheard her. "Euneya-sama," He murmured, "If you don't mind me asking, is something bothering you?" He pointed at her sullen features.

She shook her head silently and walked away. Mokuba had other plans. Euneya motioned toward the Nio-mon, Gate of the Deva Kings, the entrance gate to the Temple, and stopped. She sighed at the stunning temple. On first sight, she felt peace nearing the temple, she couldn't imagine what she would feel if she went inside.

Turning, her gaze settled upon Kaiba, as he ventured to the sakura trees along the road. He looked up at the falling blossoms.

With him? She debated. Am I cursed? I know he won't go to piss me off.

"Guess I'll have to see..." Euneya nodded and approached him. Having no other option, she paused next to him, and regarded the blossoms scattering the ground and around their feet.

Kaiba noticed her for the first time, grouchy. "What do you want." He muttered, stalking away.

"I have no one to go to the temple with." She explained. Solemnly following him on the road of cherry blossom trees.

Kaiba smirked, "You expect me to accompany you?" There was no way he would.

Her eyes lit up, softly. "If you don't mind, Kaiba. I hear the temple is pleasant. On the outside it's peaceful, I wonder how it is on the inside..."

He was taken back, she was actually being humble.

"I won't talk, promise!" She pressed a hand to her heart. "Therefore, we don't have to argue."

He couldn't help but stare wordlessly. Kaiba expected her to reply an insult of sort, there were none. Finally, he managed to utter. "If you were like this all the time, I wouldn't have a headache."

She had a look of hurt scrunched her features before glancing at the trees. "Beautiful trees," Changing the subject. The blossoms tingled and swayed gracefully in the drifting breeze.

Mokuba's greta clattered the road as he jolted toward them. He grabbed Kaiba around the waist, Kaiba swung him around and in front of him.

"You didn't consume sweet, did you?" Kaiba eyed him intently.

Mokuba glanced at Euneya, who had seen him at the store. He hoped she wouldn't say anything. Euneya giggled under her hand, she turned and continued walking up the road. More people passed by and took pictures of the trees. Jin merged beside her and she smiled at him.

"How are you, Jin?" Euneya asked.

He smiled with a bow of his head. "Well. Thank you for asking. And yourself, Euneya-sama?"

"Peaceful." She smiled as another breeze twirled the blossoms, tugging the sweet scent ingrained with water around. Euneya reached up as a petal floated into her palm. "Do you have a wish, Jin?" She titled her head.

He stared, stunned. "Wish?"

"Hai." Euneya took his hand and placed the petal in his palm. "Catch three and your wish comes true."

"I believe it's a fairy tale." Jin replied dubiously.

Euneya laughed and stared back at the trees. "Jin, there are a lot of questions we don't have an answer to in this world. There is still one thing we can do while we have the time, and that's to give things a try. Be it tedious or surreal, that's not up to us to judge." She patted his shoulder and brushed past him.

Jin stared down at the pink pedal, he looked up as more snowed on his head.

"Euneya nee-san!" Mokuba whirled the camera at her. "Can we go watch the skit? I wanna meet the Cherry Blossom Princess!"

"You want to charm her with your princely hair?"

Mokuba removed the camera. "My princely what?" He darted toward her and pinched her arm.

"Ow!" Euneya rubbed the sore spot. "What'd you do that for?"

"My hair is sensitive!" Mokuba defended.

Euneya regarded the dark tresses. "They look fine to me."

"Nee-san!" Mokuba drawled, "They grow twice the length every full moon."

She blinked. "That doesn't make sense."

"My case is rare, nee-san." Mokuba murmured, fumbling with the camera. "You should let you hair open." He turned the lenses on her. "We can see whose is longer."

Kaiba moved toward them and stopped, eyeing Mokuba and her. Euneya examined Mokuba's hair then Kaiba's. The two had a glaring differences in appearances, she couldn't begin with the personalities. The list was never ending.

Mokuba turned to him. "Big Bro! Who has longer hair? Nee-san or I?" He chuckled, "You don't have to lie, just say it's me."

Kaiba folded his arms, glaring grudgingly. "I refuse to talk about hair." He snubbed and walked ahead.

The four continued further into the festival site and the crowd became dense. Mokuba recorded everything eagerly. He dragged her through the park and into the lanes towered with the ravishing blossoms. "Nee-san, stand there." He indicated under the tree. Euneya did as she was told. Mokuba grabbed Kaiba and shoved him against her. There was a repellent wall as both, Euneya and Kaiba flinched back from each other. "Oh come on! I want a nice picture of nee-san and Big Bro together!" Mokuba claimed.

Kaiba clenched his teeth. Euneya stared at the ground, searching for a reason to elect herself from the picture. "Mokuba! Why don't you take a picture with your brother first? I I'll take the camera." She made a grab for it.

Mokuba snatched it away from her. "No, I think nee-san and Big Brother should take a picture first. Then all three of us will take a picture together." He decided.

Kaiba glanced at Euneya who looked uncomfortable to be standing beside him. The sakura pedals flaked on her shoulders and against her neck. She brushed them away and looked up, catching his eye. Euneya forced a smile.

"I guess we'll have to..." She murmured. "Gomen, that you have to bear this with me." Euneya smiled halfheartedly at the ground.

"Big brother! The camera is over here! Not nee-san!" Mokuba called.

Kaiba snapped his head the other way. "I know that!" He hissed.

Mokuba grinned behind the lenses. Jin folded his hands around his back, secretly smiling behind Mokuba. Mokuba aimed the camera at the two.

"Nee-san, you're standing outside of the frame. I can't see you." He said, "Get a little closer!"

Euneya was nervous. She didn't know why. Her hands were shaking and her shoulders were timid and stiff. She took a baby step toward Kaiba. "Is this better?"

"A little more..." Mokuba indicated her to move closer. Mokuba winked at Jin sneakily, the guard nodded without a word.

Euneya breathed shakily, she inched toward Kaiba. "How's this?"

"Nee-san.." Mokuba groaned. "What are you doing? You barely moved."

"I..." Flushed, she lowered her eyes, and inched against Kaiba. "Is this good?" Euneya quietly murmured.

Kaiba looked at her, her cheeks were dark red, and her eye were large. "You're shaking." He remarked.

"Huh?" Euneya looked up, "O..." She lowered her hands to her sides. "Ye..." She nodded uneasily.

His voice dripped knowingly. "Big Brother..."

"I'm not looking at her!" Kaiba snapped.

Mokuba snickered and said. "I was gonna say, you need to move in too. Nee-san can't do all the work."

Kaiba growled darkly. "Take the picture already."

"I want a nice quality picture of you both! If you can't move closer, the picture will be ruined." Mokuba frowned. "Onegai... onii-chan?" He asked sweetly.

Kaiba let out a deep breath he had been restraining. He glared at the bright sky and made himself moved inward, against Euneya. The silk of her kimono rubbed against the material of his yukata.

"More..."

Her heart raced. Euneya stared up at him widely.

Kaiba felt his blood boil. He moved slightly more, the heat of her arm molded into his. His entire body was rigid.

Euneya, on the other hand, couldn't stop shaking.

"What do you think, Jin?" Mokuba asked the guard.

Jin leaned into the lenses and frowned. "I think a little more will do."

Kaiba clenched his teeth. Great.

"You heard him, Big Bro! Nee-san!" Mokuba called. "Move in, move in."

More? Euneya and Kaiba scooted against one another. Her shoulder leaned on his while his arm curved behind her back. Euneya couldn't blink at all. Kaiba stopped breathing.

"Just a little closer!"

I can't... concentrate..... Euneya leaned in and Kaiba slid against her. Can't.... breathe.....' Closer' Oh... Dear God. She fastened her eyes on the camera, forcing herself not to turn her head at Kaiba.

Kaiba's gaze darkened. Closer?

Euneya felt her lungs give out and she galloped a shaky breath. His warm chest rubbed against her back, causing her to tremble from the heat. Just a little?

Kaiba glanced at her with more than curiosity. Euneya's cheek brightened a stark red, matching the luminosity of her Kimono. The flashing light of the camera drew his eyes back to the camera, not his attention.

"Perfect." Mokuba held his hand up. "Ok! SMILE!"

Cotton candy. The smile breezed itself on his stony expression, softening his face at the thought.

Euneya smiled at the flashing camera.

"Ok, hold it!" Mokuba tossed Jin the camera. "Don't move!" He ordered Euneya and Kaiba as he joined them in the middle.

Jin aimed the camera on the three, and pressed the button. Mokuba made a funny face. Jin chuckled as the camera flashed.

"1 more! 1 more!" Mokuba smiled sweetly.

Why am I hot? Kaiba asked himself. If I move will she notice?

He's actually behind me. Euneya stared at the camera. He's breathing!

Mokuba jumped at Jin with the camera. He reviewed the pictures and mouthed a, "Waaaaooowwwwwww." He looked at Jin, "What do you think, Jin?"

"The pictures are splendid."

"Nee-san and Big brother look good together, don't they?" Mokuba beamed at the photos.

Kaiba eyed her from the corner of his eye. He brushed his yukata, irritated. Euneya turned and walked away sullenly. He ceased his fluffing and followed her with his eyes. What's up with her?

"Nee-san." Mokuba went to her. "What's wrong?" She had a sad look on her face.

Euneya brushed Mokuba's hair. "Oh... no... I'm-"

"Are you tired? Do you want to go back?" Mokuba asked. He still hadn't recovered from the water incident.

"No, I'm fine." She wrapped her arm around his shoulders. Mokuba smiled and tucked the camera away. The two walked through the cherry blossom field and entered the event section. Couples were walking by, arm and arm. There was a newly married couple standing by the canal, arms wrapped around each other and kissing as the photographer captured the moment. Euneya stopped and stared at the couple. Mokuba looked up at her and followed her gaze.

Euneya stared at the couple in line sharing a kiss. They were called up the platform to take a picture. Her arm around Mokuba fell and she moved toward the scene.

"Nee-san?" Mokuba stared at her.

Euneya brushed past the spectators and stopped short. The canal they stood near glimmered and reflected golden on the white of her dress and the black of his tux.

She turned her eyes toward the group of men sitting on the stage to the left, singing softly.

"When a gentle morning comes with a sunshine so bright it hurts my eyes

when I open my eyes to love

I sing for only you,

For you i love you, only you

with a full heart that is beating so fast

with a breathing that is softer than aromatic coffee, I look at you "

"Welcome!" A man stepped toward her. "Are you here registered as a bride? We take all sorts of recommendations! Please, take a seat and we have a wonderful show for you!" He led her to a chair and sat her down.

Euneya was dumped in the chair. She stared up at the stage. The band continued to sing.

Kaiba watched her take the seat in front of the stage. She was frozen. He regarded the newly wed couples, chattering and sharing secrets.

"Do you know? you feel it too, don't you

the love that my heart is saying

do you hear it? now, look at it now

my shy heart that is more beautiful than flowers."

The seat on her right was filled, and the seat on her left was taken.

Mokuba titled his head and swayed at the calming music.

Her eyes drank the shimmering water of the canal. She stared at the ground in deep thought.

"Nee-san, the music is nice. The couples look nice too. Look! Look!" Mokuba pointed.

Kaiba studied her profile. She was acting strange and he couldn't point out why exactly.

He saw her fingers glide over the ring. Kaiba stiffened in realization.

Was she... engaged?

His eyes widened. Kaiba stared at the stage, the disbelief spanning hotly across his chest.

"Look at me. Hold my hand tightly

isn't this a happy feeling? it's a shining destiny

the fragrance of love is making me smile "

Euneya raised her face, her heart throbbing, her eyes squinted and her vision blurred with tears. Joey... I wonder... now, if I weren't Mai, would I be the one wearing the dress? That fit so perfectly? Would I be gushing over the plans with Anzu? Would I be swirling with excitement like Mai as she reiterated how you proposed to her?

Would I do that too...? If it were me... whom you were marrying?

Today, would I be the one with the ring?

Mokuba glanced at her. She was stiff on the chair.

"Nee-san?" Mokuba leaned up to her. "Are you feeling ok?"

Euneya bobbed her head. "Yea." She assured with a dazed smile.

Kaiba couldn't guarantee whether his suspicion was true. She did mention something along the lines of loosing a future she had wanted. Did he dump her while they were engaged? Is that why she can't let go of the ring? He stared at her grimly. Of course, she must wonder what it would be like if their relationship remained. Euneya was gazing at the stage sadly. Something stirred in his chest, a rifle shooting in midair and lifting an unknown feeling through him.

She closed her eyes and tears fell . . .

"When the wind blows, I gently close my eyes

and whisper a request of love

so that you'll be able to feel my heart "

His fists clenched and he gritted his teeth. What the hell is she thinking? No doubt about the bastard! The thought wasn't revolting but enraging. Still, he tried to pry his eyes off her soft face, Kaiba failed.

She didn't see him.

She didn't see him.

She couldn't see him.

She didn't...

"Look into my eyes

with a full heart that is beating so fast

now see my heart that is warm like a magical kiss "

Euneya shuddered as the wind blew into her ear. She closed her tearful eyes, letting its warmth soak into her cold cheek. Fate is cruel. Mokuba stared at her worriedly.

Kaiba watched another tear drip from her chin.

"Do you know? you feel it too, don't you

the love that my heart is saying

Euneya lowered her face on her shoulder, trembling.

Kaiba lowered his arm, his fingers reached up to touch her.

do you hear it? now, look at it now

my shy heart that is more beautiful than flowers "

"Nee-san.." Mokuba whispered. "Please," He touched her shoulder.

Euneya put her hand over her mouth and nodded, silencing her sob.

" I promise you.

isn't this a happy feeling? it's a shining destiny

let's indulge in this fragrance of love forever "

Kaiba stared at her shaking form. Anger searing him on full throttle. Why was she doing this to herself? Was she insane? Did she enjoy paining herself? He didn't approve of the idea of sitting quiet while she was crying over... over.... some bastard.

do you know? you feel it too, don't you

the love that my heart is saying

Euneya gasped and looked at him. The tears glistening in the sunlight.

Kaiba looked on at her impassively.

" Do you hear it? now, look at it now

my shy heart that is more beautiful than flowers "

Her eyes roamed over him, she gasped and more tears overcame her vision. Euneya shot up from the seat, she moved past him.

Kaiba stared at her profile.

" I love only you, exclusively you."

A round of applause rang from the audience. Euneya moved past the charing guests that wanted to enter. She pushed through.

"What a great performance!" The host bowed at the band, "Thank you! And now we bring you a documentary recorded from a year ago. A list of brides and grooms sharing their experience of marriage, before or after. Basically sharing their dreams together and how these couples met. Everyone, please take a seat, and enjoy our featured documentary."

The crowd endowed an earth-quaking response of laughter and excitement.

Mokuba darted from his seat and toward Euneya. "Nee-san!"

She stumbled against a couple. Mokuba stopped her. "Please, nee-san."

Euneya whirled around, shaking her head. "I can't do it, Mokuba."

The documentary began and everyone silenced.

"I can't do it." She quivered. "I'm not strong enough."

"Nee-chan." Mokuba clenched her cold hand. "You have us now, remember? Big brother and I!"

She knelt to his eye level. "Mokuba, there are so many things we can do for one another. This battle, I have to face alone."

"Nee-chan," Mokuba lowered his gaze, "Your otouto promises to help you the best he can." He murmured. "And Big Brother..." Mokuba met her eyes. "Once Big Brother cares for someone, he protects them. To the end."

Euneya brushed her tears but they kept returning, blurring her vision. "Mokuba..." She steadied her hand on his shoulder. "I can't..." Euneya refrained from sobbing, and turned her head over her shoulder.

Mokuba's grip on her hand tightened. "Nee-san, we are a family. We look after each other. You can do this. And you will." He encouraged. "This, I know. Nee-san is too smart, and too pretty to think she can't. There are so many kids who look up to you. You have a lot of people dependent of you. So man I." Mokuba nodded, "Please, nee-san, don't say you can't. Don't do this to yourself. Don't do this to your future."

Euneya pulled him in her embrace. "Gomen... Mokuba.." She squeaked.

"Nee-san, you have to stay strong ok?" He murmured on her shoulder. "Stay strong for your otouto."

Euneya drew away and brushed away her tears. "De...." She nodded.

"Hi ya! Everybody! Uh, the names Joey Wheeler, and this is my favorite person in the world, my love, Mai Valentine."

Euneya stiffened at the voice.

"Mai and I met two years ago. She was electrifying and I knew I wanted to get to know her better. I followed her around, trying to convince her, at first, she wouldn't give in."

Mai laughed next to him on the sofa. She nudged him playfully. Joey continued, "Well uh, she did though. And she fell for me hard."

Euneya rose to her feet, staring at the screen.

Mokuba turned around, mouth agape.

Kaiba growled at the scene. What the hell is mutt doing in this documentary? Revolted, he strode out of his seat and stopped halfway upon seeing Euneya and Mokuba, transfixed at the scene.

"She is very caring and I love that about her. I know her beauty can't be compared to anyone in the world. Mai and I share a special bond, and I'd like to make that bond last forever between us. We never thought of marriage when we were going out. I went to Seoul, knowing she'd be there, and she told me that she needed more time to think about coming back with me to Domino.."

Euneya moved toward the front of the aisle, unable to look away from the scene.

Kaiba stared at her and at the screen.

"I had to come back for her every time I left Seoul. She was always on my mind. She told me to come and so I did, I stayed for more than 3 months, and everyday with her was glorious!" Joey leaned in and kissed her on the lips. Mai blushed, and nestled in his chest. "She finally agreed to join me in Domino. And I popped the question. True, we are young to be getting married but I want to live with her for the rest of my life. If she lets me." Joey denoted an endearing stare at her.

Mai giggled at him. She looked at the camera. "I thought he wasn't serious. But then, he kept asking me, and I considered it deeply. We chose to live in Domino. We want to get married there too." She looked at Joey.

"I can't wait to start our lives together. There's a difference between a bachelor's life and the married man. When I'm with her, I feel I can do anything. I've never felt this way with anyone else before. What's that? Ex girl friends? Umm, nope. None are memorable. I've made mistakes in the past, yes, given, I was young and experiencing stuff. But this is the real deal. I haven't gotten this close to anyone in my life but Mai. She is extraordinary. No one can look at her and say she's not."

Euneya stood in front of the screen. The enlarge image glaring over her like lightening.

She was struck.

"I feel like no one has made an engraving impact on me unlike her. No one is more important to me than her and we feel the same about each other. I have wonderful supporting friends but Mai always manages to exceed the caliber and make me feel like I'm reaching for something and I know only I can get it! We hope a lot of couples feel this way too and experience having someone like that. I know I do. Mai and I plan to get married next year and all of you are invited!"

Joey listened to the interviewer. "If I invited her? Hah, she doesn't matter. I did have someone before I met Mai. She is a capable person, and her childhood was tormenting. She is a great person but she and I were too different. I don't know, I don't what to say about her. She wasn't "it" for me. I needed something more. I didn't quiet tell her my feelings were changing. But I know she understood me. She knows I have someone else in my life. And she can take care of herself, she's not a kid. I don't care about her, what's important, is Mai."

Euneya slumped to her knees.

Mokuba sprinted up the aisle, toward her. "Nee-san!" He tugged her up. "Get up, nee-san!" He shook her.

She stared with a pained expression.

"Joey and I are ready to tie the knot and place those feelings behind us. We have no regrets. We are ready and we are going strong." Mai admitted. "Yes, I believe each one of us has a past and it helps her become who we are today. I'm glad I met someone like Joey. He is funny and goofy, with all this flaws, he is the man I want to spend my life with."

Kaiba scowled at Mokuba. He was trying to get her up. She was too focused on the video to move. Kaiba moved toward her.

"Nee-san! Forget him!" Mokuba yelled.

Kaiba halted.

'Nee-san! Forget him!' Is that what Mokuba said?

His eyes burned on her back, and flashed up at the screen. Joey's smiling face crossed over the screen.

He felt his insides claw with rage.

"I love you Mai."

"I love you Joey."

Their lips leaned in for a chaste kiss.

Euneya dipped her eyes shut as the kiss was sealed. Her tears glided down her temples and into her hair.

"Nee-san." Mokuba fell next to her. He shook her shoulder.

Cautiously, Euneya stood up, staring emptily at the ground.

Joey Wheeler? Kaiba clenched his fists. He strode toward her. That pathetic mutt!

Suddenly, Euneya whirled around and darted off toward the exit.

Kaiba glared at her, she was coming toward him. I'll make sure he-

Euneya brushed past his shoulder.

He stopped short, and stared after her. She didn't even see him.

Mokuba followed her. "Nee-san!" Kaiba grabbed his arm. "Big brother..." He gasped. "I have to get nee-chan!"

"Stay here."

---

She ran blindly through the streaming crowd. His voice coaxing more tears in her ears as it repeated.

"She wasn't 'it' for me."

"She knows I have someone else in my life."

Euneya staggered and made a jerking turn. She didn't know where she was headed. But the voice... the voice had to stop.

"I don't care about her, what's important, is Mai."

The greta raked the black path and she twisted on the grass, climbing up hill. The cherry blossoms shuddered at her pace and fluttered after her in a pool.

Joey... you...... Were always with her. Not me.

You lied.

She tore through the long train of trees, her blinding eyes twisting and churning the path in a disarray of colors. Euneya gasped up at the sky as she urged herself to run faster. This was all she could do. Run. Run with her broken heart in her hands. Run from the man who inflicted her.

She stumbled but caught herself. Her kimono coming loose. She didn't care.

Precisely a year ago, Joey was with her, Mai.

He didn't go to Seoul for his father's death, he went for Mai.

He didn't feel hurt, he had Mai.

He wasn't alone, he was with Mai.

He had everything in the world -- Mai.

Mai.... Mai....

The greta dislodged, and she tripped. The force sending her diving on the grass with her kimono flaring open. Euneya landed on her shoulder, her cheek on the blossom pedals as more snowed on her from the wind that blew in after her collapse.

She wailed.

Like a mourning widow.

Lost in her gruesome pain.

Euneya, sobbed to the scraping wind.

And the rest of the witnessing sky.

Her cracking heart split, enveloping her body in the rush of crimson.

The glass, that was her heart, broke in her clutching palms, cutting the seam of her future lines.

She was a pile of ribbon, cord, and silk. Her cheek against the ground.

Euneya sobbed hard.

---

Kaiba panted as he came to a staggering halt in the hills. She was weeping. Weeping like a forlorn pariah on the ground.

He breathed, throat dry, and went toward her. She sure ran fast.

Euneya stilled. Is it... ? She clenched her fists. Why is he here? Why did he come?!

Leave me alone... leave me alone....

Her sobbing went on and he could only stand and stare in a daze for a while, amidst the overwhelming ache and terror that were fighting to surface for the first time in him. Kaiba picked up her greta and knelt by her feet.

"Euneya..." He was out of breath. She didn't hear him. "What are you doing?" Kaiba demanded. "Get up." He wanted to nudge her, shake her, shove her, but he couldn't bring himself to touch her in the midst of her misery.

She lay like a cripple. Her obi flung loose around her. He sat down on the grass, regarding her carefully as her shoulders shook with the sobs.

"Is this all you can do?" Kaiba growled. "Baka..." He glared at the trees.

The blossoms swarmed around them in the warm breeze.

"Get up." He prompted.

The trembling of her body alarmed him.

"Euneya!" Kaiba yelled. "If this is all you can bring yourself to, you're worthless. If he truly wanted to stay, is this what you'd give him?" Ass! He hated talking about that 'Wheeler' hated it more than anything he could think of, but the hate paled in comparison to the seething one as he watched how she was suffering.

She crawled on her elbows and sat up. The pedals creased on her cheeks. She was covered in the blossoms like a ferry. Euneya quivered at the sky.

"Soredemo ii..."

Kaiba moved toward her, he stopped on the side. "You're in tears and you say you're 'fine with it' ?" He snatched. "Take a look at yourself."

Her tearful eyes angled on him. She didn't speak. Drawing to her feet, Euneya stumbled. Her Kimono fell apart. Euneya clutched the silk to her body and stared in pain at the ground.

"Wipe that look off your face." Kaiba hissed. He picked up her obi and held it out to her. "You can do better." His voice softer now.

Euneya stared at him piercingly. She glanced at his other hand and sighed. Brushing the tears from her face, she forced a smile. "Soredemo ii." She began more confidently. Euneya took his hand, regardless of her falling kimono, she rubbed her fingers over his scared knuckles.

"Gomen.." Euneya quivered. "You took quiet a fight on my case." She retrieved a silk ribbon and wrapped it around his hand like a bandage.

Her words fell in the air like a burden. Is that what she thinks she is?

There was a sakura on her head, he reached over and placed it over the curve of her ear.

"We break. We fall. We feel lost, treasured. Or don't..." Lifting her face to him, she tearfully continued. "None of us compare to you, Kaiba, Seto." Her small hands brushed his yukata of the blossoms and she retreated. Gathering the layer of silk, Euneya pulled it up.

The kimono loosened drastically.

Kaiba sighed at her, she was being ridiculous. He stepped toward her and wrapped the obi around her waist. Euneya stiffened as his arms came about her.

"You can't go out practically nude." Kaiba muttered.

"What a thing to say..." Euneya whispered, embarrassed. At a time like this, no less.

"Curious eyes will question why you're leaving the fields with your clothes disheveled." The corner of his mouth snuck up. "With me, of course."

Euneya could barely breath. "Are you... laughing at me?" She gasped.

Kaiba tied the Obi at her back. His eyes met hers. "What if I'm not." His expression passive.

"Hentai." Euneya breathed, flushing bright red at the proximity of his face.

His eyes were humorless. A tear fell out of the corner of her eye.

Kaiba drew back and averted his attention to the trees, giving her the chance to rearrange her clothes more privately. He folded his arms and eyed the tingling movement of the flowers. Euneya smoothed the kimono and searched for her greta. They were in his hands. She reached for them. Kaiba stared at her pale hands and handed it to her. Euneya slipped them on and stood back up, gracefully holding herself.

"How long will it be?" His voice dipped softly. The sound, different than the one she was accustomed to, made her finger tips tingle.

"How long for what?" She whispered, gazing at the sakura's.

"For these to bloom again. So we can meet again."

A warm breeze fluttered the sakura around them, whirling like butterflies and dipping in midair. Euneya smiled at the blossoms brushing against his face and yukata. He stood like always, immobile.

Euneya caught the pedals passing by and cupped them in her hands. She held it out to him. "Take them."

Kaiba stared at her cupped hands, hesitant. "What's in it?"

Euneya grabbed his hand and put them inside. "Now make a wish."

"I don't have time for such trivialities." Kaiba huffed.

"Aw hell." Euneya threw her hands up. "Will you quit the act?"

"I'm not acting." He snapped.

"A moment ago you-"

"Just because I tie your Obi doesn't mean I was being nice."

"You were being nice!"

Kaiba glared threateningly. "No I wasn't."

"Yea you were."

"No I wasn't."

"Yes, You were." Euneya nodded. "If not then what?"

"I was obliging." Kaiba rectified.

Euneya smirked, "Is that so?"

He narrowed his eyes at the trees. "Would you rather I rip off your clothes?" He treaded.

Euneya whipped around and stared intently at the flowers, bead red. Kaiba eyed her piercingly. She remained passive.

"Would you rather I-"

"No!" She replied impatiently. "I just wanted you to admit you were being nice, and not insulting me like you usually do."

"Hmph." He folded his arms stubbornly and stared silently at the pool of pedals. Kaiba scowled, "Why do you do that?"

Euneya stirred from her reverie. "Hmm?"

"Why do you run?" He didn't look at her but at the blossom nestled on her ear, it was still there.

Euneya smiled forlornly. "It's what I do." She sighed and put her hands up as more pedals fell in her palms. "I ran when my parent's were killed. I ran from the orphanage. I ran... Ran... Still do when I'm angry, scared, hurt........ It's what I do."

Kaiba looked back at the breezing branches. Her parent's were killed, and she came from an orphanage? He was shocked at the desire to know more.

Euneya rarely conversed about her family.

There wasn't anyone in sight for miles. The quiet chirping of the birds and the humming wind were the remaining sounds of the afternoon. The festivities were underway and continued with laughter. Kaiba and Euneya stood in silence and admired the blossoms. There was a peaceful semblance wafting in the center of it all. The stirring of the pedals on the ground and the bristly leaves. Her tabi socks were tucked in the greta as she stared out in the afternoon sun. The tears hidden from his wandering eye. Kaiba stared at the tree trunks as he considered the ring on her finger and the video of Joey with his 'fiance' -- Mai Valentine. Regardless of the insults and bickering they endowed each other, he didn't want to admit but if something negative resulted from Joey and her relationship, he would be first the teach him a lesson. Four years of constant altercation with the dim-wit and he was itching to do something. Although, it concerned Euneya so he would have to restrain himself. There was no desire for insults and injury for the time being between them. He witnessed one of her tragic moments and truly wasn't attracted to the idea of hurting her with his words, even if it was a joke. She didn't deserve it. Besides, their arguments weren't serious. Sure, she was being an idiot majority of the time, that would never change, but she was still breaking apart, or she was broken.

Kaiba blinked softly at the breeze. Why did they ever start off in the wrong foot? She cared for Mokuba more than he thought, and likewise. Why did he always put her down and reveled in making her uncomfortable? He didn't have an answer now. He didn't find it entertaining anymore either. There was a bitterness storming in the pit of his stomach. Was she aware of what was going on besides her and Joey? Kaiba doubted it. In her eyes, there was one man, Joey Wheeler.

Euneya frowned at the sky. It was a beautiful day for a great tragedy. She sighed and let the breeze smooth her hair from her face. Joey's laughing face appeared at the center of her mind. She shook her eyes open and stared at the trees. Why did he do that? Why didn't he tell her the truth? Euneya folded her arms to repel the chills roaming over her. Was he worried she'd cry and stalk him? Euneya shook her head. What does he think of me now? He didn't care about her and she had to accept the idea of 'moving on'. The sweet scent of the blossoms wove around them.

Kaiba lifted his eyes. Euneya looked around.

The blossoms fluttered against them. Poking on the sleeves of their clothing and in their hair.

Euneya chuckled at the pedals stuck to his hair. She reached up and brushed it off.

The blossom tickled his nose and he swatted it aside.

The flowers rained on them. Euneya looked up at the sky.

Kaiba grunted surly. She laughed, obviously reveling in the softness of the pedals. He stared.

"What are you doing?" Kaiba blurted.

"Stop mocking me and lighten up." Euneya replied. She threw some pedals on his face.

Kaiba clenched his teeth, he blinked as the pedals hit him. Turning away slowly, he ignored as she threw more on him. "Quit that!"

Euneya giggled and smelled the blossoms. "When I have a home, I want to grow some in my backyard."

Kaiba stared at her. "You'd have to take care of it."

"What makes you think I won't?"

"You obviously don't take care of yourself."

Euneya frowned. He turned and started walking away.

"Kaiba!" Euneya followed him. "Why are you leaving abruptly?"

"I'm correct aren't I?" He questioned.

She flushed, "I've taken care of myself for years. I don't see why you think I can't."

He turned, snappishly. "Then you revel depressing over a loser."

"He's not a-"

Kaiba grabbed her sleeve, lunging her toward him. His eyes flashing darkly. "Don't defend him." He gritted.

Euneya gulped, she trembled in his grip.

Loosening her, Kaiba brushed past her and walked through the grass. Euneya stared dizzily around herself.

He was right.

She knew it.

Glancing over her shoulder, she saw him briskly dodge the branches. Euneya quickly followed him out through the trees. He pulled the branches up for her and stepped on the black road that steered into the main path where the festivities were. Kaiba sauntered down first and Euneya followed close. They stopped and peered around first.

Jin and Mokuba approached them, Jin assessing Euneya with concern. Seeing that she looked fine, he stepped back.

Mokuba rushed toward her. "Nee-san!" He grabbed her around her stomach. "What happened to you? Why did you run off like that? Why are you crying so much? Why are you doing this? What took you so long? Why is your Kimono messed up? Why why why?"

Kaiba plucked him off her and nudged him in Jin's arms. "Give her some space." He said.

Euneya shrugged, "No, I don't-"

Kaiba's gaze chilled. "Temple. Now." He shoved past them and headed in the direction, leaving the group gaping.

Mokuba stared cautiously. "Did something... Happen with you two?"

Euneya rubbed her neck self consciously. "No. I don't think so?"

"Why are you uncertain? You spend over an hour together." Mokuba accused. "Something must've happened!" His eyes went to her Kimono intently. "Nee-san, why why why is your Kimono... dirty? Did you roll on the grass and stuff?"

Euneya brushed the dirt. "I fell.." She sighed.

Mokuba stared up at Jin. "Are you buying this?" He asked.

The guard stared at Euneya's pink face.

"Mokuba!" Euneya grabbed him and pulled him with her. I can't believe this kid!

"Nee-san, if nothing happened why are you blushing?"

"I'm not blushing."

"First, Big Brother is moody. Second, Nee-san is blushing." He ranted on. "What am I missing?"

"Mokuba!" Euneya stared wide, warning. "Yamero!" She hushed.

"Your Kimono is messed up. And you're blushing. And Big Brother is mad." He stopped in realization. "Did you... reject him?"

Euneya ceased and gaped. "WHAT?"

Kaiba whirled around. "I heard that!" He growled.

Mokuba ducked behind Euneya. She wrenched him away but he grabbed her around the waist. "Nee-san! Save me!" Mokuba peeked at his glaring brother. "Why are you getting mad at me if nee-san rejected you?"

"Mokuba!" Euneya undid his hand. "I didn't reject him!"

He jumped him happily and paused, "Why is Bro Brother mad still?"

Euneya sighed in exasperation. "When isn't he!" She quickly began walking.

Kaiba coldly stared at the two.

The horse stable was not crowded when Euneya made her way toward the entrance. She dutifully removed her shoes and entered the sacred room.

Kaiba frowned at her greta and righted them. He entered after removing his greta. Mokuba and Jin entered solemnly. He turned off his camera and bowed in front of the 'God of Compassion' -- Kannon Bosatsu. The name is literally translated as 'one who see/hears all'. The eleven faces of the scared sculpture denoted spreading sweetness and mercy in all direction as it compassionately listened to prayers of those in need. Kaiba glanced at Euneya. She stared at the face of the sculpture, her face delicate. He thought of how she reacted earlier, and the restless tears floating around her eyes as she stared up at him in the field. Turning away, he knelt and prostrated along with her on the carpet, raising his hand above his ears and sat up. Drawing to his feet, Kaiba repeated the movement. Mokuba and Jin stood beside each other and continued bowing.

Their strokes were marked on the prayer tablets that were hung in the company of prayers written by others. Mokuba turned his back and quickly jotted down his prayer, averting from the two, as much as Euneya tried peeking over his shoulder, he made sure she couldn't see. Frowning, Euneya wrote down her own prayer.

Euneya: Praying for the new Minarou Orphanage School and the future of the kids.

Kaiba caught sight of her tablet.

Mokuba grinned to himself and scuttled off to hang his tablet away from everyone else.

Jin: Praying for my family, and Seon.

Kaiba regarded his tablet distantly. What did he have to pray for? What was there to ask? He had everything in the world. Name, fame, family, anything the world offered. The important person in his life, Mokuba, was happy and safe. Kaiba regarded his brother skipping the stairs from the shrine. He was chipper as of late.

Kaiba: Praying for ....

He saw Euneya hang her tablet and close her eyes faithfully.

Kaiba: Praying for Mokuba's prayers to come true.

He turned and hung his tablet too. If he had lingered and pushed aside three tablets to inspect his brother's....

Mokuba: Praying for Big Brother and Euneya's happiness. Together!

Kaiba would have been shocked.

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Copyright Nur Misurr

READ & REVIEW

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~ This is a personal favorite chapter, partly because the title of the story was incorporated. The concept of the 'Trip' is to draw Kaiba & Euneya closer. Though the process is slow, but I think the process is just as important as the aftermath of falling in love and coming together. I hope Kaiba's wasn't too OC, I'm trying to work on it and keep him in character. So far, I think he applies to the story sufficiently. Thanks to all the dedicated reviewers, I love the support, and thanks to the faithful readers too. I'll update weekly for you guys. Take care!