~ Previously: 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.

Just A Little Closer

-

-

The four departed and rejoined with their greta. Euneya and Kaiba made their way toward the Gate of the Deva Kings.

Mokuba jerked a finger at the Lions at the gate. They warded off evil from entering. He turned on his camera and recorded their images. Euneya ascended the stairs, and entered the Sai-Mon, the West Gate, which had more Lions like the first gate, Nio-Mon.

"They look scary..." Mokuba hissed quietly at Jin. He put an arm on his back to lead him steadily forward.

Kaiba glance at Euneya, she was eyeing the sculptures with a light expression. Her face peaceful and her eyes no longer dark with tears, she smiled at him. "Thank you."

He averted without a word.

Euneya reached up, and held his arm gently. He stiffened under the warm hand. She released it a second later and continued walking toward the Shoro, Bell Tower.

They continued into the 3 story Pagaoda or — Sanju-no-to. The red, gold of the building reflected the starkness of the ground. The dark roof paled in the bright sun with the elongating pole at the peak.

Mokuba endlessly chattered about how he loved the tower building. They walked toward the Kyodo, Sutra Hall, where sacred sutras were contained. On the left was the sculpture of the deity of virtue, Monju, directly beside the sculpture was the deity of wisdom, Fugen.

On the right of the room was the Zuigu-do, the Temple of Mercy. Euneya bowed before leaving the room.

The Jishu shrine appeared in the middle of the temple. Halting Euneya in her steps, Kaiba nearly bumped into her but caught himself.

Mokuba stared in awe at the Goddess of Love.

Euneya turned over her shoulder, her eyes on the floor. "Let's go somewhere else." She started walking away.

Mokuba grabbed her arm. "Nee-san, it's popular with women." He stared pointedly at the passage. "Why don't you try it?"

Euneya kept her face turned away. "When you've hurt so much, you can't bear asking for more." She patted Mokuba's hand and turned around.

Kaiba intervened her path, arms folded. She regarded him evenly. "Do you have somethin—"

"I do." Kaiba glanced at the Shrine. "Walking across one rock to the other, brings luck." His eyes lanced her. "Since you're luck is worse, challenge yourself and see the results." He moved past her and entered the Shrine.

Women scattered away on his approach.

Hurt, Euneya watched him kneel and bow to the goddess, he stood back up, and glanced at her, beckoning to enter.

"Euneya-sama." Jin came beside her. "It's not for us to judge, but do the one thing while we have the time, that is to give things a try."

Her eyes widened at him.

Jin smiled at the ground, thoughtfully. "These are your own words, aren't they?" Bowing respectfully, he followed Mokuba and Kaiba inside.

Mokuba lingered at the steps, attentive of Euneya. She kept her head bowed.

Slowly, he watched her turn and approach the shrine. Kaiba folded his arms and waited for her to enter. She stopped next to his shoulder.

"Why am I doing this?" She quivered at the Goddess.

Kaiba stared with a remote expression. She bowed on the ground beside him and struggled back to her feet, trembling as she overcame with tears. Mokuba bowed on the floor and stood back up.

Euneya brushed away the tears and took a deep breath. She stepped on the stones and closed her eyes. Walking from one rock across to the other, with the eyes closed, brings luck in one's love life.

Euneya moved with baby steps, her body quaking and tears dripped. She hated it. She hated it more than anything. She hated asking for something that couldn't possibly be hers.

Mokuba knotted his fingers and watched widely. Jin firmly stood his ground. Kaiba stared at her staggering feet on the path. She had to see the truth herself.

Forget Joey, forget what you're feeling. Forget it all. He clenched his teeth.

Euneya held her breath and stepped forward. Her right foot first.

I don't want this dread. I don't want to feel this. I don't want to live with this. She put her left foot forward.

I should give things another try. Right? Jishu? Euneya urged her right foot again, then her left. I have to. There is no other choice for me. She continued down the path.

Mokuba stared at the other end, where the second stone was. He bit her lip and glanced inquisitively at his calm brother, who stared unblinkingly.

The anticipation tugged them all. Until she reached the end, her foot stumbled.

Jin dove and caught her firmly around the arms. "Euneya-sama."

She opened her eyes.

"You did it!" Mokuba grinned. "You walked straight to the second rock!"

Euneya stared at the stone behind her, and at the first one. She sighed with a smile, turning around to Jin, she bowed. "Thank you, Jin."

He nodded and stepped aside.

"Let's go." Kaiba's cool voice hushed over them. He whirled and headed out of the shrine.

"What about you Big Brother?" Mokuba titled his head. "Don't you want luck...too?" He winked at Euneya and Jin.

"I don't have time—"

"Right." Euneya drawled. Kaiba glared as she cut him. "You were about to say 'frivolities' am I correct?" Mokuba snickered.

Euneya slid her hand through his folded arm and nudged him toward the trail. "If you were stubborn enough to make me do it, I think it's fair I should too." She caught his inhuman glare. "You'll be thankful."

"Nee-san has a point," Mokuba pouted, "You're stuck in the office and barely go out on dates. Hmm, when was the last time you went on a date? Lets see... Never!"

"Shut up." Kaiba hissed. "My dating life isn't to be conversed with."

"Big Brother, you're using work to avoid dates." Mokuba blurted suddenly.

"One more word out of you.." Kaiba warned.

Mokuba hid behind Euneya. "Nee-san, you convince him."

Kaiba sharply eyed her. "She can't possibly—"

"I think it's up to you if you want to die alone in your death bed." She let out. Mokuba and Jin stared snapped their heads at her, surprised.

"Nee-san!" Mokuba gasped. "I never... believe you'd..."

Euneya gestured toward the Goddess. "I'm not one to talk, but most believe in her more than them-selves." She regarded the sculpture and the passing women who entered and left the shrine.

Kaiba stalked away without a word. Like he had any interest in that kind of shit. He controlled his own destiny and life, even his death. He stopped short, noticing the three were still inside the shrine. Folding his arms, he tapped his foot impatiently and glared at the walls. The walls didn't keep things secret, as Mokuba's voice echoed and vibrated toward him.

"Nee-san," Mokuba looked up at her. "What did you mean by dying alone?"

Euneya sighed deeply. "You'll understand when you become of age, Mokuba. Sometimes we think we have many by our side. As depressing as it sounds, you'll truly be surprised at the number who care to stay."

She put a hand on his shoulder. "But that's too dark to think about, Mokuba." Her eyes drank the goddess. "I think we each have something special to look forward to before anything of the matter happens. Go to your brother, ok,"

Mokuba nodded, "Ok..." He left the shrine and followed the aisle his brother had taken.

Kaiba was leaning on the wall, glaring at a wall.

"Big Brother..." Mokuba stopped in front of him. "Are you mad at nee-san?"

"Whatever for?" Kaiba regarded him.

He shrugged, "For saying what she did. I think she's trying to look out for you in her own way."

"Hmph." Kaiba moved off the wall and headed outside.

"You don't think so?" Mokuba jogged, "Nee-san has always taken care of others. I know the orphanage won't be the same without her. Do you know why I asked her to be my nee-san?"

Kaiba was surprised by his curiosity. "Why?" He murmured quietly.

Mokuba chuckled. "She makes the best cake in the world!"

Kaiba didn't laugh. "Get serious, otouto."

"You never smile." Mokuba pouted. "When I start private school in Osaka," He smiled softly, "I know she won't watch you drain yourself."

Kaiba scowled at his words. Mokuba continued, "Nee-san isn't afraid of you like other girl's. She is warm, and we both need warmth. You especially, Big Brother." Mokuba glanced at him, "She is also like you. You have common traits."

"Hmph!" Kaiba couldn't believe what he was hearing. Common traits? Impossible!

Euneya found Jin frowning at her. "Whatever it is, I admit it—" She put her hand up.

Jin hid a smile, and moved past her out of the shrine. "Euneya-sama, it's not my place to remark on your actions. I leave it you to consider them."

Euneya nodded before walking out of the shrine. Mokuba and Kaiba were waiting on the large staircase.

They continued into the Okuno-in where the crude carving of Kannon, Jizo, and Bishamon-yen were first ever carved. Pouring water on the images was a sign of purification. Mokuba and Jin were the first ones to pour water on Kannon.

Kaiba was the last, after Euneya. They lingered on the roof and gazed out at the fluttering sakura's in the distant while Mokuba and Jin went to the waterfall underneath.

Her hands strayed on the barrier and she sighed shakily in the wind.

Kaiba glanced at her questionably. "You look like someone who has a lot of debt."

Euneya smirked. "I wouldn't be normal if I didn't have any debts."

"Didn't you want to know what it's like inside?" Kaiba eyed the shaking trees.

She frowned and patted the barrier gently, "I did. I ...." Euneya paused and squinted her eyes. "I like it here. It's peaceful."

"You aren't." He muttered.

"Right." She nodded defeatedly.

"Are you still thinking about him?" He folded his arms.

Her eyes restlessly searched the site. "Don't you get tired of asking me things like this?"

Kaiba regarded her narrowly. "I don't recall inquiring your personal life. Ever."

"Why start now?"

He felt distinctly pressured but kept his composure and simply said, "I'll have your answer some day." He stared at the sakura on her ear and smirked.

Walking past her, he went underneath the roof to the waterfall. Euneya stared at him and sight back at the trees.

"Big Brother! Did you think about what I said?" Mokuba grinned.

Kaiba glared and snatched a cup. "I don't need to think about anything."

"You don't like to be compared."

"And what's wrong with that." Kaiba snapped.

Mokuba frowned, "Are you scared I might be right? Big Bro?"

Kaiba stared at him critically. "Here." He filled the cup from the dripping pole and handed it to him. "Make sure your legs grow."

Mokuba pouted. "My legs are fine!"

"You want to be stuck at 4'2 for the rest of your life?" Kaiba hissed moodily. "Drink."

Mokuba dumped the water down his throat, he handed his brother the cup. "There! Done! I'll grow twice as big as you! You'll see!"

"Big?" Euneya piped in, eyeing the brother's.

"Nee-san, do you think my sugar level is bad and I won't grow 'cause of it?"

She tapped her lip thoughtfully. "Actually, you do need sugar at this age to grow."

"See!" Mokuba shoved a finger on Kaiba's chest. "Nee-san knows sugar is good for me! And I will grow tall!"

"It's in your genes." Euneya stated.

"See! See! See!" Mokuba pointed at her. "She knows more than you, Big Brother!" He glommed her. "Aww nee-san is so cool!"

He arrogantly scoffed. "I'm giving you 1 month." Kaiba spat.

"I can't grow in a month!" Mokuba whirled around wildly.

"Not you." Kaiba snapped, Euneya startled back.

"Me?"

"1 month." Kaiba filled the cup before offering it to her. "Drink this."

Mokuba's eyes widened at his brother.

"You heal if you drink this." Kaiba murmured, averting.

Euneya regarded the sacred water, her hand fingered the beating spot in her chest. Heal... Did he mean—her heart?

"I'll heal?"

He resumed flatly, "Are you taking it or not?"

"I'm taking it, taking it." She sullenly took the cup.

Kaiba folded his arms and watched intently.

"Now drink." He ordered.

Mokuba peered at Euneya, who was obedient to his word.

She stared listlessly at the water without a word or indication of consuming the contents. Warily, raising her eyes to Kaiba, her pale lips trembling as she whispered. "Are you sure?"

Mute, but determined, Kaiba stood his ground. Euneya got her answer and drank it quickly. Ready to diminish what was left of her pained heart.


They returned to the ryokan late in the evening. Euneya, with her greta tapping the frigid rocks in the night, Kaiba with his still silent grace.

Jin and Mokuba wearily tick-tocking toward the agari-kamachi.

Halting, Euneya gestured Kaiba to continue without her, and slowly, trudged into the dim lit garden. Fatigued, she regarded the lights of the cherry blossoms in the distant. Rubbing her arms, she sighed to herself.

"If only I can have one at home." Euneya mused aloud at the fascinating trees. The glimmering lights in the blossoms exotically reached out within the district. Paling the dark night with its magnificent radiance.

Kaiba leaned back against the wall and followed the direction of her gaze at the starry trees. He turned and retreated in the dark, inside.

Euneya sat on a small chair to watch the night. There was hardly a bone of excitement in her body. At first, her heart hurt, then her whole body, ridding the extremity of awe she maintained a moment ago.

Memories of Joey and Mai ransacked her brain. She closed her eyes but the image of their lips melted together. Euneya rubbed her eyes open, jerking to her feet, she stared angrily at the trees.

"She knows I have someone else.

I don't care about her.."

Her feet led her out of the garden with her thoughts bubbling with the two least people she was uncomfortable relating with. Euneya kicked off her greta outside of her room, she reached for the shoji door.

"He is handsome!"

"I can't believe he is here."

"He won the Best Businessman Award continuously in the last 6 years! Smart, talented, handsome! What else could you want?"

Euneya glared at the shoji screen where their shadows supposedly congregated.

"But who is that woman with him?"

" 'Nee-san?' The scrubby little one calls her a lot! Annoying!"

Her fits clenched. Euneya tossed her greta against the door and moved toward their screen.

"Nee-san? She's isn't pretty! How can she be related to them?"

"You don't think...."

"They're married!"

"Ye! I saw the ring on her finger."

Euneya yanked open the screen. Three maids, yelped and scuttled to their feet at her hostile eyes.

"Can we help you?"

"We've prepared your futon, is it not comfortable?"

"Do you think I care what you think of me?" She muttered, "Call me what ever you want—But don't!" Euneya waved a finger. "Don't call Mokuba scrubby. I'm not in a good mood if you mess with me. To make things clear, no, we aren't married! We won't ever be! Got that!"

The maids shrank back in typical unease and fear.

Euneya clenched her teeth. "I don't want to hear anything from this room regarding Mokuba. Or anyone of us! For that matter!" She screamed.

"Hai!"

"Hai!"

"Get to work." Euneya growled.

The maids scurried past her into the hall, gushing and mumbling in despair. Euneya groaned, closing her eyes, she turned toward her door. Her body stiffened.

"What happened?"

She brushed her upper lip and jerked open the screen to her room. "If you have fans take care of them yourself!" She shouted at Kaiba, the door rattled in the slam.

Euneya unrobed herself and sank on the hard floor, hands and shoulders trembling in rage.

Why was she overworked?

She needed to forget Joey and regain control of her temper. Drawing a deep breath, she closed her eyes and titled her head at the ceiling. Her eyes opened and Joey's laugher mocked her in the shadows.

She crawled in the futon, eyes wide, and feet warm, her breathing ragged as a trail of perspiration skid off her temple. Euneya fell back and relaxed herself.

She waited for an hour to fall asleep. Tossing and turning until she was aching with frustration. Euneya went to the bathroom with a flame to guide her inside, she took the towel and headed outside her room toward the public bath.

The corridor became blurry as she was overwhelmed with a scorching ache that sprung through her body, riveting her on her steps, that she sank on the floor, muffling her sob.

It was another 5 minutes of brushing the nonstop tears when courage gripped her and tugged her to her destination.

She set the light on table and tightened her undergarments around herself before stepping inside the warm bath. Her body sank in the heat, leaning back, she stared aimlessly at the blurry ceiling.

Another tear tickled down her face, she breathed and wrestled open her hair, tossing the clip over her shoulder as it clattered somewhere in the shadows.

Euneya bit her lip and stared at the wavering water she was surrounded with. Her legs moved up and she titled her head back, wishing her heart to follow the physical lightness of her body.

"I love you Mai."

"I love you Joey."

Her throat was dry. When everything was stagnant around her, a ragged sob enveloped the dark bath house.

The whitest dot in the dark water floated around, in the softness of a Sakura.


The engawa sprung to life in the early morning. Jin sat beside Kaiba on the zabuton. Mokuba slept in and he didn't pay great attention to waking the child.

Clasping his hands in his lap, he stared out at the glow piercing the room in the sunrise.

"Shall I call for tea?" Jin asked.

Kaiba remained occupied with staring out the window in deep thought. His gaze drifted to the short table on the floor. "Did you receive calls from the office?"

"Yes, Kaiba-sama." Jin reached into his pocket for the cell phone. "There have been numerous interview requests since you are in the Kyoto."

"Don't reply."

"Hai, Kaiba-sama."

He directed his gaze on the glistening window again, eyes riveted on the reflecting light as his chest rose and fell with the ticking of his watch.

What happens now?

What should I do?

Fearlessly, without hesitation ....

The door slid open and a pair of feet breezed into the silent room. Jin bowed with a smile. "Euneya-sama."

She bowed before taking the seat across them on the floor. Her eyes transferred to the bright window.

"Did you rest well, Euneya-sama?" Jin asked.

"Like a baby!" She smiled vigorously. "What about you?"

Kaiba sensed the pseudo cheerful tone in her voice.

He chuckled smoothly. "I did as well." Jin rose to his feet. "I'll call the maid."

"Oh, no, I called them already." Euneya stopped him. "They are coming. They took my warning earnestly yesterday and have been working twice as hard. They offered to wash my clothes and iron them next door."

"Warning?" Jin leaned over the table, curious. "What kind of warning?"

Euneya stared wide at him. "You know, work hard, serve guests, keep things simple..." She mumbled.

Kaiba's eyes fastened her to her seat. His eyes roamed her face to her folded legs. She hadn't slept a wink, he could tell. Averting, he resumed window gazing.

"What's so interesting at the window?" Euneya blurted. "When you have company, you should converse."

"Only if there's someone important."

"Imp.. Important?" Euneya solemnly silenced.

Kaiba cleared his throat. "I make an effort if it's work-related."

Euneya blinked, "Aren't you making an effort now?"

Kaiba glared, "I don't desire making an effort to converse with you."

"Why so snappy in the morning..." She muttered. "Is he like this always?" She asked Jin.

The guard stiffened, meeting Kaiba's glare, he fidgeted. "I.... I'll go check on the tea." Jin rose to his feet.

"I requested some medicinal herbs, if you don't mind." Euneya informed.

"Medicinal?" Jin anxiously stared at Kaiba and back at her. "Are you not feeling well?"

"No, for you." Euneya touched her throat. "Don't you have a sore throat?"

Jin rubbed his adam's apple in indication, "There is a slight... How did you...?"

"You swallow a lot." She observed. "Less then 3 words and your adams apple quiver. Your voice isn't strong either."

"Hmmph!"

"Don't worry, I'll have something made for you too. Maybe some Black Cohosh or Dong Quai for your pre menopause." Euneya quipped.

Jin stifled his laughter by sitting back down.

Kaiba glowered at her but she didn't seem to notice.

Now would be a bad idea to leave the two alone. "I'll wait..." Jin decided.

"Kaiba," Euneya fixed the sleeves of her yukata, "Regarding work."

His brow lifted at the sudden switch of her tone. She was cool and immaculate. A lot has been changing in her, he noticed.

"We need to draw a fundraiser for the orphanage, and the Director will be grateful if you take part in the event."

He returned back to the window indifferently.

"The fundraiser is not only for financial issues, but we do accept donations." Euneya nodded, "Our orphanage has potential if you associate with us outside the office too."

"I'm a conservative man. I never do fundraisers. I'll send a check when we head back."

"We don't want a check." Euneya shook her head. She shifted in front of him and said quietly. "I also want our kids to—"

Our? Kaiba's eyes stopped her, she sighed and delicately continued, "Wouldn't it be nice if other kids came to play with ours? I think they would enjoy it. Children at the orphanage rarely have a chance to leave the orphanage. I think it would be a good idea for them. We need your help too."

"What for?"

"Kaiba Land." Euneya stated.

His eyes narrowed.

"There's plenty of kids there. You have the place. I have the kids. Can't we try something?" Her pleading eyes held his cool stare.

Kaiba leaned back in the seat, eyeing the window. "I'll think about it." He replied airily.

The tea arrived first and soon Mokuba rolled in. He groggily sat beside Euneya and slumped against her shoulder.

"Nee-san," Mokuba breathed on her arm. Sleepily, he asked, "Do you think I ate too much cake that she doesn't like me?"

Kaiba and Jin stared expectedly at the two. "Who is he talking about?" Kaiba asked. "She?" He waited for Euneya to answer.

"Mokuba," Euneya shook him.

"I ate her cake." Mokuba groaned. "And she started hitting me! Nee-san, am I bad cake eater?" He looked up at her.

"Nno..?" Euneya put her tea on the table. "What happened?"

"She gave me cake and I ate all. I finish the last bite and she hit me with this... this!" Mokuba squinted his eyes, "I can't tell what it was!" He rubbed his sore eyes. "She doesn't like me for eating her cake! Is that why?"

"She?" Kaiba regarded him. "Who is 'she'?"

"Nee-san!" Mokuba pulled her arm. "Is that why she doesn't like me?"

Euneya mumbled from her deep thought. "Mokuba... you didn't have any cake, remember? She asked you to play and you gave me the cake."

He gasped, "YOU ate her cake and she HIT me?"

"Nno! That's not what I meant..." She met Kaiba's burning eyes, patting Mokuba's back, she delicately said. "I don't think the 'hitting' actually happened. You had a bad dream." She assured.

Mokuba drew back. "Did I?" He frowned at the table.

Kaiba shoved his tea back. "She?!" He demanded loudly.

"O..." Euneya glanced at Mokuba, "Mokuba has a friend who is a girl."

"Girl friend?" Kaiba uttered.

"Is that why she came in my dream?" Mokuba stared wide. "I have a... girl friend!" He cheered. "A girl friend! Big Brother a girlfr—"

Euneya shoved a biscuit in his mouth. "Eat. We don't know why she was in your dream."

"It's happening.." Kaiba was nauseated. "Sugar. Now... girls..."

"Kaiba-sama, I'm sure it's nothing serious." Jin assured.

Kaiba would have none of it. "I can't...." He paled. "He can't... He's 12!"

"Kaiba-sama." Jin placated, "You need not over think the situation. He is too young."

"Too young?" Euneya sipped her tea. "To have a friend who is a girl?"

"Girl friend!" Kaiba slithered.

"You have something against that?" She asked.

His eyes flashed at her, shaking. "He can't... can't...!"

"Kaiba," Euneya gave him a tissue. "Take this, you perspiring for no reason. She is a friend. If there is anything going on between them, leave it to me."

His dark eyes leashed on Jin. The guard stared wide. "Euneya-sama! You mustn't! Please, reconsider."

"Why?"

"Yea why?" Mokuba demanded. "Nee-san and I can talk about these things. Big Brother never talks about girls and I know Nee-san understand more." He yanked her sleeve, whispering in her ear. "Can we talk about you-know-who when they're not around?"

Euneya held herself at Kaiba's eyes remained fixed on her. "I don't mind."


"I don't like where this is going." Kaiba alerted Jin, eyeing Euneya and Mokuba browse the shops for souvenirs. He wanted to hear every word regarding the girl.

Jin regarded the scene warily and lifted an inquisitive eye toward him. "Is there something I should do?"

Kaiba folded his arms, a sub-conscious anxiety seeping in, "Keep watch of her." He murmured without moving his lips and trailed toward the two.

"Hai, Kaiba-sama." Jin strode toward Mokuba, and Euneya.

"Jin! What do you think of this hat?" Euneya titled the colorful object on Mokuba with a invigorating smile.

"Suits him well." Jin nodded.

"Can we get some cookies for home?" Mokuba pointed at the small shop.

"If you want, Young Master." Jin approached the stand and ordered Mokuba's choices.

The bus arrived at 4:10 in the afternoon, Euneya and Mokuba rushed inside first to grab seats.

She glanced at him over her shoulder, kaiba grimaced at the bus and averted. Giggling to herself, she entered.

Kaiba gripped the handle and stood beside Jin as the bus moved.

Mokuba was planted by the window, awed at the rushing traffic.

Euneya slipped out her phone and meekly deposited it in her pocket.

Mokuba reached into his pocket and handed her something. "For you."

Euneya stared at the fortune cookie.

"You too Big Bro!" Mokuba shoved a cookie in his hand. Kaiba regarded the thing in revulsion. "Look inside, what's your fortune."

Euneya returned it to Mokuba. Startled, he said, "Nee-san! Don't you want to see?"

"I don't believe in those."

He eyed her knowingly. "Sure you don't." Mokuba handed it back to her.

Euneya sighed and cracked the shell. The paper slipped out and she flipped it over to peruse: A chilling winter is ahead, prepare yourself and wear gloves.

"Winter?" Mokuba scratched his head. "Isn't it spring?"

"Told you I don't believe in these." She dropped the fortune in her pocket. "Never make sense."

"What about you, Big Bro?" Mokuba indicated his intact cookie. "Open it!"

Kaiba crunched the cookie with his fist, and dropped the crumbling contents to the floor, he swiped the paper with a grunt. Nothing. A smirk overwhelmed his frozen features. "I don't have a fortune."

"What kind of fortune cookie is that?" Mokuba snatched the paper. "What a rip off! Not fair! Big Brother doesn't have a fortune?"

There was a car waiting for them at the bus stand. Mokuba hopped inside first. Jin sat at the front with the chauffeur. Euneya lingered at the door, outside. She retreated and gestured Kaiba inside.

"I have to do some shopping for the kids." She murmured.

He merely stepped inside the car and closed the door without a word. The car sped off in the traffic.

Euneya stared around herself, she merged toward the streets and became an anonymous figure in the moving crowd at the street light.

"Where is nee-san?" Mokuba asked.

"Shopping."

"Alone?"

Kaiba resumed the conversation in disinterest. "She wanted to be alone." Obviously.

The immediate frown Mokuba took on was purely a rating of concern.

Decidedly, her fragile state was not one to be left alone. He wasn't babysitting her however. She was a grown woman, and needed to face her hardships alone if that was how she could overcome her relationship with Joey. His fists clenched.

The coward dog. He couldn't get over the fact that she had fallen for one of the most idiotic individuals in the face of the planet. It was her mistake and she had to pay for it.


Euneya stopped the buzzing with a swift press of the button. "How did you get my cell number?"

"I can't call to see how you're doing?"

"No."

"My, Euneya-san! You've grown a hard spot for me I can tell. I'm flattered. Where are you and why haven't you shown up?"

"I'm away from home, can you give me peace for the time being and stop dialing my number every second you get a chance! Bastard!" She slammed the phone shut.

Passerby's gawked at her in disapproval. She didn't care.

The phone rang again. The number turned again. The familiar rattle of the iron table dragged everyone's eyes on her.

Euneya answered, silent.

"As I was about to say before you obnoxiously hung up—"

Euneya readied to shut the phone.

"Don't! If you want to see your house safe, give me what I want."

"How long have you been following me? 8 years? Why do you bother someone when they've done what was needed!"

"Don't get smart with me. You have yet to pay for the time spent after you ran away from the orphanage. You can't clearly give me sticks and scraps and think you've come clean! Get real. I'm shocked Euneya-san can't count the years she depended on me and now wants to bail out. Keep in mind, we've made an agreement. If you don't fulfill according to contract regulations, your house, everything you own, will be gone. This is not a warning, Euneya-san. This is what I call, your last reprieve."

The line cut off. Euneya closed her phone and stared at the screen emptily, in the heat of the moment, she turned her phone off.

What am I going to do?

Euneya departed the cafe.


The first sensible step was to call her phone, it appeared, she had switched it off.

"No, there is no one inside." The maid bowed at him as she moved out of the room.

Kaiba walked inside to find the place empty. The bed hadn't been slept in. He made out to the balcony and saw that she wasn't there either.

Jin approached him from the darkness. He had expected her to return by now.

"She isn't answering her phone." He informed, "Shall I check the city? And the Station?"

Kaiba nodded wordlessly, and left the room. He returned to his own, nerves hanging to a thin thread. She wanted to go shopping, what's taking so long?

Mokuba sat, worried and heralded with fear. "Was she there? Is she back?"

Sun set, darkness was emerging and majority of the guests were turning in to their rooms. She should've returned hours ago. He drifted toward the desk and dialed the front desk. "Alert me if you see her." He hung up.

"Big Brother, I'm scared." Mokuba murmured cautiously. "Nee-san isn't.... She probably isn't doing good. How can we leave her alone? She ... she isn't in a state to go out alone, her thoughts are full of Joey and Ma-Mai."

"She'll be fine." Kaiba snapped.

Mokuba stiffened in his seat. "I don't ... know...."

"Get something to eat Mokuba." Kaiba loosened his coat and dropped it in the chair.

"I'm not hungry."

"Take a shower then." Kaiba forcefully nudged him toward the bathroom. "Don't sit here and grieve. She isn't—"

After watching the man she loved, confess his motives and infidelity through a video, imagine how she felt? "Dead?" Mokuba met his eyes sorrowfully.

The air within the room thickened. He felt his lungs cramp.

Kaiba left the room. He met with one of his guards in the front lobby. "Kaiba-sama, she was seen last at the cafe near the station."

An image of her stumbling on the street drunk flickered across his vision, channeling extreme anger through his veins. If she had any sense she wouldn't be doing that stupid. He wasn't certain though.

Now would be perfect time—in her terms, to get drunk and stumbled around the city. His eyes flashed at the sunset.

Darkness was lurking and she was out alone, who knew what kind of ill-will hands would snatch her and she would disappear forever.

"I can take care of myself. I've been doing it since I was 12. I think I know how the world works and how people are treated when alone."

Something about the words made his insides churn uneasily. He wasn't one to be moved, though, the fluctuating scramble in his chest told me something was not right.

Why was he always unsettled when she was out of sight?

The lobbyist called him, "Gomen, Kaiba-sama, we received a note directed to a Mokuba Kaiba earlier at 5:00 pm."

Kaiba stripped the note from her hand, irritated. "Why didn't you inform me!" He yelled.

She bowed down. "Gomen Kaiba-sama! we overlooked the note."

"Overlooked?" A fist slammed on the table, jolting the lobbyists against the wall.

"She's been missing for 3 hours!"

"G-gomen.... We'll try harder next time."

He knocked the contents of her desk. "There won't be a next time you worthless idiot!" The guards followed him out of the lobby, as well as the eyes of the guests.

His hands were trembling with the letter. Kaiba stared at the glaring ink that surely quivered with despair.

Gomen, Mokuba-kun, I couldn't hold your promise. Somewhere inside of me, I can't urge myself to move. I'm stuck in a place I can't leave.

Thank you for everything, and thank you for giving me joy. I was treated with utmost love and care by you and your brother, I won't ever forget the two of you. Tell your brother, I'm grateful to him.

I won't be with you anymore.

Stay healthy,

Nee-san.

He was drawn out of the hotel and through the streaming streets.

I won't be with you anymore? Was she headed somewhere?

A snatching order to the guards to infiltrate the bars was given. Fists clenched, he stopped at the dock and found the place empty.

She couldn't be.... His eyes scanned the water needlessly. Looking up, he stared at the beach. No she wouldn't. Would she? The churning within him in stirred again. He wasn't too fond of it.

The string tightening at the pit of his stomach, slackened, making his legs waver in each step upon the heavy sand.

Disturbed, he darted the deserted area. The blaring brink glimmered piercing gold on the water.

Kaiba stopped by the rocks, eyes planted on the edge of the shore. Feet briskly dumped on the sand and he was racing across the shoreline.

Euneya moved further in the water.

Breathless, he sprinted faster.

A wave crashed against her and her footing stumbled.

Kaiba raced into the water, side stepping her shoes floating in the water. His hand strung out, leashing her arm, and yanked her back. Her eyes were dark with tears, she wrenched her arm away and moved further toward the body of water.

Kaiba pulled her back, she refused, and flung her arm from him.

"What are you doing?" He yelled, "Didn't I tell you not to go near the water?!"

The crashing waves muted her sob.

She shoved him back with an indomitable force. Watery eyes, lips cracked, and clothes soaked. "What do I do then?" Euneya screamed. "What?!"

"Stop the nonsense." Kaiba grabbed her wrist, yanking her from the water.

Euneya wrestled her hand from his grip. "What do I do?!" She croaked. "I know now why he did this to me! I- I can't face him! I can't go back! I can't act like nothing ever happened! He can do it but I can't!" She screeched, dropping in the water. "What do I do..? What do I..?"

His fists curled. "Junk. You're the most irritable person I've come upon!" Kaiba spat, "You're disheartened, get over it!"

Her tearful eyes said otherwise. "If I'm junk, then why come for me?" Euneya sobbed.

He stared at her evenly. His voice rushed but spoken softly, so she wouldn't hear. "If you leave, Mokuba will be unhappy."

Euneya stared in disarray at the ocean. Another wave nudged her inward.

He seized her around the shoulders, drawing her up. "If you want to leave, tell everyone you're leaving and not in a suicide note if you have the guts!"

She let out a heart wrenchingly cry and covered her face.

His hands fell to his sides. Standing in the water, he felt they were both drifting away from the world with the waves colliding and reeling back into the heart of the ocean.

Euneya stepped forward, his hand instantly strapped around her arm, halting her in place. Euneya wrestled the grip.

"Are you insane?" Kaiba growled darkly.

"I think so..." She quivered tearfully, head turned away.

"Euneya."

"Go away." Her voice remote. "Leave me."

His grip tightened ever so slightly. Euneya stared at his fingers on her arm. "What ever you're trying to save, is long gone now." She whispered. His eyes widened. "I was foolish and now I'm afraid to want anything anymore. Just to be denied in the end."

Kaiba forced her around to face him. She swayed from the wave's heaviness.

"Leave this junk. Leave her and go back!" She screamed.

"I can't."

"No use." A tear dripped in the water. "I can't go back and see him— only to hurt myself over and over again.... I-I ca-can't..."

He reached down for her hand. The cold, limp sensation of her fragile fingers melted in his warm palm.

"GO AWAY!" She beat at his chest with her free fist. "I said leave! Go! Get away from me!" She screamed.

He was shocked by the force of her fist pounding on him to leave, but he couldn't bring himself to turn his back. If the person was a stranger, he probably will—Not her though, never her.

"Why are you here?" Euneya raged. "GOO AWAY!" She wailed.

Kaiba yanked her against him. Her face fell on his shoulder. His arm shifted around her back, pressing her into him. She restrained an yelping sob.

"Go ahead." He murmured distantly, eyes darker than the ocean before them. "Cry and exhaust yourself. Never... never do this alone." He held her firmly and stared at the darkening sky. "I'd rather you cry endlessly than take your life over someone who never deserved you." His voice grew softer.

Euneya sobbed heavily, the quaking fueling the emptiness of her body, and firing another lash of tears. The cracking sound hid behind the moving water. She dropped her head on his shoulder and shook with each sob.

Her hands clenched the lapel of his white shirt, she sagged with each screeching sound.

Was he the one reveling the embrace alone? Could it be he felt more than he should?


Euneya glanced at him and headed inside her room. Kaiba averted and moved toward his door. He stepped inside and found Mokuba sitting on the couch, evidently jittery with impatience.

"How is she? Where was she?" He asked.

"In her room." Kaiba closed the door.

Mokuba sighed, "Can I see her?"

"Let her rest." Kaiba caught a strange little envelope on his desk. He inspected the writing and opened it.

"The invitation came for you an hour ago. Are you going?"

Kaiba tossed it carelessly. "Why waste my time?"

"Why not?" Mokuba picked it up again, interested. "If I was an adult, I'll go!"

He smirked, "I don't desire wasting time in these fickle parties."

"You're a VIP."

Kaiba clenched his teeth and snatched the paper. "How the hell did that happen?" He searched the writing, growling in irritation and stood up.

"Are you going?"

"Appears I have no choice. One hour and I'll return."

"Ok, Big Bro." Mokuba smiled, "Can I see nee-san now?"

Kaiba blinked at him. "Later."

Euneya regarded her room, she sat in the couch and sighed aloud. Her clothes had yet to dry. She was itchy all over. Wiping her face with the back of her hand, she stared at the darkening window of the balcony.

Euneya rose and casually sauntered to the room, she grabbed some clothes, and turned the faucet in the restroom. Pausing at her reflection, Euneya stared at the shadowed item on the vanity. Her lips trembled at the sight.

Mokuba yawned at the TV, having no interest, and changed the channel for the thirteth time. He finally decided on shutting it off and rolled over the couch. "Big Brother..." Mokuba murmured.

Kaiba buttoned his shirt and lightly put on his dinner jacket. "Find something to eat." He ordered.

"I don't know what." Mokuba sat up, "Can I ask nee-san to—"

"Let her rest tonight." He advised.

Mokuba frowned, "What was she doing? Where did she go? Is she ok?"

Kaiba stared at the pocket of his jeans holding the letter she had written for Mokuba. "She wanted to think." He replied aimlessly.

There was a knock on the door. Mokuba leapt up and opened it.

"Nee-san!" He gasped and hugged her tightly. She had been gone for hours and he was extremely worried. All the questions flew from his mind after he embraced her, he felt calmer than usual and smiled in her arms. She responded with akin enthusiasm.

"Mokuba, thank you." Euneya beamed.

Mokuba stood back. "Why are you thanking me?" He stared at the object she lifted in midair, eyes wide.

"I don't know how you did it but I'm glad you did." She grinned and cupped the anklet like it was her treasure.

"Nee-san," Mokuba stiffened.

She had only told him what the anklet meant to her, and why she was upset to loose it in the ocean. Euneya told him, and he told his brother....

"It's good to see you smile again, nee-san." He murmured, "But I didn't find your anklet."

Kaiba closed the door to his room with a slam.

Mokuba stared in the direction of the closed door. He did.

Euneya frowned, "You didn't? You're the only one who could've. I told you how much this means to me." She grabbed him and hugged him again. "Thank you thank you thank you!"

Mokuba chuckled, "Euneya nee-san! I didn't find your anklet." He said, "I don't know where it fell."

Euneya rose to her feet, anklet clasped in her hand. "Oh?"

Mokuba bobbed his head. "Maybe it was Jin." He grinned. "He does this kind of thing all the time!"

Who could have? If it wasn't Mokuba? She nodded, unconvinced. "Yea..... Tell him, thank you." Euneya brushed his hair playfully.

"I will!"

Euneya turned and walked back to her door.

Mokuba closed the door behind him, and followed her out. "Nee-san."

She stopped her hand on the lock. "Hmm?"

"Do you think you can do someone a favor? Unless you're tired."

"Favor?" Her eyes narrowed.

Mokuba opened her door and tugged her inside. He shut the door. "The thing is... Big Brother is going to an adult gathering and he has no one to go with. It's one of those parties where you go with someone and he always has people flanking him. He hates it. Do you want to go with him?"

"Accompany him?" Euneya sat down on the couch.

Mokuba bounced on the cushion. "Yea! Do you want to?"

"What is the party he's going to?"

He frowned, "I don't know. Some people made him a VIP. He doesn't come to Kyoto and I'm guessing that's why they want him there. You should go with him. Don't leave Seto alone." He picked up the phone and started dialing a number.

Euneya grabbed his wrist. "Wait, I haven't—"

"Euneya nee-saaaan!" Mokuba groaned, "Don't you want to do Big Brother a favor? Please? He gets bored there. If you go, at least he'll have someone."

"Me?" Euneya smirked at the notion. "At a rich party? I don't think so."

"Oh come on! Nee-san!" Mokuba began dialing again. "I can have someone up here with a dress, in a sec!"

"Mokuba!" Euneya wiped the phone from his hand and hung up.

She just knew how much loved clapping his hands to the 'Ladies, take her away!' tune. "It's not a good idea."

Mokuba frowned. "Ok... If you don't want to. All you have to do, is go, do adult things and come back." He sauntered to the door. "I guess we'll order room service.."

He opened the door and walked out. "For a boring night in!" Mokuba poked his head back. "Boring BORING night!"

Euneya slumped in the couch.

"So boring you'll have to watch me devour twenty cakes in twenty seconds!"

"Mokuba." Euneya stared at him.

"Stay inside for a boring night while Big Bro has to do everything alone!"

"Are you leaving?" Euneya murmured expectedly.

Mokuba closed the door and returned to his room.

"What're you screaming about?" Kaiba raised a brow.

"Oh nothing..." Mokuba dove on the couch. "Big Bro, do you like going alone?"

Kaiba stiffened, "Why are you asking me that?" Knowing his brother better.

"Oh no reason..." Mokuba turned on the TV. "Big Bro, what do you do there?"

Kaiba eyed him. "Waste time."

"Oh... how lame..." He flipped through the channels, "Big Bro, are you gonna find someone else there?"

"Why are you asking me that?"

"Oh... just.... you know..." Mokuba rolled over on his back, staring in ennui. "Big Bro is gonna find someone and nee-san is stuck here. All alone."

"Whatever." Kaiba yanked open the door.

"Nee-san is alone in her room! How do you know she won't leave?" Mokuba's voice called out.

SLAM!

Mokuba frowned. It didn't work!

Kaiba moved stiffly in the hall. He paused at her door and stared at the lock.

The door suddenly flew open and Euneya darted out, she stopped short.

He averted quickly.

Euneya regarded his pristine attire.

Kaiba moved a foot.

"Your tie is crooked." Euneya blurted, pressing her lips together.

He continued toward the elevator. A knock on Jin's door and his eyes glanced over his shoulder at her. "Nee-san is alone in her room! How do you know she won't leave?"

Euneya turned her back. "Don't you want to do Big Brother a favor? Please? He gets bored there. If you go, at least he'll have someone."

Jin opened his door and stepped out obediently. "Kaiba-sama, are you going somewhere?"

Kaiba nodded, "You know what to do." He murmured smoothly.

The guard bowed as he walked away.

Euneya stared at his back vanish behind the corner. Jin bowed at her. "Euneya-sama, did you need anything?" He approached her.

"I'll be out for a bit." Euneya murmured, "Can you stay with Mokuba? So he won't be alone?"

Jin nodded with a smile. "Hai, Euneya-sama. But where are you going? If I may ask?"

"A... party..." She mumbled and knocked on Mokuba's door before walking inside with Jin.

Mokuba was sulking at the TV. Seeing her, he flipped another channel and let out a gravitational sigh that drained the energy from the room.

"Alright... I'll go." Euneya nodded.

His eyes lit up, and smiled.


The event was located at Karasuma-dori Shichijo-sagaru, Kyoto Tower. The landmark dwarfed the city with its skyline and panoramic view. Euneya stepped out of the elevator. The place was closed for the special convention. She made her way up, preceding the restaurant, hotel, and the public bath house toward the highest floor centering the event.

Meanwhile, Kaiba couldn't be bored to death. The man he was talking to couldn't stop babbling about the growth of his company, and that he was looking forward to working with him someday, as he was one of the top leading executives in the seven seas. Kaiba studied his wine and watched it change colors in the light. The lighting extracted a certain sensation in the wine, inhibiting a different taste in certain lights. He sampled it and wasn't satisfied at first. Another sip later, his hands moved automatically and dumped the contents down his throat. The maitre offered him another to his appreciation.

"You know how we are. We can't dismiss a challenge. The alluring it is, the more we chase it." The man chuckled.

Kaiba let his gaze fall on the conversing room. He was tagged, and he knew it. There was a line of executives, financial debaters eager to grab a hold of him, if not, stalk him the entire night until he gave in and listened listlessly to their mouthful of ideas. By the end of the night, he'd have a pocketful of contact numbers. There were some who despised him nonetheless for never reaching them however their pursuit came to no end. They were restless. He just wanted to drop everything and leave.

A faint tingle in his hand loosened the glass in his grip. He stared at the shining contents. Ruminating at the glimmer in the sunset when she was terrified at the idea of Joey and Mai. Unknowingly, his teeth clenched at the notion. Kaiba finished the wine and gestured to the maitre again. She may as well stick to him and not leave as she had to return every 3 minutes.

He wondered how long he had been there and referred to his watch, twenty minutes. Kaiba glared at the marble reflection of the floor.

"What do you think? Am I right?" The man chuckled. "I knew you'd agree!"

A pair of feet stood on the spot he was staring, snarling, he looked up at the maitre. His audible gulp echoed as the room ceased to breath. Was it the wine? Kaiba stared back at the man who couldn't keep his mouth shut. He was staring at something. Scoffing in annoyance, he caught sight of transfixed faces engulfing the room. Was he the only one unaffected? Kaiba swallowed the wine and beckoned the maitre. He didn't move.

Irritated, Kaiba hailed to someone else.

"Who... is she?" The man in front of him breathed in awe.

Kaiba took another wine from the fast approaching maitre.

He fixed his tie and pushed past Kaiba. In synch, the room moved toward the entrance along with the man. Kaiba stopped and stared at everyone as if they were a nuisance. He turned and headed in the opposite direction the rest were swarming toward.

"Where do you think she's from?"

"What company does she represent?"

"Wow, young and ravishing."

He overheard the quixotic murmur.

"I've never seen her before. Is she new in the industry?" An aged woman nudged her spouse. Sure enough, the occupants of the room were over his age, and were slightly -- drastically -- old. Kaiba was one of the young few amongst the maitre's.

"I've got to speak to her." A man gushed.

"You? What have you to offer? Your text and tiles?" Mocked a rival.

"How can someone look like that." Hissed a zealous female, "And work in our field. We've given up our youth for our work. She can't conceivably compete with us. A harlot for sure." A group of females chorused in agreement.

He was repulsed by them.

"Ah, Kaiba-kun," The flock of women enveloped him. "How are you doing? Working hard?"

"Are you seeing anyone as of late?"

"Do you have someone in mind?"

"My daughter talks about you non-stop!"

"What do you like? Blond, brunette? Red head?"

"Kaiba-kun, you look handsome as ever. I've seen you grow up and every time my eyes can't believe what you're becoming." She gasped in disbelief.

"Your father and I were in good company. He mentioned something along the lines of you and my daughter... coming together.."

"Kaiba-kun, if you aren't too occupied I'm inviting you to my daughter's party next weekend. Please, come. She will love it."

A woman frigidly growled under her breath. "She is revoltingly tact." The women at once whirled attentively toward the entrance. "How much was she worth, I wonder. She dare bring her shameless face here."

Kaiba walked off in another direction with the hopes of avoiding them.

"Kaiba-kun! Kaiba-kun!" They yelped after him.

Groveling and snapping teeth at his sleeves for his attention, Kaiba stared blankly at the wall, unheeding their incessant bickering.

"Let me talk—"

"No! Let me!"

"I got here first!"

"Kaiba-kun!"

Euneya descended the stairs lightly, halting in the middle stair, she was engulfed by a crowd of anxious faces who peered inquisitively. She bowed respectfully and brushed aside, their eyes trained on her, making her pause in her steps and turn with another bow.

The men dumped on the floor, their backs hunched to the ceiling and howling in pain from the bone-cracking bow.

The women, on the other hand, scowled with a revolted scrutiny she believed she'd turn in to a fruit fly.

Euneya bowed at the women. "How are you doing this evening?"

They scattered in disgust. "We don't have room for people like you here."

"Best you leave." Warned a glaring woman.

Euneya bowed and nodded. Although she didn't understand what they meant by their remarks, a gaping tightening in her stomach settled, informing a bad omen. She fiddled with her fingers and delved the room for a familiar face. Why oh why did she come? She didn't have an answer as of yet.

Mokuba certainly was fixated with the idea of her attending the event with his brother. He was merely looking out for Kaiba. Euneya frowned to herself. Why do I feel he lied? Maybe he did. She sighed and turned around, a field of men materialized out of no where.

Euneya bowed. "How are you?" She meekly asked. Kaiba, where are you?

They surrounded her. "Well, thank you asking."

"You sure are sweet."

"Where are you from?"

"What firm do you work for?"

"I've never seen you here. You are an eye-sight."

"Would you... like to have dinner?"

All eyes glared at the forwardness of the man. He gave her his hand. "Please?"

Euneya forced a smile. "I'm here with someone else." She replied. "We are working together at the Minorou Orphanage."

"Minarou..?" The men exchanged glances.

"Yes, in fact, he is the Orphanage's supporter. We take care of kids with drug history, and homeless." Euneya nodded. "If you will excuse me, I'll take my leave." She politely bowed.

"What is your name?"

"Who is the supporter? Pardon me, who are you with?"

"Euneya Mazaki." She bowed.

Kaiba stiffened at the softness of the god awful familiar voice. His insides coiled, digesting the voice breathing somewhere in the room that whispered surreptitiously into his ear. His eyes shut tight. He breathed heavily and his lungs tightened deep in his chest, the rapt pounding of his heart excited. He felt his skin heat, entranced by the sound.

"Kaiba-kun! Are you feeling well?"

He couldn't hear them. But he heard her.

Still, a denying hope invented and hopelessly hoped it was surreal.

"Kaiba-kun, sit down. Rest."

"Would like you like another glass of wine?" She snapped her fingers at the maitre.

Kaiba turned inertly over his shoulder. Dust-rose, polished olive eyes sparkling softly in the light, she glided toward a conversing man. Kaiba had to squint his eyes and avert as a penance.

"Shuichi-sama." She whispered at the man.

Kaiba froze in his heel, ears perked. How did she know the man?

The man glanced at her. "Hai." He bowed, "And you are?"

Euneya pressed a hand to her chest. "Euneya Mazaki. Remember?"

He drifted toward her thoughtfully. "I know the name..." He scratched his chin. "Mazaki... Mazaki..." Shuichi regarded her. "Can it be? You're—Mitsuo's Euneya!"

Her eyes watered. "Hai..." She breathed, nodding.

"Euneya!" Shuichi chuckled suddenly. "You're all grown up. Radiant like your mother."

"Thank you." She lowered her gaze. "How have you been?"

"Never been better." He smiled. "How is Mitsuo lately? Haven't heard from him—what—8 years... I was considering visiting him in the summer. Some old friend he turned out to be. Never keeps in touch. You tell him!" He pointed at her, ranting, "If he doesn't show up and call one of these days our friendship is over! I don't ever want to hear from him!"

Euneya sadly nodded. "Hai... Your friendship means a lot to him. As you both taught each other everything you know."

"And he taught you everything he knows." Shuichi smiled fondly. "Have you been practicing?"

"It's... hard... I work in a orphanage."

"What about the studio?" His brows perked in a scowl. "Mitsuo wouldn't have anyone take over but you."

"Yes.." Her face warmed. "The studio is the same."

"Good to hear." He chuckled. "And I'm sure you are committed regardless of your job. Keep working hard. Did you enter competitions this year?"

"Nno." She whispered, "In the future I hope to."

"I look forward to seeing you there. Being one of the judges I'll have a critical eye on your footwork," Shuichi touched her shoulder. "It's wonderful seeing our own children follow in our footsteps. I'll come visit you soon. Tell Mitsuo I'm waiting for his call." His eyes turned to the empty floor. "Ah, this is a great opportunity to tune our feet together." He gestured behind her. "Why don't we give it a try?"

Euneya smiled softly and nodded. He offered her his hand and she took it gladly. They moved toward the main floor.

Her left hand rested on his shoulder and her right hand fell in his grip. Shuichi smiled down at her.

"What brings you here?" He asked. "In Kyoto."

"I'm here for a weekend trip." Euneya smirked.

"Are you here alone?" He frowned.

"No," She shook her head. "With some close friends."

"Ah, good idea to travel with friends. Kyoto is a delectable region, without the noisy streets." He added.

He led her around the floor.

Stand by's regarded them.

"She's come with him? But he's a married man!" Gasped one of the women beside Kaiba.

"I knew it. That harlot."

"Their dance is nice." Commented someone, "Her feet work is smooth and well trained."

"How can a harlot know to dance?"

"Look how he's smiling at her. And she's shamelessly smiling back. Home wrecker!"

Kaiba's eyes narrowed. Were they talking about a studio? The man somehow knew her father. Watching her remarkable footwork, he concluded she knew more than she let on, and was exceptionally trained. Euneya is a dancer?

Euneya nodded at Shuichi with a bright smile. She was surprised to see a friend of the family but now that she knew he was there, a warming relief fell on her shoulders, touching her heart. He was famous in the country.

Shuichi-sama was beyond cordial and he loved dancing more than anything. He twirled her around gently, and her hand delicately fell in his. She had danced with him when she was little. Back then, her head reached his stomach. Euneya smirked at the memory.

"Mistuo has taught you well." He remarked.

Her gaze shifted on the gathering crowd. A pair of cool blue eyes met hers. Her smile dropped. Kaiba...

Euneya turned her head as they waltzed across the room. There he was again. Glaring... scowling.... silent with a drink in hand. Her shoulders stiffened.

The room swung in circles, Shuichi-sama and she cascaded at a formal pace. Her eyes glided on him for the hundredth time, and solemnly fell to the floor, but only to strike up eagerly at Kaiba.

His eyes... Are burning. The flashing glow shimmered erratically in the heat of the light. Riveted on her solemn face. Is he angry? The fast ringing of her heart made her stiffen. The answer quaked her to her feet.

He is.

"Ech, she better not be designing spells on our Kaiba-kun!" A woman shrieked, noting how Euneya's focus dined on Kaiba.

Staring earnestly at the blue-eyed executive, she simpered, "Kaiba-kun.... do you want to dance?" She saw his eyes trained on Euneya in a trance. "Kaiba-kun!" The woman waved her hand at him. "Over here!... Kaiba-kun?"

"Euneya, I understand, a single radiant woman at these events are never left alone. Men spar for her attention." Shuichi-sama murmured. "I hope you came with company."

"I did." She answered.

"With whom? By any chance, do I know him?"

Euneya stared at Kaiba. "He... he is standing behind you."

Shuichi-sama turned their positions on the dance floor and caught eyes with a glaring blue eyed man. "Him?" He regarded the man with acute interest. "Handsome, but does he have the courage to come steal you from the dance floor?"

"Shuichi-sama..." Euneya frowned.

"I believe he owes you a dance if you came with him."

"He isn't... the dancing type."

"Oh, you expect me to believe that riffraff?" Shuichi-sama shook his head. "Do you know how Mitsuo met your mother?"

She stared up at him. "How?"

"He saw her and asked her to dance at a formal. She declined and reasoned that she wasn't a 'dancer'. Look at what happened." He gave her denotable stare.

Euneya gaped wide. "Is that how...?"

Shuichi-sama chuckled. "Well ... there was a trip ... with a few friends. Mitsuo and I challenged everyone to a dance. The winner got the car. Finally, it was up to Mitsuo and he took your mother by the hand in front of everyone. Turns out, she had been holding out on him. She was quiet a dancer too. The two were beautiful together." He smiled. "As the story goes, during the car ride they got fancy and..."

Euneya flushed bead red. "Onegai, Shuichi-sama! I don't want to know how I was conceived." Bowing her face down.

Shuichi-sama cackled enormously. "All I'm saying is it started with a simple 'would you like to dance?' "

"Are you referring the example to me." She stated.

Shuichi-sama, "We'll see, as your company, or date, is coming to you."

Euneya stiffened at the sound of a throat clearing. Shuichi-sama smirked. Euneya stared at Kaiba, mouth parting, his eyes were dilated.

"Shuichi-sama, this is..." Euneya gestured at Kaiba. "Kaiba-shachō." She whispered.

He eyed Kaiba and folded his arms. "What are your intentions?"

Shocked, Euneya whirled around. "Shuichi-sama."

He placated her with hand wave. "Are you going to dance or stand there drooling?" He questioned.

Euneya stared up at Kaiba, he scowled down at the man. "I don't dance." Kaiba acidly reproached. "If you don't have a ride back to the hotel, take my car." He dropped the keys at her and walked away.

"What a strange man." Shuichi-sama murmured. "Euneya, stop wasting your time on him!"

"Huh?"

"He has no charm, manner or grace on the floor." Shuichi-sama muttered gravely. "If you want, I'll match make you with someone."

Kaiba stopped in his tracks, growling at the man's remark.

"That's... not necessary!" Euneya quickly brushed the idea, "I..."

"Don't tell me you're engaged to him!" His eyes widened at the ring on her hand.

Euneya yanked her hand back. "No no no! I'm not- We're—"

"Euneya." Kaiba's cool voice shot through her like an arrow. She froze, surprised to hear him. Kaiba offered her his hand stonily. Shuichi-sama folded his arms, watchful. Euneya stared at his lingering hand. Kaiba's eyes sharpened.

"He wants you to dance." Kaiba cryptically eyed Shuichi-sama.

Euneya slowly lowered her hand in his. The car keys clasped in between their fingers. His long fingers wrapped eagerly around hers.

"Kaiba..." Euneya frowned at him. His breath reeked of alcohol. "How many did you-"

His eyes bore into hers. Euneya stared agape.

"What is your relation?" Kaiba's eyes drifted to her parted lips.

"Family friend." She whispered. They swept toward the conjoining room.

Her eyes followed his gaze and dripped to his delectable mouth. "How did you get here?" They moved in question.

"Chauffeur." Oddly, she wasn't ashamed to be staring at him and standing intimately close to his face.

He didn't seem to mind either. Was it the alcohol?

So the dance was an interrogation.

"And Mokuba?" Kaiba's eyes darkened and shimmered down at her.

She was gasping silently as she stared up at him, eyes entangled to withdraw from the blue hypnotizing mist.

"With Jin." Euneya hotly breathed. "Sorry for not telling you I was coming." The keys hung in between their fingers, turning hotter by the second within their heated palms.

Their feet merged synchronically.

I've never felt this warmth before...

Euneya stared at him, there were countless emotions spurring in his eyes. She lost track at the forlon beauty hidden in them. They were enchanting and the same time, repelling with a cool glaze that made her shiver in his arms, although, warmed by his proximity, she could deflect the springing shiver that made her weak in the knees.

A chill fingered up her spine, making her tremble. Her fingers felt the smooth texture of his jacket, stilling her breath for the first time. Euneya stared at the floor beside her. They brushed past another dancing couple.

"Where did you learn to dance?" Kaiba murmured, his breath licking her ear shell.

"I picked up here and there." She paused with a silent stare. "Are you...?"

Kaiba's blue eyes narrowed on her.

Euneya gulped, "Are you mad I came?"

He didn't respond.

The music soon fell to silence. His hand stiffened on the keys, the heat of their hands sizzled the metal. He withdrew first and walked away without a glance. Euneya leisurely lingered on the floor for a second longer, eyes blaring at the white ceiling. She turned to the side silently.

Behind a column, Euneya leaned against the cool structure and closed her eyes. Why was she feeling a strange excitement? Her heart didn't recoil instead rejoiced.

Kaiba leaned on the column on the other side, staring blankly at the floor. His fists clenched tight, reveling in the memory of her warm fingers. Kaiba's eyes rolled shut. He craved to feel them once again.

Euneya inhaled deeply. She could still smell him and he smelled wonderful, minty, dark, and his flesh alone. Turning her head on her shoulder, his scent was on her skin.

Kaiba glanced behind him, knowing she was standing on the other side of column wall. He wondered what she was feeling. The electricity sparking was more than him.

Euneya rubbed her fingers on his car keys. She brought the warm metal to her chin, containing the heat of his hand. Oh my....

"Shuichi-san?" A blue blooded female approached the veteran dancer. "May I ask..?" She pointed in the direction of Euneya. "Whom you were with?"

Shuichi smiled at Euneya. "That's Euneya, she is like a daughter to me." He murmured warm heartedly.

The woman restrained her surprise by swallowing her wine. "Daughter?" She breathed, her cheeks flushed. "You say? Not ... not... a mistress?"

"Do I appear like someone who'd cheat on my Cara?" He stared down at her. "Having wealth, doesn't mean every young woman are prostitutes. Take a good look at yourself first, before you point at others. Euneya is a perfectly capable individual, and one of my students. I look forward to dancing with her despite what you ladies.." He glared at the mingling herd behind her. "Care to say. Your words don't mean a thing not to mention, make no sense. She is a woman of respect. Respect her the same." Shuichi turned and merged with another company of colleagues.

The windy platform was exactly what she desired to calm herself, a little, if she could. Her warm skin cooled and she was able to relax in the solemn silence of the Tower. As she turned her head, there were multiple couples, lingering arm and arm and huddled deliciously against at each for savoring warmth.

Euneya folded her arms around herself and forced herself to disregard them.

They swarmed everywhere she turned. Euneya leaned over the rail and stared at the city below. The wind tugged her pinned hair lightly, she shivered and rubbed her arms furiously around herself.

"Cry and exhaust yourself. Never... never do this alone."

"I'd rather you cry endlessly than take your life over someone who never deserved you."

No, she wasn't cold anymore. She was warm all over. Her hands were tingling with heat from the keys, and his scent made her heart warm that not even the most glorious and furriest coat could. Euneya smiled at the city. He was right. She shouldn't have to give her life for something that made Joey happy. She should be happy for him. Nodding to herself, she rubbed her hands on the keys.

She frowned as her thoughts drifted to what Mokuba relayed.

"Euneya nee-san! I didn't find your anklet. I don't know where it fell."

"Something is definitely ....." She trailed across the platform and stopped on the side with her thoughts.

"Definitely...?" He stopped beside her.

She didn't need to look if he was really there. Euneya smiled at the beautiful tone of his cool voice. Her thoughts and heart was inundated with warm, all because of him. "The place is officially prohibited to singles."

"Same to you." Kaiba slipped his hand in his pockets and regarded the city.

Euneya smiled, "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"The wine was the best part." Kaiba murmured.

She spoke after a while. "Have you ever eaten ice cream on a rainy day?"

He blinked at her random remark.

Euneya smiled at the thought, "Oka-san loved ice cream. When it rained, we would run to the ice cream truck and buy them. Sometimes more than we could eat. We'd run back, dripping wet and sit by the shade of the roof, eating ice cream." She sighed nostalgically.

"How many houses do you think there are?" Euneya asked.

Kaiba smirked at the flickering lights in the distance. "1,473,068." His replied raptly.

Euneya paused and titled her head. No wonder Mokuba looks up at him. He is a walking encyclopedia. "How many hotels?"

"33." Am I amusing her just now?

"So little?"

"How many of the 1.5 million care to stay in them?" He remarked.

"Not many, I suppose." Euneya nodded.

"Hardly."

They returned to the hotel after the party was over, with tired eyes and silent talking.

"Mokuba needs another treatment." Kaiba pressed the button to the floor.

"His sugar ailment?"

"No, his tendency to dramatize everything."

Euneya nodded, "Yea he does seem to do that."

Did we just..? Kaiba glared at the skipping lights. He glanced at her.

Euneya held her breath. Agree on something? She turned to him.

Kaiba folded his arms and reinstated his 'back off' stance.

"What do you think of this?" Euneya pointed at her anklet.

He regarded indifferently without a word and averted.

"I feel humble to wear it again. I thought it was gone forever." She whispered. "When I found it in my room today, I felt like a guardian returned it to me safely. The locks have been changed and it clips tightly than before. See?" Euneya smiled.

Kaiba narrowly watched her. She turned to stare at the door.

"If Otou-san was here, he'll be thankful and appreciate the guardian who took care of it while I couldn't. I wanted to say thank you to the guardian. Thank you for returning me one my most treasured memories." She didn't remove her eyes from the door.

Gaping in silence, Kaiba froze.

The door opened and she stepped out. Euneya stopped at her room and smiled. "Good night."

"No." Kaiba turned to his door.

Euneya lingered at her parted door. No?

Kaiba stared inside his room. "I wasn't mad." He walked inside and shut the door.

Mokuba sat up and started toward his brother sleepily. "Did you do it?" He yawned.

Kaiba placed his keys on the table. "Did what?" He divested his shoes.

"Did you return nee-san's anklet?" Mokuba nudged him.

"Why the hell would I do that?" Kaiba removed his jacket. "Go to bed."

"I know you did." Mokuba sauntered to his bed. "You had someone fix it too yesterday. When she was gone, you put it in her room. I know everything!"

"What proof do you have?" Kaiba challenged.

"Jin told me." Mokuba grinned and slumped in his pillows. Kaiba tucked him carefully.

"You can't believe everything Jin tells you."

"Big Brother..." Mokuba grabbed his hand. "You were worried, weren't you?"

Kaiba scowled. "Go to sleep, Mokuba," He was irritated with all the prying.

"You worried nee-san was gone." Mokuba drifted to sleep. "Big Brother... was...."

Kaiba sat down on the couch, in the dark living room.

In her room, Euneya traced the anklet delicately, and smiled. She stared up at the clock on the wall and stretched her arms.


The flight from Kyoto was in the afternoon. Mokuba had decided to take pictures of the city and dragged Euneya through streets.

Euneya let her eyes drink the floor and move toward him on the transversal aisle. His silhouette profile turned toward the window. Euneya glanced at the ring in her hand. She rubbed her wrists and felt around for her anklet assuredly. She hoped it wasn't a dream. Her eyes strung back to him.

Why do I want his eyes solely on me? Am I selfish?

Euneya closed her eyes. A pair of blue eyes gleamed at her through the dark. She startled up.

Kaiba eyed her from the corner of his eye. His hand fingered the silk in his pocket. It was hard to describe what he felt, anxious, concerned, ardent... confused.

At dusk the plane landed, Mokuba and Jin descended the aircraft. Euneya trailed alongside and stretched. She stared back at the plane languidly and yawned at the runway. The moment she had heard Mokuba was in an accident, nothing else mattered, and she was willing to give up anything to be by his side.

Euneya pulled him under the curve of her arm, he smiled up at her. True, there was a closeness between them, deeper then before. She turned and met eyes with Kaiba. A hidden smile stirred the corner of his mouth, but his eyes were blank as he marched in front of them, toward the awaiting vehicle. Euneya sat inside the car and Mokuba jumped inside. He leaned on her arm and fell asleep during the ride from the airport.

Euneya pressed her lips together from speaking thoughtlessly.

Is this it? The trip is over? She breathed longingly. Why do I want to rewind and spend each moment again? She brushed Mokuba's back and smiled at his sleeping face. She was getting attached to Mokuba. The perception didn't startle her. Her gaze dropped on the shiny shoes of the blue eyed dragon, she felt her heart pulse nervously. Euneya clasped her eyes shut and averted to the window. She was afraid to think any thoughts relating to him. For some reason, he was taboo. She bit down on her lip.

"I'd rather you cry endlessly than take your life over someone who never deserved you."

She remembered his warm arms enclosing her in the dance. Though she couldn't see his face, he never looked at her, but she understood what he was doing. He was giving her all the space she needed. One month, was the time Kaiba gave her—One month to get over Joey. Euneya sighed heavily. She would let him go. She would face him with the truth as now she knew why he left her. Euneya stared deeply down at her legs in the silent car.

Kaiba kept his hand firmly in his pocket. The silk texture warming his palm. She would have to leave soon, thus, ending their trip. He felt unusually disheartened by reviewing everything. The same road, the trees, and the city. Averting, he stared at the seat across from him. Euneya sat on the left, by the window with Mokuba leaning on her. He wondered if she could breathe with Mokuba's heavy body. To him, she was fragile enough—Earnestly sensitive to the heart.

He folded his arms around himself. No doubt, he needed to stop thinking about her. Kaiba glared out the window again, trailing the sky and the passing vehicles. Night was rolling over and soon they would reach her abode. His eyes dripped on her silently.

She was staring at her feet. He assumed she was thinking about Joey. Who else can make her frown but that mutt?

The thought of kicking his ass was vivaciously alluring. He couldn't do it however. His revenge on the mutt needed to be taken care at another time, without the idea of the pain Joey inflicted her. She was terrible with keeping herself under control. Kaiba blinked steadily at her. He watched her back stiffen and hands clench at her sides. What could she possibly be thinking? She was trying to stay strong. Kaiba let out an aggravated breath. He was doing it again. He needed to stop thinking about her for the last time.

It wasn't easy. Joey had called her numerously on the phone and she ignored him. Euneya held her breath. She couldn't tell him she was with the Kaiba brother's as it would upset him. Euneya frowned at herself, though she enjoyed their company, and it didn't deserve to be tucked away under a lie, all for Joey's sake. The amount of pain he caused her paled in compared to sad little truth, that she did spend the weekend with Kaiba and Mokuba. Euneya was curious to know what Joey would say to her if she told him the truth. 'How dare you?' 'Why would you do that? I'm hurt!' She hadn't done it intentionally.

Euneya smiled to herself. She made a promise to Mokuba after all, and so far, she wasn't regretting it. Euneya stared at her ring. Not that she was expecting to regret it sooner or later, Mokuba relied on her promise, and she didn't dream of letting him down. Or Kaiba, under any circumstances. Euneya stopped and stared at Kaiba.

Duel disk... Duel Monsters. Yes. Yes! Kaiba motivated himself. He sat up impatiently, skin prickling. Why do I sense her eyes? He trained his eyes on the door lock. Is she staring at me?Kaiba kept himself calm. It'll cost her for staring at me without telling me. He sat rigid.

He ranted off in the wonder of her eyes. Why does she have those colored eyes? Mazaki, Euneya... Mazaki... Is she related to Anzu Mazaki by any chance? He growled at the memory of the blue eyed dancer. She was a terrible annoyance. He couldn't stand the girl or her geek squad. His eyes narrowed at the thought. She must be. If she maintained a relationship with the jerkoff mutt, Euneya is related to Anzu Mazaki. He wasn't certain. She did mention 'running from an orphanage' and 'her parent's were killed.' Kaiba resolutely stared at the window.I'll have to find out for myself.

Weird, I can tolerate him more. Euneya admitted to herself. He is pompously insulting but nice when he chooses to be. Mokuba, I'm starting to see what you meant by clean-hearted. He can be cool and flawless but on the inside, he isn't. Aww Kaiba is a softie. She grinned.

I'm not annoyed at her grin. I'm perturbed by what she is thinking of me. I'm certain she is thinking of me. Kaiba set his chin firmly. I'm certain. I'm certain....Hmm... What is she thinking of me? I need to know.

Euneya sank back as his eyes lanced her. Darn it! He saw me! She turned her head this way and that.

Even if a football is headed her way she won't turn and look. Kaiba mentally grumbled.

The car halted in front of her apartment. Euneya gently laid Mokuba on the seat and shifted toward the door. The chauffeur unlocked her side and allowed her to exit. She brushed Mokuba's head and moved outside in the cool night.

Kaiba shut the door and reviewed the silent milieu of her apartment. She stared up at the gates and reached for her keys in her purse. Pausing, Euneya turned to him.

"Thanks for everything." She whispered.

He nonchalantly stared back at her without a word. The car door flipped open and Mokuba stumbled outside.

"Euneya nee-san..." He groaned, head throbbing and went toward her. "You didn't say goodbye." He hugged her around the waist with a smile.

"Take care, Mokuba." Euneya embraced him in return. "Eat well, and listen to your brother."

"NOT!"

"NOT!"

They both grinned and chuckled. Euneya and Mokuba tied their pinkies together. Kaiba tapped his foot, unamused.

Euneya paused at Kaiba, he peered down at her questionably. "Uh....ermm....." He doesn't do hugs. Specifically PDA. Euneya nodded to herself. "C'ya." She waved at him. Opening the gate, she headed inside.

A shadow swiftly descended the stairs and toward her. Euneya yawned and stretched her arms over her head, she waved back at Mokuba and Kaiba.

"I'll call you!" Mokuba said aloud.

Kaiba scowled, "Why are you calling her?"

Mokuba blinked at his brother's dark countenance. "Why? Do you want to call her?"

"Rest you guys, you too Kaiba!" Euenya giggled. Her heel stepped on something, she spun around, hopping out of the way, and stopped.

The pair of feet stepped back. Oh man... Euneya looked up at him. She gasped back.

"I see money walking and he has big hair."

Mokuba meekly waved, "Hi... Joey.."

Joey halted in a staring contest with Kaiba. His fists clenched at his sides, and finally, he eyed her. "Euneya!" He pulled her against him. "Where've ya been? I've missed you!" He nuzzled her hair. "Don't ya ever go anywhere without telling me! Aight? I called anywhere I could think of and no one knew where'd ya went. Ya can't disappear like that! It's dangerous..." His eyes fell on Kaiba.

"Can't.. breath..." Euneya gasped.

"Can't ya tell how much I missed ya?" He tightened his arms around her, crushing her unnervingly closer. "It's not a good idea coming home late at night with a strange man! What'dya thinking? It's not like ya! Ya don't go one trips with people like that!"

Euneya shoved out of the embrace and galloped a deep breath. "I.... I.." She gasped. "I.... I didn't know you came, Joey."

"I've been tryina get to ya but ya don't return my calls. I came to see what's up." Joey glared in revulsion at Kaiba.

Likewise, you ungrateful scum. Kaiba clenched his teeth. You spineless jerk, baboon, cretin.. grrr... get the hell out of my sight! And get your paws off her while you're at it!

"I'm... I'm busy but fine." Euneya assured. She glanced back at Kaiba worriedly. He was glaring acidly at Joey, and vice versa. Joey punched his hands readily. "Uh, did you need anything?" She asked Joey.

"Need?" His eyes flashed gratingly on Kaiba, "Yea! Wanna come out for a drink with me? We gotta talk."

"Now?"

"Yea. Since ya're back!" Joey smirked. He grabbed her hand and pushed past Kaiba and Mokuba, opening the door to his car, he helped her inside and drove off.

Mokuba stared at the vanishing car in the street, he turned to his brother. Jaw protruding, Kaiba stalked toward his car. "Get in Mokuba." He coldly lashed.

He obeyed immediately and their car left the building.

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Copyright Nur Misurr

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~ The phone call is another plot ingredient, no it's not Joey. The man calling her threatened her to pay money, if she didn't, he would ransack her apartment and take any valuable item she possessed. More details on who this person is and why he bother's Euneya in the next chapter.

~ Sorry for typos and or grammar errors. Thanks for reading & the wonderful reviews!