I checked my watch. 7:10pm. She was running late, which was rare for her. Or was it? This was the first time I had planned to meet with her in this type of situation, after all. I had assumed she was the type who would be punctual, but apparently I was wrong.
Why was I so irritated that she was late? I had been in a bad mood ever since I left the hospital earlier in the day. Pegasus had finally managed to get under my skin with his all-too-carefree attitude. And Muto's suggestion to go to Cairo again was plain suicide. I had a strong urge to let Muto and Pegasus go to Cairo alone. If they wanted to go through with this stupid idea, that was none of my business.
My mind flashed back to Muto's form after the kidnapping—a bloodied mess that was barely recognizable. I clenched my fists. He truly had no sense of self, did he? And Kisara—despite all my efforts to keep her out of this mess…
I snapped out of my ruminations when I saw Ishizu walking towards me. She wore a sea-green dress that accentuated her eyes. It was the first time I had seen her in such a bright-colored outfit, and I felt the contrast between her olive-toned skin and the dress alluring. Damn it, I thought, I was already beginning to drop my guard.
Although she maintained her aura of pride and self-confidence, she seemed more graceful than usual. Or it felt that way, at least. Watching her steady stride, I felt my anger from the day melt away.
"I trust you are well, Kaiba?" she asked politely. I nodded, knowing that there was no need for me to tell her of my encounter with Marik. She probably already knew—either from her millennium necklace, or from Marik himself.
"And you?" I asked in return, masking my desire to wrap a hand around her shoulders. I was already risking unwanted attention by meeting in such a public place. It would not do to make it any worse. Besides, I reminded myself, she was as good as my enemy.
"No different from when we last met," she responded. I led her to my car, holding the door open for her. She smiled at me in gratitude and descended into the car. I took a seat beside her.
"Where to?" I asked her.
"Downtown," she said, beginning to give my driver directions. I settled into my seat, crossing my legs. I was definitely feeling the tension and frustration from earlier lessen—contrary to what I had expected. I found myself relaxing, if somewhat reluctantly. It was when she wasn't around that my doubt of her increased. Was I this weak to be influenced by her presence so much?
"I am glad that you are okay," she said softly.
"Are you?" I asked, before I could stop myself. I felt the image of her tear-streaked face pass through my mind. 'Why…why did you kill my brother?' I felt her voice echo in my mind. I felt myself tense as I remembered the nightmare—one that could easily become reality…
"I truly am," she responded.
"I am assuming then that Marik is alright as well?" I asked.
"Despite the injury you gave him, he is still alive, yes," she responded.
"Why bother worrying about me at all?" I asked, turning to her suddenly. Her eyes widened and then narrowed.
"You will understand with time," she responded.
"I've decided that trying to understand anything about you will take more than just time," I remarked.
She laughed, a sound that sent a shiver down my spine. Her laugh was light, but with an undercurrent of the same darkness I had heard in Marik's laughter. I frowned and was beginning to have misgivings about deciding to meet with her.
"If it is any consolation, your trip to Cairo will give you some of the answers you seek," she said.
"So, I'm going, after all," I muttered.
"I will be coming with you as well," she said.
"Don't stand in my way," I said. Despite whatever she had planned, whatever she would do to aid Marik, I would not be defeated. Not by her and certainly not by her brother.
She did not respond. I watched from the corner of my eye as her face darkened.
"So, what role do you play for Marik? An informer of my future actions—or of my weaknesses?" I murmured, leaning in towards her. If she were going to play a dangerous game with me, I would play along as well. In order to crush Marik, I would not hesitate to use this woman…
She answered me with her lips on mine. I responded to her kiss with ferocity. I wanted her to be mine—for her every action to be only for me. I felt anger flare at the thought of her treating Marik's wounds, of helping him recover as she had helped me.
My hands found their way to her shoulders, and I relished the feel of her bare skin. This witch was going to be the end of me, I thought vaguely, as I continued to kiss her. I pulled away when I felt the car stop.
As I met her gaze, I saw her eyes glint in triumph. She knew she had me in the palm of her hand, and was doing nothing to hide it. I will win against you, I thought fiercely, as my driver opened the door for us. I took her hand and guided her towards the restaurant.
I will keep you close to me, where I can watch your every move, I thought, my hand tightening around hers.