Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! I only accept constructive criticism.

10-10-2-Do-Me

Chapter 21

SIM Card Error

Kaiba willed his voice not to shake, but it was nearly impossible.

"Seto…you…" Mokuba was ready to go back on his word. Kaiba's face was ghost white and he looked terrified. It scared Mokuba. "We can—"

Kaiba quickly interjected with an unstable cadence. "No, we…need to talk…about this…" He took in a few settling breaths and willed his body to relax just a bit. "I need to talk about this…"

Mokuba nodded and remained quiet.

"That day, I was at Kaiba Corporation…" Kaiba cleared his throat and rubbed his face with both hands. "Gozaburo told me to meet him in a conference room. When I walked in, Noah was there."

Noah? All this time Mokuba thought Kaiba was alone with Gozaburo when it happened.

"Noah was arguing with Gozaburo. I was just standing there, not saying a word – Gozaburo assumed I was siding with Noah, even though I had no idea what was going on." Kaiba could smell his birth father's cigar as he angrily stubbed it out. "That's when he stood up…he was unsteady on his feet…"

"Why?"

"He had a drinking problem."

"…He'd been drinking at work?"

Kaiba thought back to that day he and Yami got into a scuffle outside the towers. Yami called him out for drinking on the clock. A twinge of regret was pushed down as he continued, "It happened more often than not with him."

"That's awful…"

Kaiba continued. "I don't know if you remember, but this was during the time Abi was in the secret custody battle with Gozaburo."

"Abi wanted him to sign over his rights." Mokuba remembered this situation.

"Yeah. Noah found out about the issue and that's what they were arguing about when I came in."

"Gozaburo wouldn't sign because he wanted you to take over the company?"

"No, it was all about control." Kaiba clenched his jaw, "After he yelled at Noah, Gozaburo turned on me, demanding to know if Abi had any information to ruin him."

"Abi was looking for inside information to help win the custody battle…?" Mokuba didn't know this bit of information.

"Abi's lawyer was planning to go public after he got enough dirt on Gozaburo – his reputation had already gone to shit in Japan. Gozaburo's company was full of shady business practices. They weren't hard to find." Kaiba took in a deep breath, held it, then released it. "Mokuba…"

"I know…don't tell anyone."

Kaiba closed his eyes as he confessed, "When I spent my days at the company, I would hack into the interns' workstations, looking for damaging evidence."

Mokuba's eyes went wide, "What?"

"Once I gathered enough data, I sent multiple encrypted files to Abi's lawyer from the interns' aliases."

Mokuba couldn't believe this. While the actions were very much Kaiba despite his young age, Mokuba was just shocked Kaiba was admitting it. Kaiba wasn't omitting details and Mokuba respected this.

"Do you think Abi ever found out?"

"Never asked." Kaiba crossed his arms, showing discomfort at the idea of their father possibly knowing. "That day, Gozaburo learned the interns – at least their aliases – were sending information and fired them. That's why he called me and Noah to the conference room. He felt like we had something to do with it."

"…Did you tell him the truth?"

"I did. I told him exactly how I did it. I told him Abi would win in court – that we would destroy his company and what was left of his reputation."

Mokuba felt an ache in his chest. It was clear how badly Kaiba wanted to be legally attached to their dad – how much he wanted to be free from Gozaburo.

"Noah then stated he already convinced most of Gozaburo's board to work for him once he started his own company. Noah told him he'd have nothing left."

Mokuba watched as Kaiba seemed to be deep in the memory; almost reliving everything.

"Something inside of me snapped Mokuba." Kaiba's nostrils flared as he felt overwhelmed with emotion. "I think it was first time I accepted how…furious I was to be…his son." He blinked a few times. "It was the first time I accepted just how much I hated him."

Mokuba sat in silence.

"I looked directly at Gozaburo and asked, 'Have I learned what you wanted... 'father'?'"

His company, his reputation, even his children; Gozaburo was losing everything. Mokuba couldn't imagine what was going through Gozaburo's mind.

"Things were connecting for Gozaburo – it was all over. For so long, he was so sure of himself and the control he had over me and Noah. But we beat him at his own game." Kaiba blew air out through his nose.

Mokuba knew he was getting closer to that moment.

"I thought he…" Kaiba took in a rattling breath. "I thought he was going to yell…possibly attack us…"

16 years ago, on the top floor of the Kaiba Corporation building, Kaiba stood on the red carpet of the conference room at the tender age of 13. His estranged half-brother Noah was 18 and standing on the other side of the table. There Gozaburo was, in one of his many muted toned suits, not angry or calm – he was excited. Kaiba would never forget the way the man's eyes gleamed, gazing upon he and Noah as if they were gods among men. Kaiba felt the panic of the experience all over again.

"He was..." Kaiba lifted his head, his eyes wide with horror. "He was proud of us Mokuba…"

Mokuba couldn't even speak. He'd never seen his brother look so…helpless. Gone was the mask of cool indifference; all that was left was a scared 13-year-old trapped in a 29-year-old's body.

"He told us…" Kaiba swallowed, his mouth suddenly feeling dry. "He told us, that he lost. He told us to burn into our brains this is what happens to losers." Kaiba pushed his fingers into his eyes, willing the memories away.

Mokuba sat there in terrified silence.

"Gozaburo turned around and ran to the window. I didn't think it was going to break."

Mokuba was holding his breath.

"When his shoulder hit…the window cracked…suddenly there was glass everywhere and he was falling so fast…" Kaiba covered his face with his hands, shaking and sweating.

"Seto…" Mokuba sucked in a lung full of air.

"I couldn't move. I heard his body hit the pavement." He felt like he was going to throw up. "Noah was screaming." His chest tightened as he remembered the confused wail that left Noah's mouth as he fell to his knees. "I…I don't remember leaving the room…I may…I may have passed out…"

Mokuba felt the bottom of his eyes fill with water. "Seto…"

Kaiba lowered his wet hands and felt the AC rapidly cool against his face. He was crying. "Fuck…" He angrily wiped his face with the sleeve of his sweater, rubbing his hands on his pants. Why was he so weak? He felt humiliated. He forced himself to stop crying.

"Don't be embarrassed…" Mokuba softly sniffled from across the table, not sure if he should go to his brother. "I…I had no idea this happened to you…"

"…I never told anyone…" Kaiba wrangled in his breathing and continued to clean his face.

"Why didn't you?"

His voice was so small. "I didn't want to be blamed…" He took in a shuddering breath trying to calm himself down.

"What he did has nothing to do with you Seto," Mokuba sternly stated as he dabbed at his cheeks with his sweater sleeve.

"If I hadn't of stolen that information Mokuba…"

"Seto—"

Kaiba slammed his fists down on the table, rattling the dishes. His head hung between his shoulders; his breathing rapid. "I may not have pushed that mother fucker out the window, but I knew what the fuck I was doing Mokuba!" He lifted his head showing an utterly pained expression between grief, anger, and guilt. "I wished he were dead so many times. He finally was and I couldn't fucking enjoy it!"

Mokuba stood up on his knees, tears steaming but he was determined. "Gozaburo was a terrible man who hurt a lot of people – he hurt you! He was a tyrant who thought when you don't get what you want, the only way out was death. He was a coward Seto!"

Kaiba's mouth hung open, his eyes just as wide. He'd never spoken to someone about this, so he never heard those words from a second party.

Mokuba slapped his hands down, rattling the table and startling Kaiba. "'As the ostrich when pursued hideth his head, but forgetteth his body; so the fears of a coward expose him to danger.' A real man faces his failures head on! Gozaburo was always a danger to himself, not anyone else, especially you."

Kaiba looked up at his brother, surprised to hear him quoting their father so effortlessly. He felt oddly comforted by the words.

"Gozabura made his choices out of fear…you had nothing to do with them, OK?"

"Mokuba…"

"OK Seto?" Mokuba was full of righteous outrage for his brother and he would be damned if Kaiba continued to blame himself after tonight.

Kaiba slowly nodded and watched Mokuba drop back down on his bottom, crossing his legs. They sat in silence, both sniffling loudly and wiping at their faces.

Kaiba glanced across the table to find Mokuba looking down. Was Mokuba angry with him? Did he hate him? Did Kaiba ruin everything? He didn't have the courage to ask. This was why he never told anyone this story; he couldn't handle the judgement that came along with it. Even despite Mokuba's powerful words, Kaiba still felt like his brother was supposed to hate him for what he did. Kaiba felt something inside of him tearing to shreds. He fully turned his body to stare into the aquarium. He couldn't face Mokuba.

"So um," Mokuba quietly began, "what happened to Noah?" He didn't like raising his voice and especially not to his brother, but he refused to let Kaiba blame himself for something he didn't do. He looked at his brother's profile and assumed Kaiba needed a focal point in the aquarium.

Kaiba continued staring into the aquarium. "After the funeral, Noah and his mother left Japan with the little money they got from Gozaburo's estate."

"Then what?" Mokuba knows his brother. No doubt Kaiba followed their moves closely just out of paranoia alone.

The brunet decided against feigning ignorance. "They moved to China. A few months later they both died in a car accident." He felt numb saying that out loud. He was the 'last one standing' and he never knew how to feel about that.

Mokuba gasped, thinking they were still alive. "Did you ever speak to Noah before then?"

Kaiba shook his head. "The last time we spoke was in that conference room…"

"…He never reached out?"

"Neither of us did Mokuba."

"Why Seto? He was your brother."

"You are my brother. Noah and I only shared Gozaburo."

"Which makes you brothers." Mokuba's mouth set into a deep frown, "You two could have been friends…well…until Noah passed at least…"

"We both understood that in order to forget about Gozaburo, we had to forget about each other." Kaiba cautiously turned his head to take in his brother's disposition.

Mokuba dropped into a deep silence, his mind churning and his eyes glistening.

"…What is it Mokuba?"

"I was just thinking about…what it would be like…the three of us together…" Mokuba's tone was straining with emotion. "Noah may not have been interested, but I would have treated him as my brother…"

Kaiba felt that lump return to his throat over Mokuba's compassion. Kaiba didn't know much about Noah and most days didn't know if he regretted that or not. "I think…he would have appreciated that." He lowered his head, forcing himself not to cry again. Mokuba would never judge him, just stand up for him and give him a different perspective. But he needed to hear it…

"Mokuba…do you hate me?"

Mokuba quickly responded, "No. Never."

Kaiba nodded, turning his body to once more face Mokuba. "I'm…sorry…again…"

Through his tears Mokuba gave another cheery smile, "I'm glad we're getting close again Seto."

Kaiba willed his eyes to dry. "What?"

"I feel so bad for Noah. He never got a chance at a new life or even having you as a real brother...it hurts me to think about that…" Mokuba sniffled, giving a dry laugh. "I thought puberty was the reason we didn't hang out as much as we used to…but now I know it's because you were hurting all by yourself…I don't want you to feel alone anymore…"

"…" Kaiba couldn't speak. He felt overwhelmed.

"You're the greatest big brother ever Seto…I've missed you so much…"

Kaiba made a choking noise, covering his face with his hand. How long had Mokuba been waiting for him to come back to their relationship – to rejoin him as his brother? They were so close as kids, but after Gozaburo died, slowly Kaiba drifted into himself. He doubled down when he took over the company. He was so busy proving he was the superior 'Kaiba' and worthy of the Morcos surname, he forgot about those who really mattered. Mokuba mattered.

"Mokuba…" He didn't deserve him. Fighting against every instinct, Kaiba wobbled up onto his knees. He shuffled over to Mokuba and wrapped his arms around his brother. He pulled him tightly into his chest, his face flaming as he rested his chin atop Mokuba's head. "I…love you…"

Mokuba was stone still shocked at his brother's actions before his tears freely fell. "I love you too Seto," Mokuba hiccupped as he buried his crying face into his brother's sweater, just like he did when he was a child.

Kaiba held him, feeling his own silent tears roll down his face. A pressure he didn't even know was present was slowly hissing in release. Relief washed through his being – acceptance filled him with a peace he never knew. Mokuba was one of the most important people in his life, and now Mokuba knew his truth, and still accepted him. Mokuba's love wouldn't change and Kaiba wouldn't go back to the how things once were. They were reunited.

"Should…"

Kaiba refused to open his eyes and see their waitress witness his tears. Mokuba was still crying, never shy about showing emotion. The brunet turned his face away so the waitress could only see the back of his head. "Pack up our food," he sternly instructed.

"Yes, of course." The waitress quickly grabbed the untouched plates and rushed out.

Kaiba held Mokuba until his brother finally stopped crying. The brunet maneuvered back to his seat, passing his brother his napkin as Mokuba's was already ruined after he blew his nose. Kaiba quietly wiped at his face with his sleeves.

"Thanks." Mokuba accepted the napkin and finished cleaning off his face. "Where did our food go?"

"The waitress is packing it up."

"Oh good." Mokuba had no idea someone had come in.

"It's getting late." Kaiba stood up and Mokuba followed suit. They were both emotionally drained and needed time to process. "Why don't you go fix your face in the bathroom and meet me at the front? I'll go pay."

"But I was going to pay."

"Your money's no good here, Mokie." It'd been so long since he called his little brother that. He ruffled his hair.

Mokuba beamed at the nickname despite the swollen and red face, "I look pretty bad, huh?"

"Horrible."

"I'm not a pretty crier." He pouted. "I get that from Haha."

"Yeah you do." Kaiba wrapped his arm around Mokuba's shoulders as he led them out of the backroom.

Further down the hall, Mokuba headed to the restroom while Kaiba headed back towards the front. It was much quieter as most of the patrons had already left. Kaiba couldn't believe he and Mokuba were back there for a few hours. It seemed like minutes. Shaking his head, he spotted someone still at the bar. They were wearing a pullover with the hood up, appearing depressed as they draped over the counter, a drink in hand.

The bartender noticed Kaiba and waved him over. "Are you from the aquarium room? You can pay here if you want."

Kaiba walked over and handed his credit card over, "We had our food packed up."

The bartender nodded as he swiped the card, "I'll go to the kitchen and grab it for you. We're near closing so your waitress might be held up somewhere."

"That's fine." Kaiba took his card back.

"I'll be right back." The bartender disappeared through a door by the register.

Kaiba decided to sit at the bar as he waited. He reached in his pocket to check his phone. There were a few messages and emails to review, but his eyes immediately went to a certain notification from the D.O.T.M app:

'(1) New Message. (1) Friend Request Accepted.'

Kaiba quickly accessed the app to see what Isis wrote back:

TheUltimate_BlueEyed_DragonDaddy: 'I went ahead and added you just in case you forgot. Also, I personally deleted your second account – it goes against the rules. But I'm sure you already knew that.'

Maleficent_Mudora: 'How foolish of me to confess my secret account in front of the creator and owner. I will avenge my Duchess account when I beat you in a duel.'

"Yeah right," Kaiba mumbled to himself as he reread the messages a few more times before putting his phone away. He'd respond once he got home.

Rather than the bartender, the waitress returned with two to-go bags in hand. She politely handed the food to Kaiba, who in exchange handed her a few large bills as a tip. She thanked him many times before going back into the kitchen.

Kaiba stood up, instead choosing to lean against the bar as he waited for Mokuba. His eyes glanced back down the bar to the crouched figure. Of course, this was one of the few bars lacking a mirror, so Kaiba couldn't see the person's face. If tonight was an exclusive opening of the restaurant, Kaiba wondered if he knew whoever that was, or at least recognized them. Said person was hunched over the granite, their disposition still beyond miserable. The hand holding the glass had black painted nails and was heavily tatted. A set of black dice with white dot markers, that seemed to be mid throw and on fire, were tatted to the back of the right hand. Black nails? Dice? Wait a minute…it couldn't be, right?

"Duke?"

The hooded figure immediately stiffened. A head snapped in Kaiba's direction. Duke's glassy jade green eyes widened when he realized he did indeed hear his name being called, and it was by the last person he expected. "Kaiba?"

"What the hell happened to you?" Kaiba moved closer to Duke to get a better look. Duke's face was swollen and bruised, with superficial scrapes here and there. On his nose was a splint placed by a doctor.

Duke noticed Kaiba staring at his nose. "It's fine…the doctor told me it'll heal well on its own…" He gave a weak smile.

"What are you doing here?" Kaiba's head was already on a swivel. Was Duke here alone? Was Pegasus here?

Duke lowered his hood, showing a messy low ponytail and black face-mask he'd pulled down to enjoy his beverage. There was even a pair of sunglasses sitting on the bar. The man was known for his looks and enjoying his fame; he looked awful and seemed to be lying low. What was going on?

"I uh…I know Mako. He got me in." He knocked back the contents of his glass and set it on the counter. "…I needed a drink or two…the bars are too crowded…"

Kaiba picked up on the underlining fear of being recognized by fans or associates in such a state. "How long have you been here?"

"Too long." Duke pressed the pads of his fingers into his eyes, forgetting about the bruises. "Ow…"

Kaiba wasn't sure what to make of this, or if it was even his business. But he'd make it his business if Pegasus were in the vicinity. "Are you here alone?"

"Duh… They hate me."

"'They?'"

"I…I fucked up man…"

"This happened at Pegasus' house, didn't it?"

Duke pitifully nodded.

"Did his goons do this to you?"

"Worse…" Duke's voice cracked. "And poor Isis…she didn't ask for any of this bullshit…"

Kaiba imagined a pretty pair of blue eyes, lined in makeup, with a purpling bruise shading one side. He immediately set the food on the bar and resisted the urge of snatching Duke by his lapels. "Where are they?"

Duke bit his bottom lip, eyes growing innocently round. They trembled as the bottoms filled with water. "Kaiba…" His bottom lip popped free and quivered.

"…Are you about to cry?" Kaiba refused to deal with more tears tonight.

"No!" Duke whimpered, angrily pressing a hand to his face. "Dammit, ow!"

"Did she get hurt?"

"Seto, what's going on?" Mokuba quickly made his way over from the restroom area with puffy eyes but looking much better. "Whoa, is that Duke Devlin?"

"Barely, but yes."

"He created 'Dungeon Dice Monsters', right?" Mokuba examined Duke's face and disheveled appearance. "Is he…OK?" He then inspected his brother, "Are you about to add to his injuries Seto?"

"What? Of course not." Kaiba realized how aggressive his stance was and relaxed his shoulders.

Duke made bug eyes at Mokuba, "Your little brother is here too?"

"You know who Mokuba is?"

"I follow him on social media." Duke sniffled, "His art is really cool."

"Oh, thanks." Mokuba gave a small slightly bashful smile.

Kaiba didn't care about that, he needed to know what happened. "Where are Malik and Isis?"

"Who is that?" Mokuba asked looking back and forth between the two.

"You two must have had dinner, huh?"

"That's what restaurants are for genius," Kaiba snarked. "Where the hell are your friends?"

The tattoo artist allowed his tears to dramatically fall, completely ignoring Kaiba. "Me and my bro used to have dinner together." His crying intensified and boy was it ugly – Duke definitely had Mokuba beat. Duke grabbed the front of Kaiba's sweater and buried his face in his chest. "Hold me – I just wanna feel safe."

"Get away from me!" Kaiba manhandled Duke in Mokuba's direction.

Mokuba easily caught Duke and supported him. Looked like Mokuba was getting those 'gains' he so desperately wanted. "Does this have to do with today?" Mokuba allowed Duke to bury his face in Mokuba's shoulder, his wails now sniffles.

"Yes, but I don't know in what capacity…" Or if it was even their business to investigate.

"…You smell really good…" Duke wrapped his arms more firmly around Mokuba's torso. "Do you work out dude? You're feelin' solid."

A bright blush came across Mokuba's face as he awkwardly held Duke up, which made it appear like both parties were agreeing to deepen the embrace. "What are we going to do Seto?"

"We? He's a mess Mokuba. This has nothing to do with us."

"Is he here alone? You mentioned he has friends, are they around?"

"Beats me." Kaiba picked their food bags back up. "Put Duke on the stool and let's go."

"You want to leave him here?" Mokuba couldn't believe what he was hearing. "If he's alone, we can't leave him like this. He's very vulnerable right now."

"I wanna be vulnerable with you Mokuba…" Duke slurred as he traced Mokuba's collarbone through his sweater.

Kaiba gave Mokuba a look, "So you want to be vulnerable with Duke?"

"Don't start Seto," Mokuba narrowed his eyes despite his bright red face. "We're going to help him whether you like it or not."

Kaiba placed a hand against his own chest, "Why do I have to be a part of this?"

"Because he's an associate of 'Millennium Gaming' and as co-CEO, you have a level of responsibility for his wellbeing. What if he does something stupid or gets hurt? There's already enough gossip about the meeting today!"

Kaiba was pissed because Mokuba was right. He already had enough bad mouthing about him going around. No doubt Duke stumbling drunkenly through the streets with bruises and cuts, would somehow be blamed on him. "Dammit Mokuba." He angrily sat the food down and grabbed Duke, throwing Duke's tattooed arm around his neck. "Go get your car."

Mokuba smiled in victory as he grabbed the food. "Take the side door so no one sees him. I'll meet you two there."

Kaiba watched Mokuba rush out, while he scanned the restaurant for the side door. What side door was Mokuba even talking about?

"Duke, are you still here?" Mako came out from the swinging kitchen door, looking around down the bar to find his friend slumped against Kaiba. He rushed over. "Is Duke OK?"

"No, you irresponsible owner." Kaiba narrowed his eyes, "He's beyond drunk."

Mako got on the other side of Duke and put Duke's other arm around his neck. "He was intoxicated when he got here."

"Your bright idea was to give him more alcohol?"

"He's a paying customer!" Mako reasoned. "And a friend, I'm not going to deny him. He's had a really bad day."

"Whatever." Kaiba was tempted to ask Mako what Duke told him, but the last thing Kaiba wanted to do was chat with Mako. "Where the hell is the side exit? Mokuba's waiting with the car."

Mako glared at Kaiba but motioned to another small arched doorway with leis. "This way."

Mako and Kaiba half-carried, half-dragged Duke's stumbling feet to the side exit. Mako opened the door and the three maneuvered out into the dark parking lot. Mokuba's car was sitting at the end of the walkway. The car was running but the headlights were off as not to attract attention. As soon as he saw Mako and Kaiba he got out.

"Thanks for your help Mako." Mokuba opened the back door and took Duke from Kaiba's side. Mako helped him maneuver Duke across the seat. "Do you happen to know what hotel he's staying in?"

Mako thought for a moment before he gasped, pointing his index finger up in an 'aha' gesture. "Yes, I do! He mentioned 'The Saffron Seasons.'"

"Which location?" Kaiba flatly responded.

Mako awkwardly smiled, "I…don't remember…"

"Yeah, thanks for all your help." Kaiba rolled his eyes as he reached into the car and started going through Duke's pockets.

"What are you doing Seto?" Mokuba angled over the ajar door, watching his brother.

"What do you think?"

When Kaiba patted the back pockets of his jeans, Duke made a not so appropriate noise. "Gotta take me out before you can spank me," he slurred.

Mokuba, Kaiba, and Mako exchanged an unspoken conversation via extremely confused and uncomfortable eye-contact, before Kaiba located Duke's wallet and phone in his hoodie front pocket.

"Are you robbing him?" Mako asked.

"Really Mako?" Mokuba's tone alluded to Mako's question being, well, dumb.

"I don't know how your brother gets his sick kicks." Mako crossed his arms indignantly.

"I'm not the one who fucked a catfish on camera," Kaiba returned.

A certain viral video had coined Mako as a 'freaky fish guy' on all social media platforms a few years back. Though the man in the video and Mako looked similar from the back, especially with the film quality being so grainy, Mako had assured his fans and sponsors it wasn't him. A few months later he broke the 'largest wave ever surfed' world record and most forgot about the lie. But it still came back to haunt him now and again.

Mako's face was red with embarrassment and anger, "I did NOT fuck that fish! That wasn't ME on the video!"

"Whatever," Kaiba mumbled as he went through Duke's wallet. He found a keycard, but the back didn't list which location it belonged to. This was probably for security reasons since the room number was printed on the back. "Duke, where is your hotel?"

Duke who appeared to be a dead body at this point, didn't say a word.

Kaiba grabbed his ankle and shook him. "Duke, where is your hotel?"

"Japan," he slurred, his eyes unable to open.

Mokuba rolled his eyes, "He's almost as bad as Joey drunk."

"Almost – Joey's worse."

About that time the bartender from before poked his head out the side door. "Mako?"

The three looked back at the confused worker. "I have to go." Mako motioned to the worker to go back inside. "Get him safely back to his hotel. It was good seeing you Mokuba." Mako ducked into the car, "SLEEP WELL DUKE."

"He's drunk, not deaf though he might be now."

Mako glared at Kaiba before walking back down the path back into his restaurant.

Kaiba debated messaging Isis to get the information but he just couldn't bring himself to do so. Maybe he'd do it as a last resort if Mokuba didn't agree to abandon Duke in the parking lot.

"What now Seto?"

Kaiba grabbed Duke's phone. Luckily, it wasn't passcode locked. He grabbed Duke's hand and pressed his thumb into the fingerprint sensor. The phone opened. He had 3 missed calls and one voicemail from none other than Isis. Fuck, maybe he would have to talk to her.

"Is there someone we can call to help him?" Mokuba moved closer to his brother to look at the glowing screen. "Maybe we can call his friends he's here with?"

"…" Kaiba debated calling her number. Suddenly he was nervous. This wasn't a real call; this was just a call to Isis to ask where they were. Maybe he could call Malik instead? Wait, were those emojis around her name? There were two pink flowers on either side of her name in Duke's phone.

Mokuba suddenly took the device from Kaiba. "'Isis'? This must be his girlfriend."

"I doubt that," Kaiba said a bit too quickly.

"Her name is saved with flowers around it – she has to be someone special. Is she here with him?"

"…" Kaiba was still stuck on the emojis. Flowers?!

"I'm calling her." Mokuba immediately hit the call button.

Kaiba actually gasped. Why the hell was he calling Isis?!

Mokuba ignored his brother's weird face and soon heard a stern but caring voice answer in English. "Hi, this is a friend of Duke's. Could you tell me what's the name of his hotel? He's really uh, inebriated." Suddenly Mokuba pulled the phone away from his ear, "Oh shit Duke!"

Kaiba looked to find Duke had somehow opened the other side's door and slithered out onto the pavement.

"Talk to her Seto!" Mokuba shoved the phone in Kaiba's hand, as he rushed around the side to help Duke who was currently trying to army crawl away.

Kaiba froze as he heard the distant voice of Isis as the phone rest in his hand. It was just a phone call, why was he acting like this? Thoroughly annoyed, Kaiba pressed the phone to his ear. "Isis, it's Kaiba."

There was a long pause. "Greetings Kaiba."

Kaiba's eyes went wide at the tittle to the R in her 'greetings.' If he closed his eyes, she almost sounded like…? He cleared his throat. "Um…"

"Is Duke OK?"

"He's a fucking disaster." Kaiba watched as Duke, now on his feet, drunkenly wobbled around the parking lot in a half-run, as Mokuba cautiously chased him. "What's the name of your hotel?"

"'The Saffron Seasons' on 7th', are you bringing him? Who are you with?"

"That was my brother earlier and yes, we're bringing him."

"Where did you find him?"

"Mako's restaurant."

"OK…" Kaiba then heard a voice in the background. "Who is that?"

"It's Malik."

"OK…"

"…What?"

Kaiba wanted so badly to ask her if she was OK, but he decided against it. "We're on our way." He hung up.

"Seto, help!"

Kaiba looked over to find Duke trapped in some bushes, Mokuba holding on to his hoodie so Duke didn't completely flip over them into the ditch below. Kaiba jogged over to help. Once they got Duke safely away from the bushes and back into the car, they headed out.

"Which hotel is it?" Mokuba asked as he put on his blinker to exit the parking lot.

"It's the new one on 7th street."

Mokuba made his right turn, "Perfect. Let's get him back to his girlfriend—"

"—she's not his girlfriend."

"How do you know?"

"I just do."

"Suuure."

Kaiba changed the topic. "We should call ahead and have the hotel staff escort him to his room." He really didn't want any part in this after that phone call. He felt a little too antsy about things. Best to just leave it alone all together.

"Seto, we can't just hand Duke off to strangers. He needs help he can trust!"

"I'm sure the hotel can be trusted."

"What about his reputation?"

"He'll survive."

"We're helping and that's that."

Kaiba lost his patience, "I've already helped this loser once today – I'm over it!"

"Well get over being over it!"

Kaiba shot Mokuba a death glare. "You better be glad you're driving kid."

Mokuba giggled as he slowed at a yellow light.

"Run the light."

Mokuba came to a stop regardless. "Why are you in such a hurry?"

"What if Duke pukes in your car?" Or if Isis looks just as bad as Duke and he must start plotting against Pegasus immediately? If he was seeing this situation through, he needed to know Isis was OK, as soon as possible.

Mokuba looked in his rear-view mirror to find Duke barely awake. "He's fine. Besides, I know a guy."

"A guy?"

"A guy who's really good at getting puke out of cars. He runs a 24hr business."

Kaiba blinked a few times, "I'm not even going to ask."

"Weevil introduced me to him."

"I said I wasn't going to ask Mokuba."

As soon as the light turned green, Mokuba maneuvered the car to the close by hotel. When the large hotel came into view, Mokuba passed by the valet in the front and moved the car to the back lot.

"We're going around back?"

"Yeah, this way people won't see Duke coming in." Mokuba parked the car.

Kaiba scanned the backwall and saw a guest 'locked from the outside' entrance on the far left that had curtains across it. Closer to them, on the far right of the wall of the building was a nondescript door that was clearly a service entrance.

"How are we getting in?"

"Trust me Seto." Mokuba hopped out the car.

Kaiba rolled his eyes but got out.

Kaiba and Mokuba once more maneuvered Duke's arms over their shoulders. They slowly made their way to the lone back door for staff of the hotel. The door was locked with a coded knob. Mokuba punched in a number and the knob clicked loudly. Mokuba swung the door open; Kaiba held it open with his foot while they hauled Duke inside. Kaiba looked around to find they were in a service hall.

"How the hell do you have a code to the backdoor of this hotel?"

"I helped pick out the art of the lobby and restaurant inside." Mokuba shifted Duke into a more comfortable position. "I had a feeling they didn't change the code."

Kaiba was impressed. "Who asked you to pick the art?"

"The owner." Mokuba shifted Duke a little. "I met him a few times at some art charity events."

There was so much of Mokuba's life Kaiba didn't know about. He would make sure to find out all the finer details.

"Here's the elevator." Mokuba led them to a service lift and pressed the button. "Which floor?"

"22." Kaiba remembered the number from the card in Duke's wallet.

The elevator arrived and luckily no one was on it. Kaiba and Mokuba weren't too sure how they could explain themselves. The three got on and Mokuba pressed the number 22 button. They rode up as music played in the background. After arriving at the floor and dragging Duke through the service hall to the main hall, Kaiba felt his heart rate pick up as they passed the hotel room doors.

"Seto, we're here. Should we knock?"

Kaiba was already fishing the key-card out from his pocket. "No need." He swiped the card and watched the green light flash as the lock loudly slipped out of place. Kaiba grabbed the door handle and forced it open.

The suite was done in dark wood flooring, cream colored walls covered in soft blue outlines of flowers. The couches were the same soft blue tone, with dark wood pieces such as the coffee table and entertainment center where a flat screen TV sat. A kitchenette with stainless steel appliances and dark woods, was by the door to the left with a breakfast nook. To the right of that was an office space with the same dark wood theme for the desk and an expensive looking desk chair.

Malik was wearing pineapple printed sweatpants and matching socks, standing in the living room in front of the TV. He immediately whipped his head around when the door opened to Duke, that one guy, and a complete stranger.

"How did you guys get in here?" Malik was already making his way over. He too was bruised and swollen. Due to his state of undress, Kaiba could also see a few superficial scratches on his body.

"Come get your friend before we drop him," Kaiba grouched.

"Duke's here!" Malik called to a closed door, as he maneuvered Duke into his arms.

Kaiba's eyes locked on that bedroom door.

Duke flopped against Malik, mumbling something about a goldfish.

"Cool pants!" Mokuba pointed to the socks, "Is this a set? Where did you get them?"

"A guy in Vegas owns a company," Malik responded, completely ignoring Duke's dead weight against his chest. Holding a drunk Duke Devlin was clearly not a new concept for Malik. "Also, who are you?"

"Oh, I'm Mokuba – Seto's my brother."

Malik raised a brow, "Who the hell is Seto?"

Kaiba frowned, "I am."

"I thought your name was Kaiba…?"

Kaiba blinked. "It is."

"And you have another brother?" Malik looked curiously up at the ceiling, still holding Duke to his body with ease. "I thought that other CEO was your only brother."

"Yami's my cousin."

Malik cocked his head at Kaiba, "I thought his name was Atem?"

Kaiba was seething. "Please stop talking."

Mokuba could barely hold in his giggles.

About that time the bedroom door opened and in walked Isis. She had on a slouchy white sweatshirt that exposed one shoulder, and a pair of stretchy semi-thick heather gray leggings. She was in a pair of hotel slippers and had no makeup on. Her long hair was pulled on top of her head in a semi-neat bun.

Kaiba immediately identified her lack of injuries. The pending overreaction was gone but her casual wear stirred that something. This was his third time seeing her and yet again he felt that something. He could no longer blame styled hair, make up, heels, or flattering fashion choices. This was a fucking problem.

"Are you Isis? I'm Mokuba – the one who called! You must be Duke's girlfriend."

Malik snorted obnoxiously as he dragged Duke across the suite. "When's the wedding Isis?"

Isis ignored her brother and gave Mokuba a small smile. "Nice to meet you Mokuba." Politely she turned to Kaiba to find him staring. "Hello again Kaiba."

Kaiba chose not to respond. Instead he gave her a once over that lacked all subtly.

Quickly Isis redirected her attention to his brother, "I am not Duke's girlfriend, Mokuba. Just his friend."

Mokuba seemed puzzled, "Really?" He looked across the room to an open-door showing Malik and Duke in a dark bedroom. Malik was trying to put Duke to bed. Duke seemed to have Malik's neck in a choke hold. "Well, between you and me…" He leaned in lowering his voice, "He might have a crush on you."

Isis furrowed her brow, "What makes you say that?" Duke said a lot of things when drunk but he'd yet to make any confessions regarding Isis.

"You're saved in his phone with flowers around your name. Oh! That reminds me." Mokuba handed Isis Duke's wallet and phone. "Here's his stuff."

"The flowers are an inside joke – nothing to be taken seriously." Isis took the items and placed them on the nearby table.

Kaiba snorted, "I told you Mokuba."

Mokuba rolled his eyes, "OK, OK, you were right. I just didn't think Duke was the kind of guy to have real friends that are girls."

"I am a rarity in Duke's friend group, I'll give you that. Thank you for returning Duke to us." Isis smiled warmly at them both.

"No problem. It was the right thing to do," Mokuba stated matter-of-factly.

Isis couldn't help but find Mokuba likable, "Yes, I suppose it was."

"Isis, I need to talk to you." Kaiba ignored his brother's curious stare.

"Oh? Did Duke do something?"

"No." Kaiba spotted something peeking out from one of the long sleeves of the top. Was that a bandage? He felt his temper try to make a surprise appearance. "Mokuba, go help Malik with Duke."

Mokuba slowly turned his head and narrowed his eyes. "Whhhyyy Seto…?"

Kaiba knew exactly what Mokuba was doing and he didn't appreciate it. "Because they need help."

The three of them looked to the bedroom. At some point Malik turned on a bedside lamp. They had an excellent view of Duke currently upside down hanging off the bed, Malik uselessly grabbing at his hips.

"Dammit Duke!" Malik grabbed Duke's shoulders instead and hauled him back up on the bed. "STAY." Malik cautiously stepped away only for Duke to slowly start sliding down the side of the bed. Malik quickly returned to grab him.

"It's the right thing to do, right?" Kaiba sarcastically chided.

"I guess my gains are needed yet again." Mokuba walked into the bedroom and grabbed Duke's ankles, pulling him back up on the bed.

Duke rolled onto his stomach, moaning unintelligibly.

"He doesn't look so good…" Mokuba grimaced.

"Duke don't!" Malik grabbed the trashcan, but he was too late.

Duke threw up right on the comforter. "…" He rolled away from the mess and looked over to it, "Who the fuck threw up on my bed?"

Malik and Mokuba gave each other a look as if this weren't there first-time meeting.

"I'll call housekeeping," Mokuba offered as he moved to the bedside phone. "Ugh, it smells like fish!"

Malik forced Duke into a sitting position and shoved Duke's head into the trashcan he placed on the bed. Duke's body was postured like a ragdoll, with his head completed submerged in the receptacle.

"When you're done, let's get him in the shower." Malik then cracked the window, silently agreeing with the fish comment.

"As they seem to have things under control," Isis began as she gestured to her room, "let's get away from that smell."

Kaiba quickly followed her into the room. Unlike the 'fish market' aroma wafting into the living room, Isis bedroom smelled sweet. He casually examined the contents of her open luggage to find perfectly folded and organized clothing. But he also spotted a small black bag. He felt like he'd seen that type of bag before, but he wasn't sure where.

Isis motioned across the room. "We can sit over here." A bedside lamp was on as well as the standing lamp in the sitting area.

Kaiba followed her to the chairs and begged himself not to look down. But he did and holy shit…the return of the booty. He didn't take Isis as someone who wore leggings, but he was grateful she did. He forced himself to look away. Her whole appearance was screwing with his head—no, she was screwing with his head. He wondered if talking to her was a good idea. Kaiba's self-control wasn't something he was known for, especially after such a draining day.

Isis sat down, smoothing out her top. She watched Kaiba follow suit, sitting adjacent to her. He leaned back in the chair, crossing his long legs. He rested his elbows on the arms of the chair, his fingers linking together before his chest. He was postured very confidently. She should have at least put on a little mascara. Isis usually didn't mind being seen without makeup, but this wasn't a stranger at the 7-11 at 2am. This was Kaiba.

She cleared her throat. "I'm assuming you want to discuss Malik and Duke's injuries?"

"Was this done by Pegasus' goons?"

"I'm afraid not."

"Then what happened?"

Isis slowly shook her head as she thought back over the day. "Duke and Malik got into a fight when we got there."

"They did that…to each other?" Kaiba didn't expect that from Duke. He'd coined him as the ultimate pushover.

"Yes, it's very unfortunate."

"Why did they fight?"

"Pegasus asked Duke to come inside to talk. Duke proceeded to follow him in."

"Are you joking?" Kaiba couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Even after what happened Duke was willing to listen to him?"

"Pegasus is his hero and did indeed sleep with Duke." Isis' tone went from neutral to stern, "That man is a manipulator."

"I guess I sound less delusional and vindictive than I did earlier today." The annoyed glare Isis was giving him was returned with a smug smile.

"All I cared about then was Duke and that has not changed."

"It should, especially if he was willing to crawl back to Pegasus." Kaiba snorted. "How pathetic."

"I don't disagree with the pathetic part." Isis rubbed her face, the little energy she had left not equipping her to relive those events.

Kaiba eyed the bandaged tightly wound around her hand. "What happened to you?"

"What?"

"Your hand."

Isis looked down at her right hand which housed the bandage. She'd already forgotten about it. "I broke up Duke and Malik's fight."

"You did?"

She could hear the 'how' in Kaiba's voice. "I took off my shoe and hit them until they stopped."

"…" Wait…

"It's how my aunt use to break up Malik and our cousin's fights when we were kids. I thought it was worth a try."

"Were you successful?"

"Very."

Kaiba was trying to imagine Isis intersecting herself between Duke and Malik. The image just didn't make sense in his mind.

"Wasn't until we arrived at the clinic and the nurse noticed the cut, that I even knew I was hurt." Luckily, the scratch was more superficial than anything, the nurse just wanted to be extra careful with the bandaging.

"And the luggage?"

"So far no one has complained that something is missing. I know all of my items are accounted for." Isis looked across the room to her bag before settling her vision back on Kaiba. "We're all fine for the most part…just processing things."

"You call Duke's actions processing?"

"It's not the best way but it's his way."

Kaiba looked out the window, impressed by the view. He had a feeling Duke made sure they had nice accommodations as a part of his festering guilt. The kid was a people pleaser if his Pegasus situation was anything to go by. "How unfortunate for you."

"Me? This scratch isn't so bad." Isis pulled her sleeve back down.

Kaiba looked back at Isis, "No, you have to deal with both of them."

"They are annoying, but nonetheless I care about them. I wish the situation turned out differently."

Kaiba was dissatisfied Pegasus wasn't behind the injuries. This was just another manipulation scheme to have someone else strike the match, so Pegasus could watch the world burn. "If Pegasus would've used his team to attack you three, there would be a different ending."

"You're still out to get him?"

Kaiba rested his chin in the palm of his right hand, simpering with narrowed eyes. "Are you asking or hoping?"

"Both."

Kaiba snorted, "You shouldn't have interfered. See where caring gets you?"

"Says the man caring right at the moment."

"I didn't care before and I don't care now about Duke."

"Is that why you went out of your way to return him to us?"

"Technically it wasn't out of the way or my idea."

"Where was he?" Isis couldn't help but wonder if Duke kept his word of not seeing Pegasus.

"'Malihini'. You're probably familiar with it – they have a location in Las Vegas."

"I am. Duke told me he was going to see Mako."

"Mako was there."

"Good."

"Did you think he was going to see Pegasus?"

Isis shrugged, "Duke surprised me this trip, but I still had hope he wouldn't lie to me." She sighed, "Thank you again."

"Helping him was all Mokuba's idea. I was an uninvolved bystander." He conveniently left out the part of carrying Duke across two parking lots and dragging him out of those bushes.

Isis' playful smile was overly enticing. "I'm sure Kaiba."

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You're much kinder than you like to let on."

Kaiba felt his face warming. "You're ridiculous."

Isis chuckled as she adjusted her top; turning it so both shoulders were now revealed. "How old is Mokuba?"

"He's 25." Kaiba couldn't help but stare at the way Isis' neck gently transitioned into petite shoulders and defined collarbones. Was he even into this part of the body?

"He and Malik are close in age." Isis pretended not to notice the staring.

"Yeah…?" Kaiba trailed his eyes up that neck and settled on her face. She looked less intimidating without makeup but no less attractive. Her eyes didn't seem as sharp when not traced in black, but softer; sapphire gone from seducing to soothing.

Isis cleared her throat and squirmed a bit in her chair. Why was he staring? Allowing this conversation in the privacy of her bedroom was a bad idea. At least they would've been interrupted if they stayed in the living room. In here, everything else faded away…like the sounds of Duke retching across the suite, Malik condescendingly coaching him through it, and Mokuba speaking Japanese with the arrived maids.

Kaiba dropped his gaze further down, wondering what she had on under her sweatshirt. There were no straps to be seen on her shoulders. Did she even have on a bra? He could feel his ears tinging red at the thought and dropped his eyes to her thighs. They were pressed together. His ears only burned hotter.

"Uhm, Mokuba's very handsome."

Immediately Kaiba snapped his eyes back to hers, "He has a girlfriend."

"Thank you for volunteering such information." Isis casually looked out the window.

"Older women tend to be a little too curious about him."

Isis tilted her head back in his direction. "Are you calling me a cougar?"

"You could be one." Kaiba leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs at the ankles, and fully resting his arms on the chair's support.

"In what way?"

"In the way of asking how old someone is followed by calling them handsome."

"Fair enough." Isis leaned back in the chair. "Next time I meet one of your friends or relatives, I will assure you of how unattractive I find them."

"Next time?"

Isis wasn't sure, but did Kaiba sound a little, eager? "I will have my tour of the towers and go to Kaiba Land. It may not be during this trip, but I will be back. No doubt we are destined to cross paths again."

Kaiba rolled his eyes, "Destined? Right. I assume you leave tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow morning, yes."

"…What time?" He casually looked at his feet.

"9am."

Kaiba took in the info before looking back at Isis. "If you do come back, I'll definitely remember the way you looked at Mokuba."

Did that mean Kaiba would want to see her again if she came back? Isis was reading too deeply into things. "Don't be ridiculous. I was looking at him the same way I would Malik or Duke."

"You look at your brother that way?"

"Very funny Kaiba." Kaiba returned to staring and Isis stared right back, not sure if it would deter him. If anything, it seemed to encourage him. A ghost of a smile came across his lips as he cocked his head to the side, somehow intensifying that stare. A theory needed to be tested. She stood up. "Would you like a drink?"

"No."

Isis walked across the bedroom to one of the closets. Inside revealed a mini fridge where she retrieved a bottle of water. "Are you sure?"

Kaiba chose silence because maybe if he didn't answer, Isis would hold that position a little bit longer. She was kneeling on both knees, leaning forward into the small fridge. The way her ass was shaped in those leggings was too much. Something inside of him was clawing its way to the forefront. Something he didn't trust.

"I'll take your silence as no." Isis closed the door and stood up, walking back over to her chair, all while Kaiba continued to stare. "What?"

"…What?"

"Why are you staring at me?"

"Why are there flowers around our name in Duke's phone?"

Isis hid a smile as she once more took her seat, placing the bottle of water on the table between them. "I'll only answer your question if you answer mine."

"Fine, I wasn't staring at you."

Isis gave Kaiba a very unimpressed look.

"Hey, Isis, why are you staring at me?"

"Because you're childish."

"Answer my question."

Isis gave a very condescending smile, "I just did Kaiba." She grabbed her bottle of water and unscrewed the top, taking a few sips.

Kaiba fought the smile trying to curl his lips. "You're the childish one."

"A poll was taken involving the occupants of this room." Isis flourished her hand as if she were giving a formal presentation. "I'm sad to announce that we've both been voted immature, Kaiba." She set the bottle down and leaned back in her chair. "The numbers don't lie."

Kaiba lifted a hand to cover his mouth as he looked out the window. He couldn't hold his smile in, but she didn't need to see it. Isis kept surprising him in many ways. He though this conversation would further exhaust him after such a day, but he felt vitality returning to his body. "Whatever."

Isis' water tactic was a success. Her task was extremely mundane yet still he watched. It proved in her mind that Kaiba was indeed showing his attraction towards her yet again. At first, she thought she was being delusional, but now she felt encouraged. Isis double checked Kaiba was taking in the view before she did a bit of staring of her own. She was cautious by nature, which is why she was choosing not to be as bold as Kaiba, and stare at him when he wasn't looking.

"Why do you want to know about the flowers? As I stated earlier, it's an inside joke."

Kaiba continued looking out the window. "What's the joke?"

Isis took in those broad shoulders, long torso, and even longer legs. He was the definition of longitude and latitude. He still looked just as well put together and in charge, as he did during the start of the meeting.

"If you're not on the inside, you're not meant to get the joke."

"But I want to get the joke."

"Why?"

"I'm a connoisseur of humor," was his deadpan response.

"I see we're being nosy again, hm? I suppose you still think I have some type of romantic involvement with Duke." Isis followed his side profile. The strong jaw, the pursed lips – for a moment she thought of a certain someone. But that someone actually liked her, Kaiba was a tossup at this point. She decided it was best to get to the bottom of things. She wouldn't push, but gently nudge to a conclusion.

"My hypothesis is you two use to date." Kaiba turned to find Isis already watching him closely. "Why else would you be attached to him?" He unfolded his arms.

Isis didn't deny herself the full view of Kaiba's chest and torso. She was never one to obsess over proportions, but she couldn't stop looking at his. "I'm not attached to Duke – he is my friend." She focused her eyes back on his own.

"Those flowers say otherwise."

"If I didn't know any better," Isis summoned all the courage she had left, "you sound more jealous than curious."

Kaiba stayed silent. He dragged those stormy blue eyes from her feet to her face. He figured out her little mini fridge game. She was just a little too sure of herself after returning to her chair. He intentionally looked out the window to see if she'd take the bait. Sure enough, Isis did by thoroughly checking him out. After uncrossing his arms to give her a full view, which she acknowledged, he felt convinced he wasn't the only one noticing certain things. He was also pleased Isis was showing a level of interest.

Maybe it wasn't too late. Something was stirring in the air on both sides.

PLEASE READ:

Holy shit this fanfic has hit/passed 200 reviews! I was not expecting the new faces I'm seeing in the comments or the amount of reviews I've gotten. Thank you all so much for encouraging me and enjoying the story thus far. More goodness to come.

Japanese words:

Haha – Mother (casual)

Arabic words:

Abi – Father

Quotes:

'As the ostrich when pursued hideth his head, but forgetteth his body; so the fears of a coward expose him to danger.' Pharaoh Akhenaten

Posted especially for:

KatherineBlackwell: Happy to offer a moment of reprieve from insomnia. I hope you're resting peacefully as I post this update.

.585: "Don't 'Mako' me come find you." Pure. Gold. Once more your review made me laugh. I have a super soft spot for sibling relationships, so I feel proud you've enjoyed their interactions. CALL YOUR BABY BRO! Here's your chapter.

Angelic Reprobate: Awww, thank you so much! Pegasus is THE dick. Definitely (and unfortunately) more to come from him.

SetoRJK-Kaiba: Many of us have sadly been on the receiving end of a shitty parent. And thank you for the compliment. I saw your review for my one-shot! It's funny you bring up a Teacher/Student story as I've played with the idea. We'll see if anything ever comes from it. Thanks for reading.

Zoelle: Thank you for noticing! I'm on the YGO wiki daily being reminded of little incidental characters I want to throw in. There will definitely be more. And it's never a bad time for sushi or any type of seafood.

jtdarkman: Hahahaha, that's amazing! I appreciate your 'costly' dedication to read my fanfic at work. I love that you referred to Isis as 'our princess' because I really do view her as that. And those white pants will indeed offer him grace. Hahaha.

Lauradbz: Thank you so much for appreciating the AU! I know it's a bit ambitious but I'm so happy people are really taking to it. And Weevil so has 'I eat bugs' energy. And I would definitely listen to 'dinosaur dubstep.' Thank you for this sweet review.

NocturnaMajora: Your review left me howling. 'Eat it nerds!' will never NOT be funny. And I love that you brought it up...I'm not saying there will be a very Kaiba moment like this in the future but I'm also not saying there won't be.

Lace Kyoko: Thank you! I've really been trying to work on 'setting the scene'. If Yami's not teasing Kaiba, is it really Yami? Hehe. I too am a fan of vulnerable Kaiba.

Still stands: If I don't get one measly review, no new chapter, however if I do get one measly review, new chapter.

REVIEW!

Well I'm out.