Chapter 38

Happiness and Doubt

Author's note: just to not get in trouble, I should remind everyone that I don't own anything YuGiOh. I just own my characters and Dark Mage of the Sea owns hers.

When a sentence is ~like this~, it's phoenix speech.

Thank you, Dark Mage of the Sea, my coauthor and best friend.

A few months later, Tiki woke up and smiled. Today was her second ultrasound. While she enjoyed the first, which gave her her first look and due date, this ultrasound would reveal the gender. Looking over, she saw Kaiba was still sleeping. Smiling a little more, she reached over and stroked his hair before getting up. Before heading to the bathroom, she paused at the mirror and tightened her nightgown against herself, revealing her small bump. Elated, she touched her stomach. "I'm so excited…"

"And beautiful."

Tiki's smile widened as she looked at Kaiba. "We find out today!"

Kaiba nodded. "You should get ready."

Tiki giggled. "You too! You can't stay in bed forever."

Kaiba smirked as he watched Tiki go into the bathroom. Once alone, he laid back and thought. His thorn of doubt started to poke him again. He was trying so hard to happy but the month-long gap had taken root in his mind. What if the baby was not his? What if someone other than Merina came over during the month? Just then, Itami swooped in and landed on Kaiba's chest. ~Your mind is wandering again. What is wrong?~

Kaiba did not look at her. "Nothing…"

~Seto, you're making it obvious.~

Kaiba glared at his phoenix. "Oh, really?"

Itami gave Kaiba a look. ~The baby is yours. I have no idea why you're doubting.~

Kaiba's glare darkened. He hated himself for not keeping up his mental shield. Seeing Itami waiting for an answer, he said in a low voice, "How do you know that? I was gone a month."

Her feathers puffing from anger, Itami pecked him hard. ~This is Tiki we're talking about!~

Angered, Kaiba pushed Itami off of him and got up to dress. Itami hissed at him. ~Seto!~

Kaiba did not look at her but said in a low voice, "Keep this to yourself. This is the last thing Tiki needs to know."

Itami was still glaring but agreed.

Dressed in a skirt and shirt, Tiki was sitting in the ultrasound chair. Rubbing her stomach, she asked, "Do you want a boy or girl?"

Answering a work email on his phone, Kaiba answered, "Honestly, I want a boy so I can teach him to follow in my footsteps and eventually take over the company."

Her hormones poking her, Tiki nodded a little. "I see."

Hearing her tone, Kaiba leaned in and kissed her cheek. "If it's a girl, I will still love her."

Tiki smiled and rubbed her eye. "I know. It's just these stupid hormones."

Kaiba nodded, understanding. Putting his phone away, he retreated into himself. His argument with Itami and his doubt kept nagging him. Looking at her fiancé, Tiki asked, "You okay, Seto?"

Kaiba looked at her and shook his head. "It's nothing, Tiki."

Tiki sensed he was lying. She was about to ask him again when there was a knock and Dr. Michaels came in. She smiled at Tiki, remembering her from the first ultrasound. "Hello, Miss Mutou, Mr. Kaiba. How are you two doing today?"

Kaiba nodded; Tiki smiled and laid back. "Good. Looking forward to seeing what we're having."

Dr. Michaels started to set up the machine. "So you do want to know the gender of your baby?"

Tiki nodded. Kaiba muttered to himself, "I don't understand how some parents don't want to know."

Tiki and Dr. Michaels smiled. Dr. Michaels explained, "Some parents like to be surprised at the moment of birth."

Kaiba said nothing as Tiki lifted her shirt a little. Bringing the machine over, Dr. Michaels put some gel on Tiki's stomach, making her giggle. "Cold…"

Dr. Michaels smiled in understanding and started to procedure. Within seconds, the image of their baby showed up on the screen. Tiki made a quiet but happy squeal. "There's our baby…"

Taking Tiki's hand, Kaiba looked at the screen and made a little smile. Doubts or not, this was a new life and even he was in awe of it. Dr. Michaels studied the screen. "Let's see…vital organs are growing perfectly…in good position…" she leaned a little closer and smiled, "…and it looks like we're having a little boy here."

Hearing that, Tiki's smile became a grin. "Looks like you get your wish, Seto!"

Kaiba gave Tiki a private smile. As Dr. Michaels finished the procedure and she and Tiki talked, he continued to think about the image of the baby and Tiki's excitement. The more he thought, the guiltier he felt about having doubt. The guilt and doubt were battling each other in his mind. He came back in time to hear Tiki ask, "Will I be okay to fly? Seto and I are thinking of going back home to Japan for the summer."

Printing the pictures, Dr. Michaels nodded. "Yes. In fact, if you're staying the whole summer, you will be giving birth in Japan."

Tiki then thought of something. "Will the baby be able to fly back?"

Dr. Michaels nodded and gave her the pictures. "Most airlines insist on the baby being at least two days old to fly. The baby will be fussy with the air pressure but he will be okay."

Tiki nodded and looked at the pictures. Eyes sparkling, she smiled, "Thank you, Dr. Michaels."

With that, the couple met Itami outside and all three went into the limo. On the way back to the penthouse, Tiki kept looking at the pictures. Itami looked at them and her eyes sparkled. ~Cutie! And a boy, you said?~

Tiki nodded. "I can't wait to scan these into the computer and send them to everyone! I'm sure they'll be elated!"

Kaiba half-nodded, catching Tiki's attention. "Seto, are you okay? You were awfully quiet during the appointment."

Itami looked at Seto with a specific look. Kaiba did not look at the phoenix and answered, "It's just a lot, my star." He put his arm around her. "But I am happy we're having a son."

Tiki giggled and snuggled into him. She made a little squeal when Itami put her head on her stomach. ~I can hear him!~

In Kaiba's home office, Tiki scanned the ultrasound pictures into the computer and emailed them to everyone. When she got up, Kaiba hugged her from behind and put his hands on her bump. She leaned back against him and smiled happily. After a minute, he said, "We have to think of names."

Tiki nodded in agreement. She was about to make some suggestions when she suddenly felt an unexpected jolt of inspiration. The more she thought about it, the more it made sense to name her son that. But she bit her lower lip, unsure about how Kaiba would react. Taking a breath, she said, "Well…Seto, I…I want to name our baby after your brother."

Assuming, Kaiba smirked. "Mokuba would be honored."

Touching Kaiba's hand, Tiki looked at him and explained, "I meant…your other brother…"

At first, Kaiba was confused. "I only have Mokuba, Tiki. What are you…?" Seeing her look, he figured it out and his mood soured. "…Are you serious?"

Tiki nodded as she turned around in the hug. "I think it would be best for Noah…to be honored."

Kaiba shook his head. "No."

"Seto…"

Kaiba snarled, "After what he did to all of us?! He does not deserve that—"

Tiki cut him off. "He gave up his life to protect us, especially Mokuba! He was also another victim of his! So…I think this is right."

Kaiba opened his mouth but closed it. 'I hate this…but she's right. Noah did hold Gozaburo back, letting us escape…and gave his life in doing so. And he was another victim of that bastard. But what he did to us…and what he made me relive…' He lowered his head for a moment before pulling back. "Let me…think about it."

Before Tiki could respond, Kaiba left. She watched him, feeling hormonally upset. "Seto…what is going on with you?"

Having been watching from her hall tree stand, Itami's eyes narrowed and followed Kaiba up to the third level canopy terrace. Kaiba hoped to be alone but Itami landed in front of him. ~What is your problem?~

Kaiba did not look at her. "I do not have one."

Itami's eyes flashed. ~Don't give me that crap. You're having stupid doubts and you just snapped at Tiki.~ Kaiba ignored her, making her angrier. ~Kaiba Seto! If you don't get your act together, you're going to do something you'll regret!~

Kaiba tensed up and growled, "I know what I'm doing."

~Really? You know what you're doing?~

Kaiba gave her a cold, warning look. "Itami…"

Itami was not intimidated by his look. ~If you really knew what you were doing, you wouldn't have snapped at her! You're going back to that cold-hearted bastard you used to be!~

Almost shaking with anger, Kaiba turned from Itami to leave. He was only a few steps towards the door when it opened and Tiki came out, looking worried. "Seto…"

Kaiba froze and hid his emotions from his face. "Tiki…"

Tiki went up to him and touched his arm. "Seto, is everything all right?"

Feeling his guilt starting to win a battle against his doubts, Kaiba looked away. "Yes. I…I'm sorry I snapped at you."

Still worried, Tiki urged, "Seto, is something bothering you?"

Kaiba could feel Itami staring at him. Knowing he could not tell her the full truth, he said, "I just…didn't expect you to suggest…his name for our son."

Pulling back to look at him, Tiki gently explained, "I know but…I thought it would give him some honor…the same honor that monster stole from him."

Kaiba did not look at her until he felt her put his hand on her bump. "Tiki…"

Taking a shaky breath, Tiki started to ramble in her hormones. "I'm sorry, Seto. I should've talked to you first. I just thought it would be nice. I even thought about spelling the name without an H to make him both unique and different. But I didn't consider your feelings and—"

Kaiba leaned forward and kissed her deeply. Surprised, she kissed him back. When he pulled back for air, he told her, "Don't worry about it…because you're right. It'll suit him."

Tiki looked up in surprise. "You mean it?"

Kaiba nodded and kissed her again. Feeling his body move on its own, he lowered to his knees and gently pressed his head against her bump. He could not tell if it was his heart or the baby's he was hearing. Smiling gently, Tiki stroked his hair. "Your child…our little one…"

Kaiba felt even guiltier. The guilt won the current battle but the war was not won as the doubt was still there. 'Our child…'

They stayed there for a few minutes before a breeze swept across the terrace and Tiki made a little shiver. Standing up, Kaiba took her inside and down to the first floor living room. Once on the couch, Tiki laid her back against his chest, putting her legs up on the couch. He held her close, his hands rubbing her stomach. Tiki smiled and leaned her head back. "I'm so happy, Seto…"

Kaiba nodded. "Yes…this is very special."

Tiki lowered her gaze. "Especially for the longest time…I never thought I would be a mother because of my irregularity." She looked up at him. "But now I can…and with the man I love."

Kaiba went still at her words. Tiki snuggled closer to him, pressing her face into his neck. Within seconds, he felt a tear on his neck. "I love you so much, Seto. You are the only one for me…and I know you'll be a wonderful father."

Kaiba held her as close as possible. He still felt guilty but not enough to kill the doubts. Wanting to distract himself, he said, "Thank you, Tiki. Please don't cry."

Tiki gave a little chuckle and nodded. "I know…stupid hormones."

Kaiba accepted the answer. Just then, Mokuba came back from hanging with his friends. Noticing the couple, he grinned. "Mushing over each other again? Don't you two ever take a breather?"

Kaiba gave Mokuba a look. "Mokuba…"

Coming over, Mokuba leaned against the couch. "I'm being serious, Nii-sama! I can't breathe from all the sweetness in the air!"

He started to pretend to gag. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kaiba leaning over to give him a smack upside the head and the teenager managed to duck. Backing up, he stuck his tongue out at Kaiba. "You missed!"

Kaiba smirked. "Don't mess with the dragon's flame, Mokuba."

Rolling his eyes, Mokuba went around and sat in his favorite comfy chair. His eyes lowered down to Tiki's bump. "So is it a boy or a girl? I gotta know what kind of cool, fun uncle I'm going to be!"

Tiki giggled and was about to answer when Kaiba stopped her. He had a better idea. "We're naming the baby…Noa, without an H."

Tiki smiled, glad he liked the spelling idea. Mokuba grinned. "Yes! I have a nephew! …Wait." He looked at the couple, surprised. "You're naming him…after Noah?"

Tiki smiled. "It was my idea…"

Kaiba added, "…and I like the idea. It will suit him."

Mokuba smiled, remembering the last conversation he had with Noah. 'I wonder how Noah would react to this news.' Wanting to cheer himself up, he asked, "So when are you due again?"

Tiki thought back. "Dr. Michaels said late August. Hopefully, it'll be before or after year-end."

Mokuba giggled. "It's weird to hear you use business terms."

Tiki whined in her hormones, making Mokuba grimace in guilt. He was about to take it back when she touched her stomach with wide eyes. Kaiba looked at Tiki. "Are you okay?"

Tiki's eyes sparkled and grabbed Kaiba's hand, putting it on a certain spot. Confused, he was about to ask for an explanation when he felt it. Mokuba raised his eyebrow as Tiki squealed. "You feel him?"

Kaiba just nodded. For a brief moment, the doubt shrunk to almost nothingness. Feeling the kick was different than seeing the ultrasound; his logical side also knew Tiki was a dedicated girl. While the doubt was still there, it was now smaller than before. Mokuba looked at them. "What is it, Nii-sama?"

Tiki smiled. "Noa's kicking."

Mokuba grinned as Itami flew into the living room. Kaiba looked at her and saw the judgement in her eyes. Privately, she told him, ~I hope you know what you're doing, Seto…for Tiki's sake.~

Kaiba felt his guilt grow a little more. 'I know what I'm doing.'

Itami said nothing, feeling his guilt. She flew over and landed on the couch in front of them. Tiki smiled, "You want to feel, Itami?"

Itami hopped over and laid her head on the bump. After a couple minutes, her eyes glimmered. ~So strong…definitely your son, Seto.~

Kaiba mentally glared at her, knowing what she was doing. Mokuba came over and felt the bump. He then grinned. "Oh yeah, Noa's going to be just as strong as Nii-sama."

Tiki giggled. "He will be just like his father."

As Tiki and Mokuba talked, they did not know their comments made Kaiba feel guiltier. Itami knew and her eyes sparkled with pride.

A couple months came and went and summer started. Having arrived in Japan around 10am, Tiki was looking out the limo window as the driver packed the suitcases in the trunk. While happy with her classes (she had been moved to costume design due to her pregnancy), she was happy to be home for the summer. She was especially happy to see her family. As Kaiba and Mokuba climbed into the limo, Mokuba said, "Let's go home."

Kaiba agreed but Tiki had other ideas. "Um, Seto…? Can we go to the Game Shop? I know we're seeing them tonight but I wanna surprise my family now."

Kaiba thought about it and nodded. "I don't see why not." He smirked. "I'm sure you're excited to see your brother."

As Kaiba told the driver where to go, Tiki grinned and nodded. "I can't wait to see Yugi's face!"

Mokuba grinned back as the limo started to drive. "I think he'll be staring at your stomach."

Itami's eyes sparkled. ~I think you're right. He's not used to seeing his sister so pregnant. He might even be a little awkward.~

Tiki blushed and cradled her six-month pregnant belly. "Oh, you two!"

Kaiba put his arm around his fiancé. "That's enough, you two."

Mokuba kept grinning. "Always protective of your woman."

Kaiba smirked with pride, making Tiki smiled with delight.

Looking out the window at the Game Shop, Tiki took a few deep breaths. Kaiba rubbed her back. "Don't be so nervous."

Tiki blushed. "I can't really help it. I haven't seen them in a while…" she touched her stomach, "…and things have changed."

Kaiba gently kissed her forehead. "You're still the same girl to them."

Tiki smiled and got out. Going to the family door, she rang the doorbell and waited. Within seconds, she felt something brush against her mind. ~I know who this special mind belongs to!~

Tiki's face sparkled with happiness, recognizing Tarra's voice. The door unlocked and opened with another familiar voice. "You're here—!"

Before he could continue, the energy Tiki thought she left on the plane returned and she ran up to Yugi, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. Yugi was surprised and tried to keep his balance as she was heavier than he remembered. Chuckling, he hugged her back. "Easy, Tiki."

Tiki sniffled, feeling very emotional. "I'm sorry. I just…missed you so much!"

Yugi smiled, understanding. He nodded his hello to the Kaiba brothers, who stayed against the limo to give him and Tiki some time. Before Yugi could say anything else, he froze and lowered his eyes. "Was that…?"

Having felt the kick as well, Tiki giggled and pulled back, showing off her pregnant form. Yugi could not help but stare in shock. The last time he saw her, she was skinny. Itami mentally laughed and looked at Mokuba. ~Pay up, Mokuba.~

Mokuba grumbled, not happy he lost the bet. Looking at her guardian, Tarra gently tapped his head. ~Wake up, Yugi, and let them in.~

Yugi blushed but let them inside. The first person they met was Solomon. He gave Tiki a big hug. "Tiki, I'm so happy to see you!"

Tiki smiled. "I missed you, Grandpa."

Solomon then turned his attention to her baby bump. "I can't believe I'm going to be a great-grandfather!"

Tiki giggled. "Now you need to take care of yourself so you can be a part of my son's life."

Solomon stood up and put on a strong pose. "I am in perfect health, my dear! See?"

He tried to do some exercises but his back went out. Yugi sighed in annoyance. "Go wait in the living room. Tarra and I will join you once I get Grandpa in bed."

Tiki nodded and took the brothers and Itami into the living room. Mokuba took the armchair, Itami went to Tarra's tree stand, and Tiki and Kaiba sat on the couch. Yugi came back with drinks and Tiki asked, "Where's Mama?"

As Tarra flew over to her friend, Yugi smiled as he passed out the drinks. "Grocery shopping. When she heard you were coming home for the summer, she wanted to make sure to get all our favorites for a feast tonight."

Tiki giggled. "Sounds like Mama."

Yugi nodded and sat next to his sister. "I even invited all our friends to hang out today."

Kaiba looked annoyed and said without thinking, "Even the bonkotsu?"

Tiki gently smacked his chest. "Be nice, Seto."

Kaiba brushed off his chest as Yugi asked, "Where's Merina? Didn't she come with you?"

Tiki shook her head. "She's coming in a couple days. Some people in our classes decided to perform little skits for children's hospitals."

Yugi smiled. "I wish I could see them."

"I asked Cindy to film some performances."

Yugi smiled before looking at her stomach. "So…what's it like?"

Tiki smiled. "It's hard to explain but I love it." She then perked up. "Wanna feel? He's full of energy right now."

Yugi blushed a little awkwardly. "Y-You sure it's okay?"

Tiki nodded. "Of course! There's nothing awkward about getting to know your nephew, Yugi!"

Mokuba grinned. "He's only awkward because you're his sister, Tiki!"

Yugi sulked a little. Tiki gave Mokuba a look while Kaiba took a sip to keep from smirking in amusement. The phoenixes gave each other amused looks. Rolling her eyes, Tiki grabbed Yugi's hand. "Don't be silly."

Before Yugi could react, Tiki put his hand on a spot on her stomach. Almost immediately, he felt a kick. "Was that him? Wow…"

There was another kick, making Tiki giggled. "He likes you."

Yugi could not help but smile at this. Hearing the doorbell, he went to get it. Assuming it was their friends, Tiki started to get nervous. Noticing, Kaiba smirked. "You don't need to be nervous all the time."

Tiki blushed and focused on drinking her water. A minute later, their friends came into the living room. As Hikaru, Nayru, Earthzina, and Bri joined Tarra and Itami, the girls immediately went to Tiki. Tima's eyes were sparkling. "Tiki, look at you! You're glowing."

Tiki blushed deeper. "Thanks, Tima."

Tsuki smiled. "You must be really excited about your little bun in the oven."

Crystal added, "You're definitely going to be a wonderful mother."

Tiki glowed from the compliments. Before she could thank them, Kiko held up a bouquet of blue carnations and white kaffir lilies. "The moment I heard you were having a boy, my sister and I grew these flowers especially for you. We hope you'll be able to decorate your bedroom with them."

Tiki smiled and took the flowers. Joey scratched the back of his head. "I still don't get why you chose those flowers. Roses are prettier."

Kiko rolled her eyes. "Well, for one, they're good luck charms. But, more importantly, their scents aren't that strong and they help clean the air so they're perfect for pregnant women."

Still not fully getting it, Joey went to Mokuba and got the teenager in a headlock. "How you doing, squirt?"

Mokuba grinned. "Looking forward to being Noa's uncle."

Hearing that, everyone looked at Tiki. Atem asked, "You're naming your baby after Noah?"

Tiki nodded before sipping. "Mm-hmm."

While surprised, they were not sure how to react without upsetting her. Tima gingerly said, "That's…a surprise."

Tristan decided to go with the more direct approach. "More than surprising! Are you serious?"

Tiki did not look up, trying to keep her hormones under control. Kaiba gave Tristan a warning glare as Kiko raised her hand. "Um, question. What's so bad about naming the baby Noa? It rolls off the tongue nicely and it's quite fitting."

Looking up from the seed dish, Nayru nodded. ~Kaiba Noa…I like it!~

Duke looked at the Seien girls. "That's right, this was before we met you girls. Long story short, this kid named Noah caused us a lot of trouble and almost trapped us in his Virtual World."

Tristan looked at Duke, miffed at his nonchalant attitude. "Caused us a lot of trouble?! I got turned into a robot monkey because of him!"

Duke smirked, remembering. "I see that you still haven't let that go."

Wanting to keep them from arguing in front of his sister, Yugi looked at the couple. "It is quite a surprising name…especially for you, Kaiba. I mean no offense but…we weren't expecting this."

Kaiba knew he could not answer truthfully. He was still a little conflicted, both because he knew Noah was a victim of Gozaburo like him and it was a good way to honor him and because he still had his doubts. Instead, he shrugged. "I don't mind it."

Joey looked at Kaiba in shock. "Who are you and what have you done to the real Kaiba?!"

Kaiba glared at Joey. "Who asked you, you damn bonkotsu?!"

Joey growled and wanted to attack but Tristan and Duke held him back. The blonde barked, "Stop calling me that, you bastard!"

Kaiba smirked. "I call them as I see them."

Before the fight could continue, Earthzina and Itami went to their guardians and pecked their temples. Joey yelped in pain and Kaiba glared. "Itami…"

Itami narrowed her eyes. ~Seto! That nasty name-calling habit of yours is horrible! Why do you keep doing it?!~

Earthzina gave Joey a warning look. ~And you! You need to control your temper! I can't have you getting in trouble because of that, Joey!~

The two men looked away, not happy to have been scolded. Kaiba muttered, "It was a slip…" and Joey muttered, "He started it…" Itami then noticed something and added, ~Especially in front of Tiki! You know how sensitive she is these days!~

Everyone looked and saw Tiki had tears in her eyes. Joey felt guilty as Kaiba held her close. "It's all right, we'll stop now."

Tiki sniffled and nodded. Atem asked, "Is there anything we can get you to make you feel better?"

Tiki thought for a moment. "Um…a red apple…and peanut butter."

Kaiba smirked, recognizing her crave. Kiko looked at Joey. "You should get that for her…as a means of forgiveness."

Yugi agreed and took Joey down to the kitchen. While they waited, Duke thought of something. "Has anyone heard from Ryou and Rose or from Tea?"

Wiping her eyes, Tiki said, "Ryou and Rose have decided to stay in England. I guess, since they lived there most of their lives, they feel more at home there."

Tristan nodded. "I guess that makes sense. What about Tea?"

Tiki shrugged, not knowing. Tsuki, though, knew. "She made it onto my favorite dance competition show from the States."

When she said that, Yugi and Joey came back with both Tiki's craving and snacks for everyone. Hearing what Tsuki said, Yugi perked up. "So she made it? When I visited New York, we ran into her when she was on her way to audition. How did she do?"

Tsuki smiled. "She made top three."

Yugi smiled, glad her dreams were coming true. As Tiki got her craving food, she made a noise. "Who wants to feel? He's kicking again."

Curious, Tima reached over and touched her bump. After a beat, she smiled. "Oh! He's very active! Must've gotten his energy from you."

Tiki smiled. "I guess! I am full of energy!"

Yugi teased, "Sometimes a bit too much energy."

Tiki gave her brother a look as the girls kept touching Tiki's stomach. Atem looked at Kaiba. "I have to say, Kaiba: it's not going to be easy raising a child."

Kaiba was not intimidated. "I've taken on harder challenges before and I know how to deal with kids."

Joey smirked and teased, "But really! You a father? I can't see it!"

Unfortunately, no one found Joey's joke funny. The boys looked annoyed; the girls and phoenixes glared at him; and Kaiba froze. Earthzina pecked her guardian. ~Joey, what the hell?!~

Joey winced. "Ow! Come on, it was just a joke!"

~Well, it's very bad! You shouldn't joke that!~

"All right, all right, all right! I'm sorry!"

~Don't apologize to me! Apologize to Tiki and Kaiba!~

Joey apologized to the couple. Tiki nodded curtly, taking it with a grain of salt and focusing on her snack. Kaiba, however, felt his doubts come back even stronger than before. He was not sure why Joey's bad joke made his doubts grow. 'Why am I letting that damn bonkotsu get to me?'

He then got a new seed of doubt. Not only was he gone a month, he was also reluctant to try new things in their sex life, especially with his PTSD. 'How does she actually feel about our sex life? Did she get bored with it? It…would make sense…it has to be. She's put up with so much and…what if she had her limit of the burden?'

His mind grabbed hold of this new seed of doubt like a dragon grabbing its prey. 'My star is shouldering so much of my burden…especially when it comes to that part of our life. With me gone for a month…she could've gotten fed up…and…'

He could not continue his thought but his doubts terrified him. Itami looked at Kaiba, sensed what he was thinking, and felt annoyed and worried. She privately "told" him, ~Seto! You're doing it again!~

So absorbed in his thoughts, Kaiba was startled by her voice. Noticing, Tiki asked quietly, "Seto, are you okay?"

Kaiba looked at her. "I'm hard. It's just…hard to resist doing what I'm used to doing."

Tiki smiled. "I know. But I thank you."

Kaiba nodded. He heard Itami point out, ~You need to stop this.~

Kaiba said nothing. The visit continued for the rest of the day. Everyone talked about their lives, Tiki's pregnancy, and Tima and Atem's wedding the following month. Kaiba kept mostly to himself, still battling his doubts.