Seto was sat in his office the next morning, still feeling the slight effects of last night's events in the form of a headache. He took another sip of his fourth coffee of the morning. Needless to say like any other party, he had made his leave as soon as he could manage, went home to work until 2am in the morning and finally collapsed into bed until he would wake up at 6am.

Being the CEO of a major billionaire corporation had responsibilities, but that was no issue for Seto Kaiba. The work challenged him, drove him to his limit. Did he like it? He was almost obsessed with the feeling of power he achieved from it. And seeing as he had almost come to accept he would never be the best at duelling, thanks to that goddamn Yugi Moto, developing the best duelling technology in the world was his next best feat.

"Seto!"

The CEO looked up to see his younger brother, Mokuba, now taller with the few years that had passed since Atem's final burial, storm into his office. He looked unusually exasperated and angry with his older brother.

"Yes?" Seto answered gruffly, not in any kind of mood to be dealing with any with any extra issues.

"You didn't tell me there was a meeting this morning!" Mokuba's voice rose slightly, "I only found out this morning because the staff were gossiping about it. So when were you planning on telling me? Or did you not get the memo last time we talked about getting me involved with Kaiba Corp more?"

Now Seto was getting dangerously annoyed.

"It slipped my mind, Mokuba," Seto stopped his typing and cast his younger brother a cold look, "I have other important things to think about than petty jobs such as hiring a teacher. If you were really that concerned about meeting with some teacher, perhaps you should have checked with my PA, or better yet, simply gone yourself this morning, rather than giving me earache."

On cue of the rather sharp reply, Mokuba lost his defiance and looked down to his shoes. They were brothers and Seto loathed to chastise his younger brother, even though they were getting older now. But this conversation was going deep into territory that he had hoped would not change things too drastically. Yes, Mokuba was getting older and wanted to be more involved with Kaiba Corp. But that didn't mean he would let his little brother forget his place.

"I guess I'll see you at the limo. Later." Mokuba muttered.

He left the office swiftly, almost certain that if he stayed that Seto would have some other form of reprimand or pep talk. The adventures with Yugi, the Pharoah, and the gang had changed the brothers somewhat, but as proven today, there were some things that Seto Kaiba was not prepared to bend on yet, such as making his own priorities.

Not long after, Seto's personal secretary walked in with a nervous look on her face. She hadn't that expression since she first started working for him.

"What now?" Seto didn't bother trying to be polite.

"Excuse me, sir, but your meeting at 10am with the Domino's council committee regarding the new school in the orphanage is due. Shall I call Roland with the limo?"

Seto gave her a look and she scuttled out of the office. He would fire her when he got back. He couldn't stand people who didn't pay attention.

Robert McLaughlin was a man not to be trifled with in his own right, but his father Theodus was a different matter entirely.

"This gallivanting has gone on long enough. You have earned your merits in study, that is commendable. But now you are making a mockery of us by insisting you want to be a…teacher. You will leave your pursuits and join this business as is your rightful inheritance." He declared sternly to his pale faced granddaughter, for she was no exception to his will. What Theodus McLaughlin expected, he usually damn well got. He was treating Skye like a road bump and even though he was only her grandfather, she could feel her knees quaking as she stood in the family office, wishing that she had been able to miss them after last night.

"With all due respect, grandfather, you cannot force me to submit to a contract. I'm sorry, but I will not do it."

"Damn you, girl!"

Skye did not flinch this time when his hand came down upon the office desk, but the anger and frustration emanating from her grandfather was beginning to fray her resolve to be calm.

"You are a fool, Skye," Robert stepped in, his demeanour cold in comparison with his fiery natured father, "You have a great opportunity here, a chance that not many children have the privilege to have. And you want to throw it all away?"

"I hasten to point out that I am no longer a child, nor am I not throwing anything away, Dad. Teaching is a respectable profession and that is my choice. There are plenty of other family members who would be willing to take my place."

"But they are not the first heirs. That is the tradition this family has upheld since this business began with my grandfather before me, and we intend to keep it."

Skye shook her head.

"Then you must forgive my disinclination. I bear no insult to the family, I just wish to go my own way quietly."

Theodus scoffed and began pacing the room, muttering, "If she had only been a boy, there would be no such trouble."

Such a comment would have stung Skye as a child, but she was immune to it now. They had all wished she had been a boy. Even her own mother, who had tried her best to allow her daughter as much room to be independent as possible, would sometimes look as though it would have been better if Skye had been a boy, as if it would have been easier.

"A pity, indeed." Skye stated flatly, wishing she could take some joy from at least getting under the skins, so much so that her father and grandfather cast angry glares her way.

"You are a disgrace." Theodus said, as though he could not find any other creative way to sum up his opinion of her.

"I am sorry you feel that way, grandfather. But I will not join your business, and if that means I have to move on without your aid, then I will."

"Then move on quietly and as quickly as possible if you must," Robert countered coldly, scribbling a note down on a memo sheet, "You will struggle, Skye, and I will never forget how you've slighted your grandfather and I, after everything we've worked for to secure your future. You bring shame upon yourself and this family."

Swallowing, Skye nodded and said, "Anything else?"

The men did not answer, but instead turned away to look out of the window, as though the sky were more interesting than she. Finally relieved to have found an exit, Skye walked in the most dignified manner she could muster towards the office door and left. She should be happy, she told herself. She still had her freedom and that was important.

Yet the stoic, unemotional response from her own kin had shaken her. Would it be worth the cost in the end? Only until she moved out of this cesspit and got on with her life, she knew, would the answer be clear.

Her phone buzzed in her skirt pocket. She took it out and answered the call, "Skye McLaughlin speaking."

"Good morning Miss McLaughlin, this is the reception office for the Domino Council. We understand that you have filed requests with us for teaching opportunities?"

"Yes, I have," Skye straightened out her skirt to stop her fingers fidgeting, "Have there been any posts created recently? I did apply a few months ago, but since then I…assumed there wasn't anything."

"Please do accept our apologies for not replying sooner, Miss McLaughlin, for up until recently there has been little in the way of teaching jobs best suited to your application. But rest assured now, there is a post, and we would like to that to you. If you accept, we will need you to come in to discuss technicalities."

Skye felt her heart soar instantly. Even though she had been rattled this morning with worries over her future, it would appear that maybe some good would come out of being all but disowned by her family. In less time than she expected, she had already been offered a job. Yeah, Dad, I'm really gonna struggle here, aren't I, she scoffed mentally.

"That is excellent, thank you. I will gladly accept the offer. How soon can I come in?"

"We do have a meeting regarding the post scheduled today 10am. Of course, this does come at last minute, but if you would like to attend and can make the time, the council could fill you in on the details?"

Like she was going to pass up on the opportunity.

"I will be there," Skye confirmed, "And thank you again."

"The pleasure is ours. We look forward to seeing you in a bit."

Skye hung up before she could hear anymore. Some might think it ironic that she was excited with the prospect of a job filled with endless hours of hassle and paperwork, but to the young McLaughlin, she had finally found her escape. Potentially troublesome children? Paperwork? The stress? They were nothing compared to the expectations of Theodus and Robert McLaughlin. And she would never have to face it again. All she needed to do now was secure the position and a home of her own.

Then she would be her own woman. Nothing and no one could make that sort of future seem any less bright.

Smiling, Skye placed her phone back in her pocket and then skipped off down the corridor to find her room, eager to get ready for the next stage of her life.

Mokuba's new way of dropping arguments without much of fight both confused and worried Seto. When they were younger, Mokuba was far more vocal and would never have let anything slide without solving it properly. Now he simply distanced himself, holding his tongue even though it was clear that he had more to say on the issues at hand.

The limo arrived at the Domino Council building, leaving Seto with only a moment to adjust his tie and straighten his jacket. Roland opened the door and the Kaiba brothers swept out without a word. When he reached the door, the head of the Domino council strode towards him and bowed.

"Mr Kaiba, sir, it is a pleasure to have you here, and your brother too, of course." Mr Taylor was a stout man of fifty years, kind faced and slightly rotund in his belly. Seto dismissed him with blue eyed glance and continued to the board room. Perhaps if it was quick today, he would have extra time to work on the new duel disk he was currently prototyping. He looked at his watch: 9:53am. Reasonably early.

Upon entering the meeting, reactions to Seto were much the same: bows, utters of awe and respectful thanks for his presence, and so on. He took his seat with a thud of his briefcase on the ground. The rest of the council followed suit, their gazes nervously fixed upon the head of the table.

"I see you all have all the time in the world to have this meeting, so I will start. I'm on a tight schedule," Seto started coldly, "Have you found candidates yet who will accept the teaching posts for the orphanage?"

There was a pause as the councillors looked nervously amongst one another.

"Mr Kaiba, we have managed to fulfil all of the posts for the required subjects…except for English. All other candidates are confirmed and awaiting the beginning of employment." Mr Taylor spoke up for the councillors, his forehead beginning to bead with sweat slightly.

Seto drummed his fingers on the desk.

"I see."

"We do have a candidate for the English teacher post on the way, sir. We are awaiting her arrival at any mo-".

"Excuse me, councillors, but I have a Skye McLaughlin here to join you?" The receptionist suddenly showed her head round the door, immediately looking frightened when Seto's frosty glare was cast upon her.

Mokuba sat for a moment, confused. Last time he had heard from Skye was years ago, before Seto became CEO of Kaiba Corp. He was sure by now that her father would have put her forward to be heir to the McLaughlin Industry. What was she doing now, being a teacher?

Meanwhile, Seto wasn't sure whether to be surprised or even irritated. What on earth was she doing here, making yet another interference again? As if she didn't have enough of a stigma attached to her already.

"Ah, perfect! Our chosen candidate has arrived, and if you wish, Mr Kaiba, your input in this sort of interview would be valuable. Please Martha, send her in." Mr Taylor spoke up again, his smile and positivity strained.

The door to the meeting opened wider and Skye walked in, dressed smartly in a silk red shirt and a black skirt. As soon as she saw the Kaiba brothers sat before her, her heart and stomach flipped some.

Oh dear.

"Please pardon my tardiness, I was not aware we had started early," She walked around the table and picked an empty seat at least a few away from Seto, "Have I missed any vital information?"

"No, Miss McLaughlin, we were…just starting." Mr Taylor sat down in relief.

"Oh."

The room resumed to silence. Seto set his eyes on Skye, thinking how best to probe her.

"So, um…why did you want to become a teacher, Sk – Miss McLaughlin?" Mokuba, thankfully, stepped in.

Skye looked down at her hands and saw that she was rubbing at her fingernails. Not an uncommon way to deal with nerves, but now her mind was racing. If she was somehow successful today in becoming an employee under Seto Kaiba, she would need to find a way to conceal her nerves better.

"I – I had done some voluntary work while I was at University. There wasn't a great deal of other ideas I had, so when I was put forward the suggestion of working with children, I accepted it as another learning experience. Yet by the time I left, I had…grown fond of the children I helped to teach."

"So by spending only a few measly hours a week with some children, you decided that this was the future you wanted? It's hardly an eye opener, Miss McLaughlin." Seto finally chipped in, not caring that the councillors were looking distinctly uncomfortable with his cantankerous line of questioning.

"Perhaps, Mr Kaiba," Skye met his gaze steadily, "But the hours weren't what motivated me. It was satisfying to see children achieve their aspirations, especially if I was able to help them, and even in the short period of experience I had with them."

She unclasped her hands.

"And though I may be the most inexperienced as a full time teacher, this is the future I commit myself to. I want to help raise strong, free thinking children into capable adults. That is all."

The councillors were all nodding approvingly, but it was obvious that they were expecting Seto to reject Skye in the grounds of her inexperience. And maybe he was right to do so. He wasn't finished with her yet though.

"How much time throughout the year can you give to being a teacher at my orphanage?"

"As much time as you require. I can do 365 days a year, willingly. I have no other commitments. If Kaiba Corp are prepared to provide accommodation for any teachers at the orphanage, I will live in those full time."

"But surely you have family and so on that you may want to take time for otherwise throughout the year?" Said Mokuba.

Skye shook her head.

"I have no other commitments."

Either she had cut ties with her family herself, or her family had forced her into some kind of exile. Whichever one it was, Seto understood now why she was committing herself so fully to the position of being a teacher. She had no one else now and a teaching career was all she wanted to focus on. Admirable, indeed. At least he could rely on her being fully geared towards her job.

He wasn't a naturally compassionate man, nor was he particularly keen to hire a young woman with nothing to offer other than her qualifications and her genuine intentions displayed today. Yet seeing as the orphanage was ready to open its doors imminently, and there were no other candidates as of yet for the post of English teacher, he had no grounds to reject her application. He had a reputation to uphold, which was being fair, even when being harsh.

"Despite your lack of experience, I will grant you a chance at this position, as well as all the benefits Kaiba Corp gives to all its employees. After the opening of the orphanage, I expect you to be domiciled in Domino and ready to start your new job."

The words were a blessing to Skye's ears and she bowed her head humbly.

"Thank you, Mr Kaiba."

Seto nodded and turned back to the councillors, "What other arrangements need to be made now that all teaching posts are filled?"

"Well Mr Kaiba, there are a few legal technicalities to tie up, and then of course there is the actual opening of the orphanage to organise as well…"

The meeting continued with Mr Taylor, to Seto's surprise, laying out a clear outline of the tasks left for the orphanage. Mokuba listened in keenly, but not without occasionally glancing over at Skye.

She had always been a pretty thing as a young girl, as well as a diligent student. Most of the business contacts the McLaughlins had praised her for being the perfect daughter in both looks and brains. Now here she was sat before him, a young woman, tall, elegant, possibly even more beautiful than he had previously thought. It had been so long since they had seen each other, Mokuba hadn't even thought of missing her. It only occurred to him now that he realised the number of years that had happened between them.

He hesitated at first, before he moved seats and sat next to Skye.

"Hi Skye."

She turned her head to look at him and for the first time since she had entered, her face relaxed slightly into a smile.

"Hello Mokie."

Seto looked over to the two of them briefly, as though he had sensed the movement, stared for only a second, before turning his head back to the councillors.

"So you aren't continuing your father's business then?" Mokuba asked.

"No, I am not."

"I can't imagine your father is very happy about that."

"I have yet to find someone who approves of my decision." Skye looked down to her hands again.

"Well, if anyone was going to apply for this job, Skye, I'm kinda glad it's you. It's nice to have a familiar face to work with."

"That's kind of you to say, Mokie. How have you been?"

Mokuba bit his lip slightly and felt his face flush. How to sum up over six years of not seeing each other in only a few sentences…

"I've been ok."

Skye knew that it had been anything but easy for the Kaiba brothers; she could tell as much by Mokuba's slightly embarrassed looking face. She was sure that he had plenty to tell her. The only blockades to that were time, and of course Seto. As he always said just before he stopped talking to her all those years ago, everything between the brothers and their past was 'family business'.

"Well, I think that is everything covered, Mr Kaiba. I presume you have no other issues or enquiries?" Mr Taylor sounded satisfied and relieved to have the meeting over with.

"Not for now." Seto rose to his feet and collected his briefcase. Everyone else followed suit. The councillors bid the Kaiba brothers farewell, while Skye quietly slipped out of the room.

At least she could let out a huge sigh for now. She had the job and she was pleased to have made it past interview. All she had to do was get back to her parent's mansion and begin preparations for moving.

End of the old chapter, and the start of the new.

"Hey Skye, wait!"

As she turned, Mokuba came racing up behind her.

"I guess if you're the new English teacher and living in Domino, we'll see each other more often, right?"

"I suppose so."

Mokuba smiled broadly.

"It's good to see you again, Skye. I hope we might get to spend some more time together and catch up."

Had it really been so long? The thought filled Skye with sadness, which was then replaced by a small hopefulness when she saw how happy Mokuba was to see her. She didn't have many friends. It would be good to rekindle something of that kind with the younger Kaiba brother.

"That would be nice," Skye replied softly, "Until next time, Mokie."

"Bye Skye."

Skye turned swiftly on her heel and continued her journey out of the council offices. Mokuba stayed where he was until Seto caught up with him.

"What did you and Skye have to talk about?" The elder brother asked, eying his younger brother suspiciously.

"Nothing much."

Seto raised an eyebrow.

"I find that hard to believe."

"She really didn't have anything much to say, Seto. She's so quiet now," Mokuba looked up at his brother seriously, "I wonder what happened to her that she's become so…reserved."

Seto felt he should be a point where he could've given a damn as to why Skye had become so removed from life. But he was no different and he found himself, unusually, of being in a position where he truly did get where she was coming from. Who would know any better than him, with what it's like to continue onwards pretty much alone, relying on yourself? It was what he preached to anyone who doubted him on a regular basis.

Yes, he knew exactly where Skye was at right now. But still, he had little sympathy for it. She would have to get through it like him and anyone else.

"I know."

"Then what?" Mokuba looked confused.

"She grew up."

And with that, Seto swept off to continue his day, hoping to get rid of anymore thoughts of Skye and how she had gotten to where she was now. So long as she did her job and well, he had no issues with her. There was barely anything left between them now.

That's a wrap on chapter 2. I have tried to give more meat to this chapter as I can, without drowning it with any boring bits. So what's gonna happen next, now that Seto has given Skye the job at his orphanage? How will the two be able to work together? I'm beginning work on chapter 3, so hopefully you will all find out soon enough. Don't forget to leave a review if you have any thoughts or improvements for me.

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