PART 14

(Nicole's POV)

I tried to take a moment and think out my options. My phone and my wallet were both in my purse which I left in Kaiba's car. I had no idea where I was in this city in relation to the house. Public transit would require money, which was in my purse. It was kind of late so many of the shops were shut down. I would walk home if I had to, but I just had to make sure to spend as little time out as possible in case Riley was out looking.

My self-debate was interrupted by the low rolling sound of thunder in the distance. Great! And rain is in the forecast!? I would have to move soon. I probably needed to find the closest bus stop and get a look at the map. That would give me the first piece of the puzzle. If I could find where I was in relation to the city's bus routes, I could maybe find my way home. I paused listening to the area around. How could I be sure that Riley wasn't nearby? How do I get out of this park?

After who knows how long, I made the decision to climb out of the play set and get back on the path from earlier. I took the path opposite of where I came from thinking if Riley were any where he'd be back where I came from. If I just followed this walk way, I had to come up on an exit eventually. I was about five minutes into the walk when the rain started to fall. I debated taking shelter under some cover, but at the same time I didn't want to stay still. I wanted out of this park! I walked another three or so minutes in the rain when I noticed the path leading over to a small gate in the stone wall.

"Finally!" I sighed in relief as I picked up my pace.

As I stepped out into the city, I noticed it was a somewhat active area. There was decent car traffic but not much in terms of people on the sidewalk. I clutched the ripped shoulder of my blouse in one hand and the top of the front with the other in hopes to hide the damage as I walked towards what looked like a busy intersection. The rain was falling heavily at this point meaning my clothes were pretty soaked through. I eyed my surroundings at the intersection and was able to barely make out what looked like a transit stop on the other side of the street. I was waiting for the crossing signal when a car suddenly pulled up in front of me. I was confused for a moment when I noticed the black and white coloring. The window to the vehicle rolled down and I noticed a uniformed woman staring up at me.

She rattled off something quick in Japanese, but I could have sworn I heard the phrase 'daijobu' somewhere in it all which I had learned was something to do with being ok. I wasn't sure how to answer, but at the same time she was probably the best thing that could happen to me.

My lack of answer must have given her enough to act because she shifted the vehicle in full park and stepped out opening one umbrella. She held out a spare umbrella with her other hand which I took with a nod of gratitude and a 'thank you'. She was wearing a light rain cover, but I could make out her dress white shirt with blue vest underneath. She spoke the phrase from earlier again. The look in her eyes was obviously concerned. I found myself shaking my head 'no'. She asked another question, but I couldn't follow.

"American?" She questioned eyebrow raised when I didn't respond.

I could only go a little red in the face as I nodded to her inquiry. "I'm sorry... I don't know-"

"Silvers?" The voice was behind us. I knew it. Seriously, my luck?

I looked back over my shoulder and noticed the towering figure of my boss and the shorter raven-haired counterpart next to him. Both were keeping dry thanks to the umbrellas each of them carried. Did everyone but me check the forecast this evening? I mentally scolded myself.

"Nikki-chan?" Mokuba asked.

"Hi?" I tried my best to smile and give a small wave, but I was a little nervous and the cold from the rain was starting to chill my core.

The female officer said something I assume to Kaiba. He only nodded then said something to Mokuba. The kid suddenly grinned looking over at me then said something in a rush. Kaiba looked at him slightly agitated but sighed I guess giving in to whatever he had requested? Mokuba cheered then took off down the road in an excited sprint jumping in every puddle his feet could find. After a couple moments, Kaiba turned his focus back in the direction of myself and the officer. He started a small conversation with the woman but his eyes kept going between her and me. His face was stern as he spoke with her. I caught him giving her his name and I could have sworn he mentioned our school by name. But beyond that, I was lost.

"We're both wondering how you wound up over this way Silvers?" Kaiba asked nodding at the officer.

I wasn't sure what exactly to tell him. The gravity of the past hour or so was starting to set and I was getting nervous. Would I be believed?

"Let's just say I won't be accepting a second date request from Jackson and leave it at that." I shrugged.

"Jackson did this?" He pressed as I could hear an edge building in his tone as his eyes closed slightly in agitation.

I bit my tongue for a moment as I felt the pang of guilt in my stomach. For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to say it aloud, so I gave him my answer with a nod.

It was hard to tell, but something changed in his gaze "Were you hurt in any way?"

I looked away from the two for a moment then at my feet, "N-no. There was an... incident in the park, but I'm physically ok. Can't say the same for my shirt. The bastard." I muttered the last two under my breath.

Kaiba seemed to mull over the words before relaying my answers to the officer. The two went back and forth again until I noticed them both looking at me.

"She's asking if you would like to file a report about this?" Kaiba began to explain, "She'd have to take you to the station nearby to get an official statement and they can have you looked at to-"

I was cold, wet, and feeling all too exposed. I wanted out of here as soon as possible so I stopped him mid-sentence. "I'm sorry, but... It's not... he's not worth the hassle." I paused biting the inside of my cheek nervously, "I just want to get out of here and get a change of dry clothes. If that's ok?"

His glance softened, "Are you sure about that Silvers?"

I wiped some stray water trickling down from my hair off my face nodding, "Y-yeah. I actually... I actually left my stuff in your car earlier. Do you think I could get it from you so I can catch a ride home on the bus?"

"About that, you did leave your bags, but I pulled your things out when I got home. I was going to bring them to you at class tomorrow."

I took a moment to breathe as I tried to think of a backup plan. The woman said something to Kaiba to which he nodded in response.

"Do you want to ride with my brother and I to get your things and we can have you taken home? Or would you like this officer to take you home?"

I was a little taken back by his initial offer. "You'd take me? Why?" I asked confused.

This made him pause for a moment, "Your things are at our house. You can pick those up so you have all your books and things."

"Good point... Um.." I debated the idea for a moment before nodding my head, "Y-yeah. If that's not too much trouble. Could you please let me get my things?"

Kaiba nodded relaying something to the officer. She looked between the two of us before asking something to me. I looked over at Kaiba for a translation.

"She's asking if you feel safe leaving with me."

The question made me laugh a little. I made eye contact with the officer and nodded my head. "I do. He's ok."

The officer waited for a few seconds before nodding herself. She slipped her hand into the breast pocket of her shirt pulling out a card, and holding it out in my direction. I gave a small smile and nod as I took the item. Like any cop, it was her own 'If you change your mind, call me.' gesture. She gave a small bow just before turning and getting back into her vehicle.

"Our car is parked just up the street. Mokuba is already there." Kaiba stated as he gestured in the direction Mokuba had run off to mere minutes ago.

I nodded and fell in step with him letting him lead the way.

(Seto's POV)

I was trying to keep my mind on track of the current task. I had questions. Many questions, but none could seem to form. She said she was not hurt. That's all you need to know. The voice in my head nagged. Sure. She said she was not hurt, but her look told me that something had happened. Every idea of what that something was made me want to track Jackson down and put a fist into his smug face. Where I didn't agree with her choice to not file a report, it was her choice to make in the end. I couldn't force her to do otherwise.

"Seto! There you are!" I heard my brother greet as we came around in view of the car. His hair was damp, but I could tell that he had retrieved the towels from the trunk as I had asked him to since one of them was wrapped around his shoulders.

"I hope mini-Kaiba has another one of those." Silvers sighed as she retracted the umbrella she was carrying. She set the object up against the car then started using her hands to squeeze the excess water out of her long hair.

"That's actually why I sent him ahead." I pointed out retracting my own umbrella. As I walked towards the trunk, I grabbed the umbrella she set down and put both in the trunk of the car. Though I knew he didn't understand the English being spoken, Mokuba understood the context enough to grab one of the other towels and hold it out to her.

Silvers gave a small smile as she took the item from Mokuba. "Ari-gato little man."

Her attempt at speaking in the language he knew was amusing to my brother. Mokuba looked over at me trying not to laugh, "She really needs a tutor, Seto."

"If she plans on staying around here, I'm sure she'll get one or learn eventually. Was there one more of those for the back?" I asked.

"Yep, I already put it back there. What happened anyway? Why was she out in the rain like this?" Mokuba inquired lowering his voice.

This wasn't my story to tell nor was it a subject I felt necessary to go over with him. "She ran into some trouble at the park. Seeing her bags were in the car I took from work; she didn't have her ID or anything to get home on her own."

"I may not understand what you boys are saying, but you know talking about someone in another language when they're standing right there can be considered impolite." Though her tone was light and possibly a little playful, I understood the context.

"I'm stuck in the middle here seeing the both of you know only one language, and neither of which is the same one." I pointed out to her.

"Three." She corrected as she started using the towel to pat down her blouse and skirt.

"Excuse me?"

She glanced up at me and paused for a moment. "Three. I speak three languages. Though I am pretty sure Mokuba only speaks the one for now?"

I nodded in response.

"Guess that means I need to learn my fourth a bit faster." She stopped with the towel and wrapped it about her shoulders hiding the damage to her blouse. "I think that is most of it, but I am apologizing in advance for the wet seat."

I stepped to the door opening it, "Mokuba should have put another towel in the back to help with that."

Silvers walked up to the door, stopped, and looked at me lowering her tone, "So um... Thank you for all this Kaiba. I'm pretty sure this is not where you saw your night going."

"It's not." I agreed, "but are you sure you're ok?"

Like before, her eyes veered to the side. Was she nervous? "Y-yeah. I'll be ok. This'll be one of those night's I just make sure to forget it ever existed."

With that, she climbed in and sat at the far side next to the other door and window. Mokuba jumped in right behind her. I followed suit and got in next to them giving the driver the instruction to head home.

The two sat in silence for only a couple minutes before I heard my brother speak up as if he were starting a round of Janken. Looking over from the window next to me, I was surprised to find just that. Though the two didn't speak the same language, Silvers and Mokuba were playing the known child's game. Even more surprising, neither looked as if they were bored or forced. Was she genuinely enjoying the interaction? It was a kid's game! Says the guy that makes games a whole career! I just watched the two as they kept the game going for the drive home. Both swapped between rock, paper, and scissors looking as if they were having a good time.

The game was winding down as we approached the house. "Ok Mokuba, I want you to go on upstairs and get to bed. I'll make sure Silvers gets home."

My brother looked up at me attempting his own form of a pout, "Aww but Seto. I want to help Nikki too!"

"No whining. You have school in the morning, and I can take care of Silvers on my own." I pressed.

"You boys are talking about me again..." Silvers spoke up nervously.

"I'm trying to ask Mokuba to go on to his room and get ready for bed seeing it is so late." I pointed out to her.

She paused then made eye contact with my brother as her voice became firm but still oddly pleasant, "Mokuba, listen to your brother. I'll be fine. Bed time tiny man!" She gestured her hand pointing up towards the upper floors of the house.

Like before, Mokuba seemed to understand the context of her tone and body language enough to get the message. He sighed in defeat and said his goodnights before jogging off in the direction of our rooms.

"This way. I put your things near the front door."

Silvers followed quietly as we made our way into the house. We were met in the front hall by the head of house staff, Ruby. "There you are Seto boy! I was starting to worry with all that rain that-" her words fell short as her eyes fell on Silvers behind me. "My goodness! Was that poor thing out in this weather?!"

Though I wasn't planning on Ruby getting involved with Silvers' visit, it might help with the questions I had. I stepped to the side letting the older woman by, "She'll need you to speak in English Ruby."

"That won't be a problem." She turned her attention to Silvers, "My goodness dear! You're absolutely soaked to the bone! We'll need to get you out of those clothes pronto!"

Silvers' eyes went wide. "Woah! Woah! Woah! Hi! Nice to meet you, but you want me to what now?!"

"Oh goodness me! Where are my manners?" Ruby sighed, "My apologies dear. My name is Ruby and I am one of the main house maids here. It's not often Seto brings young ladies by, so I must have gotten a little ahead of myself. You've obviously had one sham of a night, so I'd like to get you out of those wet clothes before you catch yourself a nasty cold."

I went to shoot the woman a look of warning, but the smile on her face when she looked at me made me think otherwise. This woman was probably one of the few people I allowed to boss me around considering she was the one staff member that had been with Mokuba and I the longest. She kept the staff in line and took care of things like this with ease. So usually what she wanted, she got.

"Look, Ruby, thank you for your offer," Silvers tried to backpedal, "but I came by to grab my things that I left in Mr. Kaiba's car earlier and head home. I can't change here of all places anyway. I don't have any spare clothes!"

"Now that is just nonsense," Ruby countered as she took a step back and looked Silvers up and down, "I'd say she'd fit just fine in some of Miss Alease's things don't you think Seto?"

Lease?! What was Ruby doing bringing her of all people up?! It was then I looked at Silvers thinking of what Ruby mentioned. Yes. Silvers is about Alease's height, but she is a bit more built. I thought to myself. Though Silvers might just be small enough in those areas to fit in a set of Alease's things as Ruby had mentioned. "You're right. Where would you have packed them?"

"I put it all in boxes and stored them in the closed office down the hall dear. Could you please go grab something out of them while I take this young lady to front guest room?" Ruby requested as she lightly set her hands around Silvers' shoulders nudging her into the front hall.

Silvers was still very confused but seemed to go with the maid's lead. I followed Ruby's request and made my way to my step-father's home office. Ruby knew how much I hated this particular room of the house. It's probably the reason she put Alease's things in here. I told her to make it all disappear after Alease left to go back home, and she knows I would never stumble in here on accident. Though the relationship ended on what most would consider 'good' terms, the reality of it still stung. It took me a moment, but I made my way into the sealed room. It was dark, but most of everything was just as I remembered it. Main difference was the various stacks of boxes about the corners of the room and the covers on the furniture.

It took me a couple minutes to locate the particular boxes Ruby had labeled with Lease's name in one of the back corners. I pulled out a blouse and pair of slacks. I looked in another box and found a pair of sandal shoes. Though I had no idea if they would fit, it would be as close as I could make it. I debated looking for stuff to go under the outfit, but the immediate thought caused me to stop and go red in the face. Silvers worked for me and here I was just debating if she was the same undergarment size of my ex-girlfriend?

Silvers has a bigger chest size that's obvious.

Damnit! Stop thinking about that though!

"I don't need this..." I muttered to myself pinching the bridge of my nose. I needed to not think about the more than likely nude girl a couple rooms away. She is an odd girl that works for me. That's all I had to know and care about. I left the other clothes and made my way to the guest room Ruby took Silvers into. The room's door was ajar, so I walked in thinking nothing of it. What I didn't expect was the bathroom door to open and Silvers step out wearing only a towel.

"Ruby?" She asked as she turned her head in my direction. I think the both of us had the same reaction once we made eye contact. I cursed under my breath immediately averting my eyes where she gave a small yelp sound and stepped back into the bathroom shutting the door.

"What is that noise?" I heard Ruby ask as she stepped into the room, "Seto! You should not be in here!"

Can't agree with that more!

"Here, I came to give these." I muttered holding out the clothes I found, "I thought you were with her in the-" I was too flushed that I couldn't finish the sentence.

"Bathroom?" the maid summarized taking the clothes, "Yes, I was, but she asked for an ice pack for her neck so I went to fetch one while you were looking for these!"

"Her neck?" I questioned. Silvers looked ok. Did I miss an injury? The embarrassment from earlier was starting to fade and be replaced by anger. Had Jackson hurt her after all?

Ruby looked at me wearily for a moment, "Give me a moment to deliver these and get her a shower started. You and I need to talk."

The woman walked past and went to the bathroom door. She gave a soft knock, "Miss Nicole dear, may I please come in? I have the ice you asked for and some dry clothes."

There was a response I couldn't make out, but considering Ruby opened the door just enough to squeeze through and immediately shut it behind her told me enough. After a couple moments, I heard the shower start and Ruby slipped back out into the main bedroom shutting the door behind her.

"She thinks the clothes should fit. I have her old set already going in the dryer, but that blouse of hers is ruined. That vile boy ripped the sleeve completely out of seam on top of ripping off several of the front buttons. I might be able to mend it, but it's not something I can do tonight. At least the dear is warming up with a shower right now though. That should, hopefully, help her."

"You said she asked for ice for her neck?" I questioned trying to see what Silvers had told my head of staff.

"Yes. This boy she was out with, she said you both knew him?"

I clenched my fists resisting the urge to do something, "I wouldn't say know Ruby. We both go to school with him. Did she tell you what happened?"

"She shared enough of the highlights that I want to find the little worm and give him a firm smack of my handbag." the old woman huffed. "Take a seat dear. We have a couple minutes"

I did as the woman instructed and sat in one of the arm chairs nearby. "Silvers said she was fine. Is she?" I questioned.

"I think she will be, thankfully." Ruby sighed taking a seat in the chair near my own, "Seems this boy tried to get too far on their date then resorted to violence when she refused his advances."

"What kind of violence Ruby?" I inquired.

"Your usual abusive type." She sighed running her fingers through her short grey hair, "He tried using his size to hold her down and when that didn't work, she said he tried to choke her to keep her from running. She was able to give him what for and hid until she felt she had lost him. Very smart girl if you ask me. She said she happened upon you and Mokuba right after. Thank goodness."

Hearing the story from Ruby did not help the veil of anger. "Tell me something that will keep me from going out, finding Jackson, and doing gods know what to him for this?"

"You mean besides, prison uniforms are not your shade of blue and stripes are not a pattern that works on you dear?"

Though she was being semiserious, I took the joke. "That helps. But yes, something other than that."

"This girl, she's the same Nicole that visited you in the hospital the other week, right? The one that Mokuba has been yammering on about?"

"She is." I nodded, "Why?"

"She's cuter than you boys led on don't you think?" She winked.

Oh gods! Here she goes. I know that look! I mentally groaned to myself.

"Ruby, no. Whatever you are thinking, it is not going to happen." I muttered pinching the bridge of my nose.

"Look, I'm only saying mistress Alease was nice and fun to have around, but she's not coming back sweetheart. As much as little Mokuba talks about Miss Nicole, she seems even sweeter than his stories make her out to be."

"I'm going to stop you there," I warned, "Silvers is what you can consider 'nice', but she works for me Ruby. This goes no further than it already is."

"Sounds to me like you haven't gone anywhere with her in the first place. Don't restrict yourself on such an old rule. You're still young boy. Enjoy life!"

"Not going to happen. End of story. We brought her here to get her things and make sure she was ok Ruby. That's it."

Of course, listening to the maid's words and reflecting on my own sent my mind back to the car ride before dinner. Though it was a total fluke, I couldn't quite ignore what happened and more importantly what almost happened. This girl had said something so completely farfetched that it was amusing. Then there was that laughter! Just the sound of her laughing pulled a reaction out of me I did not expect. And how it all almost went too far when she slipped and our faces came so close. If you had done something then, she probably wouldn't have gotten hurt tonight.

"You can at least make friends with the girl Seto." Ruby pointed out sternly brining me back from my thoughts, "I think you owe yourself at least that."

There wasn't much I could find to say in response. Ruby took my silence and stood to her feet. "If you don't mind, I'm going to step back to the kitchen and get the girl something warm to drink. Do you know if she does teas or?"

"I don't know Ruby. I don't see her early mornings."

"Well then, I'll just take a good guess. I'll be right back. You, wait here."

The woman left leaving me in the awkward position of waiting outside for Silvers alone.

(Nicole's POV)

Though the past twenty minutes were beyond unsettling and odd, the idea of being in some dry clothes after the shower did make me feel a little better. I did my best to towel dry my hair then pressed as much of the water out of my bra as possible. Last thing I needed was to put on a new shirt for it to immediately soak through thanks to the bra. At the same time, I wasn't going to risk being braless in my boss' house! Once I was pleased with the results, I slipped into the white slacks and blue sweater Ruby brought in. Honestly, I was surprised at the fit in the clothes the maid had found. What was the name she had used in the hall? Lee? Lisa? Lease?

"Whoever she was, she had the money for the good stuff." I muttered noting the names on the labels.

Before heading out, I took a moment to look at myself in the mirror. There was a slight redness on the front of my neck where Jackson gripped me to the tree. I reached over for the small bag of ice Ruby provided and put in in place. If there was one thing life had taught me recently, it was how to reduce the future presence of an injury. I just stared at the slightly disheveled look of myself in the mirror. My hair was a little everywhere, so I did my best to tame it by combing it with the fingers of my free hand. Once I had my hair under a little more control and looked at least presentable, I decided to step out of the bathroom.

Though I was expecting to see the older maid, I wasn't surprised to see Kaiba sitting in the corner across the room. Out of instinct, I pulled the bag of ice from my throat hiding it just behind my back. "Well... Isn't this a little... awkward?" I spoke up. The words seemed to grab his attention as his head switched to my direction and he got to his feet.

He seemed hesitant to speak. Can you blame the guy. You did walk out of a bathroom wearing only a towel twenty minutes ago. He looked positively mortified! The little voice in my head nagged.

"So.. How are you feeling?" His tone was low... careful.

There was a silent moment as I pulled together my train of thought, "I feel, weird considering where I am and that I am in someone else's clothes. But... I'm thankful as they are dry and much warmer than what I had. Thank you... again. Whoever this Lisa-"

"Lease." He corrected.

"Lease? Right... Whoever she is, please thank her for me and let her know I will make sure she gets these back tomorrow?" I wasn't sure what to really do. I was in this guy's house wearing clothes that weren't mine after one hell of a failed date.

"There's no rush." Kaiba shrugged taking a couple steps in my direction, "Alease was the last girl I dated. Those were just some of the things she left here after she left to go back home a couple months ago. She isn't going to be missing them anytime soon."

Great! You bring up the Ex-girlfriend AND you manage to butcher the girl's name. Great job! I mentally scolded myself.

"Well, the sizing is really... convenient." I thought out loud as I took my free hand and smoothed out the fabric along my front torso and pant leg.

"Indeed. I wouldn't have thought it at first, but Ruby was right. You and Lease are similar in size."

The awkwardness of the situation was rising. I wasn't sure what to do or say, but I knew I needed to find a way home relatively soon. "Look, I-I'm sorry about any issues this has all caused. I can grab my things now and maybe-."

"What happened tonight?" the question was straight and to the point.

I was kind of taken back, but at the same time I couldn't blame him for asking. Though I had already given the highlights of the night to the Ruby lady, I was still having issues with putting the events of the night into spoken words. Was it that I was still in shock? Was I scared for some reason?

"W-which part?" was the only response I could get out.

His eyes became stern calculating, "The part that led up to my finding you out in the rain. You said Jackson did this?"

I paused trying to decide my words carefully, "Y-yeah. It was him."

"What was him? What exactly did he do?" Kaiba pressed.

"I... we... he..." I was trying to find the right words. "He took me to that big park as part of the town tour he called it. Which until then, everything had been fine. Dinner then he drove around town."

"Driving?!" He seemed shocked, "As in a car?"

"Y-yeah... he drove a car. Is that news to you?" I questioned a little confused.

"Sort of. In this country those under the age of 18 aren't allowed vehicle operator licenses. At our age, we're only allowed a motorbike permit. But I wouldn't put it past him to be driving without a license."

"Oh.. I didn't know that... we start driving at fifteen in the US."

"Well, it's eighteen here. That point aside, what happened once you got to the park?"

"We... we walked around for a bit. He was showing me some of the exhibits and things in the park. But things went south when he led me off the main path. At first, I thought he was trying to show off this little pond but..." My words dwindled away as I tried to find the best way to tactfully vocalize what followed.

"But?"

I kept eye contact with Kaiba for several long silent moments. Explaining this to the Ruby lady was easier. There was as knotting feeling building in the core of my stomach when I thought about explaining it to the guy in front of me. I couldn't figure if it was nervousness or maybe even embarrassment. "It seems Jackson had different motives. Ok?" I admitted with an agitated sigh unable to keep my glance toward him any longer.

He let silence linger for a short bit before speaking up. "You told the officer and I that you weren't hurt, but you asked Ruby for ice that you seem to be hiding now."

What was it with this guy? Did anything get past him? I debated his tone for a moment before nodding with a sigh of defeat and placing the ice pack back to my neck.

"Look, what I said was true. I'm not hurt. This is just a precaution. The ice is to reduce blood flow to the area so none of it rises to the surface and makes a bruise come morning."

"You know this will work how?" He questioned. There was no edge to his voice. Curiosity?

"My dad taught me how to fight when I was little, and I may have had the tendency to spar off with his older students which usually led me to getting my butt kicked. We got really good at making sure there was no bruising for mom to ask about after practice."

Of course, those weren't the only times I had to hide fresh injuries, but Kaiba definitely did not need to know about that chapter in my recent history. He seemed to mill over my short story and nodded. The silence that fell between us was awkward to say the least. Neither of us really knew what to say.

"Look," I sighed turning towards the door to leave, "thanks for everything but I think I have well overstayed my welcome here."

"Why would you think that?"

The question was so surprising that I stopped my movement. I wasn't quite sure he had said it to be honest. "Come again?" I asked wanting to make sure.

"Why would you think you have overstayed your welcome?"

"Look, I already interrupted your after dinner hang out with your brother. Even worse, I'm in your house. I don't know how things are here but where I come from, it's not exactly customary to hang around your boss' home unless you want people talking about it at the office. That being said, I'd like to avoid that kind of attention and I'm sure you would too."

I was about to start walking to the exit when a light grip came to my arm. Though it was a shock, it wasn't threatening in any way. The touch was light and barely noticeable. If I wanted to keep going, I was very much able to, but I still stopped in my tracks. I looked down at the hand on my arm then followed it up to his face. He, too, seemed a little surprised in his gesture, but he recovered by pulling his hand back and slipping it into his pant pocket.

"Maybe you being here as someone that works for me is one thing, but I'd say if you were here as more of a friend it would be something different. Wouldn't you agree?"

The statement brought me to pause. Did he just say friend? When did we become friends?! He took my lack of response as a sign to keep going.

"Silvers, you've won over my younger brother in the past couple weeks and it seems you've also managed to charm my head of house staff in all of an hour. I'd say you are considered a friend of this house as a result."

"And what about you?" I couldn't help but ask.

This seemed to catch him off guard. His eyes veered to the side as he seemed to think on his words. Each moment he hesitated; I could feel a mass of nerves building in my stomach.

"Most people either bore or aggravate me, so I have never really met someone I could call a friend. But you.. There's something weird about you that I think I can make an exception."

Though most people would take his claim as an insult, I could read between the lines. The backhanded comment followed up with the complement was his way of making nice. I couldn't help but smile a little at the turn of events. Kaiba didn't hate me after all. The opposite, he just asked me to be a friend and I knew that was no small feat.

"So, friends huh? I guess that would check out. Correct me if I am wrong, but that would mean I actually get to use your first name, right? Still trying to get used to customs here." I questioned with a bit of humor.

That brought a slight smirk on his face, "Yes. That would be custom here."

"Well then, Seto, a quick f.y.i, most of my friends call me Nikki. Nicole is a bit formal for some people. If you want-"

"I think Nicole will work just fine for me. If that's ok with you?" He interjected.

"I can live with it." I paused for a moment, "Look Seto, I can't seem to thank you enough this evening. You could have kept walking, but you chose not to. I'm not quite sure how my night would have turned out without you."

"Well, I know a bit of it would have been waiting on a translator. You really need to get onto your language tutor about helping you with more basic conversational phrases."

"My language tutor?" I lightly laughed.

"Well, yes. Who are you seeing to help teach you?" He questioned a little confused.

"Um.. No one. I've been trying to teach myself. I thought it wouldn't be too bad, but between the vastly different structure and having multiple written versions of the language, this one is proving a bit harder to work with." I sighed.

"Sounds like the young lady could use a good teacher Seto." Chimed in the sweet voice of the older maid. I glanced back and noticed she had entered the room with a tray and some cups.

"Hello Ms. Ruby." I smiled.

"Ah. Nice to see that the clothes fit you so well dear." The maid smiled walking over to a nearby table, "I thought you might want something warm to drink, so I went and made some warm coca."

"That's sweet of you. Thank you." I spoke as I made my way to stand next to the older woman.

"It's one of my jobs dear. Here you go. You too Seto. Get over here. I made enough for the both of you."

Seto followed the woman's instructions taking a cup from the maid, "You know, Ruby's right. You probably should look into an actual teacher. It's a lot to try to learn on your own."

"I was thinking more you my boy." The maid suggested cheekily.

The comment seemed to catch Seto off guard for a moment but he relaxed as if trying to play the reaction off. "Me? Teach her?"

"That's not a bad idea actually." I grinned over my cup. "I could come by after work or on the weekends whatever works for you. That's if.. That's if you would want to help me like that?"

He seemed to mill the thought for several moments, "I don't see why not. But I'm not going easy on you."

The idea brought a smile to my face and I couldn't help but reach over with my free arm and give him a light side hug. "Easy is the last thing I need! Thank you!"

He seemed shocked with the gesture but relaxed soon enough to lightly tap my shoulder as I let him go. Of course, I was too busy looking at him to notice the grin on Ruby's face at the exchange.

"The drinks were wonderful Ruby, but I do think it is getting late. I really should get my things and go home. If I wait much longer, my mom might just make a call to SWAT."

"Goodness me. I think that is one of the last things we need." The woman smiled taking the cups from us and picking the tray back up, "Seto dear, why don't you make sure the car is waiting and I will help this young lady with her things."

Seto nodded at the woman's words and took his leave.

"I can't decide who is whose boss in this scenario." I couldn't help but joke once he was out of ear shot.

"I like to think of myself more like a grandmother than a house hand to these boys. Lord knows I've darn near raised them as such." Ruby sighed with a smile.

"I can see that." I nodded walking in step with the older woman.

"You care about him don't you dear?" She questioned in a careful and low tone.

Though the question itself caught me a little off guard, I nodded.

"Then let this old lady give you some advice. These boys have had it rough the past couple years. Seto most of the two. You have to be patient with him at times, but he will come around eventually."

Though I didn't comprehend the deeper meaning in her message, I got the jest of it. "You worry about him too obviously?"

"Every day my dear. But something tells me you will work wonders around here. Just be patient." She smiled.

We had made it to the front sitting room. I noticed my bags on a nearby table and grabbed them. I immediately went to my purse pulling out my phone. As I thought, there were several missed messages and calls from my mom. "Damnit." I muttered under my breath as I used the device to call my mother.

"Nicola?! Thank goodness!" I heard her sigh as she answered.

"I'm sorry mom. I left my bag at work. I had to go back and get it. I'm on my way home now, ok?" I assured her.

I could hear her take a deep breath. She did that when she was nervous. "Alright. I'll see you in a bit baby. Be safe coming home."

"Will do mom. Love you." I hung up the phone relieved that she wasn't too upset.

"You have your things?" I heard Seto question as he walked into the front room.

I nodded letting him lead me out to the waiting car that would take me home. We each promised to see one another at school the next day to set things up about my taking language lessons from him. I was watching the city go by in the window in a slight trance. It was a surreal end to an evening that started off so... wrong. But it was something Ruby said that stuck with me for some reason.

Something tells me you will work wonders around here.

What did she mean? I was trying to think more on it as the driver announced that we had pulled up to my building. Tomorrow would be a new day. I could maybe start figuring it out then. I thanked the driver and got out so I could get some much-needed sleep.

(School)

I was sitting in the court yard in front of the school when someone sat next to me setting their hand on my shoulder. I smiled thinking I knew who it was.

"Hea Se-" but I immediately stopped when I came face to face with Riley.

"Who did you think it was Doll?" Riley asked smugly sitting next to me forcing my skin to crawl.

"I thought I instructed you to not approach me Jackson." I snapped getting up to leave.

"Wait a second!" He ordered grabbing my wrist standing himself.

"Jackson," I snapped, "When I said I never wanted to see you again I meant it! Now release me!" I pulled my wrist trying to break free, but he even had a firm enough grip where pushing through the thumb didn't work. I was stuck where I stood at his mercy.

"I just wanted to apologize. I'm sorry. I didn't mean any of that to happen last night. Would you just give me another chance?" He explained seeming truly sorry. But I knew guys like him, and his words and actions last night proved it.

"No!" I snapped. "You tried to force me last night. Not to mention, when I resisted you tried to keep me there by force! You ripped my shirt with your little stunt. After all that, you expect me to let you try again. How about hell no?! You ruined your chance Riley, now let me go!"

"No one dumps me doll!" Riley snapped grabbing my other wrist so to keep me from hitting him.

"Well guess what Riley Jackson," I smirked realizing his fault, "I just did!" With that, I used his grip as leverage leaning him over and getting a clean groin shot with my knee. Riley cried out in pain letting me go as he fell to the ground. "Now, that should remind you of when a girl says 'no' or 'let go' to listen to her. Next time you come near me or touch me, I will do more damage than stubbing your chances to reproduce. I may go for your soccer career next." I snapped rubbing my wrist before grabbing my bag leaving the boy balled on the ground wallowing in his own pain.

"Nicole, are you alright?" echoed a voice ahead of me.

I looked up meeting my friend's glance with a smile, "Just great Seto. What's wrong?"

"I just... Jackson was..." The brunette tried to piece together until he looked over to see where a couple kids had gathered around Riley.

"I requested him to let go. He didn't, so I had to use drastic measures." I smirked looking back at my masterpiece.

Seto seemed to gulp looking at the guy. "Remind me to never piss you off like that." He stated.

"Don't worry Seto," I laughed, "as long as you don't do what he did you'll be fine."

"And I never will." He smirked looking back down at me, "I suggest we make our way to class."

"I agree. Let's get going I need to grab some things out of my locker." I replied with a smile walking towards the main school building.