Shimiki: Well, I asked around on another board I hang out at, and a very nice person (Kijuna) thought my idea for an epilogue was good. So, I'm posting it.

This chap contains: very bad fluff. I suck at writing fluff. Also, it's short, 'cause it's an epilogue (duh).

Thankies to all the cool peeps who reviewed last chappie! Not a single flame! *sighs happily, then gets back to writing*

The Meaning Of: Epilogue

Kaiba yawned as he dragged himself out of bed, slogging with half-lidded eyes to the kitchen. He methodically picked up the newspaper lying on the table and put some coffee on. Then the sound of thumps coming down the stairs made him look up.

Mokuba, his little brother, came barreling into the kitchen, his black hair disorderly and still wearing baby blue pajamas with little BEWDs embroidered on them. His eyes were bright as he bounced to his brother's side, hugging him around the waist.

"Merry Christmas niisama!" he said exultantly. "When can we open presents?"

Kaiba grinned at him in mock-sternness. "Eat first, young man."

Mokuba pouted but complied, going to the cupboard and scrummaging around as Kaiba looked through the paper. One headline in particular caught his eye.

Two children found dead in abandoned warehouse…

Kaiba looked at the picture of the two kids, and his eyes widened. One was a little girl, pale and thin but smiling happily, and the other was a little boy. The little boy. The one from last night, at the store.

Tears filled Kaiba's eyes as he continued to read, not hearing as Mokuba let out an exclamation of triumph as he found what he wanted to eat.

boy, had a knife in his side… little girl…evidence of illness…killers of boy unknown…

"Niisama?"

Kaiba looked up, still teary-eyed, to see Mokuba looking at him in concern.

"Are you all right, niisama?" he asked, climbing into his brother's lap to get a closer look. "You're crying."

Kaiba shook his head and hugged Mokuba tightly, startling his little brother somewhat.

"Mokuba, promise me that you'll always remember that I'm here for you, okay?" he said softly.

Mokuba tilted his head to the side, frowning a little in confusion. "Of course I'll remember, Seto. You've always been there for me. That's why you're the best!"

Mokuba demonstrated his point by hugging Kaiba back tightly, smiling. Kaiba felt a pang in his heart as he saw the carefree innocence of a child, just like last night in the little boy's eyes. He knew that the boy would never be able to have that same happy twinkle in his eyes ever again.

But Kaiba managed a smile at his brother's absolute faith and love for him (don't even THINK about it being yaoi, people, or I'll strangle you), wrapping his arms around his brother and drawing him close.