Author's Notes: Thank you, everyone for the reviews.

"Italicized words are what are spoken aloud..."

A Soliloquy of Missing Tears

I couldn't possibly describe what I feel right now as I stare into that casket. All these things are racing through my head; sadness, anger, remorse. They fill my thoughts; all trying to surpass the other and claim my mind, but their task is futile. For I have put on a mask.

A mask to hide my pain.

A pain that still tears away at my soul, that will never truly die. Though I realize that by doing this, I'm only hurting myself. It's like an addiction; I try so hard to express my feelings, but it's hard, and I usually give in.

Isn't it better to feel nothing, than to feel this unspeakable ache?

I don't truly know the answer to that. All I know is that it's the easiest thing for me to do right now. I thought I was strong. I thought I could get through this, but as I stare at him, his innocent face resting peacefully in that coffin, I realize that this would prove to be a most difficult task.

Great, now I have to speak. What do they expect me to say? 'He was a great brother and I'll miss him?'

That doesn't even begin to express my feelings. What words could possibly express this horrific loss?

"Little Brother, you were the world to me. I don't know what I'm going to do without you, Mokie, but I promise you, I'll do my best to make you proud."

I looked at him one last time after I spoke. A part of me wanted to cry out as they sealed my little brother's coffin. Though I took the easy way out again.

I put on my mask.

I watched emotionlessly as they placed my brother under the dirt. Never to be seen again. His cheerful blue eyes...

...gone.

His playful smile...

...no more.

It isn't fair! It should've been me under that cold ground! I should be dead, not you!

But I'm not...

...and you are.

And I'm going to have to accept that.

I turned away, the pain becoming too great; it threatened to break my mask. I can't let that happen, not now. So I turn away from you, brother. Please, don't be angry; I just have to be alone now.

"Kaiba..."

Yugi, I should've known...

"Kaiba, I'm sorry about Mokuba..."

Sorry?! Let me tell you something, Yugi: Sorry isn't going to bring my brother back! Nothing can! I don't want your sympathy, and as far as I'm concerned, I don't need it. I've nothing to say to you...

"Leave me alone, Yugi..."

I'm doing it again, aren't I?

I'm sorry, Mokuba, I promised that I'd be strong for you, and I'm just pushing everyone away. I know they mean well, it's just hard. Showing my emotions is still a foreign matter to me. But I guess now is as a good of time as ever to make good on my pledge to you...

"...I'm sorry, Yugi. I guess I'm a little upset right now..."

"I know, Kaiba. Is there anything I can do?"

Anything you can do? Yeah, bring Mokuba back. You're the Master of Miracles, come on, let's see you try.

"No, Yugi, there's nothing you can do for me now."

Oh don't be sad, Yugi. There really isn't anything you could do. I just need time to heal, I guess.

"Kaiba."

It's the mutt...

"Hey, I feel real bad about Mokuba. Come on, there must be something we can do for ya?"

Hallelujah, the mutt's come to save the day...

"No, Wheeler, I said there's nothing anybody can do for me now..."

"I don't think that's true..."

What's this? Cheerleader girl has come to me, claiming she can help? What could she possibly do?

"Kaiba, I know it hurts, but you can't just bottle your emotions inside. You need to let it all out."

All of a sudden she came towards me, and I feel her arms surround me in her warm embrace. What does she think she's doing? Why is she doing this, more importantly?

It doesn't make sense.

Whatever the reason, I was there, silently in her arms. My first instinct was to run; run far away and hide behind it.

What is it, you ask?

My mask of course...

But for some reason, I couldn't run. I don't know why; maybe I was too shocked, or maybe it was my promise to Mokuba that kept me there. Knowing that people cared about me is a calming thought; and I'm truly grateful to have people to comfort me, especially now.

So I tossed the mask aside.

I let my sorrow flow out, escaping in the form of tears. Their wet surface cooled my burning skin. It felt relieving to cry.

I wrapped my arms around her; the one who showed me that there are others who care.

"Thank you..."

I backed up, releasing Téa; tears stained both of our faces. I looked to Yugi and Joey; they too had traces of tears in their eyes.

They really do care...

All right, I think I'm done with emotion show and tell for one afternoon. If this keeps up, I'll end up one big bowl of emotion Jell-O. So I turned to leave; to be alone once more.

"Kaiba, wait. Are you sure you're gonna be all right?"

Yugi, you care too much for your own good. I'm truly envious of you for that.



"Yes..."

"Are ya really sure?"

"I am..."

"Kaiba?"

"What?"

"Please, don't keep it all inside, okay? It's all right to let people know how you feel."

How was that, Mokuba? I think I'm getting the hang of this feeling thing. I'm going to miss you, Little Brother, but I will keep my promise to make you proud. I just have to take things one step at a time. Though I know I have a long road ahead of me, I think everything will turn out...

"...somehow."