CHAPTER TWO IS UP! Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, though sometimes I wish I did. R&R!

Chapter Two: True Colors, Revealed

It was just past five in the morning when Aya woke up. Squinting blearily into the darkness of the room, she gingerly felt the bandages wrapped around her torso. Finding nothing faulty, she slid silently out of the couch, going for her backpack, which she had recalled dumping by the foot of her bed when she had arrived. Finding the area empty, she reached for the nearest light switch, and flipped it on. Turning to face the room, she gazed at the size and luxury of it. Surly this wasn't her room…but no. She glanced down at herself, and nearly fell on her butt. Someone had replaced her black aviator type outfit for a silk nightgown. Someone…making up her mind right then, she snatched a dressing gown from her bed, then turned to the door. Opening it quietly, she stuck her head into the adjoining room. It was dimly lit by a lamp set on a dresser, and as she stuck her head further in, she noted it looked a lot like her own room. Stepping into the room, she gaped at the picture of an older looking version of Kaiba on the walls, and realized with a painful jolt exactly where she was.

The door shut behind her, and she spun around. Standing in front of the closed door was the real Kaiba, wearing what looked to be a silk version of his everyday attire. "Looking for something?" His voice was cold, but there was an underlying tone of amusement.

Aya backed away, spluttering. "No, I just…the door…I thought…"

Kaiba cut smoothly through her incoherent mutterings, placing a hand firmly on her shoulder and steering her to the bed. "You were confused and disoriented. It happens a lot in this place." He winked, and Aya grinned hesitantly. "Now we need to get you decently clothed."

That brought her up short, and she stopped walking. Kaiba motioned to the bed, and she flopped down. After trying twice to get her question out in a civilized way, she finally blurted, "Do you do this for anyone?"

Kaiba, who was rummaging in one of the drawers of the walk-in closets, stood up abruptly and smashed his head on the underside of the upper shelf. Cursing loudly, he emerged from the tangle of clothes, rubbing his head. "Ow, stupid closet…you were saying?"

"This. Do you do this for anyone?"

A puzzled look replaced his annoyed one, and he turned back to the drawers. "Meaning?" He sighed in frustration, kicking the drawer shut and walking over to the dresser next to where Aya was sitting.

"I mean…if I was…Mai or…or Tea, would you still do what you've done for me?"

Kaiba, apparently , did not hear her as he was making quite a ruckus trying to find something. "Aha!" He straightened up, holding something that looked like it was made of leather. Throwing it at her, he spoke, half in response to her question , half not. "Does it look like I would? Now try that on."

Aya held the articles of clothing up, blushing as she realized they were feminized versions of Kaiba's clothes. "Um…thanks. I-I'll be right back." She hopped off the bed, making for he room, but Kaiba grabbed her upper arm and steered her to a closet. "I don't think this is my room."

Kaiba laughed, which was a startling sound, even if it was a friendly laugh. "It's a dressing room. Use it." He pushed her gently inside, before closing the door. The smile slid off his face like snow off a hot pot, and he sank onto the bed with his head in his hands. He was laughing around her, which was something he REFUSED to do around complete strangers. Or anyone for that matter. Sighing, he propped his chin on his hand, staring blankly into space. The sound of the door to the closet opening jolted him back into awareness, and he glanced up. As soon as he saw her, his jaw dropped.

"What?" Aya glanced down, fiddling with the collar of the top, which, thank god, was not leather. "Too small? Too revealing? What?"

Kaiba stared at her, several thoughts running through his head. The top clung to her like a second skin, outlining her curves in stunning detail. The pants were loose, but still had a feminine vibe. Over the top she wore a leather vest. All of these, of course, were black. "Um…you look…"

She glared at him. "What? Horrible? Bad? Answer, dammit!" This last word was punctuated by a stomp of her booted foot.

"Fantastic." Kaiba sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Must girls always jump to the worst conclusion?"

Aya pouted, walking over and sitting in the chair next to the bed. "Yes."

"Wear that tonight."

Aya started. "Tonight? What's tonight?" She ran one of her hands through her hair, shaking it loose from its ponytail.

"The opening dinner/dance for the tournament." He got up, and walked over to the window to gaze out over the fields.

When he didn't talk after that, Aya took this as a dismissal, and left the room.

"What are you wearing?" Joey and the rest of the group was waiting outside the building to the dinner, where Aya promised to meet them.

Aya shrugged. "Something I found in my suite." She linked her arm through Yugi's and together they strolled into the building. Inside the door, Kaiba and Mokuba stood there, greeting guests. No one noticed the shadow that passed over Kaiba's face when he saw her with Joey, and no one noticed Aya give Kaiba a discreet wave. As they proceeded to the dinner, Aya noticed that place cards had been set at each spot. Immediately heading for the head of the table, she spotted Kaiba's. Next to it, on the right stood hers, emblazoned with curly writing: Aya Romans

She smiled, and sat down in the seat. As the rest of the duelists filed in, she noted with great satisfaction that Weevil Underwood was not included in this group. Soon the rest of the duelists were seated, and Kaiba entered the room. Sweeping past Aya's chair, he squeezed her shoulder warmly, and she broke into a stupid grin. As soon as he settled himself, the doors behind him opened, and people bearing trays laden with food entered. Circling the table, various foods were offered, but Aya only ate lightly. She never ate meat, and she seldom touched sweets or junk food. Today's meal consisted of salad, clear soup, a breadstick, and water.

Once everyone was served, the food bearers vanished, and everyone attacked their plates with gusto. Aya took a careful nibble of her salad, glancing around at the other's plates. She nearly jumped out of her chair as Kaiba touched her hand, and she turned to look at him. Concern was apparent on his face. "Are you alright?"

Aya, completely bewildered by this question, made that known. "How so? My ribs? Or my lack of eating?"

Kaiba sighed. "Both."

Aya glanced down the table, where she saw Tea watching her with apparent interest. She mouthed 'Tell you later' to her, then turned back to Kaiba. "Ribs feel fine. And I'm never usually hungry."

Kaiba nodded, obviously pleased with this legitimate explanation, and turned back to his own plate. Aya glanced at it, trying not to look too nosey. Salad. And wine. She shrugged, then finished her plate off at top speed. She spent the rest of the dinner conversing with Kaiba, and trying to ignore Joey's outraged looks.

As soon as everyone finished, Kaiba stood, gesturing to the door behind him. Immediately, the door opened as about 20 people rushed out, cleaning the dining room at a speed and to such an extent that would make the cleanest person faint with joy. As soon as the last person had left, Kaiba gestured again, and a side curtain opened, revealing a stage, a refreshment table, and a few chairs.

Kaiba and Aya became separated in the bustle, as a band trooped onstage to wild applause. As music started, Joey walked over to Aya, and placed an arm around her shoulders. "Shall we?" He proffered an arm, which Aya took, then led her onto the crowded dance floor.

Aya yanked Joey out of the crowd, pushing him into a chair, and flopping down next to him. Fanning herself with a hand, she spoke breathlessly. "Are you going to get us drinks, or shall I?"

Joey got up. "I'm on it!" He turned and pushed his way through the crowd, jabbing a few with his elbows. He emerged a good ten minutes later, carrying glasses filled with Coke. "Here you go."

She nodded, taking the glass and draining it in two gulps. "Thanks. I needed that." Reaching by her side, she pulled a mint from her purse and popped it into her mouth.

"Aya?" She shrieked, nearly choking on her mint as Kaiba's voice sounded behind her. Spinning around, she regarded him appraisingly. He was breathing as though he had just run a marathon, although she figured it was probably from shoving through the crowd. "So sorry."

Aya nodded. "S'ok."

They sat (or in Kaiba's case, stood) in awkward silence for a few moments, before he actually slowed his breathing enough to ask a coherent question. "Could I have a dance?"

Joey placed his glass on the table with a little more force than necessary, and spoke. "Sure you don't want another drink?"

Aya nodded, standing. "Sure." She hesitated, before taking Kaiba's arm. "And Joey, if you're getting drinks…I'll have one."

Joey's jaw dropped in indignant disbelief, and Kaiba gave him a clear 'Too bad for you' look. Turning, he guided Aya towards a back corner of the dance area. The music was slow, ideal for couples dancing. 'This isn't so bad' Aya thought as they revolved slowly on the spot. Kaiba was leading, and she had no trouble following his movements. Twice she stumbled, and twice Kaiba kept her in a standing position, much to her embarrassment. The third time, Aya steadied herself by grabbing Kaiba's shoulders. He looked a trifle shocked at first, then brought his arms up to her back in a gentle hug.

She glanced up at his face, which seemed so calm in contradiction to his usual cool and aloof demeanor. She hesitated, carefully laying her head on his chest, and adjusted her arms so they were around his neck. If anything would startle Kaiba, it was this. He stiffened, and she glanced up at his face, embarrassment written all over her features. Kaiba glanced around, then gestured with his head in the direction of the balcony. Once they were out of earshot, Kaiba turned to her, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. "I want you to be careful out there tomorrow. Your ribs haven't healed, and Wheeler didn't help at all." He paused. "About the question you asked me earlier today. The answer is Probably…no."

Aya stared at him, still dazed from the hug. "To which question, exactly?"

"Whether or not I would help anyone who needed it, or if I was just giving you special treatment."

Aya nodded slowly, leaning against the balcony rail. "So….you were giving me special treatment? Why?"

Kaiba flushed lightly. "I thought we had a lot in common."

Aya stared silently for a moment, before an angry look crossed her face. "So this was all because of my Egyptian God Card?"

Kaiba averted his gaze, staring instead at her crossed arms. "Yes. I suppose you could say that."

She flared up at once, rage burning in her eyes. "You took care of me because of a MONSTER CARD?" Her voice rose in pitch and volume, and Kaiba refused to meet her eyes. This served only to enrage her further, and before either of them could register what was happening, she had slapped the Duelist across the face. "Next time," she hissed, bringing her face close to his. "Next time you pull a stunt like that hug, make sure it's because of the girl, and not because of what she OWNS." She backed away from him, turning towards the door of the balcony. "I hope you take my advice, Seto. Because if you don't, there will be more than one girl that thinks the name Kaiba is a disgrace." Her voice broke as she said his name, and she turned, practically running into the main room. Kaiba stood silent for a moment, before following her, still rubbing his stinging cheek.

It was then that he realized it was the first time she had ever used his name.

Aya ran into Joey, midway out the door. He stopped her, where she had a good cry on his shoulder.

"Aya? What's up?"

"Kaiba's up."

"WHAT?"

Two people spoke at the exact same time, and Joey spun around to meet Mokuba and Kaiba. "You!"

The sound of more running feet reached them in the dim hallway, and then Aya's voice, full of anxiety.

"Joey!"

Kaiba, who had been edging around Mokuba to move further outside, looked over in surprise at the tone of her voice and almost met with Joey's fist. Lightning-quick, Kaiba ducked, but Mokuba got in his way and he tripped rather ungracefully.

"Joey, what are you doing?" Mokuba asked softly. He looked from Kaiba to Joey, then to Mai and a very distressed Aya behind Joey, and back to Kaiba. Joey was furious, his green eyes hard; he reached out and shoved Kaiba in the chest, effectively pinning the other duelist to the door. Teeth clenched, Kaiba kept his hands to himself but stared at the one holding him mockingly.

"Joey, stop it. Let me explain," Aya pleaded.

"Shut up, Aya," Mai interrupted, blocking the other girl. A strange light entered her expression and she smirked at the back of Joey's head. "Let him explain."

"You bastard," Joey started, and Kaiba's eyes narrowed. Both were breathing heavily, slowly, deliberately. "Stop messing with Aya."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

That was obviously the wrong thing to say. Joey cocked back and would probably have drawn blood if Aya hadn't hurtled past Mai and leapt for his arm. Furious shouts went up from the four trapped by the front door and there was a general scuffle and exchange of places. Mokuba ended up between Joey and Kaiba, and Mai had pulled Aya out before she got hurt.

"Tell me now before I lose my temper," Mokuba said quietly, fixing an Evil Eye on the two adversaries. "What's going on?"

Joey shook his head mutely, shaking with jealousy and anger, but when Mokuba's expression darkened he relented and addressed Kaiba again. "I don't know what things are like where you come from, but here it is not okay to chase after a girl if you already know she's with another person."

Both of Mokuba's eyebrows disappeared in his hairline, and he looked curiously Kaiba. Kaiba himself couldn't stop a look of extreme surprise, but he quickly replaced it with a scowl. Flicking his eyes to Aya's pale, angry face explained it all, but he didn't blame her in the slightest.

"I am not chasing Aya. I was not aware that befriending Aya could be so detrimental to your well-being, Wheeler."

Joey flushed darkly. He hollered, "Are you blind? Or do you just enjoy toying with her feelings?"

"Never once has she said anything to make anyone think that she was with you," Kaiba snapped, losing control. Anger, hot and red like a tide of blood, flared up and he stepped closer to Joey, dismissing the fact that Mokuba had not gotten out of his way. He continued, "I don't appreciate the constant accusations that I am taking someone's girl. You had your chance with Aya, and she has given you her answer. It had nothing to do with me. Will you stop, or shall I make you?"

The boys lunged at each other, and Aya shrieked. She hadn't been that frightened in a long time. But she had forgotten about Mokuba, still clear-headed and exactly where he needed to be. Somehow without anyone seeing, he grabbed Joey's arms and pinned them behind the other boy, then locked eyes with Kaiba.

"I think you should go now," he said.

Kaiba halted in surprise, watching Joey struggle in the grip of the shorter boy. Mokuba's face remained impassive as he refused to look away, making sure Kaiba listened to him. "Go, for now."

Panting, furious, confused, and even a bit humiliated, Kaiba turned and left, slamming the door behind him.


So I lied. It's THIS chapter that everyone is so out of character in. o0;