Wow, I'm actually early this time! I mean I usually end up updating around the last few days before the end of the month or the last day before the month ends. I guess getting sick, and getting stuck in bed with a high fever has its advantages. During the time I was sick I actually ended up writing about 7 pages of this chapter.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Next chapter may take me a little longer. I need to do some research for future reference. I'm already doing it but it taking me some time. So, if I take longer than usual with the next chapter you know the reason.

Also I want to thank you again to all those who reviewed though I was a little disappointed since I got less reviews than last time but I hope I can get more with this chapter. Either way, even if it's just one I'm still happy if I get reviews. Well, that's enough of me and I hope you like this chapter!

Chapter 19: Ren

"One of them called him young master," Aki pointed out.

They stayed quiet thinking of the possibilities of this new development.

"Let's not worry about it for now. I can't take it, my head is hurting." Yori said as she flopped in the table next to her tray.

"Do you want something for it?" asked Aki.

"Ice-cream!" she said excitedly.

Everyone stared taken aback for a moment. "What?" Yori asked as they stared.

Crow was the first one to start laughing. "You really are like a kid." Everyone else followed.

Yori blushed as everyone laughed. 'I need to learn to keep my mouth shut!' She pouted. 'If only I had been able to say things like now…' she thought.

"Is something wrong?" asked Aki concerned. "You look a little down."

"Eh?" she exclaimed. "It's nothing." She replied readily.

Yusei studied Yori's reactions. "Are you sure?" Aki asked again.

Yori noticed they weren't buying her act. "…it's just…I can't help but feel a little lonely…somehow." It wasn't a lie; somehow having fun around them, hanging out like this made her homesick. It made her think a lot about her own life, too.

"How can you be lonely?" asked Rua who didn't understand. "Aren't we all here with you?"

His naiveté made her smile. "You're right. There's no reason for me to feel this way. I have you guys, after all."

"A person can never replace someone else's existence." Said Yusei.

It was sunny and a very nice day but Cindy was crying.

"Don't worry, sweetie. I'm sure you'll meet another girl and she will become your new best friend." That was what her mother said when Cindy's best friend and neighbor moved to another city back when she was seven.

Cindy looked up to her with a shocked expression before running back inside the house. She hid inside her closet and stayed there crying for awhile. It wasn't till a few hours later, when Ren, her brother, returned from his trip.

"Ren!" Cindy could still hear what was going on downstairs. "I can't find Cindy anywhere! I know she is in the house but doesn't matter how many times I call her she won't come out. Please go get her. Chris won't even help me."

"I got it." Cindy heard him said. She tried to brush off the tears before he'd open the door of the closet. He didn't give her enough time and she was drying them off, her eyes were completely red when he opened it.

"Cindy, what happened?" he asked. "Did you see a giant monster again?" he teased her. He hadn't heard any reason as to why she was hiding and simply assumed it was just her being scared of some bug or something similar. After all, she hid in there whenever there she was either sad or scared. Usually, she was scared.

"Diana moved today," she started as she tried to hold back her tears.

"Oh?" he was shocked for a moment since Diana was also his friend. "She did, huh?" Ren's face showed a gentler expression and sympathy for his younger sister.

"And mom said that soon I'll get a new best friend," her tears were just about to start pouring out again as she said that. "If what mom said it's true, Diana is going to make new friends in her new city and…and…is she going to forget me, too?" she started crying again.

"No, no, that's not what mom meant," Ren said as he patted Cindy on her head. "You know, how mom is and she says things that might not come out right. What she probably meant was that with every parting, there will always be a new meeting. You won't be alone for too long." She somewhat calmed down a little but looked at him a little unsure. "A person can never replace someone else's existence, you see." Cindy nodded and she felt a little better.

"I know," she said. "You told me that once before, Ren." It took her a second to come back to reality. "I mean Yusei."

"Who is Ren?" Asked Ruka.

Yori smiled happily. "Oh, you'll meet him very soon." She said excited. "He is currently studying aboard but my parents called him to come back," she said thoughtfully. "Apparently they really don't trust me to take care of myself and don't think Mrs. Higgins is enough to keep me in line. I mean, c'mon, I'm not a kid anymore. Still, regardless of whether is he coming back to 'baby-sit' me or not I'm looking forward to meeting him."

"You don't know him?" asked Jack skeptical.

"Well, it's complicated. I mean, the me after the accident haven't met him yet. Actually, Ren has been away for five years now, so…yeah, it'll be my first time seeing him after so long." She said feeling slightly shy.

"You really do love him, don't you?" Aki commented, with a teasing tone. "Despite all the teasing and stuff you complain about?"

"Well, I just can't help but love him." Yori blushed. "I mean, he's like my hero, my role model, my best friend, the person I respect the most, he is my number one guy in the whole world." She said passionately. "He is smart, good-looking, very kind and gentle. He is also very noble and sweet, and is always helps me out and also he is very nice."

Yusei silently listened to Yori but under the table he clutched a fist. For some reason, it kind of bothered him hearing her talk so excitedly about a guy he didn't know. What bothered him the most however was that she had mistaken him for that guy named Ren.

"I think love has you blind. There can't be such a perfect person." Aki disagreed.

"But he is not!" Yori protested. "He is-" her phone started ringing. "Speaking of the devil…"

"Aren't you going to answer it?" asked Aki as Yori was mouthing the lyrics of the song.

"…I'm still thinking." She replied.

"Why would you need to think it over?" asked Jack with a hint of surprise in his voice.

Yori looked away. "Because you're here." She replied while playing with her phone.

Aki shook her head. "Give it here," she said as she took the phone from Yori.

"Eh?" Yori exclaimed. "No! Wait, don't!"

"Sup, Yori!" came the immediate greeting of the blue haired young man on the other side of the line. "Um, you're not Yori." He said when he saw Aki. "Sorry, I think I got the wrong number."

"No," Yori said almost reluctantly before Ren would hang up. "You got it right. Hey, Ren." She took the phone and put it down on the table so everyone could the holographic image of the older blue haired guy. Yori moved a little uncomfortably on her seat and she, along with everyone else waited for either of them to say something. "Are you gonna start talking or not?" Yori broke the silence after about half a minute. "You're wasting my minutes!"

"It is rude for me to talk without addressing myself to the other present party, so I was waiting for you to introduce me to your friends." He replied with a smirk.

Yori raised an eyebrow. "And since when do you care about being proper or not?" she asked rhetorically but still proceed with the introductions. "You're annoying, y'know?" she said once she was done.

"Um, Yori-chan," started Rua "weren't you just talking about him before and saying-" Yori's face looked at him with horror and with an imploring look.

It didn't take long for any of them to understand the situation here, not even Ren.

Ren chuckled. "You are so cute," he said in a teasing voice. Yori's face turned red and looked away.

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" she protested. "This is your fault Aki!" she turned towards her and started hitting her lightly on her shoulder. "That's why I didn't want to answer it."

Aki looked at her with an almost sympathizing look and patted her on the head. "Sorry," she replied but it was funny for her and her voice betrayed her.

"Don't pet my head!" Yori protested, sounding even more childish.

"Yeah, she'll fall asleep" Ren laughed wholeheartedly.

"I won't." Yori pouted.

The others just enjoyed the show. At least she seemed more relaxed now, that guy Ren sure knew the girl well, they thought.

Yusei couldn't help but think as Ren had said. She looked cute all flustered, but he didn't like the situation at all.

'I guess I kinda understand what Ralph meant back then' thought Yusei.

As the others laughter died down a little, Yori took the chance to ask the reason of his sudden call.

"Oh, that, um, I need a favor," he sounded different from before even a little shy.

"A favor?" she repeated. "Now, that's a first." The surprise in her voice could not be suppressed.

There was a long pause. "I haven't all day, so speak already" Yori snapped.

Ren looked unsure. "I was hoping it could be in private?" he pleaded.

"Let me think, you teased me and embarrassed me in front of my friends…so the answer is no." She stuck out her tongue.

"I don't need to do anything for you to embarrass yourself in front of anyone," he replied. "You can do that without help." He added cheekily.

She gave him her most sweet and angelic smile, "guess that means you don't want my help after all, right?"

It was because he knew her all too well that he knew when she smiled like that was when she was either plotting something or angry, or both. Right now, she was angry. He sighed. "If I say I'll buy you passes for the next convention, will you help me?"

"I can buy them myself," she replied uninterested.

"If I get the passes and go with you and buy you whatever you want there?"

She thought for a second. "Add Amazoness Trainee and we're talking." She replied.

"You're too greedy," he replied as he shook his head.

"And whose fault is that?" she laughed. "So, deal?"

"Yeah, just take care of it so go home tonight. I'll call you later," He said and with that he hung up.

"What just happened? I'm confused." Crow said.

"I do believe that's called extortion," said Aki looking incredulously at Yori, who was suppressing her laughter.

"Now, Ruka, Rua, don't do this, alright?" Yori looked at them. "Really, don't learn from me or you will become as rotten as I am." She started laughing.

"How can you laugh?" asked Aki rhetorically.

"Aw, c'mon, what's the worst that could happen?" Yori replied and thought for a second. "Ok, so I could end up in the facility since it is a crime but it's not like that's going to happen so it's fine."

"Forget the crime, don't you think you asked for too much even if you two are close?" asked Crow.

"Well, this is what I learned a long time ago from him: why get an apple when you can get the whole tree?" she said.

"I've never heard that phrase before," Crow replied.

"Me neither," replied the twins.

"No, I haven't heard it either." They all commented.

"I know, it was said by Ren back when he was about eleven or twelve, I think. I'm not gonna bother with the story behind it since it's kinda long but the point is if I can get more than one thing, why should I just conform myself with one?" she said. "I knew he was going to agree besides, it's not like it's big deal or anything. I was going to help him whether or not he'd give me anything in return but hey, if I'm getting pay that's better!" she shrugged.

"What was the thing he wanted you to help him with anyway?" asked Ruka curiously.

"No idea but I'll find out when I go to the house later tonight." She shrugged.

"Are you gonna go back then?" asked Yusei. He didn't mean only for the day but if she was going to leave them and go back to her house.

"I'm a little scare to," she said as she put her phone away. "I'll admit it but I have to go back eventually." She replied.

"Guess, this means we're gonna have to go with you, doesn't it?" said Jack offhandedly.

Yori was surprised for a moment but smiled. "Sorry for the trouble but yup, I'll be asking you to come along."

"Are we gonna have another sleep over?" asked Rua.

"If you want to, I'll be more than happy after all there more than enough rooms." She replied.

"In that case, let's all go back to get our stuff Ruka," Rua said excitedly.

"Yeah, then we'll go ahead and meet you at your house Yori" nodded Ruka as she stood from the table.

"Wait, I'll go with you guys since it's almost the same way" said Aki. "Later guys."

'Maybe it would have been better this way from the beginning.' Thought Yori and reminded herself to not open her mouth this time.

"Do you think it's alright?" asked Yusei.

"Hmm?"

"Those men who are following you," Yusei started.

"Aoi took care of them," she pointed out.

"I thought you said you didn't like him," chipped in Jack.

"And I don't but what he said is true since I don't feel anyone looking like before." She replied. "I just thought of something."

"What?" asked Crow.

"When I asked Aoi for his name he introduced himself as Aoi but he never said his last name. I need to find out." She thought-out loud.

"Wait till tomorrow then," replied Jack.

"No, I need to know sooner. I have this feeling. Is there a way to find out?" she asked in a low voice as they were leaving the restaurant.

"If you check the school files," started Yusei. "Though that's-"

"I get it. Still, I really want to know, could you do it please? Using my laptop?" she asked.

Yusei looked her pleading eyes debating. Yusei sighed. "Fine," he agreed reluctantly "but I can only search for a small amount of time since if I get caught-"

"If you show me I'll do it myself." She offered.

"And here I always thought Yusei was the one who didn't know how to let go of something," commented Crow.

"I wonder who is more obstinate," replied Jack.

"Guys," said Yusei and gave them a look.

"I think I am," said Yori "since once I've made up my mind nothing or anyone can change it." She said almost proudly. "Or at least, I haven't met someone who can make me change my opinion." She added.

"This guy never gives up either." Crow affirmed.

"I know," said Yori again not noticing her habit. "Like how he spent about two years to make a D-wheel and get to Neo Domino City chasing after Jack to get his Stardust back, right?"

"How do you know about that?" asked Yusei.

"Eh?" she pronounced lost at words. 'Shoot!' She cursed herself mentally. "It's not big deal; I just heard it from somewhere. Rumors, y'know though I can't remember from where."

Both Jack and Crow didn't think anything of it. Yusei stared at her suspiciously for a moment before dismissing it. They continued walking towards her house. It would have been easier to get the D-wheels for sure but the distance between the shop and her house was longer not to mention it was against the law for two people to ride on the same D-wheel. After all, a D-wheel is mainly for dueling and so the sole passenger is the duelist.

"Do you mind if I read?" she asked while she was already looking for her book, or rather manga through her bag.

"You're gonna trip or something if you do that," Crow pointed out.

"You can warn me," she replied.

"Whatever," Crow replied as she had already started.

After a few minutes of walking they finally arrived to the Tenma mansion. Surprisingly enough, Yori hadn't tripped or bumped into anyone while reading, even stopping at traffic light without lifting her head up from her precious manga.

"Um, Yori," Yusei tried to warned her as he saw her still walking right into the front gate.

"Ow!" she exclaimed and kneeled down as she used one hand to rub her head and the other one to hold her manga.

"I saw that one coming," commented Crow as he chuckled.

"If you knew, why didn't you tell me?" she glared.

"It's better to learn from experience," he joked.

"Guys…" she murmured as she shook her head. She stood up and noticed something strange. The gate was close but it was unlock. She didn't say anything.

"Is something wrong?" asked Yusei noting something was up.

"It's nothing," she replied as she opened the gate. They entered the property and the security system did not activate as Yori had thought it would. Had those men messed with it that badly when they first infiltrated her house?

It wasn't till they were outside the house when Yori realized it. She frowned and unceremoniously opened the door and stormed in. The guys followed her noting there was something wrong.

"What's the matter?" asked Jack.

"Intruder." She replied as she turned to face them. "There's an intruder in the house."

The guys notice a young maid heading their way. "Uh," Crow was about to tell Yori but the girl beat him to it.

"Welcome back, Sayori-ojou-sama," greeted the young woman with loud voice.

"Eek!" Yori tried to suppress a yelp as she was startled witless and as a reflex she went into fetal position. Yusei noticed her reaction was completely different as the one she had the other night.

"My deepest apologies, Ojou-sama," said Misato as she stretched out a hand to help Yori up.

Yori let out of a sigh of relief. "Oh, it's just you, Misato." She accepted the girl's hand and got up. "And cut the formalities, okay?"

Misato nodded. "Sure,"

"By the way, what are you doing here? I did say you and others could take a few days off till the day before onii-chan's arrival, didn't I?" asked Yori.

"Yes, the others and I were called to come immediately earlier today." Misato replied with a sigh. "I didn't even have the time to call you, we wanted to call you. That witch is insufferable, if she gives me one more order I swear I'm gonna kill her." She finished a little agitated.

"Let me guess, Ren's newest girlfriend." Yori said deadpanned expression.

"Yeah, can you throw her out?" pleaded Misato. "None of us can take it anymore and it's only been three hours."

Yori looked at her with sympathy. "You know I can't do that," she started. "She is a guest and Ren's girlfriend." She patted Misato on the shoulder as she was passing by her towards the stairs. "However, if she wants to leave on her on accord I'm not gonna stop her." She grinned towards Misato.

Misato grinned back.

"Where is that aspirin I asked for? My head is killing me!" they all heard the shouts coming from upstairs.

"I wish," mumbled Misato.

Yori laughed. "I'll take care of that," she said to Misato. "Could you show my friends around? Some of my other friends will be coming later too and they will also be staying."

"Sure," replied Misato. "Hello," she greeted the boys with a small bow.

"Crow, Jack and Yusei, she is going to show you around while I meet the other guest. If you need anything just ask her. I'll see you guys later." With that she went upstairs.

"Since you are Yori's friends I'll make sure you feel comfortable so if you need anything just ask. I'm sure the others will feel please too." Misato said when Yori left.

"Others?" asked Jack.

"Why, yes; the other people who are part of the personnel of this house. We have Misaki-san, who is an excellent cook, Sam and Crystal who are maids like me," replied Misato.

"Wow, so she really is an ojou-sama." Commented Crow.

"Well, I guess I'll show you around." Misato said as she started guiding them around. "You can go into any of the rooms in the first floor. However, on the second floor there are four rooms that are prohibited. Master and Mistress' room, the young master's room and well, I don't know if she will allow you to enter since she doesn't let anyone go in." said Misato as she was guiding them towards the second floor. "These two rooms are always kept locked and are Yori's private rooms which she calls her library and entertainment room. She doesn't let anyone go in, no more than three steps from the door, at least." She laughed.

"Why is that?" asked Crow.

"Yori doesn't like when people touch her stuff without permission." She replied as they were about to go upstairs.

"Ren will know of this! UGH!" They saw a young woman, who looked a complete mess and was dripping wet yell as she was storming off down the stairs and leaving with a huge traveling bag. "Insolent brat!"

"Bye-bye, have a good trip!" Yori was smiling sweet with a satisfied face as she waved the older girl goodbye.

"That was fast," commented Misato laughing delighted. "What did you do?"

Yori faked a gasped. "How could do say something like that?" she pretended to be insulted. "It's not my fault I'm a little clumsy, y'know." She added pretending to be hurt.

Misato gave her a look. "What happened?"

"Well, I gave her the aspirin but I accidentally spill some of my juice on her and I was helping her getting it off of her clothes and well, I might have accidentally knocked her into the shower which I accidentally ended up opening while she was trying to get up." Yori replied as she was trying to hold her laughter.

The guys who were listening to their conversation somehow felt a little uneasy.

"If she did that by accident then I don't want to know what she would have done on purpose." Commented Crow.

"Did you really have to do that, Yori?" asked Yusei with a serious tone almost like he was scolding her.

His eyes were intense and she felt shy, they made her feel a little bad. "I only did what I had to do." She replied.

"You said you wouldn't throw her out." Yusei pointed out.

"And I didn't, she left on her own." Yori said defensively and her phone started ringing. "Ren," she answered as she looked at Yusei who didn't agree with her ways.

"I should probably warn you that Maurelle is a little-" Ren started but noticed she wasn't paying attention to him but at Yusei. "Are you listening to me?" he asked.

"I am and she left." Yori replied and looked at him.

"Eh?" Ren blinked. "That was fast," he commented "even for you."

"Ren, not in the mood right now," she said. "Just do us a favor to all and stop messing with young maidens' heart because I won't do this anymore." She stated.

"Eh? Why?" he asked curiously.

"One of my friends doesn't want me to play being bad," she said and Yusei nodded approvingly.

"Is that friend a guy?" Ren asked his tone a little bothered.

"Yeah," she replied.

"Oh no, well that boy better keep his distance or else." Ren threatened.

"Or else what?" Yori glared. "He is my friend and if you don't like that well, that's your problem, you hear me." She said sternly. "I really thought you and him could be friends since you have so much in common but you are gonna start acting like jerk like Ralph then…" she paused.

"Then what?" question Ren.

"Then, I don't want you to come back!" She shouted and hung up and looked down at the floor.

At that moment the front door open and Aki and the twins came in.

"Hi, we're here!" yelled Rua.

Yori took the small distraction and ran towards her room. Leaving the twins and Aki surprised.

"Yori?" asked Aki as she noticed the girl was crying. "What happened?"

The boys looked between themselves unsure of how to answer that. Even they weren't sure of what had just happened.

'What did I do?' Yori asked herself and she leaned against the door and cried.

Note: Sorry if I have a lot of grammar/spelling mistakes but I read it a few times and I couldn't find anymore. If you see some tell me to correct them, okay? please?

Edit: Okay! I correct the mistakes. BTW, ojou-sama is like "Milady" is normally use on a girl who is from wealthy family. Someone asked me and I know I should have put this up earlier, sorry.

Well, please don't forget to review, okay? I'd like to hear what you think of my fic. I don't bite. Till next time!