Hello to all! Wow, I didn't expect that much goodness from the first chapter, but I am so pleased that I received all those reviews. I'm quite happy to get feedback from both my old supporter's, and some friendly new ones too. You are all too kind! Anyway, here are my replies to all the pleasant people, and I'm relieved that there were no flames in sight.

Hutchy: I know, he seems really interested, but who can blame him, being alone for all that time, and here you will find out about her feelings too. Thank you so much.

Elusia: I know, I did make him taller which would fit since he's older and everything, though still cute. Thanks for the comments, as for the secret about Kitty; I must hide that for now, some hints in the chapter though.

Dark mage of the sea 13: I appreciate your enthusiasm, and expect more mischief from cupid with what happens later on. Very sweet stuff, I hope!

the1koolkitty: So thankful you like it! Alleluia! At least I can continue now without worry, but I insist on your saying if you dislike anything later on. I also gave you a made-up surname, which will be mentioned so I hope you don't mind. Thanks again!

Freakster: Yes I'm back and have mailed you, so be kind enough to reply. Anyway I'm pleased you liked it. I must say that Kaiba will appear in the story as a supporting character, which will make you feel better. I promise to work on my next Kaiba story soon. Thanks a million!

Curtis Zindane Ziraa: Glad you like it, and I hope you like this chapter just as much!

Minor Arcana: I did try to set atmosphere so it would be realistic when I started so it would be easier to get going, but I'm happy that it was approved by others. I will watch the paragraphs and try to divide them into shorter chapters. More about Kitty in this chapter and thanks for the support.

Una 1: Does she really look like you? I had to ask the1koolkitty about the appearance and persona, which makes that a scary coincidence. Happy you like it, and there is hint's about Kitty's past in this chapter. Thanks a lot!

Secluded Sapphire: Nice to see you like it, and appreciate your encouragement.

Now on with the next chapter, I have to work on another Seto fic, as well as others of different anime shows. Fans of Beyblade and Shaman King can look out for them. Love SGCred xxx

Chapter 2: Employment of House and Heart

As the young man bustled around in the kitchen preparing something for his new acquaintance to eat, kitty reached for the bag she had with her and pulled it onto her lap. Rummaging through its contents she finally found a black and purple notebook with silver ring binding and a matching fountain pen. Once she sat the case back on the floor, the girl propped herself up, perching the book in her lap and began to write.

Diary/Autobiography of Kitty Carson

Tuesday 18th May 2004 6.25pm

Hard to believe as it is, but I'm finally away from that despicable asshole. He took a lunge at me as I left with his knife, stabbing me for desertion, but I knocked him off. He crashed against the back window, so he was unconscious but alive when I ran for my life. I can't go to the police; otherwise I would be in trouble too. Besides but I fear what will happen. It's understandable, due to my experiences with the authorities.

Anyway, I'm safe for now, in this quaint little games store a couple of towns away. Wandering by it this afternoon, though I have an interest in duel monsters, I paid no attention and wanted to find a hiding place to treat my wound, until I saw someone inside the shop, struggling with a massive box and was about to fall of a ladder. What could I do, let the poor person break their neck?! I may have been running scared, but I've seen enough suffering at the moment to let something like that happen before my eyes, so I went in and helped the person, forgetting about my own problems for a while.

When I finally caught sight of the storekeeper I assisted, I promise I couldn't have felt more shaken. He was just so nice-looking! Wild tri- coloured hair of black and red spikes and gold bags that fall over the most amazing amethyst eyes I've ever seen. They were just so spellbinding I couldn't help but stare. He caught my eye and I blushed like crazy! I noticed he went a little red too, which made me fell so warm inside. He gave me a thank you for saving him from a trip to the hospital, and I couldn't help but smile, even giggle. I've always tried to be serious and was able to hold back the need for childish antics, but it just exploded out of me. That's a real accomplishment for this guy.

I did plan to leave before things became awkward but he caught sight of my lame walk and saw my cut under my coat. How did he know anyway? He offered to patch me up and even carried me up the stairs to his house above the store. I felt so safe in those arms. Not only handsome but sweet and funny too. When the subject of how I hurt myself came up, he took the hint when I didn't reply and didn't press for answers. Now he offered to let me spend the night to heal.

Being shut out from others for so long, I've never thought about being attracted to a boy, but he's different. His name is Yugi and he's such a wonderful guy. I don't know what it is, but when I huddled up to him as he lifted me off the ground, I swear I felt sparks of electricity between us. It may be too soon to tell...but I know for sure this sort of connections is based on more than just a little crush.

Closing the book over, Kitty looked towards the kitchen, seeing Yugi fussing over food for both of them. She grinned happily, thinking of how lucky she was and forgetting all her problems, having a chance to dream.

All of this seemed perfect to the young man, as it felt so natural that the girl in the next room should be there. He was beginning to feel glad his spirit companion had persuaded him to stay home instead of going for the delivery. If so, he probably would have missed her passing by completely. Speaking of which, the ghostly form of the former pharaoh appeared once more in the kitchen next to his young friend, smiling broadly.

"What? Yami, why are you staring at me like that for? And what's with the huge grin?" he questioned, seeing the man's triumphant look.

"You know why I'm glowing so much. I'm just happy young one, pleased that you found love..."

"I'm not in love! I barely know her!" he protested, placing out a bottle of fizzing soda from the fridge, pouring it into two glasses.

"Still, you were nice enough to carry her up here and take care of her."

"What was I supposed to do, let her bleed?! It seems like Kitty's been through enough."

"Oh, it's Kitty now is it?" he smirked.

"Not funny Yami, it's her name after all. It doesn't mean anything."

"Okay, you don't have to get upset, I was only teasing you." Yami eased, as he saw the younger boy settle down and continued making a plate of chicken salad sandwiches before speaking again. "I was also going to say you should be careful when speaking to her..."

"What do you mean? Surely she's not dangerous..."

"No, I don't mean that. It's just I sense she's feeling very cautious and may resist your gestures of kindness. She must have been through something awful, because from what I can tell she fears letting other become close to her." he explained as his friend placed the food and drink on a tray.

"Well, then I plan to help her in any way I can. No matter what, it would be better for her not to feel lonely. I just hope I can assure her."

"Trust me, I know that if anyone can show her what it means to have companionship, it's you Yugi. Besides, it will be good for both of you in my opinion." the spirit replied.

"I suppose do, but you better watch it too. No..."

"Prodding around in her mind, reading her thoughts or appearing around her. You know I don't do things like that unless necessary."

"Really? Then why did you invade Kaiba's conscious when he came into the shop last week? Don't lie to me, because he said he felt like his head had been penetrated. There's no other explanation." Yugi accused, looking at the man suspiciously.

"I was only having a little fun with him. No harm done to his brain."

"Just quit you're messing around, with Kaiba or Kitty, okay? I don't want her freaking out."

"Yugi, are you okay in there? It sounds like you're talking to someone." Kitty's voice called from the living room.

"It's fine, nothings going on. I'll be in soon, just a few minutes." he replied

"Seems you're the one 'freaking her out', no me" Yami chuckled holding back laughter.

"Quit joking around, just talk through the link, and only appear if she's not there, understand?" he commanded, picking up the tray with their supper on it.

"You make it sound like she'll always be here Yugi."

"Well...I don't know...I just hoped...I would see her again after this." the smaller boy mumbled meekly as he left the kitchen and headed into the next room. Yami disappeared back into the puzzle quietly, thinking on how the meeting with Kitty had affected his counterpart.

'My senses tell me there is a connection of emotions between them. To help out, there would have to be a way to make them closer and grow a bond, and I think I know how to do it...'

"Hope you're hungry, because I doubt I can eat all of this by myself. Besides, you need the strength more than me." Yugi chirped happily, sitting next to the girl and passing her the plate. She picked up a sandwich, and began to eat.

"That's okay, I'm starved after everything that's happened today." she said calmly, sipping some soda to wash the food down. "I just feel pretty lucky I ran into you."

The boy just smiled, while having some of his own portion of the meal. He tried to keep his head bent down as much as possible. That way he could look at her freely without worry of her spotting him or his pink tinted cheeks form time to time.

As they sat quietly, he wasn't sure how to begin talking to her. There was so much he could have asked Kitty about her wound, and what she seemed so nervous about, but since they barely knew each other he didn't want to prod or upset her. He wished to make her comfortable with him, so they could be friends at least, then she may have been able to talk about the incident of her own accord. He was so caught up in thought he didn't snap out of his trance until feeling a hand on his shoulder.

"Yugi, is something the matter?" she questioned in a concerned tone.

"No, I'm perfectly fine. Just lost in thought that's all." he confirmed, trying not to look embarrassed, but soon caught on to her hazel eyes locked on an object. A photograph to be precise. He smiled gently at her as she noticed his gaze and blushed a little at being spotted looking at the picture.

"Sorry, I just..."

"Nothing to be sorry about Kitty. I often stare at that picture a lot too."

"Are they your friends?" she asked

"Yeah, they are, my very best friends." he stated in a kind manner, picking up the frame from the table and glancing at each person in turn that stood in the shot. It had been taken at the end of Battle City with everyone standing close and smiling brightly. It had all taken place a few years ago, before everything began changing.

"They look like a really nice bunch, all grinning and happy...Hey I'm not sure but it looks like the end of a tournament, seeing as they are holding prizes for the winners in this photo."

"Yes, I competed, that was the famous Battle City championships that took place quite a while back in Domino," he explained seeing how lovely Kitty looked as she smiled at the picture, then examined closer, grasping the truth. She could clearly recognise Yugi standing in the centre, holding his trophy and medal, the symbol of first place, and everyone involved in duelling knew who won the championship of that tournament. "What's wrong?" Yugi asked on seeing her realisation.

"I can't believe...I was so stupid not to put the pieces together already! It makes sense! You're Yugi Mutou, King of Games! You've defeated all the best duellists in the world, including Seto Kaiba and Maximillion Pegasus, creator of the game."

"Well, yeah I guess, but that was ages ago, I haven't competed in a competition for years...Wait a minute, if you know about the contests, then by any chance do you duel?"

Kitty went scarlet somewhat unnerved that he figured out she played the game so easily, but could you expect form one of the top rank duellists of all time?

"Not very well, and I never competed professionally, just for fun using my deck in the arcade simulations."

"Simulations? Didn't you just play against your friends?"

The girl looked away dismally, regret seeping into her while she bit her lip to hold back small trickling tears that threatened to fall down her cheeks. It had been pleasant looking at the photo, but it struck a nerve, showing her the things she never had in life. Seeing how saddened she looked, Yugi cautiously put his hand over hers in a gentle gesture, not wishing to force her in revealing anything, as well as letting her realise someone was there to support her. The action did soothe her enough to speak.

"It's just... well I'm...pretty much a loner...always have been...and never made friends." she whimpered.

"Kitty, you're a lovely person, I don't see where you could have a problem in making friends." Yugi commented, squeezing her hand.

"Let's just say my obligations with my family didn't give me time to socialise. I also had some private issues in that area, which I didn't think I could confide in anyone." she whispered water now flowing down her face. Sobbing, she cracked her hazel orbs open to see the young man holding a handkerchief in front of her, allowing her to take it and dab her damp eyes, and wipe the moisture off her glasses.

"Listen to me Kitty I'm guessing that you don't really want to talk about this, but if you need someone to consul with, feel free to tell all." he said, as his other hand took hers, softly gripping it with sympathy and kindness. "You may not have had anyone to confine in with your problems in the past, but I hope you know you have one friend here, me." he reassured her, loosening his grip. He received a small, but adorable in Yugi's opinion, grin from the auburn-haired girl as she settled once more.

"Thanks Yugi, that means a lot." she replied glad to have finally found someone who seemed to understand her.

On that note they talked for a few hours on all topics, showing that they shared a lot of common interest. They chatted happily on gaming, especially on duels, promising they would have to face each other at some point. Going back to the photograph, Kitty was quite intrigued to hear about Yugi's friends and the bond they all shared, having never experienced that type of relationship, or any type of closeness she talked about. The young man did not want to cause her discontent so didn't object when she changed the subject.

He explained that he had similar burdens, having to look after the store while his grandfather was on his archaeological expedition for a few more years, which had prevented him from making new companions, which he hoped to comfort the girl. They definitely shared close related pains which was why Yugi was beginning to feel bad as the conversation progressed, knowing that once healed from her injury he may never see Kitty again. She could swiftly walk out the door tomorrow, and out of his life.

The chattering continued into the night and as the pair realised they were both worn out from the day's events, decided it was best to say goodnight. However beforehand, Yugi made sure to check her gash and lining it with softer bandages so she would be comfortable for the night. The girl's eyes glittered at his considerate gesture for her well being, making them both a little embarrassed.

"Well, guess we better sort out the sleeping arrangements." he announced

"You're right, and I'm very grateful to you. I doubt I'll this lucky when I leave here."

"I'm not sure I understand what you're saying Kitty."

"You see, I lived in a town a good distance from here, but decided to leave for personal reasons." She paused, letting Yugi nod allowing her to continue without having to bring up the exact details. "Anyway, I rushed away, and all my money was tied up in my brothers account, so I couldn't withdraw it, so I had to come all this way with no finances whatsoever." she blurted out.

"Then what are you going to do?"

He couldn't hide his concern. Even after spending only on evening with her, Yugi had grown to understand and treasure their blossoming relationship through talking. The peculiar connection they shared seemed to link with both of them feeling alone in the world at times.

The difference was that while Kitty had made the choice years before and never knew what she was missing. Yugi had to deal with matters in another way. He had been left responsibilities, and he never asked for his friends to leave, obviously realising how dramatically it would alter for him. At least his family and friends kept in contact with him, he still had Yami to talk to, or even Kaiba at times when he was in a reasonable mood. This poor girl never seemed to have anyone she could rely on or trust.

"Well, I can stay in a hostel for a while until I find a job. Once I earn some money I can buy an apartment to live in. it won't be easy but I'll manage." she croaked showing she wished there was a better way.

'I wish I could do something to help her. It's not fair at all.' the boy thought, until he heard a familiar voice answer him in his mind.

'You can Yugi. There is a way you can assist her. Just think about what she requires, and you both can benefit.' Yami confirmed.

'What do you mean...Hey that's it! Thanks Yami, I owe you one.' he thanked graciously as he closed the link and turning back to the girl next to him.

"You don't have to live in homeless shelter, or look for employment Kitty, I'll take care of it."

"What? I don't understand, how can you..."

"You need a home and job right? Well, you can work for me. I told you all about having to run the store on my own, I was already thinking of hiring an assistant you have good experience in gaming so it would be perfect. What do you think?"

"Oh Yugi! That would be wonderful!" she cheered "But I still don't..."

"Have a home, I know. I was thinking you could move in here too. You can stay in the spare room and work at the shop until you have enough to buy your own place."

"That's so generous of you Yugi. I'll only agree on one condition though, that I have to earn my keep. To prove my worth, you take some of my wage as rent money while I save the rest." she explained.

"If that's what makes you happy about the agreement...then you start first thing tomorrow morning." he cheered happily at his new friend and colleague with joy.

Soon afterwards, the room was cleaned up and dishes washed, before Yugi showed her to the spare room she would be sleeping in. Kitty clutched her bag as she looked at her new home, and she now had enough strength to hobble around but needed a full night's rest to prepare for the next day, so they both thought it best to go to bed.

"Goodnight Kitty." Yugi said pleasantly, but before he was able to leave received a shock as she came close to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him in a tight hug, as her lips came up and gave him a gentle peck on the cheek.

"Night Yugi. Sweet dreams, and thanks again for everything." She whispered releasing him and slinking into her room, smiling as she closed the door.

However, Yugi just stood there frozen. Touching his cheek, he went bright red. Finally he headed for his own room, still basking in pure sweet bliss.