"Plans were changed." He said rather harshly. Mokuba noticed this.
"Seto, are you…"
"I'm fine," Kaiba said before entering his study, shutting the door aggressively. Mokuba stared at the door bewildered. He knew something was bothering his brother, but he couldn't figure out what. Normally when something went wrong, he'd just stay silent and brood over the situation, but this time it was different.
"I wonder what happened?"
Kaiba marched to his desk, whirling around it and sitting down. His insides were burning and it seemed nothing would cool it down. He closed his eyes, as images of Kyira kissing Takeshi repeatedly flashed in his mind. Clenching his fists, glaring at the walls when he remembered the box, pulling it out he stared at it, his fingers gripping its edges until they turned white. Scoffing, he opened it staring at the necklace that shone inside. "I'm a fool." He told himself closing the box and placing it inside the top desk drawer.
A week had passed and Kyira was all smiles. Sitting at the old studio, she laughed at a joke Hiro had just said. She seemed cheerier than usual and much more optimistic. She'd go home and do her homework since school was starting soon, help cook more which unfortunately for the Ishida's was not such a good thing. Matt watched her carefully not sure what to make of it all. Tea had told him what had happened and he was sure that something had happened between her and Kaiba but Kyira said nothing about it. She had come home the next day all smiles. She didn't even appear to have cried at all. Takeshi seemed moodier than ever and tended to avoid Kyira more now. It wasn't quite so apparent but enough for Matt to take notice. Sighing Matt picked up his guitar, "That's enough for today. See you all this weekend." Matt said packing up the rest of his things. The other guys merely shrugged and started to pack up as well. Kyira jumped up energetically picking her things and following behind her brother.
"That's rather odd of you to end practice so early, Matt. What's the deal?" Kyira asked him. He merely shrugged and walked to the van. Kyira bit her lip and picked up her pace a bit. "You're hiding something aren't you? I can feel it." She pressed, "So then, come on tell me. What's with you?" Matt piled his things in the van, and then grabbed Kyira's placing them neatly next to his before closing the back doors and heading for the driver's seat. "Matt?"
"I'm not the one hiding something." He simply stated. Kyira looked at him confused as she got in the van.
"Is that so? Well then who is?"
"Don't play dumb."
"I'm not, I have no clue as to what you're trying to say."
Matt sighed turning to his sister. "What's your deal? You're mighty cheery all of a sudden. Even more so than usual. You haven't said as many sarcastic remarks as usually and you're cooking. Cooking Kyira! We all know you can't cook to save your life."
Kyira tilted her head as she looked at her bother. "Your point is?"
"Kyira!" Matt closed his eyes trying to compose himself. "What happened that day?"
Kyira's smile faded slightly. "What…day?"
"You know which one. The one where you ended up at Tea's for the night."
Kyira's smile was wiped clean off her face and for half a second something flashed in her eyes. It appeared to Matt as if what he saw was a pained look, but it soon passed. "Nothing happened that day. "
Matt stared at her, but she looked away. Sighing he started the engine and drove. "Fine then, if you say so."
The keys were turned, and the front door opened. Inside Mr. Ishida sat at the table watching TV as he sipped his cup of coffee. He turned his head to see Matt and Kyira walking in. "Your home early." He commented slightly surprised.
Matt nodded as he took his equipment in his room. Kyira followed behind him, heading to her own room. Mr. Ishida watched them wondering what was up but figured it best not to pry. Turning back to the television, he drank his cup of coffee.
Later that night.
The door slowly opened and Matt peered inside. It was all dark, except for a hint of light shining through the window. Kyira appeared to be asleep, her back facing the door. Walking in, Matt slowly closed the door and headed for her bed, sitting down he glanced at his sister. "Kyira." He said softly though there was no response. He sighed and looked away. "Kyira, I know you're awake so there's no point in faking." Still no response from her, but he knew she was listening. "I don't know what happened. Even though I tried to get it out of you, if there's anyone in this family who's beyond stubborn and hardheaded it's you so I won't push anymore. But…but it kills me to see you like this. I know you're hurt and I wish you'd talk to me, someone, or something. We used to talk to each other about anything and everything and I would have hoped that that would have stayed the same. So you know I'll always be here if you need me and I'm sure eventually whatever happened eventually it'll all straighten out." Glancing back Kyira still hadn't moved, other than the slow pacing of her breathing. Getting up Matt headed for the door, where he slowly opened and it walked out.
Kyira's eyes slowly opened as she stared at the wall in front of her. Biting her lip, she thought to herself. If only it were that easy. Sitting up, she stared at the door. Shaking her head and laid back down, and tried to fall asleep.
"I'm hungry!"
"You're always hungry."
"That's not true."
"Name a time when you're not hungry."
Joey paused thinking a bit. "When I'm asleep." Tea slapped her forehead as Kyira started to crack up. Joey grinned cheekily as Tristan slapped his on his back.
"Joey, you even dream about food." Yu-gi grinned.
"I guess you could say Joey has a one tracked mind then." Joey shot a look at all of them.
"Say what? Yug of all people."
"Sorry Joey, but I'm afraid you lost this one."
Kyira was laughing even harder watching Joey ranting, trying to disagree with everyone. "Oh just give it up Joey. You like food and that's that. There's nothing wrong with that." Kyira said in-between laughs. Looking up her smile slowly faded. Further up the street Mokuba was pointing at something to his brother. Tea glanced over at Kyira and then to where she was looking at. Seeing Kaiba, she understood immediately though no one else seemed to take notice, too busy with poking fun at Joey.
Mokuba shrugged turning he spotted Kyira and the rest of the gang. Smiling he waved at her. Kyira noticed Mokuba waving and waved back grinning. Looking up at Kaiba her grin weakened, as he stared at her coldly. She looked down to hide herself from his gaze. Mokuba jogged over to the group cheerily saying hi to everyone. "It's been awhile hasn't it?" Kyira nodded. Mokuba glanced over at Kyira, "I was wondering when you could come over again. You said you'd play for me but you never did."
Kyira bit her lip, not sure what to say. "Uh, yeah I guess I did say that didn't I…" She tried quickly to think of something, but was cut off by an icy voice.
"Don't waste your time Mokuba. Ishida's too wrapped up with her own things for that."
Kyira winced slightly at his tone. Mokuba frowned a bit. "You'll still be able to though right?" Kyira nodded, "Of course, just tell me a day and I'll come over." She said trying to sound confident."
Joey was glaring at Kaiba the whole time. "Wheeler I suggest you sit before the pound comes lock you up." Joey instantly went to leap for Kaiba, but was held back by Tristan and Yu-gi. "Come on Mokuba." Kaiba said turning not even bother to look at Kyira. Mokuba waved at them and then followed behind his brother. Kyira watched after them, her gaze never leaving Kaiba. Tea in turn watched Kyira knowing for sure now that her hunch had been correct. Tristan was poking fun at Joey as Yu-gi tried to contain his laughter. Kyira tried to laugh it up with them but failed miserably. Eventually she figured it best to just leave.
"I almost forgot I had some last minute things to do today. Sorry about that. I'll see you tomorrow!" She said running off down the street turning towards the park.
Matt put his guitar aside not looking at Takeshi who sat right next to him. Neither of them said anything for a while. They just sat in silence on the stage staring at the seats before them. Takeshi figuring Matt had something to tell him decided to break the ice first. "So, I'm guessing you didn't ask me to stay behind so we could enjoy this view together." Matt cracked a smile. "No, not really. Sorry to disappoint you." Takeshi chuckled.
"I'll live." Matt sighed as he leaned back, "Actually I wanted to ask you something…about Kyira."
Takeshi grew serious and rather edgy hearing her name. "Yeah, what about her?"
"I wanted to know if perhaps, you knew why she's been…well you know acting different." Takeshi stayed quiet. "Look." Matt sat up, "You're my pal and I know for a fact that you like my sister." Takeshi glanced over at Matt wide-eyed in surprise. "You're not exactly that discreet with it you know." Matt said in response to the look. "The others may not have noticed it but I did. I guess that's what happens when you've been friends with someone for so long." Matt wasn't sure how to break it to him. He knew he'd be crushed; after all, he had liked Kyira for so long. Almost from when she had first joined the band a couple of years ago. "Uh…Takeshi I'm not sure how to break it to you. I hate to say this, but I think it's best I tell you now before anything else happens."
Takeshi glanced over at Matt, "What do you mean?"
Matt sighed, "Well Kyira actually, well she likes Kaiba and I think he likes her as well."
Takeshi's eyes widened as he looked over at his friend.
"What?"
"Yeah, I know. It's somewhat weird. I didn't believe it when Kyira first told me either." Matt said shaking his head, as he ruffled his hair a bit.
Takeshi stared at the floor at bit, remembering how Kaiba had looked at Kyira that day and how upset she seemed. "It makes sense now." He mumbled to himself.
"You say something?" Matt asked him, but Takeshi shook his head.
"No, nothing."
"So…you ok?"
"Yeah I'm cool."
Matt grinned patting Takeshi on the back. "Cool. Well that's all I wanted to say, so see you at the next practice then."
Takeshi nodded as Matt walked out. Sighing he leaned back. "So much for my chance." Sighing again, he jumped up and headed out.
Kyira kicked her feet as she sat on the bench. She didn't know why, but it seemed she always found herself coming here now. It was near this very spot when Kaiba had first told her he liked her, sort of. Her eyes watered slightly at the thought of him. She sighed as she closed her eyes and leaned back on the bench just breathing in the fresh air. The surrounding trees seemed to calm her and she was glad for it. "Is this seat taken?" Kyira's eyes shot open as she turned her head to where the voice came from.
"Huh, oh Takeshi! What are you doing here?"
Takeshi grinned, "Is that a no then?"
Kyira smiled, "Yeah that'd be a no." Takeshi sat down and looked around.
"It's nice here. I never really paid much attention to this place till now. It's actually kind of peaceful here." Kyira nodded in agreement.
"Yeah it is. I always find myself coming here when I need to think or getaway. Sometimes I don't even realize where I'm headed and next thing I know I'm here." She grinned shaking her head.
Takeshi nodded, "Yeah I can see that." They sat in silence for a while. "I'm sorry about the other day." Kyira looked over at him slightly confused. "The kiss and all." Kyira nodded.
"Right." She looked at the floor, shuffling her feet. "No worries, it's all cool and all. You don't need to apologize. I was…well I was just surprised is all."
Takeshi leaned forward on his knees nodding, "Yeah I bet. I've liked you for a long time now, but I've never been able to say anything to you. After all we fought so much I thought you hated me."
Kyira laughed, "I only fought with you because you picked a bunch of fights with me. I never hated you. After all you were the only one who made a big deal about me joining the band."
Takeshi grinned as he remembered, "Well I was mad since it was all last minute, but I got over that quickly. I just kept up the act to save face."
Kyira looked over at him, "Are you kidding me. That's lame."
"Hey, the last thing I needed was to look soft all of a sudden." He said trying to defend himself.
"Whatever." Kyira said laughing.
"Matt told me." Kyira stopped. "I didn't know, if I did I wouldn't have done that."
Kyira grew quiet, she had almost forgotten about Kaiba, but now it was all coming back to her and she felt sad all over again. "It's alright, how could you have known. No one did, I mean I barely did." She smiled weakly. "But it doesn't matter anymore."
Takeshi looked over at her, "What do you mean?"
"He hates me now so it doesn't matter. I don't think he even liked me that much to begin with. But it's alright. It's alright." She said muttering to herself. Takeshi felt guilty knowing very well it was his fault. "Have you talked to him? Explained to him what really happened?" Kyira shook her head. "Why not?"
Kyira seemed very small all of a sudden. He had never seen her so quiet and withdrawn. For as long as he's known her she had always been loud, and spunky. She always had something to say and she never allowed anything to get to her. She was a fighter through and through. That was one of the things he liked about her. "No, there's no point. I saw everything I need to hear from him today when he looked at me. To go any further would just make me look pathetic. I don't want to seem that way to him." She looked up at Takeshi and smiled. "It was nice while it lasted and I can hold onto that."
Takeshi looked at her amazed. He could see how much she hurt inside and still she tried to look on the bright side. He grinned getting up, "You should still talk to him. After all you seem to be really in love with him."
Kyira looked at him bewildered. "What?"
Takeshi glanced down at her. "Well with the way you're talking and how your eyes get whenever you mention his name, it's rather obvious."
"I'm not…no I mean, I like him sure but I can't say I'm in love with him. I mean we never even really dated and no…no that's impossible."
"Sometimes people fall in love faster than they realize. But in your case I think you always were, after all you were the only one who defended him the whole time. No matter how much of jerk he was."
Kyira shook her head stubbornly. "That means nothing. I defend anyone and everyone who I believe is in the right. That doesn't mean I'm in love with everyone now does it?" She said matter-a-factly.
Takeshi shrugged walking away, "Suit yourself, you're just in denial that's all." He waved without another word and left Kyira to her thoughts.
I'm not in love with him…am I?