"Are you sure you want to go with me now? I can always come back after I finish up at the police station."

Serenity shook her head. "It doesn't make sense for you to go all that way to come back for me. A short morning walk will do me some good."

She could hear her brother sigh, but he didn't comment further. Serenity imagined Joey was rolling his eyes at the moment. Still, she didn't enjoy being cooped up all day. The furthest she felt safe venturing outside was their garden and that only because it was gated.

Serenity never left home any more, since Joey was often between his job and house chores. She tried to help out where she could, but cleaning was difficult in a foreign kitchen. She was starting to build a physical memory of the place, but it would take more time before she could move at ease through the house.

It had been months and Serenity still struggled to get use to the life of the blind. One doesn't realize how much they depend on their sight in their daily life. Even as her other senses tried to compensate for the missing vision, she still found herself searching, desperate for a glimmer of light in her torn, scarred eyes.

She and Joey planned to see a doctor who had worked with a partially blind man. He was able to regain some of his lost sight and a pair of powerful glasses helped him get by. At this point, that's all Serenity hoped for. To just get by.

She felt guilty about burdening her brother so.

Serenity didn't like weighing down her brother, but she had little say in the matter. Unmarried and blinded, her prospects for marriage were slim and any hope of working in a factory taken away with her sight. Joey insisted that it was not an issue, knowing that she needed the support more than she would like to admit. He would joke about, saying that he always wanted an opportunity to spend more time with his little sister.

But she could hear him working late into the night.

So even though Serenity felt nervous about traveling around the city, she refused to make her brother's day longer by making him double back to fetch her. She could manage a quick detour to the hospital. Perhaps she could drop by and say hi to Ryou. He had been rather nice to talk to him again, despite the topic of discussion.

And Serenity secretly hoped to run into a certain commissioner. She hadn't had the chance to speak to him since…

Serenity was distracted by her thoughts as she heard Joey return, likely ready for their outing. She felt his fingers brush against her shoulders, Serenity turning as she took the shawl from her brother. Though spring was upon them, winter seemed to linger in England longer than most places.

She held out her hand, knowing that when Joey was ready, he would take hold and lead them both out. Serenity could feel the sun on her face even without her sight to guide her. She smiled, the city still fairly quiet this early in the morning. The cold air felt refreshing and rejuvenating, and the birds chirping resonated with her.

Their pace was leisurely, having departed with enough time to get to both appointments. For as disorganized and scatterbrained as Joey could be, he was extraordinarily timely. She supposed he'd have to be, being a clock smith.

Serenity smiled as she caught the scent of bread baking, making her mouth water even after having eaten. Joey's hand was warm and firm around her, assured in his touch as he guided them wordlessly through London. As her feet trailed down the cobblestone path, the soft chattering of the city waking surrounding her, Serenity could almost forget about her blindness, lost in the senses that filled the blanks for her.

Almost.

Serenity giggled, a memory flitting into mind. "Hey Joey, remember when we went to Brighton beach as kids?"

Joey hummed. "This was before mom died? Yeah, I remember that." He let out a soft chuckle. "It was a rather cold day."

Serenity nodded, a smile growing on her face. "It was September but it had gotten cold that one day, you insisted that it was still summer and wanted to go swimming."

Her brother groaned, Serenity fighting back a giggle. "Ah crap. Now I remember. Nobody stopped me from my stupid mission."

Serenity shrugged. "I figured I'd let you test out the water for me. I'm certainly glad I did."

"That was a miserable day at the beach."

If Serenity could roll her eyes, she would have. "No one forced you to get in the water."

"Nobody stopped me either!" Joey exclaimed, growing indignant.

Serenity laughed, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. It was nice to relax and enjoy her brother's company and not think of the darker things in her life.

Joey slowed their pace. Serenity perked her head up, her heart skipping a beat. "We're at the precinct. Let's find you a place to rest while I fix that clock of theirs."

Serenity nodded, a burst of courage suddenly letting a question slip past her lips. "Could I perhaps say hi to Commissioner Kaiba? If he's not too busy, that is."

Joey didn't respond immediately as they approached the building. Serenity felt cold being shielded from the sun. "I don't see why not… is there a reason you wish to speak to him?"

Serenity hated the teasing tone in her brother's voice, heat rushing to her face. "I- I just want to see how he's doing. I haven't had a chance to speak to him in person since I left the hospital and I-" She cut herself off, too embarrassed to go on in front of her brother.

A soft chuckle caught her ear, Jounouchi struggling to restrain himself. "Of all the men in this city Serenity, why him?"

"Does that mean you won't introduce me?"

Jounouchi huffed. "Never said that. Just wish you had better taste."

Serenity bit back a smile, feeling victorious over her brother. Though he teased and complained, she suspected that Jounouchi didn't have any real ill intent towards the commissioner. Their personalities certainly clashed, but they respected each other. And Jounouchi could never say not to his sister.

Serenity felt excitement bubble in her chest at the chance of seeing the commissioner again, trying to better mask her emotions. These elated thoughts fluttered through her mind as she and Jounouchi entered the precinct, the warm air greeting them. But, more than just warm, it was hot and rather humid, Serenity frowning at the sudden shift.

The calm, quiet morning was interrupted by the sound of a bustling office. Serenity wasn't sure, but she could feel the air turning around her and the footsteps and voices told her of how crowded the atrium was. The sudden onslaught to her senses caught her off-guard, a panic rising in her chest. She brought her other free hand to grasp Joey's hand in both of hers, feeling disoriented in all the noise.

Joey tightened his grasp on Serenity, placing a free hand along her back to help guide her along. She furrowed her brows, caught between nervousness and frustration at her own handicap.

Wherever Joey was leading them, the noise seemed to follow them, the precinct much busier and more chaotic than usual. Serenity felt someone push past them, people brushing about leaving her lost. She held tight to her brother's hand, biting back a whimper. She hated the noise. It was too much. It was too loud and she couldn't make sense of her surroundings.

"What the hell is going on here?" Serenity caught the muttered question from Joey. He seemed just as baffled and annoyed by the chaos around them, though she suspected it was for her sake more than anything.

A sharp voice cut through the rabble both siblings turning towards the source. "It's about time you got here, Mr. Wheeler."

Serenity perked up, recognizing the brusque voice. Joey huffed, likely a scowl already on his face. "Piss off, Kaiba! I'm seven minutes early. What the hell has got your station in a fit? Everyone's running about like chickens with their heads cut!"

Kaiba sighed heavily. "Things are rather stressful at the moment. Matters have taken a turn for the worst in one of our most important cases."

Despite the chaos around her, Serenity felt her heart jump to her throat. Ryou flashed in her mind before the words passed her lips. "Do you mean the Jack the Ripper case?"

Kaiba didn't reply immediately, Serenity turning to where he last spoke. The very man still struck fear into her, but ignorance terrified her more than the truth. She hated not being in the know, or for lack of better words, being in the blind.

"Serenity." Kaiba's voice was soft and placating. As if he didn't want to discuss the topic, knowing that it would likely upset her.

Serenity could deal with being a little upset. She shook her head. "Just tell me. Please. I need to know."

She could feel the eyes on her. Kaiba finally conceded, his voice regaining a bit of its harsh edge from before; "Yes. We had set a trap for him, but he saw through it. Ryou was taken hostage."

Serenity heard the words, but her mind couldn't process them. Though she knew it was her own mind playing tricks, she felt lost in the darkness, alone and trapped. The words clung on to her, dragging her back into that alleyway, where that awful cackle and gravelly voice taunted her, maimed her, stealing away any and all light in her life.

She felt Joey's hands grip her, Serenity realizing that she had grown faint. Her brother held her close, trying to get her attention. She shook her head, stumbling as she regained her balance after having slumped into her brother's arms.

"I'm fine," she mumbled, her voice weak. Joey's grip tightened, forcing Serenity to speak the words again, stronger and firmer. "I'm okay. Just a bit lightheaded. It's rather warm in here."

She knew that Joey didn't believe her lie, but let it go nonetheless.

"Maybe you should sit down for a bit. It's rather loud and hot right now."

Serenity nodded, feeling a blush burn on her cheeks. Sitting sounded wonderful, if only that it gave Joey some time away from watching her every move like a parent with a toddler. She needed to be away from the bustle of the office.

Kaiba coughed lightly, catching their attention. "If you want to rest somewhere quieter, you can sit in my office. Nobody will bother you there and it's reasonably quieter."

Serenity smiled, her face feeling warm for a different reason. "That's very kind of you. I'd appreciate that. Is that okay, Joey?" Serenity wanted to make sure her brother was okay with her absence, though she suspected she knew the answer.

Joey squeezed her hand briefly. "Sure. I'll finish up with the clock and we can leave when you're feeling better, okay?"

Serenity nodded, returning the squeeze. Joey's hands were always warm, calloused from his previous work in carpentry and woodwork. He had always been rather crafty, and his hands were the evidence of that life.

Perhaps that's why she focused so much on his hands. She had never realized how much she could learn from a person from touch alone. This simple contact taught her what they chose to do with their hands. Perhaps it was silly, but Serenity needed this contact to make sense of the people around her.

She also found comfort in touch. Joey's hands were always warm, even a little hot at times. Every time, it was a little different. Sometimes they were dried and cracked from the cold winter air, other times sweaty from his work. But without fail, they would always be warm.

Jounouchi guided her, assured in his steps. Serenity knew they reached Kaiba's office by the cool air that greeted her. Serenity heard a door closing, the sound suddenly dampened and almost nonexistent. She let out a breath that she didn't realized she had been holding. Something scraped across the hardwood floor.

"Here." Jounouchi took her by the elbow, gently urging her downward. She took the hint, her free hand reaching to her side until she felt the arm of the chair. She used that to help lower herself into the chair, relaxing into the soft cushion. It was a welcome reprieve from the whirlwind entrance into the police precinct.

"Will you be okay to wait here while I finish up the repairs?" Jounouchi asked, his hand still holding hers.

Serenity nodded, her dizziness already fading. "I'll be fine. Go take care of business."

Jounouchi grunted, but squeezed her hand briefly before letting go. The door slid open once more, the sound bombarding her for a second before closing again. Only after her brother left did Serenity sink back into the chair, exhaustion muddling her mind. So early in the morning and already, the news she received hung like a dark shadow over all of them.

Serenity clenched her hands together, slow measured breaths calming her nerves. She wouldn't let herself panic now. The terrors couldn't reach her and fear wouldn't help her in this situation. Commission Kaiba and the rest of the police would take care of the situation. They would find Ryou and stop…

The door swung up, the hinges creaking over the ruckus outside. Serenity jerked her head, instinct demanding that she search for the new guest. Before she could ask, a voice greeted her, low and gentle.

"It's just me, Serenity. Sorry to have startled you."

Serenity sighed, her cheeks warming. "It's alright. I wasn't expecting you to enter." She realized how stupid her statement sounded only after the fact. Of course Kaiba would go back to his office. Serenity should make herself scarce, not wishing to draw unwanted attention from peering eyes.

She paused when the door clicked shut. A soft shuffle drew closer to her and Serenity could sense Kaiba's presence near her. Serenity made to stand up, but Kaiba reached out a hand to rest on hers, a gentle command.

"You don't have to go. Rest. Nobody will bother you here." He reassured her, his hands an icy shock to her system.

Serenity could feel her ears burn but she nodded. She couldn't think of much to say, more preoccupied by the cold hand holding hers. The difference jarred her in how two people she trusted could feel so different. Jounouchi's hands were always warm, even a little sweaty at times. There was comfort in that, an expression of who he was.

Kaiba was the opposite. His hands were always cold, like ice.

Perhaps it would be easy to write this off as a display of character. But Serenity didn't pay heed to the cold touch, rather the gentle hold he had on her. For someone who was usually so brusque, his touch served a buoy in the chaotic swirl to her senses, delicate and attentive to her needs.

Perhaps his hands were cold, but Serenity sensed that his heart was warm.

"Thank you," Serenity muttered, now feeling bashful that she was alone with Kaiba.

"It's no trouble. How have you been?" Kaiba asked, his voice still keeping its gruff edge.

Serenity smiled, amused at how Kaiba seemed to act indifferent, but his words betrayed him. "I'm okay. I'm going to see a doctor who specializes in optometry. He's going to take a look and see if there's anything that can be done with my eyes."

Despite the fact that Serenity sat and no longer needed guidance, Kaiba continued to hold her hands. It sounded as if he were right in front of her, likely sitting or perhaps even kneeling. She wondered if he had work he needed to do, but figured that he probably needed a break from the chaos of the precinct as well. She wouldn't blame him.

"That's good news. Perhaps you'll have your solution sooner than you previously thought."

Serenity's smile faltered, dropping her head slightly. She remembered when she had still been recovering, Kaiba had visited with Ryou for the case. More surprisingly, Kaiba visited her outside of work hours. He insisted it was because he never stopped working, but Serenity couldn't help but suspect it was for her own comfort and company. Those first days had been horribly terrifying and lonely. Kaiba had helped her feel less lonely, encouraging her to not yet give up hope on regaining her sight.

And it had worked for a while. But the months had worn on her and Serenity felt her faith crumbling with each passing day.

"You seem unsure." Kaiba's soft words distracted her.

Serenity sighed. "Perhaps it's a bit grim to think this way, but I'm coming to the realization that the key to happiness is low expectations."

Kaiba didn't respond quickly. She felt his thumb brush over her knuckles, the sensation electrifying. "Serenity..."

She shook her head. "It's not that I've given up hope, but attaching my happiness to the possibility of regaining my sight isn't helpful either. I'm trying to find a middle ground. I will continue to look for a means to restore what was lost but I'm learning to be content with my current life, as difficult as it may be."

Kaiba hummed at her words, almost thoughtfully. "What you say makes sense. Though I imagine it's easier said than done."

Serenity frowned, debating how much to say. She normally didn't spill out her thoughts, but Kaiba was easy to talk to. "I'm... struggling with this new life. It gets easier each day, but I'm always reminded of what is forbidden to me as well. I can never be independent again - I fear that I will always be a burden to my brother."

"You know he would never think that," Kaiba chided.

"Perhaps, but it doesn't change the fact that watching over me is causing a strain in his life. Caring for me as well as working to provide for both of us is unfair to him," Serenity argued back. Maybe she was being too hard on herself, but she wouldn't play ignorant. She could see how difficult this adjustment to their lives had been on both of them.

"Things will work out. It may be hard right now, but putting yourself down for things you have no control over nor were your fault to begin with will do nothing for you in the long run." Kaiba's voice was clipped and short, as if giving an order. He left no room for further argument.

Serenity paused, taken back by the tone before a laugh bubbled up in her. "I suppose you're right. I can't argue with your logic."

"Nor should you. I do have a reputation of being right around here. Most of the time."

Serenity giggled. "I'm sure that's the case." There it was again, Kaiba's brusque attitude hiding his truly caring nature. It never failed to amuse her.

Before Serenity realized what she was doing, her free hand reached forward, tentative and curious. She didn't know what compelled her but her fingertips reached until they brushed against cotton. She traced along his coat, crawling up to shoulders. There was a brief moment where her fingers left the fabric, lifting up until she brushed against his cheek.

Serenity had never met Kaiba prior to her injury, nor would she have needed to. Now that she could no longer see, she was curious as to what he looked like. Perhaps that's why her fingers traced along his jaw, trying to create visual through touch alone, learning more of the man in front of her through bits and pieces.

She could feel the stubble beneath her fingertips. She traced upward, fingers slipping into his short hair. It felt fine to the touch, yet clumped between her fingers, the silky texture rather pleasant.

Kaiba said nothing, letting her explore by touch. Serenity wasn't sure why he was letting her do so, but then again, she wasn't sure why she reached out to touch him in the first place. Perhaps he was just as confused as she was and he couldn't find the words to ask why. Maybe he was too scandalized to speak. She prayed that wasn't the case.

Serenity let her hand drop down, tracing along his cheeks. She noticed how pronounced his cheekbones were, stronger than his jawline had felt. Strange that despite how cold his hand felt in hers, his cheek felt warm under her touch.

"Serenity." Her name was like a whisper on his lips, softer than any breeze.

"What color are your eyes?" Serenity blurted out, curious as she started to gain a better picture of who Kaiba was.

"... Blue."

Serenity smiled. "That's my favorite color."

He chuckled. "Mine as well."

"It appears we have much in common, Mister Kaiba." Serenity teased as she lowered her hand. She could feel the heat rushing to her face as she realized what she did. If she was more witty and clever, she would brush the action off as just a habit she developed upon losing her sight. But Serenity knew the truth as it blazed across her cheeks.

He chuckled, bring Serenity back to the moment. She drew her hand away, realizing how exceedingly forward and uncouth she had been.

"Wait, don't-" A cold hand reaching out to hold hers, freezing her to her spot.

Serenity furrowed her brows, confused. "I'm sorry?"

"Please." Serenity felt the heat spreading to her ears. Was that nervousness she detected in his voice? "Don't stop… I, er-"

Serenity was frustrated with her own blindness - it now denied an opportunity to see Kaiba blushing in front of her. And she knew he was blushing, almost as much as she was.

"Okay..." Serenity grew bashful, uncertain of using his first name so freely. Her hand returning brushing against his jaw, feeling flushed and praying that this moment would last. If she couldn't see Kaiba, she could at least have this moment. No other thought mattered except their shared time now.

So distracted her own sensory exploration that she didn't notice Kaiba moving his hand until she felt a tingle of cold against her cheek, cool and refreshing after the unbearable warmth that had spread from affection and embarrassment. She froze, allowing Kaiba to brush his fingers against her cheek, sweeping her hair back behind her ear. Serenity felt her breath hitch, her heart racing at the gesture.

A loud knock at the door made them both jump. Serenity swung her head back toward the new sound, Kaiba snatching his hand away. She imagined they both looked like shy youths having been caught in the act. Kaiba sighed, shifting away as he stood up. Serenity took this moment to fan herself, her head buzzing with too many thoughts to deal with.

Even though they had left the lobby to find some fresh air, Serenity felt too warm. She didn't mind though, with the way her heart fluttered in her chest. She had feared her thoughts and feelings were not reciprocated. It didn't occur to her that Kaiba would have those same fears.

Serenity leaned back in the chair, tuning out the conversation at the door. Kaiba was muttering something about autopsy reports, which she suspected tied to the Jack the Ripper case. She didn't want to hear the specific details, knowing that that an in-depth analysis of another victim would make her feel ill.

Or at least that was what she had planned until she heard a second voice speak up.

"The latest victim was killed by a sliced artery. Aside from our killer liking knives, I can't tell you what sort of knife nor the maker."

Serenity felt her blood run cold, his breath stopping at the gravelly voice.

She squirmed, unable to escape the weight pinning down against the cobblestone path. "What's a lovely thing like you doing out so late? Didn't your parents warn you not to talk to strangers?"

"Damn. I was hoping we could outsource on this and find a seller," Seto muttered.

"Ryou had already asked me about that weeks ago. I'm afraid that's a dead end."

Serenity shook her head, wrapping her arms around herself. She knew that voice. She knew the awful, growling sound that echoed in her very bones.

Purple eyes leaned in, a sharp gleam in the darkness. "Why don't you give me a scream? See what happens when you try to escape. It's more fun when there's a struggle."

"Is there anything else you need from me? If not, I'm going to drop off this last report to Malik and be on my way."

Seto gave a beleaguered sigh. "Fine. Get out of here. But don't make any plans. I might need to call you in soon."

Serenity couldn't breathe, growing lightheaded. She couldn't escape him. He was right here. He was here. He was-

His laugh was mocking, cruel. "Beg all you want - I intend to enjoy every moment of this." A flash of steel glinted in the night.

His laugh.

Serenity couldn't hear anything except his laugh.

She couldn't even remember what she last saw, but his laughter rang in her ears, delighted and manic.

It was all she could remember before everything went dark.

Serenity didn't remember blacking out. She was so used to swimming in darkness. It was only when she heard a voice calling to her, muted and muddled as if she were trapped underwater.

One voice became two, as Serenity finally seemed to break through the surface. She groaned, aware that she was no longer in a chair but almost cradled. She thought for a moment it was Kaiba until she was able to differentiate the voices around her. "Joey?"

"Are you okay? You passed out nearly half an hour ago," Joey asked, his voice urgent and desperate.

Serenity didn't understand the question, her mind still slow to respond. She heard footsteps across the hardwood.

"It's fairly warm in here. I'll open a window."

Kaiba left and Serenity heard a distinct creak of wood. The sound of rain falling filled the quiet room. Serenity shook her head, as if fighting a bad migraine. She sat up, a desperation filling her chest.

"Where is he?" she demanded, her heart pounding in her ears.

She could sense her companions' confusion in their silence.

"Where is who?" Joey asked.

Serenity shifted away, reaching out until her hand found a desk. She stumbled clumsily to her feet, ignoring her brother and Kaiba's attempt to help her up. "The man with the purple eyes. The one who came by your office."

Kaiba paused, a curious note in his voice; "Namu came by awhile back... but how did you know he had purple eyes?"

Namu. That was his name.

Now she knew the name of the man who tried to kill her.

"It was him. He's the one who blinded me. He's Jack the Ripper."