here it is! the final chapter! gomen for the long wait. in Seto's P.O.V. (mostly...now enjoy!)

---At Kaiba Corp.---

I sighed, rubbing my temples in aggravation, I hated Merger Day, and this was why. Nothing, not even the least bit profitable for me, and that usually leaves me with enemies after this day.

Somehow the normal fear didn't bother me, because knowing that Jonouchi was home waiting for me made everything better, and as it turns out he used to cook for Shizuka before she was hospitalized. An actual home-cooked meal... That was worth it, and about time too, as the clock on my computer screen read 18:19. I packed everything I needed, telling my secretary she could leave when she's finished what she was doing, and headed for my limo.

The rain had stopped by now, and as the driver pulled onto the street in front of my mansion, I thought I saw what looked like tire skids on the pavement made during the storm. But brushing it off, since it didn't concern me, I returned my focus to how I was going to greet Jonouchi. The limo pulled into the garage, but I didn't notice the lack of Jonouchi's bike, as I was too focused on him, and what I would finally do to him to express my feelings.

"Big Brother, did you bring me something to eat?" Mokuba asked me, he was sitting on the stairs as I removed my boots. "And have you seen Jonouchi?"

I blinked, as my mind recalled the skid marks I saw earlier, and then tried to remember if I saw Jonouchi's bike in the garage. When I failed to, I went to the phone, calling up anyone that might have seen him at the office.

Next I called the police, but when someone answered I choked, and made up an excuse to hang up. 'No... I can't involve them,' I thought, if I did they might take Jonouchi away from me on some charge of something. Now if he was kidnapped, the only question is, how long do I wait for a ransom?

----22:56----

I had managed to calm myself enough to read a book, until I heard the sound of glass breaking and a thunk, which was shortly followed by my little brother's scream. Not caring about the bookmark, I bolted for his room, where I presume the glass was broken. Half way down the hall, Mokuba came running in fear, and I picked him up comfortingly. "I'm here now Mokuba, what happened?"

"A rock came out of nowhere, and hit the wall beside the door." He answered, "And after a rolled up piece of paper came shooting from the hole."

'Paper?' I repeated, this couldn't be good, and scanned the floor of Mokuba's room quickly before finding the acursed paper wrapped with a blood red ribbon. I set Mokuba down, and picked the paper up, then went to sit on Mokuba's bed.

To my horror the fancy computerized message brought me anger and panic:

Kaiba Seto-san,

It would be best you reconsider that merger.

The other thing that annoyed me with this message was, that there was no name other than my own, and it was very vague... I had tons of merger proposals! With the message being typed, I couldn't have someone look at it and tell if it was by a female or a male.

I scrunched the paper in rage, falling back on Mokuba's comfy blankets with a sigh of frustration, "This is hopeless." I uncrumpled the paper, looking at the message once more, and then it fall on my face with another sigh. On my inhale though, I noticed a faint aroma on the paper, and could have sworn I knew it from somewhere but couldn't recall it specifically at the moment.

"Mokuba, smell this." I said, sitting up and handing him the paper, "And tell me if it's a perfume or cologne."

He raised an eyebrow at me, but took the paper, giving it a sniff all over. "I think it's an expensive and rare perfume... I've only smelt this once before when I was at the mall a while ago." Mokuba answered me, and I smirked, "Well that narrows it down to the twelve females that came to my office." But it was still too vague... I needed more of a hint, I was certain I'm overlooking something, but I couldn't think of what it was. After all, all twelve ladies were pretty upset I declined their merger offer... so that didn't get me anywhere.

I sighed, standing and walked out of Mokuba's room with the paper in hand, and headed for my room. The best thing I could do for now is rest, and then in the morning I'll have a clear head to sort this out and get Jonouchi back where he belongs.

------Elsewhere-Mayoka's P.O.V. (if you don't remember her, read chappie two again)----

I walked about the large mansion while my mother worked in her office, and knew she couldn't hear me, and I knew not to bother her when she was in there. Since my father died a few years ago, she's been busy with the company, and has made it grow beyond her late husband's expectations. I'm proud she's working this hard, but at the same time, I've become less reliant on her.

I, Ochiai Mayoka, have become independent. I have been able to fend for myself since my father's death, and am happy with my life, though I admit some of my mother's decisions are not quite what I expect... Let's say, they disappoint me. I could tell she was up to something, but I couldn't place what it was, and wondered if it had anything to do with the faded skid-marks I saw on my way home from school.

Stranger still, because it looked as if someone had tried to get rid of the marks. There was something definitely amiss in this house, but I couldn't figure it out, and I knew my mother had something to do with it. With a sigh I turned a corner leading down a hallway I rarely came down, since it gave me the creeps. I'm a believer in the afterlife, and the paranormal, thus I believe this corridor of the mansion is haunted. It's not like I have a strong sixth sense, I can't see auras or ghosts, but I can tell there is some strange presence here.

"there...?"

I froze instantly. I thought my ears were playing tricks on me, I could have sworn that it was a male's voice in the distance, but that's ridiculous! Not ever going to happen!

"Hello? Anyone? Help ... me..."

I know I should run, but the curiosity filled me when I noted this cry of help was human. Swallowing my fear, I walked further into the corridor, also the other reason I never came down here was because the rooms were more like dungeons. They were old, and no one lived in them, which made me believe this place was haunted. There were rooms on both sides of the hallway and so far there was no sign of the sound coming from any of them.

"... I need...out...back ... to.."

My eyes darted to the last door on the right, as I determined the voice was coming from there. Once again, I swallowed my fear, and tried the handle; it was locked. Figures, now I know my mother was up to something, as I found the courage to speak and ask this voice who it was.

"Who are you?"

"Who are you? Where ...am I?"

It was then that I heard a grumble of some sorts, and I guessed it was this boy's stomach. Without saying another word, I turned and ran back out of the hallway, heading for the kitchen to bring this boy something to eat. 'I probably should have told him I was getting something to eat... oh well,' I sighed inwardly getting some bread and butter for him since I don't know what he likes to eat, plus I can't make it too big otherwise my mom will know what I've taken.

When I returned to that door, I realized they really were dungeons, since the door was old fashioned. It stood comfortably seven feet tall, with two panels that met in the middle, and there were two old fashioned knockers about my shoulder level--and I'm five feet and four and a quarter inches tall. Above my head was two handles chained together with two locks on the chain, and at the top coming down five inches were bars spaced three inches apart, I could probably get my hand through if I could reach them. My aim wasn't any better than my height on this door, so I placed the bread in a hidden spot I knew about and went to get a stool, again without telling the voice where I was going.

Ahead of me, in the kitchen once more, I heard movement, 'Oh no! My mother's out of her office!' I panicked silently going to my room where I had a swivel chair with no back, and managed to get it back to the old door. I lowered it to it's lowest possible setting and stood carefully, with bread in hand, and was just able to peer inside the room. My eyes took in what appeared to be right out of a Medieval horror movie; The floor was stones, and there was actual hay piles scattered around the small rectangular room, though surprisingly there was a bed. The narrow window let in the least amount of light possible, but it was enough for me to see that my mother was keeping a blonde teenage boy in this room for reasons I don't know.

"Who are you? Get away from me." He spoke, it was obvious he was scared, and quite frankly I don't blame him. I'd be scared too.

"I brought you some food," I whispered, "My name's Ochiai Mayoka." I slipped the bread between the bars, and got half of my forearm through as well, "Please don't be afraid... I want to help you."

Ten minutes passed, and the feeling in my hand was starting to go away, when finally I felt him take the bread from my hand. I pulled my arm back through and thanked him.

"Why did you thank me? If anything I should thank you." He asked.

"Because you trusted me," I answered him, "What's your name?"

"Katsuya Jonouchi," The teen answered after a pause, and I stayed with him for a while just talking and keeping him company. It was early morning when I had to leave him because my mother had left her office once more, and told him I'd be back any chance I could get. While talking with Jonouchi, I discovered he had already graduated school, and was working for a business executive (though he wouldn't tell me any names).

------

It was another twenty-four hours before I got a chance to talk to Jonouchi, and I guess you could say we've become friends, but I had no clue as to how I was going to help Jonouchi escape. I feel incredibly stupid. My only other option--since I can't get the key to the lock and I don't know what the combination for the other lock--is to go to Jonouchi's employer, but he won't tell me what the person's name is. Or where he lives for that matter, it's almost becoming a lost cause to help him.

"M-Mayoka?"

I turned to face the older boy, wondering if he came to a revalation about not telling me anything, and did an inside happy dance as he continued to speak.

"I... I work for the Kaiba Seto, our relationship also goes past mere business," He paused, obviously trying to find the right words to explain this to me.

"Say no more, I'll do what I can Jonouchi," I said softly and reasuringly. The name was enough, but now I had pressure to get him out because he mentioned how deep of a relationship he had with Kaiba. "I'll wait until dinner time today, and see Kaiba, but you have to give me something of your's so he'll believe me."

"Okay." Jonouchi replied, and I could hear the enthusiasm to get out in his voice, which caused me to giggle slightly.

"I'll be back around dinner time," Then it dawned on me, he probably doesn't have a way to tell the passage of time, and remembered not seeing a watch on him. "You know, I'll just be back before I see Kaiba." I teased a little and he rolled his eyes before I walked back to my room to kill time by doing homework.

The time finally came for me to see Jonouchi one last time before I went to the Kaiba mansion, "Jonouchi? I'm here, hand me the object."

I felt it being held for my hands, and when I pulled it through the bars I saw that it was a boot. A really long boot, where if I were to wear it, it would come all the way up my leg. This started making me guess Jonouchi's height, since it looked like the was bent several times at the knee, and then I had to take into account the slight heel the boots had. 'What exactly goes on inside that mansion?' I wondered, blushing slightly at what my mind thought of to answer my own question.

"Mayoka-chan!"

The sudden shouted whisper startled me out of my thoughts, and with a quick apology I turned, heading for a door I could sneak out of. It was late summer, probably already autumn so the sun was getting ready to set, and the sky was being painted lightly with pinks and oranges as I walked through the streets to get to the Kaiba mansion.

----Back to Seto's P.O.V.----

Fifty-three hours after Jonouchi's disapperance, and I was starting to get frantic, which was uncharacteristic for me. But I was losing the second most important thing to me, aside from Mokuba (and Kaiba corp.), and willing to do anything to get Jonouchi back by my side. Ironic isn't it? He'd do anything to pay for Shizuka's surgery, even work for me. And now that I don't have him with me, I'll do anything to get him back.

My amusement of the situation was interrupted when the doorbell rang, and hurriedly I went to the door, "What do you want?" I asked opening to door to a young girl holding one of Jonouchi's winter outfit's boots.

Roughly I grabbed her by the collar of her shirt pulling her inside, slammed the door, and shoved her against it. "How the hell did you get that?!"

I could see the fear in her eyes, she knew who I was, and knew I wasn't something to mess with. Her lip trembled, obviously she was trying to find words and her voice, but I was losing patience quicker.

"ANSWER ME!" I yelled at her making her squeak in fright as Mokuba came around the corner to see who the person was, and since I slammed the door. He called at me, but I didn't really hear it, and soon I felt him tugging at my arm telling me to calm down. Huffing, I walked a few feet to the right, letting my brother try to interogate her.

"What's your name?" Mokuba asked, his natural child-like innocence getting her attention from my glare.

"H-He's there." She stammered, obviously she found words, but she could have picked ones that made sense. My glare lessened though, as it seems she knows where Jonouchi is.

"Where is he?" Mokuba asked slowly and softly, not wanting to frighten her more.

"My mother is holding him for randsom so Kaiba-san will accept the merger..." She said quickly and quietly, I could barely make it out, but at least it got my suspect list down to the Four out of Twelve women with children.

"Who is your mother?" Mokuba asked, hoping she would tell us, but there was hesitation. I guessed it was because she was afriad of what I would do when I found out.

"Just tell me." I glared at her, the 'no-answer' thing was getting on my nerves, which were already short as it was.

"O-Ochiai..." She murmured, but I heard her loud and clear, and stalked off to my office only to stop when she shouted at me. "STOP! I CAN HELP YOU!"

"Mokuba, take her to the living room." I instructed, "I will join you shortly." My little brother nodded, and took her hand gently leading her to the closest living room. I headed for my office, where I went to change into a similar outfit to Jonouchi's. The tight leather pants accentuated my legs and ass, but my shirt was different than his. It was a black silk buttondown shirt with long sleeves, which I tucked into the pants, and a collar to match Jonouchi's. I was used to the cold, so I didn't need a jacket, and when finished I walked to the loving room that Mokuba and that Ochiai girl was in.

Upon my entry, Mayoka blushed at my appearance, covering her mouth to stop from saying something stupid and looked away. I simply rolled my eyes and sat in an armchair across from her, and crossed my legs.

"So what's this plan of yours? How do you think you can help me?" I asked, folding my hands above my hips, as I shot her my usual cold stare.

"I can get you in and out of the house undetected," She answered me, though I could tell her voice was still a little shaky. The confidence she lacked was rather annoying. But after seeing my eyebrow raised in question she explained it in full detail. I stood eventually after she stopped talking, and we had devised a plan, which took a long time since she wouldn't let me have a suitable revenge against her mother. Women...

I was wondering around my study when Mokuba came to my door, and nodded, he left and then I headed to the front door where Mayoka was waiting. The time was 22:48:32, and I followed her to her mansion. I had lent her some black clothes for this event, since her school uniform was light colours, and stuck out like a sore thumb against the darkness of night.

She led me to a back door, one that seemed hardly used, and we made our way inside silent as the graves. She had told me her mother spend most time in her study, and that it was rare for her to leave, unless getting food from the kitchen. As we walked through the halls I could tell her mother did most of the decorating, since none of the tapestries or paintings looked like it would suit Mayoka's taste. I'd half expect to see posters of famous boy bands or celebrities if it were Mayoka's taste, women can be predictable like that.

"We're nearly there." She whispered, as I calculated we were in the most western corridor and part of the mansion. I became more disgusted with that woman now, after seeing the theme and decore for this part of the mansion. 'Medeival dugeon' is what was screaming at me as I looked around.

"This door," She nodded at the only double locked door, and I knelt in front of it getting out this little lock picking kit I had. It was actaully Mokuba's, but I had confiscated it recently due to him being a rebelious little punk, and withint minutes the lock was picked. The combination lock was a different story, but Mayoka had been working with that one. From what I saw, it looked like she was trying birthdays, and rolled my eyes at how simple minded it was.

Eventually she got the lock of with a happy whispered 'yes!' but I had seen this brief look of curiousity on her face before trying that combination of numbers, making me guess it was someone surprising's birthday. A wave of curiosity filled me as to who the numbers referred to, but my top priority was rescuing Jonouchi. That was the only thing that mattered to me now.

"M-Mayoka, what's going on?" Jonouchi's worried voice rang into my ears after she got the lock off and we carefully removed the chains. It was hard not to make sound in a dead hallway.

"Don't worry Jonouchi, we're getting you out of here." She reasured him, and I guessed I'd hear stories later, it didn't matter to me.

"Okay... Who's 'we'?" Jonouchi asked, slightly concerned, as I saw Mayoka roll her eyes at his apparent stupidity. When the chains were removed and a clear distance where they wouldn't produce more sound, I stood beside Mayoka and we each pulled a door open. My side opened faster, since well, obviously, I'm stronger than she is. However, the doors were old, and they made too much of a racket not to alert anyone.

"Come on, hurry Jonouchi, we don't have much time since my mother is probably on her way." Mayoka instructed.

"But I have one boot, how am I supposed to get fa-AUGH!" Jonouchi started, but was interupted when I threw the boot at his face.

"Hurry up Jonouchi, if you don't, I'll leave you here." I said cruelly, finally stepping into view of the blonde, and purposely leaned against the open door in a very appealing fashion.

"S-Seto..." He murmured, as if in shock that it's me standing here, like when he found out I was the one he was applying for. Only when I smirked did he stand and attack me with a glomp, "You rescued me."

"It will have gone to waste if we don't get moving," I said with a slight smirk, pushing Jonouchi away a bit by his shoulders, "And I mean now." I glared coldy, and he chuckled nervously with an adorable blush of embarrassement before hurriedly putting the boot on.

"Let's go." He said, when his winter outfit was once more complete, and I turned to Mayoka who was trying to hold back her smile. I nodded, and she did as well, as we both ran off to the exit that would avoid running into her mother.

"MAYOKA OCHIAI!"

Too late, we didn't manage to get away cleanly. Mayoka froze in front of Jonouchi, in front of me, and we all came to a halt.

"Explain to me what you think you are doing Mayoka." She said coldly, in a tone similar to the one I use often in scolding Mokuba. "You're betraying me."

I had half a mind to chew this women out, but ... Mayoka beat me to it...

"If this is betraying you, then what about the times Dad's trusted you?" I could hear the fear and anger in Mayoka's voice. It sounded weak, but then I realized she needed this explosion more than I did. It was obvious these two had many more issues than I could guess.

"Don't bring that bastard into this Mayoka." Her mother glared daggers at Mayoka, who had now stepped in between myself, Jonouchi, and her mother.

"No, I can't be like you. I can't simply forget about him, he's my father, and to you, he's dead!" Mayoka snapped, "If so, then to me you killed him!" She cautiously took a step forward though, as if that way she could block her mother if she should pull anything to stop us from escaping.

"I did what I had to, he understood that. It was all for business, I wouldn't be the woman I am today if not for his support and encouragement to succeed." Her mother sneered, "He just failed to mention whether or not it had to include him."

"So you abuse his trust?" Mayoka asked, finally making it an arms length from her mother, "And hurt him emotionally? Enough to drive him to leave you? What about me? He abandonded me because of you!"

"There was nothing he could do about that. Custody of you was completely and rightfully mine, I--"

"Stop talking shit! You two never divorced, when he left I should have left with him!" Mayoka snapped, tears running down her cheeks.

It was quiet for a bit, as I saw Mayoka's mother become saddened, and eventually she cried as well. "You don't know what happened... We didn't tell you because of what was best for you Mayoka, but we did divorce... He won custody of you, but ... he let me have you as my daughter rather than take you away."

I could tell this bit of news hit Mayoka hard, and carefully edged Jonouchi out the nearest exit, mostly because I didn't want to overhear in their drama. When safely outside I sighed happily, we were pretty much home free, until I noticed Jonouchi had stopped walking and when I was about to inquire as to why he spoke first.

"I... I hope things work out for Mayoka-chan..." His voice was laced with worry and concern, and I briskly walked over to him, bringing his head into my chest since it looked like he was going to cry.

"I know what you mean, she helped me too, and I owe her for that." I murmured comfortingly, I wasn't lying either. If Mayoka hadn't come to me with Jonouchi's boot, I might have done something really drastic, which would consequently mess up my business. "She's a smart girl, I'm sure she can work something out."

Jonouchi nodded against my chest, "Yeah... Let's get going before something happens." He smiled up at me, a weak but happy smile, and I nodded, gently leading him away by the hand.

I smiled a litte, when I felt him intertwine our fingers together, and had to admit I was quite content to have Jonouchi as someone I could call my lover. As soon as we were safely back in my mansion, the first thing I saw was a happy Mokuba hugging me for a short while and then he hugged Jonouchi. Before I knew it, those two walked off talking, mostly Mokuba pestering Jonouchi for food. I rolled my eyes at his simplicity, but then again, he was a kid still. And said kid hadn't eaten dinner...

---

Late that night, after Jonouchi had put Mokuba to sleep, I sat in my study reading as Jonouchi came into view sitting on the couch opposite the chair I was in.

"He likes you," I said through my book.

"I know, he's a good kid," Jonouchi said, then smirked taking a cheap shot at me, "Though he could use a brother every now and then."

"Why? You treat him like he's your son," I countered, looking up briefly to my satisfaction as Jonouchi glared at me.

"I'm just good with kids, plus I looked after Shizuka," He said to me, and I heard the drop in his voice. It appeared to me, he momentarily forgot the reason he started working for me in the first place.

"I'm aware of that, since it is the reason you sought employment. Jonouchi, you can't stop caring for people, especially your sister." I put the book down to look at him seriously, and softened my glare a little. This was my attempt at 'heartfelt' or 'compassion' I think the word is, "I'll allow you the day off tomorrow to visit her."

I stood at this moment, the look of indecision on Jonouchi's face was something that frustrated me, plus if I stayed to say more, I'm afraid that look might cry. "If you wish to be alone, you may sleep in another room tonight. The maids will bring you pajama's." After that I left, I guess 'compassion' isn't my strong suit, though it's useful... I hardly had a purpose for it, until now. 'This is going to take a while,' I thought with a sigh, heading to my bedroom.

Little did I know, in the middle of the night, Jonouchi had in fact crawled into my bed. However, I'd have never known, since he was gone before I woke up the next morning. My only indication was the warm spot left by his body, and his lingering scent that filled my nose with every breath.

After eating the breakfast the chef made for me, I headed to my limo that was parked outside on the driveway, and walked through the garage. Sure enough, Jonouchi's bike was gone; I sighed as I passed under the closing garage door, and then got in my limo. The drive was long and unusually unbarable, it's almost as if I'd look forward to have Jonouchi come to see me at the office, but now... His attention isn't on me.

"Ohayou gozaimasu Kaiba-san," My secretary smiled, and I nodded. It was all I could do, my voice seemed to fail me, but once I sat in my chair and clacked away at my computer my worries faded. Many have described me as a robot, not that I really cared what they thought. Minutes and hours passed as I clacked and typed away, only stopping for lunch, and then I was back at it again.

-----Jonouchi's P.O.V.--------

The same chair as last time, my sister still sleeping soundly, and I clutched her hand as tightly as I dared since she's fragile enough as it is. I guess the only different about this situation is that now I'm employed to the man I love... But she'll never know...

"You know Shizuka? All my money-making schemes have failed... But this one is different, since it's an honest way, however..." My voice felt weak, a lump constantly swelling in my throat as I try to speak, "This is probably my last visit... Because if I'm here, I debate whether or not I want to be with Kaiba or with you...And it tears my heart in two... I'm sorry Shizuka..."

The decision was tearing me apart, I couldn't pick between them, it was hard enough just to be sitting here when I could be with Seto... But I chose to tell her I'm going to leave and live on my own with him now. So now I slouch over, face burried into the sheets of her bed, and cry. I cry because this is the hardest decision I've ever made, being with my sister or being with the one I love...

"Shizuka, I'm sorry..." I paused, making sure my voice still works, "But... I'm going to continue to work for Kaiba, I'll still pay for your surgeries, and pray you safely recover... I love you Shizuka..." After sobbing for a few more minutes I stood, thanked the nurse that let me see her, and then walked towards my bike.

Though by slim chance, if I stayed seconds longer, I could have heard her say, "Good luck brother." If I did... It would have made the decision harder.

On my way through traffic I headed for Kaiba Corp. The building that holds the Seto Kaiba, in all our history together, I never thought it would end like this. No, it's not an ending, it is another start to a loooong and winding road.

------Seto's P.O.V.-------

It was almost four pm when my secretary announced Jonouchi had finally showed up, and I simply said "Show him in" as if I was a robot. However, when my eyes briefly glanced up at his face, I could see that he made the choice, and I stood--saving my work-- and walked over to him.

"How was your visit?" I asked, trying to be compassionate, or sympathetic... something like that.

"My last." He whispered, and I knew he hadn't finished crying yet, as more tears found their way out of his eyes. What he did next sort of surprised me, but I was almost willing to let him do that, as he walked forward into my chest and cried hugging me tightly.

With a genuine smile, though no one could see it, I embraced him back comfortingly seeing as he needed the security.

"Seto... Don't abandon me," He murmured into my clothes, and I have to admit that it did catch me off guard.

I only hugged him tighter in response; nothing would be able to take Jonouchi from me now. It's not like I was going to say anything like 'I won't ever abandon you'... come on readers!

"I l-love you Seto..." He sniffled.

"I love you too Jonouchi." I smiled, and his head shot up to look in disbelief that I had actually said those words. I took advantage of his shock, and leaned down capturing his lips passionately, holding tight to his small body.

Owari

whew! finally! ((barracades self)) i know i said there was going to be sex, i'm sorry I lied, which is why I changed the rating. I might right an epilogue, which will contain sex, depending on my reviews. hope you enjoyed this fic! ttfn