~Jem's POV~

I was at the airport again, waiting. Though this time, believe it or not, it wasn't for Jude. There were so many people here. I was hoping to go unnoticed by all but him.

Another flood of people began to exit the terminal and I watched earnestly. Though I had been nervous about it, I recognized him immediately. He had aged, but aside from that he was just the same.

Avery was a well put-together, polished man, just as I remembered. He had a nice coat folded over one arm, the other pulling along his carry on. I could see the ten years on him, but he didn't seem old. My former nanny stretched, attaining his full height to look for me over the heads of the other passengers.

His eagerness allowed him to spot me in no time. When he did, he stopped, placing a hand over his mouth. Seemingly a bit emotional, the familiar face hurried over to me. He let go of his bag and opened his arms, encompassing me. I felt him press his cheek to the top of my head, twisting me back and forth gently. I don't think I'd experienced anything like this since, well since I last saw him, not from anyone other than Jude anyway.

"Jemmie Jemmie Jemmie," he continued to whisper. He pulled back, taking my face in his hands. "Oh, you're beautiful."

I really didn't know how to react. I hated people, I hated people touching me, but something from my childhood allowed this, though I had mixed feelings on it.

He then tried to get himself together, apologizing and retracting his hands. "You'll have to forgive me, it's just been so long."

I didn't know how to respond. All I said was, "Are you hungry?" reverting to my original plans.

"Oh, yes," he replied happily, again taking his bag. "Just show me the way."

We made it to a café. Though I had been nervous, thinking the layout encouraged a more social atmosphere, I found people tended to stick to themselves here.

"I'm happy you contacted me," Avery said as we sat.

I went ahead with business. "Are you committed to anything?" I asked, feeling his situation out.

"I work for another family now. They're nice. They just have the one little one. But I want you hear about you. Tell me, what brings you to this city?"

"I live by myself now. The man who found and designated my apartment suggested I find someone to stay with me and help me take care of things. He asked if I ever had a staff member I trusted. You were the only one I could think of."

"Me?" he asked, flattered. "But it's been years."

I didn't respond to this. I didn't know how.

He continued in my silence. "Why are you living by yourself, anyway, Jemmie? And who is this man who's providing you with housing? You're not indebted to him, are you?"

I tilted my head. "Why would he provide me with a loft if I was indebted to him?"

"Oh, you know, these days young women will often have agreements with well-off men, where she procures the benefits of his success in exchange for, well the lady's accompaniment, we'll call it. It seems to be the only way older men can attain a younger woman."

"But I am well-off, my mother left me a trust. And he's not old, he's the same age as me."

Avery seemed more interested and less concerned by this. "Then are you in a relationship with him?"

I knew what particular relationship this insinuated from my time at Cross Academy, though I wasn't quite sure exactly what that relationship looked like or the dynamics of it. "Oh... I don't know. I don't think so," I answered. He sighed. I sensed that we were having trouble understanding one another. I decided to give him some explanation. "Sorry, my father kept me on that island basically until I was fifteen. I attended a couple of boarding schools, but I've never much cared for people. I suppose that's led to a detriment in my social skills and understanding of our culture."

He just looked at me a moment before declaring, "Jemmie, I'll put my two weeks in tomorrow. You need me more. And in regards to your question, I've always been fully committed to you children. You were all my first loves," he concluded, sipping his coffee.

I felt a great sense of relief. "Then I'll take you to the apartment."

We wrapped up our meal and continued. When we reached the door, I paused, giving him a spare key. "Here, this is yours. Go ahead and see if it works," I instructed, standing back. He set his bag aside, swiftly and easily tackling the door. As his eyes fell on the apartment, I started to explain. "I can't stand shopping or the social interaction that goes along with it. When Jude came to visit me, he took care of the furnishings. I'll be going away with him in the next couple of weeks, but will be back shortly after. Please, feel free to change anything. You live here now, too."

"Oh, I will probably indeed take you up on that offer," he uttered, stepping in and examining every corner. "It's a nice space, though," he added optimistically.

"Mmhm, it is..." I agreed, turning my eyes back to the crafted architecture of the place. I wondered if Seto had taken it into consideration at all when selecting it.

"So you don't like shopping, Jemmie? Really?"

I shook my head. "No, I can't stand it. Jude made a comment about how my wardrobe has been the same for years."

Avery looked back, scanning me. "Well then maybe I will update that too."

"Do whatever you like, I'll leave my card on the table when I leave." I checked the time. "You're welcome to stay, but I have an appointment. Thank you, Avery. Perhaps I will see you later," I said, taking my bag and turning back to the door.

I was back with my book, checking in yet again with the disdainful receptionist.

"He's in a meeting currently," the receptionist answered.

Damn, I don't want to have to hang out down here. "Could I wait for him just outside his office?" I asked.

She wasn't thrilled, but she didn't seem to want me there either. "You can, but whatever you do, don't disturb him. For your sake and mine. It will be the single greatest regret of your life. And that's a warning, not a threat."

"... Ok, great. Thanks," I replied dubiously. I continued on my way. I couldn't remember if there was seating in the hallway by his office, trying to recreate the place in my head. If not I could wait.

There wasn't anything so I stood outside for a couple of minutes, my eyes finding the tiniest details of my surroundings now that I had the opportunity. He had told me this time and I suspected he was pretty good about keeping to his schedule. He shouldn't be long. After a minute I thought to take out the book, wanting to be ready. Once it was in my hands, I slung my bag back over one shoulder and continued to look around. I would take a few steps to listen to the click of my heels as I slowly turned in a circle, never straying too far from his doors.

When I finally heard the door open, I spun around, evaluating what was happening before I proceeded.

Seto stood there strong. He was standing up straight, pressing himself to his door with his hand out, holding the door. He glared back into his office. "Get out," he demanded in a fierce, dark tone.

I watched prudently as a cowering, sweaty man slunk by him. "I'm sorry we couldn't make a deal today, Mr. Kaiba-"

"If you don't go faster I'll use that time to ensure you have nothing left to go to. You've already wasted more than enough of my time," Seto snapped. My eyes locked on him.

~Seto's POV~

"My apologies" the man quavered, hurrying now. But as he turned away, he looked up to Jem's bright eyes and he slowed. She stood watching intently. I did not like that his eyes fell upon her, she should not exist in the same realm as him. It made me slightly more furious.

"You. In. Now," I demanded of her. This jostled him and he again scurried away.

Calmly, she stepped around the pest and came straight to me. When she reached the narrow space between my body and the door frame, she paused, looking back. She had just seen a tinge of my cruelty, which may have been a lot to a person, and I watched her very carefully to see how she responded to it. She then looked up to me.

"Was he rude to you?"

"No," I replied sternly. "I just didn't like him."

Instead of the fear that usually accompanied such a remark, she smiled, relaxed.

"What?" I demanded.

She titled her head, looking up at me. "I liked how direct you are." I looked at her. She liked what I had just done. Anyone else would have found this display of my malice intimidating, if not terrifying, so why didn't she? More so, I couldn't decide if I wanted her to find me intimidating. I didn't know what I wanted her to perceive me as. I hated not having a clear view on something.

She lingered a moment there, an interesting choice as that was the most vulnerable spot she could have chosen in relation to me, especially in my irate mood. But I didn't feel like she was the one at risk. There was too much anticipation with her so close, a growing urge for things to progress in a far less professional manner. I scanned her again, this rare angle more enticing. But no, I wouldn't. I had more control over myself than that.

I forced her to move by letting go of the door and returning to my desk. She entered fully, now shut in with me. As I went to sit, I commanded strictly and flatly, "Read."

Next Chapter: Spring Into Battle

Mokuba was what people would call a good person. He probably would have at least given them the privilege of being individuals.