A/N: Yay!!! I'm back!!! It's been a long month. However, to be honest, I didn't want to come back. I mean, who would? It was a wonderful vacation. Thanks for the reviews. Now it's back to regular updates, or so I hope. Enjoy!!!

Chapter Five

The next Monday, Delia and Hara went to Kaiba Corp together, since Hara was starting work for Kaiba. Just for today, Hara took a day off from school, since it was her first day. Delia thought that Hara just wanted an excuse to see Kaiba this early in the morning.

As she watched Hara fidget around and bite her lips, Delia said with impatience, "Geez, calm down. If he didn't bite me, he's not going to bite you either, considering how much he likes you."

"Are you sure? Do I look OK?" Hara asked as they stood in front of the door to Kaiba's office.

"Yes, you look perfect," Delia said as reassuringly as possible. Really, Hara looked more than perfect. She wore a new black suit tailored perfectly for her with a blue dress shirt. Her black skirt was just knee length and her black heels matched the rest of her. Delia had helped her sister do her make-up this morning as well as her hair. Therefore, now Hara looked just like the rest of the professional woman around her. Nothing about her was out of place.

"You ready?" Delia asked with her hand on the door knob.

"Yes," Hara replied and smoothed a hand over her skirt. In a matter of minutes, all signs of her nervousness were gone.

Delia opened the door and they went in. Kaiba was already sitting in his chair as always. He smiled a little as he saw Hara and ordered Delia to close the door.

"I'm not your slave," Delia grumbled even as she did as he ordered.

"You're one of my employees now, so no more complaints," Kaiba said curtly and gestured toward her desk.

Delia's eyes shot wide open as she saw the stack of textbooks on her desk. "What're these for?" She picked up the top one. It weighed a ton.

"They're textbooks. What do you think they're for? You must read one lesson out of each book everyday from now on and write me a report. I also have practice problems for you to do for them once you're done reading. If you don't understand anything, write it down and ask me at the end of the day. Every week, I will give you tests to see how you're doing."

God, he's a slave driver. I'd never be able to finish all this. Delia sank in her chair and just stared at all the books with dread.

Finally, after a few minutes, she sighed rather dejectedly and started reading the top one, Japanese History, possibly the worst subject she could've picked. Thus, it wasn't surprising that her mind wandered and she started listening to Hara and Kaiba's conversation.

"…You're nothing like your dim-witted sister. I do not understand how the two of you could be related." Delia heard Kaiba say about twenty minutes later. I'm right here you know, she thought, at least have a bit more tact. However, she was relatively surprised that Hara and he could talk normally for that long. Usually, by this time, she herself would be screaming her head off at Kaiba while he stayed calm and collected. Hara and that jerk really did suit each other perfectly.

"Seto, you're mistaken. Delia is very smart. She just doesn't apply herself," Hara said in Delia's defense and sent a smile her way.

At least she's not completely converted to his side, Delia thought with relief.

"Oh really? And here I just thought she was slow."

Delia's eyes narrowed as she glowered at Kaiba. Slow, I'll show you slow! For the next few hours, she completely ignored what was happening around her and focused on her study. She completed all of the readings and reports two hours before the end of the day.

"Here, I'm done!" She slammed her notebooks filled with her reports on his desk and had the satisfaction of seeing him jolt in surprise.

However, he recollected himself too quickly for Delia's peace of mind. "Good. Now you can go to your office and work. Hara will tell you what to do today." Then he went back to whatever he was doing earlier.

Holding back a frustrated scream at being unable to ruffle Kaiba's cool for long, Delia spun around on her heels and stalked out of the room and into her office. Hara was bent over her desk working on something. She didn't even hear Delia close the door to the room.

"Hara!" Delia said her sister's name sharply.

Hara looked up immediately. Her eyes were unfocused for a second before she saw Delia and smiled. "Wow. You're early."

"I know!" Delia said, suddenly proud of her accomplishment. At least one person here appreciated her efforts today. "That'll show him if I'm dim-witted or not. Anyway, what are you doing?"

"Oh, nothing really. Seto wanted me to work out the kinks for this program. I'm just trying to figure it out."

"Trying to figure it out? You mean it actually stumped you?"

"Well, sort of. I've never done something quite like this before, so I think I made a mistake somewhere. All of his programs are a lot more complicated than I expected."

"Wow." Delia didn't want to feel respect for that jerk, but to her, Hara was the smartest person in the entire world, well, other than her parents. However, if that Kaiba managed to stump Hara, that meant he wasn't half bad himself. "So what am I supposed to do today? Kaiba told me to ask you."

"Oh, yeah. I have your assignment on your desk." Hara pointed to the stack of paper on Delia's desk and returned to her work.

Delia sat down in her chair and perused the stack of paper on her desk. Ten minutes later, she was scratching her head in confusion. "Hara, help me!" she pleaded her brilliant twin sister.

Hara sighed theatrically. "Geez, you can't do anything, can you?"

"Ouch. That hurt." Delia placed a hand over her heart, her theatricality mirroring that of her sister. "That jerk's attitude is rubbing off on you."

"Oops, sorry," Hara giggled. "So what do you need help with?"

"Everything," Delia grumbled.

"Delia…"

"Well, I don't understand it. Kaiba wasn't the most patient teacher, but I swear, if you teach me, I'll really study and try to understand everything." Delia was actually serious about it this time. She was really sick of Kaiba's derisive comments. She will learn everything even if it killed her.

"All right, but just this once," Hara said, giving in.

"Thanks! You're the best!" Delia smiled bright and hugged her twin.

In the next few hours, Hara explained everything to Delia and answered Delia's questions. This time, Delia refused to allow herself to be distracted. She actually took detailed notes and really took time to think over what Hara had said about everything. She found that it really wasn't that complicated once she applied herself. Even though she made fun of Hara and Duke about being computer nerds, she wasn't completely unfamiliar with computer programming. She actually had been very interested in it until she realized that she'd never match up to Hara and became sick and tired to people comparing her to her twin.

Delia shook away the unpleasant memories all this brought back and focused on what she was doing. She didn't want to think about the times when she hated Hara for being the smarter twin. It wasn't Hara's fault. Also, she knew Hara worked hard for those praises she received. She should be proud of Hara and nothing else.

Even when her three hours were over, Delia didn't leave the office like she usually did. Instead, she stayed and studied. She even told Hara to leave without her. When she finally decided that it was time to go home, the sun had already set. Usually, by this time, she'd be eating dinner, but today, she didn't feel that hungry. However, she did feel accomplished. Although she hadn't finished everything Kaiba assigned her, she finally knew her way around the programs, so finishing those assignments shouldn't be that hard anymore.

As Delia drove home, she hummed the entire way back. She never knew that being productive could feel so good. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to work for Kaiba after all.

As she drove up the driveway to her house, Delia frowned upon seeing the limo parked in front of the front doors to the mansion. After parking in the garage, she went to the living room, but found no one there. However, she did follow her ears to the voices coming from the foyer.

"What…what are you doing here?" Shocked, Delia pointed rather rudely at the blue-eyed devil standing in front of the doorway in the act of giving a bouquet of roses to Hara.

"Oh, Delia, you're back!" Hara whirled around to face her before Kaiba could say anything. Delia stared at her twin, dumbfounded. Hara was dressed in a sky-blue dress that clung to her body like a second skin, showing off her soft curves and emphasizing her long legs. Her hair was in some kind of complicated up-do, but tendrils of it framed her pretty face. Her makeup was also perfect, which told Delia that Hara had actually taken the time to go to a beauty salon. "Seto and I are just about to go out to dinner."

"We're meeting some of my business associates," Kaiba said coolly.

Delia didn't believe that for a second. However, she had to agree that he looked delectable in the black tailored suit. She suddenly wondered what it would feel like to get him out of those clothes, to tease him as she undressed him quickly. She quickly shook away the thought. No, it wouldn't do to think about Kaiba like that, no matter how sexy he looked. "Where are you going?" she finally asked in an effort to clear her head.

"Antoine's," Hara answered with a happy smile.

"A friend recommended it to me. I heard that Mr. Yasune now owns it?" Kaiba asked politely.

Delia didn't know why he was bothering to act polite. It wasn't like it was their first meeting or anything. Being polite for once wouldn't change her opinion of him. "Yes," she replied. "Dad bought the chain last year. Well, I won't keep the two of you anymore. Enjoy your dinner."

Kaiba immediately turned to Hara. "Shall we go?"

"Yes," Hara said breathily, flustered. She followed Kaiba to the limo. Just before she got in, she shouted to Delia, almost as an afterthought, "There're leftovers in the fridge, Delia. Mom said she'll be back late."

"OK! Have fun!" Delia waved and watched the limo pull out of the driveway and disappear into the darkness. She pulled a face at Hara's last comment. She wasn't going to eat leftovers when Hara and that jerk were going to eat at one of the best Italian restaurants in the country. No, definitely not.

In fact…

Delia pulled out her cellphone and found the number she was looking for. Two rings later, a familiar voice answered, "Hey, Delia, what's up?"

"Hey Duke, want to go to dinner tonight? It's on me."

"Yeah sure, where?"

Delia quickly told him the address and said she'd meet him there in thirty minutes or so. Then, she went to her room and found a tiny black dress that barely reached her knees, but it would have to do. She changed quickly, put on some makeup, and straightened up her hair as best as she could so that it flowed down her shoulder smoothly.

Thirty minutes later, she handed her keys to the valet in front of the restaurant and met Duke, who was already waiting for her inside. He had changed into a navy blue suit for the occasion.

"Antoine's, huh? Pretty upscale restaurant. I'm going to order the most expensive thing here," Duke teased. "But do you even have a reservation?"

"Don't worry about it." Delia walked past the line of guests waiting to get their tables straight to the front where the host was standing. "We don't need it."

"Miss Delia, what a surprise!" The host smiled enthusiastically upon seeing Delia.

"Hello, Ryouske, is my sister here?" Delia asked with a wicked grin.

"Yes, Aine just seated Miss Hara and her date, Mr. Kaiba. Would you like me to inform them that you're here?"

"No!" Delia said swiftly. "I was wondering, if there was a table near them but separated by the bushes?"

A weird glint came into Ryouske's eyes, but he voiced none of his suspicions. "Yes, please follow me." He took two menus and led the way after calling for another host to fill his spot.

"Come on!" Delia whispered to Duke and they followed Ryouske. She caught sight of Kaiba and Hara seated in a corner. However, they weren't alone. An older couple sat with them. Hmm, guess he wasn't lying about the business associates.

"Wow, does your parents own the restaurant?" Duke asked as they sat down in their seat only several feet away from Hara and Kaiba. However, they were separated by a small platform topped with fake green bushes that ran along part of the restaurant.

"Yes," Delia answered absentmindedly. She wasn't really paying attention to Duke. Rather, she peeked over the bushes at Hara's table. Hara was laughing with the older couple while Kaiba had a soft smile on his face, an expression Delia had seen maybe once.

Duke noticed what she was doing and glanced over. He turned grim and petulant. "And I thought you wanted to eat with me. So it turned out you're following Kaiba."

Delia snorted. "Who'd care about that jerk? I'm worried about Hara. She's never been good with guys before. I just want to protect her in case Kaiba tries something. Besides, you know I love you."

"Yes, yes I know." Duke said and rested his chin in one hand. He had discarded the fake petulant demeanor in a second. "But really, what can he do in a public restaurant like this? What you should be worried about is what he'd do in that limo of his when they're alone."

Before Delia could answer, their waitress appeared with a trained smile. "Hello, my name is Keiko. I'll be your waitress today. What would you like to drink?"

"I'll get a pina colada," Duke ordered with a flirtatious smile that the waitress returned.

Delia suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. "I'll get a caramel cream soda."

"OK. I'll be right back with your drinks."

As soon as the waitress left, Delia returned her attention to Hara. Then, Kaiba suddenly looked her way with a frown on his face. She ducked. Her heart thumped with anxiety. He didn't see me. I don't think he saw me.

"Delia, what's good at this place?" Duke asked, flipping through the menu.

"Everything's good here, so just pick something." Delia sat up a bit, but not enough so that her head was taller than the bushes.

"Is this my punishment or something?" Duke suddenly asked with irritation.

"Punishment?"

"For losing to Kaiba."

"Oh no, if I wanted to punish you, I wouldn't invite you to dinner."

"If this was what you call dinner, I'd rather you didn't," Duke mumbled under his breath.

"What did you say?" She glared at him.

"Nothing. Nothing at all! Thanks for treating me. I'm eternally in your debt," he said with a nervous laugh.

"That's what I thought."

Keiko, their waitress, returned with their drinks. "Are you ready to order, or do you still need more time?"

"Yes, we're ready," Delia replied. "I'll have the fettuccine alfredo and he'll get the shrimp primavera."

Keiko looked at Duke questioningly, but Duke just nodded and smiled at her. "Thanks," he said as he handed her his menu.

Keiko totally batted her lashes at him before sauntering away. Delia frowned. "Do you flirt with every girl?"

"No, just the really pretty ones."

Delia rolled her eyes at Duke's charming grin. However, as they waited for their food, they started catching up again. Delia really missed Duke in the past year. He was one of the few people she trusted completely. They told each other everything, even their deepest and darkest secrets. She could do and say anything in front of him and he wouldn't judge her. However, today, for some reason, she didn't tell her feelings for Kaiba, only that every time she saw him she wanted to kill him, nothing else.

Delia kept tabs on Kaiba and Hara even while she ate her dinner. She didn't even taste most of her food while Duke exclaimed over how delicious it was. However, before Delia and Duke finished eating, Hara and Kaiba stood up along with the older couple.

"Shoot, they're leaving!" Delia said, putting down her fork and wiping her mouth with the napkin.

"What?" Duke sensed where this was going and started stuffing the food into his mouth.

"Come on. Let's go!" Delia stood up, but she still bent over so that Hara and Kaiba wouldn't see her. "We have to follow them," she hissed as she watched Hara and Kaiba leave with the older couple.

"OK. OK," Duke mumbled, his mouth full of food, but Delia didn't care as she dragged him across the restaurant toward the front door while staying low on the ground and ignoring all the weird looks the patrons sent their way.

"Damn it! They're gone!" Delia looked left and right once they were outside, but saw no sign of Hara and Kaiba or the limo. "It's all your fault." She glowered at Duke.

"Hey, you can't expect me to give up all that delicious food so you can stalk your sister on her date. And I still didn't finish," Duke grumbled as Delia told the valet to get their cars.

"Whatever. I'm going home. If anything happens to Hara, I'm going to hurt you."

"I'm so scared," Duke said mockingly.

"You!" Delia totally would've kicked his ass if their cars hadn't arrived just then. She took the keys from the valet and sighed. She forced a smile on her face. After all, she was happy to eat with Duke. "Anyway, thanks for coming to dinner. I'll see you later." She hugged him.

"Yeah, I'm almost glad you found me. Just don't call me next time you're going to spy on your sister's date." Duke ducked just in time before Delia's heel connected with his shin. From a much safer distance, he said, "And don't worry so much about Hara. She can take care of herself."

Delia snorted, a very unladylike sound, one that would earn her a good smack from her mom. "Right."

"See ya. Call me if anything comes up."

"I will. See you later."

Delia waved and drove off. She probably broke every speed limit law there was as she hurried home. She wanted to get back before Kaiba and Hara did, assuming that Kaiba was dropping Hara back home and not taking her somewhere else.

No one was home yet when Delia returned. She didn't turn on any lights and found her way to the living room, a process that earned her several bruises. She plopped down on the sofa and just waited, all the while thinking about the many different ways she could murder Kaiba if he had hurt Hara in some way. Twenty minutes later, Delia jumped up when she heard the sound of a car in front of the house. She went to the foyer and pulled back the curtain just a little so that she could see the outside.

The chauffeur held the door open as Kaiba climbed out, followed by Hara. Delia could see that Hara was talking animatedly from the way her mouth moved and the excited look on her face. Kaiba was still smiling. Delia thought that if he kept that up that smile would never leave his face. Maybe he would still have that smile tomorrow morning when she reported to work.

She shuddered at the thought.

Hara and Kaiba walked up to the front door. Delia drew back a little so that they wouldn't be able to see her but continued to watch through the window. Kaiba said something which made Hara blush. Then he actually leaned forward and kissed Hara softly on the forehead. Delia could almost see Hara's tomato-red face and steam coming out of her ears. Luckily Hara didn't faint on the spot, although for some strange reason Delia wished that she did. That would surely end their date with a bang.

As Kaiba left, Hara just stood rooted to the spot, watching his back disappearing from view. When she could no longer see the limo anymore, she finally entered the house. Delia waited until Hara was walking toward the stairs before speaking, "So how was your date?"

Startled, Hara jumped and whirled to face her with a scowl. "Delia! You're home! Why didn't you turn any light on?"

"What? I didn't want to. So, answer my question. How was your date with Mr. Hot Jerk?"

Hara looked away with embarrassment. Delia smirked, delighting in her sister's discomfort. She just couldn't find it in herself to be happy for Hara, no matter how she told herself that she should. Hara had finally found herself a man worthy of her.

"It wasn't really a date. We ate dinner with one of his business associates and came straight back here," Hara replied softly.

"Uh-huh." Delia kept her tone sarcastic, as if she didn't believe Hara for a minute. She didn't need Hara to know that she had stalked them and seen everything. However, she couldn't resist saying the next sentence as she walked up to Hara and patted her on the shoulder, "But that was a really beautiful kiss. It's really too bad that he only kissed you on the forehead. Maybe next time you could show him how a real kiss is done."

Mortified, Hara just gaped after her. Delia was already halfway up the stairs when Hara finally recovered her wits and shouted, "Delia Yasune, I'm going to kill you!"

Delia simply laughed and ran.

A/N: Please REVIEW!!!!!!