"What's the matter with HIM?", Valon asked when Deirdra returned. He didn't understand what had just happened, but she was't about to explain it to him. She got the impression that he was unaware of her history with Alister, and she hoped to keep it that way. Unfortunately, she also got the impression that he was more perceptive than he looked, so she knew that she'd have to appear unconcerned about Alister. "Don't know. He's just being an ass, I guess", she said in reply to Valon's question. "Figures. He usually is -especially to me. Think he's jealous or something. You know, 'cause I'm more attractive", Valon said. He winked at her. She also got the impression that he was just a little bit stuck on himself. Not that he wasn't attractive.

She ended up staying for two more levels of Halo 3 and Valon ordered a pizza, which they devoured in no time, along with some fruit punch he had had hidden under the bathroom sink. She had intended to leave after that, but he insisted on a karaoke contest. She reluctantly agreed to it. Valon was ecstatic, and he was polite enough not to laugh as she butchered the songs. His own performances were off-key but highly commical. Deirdra was unable to contain her laughter when, at the end of a KISS song, he stuck out his tongue, which was bright red from the fruit punch. By the time they parted ways, they were both in a jovial mood.

But the fun didn't last for Deirdra. At half past 2 a.m. she was still unable to get to sleep. Thinking some fresh air might do her some good, she dressed and took the elevator to the roof. On the side of the roof opposite her, a dark figure was silhouetted against the dimly lit night sky. "Alister?", she blurted, recognising the figure. He whipped around. He was holding his brother's mangled toy. "Don't tell me you're following me," he said accusingly.

"Not at all. I couldn't sleep and I came up here for some air. I can leave if you want."

"Whatever."

"But since I'm here, I may as well apologise."

"For what?"

"For what you walked in on earlier. I know it looked bad."

"I never said that."

"But it wasn't what you thought."

"Whatever. Listen, if you wanna make out with Valon, go ahead. It's not like I care."

"Funny -your reaction didn't seem like that of someone who doesn't care."

"What do you want me to say? That it was a bit weird seeing my friend and my girlfriend together?"

They both clapped their hands other their mouths, realising what he had just said.

"Oh my God. Do you still have feelings for me?"

"It doesn't matter."

"It matters to me."

"Why? So you can worm your way back into my heart just to lie to me again? No thanks."

"I never lied to you."

"You didn't tell me you were related to Gozaburo Kaiba!"

"You didn't ask."

"You didn't say anything when I told you what he did to my brother!"

"Why should I have? I barely knew the man. Or his sons. We saw each other Christmases. That was it."

Alister fell silent. Deep down he knew she wasn't to blame. He just didn't know if he could get past her blood connection to Gozaburo. Or the overwhelming odds that he'd never see his little brother again. It had been years ago, but it felt like only yesterday that Alister had watched helplessly as the soldiers carried him off. The soldiers who had demolished his hometown with tanks and grenades bought with Kaiba money. The soldiers who had shot his friends and neighbours with weapons and ammunition furnished by Kaiba Corp. The image of the military commander shaking hands with Gozaburo Kaiba was burned in his brain. As was the image of his brother's smiling face and the sound of his strangled cry for help moments later, as he was taken away.

Alister was now getting that tight feeling in his throat that he got whenever he remembered the events of that fateful day. He inhaled sharply and turned back towards the edge of the roof, looking out at the scattered city lights. Deirdra didn't know what to say at that point. Words were not enough to quell his pain or properly express her feelings. So she took a chance and put her arms around him. To her surprise, he didn't tense up or pull away as she had expected he would -though he didn't return the embrace either. But he let her hold him. That was enough for her. They stood together, seemingly frozen in time. Alister never made a sound, but Deirdra felt several hot tears slide down her neck as the minutes stretched on. Finally, he extricated himself from her hold, saying he needed to get some rest. He boarded the elevator and pushed the 'down' button. Deirdra walked over with him but did not get on. "I'll see you in the morning. Oh, and..um..thank you", he said, his voice barely audible. The elevator doors closed and Deirdra was left with only more unanswered questions. Was all forgiven? Or was she being naive?