*If you're reading this a second time, you will notice some corrections and rewording. Nothing major in the storyline has changed.

We distract ourelves at night

There's barely a second to process before Kai's dragging me from the hotel down to the valet. I narrowly avoid tripping over the hem of my dress as it catches around my ankles. Rick appears at his side to guide Kai all the way to Spencer's waiting car while guarding against anyone trying to get close. No time is lost as we're shoved into the backseat, doors slammed behind us. Over my shoulder, I hear the shouts of the paparazzi as they chase us down with their cameras.

"Who was that?" I ask between breaths, looking behind for any cars that might be following.

"I would also like to know," Kai replies. "Rick?"

Rick turns in the front seat, white eyebrows drew low. He's given me that same harassed look before. But never Kai. "Me? Romero was in charge of the guest list. This isn't my fault."

"She clearly wasn't on the guest list," Kai says. "And security is always your responsibility. Regardless of what Romero is doing, I expect you to check."

Rick's glare lessens, pulling back into dull acceptance.

Perhaps he's oblivious to the chage in Rick's demeanor, or he's still too angry to care. Kai continues, his voice a subdued thunderclap in the otherwise quiet car. "You left an opening and my grandfather used it to blindside me. What good is having you around if when I need you the most, I can't count on it."

"Kai," I say from my corner.

"You put us at risk,"

"We're fine,"

"We could have prevented that had you'd been paying attention,"

Finally, Rick snaps. In a flash, the fire returns to his eyes and he turns on Kai with a snarl. "And what about you? You've hardly been paying the usual attention,"

The silence that echoes after Rick's outburst fills the car with a tense air as he stares Kai down. In the end, Rick turns around in his seat and faces forward. Kai looks out the window on his side, ignoring how Rick cracks his neck in the seat in front of him. The dispute's been put on hold, but I doubt that's the end.

"So, none of you know who she is?" I ask after a beat.

Two heads slowly rotate in my direction, eyes void of all emotion save for irritation. In the rearview mirror, Spencer's eyes flicker up. Even he lacks his usual patient understanding.

I duck my head at their judging gaze. "That's just great,"

Spencer turns us into the parking garage for Kai's building. As soon as we're through the guard gate, a weight lifts from the car. Safe behind the walls, there's an expectation of privacy that allows us to relax. At least I feel a smidgen more relaxed. Kai and Rick are still stiff as we ride the elevator up. As soon as the doors slide open, Kai strides from the elevator purposefully, heading towards his office. "Rick, I want to know what her name is by morning,"

"What do you want me to do? Search 'pink-haired girl; high society'? I don't think you'll get the results you're expecting," Rick quips as he takes his jacket off, leaving it draped over the barstools at the island. He unbuttons the black shirt underneath and rolls the sleeves to his elbows, revealing the warm brown skin of his muscled forearms.

Spencer does the same, the black a sharp contrast against his pale complexion. He goes the extra step to lose his tie and running his hand through his hair to break the gel cast. It's the first time I've seen his hair neatly arranged and I realize what I've been findng so off about him. I like his messier hair better; makes me feel less out of place. I hope this prim and proper Spencer continues to be a rare occurrence.

Not knowing what to do as the three men brood about the house, I lean against the back of the couch, facing the kitchen to wait for instructions. Rick's got his head tucked deep into the freezer while Spencer searches the cabinets.

"Romero didn't set dinner aside for you guys?"

"Of course not," Spencer replies, "but we're not looking for food."

"Here," Kai calls, coming out from the office. In his hands, he carries two large bottles.

"You're drinking?" I ask, aghast.

Kai side-eyes me on his way to the kitchen island where Spencer puts down four glasses. "We're all adults here,"

"No, I meant at a time like this, your solution is drinking. Shouldn't we be talking about what we're going to do?" I trail off, staring as Rick pours the already opened bottle found in the freezer into the four glasses, placing one in front of each of them and leaving the remaining one on the counter.

Kai picks it up and brings it over, holding it out for me to take. "Drinking is hardly ever the solution to any problem," he says. I eye the glass, unconvinced of the wisdom behind this choice. "Tonight, it is. We'll talk in the morning. For now, we need a distraction."

Gingerly, I take the glass. "I was never peer-pressured in school. Didn't think I'd need to worry about it now,"

Kai shrugs, tossing back his drink, bringing down an empty cup. "Drink, don't drink. I don't really care. I just wouldn't want to be the only sober one in this bunch,"

"What bunch?" I look behind him. "I count four,"

As if on cue, the elevator door opens.

Mariah's voice comes through first, laughing as she stumbles in with her arm looped with Julia's. "That was wild,"

I recognize Raul, though this is the first time I'm seeing him in person. Unlike his overjoyed counterpart, he's on the phone, speaking in rapid-fire Spanish while trying to block the noise out of his other ear. Rei trails in behind them, Max at his side as they laugh easily together. They follow the girls into the kitchen where Spencer already has more drinks prepped from an assortment of bottles. He's also managed to gather sodas and juices from somewhere. Max's smile brightens about another thousand watts at the sight of the drinks and all his friends, clapping the taller blonde on his shoulder, while Rei produces a blender from a bottom cabinet. They greet each other with a welcoming outcry as if they hadn't just came from the same elevator. It's so much, Raul steps off to the side for some quiet against the boisterous shouting.

They certainly feel comfortable making themselves at home.

Yuriy comes in last, accompanied by a grey-hair man. Compared to Yuriy's narrow, precise features this newcomer fits in more with the broadness of Spencer and Rick. He's welcomed into the kitchen with another round of cheers, revealing a smile that reminds me more of a serrated knife than anything. Meanwhile, Yuriy diverts his course, heading for the office instead of where the rest gather. "You still keep the good stuff in here, right?" He asks Kai as he opens the door. He comes back out a moment later. "You kept the candle?"

Kai bristles. "It just sits on the shelf, it doesn't mean anything,"

Yuriy narrows his eyebrows in a way that makes clear he doesn't believe a word Kai says and goes back inside. Copying Kai's actions from before, I throw my drink back, wincing at the burn. Kai smirks at my anguish.

"Yuriy has that effect on people," he says.

"I'm pretty sure that was your careless comment she's reacting to," Yuriy retorts as he comes out of the room, three more bottles of varying liquids in his hands.

"How much alcohol do you have?" I ask through the rough burn in my throat.

"Enough to sate three Russians, a weight lifter, and a few friends," Kai answers. "Speaking of which," he adds, stepping aside so that I can see all the way to the elevator.

My heart lifts at the sight of Kenny, standing in the main entrance, waiting to be called over. With his hands awkwardly in his pockets, he's clearly out of place with the group he came up with and it's easy to see why. All of these people are Kai's closest friends and Kenny is just -

"Wait," I say, my hand flying to Kai's arm as worry replaces joy. "Kenny doesn't know,"

Kai nods calmly. "I told him,"

"You did?"

"It wasn't my idea. You can thank Mariah for this. She said you need a friend to bounce ideas off of and that you weren't ready to trust her because of her connection to me. I thought Kenny would be a good middle ground,"

"So he knows the truth?"

"He does,"

"And I can talk to him about things that happen between us,"

His eyes narrow. "As long as you talk to me before divulging private information, yes, Kenny's all yours,"

My cheeks scrunch in a big smile as I wave Kenny over. Kai takes the glass from me before I drop it to wrap my arms around Kenny's shoulders. He returns the hug, lifting me from the ground. As he puts me back down, he notices Kai's stare.

"Thanks for the invite," he says, sticking his hand out to greet Kai.

Kai nods, taking Kenny's hand. His eyes trail between the two of us.

"Guys, don't worry," Raul says suddenly, calling attention to himself as everyone quiets down to hear what he has to say, "Romero's going to be just fine. He's only marginally upset his party was ruined,"

Everyone groans and turns back to their conversations.

"Tell him to take the night off," Julia shouts.

Raul puts the phone back to his ear. "Did you hear that?" He asks with hope before his face breaks back into frustration. "No, I understand it's about the time you spent -"

Kai pulls out his phone and taps a few buttons. Walking over to where Raul is listening to Romero, he holds out his hand. Giving up, Raul passes the phone over and leaves him to join the group. Kai waits patiently while Romero goes on. Kenny and I share a look as Kai folds his arm over his chest, supporting the other hand with the phone to his ear. By his expression, it's difficult to tell if he's actually listening or just letting Romero wear himself out. My guess is that Romero pauses to take a breath and Kai uses that opportunity to interrupt his wave of complaints. "In the morning, there will be a basket at your door. It is a token of my appreciation for what you've done so far. Enjoy the treats and then get back to work,"

I hark out a hint of laughter. Kenny looks at me with glee in his eyes. The words, of course, were pleasant enough but Kai left no room to wonder about his expectation. What a delicate way to tell someone to shut up.

Kai heads over to the main group in the kitchen. They've broken up into smaller clusters surrounding the island. Julia and Mariah huddle in one corner, whispering and laughing to themselves. Spencer, Rick, and the new guy take up residence next to the drinks, where Spencer appears to be the main one doling them out. Yuriy, Rei, Max, and Raul take up the most space, and as Kai joins them they open up the group even more. From here, they look otherworldly and they might as well be from a different planet for all that Kenny and I have in common.

"You want to go outside?" Kenny asks. "It's kinda loud in here,"

My eyes bulge with bafflement. "You mean downstairs? No way,"

"No, to the rooftop deck,"

"The what?"

Kenny laughs. "He hasn't shown you? Well, that sounds like Kai, actually," He nods for me to follow, "Come on."

I do, my gaze going to Kai to see if he notices us leaving. He does but makes no move to stop us, returning his attention to his conversation. As we approach the elevator, Kenny turns left, pushing on a door that blends into the wall. Beyond that, there are stairs with a light on each step until it opens to the sky.

"You're kidding," I mutter. Taking each step carefully, lifting my dress to avoid tripping, I gasp when I reach the top. The 'rooftop deck' is a mini paradise. There are multiple sitting areas, lounges for laying out in the sun, and even a hammock in the corner. Greenery for a touch of nature in the city and overhead, a string of lights gives a warm glow to the wide space. At the edge, the city lights twinkle around us like stars.

I turn to Kenny. "How did you know about this?"

"I've been here before, usually for business things. Though it usually isn't that lively,"

I sit on one of the patio chairs. "Yeah, that's quite a different crowd he's gathered," I laugh, smiling to get past any uneasiness in my voice. "It almost makes me feel like I don't know him at all,"

Kenny takes a deep breath and then sighs heavily. He blinks, looking confused and conflicted. Tightening his lip, he sits across from me. "Do you?"

"What?"

"Do you think you actually know him?"

I look away. "Well, obviously I don't know everything about him. It's only been a few months,"

"Fine, but do you know what you're doing with him?"

"Kenny," I say. True, I haven't seen Kenny in quite some time, but he's always been supportive before. That's how I know this isn't his usual willingness to listen.

He must read my lack of words as shame. "I was more than shocked when Kai called to say that he was adding someone to his account and he gave me your name. Even more surprised when he announced your engagement, and completely bewildered when he told me it's all fake." He pauses a moment to check my expression, his eyes searching for any cue of my feelings. I wait, knowing he's not done.

"This isn't like you, Hilary. And I know we haven't been close for a while, but I think we've known each other long enough for me to say I think you're making a huge mistake."

"Okay, stop," I hold my hand out. "Perhaps this isn't the best-executed plan in the history of the world, but I don't think I'm making a huge mistake by helping him. If you knew what he did for me, then you'd -"

"What'd he do for you that calls for this drastic of a reaction?" Kenny poses. When I don't respond, he continues, "Can't you see? He's just using you,"

I hide my frustration behind a tense smile. "Kenny, now is not the time for your blunt-force honesty."

"If I'm not honest with you, then who will be? Because no one down there is in your corner,"

The truth of his comment sweeps away the rest of my control. I stand, if only to tower over him. "That's not for you to say! You don't understand why I need to do this,"

His eyes widen within the dark rims of his glasses. "Nobody needs this, Hilary. I heard about what happened tonight. All this stress, it's not good for you."

"You know, I was so happy when Kai brought you in," I shake my head, "but if all you're going to do is sow seeds of doubt, then maybe it's best if you leave,"

"You're not listening to reason. Can't you see that's a bad sign?"

I flinch at his words. "I know what I'm doing,"

"Playing this role isn't going to get you where you want to go," At the drop of his voice, I look at him. He regards me with a critical eye. "You're lying to yourself, and just like always, sacrificing what you deserve to elevate someone else. Trust me when I say that Kai will let you dig your own grave if it means he stays above ground."

"I'm not going to let them do that," I say. The entire idea is ridiculous anyway. "Besides, Kai's not some evil villain,"

With a burdened sigh, Kenny reaches out, taking my hand in his. It's a familiar shape and size. He folds both hands over my smaller one. "Fine. If you're not ready to see the logic, then I guess I'll stick around until you are,"

I gape at him. "Even if you don't agree and think what I'm doing is a huge mistake?"

"I think I'd rather be at your side whenever things go south than trying to help you from the other side,"

And immediately, I'm reminded why Kenny was always in my favorite memories from school. It doesn't escape my attention that he said 'whenever' and not 'if', but I chose not to focus on that at the moment. For now, we can just be two longtime friends on a rooftop overlooking the grand city.

"This is a million-dollar view," I say, leading him over to the edge so that we can lean against the wall. Out of the corner of my eye, I see two glass doors. Because of the lights and the tint, it's impossible to see what's behind the doors. Still, my basic, and admittedly lacking, understanding of the layout leads me to believe that whatever is there is one of Kai's personal rooms.

"So," Kenny starts, knocking his hip into mine, "tell me about tonight. It heard it was wild,"

"Unbelievably so," I roll my eyes and laugh at all the craziness. Starting from the night before, when I told Kai about my suspensions of his grandfather, I give Kenny a detailed rundown of everything that happened.

"Wait, you just jumped him,"

"It was to throw his uncle off our trail! It's not like I wanted to,"

"Hm," Kenny snorts. "Right."

"No, really. I had to put a limit on the number of kisses we have,"

"Yeah, because who wouldn't want to kiss that man. Ugh, he's so ugly," He feigns recoiling in disgust.

I slap his shoulder. "That's not fair. You're getting it all wrong,"

"Does he slobber? Too much tongue? Oh, I know. He sucks like a vacuum."

"I'm not giving you any details,"

"Come on, you know I'm dying for them,"

I laugh. "Moving on. We get back to the ballroom just in time for dinner to be served and I have to tell you, this is the most awkward dinner of my life. And just before dessert, his grandfather drops that bomb on us,"

"And no one knows who she is,"

"Well, maybe one of them do but Kai doesn't,"

"Weird,"

"Right?"

There's a slight chill in the breeze as the night gets later. It's got to be close to midnight by now but the city still sings with life.

"What about you? Other than being Kai's accountant, I know nothing about your new life,"

He ducks his head to his chest, keeping a secret smile. "Nothing as exciting as this, that much I can say. Certainly not anyone as exciting as Kai in my life,"

"But someone special?" I venture hesitantly.

He nods, sparing me a cheeky look. "He's an engineer,"

I smile. Of course, there were always rumors while we were in school and I won't deny that was part of the reason I think Kenny stayed with me until college. It was just easier for him to put exploring on hold until he could do it the right way. With Kenny, things always needed to be done the right way. And I was fine with that because at the end of the day, I still loved him and I know he loved me. In our own way.

"We actually met because of Kai, now that I think about it," Kenny goes on. "He works at one of the manufacturing plants for Hiwatari Enterprises,"

"Oh?"

"The Hiwatari Group had an employee appreciation party a few years ago. Kai extended an invitation to me sort of offhandedly, but I always enjoy a free meal," He looked at me over the rim of his glasses. "The Hiwatari's always have the best food at these things,"

"I know!" Now, if only I can get my stomach to stop being in knots whenever I'm near his family so that I can actually enjoy it.

"I think it's so their employees won't revolt,"

"And overthrow the kingdom,"

"They better hurry. At this rate, they'll do themselves in,"

We laugh at the thought together until it trails off into a peaceful calm. I coil my arm through his and lean my head against his shoulder while we enjoy the muted hush of the city below.

"We should probably get back downstairs," Kenny says after a while.

I snort. "Yeah, I'm sure they're really missing us,"

He helps me back down the stairs. Granted, I didn't need the help but it was nice to hold his hand anyway. We reenter the living space to see most of the group sprawled out on the sectional, listening raptly as Yuriy tells a story from what I guess is their high school days.

"And then -" Yuriy stops, thinking. "Wait, where did we hide it?"

Kai raises his glass, his lips forming a strangely crooked grin - a cross between a smirk and a smile. "I think we hid it in Max's room,"

"We did," Raul adds, breaking into a snicker as well as he continues, "Specifically because Max wasn't there,"

"Yeah, Max, you weren't even there. Why did you let us use your room to hide the goods?"

"You didn't present it as an option, Ivanov! You just came into my room with the headmaster's bust and forced me to take it," Max shouts from the kitchen, reemerging with full glass. His unexpected explosion causes an eruption of uncontrolled laughter from his friends. Several seconds later, even Max is laughing, a perfect example of his good nature.

"Hilary!" Mariah calls when she sees us, "Come sit,"

She's curled in her husband's lap. Rei's glance is languid and more feline than usual as his arms wrap around her waist to keep her put. It's clear that while Kenny and I were getting reacquainted, the alcohol flowed, creating a more relaxed environment. Fair enough, considering the night we've had.

As I come around the sectional, I see Spencer, Rick, and the other one are still in the kitchen, enjoying their own private conversation. I sit next to Mariah as requested - technically Rei - and Kenny stays next to me, at the edge of the couch. "Who's that guy that came in with Yuriy," I whisper to her, eyeing the man. He and Spencer have equally rough appearances, but there's something fiercer about this other guy. As much as I had been wary of Yuriy, he's been bumped down the list of people I'd hate to be alone with.

"Bryan?" Mariah asks, not bothering to keep her voice low. Thankfully, conversations have broken out between the others and no one pays attention to us. "He's Yuriy's bodyguard. Why?"

"I don't know," I say, "he just seems kind of...dangerous,"

"That's because Yuriy likes things that are foul-mouthed and dangerous. Case in point," She looks pointedly at Julia across the way. While not sitting directly in Yuriy's lap, she is draped over him, her back to his chest, legs stretching out over the rest of the couch. She twrirls a single red bang between her fingers .

At her words, Julia balks. "You're hardly a picture of wholesomeness,"

"I don't think anyone here can claim that trophy," Yuriy adds. His pale eyes narrow in on me, "Not even you, based on tonight's performance,"

"I'm not discussing that with you," I snap, harsher than I intended to sound.

His grin shifts into a smirk like he knows something I don't but doesn't bother to share. Kenny shifts next to me. It reminds me just how out of place we are but it's nice to know he's at my side. My gaze turns to Kai. He's paying attention to the conversation, watching us lob comments back and forth but remaining quiet otherwise. His eyes meet mine and hold, waiting to see if I rise to the bait.

I do rise, but not to respond to their teasing. I ask Kenny if he wants a drink from the kitchen.

"Anything," he replies.

Yuriy holds out his glass, dangling it from slender fingers. "I'll take a refill,"

"You have two feet,"

The girls laugh as I walk away. "You were right, Mariah," I hear Julia say, "She's fun. Kai, you're planning on keeping her around, right?"

Either he doesn't answer or he says something too low for me to pick up. Either way, I focus on the drinks Spencer pours for me and Kenny and don't hear what's said after. When he's done, Spencer pushes the drinks forward. When I go to grab them, he keeps his hold until I look up.

"Don't let them bully you," he says. There's a playful twinkle in his stare.

I almost laugh. "Of course not," Blowing air out a huff of air, I posture that I'm totally comfortable with the current situation. Looking back at them, Kai looks more alive than he did at the party hours earlier. I'm the one now feeling out of sorts.

Spencer sees through this, of course, but says nothing more. Drinks free from his hold, I pick them up and mentally prepare to rejoin the group. He's right in that I have to work to keep them from walking all over me. As Kenny brought out earlier, I'm happy to serve, and even happier when my service is actually needed. And this group...well, they're used to taking. Just as I pass Kenny his drink and sit down, the elevator opens again. Confused glances skip around the room and Max asks if anyone was missing. All of us eagerly crane our heads to see who's coming in only to groan collectively when we see the last two people we wanted to expected it to be.

Soichiro strolls in like he still lives here, attended only by the girl from earlier. The group's energy is tense as everyone adjusts so that they're no longer lounging. Kai's shoulders hunch forward, refusing to look in their direction. Rick, Spencer, and Bryan appear out of the kitchen, standing off to the side. The three of them together create a frightening aura, but the president of Hiwatari is less than intimidated. He looks at them with a bemused expression.

"All of your little gangsters are here, what fun," he chortles. "You can all relax. I'm just here to introduce the newest resident to her neighbors. What kind of benefactor would I be if I didn't make sure she made friends?"

Her eyes, usually cast down, flicker up for a moment. Her eyes match her hair in shade and color. "Hello," she mouths, her voice barely above a whisper, "It's nice to meet you,"

"Don't be shy, dear. This is your husband to be, after all. And what a funny story it will be for your children: when mommy met daddy,"

"I'm not -" Kai started and then broke off, restraining the rest of the sentence behind gritted teeth.

The group watches her with a mixture of emotions, eyes casting over before darting away. I study the girl. She stands, head down, hands folded in front of her. It would make more sense for me to treat her like a poison I want nothing to do with, considering the situation we're in. Looking at her face, however, it becomes very clear that her cheeks are still round with youth. She can't be older than twenty-one at the most. The age difference between us and the way she demurely hold herself causes a shot of sympathy to course through me. She's just a child, not a mastermind like the person standing next to her.

I stand, drawing the eyes of the room, and walk around the couch to stand in front of her. "Ah, Hilary. The one to thank for finally moving Kai along in his maturity," I ignore the dig and focus solely on the girl. "You two should figure out how to get along well. I suspect you'll see a lot of each other. Or maybe nothing at all, which is my advice, grandson,"

"Hilary," I say to introduce myself, though I doubt she needs to hear the name one more time.

With a delicate hand, she gracefully grasps mine for only a moment. Her hand is cold like ice, and feels like a ghost, just the whisper of a touch. "Mathilda," she replies, ducking her head in acknowledgment.

"Mathilda," I restate, feeling the name roll around on my tongue. It's beautiful and wispy, giving the sense she might fly away on thin, fairy wings. "It's nice to meet you,"

Her eyes dart to Soichiro who watches us with that same sickly pleased grin. Returning to me she says, "You as well,"

There's no fine and diplomatic way to say what comes to me next. If Soichiro hadn't been standing there, waiting to see if I fold, I might have tried to find one. "That's good," I started off with a gentle reply before my voice drops the pleasantry. "But you should know, as long as I'm here, you won't marrying Kai. He's going to be my husband."

I don't expect cheers or anything – we're adults, not in high school – but when I turn around, I can see the variety of expressions, ranging from neutral to pleased to thrilled. My gaze settles on Kai, now standing forward, having come around the couch. I return to his side, reaching out to loop my arm around his and take his hand if a firm grip. He looks oddly satisfied with my quick actions.

"Now, if you'll excuse us," I continue, leaning my head against Kai's shoulder, "we have the rest of our evening to enjoy,"

Soichiro nods once, a motion I recognize as Kai's. Also similar is the arrogance rolls that off him in waves. "Be sure to welcome your new neighbor soon. You don't want to seem rude, boy,"

"Yeah, I would hate to be rude," Kai drawls.

We hold this pose until the elevator doors close on the two of them and I can drop the act. "Can anyone just walk through your front door?" I ask, knowing I sound shrewish and nagging.

"He technically owns the building and this used to be his unit," Kai answers, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I thought I collected all his key cards, but I guess he still has one,"

I gawk. I've slept here and the entire time he could have just waltzed in. "Does he have keys to every place you've ever lived?"

Kai doesn't answer that, which probably means 'yes'.

"That does it for me," Max says, stretching. Now that the tension is gone, they break their positions. "That's more excitement and surprise announcements than I can take in a single night. Nice to know we can still count on you for entertainment,"

The others tentatively agree. Though the tension has lifted, mood of the evening is officially ruined thanks to Kai's grandfather, yet again. Twice in one day must be some sort of record. Everyone goes around gathering their things and sorting rides. Since Rei and Mariah live in the building, they say their quick goodbyes and depart first. Before leaving, Rei whispers something to Kai but the serious look between them keeps me from inquiring.

Someone taps me on the shoulder and I turn around to find Kenny. "Oh," I say, trying to cover any surprise that might leak into my voice or face.

"It's okay," he replies, "I would have forgotten about me too with all of that,"

"I -" I pause as I think of how to explain myself. "I get sort of single-minded when it comes to these situations,"

"You always did,"

"I jumped out a window once," I say cheerfully. At his startled expression, I rush to expound, "I meant that as in tonight wasn't that bad. At least I stayed inside this time."

"You're not making me worry any less,"

I laugh, smiling despite myself. "I guess that's good. Perhaps I need someone to worry a little more."

"Well, I'm here now,"

"Good,"

We're only smiling goofily at each other for a second before I hear retching. "And now to your left, the death of passion, kids," I hear Yuriy say, though his voice was clearly calibrated for us to hear.

After giving a Yuriy a dirty look, which he only ignores, I return to Kenny. "I'll see you out,"

"I'm parked in the visitor's garage,"

"You say that as if the distance would ward me off," I joke, pulling in towards the elevator. "Kai, I'll be back,"

Kai looks up from his phone as if my voice brings him back to reality. The elevator doors close before he says anything, but I didn't expect him to. Kenny and I talk lightly all the way to his car. Small talk, the kind we haven't done in a while. I wonder where our sudden awkwardness comes from when just an hour ago, we were talking about how I basically assaulted Kai with my mouth.

He bends to hug me goodbye. With his chin resting on my shoulder, I both hear and feel him sigh. Backing away, I can see his desperateness written all over his face. There's a gleam of pity in his eyes, like he's watching an old pet slowly fade away.

"Kenny, I'm okay," I promise with as much enthusiasm as I can muster. It's weak but I blame it on the late hour.

His hands come up to my shoulders. "I'm sorry but I have to try one more time. Why are you afraid to be happy, Hil?"

"I'm not,"

"You think this is a natural way for your life to be? For everything to be difficult and secretive? Love doesn't come up from this,"

I back away. "I'm not looking for love. I'm just trying to help. And I was drowning before this. I couldn't see it, but I was. Kai's saved me just as much as I'm saving him,"

He shakes his head sadly. "I'm going to keep annoying you about this," he promises.

"Good night, Kenny," I say, yet still thankful for him. I need his voice in my ear for when things with Kai get too confusing, as I'm sure they will. "I'll call you."

He nods, getting into his car. I wait until I see him exit the garage before walking back towards the doors for the lobby. Just as I'm nearing the gold-plated doors, I see Yuriy leaning against a stone pillar. Smoke trails from his mouth and nose as he exhales, flicking the end of a cigarette.

"You never did know when to quit," Julia says, walking over from another part of the garage. She steps as close as she can and takes the cigarette from his hands and tosses it away. I know I shouldn't spy on this moment between them but my curiosity gets the better of me. I duck behind a car, one of the few still in the garage. From here, I can't see her face, only the back of her head, but Yuriy is still in view.

"Worried for my life?"

"Not even a little," she says brightly. Followed by a softer, sadder, "You're a mess, Yuriy,"

"That is my main goal in life: To be a mess and make in everyone else's problem. Fortunately, I have you to remind me of my achievements," He reaches out and drags her closer, bringing her between his parted legs, his hands curving around her hips. "As annoying as you are,"

She pushes her arms over his shoulders and leans in to place a tentative kiss on his neck. "Don't be mean,"

"If you find me so mean -"

"Because you are,"

"-then why are you over here?" His face now just inches from hers, he waits for an answer.

She leans back, giving her room to examine his entire face. "Give me a ride?"

"I imagine you'll regret this later," he says as he lets her go, straightening from his leaning position.

"Of course," she replies, taking his hand and following him to a dark car where they both get in the back seat, "but not for a while,"

Well, I guess that answers that question. The rumors of their relationship are valid but it's still obvious that not everything is straightforward with them. Mariah's face flashes up, the funny little expression she gave me before saying "We don't talk about that,"

Now I see why.

The condo is empty and the lights are dimmed low when I finally make it back up. I walk gently, trying not to make too much noise as my heels click on the tile floor.

"You exceeded expectations,"

Forgoing sneaking to my room, I walk to the couch and peer over the edge. Kai lays across the long end, eyes closed and breathing evenly. We're finally alone. I can figuratively punch my time card and call it a day. It's been so long that I can hardly believe the events earlier this evening took place in the same twenty-four hours. It feels like weeks ago. I sink in the couch as close to Kai's head as I can and remove my heels. My feet are red and angry to the touch and it's definietly something I'll be dealing with tomorrow. "I won't say it wasn't a challenge,"

He shifts to look up at me. "So, Kenny,"

I take a sharp breath at his tone. "What about him?"

"What'd you tell him when you were alone?"

"Just what's happened tonight," I shrug. "How I got here,"

Kai's quiet. So quiet, I can practically hear him thinking. "He didn't like it when I told him the truth,"

I agree readily, "He doesn't. He thinks I deserve more."

"You do,"

I look down at him. He stares back.

"He thinks I deserve more than you," I say just to see his reaction.

He laughs quietly; a deep, chest-bound chuckle as his eyelids sink low again. The bedroom is just a few yards away, but I can't bring myself to move another step. Rotating to lay on my side of the couch, so that our heads are together, I allow my eyes to close. In a little bit, I'll get up and change out of this dress and wash my face but right now, I just need to rest.

"Of course, you'd need to get over your attraction to me,"

My eyes fly open. I readjust my neck so that I can see him clearly. "Excuse me?" I ask. Really, there's no denying his looks and the fact that he still makes my heart beat erratically at times, but I thought I'd been doing a good job keeping my crush in check. I hardly dwelled about it anymore.

He smiles, laughing at my reaction though his eyes remain closed.

"What about you, Mr. Kisses-are-unlimited? You couldn't wait to get me into your arms, either. We're down to four, by the way,"

"Tonight doesn't count," he replies casually, confident in his claim.

"Explain that logic,"

Silence follows. In it, I find victory and settle back down.

"It doesn't count,"

"So, you're admitting you want to kiss me more?"

There's nothing else from Kai. Still counting it as a victory, I let my eyes slip shut again. Just for a moment. Then I'll get up and go to my room.

Hey! I'm back. I hope you all had a good couple of weeks. I'm updating it earlier today because I missed you. Next chapter will still be updated March 14th.

Thank you for all the regular readers and reviewers. It means so much. Hope you enjoy the chapter, and let me know any thoughts you feel like sharing. Take care until next time!

P.S. Starseed, please go to my profile for my reply. And Lurker, that's for the notice! You're a life saver!