Broom in had, I stood there, staring as the man approached me. "Hey."

I swallowed, the lump in my throat cause from the nervousness in my heart wouldn't dissolve. "Hello…"

"Listen… About last time… I'm sorry." The bushy haired blonde looked to the ground as he scratched the back of his head and tapped the ground with the tip of his left boot. "I know I can't speak for Mai's actions… But I'm really sorry that this happened to you..."

I honestly didn't know why he was here, apologizing to me at this very moment. I thought everything was over and dealt with last week. That is, after all, when he had found out and everything was now out in the open. I guess he's having a hard time getting over the fact that she cheated on him. All things considered, I'm lucky she hasn't gone to Kojiro and told him that I found out he was cheating.

"Don't worry about it Joey." I sighed, wanting anything that had to deal with the subject to end. My heart was far to big to just let this be ignored though. "How are things?"

A vague question. Things between them? Things besides them and the issue? Things in life, work, or just daily routines? Ever since that day, I've just been so vague about everything.

"We're on a break." He answered, a half chuckle escaping his lips as he averted his eyes. "You didn't realize that it wasn't the first time she'd cheated on me… Did ya'?"

Of course I hadn't know. I wasn't a mind reader… I didn't know much of anything about Joey, other than he was the older brother of Serenity, and that he and Seto didn't get along.

"No…" I gripped the broom a bit tighter. "I'm sorry."

"Guess we do have something in common though, huh?" He looked up to me, baring the worst fake grin I had ever witnessed.

How could he so easily get back together with Mai after knowing that she had cheated on him before? I guess for the same reason that I've stayed with Kojiro this long, knowing that he's cheated on me over and over again, a countless number of times.

"Why did you take her back?" The words slipped without thought.

His smile faded. "Well… I'm an idiot for one. Heh. But, I've always loved her. Since, like, the first time I saw her. Ya' know? And love'll make you do stupid things sometimes. I'm just not one to learn a lesson so easily."

I could only stare at him. "That's a pretty common answer."

I had thought that about Kojiro once; That I loved him, so I could easily forgive what he was doing behind my back. I guess it took falling for someone else to make myself realize how naive I had truly been.

"Heh, yeah." He sighed. "You know… I'll probably get back with her again… She said she was just trying to get money from him… But I don't know if that's the truth or not. I'm getting really off track though—"

So there's another reason he's here. I just happened to be here when he stopped by.

"I actually wanted to see if you'd like to come hang out with us—me, Serenity, Yugi, Tea, Tristan, and Duke. We'd like to get to know you better. To make friends with ya'." He thought for a moment before finishing his thought, "It must have been hard not having anyone to talk to..."

I smiled. "I have some friends, believe it or not. But… That sounds nice."

"Great!" He lit up with a smile.

I just hope he didn't want me trying to make up with Mai. Not that it's entirely her fault… "Serenity has my number. Have her get in touch with me if there's a day you all are going out and would like me to tag along."

"Definitely!" He gawked. "Mind if I get your number from her?"

My demeanor fell. "Kojiro doesn't like hearing me talk to other men over the phone… It's hard enough talking to my boss on calls..."

He seemed taken off guard. "You… are still with him?"

I looked down to my feet with a nod. I didn't mean to crush his spirit again.

"Why?" He was trying to ask, but I just didn't want to bring it up any more. When I didn't answer, he changed the subject, "I see… Well then! I'll have Serenity let ya' know then! Speaking of—where's she at? I'm supposed to be picking her up."

"Last I saw, she was up stairs." I was thinking back. "I can go find her for you."

He chuckled, "Thanks! Kaiba doesn't like me walking though the place lookin' for her. Haha! So it'd probably be better if you did!"

I smiled, "That's why I offered. I got that feeling when you and I had first met."

I lifted the broom off the floor and started to turn and walk away, but then my mind went back to that first meeting we had. Hadn't he called me by my name before I had given it to him? He had. That's right.

"Joey?" I looked back to him.

"Yup?" He cocked his head to the side.

"How did you know my name that day?" I was curious. "That time when we did meet?"

His expression changed. He stared at me quietly, almost with a serious mask on. He then shook his head. "Nah. Lucky guess."

I was all the more curious. "Okay then… I'll be right back."

I fully turned back and trotted off to go find Serenity. I didn't make it far before my eye caught the attention of both the Kaiba brothers, conversing atop the stair case. I was nearly three quarters of the way up before they noticed me.

"Kisara! How are you?" I some what avoided the two since that day. Mokuba smiled and waved me over, with Seto now looking over his shoulder to see me.

I hadn't spoken to Seto ever since he found out. I've been speaking mostly to Mokuba about anything work related, but even then I had kept the chatter to a minimum. But when it came to Seto, I just avoided him all together. It was hard enough that I had finally admit to falling for him. I don't want to end up as the next Lucina though…

"Things are well." I smiled as I reached the top of the steps, tripping slightly on the second to last step, but catching myself on the banister. "Have either of you seen Serenity?"

"Yeah. She's running some dishes to the kitchen before she heads out." Mokuba held an excited fist as he punched up into the air, stopping level to his own chin but held a nearly a foot away from his chest. "I can't believe she said yes to a date!"

He was… going on a date with an employee?

I bit my bottom lip, but pushed away that thought. "Oh! Is that why I'm picking up her night shift tonight!?"

I nudged him with my elbow, acting as though there was nothing else on my mind. He laughed nervously, "Yeah! She doesn't want Joey to know, so she's faking not feeling well so that he'd pick her up early."

"That explains why I smelled a mutt in here..." Seto huffed under his breath.

Joey was nice, but I still smiled and held back a giggle at Seto's words. I couldn't help but smile gently. I finally admit to myself about my feelings for him, and yet I distanced myself from him. And I won't lie… I missed hearing his smart ass remarks. Hell… I really just missed him in general.

"Do you need to take a break then?" Mokuba asked me out of the blue. "You've been here since, what, noon? You're gonna be here a full twelve hours today."

"Eleven actually." I giggled. "But I don't mind. I guess I could take a bit of a break and get something to eat then."

That's when he put on some kind of act. "What a coincidence! Seto was just about to get some food too!"

"Do what now?" Seto had been spacing out up until he heard his name.

"He's been working his ass off with the preparations for the tournament next week. He's barely taken any time at all to relax!" Mokuba was a bit over zealous. "You two should get something together and catch up!"

What was there to catch up on in a weeks passing?

I felt my face warm up. "I—I wouldn't want to impose..."

When was the last time I had stuttered that badly?

Seto averted his eyes. "You wouldn't really be imposing."

"Great! And while you're at it—" Mokuba pulled out his phone and started pressing his thumb to the screen, swiping through his emails. "—there's a house I wanted you to check out. It's a ranch style house, just like the one you were wanting! Not to mention, it's right in your budget and not too far away! I'm sure Seto wouldn't mind accompanying you!"

Seto was quiet, and I could feel Mokuba's glare at his older brother.

"Oh—I won't make him go with me..." I rubbed my thumbs to my index fingers, "I can go on my next day off..."

Seto scratched the back of his head, "I don't mind. It's my day off."

Did he… want to take me? Maybe he wanted to spend time with me?

No! I can't think that way!

"I'll forward you the email!" He was already pressing send. "Have fun you two!"

And he was already running off in the direction of his room, waving back before either of us could say anything. I sighed. What was that all about Mokuba?

"Sorry… You really don't have to go with me if you don't want to…" I explained, convinced that he for some reason wouldn't want to.

That's when I caught myself looking at his attire. He wore a gray long sleeved shirt with a silhouetted logo-shaped blue eyes white dragon on the chest above where his heart would be beating. He wore dark blue jeans and was walking around in brown slippers. I don't think he was aware of a couple of out-of-place stray hairs that stuck out, making it look like he had recently gotten out of bed. Hell, he had a little scruff growing on his chin.

Oh god… I'm making myself blush. Am I really just blatantly checking him out!?

Seto chuckled a bit. "I told you—I've got nothing better to do today."

That wasn't at all what he said before.

"Besides," he continued, "The sooner you find a place to move, the better. The mansion doesn't seem as cheerful with you constantly looking down. I mean really, It just doesn't feel the same with your out of tune humming filling the silence of these halls lately."

"Out of tune?" I pouted. "Was it really?"

He laughed. "Go change. Let's go eat and I'll call the realtor who's selling the house to let them know we'll be stopping by to have a look."

When was the last time I had a smile so bright on my face? "Okay! I'll meet you by the front doors then."

"I'll be down in a minute." He nodded as he spoke before taking his leave and walking back to his room.

Maybe it was my imagination, but… I think I saw his lips curve into a smile.

The thought only made me smile more. "Can't be."

As I turned around, I made my way back down the stairs. I had completely forgotten in the span of five to ten minutes of talking with the Kaibas that Joey was still waiting on his sister. He was looking at the floor moldings under the windows near the entrance. Did he have something on his mind?

"She's on her way." I startled him a bit as I reached the bottom of the steps.

He turned around rather quickly, removing his hands from his pockets. He looked like he was ready to throw a punch before he realized it was me. I didn't mean to make him jump out of his skin. At least I know never to surprise him when he's off his guard.

"Ah—thanks again, Kisara!" He smiled, his silly chuckle engulfing the air.

"You're welcome. I'll see you around, Joey." I waved as I turned to head to the locker room.

He waved before turning again and pulling out his phone. "Catch ya' later!"

As I got to the locker room, I couldn't help but feel a change in the air. I was giddy. I was starting to feel like my old self again. My smile wasn't fading, and truly felt sincere. This was the first time in months that I was starting to see things in a brighter light again.

I walked into the locker room, locating my own and unlocking it. Opening it, I immediately checked my phone. A couple text messages, the email from Mokuba, and three missed calls. One was from a number I didn't know, and the other two were from Kojiro. There was a voice mail too… I really didn't want to check it though.

So, I skipped it, hoping that it wasn't an emergency. I checked my texts. Momoka had sent me the majority of the them. Just a bunch of pictures of her and her son. She had been spoiling him with some of the money she made from the sponsorship. I couldn't be more happy for her family. The other text message was from the number I didn't know. The same that had tried calling me.

Is this Kisara?

I figured that it was probably Joey, getting my number from Serenity… But these had come way before he had shown up. There's no way he could have gotten my number from her earlier. Right? I guess I'll have to check that later…

Lastly, I opened up the email from Mokuba. I left it open for the address, but blushed when I read the following text in it:

I noticed that you and Seto weren't talking much. I hope you two kiss and make up already! Ha! ;P

—Mokey

Weird that he nicknamed himself, but who was I to judge?

Though blushing, I still smiled brightly. I set my phone back into my bag and started to change my clothes. I didn't want to keep Seto waiting after all.

Damn my younger brother… Volunteering me to chauffeur. I guess it makes sense for her to be searching on the days she works though, so the pompous bastard doesn't grow suspicious. If he isn't already aware, that is.

Well, we can just say she caught me on a good day. Yeah. That would do. Not that I needed an excuse. I do admit that the girl gets the better of me. She never has given me a reason to get on my bad side. It's not like I'd bend over backwards for her every whim though, of course. However, I can't just ignore the situation she's currently in. Then again, I'm not responsible for any of this. I just don't want her slacking at work due to her home situation.

Fuck, I don't want to see anyone going through that. Even if I laugh at Wheeler's expense. I may be an ass, but I'm still human. Kisara can be an easy reminder of that…

Speaking of Wheeler, I can't believe that Mokuba is taking a Wheeler out on a date. Poor choice. But, at least Serenity isn't a dweeb. Mokuba will have to find a way around "dating his employee" though. We don't need any negative outlooks on him. It's bad enough with how the media looks at me. Not that I give a damn.

Kisara was quick to changing. Her black petticoat made her look more pale. She was wearing some warm looking leggings. I had no idea what kind of shirt she was wearing—whether it was the long part hanging out of her coat or if it was a skirt. It was white though. I don't know fashion. I know suits and ties.

But the car ride was quiet. It was barely a fifteen minute drive. I was surprised to see such a tiny house in such a nice neighborhood though, filled to the brink with larger two story homes. Just pulling up to the small home, it was clear to see that the building needed some work. The realtor was parked in the drive way, her car running to keep it heated. It wasn't snowing at the moment, but it was still rather cold. We parked on the curb, and while exiting the car, I could hear the crunch of the already piled snow.

I should have pulled in the drive way… I didn't see what kind of shoes Kisara was wearing… What if they get soaked?

Wait… Why should I care if her shoes soak through again?

Shutting the door, I walked around the front of the car, meeting her in the snow covered yard. She was standing there, taking in the scenery of the house. Her eyes were locked with the tiny structure before her.

It was even smaller now that we were out of the car.

"Ready?" I came to her side, pressing my right hand on her back to guide her. The sooner, the better.

She took a moment to move however, eyes still caught in the gaze of the home. "Pretty..."

I wouldn't have used that particular word for it. Even as we began walking up, I could tell it was in need of more than just a little work. Chances are, it needed more work than it's worth. But, I'll humor her though. Mokuba did mention that she wanted a bit of a fixer-upper though. Guess I'm just used to luxury.

"Are you miss Hues?" I hadn't even realized the realtor was already out of the car, making her way towards us.

"That's me!" Kisara smiled and we made our way to her. Kisara held out her hand to shake the realtor's.

She wasn't wearing any gloves either… Wasn't she cold?

As the two spoke about the property I took a walk up to the porch. The porch was pretty well kept. The fencing around it only had a couple beams that needed replaced. I took a mental note of that. That's probably why Mokuba wanted me to go along with her. I had an eye for every detail. She'd probably over look all the damage without thinking what projects would be too big for her to handle. She probably wouldn't take the price of them into consideration either.

Who am I kidding though? Mokuba had other intentions by pairing us together to look at houses. He's made if very clear that he feels we were meant to be together.

I'm not a priest of an illusion.
She's not a ghost from Christmas's Past.

We are both people of the present who met by chance. While she resembles a hallucination, she is no girl whom wears rags.

As I lost track of my thoughts, the realtor and Kisara had managed to get up to the front door before I had even noticed. I walked over to them, wrapping my arms around Kisara's shoulder. She didn't flinch. It was almost like she was used to it at this point. Hell, I was getting used to it. Why? We aren't even that close…

The realtor unlocked the door and showed us inside. I really should have been listening for her name.

As we walked in, I couldn't tell if Kisara was comfortable with my arm around her at this point or not. To be on the safe side, I took it back and shut the door behind us, so we didn't let the cold in the unheated home. Not that it made much of a difference at all.

I zoned out as the two began to talk. I looked around the home, checking the layout. I looked for every flaw that this house had to offer. The electrical outlets all looked good. There were no issues with the plumbing from first glance. There was a room in the back of the house that clearly had some leaks in the roof. There was an unfinished basement as well. Around the water heater was some mold forming, but nothing that couldn't be stopped early enough. I think the biggest wreck was the back yard, which looked like it had been getting dug up to create either a large pond or a poor attempt of a pool.

All in all, it was a two bedroom home with a den in the basement that could be used as a spare room. There were two full bathrooms and a large kitchen attached to a dining room. The foyer led to a coat closet and the living room. With some work, it really could be a nice home. Weighing the total cost in my head, I personally wouldn't have gone with it. Kisara too seemed worried about the cost—which somewhat surprised me. I had always expected her to be… Less frugal.

But, that's my typical view on most women. Not to group them as a whole or be sexist. Just, well when do I ever spend time with women that aren't just my maids asking if I needed anything? Everything I've experienced with women were in business meetings or from the news. I didn't really care to be around them or look for their company. Sure, I've had my share of tramps, but I was more of an ass back in those days than I am now.

Those days… Am I referring to the time before I was given nightmares of a woman dying in my arms?

"Thank you so much Mrs. Hana. I'll keep in touch with you." Kisara smiled, the two exchanging information.

We all exited the house once the tour was completed. I was quiet the whole time, allowing Kisara to handle all the talking. It was going to be her home after all, so long as she decided that this was the one. As the realtor got in her car and left, Kisara and I began to walk back to the car. I walked around to the driver's side door, fumbling through my keys to find the right one. I lifted my eyes to her view, noticing that Kisara was looking back at the house.

What was going through her head? Did she really like the house she saw in front of her? The dead tree blocking some of the view where we stood. Perhaps she was trying to picture what it would look like with her own touch to it? I'm sure it would be delicate… Just like she is. Maybe it wouldn't be so frail.

"Are you scared…?"

"What?" She turned to look at me.

Why was that the question I asked?

"Scared of what?" She asked me in return.

"Are you… Scared to leave and be alone again?" Why am I getting so chummy? "To take on a new place by yourself when you've become so comfortable in the horrific surroundings of wealth and..."

I stopped myself… I was getting into her personal life. I didn't want to go there.

And yet, she smiled to me. "Yes… I'm very scared..."

Even though she was smiling, she looked down, her eyes not matching the expression her lips gave.

Finding the key, I unlocked the car for us, getting in and sitting down. I should have opened her door for her…

"Why do you ask?" She sat in the passenger seat, closing the door as she did.

Fuck if I knew… "I don't know. I guess I'm just curious since I've never been in the position you are."

She seemed to chuckle to herself. "I see."

"What's so funny?"

She was quiet before looking over at me. "You really have a kind heart Seto."

It took me off guard. "Yeah. Sure. Whatever."

I caught her smiling again as I put the key in the ignition and started the car back up. "So, what did you think of the house?"

She looked out the window, staring at it one more time before I started to drive off. "I… Like it a lot actually. But… I don't think Mokuba knew what the real cost of it was before setting up the tour for me. It's not the price he had listed in the email."

"I'm sure he knew what he was doing." I added.

"Yeah?" She sat looking forward now, before realizing that she forgot to buckle her seat belt. She fidgeted with it before fastening herself in. "I guess you're right. I just… don't think I should be paying so much for a home like that."

"It's not out of your price range." I turned the heat up a little more, remembering that she wasn't wearing gloves.

That's right… I had forgotten to offer her the position the night I ran into her that day… The day she finally spilled the truth. I had send her a text, letting her know I wanted to talk to her. It's not like me to forget something so important.

"If you're still unsure about your income, I can offer you another job." I kept my eyes forward. "It's better for income, but you'll be working more. The benefits are far greater though."

Kisara was quiet. Contemplating perhaps?

"If you're interested that is." I wouldn't continue if she didn't have any interest.

She began twiddling her thumbs. "What kind of position?"

"You remember when I was going to test you that night I took you out to dinner?" I looked at her through the corner of my eye for a moment, noticing her cheeks fill with a pink tone.

"Yeah." She nodded.

I focused on the road again. "I was going to test your skills as a secretary. More specific, my personal secretary..."

It felt weird saying that. I never had one after all.

"My work load is going to be piling up more soon. When Mokuba graduates, I plan on taking back full control and giving him the old Shin Industries to with as he pleases. You've already shown me that you're more than capable. I could use your help." I continued on.

"Heh..." She seemed unconvinced. "I don't really know if I'm capable… I can't think of a time I actually showed you any skills in such an area."

That was the truth. Honestly, I don't even know why I lied to her about it. But I'll be damned if I tell her I made the position to help her out. Not that I didn't have more plans to get back what was rightfully hers—the money that she had put into a joint account with Kojiro that is.

But Seto Kaiba isn't just one to do such kind deeds.

"Do you want it? Or not?" I got a little more aggressive with her.

She thought diligently for a few. "If I'm not good at the position… Or if I don't like it… Can I come back to the mansion as a maid?"

I smirked. "Yeah. I already told you that it's more lively with you around."

Again… I'm twisting my own words. But… I could feel the radiance from her smile. What I didn't expect was the strand of tears that came with it.

"Thank you..." Kisara tightly dug her nails into her pants. "When do I start?"