Most of the students had left by the time Aria exited the school, the sun sitting late in the afternoon sky. She only had her thoughts to occupy herself as she started to walk home.

Aria nibbled at her lower lip as she contemplated the fact that she would be working on real computer software. She knew she had near perfect grades, but was it enough? What if she failed? Or makes a fool of herself?

It doesn't help that my boss is a tyrant and a control freak, thought Aria bitterly.

After about fifteen minutes, Aria was walking through her neighborhood where the houses were a modest size with big front lawns. Too soon she had reached her house and was walking up the red brick cobbled walkway. A two-car garage stood apart from the yellow-stoned house on the right, rose bushes getting ready to bloom sat underneath the bay window. Her mother loved those rose bushes and Aria tried her best to make sure they were well kept. The house seemed to be the only thing that Aria had left of her. However, without her mother's soft touch and loving aura, her stepfather's jaggedness had become more prominent, making it now just a house and no longer a home.

Aria was not looking forward to telling her stepfather about where her new internship would be taking place. Riku Ito was not a man of understanding. He liked to keep Aria under his thumb which offered very little flexibility on how she ran her life. Very much like how he ran his corporation, Fenrir Inc.

Fenrir Inc specialized in making computer software for other electronic companies. The corporation was modestly successful. Her stepfather however had been struggling for years trying to break into the larger market but lacked a competitive edge to rise above his counterparts.

Aria stopped at the front door, staring at the brass knocker. She took in a deep breath, reminding herself that Riku did not control her and that she was capable of making her own decisions. Her mother may have been gentle, but she taught Aria to stand up for what she believed in, even if that meant going against her stepfather's wishes.

Opening the door, Aria quietly stepped into the foyer. The room opened up to a 10-foot ceiling. The white tiled floor was spotless while a few contemporary furniture pieces sat around the fringe of the room. The door to her stepfather's study was slightly ajar on her left. She prayed he hadn't heard her enter.

"Aria," a deep voice called.

So much for not hearing her.

She knew it was better to go in now and get the confrontation over with. This will be child's play compared to when Aria will have to tell him that she's leaving for college in the fall. As well as his house.

Aria turned and walked towards the door. Crossing over the threshold she entered into a dark mahogany room, with paneled walls and green carpet. A huge oak desk sat at the far end of the room. Two black arm chairs rested in front. The room smelled of cigars and cognac, making Aria cringe as the air permeated her nostrils. She stopped a few feet behind the arm chairs, standing with one arm across her front grasping her other arm.

Riku Ito lounged behind the desk, a glass of brandy rolling lazily in his left hand. His protruding stomach could be seen poking up over the top of the desk. His thin graying hair was combed over to try and hide the fact that he was balding, accompanied by a thin mustache.

"You're late," he stated simply.

Aria waited silently. She knew he wasn't looking for answers, he just liked to make her squirm first.

"If you're going to live in my house then you need to obey the rules," continued Riku. "You didn't have my permission to go elsewhere after school, now tell me where you went or else I may have to impose stricter curfews."

Aria had to hold back a snort. Her curfew was pointless. Most of the time her stepfather wasn't even home to enforce it. She didn't think he actually cared where she spent her time, he just liked to exert his authority over her from time to time. A steady reminder that she lived in his house and thus had to obey his rules. "I actually didn't leave the school, I had a meeting with my guidance counsellor after class."

Her stepfather quirked an eyebrow. "And what was the purpose of this meeting?"

Aria hated to have to tell her stepfather anything about her life, but for now she'll submit to his authority for it won't be long till she's gone from his life forever. "It was to inform me that I had obtained an internship working for a company on their computer software."

This time both eyebrows shot up. "Why would you waste your time working for another company when your talents would be put to much better use at Fenrir? It taught you all that you know about computer software, and you're just going to give that away to some washed-up tech business?" He sneered at her. "Do you have no loyalty?"

Aria bristled at the insults about loyalty thrown at her. It was true that she learned a lot about coding from working at Fenrir, but her stepfather never gave her credit or recognition for her achievements. She tilted her chin up, trying to gain the confidence she felt she didn't have. "It was time to move on and broaden my knowledge. Working for other corporations will teach me new skills that Fenrir can't." She held her breath, waiting for another outburst.

"And what company will have the great honor of acquiring your skills?" he asked sarcastically.

Aria hesitated. If she wasn't honest about which company she'll be working for, her stepfather will probably find out soon enough anyway. And when he did, the consequences could be severe. She took a deep breath and said "Kaiba Corp."

Surprisingly, Riku didn't show any emotion at this revelation. He just sat there, looking at her, mulling over her words. When he finally spoke, it was in a much more even tone. "Well, that at least isn't some mediocre company. I'll allow you to proceed with your internship for now. Don't embarrass me." He motioned his head towards the door to signal that she was dismissed.

Aria blinked, trying to process what just happened. When her brain finally commanded her legs to move, she tried to walk as fast as she could out of the study before her stepfather could change his mind. She closed the door behind her and started heading up the stairs towards her room.

Why did his opinion suddenly change when he found out the company was Kaiba Corp? Aria thought to herself. An unknown shiver crept up her spine, with the feeling that something was off. Her stepfather never just gave in to her wishes. She knew he must be up to something, but decided to simply enjoy the fact that she could move forward with her internship without having to worry about him breathing down her neck.

She opened the door to her room and walked over to her canopied bed and flopped down on the soft mattress. She pulled out her phone to check her messages and saw that there was one from Yugi.

Pizza got postponed to tonight. You in?

Aria thought about whether her stepfather would be around. Usually he left for his club on Friday nights, doing who knows what. If not, she could always sneak out her window and climb down the trellis.

She texted back. Definitely.

+++

Seto Kaiba sat in his office at Kaiba Corp, typing furiously on his computer. He always had much to catch up on when he got off school. Memos, authorizations, papers that needed his signature, all the things that pile up over the day when he's not around to deal with them. And when all that was dealt with, he could finally concentrate on the important matters of the company, the high-tech duel monster's technology that made his heart quicken in excitement.

The duel disk was the latest invention that sent Kaiba Corp soaring, but Seto Kaiba was looking to take it one step further.

Kaiba was so engrossed in his work that he almost didn't hear someone enter his office. Almost.

"Hey big brother," a short, bushy-haired kid called.

Kaiba gave a short grunt and continued working. Mokuba went and sat on one of the plush couches that was placed on the right side of the room.

Kaiba's little brother Mokuba was the most important person in Kaiba's life. They've been through everything together, from being dumped at an orphanage after their parents died, to having to live under the tutelage of their stepfather, Gozaburo Kaiba.

"Seto? Are you listening to me?"

Kaiba looked away from his computer screen and focused on Mokuba who had moved to the front of his desk. "What is it Mokuba? I'm sure you can tell that I'm very busy right now."

Mokuba rolled his eyes. "You've been saying that all week! I've hardly seen you outside of this office! C'mon Seto, it's Friday. Can't we go out and get some pizza or something?" he whined.

Kaiba gave Mokuba a long hard look, then finally leaned back in his chair with a defeated sigh. "I know I haven't been around too much Mokuba. With school taking up so much of my time and trying to get Kaiba Corp's new project underway, I've been a little...busy."

A little smile graced Mokuba's face. "I know big brother. But a break every now and then might be good for you."

Kaiba folded his hands and rested his chin on them while he peered over at his little brother. As important as his work was to him, Mokuba was more important. Maybe one evening off would do him some good. "Alright Mokuba, you win this time. Tonight, we'll do whatever you want, just you and me."

Mokuba gave a whoop and a jump. "Awesome! Pizza's on me tonight!" he said with a laugh. He turned around and raced out the door calling behind him "I'll send for the limo to pick us up here at seven!" and then was gone.

Kaiba smiled and shook his head at his vivacious brother, then turned his attention back to his computer and continued with his work.

+++

The limo came right at seven. Mokuba came into Kaiba's office 10 minutes beforehand to make sure that he got off his computer. It was a lot harder than he thought it would be to stop what he was doing and leave. There was just still so much to do! And if he had to admit, it was kind of enjoyable designing new technology that would magnify the world of duel monsters.

Kaiba and Mokuba rode down the elevator together and exited out into the empty lobby save for a few security guards. The majority of the staff had gone home for the night. The black stretch limo was idling right outside the rotating doors. Mokuba climbed in first and Kaiba slid in beside him.

Once their seatbelts were on Mokuba said to the driver "Take us to Bartini's Pizzeria on 74th and 2nd."

"We're actually doing pizza?" Kaiba asked with a raised brow. "I thought you were joking."

"Nope! My friends keep going on about how this place has the best pizza in Domino City and is a must try."

"Then why haven't you gone out with them to try it?"

Mokuba looked sheepish and looked out the window. "Well...to be honest, I wanted to experience it first with you. I felt like we haven't really done anything together lately."

A pang of guilt hit Kaiba. Had he been neglecting Mokuba that much? His little brother acted so much older than his thirteen years, it made Kaiba forget that he was still just a kid. A kid with no parents, only an older brother with whom to make new family memories with. Kaiba had no choice but to grow up quickly. Someone had to be the protector and provider for their family of two. He realized then that he didn't want his little brother to ever feel that burden. Mokuba deserved a childhood. Kaiba's was stripped from him the moment they were dropped off at that orphanage. He couldn't imagine Mokuba being burdened with a similar fate. He was too good natured, too innocent.

The limo soon pulled up in front of the restaurant. Bartini's Pizzeria was situated on the outskirts of Domino City in an old stone building. Big windows lined the street with striped canopies overhead.

Kaiba and Mokuba exited the limo and walked up the stone steps through the front door. Inside was a bustle of activity. Round tables with red and white checkered tablecloths were crammed together as much as the small space would allow. And it looked like they were all full.

As they moved to the side to allow a young couple to exit through the doors, a man with a thick bushy mustache came up to greet them.

"Ah! Just in time! A table for two has just opened up!" He said in a jovial Italian accent. "My name is Luigi Bartini and I hope you will enjoy your stay with us. Please, follow me."

He led them through the maze of tables until they came to one tucked in the back corner. Mokuba sat down first with his back to the restaurant, while Kaiba took the other seat that looked out over the crowd.

Luigi placed some menus in front of them and promised to be back shortly to take their order.

"Wow, this place is packed," Mokuba said, turning around in his chair. "Hey look! It's Yugi and his friends! Guess they heard about this place too."

Kaiba snorted. "I'm surprised they can even afford to eat here. Probably have to wash dishes after to pay for their meal."

Mokuba sat back around while rolling his eyes at Seto. "They're really not that bad. Sure, Joey can get a little annoying, but even you have to admit that he has come a long way since Duelist Kingdom."

"Hmph," was all Kaiba said in reply.

Soon Luigi was back to take their order. As Kaiba handed him back his menu he noticed a black haired girl enter the restaurant. Her eyes lit up when she saw Yugi's table and ran over to join them. He realized that it was the same girl that he had run into earlier that day in class. He continued staring trying to figure out why an obvious beauty would hang out with those dweebs. There was no way one of those nerds could snag her.

"Hey Seto, watcha' looking at?" Mokuba asked, turning around to see what had caught his brother's attention. "Who's that girl sitting beside Yugi? I've never seen her hang out with them before."

"No one," Kaiba answered, looking away and crossing his arms.

"Do you know her? She's cute."

"Believe me, it stops there. Her attitude could use a major adjustment."

"How do you know that?" asked Mokuba.

"We had a little run-in at school today. She wasn't shy to voice her opinion of the 'great Seto Kaiba'."

Mokuba laughed. "Sounds like she's got spunk. Maybe you should ask her out."

Kaiba blinked at him. "Didn't you hear what I just said?"

"Yeah, but girls sometimes say the opposite of the signal they are trying to give. Kinda when a guy teases a girl because he likes her."

Kaiba's face deadpanned. "My thirteen year old brother did not just give me dating advice."

"Well, you are dreadfully out of practice," Mokuba said with a smirk. "Besides, it sounds like she wasn't intimidated by you, which let's face it, is probably pretty hard to find in a girl."

Kaiba stayed silent and looked back over to the other table. Green eyes met his, followed by her body visibly stiffening. Kaiba quickly looked away, thinking that she definitely was not sending opposite signals.

Fortunately, their dinner came not long after and Kaiba was able to distract himself with their meal so as not to be tempted to glance at the girl again.

Once Kaiba and Mokuba were done, they paid for their pizza and got up to leave. Kaiba deliberately walked around the edge of the restaurant to avoid having to come into contact with Yugi's group of friends. Then why did it feel like there was a pair of eyes boring into his back as he walked away?