Aria and Téa had stayed up late into the night talking. Aria hadn't realized how complicated things were with the Pharaoh, but of course it would be complicated if someone had feelings for a 5000-year-old spirit who didn't have his own body in which to inhabit.

So, on Saturday they slept in late, then headed over to the mall to shop and hang out. The boys wanted to join them, but Téa and Aria wanted it to be just them girls for once. Although they loved the boys dearly, it was nice to not have to put up with their childish antics for the day. Téa invited Aria to sleep over again, and Aria readily accepted. She knew she needed to go back to Riku's house eventually, so she simply enjoyed her time being away.

For Saturday night, they swore to no more talking of the men in their lives and instead stayed up watching chick flicks. Aria didn't know if that was worse. Watching a bunch of on screen romances made her yearn for her own. She had been perfectly content being single, but then Kaiba had come along and stirred up feelings in her that she had never felt before. And now having spurned his advances, it made Aria feel...lonely.

By Sunday afternoon, Aria knew it was time for her to go. She thanked Téa profusely for the amazing weekend. Leaving the apartment, she started the walk back to her stepfathers.

There was a bounce in Aria's step as she strolled down the streets of Domino City. She hadn't felt this light in years. She didn't realize how badly she had needed a friend. To pour her heart out to someone, even if only partially, had lessened the dark cloud that had hung over her head. Aria could now see some rays of sunshine poking through.

When Aria reached Riku's house (she refused to call it her home anymore), she walked right through the front door and immediately up the stairs. Not even stopping to give her stepfather a chance to corner her, or even seeing if he was home at all. Fortunately, the rest of Sunday passed by uneventfully, until bedtime when Aria had to prepare herself for her first full day at Kaiba Corp the next morning.

It seemed that whenever she and Kaiba found equal footing, something always seemed to come up and send them staggering. Aria wasn't sure they would be able to find that balance again after their last encounter. There was some solace in the fact that it would only be for the next couple of months. But still. Two months of five days a week seemed like a long time. Would she be seeing more of him now that she is working on his next special development?

Aria didn't have any answers. She almost wished she wasn't a member of the team, then Riku wouldn't have been able to blackmail her into stealing the plans. That was one question she really wished she had the answer for.

Monday morning dawned warm and bright. Aria thought that rainstorms and thunder clouds would have been more appropriate for the day. But thinking of rainstorms only reminded her of the shared limo ride to work with Kaiba, and how the rainwater had appealingly mussed his hair. Was there anything that didn't remind her of him?

Now Aria stood in the lobby of Kaiba Corp, facing the elevators. The same secretary who had stopped her before, called her over again to tell her to head straight to the 29th floor. One level below Kaiba's office.

How could she go from upbraiding Domino's most powerful CEO, to quaking in her boots at the thought of having to face him? Aria straightened her spine. She earned her place on this team and whatever happens in the next few months, nothing was going to change the fact that she was a good programmer. And she would do everything in her power to help Kaiba Corp bring about the next advancement in Duel Monsters.

Her resolve set, Aria joined a few people walking into an open elevator. She hit the button marked 29. After a few stops, it was just Aria left in the elevator. When it started to slow its ascent, Aria took a deep breath.

Just when she thought she had gotten used to the extravagance and peculiarities of Kaiba Corp, Aria was still getting caught by surprise. Stepping out onto the floor, Aria gazed around the room. No matter where she looked, everything seemed to be made of glass. The layout of the room was very similar to the top floor. A giant see-through table sat in the middle, with opaque chairs surrounding it. Separate offices also enclosed the room, except all the walls were glass, so you could see into each one. Three sat on each side.

After gaping around the room, Aria noticed that six other people sat in the middle. Probably the other programmers who had made the team. And they were all staring at her. Aria bowed politely in greeting and took a seat. A few of the programmers across from her whispered together, probably wondering why a young, female programmer was in the room with them.

Ignoring them, Aria looked to the front of the room and noticed a giant white board. She gathered that they must meet in the centre to discuss collectively, and then head off to their separate offices. Aria perked up at the thought of having her own office to work in, but it quickly deflated when she realized there were seven of them, and only six offices.

Looking at the clock on the wall, it was about one minute to 9 o'clock. They must be waiting on Kaiba to introduce the new project.

Suddenly, a door banged open on the far side of the room, and Kaiba himself swept in and strode right up to the front of the room. Aria made note that the door probably led to the stairwell. He wore his usual purple trench coat and green shirt. Although Aria liked the look on him, she couldn't help but think that she preferred his dueling attire from Battle City.

The room quieted as they waited for Kaiba to speak. He stood with his arms crossed, making eye contact with each person around the room. When his gaze found Aria's, she tried to remain as still and impassive as possible. Though in reality, her heart was galloping at the speed of a thoroughbred. He held her gaze a second longer than the rest, and then turned to the board behind him.

He spoke while typing in commands on the computer. "You are all here because you are the best programmers Kaiba Corp has to offer."

A few disbelieving glances shot Aria's way. She glared back, refusing to be intimidated.

"As such," Kaiba continued, turning around to face them, "you will be developing the next big technological advancement for Duel Monsters." A diagram appeared on the screen behind him. Aria looked confused as did everyone else. She saw the usual dueling discs but was trying to decipher what the other images were relating to. Then it hit her.

"You're creating an online version of duel monsters!" she exclaimed.

The corners of Kaiba's mouth tilted upward. "Very good Miss Ito. No longer will duelists have to be in the same city or even country to duel."

"Will it still be projected through holographic imaging? Or were you planning on using a virtual reality tool?" Aria asked. The other programmers looked back at her wide-eyed for her outburst. Aria slightly shrank back into her seat, realizing she had interrupted Kaiba's presentation.

"We will still be using the holographic technology," Kaiba answered, as if nothing untoward had happened. "I have a very basic outline of how we can read the duelist's image, and project it to the opponent."

Aria's mind was reeling. Not only was Kaiba totally revolutionizing the game of Duel Monsters, but this type of technology could change the world. They might even be able to have holographic communications. The possibilities were endless. No wonder Riku wanted his hands on it.

"The timeline for this project is approximately three years," continued Kaiba, "so let's get started, shall we?" Kaiba began addressing each of the team members, assigning their individual roles. It was then that Aria noticed that Jim from the lab had also made the team. She hoped he would be at least one friendly face.

"Ito."

Aria slammed her eyes back to Kaiba.

"Since you are only with us for a short time, you will be taking the additional office behind me. Your job is to expand on the outline I had started for the hologram."

Aria's eyes bulged at being assigned such a daunting task.

Kaiba smirked. "I wouldn't have assigned it to you if I didn't think you could do it." His smirk fell. "Don't prove me wrong." He addressed the rest of the group. "I have sent the preliminary blueprints to each of you. Learn them like the back of your hand. We'll meet again tomorrow morning to talk about deadlines."

Aria nodded along with everyone else.

"One more thing," Kaiba said. "You will also find an electronic agreement requiring your signature. Basically, it says that if you breathe a word of this project outside of this room, not only are you fired, but I will personally make sure that you never work as a programmer anywhere else in the world." He shot a dark glare around the room to ensure his point. "Now get to work."

Everyone quickly arose to head to their prospective offices. Aria had to force herself to leave with them, as it felt like her body had just turned to stone. She tried to walk naturally past Kaiba, so he wouldn't see how affected she was. But her limbs felt stiff and awkward.

As she approached her new office, she inwardly winced remembering that all the walls were see-through. There was nowhere for her to hide. Which, she surmised, was exactly why Kaiba had built this floor to be completely transparent. It made it harder to disguise dishonesty.

Upon entering, Aria did notice that her desk faced the center room, whereas all the other offices had their desks pressed against the far wall. Allowing anyone to see what was on their computer screens. This office was also slightly larger. Perplexed, Aria walked around and sat down in the office chair. All feelings of excitement of working on a new technological advancement were replaced with dread. No matter what she did now, she would never be able to become a software engineer. In the end, she was going to have to betray someone. The question was, who?

As Aria waited for her computer to boot up, she began searching through the drawers to familiarize herself. They were mostly empty, save for a few pens and stick-it notes. She paused at the bottom drawer. A name plate sat face down. Picking it up, she flipped it over and read the name. Seto Kaiba – Lead Programmer. Was Kaiba supposed to occupy this office? Aria refused to believe that he would do such a thing, especially after the way she treated him. But a small place in her heart did believe it. He was a better man than she gave him credit for.

Just as Aria began reading through the blueprints, her phone buzzed. She wanted to ignore it, but curiosity got the better of her. She decided she would turn off her phone after checking. There was a message from a number that she didn't recognize. What she read made her heart stop beating altogether.

Congratulations on making the team. Can't wait to see your findings.

+++

With his speech finished, Kaiba stood at the front of the room, waiting for the team to disperse. He tried to keep his eyes from drifting to Aria, but even in his peripheral vision, he could see her posture was tight. He knew he had asked a lot of her, but he truly believed she could do it. Was she just lacking the confidence?

During the meeting, Kaiba had seen Aria's eyes light up in anticipation. To everyone else, this was just a job that came with prestige and a big bonus. But not to Aria. He could see the passion behind her questions. Kaiba knew because it was the same passion that flowed through his veins.

Kaiba did a mental huff. He wanted to go and reassure her but was afraid of how she would take it. But wouldn't it be good to appear cordial, to show that he didn't hate her after their altercation on Friday? Should he apologize? He gritted his teeth together for acting like such a prepubescent boy, arguing with himself over whether to talk to a girl. His mind made up, he went over to her office.

Throwing open the door, Aria startled at his entrance, dropping a phone that was in her hands. His eyes tightened at her jumpiness. Probably wasn't expecting him to just barge in, especially with how things ended last time between them. "I...wanted to come...and make sure...you were settled okay." Kaiba wanted to smack himself in the face. He wasn't as prepared to face her again as he thought. How could he handle a room full of corporate tycoons but could barely put together a sentence in front of Aria.

"It is a little overwhelming," Aria admitted, "but I'm sure I will adjust fine. I, uh...actually wanted to thank you."

Kaiba raised an eyebrow in question.

"For giving up your office for me." Aria held up his nameplate. "You didn't have to do that."

Kaiba clenched his hands. He had planned on her remaining unaware of that fact. Part of him said that it was totally logical for her to take his office for the brief time she was here. But the other part said that he did it for her, to do something...nice.

Unwilling to let Aria see that however, Kaiba merely shrugged. "It made sense. I'm only one floor away so it's not like you're putting me out."

Aria only silently nodded, putting away the nameplate. "I actually wanted to apologize," she said softly, "for the things I said to you."

"It's forgotten," he said sharply. Then his voice calmed, just a little bit. "Let's just focus on moving forward."

Aria's eyes snapped to his, searching to see if there was a double meaning to his words. Kaiba gave no indicators, letting her come to her own conclusions.

"I just wanted to make sure that you are up to the task I assigned. I put you on it because I need someone who can look past limitations," he stated.

Aria's mouth quirked up at one corner. "Thanks for the vote of confidence. I won't let you down Mr. Kaiba."

Kaiba hid his cringe at her use of Mister. He turned to leave and but not before throwing over his shoulder, "See that you don't." He exited her office and headed for the stairwell that would take him back up to his office.

Once he was behind closed doors and away from prying eyes, Kaiba finally felt like he could breathe. He thought things were going to be easier with Aria. If anything, the passion that simmered below the surface only seemed to have intensified. He was surprised by her apology. He would have thought that she would have avoided the topic all together, moved on like nothing had happened. Maybe there was some hope...

Kaiba ripped off his trench coat and threw it haphazardly onto his office chair, feeling suddenly warm. He stood, arms crossed, looking out onto the city. But he didn't see the view, instead his mind was swimming with thoughts on whether to act on Mokuba's advice. Did he dare approach Yugi for his help? Kaiba never went to anyone for help, he learned very early that he was the only person he could ever depend on.

Kaiba sighed. But getting Aria to change her mind towards him was not going to be easy. That girl was as headstrong as they came. He pinched the bridge of his nose, his willpower crumbling. This girl better be worth it.

At exactly five o'clock, Kaiba left his office and went down to his limo. He told his driver to take him to Muto's game shop before he could change his mind. He knew if he didn't do it now, he never would.

Parking across the street, Kaiba debated on how best to approach Yugi. Although he was asking him for a favor, Kaiba wanted to make sure that he still had the upper hand.

Getting out, Kaiba leaned against his door, watching the shop, hoping that Yugi would exit. It would save him from having to go in and ask for him. He prayed that the rest of the nerd herd weren't in there with him.

Fate was on his side, for in just a few minutes Yugi exited the shop alone. Kaiba pushed off the car and crossed the street over to him. Yugi turned at his approach, both eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Yugi, I need a word," Kaiba said when he reached him.

"Uh...okay," Yugi said hesitantly.

"There's a café around the corner," was all Kaiba said before heading in that direction. Yugi dutifully followed.

Reaching the café, Kaiba took a seat inside, tucked away in a corner. He definitely did not want anyone eavesdropping on this conversation. Yugi took the chair opposite from him and then closed his eyes for about three seconds. When he opened them again, they were looking at Kaiba with a boldness that wasn't there before.

"What did you need to talk to me about Kaiba?" Yugi asked.

Kaiba was momentarily stunned by Yugi's change in demeanor. Just when a stray thought surfaced that this was the Pharaoh he was now talking to, Kaiba quickly flicked it away. He refused to believe in that supernatural nonsense.

"I've come to collect on a favor," Kaiba said.

"Oh? And what favor would that be?" Yugi replied.

"Let's face it," Kaiba said, "You wouldn't have been able to defeat Marik in the Battle City final if I hadn't given you that card. Now it's time to pay up."

Yugi chuckled. "I was actually referring to the favor you needed. Believe it or not Kaiba, I do consider you a friend, and would have given it to you free of charge."

Kaiba sneered. "You don't need to spout off your friendship drivel to me. I never owe anything to anyone."

"Very well, but it's your loss. Now, what can I do for you?"

Kaiba gritted his teeth knowing this was the hard part. Not only was he asking for help, but he was admitting to having feelings for Aria. Guess he might as well go all the way. "It concerns Aria."

Yugi perked up at the revelation, but then slowly relaxed back into his chair with a smirk on his face. "Why do I have a feeling that this isn't about her working for you."

Kaiba scowled at him. Yugi wasn't going to make this easy for him. "It is in part," Kaiba began, "It's because of that reason that she refuses to see me...socially."

Yugi's smirk grew. "I see. So where do I come in all of this?"

Kaiba crossed his arms and glared at him. "I need you to convince her otherwise."

Yugi also crossed his arms and looked thoughtfully back at Kaiba. "No."

"Excuse me?" Kaiba asked threateningly.

Yugi placed his arms on the table. "I've seen the way Aria acts around you Kaiba. I know how she feels about you. But I can't just interfere and make her change her mind about seeing you. She needs to do that on her own."

"Well, then I guess this was a complete waste of my time," Kaiba spat. He stood to leave.

"However," Yugi continued, motioning for Kaiba to sit back down. Which he did, grudgingly. "I can offer some advice."

Kaiba sullenly stayed silent, waiting for Yugi to continue.

"What I suggest," Yugi said, "Is that you join us on some of our group outings. Aria might see you less as her boss, and more as a friend."

"You've got to be joking," Kaiba deadpanned. "I refuse to become a member of your geek squad."

"Friendship is often the first step into a relationship, Kaiba," Yugi wisely stated. "And I think you'll also learn that the key to any relationship is compromise."

Kaiba snorted at Yugi's words. Even if there was some truth to them, Yugi didn't understand what he was asking of him.

"I'll send you a text the next time we all get together." Yugi rose to leave. "And bring Mokuba, it would be nice to see him too." He gave a single wave with two of his fingers and walked away.

Kaiba stared straight ahead, not acknowledging Yugi's departure. His mind was in turmoil, not believing what Yugi suggested he do. He still didn't understand how a girl like Aria was friends with the likes of them. But that was the whole point, wasn't it? They were her friends. And hanging out with them would help him score some major points. Not to mention it gave him an excuse to see her outside of work. Maybe Yugi's advice wasn't so useless after all.

Kaiba rubbed a hand over his face. But dare he bring himself so low? He suppressed a shudder. But then a thought came to him. He shook his head in bewilderment. Yugi covered that base too by saying he should bring Mokuba. For whatever reason, Mokuba always seemed to get along well with the dweeb patrol, which gave Kaiba an in, while saving him some dignity.

Still...Kaiba never thought that he would willingly go hang out with a bunch of losers, save one. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.