Love and Rivalry

Chapter 15

The ride home with Kaiba was eerily silent. Aria felt like she needed to say something, just for the sake of conversation but she knew Kaiba was not one for small talk. It did allow her, however, to reflect on the night's events. It looked like she and Kaiba just had their first date, even though she had refused to use that word. This however was definitely different then the other times they had been out together. The carnival or the pizzeria were outings with other people. But tonight it had just been them, having dinner and talking. Who knew having take-out in an office could be so charming?

A small smile played at Aria's lips as she remembered Kaiba's arrogant behavior. Standing close, whispering in her ear, his cocky words. The man had so much confidence and ego, she's surprised his head hadn't exploded yet. But it was incredibly attractive, not that she would ever admit that to him.

Lost in her thoughts, Aria realized they had turned down her street. Kaiba's car looked terribly out of place, sitting in front of the run-down apartment. Aria had to bite down on her lip to stifle a giggle. "You bought me dinner and drove me home. Do you treat all your employees this way?" she asked dryly.

"I only drive home the ones who live in derelict neighborhoods. So, needless to say, you're the only one."

Aria laughed, for it was probably true that she was the only Kaiba Corp employee who would live in such a poor area. "I had fun tonight, even if it did cause me to get behind on my work."

"I think I can extend your deadline by one more day." Kaiba smirked at her. "Especially since I was the one that distracted you."

Aria could hear the underlying meaning in how he said 'distracted' and couldn't help but feel herself flush at his words. "I appreciate that." Grabbing the Chinese food, she opened her door. "See you Monday then, Mr. Kaiba." Kaiba responded by scowling at her. She grinned broadly, glad she was able to get back at him for his outlandish flirting. She gave him a quick wink then ducked out of the car.

Bounding up the front steps, Aria let herself in, giving Kaiba a quick wave before heading inside. The grin never left her face as she climbed the stairs to her apartment. Unlocking the door with her key, Aria swept in, humming to herself as she went into the kitchen to drop off the leftovers. When she came back out, she was stopped abruptly by Joey standing in the living room, arms crossed in annoyance.

"What's got you in such a chipper mood?" he asked. "You glad Kaiba let you out half an hour early tonight?"

Aria huffed at him. "What I do with my time after hours is completely up to me. Not you or Kaiba has any say in that. Are we clear?" She gave him a look that dared him to refute her.

Joey rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Geez Aria, I didn't mean to come off as controlling, I just care about ya, you know?"

Aria's anger deflated out of her. She never could stay mad at Joey, especially when he turned his big puppy-dog eyes on her. "I know you care Joey, and I do appreciate it, but you have to trust me to handle things, okay?" She went over and gave him a mock punch in the shoulder. "When's Serenity back from her mom's? Apparently you need a little sister to always be watching over."

Joey chuckled. "I know, the big brother intuition just never seems to shut off."

"Hey, do I smell food in here?" Téa walked into the living room, her nose in the air trying to sniff out the source of the aroma.

"Oh yeah, I brought back Chinese." Aria said, jabbing a thumb in the direction of the kitchen.

"Food! Why didn't you say so!" Joey exclaimed. He rushed into the kitchen, leaving Téa and Aria shaking their heads at his over-enthusiasm.