Love and Rivalry

Chapter 25

Aria was once again back at the apartment sitting on the couch with her laptop. It had been a few days since the incident and although her throat was still a little hoarse, it no longer caused her pain to speak.

Everyone was out for the moment, allowing Aria some quiet time to herself. She surfed the web as she looked at programming jobs in the Domino City area. With Riku behind bars, she no longer felt like she had to leave the country. And since Kaiba now knew of her innocence, she figured she should be able to find a low-level entry position at a software company and start saving up for college. She would still be able to pursue her dream, it was just going to take a little longer.

But Seto was another matter entirely. Over the last couple of days, Aria kept replaying the words he said to Riku over and over.

...there will always be a place for her by my side.

Even after running away from Kaiba, again, he said he still wanted her. Aria was worried that it was Kaiba who was going to hurt her again, but it seemed she was the one who kept causing him pain by repeatedly rejecting his overtures. At the prom, Kaiba had come to her with his heart on his sleeve. Never had she seen him make himself more vulnerable. How hard it must have been for him to do that. And like the coward she was, she fled.

Her laptop dinged, pulling her from her thoughts. A pop-up appeared showing that she had just received an email. That's weird Aria thought. It looked like it was from the foundation that was in charge of the scholarship she applied for. She clicked open the email.

Miss Ito. We are pleased to inform you that you are this year's chosen participant to receive the Computer Science scholarship for Domino University. With your outstanding reference from Kaiba Corp, your application...

Aria didn't finish the email. Her outstanding reference? Would Kaiba really do this? Aria's blood pressure began to rise. Did he not understand her at all? How dare he put forth a reference on her behalf given their history and relationship. It was completely inappropriate! Not to mention it was probably prohibited.

Aria shot off the couch, grabbed her purse and stomped out the door. If he thought she was going to let him get away with this, he was sorely mistaken.

+++

Kaiba sat in yet another board meeting, trying his best to look interested. He didn't think he was succeeding. Things were progressing well with Duel Monsters Online, they might even be starting prototypes beginning next year. Although they were ahead of schedule, Kaiba was finding it hard to find his usual zeal for the project.

The elevator doors at the far end of the room suddenly pinged, alerting them to someone coming up. Kaiba raised a brow at who could be coming as he wasn't expecting anyone. All the executives stopped talking to look to see who could be entering the board room. When none other than Aria herself stepped through the doors, Kaiba was shocked to say the least. He blinked once wondering if it was really her he was seeing.

What at first looked like a determined expression on Aria's face when she first exited the elevator, it had quickly turned to one of surprise and embarrassment. She stared at Kaiba while he dumbly stared back at her, either not knowing what to say.

"Umm..." Aria began, but faltered to a stop, a slight pink tinge to her cheeks.

"Gentleman," Kaiba finally said, snapping to attention. "Take a short recess. We will resume our meeting later."

A few of the executives raised their brows at Kaiba's pronouncement, but fortunately did not voice any questions as they slowly got out of their seats and exited into their adjoining offices. Soon it was only Kaiba and Aria left in the room.