The Touch of Sapphire

Chapter 9

"She doesn't fucking get it! Kaiba's fucking dangerous but all she sees is dick!" Joey ranted to his wife, Serenity and Tristan. Mai facepalmed and squeezed the bridge of her nose. She was tired of hearing this rant over and over. She was ready to punch Joey's teeth down his throat.

"Joey it's been four years since she's been interested in someone, cut her some slack. Maybe Kaiba's changed." Serenity tried to reason with her brother. "Yeah and I'm a fucking wizard! It fucking pisses me off because this guy is such a jerk! He's just gonna use her to get off!" The three sat on the barstools around Mai's island in the kitchen, while Joey walked around in a circle.

"I don't think Ashley's love life is of your concern, Joe." Tristan finally spoke up. "So I'm supposed to let him use her?! That's my little sister!" "Serenity's your little sister, Ashley's just a close friend. Sure, both your families have been close. Your fathers and grandfathers were practically best friends, but she's not blood. Let her be." Joey looked puzzled, and punched Tristan's shoulder. "yeah well her blood family shunned her, she's got no one else." "I didn't say to abandon her. Let her be."

"Fine." Joey sat next to his wife and ran his hands through his hair. "She'll be here to help me, Serenity and Tea with decorations. Don't start with her." Mai gave Joey a death glare, she was ready to kick his ass. Joey matched Mai's glare and immediately got up and walked out the house through the back door. "Come on man don't be like this!" Tristan quickly got up and followed him.

Serenity turned to look at Mai, who was pointedly drinking her tea. "I don't understand it, I don't know why he's taking it so personally." Mai shook her head and set aside her cup. Serenity sighed, resting her chin against her hand. "He just doesn't trust Kaiba, who can blame him though."

"Oh my god Serenity, you had to see him with the girls. They adore him! I think if Ashley is giving him a chance, then what do we have to lose?" "I just hope that Kaiba doesn't open up her wounds. I'm not sure if they've healed anyway."

~4:45 p.m.~Kaiba Corp~

"We'll all meet here again at the same time next Saturday. We've made great progress, even with Animation being behind. You're all dismissed." Kaiba had formally dismissed Ashley, Leon, and the other leads of game development. Ashley was rather quiet during the meeting, she only spoke when spoken to. Leon took notice and tried to make her smile.

Ashley was packing her bag when Leon decided to approach her. He made sure it was just them and Kaiba left in the office. "Heya Ash, who do I have to fuck up?" Leon's heart nearly broke when she looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "Joey." The brunette man pulled his blonde friend into his arms and she held onto him so tightly, like she usually did.

Leon saw Kaiba on the other side of the room. He was putting away files, but Leon knew he was listening. "He's being so extra. I can't fucking talk to anyone without having him down my throat. You know how he is." "I know. I remember when he thought I was nailing ya." Ashley immediately busted out in laughter, still holding onto Leon in the hug. "Then you fucking hit on him-pffft-hahahah!! I still remember the look on his face! He felt like a jackass. Thanks Leo."

Kaiba walked towards the two, and Leon held Ashley a little tighter. "I'll be dropping her off at Wheeler's place." Kaiba's eyes narrowed at Leon, placing his hand on Ashley's back. Leon laughed, quickly letting her go. "You just want to piss Joey off, he'll just take it out on Ash though." "We'll see about that. You can come if you'd like." Kaiba walked away from the two. Ashley straightened up and placed her hands lightly on her hips.

"I had no idea that you were so cool with him." Leon gave Ashley a genuine grin and held her purse for her. "He likes intelligence. And apparently with a combination of cute too, since he likes you so much." Ashley immediately flushed and smacked his shoulder. "And how do you know that?" "I was just hugging you and his face practically screamed "get the fuck off my woman"."