Is that Kaiba?

You should leave the dog at home next time, Kaiba.

"Is that Kaiba?"

Junouchi's words broke through the silence which had taken over our group. It had been some years since we had all been together last, and the company, although nostalgic, wasn't lively.

At Jounouchi's words, all heads turned to the spot which he pointed to.

Although doubt rippled through the group, as the attire worn and children in company would lead us to believe otherwise. None of us had kept caught up with Kaiba's life, none of us had known of his children, or his marriage, in this moment, not even I had.

Soon, we came to a consensus, each member of our group reluctantly coming to terms that the man, struggling with two small children and a dog, could only have been Kaiba Seto.

As this agreement was reached, questions rose.

"When did he become a father?"

"Is he watching kids for someone else?"

"A dog?"

"Is that really Kaiba?"

Just like that, their doubts were rising up once more.

I was no better, not in this instance. I sat by I'm speechless silence as I watched Kaiba struggle.

The dog kept pulling at the leash, trying to run further than he could, constantly tugging at Kaiba's arm. One child walked alongside Kaiba, constantly stopping to pick flowers. The other child seemed to be fast asleep within the stroller that Kaiba pushed.

No one seemed to find it necessary to help him.

He didn't seem to be in too much trouble as things were.

It wasn't until the child who walked demanded to be carried that things seemed to be growing even just slightly difficult.

Before that moment Kaiba seemed to be taking care of everything on his own, yet it was clear he only had two arms available and three responsibilities.

"Poor guy, doesn't look like he knows what to do."

No one bothered to try as they watched him.

The dog still tugged at Kaiba's arm.

The child still asked to be carried.

Kaiba looked between his three responsibilities with worry.

I looked to my old friends, expecting one of them to stand and help.

None bothered.

They weren't who they used to be, it seemed.

With a deep breath, I stood.

If no one would help Kaiba while he clearly needed it, what would he do?

I could already hear their response to my actions, I could feel their eyes on my back.

"What is he doing?"

I could easily answer that question myself.

I was being a decent human being.

I didn't waver, not even as I reached Kaiba's side.

"You look like you could use some help."

He looked up from the child who had demanded his attention.

"Are you here to offer it, or to mock me?"

"So long as you're willing to accept, I'd like to offer assistance."