Someone suggested I do a sequel fic for Pillow Talk, and my Puppyshipping queen & beta TeacupKitty said I should give it a go, so here it is!


Seto's eyes flashed open and darted around the room, his heart pounding. He felt a strong anxiety that he could not explain and was made very uneasy by it. He was in his room, but something felt very wrong, or at least very out-of-place. He jerked his head slightly to the left and went to roll over, but a solid form behind him prevented him from moving. He kept still, confused and anxious beyond control, and looked down at his waist. An arm was curled lightly around him and he couldn't decide if he was relieved or more anxious.

He swallowed and considered things a moment, feeling his heart pounding in his ears. It was Katsuya. He accepted that he wouldn't be able move unless he wanted to risk getting out of bed, so he momentarily relaxed his head back onto the pillow and tried to control his breathing. He was safely in his bed and Katsuya was still asleep, so things were fine, except that they weren't.

His heart was still beating hard. His whole back was warm and Katsuya's breathing at his neck was slow and steady. Seto thought about what happened before he'd fallen asleep, noting that he had slept much harder than usual and had not dreamed. Katsuya had come over after work, like he'd been invited to. That much was normal, or at least as normal as it could be considering it wasn't long ago they were often at each other's throats. Seto furrowed his eyebrows and tried to focus on remembering what had happened after that.

When Katsuya had come over he'd been sleeping. He was exhausted and didn't feel like talking much, just wanted to go back to sleep, which was also normal. Then Katsuya had been an idiot about the bed, which Seto had expected because Katsuya was known to specifically overreact to all things that were of least importance. (Although, Seto did mentally admit that he had every right to be uptight. It's not like Seto could run a company being casual about things like acquaintances- friends?- sleeping in his bed.)

Then he remembered lapsing into sleep, but damn it if Katsuya didn't stop waking him up. Just as he'd been about to lose his temper, Katsuya had made a comment about his nightmare. That's what it was, Seto thought. Katsuya had thanked him, and had been, well, Seto couldn't really name it. He'd seemed so nervous, but so insistent about what he was trying to say. It was genuine and, without thinking further on it, Seto had kissed him. Seto's entire thought process stopped for several moments at this knowledge. He could hear Katsuya's breathing and looked up to see the morning light coming in over the headboard. Just like that, he thought. He swallowed again, forcing himself to think about it against his own will. Why he had kissed Katsuya he couldn't even fathom a guess. "Just because" seemed a little ridiculous, but he had started it, so he should know better of the two of them why. He pressed his lips together hard, caught between trying not to think about it and trying to force himself to think about it. He closed his eyes and tried to relax, but found it impossible.

Risking the worst- waking Katsuya in their compromised physical state-, he nudged himself forward and slid his legs off the bed. He moved as slowly as possible, listening very hard to Katsuya's breathing to note any changes. He was possibly most grateful of all that his bed did not squeak. He slid down slightly and let his feet touch the floor. After a moment, waiting again to make sure Katsuya's breath did not change, he slid further and felt Katsuya's hand slide off his waist. Katsuya then took in a large breath and Seto froze, his chest still leaning on the bed. Seto watched with baited breath in panic, but Katsuya rolled over and readjusted himself under the blankets. Seto was perfectly careful not to breathe as he pushed himself up and off of the bed at last.

He lingered at his bedside a moment, feeling a little light-headed. He wondered briefly how Katsuya would react when he woke up, what he would say about it, if he said anything at all. For a moment he considered leaving the house so he wouldn't have to face it, at least not yet, but he wasn't sure what kind of impression that would leave on Katsuya. To retreat would be almost a sure sign of regret and he didn't want to make that move. He didn't really regret what he had done, but it was still not something he felt prepared to own up to so quickly. It was absolutely awkward and somewhat horrific, but he had started it, and had done it in a stable mind. What stable mind, however, he hadn't the slightest idea.

More than anything it disturbed him that if he were to be asked, he would not be able to provide a better reason than "because I felt like it". Seto was perfectly capable of doing whatever he wanted to do, but that did not mean he acted out of impulse. Everything he did had a good reason behind it, a solid purpose, and for this it should be no different. To act purely out of desire was childish, and he was not childish. The problem was that he did not know what the reason was. The feeling of not being able to explain himself easily put a bad taste in his mouth.

He walked around to the edge of the bed and looked back at Katsuya's sleeping face. Katsuya looked peaceful, and for that he was somewhat relieved. That Katsuya had been so accepting, even reciprocal, of what Seto had initiated was still surprising him so much he hardly had the energy yet to worry if Katsuya would still be so accepting when he woke up. Everything was still new and turning about in his mind. The feeling of uneasiness was well cultivated in his stomach as he walked slowly to his closet.

He retrieved a shirt from a hanger as quietly as possible and dressed in the doorway. He made to leave the room, but his hand lingered on the door. He hated himself for lagging behind, knowing that Katsuya could wake any moment, but his heart was still beating faster than usual and he had too many questions not to hesitate. He was not unhappy, of that much he was positive, and thus his anxiety turned from one kind to another. It was highly unusual for his feelings to take this turn, but he was ready to accept it, if it should prove to be unwavering. He realized that for the time being he was less nervous about the state of his own acceptance and more worried about Katsuya's reaction, and that was a sign that he was already in further than he understood himself to be. If Katsuya should stop coming round, he reckoned it would not really affect him much, but he did not really want Katsuya to disappear. He sighed, resigning to abstain as much as possible from over-worry until the situation directly presented itself. Seto closed the bedroom door and headed into the kitchen.


Seto grimaced at the clock as he poured himself a cup of coffee. It was just after seven o' clock and he kicked himself inwardly for oversleeping, especially since he had gone to bed so early. He accepted his state of confusion and irritation early on, as it was best not to fight it lest he become even more emotionally compromised by becoming angry as well. He dejectedly retrieved the newspaper from the front step and resumed his usual morning position on a barstool at the kitchen counter. Flipping immediately to the business section, he sipped his coffee and was more than content to focus on other matters for a while. After he'd read the entire paper over and the business section several times, he poured his third cup of coffee and went outside to get some fresh air.

He motioned back to the lawn maintenance crew working on a flower garden on the right side of the front yard. Seto didn't see the point of the garden considering he wasn't at home nearly often enough to appreciate it, but if Mokuba wanted the yard to look as "nice" as the rest of the estate, Seto didn't see a lot of reason to oppose. He always refused Mokuba the first few times he asked for anything, but after agreeing in time to certain things, he was usually satisfied with the outcome. Mokuba had good taste and, aside from his general childish desires, he could be trusted not to be wasteful.

Seto walked nearly all the way down the front path, stopping just before the front gate and looking around. He was well awake and could enjoy the rising morning; it was warming up already, the breeze was cool and the sky was clear. After wandering around his front yard a while, thinking about nothing in particular except the good weather, he turned to walk back inside.

In time Mokuba woke for school and wandered into the kitchen for breakfast. Seto made him a bowl of cereal and Mokuba made small talk, discussing the day ahead. Mokuba commented that Seto was looking well rested for the first time in months and Seto made a face, replying that he'd overslept. Mokuba laughed and said that oversleeping for Seto was normal sleeping to everyone else. Seto nodded, as it was probably true, but said nothing else about it.

Mokuba left so that he'd be able to catch the train on time. Seto insisted he get one of the drivers to take him in the car, but Mokuba further insisted in taking public transport like a normal student. Seto did not see why Mokuba insisted in acting like he was average when he clearly wasn't, but allowed him to go anyway. He was not in much of a mood to resist. As Mokuba left, he sunk into the couch to begin working the sudoku puzzle.

He worked for some time in perfect silence, enjoying the challenge the puzzle was giving him. At length he heard the click of a door opening and felt a slight wave of panic. He looked up into the hall and watched his bedroom door open, feeling his throat close. He'd been perfectly distracted all the while and still was not prepared to say anything whatsoever to Katsuya other than "good morning", if he could even manage that through the anxiety he was feeling.

Katsuya shuffled out of his bedroom, shaking both hands through his hair. He stopped when he entered the living room and squinted, yawning, then shaking his head lightly. He stretched his neck to both sides and lifted his arms to stretch the rest of his body. Seto watched him against his own will, noticing the slightest bit of Katsuya's stomach that appeared when he stretched to his highest. He swallowed, his throat unbearably dry.

"Damn, I slept good," Katsuya said, shaking the sleeves of his jacket down until his hands were inside them. He wrapped his arms around his stomach and walked to the arm of the couch nearest Seto. He leaned his upper body over the side of the arm slightly, putting all of the counterweight in his legs. "How did you sleep?"

Katsuya's lips drew up on one side into a half smile. There was the slightest hint of suggestiveness in his voice and Seto would be damned if he didn't notice it, but whether or not Katsuya had done it on purpose was the question. He had already decided to be perfectly unassuming unless Katsuya brought something up specifically, so he responded as normally as possible.

"Just fine," he replied in his most even tone of voice, his face blank.

"Good," Katsuya said very pleasantly, making no effort to say more. Seto accepted that his answer had been sufficient one way or another and felt relieved. He watched Katsuya walk past the couch towards the kitchen. Katsuya suddenly stopped and looked around.

"What time is it?" he asked.

Seto looked up at the clock by the television, "Just after nine."

"Nine?" Katsuya said loudly, whipping around to face Seto. "Are you serious?" Seto motioned to the clock across the room, feeling it unnecessary for him to repeat himself.

"Shit!" Katsuya said, turning to rush back into Seto's room. He returned momentarily, hopping out of the hall trying to put on his left shoe. Seto didn't have to ask what the problem was.

"I have to go, I'll be lucky if I'm not late. Thanks for having me over!" He shouted as the door closed hard behind him. And just like that Katsuya was gone, and Seto was free from having to face any direct questions about anything at all, at least for the rest of the day. After a few moments of stunned silence, he flopped back onto the couch and rubbed his eyes wearily. Thank goodness for that.


Katsuya had made it to work on time and was very relieved. He didn't like being late because he didn't like being rushed to finish things. He'd come to discover that he hated doing everything at once far more than he hated working in general, so if he didn't procrastinate, most things could be done at a semi-leisurely pace. High school had nearly killed him because of his abysmal work ethic and striving for independence wasn't something he could steadily ignore, so he'd made it a point to straighten himself out after he graduated. Upon his arrival at the restaurant, he changed into his uniform, touched base with his boss, and began helping the other servers set up.

Just before opening time, Katsuya had finished his opening duties and had parked himself at a beverage station to wait for the signal that they were ready for business. Upon having a moment to himself, he thought back to his short morning at Seto's house. Seto had been pleasant enough for the entire minute Katsuya had seen him, except when he had asked how Seto slept. That was bothering him. Seto had given him such a stricken look for just a moment and it had puzzled Katsuya his entire way to work. Upon having a moment to think about it, it dawned on him. Overcome with a sudden horror he realized what the look was for. In an instant all of the events of the previous evening strung themselves together in his mind. How Seto had slept, the nightmare, the invitation, the kiss. Not even just "the kiss", Katsuya thought incredulously; it had been several kisses. He leaned against the wall wearily, his eyes wide, pushing his hair back for a moment. Shit, he thought. Shit.

Another server walked by and snapped near his face, calling his name. He looked up and the server motioned for him to follow out of the kitchen. That was the signal, and what a fine time for him to realize what the deal with Seto was. Katsuya mechanically stood up and began walking. His mind was in a tizzy, but he had to work. He swallowed, pushing the kitchen door open, considering what a long day it was going to be.


Katsuya found that between every customer, every drink order, every food order, every task, if he had a single second to think for himself, he was thinking about Seto. He was sure the last time he thought about Seto so often was on the days when Seto had insulted him before a duel back in high school. In the past, however, his thoughts were often accompanied by a bitter resentment, not the same dreadful curiosity he had now. Katsuya would have found it more humorous if it didn't have to be the worst type of attentiveness he could fathom. It was the questioning that was bothering him most, there was just so much he didn't know. He didn't like thinking more than he had to, but not being able to answer his own questions was more annoying than not knowing how Seto would answer any if he were to be asked.

There was a lot to consider, but every time Katsuya went to tell himself he was sure of something, he found himself asking more questions. At first he had been afraid to answer any of his own questions lest he admit something he wasn't prepared to be held accountable for, but throughout the day he became more comfortable with trying to sort it out. He had no idea when he'd be seeing Seto again anyway, so that gave him plenty of time to come to any kind of conclusions he might need.

He felt like there would definitely be a time when he'd be seeing Seto again; that much he knew he wanted and it was decidedly a good place to start forming a string of things he was sure about. He tried to consider other things that were definite. He thought about how he'd felt when Seto had kissed him and, just as he'd felt when it happened, it was weird to think about and made him uncomfortable- but only at first. He couldn't think about the actual kissing session for long without blushing, so for much of the day he avoided thinking about the event itself. It excited him, though, and that was something he could identify. He felt about it then much like he'd felt about it when it happened, it was scary (imagine kissing someone like Seto Kaiba), but also exciting and interesting. Furthermore, he was surprised at himself how ready he was to admit how much he'd enjoyed it.

His concept of Seto hadn't really changed, and he felt that was important, albeit a little surprising. He didn't feel like Seto was lusting after him or trying to blackmail him or anything, really. It had just happened. Being kissed by Seto didn't make him never want to see Seto again, but what then?

He wanted to see Seto again, he was okay that he had kissed Seto back, and still saw Seto in the same way, but those things posed the first question: why had Seto kissed him in the first place? Katsuya was happy that they were friends, certainly happier with their relationship now that they were friends than he had been when they weren't, and he'd become very content with their relationship being as pleasant as it was. He enjoyed being around Seto in general and could certainly not complain considering how badly their connection had started off, but none of those things provided a reason for the kiss.

He didn't want to convince himself of Seto's motivation because he might come to a completely unfounded conclusion, which always made things worse. He couldn't make any absolute assertions about his own feelings without the answer, but in his mental spare time during the day he tried to conjure up some of his own responses to some plausible reasons Seto might have had for kissing him.

First, Seto could have just been exhausted and hadn't known what he was doing, but Katsuya felt like it had gone on too long for that to be the case. Seto would have had to be having one hell of a dream if he had been asleep the entire time, and Katsuya felt like he'd responded way too much to have been asleep, so he ruled that out.

Second, Seto having feelings for him seemed utterly ridiculous, but it wasn't something that could be absolutely ruled out because Katsuya considered all things physically possible, no matter how improbable. Katsuya just as soon believed he'd win a trip to the moon as Seto Kaiba would admit a crush on him, especially considering how compassionless Seto generally was, not to mention that Katsuya was… Katsuya. He was the person who had irritated Seto for ages, it already seemed like a miracle to him that their relationship had developed as far as it had. If nothing else, that was certainly the least likely of his current considerations.

Third, Seto could have done it just for the hell of it. Katsuya knew Seto wasn't the type of person to act on impulse, but that didn't mean he was incapable of doing so. Katsuya hardly thought Seto the type to sexually experiment, especially on a random male that had previously been what Seto had considered a pathetic excuse for a rival, so that was out of the question, too.

Left to his considerations, he narrowed it down to what was unlikely and what was extremely unlikely. Every time he imagined Seto confessing a crush to him he nearly burst out laughing; it was just too unbelievable, especially right then. Katsuya certainly didn't hate the guy anymore, and didn't feel he was hated either, but he was sure he wouldn't believe it if Seto confessed to him then and there for a million dollars. He found himself leaning towards Seto just having said "fuck it, let's do something different and see what happens". It was hard to believe considering how systematic Seto's entire lifestyle was, but maybe that had been the point; to do something different. Katsuya felt he could agree to that much- it had certainly been different.

None of the options Katsuya considered, aside from the least likely option of Seto having a crush, lent to any implications of the duration of the possible "situation" it created. Whether or not Seto would do it again, or wanted to do it again, was completely unclear. That was his second question: did Seto intend to take it further? Katsuya felt fine with the idea of it having been a one-time thing, but the longer he thought about it, the more he felt an enticing curiosity forming.

It embarrassed him to ask himself if he wanted it to happen again. He wasn't entirely averse to it happening the first time, but he was genuinely unsure about whether or not he simply wouldn't mind it happening again, or if he might actually want it. The idea of it didn't really disturb him, but he almost wished it did. Had he not been so busy and his thoughts so frequently interrupted by work, he felt sure he would have spent more time being embarrassed over the entire thing. Whether or not his curiosity would be sated by Seto's answers, he wasn't sure, but for the time being he was satisfied with the simple fact that he did want to see Seto again.