Lime Rocker: So here it is. The first chapter to my random blow-of-fast-brain-power idea! Lol I hope I did the mental pictures in my mind justice. Anyway, please comment and enjoy 3
THANKS GOES TO LADYSABER AND THE PEOPLE ON THE JOULOVESSKAIBA LIVE JOURNAL GROUP!
Story: The Consequences of Change
Pairing: (Puppyshipping) SetoxJou, KaibaxJou. SIDE: ValonxMai, YamixYuugi, OtogixHonda, BakuraxRyou
Rating: T for Teen due to sexual content and language. (Rating may go up depending on how the plot plays out!)\
Summary: It's been 20 years since Kaiba Seto left Domino Japan. His company has suffered from receding popularity in the public. On a publicity stunt for the press, in hopes to boost his personal image, he runs into an old "dog" from the past. When the poor dog is in need of help, Kaiba finds himself going far past the necessary for him and a… puppy!?
"Many things change in 20 years. When Kaiba Seto returns to Domino Japan he find out what all has changed, and what has remained the same. And finds sometimes changes bring out hidden feelings from long a go. KaibaxJou SetoxJou"
WARNING: This is a YAOI story. Meaning male on male pairings! If you are not comfortable with this then PLEASE stop reading now! I don't want to hear any comments on how homosexual's are disgusting! I don't go on to Jou(Joey)xMai stories and tell them how the relationship is inaccurate due to age and the fact Mai is so obviously with Valon…. So don't to it to mine!
Chapter One: Reunion
When his executives told him he needed to boost his image this was not what he had pictured. Battle City had been a great publicity stunt, not only getting Kaiba Corp's. name propelled around the world, but satisfing the public's need for gossip about him. So, it was only natural he thought they meant to throw another dueling competition. At first the idea had seemed idiotic, it had been years since he had dueled. But the idea grew on him. He would never tell a soul, but he missed the exhilaration and thrill of the game, not to mention his Blue-Eyes. However, his pride restrained his foolish child desires. He was 38 now, and Duel Monsters was a kids game. But this!? This was not a simple blow to his pride. Oh no, if only that were the case. No, this had blown it to bits!
Kaiba Seto sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He had just arrived at the restaurant, and already had a headache from the woman's shrill voice. The media was obviously shocked to see Kaiba Seto back in his hometown after 20 years. He couldn't help but laugh at their ignorance. He had been back in town for a week now, and had managed to keep it from the press. He would be sure to look at the headlines tomorrow for any decent punch lines, but knowing full well none of them would amuse him.
"Kaiba-sama! Kaiba-sama, over here!" Someone shouted from the doorway. He turned in time to see a bright flash in his face, before the large fogged glass doors were closed. Seto rolled his eyes. He hated the press.
"Oh my! Is it always like this, Seto?" When had he ever agreed to be on a first name bases with her?
"Hn." He shrugged.
Yes, this was his torture. This, was all his good-for-nothing executives could come up with. He, of course, tried to get out of it, but his efforts were futile. He was forced on a date, a date with the most annoying woman he had ever met, even that girl who always followed Yuugi Motou and preached about friendship was better then Maggie. She wasn't a sore to look at, but her personality. It was obvious to Seto she was fake, a superficial girl who hadn't grown up after High School. And her voice! Seto wasn't even going to start on her voice.
"Kaiba-sama! Welcome to Le Cellier (1)! A table for two?" a man from behind a dark podium spoke. He came towards the CEO, his black flea-bitten mustache gleaming from the grease the man had put in it to hold the ridiculous curl.
"Yes." Was his short reply.
"Would you prefer a table or booth?" he smiled cheekily at the CEO.
"Booth-"
"Table-"
Kaiba clenched his teeth. He did not like it when people spoke for him.
"Oh, you like booths?" She turned to him, a slight pout forming on her lips. She did not pull this off, but he let it slide… this time.
"No, a table is fine." Kaiba didn't look at her. He knew he would end up glaring at her, and didn't want to deal with her any further then he had to.
"Right this way then." The host ushered them to a circular table near the center of the room. This was Kaiba's first time at this particular restaurant, and in the category of design he gave them 4 stars.
It was breath taking. A large chandelier hung in the center of the room, smaller ones hung around it. There were booths along the walls, and another row a yard and a half next to it, a decorative half-wall separating the booths next to the others. The walls were pure white, gold trim around the windows, doors, and around the ceiling as a border. Black curtains hung on every window, still allowing a breath taking view of the city to shine through. Despite all its beauty, what surprised Seto the most was the pure white marble flooring. He knew it took the custodians at Kaiba Corp. hours to clean the floors, but even now, after 2 hours of being open, the floor still sparkled purely. (2)
"Here we are!" the host smiled, "I am sure your waiter will be out shortly, and I hope you enjoy your meal, Kaiba-sama."
Kaiba nodded "Hn." And with that the man left. 'Just 1 more hour… Just 1 more hour…" He kept thinking to himself, 'Just 1 more hour until I can end this ridiculous date… if you can even call it that.'
"It's so pretty! Isn't it Seto?" Kaiba's 'date' asked in her obnoxious voice.
He nodded, not saying anything as he eyed the people around him. He snorted, seeing an executive from a smaller company setting two tables over. Kaiba never liked the man, he was power hungry, and would do anything to get ahead. He hadn't signed a deal with the company because of the man. Secretly, he wished he could put the man in his place.
"-Are you even listening to me?"
Seto turned his attention back to the thin woman sitting across from him, and nodded again. "Yes. Of coarse I am Gratanya-san." He put on his fake-nice voice, which surprisingly enough he seemed to be very good at. A lot of things change in 10 years.
She smiled obnoxiously again, "Good! Anyway, as I-"
"-Hello! Sorry for the wait." Seto blinked, he knew that voice. "Welcome to Le Cellier! My name is J-"
"-Mutt?" he raised an eyebrow at the blonde. A lot really had changed in 20 years. The blonde's shaggy hair was shorter and more kept. He stood straighter, still thin, but no longer his lengthy gangly teen-self. The chocolate eyes however, hadn't changed in the least; still warm caramel brown that held a burning fire of emotions behind them. Said eyes blinked a couple of times.
"Kai… Kaiba!?" It was Seto's time to blink as the blonde's mouth twitched slightly. His efforts to hide it failed, and a burst of giggles escaped his pink lips. "Oh my gosh! I didn't know you were back in Domino!" The blonde smiled, "You look so different. I have to admit I didn't recognize you for a moment." He paused, "Same old blue eyes though."
It would appear Kaiba's 'date' didn't like their waiter, or the fact he knew Kaiba. "Are you going to take our order, or stand there talking like an idiot?"
Seto raised an eyebrow at her. He opened his mouth, fully prepared to tell her to shut up, and continue on with his toying towards the dog.
"Ma'am," Seto shook his head, 'Here it comes, the Mutts lost it.' Seto thought to himself as he heard the blonde speak. "You are very right, my apologies." Kaiba turned back to the blonde, his azure eyes wide in shock, watching the blonde bow respectfully. "What would you like a drink?" he asked them, smiling.
"A bottle of white wine."
Seto rolled his eyes at the woman.
"What kind?"
"Your best."
"Yes Ma'am. And for yourself-" he paused for only a second before adding "-Sir?" It was short hesitation, but enough for the CEO to catch the quick rest. Jounouchi was told he had to use the formality, and it showed.
"Wa-"
"-He'll have wine as well." Maggie spoke up.
Kaiba clenched his teeth. He was about to open his mouth before he was cut off…. again.
"Didn't you here me? Why are you still here?" Maggie shrilled.
Their blonde waiter didn't move. He looked at Kaiba, ignoring the tiny brunette. "Sir?" he asked again.
"I'll have water." He paused, smirking slightly, "Please." He wanted to fluster the pup in any way he could.
"Right away." The blonde bowed again, and left to fulfill their order.
Seto watched in hidden shock. Surprised he hadn't flustered the puppy one bit. It aggravated him. Sure he had expected things to change around Domino. He honestly didn't think he would run into any of the Dork Patrol, least of all Jou. But the fact the blonde had changed so much as to flat out ignore his taunting, was unnerving.
"What was his name again?" Maggie's voice echoed though his mind.
"Jounouchi." He mumbled.
"Well the nerve of him!" Her excruciating voice pulled Seto back to the table, very annoyed.
Kaiba's blue eyes turned hard and glared daggers at her, yet said nothing. She opened her mouth again, "Honestly, I don't-"
"-A bottle of Montrachet 1974(3)." Jou flashed a snicker towards Kaiba, placinc the bottle and wine glass on the table, knowing he would be paying for it. "And a glass of water." He placed the glass next to Seto's plate.
"Why are you working here anyway pup?" another piece to the puzzle. Seto had no clue why the blonde would be working here of all places. If Kaiba was asked where he thought the pup would work, it would be either, he hadn't worked and dropped out of college therefore only getting jobs at fast food joints, or the mutt had gone to college in which case he would have gotten a brain and wouldn't be working here. Seto knew the restaurant had high standards for its employees so how had Jou gotten here?
Jou's eyes narrowed, "That's none of your business, Sir" again, Jou's word or respect held contempt.
Seto hated it when he asked questions like that, but he despised it when people didn't answer him. He did not tolerate being lied to, and he didn't allow people to simply not answer him. "It's a simple question. What the best job you could get after high school was a waiting job? Drop out of college pup?"
"Are you ready to order, or shall I give you a few more minutes?" Jou glared at Kaiba, pulling out his pen and paper.
Blue eyes narrowed at the obvious change of topic, but their owner let it slide for the moment. "Yes. I am." Seto spoke before the Wrench could. He looked at her, allowing her to order first. He could be mean at times, but was never lacking in manors.
"Filet Mignon, medium." She folded the menu and harshly handed it to the blonde who scribbled down her order. He turned to Kaiba, who calmly folded the menu.
"Chicken Cordon Bleu," Seto paused. "Can you make it without the ham?"
Jou nodded writing it down after he took the menu. "It might take a few minutes, but I'm sure we can manage that." He paused, holding back a laugh again. "After all, they're all running themselves over because you're here."
Kaiba raised an eyebrow, "Really?" He leaned back slightly in his chair, arms folded over one another as his elbows rested on the arms of the chair. "That never happens."
"Glenn didn't want to wait the table because of you. No one did." Jou shook his head, rolling his eyes slightly.
Seto shrugged, "I don't see what the big deal is."
"Perhaps you're still an arrogant prick who takes every chance to call people dogs and people don't want to deal with it?" Jou suggested, tapping the pen lightly on his chin in a mock 'Hmm this could be a hard one to crack' gesture.
"No, you're the only mutt I see around here." There! Finally, Kaiba got what he was looking for.
Jou's eyes narrowed, "I have ignored it up till now, moneybags-" he whispered the name, "But no more. I am not a mutt."
"How dare you talk to him like that!" Maggie barked, "You have no right to speak ill of someone who is obviously a higher level then you are."
Jou looked at the woman, "Pardon me ma'am, but it's called freedom of speech." Jounouchi turned, "I'll go put in your order." And with that he was gone.
"I have never had such a rude waiter! I'll be sure to tell his boss how obnoxious he is." Maggie huffed.
"You will do no such thing." Seto said calmly, his eyes closed.
--
Jounouchi Katsuya sighed heavily as he entered the kitchen. He pinched his nose, clipping the order to the chef's stack. "Make sure the Cordon Bleu is without ham."
"What!? No ham? Who would ever-"
"Kaiba Seto." Jou didn't even wait to hear the rest of the chef's obvious question.
"Hahaha! Come on Jounouchi! You were the one who said you could handle the guy." A voice next to the blonde joked.
"I can." Jou turned to see a dark short-haired man, about his age, coming up next to him. "You were the one who didn't want to take the table, Glenn."
Glenn shrugged, "I don't have a death wish. One thing goes wrong and I'd be fired." He paused, "Watch out. The boss is keeping a closer eye on you today, because of that table."
Katsuya groaned, "Joyful! I always have him breathing down my back, waiting for a screw up, and now he'll be clawing at me as well." He sighed, grabbing two dishes. "What table?" he asked, needing something to do before he checked up on his other guests.
"86." Glenn said, reading the order form.
"Thanks." Katsuya nodded, pushing open the swinging doors and walked to table 86.
--
Seto sighed, 'Will she ever shut up?' Maggie had been droning on for the past two minutes. 'Has she even taken a breath yet?' He wondered, doing his best to seem interested. He was just glade the only thing he had to contribute to the conversation was a "Mm Hm" and "Hn" every now and then.
Something moved to his right that caught his eye, and he caught a glimpse of gold. His attention turned to a blonde waiter coming out of two sliver swinging doors, two dishes in hand. He couldn't help but chuckle when the younger turned, only to jump back to avoid running into another waiter. The pup's stunts were amusing, he somehow managed to avoid the other waiter, the tables, and keep all the food on the plate.
"What's so funny?" Maggie asked, leaning forward and tilting her head as she batted her eyelashes at him.
It took all he could do to stop himself from rolling his eyes. "Nothing."
She giggled, "Oh come now, Seto. Surely there must be something." She smiled suggestively.
'Well for one thing there is your pathetic excuse of flirting. Then there is the fact that I have made it blatantly obvious I'm not interested in you and you still can't take a clue.' Seto mentally shook his head, 'She probably wouldn't even get it if I flat out said it.'
"Chicken Cordon Bleu?" Seto turned his attention to the man in front of them.
"Yes." His eyes narrowed, seeing that it wasn't the pup. "And you are?" he asked.
"Why I am Minotaka." The blacked haired man bowed. "I am the humble manager of this fine establishment." He said, placing the chicken in front of Kaiba and the Filet in front of Maggie. "I do hope that you enjoy your meal, and if you need anything, please do not hesitate."
"Oh thank you very much. Your restaurant is very beautiful." Maggie smiled in her oh-so-superficial way.
"Hai. Arigatō gozaimasu Minotaka-sama." (4) Kaiba bowed his head.
"Oh no Kaiba-sama! It is I who must thank you for coming here tonight. I cannot express how-"
"-I said with no tomato sauce and no peppers!" a voice bellowed behind the manager, who turned in shock to see a man standing, plate in hand and yelling at a familiar blonde waiter.
"Gomenasai!" (5) Jounouchi bowed, "I shall take it back at once, Sir."
"Damn straight!" the man stopped and wrenched his hand and away from the blonde. "You know what, no! I don't want you to take it back. You should have gotten it right the first time." The man, who Kaiba recognized as the arrogant power hungry buffoon whom Kaiba had been glaring at when he had sat down, took the plate, Seto couldn't quite see what it was, and poured it all over Jou's shirt. "You blundering idiot!" He threw his wine in the blondes face.
"What is going on here?" the manager bellowed, walking up to the two. "Jounouchi, how dare you insult our guests!" Jou opened his mouth to speak but was cut off. "No! No more excuses from you! Go clean up and leave! I'll deal with you later." Jou blinked, and bowed, before sharply turning on his heels and walking down a hallway near the front of the dinning room. "Sir, I am so sorry!" the manager now turned to the angry man.
"Don't be." Seto stood.
Everyone looked at him, hundreds of eyes wide in shock. "Kaiba-sama, I am sorry for the disturbance."
"I told you not to be." Seto turned to the dirty business man. "You aught to be though, yelling at a waiter who didn't even take the order. He was simply delivering what he was told to bring to your table."
"Well he should have checked the order form. Perhaps he had the wrong table." The dark haired huffed.
"No, we both know you ordered that." He glared evenly down at the man, his blue eyes sharp as daggers.
"Kaiba-sama, allow me to apologies. I had no idea Jounouchi-san was your waiter this evening until only recently." Minotaka bowed, "He has been a problem in the past and I have been trying to keep an eye on him. I am not sure how he managed to get your table."
Seto's eyes narrowed, "Actually I have found him to be a hard worker. I was surprised the mu-boy could work so fast." He moved from the table, mentally slapping himself for his slip. "However, if this is the company you keep." He motioned towards the executive, "Then I will not support your business." He turned, headed towards the door.
"Kaiba-sama!"
"Seto!"
He ignored them all, gracefully stepping out of the door and glided to his waiting limo, ignoring the bright flashes of light from the paparazzi.
"Sir?" his driver questioned as he opened the door for his employer.
"Call a cab for Gratanya-san please." He said, taking a seat on the black leather.
"Right away Sir." his driver gave a short nod, and had a cab hailed, showing up only moments later.
"Seto!" Maggie shrieked as she followed him. "I'll call you!" she called after his fleeting car, as she was escorted to her waiting cab.
--
It was colder then it was supposed to be, ironically fitting for his situation. Jounouchi Katsuya sighed as he shuffled his way home. It wasn't even his table. 'How the hell am I going to pay rent this month?' the thought suddenly passed through Jou's mind as the reality of the situation sunk in. 'I'm going to lose the apartment.' Jou stopped dead in his tracks.
He was about 6 blocks from the restaurant, and a light rain started to fall. Jou's shoulders sagged, and he looked down at his hands. "I failed Kenji." He whispered, feeling his knees weaken.
Katsuya shook his head, and continued to walk. 'I'll deal with it tomorrow." He knew he had to get to Otogi's and pick Kenji up, then head home. The issues could be dealt with after he was tucked in bed.
-
'Thank the gods that's over!' Kaiba crossed his legs, and stared out the window as buildings flashed by.
"Where to sir?" his driver rolled down the window separating the two.
"The office. I need to finish a few things before I head home. Thank you, Ferio."
"Yes sir, and anytime." Ferio smiled at his employer. He had been working for Kaiba since the beginning, and was one person Kaiba thought he could trust. He was significantly older then the CEO. Seto wasn't sure how old exactly, but if he had to guess he'd say late 40s.
Seto turned his attention to the window, watching the building lights flash by again. He couldn't help but lose himself in thought, finding himself reminiscing on the last hour. Kaiba growled to himself, 'I survived an hour with the woman, why do I keep thinking about dinner?' It always annoyed the CEO when he couldn't explain things, and he could explain why brown eyes kept flashing through his mind. Despite the atrocity to society, he rather enjoyed the few moments that took his back to his high school days. Yes, despite the woman, his interaction with the pup had seemed to brighten the evening. "Gah Damn it." He huffed.
"Sir?"
His phone was ringing, "Never mind." Seto sighed before flipping his cell phone out of his pocket, "Kaiba."
"Hello Seto."
--
Jounouchi sighed, walking up the steps to his friend's large house. He could hear music blaring from the inside. He laughed slightly to himself, allowing a small moment of humor to overtake the seriousness of things.
Jou knocked, and barely finished the second pound when the door flew open revealing a tall and slender man, about Jou's age. He wore a right red shirt, leaving the length of his arms unclothed, and black leather pants that clung to every inch on his lower half. 'I don't understand why all his' fangirls think he's straight.'
"Katsuya!" The black haired man called, wrapping his arm around the blonde's neck and pulled him inside.
"Hello Otogi."
"Jou?" Katsuya smirked as his best friend since High School stepped up the door, his arms coming around the darker haired boy.
"Honda. I take it Kenji is still up." Jou raised an eyebrow, knowing he had told the two not to let him stay up late. Ten o'clock was late.
"Yeah, couldn't get to sleep. And we didn't see the harm in letting him stay up a few minutes longer." Otogi smiled, showing Jou inside.
"Sure. Whatever." Jou crossed his arms, acting upset.
"You know full well we have a weakness for puppy dog eyes!" Honda poked Jou in the ribs, walking into their living room.
"Kenji, guess who's here early?"
(1) French for "The Cellar" but some of you may have caught that. Anyway, it's like the BEST restaurant I have ever been to. They have the most delicious steak ever .
(2) I drew it. If you'd like to see what I'm talking about email me. Lol I donno if the description made sense
(3) THE most expensive white wine I know of. I donno if it's spelled right or not though so sorry xD
(4) Sorry, I had to add one line of Japanese! I know so little of it, but it's so much fun to use. Kaiba said "Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Minotaka."
(5) Heehee I got carried away. Jou said "I am very sorry!"
Lime Rocker: So what did you think? PLEASE comment and tell me either 1. Good things 2. Bad things, or 3. Both things. Haha. Anyway, I hope I did my speed-of-light-brain-idea justice. It's one of my longer stories, so I think that's pretty kick butt!!
Thanks again to ladysaber and the livejournal community JouLovesKaiba.