Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh. It belongs to the creators of the show. However, I do have one request though. It's a simple request really. Please don't "plagiarize" off my written work, which includes original characters/places/names/chapter ideas. I mean if you want to use something that I have written out. That I have worked very hard on and spent many hours reediting, please show some courtesy and ask me first, okay, Thanks – Razzleteddy
A/N: Greeting readers! Here's story 7 :) Enjoy! –- Razzleteddy
Special-A/N: This is the third and final installment of the Cry of Echoes series. If you want to understand a little more of the story, I recommend you read the first two stories (Cry Of Echoes and Shadows Within) but it's not required. You can find them in my profile. :)
Warning! Strong content might be featured here. So, read with caution is advised. I repeat, this story might contain very strong content. Also, it will have pairings featured, (mainly - S/J). You have been warned! Thanks. –- Razzleteddy
Lights in the Dark
Eight weeks later, Noa let out a yawn and turned over in his bed sleepily. He cringed at the sunlight that was beginning to shine in his room. Tiredly, he lifted an eyelid lazily and peered at the clock. It was seven-fifteen, time to get up and start the day. No thanks, however, he didn't want to get up. Instead, he pulled the comforter over his head and welcomed the warmth while he slowly drifted back to sleep. He was almost back to his dreams, the good ones he hoped when he suddenly flinched at the sound of the door being creaked open, followed by the light footsteps that came into his room. On instinct, he pushed himself further down into his bed, even in his sleep he felt some of his fear crept up inside him.
"Noa?"
Noa heard the voice speak his name, which caused him to push a little bit further down. He almost expected to get hurt. But wait, that voice was warm and soft. It wasn't cold and certainly wasn't filled with cruelty. So dare he take a peek?
"Master Noa, it's time to get up."
He heard the voice say again. Wait now, he knew that voice. It was Mr. Fields, of course. When he realized who it was his fear inched anyway from his body slowly.
"Come on now Master Noa, get up out of bed." Mr. Fields creased his brow some, "You have a session with Jin this morning and you don't want to be late," he reminded the young boy. He heard him sigh deeply from underneath his blankets.
Noa inhaled a deep breath at the sound of that. He didn't really feel like going. Suddenly, the covers were pulled away from face to reveal Mr. Fields kind eyes. He relaxed a little more as he viewed up at him, "I do I have to?" he groaned.
Mr. Fields gave him a warm smile, "Yes, you do." He ruffled his bangs somewhat before he wandered over to the boy's window. He lifted the shades up to bring in the light fully into the room, "There, that's better." He turned around with his brow creased when he noticed that Noa hadn't move from his spot. "Now hurry and get dressed. Your breakfast's already on the table waiting for you to eat it."
Noa squeaked while his eyes adjusted to the sudden sunlight that blazed into his room. He groaned against the brightness then rubbed at his eyes. He knew by the sound of his voice Mr. Fields were serious, so he might as well do so. "All right, you win," he pushed the covers away and swung his legs over and placed his feet onto the floor. He ran a hand through his messy hair a bit sleepily as he did so.
Mr. Fields only nodded with a satisfaction before he headed for the door. He walked across the hallway to where the other one still laid asleep. "Master Mokuba, it's time to get up…" he said in soft but firm voice. "You have a session."
"Do I have to?"
Noa heard Mokuba groaned loudly. He laughed quietly to himself before he left his bed to his dresser for his clothes. As he stood there and gathered them up, he glanced up to his reflection in the mirror and noticed how much his appearance had changed since he had lived here. He looked more secure, more peaceful even, with only a slight hint of sadness behind his eyes. He also saw some of his fears there, they lurked around like a shadow but with the help of the Kaibas, his new found family, he began to let go which he had to admit he was glad to do.
Speaking of the Kaibas, he had been living with them for almost two months now and he must say that he was quite surprised on how much he belonged with them. He still got a sense of awkwardness around them though, especially around Seto and wished that he wouldn't. He never belonged anywhere else before and it felt wonderful, the feeling of belonging to a place and never wanted to lose that.
"Master Noa, Master Mokuba! Hurry up now. Your breakfast is waiting!"
Noa shook out of his trance by the sound of Mr. Fields calling for him once again. He sighed a bit. "I'll be right there!" he smiled delightfully, gave his reflection one last look before finished up in a hurry. He knew for sure Seto would be up and he surely didn't want to make his brother mad by being late to the breakfast table, he had to keep him happy after all. He surely didn't want to give him anyway reason to regret his decision to take him in. He frowned heavily at that thought.
Though he missed Akio and the safe haven of Childhelp he didn't want to go back there anymore. He didn't want to go back to being lonely again. He hated that feeling very much. He frowned at that then feared if his new family found out about his past, about what Masao forced him to do so many times. They would become disgusted and rejected him. No he didn't want that and prayed that Akio didn't tell them too much about that part of his life. While he thought about it, his mind slowly drifted back to that cold dark basement. Back to the footsteps upstairs, back to the echo of harsh laughter but most of all back to sound of the door being opened. He quickly shook those horrible thoughts away. He instead continued to get dress while he focused his mind on something else. He was about to put on his shirt when heard a light knock on his door. He creased his brow and quickly put it on so to cover up his arms where his cuts and scars were.
"Come in..." he worried on who it was but relaxed when Mokuba slowly wandered into his room, "Hey Mok, sleep well?" he smirked when he noticed him yawn a bit. However, he replaced his smirk with a concern look. He hoped that his brother had and didn't have any terrible nightmares. That would suck if he did.
Mokuba covered his mouth as he yawned for a second. He viewed his face and saw a hint of concern there. He gave him a smile though to show that he was. "Yeah I did, you?" he raised his own brow, he just saw him smile a little at that.
"Yeah, me too." Noa smiled a little, glad that his brother was doing fine.
"Well... we'd better head down for breakfast. Seto will be wondering what's keeping us." Mokuba crossed his arms with a small smirk of his own. "He'll probably send a posse after us or something like that," he joked lightly.
Noa nodded at that. Then he lessened his eyes a little uneasy. No he didn't want that. As he thought early, he didn't want to angry Seto in anyway. "Yeah, let's get going." He hurried out of the room, not knowing his brother was only kidding.
Mokuba furrowed his brow when he saw his slight uneasiness. He wondered if said something that upset him. He frowned at that, he was only kidding with him. He guessed he should be more careful on what he said around him, well for at least a while. As he considered that his brother was still getting use to his home.
"Come on Mok!"
Mokuba sighed somewhat and trotted out of the room after his brother.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Meanwhile, Mr. Fields shook his head lightly to himself and proceeded to the front door with a smile. He paused then and stood in the hallway for a moment. His role had changed dramatically since Nanny and Jonathan were gone, he sometimes doubt if he could fulfill their shoes, especially Nanny's but he knew that Seto had counted on him, so he had vowed to do his very best to do so.
With that, he went to the fetch the newspaper. Once he did, he went into the dining room. "They'll be right down Master Seto," he announced as he handed him the paper with soft his eyes. However, he molded his face. He almost sensed that Seto was seemed to be in a good mood this morning which was rare for him.
Seto just nodded, he accepted the paper out of his hand, "Thank you Charles," he had a small amusing smirk plastered on his face. Why? Well for one, he was glad that he was finally heading back to work. He has been gone for so long, he was afraid that he had forgotten how to rule his job, but that was a silly thought.
Because today he would be able to prove that, he would have gone back sooner but Jin suggested taking an extra month or two to start the bonding progress with his bother Noa. Which, he was clearly glad to do. He very much wanted to build that connection with his new little brother. He just hoped that Noa would want that to, however, it wasn't easy as he thought though. Noa still seemed a little hesitant and unsure around him and that made him frown, hopefully that would get resolved as they continued with their bonding sessions that Jin had arranged for the both of them. With that he began to read the paper with some interest.
Mr. Fields bowed his head in a respectful way then grabbed the teapot and proceeded to pour a cup of hot tea. Master Seto first then on to Joseph who looked very tired. He understood though because the teen's father, Mr. Wheeler wanted him to get a summer job and thought that it was about time he should.
He thought it was a good idea. It would keep him busy since his three best friends had taken off to Egypt already. He knew Joey felt a bit down that he couldn't go with them and more so that his sister couldn't visit him either, so yes, a summer job was a good distraction for him. He cleared his throat to grab his attention then. "Here you go Joseph. Hot tea," he held the cup out for him with a smile.
"Huh?" Joey shook away from his thoughts and looked up to Mr. Fields's awaiting face then down to the cup he held out with a small smile. "Oh sorry, thanks Charlie." He took it and set it down carefully on the table, he rubbed at his eyes wearily. The job that he managed to get was exhausting to say the least. It was good job though. A better way to make money, not like the other way his father would set up for him. He frowned deeply at that, how he hated that so much. Reluctantly, he pushed that from his mind and thought about the rest of summer.
"Are you all right Joseph?"
"Oh… yeah, I'm just tired Charlie, you know work." Joey frowned again, mostly to himself. There wasn't anything to do really, his three best friends where in Egypt visiting Malik's sister now and Serenity was unable to visit him this summer either. At least, he would save up some money for a car and knew which one to, a mustang, he wanted one forever. Oh how he relished the thought of his own car.
Seto could hear a slight disheartened tone in his love's voice. He knew Joey was still a little disappointed, Serenity was unable to visit that summer because their mother needed her and he couldn't go along with his friends to Egypt, mostly because of his father. Of course, Mr. Wheeler gave the usual excuses when asked why his love couldn't go. He knew money was an issue so he offered to sponsor it but no. Joey refused to take it. He would rather pay his own way, but if he did Joey would worry of what his father might do. It was all bullshit in his opinion.
He molded his face irritated at the man. Yes, what a control freak, he thought distastefully. He shook his head slightly before he went back to thinking about work. He couldn't help but smirk once more as he did so. It was going to be great.
Joey then viewed over to Seto and saw that same old smirk. He rutted his brow curiously at him. "And why are you smirking babe?" he leaned back in his chair.
"Oh I'm not smirking." Seto mumbled in a dismissing sort of way and just continued to read the paper with interest, the smirk never left his lips. "Well whatdaya know, they've decided to demolish those old apartments downtown," he then picked up and took a sip from his hot teacup for a second or two.
"Now don't try to change the subject babe," Joey smirked himself. He knew the only time Seto smirked like that was when he was up to something slightly devious. "You've been wearing that same smirk all morning," he molded his face.
"Have I now."
"I'm afraid I have to agree with Joseph Master Seto. You have been smirking since you've came down," Mr. Fields spoke up. He wanted to know as well. He sat down at the table and started to eat his own breakfast while he waited for an answer.
Joey then took huge bite out of a piece of toast, "See, even Charlie here noticed," he said through some breadcrumbs, "So, tell us already," he swallowed his food.
"Well if you must know…" Seto settled down his cup, "I have an interview with a new employee this morning," he rubbed his hands together devilishly, "Ah fresh meat." He loved when he interviewed new people. He loved to see them squirm.
Joey then rolled his eyes at the sound of that, "No wonder you're smirking."
"Yes. Today some poor fool is going to walk into my office with some gleam of small hope plastered on his face." A small titter left Seto's smirked lips, "And I get to smash them all to pieces," he balled his hand into a tight triumph fist.
"Now babe…" Joey began. He hated the sound of that already, "Try not to go overboard when you're interviewing him." He gave him somewhat of a serious look, "Okay," he knew Seto was very anxious to finally head back to work. But he just hoped that his love wouldn't step back into his old role of being a cold dictator when he got there, he shook his head slightly as he thought of that.
"Overboard, please." Seto leaned back against his chair without care.
"Yes, overboard. You know how you are." Joey softened his eyes and hoped to reason with him. He knew on how tough he could get with his workers, especially with Yami, "You don't want scare the poor dude off," he finished off his toast.
"Well, he took the risk didn't he? Besides…" Seto said with an annoyed huff and picked his cup back up. He took another sip of his tea for a quick sec then put his cup down, "It's my company, my workers, my way," he said in a harsher tone.
Joey rolled his eyes once again at Seto's usual stubborn attitude. Why couldn't he take his advice just this once? He sighed deeply, "Yeah, but Set-" he started when.
"Morning."
They all then viewed up at the two boys who wandered into the room, one full of half anxiousness and other full of serenity. Seto creased his brow at them a bit seriously as he watched them both have a seat at the table. "It's about time you two join us. Your breakfast is probably cold as ice by now." He shook his head, even though he was a little annoyed at their tardiness, he kept his voice calm.
"We're sorry Seto." Mokuba apologized before grabbed his glass of milk. "It was my fault really." He began and from the corner from his eye he saw Noa chewed his lip. He was about to say something more but his brother interrupted him.
Noa chewed his lip and hoped they weren't in too much trouble.
"It's all right," Seto then viewed him with a softer face, "Did you sleep well?" he hoped that he did. Mokuba still had nightmares now and then. Because of that he couldn't help but worry about him but thanks to Jin, who had agreed to counsel him. His brother's nightmares were getting lesser and lesser now and soon enough they would be gone completely, deep down he prayed that they would.
Mokuba just nodded and lined his face. He could hear the worry in his brother's voice and hated to worry him. So, he sighed a little. "Yeah, I've slept fine big brother," he gave him a reassuring smile before he took a drink of his milk. In all honesty, with the counseling time that he had with Jin at the center, he was doing better. However, he felt a bit of anxious though, they would be starting summer school soon to make up on what he had missed. He just hoped that it would go well for him. He didn't want to fail and worry everyone. He frowned a little but only for a second, he especially didn't want to worry Seto with his thoughts.
Seto nodded back, he smiled just a bit, glad to hear that. However, in a split second he thought he saw a slight frown on his brother's face. He was about to ask him if something was wrong but he thought against it. He didn't want to upset him, especially since he was about to go see Jin for a light session, it was to prepared him for summer school next week. Instead he creased his brow lightly, "That's good," he smiled some, he saw him smile back then continue to eat.
"And how about you Noa?" Joey jumped in. He didn't want the boy to feel left out or anything. Noa has been living with them for a while now and he could still sense his slight uncertainty, not a whole lot but he felt troubled that the boy still had some lingering doubts. Therefore, he smiled at the boy, "You sleep well?" he asked before he gave Seto's foot a good kick to turn his attention to him.
"Oh, yes Noa." Seto perked up, "How did you sleep?" he turned his other brother.
Noa chewed his lip and bowed his head for a moment, "Yes, just fine sir. I-I mean Seto… thanks," he corrected in a quiet voice. He looked back up and gave them both a smile in return. After that he turned back to his plate and continued to eat his breakfast. He knew they were just trying to make him feel included which he was glad of but boy he hated these awkward moments they sometimes had.
Seto noticed on how the boy caught himself with the word 'sir'. He shook his head slightly. It had been almost two months since they adopted him and Noa's still couldn't help but addressed him with sir sometimes. He had to call his stepfather sir all the time and hated that so much. He was determined that he wasn't going make that mistake with Noa if he can help it, yes, very, very determined.
Therefore, he rutted his brow in tender sort of way. "That's good," he inhaled a breath while he glanced at the clock and noticed the time. "Well, you still need to feed the pups, so both of you hurry up and eat. We have to leave pretty soon, I don't want you to be late to meet Jin," he confirmed with a soft but firm voice.
Mokuba and Noa nodded and finished up their breakfast at lighting speed. Once they were done, they jump up quick and hurried to their puppies with a smile.
Seto shook his head. He picked up his fork and continued to eat his eggs. "I still can't believe you got them puppies Joey, puppies." He viewed over to him a bit peeved, "I mean you should have at least talk to me first," he glared somewhat.
"You would've said no." Joey picked up his tea and drank it down.
Seto furrowed his brow, "Maybe… but still, you should have told me."
"Oh come Set, lighten up will ya. I just thought they needed something around here to keep them smiling is all." Joey chuckled a little, after that little stunt he pulled Seto had gave him an hour lecture about how much he hated pets and more so, done it behind his back. Despite that though he had no regret.
"Hmm," Seto only said, he shoved another forkful of eggs into his mouth. Briefly, he heard them laughing in the other room. He mentally smiled to himself at that.
Just then Noa and Mokuba ran back to the table. Their faces were flushed and wet from puppy licks and their clothes were covered in mostly dog fur. They sat back down at their usually spots as they laughed among themselves.
Mokuba wiped his face dry, "Boy they were so hungry this morning!" he managed out through his laughter. He still couldn't believe they got puppies, what joy.
"Yeah!" Noa inhaled a breath. He joyfully wept his face dry too.
Mr. Fields smiled at them, glad to see them happy. "I should clear the table," he stood up and began to do so. He gathered up the dirty dishes and took them into the kitchen to wash them later. Then he returned and viewed the clock with a raised brow, "Master Seto, it's getting late," he calmly reminded him.
Seto viewed the clock and noticed the time as well. "Oh right, we better get going here. Come along everyone. We don't to be late and such." He stood up from the table and grabbed his briefcase that was next to his chair with a serious but content look. "Also as a reminder, Roland will be with you," he included.
Joey sighed, "Yeah, we better get going here," he stood up slowly from the table, "Like your Seto said, don't want to be late," he gave the two boy's a playful wink.
The two boys nodded, finished the remainder of their milk before they stood up from the table. When Seto saw that everyone was ready, he led them to the door. Once there, the two boys put on their jackets and they gathered up their things for today. Seto opened the door and proceed out as everyone trailed behind him.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
In the SUV, Joey viewed out of his rolled down window and noted how a nice day it was, the sky was clear and the air was a bit warm. The sure induction that summer was here. He looked over to Seto for a moment, who was busy viewing over his phone seriously. He was glad it was Friday. It was still his time with him.
He smiled happy, finally he figured out a way to keep the peace between both Seto and his father, he had set up schedule for them. He split the days between them, each would get equal time. Either one of them didn't like the idea when he proposed it but he stood firm with it and after a time they learned to accept it, which he was happy for. He just smiled as he watched his love looking serious.
He then looked a crossed from him to where the two boys were. They were doing something on their tablets, probably playing one of their favorite games. He smiled to himself before he looked back over to Seto, forming a thought.
Seto rested back in his seat and was busy going over his schedule for the day. Meetings, follow ups and so forth. He rubbed his forehead slowly and couldn't help though that he felt somewhat apprehensive. He paused for a moment and began to doubt himself. He hadn't been to work in so long that he hoped that he could still do his job. Then he lined his face serious, of course he still could.
He was still the same person, determined, shrewd, and tough as nails. So he pushed that out of his mind and continued to view over this work schedule.
"Hey babe?" Joey leaned over and rested his chin on Seto's shoulder.
"Hm." Seto only said.
"I get off at four today. What time will you be home?"
Seto inhaled a breath, "Not sure, I have a lot to catch up on."
"Oh, so I take it that… you won't be home for supper then."
Seto inhaled another breath, "Most likely not," he heard him sigh as well.
"Oh…" Joey sighed some.
"You know I rather be there," Seto began, "But it's just that-"
"It's okay and I understand." Joey patted his leg gently. He knew how demanding his job was and didn't want to give him grief about it either. Just then the car pulled up to the center, the two of them perked up, "Looks like we're here."
Seto creased his brow as he nudged at his brothers who were still viewing their tablets. He pulled them away from the electronics to say their goodbyes. Then he gave Roland instructions about keeping his watchful eye on things and that he needed to stay with them at all times. He wanted to make sure their safety was secure before anything else. Once all that was made clear he opened the doors to let them out so they could meet Jin. He anxiously watched them go into the build.
In the distant, Razan parked his car on the opposite side of the street. He smiled eerily while Noa, the other boy and the guard got out of their car then walked into the building together. When the SUV finally pulled away and the coast was clear he got out of his own car as well. He slowly walked over to the building then paused at the front doors. He causally leaned back as he viewed in and spotted the trio in the main lobby while they appeared to be talking with another gentleman. He kept his eyes on Noa. He had been stalking the boy for a while now, ever since he spotted him on that morning show. He still couldn't believe on how much Noa had grown since he saw him last, "My…" he whispered to himself.
A few minutes later he watched the group walked away. He hurried in and saw the group walk down a hallway, a moment later the two boys went into a room while their guard waited outside by the door. He narrowed his brow serious and went back outside. He wanted to see if he could find a window to that room.
He needed to see Noa, he just had to, he waited for long to find him again.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
A minute early…
Jin stood in the main lobby, busy chatting with another counselor when he looked up and grinned. He spotted the two Kaiba boys enter through the doors with looks of apprehensive, as Roland trailed behind them. He noticed the guard surveyed the place for anything odd. He shook his head some and waved to them, "Hello Mokuba, Noa, Roland," he greeted trio with a warm friendly smile.
Mokuba looked up, he saw Jin and smiled, "Hey Jin," he greeted back.
Jin walked over to them. He noted how the Noa boy stepped away from him a little skittishly as he approached. He studied his eyes for second. They were filled with deep distrust. He lessened his brow by that but understood why he did.
Noa caught the man's glanced. He shook his head to break the stare instantly and instead viewed to the floor. He didn't like being stared at, especially from men. It made him feel uncomfortable, unclean even. He had only met Jin a few times before and still he didn't trust him yet. Things could be deceiving and had to be careful. He moved even closer to Mokuba, he was glad that he was with him. He hated to face this place or him alone, who knew what might happen if he did.
Jin furrowed his brow somewhat disheartened at the action but again he understood it. Both Seto and Akio had informed him some of Noa's past. He remembered how horrified and deeply heartbroken he felt for the young boy. The damage that his so called 'foster parent' caused him and worse, to used self-cutting to cope with it all. His heart fell more at that. It was too hard to imagine.
When Seto asked him to be his counselor along with Mokuba he was a bit transparent at first. He thought it would be better for Noa if he talked with a female because the way he was with males. But his friend strongly requested that he do it, he trusted him. However, it might take time to build that bond with Noa like Akio had done with him. Still he vowed to do his very best with the boy.
With these thoughts Jin smiled at the boys, "Let's head to my office shall we," he crossed his arms loosely against his chest, "But first, do you want to talk together or would you prefer separately?" he furrowed his brow as he looked at them.
The boys looked at each other for a moment. It wouldn't matter if they talked together or not, they shared everything with each other anyway. The two nodded then viewed back to Jin. "Together," they said at once, in nervousness voices.
Jin smiled with a nod, "Okay then, let's go," he guided them down the hallway and to where his office was and sensed the nervousness follow them while they went.
The boys just followed him down the hallway. Mokuba sort of dragged his feet on his way there with his hands tucked shakily into his pockets. He didn't really want to go, he didn't feel like talking today about how he felt nor did he want to talk about what was on his mind. He wanted to keep those to himself for now.
But of course, they would always tell him that it was never good to keep things bottled up. They were afraid if he did. He might go over the edge and hurt himself like before. Though he had no desire to do that, he understood why that was a constant concern. He sighed heavily when they came up to Jin's door. He paused for a moment and gathered himself collectively. He viewed over to Noa who appeared to have the same look. He softened his face hoping he would do okay.
Jin opened the door, "Go on in boys," he stood back a little and let them enter first. He viewed over to Roland for a moment, "We might be a while Roland. You're welcome to wait in the main lobby if you like," he softened his face some, "I'm sure Set- I mean Mr. Kaiba wouldn't mind if you did," he kindly suggested.
Roland just right straightened up, "I think it would be better if I stay by the door." He creased his brow serious, "I got my orders, you know," he lined his face.
Jin nodded, "All right, you're welcome to drag a chair over if you get tired."
Roland nodded at the offered. He then turned around and stood at attention.
Jin sighed a little and walked in closing the door gently behind him. "Just make yourself comfortable boys, okay," he then walked over and sat down as well.
Mokuba and Noa wandered over to the huge cushion couch. Mokuba popped down first, he glanced around the room for a sec. It was pretty standard room much like Akio's old office back at Childhelp was. He softened his face while he thought. It was a very friendly environment as well and it liked that very much.
Jin leaned back with a content smile, "So how's it been going?"
Mokuba shrugged his shoulders unenthusiastically. He gradually threw a glance at the clock, he was going to be here a while, no doubt. He sighed then turned back to Jin's waiting smile. "It's going okay Jin," he answered with a half a smile. He already felt low on energy and wished they would hurry up with this session.
"That's good to hear Mok," Jin then turned his attention to the next boy. He noted how he fidgeted around some. He could tell that he didn't like the attention on him. He lined his face kindly, "How about you Noa?" he gave him a smile.
Noa sighed deep, he looked at him somewhat, "Good," his voice was low.
Jin nodded a bit, "Good," he softened his face understandingly, "Still getting use to the new environment around here huh," he gave him another smile.
Noa looked down for a moment. He admitted again that he did miss Akio and Childhelp. He had been there for so long that this place seemed strange. He sighed jaggedly, "I guess so," he mumbled, he began to chew his lip a bit timidly.
"Well don't worry Noa, you'll like it around here, I'm sure." Jin gave him a kind wink when he looked back up at him. He drew in a breath somewhat, "Well, summer school starts next week for you two right?" he crossed his arms loosely against his chest. "How do you feel about going back your old school Mok?" he creased his brow, he noticed Mokuba's anxious look, "Kinda nervous huh."
Mokuba chewed his lip himself, "little bit…" he admitted first. He leaned back and began to play with his hands anxiously. He hadn't been with other kids, normal kids, since his ordeal. He didn't know how they would response to him now. "I guess…" he started, "I mean… I don't know how…" he viewed the floor with a small frown. The last thing he wanted was to mess up and caused more problems.
Jin nodded some, "I think I understand what you're getting at Mok," he lessened his eyes, "It's hard to jump right back into things from what you left off. But I'm sure when you're settled in. It'll get easier for you, for both of you," he looked from one to the other with some encouragement, he saw him sighed at that.
"I know. It's just that… what if they ask me stuff about, you know… about what happened to me and all that stuff?" Mokuba sighed some, "How do I suppose to handle that Jin?" He worried about that for a long while now. How would the others treat him after what happened? Probably like a freak show he frowned.
Noa knew all too well what his brother was talking about. He remembered Mokuba expressing that a few months ago and felt lost somewhat on how to ease his brother's mind. He did suggest that Mokuba should talk to Seto about it but that wasn't an option. Mokuba didn't want to worry their big brother, he frowned at the thought. He wanted to ease his brother's worries so he reached out and grasped his hand supportively. He saw him turned to him with a smile, he smiled back. The two of them then viewed back over to Jin when they heard him speak.
"I see…" Jin softened his features, "Well, just be honest with them. If you feel comfortable answering their questions, do so. But, if you start to feel uncomfortable then you can tell them that you no longer want to discuss it and instead change the subject to something else." He furrowed his brow a bit firm, "Treat it like as if you're in a session here," he then viewed over to the quiet boy, "That also goes for you too Noa, okay," he gave him a reassuring smile, he watched them both nod in return. He nodded back a little satisfied, "Now, is there anything else that concerns you?" he looked at each of them curiously.
Mokuba thought for a moment, "Well… I have two things," he began to say.
While Jin was busy with his brother. Noa glanced out to the window with a shaky breath. He smiled to himself on how beautiful the day was. The sky was clear. Nature was at its best. He enjoyed it then suddenly he spotted someone, a man standing under the tree a ways down from Jin's window, he rutted his brow some.
The man had dark hair and was dressed in a heavy brown jacket with dark shades that covered his face. He found that kinda odd because the man was looking down at his cellphone, clearly how can he see with shades on. In a brief moment, he saw him look up toward the window at him. He pulled his attention away quickly and instead casted his eyes down. He hoped that the man didn't see him staring at him. He didn't mean to and he sure didn't want give him the wrong idea. No, that wouldn't be good. He was just looking out the window after all.
He chewed his lip. He could sense the man's eyes on him now. He hated that so much, it made him feel really uncomfortable. Maybe he should say something to Jin but he didn't want to interrupt Mokuba. So he began to space out in a trance.
Meanwhile Jin continued on with Mokuba. He was telling him about his progress on something they discussed earlier, "That's good Mok. Just take all the time with it, no need to rush okay. When you're done with the letter we'll go over it together," he viewed his face again, it appeared to be serious now. He wondered what was on his mind and hoped he was able to put it at easy the best he could, that was why he joined this line work. He then thought back the past few months.
He praised the boy's strength that he had but knew that he still could be vulnerable to some ridicule from his peers. He frowned some at that and prayed it wouldn't be. The boy had enough hardships in his life already and he sure didn't need any at school. He viewed over to the boy again with a sigh, his face hadn't changed. It looked almost like Seto's face, "What else is on your mind Mok?"
Mokuba thought for a long moment then pointed out toward the hallway, "It's about Roland," he frowned some before he went on, "I know Seto put him there for our protection and all but…" he trailed off then, he molded his face worried.
"But you don't want him going to school with you," Jin guessed exactly.
"Yeah," Mokuba chewed his lip, the last thing he needed was to bring more attention to himself. He already had gotten enough of it from the media coverage. He hardened his brow at that before he looked over to Jin then.
Jin rubbed his chin for a moment, "All right, I'll talk with Seto and see if I can arrange something else when the time comes." He lessened his brow, "I'm sure your brother will ease up a bit." He encouraged more, however, he knew better, it would be a cold day in hell before Seto did that. He inhaled a steady breath.
"Thanks Jin," Mokuba smiled but creased his brow worried again. He knew his brother, it wouldn't be easy for Seto to loosen the reins and he certainly wouldn't drop his guard down. Not after what happened, he had sworn to him and to Noa that he would do whatever it took to protect them. Because of that, he knew it would be hard and it would take a lot of convincing on Jin's part, a whole lot to ease Seto's mind. He just hoped his brother would see his point of view and at least consider what he wanted. But he probably shouldn't hold his breath.
Jin nodded and smiled back, he then turned his focus to Noa who had remained quiet all that time. He watched him stare down in his lap in some sort of trance, "Noa…?" he saw him snapped out of his small trance and looked up to him.
He smiled again, "Do you have any worries you want to talk about before we continue? About going to your new school or..." he paused for just a moment. "Maybe at home?" he noticed the boy just chewed his lip endlessly. He softened his face, "Don't be shy Noa, it's okay to share with me here," he encouraged him.
Noa continued to chew his lip, there were plenty of things on his mind but he didn't feel comfortable talking to a stranger about them. He then felt Mokuba squeezed his hand with encouragement, but he still didn't want to so instead he viewed back down, "No sir," he said in a shy voice and hoped he would leave it.
Jin softened his eyes at the child, "Well, that's okay," he reached over and patted his knee gently, "If do have some worries, please don't be shy to come to me." He thought for a moment, "Or better yet, you can call Akio if you feel more comfortable. I wouldn't mind that one bit at that okay," he saw Noa looked back to him and gave him another warm smile. He hoped that would help ease him.
Noa felt his nerves slowly die down, he nodded his head, "Okay," he like that idea better, he knew Akio and trusted him. He sighed and viewed back out the window once more, the man was gone now. Maybe it was nothing, so maybe he shouldn't say anything then. He sure didn't want to cause any trouble, especially for Seto.
No, he didn't want to make him upset for any reason, he must be good. He pulled his eyes away for the window and looked back over to Jin, who was still smiling. He wished the guy would stop smiling at him though. It was never a good thing when he was growing up, it almost meant something bad was about to happen. Of course Jin was just being friendly but he didn't like that either. He sighed deeply, it would take a whole lot of time to open up and trust him, he thought.
Jin nodded back, "Okay, well we still have time so I was thinking that we all might drive down to your school. Take a look around so you can reconnect with the place and maybe introduce yourselves to your new teacher while we're there. So when you start school you feel more at ease. How does that sound to everyone?"
Mokuba and Noa viewed each over for second. Mokuba then turned back to Jin, "I guess that'll be okay Jin," he smiled some, yes it sounded like a good idea.
"Great!" Jin stood up confidently and motioned the two boys to follow along, "Come on then, let's head out," he watched them stood up from where they were. He then guided them out the door and onto their next destination.
It taken them about ten minutes to arrive at their school, lucky Seto called early to set up this arrangement with their principle so they would be expected. Jin walked into the school's office while Mokuba and Noa walked slowly behind him. He looked around for a moment before he spotted a secretary at the office's counter. He went up to her and cleared his throat, "Excuse me?" he politely said.
The lady behind the counter stopped on what she was doing. "Yes?" she looked up to him, "May I help you?" she gave him a kind smile while she viewed him.
Jin smiled back, "Yes, we're here to see Principle Sen, we have appointment."
"And you are?" The lady glanced over and noticed the two boys with him. One appeared to be shying behind the other, while the dark haired one looked rather calm mixed with some nervousness, he looked familiar to her though, like she saw him somewhere before but she couldn't place where. Then she noticed the guard behind them who was surveying the area with a cautious stance, which caused her to raise a brow at him apprehensively and wondered why he was there.
"Jin Matano, I'm here with the two Kaiba brothers." Jin pointed to the two boys for moment, "They'll be starting class here next week and-" he started to say.
"Ah yes, of course!" The lady remembered now, "Principle Sen mention that you were coming." She smiled kindly at the group even more, "I'll let him know you're here, just a moment please," she then picked up the phone and dialed his office.
Jin nodded, he saw her picked up the phone and pressed for the principal's office. He peered over his shoulder and gave the two brothers a thumb's up. As he did so he saw Mokuba just sighed deeply, while Noa chewed on his lip and stood close to his brother. He then turned back around when he heard a door being opened and saw Principle Sen walked out of his office with a friendly smile on his face.
"Mr. Matano, welcome." Principle Sen walked over to him and held out his hand for a friendly shake. "Mr. Kaiba told me you were bringing his brothers over here today," he shaped his face kindly at the young man who smiled back at him.
Jin shook his hand back, "Yes," he then moved back behind the boys, "Principle Sen, I would you to meet Noa Kaiba," he introduce the shy boy first. He patted his back supportively when Noa's became instantly nervous at the attention.
Principle Sen viewed him with a warm smile. He looked down to his level and noticed him shying away from him instantly. "Why, hello there Noa, welcome to our school," he reached out his hand for a shake but he pulled away from him more. He frowned some at his reaction, "Well...I pretty sure you'll like it here."
He noted that Noa still didn't say anything, just keep his eyes glued to the floor. That caused Principle Sen to crease his brow. He could tell that the boy was a very nervous. He didn't really know much about him except what he heard on the television, about his recent adoption to the Kaiba family and that the boy lived at a therapeutic institution for children where Mokuba was sent to for a time.
Jin saw that and cleared his throat again. He wasn't surprised at his reaction. He knew it would take time for Noa to adjust here. Instead he moved the subject along, "And of course, you know Mokuba already," he patted his back.
"Of course!" Principle Sen lessened his eyes at him, "Mokuba, it's good to see you again." He grasped his hand with care, "Welcome back." He smiled then lined his features with sympathy. When he heard of the boy's terrible ordeal from the news about his kidnapping, his attempted suicide and whatnot, he couldn't believe it. And more so, it'd saddened his heart that the child had to go through all that hurt on one man's unstable nature. He creased his brow at that thought.
"Thanks Principle Sen," Mokuba shook his hand back. "It's good to be back." It viewed around for a second. It had been so long that it felt strange to be back here. He wondered if this was even a good idea, he began to space into his thoughts. What if it didn't work? What if he failed at the task of fitting back in? What if they didn't like him anymore? He didn't want to disappoint anyone, especially his brother. He then thought, what if people saw right through him and saw how damage he really was. He mentally frowned. He didn't want anyone to see that. Suddenly, he was shaken out of his thoughts by a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to Jin who had a small look of worry. "Hmm..." he chewed his lip.
"You okay?" Jin asked softly, he had noticed him space out.
Mokuba looked from Jin to Principle Sen, "I'm sorry... I was just mmm..." he looked down then and slightly blushed, he felt somewhat embarrassed for spacing out like that. He didn't mean to do that, he frowned again.
"That's all right, Mokuba," Principle Sen spoken up, "No harm done." He smiled at him understandingly. He knew it would take time for the two boys to adjust back into this environment. "Well, let's go have a look around the place and get ourselves familiar shall we?" he looked over to Mr. Matano for a second.
"Could we visit their classroom first and meet their teacher perhaps?"
"Of course, fellow me please." Principle Sen smiled again. He guided the group out of the main office and onto where their classroom was. Both Mokuba and Noa took a collective sigh, the two of them followed along, both unsure of what obstacles they would face and hoped they had the will power to overcome them.
Thanks for Reading :) Please, Review :) - Razzleteddy