I'm not new to the scene, I've been a fan of JouKai fics for a long time. I'm also a fan of Peg/Kai fics. But I've been holding onto this one for a while and just got around to putting it in words. Read and review if you would. - I don't own Yugioh or its characters. So anyway; Enjoy!

A Heart-Scathed Recovery

01: Breaking

Domino Square - Community Field

January 05, 2008

8:00 p.m. - Thursday

It would have been an easy forever after for the great CEO of Kaiba Corporation but naturally such things could never be kept in secret for long. Which in all retrospect, was for the best. Sure, he wasn't looking forward to the outcome nor the reasons for why he was doing this in the first place and… There was no telling how his 'partner' would react to this public confession.

Kaiba fiddled with the locket around his neck and subconsciously shuddered in hesitation. To act such a way… How pathetic I am. It is best this way - he'll understand. Unfortunately there wasn't much confidence behind those thoughts as he checked his watch for the umpteenth time that night. The shit shall thus hit the fan. He smirked in a lurking amusement of his actions. This really does need to be done. I can't hide from the public forever, and it'll be best coming from me rather than some scandalous photo later on.

But there were other things that diminished the light from him. The only reason he was coming clean now - after so many years of secrecy was because Mokuba had stumbled in on him in the act with his boy toy-turned-boyfriend, Ein Kennedy; a college student on a summer vacation trip that turned out to be a permanent stay when the two had accidentally met. Kaiba's stomach had all but eaten itself when lust filled blues stared up and stiffened into an uneasy staring contest with his hazel-eyed little brother.

Yes. Seto Kaiba of the famous (or infamous, whichever definition floats your boat) Kaiba Corporation built from the late Gozaburo Kaiba whom turned a violent weaponry facility into a family gaming electronics software company, that spoke English, Spanish, French and his native language Japanese with smooth and perfect ease, whom was gorgeous in appearance from those daunting blue orbs of ice and brooding stern looks to his slender tall figure well trained in a combination of different defensive techniques… Was gay. All those amazing and impressive attributes and descriptions of him and nothing would be able to take the taint of the truth away. Seto Kaiba was gay.

He stood there before the flashing cameras and hungry reporters. His eyes fleeting over the scene and knowing this would become a great frenzy of rude and impersonal interrogation to his life. His eyes glanced towards the few chairs to his left on the small stage, his eyes momentarily met those familiar hazels that belonged to his dear brother. It'd been a bit over a year since that horrid incident occurred but it was only the beginning of the dimming light that remained within the great CEO. Mokuba was his blood, his brother, his closest friend, kindred spirit… almost a son…

There was no emotion on that face of his - after a while you learn to conceal weaknesses like fear and pain. There was a moment when all he wanted to do was apologize to his younger brother and plead that he stay… He'd even make an attempt at promising to never date again - no guys anyway. You see, his brother hadn't taken the scene in a positive way and the very thought disturbed him. He looked up to him in so many ways and neither one had ever discussed this sort of thing before. Kaiba had known for a long time but it was this moment he feared the most; his brother's confusion and the people's opinion. But this would be the last night he spent with Mokuba… His eyes reverted back to the crowd and hardened even more so. "Good evening." The deep sultry voice sailed all too casually.

The reporters greeted in unison and the place fell deafly quiet though cameras still flickered brilliantly. It wasn't normal for the two brothers to make public announcements like this - and with the rumors floating about that the younger may be moving to America and running their overseas branch, well this could be the next headline. "There have been some things being said about the role in which my brother and I will take place in the recent resignation of my cohort in America. Mr. Michaels' has been with the company for five years and I hope that he succeeds in any future endeavors he takes part in. This has been thoroughly discussed and after months of deliberation, Mokuba Kaiba will be the new president of Kaiba Corporation USA." He stated and the appointed stood to nod and stand beside his brother. Kaiba further repeated the announcement in English for the reporters that had traveled to hear this speech.

Mokuba smiled as the flashes continued. "I hope you understand why this needs to be done. I'm really sorry Seto." He whispered keeping his eyes to the crowd.

His younger brother always apologized. Despite his adamant feelings on his older brother's sexual preference, he would apologize. Perhaps deep down he knew that his brother deserved to be accepted and yet for some reason he just couldn't stand it - couldn't stand to see his proud strong brother… with a man. Kaiba allowed his features to soften and sadden before freezing back up into indifference. "It isn't fair to you Mokuba." He stated and swallowed hard. "You'll do well in America. I'm just sorry for making it so unbearable for you to stay." His words were grim and the pain strong and felt…

Mokuba sighed and sat back down. This wasn't going to be easy and he knew his brother needed all the encouragement one could give. It was just - "There is something else that needs to be clarified. It's more of a confession I suppose." It was just that he didn't know how to support something he himself didn't approve of. He stared over at the audience, the news gossipers that would do well in alerting the people of Japan - hell any part of the world that had even heard the name 'Seto Kaiba', would know by tomorrow that he was gay. The people grew silent at the word 'confession'. It amazed him how his brother could pretend to be so strong in front of thousands of people every time.

"I am telling you this because I know it will most likely come out in the future. I am a mature adult and have no problem with admitting who I am." There wasn't a single mouth open, not a single camera flashing. Kaiba continued to ease the audience in with a few more ominous lines,until finally... "I am homosexual." He stated as if it were a simple comment on the weather. The gasps and gapes rushed across the people in a massive wave. They all stared thoughtlessly at the statement. Had they heard correctly? There was no point in continuing because nothing could top or erase his confession to the world.

And then a reporter in the third row shakily raised her hand and with both eyebrows raised she gulped deeply, "Mr. Kaiba are you saying you are attracted to members of the same sex?" She asked.

Kaiba wanted to burst out laughing at the shock before him. This was just way too dramatic of a response. "That is what homosexuality implies. Yes." He replied with that familiar smirk planted on his face. This seemed to wake up the interrogator in everyone.

"How long have you known this?" Was another shouted question as they all began to swarm in intrigue.

Mokuba stood next to his brother and shook his head. "Listen I think it's time we ended this Seto." He suggested sternly. It was hard even now to hear his brother say it aloud. He had tried, really tried, to accept it - he'd attempted it for a whole year and the disgust inside him just wouldn't go away. He didn't want to hear any more questions in fear of Kaiba answering them.

Kaiba stared intently at him for a moment before nodding. "Fine. I think so too." He turned to the crowd, made his closing statements and bid everyone goodnight before walking away with his brother. But as his foot hit the last step to the ground he froze momentarily as a final desperate question caught his ears. "Is this the real reason Mokuba is leaving?" Sometimes those people babbled lies and false articles but sometimes… Their questions were right on the money - unfortunately.

Japanair Airport

9:35 p.m. - Thursday

"I really wish this could be different." Mokuba stated as another apology.

Kaiba frowned and nodded briefly not able to keep his eyes on his brother. I wish I could be different for you Mokuba. "Me too. Are you sure you want to do this? I could always"

"What?" He questioned bitterly. "Go instead and I'd run the home front?" He furrowed his brows trying hard not to cry… They both had a separation problem that developed after so many tried to rid one or control the other. He rolled his eyes. "Or pretend to NOT be gay?" He countered but sighed deeply. He hadn't meant to sound so bitter.

Kaiba let his eyes close as he mentally calmed himself down. This was the hardest thing he could do. How could he betray his brother so wrongfully? This was a betrayal. After all the years of protecting and standing beside him he was too weak to keep his emotions in check in the end. "I'm sorry Mokuba." The words were quiet, weighed down with regret.

Mokuba smiled meekly and pulled his brother into a hug. "I'm going to miss you Seto." His words slightly muffled into Kaiba's shoulder. "I hope you know that no matter what differences we have - I still love you and…" He pulled away and slung his bag over his shoulder, "I still have the greatest brother in the world." It was the only way he could comfort the other. He wished he could stay and be at his side but it just couldn't be. With a last smile and wave he disappeared through the hallway connecting to the plane. He was gone.

Kaiba Manor

11:15 p.m. - Thursday

His body stiffened at the sight of his boyfriend standing along the dark gray steps leading to the front door of his home. "What are you doing here so late?" Kaiba asked trying hard to not notice the hurt and anger on the other's face.

"Don't play ignorant Kaiba." He muttered following the other inside. "Why did you do that? I just heard across the radio that you were 'gay'. Why did you do that?" His voice was on the verge of breaking, he was panicking.

Kaiba hung his jacket up and kept his gaze anywhere else but the one ranting to him. "It had to be done." He answered calmly, a little too much so for anyone's liking. He didn't want to deal with this, he had known it would probably come to pass considering the other's inclination to the public eye. It was a bit unfair and insensitive to do something without discussing it with him. But Kaiba didn't answer to anyone even if he'd started to grow attached to him.

"Really? We were doing just fine keeping it a secret. Dammit Kaiba do you realize everyone is gonna know now. It will only take one picture or one pair of eyes to figure out that we're seeing each other." He scowled. "If my dad finds out that I'm gay - I don't want to even think about it. My brothers would never look at me the same way again." He ran his hand through his blond locks and took a deep breath.

Kaiba could feel the hurt ringing through the other's desperation. The two had never come forward and discussed their relationship - it mostly consisted of sex and a few late-night dinners but being together for nearly two years… There grows some sort of caring if that makes sense. "Ein." He whispered unable to think of what he could possibly say to the other after dropping so much onto him. He hadn't even considered the amount of pressure that would be weighed on the other's shoulders.

He glared deeply, "Don't talk to me. I thought this could last.- But I was foolish enough to think the two of us could remain a secret you know." He laughed bitterly, a forlorn smile gracing his tearless expression. Blue eyes met deep green. "You're a fuckin' celebrity Kaiba. It'd happen eventually but…" He looked away and ran his hands through his locks once again before facing him, "My parents and my brothers; my family would never understand or accept me. This would hurt them more than the fact that I dropped out of college." His voice seemed broken but certain. "Don't look at me like that. Don't you understand? I can't let those I love down. I'm sorry." He turned but the brunet took hold of his arm. "Kaiba." He whispered through mangled emotion.

"What are you saying? How can you just walk out like this? You're gay Ein. Are you seriously willing to deny it and pretend for the rest of your life?" Kaiba countered angrily.

Ein frowned and let his eyes close. "Not all of us are strong like you Kaiba." He stated evenly, the seriousness of the tone caused Kaiba to somewhat relent. "I could be like you and tell them but…" He shook Kaiba's loosened arm away and stood straightly, "I'm not that brave or that strong. I'm sorry, I..." He attempted to say something more but didn't.

Kaiba vaguely heard the sound of his front door slamming as he slipped into the small chair seated beside the front hall's closet. They each had a decision to make, and just like that they each made one. "I can't let those I love down." He was stronger than Kaiba. Ein was strong enough to give up his happiness and endure the loneliness to keep those he loved happy and comfortable… Kaiba couldn't do that. He drove Mokuba so far away- across the world with his confession. And now the one person he had counted on… Decided to revert back to denial and pretend for the sake of his family.

Kaiba shook fiercely and quickly grabbed his coat, leaving behind his empty house. He couldn't stay there -no- not anymore. Not tonight. It'd been a long time since he snuck out to clubs, Mokuba didn't like it and after meeting Ein he had no need to but- He pulled the door to his midnight-blue Jaguar wide-open, sat inside and shut it quickly. Within a few minutes, he was storming past the stone gates of his estate.

Identity: Drinks and Dance

12:00 a.m. - Friday

He loomed over the populated bar and inwardly cringed, he could see the horror on his brother's face if he were to know his location. Identity was - you guessed it - a gay bar. Yes, Kaiba used to come all the time but hadn't in over two years… Still though, nothing seemed to have changed much. He went and found a spot right at the counter and signaled the bartender over. "Give me the strongest thing you've got and blend it with the second." he muttered turning his chair to face the couplings having sex, well dancing if you could still consider it as such, on the dance floor.

The bartender had given him a strange look- That's right. Kaiba normally wore a disguise as to avoid being recognized to any who might see him. But there was a sense of relief that rushed through him as he stood there and didn't have to worry about being found out- he'd already confessed so he had free reign to do as he pleased. He frowned. Downing the drink that he didn't find to be exactly what he ordered - perhaps the barkeep remembered him after all? It'd make sense, Kaiba could drink an ocean's worth but his tolerance was shamefully low. It was the only other thing he couldn't fix but tonight he didn't care what happened to him. He placed the glass on the counter and pushed it to the edge of the counter he now faced.

He started to relax after about four or so refills and a relative alone-time when a voice from the past caught his ears. "Fine! Be that way!" He overheard; the tone frustrated and angry sounded not too far behind him.

There was a gruff snort and the owner of the dismal reply plopped down beside him. He glanced momentarily and almost fell off his chair in disbelief. He tried to pretend not to notice and quickly focused his attention to his newly refreshed glass.

But since when has the brunet ever gotten away so easily? Dark glazed brown orbs of seeming darkness settled along his moody outline. A smirk soon crept to the previously angered disposition of none other than Bakura! The banished tomb robber that was inadvertently given his own body when Atem was separated from Yugi's. "Well, well, stranger." He greeted taking a swig of his mug.

I knew I wasn't going to avoid this. He grimaced with a roll of his eyes. "I'm not in the mood to entertain simpletons."

Bakura laughed deeply, "That's good then. I'm nothing near simple and you don't have to be in any mood with me." He replied not missing that Kaiba was in a gay bar. Oh the ecstasy that surged through the former thief's mind. His deep daunting voice seemed to hit through Kaiba with a lust filled undertone.

Kaiba paused for a moment and faced the other sternly. Surely he hadn't comprehended those words correctly. But naturally his unwanted company wasn't one to be taken lightly and despite the glee and mischief constantly twinkling in those dark orbs of his, his words were mostly always serious. "No mood huh? Well isn't that sort of dull - like fucking a corpse?" He questioned.

Bakura shrugged. "Usually we're too out of it to notice a difference anyway." Bakura turned completely towards him and pulled Kaiba into a harsh and brutal kiss. Kaiba didn't flinch or pull away. "Only when it intrigues me, do I expect emotion." He whispered huskily sitting back and releasing the other.

Kaiba panted lightly and lifted his drink in the air. His eyes caught the fuming form of another familiar face and he swallowed another drink down. He knew what would happen and he knew he would regret it but… "Your boyfriend's coming." …What was left for him to lose..?

Bakura seemed to frown at the mention but quickly mocked sweetness and faced the glare of Marik Ishtar with a smile. "Look who I've run into." He pointed not withholding the excitement one bit.

And so suddenly the anger diminished and a look of awe and disbelief found the Egyptian's features. Kaiba felt like a dog being put on display… He didn't like being treated like such. He stood, "And look as I'm leaving." He muttered storming passed them.

Bakura bolted after him with Marik on his heels as well. Kaiba lifted his keys from an inside pocket in his coat and pressed the unlock button on the mechanism. He thought he was on a roller coaster ride as everything began to spin but it was only Bakura that grabbed his arm and swung him around. "Why so soon?" He asked tauntingly.

Kaiba smirked indignantly. "Aren't you two enough to satisfy your sexual needs?" Damn, why was he still conversing with them?

Bakura laughed and pulled the other downward, his lips hovered over his left ear. "Yeah but Marik doesn't last but five minutes… I'm pretty sure you could outdo him. Hm?" The lust was so evident in that enthralling deep voice, it made Kaiba shudder.

Kaiba pulled away and folded his arms across his chest unable to think of something. He was already feeling lightheaded and weak, things weren't going his way and everything inside him was telling him this was a bad idea. He could hear Mokuba scolding and shaking his head in disappointment in much the manner he took when he saw Ein and himself together… And Ein had abandoned him when he needed him the most. His body hit the side of the car harshly and he growled snapping back to the crooked reality he was unfortunately a part of. Lips met lips and well, the rest faded into a binding darkness of moans, pants, and alcohol…