Extensive Author's notes: I'm a seamstress by trade, primarily tailoring men's high-end business suits. I've worked the last four years in various dusty old shops. I love what I do. While the trade is dominated by women, I have had the great pleasure of working with a couple of men in the workroom.
Two things I have noticed while having two male co-workers simultaneously was that men in the sewing business are a) highly respectful of each other, and b) extremely prideful of their work.
These concepts have added up to a risky story idea. What if what I've observed isn't the norm? Certainly, men take pride in their work. But what if they weren't respectful of one another? What if they were severely competitive?
High end business suits, wealthy, important people, and a highly competitive environment? I may know a handful of characters who just might fit that bill. Thought I'd have a little fun, and it brought out this AU. I hope you enjoy.
When Seto stepped into the dusty workroom, his immediate expression was a grimace. Dust hung in the air, and his nostrils already stung with a desire to sneeze. He rubbed at the bridge of his nose and willed the sensation away. Why did he manage to forget about the dust every time he came?
"Why are we here, Noa?" he asked.
Noa's face was set into a deep frown. The sincerity of Noa Kaiba's face was clear. He spun to face his twin brother.
"I need you to believe in magic, Seto."
Seto's eyes narrowed in annoyance but he didn't answer.
"If you don't get on board, our family will be on a swift path to the poorhouse."
"This country doesn't operate with a "poorhouse" system. Make your point."
"Don't get technical."
Noa peered around the dusty room, an amicable smile gracing his features. He glanced lovingly at the solid metal machines, set on desks that formed two rows through the room, a narrow pathway separating them.
"Father's gone. Half his business has gone down the drain since he died."
"I'm the new owner. I've seen the paperwork."
"His employees were almost too loyal to him. Without Father around to run the place, they're quitting."
"If they were so loyal to him, one would think they'd stick around, rather than abandoning what he believed in."
"Maybe they didn't believe in it. Maybe they only had faith enough to believe in him. But you're contributing to the problem, Seto. You're becoming the problem."
"Right now the only problem I see is this shop running us into the ground. The sooner we sell it off-"
"The sooner Father's dreams will die! This is supposed to be a family business, Seto!"
Seto ran a hand through his hair. His foot bounced while he stood, patience thin.
Noa ran a hand over a rack of spools lining the wall. His fingers paused over a violet colored thread and pulled it off the spindle, twirling the spool in his fingers.
"He loved this shop. How can you even think of selling it?"
"I'd like to eat, Noa. For that matter, I'd like to finish school. I'm the one pursuing a business degree, so I get why the inheritance went to me. But I never said that I wanted it. And even if I do sell, you don't have to quit. I know how much you love this place too."
"You don't get it. Every tailor who works here will quit if you sell. Who would you find to buy this place, who's still willing to keep up Gozaburo Kaiba's quality of workmanship? Tailors like him don't exist anymore. They have to be born and trained."
"If I don't sell, the shop will go out of business. If I do sell, the shop will go out of business, but I'll have received capitol for the sale."
"And you'll have sentenced Father's dreams to death."
Noa was silent a while. He picked at the spool in his hands, brushing a clump of dust off the cardboard cone.
"What would Mokuba think," Noa asked quietly, "when you tell him we can't afford his games anymore? His name as a competitor will sink. The name Kaiba won't mean a thing to anyone."
Seto's eyes bore into Noa's. The brothers locked eyes for a challenging moment. Seto intended to win the argument but he needed to concede defeat in the battle. He blinked, breaking contact.
"What's your grand plan, Noa? How do you see this getting fixed?"
A gleam ignited in Noa's eyes.
"You understand the concept of a quality product. You're learning how to handle customers with expertise. You're—"
"Cut the flattery. You won't bribe me with it."
Noa nodded curtly, but the gleam hadn't expired.
"The only way I see you fixing this is by working."
"...Working. Here."
Another nod.
"You're asking me… to sew."
The light finally faded from Noa's expression and his eyes narrowed. A shadow cast over his brow gave him a suddenly ominous look. Seto couldn't help but brace against the shift in moods. The brothers were twins. They were no stranger to competition, and Seto always knew when one was about to begin.
"I'm telling you that if you don't step up and do something, our way of life as we know it will crumble. The choice is yours."