Merry-Go-Round by Mooguri Klaine
Author's Note: Hello, everyone! I'm practically new around here, but I've been writing fanfics and loads of stories a long time ago. It's just a shame that I never got around to finish them...Hey, at least I started it...What a shame O_o;; Anyhow, this would be my first fanfic online. I'm saying an apology in advance, for typos and grammar errors that will inevitably come your way, but I hope it won't interfere with your reading pleasure. So let's get it on!
Disclaimer: Doesn't anyone wish that he or she owns Yu-Gi-Oh legally? (Yeah, I hope I do...^^,) But unfortunately, none of us save Takahashi-sama and TV Tokyo and some other company own this wonderful anime I'm basing my story on. I'm just borrowing them for everyone's - including mine - fun. The story's mine, however ^^,
Warning: Or Achtung, in case you don't understand...If you are a certified yaoi-hater or a homophobe or simply anyone hating YGO, its characters, and my pairings -which happen to be Seto/Yami-then I suggest you back out, look for other stories, or do something productive, like cleaning your room, which by the way, I never got around to do XD. Otherwise, enjoy! ^^,
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Chapter One:
Seto Kaiba stood in front of a full-length mirror and stared at his reflection. Not bad, he thought wistfully, smirking. His signature smirk made him so damn irresistible and somewhat intimidating to many people, it had that effect. He stroked his chestnut-brown hair, strands shimmering in the light; it felt soft and feathery to the touch as he held on to a lock of hair. But his most striking facial feature would have to be his eyes: azure and icy-blue in color, it can clearly show his mood or feeling at any given time. It can flash dangerously in front of an opponent, or twinkle mischievously whenever he comes up with a particularly devious plan. Though his eyes can be a huge disadvantage at most times, for it can show everything, try as he might to hide it. Those limpid eyes can quiver with fear, or even show laughter and happiness - emotions that he thinks pathetic and weak for a CEO and Duelist extraordinaire. Therefore, he dedicated most of his time glazing his emotions, casting a veil, an emotionless shield that grazed his beautiful visage. He also made up for that weakness by making use of his body - a tall and lean physique (A/N: Ooohhh..drool ^^,*) - intimidating others even at a distance. He would don a long flowing coat over a crisp black attire. Of course, he makes good use of his financials; he would have his whole wardrobe done by the most wanted and sought-after fashion designers. Conceited and vain as he was, it was all undoubtedly true; he got the looks, the money, and everything that he could have possibly wanted. All his efforts worked on everyone - well, almost.
It didn't work on Yami.
Seto sighed deeply. Yami, he said to himself, his emotions churning inside him; it felt like his stomach was suddenly teeming with squirmy things and butterflies. He knew this feeling all too well. Being the President and CEO of Kaiba Corporation makes things rather difficult for the both of them, as Seto would undoubtedly devote much of his time and energy to keep the huge company afloat, going in and out of the country for business deals and contract signings. Even his weekends - supposedly his hard-earned rest days - are even taken away from him, stretching over to sleepless nights feverishly finishing plans and others. Sure, he may have more than a hundred employees under him, he can just order them around to finish the job, but there are some things you simply cannot entrust to just anyone. Seto was almost missing the days when he still wasn't the boss, when he was just a simple boy from the orphanage, when there are no pathetic rears to watch out for. But the moment he was taken in by his prominent and well-known foster father, Seto knew in his heart that one day, he will be taking over his old man's business empire. And when he eventually did, he was juggling separate roles all at the same time: an executive officer, student, Duelist, and an elder brother to Mokuba. And some bunch of stupid employees come along, clamoring for compensation and incentives, higher wages and loads of rest days. Please. As if he hasn't got enough on his overflowing platter already. And now Yami was added to his already-hard juggling of roles, this time taking a new part - as a lover. Seto would barely have time to spare for both of them, seeing only each other once -or rarely twice- a month. Yami understands their situation, especially Seto's, the former remains patient. Seto knew this feeling.
He misses Yami.
Which is why the young corporate was hell-bent on getting ready. He checked on his reflection one more time, his eyes roving his attire: a black, long-sleeved turtleneck sweater and a pair of expensive, custom-fit pants, coupled with a sleek, navy-blue trench coat. He had every appointment and meeting for the next two days cancelled and rescheduled to another day. Heaven knows what he might do to someone disrupting his only available time with Yugi. He had his private jet ready; he plans for an island getaway. Hell, if he was taking a break, he should make the most out of it. And it would be tonight.
Which is why he was wondering why Yugi called a while ago, asking if they could meet for lunch. What could be so urgent? Seto thought. We have the whole night ahead of us anyway. But nevertheless, Seto agreed all the same. How can I refuse anyway?
He looked at his watch and he saw that he'd better start moving. He gave the mirror one last look and called his limo.
+++
"I can sense your anticipation, even if you don't tell me."
Yami Yugi smiled and vainly tried to hide a blush, but failed. "Hikari, you can tell?"
Hikari nodded. "Of course I can." He laughed as he felt his other self, almost seeing him, cheeks showing hints of pink patches around his cheeks. "After all, we've been sharing the same body for quite a while. I can read your emotions like an open book. And besides," he stopped to stifle a giggle, "every time you guys set up a meet, well..." he stopped and raised an eyebrow, his carmine eyes twinkled.
Yami knew what his other self was talking about; he could feel his cheeks reddening.
"Don't worry, though," Hikari said. "I won't be disrupting you guys, I promise!" He held up his right hand, as if swearing an oath. "If you want, we could exchange places now. That is, if you don't need me right now..."
"Actually, Hikari, you're just the right person I'm thinking of that would fit," Yami began, a cool, somewhat-creepy smile forming his lips. "I have a favor to ask of you..."
+++
Seto dismissed his limo as soon as he stepped out of it. He could call it anytime anyway. He glanced at his watch -which is based on the most accurate clock in the world --and found out that he arrived quite on time. A couple of minutes early from the supposed meeting time. Being a businessman, Seto had a knack of being the punctual professional, arriving early well before anyone else does. And his watches never failed him. He would always get the upper hand when it comes to matters of time. Anyone claiming that he was late on an important business meeting - which had never occurred, by the way - should pack up and leave instantly, lest he or she might be the subject of Seto's legendary and unheard-of wrath.
Pleased with his constant punctuality, Seto was, however, quite unused to meeting outside in broad daylight, preferring business meetings in cool, closed conference rooms, and the nighttime for Yami. And speaking of Yami...
Where is he?
Funny you could say that you'll notice something that is not there at once, Seto told himself, suddenly remembering Sartre's famous example of a French Café about existentialism, his blue eyes scanning the crowd, hoping to catch an odd ball out which happened to be his lover. But there was no sign of Yugi amidst the people.
The sun beat down upon the citizens of Domino City, its rays illuminating the whole plaza. It's a good thing that he brought his sunglasses with him. He reached inside the breast pocket of his trench coat and grabbed the case, flicked it open and brought it to his eyes. Designer shades by the way, as all his clothes, apparel, and items would undoubtedly be. The best money can buy. (A/N: I know Seto can be annoying in this, but I have to admit, he is so annoyingly cute...and hot! XD)
He wends his way to the plaza fountain. Why would Yugi schedule for a meet in here, of all places? A French restaurant would be nice, somewhere quiet or anything - I'll pay for it anyway - but why here? Seto surveyed the place, brow furrowed. His eyes wandered to the kiosks and hotdog stands, to the vandalized benches and to the fountain spouting... Is that water? Seto thought rather apprehensively. He had called this very city the heart of Duel Card Games, boasting it as Battle City, but right now, he felt like taking it back.
A minute passed. Ten minutes. Then twenty minutes. Seto sat on one of the less-vandalized benches, tapping his right foot impatiently. Had it been a typical employee or just simply anyone, he would have bucked him or her out faster than they can say, "Wait, I can explain..." But this was Yami, and he is a very punctual person, exceptionally living up to Seto's standards. Oh, and Yami is his lover too; bucking him out was simply out of the question. How could he be late, especially for this? Seto fidgeted on the bench, his already-uncomfortable feeling increased, as he felt the stares of most of the people.
Seto Kaiba is not exactly anonymous to the citizens of Domino City after all. He was well known even before Pegasus' Duelist Kingdom. He had been the subject of business magazines ("A young corporate struggling perfectly in the harsh business competition," one article said), of the increasingly-popular Duel magazines ("...one of the forerunners of Duel Card Games...a formidable Duelist..."), and of all available women's magazines ("...Luscious, tempting, and oozing with sex appeal..."). His picture would always be found grazing the front pages on every printable object, his name uttered by Duelists and normal people alike. Heck, he was even included in the Top Ten Most Eligible Bachelors of Domino City, his name at the top spot. He was also the topic of gossip columns, especially linked to - Seto couldn't fathom where did the journalists got it - fashion models and beauty queens. But perhaps the most controversial of him was his so-called relationship with his fellow Duelist and rival, Yugi Motou. The said article was a national bestseller, reprinted many times, for it was complete with pictures, hard evidence of the two dining at a posh restaurant, or at a reception desk of a five-star hotel. Reporters practically camped outside the houses of the two, eliciting more bystanders and sparking more rumors, getting increasingly dubious with each passing second. Still, neither of the two spoke. However, days after the printed article came out, Seto, out of annoyance toward the paparazzi mobbing and disturbing him and Yugi constantly, held a press conference for the pathetic suckers just so to quench their burning curiosity. The press practically feasted their eyes on the two as Seto deftly grabbed Yami by the waist and gave him a deep, passionate kiss, their cameras clicking away like hell. "I hope you got that," Seto added nastily to the stunned crowd, tugging a dazed Yami, refusing to answer other questions and turning down interviews as they went off. It was the biggest scoop ever in the history of Domino, probably surpassing the Duel Card Games hype. It was the topic of EVERYONE in Domino City; the news lasted for weeks on end, bringing bitter, disbelieving tears on the admirers of the couple - that they were no longer available, and yes, they prefer men... and each other. Even the said model linked with Seto Kaiba was on the brink of gouging her eyes out due to pure jealousy. Yugi's friends and even Seto's younger brother Mokuba were the paparazzi's next target, but the press people hadn't gotten anything essential out of them. Some were happy; some were apparently disgusted, while some...well, stayed indifferent. But the two lovers did not care. Life just went simply on.
But Seto had to admit, it was another reason why he hated outside and this gawking crowd so much. He looked sourly at the people staring at him, who were gazing at him as if he had sprouted several heads. Next thing he knows, someone would be approaching, asking for...
"Hey mister, can I have your autograph?"
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Author's Note: As this would undoubtedly be my first fic online, I'd like to know what you think about me, and this story thus far. I'd gladly appreciate your reviews -whether good or bad - hey, I'll take 'em all! I'm still working on another YGO fic - Seto/Yami pairing by the way - and perhaps put a little Honda/Jounouchi fic on the side. All would come in due time. For private messages, death threats, suggestions, mail orders, and others, email me: mooguri_klaine@yahoo.com. On to the next chapter!