Chapter 04: Continued Interest

Once again seated in Yami's section, Kaiba was annoyed with himself at his new habit. He really should try a different duelist's section, but there were too many benefits of being in Yami's presence to give up for such an arbitrary reason. The section was quite full today and Kaiba wondered if they'd have time to talk today.

"Welcome back, Kaiba," Yami greeted him with a smile that made something deep inside of Kaiba move. "What can I do for you today?"

"Agree to be in my tournament and bring me the least popular dish," Kaiba promptly answered.

"I'm not sure that's such a good idea," Yami said in regards to the tournament. "My fight against aibou would bring some unwanted attention."

"Since when has it been unwanted attention?" Kaiba scoffed, knowing that Yami loved that sort of attention.

Lowering his voice as he leaned closer, Yami confessed, "I don't exactly have the paperwork to prove I exist."

That's because you shouldn't, Kaiba thought to himself, but said nothing on the subject. "So how did you get a job here?" Kaiba asked, curious despite himself.

"I may have faked some paperwork," Yami replied in a hushed tone. "Thankfully I looked so much like aibou that they weren't willing to question it."

Frowning at the dilemma, Kaiba asked, "And if I could make that problem go away?" The more he had thought about it over the past week, the more he really wanted Yami to compete in his tournament and he was willing to do whatever it took to get him to agree.

"I'd be grateful, but confused about your connections," Yami teased, not thinking Kaiba was serious.

Spreading his hands before him, Kaiba merely said, "I am a powerful man, after all."

"Yes," Yami agreed, "but does your power extend to that area?"

"It can, if I have a need for it," Kaiba cryptically answered, knowing some shady people who had proven useful in the past and owed him favors.

"Still," Yami insisted, "I don't think it would be a good idea."

"Refusing my exclusive invitation is a much worse one," Kaiba warned, causing Yami to laugh.

Reigning in his amusement, Yami agreed, "I suppose so. I'll keep thinking it over," and straightened up once more. "I'll be back with your coffee."

Even though he had forgotten to order it, Kaiba didn't correct him on it. Instead he settled for, "Thanks," and left it at that. Watching as Yami left, Kaiba reflected on what had just happened. He had been serious about procuring documents to validate Yami's existence. It was too dangerous not to have evidence of his identity, as impossible as it was to believe that he could live at all. Besides, having Yami be in his debt was exceedingly attractive for some reason. He probably should have questioned it, but Kaiba left the thought alone; it was for the best.

When Yami returned with the coffee, Kaiba told him, "Have six passport photos ready the next time I'm here and bring me a copy of the paperwork you provided them with."

"You can't possibly be serious," Yami said in disbelief. "Why would you help me with something like that?"

"Because I'm the only person you know who can," Kaiba replied, as if it were as simple as that.

"I-I don't know what to say," Yami stumbled over his words in shock.

"I believe a thanks is customary," Kaiba sarcastically supplied.

"I mean, yes, but—"

Interrupting Yami, Kaiba said, "That doesn't sound like gratitude."

Shutting his mouth, Yami finally settled for a formal, "Thank you, Kaiba. I'll have them for next time."

"Good," Kaiba decided.

Thinking he was nuts, Kaiba wondered why he was pushing so hard to make sure Yami had official paperwork. It had to be for more than just getting him to agree to be in the tournament, but Kaiba didn't understand his own motivation. It was a disquieting feeling and Kaiba wanted to push it away into a dark place where he wouldn't have to reflect on it anymore. But the feeling wouldn't quiet down; it wanted acknowledgement.

He was mercifully spared when Yami arrived with his food. "Enjoy," Yami told him as he set the plate down in front of Kaiba.

"Mm," was the only acknowledgement that Kaiba offered as Yami quickly made himself scarce to go check on the other tables in his section.

Beginning to eat, Kaiba was surprised to find that the dish was quite good, although if he had a criticism, it might be to add a touch more salt. It wasn't enough to make it a bad dish, though it was more a matter of personal taste. He wondered if the unusual ingredient of swordfish was responsible for the lack of sales.

"How is it?" Yami inquired when he stopped back by to check on Kaiba.

"Not bad enough to be the worst seller," Kaiba replied, pausing in his eating.

Nodding in agreement, Yami said, "I have to agree."

"Strange," Kaiba absentmindedly commented, musing on the subject further.

"I'll leave you to it, then," Yami said before stepping away and leaving Kaiba alone with his thoughts once more.

Finishing the meal, Kaiba checked his watch and saw he still had a lot of time left before he had to return to the office. He decided to pull out his paperwork from his briefcase and review the latest contract while enjoying the remains of his coffee. He hated how he was quickly becoming addicted to the unique spices that Yami added; all other coffees were starting to pale in comparison and that was unacceptable. What was it that he added that made it so damn good?

He was surprised when a fresh cup appeared without a word and he waited for it to cool off before drinking it. At least it seemed work was a good way to take his mind off of his rival; there was hope for him yet.

Making a few more corrections to the contract, Kaiba started to wrap it up so he could return to the office. He was startled when Yami reappeared and asked, "Leaving so soon?"

"It is called a lunch hour," Kaiba dryly retorted as he continued to pack up his things.

Grinning at the answer, Yami conceded, "I suppose so."

"What's that look for?" Kaiba demanded when Yami continued smiling down at him.

Shrugging, Yami truthfully answered, "It's interesting watching you work. You're as intense with it as you are when you duel."

Unsure how he was supposed to take the comment, Kaiba settled for, "Of course I am. But what were you doing watching me?"

"Turn about is fair play," Yami reminded him with a smile, fully aware of the way Kaiba inadvertently watched him as he made his rounds.

Flushing slightly at the comment, Kaiba defended himself, "It's purely professional."

"Uh huh," Yami said, sounding as if he didn't believe Kaiba in the least.

"Hn," Kaiba dismissively snorted, not needing to justify himself to anyone, let alone Yami. He did make a mental not to try and watch him less, or at the very least, be less obvious about it.

"That wasn't a complaint," Yami teased with a wink. "You're free to look all you want."

Arching an eyebrow at the flirtatious comment, Kaiba accidentally asked, "Am I now?"

"Just saying," Yami commented with another grin that made something in Kaiba move in response. He was getting annoyed with his body's weird reactions, but he didn't know how to stop them.

Needing to leave before he embarrassed himself further, Kaiba primly reminded Yami, "Remember what I said," as he stood up from the table.

"Only if you promise to give me a date for our duel," Yami bargained.

"Agree to be in my tournament and we'll see," Kaiba countered, ever the businessman.

Tilting his head, Yami asked, "Why do you want me to participate so badly?"

"Having a new King of Games would be great for ratings," Kaiba answered with a wolfish grin, confident that Yami would easy defeat Yuugi.

"Is that all?" Yami asked, knowing it had to be more than that.

"What other reason do you need?"

"The truth," Yami told him, pinning Kaiba under his intense gaze.

For a moment it was hard to breathe, hard to think being so close to intense crimson, but Kaiba quickly forced himself to recover. "It isn't a lie," Kaiba haughtily defended himself.

"It's not the whole truth, either," Yami countered as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Regardless," Kaiba said, becoming aware of the growing whispers around them, "I want you to register for my tournament. Now, if you'll excuse me…"

Bowing in acknowledgement, Yami said, "Of course. Until next time."

"Mm," was all Kaiba could say before turning and leaving, hating that he knew he would inevitably be back in Yami's section.


A/N: Not much to add here except yay for an early update!

NEXT CHAPTER:

Frowning at the brush off, Kaiba wondered what wasn't being said. It left him with a bad feeling and he didn't like it in the least.

The next update will be on Sunday, June 30th, but until then I welcome your reviews on this chapter!