Coral: Hi again everyone! Thank you for the continuous support! I'm sorry it took so long, I accidentally saved over the document over the week and lost part of my work so I was bummed out for a while, lol! But now everythings fine and I'm also having this fic over in AO3! :) My username there is Kuroku. I'm still learning the ropes on AO3 since I'm so used to ffnet's platform, but it seems great so far. This fic will still be continued here, just giving ya'll a heads up on my AO3 account! Notes at the end of the chapter if anyone wants to see!
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Warning: Some emotional stuff ahead, and we'll be seeing a little bit of plot related stuff!
Chapter Four
Jounouchi continued his walk slowly back home, it was really getting close to dark but he wasn't troubled, after all he was used to it. He thought a lot during his way home, like how he was faring in school, how things came to be, and how he got to see the little past self of Kaiba Seto. Just a small child, he mused, but wrapped in a bit of a mystery. He took out his 100 yen coin, the exact same one from when he was dueling Kaiba just the day before, and yet it produced no answers to him. He paused when something caught his eye. A small red payphone stand just sitting there, planted against the wall. The position of the phone was a bit low, possibly to accommodate vertically challenged people. He laughed to himself thinking about Yugi for a moment. Then he pondered for a bit.
When he was a child, Shizuka and him would use the payphone every now and then to call home and inform their parents of their location. Sometimes they'd play telephone and other times after the divorce... He would sometimes play with the phone pretending to talk to Shizuka. His heart sank at the memory, of how many times he kept having a large void where his sister was in his heart and the payphone would serve as a bittersweet comfort. Pressing random numbers, pretending that it reached Shizuka, having long pretend conversations with his sister... And knowing afterwards that his words of comfort and care never reached her.
He sighed. Well, it wasn't like it was a big deal anymore. Still, for some reason he felt drawn to the payphone. Before he knew it, his body automatically stepped toward the payphone, hand outstretched with the 100 yen coin. He slid the coin delicately into the coin slot and, upon hearing the clink, picked up the phone. A dial tone was heard, but nothing else.
Great. He didn't even know why he was trying to place a call in the first place. Frowning, Jou slapped the phone down and tried pressing the release coin knob only to be met with resistance. Even more great, it ate his coin too! "Ugh, stupid, stupid!" He chanted to himself, banging his head against the phone. Ouch.
Scowling, Jou gave up on retrieving the coin. He had other important things to worry about. Perhaps answers would come in his sleep.
It was as if a splash of cold water was thrust straight onto the young CEO's face. The orphanage he stayed in with Mokuba ever since the death of his parents had been shut down soon after their adoption took place, yet here it was before him, just as it were from his memories. It took a lot of effort to not scream then and there. If this was a joke, it was definitely one sick joke. Kaiba attempted to logically rationalize the situation. It's not necessarily impossible that he was in the past considering time theories and such, but the odds of the situation was so low it was practically improbable. Either he really was in the past, in a virtual simulator, or perhaps in a coma. The odds of being comatose was actually much higher considering the circumstances. There was also the possibility of it all being one really bad dream, however... The brunet pinched himself, then covered his nose and mouth while attempting to breath. One thing was certain, it was no dream. He felt the small pain and was unsuccessful in breathing through his hands.
Kaiba flipped out his cell phone and scowled. No service. Figures.
He was dueling the bonkotsu and the time wizard roulette protocol caused the duel disks to go haywire. But how in the world did that came to be? He frowned deeply. If he actually were in a coma... He didn't have time for this. He needed to wake up, at least for Mokuba's sake.
"Mokuba..." He murmured. How was he faring right now? How much time actually did pass by? Narrowing his sharp eyes with determination, he first headed for the nearest hotel. At the very least, he needed a place to stay.
It was actually a rather elaborate world for something that's supposed to be either a result of a coma or possible virtual simulation. If virtual simulator, the creator must have used Kaiba corp level technology. If comatose, he couldn't really spell out for certain having never experienced one before, but it felt as though with comas the sequences should have been more dream-like at the very least. Lastly, if it was in fact a result of a time leap or so, then the environment did make eerily sense. Thinking too much about it wouldn't help though. Seto Kaiba walked into the small hotel taking note of certain features. It wasn't the best but not the worst either. At the very least it was clean. He doubted though that their top room would be of adequate level for those used to suites and such. Regardless, he needed to stay somewhere for the night. Deciding to put things to the test, he whipped out his Kaiba Corp credit card. "One of your best rooms, please." He stated, sliding the card to the receptionist.
If declined, it would confirm some things.
One, if virtual simulator the currency should have worked considering that he had the card on hand and there was nothing indicating that different sort of currency is used. There was also the other possibility that it would be declined though if in fact the simulator actually relied on different currency such as gold like in video games.
Two, if comatose, that was a bit more tricky since all that happens within the coma were a result of the CEO's mind, but if that were the case, it would have been more likely approved than declined.
Three, if it were to be the fact that he was in the past, then it was 100% of a chance that the card would be declined, since Kaiba Seto did not exist as CEO at the time.
The receptionist typed on her computer and printed out a form for the young man to sign. Kaiba carefully gazed over the words and eventually signed the agreement.
"Um, I'm so sorry sir, it looks like your card is declined..."
Kaiba quirked an eyebrow. "Declined?"
"Ah, unfortunately yes, we can't seem to take your card sir."
He nodded with a small smirk. Well... It looks like he was on the right track after all.
"I see. It's a shame, I'll pay with cash then."
He was either back in time, or in a coma. And neither seemed good in the least.
Daylight came early on Sunday morning and Jounouchi yawned as he stumbled into the small living room. His old man wasn't to be found. Probably went out for fresh air for once. Not that the teen was complaining, things were easier when his father was absent usually. He poured himself a cup of milk and set it aside. Then he poured another glass for orange juice. Then a plate of pancakes. Then a plate of toast and eggs. Then a bowl of cereal. Ok, so it's breakfast for 4 people, but dang it was he starving!
Before he could inhale his food like a certain pink round Nintendo character, he was interrupted by a knock on his door. "Coming!" He called out rushing to the entrance. Jou paused for a moment before opening the door a crack.
He was met with big shining blue eyes. "Jounouchi-niisan?"
"Uwaaaah!" He fell over in surprise. "What are you doing here?!"
The blue eyes blinked before responding with a smile, "What are you talking about? You're supposed to spend time with me, remember?"
Jounouchi paused before laughing. "Oh, oh yeah, that's right!"
The small boy suddenly smirked. "Hmm, so now what will we play next?"
Jou froze and a bunch of sweatdrops formed around his head. "Um... Seto, why is your voice suddenly... Deeper?"
"Seto?" A villainous laugh. "Since when do you call me that, stupid little mutt?"
The blond widened his eyes as the boy suddenly morphed and grew taller and taller, small blue vest and yellow dress shirt melting into white trenchcoat and black sweatshirt. He gaped as the growth continued until the figure was as tall as Mount Everest. "K-Kaiba?!"
"Heh that's right, now you've recognized me, your true master!"
"W-wha?! Wait a minute!" Jounouchi flailed to get up only to fail, falling on his bum and gasped as he realized he was trapped in that same dog suit!
"So... What are we going to play today, Bon-Ko-Tsu?" A large hand looms over him as though to crush him almost like a nightmare from a certain horror video game involving blocks.
"AUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!"
Jounouchi panted as he woke up in cold sweat flailing his arms and legs only to lose balance and fall over... A chair? Ah, wait! Eyes lit up in recognition. He was in Yugi's living room! "A... Dream?"
Yugi peered over the fallen chair. "Um, Jounouchi-kun, are you ok?"
Attempting to save whatever dignity he could salvage, he shot up and laughed stiffly. "Yeah, I'm fine! Just had a bit of a nightmare that's all! Ehehehe..."
The amethyst eyed duelist smiled reassured of his friend's condition and then pointed to the couch. "You can lay there if you want. Have you been getting enough sleep, Jou?"
A yawn escaped the blond before he answered, "No not really, but it couldn't be helped." He stretched for a bit and jumped up. "It's ok Yugi, I wouldn't want to impose on you too much. Sorry I fell asleep, hehe!" Especially since they were supposed to be hanging out...
Yugi shook his head maintaining his smile. "No, no! You're not imposing at all! Jounouchi-kun, it's a Sunday, we can just take it easy." The small teen walked over and leaned back on his chair. "So how's everything so far with little Kaiba?"
Jounouchi stretched his arms out once more with a satisfied sigh. "He seems to be doing ok, he's adjusting pretty well too."
The king of games laughed. "I guess kids would take it easier than adults after all! How about Mokuba?"
"Oh he's doing better than I thought too! I guess he's really used to Kaiba's absence at times so he could run the company somewhat... Let's just hope nobody tries any funny business like the Big Five..."
Yugi and Jou blanched at the memory almost simultaneously. They really didn't need a repeat of the huge attempted takeover from the former board of directors and unsuccessful kidnapping of the younger Kaiba brother.
"Well that's good! Yami was a bit worried since it seemed like a lot of responsibility was thrust on you. He said that he has a feeling that fate may have something planned for you or something..."
With that, the blond blinked at his best friend. "Huh? Fate? Why? I mean, it's not like I have anything special... Right?"
Yugi tilted his head in worry. "That's what Yami and I are trying to figure out. We phoned Isis and she, Malik, and Rishid agreed to come to Domino soon. There's an exhibit that's going to happen in two weeks that they'll be hosting soon anyway, so it actually works out."
Jou took the moment to laugh. "Oh geez, come on, haha, I mean um... Seriously I don't know what to say..."
"You can start with 'thanks'?"
Jou guffawed and slapped his knee. "You got me there, hahaha! Ok, thanks Yugi." He patted his friend's shoulder gratefully. "I appreciate it, anything to help figure out how to get Seto home."
The tri-color haired boy nodded, yellow bangs swishing back and forth with every determined nod. "We'll figure it out for sure!"
"Yosh, I'll have to get going now. I promised to meet the boys for a few hours today."
"What about homework?"
"Did it already."
"Reeeealllly?" Yugi teased, poking at the taller friend.
"Aw, come on! I know my grades are average but I can do my homework, oh ye of little faith!" With absolute smugness, he whipped out his papers.
The small duelist laughed and gazed over the papers that were shoved in his face. "Hmmmmmm... You missed one!"
"EEH?! But I went over it twice!"
"Psych!"
"Hey, that wasn't funny!"
Mokuba and Seto were really excited for their second day of hanging out with Jou. It was almost as if they forgot being flung around while the tall blond rushed in the park to kill his close friend for dating his sister. Almost.
"Jounouchi!" "Jounouchi-nii!" squealed the two as they ran over to the blond with glee.
"Hey!" The teen grinned back at the kids and swung them slightly with each arm. "What do you two wanna do today?
Mokuba immediately piped, "I wanna go to the arcade! Then later I have to go to Kaiba corp," His mood went down at this. "But it's alright as long as I get to play in the arcade!"
"I'm fine with anything, Jounouchi-niisan!" the small brunett claimed as he held Jou's right hand gently. He brightened when the duelist tightened the hold and smiled at him.
"Ok, we'll get some snacks since it's near lunch time and we'll head to the arcade!" declared Jou as he lead the youngsters over to the nearby cafe.
Munching on some sandwiches and sipping on ice cream soda, Jou noted that the two boys seemed really content. And hungry. "You two didn't eat before I came to get you, huh?" grinned the blond watching them devour their sandwiches.
"Mmmph, Naopu we did ent." replied Mokuba which earned him a stern look from Seto.
"Mokie, don't talk with your mouth full." He chastised while handing his brother's future form a napkin.
"Gee niisama, it's not a biiiiig deal." whined the raven haired boy as he swallowed regardless and wiped his mouth with given napkin.
Seto's frown swapped over to a smile at Jounouchi. "Thank you for the food Jounouchi-nii. I'm sorry that you had to pay for us. Some day I'll pay you back when I grow up!"
Jounouchi laughed at that. Seto really liked his laugh. "Aw, thanks but it's ok. Just eat and finish your sodas."
Mokuba gazed over at Seto suspiciously who was flushing pink and sipping at his ice cream soda eagerly. 'Something's weird with niisama...' He decided not to question it though. Whatever made him happy then it made Mokuba happy too. Absolutely having no complaints, he too slurped on his ice cream soda with vigor, reveling in the sweetness of the cream combined with bubbling liquid. "Yum~."
Jounouchi couldn't help the nostalgic grin on his face. It was sort of reminiscent of the times when he would take Shizuka out to go play at various places like the park. His thoughts were interrupted by a small cough. "Eh? Are you alright, Seto?"
The brunet coughed and clung to his head with both hands with a wince. "Um, I-I'll be ok, ow..."
The blond blinked for a moment before understanding dawned on him and he began bursting out laughing. "Aw you got a brain freeze!"
"Ow..." Seto grasped his head further until he was suddenly met with a sandwich to his face. "Eh?"
"Eat it. If you eat something warm it'll help with your brain freeze."
The young brown haired boy blinked before complying. It didn't take long for the brain freeze to ease and the child sighed in relief, continuing to munch on his sandwich.
Mokuba could hardly contain the impressed tone in his voice. "How'd you know about that, Jounouchi?"
"Gyahahaha, personal experience, of course!" And he proudly whipped up a finger, "If you don't have anything warm, you can always stick a finger to the roof of your mouth!"
"Ewwwww!" exclaimed the two boys in dismay, immediately covering their mouths while Jou roared with laughter.
Seto blinked at the sight of the arcade. It seemed like the same arcade he would take Mokie in his timeline. Other than some alterations, it didn't seem to change much. There were some different games present though.
"Niisama, let's play this one!" Mokuba led his brother over to a verses arcade game eagerly and sat down on one seat practically bouncing.
The brunet giggled at his brother's antics and gazed at the screen with a hum. "Wow, the characters look so cool!"
"Yeah, this game's really fun!"
Halfway through the game, their eager happy faces grew into scowls and looks of murder... Adorable murder, but murder nonetheless.
"Mokie... I don't think I like this game anymore."
"Me neither, niisama."
"O-Oi! Just because you two keep tying and the counter runs out?!"
"It's not our fault that the game can't decide a winner." declared Seto with a huff.
"That's right, niisama!"
Jounouchi gaped. They were blaming the GAME instead of each other for the constant ties?!
"Well maybe Jounouchi can play?"
"I dunno Mokie. Jounouchi-nii, do you want to play?"
"Che. Fine! Move aside, I'll show you both that the game isn't broken!" Jounouchi proceeded to grab the joystick.
Two rounds later, the blond began screaming bloody murder at the console while Mokuba and Seto cheered and high fived each other.
"You're right Jounouchi, it's probably not broken at all!"
"STUPID freakin' machine making me lose to kids, my freakin' gosh!" Jou attempted to slap the hell out of the arcade game, earning him a harisen smack from the store owner.
"Jounouchi, you may be a regular, but I will not forgive you if you destroy another one of my machines!"
"Order another one, this one's defective!"
"It's not our fault you can't play very well!"
"Haaaaaa?! What was that, say that again!"
"You heard me, boy!"
An angry anime fight cloud ensued between the store owner and Jounouchi. It went on for at least a few minutes before the two brothers sweatdropped as Jounouchi army crawled out from the fight cloud after a while and quickly ran to them.
"We're outta here!" He said quickly panicking and grabbing the kids running out while the store owner continued to fight with himself.
The three males gasped and panted to catch their breaths a few blocks away from the arcade.
Soon the panting grew into faint laughter.
"I was so scared!"
"I thought you weren't scared of anything, Jounouchi?"
"Hey, I wasn't scared of him, I was scared for you two!" cried out the teen indignantly. He mock huffed and crossed his arms.
"Hee hee, sure you were!" teased the raven haired boy as he poked one of Jou's arms slyly.
"Well I believe him! I think Jounouchi-nii's not afraid of anything!" Declared Seto as he grasped Jou's other arm.
Jounouchi peered down at sparkling blue eyes and his heart just melted while he sobbed pathetically. "Oh Seto!" He hugged onto the small boy who had such faith in him tightly, tears running down his cheeks with sparkles.
As if the situation could not get any more ridiculous, the background suddenly grew dark with a random spotlight on the two.
Mokuba simply stared. Jounouchi really was an idiot. Gazing down at his cell phone with his dark gray blue eyes, the boy pouted at the sight of the digital clock. "I have to call Isono." He called out to the two, interrupting their moment.
"Huh? Why?" asked Jou walking over to the eleven year old curiously, Seto trailing behind.
The boy looked away in disappointment. "I have to be at work at niisama's stead, remember? It was fun though..."
Jounouchi nodded. "Mm, I see. I guess that can't be helped then."
Mokuba shook his head. "Nope." But then a mischievous grin made its way on his face. "That's all the more reason for you to make it up to me later!" He declared, smacking the other's wrist lightly.
Instantly Jounouchi's face grew dark with a pretend snarl. "I should have known you planned something..."
Seto giggled as his brother continued teasing Jou for a while before Isono arrived to pick up the three of them.
Upon arrival at Kaiba corporation, Mokuba turned towards his brother's past self as they walked inside. "You don't have to stay with me niisama. If you want to go with Jounouchi you can!"
Seto frowned in concern. He knew that his brother had to go to work, but in this tall building? And it didn't really seem like something an eleven year old would be capable of running. His thoughts were eased, however, as his brother continued, "Even though I look young, I'm still eleven and you've put your faith in me, niisama. Well the older you, anyway! And Isono's going to stay here with me, so you don't have to worry if something happens. Isono took care of us for a really long time."
Nodding, Seto hastily turned to Jounouchi who was busy speaking with Isono. "Mokie, you'll take care, right?"
"Mm hm!" Mokuba nodded his head back with a grin. "I'm really capable, don't worry."
Seto smiled back. His brother really had grown up to be more reliable. "I won't. I trust you Mokie. Come home soon." He then gave his brother a big hug that was returned enthusiastically.
Isono, in the meantime, decided to give a small questioning session with Jounouchi. "Jounouchi-san, is everything alright with your situation?"
Jou blinked, "What do you mean?" Why was everyone always asking if he was ok nowadays? Not that he hated it, but it wasn't like taking care of kids was that bad, was it?
"I understand that it may be strenuous to be taking temporary guardianship of Seto-bocchama and Mokuba-sama considering how young they and you are."
Jounouchi frowned for a moment to mentally discern the words of the bodyguard before realizing that he was genuinely concerned with how taking care of the kids would be affecting his school life and so forth, rather than doubting his own ability to take care of kids. He laughed and thumped his chest. "It's fine! I'm used to taking care of my sister, so this is no different anyway!"
That seemed to have relieved the bodyguard and Isono extended out his hand for a firm handshake which the blond grasped tightly. "Please continue to take care of Seto-bocchama and Mokuba-sama. Should you need any assistance whatsoever, please do not hesitate to summon me."
"Alright! I summon ADVANCED BODY GUARD ISONO in attack position!" Jounouchi pointed in the sky as Isono by reflex suddenly posed.
The bodyguard was really thrown off by the statement that he really wasn't thinking as his stance shifted immediately from lax to full on badassery while Mokuba and Seto cheered and clapped. Isono could only freeze at that moment and allow the children to squeal at how cool it was that Isono was now practically a duel monster. Honestly, what was he to do?
A lot of workers sweatdropped but said nothing at the sight. It was strange, but they worked under a CEO that gave evil villainous laughs every now and then on every project that nothing could really top that.
After all that's said and done, the brothers said their goodbyes and Seto hurried over to Jou's side and grasped his hand.
Jou was actually surprised at the notion and questioned the boy, "Eh? I thought you were going to stay with Mokuba?"
Seto shook his head with a smile. "Mokie said he'll be fine and I trust him. He's a big boy, just like me!" He puffed his chest proudly at the statement.
At that, the teen couldn't help bursting out laughing. That was just adorable, really. Suddenly as though a lightbulb lit on top of his head, Jounouchi had an idea. He really couldn't help but tease the kid. "You know, the future you actually isn't all that big. He's pretty short actually!" Jou inwardly snickered as the boy's face grew from questioning to distraught.
"Eh? Short?!" He wailed, clinging onto Jou tightly.
The blond duelist nodded eagerly and whispered as though hiding a big secret, "It's because he doesn't drink his milk!"
It was as if lightning struck the ground where the boy was standing. He gazed up at the teen with teary eyes. "M-milk?!"
He nodded once again vigorously with the most exaggerated serious face he could muster. "Because he didn't drink enough milk."
Seto gasped and a pout formed on his face at the horrific thought that the grown up Seto was short due to lack of calcium. He then began to whack at Jou's legs with balled fists practically bawling, "Nuh uh, you meanie! You're lying! Mokie said the big me is really tall!" He squeaked suddenly as he was immediately hoisted onto the other boy's back.
Jou grasped the boy and adjusted until Seto was in a comfortable piggyback hold with a grin. "I know, I know, I'm kidding! Future you is tall, hahaha!"
"That was really mean, Jounouchi-niisan." stated the boy flatly, but he clung onto the teen's neck lightly and enjoyed the warmth of the hold.
For a while neither spoke as Jounouchi kept walking away from the Kaiba corporation building, enjoying the scenery of the tall buildings and clear blue sky. Seto's thoughts lingered on the blond, how he was always so kind and bright, and helped him to find Mokuba when he was lost. He jolted out of his thoughts when a question popped from said person.
"Huh?" He murmured back in confusion, completely missing the words. A chuckle he received in response.
"What are you thinking about, Seto?" asked the teen. Although he couldn't see the small brunet behind his back, he could tell a bit that the boy was preoccupied with something, unaware that it was himself.
"Oh... Well, lots of things, Jounouchi-nii." He replied truthfully. "The future doesn't look too different, but some things are, like those arcade games and stuff..."
Jounouchi paused for a moment. Come to think of it, since this was the past form of Kaiba, wouldn't seeing all these images affect the Kaiba he knew? Suddenly a lot of the things they did to ensure the boy's safety and comfort didn't seem as much of a good idea... He cursed himself inwardly. These things were common sense right?
"Jounouchi-niisan?"
He snapped out of his thoughts. "Oh, yes?"
"I'm not bothering you, am I?"
Jou was surprised at the question. The boy seemed to constantly ask that a lot of him. "Of course not, kid! Why would you think that? You shouldn't even worry about that stuff, you know?" He shifted to adjust his grip on the boy's legs. "We'll get you home soon back to your time. Me and my friends have an idea, and we're working on it. So don't worry, ok?"
Seto blinked and then smiled even though the blond couldn't see. "Thank you, Jounouchi-nii. But that's not exactly the reason..."
At this, Jounouchi grew confused. Was the boy worried about something? It certainly seemed so as the boy continued without pause, "I wasn't... Me and Mokie weren't always orphans."
The blond grew quiet. So Mokuba's statement of them being adopted really was true, not that he doubted the boy, but it was definitely a good confirmation hearing from the past self of Kaiba. It must have meant something if the brunet decided to tell him now.
"Our parents passed away in an accident a while back. We did have family... And for a while they took us in. After a few weeks, we'd move to another relative's house... Then another, and another." His small arm grip grew a little bit tight around the duelist's neck. "They didn't really want us. I knew that. Mokie didn't understand much though, but I knew. They only kept us for a while until money could be sorted properly from our parents' fortune. Then we came to the orphanage."
Jou's blood grew from ice cold to fiery with rage. How could they?! To allow two little boys without a home?! Just cause they finally got the money and just dump them in an orphanage, just like that?! How could they treat these two children as if they were burdens?! He subconsciously tightened his arms around the small boy's legs. How could they be so cruel when they're family?! Although... Jounouchi did experience a bit of the same thing... He silently sighed. He was beginning to see more and more of the current Kaiba's character, similar to pieces of a puzzle, it was beginning to fit, shape and make sense.
"So, I... I couldn't help it... I thought that after a while, maybe you wouldn't like me anymore..." It was weird. The ten year old was trying his best to stay mature of the situation, but it was as if the mental barriers he had to put up were too weak at the very moment. Tears began to prickle his blue eyes and he began to sniff and bury his head into the other's mop of blond hair. "I...!"
Jounouchi began to panic as the boy on his back begun to shake and cry. "O-oi, don't cry, it's ok!" He quickly adjusted the boy around so that he was carrying him from the front in a semi hug hold. "Shhh... It's okay, it's okay..." He murmured, patting circles on the brunet's back. "Don't cry... I'll never leave you." He resolutely promised firmly that he was certainly not the same. "I'll never abandon you, Seto."
Seto hiccuped and nodded, sharp tears pricking his eyes and just wouldn't stop, "I-I just... You're so nice, Jounouchi-nii... You took care of me and Mokie, a-and you helped me, and played with me and I just... I like you so m-much," He inhaled sharply in an attempt to stop the sniffling, but it was a failed attempt. "I was s-scared at first being here, b-but you were here all along and I n-ne-ne-nev-ha-ver..." He sobbed again before managing to finish, "Never f-felt, hic, lonely..." The small boy's chest heaved as though a heavy stone kept weighing inside while he poured his heart out towards the teen, all while Jounouchi kept his gentle caresses on his back, shushing and holding him affectionately. He gazed his teary eyes up at the teen, meeting honey brown eyes that were gentle and loving. The tears kept going and he just clung onto the teen continuing to sob and sob and sob until he just couldn't cry anymore and hiccups remained.
Neither of them said a word as Jounouchi Katsuya continued to walk. To where, he didn't even know, but going somewhere helped to calm them a little, so he simply kept going.
To say that Kaiba Seto was annoyed would be the biggest understatement of the year. As a matter of fact, the CEO was positively livid. The so-called one of the best rooms that the hotel gave him was modest and that was an exaggeration in itself. It was puny. It looked nothing more than an average deluxe room, if by "deluxe" they meant to include a small fridge and that was it. The furniture looked suspiciously like it hadn't been well kept, probably had sheets thrown on it last minute. The faded carpet visibly had traces of stains. Was this a previous crime scene or something? It would have been more understandable had this been a Japanese hotel known for capsule rooms or modest rooms reminiscent of a traditional Japanese household. However this was not the sort of hotel that provides such and Kaiba had clearly stated for one of the hotel's best, NOT a room that someone without a place to stay would be desperate to live in! Despite the fact that he himself didn't have a place to stay... But he wasn't desperate.
The brunet scowled and turned on his heel, walking straight on out to the elevators. He had half a mind to go to the front desk and demand his money's worth back, and as a matter of fact, he most certainly would do just that. There would be hell to pay, because he was Kaiba Seto, and Kaiba Seto never settled for anything less than what he wanted. His sharp eyes narrowed considerably once he reached the front desk and slammed a hand on the secretary's desk, causing the woman to flinch.
"What exactly is the meaning of this?" He snarled as he whipped up the room key right up to her face, twirling the card in between his index and middle fingers.
"S-sir?" She stammered in shock at the sight of the looming man in front of him.
He continued as if not noticing, or rather not caring, about the woman being taken aback by his behavior. "I have asked for one of the hotel's best rooms and was assured most certainly that I would have such. This hotel, though more modest than others, does have certain executive rooms within the building. That being said," And he leered at the woman, practically overshadowing her with his cold apathetic stare. "I was present with a moderate room that wasn't even fit for even the most normal of civilians. Do you take me as some kind of fool?!"
Quickly understanding the situation, she shook her head repeatedly, "N-no sir! P-please wait a moment!" Shakily, she quickly took the key card from his hand and picked up her phone receiver, rapidly dialing numbers at mach speed 10,000 if it was even possible. "Y-yes! Hello sir! We have a problem... Um..." She continued to speak through the phone nervously as Kaiba crossed his arms tapping an index against his elbow impatiently. Soon, she nodded and put the receiver down and typed on her computer, deftly removing another card from a nearby drawer and sliding it over to Kaiba. "My apologies sir, the manager has agreed to upgrade you to our highest suite, no extra charge whatsoever for the rest of your stay..."
With a huff, Kaiba snatched the card in his hand and slid the card in a front pocket. He swiftly twisted around and walked off while retorting, "See to it that this sort of incident will not be repeated. Situations like this are only cause for you to lose consumers."
The woman once again bowed multiple times. "Y-yes sir! It was my mistake, I thoroughly apologize!"
"Hmph!" Growing quite tired of his miniature battle to get a room that was of decent quality, he headed straight for the elevator, thankfully not seeing the large blush that occurred on the secretary's face.
Somehow it was surprisingly alluring to be yelled at and put in her place like the worthless scumbag she was.
Awkward.
The extravagant suite was actually much more well kept and the CEO found himself unwinding quite a bit in relief, though irritated that he had to fight in order to get the correct room in the first place no thanks to the blundering antics of the front desk secretary. Wide and spacious with various partitions, a kitchen, a stove, a couch, a bed, and most importantly clean. Kaiba ran a finger over the bed comforter with a scoff. Good. At least he didn't have to worry at that point of sleeping decently. He hung his outer white jacket with a sigh and tossed his briefcase on the nearby plush chair. Slowly he began to unbutton his Domino uniform jacket. It was too stifling to sleep in. He swiftly opened a drawer from the nearby armoire and pulled out a bathrobe. It will have to do in place of his usual sleepwear. After changing into said bathrobe, he closed his eyes for a moment laying down in the soft bed, attempting to process his situation once more.
He was either in a coma or somehow warped back in the past with no idea on how to escape. If he was comatose, how could he escape, if at all? Although being in the past was another scenario more than not ideal. In either case, he is within a world where Gozaburo Kaiba was still living. And the former orphanage that he was an admin of as a child was still functioning as a whole. Was there even a purpose to all this? Do comas actually give experiences so vivid and real as if he was actually living the moment?
His thoughts drifted to Jounouchi. Oh how he was going to kill that mutt the next time he saw him. For now he would rest and figure things out in the morning, if it actually did come.
Note: I realized I haven't been putting up notes for the occasional Japanese phrase and stuff, so I'll start here! Also my Japanese is totally not the best so some things are also taken from context. Please let me know if I am using it wrong and I will definitely fix it! :)
Bonkotsu- Basically an insult meaning a lowly person that's worse than a dog or something to that calibur. Or ordinary person. Or something.
Bocchama- Basically means 'Young master', referred to by servants or underlings.
Nii- Shortened from niisan, it's usually said by children or the like and it's kind of a cutesy way of saying big brother if that makes any sense.
Perfume- A Japanese idol group popular in Japan and going global. They consist of three girls, A-chan, Kashiyuka, and Nocchi.
San- General honorific to call someone, especially if you don't know them.
Niisan/oniisan- Basically means big brother, can also be used to refer to someone older than them but close to their age group. Same with Neesan/oneesan. So Mai could be called oneesan by Jou and stuff if Jou actually did use honorifics much in his speech lol.
Kun- An honorific that can refer to high school boys, boys younger than you, someone of lower status like in a job, etc. It can refer to girls sometimes too, but not often.
Nani- What?
Niisama- Big brother in a respectful manner. Parents and grandparents can get the same treatment as well (Okaasama, Otousama, etc.)
Sama- I'm sure lots of people know, but this is used to refer as "master" or showing that the person is of higher status. When used inappropriately, it can off as mocking or sarcastic. (For example calling your boss -sama isn't ideal.)
And I think that's all for the Japanese that I've used thus far. :) Also "Domino's Home for Angels" is just a made up name since I couldn't find the name of the orphanage. I hope you all don't mind!
Coral: And that's it for now! Please let me know what you think, thank you so much!
