Chapter 4
Kaiba stood behind Yami and watched him pat his pockets for the keys. He felt very apprehensive. A pit was forming in his stomach the whole way there, and now that they stood at the door, he felt even worse.
Yami located the keys and opened the door. "Come on in." he said, motioning him towards the shop. Kaiba slowly stepped inside, noting that everything was still the same as he had last seen it several months ago. Yami turned to Kaiba and said, "So Hiro, what do you think?"
Kaiba tried not to flinch at hearing his false name. He glanced around the shop enthusiastically, pretending to be interested and said,"It's very impressive."
Yami nodded, his dark violet eyes firmly fixated on Kaiba's face, watching his every move. Kaiba noticed this and put on his best business smile, "I assume you and your brother manage this shop together?" Yami nodded in response again, eyes still fixed on Kaiba's face. Kaiba felt his face get hot. "What, did I cut myself shaving?" he asked slowly, purposely avoiding eye contact.
Yami lowered his gaze and shook his head slowly, "No. You just...remind me of someone." His voice trailed off and they stood in there in silence for a few moments. Kaiba could feel his heartbeat in his ears as he waited to Yami to say something.
"Anyway!" Yami said suddenly looking alert, "Let's head into the back."
Kaiba nodded and followed Yami around the counter towards the door at the back of the shop, leading into the Motou residence. Yami opened the door and stepped inside, "Hiro, shoes off please." he said. Kaiba inwardly flinched again as he slid off his shoes.
As Kaiba was stepping into the small hallway, he accidentally brushed up against Yami, roughly bumping him into the wall. Shit! Kaiba thought frantically, "Sorry." he said gruffly. He tried to move out of the way, but then realized that Yami was trapped between his shoulder and the wall. For a moment, Kaiba could feel Yami's warm breath on his arm. He felt Yami's warmth travel all the way up from his arm and into his chest. Yami felt his cheeks get warm as he looked directly into Hiro's soft brown eyes, We're so close to each other, he thought. Kaiba met his gaze and held it there before shifting again nervously.
"Be careful." Yami chuckled, gracefully ducking around behind Kaiba to shut the door. Kaiba looked down and said nothing, trying to compose himself by looking busy adjusting his bag strap. Kaiba was furious. What the hell was that?!, he thought angrily.
"Don't worry too much about it," Yami said coolly, as if reading Kaiba's mind. "Here, come on in." Kaiba nodded and followed Yami into the living room.
Everything is neat, Kaiba mused, the open kitchen with the matching dining set makes everything look... wait. Kaiba spotted a glass container on the kitchen counter and froze. It looked very similar to the one he had put leftover quiches into for Mokuba the other night. It couldn't be...his glass container, could it?
Yami noticed Hiro's attention straying. "This is the first floor," Yami said, straining to make eye contact with him, "Hiro, is something wrong?" Yami saw that Hiro was staring at the kitchen with a strange expression. Kaiba snapped out of his inner monologue and faced Yami with the most charming smile he could muster. "Yes, everything is fine."
Yami was taken aback by the sudden lightness. He mentally took a snapshot of Hiro's smile and tucked it away in his mind for later. "So, second floor is this way." Yami said, heading towards the back of the living room, motioning towards a staircase. Kaiba raised his eyebrows at Yami, "Up?" he asked innocently.
Yami felt himself blush slightly, "Yes. Why not." Yami headed up the stairs and Kaiba followed him closely from behind.
Yami felt his nerves get worsen with each step. He's a complete stranger! Yami thought, I met him today! I barely remember his last name and I'm inviting him up? What the hell is wrong with me?!
Meanwhile, Yami's ass was right in Kaiba's face, and Kaiba couldn't help but smirk and admire the view. This is hilarious, Kaiba thought, if only he knew who I actually was, he would be mortified. Kaiba briefly entertained the thought of an embarrassed Yami, blushing and yelling angrily at him to look away.
They reached the top of the stairs and Yami headed for the farthest room down the hall. All the doors to the other rooms were closed. "This is my room." Yami said, beckoning him towards the room. Kaiba walked up to the doorway swiftly and looked inside. It was a well-lit, warmly furnished room with a sloping roof. There was a medium sized desk that had several stacks of Duel Monster cards on it and a large bookshelf.
Hmph. Nothing special, as expected, but there's no bed. How strange. thought Kaiba. Yami looked anxiously at Hiro and said, "What?"
Kaiba furrowed his brow and asked, "Where is your bed?"
"Oh," Yami let out his breath nervously, "The beds are next door in my brother's room. We prefer to sleep together." Kaiba nodded stiffly.
Yami made eye contact with Hiro briefly and then quickly looked away, blushing slightly. "So, seen enough?" Yami asked hopefully.
"Yes.", Kaiba answered quietly. Yami closed the door to his bedroom and headed back down the stairs. Kaiba followed, thinking desperately of an excuse that would allow him to leave without sounding rude. They reached the bottom of the stairs and before Kaiba could even open his mouth to say anything, Yami sat down on one of the couches in front of the TV and patted the spot next to him.
"Hiro," Yami said with a slight smile, "Come. Sit." He patted the seat next to him again.
Kaiba just stood there. No. No. No. ! Kaiba thought furiously.
"I can't, I...have to go." Kaiba said lamely.
Yami felt a pang of disappointment. "Oh. I see." Yami was clearly upset and Kaiba felt slightly guilty for shooting down the request so quickly without reason.
I need to be convincing, think of an excuse you idiot! Kaiba berated himself. I'll mention the bakery again.
"Well," Kaiba started, "I could stay longer, but only for a bit, because I have to be up early to prepare pastries for the bakery tomorrow. We're doing some test batches."
Yami sat up straight, "Really?! That's great! I promise I won't keep you long."
Kaiba breathed a small sigh of relief. Imposter Yugi had bought his stupid bakery lie.
I'll stay for about 10 minutes and then bail, Kaiba promised himself.
He walked over to the couch, feeling his heartbeat get louder with each step. He cautiously sat down beside Yami.
Yami was busy with the remote, searching for something to watch. Kaiba stared at Yami's graceful, long fingers as he tapped the remote rhythmically. He let his eyes wander up past Yami's arm and towards his face.
I've never been up this close to him before, Kaiba realized. Yami was still switching channels around and hadn't noticed Kaiba's intense staring.
His features are actually quite delicate, Kaiba continued to muse. Seeing Imposter Yugi up this close feels ...strange. Kaiba unconsciously leaned closer towards Yami, studying him closely. Actually, come to think of it, he looks nothing like Yugi. His features are sharper than Yugi's. His cheekbones frame his eyes quite nicely and his skin, it looks soft...
Kaiba leaned in even closer. It was like he couldn't see enough of Yami from this angle. He needed to see more. Imposter Yugi needs to turn around and face me dammit, Kaiba thought, annoyed.
Yami stomach did a nervous flip as he felt Hiro lean in closer towards him. He's leaning in quite a bit, is he falling asleep? Yami thought. He turned his head to look over and found himself nose-to-nose with Hiro.
"Wh-" Yami froze, too stunned for words. Hiro's deep brown eyes were burning right through him, making him feel strangely hot all over. Yami struggled to say something, "Hey, so I was wondering...what..you...-" His breath hitched in his throat and he couldn't finish the sentence. Our faces are so impossibly close! Our noses are practically touching! Yami thought frantically, his breath quickening with each passing second. This can't be happening.
Kaiba blinked slowly, drinking in the sight of Yami, who's cheeks were tinged pink with blush.
What the hell is wrong with him? Kaiba thought, his chest throbbing painfully. Why is he acting strangely. Did he figure it out? That must be it! He knows! He knows I'm Seto Kaiba. That's why he looks so agitated.
Kaiba lowered his head slightly and closed his eyes in defeat, waiting for his rival to explode at him. All he could do was repeat the phrase, "he knows, he knows!", over and over in his head.
Yami was taking light, gasping breaths, trying to hide his nervousness. He's closed his eyes?! What does he want?! Does he want me...to ...but I can't! Can I?
After debating for a few seconds, Yami's curiosity got the better of him. What is meant to happen will happen, Yami thought and he threw caution to the wind. He closed his eyes and gently pushed his forehead up against Hiro's, nudging his head upwards, his spiky blond bangs meshing with Hiro's jet black hair.
Kaiba's eyes shot open as he felt a warm breath on his forehead. Yami's lips were hovering just above the bridge of his nose. What the...?
Kaiba tried to move back but found himself tilting his head upwards instead. His nose brushed past Yami's and their lips met, ever so gently.
Yami felt his brain hum and shut off as he inhaled Hiro's strange, sweet scent. Somewhere in the back of his head, a voice was telling him he was kissing a stranger he had just met today. But everything was so warm. Hiro's lips...were soft. And he smelled so musky and delicious. Yami could feel Hiro's light stubble pressing gently against his chin. That feeling alone made his pants grow tight and uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, Kaiba felt the floor dip down violently from beneath him and the room swam before his eyes. Frantic thoughts ran through his head. Kissing. I am kissing Imposter Yugi. Our mouths are touching. I have surely gone insane...! This feels strange. This is wrong! We're two grown-ass men...but I feel.. -
Kaiba's thoughts were interrupted by faint voices in the hallway by the door. He blinked wildly, unsure of what to do, as Yami's eyes were still closed. He could hear laughter and the voices getting louder and louder.
How is he not hearing this?! Kaiba fumed silently.
And then there was a faint click.
Did I just hear the lock click open?! Kaiba panicked and jerked his head back suddenly, causing Yami to stiffen at the sudden loss of contact. And at that, the front door banged opened and the Yugi-gang spilled into the room, talking and laughing excitedly.
"Dude, you should've seen his face when he the ball hit him in the leg!" Joey exclaimed, and the whole group laughed.
Shit, thought Kaiba, and he willed himself to remain passive. They're too busy joking around. There's no way they would've seen us.
Yami stood up shakily and composed himself quickly.
"Oh hey Yami! Who's your friend?" asked Yugi with a big smile. Everyone went silent and looked towards the couch.
"Everyone, this is Hiro." Yami announced, gesturing for Kaiba to stand up, "I met him on campus. We were...getting to know each other."
Kaiba stood up to face the Yugi-gang. Hovering around at the front of the group, was Mokuba. Kaiba's mouth went dry and he felt as if a bolt of lightning struck him where he stood. I'm busted, he thought, My cover is blown. If Mokuba doesn't recognize me first, Wheeler surely will. Kaiba could literally feel his skin sliding off of his face at the heat of everyone's stares.
"Go on, say something. They don't bite." Yami said, smiling a little.
I must be confident! Kaiba thought viciously. If I believe in what I'm saying, they will believe it too. Stay in character!
"H-Hi everyone. My name is Hiro. Nice to meet you." said Kaiba quietly, his voice trailing off at the end.
"Hey hey, ya don't gotta be shy 'round us guys! Nice to meet ya, I'm Joey!" Joey held out his hand enthusiastically. Kaiba shook it firmly and looked Joey straight in the eye, searching for signs of recognition in his face, but found none. Joey was grinning at him in his usual stupid fashion.
They fell for it? Kaiba thought hopefully, trying to maintain a neutral expression.
"Welcome dude!" Tristan said loudly, "Now who's hungry?!"
A chorus of "Ooh me's" rippled through the group. Mokuba spoke up, "Hey guys, remember the pies I brought last time?"
Kaiba froze upon hearing this. Pies?! He brought my quiches here?!
Everyone nodded. "Well," Mokuba continued, "Seto made some cookies last night! They're seashell shaped and they taste amazing!" The Yugi gang made noises of approval.
Kaiba couldn't help but ask, "Seto?"
Mokuba looked directly at him and said, "Seto is my older brother. You should try them too New Guy, you'll be blown away!"
New guy?! Kaiba could not believe what he was hearing. His little brother was sharing his precious creations with this group of morons? And on top of that, he didn't recognize him! Kaiba was now starting to feel unnerved.
The Yugi-gang gathered around the dining table. They ooh-ed and ahhh-ed as Mokuba pulled out a glass container filled with Kaiba's Madeline cookies.
"I'll get the plates!" Anzu sang.
"And I'll get the napkins!" Serenity added.
Everyone else was milling around the kitchen, chatting happily.
Kaiba watched the scene unfold with disbelief. Yami nodded in his direction and said, "Let's join them. Any questions so far, Hiro?"
Kaiba felt his eye twitch involuntarily, "No questions, I think I need to leave now."
"Awwwh!" Mokuba groaned, "But you have to try one before you leave!"
A chorus of "yea"s echoed around the kitchen. Kaiba was trapped with no way out.
"Thank you, but I've had those cookies before." Kaiba said, shifting uncomfortably.
"Yea," Mai nodded, "I'm sure. But it's not every day you get to eat some cookies made by Seto Kaiba himself, hm?"
Act surprised. Stay in character. Kaiba steeled himself to face Mai, "Wow! You're not joking, are you?" That sounded way too sarcastic, Kaiba thought, bracing himself.
Mokuba turned towards him with a proud huff, "Nope! It's the truth! I am Mokuba Kaiba. And my big brother makes the best cookies you'll ever eat!"
Kaiba tried to suppress a look of pride. "I see. Nice to meet you, young Mr. Kaiba. I will be staying for some of those amazing cookies you speak of."
Yugi walked over and handed him a cookie, arranged nicely on a small plate with a napkin beneath it. Kaiba took it and thanked him. Yugi smiled a glowing smile at Kaiba and said, "Eat up!"
Kaiba dipped his head down and took a bite. He could feel Mokuba watching him closely. He lifted his head and smiled genuinely, "Hey, this is really good!"
No one was paying him any attention. Yami had left his side and was leaning over the kitchen counter pouring out a few glasses of water. They were all too busy stuffing their faces. Kaiba didn't know how to feel. He felt a strange pang of...something, bubble up in his chest. He quickly finished his cookie, set his plate down loudly, and picked up his bag, trying to make as much noise as possible. Everyone noticed and looked up.
"Leavhing sho shoon?" Tristan asked with his mouth full, spraying cookie crumbs everywhere.
"Ew Tristan, gross!" Anzu cried.
Kaiba smiled a, what he hoped was, a gentle smile, "Yea. I've got early hours tomorrow. It was nice meeting everyone."
Everyone looked slightly confused. Yami spoke up, "Hiro is employed at that new bakery opening across campus next week. He needs to be there early to make test pastries."
"Ooohh!" Serenity squealed, "Please let us know when that will be! The decor inside that bakery is so adorable!"
Kaiba felt his throat close up. Great, now the whole dweeb gang will be there on opening week. "Yes, I will definitely keep you all updated." he said, and he moved towards the door.
"Wait! I'll walk you out." Yami said, hurrying towards him.
Kaiba bobbed his head stiffly towards the Yugi-gang, "Thank you. Goodbye."
"Byye!" Everyone yelled, not even glancing in his direction.
Kaiba hurried towards the exit in the hallway. Yami had already gone out and had left the door open. Kaiba quickly slipped on his shoes and walked through the shop to the very front where Yami stood waiting for him.
"So..." Yami ducked his head shyly. "I will see you around?"
Kaiba nodded. "Yes. Around." He slid past Yami and exited the shop.
"Wait!" Yami's voice rang out behind him. Kaiba felt his insides clench up again.
"Yes?" Kaiba asked, without turning around.
"How can I contact you?" asked Yami, sounding slightly out of breath.
Kaiba closed his eyes for a solid 3 seconds. Good lord in heaven, I might have to give him my phone number. Wait. No. I can find a way around this.
Kaiba turned around to face Yami, "Same time same place tomorrow? I should be done with my morning shift by noon." And with any luck I'll be dead by then, he thought viciously.
Yami tilted his head and nodded slowly. "I will see you then." He smiled softly and gently closed the shop door.
Kaiba waited for a bit to see if Yami would open the door again. Was it over? Nothing happned so he turned his heel and started to walk brusquely down the street. He reached a street corner and walked into a deserted alley way. Kaiba took a deep breath in, held it, and leaned his back against the dirty brick wall. He was shaking from head to toe.
Mokuba didn't recognize me! No one recognized me! Kaiba screamed inside his head, and I was kissed by Imposter Yugi! Or did I kiss him?! I don't know!
His breathing was ragged and erratic. I need to get out of here. I need to think! I can't tell Mokuba now. I can't tell anyone! Perhaps I should disappear. Hiro should disappear. No! I've worked too hard and gotten too far!
Kaiba spun and around and punched the brick wall. He felt his skin scrape the stone and start to sting. I will see this bakery job through to the end, obstacles are just obstacles. I can and will overcome this, just like anything else.
Kaiba took another deep breath and let it out slowly. Okay. Hiro's story needs to be air tight and Seto Kaiba's story also needs to be air tight. Much planning needs to be done. If I play my cards right, Hiro can eventually disappear after working a few months at the bakery.
Kaiba reached for his phone, but paused as he came to a shattering realization. Hiro was a complete stranger to the Yugi-gang, and has a clean slate. That meant he could re-forge friendships and correctly adjust any misconceptions the Yugi-gang ever had of him. Kaiba leaned his head back against the wall. This could be fun, but it could also be excruciatingly painful. Was that why Yami had kissed him?
Since when was Imposter Yugi gay? Kaiba shook his head quickly, dismissing the images that rose to the front of his mind. He took out his phone and dialed for his car to pick him up around the corner. He will think about that later.
Uglifish's note
Hi guys!
Hope you liked this chapter! Please let me know what you think 3
I'll try to upload the next chapter soon!
Love,
UF