Title: A Dragon in a China Shop: Kaiba at Ouran High School

Author: Serena J

Rating: R (some swearing, occasional sex)

Genre(s): Crossover (Ouran High School Host Club and Yu-Gi-Oh)

Pairing(s): Seto/Jou, Seto/Kyoya

Spoilers: none

Beta: Mishiko Shinsei, Falon Govender, Barbara, Tryst Kinkou, Ryouni Mihou

Summary: When Mokuba gets expelled, the Kaiba brothers need a new school. Ouran seemed just the place.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or Ouran High School Host Club. I do not intend to receive any compensation for use of these characters. This is a FanFiction.

Chapter 4

I only had one class with Daiichi. Mori and Honey were also in the class, and changed seats with another pair of students to sit next to me. Daiichi arrived just before class started and gave me a cursory nod before taking her seat.

"You ok, Kai-chan?" Honey whispered.

"Fine. I have it on good authority that even the best and the brightest can, on occasion, suffer a defeat."

"I have some cake, if that would help you feel better."

"Sit down, Mitsukuni." Mori's deep voice rumbled as the class got underway.

As soon as it ended, I approached Daiichi before she could leave the room. I was quite aware that every eye was on us as I made a show of bowing to her.

"Sakura – your pardon – Daiichi-senpai. I wanted to assure you that there is no ill-will on my part and I look forward to you joining me for tea this afternoon. May I expect you?"

She actually looked a touch off balance – although I may have been the only one close enough to notice. "I had not intended..." she stopped and swallowed hard. Then she smiled. "Certainly, Kaiba-senpai. I should think you would not believe me so petty as to hold a difference of opinion against you."

"I would never believe such of you. If you will excuse me?" I left the room, quickly – but not too quickly – with Mori and Honey at my heels.

"Kai-chan, did you just invite her back to the host club?" Honey looked and sounded extremely confused. "I could get extra security to come if you'd like."

"Not necessary." I said patting my shoulder holster. "I am always prepared."

"It does seem unwise." Mori added. I noticed that neither of them was at all surprised that I carried protection.

"Quite simply, gentlemen, she's a paying client. And we will be more crowded than usual today because everyone in school will want to know what she and I say."

It was a cosplay day. I had forgotten that when I'd invited Daiichi to what I was thinking of as our last tea. We were all dressed like Indian princes – calf-long silk tunic, billowing pants, and turbans. Mine was white with blue accents and trim.

"You've got that whole white dragon theme." One of the twins said as he handed me the outfit. "And it does kinda suit you so it was the easy choice." They were wearing blue and green with silver trim.

"You don't need to be here today, Kaiba-senpai." Sou informed me as I was changing clothes. "If you wish to have some time alone, we understand." 'Father' wore gold and white.

"Thank you, Sou, but I am fine." I had to smirk. "I suffer more from wounded pride than any more serious injury."

"I see." He looked serious for a moment. "If you intend any harm to Daiichi-san –"

"Harm?" I understood his concern, but it was groundless. "And risk my future sales? Perish the thought! Please remember, King, that I am but a shy prince who has been wounded by my first love. I shall be brave and refrain from weeping in front of our guests. Daiichi will leave with her pride intact, and I will finally beat you in this week's rankings."

Sou laughed softly. "Ah mon ami. You are very much like a dragon. Inside those coldblooded scales beats a fiery heart." He clasped my shoulder. "D'accord! We will continue to play this game." He turned from me suddenly and clapped loudly twice. "Final inspection, everyone!"

We all quickly gathered. Haninozuka wore light blue, while Morinozuka wore a grey and burgundy that was almost military. It suited him quite nicely. Haruhi wore pink and was quite cute.

Kyoya wore black with black trim.

"We had a last minute rush today." Kyoya announced. "Everyone will have more guests than usual, and we have a waiting list as well."

"That's a good idea." Haruhi nodded. "Since they're all here to see Kaiba-senpai anyway."

Kyoya made a note on his clipboard. "Quite. Hikaru?"

"Right! These are called 'sherwani'. They're from Pakistan and India and more associated with Muslims than Hindus."

"What we're wearing is Indian cotton and all the embroidery is hand stitched." His brother added. "Mom is thinking of making a few for her Fall collection, so she wants any feedback we get."

"Excellent." Kyoya made a few more notes. "Today's tea is a darjeeling. We are serving something called 'adhirasam' which is dessert made from rice flour. Are there any questions before we begin?"

"Just one." The twin in green said.

"Yeah, did you actually ask Daiichi-chan to come today?" The one in blue asked.

"'Cause that sounds too stupid to be true." The one in green finished.

"Yes, I invited her." I nodded. "And yes, she agreed to attend."

Our normal tea service seated eight – one or two hosts, and six or seven 'princesses'. When I arrived at my assigned seat, however, there were fourteen. Nomura and Yuyu sat on the couch on either side of me, while Daiichi and several of her close associates surrounded us.

The conversation was limited to the tea and the adhirasam.

Finally, Yuyu-chan place her cup on the table and smoothed her skirt. "Daiichi-chan, please don't think me too bold, but I simply feel I must ask you a question."

"I would never think of you as 'bold', Takamiro-chan." Daiichi said charmingly. "What is it you would like to know?"

"Only if you would be willing to be my maid of honor." Yuyu smiled sweetly, but there was poison in her eyes. "Of course, I mean if I am lucky enough to win poor Kaiba-kun's heart after you so cruelly threw it away." Yuyu turned a gentler smile on me. "Not that I wish to force myself upon you, Kaiba-kun. I know you need time to recover from such heartless treatment."

"Surely, Daiichi-sama is the injured party?" I asked, mostly to stir the hive. "If my offer had been worthy of her, she would have said 'yes', would she not?" I looked at her directly for an answer.

Daiichi met my gaze evenly. "Why, Kaiba-sama, such honor you bestow upon humble me. We both know what I value and what you are worth." She put her teacup down and folded her napkin. "When I am worth what you value, ask me your question again." She stood up. Her entourage stood as well.

Being a gentleman, I stood and bowed politely. "Good day, Daiichi-senpai."

"Sayonara, Kaiba-senpai." She tipped her head and left.

I waited until she and her friends were gone before sitting down again.

"Bitch." Nomura muttered. "More tea, Kaiba-kun?"

"I find myself in agreement with the twins." Kyoya said.

The princesses and the other hosts were gone. He and I had remained to do the books for the day.

"That outfit does suit you."

"Thank you." I appraised him. "You're looking quite well suited yourself." The black made him look like some kind of evil, dark lord. Then again, the villain is always more attractive than the hero.

"Yes, the twins outdid themselves this time. I think even their mother will be pleased." He adjusted his glasses. "Set-chan? Do you have plans for this evening?"

"My brother and I are having dinner with Haninozuka. I should be free some time after nine."

"How are contract negotiations going?"

"Slow. Honey is more interested in how much cake he and my brother can consume than in caliber of firearms they intend to purchase. Frankly, if his brother Yasuchika were not there, we would get nothing done."

"Don't be fooled into thinking Honey's not paying attention. He is on the honor roll."

I nodded. "Oh yes. I learned long ago that merely because they are small and cute, and look at you with wide bright eyes does not mean they cannot also be manipulative, calculating, duplicitous, or tactical masters."

"Your brother?"

I had to chuckle. "Among others."

"Very well. I am working on next month's special events. I thought we may have a auction on Hosts' found objects. Are you intending to continue your search for a bride?"

"I hardly have a choice, do I?"

He nodded.

"Takamiro's father was named Chairman of the Board this afternoon. Their stock price nearly doubled."

"Yes, I have great affection for her." I'd seen the jump in stock when it happened. "And Nomura will be introducing a new line that is creating quite a buzz."

"I will need three objects. They needn't be large. You'd be astounded what Haruhi's pencil sold for." He looked at me for only a moment. "Shall I stop by around ten tonight to pick them up?"

"Set-chan," He whispered, his teeth nipping my earlobe. "I suspect it is time we move this activity to a more discreet location." We were in the salon between Mokuba and my rooms.

"I beg to differ." I gasped. I slid my fingers under his shirt and pinched his nipples. "I find certain aspects of this room most suitable."

"Apart from the possibility that our inappropriate behavior may be witnessed," his voice remained level, but his eyes fell shut. "What exactly could be gained here?"

"In fact, it is the very thrill of discov-" I was interrupted by a knock on the door.

I grinned and Kyoya frowned as we both straightened our clothes. "Enter!" I commanded.

"Excuse me, Kaiba-sama." One of the younger maids bowed deeply. "Takamiro-sama is here to see you. It seems urgent."

"And what leads you to believe that?" Kyoya asked.

The girl remained low. "Sir, it's so late for a young mistress to be out. And she asked if you were alone."

It was after 11pm. Not too late to go clubbing, but certainly too late for a refined young lady to call on a senpai unexpectedly. Kyoya and I exchanged a look.

"That is an interesting notion." He agreed with my unspoken assessment. "Tell me. How did Takamiro-senpai arrive?"

The girl shook her head. "I don't know."

Kyoya and I looked at each other again. "Perhaps she's hoping you will extend her accommodations."

I grinned wickedly. "I am a most accommodating host." I turned to the maid. "Escort her here. Do not tell her that Ootori-sama is here. If she asks anything about the delay, tell her I was retiring for the evening and wanted to be presentable to greet my guest."

"Yes, Kaiba-sama." She hurried out of the room.

"I trust you know how to activate the surveillance system?" I asked; Kyoya laughed shortly. "Good. Check on my brother as well."

"You have quite a complex with regard to him."

"I am aware." I replied.

He kissed me deeply, but briefly. "Do bear in mind that this will be recorded."

"Good thing I'm quite the exhibitionist."

I had time to check my appearance in the mirror before the maid reappeared with a rather calm-looking Yuyu-chan. "Thank you. See that a guest room is prepared. Then you may retire for the evening. I will see to Takamiro-chan's comfort."

"Yes, Kaiba-sama." She bowed and left, closing the door firmly behind herself.

I took a moment to appraise Yuyu. She was dressed in a yukata that suited her quite well, despite being a bit light for the weather. Her hair was un-braided for once and gathered loosely, held in a rough bun with chopsticks. It suggested that if I pulled one of them, her hair would cascade around her. It might even be alluring if I were even vaguely sexually attracted to her.

"Yuyu." I inclined my head slightly and gestured to the couch, as I seated myself on the armchair. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Please forgive my intrusion." She said looking shyly away from me. It was quite artful and would have been very convincing if I didn't know she had studied western theatre. "I didn't know where else to go." I had to resist chuckling. "It was foolish, really." She went on. "I had a silly argument with my sister and rushed out of the house. I didn't know where I was going. Most people don't understand my relationship with my sister – in some ways, she's more like my daughter. To argue with her grieves me so."

It was a brilliant tactic. Use our siblings to bind me to her. The pity for her was that the mere suggestion that she would use Mokuba in any way was enough to remove her from my list. Of course, she didn't need to know that. "I find it tears at my very heart." I replied.

She looked at me and smiled. "You do understand. I knew you would. Your heart is so kind, Seto-kun. So tender." She moved just a bit closer to me. "I don't mean to keep you from your rest, but perhaps, if we could talk for a while I could go home at peace. Talking to you brings me such serenity." She looked away again, blushing. "That's rather silly of me isn't it? In this modern age, acting as if I were some old world maiden meeting a noble for the first time."

She should win the Academy Prize for Outstanding Performance.

"We are classmates, Yuyu." I reminded her. "There is no need to be so shy with me. What did you argue about?"

She laughed, artfully. "A boy. She wants to begin dating, but I think she's too young."

"And your parents?"

"Oh, well, it's all meaningless, her marriage is arranged already."

"Your younger sister before you?"

"A fortuitous circumstance. The Minister for Trade's son was born in the same ward, and on the same day as my sister. My mother thought it was an omen, and his mother agreed. The Shinto service was held in the hospital nursery." She looked at her hands. "Naturally, her marriage will not be formalized until a suitable husband is found for me."

"I see." I mused. My acting skills were not at her level, but I had to try. "Pity the House of Kaiba could never exceed the level of a Cabinet Minister."

"But surely you intend to one day reach the Cabinet!" She excitedly moved to my end of the couch. "And I would be Lady of the House of Kaiba. My sister will just be Jiro-kun's wife!"

I nodded thoughtfully at her presumption, "Yes, I suppose that's true. I have always believed the only value to marrying me was the wealth I represent. But there may be some charm to being the Lady of the House." As if that would give her any authority in my house! "Of course, the down side would be that you must suffer with me. My club affiliation aside, I could hardly be considered a prize."

"No, Seto-kun! You mustn't think of yourself in that way!"

"I've seen how you all look at men like Suo."

"Suo is a shallow French fag!" She scoffed. "He says pretty words to every girl, but only 'rises to the occasion' if Haruhi-kun replies. The only question is which of them is on top!" I couldn't stop the snicker that erupted and was so glad Kyoya caught that on tape. "Forgive my bluntness, but it's no secret that they are together. Neither of them are men of your caliber, Seto-kun."

"I see." Was all I could manage. "So, being married to me would not be such a trial? With Daiichi's response, I had thought myself unsuitable for any woman."

"Some women know a good man when they see one." She leaned up on the couch arm. It had the effect of moving her face much closer to me, and exposing her cleavage – which was actually quite impressive.

"Do they?" I stayed still wondering how far she was willing to go.

"Some women would never let a good man get away."

"What if he didn't love you? What if the marriage was all a show for the public? A fraud merely to accomplish an end?"

She moved close enough for me to smell the cinnamon on her breath. "If he was a good man, worth my efforts, I would take the fraud given, and strive to make it real."

"And if it could not be?"

"Then I'd have his money to keep me warm on those cold lonely nights." She moved even closer, her eyes almost piercing mine. "But I'm sure I could move the right man to passion."

Then her lips met mine, and she flung one arm around me. The other I could feel actively moving at her waist. The kiss was not entirely unpleasant. In fact, she was a surprisingly good kisser, so when her tongue gently stroked my lips, I parted them and let her explore my whole mouth. Her free hand took mine – I still wasn't touching her – and placed it on what was now an exposed breast. She held it there while we kissed.

The nipple was pleasantly hard, but the flesh beneath it was soft and fatty. Not at all like Kyoya or my Jou's chest. It reminded me of an overstuffed couch. Yuyu moaned softly and deepened our kiss.

I thought of Kyoya, in my room, watching us. Recording it. How long would he watch? Would he come out and stop us? If I exposed her further, would he enjoy the view?

I used my free hand and discovered that she had indeed exposed both breasts.

I broke the kiss. "My goodness, Yuyu! You present a most persuasive argument."

"Take me, Seto-kun!" She gasped, trying to pull me close again. "Make me your woman tonight!"

"Takamiro-kohai!" I pulled her firmly away from me. "You are persuasive, but I am not persuad-ed. I believe you still misunderstand me. I will never love you. I have no intention of 'loving' a woman." I looked at the door to my bedroom. "And even if I had, now would be a most inopportune moment to consummate our relationship."

She looked at the bedroom door. I watched as her eyes grew wide, realization of my meaning sinking in. "You have another girl here?"

"I have a private guest, yes." I snickered. "Although it is assuredly not a -"

"Akio-chan is here? Now?"

"Akio?"

Yuyu stood up in a huff, closing the yukata properly and tying it shut. "That backstabbing bitch! We have a deal!"

I looked at her, curious. "Wouldn't that mean that you are also in violation of the deal?"

She shrugged. "All's fair in love and war."

"I see." I had to smile. "It is not Nomura. I did not know about your agreement, but I will bear it in mind from now on."

"You won't tell her about tonight?" She looked at me innocently. It was quite a performance. "And if it's not Nomura Akio, then who is it? Don't I get to know who my rival is?"

"I've never been known to 'kiss-and-tell' before. I don't see any reason to start now."

She seemed to think about it a moment. "You're giving her a night. Will you give me one later? A chance to persuade you with all my charms?"

"I will give you the same consideration I give to all the other girls." I said honestly. "I give you my word as a Kaiba."

I escorted Yuyu-chan to the front gate. Her own car and driver were waiting just out of view. I bid her farewell, kissed her hand, and returned to my room – chuckling.

"Your word as a Kaiba?" Kyoya mused as I opened the door to my room. "As a matter of record, does that actually mean anything?"

"Given that technically, at the moment, there is no House of Kaiba? No, not a thing. But I dare say, when I said it, she –" I paused and thought a moment. My Jou's favorite expression was 'bust a nut wad', but that seem wholly inappropriate. "Well, whatever girls do when their arousal is completed."

"You don't know?" He gave me his arched eyebrow look that made me want to pound his hips to sand.

"I've never cared to learn." I crossed to him quickly, removing my jacket and tie. "And I have even less interest now."

He stopped me before I could kiss him. "Surely you jest. After quite the passionate kiss with her?"

"Did you know your eyes flash when you are jealous?" I replied. "It is most alluring."

"Why on Earth would I be jealous of Yuyu-kohai?"

"Aren't you?"

"Would you be?"

I smiled. "I would have torn her hands off for touching you, and ripped off the lips that kissed you."

"That's quite a response. Should I do the same?"

"There is no need. I have no interest in women, so I was never in danger. You, on the other hand, are admittedly bi, and therefore at much greater risk of seduction."

"I wasn't aware that I was at any risk for seduction."

"At high risk. For instance, in just a moment, I will be seducing you."

"Will you? That's an interesting notion. And how will you go about this seduction?"

"With great joy."

"This sucks." Mokuba stated, kicking the seat in front of him.

"Actually, since so much travel around the country can be done by rail, I had been thinking of purchasing our own luxury train car." I didn't look up from my book since I know that wasn't what my brother was referring to. The quarterly Board planning meeting was one of the few events that we had to attend in person. The timing could have been better - coming just before the end of spring classes, but before the actual summer break. We would only be able to spend three days at the meeting before rushing back to school for final exams.

"I meant the trip altogether! I just got Hika-chan to go out with me!"

"Hika-chan?" I peered at him, presuming that he was not referring to the Hitachiin.

"Takata Hikari. I told you about her. She's in my stats class."

"Oh yes." I went back to reading, "The one with the rather large 'attributes'. What does her family do again?"

"Textiles. They've been making silk since, like, 1402 or something stupid."

I nodded and then a thought occurred. "Perhaps I am going about this the wrong way. You like women. You get married and reproduce. Then there's no question of succession; you remain my sole heir. How much do you like this girl?"

"What? Not that much! I mean, we went on one date!"

"How many does it take?"

There was a moment of silence and then my brother threw a bag of nuts at me. "You dick!" He laughed. "You're just messing with me, right?"

I put the book down. "I had been, but the longer I consider it, the more the idea has merit. I don't like women, you do. I don't want children, you do. Correct?"

He actually blushed. "Well, I mean someday. I guess. It's kinda hard to imagine being someone's dad, you know?"

I had to smile. "I have no trouble imagining having a son." He blushed a bit more. "At any rate, this meeting is usually where someone on the board brings up the subject of me having a protegee, and I don't see why it shouldn't be you."

"I hate the planning meetings!" he went back to sulking. "Everybody talks about 'we should do' and 'we're gonna do', but nobody does anything!"

"It is a planning meeting." I pointed out.

He sat up suddenly. "Hey! We get in at, like noon, right?"

"I believe that's the schedule, yes."

"Let's blow off the office and go by Domino High. I can see Serenity, and Domino Community is only a couple blocks away."

"What?" I didn't look up, but I wasn't reading any more.

"Come on! The meeting's not 'til tomorrow. We could grab everybody and go have dinner at this really cool steakhouse they opened in town."

"You did that Golden Week. It cost a small fortune."

"Oh come on! You've spent more on take out pizza!"

"That pizza had lobster, smoked salmon, and Russian caviar."

"So?"

I sighed. "Fine. Take your friends to dinner. I wonder if it's too late to have pizza. They usually need to be pre-ordered."

"Big bro, it's no fun without you! Besides, you still eat mouse food."

"Mouse food?"

"Yeah. A nibble of cheese. A few crumbs of bread. Half a sip of water."

"You must be kidding! The girls I host insist that I eat. I'm surprised I haven't put on more weight."

"Put on weight?" He scoffed. "Where? Your big toe?"

We went to the Headmaster's office first. I had to prod my brother, but I got him to apologise formally.

"Sorry I was so difficult while I was a student here." He said, bowing deeply. "You were trying to help me and I didn't appreciate all your hard work."

"Apology accepted." The Headmaster replied graciously. "I hope you are doing well at your new school?"

"As, Bs." He shrugged. "It's all still pretty boring. Can I go find Serenity now?" The Headmaster nodded with a chuckle and my brother nearly ran for the door.

"When you find her, wait in the hall until the class ends." I had to shout. I stayed in the office and gave the Headmaster a point for point summary of the differences between the two schools.

Surprisingly quickly, Mokuba was back. "You're still here? Come on! Everybody's ready to go!"

"We cannot pull your friends out of –" I looked at my watch and realized that the Headmaster and I had been in conference much longer than I thought. "Oh. Forgive me for taking so much of your day."

"No, please, Kaiba-sama. This was very enlightening. Please come again when you have more time to discuss this."

We took our leave and headed for the car. "Must we still go to the community college?" I sighed.

"Nope! Been there and back, big bro. I found everybody! Plus, I called the restaurant and they've got a table waiting for us."

"Oh good."

As we approached the car, I saw Serenity leaning against the door. She waved excitedly as soon as she saw us. I didn't see Mutuo or Mazaki, but Honda and Otogi were exchanging kisses while leaning on the trunk.

"Finhead and Clown boy?" I sneered.

"Yeah." Mokuba chuckled. "They're usually way more low key than that, but they've been together awhile."

My Jou was inside the car – along with the missing couple. He looked out the window, giving me a curt greeting before Mutuo began asking about everyone he met at the Festival.

"They're all fine." I sighed. "Really. It's only been a few months."

"Tell the Twins I started a fashion club." Mazaki gushed.

"They don't need to know that." Mutuo scowled.

"I'm sure they'll be thrilled." I commented. Then, just to see Mutuo burn I added, "they may even come visit if they have time."

"Really?" She squealed.

"Thanks, Kaiba." Mutuo glared at me.

"Perhaps they could give you some advice on how to down play being height challenged."

"Stilts?" Otogi offered.

"'Togi!" Honda hit his boyfriend even as he snickered. "Yugi, be cool."

"I'm fine. I'll wait til one of them comes up with something I haven't heard before."

I couldn't resist. "Well, that may take a while. I imagine that there aren't many 'little' jibes left."

Mokuba was right; the restaurant was quite good. Good enough that I left my card with the manager and requested that the owner contact me about buying a few shares as a silent partner.

Dinner conversation was light once my brother began doing imitations of his instructors. Afterward, we went to a karaoke bar. Mokuba even harassed me into singing with him.

But despite it all, there was no throbbing from my head. The music didn't trigger it. Mutuo and I trading barbs didn't trigger it. Even watching my Jou all night didn't trigger it. I decided – for once – not to analyze it, but instead enjoy the evening with my brother and his friends.

Afterward, we dropped off Honda and Otogi. Then Mazaki.

At Mutuo's house, Mokuba cleared his throat. "Hey, nii-sama, I was thinking that maybe I could stay here tonight."

"I'm afraid not." I shook my head. "We will have early meetings tomorrow, and –"

"And I have a suit in my bag, and Yugi's pretty good at getting me out of bed. And anyway, you can always send a car for me, if I don't call when I'm supposed to be up."

"I'll make sure he's on time, Kaiba." Mutuo agreed. "We'll call you the minute we're out of bed."

"We haven't made security arrangements for..."

Mokuba radioed the team. "Hey guys, can half of you stay here with me and the other half go home with Seto?"

There was a short pause. "Kaiba-san? We can leave two men with you and have a full team en route. ETA twenty minutes."

Mokuba and Mutuo both looked at me, pleading with their eyes. I was trying to think of a good reason to say no, but in truth, I didn't have one.

"Please, nii-sama?"

"Fine." I sighed. "I expect you to call by 6am. And you will be in the office, dressed appropriately by 9. Is that clear?"

"Yes, big bro! Thanks, big bro." They both bolted from the car. "Hey Watanabe, I need my bag!" my brother yelled.

And then the door closed and I realized that the only person left was my Jou.

"So," my Jou coughed softly. "How is he?"

"How is who?"

"Asshole." He shook his head. "Your fiance. Ootori. A while back, Mokuba said you were gonna propose. So, how is he?"

I had to laugh. "I really must talk to my brother. If he's going to share my confidences, he should really do it more accurately. I did not propose to Ootori. He was fine when I left this morning."

"I thought you'd tried growing up, but same old Kaiba. Ok, so who's the new guy?"

"There is no new guy. I proposed to a girl in my class. But that was months ago."

My Jou's jaw dropped. "You proposed to a girl?"

"You met her, I believe. Daiichi Sakura." I shrugged. "Although, I will admit that I characterized it as a 'proposition' which maybe why she turned me down."

He shook his head as if to clear it. "Wait. Hold up. You. Proposed. To a girl. And she shot you down?"

"It isn't that complicated."

He laughed, loud and boisterous. "Nah, it ain't complicated, but it's funny as all hell! The Great Kaiba dee-nied!"

"I'm glad you are amused. I was quite upset."

"Serves you right, dumpin' a nice ass like that Ootori for some bitchy tuna!"

"Ootori was well aware that I was courting several girls in our class. In fact, he was the one who suggested I select Daiichi."

"What, to set you up?"

"No. I suspect that was my fault. She wanted a romantic relationship. I told her that I didn't love her and she refused to even consider my offer after that."

My Jou hit me. "Dumb ass!" He started laughing again. "Even I know you don't ask a girl, 'Hey, I don't love you but marry me anyway.' No wonder she snubbed you!"

"You are enjoying this entirely too much." Although it was almost worth the teasing to hear his laugh again.

"Nah, not really." He shrugged. "Nobody likes to get caught out like that. Was it public?"

"I'm not a complete fool." But I felt compelled to confess. "It was public news by the end of the day."

"Yeah, shit like that gets out fast."

We were both silent for a while. I wondered if maybe Haruhi would have some advice on how to distinguish a vase from a teapot.

"So if you didn't love her, why did you propose to her?" My Jou asked finally.

"Obligation."

"Obligation?" He looked at me, horrified. "You didn't..."

"Didn't what? Sleep with her? Gods, no!" It was my turn to laugh. "But I should have! Your expression is priceless!"

The car stopped. My Jou and I looked at each other. "I guess this is me." He said softly.

"That would make sense."

But the driver opened my door. I looked out and realized that we were at KaibaManor. "Why are we here?" I snapped at the man.

"Yeah, this is not my side of town, dude." My Jou agreed, getting out of the vehicle.

"Forgive me, Kaiba-sama." The driver bowed low. "Kaiba-san said that Jounouchi-sama would be staying here tonight."

I looked at my Jou. "Did he?"

My Jou chuckled. "That kid's a menace! Don't sweat it, moneybags; I'll call a cab." He pulled out his phone.

"Wait!" I said too quickly. I struggled to regain my composure. "Since you are here, there's no reason for you not to stay. At school, I usually have a tray of fruit and cheese at this time. You could join me."

He looked at his watch. "And 'sleep' isn't even a concept to you, is it."

"I have ten guest rooms."

"You still seein' Ootori?"

"Ootori is ..." I hesitated. If I said 'yes', my Jou would absolutely say 'no'. If, however, my Jou were to say 'yes', I would have no further interest in Kyo-chan. I wondered - very briefly - if that type of thinking was why people often thought of me as 'cold'. "No. I am no longer involved with Ootori." I would have to inform Kyoya of that once I returned to school - if things progressed with my Jou.

"'Cause you and I both know how this is probably gonna go down."

In a rain of clothing scattered up my staircase and my Jou screaming my name at the top of his lungs. I swallowed hard and nodded.

He shook his head. "I can't. Damn it!" He hit my car and out of the corner of my eye, I saw the driver wince. "I've seen this movie. We're gonna go in there and it's gonna be fuckin' amazing and then you're gonna go back to being an asshole and I'm not even gonna be an afterthought! I can't do it, Kaiba. I can't go back to that." He sat on the trunk.

"Could we perhaps have this conversation inside?"

"No." He glanced at the staff around us. "Ain't like this bunch don't know we fuck." I heard some snickering behind me, but I didn't turn around to see who. "But no, I'm not going in there so you can turn on the charm and suck me in. Again. I'm calling a cab."

"Jou!" I put my hand over his phone. "It won't be like that. You won't be an afterthought. I will schedule time for you."

"Schedule! Dude, I can call your secretary if I want an appointment! I don't want to be on your schedule, I want to be a priority."

I suddenly realized I was looking at a 'crack'. Not my Jou - he was the entire tea set. But the crack that parted us was much the same as Mokuba's problem with school. Me. I was the crack threatening to break them both. And like Mokuba and education, this wasn't broken. This, I could repair. Suddenly, everything made perfect sense. "A priority?" I couldn't help smiling. "How very simple."

"How is that simple?" My Jou snapped. "I'm not even important enough for you to take seriously!"

"A priority is something that has value unrelated to its worth." My Jou gave me a confused look. "A priority is what makes my brother's welfare more important than my own. Yes, I admit it; I did have some misunderstood priorities. But I have learned a few things recently. For instance, the more I participate in club activities, the higher Mokuba's test scores are."

"What does that have to do with us?" He asked, bewildered.

"I have also recently discovered that my migraines are less frequent when I actually enjoy sex itself - as I tended to with you - but not when I am preoccupied with who I am with; I'm sure that there are other physical outlets, but sex is the only one for which I've done something of a comparative study." My Jou rolled his eyes, but didn't comment, and I went on. "In addition, the more I participate in group functions – including meals – the less severe the migraines are when I do have them."

"In other words, your lifestyle controls your health." He shrugged. "Medical Journal of Duh. I been telling you that for years."

"Yes, but because I viewed Mokuba and KaibaCorp as higher priorities than myself, I always saw to any needs I perceived there before I saw to any need of my own."

"Again, duh."

"The fewer migraines I have, the more time I spend in the office and the more time Mokuba spends both in class and engaged with his studies."

My Jou smirked. "Are you saying that you finally figured out that you are a priority?"

"No. Mokuba and the corporation are still vastly more important than I am. But, Mokuba does better when I am not a factor of his stress. So for his sake, I need to mend a few teapots."

"You need to what?"

"Something I learned at my new school." I put my hands on the trunk on either side of my Jou. "Now, I'd like to practice something I learned at my old school. Tell me, do you still like Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata?"

There was a tap on my office door. "Kaiba-sama, Jounouchi-sama is here." My secretary announced. "Should I have him wait in..."

"No." I got up quickly and opened the door fully - stunning her in the process. "Jounouchi never needs to wait. Even if I have other guests." I smiled at him; he smiled at me. "Have security issue an ID badge for Jounouchi."

"Yes, Kaiba-san." She returned to her desk as Jou moved to me. "What level clearance?"

"White."

"White?" My Jou asked as I pulled him into my arms.

"That's the same level I have. You can go anywhere I go." I started to kiss him, but he pulled back.

"You sure about this?"

"Yamamoto, I'll be in conference. For a while." I said, not taking my eyes off my Jou. "Hold all my calls, and have a late lunch sent up." I pulled him into the office and closed the door firmly. "You have my undivided attention."

My Jou arched an eyebrow. "You sure about this? I mean if something comes up, I don't -"

"If something comes up, Kogoro can handle it without me; he hasn't burned the place down yet. I am returning to school tomorrow and I would much rather spend my remaining time with you."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

Kisara, my digital dragon, hopped down from her spot on my desk and crossed the room to rub against my Jou's leg. I had searched her subroutines, but could not find the code that made her hiss at Ootori. Now she purred as my Jou scratched her chin and treated her like a living cat. I had to wonder - was it possible that I'd programmed Kisara with my preferences in men? I promised myself I'd study the question at another time.

My Jou smiled again - as bright as the sun. Ootori would never have smiled at me like that. "So what did you want to do? Like I don't already know."

I let him go, taking his hand and leading him to my work table. "I am working on new line of clothing. I was hoping you'd help me."

He stopped. "You want my help? Making clothes?"

"You wear clothes," I shrugged. "The simplest way to ensure that we spend time together is to bring you into the KaibaCorp fold. I get your talents and your time."

"And I get to keep you from working 24/7." He chuckled. "So what am I gettin' paid ta be your nanny?"

"One hundred kisses a day." I said with a straight face. "Plus expenses. Meals included."

"Huh." He pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me. "Make it two hundred, and a copy of Moonlight Sonata, and you got a deal."

"I wanted to let you all know that I am withdrawing from Ouran Academy." I told most of the Host Club as soon as I returned from the planning meeting. "Effective next week, at the end of the term."

"But - but - you can't!" Haninozuka had tears in his eyes. "Who will eat cake with me?"

"You and I will have cake when we finish negotiating the training contract." I chuckled. The boy was absurd, but his martial arts skills were truly unparalleled. "And my brother enjoys cake far more than I do. He will be staying here." My Jou had persuaded Mokuba that my new-found understanding of how to prioritize would keep me from starving myself.

"Aw, man!" one twin whined. "You're leaving before we have any fun!"

"Yeah! I still have a whole list of pranks we haven't tried." The other agreed.

"I'm sorry to hear you are leaving, Kaiba-senpai." Suo said with much more grace than I expected. "Is it because of –"

"No." I cut him off. "Not because of Daiichi. Although, if you wish, by all means use it." I chuckled at the image. The shy, broken–hearted prince. "No. I have some unfinished personal business at home that I must attend to. Something that I should have recognized as important, but did not."

"I guess your teapot wasn't broken after all?" Haruhi smiled warmly.

"A crack." I bowed to her – which surprised the others. "It was a large crack and it could have caused a break. But thanks to you, I recognized it in time."

"If it's only a cracked teapot, just throw it away." One twin advised.

"Yeah, only commoners keep useless stuff like that."

"Not a teapot." Morinozuka observed, which seemed to pause the twins. "Good luck, Kaiba-senpai. We'll watch over Mokuba-kun."

"Thank you." I glanced around me. "Where is Ootori?"

I found Kyoya in the alcove that the Host Club used as an office.

"Withdrawing so soon?" He asked without looking up from his laptop.

"Did you have to search for that or was the information automatically updated by your system?"

Much to my shock, he actually smiled. "I like to keep abreast of current events." He stopped typing and looked at me then. "So how is Jounouchi?" His smile turned a bit smug.

I sat down. "Spy?"

"Guess. But based on high probability."

I nodded. "He's well. We were ... together."

"Of course."

"Frankly, I'm not sure what to say."

"There is nothing to say. We enjoyed each other's company while you were here. Now that you are leaving, our time has passed. Friends, I presume?"

"At the least." I conceded with a smile. "Allies?"

"Of course." He nodded. "I have a joint venture proposal; I'll send it to you." He closed his laptop. "If I could, perhaps, ask for a small token?"

"Token?"

"Your button. You have not given it to Daiichi."

I smiled. The Demon Lord had a heart after all. It took a moment and a bit of strength, but eventually the threads for the second button on my uniform gave way.

"And, I know this may sound odd, but sign it. Please?" he offered me a pen with silver ink. I signed the button and handed both items back to Kyoya. "Thank you." He studied the button for a moment, checked to see if the kanji was dry, then nodded. "I knew ours was a fleeting pleasure. I knew from the beginning that it would end."

"We said from the start that was only a physical relationship."

"Even before that. From almost the moment I met you."

"I see. So what made you think I was such a cad?"

"I am the Network Administrator for the Host Club, my home network, and Tamaki-kun's as well.. When your password in all three was 'MyJouKat', it wasn't difficult to figure out who he was."

I laughed. There was nothing on any of those networks that I cared about, so I wasn't concerned about my password security. "I should have known."

Kyoya spoke into his phone. "Karou-kun, would you come here for a moment?"

I realized something. "Just a minute. I logged in to those networks long before you and I began sleeping together. You knew about Jounouchi -"

"- well before our first kiss. Yes." The twin arrived and Kyoya gave him my signed button. "Please list this for auction on the Club's website. Call it the last sad treasure of our broken-hearted prince."