YES! A new chapter ... but first; Thanks, really thanks to Blue September for editing this chapter :)
I don't own Yugioh
"Oh. My. God." That was all that Joey could say. That man was the last person on Earth, after even the Emperor of China, that he thought would come through the door.
That man was Seto Kaiba!
Yes! The owner of the famous gaming company, Kaiba Corporation; the richest man in the country; the most powerful man, as well; the most intelligent and not to mention, the sexiest businessman the blond had ever known or seen.
Stop it, Joey told himself. You're not helping. No need to magnify him.
I bet he's great in bed, his brain supplied, defying his orders. He probably has the nicest---
"Arrr," Joey gritted his teeth, from the torrent of thoughts. He wanted to smack himself hard, but Kaiba suddenly turned around, having nodded off the waiter.
The brown haired man eyed Joey from head to toe, and back up, a satisfied smirk carving its way onto his pale face.
"At last, Joey?" Kaiba took in the look of amazement he expected to be on the other's face, with amusement. He took a few steps further into the room until he was standing in front of Joey.
"Seto Kaiba," he introduced himself professionally, offering his hand. "But by the look on your face I guess you knew that already," he added, smiling smugly.
Joey swallowed hard before opening his mouth, collecting whatever confidence left inside of him. He shook the other man's hand. "Jo … Joey Wheeler," the blond stuttered, before deciding to continue, "and by the look on your face, I guess you didn't know that already."
Some of Yami's words hit the blond. Don't make him think any less of you.
Damn it, Joey cursed mentally, for screwing this one up.
The two boys took their seats beside each other, as another waiter knocked, on the door before coming into the room, and nodding politely. "Welcome gentlemen. I'm Jack and I'll be your waiter today."
He handed Kaiba a menu from the nicely woven basket he was carrying, and Kaiba took a few minutes to look over it. In the mean time, Joey tried his best to hide the slight trembling in his hands. He was relieved to have his date distracted by something else, so that he could gather his thoughts. His heart was still beating so fast.
Joey took several deep breaths. Relax Joey! Relax, he told himself. It's not like he has something you don't. We both have two eyes, one nose, two legs, plenty of hair. It's not like he has a monkey tail between his legs hidden behind his trench coat! Or does he? how can he wear his-- Joey raised an eyebrow at that thought. Bad thought Joey! Bad! Just stick with what Yami told you and you'll be just fine.
"What would you like to have, sir?" the waiter asked, choosing to focus his attention on the clearly wealthier male.
"I haven't decided yet. Have you Joey?" Kaiba asked still looking at the menu.
The waiter looked to Joey who gulped. "Water?" he asked truthfully. Joey's throat was dry from the constant surprises that day. One more surprise and he would lose his sanity for sure.
"It's right here, sir," the waiter drawled, pointing at the glass of water already in front of him. Joey felt so stupid and disconcerted. How hadn't he noticed the water beside him? Calm Joey... calm down, he told himself. Things like these happen on every date. Just focus on what to do next. Don't let this affect your confidence. "Thanks," he said to the waiter, trying his best to keep smiling, despite feeling the sweat running down his ear.
"You thirsty?" Kaiba glanced at Joey after putting the menu aside.
"It's just getting so hot here," Joey explained, fanning his face with one hand, and pouring a glass of water with the other.
"I can understand that," Kaiba smirked before shifting his gaze to the waiter. "You can bring me Coq Au Vin with rice and steamed green beans and cucumber salad."
The waiter nodded and looked at Joey. "And you sir?"
"The same," Joey answered quickly, too abashed to tell that he hadn't looked at his menu at all. His easiest option was to follow Kaiba. The waiter nodded, bowing lightly and went to deliver the order.
"So you like Coq au Vin?" Kaiba asked once they were alone.
"Yeah, it's delicious. I ate it with Yami lots a' times," Joey lied. He had no idea what the food was. Yami's words clicked inside his head again. All you have to do is to be yourself. But Joey let it slide this time. He didn't want to make a fool of himself by asking Kaiba what was the thing really was. It had to be something edible after all. He didn't want to look completely out of place either, so one white lie wouldn't hurt.
"Mmm," Kaiba said amused. "Not only here, fried bull penises are a really famous dish in Mexico as well. If I remember correctly, the Spanish say 'Como tu comes, tu eres' which means," he winked, "'You are what you eat.'"
Joey's face paled when he realized what he was about to eat. There would be no way for him to put that thing in his mouth. He had to change the order, but didn't know how. The blond swallowed, while his utterly, bewildered eyes were held fast, by the brunette's steady and conceited gaze.
"Hmm… you know... um," Joey scratched his head in a hopeless attempt to find what to say, when Kaiba cut him off with a mad laugh that startled Joey.
"Relax! It's just chicken with vegetables, nothing strange."
Joey's face turned scarlet and his heart beat wildly, from the extensive shame. Kaiba had caught his lie with ease, leaving him very uncomfortable.
"You sounded so uptight and quieter than usual," Kaiba said, a bit seriously. "That's why I wanted to loosen you up and mess with you a little." He laced his fingers together, resting his elbows on the table and smiled smugly. "On the other hand, it's good to know that you have confidence in my choice. Personally, I recommend this dish. My little brother loves it too. It's simple, but tasty. You'll see," Kaiba explained and Joey nodded dumbly.
"So what are you studying? You didn't tell me before," the brunette continued talking, hoping the other boy would respond more freely.
"History."
"Hmm, I bet you like this place then?"
"Yeah it's super terrific and great … it's ... it's so fantastic," Joey stuttered. He stopped suddenly, remembering Yami's words. Don't over flatter him. He coughed and corrected himself. "I mean it's okay."
"A few things are modern though, like food." Kaiba said, gesturing at the menu.
"And the waiters," Joey added.
"Really? I didn't notice. I must have been distracted by something stronger," Kaiba said, studying Joey's face and body.
It made Joey blush, saying, "Come on, you probably come to this place all the time."
"Yes, but it's not like everything I see is worth remembering," Kaiba shrugged haughtily.
Joey felt awkward receiving a complement like that. A thought crossed his mind. Why hadn't he told Kaiba his reason for studying history? Maybe then, things wouldn't have gotten to this point. Joey had loved history since high school. He'd loved what the teachers always told them about ancient lives, about pharaohs, Roman fighters, emperors, myths and legends etcetera. He'd always found those things so interesting despite what his classmates might have thought. Now it was too late to change the subject back to that. The blond wanted to talk about his passion for his major, not only to let Kaiba know more about him, but also to help pass the time, which felt as if it was crawling by. He only hoped that Kaiba wasn't feeling the same way. He wished that the food would come quickly, and at the mere thought of that, his stomach started growling loudly. He hadn't been prepared for something like that and felt beyond humiliated.
"Sorry, I didn't eat anything today," he said looking down.
"It's okay. The food will be ready soon," Kaiba assured
"Yami insisted that I need to eat something, but I was too distracted to put anything in my mouth."
"Yami?"
"Yeah, my roommate."
"Yeah, I remember him. The one who told you that I'm the one," Kaiba said mockingly. It sounded even more ridiculous when he said it out loud.
"Yep," Joey said, trying to make the other take what he said more seriously. "Don't be like that. Yami's great. He really knows how to read people, and he's got a great personality. It's just easy for people to open up to him."
"Really. So you've opened yourself up to him too?"
"No need for that. He's my best friend and he knows me better than I know myself. Don't misunderstand me. There is nothing more than friendship between us." Joey paused, but when he saw his date was waiting for him to continue, he added, "Yami could have anyone in the world. He can make a straight guy fall for him, married woman, married man, or anybody. You can't even imagine how beautiful he is, and not just on the outside. He's caring about his family and friends. He got a full scholarship so his grandfather wouldn't have to for pay anything, which is why he doesn't want to be in a relationship right now. He doesn't want to be distracted from his studies." Joey decided to stop ranting about his friend, realizing that he had perhaps said too much.
"Okay," Kaiba sighed. "Now I know your friend's life story and nothing about you," he pointed out, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh yeah," the blond replied, smiling hesitantly. He had obviously forgotten to mention anything about himself, which made him look pathetic. "I study history … yep! Sorry you know that already --- but you don't know that Yami and I go to the same university." The blond blushed. That was pathetic even to his ears.
"It's okay if you don't want to talk about yourself. I won't push you on that. I know that the first date must be tough," Kaiba said, trying to relieve the opposite boy's tension. On the other hand, Joey prayed for a miracle to save him from the situation, and his prayers were answered when the food arrived.
Jack served Kaiba first, then Joey. He bowed respectfully after finishing his job. "Do you require anything else?"
"No," Kaiba said looking at Joey to see if the shorter boy wanted something.
"No thanks," Joey said.
"Yes sirs. Enjoy yourselves." The man bowed again before leaving the room.
Kaiba picked up his fork, and tried a bite from his plate. Joey observed him, wondering what the man might think of him after this date. He probably wouldn't ask him again out, but Joey decided that he would continue trying. After all, the worst he could do was stumble over a few words, right? He kept staring until Kaiba looked back at him. Joey smiled quickly, and Kaiba returned it before leaning towards Joey.
This is it Joey thought. Those are the signs; the smile, the long silence before moving closer to me. He wants to kiss me now. He wasn't annoyed at all.
Joey closed his eyes, puckering his lips and leaning closer to Kaiba. He waited, but then opened his eyes, when he didn't feel any lips over his to see Kaiba staring at him strangely.
"I was trying to grab the salt," Kaiba explained, holding the salt shaker that was in the middle of the table.
That was too much for Joey to handle. His face turned beet red from humiliation. Did the man just reject him or what? "Sor … sorry … I … I …. Thought you … that … that you … you wanted to kiss me," he said not knowing where look.
"I do want to kiss you," Kaiba said prosaically, but it was clear he was telling Joey that out of pity, and to make him feel better.
The blond began to feel lightheaded and dizzy. "Excuse me! Can I pass out now?" he asked before dropping face-first into the saucy, red dish.
"Joey!" Kaiba said, eyes widening at the sight. He hadn't expected his date to faint on their first date.
Four hours later, Joey began opening his eyes slowly. He blinked couple of times, before regaining his full senses, and looked around. "Where am I?" he wondered aloud. He was in a very classy looking room, but not the one in the restaurant. The thought that he might have died and gone to heaven crossed his mind.
"You're at my house."
Joey looked to see who had spoken to him. It was Seto Kaiba. So he was in the home of the richest man in the country, the man in front of whom he had so embarrassed himself, the one who had offered to kiss him out of pity. Rather than facing the man, the blond chose to close his eyes letting himself to be taken by the darkness once again.
"Will he stop doing that?" said Kaiba's little bother, Mokuba, who was sitting beside his brother, vexed by the unstoppable fainting. "This is getting annoying. Is this the one you told me about?"
Kaiba didn't answer. He just kept staring intensely at the unconscious boy in the bed.
tbc
Please tell me what you think so far :)
