Chapter 7
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A quiet beeping sounded in the back of his mind. He had only just noticed it, but somehow he knew it had been there for a very very long time. He tried to open his eyes, but the blinding light forced them closed once more. He blinked a few times, trying to adjust, but the setting was difficult to grow accustomed to. Finally a voice called out, tearing his attention away from that infernal beeping.
"You have no clue how close I was to writing on you with this sharpie." Kaiba lifted himself gently and positioned himself in more of a sitting position, now trying to focus his sore eyes on the person in front of him.
"What are you doing here?" He shot at the boy. He still couldn't quite see him, but he didn't need to, it was obvious who he was.
"I'm giving Ren a break. You know, your company's stocks just dove. I guess everyone thinks you were assassinated or something. Now Kaiba heard the rustling of a newspaper and reached out for it. It was handed to him and he looked over it wearily. After another few minutes the words focused.
"How long have I been out?" He glanced up at Joey, who was now completely visible.
"About twelve... or fourteen hours. Ren came by after school, then I made her go home at around ten. I usually stay up this late, so I figured she could get some sleep." Kaiba nodded and put the paper down.
"Do they know what's wrong?" Joey shrugged.
"They wont tell me shit."
"What about Mokuba?"
"Huh? Oh, he came by too. I, uh... I sent him home at ten too... hope ya don't mind." Joey smiled uneasily and scratched the back of his head.
"No, it's probably for the best." Kaiba let out a sigh. He didn't know when the doctors would be back to tell him what happened, but he didn't mind the company Joey gave in the meantime. They had actually become quite close, in a sarcastic love-hate sort of way. They would prod and tease, but it became more of a game than actual hard feelings.
Before long the doctor came in, flipping through a clip board and looking perplexed. They waited a few minutes while he took Kaiba's vitals, but when he still remained speechless, Kaiba spoke up.
"Well?" His tone was irate, despite him being comfortable and collected before the doctor entered.
"Sir... we... we cant find any cause as to why you would faint like that." The doctor said hesitantly.
"Well, that's probably due to your schooling. This is just the city hospital. I'll call my personal physician. I trust you'll send the paperwork to him without losing anything?" He demanded angrily.
"Y-yes of course." He didn't wait for the doctor to leave before kicking his feet over the bed's edge when another sharp pain ran through him. He winced, curling down a bit until the pain subsided as Joey and the doctor moved towards him. "Sir! Are you-" The doctor tried, but Kaiba shot him a venomous glare and pulled away, inciting another searing pain.
"Dont touch me." He managed through gritted teeth. Joey pushed past the doctor, laying Kaiba flat on the bed.
"Hey, uh... just give him some space." Joey tried, putting some distance between Kaiba and the doctor. He did note, however, that Kaiba had no issue with his closeness.
For a moment the world turned black again and Kaiba felt like the universe was spinning. He clutched the bed under him and was relieved when Joey grabbed his shoulders and steadied him. It was going to be a long night.
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The lights were out this time, but that's not what caught his attention. He ached all over, but... it wasn't right. He... he felt something? The dull pains and feelings in his body made him feel heavy and groggy, but it was true, he was feeling something. The only other time he felt physical stimulation was when the boy-
He shot up. Joey lay, snoring on a chair at the foot of the bed. Glancing at the clock he noted how it was nearing six thirty in the morning. He kicked his feet over the side and stretched, smirking as his feet hit the cold floor. He moved to the door and twisted the knob, glancing back to make sure Joey didn't stir.
"Seto?" He had been about to step through when her voice froze him. "What are you doing on your feet? You're in no condition to be up." His eyes traveled over her and she gave him a disapproving look before scanning the room and sighing at her snoring brother. His hand brought her face back to his and he cupped the back of her head, pulling her to him. His lips gently kissed her cheek and she furrowed her brow. "Seto, are you alright?" She moved to look up at him, but he wouldn't release her.
He just stood with her in his arms, and breathed deeply. She smelled like fresh strawberries and cream, just like he remembered. He moved back to finally look at her, but his legs buckled beneath him. He muffled a cry as he braced himself on her.
"Oh my god, Seto!" He squeezed his eyes shut as his body gave up on him, but felt two pairs of hands pull him back to the bed.
"Kaiba what the hell are ya doin?" Joey demanded. He watched as Joey lifted the body back onto the bed and sighed. Serenity had gone around and was at his side now, but it wasn't him this time. No, he had been rejected. The body... rejected him.
Kaiba's eyes fluttered open and he knew his chance was lost. He watched as his younger self, the owner of the body he now wanted more than anything, woke in a confused state.
"Seto, what were you thinking?" Serenity demanded harshly.
"W-what?"
"You could have gotten hurt. What if I wasn't there and you collapsed in the hall?" Kaiba's eyes moved from her, to Joey, then past them to his elder self, leaning against a cabinet and just watching silently. He knew then what had happened, but controlled his anger.
"I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry." He struggled with the words. He no longer minded apologizing to Serenity when he was truly at fault, but when he wasn't...
"You scared me." Her words were quiet and as he looked up at her, tears threatened to spill. She really cared about him.
"Can... can I have a moment alone?" He asked, ready to blow at the unseen man.
"No." He had never seen Serenity angered, but it was almost something... entertaining. Such a tiny person, weak and unable to stop him from demanding what he wanted, yet here she was. "I'm not leaving your side." She insisted.
"Serenity, I wont overexert myself."
"Seto-"
"You know when I'm lying. I just need a minute." She looked away and brushed some wetness from her eyes before looking back.
"Fine... but I'll be right outside. And only for a minute." He smiled as she gave in and pulled her down for a small kiss. She marched out, lip quivering, and Joey shut the door behind them.
"What the fuck did you think you were doing?"
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Sorry it took tiil later to update. Wow, I just have all the excuses today. I had a sleepover and couldn't find the time to update... yeah... excuse queen. OK, well here it is, tell me what you think?
Read, Review, Enjoy~Love Ya!
