Amnesiac Dreams

XXV. Graying Skies

"...Everything was going so well. After finally moving on and going straight. My son and I were truly a family - finally." Kaiba resisted the urge to check his watch, as interesting as the Jounouchi family history was, he didn't hold any desire to know it. But now he could wager knowing it better than even the children of this messed up broken family. A fleeting thought of knowing which parent younger Jounouchi got his annoying habit of talking too much from. But he didn't interrupt, he didn't so much as even roll his eyes through the history lesson. At least at the end of all this, he had more information to share with the amnesiac blond.

"What happened, then? Mr. Jounouchi, sir?" He asked as the older paused to take a drink of water. It took everything in him to keep his tone calm and polite.

The older took a long drink then sighed. "...They found me." He shook his head. "I gave them everything I had - paid off all of my debts before moving far away from that life. Made sure no one from back then knew where we were going but somehow... they still found me." He ran his trembling hands through his hair as that terrible moment replayed in his head.

"What was their reason for tracking you down? You said all of your debts were paid off." The younger interjected.

"Kazo, the leader of the gang, borrowed a lot of money from some rich businessman and couldn't pay it back. So he's been hunting down every dead beat he knows and shaking them down. Unfortunately, everyone he is still in touch with are lowlifes with no real money. I guess that is when he started looking for me. He found out I had a steady job and threatened to make my life a living hell, and not just mine, but my son's as well. I came home late after work and they were waiting inside. Thankfully Katsuya was at a friend's house for the night. The kind of money they wanted, was more than I could ever come up with. I wanted to call the police but I... I didn't think they would do anything for someone like me and if the neighbors found out about my past, we would be kicked out in no time."

Kaiba leaned back against his chair and sighed. "You told them no. That couldn't have settled well with them. Did they mention the name of this businessman? Why did they borrow money from him?" He asked curious.

"They didn't mention a name. All I know is it is someone well known, and very rich. As for why they needed the money, I believe it was for Kazo's oldest son, Takaro. He had lost his mind a few years ago, right before Katsuya quit. Kazo as well as his other sons blame Katsuya and his friends for some reason. I'm not sure why, at that time I was no longer part of the gang but heavily into gambling and drinking to care what went on between them and my son. Apparently, Takaro has been in a mental institute since the incident. Not too long ago, he was finally able to be released but left a large bill in his wake, one that they needed to pay back immediately."

"So they borrow from a wealthy party and now he is collecting but they don't have it." Kaiba tapped his finger to his cheek. 'Still, something isn't adding up.'

"Katsuya won all that money in his first card game tournament a while back and it received public attention. Though he used a portion of it to pay for my daughter's eye surgery, he has the remainder saved up. I was afraid they might go after him so I tried to lie and say I blew it all. I'd hoped they believed me but when I heard Shinto, Kazo's youngest son, had shot up his school... I just... I knew they were out to hurt him. And then the damn police took me in before his surgery had finished. Mina, Mina that horrible woman told me Katsuya was - that my son was dead. Katsuya, dead. Of course, knowing how I have treated him. It's no wonder she told me that - I have never been a real father to either one of my kids. None of this would have happened if I'd been a bettter man. It is my fault. Had I never gotten involved with those lowlifes, had I never exposed him to that lifestyle... He wouldn't have nearly died."

The brunet frowned. 'Actually, your son has nearly died countless times in the past couple of years.' The CEO mused but knew it probably would do only harm to bring up their misadventures with the Pharaoh and all the ridiculous mishaps with Ancient 'magic' and Miillennium Artifacts. He felt a bit unnerved - It wasn't like him to comfort another. 'Honestly is there something on my forehead that states bring your pity-parties here?' He shook off his habit of being snarky with a deep inhale and exhale. "But he is alive. Mina had lied, a terribly cruel lie, but your son is still alive and well." 'With a slight memory problem.' He thought about adding, but wasn't sure if Shizuka had disclosed that info or not.

The older shook his head. "But for how long? Kazo and his sons are still looking for him, I am sure. I know Shinto is in custody but as long as they owe that man money, Katsuya isn't safe." He ran his hands through his wild blond hair. "They're gonna get him. Oh Katsuya."

"He wouldn't be safe if he was living with Kawaii Mina. Living with her would only put more people at risk. I also, believe that you knowing what you do, are in danger. From here on out, I would refuse all visitors aside from me. I would be very careful about gifts no matter who they are from. Also, be wary of the police, though unlikely they could pull off such a feat, they were able to pose as nurses and get into the same hospital room as your son, while he recuperated. They may be capable of doing the same here. For the meantime I would take note of any new faces."

Kamuio shook his head. "I'm not afraid of what they might do to me. After what I've brought upon Katsuya, it may be better that I be taken from this world. He would definitely be happier."

Blue eyes narrowed immensely. "If you believe your son would think such a thing, you don't know him at all. Your son, knows and believes in your innocence. Did you know that the man named Shinto, told him to his face you were the mastermind behind this whole shooting? Said you had it planned for him to die." Kaiba stood. Hearing the older carry on really pissed him off. He Didn't like when people sat there feeling sorry for themselves. If you mess up, you have to get up and fix it. Plus, after how persistent the younger Jounouchi was over the simple 'feeling' that his father was innocent, Kaiba wasn't about to endure this sob fest and listen to this man give up on living. "Your son despite all the evidence and testimony against you, despite the history you share, feels you would not have done this. He wants to see you but I haven't brought him because I don't think it would be wise given the circumstances. They most likely have this place watched, it's too dangerous to bring him here."

Kamuio's eyes widened. "He really said those things? My son would still see me, even after all of this?" He was genuinely stunned. He had figured his relationship with his son was over after the hurtful things he had said to him last time they exchanged words. Guilt weighed heavily on his shoulders, "Isn't there some way to stop this gang? I don't want Katsuya to live his whole life in fear - he doesn't deserve to be terrorized like this. What have I done?"

"...Katsuya..." The name sounded odd on the brunet's lips. "He is a fighter and has a strong enduring personality. He will not let this go. Also, I am not simply acting as his confidant and voice, I was at his side when this shooting took place and have... history with him as well. Perhaps it doesn't mean much to you, but I will not rest until this matter is resolved and your son is able to walk out into the public without fear." He assured. "As long as he is with me, I will protect him."

"Truly? You would do all this for Katsuya? So then... You must be..." The older nodded 'understanding' the relationship between his son and the well-known Seto Kaiba now. He stood as well. He bowed before Kaiba. "I had wondered why you were so concerned with my son but I get it now. I am sorry I couldn't support your relationship back then. To think that my last words to him were so degrading and cruel. I am not worthy of the faith and love Katsuya has given me - the many times he has forgiven me."

Kaiba quirked a brow in slight confusion. The older's tone having changed slightly. 'What does he mean, supporting our relationship..? Wait, he isn't suggesting that I - the mutt and I are...' He meant to clarify but the other continued speaking.

"When I stumbled in on him watching... Reacting to THAT, I was so utterly disgusted, I was shocked. But I have no place to judge after all I had done and even now I am putting him through such a heavy ordeal. It all seems so pointless, knowing I could lose him for good. When I had thought I had lost him. Hearing how devoted you are to helping him, you are a much better, stronger man than I ever was or could be. I love him so very much and I'm ashamed of my reaction. I don't care what happens to me after all of this, just please do what I couldn't for him; protect him, keep him safe." He straightened up and faced the brunet with a stern but warm determination, "You're a good boyfriend to him. Thank you for all you are doing and continue to keep him safe. If there is any more I can do, I will." The guards came in and made their way to the two. "Please give him the love he deserves."

'Wait... what..?' Kaiba's mouth opened but nothing came out. A very slight red tint dusted along his cheeks as the words spilt from the older Jounouchi's honest and oblivious lips slowly sunk in. There were some seconds that ticked away and Kaiba was left in the room for a moment. "Did he just.. say I was.." He could feel a headache forming. A guard came and snapped him out of his confusion enough to register he needed to leave.

"Mai said she is just outside the student parking." He mumbled to himself as he resent the text to the rest of the gang. There had been a hectic rush amongst the students after the final bell had rung and everyone got seperated. As he approached the school doors leading to the parking area, he froze in disdain. There was a mob of teens fighting to be let out first. "Gosh, I didn't realize so many people use this exit." Yugi mumbled as he pushed his way through the crowd. It was unusually packed!

Otogi sighed in irritation as he was bumped into by various others and grumbled as students that normally fawned over him were now standing barricade at the door, shoving and insisting to be let out first. "What is going on?" He pouted and searched for another way.

"Otogi, psst! Over here." The dark-haired teen soon spotted Honda waving him over in a vacant classroom nearby. He approached warily. "Hey, come on." Once the moody one was by his side he pointed to the window on the far side. "It's unlocked, let's go out through it before this becomes blocked too."

"R-right..." Otogi had no desire to crawl through a small window but he supposed he had little choice. It was either climb through the rabbit hole or get manhandled in the mass crowd that wasn't budging. They both made their way outside in time to hear behind them others that had seen their escape. "What is going on with everybody?"

Honda flagged down Yugi who had made it past the barricade, though he was rather disheveled and taking a moment to get his wits together. "Man, it looks like you went through a shredder. Your left sleeve is ripped." The brunet returned his attention to Otogi, "Apparently there is some ultra famous celebrity here today. Dunno who, but I think I heard some of the guys talkin' bout how much a babe she is." He replied.

Yugi chuckled as he dusted himself off. "Uhm, you guys it's-"

"Ugh. Just keep your tongue in your mouth Honda. I can't believe all of these morons getting all jittery and excited over some random celebrity. I mean they have me, that should be more than enough." The DDM creator cut in with a scoff.

The shortest of the group sweatdropped. "Well, the celebr-"

Honda smirked. "Maybe they want someone with a little less cocky attitude. Plus the guys said it was a hot babe, as in a woman. She is bound to have assets you are lacking - although you have the short temper and high maintenance of a celebrity down better than any other." He teased. "I bet she is a real angel, I heard her hair is a beautiful river of blond waves, her skin milky white..."

"Guys I'm trying to tell you-"

"Great. Here comes the waggling tongue. Do you need a bowl for your drool?"

Yugi sighed heavily, giving up. Honda glared at the dicey other, "I don't drool. I am super sauve. She'd be hanging all over me if I met her." He quirked a brow, "I think you're just jealous because I'm much better looking than you." The teen put his finger and thumb against his own chin and nodded in mock thought. "Yep, you're really jealous, it's okay Otogi. You can't have everything."

The dice thrower scoffed once more. "Yeah right. As if I'd ever be jealous of you. Hmph. Come on Yugi, let's forget this moron and find Mai. If he wants to play a pathetic Romeo he can be my guest." Otogi glowered as he grabbed hold of Yugi's arm. "I'll be sure to let Shizuka know you were wooing a celebrity at our school." He teased in return.

Honda paled. "Don't you dare say anything like that Otogi. I mean it. I mean, I know you're just joking right? Right, Otogi?" He followed behind the fast-paced dice thrower, who was dragging Yugi along as well. It didn't take long for the small group to reach the parking lot and again, more students were running around, passing them in excited flusters.

"This person really thinks highly of herself." Otogi grumbled.

Honda straightened his collar and cleared his throat a few times. "I think it's more everyone around thinks highly of her. You really are jealous aren't you? I mean, about this lady getting all this attention. You are enrolled here, they see you every day." He attempted to cheer the other up.

Otogi had let Yugi go, and the three walked along with the shorter a few steps ahead of them. "I don't care what they think about me Honda." He retorted irate.

"Then why are you acting all irritated and annoyed for? You were all chipper this morning, right?" He asked. He took out a small tin of mints and popped two in his mouth. "Does my hair look alright?" He mumbled something about needing a mirror.

Otogi glowered at him as he primped and tried to fight back the desire to roll his eyes and say something demeaning. "It looks as simple and uncool as it always does." He responded - at least he didn't roll his eyes.

"Very funny. You didn't answer my question though. Why are you-"

Otogi pointed before them. "Oh look, there's Anzu!" He cut in not really feeling the desire to speak with Honda at the moment. "Yugi-"

The shorter nodded and waved to the brunette headed girl. She smiled and the three rushed up towards her. As they approached they noticed Ryou was sitting beside her reading a book. Yugi gave them both a warm smile. "Hey, guys. What's going on? Where's Mai?"

Anzu sighed heavily. "Hey Yugi. Well as you can see," She rolled her eyes and stepped to the side. Behind them there stood a line of their fellow students with various items, "Someone saw her and texted the whole school she was out here waiting. So when the bell rang, everyone ran here and an autograph line formed. She even has her bodyguards with her to keep over zealous guys from getting too close."

Honda's face paled. "Wait. So the celebrity is just Mai?" He asked disappointed. Otogi's expression brightened as Anzu gave him a that-should-have-been-obvious nod. "Aw she ain't special. I really thought I was gonna meet me an angel." His shoulders slumped.

The DDM creator was practically beaming with relief. "She even has a tent set up. What a queen. Does she keep that in her car?" He sighed exasperately.

Ryou shut his book and stood. "Mai just text that she is really sorry for how this turned out. She said Jounouchi is waiting in the tent behind her if we want to visit with him while she finishes up with her fans." They all nodded eagerly and waved to Mai, she acknowledged them and informed her guards to let them in. A mass sigh of groans and whines came from the line of their fellow students in envy.

"Jounouchi!" The group exclaimed as they spotted him sitting at a small folding table. Startled, he droppedd a stack of cards he had been holding. He stood to his feet quickly and approached his friends with a wide grin spread across his face.

Kaiba leaned back into his seat. His mind went over all the information Jounouchi's father had given him. He believed the older completely. 'But there is something off about the whole situation. I'm certain, Kamuio held nothing from me. Had I not been with Jounouchi when Shinto said those things to him, maybe I wouldn't feel this way.' He shook his head. "But I was there and I do have this feeling there is something more to all of this. I must keep looking. I need to find out who this businessman they borrowed money from. Jounouchi won't be safe as long-"

He cut himself off and cringed. "Why did he mention that? Why on earth would he suggest I was... his... boyfriend?" He barely had the strength to say it. Now all his mind could focus on were all the little hints and clues he overlooked before. He didn't want it to be true but, "It really can't be true..." He muttered behind a curious smirk. The thoughts that crept up within his mind were... well, he had no words for it. "The mutt likes me... doesn't he?" He sighed. "Or he did, before he lost his memories." He thought about the unusual closeness the blond awoke yearning for with him. "Or maybe he still does?"

The car came to a slow stop. He stared up at the school and snapped out of his daze. "I need a distraction before my own mind takes me somewhere odd and dangerous." He stepped out of the vehicle, not bothering to wait for his driver to get out and open his door. His eyes looked up to the sky, he hadn't noticed but it had grown quite cloudy. He recalled hearing they were in for a rainy week but hadn't expected it so soon. He rushed into the building, lots of kids were waiting beside their teachers, he saw parents ushering their children into cars. Lots of hustle and bustle, a couple tried to stop him for a conversation but he politely waved them off in apology. 'I have been way too nice for one day.' He thought tiredly. Finally, he walked into the office and there sat Mokuba reading a book, Kaiba hadn't recognized. He approached with a softened expression, "New book? Is that for assignment or did you pick it out yourself?"

"Oh well it looked-" Mokuba looked up, Kaiba chuckled as the boy's eyes grew saucer-sized. "Seto! You're here! I didn't know you were picking me up today!" He jumped to his feet happily. "Big brother did you get off work early?" He asked as the older took his backpack from him.

"I did. I wanted to spend some time with you. Did you want to grab some crepes?" The brunet asked. He slung his brother's bag over his shoulder. "I heard a new pastry shop opened up near the park."

Mokuba smiled brightly. "Oh yes, big brother! Let's go, please!" He exclaimed energetically. He waved to the office staff, whom bid him a good evening.

"So, how was school today? Did you learn anything valuable?" Kaiba asked as they made their way outside. As Mokuba went on over his activities from the day, his eyes scanned across the school grounds. He saw kids throwing their things into cars, some walking home, teachers talking amongst themselves. He was never at his brother's school this early. Usually everyone was gone but the staff by the time he arrived. 'I really work hard for brother of the year, don't I?' He chided mentally. His eyes flitted back up to the darkening sky, Mokuba made an offhanded comment about rain and for some reason as his eyes came back down to land on their driver, his eyes just happened to glimpse a particular vehicle parked at the corner stop sign, two me clad in dark suits stood beside it.

Mokuba chatted with the driver for a moment, Isono chuckling lightly at his spunk and ever present enthusiasm.. Kaiba broke his eye contact away from the car and sighed at his little brother, "Mokuba leave Isono alone. Stop pestering him." He scolded lightly.

"Aha, sorry Isono. I didnt mean to bother you." He apologized and hurried into the car.

Kaiba gave his driver a stern gaze, "Isono, do you know how long that car has been there? The one at the stop sign - don't stare at it, just a quick glance."

"Hmm." He shook his head briefly, "It was there before we arrived sir. I am sure of it. Is there something the matter, sir?"

Kaiba drummed his hands along the car door, "I don't know. I find it strange that two gentlemen dressed in suits are sitting outside a school building. There are wealthy families associated with this school so I could say they are simply picking up a kid of such a family but why haven't they picked them up yet? Maybe all of this is just getting to me but..."

"Well, sir, no one has a better sense for this stuff than you. Shall I keep tabs on their vehicle?"

"Do that. Get someone to run the plates and find out who they are. For now though, I have a little brother to spend time with. Take us to the park." Isono nodded and shut the door after Kaiba climbed in.

Mokuba didn't notice anything outside the ordinary, Kaiba was relieved. There was no reason to scare his brother if it turned out to be nothing. The brunet frowned, 'Let it be nothing.'