Amnesiac Dreams
Dress To Impress
Jounouchi takes in Kaiba's bedroom, drinking in every detail before the brunet returns. "This is the first time I've gotten to really be in his room. It's simpler than I imagined it to be." He mutters to himself.
"Sorry to disappoint you." The blond nearly jumps out of his skin and quickly spins around to see Kaiba standing at the door. He begins to apologize, "You've seen my room before. I know that sneaky little brother of mine has made this a stop on one of his 'house tours' with you for one thing." The blond laughs nervously. "I'm intrigued though. Just what were you expecting?" He asks curiously.
"Ahaa, I dunno." He shrugs. His body tenses as Kaiba approaches him, he unconsciously takes a step back or two. "I uh, y'know maybe some Duel Monsters' posters or items, or maybe some board games or trophies since you're so good at everything." He mumbles quieter and quieter the closer Kaiba gets.
The brunet sighs, seemingly satisfied with his fiddling, nervous answer and steps out of the other's personal space. It was a little fun flustering the blond. "That's surprisingly quite the compliment coming from you." He nods.
Jounouchi relaxes, "Yeah well that makes more sense the more I think about it. At first, based on the memories I have recovered and the way you talk to Yugi and the others, I was thinking like maybe you'd have black walls or dark mysterious shady devices - or a dart board with Yugi's face on it-"
Kaiba clicks his tongue and glares at the brunet with a dangerous smirk. "Oh? Is that really the image I give you?" He seems darkly amused. "You smart-mouthed-"
Jounouchi quickly pulls his hands up. "B-b-but that was what I originally anticipated when thinking of your room. Mokuba only ever gave me sneak peaks and would say things like torture devices and darkness resides in your room. But knowing you now and all this time we've spent together has made me think that nothing like that really exists in your room. You aren't crazy. I know that." He stammers out seeing his newly recovered life flash before his eyes.
Kaiba folds his arms across his chest and ponders on the other's response. Seconds tick away like horrendously long minutes before Kaiba huffs and brushes past the timid blond. "You're a real piece of work, MUTT." He walks over to a set of doors.
"Kaiba!" Jounouchi bounces over to his side, wearing a deep frown. "That was totally uncalled for. I was just messin' with ya." He folds his arms across his chest.
The brunet responds with a smirk and spares the other a cheeky smirk, "I know. It's just satisfying to see you get all worked up Jounouchi." He faces the double doors and opens them up. To the blond's surprise behind them a walk-in closet with all sorts of clothes. "We should be able to find something that works for you."
Jounouchi nods slowly. "Why do you have so many clothes? This is a lot of clothes. I mean, seriously have you worn all of these?" He asks nearly breathless. He thinks back to his meager little dufflebag of clothes that he brought over.
"Is this really a lot? I've given a lot to charity, so I thought it looked rather bare." Jounouchi's eyes widen. 'Isn't this where I would remark on how pathetic and poor he is? And perhaps add in how much a streetrat he clearly is to be impressed by a few garments?' Before he can delve too far into reflection, Jounouchi snaps him back to the moment by touching every article of clothing in sight. "Easy now, you'll tear something up. What are you a child?" He scolds and pulls the other back a little. "Let's start with..." The two begin playing dress up.
Otogi and Honda make it to his shop without incident. Otogi lets go of Honda's waist and begins unstrapping his helmet. He dislikes this bike that makes him cling to the other so tightly. The way being close to him doesn't faze Honda in the slightest. He gets off quickly to give them both space and grips onto the helmet as he waits for Honda.
The brunet pulls off his helmet and fixes it to the bike. He turns to Otogi and gestures for his to do the same. Otogi relinquishes his hold on it and gives it back. It's silent, their usual bicker not present. They head into the game shop and the strict owner gets busy micro-managing and checking their work. He watches the sassy DDM Creator and at the clear annoyance on the employees' faces. He chuckles but refrains from butting in. This goes on for a while.
The bells atop the door sound as a customer enters. "Hm. Well I must say it is flashier than the other one." Mr. Shio thinks aloud as he surveys the interior. The cashier calls out half-hearted greetings but doesn't receive a response. At this, the cashier takes off their apron, mumbles something under their breath and walks out. Shio doesn't seem to notice at all.
Honda cringes as he knows how irate Otogi will be once he finds out one of the workers walked out. The business owner currently in the back checking out the rest of the shipments that came in earlier in the day. His attention shifts to the well dressed individual. Geez, this guy has some sort of eerily creepy aura around him. His arms were getting goose bumps just being in the room with him.
Shio looks at some dice and then some less known card games. He wanders over to some figures and finally settles before the large display of Duel Monster cards. "Oh, it appears there are some here as well. Hmm." He stares at the packs intently, debating which packs to choose.
Honda approaches the man despite his misgivings about the other. "Good afternoon. Those are the latest packs - they literally just came in today. Are you duelist by chance?" Honda asks trying to get information out of him. And cover up the fact the cashier just walked out.
Shio shifts his attention over to him with an expression somewhere between seriously bothered and disinterested. "I don't duel in particular. More of a collector. These cards are rather interesting however and they're ridiculously popular all over the world. Peasant folk all the way up to top executives and millionaires are addicted to it." He shakes his head. "Such things I usually stay away from but," He picks up a pack right behind the top ones, "there's something alluring to them. I do not play the game often but I know the ins and out of it and have been told to be a high-tier player. If I had been in the Battle City Tournament, I may have won it." He smirks and grabs another pack.
Honda furrows his brows. Yugi has shown me the names of many duelists but I don't think he's ever shown me this guy. He sure speaks highly of himself. He has that obnoxious arrogant vibe of Kaiba's. "That's a pretty bold statement. There were some strong duelists in that tournament - the top eight being amazingly powerful." He replies with a slight chuckle.
Shio sighs. "It would be a lie to say otherwise. I know everything about each duelist' decks in the top eight. All had some well thought out strategies but in the end, there are ways around every good play. But enough of this senseless drabble with someone who is definitely not a duelist." He collects five packs and heads to the front to pay.
Honda's eyebrow twitches in irritation. Oh yeah this guy definitely is an asshole like Kaiba. Jeez how boastful can someone be? But Honda snaps out of the verbal scathe and quickly heads to the counter. He looks about for the other employee but surmises Otogi must've pulled him to the back for instructions. He begrudgingly services the rude customer.
Shio still doesn't seem to notice - or perhaps care - that the one ringing him up is not dressed as an employee. He hands over his payment and checks his watch, a small smirk playing across his lips. 'It should be any minute now. How easy it'd be to just take over the place. Teika wouldn't like that though. Still if I managed to take Otogi Ryuuji unscathed I wonder how upset he'd be." He ponders curiously but knows not to test his boss' temper.
Creepy. Honda thinks as another chill runs through him. He reminds me of Kaiba but he's creepy like... Oh I know who he reminds me of - the spirit of the Millennium Ring! But of course this wasn't him, he just had a similar bad vibe. As he starts collecting the change, Otogi steps out of the back with the other employee and notices Honda ringing up a customer. But before he could question the customer seems to take interest.
"Ah if it isn't Otogi Ryuuji. I did not think to make your acquaintance today." He greets coolly. 'Well, well. Speak of the Devil and he is sure to come.'
Otogi gives him a puzzled look as he attempts to place the other's face. "Have we met before?"
Shio takes his change and bag. "Due to a lot of messy details we have never met face to face. I knew your father a while back before, well, before that whole messy affair that ended with him dead. You have my condolences for your loss." He answers with no trace of sympathy. Otogi cringes as he thinks back on his father losing his mind, trying to kill them both in a fire. A 'messy affair' indeed. He didn't like thinking of it, having decided to put that behind him forever. "But of course, you've flourished and done more for the family business that he ever did. So congratulations and I guess its a good thing he did what he did." He shrugs.
Honda steps in before Otogi can react. "Hey, that is crossing the line. You've got your stuff, our business is concluded. Would you kindly leave now?" His words hiss through clench teeth.
'Oh my what have I stirred? This pathetic no-name dares to bear his fangs at me? It'll be an utter delight to mess up that ugly mug of yours.' Shio nods. "It appears I've hit some rather sensitive nerves. I merely meant to compliment on your resilience but alas I've worn out my welcome. What a lovely guard dog you have." He smiles loosely but his eyes are deathly cold as he ignores Honda's presence and bears into Otogi. "You're not as tough as I had imagined you to be. What a disappointment. Well until we see each other again." He turns on his heel and shows himself out.
"What the hell was that about?" Honda walks over and stares out the window, watching the stranger get into the back seat of a black car. He waits until they drive away before returning to Otogi whom is still standing in the same spot near the counter. "Hey."
"That guy..." Otogi swallows, "He gives me the creeps. For him to know my Father... and what happened." He whispers unconsciously holding on to himself. 'I don't recall seeing him or being mentioned... Maybe he's the son of one of my dad's friends? What does he want?'
Honda approaches and puts his hands on the other's arms, near his elbows. "Hey, listen. Relax. Come on, we have somewhere to be, right?"
Otogi nods slowly and takes a deep breath. "Right. Right. We gotta head out and meet with Kaiba and Jounouchi. Where did Mikabi run off to?" He asks trying to get back to reality.
"Uh well, he sorta stormed outta here."
He rolls his eyes, "Figures. Alright, let me re-advise my only competent employee of what to do." He walks over to do just that and before long he returns and they walk out of the shop together. Otogi keeps his gaze down as the image of that strange customer burns his mental eye. His whole demeanor is
"It really bothers you, huh." Honda hesitantly brings up as he hands the helmet over to Otogi. The other narrows his gaze at him but remains silent. "What happened with your Father?" He adds. He knows it'll flare his friend's mood but they've never spoken about it before. "It must be a pretty big weight to carry by yourself..." He furthers.
"Drop it, Honda." He warns.
"I will. I just want to say that if you want to talk about it, I'll listen y'know." He straps on his own helmet. "I'm... always here for you. So anytime you wanna talk or vent - regardless of the topic." He mumbles sheepish, thankful his helmet could cover his face. He rarely got sentimental or mushy with the other, come to think of it.
Otogi sighs and nods slowly. "I'll remember that." He replies meekly but says no more. A few more seconds of silence carry between before they set off.
Kaiba sighs and throws the three shirts onto his bed. His hand cradles his chin as he thinks, staring over the blond with serious concentration before turning on his heel. "I wonder if I still have that..." He trails off as he disappears into his ridiculously large closet. The blond stands there with a pout as he looks over the mountain of rejected clothing. Some too long, too tight, some - as Kaiba put it, would not compliment his features. At least the pants weren't too problematic and they'd found a pair that fit him just right.
"Honestly, it's almost like that time I went shopping with Erio." He holds back a snicker as he thinks on how terrible he felt through the whole ordeal. 'And now here I am dressing up for him.' It was funny to him a bit. 'My last words with Mom were pretty bad too. I don't think he'll be all that happy to see me. They're really in a different world from me.' The sound of Kaiba sliding clothes from side to side amuses him but grows too big of a hassle. "K-Kaiba it's fine. Really. I'll just throw on a t-shirt and some jeans and it'll be fine." He insists. "There isn't much point in going through all this trouble."
The swooshing of hangers gliding along a bar halt for a moment or two. Kaiba reemerges with a garment bag and an expression of annoyance on his face. "This was your idea to begin with, I would think you wouldn't be so quick to back out of it. Try this shirt on, I think it'll fit." He hands it over to the blond, "You make me go through all this trouble and you want to just quit." He shakes his head.
The blond grumbles, "I'm sorry." He takes the bag and can't help smiling some. "And thanks. Let's try shirt number... I don't even remember what number we're on anymore." he grins with a weak chuckle and begins unzipping the bag.
"Hmmm. Somewhere in the twenties I believe." He smirks and turns to step out and give the other privacy like all the other times.
Jounouchi inspects the shirt, "I'm surprised Kaiba owns a shirt this bright." He muses as black and darker colors are all he's seen him wear. He pulls off his shirt for hopefully the last time and slides his arms through the sleeves - thankfully with ease. He crosses his arms and flexes a bit, liking how his arms don't feel constrained. "Oh good I think I can actually fit this one." He whispers, buttoning all the way up to the last button. He takes a deep breath and stares at his reflection in the mirror. "This doesn't look too bad but," He frowns as the collar is too tight around his neck. It is one of the few shirts Kaiba had that could fit him without clinging to his body though. He isn't as tall and slender as the brunet. Kaiba walks into the room wearing a seriously stern scowl as he examines the other's attire. "S-so what do ya think?" He questions.
Kaiba studies him a little longer, "It suits you." He mutters, nodding in affirmation. The green reminding him of the jacket the blond wore during the Duelist Kingdom Tournament. 'Yeah it looks more 'you' than I imagined. To think, I've actually worn this, is shocking to me.' He stares at the blond for a while and nods, spotting something that just didn't look right in his eyes. It is Jounouchi after all, the way the amnesiac looked being too... "It's satisfactory but I would..." He approaches and puts his hands to the top of the blond's collar, unaware of how close he suddenly made himself to the other. Of course finding that out when he's already before him, 'Well done Seto. You're freaking him out.' Despite his self-chastising his insides tickle with amusement at how many hues of red the blond's skin can color. "This isn't the type to button up all the way. Don't you find it a bit stuffy?" He asks unbuttoning the first few to show off the other's collarbone a bit - and sending all sorts of crazy thoughts to his brain.
'Does he hafta get so close...' Despite his embarrassingly red face, Jounouchi nods silently. "Th-thanks." He manages to mumble after some time. 'It's much better but now I can't breathe for a whole 'nother reason!' Kaiba stares at the blond a few seconds longer and chuckles despite trying to hold it in. "What's so funny?" Jounouchi asks in barely a whisper.
"It's nothing really." He fixes the collar a bit, "I kind of understand the obsession with dressing you up." He says loosely. Jounouchi only offers him a slight furrow of brows. He shrugs slightly, "It's a little fun. That's all." He backs away from him and checks his watch. "Well, it's about time to go. Mokuba should be in his room doing homework so I will check on him and meet you downstairs." Kaiba leaves without waiting for an answer.
The blond relaxes his posture and plops down on the chair beside Kaiba's bed. His cheeks are burning at the random things the other so cool and calmly said to him. "He likes dressing me? What does that mean?" He took a deep breath and slaps his face with both hands. "Calm down. Calm down." After a few more breaths he stands to his feet and gathers his nerves. He does one last survey of Kaiba's room before heading out to see his new place and meet with Erio.