Amnesiac Dreams
Disturbing The Waters
Jounouchi closes the bedroom door behind him and makes his way down the hall but stops in his tracks once he sees Mai standing by the stairway. He smiles as their eyes meet, but she quickly narrows her's in mischievous wile. "Hey hon, I see you're having yourself a good day so far." She winks at him - absolutely giddy.
And for whatever reason, her words cause him to redden. "W-what does that mean?" He questions. "And where've you been? Haven't seen you all day Mai." He asks thinking more. She definitely had made herself scarce for sure.
"Don't act so innocent with me. You and Kaiba are rather chummy after all. How could I possibly have gotten between you two?" She leans in and nudges him on the side, "You even have him dressing you at that? Y'know he didn't even ask me to help with your wardrobe and clothes are my specialty." She backs up and sighs as if hurt. "You've sure got him wrapped around your finger."
Jounouchi puts his hand to his head as her words feel very insinuative - and he just got through trying to shake the heat from his cheeks away. "I... I don't really get what you're trying to say but we're on our way to see Otogi and where I'll be living from now on. Erio is gonna be there to talk to Kaiba and me so I want to look good." Her smile widens and he scratches his cheek awkwardly, "Kaiba was only helping me pick something out because I really don't own anything nice." he shakes his head and shrugs, "I shoulda brought some of the clothes Erio got me after all."
Mai laughs and pats him on the back. "You should've. He's a stuck up jerk but I bet he's got some good taste in clothes. But then your little fashion show with Kaiba would not have happened now would it?" The amnesiac nods with a slight blush. "You know, Jounouchi, I wasn't sure at first but I get it now. Seeing you like this and your interactions with him has made me think long and hard about it." She hugs him close and whispers, "I wonder, have you realized it yourself though?"
Jounouchi swallows. "Realize what?"
"Your feelings." She answers and ruffles his hair a bit. So much for remaining carefree and neutral because her short response sent him back to some curious ideas involving himself and Kaiba. Before he could ask her anything she pulls away and gives him a once over. "You look absolutely stunning. He picked out the perfect ensemble for you." She nods in the affirmative.
The sound of footsteps echo down the hall and Kaiba approaches with surprise at seeing his stubborn headache-inducing employee standing there with Jounouchi. "Mai, what are you doing here? Don't you have a shoot today? All you've done since your return is a bunch of slacking off and getting into other people's business." A tone full of annoyance carries harsh. "I might have to deduct your pay at this rate." He further chides.
Mai scoffs, "Do you see how he treats me?" She turns to face him. "It was delayed half an hour so I have plenty of time for your information. Besides you've been hogging my precious Jounouchi" She holds the mentioned other protectively, "I had to make sure you haven't done anything to him." She defends, "He appears to be in one piece so I'll be leaving shortly for the studio."
Kaiba cringes at her overly affectionate antics on the blond. "Get off of him Mai." He folds his arms across his chest, "He's not a child and doesn't need you all over him like one." She sticks out her tongue as reply. "What a comeback." He shakes his head. "Just get to work and don't cause a spectacle of yourself like last time. Jounouchi if you're done being coddled, Mokuba wants to see you before we go. Check with him now but be quick because we're running late enough as it is."
"Okay I'll be right backl" Mai releases her hold on Jounouchi and he breaks off into a jog passed the brunet to find Mokuba's study. He opens up a door and wears a puzzled look.
Kaiba sighs as he turns to watch the other open the wrong door. "Jounouchi, it's the third one." A sheepish smile is his response before the blond amnesiac finally finds the right room. "That idiot." He mutters under his breath with a shake of his head, a chuckle daring to escape.
Mai smirks and approaches the brunet, "A loveable idiot though." The brunet turns back to face her and rolls his eyes. "I've gotta compliment you Kaiba, you dressed him quite nicely."
"Mai I don't have time for your poorly phrased remarks." He retorts heading down the stairs. Much to his irritation she follows him.
"You should be flattered that I'm approving your decisions for once. Why are you so cold and distant - I'm saying he looks good in your clothes." She continues in almost a laugh.
Something about the comment sends an odd shiver down the CEO's body. "Are you done with your embarrassing attempts at innuendo? And furthermore I have never needed your approval for anything in my life." He states quickening his pace.
She does the same. "You sure are uptight. You looked docile and sweet when you were with him up there. I couldn't even muster up the urge to crash y'alls fun because the two of you were so adorable stumbling around for an outfit that 'would bring out his charms' as you put it." She laughs as the other halts in his step, probably cringing over his own words, but he quickly continues down inwardly seething.
They make it to the first floor and he turns to her with a scowl. "What is your deal? You and everyone else talks about how I need to be nicer and more accommodating to others and here I am doing so with Jounouchi and you're accusing me of what? Of having an interest in him? I don't have any particular interest in that... idiot." He begins to stomp off.
She follows still. "That is a very strong comeback. I do think you're doing a wonderful job with him. I'm not standing here trying to accuse you of anything. I know you have an interest in Jounouchi - he wouldn't be here, if you didn't. Do I think that there's more to it than interest? Yes." He shakes his head. "I just want to make sure you understand your feelings and accept them so that no one gets hurt. If I'm offending you or making your efforts feel like a joke then I'll back off. I'll leave you alone but I want what's best for him and of course for you."
Kaiba rolls his eyes, turns on his heel and faces her with irritation written all over his face. "What's best for me, is for you to leave it alone. Drop this ridiculous idea forming in your head of him and I... We're not like that." He turns away from her and starts putting on his coat. "Everything will be back to normal when he remembers how he loathes and despises me. We won't be friends, I won't need to dress him up, he'll go back to living with his Father or Mother wherever he wants to be after all this concludes and I'll be here with my brother and company. That's just the truth of it." He puts on his shoes and reaches back into the closet. "Standing around creating fantasies of things that'll never happen is foolish." He hands Mai her coat.
She sighs with a shake of her head. "Is that really how you want it?"
He stares at her with a cold don't-mess-with-me scowl. "That's how it is."
She puts on her coat and slips on her boots- somehow they always end up at the front door no matter where she leaves them in the mansion. "That's not what I asked." He remains silent. She grabs her scarf and gently puts her hand on his shoulder. "For all your hostility and glower I don't think that is what you or Jounouchi wants - amnesia or otherwise. For whatever reasons, he's landed here before you in dire need of your help. He is attached to you emotionally and you know that. You've mentioned it to me before. You have the opportunity to bridge the gap between you two so maybe you should. You'll never know just how close it'll make you." She steps away and walks out the open door after thanking the old doorman. 'That's the second time he has mentioned things going back to how they were... He must be concerned about that happening for real.'
Kaiba stands there and mulls over her words, they leave an odd taste in his mouth. "Is she wanting me to seduce this amnesiac mess that only has scraps of memory recovered?" He shakes his head and glares at the stares waiting for the other to come down. 'Maybe she knows Jounouchi is gay. I suppose that is possible. But she didn't seem to know anything about his fight with his father other than what he himself recently told her about it... But then I don't know what her relationship with him was - maybe they were a couple? Close friends?' He couldn't tell. Mai hugged and touched on everybody so her disgustingly affectionate actions on the blond were nothing shocking. 'She's really clingy to him though but that could be due to his near death experience.' He shakes his head in attempt to rid himself of these foolish concerns. 'It doesn't matter. I'm doing this because clearly he's incapable of doing it himself. And his friends, for all their can-do bull crap, are utterly useless. Whether he likes me simply because I was there with him when this all happened or... for reasons entirely different, is none of my concern.' He shakes his thoughts away. The very notion of her words causing this much thought and doubt within him irks beyond measure. Why were the women in his life always so damn nosy and set on pestering him? Finally after what seemed forever, Jounouchi comes rushing down the steps with apologies.
"Mr. Shio, where do you plan on going next?" His mouthy subordinate asks in irritation.
"I'll have to trade you in at this rate. I don't tolerate hostile tones." He warns as he checks out his amazingly gathered cards. "I suppose I can call it a day." There is a sigh of relief from the other. "I'm a bit hungry though. All this driving around and scoping out my targets has given me an appetite. How about we grab a bite at Suki Dinh's? I've been hearing its all the rage around here."
"Mr. Shio. I must advise against it. You know we're not to go near the place and-"
Shio chuckles. "How many times do we need to go over this? I am your boss and you are the lowly servant. You serve my orders and not the other way around. Teika has his way of doing things and I have mine. I know what I am doing. He left me in charge of taking out these individuals and I'll do so the way I always do. There's no fun in sneaking around unseen."
Ryou snacks on a plate of fries. "You're early! Man, you and Monda are some workaholics!" Naka outbursts as he walks in from the back. "You make the rest of us look bad." He furthers, shaking his head.
Maki puts her hands across her chest. "No, just slackers like you who can't seem to make it to work on time." She coolly retorts and sets some water down for Ryou. He begins to shout back a snarky comment but she fixates him with a stern glare, "Stop making a scene. You'll scare away our customers. If you're back from your break, relieve Rin and work your tables." She turns back to Ryou and pays him no more attention.
Naka sulks off to finish his shift. Ryou feels a bit bad but doesn't dare challenge Maki. "So Shui is already here?" He asks not really surprised.
She nods. "He wanted to make sure the correct items were delivered and you two had everything you needed. He really is a workaholic." She smiles warmly at the fair-skinned teen. "Make sure he doesn't overwork you - he forgets that not everyone is a perfectionist like him. And make sure he takes some breaks here and there."
Ryou laughs with a short nod. "I will."
"Good. You're such a reliable worker Ryou." She says mock crying as she pets him on the head. She begins muttering her rough time with wild coworkers challenging her at every turn. This goes on for a while before she realizes she is still petting the teen. "I've finally been blessed with an angel that does everything asked of him."
He laughs nervously, "Uhm Maki... Maki..." He tries to get her attention but she's lost to the world.
"Maki, he's not a puppy. You'll rub the hair right off his head at that rate." Monda chuckles coming from the back door and finding his long-time friend holding Ryou hostage. She snaps out of her rant and releases him immediately - with apologies.
The white-haired teen is a bit stunned to see Monda in just a graphic tee and jeans. The older seems to looking him over as well and laughs some more. "You're making me look bad coming in uniform." He shakes his head. "I should have told you to wear street clothes, my bad." He continues.
Ryou flushes and tries to swallow the lump in his throat. "Uh oh right. I didn't think about it. I, uhm..."
"Well, it's loose enough I guess." He sits down beside him and steals a fry. "Oh man, I'm starving! I forgot to eat before coming." He chides himself.
Ryou smiles and nods. "Me too. It didn't hit me until I got here." He chokes out finally finding his voice.
"Maki. I'mma need some fries and bring us some sliders too. Well, we might as well chow down while we have time." He leans on his hand, now resting on the table, "So how was school?" He asks making small talk. The two begin chit chatting away for a bit.
Shio walks in and examines the place carefully. "Hmm. I guess it doesn't look too bad." He is greeted by a girl that introduces herself but he barely pays her any attention. His subordinate gets them a table and handles talking to the 'little unimportant people' for him. His eyes scan the room and a wide smile breaks across his face as he finds not just the person he was looking for but also one of the top eight duelists in Japan. "Go have a seat. I have some mingling to do." He takes off without waiting.
"Mr. Sh-" He sighs and decides it isn't a good idea to mention the other's name in a public area. He follows the hostess to his seat and waits nervously for his master's return. "Teika will kill us at this rate." He mutters under his breath.
"Good evening. I do not mean to be rude but are you not Bakura Ryou, one of the top eight duelists?" Shio asks approaching the two.
Ryou turns in his seat and smiles half-heartedly. He didn't like his title because it really wasn't his alone. The Spirit of the Ring deserved the title and he disliked thinking about it because it made him think about the Spirit and that made him... nervous. "I- uhm well I-."
"Yes. This is the one and only. Ryou Bakura of the infamous and terrifying Occult Deck." Monda answers in his place. "He's pretty powerful but can be quite modest about his abilities." Monda starts.
"Shui..." Ryou mumbles hesitantly in disapproval.
"Heh. I see. Lure an unsuspecting opponent into a false sense of security and when they think you're no big deal - you take'em down. A malicious strategy but perfectly suited for your type of deck. I've always found that sort of buildup pointless though. It drags out the match too long. Don't you think a direct and immediate attack is much more effective?" He smirks down at the teen with chilling amusement in his eyes.
"Shui do you want to start taking the packaging and filing the labels? I promise not to be long." He asks, trying to hide his nervousness.
Monda seems a bit perplexed but after checking his watch he sighs, "Alright. Just meet me in the back after talking with your fan. No rush, you need to make time for admirers after all." He shortly leaves the two to their conversation.
Once he is sure that none of his friends are around to hear this awkward encounter, Ryou relaxes his nerves and returns his attention to this mysterious other. "I think there are all sorts of ways to play." He smiles loosely, "That's what makes it such a thrilling game. I personally like the excitement in the buildup, it makes for a grandeur effect when you turn the tables and your opponent finds themselves speechless at a very sudden loss. Plus I like Occult themed cards and they're best used in this manner."
He glares at him but is still intrigued. "I see. That is a good point. Still, it's sort of boring to have to wait for big plays. You do leave yourself open for attack when you have to stall. I've learned a lot about your cards and I've seen several holes in your strategy. I don't think a finalist in the Battle City Tournament should play with a deck that doesn't feel powerful."
Something in Ryou cringes and he clutches his head. "I can see that we have very different opinions..." He frowns and tries to shake the headache away.
"It's not opinion. I know your cards. After careful analysis I've concluded you should not have been in the finals to begin with. To be perfectly honest." Shio replies matter-of-fact. His expression ice cold with a smirk that sent shivers through the other's body.
But Ryou chuckles and smirks at the audacious man. "It almost feels like you're wanting to duel me. I'll admit to being curious over what someone who wasn't even in the tournament can do against someone who has been playing this game a long time. I don't much like the company of cocky know-it-alls' but perhaps sometime soon we can have a card game and I'll show you the true terrors that lie in the shadows. Cards are just tools to be wielded by the duelist. In the hands of weak duelists, cards are nothing but scraps of paper. But in the grasp of strong duelists, the cards become a force of power and victory. You talk pretty big for someone I've never seen or heard of before."
Shio stares a bit mesmerized by the switch in personality the other is showing from just moments before. "Well this is better. I wasn't expecting you to actually be so confident and foreboding." His snarky attitude doesn't lessen. "I'm impressed by the timid act you put on before. Push enough buttons and any façade will be uncovered. I know everything about your cards, dueling me wouldn't be wise." He warns.
Ryou laughs lightly. "Dueling with darkness is foolish. What luck you have that I am very busy at the moment and don't have the time to play with a wannabe duelist right now." Ryou smiles sweetly but keeps a mishievious glint in his dark brown eyes. "I'm on the clock so you'll have to excuse me. But I have a feeling we'll get to battle soon. Enjoy your meal and have a good rest of the night." Ryou turns without engaging further or even waiting for a response. He leaves a dumbfounded stranger behind and scurries off to the back. He takes a deep breath. 'Something wasn't right with that guy. That was so terrifying.' He grimaces and rubs his arms in attempt to calm his nerves.
Otogi walks over to let Jounouchi and Kaiba in but stiffens as instead of his amnesiac friend, it's Erio Rowle. He stands there awkwardly, unsure of how to respond. "G-good evening." He starts a bit pissed that he stutters like a fool.
"Ah good evening, Otogi." He nods and steps in before Otogi has a chance to react. "I didn't see his car, so I'm assuming Kaiba and Katsuya are not here yet?" He checks his watch. "I suppose I am a bit early." He states more to himself.
"What are you doing here exactly?" The black-haired teen finally finding his bearings. He shuts the door and follows the older down the hall. 'What does this guy want?'
Erio turns to him and sighs with a weak chuckle. "I see. I needed to speak with Katsuya about some things - this living arrangement for one. Kaiba invited me here to do so. It seems he may have forgotten to give said information to you. My apologies for arriving so unexpectedly like this."
Otogi sighs and leads him into the living area. "Have a seat. I guess you'll have to see it anyways so don't worry about it. Would you like something to drink?"
Erio pulls out his phone and seems a bit troubled by something, "Some water would be fine." He replies politely but turns back to his phone.
Otogi walks away and steps into the kitchen. "That Kaiba. He probably didn't mention it on purpose." He mutters under his breath.
"That sounds like him." Honda sighs, having heard the last bits of their conversation. He lowers his voice, "So what're we supposed to converse with him about? When's Jounouchi getting here?"
Otogi pours some water into a glass. "How am I supposed to know?" He whispers back and sighs again. "Kaiba would decide to be late now." He holds the glass out to Honda. "Here, take this out to him."
Honda cringes. "Nah, I don't think the guy likes me all that much. Why don't you? He's your guest."
Otogi glowers. "Because I might say something rude to him for all the crap he's put Jounouchi through. You're better at dealing with these kinds of people." He insists. "You know, sucking up and all."
They glare at one another for a while. "Come on. The longer we take, the more awkward it'll be. We'll both go." He grabs himself a soda can and nudges the other out the door.
"You're gonna make me spill it." Otogi hisses as he watches the water swish wildly in the cup. The two eventually return to the living area only to blink confused at their guest's disappearance. Otogi sets the water down onto the small coffee table. "Where did he go?" Honda searches about, taking off to peek into the rooms but returns shortly with a shake of his head. Otogi walks over to the front door and notes the older's shoes are gone. "He's outside maybe?" He whispers and tenses as Honda surprises him by brushing past him to peer out through the side window.
"Yeah. And he looks a little mad. Look." Honda scoots over so Otogi can peek out too. "That is not a pleasant phone call."
"No, it doesn't seem so." Otogi agrees. "Come on, let's get back to the living room. He pulls back and starts walking away.
Honda reluctantly follows, "Who do you think he's talking to?"
The DDM Creator shrugs disinterestedly. "Probably work related." He figures and the other nods as well. They sit down and try to relax as they hear the older man return. An awkward time awaiting them.