Summary: He was still back at square one. Mokuba still had to deal with his own problems.


Mokuba found himself checking his phone for the fifth time in two hours. After storming into the shop, Yami stopped communicating with him entirely. Nearly three days had passed with no calls, no texts; Yami had even avoided stopping by the apartment - in spite of the fact that he had several clothes and other belongings there. Mokuba had long since realized his mistake. It was obvious that Yami thought he'd been telling Yuugi details about their relationship. And worse, he was running out of time to try and correct it.

KaibaCorp's paid vacations didn't last forever. The thought that he might have to return to work with ...whatever was between them, lingering, was an infuriating one. Vulnerability was a strange quality for Yami in his opinion. And for what it was worth, Yuugi had no clue about what was going on. From Mokuba's perspective, it made little sense. One night Yami was sobbing into Mokuba's pillow. Then the next, he was raging about a single conversation with Yuugi - one that he knew nothing about.

"...to know a man's name is to have dominion over him... what will you do with mine?"

He was no closer to answering that question. What was the significance of that name? Mokuba knew absolutely nothing about the situation. As an outsider - and more importantly, having been absent from the country for several years - he'd missed so much of Yami's development. What had Yami lost from the past and what did he dope to gain in the future? Those were things he didn't know. Now that Mokuba had figured out what he needed to know to piece things together, the former pharaoh was nowhere to be found.

Not one to brood, Mokuba had first thought to put himself to use. Relationship issues aside, he had been gone from home for almost a month. He could use the time alone to be productive, to catch up on chores and things. Maybe it would be possible to have a life outside of social angst and drama. Getting back to his roots, relaxing after a job well done with some games and junk food was an appealing idea.

But there wasn't as much to do around the house as he had hoped. A walk around - the first he'd made since returning, really - made it obvious to him that there was very little to do.

Yami had kept the apartment clean and organized during his absence. The night they'd fucked? He'd even bought groceries and sorted them before leaving. Clothes were washed, dishes were cleaned and the floor had even been mopped recently, judging by the faded sheen. Yami had treated the place as though it were his own. Not bad for an emotionally unstable asshole.

That left Mokuba is difficult place. Two days was enough for him to catch up on the sleep he needed. Now he was full of unspent energy and there were few places to put it. For a moment he considered bringing work home, but dismissed the idea just as quickly. He'd be damned if he did any KC work on his own time. But everyone had work or school in some fashion, and Mokuba saw no point in having fun on his own when he had someone that he wanted to share that time with. There was only so long that he could play games or watch movies before he would feel lazy, especially if he hadn't done any chores.

On a separate note, it was hard not to think of all the sex that they could've been having instead if they only had their shit together. Yami, why do you have to be such an idiot?

Mokuba was determined to prevent another day to pass without any real activity, so he contacted Jounouchi. Sometimes it was hard to think of Yuugi and Yami's friends as his own, considering both the age gap and the fact that he'd been away from Japan for several years. But if the last month or so had proven anything, it was that he could rely on them. Everyone had seemed to be happy that he was back, especially Jounouchi and Anzu. And of everyone in that circle of people, they were also the two he trusted enough to know about his relationship with Yami.

A warning hadn't necessarily been what he expected after telling them about it, but it was interesting. Yami hadn't mentioned Jou in any tales about his past. Mokuba was curious about what he could have known. While he was not one for prying into the business of others, there were some missing pieces he needed to gather to understand things and he wasn't necessarily getting much help with finding them.

Yami very clearly needed a support system, people that he could confide in and rely on. Yuugi could not be that person, despite being willing and able. As Yami had explained before, the two of them together - at least from his perspective - seemed forced. And that aside, Yuugi's devotion was something powerful and frightening. The conversation outside the shop, and Yami's reaction, had proven it. Yuugi was willing to give up everything to help Yami get what he deserved. Mokuba agreed that saving the world from the rule of the dark God should have granted Yami a bit more than what he currently possessed. But wasn't a healthy way to go about delivering it. Yuugi had his own life to live, and Yami knew that.

The closer Yuugi loomed, the further away Yami would push him. There had to be some other way.

As petty as it seemed, Mokuba would be damned it Marik was Yami's only alternative. Fuck that. Marik had caused a lot of trouble for Domino, let alone anyone involved in Battle City; much of KaibaCorp's resources had gone towards concealing the occurrences both on the ground and in the air. A lot of people were put in danger and there had been enough liabilities for a single leak to lead to doom for KaibaCorp and its empire. No matter how Yuugi attempted to explain it away, the damage had been done and he wasn't even close to forgiving Marik for any of it.

I'm in a high school drama, Mokuba decided, and groaned. Being caught up in a rivalry over a boy was the nail in the coffin. That's exactly what it was.

All the same, he wouldn't back down. Mokuba had bungled quite a few things since his return. If he were to give up on Yami at this point, it would render his other mistakes meaningless. Regardless of his relationship with Seto or thoughts on his brother's way of doing things - he was a Kaiba. They learned from their mistakes and did not repeat them.

Checking his phone, it seemed that Jounouchi was busy or otherwise couldn't respond. Spending all this time just thinking and not discussing or deciding was going to drive him crazy. He knew that Jou had lots of work and classes, so Mokuba wouldn't pester him. Instead, on impulse, he dialed another number.

If he was going to try to deal with Yami, why stop a single person?

Oddly enough, the call was answered on the first ring. "Yes?" Mokuba knew his brother well enough to tell that there was a sense of urgency lurking beneath the question. If Seto could assume that he was

"I'm fine, Seto." Crossing his fingers, he hoped that everything was fine at work. Going in on one of his days off wasn't a possibility that Mokuba was looking forward to. "I just need to talk to you."

The sigh that followed conveyed not only relief, but impatience. Mokuba could picture the cold stare, those blue eyes trying their hardest to turn him to stone. When silence followed, it became obvious that Seto was waiting to hear more.

"...in person, I meant," Mokuba added. "Are you free at any point today or tonight for me to stop by? -that is, if you're not too busy with work."

There was a short pause before he received a response. "...is this work related?"

Mokuba couldn't tell which answer would get the results he wanted. Was his brother in the middle of some big assignment? There was no way for him to know. Having been the one the set Seto's schedule for the week, he couldn't remember anything of importance. But there was more to running KaibaCorp than interviews and meetings. More often than not Seto had things to deal with that Mokuba didn't know about at all.

It was more than a little irritating he was being asked in the first place. But he had no reason to lie. "No, it isn't."

"Then no, I won't be free," Seto replied briskly.

Even though the odds had pointed towards the answer he'd received, it was still just a little painful to hear. Mokuba had worked hard to show his brother that he wasn't a slacker, and kept up with all of Seto's demands. But there were only so many hours in a day, and Mokuba could only exert himself for so many. If they were going to get along at all, Seto would need to remember that.

But Mokuba would play this game by his rules. He would make an effort. Maybe Seto would let him make an appointment. "Alright," he said, trying to hold back his frustration. "We-"

"When did you want to meet?"

"As soon as you're available." If this was the only way to see his brother, he would take it.

"Be at my desk in fifteen minutes. I'm at the KC Tower."

That was not the answer he expected, but the message was clear: I don't have time, but I'll make some for you. Mokuba made it there in ten.

The very moment that he stepped into his brother's office, he felt under dressed. The gaudy, violet coat was absent, replaced by a smoky gray suit jacket, crisp white shirt and black tie. The ensemble was completed with a silver watch on his right wrist and matching cufflinks. Seated behind his desk, Seto looked officially in charge. Less like a duelist and more like a proper CEO. He looked good.

"Where are you going looking like that?" Mokuba didn't hesitate to let out a low whistle. "Who got lucky?" It wasn't often that his brother changed out of what made him feel comfortable.

"I'm flying out this afternoon."

Ah, that made sense. Typically, Seto dressed up when going out of the country. It was no secret that he held his foreign associates in higher esteem than several of the companies in Domino - especially after all of the backstabbing and corporate espionage they'd had to endure over the years.

Since Seto was taking the time to see him, though, Mokuba wasted no time lowering himself into one of the chairs designated for visitors. They were plump, cushy seats that he had loved as a child. It was easy to fall asleep in them, even, and he had done it more than once. As he grew, it was revealed to him that they were a more subtle component of business-making tactics; it was much easier to get a partner or client to cooperate when they were more relaxed.

Though he had rushed to get there, Mokuba wasn't sure where to start. His brother wasn't exactly a relationship guru. There weren't too many responses that he could look forward to hearing, besides 'why is this important?' On the other hand, Seto was a master tactician when it came to many things. If anyone could help him gain an edge on a rival, it was the man sitting in front of him.

"How are you?" Mokuba asked. He wanted to let Seto know that despite all that had happened between them, their relationship was still intact. It would also help to establish that this conversation would be quite unorthodox for the two of them.

The signal seemed to work, as a single brown eyebrow rose in response. Seto looked very confused. "Mokuba, you know better than to waste time. Are you feeling well?" His brother was the same as he had always been. If there had been any significant changes, Mokuba would have already been informed. That said Seto leaned forward on his desk, primed to listen.

"I ...well. I'll admit that I feel a little weird asking to see you like this." Mokuba squirmed in his comfortable chair, doing his best to avoid lounging. "This isn't about something I would usually ask for your advice on."

Seto's jaw clenched and he sat back, expression unreadable. "So this is a personal matter, then." It was a declaration, not a question.

Mokuba couldn't remember ever feeling comfortable talking to Seto about anything besides school, career paths or dueling. When it came down to the specifics, Seto cared only about whether or not a goal was worth his time, and if it was, how to reach it in the most efficient amount of time using only what resources were necessary. It wasn't exactly a welcoming environment and wasn't very helpful when dealing with others.

Nonetheless, Mokuba made an effort to continue. He'd gone through the trouble to show up, after all. "It's about Yami."

A small muscle between Seto's brows quivered, but his expression didn't change. Glancing down at his watch, he answered, "I can't spare more than a half hour before I have to leave for the airport."

It was the same tone of voice that Seto used with anyone pitching a suggestion, proposing an alliance or presenting a potential product. "I'll take what I can get." Not that Mokuba thought that it would take that long. Suddenly, he felt self-conscious. He hadn't really expected his brother to hear him out without objection.

This wasn't a proposition, though - he was talking about his life. "Long story short," Mokuba sighed. "I have competition, I guess. And it's frustrating."

Blue eyes stared at him rather blankly. It seemed that he was at a loss. Maybe he was waiting for more information? Mokuba wasn't sure, so he continued and tried to pick his words carefully.

"To explain, Yami's considering... ah, other options, and apart from simple desiring to be picked, I don't think that either of the others would be... beneficial - yes, that's what I'll say - to him as a person."

There was another few seconds of silence. Seto shifted in his seat, leaning forward again, chin supported by a bridge made by interlacing fingers.

Mokuba couldn't think of a more business appropriate context to frame the situation in. He was sure that Seto was wondering why he was wasting his time with someone who questioned his value at all, even in comparison. But that wasn't quite the situation and because of the Yami's complex history, he didn't really want to address it. Perhaps the confident approach would be to not consider them competition at all, because they were clearly inferior options, but that didn't cover all of it. Aside from specific instances, Yami's relationships with both Marik and Yuugi were mysteries to him, but they both seemed to have firm connections regardless.

And you're willing to compromise, Mokuba reminded himself. Something that Seto almost never did. He floundered over how to fit that into the conversation somehow, without Seto thinking less of him or focusing on that particular weakness. But it was impossible. They'd end up discussing it if Mokuba mentioned it.

When Seto finally answered, he said simply, "This sounds like a complex situation."

That was the understatement of the year. "...yeah."

Avoiding his gaze to pick at some small detail on his jacket, Seto added, "How does he treat you, anyway? Is he even worth the effort of competing?"

In spite of the seriousness of the situation, Mokuba couldn't help but smile. "Even if you can't understand why, I wouldn't be around if I felt it was a waste of time. Yami puts on a tough act, but we along well." And for the sake of humor, he added, "And he knows who's in charge." If he was honest with himself he would have said that sometimes he wasn't sure who was leading whom. They both seemed to have a handle on traits that the other lacked.

We're actually a pretty decent match.

But Seto smirked in response, and that was exactly what he wanted. "I knew he was a softie. All that talk of friendship and goodness."

Mokuba himself was a proponent of both of those things, but he didn't point that out. "I can't say I'd only choose people you'd approve of, but I can say I wouldn't choose anyone who would hurt me. Thanks for caring, Seto." Maybe his brother wouldn't put that sentiment out there, in plain language, but he had no qualms with it. That was a reassuring fact, to know that Seto was concerned about him.

"Hm. Regardless, he can't be very smart if he's considering anyone else. The choice is obvious."

Explaining the complicated relationship between Yami and Yuugi would be too difficult, so instead Mokuba smiled graciously. All things considered, they'd gotten off to a pretty good start. The lighter tones in Seto's voice were something he'd missed over the years. Still a rare occurrence so far as Mokuba could tell, but he was glad to have a chance to enjoy it.

So instead of trying to put his knowledge about the two of them into words, Mokuba kept it simple. "It's not something that I can do anything about. Those sorts of attachments ...they're difficult to break."

Seto grimaced. "Yes, I know. Like the head of a dying business, pouring money into keeping it open because it's his first start up. But I'm not sure if that exactly applies here. We're talking about your-" he paused, and for the first time in a long time, seemed unsure of how to phrase his next few words.

Ah. Right. Mokuba had told his brother that he and Yami weren't dating (and at the time, they weren't).

In spite of the uncertainty, Seto recovered quickly. "-partner," he decided, straightening his lapel. When he wasn't corrected, he continued. "In any case, the whole arrangement is-"

Mokuba cut him off at the pass. A lot of things had happened since then, most of which Seto knew nothing about. Time for an update. "Well, we've sort of decided to, for lack of a better word, escalate the terms of our arrangement. He's - well - we're dating now, anyway."

Seto's stare was blank, as was his expression; but Mokuba what his older brother looked like when he was confused, or something didn't make sense to him.

"We weren't before. We were just testing things out."

"Wanna fuck?" It was hard not to remember those words, considering that he'd been the one to say them.

"It sounds like you have some thinking to do, either way. You can't go through life only half-committing to your choices. It's very unlike you, Mokuba. I must admit that I'm a bit more than concerned about the effect that this is having on you."

Mokuba felt that he wasn't receiving enough credit. "I've made my decision on the matter, Seto. That's why I'm here."

Letting out a long sigh, Seto relaxed back into his seat. "I must be honest, then - it isn't as though I have much experience with these things. I am not a fan of having others make decisions that affect me in the way that you've made yourself vulnerable. You do realize that's what it is you've done?"

The image of those two hands, intertwined, stood prominent in Mokuba's memory. He didn't think that his brother was quite as foreign to the idea as others would assume. "But-"

Seto held up a hand, almost as though he'd known what Mokuba was about to say. "However, I can see the value in it, if the right person is involved. Not much, but some. So in this situation I can't say that I know what you should do." He bowed his head, just a little, his expression once again difficult to decipher.

It was unlike Seto to admit anything positive about emotional attachments. In fact, the two of them having opposing views over the value of emotional interaction had been a source of frustration over the years. Mokuba had a tendency to show more empathy than Seto felt necessary in his decision-making processes. Seto was astounded that his younger brother would prefer making small, unnecessary sacrifices than fully maximize potential. Hearing now that his older brother could express some modicum of compassion for anyone besides Mokuba was a little hard to believe.

So he decided to ask about the source of this change in perspective. "Well then ...since we're talking honestly... are you ever going to tell me what she's like?"

Seto started in his seat and tried to mask it, quickly; he stood quietly and smoothed his hands over his jacket. Blue eyes seem to almost glare at Mokuba, as though to reprimand him for even asking. But Seto wasn't the type to lie. So Mokuba would either get a reply acknowledging the truth, or the question would be ignored.

"I like her," he said simply, and Mokuba did his best not to grin in triumph.

"That says a lot already. Where did you meet?"

"In town." Of course he was going to make this difficult for Mokuba. Seto made everything difficult for him.

"Specifically, Seto. Does she work here?"

"Tch." Those blue eyes suddenly flashed cold. "As if I would."

It would have been unlike him. Outside of a few of those working in Research and Development, Seto didn't think very much of the people the company had employed. With that option eliminated, Mokuba waited expectantly. "Then?"

Seto answered, "I met her two years ago, at the Domino Museum."

Two years ago? He can't be saying-

"Now, if you excuse me, there is a car waiting outside to take me to the airport."

The moment passed so quickly that he wasn't sure what to do. Dumbfounded, Mokuba nodded, following his brother's lead to the door. Seto clearly didn't want to reveal anything else. There were so many - too many - questions, not only about the girl herself but Seto. It was almost cruel to be denied more information now.

"Congratulations." That was all Mokuba could think to say. If he was lucky, maybe it would lead to an extra tidbit of information.

A small pause preceded his brother's response. "...thank you."

Seto was clearly feeling a bit nervous. Maybe he would shelve the other questions in place of this one. "So when will I get to meet her?"

The glare Seto attacked him with was enough to make the answer clear without another word. At a time or place that I find acceptable.

Having been ushered into the hallway, Mokuba followed his brother and the two began to exit the building. Seto's heels clicked as they took each step on the polished floor. It was hard not to be impressed by his mode of dress. Although his brother didn't wear suits often, it was always impressive whenever he did. Mokuba also felt more impressive in a suit, but in a let's-attract-some-hot-people sort of way, not in a professional manner. Avoiding taking Seto seriously was hard normally but impossible when he was dressed to the nines.

Whatever it is he's doing, Mokuba thought, it must be really- And then it dawned on him.

"Oh my god, Seto!" he exclaimed, barely able to suppress his smile as the realization hit him. His brother continued walking. Increasing his pace to head Seto off, Mokuba whipped around to face him. "You're going to see her tonight, aren't you?"

Halting to avoid crashing into Mokuba, Seto crossed his arms. "You're in my way. I don't like delays."

"You sly dog - you're flying her out somewhere?"

Thin lips pursed themselves into a line. "I don't have to explain myself to you."

"Don't be so touchy. I am right, though, aren't I? If you're taking her on a date on a plane, this must be serious." Now he was determined once and for all to find out who she was, especially if they'd been together for such a long time. So he asked his initial question again. "When am I going to meet her?"

But his brother didn't budge. "Mokuba. Move. Now."

Like a child waiting for a reward, Mokuba did as he was bid. "You should let me know how things go tonight!"

All he got in return for his request was another glare. Seto wouldn't say anything else on the way to the front door. Anyone they came across did their best to steer clear after seeing the looks on their faces. Out front, there was a limo parked, the driver waiting at the curb, holding the door open.

"Is the young Master traveling with you?"

"No," Seto told him.

"Yes," Mokuba said simultaneously. He smiled wickedly. "Well, I wouldn't-"

"No," his brother repeated, and then again to Mokuba himself. "No."

"It was worth a shot." Since this woman had already been in the Manor, Mokuba assumed that she wasn't a secret. "Enjoy your date, Seto." He was practically singing.

What Mokuba saw next was nothing less than shocking. Seto cracked a small smile, just at the edges of his lips. It was barely visible, and he imagined that no one else would have caught it. "Enjoy the rest of your vacation, Mokuba."

Seto dipped into the car and it pulled off. Mokuba couldn't help feeling bubbly and a bit better than when he'd arrived. Engaging positively with Seto without much snide felt like some sort of miracle. In no way had he gotten any of the answers that he wanted, but it was still worth it. Seto had actually admitted that there was someone else in his life. That was definitely something. Mokuba wondered what their relationship was like. It was difficult to imagine his brother being close or intimate with anyone, emotionally or...

Alright, champ. Let's not and say we did. He was still back at square one. Mokuba still had to deal with his own problems and for all of his excitement; Seto hadn't actually been much help. They handled their relationships too differently.

Yuugi was still an issue, and he still had an advantage that Mokuba could do very little about. One thing was for sure - he didn't want to go down without a fight. He liked whatever relationship this was with Yami. The sex was hot, he didn't have to go through lengths to explain anything about his odd passion for Duel Monsters, and they knew how to give each other space and pushed each other's buttons the right way. Materialistically there were no ridiculous requirements, either. Yami seemed content with a place to eat, sleep, read and fuck, and was open to trying new things. And most importantly, Yami didn't have anything to do with KaibaCorp. He preferred to stay out of the limelight.

So why was he so difficult to hold on to?

Sighing, Mokuba glanced at his phone. He'd missed a call and a message from Jounouchi.


Edited 5/16/16 – Alright! So I've had a couple people in reviews and PMs ask a bit about Seto and what's going on with him, so here is a chapter in which some of that is addressed a little! I realize that for some Seto Kaiba fans this fic isn't really satisfying, but he does make a few appearances here and there. This chapter pretty much kicks off some very, ah, tumultuous chapters and happenstances, so I hope Mokuba's general cheerfulness will tide you over while all of that is happening.

Please put your angst caps on, because we're about to go for a ride.

This is prompt #18.