Chapter 15, Piece 4 * * * * * * * *
After some effort, they managed to get Seto on his futon. The yukata he wore for his bath had fallen open during the process, however, Seto discovered that the flimsy material did nothing - even when tied - to cover his unexpected arousal.
"What are you working on?" he asked, not sure where to start a conversation, but desperate not to lose the chance.
"Nothing." Jou shrugged.
"You are very intent on nothing."
He shrugged again. "It's an idea I had."
"For?"
"For what does it matter? You're either gonna ridicule the idea or ridicule the art, and I don't want to hear either."
Seto tilted his head. "You honestly believe that, don't you?" He shook his head and almost smiled. "I am genuinely captivated by your attention."
"You're what?" Jou chuckled. "I think you left out a couple words."
"I don't believe so." Seto's smile grew. "You are known as something of an artist, so I am interested in what has captivated your attention." He actually snickered. "It's captivating."
Jou considered him for what seemed like forever. Then he picked up the sketch pad. "I always figured there must be two other dragons. There are always four. Four seasons, four winds, four directions, four elements."
"Four elements?"
"Fire, wind, earth, water."
"Ah. Yes. So, four dragons. Black, white...?"
"Red, blue." He turned the pad and revealed the picture.
Four dragons curled around each other so that a part of each body rested on two of the other three dragons. Completely symbiotic. The colors, the flow, the movement. It was a masterpiece.
"You're extraordinary," Seto said. "Truly."
"You had more than a couple if you'd say something like that." Jou grinned. "I think it's lights out for both of us."