Chapter 42, Piece 48 * * * * * * * *
Kaiba locked the door. Almost instantly, his cell phone rang. He turned it off and faced Jounouchi.
It had actually been Mutou who was able to convince the group to give the two men some time alone.
"We really only have two choices: let them work it out here and support them, or find out that worked things out on their own when they sneak off and do it." He looked at each individual in turn. "If they both want to do this, Ra himself won't stop them."
No one had an argument for that, and they all left the room, albeit reluctantly.
Kaiba started to speak, then paused - glancing over the man who had so enthralled his evening "Jounouchi-san, I understand you have little reason to trust me, but this may not be the best location to continue our conversation."
"Why not?"
Seto pointed to the wall. "Did you do that?"
Jounouchi looked at the fist-shaped hole. "Worried your head is next?"
"I'm concerned that your hand is swelling because you've broken a bone. I suggest that we slip out through the catering door, catch a cab, and go to the nearest medical center. We can talk on the way and I will pay for treatment."
Jounouchi looked at his hand and touched it gingerly. He frowned. "Fuck. I do not need this." He sighed heavily. "You're payin' the cab fare too."
The door lead to a service hall. It circled around the ballroom where most of KaibaCorp's guests were still enjoying the evening.
They ran across a group of waiters apparently on a break.
"Kaiba-sama!" One of them gasped and they all bowed deeply. "Did you need something, sir?"
"Yes, the quickest exit and where can we catch a cab - preferably without my brother catching us."
The group almost managed to hide their good-natured smiles.
"Yes, sir. This way, please." One of them directed them further down the hall.
"If anyone asks," Kaiba started.
"We haven't seen anyone."
They exited the hotel on a quiet side street around the corner from the main entrance. The waiter left them and returned moments later followed by a cab.
As they got into the cab, Kaiba gave the waiter a ¥1,000 note. "My brother will likely create a panic looking for us. Before he puts the building on lock down you may recall seeing two men mention going to a hotel."
The man looked confused. "But..." Then he seemed to understand. "Yes, sir. They seemed very attentive to each other."
Kaiba got in the vehicle. "Driver, the nearest emergency room. My friend has a broken bone and is in a great deal of pain."
Jounouchi glared at him. "I'm trying to decide if it's worth breaking the other hand to punch you. The whole damn place thinks we're gonna fuck, you asshole."
"No. The wait staff believe we want people to think we are going to fuck. I have no idea what they believe we are actually going to do, but they will tell an embellished story of two lovers slipping out into the night."
Jounouchi's glare deepened. "Which no one who knows either of us would buy on a bet!"
"But it will prove Mutou-kun's point, and get Mokie to call off the dogs."
Jounouchi huffed and scowled. "Yeah, probably." The cab rolled over a bump and he hissed. "Ow! Shit! I'm beginning to feel that now. Damn, that hurts."
"I'm sorry. Why did you punch the wall in the first place?"
"Because I needed to punch something and your face wasn't there!"
"Ah."
They were silent for the rest of the ride, apart from Jounouchi's occasional grunts of pain.
When they arrived, Kaiba paid the driver as Jounouchi went in. Kaiba caught up to Jounouchi at the registration desk. "Stay here; I'll be right back."
The blonde grunted in response and Kaiba followed a hunch. A few minutes' search, and he began seeing signs for the hospital's chief surgeon. The office was open.
Kaiba showed his ID to the receptionist at the desk. "Do you know who I am?"
She read the name, then looked at him. "Kaiba Seto? Kaiba - KaibaCorp, Kaiba Seto?" She nearly knocked her chair over standing to bow. "Kaiba-sama! I am honored!"
"Thank you, but I have an emergency. My friend is an artist and we believe he's broken his hand. Is there -"
"Right away, sir." She hurried into the interior office.
A moment later she and a grey-bearded gentleman came out. The man smiled.
"Kaiba-sama, it is an honor -"
"Later!" He snapped. "Jounouchi is in pain and if he can no longer draw because of this, I will never forgive myself."
"Of course. Where is he?"
"Registration. And I haven't the faintest idea how to get back."
"Then follow me."
The trip back was quick. Kaiba knew they were near when he could hear Jounouchi's voice in the distance.
"...telling you, I can't even hold the pen, much less write! You've got my card, can't you just..."
As they rounded the corner, Kaiba pointed. "Him."
"Certainly, sir. Thank you, Sister. I will take this patient from here. Tetsu-san will do his intake forms. Call Miokuru-sensei, tell him we have an artist with -" the doctor paused and picked up Jounouchi's arm gently. "Excuse me, this will probably hurt." He touched the injured hand in several places. "With four, maybe five shattered hand bones. I'd like him to consult tonight. Thank you." He looked at Jounouchi. "You're looking a bit pale. Let's get you a room and something to ease the pain, shall we?"