*Sigh* Okay, this A/N is dedicated to Calcifer, and the people who felt the
same, but didn't say anything, since I knew there would be at least a
couple of you. First of all, as far as my knowledge goes (correct me if I'm
wrong), slash is a romantic/sexual scene that contains some form of
bondage, torture, and/or sadism/masochism. For those of you who need a
summary of the part, they sat down, talked, and kissed. Nothing there to
indicate
slash. Nor did I up it to PG, as G states that "explicit sex scenes and
nudity are absent",
with my clip having neither. People kiss in Disney movies, for heaven
sakes.
As to it being out of character, the scene is entirely out of context, because it's a NIGHTMARE, and in no way connected to the storyline. Joey wasn't happy, because he doesn't like Seto in the least, and the feeling is mutual. Though I am planning an _optional_ sequel to this with some romance, and the nightmare was a bit of a prelude to it, this was mostly to give Joey a hard time, and to get him tightly enough wound to go off during class. This is the last chapter of the story, and there's no romance, so everybody should be happy. Okay? Flame me or whatever if there are problems.
Edit: Sorry about sounding so offended, and snapping at people. ^^;; *Shaves head as penance* Had I actually known what slash meant, I wouldn't have had much of a problem with it. But then again, I have NO sense of author terms, so I guess on most of them.... does anybody know where I could find something that provides a good, comprehensive list of these sorts of things?
~*~*~*~
Joey awoke with a small groan, sitting up stiffly and rubbing his eyes. He blushed again as he realized he was still at the front of the class, and his anger started to rise once more. A quote slipped into his mind, from where, he didn't know. "Don't get mad; get even."
Following that advice, he went to retrieve his things, and popped the video in. "My project was on Seto Kaiba, a student, CEO, and... loving brother." He grinned as the footage of Mokuba's tacklehug played. There was a sprinkling of giggles, and nearly half the class was 'Aaaaawwww.....'ing.
Seto could feel a faint blush creeping into his face, suffusing his cheeks with a soft, rosy glow. The same girl that had seemed star-struck with Joey was now smiling sappily at him, and he resisted the urge to recommend that she go to a computer dating service. If she was THIS desperate....
Joey continued as the film ran it's course, now moving on to a cooking scene. "Can you believe this perfectionist? Along with studying and business, we can toss in another alent.... cooking! Hope ya have Poison Control Center on speed dial, Kaiba!" His grin was a little lopsided, and didn't waver, despite being on the receiving end of a glare he usually would have withered under.
"We've all seen him at school and at the office, but how about at home?" He snickered, giving Kaiba a triumphant look. Nothing was sweeter than revenge, which was a dish best served cold. Well, he could be cold too, then..... "You should all check for cavities after this," He recommended to the class. "since it's just TOO sweet...." Now it was showing them playing in the kitchen. The entire class was into it now; even Ms. Ross seemed delighted.
Kaiba quietly mouthed an unrepeatable word. His image, shattered..... His reputation, ruined..... He forced the blush from his face so violently that the blood seemed to drain out entirely, leaving him severely pale... or at least, even paler than normal. His smooth, flawless skin was practically an alabaster white.
Joey stopped the tape. "So, moving right along.... As you can see, Kaiba and his brother live alone. Poor things, huh? Haven't got parents to look after them or provide money."
Seto's eyes flashed fire, and a single hand convulsively clenched itself into a fist. He relished the slight pain of nails digging into his palm, and almost thought he felt a warm, wet trickle sliding between his fingers. He could-- and DID-- live with baiting, taunts, humiliation, scorn, being the object of someone's anger... What he would never, COULD never allow though, was for his family to be treated like that, dead or alive. They were supposed to be honored, not ridiculed. There was a time and place for games, but Joey had crossed the line....
He controlled himself with an effort that could only be described as Herculean, every taut line in his expression and posture bespeaking a grave menace. He saw Joey shrink back a little, obviously intimidated by the sheer, blistering intensity of his gaze, and savored the sight. Good! Let him be. By the time he would be through with that mutt, he would be begging for mercy....
Sensing he was treading dangerous grounds, Joey steered his presentation off of it's present topic. "So they've gotta take care of themselves. Didja see how happy they were to be with each other then? That's cause we all know that Kaiba is bound and determined to die at age 40 from a stress- induced heart attack. Can we say workaholic, folks?"
"Workaholic." Tristan chorused, demonstrating his ability to with a grin. Joey laughed, Seto just sighed.
"Yeeeeah. Anyhow, with Kaiba gone all that time, you've gotta wonder how Mokuba's faring. He's probably alright, ya know? But still, I'd recommend getting him a pet or something so he wouldn't be so lonely." The 'Rusty' incident was all too clear in his mind at the moment.
"And also, just how much do you like those gadgets you've got, anyhow? There's bound to be enough there to fill a warehouse. You sure you aren't an android yourself? How do you get through the metal detectors at airports?"
By this time, Seto had composed himself enough to look perfectly calm. "Well, they work miracles with plastics and silicons these days." He responded flippantly, giving the boy a saucy smirk and wink. "And it's a great deal harder to sense something internal; otherwise people with pacemakers would be stopped every time." He brushed the question off with a cool wave of the hand.
Joey's mouth flopped open for a minute, and he stared disbelievingly. Did Kaiba.... really have.... implants or something? Woah.... Shaking his head a little, Joey went to bring his report to it's conclusion. "Uh...huh... From what I've seen, Kaiba's a lot more open at home, pretty self-sufficient, and overworked. I think that if he got a secretary or something, and maybe attended some group therapy, he'd be a lot happier. Just chill a little; the entire world isn't out to get you."
He clicked the play button again. "And as a special treat for you all, we've captured Kaiba in some rather interesting moments..." The tape started to play, showing the pictures like a slide show. Additionally, he'd made an actual, hardcopy collage, and walked around the room to show people. If he'd passed it around, knowing Kaiba, the guy would've set it on fire or something....
Kaiba let his anger smolder for the moment. How was he going to repair his image? His reputation looked to have been permanently tarnished by this... Wait! As Joey passed him by with the poster, Seto leaned towards him, a deceptively friendly smile on his face. "Hey, mutt?"
"Yeah?"
"Did you say you were going to mail me those checks, or give them to me personally?" He asked, loudly enough for most people to hear.
"Wh-what're you talking about?" Joey stammered, totally baffled. "What checks?"
"Now, now, don't go pretending that you don't know." Seto chided. "You perfectly well remember our agreement. After all, isn't it customary to pay actors?"
"....WHAT?! Actors?" He demanded, staring at him. "You weren't acting! It was all real!" Oh, crud.... WHY hadn't he told them it was candid? Now, if he did say it, they probably wouldn't believe him.....
"Actors, of course." Seto agreed complacently. "And it was real-looking, wasn't it? I certainly outdid myself, yet I think my charge was rather modest, considering the performance we put on. Thus, I'm asking when you'll deliver the payment. You can make it one check, by the way; Mokuba and I share an account."
"I..... um....." Joey stared, and fidgeted a little, sweating as he felt the eyes on him. "Yeah..... I'll-I'll give it to you after school." Could this get any worse?
Oh, Gods, he'd just jinxed himself, hadn't he? WHY had he gone and thought that? He and his big mouth.... err, brain....
Apparently, he had. Ms. Ross called them over, and handed them each a folded slip of paper. "Joseph, I'd like you to go to the Counselor's office with Seto. Afterwards, you can go to the principal." She also handed them a grading rubric, from their project. "Go now, and take your things; you might not be back for the bell." 0 "What?! But I di--" Joey fumed, interrupted.
"Of course." Seto agreed with his usual calm demeanor, taking Joey's arm in an iron grip and half-led, half-dragged him out into the hall.
"What's the big idea?!"
"Don't make a fool out of yourself, or you'll only make things worse." He was TRYING to keep that pup out of trouble, and _this_ was the thanks he got?! So much for gratitude... "Let's just go."
"I'm DANCING with anticipation." Joey snapped.
"Now _that_ would be a sight to see...." Seto remarked wryly, shaking his head in bemusement as he marvelled at the thought.
Joey blushed. "KAIBA!"
He ignored Joey and flipped open the rubric, glancing at it. Hmmm, not bad, not bad at all. He could live without the last part, though......
- Work Completed in a Timely Fashion (10): 10
- Neatness (10): 10
- Creativity (15): 15
- 10 Minute Video: (25): 25
- 3 Minute Presentation (30): 30
- Overall Presentation of Work (10): 10
- Extra: +5
- Total: 105
- Teacher Comments: Excellent use of previously learned skills. You two work very well together. Consider partnering for future projects.
~*~*~*~
Ms. White closed the door behind them, and there was a soft click as the lock slid into place. If he hadn't known better, he would've sworn that was a sadistic smile the woman was wearing....
Or maybe he was just paranoid. But being paranoid kept him from being killed, so he preferred the work 'observant'. Seto steepled his fingers and projected an aura of confidence; Joey slouched sullenly in his chair, a glint of defiance in his eyes.
Ms. White took their sheets, and glanced at them, sitting down. "So.... I hear that you two disrupted the class. Am I right?"
"That was n--" Joey began to protest.
"Not our intention." Seto cut in. "Unfortunately, it's deeds that one is measured by, rather than intent."
"Which, for all purposes, are the same." The counselor countered.
"Not always so." Seto returned, with an odd little smile.
"Oh?"
"Consider the man who steals a loaf of bread to feed his starving family." Seto easily drew on one of the most overused-- but nevertheless, very effective-- examples there was. "By his action, he is a man to be condemned, for he has become a thief. But perhaps, if one looks deeper, they see that the man has been out of work for over a year; that his savings are almost gone; that his wife and children are now living on scraps, and he, on nothing at all. A reprehensible action, seen from another perspective, takes on an air of benevolence and altruism. Truly, is he to blame?"
The woman frowned; she should've expected this, from the class they were coming from.... Valid point or not, you didn't argue with a counselor. "What were you doing, then?"
"Attempting to settle a point of contention, though he chose a rather.... forceful way to present his argument."
"So, tell me about your families." She turned to a new topic almost vindictively, deciding to just get a few facts thrown together so she could warrant sending the vexing pair to the principal's office. "How about you?" She turned to Joey first.
"Well, and I live with my dad; my sister lives with my mom." Joey started. "I don't see em much."
"And how does your father treat you?" She feigned concerned interest.
"Well, I don't see him all that much, he--"
A gleam of pain was evident in his eyes, who Seto caught, and smoothly broke in. "He's often absent; I've been to his house several times." Several was more than twice, less than many; he'd been there around three times, so that counted.
"So he doesn't have time for you." She wrote something down.
"Um... yeah. He.... he tries, though." Joey affirmed, a little confused.
"And yourself?"
"I live alone with my younger brother."
"Who is your legal guardian, then?" She queried.
"I have none; I'm sui juris." Seto said patiently, clearly a little exasperated.
"I see." Darn, not much to glean here. "And how is your relationship with each other?"
Joey flushed; Seto looked bored. "We're acquaintances."
"Ahh." Why couldn't she scrape together enough to condemn these two? All she was getting were bland, unimportant facts....
The bell rang; Joey looked at once relieved and fearful. Seto looked to Ms. White with only a thin veneer of patience. "May we leave now? Or are you not finished?"
She barely managed to keep her smile sweet. "Of course. I'll just clear you both up with the principal." Another missed opportunity....
Seto cleared his throat pointedly. "Excuse me."
"What?" She looked up at him.
"We'll need the keys." The CEO said authoritatively. He took the key ring that dangled from her fingertips briskly, and unlocked the door before handing them back. "Come on."
Joey followed him out of the office, and towards the school doors. "That was pretty smooth." He said, almost admiringly.
"You think?"
"Yeah. Thanks..." The blonde nodded appreciatively, pushing open the doors.
The two passed under a large oak tree, the grass beneath them dappled with a complex pattern of interwoven light and shadows. "Hey.... Joey?"
"Hmm?" Joey asked, somewhat surprised to be called by his own name.
"I think you were right, about the report."
"What're you talking about?" Joey tilted his head in confusion. They'd stopped, now.
"Well...." Seto took a steadying breath, and offered out his hand with a small smile. "Maybe I have been forgetting something important. What I'm saying, is.... I'd like to learn again, I guess. Want to be friends?" His voice was quieter now, hopeful.
Joey's first instincts warned him of a trick, but he looked into the boy's eyes, reading only sincerity in their depths. Realizing he'd been staring too long, he simply smiled back, accepting the hand and shaking it with something akin to wonder. "You've really changed, Seto."
"You have no idea."
As to it being out of character, the scene is entirely out of context, because it's a NIGHTMARE, and in no way connected to the storyline. Joey wasn't happy, because he doesn't like Seto in the least, and the feeling is mutual. Though I am planning an _optional_ sequel to this with some romance, and the nightmare was a bit of a prelude to it, this was mostly to give Joey a hard time, and to get him tightly enough wound to go off during class. This is the last chapter of the story, and there's no romance, so everybody should be happy. Okay? Flame me or whatever if there are problems.
Edit: Sorry about sounding so offended, and snapping at people. ^^;; *Shaves head as penance* Had I actually known what slash meant, I wouldn't have had much of a problem with it. But then again, I have NO sense of author terms, so I guess on most of them.... does anybody know where I could find something that provides a good, comprehensive list of these sorts of things?
~*~*~*~
Joey awoke with a small groan, sitting up stiffly and rubbing his eyes. He blushed again as he realized he was still at the front of the class, and his anger started to rise once more. A quote slipped into his mind, from where, he didn't know. "Don't get mad; get even."
Following that advice, he went to retrieve his things, and popped the video in. "My project was on Seto Kaiba, a student, CEO, and... loving brother." He grinned as the footage of Mokuba's tacklehug played. There was a sprinkling of giggles, and nearly half the class was 'Aaaaawwww.....'ing.
Seto could feel a faint blush creeping into his face, suffusing his cheeks with a soft, rosy glow. The same girl that had seemed star-struck with Joey was now smiling sappily at him, and he resisted the urge to recommend that she go to a computer dating service. If she was THIS desperate....
Joey continued as the film ran it's course, now moving on to a cooking scene. "Can you believe this perfectionist? Along with studying and business, we can toss in another alent.... cooking! Hope ya have Poison Control Center on speed dial, Kaiba!" His grin was a little lopsided, and didn't waver, despite being on the receiving end of a glare he usually would have withered under.
"We've all seen him at school and at the office, but how about at home?" He snickered, giving Kaiba a triumphant look. Nothing was sweeter than revenge, which was a dish best served cold. Well, he could be cold too, then..... "You should all check for cavities after this," He recommended to the class. "since it's just TOO sweet...." Now it was showing them playing in the kitchen. The entire class was into it now; even Ms. Ross seemed delighted.
Kaiba quietly mouthed an unrepeatable word. His image, shattered..... His reputation, ruined..... He forced the blush from his face so violently that the blood seemed to drain out entirely, leaving him severely pale... or at least, even paler than normal. His smooth, flawless skin was practically an alabaster white.
Joey stopped the tape. "So, moving right along.... As you can see, Kaiba and his brother live alone. Poor things, huh? Haven't got parents to look after them or provide money."
Seto's eyes flashed fire, and a single hand convulsively clenched itself into a fist. He relished the slight pain of nails digging into his palm, and almost thought he felt a warm, wet trickle sliding between his fingers. He could-- and DID-- live with baiting, taunts, humiliation, scorn, being the object of someone's anger... What he would never, COULD never allow though, was for his family to be treated like that, dead or alive. They were supposed to be honored, not ridiculed. There was a time and place for games, but Joey had crossed the line....
He controlled himself with an effort that could only be described as Herculean, every taut line in his expression and posture bespeaking a grave menace. He saw Joey shrink back a little, obviously intimidated by the sheer, blistering intensity of his gaze, and savored the sight. Good! Let him be. By the time he would be through with that mutt, he would be begging for mercy....
Sensing he was treading dangerous grounds, Joey steered his presentation off of it's present topic. "So they've gotta take care of themselves. Didja see how happy they were to be with each other then? That's cause we all know that Kaiba is bound and determined to die at age 40 from a stress- induced heart attack. Can we say workaholic, folks?"
"Workaholic." Tristan chorused, demonstrating his ability to with a grin. Joey laughed, Seto just sighed.
"Yeeeeah. Anyhow, with Kaiba gone all that time, you've gotta wonder how Mokuba's faring. He's probably alright, ya know? But still, I'd recommend getting him a pet or something so he wouldn't be so lonely." The 'Rusty' incident was all too clear in his mind at the moment.
"And also, just how much do you like those gadgets you've got, anyhow? There's bound to be enough there to fill a warehouse. You sure you aren't an android yourself? How do you get through the metal detectors at airports?"
By this time, Seto had composed himself enough to look perfectly calm. "Well, they work miracles with plastics and silicons these days." He responded flippantly, giving the boy a saucy smirk and wink. "And it's a great deal harder to sense something internal; otherwise people with pacemakers would be stopped every time." He brushed the question off with a cool wave of the hand.
Joey's mouth flopped open for a minute, and he stared disbelievingly. Did Kaiba.... really have.... implants or something? Woah.... Shaking his head a little, Joey went to bring his report to it's conclusion. "Uh...huh... From what I've seen, Kaiba's a lot more open at home, pretty self-sufficient, and overworked. I think that if he got a secretary or something, and maybe attended some group therapy, he'd be a lot happier. Just chill a little; the entire world isn't out to get you."
He clicked the play button again. "And as a special treat for you all, we've captured Kaiba in some rather interesting moments..." The tape started to play, showing the pictures like a slide show. Additionally, he'd made an actual, hardcopy collage, and walked around the room to show people. If he'd passed it around, knowing Kaiba, the guy would've set it on fire or something....
Kaiba let his anger smolder for the moment. How was he going to repair his image? His reputation looked to have been permanently tarnished by this... Wait! As Joey passed him by with the poster, Seto leaned towards him, a deceptively friendly smile on his face. "Hey, mutt?"
"Yeah?"
"Did you say you were going to mail me those checks, or give them to me personally?" He asked, loudly enough for most people to hear.
"Wh-what're you talking about?" Joey stammered, totally baffled. "What checks?"
"Now, now, don't go pretending that you don't know." Seto chided. "You perfectly well remember our agreement. After all, isn't it customary to pay actors?"
"....WHAT?! Actors?" He demanded, staring at him. "You weren't acting! It was all real!" Oh, crud.... WHY hadn't he told them it was candid? Now, if he did say it, they probably wouldn't believe him.....
"Actors, of course." Seto agreed complacently. "And it was real-looking, wasn't it? I certainly outdid myself, yet I think my charge was rather modest, considering the performance we put on. Thus, I'm asking when you'll deliver the payment. You can make it one check, by the way; Mokuba and I share an account."
"I..... um....." Joey stared, and fidgeted a little, sweating as he felt the eyes on him. "Yeah..... I'll-I'll give it to you after school." Could this get any worse?
Oh, Gods, he'd just jinxed himself, hadn't he? WHY had he gone and thought that? He and his big mouth.... err, brain....
Apparently, he had. Ms. Ross called them over, and handed them each a folded slip of paper. "Joseph, I'd like you to go to the Counselor's office with Seto. Afterwards, you can go to the principal." She also handed them a grading rubric, from their project. "Go now, and take your things; you might not be back for the bell." 0 "What?! But I di--" Joey fumed, interrupted.
"Of course." Seto agreed with his usual calm demeanor, taking Joey's arm in an iron grip and half-led, half-dragged him out into the hall.
"What's the big idea?!"
"Don't make a fool out of yourself, or you'll only make things worse." He was TRYING to keep that pup out of trouble, and _this_ was the thanks he got?! So much for gratitude... "Let's just go."
"I'm DANCING with anticipation." Joey snapped.
"Now _that_ would be a sight to see...." Seto remarked wryly, shaking his head in bemusement as he marvelled at the thought.
Joey blushed. "KAIBA!"
He ignored Joey and flipped open the rubric, glancing at it. Hmmm, not bad, not bad at all. He could live without the last part, though......
- Work Completed in a Timely Fashion (10): 10
- Neatness (10): 10
- Creativity (15): 15
- 10 Minute Video: (25): 25
- 3 Minute Presentation (30): 30
- Overall Presentation of Work (10): 10
- Extra: +5
- Total: 105
- Teacher Comments: Excellent use of previously learned skills. You two work very well together. Consider partnering for future projects.
~*~*~*~
Ms. White closed the door behind them, and there was a soft click as the lock slid into place. If he hadn't known better, he would've sworn that was a sadistic smile the woman was wearing....
Or maybe he was just paranoid. But being paranoid kept him from being killed, so he preferred the work 'observant'. Seto steepled his fingers and projected an aura of confidence; Joey slouched sullenly in his chair, a glint of defiance in his eyes.
Ms. White took their sheets, and glanced at them, sitting down. "So.... I hear that you two disrupted the class. Am I right?"
"That was n--" Joey began to protest.
"Not our intention." Seto cut in. "Unfortunately, it's deeds that one is measured by, rather than intent."
"Which, for all purposes, are the same." The counselor countered.
"Not always so." Seto returned, with an odd little smile.
"Oh?"
"Consider the man who steals a loaf of bread to feed his starving family." Seto easily drew on one of the most overused-- but nevertheless, very effective-- examples there was. "By his action, he is a man to be condemned, for he has become a thief. But perhaps, if one looks deeper, they see that the man has been out of work for over a year; that his savings are almost gone; that his wife and children are now living on scraps, and he, on nothing at all. A reprehensible action, seen from another perspective, takes on an air of benevolence and altruism. Truly, is he to blame?"
The woman frowned; she should've expected this, from the class they were coming from.... Valid point or not, you didn't argue with a counselor. "What were you doing, then?"
"Attempting to settle a point of contention, though he chose a rather.... forceful way to present his argument."
"So, tell me about your families." She turned to a new topic almost vindictively, deciding to just get a few facts thrown together so she could warrant sending the vexing pair to the principal's office. "How about you?" She turned to Joey first.
"Well, and I live with my dad; my sister lives with my mom." Joey started. "I don't see em much."
"And how does your father treat you?" She feigned concerned interest.
"Well, I don't see him all that much, he--"
A gleam of pain was evident in his eyes, who Seto caught, and smoothly broke in. "He's often absent; I've been to his house several times." Several was more than twice, less than many; he'd been there around three times, so that counted.
"So he doesn't have time for you." She wrote something down.
"Um... yeah. He.... he tries, though." Joey affirmed, a little confused.
"And yourself?"
"I live alone with my younger brother."
"Who is your legal guardian, then?" She queried.
"I have none; I'm sui juris." Seto said patiently, clearly a little exasperated.
"I see." Darn, not much to glean here. "And how is your relationship with each other?"
Joey flushed; Seto looked bored. "We're acquaintances."
"Ahh." Why couldn't she scrape together enough to condemn these two? All she was getting were bland, unimportant facts....
The bell rang; Joey looked at once relieved and fearful. Seto looked to Ms. White with only a thin veneer of patience. "May we leave now? Or are you not finished?"
She barely managed to keep her smile sweet. "Of course. I'll just clear you both up with the principal." Another missed opportunity....
Seto cleared his throat pointedly. "Excuse me."
"What?" She looked up at him.
"We'll need the keys." The CEO said authoritatively. He took the key ring that dangled from her fingertips briskly, and unlocked the door before handing them back. "Come on."
Joey followed him out of the office, and towards the school doors. "That was pretty smooth." He said, almost admiringly.
"You think?"
"Yeah. Thanks..." The blonde nodded appreciatively, pushing open the doors.
The two passed under a large oak tree, the grass beneath them dappled with a complex pattern of interwoven light and shadows. "Hey.... Joey?"
"Hmm?" Joey asked, somewhat surprised to be called by his own name.
"I think you were right, about the report."
"What're you talking about?" Joey tilted his head in confusion. They'd stopped, now.
"Well...." Seto took a steadying breath, and offered out his hand with a small smile. "Maybe I have been forgetting something important. What I'm saying, is.... I'd like to learn again, I guess. Want to be friends?" His voice was quieter now, hopeful.
Joey's first instincts warned him of a trick, but he looked into the boy's eyes, reading only sincerity in their depths. Realizing he'd been staring too long, he simply smiled back, accepting the hand and shaking it with something akin to wonder. "You've really changed, Seto."
"You have no idea."